The North (Closed)

[heartofcourage]

"Broke my stance? You practically broke my arm." Fiona muttered as Sam jerked her towards him and then released her again with instructions on how to get the upper hand.

She could feel the power that was radiating off of Sam, even if he wasn't quite aware of it yet. He was stronger and faster than he had ever been before.

 

[KieranSoares]

After another round of parries and strikes, Sam backed off a moment. Fiona could see he was checking her over not just for her form, but to make sure she wasn't getting too tired. Even if she'd healed nearly completely, Sam was still deeply vigilant about her health. Seeing nothing out of place, Sam darted in again.

After another few rounds, Sam finally called it to give Fiona a breather as he pushed the boundaries of her stamina. "Alright, enough," he told her after she'd scored a hit across his neck. Sheathing his knife and setting his sword aside, he took a deep breath and flexed his hands that had gotten a bit sore from constant clashing. He was pleased to see Fiona's grip hadn't faltered at all. "The old men 'ave got you just about back t'where you were," Sam evaluated. "Hands feelin' okay?"

 

[heartofcourage]

"Hands are fine." Fiona said as she sheathed her sword and glanced over to where she had noticed Boar Ghis sitting and watching them both intently.

Leaving Sam for a moment, she walked towards the older man and gave him a small smile, offering out her axe to him to look over. "Hardly a scratch. Surely that should earn a bit of praise."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We like t'think blades oughta outlast their users," Boar assured Fiona with a chuckle as he looked over the axe. "Hm... not bad, considerin' how tough tha' new sword is." He handed it back to her as Sam approached and took a seat beside him. Boar clapped a hand on his nephew's shoulder, giving him a light- if concerned- smile. "Been worried about you, lad... Y'alright?"

"Getting better," Sam assured him, but didn't go into detail about the time he was missing just yet. It could wait for more peaceful times. "Fiona an' I 'ave been preparing in our own ways."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Well, maybe I've grown attached to this weapon already and I would like it to outlast me." Fiona murmured as he handed her axe back to her, a small smile on her lips as she slipped it into her sword belt. "Sam needed to do something on his own that few out in the greater world will ever truly understand. When he's ready, he'll talk about it."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's just like how you an' Aunt Emma read together every night before bed. You two still do it anytime yer in the same place while we're fighting," Sam offered. "Every pair in this family has little rituals like tha'. Some jus' happen to involve swords." Sam smiled to Fiona at that. It wasn't their only such routine when they could keep it, but it was certainly the most noticeable one.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona took a seat on the other side of Boar, her arm wrapping around his broad shoulders as she let out a long sigh. She would never betray his confidence, but she knew the reason that he was always there when she trained was because she reminded him of the son that he had lost. She would never begrudge the older man the loss of his child and she knew that each of the brothers probably saw in her something that they had lost.

"Trust me, Sam enjoys other activities but I insist on sparring every evening." Fiona murmured with a wink to Boar with a grin.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I had just as many kids as you two, I know what 'evening activities' we all get up to." Boar shot a grin at Sam, who simply shrugged again.

"Not my fault us melancholy giants tend to chase beauties we aren't worthy of," Sam muttered with a little smile, knowing every one of the men in his family would agree. It seemed to be a common feeling among them that they had all managed to marry upward even if the Ghis were the ones who held the stronger titles.

"I'd drink to that any day. Yer aunt's twice as beautiful as she was in 'er youth. Aging like fine wine. Me? I'm aging like fine dirt."

That got a proper laugh out of Sam and Boar wrapped an arm around Fiona in return. "A young Sam wouldn't have let himself laugh. I owe his sense of humor t'you, darlin'. And yer handful of a daughter too, I suppose."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Do you really think that I gave him a sense of humor?" Fiona asked, looking up at Boar. "If you think that, I worry for your sanity."

"Well, old man, I think our training time has come to an end." She murmured as Boar wrapped his arm around her. "Sam and I will take it from here."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Sam's one o' the few men who could keep up with you at all now," Boar said with a nod. "Ye'd have to get Kate an' her Panther if you want someone t'really challenge you anymore."

"We'll save scrapping over who's the best for later, but my money's on Ri or Shani t'steal that title someday in the next decade. Kate better enjoy it while she can."

It was nice- peaceful, even- just to banter and talk despite looming dangers. It was something that always settled nerves and steeled hearts for the challenges ahead.

Soon Boar was hugging Fiona a little closer to his side, murmuring, "I think I'll take a day trip out to the village tomorrow... See Emma there before everything kicks off again. I fully plan t'be here fer the fight. I know I'm too old an' slow to be much use against a titan, but I can still be ready t'hold the line if needed. Just like my brothers an' me 'ave always done."

"Always the last shields to leave," Sam said softly with a nod. "We'll need all of you no matter what happens."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I should do the same for my Da. He's healed well and I'm terrified he'll want to fly along with all of us." Fiona murmured as Boar mentioned going to see Emma the next day. "Andre and I got a chance to study the dragon and we know that he has weaknesses, even at his size. As much as I walk around and act as if this isn't the end of the world, I know that this is very dangerous."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We've faced Empires, Norsemen, Wick, Erygonian armies..." Boar murmured, thinking over the many threats they'd faced, all of whom had been defeated and the remnants made allies. "But we've never faced a situation like this in living memory. Hell, closest we've gotten was Fiona facin' down Zaufberg an' his control over the dragons."

Boar sighed heavily. "I'm worried... 'course I am, only a fool wouldn't be. Never been a man of faith, but the one thing I do have faith in is this clan. Whether it's Fiona or someone who steps up in her stead, a Ghis'll put down this bloody monster." His gaze turned back to Fiona then. "I have faith it'll be you. Don' think I could stand t'lose ya, love. Don't think any of us could... You've been precious to us since th'days you were catchin' Sam in snares an' learnin' to dance."

"We'll see her through," Sam promised with more confidence than Fiona had heard from him in a while. "Ri, Jani, Andre, even Soma. We'll be there."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It'll be me." Fiona promised with a sigh. "I won't let it be anyone else."

Fiona turned and looked up at Boar, giving his shoulder a nudge with her own. "Go be with Emma now. Don't waste a moment of time. You don't need to be here, watching over us beat the hell out of each other."

 

[KieranSoares]

Boar smiled lightly and kissed Fiona's cheek before picking himself up with the help of his cane that he'd been trying to avoid for years and had recently begun to rely upon. "I suppose. She'll be right pleased if I wake her up gettin' there after bedtime," he joked. "Well... I'll see ya soon, kids. Make sure you make time fer each other outside trainin' an' work."

Boar headed off after a brief embrace for each of them, giving a small wave over his shoulder as he went. Sam wrapped an arm around Fiona's waist as they watched Boar disappear back into camp. His head came to rest against hers and he closed his eyes for a moment in the peace and quiet.

 

[heartofcourage]

The next morning broke as grey and dreary as the mood in camp. It was raining and foggy, a true Scottish spring day. Fiona stood in her camp, mug of strong coffee in both hands as she watched dragons pass in the mists. They were having their own meetings and making plans. She wouldn't interfere but she could tell that there were plans going into place for the fight over Edinburgh that was about to take place.

"Sleep well?" Fiona asked as she heard the tent open behind her and Sam emerge. "I have coffee started. I don't trust myself to cook."

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam came out of the tent wearing his usual ensemble of key pieces of armor over dark clothes. It was his normal gear when there wasn't an immediate threat and he was simply around camp. He stepped up beside Fiona while tying his long hair back, glancing up as dragons passed over the camp. They until the day after next til Hesperus and Fiona clashed, so it was no surprise everything was moving. Soma had ordered younger warriors, greenhorns, any wounded and sick, and the majority of the medical division to make their way to the other camps further west. Only seasoned warriors and veterans would be present for Hesperus's arrival. If things went wrong, it would be the best of the best facing the titanic dragon to hopefully hold his attention to allow others to prepare.

"I don' know about 'well,'" Sam responded to his wife's question. "But it was interesting t'say the least... Lots of memories tha' aren't mine. Mostly Dzana's." He poured himself a mug of coffee and briefly considered what he might make- he was usually the cook at home when Siobhan wasn't there- but he didn't have a chance to start. Dodging between soldiers, drakes, and tents, one of Soma's couriers came hurrying into view and halted before Sam and Fiona with a bow.

"Your Majesties, Prince Soma has dispatched messengers to summon all of the major combat leaders to his tent for a meeting, including yourselves," the young man explained, looking a bit pale and nervous.

"What's this meeting about?" Sam asked with his brows furrowed in concern.

"Lord Aleister did not share any information, sir. I can only assume that means it's something the Prince wants to discuss in private with leaders first."

Sam nodded slightly, knowing Soma and Kell always had their reasons. "Have my daughter and her husband been called in as well?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Please call Markos Karides in as well."

The messenger nodded and hurried off again. Sam sighed slightly and drank his coffee down quickly. "Whatever it is, I don't imagine it's good for Royer if it's worth keeping quiet. I just hope Edinburgh still stands." Glancing over to Fiona, he shrugged slightly. "I'll make us somethin' to eat after, if we don' have to rush off immediately."

They could already see a few familiar faces headed for Soma's war tent, including Jani coming in to have Avfairn drop her in the main thoroughfare. Soma had summoned only members of his family who were also officers and agents. Kell had called in his own branch of the family since it concerned their home, including Rissa whom Kell had brought to camp a few days before to spend time with them all before the fight with Hesperus. Brogan and Shani joined Kate and Qira, and it seemed the only people missing were those who'd gone to other camps or villages to visit civilian members of the family.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Edinburgh still stands." Fiona said softly as Sam drank his coffee quickly and murmured as he mused about what the meeting was. "Trust me. The so called king might not."

She ducked back into the tent and pulled on a few pieces of armor and then exited to join Sam's side again. Armed with her sword and her axe, she was ready to join the others at the hastily called meeting. She knew that Hesperus had done something in Edinburgh. There was nothing but destruction in his wake. Entering Soma's tent, Fiona saw that they were some of the last to arrive, the others having gotten the message before them.

"All you need to tell me, lad, is that Royer is dead." Kate murmured to Soma. "And if he is, we will seize the crown this moment."

 

[KieranSoares]

As the heads of the different branches of the Ghis family assembled along with only their most trusted and beloved, they found Soma standing before his map table, empty of all its usual papers save a large map of Scotland. Northern Alliance markers entirely filled the southern half of the region and surrounded Edinburgh, and extended up the western isles nearly to Skye, and up the east coast almost to Aberdeen. In the time Hesperus had given them, Soma had solidified the Northern hold on southern Scotland. Inverness, Inverlochly, and everything north of them was still in enemy hands due to an unexpectedly strong resistance from Clan Ferngill in Inverness and their allies. But figures lined up along the edge of no-man's land showed that Soma was ready to strike and take back his clan's homeland as soon as Edinburgh fell.

As Markos arrived shortly followed by Blair, Soma turned his attention to Kate briefly. "Not yet. I'll explain everything in a moment."

Looking to Kell, Soma beckoned him in close and the two shared a few quiet words before Soma nodded and faced the crowd. "Everyone," he spoke up with an immense authority despite being the youngest among them. "We have news from Edinburgh. First of all, the city still stands." His eyes turned to Kate and Bo in particular as a collective sigh of relief went around. "But the castle was damaged. Not destroyed as far as we know. Agents who saw Hesperus arrive reported that Royer rode out to meet him personally, and then Hesperus attacked the castle. He destroyed a wall and a number of buildings just getting to the castle, then tore out one of the towers and took a hostage from inside. We don't know who yet or if they still live. Hesperus left Edinburgh with them and Royer was seen boarding a ship headed up the coast. King Ivan and Queen Kjersten have been unable to blockade Edinburgh thus far, so Royer managed to slip away with a fairly large retinue. We believe he's fled to Inverness or possibly the Orkneys. We're waiting on word from Rider scouts."

Turning his gaze back to Kate, Soma nodded to her. "Edinburgh's outer wall now has a titan-sized hole in it and so does the castle's courtyard wall. Even if they put up barricades, they can't stop the sheer numbers we have. With defenses down, we have to worry about their weapons instead. But with Royer gone with his best men, they will be disorganized. Edinburgh will be dangerous to take still, but Hesperus just handed it to us on a silver platter. Which... brings me to the most immediate matter at hand."

Soma's eyes found his mother and his jaw clenched for a moment. "Hesperus left Edinburgh heading this way on foot. From what our scouts have reported, he's making a leisurely stroll out of it and he could be back anytime. But if he holds to his word... the day after tomorrow is our day of reckoning." Scanning through the crowd for those who'd committed to joining Fiona's battle, Soma took a deep breath. "A lot of us will be fighting beside my mother, and I don't think I have to remind you that this will be the most dangerous battle any of us have ever faced. But I believe each and every one of us knows the score. We run distractions, slow him down, tire him out, use Markos's poisons to our advantage, and we make an opening. Some of us are going to be equipped with blades specially made for this. Those with dragon partners will be the most critical for drawing attention and doing damage. Our elder dragons will help us pin Hesperus down, as they're the only ones who can even begin to challenge him physically. I'll be talking to different groups and strategizing down to specifics, but the bottom line is this... Whatever happens in that fight, whoever falls, Hesperus does not leave that battlefield alive."

Soma straightened up then, looking back to Kate and Bo. Speaking with confidence and optimism learned from his mother, he told them, "Hesperus falls, and then Edinburgh becomes first priority. Just a little longer."

"Excuse me, Prince. Can I say something?" Markos's airy, not-all-there tone interrupted politely. All eyes turned to the "Greek madman" as many had taken to calling him. He was perched up on a crate in a simple tunic, trousers, and bare feet, scratching his now-shaven head.

Soma raised an eyebrow at him, but nodded. Markos slipped down from his perch and walked up to the map table, opening up his satchel. "I finished my project. Since all the people who will be fighting Hesperus are here, I figure this is a good time..." He withdrew a sizable clay pot sealed with wax and tied with string to make sure it stayed secure, and set it on the table. "Hemlock and oleander oil concentrate," he announced, making a few people take a step back. "As deadly as they are to people in natural form, this oil could kill a normal dragon in minutes, and an elder in hours. It won't kill Hesperus unless we tricked him into drinking it, but applied to our weapons, it will slow him down and make him just a little more... mortal, I suppose. While I don't like the idea of putting him in a lot of pain... It's necessary. And hopefully we can be done quickly so he doesn't have to suffer long."

Markos looked among the crowd and was about to continue, but his gaze landed on Sam. Markos paused, tilting his head curiously. Sam stared him down for a long moment, then shook his head slightly. Markos blinked, and got back to the task at hand. "I'll be applying the oil to our weapons, I don't want anyone else touching this. So if everyone could bring me your blades, bolts, and some of the ballista ammunition..."

"It'll be done," Soma assured with a nod of gratitude. He still had a problem with Markos after what he'd done to Fiona, but Markos had earned respect for his work, knowledge, and reuniting Andre with a piece of Gia.

"Does anyone else have anything to report or announce?" Soma asked as Markos stepped aside.

 

[heartofcourage]

"He's already mortal." Fiona said as eyes turned towards her, the first words that she had really spoken in a gathering in weeks. "It doesn't take a Caller to see it."

Moving from Sam's side, she stepped around the large table, her fingers tracing along the coast of Scotland before her before she stood where they could all see her. "I know the rumor that is going around the camps. I understand that people are scared of Hesperus. You should be. He's the largest dragon that any of us have ever known. However, the fairy tales about him need to stop. He's not immortal. He can be defeated."

"What happens as we age? We have aches and pains, ailments, we survive things that take a toll on our bodies. It's the same with him. His heart is not as strong as it should be. He's grown so large that he's not as agile as a younger dragon. What does he have but a sharp mind that is trapped in a body that started to decline before he realized it? How many warriors have we seen that happen to?" Fiona asked, watching a look of realization come to many faces around them. "Just as I'm...mortal. I have given them a hell of a fight for twenty years and I haunt their nightmares. I am the immortal soul that HE believes in. The monster that haunts his dreams. We all know, however, that just as he is flawed, so am I."

She went quiet for a long moment, silence stretching over those gathered. "I don't know who needs to hear this, but take these words and heed them well. If the moment comes, you seize it and you do not hesitate. You hold that weapon in his heart until you feel the last beat through the handle."

"It'll be you, Ma." Riley murmured, unaware that she was silently crying. "It has to be you."

"No, sweet girl. It doesn't. He only wishes it were." Fiona said with a bitter chuckle.

 

[KieranSoares]

"We're gonna do everything we can to open the way. Fiona has the heat-resistant armor because she's the one leading the charge. But it doesn't matter who's holdin' that glaive when Hesperus breathes his last," Sam spoke up in support of his wife despite how it hurt to acknowledge she might be dead before Hesperus himself. "He falls... because if he doesn't... It's not just about Clan Ghis or the Northern Alliance anymore. Hesperus has said himself that he thinks all Europe is his. Doesn' matter who has the crown when tha' monster's takin' from everyone an' destroyin' what's left. I know we want it to be Fiona... I want tha' more than anyone. But she's right. We can't hesitate in the moment."

It was yet another hint that something had fundamentally changed about Sam. He was calmer, though no less protective. He knew that he needed to take Fiona's side in this moment for everyone's sake.

Every Caller in the room knew something was different about Sam. They'd all felt the moment his mind emerged with Dzana's help. For Riley, she couldn't feel that deep-seated anger anymore. It was still Sam, but as though his temper had been given another century to tame down. As his green eyes turned to Riley, she could feel his concern, but he was calm and fully confident in Fiona. "It's gonna be okay, Ri," he murmured gently to her. "No matter what happens."

"For today," Soma spoke up, "we plan our strategy and focus on Hesperus. Tomorrow... whether he arrives or not, I'd like to pull everyone together for a family dinner. We can't bring in the civilians, but we can at least gather those who will be fighting."

"I think that's a good idea, lad," Sam offered his support softly, laying a hand on Soma's shoulder before looking back to the gathered crowd. "We all know what we stand to lose. So make the most of this time, everyone. And remember, whether your name's Aleister, Halfborn, Ashcroft, Hendrik, Blackstone... no matter what, we're the Ghis Clan. We always make it out the other side because we look after each other. Keep watching everyone's backs like you always have, and it'll be okay."

 

[heartofcourage]

As the large crowd disbursed to relay the invitation to the meal to their own branches, Riley stuck close to her parents. There was a sense of forboding that she couldn't shake and she knew it was because of what was to come. She was emotional and that wasn't like her at all. Even as her Ma wanted to work with Schaller, she tagged along to make sure that she wasn't alone.

"Ma, you can rest, you know." Riley murmured as she watched Fiona consider saddling Schaller and then the weapons that she was to carry with her into battle.

"I've rested long enough, my love." Fiona said softly. "I think we go without the saddle, Schaller. It would just be burned off if he hit us anyway."

 

[KieranSoares]

"Agreed," Schaller murmured. "And it'd be best that you don't have to worry about a harness. I want you to be able to dismount quickly if you need to get in closer than I can manage." He lowered his head nearly to the ground to give Riley a gentle nuzzle. He knew words would be of little comfort.

Sam soon joined them and it wasn't long before Dzana arrived too, settling beside Schaller and silently looking Sam over. Despite the air of impending doom, Sam was calm and steady. When he came to wrap an arm around Riley, his presence was like a warm campfire. "It's gonna be okay, little love," his gentle voice rumbled at seeing her distress. "I know it's hard to convince yourself of that... trust me, I know. But it'll be okay."

 

[heartofcourage]

"The plan right now is for Schaller to get me close. I'm hoping that I can take him in the air. He's too muscle bound to turn on me in flight. Then, once he's on the ground, I can strike." Fiona murmured, glancing over at Sam and Riley as Sam held their daughter close, the little fox absolutely miserable. "Riley, this needs to be done. I wish I could sugar coat all of this and make it easier for you, but this is the harsh reality of it all."

"I know." She said softly. "I can't help feeling this way though. This entire camp is thick with it."

 

[KieranSoares]

"We've got Skolgeir an' Margaret on our side," Sam murmured. "They laid the groundwork for this. And now... we've got an extra gift from Dzana tha' I hope will make this just a little safer." He purposely hadn't discussed his new Caller status with anyone but his wife and their partners, even though their fellow Callers were aware something had fundamentally changed. "We're as prepared as anyone could ever hope to be."

Dzana stepped forward and sat beside the pair, her tail curling around them in a silent show of comfort that previously, she might never have offered. Sam patted her broad arm, still keeping Riley close to his side. Looking to Fiona, he offered his own plans. "With Dzana's talent lying in strength, our plan is t'make tha' opening for you, love. Dzana's mentioned attacking his wings in particular til he's on the ground, then she's gonna try to hold him in place so we can get an opening. My hope is tha' with how many people have dragonsteel blades, a few of us will get chances t'hack away at those scales an' scar tissue so the glaive can get to his heart. Between Schaller havin' the most heat-resistant scales an' you havin' your shield, I'm hoping tha' will be enough to cover you from fire up close. But no one's gonna be on foot up close until absolutely necessary."

"Ri?" Andre's voice reached them as he approached, having just come from talking with Soma. Sam let Riley go and Andre instantly wrapped her up in his arms, his calming presence enveloping her to help her deal with all the high emotions around them.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona didn't say anything as Sam told her what Dzana had planned for Hesperus. She didn't really say anything when it came to the plans that others had. She would have rather face him completely alone, but everyone else was going to go into battle at her side. Patting Schaller's neck, she turned and glanced at Sam and then at Andre and Riley.

"I need to go see my Da. I'll meet you all at the feast." She said softly, excusing herself to go and meet with Owen.