Dragon Wars Ii

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen slowed down as the men came towards the edge of the forest. He could hear them talking about the siege engines that had been built in the city. The men had not helped build them, but had helped push them to the plains north of the city when they were completed.

It seemed that there were quite a few of them that had been built. Selwen wondered if they might be best off taking a look at them. Maybe they could do something about them now before they were used on the dragons. Selwen stepped back into the forest , bringing Rheamus back with him. "Well, should we go check them out?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus

I thought it over for a moment, wondering if it might be best if we split up. I could tell the humans that my friend and I were travellers, and that he would be along shortly so they expected him, and Selwen could check out these seige engines before returning.
I chcnged my mind however, simply not liking the fact that we were separated.
"I think we should," I returned. "but perhaps we should do so on our way out. We have the opportunity to make contact with the humans now, by following or speaking with these men, and we might find the same information, and more, by doing so. Just a thought..."
I waited for his response.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen nodded to Rheamus. That was a good idea. Maybe they could find out even more valuable information from inside the city. "That is fine with me that we check out the sieges on the way out. Let us go into the city. I have not had much contact with humans, do you think you could take the lead from here. I can pretend to be mute, that way people do not hear my accent. "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

Mute?
A good thought, I was sure.
I nodded, thinking that his strategy would work better had he been paired with more of a spokesman than he was. I didn't voice such things, of course.
"Shall we approach them now, or follow them a bit longer and approach them later?"

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

"I think we should give them a little time to get into the city. I do not want it to look like we are following anyone. I am sure that they are getting travellers into the city quite regularly since it seems like the area is unstable. Judging by the marks we saw from the air, it looks like all trails lead to the city. "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus

yes, the trails did lead to the city, but the humans were also aware of the abilities of dragons to change form, which meant those boundaries were probably being carefully watched. If Selwen were discovered...
I looked to the elf. he probably wouldn't be mistaken for a dragon, but races that weren't human might not be tolerated in times of fear.
"We'll go to the city, but perhaps it might be wise if we considered the possibility that we may not be allowed admittance."

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvia

The moon was high in the sky, shinning down upon us when my potion was finished. Thank Ti'iara the stuff was beganing to stink even worse!
"Well, my potion so I should be the one to test it. If it kill me you'll know not to drink it," I said with a glance at the still invisible carcass of the trans. Apparently they stayed invisible where their skin was intact after death. My slash marks showed bright pink down it though, letting me know where it was. I picked up the ladel of broth, held my nose and downed the ladelfull. I nearly gagged- what a retched taste! I dropped to my knees, ladel falling forgotten as the potion moved through me, a hot fire through my veins ending right behind my eyes. Suddenly, I could see! The spirits of the dead still lingering around, the body of the trans, anything and almost everything I couldn't see before. Rather creepy, this.
I explained what I was seeing to Kort, Worraps and Spar, stopping to down half a skien of water, trying to wash the taste out of my mouth. It worked, sort of.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen thought for a moment about what Rheamus had said. He had not thought of that aspect. But he imagined that people would only get a cursory inspection. He doubted if the city had the manpower to really check visitors when it was busy preparing for war. "I agree that it might happen, but I doubt it very much. Most of the time, mutes are barely noticed since humans are scared that muteness might be contagious. "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

Another good point. I thought for a moment longer, wondering if...
I shook my head slightly, letting the thoughts scatter. Too much thinking. We'll be here all night if I keep it up.
I waved for the elf to follow, then started moving toward the humans again. We'd follow at a distance, but perhaps not hide ourselves. That way, if discovered, a cover story would be uite easy. We were just headed toward the city, hearing rumors that dragons were attacking. Were they true? And yes, it just so happened I was capable of using the sword I carried, and my mute counterpart had taken up a bow once or twice in his time. He'd tell you himself, but...
We moved carefully, not making any sound we didn't have to. As we moved closer to the city, the men in front of us never leaving our sight for even a second save for one at a time, disappearing behind a tree or a tuft of shrubbery. The sun was gone before the gates to the city came into view, tall gates that accented the wall that surrounded it as well. Not one or two towers, but several peaked into the air, men posted in them looking down on us no doubt, but I couldn't see them from where we stood.
"Well, we're here," I stated, simply.
"Yes, you are," a voice replied. "The question is: who are you and why are you here?"
I turned to see the owner of the voice behind me. The man was tall, broad about the shoulders and chest, carrying a axe across his back.
"Who are we?" I asked, trying my hand at a pleasant tone. "Why, I'm Axen, and this my my travelling companion, Trope. We're cousins, in case you couldn't tell."
The large man eyed us both, but not too carefully, before raising an eyebrow to me in question. No, we didn't look alike, that brow said. not even a little.
I shrugged, jabbing Selwen playfully in the upper arm with my elbow.
"I know, but it's not Trope's fault I got all the good looks in the family, is it?"
I glanced to Selwen, smiling, then back to the man standing there, who smiled, not a large smile, but one that seemed as large as such a man--one clearly trained, and possibly bred, for battle--was capable, and as warm.
How many have you killed? I thought, looking to the man before me. And better still, were any of them dragons?
"I am Taver," he replied, offering his large hand to shake. I gripped it firmly, feeling the same pressure returned, though I knew full well the man was holding back.
Taver looked to Selwen, not eyeing him suspiciously, but looking him over curiously. "Doesn't talk much?"
"Actually, I don't think he can talk," I replied. "He's mute."
The man furrowed his brow. "Some sort of accident?"
I shrugged. "Couldn't rightly say I met him first when we were about twelve. He didn't speak then, and he hasn't spoken since. Well, so far as I know, he hasn't. He can convey his meaning sometimes, when he really wants to, but mostly, it's like talking to myself out here. Been a long walk too. So what about you? A soldier here...?"

 

[Jeremy Davis]

::The night sky overtook the daylight and soon the mists and sounds of the forest at night surrounded the guards at the main gates to the human settlement.

From down the dirt road full of stones and ruts from the traffic came the sound of a wagon being pulled by a horse. The gurads could see nothing through the darkness for quite some time then two glowing orbs appeared over the horizon. The guards watched closely as the orbs grew closer and soon they saw that three men accompanied the wagon. It wasnt until they were right up to the guards where the torches illuminated all of the men that the guards could see that they were Dragon Slayers all dressed in strange green plated armor, and that they had bagged the heads of three dragons.

One of the men stepped forward. He was presumably the leader of the group, and had fiery red hair that cascaded down over his back, stopping just below his shoulder blades. Beneath the locks of errant hair, two jade green eyes, the left clouded by a noticable scar on his face. Black boots cover his feet, black steel gauntlets his forearms, and a hooded cloak with silver clasps shroud his form. He also wore a collar of black leather, a small skull wrought of pure silver dangling from a small steel ringlet.::

I am Rimuldar Gloomfaust and I wish an audience with your King, King Mackenzie, at once...

::One of the guards nodded not taking his eyes off of the dragon heads and disappeared within the gates::

 

[chewbacca71]

Menith, gate guard

Menith the gate guard quickly hurried to the throne room. He went up to the chamberlain who had a room next to the doors to the throne room. "Master Desak, there are three men out in front of the city gates. They are dressed in strange armor that looked to be an entirely different style that I have ever seen. "

Master Desak looked at the simple guard, "Well, you disturb me for a simple thing as strange men in armor. If they bother you , throw them in the dungeon. I have no time right now for stupidity. " Desak waved his hand at the guard, waiting for him to leave the room.

"Master , I am sorry, I should have finished. They have in a wagon, the heads of three dragons. I think they may be dragon slayers. One of them, a man with eyes that seem to pierce your soul asked for an audience with King MacKenzie. I thought it was strange that he asked for King MacKenzie, but maybe these men are from his lands. I think that our King Minos would probably want to be their if these men meet. "

Desak looked up from his ledger. "Dragon slayers eh.......Hmmmmmm......how very helpful. Especially right now. All right, I will go talk to the kings. You bring them to the ready room and get them cleaned up so as not to offend the kings. I will come get you when it is time. "

Menith bowed his head at Master Desak and backed away. He hurried to the gate. "My lord, our chamberlain Master Desak invites you into the castle. He is presently going to speak to the Kings to see if they will grant you an audience. Please leave the heads here, but follow me. " Menith turned on his heels as he waited for the men to follow.

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen watched as Rheamus used his charm to talk to the guard. It was good that Canth had asked him to come on this mission, since Selwen would never have been able to be as smooth as this dragon. Selwen would grunt from time to time as Rheamus spoke. As the two men were talking, Selwen moved closer to the guard and then reached out to take the mans arm. He waited to see if the man would just let them through to get away from this strange mute.

 

[poohlive]

Kort rather liked the taste. It reminded him of dragon's ale, which always put a fire in his belly. You drank too much of Dragon's ale, and heartburn was the least of your worries. Blindness, or singing off your eyebrows was higher on the list.
"West," He said, seeing the faint trails surrounding the night sky. West hadn't been a big surprise to Kort. He had scouted ahead for the Orc's trail, and like he had predicted, it was as obvious as a blue tree against a green sky.
They went west, heading for human settlements. Kort didn't know the infractions of the civilizations, but he had ideas of where things were. South was the elven forests, east were the dwarven mountains, north and West were the humans, in all their glory.
He wondered just how many reinforcements the orcs and dragons held in order to take on the humans. Their nuymbers, while enormous for the elven raid, couldn't last too long with the humans. Humans lacked the finesse and regality of elves, but more than made up for it in adaptation and sheer numbers.
They would need a lot of firepower.
Kort, after his much needed sleep, and new eyes, was more than ready to go after the armies. He snarled, fire snaking from his two nostrils.
"Who wants to go have some fun?"
He challenged the rest of his group.

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Rimuldar Gloomfaust

::He nodded to the other two men to allow the wagon at the gates for the guards to do with it what they would, but he left notice that he wanted the heads for trophies in his lodge.

Rimuldar and the other two men, Tultimar a hulk of a man with straggly raven hair and beard, and Chun Po an oriental with a single braid starting from the top of his head and ending three quarters of the way down his back, followed the guard into the castle. Guards and merchants within the courtyard simply watched the trio as they went past, and sudden whispers of "DragonSlayers" and "Hired Thugs" spread across the town.::

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

We reached the gates a few minutes later. Taver was explaining, surprisingly chatty as he turned out to be, that he was actually a soldier for King MacKenzie, who'd brought many soldiers here after the dragons had begun to show their aggressions. he wasn't certain if a war was at hand, since it seemed odd to him that dragons would suddenly simply turn cross, but his duty was to his king.
I nodded as he spoke, and we moved toward the doors. Recently, something had caused somewhat if a stir it seemed. The guards were still bustling around, and there was quiet around the gate, whereas I would have expected more liveliness. Especially with the sudden surgence of people toward the city's protective walls.
"Why do you suppose the dragon's would attack?" I requested. he kept glancing back at me, but more so at the elf, whom I thought for a moment he might be realizing the identity of until I glanced over myself and saw his odd behavior. My "cousin" was standing oddly close toa guard, just then, who in turn was glancing toward the gate command, eyes clarifying his want to them to hurry us inside.
Nicely done, Selwen, I thought. I turned back to Taver, who looked at me, eyebrows raised.
I shrugged. "He's apt to odd behavior from time to time, but I assure you, he's harmless." Iwhispered.
Taver nodded, then whispered back. "Let's hope so, for I can assure you, King Minos' guards are not harmless..."
I looked again, and saw that the guard showed little sign of want to hurt the odd Trope. I thought for a moment, that there must be some sort of mistake, these fine men wanting to wage war of the dragons who'd kept peace with them for so long. Then I saw the wagon being escorted inside, and at an unlucky glance, caught sight of hat it held. Three severed dragon heads.
I closed my eyes for a moment, expecting a sudden surge fo emotions, including fear, to come bolting through me. A few moments passed, and no emotions came. I opened my eyes, seeing the appearance of another gate guard, and the guard who had gained Selwen's oddly natured attention seemed to sink with relief.
Someone of authorityI thought, then a tap on my shoulder drew my attention to Taver once more. As I turned, I saw another soldier standing next to him, this one having spoken i his ear by the appearance. The soldier nodded to me, smilig some, when i caught his eye.
"Dragon slayers," he whispered, as thought the heads had been some secret. "Rumor has it they just entered. It's looking as though this war may yet take place."
I nodded, gravely, and he nodded to match it.
"I need to gather my cousin and get inside," I told him. "Perhaps we shall see one another age, Taver."
He nodded. "Once inside, if you need anything, simply ask for me. And, uh...it might be wise to keep this odd cousin of yours from...y'know...touching any of these dragonslayers. Hallek tells me they're not the kindest looking folk."
I nodded my understanding.
"See you inside, friend," he said (that word again, i noticed, friend). Don't these people know you, Rheamus? the voice in my head taunted.
I shook his hand, telling him it would be an honor, and nodding to this Hallek again before moving toward the gate. I didn't disturb Trope/Selwen just yet, but instead, glanced up at the recently returned guard.
"Greetings," i said, "My cousin and I are travellers, looking for a place to stay a few nights. We've been on the road long, and the travellings been rough at times. We request entrance for a short while to rest. My name is Axen by the way, and this fellow is my cousin, Trope..."

 

[chewbacca71]

Canth

Canth was trying his best to figure out a strategy to foil the humans should they attack. The mountains where the council was held was high in the mountains, which would make it difficult for the humans. But he was aware from years of interaction that humans considered stubborness a trait to be admired and would eventually find a way to get to the dragons. Canth could not help but think of the multiples of dragon families that lived in the caves surrounding the council area.

Most of the dragons had lived in this area for hundreds of years, and had become complacent. Only the dragons that had moved out on their own over the years seemed to have the killer instinct that would serve them well in this coming war. Canth prayed for the safety of the dragons that had gone out on missions to help save all of dragonkind.

 

[chewbacca71]

Menith, gate guard

Menith was suprised that the man tried to talk to him. Most of the refugees that were coming to the city for protection did not speak much. They huddled in their shoulders and mournfully walked the streets. But it took all kinds to make up a city. Menith looked them over. "Well, I would suggest the Unicorn Inn on Western flowers street. That would be an Inn that would probably be in price range. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do. "

 

[chewbacca71]

The two kings

The two kings Mackenzie and Minos were sitting at ease in the throne room when Desak approached. The kings dismissed the chamberlain as they turned their interest towards the men in front of them. They certainly looked the part, weapons bristling as well as scars that could only have come from combat. As usual, MacKenzie took the lead. " Welcome to this fair city outlanders. What is it that you are here for? "

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus Barren

That was it? I put on my best cautiously entering the city face for that? The Unicorn Inn?
I shook my head with disbelief, amazed. I'd expected some sort of resistence, at least a few questions, but none were given or requested.
I shrugged.
Oh, well, they weren't at war just yet...
"Come, Trope," i said, seeing a look of relief on the guards face. "The city awaits..."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Rheamus barren

Once inside, we moved carefully, but not in too much of a hurry. I tried my best to look enthralled by the city as I wandered, but mostly, I was trying to take in how many soldiers were here, adn whther or not they seemed to be readying to fortify the city should that be necessary. They were indded preparing for what it seemed they beleived would be a war. The question was: why? What had happened? Was it merely human greed, that they wanted more power and knew the dragons to be powerful enough to at least aid in a defense against them?
That didn't seem right, but the humans I'd known had been travelling soldiers, peasants, and the like. No kings or queens, not dukes or counts or even land-owners. What did I know about the greed of humans when the humans I'd known had too little to concern themselves about gaining more?
"Beautiful city, isn't it, Trope?" I asked, but didn't expect an answer. Mutes didn't answer, and I was pretty sure Selwen would not be so foolish as to forget that. As I spoke, I sidestepped a heaping pile of horse droppings, holding my breath until I'd passed over it.
I would have to find Taver again, and hope he would prove as useful as he seemed he might, but for just then, we needed to take notes on what type defenses were being set up, and more importantly, what types offenses were being prepared. I stepped in closer to Selwen.
"So, what information in particular does Canth wish for us to retain?"

 

[hybirdx]

Spar gave an gruff sound, he was worried about his human freinds more now than ever. He constantly licked the roof of his mouth trying top get the after taste of the liquid from his mouth. The taste of the liquid wasn't so bad, he had worst from prank tricks from his human buddies. But the after taste was what got to him.

'Who wants to go have some fun?'

Spar smirked at Kort, "I'm ready!"

 

[Vixandra]

Sylvia

I bottled the rest of the brew, some samples of the trans' skin, heart and brains for future use and put all of it into my bag of tricks. Got to love a bag that never gets full with a shape-changing strap.
"I'm ready to go when you guys are." I yawned. "We heading out now or in the morning? I'm a bit sleepy."

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Rimuldar Gloomfaust

::The guard lead the three of them into the castle then left them with the chamberlain who lead them through the castle. Rimuldar kept his eyes forward watching to see where they were going, the other two behind him were busying themselves assessing the value of the different gold items they spotted as they walked.

Soon they were in the audience chamber of the castle, and sitting at a table was not only one King but two. How fortunate for me, two kingdoms represented here Rimuldar thought.::

Welcome to this fair city outlanders. What is it that you are here for?

We have followed a dragon this way M'lord. I'm sure you've already been told we are Dragon Slayers by your chain of command, and I'm sure our garments speak such truths as well.

::Rimuldar walked over to the table where the kings supped and took some meat from a untouched chicken, taking a bite. Bold, yes, but he knew that the Kings would dismiss it as their kingdoms were both in danger.::

It wouldnt be impossible for my men and I to fall said dragon, but with a few extra men, It wouldn't take as much effort on our part. We can make my siege weapon from the lumber your woods will supply, but I fear for your kingdom that The dragon will be here before we finished without the help.

::Seeing that he had their intrest, he motioned for Chun Po to lay the scroll with the construction plans for the crossbow siege weapon before them.::

With weapons like this one, Your Kingdom would be safe, and by adding wheels to it, I could also make mobile ones so that you could send them anywhere. The arrow is twelve feet in length with a barbed point so that it rips through and stays instead of flying through and through.

::Rimuldar turned and looked at them his good eye focused, his cloudy eye useless, and awaited their responce.::

 

[chewbacca71]

Selwen

Selwen looked around to make sure no one was watching them. Then putting his hands in front of his mouth he spoke to Rheamus. "Mostly he wanted to know a rough estimate of men. He was interested in any information on what kind of siege engines that they might have made. He wanted us to judge their war readiness. I am not sure if he was concerned about fortifications since I doubt that Canth is interested in attacking the city. He seemed more to be concerned about the defense of the dragons. "

 

[chewbacca71]

The two kings

King MacKenzie put his hand on King Minos' arm as the man was about to get up out of his seat. He too was shocked at the lack of reverence shown when this common man took food destined for the kings. But he had always been a good judge of character. A man with that much self confidence was what was needed for this job.

King MacKenzie took the plans out of the dragonslayers hand. "This is an interesting design. We have made a few ballistas that are similar to this. But yours seems to have a stronger foundation and would probably fly further. I will give you a detachment of twenty of my men to help you. If you prove yourselves worthy and are able to get the job done, I would be apt to give you more men. We have been looking for the right person to lead our combined army. A man of experience would be invaluable to this effort. I will have my men meet you at the royal stables. Desak, bring them to the stables."