Kingdom of Nalaris - Call to arms

[Ekaterina]

The trek from the border lands over the mountains unseen had been far more treacherous than had been anticipated. But the large convoy of men sent to place the new Kingdom in disarray. The men had been given orders and once they cleared the edge of the mountains the groups disbanded about the forests and surrounding lands.

The first group of an undisclosed number sought out a foothold at the bottom of the mountains, kept near the edges so they remained undetected. Moving every few days, being sure all moved made were in single file lines to hide their numbers.

The stealthy bastards moved at night in almost utter darkness to keep their numbers and movements concealed. Feelers were sent out to invade amongst the cities, get numbers, information and report back by any means. Their tracks were seen but only reported never the convoy's themselves.

It was after they had been within the Kingdom for several days before the first tracks were brought to Tomas' attention. He sat within the Kingdom and read over a Knights report from their rounds within the forest. Tomas glared as he read further, so little was known about these trespassers, but more importantly if they were out there unknown and undetected they could be within the same way.

Tomas stood as he would have to give the information to his Queen. Brown hues filled with fury and annoyance looked over the castle as he walked with a heavy and resounding step. Any who got in his way were pushed out of the way. He was a man on a mission, and his mission was to seek out his Queen. But he stopped mid way and turned on his heel. "Have my horse tacked." he growled towards a servant who was dispatched to go and have a stable hands do as the Executioner wanted.

His eyes narrowed as he had things to get out before he sought out his Queen. His horse brought he wrapped the report and slipped within his cloak and narrowed his gaze as he mounted Chernabog. Riding the horse first to the Black Knights chapter house he walked within and wrote a large notice.

-All Knights, Squires and Pages are to report to Sir Tomas Drake for instructions on a new danger to our home. Failure to comply will only incur the wrath of the Executioner.- Leaving the note and asking the closest knight to reproduce a few and spread the word within his Chapter house.

That done he was sure to gather his horse and right hard to the White Knights Chapter house. He walked within and glared to a few in passing. Having waited long enough for a few parchments to be made he did the same as he had his own Knights chapter house. Posting the same message about and letting those Knights he saw know to report he returned to the castle and then sought out his Queen.

Walking within the Throne room he growled his eyes still held hell and fire within them. Seeking her out he approached and took a deep breath. Seeing her sister present he nodded then settled those browns upon Melaina. "We need to speak My Queen."

[Ekaterina]

Destiny… a word that many believed in and a few disregarded. Some even said “Destiny was only what you made of it”… Raven, a ranger who lived alone, amongst the wild, and spent his days protecting those who were considered too low in class to be worth protecting… Although he was descended from a true warrior of the Realm, he felt that no one was too low of class… and one day, the time would come for him to fulfill his destiny and return to Nalaris.

In the five years of self-revelation and growth, Raven learned from various sages and mentors to compose verse, to read and write, to wait at table, to play a musical instrument and to care for horses and hunting animals, like hawks and hounds. He learned how to carve different types of meat at a table, to maintain his weapons and harness, to ride properly and how to train and maintain warhorses. He also learned to help the ladies of the household in their duties, and time spent in feminine company that would help develop courtesy and manners. But most importantly, he learned how to use the sword, dagger, and bow. It was like the years spent as a squire, except he learned at his own pace, not that of a designated knight.




In a cave, not too deep within the forest, was considered his home… and within his home were his weapons, his horse, Troika, and a chest that held the breastplate of his family. Adorning the breastplate was a White Tree with Seven Stars & a Crown on a black field, the emblem of the Ravenhawk.

As the sun began to set, he set out to survey the land, as he did every night, to protect what he now considered his domain and his responsibility, though none at Court of the Queens even knew of this man, nor his deeds. But this evening was different. His keen ears and sense of smell detected something different than before. And this curiosity set him afoot.

As Raven knelt by the tracks, he seemed so confused, something not often occurring. Tracks… odd tracks… tracks that were marred as if a thousand men had marched single file… but how could such a contingent travel and not be seen? He pushed the hood back upon his cloak and scratched his head.

Regardless of how man, or how they remained unseen was not important, the Queen, and he knights, had to be notified; for he, even as good as he was in combat, could not stop the multitude that now invaded Nalaris…

Curiosity would take the best of him, as he set out every evening at dusk, keeping his figure hidden by shadows. But in the shadows he was not alone…

For within the shadows was another… and upon his person would this man attack… with sword and dagger… and the two would do battle as the new moon began to creep to its peak… Grunts and groans of force, the clash of steel and blade would echo in the night until the scream of death and silence resonated in the darkness of night…

Raven plopped to his arse in fatigue as he looked at the strangely dressed man with the dagger in his chest. The Queen and the Queen’s Executioner needed to be notified, but did Raven want to reveal himself so soon?

As dawn broke, and day invade night, the dead man hung from a limb near the road in plain sight for all to see… a dagger with a raven handle remained in his chest.
« Last Edit: Nov 24, 2011, 5:57pm by ravenhawk »

[Ekaterina]

ByDarkOfNight: Not feeling social tonight, Melaina left evening court in her far more social twin's hands. Eirian enjoyed the frills, furbelows and butterflies of court so much, let her deal with it. Melaina had work to do, summoning the two she trusted most in the accomplishment of that work - her Knight, and her Hand. If they had plans this evening, a pity for their sakes, but she would not be denied and she'd wisely laid in a sideboard of simple food and rich ale. Not a complete slavedriver, just... mostly. Court finery was eschewed in favor of a plain gown of plush red wool, her dark hair pulled back slightly from her face. No insignia of rank was worn beyond her ring and the study was quiet, the door flanked by two men in black-enamelled armor. Her Black Cygnets, faithful sentinels and guardians of the portal, had orders to admit none but her sister, Tomas and Riordan tonight. [d]

ObscurusAter: Melaina did not need to summon someone who was always within or nine times out of ten within earshot of his Queen. Pushing past his knights he entered within. His browns eased over her a long moment before he inclined his head in a deep nod. His gaze settled to her as he pressed forward, looking at what was set out before those browns focused upon her fully once more. Hungry he may be but business was first.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan, on the other hand (ha), needed just a few more moments to arrive since he had been in another part of the Castle when the summons came in. He was hoping to have a light dinner with Katalin, but ... duty came first. Telling the page to inform Katalin of the change of plans, Riordan made his way to the study and eased past the guards that were present. A nod was given to Tomas and a light bow given to the Queen. Ooh, ale. He'd have to get some of that in a moment. (d)

ByDarkOfNight: Lifting her head as the pair of them arrived, blue eyes studied them for a moment before signing the parchment and sanding it dry. "Get yourselves plates if you want." Hungry men meant distracted minds. Melaina preferred them focused and sharp. "Then report." [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas forwent the food. His gaze looked to the Hand and gave a nod before he returned his browns to Melaina. Tensing his jaw before he spoke. "Our borders have been crossed by an unknown number of foes. Tracks have been seen along the mountain passes and into the forests." he took in a heavy breath as he weighed his words more carefully now. "I have placed all Knights on alert and increased their patrols." His jaw tensing again Tomas saw it as a slight failure on his part for not having had his men see it sooner and more importantly it put not only Eirian in Danger along with all others in Kingdom and Castle, but it put Melaina in danger and the fire in his eyes displayed the anger that the trespassers and himself-d

Iux et tenebrae: He moved, too, but while Tomas got food, he got his ale first. When the Executioner had filled his plate, he swapped places with him to do the same. "Any clues as to who they are or their make up?" He asked the man out of curiosity.

ByDarkOfNight: "You might want to consider alerting the Guardians as well if they're in the forests, Tomas." Melaina leaned back in her chair with a thoughtful look on her features, though she turned an interested look following Riordan's question to the senior knight. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas turned no plate in his hand no want of food at the moment to look upon the Hand. "I have only received the report of my Knight, he has not seen them, only the single file lines of booted feet, heavy with armor but numbers and appearance I can not give." he growled out the words his agitation with the situation evident as his browns flicked between the two.-d

Iux et tenebrae: "Armed and clever," he winced, and then surmised something, "While we do not know exactly numbers, I can guess they cannot be a very large force. Camps are difficult to conceal," he nodded to Melaina at her comment regarding the Guardians. 9d)

ByDarkOfNight: "That and I think increasing the patrols along the border itself is in order." Rising, she went to the large map hanging on the wall to scrutinize it. "Where did he mention seeing these bandits? Because the ones in Aristea, I am informed, have been resolved... though they weren't so much bandits as hirelings intended to seize my cousin." A hand gestured for Tomas to indicate the general locale, the better to understand what was being said. [d]

ObscurusAter: "I will inform them, but there is more. There is not one solitary trail My Queen, her Hand. They lead in multiple directions which makes accounting their numbers far more impossible." He moved to the map and pointed to the mountain pass that edged the forest. "From here it split. Along these trails." he moved his fingers showing along what routes they had taken, last he was informed. once finished he turned and looked to Melaina.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan scrutinized the locations on the map, and then he tilted his head in thought. It did lead to a number of possibilities, he remained quiet for the time being, sipping at his ale. (d)

ByDarkOfNight: Melaina folded her arms over her bodice and noted the indicated trails with a growing frown of concern. Incursions of bandits into Nalaris was not necessarily rare, but that they were bold enough to bring in numbers meant action needed to be taken and swiftly. "Consult the Guardians and the Shadows. While I appreciate the martial skills of both Orders, neither are meant for scouting. The Guardians and Shadows are. My cousin's protector may be useful in this as well, so perhaps we should include him? He knows this area better than we do," she indicated along the eastern trails. [d]

ObscurusAter: He looked to the map and then towards her and the Hand. "I would prefer the fewer who knew of this the better. Panic is not needed, it is harder to spot those out of place when the people are panicked. I will have the man summoned how you see fit, the same with one of your Shadows." he looked between them a moment then focused a gaze on Melaina that spoke more than simple volumes before turning to finally gain a large tankard of ale, muchly needed then slipped out to have the summons sent to Jack and Maryse before returning and resuming a silence he so often held.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan wasn't very familiar with the protector off hand, but that could resolved relatively soon. "Of course, sire, discretion is a survival trait I've acquired," he bowed his head, and looked to the Queen, as well. "Have you additional orders for me?" (d)

ByDarkOfNight: "Hmm." She glanced over to see Tomas head out to summon a pair of pages, then resumed studying the map. "What about the reports from Irin about what's going on in the Bay?" Blue eyes rested on Riordan then. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas kept his silence as he watched the two listening but his mind was on the other happenings that were going on the bandits and the like.-d

Iux et tenebrae: That made him frown and he took a moment to collect the information in his mind, "Merchants both from our nation and our trading partners are being raided, and they do not seem to prefer a particular cargo. Thus, it is difficult to predict who will be struck and when. I've seen merchant vessels with commonplace items such as clothing be raided to more luxurious. The captains also say they feel as if the pirates 'appear out of nowhere.'" He said sighed quietly, "One, who was drunk, went on about sea sprites being involved or somesuch." (d)

ByDarkOfNight: Biting off a curse, she'd suspected as much when she heard tales of a shipwreck recently. "Then your orders are to go to Port Irin and find a captain who does not lack courage. I want these pirates found and eradicated." She glanced over her shoulder to see the blonde woman enter, greeting Maryse's curtsy with a nod of her head before her gaze swiveled back to Riordan. "You'll take Lady Maryse with you. She is familiar with a number of the captains and may be useful to you there." The page by now had found the former Lieutenant and requested his presence in the Dark Queen's study to consult on a matter in which he held knowledge. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas took a drink of his ale, walking to the map as he looked it over planning out routes for men to take. His gloved hand was furiously moving over the leather of his glove one that one particular palm he would never admit it calmed him to do such but was having no effect this night.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan bowed his head, "It will be done, Your Majesty," And then he looked to Lady Maryse to give her a nod. He'd talk to her once the business was concluded for the night. "Milady," he said by way of greeting before taking a sip of ale. (d)

Jack Avellan: Jack was summoned once more, and forced to wake from his well earned nap. He dressed quickly, cursing the entire time under his breath. Whatever weapons he normally carried were left in his chambers, knowing all too well that the authorities to be would instruct him to remove them anyway.-- He emerged from his chambers and traversed the corridors until he arrived at the location he was being summoned to. The door opened, and he was announced as Master Avellan.[d]

ByDarkOfNight: Melaina's timing knew no parallel, clearly. One look at Jack and she inwardly winced. She'd taken him from some pursuit, obviously. "Good evening, Master Avellan. I asked you to come because we have need of your knowledge. This region," she indicated the forested trail Tomas pointed out earlier, "is along the northeastern edge of Lydianne's lands. It seems that foreign bandits are making themselves at home there, but where... I am not sure. Sir Tomas would like to know more. Maryse," she turned to her lady in waiting, "pack for a trip to Irin again. Sir Riordan will need your assistance in negotiating with the captains there." The lady nodded, dark eyes resting briefly on the Hand before easing back out of the room. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas turned first to Maryse, he must have missed her when she came in but then fell to the other man and a nod of his head was given. He studied the man carefully, he didn't know him but his Queen trusted him enough to summon him. Tomas was listening as she spoke flicking brown eyes from one to the other. Open to listen to what he had to say. but for now he remained quiet and listening.-d

Jack Avellan: Jack wasn't a very large man, but the pride he carried himself with was intimidating enough. He took care of the customs first, kneeling [slightly] before the Queen, "Your Majesty, Milords, and ladies.." Jack was urged to look at a map, and in particular, a designated region. The Queen was right to summon him, he knew this region of the land well. He was silent for a few moments, then addressed everyone. "They are here. To the south and along the south-eastern approach, there is a depression which places their camp upon a hill, favorable for the archers which patrol the perimeter. To the north, west, and south western approach, the land is flat, but not of equal elevation. They chose this area as a means to police their surroundings in order to remain hidden. Their archers are good," Jack instinctively rubbed his left shoulder, and as an after thought, removed his hand to clasp the other at the small of his back. Everything about Jack screamed military, his presence and tone showed no different. "The men within are using swords and spears, but possess no armor. They sacrifice protection for free movement, making them very, very formidable. The ones I have encountered use an eastern sword style, explaining the intricacies of their training; they are not from here." He looked to everyone. "My suggestion is to put only your most skilled to the task of eliminating these men, their skill warrants it; Your Majesty."[d]

ByDarkOfNight: Before she could reply to Jack or anyone else, a knock at the door drew her attention and the sharp command to enter. The portal swung open to reveal a page, bearing a crumpled parchment with the seal of one of the northwestern noblemen. She thanked the boy, sending him on his way and the door closed once more before she broke the seal and skimmed the contents. With lips compressed into a grim line, she handed the missive over to Tomas and moved to pour herself a glass of wine, anger clearly visible in the blue eyes. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas listened carefully as he was making points on the map stick out. His eyes lingered over it a moment longer before they fell to the man and then his Queen. He however arched a brow as jack had said he had encountered them. But she held a look of anger and passed him a parchment. he had been about to ask more of the men jack had encountered but looked instead to the message. His eyes narrowed and a full and complete beastial growl not touched by a human voice carried from his throat. He read it twice more before his fist curled and anger seethed the mans tone and color. His eyes caught Melaina a moment and held them. Words were escaping or were pressed back as growls filled his throat in uninterrupted lines. He looked down to the parchment. "I want the owner of this crest by morning." He finally growled out through gritted teeth as even his Queen had not seen the anger in this magnitude before.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan frowned at the Queen's expression, wondering what was going on, and then he looked to Tomas. There was a pause, "... May I ask what is going on?" He ventured after Tomas gave his order. (d)

Jack Avellan: Jack remained silent, withdrawing from the circle to allow the powers to be to discuss this latest development. He was not spoken to, which meant he did not speak.[d]

ByDarkOfNight: "It seems we have a vigilante to add to our troubles," she replied grimly. "There was a body found dangling by one of the highways with a dagger in its heart. The dagger bore a rather prominent crest... one that I believe belonged to a noble family of Naltorum. Last I heard, the family was extinct, but apparently not." Melaina sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Find him, arrest him and bring him for trial. I want to know who has the unmitigated gall to play the hand of justice... if justice it was, rather than murder." [d -afk ]
ObscurusAter: Tomas was seething, oh his anger was lost and pooled out of him in waves of heat. his eyes lingered over melaina a moment before he handed the parchment to Riordan and pushed out the door. He grabbed one of the Knights at teh door by the scruff of his neck and pulled him in close. "Go take a handful of men and search the trees until the wayward Noble and his d**ned Raven crest is found. Bring him here tout de suite and unharmed. I will take care of that. You have till first light before I seek him myself." He snarled. "And send a replacement at once." He took the time to pace the hall letting narrowed eyes look ahead taking long breaths until he re-entered the room and grabbed his ale. his breath was deep as the anger only seemed to grow at everything seeming to happen at once and beneath his nose.-d

Iux et tenebrae: That made him frown sharply before nodding. However, before he had a chance to say anything to Tomas, the parchment was in his hands and the man was out the door. Riordan remained calm as he studied the letter for a moment. There was no need for him to add more any more commentary. They had enough problems to deal with. His gaze, though, did turn to Jack, "You might have mentioned this already, but when did you encounter these men?" (d)

ObscurusAter: Tomas was looking to Jack as he was trying to gain a place of calm that would allow him to think past the anger. d**ned the wolf in him. His eyes looked over Jack as Riordan asked the question he was going to.-d

Jack Avellan: Jack looked up when he was addressed, and stepped forward so he could be heard. Jack could feel the tension in the air, and he felt, although he didn't voice it, that further intelligence provided by himself would only prove as a distraction from what had just transpired; whatever that may be. Nevertheless, "I was escorting her Highness, Princess Lydianne back to her estates in Aristea when we were ambushed by twenty-four bandits. I managed to best twenty-two of them, but two got away; they had fled amongst the chaos of battle." Jack added the two Callum had killed, keeping mention of the covert Guardian scarce, just so the man could maintain the shadow he stayed in.-- Jack's extensive study in the martial arts growing up had granted him the knowledge of how to exploit his attackers quickly, and accurately. It had been the lone reason he successfully thwarted the ambush.[d]

ByDarkOfNight: "If you killed so many, it is higly unlikely these are the same group," she felt obliged to point out the obvious, a brow lifting at Tomas's brief display of his ire. Something told her he had a feeling he knew more than he was letting on, but wasn't about to say so right now. For her ears alone, knowing him. She sipped the wine, resuming her perusal of the map. "Then you'll be useful beyond consulting, Master Avellan. If I send the knights and some of the guardians north and northwest, then I can rely upon you to resolve matters north and east of Aristea?" She turned a querying expression to him then. "As I believe you currently hold rank in the Guardians." [d]
.
Iux et tenebrae: Riordan been about to say what the Queen did, and he nodded somewhat grimly. Otherwise, he remained silent and went about sipping at his ale. (d)

ObscurusAter: Tomas knew more yes but not for the crowd gathered, no offense to them, but she knew how he was and for anger to swell so deeply it had to be of importance. He was still seething and set the ale aside as his browns flickered over those gathered in his silence listening as she spoke with Jack.-d

Jack Avellan: "Unfortunately, your Majesty, my charge is to her Highness. If she sees fit to assign me to the traveling contingent, then I will relent. However, I do not believe her Highness has been brought up to speed on the current events; or if she has, I have not been informed of it." He let the Queen discredit his skill, and that of the attackers only because it was expected. He dare not add to the tale; he'd let the others find out soon enough, seeing as they were dead set on charging a well entrenched enemy.[d]

ByDarkOfNight: The hand bearing the ring of her station waved that off. "Yes, yes, I know your loyalty is only to my cousin. Admirable, really. I'll speak with her before you depart for Aristea." She hadn't necessarily discredited him, only deemed him more than capable of taking care of that section. She trusted her cousin's judgment of the man until he gave her reason not to. "And if this d**ned vigilante winds up in your area, I expect you'll do what is necessary as well." Just so there was no question on that point either. "Anything else, gentlemen?" [d]

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan shook his head, "No, Your Majesty," and then he drained off the rest of his ale. (d)

ObscurusAter: "Yes," Tomas spoke as he looked to Jack." Tell me of these men's armor." Because there were discrepancies in what was described and what had been said. His eyes fell to jack a long moment awaiting his response.-d

Jack Avellan: "They wear little to no armor. It's so they can move quickly, and out-maneuver armored combatants. " Jack said simply, keeping his tone and expression the same it had been.[d]

ObscurusAter: "Color, crest, anything?" he asked watching the man still with curiosity. His question had been broad so it was narrowed down.-d

ByDarkOfNight: She grimaced as she listened, draining her glass. "Wonderful. We have more than one group of enterprising miscreants. I doubt they are working for the same source, however." And if they were, by gods, she'd find out about it. For a moment, Melaina mulled over the possibility of conspiracy. She didn't exactly discard it, but deemed it somewhat unlikely... this time. [d]

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan studied the Queen for a moment. He knew, in the back of his mind, that he would have to be dealing with such issues back home. Watching how she handled things had been enlightening, thus far. (d)

Jack Avellan: Jack shook his head no. "They were hired, and it's unlikely the source would allow them to carry their crest. Call it an act of self preservation."[d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas nodded and let it go. Looking to his Queen he took in a slow breath and turned back to the map moving closer to it and the areas where he had pointed mind working over things-d

ByDarkOfNight: She'd given her orders and anticipated they'd be followed with a few judicious edits on the part of Tomas. A glance at Riordan noted his observing gaze, not that she was surprised in light of his reason for joining her Court. "I hope our vigilante is not trying to act as hero, but if he is... we will see." Melaina had a significant amount of mistrust for suddenly re-emerging nobles with an agenda. Moving behind the desk, she drew out some parchment, a pen and ink, sitting down to begin writing swiftly. A warrant for the arrest of anyone bearing the name Ravenhawk. [d]

ObscurusAter: Tomas had the map in his mind and took in a breath. Seeing business would conclude once her warrant was written he turned to her. "A walk in the garden this eve?" He asked a little more gruff than he had intended.-d

Iux et tenebrae: Riordan had been about to ask the Queen if he could have a private conversation with her, but he was beaten to the punch by Tomas. He'd get her another time. For now, he had to reflect and consider the night's events. (d)

Jack Avellan: Jack retired for the evening once more, retreating to his chambers. He parted the entourage carefully, addressing who needed to be, then left.[d]

ByDarkOfNight: Catching the look from Tomas, she gave a nod as she extended the parchment to Riordan. "Have this copied, please, and distributed to all of the groups going out as well. The more this is posted, the greater the chance of detaining this man. We will speak before you and Lady Maryse depart for Port Irin in the morning." With that dismissal of her Hand, she nodded to Tomas, already reaching for the cloak kept ready within the study. They needed to talk privately, it seemed. [d]

Iux et tenebrae: "Very well, Your Majesty," he took the parchment, gave a bow, and then moved out of the room at a decent clip. There was work to be done. (d)

ObscurusAter: Tomas looked to her and then the others gathered before he awaited Melaina at the door. his cloak absent for the eve. Sword hung low on his waist his arm offered to her. "Dark eve." He addressed to the others.-d

ByDarkOfNight: Accepting his arm, they were off.

[Ekaterina]

Mid day and the sounds of hooves and voices rousted the reclusive Raven from his hideaway in the caves. His message to the world of Nalaris had been found by the Queen’s men and his forest was now being invaded.

Would his message be misperceived as an illegal act of murder or vigilantism, or be received as a subtle means of anonymous communication that invaders have molested the Queen’s land. At the time of his act, he had seen it as protecting his home and way of life… and with the thrust of the raven-handled dagger into the deceased man’s chest, he envisioned the act as a means of letting the Queen know that invaders had come unto Nalaris lands. Now that the Queen’s men were searching the forest for a perpetrator and he has had time to reflect upon his actions, he now were considering darker alternatives. Surely the Queen would not consider him as a murderer… or even a vigilante !!




Raven began to pace in his cave; pausing only to look down the side of the mountain at the men below; grateful that he had eradicated all signs of his movements. He shook his head, grabbed his green cloak, laying the sword against the wall, and stuck a dagger in his belt. With a flick of his wrists and a sway of arms, the cloak settled upon his shoulders, and with a turn, he grabbed a quiva of arrows and his bow, and began to descend deeper into the cave.

The crooked path into the depths of the cave was lit by the torch he carried, the flickering flames dancing before him. With each step, he tried to imagine what his father would do, and what he should do in this circumstance. Should he continue to avoid the Queen’s men, or turn himself in? The results could be the same, either he would be charged with murder, or have the gratefulness of the Queen. Would he have time to explain his actions, or would he be thrown into the dungeon for his acts, or worse, would he be hung without an explanation? His Father had lived during the days of a divided nation with distinct lines of action, but Raven had grown up in reclusion, either with his Father or by acts of himself.




Dousing the torch, Raven stood at the hidden rear exit of his cave and looked out into the flatlands of the forest bed. Pulling the cloak’s hood over his head, and the bow across his back, he made his way from the mountain’s backside out into the flats of the forest deep, his destination would be the villages along the way to Cygnum… He had to know what lay in store for him… for now he expected only the worse – in chains, knelt before an angered Queen.

[Ekaterina]

The ride had been long, hard and treacherous, and of all the men who travelled, only two were lost. Lord Arrick DeVaine looked over the grouping of 100 strong he had taken with him at the split. Another 60 had gone with his brother, Lord Lance DeVaine, and the remaining 45 had been led to the road which headed East by Lord Derrick Allistar.
Sir Aarin Baxter's feelers were sent out before the men came, nestled in the newly joined kingdom and reported at intervals of every one to two weeks. The Queens were doing well, forming their followers but the deserted followers of the old king had their strong holds; those with any noble pull formed together, sent word to those loyal to the old crown. Wanting to fledge the two sisters from their seats and keep them from forming the glorious kingdom the infernal prophecy had foretold of, that was the plan.
One of the Naltorian Dukes, Lord Devon Bannister had sent the Lords DeVaine and Allistar and their troops to make a statement, scare the twins to leaving crown and kingdom in their rightful hands. To seek out the weaknesses, find the points by which the Kingdom could be taken. Arrick DeVaine’s eyes looked over the forests as they stood as tall and strong as they had for years; he remembered playing in them as a small boy when his father visited the King. Those trees, so beautiful to gaze at from the castle windows, hid the men that were entrenched upon the dirt, lost in the brambles and settled amongst the lakes and rivers masked amongst the pockets of uneasy terrain. Their numbers were guarded - the single file lines worked to aid in their secrecy. But time was nearing for something to transpire. Currently, that was what was being planned out. The men were ordered to move as they had every night, leaving teasing trails that ebbed and flowed through the forest like the patchwork of a quilt.
Sir Aarin leaned over the map within the tent. Reports flowed from spies within and men out. The gates were watched; it was noted the Knights seemed to be more active. Their presence appeared known now and the man who had been strung up after a battle was a loss that affected the young Knight who gave their movements. He knew it would give away their armor, but fortunately for the invading Lords, their crests had been ordered removed to hide their identities. Lord Arrick entered the tent and looked to Sir Aarin as he studied the map with vigor. "They know of our presence, but not our numbers or where we presently lie. Let us keep that upper hand while we are still able," Arrick reported.
His old eyes looked to the younger Knight with a sense of annoyance. Aarin was placed in charge of their movements and spent his time going against the old man's knowledgeable ways. Sir Aarin looked up to him with eyes eager to make a name, youth that made him unwise in his panning. A growl seemed to ebb from his own lips as he pointed to the castle upon the map.
"You forget, it is on my order we have two stationed within the castle unknown to those daft Queens, ready to strike when word is given." Aarin ground out in response. "And that we have such an upper hand." Quick to remind, he had been quicker to dismiss the old crone’s go for the guts motto. The older man spat to the dirt floor in disgust and turned to leave. Stopping at the tent flap, he looked over his shoulder. "It is also why your brother was strung up like the butcher’s stock. Do not forget his blood lies on your hands." Such departing words left the young Knight sour in the mouth and biting back the insults the old cod deserved.
Aarin looked back to the maps, unable to dismiss the fact Brandon had been found, killed and strung from a tree. That fact alone made the blood in his veins course cold and uncaring. Aarin growled again and slammed his fist to the table top over the image of the castle drawn upon the map. "d**ned twins have taken him and will pay..." he vowed but silenced as a guardsman entered the tent to inform Aarin it would need to be taken down for the night’s movements to their next camp. Aarin was tired of moving and had been studying that infernal map for a location that would better suit their needs to prevent them having to relocate every night. He was hoping he had found it in the foothills just off the mountains but then Brandon had been killed, their trail noted. But looking to the map his eyes settled over the map once more before he rolled it and placed it in the cloak pocket. "Very well then, have my horse readied."
Lord Arrick was already atop his large bay gelding, his black armor reflecting the orangey yellows of the setting sun. Aarin snarled as he looked to him, much the picture of his Duke’s first Knight. Loyal to their Duke, bound to him by oath and obligation. Never failing to remind the young Knight of their Duke’s orders, to take the castle and leave none of those within the castle alive. Lord Arrick turned to face his young Knight that gave him the orders of where to move and shook his head. "I assume you have no answer for me on the Executioner? He is his Father’s son, save bedding that d**ned Queen. She has sunk beneath his skin, swayed him. But have you the balls to kill him? Have you the heart to look upon the man you once called brother as a child and slay him down?" Arrick asked as his old grey blue eyes narrowed heavily upon Aarin. Working the younger man to following his word, why his Duke had left the boy in charge had not been asked by Arrick, it was not his to question but it made him wonder what favors the boy had done to be given that challenge.
Aarin looked towards the old man and growled heavily. His mind waivered from the present drifting to the past, where as boys he and Tomas he trained, worked and played beside one another. Lived in the same castle, vowed to fight beneath their King’s banner for glory and fortune. Changed when age claimed their bodies, turned them from man to beast. Ran the forests together, hunted and ate side by side. It had all changed, Tomas drifted from the old ways, begged Aarin to leave the charge of their King, that the prophecy was true, that one day their home would be jointly ruled by the Queens who sat upon the thrones now.
Tomas never fully trusted Aarin with the knowledge of his Melaina. That infernal mark upon the man’s palm became more prominent as age took hold, stuck out and he would play his fingers over it more, began to wear gloves but still rubbed and when Aarin would ask about it Tomas would brush it off. Aarin’s family had feared for their safety, unsure of what would happen as whispers of the prophecy’s truth were muttered amongst the shadows, spoken in the pubs. Moving beneath the banners of his Duke he was placed into his service, rose upwards in the ranks.
The Duke had taken Aarin under his wing; Aarin’s loyalty was proven when the information of all he knew of the Queen’s Executioner was given. The calls to the old King’s arms were given and Aarin begged to be given his chance to prove his loyalty to his Duke. The Duke had finally agreed upon one condition, Aarin be the man that slay the Executioner, only then would his loyalty remain full and intact with his Duke. To bring the head of the Black Wolf to his court and present it for all to see.
Aarin was pulled from his thoughts as Arrick gripped his shoulder. "Come back to the present, we have a job to do and a wolf to kill if you are so brave." Aarin lifted his gaze to the old man leaning over his horse and holding firm his shoulder. Shaking off the man’s hand, he mounted his horse and looked towards the men as the tents were dismantled and placed in wagons. When the camp was fully broken down, Aarin took the lead and began their trek to the forests edge. Remembering where he and Tomas had long ago hunted, the forest had been thick, the game ripe and ready to run, the terrain sticky and held passes that made it difficult to gain entry to and easier to guard. It was there that they would head.