Fantasy The Queens Guard

[Brwler]

It had been a long time since Phaze last rode a horse. It felt really refreshing to him. His current destination was a high ground where, he hoped he could see something connecting to the mysterious event form before. Arriving there, he decided to take a little break. The horse needed some rest as well and he could have a better look at the surroundings.


Getting to close to his destination, Phaze got off the horse near a smaller brook. The horse was a strong and it was clear that the former owner took care of him. Phaze continued the last meters on foot, and climbed up onto a rock so that he could have a better view. For a moment he almost thought that there was nothing to see, but just as he wanted to get off the rock, he noticed something on the western horizon. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was clear that a bigger group of people were on their way to somewhere.


Getting back to the horse, he was thinking about the possible origins of those people he just saw. No matter how long he was thinking about it, there were just too many possibilities, thus he decided to stop thinking about it, and to go there and check it by himself. Getting back onto his horse, he started planning. Not as if he wanted to do anything evil to those people. He just preferred to be prepared for any and all kind of situations. He planned how to approach, what to say, and how to escape if needed.


It took him a good couple of hours to actually get closer to the maybe kilometers long, marching column. Now that he had a better vision on them, he could very well tell that the column contained quite a number of soldiers. A part of the column was marching so organized, so alike, it was clear that they were soldiers. However, a great part of the column was disorganized, and by far, larger. A smaller group of soldiers were there as well. They were in a protective formation, and if one focused really hard, they could see the man in the middle of the formation. A ruler? A noble? A leader? There was only one way for Phaze to find it out.


He stopped on the middle of the road, got off the horse but did not tie it to anywhere. He draw out his sword from his back, laid it down onto the ground, and sat a behind it so that he couldn't reach it. He pulled out a flask from his robe, took off his hood but he paid attention so that his arm would not be uncovered. He just sat there, waiting for that man among his guards to arrive.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

Emperor Karaii noticed the man, and shouted the order to halt, as the several thousand pikemen stopped marching, standing stock still. He had sent his pikemen first, in case enemy cavalry decided to rush them while they were marching. He had positioned his cataphractii on both sides of the column, with his Elephants, Crossbows, and other "special units" in the rear gaurd, to keep a possible enemy from noticing them. He ordered 5 of his Gaurdus Emperii to follow him, as he rode forth, approaching the man.


The Emperor got off his horse, dropping his spear to the ground, pulling a dagger out it's sheath, and dropping it as well. He bowed, in typical Barovian greeting. Karaii wanted to seem friendly to this man, as he did not know his position. The mysterious man could be the leader of some nomadic hill tribe, waiting in ambush, so kindness was essential. "Greetings, I am Emperor Karaii Huron, of the Barovian Empire. And who are you?" he asked, keeping a friendly smile on his face. His sharp blue eyes examined the man. He seemed of able body, and his bizzare hair. Karaii didn't know what to make of the man, but he was clearly an experienced warrior of some sort.


Meanwhile, the Cataphractii were about a mile out, combing through the surrounding hills, scouting out to see if this man was involved in some sort of ambush. Once they were satisfied that there was none, they turned, and headed back to continue guarding the flanks of the civillians and pikemen.

 

[Brwler]

"Greetings, Emperor of the Barovian Empire. For now, I am just a man who is willing to share his drink with your highness, and who would like to invite you for a little talk. And for who will I be after, is depending on the flow of our conversation. However, first of all I would like to let you know that right now, there is no hostile army in the distance of 3 days on foot, and one on horses." Answered Phaze in a polite, almost diplomatic way. He inspected the man before him. He certainly looked young, but there was something confident in his eyes. He reached out his arm, signing that he would like the Emperor to sit down.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

"Ah, is that so? I'd be happy to sit down, have a drink, and talk with you," he said, still smiling. This man sounded like a capable sort of guy. He carried himself with an air of confidence and capability that only a warrior could possess these days. He was certainly built like one too. He also seemed to be quite diplomatic. "And thank you, for that assurance. You are an honest man. Not many like you these days," he said with a grin. The Emperor sat down, watching the man across from him. "I haven't brought much in the way of drink with me," he admitted, "By chance, do you have anything?" he asked. He spoke the truth. Karaii wasn't the kind of leader who cared more about his possessions than his people. Instead of spending valuable time lugging out gold and precious items, he had evacuated all of his people. Which had led to some problems in the way of food. He and his people were beginning to run out, and he had to find an extra supply soon, so he needed every friend he could get.

 

[Brwler]

Phaze gave his flask to the Emperror, and politely added: "Please be my guest." He looked at the people behind, and though what he saw might have not meant anything to ordinary people, Phaze could ask a couple of questions. "Please, let me offer a deal. I would like to ask you a few questions, and judging by the people behind you, I am sure you could use some good answers for a couple of your questions as well." Started proposing his idea as he looked the Emperror in his eyes. "I think for the sakes of our own desires, we would both benefit from this talk, if we did not lie while answering the questions. If you are fine with that, please feel free to ask first."


That was it. Phaze knew that it is an offer that the Emperor would risk accepting. Those who practice the art of war are aware that information can decide the outcome of a battle. Therefore, by their nature, these people barely rejects some informations.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

Phaze gave his flask to the Emperror, and politely added: "Please be my guest." He looked at the people behind, and though what he saw might have not meant anything to ordinary people, Phaze could ask a couple of questions. "Please, let me offer a deal. I would like to ask you a few questions, and judging by the people behind you, I am sure you could use some good answers for a couple of your questions as well." Started proposing his idea as he looked the Emperror in his eyes. "I think for the sakes of our own desires, we would both benefit from this talk, if we did not lie while answering the questions. If you are fine with that, please feel free to ask first."
That was it. Phaze knew that it is an offer that the Emperor would risk accepting. Those who practice the art of war are aware that information can decide the outcome of a battle. Therefore, by their nature, these people barely rejects some informations.

Karaii smiled, tasking the flask, and drinking some from it, but, he noticeably didn't touch the flask with his lips. weather to avoid any possible poison, or to simply be polite, was up to debate. "Thank you," he nodded. "This sounds like an.... interesting idea. But... how do I know you aren't a spy of a rival kingdom, sent here to interrogate me?" he asked, examining him. "I'd like to know, what sort of information you can present to me, that'd be worth me giving my information to you," he questioned, his sharp blue eyes watching him.

 

[Brwler]

A wide smile appeared on Phaze's face. However, in the same time his eyes closed as if he decided to do something he didn't want to. The man's sharpness made him smile as it had been a long time since Phaze had a conversation with someone so careful.


"To be honest, there is not too many people who would hire a person from whom they are afraid of." He said as he slowly pulled out his left arm from under his cloak. "Furthermore, I would rather be hired to kill you than to interrogate you. As you can probably tell, I am more of a warrior than an agent." Answered Phaze the first question of the Emperor. "As for your second doubt, I know information regarding acquiring supplies for your people, places to stay. Furthermore, I have rich knowledge about the one of the strongest kingdoms in the North. And be your intention to the nearby kingdoms hostile, or friendly, with me on your side your efforts will be paid off." He answered.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

He smiled at the man's proposition. This offer was just about everything he had hoped for, however, he needed some backround, to make sure the word about this northern kingdom was true. He needed to know if this man had made it up or not. "Before I accept, may I ask how you acquired this information about this "strong kingdom in the North? You see, you still may be lying to me, if not for the purposes of an employer, or for yourself, I do not like being lied to." he said, his eyes suddenly cold. Mercilessly cold. "If your answer is reasonable, I shall accept your proposition, and answer any questions you may bear."

 

[Brwler]

Phaze pulled out, and showed his monstrous arm to the Emperor. His movements weren't fast so he hoped that the Emperor wouldn't see it as an act of offense. Then he added: "I think you could say, that a man with this arm has his reputation among people in the Northern kingdoms. Fortunately enough the stories avoided those who should not hear it, but I was living in that kingdom. In addition, before I headed here I was investigating in the capital of the mentioned kingdom. I am a warrior. A warrior's life is his sword. Take my sword and if you think I lie to you, do with it as you please. I say it out loud and clear. I came to negotiate not to kill or spy."

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

He nodded, thinking. "I accept your arrangement. Ask away, my friend," the Emperor said simply. He had accepted, because in Barovian culture, giving someone your sword was a gesture of trust, and companionship, and all that sort of stuff. Stemming from the fact that a man without his sword couldn't protect himself, and giving someone else your sword meant that either you meant what you said, or a sign of trust.

 

[Brwler]

Phaze was sure that he could convince the Emperor to accept his offer, however, he never thought that he would be so cautious. Furthermore, he found it strange that the Emperor did not mention his demonic left arm. He assumed that the Emperor would ask about it a bit later. "Then, could you tell me about that explosion that could be heard not too long ago?" He started.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

The Emperor watched the man, thinking. Wonderinf if he should give away one of his kingdom's most powerful secrets. He came up with an answer. "The fall of my empire's capitol," he said simply, before describing to him, in full, what the explosion was. ((I messaged him, so he knows.)) "Now, how about I ask you a question?" he asked. "What is this kingdom's name, and who is its ruler?"

 

[Brwler]

Just by hearing the city of the now fallen kingdom, Phaze realized how big potential this army before him has. Having an army like this could probably win the whole scenario that Phaze had in his mind. In any way, by any means but he knew that he need this Emperor and his troops. "It is the newly reformed kingdom which is called Alexandria. It is ruler a young queen called Aria. To my knowledge, she became a queen from a commoner during the revolution." He answered, while by the expression on his face, everyone could tell that he is thinking about something. "After you found place, and supplies for your people, what do you intend to do?"

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

The Emperor watched this man thinking, wondering, and trying to guess where his thoughts were headed. "Alexandria? I've never heard of it. Must be rather new." he said, thinking. He heard, that she was a commoner in a revolution, and realized that she must be poorly inexperienced with politics. Although, Karaii too, was born a commoner, he was raised as a servant in a major lord's household. He learned politics, and millitary tactics, before being promotoed to a general in the army, after an astounding preformance on the field, when his master had fallen. An inexperienced ruler would make that kingdom easier than he had expected of this region. "After I have found what my people need, I plan to expand, nd swell my army's size, before marching East, expanding into my homeland, and pushing out the invaders." he stated truthfully. He waited for a bit, before asking, "And you said this Alexandria was powerful in the North, if its ruler is so inexperienced, how is it so powerful?" he questioned.

 

[Brwler]

That was it. Phaze had every pieces of the puzzle to execute his plans with an exception of only one thing. He had to acquire that last piece so that he could start moving. "The Queen would be not enough alone. Although her people love her, and she would do anything for her people, an assassination, or a normal army could destroy her if she were alone. However, she has her royal guards helping her. The strongest warriors from across the lands. It's mostly due to these guards that the nation is strong from millitary aspects as well." It was his turn to ask. "How many, how well trained, and what kind of units do you have in your army?" He asked. Looking at the Emperor right in his eyes.

 

[SirDerpingtonIV]

"A loyal nation, and experienced warriors. Experienced warriors, are not enough for an experienced army, and technology such as my peoples'." he said, smiling a proud smile. "I assume that you haven't heard of Barovia, but my people have been known by many, as very experienced warriors. Currently, I have 20,000 armed and trained men, and 67,000 civillian refugees. My armed men include 6,500 pikemen, 3,500 Xan Xi Crossbowmen, 1,000 Batan javelinmen, 3,000 Vuab'ar Horse archers , 2,000 Cataphractii, 700 War elephant riders, 3 per War Elephant, with many spare riders, 300 Banshii riders, two per banshii, 1,500 Gengar Wolf Riders, and 1,500 Jianjan Swordsmen. ((I'll add the new soldiers to the CS. :3)) And as for how trained?" he continued, grinning. He pulled out a strange item, which looked sort of like a picketball racket, but carved in glass. He raised it into the air, as it glowed an incredibly bright yellow. The formations of pikemen immediately and simultaneously snapped to attention, their pikes held, spears facing up, as they held the pike in front of them with both hands, their left hand on top of their right. The glass item turned orange, as the pikemen in the front of the formation knelt, lowering their pikes. The ones behind them lowered their pikes as well, but remained standing. The men behind held their pikes at a diagonal, forming a forest of pikes above the formation.


((What'd it look like))

He turned, nodding to one of his Gaurdus Emperii, who turned and galloped off, to fetch one man from each unit. Within several minutes, one pikeman, one crossbowman, one javelinman, one horsearcher on his horse, one Cataphract on his horse, one war Elephant, and it's 3 riders, one Banshii, and it's two riders, a Gengar Wolf, and it's rider, and a Jianjan swordsman. ((I'll message you pictures.)) Emperor Karaii didn't mention that the Barovian Army included females as well as males, just incase the West wasn't as tolerant about this sort of thing.


"Is this good enough?" he asked, before asking his question, "A few veteran warriors are not much threat to my army, I'd like to know what sort of millitary this kingdom runs, besides their warriors. If it's a bunch of disorganized militia rabble, it won't mattter how experienced their warriors are."

 

[Wiggle]

Finn snickered a bit, a small smirk spreading across his lips, Kalidin must be a bard too, because he told elaborate stories.


"I don't know what you mean by living in the shadows." Finn said calmly. "I'm just a simple man who happens to be close to the queen."


He held the second finished figurine up into the light, which was a arrow, beautifully crafted. He placed it down and sheathed his knife and stared at Kalidin with an eyebrow raised.


"I do know a lot about you, what was it they called you, Gatekeeper? Someone blessed by a dog god or something, could be true, or could be a bunch of fluff. But the same could be said about what they're saying about this Sparrow fellow, blessed by the Thief God." He said.


He leaned in closer to Kalidin and smiled.


"But if I did decide to steal it, it would've been long gone and sold to some ignorant trader a long time ago, don't you think? As for your death threat, I think you'd find an arrow in your throat and me long gone before you knew it." He said, sternly.


He burst out laughing and pointed at Kalidin's face.


"You should see the look on your face, I've already stolen it, and had it appraised. It was worthless to me and anyone else, but not to you, apparently." He said. "As for the man, I've no idea where he went, so I can't lead you to him."


(@Enolx, sorry, I never got the notification for this.)

 

[nynja]

(whoops really sorry guys i haven't gotten notifications for this since two days ago)


Isla finally reached the front door of the orphanage, two orphans clinging to her legs as she walked. One looked like he was barely old enough to walk, while the other one looked older, and was rambling on about the Queen and how lucky he was to have a place to live because of her good deeds. "Jesus christ, these kids need to get offa me," Isla grumbled, approaching the rest of the Queen's Guard. The orphans giggled, running inside the orphanage after the Queen. "Damn kids." She shook her head, taking in a deep breath, then listened to Kalidin and Finn argue about thievery and something or other. She rolled her eyes. "Guys. Now's really not the time for silly arguments. Settle this on your own time."

 

[Enolx]

Kalidin smiled and said " I will meet you and your arrows anytime.... twice over....with a blindfold.... handcuffed. For now it looks like we have a man hunt, I know he's not in the town or if he is he hold up somewhere I will put the guards on it just in case. We should grab horses and search the surrounding area, we might be able to pick up his trail. I will alert the guard around the town while you grab the horses. I will meet you at the front gate."


Kalidin started to walk off and, as he was leaving he put up his hand and waved to him in farewell not turning around. " Your not to bad Finn," Kalidin said cheerfully " I'f you put that gem in danger I will kill...kill you dead." Kalidin then shot off into the town.


As Kalidin made his way through the town he was greeted by some of the people he had met earlier during the elephant incident. He had spread word through them about the man they were trying to find as well as the guards. The people gladly offered their help and went off to search the city for the man. As he was about to leave a woman came up to him and offered him a basket with fruit and bread. "I don't have much but, this is a thank you for saving my son," the woman said " I can't thank you enough." Kalidin smiled and grabbed a piece of fruit from the basket leaving the rest with her. " This will be enough," Kalidin said with a grin " Sit and join me." Kalidin then sat down where he was and took a bite out of the fruit. " Really, here in the middle of the street, sir," The woman asked looking around? "Yes, right here," Kalidin responded " people don't slow down enough to enjoy the lives they have. This is one of the few moments of break I have and I will use it to the fullest." The woman hesitantly took a seat next to Kalidin. Kalidin could feel her embarrassment from sitting in the middle of the street, so he offered her some bread to distract her. He then pulled out his flute told the woman to close her eyes.


He then began playing a slow soothing melody. His flute produced a deeper and lower tone than other flutes, and Kalidin put notes together to from a story with his music. He had made this song after he had been forced to destroy a village. He could remember clearly as the children stood in a line holding each others hands in opposition to him. He had never hated himself more than in that moment. Fires burning around, the blood of men and women, fathers and mothers creating rivers, and those children standing valiantly accepting their fates rather than running. It was from that moment that the song he played was made and it was that story that it told for him. This was a song of will, resolution, and courage. It was the song that kept him going when times were at their darkest. If the children could stand, so could he.


When he finished and opened his eyes a large group of people had formed around him and the woman, sitting with them eyes closed hearing the finish to their own story. Many had tears going down their face and others looks of resolution, the rest genuine joy. " I'm glad I sat down," the woman said wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm glad you did as well," Kalidin responded. He then walked off towards the front gate to meet up with Finn. The large group stayed and began to converse, sharing food and drinks with each other. A smile grew on Kalidin's face as he saw the people taking time out of their day to enjoy themselves. "It's a nice place you have created my master," Kalidin said to the sky as he took a bite of the fruit the woman gave him " A very nice place."

 

[Wiggle]

"Fool." Finn said as Kalidin walked away.


He reached down and grabbed Sparrow's clock, bow and arrows, and quickly dressed himself, and climbed onto the roof and ran towards his own objective. He had no intent to follow what Kalidin had asked him to do, and instead met with a local thief informant. He leaped from the roof and landed on the ground silently behind him.


"Ther, tell what you know of the strange man that was seen around here, and who left in quite a hurry." He asked


The man jumped in surprised and wheeled around to look at Finn.


"Sparrow! You startled me, my king." He said. "Yes, I know what became of him. He wa a spy, he left in a hurry for an unknown reason, and returned to the country from where he came." Ther said. "There resides an emperor who is intent on conquering this newly formed country. It would be best for you to escape while you can, my lord. Surely the King of Thieves would have another place to be."


Ther continued to explain about the emperor, his armies, and his might. Finn took all this in and nodded his head.


"I see, and one last thing. Where is the man who is called Kalidin?" He asked.


Ther nodded and smiled at him.


"There was a fool who sat in the middle of a busy street with a woman, playing his flute." Ther said. "Perhaps that is your man, he was just a few blocks north of here."


Finn thanked the man, and quickly disappeared to find Kalidin.

 

[Enolx]

Kalidin made his way to the front gate where he said he would meet up with Finn after he got the horses. After he got there he looked around for Finn and the horses but, they were nowhere to be found. "I sat in the street, had a meal, and played a song," Kalidin said he he climbed to the top of the wall to wait "Man, Finn is slow or maybe he got lost, which would make him an entirely different kind of slow." Kalidin just laid back and waited on the wall. He pulled out his flute and began to compose a new song from the events of the day.

 

[Wiggle]

"Nice song." A voice said.


A silhouette blocked out the sun, it was Sparrow. He looked down at Kalidin with his arms crossed.


"Well, while you wear out playing bard with the townsfolk, I found out more about our friend." Sparrow said. "He's a spy for the Bavorian Empire, for the Emperor Karaii Huron. The spy's name is Phaze, a freak with a large swollen purple arm."

 

[Enolx]

Kalidin raised up and looked down to see Sparrow. "Hey I knew there was some reason the queen kept you," Kalidin joked"For the longest I thought you were a jester. You can fill me in on the ride..... there..." Kalidin then looked around for the horses that he asked for " You had one job," Kalidin stated "Where are the horses, just because I can run faster than them does not mean I want to." Kalidin then jumped down next to Sparrow and said "Well since we will be running after this man named Phaze, fill me in on this Bavorian Empire and their Emperor Karaii."

 

[theunderwolf]

Spiora came out the foil image at the edge of The capital with a sigh. Her trip up north had been a long and boring one. The bandits had been all to easy to find and the game problem was a overly simple fix of just yelling at the north river pack of wolves until they decided that they should somewhere else for a while. Jasa, sensing her unrest leaned on her a bit and Spiora gave her a scratch behind the ears. "I'm fine girl," She said softly, "just relieved that we're back where we should be." The cat purred in relief and followed her to the city gates, which caused Spiora to take pause, "There's an interesting sight." She muttered to Jasa who looked at her quizzically,"Finn! Kalinin!" She called with a wave, "What are you two up to today?"


@Enolx @Wiggle

 

[ValkyrieRose]

(oh, i hadn't received any notifications so i thought it was already dead... *bows* Gomenasai!!!!!!*)


In the hours that had passed, Aria had cooked up a massive meal for the children. She wasn't the best cook in the world, she knew, but she had cooked enough food for the children to even hace seconds. From there, it came to making repairs on the old rooftop, which Aria vulnteered to help. Now, it was time for lunch, She saw Kaladin and Finn, who had returned, speaking together. 'It must be bad .... if they're trying to handle it together like that...' She thought to herself,


As lunch began, Aria began serving out bowls for the children, who were obediently forming up a line to be served. She smiled, happy to help in whatever way she could...these children were amazing... no, children were amazing, period. Aria wanted to take them all in but she knew that would never happen.... she didn't have that kind of funding, and the castle couldn't afford to. A small tear escaped her as she handed out the dishes. She would be the last one to be seated, only after all the children had their fill. IFf it came down to it, she would wait until she was back at the castle to have anything to eat. She wasn't here as queen, but s someone who cared...and that's what the children really needed.