Stumbling backwards into the outbuilding, shocked at the quick violence and the ronin's collapse, Talia yells, "Oleg, Svetlana, help Godwin!"
Once in the building, she looks through the open door and whispers a few arcane syllables, waving her hand and pointing at a direction just beyond the three thugs in front of her. Gods, let this work!
Shocked at the quick violence and the ronin's collapse, Talia stumbles backwards through the door behind her before starting an incantation, hoping against all hope that she can withstand the soon-to-come barrage of attacks.
"Oleg, Svetlana, help Godwin!"
Things started to happen very fast. Before he knew it, the bandits were on the others. A firebomb and a few quick swipes later, Gavriil watched as Godwin dropped to the ground and Talia slip back into the barn.
Well, this is going great! Gavriil thought. Slipping through the gate and running away briefly crossed his mind. He didn't owe these people anything and he could report back to the Swordlords and tear them a new hole or two. But something seemed to stop him. Maybe it was his cockiness telling him that the knight errant screwed up and he wouldn't make that mistake, maybe he was tired of being alone, or maybe Godwin's words had actually gotten through to him a little.
Or maybe he was just too stupid to run.
Whatever the reason, a quick idea jumped into his head. He slashed down at the harness with his rapier, hoping to release the horse from the wagon. Maybe the panicked creature would cause a distraction to the bandits. Then he shouted, "Naralesh, cover Talia! Oleg get inside! Protect Svetlana!"
Then he hopped down off the wagon and raised his sword towards the bandits and shouted, You filthy sons of dumb hounds have about two seconds to drop your swords or I'll show you what swordlords do to bandits! With any luck, it would work. If not, hopefully it draws their attention towards him and away from the actress.
Godwin lies bleeding and burning on the ground.
Seeing Godwin in danger and also being freed from the reins of the wagon, Anselm tries to find a way to the bandits. Unfortunately, there is no room in the crowd of horses and humans, and he has nowhere to go.
Oleg continues running inside to protect himself and Svetlana.
As combat breaks loose, the horses that the bandits brought become panicked and try to flee from the battle as far as they can.
The bandit directly in front of Godwin's body decides to finish the job, despite Gavriil's goading, plunging his sword into the knight's throat.
The other two bandits make a quick exchange and decide to split up, one going after Gavriil and the other chasing down Talia.
The one chasing Talia steps forward and swings his shortsword at her.
The one going after Gavriil charges directly at him with his shortsword.
The lead bandit is caught off guard by Naralesh's shot, but immediately targets him on the rooftop as a result. He moves toward the main building, draws his longbow, and fires upon Naralesh.
As a sickening gurgle comes from just outside the building, the thug's sword bites into Talia, drawing a scream and the spell on Talia's mind from the young woman in one fell slash. Backing up, the wounded woman draws her scorpion whip and lashes out at the man darkening the doorway.
Gavriil stood at the ready as the bandit moved towards him. Keeping his steel readily pointed towards the advancing bandit, he glared the man down, waiting for the man to make a mistake. Finally, the bandit dove in to attack. Gavriil attempted to swing his rapier to parry the blow.
And it succeeded! His blade quickly tapped the shortsword aside, leaving the bandit open for a quick counter attack.
In the middle of his attack, he saw the other bandits make their moves. One ruthlessly snuffed out the knight, ending his life once and for all while another chased after Talia into the barn. Their leader fired a counter arrow at Naralesh, which pierced straight through the magician's eye, dropping him in one fell swoop. The desperate battle just turned completely hopeless.
Gavriil immediately turned on his heels and headed for the gate, attempting to jump over the wagon and slip through the gate to make a run for it. Like he himself had said before, they were no guards.
Nora runs to safety and escapes unharmed, vanishing into the wilderness.
Naralesh wakes up with a start, finding himself alone as he sits up. The sun above peeks through softly rustling treetops, dappling the clearing around him with gentle light. He grasps instinctively for his bow, half-remembering some reason it was needed. His hands close over soft grass instead, the weapon nowhere to be found. His traveling clothes are gone too, replaced with the silken cloth he was accustomed to during his childhood.
Slowly rising to his feet, he surveys the trees around him. The woods stretch away in every direction, the tall trunks swaying gently in a soft breeze. It seems peaceful here.
A gentle rustling of leaves behind him causes him to turn. Padding towards him out of the trees is a white-furred fox, a dark patch of fur forming a perfect crescent moon upon her forehead. Larger and older than the fox that had accompanied him on his short journey to Oleg's trading post, the fox comes forward to sit on the ground just before the elf, looking up at him with aged eyes that crinkle with familiarity and affection.
A smile crosses Naralesh's lips. "Nora." he says simply. He sinks to his knees and embraces his long-lost companion, spending several long minutes stroking her long, soft fur, before finally rising to his feet.
"Come, Nora. We have another adventure ahead of us." He looks out at the expanse of trees around them, catching glimpses of other clearings beyond, and passageways to other places far beyond the sleepy woods. "Let's go find Rebeccah."
Despite his master's fall, Anselm does not give up. The frenzied horse attacks the nearest bandit with everything he's got.
As the second bandit darkens the outbuilding's doorway, Talia backs further up, back against the far wall. Hands trembling, the noble listens and with dread rising in her breast, hearing nothing but the neighing and snorting of horses. They all must be dead. Or perhaps injured and unconscious, or hidden? Slowly lowering her scorpion whip, Talia closes her eyes and sighs. Centering herself and opening her eyes again, she projects her best noblewoman's persona, clear and in-charge, despite the heaviness in her heart.
"Your boss was correct. I am indeed worth a lot of money. More than you've ever made in your lives, I'm sure. But that is neither here nor there, really. I have information I'm willing to share. Spare anyone who is alive, and leave them unharmed, and even the ransom you think you'll get from my family will be copper on the gold piece to the riches that await you." But harm anyone further, and my secret will go to my grave with me."
The bandits fall for Talia's trick and immediately force the Levetons out of the fort. After much struggle, they corral Anselm into the stables and lock the crazed horse inside. The bodies of Godwin and Naralesh are tossed into the compost pits in the back of the fort.
"Ain't no one left," the lead bandit says with a grim glee. "See'n as that part's sorted out, looks like we'll just be waitin' to collect our gains from you. You best be tellin' the truth, girl, or you'll be joinin' your friends." He then ties her up (if she does not resist) and gags her.
Gavriil ran. Once he was clear of the gate and the fort he ran for what seemed like an eternity. Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid he thought with each step. Never should have come here. I knew we we fighting a losing battle and still I stayed! Heck, I even wanted to stay to help out the Levetons and Talia! I'm losing my touch.
Eventually, he slowed to catch his breath, sparing a look back to make sure the bandits weren't following on their horses to run him down. He was sure his counter thrust hadn't struck the bandit, but the bastard may have held a grudge and chased after him. Content with not seeing anyone chasing after him, Gavriil began to walk towards Restov. He would report on what happened and give a few choice words to the swordlords. Bastards!
As the bandit leader comes at Talia with the rope to tie the young woman up, she flinches and inches back, arms up. "Wait! Wait a second! Let us talk a bit. Tomorrow, as my word, I shall tell you my secret, and I believe you will understand its importance. But for now, please take this to heart. There is money to be made by my ransom, to be sure. But my house is going to need proof of my life. You'll need to send one of your men with a note to Restov, to meet with my house and present them with your demands. I'll need to write the ransom note of course - if it is in my hand that should be enough proof for them. We can do this in the morning, once your promise to me - letting one day pass - is done. Please understand that this will take a few days to sort out."
"Since we will be spending some time together, I suppose we should know each other. Trust must be built here. Fulfilling your promise to me will prove you a man of your word. As I said when we first, um, met, I am Talia Khavortorov from the House Khavortorov. As you many know, since House Rogarvia disappeared, there has been a power vacuum in the lands around Restov. My house is an ambitious house, with designs on Restov, and we reward ambitious men."
"What is your name? Where are you from? You strike me as an ambitious man. You're certainly a fighter to be feared, and a strong leader. Ransoms and banditry can make a pretty pence, that is for sure, but the real money is made in rulership. Tonight, before you sleep, I hope you think about what you want out of life. And tonight, when you dream, I hope it is of power, and pretty women, and gold."
Holding her wrists out, Talia looks the bandit leader in the eye for a long moment, addressing him in as serious and somber a tone as possible. "I ask that you not gag me. I can cast some minor magic, but I need my hands and beltpouch to do so. I'd like to be able to call for a guard if I need anything, such as a chamberpot or a little water."
He opts to use the dirty bandana that he was planning on gagging her with as a blindfold instead, and orders one of his men to keep her in the Levetons' main bedroom and make sure she's well taken care of. He specifies that no harm should come to her unless she puts up a fight.
"Aah, what a day," says the dark-skinned Tien man, breaking the relative silence of chirping birds and gentle breezes. Feeling oppressed by the quietness, he had sought to simply fill the void with some sort of conversation. He looks around, his smile a stark contrast to the dour expression of the soldiers' leader. The grin falters a bit as his words hang in the empty air, but he shrugs and continues his walk, gently holding the lead for his mule as she trotted behind him. The voice of his grandmother echoes in his head as he imagines her words. They don't need to hear your prattling, Keiji! He brushes aside the memories of home, focusing on the task at hand. Unable to resist the urge, he glances back behind the group to the road back to Restov, not the first time he has done this on the long walk. Still no one following. So far, so good. He wasn't sure there was anyone coming for him... but the sooner he put Brevoy and its confusing and dangerous politics behind him, the better.
Of course, no longer being able to train with the sword-masters was concerning. He wondered how he would refine his skills out here, in the wilderness. Perhaps I shall get to see how my techniques hold up against a true opponent, he thought. One that aims to kill, not to duel.
Hearing faint shouting ahead, he looks up at the road before him. Shielding his eyes against the light, he peers at the trio coming their way. Instinctively, he grasps the hilt of his curved dueling sword. Bandits? he wonders for a moment. No, they would not be spread out, and charging towards us like this. Do not be foolish. He glanced at the others, seeing if any of them recognized the nearest approaching figure.
Maeve struggled to keep up with everyone's faster pace. Between her shorter stride and her tendency to stop and admire an odd rock or plant along the path, she often fell behind and had to hurry to catch up. She sure wished everyone wasn't in such a rush. 'If I wanted to get there quickly, I'd have just rode Apollo' she thought to herself, looking up to the roc circling above them. She had sent him up above to keep an eye out for danger and keep him out of everyone else's way, since the soldiers didn't seem too keen on having him along.
Maeve considered Kesten in particular to be a huge grump, and she did her best to keep her distance from him, staying instead near the kinder-looking Asha. She couldn't help but stare at Keiji, however. Despite her penchant for adventure and exploration, she had been sheltered by the very forests themselves, and had never seen a foreigner before. She had about a hundred questions for the man about who he was, where he was from, and why he was here, but thought it best to keep her tongue.
As distant figures came into sight down the road, Apollo swooped down immediately to alert her. Leaning up on the bird to get a better look, she could see a lone figure in the distance, with two more farther behind. Were they chasing him? Who were these people? She had been told that the roads were cleared already, so what were these people doing here? Something wasn't right, and she could tell.
Though he had seen the massive creature before, Keiji couldn't help but jump as the huge bird swooped down beside them, larger even than the girl it seemed to listen to. Birds should not be that big, he thought. Noticing the girl glancing at him, he assumed she was looking for his input.
"Three people approach. They look like they are in trouble..."
Talia sighs when Happs mentions not caring about ruling. This one has no ambition. Guess I'll have to come up with another angle to get out of this alive. Laying back on the bed, the noblewoman fiddles with her binding and runs over her options, trying to figure a way out of the box she's put herself into.
Asha followed along the others, staying closer to the rear as Kesten and the foreigner walked ahead. She lead her horse behind her, opting to walk with the others rather than be the only one riding, not to mention she still didn't feel all to confident with her riding skills. Walking the path to the outpost she took in all the sights and sounds, enjoying the scenery and the quite. While she enjoyed a good conversation the quite always suited her better.
As the others pointed out the on coming figures Asha promptly stopped her horse and took her bow off her shoulder in case it was needed. Seeing as they easily outnumbered whomever was approaching she calmly said "Let's see what is going on. We might be able to help, if it isn't trouble meant for us."
"Let us let them know we are friendly. We may look like bandits to them." He looks to the others with a grin. "And if they are bandits, we are far more in number!" He steps forward, raising an arm in a wave. "Hello! Who goes there? We mean no harm!" he calls out loudly, his tone friendly despite his somewhat awkward pronunciation of the common tongue.
Gavriil's foul mood didn't improve as the day went on. As it dragged on, though, it became less about the Swordlords giving them the short end of the stick and more about an inner conflict. I didn't know those people from Earthfall! I didn't owe them anything. I told them that we weren't ready and look where mister high and mighty got us! Five people six feet under and one runnin' scared, he thought as he kicked a stone in the road. So why do I feel so damned bad?
He traveled him-hawing back and forth between his instincts that had kept him alive over the years and the guilt for hours before he finally saw people in the distance. He stopped up short and looked over his shoulder to see Oleg and Svetlana chasing and shouting after him. He sighed and thought, I guess the guilt wins this time.
He gave a wave to the people moving towards him to show that he may need some help then turned and rushed towards the Levetons. "I thought you were gonners! The bandits were cutting through us too fast, I had to make a run for it or I would be just as dead as the knight. Are you okay?"
"They certainly do not look like they mean harm." Keiji makes his way forward, reaching the trio shortly after they manage to meet up with one another and exchange a few words, though not able to hear anything that's said before he approaches. "What has happened? You look to be fleeing something. Is there danger ahead?" He glares fiercely down the road, a hand resting on his sword. "If there is, I will put an end to it."
Svetlana seems glad to see that Gavriil is alive and well, but Oleg looks none too pleased. Despite, he explains the situation as calmly as he can. "That noblewoman is still there, she helped us get away by bargaining with the bandits. She was alive when we left, but I don't know what they're planning with her. Supposedly a ransom, but it seemed like they were striking a better deal than that to be letting us leave so easily. We've got to get help; we have our lives, but our livelihood is still at stake!"
As if those words themselves had summoned them, Kesten and his three soldiers approach with Keiji, Asha, and Maeve as well . True concern in his voice, Kesten echoes Keiji's question.
The Levetons recognize the heraldry on the soldiers and seem relieved. They relay to the group the full events of the bandits (detailed in an earlier post) as well as the happenings of today.
The day is waning, and it will be sundown in a couple hours.
Maeve directs Apollo to fly back up so as not to spook the approaching figures. As the rest of the party rushes forward, she struggles to keep up. She listens to the Levetons' plights, horrified by the turn of events. "We have to help!" she said almost immediately after they were finished. Realizing she had stated the obvious, she redirected her statement. "The sun is going down soon, though. It would surely be night by the time we made it there. It's possible we could get the jump on them in the night, but they could be expecting retaliation. Not that things would be any different by morning..."
Maeve frowned and contemplated the situation further. She was finally realizing what she had gotten herself into. This wasn't going to be a fun outing in the forest, it was going to be a war. "I can fly in on Apollo and scout things out regardless. I should be able to drop a rope from the wall for you to climb up, but you'll need to do so quickly in case someone is keeping watch. After that, I can provide support from the sky while you find the lady and take out the bandits."
Asha follows behind Keiji and the soldiers as they approach, still ready for a fight if it comes to it. Once she hears more about the situation she flings her bow back over her shoulder and listens as the story is told.
As Maeve speaks up she adds "That sounds like a good plan and while surprise might be on our side at night, it could hamper our effrots just as much. We are here to build a strong community and these bandits are definitely in opposition to that, not to mention a poor woman's life is on the line. As much as I would like to rush to try and help I think it would be better if we waited until morning, scouted the place and then planned our next move."
As time passes, Talia's breathing becomes shallower. Perhaps it is the crash created by the adrenaline from a long, tough day wearing off, or perhaps it is that her wounds have settled into dull, throbbing aches, but despite her bondage and worry, the young woman is soon fast into a deep, dreamless sleep.
We should storm the fortress! Battle them head-on! The impulsive voice of his youthful self echoed through Keiji's mind. He shook off the thought. No. There should be a better way. He considers Asha's words, his expression thoughtful. "Do they intend to lurk within trading post forever? Surely they wish to escape with girl and stolen items!" He glanced about, seeing how others felt, before continuing. "Assaulting a walled fort, very dangerous. Better to face them in the open, where numbers are our ally." He frowns. "But if there is no option, we storm the walls! Take them by force. Better to sneak at night, though. Harder to see, harder to guard fort."
Gavriil nods solemnly to Oleg as the man explained that the actress was still in the hands of the bandits. That had made it even worse. If everyone was already six-feet under he'd have no problem marching all the way back to Restov before returning, but now that the bandits still had Talia, Gavriil knew he had to go back. "Don't worry, I'll get her."
Then, the others arrived and began to ask questions of the Levetons. Then the three that didn't carry Restov's heraldry jumped in and began to spout ideas on how to save Talia and the fort. Gavriil sighed deeply listening to them go back and forth on their decision making. 'Attack at night! No, attack in the morning! No! Just wait them out!' Gavriil sighed and shook his head. "No, late night is the best choice. It's the best chance we have at catching a few of them asleep. If we can take care of the one keeping watch the rest will be a cake-walk."
He let out another sigh, knowing he was about to do something stupid, but damnit, he had listened to others before and that got two people killed and another taken hostage. "I'm heading there now to save Talia. The rest of you can come or wait, it's up to you." He turned to the Leveton's and said, "I'm going to get your home back. Meet me there tomorrow." With that, he started off towards the fort again.
Keiji listens to Gavriil intently. "I will go with you!" he proclaims, stepping forward. "You know this fort. Where is best place to sneak inside? Frontal attack dangerous, if girl and bird can get us over walls." He turns to Maeve, automatically assuming she is joining in on the night assault.
"Right, I'm coming too!" Maeve said excitedly and moves quickly to keep pace with Gavriil. She knew this was going to be dangerous, but something about the thrill of a rescue mission really appealed to her. She was definitely nervous, though. Gavriil seemed very determined; it was hard to think that bandits could have turned him to flee so easily. She made it a point to introduce herself to him. "I'm Maeve, good to meet'cha. Up there's Apollo." She pointed up to the roc still circling above. "Like I said, I can fly in on Apollo and see if there are any watchmen and where they are. After I drop the rope, I can keep them busy while you climb up."
Kesten grows more and more solemn as the situation is unraveled. "If we strike in the night, a reconnaissance mission will be more effective with less of us to cause a stir. I'm more than willing and able to give my life for this cause, but I will not risk the lives of my soldiers as a consequence. The three of them will stay here and set up camp with the Levetons, and I will fight by your side tonight. If we do not return successful, I want them to escort the Levetons back to Restov where it's safe."
"But captain, sir! We've vowed to protect and serve as well!" one of the soldiers pipes up. "Please let us join you in tonight's battle, we will not fail!"
Kesten sighs and eyes the young woman with a tired look. "I've given my orders, soldier. Right now, your job is to serve and protect the Levetons. I will handle the bandits alongside our compatriots." And with that, he turned to follow Gavriil and the others, leaving the three soldiers behind with the very grateful Levetons.
Gavriil gritted his teeth when the guard captain told his men to stay behind. Yes it cut down on the chances of being spotted and kept the Leveton's safe, but on the other hand they hadn't fared too well with four people last time they had faced these bandits. He kept his mouth shut, though. It wasn't his place to tell a guard captain how to do his job.
As they walked, Gavriil filled the others in on what happened. About how they had been sent there to map out the stolen lands when the Leveton's told his group about their plight. Then he explained how they planned on convincing the bandits to surrender and when the bandits refused his group attacked, only to be cut down as quickly as the bandits could swing their swords. He told them that he escaped to find help after the situation turned dire. He answered any questions they might have had on the way.
Eventually, they were able to see the fort on the horizon in the dim light of the moon. He couldn't make out anything other than the fort from that distance, though, so he turned to Maeve. "Would you be able to fly over and scout them out without raising suspicion? I'd rather them not know we were knocking on their front door just yet."
"That shouldn't be too hard." Maeve replies, hopping into the custom saddle on Apollo. "If you see a light, that means I'm in trouble, okay? Otherwise I'll be back with a report on the situation." With that, she kicks off on Apollo and they both soar up high, 130ft above the ground. As the pair flies stealthily over the fort, Maeve casts guidance a couple times each on herself and Apollo and tries to see if there are any bandits keeping watch below. she instructs Apollo to search as well.
Maeve and Apollo can both see a single bandit keeping guard on the front wall.
Though he is keeping an attentive watch, he doesn't seem to notice Maeve and Apollo overhead.
Maeve takes note of the bandit and flies back to the party. "Only one guard at the front gate. I don't think he saw us. We'll need to go around the forest edge to the back of the fort to get in without being seen by him. Once we're there, I'll fly up and drop the rope. We'll sneak in from there if we can."
Asha follows along with the others still thinking this isn't the best plan but what kind of servant of Erastil would she be if she would not help to stop these bandits and restore the Levetons to their home. At least with the advanced scouting she thought they might be able to have the upper hand.
"We'll just need to be careful. The woman being held for ransom might be used as leverage if we can't get to her first."
"Aye. We should try to get to her first. I will take the lead, and slip inside quietly."
Right before Maeve heads out to deploy the rope, Keiji uncorks the stopper of a crystal vial, rubbing the blue liquid inside on his bare arms. The substance quickly spreads to cover his whole skin in a faint azure tint before fading away.
Once the party makes it around to the back of the fort, Maeve flies stealthily just over the wall on Apollo and ties off a rope to one of the wooden pillars that form the wall. She hoped the guard would not see them, and quietly directs Apollo to keep an eye out...
Gavriil nodded when Maeve came back and reported what she saw. He followed Keiji and the others to the back of the fort, drawing his rapier as he went, keeping low to the brush to keep hidden. Once he reached the wall where Maeve was supposed to drop the rope, he nodded to Keiji letting him know to go head. He pulled on the swordsman's arm and whispered, "When you get on the other side, go to the building on the left. It's the main building, they'll probably be in their."
Keiji lurks at the base of the wall, waiting for Maeve to give the all clear. When the rope drops down, he grabs the end and begins the climb up. This is it. Time to prove yourself, Keiji!
Clambering over the top, Keiji drops down on the far side silently and slides his sword gracefully out of its sheath. He nods to Maeve, crouching down and creeping to the side, peering around to see if he can spot the guard on watch. He also wants to see the easiest way to get down to the ground below.
The bandit keeping watch doesn't seem to notice your arrival. Maeve, Apollo, and Keiji can all see him standing on the wall near the gate.
Kesten climbs up behind them, dong everything he can to prevent his heavy armor from clanking.
The bandit does not seem to react to Kesten's arrival either. Kesten easily spots the bandit by the gate, however.
Keiji creeps along the wall, moving towards the ladder closest to the building where Gavriil said Talia was most likely being kept.
Keiji makes it all the way around and down the ladder near the main building undetected.
Asha will go up once she has an opportunity. She will take her time getting up to ensure no problems on the way up.
Once up Asha pulls out her bow and has an arrow at the ready. Keeping an eye out for any threats. She keeps low as possible to avoid being seen.
Gavriil pulls up the rear when the others climb the rope up the side of the palisade. Once Asha finally reached the top, Gavriil placed his rapier in its sheathe and began to climb slowly, not wanting to mess up and fall.
Once he threw his leg over the top, he drew his rapier again and gave a quick look around, making sure to stay as low as possible. He saw his teammates excluding the tian swordsman who took the lead. Damnit all to the pit! He's going to get us all killed! he thought as he nodded to Keston to move out.
Best to make sure I'm close to the girl when one of their suits of clattering armor raises the alarm, Keiji reasoned. He approached the door of the house and laid his ear gently to the wood, listening for any sign of movement inside.
The bandit still seems unaware of your presence. Gavriil spots the bandit by the gate on the other wall, but Asha can't quite make him out at this distance in the darkness.
Keiji hears nothing from the other side of the door.
Gavriil slowly moves along the wall, trying to both stay low so that the bandit across the way couldn't spot him and moving slowly so that he wouldn't make noise. Ahhh.... back in my element, he thought.
Keiji quietly tries the handle as gently as possible, hoping only to check whether the door is locked. If it is unlocked, he will release the handle just as gently, keeping the door still closed.