@Cuccoruler

"Yeah...I just need to move about for a while. My body feels too heavy."

Kaathe stretched after he returned from the hole he had created in the wall. His eye twitched when he saw Cythlla with nose plugs. It seemed as if he was the only one to suffer whatever putrid, murderous, mortifying smell that was. He ought to have thrown one of those broken bricks at Henry, but decided against it. he wanted to move about, and see what he had missed. He apologized for the damage he had done to her wall, and left. His body was sore, but that was to be expected. It seemed that he had missed something, as there was some sort of festival going on. He had to stick to moving about the higher spots, as the amount of people was annoyingly large. He didn't want to move in a crowd. That worked against his own wishes. It was like this for the entire time.

The next day arrived, and Kaathe was told to attend the funeral of three comrades. He didn't cry for them, as it was foolish. Whatever happened to them, only happened because they had allowed it to happen. Still, he respected them in a way. They had travelled in the same group as him for long enough. It seemed that others had respected them as well. Finding himself alone, he spoke to himself in a whisper,

"How did those three knights end up? You know, the ones that held experience, rage, and a free spirit? I fell asleep for a moment, and then they just disappeared. Serves them right. Allowing themselves to die like that...what chance would they have had in the future?"

The dark elf returned to Cythlla to check on her and her bear. They were to leave today for their next destination.

"Cythlla. Henry. It's time to leave. Are you ready?"

Glodin watched as his friends burned in the funeral fires. The Elf lass, strong of will, mind, and body. Her human lover, a well trained fighter with tremendous strength and as stubborn as a mule. He lost two great comrades that he escaped hell with, and he will not let their deaths be meaningless. Glodin vowed to aid in the fall of the so called "Dead God" even if it cost him his life. The dwarf retuned to his room once the ceremonies ended and packed his things to be ready for the ride and whatever may happen on the road. He made sure to carefully wrap a plate from Bartuc's old chest peice and Ruinil's dagger before placing them into his pack. Glodin barely managed to stap his pack shut when the messenger came to tell him that his Captain was ready. Glodin nodded his thanks to the young man before donning his armor and weapons, then lastly the bulging pack onto his back. He was a sight as he walked through the halls and to the stables with a backpack on his back roughly the size of him, while being fully armored and armed with a copy of the Captains sword resting on his shoulder.

He set his pack down with the Captain's gift on a crate before saddling up his mule, making sure that a tent and bedroll were securely attached to the side along with his pouch of trail rations and a second pouch of nothing but bottles of ale. He was silent as he prepared and he only gave a sad nod to his Captain when he made eye contact with her.

There was only silence, silence and cold on the journey to Loringrad. The loss of their valiant Knights held an atmosphere of sorrow over the party as they continued on the path. Winter had already begun since their escape from Starguard and since then the snows in the north began to accumulate. White was the path on which they tread, the snows in covered the trees of the forests in which they passed through. For sixteen days they rode, at first their journey proved arduous as they traveled along the northern mountain range. The snows there were heavy and the risk of avalanches were frequent as a result of the wyverns native to the area. Once they'd passed the mountains into central Farendar the land began to change. The mountains they'd just breached held back the winter frost and so only minor snowfall had come to the rest of the realm. The air nevertheless was cold and bitter, with winds at some points biting at their flesh.

The first five days were relatively quiet, they'd traveled off the main roads in northern Farendar to avoid the enemy which now controlled the region. On the sixth they'd encountered signs of a vampire in the area. Such a thing was not a concern so long as they slept in shifts. Their theory was proven right as that night the vampire had attacked the camp. It was made short work of, it's head severed and it's body burned before the knight continued on their journey. On the tenth day when they'd crossed into heart of the kingdom, the group arrived at the village of Deirandt. There they found shelter and supplies as well as hearing news of the current events in the capital. Apparently the king has grown sick, some fear his time to be near and now his children prepare for the naming of the heir to the throne. With this newfound knowledge, the company continued on with haste. Hoping to ensure what they visions showed would not come to pass.

With such speed they were awarded with an early arrival. Rather than the normal twenty day journey they arrived at the capital in sixteen. At the gates of Loringrad they were greeted with the sight of the first city of man. A beautiful and old city, it's walls stood high and firm, it looked impenetrable due to the sheer intimidating architecture. The gates itself was a massive pair of steel doors protected by an equally massive portcullis. There the knights stood, after sixteen days of weary travel they stood at the feet of the most powerful city in eastern Miras. Atop the gates stood a guard captain, a large and bearded man who's voice seemed to echo due to its powerful tone. "Who approaches the gates of the royal city of Loringrad?, he yelled out to the visitors below. Evelyn held up her shield which bore the emblem of The Order,"I am Knight-Captain Evelyn Sunderland. My men and I request the audience of King Gregor".

The guard captain scowled at her answer before speaking again, "You claim yourself Knights of the Dawn, though word tells of your order's demise at Starguard!"

"You speak the truth, our order was attacked though we are far from gone. I bring with me the last words of Knight-Commander Grathan which he wished for me to give to the king"

"And what words would they be, eh?"

"Words for the king's ears only"

"My business is to protect this city and those who reside within, especially his majesty. You'll not see the inside of this city unless-", before he could finish a city guardsman arrived delivering a letter to the captain. As he read over the letter his face went from a look of smugness from his remark towards Evelyn to a scowl as a result of what the letter meant. Lowly he addressed the Knight-Captain, "You've been granted entrance into the city...as well as an audience with the king".

The look of satisfaction on Evelyn's face was not that hadn't been seen in almost a month. As the guard captain called for the opening of the gates, she couldn't help but feel a sense of victory. Her promise to her commander would soon be kept.

As the company rode through the city streets they were greeted by the smell of fresh bread and other treats from the nearby bakeries. The sound of music and merriment from the local taverns flooded the air as children played in the streets. They passed by museums and art galleries, brawling arenas and jousting tournaments. The city had everything one could hope for and more. For now though, business was to be taken cared of. The gates of the royal castle met the knights with open arms. As they entered however, a castle servant rushed to give Evelyn a note. Curious, she opened it as she rode into the castle stables. Once her horse had been settled in she took the time to properly read the document, within it wrote:

"Once the Eagle and the Lion have spoken, a council will meet in below the den of the Lion. The one light will be replaced by many and the gentle lover will grace the land with its radiance, such will by the terms of this conclave..."

The note was cryptic but she knew what it meant. If it was given to her then the Eagle meant her family coat of arms and the Lion being the symbol of the king. Whoever this person was, they wished to meet in the lower levels of the castle. As for the part of the lights and lover, the one light being replaced by many was the sun's absence being replaced by the moon and stars. So at night in the catacombs was the arrangements of this meeting. For now Evelyn decided to keep this to herself, if she deemed it necessary she'd later bring backup down into the depths with her.

Evelyn had visited Loringrad Castle multiple times, before as a maiden to learn of court intrigues and etiquette. Now she came as a messenger of tragedy, a herald of war. The Chamberlain led Evelyn and the knights to the entrance of King Gregor's court. Outside the door, he informed them that he was in the middle of another meeting and would be ready for them soon. Evelyn took this time to address the men on how they were to approach the king. "I trust you remember your training in court etiquette? Bow before the king, do not turn your back to him, and address him only as 'My Lord' or 'Your Majesty'. I'll introduce us then deliver the message, I'll then look to you all to give your recollection of what happened. The king will need convincing of the severity of the situation. Hold nothing back, every...every detail of that day must be shared. Just...be careful with your wording". Evelyn said a brief prayer to Altaia before the group was granted entry.

There at the end of the chamber sat the most powerful man in eastern Miras, King Gregor of House Brundvik. Beside him sat his five children, each in their own throne but all eyes gazed upon his. As for the king himself, he looked weary though determined to hear what news the knights had brought from the north. With as much energy as he could muster he spoke, "Welcome, brave knights! To what do I owe such a visit? Lady Sunderland, this been some time since we've last seen one another. How fares your family?"

Evelyn bowed low before answering, "My lord I thank you for granting us this audience, we are humbled by your generosity. I fear however that I shall not see my family for quite some time more as unfortunately my lord we bring news of tragedy. A darkness has risen in the north, an army of cultists, demons, and other abominations has gathered and claimed our order's ancient home of Starguard. Our numbers were decimated almost overnight and our leaders have all been slain. I know this my lord for we escaped such a horror to inform you of such an enemy and to ask for your aid"

The king became sullen for upon hearing of the slaughter he was reminded of something, "And what is Aundair, my son? Was he present at Starguard?".

Evelyn's stomach suck at the realization of this. The prince was there at Starguard, he was under her command and it was now likely that he was dead. "Forgive me,my lord, Prince Aundair served under me at the time. During the attack I was unable to find him...I fear the worst", Evelyn came down on bended knee, a gesture of her sympathy for the old king. Gregor was instantly in anguish, resting his head in his hand he silently mourned the loss of his son. Beside him, Princess Vanessa came over to comfort her grieving father and the others followed suit. It was Prince Rodrick who felt more anger than sorrow, "I swear to the old gods and the new I will slaughter every last one of those savages who murdered my brother! Father, give me an army and I will exact vengeance for our fami-".

"NO!", King Gregor's voice echoed through the large chamber. Rodrick stood silent before the throne, waiting for a more sufficient answer. "...I will not lose another child. First my queen, now my son. The gods have punished me, surely"

Just then another voice could be heard, Prince Davon would speak, "Father I don't see why you are so distraught. You've five other children to succeed you, the kingdom is not in danger yet".

Gregor looked up from his grief to glare at Davon, "It is for that same reasoning why you shall not be king". Almost immediately Prince Davon jumped up from his throne and to the center of the court. "You speak so highly of Aundair yet you saw no issue with sending him off to join them?! Now you sit here and weep while you wonder why the gods would do such a thing? You're nothing but an arrogant old man! A fool!-"

"And your king!", shouted Prince Aedan, "Whom you will grant the respect deserving of such". Davon said nothing more, he only glared at Evelyn and the others as he stormed out of the court.

Princess Vanessa steped away from the king's side to speak with the knights directly, "I thank you all for this warning. I'm afraid my father is unable to hear more at the moment, perhaps tomorrow we may resume? I'll have the servants prepare chambers for you all".

"Thank you, my lady. We are grateful for your kind hosting"

"Please, don't be so formal Evie. Our families have been close for generations, its the the very least we could do.", Vanessa held a warm smile despite what she'd just heard. Evelyn noticed this and was reminded of their time as youths. "You always were the friendlier of the two of us", she said with a smile beginning to form. With that the two said their goodbyes before Evelyn and the knights retreated to the hallway. "That did not go as expected. Still tis better than nothing. Very well, we should unpack our things in our rooms. You all have free reign to most of the castle but please be civil. The city is yours to explore as well just do not stay out too late", With that Evelyn strode off towards the gardens, eager to see if it had changed since her last visit.

Landeel was as quiet as everyone else on the journey, he honestly regretted Ruinil and Bartuc's death, he never wished death upon them but the unfortunate event had still come to pass. He shifted from time to time, putting a hand over where the wound from Bartuc's knife had been. He'd had to patch his wounds himself but still managed to keep them hidden well enough from the rest of the party during the journey. Once they had reached the city he wandered off while Evelyn held her audience with the king, heading off to find and inn or a tavern or anywhere he could sit down for a little while.

---

Marco had barely known the deceased knights, but he mourned them all the same. At the city he waited outside the throne room while Evelyn spoke with the king, having no desire to deal with court especially with the subject of the meeting, and intercepted her as she exited. He spoke in a hushed tone "Evelyn, I need to speak with you later, when you have time" the tone of the last few words was meant to imply a bit of importance. After saying this he walked away, not waiting for a response, intent on stopping by the quarters provided to them for a short rest.

Argus had been devastated at the loss of two of his friends. He was there at there funeral and tried to withhold his tears Wich failed miserably. After that he started to drink a bit more than was good for him. This had caused problems when the party left for Loringrad. The firs few days where that of Argus falling of his horse and at one point it got so bad they bound him to his horse. However when the alcohol was out of reach Argus awoke from his slumber and actually became functional again.The rest of the journey went swimmingly. besides the brawl in a tavern. And the vampire annoying them. Which they quickly and rather violently disposed of. And then they arrived at the capital. The city looked in good shape which was weird considering the dire nes the world was in. Yet it seemed that the flames of war had not touched this city. Rather the opposite as the city streets where clean and the city looked,smelt, and felt good. Yet there was something that made Argus fell uneasy. He had heard the stories of how elves and dwarfs where seen as second class people. Well these tales turned out to be true as Argus felt eyes looking at him with disdain and some even with hate in there eye's. Argus just shrugged it of but he did walk a little closer to Evelyn just in case. They entered the castle and where lead to the throne room. After having seen the little drama before his eyes Argus withed a chuckled at how silly it all sounded.Politics where never Argus's strong suit. He had always found it more as a joke than anything else. But since he didn't want his head removed Argus remaint silent he always did. When Argus was permitted to leave Argus bolted out of the political clusterfuck that was the castle and get some fresh air.

Karl never attended the funeral, he knew he wouldn't be able to handle it. He didn't say a word when they moved out, he hadn't said a word since after the funeral, there was nothing to say, nothing to do. He had thought about joining Argus in his drunkenness, but he decided against it. The city reminded him of his past, living in a human orphanage, with human caretakers, and the event that changed his life. He never went into the palace or castle or whatever it was called, he stayed with the mounts and equipment outside, when whatever the Knight Captain finished whatever it was she had gone to, Karl left to his own devises, he wandered the town finding himself in the slums he found a bar and entered, sitting himself in the farthest corner of room. This allowed him to scan the room and kept him from getting stabbed in the back. His mind was a mess of memories and emotions, his hands where gripped around a mug of ale, and his eye watched the room taking it all in.

---

It was not long before Evelyn found her way to the gardens. The few times she was in Loringrad with time to spare she could easily be found here. Slowly she strolled along the path, gazing at the flowers which were beginning to wither from the encroaching winter. Even though they were near death, the colorful petals managed to release one last bit of life in the sun. Though she enjoyed being back, Evelyn wished she'd come at another time...and under better circumstances. The chill in the air only aided to remind her of the enemy in the north and it would not be long before they'd set their gaze upon the capital.

Evelyn took a seat at a stone bench overlooking the reflection pool in the center. The water was still with intricate carvings along the edges. At the corners were decorated with prnate flower pots holding exotic flowers most likely from the Western half of the continent. Even with all this, the garden felt...incomplete, as if something had been removed. Just then a voice from behind announced it's owner's presence. "It saddens me to see the garden so, it feels as if only yesterday this place was bursting with colors as the blossoms basked in the sun", Princess Vanessa had entered the garden and it was when Evelyn jumped to her feet did she realize what was missing. "My apologies, my lady, I did not hear you enter", Evelyn bowed as she quickly turned to face Vanessa.

"Come now, did I not say to lose the formalities?", Vanessa smiled as she walked over to take a seat at the stone bench.

Evelyn let out a soft smile before sitting beside the princess, "Forgive me, these past few weeks have been...difficult to say the least"

"I can only imagine, from what news that comes from the north, you must have seen horrors one can only see in their darkest dreams", Vanessa looked to the pool, gazing into the still waters before speaking again. "Even so, you've come through no worse for wear, and you're just as beautiful as we last saw each other", Vanessa nudged Evelyn's shoulder who was now blushing as she let out a slight laugh. "Thanks, I only wish I'd come for reasons other than war. I'd have love to see this place once more in full bloom", something was bothering Evelyn and it was more than clear to Vanessa who leaned over to get a better look at her friend.

"Now what's that mean? You've gone on for this long, the gods would be playing the worst joke of all to have you fall before seeing this through...what's wrong Evie? You know you can tell me"

Evelyn remained silent for a moment as she stared out over the pool. Her eyes held much sorrow in them as she held back tears long overdue. Finally after taking a deep breath she spoke, "They're all dead, Vanessa. Grathan is dead. Him and all the commanders died at Starguard. All those men and women I trained and saw grow from mere children to knights, their lives gone in an instant. Gods, even after we fled that horrid place death followed us. We've lost so many since then and along the way. Before we embarked on our journey here, two of our kin were slain. They were in love, Vanessa, and not even that could save them from this evil. I've failed them all, each soul taken by that thing is my failure as a knight of the order!". Evelyn was on the verge of tears but as she turned to face her friend she was suddenly in her embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Evie. I can't imagine how it must feel, but know this; what happened that day was not your fault. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it from happening. Even if you lost some along the way, the fact that you reached this far has taken so much strength. You can't give up my friend, if you wish to avenge them then you must see this through", Vanessa loosened her hold on Evelyn who dried her eyes before speaking. "Thank you", she said in a soft voice of warmth.

"Not so different from when we were children, right?...Listen, Evie, I've been meaning to talk with you. It's urgent and I trust no one other than you"

Evelyn took a quick look around to see if they were being watched before replying, "So it was you who sent me the letter?".

"A letter? No I wasn't even aware you were coming to Loringrad"

"Then who sent the message to the guards?", Evelyn slowly turned her head to take another look once more around the garden. Once again there was no one there but now she had the distinct feeling of being watched.

"I've no idea...do you suppose?"

"Yes. Someone has infiltrated the castle, possibly an agent of the Dead God...listen Vanessa, have guards stationed outside your family's rooms at night. In the meantime I'll try to uncover the spy", Evelyn was about to get up when Vanessa grabbed her cloak, bidding her to stay, "Evie wait, I think what the spy and what I wanted to talk to you about are one in the same", Vanessa glanced around before continuing any further "Davon has been acting strange as of late. Before he was as you knew him to be; stubborn and brooding. As of late he's been growing more and more hateful of everything. He's often gone out of the castle and just around the same time, father has grown weak and ill. I fear foul play to be at work"

Evelyn knew Prince Davon, he was a quiet man, not prone to showing off. He preferred to take the unseen route to achieving his goals but with the timing of all this, Vanessa may be right with her suspicions. "You don't think he'd?...to his own father?!...I'll look into it, in the meantime you need to be careful"

"Thank you so much, Evie, I don't know how to repay you", Vanessa said as she hugged her friend once more. "Tis what friends are for"

Glodin followed Evelyn into the throne room for the meeting with the King. He held his tongue for the entirety of the talk that ensued, until they were told they could leave. Glodin stepped forward and bowed low, his beard touching the floor."Your Majesty, please accept my condolences on behalf of my brethren under the mountain. Prince Aundair was a great man, My Lord. We are here for you, Your Majesty."

The dwarf knew it was informal to speak when not spoken to when in the company of royalty, but royalty or not, he could not stand by and see a father in such a state. He rose from his bow with pain in his eyes before following his captain out of the throne room. He diverged from the captain's trail when a servent came to him telling him his room was ready. He followed the young man to the room and set his things down on the table and asked the young servant for a quill and paper to write with. Once he had it he wrote a quick note-
Knight Captain Sunderland,
I have been meaning to give this to you since we returned from the kest hive in thanks for saving us from a gruesome death by the claws of those beasts. The rune will allow you to use your magic to charge the weapon with whichever element you wish.

Sincerely,
Glodin Stonequarry

He rolled up the parchment before attaching it to the hilt of the blade and handing it over to the servent. "Take this to Knight Captain Sunderland's chambers. Im going get a strong drink and try to forget my sorrows." He told the young man before leaving to find some ale.

Booted feet, gently plated with a light emerald green armor stepped easily through the garden. For all the armor the man wore he made almost no noise. His movements were smooth and sleek, like that of a cat ready to pounce upon its prey at any moment. For all the color in his eyes there was no warmth, a cold hearted stare permeated from beneath those brows, only caring for his duty in this world and nothing else. Beside him were a woman and a man wearing the garb and armor of dawn covenant knights very disimilar to his own though they all wore the Dawn Covenant cloak around their shoulders. He stopped several feet behind the Princess and the Knight captain and announced his presence by letting the haft of his polearm drop onto a stone. “Knight Captain Evelyn, it is a wonder to see that not all the order is dead. i feared the worse when I heard the news and brought my men straight here. We have been staying here in secret to be sure no one would try to attack the Royal Family for harboring us, as we had no idea the extent of the darkness that was swallowing the north.”

He looked to each of his knights in with him at the moment before turning to the Princess and bowing. “Majesty, I do not believe you and I have had the pleasure of meeting yet, as I have only been addressed by the guard and the King at a time. I am Knight Lieutenant Taegan Skalanis.” It was a well known name among the order and even outside of such, though for all the wrong reasons. He and his were known for their more brutal approach to those considered evil. It was a name known for lack of mercy and killing innocents simply to be sure that they were not corrupted by evil, many looked down upon his tactics, but his work had always bore fruit in some way, shape, or form no matter how atrocious. “Knight Captain Evelyn. I have my ten knights with me here. We stumbled across two on the road, but they were lost to a Wendigo unfortunately though the beast is now dead.”

He didn’t smile, or grimace it didn’t seem to matter what he talked about good or bad he seemed to keep that same blank expression he always seemed to have. THough there was always that feeling of cold hatred permeating from him, as if he had nothing left in him, but hate. A hatred that had blackened his very soul and made him into the merciless killer he was. It worked though he was a machine when it came to destroying the dark, and those under his command looked upon him with awe as if he was the absolute end all on the subject of dealing with matters of evil. His footsteps brought him slowly towards the captain and he took a deep breath. “It is wonderful to see you alive. “ Though his expression betrayed him as he was completely neutral on the subject of death and life, as all died or lived by the whims of others.

Outside the walled city of Loringard some half an hour away by horseback, Tabetha was alone in a fallow field, wiping the sweat from her brow and sighed in frustration. In front of her lied crumpled piles of earth. Animating a golem was a high level geomancy skill and it was clear to her that she missing some fundamentals. Shaping the body was not the problem. The problem came in the from of her magical reserves. A constant supply of magic is needed to fuel a golem's movements especially for one that is suited for combat purposes. Naturally, the larger the golem the more magic that is needed to move it. Once that reserve vanished, the golem ceased to be.

Never mind trying to impart some degree of intelligence for some autonomy, for such a spell to be this draining on the user's body, she found it odd how some geomancers like her mother could maintain their golems for almost an indefinite amount of time without showing any visible strain on themselves. It was as if they were supplying their golems with magic from a different source. If this was true, where was this source?

She bit her lip. Tabetha knew she could simply create many golems with just the smallest amount of magic to keep them barely running but they would be extremely weak and shatter at the first swing. She was trained by mother, a powerful geomancer in her own right so being able to create a single powerful golem should be possible too. Of course, her mother had centuries more experience than her. Perhaps she should focus more on the intermediate spells?

Tabetha felt tired and her belly groaned for food. 3 hours did pass since she began to train. It was a good time to take a break. Whistling for her steed, she climbed onto the horse's back and rode back to Loringard. She arrived in time to see an unusual occurrence at the city's gates. Too far to hear the conversation between what appeared to be the leader of a war party and the watchman, she did see that they bore the symbol of the Knights of the Dawn. Upon closer inspection, she did not recognize any of them and they looked haggard and worse for wear. They were not members who were stationed here and came from far away.

The gates opened and the newcomers entered with the gate closing behind them before she could catch up to them. Once she stood at the front of the gates, she shouted at the gatekeeper to let her in. Obliging the request, Tabetha entered the city. She thought little of the knights who just entered for her mind was preoccupied with pangs of hunger.

She entered a nearby inn and ordered food. "Thanks for the meal!" she said to no one in particular, digging in.

The two noble ladies had little time to actually reminisce of old times. Not long after their conversation had ended did another enter the garden. He was an elf, clad in armor of his kin with the cloak of The Order. Evelyn knew who he was almost immediately, Taegan Skalanis, and like Marcus he was brutally dedicated to The Order. While a desire to purge the world of evil was to be admired, zealotry has proven time and time again to be dangerous. Evelyn gave an affirming nod to the lieutenant before saluting him and his two guards. She remained silent, her mind pondering the possibilities before her as she allowed Taegan to continue speaking. Vanessa on the other hand was all too welcoming of Taegan as she curtsied before him. "Tis a pleasure to meet you, Sir Taegan, my family is in your debt", Vanessa greeted the elf knight with the same warm smile as she gave to all.

Just then a servant girl came forward, walking up to Vanessa before whispering something in her ear. "Unfortunately it appears I am needed back at court. Sir Taegan, I believe Lady Evelyn will require your aid. For the time being you are free of your charge over me to assist her", Vanessa then turned to Evelyn with a smile before hugging her tightly once again. "Take care, my friend, for the times are trying", was the last the princess said before heading off back to the King's Court. Now it was only Evelyn and Taegan with his men, the four occupied the garden with Evelyn pacing alongside the reflection pool. "Lieutenant I must speak with you of a matter of the utmost urgency. Unfortunately I fear the garden to have ears so we must delay our meeting till later. If you'll come with me to my chambers I'll explain to you the situation", Evelyn didn't wait for a reply but instead began walking towards her chambers.

So much was unknown, and so much weighed on the next few days. Prince Davon, a possible suspect of treason may be under the influence of the Dead God. Then there was the anonymous message, possibly a trap, or possibly an ally. Evelyn was trusting but not a fool, she'd need reinforcements to accompany her to this meeting. Only those she trusted, any guard would not suffice, too much rested on this meeting. Then there was the ultimate question: Who will take the throne? It was clear that King Gregor's days were numbered, with or without foul play. If he did not name an heir then the throne would be open to any of his children. The possibility of civil war loomed on the horizon and the thought of it becoming reality gave Evelyn goosebumps. Of course all this was in the future, for now she'd deal with the issues ahead one at a time.

Argus had quickly left the castle after he was excused and relaxed as he breathed the cold winter air. A sense of relaxation came over him. He looked around at the city itself admiring its pristine architecture. But then he noticed something else. He saw humans looking at him like he was filth. Apparently the sigal he wore meant nothing to them. Yet they didn't dare to address him. They just looked at him. Argus just ignored it and decided to find the nearest tavern. Then however he found one of his companion Glodin as well." Glodin my brother! I think it's time for another drinking match wouldn't you agree?" Before Glodin could react Argus was already pulling him along towards the biggest tavern he could find. When the two dwarves entered the tavern they saw a small feast going on. Apparently it was the barkeeps birthday which meant that drinks where half price. There was also a small arena in the middle where people where boxing each other. Argus immediately Walked towards the bar and ordered a keg for himself and for Glodin. He Then raised his cup and screamed at the top of his lungs."FOR THE ORDER!"
And started to drink.

In collaboration with the famous and extremely handsome @TheDarkTemplar

Marcus / Theadore Doubleblade / The Ocular

Marcus comandeered a horse from the stables and began his journey to the isle. Reds 'gift' was still tucked securely away in his sleeve and he would not risk it for anything, believing it to be a valuable key to the future of this war and if she had willingly gaven it to him then he was in her graces more than he suspected. Only a good thing with troublesome women like her.

The trek took him nearly 3 days riding the horse brutally, twice he had to stop and buy another to continue the journey lest he lose precious time. Finally he arrived at his destination, to the careful onlooker it looked as if he were setting up camp for the night in abandoned barn. Marcus set the horse free after feeding it and brushing down its coat, gliding to the tall and broken doors unconcerned with what might lay within. A trapdoor was set in the floor, becoming visible when he flashed his hand over it.
Down into the earth he went, likely a hundred feet to the bottom before he had to make a difficult jump to a lowhanging alcove that might be missed by a casual onlooker. On his belly he crawled through the long tunnel till the dropoff, landing lightly in a spray of dirt.

Before him lay the ferryman, his boat overturned and himself laying on the tunnel ground with a knife protruding from his chest. From the look of him, death had come about two days earlier. The dwarfs skin was grey and sooty, with a white beard and grey lifeless eyes. Marcus stood and prayed for the mans soul and turned his attention to the boat.

He never even felt the fist that knocked him out cold.

-------------------------------------

Marcus awoke to the sound of water hitting the side of something metal, and the soft groan of the water as someone paddled. Dizzy and disorientated, the ranger forced his eyesight to cooperate and saw a familiar dwarven figure rowing him through the fog. The knife was still in his chest.

"Oh, you're awake now lad? Sorry 'bout knockin' on your noggin' but rules is rules. Suppos'ta wait for an escort!" Despite the exertion of rowing the dwarf was neither out of breathe nor sweating, a strong sign of strength and stamina.

"Apologies, master. My business was..." Marcus rubbed the back of his head, feeling the bump where metal had met flesh. "Urgent. Tyr sent me to deliver an artifact to the Ocular. Said it was important."

Theadore stormed forward with a grimace, grabbing Marcus' collar and roughly pulling him within inches of the bearded face. "Tyr contacted ye'? Not me? Not the Ocular? OUT WITH IT BOY"

"S-She was captured by a Dwarf, Argus Starcrusher, at Thanermere keep south of the tunnels. Drugged her, I set her free the same night. She gave me an artifact to bring in person." Marcus tried to steady his breathing, unused to the angry outburst by the usually calm dwarf. Theadore let go of Marcus and calmly took a step back, returning to the task of rowing them to safety.

"Ye' see to it that next time Tyr finds ye' she had better find her arse back home, do I make myself clear?"

"Crystal clear, Master Doubleblade." Marcus was unusually pale.

"Good. Now get some rest, it'll be a bit more till we reach the isle. You remember now, he's old and I'm not a member, so you leave me out of this. Overseers are all in a tussle over which o' them will succeed his bony bottom when the sleep takes our master for good." He left unsaid that Theadore truly believed death had forsaken the Ocular.

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Marcus and Theadore had made the shores in good time, the seas were calm for once and it made for swift progress. The pair made the long trek to the centre of the isle via tunnel system, one that Marcus had to be blindfolded before entering and led by Theadore who advised him 'not to touch the walls'. None must see the den of the basilisks but one of their own.

They arrived at the castle sometime in the night, the air was cold enough to freeze your blood it felt, but neither of them complained of it, used to such extremes after the time spent here. Boldly Marcus entered the castle unannounced and could not contain himself, making haste past the underlings and overseers who tried to stop his path forward, even threatening one such younger Watcher when he refused to unbar the path.
Finally he stood before the Most high Ocular and fell to his knee, head bowed in respect.

"Apologies, sir. My business is too urgent to wait." Marcus reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small stone from his pocket, roughly the size of a gold coin. It was black but at its center a green glow seemed to emit from within. "Tyr instructed me to bring this without delay."

The High Ocular was adorned in a robe of the deepest black, it shimmered slightly as the moonlight from the nearby window illuminated his cloak. The Ocular had been looking out the window at the time of Marcus' arrival. Turning to face the watcher, The Ocular removed the hood which obscured his face. A dark elf, very old and worn, his face featured multiple scars, one in particular being a set of scars along his cheek giving the illusion of a smile though his face was stuck in a perpetual state of stern. From the window and behind the desk he behind the desk he gestured for Marcus to stand and approach the desk. A long ornate table made of ebony wood, it featured carvings of runes and other unintelligible characters. The Ocular approached the table and with an outstretched hand he spoke, "Bring it here"

Marcus rose and approached the desk with a mixture of fear and awe, having never seen the Ocular so closely before was an honor. He placed the glowing stone at the desk and backed away slowly, returning to a kneeled bow.

The Ocular stared at the stone as it lay upon his desk for a moment before picking it up. As he reached out it looked as if he hesitated before taking hold of it. Closing his eyes he felt the surface of the stone, smooth but slightly rigid as if it was more a shard than a stone. "Did she say where she found it?", he asked upon opening his eyes. It was clear that the sight of this thing brought a feeling of discomfort to the Ocular as he scowled at it with hate in his eyes.

"Apologies but I know not the exact location it was aquired, but I do know it was after Tyrs mission in Talmaria, acorrding to her reports the cultists are breading Dreakind with excellerated growth."

"I've seen something like this before...memories of a distant past. I know not what this is exactly but I know it is not the only of it's kind. Relics of ancient times, before man set foot on the eastern shores. I must search my mind, relive the days of old, only then will we fully comprehend the evil work of the Dead God", The Ocular stretched out his free hand and in an instant a spectral overseer appeared before them. Without hesitation, almost too happy to do so, The Ocular handed the stone to the specter before it disappeared in a flash. "Our agents report that Sar'than's cultists have spread as far west as the coast. We can be sure to find heavy resistance should things go accordingly. How fares the Templars from Thanermere?", The Ocular slowly sat down at his desk, his hood once again over his head but his orange eyes seemed to glow through the shadows.

"The Templars of Thanremere keep fare well, they have absorbed the outer town into their own ranks at my request to strengthen numbers. A murder took place, two strong templars left dead while the murderer runs free. In the wake of this the Knight-Captain Evelyn Sunderland has gone to Farendar. The ones left are heavily fortifying the castle incase of an attack, with regular patrols."

"I shall send a number of wraiths, they'll ambush any approaching troops, thinning the horde before it reaches Thanermere. That keep is what will hold back the Dead God's army...at least until the time is right", with a sigh The Ocular glanced over at a memento which lay atop his desk. A shard from a throwing knife, very old with scorch marks covering it completly in a dirty black veil. "I trust Tyr is headed to the capital? The situation there grows dire with each passing day", The Ocular rested his hand atop the shard before bringing it back to clasp the other.

"Last I heard, yes. With respect sir may I have the honor of taking four watchers to see to Sunderland. She is an important figurehead and I respect her. If nobody else, I ask we become known to her alone."

The Ocular sat in silence, contemplating the possibilities and their consequences. The ramifications should their presence be known to the world...a number of things could happen, most he did not find favorable. There was a rather long silence before he spoke again, "Four Revenants. They will maintain complete disconnection from her but keep an eye on her...in fact, eight Revenants. Have them watch every member of her party. I believe they will all soon be aware of our existence. Should any of them speak of us, they are to be silenced"

Theadore stepped forward at the request, clearing his throat with a loud cough. Many of the Overseers turned angry glares his way at the breach of custom from the simple ferryman. Theadore locked eyes with one such man and growled at him, threatening grabbing his weapon, the man backing down.
Theo walked undaunted past the others to the desk of the Ocular, neither bowing his head nor keeping a respectful distance as the others always did. "Vren'Torlus Arakthaal, I have served too long and seen too much. I ask to join the group and lend my aid. I will not reveal our history, of this I promise. On our friendship all these years. What say you?"

A collective gasp stole the room. Not a living soul in this hall had ever heard of the Oculars true name, let alone the ties to the Ferryman that had served faithfully for longer than they could recollect.

Marcus was wide eyed at the exchange as well. To gain the powerful dwarf on the front lines was incredible odds to say the least. He nodded to the command of his superior and left to gather the men he would need to keep safe the others, and to add his own commands.

As Marcus headed for the exit Vren stood up firmly and with an abrupt speed. "I trust you will not let whatever emotions you harbour for them obscure your allegiance, Marcus. There may be a time when our closest allies may become enemies should our goals conflict", The Ocular sat back in his seat as he watched Marcus leave. Turning to Theo he again spoke, his voice seemed to echo in the silence of the hall. "You may join him, Theo, but remember this; friendships only go so far. Should we be compromised, I cannot promise you a warm welcome back go the isle...go now, tis likely the two of you will need to make haste to the capital", The Ocular relaxed in his seat, rubbing his temples he began to comfort himself in the decisions he'd just made. A great deal weighed heavily on how this introduction went down.

Evelyn walked with haste to her quarters, being a frequent visitor in the past she knew the exact route there. Upon arriving she had two of Taegan's knights stand watch outside the room after they entered. Once inside, Evelyn checked practically every nook and cranny in the room. The closets, the chests, the balcony, even behind the curtains, once she was satisfied that they were not being observed she turned to her fellow Templar with a look of suspicion and concern. "I've spoken with the princess, she believes foul play to be responsible for the deterioration of the king's health. What's more before I arrived here I was given word of cultists in the capital. I fear there to be infiltrators among the king's guard. You've been here longer, what have you found so far?", Evelyn removed her shield before placing it at her bedside. Her dagger was placed upon the nightstand as she feared a repeat of Starguard.

Taegan stood still in the middle of the room watching her go about checking every nook and cranny. He finally took to removing his cloak and folding it neatly setting it on a table in the center of the room. He finally leaned his polearm by the door and crossed his arms over his chest, the steel plates for some reason making no sound at all. He took a deep breath and settled down into a chair and poured himself a cup of water. "It would seem that some men are acting suspiciously and have been not themselves lately. Guards have been talking about how long time friends have suddenly stopped speaking to them or even angry at them for no reason. As for the king's declining health I would believe it to be the work of someone close to him. Unfortunately I do not feel we can trust any of the Princes."

"This sounds like the work of a mage. To distort the minds of the guards, make friends turn on one another...almost like Starguard", a chill ran down Evelyn's spine as she remembered seeing the battle of Starguard. Templars fighting one another in the chaos of it all, so much death and she could only flee. "If a member of the royal family is behind this then they do not act alone. A cultist most likely controls their actions, coercing them to do such things. If we capture the guilty noble another will take his place. We need to find the source of the corruption but we cannot rely on the guards. Tis likely whoever is behind this has influenced their minds, specifically the hierarchy of the city guard", Evelyn sat at the table across from Taegan not daring to be distracted by pouring herself a glass. With her hand resting on her sword she knew she'd not sleep much these next few days. "There may be one person we can trust. Upon arriving at the castle I received a letter. It's contents told of a conspiracy against the royal family however vague it was. What's more whoever sent this offered aid, to meet in the catacombs at nightfall. I've served long enough to know a potential trap when I see one. I'd like you to accompany me along with another from my company"

Eyes slowly lifted as he looked from his cup of water to the Captain, behind her stood two people, both of them covered in burns, they leaned over Evelyn's shoulder looking at her face then each other, then back to Taegan and started to grin. 'She's probably the traitor Taegan, she probably betrayed the entire Knighthood. I bet she let turned them to darkness, and that she is simply waiting for her chance again." Taegan's face began to take on a red hue in anger and he slammed a fist into the table and growled "Be quiet." He then frowned his brow furrowing as he stared at Evelyn once more and blinked a few times. "Apologies.. I completely agree with you however Knight Captain, I believe we should be careful and perhaps keep all the Knights in pairs at all times, even in their rooms. One awake one asleep when they take to their beds. Just to be safe. We cannot have what is left of the Order being killed again."

Evelyn waited for Taegan's response but all she got at first was a slammed fist and hushed words. The sudden strangeness from Taegan was noteworthy but it did not make him a suspect as of yet. "I agree, it should help to single out the ones acting suspicious. Have your men spread the word, in the meantime I must speak with one of my own", Evelyn got up from her chair and headed towards the closet to examine her clothes. " Would you mind? I'd much like to get out of this armor"

He shifted in his chair and pushed up from it. With a frown he stared at her. "With the way things are now.. I'd take the blisters and the smell and keep the armor on, but your choice." He picked up his items he laid down and donned them before pushing open the door. "You two.. We have a plan. Everyone in the Covenant travels in pairs. sleeps in pairs, stays in pairs... One awake one asleep. You two pass it to every knight and then have them hook up with another knight so they are not alone." He watched as they run off to do his bidding he turns and looks at the Captain. "I hope we are wrong, and that we are simply being paranoid, but that is usually never the case. Captain.. I hope you have a knight to pair with." He closes the door and begins walking down the stone halls his feet quite as velvet on silk. He stares at a few guards as he passes them by and they stare in turn. "Everyone in this place... Everyone is a suspect."

In a drunken stupor and holding tightly to a bottle Karl stumbles into the courtyard and makes his way to the castle doors, the guards there give him a strange look as he practically trips up the stairs, pushing open the door he stumbles through the halls until he passes a couple of templars, he only half hears something about staying in pairs, then something about getting him someone to stay with, "Pisssh off, I'm looking for the Knight-Captain. I think, or a bed. Yeah bed sounds nicesh." Karl mumbles as he countinues his drunken ramblings. Slowly but surely Karl finds his way to the room assigned to him for their stay, flopping onto his bed he starts to fall asleep when in his mind he hears, "Traitors all of them, every single one a traitor. Kill them.",Karl rolls off his bed landing harshly on his back on the stone floor, "Leave me alone! I've had enough trouble for one life time I don't need anymore!" Of course Karl had forgotten to close the room door and his shouting caught the attention of a passing person, who takes one look in the room sees the bottle then goes back on their way, but as sound does Karl's shouting floated past some of the other templars doors, most of them had seen Karl walk past and the others knew the sound of drunk men so they ignored him.

"Maaag-nificent" Marco muttered as he dragged himself to lean on a nearby wall in the alley he'd wound up in after a short and frankly unnoteworthy series of events, keeping one hand over a stab wound. "Thing just keep getting better don't they?" he was talking to no one as no one was around "First we lose two templars at Thanermere, then Landeel goes missing after we get to the capitol, and to top it all off I just had to go and get stabbed by a COMMON FUCKING THIEF!!" he kicked at a nearby corpse, the would-be thief that jumped him not moments ago.

At least the wound was nothing major, he'd live. with a sigh he pushed himself up to his feet "Well, I'd better go let Sunderland know her party's dropped by one more" He did have a faint idea of where Landeel would go, or at least who he was going to. "Heh, so many players in this game, should get exciting at least" He began half-limping back toward the castle, once there he'd try to find Evelyn, but along the way he couldn't help but sing quietly to himself:

"To save this wretched kingdom from becoming dust and ash
we'll all take up our arms, bow, blade, and axe
then we'll all clash head-to-head and see who stands the last"

@boomlover
Dwarfs. Tabetha didn't know what to make of them. Most of them seemed to fit the stereotypes she heard many times; loud, drunk, greedy when it came to minerals and they especially loved ale. Yet, many were steadfast and honorable in battle despite their stature. She sighed. Two dwarves just walked in and immediately, they were the loudest personalities inside the tavern. Their thunderous roars for more ale drowned out all nearby conversations. One of the had the sigil of the Order readily visible on his body.

If they were members of their the order, they were certainly visitors as she did not see them before. The one with the sigil was especially dirty; how far and how fast did he traveled to get here? Perhaps they were the party at the gates? She was intrigued by their tale. Finishing her meal, she walked up to the two dwarfs who were too busy drinking their to notice her.

She tapped the dirty one on the shoulder to catch his attention. "I couldn't help but notice your sigil and that you aren't from here. I too am a member of the Knights of the Dawn. I am knight corporal Tabetha Lockwell. What brings you here?"

The day was still young, just past noon as Evelyn stood at the balcony from her room. From here the entire city could be observed but unfortunately she did not do so for sightseeing. It was clear to Evelyn that things were in motion here that could mean disaster for her country should these conspirators succeed. Overlooking the city she observed the border between the upper class districts of the city and it's middle class. The beautiful architecture of the rich districts surrounded the castle collecting the most beautiful sights at the heart of the city. Despite it's appearance, this was probably the home of the conspirators. The upper class citizens with business influence in the city, it was possible they'd plot with Gregor's heirs to ascend them to the throne in return for favors or possibly titles. What made this theory worse was the potential for a larger scale operation. The aristocrats couldn't attempt this and allow their involvement to be known, the lower classes would be made the scapegoats, the pawns in this game. Whatever equipment or favors needed for this would be provided and performed by the middle class, the backbone of the city and inconspicuous in certain areas. Then there was the lower class, the desperate and naïve. Hoping to gain an an escape from their suffering or a quick way to get rich they'd be the ones doing the deed. It would most likely be one from the slums to be the king slayer.

All this running through Evelyn's head as she eyed the busy streets of Loringrad. It was after all this that she realized the situation she was in. Here in Loringrad, she'd been reunited with her childhood friend and it was possible she'd have to arrest or even kill her brothers. A feeling of dread came over her as she feared what tonight's meeting would reveal if it were a meeting at all rather than her assassination.

I should go find Marco, hopefully what he has to say keeps my mind off of all this. At least for the moment"

As she headed for her room door, Evelyn stopped to notice her dagger laying on the nightstand. Staring at it from across the room she walked over deciding to bring it with her. Once in the hallway she walked for a few minutes before she began to hear a voice singing in the distance. It was faint but she could hear the words "wretched" and "kingdom", on any other day she might have brushed this off but under current circumstances she went to investigate.

Coming towards a turn in the hall the captain held the handle of her dagger, ready to use if the singer proved to be what she suspected. As she walked around the corner she was somewhat relieved to find Marco as the vocalist. Letting go of the dagger she spoke, "You sing terribly, just so you know. Anyway, you wished to speak with me earlier? What's wrong"

Glodin went along with Argus, allowing himself to be drug down the road to the nearest pub. When they sat and got their drinks, Glodin patted Argus on the back. "Bottom's up young'in!" He said with a half smile as he grabbed his large mug and began to chug, wanting to drown his inner sorrows.

When he finished his drink, he turned to get a better look at his surroundings only to have his eyes meet with the shine of a breast plate. He looked up to see who was standing there only to gaze upon a young half elf as she spoke to his comrade. "Oi, Young'in, seems you have an admirer that outclasses us both, in rank and looks."

@ShaggyDoo0

"An admirer? Well as my rank is greater than yours it wouldn't be in both parties interest to have a romantic getaway. Just think of the drama, it'd be scandalous! Though to be fair, both of you don't strike my fancy." Tabetha replied amused. She reached out with her hands and pointed at the Dwarf's sigil. "The only thing that caught my eye was this sigil of yours. Who leads your party?"