Journey's End: The Battle for Turas Lan

[Lord Eamonn of Eohmark]

The Battle of Turas Lan
...Winning the battle against the Darkness. For it is that wen beliefs coalesce into one,
the Good will triumph and...the shadows will face banishment forever to the depths of the Earth.

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[Friday, 3rd of April @ 10 EST & Saturday, 4th of April @ 10 EST]

I. THE PRELUDE
After the court escaped from Aberdeen, the country of Skye was sent into a full fledge war against the English and its foreign allies. The Liberation of Windmill Fort, and the Rebellion of Dumfrieshire, become milestone events that determined the native support that the English and foreign countries would have in the war. In an attempt to turn over dictatorship, Maubrey and the English attempted to assassinate the military figures of the Skye army. The King's Way Passages opened out in the wild, bringing out the last of the subterranean English forgotten by Maubrey, landing in a victory for the Skye people. Flushed out of the hidden areas, the English armies are now forced to fight in a more direct approach. The Battle of Cullin Hills was the first attempt at invading Turas Lan through the mountain and hill passes but the forces of Maubrey were defeated. However, the city of Turas Lan ultimately became cut off during the winter due the English blockading and isolating the city from the rest of Skye. The Battle of Raasay Sound became a victory on the water for Skye against England and their Allies.All that remains is a ship graveyard at the bottom of the Sound of Raasay. After the Battle of Raasay Sound, the Duke and Duchess travelled to Edinburgh and the court became divided across different countries of Skye. The Lord Marshal and the Lady Aislin Creed were designated caretakers of Skye in the absence of the Duke and Duchess until their return. With the Liberation of Wales, Voyage to Ireland, and the Battle of the Isthmus, the English attempt their last opportunity to take the city of Turas Lan by the cover of night while the authoritative military leaders are away with their respective armies from the city, leaving it defenseless...or so they believe.


II. SCENE I: BEFORE NIGHTFALL
A handful of English soldiers reap the victories of prior conquests. On the road to Turas Lan, any citizen on the street is murdered and their clothes stripped from their bodies. With the clothes, the English put them on and pass through the gates of the city in the late afternoon sun. Once within the city's outer walls, the handful of English soldiers that camouflaged and slipped in wait for nightfall to come. Meanwhile, waiting just beyond the city is the army of Englishmen three hundred (300) strong.

[/b][/size]

[/b] Nine Englishmen disguised themselves as clansmen and peasants to pass the gates.
ii. Inside, the Englishmen spy out the layout of the city in detail still in disguise.
iii. Outside and away from sight, is the English army of three hundred waiting for the signal to attack.[/ul][/ul]


III. SCENE II: NIGHT FALLS ON TURAS LAN
With the coming of nighttime, the city turns to slumber and the activity level dies down. Once the city is 'asleep' the waiting Englishmen inside strip themselves of the rags they slipped in with and redress in their uniforms of English heraldry. After their armour is placed on and their weapons unsheathed, the men split up and systematically slay the guards of the gates (even the side gates of the city). The gates are then opened, and with a flamed arrow shot into the dark skies, the Englishmen signal the waiting army to advance on the city. In the distance, the army descends upon Turas Lan, flooding through the gates and pouring into the city. As they swarm the city, some houses and businesses are burned. The screaming and fleeing citizens wakens the city as all run to see refuge behind the second wall--the Castle walls. The surviving citizens are rushed through the castle gates, as many as there can be, before the gates are shut and barred. Those within the castle walls hurry to prepare for an unforeseen assault from the English.

[/b][/size]

[/b] Night falls, the Englishmen inside the city slay the gate guardians and open the gates.
ii. By way of a flaming arrow, the waiting English army is signaled to rush the city.
iii. Some homes and important* businesses are burned, such as blacksmiths, apothecary, carpenter, etc.

[/b] By the term important business and homes, it is directed to businesses and homes that are considered important in a military standing. Not every home is important in a strategic attack. These businesses must serve a critical function in the society and in the event of their destruction a society is severely crippled.[/ul]
iv. All the citizens that can be saved rush toward the castle walls and seek shelter there.
v. With most of the principle armies away from the city, all that remains are the secondary forces and the citizens. Many of the military commanders are not present, leaving the city to defend itself until help can arrive, if it can arrive.[/ul][/ul]


IV. SCENE III: THE SIEGE OF TURAS LAN

With the gates closed and barracked, the citizens and soldiers stationed in the city prepare for the assault by the English troops. It does not take long before the army of the English descends upon the wall, some with arrows and some with various other infantry weapons. 'Night Arrows'* are used to decrease the number of Skye troops on the walls, while the English bring in their battering ram to attempt to break down the gate. Men in the courtyard rush to get wooden boards they can find, breaking down some structures to use the wood to keep the gate from breaking down. Meanwhile, in the distance on the outside of the city gates, a single trebuchet is wheeled forward. With the stretch to reach only the inner wall, the English sling heavy boulders, hoping to crack the wall and give their men means to break through. The castle's defenses and manpower became the critical tool to holding off the English from the city. With debris and arrows flying, the infirmary becomes busier than ever, the men down below try to hold the gate, patching it where they can and fighting through the splinters and holes of the gate. Any citizen that can wield a weapon of any sort is called upon for help, women alike. The children and elderly are rushed into the castle for safe keeping and should all go ill, they will have the chance to escape through the secret passages to have a chance to flee the city. While the fires burn, the glow of the fires becomes a beacon to signal the forces of Skye to come back to the city. However, help will not be able to arrive until dawn, leaving Turas Lan to fight and survive until someone can come to help.

[/b][/size]

[/b] Anyone that can use a sword is stationed in the courtyard on standby, leaving the military men to get on the wall and protect it by any means.
ii. As a means to decimate the men on the wall, the English use the tactic of 'Night Arrows'*.

[/b] Night Arrows are a tactic used to 'snipe' men in the dark. These are arrows that are not set aflame. They are normal arrows set off so the enemy will not see them coming at night.[/ul]
iii. The English will bring in two siege weapons: a battering ram and a trebuchet.
iv. Turas Lan becomes a place of pure chaos. The wall is being battered and bombarded by the trebuchet and the gate is being assaulted by the battering ram. Men in the courtyard must default to breaking down the wooden structures such as wagons, beds, etc. in order to patch up the gate and keep it from coming down entirely. Men will rush the gate and try to physically stop up the hole and keep the English from pouring in while the men on the wall use the hot tar and grease to swing out over the wall and let it loose down on the English below.
v. The forces of Skye outside of the city turn and make all haste toward the city, but will not be able to reach it until dawn.[/ul][/ul]

V. SCENE IV: THE DAWN

In the coming of the dawn, the reinforcements of Syke come. Also, with the coming of the light, there is visibility. The cannons stationed upon the walls of the castle can finally be turned and aimed toward the trebuchet outside, permanently dismantling it. The Lord Marshal's cavalry, The Duke's Infantry, The Lord General's Army, and many other commanders will pour through the city gates and pursue the English, killing them all, no mercy or quarter given, saving the city and all those who survive the onslaught. Once and for all, the English are beaten back from Turas Lan and unable to overturn Skye.

[/b][/size]

[/b] With visibility coming with the sun, the cannons on the walls can finally be used to take out the English's trebuchet.
ii. The armies of Skye will converge in the city and wipe out the remaining Englishmen trying to break into the gates. Those still alive in the castle gates will climb out and aid the armies in the obliteration of the English.[/ul][/ul][/blockquote][/font]

[Lord Eamonn of Eohmark]

The Battle of Turas Lan
IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT THE ENEMY COME TO DESTROY THE LIGHT OF LIFE..

Night had fallen upon Turas Lan, at long last, and the men stripped themselves of the rags they had stolen from the slain and in their stead they dressed themselves in the familiar heraldry of the British Isle. All was going according to plan, and now with the cover of night, the surprise attack could begin. Down the streets they moved, the men separating to cover more ground. To the wall they dashed, and once up the steps, the guards were silenced one by one. With the guards lying dead on the stone, the crank that opened the gates was turned, over and over, raising the metal barrier that parted the archway of the outer walls. With the gates opened, and there were two other gates aside from the main passageway, soaked touches were pulled from their places in the wooden rack and ignited, each unit waved the torch, signaling to the others that their designated gate was open and ready. The archer at the front gate nodded, and pulling out the bow and arrow, it was dipped in oil and sparked. Toward the heavens it was aimed and with a muted twang, the arrow flew upward, higher and higher into the sky and above the line of trees. The signal. Hushed men in armour took to foot, rushing toward the opened gates. The horses were whipped and with a snort the large trebuchet was wheeled and carted forward toward the outer walls. Like a plague the English armour flooded into the city, some carried torches. Windows were shattered; fire began to consume key buildings that would surely cripple the people of Skye. Screams pierced the night area, waking a slumbering city. The trebuchet was rolled into place, cranked backward, and loaded with the soaked projectiles. Women screamed, gathering their children and fleeing toward the safest place they knew: the castle.


COLBAN
It was a late night for Colban. He took to the walls of the castle, lazing high above the rest of the world, it seemed, and waiting like the rest of Skye for whatever came next. He was on the wrong side of the building when the attack came, but he heard the call of alarm clearly enough. He knew his duty was to protect those walls, so he remained above, going where he was needed, watching figures dashing up toward the safety of the castle and knowing he could do nothing to assist them.

SIR BROM
Brom was tired; there was no two ways about that. The Isthmus had worn him thin, and he was looking forward to this rare thing called a night from duty when the sounds of screams pierced even the thick castle walls. Leaping from his bed, he went out to the window in naught but his night shirt to see the world beginning to burn apart, to smolder, and the people arise from their sleep to a waking nightmare. ``Tae the armory, gather the men quick as we can. Arms, to arms!`` Never before in his life had he put on his breeches faster (even when leaving an illicit liason), his boots, or grabbed his sword to make all haste out to the Griffin Walls. Dear God, not on their watch. Let not the golden city fall when their lord entrusted them thus.

CAPTAIN EALORA ASAD-AZIEM
There was only one thing that could pull the family from a sound slumber. Hell rising. Or at least that is what she was inclined to call it. Really it was an attack but the screams, the sounds of a city on attack were what pulled the family apart. Nora rushed to the kids and Ealora to push through the gaggle of people flooding the castle to see what was going on. There was no doubt the English was trying, with success to invade the city. The question was how. The city was alight with fire and her heart began to pound heavy in her chest as she doubled back, directing people this way and that to cut a clear path for the army who needed to respond. Back to the room the family shared only to remind Nora to keep the children safe while armoy, newly shed only hours before was gasped up and heaved on as she moved to join the army itself in defending the city.

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
The march north was pretty much unimpeded, the forces of the Griffin has placed their full effort upon the fact of catching the Maubrey forces totally by surprise and annihilating them. This fact infuriated William. This inner rage fueled him onward... he had managed to push his men hard enough to outrun the majority of Griffin forces... 300 English cavalrymen had made the outskirts of the capital, with another 1,700 infantrymen, miles away. With enough time to spare, William managed to get some of his men inside the city dressed as workers, merchants, and some refugees from Ireland. William managed to set up the sole trebuchet just within reach of the city walls... Oil had been placed in barrels to mix on the boulders, should the time require it. In long lines on both sides of the City wall gate, William had planned on making Turas Lan pay for their leaders' transgressions. Upon the signal from within the walls, the trebuchets would send burning balls of fire into the city to cover the men inside. At the same time, his archers would begin to target the men upon the walls, some with fire arrows, some not. Standing at the base of the trebuchet, he saw the signals, and ordered his captains forward, taking 300 war veteran soldiers, fueled by the massacre at the Isthmus. At the same time, he sent a messenger south along the road to look for the 1700. Looking to the Master Archer... he nods... The Master Archer commands. ``String... Aim... Loose...`` then arrows flew towards it targets upon the walls... volley after volley, the walls were assaulted.

THE BLACK TALONS
There was no time to prepare in full for the attack, even with the knowledge of what was to come. were Alex a perhaps greater man, he might even credit William with the tenacity in the tactics, even if the bastard put innocent lives in peril for this last gasp, but he would not find its forces wanting. A knot of British men slipped through the side gates in the chaos, intent on wreaking havoc, but shadows followed them along. One of the veterans caught sight of a flicker just for a bolt to strike him right between his eyes, sending him stumbling. Almost immediately, people emerged--from the streets, from houses, from little hideaways carefully prepared, robed and masked as they descended on them with blades at the ready. Even the battle-hardened veterans were terrified--they were surrounded from every angle, finding no safe haven in the attack, startling as it was for how soundless it was, save the shouts of their own men! Among the attackers was Vance, Alen's second in command, rushing a Brit and slamming a gauntleted fist hard into the Brit's face with a sickening crunch before grasping his neck and running him through. And in the middle of attack, Alexander himself came in, spinning and twisting a one-handed blade in blinding arcs, felling one with every swing, cutting a line right to his lieutenant--it was barely a battle, but a slaughter, and before there the knot of Englishmen fell silent, leaving a handful of his own Noviates.
The illusionist looked to Vance. ``Plenty more where that came from, Boss.``
``Let not Englishman survive. No Prisoners. Maubrey will pay this!`` They slipped away an instant later, melding into the alleys and the streets, along roofs and through buildings, predators on the hunt.

GENERAL MAAHES ASAD-AZIEM
A General stood with his men, who made their change inside the barracks. Old weapons for new, torn armor for repaired. The wounded from the morning's battle would be taken away, and Maahes sent a page to check upon the canon's that should have met their mark by now. He would smile at the boy, when he came running back. ``Then listen for them at Dawn, it will be our freedom ring?`` A ruffle to the child's hair he watched as the page's white hair turned red—from the blood upon his hand. The cries of the battle started out into the night, and the healer that worked upon his shoulder would be brushed aside. Never once would she doubt him, or try to fight having sent that one off to war with much more she knew he'd be fine. However, as the puzzle of his armor was quick to be returned, he felt himself dizzy, and a bit fatigued. Ah, the life of a man at arms. ``Move out!`` Barking then to the soldiers who waited he lead the out into the city.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
With the Duke and Duchess gone, Aislin was now left in charge of the people of Turas Lan and their happiness. It would not have been easy, had she not learned from Bess and sat in many times to see how affairs were handled. Aislin was lost in her thoughts, or trying to be though with Aman-ud-Din walking by her side and another of Bess' guards, she saw they were waiting for her to speak perhaps. ``Ye are the advisor, so what ye say be trusted. Ah can be handling politics, but -`` She was cut off by the sound of hurried steps down the hall. Turning her head, ocean eyes locked on a lady servant whom was in a hurry and heading right for her.

LADY SERVANT OF THE CASTLE
``MY LADY...LOOK AT THA WINDOW! THERE IS..SOMETIHNG GOING ON!``

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin snapped her head towards Aman and then to the guard by her side, before all three took off running towards the closet window at a quick pace. Fingers gripped the side of the stone, to see fire spreading quickly over the city and people moving about the streets. Cries rang into the air, making Aislin's heart beat quickly. Looking to the guard, she gave him a nod to go, before looking towards the woman behind them and in a calm voice telling her what to do. ``Gather everyone within the castle..Ah do nay care if ye run through the hall ways screaming it. Tell everyone to meet me in the main entrance. Go now.`` Looking to Aman, she moved from the window and both hurried towards the main entrance.

ANULIA AMORA
Anulia would be among those that were in the city and unaware of what was going on as she sat with friends in the briar rose. When people ran by the doors screaming, she was lost and it was Rose, who took the leadership in going outside and seeing what was going on. When Rose came in, she was quick to tell everyone to leave the tavern and head to their homes. Anulia was a bit in panic, not knowing what to do and seeing flashes of a past life. It left her shell shocked. Minorly.

SIR AMAN-UD-DIN SAYYID
The lofty Arab walked alongside Aislin, both hands held behind his back as the ends of his robes swirled around his knees, leaving exposed the black breeches and grey boots. With Adam and Bess absent, it fell into the hands of Aislin and Eamonn, though one was away for war. He had no quarrel helping Aislin as much as he could, give advice when and where he could. However, the hastened pattering of feet stole his attention and a petrified servant caught his immediate attention. Aman-ud-Din blinked, but rushed to the window beside Aislin, peering over the woman's shoulder to see...fire. The city was burning! Dark eyes turned to Aislin before both were rushing to the entrance and out the door into a courtyard that was filling with people, some crying and screaming, others too frightened to. Lord God, help them all.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Lucius smiled as he finished the rest of his ale, setting the mug down on the table as dark eyes turned from Rose and to Anulia. However, the smile was short-lived as the screaming people running by caught his attention. Lucius rose to his feet in an instant, a hand touching Anulia's shoulder. Moving to Rose, he inquired what the hell was going on...but the news was not well and had Lucius flying up the stairs and to the room he was staying in. The squire snatched up his chainmail shirt, tugging it over his head and pulled on the leather brigandine. He could buckle it on the way. Running down the steps, he almost fell as fingers fumbled with the buckles, the belt and scabbard tucked under his arm. With the brigandine buckled, Lucius rushed to the door and opened it, only to hear the chaos going on outside. Fire. Soldiers. Lucius frowned and belted the scabbard over his shoulder and then around his waist to keep it at his side. ``We have to go to the castle!`` He said, turning to Rose and Anulia. Lucius tugged on Anulia's arm quickly, Rose already hiking her shirt and moving to the door and out. Once they got to the castle, they both would be safer. As he ran down the street behind Anulia and Rose, a soldier sprang from the alley, cutting him off from Rose and Anulia. Steel rang as he left the scabbard and with a fuild stroke, he brought the sword down across the man's chest. Turning to Nate, who had trailed behind him but fast approached, Lucius pushed him forward. ``To the castle!``

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
Adam and his 30 of his Gold Talons rode hard for three days and slept only when necessary to stay in the saddle... His destination, Turas Lan. The English army was decimated at Galashiels and now the Griffin Army East was driving deep into English territory... destination London. Adam could see the lights of the city from the landing site.. ``We need tae be there soon... Ah must know of the Isthmus...`` Fours away by land, Adam wished he had gotten a bigger boat for his return... landing in the city piers would have been better... but all resources were tight right now. So landing at the narrowest part between Scotland and Skye, and riding around the Isthmus, north thru Arinna Hydraemoth, then east to Turas Lan was his best alternative. The ride was farther, but safer should Maubrey's forces still be in the Isthmus. Leaving Eirian's lands making for the capital, before them came the streaks of fire, sailing toward the city... Adam just swallowed hard... ``Dear God no...`` he said hoarsely... ``To the city with most haste men...``
The man beside him spoke softly. ``MiLord, we are still 4 hours away...``
``Ride hard men, we cannot let the city fall...`` But could thirty and one do?

LADY ROSALIND AVALLE
It The young squires, too tiny to loft their knights' shields but big enough to want to join the fight, were the first familiar faces she encountered as Rosalind and Aldric hurried through the corridors. There was no time for panic to have set in yet, but there was urgency. She had not seen anything outside her window, but she had not had time to look, either. For those awakening from rooms without outside views, confusion ran rampant. ``No, no, not that way,`` Rosalind directed one of the boys, resting her hand on the top of his head and turning him quickly so that he walked beside her. ``We must gather as we were told to do. I know you want to fight, but who will stay behind and protect Aldric?`` Perhaps the sleepy boy knew he was being conned. Perhaps he really believed it. Either way, he took up Aldric's hand and did not let go until they were assembled before the Lady Physician. Rosalind briefly wondered if Colban would fight tonight; despite their harsh words, she did wish him to live a bit longer.

SIR BROM
Brom came through the corridors not some three minutes after the explosions commenced. Fastening his sword as he went, he called out for the Talons ``Get to the Court!`` The command was one, encompassing that would find the handful and three men, eight in total, beginning to fan from the places along the walls, milling through the crowd. One became a shadow to Rosalind and her charges, two others followed the trails of the Advisor and the Lady of the Lord Marshall, a princess now in her own right. ``Go through the halls, you two, one this way, one that way, gather them up, every able bodied man pull him forward and begin to gather up the women and children. You,`` The last was named Alecdare, and he followed Brom without so much as nother word. ``How many men have the castle, we need to know this, and to the gates with us...`` What would Kendrew have done? This went through his mind- the court and what housed them, these things were his pride. Other grand men of the Order, too, were gone. The Weapon's master Dimtri. Through the halls he charged until he found Ailsin and Aman-un-Din moving toward the front entrance. ``My lady, my lord`` He bowed with haste as he was making his way toward the wall, ``Please, Princess, the Great Hall with you. It will be you among many they come for first, do not move too far to the front!`` Brom was worried, nervous, but it didn't show on his face. Kendrew had trained him better than that.

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
The men would strain their muscles opening the gates as fast as they could... they knew should they be caught before, they would surely be put to death by the barbarians. The signals given, Lord Maubrey's orders given, the captains continued with the plans they has asserted... they pushed the 300 men to the gates and beyond, while overhead, fireballs and arrows kept the wall soldiers busy. William stood by the trebuchet urging the men to keep up the pressure... constantly looking over his shoulder toward the road whence his men should be arriving soon. The 300 were to cause as much damage as they could, and take out as many of the Griffin forces. As they rushed in they were met with not only military, but armed civilians; unexpected but at first, they deemed them no problem. The man they called St George swung his blade left and right, an arm severed here, a leg there, he and his men would push their way into the city. A prayer offered each time he slew an opponent; he was definitely an asset to the Maubrey forces.

NATHAN RENQUEST
For Nathan this was all new and simultaneously terrifying. for all his traveling, never once had he experienced anything close to war and the chaos threatened to overwhelm him. For all his supposed cleverness, he literally did not know what to do--though there was an irony in choosing today, of all day to carry Kaori's blade with him. The truth was, he was every bit as lost--maybe worse, than Anulia, but for all his fear and terror it matched not the expression on her face. Maybe that was what made him try to throttle control on it--stick close to her while Lucius lead the charge for the castle, every bit the hero. The poor scholar was pale and jumped at the new soldier, backing a step as he was dispatched before Lucius urged them both onward, before hesitantly trailing behind, wrapping his hand white-knuckle around the blade on his side. Lord, he'd never even used it for more than practice. What the hell would he do?

THE BLACK TALONS
Alen's Talons brought death to every pocket of resistance they could find, but they were less than 10 men, most of them fresh Noviates, and he'd already lost three in the ensuing packs. Soon they'd be unable to engage anymore, and both Vance and Alen exchanged wary glances to one another. This group was larger than the others, and neither liked the odds. Creeping carefully along, they'd take up positions, waiting for the subtle visual cue. ``Bloody reinforcements don't get here soon and there ain't gonna be more less to save...`` Vance said.
``I know... I know! `` The battle was joined again, but for all their surprise and ferocity, Alen's men were not for pitched battles. This would be bloody.


The English that weathered and missed the attack by the Black Talon chased the citizens of Skye toward the castle, burning as they went. Outside of the city's walls, however, men lit the boulder aflame as it sat in its sling. With command from Maubrey, the soldier picked up the hammer and slammed it into the trigger, letting loose the projectile as the weights shifted. Men of Skye tried to rush everyone inside, even literally yanking people through the archway. A man upon the wall watched as the people fled, houses burned, and the English swiftly approached. ``CLOSE THE GATES! BARICADE THE ENTRANCE!`` Came the order. The man on the wall turned to see a bright flame in the sky sailing, burning hot like a falling star as it came closer and close. ``BALLISTA!`` He screamed, and ran down the stairs to pass on the word. With an eerie whistle the burning projectile slammed into the wall, exploding and shaking the structure. Some men lost their balance, others cried out having been hit with debris. That was the least of their worries, however. Lining up, the archers formed, and reaching into their quivers they pulled out their arrows and notched them. With night as their cover, the archer let loose their arrows, virtually unseen, up over the wall. More guards screamed as the impact of arrow swept them off their feet. More people screamed as arrows made their way into the courtyard, some missing arrows as they rained down, others not as fortune. Another burning projectile came, those this time scaling over the wall and crashing into the edge of the courtyard, having not the distance to make it to the castle. Men on fire screamed and ran, dropping on the ground while others rushed with buckets of water and even blankets to beat and douse the flames. Hell had become unleashed. The streets were cleared as the battering ram was moved through and toward the gates. Bang! Bang! Over and over the English rammed the end of it into the thick wood and steel gates, but with enough efforts, wood began to splinter and crack.


ANULIA AMORA
Anulia did not know what to do as Lucius left her. She was left to grab Nathan's hand hard. The last time she had gone through this, she became a slave. With her heart pumping wildly in her chest, she was left to pant and nearly frantic. Lucius' hand, made her jump but she followed after him without fail. Picking up her skirts, she moved after Rose, only to get separated from Lucius and turn around to see Nate moving forward. When Nate reached her, she stared at Lucius, before reluctantly moving to head for the castle. Many were pushing to get inside the gates, some holding their children, others turning to fight. Anulia was pressed against others, like cattle. She grabbed a hold of Nathan's hand once more, lacing her fingers with his so she did not get lost in the mass. She needed a friendly face. It was like being cattle all over again. Hearing her name over the crowd, she turned her head to see Lucius moving with the group. ``HERE!`` She shouted.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin gave a pause when she was confronted by Brom and he spoke of where she should go. The word "princess" was yet another thing she would have to adjust to. Staring at him, she gave a soft sigh. ``Aye..that be where ah will go then. Ah have asked everyone to gather near the main entrance. Pick those ye can use, send the others towards me. The children? Any within the castle, make sure to gather.`` Turning to another servant, she grabbed their shoulder. ``Bring my son to me now. Do nay linger, aye?`` When the woman gave a nod, Aislin turned, parting ways with Aman-ud-Din and Brom to head down the way he had instructed. Aislin wanted to help, but her seat in power had changed drastically and she now had to be a Duchess of sorts. Any who followed would have to be fast on her heels as she went to the great hall.

COLBAN
``It's suicide up here, man, get ye down an' see wha' ye can de elsewhere!`` came the order, and Colban, watching the world burn, did not need to be told twice. He jumped down whole flights of stairs, boots barely touching stone on his way to first see to his family, oddly arranged as that family happened to be, and then to put his sword to good use. He found Rosalind with several of the other courtiers. She was surrounded by children, it seemed, all important, but not his. Finally, he spotted him, hiding behind Rosalind's skirts, unharmed, and a thumb stuck in his mouth as he decided whether this was interesting or frightening. ``Rosie, are ye well?`` he asked after a brief, incredibly awkward pause that made his cheeks flame. She nodded quickly and smiled. She told him she would be fine, and they had a guard standing watch over them just in case anything should happen. Which it would not. He wished he had her confidence sometimes. He nodded and hurried off after Brom and the Arab fellow.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
With the chaos of fleeing citizens rushing toward the castle gates, it was hard to keep together or even near each other, but they tried, Lucius tried to keep his friends from the Briar Rose in his sight so he could at least see where they were. Lucius manage to make his way inside, and sheathed his sword, just in time for someone to shout something about blocking the gate. As a soldier, Lucius went to help, helping a man carry a large beam toward the gate and strengthen it. Where the hell was Anulia and Nathan?! Lucius didn't have time to turn and find them, for moments after the man on the wall cried out a warning of ballistae; the rock hitting the wall shook it with a loud and thunderous explosion. His eyes widened and he pushed his way away from the gate. Oh no. Dark eyes snapped this way and that as he heard and saw men flying back from...arrows?! Stealth. His heart was thumping in his chest. ``Get back! Arrows! Get ba--`` But before he could finish his sentence, another boulder came flying over and slammed into the ground, lighting some men on fire and hitting other with debris. Lucius hit the ground, arms coming to up to protect his face and head, the impact shook the ground and he stumbled away, nearly falling. Coughing, he turned to hear the banging on the gate. Ram! They had to find more beams to block it! Dashing off after a fellow soldier, he snatched a plank of wood from the side of a wagon and carried it toward the gate, pushing his way through to hand it to one many trying to hurry and nail it in place. The wood cracked again as the dent got bigger and bigger, putting a hole in the gate! Lucius drew his sword just in case.

SIR AMAN-UD-DIN SAYYID
The Arab rushed toward the armoury and picked himself up a shirt of mail. His scabbard was unbuckled around his waist and set aside for the moment so he could at least pull the rings of mail over his body. The scabbard was belted around his waist again and long legs went dashing toward the wall, which could not have been a worse spot to be. Ballista? The Arab frowned, and when the rock slammed into the wall, the walkway shook like a finger, causing him to lose his footing and fall over. When he got back up, he could hear the whistling of arrows flying past his head and some men around him falling over from them. Eyes turned to Brom and the squire Colban. ``Arrows! Be careful!`` He shouted, hearing the loud bang. What on earth..? Aman-ud-Din leaned over the wall to see the battering ram and the English swarming around the walls. Looking around, Aman-ud-Din noticed the skin of pigs hanging from wooden beams. ``See those things? Swing them out and pull the rope! Brom, go get a torch!`` Said the Arab, moving toward the thing. However, another rock went flying into the wall again, causing him to stumble and lurch forward. A silent arrow slammed into his upper chest, just below the right side of his collarbone. Pain shot through every nerve in his body, but all he could do was grit his teeth and swallow the pain. Quickly snapping the arrow, Aman-ud-Din made it to the machine and swung it out over the wall so it hung suspended over the battering ram and men trying to crowd the gate. Pulling on the rope, the skin dropped down hot tar, sticking to men and anything in its way. ``Throw the fire!`` He called out, before moving to the next one and pulling it as well, raining down tar.

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
The men, and women, inside the city were fighting well... and the walls, which had been reinforced under Captain lePower's supervision were holding well, despite the pounding they were taking. Superstructures, towers, buildings, businesses, shops, and the like were less fortune. Whatever was not hit by flying balls of flame or flamed arrows was then torched at every opportunity by the 200... or whatever were left of them inside. With the gates being closed, the villains who opened them dead, the 200 invaders were trapped inside, with one hundred still trying to get in. Little did they know there were 1,700 more on the way... Where was the Griffin Army in Scotland? Where were the clansmen? Where was Eamonn and his Cavalry? The Gold Talon looked to Adam as they rode hard... their horses already taxed. ``MiLord, we must slow down, or we shall be walking...``
Adam gritted his teeth and slowed his white stallion to a walk... the white form of sweat glistening its neck... ``Aye, yae bae right... Ah suspect we bae there bae break o'light...``

SIR BROM
``Aye! Aman, my lord! -`` He had no time to reach over to Aman-un-Din because if he did the arrows would have penetrated him in places that God would not have given him reprieve to return from. The walls were perilous, throbbing from the onslaught of boulders, battering ram, and the terrors visited on them by the English. How strange to see the walls of castle and city gates standing while the capital city itself began to smolder. Stone was forever, it seemed, but still those places of wood and strong thatch were but pieces of tinder bringing Turas Lan to be one thing that just died from the inside out. Reaching out to the wall he pulled up a torch, pitching it down as Aman commanded before ducking to avoid another reign of arrows. The man next to him was hit in the arm, the other? The eye. Clutching his face he fell down into the courtyard to splatter amidst the remaining people pushing orward through the doors for their lives. Feet crushed over back, arm, while people fumbled over the remnants of fellows to make it for the safety of within. Where were the clansmen? ``Did you light the signal fires, sound the alarms?``
``Yes, sir Brom, but –``
``DO IT AGAIN! AND AGAIN GOD DAMN IT!`` Would they really leave them here to perish? All of their worries could be undoene in one night with the deaths of the opposing foes.

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
England didn't count them the ones who would endure the great loss. To the victor go the spoils, and while the city burned did any think of the coffers they would raid? Homes to pillage, and ultimately the castle itself so that Maubrey could sit a pompous, great ass upon the ducal chair? If the subversive are anything, they are resourceful. It had been no easy feat to maneuver the vessel England bound a'back when the word in the last port on the isle was the closeness of the Bull. The Isthmus had crippled the vessel for it was caught helpless in the throng, but where there is will there is way, and Claramae St. Laurence could invent a way from nothing. Even now she crawled upwards from the place of vagabonds and harlots. Rape surrounded her, suicides of the helpless and murders in last minute power struggles. Without thought, without feeling they died around her with little care from the former but the outward later had her attention. ``I want them down, Master Voltaire!`` She commanded with cold efficiency as the two Englishman blocking their path to Sorschal and his lieutenant were torn apart by an Italian sword. ``My Avarian will to whatever roof in this quarter is holding, take your crossbows and longbow, and shoot them down! The rest of you..`` A handful more noviates of the order and servants with experience, it wasn't the finest army of the age, but none in that house were unskilled. ``To the Masters! ``

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
William received word from the messenger that the forces would make it to Turas Lan just before dawn. William smiled an looked to the Trebuchet master, ``Fire everything, I want nothing left of the castle...`` Aye MiLord came the answer... and the swish of the trebuchet swinging, sending yet another ball of fire into the city. ``Move the trebuchet closer, you are not hitting that damned castle...`` William barked.
``MiLord, if we move too close, then we shall be within archer fire.``
``Move it G*d dammit.... I want that Castle in flames...!!!`` William screamed enraged. Meanwhile, the 1700 marched up the muddy road; somehow, by the grace of God, they had maneuvered away from the returning Griffin army. No one would think that 1700 men could hide, but in the hilly terrain of Scotland, it was easy. Now they were on the road toward the capital... In the darkness of night, they could see Lord Maubrey firing the city, and this spurred them onward, heightening their spirits William had convinced them that the massacre at the Isthmus needed revenge and this was a battle cry.
``Sir, we should be there just before dawn...`` the Lieutenant said.
The General smiled. ``Hasten men, Lord William needs us... Death to the barbarians.``

THE BLACK TALONS
It would have been the last strike of the order, this last one. What they had discovered was in fact two groups of Englishmen who had banded together to attack the inner walls. The Talons alone murdered almost a half dozen in the initial strike, but the rallying Englishmen turned on their erstwhile attackers and the battle took its toll on the Noviates. Alen and Vance had paired themselves close, watching each other's blind spots as they felled the men around them, but they were steadily being forced back, while young Noviates--weeks of work and training, potential gone in an instant!--fell to their attackers. ``Sorsssschal, Sorschal, Sorschal!`` Vance's tone grew more urgent as he saw the battle turn, twisting aside a blow and taking a glancing blow at his side which made him grimace, but would find no words of encouragement, not yet. The Illusionist responded with deadly focus, retrieving the weapon of a Fallen Englishmen and pressing into them, spinning and hacking them apart with the grace of some twisted, murderous dancer.
``Oi, Boss, boss! Is that...?`` in midst Vance called out to his erstwhile allies.
``Sorschal... It's bloody Clara! She's bloody here!? `` the shock was enough to give even Alen pause-and if it shocked Alen, it positively debilitated the Englishmen, who nearly routed. The Lieutenant barked to hold formation, but found the merciless spymaster on them, knocking the blade away and jamming it beneath his armor in smooth gesture.
Elated, Alex called. ``So much for the bloody old country!`` half a joke to the men who now fled in terror as much as Claramae's aborted little trick.
``They're trying to cut the city off at its knees! Wreck our supplies and starve us out!`` at least that was Alen's rapid-fire assessment. With half of Skye's army away at war, they were terribly vulnerable. There would be no happy reunion--no time for that. ``...We're down to but four men.... we can't keep this up much longer.`` Vance was at his side a mere instant.

NATHAN RENQUEST
As for Nate, the separation of the two had made it plain that they would never get inside, and he urged the shell-shocked Anulia away. ``Anulia... Anulia! We have to get out of here! We won't get inside, and the English will be here soon, come on!`` He urged the woman along the wall, away from this carnage, his mind racing. They had to escape, but to where!?

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
At the haste of a fellow horseman, Eamonn rose from his place on the ground and frowned, jogging over toward the man where he stood, pointing through the parting of the trees. A glow? From the city? The Lord Marshal frowned and narrowed his eyes. There was a strange glow coming from the city. Then, in the air, he saw the bright projectile fly visibly for a moment before it disappeared. The city! `MOUNT! TO THE CITY! NOW!`` He shouted, turning on his heels and running toward Finbar. The city was under siege! His heart tightened in his chest and sudden dread filled him. Both his wife and his son were in the city. Wheeling around Finbar, Eamonn spurred him onward, gripping the spear tightly in his hand. Oh please let them be safe. Finbar began to outstretch the other horses as Eamonn spurred his steed onward toward the city, which remained a long way off. Finbar panted, sensing his rider's urgency, but seriously pushing himself onward.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
The gate cracked and splintered, bending unnaturally. Lucius could feel the heat from the fire blazing on the other side, but that was not enough! The ram was still breaking the gate and now the English were trying to get through the gaping hole! Lucius frowned and with his leg kicked a man's knee before thrusting the sword through the gap and into an English soldier. The English pushed against the gate, trying to break it open, but the Skye men pushed back, physically stopping it from cracking open. The small hole grew larger and large but physically they blocked the way. Shards of wood flew, one slicing into his flesh just above his eye, missing it narrowly. Lucius winced, but stabbed another through the hole.

SIR AMAN-UD-DIN SAYYID
Another rock flew, shaking the wall, exploding against the stone. Smaller rocks, shrapnel, flew, one rock hitting the Arab in the side of the head, forming an ugly gash. Aman-ud-Din cried out in pain as he fell over, missing another arrow coming over by inches. Some of the soldiers were trying to fire back, but it was hard to see them in the dead of night. Rolling over to his feet, he got back up, only to have another arrow bury itself in his side. Doubling over, be snapped it, crouching as he unsteadily moved along the bombarded wall, his world spinning and fading in and out. He could still hear the ringing of the explosion in his head. Once more the wall was struck, but the impact and flying debris swept the Arab off his feet again and onto the ground hard. Even Blood ran down the side of his face as dust and smaller rocks flew everywhere, raining down over him. It hurt, but Aman-ud-Din curled up and covered his head with his arms and hands, shielding himself.

NATHAN RENQUEST
Nate's idea was to lead them to Claramae's own hall, the rich nobility house was far enough from the battle site to be ignored, but he got precisely three steps in that direction when there was an earth-shattering CRASH, dust and debris pelting the two of them as they tried to stumble along. The very shock of the sudden hit sent him stumbling and he very nearly took Anulia down with him... that was close, that was... and then he looked up. ``ANULIA GET DOWN!`` the Scholar practically screamed, turning and hurling himself at the woman as pieces of the collapsed Masonry came down right on top of them, plunging them both into hell. Reflexively his eyes shut down--dust obscured all vision and choked the lungs, there was nothing but the sound of crashing stone, all he could do was pray. Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease his mind gibbered frantically, waiting to die, for a chunk of stonework to crush the two of them, trying to shield her from the debris by pure instinct. He felt a pressure, immense, briefly, and a sudden strike, and then... well then Nathan felt nothing at all.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin turned to look at the door behind her as it remained open and people piling in. It did not take long for the woman to return with a calm Kieran in her arms and handed him off to Aislin. Reaching for her and Eamonn's son, she pulled him close and turned around to the others inside the great hall. ``EVERY ONE.. GET YESELVES BACK AGAINST THE FAR WALL. HUDDLE TOGETHER, KEEP THE CHILDREN CLOSE.`` Raising her voice, she watched as some people huddled and cried, few screamed and even less remained calm as they waited. The sounds of the battle outside was heard, making babies cry and cling to their mothers. Some men were kissing their wives goodbye and preparing to head from the great hall to fight. Aislin stayed near the entrance, waiting.

ANULIA AMORA
Chocolate eyes franticly looked everywhere as she followed Nathan's lead, losing sight of everyone else. People were going in all directions; it was hard to focus on where they should be going! That was when Nathan stumbled and Anulia kept her bearings, only to hear him scream and tackle her. Adrenaline did funny things and Anulia swore he picked her up before the ground rose up to meet her back, sending the air from her lungs. The sound of thunder...something else..like waves crashing..she was not sure because it was all happening too fast. She could smell the scent of the ground, the dust that came from ruble before her eyes opened and closed tightly as she and Nathan were boxed in. A wagon had stopped the falling of the chunk from crushing their bodies, but the pieces gathered around them and blocked off their exit, burying them under the pile of stone. She had no idea Nathan was knocked out, for her eyes stayed shut as she tried to breathe while dust entered her lungs.

SIR AMAN-UD-DIN SAYYID
Pain ripped through his body like a flash of lighten, the need to coil in defense against falling rocks shifted the arrows sticking out of his chest and side, making it hurt all the more. His head pounded, the agony of it almost unbearable. The Arab tried to force himself to stand, but he couldn't, and instead collapsed back down on the walkway along the wall. He tried to fight the darkness, knowing it would do him well to stay awake, but with his head bleeding and the pain of all...he couldn't, and still on the stone ground, rubble from the wall and the boulders littered around him.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Where were the reinforcements? Where was everyone! Lucius could hear the gate crack and ripping more, the metal bending and groaning with the action. Suddenly, the English drew back from the wall, and for a moment everything stop, until a loud bang came, the gate shaking and from the vibration of the gate caused by the ram, he slipped and fell. Lucius cursed, but a man nearby literally snatched him up to his feet and Lucius thanked him. One man came over with a bottle of liquor, a damp towel stuffed through the neck and the end lit. Taking it, Lucius shifted around and threw the bottle through the hole. It smashed, and from the tar still lingering, fire sprang up and Englishmen screamed. Once again, through the gaping split in the gate, the men fought through it, trying to keep the English from flooding in.

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
``We need to get out of the city and to his Grace! There will be no way for us to get up to the castle...`` A heart that was cold beat hard in the chest as ice structures of malice maneuvered to be the stuff of terror that watched the all might-seemingly infallible Griffin world fall down around them. ``Her Grace could be sailing towards Lord knows..get down!`` She bellowed, pulling Sorschal and Vance down as the hail of arrows pierced with no discrimination for skill nor age. The forces she brought with her avoided them, but still some arms were pierced, a thigh. ``We need to get back to the Hall! There is to be a way out there, the labyrinth. The aqueducts, VOLTAIRE BUY US TIME!`` The old man moved like the wind in the eye of a storm. Each step he took followed after the swipe of his blade, lighter, quicker than the heavy-handed brutes of most European circles. ``AH!`` One of the Noviates grabbed at their stomach, falling backward into their Masters and in that moment her heart split. Grabbing a crossbow lost in the turmoil of the streets, she rummaged in the noviates pack of bolts to quickly string it together. Rolling once to the left, bang! The bolt took down an Englishman before he had time to think, so fell a fellow citizen of the old country. No love left was no love lost, aye? ``Greek fire, Vance! Greek fire!`` Jesus, Joseph and Mary! The woman pulled one of the petals out from the hair ornament barely holding up her tresses and toss that to his second. ``If the city burns make us a line of fire to vanish by! Quickly!``

SIR BROM
``There can be no way, there can be no Way!``
``SHUT YOUR GAW KEEP THAT DOOR!`` In the rain of ballista, the arrows, the fire and falling stone of what was forever and a hundred years the men were beginning to lose hope. Many wanted to rush back towards the Great Hall, holding their families before the end.
``NO ONE IS ANSWERING SIR BROM!``
The signal fires, the horns, dear God in heaven the screams were not enough to stir any?! He held on to the wall time and time again, pitching over fire laced hay bales, now anything that would cease that machine, but it seemed the battering ram nor the will of the Maubrey army could be stopped! ``Aman-un-Din? AMAN!?`` He saw the terror with his own eyes, barely dodging falling stone as he ran over to help the Lord Advisor who fought them as if he were born here. An arrow grazed his shoulder, but did not lodge. Pieces of rubble made his steps unbalanced as he crawled around and over to defy God's will in order to release him from the bondage, and death.
``Orders sir?`` A man left the door as a metal band began to bend backwards..ORDERS!? They were in the middle of literal Armageddon so what order could he give that would see this undone? Surely he would die here, but what of the others? ``My orders....my orders are for ye to find me but one, even one who knows the passages.....If ye can get them out of here, out into the Cullins themselves...``
``Out, there is no way out!`` He was pushing against boulders as he took the man by the arm to aid him in freeing Aman-ud-Din. He looked down, ``Hold on my Lord, hold you on!`` One of the order knights scrambled to him from within, as some of the men outside of the hall began to seal the great doors. ``Once those doors are sealed.....open them not! Do you hear, pull back the stone...save the court! The Princess must not fall!`` Was Brom mad?! ``GO``

DUCHESS BEATHAG ABERDEEN
``Turn us around!!`` The Duchess bellowed, holding her children against her to shield them from the sight that filled her eyes with so much horror, not a single member of the crew was speaking. Come out of Edinburgh, the ship that bore them would not be returning to her hailing ports. ``Turn us back.!`` The Captain began to turn to anywhere else. Miles out the seas were choppy; the boat rocked violently as if they felt the ballista's hit. Onward then toward the West of Skye, toward ports there, and on to Stornoway at Lewis. The city was burning...her soul was burning...and in the midst of it all she could only turn about and press her face to the mast. Aodhan cried bitterly for his father, his uncle, his friends and Beathag pulled him closer as she began to wonder if Aislin, Eamonn, Rosalind...Liliana..What of Jelenah..Was everything ending? ``GET ME TO THE PORTS AND FIND ME AN ALLY!``

THE BLACK TALONS
He hated to leave the battle. despite their efforts--despite killing a score of men for the cost of only a few of his own, he felt futile in his strikes, and worse, that Maubery was so close and incapable of striking him. ``We're withdrawing! Everyone, into the Labyrinth!`` Arrows fell around them, forcing them backward, though not without bloodying the English even as they fell. Vance, irritated, swept back his cloak and unfastened the crossbow in a smooth gesture, nailing one of their attackers with a grimace. ``Not the way I'd imagine it endin'...``
``It's not over yet.`` he knew Maubery; the man wouldn't be satisfied until he walked the ruins of this place, gloated in its ruin. If it came to that... well, no matter the cost, Alex would make him pay for it. The Black Talons withdrew as the Voltaire fanned the flames to cover their escape, and slipped into the catacombs--last stand were for fools and hopeless men--if nothing else, they would make Maubery pay for his own arrogance. Vance was right. It couldn’t end like this.

ANULIA AMORA
When the smoke cleared, the noises that had been loud around them was not mumbles as the stone and rock seemed to cover them completely, hiding them from others which was both bad and good. Anulia stirred, trying to push up from where she was, but she was unable to move. Looking to her right, she saw Nathan, but he was not moving. Reaching out to him was a struggle, until she pressed her hand on his shoulder and shook him. The sound of the stone shifting above made her stop. ``Nate? Nathan?`` She asked over and over. Was he dead? Anulia coughed and reached around his neck to feel for his heart beat. It was hard to find it, making her heart sink at the thought of losing another friend to chaos. When she felt the light tapping, she gasped and released it. Maybe..he fainted again? She hoped he did.

[Lord Eamonn of Eohmark]

Night began to fade and the twilight hours were approaching the people of Turas Lan, but those that lingered in the courtyard and on the walls hardly noticed the fading darkness and coming light. Smoke billowed from the city in thick clouds, rising high above the city as the fires were put out or still burned brightly. Hell continued to pound them into the earth, the English trying to overwhelm the people in the city and come crashing through like a great flood. By some strange, awesome force, the citizens, small in number compared to the English army trying to force their way through, held on, using any means necessary to keep the English out. The castle gate was splintered and bent in, broken and hacked, large holes caused by the battering ram and people pushing against the thick doors, but by beams found and physical man-power, the citizens of Skye managed to keep the gates up and stop up the large gap to prevent the enemy from flooding in. In the courtyard, waiting on standby, men, young and old, had been given bows, swords, axes, anything in case the English came crashing through the gates. The Trebuchet continued to hammer the walls, explosions of fire and stone displayed themselves like fireworks, but with the cover of night gone, the sophisticated weaponry of the Skye Isle could finally be used. Though it looked hopeless, the tide was starting to turn. Reinforcements were only a matter of miles away, if that. There was no other hope, save the Duke and the armies. What if they never came? They had to...or else the dreaded fate would come to pass. The sky lightened in its shade of blue, the sun having yet to break the horizon, but the array of colours came through the clouds of smoke. The Duke was near, even the Rangers and the cavalry, to relieve the citizens from their chaos and hell, unknowing that Maubrey and his forces were coming back. Survive, that was the primal instinct, to keep the English out of the castle, and with the coming aid, that hope became reality.


LADY ROSALIND AVALLE
Rosalind, Kaori, and several of the ladies had formed a circle during the night. At first, the young squires who were too small to fight sang songs to keep their fears at bay. Later, they played simple games of hand-clapping, logic games of whodunnit, and the ever-popular Scottish folk tradition of out-talking one's opponent. The boys were not as skilled as some of the men she'd heard at the sport, unable to find rhymes for their worst insults, but their words brought waves of giggles over the nervous, tired, anxious, and frightened refugees inside the castle, who without the distraction, would have nothing to do but worry about the bangs and shouts outside, and pray that they came to a swift end. But as the night wore on, even these games became half-hearted, and Rosalind dozed half-propped against the wall, half against Kaori, until the approaching dawn began to color the sky outside the windows. Her eyes fluttered open to survey the now quiet hall, and the still soundly sleeping squires sprawled all around her.

LADY KAORI DE LA COSTA
At some point throughout the night Kaori had managed to fall asleep seated on the floor beside Rosalind. She had, at first, used her friend's shoulder as a pillow, but at some point given it back to her and leaned her head against the wall. Her eyes opened curiously at some point, as if confused by where she was. Then a sudden gasp and she sat bolt upright, looking around with wide eyes. She winced, reaching behind her neck to try and squeeze out a crick in her neck as she surveyed the scene around them. She looked over and smiled, brushing a hand over Aldric hair before looking at Rosalind, offering an encouraging smile and standing. Throughout the night her frustration had seemed to flare up again, but not with the same intensity. Her eyes looked at the useless sword strapped to her hip and she sighed, trying to figure out where she could do some bloody good and coming up with nothing, her hand absently stroking her belly as she surveyed the scene around her.

SIR BROM
``Aman-un-Din...chyt.`` Brom let modest, virtuous behavior slip head long into the same abyss that swallowed the moon, stars, and time. Time was not a friend. It was no comfort; it was nothing good as it seemed with each passing hour they couldn't mark Armageddon would take them down. He pushed with the aid of a fifty year old man, and a twenty one year old yeoman who already had four sons. These men were not known to him before this moment but he wouldn't forget. God knows, if they survived, he would thank them mightly! In time a rock began to give way, so they could go for another. All the while the risk of being killed by further projectile seemed to be nothing that flickered on his face. Save Aman—he was one, and the court needed all to be whole.

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
``This way, through the passages..`` This way, that way. Duck, turn. Even so much as to wade through the aqueducts, cold, stinging waters in places no living soul would ever be but it seemed fine to house them thus. Elegant or disheveled poor - all of them were killers. Their numbers were dwindling, shirking each instant. Some noviates, wounded, succumbed to the succor of slipping under the water. Others simply couldn't go on, holding fast to the walls as the sunlight beaconed them out. A Talon of a different sort, the Avarian breed did not show pain, the Turas Lanians were devoted. It blended to make a woman who all but pulled the staggering along as they went.

CAPTAIN AEGRAINE LE POWER
She paced along behind at the ready cannon crews, each gun loaded and ready to aim; for the firing stick to be touched with flames, firing into who know exactly what out there. Burning arrows gave little hint how many or how large the siege weapons secreted in darkness. Only constant crushing flying rocks against the gates, against the walls one place and another assured her it was something huge. Powerful. Beams of day filtered through the smoke and dark to begin revealing its outline. A behemoth of a trebuchet. The spitter of those loads of rock against these city walls and gate ``Stewie.`` she clapped the far end cannon aimer on his shoulder. ``When I give the sign, sight it on that thing's black heart, its firing mechanism and it will all go. George at the far end will triangulate and we will give this machine the old one-two.`` A little lighter, a little clearer. The enemy had no idea what was lurking up on the walls. All they knew was the Burns brothers were dumping hot oil aflame atop the battering ram from the heights. A little more daylight. Aegraine became more composed with the tension of the moment. Soon the secret of those cannons would be out in the clear air.

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
``Hit that damn castle wall.... I want it burning... ya blind bastard...`` he ordered to the trebuchet sergeant.
``But MiLord...``
Then came the slap to the face... ``I said closer...`` Maubrey screamed. The archers continued to take shots at any who showed themselves on the wall... and in unspecified intervals, they would send volley after volley deep into the city, not knowing any target in particular. Out of the muddy road came the 1700... they were far behind Maubrey and his 300 and the sight of the burning city made them rejoice... ``Huzzah...Huzzah... burn baby burnn...`` Men screamed, the General soon would form them in some sort of unit, not a bunch of scallywags on a hike... Men soon began forming... these men were battle-hardened veterans... Maubry's forces were no pushover. The memories of friends and comrades burned in their minds over the massacre earlier that day... 23,000 men dead, wounded, or prisoner... It was enough to make any man burn with hate.

THE BLACK TALONS
``Boss? ``
``Yes Vance.``
``If'd I knew I was gonna be sloshin' around freezin' water under Turas Lan in exchange for bein' out of Irons I'd have stayed in the f**kin' cage.``
``Thank you Vance, noted.`` Despite the fact that Vance was only trying to wring out his own fear and frustration--albeit in typical manner, he found the comment irritating him, a frustrated ripple. For all their skill, they were caught off guard, the forces of Skye stretched too thin, leaving his tiny knot to resist. Lord, let this all end alright so he could look the Duchess in the eye and tell her I told you so! (Begrudgingly Alendral would be forced to admit that Duke and Duchess had no choice in the matter and indeed very little could have been done, but try being rational when you can barely feel your legs), grimacing mildly. ``If the Gates fall, then they'll come home to ruins. No matter what, we can't let that happen.``
``Boss...there's six of us left capable of fightin'. We wouldn't even make a lieutenent bat an eye. Ya did what you could, boss.``

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
Danae, Merick, Balian, Ren, these were just a few that moved with those in the aqueducts. Cold, wet, and tired but still they each pushed on. There was a destination to be had. There were lives to be saved and others to be taken. There would be some spared...while others would be given in the ultimate sacrifice to see their brothers in arms move on and finish what they were unable to. The copper-skinned woman moved in behind Vance while Danae's brother and the rest followed behind her. ``Vance..my friend... how about moving your feet a little faster than your lips.`` She said, half serious half jesting. Ren only rolled his eyes while Merick and Balian were use to the smart ass remarks of their Commander. ``Because frankly... I don't know about you... but I myself am ready to give back a beating that is WAY past due. The faster you move, the faster we can get rid of these bastards.`` She said as she even went as far tapping his ass with the tip of her bow.

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
Horses were refreshed and the men mounted... Adam's heartbeat was ever so accelerated. The closer he got, the brighter the first burned... What of his court? His people? friends? People who he had gained their trust and confidence. Soon doubts entered his mind... and the hatred for his father began to emerge toward the surface... Still he pressed forward, urging his men to ride faster, though they would keep him at a reasonable pace, should they need to fight. Surely he would have a force worth its size still left. The clans, the defense force Maahes had, Eamonn's cavalry... he would not know until he arrived... Would daylight be too long?

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Night never seemed to end for him, as his sword was sunk into another Englishman's chest trying to push his way through. He and the other men were doing their best to keep the English from flooding into the courtyard, by the help of the gate and other men stopping up the hole. The sooner they could get relief of the trebuchet and even the battering ram at this point. Snatching the sword away from the body, the blade gleamed in a bright red. Men screamed to hold the gate, some even brought over beams to help keep it erect. No one in the courtyard knew what those in the tunnels had been up to, but would be glad all the same. His face was smeared with dirt, ash, and blood, but there was hardly a time to care about that.

SIR AMAN-UD-DIN SAYYID
Aman-ud-Din lay unconscious on the ground, saved by the good graces of Brom and his men that helped to move the rubble that fell on him, causing eve more bruises to form and accompany his other injuries. Once the stone was lifted enough, one man reached in and pulled the lofty Arab out. Freed! But he looked bad off. With help, they carried him into the castle. Was he dead? No, life still left his nostrils, but for how long?

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Eamonn rode hard and fast, literally outstretching his other riders as they too made haste for the city. Finbar panted, white foam coming out of his mouth now and then as his lungs burned from the hard ride, but he couldn't stop for the love of his rider. Eamonn's heart paced rapidly in his chest, his mind spinning with fear of his loved ones in a city that was burning. Finally, the city came into sight, the fires more apparent, and the smell of battle and blood assaulted his horsemen finally joined him, pouring into the gate and thundering hooves sounded over the streets. Finbar snorted, gasping and breathing hard. Checking his steed, Eamonn dismounted, and pushing Finbar off to the side, Eamonn grabbed the surcoat of an Englishmen and snatched him to the ground. A heavy boot crushed the man's throat, leaving him for dead. The Marshal shoved, and cut his way toward the gate on foot in a savage fury to reach the castle gates.

LADY ROSALIND AVALLE
Rosalind smiled to Kaori, but with Aldric in her lap, getting up was going to be tricky. She touched the boy's head of light-colored hair and marveled once again at its color. She had never seen anything quite like it before, with the exception of having once been on a much younger Colban's head. ``Wake up,`` she whispered, rousing him from his place just enough to put him down on the shawl and stretch out her legs with a groan. She did not know how long she had been in that position, but she felt as if it had been for ages. She looked around at the sleeping squires. One ... two... ``Kaori? Have you seen Angus?`` Her heart leapt to her throat, though she forced herself to remain calm. ``He was the youngest one, with the red hair.`` Oh God, he was only six! She swallowed carefully and took another look around, gaining her feet and examining the sleeping bodies surrounding her. He was not here.

LADY KAORI DE LA COSTA
Kaori had honestly had no other goal in mind that to make Marcos happy by keeping safe and out of harm's way. Was it what she yearned for while her fellow countrymen died? Of course not! But she had to think of her unborn child and her children at home and... Kay almost groaned as Rosalind posed a question that she hadn't been prepared for. Kaori looked around the great hall, starting to panic herself. She saw one of the squires watching them between his fingers as he feigned slumber and Kaori, in no mood for nonsense, stalked right over to him. ``Where did he go?`` The boy was familiar with Rosalind, but not Kaori. The look in the Nihonnin's eyes was enough to prompt him to give what information he knew. ``He snuck out while we were sleepin…`` he said with a crinkled nose and not just a little shame. Of course he did, Kaori thought as she looked back at Rosalind. ``Maybe we can catch up with him...We have to at least try,`` she said worriedly. She wondered what the record for the shortest marriage in Skye was once Marcos got wind of this.

SIR BROM
Brom's efforts looked like they were futile until the rocks were moved and Aman-un-Din's body could be pulled up. Once carried inside of the castle doors, the immediate gasps and cries of alarm were enough to make him glare for their silence, but why shouldn't they be shocked? The man had arrows sticking out of him, for the love of God! ``Aislin!`` Princess and formal heralds be damned! ``Aislin, Aman-un-Din is hurt, anyone who can, abide by the Lady's will and save him..`` His doubt shrank away to the excellence of command. Kendrew would have been proud to see him, and though it hurt him to leave Aman he said, God willing you will stay with us to see another day, my friend, and on that day i will tell you how we lived, and were victorious.`` Looking up he called for the last of remaining free-men that had remained back. Boys that were deemed too young out of love, perhaps twelve or eleven, some even thirteen began to come forward. He nodded. This was the reality of their world. What you loved had to sacrifice to guard you. Reaching up he pulled down one of the banners, one of the first he'd seen upon learning of Sir Kendrew, a one that had insignia of the grandest, oldest alliance of the friends. Of Eohmark, and Turas Lan, and the Valley, RayvenCrest..signs of distant lands as people had once lived this same terror come from Inverness. ``Hold you this. We off to the gate.`` One step became two, two became a run as he pumped his legs to come to the courtyard, and up to a pinnacle in the makeshift hold of nails, boards, and wood to stab at the English in the opening. ``FOR SKYE!``

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
``We must reach the Duke, Vance. What will he be coming in to, what of his men..for this are questions we cannot risk!`` Passion never puncated the tone of Claramae but on this morning it was evident that a human lived beneath the fashioned frost of a perfect weapon. "So help us, this will not be what any of us have left in our pasts..they need help and we will find it, even if we must pull every man to the Gates, they will not die in there.``

[/b] She climbed up the aqueduct’s outlet, a slick, treacherous surface where in the sun's light the often perfect woman shone with the blood of the dead mingling with her own. It had been hard to tell what had hit them or whom in the dark. Beyond the cold waters receding were the ancient Roman structures to go around, currents to fight, but soon the water gave way to land, and land with its thick smoke could still give way to a miracle for Adam as six tired bodies, soaking wet began to relay to him the news of his home. The city was besieged, and the castle was the last Bastian of challenge and struggle. Some of the Avarians of the Countess had survived, and even now had endured perilous treks to track down by force if necessary clansmen the beacons ought to have summoned.[/color]

CAPTAIN AEGRAINE LE POWER
``Now! Fire!`` with a whistle loud enough to be heard along the walls and an arm gesture to the crews, Stewie aimed at the vile heart of the monster trebuchet and there came a cloud of dark smoke and a sound from hell itself as a cannon ball flew directly into the trebuchet from one end of the row of cannon and a second followed to the same target, almost at the same moment. The objects seemed to speed in slow motion, to Aegraine. She had seen these men hit a target the size of a barrel out in the bay; they were dead on this morning, as well. ``Yes! We are gonna get that feckker! Mother o God! That thing ain't gonna strike at Skye no more!`` She had directed two far separated cannons to fire in the first so that the enemy could not site upon any one place, would not realize how many of these modern weapons sat atop the city walls. If only Dmitrii could have seen it gone off! Then came the scramble to cool and reload those cannon fired. Aegraine was in the midst of it, aiding anyone she could. She felt like on e of the crew by now. Below there was the crack of shredding wood beam and the spatter of the firing key; the monster trebuchet was no more; its crew wounded or fled. So she continued with her assignment, on the walls, along the crews.


THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
The sergeants got the men lined up... soon dawn would break and they would march on the city... The time for cheering had passed and serious business was at hand. Swords sharpened, pikes at the ready. The messenger arrived and told Lord Maubrey that the reinforcements had arrived and were forming. Without a horse, he commandeered the messengers and rode toward the men. With his arrival, men cheered again and stopped to hear what their leader had to say... ``My lads... I am glad to see you all... before us lays a disease... the last bastion of the Gryphon. Remember our brethren upon the muddy roads of the Isthmus... let us now join together and gain the revenge they would have us seek for them...`` William called out, followed by a cheer for their leader. Loyal to a fault these men were willing to give, or give up, everything to a man... a man who gave them nothing except war. But what was that? Cannon fire? Lord William held onto the horse with all his might... for the thunderous sound scared the horse. ``What was that? Cannon fire? How? When?`` William was astonished. His field cannon, as up to date as they were could not fire that far! Little did he know that Skye had the newest, rifled cannon...and these did more than scare the enemy.

THE BLACK TALONS
``I could give yer backside a beatin'.`` Vance responded mirthfully enough, though there was no real sentiment behind it. Alen's response was only to roll his eyes rather playfully despite the levity. At Clara's insistence they would press on despite it, with one of the Noviates nodded resolutely. When they had finally met up again with the Duke, the majority of them mulled in silence, waiting for the words to be relayed. Alen was at the side of Clara, giving what insights into formations and force strength he could, as well as the location of William as best his estimate--which was to say, leading from the back, in truly heroic fashion. The other Talons only milled about, driven to exhaustion in the conflict and long trek through the aqueducts, and only when they were both dismissed did he drift to Danae's side, glancing to her subtly once before slumping his shoulders and finally letting a bit of the fatigue show clear. Thank God, he thought, only once.

BOLVERK THE BLACKSMITH
The blacksmith was still on the outside of the gates, and had been for most of the night. Every moment was spent fighting those away from his and other people's stores. This was their life and it was to be defended as much as possible. Many of the buildings along the other side of the street had been burning for some time now, making the smoke flow around them and helping with the attack from the English. Bolverk had run around the back of his shop, shoved a tunic into the water and wrapped it about his nose and mouth, tying it behind his head so his hands were free. Inhaling as slowly as possible, he walked right into the smoke, grabbing those his could recognize as English and killing them with a sick twist of their neck. When his business was caught on fire, he did not rush to grab buckets of water in order to get it out. Those who did were stabbed in the back and left exposed. Instead, he fought until he was making his way to the gate and saw reinforcements, even if small had arrived. Fighting his way through the thick of it all, he somehow made his way by the Lord Marshal and began helping the man with a small path to cut through towards the gate.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin gave Kieran over to the closer of the woman servants and bid her to stay right at her side with her son as she helped get Aman-ud-Din back and deeper into the great hall. Hands began to work as quickly as possible while her voice rang out in the panic and stir of the crowd to get whatever items people could to her.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
``Move it a little faster and I will make it worth your while...`` She said as she smirked, though really and truly... he along with a select few knew that position was already filled. Ren on the other hand...already wanted to strangle any man that even looked at his sister like that, much less bluntly speak it. Setiment or not behind it, that was another name added to hi check list...right under that of his Boss. Merick and Balian continued to look back over their shoulder, making sure the rest of the ranger regiment was still following. As they came up on the opening, one by one each body emerged from the earth like some mystical fable that told of man's creation and in the end, where men would return. As they made their way to met and inform the Duke, Danae and her rangers kept to one side as the others did the talking. Once everything was all said and done she saw the glance from Sorschel. How she wanted to do something more, but given the time and place... all he would get was a nod that followed. ``Chin up...`` She said, knowing the real reason behind his expression. The Commander then turned, began to make head count and ready her men.

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
Spread thin? Possibly... but England was larger and more populated than Skye, or Scotland, or both.... But The Mo'r Triath formed alliances for a good cause... And he had formed a grand scaled army of his own. Now it was in England... but what of Skye. One thing he did underestimate was Maubrey getting to Skye... and taking the Isthmus so easy... Now he would make his way home... would anything be left... nearer and nearer he got, the more death he smelt. Then at a distance, he heard a familiar battle cry echoing thru the hills... ``Eamonn...`` he swallowed hard. Gae mae brother... save our city...`` and he began to find it hard to swallow . Down the road he rode, the thirty and one, toward an unknown enemy. But unknown came sooner than expected as six people, tired and drenched to the bone, caught his attention. As he came near, he knew Claramae and Alendral, and he stopped. Soon he would know what to expect... and what lay ahead... With the information they gave him, the cannon roaring, and the fact that Eamonn was now there, made Adam breathe easier... and on toward the city he rode. And rode he did... until... Until Kaelyn and the Rangers caught up with him... and told him what lay across the field, just out of cannon range... Their estimate more than 1000 plus... ``Unfurl the banner Dmitrii...`` No, Dmitrii had not been left behind... Adam went nowhere without the Kievan Rus... ``Open the flags... lets send them to hell...``
``Nay Mae Brother... we must go prepare the city...`` Adam exclaimed.
``Nyet M'Lord... let’s take the fight to them...`` Adam laughed and then the thirty and one rode to the city, followed by the Rangers. Daylight... and the 30 Gold Talons rode toward the capital city behind their Mo'r Triath... As the men neared the gates, they could see the city smoldering, and the aroma of death within then the gates opened and the men entered... people came pouring out from all corners to greet their leader.
``Wot bae the news of Scotland MiLord... What of yer army MiLord?`` the questions came pouring at him. Maahes soon came to Adam giving him a report of forces... ``General, assemble yer men outside the gates.``
With that Maahes gave him an odd look. ``What?``
``Outsides the gates are....`` and his sentence was interrupted....``ENGLISHHHH`` the sound rang out.
``Looks to be a thousand or more MiLord,`` came the status from the walls. ``We cannot hold an attack from such a force last night was too harsh... it surprised us MiLord...`` spoke out another.
Adam then spoke loudly... Gather what force we have, assembly just outside the gates. We take the fight to them.`` Soon an army of 30 Gold Talons, civilians, men and women armed with forks, swords, pikes, and scythes, standing face to face across the open field... across from experienced war veterans of the Maubrey Army. Adam looked to Maahes... ``Be prepared my Lion... make use of what we have...`` Maahes just saluted and smirked wickedly. Adam rode to where Captain lePower was... calling up to her. ``Watch yer front... pound them far in front of us... take as many as ya can...`` then he rode back to the gates, waiting for all to join him. Slowly walking the horse out the gates, Adam surveyed the field... a clear field of Skye ... and he reflected upon the dream. A field of battle, where fires burned in the background of a once great city... Across the expanse sat a man on a horse, brave and bold, wearing black and blue... his banners of red blowing in the breeze... And he... upon a white stallion, the black and gold of the Gryphon... ``Gimmae mae flag..."``and a squire brought a gryphon battle standard to him. So from behind, Dmitrii rode... and softly whispered... Pezdyetz... this shall be easy...[b/] and shifted his twin blades... on the walls, he waved at Aegraine.
Riding further onto the field, Adam waved the flag. ``Father, I am here... come greet yer son... Let us embrace...``

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Lucius kicked a man back, but it wasn't until he heard the sound of steel and horses that he turned his head. Help! Finally! The English turned to see their new enemy, the citizens cheers and began to pour through the hole, pushing the English back into the streets to be met by the aid of their forces. Lucius squeezed himself out of the gap and made his way down the pile of bodies in front of the gate, like a mound of corpses. Sword in hand, he cut down another Englishman. The pale horsetail of the Lord Marshal's helm was hard to miss and had his dark eyes glancing toward the man only to see...his father! ``FATHER!!`` He cried out over the noise of battle and chaos, trying to get to his father, who was cutting down men left and right. To his recollection...Lucius had never seen his father in action...and now that he was, Lucius was amazed.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Eamonn knocked a man over, shoving him out of the way and plunging his sword deep into his chest. He was getting TO that castle and NO one would stop him. Green eyes glanced to see the blacksmith, Bolverk was his name? It mattered not at the moment, he could clarify that later. He was glad to have skilled help in cutting down a path toward the broken and splintered gate. Eamonn pushed his way through the hole, climbing over the pile of dead bodies, and as he took off toward the castle. Outside, horsemen crushed the English, trampling, and stabbing them with spears and swords--some even had axes. Steps were taken two, three at a time as long legs scaled them easily, Eamonn burst into the castle, green eyes glancing this way and that. ``AISLIN?!`` He shouted, jogging down the halls. ``AISLIN?!`` His heart stopped in his chest as dread filled his mind, he prayed that she was alive and well. A few people he saw in his haste but his pacing mind did not let him stop. Rosalind and Kaori, good to see they survived, but his thoughts were to his wife and his son.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin was in the thick of people as she attended to Aman-ud-Din, trying to keep her friend in some form of comfort. It was limited what she could do, but with Aman out cold, it helped her work without fighting hands or a shaking body under her hands. A few other healers were inside with her, having made it to the castle. Inside Aislin's mind, she wondered how the infirmary was holding up and if those inside were okay? It was not until one of the ladies that were near her spoke.

LADY NURSE
``Princess Aislin... the Lord Marshal shouts your name...`` Having heard the title from Sir Brom, she repeated it as she moved closer towards Aislin while Kieran rested within her arms, silent and calm while other babes cried out from all the noise.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin did what she could for Aman and placed a hand upon his chest to feel it raise and fall. Others had gotten the armor off the best they could, now it was a waiting game, for many of the things she needed was not near. At the words of the lady, Aislin raised her chin upwards and looked to her, seeing the lady looking to the door. Aislin had not heard it, but another had and like a fire it spread out until a woman whispered to another. Aislin stood up in the crowd when Eamonn finally appeared in the door way. He was alive..Aislin waited every time he went to war, for him to come back on a bed of cloth and wood unmoving. Today...was not that day. ``EAMONN! AH BE HERE!`` She called out, raising her arm up so her hand stood flat, palm facing him as she was hidden well in the crowd of people and near the back. Could he heard her over the cries and sobs?


LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Ever since he saw the glow from the city, Eamonn's heart was pacing irregularly and quickly. His chest was tight, that odd, uncomfortable feeling came over him brought about by worry and fear of the condition and state of his wife and child. Eamonn prayed that his wife and children would be safe, it was why he went to war in the first place, to make sure that they were out of danger. However, in times of war on native soil, such risks were evident. Eamonn unbuckled his helmet, pulling it off of his head and revealing tousled golden strands of hair, the top half pulled bad and secured with leather cord. Women and even some men were running about he castle frantically, their own agenda on their minds, and Eamonn had to weave and bob his way around the people to get anywhere. It was getting to the point of annoyance. Where the hell was Aislin? He needed to know! His throat was tight as he growled and finally just started to push people out of his way. There were advantages of being tall; it helped you see over other people, and at this point, it did. With people shouting, crying, and wailing, it was hard to hear much, but trained to be perceptive and vigilant, Eamonn caught movement out of the corner of his eye, that palm in the air catching his full attention. Green eyes turned toward the crowd and moved around more people, pushing his way through until he saw her...Aislin. She was alive! Not caring who saw at this point, Eamonn broke out into a jog, weaving around and pushing some away to get to his wife. Finally reaching her, his arms wrapped around her waist, snatching her body against his and pressing his lips to her full ones. Relief...like a warm flood it consumed him, and his heart continued to pace rapidly in his chest.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
That slender hand remained upwards, even after Eamonn saw it, so he could find her. Dressed in a dark maroon gown that had been unmarred due to Aislin being sent to the great hall before real danger came near, she stood tall and watched as Eamonn weaved his way through the group of people. The doors had remained open so that people could come in and out, though down the hall, people were on watch for English, in case they got this far so they could close the doors and lock them tight. When he grew closer, Aislin lowered her hand and looked to Aman before turning to another younger male. ``Keep a eye on him aye?`` When he gave a nod, Aislin moved forward, meeting Eamonn in only a few steps before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her body towards his. Aislin held him close and tightly as she kissed him back, letting her eyes close to enjoy the feel of him. Blood, dirt, smoke and other scents mingled from him, his armor was hard against her softer body, but this was nothing new to the couple. Hands found the sides of his face, placing her palms against both sides as she smiled under the kiss and pulled back only to kiss him again. Their talk echoed in her mind for a brief moment, before fading and letting her enjoy her husband's arms around her form. Pulling back, she sighed and opened her eyes to look at his face. ``We be fine. Kieran be just there..`` She glanced over her shoulder then back to him. ``Ah listened. Brom said it be best if ah be here, so here is where ah went. Ye...look good for war.. no arrows for me husband?`` Aislin smiled lightly as her hands still held his face.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Hand still raised or not, Eamonn would have found her, even if it required shoving and throwing people to the side. He had been away at war for months, stopping in the city only once to see his niece and his wife for a few hours. A few hours in a day among months away...it was hard. Weeks had gone by since then, many weeks, and every day he missed his wife, wishing the damned war would end so he could return to his family, a family he never thought he would ever have. There was no woman in the world that could even come close to his wife; she loved him for who he was, not caring the state in which he came to her. Even now, tired, worn, dirty, and covered in stains of blood she still kissed him and held him close. His wife. One hand gripped his helmet, holding it, while the other pressed against the small of her pack, trapping her against his body. Her hands were warm, real, and a blessing to his fears and nerves. She was alive...alive and well. A deep frown set upon his face, but not one of anger or displeasure. Green eyes glazed over with tears, and without blinking, they clouded his vision of her and anything else. Only his wife and family could move his so emotionally. When he had to blink, to clear his vision--which was frequent now--tears rolled down his cheeks. Eyes drifted from his wife's beautiful face and over her shoulder to see his son, well. Eamonn sighed and turned his face back to Aislin. ``No arrows or gashes this time...maybe a bruise but nothing more...`` He whispered, his husky voice cracking though he tried to hide it. He dropped the helm, letting it clatter to the floor behind her. Gloved hands cupped her face. ``You foolish woman...I knew I should have kept you both in Eohmark...Damn your stubborn...but you listened and stayed here...You listened...my beautiful...sensible wife...How I love you..`` He choked out, thumbs stroking her cheeks fondly.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Moving one hand away from Eamonn's face, she motioned for the lady to bring their son over for Eamonn to touch and see. When she looked back, she saw the tears roll down his cheeks, cleaning the dirt and blood as they trailed down his face. Narrow and showing more of his bone structure due to the time away and with little food she assumed, he looked different, but that happened many times in their life together so far. Using her thumbs, she pressed the tears away from his flesh and rubbed what was left behind into his cheeks. Seeing Eamonn get like this, affected her. She could be empty to the rest of the world, but not Eamonn. The sound of his helmet dropping made her eyes shut quickly and reopen, before his gloved hands pressed to her face, smearing dirt and blood on her skin from his killings. ``Aye. Nay as stubborn as ye sister, but knowing my duty. Ye always find me.. don't ye Eamonn?`` It still amazed her after so many years that he could find her and always came for her first if he could. Leaning forward, she pressed her forehead towards his nose and pressed her lips to his chin. Eyes drifted towards Aman who lay on the floor, to Eamonn's chest before she slide her hands down and wrapped them around him to squeeze him as tightly as she could with the armor on, before she pulled back and kissed his lips hard. Titling her head, she turned the kiss into one of passion, showing Eamonn how much she felt for him until they were breathless and tearing her lips from him made her gasp softly. ``Hold ye son, then ye must go fight.`` He had lingered long enough and there was still a war going on beyond the walls of safety.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Months away at war did have an effect on the body, especially when food was scarce. Eirian had done a daring deed to bring food and provisions out to them, but even the feast she brought was rationed down. He was thinner, and with armour on, the only evidence of that was in his face. Eamonn was glad that Aislin was not as stubborn as his sister, for that would be two headaches instead of one. Already he was at odds ends with Beathag, reprimanding her about running off. Eamonn hated it because he could not properly protect her, as he swore to do. It made him chase after her, cover more ground, and risk himself more. He had no idea where Bess was at this point. The last time he heard and saw of her was when she had Davina. When the nurse brought his son over, Eamonn turned his eyes to his baby, staring at him with tear-filled loving eyes. Leaning over, Eamonn kissed his brow. He missed his children...both of them. Soon. Eamonn turned back to Aislin and he swallowed hard, trying to force that lump in his throat down. ``Yes...I always find you...as you always wait for me...`` Came his reply, before she leaned forward and Eamonn hugged her tightly to his body. He didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay like this, holding her as if it would make up for the months he was gone. Eamonn kissed her forehead, his eyes closing and more tears slipped out. Eamonn welcomed that kiss and gladly returned it, pouring his heart's love for her into it. Eamonn loved her and missed her every day...more than he let on. In his opinion, the kiss ended too fast, but his lungs burned for air and the intensity of it made even the tall Marshal inhale heavily. He didn't want to fight...but he knew he had to. There was much fighting to be done still. Reluctantly he pulled away from her, his eyes opening to stare at her for a moment before nodding to the nurse and taking his son in his arms. It made more tears well and he tried not to let them all fall at once. ``I'll be back soon, my son...Look after your mother for me...`` He whispered, not caring if Kieran understood what he said. Eventually...he would. Pressing his lips together stiffly for a moment, Eamonn took a deep breath and kissed his son's cheek again before handing him back to the nurse. Eamonn reached down for his helmet and claimed it again, rising only to stare down at Aislin; a free hand touched her side and gave it a light squeeze. ``I love you...`` He whispered, and after leaning in to steal another heated kiss, he pulled himself away and turned to the door to head back out into hell. Eamonn had no thoughts on dying, but, life was never certain. Eamonn did not look back, for he knew if he did, his resolve would break and he would go running back to his wife and son.

LADY AISLIN CREED OF EOHMARK
Aislin felt the tightening of her throat as emotions lingered inside her, almost in a jump start as Eamonn always seemed to do to her. It was hard to hold back her own set of teary eyes, but Aislin controlled it better. ``Always`` Even if it meant Eamonn coming back dead. She would be here waiting for him or word of him to reach her. Slender hands that had healed his body more times then they both could count, moved along his armor and towards his arms before she released him so he could hold his son for a time. A hand rose to press to the back of Kieran's head gently as Eamonn cried silently. What was it like to feel such emotions and have to deal with them or suck them up and move on to battle? Aislin tried to understand, but in reality she never would. That...was for men. That was a burden Eamonn faced alone and in his own mind. Aislin was there to chase it away and comfort him as his wife and the one who loved him for all he was. Kieran stared up at his father as he spoke. Eyes were wide like Aislin's. But it was clear that the color was stolen from his father. All he knew, was his father was talking to him and with his mother close, he smiled up at Eamonn to show gums without teeth. Chubby cheeks and hands reached for his father, before that kiss came to his cheek, making his wide eyes close. He sighed loudly as his father handed him back to the woman. Aislin followed Eamonn's every move. One day, their son would take over Eamonn’s duties and protect Aislin... or he would go to war with his father. Either was a choice he would make. When Eamonn came in for the kiss, Aislin did not hesitate to return it back to him, pressing harder to show that emotion in it. Aislin did not whisper her words, making it heard by any one close to them. ``I love ye, my heart.`` Asking him to be safe...was ridiculous, asking him to come back to her was selfish, so she said nothing else as he moved from her. She watched him leave and then returned to Aman on the ground to check him.

LADY ROSALIND AVALLE
Her heart nearly stopped hearing that Angus had decided to take off. But none of the two boys remaining had any idea where he might have gone. Rosalind had the inkling of an idea, but it was too frightening to really entertain. He wouldn't go out there, would he? Just as they were about to leave, Eamonn entered. She stopped and nodded hello, and oddly polite thing to do, considering nothing polite was happening outside the castle. Even now, she could hear an assortment of noises outside that were bone chilling. And Angus was out there! Before she started, though, she looked to Kaori. ``I think he is outside. I do not want you to be hurt,`` she added, folding her arms over her chest. ``But I must go.`` Rosalind more than hoped Kaori would stay behind, but she wouldn't be surprised if the tough Nihonnin followed. She had heard what Kaori did at the ceilidh!

LADY KAORI DE LA COSTA
Was there ever a decision that needed to be made? The little one was in danger outside of the castle, and it was only too easy to imagine what could happen to him in the midst of the insanity. She couldn't help but wonder what compelled children to do things that were so... bloody... foolish! Had she been this foolish as a child? She couldn't imagine, and then again, she had never been this close to war as a child. The Mongols had tried to invade, but that was nowhere near her home (and largely before her time, the fear only alive through her father's recounts). With Rosalind's words, Kaori nodded in a very matter-of-fact sort of way before saying, ``Then we better work extra hard at watching each other's backs.`` With a look that told Rosalind not to argue the matter she started to head toward the nearest escape point. The early morning air was cold, but considering the severity of their situation, it was certainly worth braving. As promised, Kay kept her eyes peeled for anything that might harm herself or Rosalind... at the same time trying to find any sign of the boy that needed a good paddling.

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
``Is it over then..`` One of the remaining Noviates looked at Claramae as the griffin forces began to pass them by. They had done their deed! His Grace was warned, and for it some well deserved rest was in order. Swallowing hard she nodded, letting a moment's weakness make her hands brace against her knees. The tips of her hair ran with water and slimed blood. In the light of day the night's cover on their bodies’ was grotesque, suggestive of what lay ahead. The weight of crossbow, stilettos, bolts and sword were still on her as she looked out to where they had only left from, and said. ``Yes, it is over for you. Should any venture forth with me, I shall make a return.`` The casual indifference of the English was hilarity in considering the need to return to wreak havoc on men of the old country.

SIR KENDREW OF DUMFRIESHIRE
Seventeen-hundred strong. Seventeen-hundred that were closing the distance between the burning they cheered for to overcome the others from behind. The voyage had been long from Ireland, and aye the weeks themselves together bled the color of the blood staining the rising sun. He was but one man among a lesser lot, but one primed for battle. No one could return how they had left, but even the blind could see the Hell mouth that opened where the capital had stayed in quiet repose. Kendrew's heart sank to the pit of his belly as his mind spun for him morbid images of what awaited him. His wife, his mother, his sister! What of Roric's children? This was a perversion; Edward III and William Maubrey were grotesque rapists that stripped a golden maiden bare to leave her, lewd and cold. ``Take 'em down. That is the only command I give you.`` So happy in huzzahs the men were that they didn't notice some two hundred men that tailed them across the miles until fifty withdrew javelins, launched them, and dissention ensued! One cheering man looked down to see his insides working, another felt the thing sink through his shoulder, the tip lodging him to the ground to be run down armored foot. ``To the city! To the Castle! Cut a path down n' make theirs short...!`` He stepped out, pulled his arm back and cast the javelin to nail a sergeant between his shoulders, nailing him down to one of the great English war machines outside of the city gates.

SIR BROM
Seventeen-hundred strong. Seventeen-hundred that were closing the distance between the burning they cheered for to overcome the others from behind. The voyage had been long from Ireland, and aye the weeks themselves together bled the color of the blood staining the rising sun. He was but one man among a lesser lot, but one primed for battle. No one could return how they had left, but even the blind could see the Hell mouth that opened where the capital had stayed in quiet repose. Kendrew's heart sank to the pit of his belly as his mind spun for him morbid images of what awaited him. His wife, his mother, his sister! What of Roric's children? This was a perversion; Edward III and William Maubrey were grotesque rapists that stripped a golden maiden bare to leave her, lewd and cold. ``Take 'em down. That is the only command I give you.`` So happy in huzzahs the men were that they didn't notice some two hundred men that tailed them across the miles until fifty withdrew javelins, launched them, and dissention ensued! One cheering man looked down to see his insides working, another felt the thing sink through his shoulder, the tip lodging him to the ground to be run down armored foot. ``To the city! To the Castle! Cut a path down n' make theirs short...!`` He stepped out, pulled his arm back and cast the javelin to nail a sergeant between his shoulders, nailing him down to one of the great English war machines outside of the city gates.

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
``What are yer orders MiLord... we are ready to take Turas Lan.`` the general spoke to William, followed by a salute. Behind them, just thru the grove of trees, the city burned, but what occurred inside was unknown. "Archers to the front... Infantry, by lines of three deep, spread out!!!" he shouted...his sergeants standing in front, spreading the men into battle formation. Once again Lord William mounted a horse, he looked upon an open field... before him across the field were the banners of the black and gold gryphon... ``Unfurl the flags.`` the order came, soon the English flag, and those of the Maubrey red bull banners flew in the breeze... "It is as I have seen it. Father facing son across an open field... the Bull facing the Gryphon upon William's orders the archers sent volley after volley in advance of the infantry. He nodded to his general who gave the march orders. 1700 men, in lines of three deep marching for the city... unawares of the rear occurrences.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
Alen and Vance would gather those that dared to continue forth while still trying to gather more strength to face even more fighting. For some, the road stopped here, but for others... this road only lead to another that always lead to the tale as old as time itself. Battles, bloodshed, devotion, sacrifice, and war. Danae was now getting her men together, forming groups and making plans. ``Ren, I want you to take what is left of Merick's men and take to the right. Balian... you and yours take to the left... Merick and I will have the rest with us and drive up the middle. Once we get within range, spread out, take your time, aim and make the shots count. As we move in, those arrows are not to stop. I don't care if you have to pluck them from dead bodies along the way... you give what you have and you give it your all...otherwise...you WILL regret it. This is it... if you value your life... fall back now... I'll not have any run as cowards..not under my command.`` She spoke loudly and hoarsly. She then turned, looked to Alen, Vance, and Claramae... they were as ready as ready could be.

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
The squire pleaded with Lord Adam to let him carry the flag... reluctantly. Checking his sword, he looked around at the small army he had... looking more ragtag than seasoned fighters... still they were of Skye. Aegraine continued to fire at the advancing army... cannon balls ripping human limbs from torsos, or destroying entire bodies where they stood... Thru all the smoke , Adam could still see the red banners. His own men dying from English arrows... Adam, dismounted from his horse and stood with his people, drawing his sword, he began to walk toward the advancing line. Archers from the castle walls began returning fire toward the enemy. Adam gritted his teeth and watched Maahes take command, for it was his army... Maahes gave a loud growl and screamed ``CHARGE!!!!``.... Adam and Dmitrii ran side by side toward the advancing red banners... if Adam veered toward his father, so did Dmitrii... Maahes was the first to bust into the English lines, his heavy sword slicing arms, or legs as what suited the situation...clashes of steel erupted as the two lines met, followed by screams of pain and death..Dmitrii swung both swords as if it were a dance, men would not meet one warrior but death duality. Adam would attack man for man, but his attention always drifted to his father upon the horse.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Coming back out of the castle, Eamonn pulled the helmet back back on and buckled it under his chin. Seeing that his wife was well, Eamonn was going back out and to the war. There would be time after the battle to see to the care of his wife, but right now, Maubrey had to pay for attacking his family. Crawling back through the broken gate, Eamonn glanced to Finbar, but knew better than to push his stallion more than he already had been. Sighing roughly and mumbled under his breath as he moved off to the stables to find an extra horse. It would do for now. Eamonn swung up onto the grey horse and pulling out his sword, he charged, riding down the streets. ``DRIVE THEM FROM THE CITY!`` He commanded, swinging the sword and slicing the man across the chest. Anyone that did not run away or move was trampled by hooves of not only his grey steed, but that of his company riding through the streets and cutting down the English that lingered in their paths, driving them outward. Toward the fields they road, only to stop and see the massive army approaching and the fight ahead. Eamonn frowned, tugging on the reins as the horse snorted and shifted uneasily. His eyes narrowed and he whispered, ``Lo, there do I see my father...lo, there do I see my mother, and my sisters and my brothers..lo there do I see the line of my people, back to the beginning. Lo, they do call to me..they bid me take my place among them in the halls of Valhalla..Where the brave may live...forever.`` And with that, Eamonn lifted that blood-covered sword. ``RIDE!`` He spurred his horse and the company of horseman came charging, hooves shaking the earth and men shouting their battle cries. The slammed into the English, running some over, spears went flying, axes swung to claim their victims. Wheeling his steed around, Eamonn saw Adam and...Dmitrii? Eamonn spurred his horse toward them, the grey stallion snorting. ``So the Duke has survived and the Griffin banner still whips in the wind!`` He called out from atop the horse, pausing to kick a soldier in the face that dared to rush the three of them. ``Today is the day Maubrey's head shall be severed from his shoulders.`` Eamonn growled venomously, plunging the blade into the chest of another English soldier. Now where was Maubrey? Eamonn had unfinished business with the man. ``MAUBREY YOU BASTARD! TODAY YOU PAY FOR YOUR DEBTS!`` The Marshal shouted over the battle, green eyes glancing this way and that for the bastard.

LADY ROSALIND AVALLE
Rosalind spotted that head of bright red hair. She wished she hadn't, though. She wished the boy had merely decided to return to his room for a toy or forgotten bit of whatever boys collected and shoved in their sporrans and later forgot, only to be remembered at the worst possible moments on the worst possible day. Oh, this boy was not going to be able to sit down for a week, if he survived this! She and Kaori approached the wall where Angus was quietly sneaking up along the rubble to get a better look at what was happening in the city. Rosalind had horrible visions in the few seconds it took to cross to the wall of Angus sticking his head over the stones and rocketing backward under the force of an arrow. Fortunately, nothing of the sort happened. ``Angus!`` Without her wimple, Rosalind looked oddly vulnerable, but it was how she had heard the news of the attack, when her duties at court were finished and she could relax in private with her hair let down in the long thick braid. It was that braid that Colban noticed first. He saw the boy next, and uttered a sharp curse from his post, which he rapidly abandoned to intercept the boy before Rosalind and the Lady de LaCosta were harmed. Too late, though -- Rosie reached him first, or would have, if she didn't stumble. She grabbed the top of the wall to keep from sliding down the rubble, and was barely steady enough on her feet to wave for Kaori to worry over Angus, not her. Colban dashed up the pile of rubble, did not bother doing the gentlemanly thing of righting Rosalind, but instead, picked her up and carried her back into the great hall. Rosalind, not exactly renowned for a temper, shouted a few choice words in French while Colban growled out his in Scots Gaelic before plopping her down on the stone floor. ``'N STAY THERE!``[/blockquote][/font]

[Lord Eamonn of Eohmark]

LADY KAORI DE LA COSTA
The relief Kaori experienced when Rosalind spotted the child was horribly short-lived. Unfortunately finding him opened up a whole new set of problems. Again, she found herself wondering how quickly Marcos could demand an annulment when he found out she was not safe in the great hall. As the two women carefully climbed Kaori kept wondering how stupid this was when she got to see for herself how stupid it was when Rosalind slipped and narrowly scaped breaking her neck. ``Rosalind!`` Kaori yelped, but seeing she was safe... and Colban was wrestling her back into the castle, she continued on. ``Angus,`` Kaori said, looking at him with serious eyes. ``It's time to come inside now, hmm? There's a good lad.`` No sense upsetting him while they still had to get back down. Colban had come to probably nab her, too, but as she had made it back down the wall with the child (not to mention the fact he didn't know her quite so intimately as he knew Rosalind), he simply muttered something under his breath as Kaori grabbed the little boy by his wrist and hurriedly ran back inside. Kay didn't bother to tell the little boy what he was in store for. It was all over Rosalind's face when they made it back inside, punctuated by an audible gulp from the overly adventurous child.

SIR BROM
``HA! THINK YOU TO ENTER HERE? GET BACK, YE SONS OF bytchES!`` Brom of Norway had lost all sense of dignity but had uncovered instead his native sense of berserk. He stabbed his way through the whole in the door to stand on the corpse mountain to prove his metal. Thrusting forward, he brought the sword up next overhead with both hands, and as a man slipped relieved him of the thing he used little of anyhow. If he was thinking, the moment the Norsemen had gone crazed he would have turned in the other direction. Brom had not much raised his voice. He laughed more than he ever angered. He was a good one to learn of Kendrew's teachings for this very reason, but so was Lucius. By God—he fought his way down, down. Down the slope, into the smoke and haze. Was there anything that looked like him to be found? He thought he saw him dead, but no, it was a young man of England. Ah well, in the scheme of things ‘twas fine! He wanted to taste the Griffin's blood on his sword? Instead he made a fine meal for the great jaw of power. ``Lucius! Lucius!`` Brom began to call out, making his way towards the streets. ``LUCIUS!`` You watch them all when I can't. You watch them all regardless. Lucius is among that lot, if you can help it, you will see he lives. There is promise to fulfill him I have. You, too. He will become a knight, and he will stand by ye and I. ``Lucius where are you?`` He stepped up onto a piece of boulder, and what did he see, but the Lord Marshal, the Weapon's Master, the Duke! Further unto the back he wondered what made men fall from their three length formations and furrowed a brow. Coughing on a wave of dust, as it cleared he saw the discernable signs of allies advancing! ``THEY COME!`` He shouted, and god let it carry ``THEY COME!`` With renewed vigor he even laughed like a mad fool as he spotted Kendrew.

SIR KENDREW OF DUMFRIESHIRE
It was a fatal mistake for the mounted lieutenant to take his place outside of the front, to check the back's formations. With no sort of mercy Kendrew thrust his spear up through the hole left by the visor and gouged out his eye, pulling him down from the horse as he pulled himself upward. With an empty hand he reached over for a forsaken sword, raising it high as he began to cut his way toward the meeting place in the rear of the Irish-Scotts aid and the breastplate over her dress, and gauntlets over her hands.

MEURIG THE ABBOT OF NEATH
Meurig would not let he return without some assurance something could help her to live. ``I can, my lord! I can....As Christ as our witness and God as the most high, follow us! If you are freemen and would no more tyranny upon you, follow us!`` Her fast riding and words had drawn them up before, and some clansmen too came to join them, so what remained of Wales was now some thirty men, and a hundred of the mixed Celt forces to follow, enjoyed by another fifty of the most local house if one dared look through the middle ranks, over a piece of fallen wall they would see men swarming not into the city, but the heart of Maubrey's advancing army!

BOLVERK THE BLACKSMITH
A father knew the sound of his son's voice, even in the midst of a crowd. Bolverk could hear Lucius and it took a few moments to find him, and then search him out. Another had called out his name as well before the smith turned to see another. Bolverk did not stop, even with his body covered in blood, sweat and dust from the flames he fought within. His face was still covered, but thick fingers rose to pull it down as he grasped his son's shoulder for a moment, though time could not be spared to hold him or speak for long. ``Can you fight a bit more?`` He would have to, Bolverk knew it well. But asking, seemed to be right in this moment and maybe to add on some motivation? Beyond the walls it would soon come to a end with father and son going head to head, but only a few knew that, while they were still trapped in the chaos of the city.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
Those that rallied together would fight hard together. As advancement was made, the rangers did as their Commander ordered. Rangers spread to the left, to the right, and down the middle. Along those in the middle with the Commander would be Merick, her second in command, Vance, and of course Sorschal. Whatever possessed the English men to try for these people, no one knew but they would bet met with forces to like none other. As Danae shot off several of her arrows one behind the other in series, she was able to glance occasionally and see how well her men were doing. Eventually though, the rangers and Danae would have to resort to other means of defense. Arrows were used up, there were few to pluck free from bodies that were not broken or damaged. Out came the scimitar and the Greek force behind it. At one point after slaying a couple English soldiers, Cold icy hues would catch sight of Vance with what Danae thought to be very good skills. But Sorshcal... Danae had never seen a man use such refined movements, with such quickness and dead on target. He was truly a killing machine in disguise.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Lucius had seen hell on the battlefield before, but this...this was a different level than he was use to. Never before had he been in a castle under fire, but now the squire could say he had. Blood trickled down the side of his face from the cut above his brow, but the bleeding was slowing and not deep, thankfully. Just as a father knew the voice of his son, a son knew the face and sound of his father. While he had never seen his father in action, Lucius knew it was him. It never went into great discussion on what his father did before blacksmithing, but Lucius assumed that his father had great knowledge in weaponry...and it showed. Brom called his name, making Lucius spin around, the action nearly costing him as a soldier used the butt of his halberd to smack him across the face. Lucius fell backward, but turned in time to stare up and see the axe portion coming down toward him! His eyes widened and he rolled, causing the man to miss. Quickly, the squire twisted and sunk his blade into the man's side. Lucius got to his feet, though the side of his face ached now from the blow. ``BROM?!`` He called out, before turning to see his father. Father! He was alive and safe! Lucius wanted to hug him, but there was no time to, unfortunately. The young man nodded, taking a deep breath as he looked up to his father. ``Yes, sir. I can still fight...I have been all night..I cannot lay my sword down now that the tide has turned.`` He replied, grasping his father's shoulder and giving it a squeeze. Now, where the hell was Brom!?

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Switching the sword to his other hand, Eamonn steered the horse to avoid the thrust of a pike toward his steed. Frowning, Eamonn grabbed it, and after a little tug-of-war session, the Marshal ripped it from the soldier's hands and sent a swift kick to his jaw. Sneering, Eamonn tossed the pike in the air, catching it properly, and stabbed the man with his own weapon. No one stabbed his mount! Whirling around, Eamonn switched his sword back to his right hand and spurred the horse onward, bowling over soldiers that did not move. Green eyes peered into the distance and saw an English archer raise a crossbow, aiming the bolt....Eamonn followed the man's line of sight in a second's time and saw his intended target. Once again he switched sword hands; the gloved hand that held the reins now held his sword as well as the grey stallion charged forward. Reaching down, sliding sideways in the saddle, Eamonn snatched up a spear sticking out of the ground. With ease he righted himself in the saddle and turned the spear in his hand. Pulling his arm back, Eamonn heaved the long spear, sending it soaring in the air and slamming into the archer aiming a bolt at the Ranger. The man screamed and the crossbow went flying away from his hands as the spear pinned him to the ground. The horse slowed to a canter, and with a tug on the reins, Eamonn stopped beside Danae, looking down at her. ``Archers are weak amidst a battle field. Get on.`` He said, and extended a hand down to help her up. ``Can you shoot from a horse's back? If not, learn fast.``

SIR BROM
``Lucius! The Guardian is out there, and the Duke himself! Fight toward the front, we keep going, aye?`` His voice called out through the din. Coughing hard against his hand, he spat out mucus from between his lips as the smoke choked out in his lungs. Making his way across the city he found his way towards the blacksmith and the squire, his son. The thickets were forming of certain pockets of men greater than others and Brom intended to have his turn among them.

MEURIG THE ABBOT OF NEATH
``Make disdain in the ranks of the English!`` Pulling back against the reign, the Banner woman for the Welsh army proved that size is no determiner of skills when the need calls for it. The horse's front hooves were merciless weapons that kicked time and time again to keep the men away from its rider. ``Make way to the front, make way!``


SIR KENDREW OF DUMFRIESHIRE
The effect was much like a domino, one ripple began to mal-align the entire formation. With the back cut off from the middle, and now the middle turning forward face and back face, seeing what the matter was, the army's march was beginning to slow, which meant that the city fighters would have a far easier time picking off pre-occupied men, which was their plan. As for Kendrew's? Releasing his favored on foot posture for the advantage of a horse for a time, he had finally made it up and over the walls to begin the disassembly of the front rank. He was hard to miss, his sword continually hacking, slashing relieving men of arms, hands, heads, and life. ``Lady Laurence! Show them the response o' the emissary!``

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
``Yes, Lord Guardian!`` Having joined Alendral, Danae, Vance, and the others survivors brave enough, they fell into the charge across various places. Claramae's position was one that allowed her take hold of one of those pithy British archers. ``None so swift nor quick in the light of day are you?`` Two stilettos and one woman make a dance of death that was spectacular if even the most urgent gave pause to admire. The Black Talons were merchants of death collecting their pound of flesh with ease. It was no mystery after today why the likes of Alendral had been given to her to shape, or why she'd been sought after by Talion, and made to teach the likes of Percival Vizharen.

BOLVERK THE BLACKSMITH
Many things were still going on, making the people having the need to catch up. ``As have we all been son.. as have we all been.`` He gripped his shoulder tightly before turning to raise the long and heavy sword he had been using. It was good to see his son alive, for he had not been sure what Lucius was capable of. He tried to train him well, but some things could not be taught, only experienced. `Go…wherever you are needed. I am going to head around the castle and make sure no other English are hiding.`` He did not know if Lucius would be summoned elsewhere. Bolverk began to move around the back area, walking as if he were taking a stroll around the city on a normal day. There was no need for panic, for they had been dealing with this for well over a night now. The sun was settling in the sky and putting light where shadow once danced. An English man came running out, screaming in his last attempt to kill more people as the blood of Scots lingered on him. The smith reacted, using his free hand to punch him in the face before swinging his sword down, taking off the male's head so it crushed someone under its weight, until he saw the slender fingers moving. Quick steps moved towards the hand, grasping it to see how much life was in it. The hand grasped his, but then released and tried to pull back inside. ``LAY STILL...WE WILL GET YOU OUT!`` He knew it was a woman and held on to her hand before stroking the knuckled with his thumb to reassure her.

ANULIA AMORA
Anulia and Nathan had been trapped under the pile of stone for hours and much of the fighting. They had nearly run out of air, until Anulia had pulled a few stones out to get some fresh air flowing inside. Among that time, they spoke to keep themselves from panic and it helped greatly. When her hand was grasped, she thought they were saved, and then she realized, it could be the bad men and tried to yank back, before a thick voice came through the stone in a muffled tone. ``O-okay..`` Looking to Nathan, she placed a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
Danae would continue fighting onward. Swinging that scimitar left and right... ducking, swaying and side stepping the advancements of English soldiers that came her way. Each one taken down with precise yet graceful movements, unaware of the English that had targeted her with his crossbow. If it had not been for the acts of the Lord Marshall, the Greek Goddess may have been joining the others on mount Olympus much sooner than she should have. When Eamonn stirred his horse and came to be beside her, he made his comment and Danae smirked. She glanced about...saw one of her men down..dead, but his quiver half full. She looked from it to the Horse Master and grinned. The quiver of arrows was quickly snatched up and tossed over a shoulder. With her bow in her right hand, the left took Eamonn’s offered hand and arm and pulled herself up on the horse. In reply to his question Danae's brows arched as she spoke. ``Do whores moan when their customers delever the goods?`` Of course she could shoot from a horse.. who the f**k did he think he was talking too? ``Alright... let's ride... She said as she readied her bow, reached behind her and notched the first of what was sure to be quite a few arrows.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Lucius was just glad to see his father alive, and to see his father in a manner in which he never had before...well it sparked his own morale and Lucius could not help but smile, despite his weariness and the pain his body was advocating. Lucius was torn; to go with his father or to head toward the front toward certain battle. He would never forgive himself if something happened to his father and knowing he might have been able to prevent it. Making his decision, Lucius inhaled deeply and ran off after his father, slashing a soldier across the back along the way and stabbing another in the side. By the time he moved around the bend, Lucius saw his father moving toward the rubble. Lay still?! There was someone under there?! Lucius quickly sheathed his sword and came hobbling over as fast as he could, his knee swelling from the battle at the gate. Rushing over, Lucius approached his father's side and looked down to see...that hand. He knew that hand...and then that voice. His eyes widened. ``ANULIA?! HOLD ON WE'LL GET YOU OUT OF THERE!`` He exclaimed, and moved around the side to try to help lift the slabs of stone to free Anulia and Nathan.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Eamonn glanced down to Danae, watching her grab a quiver of arrows from a fallen comrade, giving Eamonn time to switch his sword hand and back to his primary hand; his right. Eamonn helped Danae up onto the back of the grey horse, and once she was seated, Eamonn slipped his feet out of the stirrups. ``Put your feet in the stirrups.`` He didn't want her falling off now. Her response, however, made his brow arch. Whores?! ``I wouldn't know about whores. My WIFE is the only woman I share a bed with.`` Eamonn answered seriously, casting a glare over his shoulder before wheeling the horse around and heels tapping the horses' sides. As they rode by a soldier, Eamonn swiped them across the back, arm, chest, anything his sword could reach.

LADY CLARAMAE ST. LAURENCE
Between the walls and sinking stone, she gained leverage to wield her weapons at impossible seeming angles. At one time a foot rested on the wall and she, braced against it thrust both stilettos out. Tossing them up, she caught them to form an X to block a sword, only slipping underneath her formation to knee the adversary in the groin, and turn the right stiletto down to stab him in his thigh. Stepping up onto the torso, she walked over the sternum as the sweet sound of cracking bone filled her ears. One sound stomp atop him crushed the center support of the rib cage completely. His death was stepping stone to the next. A kick in the belly, then another, and as the man ran for her she was able to dig her fingers into the crevice of the wall and pull herself up to hang on it! Digging her feet up to the same crevice, arching her back lent her to cycle in the same direction until she landed behind him. Kneeling, while he stood in shock she dismantled his Achilles’ tendons, rendering him unable to stand as she stabbed down, drug against his legs and severed them completely, taking the calve muscles as well.

LADY EIRIAN APOLLIUS
``BEHIND YOU!`` Lucius and Bolverk were hard at work setting free what Eirian did not know was her beloved friend Anulia. But what she did know was that, in coming as far forward into the city as she did the world was burning! Slowing her need to breathe by holding air in longer, the coughing afterward was hard, yet she stayed aloft to see the mission fulfilled. There was a man close..too close to Lucius and Bolverk with his sword out. A prayer was uttered from her lips as she asked forgiveness in the momentary abandon of one purpose for the will of another. ``And servants we shall be for thee, my Lord..`` Biblical verse uttered on the nature of the servant that in the name of God and god-given ruler would team up a river of souls. It steadied her hand, the right that drew out the sword against her hip as the slender forged blade was turned for the sharp blade to come up against the wind as she rode, closing the distance between them as with the pass she slit the English up the back.

BOLVERK THE BLACKSMITH
Dark eyes shifted towards his son as he spoke to the woman underneath the rubble. The tender? Looking back, he released her hand before walking towards his son. ``Wait Lucius. Take the top ones off first, only a few, then work our way around the side.`` Turning his head, he saw the men coming towards them just as a woman shouted loudly to them. She came charging as Bolverk lifted his sword, but the woman moved close first, slicing the male up his spine to send him to the ground. Placing his foot upon the male's head before pushing his blade through to end the male's life more quickly. One never knew if they could still fight with such injuries. Keeping his foot placed firmly on the skull, he pulled out his blade before giving a nod to the woman. ``Stay alert to our surroundings Lucius.`` he gave warning to his son as he turned and moved around the pile once more to start tossing stone away from the pile. His sword was placed rightfully by his side, where he could grab it the quickest. Together, they got stone off and tossed it away to make a small hole in the side of the rubble. Bolverk handed Lucius the last stone, before reaching in and grabbing hold of what he thought was the woman, but turned out to be a man. Nathan. He knew the male. Setting him down on the ground, he checked his sight to see if he was still with them.

ANULIA AMORA
Anulia saw the light first, though it was on Nathan's side. She waited, lying still as she was told before Nathan's body was pulled from her grasp, leaving her alone. She inched towards the place he had been, reaching her arm up for someone to grab her as well. Her legs hurt, her back was stiff from laying in the same position for so long, but she would not complain, for she knew somewhere out there, others held injuries far worse than her own.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
``I was not insinuating that you would personally know anything about whores since being married... just-`` She paused. ``Forget it and get this beast in motion!`` She replied back as she slipped her feet into the stirrups as he so kindly gave them up. As they rode, quickly her eyes darted... she spotted several of her comrades, her brother and then looked to where she had last seen Vance and Sorschal. They were not there... of course she would worry but she told herself they were alive and still fighting, just somewhere else. The first arrows that had been notched was set to release and sent it into an Englishmen eye. Another was quickly grabbed and sent into the neck of another man. A third and forth taken... bring down two more soldiers as one pierced a chest and the other his groin. Danae would take an occasional moment to hold on as the horse would change directions under the guidance of Eamonn before once more unleashing her fury of leaded arrows.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Lucius just wanted to get Anulia out from under there! How long had they been there! The night had been so chaotic it was hard to keep track of anything. Fingers gripped the slab and was about to lift, but his eyes turned to his at the caution of waiting. Lucius frowned a moment, but nodded, trusting his father in knowing what he was doing. His head snapped around to see the man rushing toward them, only to have his spine severed and then impaled by his father's sword. He could stay alert; he had been for months in battle. Glancing up and around them often, Lucius helped his father pull the rocks away. The first to be freed was Nathan! Oh thank God. Was he dead? He hoped not. Now for Anulia. Seeing that arm come up, Lucius grabbed her hand, his gloved fingers curling around her wrist securely to pull her up enough until he could loop his other arm under hers and pull her out completely. ``Oh Anulia...`` He whispered to himself, frowning a bit. Oh he wished he could have gotten to them sooner! Once she was out completely, Lucius shifted her in his arms and curled an arm behind her knees and lifted her up completely. Dark eyes glanced around again before he headed toward the castle with her in his arms.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Eamonn rolled his eyes. He personally did not WANT to know anything about whores. That was not a profession he supported and was happy with his wife, every other woman could not even compare to Aislin. Despite their differences, the pair of them made an interesting team, a deadly moving opponent. Eamonn was no stranger to riding bareback, so he did not need stirrups to keep him on unless he needed both hands. In this case, Danae did. The English were starting to retreat, and those that did not were slaughtered and cut down without difficulty. Eamonn slowed the horse down to a stop, watching the men retreating. They had them on the run! Turning back toward the city, Eamonn spurred his horse onward, cantering down the streets and around buildings with one hand gripping the reins. The grey horse halted before the gates and Eamonn sheathed his sword. Once Danae was down and on her feet, Eamonn swung his leg over and dismounted, the pale horsetail crest shifting with the movement. Hand still on the hilt of his sword, he moved toward the broken gate and ducked down to climb through the gap.

LADY EIRIAN APOLLIUS
``Sir..`` The wind carried on it a voice too soft for the ways of war, but it lost neither volume nor the ability to each Bolverk as she continued to watch the area surrounding them. Holding the banner up high, it would bring the scattered Welshman together, as she told some of them to begin the trek up toward the castle, while others took to helping the people in the area, checking other places for buried living or the true dead. Turning her head in the direction of the major thoroughfares her stomach lurched as the Hall of Guilds was half demolished. What of the adjoining precincts? She clutched banner as the mother inside did war and won over the royal, ``Tabitha...Hope..`` No, they were at the castle, she began to tell herself, for they could be nowhere else. She was instructed to stay here....yes that was it!

ANULIA AMORA
The gloved hand reached for her bare one and she held on, as she was pulled gently from the pile. When Lucius' dirty face was seen, Anulia smiled weakly as he lifted her smaller form up. Wrapping her arms around his neck, as best as she could, she held onto her friend. ``Hi...Lucius.`` She had never been more happy to see him in her time here in Skye then she was right now. Of all the men in her life, Lucius' place was hard to say. A son? A treasured friend? A companion of sorts? She stared at him, not trying to ignore others, but tired just the same. Lucius had been fighting all night, yet found the strength to lift her from the ground and hold on to her as he moved. Safe? She knew she was as she snuggled against him. Eyes looked to see Nathan being helped up and moved not too far behind her. She reached out with one hand for his own; wanting to touch everyone she called a friend. She did not see Eirian, but would she have recognized her anyway? ``Will you be leaving me, Lucius?``[/b

u]BOLVERK THE BLACKSMITH

[/u]
Bolverk helped Nathan to his feet and moved with the male towards the castle where it would be safer. Entering the castle, he moved Nathan into the great hall where there were so many things going on as well. When the male was safe, he moved outside and waited for Lucius.

COMMANDER DANAE GALANOS
Indeed, the two that could easily be at odds at each other had come together and worked as a team. Seeing the results of their work as English soldiers fell, faded or ran Danae smirked. Before too long, Eamonn would have them headed back in the direction of the city, and then reaching it. As she dismounted, she watched Eamonn do the same. The man would move through the opening and Danae half followed. ``Lord Marshal... job well done.`` She said before giving the man a nod and then moving back to the horse. She mounted him, turned him back to the field. The Commander's duty was not yet done. She needed to gather what was left of her regiment, have them all collect their fallen and give them the proper burials, no matter their religion. And so the Greek Commander moved off to do those very things as a new day started.

LUCIUS, SON OF BOLVERK
Even now, after being pulled from rubble having crushed her and pinned her down, she still smiled. Lucius could always count on Anulia to have a smile on her face. Arms held her close to his tall frame as he entered the castle; darkeyes turned down to Anulia and he smiled back softly, just as tired and sore. ``Hi... Anulia.`` He answered back. Their bond was hard to say, for in his time of need, Anulia had been there. Lucius cared about her a great deal, he truly did. It stung his heart that she was hurt even in the slightest, but he was happy to see her alive. ``Only for a little while, Anulia...I'll come back..I promise I'll come back to you.`` He said, craning his neck and placing a kiss on the side of her head lightly. Poor Anulia...Poor Nathan..At least they were alive, and he would visit them as soon as the city was safe.

LORD MARSHAL EAMONN OF EOHMARK
Eamonn glanced over his shoulder to Danae and arched a brow, staring at her flatly. ``You expected anything less?`` He replied smartly, though he nodded to her, dipping his bearded chin stained with dirt and blood. ``Take care, Lady Ranger.`` Eamonn added, green eyes watching her for a moment before he turned on his heels and to the castle, back to his wife.

THE ENGLISH COMMANDING
William rode with the men on the march to Turas Lan... From his vantage point he saw his son get off his horse and walk with his men... ``Fool...`` he thought... ``makes no difference, you shall be dead...`` he mutters. The rage of battle rose upon the field... and in the distance, he saw his son afoot. Killing the man who tried to swing an axe at him he rode straight toward Adam... Swinging his sword at the man's head, he cursed as Adam ducked. He turned the horse around and rode straight at him. All around them were men killing and dying... swords clashed, metal sounds echoed with screams of pain.

DUKE ADAM ABERDEEN AND FORCES
Dmitrii swung the double blades at a man with an axe... as he blocked the strike, the man twisted the axe and flipped one of the swords away... then swung the handle at Dmitrii's face, and knocking him backwards onto his back... as the man swung down at his head, Dmitrii thrust the sword thru the man's stomach... Pushing the man off him he rose, and the man took a lunge at Dmitrii, driving a dagger thru the hard leather guard into his thigh... gritting his teeth, he swung the sword down hard severing the man's head from his torso. William was riding down upon Adam, and he ducked on the first pass, but William whipped the horse around and rode down hard upon him again... Adam sidestepped the horse and swung his sword at the beast's legs, dropping the horse to its face, throwing William over its head. William rose slowly as Adam walked toward him, his sword at the ready... ``Greetings Father... We finally meet face to face...``
William smirked... Fook you boy... and yer whore wife.``
That was all it took for the pair to begin a fight that would be to the death. Steel clashed as the two worked against the other... Younger, faster, more experienced with a sword, Adam continued to back up his Father... but William was no push over, as he outwitted the younger man and knocked him upon his arse... and tried to drive a wedge into his skull. But Adam blocked it and kicked the man backwards... When William staggered, Adam got up quickly, spun and sliced his Father across the back... William spun and cut Adam across the stomach... Adam winced and swung up, around and down at William, slicing his armour, blood oozed from the metal coverings... William dropped to his knees. Adam kicked the sword away, his own sword at William's throat... ``Do it you coward... Yer mother was a whore, and yer grandfather was a coward too...`` Adam pressed the blade tip to his throat and made William wince in pain. William laughed in pain and looked to his son... ``Yu can't kill me boy... I am what made you...``
Adam screamed and hefted the sword and cut William along the side of his face. ``yer not worth my steel old man... you weave a deadly path...`` and as Adam prepared to deliver the deathblow... he raised the blade and started to swing down... just then a bolt from a crossbow hits his shoulder from the rear... the blade swings wild and slices William across the chest... As Adam falls, he loses sight of his father. In pain, he stands and looks around... ``Fookin' coward...`` and picks up his sword.
Just then Dmitrii limps next to him... ``Are you alright Adam? Is he dead?``
Adam nods. ``I am ok... but no he aint dead... he has more luck than a cat...`` Maubrey's army had been decimated upon a field of battle... His men were either dead or wounded, for the army of Skye took no prisoners this day. Adam and Dmitrii helped each other back towards the city gates.
``All is well, Da?`` Dmitrii asks. Adam turns to look over the field of death.
``As well as kin bae expected my brother...``
``If he lives, what shall you do?`` the Russian accent thick.
``He is done... he can never do damage as he has... he will be an outlaw..alone... no money... He is done... someday he will show his face... and when he does, I'll kill him.``
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[Exuent.]

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[Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven]

HOURS BEFORE THE BATTLE IN TURAS LAN...

THRAIN-A formal notice of his return? Not likely...Thrain stormed up the path on his charger and dismounted almost into a run as he made his way across the bridge to the castle's courtyard. A pair of guards stepped in to ask him what the hurry was, but he stared them down with his harsh gaze before throwing open the main doors and making his way up to the throne room. It wasn't the best of news...but she would want to know. His powerful form swept through the wide halls as he made his way up the stairs, the axe swaying at his belt and the broadsword and shield strapped to his back. He looked ready for combat, ready to take on anything...but could he handle the wrath of his queen's pain? That he did not know. Under the harsh exterior, though, his heart bled for her...and were it within his power, he would have offered his shoulder for her solace. But she was more powerful than any of them...she needed not his sympathy. Only his loyalty.-

KAELYN **In all the places in Turas Lan she would be it would be here in the Griffin Castle home to her best friend the Duchess Aberdeen. She had come to check in and perhaps see the newest member of the Aberdeen family. Pagan and Phantom her two personal guards waited in the hall as she waited in the throne room for Lady Bess. She turned hearing heavy footfalls draw near... she had keen hearing years of training... she was after all the Elite Ranger. Instincts pinging... the hairs on her neck raising... her hand slid to the sword at her hip reflexively. Only a few were allowed into the castle with weapons and she and her men were among them. Low rumbling mumbles form the other side of the door said that Pagan and Phantom were talking to someone... then the doors slowly opened.**

THRAIN-Once he had set foot into the hall, he dropped to one knee with an arm across his chest...the most common showing of respect-”Forgive my intrusion, highness...I seek Lady Kaelyn with urgent news that cannot wait."

KAELYN ** Bess still had not arrived when the man entered and Kae turned slowly to look at him with cool blue eyes... he was kneeling before her. Her heart raced deep within her chest as he spoke. What could be so urgent as to come here to find her?? " Rise .. Sir Knight you have found whom you look for. I am Dame Kaelyn... what news do you bring?" her voice cool and calm as it always was. It has been awhile since anyone called her Lady since receiving her spur in Knight hood.**

THRAIN "The ship carrying your children and their caretaker, Lady Kaelyn, has sunk miles off the coast due to a storm and all aboard were lost. It pains me to bring this news to you, but as your loyal servant...it fell to me to deliver the news. Should you have some need of my services in response to this or other situations, my lady, I will see to it that your wishes are carried out promptly... ": And...this." -He hands over the missive stating the most current news about her former husband-

KAELYN ** Nothing could have prepared her for his words... she stumbled backwards... then looked down as he spoke holding out a scroll that bore the official seal of her homeland and her heart sank further. Pagan and Phantom moved to steady her... she held up a hand to stay them. She was at a loss for words.... her mind raced.... pain streaked across her face and flared in her eyes. She took the scroll with a shaking hand " NAY!!! My children cannot be lost.... you must be wrong!" her voice rose in her pain and fear. She was fighting back tears and rage... she tore open the missive and as she read the words she faltered once more her legs gave way and she crashed to the stone floor "NAY!!! Oh GOD NO!!!" she screamed the sound reverberating off the walls leaving the men to watch in horror as the warrior fell apart before them. " Kerrigan has declared Darius dead.... and now I hear my children are as well!!!" she dropped the parchment and began to rock back and forth on the floor as she tried to process the news that her husband and twins were all dead**

THRAIN -He truly didn't know what to make of this...and when she waved off Pagan and Phantom, he turned to them with a reassuring expression which seemed to calm them slightly. Rising to his feet, he made his way the few steps closer to her and knelt down, tentatively resting a hand on her shoulder- ”Lady Kaelyn, I would give my life to make this not true...if there is anything I can do...you have only to ask."

KAELYN ** It was as if a blade had been plunged into her body for the pain was greater than any she had ever felt. The man was bold to approach her as he did and then to speak... did he have a death wish? Pagan and Phantom had no time to warn him before he had moved closer to her. With amazing sped she drew her dagger and held it to his throat... her rage and pain visible to any who looked. She was no longer the calm beauty that had been before them moments ago... she now looked like a crazed berserker in the heat of battle “Will your life bring them back!! Will it make my children's laughter fill my ears again? Will it let me hear my husbands voice saying he loves me?" her words were icy cold... as she pressed the blade more firmly to his throat... a small trickle of blood appeared as the blade bit into his flesh. She began to shake ... fury, denial and loss replaced her sanity. “What you can do is bring them back to me or send me to meet them... that... is ... what ... you ... can .... do..." each word said through clenched teeth. With an amazing amount of force she pushed the man away... sending him sliding backwards from the force. Yes for a woman she was incredibly strong but in a rage even more so. **

THRAIN "If taking my life eases your pain, then it is yours to take. But I cannot bring them back any more than you can, Lady Kaelyn. I chose the task of bringing the message to you and..." -He groaned as she shoved him back, but managed to regain his footing without stumbling. A hand did not rise to stay the thin line of red seeping from his throat-”...if that requires me to give my life, so be it. It has ever been yours."

KAELYN ** His words somehow made it through her grief and rage. She sheathed her dagger and for a moment looked confused by her actions... was she losing her mind to attack and innocent?? " Nay... your life will not bring them back, and nothing can ease my pain." she said somewhat calmly... almost too calmly. She quickly regained control over her emotions. " Sir.... I owe you an apology...and thank you for bringing me this news it could not have been easy for you to speak them any more than it was for me to hear them." she stood slowly and walked to the door to leave. Pagan and Phantom exchanged looks with each other and then the Knight... they were worried for something was not right? “Your life is yours... all of you.... I release you from your duties ... you are free to go where you will. I need to go... to be alone." she rose to her full height and bowed gracefully to each one. “Lady we are yours and we follow you always!" Pagan said in a deep tone worry streaked across his face. What could she be up to? She was speaking as if she were no longer going to be around.... like she was giving up.**

THRAIN "Not so easily done, my lady. Release me if that is your wish but know that at your word you shall have me at your side once more."

KAELYN ** She turned at the doorway to look at the three of them... void of emotions... void of life. "Thank you, but what I need is to have my husband and children back... that will never be. You have honored me with loyal service." her words eerie... ominous in a way. Pagan looked at the Knight "We all need to watch her... I fear she is not thinking correctly... and may harm herself in her grief.To face the fact that Darius is gone is one thing but to find out Garet and Jelani are gone too. It may all be to much to handle. "Kae had left the castle and mounted her large black war horse... she had not even spoken to the guards as she passed them... most unlike her. She kneed Baran and raced from the city at breakneck speed. **

[Anulia of Amora]

During the mist of battle, two souls were lost under a pile of stone...

Momento #3: NEVER LOSE HOPE, WHEN LOST IN THE DARK

Nathan Renquest - Time passed in fits and starts for the young scholar--the memories of what got him trapped slid away like some half-remembered dream, finding himself curiously waking to a place other than his bed. His head throbbed dull under the pain, and attempts to sit up would find one of his legs pinned, so pitch black as he couldn't see. What...? his addled brain attempted to process the various stimuli but failed utterly--it had been the first time Nate had moved since they were buried. Even turning his head made him ill, and almost reflexively he curled in himself with a whimper. He remembered running with Anulia to the gates--he remembered watching them go. We have to go... and than nothing. What the hell had happened? coughing acrid dust lighlty, the rational part of his brain tried to piece together what had happened in the short interval, but found it curiously difficult, like pushing through a heavy fog. He didn't even realize he wasn't alone..

Anulia of Amora - Darkness had been her only friend for the time that Nathan did not respond to her. At first, she was panicked, but as time passed, she found her own ease in some soft humming. When the air began to get short, she stopped and inhaled short breaths. She wanted to move the rocks, but she was afraid that it would cause them to cave in and at the moment, she was not getting crushed. Was Nathan slowly being crushed? What if more fell on them? There were a lot of questions that ran through her mind. A whimper had her turning her head to see Nathan moving, slowly, but moving never the less. A hand wiggled it's way towards him to touch the only part she could reach. His face. ``Nathan.. it's Anulia. How bad are you hurt?``

Nathan Renquest - "Anulia? Oh god..." he felt the sensation of a hand brushing along his cheek but couldn't make it out. Anulia was down here with him? He felt panic surge almost at once. They were trapped! God, she could be dying on the other side. What happened to her? What happened to him? the adrenaline surged uselessly through his body and, strangely raw, he struggled to control it, to assess his situation rationally. By damn, it was hard! "I... I can barely move..." he wiggled slightly to try and get a range of movement. "and my leg is trapped. Anulia... Anulia are you okay? A...Are you okay, are you..." each repetition started to slur slightly and he cursed himself irritably, shaking his head feebly to banish it...

Anulia of Amora - Was God there with them now? The jungle beauty still had a hard time understanding what God meant and how he could be everywhere at once. Even a tree, while connected to the earth as a whole, could not be in two places at once. The brush of a dirty hand felt warm skin under it and that was enough to calm her down. Coughing, it took a few moments for her to get the dust from her lungs so she could speak. Every breath that was inhaled could taste the chips of stone and earth along her tongue. ``We are both trapped. Don't move too much, it might make it worse.`` Thankfully, she was not afraid of closed spaces, but was Nathan? ``I am well enough Nathan. I am having a hard time breathing.. the air feels thick, but I am not hurt and can feel my body. Perhaps...too much. I think..I think something broke the fall of the stone. Is there any holes on your side?``

Nathan Renquest - If he wasn't scared of them before, it wasn't helping. Struggling to keep focus, he'd, as tenatively as he could, scrabbled around, feeling with his hand for some errant hole here or there, one of which even allowed her to bump her arm, though he was so befuddled by the sudden change of texture that his hand twitched when it brushed on fabric. "Oh... ah, sorry, that was me. Yes, yes I think I have one. I..." A funny thing would happen then. For Nathan, the sentence continued unbroken, but in reality, he'd gone curiously silent. Nate had passed out unwittingly and spoke up again. "I... I think I can see light... if I turn my head the right way..." every breath felt sharp and acrid, and he fought the urge to cough with every breath. Lord, they were trapped, utterly. His mind spiraled and he responded, pitifully. "Anulia.. I'm sorry... this was my fault." an angry voice berated him inside his head for taking the turn when he did, Good job Renquest, you've killed them both! as illogical as it was heart wrenching.

Anulia of Amora - Despite the fact that at any moment, stone could crush the life from their bodies, Anulia smiled at Nathan for apologizing to her. Natha was in the process of telling her something, but then nothing. Anulia waited, thinking he was trying something, but she felt him unmoving. ``Nathan? Nathan?`` Anulia repeated calling his name for some time and her voice started to hold a bit of panic until she heard him speak. Taking a soft breath, she closed her eyes. When he said nothing more and apologized again, Anulia opened her eyes, though it was pointless. She could not see him, only hear and touch and her eyes stung. ``Nathan, it's not your fault. You saved us, we could have been crushed. This leaves us hope and a chance at least. Wait..`` Moving her hand from him, she pressed against the stone above her. Rubble came down in small pebbles, hitting her head and face, but she pushed against it, wiggling her fingers until some light came in and they could hear the outside. It was not enough to put her hand through and larger bits of stone stopped her from making it wider, but it brought in some air. Air that smelt of smoke, blood, but was not as thick as before. Shifting, she reached back for Nathan to press her hand to his face and cheek. ``We have some air..`` Every time the ground shook, Anulia tensed up, waiting for the stone to fall on them harder. ``Nathan..if..um.. if we die.. will you go to heaven with me?`` It might be a strange question, but Anulia was still not sure about heaven and hell. She did not understand that everyone made the journey alone. She thought it would be just like how they walked along the street together. That their...spirits could go together. ``I don't really know the way...``

Nathan Renquest - "Anulia.. Oh god, Anulia be careful..." he repeated, a few more times. wincing errantly as he heard the pebbles strike on the ground, waiting for the stones to fall and crush them both. Feeling both terrified and yet deeply troubled by her own fear, he reached a free hand to cup it, all sense of properiety out the window in the face of terror. "Oh god. Anulia, nobody's going to die tonight. Your friends will fine you. If anything happens, of course I will, I promise I will, but nothing's going to happen, alright?" he struggled to reassure the woman, but couldn't wipe his own desperation out of his tone, tears streaming down his face unbidden--the damage that addled his brain had prevented restraining any emotion, truth be told. "Nothing..." several moments passed in silence, Nathan had slipped out of consciousness again. When he gained it, it was considerably less lucid... how much time had passed? out of the silence, came a voice. "Anulia... Anulia, are you there?"

Anulia of Amora - Anulia was hoping they were not going to die, because she had no idea what happened after that, but would it be so bad? No, not if he would help her find the way to heaven so she did not get lost. ``Okay..`` She felt his long fingered hand touching her own, soft and dirty much the same. When silence came again, Anulia could feel the wetness from his face. At first, in panic, she thought it was blood and pulled her hand back to her own in order to smell it. It did not smell like blood nor did it feel like it, which made her choke out softly in thanks. She reached for him again and spoke his name, but he said nothing. Why did he keep not answering her? ``Nathan....please.. don't leave yet.`` Finally, he came from the darkness and his voice called her name. ``Yes! I am here...where did you go?`` She knew he was not getting up and walking away, but his mind was not here.. was his soul leaving? ``Why do you not answer me for a time?``

Nathan Renquest - "I... what...?" Had he went somewhere? his initial reaction at first was almost comically literal. how could he go anywhere, he was trapped! She had to have known that. He was incapable of picking up nuance. Slowly, he took stock of his situation, to say nothing of the throbbing pain on the side of his head. "I...I think I hit my head." he almost sounded childish saying such a thing. How long had they been under? He couldn't track the passage of time--how long had he been out between sentences? "Listen... Listen Anulia, there's something I want to tell you. Okay? It's important. And if... well if something happens, I just... well, I just want you to hear it. Okay?" he tried to peer into the darkness at where he guessed her face was, wishing for an agonizing moment that he could see the girl, his mind working feverishly to play at his worst fears. What if he wouldn't? He remembered vividly of a man he saw once crushed by a collapsing building, remembered him, terrified and scrambling, alive only long enough for them to fetch him out, his body ruined, bleeding to death a moment later. God, what if she was crushed? What if this were his last moments with her?

Anulia of Amora - Nathan had stopped talking often and Anulia could not see him in order to find out that he was indeed, passing out. Anulia was not a healer, but she knew that a hit on the head could make someone fade away now and again. She was going to ask him to keep talking to her, to stay awake and with her, but Nathan took the moments to talk first. ``I am listening..`` Reaching back out, she touched him, on the shoulder she believed it to be as she could feel the cloth that lined it. Nathan was a knew friend, but a dear friend never the less. What could be so important to tell her now? ``We will get out Nathan...`` One way or the other. Was this what fate was warning her about? Her luck would change for the worse? She would not be taken away and placed any where else? There was no other place she would have rathered died, then here. A bit of fresh air came in and Anulia inhaled it.

Nathan Renquest - "Good... Good Listen..." His brain repeated instructions already heard, the words returned half-hearted and distant. "Listen.. Anulia. I am... I am so glad I got to meet someone like you. That sounds... well, stupid, but I am. You're so... God... I've never seen someone who looks so easily into the heart of things. You're... you're bloody brilliant. 'n I think... I think you should stay here. I think you should never be taken away here. 'n you really should have children. Honestly, Anulia, you'd make such a great mother. You shouldn't be afraid of losing it. Everybody here... god, I've met so many people that love you so bloody much. I.. I don't think they'd let it happen. So don't be afraid, okay? don't... you don't have to be." it was more meaningful in his head than he had wanted to say, but his thoughts and fears and feelings mixed and intermingled into a giant mess, Frustration and anger boiled out of the small scholar and he felt like thrashing around his makeshift burial futiley one instant and curling up and sobbing the next. It was a nightmare. Trapped in darkness with her there but he couldn't see her...

Anulia of Amora - Slender and small fingers grasped his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze to reassure him that she was indeed listening. One never understood how important your senses were until a few were taking away. Anulia had it happen many times before. Chocolate eyes lifted and opened wider, only to be greeted by the darkness where Nathan's voice came from. Light spilled in, but it did not show her, Nathan. What Nathan said, was not only important to Anulia, but to himself. Did he notice that? ``Thank you Nathan. Hearing those words from you, are more powerful then if the Gods themselves had come to speak that to me. You...you always seem so afraid yourself Nathan. As if you are so worried you will offend someone or that they will trick you, hurt you in some way. As if you are a child, but right now..I hear a man speaking to me. Not a child, not a young man...but a man. Do you hear it, in your voice?`` Anulia's eyes began to mist over, but the tears that was coming, those precious waste of water, were no longer in sadness. It was in happiness from kind words that meant a lot to her. Anulia did want children, Anulia did want to be happy in life and not worry about being taken away. She also, wanted to make others feel good and safe, to give them someone they were not afraid to talk to about anything, because those people were rare. People like Nathan, Lucius and herself. Her hand moved down the length of his arm, before finding his hand as she scooted closer to the darkness and pulled his hand gently towards her face so she could kiss his dirty knuckles. ``Thank you, you are truly a man in this moment and handling it as a man should Nathan.``

Nathan Renquest - It was a miracle Nathan could even take this moment to find humor in anything. "Might as well be one at least once.." he felt softness on his knuckles, if even for a moment, and extended his fingertips to brush along her face, perhaps a brief glimpse into what Nathan really thought--how little he sometimes thought of himself, how little he actually spoke. Buried under a mountain of rubble, some of his feelings might never escape--maybe that was why he felt the need to free them briefly. "You'll see.. Anulia. They'll get you out of here. They're looking for us. I promise you.. just as soon as... soon as they can. they'll dig us out. Just wait..." and in that instant consciousness started to flee again, and the hand along her face slackened. His words were meant to encourage--but honestly, inside? he was terrified, and his mind gibbered. We're going to die here...

Anulia of Amora - A choked out laugh came from her as she felt his fingers brushing against her chin and the right cheek. Chaotic moments, when given to the right people could make a difference in their lives. ``Nathan, take these moments to figure out who you want to be when we are given another chance. Too many people, take them for granted.`` They became bitter, or resentful at the things they lost, but ignored what they had. ``I believe you..and when we do get out of here you will heal.`` She felt his hand slack and go limp on her, making her pause in what she was going to say. This time, she was not afraid, she knew he had slipped from the waking world, but not in death. She could feel his hand, still warm and flexible. His fingers still moved with ease. Anulia started to sing softly in a low voice. Some kind of noise for him to hear in his head and for him to hear when he awoke. ``Helia ton, velia soan, tast awera fom oof. Tast awera bonciu. Chinwa el'wha langua. Aiaaaaaaa, mon pilla.[/i]`` The vibrant sound of her jungle language filled the darkness for some time. Soft and light, until some words made more heart and passion pour through. When the song finished, slightly more dramaticly and quickly, she looked to the darkness before looking to the hole. Hearing people close, she spoke, unsure if Nathan was awake or not. ```We, will have to help...fate.`` Leaning towards the hole, she made her fingers press together and pushed through the hole, hard, until her hand popped through and she felt the cool air. Fingers began to spread as her wrist was caught now. That was when she felt someone grab her hand and panic, made her yank back, only to go no where. A muffled voice, sent hope back to them. ``Nathan! We are...saved! Nathan...``[/color]

Nathan Renquest - There would be no answer. sucking down whatever particles mingled with the air and stonework did little to help his damaged brain process, and his consciousness came and went in phases. The world he inhabited became a dream, the gentle tones of Anulia encouraging him to both wake and sleep, touching her face but saying nothing. He heard a distant echo, something about fate...? muffled voices from the outside, his name. Light flooded darkness and blinded him almost entirely, withdrawing his hand to shade his eyes from it, and he suddenly felt lifted. His brain processed none of this--it literally had no comprehension of the events that were happening, simply informed him of feelings and senses without any real context. The last thing he remembered was her hand softly gripping his, before slipping away... [/font]

[Lady Aislin Creed of Eohmark]

Anulia of Amora ++ The rescue came and with it, the firm hands of the black smith, took away Nathan. Anulia only released him when she felt his body being pulled out of the opening made. Carefully, she scooted over to take his place, before she gloved hands reach for her and pull her into the arms of Lucius. Another hero in her life it seemed and one she would be proud to call son any day. Both were carried to the Great hall, where others gathered. Lucius promised to return, and Anulia could finally see Nathan's face as she looked him over while sitting on the ground. His head was pulled into her lap, and cheeks were stroked while he remained away from the awaken world. It took some time, before she saw Aislin and waved the woman over to look at Nathan.

Aislin Creed ++ Aislin could no longer stay in one place, as more and more people began to move inside the Great hall and were in need of help. Along with a few others, Aislin made rounds. A maid stayed close by her side with Kieran in her hands, for Aislin did not want to be far from her and Eamonn's child at any time. When she saw Anulia waving her over, she made her way towards her and Nathan. She had seen the young man once or twice, but never really had been introduce. ``What happened to ye both?``

Anulia of Amora ++ ``We were outside..and the wall came crumbling down on top of us. A wagon stopped it from crushing us, but trapped us under the stone for some time. I do not know how badly Nathan was hurt, or crushed.``

Aislin Creed ++ Aislin shifted to kneel on the floor, reaching her hands towards his head to feel about for any cracks or chips missing. His head seemed whole, but there was a large lump on the underside of it, saying he had indeed hit it against something. As long as it was not a hole, there was hope. Shifting her hands down, Aislin had no need for modesty as she felt everything. His arms, shoulders, hands, chest, stomach, hips, thighs and legs. Below the knee, she felt the bones moving too freely beyond his skin and when she ripped his breeches, she saw bone sticking out from his flesh, tearing it open so the white gleam of it stuck out. A woman by her screamed, making Aislin wince. One male looked at it and began to vomit, pushing people out of the way. It was crowded, so it was hard to give anyone privacy at this moment. Aislin had a small kit with her, but nothing that was advanced. Whiskey was poured all over her hands and Nathan's leg, no doubt burning the hell out of him should he wake up. ``Hold him down..if he be waking up while ah be doing this, we will nay get it right.`` Anulia helped, as did other men to hold Nathan's form pinned to the ground. Fingers had to wrap around his bone and push it carefully, with steady hands, back into the skin and align it with the other bit of bone still inside.

Nathan Renquest ++ He was lucky to be asleep--or at least partially asleep, the few moments he did wake finding comfort enough to simply fall into unconsciousness again, perhaps curling against her or shifting his head, the only other sign of trauma being the leg, which hung at an odd angle, which never moved of its own volition at all. Ironically, this half-dreaming sensation was about the only way he'd tolerate Aislin's probing to begin with, which, due to his lack of inhibitions, he didn't find entirely unwelcome, squirming only faintly. But that didn't last. touching his leg made him, even unconscious, flinch, oblivious to the trauma around him, and the burning sensation was enough to drag up the last dregs of consciousness--he woke up exactly about halfway into Aislin's move--to agony, specifically. his first reaction was near animal panic, and without restraints he would have very easily made a bad situation worse, but with little else to do but to hold on whimper, the Scholar riveted his eyes shut tight and made several, choked sounds. He was strangely quiet, in the face of it--he didn't scream, even though it was clearly agony, instead holding his breath until he couldn't any longer before letting out several, choked sobs.

Aislin Creed ++ It was hard to get a grip on the bone, for blood and muscle became slimey to the touch. The smell of copper was all over and the look of it was anything but appealing. Many people panicked at the mere sight of their body in such a way. When Nathan's body twitched and then the signs of him waking up came to play, Aislin was halfway through, before she released the bone and waited until people got a better hold on him. Hands covered in his blood were held up by her shoulders as she waited patiently for him to stop and someone to come hold his upper thigh down closer to the floor. Reaching back down, fingers pushed the muscle aside and pressed the bone back in, with a hard press to get it in there. The body was naturally trying to reject it until she lined it up with the lower bone. Veins were wrapped about it, feeding the flesh and muscle. Aislin had to get a few cloths to soak up the blood and check inside his leg to make sure no stone bits were inside. For some time, she was putting things back inside place and cleaning him up before she stitched him loosly and wrapped up his leg with a stick as a splint to keep him from moving the ankle at all. She knew it was hurting, but she was glad he was not screaming in her ears. ``Done.`` It was not perfect, but it was enough to stop the bleeding for now and to just his bone a chance to set again. Hands were rinsed off with whiskey before she leaned over and opened Nathan's eyes. ``Ye hear me? Can ye think enough to speak?``

Anulia of Amora ++ Anulia kept his head in her lap and comforted him when she could with soft noises and pressing his hair from his face. Her fingers delicately pressed against his cheeks as she told him he was being very brave.

Nathan Renquest ++ Oh lord, he felt so pained he thought he was going to be sick. Whoever had the misfortune of holding him would likely have blood drawn from where his hands squeezed, and at one point he actually blissfully passed out entirely, making his life easier for both him and her, as it would turn out. When the firing nerves woke him again to inform him of the damage dealt again, the world felt spinning and chaotic, just past his eyelids until they were rather forcefully brought open to view a surprisingly delicate face curiously at odds with the clinical, almost monotone inquiry that followed. "Y...Yes." was about all he could manage, meek as could be. It was the first human face he had seen in hours, and the confusion was wrought evident upon the boys face. He had almost completely forgotten what had happened in the last few hours, and to him it was like waking into a dream--the images didn't match his memory at all. What was he even doing here? god, his leg hurt so damned badly...!

Aislin Creed ++ ``Good. Ye need to stay awake aye? So fight the tiredness. Anulia, keep him talking.`` Aislin stood up from Nathan and Anulia, to head for the next person that was in need of her, the maids following after her with her son and supplies.