"That is all well and good to say..." Evi begins. She hesitates, flushing red. "But in truth, I was only a little girl when he vanished. I only ever caught glimpses of him. Audience was reserved... for those with power. I hate to say it, but the years would have changed him into someone far different from the vague silhouette of my childhood memories. I was hoping Cortez would help us... but he does not seem interested."
Haig answers the tirade of curses with an almost imperceptible smirk of his own, turning to the others and walking toward the quiet of the stables.
"Yes, my lady, I had thought much the same. " he says, leading his camel to the trough. "But I have doubted the sorceress before..." he says with a wry smile, one that mutes somewhat at her words. He maintains an almost reverent silence as Evi speaks, before turning to Lucia himself.
"It is a big desert, Lady De La Cruz, and there are no men of the east among these slaves here in the camp, and a search of the others may prove fruitless without a lead. This traitor may well know where to search, but it is a risky gamble." he slumps somewhat. "What do we do, my lady? Dare we ask among these knights?"
Evi thinks for a moment. "I don't think that would be a good idea. At least, not until we know more about these Knights." she closes her eyes, placing her hands on her hips. "We could always ask one of our allies for assistance. Perhaps they could offer us some insight?"
Haig nods, and seeks out Usman among the crowd, beckoning him away from the tents and lowering his voice. "My friend. The emperor is said to be among the slaves, though not those in this camp. What do you know of these Knights of Abraxas, and what would you counsel as our next course? I have never lived in a city. I know not how to find a man among a crowd."
"Of the Knights specifically?" he says, mulling over the question. "They're infamous for their discipline and strict codes. You might be able to find a way to use that to your advantage. I've heard they often use duels to settle disputes... You may be able to gamble a favour from them if you win."
Usman nods slowly. "You'd also have to offer a worthy enough prize in return... Not to mention having their commanding officer approve it in the first place. Hrm... the more I think about it the less appealing it seems..."
Haig glances to Evi. "What do you think, my lady? A duel would mean announcing our intention to the entire camp, yet we may well need the aid of these Knights to find him." he asks, brow furrowed. "As for a worthy prize, what of a slave that never tires, and need never rest? A slave for a slave. Hardly a worthy exchange for the emperor himself, but I expect if they new who they were harboring they would try to ransom him."
"No." he shakes his head. "I would rather err on the side of secrecy for now. Thank you, Usman. Whatever we may learn, we will make our move tonight."
"A duel might work. I doubt they would agree to scouring the campsites for a specific slave, but it may be enough to free Kreois. More specifically, it would free him in a manner that would allow him to walk with us in the camp. However..." she glances at the Ghoul's arm. "You are not yet fully recovered. If myself would fight, but I rely too much on magic... They may turn on me if I do so."
She looks over at the sparring pit, frowning. "And they seem to have no shortage of skill..."
Haig follows her gaze, sizing up Sergeant Annas and the sparring pit.
Usman nods. "That is a prize that would tempt them indeed."
He seems satisfied with your response. "Keep me informed. Stay safe, my friend."
"You are right." he says, nursing his wounded arm. "But I still have Stormcrow's curséd blade. It may prove enough to win this battle, should the spirits be kind.", he curls his fingers around the shortsword at his belt, flinching slightly as a jolt shoots up his arm.
He bows his thanks to Usman and begins to walk away. "I shall leave the judgement in your hands, my lady. What should be our next course?"
”Either way, I think we will need what Kreios has to offer.” she says. ”If we could obtain him without making and enemy of the Knights that would be best. It would save us some trouble, at the very least.”
”But for now we can observe.” Evi says. ”Cortez should not take much longer. Though he may not wish to actively help us, I doubt he would deny us counsel should we ask him. He knows these Aegians better than any of us. He should have some insight that he can offer.”
You've been quiet," She turns towards Lucia. "Do you have any thoughts on the matter?
Lucia looks away from Evi, a troubled look on her face, "I don't think releasing Kreios would be a good idea. He was put in there for a reason, whatever it may be. Even if it is a reason we don't understand, I think we'd have a problem convincing any of the other Aegians..."
Taking a few steps towards Svarog, Lucia stares up at the monolith for a few seconds, as though praying for guidance, "That's not to say I won't help you, I just don't think it's a very good idea, not to mention how much magic I'll have to use to get it done smoothly. If I'm found out before we find him, this is all over-" Lucia starts, and turns to Evi with a grin, "-Or not! Takeda isn't here, but my spell on the Taskmaster still holds, we could just name Kreios as the slave we want and this could all be done easily."
"That's...if you want him freed, we'd still harbour the Aegian's hostilities, and it would end my spell on the Taskmaster, so we'd have to hope he didn't notice, or...silence him"
"If you wish to know the reasons for his imprisonment I'm sure you have the means to find out." the ghoul says, bluntly. "I myself would rather not know. At least until we have him freed."
Evi nods at Lucia. ”That could work. If the Taskmaster is suspicious, I’m sure you could convince him that it’s just the heat getting to him or something like that. We’d need something to barter to him in exchange, though. They value their slaves highly here, so I doubt he would let this prisoner go for less than he's worth.”
Evi turns to the two. ”I’m going to see if I can find out any more. We’ll meet back here in an hour – hopefully Cortez will have finished up by then. See if you can make any progress.”
Trusting Evi to inquire about Takeda, Haig will wait by the sparring pit, watching General Haimon with some interest but making no effort to get his attention. He notes the distance between the slave pens and the watchtowers. Depending on how many sentries they post by the camels, it could be a simple matter.
Haig scouts out some possible routes to use, if they decide to take a stealthy approach. From his prior scouting, he knows that the Knights of Abraxas are a heavily disciplined bunch - they keep regular patrols during both day and night. Breaking a prisoner out undetected would not only require considerable skill, but perfect timing and coordination.
After an hour that seems to last a lifetime , Evi returns to the designated meeting spot, a pensive look on her face.
"I didn't want to risk asking any questions to the Knights outright, but I did manage to overhear some things that might be of interest..."
Evi goes on to detail some of the things she had heard, mostly inconsequential things like what loot the slaves had dug up in the ruins or that the Knights currently had members serving as mercenaries for both the Khaganates and the Aegians.
"I found out more about Kreois as well." she continues. "From what I gather, he was the Captain here before Zilenos . He made a mistake, gross negligence, was the phrase they used. Some prisoners escaped into the ruins..."
"That's right." Cortez says, having emerged from the tent, Aurelius trailing behind him. "According to their Laws, his mistake put his position at risk. Zilenos challenged him for his rank - If the former captain won, he would just get a slap on the wrist and retain his honour. If he lost, he would be disgraced and fall to the rank of slave. You can guess what happened then."
"Cortez." Evi nods in greeting, but then turns back to Haig and Lucia. "I don't believe in coincidence. The Emperor was not amongst the slaves we saw, and Kreios said only he could help us find him - that leads me to believe that he was amongst those who escaped under Kreois' watch."
She folds her arms. "It would help if he were there to guide us through the ruins... But we don't neccesarily need him at all. What do you think?"
"So either he played a part in the emperor's escape, or his honour hinges on seeing him back in chains. Either way, this man sounds like one that we want on our side. For now." the ghoul snarls. He turns to Cortez. "What more do you know of this Kreios? Is he an honourable man?"
As they draw away from Cortez he turns to Evi and Lucia. "I will enter that pit and we may set out as soon as possible, failing that we strike at nightfall. Sorceress. If you can get us the key to the pens, or have your thrall leave the gates open we can likely sneak in without loss of life. But I can silence him afterward if need be... But I would not wish to put Cortez and the others at risk unless absolutely necessary. I say we do this in broad daylight."
"Honourable?" Cortez says, pondering the question. "Yes, certainly. Though what they call 'honour' may differ from you, you can certainly hold the Knights to their word. Keeping your word is a central part of the Aegian dogma. They have a word for those who do not - in our language it is forked-tongue, and is one of the greatest insults one can bear. Kreois may be enslaved, but he still has his pride - I do not doubt he will keep his word."
Evi looks over at Haig. "You are sure, then? We will speak with General Haimon when you are ready."
Cortez folds his arms at this. "A risky gambit, but one that could pay off well. Be wary of your use of magic - General Haimon is famed for his ability to sense it. They say he can smell it in the air."
Haig curses under his breath. "Very well. No magic. I thank you for your counsel, Cortez. I shall keep my word as well." He reaches for a black vial at his belt, bites off the cork and downs the viscous liquid. It seems to hiss as it is exposed to the air, but Haig does not seem discomforted.
"Let us have it done." he says, stealing himself for battle. I shall not fail."
The group walk over to the raised platform where the General is overseeing the camp. Cortez hails him as they approach. "General Haimon, it has been a while!"
The grizzled Aegian looks down at him with a very no-nonsense stare. He wears a suit of full plate armour despite the heat, but doesn't appear the least bit bothered by it. A large scar runs the length of his jaw, crossing his lip and ending below his right eye.
"The master craftsman." he says with a a nod. "I had wondered when you would be back."
"Indeed! It is always a pleasure to see what new treasures have been unearthed." Cortez says joyfully. "But we can discuss these things later - I believe my travelling companions have something to ask of you. It is a matter of honour."
The General's attention seems to be caught by this, and he beckons the group closer. Evi steps forward, looking up at the platform.
"We would have a duel-" she begins. "For the life of the prisoner Kreios."
The Aegian chuckles, folding his arms and looking down at the group. "And why would you want to save the life of this disgraced Captain, mm?"
Evi looks across at Cortez, and he gives her a slow nod. Taking a breath, she turns back to the General. "He possesses knowledge of something that may aid us in our journey, and has promised us his aid should we free him."
The General scratches his chin, his head bobbing as he considers her words. "There is honesty in these words, and a great deal of courage and honour was needed to come forth so plainly. His freedom as prize for victory - but what can you offer us if you lose?"
Haig steps forward, nursing his wounded arm and holding his head high. "The life of her champion." he snarls, stepping past Evi. "A slave that never tires, nor needs rest. A life for a life." he says, grinning slightly at the irony. "Who shall face me?"
"A bold gamble!" the General says excitedly. He walks down from the platform, heading towards the sparring pit. It seems quite the crowd is gathering to see what's happening.
"Sergeant Annas!" the General calls out. "Get your armour on, we have a challenger!"
The Sergeant wheels around and gives the General a salute before moving to retrieve his armour. The General turns towards the ghoul once more. "Ready yourself. Sergeant Annas is one our most skilled. I look forward to seeing what you're capable of."
From what Haig has seen of Annas' fighting style, he appears to be quite a defensive fighter utilizing an axe-and-shield technique to wear his opponents down and put them at a disadvantage them with special maneuvers.
Evi looks across at Haig before drawing her longsword and offering it to him. "It's not much, but you won't need your other arm to use it..."
"Remember, this isn't a fight to the death - if you concede, I can free both of you tonight. Don't push yourself if it's too much."
"I would be honoured, lady, but I must decline." Haig says, waving away Evi's weapon, loosing the cursed blade in his sheath. "It saps my strength. There is something of the madness of the fey about it. Let us hope it does the same to our friend." he says, grabbing a vial from his belt and clasping a clawed hand on Usman's shoulder. "Wish me luck, my friend." he says, leaping into the pit.
He draws the shortsword and clutches it in a reverse grip, circling around the Sergeant with an almost predatory stare, sizing up his opponent. When the battle horn is sounded he'll down his potion of haste (5 rounds) and settle into a wide defensive stance, light on his feet and ready to dodge the blade of Annas' axe. He holds his blade high and one clawed hand outstretched.
Init -
The Sergeant grins as his armour is strapped on, eager for battle. The crowd gathers around the circle, forming a living barrier.
As the Sergeant enters, General Haimon catches his attention with a wink. "Give them a good show."
The Sergeant roars, raising his axe and shield up into the air as the excitement builds in the crowd. As Haig drinks his potion, he turns towards the Ghoul, his teeth bared. "Is this my challenger?" he calls out, "Why I've felled greater beasts in my sleep! Haha!"
The insult infuriates the undead warrior, demoralizing him.
Haig snarls at the insult, bowing his head from the glare of the sun and spitting into the sand. "Why don't you come over here and try, fool?"
"As you wish!" the sergeant says, rushing towards Haig in an arc, his shield held high in a defensive stance. As he steps into range, he twirls quickly, bringing his shield around and slamming into Haig's body before bringing forward a slash with his axe.
for plus Bullrush
for
The force of the blow sends Haig reeling back, the crowd catching him and throwing him savagely back into the ring.
Haig does not wince as the axe takes a chunk out of his arm, but he barely has time to regain his footing before the Aegian readies another blow, and there is little that Haig can do but put some distance between him and his foe, withdrawing three squares south to the centre of the pit in two bounding leaps.
The crowd roars as first blood is drawn, growing ever larger as the fight begins proper. The Aegian turns about to face the Ghoul as he moves to the center of the ring, his tongue running across his teeth. He raises his shield once more as he rushes forward with reckless abandon, primed to slam into Haig once more.
The Sergeant crashes into him with a meteoric blow, throwing the Ghoul back fifteen whole feet. The Sergeant roars as the blow is struck, arms spread wide as the Ghoul staggers back.
"This isn't working." The ghoul grits his teeth, snarling. He pauses for only a moment as the Aegian throws his arms wide, and in moments he's there, driving his blade into his flank.
The Sergeant grunts as the blade pierces the chink in his armor. He coughs violently as the ghoul pulls free, blood dribbling from the corner of his mouth. "Well struck..." He groans. "...But it won't happen again!"
plus bull rush
He roars as he launches into a full assault of twisting bashes and slashes. He begins a swing, only to move into a low, sweeping blow with his tail. As the Ghoul is knocked off balance, the Aegian rises, slashing across his chest with his axe and bringing his shield up in a vicious uppercut, sending Haig tumbling across the ground like a ragdoll.
He steps forward, all mirth gone from his voice. "You're spent, warrior! No man in all of Gracia has the skill to match me!"
"Indeed." He grunts. "Your defence is nearly impenetrable. I am impressed." the ghoul says, lurching to his feet. "But I am no Gracian. I am not ready to concede defeat just yet." he says, pouncing at the Aegian with the last of his strength.
5ft. step
Grapple
The Sergeant swings his axe as Haig rushes towards him, but the ghoul is too fast - He catches the Sergeant's wrist in one hand, violently shoving the Aegian's shield aside as he latches onto the warrior, blade poised to strike.
However, the Aegian anticipates this and leans back onto his tail, delivering a brutal kick to Haig's chest, pushing the ghoul off of him. "This ends now!"
Throwing all defense to the wind, the Aegian pushes his assault, intent on ending things before they get out of hand. Tossing his shield aside, he hammers the hilt of his axe into the ghoul, knocking him to the ground before raising his axe high into the air. The crowd has worked itself into a frenzy, chanting the word "Kill!" over and over. Thoughts of slave taking have been forgotten. They want blood.
~
~
~
The crowd goes silent. Heat devils dance across the surface sand, the sun's glare off the Sergeant's shield almost blinding.
Drip.
Drip.
Warm blood falls onto the desert sand. A tantalizing scent.
"I told you, didn't I?" The words come through gritted teeth. "I will not let you die."
The sergeant pulls his axe free from Evi's back, stepping back in shock, unsure of what to do. He glances around unsteadily, blood still dripping from the corners of his mouth.
Evi struggles to her feet, her injured leg barely able to hold her own weight as she props herself up with Cortez's cane.
"Enough!" Cortez calls out, pushing into the ring and rushing to Evi's side. "Enough! This match is forfeit! He has lost, there's no need to spill further blood."
General Haimon watches amusedly before signalling for the Sergeant to back off. "It is done, then. Annas is the victor - the warrior belongs to us."
Turning to his Sergeant, he scolds him, hissing our a string of harsh criticism. "What was that, Sergeant?", "I'm sorry Sir, I-", "A disgracefully sloppy display. Never let your guard down, boy. Have you forgotten your most basic lessons?", "Forgive me, General.", "Go get that wound treated. We'll discuss your training later."
Cortez only spares him a momentary glance before turning his attention back to Evi, hooking her arm around his shoulder, helping her to stand. "That was a foolish thing to do..."
Evi coughs, her body heaving as blood splatters onto the ground from her mouth. Cortez winces at the sight. "Your lung has been punctured." he says, shaking his head. "We must get you treated immediately."
"The White Queen claims none this day." Evi whispers, her voice faint. Her lids slowly close, and she drifts out of consciousness. "This is small price for a life..."
General Haimon walks over towards Haig, folding his arms behind his back as he looks down at the Ghoul. Watching. Waiting.
Moonlight shines down upon the rocky outcrop, the campfire hidden from the Aegian base camp by the cresting of the dune.
"Let me go!" Evi shouts, struggling against Aurelius' iron grip. The man doesn't relent, holding her fast despite her sturggles.
"You can't!" Aurelius says sternly. "With this injury, and the one you sustained in the sewer, you won't even make it to the campsite, let alone break those two out..."
"I have to go! You have to let me... You have to- KOFF KOFF" Evi begins coughing, blood dripping from the corners of her mouth. "I have to..." She sinks down, her voice wavering, unable even to support her own weight.
Usman crouches down beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder as Aurelius gently lets her down. "Evi, he is right. With these injuries it'd be suicide. You have to rest until you have your strength back."
Evi closes her eyes, her troubled expression clearly showing the turmoil within. Aurelius extends his hand to her.
"At least wait until morning before trying anything rash." he says. "Let your body heal, and the strength of the Elder Goddess return."
Evi takes his hand and stands with some difficulty. The two move to her bedroll and he lays her down gingerly. "Rest now."
Siraj nudges Lucia's arm as Aurelius is occupied, and leans over to her.
"This could be your chance, boss." His voice is a hushed whisper. "If you can sneak into that camp and get the information you need out of that Lizard, we could go after the Seal ourselves - The ghoul's locked up, and the princess is out of order for the time being. The only one left is the gunslinger." Siraj nods over in Usman's direction. "But I don't think he'll be much of a problem. Not with your magic."
Aurelius returns from Evi's side, rejoining the group and hailing everyone over. He looks over everyone in turn before speaking.
"What now?"
---
The ghoul's hand twitches, his blurry vision coming into vision. The last few hours seem like a waking nightmare, the scent of blood and iron lingering in his nose while his body lay spent, unable to move. Manacles bind his hands, and he lays stripped of much of his gear, save for his clothing.
Kreois, the Aegian, sniffs the air, turning an eye towards the creature. For a while he says nothing. "It was a foolish thing you did." he says. There's no contempt in his voice. Nor is there pity. Only defeat. He hangs his head, resting it against the bars of the slave pen.
"Yes. Perhaps." says the ghoul, falling silent for some time. "I could not have gotten past his defenses after the Tyrant Lizard wounded my arm. But this serves my purpose all the same." he says, woodenly.
"I wasn't speaking of the challenge." the Aegian says simply. "That was an honorable thing... But you should have stayed down. An honest man knows when he is beaten."
There's a moment of silence.
"So, a tyrant lizard?" Kreois says. "That's new." The Aegian seems quite chatty over the course of the night, obviously glad to have someone who's seen battle to talk to, despite the predicament he's in. He doesn't seem to care much that Haig is undead, or treat him any differently because of it. As Haig quickly learns, the Knights of Abraxas have worked with all kinds.
Lucia stares across at Evi, a worried look on her face, before bumped out of her reverie by Siraj.
"This could be your chance, boss." His voice is a hushed whisper. "If you can sneak into that camp and get the information you need out of that Lizard, we could go after the Seal ourselves - The ghoul's locked up, and the princess is out of order for the time being. The only one left is the gunslinger." Siraj nods over in Usman's direction. "But I don't think he'll be much of a problem. Not with your magic."
A blank look passes over Lucia's face, her lips slowly moving, making their own calculations. Suddenly, as though struck, she spins to Siraj and gives him an excited kiss, her face nearly bursting with joy. "You're a genius! It'd be so easy! All of the groundwork is done anyway, I doubt we'd even need to sneak." She turns back to Evi with a look of concern, heaving a sigh, "It's a shame though, they've been so helpful, in their way, I'd feel bad just walking out on them."
WIP, cbf right now and dont want it et