Thaegrin quickly holds up his hand, fully aware of the nobleman’s short fuse. Still, he contains a chuckle to a small smile as he addresses Ezkal. “Easy, Thelkonlander. I would not exactly your father’s business traitorous, as much as past lapse in judgment. You are right in that we must move forward. The ‘betrayers’ Jathus was speaking of are the other vassals of Erenon who will likely rebel against the empire. Our noble shares my opinion that a year will show us more clearly who the victor of this conflict might be, and then, we can commit our warriors to the winning side. For now, we give the Emperor what support we can.”
Caught off guard by the mans retort, "RELAX, I was merely imply that those that betray would not stand with the king were betrayers. How people choose to adhear to the king will in its own dictate if they are betrayers. But, planing on a possible failure doesn't make anyone a rebel. The Veir could even be thought of as betraying all of us, claiming his right to rule unlawfully. " Ezkal is as hot blooded as I am.
Caught off guard by the mans retort, "RELAX, I was merely implying that those that would not stand with the king are betrayers. How people choose to adhear to the king will in its own dictate if they are betrayers. But, planing on a possible failure doesn't make anyone a rebel or backstabber. The Veir could even be thought of as betraying all of us, claiming his right to rule unlawfully. "
“If the matter is decided, I have a notion to speak with those of Lake Elra, to ensure they are inclined as we are to a central government. Their battle mages would pose a formidable threat to their enemies. If any of you would join me…”
Thaegrin opens the door. He looks down the hall, at each of the guarded doorways, and speaks to the nearest soldiers.
“Take us to the chamber of the Lake Elra representatives, quickly please.”
Thaegrin frowns but wordlessly turns and retreats back into the room, closing the door behind him.
“Well, it seems we are limited to staying in this room or revisiting the Emperor. I would very much like to send word to your brother Drostan, Jathus, in order to return his forces to Lehrehn, but I do not possess the magic to do so. Since it seems decided that we will support the Emperor, for now, I do not wish to remain here any longer. Unless there is something else any of you wish to discuss?”
The wizard flits a glance to the two Thelkonlanders at mention of his abilities, and looks to the others in turn as he poses the question.
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You are able to slip away unnoticed in the commotion. You gain the halls and a blue tapestry catches your eye: it's moving?
A closer look reveals a secret door.
Inside, bare, damp stone walls lead away with a slight upward slant. Shortly, you come to a junction where you can continue straight or turn right or left.
What will you do?
Hm. Wherever that Halfblood is, he’d better be doing something useful. Hopefully, he hasn’t stumbled across another thug to beat senseless and drag back to the villa…
A sudden guffaw escapes from Thaegrin, momentarily breaking the silence in the room. His gaze idly trails off, avoiding the others, as though he did not just start laughing for no reason. He gently clears his throat and the awkward silence returns.
Ezkal stood awkwardly with his arms crossed. .... so... what now?
"Should we inform the Emperor of our decision now?" Ezkal asked the group.
Thaegrin nods, and looks to Jathus.
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[spoiler=Anga]
You approach the grate and peer through. At first glance you think you see people meeting in this room, but then you realize it is more interrogation than 'meeting'...wait...is that...Bearach!?
Suddenly, you feel a thin cord of rope slip around your neck!..
...but you are able to slip your hand between the rope and your neck.
Raising his right arm he attacks with a high slash as simultaneously his left hand comes up seeking the dark figures ribs.
Jathus speaks straight to the guard holding his group back from departing the room. "We are ready to see the Emperor."
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Anga's rapier flashes for the figure's heart, but he is ready for it.
The shadowy figure catches Anga's rapier in his knife and twists it free with ease while his other hand swings up at Anga's jaw.
Anga ducks away from the blow easily.
The guard nods to Jathus and waves a silent order to a passing guard. In a moment a full patrol arrives to escort the group to see the Emperor.
Upon entering the room the Emperor booms, "Welcome Lord Jathus. We welcome your entourage. We look forward to a prosperous union of purpose. We hope you have made the wise decision?"
Ezkal gives a sideways glance to Jathus, waiting for his reaction.
Thaegrin takes note of everyone in the room, mildly curious if the Halfbreed hides among them.
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The Emperor sits alone at a trestle table enjoying an afternoon meal. Behind him, two massive men in the livery of the Emperors guard stand flanked by two females in close fitting cloth body suits.
The two men look like they'd be one hell of a fight, which makes Thaegrin think that the women must be equally challenging...that, or they are prostitutes...
The Emperor himself is not armored and wears a sword at hi left hip.
As he rises to his feet on the side of the hall from which he came, he activates his second wrist sheath and feels the blowgun spring into his palm. Leveling it at his assailant, he fires!
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A calloused hand grabs for you as you tumble past your foe. His grasping fingers brush the back of your tunic, but he fails to connect. A quick puff of air send the poisoned dart singing through the corridor and sinks into the attacker's neck.
Anga watches as his adversary slows and finally goes catatonic. Wide eyes watch the half-Farenweni, but no movement is possible.
A familiar voice wafts up the corridor: Jathus!
As the body slumps into unconsciousness Anga's hands pat down his assailant with practiced ease, searching for any clue as to his identity.
Setting the person's belongings to one side the man in the shadows pulls out a length of rope and thoroughly ties up the unconscious body. Finally taking his dagger and cutting off a small lock of hair, carefully storing it in a hidden pocket.
Retrieving his weapons he sheaths them and rewinds the small springs in his wrist sheaths. Before moving back to the grate, he quickly checks through the items pulled from his attacker.
With his eyes locked on the would be emperor, Jathus marches into the room drawing his blade. Staying ten feet away, he slowly chests the blade touching the cold steel against his nose and finally giving his blade a kiss. With out pause he kneels and sets the blade to his side. "House Rudianos presents itself to its new King. You have House Rudianos backing your claim my lord." With his show of support finished Jathus stands sheathing his sword. "As soon as we are realized I will send word to my father, and we will start forging a an army of our most hardy slaves, my king."
*"I would also look to offer an alliance of even greater merit. I might be so bold as to offer myself or one of my brothers to wed your sister. Cementing our houses in union of blood."*
As the procession moves down the hall, an unremarkable servant slips in among their ranks and keeps pace all the way to the conference hall.
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The Emperor's eyebrows lift. "Bold indeed. Too bold perhaps...we will see."
"Thank you for your fealty Lord Rudianos. I am eager for you to secure your holdings since it is you that has surrendered to me. I will make arrangements for you to depart on the morrow. I hope I can trust in your dilligence and, He scans the company, discression?"