Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 25: The Road to Jerdon

[Phoenix]

Daneka

Out in the stables Daneka was conversing with one of the injured hostlers. There seemed to be a failure to perform some instructions.

Daneka: So you have no idea where she went?

Hostler: No. Some of us went after her, but most of them are back now ... and bleeding, thanks to your crazy pegasus.

Daneka: I'll compensate you if zat will smooth over your bruised ego, but ze simple fact is, I told you zat if she gave you any trouble to just give her some of ze pocky I left wiz you yesterday.

Hostler: What pocky? I wasn't told about any pocky.

Another hostler raised his hand indicating that it was he that was informed.

Hostler2: Remember when I was kind of ticked off this morning? I was looking for the pocky but couldn't find it anywhere. After awhile I figured she couldn't be that big of a hassle.

Daneka: (Idiot.)

Hostler3: (Oh shit.) Uh ... I uh ... didn't know those were for the pegasus. I mean, a pegasus that eats pock? Come on. That sounds crazy. I figured it was someone's snack and that they had forgotten all about it.

Daneka: Nope. Zat was your only mezod of controlling zat pegasus wizout me around. Good going.

Hostler3: I'm sorry.

Mercenaries

As the mercenaries came in, one of them sat down at a table and crossed his legs and arms.

Mercenary: Well well well. An announcement. Did I hear that right? What does our deserter turned leader want to tell us?

Peter came into the room in time to catch what the mercenary had said. Sitting down at another table, he hung his head and sighed.

Peter: (He could be a little nicer. It's not like she's not doing a good job or anything.)

Viveka

Viveka: Yeah, and clearly Sunny's not use to handsome guys either. Being honest again here, I'm not sure what to do about that. She makes such a fuss over him. It would be kind of funny if it wasn't so sad. (... because eventually we'll all be parting ways and she'll have to say goodbye. Maybe not forever but at least awhile. He'll probably have moved on by then. Ohhh my pegasus is having issues with booooys. When did this happen ...)

[-Cynthia-]

Xenia

"Ha, still stuck on the deserter thing? Ivanko and I had some differences, we split ways, I tried to kill him then joined back up. Shit happens," Xenia said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Anyway, my announcement is about what you all plan to do after this mission. You all probably know that the Ivanko Mercenaries are disbanding after Ivanko puts himself on the throne of Zaftra. That's great for him and all, but what about us? Are we going to live our lives as common soldiers, guarding gates and rescuing cats out of trees? Being a mercenary isn't just something you do, it's who you are. Maybe some of you are some pansy pike-twirlers that slipped through while I was away, but the Ivanko Mercenaries I know crave excitement. We're the toughest warriors on this whole Goddess damned continent, destroying any military dogs that get in our way. We fight hard and then we play hard," she said, giving the entire room a wink.

"So I'm starting my own mercenary company right after this mission with Ivanko ends, easier than being a bunch of freelancers. You're good at what you do, you'll go far. If not, you'll probably end up dead somewhere. Any questions?" she asked the room.

Tristan

"Well I consider it a compliment really, I try to take care of him as best I can. Still, I wouldn't like to see them separated if they really liked each other," he said, noting that Bellerophon had moved himself very close to Susann. "Maybe if there's no place for me in Septimus...I could go to Elysima. That might not be so bad really, not having to worry about being a prince or anything...I'm sorry I'm rambling again aren't I?" he said, laughing a little.

[Phoenix]

Mercenaries

Mercenary: You're going to start up another company? Holy-

Peter: Wow, really?! That's amazing! I mean, half the guys here have been all bummed out about this very thing!

Mercenary: Shut up, we haven't been bummed out. We've just got our futures to consider ... and I'll admit, being a royal guard isn't exactly my thing.

Peter: I wonder how they're doing ...

Mercenary: Ten gold says Ivanko's got the highest body count.

Mercenary2: Heh, just wait. We'll hear from them in a few days that they won the battle, but Ivanko had to sit most of it out.

Mercenary3: Meanwhile Vladimir picks up the slack and becomes a big damn hero.

Viveka

Viveka: I wouldn't say you're rambling ... but are you serious about that? I mean coming to Elyisima seems like a bit much, doesn't it? You'v probably heard this a hundred times already but you're the only heir, right? So ... (Wait, on second thought, there's Charlotte's situation. I didn't know what the situation was here but I had no idea they thought she was dead. She can't prove who she is unless she's got something only the princess would have. What if that happens to Tristan? Is this how Jace operates, because it's pretty damn underhanded.) ... never mind, I just don't want you to make any huge decisions over Sunny here. It would hurt for her to have to say goodbye but she'd live.

[-Cynthia-]

Xenia

"If I was going to place a bet, I'd say Ivanko should come out the winner there. The Imperials have sat on their asses for years, which means a lot of their men are soft and unprepared. They may have built some big walls, but ultimately fights come down to who's the strongest. Granted, Kalten's pretty fortified, so I expect a lot of deaths especially if Ivanko decided to send in any rookies." If Ivanko sent that niece of his in on her runt wyvern, she's probably worm food by now. He was always too soft on her. Though if she's along Levski might spent more time ogling her backside then watching the battle...and then BAM! a ballista bolt right through his chest. This thought caused Xenia to smile.

Tristan

"I know, I know I'm the only heir but...if Jace still wants to sit in my mother's throne there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it. You saw what it was like at Burgosas, I would have died there if it hadn't been for Tas. Plus, Jace himself is one of the heroes who defeated the Lord of Azure Flame, he tore through that dragon we fought like it was the easiest thing in the world. Going to Elysimia would be an escape...more for my sake than Bellerophon's I guess," Tristan said to Viveka.

[Phoenix]

Mercenaries

Mercenary: Man, I feel sorry for the guys that had to go inside those worm things. That's just messed up.

Peter: Well, look at it this way. They're making history riding in the guts of those worms.

Mercenary: Hundred years from now, a family looks at a tombstone of one of our guys. "Here lies Sokolov. Once worm food in the battle of Kalten, now worm food full time."

Peter: *snrk*

Viveka

Viveka: I guess that makes sense. I mean, it's probably going to be awhile before Jace's age finally catches up to him.

She glared a bit thinking about the man's fitness.

Viveka: That should be a last resort though, Tristan. You shouldn't have to leave your country over one person's power trip. Though I guess if it came to that, you'd be welcome. Would you be living in a town, city, or somewhere more rural? Just curious.

This was great! Viveka was finally spending time with her child's father, so she could spend time with the magnificent one. For a few minutes at least, they could spend time together standing there and doing absolutely nothing~

[Script]

Luc Altair and the Fargo

Outside the unimpressive Inn, the two knights of Directus continued watch from atop their steeds. "Wish I still had my carriage," Fargo complained. "And my beard. It was such a nice beard, never got in the way, kept my face warm during these damnable winters."

"How many times have I told you to stop with this griping? And still you continue." Luc shook his head. Without the carriage Fargo was once again more a drain on resources and sanity then a help. Perhaps he should just cut through all the hassle and send him home. He would enjoy that far too much though.

DrunK

"Look at'em all, coming and going and moving and shaking. Man, reminds me of the bad old days, back when roaming gangs of toughs called the Wallstreet Seven were walking around. Now these Seven, who were actually eight and a half, would just go and waltz into places like this and set them on fire. Now, since I wasn't there, things were fine since the wandering mage with the water tome would use her super-magic to set everything out, then turn the whole place into an elaborate bath. So when I came by with the Havan's Gate Ten for a good old brawl, we were surprised to find a thriving theme park dedicated to the spirits of water and ice. Now I know you're thinking, what's ice got to do with water? Well, I don't know either, but everyone else thought it made sense so I just went with it before we burned the place down for using green paint. Don't worry, the paint you're using here is forest green, and I can't hate on that since it's the color of my pretty eyes, all three of them. See, women of my clan are born with three eyes, you just can't see two of them unless you're destined to save the world from the Flame of Azure Lords, more commonly know these days as Bo-Jack Roberts. Not to be confused with Roberts Jack-Bo the famous pirate and love interest for Princess Ironside." The drunk grabbed a can and a drink. "Now, I know what you're thinking, why am I so devilishly handsome, and you're right, I am devilishly handsome. See a couple years ago I made a pact with a spirit of fire, brimstone and coalgate and got led down to the bad old place below. And I'm not talking about Elysium. So while I was there, I chatted up my pal the devil and we came to an agreement, I would get fash-stabbing drunk all the time, and I would retain my good lucks and charm no matter what! It totally worked out in my favor, even if by drinking I spread word that he is rising to take us all to his domain for his pleasure. What do I care about any of you? You're not my children? Well, half of you aren't, half of you are, come to mummy!"

[-Cynthia-]

Xenia

Xenia gave a hearty laugh at the worm joke. "Another benefit of my company-no giant worms or other freaky shit. That Ixion guy gives me the creeps frankly, and I'd rather leave the killing in the hands of men and wyverns rather than magic experiments."

Tristan

"Perhaps I shouldn't have to, but I suppose I already have, seeing as I'm in Jerdon. Charlotte would probably help me regain the throne if I asked her to, but considering how Jace managed to take Jerdon I'm not sure how much help she would be. Other than that...I don't know who would help really, Halton seems more interested in just invading than actually taking sides," Tristan said, frowning.

"If I did live in Elyisimia, well I've always lived in Burgosas, so I'm more used to a big city than anything else. Living in the country might be a nice change of pace, though it's not like I know anything about being a farmer. Still...I don't think I could bring myself to run away from Septimus forever. Mother and Father might still be alive and well...I can't just abandon them. Even if I don't know what to do to rescue them,"

[Phoenix]

Viv

Viveka: City boy, huh? Well if you made a switch to living in the country, you might learn a few things ... though I'd feel bad bringing you near my family. They know how to work the land, but they'd work you into an early grave if they knew you could hold your own on a battlefield. But yeah that aside, don't give up on seeing your parents again.

Mercs

Mercenary: Well ... I guess when you put it that way, it's not a bad idea. Hell, count me in.

Peter: Ack! Uh-me too! I'll do my best, I promise!

Mercenary2: Weird, I thought Levski would be the one to pull something like this. Ah well. Bastard's probably got other aims. Irina's gonna be royalty soon so maybe that's his aim, heheh.

[-Cynthia-]

Tristan

"You're from a farm? I'd have thought you would have lived in a city your whole life, since you're so...classy. But you're right about my parents Viveka. Thank you," he said, looking the pegasus knight in the eyes.

Xenia

"Urgh, Prince Levski. Or worse...Emperor Levski. Just thinking about that makes me want to hurl. Ivanko had better find himself a wife soon and make some proper heirs," Xenia said, pounding her fist on one of the tables as if to make a point.

[Phoenix]

Viveka

Viveka: Y-yeah, I've actually only lived in the city for the past four years, since I joined the military even. I adapt quickly I guess. (Except when this crimson crap comes up. It'll be awhile still before I get use to this hell.) So I'm classy, huh? ... thank you for noticing.

She smiled at the fellow pegasus knight. Viv was smiling, that meant she was enjoying herself, which meant she wouldn't be leaving of her own accord just yet, which meant she was free to stand near the magnificent one doing absolutely nothing for awhile longer~

Mercenaries

Mercenary: You know, I thought you came back to the company because you and Ivanko ... made up ... and whatnot.

Mercenary2: Hahah! Hey, yeah, they'd make a great couple! They both ride unstoppable killing machines, they both like to hurt things. Your classic Zaftran couple.

Peter: (Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr-) N-no way! Ivanko's too uh ... old! Yeah, he's like forty-five! You only get like fifteen years out of a guy like that!

Mercenary2: ... to be fair, their kids would probably be tough as hell.

Mercenary: ... ... ... ... ... ... uh Xenia, how old were you again?

Peter: (GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR-)

Mercenary3: (Is it just me or does Peter look like he's about to try and kill everyone here?)

[Ether]

Damian noticed the voice directed towards him, and turned. It was that young boy again. He asked why Kelas seemed scared of him.

'So it was that again...'

Damian let out a dejected sigh, before turning towards the boy.

"It's a long story. If you've been with these guys since Burgosas... then you must have laid eyes on those demons at one point or another... one such demon we've fought in the past was a shapeshifter. Blasted thing attacked her using my face... my body... I guess we were never the closest of people, but since then she hasn't been able to trust me... I guess she's still scared of me after such a thing." Damian explained with a sigh, hoping he was right about Tobe having seen the demons at least once... how could he not had he been there since Burgosas?

[the_whistler]

General Jackson:

"My sincerest apologies, Beau. I didn't want to interrupt your sleep, but an important matter came up towards the end of our last stay in the previous inn. Unfortunately that business with the Ivanko Mercenaries meant I had no time to talk to you after we departed… and it was necessary to talk to you without the monk around," pausing for a few seconds. These are not the best of circumstances, but the importance of this must override his irritability, even if he is a young lad.

"It is not something, however, that should be delayed anymore than necessary," he said seriously, looking carefully at Beau to confirm he had the priest's full attention. "Despite the difficulties of long range communication, on occasion I have been lucky enough to receive updates from those in Elyisima. It allows me to stay relatively involved in affairs back home even though my physical presence is lacking."

The general cleared his throat and spoke crisply. "Recently I received word that bandits had attacked the Bellmire Estate and burned the entire estate to the ground. At the time the note was written, all nobles and servants were believed dead and a search was to be initiated to find you, the missing heir. The message was postmarked roughly twenty days ago, but due to the distance and wandering nature of this group, it came into my hands only yesterday," allowing an apologetic tone to enter his voice. Security reasons may have come into play as well. That code skipped an unusual amount of letters in the key.

"Since you are heir to the Estate, I insist you return to put your affairs in order, Duke Bellmire. I will have one of my subordinates escort you back home to ensure your safety. I am deeply grieved by your loss, but as one of the remaining ties to the Bellmire family, this is a matter of bloodline as well. If there is anything else you request, please ask. I will do everything in my power as a General of the Elyisiman army to aid you, sir," inclining his head slightly.

[Mercakete]

If this was a scheme to get him to go home, it was a very ellaborate one. The general could easily have recieved a letter from his father in an attempt to bring him home, so he didn't quite believe him right away. Then again, it certainly would have required some fleet-winged pegasus couriers to deliver the two messages within that timeframe. Still, the young heir couldn't help but be skeptical. "Do you have the letter?" he asked, "Is it encoded?"

[the_whistler]

General Jackson:

It seems he doesn't believe me, but there is little way I can prove the validity of this letter otherwise, without further delay. "I have it, but it contains some other rather sensitive information. Thus the reason for it being coded," pulling the worn letter from his pocket. Conrad folded the paper over, pointing to the three or so relevant lines. "Bellmire Estate razed to the ground by bandits. Nobles and servants on site all burned to death. Looking for missing heir, Beau Bellmire," he read out loud.

[Mercakete]

This seemed entirely valid at that point. If it truely was the case... Beau immediately grabbed his bag and rushed out the door. He had to see this for himself. (It's impossible. How could mere bandits have done this?! If it's true... No, the other nobles could not possibly make that mistake! But what else could it be? My father's security could not have been outdone! Not like this!) It only took moments for him to be outside again then in the stables.

"Raemond, I don't know how to ride a horse so you're going to take me back to Bellmire Estate; I'll show you the way," he directed. The monk had no idea what could have caused such a severe change in the 13-year-old, but if he wanted to leave, then so much the better. He took Lantos back out of the stable and helped Beau onto the horse's back before mounting the gelding himself. "Ride south," was Beau's first order. Surprised by the authority the boy carried with him as he spoke, Raemond simply obeyed, directing the fleet, lithe horse to ride southward at a reasonable yet hastey pace.

The monk was concerned, yes, but he didn't quiestion Beau right now. Whatever he was thinking about, he was focussed very intently on, unblinkingly looking towards his distant home with both determination and a growning concern and doubt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Esphyr only looked up for a moment. The kid healer from before was in a rush about something, but she had no idea what. Whatever it was, it didn't concern her, so she just went back to listening to the drunken ramblings of some of the others around and about.

[the_whistler]

Run Faster:

"Wait!" the general shouted, scowling when the priest rushed out of the room. Conrad ran after Bellmire, who reappeared outside the stables, horse and monk in tow. The Elyisiman burst inside as the two galloped away. "Thunderbolt!" he called out, and the warhorse simply kicked down the door with his hooves. The armor knight grabbed the tack and turned towards the small group. "Captain, Sergeant, I need one of you to escort Beau back to Elyisima. Decide now," he ordered.

"Saddle up as quickly as possible and grab your belongings, I'll accompany you for a short distance and brief you on the way there. Hurry!"

Heinz:

The thief picked up a piece of dried out fruit, inspecting the orange suspiciously for signs of rot. Taking out a knife, he cut into the soft flesh, slicing it into quarters. Mostly moldy, slightly moldy, and black. This piece should- might be edible though, turning to the side curiously as the young healer ran out of the inn, followed by the Elyisiman general. Wonder what's going on? He mulled, leaving the sliced fruit on the table and opening the door.

[Phoenix]

Indecision

The news came as a shock to both pegasus knights, but Viveka quickly composed herself trying to think of the best solution, not necessarily the first thing that came to mind though. The first thing that came to mind was to send Jasmine, but she would be a minimally capable combatant at best. The best solution she felt would be for both of them to go, but Jasmine was first to voice an opinion and she had been thinking with following Conrad's instructions to the letter in mind.

Jasmine: I'll go.

Viveka: I don't think that's the best course of action right now, Jasmine.

Jasmine: I don't do so well on my own, true, but I'm going to be briefed. If you go and leave me here, I'll only be able to do so much good. Probably nothing at all really, so I should be the escort. Besides, I know you don't want to suddenly have to up and leave like this.

Viveka sighed. She was already out of time to argue, and she couldn't bring herself to give the order.

Viveka: (My personal feelings are in the way.) ... go'head.

She hung her head feeling rather awkward about the whole thing, but Jasmine was closer to getting ready by far anyway and was saddled up and ready to depart in a few moments. She followed after Conrad leaving Viveka and Tristan just standing there. Turning to the prince, she spoke up with a clumsily disguised sadness.

Viveka: See that? That was me putting myself before my duty ... heh.

[-Cynthia-]

Tristan and Bellerophon

"I don't think that's true Viveka. You're an important part of this group to General Jackson, and uh... me and probably some other people I haven't really met yet. Jasmine should be fine, this shouldn't actually be very dangerous, right?" Tristan said, as a half-statement, half-question.

Bellerophon saw one of those human women mount the other male pegasus as if they were about to leave. Why was this pegasus leaving his herd? Was he some sort of deserter, seeing Bellerophon as unfit for command? Or was he intimidated by Bellerophon's magnificence and beauty? Bellerophon decided it was the latter and decided to eat a patch of grass near Susann instead of worrying about it.

Xenia

"Look boys, just because I'm not trying to kill Ivanko anymore doesn't mean he praised my Goddess or anything. Not that we n-err nevermind. Anyway, I'm thirty...something, I lost count a few years back since there are some years I don't remember very well. I don't think being an Empress is much of a life for me anyway, I don't really like to share very much, particularly power. Something Svet and I have in common," Xenia said, noticing Peter was getting a little more animated than usual.

[the_whistler]

OOC: Might be some time-stretching.

On the Road:

Conrad pushed Thunderbolt into a fast clip, who willingly complied with the suggestion of moving as far away from the ramshackle stables as fast as possible and the chance to stretch his legs. He slowed down ever so slightly to allow the pegasus knight to pull even with him, till the two mounts were roughly neck-to-neck and the general could speak normally.

"Thank you, Sergeant Jasmine for readying to leave on such short notice. First, a few key facts about the situation. The young healer is Beau Adalgiso Bellmire, son of the Duke Bellmire and heir to the Bellmire Estate. I received a letter from communications yesterday that mentioned among other things, that the Estate was recently burned down by bandits. All nobles and personnel were apparently burned to death, which would make Beau the new Duke. By now a search has probably started up, your job is to escort him safely to Bellmire."

"If his family is anything like most noble families, most of their wealth came from their estate unless it was hidden away somewhere else- he may find himself a poor duke. Nevertheless, he is nobility- if the bandits that burned down his home are still there, make sure he isn't captured. I know your specialty is not fighting. Just keep him out of trouble on the way there; if he's surrounded, grab him and fly somewhere safe. If worst comes to worst, don't worry about the monk or the horse, he is one of the Reformist Templars. If anyone of importance asks, say you are escorting him back home on my orders, and to contact me for details."

"If there are any complications at the Estate, or on the way there simply stop by the nearest town and send me a report by way of Tourkin, addressed to the nearest major Elyisiman city. It should reach me within a few days, he works fast. Any questions?"

[Phoenix]

Viveka

Viveka: The General was in a hurry, so it may or may not be dangerous, but regardless it's important, and that's why I should probably be shot for what I just did. I know it's best for one of us to be here at all times but ... if Beau really needs an escort, Jasmine's only going to be good for flying him out of danger, and only if they aren't making use of a bunch of bows. I guess that's all that matters in the end, but ... I could have handled that better. You're right, I'll just have to make the most of our current situation, and aid the group to the best of my ability.

Susann

She had been worried when the Golden man appeared. He sounded similar to the way he did during battles which had her worried. Viveka's conversation with Jasmine left the pegasus standing there wondering what would happen next. The Golden man had already taken off on Thunderbolt, so were they going to follow? It turned out that only Illiam and Thunderbolt were leaving. Viveka must have been talked into staying by her child's father. That meant she had the magnificent one to herself now. While he began eating, she nudged just slightly closer, something even Viveka noticed.

Viveka: (That's just silly, if you get any closer, you'll look like your wings are fused together.)

Jasmine

Closing her eyes for a moment to help her take in all the information, Jasmine repeated everything Conrad had told her in her head, and then opened her eyes and nodded.

Jasmine: Understood, Sir! I'll make Beau's safety my highest priority. Only one question, Sir. Do I have any other orders following the current mission, or should I stay with Beau until further notice?

Mercs

Peter practically collapsed on the table he was sitting at when he came down from his angry fit. He was tuckered out and now just listening to the conversation from underneath his arms.

Mercenary: Hahaah, can't remember? Seems like someone's had a lot of good nights.

Mercenary2: Well thirty ... err ... thirty something isn't a ridiculous gap or anything. Tough kids~, hehehahahah!

Peter: She said she's not interested in being an empress so drop it!

Mercenary2: You say something, Peter?

Peter: Nooo.

[the_whistler]

Goose Chase:

Heinz squinted, seeing two people on a horse as the general barged into the stables. Beau? Raemond attempting another escape? That general seemed to be chasing after the healer though, he thought, running upstairs to find a door left completely ajar. Scanning the empty room, the thief's eyes darkened. Looks recently occupied, returning back down into a full out sprint once he was outside the inn.

Dodging into the stables, Heinz dragged Ralf out, ignoring the pegasus knight and the Septimian prince in his haste. The horse tried to rear up on his hind legs; the mercenary suspected Ralf hadn't eaten the apple thrown at him. "Come on, I'll give you two apples later," Heinz muttered. The horse's ears perked up. Deal, it neighed. Thief and horse were outside within seconds, aiming to catch up with the runaway monk and co. More apples, he should have bad aim more often.

Chasing Part 2:

"Stay with Beau until he is comfortably settled at Bellmire with support and recognition from the other nobles, or until the bandit threat is no longer a concern, whichever comes later. If I need you before then I'll send a message. Good luck to you, Sergeant," Conrad concluded, easing up on the reins as Jasmine on Illiam slowly began pulling ahead.

[Mercakete]

Horses can only run so far for so long so fast. Though there had been two people who had ridden after them, Raemond really had no choice but to allow Lantos to slow until he was merely walking. Of course, that only allowed for the other two to catch up, even though by now they were back into Septimus and the city the group was at wasn't even in sight anymore. In fact, Raemond could barely sense that there was any form of demonic presence in that general direction at all. If he didn't already know it for a fact, he wouldn't have known what to look for and would have been oblivious to the crimson energies.

Of course, Lantos didn't walk very long. He soon stopped and allowed the heavier of the two humans to dismount. Beau had been thinking about what the general had told him in a ceaceless pattern of wondering if it was true and denying it until just then, when he became aware again of his surroundings. "Why did we stop?" he demanded.

"Lantos can't run forever. I gave him water before we left and he can graze here, but he needs rest. We travelled most of yesterday and for a couple hours tonight. Besides, we need rest, too, and it looks like I have some explaining to do," Raemond explained, sighing at the end as he waited to defend his innosence when Heinz arrived. He then added, "Someone else is coming too -- one of the pegasus riders. I certainly hope they aren't here to execute me."

"... You sure are casual about that," Beau noted.

Raemond simply shrugged in responce, "I'm just accepting that there's not much I can do about it if they are. I wouldn't say I'm being casual about it since it is sort of an upsetting event if it does occur."

[Script]

Luc Altair and the Fargo

Times continued to pass, the constant sounds of Fargo's complaints continued on and on with nothing to break them up besides Luc's commands, which never kept. It was believed that the able Captain Altair might be able to break the back of the worst trooper in Directus, but he had failed, like so many others.

"And that's what's wrong with this whole thing!" Fargo ended his latest triad about something Luc hadn't bothered to pay attention to but nonetheless responded with a silence command.

Before the subordinate could continue on to the next line of poorly-conceived whining, something broke their peace. The young Beau had come rushing outside in quite a hurry, not even paying the two horsemen any mind. Well, no one had anyway, but Luc reasoned in different circumstances that the young boy would have still ignored them. Even faster than he had left, the healer was astride the mount of that captured monk and fleeing into the night. That was certainly a risky venture! Luc would have ridden after, or at least sent Fargo, but General Conrad--with exceeding speed for an armor knight--came rushing out of the inn and was after him on his own steed. While it might have been prudent to send aid anyway, the pegasus rider whose name always escaped Luc, was quickly after her superior. That should have been enough, but even so, yet another person went out in pursuit. This time the unlikely form of Heinz set off into the dark. But if any demons were about... No, Luc recalled the monk mentioning something about being able to detect demons and crimsons, so, they would be safe. But General Conrad and the rider might not be, would the two of the clothe return to aid the soldiers if fighting came? Would they know? Or care? Should Luc pursue as well? Would he help? Could they even still catch them?

Luc ordered Fargo to keep watch, and stayed as well. No one else was doing so, and towns were not the bastion of safety they should be.

Directus

Councilman Richtor was once again making himself as comfortable as possible in the communications room. Which frankly put meant he'd have preferred being in the eating hall in one of the barracks because it was superior in all retrospects to this room. Complaints aside, the leader of Directus looked over the message unscrolled before him, readied his stamp, and placed the marker on the corner. The simple fist pattern on an official paper. He rolled the parchment up, handed it to an aid, and turned his attention to the next piece of business.

It was less then pleasant, as his eyes screened over and deciphered the code. Though less then pleasant was more of a difference then the comfort between this room and his private chambers. It was a message from Paul, and besides from all the usual horrors that brought, the man had requested access to the one piece of leverage that Directus had over him! Not like he hadn't tried before, but never when he was on actual assignment.

Councilman Richtor dropped the scroll and sighed. This was getting more difficult by the day, despite all the pleasures his wealth had afforded him, sometimes he almost wished he could go back to being a money-grubbing power-hungry fool. But most of those had died in the war, and he wouldn't continue on that path. Still, every so often, that slight hint of desire, to just go all-out and do whatever, ah, those were the days.

Finished reminiscing, Richtor looked over the document again. The Ivanko Mercenaries had gone off to play revolutionary, so they couldn't be counted on for support even if they did win. They would need to defend land and such. And no doubt the hidden message in Paul's words was that he had pissed Ivanko off somehow. Probably why he was asking for Emperium back. The top spy of Directus was getting on in his years, even if he was probably quicker than any man alive still. His arm strength would be waning, but the power of his favorite set of knives could compensate. Though in a few years even they wouldn't be able to fully support him.

Richtor wrote down his quick answer of no in big bold letters, not even coded, and handed it off to a courier. It was the only sensible thing to do, because if Paul had them back he would just be running out of control so fast no one could stop him. And despite nearly 20 years or so--it was getting difficult to remember years correctly--Paul hadn't found where they had kept them hidden. Or maybe he had, and just couldn't get through. Being buried in the foundation of the this building, locked in a box with no key or lock. Even that wasn't enough for Mendozza, who actually wanted a 24-hour watch on the tunnels, but Richtor had argued him out of it. Still, maybe he shouldn't have.

EDIT: Heinz's ability to be stealthy evades my sight.

Edited June 3, 2011 by Script

[Phoenix]

Jasmine

Jasmine saluted Conrad as they parted ways and sped up to keep pace with the fleeing parties. She didn't feel confident that she could get them to heed her and stop, so she took to the air only a short height and stayed with them throughout their ride. When they finally did stop to rest, she came down and landed fairly close to them and clumsily dismounted. Illiam was breathing loudly and kept his head down. The pegasus had been keeping pace for far too long, whether on ground or air, just too long.

Jasmine: Beau.

She quickly composed herself and stood up straight.

Jasmine: I'm under orders to escort you back to your home in Elyisimia ...

And then, suddenly losing that composure ...

Jasmine: ... so could you please wait up, or take a break every now and then, or something? Illiam isn't an endurance mount, he's a scout. High speed, short intervals. That's it.

Edited June 3, 2011 by Phoenix

[Mercakete]

This was an interesting turn of events. Raemond was simply glad Morgan hadn't sent her. Though that didn't mean Heinz was about to ask questions first, it did improve his hope that he'd live through the explanation of why he'd taken off as he had. Beau wasn't entirely surprised that the general had sent someone after him -- he'd mentioned he would, after all -- but he'd never really been in charge of much before. (Of course, that will change shortly if this predicament proves to be authentic.)

"I'd advise you condition your pegasus to keep up, then. This is an urgent matter and though I would prefer to ceacelessly traverse, the ideal is quite impossible. So, instead, we will be travelling as swiftly and as far as possible," he informed before gaining an even more serious air and adding, "I will see the condition of my home, my family and our attendants as swiftly as physically possible. I hope you understand that." Lightening up only somewhat, Beau turned to look in the direction they were heading -- south -- and asked, "What is your name and rank? If you've told me before, I don't remember."

Raemond was somewhat surprised at how Beau was behaving. (Is this how he was taught to act when in command? Maybe he's just stressed. This sounds like a serious situation. I wonder why he's suddenly so worried...)

Edited June 3, 2011 by Mercakete