The New RPG! - Page 130 - Writers Forum

slayerofangels · 09-01-2008, 04:46 PM

Vahn nodded slightly. The traders' plan was still ludicrous and likely to kill everyone involved. Then again, since anyone involved would be either a trader, a heretic or a possessed witch, that was probably a good thing.

"I see."

He didn't really, but Berul's childish whimpering was beginning to get on his nerves, and there was really nothing further he needed to know, at least nothing that Berul could tell him. Laurel could spend the time ferreting out the rest of Berul's secrets. For Vahn's part, it was past time he was on his way. Sheathing the dagger once more, he pulled his hood back into place.

"Give the heroes my regards," he said, turning and quickly vanishing into the forest.

Renos Babe · 09-02-2008, 12:37 AM

Alexx shrugged, "I never was going to be anyway" She said as she patted Wolf's neck gently before dragging the dead meat off his back,
"So, what am i going to do with this?" She said with a shrug.

Blossom · 09-04-2008, 09:52 AM

Laurel didn’t answer Alexx straight away, concentrating on leading the horses back towards the camp. Though they had decided she was no threat, they were skittish when they got near the others. Rufus and Va Poor came slowly to Laurel’s aid, following her example in coaxing the horses back. Once they were near Bard they seemed to calm again, and were content to stand and graze while Laurel addressed Alexx.

The carcass was still fresh, but they would need to either dry, cure or smoke the meat soon or it would be inedible. But that would take more time still to do now, and Laurel was anxious to be moving.

“Hmm.” She frowned, the bent down and rummaged through one of the packs. There was still some spare cloth from bandaging Kinareth, and should be just enough … throwing it to Alexx, she explained, “Wrap it in this.” Turning to Mano and Va Poor she added, “We’ll figure out a way to carry it until we have time to stop and cure it.”

Blossom · 09-19-2008, 03:14 PM

Moving us on …

Bard more than Laurel seemed to know from which direction Vahn had been calling them, eagerly trotting out in front, the other horses happy to follow. The trees and foliage became more and more spare as they rode, the ground becoming more obviously desert. Soon they would be in the wastelands proper, and then fertile spots would be few and far between. The gods preserve them if they didn’t have enough supplies.

After a few hours of silent riding, the sun was rising slowly up the sky, lightening it from black to a dull grey tinged with orange and red. All that could be seen in the distance was an endless stretch of reddish sand, rising into a craggy hill, broken only by a very oddly shaped tree. As they got closer, the silhouette of the tree split apart into two shapes, and it became apparent that something was hanging from one of the branches.

“What the hell is that?” Rufus voiced the group’s thoughts, wrinkling his nose in confusion.

“I’m not …” Laurel began, then drew up short as she realised the something was, in face, a bound a beaten human. Her eyes widened first in surprise, then in recognition as she picked out the familiar face beneath the swollen, purple bruises and bleeding cuts.

“Well, now. Berul.”

Renos Babe · 09-26-2008, 06:04 AM

“Well, now. Berul.”
Alexx had no hope of containing the small laugh that escaped her lips at the bound and tourchured body that was berul, although as she laughed, she imeadiatly wished she didn't, almost falling off wolf in the pain that ran up her body. That's not good she thought trying to hide the cringe as she rolled her shoulders and slid off wolf.

"So, Laurel" She began drawing her blade slowly to avoid making it obvious that she was in pain, "Can i finish him, or do you wanna ask him some questions" She only took her eyes away from the bloodied form of berul to glance at her arms, the bandages had already began to turn slightly pink where the blood was seeping through.

Aurasheild · 09-30-2008, 04:41 PM

A single tear rolled down her pale cheek as Karin cast her gaze upon the town of Ellone one last time. The memory of her fallen comrades in battle flashed in her mind.They had made such a strong impact on her, even though her friendship with them had been short. Despite of what she had told herself, she really didn't believe she was ready for this quest. And losing two friends who in her mind were stronger then her didn't help reassure her.

Sighing, she removed Ellone from her gaze and held her head high urging her horse forward in keeping with the others. Her thoughts were silent as the horses trudged onwards. Fertile ground was quickly replaced by barren surroundings after a few hours riding.

She was in a daze most of the journey, but tuned back into their quest when Rufus had a little out burst of words. As in turned out, the group had been puzzled by a very confusing silhouette, but as they drew closer the mystery was solved. What from a distance looked as two rather unique shadows, combined to form a man hanging from a tree.

He was pretty shock up, a small pool of blood rested beneath him. Her heart jumped.

Berul, how could he be?

Shaking her head clear of unnecessary thoughts, she cast her gaze around. Her first thought was that Vahn must have found him and had his way with him before moving onward to follow Skye, however something told her not to be so sure. These were dangerous lands and if she wasn' right then it was a trap. She half smiled as what lay before her confirmed her first thoughts. It was a barren wasteland, no large group of daemons or black traders would be able to conceal themselves, so she sighed with relief.

Alexx found the whole scene to be hilarious and a somewhat awkward silence was broken by a fit of laughter. Ignoring her, Karin looked directly at Laurel trying to predict her next move.

Blossom · 10-03-2008, 03:11 PM

“Put that sword away,” Laurel said without taking her eyes off Berul. “Even if you were in a fit state to be wielding it, I’d rather like to talk to him first. And by the way,” she spared Alexx a brief glance, “When you’re ready for me to treat those wounds, let me know.”

Turning back to Berul, she lifted the corner of her mouth in a wry smile. Berul gave her a fierce a glare as he could manage in his bound and bloodied state, his muted stare almost indiscernible beneath the swollen, dark purple bruises that covered his face.

“You know Berul,” Laurel said conversationally, “this can be hard, or easy.”

Her back to the Heroes, they didn’t see the cobalt blue of her irises darken to an iridescent black, spreading out to stain the whites of eyes. Nor did they see the cold, calculating smile on her face. What they did see were Berul’s eyes widening, shock and terror on his face.

“Now tell me,” Laure’s voice was quiet but hard, “Where’s Skye? Who hung you here?”

Berul opened his mouth as though to speak, but his body was suddenly wracked by a coughing fit. Blood dribbling from his mouth, spraying onto the ground. When his coughs subsided he looked up at Laurel, eyes pleading, a pitiful figure.

Sighing, Laurel turned back to Alexx. Her eyes were once again a cobalt blue, unchanging, and the Heroes could see nothing amiss that would have alarmed Berul so. “Give him some water,” Laurel said. “Then we’ll talk.”

***

The walls of Aia’s cell were familiar to her now. She had woken up here three days ago, in an underground prison of the Black Traders where no light could penetrate. Distant sounds pushed through the stone walls, a cacophony of anguish from the other prisoners kept in cells along this corridor. Aia wasn’t sure who they were or what they done to offend the Traders, but their agonised and tormented screams haunted her day and night – not that there was anything to mark the passing of days her but the tiredness of her own body.

She lay now on the floor, feeling the rough stone and dirt all along her body through the ragged shift she wore. A single tear rolled down her cheek, trailing through the dust that coated her face. At least she was clear headed now. Several times Vivan and Fleur had come to converse with Lamont, each time sedating her so her consciousness was powerless. Aia couldn’t remember the conversations, didn’t know whether Lamont made requests or orders or gave information. He certainly did not object to the treatment Aia had received, and, distant now at the back of Aia’s mind, felt none of it himself.

The sudden scraping of a key in the lock told Aia that it was time for another visitation. Pushing herself from the floor, she scrambled backwards into the corner furthest from the door. The flickering light of a candle flame seemed to flood into the pitch black cell, blinding Aia who was by now accustomed to the darkness.

The lantern was held by Fleur, and following her was Vivan and another woman Aia hadn’t seen before. Older than the few Traders Aia had seen, the woman gave the appearance of being in her late fifties, or early sixties; her auburn hair was streaked with grey and fine lines on her face aged her. Her eyes were steely grey but showed the first signs of bleariness, and though she held herself erect her shoulders hunched a little and her movements were stiff. Aia was confused at this blend of age and youth, and wondered who she was.

“Hello Aia,” Fleur greeted her congenially, while Vivan maintained her customary silence. “You’re very privileged today. It is my honour to introduce you to the Mistress.”

Aia’s gaze flicked back to the older woman again. This was the mysterious Mistress constantly referred to as a seemingly supreme being? Aia had been given the impression that she was far older than she looked, and very skilled in magic.

“T-the Mistress?” she repeated hoarsely.

“Yes, Aia,” the Mistress confirmed her identity with a smile that chilled Aia to the bone. The Mistress’s teeth were sharp and pointed like a beast’s fangs, but there was another, sinister, edge to her smile that set Aia’s heart racing in fear.

She cringed back into the wall, eyes wide. Who was this woman, and what did she want?

***

After the Mages met in their tower in Arin, word spread like wildfire through the streets. The rumour was that a demonic threat had pervaded the city – the Heroes had failed, obviously – and strength, courage and steel was needed to defeat it. Many whispered that the Mages would personally aid whoever volunteered.

But of course, no one would be fool enough to go.

kagechaos · 10-04-2008, 02:44 AM

Aouron made his way to the Mages' headquarters. Rumour had spread of the demonic vermin who plagued the lives of the innocent. He would not stand idle while their filth was allowed to spread.

Where the other's had failed, he would make sure to succeed. Aouron would not allow a demon to remain after engaging with it. Sure they were strong...most of them probably stronger than him, but that didn't matter. Vengeance granted him strength, and it would be with that strength that he would fight them. Face to face, sword to sword, whatever necessary.

Aouron soon came upon the main gate to the Mages' headquarters, ready to join anyone, or no one, on whatever mission necessary to remove the demon infestation.

Foxee · 10-04-2008, 12:11 PM

Berul was beaten ten ways from Sunday and hated that he was now at Laurel’s group’s mercy. They stood for everything he wasn’t. Yet he had little choice in the matter.

Yet what had happened was interesting. Frightening…but very, very interesting.

He held his silence while they brought him water, hoping that they would get him off the accursed branch at the same time. The world seemed to be fading away and returning before fading again.

Skye was sore all over. Riding a horse when you can ride properly isn't so bad, you can ease your muscles and change positions. But the rope kept her from doing so and she was more than ready when Celtis called a halt.

Since Berul had taken her she had traveled down into a valley and once with Celtis they had been climbing once more. They were on high ground now, in a sparse growth of trees once again, and when she looked back she could see the ridge where she had started, where Berul had split off from the company of traders. It looked small now, a blue slab in the distance. Tears prickled her eyelids when she realized her distance from the others.

Celtis seemed on edge, snapping orders at members of the war band who complied quickly and she heard him mention the word 'Dethsahn'. Skye had the idea that they were in dangerous territory for these men. Maybe there was hope after all.

The ropes slid off and Celtis stood looking at her with a flinty gaze.

"Remember what I said," his voice was quiet, "you are our guest until you prove otherwise." He nodded to two others who nodded to him and came to stand not far from her. Her guards.

Then he addressed the others, "We'll break here for an hour."

Renos Babe · 10-13-2008, 12:51 AM

"Fine" Alexx murmered under her breath as an answer to both of Laurels statements. Moving away from berul she went and sat at the edge of the clearing, shaking her head slowly,
"she can treat them all she want's it won't do any good" She murmured to wolf who had laid down next to her.
She held her hand out and wolf nuzzeled it softly, she smiled at him warmly before returning her gaze to the forest, trying to ignore the presence of Berul behind her.

Blossom · 10-15-2008, 02:04 PM

None of the Heroesreally wanted to bring Berul anything that would ease his discomfort, understandably given that he had kidnapped and apparently lost Skye. However, after Laurel shot an impatient glare his way, Rufus dug out one of the waterskins from the packs and brought it over.

Somewhat awkwardly, he lifted the flask over Berul’s mouth to tip the water into it. Most of it went over Berul’s face, and looking closer Laurel realised that the blond man’s eyes were going in and out of focus.

Holding back an irritated sigh, she waved Rufus back and stalked over to Berul herself. Lifting his head up she roughly examined the state of his bruises, then swung back round to face Rufus.

“Cut him down,” she ordered roughly, “Otherwise he’ll never stay conscious long enough to talk. Keep him bound though.”

*****

The servant girl who showed the strange fighter up the stairs to the Mages’ Library kept sneaking glances back at him over her shoulder. He had given his name as Aouron, here to help the mages defeat the daemon scourge, and was young and ruggedly handsome. The girl wished he didn’t look so serious, though; it gave his face a hard look.

She led him up the two flights of stairs to the Library, passing the occasional servant and novice who bowed or nodded acknowledgement and some of whom stared with frank curiosity. They stumbled across none of the Mage Council however.

So it was with a trembling hand that the girl raised her fist to knock on the tall, arching mahogany doors. The sound of her fist hitting the wood echoed along the corridor. Silence followed, until a deep male voice sounded from inside.

“Come in.”

The girl opened the door and led Aouron inside, to where Mage Tristan was deeply absorbed in one of the numerous thick, leather bound books that lined the shelves. The seconds ticked by as they stood there until finally Mage Tristan lifted his black eyes from the book to rest on the servant girl.

“Yes?”

“Excuse me, but he – he said he was here to fight the daemons …” she trailed off uncertainly.

Tristan’s eyes slid from the servant girl to the tall, serious young man beside her, and his expression changed from one of indifference to sudden surprise. He waved dismissal at the servant, who scurried anxiously from the room, then smiled warmly.

“Well, I certainly didn’t expect a former pupil of the Academy. Aouron.”

Aurasheild · 10-15-2008, 04:59 PM

Karin watched uneasily as Rufus began to cut Berul down. Something didn't fit quite right. She stared absently into his eyes, watching as he fell in and out of focus easily. A slight breeze cooled her down, as she wiped several sweat beads from her forehead. From the start, the black traders had been one step ahead of the heroes. But now someone else was a step ahead of them, and everything revolved around Skye.

Skye. . .

How come Skye was the focus of this operation. A number of ideas flashed quickly into Karin's mind, but none had any relevant sense to them. Looking at Berul, she knew he wouldn't just hand over the information. No, everyone knows that its your information that keeps you alive. She began to think that perhaps, Vahn had left him here purposely for them to find. But if that were the case, and he had managed to gain information out of Berul, then he would know that whoever took Skye from Berul, was obviously in better condition and perhaps native to this land. This would give them the home advantage and better knowledge of the land and its secret hiding places.

Skye. . . .

Her name repeated itself, in her head once more. Karin ran her tongue over her lips and sighed. She wondered for a moment about the group that now had control over Skye. If they were to risk a confrontation, would the Heroes survive? Had they the strength to over power a local stronghold and risk their quest for one person?

Something, told Karin that Skye was valuable to group, that she was worth the risk, the supplies, their quest. Thinking back over the heroes that had left the cause, she wondered why Skye wasn't considered a lost cause? She cursed herself for thinking it, but she couldn't help but think that Skye was more trouble then she was worth.

Skye . . .

Once again the name repeated itself in her head, tauntingly. Trust Laurel she told herself, but her heart and mind could not agree. Karin decided that if and only if Berul had incredibly convincing information about Skye's worth, would she help in her retrieval.

Turning her head to Alexx, she sighed and moved towards the girl.

"Alexx, I feel your concern. But perhaps, Vahn left him for us to find. And if that is the case, then whatever he knows, we must hear." She paused waiting for a reply, after a few minutes she heard nothing but a grunt and a mumble. "Listen, draw yourself near or you will find yourself lost in a plan that surely will have dire complications."

Foxee · 10-15-2008, 05:44 PM

Rufus’s face was set as he climbed the tree, went out on the branch, and slashed the ropes that held Berul, letting the man crash to the ground.

Whoever had tied him there had been thorough. Even after he had been released from the tree his wrists and feet were still bound tightly. A muffled groan came up from where he lay and then Berul went limp, passed out.

Rufus swung himself to the ground, landing lightly, and fought down the urge to kick Berul where he lay. So much trouble. So much time that they should be spending on other things and now one of their own was captive.

He roughly rolled the man over and splashed icy water in Berul’s face, trying to bring him around. And when he came around Rufus was seriously considering cutting Berul’s liver out.

Renos Babe · 10-19-2008, 03:35 AM

"Listen, draw yourself near or you will find yourself lost in a plan that surely will have dire complications."
Alexx didn't turn around, she was preoccupide with something else, "I can hear everything from here Karin, I'll be fine" She smiled slightly, before a sharp pain shot through her head, she grimaced her hands shooting up to hold her head, when a dark voice sounded in the back of her head,

You know you can't run from me forever Alexxandra-leigh, I will find you, and when i do I'll make you suffer, you understand. You still work for me...

Alexx made a very gutteral sound as a responce, but the pain didn't subside, Wolf glanced up at her. Breathing in deeply she turned her head to Karin,
"You wanna tell Laurel If she's not overly busy that I might need a bit of help with my wounds" Her voice was quiet and dark, she could feel the scar on her back starting to bleed again, her body was screaming at her to start panicing and run, leave the group so they were out of trouble, but something else told her that being with them was her best hope of survival.

Blossom · 10-23-2008, 06:08 PM

Laurel stood over Berul as Rufus poured the freezing water over him. She could see the silver-haired young man’s fingers twitched towards his sword hilt, and his disgusted expression was shared by the rest of the Heroes. Laurel sincerely hoped they could restrain the urge to kill Berul until she was done with him.

As the stream of water splashed over his face, Berul starting coughing, his swollen eyelids flickering half open, body trying to convulse but restrained by the tight ropes cutting into his flesh. Laurel watched unfeelingly for a moment, then, with a sigh, crouched down and held him still on the ground until the coughing fit subsided.

When he had been silent for more than a minute, Laurel wrenched his head off the ground.

“Well?” she demanded curtly. “Ready to talk?”