drewccapp

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon absorbed the information Sahale gave. As far as Calabris behavior was concerned what was explained was rather classic. While he was sympathetic to the risk Sahale's informant took to get that information, he remained unmoved in regards to his theatrics. "That is certainly a classic Calabris move. Very well, thank you for that information, Sahale."

Once Dorran declared they were moving out now and ordered some of his guards to hold down the camp, Allanon faced the group. "How many of you are used to operating as part of a team?" How long had it been since the last time he operated as part of a team? He continued. "If most of us are not used to it, then I believe it may be best if we have a general plan of action and then do what we're best at. If we continue to work together in the future we can then work on determining roles." The few times he teamed up with someone or multiple people since his vigilante efforts started this was often the best strategy considering strangers usually worked poorly within coordinated roles unless they were used to teamwork. He applied the same logic to this group.

Deep within his eyes, one could see a cold rage boiling up as Allanon recalled the night he lost his wife. "I'm ready to head out right now." Those bandits had caused others a lot of suffering, and they were a black mark on this world. A mark that would be wiped clean from this world.

The Vanishing Kingdom

As Sahale introduced himself Allanon raised his eyebrows. The man held a legendary reputation among those in the underground. He was also known to be one of the few powerful underworld leaders not in the Calabris' pocket. He had a reputation as a fiercely independent assassin-turned-broker. At least Allanon now knew he could trust Sahale not to be a Calabris spy sent to send him into a trap. Allanon reattached his sword and his wife's sword to his belt as he stood up.

"You said you'd explain more about the Calabris operation here," Allanon recalled making direct eye contact with Sahale. "Given your reputation, you are no friend to the Calabris, and you definitely aren't in their pocket. I hope you can give satisfactory information."

He had limited trust for Sahale. His previous attitude in the chapel seriously gave Allanon pause in regards to dealing with the man. While he knew Calabris had plenty of ears, and he understood that Sahale could not divulge too much information. Veiled threats were not something Allanon took kindly to. He also could not discount any agenda Sahale might have.

It was too late to do anything about the disaster that struck Kalla, but Allanon could avenge them. "I hope you can tell quickly enough, so we can get sooner justice for those lost and wounded." His hand slowly clasped over the butt of his sword's handle. Much like Kistal he was eager to kill some Calabris soldiers.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon focused his attention on the quick movements of the escaping thief. From the snarling, he could tell they were a beastperson. It was unusual for one to be alone. Perhaps this one was a stray or lost their tribe? He knew that with all the excitement there would be no way he would not fall back asleep. There would be only a few more hours before everyone would have to wake up for the raid anyways.

He watched as what he now understood to be a female bolted for the exit in agile fashion. Allanon stretched out, but remained seated. "Well... I imagine a solo watch all-night is a bit lonely, so I think I'll accompany you for the remainder of the night."

Allanon had a fairly advantageous view of the cave where he was seated as he could see the entire space as well as the exit from here. He was well enough rested that he could perform well all through the day. Regardless, he was used to short nights of sleep.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon's sleep was restless and nightmare filled. While he slept silently there were several times during the past couple hours he woke up. Each time he woke up alert for a few moments while scanning the space with his eyes. He could see the silhouette of Kistal in his vigilant watch every time. The sixth or seventh time he stirred from his sleep, Allanon noticed Kistal had moved from his assumed post. Allanon slowly moved tightened his grip over the handle of his sword as he searched for the beastman's silhouette.

After a few moments of searching, he heard a whisper and his eyes honed in where it came from, and once again he found the silhouette of Kistal and.... another. He remained silent watching and waiting for any problems to start. The odds this stranger was a Calabris agent was quite small. The information network of the Calabris family was strong, but the odds it knew anything of the location of this raid would require magical divination he was certain they did not have. Diviners were a rare breed of magic-user after all requiring unique inclinations that often required Grusk heritage.

If no one was harmed by this point, the odds were their visitor was no threat. Even so, one could never be too careful, so he remained silent and vigilant.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon drilled for about an hour before returning to the cave. He was well prepared for the bloodshed that was soon to come. He hoped he was not too late to rescue the captives at the Calabris base. He did not like the idea of camping out before striking their base, but if it meant getting help rather than going solo he was fine with it. This would increase the odds of success. He also missed working with a team even if this was temporary.

He settled down in as defensible a spot as possible and settled into a light sleep as soon as all conversation died down. He held a peace-bound golden sword and his ebony sword in his lap as he rested. Ready to draw it in the instant he was disturbed.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon nodded at Bidzil's response. The only way to put real weight behind those words though would be to put them into action. It was one thing to say you could take a life, however, the act itself was a completely different monster. To this day, Allanon's first kill weighed on him. An old merchant who got on the wrong side of the Calabris family. It was a solo mission, and the thing that made it hardest for Allanon was that he was completely accepting of his own death. Although, Allanon imagined if the old man had begged for his life it would have been just as hard.

Disturbed by his memory and realizing the raid would begin in the morning, Allanon decided to stay outside of the cave and go through drills. One of the reasons Allanon had not lost his edge over his years as a swordsman was because of continual and consistent practice. His motions were fluid and dynamic almost like a dance. He maintained an image of his most difficult opponents as he drilled. All the while, he prayed like he did every day that he was making Marissa proud and honoring her last wish.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon had to resist reacting to Bidzil's feet closing on his arm. The two reactions he could have made would likely have crippled the young man. Once, Bidzil caught himself and relaxed as he conceded the spar Allanon put away his weapon. He responded to the fist bump in kind with a light grin. "You fared better than you could have expected. Also, keep this in mind with that maneuver you just started with your feet and my arm. That would work better if I were wielding a shorter weapon, however a full-length sword like mine could cripple you before you could attempt any control over my weapon with a simple flick of the wrist. I could have struck your groin or inner thigh both of which have muscles and tendons that allow a strong grip. If you don't believe me, put your hand between your knees and clamp them down on it. You'll feel what muscles tighten when you do that. Very foolish move in a serious fight with a seasoned opponent."

Allanon listened as Bidzil admitted he had no experience in actual combat, and Hilde's reaction. "Then the question comes to bear. How ready are you to take a life? The people we will be dealing with before long will not think twice to end yours. Either because they must do it to survive, or they do it to satisfy their own bloodlust."

He knew all too well how Calabris Mercenaries were brought on to work for them. Either they were debt slaves, like he was, sold by their own families to pay off debts with their bodies, or they were paid to work for them with guarantees for their families. Both were bound by contract, and the former were bound by blood and magic. The only reason Allanon and his surviving teammates no longer had active contracts was because the Calabris Family retired them by stating they had paid off their debts. After all that was the only way they could try and kill him without experiencing the repercussions of a breach of contract. It was the only way the could have a bounty out for his life.

Although, now that he was thinking about it, Sahale had mentioned there was a secret bounty on him being captured alive. Not wanted dead, but alive. The only bounties he knew of exclusively wanted him and his surviving former teammates dead. He would need to find out more about that bounty wanting him alive, and he would need to find out if the other two were also wanted alive as well. It would be impossible to find and inform one of them, but he could at least make contact with the one under Tundral's protection and let him know. He really did not like the idea of getting information from a guy like Sahale. There was no way he could trust someone like Sahale. Not after all he experienced in his former line of work.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon nodded to Anrak with a small smile on his face. "Glad to be a help." The large man appeared to have been through quite a bit over his lifetime, and Allanon knew all too well about having skeletons in their closet. If he was truly dedicated to redeem himself from whatever past sins he may have committed, then Allanon would be there to support such a person.

He pulled himself out of his thoughts to refocus his attention on Bidzil. He was beginning to get an understanding of the young man. Bidzil's education with the sword was nowhere near as refined as his own, but odds were his style was self-built much like Allanon's style. The odds were it would be filled with openings. Bidzil's attempt to copy Allanon's salute was satisfactory for a beginner to duelist etiquette. He then presented his own greeting. One he had not seen in a long time, but considering the Trantis' guard coat Bidzil wore was not surprising.

Allanon removed his sword and scabbard from his belt separating it from its golden and permanently peace-bound partner. He bumped Bidzil's fist with his own while holding his sheathed weapon. He took two steps back and reattached his scabbard quickly before the spar started. "Been a long time since I've fought someone from Trantis. Tragic what happened." While Allanon was still mastering his style, he had sparred with an old master from Trantis whom had taught him their simple greeting. The old master had long since passed away from old age. The few weeks Allanon learned from him helped him breakthrough and create the final forms of his style.

Allanon smoothly entered a ready stance with his hand steadily upon the handle of his sword.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon couldn't help but chuckle a bit at Bidzil's eagerness to spar. It reminded him of his days as a young man himself. It also told him enough about the kind of training Bidzil had. "I appreciate your eagerness. It seems you have a bit of a misunderstanding. This salute." He repeated his simple swordsman salute. "Is a simple sign of respect towards a fellow swordsman." He drew his sword with a quick flourish and presented it in front of him with a bow of his head while still keeping his eyes on his opponent. "This is a duelist greeting." A light smile grew upon his face.

He quickly sheathed his sword again at Bidzil suggested they wait until they get to the cave. "It seems you misunderstood my saying 'just say when'. I meant whenever you want I am ready for a spar."

As he followed after Bidzil at a walking pace, Allanon noticed the scar on his shoulder blade. A scar like that usually came from one of two places: running away from an opponent in fear, or protecting someone dear from harm. He would find out which given time. At the cave he stood near the entrance to assume a guard type of position and keep watch until Bidzil told him he was ready for that spar. If he chose to do it now.

The Vanishing Kingdom

Allanon's interest had been piqued. Bidzil was a young man at the peak of his strength. A spar with him could be a good experience, and the more opponents he fought the more his style grew. He could tell from the young man's stance that he was at least familiar with combat, and not some young fool just looking to test himself. "Bidzil was it? A spar would be quite a good warm up. Competent would be the bear minimum I expect for a sparring partner. I have met about a dozen masters that are better than I, and I imagine there are several I have yet to meet. Perhaps, you may be an interesting challenge."

Allanon took a step back with a simple swordsman's salute to Bidzil. "Just say when."