Th3King0fChaos

The Hourglass Order

---

Location: A fountain by the Arboretum

---

Interactions: Zarra @BreathOfTheWoof, Ingrid @dragonpiece, Sven @Force and Fury, Dory@jasbraq, Ayla@Ti, Casii@Pirouette, Ymiico@Salsa Verde

---

Enough is Enough

---

Desmond showed up to the fountain about on time, maybe a minute early, but being early is better than late. The hissing of the gas lamp made him uneasy, it was almost like the sound of a snake in the distance, and the energy it caused made him wary of being near the lamp. It made him feel as if he was standing near a burning fuse, waiting to explode something. Yet either way, he noticed a few people each wearing the same thing, a red ribbon. Desmond wore his and his wrist, something tucked and neatly made to make it very easy to hide in the cuff of his shirt. He gave nods to those he knew, and then simple little head bows to those he did not know.

They waited for roughly up to 10 minutes, nothing but waiting, they sat and waited, and as Desmond began to grumble to himself he saw a flash, a poster seemingly appeared. They all moved over to it as they all read it silently to themselves, then another one, then one last one. They wanted to test them, to see if they had the right mindset for this. As right when they finished reading, Desmond heard Ayla, speak up first. He at least decided to give her the courtesy to speak and not be interrupted, that was until she had been talking for over a minute and was not even done with her hypotheticals, as Ingrid spoke over Ayla, Desmond did the same, as he had something to say, and he would not be denied that, "Laws are made to protect the general people against abuses from others, organizations, and the government itself. But when it fails to do those things and becomes unjust, then we must break them. As it is not just right to, but we must, to show the corruption and unjustness of it".

The Hourglass Order

---

Velles 5th

Location: Torragonese Desert - The Dragon: Burdensome Beasts
Day of the week: Taldes
Characters: Ayla @Ti, Zarina @YummyYummy
Isabella @Pantothenic, Jocasta @Force and Fury, Marceline
Nazih @Ziegenkonig

---

Desmond sat upon his Halassa in a very relaxed manner, he was facing off the right side of the Halassa as one leg was crossed over the other as he looked off into the vast expanse of the desert. He and Velani already spoke decently enough of their approach. Sabotage is low on their priority, amongst the 2 of them their goal is to defend and make their way across the finish line, one much faster than the other. Desmond he is curious in actually searching for specific items, loot, and other things, Velani not as much. As Velani was off making water to fill their canteens, Desmond sat upon his Halassa thinking. In his thought he seemed to shift in uncomfort from his new clothing, it was large clothes and garbs meant to cover every inch of him from the sun while trapping moisture, it was an uncomfortable feeling, almost counterintuitive to the survival tactics he was taught as a magusjeager from the colder climates, however, this is a different environment, so he needed to dress as such. He adjusted his body, he shifted some of the clothes, some items strewn across him, and even seemingly something underneath his clothing.

As he waited, thinking about why he was here, what he was doing, and why would he even care for a box and keeping it out of the hands of other countries, he heard a yell from behind as his covered head turned to see Ismette and Miret had made it through their round, and now it was their turn.

Here Be Froabas

As they covered the many open distance of the desert, Desmond had faced off against and deterred the many attacks that had been aimed at him. He used much of his magic to guide and control his Halassa. Yet the one he could not handle was the one that came above, as when a Froabas came swooping down, his Halassa had hunkered down as many people tried to use this time to knock each other off. Desmond and Velani had prepared to defend themselves as Velani made shields to protect them from other attacks as once they were able to move they kept going, as next came an area that would be where the pair would go their separate ways.

Into the Depths

As Desmond and Velani reached the caves, Desmond and her made chemical compositions that can burn for light for her, While Desmond used Arcane to create light for him to see. As her5e was a place that would be a place that would be a difficult place to guide the Halassa, however it was perfect for searching for treasures and goodies. As Desmond was not as lucky to find rare treasures, no gold, no silver, no special weapon, no he found a lone Dragon egg. A smile crossed his face as he kinetically lifted it up and took it into his grasp before he headed off through the tunnel system before he continued off into the

Gilded Fruit

Once Desmond and Velani exited the tunnel system, they found themselves not far from each other as they both charged through to the large cactus with the Golden Prickly Pears. As once they made it to the bottom of the cactus, they provided support to each other, Desmond used kinetic magic to try and pluck 2 fruits for him and Velani while she supports him and protects him from this very oblivious area of sabotage. As once they both had hold of their fruit they both began to race off throwing some magic behind them to deter others from trying to attack at them again.

An Up Hill Battle

Desmond and Velani challenged the climb together, as his RAS was too low for him to challenge it by himself. Velani used her Binding to make more solid places for their Halassas to step while Desmond played defense, throwing attacks at those who were trying to throw them off and using magnetic to keep himself and Velani attached to their Halassas. Instead of trying to harass others, they both pushed on to try and secure higher spots in the race.

One Last Push

As the last leg of the race was completely flat terrain that was a battlefield, spells were slung, people went flying, as Halassa went mad. Desmond and Velani knew the best course was to keep to themselves and play defensive in this fight. That did not mean others did not try to fight them. As Attacks were thrown, Desmond was outpowered here, but not outmatched. He could not counter the attacks directly, he needed to stop them from attacking, forcing them to flinch, or even just stopping them before they were ever able to attack. Desmond used quick flashes, kinetic jabs, and electric shocks to force people to flinch from their planned attacks. Velani played stalwart defense as she made barriers when it came time and caught their Halassas when it came to it, which was the sole reason Desmond was not sent back to the start of this last leg from Zarina trying to sabotage him.

Yet through it all, even when Desmond did not come first, he felt as if he had a fun time, he had found some interesting things. He was able to protect the Dragon egg he found, he was able to participate in a race that he has heard multiple times about but never was able to view before, and now he has some interesting stories to talk about. As Soon enough he dismounted and gave many pets to his mount before he was approached by Zarina for an interesting proposition.

The Hourglass Order

---

Location: Ersand'Enise Auction House

---

Interactions:

---

After the Melon Derby had finished and a few words were given to Zarra about him causing such property damage, it was finally time for some celebrations for after. As Team Snaked and Afraid & Team Shortlisted were able to secure 4th place! Leaving Desmond in a very good mood as nothing much could have really gotten him down. The Team did well, they had secured a placing much higher than Desmond could have imagined, Desmond had some fun, and he thinks he's made a decent enough impression upon his shorter teammates. Some strange things happened, he thinks he may have been hit on by someone he didn't even see, however he wasn't too sure, it could have been someone who was mocking him, yet it did not matter. Desmond was in a good enough mood to go and buy himself a coffee, as he left to go to Zeno bucks.

That was a terrible idea, the moment Desmond made it there he saw that a crowd was forming around the owner of Zeno bucks, Zarina, and the spitting yasoi, Casii, as they were both brawling. As they threw punches, people roared and yelled in excitement as he saw Silas and Marceline seeming to set up a betting pool. Desmond made his way over as he saw the crowd getting too excited as it seemed people began to fall into the bets, as Desmond decided to help, 'Why not? It's just a bit of help'. The little bit of help had carried him into then needing to run away from the crowd as it roared in excitement, more and more so 'till the point where a full brawl occurred. One man bumped into another, one didn't take kindly and neither did their friends, as then fighting began to happen, as the man who was originally overseeing this entire fist fight, Zeno Sectoxomactex, had now searched out those who had possibly stolen or lost the money. Desmond was passed the hat they had used to collect the money as him and Silas split ways and used the many different people to break up who had what and if they ever had the money. As once Desmond had escaped, he had passed the hat off to a respectable boy to take care of. Desmond shook his head as he decided to maybe make himself sparse and even somewhere else, as he heard there was an auction going on, maybe if he decided to go and make some bids and even win something the heat would be lifted off of him as Marci and Silas take some heat before they go and take their cut from the 'bids'.

What was to be a fun time became something Desmond was afraid of getting into, especially so early on in his life here. Sure it started off fine, Desmond made some bets on some different things: 3 Prime mana shots Desmond will be splitting with Penny after some friendly banter, some somber banter as they talk of what could have been hassling because Zarina believes he owes her and Casii money, and then a friendly painting duel. Next came the Pyrite rock Desmond and Ingrid were very interested in as for her it was for mining, for Desmond it was to try and recreate Sirrahi technology. After which finally came something Desmond could not pass up, a Hydra Skull big enough for him to wear. Desmond had an idea for something so he wanted it, as he bided and got it for 6 magus, not a bad deal. Yet the final thing to come was something that had brought something trully troublesome to their door. An unassuming music box with strange characters carved on it. Some symbols resemble mighty dragons, others mountains, but nobody seems to be able to translate. Some say it predates the fall of the Avincian empire. It is currently broken and requires a brilliant mind to work on it. Extremely fine craftsmanship can be noticed when thoroughly inspected. At first Desmond wished to get it to work on it, it was for his own pride, yet it became more and more apparent that they were betting on something that was more than just a music box. As the bidding soared, it reached levels Desmond was left worried, he put in so much and others seemed to put more, Ingrid's and Desmond's funds were quite high, yet it seemed as if they betted against a whole bank. Desmond swallowed as a voice cut the bidding, "I believe, that we should perhaps make this a closed--door auction, as there appear to be only three parties still bidding". As soon began a fate-changing encounter.

Betting in a Viper Pit

The Announcer brings the relevant parties to a secure chamber within the auction house. The magics here are abnormally powerful, even for the dreaded Holy See groups. There was likely an Arch or two ensuring the security of this event once they caught wind of it. "Please, sit, all of you. Clearly we will not be able to handle this through traditional bidding. As such, we will instead go about it differently: A single bid. Each party will propose a secret sum, and the highest will be winner of this auction."

Ingrid took a seat, She remained calm and strong but she was scared. If she could win this it would go a long way to raising her standing in her family. Ingrid started by accepting the terms of the new auction. "Best of luck everyone." A gesture of civility.

Evander walks in to sit down. He claims his seat next to Ingrid and looks at her, "You will need it, I think you stirred up more trouble than you know." He leaned back in his seat. She may have been naïve to it. There were bigger agents at play than Evander, her, or the other lad, sitting at this table.

Sven gulped. "Thish ish politicsh." He shook his head. "Way above all of ush."

The three hooded figures moved as one. They seated themselves. "Who will guard the item?" asked one. "How do we know the other parties won't just steal it?" The third was silent.

Announcer spoke up, "The very same entities securing this building will ensure the transfer of the purchased item as well as its safe arrival to a designated spot of your choosing. That is standard procedure for all our ... High ticket transactions."

"I apologize if I seemed overbearing with my questioning," said one of the cloaked men, "and I think you for your answer. I do worry about accountability should the other actors at this table prove not to be... good faith ones. I would like to know who is in charge of security for this affair."

The hooded figure who hovered close to Evander let out a snort. "They're clearly digging for information," he growled. "I wouldn't trust them."

The Announcer cleared his throat as he spoke, "it will be safe, I assure you, now let us begin the betting. As I said before: A single bid. Each party will propose a secret sum, and the highest will be winner of this auction"

As each of the parties agreed the game began.

Every party had access to a private chambers completely isolated from everything else. No amount of magics could be used to defy the security placed without raising at least one red flag. After minutes of deliberation, each representative came with a sealed envelope containing the agreed amount from each interest they represented.

"Thank you. I will now be revealing the sums proposed by each side."

The first was from the fastest group to conjure up an answer. The envelope was ripped and the paper inside pulled out to be unfolded.

"One Magus." the announcer squinted, "... The logical minimum was 10,000 Magis." well, not really, but they were all willing to pay that much so they assumed as much. He shook his head and continued.

"Now, for the Penderson party." the paper was taken out and ... "27,000 Magis."

And finally, "Lord Synesti's sum." he didn't waste any time, "24,000 Magis."

"The Lady Penderson's party has won the bid. Congratulations."

The hooded figures rose. The front two bowed. "We realized that we could not hope to match the finances of these two parties and we were correct," said one. "But knowledge can be power," said the other. "We wish the holders of this valuable item Vyshta's favour."

Desmond sighs as he leans back onto the wall, "Yeah, you have a good day yourself" as in that moment Desmond felt something wrong and everything kicked off.

"You will please hand me the box," said the third figure coolly, to Ingrid as her mind looses reason and she begins to stand up, holding the box.
"You will assist her," they said to Sven.
One of the other figures disappeared briefly before reappearing right next to Desmond.
The second one moved to cover the one giving the strange commands.

Desmond heard a COMMAND, and knew what he had to do. Ignoring the person who just appeared next to him, he needed to beat them to the punch, as Desmond goes and fills the caster of the COMMAND with chemicals to instantly knock them out. The figure collapses immediately under Desmond's chemical assault but, oddly, the spell isn't broken. In any case, Ingrid doesn't appear to be headed their way.

At the same moment the Announcer glared at the hooded figure, "The representative is to decide where the item is to be delivered." he seemed immune to the effects, as if the magics surrounding the room were protecting him. The house's powerful magic doesn't immediately react to the strange influence, however the announcer does signal for physical security to step in, "Guards! Please separate these two." As he waves his hands to Ingrid and the person who was protecting the COMMAND issuer.

Aa the guards get their hands on Ingrid they began to try and pull her away yet she fought back as Desmond was pincered by both Sven and the mage who appeared next to him as a chemical spell causes Desmond to drop, losing control of his muscles temporarily. He struggles to rise.

ven seems confused, but recognizes that illusion magic is being used.
The three attackers, seeing that they're fighting a losing battle, call out to Evander and his hooded benefactor, who have been hanging back.
"For Revidia!" one calls. "For l'Anguira!" says another. "Help us!"

The announcer slams his hands onto his desk, "What is this outrage? Are you not ashamed of yourselves?! To defile the sanctity of these neutral grounds! The Arches will hear of this! That I promise."

"Spare us, Perrench vermin!" spits one. "We live and die for the republic!"

Evander looked to his hooded benefactor, "Do we trust them, do we help?"

"Non è un serpente," the hooded man beside Evander calls out, apparently waiting for a response, brimming with energy.

Desmond feels his muscles finally heed his command as he uses a kinetic boost to launch himself at the person who Ingrid was about to hand the box to and upper cut his jaw. Yet the moment he was about to connect the man dipped his head back and roared out "Be still!". As with the figure's command, ll enemies in the room, Almost all stood still, yet Desmond was still moving as he shifted and landed back to his feet ready to swing again as he realized order after order who he was fighting, he felt the tug but he kept fighting through it. They were using magic the same as that strange Priest in the melon Derby. "Speak of the Devil" as he hears another voice pierce through the doors that was once sealed, "Your use of magic reserved for the devout is an affront not only to the church but to the gods themselves," sneered Brother Wolf, "I command that you kneel, heretic!". As the man struggled against the COMMAND, it was no use, very few could withstand it as the only things to leave his mouth were "I.... will...nnnn...kneel," said the hooded figure, gritting his teeth as he was forced to the ground.

"You are all freed!" commanded the Dread Priest. He smirked Desmond's way. "Though, as expected, you already are."
Desmond popped his neck as he stood up fully as he chuckled ready to continue the fight, "Seems so".

"You will speak," Brother Wolf commanded. "You will tell me who you are and who sent you."
"I will not!" spat the hooded figure.
Sister Lumen strode in behind Wolf.

She shot a pulse of brilliant light into the kneeling figure and he screamed in pain. "You will do as my brother says or you will be... incentivized more directly."

Brother Ash was next, tall and pale. "We apologize for our surprise entrance," he said to the auctioneer. "As this incident appears to involve command magic, it is a matter for the church, so we were called here in lieu of your usual security arrangements."

"Oh I thought y'all were already here. With that one giving out a command", Desmond says as he points to the one on the ground gnashing his teeth trying to speak as he continued, "But when the Chemist was unable to take me down in one shot I knew it wasn't you guys", Desmond said with a chuckle.

Brother Wolf smiled faintly, but his bearing was serious for this was a serious matter. "We serve no temporal lords, only those above," he responded simply. "The petty feuds of kings are below our higher calling," confirmed Sister Lumen.

Desmond raised his hands as he said, "Of course, of course"

The announcer flinched, "Any more and I would have called the Arch defending these walls." he calmed down and sat, "So long as the winnings are returned to the rightful winner of the auction, I will leave any further actions against these individuals in your hands." The tall pale figure spoke with a light bow, "Thank you for your understanding, brother," as he came up from his bow t look the Announcer in the eyes once more "I know this must be most irregular."

Ingrid was on the edge. She is paranoid, Something took over her body, she feels violated. She wants to kill whoever those people were. Brother Ash turned to Ingrid, sensing her teetering. "Are you well?" he inquired. "You you maintain your right senses?"

Ingrid looked at brother ash and backed away towards Sven, "Not another step." Ingrid would rather not let anyone she didn't know near her. Desmond seeing the tensions build he steps in, "Hey hey hey, Ingrid, we're on the same side here. They're here for the guy who did that to you, okay?" Desmond steps in between them as he stays close to Ingrid trying to cool her off.

Brother Ash blocks Ingrid from trying to walk out of the room. "I suggest you carry the box," he says to Desmond. "You've a stronger constitution and your friend's wits are clearly not about her."

Ingrid looked to Ash as she said, "Try and take this box and I will melt you into a puddle". Desmond looks back at what's happening and then back to Ingrid, "They're here to help us, not hurt us", as he heard Ash speak he turned and said, "She'll be fine" Desmond says as he looks to Ash and then Ingrid, "We'll be fine, right Ingrid?"

Brother Ash, tryin to cooperate by Desmond, decides not to take a risk with someone so volatile. He reaches out for Ingrid's forehead and hits her with a chemical spell. "Sleep, you stupid girl."

Desmond watched what unfolded and sighed as he saw Ingrid drop from Ash's magic. "God damn it", Desmond shook his head and looked to Sven, "Come on, we need to take Ingrid home, we also need to get out of here before things get heated again" Desmond gestured for Sven to carry her as he said, "You better grab her, I'll carry the box". As once they get themselves up, Demsond lead the way for them to go. As they were escorted out by the bodyguards and lead them all the way home where they put Ingrid into her bed.

Later that day when Ingrid finally woke up, the group had been waiting for her to make sure she was okay, Desmond threw some quippy lines while they spoke trying to lighten the mood from what was a stressful situation. As once people were calm and ready, they talked about the box, as it was found it was a box able to pacify one of the biggest Dragons known to man, the Tyrannus Monsigneus. As that night an Order was formed, as it had multiple individuals as the core of the group: Sven, Ismette, Ingrid, Desmond, Benedetto, Woren, Dorisay, Ghaven, Talkhen, and Korin. These people all knew what this was, what they were doing, and knew the plan was simple: they needed to get 27,00 Magus to buy the box themselves so neither Revidia nor eskand can get it. Once they do that they will fix the box so they can use it. For fun. Demsond wasn't sure why he agreed with any of this in the first place, evne the bidding, yet he was here now, and feet weren't made facing backwards. So for Desmond, the only path was forward.

O R I F L A M M E

---

Wrath

---

Mentions/Interaction: Arne'altan'jaros, The Skygge @Force and Fury, and Vali @Wolfieh

---

The fighting was intense with the Havetskriger was fierce, they had lost 15 of the 30 foot men who had helped the these 4 great heroes. However after the fighting they were able to beat the creature down to a state where they were able to restrain it once more. Yet their work was not done, taking down and restraining the beast was but the first of the crisis, now came the many raiders, bandits, and sea folk whom seemed to have came to take from them. Kol's face was stern, his anger was something immense, he drew in energy as he stepped forward and barked, no, roared. Each step was heavy as he called those around him and nearby as he carries his voice with gift, "These Greenlanders have came from the pits of hell and brought its fires with them!" As Kol roared out to those abled men who ran, he knew this was not something they could do with just the army. They needed every abled person to push back against the fires and raiders, "Why do you run? This is our home, they come to burn our home! Bring water! Bear fangs! They come to burn us! Let their fires burn our hearts, we are not a people to cower!" Kol throws his hands out to each side and begins to fill those around him with Essence Magic, he roars once more, "Now, we save our home from these invaders! Send these Hellraisers back to where they belong! Quell the fires with the cleansing waters of our home!"

Kol turned to those behind him he then ordered, "Arne, you must go to the Grontempel, there are fires the must be put out and pillagers who must be coming from there". Kol then looked to Vali and the Skygge as he said, "You both go to the docks. My Brother, you will need to grab as many people as you can and must go quickly, for them to leave they must leave by ship. Make sure to clear the Market place as you can as you go and leave others to finish there while you go to stop them from leaving". As Kol looked to Then finally Kol said, "We must leave now, I will go to the Kongesalan. There are raiders and fires there that must be put out before they b-". Yet before Kol could finish what he was saying his head began to turn as they all bore witness to the Great Tree being touched with fire. Kol spoke as his feet began to move towards it, "We must go". As Kol roared once more to all who were looking, "GO! Our city shall burn if we do not! Go to where you were told!" As Kol began to draw energies from the fires and began to enhance himself to leap and move through the city. As Kol drew from the energies from fires, he tried to put some out as he moved, assisting by giving others Essence Magic, and using Arcane to draw in the heat and flames quickly to continue moving. Anytime Kol came across a raider, pillager, or Hellraiser he took their heads without mercy and without resistance. Kol, Deaths Hand had arrived, and all in his way had Hell to Pay.

The Hourglass Order

Velles 5th

Location: The Docks of Ersand’Enise
Day of the week: Taldes
Time: 5:00 HE
Interactions/Mentions: Sinn’ulen’luunetar @YummyYummy, Carmillia @Animus, Silas @Tackytaff, Trypano @A Lowly Wretch

---

Desmond had a 'big job' extended to him through Silas, it was one that could net them 600 magi, Desmond was in some need of cash, so he accepted without much question of other than, "Will there be any fighting?". Desmond was met with a surprise as he found out this was a job that wouldn't need blood, must be an important grab in his mind then, as when he found out who they were going to talk to, Desmond thought this got much more serious, as a smile came to his face. Once they had met and was vetted by an envoy, they had made their way to a seemingly lonesome dockyard where they had stepped upon a ship where they met the infamous broker himself, Sinn’ulen’luunetar. Some say he is able to procure you anything, may it be Dragon scales from a Gehenna, an apple from the tree of life in Eskand, or even the Crown jewel of the Perrench crown, if you pay the price, he can get it for you.

Desmond listened calmly as he showed no signs of his curiosity, not that Sinn seemed to allow them to speak. He kept the meeting brief as he was quick to tell them what they needed, one drop of blood or five pieces of hair. Once Sinn put away the vials, he left the bag on the barrel and Desmond quickly took it before they were shooed away. Once the 4 youths left the docks and moved towards an area less suspicious yet still quiet, Desmond fished out the envelope and read the parchment as he turned it to the two girls for them to see and said so Silas could know, "Well seems we are after the Golden Boy of Covenant. Does everyone know who he is?" Desmond asked in a general sense as there might be a possibility someone here doesn't know who he is. However, he is such an interesting character Desmond doubted it.

The Hourglass Order

Velles 5th

Location: The Proving Grounds of Ersand’Enise
Day of the week: Taldes
Time: 5:32 HO
Characters: Nazih @Ziegenkonig, Oksana @Ti, and Casii @Pirouette

---

Nobles, Commoners, Merchants, and Artisans, no matter the walks of life, no matter what rung of the ladder of life you are on, one thing is for certain, in the ring all men are equal. Yet those outside the ring are not, they neither follow those rules nor care for them. They will deal in underhanded dealings, those unable to fight will find a man who can to gain money and do dirty bids. Some will bet on their own fighters to lose, and sometimes even have their fighter lose. Dirty money passes between blackened hands, hidden motives shifting and controlling the ring of fighter, and even now silver tongues and evil deeds will try and make a move and shake the known fact that within the ring: 'All Men are Equal'.

---

Standing outside the Proving Grounds where roaring cheers and be heard, there stands a slightly taller man with a hefty build, a large coat and shirt of elaborate colors, with a thick mustache that attaches to his sideburns that goes up to a balding head. He seems to be frustrated and slightly panicked as he pats his forehead with a handkerchief as he huffs and sighs before he takes a toke from his pipe and lets out a sigh was the smoke flows out. He seemed to be in talking to the many people around him who seem to be trying to get his attention yet he seems all but unable to hear them as he gave them no mind. Yet his attention was drawn to a smaller man who was being followed by multiple other individuals, each of whom coming from different walks of life however they all were reached out to for different reasons. Some were seen to have been in the proving grounds a number of times should have some knowledge of some of the more regulars and odd ones in the area, others because of their connections that might make them good for assisting with this troubling buisness, and a select few are here for in case that they fail.

"Ah, thank goodness! You've came! It seems a fewer amount than I expected…"

The man looked to the those who are now standing in front of him, 4 people who have accepted the request from different sources and each of which who come from different walks of life. The larger man shook his head as he said, "Ah, where are my manners? I am Rodrick Von Dyper". As he took a light dip of his head, he seemed to have attempted a bow if he was less 'wealthy', besides that, he brought his head back up as he then continued, "I am most thankful of your showing up. As you know I am in needing of assistance, the Guard and Century had neither believed nor cared of this so I had to look towards other means".

He spoke with a huff towards the end as if he was being worked up by just the thought of the treatment he was given. "Even when I sent them the anonymous letter I received, all they told me was not to send them scribblings. Scribblings! Bah, they obviously don't know how to read if they thought of it as such things. Either way, that is why I called you here today. I received a letter that told me that one of the other groups here today will be attempting to 'take out' my fighter, Jorge". The man took a sigh and then a breath as he seemed to have been talking too long before he recomposed himself before he continues. "So now I brought you 4 here to look into the other competitors and deduce which of them will be trying to sabotage my fighter and then stop said sabotage".

As once the man finishes his last word almost on cue a giant beast of a man lightly taps on the man's shoulder. As Rodrick turns he goes and looks up at the man as the full size of the man is now fully seen. The man easily stands head and shoulders taller than even the working men here, with a wide and thick frame that could barely fit into a wagon, with fur-like hair covering his face and arms as his hand seems thick and scarred up as the hair seems to cover thickly yet still shows the much wear it still had. As when he spoke his voice bellowed out in a deep and solid voice.

"Hey boss, we need to start heading off, the sign ins are beginning"

Rodrick nodded as he looked towards the 4 he had hired and said, "Ah yes, this is Jorge, we will be heading off, the tournament will start in about an hour and a half. I wish you all the best luck". As Rodrick began to leave, his pose began to follow as before Jorge left he waved to the group and gave them a smile begore he left with Rodrick. Leaving the 4 people now here to figure out what they shall do, an hour and a half isn't much, but they were given a pass using Rodrick's name to enter the under area where the fighters and handlers are and can talk around and maybe 'find' evidence and possibly stop the possible sabotage to take Jorge out of the competition.

Action opportunities

1. You know the name of the 8 handlers, you can go and try to find and talk to each of them:
○ Rodrick Von Dyper
○ Fredrick Fernand
○ Captain Rogers Fulbrig
○ Cathy Rockwell
○ Alban Beaumont
○ Artem Angeloff
○ Mattia Romano
○ Icana Carrerana

2. You have only so long to complete this, you will be allowed to do 8 actions, giving you the ability to meet all 7 of the other Handlers and maybe their fighters and 1 more action before the fight is to start.

3. You can do an investigation near a Handlers area and what you think you might find, after which I will tell you to roll in Discord and I will then give you a result.

4. You can also try and stick near Jorge and try to protect him and talk to him as you wish. You will be sticking near Rodrick's area and will make a roll for every action you are there for. So if you are there for all 8 actions you will make 8 rolls as I tell you and I will slowly write out each of the things you find for you to react to and post about.

Mechwarrior: Disposable Heroes

Location:
Abandoned Neodymium Mine
Eunsan Mountain Range
250 Kilometers Southwest of Balya Gora
Date/Time:
March 23rd, 3030
Interactions:
Gawain and The Green Knights
Gear:
His clothing: Boots, long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, holstered handgun with 20 rounds

---

Once Tarak, Reya, and Ziska made it to the meeting after their little shenanigans, Tarak was able to go through the meeting without an issue. However when Hugh was introduced the air felt different, everyone was on edge as Hugh was introduced, even Ingrid seemed completely on edge as Tarak thought he heard the sounds of teeth grinding and as if she was prepared to draw her sword as she grumbled to herself something along the lines of: Hugh is a risk because he could be a spy. Tarak could agree with the sentiment Ingrid was feeling however it was also a gung-ho sentiment of being ready to cut him down at this moment that Gawain seemed to not want to allow. As he set down the law onto the multiple possible people who seemed to have been in the same mind as Ingrid. After which they learned Hugh's story, Tarak could say it is pretty unbelievable, however, Gawain seemed willing to believe, Tarak thought it was possible for him to believe the story, well, not allow Ingrid to slice his throat in broad daylight. After that Gawain let the warriors loose and allowed them to celebrate with some of their spoils they had just procured.

Tarak had another plan, as once dismissed he headed straight for the small blockade the Misfits had made for their little base as he saw them at work. Each one too excited to contain themselves as they are finally able to have a proper meal and drink after such a rough time. As Tarak made his way to the tinkering table as he saw the stereo he had liberated being right now tinkered by a slim blonde young man who seemed to whistle and tap his foot while working on the stereo. Tarak called out to him with a bright smile, "Hey Samuel! How's the stereo going?". The man looked up to the giant and said with a smile, "Oh, it's going well, I just finished up the wiring. Give me another 30 minutes and I can get this into a better casing so you can give it to your Special Friend" Samuel snickers as he is about to go back to working before he remembers something as he turns back and says, "Oh yeah, Iris wanted to talk to you. She said something about maybe getting the Spider back up and running".

Tarak sighed as he began making his way to the Twin's room, where he saw a young blonde girl struggling to do push ups. She seemed almost too focused in her struggle to realize that Tarak made his way into the room as he was able to take a quick inspection of her. 'Her wounds seem to have been healing decently all things considered. Might be because of her innate tenacity', as Tarak inspected her he saw the noticeable scars spanning her arms and legs from what happened. Tarak began remembering what happened, she was in his lance as they were hit by the Crimson Fists, she took some devistating hits and was nearly killed in the quick exchange that occurred, it was honestly a miracle she was able to make it out after the beating the Spider took from the bombardment they sustained. Tarak felt himself get pulled from his thoughts as he heard a voice call to him, "Hey, Tarak!" Tarak's eyes were now looking down to the young girl as she looked up to him as she continued, "Hey were you sleeping or something? You were just standing there".

Tarak shook his head as he came to again now bringing himself back to the present as he said, "Hu? Yeah, I was just tired after all the stuff. So you wanted to talk to me about something?" Iris looked to Tarak worried as she said, "Yeah, was hoping to talk to you about possible sorties or something to go and get parts to patch up the Spider back into a working condition again". Tarak said with a thought on his mind, "Ah another kit bash? I can see what we can do, you do know it will be a while before we will go out again, and we did sustain some damage, so it will probably be a while before we can start to get the Spider back up and running again. And before then you still need to et back into a much better shape". Iris looked down as she rubbed her arm as she seemed almost saddened, she seemed to become lost in thought as tarak set his hand down onto her head and said, "It will happen in due time. We will get the Spider back into the fight when you are ready, just make sure you take care of yourself. There is no need to get the Spider up if you can't pilot her properly". Iris reluctantly nods and accepts Tarak's words as he began to say goodbyes before heading off to check in with the other Misfits, and then finally back to Samuel to get the Stereo that has now been given a new housing to make it a much more portable device and even given a fresh coat of paint.

As now Tarak makes his way off to find Reya, as he had a gift to deliver.

The Hourglass Order

---

Desmond rubbed the back of his head as he walked the streets of Ersand'Ernise with 2 other males in front of him, they all wore thick fitted grey pants, white tough white coats, and each had a long grey cape that signified who they were, Lamplighters. Yet unlike Desmond who seemed to walk calmly and easily, however, the two walking in front of him seemed like they walked like kings. Their steps were firm and their eyes seemed almost like they look down on others, yet it seemed like they were watching for something, waiting. As Desmond finally pulled out his scroll tube to look at his schematics from the guns he got from the Sirrahi. He was beginning to figure out now possible chemicals needed for now propulsion, and he was struggling with something very important that the bullets seem to do, by striking the back of the metal casing it ignites the gunpowder and then shoots the bullets out. Desmond has been thinking about what he could do for such a thing, he's tried gunpowder, he's tried different chemicals, yet nothing seemed to be as good as the Sirrahi tech other than his own magic. Yet he wishes to recreate it to lower the burden he will need to use his weapon, yet as he starts to think about what he could do or who he could go to for this. Desmond sighed as he looked until a yell resounded in Desmond's ears as his head whipped up and saw something as he rushed over while throwing his scrolls into his satchel and yelling, "Hey what the hell are you doing?!"

As there looms his two patrolling partners, one with a wooden cudgel in hand as there is a smaller male cowering on the ground as he holds his head as blood pours out. Desmond pushes them out of the way yelling, "What the fuck?!" As Desmond goes down to check on the man, he was maybe a little under the height of a man his age, maybe similar in height and size to Silas. Desmond whipped around and demanded an answer once more, "Why did you hit him?! What did he do?!". His partners looked to him smugly as they said, "Stopping a thief. You see his grubby hands had an apple, obviously, he stole it". Desmond then shoves the man who said that back as finally they saw Desmond's full size. Desmond quite often seems unimposing, almost everything about him is average, he was pretty good looking however other than that he was average and even thin looking because of his clothing and build. Yet now, he seemed to almost loom over them, his height was slightly above average making him tall enough to look down upon the one he is talking to as his age made him taller while he stands chest to chest with the boy. And at that moment, Desmond's eyes looked sharp and cold as there seemed to be something dark and looming. Both of the Lamplighters seemed to almost draw and fill in response to his aggression, yet Desmond seemed too calm, as his body seemed to even become a lower and lower energy source yet it flared with energy, as he drew from his own internal energies to seem almost invisible while flaring his own manas. Something hard to understand in just a moment.

Yet that was not what scared them it was when Desmond looked down to the man and met his eyes while saying, "Do something". Both shivered as Desmond stood there before he pointed to the Lamplighter he isn't looking at, "You will Heal him and continue our route. I am taking this one back to be turned in. I will be back in 10 minutes, you better be doing your job correctly". The Lamplighter he was pointing to seemed to stand still watching in fear until Desmond turns and barks, "Go!" As the Lamplighter kneels down and begins to heal the boy before heading off. Desmond turned back to the lamplighter he is looking at as he says to the young man who was hit behind him, "Hey kid are you okay?". The boy said with a soft voice, "Yes sir". Desmond then turned to him and said with a smile, "That's good, you get along now, you should clean yourself up when you get a chance". Desmond then looked back and grabbed the arm of the man he is looming over and says, "Come on".

As they left the area, they felt eyes looming on them as they all saw what happened, most would have never seen nor cared until someone made light of it, and now? They all looked as if they witnessed something despicable, something as if a crime was committed. The Lamplighter felt the pressure looming on him, he has never felt this, he was always the one right, the one in power, and now? He is being dragged in by a Commoner, a low-born man who is here for the money. He was now being treated like some criminal like he was a commoner who committed a crime. This is the position Desmond should be in, not him! As the man thought as they walked, yes, as a Noble he shouldn't be here, this is the place of a Commoner. As the boy attempted to start manipulating the chemical energy within Desmond he felt his grasp slowly working in, yet the moment he tried to tug any which way, he felt electrical energy fill him and shock his system violently as he let out a yell.

Desmond sighed as he shook his head, he was ready for anything, and this? This was way too easy to see as Desmond goes to grab the man's head and looked him in the eyes while saying, "Smart move, Dumbass". As Desmond brought his fist back and punched the boy across the face as the Lamplighter's lights were put out.

The Hourglass Order

Melon Derby

Hour 1

Desmond talks to both Korin and Woren about first heading off to a dangerous place, one of the most dangerous in the entire school. To prepare for this moment Desmond bought a lovely wooden pole for today, yet made some modifications. He bore a hole into a basic melon before attempting to freeze the melon into a solid mass and then fusing it to the pole to create a melon warhammer. Once he feels it is solid Desmond heads off with Korin and Woren to check the den of the Devil himself, the water where Mallow abides. Once they made it near the water, Desmond began instructing Woren and Korin in their search for any high-value melons nearby. While even taking on the Devil himself to raid his nest and take the possible melons placed there.

Covenant

Yet Desmond was just a bit too slow reaching Mallow's nest, as it already looks like a battle has taken place, and the goose is downright ornery. As he arrives on the scene, Jomurr Ikon is engaged in a tussle with the yasoi Ashon and one of his Nashi allies over... what looks like a dark melon and two of the big 100 pointers. Korin and Woren, however, spot something potentially even juicier in the near distance: dozens of people from various teams just diving into the lake - really a glorified pond - in an almost trancelike state. As they turn Desmond's attention that way, one emerges with a massive splash, holdin a watermelon and the water just keeps on splashing. He runs with the melon hands it over to a tall, lean man in monk's robes with short blonde hair and a beatific smile. The man directs him to continue carrying it. Strangely, nobody nearby seems to be attacking.

Korin and Woren call out to Desmond and point out the very juicy target, a Watermelon that is constantly spewing water. A smile came onto Desmond's face as he instructs them on the plan as they go on the hunt for the almost statuesque blonde man who has now been given the melon. Desmond attempts sneak to go around while Woren and Korin will attack in a pincer. Korin and Woren begin to attack in a super speed pincer to take the man by surprise and hopfully take the melon through dazing the man with Arcane light flashes and then exerting Telekinetic control over the melon to rip it out of his hands.

Desmond begins to draw from his own energies within him and converting it into energies that he dissipates into the enviroment. While using stealthy movements, Desmond begins to move and hide his pressence to allow himself to get around the group moving about. As he kneels low as he moves he passes his Melon hammer to one hand as the other grabs another low-level melon as he seems to fade into the background and the crowd.

Once Korin and Woren came close they were no more than 10 feet away from who seemed to be the ring master as Woren yelled out, "Got'cha Guldie". Yet the moment they even made one more step closer Woren gets tackled by 3 mages letting out howling shrieks as they take him to the ground. While Korin is caught off guard 3 other mages wheeled around and lets loose 3 lightning bolts onto Korin, as 2 hit Korin dead on and knocked her out, the third seemed to go off course as the mage almost thrashed about in their place, as if they were trying to miss on purpose.

Jomurr, witnessing the disconcerting display, turns to Yuliya. "What do we do?" he demands.

"Focus on watermelon from church people, I can handle hegelans"

Jomurr has an inkling and decides to pursue it.
He targets the monk directly and holds nothing back.
Drawing up to his full capacity, he prepares to unleash a massive kinetic shockwave that'll flatten everyone around the monk, leaving him nobody else to work with.
However, as he nears full, a sudden headrush takes him. It's too much energy. bruises break out all over his body and his head pounds. The world swims and Jomurr collapses, almost as if he'd overdrawn...

As the tall priest looked towards Woren his kind yet unsettling smile never faded as he spoke in a calm voice "Your manas are no longer your own,". While Woren was busy struggling against his multiple zombielike attackers, he feels his capacity for the Gift diminish, almost like the effects of his mana shots are wearing off early. As he feels the three assailants he was once pushing against now starting to overwhelm him, yet he still gritted his teeth and pushed against hem.

That's exactly what she's going to do. While the Priest seems focused upon the Hegelan, Yuliya uses kinetic energy to move as quick as she can through the path with the most shade, as she's going to attempt to touch the Priest and use her Sensemaster abilities to render him blind and deaf. Yet the moment she reached out, a screaming girl leaps into her way and takes the attack. The monk turns to her and smiles as he speaks in a hiss "So you're the fucking bloodsucker,". As many of Yulia's other teammates are fighting their way through the horde of lackies this Priest has, he and Yulia stare down as right when he was about to open his mouth to speak his eyes roll back as he falls over.

Desmond had learned from the failures of those who went before him as he had hidden for long enough of him to wait for when the Tall Monk's attention was away from him to overload his nervous system and brain with chemical and electrical impulses, as his subtler approach worked a charm. Something about it felt weird, wrong, even, but the monk wavered and collapsed. Yet in that moment Desmond felt his back stink like he was just stabbed, as he felt a pressence materialize behind him and said "Sleep," said a woman behind him. "You are incredible". As Desmond felt his body began to assault his body and mind, and even with the power of the mana brews and shots making him stronger than usual, he was only able to put up minor resistance, as he knows darkness after a very fleeting encounter.

Yet Desmond's eyes flew open as Korin yells, "GET UP!" As Desmond's body began producing adrenaline in vast quantities, he threw himself to his feet to see Woren running off and chasing down a fast blonde woman who seemed to have taken the melon. As he notices the man he knocked out up, which for Desmond just won't do as he attempt to hit the dread priest once more with a chemical and magnetic assault, and it appears to rock him for a moment, but then, his tendrils of command spread out once again, infecting over a dozen people around him and he recovers. "That's not very neighbourly of you, friend" He turns o Desmond and smiles. Desmond shrugs and smiles as he says, "Eh, it's just how I welcome new people into the neighborhood".

Yet in that moment their eye's locked, Desmond felt something off, he could see through the eyes as he knew he was duped, yet it was too late as all at once, the man he was just talking to simply disappears. In his place is a petite and pretty woman who smiles at Desmond as two dozen thralls hurl kinetic and arcane blasts at him. As his eyes widened, he felt his body tense up and loosen at the same time as he began going on the defense, he shifted and dodged out of the way of a few, while a few other attacks came glancing by and barely hitting his shoulder or arms, yet the ones that hurt were the 3 or so lances that each hit him in the torso and the one that made solid impact with his shoulder. Yet two came for his head, as one seemed to have shifted mid flight, as the kinetic lance slammed Desmond dead in the head, and for most they would assume that hit would have knocked him out, and if he was a lesser man, much worst. Yet the worry did not come from the first one, for there was a second one, as this attack neared, if it was to hit it surely would have killed him. Yet Desmond was not a lesser man.

Desmond's head twists out of the way as his foot shifted underneath his body to allow him to shift and regain his footing, as his head straightened and his eyes locked onto the petite woman, it wasn't one of anger, now he had a smile, one that was a smirk that was on his face as he said, "Bye". Like a bat out of hell, Desmond bolts off as his face seems calm while his body becomes a maelstrom of energy. He begins to use chemical to boost himself with increased vigor and adrenaline, kinetic energy to enhance his speed, magnetic energy to reduce the attraction he has with the floor the moment his foot lifts off the ground to propel him further, as he far surpasses the speed of the others who are in the pursuit of the Watermelon. As Desmond spotted the Watermelon he notices it being held by the Belzaggic noble Jomurr atop his Savanah Runner Dragon. As Woren and Korin begin to use their magic to keep people off of Desmond and Jomurr, yet Desmond felt something off again, as he prepared for the assault. All at once, the members of Covenant pounce. As Desmond heard a voice callout and says, "Those manas exist to serve the will of the Pentad, not your selfish desires", as Desmond began to feel his manas shift on their own and seeming to almost control him. Brother Ash dashes out and body checks Jomurr's dragon and staggers it, as it loses further ground to Desmond, who is now right on top of it. Sister Cadence appears and gestures to Yuliya as she erasea the sight, sound, and feel of Jomurr's location from Yuliya's senses, as he is now truly on his own. Finally, Brother Flint wades into the fight, as he pulls in a massive amount of energy before producing a kinetic push that took out Woren on impact, while Korin uses him as a shield and stays in the fight.

As in that moment he felt his manas move, Desmond almost naturally pulled against them as he realized something, he was free. The control was not there as he realized he was unaffected, as he thought of a devious plan. He will now go with the control the Monk trying to hold over him. Just to bide his time and play along. As when he is running after Jomurr and sees Korin and Woren while he is in a full run, when Desmond brings up his right hand he will send his index finger up showing what he did when he asked for that last Mana shot. Trying to signal to them he is in control. As he felt his manas being controlled he followed as he saw he was to kick the dragon's legs out from underneath it as when Desmond did the savannah runner crashes catastrophically, flinging Jomurr loose, and he has to release the melon to catch himself. It rolls down the street... tantalizing close to Parade Street and most of the Zeno houses.

Korin noticing the signal, she knew what she had to do. She needed to keep as many of them on her as possible, so she decided to do a large kinetic smash on as many people as possible while just falling short on Desmond to not hurt him. As the kinetic energy pours down onto everyone, it sends Jomurr into the ground, Yuliya seemed stronger as only one of her knees hit the stone, while 2 of the Priests seemed almost too strong to even care as they looked to Korin and laughed. As Brother Flint, the taller of the two priests, came barreling at Korin and started to do multiple kinetic slams and punches as the attacks became overwhelming for her as one landed solidly and knocked her out. While Brother Ash, the paler of the two, rushed Yuliya and began attacking her, while for Desmond the rest of Team Covenant assisted him in getting the melon home. As one of the sisters kinetically threw the melon to him while the others defended Desmond.

Yet in the moment Desmond got the melon he was bombarded by a large kinetic attack that almost caught him off guard. If not for its speed, the placement seemed off, as the kinetic slam was way off and slammed Desmond's back and mostly stung, yet he felt his pants falling as he had to fight the urge to pull them up, yet he couldn't as he grabbed his plants with one hand while the other held the Watermelon. As he heard a woman yell from behind him, "He is no longer an ally!". As Desmond shifted his feet and boosted himself with more kinetic energy as he felt a stinging pain on his exposed butt cheek as he saw a student from one of the dorms trying to chase him as she just let off a heat beam, yet it was too late, Desmond was at his door.

"Let me the fuck in!" he hammers on the door. As Desmond saw more people get closer and closer as he began to bang on the door louder and louder as he shouted, "FUCK FUCK FUCK LET ME IN LET ME IN LET ME IN!!".Desmond began to see as Ingrid came to fight as she attacks that Arcanist that had shot Desmond in the butt, yet the Arcanist seemed determined as Desmond yelled through the door as he slammed on it even harder, "HELP THEY WANT TO HURT ME!!! I THINK ONE HAS A THING FOR ME AND I DON'T LIKE BUTT STUFF!!" Yet the moment he finished his sentence he felt a pair of hands grab onto his ankles as all the left his mouth was, "Oh boy", as he was dragged in through a 1 foot tall hole, Desmond landed on his ass, and then fell back as he was pulled in. Yet it was not pretty, he screamed, "HELP!!!!" as he dissappeared into Zeno Moonlights house.

As Desmond was on the ground Zarra came over and grabbed the melon from his hands and dissappeared, as Desmond made an audible "Phew" as he is on the ground as he tries to catch his breath. While outside the fighting instantly stopped as the tall blonde Priest snarls out, "It's gone," as with that the members of Covenant back off... for now.

Hour 3

Once Desmond had finally made it back to base and the Water-Melon was secured Desmond knew it was time to strike out again, after changing. Desmond went to his room an grabbed a set of dry basic clothing and changed into it. Once finished he headed off to retreive his very helpful partners Woren and Korin and get them up. He got both of them up and they licked their wounds before they headed off to a spot Desmond remembered from his Lamplighter watch, the Fieldgate Tower [A-9].

people bristle and prepare to defend as the trio walks by, but Desmond makes it to the tower at the very bleak edge of the city without incident. There, after climbing six flights of stairs, he and his hegelan companions find a fat hundred-point melon and a pair of grenades, one cheekily shoved down a carronade's barrel. They also find a decent-sized aberration on one of the parapets.

Once they made it up the tower Desmond began looking around and grabbed another 100 point melon and 2 melon grenades that he split away from each other with one being with Korin and the other being with Woren. Yet the thing that made him worry was the aberration as he saw it. He sighed and let it be as he began looking around as he noticed quite a lack of movement in the Nobles Dorm. Desmond thought for a moment as he remembered the more travelled areas and thought about there may be some roads less travelled that has some things as they will be heading from their position to The New Gate and head towards the tower at [U-2].

On their route, Desmond and his partners find two more hundred-pointers, a slew of tens, and two grenades.
After Finding a few more melons Desmond, Woren, and Korin all make their ways bac to base to secure their findings ad prepare for the final defense that is going to occur. They secured plenty of things now it is time to try and hunker down. They had some more time before the points would be tallied.

Hour 4

Desmond, Woren, and Korin make it back to their home, one that seems mostly fine. As the final hour dawned it was time to get ready, they lit the fire place to ward of future attempts at use it as an entry way.

They hardened defenses around the house and melons, it made it much easier to know where they were but it helped keep them more safe since they were there. As the rest of the Melon Derby seems to go off without a hitch as Zeno Moonlight's group was able to snag 4th place.

O R I F L A M M E

---

To Fell a Beast

---

Mentions/Interaction: Arne'altan'jaros, The Skygge @Force and Fury, and Vali @Wolfieh

---

Kol looked towards the Skygge as she spoke of the great beast, the Havetskriger, and it breaking out of the restraints it was once in. As it now has killed multiple people and then seemed to thirst to kill more. Kol looked to her and nodded as he took her hand and mounted her steed. As they headed off Kol began learning what he could of the beast, it was the beast they hid under the dock to keep prisoners from possibly using the Gift, yet now it has turned against them.

As they made it to the castle grounds there was Arne'altan'jaros arming himself as he heard of the news. Kol called to the man as he landed and made his way over as they both took up weapons and horses as the three headed off to the city where they can see the commotion come from. As they neared yelling, screaming, and crying happens as the thunderous roar of the Havetskriger scream out as it spears people through, and stampede’s about.

30 men on foot and a hand full more on horses was all they had versus this beast. It had been struck by arrows, even spears were thrown into it and all it did was make it look as if it had stray hairs. The beast threw itself around with great force and violent speed that one could mistake it for the Nashorn, yet as its horns smashed into buildings and rended stone, it was no joking matter.

Kol had just made it with Arne and the Skygge as he had blown his own horn countless times as they moved through the city. To inform those who can hear to make way, and to call on those near to join hopefully. The moment they neared the fray they saw the force they had, Kol took command and began barking orders as people formed positions for a volley to begin. To prepare for battle.

Word had made it fast to Rigevand, and faster yet had Vali Twice-Born made it to the harbor, soldiers in tow. He’d been gripping his Sangløs Bue since the city outskirts, even taking some shots from quite a distance. No doubt they hit, given the ranger’s skill, but any magic he could’ve imbued them with would be worthless, and the arrows themselves were mere pinpricks.

His breathing was ragged but light as the man got within range of his bloodbrother, eyes only sparingly taking in the scene immediately around him and instead focusing almost entirely on the rampaging beast. “Do we have a plan?” he called when he thought Kol might hear him, mind already chewing over the possibilities.

{TO BE CONTINUED}