Strength Test.
Vladimir strains at the dogs attempt to break free
Daetha’s developing muscles bulge and strain trying to hold the dog back, but to no avail – the leash begins to slip from his and Vlad’s grasp.
“Down boy! Stop! Drop!” yells the lad urgently, hoping that the halflings would have taught such a large and potentially dangerous dog to beck down.
He then attempts to grab the dog again – either to hold it back (if his effort to get it to stop was unsuccessful) or to try to calm it down (if he was successful), stroking and whispering to it.
Orick is still not entirely sure what's going on here. He's going to delay until the start of next initiative. Hopefully then he'll have some idea what to do . . . besides telling an adult.
The hound dashes forwards at Ilran, savage barks and growls reverberate around the barn. The dog's spittle flies into Ilran's face as it bounces up and down. So far Ilran hasn't moved.
Daetha tries to command the hound but thing dog seems to answer to specific words, said in exactly the right way. It ignores the boy. Frantic attempts to grab the leash also fail since the beast cannot keep still.
Orick waits by the door.
Nagy bursts through the stall gate and, seeing the hound about to make things much worse, changes his plans.
Ignoring the villains he'd come to fight, he does his best to calm the dog and defuse what might turn from fistfights into a lethal situation.
Nagy manages to calm the hound. His call of "Sit!" in just the right intonation works and the hound slinks back to his side, sitting. Nagy can rest one hand of the dog's head, and feel the quiet growl ready to ignite again.
Ilran has had enough, the boy lumbers away towards the cries of Kollar. He calls out, "mad dog! mad dog!"
Daetha, Vladimir and Nagy stand by the hound, near where Darnis fell. Orick waits at the doorway. Finwe is ready above.
Korgoth is facing the second stable where Jerrid has Asfer. Beside the stable gate is Taya, not ten foot from the dagger at her neck.
Jerrid holds the girl tight, and places the dagger into her neck just enough to make it bleed.
"Korgi!" cries the little Asfer
Jerrid grins at the young Darkhand, "I have a dagger, you can use whatever you want." His face jumps a little as Finwe lobs a small dagger down to stick in the wooden rail near Korgoth.
Now that the doors are fully open and everyones' eyes have adjusted to the light, people can make out a small hand print on Jerrid's face.
Korgoth and Taya
I may not bee around when my initiative comes up, but I am gonna go for gold!!!
Vladimir feels a growing anger rise in his body he feels a rush of blood to his head and with all of his being yells a command at Jerrid
"DROP THE DAGGER NOW"
If Jerrid drops the dagger Vladimir takes a move action to close the distance to Jerrid
I can't get there before he stabs her, I need more time, I need more time...
Desperately she casts her mind back to when she somehow found the power to stop Leeth beating Vlad.
I need that power now. I need more time.
FW
Barely holding herself together, Taya moves as close as she dares, her voice coming out high and clear. "Do you really want to be a killer Jerrid?"
Asfer cries out again, staring at Korgoth. Pleading.
Taya's hands flick outwards and form a circle as they join. A pinch of wool burns up as it drops through the hands. She chants briefly and Jerrid's eyes go slack. His dagger wavers away from the neck of Asfer, but she is too scared to move.
Seeing the dagger fall from Asfer's neck, Korgoth rushes towards Jeridd.
"Asfer ..run!" Korgoth yells
Korgoth swings his branch at Jeridd, hoping to knock him out.
Nagy's jaw drops at seeing his sister's effect.
The club hits Jerrid on the arm as he ducks. The hit isn't going to hurt the bully much.
Asfer breaks free and runs out of the stable to the others, crying.
Vladimir's commanding voice hits the boy full on and without a word, Jerrid drops his bigger dagger. He then moves up next to Korgoth.
Orick looks for a rock or two, good sized ones for throwing, and seeing as halflings are quite fond of throwing rocks there's probably something passable lying around the halfling barn somewhere. Then he looks to find a suitable location to watch things unfold. Orick didn't want to do nothing, but he was the smallest boy here, and it seemed unlikely that he could be much use in a fight. He would throw rocks if needed, although a rock thrown by his small arms would unlikely do anything more more then sting or leave bruises, a well thrown rock at the right moment could work as a distraction or as deterrent. Orick knew this Jeridd character was dangerous, but there were already four against one, and if he could avoid getting involved he would be a better (and more credible) witness. Sometimes reading father's books paid off.
Daetha nods in silent respect at Nagy as the other boy hits the right command to calm the dog. His eyes are wide – he’s holding himself together well, but he’s clearly scared at what could happen here. A moment later his eyes widen even more as both Taya and Vlad seem to use some sort of … magic? on the bully.
The little girl runs towards him, and he kneels down to engulf her in a hug. “It’s alright,” he whispers to her. “You’re safe now. We’ll take care of him. Stay behind us.”
Daetha then stands and moves over towards where the other boy fell out of the loft. He considers helping the blonde boy who is attacking the bully ... but those two seem to have a score to settle. It would be better if he didn't need to get involved, now that the girl is safe.
Jerrid begins to recover from the magical spells, he shakes his head with one hand raised over his eyes.
Nagy continues concentrating on controlling the dog, watching Taya and Jerrid to see what will happen next.
Jerrid's eyes clear and narrow.
"What did you do Korgi?" the big boy feels his arm and the raised branch. "You will pay for that, all of you."
The little wood elf girl climbs down and fetches her dagger.
Taya's voice still does not seem to be her own.
"We showed you power Jerrid. We won't let you do this."
She reaches for her belt and undoes it, slipping it round the much bigger boy's body and pulling it tight, immobilising him.
As Taya moves around the boy, her spell ends. No longer dazed, the boy reacts instinctively hitting out at Taya.
His powerful fist whistles passed her ear. But she manages to duck in time and ends up behind him .
She also manages to free her belt rope.
Korgoth swings at Jeridd again with the branch, trying to lay him out
"This for bullies, slime sucker!" He yells as he swings
The big boy feels the branch crash into his face and he staggers back.
"You little stable girl!" Jerrid hands come up as he mimics a prize fighter. But every second step he bobs and weaves like a drunkard.
Asfer runs behind Daetha and claps a hand over her mouth as Korgoth and Jerrid square off. "Eeek!"
Vladimir closes the distance to Jerrid and attampts to punch Jerrid square in the nose.
Vladimir's fist caves in Jerrid's nose as he is distracted by Taya. The boy drops like a stone, as his knees crumpled and Jerrid collapses in a heap before Korgoth and Vladimir. Straw billows away from the body.
"UUUhhh!"
Kollar's crying fills the quiet from the far end of the barn. Ilran ran in the same direction. Meanwhile the little wood elf girl quietly leaves the barn and heads away.
Korgoth breathes out, relieved that it is over. He retreives Jeridd's dagger and secretes it in his clothes. He then moves over to Asfer.
"Are you OK Asfer? Did he hurt you?"
Korgoth looks at everyone.
"Is everyone OK?"
Vladimir shakes his fist OUCH! blowing on his sore knuckles he looks a bit embarassed and proud at the same time.
Taya breathes deeply, feeling as if she's been on a long hard journey.
"Nagy, can you tie that dog up again and we need to get Darin to Morvummm's. I don't know how badly I hurt him.... I really wish I hadn't done that." her voice trails off.
Although she tries hard to sound as brisk as ever, the effort is taking its toll. She runs to Asfer and puts her arms around the little girl.
"You were very, very brave Asfer. Much braver than I would have been. What did he do to you?"
Nagy looks triumphant, then he looks at Taya adoringly. "You -- you were awesome, Taya! How did you do that? Man, if he'd hit you . . ."
"Nagy, can you tie that dog up again and we need to get Darin to Morvummm's. I don't know how badly I hurt him.... I really wish I hadn't done that." her voice trails off.
"Right." Nagy suits action to words.
"Taya, I can help you get to Old Movuumn's maybe little Asfer would like to come we can get her neck looked at. Should we drag Jerrid's butt along or leave him with the other animal's in the barn" Vladimir's heart races as he asks Taya if he can accompany her along to Old Movuumn's its a very distracting feeling.
Daetha kneels beside the fallen boy (Darnis) and tries to determine if he is still alive – or how badly hurt he might be.
He looks up briefly to nod in respect at Vlad and Korgoth, but otherwise keeps trying to see if the boy is alright.
"Ummm." Taya blushes wildly at all the attention.
"I don't know what I did Nagy - I only wish I did. What did you say to the dog - that was pretty awesome too. Anyway..." Pulling herself together.
"I think we need to report Jerrid. Who is going to be the best witness? I don't want anyone to think we provoked him and we were four against one. Someone's bound to comment on that ... Dame Leeth for a start. Daetha? Orrick? What do you think?
Vlad and Nagy if you'd help me get Darin to Movumm's that would be wonderful. But let's tie Jerrid up first. And you two," she turns and snaps are the other lurking bullies, "We're reporting you too. What kind of vile bullies pick on little girls. That's disgusting."
So saying, she hands her rope belt to Daetha and sets about helping Vlad and Nagy to carry Darin.
Over her shoulder she adds "I'm sorry. That's bossy and I'm not trying to boss anyone." She blushes again. "You were all wonderful. Vlad, what did you do to him? I nearly dropped a dagger and I wasn't even holding one. It sounded so powerful."
“Er … I don’t know if we need to tie him up,” says Daetha, looking a little embarrassed to be holding an article of Taya’s clothing, even if it is only a rope belt. “I think he’s out cold. You two,” he nods at Vlad and Korgoth, “did a good job. I think … we did the right thing here, but we could still get into trouble for it, and I think it looks worse if we tie people up. I guess …” he looks at Orick, by the door, “we weren’t really involved in this. Well, he wasn’t anyway, so he’d be a good witness! And the little girl could tell them what happened, that that guy had a knife.”
He thinks for a moment. “Are there any adults that any of you know and trust, who would be in a position that if we go to them and tell them what happened, we’ll be ok? I … my mother needs my help, I can’t afford to get into too much trouble…” He looks a little embarrased, but also worried.
"Old Movuumn will believe me. Taya I am not sure what happened, I was just real mad, I cannot stand that Jerrid he is such a bully. Old Gunner is a trustworthy man as well. I agree I do not think we need ropes, the spirit seems to have been doused from these boys. I am scared if Mrs. Leeth sees us my hide is gonna be tanned something fierce. Taya, Nagy your mother will believe us won't she?" Vladimir speacks softly to Taya.
To Taya
Orick steps out from hiding when he sees the bully fall.
"Hey everyone," Orick says, "I saw almost everything, you guys need a witness I can help . . . but maybe you should talk those other two boys into squealing on the bully. I don't think they wanted to be part of what Jarrid had planing."
Orick pulls out his waterskin and quickly fulls it. Orick takes one more glance then runs off.
Kollar and Ilran can be coaxed out of the stables, given a little time and effort.
Daetha can tell that Darnis and Jerrid are out cold and will be for quite a while, certainly long enough to get help. Darnis will need bed rest and days of healing to recover but Jerrid should be up and about in only a few hours.
There is no permanent harm done to either.
Kollar goes to his brother and kneels there tugging at the boy, "come on Jerrid."
Ilran, never a big talker, stays away from the hound.
Daetha is uncomfortable taking Jerrid ‘into custody’. If his brother wants to drag him out, he’ll stand aside and let him.
If the others want to take Darnis to a healer, Daetha is happy to help (after reporting his layman’s assessment of his condition).
Daetha thinks it is a good idea to tell someone what took place here, both to safeguard themselves from getting into trouble, and hopefully help shield Asfer and Korgoth from reprisals from Jerrid’s gang. Daetha will probably tell Palfourd what happened here sooner or later.
Korgoth looks at the others and smiles
"Thank you all for helping me, if it hadn't been for you I don't know what would have happened."
Korgoth looks at the crumpled form of Jeridd and his brother.
"I don't think we need to tie him up. Hopefully he's learned his lesson, but if he hasn't I'll be happy to teach him some more."
Korgoth looks at the other bullies
"That goes for any other smart-alecks as well."
When Daetha tells Palfourd, the priest makes him tell the story in some detail. He wants to know what happened and why knives were involved.
Asfer seems to spend less time with Korgoth after this. Her time is dominated by dolls, makeup and clothes and not so much going to the stables.
"Ummm." Taya blushes wildly at all the attention.
"I don't know what I did Nagy - I only wish I did. What did you say to the dog - that was pretty awesome too. Anyway..." Pulling herself together.
"Yeah, it was, wasn't it?" Nagy sports a huge grin as he goes to tie the dog.
"Old Movuumn will believe me. Taya I am not sure what happened, I was just real mad, I cannot stand that Jerrid he is such a bully. Old Gunner is a trustworthy man as well. I agree I do not think we need ropes, the spirit seems to have been doused from these boys. I am scared if Mrs. Leeth sees us my hide is gonna be tanned something fierce. Taya, Nagy your mother will believe us won't she?" Vladimir speacks softly to Taya.
To Taya** spoiler omitted **
Taya grimaces. "I daren't tell her. She'll say ask is why I was in a barn with boys. Nagy can though. That would be fine."
Vladimir
"Yes - very, very like that. It was strange. I was almost in control of it that time and I think I might know how to do it again if I had to."
Orick dashes over to Hortin's wagon and uses the water skin to refill the bucket.
"There you go Mr. Hortin," Orick says, "all filled up."
Orick feels as though he should tell someone about the fight he witnessed but he's not really sure who he should talk to. Orick glances up at Hortin but he decides that he doesn't really know the merchant well enough.
"Well Taya, lets just hope niether one of us has to do that again!"
At home later the same day, during evening stables, Taya makes the decision to confide a little in her father.
"Dad? Can we work on those whip skills a bit more soon? There's this kid, Jerrid. You know him. I don't feel that safe around him ..."
Vladimir returns to the orphanage trying his best to avoid Mrs. Leeth and any menmber of Jerrid's gang. He fully is anticipating the beating of his life time. he enters Master Leeth's chamber to do some paper work he notices a black book an the table with a red fist on it holding six arrow. Vladimir picks it up and starts to read. He is inspired by a certain character in the book, a shining figure with a lightning bolt emblazoned into his armour, he is cast in this book dedicated to Hextor as a rebal and a trouble maker, Vladimir's new role model is an individual named Heronius.