Post by Queen Beathag Aberdeen on Mar 17, 2008 17:05:12 GMT -6
Red Lines: The Skye Civil War #1
- The Battle at Potree Part 1 -
Raven: They had risen early that morning and prepared to leave. The knights had been chosen the night before, all three Shadow Knights, Rhys, Ademar, and many others. Their horses brought in close for an easy tack up first thing as the sun rose into the sky. Even before the knights had risen the camp cooks had been up and fixing meals both for them to take with them and for them to eat before they left. Raven had supervised the gathering of equipment while Kae had made sure that the heavier sleepers were awakened, then made sure they saw to their weapons. Any last minute sharpening of blades or fitting of armor was taken care of. Before the darkness had even left the sky the entire unit was mounted and in motion heading for the northern boarders. They truly were a magnificent sight. Each bearing the colors of their region wheather it be Argania or Blackmoor, though each also bore the Colors of Skye as well wheather it be in uniform or something as simple as a ribbon or over coat. Their departure was uniform single lines three riders wide Each line lead by either Kae, Raven or Rhys. Once they hit more open ground they were allowed to spread out in a relaxed ride with runners fanning out and ahead of them reporting back every half hour to an hour on the lands ahead of them. By mid day they had reached the ridge that would allow them to look over the lands down at Portree and beyond. There they stopped for the time being taking time to have their noon meal and get a good look at the lands they would be patroling.(d)
Background: What a sight! Forged by the bond of hands, parchment, and fealty sworn in a kiss to the earth that shifted under the hooves of the trooping horses across the island of Skye. When they moved in Struan, people came onto the streets. Filling the square were women with baskets on their hips, children with wide eyes, old men who would have given their possessions for one more chance to pass through in such honorable glory. At first it was a rare sight, but like brings like. Tartan clad shoulders leaned on pub threshold. Pipe in one hand and a mouth full of spite if they didn't agree with these alliances, foreigners, and the supposed new era underway. Did the whispers of them linger in the ear of a solider? Would he sit, on this high noon, outside of Potree to talk of the clime with his fellows? Salt air mixed with the bloom of crops outside of the town. Flat land rose into hills, cresting with grasses, rock. It was a quiet land, buzzing with the talk of men at ease for a time before the work of patrols would begin (d)
Raven: Within Portree itself three runners, without colors to bear slid silently through the town listening for word that would alert them to trouble. Meanwhile upon that ridge Kae, Raven, Rhys, Phantom and Pagon all stood together upon the backs of their horses, viewing the expanse between them and Portree. Quietly they discussed what might come, and how to handle it if it did. They were waiting for the return of the runners, while another was sent back toTuras Lan letting them know of their where abouts and to let them know that currently all was quiet. Raven felt restless, a pinging down his back told him that not all was as it seemed and so he seemed to stand a bit off to himself his dark gaze intent on the dot that was Portree. He also studied the tree line not far from the port city. Something was off, something did not feel right and hard as he tried to shake the feeling it would not go away. (d)
Eamonn: The time of peace was over. Events that were befalling the lands of Skye threatened the lands with war. Eamonn could sense it, sense that time of peace was drawing to an end, and when the clans felt the time was right, they would make a decisive strike. All that they could do was prepare for the worst and when it came, do their best to counter this rising threat to the peace and way of life for all Skye citizens. But Eamonn would not be so swayed into thinking that the clans would sit in their huts and rub their hands in schemes. They sent spies, scouts, messengers about the city to spread lies and rally men and women to their cause. Once such a henchman was caught. Finbar trotted toward the castle, Eamonn sitting tall and proud upon the back of the strong stallion, before a gloved hand tugged the reins and the horse halted. With grace and years of perfected practice, he dismounted and when booted feet touched the ground, hazel eyes turned cold to the man behind him, bound to the rope that he held as lead. Eamonn snatched on the rope, jerking the man forward. "Make haste, coward, for the Lady would like a WORD with you." He sneered venomously as he yanked the prisoner toward the steps and into the castle in search of Bess. The man was bound about his hands and a noose around his neck to be drug like the dog he was. One eye had been swollen shut and a bruise upon his jaw. Apparently he was not a willing captive and was made to submissive. "Summon the Lady of Skye to the receiving hall." He commanded a servant, before dragging the prisoner toward the hall and waited for his sister to make her appearance.
Beathag: There was no bliss found in ignorance to fester, grow infected, and spread like the illness of the mind it was to make the eyes blind to the truth infront of them. Clouds pulled apart on the horizon line in constant debate about whether it was going to rain. Beathag noticed sunlight was a fierce rival, tearing through what seemed steeled lines of gray to difuse it all together. She clasped her hands behind her back and stood erect as she surveyed the land that fell into her possession by the fluke of a fool's courage, a swing of axe, and the will of monarchs. Her reverie was interrupted by the servant that came to her private sanctum. He was breathless, holding on to his chest as if hell had been at his heels. Fire had licked at the soles of his feet, the burn exhaust exhaled in the words, " The General calls for you, Your Grace. To..to the receiving hall...he has brought a prisoner." Without blinking, she started to take her steps so that he would need turn to catch up with her. " Ye will tell the servants tha' they will not tarry beside nor interrupt wot be gaein on, ye will also tell anyone tha' calls for either the General or m'self will be waitin' unless they be dyin' or it be dire because tha' door will be sealed behind meh, ye will post armed men outside o' it." The Duke Aberdeen and Lord of the Isles was away at Struan, his wife would take over his work. Receiving hall doors opened to allow the woman in and the prisoner knew he was in no posistion to plead imprisonment without the insult of questions from a woman. Yet, a look of fear crossed his eyes at the emergence of the Highland-Nord who stood inches under male counterparts. She was visibily armed with daggers at her hips, and protected by the presence of her brother. The first man to be questioned by the pair of siblings would never forget the harrowing experience as long as he lived, "Good day, brother, what dae ye bring fer us tae speak with?" (D)
Raven: As Raven stood off watching the tree line carefully a frown marring his features, Kae would be the only one brave enough to approach him. He started as her hand touched his arm her question soft. " What troubles you my Heart?" He shook his head as if to deny it but he knew she would know it as a lie. He sighed and lifted his hand to hold hers. " Something is nae right love. Something is brewing, I can feel it. " He paused a moment glancing towards Portree. " Have th' runners returned?" It took Kae a moment to answer. "One returned a few moments ago. He spoke of unrest within Portree but nothing specific." He nodded. " lets hope tha' the others have something more difinitive." (d)
Eamon: Eamonn brought with him a traitor to peace, a traitor to his people and kin. As far as Eamonn was concerned, he did not deserve to live, but as Bess and Adam plainly said, they wanted prisoners if they could help it, and now Eamonn delivered such. What information they could get from he did not know, but at least it could not be said that the General did not try. When the door opened to reveal Bess, Eamonn bowed his head to her respectfully, and while the man coward, there was no respect given. Eamonn frowned and brows furrowed under the great horse helm with white tail as plume. Eamonn sneered and kicked the man behind the knee, making the man gasp and fall to his knee. "What sort of man does not know respect for a Lady?" He growled out, before turning to his sister, the end of the rope still held in gloved hand, making SURE that the prisoner would not make an escape, and with hands bound behind, he would not get far. "These days are far from good, sister, but greetings all the same. I have here a man who has been caught rallying more men against your Ladyship and spreading horrible lies." Cold, icy hazel eyes turned back to the man kneeling on the floor, his good eye lowered in fear. "SPEAK knave, for you had quite a few words to say before, and now it seems you lost your tongue." Eamonn barked out forcefully.
Aislin: Could it be said that Aislin was defying those she loved by her actions? One could argue that it was a yes and that should those she loved ever find out, their tempers might be more then she could handle or had ever experienced. Not even guilt flowed through her emotions because it was something that was rare to Aislin. With every action, came the thoughts of what one would do, be and how it could form the future be it hers or someone else's. As a physician it was her duty to think ahead and these times were no different. With a steady and confident walk, she moved towards the receiving halls after knowing that at times, Bess could be found there for one reason or another. It was egged on by the whispers of maids and perhaps somewhere inside, Aislin simply wanted to spent some quiet moments with Bess. As she neared the area though, she found it was blocked off and two guards moved into her way, placing one gloved hand each upwards to stop her from even getting close. Aislin took offense, though she was not sure why. Still she was calm when she spoke to them, letting oceanic hues glance from one to the other. "What is the meaning of this? Why do ye pause me here?" They seemed steadfast in their answers, duties before all others and serious even though they knew of her place. " There will be no visitors at current for the Duchess and the General. Sorry my Lady...orders."No visits? That had Aislin raise one full brow at them before both went back down slowly. " Hm..are they both ill? Is anyone hurt or is it more politicial?" she asked without hesitation. If so, she could fully understand, but if there was a medical need..she had better be let through. "No one is injured my Lady Creed. It is politicial. Please come back another time." "Very well. If ye could let the Lady Duchess know that ah passed by ah would appreciate such." she went to turn around only to pause when she heard the other guard speak. " Any message for your husband the General?" Aislin closed her eyes for a moment as she faced away from them before speaking without turning around. "No....nothing that would be of that importance.." before she started back the other way down the hall.
Beathag: When the door opened to reveal her presence, there was no page announcing it. It wasn't an audience of pomp but work that made the hands, the soul, dirty. A good wallow in the mud seemed a way to spend the day as she glanced to the muck produced from under it. He huffed, wincing as his back stung, gut ached, with the force used to make him kneel. "Sae much tae sae n' nay a tongue tae wag now ye be in the presence o' who ye speak against, cur? Fickle thing, the tongue." Click, clack. Heel to floor...a heartbeat....an impact. It paced back and forth before coming to stand near her brother. "Maybah iffn' ye tightin' tha' collar round his neck there the dumb mute twill remember how tae speak...tell meh a story..wot were ye sayin', n' how wot is comin? Dae ye know o' an attack, any crimes tae be committed? Come." She reached out a hand to his throat, already irratated by the hard ropes. Where the skin shone near the top her hand clenched down. Pressure of the grip made him stand right. " Come n' speak now.." the hand was pulled back " Or the rope tightens. Iffn ye die twill be a fine day tae us.. trust meh." His eyes widened.. a croaked gurgle as his windpipe went back into place, " I ..I was rallyin' them against ye, for the Lairds to the North..and the east of here.." (d)
Caden: And where was our young Caden this afternoon. For once he was minus his fine friend and companion Anna, for he had a mission, and the stables was no place for the favored feline. Caden was looking over some of the horses the Stable Master had told him were for sale. He did not yet have enough coin but he wanted to at least choose one and give the Stable Master something to hold the steed for him. He had found his way to one of the last stalls where a magnificent black head poked over the door to investigate him. Caden smiled and rubbed the muzzle of the black horse, but sounds from a stall across the way caught his attention. He frowned and quietly slipped into the stall that held the horse gently rubbing his neck to keep him quiet so he could listen. Something told him to err on the side of caution. Voices, one belonging to a Stable hand that Caden had met the day before, and the other unfamilliar. " Have they gathered then?" this from the Stable Hand. The other answered. " Aye, in the forest near Portree." The voice continued and seemed to hold a bit of pleasure to it as he spoke. " They suspect not, they ride directly into a trap." Again the Stable Hand would ask. " And what of the Lady Kae's runners?" Hearing that Caden frowned even more He knew full well that the lady and her group had left this morning headed for Portree. He listened anxiously for the answer. " One made it back, the other two have been dispatched." A few more words passed between the two too muffled for Caden to hear. He waited until he heard them leave.. then waited a little longer to make sure he would not be seen. Then with a final pat to the stallion's neck he slipped out whispering. " I will be back for ye." his chioce having been made. But that would have to wait for his news was urgent. He slipped quickly from the stable and practically ran to the castle slipping past the guard who knew him already. He went to the receiving hall where he knew Bess could often befound only to see the door guarded. He skidded to a halt before the guards looking from one to the other. " I must speak with Lady Bess. Tis important, I have news she must hear now." (d)
Eamonn: At first the man said nothing, took lost for words it seemed to speak of the news and information that he so bravely shouted to him and his man before Eamonn and his company road him down and beat him into submission. Now, it seemed that he was speechless and without the aid of his tongue. At the present, Eamonn had a short temper. He was already tense and strained from personal matters as well as the looming threat of war and civil unrest breaking out. Bess had an equally short fuse, especially now. The days of neglect for his own health was starting to show, his face was thinning and his high cheekbones becoming more and more apparent. Dark crescents under his eyes were hidden by the shadow the helm cast. To further emphasis Bess' words, Eamonn tightened the noose, jerking it to hasten the man's seemingly forgotten words and voice. His face was stoic and bitter, having no care or concern or pity for the man bent before them. "Where are they gathering? SPEAK hastily! Your reward is your life, though it is not much, it will prolong judgement by blade. WHERE are these militias gathering? How many?" Eamonn demanded, jerking on the noose again in impatience.
Beathag: " ACK.." He winced, eyes bugging at the air being stifled away. Sweat beads formed to coat strands of hair plastering them against his forehead. "P...Pot..." His stammering ..was it subject to the noose, or to his tongue not being as glib as it should be? Outside of the door, Caden was met with " Is someone dyin' boy? Wot is urgent..nothin' more than what is going on inside. Questioning a traitor.." Her calm was subject to interpretation: cold voice, sharp eyes, and a quick hand that smacked across the traitor's face. As his head snapped to the left..he seemed to recover his sense, " Out of Drynoch..heading toward the east dock township! My Lady....twenty....forty..at.. most I was sent tae make more! Tae implant folk in the city but there are none they've spilled out intae the country or they've..they've been arrested!" He seemed to take a little delight in the fact they knew..and perhaps too late at that. Beathag's gaze became narrowed, a snarl seemed to start at the back of her throat. Feral, precise, as if she were set to hunting. "Ye beh responsible wot fer sendin' our best intae harms way?!" Her voice boomed, stifled very little by the thick wooden doors. She looked to Eamonn, no doubt, both on the same page," His Lairdship's gone tae Struan...where be the fealty sworn men? If they've left they've left fer a trap..." He chuckled, the traitor, bitterly. "Ye can't stop 'em...ye can't!" (d)
Caden: Caden caught his breath for half a second and looked the guard in the eye. " Tis word on betrayal, within our own walls Sir, and word of a trap and where it be." He spoke urgently hoping they would allow him in with all due haste. (d)
Eamonn: Eamonn had enough of the man's words, and hearing them, it made him sneer bitterly. His eyes narrowed into thin slits under the helm, and Eamonn inwardly growled, Despite the waning strength from lack of nutrition, there was still strength to be found in the man. His patience was gone in a flash, not there was much that linger within him. When he chuckled bitterly, Eamonn snapped and backhanded the man hard, making his head snap sharply to the side, and already another bruise began to form and turn red from the force his knuckles made upon flesh. "WE can stop them, for we are not as weak as your precious Lairds have suspected, or unaware. YOU cannot steal the freedom from your kin. Coward. Traitor. For EVERY soul that falls valiantly in that battle, your PAIN will be doubled. You will be begging for death before the end as payment for the blood YOUR deeds have cost us!" And once more, Eamonn reached down and grabbed him by his throat, his grip like iron.
Kaelyn: ** Baran shifted beneath Kae and she lightly tugged on his reins that were gripped in her bare hands. Her blue eyes scanning the area. Raven's words of something not being right made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up...her left hand flexed against the hilt of her sword. " Aye, I feel it as well Raven.. I wonder where those other runners are?" her back growing more rigid as they sat and waited for news.**
Raven: Raven looked to Kae and frowned. " If the runners dae nae show up in the next half hour love someone should be sent after them." He was reluctant to show their full force just yet. Not wanting to give the wrong impression tothose in Portree. The town itself was allied with the rulers of Skye... but within turmoil had begun to boil and the town had begun to split alliances. (d)
Kaelyn: ** She turned to face him blue eyes glinted with emotions kept within tight control " Aye, half an hour and we send in another runner." her voice sounding distant though she reached out and laid her hand on his thigh lightly. Reasurring not only him but herself as well. They all knew what was expected and would do so without fail. " I love you" she whispered for his ears alone. How cruel fate could be to bring two people together and then throw them into a battle in the same breath but such was this life she had chosen. Her fther's words came bacl to her once more "You my daughter are now the Wolf of Argania...may you always balance justice with mercy." she smiled feeling not happy but a sense of peace and knowing that she fought for a cause that was more than worthy.**
- The Battle at Potree Part 1 -
Raven: They had risen early that morning and prepared to leave. The knights had been chosen the night before, all three Shadow Knights, Rhys, Ademar, and many others. Their horses brought in close for an easy tack up first thing as the sun rose into the sky. Even before the knights had risen the camp cooks had been up and fixing meals both for them to take with them and for them to eat before they left. Raven had supervised the gathering of equipment while Kae had made sure that the heavier sleepers were awakened, then made sure they saw to their weapons. Any last minute sharpening of blades or fitting of armor was taken care of. Before the darkness had even left the sky the entire unit was mounted and in motion heading for the northern boarders. They truly were a magnificent sight. Each bearing the colors of their region wheather it be Argania or Blackmoor, though each also bore the Colors of Skye as well wheather it be in uniform or something as simple as a ribbon or over coat. Their departure was uniform single lines three riders wide Each line lead by either Kae, Raven or Rhys. Once they hit more open ground they were allowed to spread out in a relaxed ride with runners fanning out and ahead of them reporting back every half hour to an hour on the lands ahead of them. By mid day they had reached the ridge that would allow them to look over the lands down at Portree and beyond. There they stopped for the time being taking time to have their noon meal and get a good look at the lands they would be patroling.(d)
Background: What a sight! Forged by the bond of hands, parchment, and fealty sworn in a kiss to the earth that shifted under the hooves of the trooping horses across the island of Skye. When they moved in Struan, people came onto the streets. Filling the square were women with baskets on their hips, children with wide eyes, old men who would have given their possessions for one more chance to pass through in such honorable glory. At first it was a rare sight, but like brings like. Tartan clad shoulders leaned on pub threshold. Pipe in one hand and a mouth full of spite if they didn't agree with these alliances, foreigners, and the supposed new era underway. Did the whispers of them linger in the ear of a solider? Would he sit, on this high noon, outside of Potree to talk of the clime with his fellows? Salt air mixed with the bloom of crops outside of the town. Flat land rose into hills, cresting with grasses, rock. It was a quiet land, buzzing with the talk of men at ease for a time before the work of patrols would begin (d)
Raven: Within Portree itself three runners, without colors to bear slid silently through the town listening for word that would alert them to trouble. Meanwhile upon that ridge Kae, Raven, Rhys, Phantom and Pagon all stood together upon the backs of their horses, viewing the expanse between them and Portree. Quietly they discussed what might come, and how to handle it if it did. They were waiting for the return of the runners, while another was sent back toTuras Lan letting them know of their where abouts and to let them know that currently all was quiet. Raven felt restless, a pinging down his back told him that not all was as it seemed and so he seemed to stand a bit off to himself his dark gaze intent on the dot that was Portree. He also studied the tree line not far from the port city. Something was off, something did not feel right and hard as he tried to shake the feeling it would not go away. (d)
Eamonn: The time of peace was over. Events that were befalling the lands of Skye threatened the lands with war. Eamonn could sense it, sense that time of peace was drawing to an end, and when the clans felt the time was right, they would make a decisive strike. All that they could do was prepare for the worst and when it came, do their best to counter this rising threat to the peace and way of life for all Skye citizens. But Eamonn would not be so swayed into thinking that the clans would sit in their huts and rub their hands in schemes. They sent spies, scouts, messengers about the city to spread lies and rally men and women to their cause. Once such a henchman was caught. Finbar trotted toward the castle, Eamonn sitting tall and proud upon the back of the strong stallion, before a gloved hand tugged the reins and the horse halted. With grace and years of perfected practice, he dismounted and when booted feet touched the ground, hazel eyes turned cold to the man behind him, bound to the rope that he held as lead. Eamonn snatched on the rope, jerking the man forward. "Make haste, coward, for the Lady would like a WORD with you." He sneered venomously as he yanked the prisoner toward the steps and into the castle in search of Bess. The man was bound about his hands and a noose around his neck to be drug like the dog he was. One eye had been swollen shut and a bruise upon his jaw. Apparently he was not a willing captive and was made to submissive. "Summon the Lady of Skye to the receiving hall." He commanded a servant, before dragging the prisoner toward the hall and waited for his sister to make her appearance.
Beathag: There was no bliss found in ignorance to fester, grow infected, and spread like the illness of the mind it was to make the eyes blind to the truth infront of them. Clouds pulled apart on the horizon line in constant debate about whether it was going to rain. Beathag noticed sunlight was a fierce rival, tearing through what seemed steeled lines of gray to difuse it all together. She clasped her hands behind her back and stood erect as she surveyed the land that fell into her possession by the fluke of a fool's courage, a swing of axe, and the will of monarchs. Her reverie was interrupted by the servant that came to her private sanctum. He was breathless, holding on to his chest as if hell had been at his heels. Fire had licked at the soles of his feet, the burn exhaust exhaled in the words, " The General calls for you, Your Grace. To..to the receiving hall...he has brought a prisoner." Without blinking, she started to take her steps so that he would need turn to catch up with her. " Ye will tell the servants tha' they will not tarry beside nor interrupt wot be gaein on, ye will also tell anyone tha' calls for either the General or m'self will be waitin' unless they be dyin' or it be dire because tha' door will be sealed behind meh, ye will post armed men outside o' it." The Duke Aberdeen and Lord of the Isles was away at Struan, his wife would take over his work. Receiving hall doors opened to allow the woman in and the prisoner knew he was in no posistion to plead imprisonment without the insult of questions from a woman. Yet, a look of fear crossed his eyes at the emergence of the Highland-Nord who stood inches under male counterparts. She was visibily armed with daggers at her hips, and protected by the presence of her brother. The first man to be questioned by the pair of siblings would never forget the harrowing experience as long as he lived, "Good day, brother, what dae ye bring fer us tae speak with?" (D)
Raven: As Raven stood off watching the tree line carefully a frown marring his features, Kae would be the only one brave enough to approach him. He started as her hand touched his arm her question soft. " What troubles you my Heart?" He shook his head as if to deny it but he knew she would know it as a lie. He sighed and lifted his hand to hold hers. " Something is nae right love. Something is brewing, I can feel it. " He paused a moment glancing towards Portree. " Have th' runners returned?" It took Kae a moment to answer. "One returned a few moments ago. He spoke of unrest within Portree but nothing specific." He nodded. " lets hope tha' the others have something more difinitive." (d)
Eamon: Eamonn brought with him a traitor to peace, a traitor to his people and kin. As far as Eamonn was concerned, he did not deserve to live, but as Bess and Adam plainly said, they wanted prisoners if they could help it, and now Eamonn delivered such. What information they could get from he did not know, but at least it could not be said that the General did not try. When the door opened to reveal Bess, Eamonn bowed his head to her respectfully, and while the man coward, there was no respect given. Eamonn frowned and brows furrowed under the great horse helm with white tail as plume. Eamonn sneered and kicked the man behind the knee, making the man gasp and fall to his knee. "What sort of man does not know respect for a Lady?" He growled out, before turning to his sister, the end of the rope still held in gloved hand, making SURE that the prisoner would not make an escape, and with hands bound behind, he would not get far. "These days are far from good, sister, but greetings all the same. I have here a man who has been caught rallying more men against your Ladyship and spreading horrible lies." Cold, icy hazel eyes turned back to the man kneeling on the floor, his good eye lowered in fear. "SPEAK knave, for you had quite a few words to say before, and now it seems you lost your tongue." Eamonn barked out forcefully.
Aislin: Could it be said that Aislin was defying those she loved by her actions? One could argue that it was a yes and that should those she loved ever find out, their tempers might be more then she could handle or had ever experienced. Not even guilt flowed through her emotions because it was something that was rare to Aislin. With every action, came the thoughts of what one would do, be and how it could form the future be it hers or someone else's. As a physician it was her duty to think ahead and these times were no different. With a steady and confident walk, she moved towards the receiving halls after knowing that at times, Bess could be found there for one reason or another. It was egged on by the whispers of maids and perhaps somewhere inside, Aislin simply wanted to spent some quiet moments with Bess. As she neared the area though, she found it was blocked off and two guards moved into her way, placing one gloved hand each upwards to stop her from even getting close. Aislin took offense, though she was not sure why. Still she was calm when she spoke to them, letting oceanic hues glance from one to the other. "What is the meaning of this? Why do ye pause me here?" They seemed steadfast in their answers, duties before all others and serious even though they knew of her place. " There will be no visitors at current for the Duchess and the General. Sorry my Lady...orders."No visits? That had Aislin raise one full brow at them before both went back down slowly. " Hm..are they both ill? Is anyone hurt or is it more politicial?" she asked without hesitation. If so, she could fully understand, but if there was a medical need..she had better be let through. "No one is injured my Lady Creed. It is politicial. Please come back another time." "Very well. If ye could let the Lady Duchess know that ah passed by ah would appreciate such." she went to turn around only to pause when she heard the other guard speak. " Any message for your husband the General?" Aislin closed her eyes for a moment as she faced away from them before speaking without turning around. "No....nothing that would be of that importance.." before she started back the other way down the hall.
Beathag: When the door opened to reveal her presence, there was no page announcing it. It wasn't an audience of pomp but work that made the hands, the soul, dirty. A good wallow in the mud seemed a way to spend the day as she glanced to the muck produced from under it. He huffed, wincing as his back stung, gut ached, with the force used to make him kneel. "Sae much tae sae n' nay a tongue tae wag now ye be in the presence o' who ye speak against, cur? Fickle thing, the tongue." Click, clack. Heel to floor...a heartbeat....an impact. It paced back and forth before coming to stand near her brother. "Maybah iffn' ye tightin' tha' collar round his neck there the dumb mute twill remember how tae speak...tell meh a story..wot were ye sayin', n' how wot is comin? Dae ye know o' an attack, any crimes tae be committed? Come." She reached out a hand to his throat, already irratated by the hard ropes. Where the skin shone near the top her hand clenched down. Pressure of the grip made him stand right. " Come n' speak now.." the hand was pulled back " Or the rope tightens. Iffn ye die twill be a fine day tae us.. trust meh." His eyes widened.. a croaked gurgle as his windpipe went back into place, " I ..I was rallyin' them against ye, for the Lairds to the North..and the east of here.." (d)
Caden: And where was our young Caden this afternoon. For once he was minus his fine friend and companion Anna, for he had a mission, and the stables was no place for the favored feline. Caden was looking over some of the horses the Stable Master had told him were for sale. He did not yet have enough coin but he wanted to at least choose one and give the Stable Master something to hold the steed for him. He had found his way to one of the last stalls where a magnificent black head poked over the door to investigate him. Caden smiled and rubbed the muzzle of the black horse, but sounds from a stall across the way caught his attention. He frowned and quietly slipped into the stall that held the horse gently rubbing his neck to keep him quiet so he could listen. Something told him to err on the side of caution. Voices, one belonging to a Stable hand that Caden had met the day before, and the other unfamilliar. " Have they gathered then?" this from the Stable Hand. The other answered. " Aye, in the forest near Portree." The voice continued and seemed to hold a bit of pleasure to it as he spoke. " They suspect not, they ride directly into a trap." Again the Stable Hand would ask. " And what of the Lady Kae's runners?" Hearing that Caden frowned even more He knew full well that the lady and her group had left this morning headed for Portree. He listened anxiously for the answer. " One made it back, the other two have been dispatched." A few more words passed between the two too muffled for Caden to hear. He waited until he heard them leave.. then waited a little longer to make sure he would not be seen. Then with a final pat to the stallion's neck he slipped out whispering. " I will be back for ye." his chioce having been made. But that would have to wait for his news was urgent. He slipped quickly from the stable and practically ran to the castle slipping past the guard who knew him already. He went to the receiving hall where he knew Bess could often befound only to see the door guarded. He skidded to a halt before the guards looking from one to the other. " I must speak with Lady Bess. Tis important, I have news she must hear now." (d)
Eamonn: At first the man said nothing, took lost for words it seemed to speak of the news and information that he so bravely shouted to him and his man before Eamonn and his company road him down and beat him into submission. Now, it seemed that he was speechless and without the aid of his tongue. At the present, Eamonn had a short temper. He was already tense and strained from personal matters as well as the looming threat of war and civil unrest breaking out. Bess had an equally short fuse, especially now. The days of neglect for his own health was starting to show, his face was thinning and his high cheekbones becoming more and more apparent. Dark crescents under his eyes were hidden by the shadow the helm cast. To further emphasis Bess' words, Eamonn tightened the noose, jerking it to hasten the man's seemingly forgotten words and voice. His face was stoic and bitter, having no care or concern or pity for the man bent before them. "Where are they gathering? SPEAK hastily! Your reward is your life, though it is not much, it will prolong judgement by blade. WHERE are these militias gathering? How many?" Eamonn demanded, jerking on the noose again in impatience.
Beathag: " ACK.." He winced, eyes bugging at the air being stifled away. Sweat beads formed to coat strands of hair plastering them against his forehead. "P...Pot..." His stammering ..was it subject to the noose, or to his tongue not being as glib as it should be? Outside of the door, Caden was met with " Is someone dyin' boy? Wot is urgent..nothin' more than what is going on inside. Questioning a traitor.." Her calm was subject to interpretation: cold voice, sharp eyes, and a quick hand that smacked across the traitor's face. As his head snapped to the left..he seemed to recover his sense, " Out of Drynoch..heading toward the east dock township! My Lady....twenty....forty..at.. most I was sent tae make more! Tae implant folk in the city but there are none they've spilled out intae the country or they've..they've been arrested!" He seemed to take a little delight in the fact they knew..and perhaps too late at that. Beathag's gaze became narrowed, a snarl seemed to start at the back of her throat. Feral, precise, as if she were set to hunting. "Ye beh responsible wot fer sendin' our best intae harms way?!" Her voice boomed, stifled very little by the thick wooden doors. She looked to Eamonn, no doubt, both on the same page," His Lairdship's gone tae Struan...where be the fealty sworn men? If they've left they've left fer a trap..." He chuckled, the traitor, bitterly. "Ye can't stop 'em...ye can't!" (d)
Caden: Caden caught his breath for half a second and looked the guard in the eye. " Tis word on betrayal, within our own walls Sir, and word of a trap and where it be." He spoke urgently hoping they would allow him in with all due haste. (d)
Eamonn: Eamonn had enough of the man's words, and hearing them, it made him sneer bitterly. His eyes narrowed into thin slits under the helm, and Eamonn inwardly growled, Despite the waning strength from lack of nutrition, there was still strength to be found in the man. His patience was gone in a flash, not there was much that linger within him. When he chuckled bitterly, Eamonn snapped and backhanded the man hard, making his head snap sharply to the side, and already another bruise began to form and turn red from the force his knuckles made upon flesh. "WE can stop them, for we are not as weak as your precious Lairds have suspected, or unaware. YOU cannot steal the freedom from your kin. Coward. Traitor. For EVERY soul that falls valiantly in that battle, your PAIN will be doubled. You will be begging for death before the end as payment for the blood YOUR deeds have cost us!" And once more, Eamonn reached down and grabbed him by his throat, his grip like iron.
Kaelyn: ** Baran shifted beneath Kae and she lightly tugged on his reins that were gripped in her bare hands. Her blue eyes scanning the area. Raven's words of something not being right made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up...her left hand flexed against the hilt of her sword. " Aye, I feel it as well Raven.. I wonder where those other runners are?" her back growing more rigid as they sat and waited for news.**
Raven: Raven looked to Kae and frowned. " If the runners dae nae show up in the next half hour love someone should be sent after them." He was reluctant to show their full force just yet. Not wanting to give the wrong impression tothose in Portree. The town itself was allied with the rulers of Skye... but within turmoil had begun to boil and the town had begun to split alliances. (d)
Kaelyn: ** She turned to face him blue eyes glinted with emotions kept within tight control " Aye, half an hour and we send in another runner." her voice sounding distant though she reached out and laid her hand on his thigh lightly. Reasurring not only him but herself as well. They all knew what was expected and would do so without fail. " I love you" she whispered for his ears alone. How cruel fate could be to bring two people together and then throw them into a battle in the same breath but such was this life she had chosen. Her fther's words came bacl to her once more "You my daughter are now the Wolf of Argania...may you always balance justice with mercy." she smiled feeling not happy but a sense of peace and knowing that she fought for a cause that was more than worthy.**
