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Last Stand of the Dorinthians
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<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 5867678" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>The party moved forth from the halls of the mountain dwarves, the great portals opened by several strong and stout warriors. The Dorinthian refugees gently cheered as Dartis led the procession, shield on high. Their eyes were both full of hope in the face of the heroes' bravery, and full of worry over the loss of their protectors.</p><p></p><p>The party moved forward with confidence, Nefius and his six men standing in front of the perty initially by 100 yards. As the heroes came closer, they could see that Rix and Alexander were kneeling on the ground in front of two armored men in the rear wielding short swords held near their throats. The two men in the middle were wearing dark robes, although the one on the right looked like he had a sort of holy symbol around his neck and a glint of armor underneath. The final two men that stood nearest also were armed, in a similar fashion to the men in the rear, but were also holding shields.</p><p></p><p>Nefius stood in the center of the six guards and two prisoners, a chest by his feet. He looked back nervously at a company of Imperials coming from the far away camp, led by a man too far to recognize. He turned back towards the party as they approached within 50 feet, stared at the shield and motioned to the open chest by his feet. <span style="color: Red">"What do you think you're doing,"</span> he hissed in anger. <span style="color: Red">"Turn over the shield and your friends will live."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Harm either of them, and I promise that not only will you not walk away from this site, but that this shield will be buried so far under the mountain, not even the dwarves will be able to find it."</span> shots back Dartis.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"As for what I am doing, <em>Counsellor</em>, is delivering the shield. You never specified unto whom it shall be delivered, nor under what conditions. As to your fear, I have no time for it. You cower and seek to hide it from eyes. because you fear what shall happen when those eyes behold it. What do your guards think to see you cower and cringe because some shiny bauble is naked to the world and not enclosed in deceit? What, I wonder, do you fear, <em>Counsellor</em>? Surely the great Nefius cannot fear a ragtag group of Dorinthians. No, your fear is approaching."</span> said Dartis staring off at the lone figure in front of the Tallione army.</p><p></p><p>Wheeling his horse around and moving closer to the group, Dartis gestured with the shield and addressed the guards. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I command you to release the prisoners!"</span> Dartis called out in a voice that only a Lord used to ruling could summon.</p><p>Danica stood in the back of the delegation, her crossbow in hand, feeling protected as she had cast <em>Mage Armor</em> over herself before leaving the protection of the dwarven fortress. Her spell was cast covertly, as with all her previous magics, and she was conscious that she had revealed too much of herself. Her confession about her powers had cost her the trust of her allies, it seemed, and with no benefit to be gained. She had thought her plan was worth pursuing, but as soon as it was spoken, it seemed to have been passed over without even an acknowledgement as it was rejected.</p><p></p><p>It ached whenever she thought of her confession, and she wondered if Lord Dartis will ever have a real use for her. As a crossbowman, she had a purpose. As a messenger, she had a purpose. As a sorcerer? She felt she has been a traitor to the cause, --no that's was not right, but she feared it is how she was seen now -- the cause for which she has fought. But where could she go, she wondered to herself.</p><p></p><p>Danica was sullen, her lips pouting subconsciously, as she stood looking at those in Nefius' delegation. But she had a job, at least for now, for Dorinthia. She eyed them up, looking to assess which one of them presented the greatest physical threat, and which one of them was the most heavily armoured. After some review, Danica believed that Nefius was the most dangerous, although the men who flanked him look to be spellcasters, while the rest were soldiers.</p><p></p><p>As Dartis commanded the release of the prisoners, Silas felt a surge of pride. Though he tried to keep his face bland he couldn't help smirking at the furious Nefius. Even so, he was aware that this could degenerate into violence quite easily and he kept one hand tucked within his sleeve grasping a wand.</p><p></p><p>As Dartis spoke, the six soldiers surrounding Nefius stood in an uncomfortable fidget, nervous glances thrown in one another's direction. There was something in the haughty demeanor of the Dorinthians and the conviction of the nobleman who led them. And that was when the heroes saw into the eyes of these Imperials and knew instinctively that they weren't true soldiers, but mere cronies of Nefius.</p><p></p><p>Their leader licked his lips nervously, turned to look back at the approaching Imperial company. With a twisted red-lipped smirk, pale Nefius grasped his dark quarterstaff with both hands and said simply, <span style="color: Red">"Kill them."</span> </p><p></p><p>The black robed man said a few words of magic, and his companions around him were suddenly strengthened in courage, the fear disappearing from their faces as they moved to attack the party.</p><p></p><p>At an impulse, Danica raised her crossbow to eye level, pointing it at the person wearing the holy symbol and the armor. She gave a moment's glance to Dartis, and back. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Your strength is gone,"</span> she proclaimed, and a ray coursed from where the crossbow bolt was, enfeebling her opponent.</p><p></p><p>As if expecting such a brtual response from the Tallionian, Dartis immediately sprang into action spurring Swift forward and drawing his sword. The great horse leapt straight towards the guard by Alexander, man and horse both seeking to strike him down.</p><p></p><p>Danica was the first to act, a coruscating ray flying from her crossbow and sapping the strength of the priest next to Nefius.</p><p></p><p>Rix also moved as he sensed the danger, throwing his head backwards to catch his guard by surprise before hurling his body forward in an attempt to escape. Unfortunately, the man recovered and slashes the kobold in the back, causing a cry and spurt of blood. Upon seeing this, Alexander roared and broke the bonds that were holding him, but was unable to shake off his guard. The Imperial stabbed the half-orc in the chest, his blade sinking deep.</p><p></p><p>Chalik moved forward and attacked one of the front-line guards, his rapier slashing but missing. Dartis charged forward and around the flanks of his enemy, his concentration on the guard with his blade in Alexander. The man looked up in surprise, as Dartis cut into his upraised arm, nearly severing it and causing the Imperial to collapse clutching it in shocked horror. As he fell beneath the noble's horse, Swift reared up and brought a hoof down squarely onto the dying man's head, finishing him off with a sickening crunch.</p><p></p><p>Kel moved forward with his longsword, attacking the guard in the front ranks, but missing him badly. Silas moved his horse past the elven priest and around the opposite flank from Dartis. When the abjurer got off his horse, and makes an amazingly talented landing in front of the guard that had just stabbed Rix from behind. His staff whistled before cracking into the side of the Imperial's helm, harming but not dropping him.</p><p></p><p>The Imperials returned the favor, although Kel was missed by the strikes of the soldiers in the front ranks. The priest moved to attack Silas, but missed him in his weakened state. The other robed figure next to Nefius made a motion with his hand, and a bolt of arcane magic flew forward and struck Danica, who grunted in pain and surprise.</p><p></p><p>Behind the party was heard a dwarven war horn and as the army of the mountain king was on the march.</p><p></p><p>When the bolt of energy blasted into Danica's shoulder, she became aware that it was the first time she had been struck by magical energy, and that it had happened within seconds of the first spell she had ever cast openly. <em>My whole life has changed, hasn't it?</em></p><p>Danica shifted the crossbow and pointed it at Nefius. This time, she pulled the trigger, sending a bolt flying for the group leader. She reloaded. <em>I'm getting sloppy she thinks to herself. I've really messed this up.</em></p><p></p><p>Dartis turned, the fire in his eyes matching the flame that just scorched his shoulder. With Alexander out of immediate harm, he let out a cry as he spurred Swift on towards Nefius, bloody sword raised high. At the same time, Danica fired once more, this time at the black-robed Nefius in the center of the enemy group. The shot hit him squarely in the arm, causing him to clutch his wound in surprise.</p><p></p><p>Chalik attacked one of the guards in front of him once more, but his rapier was parried by the man's shield. Dartis moved forward, barreling past a surprised mage, and attacked Nefius with his sword. The blade cut a gash into the side of the Imperial's face. As Nefius turned in surprise, Swift reared and kicked out with a hoof, slamming into Nefius' chest hard enough to cause him to stumble to the ground and cough up blood.</p><p>Kel attacked one of the guards that was in the front ranks, but like Chalik, his blow was parried by a shield. Silas attacked the man he was engaged with previously, but his strike went wide.</p><p></p><p>The Imperial engaged with Chalik closed in with the dwarf and attempted a short stab, but the stout rogue was too nimble for him. The man attacking Kel was much luckier, tricking the priest with a feint before sticking his blade into the elf's side. Kel grunted in pain, but maintained his stance.</p><p></p><p>The guard next to Silas smirked, thinking that a wizard shouldn't bring a stick to a sword fight. His grin soon disappeared, though, as his overhead smash was easily blocked by the stoic-faced and melee-hardened abjurer.</p><p></p><p>Nefius' clutched his blood-covered face as he dropped his quarterstaff and pulled a vial out of his belt pouch. He downed the strange liquid, and Dartis cried in frustration as he watched the Imperial fade into invisibility. He knew the man is about to flee, and took a final swing at where Nefius last was, but missed his mark. He soon had other problems to worry about.</p><p></p><p>The dark-robed cleric to his right reached out and grabs the nobleman's leg. Immediately Dartis felt a cold chill as dark magic coursed throughout his body. Soon after that, the robed wizard that Dartis pushed past before cast a spell at him, and the mounted noble felt a wave of exhaustion. Dartis fought off the magical sleep, much to the disappointment and rising fear of his enemy below him.</p><p></p><p>Silas blocked another of the guard's strikes with the thick oak of his gnomish-crafted staff and was pleased when the staff withstood the blow. An iron taste filled his mouth and he realized that he had bitten his tongue. He spit blood, and, hearing the cries of his companions, swung his staff at the guard facing him. Silas struck outwards with his quarterstaff, catching his Imperial opponent by surprise from the abjurer's strength and speed. The quarterstaff just barely connected with the man's jaw with enough power to cause him to spin and topple after a sickening crunch.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Imperial Coward!" </span> shouted Dartis at the space that Nefius had occupied. But the fire still burned as did his leg and Dartis swung his trust cavalry sword down at the dark robed cleric whose touch chilled the very marrow in his bones. At the same time urging Swift on with his knees to strike at the cleric as well. Swift kicked outward, but missed the dark-robed priest next to the noble. But as the priest moved out of the way of the hooves, Dartis' blade raked across his breastplate, gouging out a piece of the metal and wounding him badly.</p><p></p><p>Wheeling Swift around, Dartis called out: <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Your craven master has fled and left you to your enemies. Flee and follow while you may!" </span> None of the Imperials answered Dartis' call. It looked as if they still had some fight left in them.</p><p>Danica was aware that none of her magics could work against invisibility, and she cursed herself that her ink vial was in her backpack, and not her belt pouch. <em>That might have kept him a target</em> she thought to herself. But with no sure target, she turned her crossbow to the warrior who had attecked Kel. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Your strength is gone," </span> she proclaimed, as another ray coursed along the crossbow sights at her foe.</p><p></p><p>Danica's ray shot forth and touched the soldier, and for a moment he shivered, but then shook off the magic with no other visible affect.</p><p></p><p>Chalik attacked the soldier next to him, but again his blow was parried by the grim-faced warrior. Kel also made another attack against the man who had injured him, but he also failed to make contact.</p><p></p><p>The Imperials moved next, but both front line guards missed Chalik and Kel. The injured cleric made an attempt at hitting Dartis with a light flail, but his weakened strike bounced harmlessly off the noble's armor. The dark wizard took a step to flank Dartis, then cast a spell that hits the rider forcefully from behind, drawing blood.</p><p></p><p>Rix and Alexander were both down. Rix was bleeding pretty badly and not moving, but Alexander looked to simply be stunned as the heroes could see him move slightly every so often. Both Imperials that were slicing into them were killed by Silas and Dartis. Kel and Chalik were engaged with two Imperials that were still uninjured and had swords and shields. Danica was behind Chalik and Kel and shooting. The two robed Imperials were engaged with Dartis.</p><p></p><p>........Da..........</p><p>......................</p><p>.....C.....K.........</p><p>.....I......I.........</p><p>......................</p><p>....r..D..r..........</p><p>......................</p><p>...........S.........</p><p>...A.....R..........</p><p></p><p>Dartis cursed as his leg was again bitten by Imperial magics. Still, a soldier doesn't falter, and he would be damned if he had come this far to let a few Tallione take him down. Spurring on Swift they both attacked the wounded robed Imperial.</p><p></p><p>Despite Dartis being pressed by two Imperials, Silas moved to the still and bleeding Rix. He knelt and ripped a strip of cloth from Rix's clothing to use as a bandage. Though he had little skill at it himself, he attempted to perform first aid on the kobold. <span style="color: orange">"C'mon, you little bugger,"</span> murmured Silas, <span style="color: orange">"I know you haven't finished being contrary, yet."</span> He looked up from his work to yell for help. <span style="color: orange">"KEL!"</span></p><p></p><p>Silas tried to stopped the life from seeping from the bleeding Rix, then screamed out for Kel's help. Danica's shot buried itself in the thigh of the Imperial fighting Kel, causing the man to scream and spurt blood down his leg. He remained standing, however, and focused on the elf in front of him. Kel tries to finish him, but was unable. He runs past him instead, causing an attack of opportunity that barely missed him. Kel scrambled next to Silas and yelled, "Go back to the battle. I'll help him!"</p><p></p><p>Chalik swung at the second soldier, but missed once more and cursed his luck. Dartis attacked the priest in front of him, but his sword went wide. Swift had better luck, kicking out and crushing the dark-robed man's head in. He went down in a slump.</p><p></p><p>The wizard cursed and walked backwards towards the two remaining soldiers. He cast a spell and a ball of acid sprang forth and hit Dartis. The soldiers both attacked Chalik, with one moving to flank the dwarf. Although one of the soldiers missed the nimble rogue, the second swung and barely wounded him across the forearm.</p><p></p><p>Dartis gritted his teeth against the pain of the acid burning his flesh. <em>Fine, if they want a distance combat, I am well prepared to fight that way</em> he thought as he drew his bow. His eyes flickered over the field, taking in the movements of his men and Danica. Rix and Alexander were safe, or as safe as they could make them. Chalik was in need though.</p><p>Mounted on a trusty steed, bow in hand, as the arrow was drawn, a flood of memories assaulted his mind momentarily. Here though was the pride of Dorinthia, here was their glory, here was their skill. Little felt better to Dartis than being on horseback with a drawn bow. He smiled at the Imperial, not as a form of intimidation, but through sheer joy of being on horseback firing a bow. Not since the disaster at Kalden had he felt it. Rythmically, two arrows sped from his bow at the Imperials. The first missed the robed man, but the second landed squarely in his ribs. The man wheezed, and a spell fizzled, but he remained standing.</p><p></p><p>Seeing Kel's reckless dash through the battle to aid Rix and Alexander, Silas quickly stood to give Kel a little defense so that he could work to save the kobold's life. Whipping the wand of magic missiles from his sleeve Silas fired it at the nearest Imperial.</p><p>Kel continues to work feverishly on Rix, casting a spell of healing to attempt to stabilize the kobold. As he did so, Silas' bolt of magical energy sprang forth, hitting the black-robed wizard that Dartis had just shot and causing him to flip over dead at the feet of the two remaining Imperials.</p><p></p><p>Danica saw the soldier that attacked Kel let the priest run by, and instead moved to attack Chalik. She fired at this man, but missed badly and nearly hits the dwarf instead. Chalik hardly noticed, his concentration instead on the Imperial in front of him. With an angry shout, the dwarf feinted in one direction, then brought his rapier straight for the raised armpit of his enemy, connecting with the flesh in between the armor and ripping a chunk out.</p><p></p><p>The two Imperial troops respond in kind, with the injured one missing Chalik, but the other hitting the dwarf from behind and leaving a bloody slash along his back.</p><p></p><p>Despite the pain, Chalik smiled at them and pointed at the battle field, showing the men that they were all that still stood fighting the Dorinthians. At the sight of this, both of the remaining Imperials backed slowly away from Chalik, gently placed their weapons and shields onto the ground, and placed their hands up in surrender. </p><p></p><p>As the party considered what to do, the lead Imperial column stopped just short of them, led by Commander Sassarius. On the other side, the dwarven army and human militia stopped at an equal distance. Both forces considered one another for a moment before spending the next few seconds dressing up the lines in preparation for battle. The two surviving Imperials looked back and forth and noticed that they, and the party, were dead in the center of any charge that might happen. "We're dead men," one of the Imperials wailed to his companion in worry.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Chalik, bind their hands and lead them back. Kel get Rix on his feet and out of here with Alexander. Back to the line. Danica, Silas, watch my back. Nefius is still out here somewhere. Meanwhle slowly back up towards the column. I am going to see what I can do." </span> said Dartis.</p><p></p><p>Before Dartis rode out to meet Commander Sassarius, Silas hurriedly stepped over to Lord Kalnian's horse and, murmuring a string of words of arcane power and briefly touched Dartis on the leg, casting a protection from arrows. He ducked his head in obeisance to Dartis' command saying, <span style="color: orange">"Yes, Lord,"</span> then slowly retreated toward the Dorinthian and Dwarven line.</p><p></p><p>The young noble then slowly trotted out alone towards the Imperial line, hands empty and raised in a token of parlay. He stopped just out of bow range from the Imperials. </p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Commander Sassarius, I would speak with you!" </span> called out Dartis.</p><p></p><p>As Silas went, Dartis' words concerning Nefius echoed through his mind. <em>Nefius still about, but hidden...</em> He frowned and tried to come up with <em>something</em> that he could do when he realized that there was one spell... As soon as he was able he cast <em>Detect Magic</em> and began scanning the area of their short-lived battle for sign of the wizard...</p><p></p><p>Silas moved his cone of detection around as he swept the area for Nefius' location. The twisted man was definitely out of the range of the abjurer's spell and it seemed clear that he has fled, although Silas could not be sure unless he attempted to follow a dissipating trail of magic and leave the safety of his group. On the other hand, the black staff that Nefius dropped glew brightly with moderate transmutation magic. A crossbow by the side of the dead robed wizard also showed an aura of magic.</p><p></p><p>It took both Chalik and Danica to help support the gravely wounded Alexander and move the barely breathing half-orc out of the way of the approaching conflict. Kel picked up the nearly dead kobold in his arms and carried him gently away. After Silas cast his magic and did his sweep, he picked up the magical items and marched the two remaining soldiers away and towards the dwarven lines.</p><p></p><p>Dartis took the moment to get off his horse and retrieve the magic shield and his sword that he had to drop in order to fire off his last two arrows. After doing so, he remounted as three Imperial horsemen broke ranks and approached him. It was Commander Sassarius, and two of his trusted men. He looked furious, and he stared hard at Dartis as he asked, <strong>"Is this the way Dorinthians negotiate, lordling? By slaying those who approach in a manner of peace? Nefius may have been an object of loathing, but he was still an Imperial and your murdering him must be answered for."</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Greetings Commander Fralius Sassarius"</span> replied Dartis calmly and formally. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I should ask you the self same question regarding negotiations since it was Imperials who drew weapons first! On one point though I think we can agree, that Counsellor Nefius is indeed an object of loathing. Unfortunately, he is still an object of loathing. After he ordered his men to kill us, he used some of his dark magic to dissappear. I knew well that it was only his fear of you that forced him to even agree to this intial arrangement. But apparently once out of your sight, Nefius does as he pleases and ignores your orders. Should he ever approach your camp again Commander, I would watch my back. He fears you and sought to betray you. I respect you as an officer and an honorable man too much to have you fall to the schemes of such a scoundrel."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"So I have no murder to answer for. I wish I had a body to present and evidence of self-defense. He order his men to attack, and struck me with his foul magic. Alas that i could not kill him to indeed answer for a murder or a death. I know that within the Great Empire of Tallione to defend oneself is considered a right, is it not? That a man is permitted to strike at those who strike at him? It was Nefius who ordered this. I sought you out, as I did not trust Nefius. That threat drove him over the edge. As I said he fears you. Perhaps he feared that if he learned your forces had been delayed here on a fool's errand, you would be cross with him."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Commander, Nefius' errand was fruitless. All it managed was to delay your stay in these parts. Dorinthia is no more. You task is complete. If you feel the need to salt the earth and destroy every drop of Dorinthian blood in these parts, you may find that a larger task than you hoped" </span> added Dartis with a subtle and diplomatic reminder of the Commander's heritage.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"These poor people are not seeking to forment rebellion. They merely wish to live in peace. It has been the machinations of Rufus Nefius that has led us all here. Two armies on the brink of war. Let us end this in peace. Greater glory awaits you in the Empire I am sure Commander. None lies here. You task is complete. Seek a new task elsewhere, I ask. The man who poisoned your counsels is gone, take your own,free of his webs."</span></p><p></p><p>Silas stood and listened as Dartis spoke with an eloquence born of his nobility and he hoped that Commander Sassarius proved himself as noble. With a start he realized two things: his distraction had nearly caused his arcane vision to lapse and, their commander, Lord Dartis Kalnian, was currently facing the Imperial Commander and his escorts without an escort of his own.</p><p></p><p>Quietly he attracted Danica's attention. <span style="color: orange">"Danica, Lord Kalnian faces the Imperials without attendants..."</span> Slowly, he began to approach the mounted delegation, hardly noticing if Danica followed as he continued to scan for traces of Nefius' magic as he walked. To Danica he will whispered, <span style="color: orange">"This crossbow I found has the air of magic about it. Best stow it away from Imperial eyes."</span></p><p></p><p>He continued forward until he was only just behind and to the left of Dartis as befitting a guard or counselor. Silas continually scanned the limit of his vision for further trace of Nefius or his magic.</p><p></p><p>At Silas' words, Danica nodded primly, took the crossbow Silas offered, and moved forward to stand a few meters behind Dartis, to his left. As she approached, she hung her own crossbow on her hip. She loaded the new one, and held it in her hands as she stood ready to guard Lord Dartis.</p><p></p><p>As Silas and Danica took their places to the sides of Dartis, the companions near Commander Sassarius stiffened and readied their weapons as if anticipating an attack. The three heroes did the same, and for a moment the sun glinted brilliantly over the ancient shield that Dartis held in his hand.</p><p></p><p>A gasp was heard from the soldier to Sassarius' left. <span style="color: Yellow">"Gods... Commander, gaze upon the face on that shield and tell me my eyes don't deceive me. Is that the one that Nefius wished retrieved?"</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Green">"It must be, Commander. It is your image on the Shield of Kings. Do you know what this means?"</span> The second companion asked, his eyes glazed in imagined glories.</p><p></p><p>But no such lust for glory reached the eyes of the Imperial leader. Instead his face remained a visage of stone, though his hands gripped the reins of his horse until the knuckles became white. Finally, he said, <span style="color: White">"It means that Nefius would have sowed chaos among myself, my family, and my friends. Bringing this to the emperor, even if I brought it to him sealed in that chest without seeing it first, could have been perceived as an intent to usurp the throne. I would have been killed, my family banished, and my allies removed from power. In one easy move, Nefius would have erased my opposition to him at the court."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Yellow">"But though his plot might have been ruined, Nefius still lives, or so these Dorinthians say. What if he makes it to the emperor before we do? He'll be able to set whatever plot he had in motion anyway."</span></p><p></p><p>Commander Sassarius turned his head sharply to his companion in alarm, then looked back to the heroes and said, <span style="color: White">"We must ride away, and fast. It is a long way back to the Imperial capital and it would seem we have business there. Hand us over those two prisoners you have taken that stood by Nefius' side so that we may have them testify in front of the emperor and we will leave you in peace,"</span> he offered.</p><p></p><p>The heroes agreed to this. The chance of watching this army leave and having Nefius hang was too good to pass up. As Sassarius turned to leave and muster his army out he said one last surprising statement. <span style="color: White">"My mother was Dorinthian, but was a minor noble on the borderlands. Her uncle usurped her father's position, had him imprisoned, and sold her to the Imperials across the border. As you might imagine, she never had good words to say about her fellow Dorinthians. Still, she was the greatest woman I've ever known, and I must say that there might be Dorinthians with character like hers after all."</span> After this partial compliment, he left with the two prisoners, and shortly afterwards the army did, too.</p><p></p><p>---</p><p></p><p>The celebrations started almost immediately after the last Imperial disappeared over a hill. The portals to the dwarven kingdom were opened wide, and everyone began to gather on either side of the opening. The human refugees started crying and hugging with the happiness of being alive, while the dwarves started rolling kegs of ale with the intention that they would soon be enjoyed.</p><p></p><p>Kel and Chalik went to help Rix and Alexander reach the clinic and be healed, while Dartis and Silas took Danica to meet with a Dorinthian who led one of the columns of armed refugees with skill. The man's name was Barok Hume, and he had a rapier dangling from his side (OOC: Introducing Nephtys' character here). Before they could begin their mutual congratulations, however, Chalik came back with a manacled Imperial. The man's clothes look raggard and he seemed like he hadn't slept in a long while. <span style="color: White">"I'm sorry to bother you,"</span> Chalik said. <span style="color: White">"We captured this Imperial weeks ago as he was wandering nearby on his own. Initially, we thought he was a spy and planned to execute him. The problem is that we are now almost certain that he was a defector. The other problem is that there are still plenty of dwarves that still want to see him dead. I was hoping that he might get a fairer trial with your people since you are mostly humans, after all. His name is Tessan Ventus."</span> (OOC: Introducing hafrogman's character)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 5867678, member: 34958"] The party moved forth from the halls of the mountain dwarves, the great portals opened by several strong and stout warriors. The Dorinthian refugees gently cheered as Dartis led the procession, shield on high. Their eyes were both full of hope in the face of the heroes' bravery, and full of worry over the loss of their protectors. The party moved forward with confidence, Nefius and his six men standing in front of the perty initially by 100 yards. As the heroes came closer, they could see that Rix and Alexander were kneeling on the ground in front of two armored men in the rear wielding short swords held near their throats. The two men in the middle were wearing dark robes, although the one on the right looked like he had a sort of holy symbol around his neck and a glint of armor underneath. The final two men that stood nearest also were armed, in a similar fashion to the men in the rear, but were also holding shields. Nefius stood in the center of the six guards and two prisoners, a chest by his feet. He looked back nervously at a company of Imperials coming from the far away camp, led by a man too far to recognize. He turned back towards the party as they approached within 50 feet, stared at the shield and motioned to the open chest by his feet. [Color=Red]"What do you think you're doing,"[/Color] he hissed in anger. [Color=Red]"Turn over the shield and your friends will live."[/Color] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Harm either of them, and I promise that not only will you not walk away from this site, but that this shield will be buried so far under the mountain, not even the dwarves will be able to find it."[/COLOR] shots back Dartis. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"As for what I am doing, [I]Counsellor[/I], is delivering the shield. You never specified unto whom it shall be delivered, nor under what conditions. As to your fear, I have no time for it. You cower and seek to hide it from eyes. because you fear what shall happen when those eyes behold it. What do your guards think to see you cower and cringe because some shiny bauble is naked to the world and not enclosed in deceit? What, I wonder, do you fear, [I]Counsellor[/I]? Surely the great Nefius cannot fear a ragtag group of Dorinthians. No, your fear is approaching."[/COLOR] said Dartis staring off at the lone figure in front of the Tallione army. Wheeling his horse around and moving closer to the group, Dartis gestured with the shield and addressed the guards. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I command you to release the prisoners!"[/COLOR] Dartis called out in a voice that only a Lord used to ruling could summon. Danica stood in the back of the delegation, her crossbow in hand, feeling protected as she had cast [i]Mage Armor[/i] over herself before leaving the protection of the dwarven fortress. Her spell was cast covertly, as with all her previous magics, and she was conscious that she had revealed too much of herself. Her confession about her powers had cost her the trust of her allies, it seemed, and with no benefit to be gained. She had thought her plan was worth pursuing, but as soon as it was spoken, it seemed to have been passed over without even an acknowledgement as it was rejected. It ached whenever she thought of her confession, and she wondered if Lord Dartis will ever have a real use for her. As a crossbowman, she had a purpose. As a messenger, she had a purpose. As a sorcerer? She felt she has been a traitor to the cause, --no that's was not right, but she feared it is how she was seen now -- the cause for which she has fought. But where could she go, she wondered to herself. Danica was sullen, her lips pouting subconsciously, as she stood looking at those in Nefius' delegation. But she had a job, at least for now, for Dorinthia. She eyed them up, looking to assess which one of them presented the greatest physical threat, and which one of them was the most heavily armoured. After some review, Danica believed that Nefius was the most dangerous, although the men who flanked him look to be spellcasters, while the rest were soldiers. As Dartis commanded the release of the prisoners, Silas felt a surge of pride. Though he tried to keep his face bland he couldn't help smirking at the furious Nefius. Even so, he was aware that this could degenerate into violence quite easily and he kept one hand tucked within his sleeve grasping a wand. As Dartis spoke, the six soldiers surrounding Nefius stood in an uncomfortable fidget, nervous glances thrown in one another's direction. There was something in the haughty demeanor of the Dorinthians and the conviction of the nobleman who led them. And that was when the heroes saw into the eyes of these Imperials and knew instinctively that they weren't true soldiers, but mere cronies of Nefius. Their leader licked his lips nervously, turned to look back at the approaching Imperial company. With a twisted red-lipped smirk, pale Nefius grasped his dark quarterstaff with both hands and said simply, [Color=Red]"Kill them."[/Color] The black robed man said a few words of magic, and his companions around him were suddenly strengthened in courage, the fear disappearing from their faces as they moved to attack the party. At an impulse, Danica raised her crossbow to eye level, pointing it at the person wearing the holy symbol and the armor. She gave a moment's glance to Dartis, and back. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Your strength is gone,"[/COLOR] she proclaimed, and a ray coursed from where the crossbow bolt was, enfeebling her opponent. As if expecting such a brtual response from the Tallionian, Dartis immediately sprang into action spurring Swift forward and drawing his sword. The great horse leapt straight towards the guard by Alexander, man and horse both seeking to strike him down. Danica was the first to act, a coruscating ray flying from her crossbow and sapping the strength of the priest next to Nefius. Rix also moved as he sensed the danger, throwing his head backwards to catch his guard by surprise before hurling his body forward in an attempt to escape. Unfortunately, the man recovered and slashes the kobold in the back, causing a cry and spurt of blood. Upon seeing this, Alexander roared and broke the bonds that were holding him, but was unable to shake off his guard. The Imperial stabbed the half-orc in the chest, his blade sinking deep. Chalik moved forward and attacked one of the front-line guards, his rapier slashing but missing. Dartis charged forward and around the flanks of his enemy, his concentration on the guard with his blade in Alexander. The man looked up in surprise, as Dartis cut into his upraised arm, nearly severing it and causing the Imperial to collapse clutching it in shocked horror. As he fell beneath the noble's horse, Swift reared up and brought a hoof down squarely onto the dying man's head, finishing him off with a sickening crunch. Kel moved forward with his longsword, attacking the guard in the front ranks, but missing him badly. Silas moved his horse past the elven priest and around the opposite flank from Dartis. When the abjurer got off his horse, and makes an amazingly talented landing in front of the guard that had just stabbed Rix from behind. His staff whistled before cracking into the side of the Imperial's helm, harming but not dropping him. The Imperials returned the favor, although Kel was missed by the strikes of the soldiers in the front ranks. The priest moved to attack Silas, but missed him in his weakened state. The other robed figure next to Nefius made a motion with his hand, and a bolt of arcane magic flew forward and struck Danica, who grunted in pain and surprise. Behind the party was heard a dwarven war horn and as the army of the mountain king was on the march. When the bolt of energy blasted into Danica's shoulder, she became aware that it was the first time she had been struck by magical energy, and that it had happened within seconds of the first spell she had ever cast openly. [i]My whole life has changed, hasn't it?[/i] Danica shifted the crossbow and pointed it at Nefius. This time, she pulled the trigger, sending a bolt flying for the group leader. She reloaded. [i]I'm getting sloppy she thinks to herself. I've really messed this up.[/i] Dartis turned, the fire in his eyes matching the flame that just scorched his shoulder. With Alexander out of immediate harm, he let out a cry as he spurred Swift on towards Nefius, bloody sword raised high. At the same time, Danica fired once more, this time at the black-robed Nefius in the center of the enemy group. The shot hit him squarely in the arm, causing him to clutch his wound in surprise. Chalik attacked one of the guards in front of him once more, but his rapier was parried by the man's shield. Dartis moved forward, barreling past a surprised mage, and attacked Nefius with his sword. The blade cut a gash into the side of the Imperial's face. As Nefius turned in surprise, Swift reared and kicked out with a hoof, slamming into Nefius' chest hard enough to cause him to stumble to the ground and cough up blood. Kel attacked one of the guards that was in the front ranks, but like Chalik, his blow was parried by a shield. Silas attacked the man he was engaged with previously, but his strike went wide. The Imperial engaged with Chalik closed in with the dwarf and attempted a short stab, but the stout rogue was too nimble for him. The man attacking Kel was much luckier, tricking the priest with a feint before sticking his blade into the elf's side. Kel grunted in pain, but maintained his stance. The guard next to Silas smirked, thinking that a wizard shouldn't bring a stick to a sword fight. His grin soon disappeared, though, as his overhead smash was easily blocked by the stoic-faced and melee-hardened abjurer. Nefius' clutched his blood-covered face as he dropped his quarterstaff and pulled a vial out of his belt pouch. He downed the strange liquid, and Dartis cried in frustration as he watched the Imperial fade into invisibility. He knew the man is about to flee, and took a final swing at where Nefius last was, but missed his mark. He soon had other problems to worry about. The dark-robed cleric to his right reached out and grabs the nobleman's leg. Immediately Dartis felt a cold chill as dark magic coursed throughout his body. Soon after that, the robed wizard that Dartis pushed past before cast a spell at him, and the mounted noble felt a wave of exhaustion. Dartis fought off the magical sleep, much to the disappointment and rising fear of his enemy below him. Silas blocked another of the guard's strikes with the thick oak of his gnomish-crafted staff and was pleased when the staff withstood the blow. An iron taste filled his mouth and he realized that he had bitten his tongue. He spit blood, and, hearing the cries of his companions, swung his staff at the guard facing him. Silas struck outwards with his quarterstaff, catching his Imperial opponent by surprise from the abjurer's strength and speed. The quarterstaff just barely connected with the man's jaw with enough power to cause him to spin and topple after a sickening crunch. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Imperial Coward!" [/COLOR] shouted Dartis at the space that Nefius had occupied. But the fire still burned as did his leg and Dartis swung his trust cavalry sword down at the dark robed cleric whose touch chilled the very marrow in his bones. At the same time urging Swift on with his knees to strike at the cleric as well. Swift kicked outward, but missed the dark-robed priest next to the noble. But as the priest moved out of the way of the hooves, Dartis' blade raked across his breastplate, gouging out a piece of the metal and wounding him badly. Wheeling Swift around, Dartis called out: [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Your craven master has fled and left you to your enemies. Flee and follow while you may!" [/COLOR] None of the Imperials answered Dartis' call. It looked as if they still had some fight left in them. Danica was aware that none of her magics could work against invisibility, and she cursed herself that her ink vial was in her backpack, and not her belt pouch. [I]That might have kept him a target[/I] she thought to herself. But with no sure target, she turned her crossbow to the warrior who had attecked Kel. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Your strength is gone," [/COLOR] she proclaimed, as another ray coursed along the crossbow sights at her foe. Danica's ray shot forth and touched the soldier, and for a moment he shivered, but then shook off the magic with no other visible affect. Chalik attacked the soldier next to him, but again his blow was parried by the grim-faced warrior. Kel also made another attack against the man who had injured him, but he also failed to make contact. The Imperials moved next, but both front line guards missed Chalik and Kel. The injured cleric made an attempt at hitting Dartis with a light flail, but his weakened strike bounced harmlessly off the noble's armor. The dark wizard took a step to flank Dartis, then cast a spell that hits the rider forcefully from behind, drawing blood. Rix and Alexander were both down. Rix was bleeding pretty badly and not moving, but Alexander looked to simply be stunned as the heroes could see him move slightly every so often. Both Imperials that were slicing into them were killed by Silas and Dartis. Kel and Chalik were engaged with two Imperials that were still uninjured and had swords and shields. Danica was behind Chalik and Kel and shooting. The two robed Imperials were engaged with Dartis. ........Da.......... ...................... .....C.....K......... .....I......I......... ...................... ....r..D..r.......... ...................... ...........S......... ...A.....R.......... Dartis cursed as his leg was again bitten by Imperial magics. Still, a soldier doesn't falter, and he would be damned if he had come this far to let a few Tallione take him down. Spurring on Swift they both attacked the wounded robed Imperial. Despite Dartis being pressed by two Imperials, Silas moved to the still and bleeding Rix. He knelt and ripped a strip of cloth from Rix's clothing to use as a bandage. Though he had little skill at it himself, he attempted to perform first aid on the kobold. [color=orange]"C'mon, you little bugger,"[/color] murmured Silas, [color=orange]"I know you haven't finished being contrary, yet."[/color] He looked up from his work to yell for help. [color=orange]"KEL!"[/color] Silas tried to stopped the life from seeping from the bleeding Rix, then screamed out for Kel's help. Danica's shot buried itself in the thigh of the Imperial fighting Kel, causing the man to scream and spurt blood down his leg. He remained standing, however, and focused on the elf in front of him. Kel tries to finish him, but was unable. He runs past him instead, causing an attack of opportunity that barely missed him. Kel scrambled next to Silas and yelled, "Go back to the battle. I'll help him!" Chalik swung at the second soldier, but missed once more and cursed his luck. Dartis attacked the priest in front of him, but his sword went wide. Swift had better luck, kicking out and crushing the dark-robed man's head in. He went down in a slump. The wizard cursed and walked backwards towards the two remaining soldiers. He cast a spell and a ball of acid sprang forth and hit Dartis. The soldiers both attacked Chalik, with one moving to flank the dwarf. Although one of the soldiers missed the nimble rogue, the second swung and barely wounded him across the forearm. Dartis gritted his teeth against the pain of the acid burning his flesh. [i]Fine, if they want a distance combat, I am well prepared to fight that way[/i] he thought as he drew his bow. His eyes flickered over the field, taking in the movements of his men and Danica. Rix and Alexander were safe, or as safe as they could make them. Chalik was in need though. Mounted on a trusty steed, bow in hand, as the arrow was drawn, a flood of memories assaulted his mind momentarily. Here though was the pride of Dorinthia, here was their glory, here was their skill. Little felt better to Dartis than being on horseback with a drawn bow. He smiled at the Imperial, not as a form of intimidation, but through sheer joy of being on horseback firing a bow. Not since the disaster at Kalden had he felt it. Rythmically, two arrows sped from his bow at the Imperials. The first missed the robed man, but the second landed squarely in his ribs. The man wheezed, and a spell fizzled, but he remained standing. Seeing Kel's reckless dash through the battle to aid Rix and Alexander, Silas quickly stood to give Kel a little defense so that he could work to save the kobold's life. Whipping the wand of magic missiles from his sleeve Silas fired it at the nearest Imperial. Kel continues to work feverishly on Rix, casting a spell of healing to attempt to stabilize the kobold. As he did so, Silas' bolt of magical energy sprang forth, hitting the black-robed wizard that Dartis had just shot and causing him to flip over dead at the feet of the two remaining Imperials. Danica saw the soldier that attacked Kel let the priest run by, and instead moved to attack Chalik. She fired at this man, but missed badly and nearly hits the dwarf instead. Chalik hardly noticed, his concentration instead on the Imperial in front of him. With an angry shout, the dwarf feinted in one direction, then brought his rapier straight for the raised armpit of his enemy, connecting with the flesh in between the armor and ripping a chunk out. The two Imperial troops respond in kind, with the injured one missing Chalik, but the other hitting the dwarf from behind and leaving a bloody slash along his back. Despite the pain, Chalik smiled at them and pointed at the battle field, showing the men that they were all that still stood fighting the Dorinthians. At the sight of this, both of the remaining Imperials backed slowly away from Chalik, gently placed their weapons and shields onto the ground, and placed their hands up in surrender. As the party considered what to do, the lead Imperial column stopped just short of them, led by Commander Sassarius. On the other side, the dwarven army and human militia stopped at an equal distance. Both forces considered one another for a moment before spending the next few seconds dressing up the lines in preparation for battle. The two surviving Imperials looked back and forth and noticed that they, and the party, were dead in the center of any charge that might happen. "We're dead men," one of the Imperials wailed to his companion in worry. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Chalik, bind their hands and lead them back. Kel get Rix on his feet and out of here with Alexander. Back to the line. Danica, Silas, watch my back. Nefius is still out here somewhere. Meanwhle slowly back up towards the column. I am going to see what I can do." [/COLOR] said Dartis. Before Dartis rode out to meet Commander Sassarius, Silas hurriedly stepped over to Lord Kalnian's horse and, murmuring a string of words of arcane power and briefly touched Dartis on the leg, casting a protection from arrows. He ducked his head in obeisance to Dartis' command saying, [color=orange]"Yes, Lord,"[/color] then slowly retreated toward the Dorinthian and Dwarven line. The young noble then slowly trotted out alone towards the Imperial line, hands empty and raised in a token of parlay. He stopped just out of bow range from the Imperials. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Commander Sassarius, I would speak with you!" [/COLOR] called out Dartis. As Silas went, Dartis' words concerning Nefius echoed through his mind. [i]Nefius still about, but hidden...[/i] He frowned and tried to come up with [i]something[/i] that he could do when he realized that there was one spell... As soon as he was able he cast [i]Detect Magic[/i] and began scanning the area of their short-lived battle for sign of the wizard... Silas moved his cone of detection around as he swept the area for Nefius' location. The twisted man was definitely out of the range of the abjurer's spell and it seemed clear that he has fled, although Silas could not be sure unless he attempted to follow a dissipating trail of magic and leave the safety of his group. On the other hand, the black staff that Nefius dropped glew brightly with moderate transmutation magic. A crossbow by the side of the dead robed wizard also showed an aura of magic. It took both Chalik and Danica to help support the gravely wounded Alexander and move the barely breathing half-orc out of the way of the approaching conflict. Kel picked up the nearly dead kobold in his arms and carried him gently away. After Silas cast his magic and did his sweep, he picked up the magical items and marched the two remaining soldiers away and towards the dwarven lines. Dartis took the moment to get off his horse and retrieve the magic shield and his sword that he had to drop in order to fire off his last two arrows. After doing so, he remounted as three Imperial horsemen broke ranks and approached him. It was Commander Sassarius, and two of his trusted men. He looked furious, and he stared hard at Dartis as he asked, [b]"Is this the way Dorinthians negotiate, lordling? By slaying those who approach in a manner of peace? Nefius may have been an object of loathing, but he was still an Imperial and your murdering him must be answered for."[/b] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Greetings Commander Fralius Sassarius"[/COLOR] replied Dartis calmly and formally. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I should ask you the self same question regarding negotiations since it was Imperials who drew weapons first! On one point though I think we can agree, that Counsellor Nefius is indeed an object of loathing. Unfortunately, he is still an object of loathing. After he ordered his men to kill us, he used some of his dark magic to dissappear. I knew well that it was only his fear of you that forced him to even agree to this intial arrangement. But apparently once out of your sight, Nefius does as he pleases and ignores your orders. Should he ever approach your camp again Commander, I would watch my back. He fears you and sought to betray you. I respect you as an officer and an honorable man too much to have you fall to the schemes of such a scoundrel."[/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"So I have no murder to answer for. I wish I had a body to present and evidence of self-defense. He order his men to attack, and struck me with his foul magic. Alas that i could not kill him to indeed answer for a murder or a death. I know that within the Great Empire of Tallione to defend oneself is considered a right, is it not? That a man is permitted to strike at those who strike at him? It was Nefius who ordered this. I sought you out, as I did not trust Nefius. That threat drove him over the edge. As I said he fears you. Perhaps he feared that if he learned your forces had been delayed here on a fool's errand, you would be cross with him."[/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Commander, Nefius' errand was fruitless. All it managed was to delay your stay in these parts. Dorinthia is no more. You task is complete. If you feel the need to salt the earth and destroy every drop of Dorinthian blood in these parts, you may find that a larger task than you hoped" [/COLOR] added Dartis with a subtle and diplomatic reminder of the Commander's heritage. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"These poor people are not seeking to forment rebellion. They merely wish to live in peace. It has been the machinations of Rufus Nefius that has led us all here. Two armies on the brink of war. Let us end this in peace. Greater glory awaits you in the Empire I am sure Commander. None lies here. You task is complete. Seek a new task elsewhere, I ask. The man who poisoned your counsels is gone, take your own,free of his webs."[/COLOR] Silas stood and listened as Dartis spoke with an eloquence born of his nobility and he hoped that Commander Sassarius proved himself as noble. With a start he realized two things: his distraction had nearly caused his arcane vision to lapse and, their commander, Lord Dartis Kalnian, was currently facing the Imperial Commander and his escorts without an escort of his own. Quietly he attracted Danica's attention. [color=orange]"Danica, Lord Kalnian faces the Imperials without attendants..."[/color] Slowly, he began to approach the mounted delegation, hardly noticing if Danica followed as he continued to scan for traces of Nefius' magic as he walked. To Danica he will whispered, [color=orange]"This crossbow I found has the air of magic about it. Best stow it away from Imperial eyes."[/color] He continued forward until he was only just behind and to the left of Dartis as befitting a guard or counselor. Silas continually scanned the limit of his vision for further trace of Nefius or his magic. At Silas' words, Danica nodded primly, took the crossbow Silas offered, and moved forward to stand a few meters behind Dartis, to his left. As she approached, she hung her own crossbow on her hip. She loaded the new one, and held it in her hands as she stood ready to guard Lord Dartis. As Silas and Danica took their places to the sides of Dartis, the companions near Commander Sassarius stiffened and readied their weapons as if anticipating an attack. The three heroes did the same, and for a moment the sun glinted brilliantly over the ancient shield that Dartis held in his hand. A gasp was heard from the soldier to Sassarius' left. [Color=Yellow]"Gods... Commander, gaze upon the face on that shield and tell me my eyes don't deceive me. Is that the one that Nefius wished retrieved?"[/Color] [Color=Green]"It must be, Commander. It is your image on the Shield of Kings. Do you know what this means?"[/Color] The second companion asked, his eyes glazed in imagined glories. But no such lust for glory reached the eyes of the Imperial leader. Instead his face remained a visage of stone, though his hands gripped the reins of his horse until the knuckles became white. Finally, he said, [Color=White]"It means that Nefius would have sowed chaos among myself, my family, and my friends. Bringing this to the emperor, even if I brought it to him sealed in that chest without seeing it first, could have been perceived as an intent to usurp the throne. I would have been killed, my family banished, and my allies removed from power. In one easy move, Nefius would have erased my opposition to him at the court."[/Color] [Color=Yellow]"But though his plot might have been ruined, Nefius still lives, or so these Dorinthians say. What if he makes it to the emperor before we do? He'll be able to set whatever plot he had in motion anyway."[/Color] Commander Sassarius turned his head sharply to his companion in alarm, then looked back to the heroes and said, [Color=White]"We must ride away, and fast. It is a long way back to the Imperial capital and it would seem we have business there. Hand us over those two prisoners you have taken that stood by Nefius' side so that we may have them testify in front of the emperor and we will leave you in peace,"[/Color] he offered. The heroes agreed to this. The chance of watching this army leave and having Nefius hang was too good to pass up. As Sassarius turned to leave and muster his army out he said one last surprising statement. [Color=White]"My mother was Dorinthian, but was a minor noble on the borderlands. Her uncle usurped her father's position, had him imprisoned, and sold her to the Imperials across the border. As you might imagine, she never had good words to say about her fellow Dorinthians. Still, she was the greatest woman I've ever known, and I must say that there might be Dorinthians with character like hers after all."[/Color] After this partial compliment, he left with the two prisoners, and shortly afterwards the army did, too. --- The celebrations started almost immediately after the last Imperial disappeared over a hill. The portals to the dwarven kingdom were opened wide, and everyone began to gather on either side of the opening. The human refugees started crying and hugging with the happiness of being alive, while the dwarves started rolling kegs of ale with the intention that they would soon be enjoyed. Kel and Chalik went to help Rix and Alexander reach the clinic and be healed, while Dartis and Silas took Danica to meet with a Dorinthian who led one of the columns of armed refugees with skill. The man's name was Barok Hume, and he had a rapier dangling from his side (OOC: Introducing Nephtys' character here). Before they could begin their mutual congratulations, however, Chalik came back with a manacled Imperial. The man's clothes look raggard and he seemed like he hadn't slept in a long while. [Color=White]"I'm sorry to bother you,"[/Color] Chalik said. [Color=White]"We captured this Imperial weeks ago as he was wandering nearby on his own. Initially, we thought he was a spy and planned to execute him. The problem is that we are now almost certain that he was a defector. The other problem is that there are still plenty of dwarves that still want to see him dead. I was hoping that he might get a fairer trial with your people since you are mostly humans, after all. His name is Tessan Ventus."[/Color] (OOC: Introducing hafrogman's character) [/QUOTE]
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