Rhoekk eases himself down in a corner of the loft where he can see through the slats and get a good view of the outside and around the barn. He crouches in the Aiel fashion, relaxed, but ready to spring at a moment's notice.
Fia takes the corner opposite Rhoekk, keeping her eye on those approaches the other Aiel would miss due to vantage.
Eating your fill of food and drinking Oosqui, Rest is easy to achieve. Rhoekk takes the first watch, allowing all the others to sleep.
You no sooner fall asleep than find yourself back in the barn, the same man who talked to you as you, traveled?, the one who spoke as the sword stands before you, hands clasped behind his back, a stern look upon his features, reminding you of a master awaiting a student.
Certainly took your time. he says in a kind mocking tone. You definitly are different. I have met men and women who would drink themselves unconscious to keep learning from me. Others would get knocked out. But you, you dont seek me out, instead you have waited. Interesting.
Ryland shrugs, his lips curling into a half hearted snarl. "I've been busy trying not to get killed."
The man, hands still clasped behind him, walks around Ryland, inspecting him. Hmmm... perhaps. The choice is yours.
Finishing his inspection, he Squares off against Ryland. Holding his hands out, a set of short blades materialize.
For now, i remember our last conversation that you wished that I was different, that i was the blade that you knew how to use. Attack me, and allow me to learn what you know, so i may best provide for you.
With that, the man slides into a defensive stance.
Rhoekk, as you stand watch, you overhear someone speaking and muttering. Casting about, you see Ryland laying upon his side, asleep, talking in his sleep. While most of the stuff you hear him say is jibberish, two phrases you are able to hear clearly
Valdar Cuebiyari Ta'veren and Valdar Cuebiyari Tai'daishar.
Ryland draws his sword, watching the man as he moves, before swinging wildly as he attacks.
Attack #1:
Damage:
Attack #2:
Damage:
The man easily defends the attacks.
Again. he says simply.
Attack 2:,
Damage 1: ,
Damage 2
Attack sequence 2: Attack 1: ,
Attack 2:,
Damage 1: ,
Damage 2
Attack sequence 3: Attack 1: ,
Attack 2:,
Damage 1: ,
Damage 2
Attack sequence 4: Attack 1: ,
Attack 2:,
Damage 1: ,
Damage 2
Attack sequence 5: Attack 1: ,
Attack 2:,
Damage 1: ,
Damage 2
Attack sequence 6: Attack 1: , Attack 2:, Damage 1: , Damage 2
Attack sequence 7: Attack 1: , Attack 2:, Damage 1: , Damage 2
Attack sequence 8: Attack 1: , Attack 2:, Damage 1: , Damage 2
Attack sequence 9: Attack 1: , Attack 2:, Damage 1: , Damage 2
Attack sequence 10: Attack 1: , Attack 2:, Damage 1: , Damage 2
Enough! the man calls out as he dodges the last attack.
Your attacks are basic, yet pure. They lack the subtely of a blademaster. Tonight, i shall reform to your preference. Tomorrow, we will go over forms.
Kodokura moves into a likely heap of straw, curling up and staring blankly at the wall, not bothering to eat before resting.
Ryland lowers his father's father's sword and shrugs his large shoulders. "My sword work has kept me alive so far. If you can teach me better, have at it."
This version of Matt Cauthon is similar to the other, but more confident it seems. The boy I met* would have been more willing to share his plans, and to strategize with others. This one is almost too sure of himself. I am feeling impatient with him. I wish to leave and get the others to safety. Are we waiting for dark? If so, I wish he had simply said as much.
The ringing of bells, the howl of dogs, the neighing of horses rebounds througout the city. People shout and holler, children cry. The noise is so loud it is impossible to sleep through.
As you all hunker down into the hayloft, attempting to be like barn mice, a lone figure comes rushing in. Swathed in a long cloak, a large staff in hand, the person lifts a hand and throws back the hood. It is Matt.
We have to go! NOW! He says loudly up to the hayloft.
The Children are seaching for you, going door to door. The inn where we met has been destroyed. They are litterally turning over stones to find you. I overheard them say that a WolfLord's voice was felt throughout the area.
Looking at Ryland, he turns his head slightly, as if looking at Ryland for the first time.
You havent done anything stupid, have you?
waving his hand, he continues
Whatever happened, its done. No sense in squabbling about it. Here's the deal. I will lead you to the Inn next to the wall. With the city all fired up, it will be more difficult to get through, but not impossible. You will want to fight your way out. Dont. Do only the amount neccessary to throw them off. Your whole point is to get over the wall, and lost in the Forecastle district.
Handing out cloaks to everyone he speaks
Should we get seperated over the wall, head east, to the spine. Make for the Janghai pass. There, you will see a city hanging on the side of a cliff. Make your way towards there. Someone will see you coming and stop you. Here
He hands everyone a red bandanna. When you get into the mountains, put this on. It will inform those that watch that you were sent by me. But, make sure to put the knot at the front of your head, over your right eye, otherwise you will be shot full of arrows.
Nodding to everyone, he walks to the door Alright, lets go
Stepping out of the stable door, matt leads the group to the rear entrance that you all came in through hours ago.
follow me. do what i do, and try to step where i step. If i motion to stop, you stop. Ok? Looking at everyone he waits for the eventual head nod. good
Stepping out into the alley, matt hustles to the other end of the bypass. Sneaking his head around, he glances up and down the street.
motioning for everyone to follow, he sprints across the street, cloak billowing out behind him.
Ryland tilts his head to the side as he looks at Matt. "Depends. Probably. This is not my world." The Boarderlander shrugs and takes the articles of clothing and packs away what he dosen't need at the moment.
Rhoekk puts on the cloak and signals his comrades to go ahead of him. He will guard the rear.
Fia shakes her head to herself, dons the cloak, and takes the customary position of the maiden, near the front. She moves swiftly behind Matt.
Alathea takes her bandana and nods her thanks. "Thank you for your help, Matrim. We know that you have risked much for us, yes? We will do as you say." Taking a place in the between Rhoekk and Fiallain, she looks to Matrim for further instructions.
Kodo rises slowly and takes and takes the cloak wordlessly from Mat, not meeting his eyes. He begins donning it like a man in a dream, bu as he tucks his sword discreetly inside its folds a fire returns to his eyes. His gaze is clear as he moves up to take position behind Alathea.
As you run from street to street, ducking into alleys, you begin to see an oddness to your surroundings. The sound of pursuit, men shouting, dogs barking, women screaming as men enter their homes, seem to erupt from all around you, yet when you cross the streets, there is no one to be seen.
After crossing the the 8th street this way, matt pauses, thinking out loud.this is really strange. 8 streets in a row, and no one on them. WIth all the action going on all around us, i expected to bump into someone by now. Nodding to himself, he turns and inspects the route.
Ok, down that alley and out the other side you will see the inn, the inn of the prancing pony. It is a three story building with an attic. We will go in through the front door, and up the stairs. Keep going up. At the third floor, go down the hall. Hidden behind a tapestry is a ladder to the attic. Climb up that and push your way through the ceiling thatch.
Once in the attic, navigate the rafters to the center. there you will find a small access panel to the roof. Pop that off and climb up on the roof. From there you will see the wall. It is only 15 feet from the roof to the wall. Should be no problem jumping that. Remember that there will be men on the wall watching, so when you leave the roof you have to go all out. Dont hesitate or you will get stuck with many arrows.
Looking at everyone, he says, lets go! and turns out into the street and heads for the Inn.
Alathea wonders about their good luck in avoiding their pursuers as well, but is running too hard to respond. Only when Matrim halts their movement and comments on it does she gasp, "I will not complain if the Light shines upon us, yes?" She returns to trying to catch her breath and only nods in agreement at his directions, and a look of determination replaces the fear on her face.
Once the party begins to move, Rhoekk follows, keeping an eye for any sign of danger or pursuit.
As they passed first one street and then another and another without seeing another person, Fia felt as if the hairs on the back of her neck were starting to rise. It was decidedly unsettling, these empty streets. Not that she was going to stop and complain at their apparent good fortune.
She pauses and listens to Matt's plan, giving him a short nod in understanding as she readies herself for the dash to the inn.
Ryland takes a deep breath in through his nose attempting to locate anyone near his friends. Burn me for a fool! What was I thinking giving away my position like that? Matrim told us that wolf brothers would track us and I stick my head out like a turkey being baited. Light guide me and keep me from killing us all."
Rhoekk, as you get about halfway across the street, you see several Children round a corner. They stop for a moment, seeing you clearly. They then focus their attention on Ryland, Kodokura and Fia as they run towards the door, and see Alathea's foot disappearing out of sight.
Drawing swords, they shout For the Dragon! and rush at you, hoping to get between you and the door.
Init:
int check
Kodokura, seeing the Children, leaps forward, diving for the open door.
Rhoekk is close behind, but branches out, running into the path of the children.
The children surround Rhoekk, and a couple others get past him, cutting of Ryland and Fia from entering the door.
Alathea turns back towards the door and grabs at Matrim's coat. "Matrim! They've caught Ryland and Fiallain! What should we do?" But even as she asks, a determined look appears on her face and she states, "We must help them, yes? I will not leave and let my friends be caught by these Children!"
Fia does not slow even for a heartbeat, but snarls as she barrels into the line of men with their weapons drawn...
Her fists, elbows, and legs pummel at the man standing between her and freedom...
Ryland howles as he draws his sword and charges the men between Fia and the door. The wolf brother slams into the group as he swings, attempting to push through.
Overrun:
Charge Attack:
Damage:
The sheer ferocity of Ryland barrelling into the children, along with Fia's rapid fists, and Rhoekks stalward stance is enough to repulse the Children, opening a path to the door.
One of them falls back, and begins to speak loudly into the black object on his shoulder.
The fugitives are at the Inn of the Prancing Pony. I repeat, the Prancing pony.
a voice emits from the box COnfirmed. Reinforcements are enroute.
"Get inside! We'll barricade the door from the inside!"
Rhoekk maintains his position, waiting until all his comrades are in the building. He strikes out at any of the children that come too close or try to maneuver around him.
Fia all but leaps through the door of the inn. She skids to a halt and turns, prepared to give Rhoekk aid should the press of children make his retreat difficult. One hand grips the door, ready to slam it shut once the two men are inside.
A Child leaps forward, seeking to get past Rhoekk, only to be hammered into submission from rhoekks fists and feet. Three solid strikes hit the man, the third and final shot to the head rendering the man unconscious.
Back up! Back up!
Who is this guy?
He punches through armor with ease
the rest of the men, shocked by a man using his bare fist in such a controlled method of attack, keeps the rest at bay.
A feint shift forward, rhoekk leaps back through the door, and a moment later Fia slams the door shut, barring it with a plank of wood.
The inn is brightly lit, no shadowy corner, no hidden alcove. A simple layout, large columns in the middle of the room lined in a row to support the structure. The walls are plastered white, with strange items supported. A lance, 15 feet in length, dominates the wall. The massive spearhead makes up the first 5 feet of length, its flat surface smoothed and polished. A noticeable aura emits from the length of it.
Along side it sits several other items; a pair of swords, a dagger, a silver bow and quiver full of arrows, a sword with a hawk etched into its blade.
Further down, you see a wall full of mysterious items. The stand on end, about 4 feet in length. A metal rod supported by wood, with a wooden base makes up these items. A small shelf sits above these rod like things, with small blocks made of brass or silver.
"Are these objects of the power? Mattrim Cauthon? To whom do these weapons and items belong?"
The door blocked for now, Fia steps back and turns to survey the room. She glances appreciatively at the bow and a look of curiosity crosses her features as she takes in the huge lance. The swords, her eyes glide over as if they didn't exist.
Everyone safely inside, Kodokura turns to survey the inn's interior. His eyes are drawn to the three swords.
Alathea lets out her breath once the door closes, not having realized that she'd been holding it. Only after accounting for her companions does she look to the walls of the room and the items on them. This is no inn, not with these weapons here. She pays the weapons little attention; she had never been interested in such items of war, and even were they Power-wrought, she had paid little attention to such lessons in the Tower as would let her identify them as such. The other items hold more interest, but even these are a distraction.
"Come, leave these items," she calls. "They will do us no good if those Children break down the door while we are still here!" But as she turns to Matrim, Alathea's eyes narrow in suspicion. "Lead us on to the roof, then." With a vague gesture to the items in the room, she adds, "Or did you bring us here for another purpose? This does not look like an inn to me, yes? Is it coincidence that we should find these?"
after asking your question, you feel your stress from the enclosed situation begin to quicken your heart. Sweat forms upon your brow as you think again upon your questioning, and remember the pain from the knives.
Yet, an odd thing happens... while you are stressing, you begin to see something, something odd, something you have never seen before.
Looking at the weapons, you see a minute lattice structure upon each item. The elements, fire, spirit, water, air, earth, all elements stand out in distinct colors to your eyes. The formation of each lattice is different, unique to each weapon.
Unable to help yourself, you step forward, and touch a blade, the hawkblade.
with this contact, your mind is able to perceive the multiple layers of lattice enchantments upon the blade, each layer providing something different to either the blade, or wielder. Strength, speed, focus, and a keen edge are words that form in your mind as your hands traverse the layers.
Snatching your hand back in surprise, you are hesitant but place it upon the bow. Feelings of flight, precision, anger permiate the bow.
You all watch as alathea appears to almost swoon after her question, only to walk forward and suddenly touch the hawk blade. She snatches her hand back in surprise, and hesitantly applies it to the bow.
Looking back, and finding Fia, she says simply
I know what these are. I can tell, by touch
"Mattrim Cauthon, can we take these? We are not thieves."
Knowing time was short yet unable to quench her curiosity, Fia hurries over beside Alathea and tentatively brushes her fingers over the bow then the dagger.