Zocharras' Gate(Nyermersis)

[Capher]

Approaching either from the Eastern Road or from King’s Road through Charka, Zocharras' Gate is the destined entrance to the City of Death. As you pass the throne of Santhros and approach the high walls, guards can be seen patrolling the ramparts. Several peds in front of the gate stand two men. Being in their prime age, both are wearing dark blue tunics with light leather armor and short swords over their shoulders. As you get closer one leans back with a roar of laughter holding on to his belt, and the other joins in. “You shoulda seen ol’John! My oh my, I’ll tell ye, he has more…” trailed off the second man as he notices your approach. “Welcome to Nyermersys!” pronounced the man with a flourish of one arm and a broad grin. “What be your reason for entering its walls?” The other man was still laughing softly to himself, and gave a wipe at one eye.  

Capher.

[Capher]

Lycheus

A lone rider approaches the gate.  He rode a pale, almost bones-through-the-skin, bedraggled horse.  He tried to get the horse to move faster, but the horse would not budge and slowly walked, painfully toward the gate.  Somewhere along the trip the horse had gotten a stone in its poorly shod shoes and it had lodged itself between the poor horse's shoe and left foot and because Lycheus had no idea how to take care of a horse, the stone embedded itself into the horse's soft feet and now it had become an infected sore.  

Lycheus could see the walls of Nyermersis and sighed a  sigh of relief.  He kicked the horse once again, angrily in its ribs and that was enough for the horse, with one huge leap into the air, he shed himself of this annoying person and walked away.  Lycheus surprised by the movement landed in a puddle of rainwater and mud.  He sputtered, "You, you lousy piece of horse flesh."

The horse just neighed, and it seemed to Lycheus that it even seemed to laugh at him as it turned its head to him, neighed once more and then limped away.  Lycheus, sat in the puddle bemoaning his situation.  He did not care whether his clothes were not only wet but now spattered with mud.  How could he! He who just two weeks ago, or was it three, had been the Royal attendant to King Cedric of Voldar end up like this?

He had lost track of the time when he had been loosed from what he was sure was going to be a beheading by the new King of Voldar; Lord Voltigar and his henchmen, especially Baron Scar, whom the new King had given back his Command, had absolved that orc, Grunok, and Sgt. Tillath for their grizzly murders of King Cedric.  "Of course you would, Lord Voltigar, you wanted King Cedric dead and you didn't care who did the killing just as long as it was done." Lycheus muttered under his breath as he pushed himself out of the puddle.  He looked up at the grey skies above him and cursed the weather.  For three days now, the rain had been coming down, sometimes in just a silvery drizzle, like now, but most in almost unpenatrable sheets.

He continued toward the gate without the horse, who seemed to have gotten some strength and had trotted off.  While he walked his mind went back again; he had been waiting for his turn, for Lord Voltigar's pronouncement to have him beheaded and he was sure Commander Scar would have gladly given the order..."Probably to that pet ape of his," Lycheus muttered again to the empty air, speaking of Grunok, the orc who had by all accounts singe-handedly killed Trelor the less, the Kings second cousin, the Kings bodyguards and then the King himself.  Of course Lycheus did not believe any of the testimony given by Commander Scar, Sgt. Tillath, his men, two elves; Ratdragon and Takashi, Thai, the bartender at Arth's and even Nichea the Master monk and healer from Nehtor's Temple.  They were all friends of Baron Scar's and everyone knew that the inn, Arth's Spot was owned by Baron Scar, at least that is what he thought, or what he knew.

A blast of cold North-East wind almost threw Lycheus around like a ragdoll; whipping his drenched travelling cloak around him; the rain feeling like thousands of sharp needles piercing any and all unprotected skin.  He cursed again and jogged up the hill toward the gate.

Finally he reached Zocharra's Gate.  It was the eastern gate to enter into the city of Nyermersis.  Lycheus pounded upon the gate door waiting for a guard to open it up and let him in.

Capher.

Edited by: Capher at: 2/6/06 4:37 pm

[Manik Targin]

Manik walked beside Sergeant Henderson as the squad made their way east through the city. It had been an early morning wake up; well before sunrise so that his squad leader could get him ready for the day. Manik smiled as he looked himself over again in his new garb. He was wearing a linen shirt with a thick dark blue tunic over top and charcoal leather pants. His armour consists of vambraces, short greaves, cuirass, all made of hardened leather, and an open face steel helm. Attached to a norsidian belt around his waist was his favourite part of his uniform, a simple but well made classic Erpheronian war sword just over a ped in length. He had only seen a number of swords in his lifetime, and now he had his own. Some of the other guards didn’t wear helmets or slightly different made armour. Sgt. Henderson had steel articulated plates on his knees and elbows for better protection. All of the guards wore their rank and Nyermersys insignia on their shoulders, while Manik was told he would get his once an initial training period was completed.

As they walked Sgt. Henderson pointed out buildings explaining their function and why Manik should know them, zones for patrol, as well as good taverns for some ale. Manik took it all in, trying to do his best to remember everything. He liked Henderson. The Sergeant’s first name was Thom, he was 28 and had grown up in Nyermersys, so he knew the city intimately. Although younger than some in the squad, from what Manik could tell the squad had full trust in him to lead.

It was a cool windy day, and an hour after sunrise when they reached Zocharra’s Gate. Three men appeared and happily greeted the squad, glad to be relieved. Noticing a new face, they even made jovial jokes of welcome to Manik. Once the small talk was finished, Sgt. Henderson gave his orders for men to take a number of positions and do a check of the gate. “Recruit Targin, you’re with me. Everyone else we open in 15.” Walking Manik around the gatehouse, Sgt. Henderson explained every aspect of the structure, as well as how to do maintenance and things to look for. He had only just started explaining the two portcullises when a voice came down from the wall.

“Hey Sarge, there’s someone banging wantin in, wan us to open ‘er up?” It was Dean Tirpan, a private 2 years older than Manik.
“Make it so private. Targin and I will greet him”

A few more calls went out, letting everyone know they were opening up, and then the inside portcullis, a metal grill, started rising with a clatter. Next the outer of iron reinforced heavy timber rose up and a figure stepped back. A gust of chilly wind blew in through the open gates.  Manik walked beside Henderson up to the man. Manik put his hand on his hilt, but took it off not wanting to seem edgy, he still felt excitement. “Hello there stranger, what can I do you for?” greeted the sergeant. Manik put on a proud smile. He was a guard of Nyermersys.

Manik Targin

[Capher]

Lycheus

Lycheus heard the grating of the chains as they lifted the inside metal grate, then came the sound of the heavy Oaken log being lifted and then the gate swung open and a voice said,

Quote:“Hello there stranger, what can I do you for?”

 He said it so cheerily that it almost made Lycheus sick.  Lycheus straightned up, and looked at the man.  He was dressed like a typical guard and standing next to him was a youngster smiling like he had just found a diamond or something.  "You can let me in, for one thing," Lycheus pointed at the boy, "and what are you smiling about? Can you not see and feel the wind and rain, boy?"  Lycheus said.  Then without waiting for the boy to answer he addressed the older man.  "My name is Lycheus. First, I need a place to dry off and change my clothes.  Then, I need to see Earl of Legrimond.  I have some very disturbing news about his third cousin, King Cedric of Voldar. Now, please direct me to an inn so I can dry off and change clothes." Lycheus ordered a bit haughtily.

Capher.

[Manik Targin]

Sergeant Thom Henderson

Quote:"You can let me in, for one thing," Lycheus pointed at the boy, "and what are you smiling about? Can you not see and feel the wind and rain, boy?"

Thom felt relief wash over him when Targin didn’t make a foolish retort in response. Good to see there were some level-headed brains under that skull, a rare commodity it seemed these days.

Quote:"My name is Lycheus. First, I need a place to dry off and change my clothes. Then, I need to see Earl of Legrimond. I have some very disturbing news about his third cousin, King Cedric of Voldar. Now, please direct me to an inn so I can dry off and change clothes."

If the man wanted to speak with the Earl, he was most likely someone important. The man, ‘Lycheus,’ did speak with an air of superiority which belied the dirty and rain sodden apparel he wore right now. As for how important his news was, Sgt. Henderson doubted it was worth anything. The nobility were a bunch of gossipers all working through deception to try and stab each other in the back in a struggle for power. This disturbing news was probably the King not washing his hands before dinner, or he had a new mistress or some other foolish thing. This man however thought it very important, and so it was now also important to himself.

“I would be more than happy to help you, good sir,” he replied, “May I ask of what is your station?” The wind and rain blew hard again, so he motioned for Lycheus to move farther under the gatehouse with him. As he did so though, he noticed a horse wandering out in the weather. “Is that your horse? Targin go retrieve this man’s horse for him, and be quick about it.” Turning back to Lycheus, “Because getting dry is your largest concern, a close inn would be best. Brok’s Rest is quite close and quite comfortable. It should be able to fulfill your needs, good sir.” He still didn’t know if the man was a lord or not, but there was a good chance given his request. He had tried to be as polite as possible, and show enough respect given he wasn't sure. Waiting for a response he sure wished this foul weather would let up.

Manik Targin

Splashing through the puddles along the beaten down road, he had to keep his head down from the torrents of wind and rain. Inside the city the wind hadn’t been quite as bad, but out in the open it was quickly sapping any warmth from his body. Why did everyone call him boy? He thought to himself. Sergeant Henderson hadn’t called him boy yet though. He had wanted so badly to tell that man off, he was a guard after all and also a palmspan taller, but he knew it would have been a mistake. Spotting the man’s horse Manik ran over to it. The horse was scared and tried to limp away, but its injury was clearly visible. Manik quickly grabbed hold of the reigns and tried to calm the horse down. He had seen horse handlers coo to their horses to calm them, so he tried that. Along with gently rubbing its head, it seemed to work a little. Leading the animal back to the gatehouse he tried clicking his tongue and talking to it - he had seen that too. He arrived back and was standing beside Lycheus while he and the sergeant were still talking. During a pause, Manik announced, “I have your horse for you when you want it, sir. It does seem to be injured though.”

Manik Targin

Edited by: Manik Targin at: 2/9/06 5:53 am

[Capher]

Lycheus

"My station? I am...or was the Royal attendant for King Cedric and Voldar." The "or was" Lycheus muttered under his breath.  Brok's Rest? Fine! Just show me where it is and I shall be on my way."

Then the young soldier interrupted Lycheus.

Quote:“I have your horse for you when you want it, sir. It does seem to be injured though.”

 Lycheus looked at the young man as if he were an annoying bug. "Yes, you seem to state the obvious, boy. Tell you what, I shall give him to you.  He is of no use to me now that he has gotten me here.  I am sure the Earl will give me a horse more suitable to my station once I have talked to him and told him the news."

Lycheus turned to the older man, "Now if you would, show me the way to this inn, Brok's Rest I believe you called it."

Capher.

[Manik Targin]

Quote:Tell you what, I shall give him to you.

Manik couldn’t believe his ears. Manik had thought Lycheus seemed rude and pompous, but apparently he was also very generous! To just give him a horse! “Thank you my lord!” Manik didn’t know if being a Royal attendant made you a Lord or not, but he would call him one anyway. “Thank you very much! I will keep good care of him, my lord. I will,” Manik said as he turned to gaze at his new horse. Lycheus was the most important man Manik had ever met, and he gave him a horse. Awe and gratitude flushed Manik’s senses. The wind threw a hard gust of cold rain through the group, but Manik’s smile didn’t flinch in the least. He could see Sgt. Henderson was a little wide eyed himself.


Sgt. Thom Henderson

He gave Manik the horse? Even an ill-kept and injured horse, it was unbelievable. He didn’t know what to think of Lycheus now. Maybe not all nobles were always backstabbers.

Quote:"Now if you would, show me the way to this inn, Brok's Rest I believe you called it."

Thom quickly decided what to do. “Very well my lord. For the Royal Attendant of Voldar to come to deliver a message it must be very important. Therefore I will escort you myself, and send someone ahead to inform the Earl of your arrival.”

For a split second a hint of suspicion that maybe this man wasn’t who he said he was flickered across Thom’s mind, but he dismissed it. The man hadn’t given any proof as to who he was, but Thom was going with the man so it’s not like he could make any trouble even if he was lying.

Walking out to the back of the gatehouse, he met three of the squad. “Vanen, you’re in charge. Try and keep Targin with you. Private Tirpan, I need to you to run and inform the Earl’s attendants that Lycheus, Royal Attendant to King Cedric of Voldar has arrived and wishes to speak with the Earl. Got it?” he finished with a look that made it evident that ‘run’ meant run. The private nodded and darted off into the rain. Turning back to Lycheus he made a gesture with one hand, “If you will follow me, my lord, I will take you to Brok’s Rest.” As he started the quick walk, a gust blew a shot of cold water into his face making him blink. He mentally groaned. Something about the weather made Thom Henderson doubt that Lycheus’ news was that the King hadn’t washed his hands before dinner.  

Manik Targin

[Capher]

Lycheus

Lycheus could not help but smile as the young soldier almost seemed to fawn at his feet at him giving the old nag to him. It is the little things that please the little people. He thought. "I am sure you will, young Targin."

Lycheus was impressed with the way the Sgt gave orders and his men obeyed him without question and then the Sgt even offered to escort him to the inn. This will what it will be like when I am King. He thought to himself as he followed the Sgt to Brok's Rest.

Capher.

[Manik Targin]

As soon as Sgt. Henderson and Lycheus left for Brok’s Rest, Corporal Vanen Haraweit let everyone know where he wanted them. The story on the corporal as Manik had learned was that he and Sgt. Henderson had grown up as best friends together in Nyermersys. Where Thom displayed a sense of responsibility, Vanen enjoyed a more reckless approach to life. Always ready for a laugh, Vanen’s favourite place would be sitting in a tavern with a drink in hand, a pretty barmaid on his knee, and dice on the table. Nonetheless, Vanen was a good soldier and more skilled with his sword than Thom. He was comfortable being second in command to his friend, and when events got tough their friendship meant they could predict each others’ decisions which made for a very fluent control of the squad.

“Manik there is a place to tie up the horse around the side,” Haraweit said pointing, “Once you are done, report back to me up on the wall.” Turning to give the others’ orders he yelled up at the gatehouse, “Jared get down here and…….” Manik didn’t listen to rest as he led the horse around to the side of the gatehouse where he found something similar to two stalls. Leading the horse into one and tying the reigns, he could see the horse was still in a nervous state. It was shivering, so looking around he found a towel on a railing. It was still partly dry so he wiped the cold rain off the horse and then he made sure there was some hay, and gave his horse a quick inspection. The horse was a dappled grey gelding, and in bad shape. It didn’t want to stand on its left fore leg and looked like it had never seen a decent meal. He decided there wasn’t anything he could do now, so he would just have to wait until he could bring it to a stable master.  Leaving the horse, Manik ran back and up the wall to meet Cpl. Haraweit.

A few hours had gone by and the rain had slowly trailed off, so now only a bitter overcast sky and an even more bitter wind were left. Manik had spent most of the last few hours learning all the parts and workings of the guardhouse with Vanen. Although Vanen’s version was more laid back it was still extensive and thorough. Sgt. Henderson still wasn’t back, but Vanen said that wasn’t surprising, that Lords often liked to waste an honest man’s time and keep him from getting back to honest work. Manik had laughed but didn’t take the comment to heart. Manik was on his break now, a time to relax in the gatehouse. First he had used the time to shake out his clothes to get rid of some of the moisture, but now he found it boring so he walked the walls with the others. Only a handful of people had passed through the gate so far, but Manik was told that was because of the weather, and that traffic tended to pick up later in the day.

((OOC: If you are coming to enter through this gate next, you can write in response to the first post in this thread.))

Manik Targin

[Manik Targin]

The next squad came to relieve them at about half past the eleventh bell. The clouds were thinning out and rays of sunshine even fluttered through. The grumpiness from being damp seemed to vanish and Manik and the others gave a warm welcome as the other squad took over control of the gate. Sgt. Henderson was back from escorting Lycheus and led the way to the garrison for some lunch. Manik walked off to the side of the group leading his horse.

Manik Targin

[Tulpje Sweetshade]

From inside the city, a man came walking to the gate. There weren't many people on the streets, most were still inside even though the rain had stopped. The few people that were out nodded respectfully towards the man, he always politely nodded back. Occasionally he stopped for some small-talk with one of the passers-by that he knew, but soon he arrived at the gates. The guard on duty also nodded to him. "Going out for a walk, sir?" he asked. The man showed a small grin. "Yes, I am. Nothing so refreshing as a walk in the open air after a good early-spring rain, don't you agree? Besides, sitting in-doors all the time isn't at all good for one's figure." He said, patting his somewhat heavy stomach. The guard grinned back, nodding his assent.
In a quite leisurely way he strolled out of the gates and towards the trees a little further. Once there, he made sure he was obscured by some bushes when he took something small out of his pocket. He talked to it a little, than sat it on a branch of one of the trees and then proceeded with his walk. Just as leisurely as before, he finished his walk, went back to the gates and greeted the guard. After that, he returned to the town hall.

Tulpje

When her employer took her out of his pocket, he asked if she was allright. When she nodded, he put her on a branch. First he showed her in which direction Voldar lay, then he strolled away. She sat down and waited for her owl to arrive.
She didn't have to wait long. She and her riding animal had a kind of bond. It wasn't telepathic or any such thing, but their feelings were tuned onto each other so precisely, that he knew when she needed him. He had been asleep when he felt her nearby, but when he landed next to her, he was quite alert. Although daytime is a rare time for an owl to fly, her Nash had no problem with it. For his small friend's sake, he would endure the unnatural time.
While the sun was covered by clouds, they departed. At first low to the ground, so that bushes and other obstacles would hinder anyone's view. When they were far enough, Nash rose up into the air. Together they sped towards Voldar.

[Capher]

Christian was atop his favorite steed, Sammy was far ahead bounding through the tall grasses of the field in front of him. The sky was clear, and the weather was cooling down as the sun began to set in the west.  Suddenly, there came a rustling of wings and a bird shot up into the sky.  Immediately his falcon took off from his arm and chased the bird.  Though the bird tried to dodge, this way and that, the falcon had him down.  It stood upon it's prey waiting for the wolf to come and pick it up and bring it back to its master.

Capher.

[Sammykins]

The sudden flutter of wings and the soft chortling sound the bird made as it bolted out of the grass caught Sammy's attention and she bounded after the bird which was also being persued by Christian's falcon. The falcon sunk beneath the little fowl and twisted, his sharp talons sinking into the plush flesh and feathers of the little birds breast. A screeching squeal broke the silence, then it too succumbed to the silence of the woods.

Sammy bounded towards where the Falcon landed upon its prize. Her eyes watched the bird as she walked slowly upon it. While she did live with the bird, that didn't mean she fully trusted it. Her instincts kept her somewhat cautious around the animal. The falcon screeched and bounced off the bird as Sammy drew nearer.

Sammy scooped the warm body up in her lower jaw and headed towards Christian with it without even thinking. Her tail curled high above her tail, her head held high as if she had killed the bird herself.

She bounded towards Christian and dropped the plush bird at his feet quietly, licking away the few stray feathers which stuck to the saliva on her maw. She lowered herself to her haunches quietly and watched him... waiting for his reaction.

[Capher]

Christian smiled at Sammy, "Good girl," he said as he leaned over, picked up the bird and stuffed into a bag hung over the back of his saddle.  He then reached down and scratched her head, "Now go girl and flush one more"  

He sat back up in his saddle and looked around knowing that Sammy would immediately take off.  Several hundred peds away armed men were walking through the grass as well.  They were the personal guards of Christian and they kept an eye out for any who would want to attack or harm him.  

Lycheus, who could not stand being inside was stitting upon his horse next to Christian watching the spectacle.  When he was with Cedric, Cedric never did hunt and this fascinated him.  He was kind of surprised at the repore that Christian had with the wolf, he called Sammy.  Lycheus, never cared for animals, except for the ones you could eat.  Wild animals were met to be killed and either skinned and their pelts used for clothing, as this wolf's pelt would be extremely worth something on the fur market, Lycheus thought secretly.  "M'Lord, the sun is almost gone, and shadows are creeping up very fast. Do you not think it wise to stop now and perhaps hunt again tomorrow?"

Christian laughed, "What? You are not afraid of the dark are you Lycheus?"

"No, M'lord, it just seems like a prudent thing to do...especially since..." he left the sentence hang in the air.

"Since what?  Since we have declared war upon Voldar?  Who knows except us and a few others. I agree Voltigar is a demon, but he does not have ears that can hear this far."

"M'lord, that I am certain. However I am sure he knows I am gone by now and he may even have sent some to find me.  Besides, I know how secrets have a way of finding themselves to those who should not know of them.  Ears are everywhere and there were those at the table last night that I do not know.  How much do you trust them, M'lord?"

Christian gave Lycheus a look that made him blanche. "Lycheus, those men are the most influential and wealthiest people of my city.  They have been demanding that I start trade agreements with Voldar for over two years.  I refused as i and my cousin Cedric had some...disagreements."  "

When you came bursting in with your news, you handed Voldar right in their laps for they knew exactly what I would do and I expect they are in their homes already rubbing their hands together with glee. They are a greedy bunch. Sometimes I wonder if back in their parentage's there are not Avennorian's somewhere. So you should have no need to fear that they would tell."

Suddenly far ahead in the woods surrounding the meadow they were in a large flock of birds were startled.  Christian's falcon took off immediately after them.  Christian looked for Sammy and saw her tail briefly, but she was far from where the birds flew, but she too suddenly began to run to where those birds came from.

Christian not knowing what was happening, but sensing danger, slowly drew his large broadsword that was hanging from a scabbord slung connected to his saddle.  His eyes trying to pierce the darkness of the woods, which were even darker as the sun had almost set and only a sliver of light was showing.

Lycheus just blanched more: looking more like a ghost than a man.

Capher.

[Sammykins]

Sammy growled playfully at Christian as he took the bird from her grasp. Her tail wagged rapidly and she almost seemed to prance in place, lifting one foot, then the other in rapid succession. Then he did what she had hoped he would... he told her to go find more and she was gone in a moment.

She bounded over the grass quickly heading towards the smell of a birds nest. She stopped suddenly though when the sound of a ground of birds taking off caught her unawares. She looked toward the flock through her amber eye and twisted, heading that way.

A loud "ARROOO" escaped her maw as she bounded towards the birds, not sure what kicked them up, but assuming it was another animal. As she came closer she began to sense something that made her slow a little. Her ears perked as she peered towards the forest quietly, her ebony nostrils flaring as she took in the scent which was masked by all the other scents of the forest.

Advanced search

[Members]

Members Total Members: 2849 Latest: abigailjordan Stats Total Posts: 214569 Total Topics: 8052 Online Today: 45 Online Ever: 216 (November 30, 2006, 09:08:03 AM) Users Online Users: 0 Guests: 26 Total: 26

[Artimidor]

	Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2005, Simple Machines TinyPortal v0.9.8 © Bloc
Theme based on Cerberus with Risen adjustments by Bloc and Krelia Modified By Artimidor for The Santharian Dream