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Post by Dame Kaelyn Urquhart-Raven on May 18, 2010 15:44:07 GMT -6
Marius had approached Kae about some disturbing news that the shoreline and coves may be exposed to danger by smugglers and thieves.
gathering a handful of Argania's and now Skye's finest they set off to investigate it. Lee had been abroad in Asia but she had ent a missive to him as well as left one at RavensCrest just in case he did not get the first.
Ademar was to remain behind and wait...and if any asked he was instructed to say only that she and te men were patroling and would be gone a week or more.
Depending on what was found out she would send word back to Maahes...as well as Dmitrii , Adam and Bess. Her eyesight was improving greatly though not perfect... she had moments of grey outs as she called then where everything appeared as shadows.
After being gone a week they were attacked and she had sent word back to Lee and Ademar her wounds wer not grave so she saw no reson to abandon the small fishing village.... but two days after she had sent her message more men arrived and great battle broke out.. Marius was missing and she and her men had been forced to hide out in same caves above the shores.
(( more to come))
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Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on May 20, 2010 4:00:40 GMT -6
Things had been glorified since his and Aegraine’s return to Skye… and with the coronation of his friend, all else was basically forgotten. He had just kissed his beautiful wife good morning when a messenger arrived. Opening the message, scrolled on rough paper, he read:
Dmitrii,
I was with Sir Marius when were attacked in a small fishing village off the coast near Portree. We became outnumbered in a fight and are now hiding within some caves on the cliffs. Sent word to Lee to bring more of my Arganian Knight's but felt you needed to know this as well. Smugglers are using the smaller inlets to gain footing in Skye... for unknown reasons... No matter what happens little brother I love you... Argania is yours Kerrigan has my decree should I not return.
Your loving sister,
Kaelyn
A disturbed look crossed his face, the neatly trimmed beard crinkling in odd expression. “Lee? Why the hell would she contact him instead of the Lord General??” he mumbled under his breath. “Why didn’t she contact Lord General for support…” he grumbled… “Damn her… always taking upon her more than she should… putting her life in danger, as if she has nothing to live for… and she gives me nothing to act upon…”
He immediately went to the desk and dipped the quill… writing on the same scroll she sent him.
Lord Maahes…
I received this this morn… I know not what is going on… I fear for my sister… please assist.
Very respectfully,
Lord Zurban
He then summoned a messenger and set him upon a journey to the Capitol.
Maahes could have crumbled the paper between his fingers when the message read that name alone--Marius. Rising from his desk, he would pull in the page who he used to write his letters, and started to bark back a command.
Dmitrii,
I regret to inform you that Sir Marius has in fact deserted. I fear he has left our Kaelyn to die. I will send you enough men to see through this, and will ride out with them on the morrow. The hands of this message is a most trusted scout who will keep a good steady trail on the smugglers, and I'll prepare an ambush by sea. The word will be spread quickly onto the Lord Admiral, and I will meet you at the mountain pass. Let us try to keep as many alive as possible, I fear they must be connected to the ambush today upon my office. The time of peace it appears to be over. Let none pass.
God be with you,
Maahes
Standing the page would roll the letter and it would be sealed by the wax seal known throughout the land of the Lion's insignia. The Griffin was his pride, and they the body of the beast.
"Send, Scarlet, tell her to keep to the shadows, and find Kae." He spoke to the captain who stood ready to move off into the day. The woman was known for her ability and was in fact a perfect addition. "Ready my horse, and tell the riders we move quickly. I want to see an end to this. Now. We ride at dawn." A storm of force to take on the small little city on the coast, and another document would be sent to the Lord Admiral in hopes he would see reason enough to have a sea worthy blockade ready for the smugglers ships.
Time seemed to linger as the Kievan Rus warrior paced the interiors of his home. His wife, Aegraine, tried to placate his worries, but that was near to impossible because he knew Kaelyn… she was a dedicated Ranger of Skye… and neither health nor care would stop her from her appointed duties. Just when Aegraine had almost convinced Dmitrii not to worry, a messenger arrived.
Breaking the seal of the message, he read what Maahes replied. Then he proceeded to his library office where he looked upon a map of Skye… and where the mountain pass to Portree was, at the western tip of Loch Sligachan. Turning to one of his squires… “Gather the men of the estate… we ride north at first light…” then he turned to his beautiful wife… “M’Lady, I must go find my sister… Lord General shall meet us at the mountain pass… God shall watch over me…” then he smiled and drew her to him, hugging her… and then went about his duties in preparation for the ride at dawn.
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Post by Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem on May 20, 2010 6:18:13 GMT -6
His family had moved into the castle, and the very bitter silence of the late hour before dawn seemed eerie, even with the sounds of the castle cooks starting the morning meal. Hours before sun up the world inside the Griffin was busy with the new day, and the hour just before the dawn always seemed the darkest.
Maahes slept in a great bed, the frame large enough for his entire family, and for this he was thankful—for the cold emptiness that had once been where his wife would rest now belonged to his sleeping offspring. Like a pack of wolves they kept the other warm, snuggled around their father until even Isis, the smallest was wrapped around his neck. They liked to make bed in the floor, a fort of pillows to play castle, but as of late he welcomed the company. It simply made getting up hard. Nora would come, and one by one pry little hands; little feet from their father so that she could help him up and their laughter was silenced. She was thankful he did not become so callused from the separation, though she worried that day would come.
“I ride out to Loch Sligachan, and from there Portee to assist in rescue.” He spoke resting on the edge of the bed the fire coming to life in the hearth, and his hands coming to rub at his eyes. Nora would bring his robe, roll it over his shoulders, and smile,
“So you’ll be home for supper then?” Her old kind eyes could have smiled should her lips ever fail; it was beyond her to worry now. All of the years with this family, she knew the energy spent worrying over the General would be wasted. However, now she worried only for the children should he fall? Surely the King and Queen would deny them to their mother, for her insanity needed to be healed, and Nora would die before she ever let these babies fall. Her heart hurt for Ealora, worried of her, and wishing for her to come home. “Come, General, you have must have something to eat.”
The sun had yet to enter the sky, but the light of the new day broke on the horizon. The sound of the drums would start as the banners were held high with the riders departing one by one, and the band of warriors would all ride out to meet Lord Zurban. The ships had sailed in the night, two small blockades to keep back the escape, but already the feel of a battle drove forward—this was where Maahes took out his anger.
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Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on May 31, 2010 14:01:18 GMT -6
Dawn, the time that marks the beginning of the twilight before sunrise, that time at which there is enough light for objects to be distinguishable, so that outdoor activities can commence. It is said by some folks, that dawn banishes evil spirits and demons. But this dawn brings a time for men to ride to certain death. Each warrior knows that you must live intensely, wholeheartedly, without reserve - as if you might die in the next instant.
Dmitrii rose at dawn… kissing his wife’s forehead as he exited the room. Down the hall, he entered the weapons room of Lake Manor. There he ceremoniously dressed for battle; the black leathers, with the silver accruements, were a very familiar uniform for the WeaponsMaster. "Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay its price." He uttered into the mirror. In that very instant, he settled the twin swords upon his back. Satisfied, he made his way to the stables, where men were already preparing their steeds. Opening Troika’s stall, he led the large black Friesian out to the livery section. Upon the beast’s back was settled a large black and silver saddle. Once done, he led the black steed out to the open.
He bid the servants farewell, and as he mounted his horse, he glanced to the window and saw Aegraine looking down upon him. He smiled and pulled a piece of material from his vambrace, waving it a bit, then he kisses it and stuffs it back into the piece of armour.
Having settled into the saddle, he looks to the men that were gathered and formed…. Standing in the stirrups, he begins to speak in a loud voice. "One finds life through conquering the fear of death within one's mind. Empty the mind of all forms of attachment, make a go-for-broke charge and conquer the opponent with one decisive slash. God Save the King!!!" The men repeated the words…. God save the King… in a boisterous round of fists stamped to breast plates.…. This was a repeated ceremony that Dmitrii executed before every battle, regardless of how small or how large the fight was.
Afterwards... Dmitrii wheeled the large black Friesian around, looked once again to Aegraine and saluted… then the 50-plus-one men rode from Lake Manor… destined for the mountain pass near Loch Sligachan where he would rendezvous with Lord General by mid-morning. From there, the small army under the command of the Lord General would look for the invaders and rescue Kaelyn and her Rangers.
Ae waved her bright green scarf in the air so her husband might see if from a greater distance. As much as she desired to be there, riding Alt, in step with the others, this time Aegraine was not going to don her suit of armor or take up the sword Dmi made for her. The bow which had been her constant companion in those days back in Ulster sat, unstrung. No matter how she much wanted to be a part of Kaelyn's return to safety, it was not for her today. Of late, and a fact which might be known only Dmitrii, the engineer had been unwell since her return from the Coronation. Of late, she remained in her quarters, upstairs in Lake Manor. The thought of breakfast made her queasy. This day their journeys were vastly different, but both Zurbans were at the beginnings each to their own great unknown. Had Ae but asked someone, she would know "morning sickness" can actually last all day, as hers does.
It had been several days since she had sent out the missive's asking for aid, sitting with her back against the cold wall of a cave she now realized that maybe she should have said something before leaving... but too late for woulda, coulda, shoulda's.
They left the caves only to hunt and receive word through the villagers of the happenings about. Pagan and Phantom were with her and that gave her some measure of peace and comfort. Many were injured thankfully not gravely… or at least not yet her mind processed. It was her turn to take up the guard duty... she once more donned her leather armor and gathered sword and bow. Speaking with Pagan and Phantom she set out. The climb to the tops of the cliffs was not easy but necessary to see about the coast.
"Damn, why did I not tell anyone… oh yeah, that is right I felt like I had to prove myself once more." she chided herself. "Maahes and Dmi are going to shake the life from me ...." that made her smirk.
The Lord General and her had a friendship most would call odd... but for them it was born of a mutual respect... warrior to warrior… and Dmi... well that was another matter. After having found each other, he had become very protective, though she was the older sibling. Once more she smiled... but it never made it to her eyes. Never had she felt more helpless... never had she felt so vulnerable.
From her perch high above the shores, she could see the smugglers moving about below and every instinct screamed for her to stop them! An idea formed... she could make her way down without being seen... and set some traps as well as figure out how many there were... it would help her side of this fight. Making her way back to the cave, she told Pagan and Phantom her thoughts and they agreed... if nothing else they could take a few out at a time and even the numbers... there were hundreds of them it seemed.
So together with that plan in mind, the three made their way down the steep cliff side... all clad in black to conceal them... Once below... they separated... watched and waited before striking... their first concern to protect the shores and the innocent villagers.
Dmitrii did not know that his beloved wife was ill, or he would have to considered a more difficult decision to depart. But as things worked out, he and the 50 rode hard all morning… the mountain pass loomed ahead… to the east he could see Lord General’s men off in the distance.
How long have the Rangers been caved...? What were the extent of injuries? Was his sister harmed? And why did she not tell anyone what she was doing and where she was going? These and more questions crossed his mind all during the trip north… One of the siblings had to be the responsible one… and so often did she allow her emotions, or eagerness for battle, to reign supreme over logic.
With a smirk, he just mumbled in Russian… “It would serve her right for the Lord General to reprimand her for her actions…” The man riding beside Dmi looked at his oddly… “Yes MiLord?” Dmi shook his head and chuckled… “Nothing Mark… nothing at all… it seems I was thinking out loud…” Mark just bowed his head… “Aye MiLord…” Dmitrii smiled… “Ride forward, inform the Lord General we shall clear the pass for his arrival…” The young man just bowed his head… “Aye MiLord… Yehaaaa…” as he quickly spurred his steed into a dead run down the hillside toward Maahes’ formation.
Dmitrii turned to his men… “Five east, 5 west…" he pointed to the formation indicating which men. “Along the ridges… signal if any resistance is seen… Remain until the Lord General is thru the pass…” The men acknowledged with “aye MiLord…” and rode hard toward their assigned areas…
Given ten minutes headstart… Dmitrii motioned the remaining men onward… and the men rode thru the pass uninhibited. In a clearing on the far side, Dmitrii had his men dismount, set up a defense perimeter, standing next to their mounts, while the others watered their horses and rested, waiting on the other group of warriors.
"5o men, Zurban, you must know something we do not." The captain spoke as he rode beside the Lord General, the lot of the some 30 behind them all clad in the royal colors with the new banners flying proudly.
After the Lord General and his men rode into the hasty-camp, Dmitrii shook hands with the Captain, the first upon the scene. “Nyet, I suspect, involving my sister, I would require such a countenance.” He said with a thick Rus accent, the r’s and v’s slightly awkward… then he laughed.
"No, he is aware his sister is going to need that army to protect her from my wrath." Maahes spoke out high upon his horse, the armor adding weight where it was most certainly never needed. He seemed such a fierce creature upon the back of the beast. The lion upon his chest could mirror the man who wore it. The lion's mane decorated just like the long tendrils of the General's hair, the gold that wrapped each dread brought them together down his spine.
As he heard the thuds of a heavy horse behind him, he started to turn, only to hear that familiar voice. With a smile, the neatly trimmed beard quirking in familiar places… he bowed slight… “M’Lord, General…” then he chuckled at the man’s words, nodding his head in agreement
It had to be a war horse to carry this man, and the pride was rushed through the animal's legs as he could hardly keep steady. Maahes would reach out his hand to Dmitrii, clasping his wrist in the typical brother's in arms stance, and nod his head. "I am sorry on the terms we meet again, brother, but it is what we do best." Someday, there would be a meeting of the men that did not include the death of humans, but perhaps the hunt.
Looking up to the larger man, his hand clasping the massive arm. “Da, M’Lord and brother… tis been a long while since we have seen one another. Let us pact that we should see each other under different terms in the future.” Upon releasing the man’s arm, he motions his hand toward the men who now rested before moving on. “My men are under yer command, M’Lord, as am I…” then he chuckled… “As the Captain well noted… I brought fifty… knowing my sister, maybe we should have brought more…” the steel grey eyes sparkled.
Always the first in, and the last to leave he made no problem with being announced through the streets. Let it be known he had no reason to hide. With the cove carved away the Admiral's ships, the scouts along the lines of the forest; the smugglers would be flushed out like a sickness.
"Make it known those who oppose the crown, and break it's law are subject to punishment." Maahes spoke to the captain at his side who then broke the small militia into three folds and moved them through the streets to even out the patrol. "Have we any leads as to where they might be?"
Dmitrii shrugged. “Nyet M’Lord… Only what was in the letter… She did mentioned Caves near the beach… so I presume south of Portree… Maybe an hour’s ride east by north…”
The people seemed to be in good spirits though nervous, and it was when the red headed scout came to Maahes's side would he finally feel his heart beat again. "She is alive."
Dmitrii snapped a look at the arriving scout… then he looked to Maahes for orders.
Kae along with Pagan and Phantom... scurried around the coves and picked off smugglers one by one.... though it made no difference there were too many. Her wolf remained in the village with a family who had small children... but better than have him slip and fall down the face of the cliffs. They were steep and the rocks jagged... no he was better there and besides the help she sent for could use him to locate her and her men where they were pinned down at.
Pagan and Phantom arrived back at the caves first... and when they looked around and did not see her... both looked back out into the night... "She'll be here soon." Pagan said reassuring them all that she would indeed be alright. But as dawn was coming, they could not risk being seen and exposing their shelter.
Kae had made her way to the far side of the inlet and waited for the right time to take out the guard she was watching... making her move she was just about to reach for him when he turned suddenly to face her... then he licked his lips and smiled... the fight was now on; good news they were far enough out that no one would hear the clang of steel against steel.
He got a few lucky strikes in one that bit into her thigh and another that slashed across her left bicep. Blood flowed freely and in a move her brother had shown her she ducked low... swung out her leg and knocked him off his feet flat on his back... he was dazed and that was when she finished it. Drawing her dagger and slitting his throat... and as he laid there with his hands clutching the wound she spoke to him. "This... is our land... Our home and you are not welcome here!" her words were laced with such venom it even made hr shudder to hear them break from her lips as she had waved a hand to indicate the land around them... she watched as he died.
The sun was coming up and she needed to get back to the caves... and do so unseen for the safety and sake of her men. Unable to go the way she had came, she had to climb the rock face of the cliffs as to not be noticed from the shore... for it was on the far side of the cliff that she was climbing.... however from sea, one may have been able to spot the golden haired woman in her climb to safety.
Her leg was throbbing and blood flowed freely but she kept climbing pausing on a small ridge on the cliff. She ripped her shirt and tied it about her leg to stop the bleeding and the same with her arm only for that one she had to use her teeth to pull the fabric tight. Her back against the rock she needed to rest a moment... she had a sleepless night, and now her injuries slowed her.
Closing her eyes for only a few moments she prayed help arrived soon for she knew it would not be long before the smugglers found where she and her men were at.
"Every home is to be checked. Every street secure. I want this city locked down." The captain spoke out on behalf of the General who sat atop his horse silently watching the tree line and the mountain side. He felt in his heart something was amiss, and like the back of his hand knew this countryside. There were not many smugglers, for few cowards traveled in packs. Bound to the night, their harbor refuge seemed relentless with the news of the arriving war party to see their swift retreat. Like dogs with their tails tucked, the men seemed to slip back into the woods, the city secure for what could be gathered. The ships had cornered the retreating vessel, the small dingy pulled under, and now with the cornered smugglers at their end the woods would be their only escape. Their ride seeming to pass in a matter of moments as Portree came with a rush as the sun burned through the clouds, the rain not far from the morning.
Dmitrii’s men would be melded in with the Lord General’s. The Griffin Vanguard, a small group of highly skilled soldiers, were usually the first formation into battle ahead of the large, advancing, Griffin army and often first into battle and the last to leave. This elite, fast action, fighting formation advanced into battle just after the Rangers had provided reconnaissance for the commander of troops. Their skills were matched by very few, in riding, sword-fighting, or archery from a horse. Dmitrii had combined the fighting skills on horse back from the Mongols, and the ferocity of the Arab horsemen, and his own honed-abilities with a sword. These men were second to none, and renowned for their fighting skills. These are the men who Dmitrii brought to rescue his sister.
"Captain." Maahes called, raising his hand to motion the man forward, "Lock down that forest. Take as many prisoners that you can. The rest I will leave up to your judgment, but I have questions that need answered. Zurban..." Burning orbs turned to the man, as he motioned to the mountain path, "She was last seen there, we will ride as far as we can, and walk the rest. 10 men, will follow. The rest to aid in the security of this town." With a kick to the warhorse he would push it forward to the rocky surface of the mountainside. The birds had told him, the rushing of their wings, black heavy crows that had already started their feast on the dead man she had left. It would be like her to keep with the caves, and he trusted that scout with his life--her word was pure.
Dmitrii looked between his Lord General and the Captain, listening to the commands… then as Maahes spoke to him and he nodded in return, for Dmitrii was not a talkative man… straight to the point and unreserved. Beside Maahes, and slightly to his right rear, the Large black Friesian pranced, the thuds of the heavy hooves seemed to be in a steady rhythm.
Not long would it be the climb became too severe for a horse, yet a man often compared to the mountain found it very easy to climb. Scarlet's banner to be the beacon, and the caves to be their stand. Surrounding the entrance, the noise of the struggle could be clear, and with this being a matter of family he would give Dmi first dibs on those who dare touch his beloved sister. Maahes would be hot on his trail.
As the men dismounted, Dmitrii gave his own orders to three men. Separating the three archers by 25 meters, they would provide covering fire whilst the others climbed the rocky formation. “Yu, yu, and yu, 25 meters apart, focus atop the mount, archers to provide our cover…” he said, the heavy Rus accent with odd r’s and v’s… then he would follow Maahes up the mountain side.
As Dmitrii took the lead, he would near a flat area, withdrawing both swords… Silence was now disregarded as he wanted Kae and her men to know they were at the cave… In the little known Arganian language he called out, for none would know what was said, save her and her own men… “Sister, we have come… your relief has arrived… signal and show yourselves…”
But the smugglers had also left a contingent behind, to eliminate the Rangers… and those are the ones Dmitrii would meet at the mouth of the caves… the Rangers having retreated far back into the caves for a last stand. It was an arrow that came from the darkness… and God was on Dmitrii’s side, as the arrow glanced off the shoulder armour piece and disappeared into the trees…
That archer only succeeded in angering the Kievan Rus warrior… and he gave a smirk when three men charged from the darkness… Dmitrii returned the action and charged at the men with both swords drawn… In a clash of steel, Dmitrii danced formations of swings and slashes, all choreographed with expert skill and aggressiveness. Without a shield, Dmitrii would keep up the aggressive style of battle, setting each man upon his heels in defense…
Maahes and the other men were now upon the flat of the caves… and none too soon as men emerged from the darkness…
Dawn came, and Kae was on that ledge, still not able to make the rest of the climb... tired and weak from her injuries. She knew she could not call out for help as that would expose her location and put her men in danger. So with her back to the rocks she remained still and waited... not her best virtue by far but one she was going to get better at. She closed her eyes and tried to rest...
The Arganian knight and rangers had been forced to the back of the caves they called home when smugglers found them.... Pagan had heard the call from the brother to the sister... but barely so over the clashing of weapon upon weapon inside the cave but managed to shout back in Arganian. "She did not return last night!" was he managed to shout back as he blocked a strike for his head. He and the others worried and had searched until it became too dangerous to do so.
"These men do not fight like common thieves." Maahes spoke out the Russian as the last man would fall face down over the mountainside, his breath forced from his chest. No there had been much more of a bite come from the harsh hits of the smugglers, but the ships in the harbor could be seen from the view and the Griffin Fleet there at its match. The men prisoners lined up at the base at the bottom of the hill, and Maahes knew the battle had turned in their favor.
"Continue to check every cave until you find her." He called out to the men now waiting for their orders, "If she is dead, then bring the body." So cold those words sounded over his lips, but what reason did he have to care over the fallen if she had not come to him for help to begin with. It angered him deeply, and though he adored Kae--perhaps it was time she take a suspension. Though...he doubted it would do her any good.
The time on that ledge seemed to go by so slow like watching a child try to crawl. It however gave her time to think... and no matter how bad she had wanted to prove she as good as ever at her duties… she should have gone to Maahes... or Dmitrii... both... or anyone for that fact!
But she could not take it back now... what she had to do was get off the ledge… and pray that her men were alright. Using the rock wall behind her she gained her feet... left leg continued to bleed and it hurt like hell. Sucking in a deep breath she reached up found a hand hold and started her climb... only to lose her grip and fall back to the ledge.... pain shot through her leg... making her break out in a sweat. No longer caring if she were found by the smugglers... now sitting on her arse she picked up rocks and as hard as she could began to throw them up towards the top of the cliff. Perhaps if someone was near they would hear and come to check.
Oh the Elite Ranger knew Maahes would be furious with her as well as her brother...they would scold her something fierce saying she had no need to prove herself for they believed in her... Maahes had said that the night they went to the Briar Rose... she smiled, too long had it been since they had done something like just hang out with no real need other than to share time as friends.
She was tired, in pain, weak and thirsty.... she threw another rock upwards, soon she would began to shout to let someone know where she was… and with the way the sky looked a storm was approaching and she did not want to be on the bloody ledge when it hit.
The taste of battle had been savored… never would he not enjoy the fight; it was in his blood… though his never-ceasing search for peace was the fore-front of his life. Standing feet apart, weight equally divided upon each, his sword laid upon his shoulders, his elbows at right angles… he was breathing harder than usual, as he scanned the area… men were dead or wounded, the task done.
“Common thieves they are not… I agree M’Lord… I suspect they are not the only…” a boom of cannon in the distance resounded off the cliffs of the mountains. The Griffin Fleet had begun to attack the ships of the smugglers… There frigates were no match for the heavy first rates in the bay… lest they were to make it to open seas… but the four ships of the Griffin Fleet would not let them get that far. One smuggler ship was ablaze and sinking by the stern, when the second one ran up a white flag… Men of the Lord General’s troops now rounded up the few remaining men on the beach… Dmitrii’s men were combing the hillside for others.
Not long after the first shot, did one of the First rate ships of the Griffin Fleet slide alongside the surrendered ship, and it was soon boarded. As an attempt to capture the First rate, the smugglers tried a last-ditch attempt at escape… as they ambushed the ship… the echo of steel and the occasional rifle blast could be heard… and then the cannon reported again and again… and the smuggler ship sat heavy in the water, ablaze.
Dmitrii stood watching the naval battle take place. “Idiotka…” he exclaimed in Russian… even that word was understood by some of the men as they laughed. Turning to Maahes… “Desperation attack I presume…” and he shrugged… “Did anyone find Kaelyn?”
"Have this city, and all like it locked down. I want the alert drawn all over the nation's coast for smuggler's ships, and the like." He spoke to all who were under his command, and they all knew he would not take kindly to another attack. "I do not wish to hear of this happening again, and I can assure you all that if matters like this are not brought to my attention, and you wish to act the same as Kaelyn has. You will find her same fate." Had they found her yet? Suddenly worry tore through the amber of his eyes, the burning orbs filled with heavy fear; though he masked it well.
"M'lord.." The captain came, with a rush down the mountainside, "We found her sir." His voice a raspy sound crossed with panic, "We think we hear her voice..it is weak."
Despite all the anger, and the harsh words Maahes would be the first to press through the crowd. Coming to where the sound had started his voice boomed through the caves. "Kaelyn!" He called out to her, carried through the stone by the press of the storm winds fast approaching. The Arabic giant would soon be at her side, lifting her right from the very earth that held her; and pressed her to his chest. "Let's get you home."
Kae made another attempt to shout for help, and finally a head peered over the edge of the cliff... she could see the Griffin colors a wave of both relief and dread washed over her. A rope was sent down along with a soldier to help her to the top. Once that was finally done and they had her within another smaller cave... word went out to inform the General and Dmitrii.
Kae laid there for how long she was not sure... the next she knew she heard her name being bellowed within the small confines of the cave. Before she could reply Maahes was at her side and lifting her as if she weighed nothing and to him she probably didn't.
When he pressed her to his chest she looped and arm about his neck, her head resting in the crook of neck and shoulder. Her leg still bled as did her arm but she cared not for at least they had found her and she was going home... and glad for it.
Kae lifted her head to look into his amber eyes "I...am.... sorry.... should....have... come.... to.... you." each word took energy to speak that she did not have. There was so much she wanted and needed to say. "Dmitrii.... is... he....here?" she asked in a voice that was nothing but a whisper. "Tell.... him....love....him." the fight was seemingly fleeing from her yet she expended her strength to convey messages to those she cared about.
Her head fell back against his shoulder as she could no longer hold it up. Three days she had been on that cliff it said something about her that she had no succumbed to her injuries in that time. "Forgive...me.... General...my.... friend..." then her words trailed off as blackness enveloped her and she passed out in his arms.
She thought to herself that he was angry with her.... worried as well... she had seen it in his eyes. her hair was matted with dirt and blood, her shirt ripped, pieces of it tied to her leg and arm. She was pale.... breathing still even if in shallow puffs. She began to shiver though sweat formed on her brow... and even lying limp in his arms she had survived and now time would tell for how long.
All, but the camp guards, were out looking for Kaelyn. What else could he do? Dmitrii sat upon the downed tree trunk, the sharpening stone rubbed lightly against the edges of the blade… back and forth he moved the stone, the same as his mind did inside his head. What was she thinking? Why did she veer off upon her own? He grit his teeth, for Kaelyn had been upon a deadly pace since the loss of her husband and her children. She seemed more personable when she was with the man named Lee… Even being the younger of the two, he seemed the more stable one. Maybe he would find her a husband, in the old tradition… Pausing his task, he rubbed his chin in contemplation.
The word spread fast… Kaelyn had been found and what subsequently happened to retrieve her, could only be imagined by the Kievan Rus warrior. But as Maahes re-entered the camp, the Ranger Elite was in his arms. And if she was being carried, that meant she had been better than now. He wanted to run to her, to touch her, to let her know he was happy to see her, but the lifeless posture she was being carried concerned him… and he sat back upon the log and began sharpening his sword.
His heart raced, but he refused to show it… his eyes watered and he kept his focus on the blade for that very reason. He would not let her see his emotions as she had witnessed before. Not this time… he would be cold…indifferent… All the other times, he had been overly concerned for her health, even to the point of weeping with her… but no, not this time… It would hurt him, but this time he would not allow her the pleasure to see him hurt… just so she could go off and be stupid AGAIN… Would she get the point when he did not visit her in the tent?
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Post by Sir Dmitrii Zurban on Jun 12, 2010 11:50:01 GMT -6
"You'll make it home." He smiled exchanging her form to the captain if only so he could mount his horse, and they lifted her back. Maahes would ride to Dmi, "She needs a healer, and I don't trust these villages. They can not help her like the ones in the capital." His eyes found the captain's once more, "If any dead see to it they are accounted for, and see Dmi's men home. We will ride on through." He would give a kick to the horse again, clutching to Kae first out of concern, and then of fear--he hated to ride. However, the night day would quickly turn to night as they made their way into the city, and upon the Healing Hall he would gallop on.
Kae's lethargy grew worse as time seemed to slow like hands too old to do the job once done in youth. Every so often she would wake unfocused eyes looked about a few words mumbled then once more she would be silent and eyes closed. She had heard the deep rumble of Maahes voice barking out orders, then turning soft, if ever a things happened, when he spoke to her. For a moment she felt herself being passed to another, then back to him... she knew by the way each felt against her form. She felt the sway and gate of a horse and thought they were now mounted... though she spoke not a word.
The words he spoke vibrated through his chest... eyes fluttered open "Dmi..." the name spoken in tones softer than a whisper and would not be heard. Arms tightened about her and she even more a moment felt safe... blackness again claimed her, but in doing so her mind replayed her folly and she realized... that here among family and friends she no longer needed to prove herself... they accepted her as she was for who she was. Those days on that cliff as she lay there bleeding... it hit her like a fist to her gut!
She vowed then and there that she would no longer do that... for if you do as you have always done you get what you have always gotten. This was a rebirth of sorts for the warrior woman... too many times death has knocked and she had managed to pull through and she would this time as well if the Gods saw it fitting. IF that is to be the case she was going to start fresh... no more going off alone, no more trying to prove what did not to be proven... she was going to put her life and those she commanded in the hands of others ask for help, and learn to trust more openly. A smile would curve lips turning blue in color as the thoughts swirled about... now how shocked were Dmi and Maahes be at this new revelations and change in her ??
Blue eyes opened and looked up at Maahes... "Want to arm wrestle?" she asked in a soft teasing tone... then passed out once more in his arms.
Dmitrii walked aimlessly around the makeshift camp waiting for Maahes and the others. His swords upon his back, his hands behind him at his waist, fingers flicking against the other digits in anxious apprehension. Maahes entered the camp and Dmi’s attention focused upon the limp and lifeless body in his arms. Walking over to the fire he poked a stick in it. He wanted to run to her… to touch her face… but he refrained… and as he looked into the fire, a tear strode down his cheek. His neatly trimmed beard would twitch as he ground his teeth. Would this act teach her a lesson? God, he hoped so… for this was tearing him apart. As she was passed between the large Arabic giant and his captain, he shoved the stick into the fire and watched Kae passed back to Maahes as he settled in the saddle.
When Maahes rode to him and spoke… he said nothing, he just nodded, the curls atop his head shifted, and he did not tarry long looking at the man… the steel grey eyes, now a bit bloodshot, flickered between the giant and his burden. At his second order, Dmi shook his head… “No need, we shall be fine… I’ll break camp… take yer men with you…” And yet another stab to his heart as he watched Maahes, Kaelyn, and the Griffin Company ride off… then he began to bark orders to break camp.
An hour or so later, he cinched the girth strap on the belly of the Friesian and turned to see the men formed and ready for departure. He nodded at the lieutenant as he received his report. “Vanguard… To Turas Lan Infirmary… then on Lake Manor…” then swung himself up and into the saddle…. And the Griffin Vanguard, accompanied by the wounded and dead, rode back to Turas Lan.
As the small caravan entered the city gates hours later, Dmitrii gave the report to the Castle Sergeant-at-arms, meanwhile having his men take the wounded to the Infirmary… and turning the dead over to the gravemaster. “Bury them with honors…” handing the man three silver coins… “For yer toils, sir…” then he walked to the Infirmary.
At the Infirmary, he peeked into the ward where Kaelyn would be recuperating… but he did not enter; only asking how Dame Kaelyn was. Removing the gold ring with the engraved eagle, he caught another medical attendant by the arm. “Give this to Dame Kaelyn when she awakes. Tell her, her brother requests her visit…” With the attendant nodding, Dmitrii turned and left the Infirmary.
The ring was a Zurban family symbol of the gallantry from his homeland. Giving it to Kaelyn would be a sign to her that, despite his anger at her antics, she was still family and was welcomed home. His silence and refusal to see her had been punishment enough. She had to change her ways… and he stormed out of the Infirmary.
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