Feint Whispers Chapter 7: Blood, Sweat, and Fears.

[Tokiwong]

Jericho nods to Bhartus, "Make it so then... I bow to your wisdom, Bhartus favored of Moradin."

 

[Krug]

"Yes, you should," says Bhartus. He looks at the troop formation and wonders how to arrange them next...

 

[jasamcarl]

Masses of men begin the march northward into the woods. The crunching of fall leaves along the forest floor echoes in the cool morning air. Disciplined though they are, the infantry finds it difficult to stay within their groups as they continuously have to make space for the numerous trees that lie in their path. As a result, an hour passes with slower than expected progress and no goblin in sight.

Tarowyn: As you make your sweeps through the woods ahead of the main column of the army, you spot of small contingent of the scouts provided by the Lord Evenwood. They are on foot, sword in hand; standing between them, apparently the subject of an escort, is a mounted man covered in black plaitmail. A helm covers his face; most significant is the crest he wears over his torso. It appears to be a facsimile of the Evenwood tree, but with with a rotted, black trunk and leafless branches backed by bleached white cloth. When the group is finally within speaking distance, one of the scouts speaks, "Sir, we came upon this Knight. He is unarmed and claims to want to parly." The black knight, from atop the mount speaks, his haughty voice barely muffled by his helm, "I would speak with your commander, fey one. I'm to represent my lord in laying out terms with his enemey."

 

[Tokiwong]

The D'orit just rolls his eyes with a smile, "Modesty is a virtue of Moradin I see..."

 

[KaintheSeeker]

Whitney watches from her spot behind Jericho and Bhartus, taking time to study units and their layout. "Wouldn't it be better to post the archers behind the pikemen.. since they have reach."

 

[Tokiwong]

Whitney watches from her spot behind Jericho and Bhartus, taking time to study the black knight and his mocking heraldry. Disturbed by the whole event.

It was my impression that we do not see the Black Knight yet.

 

[Krug]

"Archers before pikemen, pikemen before archers, whatever it should be. We dwarves are used to fight in tunnels, where strategy isn't as important as a sharp axe and an iron will," comments Bhartus, irritated.

 

[Tokiwong]

"Archers before pikemen, pikemen before archers, whatever it should be. We dwarves are used to fight in tunnels, where strategy isn't as important as a sharp axe and an iron will," comments Bhartus, irritated.

"Pikemen before archers, I would rather like to protect them from any mounted charges," he gestures to an officer, "Make it so sir, I want my archers protected by the pikemen."

 

[Mirth]

Tarowyn: As you make your sweeps through the woods ahead of the main column of the army, you spot of small contingent of the scouts provided by the Lord Evenwood. They are on foot, sword in hand; standing between them, apparently the subject of an escort, is a mounted man covered in black plaitmail. A helm covers his face; most significant is the crest he wears over his torso. It appears to be a facsimile of the Evenwood tree, but with with a rotted, black trunk and leafless branches backed by bleached white cloth. When the group is finally within speaking distance, one of the scouts speaks, "Sir, we came upon this Knight. He is unarmed and claims to want to parly." The black knight, from atop the mount speaks, his haughty voice barely muffled by his helm, "I would speak with your commander, fey one. I'm to represent my lord in laying out terms with his enemy."

"You will speak with me, human," Tarowyn replies, echoing the knight's disdainful tone. "I will decide what happens to you from here. Speak quickly and identify yourself and you terms, for your time is limited."

 

[jasamcarl]

"You will speak with me, human," Tarowyn replies, echoing the knight's disdainful tone. "I will decide what happens to you from here. Speak quickly and identify yourself and you terms, for your time is limited."

The Knight stares down at Tarowyn from his black steed, silently with no hint of his thoughts escaping through the helm. A moment later, he again speaks, "Very well Sir Tarowyn; you can carry these terms to your companions. My Liege, the Lord Galvan Evenwood would have it be known that he can no longer tolerate these woods to be ruled by the soft wrinkled hand of his uncle or his weak, stupid cousin Darven."

He breaths in before beginning again, "To that effect, he now declares the Evenwood as part of his charge. The army which I presume the Fist of Duvik commands is to immediatly lay down its arms and swear fealty to Lord Galvan. They are then to, under his command, march on the Castle and assist in forcing to old man to submit. The Fist of Duvik, in exchange for relinquishing their command and swearing an oath of loyalty to our new lord, will recieve his support in aquiring ownership over Duvik's Pass." A brief pause, "Though my master does expect that the Lady Whitney of Gellen will remain with him in anticipation of their eventual marriage."

He chuckles to himself behind the helm, "Those are the conditions by which bloodshed can be avoided for the immediate future; as loathsome as the greenskins of these woods are, Lord Galvan has secured enough of their arms from their shaman bitch to execute by force that which he can't obtain through..and understanding? Can my Lord expect these terms to be carried to all the commanders of this army, Tarowyn Coldoak? I would remind you the honor of both you and your men would be tarnished if you were to violate the rules of parly and not allow me to return to my own host." He quiets, awaiting your answer.