Roland, Arrotel, Rebis, Heldrik Keep Battle [Archive]

Wired*Nun

19th of December, 2004, 00:45

Two servants and several more guards arrive while Raevyn is talking, and with looks of astonishment, they begin to help Jasra eat and drink.

" Raevyn pulls the two men through, then gestures from the frail woman on the bed back to them. "Lady Jasra, this is my cousin Arrotel, my Uncle Benedict's son, and his new companion, Alamor. Gentlemen, the Lady Jasra, mistress of the Keep.
Alamor, upon seeing Jasra, immediately kneels before her. "Qethargin, j'el alonthir d'aqiemme," he says, and Jasra smiles, replying in Thari. "Thank you, Alamor, and it's good to see you too. You have borne the Change well, I see." She puts out her hand, which he takes, and rises. "You've grown, too. How would you like to exercise those new talents in my defense?"

"Of course, my Lady." A sharklike grin spreads over Alamor's face, which widens even further with her next words. "I suspect it's Hendrakes you will be fighting."

"Outstanding. Let's see what mischief they've gotten into this time, shall we? Come on, Arrotel!" With that, he turns to go. Brief directions from the guard, and he sprints to the left down the broad corridor.

"My, my, I feel privileged to see so many rushing to my aid. I suspect I will have to be magnanimous in my thanks to you all. Fortunately, I always give value for value received."

Wired*Nun

19th of December, 2004, 00:52

To Telloth- "I may need some aerial aid soon, if you don't mind."
"Of course...from near or afar?" Arrotel interprets this as meaning, 'shall I come through with you or wait for the Trump call.'

Shutter

19th of December, 2004, 03:25

Roland freezes when he feels the pressure in his mind. Trump...Kat, I must be learning....bah, no time to wonder. He let's Kat in.

"Kat." He whispers, barely moving his lips. "What news?"

Pygysys

19th of December, 2004, 04:38

Roland freezes when he feels the pressure in his mind. Shit...who?....bah, no time. He let's them in, naively convinced that he knows who does and does not have a Trump of him reasonably well.

"Kat." He whispers, barely moving his lips. "What news?"
Kat gives her news quickly, "We didn't hold the gate. I'm not sure what's happening where you are, but you should know that it wasn't Dalt who led the Lions in revolt." Kat pauses wondering if that was a good choice of words before continuing, "At least his men don't believe it was, they think it was someone else but they don't know who. They're gathering together now to try and hold the entry to the Keep. My own men are dead and wounded. What would you have me do now?"

Kat quietens then to give Roland a chance to digest that little bit of information and make a decision.

Wired*Nun

19th of December, 2004, 08:21

An agonized yell from inside the inner keep sounds like Dunstan, and alerts Roland that he's better make that decision soon. Faint shouts in Thari leak through, and Roland hears with half his attention, "...wundow...nowfor...stard!...is as bas...of left...oid..."

Icebird

19th of December, 2004, 09:00

LynMars

19th of December, 2004, 09:22

Wired*Nun

19th of December, 2004, 09:35

"Near would be good. From the description, I'd say that there's room to fly in the fount area, and I may be too distracted to call."

Arrotel will follow Almor at his best speed, commenting "I thought you might be useful here. How do you know each other?"
"She was kind to me when I was growing up...unlike the 'proper' Hendrake stuck-up prigs. They treated her like a slave, and would have done so with my people, had we not the Changed to stand for us."

Wired*Nun

19th of December, 2004, 09:42

Raevyn watches Alamor and Jasra, then calls a "Good Luck!" as they rush out. She then sits back down in her chair after drawing it nearer.

"You know Alamor, then? Arrotel described him to me as 'slightly deceased', but I don't know what that's supposed to mean. Is there anything else I can get you, or do at the moment?""I fear conversation and recuperation is the limit of my powers right now. I don't have the stamina of your kind, I'm afraid. Even though I'm augmenting my strength magically even now, it will be some time before I recover. My fate is in your hands."

"Alamor was a nice, if somewhat impulsive and naive boy who lived among a downtrodden people of a shadow in the Black Zone. They are exploited by Hendrake and others for shadow troops, or anything else the Chaos Lords desire, just like Amberites exploit those farther out in shadow. The Changed - what you would term 'vampires' I suspect - have been waging a guerrilla campaign for a long time against this exploitation. I believe Hendrake does not concentrate on wiping them out completely because they are useful as a threat, and a tool for blooding their troops. Interestingly, their form of Power is neither Magic nor Logrus, and translates reasonably well across shadows. Unfortunately, the Change, in effect, makes them...undead. Thus, once changed, they cannot breed in the normal sense, though they can Change more of the Living."

Shutter

19th of December, 2004, 17:02

Kat:"...What would you have me do now?"GM: An agonized yell from inside the inner keep sounds like Dunstan
"Hold on Kat." He draws Smoke and shoves the door open, darting through it into a low crouch, scanning the room rapidly.

Pygysys

19th of December, 2004, 17:11

"Hold on Kat." He draws Smoke and shoves the door open, darting through it into a low crouch, scanning the room rapidly.
Kat tenses but given the circumstances, there's not much more she can do other than hold. She is tempted to give Roland his own advice back and tell him not to get himself killed but instead she just bites her tongue and waits.

Wired*Nun

20th of December, 2004, 01:35

Arrotel receives a Trump call.

Wired*Nun

20th of December, 2004, 01:58

The tableau that greets Roland is a strange one indeed. Across the room, on the catwalk on the other side, a regal-looking woman with dark hair stands, dressed in lavender and blue. She is holding her arms out in the direction of Dunstan, who seems suspended in midair, struggling feebly against forces which bind him.

Chunks of stone and burning wood litter the floor of the grand open space, apparently from the walls, the Fount, and the floor. Holes pit the floor as well, as if from energies unleashed against it. Another woman with pitch-black hair, in black and white with silver highlights, stands by the Fount, which is pulsing like a giant heartbeat. A monologue of measured words proceed from her mouth, some kind of conjuration perhaps.

In the time it takes to view this scene, Roland finds himself engaged from the left by one of several giant lizard-men, wielding a massive blade as if it were a fencing foil. At least it doesn't seem to be enchanted like the other one. Parrying hurriedly, Roland checks back over his shoulder and considers which direction he should go - back up the way he came in, try to take the lizard out quickly, or retreat down the catwalk to his right.

The glance over his shoulder freezes his blood even as his cortex orders the effective wielding of his blade. In the corner, on the bottom floor to his right rear, a massive man in gorgeous silver and red-gold armor has Josh pinned into the vertice, his left hand around Josh's neck and his right wrapped around the handle of a massive warhammer. Josh is not struggling, so it appears that he is not about to be immediately harmed, but rather, is being immobilized.

All this seems in slow-time until the arrow thuds into the oak doorjamb, nicking Roland's cheek-guard enough to feel his head jerk from the glancing impact. A man in green and white leathers, behind Roland's opponent and on the left wall, is nocking another arrow to his bow. Can't stand still...

Icebird

20th of December, 2004, 10:20

"Hold a second- I'm getting a call. If I look like I'm fighting in a moment, give me a hand!"

He yells to Alamor, then accepts, bracing himself for an assault.

Wired*Nun

20th of December, 2004, 10:33

The call is from Heldrik - or perhaps, from Rebis, as both seem to be calling at the same time.

Icebird

20th of December, 2004, 10:37

Shutter

20th of December, 2004, 10:44

"Shit." He growls to Kat just after the arrow slams into the door. "Who are you and what the hell do you want?" He bellows as he presses back against the lizardman, driving with purpose and fury to bring it down as hard as possible. Need some leverage...they have too many hostages... He realizes in dismay. No time to bring in an ally, not when the ally would be a sitting duck as soon as she Trumped in.

If he is lucky and kills the lizardman in a timely manner Roland will try to use its body for partial cover while he draws the dagger at the small of his back and makes ready to hurl it at the archer, which he will do if the archer moves to lift another arrow.

Tamarind

20th of December, 2004, 10:56

"Never mind, more friends come to join the party." Arrotel tells Alamor, and resumes heading for the fountain. Through the link-

"I'm in a bit of a rush to help defend the Keep from an attack by chaos, but the fate of this part of the universe can wait. What can I do for you today?""We had hoped to confirm that Princess Agraynel was safe - but if you need assistance I would be happy to offer it..."

Rebis glances at Heldrik, eyebrow raised questioningly

Wired*Nun

20th of December, 2004, 11:06

A flurry of blows, with little of the finesse Roland strives for, results in Smoke shattering the thing's sword on the way to burying itself in the lizard-man's left collarbone. Unfortunately, the reach of the lizard is quite long, and its clawed hands grab Roland's arms with meaty strength.

Can't get Smoke free in time to use in this kind of close-quarter battle... Jerking his right arm free from the thing's damaged left-side grip, Roland hangs onto Smoke while drawing his dagger, and plunges it into the thing's body. This doesn't seem to slow it much as its jaws open and, lifting Roland off his feet, it bites him in his right shoulder. The mail on that shoulder squeals and links pop as Roland rips upward with the short blade while trying to jerk Smoke free. Well, that hurts a bit...like Gerard slugged me...

Thankfully, the creature weakens, and Roland lands back on his feet. He has to release Smoke's hilt to grasp the dying thing's neck, keeping it between him and the archer, who has a steady bead on Roland's right eye. As soon as he realizes this thing is dead, he won't hesitate to fire. Reversing the dagger, he flings it at the man in green and white, who releases the arrow and dodges to his right. The dagger glances off his bow and spins down onto the true floor, while the arrow slices through Roland's dying shield without apparent slowing. Jerking desperately out of the way, Roland feels the arrowhead score his temple, passing between his skull and his helmet, leaving a trail of blood and torn skin, and burying itself deep in the wall behind him. An inch to the left and it would have been lights out for Roland...shouldn't have assumed that thing's body would be any defense.

Pygysys

20th of December, 2004, 15:40

Kat doesn't like to stand around helpless, knowing Roland's in a bit of strife and she can only guess at the state of the others. She starts moving down a corridor, keeping the contact between herself and Roland open but remaining quiet so as not to distract him and hoping he doesn't close it. If it does close, she'll start sprinting and questioning anyone along the way to point her in the right direction. The path she takes is what she can remember of the plans drawn by the Orphans and she hopes that somewhere along the way she'll find the right path to her cousins.

Thanos

20th of December, 2004, 15:57

Heldrik grins at Rebis in agreement that they should pop in and help…

“Asmundson, an emergency has come up, which requires our immediate attention, we will hopefully be back soon…”

With that Heldrik reaches out a hand to grasp Arrotel and steps through.

“Arrotel, we need a very quick update as to what is happening and then where we are needed. Mostly who is attacking if that is known.”

Heldrik draws his blade from nowhere it seems to Rebis, who all to easily notices that it has tracings of Pattern on it.

Icebird

20th of December, 2004, 16:13

As soon as Heldrick and Rebis come through, Arrotel heads off again, gesturing for them to follow him.

"I'm a bit sketchy myself, but I heard the words Chaos, lords, Heldrake and attack in the same sentance, so that's my assumption. We were just heading for the fount, where it appears that we are all needed. Introductions later, I can say that we are all on on the same side right now."

Tamarind

21st of December, 2004, 03:43

As Heldrik draws his blade Rebis moves to place a little space between him and the sword before once more drawing on the Logrus, the ever-changing sign forming in an instant.

"If Hendrake are indeed responsible for this assault then our opponents will be formidable, though that blade which you bear may give them pause - it will certainly be an advantage"

Moving swiftly to keep up with Arrotel he focusses his senses, seeking any usage of power nearby or the telltale signs of an imminent mystical assault

Shutter

24th of December, 2004, 17:17

Close! As the arrow scores his temple Roland releases his hold on the lizardman letting it slump to the ground. Blinking through the blood and the pain he draws his two remaining daggers and goes into a crouch, facing the archer who almost certainly has another arrow notched by now. Daggers in front of his body, crouched and ready to move he backs towards the door. Go on, fire at me now... If the archer fires, Roland will do his damndest to deflect the arrow with the daggers. Damnit, no one is even in range to throw a dagger at....And he would fill me with arrows before I ever made it in range...Shit. At least they haven't killed Dunstan and Josh yet, that says something....

Once he clears the door Roland slips to one side, putting stone between himself and the archer. "Kat, we need bows, arrows, maybe some men...Come through as soon as you have them."

This is not the best of situations...

Pygysys

24th of December, 2004, 17:27

Once he clears the door Roland slips to one side, putting stone between himself and the archer. "Kat, we need bows, arrows, maybe some men...Come through as soon as you have them."
Kat mentally facepalms and halts in her tracks. "I'll see what I can do Roland, but I'm not sitting outside an armory, we took some heavy losses with the explosions. I don't know if any men can be spared down here but I can get a bow. Give me a minute to see what I can round up."

That said, she turns around and heads back to where she left Piet and Ethan but moments ago. Getting there she sums up the situation, instantly deciding that Ethan will be going with her and she'll just have to trust in the old woman healer to keep Marc safe. Informing Ethan of her decision, she and he begin a quick search for spare bows and any quivers that could be absconded with.

Wired*Nun

25th of December, 2004, 13:04

Ethan comes at Kat's call, and runs back out into the yard to retrieve arms. "If we're all on the same side again, perhaps some of these stout fellows could be persuaded to help us out?" he says as they search. Arrows from the walls follow them as they run from place to place - the garrison force is apparently shooting at anyone not in their colors. Fortunately, they are not too accurate against moving targets.

Kat sees another wyvern come over the walls, a lone rider in gold and brown aboard, which lands on the roof of the inner keep. That's all she can see because of the angle, but a moment later the wyvern flaps skyward, without the rider, followed by more arrows that bounce off its armored hide. A scorpion bolt from the southeast bastion narrowly misses it on the way out.

Armed with two bows and quiversfull of practice arrows, the two run back inside to avoid being shot.

Wired*Nun

25th of December, 2004, 13:12

Heldrik grins at Rebis in agreement that they should pop in and help…

“Asmundson, an emergency has come up, which requires our immediate attention, we will hopefully be back soon…”

With that Heldrik reaches out a hand to grasp Arrotel and steps through.
"All right old chap, anything I can do to he-" - Asmundson's words fade as they step through the Trump and are gone.

The four follow the corridor to the left, and now have a long straight view to the door into the Inner Keep. They see Roland step backward through the door, and an arrow flies through and past him, skittering down the hallway to come to rest at their feet. It is white with green fletching, and has a broad-bladed, razor-sharp hunting head of a bronze-colored metal.

Rebis, his mystical senses opened by the use of the Sign, is able to percieve the power of the Fount glowing through the doorway, as well as such obvious things as Pattern Trump on Roland, Arrotel and Heldrik. The glow of the Fount's sorcerous power is too bright to pick out any details of what might be going on at this distance.

Arrotel leads this precession, then Alamor, with Heldrik right behind and Rebis in the rear.

Wired*Nun

25th of December, 2004, 13:19

Once he clears the door Roland slips to one side, putting stone between himself and the archer. "Kat, we need bows, arrows, maybe some men...Come through as soon as you have them."Dropping the lizard-man, Roland fends off one more arrow before he can step through the door. This guy is accurate, but there's only so fast an arrow can be driven, if one is ready...crazily, Roland's mind goes back to his lessons with the monks. One need not see the arrow to catch it; one must become one with the archer...let your spirit meld with your opponent, bringing complete certainty of his actions...

Another arrow narrowly misses him as he steps back through the door, and skitters down the corridor behind him. A quick glance over his shoulder reveals four men rounding the corner and coming down the corridor behind him - Arrotel, Heldrik and a couple of others he doesn't recognize.

LynMars

25th of December, 2004, 14:58

Raevyn nods at Jasra's explanation of Alamor's Change. "I've heard of such things, but never met anyone like that before."

She thinks a moment. "I suppose I could tell you what I can about the events up until now, if that would help--at least, until something happens that we have to leave suddenly."

If Jasra agrees, and things seem secure enough--Raevyn will check the hallway, see what the guards say about the security of the tower first--then she'll start from Dunstan's gathering of the four cousins up until they arrived at the Keep this time around, from what she knows of her perspective. She'll try to keep Kat's lineage out of it (still not sure if they know of her or not yet) and anything specific to the security of Amber itself, though not much of the investigation so far has seemed that way. Pretty much everything they told Dunstan, as she'd likely get it out of him later anyway.

She'll pause often enough to check on things, if need be, and keep her Trumps ready, fully expecting to be interrupted at any point, so she'll try to keep the story as abbreviated as possible.

Thanos

26th of December, 2004, 04:40

Pygysys

26th of December, 2004, 05:26

Kat grins at Ethan, "I'd hate to actually be on someone's side out there, I wouldn't know if we would get taken out by friendly fire or a deliberate strike."

She sizes up the soldiers inside, looking for any obvious archers before asking for volunteers. "I need two or three men who can be spared from this position and who can shoot well. Are there any volunteers? If so, grab a bow and quiver from Ethan and make ready."

Knowing Ethan can hand out the scant supplies to any who may volunteer, but not really expecting anyone to do so, Kat concentrates on Trumping Roland again. At the very least, she and Ethan are better than nothing at all.

Wired*Nun

26th of December, 2004, 09:08

Roland receives a Trump call from Kat.

Two of the unarmored fellows in the hallway accept Kat's call for volunteers. They get the bows and arrows, and stand ready to go where Kat leads.

Wired*Nun

26th of December, 2004, 09:11

"HO, Roland, reinforcements! Along for the ride is Rebis a friendly Lord of Chaos. What should we know and what should we do?"
Heldrik motions to Rebis, with his free hand, but figures he doesn't need to introdude Arrotel and doesn't know the other bloke.

Heldrik stands ready for combat.
[Heldrik is yelling from over 50 yards' distance]

Alamor changes shape into a great black wolf, and bolts snarling down the corridor towards Roland and the Inner Keep.

Wired*Nun

26th of December, 2004, 09:17

She thinks a moment. "I suppose I could tell you what I can about the events up until now, if that would help--at least, until something happens that we have to leave suddenly."
"Thank you. That is most helpful." She motions for another bowl of soup, which the attentive servant carefully spoons into her mouth. "I see that, on the one hand, things have gone downhill from when I was displaced. On the other, my son has done reasonably well keeping things together, despite his youth. The Blood of Amber remains strong; both of my husbands have been worthy men, for all their flaws. What about you, young lady? You seem comely enough. For whom will you be bearing?"

Shutter

26th of December, 2004, 13:14

Roland raises a dagger in salute to Heldrik, Aarotel and the two strangers. Nicely done Raevyn. He opens his mind to Kat's Trump call.

"Kat, Heldrik, Aarotel and two others just...What the?!"

Alamor changes shape into a great black wolf, and bolts snarling down the corridor towards Roland and the Inner Keep.
Bracing himself against the rock wall Roland falls into a deep crouch, daggers in front of him, ready to meet the charge of the wolf. Either me or the door...let's see where you go...

LynMars

26th of December, 2004, 19:55

Pygysys

26th of December, 2004, 22:12

Roland raises a dagger in salute to Heldrik, Aarotel and the two strangers. Nicely done Raevyn. He opens his mind to Kat's Trump call.

"Kat, Heldrik, Aarotel and two others just...What the?!"

Bracing himself against the rock wall Roland falls into a deep crouch, daggers in front of him, ready to meet the charge of the wolf. Either me or the door...let's see where you go...
Kat is grateful to note that Roland is still okay, having answered her Trump. At least we're still not getting ourselves killed... yet. She begins to think the arrival of the others is also a good sign, that is until the interuption. "Roland!?!" What the hell is going on now?

She signals to Ethan and the volunteers, "Brace yourselves and be ready."

Concentrating on Roland again, she directs her next words and thoughts his way, "Enough of this, Roland. Bring me through so I can help!" Otherwise I'm heading up to the roof.

Shutter

26th of December, 2004, 22:59

Wired*Nun

27th of December, 2004, 04:27

The great black wolf rushes past Roland and leaps through the door, sailing in a tremendous arc over the rail and down toward the true floor.

Arrotel, Heldrik and the third man are farther behind, but in short order approach the door.

Wired*Nun

27th of December, 2004, 04:30

Raevyn blinks, trying to understand what Jasra means. That blush creeps up again on her face. "Um, I'm not sure what you mean, milady...Er, do you need anything else? Is there anything more I can tell you, or clarify what I have said until now...?"
With Jasra gazing at her a moment longer than necessary, Raevyn imagines her with a pair of motherly spectacles, looking over the top of them in faint disappproval. "Oh, come now, will we be discussing birds and bees next? You need to start thinking about your future, and your alliances. There is no better way to forge an alliance than a noble marriage. You don't want your children to be scrabbling for the necessities, do you? Or eternally relegated to some support role in thei grand comedy of ours?"

Pygysys

27th of December, 2004, 08:01

Through narrow focus, speaking as though an aside to his neighbor while at a play, Roland replies to Kat. "It's ok Kat, details soon." He watches the wolf as it runs, learns its ryhthm and accepts the idea that it may need to be killed shortly. Friend or foe? Too soon to tell. Roland will get back to you about that in under five seconds.
"I trust that's a list of intricate details Roland, because right now I really feel as if I'm running... no make that standing blind."

Kat looks to Ethan and shrugs before signalling for him to be ready in two minutes.

"Roland, I have no idea how important this is but whilst rounding up some supplies for you, someone else got dropped in via special delivery. I have no idea who it was or what they're up to. I just know they're not playing for the home team."

LynMars

27th of December, 2004, 08:57

Raevyn tries very hard to not look discomforted by the gaze, or exasperated by the line of discussion. "I-I just never gave it much thought before now, really." She pauses a minute. "I, um, supposed that would all be arranged for me anyhow, you know? All sorts of matchmakers in the family...." She says rather quickly, trailing off at the end. 'Can we please talk about something else now; I really haven't thought about it, especially not like that; seems calculating and cold to me...'

Wired*Nun

27th of December, 2004, 09:11

Tamarind

27th of December, 2004, 10:20

Rebis inclines his head to Roland but does not speak, instead focussing his concentration on the Logrus as he brings forth the tendrils and insinuates himself into them, preparing for the combat ahead.

That done he will shift into demon form and approach the entranceway, a little behind the other men, seeking to gain a view of what is transpiring in the Fount room.

Shutter

27th of December, 2004, 10:54

As the wolf rushes past him Roland straightens and sheathes his daggers, extending a hand to bring Kat though, making sure he won't be bringing her into line of sight with the archer via the doorway. "Very detailed, Kat. Thanks for the patience. An amazingly good archer has the doorway to the Fountroom covered from about 30 yards. A sorceress has Dunstan held under some spell, and Josh is being held by a large man with a warhammer, down on the floor, a second woman is casting a spell at or on the Fount. All I have are daggers to throw, so I'm not much good against an archer at the moment. Heldrik, Aarotel, a friendly chaos-lord, and a black skinned man who just turned into a wolf and charged in are allegedly all here to help. I'm assujming Raevyn called them. Which means Raevyn is probably still alone. I want some men guarding her in case the newcomer is headed that way. But I suspect that this is where the real trouble is." As he speaks he nods back at Rebis, eyes widening a bit when he shifts into demon form. I hope you both have gotten a whole hell of a lot more careful about choosing your friends...

Tamarind

27th of December, 2004, 11:09

"I may be able to offer some assistance with this troublesome archer, if you wish. Even if I cannot disable him swiftly I should certainly be able to distract him long enough for you to reach the room proper. If you could indicate those individuals who are allied to us I will ensure they are not caught in any...fallout...from my actions."

Drax digs his claws happily into Rebis' armoured shoulder, little head looking up inquiringly

Yes I know you're eager to help too but lets find out who you should be playing with first...

Icebird

27th of December, 2004, 11:11

Telloth is gripping his shoulder, not too happy in the enclosed corridor.

"Well, I could have taken out the archer, or at least distracted him for a few seconds, if I'd had more foresight. As it is, I'm mostly useless in any form of combat, unless anyone needs a helping mind for sorcery? I was quite good, but lost it when I left my shadow. Oh, and the black wolf was Alamor, slightly deceased newly met friend of mine."

Thanos

27th of December, 2004, 12:38

Heldrik's expression and body language are commanding...

"Arrotel, with that knowledge you will certainly be helpful in waylaying anybody who is working directly with the energy source here. Roland and Kat, we should take down the Archerer together while he is distracted by Rebis and Telloth, and you can then find a weapon." Motioning to Roland and Kat, "The up front types can free Dunstan, while the ranged can deal with whomever seems to be a threat from the back? I will hold myself in reserve to protect the others and provide quick reinforcement should the need arise. Does that sound good to you?"

Pygysys

27th of December, 2004, 16:02

Kat smiles at Roland as she accepts his invitation and joins the party, along with Ethan and two garrison soldiers. "Thanks for bringing me up to speed, Roland." She squeezes his hand as if to reassure him or maybe herself before turning to acknowledge the rest of the party goers.

Heldrik's plan doesn't sound half-bad given that she hasn't assessed the situation herself. "Ethan's the better archer, that's what I know of the four of us." She indicates her little group of Orphan and garrison troops of two. "If we can give him a clear shot, he should be able to take out the target or at least make life difficult. Myself and these two gentlemen can at least provide covering fire or a distraction to disguise any fatal shot loosed by Ethan."

She spares a joint nod to Arrotel and the unknown Rebis before turning to Roland. "If the four of us keep the Archer occupied, that frees yourself, Heldrik, Arrotel and your friends. Time is somewhat limited, so decide now. There is merit in Heldrik's plan, but I don't believe the majority of us should be utilising ranged warfare. I think some of you need to engage on a more personal level and quickly." Even as she prompts Roland into a final decision, she begins nocking an arrow.

Shutter

27th of December, 2004, 17:07

"Kat, your men will pin down the archer, kill or dissable him if they can, with Aarotel and his" nodding at Rebis "help, after that look to Dunstan, he's the blond boy."

"I missed your name, but our allies here are the ones held captive, it will be crystal clear in seconds."

He wipes another trickle of blood from his temple.

"Heldrik, if you would follow me to the floor, a sorceress and a armoured bruiser need to be dealt with."

"Kat, shoot the woman on the floor and then take out the woman holding Dunstan. I want that spell stopped, and I want Josh safe." And for gods' sakes command this crew once I'm on the floor.

"Stay sharp everyone. And watch your back, there are likely more of them somewhere around here." His eyes now on Ethan and the guardsmen.

Not waiting for further discussion he draws his dagger and darts back into the room, heading for the lizard man's corpse to retrieve his sword, and hoping against reason that the enemy stayed put during the precious moments he has been gone from the room.

Pygysys

27th of December, 2004, 17:48

"Ethan, take out the female target holding the blond boy at bay. You two," Kat says to the garrison soldiers, "Keep the archer busy. I'll pepper the female target on the floor and maybe get lucky with a direct hit." Whilst giving an alternative target to their archer so Roland's not getting peppered.

She gives Heldrik the opportunity to follow in straight after Roland before heading into the fray herself, ducking through the door and having a quick look to size up the situation, targets and any possible cover inside.

Tamarind

27th of December, 2004, 17:58

Now he's closer Rebis will take advantage of the few seconds conversation to assess the usage of Power within the Fount room, seeking to determine with what power Dunstan is held as well as the nature of the spell the woman is attempting.

Perhaps there is a way to disrupt the flow of power between her and the Fount...such a disruption could severely damage her, if well timed...

Wired*Nun

28th of December, 2004, 11:01

As Roland dashes into the room to the left, feels quite fortunate as something whistles by his head from the right - the armored man's warhammer, he thinks. Scooping up his blade, he turns to face his attacker, trying to take in the situation in the room at the same time.

Kat motions Heldrik through, but Heldrik seems to want to wait in reserve, so she steps toward the door. The armored man's presence stops her from stepping in, and over his shoulder she can see the archer in white and green, who has moved across the room so that he can see and fire straight down the entrance corridor. Fortunately for the home team, he seems busy firing at something below him, on the main floor. Kat looses an arrow at the man, figuring that if she happens to hit Roland's opponent, it's all good. The arrow misses both men as the archer steps casually out of the way, and looses another shaft down below.

Roland can see that the woman by the fount has been interdicted, at least for a time. Her garments are torn and there is blood on her. The wolf, however, has paid the price, and he is pinned to the floor by several arrows. He still seems to be 'alive,' if that is an accurate term.

Sizing up the situation, Roland believes that the armored man is unlikely to pass in front of the door, as that would put him between Roland and the friendlies. Rather, he is waiting to the right of the door for anyone else to come through, warhammer at the ready.

So what happened to Josh? Roland can see Josh crumpled in the corner where he was before held captive, blood streaming from his head. That guy probably figured he had better put Josh out and deal with whatever else is coming in...thought is suspended now as Roland turns to deal with another lizard from his left. Another one of those blades...dammit. I wonder how hard it would be to get a defensive enchantment put on Smoke?

The issue for those in the corridor now seems to be getting by the armored man. Ethan fires at him, but the arrow does not penetrate the man's armor.

[Currently, the situation looks like the attachment: (hope this works)

Neither of these comes out completely correct - hopefully between them you can figure it out -

I want to hear from as many people as possible before the next round, rather than having those who post the most going in speedy time, so, here's hoping you all get on soon! Cheers.

- It looks as if it will display properly if you save the file then open with the proper program it rather than use html to open it.]

Shutter

28th of December, 2004, 12:01

With Smoke again comfortably in hand Roland puts his dagger away, switching to a two handed grip and advancing on the lizardman. He throws out a series of darting attacks, aiming to draw the cursed blade out of position without having to engage it. When he finds an opening he strikes, hoping to kill this thing quickly. As he fights he circles the lizardman, trying to keep it between him and the archer. Even so he stays continualy in fluid motion, hopefully a harder target to hit from 40 yards.

Thanos

28th of December, 2004, 12:09

Heldrik, now with a better idea of where things are side steps between Ethan and Kat after they each let loose arrows. Once on the walkway he attempts to stop the armored man initial strike with a deft parry and push him quickly back with a head strike to distract him. Then with hammering two handed blows he tries to force him back and give Roland the room he will need to fight and open up the archway for the others to do their thing.
Even though Heldrik is attacking heavily it is ment to keep the armored man unbalanced and out of the way for a time. If the guy is better once the inital frenzy of blows is completed Heldrik will then go into a completely defensive sytle while holding his ground using his blade to deflect the mace and not allow himself to get directly under any of the blows.

Tamarind

28th of December, 2004, 12:32

Leaving the archer for me. Very well, avoiding the Fount and Heldrik's blade the optimum path will be...so.

Swift as thought Rebis sends his tendrils arcing out, smashing into the archer with great force. One strikes his head whilst another wraps around to pin his arms to his body, squeezing with all the strength he can command.

Drax reluctantly remains perched on Rebis' shoulder, alert to anyone trying to sneak up on his friend whilst sparing an occasional glance at the falcon perched on Arrotel' shoulder

Ooh look Rebis - a feathery thing! Wonder if it will be friends with me?

Icebird

29th of December, 2004, 10:14

Arrotel will watch for any time that looks safe to send Telloth out into the main room, past Heldrick and the hammer-man's melee, where he can do some good, trusting him to make his own decisions at that point.

"Rebis, can you get me a logrus link with the fount? I'll blast some things, if it works the way I think it does. Pop goes anyone without very fast reflexes or strong magical defenses."

The last line doesn't fit well with the traditional nursery rhyme tune, but Arrotel twists it until it does. Failing a response to the affirmative, he'll start pulling up the pattern sign.

Wired*Nun

29th of December, 2004, 16:40

Trusting that the others will deal with him, Roland turns to fence with the lizard on his left. Smoke licks out counterpoint to the thing's tongue, feinting and stabbing.

Heldrik steps up between the bowyers and engages the armored man. His mass becomes evident as Heldrik steps up to him - he overtops Heldrik by four inches and at least fifty pounds. Looks can be deceiving, though, so Heldrik parries the warhammer with Umbryselir to test his mettle.

Two startling things happen then. First, Heldrik's blade is knocked spinning from his hands, skittering past Roland, bouncing off the wall and coming to rest somewhere on the floor below. Heldrik's hands are numb from the shock of power, both physical and mystical, transmitted up the blade. Second, the warhammer's metal head is cloven in twain where Umbryselir's blade meets it, the two parts thudding painfully into Heldrik before falling to the catwalk's surface nearby. The man looks for a moment in astonishment at the haft of his former weapon he is holding, then drops it and snatches for a grip on Heldrik with his mailed hands.

Rebis reaches past the others, sending his Logrus tendrils toward the archer to strike him in the head and wrap around his body. The head strike works fine, knocking the man against the wall. Wrapping around his body is thwarted when the tendril touches the bow. A psychic shock travels up that tendril, causing Rebis to lose control of it and forcing him to struggle to maintain the Sign. Logrus item, I see...how he dragged that thing through the twists and turns is beyond me...no worse than carrying an egg, I suppose... The man seems to be dazed, at least for the moment, sagging against the door behind him.

Katarzyna drops her bow, yelling to her men, "Keep firing at that archer!" Drawing her sword, she pushes past the struggling men to vault the railing, landing on the floor. The woman near the fount, bloodied but unbowed, makes a flinging gesture at Kat, which she instinctively dodges. The woman throws nothing, but Kat feels as if she has been enmeshed in a net, slowing and smothering her movements. Chopping at the thing with her sword, she begins to struggle free of it.

Telloth sails out into the room, wings beating for altitude inside the spacious chamber. Drax takes off right behind him, flapping less clumsily than one might expect as he tries to follow the agile bird. Once he has gotten as high as he can, Telloth dives on the next lizard behind Roland's opponent, slashing at the thing's eyes as he strikes. The unexpectedness of this attack causes it to succeed, and the thing gives a bellow of rage as it grabs Telloth by a wing and flings him spinning across the room. Telloth flutters to the floor with an indignant squawk, and quickly begins to repair his twisted pinions for proper flight.

Unfortunately for the lizard, Drax is right behind, and the wash of his firey breath ensure's the thing's blindness, while Drax's claws and teeth slash at the thing's head and neck in passing.

The woman holding Dunstan, taking in the mayhem, smashes the boy to the floor, where he bounces once and lies still. Rebis can't see her do it, but deduces who did it as the woman casts some kind of Logrus-based spell, forming a defensive matrix of detached tendrils about the archer.

A few deft strokes, and Roland opens several wounds on the lizard in front of him, making sure he avoids rather than parries the thing's smoking sword. Errol Flynn has nothing on Roland as he ducks, leaps, and dodges. Not an efficient way to fight, but fortunately I'm a lot better than this beast...

One of the lizards on the right wall rapidly descends the staircase and starts across the room toward Katarzyna.

Thanos

29th of December, 2004, 17:20

Heldrik, while somewhat shaken, does not let the feeling in his hands distract him. Dozens of campaigns have tought him not to let the unexpected get the best of you. As the armored man takes his first step forward to get within arms reach Heldrik ducks under his grasp, with a slight spin, one hand grasping for a dagger in his boot. With all of his strength he springs out into the main chamber roughly in the direction of his sword yelling, "ROLAND, BEHIND YOU!" while in the air as a dagger from his boot flies towards the bloodied spell caster, as a distraction even if it doesn't hit. If he lands on the ground it is with the expert tuck and roll of a cavalry man used to having his horse cut down from beneath him.
Once on the ground Heldrik retrieves his sword with no hesitation and reviews the situation at hand.

Shutter

29th of December, 2004, 17:53

As the sound of clashing weapons is followed by the sound of a sword skittering accross stone Roland groans inwardly. Not good...

Heldrik:"ROLAND, BEHIND YOU!"
No more time to play nice. Roland smoothly switches from darting strikes to a stronger killing blows aimed at the legs and the head, if that cursed blade needs to be parried, so be it. Time for you to go now.

Once the lizardman is dead Roland will pivot, and shift the bulk of his attention to the man in the armour. He is tempted to shake his shoulder a bit to loosen up and guage any injury left from the bite, but doesn't want to telegraph a weakness so blatantly.

Pygysys

30th of December, 2004, 06:53

A few choice phrases get muttered as Kat continues to hack and chop at what has her trapped, inwardly grateful that her blade is having an effect on the mystical net. Catching sight of the rapidly approaching lizardman, Kat's efforts quickly double as she struggles to free herself in time. Cruzzak! I really don't want to be this lizard's catch of the day.

Tamarind

30th of December, 2004, 07:25

Rebis, can you get me a logrus link with the fount? I'll blast some things, if it works the way I think it does. Pop goes anyone without very fast reflexes or strong magical defenses."
"Alas no - do you have any trumps of your allies below? If so and they are still concious you might be able to effect a rescue..."

Icebird

30th of December, 2004, 09:21

"No trumps of anyone still conscious. If it gets too much worse, I'll call in Benedict, But I'd rather try to deal with this ourselves first."

When the pattern sign comes up, Arrotel will try to reach through it for the fount. If that doesn't work, he'll try any other things of that nature that come to mind, such as visualizing the fount like a trump, and finally, if all that fails, see if he can throw the sign like an oversized frisbee at the sorceress.

I don't know how pattern sorcery works, but it certainly does work. Now might be a good time to find out, perhaps.

Wired*Nun

30th of December, 2004, 15:01

As Heldrik tries to duck under the man's clutch, his mailed hands grasp Heldrik's clothing from the back and pick Heldrik off the ground. A judo-throw later, and Heldrik is sent flying in Roland's direction. His only consolation is the dagger in his hand, which slides harmlessly off the man's armor.

Meanwhile Roland beats the Chaos blade aside and Smoke cuts through the lizard's left knee, losing a bit of feeling in his hands but causing the critter to fall against the railing, then through it as the rail gives way. The satisfying thud of it hitting the gound is echoed by the impact of Heldrik onto Roland as he turns. Both men instinctively move their weapons out of the way of the other, but go down in a heap.

Katarzyna continues to loosen her bonds, feeling like she is struggling through molasses, with a rubber sheet thrown over her for extras.

Slowly moving forward, Rebis detaches a tendril to loop around himself, where it writhes, waiting to intercept anything detrimental to Rebis. Reaching for two more tendrils, he matches his arms to their motions and, as soon as he can, strikes for the big man. First one, then the other tendril is wrapped around the man, but he can do no more than slow him down, so strong is he. "Kerra!" the man cries, and the sorceress near the fount turns her attention from Kat to him. Rebis finds himself in a wrestling match with the woman's tendrils as they wrap about his - and hers seem stronger.

Arrotel finds that he canot affect the Fount with his Pattern lens, nor use it as a Trump aid, nor can he unfortunately push the Sign more than about five feet from his own body. Even more unfortunately, in all this flailing, he whacks Rebis with the edge of the slowly rotating disk, and the resulting clash causes feedback resulting in Arrotel losing the Pattern and Rebis all his Tendrils. Oops.

A bit of sunshine breaks through the clouds, as Ethan, from point-blank range, drills the big man in the jaw with an arrow, dropping him like he was poleaxed. The clouds roll in again as the archer across the room, a look of cold rage on his face, sends one of his shafts through Ethan's chest, narrowly missing Arrotel but punching right through both garrison troops.

Heldrik, landing next to the broken railing, takes the opportunity to roll off the catwalk and drop to the floor next to the one-legged lizard, scrambling for his blade.

Telloth takes wing again, slowly gaining altitude. Drax, seeing the other lizards across the room, swoops towards them, breathing a thin stream of fire, which the lizard dodges. Dragon claws meet lizard claws, and Drax is knocked out of the air to to floor in a tangle of limbs and wings. He rights himself, and begins licking the claw marks on his chest, while the lizard continues on around toward the fallen armored man.

Kat finally breaks free of her restraint, only to find her feet pinned to the floor at a gesture from the sorceress on the catwalk above. The woman by the fount backs up toward the left stairway, and casts some sort of spell seemingly on herself. The lizard on the floor switches his goal, heading now for Heldrik and his fallen comrade.

Josh's fallen body in the corner shimmers, and fades in a wash of rainbow colors. Somehow, he Trumped - or was Trumped - out.

Roland rolls to his feet, Smoke in hand, looking for his next move.

Shutter

30th of December, 2004, 17:23

Gah, damnit... Coming up from the tangle relatively unharmed, but still hating that feeling in his hands, Roland scans the scene for new details. The arrow moving past him does not bode well for the archers in the doorway. Someone dropped the big man...is he dead?

LynMars

30th of December, 2004, 17:30

"Well, in any case, there's no rush. You're young yet. Just keep what I've said in mind...and if you ever need an outsider's viewpoint, I'm here. I'm sure your aunts have all sorts of plans for you...even your uncles, depending on their bent...the important thing is, don't let them push you around! Be your own woman! But no one stands alone. Make your alliances wisely. I'm sure your father will do his best but he won't always be there to help you, even if he wants to be. Just remember, love is overrated."
"Um, thank you ma'am...I'll...keep that in mind." Raevyn wonders how in the world the conversation got on this track, and what's going on with the Fount. 'I dare not try to Trump anyone yet, I don't want to interrupt them if they're....But are they okay...?'

Raevyn fans her Trumps, looks at them briefly. She debates checking the hallway, but stays in her seat next to Jasra, waiting. She sighs. "There has to be someway I can help them, but...I don't know what I can do, really, and not from here. Trumping may distract them, and I have no sorcery...but waiting to find out what's happened to them..." She clamps her mouth shut, realizing she spoke outloud without meaning to, really.

Icebird

30th of December, 2004, 19:08

After he accidently blasts Rebis, Arrotel stands up again and dusts himself off.

"Just thought I might give our enemies a chance, eh? Now back to not killing eachother, again."

Let's not do that again... What next?

He'll drag Ethan out of the line of sight from the doorway as best he can, after which he'll try and pull up the sign again and deflect any sorcery or logrus tendrils coming from the sorceress.

I've never been much good in a fight... but I feel downright useless here. Perhaps it's time for more fencing lessons from Dad after this is over.

Pygysys

30th of December, 2004, 19:25

Finding her feet pinned, Kat casts an incredulous stare at the sorceress on the catwalk and again mutters a curse under her breath. Rather than struggle, she just prepares to defend herself against any attacks that might come her way. She looks to the archer also, waiting to see what his next move is and who he might choose as his next target.

Thanos

31st of December, 2004, 01:03

Unless the downed lizards sword is within easy kicking distance Heldrik scambles for his own sword, knowing that he is pretty much screwed if it comes to hand to hand combat with most of these things. Once he scoops it up he prepares for combat with the lizard men that have been coming his way.
Heldrik will try to pull the unharmed lizard man out of range of the hurt one so that they can't both come at him all at once. In fighting the active one he will try and hurt the guy so that he can't hurt the trapped Kat if Heldrik goes down.

Shutter

31st of December, 2004, 19:43

Not dead, but not in good shape either. Checking first for impending arrows Roland darts over to the man in armour, noting that Kat hasn't moved from her position on the floor. Damn magicians...Damn, they got Ethan. Roland quickly ducks down and grabs a bow and quiver from the dead guardsmen. Can't take my eye off that archer...he's too damn good....Hmmm.

Roland tosses the bow and quiver down towards Kat, probably a laborious proccess given that he may be dodging/deflecting incoming fire in the meantime.

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 07:58

" She sighs. "There has to be someway I can help them, but...I don't know what I can do, really, and not from here. Trumping may distract them, and I have no sorcery...but waiting to find out what's happened to them..." She clamps her mouth shut, realizing she spoke outloud without meaning to, really."Well, if you are concerned, do you have any other allies you could call? I am beginning to recover my senses, if not my strength. Good news, they have not gained control of the Fount. Bad news, they have not stopped trying. Where are my husband's men? Guard!"

One of the guards steps inside: "Yes, milady?"

"Send word to the Lions, they are to assault the Inner Keep with the aim of regaining control of it. Try to capture rather than kill any interlopers, and help any why seem to be defending the Fount."

"But milady...the Lions have turned against us! Even now, they are barricaded in their barracks, while we hold them there, for we are too few to carry an assault." He looks distressed, as one might expect.

"There must be some mistake, or treachery. I must call my husband...my dear, open that drawer there in the bedside table. Yes, that's the one. Hand me the Trumps there, please." If Raevyn does, she shuffles out Dalt's. "I am weak, will you assist me please in calling him? And, if by some chance he has betrayed us or is under some compulsion, be prepared to defend us."

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 08:38

Arrotel pulls Ethan out of the line of the doorway, but he is bleeding badly. He will probably die within a few minutes if not helped. Arrotel then brings up the Pattern as a shield against mystical attacks.

On the floor, Heldrik retrieves his blade and moves to interpose himself between Kat and the oncoming lizard. This one slows and remains out of sword range, looking around at the situation, eyeing the golden blade, content to remain a threat.

Roland back into the doorway, over the fallen man, and picks up the nearest bow and arrows. Tossing them to Katarzyna, he steps back into the doorway and surveys the situation. The archer seems to be waiting to see which way the troops will jump, knowing that his side has the advantage in sorcery while the other has more fighters.

The woman in blue and white has mounted the stairway, and is hurrying toward the doorway. The one in lavender makes a gesture, and Roland is pushed backward into the corridor. The door then slams, and Roland, Arrotel and Rebis are trapped outside with three dying men.

Rebis begins using his Logrus tendrils to try to open the door, saying, "Arrotel, keep that Pattern out of my way, would you?"

In the main chamber, the door to the roof opens, and a woman in brown and gold enters, calmly descending the staircase with a Trump in her hand.

Pygysys

1st of January, 2005, 10:19

Kat is more than happy to accept the bow toss from Roland and scrambles to nock an arrow and take aim even though she's unsure of who should be the target. She does settle on the archer, but doesn't fire at him just yet.

When the door slams, locking Roland and the others out, Kat mutters to Heldrik, "This has not been a good day." The arrival of the woman in brown and gold leads Kat to call out, "I don't suppose you're open to negotiation at all? I'm really not all that fond of dying for an unknown cause."

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 10:40

LynMars

1st of January, 2005, 11:43

Raevyn does as Jasra asks, but is frowning as she hands her the Trumps. "Of course, but...We were told it was Dalt leading the assault. I suppose it could have been trickery, but...What if it is betrayal?" She sits back down next to the bed, her hand carefully resting on Jasra's shoulder. "I suppose it'll give us an answer on that count. I'll do what I can to help, but we should be cautious in calling him."

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 12:42

"I have to know...and I will know, when I see him. He never could hide anything from me. If there is a problem, just break the contact. I'm sure if you can make a Trump, you can break a contact easily enough. Then we will know more than we do now." She shuffles out Dalt's and holds it up for Raevyn to touch. "Let us just see..."

The contact comes immediately, and the two women see Dalt inside a room filled with his mercenaries. "Jasra! You have returned! Tell your men to leave off their seige of us. I have the report from my officers - someone impersonated me to cause just this situation."

She studies him for a moment, then says, "All right. We need you in the Inner Keep. Someone - Chaos probably - is trying to take control of the Fount."

"I will go as soon as your troops open the way." He looks at her with a strange look - caring? Then he turns away.

Covering the card, Jasra calls, "Guards! Attend me!"

The door opens, and the veteran comes in. "Tell my troops the Lions are not their enemies. Tell them there was a mistake, and they need to cooperate to retake the Inner Keep. Take my signet, and go, quickly!" At this, she hands him a ring from her hand.

Nodding, he bolts out the door. "Well, let us hope that solves that problem."

Shutter

1st of January, 2005, 14:15

Pygysys

1st of January, 2005, 16:50

The woman in lavender finishes up whatever mystical machinations she was doing toward the door, and says, "Certainly. You can surrender your weapons, and you will be exchanged or paroled. I'm not interested in starting blood feuds with Amber. This is ancient Hendrake shadow, and we're retaking it now. House Hendrake lays claim to it by right of ownership, blood and conquest."
Kat considers the option put forth and says, "I was hoping you would offer to surrender but I suppose that was optimistic of me." If nothing else, maybe this chit chat can buy us time to think of a way out of here.

In an effort to show she is taking the conversation seriously, she lowers the aim of her bow but the arrow remains nocked. "I'm a little uncertain of such claims you put forth, though I certainly can't disagree with the manner in which you're currently laying claim to it. Might I know who it is we're dealing with? Aside from your House of course, though I must admit I know nothing of it."

LynMars

1st of January, 2005, 17:02

Raevyn nods as the guard bolts away. "I just wish there was something more I could do to help them...But I think I'd get in the way down there...And I hope they don't immediately attack Dalt and his men, still thinking they're on..." She blinks, and holds Roland's Trump. "Perhaps I should try to let him know what's going on..."

She'll try to contact Roland, though if he's trying to block due to distractions, she'll stop.

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 17:17

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 17:20

Without wasting the time to curse at being shoved back Roland falls to his knees and begins applying first aid to Ethan and the two guardsmen. What are the odds that our chaos lord friend here is going to get that door open? Damned slim...damnit, I hear talking....wish I could hear better.
Shaking his head, Rebis leaves off trying to pry open the door, and readies and casts a spell upon Ethan. "Bind the wounds, and he should live. That should help a lot. Now, let's all get back, I am going to blast open the door." Helping Roland carry the wounded men back, and waving Arrotel back as well, Rebis prepares to do something violent.

Wired*Nun

1st of January, 2005, 17:24

She'll try to contact Roland, though if he's trying to block due to distractions, she'll stop.
Roland receives a Trump call from Raevyn.

Shutter

1st of January, 2005, 18:39

Roland accepts the call, applying pressure to stop the bleeding. The concern pours through the Trump contact, worry, and a burning desire to make things right...Frustration.

"Raevyn, bad things here. Chaos lords have taken the Fount room, Kat, Dunstan, Helrdik are still inside, out numbered, out gunned. Ethan is down." Focus...Yes...Very Likely... "I think it's very likely that there is a well stocked first aid kit just outside Jasra's room, can you grab it and give it to me?"

LynMars

1st of January, 2005, 19:21

Raevyn blinks as Roland opens the contact and proceeds to rattle off orders. "Um, okay...I know something about healing, from my mother...Roland, Dalt didn't do it, he was...set up, I guess, someone impersonated him. He's sending men as soon as he can, maybe show up himself. I'll be down as soon as I can..."

She moves to break the contact.

Shutter

1st of January, 2005, 19:37

"Wait!" Roland throws up a blood covered hand to slow her from breaking the contact, which may or may not succeed. "No need to walk Rae, grab the kit and come through." Should have mentioned that we knew about Dalt...didn't seem essential...bah.

Pygysys

1st of January, 2005, 20:17

The woman smiles, and Kat remembers a Trump she once saw, in her uncle's hand so long ago...Dara, mother of Merlin. "I realize you are stalling, but it doesn't matter. The longer you talk, the more we consolidate our hold. Witness - " she gestures to her left, at the woman in gold and brown. This one places the Trump she holds on the floor and, drawing a rectangle in the air, opens a Trump gate seemingly into the wall. Immediately, man-shaped creatures enter the room, dark blue, with pebbled skin, bristling with long knives and cunningly-wrought crossbows. They spread out on the catwalk, guarding the doors, some pointing their crossbows at the two Amberites on the floor.

"You have no cards to play. I would rather not risk killing you, but I will have them fire to wound, then subdue you.""I know you," says Kat, "You are Lady Dara and knowing that, I trust you know something of the situation in Amber. If you do, you might want to consider a ceasefire and a withdrawal of your troops, albeit only a temporary withdrawal." I hope you know what I'm referring to. Not a good idea to accidentally kill the children of the father's just because of bad timing.

Kat takes the arrow from her bow and slides it slowly into the quiver, "You perhaps weren't aware of how accurate your earlier words were, Lady of the Courts. It will not take much to spark a blood feud with Amber at this point, especially knowing who currently enjoys Dunstan's hospitality. So I again put it to you to withdraw your troops, at least for twenty-four hours thereby allowing the guests of this Keep to also withdraw, guests who are here at the behest of King Random himself. Guests who's parents will wage war with you should harm befall their children, especially at this point in time." Especially Gerard! He's already lost a son whom he'd just met, imagine the fury if his daughter came to harm at the hands of denizens of the Courts.

LynMars

1st of January, 2005, 20:35

Raevyn blinks. "Oh, right...um...Let me talk to Jasra first, I'll call you back in a moment...

She breaks the contact and looks at Jasra. "I told Roland, but now they need my help...I need a first aid kit, and have to go down there...I'm sorry..I'll try to get back here, if I can..." She pauses, and hands Jasra the spare Trump of herself she has left, the one she meant to give to Landon before he disappeared. "Try to call me if you need anything?"

Unless Jasra protests strongly, Raevyn will find the aid kit (asking the guard if necessary) and Trump Roland again to be drawn through.

[You know, now that I think about it...Duh...Distractions, I blame it on...]

Wired*Nun

2nd of January, 2005, 10:14

It is the work of only a moment to check with the guards outside. As luck would have it, they point at a young man in fine, but somewhat odd, clothing, who is just coming up with a bag in his hands...hands that are covered with blood. "I came when I could, but there are many wounded..."

"That's the physician, milady," says one of the guards.

"Yes, I am, and may I see the Mistress?" He starts to enter the room when Jasra says, "I am fine, Althen, but this young lady has need of your services. Go to the east portal of the Inner Keep where you will find wounded to treat."

"Yes, Mistress," he says, and takes off down the corridor at a run. "Better follow him, Raevyn, it's probably just as fast as Trumping and not nearly as dangerous. I'll call you with this" - holding out the Trump of Raevyn - "if I need to."

LynMars

2nd of January, 2005, 11:00

Raevyn nods. "All right..." She takes off after the physician, hoping she'll be of some use there, and that the lady will be all right until she or another friendly can get back; in her current state, she's not entirely capable, despite her forceful personality. Raevyn tries to catch up, and follows to the Portal.

Wired*Nun

2nd of January, 2005, 12:20

Down the corridor to the left, and left again, and Raevyn sees the cluster of men on the floor in front of the door. Ahead of her, Althen pushes Roland gently out of the way, saying, "All right, let me handle this."

Using a curved knife, he strips Ethan out of his armor and padding. Applying pressure with one hand, he fishes a piece of soft leather out of his bag and wraps it across the holes in front and back. "Clean wound, very fortunate. Sharp spear, it looks." He splashes something liberally from a bottle, soaking the soft leather, and after compressing the chest to maximum, he binds the leather under wads of pads, wrapping the whole thing in cloth. This all takes no more than two minutes in his deft hands. "He should live...but his pulse and respiration are very high. He needs to be brought to the infirmary." Looking back at the other two, he clucks his tongue. "These are beyond help, I'm afraid."

Icebird

2nd of January, 2005, 14:39

Arrotel will drop the pattern when Telloth contacts him, and respond "The door is blocked, so we may all need to come through soon. Be ready to get closer to the floor."

To Rebis- "Don't blast it. I can get us in more quitely any time we want, and anywhere in the room, through Telloth. Dara just showed up too, along with some chaos troops. I'll call Benedict- he'll help us keep this place away from chaos, even if he's not entierly fond of the courrent owners."

If no one objects, he'll do exactly that, explaining the situation in a few sentances if contact occurs.

LynMars

2nd of January, 2005, 15:17

Raevyn assists Althen in whatever way he needs, having some practice at it from when her mother was still alive. She at least sees that the other two men are comfortable, if the physician says nothing can be done...

"Arrotel, Dalt and his men are on the way already, and I don't know that bringing one of the other Elders here is a good idea or necessary yet--I'd thought about it earlier, myself, but there are too many variables to it...It'd be giving the place over to Amber instead of Chaos, and we don't know what that would do yet except cause more political strife. Not to mention I doubt Jasra or Dunstan would be happy about that. Let's hold off on running to our parents until we're certain there are no other options--Kat, Dunstan, and Heldrik are still inside, right? They may be able to do something..."

She looks around, glances at Roland. "Where's Josh? You didn't mention him being one of the ones inside still..."

Shutter

2nd of January, 2005, 15:49

Roland steps back when the better equipped man steps in to help. "Arrow from a Chaos Lord, may have been enchanted...where did it go?..." He looks around for the arrow in question, saddened to be playing forensic detective yet again.

LynMars:She looks around, glances at Roland. "Where's Josh? You didn't mention him being one of the ones inside still..."
Roland shakes his head sadly. "I don't know Rae, he was struck in the head with a warhammer, hard, by a very strong man. Somehow he Trumped out, I haven't had time to check on him yet." If he's back in Jordan he's had...maybe 3 hours? Give him some more time... "A hell of a lot of planning went in to this, they were all atuned to the magic of this place very specificaly, only took a gesture to cast spells...Raevyn, can you work your magic to keep us somewhat safe from their spells? ...Shit...Aarotel, what kind of troops? How many?" Time for the ring yet boy?...

Tamarind

2nd of January, 2005, 17:26

"Roland? The swiftness of their spellcasting is an advantage conferred by mastery of the Logrus - it's ever-shifting nature removes the necessity to attune to the magic of a Shadow."

Turning to Arrotel he continues,

"Definitely preferable to rushing an entrance they are doubtless guarding, however I would recommend that I blast the door just beforehand - it will provide a useful distraction whilst simultaneously providing a cleared means of access for Dalt's troops if they should need it."

"I can also furnish a vicious ice-storm to cover our assault, if we wish. It should provide ample cover for our initial moves and if we are fortunate may incapacitate some of them as well. I believe I can shape it in such a fashion as to ensure our allies are unharmed. I would recommend that we focus our efforts on Dara and the sorceressess initially, they are clearly key to their efforts to gain control of the Fount..."

Rebis pauses, suddenly aware that he is amongst strangers,

"Of course, these are merely suggestions..."

Thanos

2nd of January, 2005, 17:49

Heldrik, standing near Kat, is keeping his guard up. At each new problem his mind carefully calculates his continued survival as a dwindling number closer and closer to zero. Even as Kat starts negotiating for their lives, Heldrik keeps himself on guard trying to find the best position to keep them both safe. When Dara actually accepts the proposition for parlay, Heldrik lowers his sword to follow Kat’s example, but does not put it away. Instead he looks for Arrotel and Rebis’s familiars to see if they are watching the proceedings, but does not let his eyes stop on them if they are about the room somewhere.
[if they are there he waits patiently for reinforcements, if they are or not he will attempt to pull up the sign of the pattern, with no external show of effort in the slightest. Given sufficient time he will mind walk it as well, once again without external show of effort.]

LynMars

2nd of January, 2005, 19:55

Raevyn looks up at Roland. "I have no sorcery, but I can Summon the Pattern, which will defend against Logrus magic, at least...I'll try to do whatever you think I'd be best at..."

'Josh struck...I hope he's all right...I'll try to call him, or go to Jorden, when things are calmer...Perhaps he's with Vela...Focus! What's he saying...'

Icebird

3rd of January, 2005, 09:33

Benedict's trump disappears up Arrotel's sleeve, away for the moment but still easily accessible.

"We are clearly outmatched by their mystical power, and I doubt that force of arms will be enough to overcome that. As for the troops that entered, they are blue with pebbly skin and long knives, as well as high tension projectile weapons. Crossbows," he adds a moment later.

"The ice storm sounds good- perhaps another full scale attack on our part isn't the best way to proceed. If we were to come in, try and grab the sorceress and Dara in the confusion of blasted door and snowstorm, then trump back to someone waiting around the corner with an already open connection?"

Tamarind

3rd of January, 2005, 11:24

"I am not so certain, if you ward yourselves with Pattern first and we can reach them swiftly then we may well find the tables turned - it is generally the case that those of a more...mystical...persuasion are less able in the martial disciplines, where it would seem the greater part of our own strength lies. The ability to withdraw swiftly at need would however be a definite advantage, with such a fallback we could merge these plans - first disable the sorceresses and then swiftly assess the situation and if the signs are favourable proceed to seize the room, if not retreat via the link with the captives?"

Tamarind

3rd of January, 2005, 12:43

A thought occurs to Rebis,

"Arrotel, if I were able to procure you trumps of our adversaries would you be able to put them to good use? I may be able to seize the Trumps from one or more of them via the Logrus but the attempt would be clearly visible to them, so I would hesitate to do so until they are distracted..."

Wired*Nun

3rd of January, 2005, 13:12

"I know you," says Kat, "You are Lady Dara and knowing that, I trust you know something of the situation in Amber. If you do, you might want to consider a ceasefire and a withdrawal of your troops, albeit only a temporary withdrawal." "Babble. Ah, I tried. Ready, shoot to wound: Fire." A dozen hard-driven crossbow bolts fly in the two's direction, along with one bronze-headed arrow. With two bolts in her left leg and one in her right, Kat tries to shut down the pain and hold onto her bow. Despite tying to dodge, Heldrik also has one in each leg, and the arrow is driven into the floor through the top of his right foot, pinning him there. The pain is horrendous, and his concentration is broken.

"Take them. Do not kill them if you can help it." Six of the blue fighters sling thier bows and head down to the floor to carry out Dara's command. The last unharmed lizard advances carefully, toward Kat, staying well out of Heldrik's reach. The woman in brown and gold grabs one of her men, says something to him, and sends him through the Trump gate.

Shutter

3rd of January, 2005, 13:12

Raevyn looks up at Roland. "I have no sorcery, but I can Summon the Pattern, which will defend against Logrus magic, at least...I'll try to do whatever you think I'd be best at..."
"Summon the Pattern then, we need whatever defense we can get. Rebis, your plan sounds like a good one. I'm not sure why you're here and helping, but I am glad that you are. Aarotel, can you put me anywhere I want in that room?" What enemies am I about to make for myself?..Worry about that one later...and worry about whether or not that's a dumb thing to put off later too.

Icebird

3rd of January, 2005, 13:13

"Certainly. I have had little chance to test myself against others, but my only experience led to success, even though I was unprepared and my adversary was an elder from Amber. If you get me a trump, I will likely disable them. Assuming they accept my call, of course."

Shutter

3rd of January, 2005, 13:17

Raevyn looks up at Roland. "I have no sorcery, but I can Summon the Pattern, which will defend against Logrus magic, at least...I'll try to do whatever you think I'd be best at...""Summon the Pattern then, we need whatever defense we can get. Rebis, your plan sounds like a good one. I'm not sure why you're here and helping, but I am glad that you are. Aarotel, can you put me anywhere I want in that room? If you take Dara by mind, I will take her by force, combined we might be equal to it." What enemies am I about to make for myself?..Worry about that one later...and worry about whether or not that's a dumb thing to put off later too.

Icebird

3rd of January, 2005, 13:22

"I'll have to go with you, as will anyone else comeing into the room. Rebis, can you drop that storm from out here? I'de prefer not sending Telloth into the middle of the room without distraction. Pattern is good."

With a sigh, Arrotel begins pulling up the pattern sign. Again... Perhaps I should just keep it up until I go to bed.

Wired*Nun

3rd of January, 2005, 13:26

Through Telloth's eyes, Arrotel sees a large bat alight next to the bird. It seems to smile. "Ready when you are," it says in Thari.

A rhythmic pounding begins somewhere. It seems far off to those in the corridor, but those inside the inner keep can see it is coming from the door to the left of their original entrance.

LynMars

3rd of January, 2005, 13:30

Once she's not needed to help with the wounded, and they're seen away to relative safety, Raevyn starts summoning the Sign as well, mindful of Rebis, focusing on defense, for herself and the others. "Just tell me what you need done," she says to Roland, trying to keep her voice even. In reality, she's somewhere between excited and afraid.

Icebird

3rd of January, 2005, 13:49

Arrotel will check to see if Alamor is still on the ground. If not,

"Hmm... A large bat just told me that it's ready when we are. Anyone know any large bats other than Alamor?"

If Alamor isn't on the floor, then Arrotel will respond through the connection.

"Good. I wasn't sure just how tough the transition makes you, but I'm glad that you're still here. We're going to get a snowstorm, come in and wreak some havoc, then see if we need to leave."

Tamarind

3rd of January, 2005, 13:50

"I'll have to go with you, as will anyone else comeing into the room. Reis, can you drop that storm from out here?""Indeed, it will take a moment only to prepare - when you are all ready I will proceed..."

Let us hope we are not too late...

"You are welcome to my aid Roland, I hope it will be sufficient. When you are all ready give the word and I shall initiate the attack"

Rebis again separates a tendril and sets it to ward himself, then readies the parameters of the spell, poised to cast it into the room when the word is given. As Drax conveys the image of Kat and Heldrik being shot he winces,

"They've opened fire - I suggest you go now!"

Shutter

3rd of January, 2005, 14:00

Roland stoops to pick up a bow and quiver from the fallen archers if possible. He hands them to Raevyn with a nod. Just in case little cousin. "I'm ready, put us as close to Dara as possible." Blade in hand he calms himself for battle.

LynMars

3rd of January, 2005, 14:09

Raevyn nods as she absently takes the bow and arrows; they won't be very useful unless she drops the Sign, as it does require some concentration. She waits, as ready as she'll ever be.

Tamarind

3rd of January, 2005, 14:13

With a gesture Rebis unleashes the raging icicles within the room, the sound of the storm faintly audible even through the thick door before them.

Icebird

3rd of January, 2005, 14:17

To Telloth- "Go for Dara. We'll come through when you get close."

"I knew there was a reason not to pull up the pattern again."

Arrotel will drop it again and offer a hand to everyone who wants to come.

Shutter

3rd of January, 2005, 14:23

Roland takes Aarotel's hand with his left and braces himself.

Thanos

3rd of January, 2005, 14:57

With a cry of rage and pain Heldrik easily slices the back of the arrow holding his foot to the floor and lifts it off, as the arrow head is stuck in the floor. Blood flows everywhere, but Heldrik has had problems with this foot before except Gray isn't here to help this time. Knowing that he is likely doomed, he falls to his knee's after stumbling over to Kat, making sure that his back is to her. That done he makes ready for a last defense against the monsters, his arms needing to defend less area should be able to hold off the monsters coming for him, even if he wont have much opertunity to hurt them.

[Yes, I have fought with a greatsword with my legs strapped down with my back to a big tree against 3 foes. Its not easy, mind you, one of the toughest things I have done physically in my entire life, but I held out for 10 minutes against a sword+shield, a Pole Arm, and a Florintener.....I did end up taking the Florintine with me when he impailed himself to let the others get a chance at me, but they were tired of the fight, while I was just plain tired.]

Pygysys

3rd of January, 2005, 15:43

Kat screams in agony as the bolts thud into her flesh as she is unable to even attempt to dodge. Needing something to focus on, she tries to tighten her grip on the bow and push down the pain she feels, no easy task. A task she aids herself with by slinging obscenities in her natural tongue at the approaching fighters allowing for her anger to rise above the pain.

Not wanting to go without some last struggle, she forces herself to deal with the pain at hand and wait, shutting her mouth except for snarls of pain and fury. If any of the advancing enemy makes the mistake of getting too close in their attempt to take her, she attempts to drive the end of the bow itself into their face. Her hope is to blind one of the creatures, maybe more.

Tamarind

3rd of January, 2005, 15:53

The spell cast, Rebis glances at the young woman near him,

"Raevyn, have you Trumps of Heldrik or the lady warrior? If so I think they would welcome rescue - their wounds are severe"

LynMars

3rd of January, 2005, 15:55

Distracdedly: "Heldrik said he didn't want Trumps made, though I was going to anyway when I had the chance--Too much disadvantage to not have them...Kat's I have." She's ready to step through whenever.

Wired*Nun

4th of January, 2005, 06:02

Wired*Nun

4th of January, 2005, 06:38

Rebis attempts to cast his spell, to resolve inside the Inner Keep, placed through Drax's eyes. However, he feels the target location inaccessible - there must be something blocking the resolution of the spell inside the Inner Keep. He hastily retracts the spell before it resolves, and contemplates his next move.

Telloth drops from the ceiling, in a flash stooping on one of the blue men near Dara. Drax follows with a tiny roar, and breathes fire in Dara's direction, which is turned aside at a gesture. The bat is right behind, and morphs into the figure of Alamor, with clawed hands and feet, who falls directly upon Dara. He and she go down in a heap, and her form begins to rapidly change even while they wrestle upon the catwalk. Telloth, after opening a slash on the arm of his target, lands on the other side of Dara, where there is some room to stand.

The six commandos and the lizard assigned to assault the wounded Amberites converge on them in a rush and a frantic defense by Heldrik and his blade starts two of them to burning. It's too much for them to stand against, though, and they are being ploughed under and pummeled into insensibility in short order.

The big warrior is still being ministered to. The archer draws and shoots Drax, who squeals and flops down to the foor. The woman in brown and gold seems to be waiting for the next event.

Shutter

4th of January, 2005, 07:43

Roland steps through and immediately falls upon Dara with his sword. He won't strike to kill just now, but won't hesitate to try and remove limbs. While he fights he circles for positioning, and to scan the room with his periferal vision. His first priority is to cause trouble for Dara, second to get the archer in view, third to see how Kat and Heldrik are doing.

Seeing Alamor puzzles the hell out of Roland at first, luckily it is a puzzle that can wait. While it attacks Dara, it is an ally.

Where the hell is that ice storm we needed? That archer will have a field day. I hope you have some other plan for him Rebis...

Tamarind

4th of January, 2005, 18:51

Rebis' eyes blaze angrily as Drax's pain flows down the link, stepping through he immediately casts the Tempest as he had intended, trusting to his swirling defensive tendril to protect him at least initially

LynMars

4th of January, 2005, 19:32

Raevyn waits until Rebis is through to step through herself, Pattern up and ready to defend against other Chaos magics, looking for Kat, Heldrik, and Dunstan. The scene in the room startles her. She focuses more on her Summoned Sign, moving away from Rebis so as not to disrupt his magic.

Icebird

6th of January, 2005, 10:59

Arrotel stands there staring at Heldrick and Kat for a moment, then decides how best to make himself usefull. Finding a wall somewhere nearby to stand with his back to, he pulls out a deck of cards (normal ones, not trumps) and begins throwing them at the archer as a distraction, as hard as he can.

Hehe... Perhaps the most laughable attack ever attampted against a chaosite.
Excelent! Maybe I can put his eye out if he ignores me.

Wired*Nun

6th of January, 2005, 11:47

Roland goes through first, and immediately stabs for the nearest flailing limb of Dara's rapidly-changing form. He connects, feeling Smoke bite shallowly through the rapidly-thickening armor.

Rebis follows immediately, triggering his ice storm with the final lynchpin, too fast for any opposition to counter. As Alamor and Roland would both be at risk shoudl he include Dara, he does not. Unfortunately, the spherical radius of the tempest does not allow him to include the mob of figures on the true floor, nor the archer.

The two sorceresses immediately ward themselves with Logrus shields, protecting themselves from the worst of the blasts. The wounded fighter seems little the worse for wear, either the armor or the sorceress' ward protecting him from the icy blast. The other six blue men are knocked down, sliced up, and half-frozen for their trouble.

Raevyn stept through next, and moves the only way she can, toward the archer, the Sign resonating inside her, her hands up in a defensive stance the way her father taught her.

Arrotel steps through, puts his back to the nearest wall, and begins flipping the cards with relatively high accuracy past Raevyn, across the intervening 30 feet or so - striking the man with as many as half of them. He is quite surprised, and, not knowing that the cards are harmless, endeavors to try to dodge them all. This causes him to aim poorly when he releases the arrow in Arrotel's direction. Unfortunately for Arrotel, thirty feet is pretty close for an archer. By sheer luck, or maybe the guy is just that good, the arrow punches a hole in Arrotel's card-throwing hand before skipping off the wall and burying itself in the far stone facing.
Roland continues to strike at Dara, taking care not to hit Alamor. It becomes much more difficult as the fallout from the ice storm swirls over them, obscuring vision and dropping the temperature like a spring blizzard.

Icebird

6th of January, 2005, 12:00

Arrotel screams as his hand is pierced, then heads for the archer at a full run, still yelling as he draws and extends his staff with the other hand, holding it more like a sword than a staff. He'll try to give the archer's bow a good crack, then attack with unnerving ferocity for the normally calm person they have seen before.

I've lived through worse... I've lived through worse... Ok, who am I trying to fool? I've never been hurt worse. He will though, in a few moments...

LynMars

6th of January, 2005, 12:21

Raevyn takes in the scene, searching for their comrades. Dunstan (last seen thrown to the floor by one of the sorceresses) is on the ground, across the way. If she could get around to him...But that would mean getting a little too near the lizard warriors...

Then Arrotel is shot, and goes screaming past her, startling her enough that her concentration wavers. She refocuses quickly and moves to help her injured cousin with the archer, moving up along to the side in an attempt to flank, mainly serving to distract with her slower-than-usual blows, as she has to concentrate on the Sign. 'Least I can help him here...One thing at a time, perhaps...And this fellow is a threat to all...'

Shutter

6th of January, 2005, 12:39

That wolf!...he seems sturdy, I hope he doesn't take offense easily... Recognizing that Alamor regenerates to at least some extent Roland begins to pay less and less concern to hitting him on accident, focusing on striking Dara as hard and as often as he can, wherever he can....what is she turning into? Out of the corner of his eye Roland sees that Kat and Heldrik are in danger of being taken, all the more reason to try and end this quickly.

Arrotel's cry of pain followed by the ricochet of an arrow tells Roland everything he needs to know there without looking. He'll be ok...likely just passed through some muscle...Come on Dara...open up.

Tamarind

6th of January, 2005, 13:34

As soon as the spell is cast Rebis utters another word and a shimmering watery barrier forms around himself and the melee of Roland, Alamor and Dara

That should keep their powers at bay for a time...

Wired*Nun

8th of January, 2005, 10:09

Between Arrotel's wild attack and Raeven's more skilled but distracted one, the archer falls back, then turns to run as fast as he can around the circumference of the catwalk. Arrotel is right behind him, and they outdistance Raevyn quickly, as she is concentrating on keeping up the Pattern as well.

Turning suddenly, using the rail as a handhold, the man ducks under Arrotel's staff and pokes him in the gut with the tip of his bow. Stepping back, he uses the brief respite to toss his bow behind him and draw two slim metal batons. Immediately, the two are locked in a flurry of staff and baton blows.

Telloth uses the confusion to get back into the air, and, avoiding the worst of the storm, beats his wings for altitude.

Raevyn takes the opportunity to descend the staircase nearest her, to the floor. She runs quickly around the pile of struggling bodies subduing Kat and Heldrik, to find Dunstan on the ground. Her medical training shows he that he probably has head trauma and a concussion, as well as other bruises and scrapes, but he is not bleeding nor are any bones obviously broken.

Roland's blows seem to have prompted Dara to something like panic. The pace of her change suddenly accelerates, and she quickly transforms into a wounded but still deadly-looking armadillo-like creature. His blows now seem to be doing no damage at all, cutting only a half-inch or so into the bony plates, so he begins stabbing for the interstices. The creature she has become is also very strong, and tosses Alamor off of her with apparent ease. He sails over the railing, to land lightly on his feet near Raevyn and Dunstan. "She'll be very tough but slow now, swordsman," calls Alamor in Roland's direction. "But the speed of her change tells me that she has given herself up to madness for a time - she could be anything in a moment."

Kat and Heldrik are unconscious and the five unwounded Hendrake creatures carry them rapidly across the floor to the opposite stairway and into the swirling mists. These mists are rapidly thinning, as something or someone has dispelled the storm.

Rebis forms the barrier around himself, Dara and Roland, and feels his spell being rapidly swept away by one of the sorceresses. The thinning mist reveals a blue man with a net, apparently just come from the Trump gate. At a gesture from the woman in brown and gold, the man whirls it around his head once and casts it at Roland and Rebis. Fortunately for them, it strikes the watery barrier and slides off, falling to the floor.

The sorceress curses quietly and says, "I have a private hell reserved for you, boy." At the same time, she strikes with her Logrus tendrils, ripping at the barrier, tearing at its substance. Rebis meets hers with his, and feels as if he could win a straight-up tendril fight. Unfortunately, he is growing weary, whilst she looks fresh. She will just outlast me...

Those with a moment to notice also see that the big man is back on his feet - not looking in tip-top condition, but not bad for just having an arrow through the mouth. The sorceress in blue and white is also ready again, though she also looks very tired, as well as bloodied.

At this moment, the door [left of the original entry] begins to buckle. Someone is breaking it down. Seeing this, the big man runs down the stairs nearest him past those carrying the Amberites, heading to the floor. The woman in white and blue walks wearily toward her fellow sorceress.

Tamarind

8th of January, 2005, 13:18

Seeing Heldrik and the woman being borne away Rebis reaches out with his own tendrils to save them, despatching the separated tendril flitting around him to combat the sorceress' tendril assault

Any delay will help...

Realising that he cannot save both at once he first grasps Heldrik, seeking to teleport him to a place of relative safety within the barrier, just behind where he is standing himself.

Shutter

9th of January, 2005, 04:54

"She'll be very tough but slow now, swordsman," calls Alamor in Roland's direction. "But the speed of her change tells me that she has given herself up to madness for a time - she could be anything in a moment.""Thanks! Get the boy out!" Roland calls over his shoulder as he renews his assault on Dara's armoured form. Strong but slow for now...Strength needs legs... Circling and attacking Roland makes sure to watch Dara's feet. Any attack she'll launch will need a solid base, and the feet should be the key there. Eyes, ears, places to breathe, places to bend...you must attack where they are weakest boy! Send your blade where it will most be felt. Old lessons, still being put to use. Smoke lashes out, digging into the softest part of Dara it can find. Any goal of merely harming Dara has fallen away, any opening will be siezed, the more lethal, the more painful, the better.

"Go Dara. Enough blood for one day." Can she even hear me? What must it be like to do that?

At no point does Roland say to himself, "I am trying to kill the mother of the King of Chaos. Is this wise?" Friends are in danger, politics can wait.

LynMars

10th of January, 2005, 01:08

Raevyn checks Dunstan over quickly, though there's not much she can do in this situation. She drags him off to the nearest free wall, getting both of them out of the way and somewhat protected on one side. Taking a chance and allowing her Pattern to drop, she pulls out her Trump of Jasra and focuses on it, waiting for the contact.

'Dunstan's hurt...We need to get him out of here...'

Icebird

10th of January, 2005, 08:26

In the momentary pause while he gets a bow in the gut, Arrotel mostly returns to his senses. He returns the staff to a more normal usage, struggling to ignore that pain from his wounded hand. He backs off a little, taking more defensive posture. His blows become lower when he makes them, aimed towards the knees and feet, trying to knock the archer down or off the catwalk.

"Normal playing cards. The explosive ones are on back order."

Wired*Nun

10th of January, 2005, 16:39

Rebis' attempt to drag Heldrik through Shadow to himself succeeds - sort of. His three captors come with him, clinging to his body with dogged determination. As soon as they arrive near Rebis, they let go, leaping for the young sorcerer. The physical assault of the three and the tendril assault of the sorceress collapse all his barriers, and Rebis has only a fraction of a second to decide what to do next before he will be bowled over by the three blue humanoids.

Alamor, for his part, leaps at the sorceress, sailing impossibly upward from the floor onto the catwalk. Seeing him coming, she shifts her tendrils to grasp him in midair, and tosses him across the room directly at the splintering door. It appears he has a certain power of levitation, as he turns himself to take the worst of the impact in his legs, slowing himself enough to bounce off and land on the catwalk. Next to him, the door finally bursts, spilling green-and-gold-clad men onto the catwalk. In an instant, a huge man swings his broadsword at Alamor, who leaps backward, falling over the railing and landing on his feet on the floor.

This brings him in range of the large warrior, who has scooped up the Chaos blade fallen earlier on and now, runs Alamor through from behind. "Kaya hath de nonin, nosferatu!" he cries, as Alamor collapses. Spying each other, the two huge men lunge for the same stairway, and look like they will meet about at the top.

The archer-cum-escrimador says to Arrotel, "Lucky me - lucky you, I was aiming for your chest." He executes a complex attack which strikes hard at Arrotel's hands. He feels his knuckles swell and his digits go numb as the batons connect, and he drops his staff with a clang, backing up.

Piet steps up behind Arrotel with sword and shield, a determined but uncertain look on his face. He obviously doesn't know who the good guys are here.

Roland chops determinedly away at Dara's feet, when she suddenly begins to change form again, very quickly. Elongating and crystallizing, she becomes taller, larger, made of angles and planes, hard to focus on. Some kind of Chaos beast... His blade skitters uselessly off the thing's crystalline hide as he backs up, searching for eyes or other weak spots. It is leaking what looks like pink jelly from earlier wounds, but the wounds are closing up with alarming rapidity. A crablike pincer snaps out at Roland, and he parries the thing as best he can backing up some more. Unfortunately Rebis is behind him, and he's having troubles of his own.

The woman in blue and white helps the wounded, half-frozen blue men through the Trump gate. The lizard and the last blue man carry Kat through the Trump gate, and she hisses something inaudible to these two as they leave. She then turns to regard the situation, too late to stop Raevyn from leaving with Dunstan. Seeing the Lions coming through the door, she stiffens, and makes a two handed gesture, speaking ominous words. A wave of fiery effluvium appears directly in front of the door, flooding the passageway behind with an inferno, effectively ending most of the Lions' intervention.

Raevyn reaches quickly through the Trump contact, and Jasra answers immediately. "Bring him through, my dear, I haven't the strength to hold him." Stepping through, Raevyn sets Dunstan on the foot of the bed as Jasra draws her feet out of the way. "Shit," she hears from behind her, and turns to regard the man she saw, so long ago, on the balcony the day her brother died.

Icebird

10th of January, 2005, 18:15

LynMars

11th of January, 2005, 06:16

Raevyn reaches quickly through the Trump contact, and Jasra answers immediately. "Bring him through, my dear, I haven't the strength to hold him." Stepping through, Raevyn sets Dunstan on the foot of the bed as Jasra draws her feet out of the way. "Shit," she hears from behind her, and turns to regard the man she saw, so long ago, on the balcony the day her brother died.
Raevyn starts a bit, staring at him a moment before regaining her senses. "Rinaldo?" she asks, wondering if he's really the enemy Dunstan thought him to be, or if Jasra called him here to help defend the Keep. She glances back at Jasra. "Why's he here, exactly?" Her tone should be pretty clearly asking if he's friend or foe.

'They took Kat...The Lions were stopped by flame...That Chaos Lord attacked, Arrotel's friend stabbed...Roland against Dara. Things aren't going well for us at all...Now's the time to call for assistance, perhaps, but must see what's going on here, first...'

Shutter

11th of January, 2005, 10:31

A crablike pincer snaps out at Roland, and he parries the thing as best he can backing up some more. Unfortunately Rebis is behind him, and he's having troubles of his own.From the sounds to his rear it is clear enough that Rebis needs help.

Beating back the pincer Roland pivots and sidesteps, placing Dara at his left and Rebis's attackers at his right, his back to the wall. With all the timing and speed that can be mustered Smoke lashes out to the right, hopefully biting into one of the blue skinned men and taking some of the heat off of Rebis. Rebis needs more room...So now you seek to fight four instead of just the one that was more than enough trouble?...

Across the room through a haze of snow, water, and chaos Katarzyna is pulled through the Trump gate. Roland's heart sinks even as his body continues to move. The urge to leap accross the railing and charge after her is strong indeed...But where would that leave his allies? Heldrik knocked out, Rebis nearly overwhelmed, that wolf impaled...And the Fount in the hands of hostile Chaos magicians. How long before they would be able to control it? And the Maze... Putting his concern and sadness aside he fights on, grim determination edging the calm fluididty of battle.

Tamarind

13th of January, 2005, 08:14

Can't hold off these three and the sorceress for long...need an unexpected move...

Rebis darts away from his attackers as a tendril uncoils from about him and lashes against the three creatures, holding them back. In the same instant he grasps with one of the tendrils attached to his arms and translocates himself and Heldrik to the floor a short distance away - disappearing and reappearing in an instant. As soon as he materialises he snaps the other tendril upwards lashing towards the head of the woman in brown and gold from her offside, striking hard hoping to catch her off guard with the combination of his translocation and sudden attack. Meanwhile the tendril above continues to attack the 3 blue skinned warriors, using its invisiblity and flexibility to its advantage, seeking to entangle, trip and confuse them.

Wired*Nun

13th of January, 2005, 08:36

"Blue men from chaos and their masters or Amberites doing your job defending the keep. Your choice, Lion." Arrotel says as he backs up towards Piet (who he's never met).

"There's no such thing as being lucky- the universe simply happens to owe me a favor."

If Piet looks like he's not about to kill Arrotel, he'll edge past him and try to find a safer spot, from which he'll pull out Gray's trump and give her a call.Peit still looks confused. "So which do you claim to be?" The archer uses this respite to retrieve his bow and run further down the catwalk, to the far corner between the original door and the Trump gate. There he nocks an arrow and looks for his next target, just in time to get Telloth's diving claws in his face. Screaming, he drops the bow and presses his hands to his ruined left eye. The woman in blue and white nearby sways on her feet and grasps the rail, looking as if she would like to do something but is just too tired.

Rebis detatches his shield tendril and orders it to entangle the three, and pulls himself and Heldrik through intervening shadow onto the floor a short distance away. Attempting to take the sorceress off guard, he finds himself again again struggling with her as she adjusts easily to his new position. The three blue men struggle briefly with the autonomous tendril, and it dissapates. This provides Roland enough time to hack one of them down while fending off the transformed Dara. Backing past the struggling blue men, he gets them all in front of himself, and uses that opportunity to finish off the other two just as they struggle free. At least there is a way out, now, if they can take it, through the door Dalt and Piet came in.

Dalt and the armored Chaosian clash at the top of the stairs, Dalt's large blade and conventional fencing style against the other man's smashing blows of the enchanted Chaos sword. A look of surprise comes over Dalt, and he switches hands, apparently feeling the numbing effect of his enemy's blade. The flame of the spell behind him further discomfits him, and he backs up, fighting a defensive fight, trying to avoid contact with the other man's sword. The Chaosian grins a fierce grin as he presses his advantage, and Dalt retreats toward his entrance and the few of his men still alive. "Get crossbows!" he bellows, and fights on grimly. Striking hard once, he leaps back and picks up a shield in his left hand, switching his sword back to his right, and uses the shield to reduce the effect of the enchanted blade. This seems to even the odds, except that the Chaosian is quickly hacking the shield up at the edges. It just wasn't made to take that kind of strength.

Into this mess of good news and bad comes the worse. Through the Trump gate, an enormous clawed, fanged, naked buddha-clone thing arrives. Barely squeezing through the gate, it smiles and, improbably, a loud voice issues forth from it. "At last, something FUN!" it roars from its ten-foot height, and the catwalk creaks ominously under its thousand-pound weight. Taking in the situation, it strides over and down the stairway, leaving cracks and dents on the surface where it walks. Telloth, spying this new target, climbs for altitude and eyes it speculatively. When it reaches the floor, it grows more, and then more, until it is at least twenty feet tall and, presumably, ten thousand or more pounds heavy. It is big enough to reach up to the catwalk, but it instead reaches toward Rebis.

The first of the Lions to arrive with a crossbow picks the biggest target, firing the bolt into the big thing's body. It sticks in the huge mountain of flesh like a pin in a man, with seemingly no effect.

Icebird

13th of January, 2005, 18:40

"I'm one of the ones they called in to help fight this off. If I had that thing on my side, I wouldn't need help, now would I?" Arrotel hangs his head and shakes it in mock despair. "I'll take care of him now. Make yourself useful. Blue men and giant monsters bad- Amberites good. Except for the vampire wolf of doom with the sword through him- he's good too. Comprendo?"

While saying this, Arrotel tries to find his staff again and heads for the archer with revenge and mayhem in mind.

I sure hope someone else can think of an answer for 'Mr. All is one after I squish it' over there, 'couse I sure can't.

Shutter

17th of January, 2005, 06:20

Roland's brief notion that he has a bit of breathing room is spoiled, quite thoroughly, by the approach of the fanged and clawed monstrosity he recalls reading about only a few days before. Merlin took one of those hand to hand? Circling Dara he quickly draws his second dagger with his left hand, leaving only the one in his boot. He adjusts his grip and hurls it at her torso with all his strength. Dodge it Dara, give me some space!

Accross the room, on the floor, lies a blade that would be most useful right now. Maybe...Just maybe... Keeping an eye on Dara and the approaching monstrosity Roland tries to get the timing for his impending leap and dash just right.

Tamarind

18th of January, 2005, 07:03

I'm stronger than she is but she's definitely fresher - time to launch a focussed assault, an all-out attack might prevail...but only if I can get away from this thing first...

As the vast form heads down the stairway Rebis reaches another tendril behind him and pulls himself, Heldrik and Drax through Shadow to materialise in the western corridor. Drawing to his limit on the Chaos energy of the Shadow he focusses the power at the sorceress on the balcony, seeking to overwhelm her defences with a combined assault - physical tendrils and psychic energy working in a co-ordinated attack

Wired*Nun

19th of January, 2005, 15:52

Piet shrugs at Arrotel's obtusity, and turns to help his commander. As Dalt backs up into the slightly burning doorway, Piet holds the outside of the door, presenting the armored Chaosian with a difficult situation. He declines to step into the 1 -v -2 situation, and there comes an impasse for a moment.

Arrotel for his part picks up his fallen staff and runs for the bleeding archer. It's a fair way, though, and the man gropes for his bow and stumbles back along the walkway toward the Trump gate.

Roland draws and throws a dagger, then runs back along the catwalk to the top of the stairs, as the fastest and safest way down. The Dweller is focused on Rebis, so this is not a problem at first.

Rebis draws himself and Heldrik through shadow once more, popping into the corridor behind Dalt, who glances over his shoulder, then ignores him. He reaches through again, and draws Drax unto himself, setting him down behind with Heldrik. The flames lick at Heldrik's clothing, reviving him somewhat, in a bad way. Rebis is on the edge of exhaustion, and considering Dalt is in the way, doesn't think he can mount any sort of Logrus assault on the sorceress in brown and gold.

Deprived of his prize, the Dweller shifts to Roland, who leaps down and under the stair, scooping up Heldrik's blade. How to use these things...two weapons or use the one...considering this will probably not be a matter of finesse, he swaps the Pattern blade to his strong hand and Smoke to his weak, and prepares for the onslaught of the moving mountain of flesh.

That thing doesn't like what it sees, however, and backs up. It must be able to perceive the emanations of the sword, and not like them. It steps back over the Fount, using it as an obstacle.

The crystalformed Dara, however, doesn't seem to have these qualms, and swarms down the catwalk, then the wall, skittering like an insect at Roland, very fast.

The one blue humanoid left unslings his crossbow and takes a shot at Piet, who blocks it with his shield. The bolt stays stuck in the hard wood and iron, and he glances at it in annoyance. The manling fits another bolt.

The sorceress in gold and brown, deprived of a target for the moment, looks speculatively at Roland, then speaks a word and makes a gesture. The floor beneath him becomes suddenly very slick, and he has difficulty standing. Going to make sword work hard...

Icebird

19th of January, 2005, 18:52

A full sprint is now in order, and that is what Arrotel does. If he can, he'll yell...

"This is your head. This is your head on angry Amberites!"

...And give him a good wack on it. Regardless of who reaches it first, Arrotel will also head for the trump gate and grab the trump, trying to sever the connection very quickly.

Shutter

20th of January, 2005, 11:41

Good, Rebis and Heldrik are safe...Catch your breath and hurry back guys...

As the Dweller retreats and Dara rapidly approaches Roland moves to a fighting stance, readying for the onslaught. The hell? Magicians...damnit... Realizing that his footing has been compromised he carefully twists to a low wide stance, ready to slide if need be. On an impulse he sweeps the tip of Heldrik's pattern blade along the ground around him, and along the perimeter of his boots, hoping that it can cut through the Logrus magic.

Thanos

20th of January, 2005, 12:09

Up a floor and somewhat down a hall there is movement at Rebis's feet, and a grinding groan of pain as Heldrik rolls away from the flames. On his hands and knees, like a dog in a sitting position, he surveys the carnage around him, looking for a weapon and a shield possibly left over from Dalt's initial assault.

Wired*Nun

21st of January, 2005, 06:39

The blue man moves to interpose himself in Arrotel's direction, drawing his two short blades to defend his mistress and wounded ally. The archer stumbles through the Trump gate, and Telloth, prepped again to stoop, dives on the blue man. This one has learned his lesson, though, and steps back, striking at Telloth. The hawk veers off and maintains his momentum, swooping downwards then back up.

The tired woman waves a hand and says a word, and a shimmering barrier arises in front of Arrotel, arresting his headlong rush.

The tip of Heldrik's blade scores sparks on the stone floor, and instantly his footing improves. It's a good thing, too, as he is just in time to meet the overhead rush of the crystalformed Dara. He has just enough time to get the blade in front of him, hoping its mere presence will damage or deter.

He feels the edges and spines of the form tear into his armor and flesh, causing a dozen minor wounds. Cold fluid splashes over him, from the spurting, severed limb of the thing. The fluid immediately heats up and begins to burn, and the impact has knocked him to the ground. He finds himself abruptly waving the blade through a black mist, which blots out all vision. The mist recoils from the Pattern tracings on the sword, and floats upwards, roiling.

Looking around, the Dweller spots Piet and the Lion crossbowman. A couple of steps, and the crosbowman is pulp in the thing's grip. It throws the broken body at Roland, hard, and ordinary viscera is added to his assorted effluvia. Hmm, could it get any worse? I don't want that question answered...

"Piet, get behind me," cries Dalt, making room for him to slip around the corner to come to a stop by Rebis. Dalt blocks an awkward stab by the armored man, and says, "We can hold this spot but that's not doing us much good."

Heldrik still can't really get up because of the wounds to his legs and foot. His hand finds a sword, though he has to pry charred, dead fingers from its hilt.

Icebird

21st of January, 2005, 07:55

Arrotel opens his mouth as if he's going to curse, then thinks better of it and closes is again. The pattern springs quickly to mind, and he pushes it against the barrier with clenched teeth.

Shutter

21st of January, 2005, 10:11

Good that worked. But then Dara is upon him. The pain of dozens of minor wounds shoots through, threatening to break what calm he has left. Luckily nothing major is hit yet, muscle and tendon seem to remain intact. When he feels the cold blue fluid gush over him and sees the limb fly off he nearly smiles. Progress!

When the blue fluid catches fire, he nearly screams. Knocked on his back Roland rolls forward to his feet quickly, dropping Smoke and patting away at any flame near important areas, eyes, throat, hands. His right hand swirls autonamously, slicing away at this bizarre black smoke.

It throws the broken body at Roland, hard, and ordinary viscera is added to his assorted effluvia.
Ignoring the smell and the ghoulishness of what he's doing Roland uses his empty left had to smear the blood and entrails over whatever parts of himself are still burning. A small part of him records the moment for future nightmares, certain that Roland will at some point wake up screaming in terror as he relives this moment.

Thanos

21st of January, 2005, 14:29

Heldrik, still on his knees, is grateful for Dalt's bulk blocking the passage and makes good use of the time to slice his cloak into pieces. With the pieces he wraps his leg wound, leaving a good length of the shaft and slicing off the rest knowing that he has to leave it in for the time being and wrap around it. His foot is an easy matter of knotting a piece, wrapping it around, and tying it off.

With that he attempts to stand using the sword more like a cane. Whether he gets up or not, he will bend his mind around the pain and make sure that the big guy he was fighting earlier has every piece of bad luck one can imagine while he fights Dalt. Be it an ill-timed slip on some blood, a foot landing on a spear shaft and rolling forcing him off balance, or his weapon's resonance being met as he strikes and parries making the weapon shatter.

Tamarind

23rd of January, 2005, 11:40

A tired smile greets Heldrik's movement, then his expression hardens and he focusses on the armoured man before Dalt, speaking a single word as his dark eyes lock with those of his adversary

Wired*Nun

24th of January, 2005, 15:20

The black smoke floats upward, avoiding the bright blade in Roland's hand. The Dweller also seems to want to stay away from it, and sidles towards Dalt and his doorway.

Heldrik tries to influence the course of Dalt's battle, but Rebis' spell makes it moot - the man in armor staggers under his gaze, taking a blow to his midsection for his trouble, and pitches over the rail to the floor. Once on the ground, he picks himself up and spots Roland, covered in gore and putting out flames. Smiling a berserker smile, he says, "All right, swordsman, let's see how you do man to man," and advances on Roland. "They call me Winnow, because I cull the weak from the strong. Let us see how you like my threshing blade."

The Dweller, a non-Patterned target in his sights, reaches for Dalt. Blade meets demon flesh and bites deeply, but the enormous grin doesn't waver as the Dweller grasps sword and man together. Dalt roars in his grip, struggling mightily, tugging on his blade, sawing through flesh and bone. Flames lick around the demon's wound, but the thing's vast bulk makes it negligible, and Dalt is drawn inexorably toward the thing's gaping maw. Piet shakes loose his shield and leaps over the rail to strike at its arm holding his commander.

Concentrating on the imprint once burned into his blood, Arrotel shoves the Sign of the Pattern against the barrier in front of him, which crumbles in but a moment. "Kal!" gasps the woman in blue and white. The woman in gold turns to face her, and seeing Arrotel's ploy, makes a complex gesture and speaks words aloud. The catwalk under him abruptly comes apart, every nail, rivet and peg popping out at once. Ten feet of walkway on each side of him go as well, leaving a large gap in its circumference. Arrotel falls to the floor, dropping the Pattern so he can catch his own self in a controlled crash.

Shutter

24th of January, 2005, 15:56

With his left hand Roland flings a scree of blood and gore into Winnow's face. Immediately he darts in after it, striking for the hands or face of his talkative opponent. Finesse beats strength, draw him out, be faster, be better...And if I'm not?...Make sure you are.

He will parry the chaos blade once to see how it interacts with Heldrik's Patternsword. Careful, this could be a more violent collision than usual...

Thanos

24th of January, 2005, 17:12

Not good, not good. I must start removing threats somehow. The big guy is the last threat able to hold off Roland with my blade.

Heldrik moves slightly to continue his focus on the now identified Winnow when Arrotel has part of the building fall out from underneath him. This gives Heldrik an idea. He starts concentrating on the all but the impossible making it probable and then an actuality. A huge sectional support beam in the room is subtly effected as if by the spell swinging down from the ceiling and blind siding Winnow, while letting the sharp roofing tiles slide down and land on the dwellers backside.

I knew that practice in architectural stress points back in Perack, my Egypt like home, would be useful for something beyond building pyramids.

Icebird

24th of January, 2005, 23:45

A reasonably controlled tumble allows Arrotel to land most unharmed amid the wreckage. He again begins to curse, and again stops himself.

"I'll get you yet my pretty, and your little trump too!"

Having dispensed his duty to spout a bit of humor, Arrotel takes a moment to reasses the situation, and finally settles on the tactic of throwing any chunk small enough at the sorceress in blue. His throws are not as strong as they might be, due to the fact that he uses his off hand (right) to avoid any more pain or damage to the other one.

Every time something seems to go my way, something else fails to do so.

Tamarind

25th of January, 2005, 10:49

If we are to prevail we must stop them bringing through further reinforcements. Power is not an option, perhaps subtlety will prevail...

Smiling slightly Rebis flicks his fingers towards the trump on the far catwalk, as he does so a breeze, perhaps caused by the collapse of the catwalk nearby, swirls round the card lifting it into the air to fall face down on the floor below

Wired*Nun

26th of January, 2005, 06:11

Roland grabs some entrails to fling at Winnow, following it up with a fast attack at his opponent's hands and face. Winnow parries the face shots and ignores anything aimed at the hands. Glancing blows don't penetrate his gauntlets, though sparks fly.

Winnow takes this opportunity to hammer Heldrik's blade aside, which flares up and does not seem to transmit the chilling effect as did Smoke. The tingling in his wrist is entirely ordinary as the sting of the impact is transmitted to Roland's hand.

The second engagement turns out better. Parrying frantically, Roland fends off the much stronger man's hard blows and scores once, twice on Winnow's torso and leg. Explosive sparks testify to the interaction of the two opposing Powers, and the big man laughs, curses and attacks furiously, forcing Roland onto the defensive and driving him into the corner. His blade is cut in pieces on Umbryselir, and as if he was expecting it, he is on Roland in an instant, using his left armored forearm and guantlet to drive Roland's sword aside, his right hand striking Roland in the face.

Stepping in close, he grapples with his bloody, mangled opponent, trying to immoblize Roland's sword arm and grasping for a hold on his throat. Incidentally, the Pattern-blade lops off Winnow's left ear and a substantial chunk of hair as it is forced aside, but he doesn't even seem to notice the loss. Flames start to lick at his face as the blood begins to ignite, but his concentration is singleminded as Roland feels the hands like vises on his throat and right bicep.

Because Heldrik is much too far back in the corridor to see the fight on the floor, the best he can do is try to bring down to support beam on the easily-visible Dweller's head. The effort of doing so makes him pass out again.

The beam does come down, with several tons of roof. It falls on and behind the Dweller, who is startled into raising his hands over his head to fend off the debris. This means Dalt takes a lot of the punishment, and Piet as well, who falls to the floor stunned. Looking up, he is just in time to see Telloth stooping at an eye. The Dweller bats the bird aside with his man-toy, then flings Dalt, very hard, at Arrotel on the floor nearby.

Dalt bounces off of Arrotel and the floor in a heap, and begins struggling to his feet, sword still clutched in his hand. Arrotel rolls without difficulty back to stand and lob bits of this and that at the lady at the rail.

Poldding forward to the now-empty doorway, Rebis flicks his hand and causes a small but well-directed gust of air to blow the Trump card over, collapsing the Trump gate. The woman at the rail grits her teeth and crouches to pick up the card, putting it in a case at her waist.

Exposed in the doorway, Rebis is open to the attack from the woman in gold and brown. He feels her tendrils wrapping about him, sapping even more of his strength as he throws them off and strikes back, staggering his opponent.

Shutter

26th of January, 2005, 13:25

Roland's pleasure that Heldrik's blade is proving so useful quickly turns sour as the larger man closes. Damnit, doesn't anyone blink when they get blood in their face?

The second engagement turns out better. Parrying frantically, Roland fends off the much stronger man's hard blows and scores once, twice on Winnow's torso and leg. Explosive sparks testify to the interaction of the two opposing Powers, and the big man laughs, curses and attacks furiously, forcing Roland onto the defensive and driving him into the corner. His blade is cut in pieces on Umbryselir, and as if he was expecting it, he is on Roland in an instant, using his left armored forearm and guantlet to drive Roland's sword aside, his right hand striking Roland in the face.

With a crunch Roland feels his nose break, involuntarily blinking and reeling from the pain. Focus damnit, he's strong, but you're better...

Stepping in close, he grapples with his bloody, mangled opponent, trying to immoblize Rold's sword arm and grasping for a hold on his throat. Incidentally, the Pattern-blade lops off Winnow's left ear and a substantial chunk of hair as it is forced aside, but he doesn't even seem to notice the loss. Flames start to lick at his face as the blood begins to ignite, but his concentration is singleminded as Roland feels the hands like vises on his throat and right bicep.

Roland's right arm struggles in vain for freedom, requesting Winnow's continued attention, meanwhile he tucks his blood soaked chin into the gauntlet that holds his throat, another vain yet earnest attempt at freedom. Come on...enjoy your strength, big man... Meanwhile his left hand shoots up (either between or around the arms, whichever is more appropriate/practical) with all the strength, speed and accuracy Roland can muster, seeking Winnow's eyes. If he can he will either drive them far into Winnow's head, or gouge them straight out. Ignore this you bastard!

Tamarind

28th of January, 2005, 15:10

Knowing he can't keep going much longer Rebis hurls himself into the assault against the opposing sorceress, tendrils striking hard and fast in a relentless, focused attack. If possible he will try and hurl her into the roiling mist that is Dara If she's truly surrendered to the Primal urge then she won't know friend from foe...must keep an eye on the Dweller too - dart back if it reaches for me.

Icebird

31st of January, 2005, 14:56

Looking around at the mass confusion, Arrotel takes a moment to notice the startling lack of movement compared to just a few moments ago.

The combat thinned out pretty fast... Amazing that I'm still standing. Not something I would have expected... Perhaps there is something to be said for not being a big threat. Let's see what we can do about that.

Making his way to the nearest blue corpse with an intact crossbow, he sets about trying to reload it, using his injured left hand as little as possible. If he manages this, Winnow is his target of choice.

Wired*Nun

1st of February, 2005, 02:23

In an all-out effort, Rebis picks up and flings his opponent into the black mist, which coalesces into a sticky goo, depositing the two beings in a heap onto the stairs. The effort has done him in, and he sees the world go away through darkening vision.

Scabbling for the crossbow, Arrotel dodges frantically as the Dweller chases him with his paws around the room. Telloth strikes at the Dweller's face and eyes, causing him to miss Arrotel several times. Dalt staggers to his feet nearby, hacking away with his sword at the thing, doing little damage despite his heroic swings.

Clawing for Winnow's eyes, Roland's mailed hands scratch gouges on his face, and both are soon fighting blind, from blood, damage, and pain. The bigger man roars as his soft tissue is torn, and Roland's questing fingers find an eye-socket. Winnow snaps Roland out to arms' length, and his hands fall away as the man's longer arms push Winnow beyond Roland's reach. Roland feels himself being lifted off the ground by main strength, and there is nothing he can do to prevent the throw as he feels himself spun around and slammed into the wall nearby. "Come on, boy, you can do better than that," Roland hears as he feels Heldrik's sword wrenched from his grasp. The clatter of metal striking stone tells him that it has been thrown across the room.

Rolling over and struggling to his feet, Roland waits for the blows that don't come. Wiping his eyes, he sees the other man standing there, waiting. "You ready for another round? Or do you want a towel and a stool for that corner?" He seems to be enjoying this immensely.

Turning on Dalt, the Dweller soon has him backed up to a wall, and despite his best efforts, soon has Dalt clutched, Kong-like, in one huge paw again. Batting him a few times against the wall, the Dweller soon shakes Dalt's sword loose, which happens to bounce directly into the Fount, with no apparent effect.

Arrotel uses this brief respite to load the crossbow and aim at Winnow, only to have it knocked from his hands by, of all things, a hunk of rock dropped by the weary sorceress above.

The scene takes another turn around improbability as a flash of light heralds the appearance of a tall, distinguished-looking man in gorgeous, but fully functional armor appears at the top of the lower-right stairs. The woman in blue and white looks at him in apparent astonishment, then sits down against the wall and leans her head back, as if defeated. The man slaps a Trump against the wall near him, and a Gate forms next to it. An instant later creatures of all shapes and sizes pour from its glowing interior, a continuous stream of rainbow light pulsing into the room. They fan out, taking positions around the catwalk. Weapons of all shapes and sizes, and a dizzying array of colors, all incorporating a black dragon motif, are displayed by everyone. These do not look like troops in uniform, but rather, an array of Chaosites themselves, some shapeshifted or naturally other-formed. At least an hundred have come through, and more seem to be coming.

In the meantime, the woman in the goo has become a kind of stony-skinned snake, thrashing around and rolling downward on the stairs. The man in the fine armor speaks to a woman at his side, who strides over to stand above the two struggling beings, and begins some kind of incantation. The temperature drops suddenly in that area, and the struggling of the creatures slows.

"Sherracul! Release that fellow, and return to your post," says the man.

"Yes, General," replies the Dweller meekly, and sets Dalt down on the floor, unconscious. The Dweller shrinks rapidly, climbs shamefacedly up the stairs, and enters the Trump Gate.

Raising his voice to those left to hear, the man announces, "I am General Larsus, Grand Duke Hendrake. This Keep is now the property of House Hendrake, by right of former ownership and now reconquested. My honorable opponents may now surrender in the face of overwhelming force, and all the Forms will be observed. What say you, gentlemen?"

Winnow looks disappointed, and with a growl and a shrug of one shoulder, gives Roland a 'oh well' look. "Well fought. What are you called?"

Shutter

1st of February, 2005, 18:11

Wiping the blood from his eyes and flicking it to the floor Roland does his best to stand straight when the Chaosites flood the room. He sighs then, it's over. No...no I don't think I can take all of them....Couldn't even take this one. He looks up until he meets the general's eye. He nods.

"The Keep is not mine to surrender. But I will surrender. In light of this robust presense, I suspect my friends will do the same," he calls back.

GM:Winnow looks disappointed, and with a growl and a shrug of one shoulder, gives Roland a 'oh well' look. "Well fought. What are you called?"

"Roland..." he replies, rolling his shoulders, trying to loosen the pain in his neck. "Name is Roland..." He looks around at the wreckage on the floor for lost weapons and armour, Smoke, Heldrik's sword, or anything that looks like it belonged to Winnow before this all began. Anything he finds nearby he'll approach and slowly pick up, looking very much like what he is, a prisoner, and cleanup crew. Heldrick's sword and Smoke will be stoyed at his waist in whatever manner is most convenient. If he finds pieces of Winnow's hammer he'll return them to their owner. Would have been a lot easier if they'd just sent the full cavalry in the first place...I wonder if this General was supposed to know about the invasion attempt?...Doubt they'll tell me. "Damn shame you all couldn't have waited another couple of hours and we could have been well away from this place, with no need to interfere in your business...But I suppose things are never that simple are they? Now...where the hell did my sword get to?"

Icebird

2nd of February, 2005, 18:57

Arrotel stands slowly, and raises both hands. He tries to shrug it off and make it out to be unimportant, but he's unsuccesfull at hiding his disappointment as well as a small flash of anger that passes through his eyes.

"Surrender- it seems that we really have no choice, do we? You'll have to explain these 'forms' you speak of, but yes, I give up."

Could we have won? I think so- we certainly did our best, and more than our best. Next time... if there is a next time. Wondering does no good. Sit here and be taken for ransom, or do something? Duh.

Arrotel sits down slowly, and pulls his knees up to his chest. Hidden in his sleeve, the trump of Gray slips partially into view. Doing his best to hide the effort, he waits until the eyes of the sorceresses' are off him, then concentrates on the trump with sudden force.

Shutter

4th of February, 2005, 11:32

Good, Arrotel is accepting it as well, not liking it, but accepting it...I hope the others heard me, wherever they are...Either Raevyn and Jasra can revive Dusntan and he'll...somehow....turn the tables, or we really are prisoners. I wonder if this General has any notion of who we are? Is this simple Shadow conquest, or do they seek a staging ground against Amber? Such a muddy affair.

Roland looks over the array of Chaosites, in their various forms and colours. One House among many. My god they're numerous. And my father, my aunts and uncles defeated them all. Under a dozen against so many. I need to learn more about that particular balance of power I think.

Wired*Nun

5th of February, 2005, 06:45

Winnow watches Roland retrieve Smoke, and relaxes imperceptibly when he sheathes it. Heldrik´s blade is far across the room, and so are the pieces of the hammer. "Don´t feel too bad about it, man. I´m probably in a lot more trouble than you are." He grimaces in distaste, apparently at whatever is in store for him.

"Gather up the fallen that still live, Tabo," orders the General, and a fearsome-looking demonformed man directs that Rebis, Heldrik, Dalt, Peit and several of the Lions not quite dead be recovered.

"Tabo, get that one too, he´s one of the Accursed," says Winnow, pointing at Alamor.

Shutter

5th of February, 2005, 15:31

Ah...didn't think the General here was supposed to know about this... Roland gives a Winnow a weary smile and makes his way to Heldrik's blade. If he is able to pick it up he'll do so by the crossguard, very careful to hold the blade in a useless grip. No threat here, don't mind me.

Wired*Nun

9th of February, 2005, 10:11

When Roland moves to walk across the room, Winnow gently bars his way. "They will handle that."

Heldrik awakes to find himself over the shoulder of a large scaly being, and is deposited none-too-gently at the feet of the General. Dalt, Rebis and Piet get the same treatment, as do several Lions, and all recover a modicum of consciousness within moments. A couple of healers go to work on the wounded, checking them over, removing foreign matter, bandaging and applying noxious salves.

Someone tosses Winnow a wineskin, and he drinks deeply, then hands it to Roland. It´s good, sweet and cut with water, just what he needs.

More people are coming through the Trump gate - ordinary-looking folk, and some less-ordinary but still menial-seeming people. Some of these are heavily burdened with supplies of some sort, and there are trunks of apparatus and sundry other things. "Setting up for a while...this is interesting," mutters Winnow. "Wonder what it means."

The others, the noble members of the House presumably, have spread out, heading down the four corridors and apparently begining to secure their prize.

Dara and the other woman have been calmed down, it seems, regaining their own forms. Dara is unconscious, but the other woman seems fine. She walks over to the General, ad looks down at Rebis. "This one is of Chaos, my lord. Young and strong...and adept. I do not know him, but I am sure I can find out. Why he fought against us, I cannot say...but perhaps he will." Her gaze is cold, and her hands twitch slightly, as if she would do him harm, even there, lying at her feet.

When Arrotel and Telloth wink out, a few heads turn. The General´s look turns distasteful, and he says aloud, "That one has ignored the forms, surrendering and then escaping by Trump. He is to be shown no mercy and he is anathema to this House." As Roland receives the beginnings of a Trump call, Larsus´eyes flick to him, and he says to the woman, "Prevent him." The call ceases abruptly with a gesture from the woman, who was moving before the General spoke. "All of you others, surrender now, or be compelled, as you wish. What say you?"

Dalt immediately speaks up. "I will surrender, as long as the forms are observed. I am the mercenary commander of the Lions´Brigade. These in my colors are my men, and they also claim the forms. I cannot speak for the others." He looks at Heldrik and Rebis with meaning. "Best do it too, gentlemen; you don´t want to be ensorcelled."

Whatever the reply from Heldrik and Rebis, Larsus waves Winnow and Roland up to join him on the balcony.

Shutter

9th of February, 2005, 17:14

When Roland moves to walk across the room, Winnow gently bars his way. "They will handle that."

Roland nods once and stops in his tracks. "Fair enough." Never do get to help with cleanup... Hearing his own voice remembers his nose. Bloodsoaked fingers seek it out and survey the damage. Adrenaline is going to wear off soon...this'll hurt a fair amount I reckon.

Someone tosses Winnow a wineskin, and he drinks deeply, then hands it to Roland. It´s good, sweet and cut with water, just what he needs.

Roland drinks deeply, as deeply as one can with a freshly broken nose. Wiping his mouth on his shirtsleeve afterward. "Thanks. That hits the spot." He looks over at Winnow...small cuts, missing an ear, scraped up face...blood...lots of blood....and grins. "We're a mess aren't we?"

"Setting up for a while...this is interesting," mutters Winnow. "Wonder what it means."

Roland grunts non-commitally and takes another drink. "I'd thought you might know that? Seperate invasions?" Like he's going to start answering questions now...ah well, little to lose by trying. "You'd think in infinite Shadow there'd be enough places like this to go around. I don't see why..."

And then Arrotel up and vanishes. Roland stops in mid sentance and mutters a stream of profanity under his breath while the general pronounces the death sentance for Arrotel.

"Well Shit....Kids...Don't worry, I'm not that dishonorable...or stupid." He holds the wineskin back out to Winnow. Seems like a nice enough guy when we're not trying to kill eachother.

Wired*Nun

10th of February, 2005, 10:27

Roland drinks deeply, as deeply as one can with a freshly broken nose. Wiping his mouth on his shirtsleeve afterward. "Thanks. That hits the spot." He looks over at Winnow...small cuts, missing an ear, scraped up face...blood...lots of blood....and grins. "We're a mess aren't we?"

Winnow chuckes. "It's all temporary unless it's permanent, hey?"

Roland grunts non-commitally and takes another drink. "I'd thought you might know that? Seperate invasions?" Like he's going to start answering questions now...ah well, little to lose by trying. "You'd think in infinite Shadow there'd be enough places like this to go around. I don't see why..."

Winnow looks at Roland with open amusement. "I'm not the most political guy around, but I'm guessing that the Lady Dara somehow forced the General to either back her play or abandon the opportunity - and his two sisters and two nephews as well. Though I am surprised by the follow-up servants...almost looks like they are moving the headquarters..."

His musings are ended as they report to the General. Winnow raises a hand formally in salute, and says, "Colonel Winnow Hendrake reports as ordered, sir. May I introduce Roland - son of Julian of Amber, I'm guessing." A step to the side allows Roland to speak to Larsus face to face.

Before he can respond, a voice from the lower doorway rings out in droll, stentorian tones: "Glad to see everyone is getting along so well." All heads turn to regard the man standing with naked blade held casually, point by his left toe.

Benedict -

Tamarind

10th of February, 2005, 11:08

Rebis glances briefly at the woman as she speaks, maintaining a carefully neutral expression throughout, despite her obvious venom.

A dangerous situation. She appears to harbour a personal dislike, yet claims not to know me...I wonder.

Rising slowly to his feet and focussing on Larsus he seems about to speak when Benedict's greeting rings out across the hall

Shutter

10th of February, 2005, 14:28

His musings are ended as they report to the General. Winnow raises a hand formally in salute, and says, "Colonel Winnow Hendrake reports as ordered, sir. May I introduce Roland - son of Julian of Amber, I'm guessing." A step to the side allows Roland to speak to Larsus face to face.

Roland nods at the introduction. How the hell did he know that? Before he says anything to the general Benedict's voice demands and recieves his attention. He turns to look at him, relief concern and confusion dancing around in his stomach. How did he get here?...Arrotel must have called him, but that's damn fast...If he's here, who else might be here? He does his best to look calm while he watches reactions and positioning. Glad I managed to arm myself again, in case he decides to take on the entire House Hendrake...

Thanos

10th of February, 2005, 15:21

[This is before Roland and Winnow get to the General and before Benedict arrives, but wont involve much.]

Heldrik, barely concious, looks around not exactly comprehending what is going on. This being his second time under and this time of his own doing he isn't exactly all together yet. His wounds are still bleeding due to their rough binding and his early losses don't exactly help. He tries to open his mouth to speak but only seems to let ghasps escape. He just lays back down unable or unwilling to try and speak.

Wired*Nun

11th of February, 2005, 09:26

Larsus' face reflects surprise for only a brief moment. "Bind those two," he says, pointing at Heldrik and Rebis. Straps of tough leather are brought out to tie their hands behind their backs.

"Prince Benedict. I am pleased to meet you again, Your Highness. I have taken possession of this place by right of previous ownership and reconquest. Are you here to dispute my claim?"

"No, Your Grace. I came only to claim that which is mine. Where are Katarzyna and Arrotel?"

The General looks puzzled, and nonplussed. "I do not know of whom you speak. Bide a moment, if you please." He turns to the woman in gold and brown beside him to whisper something. She replies, too low to hear, and he looks concerned.

"It appears that the woman may have been taken prisoner by someone of my acquaintance." He steps over to prod Dara with a toe, contemptuously. "I think this one has her. As to the other...he may have escaped, or be dead, but it is not known to us."

The angle at which Benedict stands, on the true floor, prevents him from seeing Dara. "I care not who has her, except that she is delivered to me - unless she stands accused of anything more than opposing you?"

"No, Your Highness, she was captured in honorable combat." Reaching down, he picks up Dara with one hand, holding her by the scruff of the neck, limp and still unconscious. "I believe you know her..."

Benedict's nostrils twitch, and he becomes still as a statue. "I take it that she is out of your favor, Your Grace?"

"You are correct, Your Highness. If you wish me to locate your friend - "

"- My daughter - "

"- Ah. Your daughter, then. If you wish me to locate her, I will do everything in my power. If you wish to take this one yourself and handle the matter, that is also satisfactory to me. You may do with her what you will, an' she remain alive." The slight sneer on his face makes it clear that he holds her in no esteem.

"I consider it meet that you deal with her as you wish, only return my daughter - and my son, if he is located - to me."

"I would consider it an honor, Your Highness." He drops Dara in a heap at his feet. "Now, since you are here, and you can speak for Amber - ?"

"I can."

"Then there are these others," he says, gesturing to Heldrik and Roland. "And there is another woman taken as well, who may be of Amber. I am - pleased - to return these to you, but there are some considerations you might do me in return."

"Name them, and we shall see."

"The traitress Jasra and any of her offspring as may be in your power, would make most suitable prisoners. The woman has committed capital offenses against my House, and the others would be...icing on the cake, shall we say?"

Benedict appears to ponder, and replies, "I have none of those in my custody, and you well know that Rinaldo is the King of Kashfa, and outside my authority. I do have one who may be of interest to you, more as a matter of academic interest than living curiosity..." From behind him, with his gloved right hand, he lobs a round missile up toward the General's party.

Watching it without concern, he waits until it is caught by a man nearby, who holds it up for his lord to see.

It is Siodmak's head.

The General purses his lips and furrows his brow. "This one is unknown to me. Who might it be?"

The seated sorceress struggles to her feet to stare at the head in apparent astonishment. Turning to look at her, Larsus barks at her, "Who is that?"

"I - I believe..." the rest of her words are too soft even for Roland to hear, as she steps forward to whisper in the Grand Duke's ear. His eyebrows rise, and he turns back to Benedict.

"This is interesting, and lays to rest a mystery...but I do not understand. He was..."

"Yes. My son, of the body, but not of the spirit. But he was half yours, so I return him unto you now."

A shadow moves behind Benedict, a figure that seems to speak to him, though the words are too quiet to be made out. He half-turns, replies, then turns back.

"My associate is concerned that you will use the power of this place to Amber's detriment...and to his own, I suspect. Amber's desire has always been that the Keep remain in independent hands. Tell me why I should leave it to you?"

One of Larsus staff mutters under his breath, "As if he could stop us..." The General shoots him a displeased look, then says to Benedict, "First, because it was we who created it. Long ago my father and mother fused four planes together, creating the Fount to control the power released in this manner. The fortunes of war took it out of our hands for a long time, but now, it is back. More pertinently, perhaps, we will secure it permanently, and end the politicking of its former mistress. And the plain fact is, Your Highness...this is where my House will stand. Our King has given his blessing to the transfer of our Ways and Estates to this place. The entire might of Hendrake is available to resist you, and I suspect, His Majesty will feel compelled to aid us. My respect for you is immense, but this is where we stand. We will not run into Shadow, and we cannot return to the Courts."

What might have been a curse comes from the figure behind Benedict, and Bendict nods. "I understand. I reserve my judgment for now. Please deliver my relatives to me, and I will be in your debt."

The General nods once, sharply, and says to Roland, "You may go. Take that one with you," gesturing to Heldrik, "and I will send the two women to the Prince as soon as I am able."

Shutter

11th of February, 2005, 10:02

Well this is somewhat humiliating...Who is that behind him?

Is that?....Wow, it is Siodmak...not surprising though I guess.

Free to go? Just like that?...fair enough, dismiss the kids, let the grownups be about their business. Now...how do I pick up Heldrik while reopening as few wounds as possible?...hmm...ah, about like...this. Roland stoops and hoists Heldrik's unconscious form, trying not to worsen any of his several injuries. He looks to Larsus and Winnow, nods at each and begins making his way down the catwalk to the floor, heading for Heldrik's sword.

Tamarind

11th of February, 2005, 10:09

Interesting indeed. It sounds as if Hendrake may have come to an arrangement with Merlin...voluntary exile perhaps?

No more time to speculate on this now, I must look to my own situation. If I make myself known now, in front of witnesses it may well improve my lot...and prevent my being ransomed to Ashlurien...

"Your Grace, the honour of House Hendrake is well known, I have no qualms in surrendering to you. I am Rebis, student of Lord Suhuy and son of Prince Martin of Amber."

Thanos

12th of February, 2005, 01:45

Heldrik, once on Rolands shoulder grunts a bit and slips out the following, which may or may not be heard it is so weak, "Rebis with me...to find Amber...Father....Martin...I believe." With that he caughs and his whole body spasms a little.

Wired*Nun

13th of February, 2005, 10:20

As Roland angles toward Heldrik's blade, he is barred by one of the Hendrakes. "Leave that, Sir Roland, it is fair spoils of war," calls Winnow. A glance back at him shows him grinning wolfishly. Another glance at Larsus reveals him indicating nothing. A look to Benedict reveals a minute shake of his head, directed at Roland.

"Your Grace, the honour of House Hendrake is well known, I have no qualms in surrendering to you. I am Rebis, student of Lord Suhuy and son of Prince Martin of Amber."

At Rebis words, Larsus looks down regally at the exhausted young Chaosite. "You claim Suhuy as patron, but no House but Amber? That is but an ill recommendation to me. If you surrender, speak so plainly. To whom shall I look for exchange or consideration?"

Tamarind

13th of February, 2005, 17:17

Rebis glances briefly towards Roland and Heldrik before replying,

"Your Grace, I have no quarrel with you. I did not come here at the request of my patron or any other from Chaos but rather to assist a friend in time of need. I have no desire to battle you or your forces further, nor am I foolish enough to believe I could defeat the honourable nobles assembled here even if I did. Accordingly I formally surrender, in accordance with the forms covering such situations. I would ask that you contact my patron, Lord Suhuy, with regard to matters arising."

His expression changes slightly, concern winning out over the formal mask,

"I would also ask a boon, if it please your grace. The little drake that lies wounded yonder is my companion, I would be grateful if his injuries could be treated..."

Shutter

13th of February, 2005, 19:56

Seeing that Heldrik's Pattern blade will need to be left behind Roland nods acceptance and carries on to Benedict. Inwardly he curses himself. Welcome to the rest of the world, Heldrik...Help out someone you barely know and get beaten savagely, lose your father's sword. If I can get it back for you I will...I just hope the Chaosites don't destroy it first. If I hadn't used it I'd probably be dead...slim consolation though, I still lost it. Looking back he sees Winnow's grin. I'll remember that grin next time we meet. The little voice of reason that usualy clams him down seems silent at the moment.

When he gets close enough to Benedict he quietly asks, "The Forms don't allow the defeated to keep their arms?"

Wired*Nun

14th of February, 2005, 04:02

To Roland, Benedict replies, "If he'd surrendered in the face of overwhelming force, yes. However, he was defeated." As Roland reaches him, Benedict makes a peculiar half-turn to his left, letting him by with his burden. A shadowy male figure stands some thirty feet or so behind Benedict, speaking in a low voice. Benedict turns back to present arms to Larsus, who returns the salute with his right hand upraised. He then steps back and shuts the door.

Sheathing his blade, he pulls out a Trump, and looks at Roland. "Are you ready to go back to Amber? If not, I can take Heldrik back for care myself."

Wired*Nun

14th of February, 2005, 04:19

I would ask that you contact my patron, Lord Suhuy, with regard to matters arising."

His expression changes slightly, concern winning out over the formal mask,

"I would also ask a boon, if it please your grace. The little drake that lies wounded yonder is my companion, I would be grateful if his injuries could be treated..."

Nodding, Larsus instructs his troops, "Get the man's familiar up here. Be gentle." When they bring up Drax, he reaches over with his own hands and lifts the drooping head. Lifting an eyelid, he calls out, "Someone who can help, improve this creature's condition." In response, a young woman, perhaps all of sixteen, steps up hestantly and gives Rebis a shy smile. She does not even meet her Duke's eyes as she says, "Put him down here, please."

Larsus then turns to the woman in gold and brown. "When Binia is done with the drake, take him, contact Suhuy in my name, and inquire as to his status. Release him if Suhuy speaks for him, for due consideration." She suppresses a smile and acknowledges his instructions with a nod. His gaze hardens as he goes on. "And Kerra. Restrain yourself. Do not add to my disfavor for this incident." Her face goes blank and she nods again in obedience.

The girl exercises a delicate healing shapeshift, closing the wounds and restoring health to Drax. His ragged breathing becomes the softer sussuration of a deep sleep. Smiling again, she looks up at Rebis. "He will recover, my lord," she says simply.

"Come this way, boy," Kerra says to Rebis, and leads him to the Trump gate, stepping through.

Tamarind

14th of February, 2005, 04:48

Rebis smiles warmly at the young healer, gratitude clear in his expression,

"My sincere thanks to you for your help, my lady, he is a dear friend. I am indebted to you.",

Turning to Larsus he adds,

"And to you also your Grace, I hope that we may meet again under better circumstances."

Bowing formally he steps away, following Kerra through the gate.

Wired*Nun

14th of February, 2005, 06:58

"Take your dragonet," says Binia brightly as Rebis turns to leave. She helps him pick up Drax, making little petting motions on the fine spines of his forehead.

On the other side of the gate, Rebis finds himself in a large room with polished obsidian floors. A brief observation reveals its suitability as an auditorium, assembly room or banquet hall, depending on use of the various furnitures arrayed around its periphery. People bustle in and out, most loaded with various burdens, heading in and out of the Trump gate, transporting things to the other side. It all seems rather hurried and unplanned.

Kerra says nothing, but crosses the great hall to one of the many doors. Opening it, she leads through a Way to a garden of golden flowers, exhibiting a sweet scent reminiscent of a woman's perfume - or vice versa. "Wait here," she says neutrally, and disappears from view around a wall of plants.

A cursory examination of the area reveals nothing of note. The sky overhead is greenish, both otherwise normal, the day warm and pleasant. Good growing weather for plants...that's probably the point. He's too tired to bring up the Sign for a closer look, without great effort. He makes Drax comfortable on the thick grass at his feet, and sits on a bench nearby.

Five minutes or so later, Kerra returns. "Suhuy has spoken for you. You have leave to call him and depart from here." She seems to be holding herself under firm control, with a deliberately neutral expresson.