Hurrying back down the stair the the ground floor, they began to search for a hidden forge.
"Vell he certainly did a good job of hiding it." said Heinrich.
"Foolish boy." If it was easily found it wouldn't be hidden now would it." said Baeithra mockingly.
"Lay off ze boy, either you can look or you can go fight ze monsters, your call lady Drow." said Sir Karl.
As the group frantically searched the rooms and corridors, Heinrich found himself staring at a large portrait of Lord Hyrule, it was old and the name at the bottom was barely legible, but he was able to make out the words Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. It wasn't so much the barely readble caption or the fadedness of the portrait that intrigued the young squire, it was the fact that it was the only portrait hanging anywhere on the entire level that wasn't damaged in any way aside from hanging a little lop-sided that it. Straightening it, the panel it hung on moved back then slide to the left.
"Sir Karl, come quick I found something!!" he yelled.
As they other rushed to his location, he told them of his discovering of the secret passage.
'Good vork Heinrich, let us see if ve can find ze forge in here." said Sir Karl.
"Oh yes let's all go in the secret passage." groaning the drow.
"You more zan velcome to stay out here if you vould prefer" said Sir Karl.
"I am coming, but only because this flail sounds powerful." replied Baeithra.
As they entered the passage it narrowed to the bredth of no more than a few feet, after a short while it widened to what appeared to be a forge, complete with smelter, fire pit, cooling vat and a vast assortment of utensils, hammers, clasps and on the stone table occupying the centre was the last flail head. Baeithra, who had some experience in forging simple weapons, or rather repairing them, was able to attach the heads to a shaft with little trouble.
"A fine weapon" she said.
"You surprise me Lady Drow, I did not know you vere such a good veaponsmiz" said Sir Karl.
"Ha, we Drow are experts in making weapons, though mostly we make intruments of torture and discipline." Baeithra replied.
"Hmm" Sir Karl mused. "Now to find ze one in charge of zese attacks. Glacius said he vas most likely in ze lower recesses. I zink i saw a staircase in ze main hall."
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
The staircase to the lower levels was narrow and winding, a safety feature of fortifacation naturally, but soon they came to the large rooms of the cellar. The walls were adorned with several devices of torture, a sight that Baeithra found somewhat pleasing.
"So you surface dwellers are no stranger to the art of torture, this is good" she said with a evil smile on her face. "I should like to meet this Lord Hyrule. he is becomes more a male to my liking the more we venture through his keep."
"So power und vealz appeals to ze drow do zey?" asked Sir Karl.
"Do they not appeal to you?" replied the drow. "In a world where the strongest survive, there is no place for weakness, power, strength and authority are all that matters."
The discussion was interrupted by the sounds of steel clashing and shouting, some was easierto make out than others, one voice appeared to be more human while they others more reptilian.
"Hurry someone is in trouble, ve must hurry, zey may need our help!!" shouted Heinrich.
Rushing down the corridor the came upon the site of several larger Lizards standing over the body of a man, bloodied and broken.
His sword hilt beared the same insignia as many of the tapestries and flags found around the castle.
"Ze Lord Hyrule?" Heinrich said.
"Sniff...SNIFFFFFF...I smell you...I do...you gradunk no be hiding on TorGal!" spoke the large of the creatures as he turned to face the group. "Stand forz und be judged, creature! Your reign of terror ends here!" yelled Sir Karl. "You grrranktal no tell me what be done! None but stronger tell TorGal what fregRrrrt be done! Who you to say to Rocksmash pack? GweRrl?" it spoke again. "I am justice und I don't care vho you serve, you vill die for the innocents you haf slain!" Sir Karl yelled profusely. "You threaten, but we fight anyway! I tell nothing of Stronger! Should have taken Stronger's gold like all other small-head guards! Now you die! " Torgal bellowed before unleashing a torrent of flame from his mouth.
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
For a creature of Torgal's size, he was incredibly agile. Swinging his huge tail around with ease, despite the large axehead tied to it, and repatedly conjuring up torrents of flame.
"You gradunk you think you beat Torgal" Torgal screeched. "None beat Torgal! Torgal beats all!!!"
"Ve shall see" Sir Karl said. "Fall creature, und feed ze earz!!"
Narrowly missing the swing of Torgal's massive sword and striking deep in his abdomen. Sir Karl was not so lucky at avoiding the thrashing of Torgal's tail, and was flung clear across the room.
"You vill pay for zat! you bastard! AARRGGGHHH!!!!" screamed Heinrich as he ran at the beast who seemed relatively unfazed by the aged paladin's attack.
CHarging headstrong at Torgal, the young squire narrowing dodged another of Torgal's impressive displays of fire breaths, and lept into the air and in a reckless act of daring bravado pluged his sword up into Torgal's lower jaw and out the back of his head.
"Hmm" Baeithra mused as she watched the young man clean his sword, having just dealt with two of Torgal's henchmen herself. "That was quite the display of swordmanship waelin nesst, prehap you are of some use after all."
"I zank you lady drow." Heinrich said.
"Oh don't mind me, I am just an old man who is lying in a pool of his own blood." SIr Karl moaned.
"I am sorry sire, here let me help you up." said Hineich. "Ve should hurry back to ze fort, ze princess will vant to know if ve were succesful or not."
"Yes, und ve vill haf t otell her her fazer is dead too." Sir Karl said grimly.
((OOC: waelin nesst means young man in drow))
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
Upon returning to the wooden fort they were met by the Princess
"You... you have done it? They are all dead? What of... what of my father? Is he well?" she asked hesitately.
"I am sorry, my lady no." said Sir Karl grimly. "I vas not able to save him." "Dead... he is... de..." cried the princess. "I'm sorry, I must take a moment to collect myself. You have been most kind. Please, let me pay you what I can and then... and then... Oh no... ah, I don't suppose I could convince you to remain here for a while? I really need... no, no, it is my own problem. I'll deal with it as best I can." "Zere's no harm in asking, whatever it is." Said Sir Karl. "My svord is ready to strike at your command." "It's a very awkward situation, and I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to deal with it. I don't have much choice though, now that Father is gone." said Zelda with a deep sigh. "I am betrothed, you see. Yes, some powerful associates of my Father roped me into that tired custom. I am to wed a brat of a man named Isaea Roenal. I think Father regretted it, but that is the way wealthy families gain status in business. He seemed quite willing to stall the inevitable, but now he is gone..."
"Regrettable. vhat is left for you to do?" replied Sir Karl.
"The Roenalls, mainly Isaea, have been pressuring. They knew I was the only heir, and traditionally titles fall to a male. I fear Isaea will take control and abuse our wealth. I have worked to forge a relationship with those beneath me, but it will not continue with the Roenalls in power. They are snobbish, snooty, and oh so arrogant." continued the princess. "Not Ze type of person I vould associate wiz eizer. What can I do?" asked the Paladin. "I need a way to get out of the betrothal, and I need to do it soon." said Zelda sternly. "They respect the old traditions, and I think I know a way to use one to our mutual advantage." "You vish a marriage of convenience Zen? Seems logical enough to me." piped up Hienrich.
"Oh, no, no, no, nothing quite so distasteful... er... scandalous as that." said the princess. "That would be laughable. No one would believe that for a second. No, what I really wish is to take advantage of an old tradition, where a fighting soul would become the lord of a manor once the current lord had passed on. You are versed in combat; you would be an impressive obstacle to Isaea. I ask that you assume title to the keep. You will be a figurehead, and I will be a ward of sorts. It is my right as heir to choose who shall lead. I do not know if I could stand before the Roenalls, but you, with your...erh...talents, would prove a daunting figure." "Ze Roenalls vould accept this? I find zat hard to believe." said Sir Karl. "They will complain, but there is no real cause why you could not do this. Often a fighting soul will take possession of a keep when the lord is...is dead. Please, this will ensure that the Roenalls do not take control of my home. They are oppressive nobles and will not direct this place in a way that will honor my father." pleaded Zelda. "I'll take your offer" Sir Karl proclaimed. "Und damn zose zat vould stand in our vay. I'll see zis place run proper." "Wonderful!" exclaimed Zelda with a huge smile on her face. "Now they can't force me out. You are master of this place, within reason of course. I remain the sole heir, and can take away what has been given. Shall we go? No need to wait around, though you are welcome to organize the place as you see fit. The servants will return this place to order. Again, I thank you."
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
Lady Delana Had been Keeping quiet and out of this discussion. She was far to Inexperienced in the ways of noble talk and kingships. She let the others handle the discussion and was exhausted that this day was coming to an end. She had learned much in the ways of Spell and Much in the ways of the sword. She walked off again into an adjacent room to be alone much like she always did. Her mind was at ease yet she was deep in thought
As they wined and dined into the hours of the night, their meal was interrupted by the young Daleson.
"Lord Farthington Roenall himself has arrived to speak with you. He has been...agitated...by the trek, and does not seem pleased. I do not know what he wants... he demanded to see you and no one else. I... I hope there will be no violence! Shall I... show him in, my Lord?" ask Daleson.
"Of course, let's see what he has to say." said Zelda "Yes, they least we could do is hear vhat he has to say." continued Sir Karl. "I do not like this man" Zelda said with a harse look on her face. "The sooner he is gone the better. "I shall get him and his small entourage right away..." replied Daleson.
"Out of my way boy!!" boom Lord Roenall as he walked up to Sir Karl. "Alright, let's make this quick, peasant. Zelda Hyrule was betrothed to a Roenall by her father. Whether or not that wedding is going to happen, this land is ours by right. Zelda is too young to decide for herself to just give the land away. And the very idea is preposturous at the least! So... I'm going to be a gentleman and give you the choice to decide your fate for yourself. Give up this castle. You will never rule it in the long run, at any rate... you have no noble blood. Give it up now and all will be forgiven. What do you say, peasant?" "I vould haf to be a fool to refuse such a request from a man like you, however, I vill not give up zis castle, so now get ze hell off my land" thundered Sir Karl. "Hmph." scoffed Lord Roenall. I see you are as stubborn and stupid as any other peasant. Very well. The next time I return it shall be with my army at my back."
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
Kiska seeing her chance, she quickly walked into a quite room and pulled out the collar. She examined it. "It's so pretty," she thought to herself. "How can anybody not want to just try it on." As she was staring deeper and deeper into the collar, a powerful mage appeared behind her. He whispered in her ear, "Yes you want to be one of us, you want the power."
Oshida watched Kiska sneak into a side room and decided to follow her. He crept up to the doorway and peered in. He could see Kiska kneeling with something in her hands. Then a mage appeared behind her and bent over to whipser in her ear. Oshida drew a shuriken and threw it at the mage, but the mage disappeared before the shuriken could strike its mark. The shuriken hit the wall and clattered to the ground. Kiska turned around and Oshida saw the collar in her hands. "You shouldn't be around that, it's dangerous!!" he shouted as he went to grab it from her.
((OOC: Sorry i haven't posted in a while Elfen))
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"I'm like a dog chasing cars." - Joker, Dark Knight
Kiska moved the collar away from Oshida quickly before he could even touch it.
"This thing isn't dangerous, it's powerful. You have no right to tell me what to do Oshida. This thing holds powers that even us assassins could never have. With these we could be so powerful that we could rule the world. We could make our fearless leader our slave and he would have to listen to us," she told Oshida.
Holding it tight in her hands she looked at it's magnificent glow. "We have never seen anything like this before Oshida."
"Kiska what are you talking about. This isn't the real you. This... thing has brain washed you, it has made you lust for power. We must get rid of it. Give it to me now!" Oshida ordered. He made another move to grab the collar.
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"I'm like a dog chasing cars." - Joker, Dark Knight
She quickly moved away from Oshida. "You don't understand Oshida, we can finally run the organization with this collar. We can finally have the chance to be the ones in charge. Not have to take orders from anyone, because we are making them," she said.
"Don't you want that? Aren't you tired of being told what to do?" she asked Oshida.
The next morning the adeventurers were woken by the sound of a great horn.
"The warning horn" pondered the princess. "What could it before"
"Your grace! there you are! The forces of Lord Roenall are almost upon us! I... I did not truly believe that Lord Roenall would actually attack. Eldroth and other guards spotted their forces while out hunting in the forest and have moved to engage... or at least to slow them... Our forces are fewer, and they are all newly recruited...we cannot hope to win! Oh, they will be on us in no time...Lord Roenall will take this keep by force!" spoke the princess' servant.
"Thank you Impa." said Zelda "You are a most loyal sevant. Go tell Sir Karl and his friend, if they does not already know. They will surely help us."
Of course m'lady. Right away" replied Impa.
Sir Karl emerged from his room just as Impa neared the door.
"Vhat is all zis racket." asked Sir Karl. "Can't an old man sleep in peace?"
"There you are Sir Karl." panted Impa. "It's Lord Roenall, he has returned with his army. He wishes to take the keep by force, just as he said he would.
"Do not vorry. I vill aid you. HEINRICH!!! BRING ME MY SVORD VE GOT TO VAR!!!"
"YES MY LORD!" Heinrich shouted.
"What is with all the shouting wiu?" asked Baeithra Baenurden. "What's going on."
"Ve go to var lady Drow." Heinrich said. "The Lord Roenall has returned with an army."
"hmm" pondered the Drow. "I have been itching to try out this flail of the Lord Hyrule again."
((OOC: Wiu means boy in Drow))
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
Oshida stared at the collar for a long time. Then he stiffened, a voice came from nowhere whispering, "Put me on... I hold the power that you desire... take me... PUT ME ON!!!!"
A loud horn sounded and brought Oshida out of his trance. However, he was changed now. He looked at Kiska and then at the collar. "Yes, let us use this collar and take our rightful place of power!" he said, laughing manically.
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"I'm like a dog chasing cars." - Joker, Dark Knight
"Vould you two stop your bickering und grab a veapon, ve must defend ze keep!" Sir Karl said to Oshida and Kiska in passing.
"There you are my lord." said a guardmen as he ran up to Sir Karl. "Your presence is reguired at the gatehouse urgently. Please do not delay."
"lead on soldier." said Sir Karl."
As they made their way to up the winding staircase to the battlement atop the gatehouse they were met by Eldroth and a few dozen archers.
"I had not thought It would come to this. But we have little choice." Eldroth thought to himself. "There you are my lord. The Roenall's forces are infront of us just over that heath. We evacuated the lower town, but I pray they do not get that far. What are your Orders?"
"How many troops does he haf? asked Sir Karl.
"His forces number in the hundreds, at that I saw." replied Eldroth.
"hhmm" pondered Sir Karl. "Und zere is no one else to come to our aid?"
"We have sent word to our allies to the east, the Gorons. But I have not seen them, nor heard word from them. They have always been loyal to the King and his people, they would not abandon us in our hour of need."
"If zey come zey come if not, we will haf to fight vizout zem." said Sir Karl. "How strong is the cavalry?"
"one hundred strong at best." replied Eldroth, they are light and quick, they aren't equipped for heavy combat.
"Infantry?" Sir Karl asked.
"One hundred heavy, three hundred light." informed Eldroth. "As best I can figure it we are still out numbered at least 3 to one. I have no idea how he managed to pull his army together so quickly.
"He planned to attack before he came to see me." said Sir Karl grimly. "It is the only way he could haf mustered such an army so quickly. Ze Svine!!."
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
Peaking out to the hallway, Kiska was watching Sir Karl. Trying to over hear the conversation that was going on, but couldn't. She turned to Oshida and smacked in upside the head. "Hey, something is going on. I think we should check it out," she said to Oshida. "Don't forget to put that thing away before Sir Karl or anyone else finds it."
She headed out the door and walked up to where Sir Karl was and waited to see what was going on.
As Sir Karl and Eldroth were strategising battle plans, Heinrich came running up to them.
"Zere is a small contingient of men at ze gates of ze lower town. Too small to be an attack. Emmisary maybe?"
"Emmisary?" Sir Karl questioned. "I sincerely doubt he is villing to settle this vizout bloodshed."
Sir Karl and a small group of soldiers along with Eldroth, Heinrich and Baeithra made their way down to the gates. Outside Lord Roenall was waiting.
"Aha! Lord Roenall said. "There you are, my pathetic little peasant! Submit to me or prepare to lose your precious keep, fool!"
"I vill not give up zis keep. Before zis day is over one of us vill be dead." said Sir Karl.
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
He looked longingly at the collar, "Soon, my friend, soon.." he whispered to the collar. He put it in his satchel and watched kiska leave. He followed her out the door
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"I'm like a dog chasing cars." - Joker, Dark Knight
"Well he isn't going to give up is he." said Eldroth.
"No I dare say he vill not." said Sir Karl. "It seems ve vill have to fight zis out. He outnumbers us, but numbers are meaningless if zey cannot move."
"What are you saying my lord." Eldroth asked.
"The pass up the the castle is ze only vay he can get here. It is narrow, vinding, und flanked by high cliffs on eizer side. We force his army to come up ze pass. It is an old strategy, but one that vorks. Leave a small force of archers and soldiers at the inner gate viz ze cavalry, we cannot use them, ze majority of our troops vill be here at ze outer gate. zis is vere ve vill fight zem. Ze heavy infantry take se front und work in a solid formation right across ze breadth of ze pass, ze light infantry behind zem. MOVE OUT!!"
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
The army of Lord Roenall hastedly moved through the pass and met the much smaller army of Sir Karl at the lower gate house. Both Sir Karl and Lord Roenall made their was to the front of their respective factions.
"Surrender!" bellewed Lord Roenall.
"You mean you vish to surrender to me?" yelled sir Karl. "Very vell, I accept."
"Ignorant peasant!!" Lord Roenall snarled. "My army will destroy you and your pathetic excuse for a keep."
"A good day for ze crows." Sir Karl said as he looked around at the throngs of men gathered on wither side.
"If you insist on using your tongue, peasant, I shall be forced to remove it" Lord Roenall said with a smile on his face.
"Vell in zat case zere is no reason we can’t settle zis civilly. Vhat say you?" asked Sir Karl.
"If you think I am giving up after marching my army here you’ve even more of a fool that I can you credit for old man." said Lord Roenall.
"I don’t vant to watch anozer massacre. Let’s settle zis var in ze old manner. Your best fighter against my best." suggested Sir Karl.
"And if my man wins?" Lord Roenall asked as he rubbed his chin in puzzlement.
"Zen ze keep is yours" replied Sir Karl.
"Very well I accept your terms." said Lore Roenall. "VONKHAR!!"
The canyon of the pass echoed with the cheers of men as Vonkhar made his way to the front line. and knelt at his master's feet.
"My lord." Vonkhar said is a deep booming voice. "this canyon shall be awash with the blood of their champion."
"Eldroth, who is our strongest fighter?" asked Srr Karl.
"That would be Glaicus my lord." replied Eldroth. "YOu are lucky you didn't kill him when you liberated the castle."
"GLAICUS!!!" Yelled Sir Karl.
His cry was met with as much applaud as that of Lord Roenall's as Glaicus made his way to the front of his fellow soldiers.
"I shall endeavour to redeem myself, my lord" Glacius replied.
"Indeed, our very futures rest upon your shoulders." Sir Karl said as Glaicus passed.
"So Vonkhar. What shall it be a match of three shields, or shall we just have at it, hmm?" asked Glaicus.
"Ha Ha, I want to enjoy this." the large man laughed. "three shields it is."
"Then we have an accord." Glaicus said as be bowed a little. "May the best man win"
"I intend to." replied Vonkhar. "SHIELDS!!!"
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
The two warriors circled around each other, sizing the other up, and making short lunges forward, judging the other's reactions.
"RRAAGGHH!!" Vonkhar cried as he made a quick and powerful attack that broke Glaicus' first shield in half.
"Round one is your's my friend." Glaicus said as a hylian soldier tossed him another shield.
Vonkhar grimmaced as he readied himself you the second round. The round began much like the first. With a lot of circling, and darting. Glaicus' quick attacks barely left a mark on the shield of his opponent, and again lost his shield to another of Vonhkar's brutal attacks.
"The round is your's" said Glaicus as he signalled for his last shield.
"You have only one shield left boy" said Vonkhar with a grin. "You' have bitten of more than you can chew maybe."
"Come then" Glaicus called back. "Let us finish this!"
Glaicus moved with speed unseen in the previous two rounds. And this time it was Vonkhar who couldn't land an attack to his opponents shield. Timing his movements just right Glaicus side stepped Vonkhar's attack and with a well executed attack brought his sowrd down quickly upon his foe's neck, beheading him.
"You could haf killed him at vill." Heinrich said bewilderedly.
"Yes?" replied Glaicus.
"Vell vhy ze deception?" asked Heinrich.
"Deception is the point!" exclaimed Glaicus "Any fool can calcualte strength, The Lor Renall did that the very first time he saw you and you master. Now he has to calculate what he cannot see."
"And fear what he doesn't know." replied Eldroth.
"As you say foolish." said Sir Karl. "Und Expensive. LORD ROENALL, you haf agreed to ze terms, und my varrior has bested yours, now, take your army and leave."
"This is not over peasant!! This is not over!!" yelled Lord Roenall. "MOVE OUT YOU CURS!!!"
"Such as waste." moaned Baeithra. "Such a waste."
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-Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's First Law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
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"Vell he certainly did a good job of hiding it." said Heinrich.
"Foolish boy." If it was easily found it wouldn't be hidden now would it." said Baeithra mockingly.
"Lay off ze boy, either you can look or you can go fight ze monsters, your call lady Drow." said Sir Karl.
As the group frantically searched the rooms and corridors, Heinrich found himself staring at a large portrait of Lord Hyrule, it was old and the name at the bottom was barely legible, but he was able to make out the words Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. It wasn't so much the barely readble caption or the fadedness of the portrait that intrigued the young squire, it was the fact that it was the only portrait hanging anywhere on the entire level that wasn't damaged in any way aside from hanging a little lop-sided that it. Straightening it, the panel it hung on moved back then slide to the left.
"Sir Karl, come quick I found something!!" he yelled.
As they other rushed to his location, he told them of his discovering of the secret passage.
'Good vork Heinrich, let us see if ve can find ze forge in here." said Sir Karl.
"Oh yes let's all go in the secret passage." groaning the drow.
"You more zan velcome to stay out here if you vould prefer" said Sir Karl.
"I am coming, but only because this flail sounds powerful." replied Baeithra.
As they entered the passage it narrowed to the bredth of no more than a few feet, after a short while it widened to what appeared to be a forge, complete with smelter, fire pit, cooling vat and a vast assortment of utensils, hammers, clasps and on the stone table occupying the centre was the last flail head. Baeithra, who had some experience in forging simple weapons, or rather repairing them, was able to attach the heads to a shaft with little trouble.
"A fine weapon" she said.
"You surprise me Lady Drow, I did not know you vere such a good veaponsmiz" said Sir Karl.
"Ha, we Drow are experts in making weapons, though mostly we make intruments of torture and discipline." Baeithra replied.
"Hmm" Sir Karl mused. "Now to find ze one in charge of zese attacks. Glacius said he vas most likely in ze lower recesses. I zink i saw a staircase in ze main hall."
"So you surface dwellers are no stranger to the art of torture, this is good" she said with a evil smile on her face. "I should like to meet this Lord Hyrule. he is becomes more a male to my liking the more we venture through his keep."
"So power und vealz appeals to ze drow do zey?" asked Sir Karl.
"Do they not appeal to you?" replied the drow. "In a world where the strongest survive, there is no place for weakness, power, strength and authority are all that matters."
The discussion was interrupted by the sounds of steel clashing and shouting, some was easierto make out than others, one voice appeared to be more human while they others more reptilian.
"Hurry someone is in trouble, ve must hurry, zey may need our help!!" shouted Heinrich.
Rushing down the corridor the came upon the site of several larger Lizards standing over the body of a man, bloodied and broken.
His sword hilt beared the same insignia as many of the tapestries and flags found around the castle.
"Ze Lord Hyrule?" Heinrich said.
"Sniff...SNIFFFFFF...I smell you...I do...you gradunk no be hiding on TorGal!" spoke the large of the creatures as he turned to face the group.
"Stand forz und be judged, creature! Your reign of terror ends here!" yelled Sir Karl.
"You grrranktal no tell me what be done! None but stronger tell TorGal what fregRrrrt be done! Who you to say to Rocksmash pack? GweRrl?" it spoke again.
"I am justice und I don't care vho you serve, you vill die for the innocents you haf slain!" Sir Karl yelled profusely.
"You threaten, but we fight anyway! I tell nothing of Stronger! Should have taken Stronger's gold like all other small-head guards! Now you die! " Torgal bellowed before unleashing a torrent of flame from his mouth.
"Nightfall"
For a creature of Torgal's size, he was incredibly agile. Swinging his huge tail around with ease, despite the large axehead tied to it, and repatedly conjuring up torrents of flame.
"You gradunk you think you beat Torgal" Torgal screeched. "None beat Torgal! Torgal beats all!!!"
"Ve shall see" Sir Karl said. "Fall creature, und feed ze earz!!"
Narrowly missing the swing of Torgal's massive sword and striking deep in his abdomen. Sir Karl was not so lucky at avoiding the thrashing of Torgal's tail, and was flung clear across the room.
"You vill pay for zat! you bastard! AARRGGGHHH!!!!" screamed Heinrich as he ran at the beast who seemed relatively unfazed by the aged paladin's attack.
CHarging headstrong at Torgal, the young squire narrowing dodged another of Torgal's impressive displays of fire breaths, and lept into the air and in a reckless act of daring bravado pluged his sword up into Torgal's lower jaw and out the back of his head.
"Hmm" Baeithra mused as she watched the young man clean his sword, having just dealt with two of Torgal's henchmen herself. "That was quite the display of swordmanship waelin nesst, prehap you are of some use after all."
"I zank you lady drow." Heinrich said.
"Oh don't mind me, I am just an old man who is lying in a pool of his own blood." SIr Karl moaned.
"I am sorry sire, here let me help you up." said Hineich. "Ve should hurry back to ze fort, ze princess will vant to know if ve were succesful or not."
"Yes, und ve vill haf t otell her her fazer is dead too." Sir Karl said grimly.
((OOC: waelin nesst means young man in drow))
"You... you have done it? They are all dead? What of... what of my father? Is he well?" she asked hesitately.
"I am sorry, my lady no." said Sir Karl grimly. "I vas not able to save him."
"Dead... he is... de..." cried the princess. "I'm sorry, I must take a moment to collect myself. You have been most kind. Please, let me pay you what I can and then... and then... Oh no... ah, I don't suppose I could convince you to remain here for a while? I really need... no, no, it is my own problem. I'll deal with it as best I can."
"Zere's no harm in asking, whatever it is." Said Sir Karl. "My svord is ready to strike at your command."
"It's a very awkward situation, and I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to deal with it. I don't have much choice though, now that Father is gone." said Zelda with a deep sigh. "I am betrothed, you see. Yes, some powerful associates of my Father roped me into that tired custom. I am to wed a brat of a man named Isaea Roenal. I think Father regretted it, but that is the way wealthy families gain status in business. He seemed quite willing to stall the inevitable, but now he is gone..."
"Regrettable. vhat is left for you to do?" replied Sir Karl.
"The Roenalls, mainly Isaea, have been pressuring. They knew I was the only heir, and traditionally titles fall to a male. I fear Isaea will take control and abuse our wealth. I have worked to forge a relationship with those beneath me, but it will not continue with the Roenalls in power. They are snobbish, snooty, and oh so arrogant." continued the princess.
"Not Ze type of person I vould associate wiz eizer. What can I do?" asked the Paladin.
"I need a way to get out of the betrothal, and I need to do it soon." said Zelda sternly. "They respect the old traditions, and I think I know a way to use one to our mutual advantage."
"You vish a marriage of convenience Zen? Seems logical enough to me." piped up Hienrich.
"Oh, no, no, no, nothing quite so distasteful... er... scandalous as that." said the princess. "That would be laughable. No one would believe that for a second. No, what I really wish is to take advantage of an old tradition, where a fighting soul would become the lord of a manor once the current lord had passed on. You are versed in combat; you would be an impressive obstacle to Isaea. I ask that you assume title to the keep. You will be a figurehead, and I will be a ward of sorts. It is my right as heir to choose who shall lead. I do not know if I could stand before the Roenalls, but you, with your...erh...talents, would prove a daunting figure."
"Ze Roenalls vould accept this? I find zat hard to believe." said Sir Karl.
"They will complain, but there is no real cause why you could not do this. Often a fighting soul will take possession of a keep when the lord is...is dead. Please, this will ensure that the Roenalls do not take control of my home. They are oppressive nobles and will not direct this place in a way that will honor my father." pleaded Zelda.
"I'll take your offer" Sir Karl proclaimed. "Und damn zose zat vould stand in our vay. I'll see zis place run proper."
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Zelda with a huge smile on her face. "Now they can't force me out. You are master of this place, within reason of course. I remain the sole heir, and can take away what has been given. Shall we go? No need to wait around, though you are welcome to organize the place as you see fit. The servants will return this place to order. Again, I thank you."
"Lord Farthington Roenall himself has arrived to speak with you. He has been...agitated...by the trek, and does not seem pleased. I do not know what he wants... he demanded to see you and no one else. I... I hope there will be no violence! Shall I... show him in, my Lord?" ask Daleson.
"Of course, let's see what he has to say." said Zelda
"Yes, they least we could do is hear vhat he has to say." continued Sir Karl.
"I do not like this man" Zelda said with a harse look on her face. "The sooner he is gone the better.
"I shall get him and his small entourage right away..." replied Daleson.
"Out of my way boy!!" boom Lord Roenall as he walked up to Sir Karl. "Alright, let's make this quick, peasant. Zelda Hyrule was betrothed to a Roenall by her father. Whether or not that wedding is going to happen, this land is ours by right. Zelda is too young to decide for herself to just give the land away. And the very idea is preposturous at the least! So... I'm going to be a gentleman and give you the choice to decide your fate for yourself. Give up this castle. You will never rule it in the long run, at any rate... you have no noble blood. Give it up now and all will be forgiven. What do you say, peasant?"
"I vould haf to be a fool to refuse such a request from a man like you, however, I vill not give up zis castle, so now get ze hell off my land" thundered Sir Karl.
"Hmph." scoffed Lord Roenall. I see you are as stubborn and stupid as any other peasant. Very well. The next time I return it shall be with my army at my back."
((OOC: Sorry i haven't posted in a while Elfen))
"This thing isn't dangerous, it's powerful. You have no right to tell me what to do Oshida. This thing holds powers that even us assassins could never have. With these we could be so powerful that we could rule the world. We could make our fearless leader our slave and he would have to listen to us," she told Oshida.
Holding it tight in her hands she looked at it's magnificent glow. "We have never seen anything like this before Oshida."
"Don't you want that? Aren't you tired of being told what to do?" she asked Oshida.
"The warning horn" pondered the princess. "What could it before"
"Your grace! there you are! The forces of Lord Roenall are almost upon us! I... I did not truly believe that Lord Roenall would actually attack. Eldroth and other guards spotted their forces while out hunting in the forest and have moved to engage... or at least to slow them... Our forces are fewer, and they are all newly recruited...we cannot hope to win! Oh, they will be on us in no time...Lord Roenall will take this keep by force!" spoke the princess' servant.
"Thank you Impa." said Zelda "You are a most loyal sevant. Go tell Sir Karl and his friend, if they does not already know. They will surely help us."
Of course m'lady. Right away" replied Impa.
Sir Karl emerged from his room just as Impa neared the door.
"Vhat is all zis racket." asked Sir Karl. "Can't an old man sleep in peace?"
"There you are Sir Karl." panted Impa. "It's Lord Roenall, he has returned with his army. He wishes to take the keep by force, just as he said he would.
"Do not vorry. I vill aid you. HEINRICH!!! BRING ME MY SVORD VE GOT TO VAR!!!"
"YES MY LORD!" Heinrich shouted.
"What is with all the shouting wiu?" asked Baeithra Baenurden. "What's going on."
"Ve go to var lady Drow." Heinrich said. "The Lord Roenall has returned with an army."
"hmm" pondered the Drow. "I have been itching to try out this flail of the Lord Hyrule again."
((OOC: Wiu means boy in Drow))
A loud horn sounded and brought Oshida out of his trance. However, he was changed now. He looked at Kiska and then at the collar. "Yes, let us use this collar and take our rightful place of power!" he said, laughing manically.
"Vould you two stop your bickering und grab a veapon, ve must defend ze keep!" Sir Karl said to Oshida and Kiska in passing.
"There you are my lord." said a guardmen as he ran up to Sir Karl. "Your presence is reguired at the gatehouse urgently. Please do not delay."
"lead on soldier." said Sir Karl."
As they made their way to up the winding staircase to the battlement atop the gatehouse they were met by Eldroth and a few dozen archers.
"I had not thought It would come to this. But we have little choice." Eldroth thought to himself. "There you are my lord. The Roenall's forces are infront of us just over that heath. We evacuated the lower town, but I pray they do not get that far. What are your Orders?"
"How many troops does he haf? asked Sir Karl.
"His forces number in the hundreds, at that I saw." replied Eldroth.
"hhmm" pondered Sir Karl. "Und zere is no one else to come to our aid?"
"We have sent word to our allies to the east, the Gorons. But I have not seen them, nor heard word from them. They have always been loyal to the King and his people, they would not abandon us in our hour of need."
"If zey come zey come if not, we will haf to fight vizout zem." said Sir Karl. "How strong is the cavalry?"
"one hundred strong at best." replied Eldroth, they are light and quick, they aren't equipped for heavy combat.
"Infantry?" Sir Karl asked.
"One hundred heavy, three hundred light." informed Eldroth. "As best I can figure it we are still out numbered at least 3 to one. I have no idea how he managed to pull his army together so quickly.
"He planned to attack before he came to see me." said Sir Karl grimly. "It is the only way he could haf mustered such an army so quickly. Ze Svine!!."
She headed out the door and walked up to where Sir Karl was and waited to see what was going on.
"Zere is a small contingient of men at ze gates of ze lower town. Too small to be an attack. Emmisary maybe?"
"Emmisary?" Sir Karl questioned. "I sincerely doubt he is villing to settle this vizout bloodshed."
Sir Karl and a small group of soldiers along with Eldroth, Heinrich and Baeithra made their way down to the gates. Outside Lord Roenall was waiting.
"Aha! Lord Roenall said. "There you are, my pathetic little peasant! Submit to me or prepare to lose your precious keep, fool!"
"I vill not give up zis keep. Before zis day is over one of us vill be dead." said Sir Karl.
"Well he isn't going to give up is he." said Eldroth.
"No I dare say he vill not." said Sir Karl. "It seems ve vill have to fight zis out. He outnumbers us, but numbers are meaningless if zey cannot move."
"What are you saying my lord." Eldroth asked.
"The pass up the the castle is ze only vay he can get here. It is narrow, vinding, und flanked by high cliffs on eizer side. We force his army to come up ze pass. It is an old strategy, but one that vorks. Leave a small force of archers and soldiers at the inner gate viz ze cavalry, we cannot use them, ze majority of our troops vill be here at ze outer gate. zis is vere ve vill fight zem. Ze heavy infantry take se front und work in a solid formation right across ze breadth of ze pass, ze light infantry behind zem. MOVE OUT!!"
"Surrender!" bellewed Lord Roenall.
"You mean you vish to surrender to me?" yelled sir Karl. "Very vell, I accept."
"Ignorant peasant!!" Lord Roenall snarled. "My army will destroy you and your pathetic excuse for a keep."
"A good day for ze crows." Sir Karl said as he looked around at the throngs of men gathered on wither side.
"If you insist on using your tongue, peasant, I shall be forced to remove it" Lord Roenall said with a smile on his face.
"Vell in zat case zere is no reason we can’t settle zis civilly. Vhat say you?" asked Sir Karl.
"If you think I am giving up after marching my army here you’ve even more of a fool that I can you credit for old man." said Lord Roenall.
"I don’t vant to watch anozer massacre. Let’s settle zis var in ze old manner. Your best fighter against my best." suggested Sir Karl.
"And if my man wins?" Lord Roenall asked as he rubbed his chin in puzzlement.
"Zen ze keep is yours" replied Sir Karl.
"Very well I accept your terms." said Lore Roenall. "VONKHAR!!"
The canyon of the pass echoed with the cheers of men as Vonkhar made his way to the front line. and knelt at his master's feet.
"My lord." Vonkhar said is a deep booming voice. "this canyon shall be awash with the blood of their champion."
"Eldroth, who is our strongest fighter?" asked Srr Karl.
"That would be Glaicus my lord." replied Eldroth. "YOu are lucky you didn't kill him when you liberated the castle."
"GLAICUS!!!" Yelled Sir Karl.
His cry was met with as much applaud as that of Lord Roenall's as Glaicus made his way to the front of his fellow soldiers.
"I shall endeavour to redeem myself, my lord" Glacius replied.
"Indeed, our very futures rest upon your shoulders." Sir Karl said as Glaicus passed.
"So Vonkhar. What shall it be a match of three shields, or shall we just have at it, hmm?" asked Glaicus.
"Ha Ha, I want to enjoy this." the large man laughed. "three shields it is."
"Then we have an accord." Glaicus said as be bowed a little. "May the best man win"
"I intend to." replied Vonkhar. "SHIELDS!!!"
"RRAAGGHH!!" Vonkhar cried as he made a quick and powerful attack that broke Glaicus' first shield in half.
"Round one is your's my friend." Glaicus said as a hylian soldier tossed him another shield.
Vonkhar grimmaced as he readied himself you the second round. The round began much like the first. With a lot of circling, and darting. Glaicus' quick attacks barely left a mark on the shield of his opponent, and again lost his shield to another of Vonhkar's brutal attacks.
"The round is your's" said Glaicus as he signalled for his last shield.
"You have only one shield left boy" said Vonkhar with a grin. "You' have bitten of more than you can chew maybe."
"Come then" Glaicus called back. "Let us finish this!"
Glaicus moved with speed unseen in the previous two rounds. And this time it was Vonkhar who couldn't land an attack to his opponents shield. Timing his movements just right Glaicus side stepped Vonkhar's attack and with a well executed attack brought his sowrd down quickly upon his foe's neck, beheading him.
"You could haf killed him at vill." Heinrich said bewilderedly.
"Yes?" replied Glaicus.
"Vell vhy ze deception?" asked Heinrich.
"Deception is the point!" exclaimed Glaicus "Any fool can calcualte strength, The Lor Renall did that the very first time he saw you and you master. Now he has to calculate what he cannot see."
"And fear what he doesn't know." replied Eldroth.
"As you say foolish." said Sir Karl. "Und Expensive. LORD ROENALL, you haf agreed to ze terms, und my varrior has bested yours, now, take your army and leave."
"This is not over peasant!! This is not over!!" yelled Lord Roenall. "MOVE OUT YOU CURS!!!"
"Such as waste." moaned Baeithra. "Such a waste."