Quest: Ledger of Rituals Pt3

[Randell]

Standing on the prow of his sleek vessel, Rin Laeyr peered through his spyglass at a distant sight that gave him no comfort in seeing, yet it was expected nonetheless.

"Well, Randell was right."

"He often is," Myoc concured, thick arms folded across his barrel-like chest.

Rin smirked, lowering his spyglass as he considered the now distant vessel. Whatever could be said about the merchant, he was always on the mark. That made Randell Daviun a valuable ally, or a dangerous enemy, and not for the first time the captain of the Howling Harlot considered himself lucky to be on the former of those two distinctions. Still, something about all this bothered Rin. He couldn't put his finger on it, but his gut was warning him to be careful.

"Anything about this seem a little... off to you?" he asked Myoc, frowning thoughtfully.

"What part?" the hulking first mate inquired, thick brow arched while a mocking smile twisted his lips. "The kidnapping, or perhaps the man who breathed flame?" the half-orc snorted, shaking his head in disgust. "Maybe it's the Dracolich and the horde of undead... this whole situation reaks worse than a week old fish guts left out in a noon day sun."

"A valid point," Rin agreed with a wry smile, "and... more than apt description, but my point was more directed at our current assignment, and not the picture as a whole."

Myoc shrugged his shoulders, squinting at the distinctive ship in the distance. It was docked at one of the numerous small islands that littered the primary coastline, each saturated with its own fair share of rumor, myth and legend. This one, however, was notable not only for its apparent mysticism, but a rather brutal tribe of canabilistic barbarians.

"Why does he need to hide himself?" the half-orc asked, turning back to Rin wearing one of his numerous scowls. "He's the big fish in our little pond. What would we do if a bleedin' Dracolich attacked the Harlot?"

"Run," Rin offered softly, sobered at the prospect. "...die."

"Yeah... well, either they're not worried about being found, or they're doin' all this on purpose."

That gave the young captain pause. He studied Myoc for a moment, considering his expression. "What do you mean?"

"Don't act the fool with me, Rin Laeyr, I know you've seen it, too. If they're being as bold as I've credited them, there wouldn't be this half-hearted attempt at hidin' in the cove or trying to throw us off the trail. As it stands, there was little effort in any of it, but still *some* effort was made. Which means one of two things..."

Myoc's words trailed off, only to be completed by Rin's soft utterance. "They either don't care if we know, or they *want* us to know.." he breathed. Silence settled between the two men for a long moment before Rin finally nodded to himself, deciding something. "Get the Harlot moving back to Kiel, we have to report this to Randell right away. It's up to him how we're going to settle this, and knowing the Spider, he already has several plans in the works."

[Ekaterina]

Within the quickly constructed fortress of the bandit king Vintharr, Bandits still were up and about. The walls that surrounded that portion of the mountainous rise of the isle were still manned, if not a little more than normal with men well suitable for the purpose of guarding, and seeing well beyond the other bandits, you know, the farsighted of his men. Enough men were upon the wall to make up for another’s slack or mistakes as Vintharr found more suitable than relying on a routine number. Nonetheless, others moved throughout the inner yards committed to one task or another, or merely loitering about until it was time for them to be beckoned for duty, killing, or plundering. Beyond these were the tunnels that wove through the volcanos base. The plundered slaves from distant and nearby villages were kept at work searching for more of this or more of that, or merely chiseling out more chambers for future use. Beyond them was the still not fully explored labyrinth that would lead to the lichs tomb much further into the depths of the mountain where his men ventured not, and the undead still wondered about. Another path would pass through a large chamber with seemingly bottomless holes gaping wide and willing to accept any who stumbled into their depths, as well as perhaps bearing other secrets yet to be unveiled to rumoring mouths. Beyond them, the additional chambers where his men trained and slept. It was the most secure of chambers that they had taken as their own and was the only last seeming measure needed to defend an added throne room that would suffice for the distant fortress in comparison to his real throne room in the Northern Territories. Nonetheless, it was in this chamber that Kat was kept chained, bound, and locked upon a ring set upon the throne itself. It was this chamber where Vintharr would enter once again from his returning visit to the dire straits keep.

It was one thing to be shackled like a dog, but quite another to be placed on display in the manner to which she was. She was Norse, of Viking blood, and if he meant to humiliate her, he found quite the way in which to do so. Though all it did inwardly was stoke that fire of vengeance to burn as brightly and with an equal heat that developed and rolled within the volcanic belly of the very mountain in which they sat. When he arrived, she'd be sitting with hands upon the arm of said throne, a slouch of back as head was bent forward to rest atop folded hands. If she heard his entry, which wasn't hard with the shouts and announcements to precede it, she made no indication nor moves to openly acknowledge it so. She had been well tended to in his absence, given food, water, and the ability to relieve her in a semiprivate manner. Yet, still, she was lead along by her chains, like a dog on a leash and dealt with the looks, whispers and occasional comments directed her way. Not once did she lash out, physically or verbally to taunts received. Like a slow burning pot of oil, she was simply simmering at the present, waiting that moment of freedom that would permit her to come to a full boil. This is how she'd remain, even as he grew closer, seemingly asleep in her position upon the soft pillowed dais and using his throne as a pillow for her head.


::In tow behind the bandit king strode Tugarabog, looking far healthier than he had in ages. Perhaps this was due to the fact that he knew Vintharr and his like had displayed some discomfort with the stench of death and rot, or simply he felt like being something other than his horrible self, yet he bore a striking resemblance to the tall, gaunt near skeletal figure that he normal was. High cheek bones, strong chin, tall and lean, all these features and more pointed to perhaps what he had looked like before death had claimed him, at least when not as a dragon. He carried with him a satchel, hanging from the width of a broad leather belt, as well as a chain wrapped bout beside it, though little else on his form aside from his clothes. Unlike the Barbarian, he had not arrived by boat, but instead by magic. The ability to teleport one’s self across great expanses of space was a grand boon, and when one could bring along a servant it was even better.::

::The young girl stared in wide-eyed wonder at the imposing fortress as she struggled to keep up with the dracolich. It was unusual for a servant like her to travel with the lich, except when he needed a pack mule, and he seemed to be favoring the young servant girl as of late. It was unfathomable to anyone as to why, since all he had her carry was a rolled up leather satchel containing sharply polished and well-kept surgical tools, but the girl wasn't about question his orders. Anyone who did was severely punished in colorful and graphic ways. She ran to keep up with him as his long strides quickly outmatched the girl, her simple servant's dress flapping against her legs.::

It wasn't the company he was expecting to return with, but he didn't mind the added company in the least. In truth, as soon as he walked into the chamber, and spied upon the woman nested upon the arm of his throne a most wicked grin sufficed to spread across his face, a wry one that thought upon a matter of dubious humor. He'd voice his opinion towards the man following behind him as he crossed the room and several carved pillars towards the throne itself. "If you were to cut someone open as you did with that man in your keep, are you able to put them back together like new again? I'm...curious...this one’s a little.....mean." So saying with a casual humor in his tone. The ceiling was low but still well above his head. The shimmer of torchlight playing upon one polished blade mounted on a wall, to the next drew a moment of attention that reminded him of his abilities at war, and the lives that were taken with each that was now lining the wall as trophies."....As you can see.. My tools are a little too large for such hopes.."

The stench would be quite recognizable, she had been contained to a ship when last that smell assaulted her senses and churned her stomach; much as it was doing now. Still, like a statuette she remained, lilth and toned frame slightly curved in that slumbered state. No reaction would be gandered to the comments made, neither a flinch nor twitch. Though through that veil of flaxen braids, the tiny formations that drifted from crown to spill over shoulders the ends resting near waist in length, were those that approached viewed through slitted gaze. Intake of breath was slow and steady, if one could detect the beat of her heart, its rhythm was much the same way. No indication of being agitated, spooked, or affected by the presence of the Lich, even if in faux human form. Nor the words meant to perhaps poke her into reaction.

::Head canted to the side as he stepped in from behind, looking about the room with the slow scan of near glacier blue eyes.:: "Quite the abode you have here, Herr Vintharr." ::The first thing he'd said sense he'd arrived held a Germanic tone and accent to it, one that continued as he spoke further.:: "Indeed I could, if the patient is healthy enough. I was able to remove a broken, barbed arrow head from someone a few months ago, and they survived the operation and made a complete recovery, and I used much the same methods I showed you upon the cadaver the other day." ::His eyes remained on Vintharr, and he gave a small nod of his head towards the young bound woman. He could only hope that the Barbarian was keen enough to not destroy the facade he was creating, or the servant girl for that matter. It was that same servant he looked to then, reaching out with a gloved hand.:: "My tools, Fraulein."

::The girl took in the scenery of the room with a sense of childish awe. As she gazed on the various mounted weapons, she moved the leather satchel containing the surgical to one hip and absently began twirling one of her fingers in her soft brown curls. Her eyes finally settled on the bound woman at the throne, and the girl darted a glance at the lich before beginning to inch slowly towards the woman. The lich was conversing with the bandit king, and appeared not to notice. A surprising spike of boldness seemed to overtake the girl as she leaned closer towards the throne, close enough so the woman would be able to hear her whisper. "Why are you here, my lady?" asked the girl in a low voice. The Lich’s voice suddenly snapped at the servant girl, and she nearly dropped the surgical tools in her shock. The girl hurried over towards the lich with her head bowed before the woman could answer, and offered him the satchel with trembling hands.::

The girl was partially given some attention as she wondered across the room. Maybes she was good with a lock pick, one that could resemble one of the tools in the satchel and set the captive free. It was definitely a possibility, and one he would have to watch. He was saved from the worry as she proved to be easily controlled, and loyal to the lich with ease of a servant indeed. Vintharr strode towards the throne whilst they'd prepare such items of delicate precision. Piquing his interest with a reason as to why the thrones armrest was found more comfortable than the short pile of cushions and pillows she had been left upon at the dais of the chamber. His cloak meanwhile was removed. The dark thick fur sent to heap onto the upper head of the throne itself to allow him the unburdened ability to move about with greater freedom. His war hammer unslung to be resound with a definitive doosh as it was lowered onto the floor near one of the two last pillars that rooted between the floor and ceiling. The pillar itself partially eyed as it was in truth the same stone as the walls themselves. Yet, someone had gone through the time and trouble to chisel away at it for countless and untold hours or even days to present a structure of several cascading rivets, lines and weavings that were ancient and unknown to him, a barbarian.. His voice would rise upwards and be sent to Ekaterina...="....I have returned. Company has arrived....it is time you tell us more of what you know.."

She watched as the young girl neared, unsure as to this one and her intent. The question posed however did make her wonder. However, not a muscle twitched, nor did she even attempt to respond to the girl. The young one wasn't the only one asking that question, since it had been poised in her mind many times since her capture. It wasn't until the King bellowed out in his arrogant wave of baritone that any movement would occur. Slowly her head would raise, the slouch of her back to take form as she sat up fully upon the dais that had become her recent home. Head to turn as did those crystalline blues that emitted a look that equaled their icy hues. It was then the slow formation of a smirk to appear upon unpainted lips. "What's this? You have company? And you speak as if there's something to be told." Softly tsk tsking. "You spread lies that I'm your concubine, which you enjoy countless hours to become spent. If that's all I am, then that's what I shall be. As shallow an ignorant as the cast to which you place my name." Chin lifted in that defiant hold he had come to know. Icy shards of blue would then turn upon the young girl. "As to why I'm here? I guess that depends on what lies you listen to. Seems to be a plethora of reasons I'm here." It was then to the man who called for his instruments. "If you plan on using them on me for some sick, demented fun. I hate to break your heart. I won't give you the pleasure to see it through!"

::When she started speaking, his attention turned from the tools and towards the woman, listening to each of her words and briefly reflecting on what she had told him. However when she cast her gaze upon the child, he suddenly snarled in anger, yellowed teeth bared as he snatched the roll of tools from her with one hand and with the other brought the back of his open palm down at her cheek with a swift motion, meant to strike her to the ground as he barked at her.:: "You do not speak unless spoken to!" ::If upon the ground she went, she'd gain a swift kick to the belly from his steel boots for her troubles as well before he spat upon her.:: "Filthy urchin..." ::He turned his attention to the king once more, tucking the bag under his arm.:: "My lord, perhaps if you offered more specific questions, I may better be able to extract better information out of her once the process begins. Though keep in mind, there is a limit to what such actions can bring...eventually people will say anything to make the pain stop."

::The girl yelped painfully when she was struck, her hands splayed out before her as she tumbled to the ground. The air whooshed out of her lungs in a rasping cry as she was kicked in the ribs, and she curled up around herself in agonized shame as the lich spat on her. Through the haze of pain she counted herself lucky that only the heel of his boot had connected with her side, otherwise she'd be dealing with broken ribs rather than a few bruises. The girl dragged herself to her knees, and with a bit of a struggle, managed to haul herself upright. She darted a quick, pleading glance towards the bound woman, and then settled at the Lich’s side with a bowed head and arms folded in front of her.::

An unsure look passed between the men who he knew to normally possess a stench that had many of his men donning their scarves or masks to filter enough untainted air to breathe. Now though, he was in another form, a more civil one perhaps, one that did indeed make him feel a little better, at least for a moment. When the young girl was reprimanded with such harshness and uncouth care one of his thick brows would arise with due question upon the girl herself to see how she would respond. Such submissive loyalty was watched and given an adhering praise and gusto of added respect that the girl’s spirit was not so easily broken. He'd nod in a moment afterwards, his attention returning to the blond whose eyes reminded him well of the northern waters beyond the isles where ice lingered and was left unexplored, feigning them as uninhabited, and he not wanting to deal with the cold at such low temperatures. Nonetheless, he would speak again, knowing full well his compatriot was not prepared, and wondered for a short moment, what it would take for him to be so. "...It seems my men have been speaking of you whilst I was not about. Whatever you have overheard....I well...now that you bring up such an idea....a new concubine wouldn't hurt to have about. I would rather your wits not be so sharp, they'd prove to ruin whatever mood I'd have to spend upon such a woman. So...let us start...why did you leave the Inne that I am told you were led from....before your capture?"

She watched as the man gruffly dealt with the young girl, yet her features remained stoic in nature, and those eyes still retained their icy hue of gaze. Her eyes would meet that of the girls when she gave that pleading glance, then upon Vintharr focus would return as she listened to him. Did his words bother her? He'd never know. Her thoughts were her own and such they would remain. However, take note of that tiny wicked smirk that appeared. "Aww, do my actions affect you in the manner of taking a dip in winter’s waters?" Again she'd softly tsk tsk. "That's alright, for I'm quite sure you'd not be man enough to handle me anyways." Head tilted slightly. "It takes a true Nord, a man of pride to claim me, and you're anything but that." Holding up her arms to offer showing of the chains. "Because he wouldn't need these to keep me around, least of all want to lay in his bed." Even though her words were as sharp as a blade, her tone of voice never raised, and it was almost as if she was discussing the weather and offering facts. Then his last question had her actually laughing. A full bodied sound of her amusement. "Why did I leave? Because I was heading home!" Said as she looked him directly in the eyes. "I own the Inn and see to its books and stock personally. I didn't realize there was a crime in that!" Matter of factually stated.

[Ekaterina]

::Tugarabog gave Vintharr a look of absolute confusion as to the question he asked, head tilted slightly to the side and brow furled. His mouth would have hung open if he wasn't in better control over himself. However, he quickly recaptured his facial expressions and with a slight shake of his head he was back. He held his tongue for now, instead letting his gaze jump from the servant to the King and then lastly upon the prisoners. While he did not speak, Vintharr would never the less hear the voice of the Lich in his mind, one that lacked the false accent he had thrown on for the time being.:: "She speaks in half truths. She lies through omission. Though such a question is of little
importance, I can tell you what happened later. Press her harder."

The servant girl isn't doing anything other than keeping her head bowed, remaining silent, and waiting on Tugarabog's command.

Word had come to him from the dragon hunter who had delivered her to the ship as to a few details that were offered as to her capture. There though, was no report written, or a tankard of ale shared in the tales telling, in fact, Vintharr had not even met the creature who had done the job. The voice that entered his mind with said familiarity was listened to. His own features coming to a stark blank as he watched the woman before them for a moment or two. As if there was something completely wrong about her reasoning, though with her situation, an excuse was easily found. His own head would sink some towards his chest. Lengths of his unruly dark hair seething downwards over his collarbone as the ends to his senses served to dissuade his mind upon another matter and not reveal any truths or information that he might not want the captive to know and take advantage of. He'd circle her and the thrown for the next few moments. Stepping upon the dais finally, then to pull a leathered boot upwards to rest its' perch upon the seat of it so he'd have something to lean the corded strict muscles of his forearm upon. Veins uprooting against the meaty thickness of muscles that were gripped by the vise of his other hand at its wrist where a vambrace was worn, and the inlay of leather weavings could be sauntered over by his dragging fingers. He'd stare at her then, directly above her as he watched, her intently, and looked her over superficially."...You have yet to prove yourself worthy to be put to use as a concubine. You have this air that your head seems to be floating within that is too far from the reality that needs to be proven. It is necessary that we know all you will tell us. Let us say it may save the people of the Port of Kiel further bloodshed.. Perhaps you have not heard of the attack that was made upon it since your capture...an attack upon...your people...you did tell me you nearly rule that stretch of land...and many assets upon it..."

Slow shake of her head. It was then back to the King her focus would turn as he circled her and the throne to which she was chained, then moved to settle his foot before her and lean in close. "Now why would I bother to prove my worth? You've kept me bound and surrounded by men. I am almost beginning to wonder if you might fear me. That I might mark up your pretty face, or make you look bad if I over took you." Head bowed slightly. "I do, however, thank you for such a compliment, to think me so worthy a foe that you have to keep me securely chained." There was sincerity in her tone, as if thanking one for purchasing their dinner that
night. Head tilted slightly as he spoke of the slaughter back in Kiel. Did he expect to see a flicker of remorse? Pain? Fear? Or even anger? Instead she just looked up at him as if he just told her some old news that held no impact, or importance. "An attack? Upon my people?" Again she'd chuckle. "You speak as if I'm their royal head or something? I hold them no loyalties, any more than they do to me. I allow them what they have, and they pay me for it, its simple business. One leaves, another or two will replace them." Slight shrug of shoulders as her chin lifted further to gaze up at him. "Why don't you just come out and ask me what you really want to know. I'm growing weary of this song and dance. Be a man, stand up and say what you have to say. Make me at least think for a moment you're a man, and not a coward or fool." A slow intake of breath. "And to think at one time I admired you. What was I thinking?"


::He couldn't help but stand back and watch the verbal battle between the two of them. He was also surprised the amount of spirit she had in her, though he was even more surprised that she was not missing her tongue because of it. He wondered briefly if this was the first time she had spoken to Vintharr in such a way, though the thought quickly passed as he let out a soft sigh. Upon smelling the air that had come from his lungs however, he quickly unbuckled the satchel upon his belt and removed from within it a glass vial that contained a thick, softly glowing dark red substance. Removing the cork with his teeth, he spat it into his hand before drinking the substance and replacing the now empty vial and cork. Head tilted back as he sighed warmly, his face curling into a smile for a brief moment before buckling the satchel back up. White clad digits slipped from the satchel and to the chain upon his belt. Pulling up upon it, he removed a large golden watch, looking at it briefly as if bored or impatient before putting it away.::

::During the various arguments between the adults, the servant girl had kept her head down respectfully and had kept close to the Lich’s side, but when the chained woman began to speak she lifted her head up slightly to turn her ears towards the conversation. The girl widened her eyes as the woman admitted to being an important noble of Kiel, although the girl kept her face turned towards the floor and did not dare to look up at her. As the woman claimed to have no emotion towards the attack on Kiel, the girl's mouth dropped open in a tiny, shocked gasp. She quickly clamped her mouth shut and squeezed her eyes tightly against the tears that suddenly appeared unbidden. The noblewoman couldn't know that the servant girl was one of the captured townsfolk made to work in Tugarabog's castle as a slave, but the callous words still struck the girl with bitter hopelessness.::

Such words coming from a woman held captive were noted. The manner she felt about her situation, and all that she was being told was cold, perhaps colder than the man whom Vintharr would look towards as that chain was drawn up, so it could be determined what hung upon it. He’d merely bide a moment or two, thoughtlessly debating upon the matter of what would be best to do next. His boot would be removed from the thrones seat so he could stand at his full once again. His hands sent to one another to twist at his fingers and begin working at the roughened palms and the muscles within as if to prepare himself for a matter in his mind."....You know what...her attitude clearly speaks for itself, she cares nothing about that which allows her to live the life that she does. Another prime example of why I and my men exist, to take such riches from people such as this woman. There is no way I would be able to accept a woman lacking of so many essential feelings....and sexual appeal. Eh...would it be best to hang her against the wall, or shall I throw a chain over a rafter and let her hang so you can do what you will upon her?" His words came out teasingly, as if the idea of doing things the lichs way instead of the normal way he went about it was much easier on his mind, and was more than welcome to the notion of giving the good doctor a chance.

She listened to his words, then slowly shook her head and glanced away. "And they say you were looking for a true Nord. What you seek is nonexistent, if you think a true Nordic woman would give in to being shackled and threatened with torture or death." Head snapped as her eyes fixed upon him. "You of all people should know a woman would face death in the same manner as a man. You seek out not a pure blood, but your illusion of what you want." It was then she looked to the other man. "An honest death would be allowing me a chance to at least fight back. But since I'll be robbed of that, then simply cut my throat." She'd then look to the King. "Or bash my head in, at least there's still honor in that." Looking to the man with the instruments. "You seem to have some sort of interest in this. Perhaps you can find the questions you want answered, since he's incapable."

"Actually, if I may speak to you in private, for a moment Milord." ::He made a sweeping gesture with his hand towards the large double doors that lead to the throne room.:: "I believe I may be able to aid you in extracting some information out the subject better if we were not burdened with the hysteria of women. If you would but grant me this simple gesture I promise you the results would be most pleasing to you." ::He started to make his way towards the door, before looking to the child.:: "And have no worry of her, she will do nothing to aid the subject. She knows what will happen if she does..."

::The girl automatically took a step towards the lich as he moved, but his words and the look on her face made her freeze in her tracks. She cringed at his glare, huddled like a rabbit under the gaze of a hungry serpent, and attempted to keep still. She shivered slightly, keeping her face deliberately away from the captured woman, but from time to time would dart her eyes back and forth between the woman and the floor. The thought of getting close enough to talk to the woman paralyzed the girl with fear, as she knew her punishment for a second incursion would be dealt with much more severely than the first mild beating, but she couldn't help but slowly inch towards the throne. She kept a much safer difference this time though, close enough to hear a whisper from the bound woman but not too far away from where the lich had told her to stay. It seemed a reasonable compromise.::

A glare was angled towards the lich as he postponed the matter for an even longer stretch of time. For some reason there was a vein edged along his temple that was bleeding the vision within his viewable thoughts of tearing the clothing off of the women already....for one purpose or another. His glare then shot directly to Kat in the process where the imagination erupted even further for inkling or two before it was ushered away with the invitation to move their conversation elsewhere. He strode away from the throne with a cowl of gloom over his head, the curtain of his dark unruly hair curtaining about his features as the fun was put off even longer. His head turning just so far towards his shoulder to eye the woman as he neared the entryway."....to put up such a fight over speaking of a few matters of importance either means you are indeed quite hysteric....or are defending something very important to you..."Twas then he'd pass the doors, his arms reaching forth to catch at their ends and pull them towards one another till a hastened movement flung them into closure with an echoing boom through the corridor, and the chamber itself. Torches illuminated the lobby that anchored as a wide corridor that webbed off into adjoining chambers where his men could be heard in their training. “What is it?"


She'd watch as the one male moved from the throne room, then a glance towards the King as he huffed his way out next. A slow release of breath as she worked to calm herself further. It was quite a task and took much concentration to remain calm and verbally attack like that. Just imagine if that sharp tongue had been blades in her hands. A glance over to the girl and a slow shake of her head as she looked away. "I wish they'd hurry up with some water. All that talking has made me thirsty." Quietly stated as she gazed upon the ground at her feet, shifting to gain a position of comfort upon that dais. Another deep breath taken, this time held a few seconds before being released. Head to then shift to the left, flowing to the right, to work out the stiffness that had begun to set in there.


::He of course would follow him out into the corridor and only speak up once the doors were shut fast. When he did, he dropped the facade once more, keeping his voice in a low whisper as long arms crossed, forcing the rich purple coat to push air out and billow a bit.:: "We are going about this the wrong way." ::He started coolly, nodding slightly to the man.:: "She is so oppositional that she'll spill more blood than words and we will have a corpse instead of information. The child I have, is my key to unlocking this problem. Give me a boat that can make it to Kiel that can be manned by three men and I will get you all the answers you want, and I can eventually get you lands in Kiel. When they are to sick and bed ridden to fight, you can march in and take the lands as your own."

::The girl didn't appear to acknowledge that the noblewoman had said anything. She kept herself in the same position, her eyes on the floor in front of her and her hands clasped in front of her respectfully. "Did you really mean what you said?" the girl asked in a quiet, hurt voice. "Do we really matter so little to you? I know the nobles are bound to your house of loyalty to money rather than to the person, but..." The girl trailed off and shut her eyes again. "I want to go home," she whispered miserably. "What little home I have left."::

[Ekaterina]

Vintharr merely eyed the man before him as he puffed himself up with due dignity and pomp. A single eye lifted a little wider open as the discussable notes were nodded to with agreement, especially in how the lass might just kill her if they kept it up his way. A pongee of remorse to the thought of dealing with such a woman if she truly went hysterical, not a wonder how much faster she'd be with a set of blades against his current weapon of preference. He'd shake his head in dismal belief when the proposition came to an end. His eyes cast upwards with at first the notion of being betrayed, perhaps more so of being denied getting to see another victim, like a promise was broken to the big oaf. But recollection came easily and quickly to his mind. His voice low yet under stable with ease."....you’re the one who had her brought to me. We have done this before, if the woman is not the sort I seek you can do with her as you please."....A nod to that, an easy enough way to end the entire situation on his part if he wished to. And leave the matter of Osiris to the lich as well, but he didn't go so far as to say that just yet. Instead, "....I will go and have such a vessel prepared, a good single sail vessel will likably suffice and will be waiting for you at the docks. If you need men to escort you there, they're yours as needed to get that hellion of a woman out of here before I do what I do to women like that...." Such said, he'd head not for the throne room but for one of the adjacent rooms where his men were at, to set things into action, unless something else was to come to his listening ear.

Head would rise as those icy shards of blue fixed upon the girl. "Believe little of what you see, and less of what you hear. Lies can become truths, and truths can become lies." A riddle perhaps, but careful of what she said. Walls such as these often had many ears. "A true Norse would rather face death, then cower in fear. When you face death, open your arms and accept it as you would a lover, its then your last breath holds a purpose and honor. The way to the Halls of Valhalla is not paved by cowards, but men and women of strength." Perhaps the girl wasn't schooled in the ways of old. Though she doubted this little pep talk would go further than what was shared. She may as well be speaking to those ears in the walls for all sake and purpose. "Sadly the King has lost his vision of that, and become nothing more than the undead to which he's allegiance. I would rather die than live like that, or the way you do." For a long moment she'd look upon the girl, then her gaze to fix on the distant door. "There are worse things than death, and you're living proof of that." It wasn't meant as an insult to the child, just stating hard cold facts. She would rather die than face enslavement or servitude.

::He would not gain any other words upon his ears, though he would be granted a curt nod. Pushing the handle of the tool roll through his arm, he carried it upon his shoulder and tucked under his arm before he pushed open the heavy door with a single arm, displaying a bit of effort to do so before he pushed it back closed with his booted foot. Looking around for a brief moment, and finding one else about other than the two of them, he sighed and dragged his hand over his brow before he strode to the young woman. Each step caused a click of metal upon stone flooring, though unlike last time, he didn't look upset in the slightest, but actually worried.:: "Are you all right?" ::He asked her, placing his hand upon her head before unslinging the tool kit from his arm.:: "That was not to hard was it?" ::He didn't wait for an answer, but instead unraveled the kit and took a knee beside the throne, taking out a mallet and what looked to be a rather robust chisel or spike of some sort. He didn't bother looking to the bound woman, more focused on the lock that bound her to the throne as he muttered.:: "I hope you can act." ::Bringing the spike to the lock, he brought the mallet down hard upon the back end, muffling the noise by hunching over it as best he could. A few more blows and the lock was damaged enough so that he could take the chains from it, though still hold onto them, as they were fixated to her.:: "We are taking a boat out of here." ::With her chains in hand, he replaced the tools and rolled them up again, slinging them under his arm before standing and nodding towards the doors.:: "Come along, both of you."

::She let out a shaky breath at the woman's words. Her face was still drawn with fear, but the tears in her eyes had been pushed back and her head was lifted up slightly prouder and higher than before. She opened her mouth to reply, but the lich appeared suddenly through the door. His appearance surprised the girl, and she quickly scrubbed her face with the hem of her sleeve as he broke the woman's chains. "I'm fine," the girl said, no trace of fear lingering in her face. "Hell of a show you put on back there though, these bruises are going to kill me in the morning." She gestured once towards the noblewoman before running after the lich. "Come along dear, mustn't keep him waiting!"::

The Lich thought she would be overcome with kindness? She would watch as he broke the lock that held her attached to the throne. Yet he held her bound in chains, icy shards of blue fixed upon him in an emotionless manner, features retaining that stoic edge. Though as he was rolling up his tools with one hand, the grip of the other would become challenged. With a snap of her arms in the opposite direction of his hold, and the momentum of her body as she pulled with all her might in the same direction. Her action was to gain the freedom of her chains from his grasp. If gained, she'd take several steps back away from them, eyes shifting from one to the other. Even if she gained not her freedom, she'd continue her d**nedest to do so. "I'm not going anywhere!" Stated in a defiant tone.

"I got a salve back at home I can give you." ::He flashed a warm smile, his voice tinged with the Germanic accent of the land he came from. However, he was completely blind-sided by the tug of the chain, his eyes going wide as he felt them slip from his hands in the same way that fisherman would lose a prize catch due to the fish being slippery. His eyes darted towards her and he frowned deeply, his mustache forming a perfect chevron as he looked at her as if she were mad.:: "Would it help if I said please?" ::He looked at the chains upon the ground and then back at her.:: "I'm trying to help you escape this god forsaken place, will you please play along before you get us both killed?!" ::He hissed at her, looking way towards the door and then back at her.:: "I don't really have time to explain, now you can even take a chance with me towards freedom, or you can stay here with the guarantee that something horrible will happen to you."

::The girl stopped dead in her tracks as she realized nobody was following her. "What's taking so long?" she asked, worry flitting across her face. "We'll be discovered if we linger too long!" She looked back to see the noblewoman yank the chains from his hands. "Please, you're risking all our lives," the girl said in a low whisper. "Will you not come with us? Your safety is assured, but only if we all make it out of her together and without being noticed!" The girl looked to the man and spread her arms in a gesture of confusion. "What are we do if she isn't willing?"::

Drawing her chains to her, collecting them in her hold to where she now had control. Icy shards of blue would drift from one to the other. Once the chains were in her grasp, she'd slowly move around towards the throne, easing behind it to make a circle to the other side. "I said I'm not going anywhere." Speaking slowly and concisely to see if they didn't understand her first statement. "If you fear so much, then be away with you. I have a matter to which I must attend." The King had left, in a huff. Guess what he left behind!? Right now, the Norse was resting her hands upon its handle, easing it into her grasp with the shift of chains in hold.

"Hell if I know." ::He muttered softly, running gloved fingers through the crest of silver hair coming up from his scalp. He sighed heavily, his cheeks inflating as he watched her round the throne. However it wasn't until too late that he saw what she was after, and he lurched towards it just after she got her hands upon it, making eyes fly wide and leaving him backing away.:: "There’s no need for that...we are here to set you free, but it requires a bit of subtly and acting...don't want to fight an entire island of bandits do we?" ::He backed away to the other side of the throne, unraveling the tool kit, keeping it facing him as his hand started to move behind it, putting something together.:: "I suppose if she's not willing...and starts swinging, I'm going to be howling for guards."

::The girl shrugged. "Maybe if we help her with this task she mentioned?" She turned towards the woman. "I realize you're one of the fearsome and war hungry Norse, but will you at least hear us out before charging against the armies of the Bandit King in a blind rage. We need you, and no matter what you might think, you need us as well. Can we not compromise?" The girl shuffled very slightly closer, her hands open in a friendly gesture.::

Crystalline blues were fixed upon the man, though the girl was maintained in peripheral vision. For a long moment she stood there in silence, which hung heavy between the three. "You're right!" The hammer would still be claimed, then she'd move to the throne to collect the fur cloak the King had left there. Small prizes of war? "Lead on, I'll follow." Keeping a wary eye upon the two. "I was not lead in with chains, there's no need to be lead out in any other manner." Who was there to dispute her words? They weren't present, and it only seemed right and fitting. They would have to pass all the guards to get to the boat they claimed waited. So it wouldn't matter the context to which she was lead, and yes, she'd argue that fact to the last breath.

"Ok, no chains..." ::He sighed softly and looked to the cape she took, as well as the hammer.:: "But if we get any nutse from guards, you get to take care of them. I'm not a fighter, I'm a doctor...and this time a spy, but usually a doctor." ::He gave slight shrug before approaching her once more.:: "So let me get those chains off you and we can get out of here. Vintharr has a boat waiting for us, as well an escort coming and some boatmen. Those are the ones you will have to fell." ::He put the tool kit down and removed a few small surgical tools that looked as if they could indeed pick locks, and approaching her, that is exactly what he did with them, provided she didn't attack him with the hammer. That done, he packed his things and made for the door, leaving the two of them to follow.::

:: The girl just looked at the Noble woman, then turned and quickly followed the Lich out the door, running to keep up.::

She'd permit him to near, though looking like a panther about to strike its prey in her defensive manner. Yet he removed the chains and tried nothing else. Hands moved to rub her raw wrists for a moment, she then donned the cape and lifting the hammer to gauge its weight. She was about to follow, when she stopped in her tracks and turned to look at the wall. Steps carried her to it, and the sword upon display there in all its honor and glory would soon find it dislodged and grasped in her hand. Testing its weight and balance, this would then be carefully slid through the belt of pants, and hidden beneath the heavy cloak. Easy to do since the cloak
dwarfed her smaller frame. The hammer collected and soon she was following out the door also, but she'd not run to catch up, or even walk fast. Believe it or not, the Nordic woman was just moseying along. The Barbarian King, who viewed himself as the Bandit Lord, had just got bandited by the Norse. Ironic!

::Oh of course, take it slow, right. While she was slow and casual, he was in a rush, though when he found her taking her time, he sighed and matched pace with her, even coming back around to do so. Tightly wound up fellow, wasn't he? When they got the door, he would bring it open for her, only to come face to face with the escort that had been summoned for them. He gave a soft nod, speaking to them with a curt tone.:: "Lead on, gentlemen." ::And so they did, taking them down the corridors and out of the keep proper, toward the dock were the ship was waiting. It was small and simple, armed with only a single mast and wheel with which to steer the vessel, small enough to manned by a
hand full of men, which it was already manned by.::

Head tilted slightly as she glanced over at him. For a long moment she studied his profile before the door opened and their escort stood outside. A slight twitch of lips as she began to follow them through the maze of paths. She noticed the men whom still manned the walls, taking notice that many were of Norse descent. It would be this which prompted her next action. Her voice would start out soft and slowly rise with each verse she'd recite. "Lo... there do I see my father. Lo... there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers...." It would be at this point many would turn to look in their direction, which would probably make the Lich cringe. Although, it would be what happened next that might surprise him even more. For soon many baritones would fall into place, reciting the rest with her. "...Lo... there do I see the line of my people back to the beginning...." Their voices became louder in the chant of the Viking prayer. "...Lo... they do call to me. They bid me take my place among them in the Halls of Valhalla where the brave may live...." Their voices at this time resonated through the caverns and caves, no doubt giving pause to even the slaves that worked there, and perhaps even taint the ear of the cowardly King. "..FOREVER!" The last word shouted out and followed by a round of cheers, whoops, and hollering. This made the Norse smirk all the more, another slap in the Barbarians face as she made her leave. It remained in place as they crossed the docks and then gathered upon the small boat that had been provided.

::He dare not ask what that was all about, though he did indeed wonder for a brief moment. Yet he was far too busy getting himself onto the boat, and her with him before the men started to drop the sail and let loose the moorings. As if on que the wind picked up with a mighty gust that took them out of the port. He would wait for some time before he did anything further, though once the islands were a good distance away, he gave her a soft nod, as if giving her permission to do whatever the hell she desired to the bandit kings men who manned the boat.::

[Ekaterina]

Icy blues would fix upon the faux man that was Lich. She may not know whom he was really, but not knowing was also a reason not to fully trust; regardless of the actions taken. To be open and easy, that is one who lives life with rose tinted glasses on. Nothing distorted her view, and her cunning was more than average. Did she rise against the men who sailed the ship and tended to its ballasts and sails? Not a muscle did she move to render a hand against them. "I do have one question." This would be spoken to the Lich, and there that her eyes were focused. "The King offers this ship to return me home safely, yet you made it sound as if we made a great escape. Why?" Head tilted slightly. Arms and hands were beneath the warmth of the cloak. She was thinking ahead when she grabbed the warm garment. They were heading out to sea, and it was a late autumn night, she knew well the chilling gust to which they would face. She was no sailor by far, but she was no stranger to the passage and navigation of the sea either.

"You think you are being taken to your home?" ::He raised his brows softly, giving a slight shrug.:: "That is not the case, your being taken to my own abode, where I am going to vivisect you." ::He gave a soft nod, as if it were a matter of fact.:: "I told him that doing it at my abode would give me full access to all my tools and procedures that I would be able to extract all the information I could ask from you." ::This was of course all given with a grain of salt. He hoped that she would understand what he was telling her. These truths mingled with lies. It could all become confusing quickly.:: "That was the plan at least, though I'm sure you'd rather go home."

To that she'd slowly shake her head. "No. You tell so many lies you can't tell the truth, can you." Stated in a calm, almost woeful sounding voice, as if she took pity upon him. "If you two really wanted answers, you would have asked the correct questions." Head tilted as she looked at him, outwardly unmoved by his confession, or was it more a bragging? "But you stood there acting mute and dumb. He who's supposed to have such a diplomatic mind, rambled on like some drunken sod." Again she'd slowly shake her head. "No, you aren't seeking answers. That's just the pretense of cover for what you really want." Slight shrug of shoulders. "Or else you'd have asked already." Simply stated in matter of fact way.

::He looked at her with such shock and horror that it appeared as if his face was going to melt from his skull. He waited for a moment until they crashed into a strong wave before he blurted out quickly, letting the sound of the wave muffle what he was trying to say.:: "You’re going to get us killed." ::He hissed before shutting his trap, looking towards the armed men who sailed the boat.:: "Lord Vintharr may be an outstanding warrior, but he is not, what I would call, an intellectual. You are correct, he had no idea what he wanted to ask, or if he did, they were foolish questions. As for why I am doing it..." ::He gave a soft shrug.:: "For the money, and for Science." ::He made a motion towards the guards with his head, as if trying to get a point across.:: "Though it is hard to speak freely around men so powerful, which is why I did not insult him."

Slowly she shook her head. "All a ruse, a well-played game of cat and mouse, yet thrown in were the sacrificial lambs." Icy blues rose to rest upon the guards indicated and studied them from behind before attention turned back onto the Lich. "And their lives, that of the guards ..." Yes, she'd shout this out to gain their attention, and it worked. "They were to be the sacrificial lamb in this game you and the King plays." Looking to the men. "Treated as dogs, not the warriors in which a true Norse should hail proud to stand." A forelorned expression to touch upon her features. "Sent upon this ship to die, that was their intent and purpose in this voyage, by hopes it would be by my hand." Looking back towards the men. "An act I refused by lack of action and continue to do so." Looking back to the Lich. "All this because I could not nor would not answer his questions about the Dracolich? What is so important about this creature that such an elaborate scheme had been derived?"

::She really was going to get them killed, or at least him.:: "I'm sorry, I don't know what you’re talking about at all. I was hired to get information out of you on Osiris, not a...what was it, Dracolich?" ::He raised a brow to her as a pair of guards moved from their posts on the boat towards him, handles upon their weapons and looking very upset about what she had been shouting.:: "Information I plan to extract out of you once we get to my abode, as is Vintharr will, mind you." ::He added, looking from left to right at the men as he pulled upon the collar of his coat, starting to feel a bit nervous.:: "And these loyal soldiers of his shall aid me in doing of such, mind you."

"Osiris?!" That had her looking at him strangely. "Not once did he mention that name. All he kept asking me is why I wasn't afraid of this Dracolich. Why I was willing to stand up to it, even if it meant the end of my life." Which was a true statement and face, whether he believed it or not. "Besides, I have no clue what I know about the man that would aide you in any way." The only information they could possibly have, is that they were often seen talking. However he was renting a room at her Inn, so what was so out of the normal about that? She interacted with all her guests, Randell, Tobias, and any other that took a room there. Two more guards were on the move as they stood and turned, but didn't react at the moment, they were watching the actions of the two before them. Her attention would turn upon the guards. "Aid you in what? I'm stranded upon a boat, out in the middle of the ocean. What could I possibly do? Splash water at you?" That was said in that loud tone, so the men would hear it clearly. A few even had to grin at the logic she spoke of.

"I'm not going to vivisect you out in the middle of the ocean, don't be foolish. The guards are here to aid me should you resists, or escape." ::He gave her a sullen frown as she continued.:: "Your logical failures continue to mount. Did Vintharr beat you about the head? I have seen patients who have been stricken over the skull who have displayed signs you are showing. Inability to comprehend simple things like this, confusion as to their surroundings, things of that nature." ::He sighed as he pushed from his knees to stand, brushing past one of the glaring guards, pushing his hand upon his chest to move that man before he leaned over the trailing, pressing his hands to railing and looking out over the waves.:: "He hired me to extract information out of you, which I cannot do due to lack of proper equipment, which is only at my abode. Thus you are being transported there. The guards are here to aid me should you resist. Should you resist, you will be put to death. You will be vivisected so that I may extract such information about the man called Osiris, after which you will most likely be killed...unless you act otherwise."

Hands would exit from beneath the cover of her cape. Fingers moved in a position to replicate the flapping of lips. "Vivisect, vivisect ..." Repeating the word several times. "To extract information, of questions that have never even been attempted to be asked." Head tilted slightly as she gazed upon the man, then head tilted to look up at the heavens above. Maybe the woman was mad? Her next comment might make it seem so. "You know, I've often wondered what it really looks like. Oh, you hear stories and the like. Things that make you stand up proud." Slowly she'd rise to her feet, but her eyes were pinned to the stars, and her arms would rise as if she was trying to capture them. "Are the halls a wide as they claim? The ceilings as tall? " Head tilted slightly as she smiled up at the sky. "To sit beside Odin and share a tankard of mead, and be reunited with my family." It was then brows furrowed as a thought crossed her mind. "I wonder if someone is married to a Norse, and they were to perish, if they would be taken to feast and drink by proxy?"

::He couldn't tell if she was as brilliant as he was, or is she was just plain stupid.:: "Are you that eager to join them?" ::He gave a soft sigh as he looked out upon the ocean, his hand raising up to the pouches before pulling away.:: "It's strange. I'm not a Norsemen myself, but I'm a man of the world and I know of your Valhalla. I know that men who die valiant deaths in combat go to it to sit there for fathers, to fight as Einherjar until Ragnorok comes, until Sutr burns the world." ::He gave a slow sigh as he turned his head to the west, watching the sun start to set.:: "It will be night soon, and it will be a day or two at least until we reach Schiffstadt."

"Eager?" That drew her attention from the heavens to rest upon him. "I believe it's been at least five times that you've told me that I'm going to die, one way or another." Head tilted slightly. "My fate is sealed and inevitable,
and you stand there and mock my acceptance of it. Given a chance to rejoice whilst I'm able?" She'd look towards the guards who still stood by, watching and listening. "Is it too much? I mean, honestly. I'm fated to die, I have no allowance for recourse or defense, and that makes me seem eager!?" Slowly shakes her head as her arms lowered to her sides and shoulders slumped slightly. "I have two days then to which I should be able to rejoice without recourse. In the company of my kinsman, even if on different sides we stand." Looking to the Lich. "Will you also rob me of that?"

::He shook his head softly, turning away from her and heading to the area below deck.:: "Get some rest, enjoy your time alone and pray the Valkyries find you." ::He said with a sigh. He'd come back topside a few hours later, with a basket in one arm full of bread, which he handed out to the guards, keeping one last one for himself and bringing it to his maw as he sat down in front of her.:: "You are well educated in your Religion. Who taught you?"

She was laying upon her back, atop the deck, and don't think for a moment she wasn't getting looks from the guards. Arms rose above head to make pillows of her hands as she gazed up at the star filled sky. That was until her thoughts were interrupted when the Lich returned. Focus would shift to now rest upon him. "My father." Quietly stated before gazing heavenward again.

"I see. Would you like some bread?" ::He broke off a hunk from the opposite side he ate from and offered it towards her.:: "It's quite sweet." ::He didn't bother looking upon her with lust or desire like the guards had, but instead was watching the guards enjoying the bread as he was. He also took note that the wind had continued to push as he had commanded it to through use of the arcane, so potent was his casting that he had no need to speak or make symbol or signs to weave his spells. In the vast darkness, it was quite hard to sail, and he could only hope that the men he'd been given knew how to navigate by the stars.::

"No, thank you. I'm not hungry." Which she wasn't, and the sight of the bread wasn't very appealing to a true blue carnivore by nature. "You say you're a doctor, but then you speak of this thing called science. Is that some new form of arcane I've never heard of?" She'd continue to gaze up into the heavens as she spoke.

"Well, should you change your mind, let me know. There is a bit more left over." ::He bit into the hunk, and chewed happily, very grateful he could enjoy the taste once more that was born of the suffering of others.:: "Yes, I am. A Doctor of many things, Medicine among others. Science is not arcane, though it does have to do with the study of it. Science is how we learn about the world around us, it is the study of many things. It is to Science we owe the ability to make steel from Iron, how we know how to make a better and brighter tomorrow. Science lets us build great and grand structures, use water wheels to power mills and how to use yeast to make beer and bread rise." ::He flinched slightly as one of the guards ran to the side of the boat and started to vomit violently.:: "Science teaches us how to make poisons that have no taste or smell..."

"So, in studying the stars, that is a form of your science..." Putting things in perspective. Eyes shifted from the heavens to gaze upon him. "Science teaches how to make such poisons? And here I thought it was just a simple
extraction from various plants." Head tilted slightly as she slowly raised up to prop herself on bent arms. "I guess by your standards, in a way I practice this science too." At this he'd just get a big grin.

"Plants, animals, people, substances, yes. It's all Science. Science is a wonderful thing. Without Science, we wouldn't know how to make such a simple thing as this boat." ::He grinned back in kind, making the massive muttonchops and mustache curl upwards as more and more guards moved to the edges of the boats to become ill. Due to the dim light, it was hard to see, but the first to start was now vomiting blood. He stood up and moved to the man, patting his back before looking skywards and taking the unmanned wheel, which he whirled about several times.:: "With Science I know that the particular poison I've given them attacks both kidneys, the liver and heart, all major bloody organs in the body, and that even though they can hear this, they will be too weak to even reach me as they hemorrhage internally. In fact, they should be dead in less than five minutes!" ::He shouted above their wrenching as he recharted their course.:: "And it tells me that we should be at Port by dawn."

Slowly she'd rise from her resting upon the deck. He might be a bit surprised at her next actions. It was slow, methodical and done in the most cold natures of disregard and uncaring. Moving to the first guard to become ill, she made it seem effortless when she grabbed him by the legs, tilting him over the rail he leaned further and tossing him into the raging sea. "And what does it tell you about shark infested waters?" Called out as she moved to the next man and repeating her actions. A glance towards the heavens to note the stars, then looking back at the lich before she'd continue her task with the remaining guards.