"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.
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"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.
"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.
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.
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?"
"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 -
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?"
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."
"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."
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.
"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."
"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?"
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."
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."
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?"
"No." he says. "You are right, the heat of this country causes me much discomfort." he states, woodenly. "I asked nothing of the wretch. We were merely on our way to the shade stables to feed and water our horses when the wretch accosted us. It seems he needs another whipping. You lizardfolk treat him too gently."
He turns to Kreios. "You will address the lady Evi with proper courtesy. Let this be a lesson to you." he says, snarling. If the guards turn away or are otherwise distracted, he will add. "...and do not call me ghul."
"" he barks, eyes narrowed and voice curt and uncaring. "If he is not here, if our trail goes cold, then everything has been for naught." he says to nobody in particular, frustration clear in his voice. "We shall not stay in these lands any longer than we have to. Your elite guard shall not stop us in our pursuit. If you have a use for us, we shall win you your freedom, but I shall know if you lie."
"What is it that makes you doubt us so?" the ghoul growls. "I know what it is like to be a warrior caged.." he says as an aside to Evi. "What do you know of these Knights of Abraxas?" He turns his gaze back onto the Aegian, eyeing him appraisingly. "We seek a man from the East. A man named Katsuyori Takeda. How long have you been prisoner here?"
Haig cannot suppress a grin at the Aegian's spirit. "You there, Kreios!" he barks, meeting his gaze unflinching. He looses his shortsword in it's sheath and motions at his bonds. "There are things that we wish to know. Answer us and you may well have your wish."
"... and have him gloat to his kinsmen over their evening meal? It seems secrecy has failed us, but..." he retorts under his breath as the taskmasker lets out his roaring laugh. He recoils slightly as he meets Evi's gaze. "Lady Evi... you are giving me that look again."
Haig hesitates, casting a hateful glare at the ground before turning desperately to Lucia for aid.
Haig doesn't need to be told twice as he ducks out of the tent, pulling away from the caravan and sharing a glance with Evi. "He spoke of the emperor as if he were an old friend, yet he shows no concern for him now." he growls, stopping to curtly ask the quartermaster if he wishes to trade. "I do not know what to make of this man." Walking away from the wagon, Haig places a hand on Lucia's shoulder, hailing her with a gravelly whisper. "This way." Haig lopes over to the sparring pit, watching the combat with apparent interest. He paces around the arena until the Slave Pens are in clear view, glancing into the pens to search for any human slaves before approaching the hooded Taskmaster, Evi in tow. "Hail, friend." he says, bowing his head stiffly in greeting, his voice calm, collected, and almost pleasant. "I will take but a moment of your time. My lady wishes to purchase one of your slaves. Will you leave us by?"
The ghoul nods gravely. "I shall try not to speak overmuch." he grunts, turning away. "If the opportunity arises, we may make our move. Be prepared."
"What did the old man say?" the ghoul snarls, over Lucia's shoulder. "If an opportunity arises, we may make our move. Are you with us, sorceress?"
"I..." Haig begins, taken aback. "Yes, Evi. As you say."
"This place is well fortified, lady." the ghoul says, disconcertedly. "I expect they have the skill-at-arms to match." He lowers his voice as they approach the camp again. "How should we approach? Do we join the caravan, or attempt to spring him under cover of night? Perhaps we must look to the sorceress for aid..."
Hill:
Haig lingers by Evi's side, clutching the ring hidden in the folds of his clothing and listening patiently to Siraj, sitting in respectful silence as Evi speaks.
"Evi has many tales to tell, but does not take much joy in the telling. " he says, solemnly. "Not a season ago we traveled southward through the lands I had once called home. I too gazed upon the Lord of Devastation. He sat atop his mountain thone, casting a great shadow across the battlegrounds at his feet, wiping them clean with cleansing fire." "I think that one day, things shall grow there again, and warfare will be a distant memory." the ghoul says, distantly. "I do not have many tales, but perhaps I have enough to sate your curiosity." The ghoul picks himself up, staying low as he peers outward into the camp. "Hard to believe the Emperor is in a place like this. It is funny where forgotten soldiers can find themselves..." the ghoul says, shrugging. "We could scout out the camp. By cover of darkness." he says, glancing at Evi. "What do you think, my lady?"
The seemingly impassable trial of the Saguaro is far behind him, and a great weight seems to have been lifted from his shoulders. He can hardly suppress a crooked smile at the defeated look on Dimas' face, pulling his shawls tighter to hide his face. As Evi and Cortez speak, Haig stares at the horizon gravely from the back of his camel. He stays silent, assessing the situation with his arms folded. Haig seems surprised as Cortez approaches him, hesitantly stepping from the saddle and extending his outstretched hand gingerly. His mouth hangs open in shock, and his voice lowers, and for a moment his eyes waver on the golden ring on Cortez' hand as he slips it back into his glove. Spoiler:
"You place much faith in me. It gladdens me to know the Seal will be safe. I had feared this... guild of assassins would target you. It would be child's play for them to pose as one of these mercenaries." he says, woodenly, glancing around the camp.
"This is a wise course, Filipe-sama. It will be safe with me.." Haig will examine the ring closely before turning to Cortes. "You have been... very kind to us." he begins, with the rough, impassive tone of one not used to kind words. "I am glad you were not devoured by a rampaging Tyrant Lizard." he says, bowing stiffly.
Travel:
"My lady..." he says, moved, riding in silence for some time. "Such a life... a servant. That It is the only life I can remember. That I know. I know nothing of... of friendship. I... I must have had friends. I expect that they died along with me." he says, distantly, before returning to the topic at hand.
"You forget that I too swore a vow, Lady Evi." he says, with a wry smile. "To protect, serve and honour you in all that I do. But... I... I know little of friendship, but is it not the job of a friend to protect his fellows from harm, to share with them and fight for them? These things I know." he says, staring fixedly at the long road ahead. "...and do they not also count smiles and laughter among their duties? These are things I think we have both forgotten." "To think. Friends with a creature such as me.." he says, shaking his head and glancing over his shoulder. "You are truly one of a kind, Lady Evi. I would be honoured to call you friend." Morning: "I had thought you hailed from this land of Gracia, sorceress." he says, bemused. "I had... never thought to ask any more than that. What forests do you speak of?"
Travel:
Haig grips the reins tighter, steadier as the road trails on ahead, riding at the head of the caravan. "The warlock, Lady. Will he return?" he asks, distantly. "I... I have never asked the tale. Of your journeys. Your companions." the ghoul asks, listening to the mercenaries chatter.
"Is it... a happy one?" he ventures, turning to her. "I did not wish to ask with the pain of departed friends so near. I feared that they left because of me." Camp:
Haig sits sullenly against the Automaton, watching Aurelius on his patrol and cursing his still-useless arm. He oils his bow, unstringing it, and slides his new shortsword from its sheath several times, performing several swift cuts in the air before sheathing it again. He shakes his head at the talk of rifles and automatons. "Bah. It is all sorcery to me." he murmurs, busying himself with his whetstone. Morning:
"It is comforting." the ghoul says, breaking out of his reverent silence as he stands his vigil by Evi's side. "Staring at the stars."
"I too learned the prayers. When the time comes, the Queen of the White River shall bear me away." he says, woodenly. "That is all I need know." Survival Rolls:
Flex Time with Usman:
Haig traces his fingers along the familiar bow, testing the pull before slinging it over his shoulder and turning to Usman. "You have taken good care of her." the ghoul says, appreciatively. "A sign of a capable warrior. I am glad to know we have found more than just trouble and ill fortune in this land." he says, with a stiff nod, walking back toward the caravan. Haig will add his low growl to Evi's voice as he joins in the prayer, chanting words that sound more at home in the halls of Blackhost than the middle of the desert. Haig sways in his high saddle as they ride through the forest, staring resolutely forward as they press onward. He tries several times to speak, to break Evi out of her morose silence, but cannot seem to manage more than an apologetic grunt each time as he, too, rides in silence. Until they reach the forest's edge. Haig cannot suppress a grin at the conviction in Evi's voice, but his face is wiped clean as he stares across the horizon. His grisly mouth hangs open at the sight of the monolith. The same childish wonder that he wore through his short sojourn to Sozomiru seems to take him. "When you have seen as many shackles and horrors as I..." he whispers, "Well, sights such as this still take my breath away... Well, figuratively speaking. Of course..."
Flex Aerguson Happy-Fun Time: "Take this blade." Haig says, thrusting the axe roughly into Usman's arms as he examines his new pistol. "I trust you have been taking care of my bow. Now that you are properly armed, I would like to have it back... Lest I get any fool ideas again about trying to dispatch a Tyrant Lizard with swordplay alone."
"Damn." the ghoul curses, sullenly, managing with some difficulty to pick himself up. "This arm is no good for the time being. If trouble comes my way again, I will need a weapon." he says, eyes fixed on the shortsword before turning to Aurelius. "Let us hope that next time I am fit to return the favour." Haig picks himself up, unwrapping his shawls slightly to reveal a tight, dark leather harness around his jaw, neck and shoulders. He unbuckles it with his good hand and hands it to the creature, gingerly. "It is magical. Crafted in Blackhost to keep me restrained, but it serves another purpose. It will help you drag away your prey and this cloak, warded against simple spells. I would have that your, if you will... and another item of value. Have you any other treasures, Stormcrow? We require more weapons."
"...if he had taken a moment longer than it would be as if I had died one more soldier under Kaneda's heel and two less monsters would walk the wild places." he says, morose, before lifting his head in challenge. "Do lecture me on honour and heroics." he glowers. "The beast was apon you. Had it not been the braying camel it would have been you. That was a chance I was not willing to..." he begins, indignant, "I had only to dodge it's jaws once. It was...You... I-" he trails off, seeming to wilt under her withering glare. He hangs his head, sullenly staring at his broken body. "You are right as always, Lady Evi. I shall be more careful." he sighs, shrugging lopsidedly. "... and I shall be asking the smuggler for my bow back." "But it is as I vowed. None of our number are sailing along the White River." he says, an unfamiliar warm note on his voice, a ray of hope that dies in his throat as he glances to the east and to where the raptors had been. "R-...Right?"
---- Haig hails Lucia as she approaches. "I had expected something less... explosive." the ghoul says with a rattling sound that might be a chuckle. He meets the enchantresses gaze with a crooked smile. "Thank you for coming to my aid. If you had not I would be a little less crispy, but likely in several pieces." he says, matter-of-factly, as if the thought doesn't phase him at all. "Your magic is powerful, sorceress."
"To... protect, you." he says, smiling weakly. "... and Master Cortez and his rifleman. The creature was bearing down apon us. I had hoped to spill its blood and... -tch-...slip into the fog." "Blood for Saguaro..." he says, distantly, as he attempts to pick himself up, reeling, managing to sit up slightly without falling back into the sand. He glances about, noticing that Dimas is nowhere in sight, oblivious to the shouts to the east. "I had decided... that I would not fail you again." he says, glancing at the cane by her side. "I do not feel the pain. It is a worthy sacrifice."
Haig exchanges the briefest of glances with Evi as the great lizard turns to the braying camel. A window. Their forces were routed, and their last line of defense, the great scoped rifle behind, must be protected. "" Haig takes two sweeping steps forward, draws his blade, and sheers through the creature's flank with a great leap, landing at it's feet as it rears up, praying that the shield spell will hold.
Spoiler:
Haig stares fixedly at the creature's jaws as the chaos erupts around him. He remains in cover, watching the creature and planning his moves carefully, starting as Evi jumps in front of him and envelops the creature in fog. He turns over his shoulder, and barks "You heard her! Scatter!"
Haig steels himself, blade at the ready, standing staunchly by Evi's side despite the rampaging monster above.
"You are right." the ghoul whispers grimly. "Pray that we have the firepower to take the beast down. By the White River let it be so..." He turns to Siraj and Lucia, nodding at the woman's plan and grunting gratefully as she casts her warding spell. "May fortune be kind to you." The ghoul looses his blade in his sheath, sparing a parting word with Usman before taking cover behind the cacti. "Shoot straight, my friend, and come back in one piece. I hope you have been taking care of that bow."
"If you have a plan, make it quick." the ghoul growls at Cortez, dismounting. "A flashy assault from the treeline. Pepper it with everything you have and I will intercept it. Focus your attacks, and whatever you do, don't enter the clearing." "I shall charge the creature from the cover of the trees. Who shall approach with me? the ghoul says, eyes scanning the camp. ... lady?" he adds, with a glance at his mistresses wounded leg.
Stealth Check:
"I know that my counsel is worth little, but I say we follow. This creature knows better than us how to survive the red desert moon, and I do not mean for any more to die on my watch."
"I too am ready for battle. But not yet." the ghoul says plainly, in Aurelius' direction. "Look there." he growls. "One set of tracks. Many, many days old. Notice how our guide leaves not a trace. It is far too big to be the trail of a man. I fear it would not be wise to follow blindly any longer, but while the creature is pacified I do not wish to provoke it." "" he says, holding his arms wide and meeting it's gaze. "Where do you lead us?"
"You honour me, lady." he says, listening in silence. "Yes. Such is the way of the Black Lands, but I know little of this desert... and this does not seem the same creature that struck at dawn. For one, we are all still breathing." Haig ignores Lucia's jest, giving Evi a meaningful look. "I have a distaste for crows." he says, knowingly, before leading pressing on ahead in silence, eyes fixed on the back of the creature's head.
Haig grabs the reigns of Evi's mount, and takes a few steps towards the forest path. "The fool sellsword does not know when to hold his tongue. Who is he to dictate his course to his master?" the ghoul says, glowering at the sand. "Yet I fear he is not wrong. I had not anticipated this turn of events..." he says, shaking his head and looking to what is really bothering him. "This silence, my lady... I need your wisdom. I fear I will lead you to your death, and... It pains me. To see you look so sad."
Nodding briskly, the ghoul falls in step behind the creature, leading the caravan onward. "Those who lack the conviction to press on had best take what supplies they need and turn back." he growls quietly to Cortez before turning to Lucia. "What did it say?"
"We must pass. We are seeking someone, and will not turn back." he turns, eyes fixed on Cortez and the leering caravan guards behind. "Any who wish to turn back." he says,turning to the creature. "You must not harm them. As for the rest of us... We must find the Emperor Takeda. We must press through your forest. Where do we stand, creature?"
Haig will slip from the saddle and take several paces towards the creature before digging his feet firmly into the sand. His hand rests on the hilt of his blade as his shawls lash about furiously in the wind like angry serpents. The only thing keeping him at bay are Usman's words. The ghoul stands still, waiting for some sign of aggression from the creature, some hint of it's purpose, some clue as to why it hasn't attacked yet. Sense Motive -
Haig wheels his lumbering mount around, looking to protect his charge. He draws his blade in an arc and peers at the creature, ready to spring from his mount and charge at any sign of movement.
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