[IC] Knights of The Dawn Covenant: The Longest Winter

[TheTruthWhale]

The sounds of the early-morning birds chirping were drowned out, rather quickly, by the toll of the death bell. Valerie, who had been up since before dawn, looked towards the inner city. The cool morning air hit her face in the window, as she took in the smells and sounds of the city, a place she had not been for some time. She didn't necessarily miss the people, and while she preferred the early morning dew of the forests, there was a certain nostalgic charm about the city's morning life. The bakers, who had been up as early as her, were just now cooling their morning pastries, a few smells wafting past her open window. It was, in her mind, going to be a good day. Since this was the city where she was born, she had spent the previous day, as well as the night, catching up with her mother and father, enjoying their company for the first time in several years. It was nice to see they were both still doing fairly well, especially considering the general disdain their coupling had garnered them. Irrespective, all the pleasantness of the early morning air had been removed by the stale reality.

Something had happened in the night. Something bad.

Just as Valerie was leaving her parent's home and store, she was interrupted by a frantic messenger, who had informed her that not only had the King been murdered, but that her Knight-Sergeant was calling forth everyone in his unit to come to the castle immediately. Almost disappointed in demeanor, she gathered and donned her armor, ensured that both her weapons were set, and began to make her way towards the inner city. She didn't necessarily care that the Human King was dead, in fact, one less horrid racist in this world would have even made her day a bit better, but, it made her job, and Draxis's life, as well as the rest of her team's lives, much more difficult than before. More than likely, they were going to have to find, hunt, and kill the person who killed the human king, or, worse, bring him back alive. Those were always Valerie's least favorite adventures, especially when the target got preferential treatment.

She made her way, quickly, to the castle itself, putting her duty before her unwillingness to participate. She didn't take a horse, but, instead, used the alleys and roof-accesses to get there quicker than any steed without wings could take her. Despite this, though, she arrived even after Gale had, blaming the fact that she was the farthest away. The order didn't really matter, though, as she made her way past the grieving servants and soldiers, ignoring them all, and started getting a feel for the situation, and making a mental map of every route out of the castle that the assailant could have taken. What's more, as she entered the king's chambers, following the scent of death and blood to the place of the murder. Without saying as much as a word, only giving a nod in indication to both the Knight-Commander and the Knight-Sergeant, she made her way over to the body, and began to do her job, inspecting the wounds and the blood splatter of the king's body and wound, as well as the weapon of choice, or, more-so, the weapon of opportunity.

Something wasn't adding up.

"This was not premeditated," she spoke, finally, saying, "and it certainly wasn't a hit. That's the same prod from the fireplace in here, and, given his injuries, he was dead long before the assailant stopped. Whatever caused this was either rage, or someone trying very, very hard to make it look like rage. The king even made it some ways before being bludgeoned to death, though, what I don't understand is why the king, after smashing the assailant with a wine bottle, didn't go for a better weapon. More importantly, a single shout from the king would have had his guards in here immediately. Why, then, didn't he scream for help? Bruises along his neck indicate that strangulation was attempted, but, it clearly wasn't successful. Have you had a healer in here to check to see if he was poisoned, either by magic or by some sort of herb?"

It was only then she looked up to see, and understand, that she had forgotten to factor in the human equation, her synopsis, probably, causing more pain amongst those present. She paused, and bowed her head, half in shame, and half in respect.

"Forgive me. That was brash of me."

[TheDarkTemplar]

"I will. I swear to you I will", Evelyn said softly, though she new that Davon may not come back in the manner she'd hope for. Evelyn glanced at Gregor's body, his caved in skull had pooled blood which flowed onto the floor of his bed chamber. Priests of the Pantheon had already begun to prepare his body to be moved to the hall of the dead, to be prepared for the funeral.

Evelyn raised her hand towards Draxis and Gale, gesturing for them to give her a moment as she tried to calm the princess. "I'm so sorry, Vanessa. I promised that I would protect your family and I've failed you", Evelyn worked hard to hold back the tears which began to form in the corners of her eyes. Gregor was not only her Lord but a family friend. Oftentimes when the Sunderlands would visit the capital she'd watch as the people voiced their troubles to the king who'd do all he could for them. To her, Gregor was the ideal ruler: he was kind, respectful, understanding, and wise. It didn't help that Valerie suddenly burst into the room and began examining the body.

"Take care for now, I'll return later. Right now I must begin the investigation", Evelyn had taken in all Valerie had said but here was not the place for such talk. Evelyn gestured for the three of them to follow her to the grand hall of the castle. Upon arrival she sent for a messenger to rally the royal and city guard captains to the hall for instructions. "Before they arrive we have some time to talk. As you know, Prince Davon is missing. I'm almost certain it was him who killed the king. Valerie, your assessment of the scene only strengthens my theory. Draxis, I'll need your squad to begin questioning the servants. Find out as much as you can and bring your findings back to me. You have free reign throughout the castle but if you need to go into the private rooms be considerate. We are better than the brutes Rodrick currently has ransacking the place", the more she spoke the more Evelyn began to wonder as to why Davon did such a thing. From what Valerie determined, the murder was not planned, if Davon was part of a conspiracy then a more planned assassination would have been formulated.
"One more thing, our mission is to find and capture Davon, not kill him should he be guilty. He shall face a proper trial", this would prove hard to convince the others to follow. Hopefully she'd find Davon before a random group of guards.

Evelyn hadn't forgotten about Damien, the necromancer managed to get her attention as result of his comment last night. "You mentioned you wished to speak with the Knight-Commander. I assume what you have to say is urgent? Urgent enough to insult the former commander before a superior officer", a look of distaste was about the captain as she awaited to hear what news the necromancer brought.

[Zetsuko]

Marco parted ways with Evelyn after she had received a message about the dwarves in the city, taking leave of her so she may deal with them and intending to meet back up with her the next day. He returned to his room, being met there by a Raven with a blue streak over it's right eye in the window, a welcome sight, it meant a message from home. Though based on the contents of the note it was a slightly old letter as most of what it said he been shared to him during his brother's brief visit to Thanermere, poor bird must have gotten lost. He took the thing in and poured it some water and crumbled up a piece of bread setting it on the nearby desk.

With the bird settled he sat back on his bed to read the letter, the only part that was new to him was the mention the Khana's sibling had hatched, he smiled on the thought before folding up the note and tucking it away. shortly after he settled in for the night.

---

Marco had awoke early and began dressing himself, he meant to get to Evelyn but almost as soon and he finished dressing Royal guards barged into the room, Marco's startled reaction was to retaliate and he caught a guard in the shoulder with a bolt before he realized who they were and held up his hands "Wait, wait, no harm, I mistook you!" thankfully the guards didn't kill him but one still kept a spear pointed at him as they ransacked the room and they ignored his questions to what happen and why the were ransacking his room.

It was only when one tried to mess with the Raven that he did anything, stepping toward the offending guard and shouting "Laisser l'oiseau être! while grabbing his arm, this provoked a prod from the spearbearer but the bird was left alone. Only once the group of guards moved on from his room was he able to leave. Sending the Raven on it's way out the window he made his way down the hall until he found another guard to ask what the commotion was about.

"The king has been murdered and the killer is still loose" Marco was taken aback by the news and immediately asked where Evelyn was "Your captain was headed to the main hall" Thanking the guard he set off to the main hall. upon arriving he nodded to the Knight-sergeant and brought a fist up to his chest as a salute to Evelyn but then he waited as she addressed Damien.

[Wraithblade6]

@TheDarkTemplar

Damien looked across the room at Evelyn and the others with a furrowed brow that could possibly have been interpreted as distain or indignation. Keeping his staff upright beside him as he walked, he made his way closer, so as to be able to keep his voice down when answering the knight-captain. The young necromancer was different than his fellows, not just in his talents, but some deep part of his humanity itself had been broken. He had no respect for authority, no reverence for royalty, and no drive but to further his own lust for power and yet... not all of him was gone. A splinter, a fracture, a shard of his personality still clung on for dear life. Carefully, respectfully, he would not do anything that might add to the crying Valerie's grief. He passed her in silence and leaned close to Evelyn's ear in a small huddel that only a few other Templars would be able to listen in.

Damien's face was young, and yet so full of hate. Evelyn could feel a slight chill at his touch on her shoulder, in spite of her armor. "You forget," he began, maintaining his snake-like offensive posture as he spoke brazenly to the small group. "I said the late lord commander might have been the only one among you worth a shit, but yes... I have grave news. Very soon, finding the murderers of dead kings is going to be the last thing on our minds. The enemy in the north is preparing to attack us, and I mean on an unprescedented scale. They have a massive army that I watched grow before my eyes as each of our fellows fell before them and were added to their number. Fort Gregory is gone now. Yes, I said gone. Everyone is dead. This is what we get for our prejudice... for refusing to allow those of us who 'can' to scout beyond enemy lines, to keep a watch on the undead. Deep in their lands. Where the living dare not tread, they were preparing all this time, and we were blind fools!" Damien was clearly a bit bitter about the shit he got for being a necromancer and the fact that they were never sanctioned and encouraged by the late King. Now it seemed like he was right all along, as terrible as that truth was. "Due to my magic, I am sure, I was the only one to escape, and I made sacrifices to reach the castle as quickly as I did. I don't know how much time we have to prepare."

Sighing and reflecting a moment, Damien glanced behind him at the bustle of priests wrapping and carrying out the body, etc. He turned back to Evelyn, relenting his aggression. "Please forgive me for my impertinence. You must see now why I have no patience for our current state of affairs. I am no commander, so it must be you that decides what our next actions will be. ... I may be able to speak with the dead king, if I can be long enough with the body, but I doubt he can help us now."

[LiverisGood]

Tabetha's was on guard duty on the courtyard since dawn broke. She popped a handful of refreshing grapes into her mouth. The courtyard was filled with exotic and colorful plants and being near such scenery was relaxing. It was the perfect place to absorb and process what happened yesterday.

There was a rank higher than the Knight-Commander it seemed. After that dwarf that no one knew about suddenly appointed a knight captain into a knight commander! Such a revelation was something that should shake the very foundation of the Order if what the dwarf said was true. Perhaps there was a secret order of sorts that no one knew about? From what she gathered last night, much of the leadership was wiped out in the north. Did the late knight commander Graham knew about this dwarf?

She smiled, amused. The whole ordeal seemed absurd. Evelyn Sunderland is now the knight-commander if she decided to accept the dwarf's proposal? Theodore the Bellicose getting away with what amounted to a slap in the hand. And then he gets a private forge for private runesmithing lessons for the Order's dwarfs, one of whom he broke the nose of. At least that gem was worth a pretty bunch. Dwarfs, they were an odd bunch.

Of course, the necromancer was perhaps the surprise of the night. He came from nowhere and already he was brooding. He gave off a gloomy vibe. Were all necromancers like this? Having never seen necromancy besides descriptions in texts, she wondered what it actually looked like up close. Then the newcomers that just showed up. She didn't even catch their names and they looked normal enough.

This castle was a gathering point for members of the Order for some reason. What strange times she was living in. Perhaps Fate had something in the works for them all?

Tabetha scanned the courtyard. Nothing out of the ordinary appeared. "Well, I suppose if he isn't an enemy he is an ally even if he is a foul mouthed one." Out in the distance she heard the bells toll. It was the first time she heard them ever being rung. Did something happen?

She frowned. Curious as she was to investigate, she still had to perform her duties and abandoning her post just to investigate would reflect badly on her and leave the tranquil courtyard exposed. As if anything ever happened in the courtyard. She popped another handful of grapes into her mouth. Until she received any other orders, she decided to stay put. Perhaps someone could fill her in later when she was free from her duties.

"Can't wait for my shift to be over. Wonder what I'll find out today?"

[Snarfulblast]

(with the help of the honorable and illustrious @Zelosse I present this wonderful master piece. Thanks mate.)
Bad moon

Karl had long since forgotten the nights rush of combat and his own drunken predicament, unaware of his pending punishment and the ire of his respected superior officer, all that was his reality existed in a seperate world from this one. In this world he was what he dreamt of. A weapon of the Order, sharp as could be, a blade that found every weakness and defeated any foe.
It was here in the smoldering ruin that had once been the proud fortress of Starguard, beacon of the Order and crown jewel alike. It was here his blades met flesh and felt his hunger grow for the carnage further into its festering stomach. Unarmored save for a simply cloth outfit and wielding his long and short swords in what could only be described as the beautiful finito of deaths eternal ire. Amidst the glow of the moonlight he descended the stairway into the underbelly and brought his justice upon the ones who had robbed him of himself.

A boy by mortal means, Karl Shadowthorn was a good fighter and a resilient man, with a will of purest steel. But this was a world where Karl had waged his private war for years uncounted. No more was he the adolescent wood elf boy with wide eyed dreams. Now he was a man of a hundred years with a body toned to perfection amidst the endless combat of this place. He neither shouted his rage or whispered of his despair. It was his blades that talked for him now, a universal language any creature could understand.

Overwhelming power.

In this twisted hellscape he had brought ruin to Sar'Than personally, had scattered the rebelious traitors and heard their screams of regret as the pristine edge of his longsword found their heart. Every death bore the name of Shadowthorn, last of the covenant, loyal follower of High Arch-Templar Evelyn Sunderland. In her name and all that came before he reaped the souls of everything that had destroyed them.
Twisted black lines were etched into his weathered features, eyes of purest black devoid of mercy. This was the only feature that told of the darkest hate any creature could hold.

The descent had been uninspiring, a ragtag team of cultists in dirty robes had ambushed him in an alcove at the top of the stairs in a last ditch effort to overpower their killer with sheer numbers. Not a drop of their tainted blood stained the pristine white clothing he was wrapped in.
The darker the descent the brighter it seemed.
Here in the bowels of Ruined Starguard he saw it. Speared through the heart and chained to colossal runed stones was the dessicated remains of the Dream demon. Karl approached the remains with blades drawn. Each footstep sent his mind vaulting to the deaths of his friends. To his defeat at the hands of this very creature. To the gruesome end of the most respected military officer he had ever known.
Karls howl of rage echoed through the cavernous depths and shook the very foundations of this once holy home. Both blades flashed in a shining line and cleanly severed the half-rotten skull from the upper body.

The whisper of its voice tickled his mind.

"You will never save this world. You will die some day, fool Elf, and turn to dust."

"No, devil. I will avenge every death. Every soul lost to your dead Master will have justice."

"So you say," It laughed cruely, "but too little too late.

Karls foot crunched down over and over on the skull until it became an unidentifiable mass of skull and fluids. Karl breathed heavily as he kicked the disgusting globs about the room in a blind fury, deeper lines of darkness spreading across his face as the demons words drove him further into the madness. He turned to the chained corpse and rased his blades to destroy the vile presence once and for all.

"Stop, Shadowthorn. You have done enough." The softer voice pleaded from the darkness surrounding him. "Destroying it will bring you no peace. Neither will the killings."

Karl trembled as he fought to bring his arms down, to cut the body to ribbons, but nothing could force his blades on their path. The shining steel clattered to the ground as his legs buckled, forcing him to his hands and knees before the warring voices.
Each demanded of him and neither held the answer to his tortured existence.

"SUNDERLAND!"

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

Karl sat upright in his bed covered in sweat, clad only in silk pants. Each breathe of the cold morning air brought his mind closer to normal but his heart felt as if it would explode with how fast it beat. Throwing the covers aside, Karl ran for the nearest privy and found a bucket of cold water and a mirror and splashed himself repeatedly with the freezing water as he gasped for oxygen, finally feeling his heart gradually return to a normal pace. The dreams were becoming far too real. Too controlled. Why had he not been able to finish the accursed creature and free himself. Why Sunderland? What did it all mean..

Something about his hands gave him pause, raising them for closer inspection. They seemed.. older. Youth had fled his hands and replaced them with the calloused fingers of a war veteran, scarred and strong. Glancing down he realized his whole body seemed like that of a person who'd spent years... fighting... demons. Dread set in as slowly he looked up into the mirror. The sight made him swoon, stumbling back and out the door to collapse on the floor of his room gasping for air.
Pitch black eyes had stared back at him.
It had been too much as Karl fainted into oblivion.

---------------------------------
After what felt like hours Karl awoke again on the cold floor of his room pushing himself off the ground he stood, grabbing his equipment he dressed himself and started looking for Captain Sunderland, he felt that he needed to inform her about his dream.
"You know I was supposed to be taking over guard duty for the guards I knocked out. But it's seems like you'll need everybody to hunt for the king's killer." Karl stood at perfect attention, with all his weapons on him, facing Captain Sunderland and the others. And much to their surprise he was shirtless. His torso showed hundreds, if not a few thousand scars. "Also Captain I have to talk with you about something but it can wait."

[TheDarkTemplar]

The Regicide

A sound rang out through the city streets, one that every citizen knew well and feared the day they'd hear it. The alarm had been raised, the tower bells of The Cathedral of Loringrad released a low hum which filled the hearts of the people with fear and panic. Every guard in the capital was on alert as patrols were dispatched throughout the city to keep order. The entrances to Loringrad were closed and a large detachment of guards posted at each. There would be no leaving the city until the king slayer had been brought to justice. Sorrow gripped practically every man, woman, and child in the capital as they mourned the loss of their king, one who'd brought them long lasting peace and prosperity. It seemed as though this winter would take more than their crops this year.

Evelyn stood in the grand hall of the castle, before her were the leadership of the royal and city guard. With the murder of the king, the royal family would be made the highest priority while the Traitor Prince was hunted down. "The royal guard will be on constant patrol of the royal family. There is suspicion that Prince Davon was responisble for the king's murder, should this be true it is likely he will attempt to eliminate any competition for the throne. Two guards are to be posted outside each member of the royal family's rooms and are to accompany them at all times. In addition, every major entryway to the castle will be on constant patrol. There will be regular shifts but never between changing will the positions be left unattended. With each patrol there will be a messenger to call forth the next shift. As for the city guard, you are tasked with finding Davon and bringing him back alive. While I know some of you will harbour resentment for his actions, the prince will provide vital information about our enemy that we may exploit in the future. Begin your search in the upper district, it is possible that he has associates within the elite of the city, those with the ability to smuggle him out of the city to safety. I cannot stress how vital it is that we find this man. If he escapes, we lose our only chance at possibly discovering what else our enemy has planned for us, something we cannot afford. Dismissed!", all in attendance saluted the Knight-Captain before exiting the room, their armored boots clattering against the stone floor of the grand hall as they marched.

As Evelyn stood in the grand hall she tried again and again to understand why Davon would do such a thing but any reasonable explanation, if any existed at all, escaped her. It was clear to her that the children she once knew were gone. Davon was always a brooding lad but never capable of something like this. Evelyn could only wonder as to how much Rodrick and Aedan had changed. The world was changing and her time in The Order only blinded her from it. So long she had gone on with the memories of a reality which no longer existed and now faced with the truth she found herself barely recognizing this place. "This was my failure", a voice said, it's origin nonexistent. Tyr dropped the invisibility spell to reveal herself standing before the throne, her arms folded with her hood hiding her face as usual. "What do you mean?", Evelyn turned from facing the hall entrance towards Tyr, her eyes suspicious yet despondent.

"I was assigned to watch over the royal family. I left my post when I went to you all in the courtyard last night...had I been watching the king, none of this would have happened"

"Now isn't the time to point out faults. We've a regicide to capture and a city to restore order to", those words bit at Evelyn's heart. To declare her childhood friend a killer of kings. She looked away from Tyr in sorrow, unwilling to allow the Watcher to see her like this.

"I fear this is far from over...tell me captain, are you aware of the current situation?", Tyr looked away from the throne and to Evelyn, the shadow of her hood barely revealing the doleful look on her face.

"Is that a serious question?"

"I do not question your ability to observe the now, merely your ability to calculate the future. The death of the king creates a window of opportunity for death and destruction to enter. Should we choose wrong, we may bring about the end of this kingdom"

"What do you mean? It's clear the enemy wanted to weaken us by removing the king. What more is there to know?"

"A nation without a leader is weak alone, but The Dead God does not waste his time and resources. Despite what necromancers may say, their power is limited. Sar'than can only have a certain number of undead before there aren't enough stable bodies to raise. He does not simply wish to weaken Farendar, he wants to destroy it from the inside, let it rot until it is a decaying relic of it's former self, easily conquered once the time is right"

"That won't happen, Gregor's children would never allow such a thing to pass", to say that Vanessa, Aedan, and Rodrick would fight over the throne was insulting. Surely they knew the risk should they go to war...did they?

"These are not the children you grew up with Evelyn, they've changed a great deal since then. Rodrick has spent much time overseeing the management of the king's army, he has quite a militaristic point of view with the hopes of starting another expansion age not seen since the first arrival of man. Aedan is honorable and proud, perhaps too proud. A number of times he's hosted numerous tourneys and banquets, digging into the royal coffers. He is not much of a strategist but he keeps his oaths and looks after his own, many claim him to be resembling of his uncle Malcolm. Then there is Vanessa, altruistic and patient. She prefers diplomacy and is careful to consider her choices. The kingdom has called her 'The Rose of Lyra' after the old legend"

"You describe them as if I must choose who will take the crown"

"You just might, captain...you just might", Tyr said nothing more before sitting on the throne with her legs over the arm rests as if it were any other seat.

Theodore threw open the doors to the throne room with a resounding THUMP as the gilded portals slammed into the opposite walls. At his back and looking sullen was Marcus Kiln. Both walked in silence into the room, Marcus closing the doors behind their entrance and waited patiently for the Dwarf to say what needed saying.
Theodore spat on the rich carpet and snorted, hands on hips. This was a fault of the watchers and everyone in this room knew it, thankfully blame could not be placed as few knew of the watchers existence. Tyr and himself had been explained as mercenaries to the other members of the group.

"First order of business, Sunderland. You must make your claim as the highest ranking officer of the Dawn covenant. The loss of your superiors at Starguard has left you all weak and aimless. In the wake of the kings unfortunate end, you will strike your claim infront of the gathering of every Templar in the city. Those who do not bow to you will be dismissed or dealt with." Theodore touched the handle of his ax, ender, that rested on his right hip. "Second order is dealing with Davon."

Theodore put his fingers to his mouth and blew a shrill whistle and Marcus took off in a puff of smoke, two more whistles sounded from somewhere in the room.

"Watchers will comb every bloody inch of this city if they have to, and will be watching every exit. Every sewer. Every wagon. Every man, woman, or child, will be searched and identified. But that isn't the most concerning part."

Theodore felt his old bones ache and took a seat on the steps to the throne.

"Civil war will break out, Evelyn. The king has named no heir and the city will be in uproar over who should rule their little world. These are your friends who stake claim here. You must meet with them after your corronation and see them all sat straight. Only one can rule this place as its queen or king but you can fix that. For the first time in centuries, a human kingdom can have a council of its heirs rule in unison. What better way to unify the people than not picking a side."

Theodore reached into his armor and removed a small smoking pipe from the pouch below his beard, a pinch of tobacco was placed inside and the spark of a match had the smoke flowing as the Dwarf took a long drag before blowing it out in a perfect cirlce. In that one moment he truly looked his age, tired and worn out despite the cheerful glint of his eyes.

"You must not reveal the Watchers to the world yet. My master fortold that friends may yet become enemies. Better your foes know only of the black clad mercenaries. We pose no threat if they think we work for coin.." Theo took another long hit from his pipe and stood up, stretching his back with a crack and a groan. He took the pipe from his mouth and pointed it accusingly. "What are you prepared to do for your brothers and sisters in arms?."

Had it not been for Theo's arrival, Evelyn would have removed Tyr from atop the throne herself. Instead she listened on as the dwarf advised of their future actions. The thought of forcing herself to leadership of The Order did not sit well with her, especially when he said that those who did not recognise her authority would be "dealt with". "If I do this, it will be out of necessity. Once this war has ended, I will step down, so that a proper leadership can be elected", as much as she hated to admit it, Theodore was right. The Order was in a state of disarray, with no leadership each group operated independently. There was no coordination and so the enemy was at an advantage. If Sar'than wished, he could march his army south and have a good chance at breaking through into West Miras. If the elven kingdoms fell, the enemy would have half a continent of soldiers at their bidding in an environment which provided protection from an invasion.

"Good. Step in the right direction. As for this ugly Davon business, I had a thought."

The pipe was put back in his mouth as he moved to one of the windows and stared out over the city. It was an erratic energy that emenated from every corner of the empire as the news spread out like thunder on a lake surface, effecting everyone. Some reacted with anger, others sadness, and some spoke of the templars as the key to the blame, turning to point a stubby black clad finger her way and progressed slowly towards her, puffs of smoke accentuating his every word.

"What if Davon is given a way to redeem himself? A spot of rank and trust within the covenant on the frontlines. To atone for a sin with his life would prove his father proud, I think. This could be his punishment and his greatest act of heroism. The city will have its revenge against the murderer of their beloved king and the siblings will have no opposition from him to the throne, leaving you in a position to give them all a choice for best succession."

"Tyr seems to believe differently. As I much as I hate to say it, she may be right. Even if Davon is removed from the equation, it may be that the others will then fight amongst themselves. I only hope their claims don't lead to war", Evelyn turned to find Tyr still lazily sitting on the throne but at the mentioning of her name she sprang to her feet. "You heard the necromancer, army heads south towards these walls. The kingdom cannot afford to be weakened by infighting. If the heirs cannot decide, we may have to step in. Should the situation escalate to the potential for war...perhaps more drastic action must be taken?", Tyr wore no smile but a look of severity as she meant every word.

"You cannot be serious. Have you gone mad?! Besides the fact that such an act is beyond immoral, how do you think the people will react? The Templars of The Dawn slay the heirs of their dead king? Half the world will be against us then!"

"I never said it'd be you lot to weild the dagger. Myself of Theo can do what needs to be done without compromising you"

"No", Evelyn's response was final and with no sign of further conversation on the topic in the tone of her voice.

"Tis an option is all", Tyr walked towards the doors to the grand hall, her stride was fast and her steps were silent as she crossed the stone floor. "For now you'd best begin to consider who you side with, because eventually you'll be forced to pick a side. Be sure to choose wisely"

"Killing the brats would earn the world nothing. No leader could step forward and be accepted by these people except one of their late kings heirs. This is a matter that must be dealt with publicly once Davon is securely in the hands of your men. The necromancer may speak truly of an impending march but the city may not be its target. What if they intend to flow around our defenses and join the larger host. Either option is unoptimal."

"Tyr. Go with Marcus, now, and find Davon. Use every resource at your disposal. Dispose of anyone who stands against us. It is too crucial for such a blunder as letting this fool escape. Start from the exit to the sewers and work your way in. You're looking for signs of a large group passing, I reckon. Shady folks and shadowy things looking to secure leverage."

Tyr nodded and departed as swiftly as Marcus had, leaving the Black bound Dwarf and the Knight captain in the room alone. Tense silence ruled them as the thoughts of failure surfaced. Theodore squashed the impetuous thought before it could gain weight.

"You will make your announcement in an hour. Every Templar of rank is at or near the castle. None that are dealt with will be killed. They will be removed from the city and moved to the other forts." Theodore paced to the door and opened one gilded portal gentler than when he had arrived.

"Do not disrespect the king and your Commander with thoughts of ineptitude." Theo grinned and threw a dirty wink, a suggestive eyebrow nudge, and closed the door behind him. Evelyn would handle the affairs of the speech and getting the hearts of the people on her side. Theodore was already calling attendants to send word.
When all arrived, Evelyn Sunderland would give her commands.
She would rise to the top of the ladder.
The watchers would make sure she did not fall.

---

The Crusade Begins

The hour had arrived, every Templar had rallied to the castle to hear what news had come from the north. A large number of the knights filled the great hall of Loringrad Castle but even more flooded the courtyard and around the perimeter to hear as well. It seemed as though word had spread quickly as most of the city was in attendance as well. Today the entire capital came to a halt, anxious to learn of the fate of their Templar protectors. Evelyn stood alone in her room, the sounds of the awaiting crowd creating a white noise of their combined voices as they spoke amongst each other.

"Not having cold feet are you?", Tyr said mockingly as she appeared by the door. A smirk was all she got in return, "Well it's too late for second thoughts now, the whole city is waiting...actually, I understand your hesitation now that I think about it"

"I've no issues with speaking to a crowd, I spoke before the entire leadership of The Order before all this...what I fear is what comes after the speech. There were more of us when we left Starguard, one by one I lost them...how can I lead the entire Dawn Covenant if I can barely command a single group?", Evelyn's hand rested on the pommel of her sword which hung from the waist in its sheath. Her eyes did not meet Tyr's, but instead looked out through the balcony towards the cityscape.

"My life has only known death and bloodshed. I've seen countless people die by my hand or as a result of my actions. I commanded others of my order and I've lost them to fate as well. If I've known anything from this life is that loss is inevitable, and in the current state of the world it will be rampant. You've commanded the garrison at the Gate of Miras, that alone requires great skill and this will be no different. Captain, you will lose more as this war rages on. That I promise. But you decide how much you lose, you can choose to accept the reality that some under your command will die or you can let it consume you and lose everything", Tyr moved from the door and towards the table, her eyes locked onto a bottle of wine which sat atop it. "Besides, you won't be doing this alone, you've got a strong band of warriors behind you. Not to mention a gorgeous and mysterious assassin...you've got this", Tyr grabbed the wine bottle and left the room, the door shutting with a satisfying thud. "I pray that I do..", were the last words whispered before she headed to the grand hall.

Immediately upon entering the Knight-Captain was met with a sea of intrigued and confused faces. There she now stood, atop the short steps to the throne, at the head of the eastern world...the war would begin in the next few moments. "I'm aware that many of you wonder as to the fate of Starguard and our commanders. I was there, I witnessed what brought us so low, and I would have you all know the truth.

It was the night of The Conclave when our enemy struck, when we rested in confidence that we could not be touched. That night we were proved wrong. The Cult of Sar'than, a group of worshipers to the Dead God, hid in plain sight, under the guise of our brothers and sisters in arms. In that one night, our commanders were slain in their beds, and our comrades slaughtered one another in the confusion. In the final moments of the fall, Knight-Commander Grathan gave me one final order: to ensure the survival of our Order and to avenge those we lost.

On my journey here, my company faced a number of horrors, we witnessed firsthand the depravity of our enemy and the lengths they'd go to achieve victory. Should their unholy campaign succeed, I have no doubts it will mean the end of all we know in this world. As we speak, our enemy sends an army south towards the capital, the first of an even greater army of evil forged by their dark lord's power"

"Then we're all doomed!", an unknown voice spoke out from amongst the crowd. What followed was an uproar of fear and dread as they all clamoured to voice their opinions on the matter. "The gods have forsaken us!", another voice cried out from amongst the shouting, another yelled, "We must flee to the west! We can force the elves to give us passage!". The crowd continued to panic as Evelyn's emotions began to well up inside of her. Finally she spoke, "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!" her voice amplified by the same spell Grathan had taught her. The crowd went silent, leaving the hall with the fading echo of the Knight-Captain's voice traveling through the chamber.

"You're right...we are all going to die. We've lost our commanders, our home has been laid to ruin, and an army comes to eradicate us...times such as these that hope is hard to hold onto. But I've not lost hope as I've seen the valor and strength of our Order. We've held against scores of ogres, slain elder dragons, and repelled Nalrokar incursions time and time again. For centuries The Knights of The Dawn Covenant have prevailed against the odds time and time again. Together we are an unbreakable force for good in this world. Our banner is one that transcends race, religion, and nation. Our cause stretches across this continent with the promise of safety, order, and life. This cult and it's 'Dead God' threatens to destroy all that we've worked for, all that our ancestors have worked for and they will stop at nothing to achieve this. I've dedicated my life to the service of those I share this world with and I'd rather die in the defense of it rather than stand aside and watch it all burn to ashes. I ask not for you all to believe in me, but in yourselves, to believe that you are capable of preserving this world and all you hold dear, because that is what we need if we are to win this war. I did not ask for this role, but in the absence of our leaders, I will take command of The Order. Make no mistake, I wish not to retain this position once our crusade is ended. Once our enemy is defeated, you have on my word that I will step down, so that a proper hierarchy can be rebuilt. Until then, I humbly ask that you join me in the defense of our home. I have no issue with those who wish to leave, you are free to do so. I only ask you this: What will you say when this war is done?"

The hall remained silent, each Templar taking in what they'd just heard. Eventually, a group turned to leave, many of them being convinced to stay by their peers while others determined to turn their back on all they stood for. Those who remained came down on bended knee as they proclaimed, "Hail, Commander Sunderland! High Lady of The Dawn!". Over and over they changed as some of the higher ranking officers came forward.

"Knight-Lieutenant Mason, The Templars of Miras Gate stand with you!"

"Knight-Lieutenant Anya, The Templars of Stormacre stand with you!"

"Knight-Lieutenant Jorlund, The Templars of Frosthold stand with you!"

And so it went, one by one the lieutenants of eastern Miras swore fealty to the new Lord Commander of The Dawn. With each oath proclaimed, Evelyn felt more and more weight added to her heart though she remained steadfast, confident that she could lead them out of this encroaching darkness. "I thank you all for your support, I swear in the name of the old gods and the new I shall not fail you. Now then, we've much to do with little time granted to us. That army must be repelled if we wish to save this city from destruction. Lieutenants Mason, Anya, Telor, and Wrenlin: ready your men to march north. I shall assign men from my personal company to accompany you to oversee the campaign in the north. In the meantime, all other remaining Templars are to take control of the city. Martial law is now in affect, our priority is to find the kingslayer and whoever is allied with them. Once that is resolved we can begin to return the capital to normalcy. Dismissed, and go with the light. For The Dawn!"

[ShaggyDoo0]

Glodin was standing off to the side of the masses of templars in his full armor. His hammer seemed to glow softly in its holster from the lights of the grand hall and his pick irradiated in its sheath on his back. His armor was freshly polished and glistening in the torchlight. He reched into his pocket and pulled out a flask, taking the last sip from it before placing it back. That flask had not been refilled since they made their trek to the capital, he knew this was a serious meeting and that he needed all the patience he could muster around all the unruly templars in the room. Just when he had almost lost all patience and was ready to shout, Knight-Captain Sunderland walked in and the crowed hushed. Glodin eagerly awaited her speech.

Glodin's face was grim as she told of the things that were and what could be if nothing were to be done. But his smile began to appear as she retook control of the situation when the people began to panic. That smile only grew as she spoke. When the rest dropped to a knee he only bowed to his Captain- no, his Commander- then raised his hammer as he joined the chorus. His eyes never left the New Knight-Commander and he felt pride swell up inside him as she finished her speech. Glodin's voice was the first to respond to hers, "FOR THE DAWN!" he shouted as he raised his hammer.

[Zelosse]

Theodore Doubleblade

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

The coronation of Evelyn Sunderland had gone better than anticipated, with little to no visible threat to her rule as Knight-Commander. In time she would realize that the position could only be filled by the most respected templars to ever serve the order and anything less than that would be cut down, by their own subordinates or their own failures. Sunderland had the backing of nearly every fort that had a representative in Farendar, ravens had been sent out the day before the coronation to every other fort. They would learn of this event and bend the knee in time and be wary for the war that brewed on each and every doorstep.
Theodore couldn't help but grin as he paced in the large forge he had been given. Taken more like, but given authority to do so. The merchant had been paid off for the use of his forge area in return for his staff staying on hand for the more tedious part of Theodores project. The industrious dwarves had been quick to get him what he needed, some of the items already having been made for other projects. A wooden stock had been smoothed down, lacquered, and polished to a shine. A long hollow tube of steel had been commissioned originally for reasons unknown and Theo had taken it upon himself to use the same mold but with higher grade steel. The end result was still cooling off on a rack, thanks to the others in the forge and that saved him a tremendous amount of time.

(@shaggydoo0)

"Master Stonequarry, was it?"
Theo addressed the dwarf that was busy making the final tweaks to what he had explained to be some sort of holster for an energy core Marcus and himself had created from a kest queens acid and the core of a powerful storm elemental. The runes Theo had been shown were beyond even his years, a workmanship of dedication and careful planning, and Glodin had proven a fair hand at the art. Elongating the weapon had been difficult but there was confidence that the plans would work perfectly. After reviewing what the smith had in mind Theo had promptly agreed to the reasoning.

"The long barrel is done and I've made the needed inscribing. I would like to see this weapon finished before the party departs. I have faith in ye'."
Theo pat the fellow on the back and moved on to other business on the forge. Argus Starcrusher (@boomlover) had followed the black clad man earlier, meeting up after the coronation which this dirty sap sucker had neglected to attend, and made some demands that had the old warboy both intrigued and outright upset. The hammer this one wielded was unique in that the rune on the hammer head blazed at an intensity that even his ebony plate and rune net would find difficult to deflect or even put a slow on. Darn thing burned bright and hot in moments and had been put to good use today, melting the required materials into workable molten steel. Kept your hands warm better than a forge, too!
Problem was the damn idiot wanted another rune of some sort like the one he had now. Theodore had lived a long time and seen a great deal but creating runes was beyond him. He was better at etching them onto something than creating new ones.

"I'm sorry to say I canna' help you on the matter of a new rune or weapon. Time is a factor. But leaf through the booklet over there with Glodin. Sure as the stars shine that thing is well versed in the killing runes."

One particular such rune had caught Theodores attention. Used in the right conjunction with that molten etching on the hammerhead you could cause a powerful shockwave and release the pent up head on the head of the weapon to cause a small but powerful explosion to detonate along the fissure lines if slammed into the ground. Hitting an enemy head on would likely cause a similar fiasco. Collateral damage would be an issue. A thin piece of steel had been inserted between the pages for the young dwarf to find when he got around to it.

So far it was productive. So far he was just waiting on Kylie to make an appearance. (@snarfulblast) That little minx had been checkin' out the goods ever since they had crossed paths that fateful day at the bar. Theo could remember it like it was yesterday (and had convinced himself it had been days ago). Not that it mattered now, given that the time was drawing to a close.

"Alright lads, you stay steady. I've got an errand to run."
He bowed to the gathered men and women in the forge and exited through the main entrance, to the gawking sight of every random passerby. Heavily armored and grey skinned he was a fascination, a rarity, and a colossal threat. The city guards had him on close watch in case another incident like the bar occurred. Not that Theodore ever had the bloody time to go lookin' for a decent fist fight with all the city reeling from the news. Mercenaries in black hunting the heir, the Covenant fighting to reclaim its former glory, the ascension of Knight-Commander Sunderland and the Royal family annointment that was likely to occur.
Didn't these people have better things to do.
Lost in his ramblings he bumped into someone in front of him, someone sturdy. (@groompy)

"Sorry friend. Didn't see ya there." Upon closer inspection of the obscuring form, it was clear that he had just stumbled into yet another dwarf. This one had a look of anger in his eyes, and a weapon to match that intensity. Not to mention the dirt and grit of a long road travelled.

"Covenant member eh? Listen up then cause I ain't got time. You lookin' to put that weapon to use for your order?" Theo arched an eyebrow.

"Aye. Been marching up and down this whole damn city trying to figure out what the hell is going on. But, now that I know, I suppose I could lend you hand." There was a tiny twinkle in the dwarf's eye, one of excitement.

"Good. Keep up. I got others to talk to today."
Theodore and the other Dwarf he had just hailed cut a firm pace forward, they talked very briefly of the news of Sunderlands promotion. Apparently this Dwarf, Gavlan as he had named himself, was both uninterested in the politics of the city and yet inexplicably stuck here waiting for an assignment that would get him out of the shithole. As he had elegantly put it.
They found their way to the barracks and Theodore asked him to take a seat or follow along. The announcement was going to be a quick one. Every young knight was in attendance by the time the word had spread. Theo had spent that time idly chatting with Gavlan about events in the last few years and of his adventures, Theo opting out of recollecting his past just yet.
After about an hour the ones he had requested had finally arrived. Blessedly..
@Wraithblade6 @LiverisGood @Zetsuko @LeoricAquila @snarfulblast @shaggydoo0 @groompy @TheDarkTemplar (Anyone else who wants to be here can be here)

Theo banged a spiked mace on the stone wall behind him to get everyones attention, tossing the weapon to clatter aside as he placed hands on hips to address the crowd.

"Ladies and Gentleman, my name is Theodore Doubleblade. Mercenary and current advisor to your Knight-Captain Evelyn Sunderland. You have been gathered here to address a new issue that has appeared. To the north, as we speak, the cultists of the Dead god Sar'Than have overtaken a fortress and risen an army from your dead. Children, women, elderly, nothing has been spared. Even the beasts of this land are shambling murder machines."

Theodore marched forward to the crowd.

"I've been given permission by Knight-Commander Sunderland to lead a small task force north to infiltrate this base and slaughter those cowards the way they did our own. It's likely a suicide mission, I will not lie to ye', so this is strictly volunteers."

Theodore raised his own clenched fist with a grim but intense stare.

"I go willingly for the order. Who else will fight with me?"

Striding confidentally to the front, heaving a shiny battle axe over his arm, Gavlan joined Theo at the front. Wearing a slight smirk, he looked at the others with an expression of open invitation; something told Theo he had done stuff like this, before.

"I'll fight for ya'. Dwarves need to stick together in these trying times, and if no one else gets their arse up here, I'll still go with ya. Undead are just dead that don't know how dead they are and how dead they're about to be again." He wore a large smile, almost like he could already taste the carnage. Although, the fact he already had his hands gripping his axe was a little alarming. Theodore, at least, appreciated his enthusiasm, if not the strong smell of liquor that seemed to follow him.

Theo put his hand on Gavlans back and gave a nod, thanking him silently for what could very well be his life.

"To those who volunteer. We leave tomorrow at mid day. The details will only be explained when we have left the city gates."

[LiverisGood]

Obeying the call to arms, Tabetha heard the speech by Evelyn Sunderland. Tabetha wondered if there were enough Templars to resist the invasion. The attack in the North had killed a large host of templars and much of the experienced leadership. No doubt there would be those that would not recognized her position. Wasn't there a rebellion in the past? She frowned. The fight ahead would be a perilous one. Allies would be needed.

Later, she received Theodore's call to arms and listened to his briefing. Once he was finished she voiced her concerns, "I'll come. I do have one question before we leave. If this Dead God is such a huge threat, would it not be prudent to send aid to other nations especially now?"

[LeoricAquila]

@Liverisgood@Zelosse@groompy

”That would simply put us in a place that opens us to attack. Sending envoys and messengers through what may already be enemy territory is foolhardy. We need to cut off the head of this snake. Though… this likely won’t result in a resounding victory if successful. We have a duty to uphold in protecting the people of this land and any other land. Sending out word that enemies may be at their borders, while trying to wade through these same enemies.” Draxis spoke to Tabetha before addressing the matter of volunteers. He knew that this journey would be treacherous, but it would also prove to be the perfect mission or him and his team, granted they were specially hand-picked by Draxis to be able to confront any sort of danger in the defense of the kingdom. Draxis had met Theodore once before, but did not know who he was for sure, now he had a greater understanding for what the grey-skinned dwarf did.

However, his opinion on the more brutish dwarf, Gavlan, was yet to be determined. The man seemed eager to thrust himself into danger and more than likely die as a cause of his foolhardiness. This didn’t bother Draxis as much as it would have, given that the dwarf had no ties to him personally, and Draxis felt as though any man, or woman, foolish enough to brandish their weapon in such a manner was likely the kind to insist on being in the middle of combat, rather than gathered around a table, talking of strategy.

”Myself, and my team will gladly forge a path to peace with you, brother. I am proud to be chosen to take care of such an important task. Please allow me to retire to my allies and inform them of our mission, surely we will need the time to prepare for what may be our last ride.” He spoke as he bowed deeply to the grey-skinned dwarf. Draxis was unsure of the man’s rank, but knew that he wasn’t a mere mercenary, to have granted the title of Knight-Commander to his old friend was not something a mercenary could do. This lingered in his mind as he considered what he would need to do in order to rout the undead forces that worked their way across the land, considering that perhaps many of the beasts that once roved in warbands across the open plains, may have also become part of the horde of undead, the veritable sea of corpses preparing to pour over into the already chaotic nation.

[ShaggyDoo0]

Glodin sat in the back of the room and polished his Father's hammer to a shine aa Theo spoke to the group. A young Dwarf full of piss and vinegar was eager to fight, so eager that his weapon was already drawn and flourished. Glodin finished with his hammer and re-sheathed it before standing up. He stroked his waist-length beard as he made his way to the front while Tabetha and Draxis spoke. He waited until the man finished before he bowed to Theo, the tip of his beard nearly touching the floor."Aye, Father, seems you have gathered a ragtag group here. A highly decorated officer and his squad, a templar from the capital city, a fireball, and a smithy." He turned to the rest of the group before he spoke again. "I will be there to make sure everyone's armor and weapon's stay in shape and the runes stay working. I watched two good friends of mine die recently, don't make me watch all of you die as well. I will not fight unless I need to, but there is one beast I am hunting. His name is Krovah and he is a general for Sar'than and I will have his head. My name is Glodin Stonequarry, I will be your smithy."

[Snarfulblast]

"And you'll need a pretty assistant to help you. I volunteer Karl here." Kylie steps forward dragging Karl by his belt."This psychotic maniac needs something to do, and I don't trust him within the city. So as Knight-Sergeant I'm commanding him to go with you."

Karl,still shirtless and now standing in front of all the other Templars, looks about the room glancing at everyone he would be traveling with. "I will tell you this once, I will talk only to Glodin because he is the only person I can trust. I will kill anyone and anything that threatens him, Theo and the rest of you will get only one warning. If any of you think I might be a liability speak out now and will settle this, I will fight you but not kill you." Standing in a half threatening, half passive manner close to Glodin Karl gives the rest of the room a stare that if,it could,it would, kill.

[Aerandir]

Fenros and his platoon entered the city, tired from their forced march to make it back in time to hear the speech from Knight-Captian Sunderland about the tragic news they heard of the higher ups. Sadly they were late. Way late. Almost an hour after it was supposed to be. As soon as they entered the keeps grounds he turned to his men and ordered them to get something to eat and rest up. Surely with the recent news they will be sent on another mission soon.

Just as he finished a young initiate ran up to him saying quickly. "Knight-Lieutenant Fenros! You were requested to meet with one Theodore Doubleblade in the Barracks as soon as possible." The initiate's words were soft and hesitant as if he was afraid of Fenros, or what he would say having just arrived.

Fenros looked at the initiate and with only a small hint of a smile he answered the boy. "Thank you. I will head over." His voice low but gentle, almost instantly the initiate relaxed, saluted and ran off to complete another assignment. Rubbing the back of his neck, Fenros sighed, He was hoping to get some sleep, or at least get off his feet.

Oh well... duty calls. He thought to himself as he turned to his Knight-Sergeant. "Jason, could you find out what Knight-Captain Sunderland spoke of and meet me at the Barracks when you do?"

Jason quickly nodded, giving a quick salute "Yes Sir." He answered before turning and delegating to another to take over check in for the platoon.

Fenros smiled slightly and turned to walk to the barracks. As he did, he wondered who this Theodore Doubleblade was. He never heard of him in the Order. He didn't have much time to think it over as he neared the barracks and pushed open the door. The iron handles knocked loudly at the motion. He strode in, shoulders back, head high and his helmate being held against his left hip with his left arm. Though tired, he didn't want to show it. Despite the fact his armor and tunic was smudged with mud and blood, his hair a mess He carried himself as if he was wide awake.

He stopped and looked to his left to see a wood elf Templar with out a shirt, which caused him to raise an eyebrow. He had just heard the man bark a challenge of fighting if they thought he was a liability. He didn't get the whole thing, frankly he didn't care. He looked at the man and said softly but with a firm voice. "I do believe, fighting among ourselves now should be the last thing we should be doing. You also wont do too well if you only talk to one person, that is not what it means to part of the Order. We must work together to defend our country." he finished while looking at Karl for a moment after before turning to the dwarf in front of the rest.

"Forgive me for being late. Knight-Lieutenant Fenros Harlock reporting for duty."

[Zetsuko]

Marco couldn't help but grin during Evelyn's speech, when she mentioned stepping down for a proper leader to be chosen he imagined she'd just be elected right back into the position, it was fine though, in his opinion it suited her, he thought she'd make a good leader.

though now he was in the barracks, at Theodore's request, listening to the dwarven watcher as he told them of a mission to reclaim a fortress taken by undead. Other's were already volunteering first, Marco took a look at them: nearly all the dwarves in their company, A knight-sergeant, Karl, the court wizard, and a knight-lieutenant by the name of Fenros, the latter having addressed Karl's announcement soon after his entry.

he looked at Karl as well "I agree with the knight-lieutenant, if you don't want to be seen as a liability, don't make yourself one" He then turned to Theo "I'll come along on this mission of yours as well" He stood at attention and brought a fist up to his chest for a moment as a salute before heading out to take care of some preparations before their departure tomorrow.

[TheDarkTemplar]

Almost immediately after the coronation was a mound of work hurled at the new Knight-Commander. Evelyn's private quarters became her office almost instantly as a number of issues from both The Order and the peasantry were brought to her attention. A number of monster sightings in the area were being posted and requests for Templar deployment came by the hundreds. Nevertheless, Evelyn took to her new duties with determination and focus, looking over each and every complaint or file brought to her desk. Three initiates stood by her desk, awaiting papers and declarations to receive and deliver to their intended destinations.

"If not Sar'than then it would be such work that would have killed the Lord Commander", she thought to herself as she signed a requisition order. "Theodore should be briefing the knights on the mission about now. I hope he knows what he's doing", she said to herself quietly, although one of the couriers managed to hear her. "Master Doubleblade is currently taking volunteers, My Lady. If you wish, I shall bring you a list of the volunteers once the meeting is concluded", the initiate lowered his head upon conclusion with the slightest indication that he was ready to run off at any minute.

"I'd be grateful if you could, initiate. However, at the moment I need you to bring this requisition order to the quartermasters. For the rest of you, I need a sign in form from all the arriving Templar groups. I require the names of the commanding officers, their signatures, and a count of the men under them. I'd not see a repeat of Starguard here. Dismissed", the couriers wasted no time to attend to their tasks, bolting out the door like lightening thrown from an elemental they vanished with a gust of wind in their wake.

Finally, Evelyn had a moment to herself, taking in a deep breath she leaned her head back over the head of her chair before getting up to approach the balcony. Before she even made a distance between herself and her desk, an item caught her attention. A letter atop her sword, which looked somewhat different than when she last saw it. Opening the letter she was surprised to find who it was from as she was half expecting it to be a message from Tyr or Marcus.

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

Placing the letter back on the desk she held up the sword and almost immediately the blade was enveloped in arcs of electricity. "Thank you Glodin...now I feel terrible for last night", she thought to herself as she placed the sword within its sheath. Once they had a moment Evelyn would set aside time to properly thank her dwarven friend for this gift. It had been some time since her original group had spent time in each other's company, the business in the capital had kept them rather busy and apart and from the looks of things it'd continue so for some time.

[Zelosse]

Theodore Doubleblade

Business taken care of and volunteers gathered, Theodore had retired from the barracks grounds and the meeting without another word of the plan or the goal. Templars had already begun to line up and offer service and that was good enough for him. Gavlan had tagged on with the industrious little freakshow thinking he knew the layout of the city and where the best beer was. What a surprise that he only knew the layout of the city. By the bearded ones eternally fartin' arses did Theodore ever wish he knew where they kept the good alcohol in this rats nest.
How much happier he would be away from the ceaseless politics of human towns. At least in the order they focused on keeping things safe and puttin' the boots to those that needed it. Things had fallen apart and it was now his job to fix it. First problem was the lack of someone in charge, which had been fixed thanks to Theos intervention, the next was the prince issue but that would be solved quickly enough with Marcus and Tyr spearheading the search, and lastly was the pincer maneuver coming from the north by the undead horde that could be getting a move on any time now. The subterranean path he had chosen wasn't ideal for time but it had been thoroughly mapped by Dwarven traders who had scoured the route years back looking for valuable ores and subsequently abandoned after they had taken over.
A problem for later.

For now the black plated dwarf stomped his way up and down the city getting the needed supplies. Gavlan had tagged along and had become an excellent source of help for such excursions, having ventured across Miras many times. His input had expedited the supply process exponentially. Lanterns, torches, matches, dried food, water flasks, oil, kindling, anything that could be of use. Theo had also purchased a crossbow and some fine steel bolts. Theo hadn't bothered to check how many would be coming in the morning, he personally hated the things anyways, but asked the merchant to supply his expedition with horses enough in the afternoon. Theo had paid in advance handsomely to see his strange requests met to the letter.
The morning would come quickly enough.

"Get some rest, Gavlan. It's going to be a hard day." He pat the other Dwarf on the back as a sign of friendship and sauntered off, leaving the other with a fistful of silver coins for his work helping him today. Enough to get the terribly sober fellow well into the nights rest.

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

At the forge Theo worked long into the night when everyone else had left. The turning had given him many gifts, poison powers, enhanced physical abilities, extended life. But now the dreams stopped. He could rest, he could even sleep, but it was no longer a requirement to his existence. How long, he silently mused, had it been since he had been exhausted enough to truly sleep and dream of his past. The only thing left to him was the gentle tink-tink-tink of the tiny inscribing tools so late into the night. The weapon was complete, Glodin had finished the metalwork and the casing for the core but all that was left was the runes that made the weapon a work of art. Every etched rune brought it one step closer to making it a weapon truly terrifying.
Like the pistol it would fire a concentrated beam of magic but with the modifications they made it would shoot further, stronger, more accurately. The issue was the metals could not contain the blast of the core for extended periods of time and needed to be ventilated periodically to prevent damage. Marcus knew of this and had promised to be diligent.

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

Theodore had worked long through the night to make the final adjustments to the weapon. Skilled hands had created the metal parts, craftsmen had polished a custom made wooden frame to fit them in with painstaking detail, and Theodore had etched every rune personally before assembling it. If not for Glodins skill at the forge and the sheer description given in the diagram from the book Marcus had found the feat might not have been accomplished nearly as well as it had.

Theodore reverently placed the crackling lightning orb into the long compartment meant to house it. It slid in without a fuss, contact with its surface to the metal sent a surge of raw energy across its frame, the runework flaring to life blindingly as he sealed the compartment shut and tested the various parts one last time before picking up the rifle and aiming it cautiously at a nearby sign. Sweating hard he pulled the trigger and prayed they found his pieces easily.

THOOM

The bolt of light burned a hole no bigger than a pinkie clean through the oaken sign and well into the cobblestone behind it all the way into the night sky, blissfully failing to hurt anyone on its path into the open air outside the forge. The smoking hole sizzled as the stone that had come in contact with the bolt flared an angry red and black. Theo smiled to himself and cleaned up after his mess, reorganizing the room as he had found it before heading into the empty city streets with the prize in hand.
An hour or so later Marcus had the newest firearm hung on a leather holster across his back before parting ways, leaving Theodore with a hand written scroll like the ones employed in the kest tunnels. Truly the Dwarves had done the nigh impossible once more.

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

The sun was nearing the Zenith in the sky the following day with Theo dutifully leafing through lists of inventory. The horses would get them to the cave system within a day, after that it would be two or three days walking through the tunnels. An enchanted compass had been given to every member of the expedition, it would always point north regardless of how deep they went thus allow them to keep a solid march even if they got lost. Each person was responsible for personal belongings such as armor, weapons, and drink. Theo had three flasks stored in his chestplate, one with Whisky, Rum, and brandy. Two water skins were in the saddlebags with his horse along with rations of bread, cheese, smoked meats, and his cherished ax Ender gleaming in the daylight.
A sizable turnout had come, any initiates had been told to return to the city proper. A suicide mission need not snuff the lights from promising younglings.

When the last volunteer had gathered he addressed them as their superior, every able bodies person understood then and there he would continue in that fashion.

"Knights of the Order. Thank you for accompanying me. Wouldn't go nearly as easy if it was just me going." He chuckled at his own wit and continued in the same stern voice. "Name is Theodore Doubleblade. To the rest of the city I am a mercenary, and it will stay that way if and when we return, but to you all I place my trust. The order has been shadowed since its creation with a sister, I am one of the founders." He upraised his hand to forestall any obvious questions of age. "Yes. I am old, older than most and still eager for the fight. My order has been dutifully watching over the dark and scary things that creep out from the shadows over the years and destroy them before you all get the chance. Yours is the duty of honor, ours isn't. Do not ask me what I have done to keep you all safe just know that in the eyes of the gods I will be judged harshly."

He cleared his throat as a table was brought over to him by Gavlan, easing it down gently with a series of maps on the surface detailing the route to the northwest, ending at a black spot. Theo placed his finger over it and addressed the crowd.

"We are not leading a fools mission head on into a host of Undead servants. We are not leading an army into it either. We are making for the entrance of a long abandoned tunnel system used by the mountain dwarves about 30 years back to do trade with Farendar, the tunnel connected them from their mountains far to the north all the way to that very cave entrance."

Theodore moved the map aside to reveal two papers side by side. One was a detailed and folded map of the tunnel system and ideal routes, the other was a map of the area surrounding the fallen fort which Theo had crudely scribbled over. Originally it was Fort Harkon, but he had scribbled over it 'foxfox' for a cheap laugh. Nobody but himself likely got the joke but that didn't stop him from enjoying it.

"Forts been overrun in the night by those snaggle toothed freaks and we can't swing our way through their servants to make for them. Would be suicide," His hand unfurled the paper to show a small cave entrance in the mountains nearby to the north of the fort. "Little bit of luck we can come south from the mountains and creep up under cover of dark. Theres no forts past Foxfox so defenses will be light, the amateurs. Plans simple from then on. We get in, we kill the filthy lunatics, and reclaim the fort for the order. A victory over Sar'Than for the record books."

Not willing to settle for an arguement about his rather impromptu and foolhardy plan he rolled up the scrolls and placed them in his saddlebag before returning his gaze to the assembled.

"Draxis Felwind, Damien Varomere. Step up."

Theodore looked both of them up and down and shrugged.

"Draxis, you brought your 'family' as you call them here so I want you in charge of the fighting when it goes down. I want you in the thick of it when the fighting gets started. Anyone willing to fight will listen to your orders and respond as a Templar would. Glory in battle to you and yours." he saluted the young officer and turned his attention to Damien.

"You are his equal now in every way, both under my command." Theo glanced at Draxis, "You both do as each other says. I don't care if you don't wanna play nice together. Tough luck." He returned his gaze squarely on Damien. "You are a necromancer, and a skilled one so says the reports I have. You will know exactly what the beasts we face can do and I bet my steel boots you've got a way to stop them one way or another. I want you and Draxis to think and breathe the same when the combat comes. He is my military arm and you are my magical arm, am I clear? Good."

He turned back to address the others. "Break up camp and lets get this thing going. Long ride ahead of us!" A shrill whistle had the pony he had chosen as his personal mount at his side, the burden horse following closely behind. When all was ready Theodore saluted the city and whispered a prayer to the watching gods for victory in combat over this new hellish enemy.

@thedarktemplar @zetsuko @Wraithblade6@LeoricAquila@Groompy@TheTruthWhale@TheTwistedOne@The Emperors Blade[@LiverisGod]@Snarfulblast@ShaggyDoo0@boomlover

[OtomostheCrazy]

@Zelosse

Kaathe watched for a moment as the group rode off to fight the undead horde. In the dark elf's mind, it was a somewhat foolish effort, as their mission would be to essentially weaken the enemy and thin their ranks. It put their lives at risk for little results, but hey, it works. Whether or not it works out in the long run is up to fate.

He and some other knights stayed behind. Their mission was to locate the King's murderer. In all honesty, Kaathe could have cared less about the situation. A crime was committed, but the problem at hand didn't seem to be bringing Justice, but rather bringing order to the city. Yes, Evelynn and the Covenant had taken over in the meantime, but for how long? The people will only put up with them for so long...Kaathe guessed it just didn't matter. Let fate take place.

At the moment, the dark elf had put in little effort into the mission, simply patrolling around, looking for suspicious persons. At some point, Kaathe had decided to rest somewhere and think on it. The murderer was still out. Inexperienced killers would most likely panic in such an event, and run as far away from the corpse as possible...Kaathe remembered that there was that one man he spotted earlier. They were panicked, and rushing through the streets. Maybe...

Suddenly, the sound of compressed lightning magic grabbed his attention. He watched as a bolt of magic shot through a wooden sign, and left a deep mark in the stone behind it. By sight alone, it was obvious that it was the work of dwarves and humans. The Lightning spell was too simple to have been cast, it meant that it was cast through the use of pre-made materials and runes. No actual control, but in exchange it gave sheer power.

Curious, Kaathe moved himself to a tree near the building the spell had come from. In time, a somewhat familiar face had arrived, and gained a weapon from a dwarves weaponsmith. As the two parted ways, Kaathe spoke up out of boredom.

"Had one of the dwarves improve your toys?" said Kaathe in a somewhat joking manner. "Smart. A good weapon can stave off the inevitable, after all."

Kaathe was partially telling the truth. A weapon did stave off death for a while, but it can only do so much. Even with his unique weapon, should fate decide he'd die, or some enemy just got lucky, then he'd die. It didn't matter what weapon he had.

Kaathe chuckled lightly. It didn't matter at all. So the Dark Elf moved along with,

"No matter. It's not my business for what you decide to do with your equipment. Though, I am curious about what you plan on doing, seeing as the others have already left for their battle."

[Groompy]

---

Gavlan knew not what to think of his new found companions; most of them being quite outlandish, or highly influential figures, Gavlan felt a little out of place as a Templar who had spent most of his life in complete solitude as a ranger, warding the roadsides and keeping the country safe. For the most part, most of his jobs had been low key, at least from his perspective. He had been a determining factor in the long waged Giant Wars that had struck the Northern regions many cycles ago, but, of course, it was a footnote in the history of Miras, and he hardly remembered the details, himself. He could never admit to his superiors in the Order that he had been, for lack of better words, completely piss drunk during a number of high priority engagements with the giants, as this would have, without a doubt, severed his ties with them immediately. As was such, he kept his involvement with most of his major skirmishes to a minimum. Although, this did not stop him from, occasionally, drunkenly and loudly boasting at taverns about his smaller kills where he preformed daring feats that could be, and probably were, impossible. He knew the Order prided themselves on their image, and he did not want to tarnish it out of pure respect, despite not fully agreeing with their policies: specifically, the alcohol related ones. As little as he knew about the finer details of the Order, he owed them his life, for they had given his life purpose when it had none, and, not only that, they had provided him with a steady stream of income. For this, he was eternally grateful towards them, and he provided them with the loyalty that only a Dwarf could muster, and, with his unquenchable lust for battle, he was sure sign up for any job available no matter the danger. He would see his life to the bitter end for the sake of the Order, but, as far as he was concerned, he was still due in this world a while longer. With a track record to prove it, along with many scars, no beast or man had yet matched his prowess in battle, and he fully intended for it to continue this way. If there was anything out there that could best him, he had yet to meet it.

As this was such, when Theodore called for volunteers to the front for a mission that even he had deemed as foolhardy, Gavlan had already began marching to the front of the room, gleaming battle axe in hand, before Theodore could even finish his statement. Gavlan, looking at Theodore, could tell that his new captain was thankful. Gavlan had met him the day, before, and, as far as he could tell, this Dwarf was certainly unique. He had known many Dwarves in his lifetime, but this black armored one had a strange aura about him that even he could detect. Although, he was unable to fully determine why, he had taken an, almost, instant liking to Theodore. Looking at the rest of the rag tag bunch that were to be his brothers in arms he could only think that they had a lot of work to do to prove to him that they were worth their weight. He felt a hand on his back, as Theodore patted him roughly, thanking him for joining his mission. Looking over at the aged face of his new friend and captain, Gavlan gave him a nod of approval. "I don't care what kind of mess we're going into, I'll make sure we get through it alive." Gavlan made this vow to Theodore, and he was going to do everything in his power to uphold his promise.

---

The day of their excursion came quickly, and Gavlan was none too disappointed to finally be leaving the city, with its cursed walls making him feel boxed in. As far as he was concerned, if Humans wanted to feel like trapped animals, then they could go right ahead and keep that lifestyle up. He had helped Theodore the night before, and had provided him with everything his memory could recollect about the surrounding areas, along with many maps he had drawn over the years. He had also visited about thirteen different taverns in the city with Theodore, subsequently emptying each out with gusto. Gavlan didn't like the constant bar hopping, but if Humans couldn't keep up with the demand of two Dwarves thirsty out for any liquor they could get their grubby mitts on, then they shouldn't have bothered opening that day at all. He could tell that Theodore thought very little of the porter they were demolishing, but he could also tell that Theodore was, at least, happy enough that there was any booze at all. Gavlan had also imparted Theodore with a little warning and rumor about the mines they were to traverse their way through. "There's a reason those mines were abandoned, Theodore. When more than fifty Dwarves suddenly go missing without so much as a trace, then you know there's something hideous lurking in the darkest pits of that cobwebbed, old path, and if I so much as catch a whiff of it, I'm going to track it down and kill it." The rest of their journey, he was less concerned about. He had maimed and slaughtered countless undead, before, that had wandered far from the master's influence; however, he had never killed a necromancer, before, but, by the earth mother, did he relish the thought of lobbing off their spell slinging hands and shoving his fist down their sourcery weaving throats. Dark magic that could raise the dead was something that he found absolutely repulsive.

Gavlan prepped his brown pony with everything he would need for the journey, which, of course, included a lot of alcohol, and his tried and true battle axe that was shinning fiercely in the Sun's rays, as if to show its excitement, as well. Gavlan then spent all of one second pondering whether he should keep the ropes he was given by Theodore, or to make more room for the whiskey he had bought the previous night. The rope was quickly discarded in favor for the tastier option. "Can't get drunk off rope." Gavlan muttered to himself before taking a long draft from his flask. He then gazed at his burdened, and slightly shabby pony. "Well, you're not much to look at, ya' mule, but ye'll do fine." Hiking himself over the saddle, he made his way towards the gathering outside the city gates. Carefully steadying himself as to not fall off when his pony halted, it had been a long while since he had rode on horseback, he met with Theodore and provided him with the sufficient maps they would need in order to properly make their journey in a quick manner. Gavlan was unsure as to why Theodore had written Foxfox on one of his maps, but he paid it no mind. Slowly, the other recruits started to pile in, their journey about to commence.

Before they set off, Theodore addressed his company, again, giving everyone a sharp reminder of what their cause was, and what their duties were. With that, he was off, everyone following close behind. Gavlan was proud to see that the Dwarf would hold no objections to his own plan, just as any captain should. The city disappearing into the haze, as Gavlan's pony cantered onward, he reminded himself of the pledge he had given Theodore, and he also allowed the excitement he felt towards the mission to ramp up. Gavlan knew that soon he would be in the thick of swathes of undead, fighting for his country and his brethren. He had a hard time concealing the slight smile that crept over his face, and he knew that his comrades wouldn't understand his love for the chaos of the battlefield like he did, but he couldn't help himself. It had been at least a week since his battle axe had tasted anything except the sweat off his back, and he was more than willing to try and satisfy its unending thirst. Letting himself go and leaning back on his pony laughing heartily, Gavlan shouted,

"First undead we see is mine to send rattling back to its whoreson grave, just so we're all clear!"

[TheDarkTemplar]

Tyr had gone after Marcus as Theo had ordered but that was only after speaking with the new Commander, some motivation was needed prior to her coronation, not that Evelyn needed it anyway. "She's risen to the challenge every time. Let's just hope-"

"That she can do it again?" Marcus had been waiting for Tyr to arrive and eventually came to gather her, knowing full well she was playing the meddlesome friend card. "I admit I've not kept an eye on her, but she has undeniable courage. For now we must do for Sunderland what we must do for our order.", He lightly touched the handle of his firearm to emphasize their duty. Davon would be taken alive but all the others would be killed if they impeded the work of the dark ones.

"We'd not have had to had I kept an eye on the king...his death complicates things severely. If what I suspect is true, this city will see much bloodshed before it sees the end of this crisis", Tyr spun her throwing knife around on her finger before grabbing ahold of it once more. "But enough of that, we've a long day ahead of us and I've some questions for you before we begin", the two watchers stood in the catacombs of Loringrad Castle with the only light being the torches scattered across the chamber. "You've spoken with The Ocular, what did he make of the artifact? Do we have a new directive or are we to stay the course?", the sound of footsteps approaching the entrance of the catacombs caused Tyr to tighten her grip on her throwing knife. Realizing that it was merely a passing patrol she quickly loosened her grip before placing it back in it's sheath.

Marcus tipped his hat and glanced around before continuing. "The Ocular must search his memories but he has warned the stone is dangerous. I fear you have found something beyond even his abilities, such was the look of anger on his face.", The fact that the Ocular did not know what to make of the stone was alarming given the old ones age. The fact that he needed to search the vast stores of his own mind might very well be more alarming.

"If it's managed to spark his ire I can only imagine the threat it must present should the cultists possess it.

Marcus nodded gravely. "It is unimportant to us in the here and now. Sunderland expects Davon found. We will find him.", He spoke matter of fact, as if it was almost unbelievable that they would fail to find a single person. No watcher had ever failed to find their targets.

He strode away briskly and approached a sewer grate, leaning down and pulling off the metal hatch to reveal the darkness below. The smell alone nearly made hom bring up his breakfast.

"Ladies first.."

"A gentleman when convenient", Tyr rolled her eyes as she entered the sewers. The fall was short and although there was shallow...waters, Tyr landed while barely making a noticeabe splash. "By the gods, was it really necessary to take this route?", the instant the smell of the tunnels reached her nose she knew it would take some work to rid herself and her clothes of the stench. Once Marcus was in the tunnel as well she examined the passageways, bringing from memory the layout of the sewer system. "If i remember correctly, this way spills out into the harbor. That'll put us near the lower districts. Evelyn has the guards searching the homes in ech district, its likely they'll be more...thorough when searching the peasant houses. The nobles will be more resistant to the search and its more likely we'll find something of importance there. Any ideas?"

"Head to the centre of the sewers. I was runnin' from this sorta touble I'd get as close in as possible and hitch up with the shadier side of the city. Lets start there and move outwards." Marcus unholstered his new rifle, the weight felt reassuring in his hands as they slowly navigated through the tunnels. The smell was bad but when they reached the more populated district it could notably worse. By the time they entered, both had a bandanna wrapped around their noses to try and repel the stink.

"Gonna have to burn these clothes, once we're finished..", He grumbled, catching the faintest glimmer of light off the moldy walls in the distance. "Up ahead. Company."

"Yes, I can see just fine, thank you", a hint of annoyance in Tyr's voice as Marcus knew full well they both possessed the same heightened senses from The Turning. The tunnel was heading towards a large cistern where inside a couple of men with masked faces, one holding a torch. As the Watchers approached, it became clear that these two were more than simple thugs holding up in the underground. Dark leather armor with hooded cloaks were their attire and from this distance it appeared as though they were equipped with high quality arms, not the sort available to the common street thug. "Cultists, perhaps?", Tyr didn't break her gaze on the two mystery men, her entire focus placed on discerning who these men were.

Marcus dipped to one knee and took careful aim with the rifle, staring down the sights with admiration to its craftsmanship.
"Take one down but leave him alive. I'll deal with the second after you engage."

'That weapon of yours'll alert the whole damn city with its shot. Let me take care of this", Tyr didn't wait for an answer but immediately activated her invisibility spell. Despite being undetectable to the naked eye, her presence could still be seen in the enviornment. Carefully she crept towards the two men, her steps careful not to disturb the "water" too much. As soon as she was within arm's reach of her targets, one of them took a step towards her. There was little to no time before he'd collide with the invisible assassin but thankfully Tyr managed to sidestep out of the way. "So, any news on our next move?", one of the men asked his partner though recieved a harsh shush in response. "Quiet!, these tunnels may be underground but they echo. If ya don't keep it down someone'll hear ya on the surface!", his voice was low and coarse as he scolded the other, a moment of silence fell upon the cisterm before the original question was answered. "The Prince has yet to give us a target, but it's likely he'll have us after the other highborns. Right now, we're to hold up here until we recieve word from the army in the north"

"Why not just kill the nobles an' be done with it?"

"From what I hear, the royal prick wants no opposition, wants any threat out the way before he makes a move"

"huh well tha-", he never finished his sentence, a dagger in the neck prevented that. The survivor stumbled back in shock and fear. His partner's neck had been slashed open as if the winds had done so. Wildly he stood to his feet, his panicked mind desperately trying to unsheath his blade. Unfortunately for him he'd not get the chance, as if out of nowhere Tyr appeared, dashing towards the man she stabbed him in the leg and with her free hand placed it over his mouth, knocking him to ground and silencing any possibility of him calling for help. "Shall I continue to restrain him or would you prefer me to interrogate?, the man looked confused upon hearing his attacker looking all around for signs of another presence.

Marcus kept the rifle in hand and approached the fallen man, a little shove had the body resting easily on the side of the filth covered walkway where he would not be found any time soon. A simple shrug was the only answer Tyr received as he turned to watch the surroundings for more fellows like the one painting the sewers red.

"Very well then, hold him for me. I'd very much like to stand out of this filth", Tyr said before looking to the prisoner. "Move or make a noise and this dagger will be pulled from your leg up to your chest", slowly Tyr removed her hand from over the man's mouth and stood up to the side for Marcus to take over. Now crouched beside their captive, Tyr removed her hood to get a better look at his face she pulled back his hood. "I've never seen your face anywhere. What's your name?", the man looked as if he was going to speak but instead he spat at Tyr who promptly pulled another dagger from its sheath and brought it to his temple. Quickly she covered his mouth beofre digging the tip of the blade into the side of the man's face. He writhed violently in pain but his movements only worsened the stab wound left by the dagger planted in his leg. "I asked a simple question, just wanting to know who you are, and that's what I get in return? Alright then", Tyr put down the dagger and grabbed a handful of...sewage, from nearby. Without hesitation or discomfort she rubbed the filth in the face of the man, making sure to get some into the fresh cut. "Unlike you, I'll leave this place to a warm bath and clean clothes. You on the other hand will probably return to your pathetic shack of a home to try and clean the wound. No doubt its already infected, but you get to decide how fast you leave here and treat it before the infection spreads. Now, once again, what is your name?", Tyr removed her hand to let the man speak. He winced in pain as he tried to keep quiet, knowing any loud noise would mean his death. "Denam, me name's Denun Clastern", he said with sharp periodical gasps of pain.

"Nice to meet you, Denun. Call me 'Red', this one here is...well dont worry about him, what you should worry about it what I said before. I'll try to keep this quick so you can be on your way, alright? Sound good?"

"Yeah, yeah, sounds good to me"

"Alright then, I overheard the conversation you and your friend were having before I...anyway, you spoke of The Prince, is that who I think it is?

"Yeah, its Davon. Bastard has us patrollin these tunnels, figured you lot would come lookin here sooner or later"

"We lot? He knows who we are?"

"Ain't you two Templars?"

"Not quite but thats besides the point. He has you all patrolling the sewers, how many of you are down here?"

"About two of us in evry cistern I think. There's about 30 of us keepin' watch over 'im in 'The Black Cauldron' too"

"Any traps along the way?"

"Wait, you know what that is? Coulda sworn word of it never left the sewers"

"Denun. Focus. Remember that cut?"

"Alright, alright, the tunnels leading to The Cauldro have magic wards placed on the ground. Step on one and the whole chamber fills with fire, ya have to know precisely where to step if ya don't want to end up like a roasted swine"

"Do you know how to get past it"

"No. Ever since his highness came down here, The Cauldron's been locked tight. I've only recieved orders from dead drops in the city"

"Well that complicates things...slightly. Back to your earlier conveersation, you said you were waiting for word from the north army. Explain"

"We have an informant in the castle, they told us of what's happened with the templars and all that shit. We sent word with one of them mages, fellow vanished to thin air after recievin the letter. Later the same day he appeared again with a reply from the north. Our boys up north know about your friends headin for 'em. They've dug in an prepared for them. Once they've been dealt with, the city will be short a few knights. Meanwhile, we're supposed to wait for word of the victory before causing a riot in the city. The chaos would've made it much easier to take the city. That's all I swear, you'll let me go now right? Like ya promised?"

"Of course, you've been a great help. Sorry about your leg by the way, just business", Tyr signaled for Marcus to let off the man.

"Yeah, no worries"

"Sorry for this as well"

"Wha-", in an instant Denun's throat was cut open. The blade had gone so deep it had partially decapitated the man, leaving his head to hang by a few muscles. As a result of being of being so close, Tyr's face was covered in blood though it mattered little to her. Rising to her feet, she wiped the blood away from her eyes before turning to Marcus. "We should return to the castle, Sunderland should know about this...and I need a bath"