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The Blade of Phoee (Updated 12/08/08)
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<blockquote data-quote="Funeris" data-source="post: 2503296" data-attributes="member: 22792"><p><strong>Chapter 2: Journey Into Darkness Continued</strong></p><p></p><p>Leiban Malabrandt stood upon the keep’s battlements. His eyes shifted to the east, then south. He had relieved the guards just after the witching hour allowing them a few hours of sleep. Well-rested heads might prevent some of the tension that was sure to follow in the morning. Once the town learned of the Mayor releasing the prisoners, all hell was likely to break loose. Leiban was sure of it.</p><p></p><p>He yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes. <em>No rest for the Wicked</em>, he thought. His father had always called him such. Would Leo Malabrandt, former Captain of the Guard, be proud of his son, now? Leiban doubted it. The old man had never been content. Maybe, maybe the gruff bastard found some peace in the eternal slumber of death. Leiban some how doubted that too.</p><p></p><p>The Captain adjusted his gaze again, this time turning toward the Lake nestled between the oft farmed hills. The light of Styg and Enoch danced across the watery mirror.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, a hand slipped up and around the Captain’s mouth. He whirled about drawing his blade.</p><p></p><p>“<em>You’re safe here, Captain,</em>” a voice hissed. “How many times must I tell you that.”</p><p></p><p>Leiban grunted, sheathing his greatsword. “What do you want now? Did the meeting go as planned?”</p><p></p><p>“Of course.” Leiban could hear the repressed happiness weighing upon the voice. “I need assurances from you, however. And lower your voice.”</p><p></p><p>“What kind of assurances?” whispered the Captain.</p><p></p><p>“We may have a slight problem. It seems the Mayor has released the prisoners.”</p><p></p><p>“I know. The guards have informed me. The prisoners were transferred to the care of that traveler.”</p><p></p><p>“Not just him,” corrected the robed figure. “Lady Anastrianna’s care as well. And I fear they may have seen our compatriot. They’ve followed him into the eastern forest.”</p><p></p><p>“T. will have no problems with them. They don’t know where he is heading.”</p><p></p><p>“That is true, Captain. But, the traveler can see in darkness, as you and I see in daylight. T. will have to be careful. My main concern is of the Lady, however.”</p><p></p><p>“And she is why you need assurances?” Leiban speculated.</p><p></p><p>“Of course. I know you once had…feelings for the Lady.”</p><p></p><p>“Aye, and they’ve not changed.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, then I definitely need to be convinced of your loyalties. I don’t want to be stabbed in the back over some <strong>unrequited pre-pubescent crush</strong>.” The figure’s mocking tone was a solid slap to the Captain’s pride.</p><p></p><p>“She will not come between our goals.”</p><p></p><p>“Good. She keeps inexcusable company these days. If she does get in the way, she dies.” Again, repressed glee dripped wickedly from the hissed words.</p><p></p><p>“<strong>NO.</strong>”</p><p></p><p>“I’m sorry?” The hooded figure clenched and unclenched his hands.</p><p></p><p>“I said no.” Leiban reasserted. The robed man’s hand snapped out, fluid water in motion. His hold solidified around the Captain’s neck as powerful energy ebbed between the two. The Captain dropped to his knees, pain blossoming throughout his body.</p><p></p><p>“<em><strong>I’m sorry, but could you please repeat that?</strong></em>”</p><p></p><p>Leiban struggled for a moment, his words caught in his shuddering throat. “I said no,” he hoarsely responded. Another tidal wave of pain spread through his body, compressing muscles and causing the Captain to twitch in agony. The Captain’s flesh ripped open and blood cascaded over his armor. The man held the grip for a few seconds more before allowing Leiban to crumple against the bulwarks.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t openly display your stupidity! I’m going to ask you to restate your response just one more time. And if I have to repeat myself, it will be for the last time you’ll ever hear.” The man crouched above the Captain, one threatening hand wavering above the open wounds. “I’ll also remind you, that Lady Ana travels not only with two monstrous heathens, but with a blasphemous priest of the false-god Cael.” The last, hissed word was nearly absorbed by hatred and malice.</p><p></p><p>Leiban glared upward, the hood no longer hiding the face of his attacker, his supposed friend. He held the man’s stare for several moments before answering. “The writ to free the prisoners only transferred custody to the traveler. Lady Ana’s part is still unclear. She may yet be drawn to our side and thereby strengthen our position and our claims. Do not judge her worth by the company she may or may not keep.”</p><p></p><p>The robed figure stifled a laugh.</p><p></p><p>“When she returns, she will join us, my Lord. I swear it. Her father probably asked her to accompany the heathens. That is why she travels with them, not because of any heretical belief.” Leiban grimaced; anguish still stretched its claws through his body.</p><p></p><p>“For her sake, I hope you’re wrong, Captain. Our compatriot won’t allow any of them to return if they do intercede in his affairs.” The robed man stood again, backing carefully away from Leiban. “Now, assure me your first task was complete.”</p><p></p><p>Malabrandt sighed, shifting upon the cool stone. “The runner returned not long before the witching hour. The message was delivered to Nordus Post’s Captain on the sixth day of Brenn. The Inquisition is marching this way now. They should be here tomorrow evening or by the latest on the eleventh of Brenn. And they’re bringing an extra contingent of Royal soldiers with them.”</p><p></p><p>“Magnificent. That should allow enough time for dissent to be sown amongst the people. The Mayor should easily be removed. You keep up this good work, Leiban, and you’ll be the ruler of this small town in no time.” The man turned to leave and stopped. He looked down at the Captain one last time. “Oh and of course, no one will ever learn what truly happened to your father.” A malicious grin spread beneath the hood.</p><p></p><p>“<strong>TOBUS!!</strong>” Leiban screamed. The robed figure shuddered to a stop and turned menacingly.</p><p></p><p>“<em>What?!</em>” the figure hissed.</p><p></p><p>“Heal me. If my guards see I’m wounded, they may ask questions.”</p><p></p><p>“Of course, dear Captain.” The priest bowed with a flourish and tossed a vial at Leiban. When Leiban glanced up again, Tobus had vanished. The Captain popped the cork, prayed that it was a healing draught and not a poison, and downed the fluid.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Funeris, post: 2503296, member: 22792"] [b]Chapter 2: Journey Into Darkness Continued[/b] Leiban Malabrandt stood upon the keep’s battlements. His eyes shifted to the east, then south. He had relieved the guards just after the witching hour allowing them a few hours of sleep. Well-rested heads might prevent some of the tension that was sure to follow in the morning. Once the town learned of the Mayor releasing the prisoners, all hell was likely to break loose. Leiban was sure of it. He yawned, rubbing sleep from his eyes. [i]No rest for the Wicked[/i], he thought. His father had always called him such. Would Leo Malabrandt, former Captain of the Guard, be proud of his son, now? Leiban doubted it. The old man had never been content. Maybe, maybe the gruff bastard found some peace in the eternal slumber of death. Leiban some how doubted that too. The Captain adjusted his gaze again, this time turning toward the Lake nestled between the oft farmed hills. The light of Styg and Enoch danced across the watery mirror. Suddenly, a hand slipped up and around the Captain’s mouth. He whirled about drawing his blade. “[i]You’re safe here, Captain,[/i]” a voice hissed. “How many times must I tell you that.” Leiban grunted, sheathing his greatsword. “What do you want now? Did the meeting go as planned?” “Of course.” Leiban could hear the repressed happiness weighing upon the voice. “I need assurances from you, however. And lower your voice.” “What kind of assurances?” whispered the Captain. “We may have a slight problem. It seems the Mayor has released the prisoners.” “I know. The guards have informed me. The prisoners were transferred to the care of that traveler.” “Not just him,” corrected the robed figure. “Lady Anastrianna’s care as well. And I fear they may have seen our compatriot. They’ve followed him into the eastern forest.” “T. will have no problems with them. They don’t know where he is heading.” “That is true, Captain. But, the traveler can see in darkness, as you and I see in daylight. T. will have to be careful. My main concern is of the Lady, however.” “And she is why you need assurances?” Leiban speculated. “Of course. I know you once had…feelings for the Lady.” “Aye, and they’ve not changed.” “Well, then I definitely need to be convinced of your loyalties. I don’t want to be stabbed in the back over some [b]unrequited pre-pubescent crush[/b].” The figure’s mocking tone was a solid slap to the Captain’s pride. “She will not come between our goals.” “Good. She keeps inexcusable company these days. If she does get in the way, she dies.” Again, repressed glee dripped wickedly from the hissed words. “[b]NO.[/b]” “I’m sorry?” The hooded figure clenched and unclenched his hands. “I said no.” Leiban reasserted. The robed man’s hand snapped out, fluid water in motion. His hold solidified around the Captain’s neck as powerful energy ebbed between the two. The Captain dropped to his knees, pain blossoming throughout his body. “[i][b]I’m sorry, but could you please repeat that?[/b][/i]” Leiban struggled for a moment, his words caught in his shuddering throat. “I said no,” he hoarsely responded. Another tidal wave of pain spread through his body, compressing muscles and causing the Captain to twitch in agony. The Captain’s flesh ripped open and blood cascaded over his armor. The man held the grip for a few seconds more before allowing Leiban to crumple against the bulwarks. “Don’t openly display your stupidity! I’m going to ask you to restate your response just one more time. And if I have to repeat myself, it will be for the last time you’ll ever hear.” The man crouched above the Captain, one threatening hand wavering above the open wounds. “I’ll also remind you, that Lady Ana travels not only with two monstrous heathens, but with a blasphemous priest of the false-god Cael.” The last, hissed word was nearly absorbed by hatred and malice. Leiban glared upward, the hood no longer hiding the face of his attacker, his supposed friend. He held the man’s stare for several moments before answering. “The writ to free the prisoners only transferred custody to the traveler. Lady Ana’s part is still unclear. She may yet be drawn to our side and thereby strengthen our position and our claims. Do not judge her worth by the company she may or may not keep.” The robed figure stifled a laugh. “When she returns, she will join us, my Lord. I swear it. Her father probably asked her to accompany the heathens. That is why she travels with them, not because of any heretical belief.” Leiban grimaced; anguish still stretched its claws through his body. “For her sake, I hope you’re wrong, Captain. Our compatriot won’t allow any of them to return if they do intercede in his affairs.” The robed man stood again, backing carefully away from Leiban. “Now, assure me your first task was complete.” Malabrandt sighed, shifting upon the cool stone. “The runner returned not long before the witching hour. The message was delivered to Nordus Post’s Captain on the sixth day of Brenn. The Inquisition is marching this way now. They should be here tomorrow evening or by the latest on the eleventh of Brenn. And they’re bringing an extra contingent of Royal soldiers with them.” “Magnificent. That should allow enough time for dissent to be sown amongst the people. The Mayor should easily be removed. You keep up this good work, Leiban, and you’ll be the ruler of this small town in no time.” The man turned to leave and stopped. He looked down at the Captain one last time. “Oh and of course, no one will ever learn what truly happened to your father.” A malicious grin spread beneath the hood. “[b]TOBUS!![/b]” Leiban screamed. The robed figure shuddered to a stop and turned menacingly. “[i]What?![/i]” the figure hissed. “Heal me. If my guards see I’m wounded, they may ask questions.” “Of course, dear Captain.” The priest bowed with a flourish and tossed a vial at Leiban. When Leiban glanced up again, Tobus had vanished. The Captain popped the cork, prayed that it was a healing draught and not a poison, and downed the fluid. [/QUOTE]
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