A Tale: Swords and Sorcery

[WishMaster]

Summer, 4 long years since the banish of Paladin Drake

This is a time of darkness. Poverty among the peasant class is at it's highest. Guards are free to do as they wish, covered in the stench of corruption. It's not uncommon to hear of beautiful farmer's wives being raped, or the innocent to be tortured for the slightest of "offence". More feared that the local guards, are the dukes and lords of manors. These men control the guards, increase the taxes and sign the warrants for execution. If the lord wishes it, then the guards make sure it's done.

Recently in a poor, dirt made boarder village, a well known farmer among the people has been hung for a crime people know he hasn't commit, though the people are too afraid to speak up against the duke. There is also talked of a blue cloaked figure that has been visiting neighbouring villages, this making the guards more on edge, and excitement in the older villagers. It was a clear day, with the rain that was to hold out until the sun would rest, when the man cloaked in blue made his way through the fields of crop towards the village gate.


The proud white horse made it's way from the forests edge, and along the cart sized dirt road. It was a large beast, clearly well kept and more importantly well fed. That was something that was hard to come by for animals these days. One of the local farmhands couldn't help but stop to stare at the figure as he worked. Was it a royal? Should he be stopping and paying his respects? Nah... He had no guards, no coach to ride in. The farm hand's thoughts were cut apart and filled with a sudden fear, however, the horse coming to a stop as the figure pulled back on the reigns. His head was down, his head hidden by the overhanging cloak. He spoke softly in a manor that brought peace to the worker's thoughts.

"Sir, is this the road to Blackwallow?"
"Y-yes sir! This here is Dunham. Your on the main border road to Blackwallow" He pointed down the road, up past the little village and past the manor that dwarfed it on the hill. "Past the village and the dukes manor. Just over the river you'll see"

The stranger nodded, dropping a small sack into the poor man's hands. Quickly kicking, he set the horse off before the farmhand could ask it was a mistake, walking up to the gate in the distance. It would be a good five minutes before he arrived.

[kyanthia]

Times were tough in Blackwallow the market, once a center of trade was almost silent as those who had a little money silently went about their business watching over their shoulder at the ever watchful guards. Even the thieves rarely ventured out unless someone of Note came to town.

In The Market's heart though things were more lively, A small group played music Wile the exotic Ekima danced with her flute. Though their hat was far from full the people gathered round to watch as she twisted and turned her raven hair following behind the dark-skinned girl like a cloud. Her bright garments hearkening back to a richer time before taxes came and crippled the people and slaughtered trade. A Time the people prayed for and some made whispered plans to return to.

[WishMaster]

As the figure slowly rode up to the small wooden gate, a pair of guards stepped up to meet him. Rumours that a blue clad figure had been slaughtering guards and dukes had made it's way here a long time ago. Of course this rumour wasn't true. It wasn't entirely false... But still it wasn't the whole picture.

Both spears game down to level with the stranger, the larger of the men barking out an aggressive "Halt!". The horse came to a quick stop and one of the pair braved taking a grip on the reigns.

"Whats your business here stranger?" Asked the other, his weapon already lowered and on his guard. Again the stranger had his head down, his face hidden from the narrowed eyes of the two guards as he spoke,
"My business? Well now, I'm just... Passing through"
And with that he vanished, leaving the guards standing there with one hand on the reigns of a horse and dumbfounded looks on their faces. In reality, he'd simple stopped the time around him, pushing past the stone figures of the guards and slipping past the first leg of the market square. He'd made it to the well and the ring of stands before the guards, caught up with him. There was no way he'd be able to talk his way out of this one he thought to himself as a rather large guard charged him with sword, shield and a mad useless scream. The figure braced himself, drawing his blade and keeping his body low. Spinning to the side, the guard swung too early, missing completely and in turn receiving a large gash across his back from the retaliation. As two more men joined in to encircle the man, he was slowly forced back up against the closed door of a hut. It's music soon drowned out the clash of blades, and shouts from outside.

No-one would have even noticed what was happening, had a guard not got a lucky strike against the stranger's weak side, followed up by a heavy slam from his large tower shield that sent him crashing through the rickety wooden door. He rolled backwards into the room, his hood dropping back onto his shoulders and his cloak flailing about at the stranger's movements. He had no time to look around at the startled men and women who in turn looked on in horror as three guards clumsily blundered into the room.

"Don't mind me" He said, a cheeky grin on his face that mimicked in his tone of voice, "Just a little trouble with your village idiots"

And with, he resumed a stance, seeming to struggle more by the time the 3rd guard had made his way into the room.

[kyanthia]

The crowd dispersed as the stranger came into the Tavern at the Market's heart where the music had come from. The music died at the guards entrance the musicians with their bright clothing did not seem a threat even as a small boy in a yellow tunic took the hat full of coins. People were making themselves scarce, all but Ekima.

She stared at the figures of the guards at the door and then shifted her attention to the stranger, He seemed so bright to her..like the sun she could barely remember, his presence nearly drowned out all else as with Wizards that had wandered through so long ago. A smile spread across her unpainted lips as he spoke his voice cheeky, she imagined his face would show as such. She stepped down off the tables so she was closer to him though she was not sure why she did this...perhaps because he was a novelty.

[WishMaster]

Well the people of Dunham weren't quite so bad! No-one had tried to kill him with a chair in this particular tavern, nor had the guards been given any significant training. He almost stopped to think about what he was going to eat afterwards, half way to putting his hand on his chin and tilting his head whilst looking roof-wards. He was brought back to reality by the roar of one of his attackers, parrying the blow and helping him on his way. Of course that happened to be head first into the nearest overturned table.

Around the room people were hiding behind tables, chairs, kegs, anything to stay safe. All in slight shock, but mostly not that he'd come crashing backwards through the door, but for that fact that he'd fought back. The stranger had picked up on this as he found himself quickly scanning the room. He was surprised to see one of the local population step towards him. Looking at her, her brightly coloured, reasonable loose clothing wasn't exactly a ballroom gown. It did, however, compliment her dark skin, her dark hair and her rather unique sparkling sword.

Wait? Sword?

Yes, a large, slightly overweight guard forced his way between the two, pushing Ekima, quite forcefully, in the opposite direction. There was a quick clash of metal, the "oof!" of the last guard who received a boot to the stomach and a crash of tables and chairs as the chubby, armour clad male took a blow to the face. It'd fallen silent. There was only the wind, gushing in through the remains of the door that picked up the silky blue cloak, making it dance around the tavern floor.

The stranger had sheathed his blade, looked around at the mess, and elegantly strode across the room to the tavern keeper, sending Ekima a slight glance as he did so. "Uh.. Sorry for the mess." He said before turning to the scattered crowd who'd began to come out from hiding. "Yes... Sorry for the mess. You can get back to your party if you like now ladies and gentlemen" And with that he slipped a small pouch across the bar, "This should pay for the tables, and a drink if you don't mind"

He sat down to enjoy his drink, surprisingly calm as the still slightly shocked crowd of peasants slowly started to chatter again. A brave musician plucking at some notes in attempt to liven the spirit. In moments the tavern was again, bustling and the stranger became much harder to pick out.

[kyanthia]

Pushed aside She stumbled to the ground as the stranger quickly dealt with the remaining soldiers. She looked his way as he gave the tavern owner something and requested that they continue.She had to smile as Clopin Started to play and she rose her bright yellow skirt swishing as she climbed back on to the stage And lifted her flute to her lips.

Music soon filled the room again and she started to dance arousing cheers from a few of the people and a few more coins for the group. The music picked up tempo as other instruments joined them. They for a few more hours and at their last song Took their bows and started to Disperse many heading to the few rooms they held. Ekima Made her way into the crowd, The stranger was not so bright now but he still showed in her mind's eye making her wonder what kind of man he was... She took a seat at the bar and was brought a drink, paid for by one of the many men in the tavern. She nodded her thanks unsure who it was and started to nurse it as she mulled over how the troupe would get out of town..


Her thoughts were interrupted by Clopin who came to sit beside her whispering that more soldiers were coming. She sucked in a breath at that, not all that surprised but alarmed nonetheless. Soldiers meant trouble, and possibly death for someone..most likely the curious stranger. "How many?" She asked keeping her voice low.

"At least a troop, but more could be hiding.. they have the Inn surrounded " Clopin answered deriving a curse from her.. it seemed that there would not be an easy escape for them.

[WishMaster]

Drake had been quiet, keeping to himself and being left alone by those that had much sense. Some in the room saw him as a hero, others just a well off troublemaker. Rumors had started to circulate about him even being a paladin! Just a rumor none the less.

The three guards had long gone, knowing their opponent was too lucky for them to take alone. All that was left for Drake to do was to attract the duke's attention, put a little fear in his heart so that he'd become more accustom to the idea of the end to corruption. No, so far Drake had done more with fear and threats than actual fighting and overthrowing those in charge.

He'd taken another long look at the brightly clad dancer on the joined tables of the tavern, along with her band of minstrels who brought the room back up to it's original spark of life and entertainment. She was pretty, that was for certain. However why had she chosen to step forward when the fighting had begun? It confused him... Could she have detected his magical essence?

Whatever it was would have to wait. For now he needed a place to stay, but not here. He'd have to sleep rough the first night unless he could sweet talk
someone into giving him a roof. Well, he'd have to wait and see.

[kyanthia]

Clopin looked over at the stranger a half grin on his face.

"I've never seen you so intent my dear" he murmured, Ekima just made a shooing motion with her hand and left her seat making her way to the stranger. She favored him with a smile half her face hidden from him by a sheer veil, her sightless eyes were often a turn off to the audience.

"Hello traveler, did you enjoy the show?" She asked him innocently.She was almost light blind this close to him, she wondered if her perception would adjust if she were around beings like him often... She brushed that thought away willing herself to be charming and personable, so many soldiers... She figured just for him for they always went after those with power in such numbers.

[WishMaster]

"Hello traveler, did you enjoy the show?"

Drake turn his head to face the voice, then his whole body when he'd realised it was the woman from earlier. He'd taken a moment to stare into her eyes, something quite peculiar. Unique. He'd met magicians with oddly coloured eyes, burning eyes, shining eyes. But this woman seemed blind and yet totally responsive to her surroundings. He mentally shook his head, cursing at himself for being so rude before he spoke, his voice casual and positive.

"I did indeed. I am sorry for interrupting it earlier on however. On that note, are you ok? Those tin heads were incredibly clumsy and rude to brush a lady like yourself aside."

He once more began to wonder about her eyes, her face as it was hidden behind the veil. He eyes an obvious contrast against her raven hair and smooth dark skin. She was well acquainted with the people here, though it wasn't hard to know that her ancestors were definitely not from around this place.

[kyanthia]

"Oh, I'm alright... it takes more then a few bumps to hurt me.Though, I'm afraid your troubles are not over yet.. The soldiers in this town have grown sneaky and even as we speak they have the place surrounded." She informed him her tone casual, as if she were noteing the weather. She seemed completly at ease though she knew all to well her pretty head could end up on the city gates, or a trophy in the Duke's dungeon. She then rose motioning to him suggesting he should come with her, a motion that had gotten her many a coin in the past.

She skillfully navigated the tables and chairs, some broken from earilier, She knew the bartender was not pleased with that.Though she had no pity for the man as she slipped up the stairs and down a corrider, to a small door that had been charmed long ago to look like a normal bit of wall. With a bit of searching she found the pull and opened it dispelling the illusion for the moment.