AND NOW; THE LONG AWAITED SECOND CHAPTER TO QUCKSILVER.....THIS ONE IS TITLED "THE SEARCH FOR THE SAVIOR"...
The Search for the Savior
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Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/18/2007 5:32:03 AM) |
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Gaius Septim II, Rhiannia II, Meridius Xarillius, and the Guardian are now searching for the Savior, the one with the power to use Ara-Goljer (Commonly called Quicksilver in legends) for war will soon be upon the world, and the Savior is the only hope...
Gaius Septim II rode along a near empty trail, behind him rode three people, Rhiannia II, The Guardian, and Meridius Xarillius. Gaius kept his eye out for enemies, but had seen no signs of any yet. Gaius took out his pocketwatch and looked at it, it was ten o' clock at night. "Alright, what do you guys want to do, stop and camp or keep on going?", asked Gaius. |
You (9/18/2007 10:57:50 AM) |
"We have travelled long this day, the horses are tired, as am I...I vote to rest, if we find a suitable spot...what of you gentleman?"
*Rhiannia looked over at the old man and the erstwhile assasin...both looked as tired as she felt....*
"I to could benefit with some rest" the Guardians' voice was scratchy from not having spoken for so long before we come into contact with him...and very little since then...
The assasin simply nodded his head...letting that be his agreement to rest... |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/18/2007 11:08:28 AM) |
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"Then it is settled, let us make camp and rest", said Gaius as Felix turned right into the forest, they went about a hundred yards and stopped. "This is a good spot", said Gaius. They set up camp and made a small fire, Gaius unpacked some elk and didn't cook it this time, the assassin went to hunt his own food, and the Guardian simply sat there and a small rabbit came to him with a large leaf with food on it, the Guardian thanked the rabbit and started eating. |
You (9/18/2007 9:45:02 PM) |
After seeing to the needs and comforts of the horses, Rhiannia saw to her own...as she was laying down her bedroll, she heard a small ruckus and looked up in time to see Meridius stalk out of the woods, prodding a well built young man ahead of him, one who carried himself as only one used to being obeyed could...yet too, he had the appearance of one who has seen his share of grief.
"Whats this?" demanded Gaius... Meridius looked over at Gaius and smiled, "I found him sneaking up on our camp site, my lord."
"Sneaking? Well, I suppose it could be called sneaking." replied the young man, his voice stong and firm..."I myself would call it survival, since I could not know weather this was the fire of a friend or a foe, until I had observed you first...it is no shame to be bested in stealth, when another so obviously excels in that art."
"Well said and well spoken, my friend," said Rhiannia with a smile... "you speak as one well brought up, perhaps a noble, may I ask how you came to be alone out here...and if I am not mistaken, you have the look of one being hunted."
"You are right on all points, my lady...I am Verll, Verll Anderith of the House Anderith, my father is on the Kings council. Sadly while on an errand for my father, I was betrayed by my own Captain of the Guards and several of his chosen men...they wiped out my entire retinue and I would have been dead to, but for my fathers insistance on combat training from my early youth...that and pure luck." It is them I have been running from, until this very morning, when I finally killed the last one."
"You must be tired indeed" said Gaius..."why don't you join us, you will be safe enough here."
"I would like to offer you another proposition as well" said Rhiannia. "We are seeking good men to build an army for the Savior to come, this army will be used to fight against an evil that is descending on all lands...we needs men such as yourself to help lead them...so what say you?"
"I say yes...it does sound like something that needs doing...and my fathers errand was not that imporatant, the next town we enter i will hire a messenger to tell him the news...i would be honoured to join your cause..."
"Then lets eat, drink and sleep on it, shall we?"
With that Rhiannia brought out some more pemmican and her water skin and shared these with Verll...she then gave her bedroll to the man and using her more than adequate cloak, she bedded down for the night... |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/18/2007 9:56:40 PM) |
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Gaius explained the events that had happened in the past few weeks to Verll. "So this blade, Ara-Golar" "Ara-Goljer", corrected Gaius. "Yes, Ara-Goljer, has the spirit o*beep*od inside of it?", asked Verll. "Yes, the spirit o*beep*od is inside of it, now we must sleep, tomorrow we will reach the town of Naralath, you will be able to send a message to your father and get a horse", said Gaius. "Alright, let us sleep, who will take first watch?", asked Verll. "I will", said Meridius. "Alright, I will take second", said Gaius. "And I will take third", said the Guardian. Gaius layed down and soon sleep fell over him... |
You (9/18/2007 10:03:33 PM) |
Rhiannia was awakened in the early morning, with the first rays of the sun breaking through the trees...
"Well, good morning gentleman, I do appreciate the sleep, but why wasn't I awakened for my turn at watch?" |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/18/2007 10:12:15 PM) |
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"You didn't have a watch last night", said Gaius as he got up. He looked around and blinked a few times, "Everybody up!" Meridius suddenly bolted up with a dagger in his hand, he saw Gaius and put the dagger away. After packing the camp up Rhiannia readied the horses and they went off, after a mile or two they came upon the small town of Naralath, Gaius rode in in front of Meridius and Verll, they were followed by Rhainnia and the Guardian. They came to the stable and Gaius turned to Rhainnia. "Rhiannia, you know horses the best, could you pick a good horse for Verll?", asked Gaius. |
You (9/18/2007 10:47:53 PM) |
"My pleasure."
Rhiannia went up to the Stable Master... "Good Master, where do you keep your horses for sale?"
With that she was led down the isle and out a side door to a corral and pole barn set up..."Here they be my lady".
Rhiannia went to the corral gate and started to enter when she felt a hand settle on her shoulder... "I wouldn't do that if'n I were you, my lady, there be a spirited stallion in there that don't take to stranger...best just pick from here, and I'll rope the one ye want and bring it out for ye to see." Rhiannia smiled at the man's concern, knowing he had no knowledge of her gift... "It's quite all right good sir, horses and I have an understanding, I will take my chances in the corral."
"As ye wish, my lady...but can't say ye warn't warned."
Rhiannia quietly entered the corral, her eyes automatically focusing on the great stallion, almost an equal to Gaius' stallion, Felix in build and raw paower. This Stallion was a beautiful dapple gray with a dark mane and tail...when he caught sight of Rhiannia he let out a snort that could be heard at the other end of the small town. He was just thinking of punding this little intruder when he suddenly felt a gentle caress, not a physical on, but a mental/emotional one...and suddenly he didnt really want to pound anything. He looked again at the intruder...it was now close enough to touch, and curiously he wasnt angered by this. then he felt his name being spoken... He was amazed...how could anything know his name? He answered with a soft whicker. and this time the caress was physical, on his neck, and it felt good. He knew then he would follow this human creature where ever she asked...he didnt know why...he just had to...
Rhiannia spoke in the stallions ear, and turned and walked to the gate...as she began to exit the corral the Stable master exclaimed..."My Lady...I dont know how you just did that, but surely you don't intend to take that animal out of there with out somekind of rope on him!" "He does not need a rope, he will follow my lead well enough without one..." "My Lady...you...are you a Horse Master?" Rhiannia laughed..."yes, I am gifted as they...but I would rather be called Horse Mistress" The good man turned red, then laughed to and smiled at Rhiannia..."My Lady...it has been a pleasure to watch you today...something i may pass on to my children...in return for this gift...I ask you to accept the stallion as a gift from me."
"Oh, I thank you, but I couldn't do that surely you need the money" "To tell you the truth my lady, that stallion would have cost me more than i could have made from him...even if i managed to sell him, he would have been returned in no time with a demand for the money eturned ...so you see...it is no true loss to me." "But i would have payed you good money and not sough a return." "I know it...but it gives me more pleasure to offer him to you as a gift than any money i might receive might bring me...so please accept" "Alright then, I will, on the one condition that at least you let me buy his tack." "Fair enough...2 crowns and a silver should cover that plenty..."
Rhiannia exchanged the money for the tack...then left the good man with a smile of thanks. She soon rejoined her group and presented the stallion to Verll... "Verll...this is Mistral...he is yours now...he will be your companion and guard and should it come down to it, he will give his life defending yours...I will care for him as i do the rest. Please spend time other than riding him to get to know him." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/18/2007 11:04:56 PM) |
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"Thank you Rhiannia", said Verll happily, "I would very much like to get to know my steed, although, I do not have the gift you do." "You don't need a gift to know a horse, I know Felix very well without a gift", said Gaius. "Alright", said Verll as he climbed up onto Mistral, "I sent a message to my father while you were buying the horse, Meridius bought supplies while I was doing that, so we are ready to go." Rhiannia nodded and mounted her horse, they stopped a few times during their journey to the capital city of Carrillsia, and soon they came upon it, in all it's majesty it had towers dwarfed only by the magnificent palace itself. They approached the gate where the guards eyed them suspiciously. "You look familiar", said the guard to Gaius. "I do? Well, it's a big Empire, a lot of people can look the same", said Gaius. "No...wait, I've seen you! You're the Duke who disobeyed the Emperor's orders!", the guard seemed to get more angry with every passing moment until the Guardian pointed his hand at the guard, the guard fell to the ground and Verll looked up, "Is he...alive?" "He will be fine, his memories have been erased and in a few moments he will wake up with no recollection of this incident at all", said the Guardian.
The people pressed on until they came to a small inn with a stable outside, they stabled the horses and went into the inn. "Three rooms", said Gaius, "Are their beds apart?" "Yes they are", said the innkeep. "Alright, thank you", said Gaius as he took the keys, he passed one to Rhiannia and then turned to the others. "Miridius, you will be sharing with Verll, I will be sharing with...William", said Gaius. "William?", asked the Guardian quietly. "Yes", whispered Gaius, "It isn't quite normal to be called the Guardian"
They all sat down at a large table and ordered a few drinks... |
You (9/19/2007 9:54:04 PM) |
"I know an old lady that most folks think is crazy, she likes to let them believe it too, because then they pay her no mind, and in this fashion, she learns the most interesting things...Perhaps in the morning, while Meridius is searching through the archives and records, I shall pay her a visit..." Rhiannia spke quietly to her companions, keeping her voice under the general noise level of the room itself.
Verll spoke up then, also keeping his voice soft..."I know just the man to speak to, a good friend of mine since our childhood and a superb warrior...I believe he would want in on this, and would be a good man to have for already he has the respect of many warriors, who would follow him to the very ends of lifes journey, if he but commanded it. I shall seek him out on the morrow, and recruit him to our cause." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/21/2007 6:29:30 PM) |
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Meridius looked up, "I know of several assassins like me who would wish to join this cause, many of them are tired of the life of an assassin and would wish to get away from it." "Gaius?", asked a voice behind Gaius. Gaius drew a dagger from his sleeve and turned to see a woman in her thirties looking at him. "Alessia?", asked Gaius. "Gaius!", yelled Alessia, hugging Gaius, Gaius turned to the group. "This is my sister, Alessia", said Gaius. |
You (9/21/2007 6:38:28 PM) |
"Greetings Alessia...it is an honour to meet you finally, the Duke has spoken fondly enough of his sister on many occasions...but sadly keeps forgetting to tell me anything about her...so maybe finally I can learn that and a few tidbits about him that will help me keep him in line on occassion...." Rhiannia laughs gently, and gets up to warmly take Alessia's hand in greeting... |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/21/2007 9:31:51 PM) |
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Alessia shook Rhiannia's hand and took a seat at the table, she looked at her brother. "Gaius, it has been quite a long time since we last spoke, since mother died, so what have you been doing", asked Alessia. Gaius told her of his journey to find Quicksilver, and his current quest to find the savior. "Gaius, I...want to join you, I am a great shot with a bow as you know and I am rather good with a shortsword as well, so...may I join?", asked Alessia. "Of course my sister, but this journey may be dangerous...", said Gaius. "I have been in danger before", muttered Alessia. |
You (9/21/2007 9:50:35 PM) |
Rhiannia laughed... "leave it to a guy to think that since something is dangerous, a woman should remain where it is safer...normally, if a woman has bairns and a husband to care for at home, then i would wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment...however, if this is not the case, and there are much bigger concerns to be had...why shouldn't a woman be free to risk as much as any man? especially if she is equal to the task? give over, my Duke...it would be good not to be the only female on this quest..." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/21/2007 10:12:31 PM) |
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"It is not that she is a woman, Rhiannia, she is my sister, I would do the same for a younger brother if I did not want him hurt, Alessia, you may join", said Gaius. "Thank you brother", said Alessia. "I do believe that this reunion must be cut short for planning should be made of what to do about the savior. Alessia, you live here in the city?", asked Meridius. "Yes I do", said Alessia. "Is it a big house?", asked Meridius. "Yes it is", said Alessia. "Alright, would it be alright if we stayed there?", asked Meridius. "Of course", said Alessia. "Alright then, lets us go", said Meridius.
They arrived at Alessia's home fifteen minutes later, it was a large house with double doors in the front with the Septim family crest engraved in them. Alessia opened them and everybody stepped inside. She showed everyone their rooms and Gaius turned to her. "Alessia, do you have any hooded robes or cloaks? My face is not a wanted one", said Gaius. "I do have one actually, it was father's", said Alessia as she went into another room, she came back with a green robe. She gave it to Gaius. "Thank you", said Gaius. "You're welcome", said Alessia. Gaius went to his room and sat on the bed, he looked out his window to see many buildings, and at their heart was the imperial palace... |
You (9/21/2007 10:35:46 PM) |
Rhiannia awoke in the early morning hours, feeling incredibly refreshed, and reflected on what a hot meal, hot bath and soft bed could do for a weary body....
Since the suns rays were just beginning to peak above the city's buildings, the noise and the smell, were at a minimum...and she knew this would be the ideal time to make her visit to old Sarena...
Slipping quietly out the double doors of the great house, she made her way through the city until she was in a very poor section, and she came to a door that was little more than a quilt nailed to the frame to keep the worst of the chill out, and to afford some privacy. Rhiannia listened a moment, making sure someone was up, then knocked at the door frame. She was greeted with a querrelous "who be there?" "It is just me, grandmother, come seeking your wisdom" said Rhiannia, using a term of respect for the elderly that she hoped would allay any fears the old woman might have... Again came the voice..."Then enter, Grandaughter...and make of my words what you will"...
Rhiannia entered a most run down room, almost bare of furnishings, and it seemed, of people, for the old woman seemed to live quite alone. As she stepped closer to the old woman, she was struck by the womans face, and she knew instinctively that in her youth, Sarena had been a rare beauty indeed.
"Grandmother...I am told you have much knowledge, knowledge others scorn in their blindness...it is this i seek...are you willing to share this wisdom?" "Not many seek the knowledge I have Grandaughter, they are either to blind to see the truth in it, or they fear the truth in it...so when one comes seeking it, i am indeed willing to share, for what good is the truth if it is hidden under a basket and not shared? What would you know?"
"Thank you...Grandmother, there is a great evil, almost upon us...and one to come who is destined to lead a great army against it...this one to come, he will wield a legendary blade, one that holds an ancient and powerful spirit...i seek this person, this savior, and would know if you have heard of his name....Garius Serillar..." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/21/2007 10:52:25 PM) |
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Gaius awoke and looked around the room, he saw that rays of light were going through the window as he arose. He put on a dark green tunic and a pair of brown trousers and went down to see if anybody was awake, Meridius sat there with a bow at his feet and a book in his hand, he looked up to see Gaius. "Hello Meridius", said Gaius. "Greetings Gaius, this book is rather interesting, it deals with ancient weapons and artifacts, Quicksilver is briefly mentioned", said Meridius. Gaius took a look at the book, "I have read this, this is where I first heard about Quicksilver, of course all it says here is that it is of great power", said Gaius, "Enjoy it, it is a good book, I will be leaving soon to scout the palace, would you like to come?", asked Gaius. "Sure", said Meridius. Gaius went upstairs and put on his leather boots, he buckled his sword to his belt and put on the green hooded robe, he went downstairs and Meridius had the bow fastened to his back. Gaius pulled the hood over his head and walked out the door with Meridius behind him. |
You (9/21/2007 11:05:50 PM) |
Three hours later, Rhiannia stood outside the old womans home...the information she had received had been both useful...and not so useful. It seems Garius was in exile at the moment...there for no other reason than there emporer wanted no challenge to his seat, but he dared not simply execute the young man because he was incredibly popular among the people...the emporer feared retaliation from the masses if he did such a thing. Where in exile was the problem...the last anyone had heard, he and a select few of his bodyguards had gone north into the Uriel Mountains...a wise place to hide, unless you were superstitious, as they had a reputation for being haunted. |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/21/2007 11:25:12 PM) |
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Gaius soon stood outside the palace with Meridius, fifteen guards stood at the gate. "Fifteen at the gate means over a thousand inside", said Meridius, "Trust me...I know" "I do not doubt you, let us go bck to Alessia's home now, I do not want to stay in the open long", said Gaius. "Fair enough", said Meridius, together they went back to Alessia's house and sat on one of the couches, waiting for night. |
You (9/22/2007 3:41:47 PM) |
That evening at supper, the group had a meeting, discussing what had been accomplished that day. Verll told them he had had success in finding his friend, and it had been as he thought...the man was not only willing, but able and indeed already had such a large following as to have a good start. He was leader to 150 men who were at odds in the city at the moment because they took it upon themselves to put down lawless individual...even when it was the emperors own men, who seemed to think they were above the very law they sought to impose upon the citizenry." He will go out into the country and recruit men to the cause, using the hidden village of pallista for headquarters...we can meet up there when we have found the savior."
Rhiannia recounted her conversation with the old woman, and it was decided the next leg of their journey would be to the Uriel Mountains...listening as they went to any rumour they heard...to help pinpoint the Saviors location...
"Duke, do you think it is still necessary to enter the palace, now that we know where to look for our man?...Once Meridius has spoken to his friends, and Alessia finishes her business here, we could begin our next leg of our quest...if perchance you attempted to enter the palace, and were captured...this could unduly delay our search." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/22/2007 4:50:52 PM) |
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"Well, I see no reason to enter the palace now that you have uncovered a possible location of the savior, in two days we shall head to the Uriel Mountains, prepare yourselves", said Gaius.
Over the next few days Alessia took care of buying the supplies while Verll took care of the weapons. A few days later they departed from Alessia's house.
Gaius wore his hooded robe as he went through the streets of the city, Meridius and Verll rode behind him. They had split into two groups: Gaius, Verll, and Meridius was group one while Alessia, Rhiannia, and the Guardian was group two. Gaius suddenly heard a noise behind him and turned to see many guards with bows. "Run! NOW!", yelled Gaius as he jumped off of Felix and into an alleyway, Felix managed to follow. Verll wanted to help Gaius, but Meridius obeyed Gaius's orders and made Verll follow him. Gaius drew two daggers from his sleeves and threw them at two of the closest bowmen. One wa*beep* in the throat and the other wa*beep* in the stomach. Gaius then drew a crossbow from his cloak and loaded a bolt, he peeked around the corner, aimed, and fired, it hit a man in the eye. Gaius retreated to his cover and loaded another, he fired and it hit another man in the mouth. Gaius then looked around the corner to see more men coming, he jumped onto Felix and spured. Felix ran out of the cover and into the streets, an arrow hit Gaius in the arm as they took off... |
You (9/22/2007 5:00:34 PM) |
Rhiannia, Alessia and the Guardian waited at the pre-arranged meeting place for over half an hour, and were just considering returning to the city when the three missing men came thundering over a law rise...
" GO! GO! GO!" Shouted the three almost in unison...
Rhiannia and the other two didn't wait to ask questions, but spun their horses and took off at a dead run, heading east, rather than north...Rhiannia didn't want whoever was following the men to guess their ultimate destination or direction...she wondered who it was and why they were chasing them.... |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/22/2007 5:32:10 PM) |
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Gaius kept on going until he met up with Meridius and Verll, whom were waiting outside the city. "I TOLD YOU TO GO! WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN!?", yelled Gaius through gritted teeth. "Verll wanted to wait for you...", said Meridius. The trio kept on going until they saw group two on the horizon. "GO! GO! GO!", they shouted. Group two turned and went and group one followed, they rode for many hours until they knew it was safe to stop. Gaius looked down at his arm. "Anybody know how to heal?", mumbled Gaius. |
You (9/22/2007 7:24:21 PM) |
The Guardian turned anenigmatic smile on the injured Gaius and said..."Young man, of course I know how to heal...you forget from whom I derive my power." With that he walked over to Gaius and bade him dismount, then taking the shaft of the arrow in his hand he began a soft chanting and all looked on in amazement as the arrow simply slid from Gaius' arm, without causing further pain. then the man gently stoked the injury and when his hand cleared the area of the wound...there was no longer any sign of an injury, except the torn cloth and blood. "Now, you may cleanse your arm...and give thanks to the God who healed you." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/22/2007 7:28:26 PM) |
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Gaius stared down at his arm amazed. "Thank you Ara-Goljer", said Gaius, "For healing my arm" Gaius then took off his cloak and started to clean his wound. |
You (9/22/2007 9:52:30 PM) |
Rhiannia made a quick round of the horses, speaking softly to each, then returned and reported that the horses had caught their breath and if the went no faster than a canter for an hour or so, they could travel a long ways and keep that pace without tiring. All agreed and remounted and once again set off, this time directly north at an easy but ground eating canter. Within 2 hours the group had made good time and many miles, and could now see the peaks of the Uriel Muontains jutting up over the treetops. As it was nearly nightfall, Gaius called a halt, and the group made a firless camp, Rhiannia seeing to the horses needs. A watch was set and after a meal of pemmican and water...they called it a day. |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/23/2007 12:37:35 AM) |
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Gaius woke at three for his watch and relieved a very tired Verll. He sat on a large rock and kept a sharp eye out. After a few hours he woke Rhiannia and went back to sleep...
A few hours later they departed, and fifteen minutes later a man ran into the middle of the road, the man waved his arms at the group and Meridius jumped off his horse and kicked the man in the chest, he then grabbed him by the throat and held a very fine looking dagger to his neck. "What are you doing here?", asked Meridius. "I was attacked by imperial soldiers!", yelled the man. "Then why do you come to us!?", yelled Meridius. "I wanted help! Please don't kill me!", yelled the man. "Search him", said Gaius. Meridius searched the man then threw him on the ground. "He's clean", said Meridius. "What is your name?", asked the Guardian. "I am Seloc, Sorank Seloc, at your service", said Seloc. |
You (9/23/2007 6:09:57 PM) |
The other members of the party looked at each other, not knowing what to make of this man...he could be speaking the truth, or he could be from the enemy...speaking lies so that he can join the group as a spy...they knew there were evil forces at work seeking to oppose the will of Ara-Goljer...
Suddenly Seloc screamed in pure agony and terror...and slumped to the ground. the sudden shriek had startled everyone, even the horses, and by the time everyone was calm again, Seloc was beginning to stir. "What happened to him?" asked Gaius...
"I did a mind probe on him, to discover his intentions, and found that he himself was trapped in a small pocket of his mind, while the major portion was possesed by a minor demon. I simply destroyed that demon, and now the man is free as well, he is trustworthy insofar as he is no longer under the influence of the enemy...but trustworthy as a man we will find that out if we decide to take him into our company, and i suggest we do, as he is vulnerable now and needs my protection." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/23/2007 7:56:37 PM) |
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"Alright", said Gaius as he got off Felix, he walked over to the knocked out Seloc and picked him up, he then put him on Felix and jumped on. "Until we find another horse", mumbled Gaius. They continued riding... |
You (9/24/2007 7:58:40 PM) |
Nestled in the trees, at the very foot of the Uriel Mountains was a small town, no more than a village really...but it did boast of having a tavern and livery...and this is what the travelers needed most. After arranging for room and food for themselves and their horses for the night, they made some final plans for the morning and each went to bed grateful for something softer than the ground for at least one night. The next morning the first theing Rhiannia did was to secure a trustworthy mount for the now consciouns and quite talkative Seloc. Each of the original members of the party seperated and roamed the village asking subtle questions about a man who might be in the mountains...one who attracted a following...The Guardian was the only one to have any success in that area...it seems that an old woman had boarded a young man *beep*sembled the one we sought, along with seven others, for a night. she didnt ask questions of them, but she suspected they had secrets...but they were so kind and helpful to her she did not wish to upset them by digging if they didnt offer the information themselves. They arranged with the woman to send her grandson with a wagon of food and other goods to a certain spot, where they would leave money for him in payment. The Guardian mentally "suggested" to the old woman to have her grandson lead the seekers to the spot. So it was that a wagon bearing food and supplies left the village, with an escort, heading towards the Mountains just beginning to light up with the morning sun. |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/24/2007 10:26:43 PM) |
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Gaius placed his hands in his pockets and pulled a pocketwatch from it. "Well, it is seven o'clock, when shall we head out in search of our "friend"?", asked Gaius to the Guardian. "When all is ready", replied the Guardian. |
You (9/25/2007 6:08:51 PM) |
No one from the village seemed to pay the slightest attention to the group as they left that morning and the trip was uneventful. It was late afternoon, as the group was winding through a narrow pass that appeared to lead into the very foothills of the Uriel Mountains, that they were startled by a great shout and suddenly found themselves surrounded by a group of ten heavily armed men, each looking fully capable of using all or none of his weapons. Meridius would have jumped into battle without hesitation had Gaius not stopped him, and when he inquired why he had been stopped...it was Verll who answered... "Let us not be to hasty Meridius...we can defend ourselves quite well if needs be, so it wont hurt to see what these men want, besides, it would do our cause no good if we attacked without provocation...only to discover these men belong to him whom we seek..." |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/25/2007 6:47:49 PM) |
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"Soldiers! For whom do you serve?", demanded Gaius. "We serve the Emperor!", yelled the men, "Wait a minute...I know you! Gaius Septim!" "You must have me confused with somebody else...I am not Gaius Septim", said Gaius. "Yes you are! I served as one of your guards while you were Duke! My Lord! I am so happy to see you!", said the man as he ran up to embrace Gaius in a hug, Gaius accepted it to not anger the man or his group. "We do not serve the Emperor milord, that is merely a disguise, we serve the true lord, Garius Serillar!", yelled the man. "We seek him, do you know where he is?", asked Gaius. "Of course milord, we know you cannot be friends of the Empire", said the man, "If you do not remember me, my name is Goldsie Arvilius", said Goldsie. "Alright, lead the way Goldsie", said Gaius.
They walked through the rugged mountains for what seemed like weeks, yet it was only a few hours, they soon came upon a small camp where a man sat, the man looked up and Goldsie nodded. Gaius looked up, "I am Garius Sarillar, who are you?" "I am Gaius Septim II", said Gaius as he started pointing towards his companions, "This is my sister, Alessia Septim, and one of my good friends, Rhiannia. That one is Meridius Xarillius, and the one with the long white hair will be explained in due time, and that man over there is Sorank Seloc" "I am pleased to meet all of you", said Garius, "What business do you have with me?", asked Garius. "This will take some explaining", said Gaius, "Let us sit down"
Gaius told Garius much of the story, with Rhiannia filling in a few parts that Gaius forgot to mention. "So...I am the savior? That explains much, I am the only one who can use Ara-Goljer...this...is amazing...yet I always seemed to know that I was special somehow." |
You (9/25/2007 7:39:09 PM) |
Rhiannia knelt before Garius..."My Lord, My King....command and I will obey."
Garius looked at Rhiannia for a moment, then at the others as they followed he lead, then he shook his head and said... "Friends, please, you have only just arrived in this my humble refuge. You have only just informed me I am to be the savior of the world...and while I grant there may be somewhat to this, you must still give me time to adjust. Please for now, simply call me Gaius.
"My Lord, it is not fitting that a King be called by his given name. You ARE a king. You might as well get used to it by hearing it now. besides, knowing who and what you are, I cannot find it in me to address you with so little show of respect." spoke Rhiannia. The others assured the king that this was true and he needed to get used to his title.
"So be it then, If I am king...then i can at least order you not to kneel to me."
"My Lord...I do apologize for arguing so much...but again, it is a show of respect...however, we can at least not kneel when we are in private...if this pleases you."
"Thank you...now, let's get this thing figured out, shall we? You say you have been working on building an army for me? tell me of your progress on this."
So they discussed what had been started and what had been gained and they knew that they would have a lot of work ahead of them, so it was decided to strike camp in the morning and begin planning for the coming men who would be his army, and the coming war against the Dark One. |
Duke Gaius Septim II [TC] (9/25/2007 8:07:55 PM) |
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"I know several friends who have men under them, my friend Bartimaeus Wellius owns a large mercenary company known to you as Qel-Rulos. My other friend, Antonis Xarxes, is a major player in the resistance against the Empire. And Gorris Farilor is the Lord of Ais-Wisel. I am sure they would be happy to join our cause", said Gaius. "As I have said, I know several assassins who would love to leave the life they have and repent, and serving the savior would be a great way to do so", said Meridius. "My father has quite a large army, over fifty thousand men, and I am sure he would be happy to give a few to my service", said Verll, "And by that I mean our savior's"
After many long hours of talking the party decided that everybody should go apart to all of their allies and friends to get as many soldiers as possible, and the task of protecting Garius was with the Guardian and the ten men that had done a great job at protecting the savior already. |
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