Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Final Chapter)

[GlassEye]

Silas nods his agreement with Dartis and speaks whenever he finishes. "This must be resolved quickly and with as little bloodshed as possible. Too many have died already. I propose this: a small force advances in secrecy and with more speed than our full army to the Tower of the Magi to gain entrance and attempt one last time to reason with Varrel. If that fails, they take the key and move to the council chambers where the celestial crystal is hidden and then invoke the cure." Silas will explain about the key and the crystal so that all know that the cure is within reach. "The army should continue to advance, marshaling their strength for battle, in case the smaller force fails. Opinions, sirs? And speak quickly, we've little time to waste."

 

[Deuce Traveler]

OOC: Eroll, Sanmar and Ularvee have moved with the troops, but you have been unable to tell what they have gotten themselves involved in just yet. Sanmar's words do worry you, however.

Dartis' words stun the bickering council of war, while Silas' reminds them that they have gathered for a purpose. Lender stops himself from delivering several harsh words towards Sassarius, but his tone is still sharp from the effort. "And who do you suppose should go on this mission? Surely you realize that the elven defenders will be on guard because of the latest strife."

Sassarius takes the effort to agree. "Only the most stealthy may have a chance to give the patrols the slip. It may be a doomed mission."

 

[GlassEye]

Silas nods in agreement with Lender and Sassarius. "That is true. The chances are very good that this will fail. But the benefit of success means that fewer die, and can return home to rebuild and carry on with their lives." He falls silent and looks at the gathered leaders. "I will go. I have been within the Tower of the Magi and my magics may prove useful. It is my hope that Lord Kalnian will consent to lead the party and that Caramip will join us as well. We have traveled together in the past and we work well together." Silas turns to Silas Generwine. "But key to the mission would be Silas Generwine. The elves of the Tower may still believe him to be one of them and he also knows a way into the tower. And as an elf, if Councilman Varrel proves reluctant, he can use the key and crystal. Silas?"

 

[Fenris]

Silas nods in agreement with Lender and Sassarius. "That is true. The chances are very good that this will fail. But the benefit of success means that fewer die, and can return home to rebuild and carry on with their lives." He falls silent and looks at the gathered leaders. "I will go. I have been within the Tower of the Magi and my magics may prove useful. It is my hope that Lord Kalnian will consent to lead the party and that Caramip will join us as well. We have traveled together in the past and we work well together." Silas turns to Silas Generwine. "But key to the mission would be Silas Generwine. The elves of the Tower may still believe him to be one of them and he also knows a way into the tower. And as an elf, if Councilman Varrel proves reluctant, he can use the key and crystal. Silas?"

"I have faced death too many times to shirk away now. I shall lead the strike force. I suggest Kyle take over the cavalry while Cal leads the infantry. I would ask that my friends Sam, Eric and Val accompany us, if they wish as well, I know that they can get in if need be." says Dartis.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Cal ponders your words, then gives a reluctant nod. Commander Sassarius watches the young noble's reaction then smirks as a private thought enters his head. "Well, if I may ask then what should be the composition of the army? Who will take the center position, who will take the flanks, and what forces should be put to scouting and reserve?"

Cal answers, "We Dorinthians will take the center."

Sassarius shakes his head. "You're forces are too few and lightly armored. It would be better if they take a flank or reserve."

"Hmph! The dwarves will take the spot of honor, then! There may be fewer of us, too, but better that than some Tallione soldiers gain the glory!"

The men begin to bicker once more, except for Sassarius who looks once more upon the three heroes expectantly.

 

[Fenris]

Cal ponders your words, then gives a reluctant nod. Commander Sassarius watches the young noble's reaction then smirks as a private thought enters his head. "Well, if I may ask then what should be the composition of the army? Who will take the center position, who will take the flanks, and what forces should be put to scouting and reserve?"

Cal answers, "We Dorinthians will take the center."

Sassarius shakes his head. "You're forces are too few and lightly armored. It would be better if they take a flank or reserve."

"Hmph! The dwarves will take the spot of honor, then! There may be fewer of us, too, but better that than some Tallione soldiers gain the glory!"

The men begin to bicker once more, except for Sassarius who looks once more upon the three heroes expectantly.

"BY THE RIDER! I am tired of this bickering. I will not stand here and watch as my people die off." Dartis shouts at the others.

Dartis wheels onto Sassarius and Lender. " Your infanty will march in two columns, side by side, Tallione on the left. Next will be the gnomes flanking the Tallione, the Elves on the Right flank, lastly as outriders will be the Tallione cavalry on the Right and the Dorinthian on the left. The Dorinthian infanty will act as skirmishers and reinforce the center columns as needed, and if one of you says one work about it, starts one more fight or does anything else to delay this mission I will personally cut out your hearts and offer them to Ulavree!" screams Dartis in a rage that no one has ever seen the young noble in.

"Have I made myself absolutley clear." he ends in a chillingly quiet voice as he looks to each leader.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

Cal and Kyle look rather shocked at the young noble's outburst, while Sassarius raises an eyebrow in confusion.

Lender is also taken aback before he slowly rests his palm on the hand-axe by his side. "Would ye be so willing to spill the blood of those who question those orders, my captain? Have the times become so desparate that we find those who would lead us resorting to threats?"

 

[Fenris]

Cal and Kyle look rather shocked at the young noble's outburst, while Sassarius raises an eyebrow in confusion.

Lender is also taken aback before he slowly rests his palm on the hand-axe by his side. "Would ye be so willing to spill the blood of those who question those orders, my captain? Have the times become so desparate that we find those who would lead us resorting to threats?"

Quietly and coldly Dartis turns to Lender.
"Question orders? You had no question there Lender. If you did you would not derisively called me captain. This is about who the Magi will christen as the most famed subborn race. A post-humous honor that shall be bestowed upon the graves of us all. As we stand here bickering, a danger to every person here looms dreadful and real. And stubborn pride stands in it's way. I don't give a damn any more about pride or glory or who does what. I merely want it done. Becasue I want to see m people survive. If your pride, or your concern about glory is more important to you than the actual survival of your people Lender, then by all means stand here while the Magi brew up a dwarf version of the plague, and you too can see the gaunt, fevered, haunted look appear in the faces of your people. So decide, your pride or your people. But I am done. I have been through more the past year and a half to have killed a man several times over. And if I must I shall march forth against the Magi alone, because that is what needs to be done, that is what is right, and that is the only hope for my people, whom I love and wish to save. So you all can figure out what is important to you, I hope the Magi give you time to reach your decision. Kyle, thank you for the use of Swift, he is a steed worthy of a better rider now, ride him well."

And Dartis turns on his heel and strides away into the woods, to face the Magi alone.

 

[GlassEye]

Silas frowns and glares at the leaders of the armies before he wheels and follows Dartis into the woods.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

OOC: Are you planning on walking straight to the elven lands or are you planning to look for Eroll, Sanmar and Ularvee in the camp?