Post by Lord General Maahes Asad-Aziem on Jun 12, 2008 16:13:03 GMT -6
Aslan Burning: The day was young, like a child curled into a woman's hip, the sun rest behind the hills as it rose to meet the sky. Morning was almost over, and the city was well on it's way to the height of the day. Carts and venders moved through the streets, with eager faces hoping the days were always better then the last. The sounds of horses filled the air as, the Calvary set off for their morning adventures, and deep inside the barracks men could be heard in daily routines. Each day started and ended about the same for their General, save for the last few days. Sleep had deprived him, but after a trip to Aislin, he had finally gotten the rest he deserved. Traders from the East, had made port, and with everything they had to offer Maahes had only found one thing that his army could perhaps use. Zhuge Nu, a crossbow able to fire close to ten bolts in less then fifteen seconds. It was large and heavy, not practical for their warfare, but the idea intrigued him. Always hungry for new ideas and other styles, Maahes watched the demonstration with care--learning. (d
CaptainJackFlynn: Not too long ago, there had been another demonstration -- although it had been rather impromptu -- had left the archery range ringing with thunder and the air heavy with the acrid tang of gunpowder. From what Jack had been able to infer from the reactions of the Duchess and the others in attendance, it had been the fist demonstration of a handgonne in the lands of Skye. As Jack came closer, Maahes could hear the Irishman saying to the Easterners, "Why are ye showin' him tha'?" As he closed, the Irishman said, "Show 'im tha handcannons." The Irishman came to draw up beside of Maahes as he studied the merchants. Had Maahes heard of, or even encountered, a handcannon in his travels? Or would Maahes be somewhat in the dark regarding that particular invention? The Irishman stood beside the Egyptian, before he said, "I dae want ta be talkin' ta ye, Gen'ral, iffen ye 'ave the time." (d)
Aslan Burning: After the third round was fired, Maahes bent to take in the contraption a bit more. "Open it." He barked to the already shaken man. (He had that affect on people.) The much smaller 5 foot frame of the Eastern man moved quickly to open the main frame. Little gears, and switches moved in unison and that was what Maahes was interested in. Jack's voice rang out, as Maahes was to one knee inspecting the work of great engineering. This world of science and how it worked proved to be better then any book he had ever tried to read. There had been one scholar back home in Avaria that told him of guns before, and it wasn't until he was face to face with the Pirates did he know any wiser. Right before the captain's arrival Avarian ships holding women and children were blown out of the water by cannon's. The battle as well on Sleat was ended by canon's. So yes, Maahes had seen this gunpowder in action. He had spent weeks studying the effects it had, and trying to find any flaw. He had found only two, water, and disgrace. Cowards like Destin hid behind their guns, taking out ships without any means of fighting back. Perhaps he would have to speak to Jack and learn more so of the whole matter--even the odds. Raising dark amber colored orbs to the captain, his features were dry and void of any emotion. Passing them then to the traders, he spoke, "We can continue this tomorrow." The smaller man nodded quickly and moved with the rest of the troop, and the Egyptian Arab stood, replacing the leather belts of his swords over his shoulder. "Walk with me to the fields, while I make my rounds." That really wasn't an offer or a question, but if Jack wanted to talk this would be the time. (d
CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman nodded quietly and walked beside the Moor as the two made their rounds. What would Maahes have thought of Jack, had the Egyptian knew that the Irishman carried a wheellock pistol tucked into his waist sash? For a time the Irishman was simply content to accompany the Egyptian as he made his rounds. It gave the Irishman time to devise a proper form to broach the topic that he had come to discuss. After some time, the Irishman said, "I 'ave come gain yer 'elp on a matter tha' I wish ta take tae the Duke an' Duchess.... but I am nae a stupid man, unlettered tho I may be." The damned liar! While he was not stupid, the Irishman was a lettered man. Jack was just careful about how much people knew when it came to his own abilities. "Tha Ceannfort is wishin' ta ask tha Griffin Court ta be makin' war upon tha Anglish." He was quiet, "She wishes ta be retakin' 'er rightful lands." (d)
Aslan Burning: Judgment with this one never came easy, and stupid was not a word he'd ever pass to another. Careful, vigilant, and perhaps a little on the strange side, perhaps, but never stupid. Walking in silence for the most part, Maahes took a few minutes to unscramble the words the man spoke. War, was a subject strangely to his liking just so long as it was played to his standards. He could not just up and run with the desire to kill, for even he had his reasoning. "Is this she, the Queen of England you speak of?" He had never once heard a single thing about this woman he was prone to, nor was he in anyway able to accept the fact she could take whatever she wished. "Have these English not seen enough war, that they are so eager to start a new?" Deep down he worried for these soldier's families, how many children returned to find their father gone? Would such a Queen be so willing to exploit her people? (d
CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman laughed softly, "Tis best tha' ye compairin' the Ceannfort ta tha Queen o' England stays betwixt tha two o' us...." He grinned, "Fer yer sake." This was, of course, a jape. Then the Irishman was serious, "Nae, she tis nae tha Queen o' England. Mairi ni Tuatha'an is that Ceannfort o' Ulster...." Maahes could see the Irishman working out the best way to describe Mairi's position to the Egyptian. Finally, he said, "In Ireland, tha Ceannfort tis equal ta tha Duchess Aberdeen 'erself. Tha' title o' Ceannfort literally means 'war leader' er 'raid leader'." Jack glanced to Maahes to see if the Egyptian understood what he was saying. Then he continued, "She is tha rightful leader o' Ulster, an' t'was forced inta exile 'ere when tha Anglish invaded her lands. She seeks ta reclaim 'er rightful lands. She cannae, howe'er, dae it it wit'out tha help o' Skye." (d)
Aslan Burning: Maahes understood easily what the man was saying, and wondered deep down if this wasn't so much asking for help, but a clearing of a conscious. It would be a heavy load for any man to carry, and from what Maahes could see he hadn't very many around. Stopping on the path he turned to the smaller frame of the Irishman and crossed heavy large arms over a massive chest. "So you are asking that Skye be pulled into a war that is not their own, for the sake of her own lands?" His voice was dry, deep and showing no sign of remorse. The Beast was an a-hole in every sense, but getting to the truth was important. "What is to come if the Duchess says no? What would be lost?" Harsh perhaps, but anymore he could not just rush into battle like he used to. (d
CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman turned to meet the Egyptian's gaze. Although he was only seven inches shorter than the Egyptian, the Irishman could still be imposing in his own right if called upon. "Ulster does nae come ta tha barginin' table emptyhand, Gen'ral. What tis proposed, tis an alliance. War shall come o' tha' alliance in either way." The Irishman studied Maahes for a time, "In exchange fer tha military aide o' Skye, Skye can be expectin' such things as trade an' safe 'arbors in Ulster's lands. An', in times o' war, Ulster shall come ta the defense o' Skye. As, tis hoped, Skye will come to Ulster's aide now." Then he frowned softly. "Iffen the Duchess were ta refuse Ulster's askin' fer 'elp.... shall come o' Skye's refusal o' shall be what always comes ta lands tha' 'ave been subjugated by tha Anglish. Death an' starvation. Those tha' are active now in resistin' Anglish, will perish by tha sword an' their homes an' crops burned. Tha familys turned out inta what comfort their strangers shall be givin' them. I 'ave known tha' two were killed in Ireland, simply fer makin' tha' tartans of Ulster an' the O'Brien family." (d)
Aslan Burning: A deep breath was conceived and he looked the man over, knowing that Bess would not need the added stress, however how could anyone refuse? It would be time for him to take an extra step. Maahes didn't reach out very much to people,touch was forbidden between he and another; it being a sickness his mind could not control. Letting his arms fall to his sides, one hand rose to clasp the man's shoulder as to continue their walk. "Then we will have to see to it she says yes." This was a time of war, for all countries surrounding the nation, why not start here? As he continued to walk, he'd turn his profile to the man, searching his frame to answer questions deep inside. "You will have to tell me of my enemy, their tactics and plan. What weapons are best, and what the terrain is like, we will start right away. Preparing.." As the path came to an end, a valley of training pits and men at work came into view. Hundreds of soldiers, in rings matched with others alike. Farmers, bakers, any men that desired to be of rank, that were never given the chance finally could make their families proud, stood before them willing, wicked, and wild. A battle was a hunger, and this could be fuel they needed. (d
CaptainJackFlynn: The Irishman nodded softly to General's words, "Aye, I shall. I 'ave maps of Ulster an' tha lands around Dunluce castle in me ship." And he was doing his best to figure out how to approach the tactics of the English."Afore the true recapturin' of Ulster can be takin' place, a siege 'as needs ta be fought first sae tha' there shall be a strong point ta rally men an' such. Dunluce castle shall be tha first target." Then he smiled, "An' we are aide in this, fer there tis a spy already in tha ranks o' tha Anglish tha' occupy at Dunluce." There was a nod of his head, "There tis always guerilla forces already operatin' in Ulster, sae it shall be easy ta cut off tha flow o' supplies ta tha castle." The Irish, it seemed, had already been preparing for this for some time. (d)
Aslan Burning: "Then all that is left is approval, I have no doubt my men can handle anything that they would offer. It is up to The Duchess if she sees fit a battle this would be." Eyes turned over to his men, and then back to the Captain. "I would like to see these handcannons as well." With that being said Maahes took a few steps closer to the pits, but over his shoulder he'd call back. "If they are to fight dirty, then so am I." The day's work would begin then, and the captain was more then welcome to stay, but conversation would have to wait. (d
