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Last Stand of the Dorinthians
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<blockquote data-quote="Deuce Traveler" data-source="post: 5867639" data-attributes="member: 34958"><p>Danica too marveled at the shield, making a wee circle with her thumb and forefinger and holding it up to her eye. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Let me see its nature,"</span> she said, almost under her breath. <em>Detect magic</em> </p><p></p><p>She stepped closer to Dartis -- "Does he need help with those wounds?" She wondered to herself --, and asked, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"Um. We're not actually going to give this to him, are we?"</span></p><p></p><p>Danica detected a mixture of abjuration and enchantment magic. The magic of the shield seemed quite stronger than anything she had seen before.</p><p></p><p>[OOC] The Shield of Kings, small Shield +2 of arrow catching, can be activated 3 times a day for a +4 charisma bonus that lasts one turn.[/ooc]</p><p></p><p>Dartis was broken from his study of the shield by Danica's question. <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I don't wish to. Such an artifact should stay with Dorinthia. But," </span> he added with a sigh, <span style="color: RoyalBlue">"I don't see any way to save our people without doing so. Much less without further endangering these fine dwarves who have already risked so much. But if any of you have any further suggestions I am glad to hear them."</span></p><p></p><p>The party was ushered into a large chamber, where their wounds were treated and they were fully healed by the rough hands of the local dwarven clerics. Soon, the dwarven king himself came to visit and asked to see the shield. "This is a work of beauty, and something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime," he admitted while holding the metal object in old, worn hands. "That strange gentleman has come to the front of our gates with an armed escort, and a large chest. He asks that we cover the shield in this," he said, showing a black cloth sack that he had curled underneath his arm. "It would seem that the only ones who are to see the shield are us and that robed man with the shifty eyes."</p><p></p><p>Silas looked with a little curiosity at Danica as she performed her nearly unnoticable ritual but the arrival of their esteemed hosts distracted him. He respectfully greeted the Dwarven king in his own tongue. He scowled upon hearing the shield was to go directly to the sinister wizard and not Commander Sassarius. He looked over at Dartis to see how the commander was going to handle the wizard's attempt to circumvent his agreement with Commander Sassarius.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Um. Is it possible that we could give him another magic shield --or even a shield that he thought were magic -- instead of the one that he clearly needs? His expectations of us clearly indicate he doesn't want it uncovered in front of his troops. But what if we could make him think he had the Shield of Kings, maybe only for a short while? Would that be enough to accomplish OUR goals? I have an idea on how we might be able to trick him, for a short while, at least. Um, sir." </span> Danica's shy offer filled the silence. She knew that she must appear like a simple girl with a bad haircut--nothing more. But she did not want to give away such a treasure.</p><p></p><p>The king thought it over for a moment and said, "Well, we could just throw some shield with runic writing, but didn't that shady-looking Imperial know what this artifact was supposed to look like? We could try creating a duplicate, but it would take us a couple of days to make a decent likeness.</p><p></p><p>Danica shrugged at the King's query. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"I really don't know what they know. But I do think that a nicely carved shield that radiated magic could be made to seem to be the Shield of Kings. Even if a wizard simply cast a Continual Flame spell -- is that what it's called? -- it would glow and flicker and radiate magic. That would make it seem to be a magic shield," </span> she said, and paused for a second, taking a quick glance at her companions. An incisor nibbled at her lower lip for a moment, and she exhaled, deeply. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"After that, I think I know how to make it seem to be the Shield of Kings, for a while at least. What I don't know, is if such a ruse actually accomplishes our ends."</span> She glanced back and forth between the Dwarven King and Lord Dartis, expectantly.</p><p></p><p>Dartis had been lost in thought. Finally he spoke:</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"This is something I do not want to relinquish. It may indeed be an heirloom of our ancestors, and in any case anythings we can do that is contrary to the Imperials we ought to do. Still, this was undertaken as a way to save not only the remaining Dorinthians, but to relieve our very good friends the dwraves, who have provided them sanctuary and protected them. Still, I dream of ridding the land, or part of it at least, of the Tallione. This would make a tremendous rallying standard."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"One of my ideas previously was to try to substitute the shield. Of course Nefius will know if it is not magical, but I doubt he knows exactly what it looks like. he is crafty though, and his precautions for delivery betray both his desire and his fear. For upon seeign the shield I thought that if I must hand over the shield that Commander Sassarius must see it. That may spark some dissent or conflict between them that may work to out advantage. So I say, let a new shield be made, and let us offer it up. If it is discovered, we must ensure that commander Sassarius sees it though. We gamble greatly, the Imperials still hold friends whose lives may be forfeit if this rouse fails, and indeed this stronghold is then imperiled. But with the King's blessing, let us begin!"</span></p><p></p><p>The king nodded and said, "I share your concerns, and will support your decision, but the Imperials are nearing our gate as we speak, and they bring your captured friends in tow. How do we stall them for two days?"</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Your Majesty, My Lord."</span> Danica began with an awkward courtsey directed midway between the two, and smiled. She put down her crossbow, hanging it on a leather loop on her belt, and ensured that the bolt was secure and safe. Now her hands were free to use excitedly when she talked.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"If I may..."</span> she breathed in deeply, and continued. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"If we have another shield that can radiate magic...really any magic, I suspect, which is why I suggested a Continual Flame spell, or else a less unique magic shield that someone might have, thjat we could use rtight away, then here is what I suggest." </span></p><p></p><p>Danica's eyes sparkled as she spoke, and it was clear that she was building up to something. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"I think that if we had such a shield, that I could make Lord Sassarius believe that he held a unique item that was destined for him."</span> She paused before continuing, her fingers wringing one another for the moment. But prompted by the silence, she continued.</p><p></p><p>Deep breath, and she began again. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"My Lord, I have a confession to make, and it is one that does not come easily to me. You have been good to me, as have you all,"</span> she said, turning, and encomapassing her companions with her gesture, <span style="color: YellowGreen">"but I have not repaid your trust with transparency. There is something I have wanted to tell you, but, well, I haven't. But it may help us here."</span> Danica felt like she was hyperventilating, and her face had flushed completely.</p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I, um... I can er, um. Okay. Sometimes, when I need to, I can do things. Magic things, er. I've never actually said this aloud before. Whooo. Okay. When I need to, I can cast spells, I guess. Since I was fourteen or so, and I don't need a spell book or anything."</span> Danica looked around, clearly expecting this to be a big revelation. It occured to her for a moment that maybe her companions had known all along; <em>but I hid it so well.</em> She rushed on with her plan, suppressing the thought.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Anyway, it occurs to me that I might be able to make the Commander think the Shield was talking to him. If I were hidden in the woods, say, even a fair ways away, as long as I could see him, I think I could make him and the others think the shield was talking to them. And, um, I've heard of Intelligent wepaons and things, and if suddenly a magic shield were to start talking to you and using your name and saying you were the chosen one, and that it was destined to be held by you in battle, and all that, well it might be that we could fool him like that. I think I could do it for hours if we needed to, it's really quite simple magic. But if we did it a few times a day, I think I could make him think that he had an even better shield than he is expecting. An Intelligent Shield... a Shield of Kings. And that might play on his vanity."</span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen"></span></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"Um. Boys like it when you play to their vanity."</span> She smiled at this and looks around, hoping nobody was going to laugh at her plan.</p><p></p><p>Silas listened quietly to the others planning and was quite surprised when Danica confessed her innate ability to use magic. He felt a momentary pang of jealousy which quickly faded when he realized that it was not so much the <em>use</em> of his magic but the study of it that gave him pleasure. Drawing his attention back to the conversation he listened a moment longer before interjecting.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: orange">"If we must give up the shield I would give it up only to Commander Sassarius and no other. This wizard, Nefius... I do not trust him. I do not trust Sassarius either but he, at least, seems to have some honor. However, I agree that we should not turn the shield over to them at all.</span></p><p></p><p>Silas looked at Danica. <span style="color: orange">"I've no skill with the magics of misdirection. To go through with this we'll need to rely upon you for that. But it seems to me that Nefius fears the shield being seen as it is carried by one worthy and with the right to rule. It <em>is</em> the Shield of Kings."</span> He straightened a little and looks bluntly at Dartis. <span style="color: orange">"We should give Nefius what he fears. Ride out, in full procession, bearing the shield."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"That's a good point,"</span> Danica said about it being Nefius at the gate. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"That does change things, I guess."</span> She looked around for other ideas, hoping that something could be salvaged. She could barely make eye contact with Silas, a real magician. Nevertheless, she must.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: YellowGreen">"I'm afraid I don't really get how scrying works. That shield was in the dark, buried. Is it possible that Nefius would have not been able to see the details of the shield? He won't have seen the shield except through that spell. Is it possible that something can be done?"</span></p><p></p><p>She hesitated, and continued: <span style="color: YellowGreen">"I know that the wizard comes with our friends, including dear Rix, and we don't want to endanger their lives, or indeed those of the dwarves..."</span> Danica here awkwardly repeated her courtsey, and continued.<span style="color: YellowGreen">"Is it possible that we could get Nefius to bring Sassarius here? Could this be made into a matter of diplomacy, not for seconds, but only for true leaders? What if we sent out someone who was obviously unequal to Nefius, with the request that the Shield of Kings is to be born by Kings, and by Kings alone?"</span> </p><p></p><p>Danica blushed. <span style="color: YellowGreen">"You all must think me the most horrid, duplicitous scoundrel. It seems every thing I say involves lying. But to give away an artifact to the Imperials... Well. I can't imagine it will save many lives, even if it spares our friends for the time being."</span> Danica trailed off contemplating the greater good argument, wanting to help her friends but not seeing a clear way through.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"Indeed, the thought has crossed my mind I must admit Silas. However, we did agree to hand over the sheild. But no specificis were made as to whom we should hand it over to. We can and shall insist that we hand the shiled over to Commander Sassarius. Nefius made no demand that he receive the shield directly from us. That at the least may buy us some time. And I trust the honor of Sassarius more than Nefius. It was Sassarius who forced Nefius to give his word of safe passage.</span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue"></span></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Although. Although perhaps Silas maybe right. Now Silas do we advance out in full procession, bearing the shield, only to turn it over to him? Or do we ride out in full procession, shield borne upon my arm, to free our friends and cow or sway the Imperial forces before us? Or do we strike what bow we can and slay the few Imperials that set foot upon the threshhold of this fortress?" </span> mused Dartis.</p><p></p><p>Silas sighed. <span style="color: orange">"That is, truly, the question."</span> He looked at Dartis and it was plain to see that he was torn. <span style="color: orange">"It is pleasant to think that we could ride out behind you, sway Commander Sassarius and his troops to our cause, strike down those who have injured or oppose us, and then build a safe home for our families.</span></p><p><span style="color: orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: orange">But the reality would likely be far different than our dreams."</span> Silas straightened. <span style="color: orange">"Nevertheless, that would be my advice. Take up the shield, let us ride out behind you with our allies, the dwarves, with us. Ignore Nefius. Approach the commander and declare for Dorinthia. Sway them or cow them, whichever seems appropriate at the moment, but let us do this all with the honor of Dorinthians. Let us strike no blow except in defense."</span></p><p></p><p>He smiled but it was tinged with a soul-deep weariness. <span style="color: orange">"Whatever your decision, I will stand by you and for Dorinthia."</span></p><p></p><p>King Bermax nodded, "Very well, if that is your decision we will stand by you. What of your friends held by Nefius, however?"</p><p></p><p>Silas turned to King Bermax. <span style="color: orange">"Sire, your people will be directly affected by our course of action. What do you recommend? As for our companions, I don't know."</span></p><p></p><p>The dwarven king answered, "Your plan is solid, if it is to get the attention of this Sassarius. However, perhaps there is a way to sneak a message to him, or to sneak into the camp with the shield (although I do not know how in broad daylight), or to even try to get Nefius and the prisoners closer before making our move so that you have a better chance of rescuing them before we chase him off. Even then, we may have the whole Imperial army at our backs and would have to hope to find a way to make parlay."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"How many men accompany Nefius?"</span></p><p></p><p>"Six," the king answerd.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: RoyalBlue">"So be it. Let us prepare to meet the Tallione delegation. Be ready for whatever may occur, including Imperial treachery"</span> said Dartis respectfully taking the shield from Silas, and with a bow to his advisor, strapped the ancient shield to his arm.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Deuce Traveler, post: 5867639, member: 34958"] Danica too marveled at the shield, making a wee circle with her thumb and forefinger and holding it up to her eye. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Let me see its nature,"[/COLOR] she said, almost under her breath. [i]Detect magic[/i] She stepped closer to Dartis -- "Does he need help with those wounds?" She wondered to herself --, and asked, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Um. We're not actually going to give this to him, are we?"[/COLOR] Danica detected a mixture of abjuration and enchantment magic. The magic of the shield seemed quite stronger than anything she had seen before. [OOC] The Shield of Kings, small Shield +2 of arrow catching, can be activated 3 times a day for a +4 charisma bonus that lasts one turn.[/ooc] Dartis was broken from his study of the shield by Danica's question. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I don't wish to. Such an artifact should stay with Dorinthia. But," [/COLOR] he added with a sigh, [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"I don't see any way to save our people without doing so. Much less without further endangering these fine dwarves who have already risked so much. But if any of you have any further suggestions I am glad to hear them."[/COLOR] The party was ushered into a large chamber, where their wounds were treated and they were fully healed by the rough hands of the local dwarven clerics. Soon, the dwarven king himself came to visit and asked to see the shield. "This is a work of beauty, and something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime," he admitted while holding the metal object in old, worn hands. "That strange gentleman has come to the front of our gates with an armed escort, and a large chest. He asks that we cover the shield in this," he said, showing a black cloth sack that he had curled underneath his arm. "It would seem that the only ones who are to see the shield are us and that robed man with the shifty eyes." Silas looked with a little curiosity at Danica as she performed her nearly unnoticable ritual but the arrival of their esteemed hosts distracted him. He respectfully greeted the Dwarven king in his own tongue. He scowled upon hearing the shield was to go directly to the sinister wizard and not Commander Sassarius. He looked over at Dartis to see how the commander was going to handle the wizard's attempt to circumvent his agreement with Commander Sassarius. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Um. Is it possible that we could give him another magic shield --or even a shield that he thought were magic -- instead of the one that he clearly needs? His expectations of us clearly indicate he doesn't want it uncovered in front of his troops. But what if we could make him think he had the Shield of Kings, maybe only for a short while? Would that be enough to accomplish OUR goals? I have an idea on how we might be able to trick him, for a short while, at least. Um, sir." [/COLOR] Danica's shy offer filled the silence. She knew that she must appear like a simple girl with a bad haircut--nothing more. But she did not want to give away such a treasure. The king thought it over for a moment and said, "Well, we could just throw some shield with runic writing, but didn't that shady-looking Imperial know what this artifact was supposed to look like? We could try creating a duplicate, but it would take us a couple of days to make a decent likeness. Danica shrugged at the King's query. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"I really don't know what they know. But I do think that a nicely carved shield that radiated magic could be made to seem to be the Shield of Kings. Even if a wizard simply cast a Continual Flame spell -- is that what it's called? -- it would glow and flicker and radiate magic. That would make it seem to be a magic shield," [/COLOR] she said, and paused for a second, taking a quick glance at her companions. An incisor nibbled at her lower lip for a moment, and she exhaled, deeply. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"After that, I think I know how to make it seem to be the Shield of Kings, for a while at least. What I don't know, is if such a ruse actually accomplishes our ends."[/COLOR] She glanced back and forth between the Dwarven King and Lord Dartis, expectantly. Dartis had been lost in thought. Finally he spoke: [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"This is something I do not want to relinquish. It may indeed be an heirloom of our ancestors, and in any case anythings we can do that is contrary to the Imperials we ought to do. Still, this was undertaken as a way to save not only the remaining Dorinthians, but to relieve our very good friends the dwraves, who have provided them sanctuary and protected them. Still, I dream of ridding the land, or part of it at least, of the Tallione. This would make a tremendous rallying standard."[/COLOR] [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"One of my ideas previously was to try to substitute the shield. Of course Nefius will know if it is not magical, but I doubt he knows exactly what it looks like. he is crafty though, and his precautions for delivery betray both his desire and his fear. For upon seeign the shield I thought that if I must hand over the shield that Commander Sassarius must see it. That may spark some dissent or conflict between them that may work to out advantage. So I say, let a new shield be made, and let us offer it up. If it is discovered, we must ensure that commander Sassarius sees it though. We gamble greatly, the Imperials still hold friends whose lives may be forfeit if this rouse fails, and indeed this stronghold is then imperiled. But with the King's blessing, let us begin!"[/COLOR] The king nodded and said, "I share your concerns, and will support your decision, but the Imperials are nearing our gate as we speak, and they bring your captured friends in tow. How do we stall them for two days?" [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Your Majesty, My Lord."[/COLOR] Danica began with an awkward courtsey directed midway between the two, and smiled. She put down her crossbow, hanging it on a leather loop on her belt, and ensured that the bolt was secure and safe. Now her hands were free to use excitedly when she talked. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"If I may..."[/COLOR] she breathed in deeply, and continued. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"If we have another shield that can radiate magic...really any magic, I suspect, which is why I suggested a Continual Flame spell, or else a less unique magic shield that someone might have, thjat we could use rtight away, then here is what I suggest." [/COLOR] Danica's eyes sparkled as she spoke, and it was clear that she was building up to something. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"I think that if we had such a shield, that I could make Lord Sassarius believe that he held a unique item that was destined for him."[/COLOR] She paused before continuing, her fingers wringing one another for the moment. But prompted by the silence, she continued. Deep breath, and she began again. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"My Lord, I have a confession to make, and it is one that does not come easily to me. You have been good to me, as have you all,"[/COLOR] she said, turning, and encomapassing her companions with her gesture, [COLOR=YellowGreen]"but I have not repaid your trust with transparency. There is something I have wanted to tell you, but, well, I haven't. But it may help us here."[/COLOR] Danica felt like she was hyperventilating, and her face had flushed completely. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"I, um... I can er, um. Okay. Sometimes, when I need to, I can do things. Magic things, er. I've never actually said this aloud before. Whooo. Okay. When I need to, I can cast spells, I guess. Since I was fourteen or so, and I don't need a spell book or anything."[/COLOR] Danica looked around, clearly expecting this to be a big revelation. It occured to her for a moment that maybe her companions had known all along; [I]but I hid it so well.[/I] She rushed on with her plan, suppressing the thought. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"Anyway, it occurs to me that I might be able to make the Commander think the Shield was talking to him. If I were hidden in the woods, say, even a fair ways away, as long as I could see him, I think I could make him and the others think the shield was talking to them. And, um, I've heard of Intelligent wepaons and things, and if suddenly a magic shield were to start talking to you and using your name and saying you were the chosen one, and that it was destined to be held by you in battle, and all that, well it might be that we could fool him like that. I think I could do it for hours if we needed to, it's really quite simple magic. But if we did it a few times a day, I think I could make him think that he had an even better shield than he is expecting. An Intelligent Shield... a Shield of Kings. And that might play on his vanity." "Um. Boys like it when you play to their vanity."[/COLOR] She smiled at this and looks around, hoping nobody was going to laugh at her plan. Silas listened quietly to the others planning and was quite surprised when Danica confessed her innate ability to use magic. He felt a momentary pang of jealousy which quickly faded when he realized that it was not so much the [i]use[/i] of his magic but the study of it that gave him pleasure. Drawing his attention back to the conversation he listened a moment longer before interjecting. [color=orange]"If we must give up the shield I would give it up only to Commander Sassarius and no other. This wizard, Nefius... I do not trust him. I do not trust Sassarius either but he, at least, seems to have some honor. However, I agree that we should not turn the shield over to them at all.[/color] Silas looked at Danica. [color=orange]"I've no skill with the magics of misdirection. To go through with this we'll need to rely upon you for that. But it seems to me that Nefius fears the shield being seen as it is carried by one worthy and with the right to rule. It [i]is[/i] the Shield of Kings."[/color] He straightened a little and looks bluntly at Dartis. [color=orange]"We should give Nefius what he fears. Ride out, in full procession, bearing the shield."[/color] [COLOR=YellowGreen]"That's a good point,"[/COLOR] Danica said about it being Nefius at the gate. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"That does change things, I guess."[/COLOR] She looked around for other ideas, hoping that something could be salvaged. She could barely make eye contact with Silas, a real magician. Nevertheless, she must. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"I'm afraid I don't really get how scrying works. That shield was in the dark, buried. Is it possible that Nefius would have not been able to see the details of the shield? He won't have seen the shield except through that spell. Is it possible that something can be done?"[/COLOR] She hesitated, and continued: [COLOR=YellowGreen]"I know that the wizard comes with our friends, including dear Rix, and we don't want to endanger their lives, or indeed those of the dwarves..."[/COLOR] Danica here awkwardly repeated her courtsey, and continued.[COLOR=YellowGreen]"Is it possible that we could get Nefius to bring Sassarius here? Could this be made into a matter of diplomacy, not for seconds, but only for true leaders? What if we sent out someone who was obviously unequal to Nefius, with the request that the Shield of Kings is to be born by Kings, and by Kings alone?"[/COLOR] Danica blushed. [COLOR=YellowGreen]"You all must think me the most horrid, duplicitous scoundrel. It seems every thing I say involves lying. But to give away an artifact to the Imperials... Well. I can't imagine it will save many lives, even if it spares our friends for the time being."[/COLOR] Danica trailed off contemplating the greater good argument, wanting to help her friends but not seeing a clear way through. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"Indeed, the thought has crossed my mind I must admit Silas. However, we did agree to hand over the sheild. But no specificis were made as to whom we should hand it over to. We can and shall insist that we hand the shiled over to Commander Sassarius. Nefius made no demand that he receive the shield directly from us. That at the least may buy us some time. And I trust the honor of Sassarius more than Nefius. It was Sassarius who forced Nefius to give his word of safe passage. Although. Although perhaps Silas maybe right. Now Silas do we advance out in full procession, bearing the shield, only to turn it over to him? Or do we ride out in full procession, shield borne upon my arm, to free our friends and cow or sway the Imperial forces before us? Or do we strike what bow we can and slay the few Imperials that set foot upon the threshhold of this fortress?" [/COLOR] mused Dartis. Silas sighed. [color=orange]"That is, truly, the question."[/color] He looked at Dartis and it was plain to see that he was torn. [color=orange]"It is pleasant to think that we could ride out behind you, sway Commander Sassarius and his troops to our cause, strike down those who have injured or oppose us, and then build a safe home for our families. But the reality would likely be far different than our dreams."[/color] Silas straightened. [color=orange]"Nevertheless, that would be my advice. Take up the shield, let us ride out behind you with our allies, the dwarves, with us. Ignore Nefius. Approach the commander and declare for Dorinthia. Sway them or cow them, whichever seems appropriate at the moment, but let us do this all with the honor of Dorinthians. Let us strike no blow except in defense."[/color] He smiled but it was tinged with a soul-deep weariness. [color=orange]"Whatever your decision, I will stand by you and for Dorinthia."[/color] King Bermax nodded, "Very well, if that is your decision we will stand by you. What of your friends held by Nefius, however?" Silas turned to King Bermax. [color=orange]"Sire, your people will be directly affected by our course of action. What do you recommend? As for our companions, I don't know."[/color] The dwarven king answered, "Your plan is solid, if it is to get the attention of this Sassarius. However, perhaps there is a way to sneak a message to him, or to sneak into the camp with the shield (although I do not know how in broad daylight), or to even try to get Nefius and the prisoners closer before making our move so that you have a better chance of rescuing them before we chase him off. Even then, we may have the whole Imperial army at our backs and would have to hope to find a way to make parlay." [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"How many men accompany Nefius?"[/COLOR] "Six," the king answerd. [COLOR=RoyalBlue]"So be it. Let us prepare to meet the Tallione delegation. Be ready for whatever may occur, including Imperial treachery"[/COLOR] said Dartis respectfully taking the shield from Silas, and with a bow to his advisor, strapped the ancient shield to his arm. [/QUOTE]
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