Conquered by the Knight

[Friendly Dragon]

Aiden

The route the Dark Knight's forces had taken was easy to follow in the daylight, the trail left by the passing of men, horses and wagons still visible despite the rain of the previous day. One set of cart tracks in particular indicated a heavy load - the cage that Lady Elizabeth had spoken of, perhaps?

The trio rode on in silence for several hours, finding no sign of human life along the way. As they rode, Aiden kept a watchful eye on his two companions. Jason it seemed had totally recovered from his brush with death, but Troia still appeared to be paying the price for her earlier self sacrifice.

Finally, cresting a low hill, they came upon their goal. The Dark Knight's camp lay before them, a disorganised collection of tents and wagons, thinly cloaked by the smoke from a dozen campfires, as it carried on the light breeze. In the centre stood an impressive black pavilion, its significance marked by the banner which hung outside, bearing the coat of arms of the Dark Knight himself. The camp was the scene of much activity, several mock combats being fought, preparation for the conflict ahead. Sentries were posted all around the perimeter, and as the trio watched from the cover of the nearby treeline, they saw several mounted patrols depart the camp and head off into the surrounding countryside.

Scanning the camp intently, Aiden finally spotted what he was searching for. Towards the rear of the camp, next to a makeshift corral that held a dozen or so horses, he saw a solitary wagon, bearing a large rusting metal cage. Straining, he could just make out a single small form, huddling in one corner. He gritted his teeth as he saw a group of soldiers passing the cage, watching as they hurled some small objects at the inhabitant, before walking away laughing.

He turned to his companions with a look of determination.

"We need a plan."

 

[rdh996]

jason

"We need a plan," says Adian. I was just thinking the same thing as one of the patrols started heading our way Troia saw him before the rest of us did "hide," she wispered horsely as we dove for cover. The mounted patrol went by us with out even looking around " I guess they dont belive that they will be attacked." i say watching for more patrols. Adian looks at the camp and slowly takes it all in Then looks at the rest of us and looks back at the camp. I was starting to think of a plan but it required taking out 2 of the patrolls and taking troia in as a prisoner (((kinda like the rescue of princess leia in starwars))) but i didnt think that they would do it so i wated for the others to think up a plan then if they looked to me to think of one id tell them it but untill then ill just watch out for patrolls.

 

[RoseFiora]

Troia

Troia sat and watched the camp as she listened to Aiden and Jason discussing possabilities for rescuing the girl. They were outnumbered by at least ten to one. But...

"I suggest we wait until dark." She finally said. "Most of them will probably be asleep and we'll have the cover of darkness. Our best chance is to remain unseen."

She turned to look at the two of them, embarassed she'd even spoken. Here were these two men trained in the art of war and she was offering her simple minded solutions. She turned her head away and returned to watching. She'd found she was very good at counting the knights and keeping track of where each one was.

 

[CyrusBlack]

Rodrigo

Damn the little bitch!

Rodrigo stood before the mirror in his tent, wiping away a trickle of blood from his cheek. One of her rings no doubt..
She'd paid for it already and she'd pay more before he was through with her.

He didn't care to marry the spoiled brat anymore than she did him. But the money that came with her, that wasn't something that he could easily turn away from. It was the money he needed to see to his own plans.

He wasn't at all satisfied with remaining second in command. No, just like the man he worked for, he wished to conquer his enemies and rule in their stead. Cassandra Grey was just the first step to seeing to it.

Besides, when he was finished with her, it wasn't as if he couldn't dispose of her.

 

[Friendly Dragon]

Aiden

"I agree," Aiden said. Although it pained him to see the captive girl caged like an animal, he knew that to attempt a rescue in the daylight was sheer folly. "If their sentries are as lax as their patrols then we may be able to slip past them in the dark. If the gods are with us then we may escape with the girl without the alarm being raised. If not..."

His hand fell to the hilt of his sword, fingers tightening around the grip. He did not finish either the sentence, nor the thought that lay behind it. Instead he stood in silence, observing the activity in the camp.

"The cage concerns me," he said finally. "We should know the location of the key that opens it, lest we infiltrate the camp only to find we have no means of freeing the girl."

 

[CrystallineTears]

Cassandra

She wasn't nearly as stupid as they might have thought. She worked for nearly an hour, but she still managed to loose the ropes they bound her with. It was a long while later when she finally was brave enough to venture a look outside her tent. It was dark still and with a bit of work, she managed to crawl under the back of the tent.

She knew she had little hope on foot of escaping them, but it was a chance she had to take. Setting off towards the west, she weaved her way through the forest. She could only hope she managed to evade them long enough to find help..

 

[doctor_insanus]

Romulus

He stepped carefully, leading Stormwind behind him. His eyes scanned the ground, following the trail that would lead him to Cassandra.

Romulus felt his lips turning down in a grim frown. His mind still wasn't certain that he was doing the right thing, but his heart told him he was. She was in danger, perhaps mortal danger, and he would not stand by and do nothing.

He felt a bit ashamed at leaving the camp without a word, but they were well-trained soldiers. The scouts would warn of any danger, and their experience in combat would do the rest. They would be safe until his return.

Cassandra, however, couldn't wait.

He had been tracking them from her uncle's home. Now, as he journeyed farther into the eastern lands, Romulus felt his hair standing on end. This was dangerous land, there was no doubt there. Rescuing Cassandra would only be accomplished after bloodshed.

If it came to that, he was more than ready. It had been seven years since he had rescued a woman from danger, and he had cut his way through a small army to reach her. There had been no fairy tale ending; he had taken her back to her father, declined the gold he offered, and gone on to his next quest.

Romulus began to wonder if there would be any more quests when this was over.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Cassandra

She was afraid she'd lost her way. There was no sun above to follow, she was moving solely by instinct. The branches hanging low brushed against her face and arms, the supple wood of the young branches stinging as they struck her skin.

They were on both sides of her. Cassandra could hear them slowly surrounding her, some on foot, some on mount. She'd never make it. She was sure of that now. They were far to fast for her to evade.

Rodrigo barked orders in the distance. His voice carried the same anger she'd heard before as he demanded her capture. She shuddered at the thought of what he'd do when he caught her.

Her legs ached and she was growing more weary with each passing moment. Each step was forced now, a conscious effort required just to place one foot in front of the other. The thought of surrendering became serious, just as she stepped past a branch only to be confronted by another..

 

[doctor_insanus]

Romulus

He made his way through the dense forest, leading Stormwind behind him. In the darkness, the trail was more difficult to follow, but they had made little effort to conceal their passage.

Romulus was beginning to consider setting up a small camp when he heard the sound of distant voices. He listened carefully, trying to gauge the distance and direction. Then, the crack of a large twig snapping broke through the cool night air, and he was in motion.

Moving as quietly as possible, he dashed from tree to tree. When he at last heard the sound of footsteps approaching from deeper in the woods, he drew his sword and stepped from behind the tree. If there was danger, he would be ready.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Cassandra

She was very close to collapsing. Her lungs felt as if the would explode and her heart threatened nearly to burst. The bruises, cuts and scratches covering her body ached. Rodrigo was close, she could hear his shouts very clearly now.

But as she slowly lifted her eyes to the face of the one blocking her path, a sob escaped her. Collapsing against Romulus, the sobs continued. She clung to him with what strength remained in her.

"I can't believe it.. it can't be true." She murmured to herself.

She couldn't decided if he was simply an aparition or an aswer to her prayers. Either way, she was just as grateful and relieved.

"Romulus.." She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly as if she refused to let him go ever again.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Romulus

Romulus felt his heart thundering in his chest. So, it had been true. Cassandra was in danger, and it seemed he had arrived just in time.

He held her in his arms once again, feeling her shiver against him. As he gazed at her, he noticed the marks and bruises on her face. His teeth came together with an audible click, and his eyes narrowed into thin slits.

Pulling a dagger from his boot, he put it in Cassandra's hand. Then, he gently pushed her behind him. Whatever danger faced them, it had to get through him first.

"Get to my horse, beloved." He said softly. "I will join you shortly."

Romulus held his sword at the ready. A pair of dark figures stepped into the small clearing, their faces pale. They had expected to find a defenseless young woman. Instead, they found death.

The first man brought his sword up in defense, but Romulus simply pivoted and sliced through him. The second man tried to circle behind him, no doubt seeking to reach Cassandra. Without hesitation, Romulus brought his sword around in a high arc and cut him in half.

For the moment, the clearing was silent. In the distance, Romulus could hear the approach of several more men. Turning, he sprinted back to Stormwind.

"Come, my love. I must get you to safety." He swept Cassandra into his arms and sat her atop Stormwind. The horse flicked his ears, as if in greeting. Then Romulus was behind Cassandra, gently urging the warhorse forward.

 

[CrystallineTears]

Cassandra

She was safe again at last. Cassandra sat atop the horse held captive now only by Romulus' strong arms wrapped tightly around her. Romulus once more brushed a tender kiss across her forehead. He had yet to ask her what had happened, nor had she found the strength to force words between her swollen, dry lips.

She buried her bruised face against his chest, not minding the feel of his armor. There was no more concern for Rodrigo and his men, now. No, she felt no fear with him. She felt only the exhaustion that two days of sleeplessness and fear had brought.

Her eyes closed as the gentle rocking of the horse and the cool night air began to lull her to sleep. And in the peace and safety of his arms, she found her rest.

 

[doctor_insanus]

Romulus

They rode for some time, Cassandra resting against Romulus as they left the dark woods of the east behind. Finally, when he thought it was safe, Romulus stopped and set up a small camp.

He had chosen a location that would allow him to see any approaching visitors. Unpacking his supplies, he threw some thick blankets down for Cassandra. Then, he gently lay her across them before covering her. She sighed softly, her eyes closed, and she drifted into sleep.

Romulus remained at her side, his fingers gently slipping through her soft hair. He examined the bruises and cuts on her face, his anger barely in check. She had suffered at the hands of those fiends, but that was over now. Now, he was here. She had nothing more to fear.

As the stars gleamed down at them from the darkened sky, Romulus stood watch over his beloved. Sleep did not come for him, nor did he want it. He would remain thus until he was sure she was completely safe.

"Rest, my love, and let your thoughts turn to brighter things. When you awaken, I will be here for you."

 

[CrystallineTears]

Cassandra

Dawn was breaking when finally she opened her eyes. For a moment, she wasn't sure where she was, her vision too blurred by the bright rays of gold that fell through the trees. Cassandra sat with a start when she felt a hand on her shoulder, but soon surrounded by strong arms and a calm voice.

"Shh, Love. All is well now, you're safe." The voice whispered in her ear.

"Romulus." She turned in his arms to face him, hardly believing it could be true until she saw his face.

She wasn't the least bit worried about her swollen lips as she pressed them to his in a hungry kiss.

 

[CyrusBlack]

Rodrigo

The little bitch had escaped his men again. To say that heads had rolled over it was not an overstatement of the truth.

Rodrigo sat atop Hellion and surveyed the land around him. They'd found the trail of a horse not far from here. Perhaps that was where he would find his would-be bride.

And when he did, there would be hell to pay.

 

[RoseFiora]

Troia

They waited until nightfall to begin their advancement on the camp. She had assured Aiden that he needn't worry about a key for the girls cage. Troia had learned a thing or two from living with a group of thieves the past ten years.

It wasn't easy weaving their way through the scattered tents while trying to avoid the patrols that marched through the camp. They were no fools, they had been far from lulled into a sense of safety.

"Jason, stay here and keep watch." Aiden ordered the man as they approached the cage before motioning Troia to follow him. It was then that they heard the thundering of hooves as a large party of knights arrived in the camp, led by none other than the Dark knight himself.

 

[papillon24]

Atara

OOC: Ok, I'm back. I was on spring break. Sorry.

IC: Atara couln't stand being locked up anymore. It was time. Darkness was everywhere. With what little strength she could muster, she rattled the cage to draw attention. Then heaving herself against the cage door and knocking it off the cart.

Gaurds and knights swarmed around and lifted back up on the cart. This even caught the attention of the Dark Knight and his second in command. no one had realized in the process the door had been broken.

Brused and battered from the fall Atara curled up in her corner to wait till more of the gaurds fell aslep on duty

 

[rdh996]

Dark Knight

I saw the cage fall and even though the guards were surownding her i had a feeling call it intuition that something was going to happen tonight. I wasnt tired so i figured id watch the girl tonight i figured that when the time was right i would take her till she drops dead.



OOc: what happened to the girl that is my second in command?

 

[rdh996]

jason

Ooc: Sorry for not posting was sick.

I looked at his 2 friends the same people that he was going to break into an enemy camp and steal away some girl that he hardly knew. I didnt care about her just me getting my hands on the The Dark Knight. The bastard who killed my sister when she was but a child. The man who let his men rape my mother the man who killed my father. I wanted to face him and get my revenge or die trying. I looked at my companions "It is dark you go and get the girl ill get what i came for..."

 

[papillon24]

Atara

The gaurds started to fall asleep one by one. quickly she opened the cage and ran as fast as she could. She must find her pack soon, before they forgot her. she darted into the woods,not as fast as she used to be able to. It felt so wonderful to run once again, free and wild.

Soon torches were lit in the camp and the men were following her. At the front was the Dark knight. They all had drawn their swords and circled her. Stopping dead in her tracks she was quickly sweped up by the Dark Knight himself, who swifly threw her to the ground where she was tied once more.

He seemed so intrigued by her struggle like it pleased him. "A true Alpha" she thought to herself. Atara seemed to be quite intrigued by him that she put up more of a fight. a simle came to his lip,evil but a smile still.

Strange enough, he was the one who carried her back to the camp

 

[rdh996]

Dark Knight

I was intruged that this little women that i saw had taken all this time to try to escape only to get caught by one of my many patrolls and i just happened to be with the one that was there i told them to take her to my tent and leave her there she wouldent try to escape again

 

[doctor_insanus]

Romulus

Once again, Romulus was lost in her kiss. Their mouths pressed together hungrily, and his arms were around her. Cassandra's passion seemed greater than ever, and he let it enflame him as well.

Finally, breathless, they parted. Gasping, Cassandra gazed into his eyes. His hands were on her face, gently caressing her bruised and battered skin. There was a flash in those blue eyes, like lightning.

"Who has done this, my love?" He spoke quietly, but the fury bubbled just below the surface.

In his mind, Romulus knew he had to get Cassandra out of here. There was still danger in this land, and they were in the heart of it. Revenge could wait.

Revenge? Romulus shook his head. They were beyond that. Whatever happened, it would not be vengeance. It would be justice.

"Come, milady. We still have a long ride ahead of us."

 

[papillon24]

Atara

I coudn't believe it didn't work. This all seemed so hopeless. Would I ever escape this madness. Though, this man did seem interesting. A challenge as I saw it. I never turned down a challenge.

His eyes were so cold at times. I wonder if anyone has ever warmed his heart. What am I saying, ever since he captured me he has only trated me poorly. Why would I have such a soft spot for this man

 

[papillon24]

ooc: is anyone still playing????

 

[rdh996]

ooc

i am still playing but i had a bloc that i cant get rid of and a im waiting for somebody to post an anser to jason