Chapter 3: The Fight for Freedom

[Sable]

Damn! - Sable said when he saw the soldiers - Things are getting bad, very bad.

Down into the house, he saw a lot of people speaking. One of them looked exactly as Tierria's parents had described her, and one of the men seemed to be that Severine with whom she had gone. They were largely outnumbered, and their only hope where on joining with the ones in the house. So he forced the window with his dagger and opened it. Sable jumped down into the house, his cape waving at his back. He noticed the people in the cottage didn't seem too much surprised - "The next time I'll have to infiltrate I'll announce it with drums and trumpets and would be less noticed", he though - He looked at Sev, Tierria and the others and with the hands far from the hilt of his weapons, he told them:

"My name is Sable, and I'm here with Tierria's friends. There are a lot of soldiers coming into this direction, so it's better we stay as friends - smiling like a wolf, he continued - at least, for now"  

Sable, "There is a time you can only flee forwards"

[Elraralia Horfiwiel]

As Elraralia watched the man drop into the house, Elraralia swore. What was it with humans and there want to rush in and get killed?  

"So much for a plan" she muttered to herself, and then followed suit, one hand on her bow, just in case. But as she had figured, after listening to the conversation going on in the house, there was no attack.

"Why hello!  Fancy meeting you three here, thought we would save you the trouble of coming to find us.." she said in mock cheerfullness, and then addressed Severine personally, ignoreing the confused looks the others in the room were giving her.

"It looks as if we're about to have some company.  But first, let me get one thing straight...which side are we on?  Please don't tell me its the creepy soldiers.."

[Phiona Whitefire]

Phiona heard the clanging of swords of shields outside, just as everyone else did.  

She cursed herself for not bringing her bastard sword with her, but this was no time to stand around and feel sorry about what couldn't be changed.  Tierria had moved back behind Phiona and Phiona saw that Dray had already handed a weapon to Severine.... who would go out and fight, of course.  

Phiona, though, felt responsible for the young healer's safety, even if this strange man dropped in from above and declared his was with Tierria's friends.  Then Elraralia dropped down too and Phiona looked up to see there were others up on the roof.  Of them, she only recognized Luca.

To the red-haired elf she muttered, "Took you long enough to show..."

And to Sable, she said, "Time enough for introductions later, should we survive this!"

Phiona spun around and looked at Karla.  "YOU!  Do you have any spare weapons.  Longsword will do but I prefer a Hand-and-a-half if you have one.  And is there a back door out of here?"  Karla was pointing toward the kitchen when Phiona spied, out of the corner of her eye, her dirk stuck in burlyman's belt like some twisted trophy.  Phiona took a single step up to him and coolly retrieved her weapon before he even realized she'd moved.  "I'll be having this back, so kind of you to watch it for me..."

Phiona turned and handed the dirk to Tierria, point down.  "Here, you hold onto this.  I have a feeling this'll get ugly and you may have to defend yourself... even so, you stick with me!"

A longsword, minus the sheath, was thrust at her handle first, and Phiona barely registered who handed it to her.  Grabbing Tierria by the forearm once again, Phiona headed out the back...

"I'm getting you out of here!"

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity"

- Maximus Decimus Meridius

[fflewdur]

Fflewdur turned to the remaining people on the roof and said "I dont know whats going on here but I'm going in!" And with that he leapt into the open window.

He had farther to fall than the others and the force of the impact forced him to crouch. He sprang up and said "Hello my name is Fflewdur and I'll tell you more about myself later, but as of now I think we have more pressing matters to deal with."

The dwarf turned to someone and asked "Can I have a dagger or something of the like? I have my axe but I like to have a secondary weopon. I will give it back after the battle, that is if I survive.

(OOC:The person I turned two is Richart. But Fflewdur dosent know that now, does he?)

[Elraralia Horfiwiel]

"Sorry, stopped for a little shopping on our way here.  You know how Luca loves her trinkets" Elraralia muttered back to Phiona.  Feeling for her scourge to make sure it was secure, she remembered something that had slipped her mind.
"Damn, the arrows..." she swore to herself, as she realized that just in time for what looked to be a large fight, and she was almost out. "Phionna, when this things starts, I'm going to have to sneak down and steal some arrows from one of those lunies out there...if that is going to be at all possible.." she finished, and began to wonder how on earth they were going to get out of this alive.

"But first, would someone be so kind as to tell me what is going on?"

Edited by: Elraralia Horfiwiel at: 12/7/03 18:44

[Luca the Thief]

Luca dropped silently into the house (narrowly missing Fflewdur), and smiled happily to Tierra, Phiona and Sev. The woman seemed completely unaware at the approaching danger.

But Luca was completely capable at recognizing an approaching fight and Luca's smile disapated from her face. Sighing bitterly the half-elf pulled her quiver and bow off her back, counting the various kinds of stolen arrows. "I hate fights" she said to nobody in particular, fitting her half full quiver and resting her bow comfortably over a shoulder and in easy reach.

Knowing that she fared much better in hand-to-hand melee, Luca's hands flashed and was soon mirthlessly juggling her daggers by their razor sharp blades. Luca looked up to Severine and muttered under her breath "Stupid diggi" she began, using a street term for a cheap or stingy person that Luca and her friends used to insult people without their knowing. "Told us to leave some weapons behind. Bet he wanted to fight the lot himself. Watch him get killed." the half elf continued to mutter as she continued to juggle subconciously. Many street children, a 7 year old Luca included, juggled, danced or preformed tricks as a past time which also made them money.

"Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life"

[Phiona Whitefire]

As the Redmarks drew ever closer to the small house, Commander Wilhelm saw that the rebels on the roof were dropping into the house through a window.  He said, loud enough to be heard above the shield-clanging, "They try to hide inside!  Burn it!  Burn it to the ground!"  And he added, only for his own benefit, "Let's see how well they fight while breathing smoke and flame!"

A couple of the Redmarks sheathed their swords and lit the wicks on flasks filled with flame-oil.  Since they were near enough, the troop halted and the missiles were thrown at the house.  One shattered against the nearest wall, splattering burning oil over a wide area in a single, flaming burst.  The small house was made of wood and so began to kindle quickly.  The other flask landed softly on the thatched roof.  Even though it didn't break,  the flames from the wick spread fast, moving toward the remaining people on the roof in no time.

The Redmarks unfurled into a long line, preparing for battle.  They no longer hit their shields.  They didn't need to.  As they were a dozen strong, the line of warriors made a semi-circle around the front and side of the house, leaving the back way and the side toward the orchard open.  The troops kept well back from the burning house as they waited impatiently for those inside to exit the small, burning building.

[Dray Ducroix]

*Dray sees these people dropping in through the window and mearly raises an eyebrow. He turns to the window and sees the Redmarks throw the burning oil on the house.*

"Time for talk is up if your leaving out the back go...if your comming out this door with me LETS GO!"

*Dray lets out a war cry as he kicks opens the door and charges at the first soldier directly in front of him. Dray's charge catches the solider off guard and Dray puts him on the defensive swinging both swords and making the Redmark do nothing but block with shield and sword. Dray sees an opening and swings wide and high with his long sword and the Redmark blocks with his shield, but Dray already was bringing his short sword in to the exposed side and plunges the sword into the Redmark where the armor was not covering and removes it quickly and follows with another stab right away. Dray then pushes the Redmark over and runs over him and turns around facing the other Redmarks as they get ready to attack*

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away

Edited by: Dray Ducroix at: 12/8/03 22:37

[Phiona Whitefire]

As Dray's "LET'S GO!" rang out though the room, Phiona was already dragging Tierria through the tiny kitchen and out the back door.  As luck would have it, the way to the orchard's treeline was free and clear.

Turning to her friend, Phiona said quickly, "Let's get to those trees!  You can hide in there... and then I can help the others."  Glancing up, Phiona could see the roof was on fire and dark gray, billowing smoke was being swept northward over the orchard by a lazy breeze.  "Ah, hell!  Follow me, Tierria!" Phiona took off toward the trees, running hunched over and with her longsword at the ready.  She hoped that none of the Redmark berserkers would notice their flight...

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity"

- Maximus Decimus Meridius

[fflewdur]

"Battle time, eh? Bring it on! I guess I don't need a dagger  that much."

Fflewdur rushed through the front door  and  ran past a battling Dray straight towards a nearby soldier. Just as he neared the soldier he drew his axe and slammed the metal spikes on the back of it into the soldier's chest before the man recovered from the shock of a dwarf running at him. He pulled out his axe and spun around just in time to see a sword swinging at him. The dwarf jumped back and managed to avoid the main force of  the blow, but the tip of the weapon sliced shallowly into his sholder. He quickly counter-attacked with an upward swing of his axe. The man parried the attack with his sword and then swung his foot out in a tripping manuver. Fflewdur jumped to avoid it and managed to get in a deadly strike in mid-jump. Just as he landed his vial of sand started to glow blue.

What? This has never happened before!

Suddenly Fflewdur spun around swatted a throwing knife out of the air as it flew towards him. This happened unbiddingly without Fflewdur wanting to do it.

This thing must have more power than I thought!

He headed towards yet another soldier and proceeded to do battle with him. As he started striking and parrying fatige gripped him. Each swing of his axe was harder than the last. Then the soldier managed to strike the dwarf. The sword had cut deeply into his knee. Fflewdur ingnored the pain and quickly butted the soldier in the stomach with his axe. The man stumbled back in pain and Fflewdur used this chance to strike him with a fatal blow from waist to chin.

Pain shock and fatige were starting to take a toll on the dwarf and he quietly snuck away to tend his wounds.

[SeverineHalo]

Severine followed Dary outside with his sword in his right hand. He felt a little uneasy about not having the Sword of Halo with him, but felt relieved when he saw Dray take down one of the Redmarks. That gave him more fighting energy as he started to exchange blows with one of the Redmarks. The soldier knocked Severine down with a powerful kick, who was surprised at the man's strength.

Wow, I wasn't expecting that, thought Severine. Dray made this look easier than it is.

The young Shendar realized he spoke to soon. As soon as he jumped to his feet and started fighting again, the man Dray had struck down, slowly started to get up. The man let out a large battle roar that could be heard for miles, and stomped his foot into the dirt road, creating a large hole in it. After Severine struck down his oppnent with a stab to the abdomen, he turned his head to warn Dray, but before a word could come out of his mouth, he felt his whole body collide with something hard, making him fall once again. But this time, he landed a few feet away. Feeling like he was just ran over by an Aj, Severine slowly got on one knee, and saw the Redmark running at him. Using what energy he had in him left from taking the blow, Severine roll out the way, throwing his knife at the sametime. The blade caught the man in a place where there was no armor. His neck. Cutting off his circulation, the soldier fell the floor, dead.

Severine got to his feet, almost falling over from the dizziness he felt. If he was going to be like this during every Redmark he fought, then he didn't stand a chance.

Trying the get fully back to his senses Severine called out to his new companion. "Dray! Look out!"

"Once again, the lone soldier walks off into the sunset..." -Anonymous

[Kim Sandrage]

Kim re read the letter from Shrive it had come to her while she was in Marcogg to keep an eye on Blackwine.
He wasn't to be trusted and if he was seen to be doing anything partically damaging she was instructed to get him out of the way as soon as possible.

Approaching the gate she re read the last part. There should be a contact at the gates since there's fighting going on and all the citizens and travelers are stuck inside. Looking up she saw a man standing at the gates.

Reaching in to her bag she pulled out her weapon. It served well to be cautious in strange places.

where the legend hides the truth at the clash of sun and moon and moved by magnetic fields comes the mystic last eclipse it will ride the zephya plains in the evil cosmic name all the nightmares will soon rise in the age of mystic ice...

My Character Description!

[Tierria Selig]

Tierria wanted to be there with Severine, but she knew deep down inside that she would get in the way. The girl sighed, and shook her head, letting Phiona drag her towards the orchard. Julia was with them, who said she'll bring the weapons from the inn and track down William. If Blackwine's men knew where they were hiding, then William was possibly in danger. Ceasar was with them as well, brining two men with him. Tierria still felt that everything didn't feel real...she was in a dream-like state. Everything was happening so fast for her. She was finally reunited with her dear Severine, and now this happens! Once they reached the orchard Tierria noticed something near the trees. A feeling of dread crept upon the Stratanian as she slowed down a bit, making Phiona actually drag her along the road.

"Ph-Phiona? Something doesn't feel right. Why were there so few men who attacked us? This Blackwine man has a whole army at his disposal...why send only a few to attack us?"

[Phiona Whitefire]

She'd noticed that several of the rebels were following her and Tierria, but at this point she didn't really care... she just wanted to get her young friend out of the thick of battle.  Behind her, she could feel her friend was dragging a bit, "Ph-Phiona? Something doesn't feel right.  Why were there so few men who attacked us?  This Blackwine man has a whole army at his disposal...why send only a few to attack us?"

Phiona countered, "There's no time to talk right now...  come on, pick it up!" just as they passed the first row of carefully-aligned trees.  The smoke from the burning house hovered over the orchard and cast an ominous darkness over the field of trees which bore a variety of nuts, apples, plums and pears.  Running right in their wake was Julia, while Ceasar and two of his personal guards lagged further back.  It didn't appear that any more people from the house were taking this route.  

Once all six were 'safely' within the orchard, The Shadow Brigade's trap was sprung!  A man dressed in grays and browns stepped out from hiding, right in Phiona's path.  Phiona, of course, pulled up short and let loose Tierria's arm.  The longsword was brought to bear more as a reflex than actual thought.  "Tierria..." Phiona hissed under her breath, "Stay back!"  But then Phiona noticed that, not only were the three women surrounded by men wielding well-aimed arrows but, so were Ceasar and his guards...

The man in front of Phiona was clearly the leader.  When he talked, his voice carrying through the shadows under the trees like a foul wind.  "Lay down your weapons, rebels!  Come peacefully, and I will see you are not harmed between here and our command post!" He looked Phiona up and down before looking to Tierria and Julia.  "Just give me a reason..." he added malevolently.  The aim of his arrow moving from Phiona's chest to her right thigh.

Phiona took a moment to consider their options.   Damn it!  The gods must really hate me!   She glance around, trying not to look desparate, and she noted that there were at least a dozen men circled around them, all at varying distances but still within short range for their longbows.   I can't let them deliver me into Blackwine's hands!  But if we don't surrender, they'll slay us on the spot... and that's if these men are kind, which I doubt!  

"What we do in life, echoes in eternity"

- Maximus Decimus Meridius

[Dray Ducroix]

*Dray hears Severine's call, but the whole time he was watching and saw the Redmark stand up blood flowing down his side and start chargind at Dray*

"Well I guess this is going to be tougher than i thought after all"

*Dray concentrates for a second and then throws his short sword at the Redmark's legs tripping it up. The Redmark falls on his face and slides in the dirt close to Dray, Dray wastes no time in leaping into the air and bringing his sword down onto the exposed neck of the Redmark putting it down for good. Dray then gets barreled over by another Redmark and he rolls to a crouch slightly dazed. He looks over and sees the Redmark charging sword pointing right at Dray. Dray waits in his crouch and knocks the Redmarks sword away and plants a foot squarly in the Redmarks chest and and grabs some armor with his other hand and uses its own momentum to fling the Redmark over his head. Dray then quickly gets to his feet as the Redmark recovers and bellows out loudly and comes back at Dray*

"Man these things don't quit do they!"

The difference between a brave man and a coward....is facing your fear instead of running away

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