The Last War

1. The Last War

   #121

   Private Fox had given up on the drunk, and moved on. "Fool!" he thought. "I'll go find them myself." He followed the distinctive horseshoe prints, being careful so as not to miss one or two breaking off from the trail, since he didn't know which individual held the spear. If Fox lost that trail he had lost it all.
   
   It was clear from what he had seen so far that there was no army of warriors, whether they be Amazons or Wizards -- or Frogs for that matter. Just a half-dozen or so sets of tracks, as best as he could tell. Occasionally he saw a small troll print. The big one was either dead from its wounds or had left the clearing in a direction Fox had missed. But, at least the drunk had told him the spear was with a boy, not a hulking troll.
   
   As evening came on, Fox heard a commotion up ahead. The tracks left the trail and went in that direction, so the Corporal tied his horse in a copse of bushes and proceeded carefully on foot. He saw Rory and Baldwin tossing off Goblin corpses. There was a number of children here... why? Ah, yes, there was the little troll. "A young one," he thought.
   
   Since the spear was standing up in some bushes like a sapling, Fox did not notice it from where he was. He thought, "I'll circle around and climb a tree. See if I can spot the Captain's spear from the other side. But I'll have to move quickly. It's getting dark. With all these kids here, they might come across me or my horse by accident if I wait too long. "
   
   The thought of having to kill a child, even to prevent his capture or death, was sickening to Fox. He hoped he would never be ordered to do so, but knew that it happened all too often for men of the Blackhand Riders.

2. The Last War

   #122

   Holly opened her eye's and stood up, "i'm just going for a walk check the perimeter just incase any of the goblin's slipped away and come back when were asleep" she nodded to Baldwin, to show that she would be alright, and walked off in the direction of the path, she walked slowly looking around making sure there was no one around, when she came over a horse, just standing in one of the bushes just to the side of the path, Holly turned and looked around, trying to make out were this mystery person had gone, once she had looked all around her on the floor level, she lifted her head and looked to the top of the tree's, nothing so far, then a movement over the camp way in a tree, it could be anything it could be a bird, but holly had to find out just incase, she weaved her way through the bushes and the brambles and appeared underneath the tree she saw move, she looked up into the branches hoping to see a bird watching or a cat or something, she looked closer squinting up into the tree's there something there something bigger than a cat or a bird, she hesitated for a moment and then put her foot on a stump just at the bottom.

3. The Last War

   #123

   Grumple had to, shall we say, "powder his nose". But Grumple wasn't like other trolls, oh, no. Grumple did such things discretely; privately. Oh, yes!
   
   Heading off to the bushes outside the camp, Grumple's tummy felt like, well, like his whole tummy needed "powdering". Maybe several other parts, too. In fact, Grumple didn't feel particularly settled at all. One might say it was "something he ate" -- except for the fact that for a troll, it was anything and everything he ate, constantly. Came with the territory, so to speak.
   
   So, with loud rumblings and several crude (but remarkably satisfying) noises, Grumple found a quiet spot near a tree and proceeded to "powder" with his typical enthusiasm and zest.
   
   Being a discrete and private person (or did we mention that?), Grumple was mortified to notice Holly approaching, only the next tree over. This was embarrassing! Grumple grunted as silently as possible between gritted teeth and tried to hurry up with the "powdering", but as you know, friends, Some Things Just Take Time.
   
   So, it was a desperate Grumple who reached around in the brush and grabbed a chunk of log, and lobbed it behind Holly to distract her. It landed with a crash and she instantly jumped like a cat and pulling out a weapon, turned to see.
   
   Imagine her surprise -- not to mention Grumple's! -- when something even larger crashed to the ground in the other direction by the tree. A man! Worse, a soldier. Who took off at a dead run. With the skill of a trained cavalryman, he made a flying leap over the rump of a horse nearby, scrambled into the saddle, and took off back toward Palaten at top speed! No doubt to bring down hordes of reinforcements and horrible destruction upon them all.
   
   "Good." thought Grumple as watched the annoying people leave. "Grumple get peace and quiet now."

4. The Last War

   #124

   If the smell of roast, and burning pig had not been filling the air, somebody would have noticed the strong scent of alchohol coming from Odat as he stumbled into the camp site.
   
   Ah what a glorious smell. Roast pig. Odat was very aware of the fact that he had not eaten in several days now, and that smell seemed a good way to cure his problem. He stumbled into the camp without notice for the dead goblins on the ground, or the children who were watching warily, or for smeed, who he nearly stepped on. Just that smell.
   
   If Odat had been off-balance before, his current state would have made him look sober before. It was literally a miracle that he was upright on both legs, if you could call it upright. His nose followed the smell to the pig and he happily fell down in front of the dead animal and prepared to eat.
   
   He quickly dropped five Copper Stars on the ground next to him to pay for his meal, but the clink of metal on metal caught his attention. They had landed next to a trident. Either that or a divining rod. Odat really wasn't sure how many of those five prongs were there, and how many were illusion. What he did know was that he must have found the inn he was looking for.
   
   That ugly looking boy must have finished eating and forgot to take his thing with him. Odat knew what that meant, that meant that he could finish these leftovers without even having to pay. Odat wasn't very picky after all. It also meant that he could find that waitress...after he had eaten. He would also have to find that boy so he could give him his thing back. But in the mean time, Odat started tearing away strips of meat that once had a leg attached to them, and eating them as fast as his mouth could work.
   
   After all...people didn't seem to like it when Odat finished other peoples leftovers....
   
   (The "Mark", "Star", and"Crown" are coins based on size. Values are measured in multiples of ten (I.E. a Crown is worth ten Stars, and a Star is worth ten Marks). A Crown of any material is worth a Mark of the next more valuable material (so a Copper Crown is worth a Silver Mark and a Silver Crown is worth a Gold Mark). Usually only wealthy men deal in silver, and only the extremely rich deal in gold.)

5. The Last War

   #125

   Holly turned viscously withdrawing her blade and looking around the wood's a sign of something moving and then it happened the man, a soldier jumped down from the tree she had been looking up into and ran, Holly ran after him, jumping over fallen tree's branches and overlapping root's, she stumbled but pulled herself up just in time to see the man riding off towards Palaten on a horse, Holly cursed and turned round walking back in the direction she had come, she jumped and limboed under the tree branches and root's until she arrived back where she had been in the first place, noticing Grumple for the first time, she jumped out of her skin, breathing heavily after her run, she looked back in the direction which the man had fled, then turned and walked back to the clearing. She found Baldwin there with Rory, "Baldwin, there has been a soldier watching us, i believe he may be going back to Palaten to report that we are here, i know that he have not long got here but i believe that we should move, and quickly." Holly sighed looking once again round the clearing, watching all the innocent children playing and laughing, running with all the energy off a newly awoken windstorm, tearing around the clearing throwing up dust with there feet, Holly crumpled falling to the floor her hands in her face, she looked up at Baldwin "We can't leave these children here, they will surely be killed, we must take them with us, we can't just leave them here, if the soldiers come here, they will only have but a few or maybe even none of them left by the end, it's not right," Holly swallowed.

6. The Last War

   #126

   The sound of ravenous eating - coupled with a sudden unpleasant, bittersweet smell - caused Smeed to look up from his card-gathering. A new figure was squatting by the boar, engorging itself with wild abandon. Smeed couldn't remember seeing a fellow like this before. Hopefully he was harmless and just hungry. He cleared his throat tentatively, hoping to get the man's attention.
   
   Nothing happened. It was clear that the boar was far too engaging to allow this man's attention to be diverted so easily. Somewhat daunted, Smeed ventured a welcome.
   
   "Good day, sir!" he began, in what he hoped was a friendly and non-violent tone. "I see you are hungry... hungry indeed -" Smeed trailed off when still no reply was forthcoming. It was almost obscene, how this man ate. And the new, foul smell was definitely wafting from his person. "Hungry. Yes. Er, but that boar is going to need to be shared amongst a good many people..."

7. The Last War

   #127

   Baldwin’s brow creased as he digested Holly’s words. To his side Rory chewed on a slice of roast boar, slowly savoring its juicy taste. Several of the children frolicked behind Rory, drawn to him like moths to flame.
   
   Damn, Baldwin thought, we can’t leave the children but we don’t have horses for all of them. The pondered the situation, knowing that the solution was probably right under his nose. He warily eyed Odat, who was enjoying some of the boar. The man was a drunkard to be sure, but Baldwin felt there was more to him than apparent on the surface, nothing though that could be useful at this time, without him knowing more about the man.
   
   He looked at Holly, Rory would see a pretty girl who was a capable fighter, Baldwin saw a capable fighter who just happened to be a pretty girl. She could be depended on in a tight spot.
   
   Grumple. Baldwin still didn’t know what to make of the mini-troll. He could bear the evil spear without it really controlling him. This was a valuable thing. Grumple needed supervision though and Brother Tantus, although he had been keeping to himself of late, could handle that. Tantus was also a gifted healer and although he refused to participate in battle because of his vows the sight of a seven foot bugbear among their ranks was bound to cause a bit of consternation in their enemies Baldwin thought with a smile.
   
   Then there was Smeed, a man who, by Baldwin’s estimation, had sold himself short on his own estimation of his usefulness. Although not a fighter, he had shown himself to be calm under pressure as well as well versed in matters arcane and mundane. I’ll have to ask him about that spear.
   
   Baldwin’s musings were interrupted by his brother speaking around a mouthful of roasted pork. “Win, the way I see it we have to move pretty quickly.�
   
   “Right…� Baldwin replied.
   
   “But there’s the matter of these children.� Baldwin nodded; this concern echoed his own sentiments. He looked at Yas who was testing the pull of a goblin bow she had retrieved from one of the bodies; it was about right for her.
   
   “I think we should split up.�
   
   Baldwin hadn’t thought of that. “Why?�
   
   “The soldiers will be back. Now I don’t know if they can track that spear of if they are tracking the horses, but either way they’ll be back. We got these kids to think about.� Rory took a swallow of wine. “I think that two of us should take the horses down the road and the rest should take the kids through the woods.�
   
   “Breaking trail? Come on Rory. A two year old could track a group this large thru these woods.
   
   “Not if I use magik to cover the trail. That way, our only visible trail, to those not versed in magik, will be the hoof prints on the road.�
   
   “Sounds like you’ve thought this through.�
   
   Rory’s answer was a wide grin.
   
   “Holly and Smeed what do you think of the plan? Oh and Smeed what can you tell me about that spear? I’ve have a mind to leave it here but the fact that those murdering dogs want it is probably reason enough to keep them from getting it.�…

8. The Last War

   #128

   Wrinkling his nose at the smell - now almost a solid form hanging in the air - Smeed gave up on the new man. Let the fellow enjoy his meal. He wasn't one to pick fights over meals - though he hadn't had any of that boar yet himself...
   
   Rory's words drifted over to where Smeed stood. Splitting up? The group with the children might find it hard going through the woods, especially if care had to be taken to erase their tracks, further slowing them down - yet if the horse ploy was played well enough, it just might work.
   
   Pondering this by himself, Smeed sat down to think - only to give a start a moment later, hearing his own name. Good lord! They thought highly enough of him to ask his advice? Brightening considerably, he stammered out a reply.
   
   "Er, clever! Yes, clever indeed... I had no idea you could work that sort of magik, good sir!" Smeed's mind was on the spear, not the plan. He had had a sinking feeling the matter would come up at some point, and having experienced the weapon's power firsthand, he hardly needed a second prompting.
   
   "That vile thing seems to me to be enchanted in some fashion... some way that lets it influence the mind of its bearer, and change their nature to suit its whims." He coughed, not wanting to say the rest. But it had to be done if the actual nature of the weapon was to be discovered. "Much as I loathe the thing, I would have to study it... perhaps consult the cards... perhaps run a few tests..." He realized that none of them would have any idea of what he was taking about. It was time for some explanation. He cleared his throat and began talking hastily.
   
   "Before I was a fortune-teller - a very long time before - I studied magik for a while under my uncle's teaching. But... well, I turned out a failure -" his cheeks reddened and he looked at the ground "- and I needed something else to fall back on. So I started telling fortunes - it takes much less magikal skill, you see."
   
   Giving a sigh, Smeed sat down again. His secret was out - now they could all laugh at him, like his uncle's oh-so-talented son had. "I can read the cards - any fool can - and do a few minor tests for magik in objects, but anything more complex is beyond me, failure that I am."

9. The Last War

   #129

   Rory’s eyes softened a bit at hearing the treatment Smeed had received when trying to learn magik. Baldwin let out a sharp laugh.
   
   Smeed had to think that Baldwin was laughing at him.
   
   Baldwin laughed again but not unkindly, “Mr. Smeed you’re Rory grown up.� Rory shot his brother a hard look.
   
   “Mr. Smeed what my oaf of a brother is tryin to say is that when I was younger I too was apprenticed to learn ‘formal’ magik.� Rory placed a reassuring hand on Smeed’s shoulder, “I too failed miserably. My mind just doesn’t work that way and I suspect that yours doesn’t either. We’re similar in that we’re good for more than swinging swords and shooting things with arrows.� He shot another look at Baldwin who hid a smile by turning away. “We’re wilders and in a way that’s better than being formal magicians. Components and funny hand gestures, magik wands and scrolls, they need those crutches as a bridge to real magik. Wilders don’t need that. If you can really read fortunes you can see real magik the way it really is. All that’s left is for you to teach yourself to touch it. True divination is no small thing. Don’t take the fact that you can so it accurately lightly.� He gave Smeed’s shoulder a pat before grabbing another two pieces of boar, passing one to the older man. “I’ll bet you’re really good at magik. You just haven’t found the wild path yet. It’s never too late to learn. I’ll tell you what. If you teach me how to tell fortunes I’ll try to teach you some things about Wilder Magik. What do you say?�
   
   Baldwin turned to Holly, “Grumple needs to come with the horses so he can bring the spear. We can’t chance that the soldiers can track it. I’ll be leading the horses down the road. I think brother Tantus needs to go with the children, Rory, and Smeed also. Will you come with me down the road?�…

10. The Last War

    #130

    Smeed took the piece of boar mechanically, his mind racing - half with confusion, half with hope. Wilder Magik? Rory was a failed apprentice like him? What manner of coincidence was this? And if such a thing was true - did this mean he had wasted half his life for nothing?
    
    Regrets aside, the prospect beckoned to the old man. It seemed that a curtain had been drawn back from the horizon, and all sorts of sparkling vistas were calling his name... Perhaps he could be something, after all... He bit into the boar without thinking, and the taste brought him back to the present. He found himself stammering agreement.
    
    "Er... yes, of course! That is, yes, I'd be glad - elated - to teach you to tell fortunes - it's nothing, really - would you honestly help an old fellow like me learn this... Wilder Magik?" Without waiting for an answer, Smeed fumbled with this pack, starting to draw out the cards he had just put away. Common sense had its share to say, though - they should get moving, he could show Rory the art of clairvoyance once they were safely away. "But I suppose we should get to safety first... Can't teach you much with the army knocking on our doorstep..." He gave a chuckle. For the first time in a good while, Smeed Wenderferns was actually happy.

11. The Last War

    #131

    Holly nodded her agreement, "yes i will come with you and the horses, it seem's an excellent idea to me" She smiled at Baldwin, she stood up straightened her cloths out and flicked back her hair letting one part drop in front of her eye, "the soldiers will more than likely follow the spear rather than the children, but when should we meet with the others, i believe that we should all meet at Halbad, that way we have an arrangement for place, and we can not lose contact with the others, i have a friend who can send messages for me when i need it, and i could always call on him if needs be, to make sure that everything is going smoothly" Holly stopped for a break making sure that they were taking in each word that she said, "Rory i do believe that you will do the job well and proper, i believe that you are stronger than you believe" Holly giggled casting a sly eye over at Rory and winking.

12. The Last War

    #132

    Grumple came back to the group, and looked at everyone talking. Sounded important, whatever it was! Grumple stood there looking as agreeable as possible, turning his head quickly back and forth and from face to face as they spoke until he was dizzy.
    
    Then Grumple noticed the newcomer staring crosseyed at His Spear. That did not make Grumple feel quite so agreeable. Then the brothers were looking at it. Then the little old man! Grumple grabbed the spear and held it standing upright, gripping it tightly. Now Grumple felt a bit more agreeable again.
    
    Nodding his lumpy head up and down, Grumple was ready to go. Why not? The boar was ruined and they had eaten it anyway.

13. The Last War

    #133

    Rory grinned and held Holly by the shoulders kissing her on both cheeks. “Keep my brother from having too much fun without me.� The children were already packing what little supplies they had, and filling the firepit with dirt. “As far as meeting in Halbad, remember Baldwin and I have family there so it’ll be easy to have a focal point. Won’t it Win?�
    
    Baldwin looked at Rory with that look that close brothers have when thinking about the same thing. He shook his head, “Yeah, I hope we won’t be too busy dealing with that situation.� The brothers clasped forearms and hugged briefly.
    
    “Hey Win I’ll see you.� He tapped the center of his forehead.
    
    “Walk good.� Winn countered.
    
    Before Rory started to the other side of the clearing with the children and Smeed he looked at his brother then at Yas who was standing halfway between the two groups. “You should probably handle that.� He said almost apologetically, with a small shrug.
    
    Yas didn’t understand what she was feeling. Her bond to Baldwin formed instantly, infatuation at first sight. Part of it was, and this part she would not admit, a teenagers crush, Baldwin was strong, and very attractive. The other part though was how the man dominated the environment around him without even trying. His presence, his skills at arms, his courage in battle and fearless leadership was something that she aspired to. She wanted to be like him far more than she was attracted to him. He was an island of security in a chaotic world gone mad. She had lost her father years ago, and her mother just days ago. She didn’t want to leave him; that much she knew. Her wide eyes shone with unshed tears. She had added the goblin short bow and quiver of arrows to the equipment she carried and stood looking at him. For her the entire world had fallen away, except for him.
    
    “Yas,� Baldwin began, somewhat unsure of where to begin. Rory was far better at this sort of thing. “While I’m gone…I…I would like you to look after my brother for me. It’s a very important job…and…and I’ll understand if you don’t want to do it, he can be a handful at times.�
    
    Yas’ eyes widened, a single tear slowly falling down her face, “You’d entrust me to do such an important thing?�
    
    “Well if you don’t think you’re capable…�Baldwin began.
    
    “No! I mean yes. I mean I’ll do it.� She couldn’t believe her ears. She wouldn’t let him down. She’d make sure Rory was protected by all means.
    
    “Now in order to do this…um you’ll have to be properly equipped. So…� He removed a long knife from his belt. It was almost the length of the short sword she carried but was made of far stronger steel, masterful workmanship and was keen enough to slice a hair lengthwise. “This is my dagger but I’m lending it to you.� He placed his hand over hers on the handle, “When we meet again and have time…I’ll teach you how to use it properly.�
    
    Yas’ smile was bright enough to read by on a dark night as she accepted the dagger with two hands. Baldwin tousled her hair. “Now go make me proud. And remember, you are still the leader of the children.�
    
    “I remember.� She sniffed back tears of joy, “I wont let you down.�
    
    Rory mouthed a ‘well done’ as melted into the woods with the children in tow. Baldwin went along with Holly to the road, hoping Grumple would come along. They had to hustle if they were going to gain distance on the soldiers…

14. The Last War

    #134

    Holly walked up to the horse she had ridden in on and hoisted herself onto the saddle, she looked behind and watched as Grumple came waddling along behind them, she bent low grabbed him and put him on the horse in front of her, "you may ride with me" the horse made a small whinny and backed off a few steps from where it was standing, Holly leant forward whispered some encouraging words into it's ear and it straightened up, looking like a true warrior horse, Holly kicked it forward and it lifted it's feet with pride, she pulled up level with Baldwin and nodded "this will work won't it? we will see the others again won't we?" she smiled and blinked a small tear rolled down her cheek, she had not long meet these people but she had become attached to them quite abit ecspecially Rory, she turned and watched as she saw the last of the other group disappearing into the tree's, she looked at Baldwin and smiled "we should move, it could be anytime that the soldiers come back, she pushed her horse forward along the path at a slow walk.

15. The Last War

    #135

    Grumple wasn't expecting that. When the skinny woman scooped him up, the spear almost snagged first the horse's jaw, then the woman's ear! It seemed to have a "mind" of its own, and its mind clearly was set upon injury. Grumple gripped it tightly with both hands until it settled down and stopped wavering around. Then Grumple continued to watch it as the horse moved off down the trail.
    
    Not that that was guaranteed, either. Only Holly's excellent horsemanship kept the beast from rearing or bucking; particularly with one of her hands holding Grumple while Grumple held the spear. There are few horses indeed that will suffer a troll gladly. This steed was no exception, sensing perhaps Grumple's appreciation for a good horse. (Yep!... Right down to the bone!)
    
    So off they went, with Grumple thinking, "Horse trots now. Grumple can run that fast. Wish woman put Grumple down."

16. The Last War

    #136

    Realen Fox practically stumbled, once again, into Palaten at dawn on horseback. He had no energy to appreciate the beautiful scenery this time; even less for the miserable state of the captive population. Morever, it did nothing to raise his level of enthusiam when Captain Kraggis' first words were, "Is the Troll dead? Did you get my spear?"
    
    "Yes, sir! No, sir!" Fox spat out. (Maybe it wasn't best to report the troll actually dead, but there was quite a bit of gore. And he had to report something positive.)
    
    Kraggis glared at him, half angry, and half impressed with the Corporal's tenacity, "Status?!" he barked.
    
    Fox replied crisply and professionally, "No enemy found for certain, alive or dead. There were only signs of a few warriors. A small number of spent arrows. No sign of wounded. Fifteen Blackhand dead, some by unknown means. At least a half-dozen horses stolen by some armed civilians, found with numerous children a short distance from the battle area. I did not see the spear, but I was discovered and had to run. One more thing... Signs of a baby troll. Sir!"
    
    Kraggis looked him in the eye for a moment. So that was it.
    
    "Brief Lieutenant Millerson, then get yourself some sleep, boy. Join up with the Penkwe when you can. I'm leading 50 calvary and 5 ballista teams out of here in 20 minutes. Dismissed!"

17. The Last War

    #137

    His mind abuzz, Smeed shouldered his pack and ushered the last of the children into the forest's eaves, before taking one last look around the campsite and heading off himself to catch up with Rory. He found himself almost skipping - something he'd not done for a very long time indeed. If he really could learn magik...
    
    Falling in step with the taller, younger man, Smeed pondered his appearance silently. From the outside, Rory was nothing special - thin, wiry and hardly imposing. Yet he had an air about him that suggested much more than the eye could discern. Including this strange, wild talent he had spoken of, apparently.
    
    Smeed broke the silence with a short cough. "So, your brother Baldwin, does he not have this... Wilder Magik? Does it run in families, as ordinary magikal talent does?" If so, he might be lucky. Several of his family members had been adept at the arcane arts... "Or does it pick minds at random?"

18. The Last War

    #138

    Baldwin spurred his horse to a gallop. “Hurry,� He yelled back at Holly. We need to gain distance on those soldiers. He charged forward down the road as the sky brightened with the coming dawn. His mind unbidden returned to Yas. She was quite a girl. She reminded him of himself at her age. Baldwin looked at Holly holding the troll. Grumple looked far from happy. He couldn’t help but crack a smile as he put his head down and urged his mount to put more distance between them and the pursuit.
    
    **********************************
    
    
    Rory looked thoughtful as he considered Smeed’s question. “I believe it runs in families but my family couldn’t be bothered with magik. It’s not valued.� He didn’t look bitter as he said this, “My parents apprenticed me to a Mage of great renown and when it didn’t work out they felt vindicated.� He popped a pumpkin seed into his mouth. “The only one who ever thought it was worth anything was Baldwin.�
    
    The group was traveling down a twisting narrow forest trail, most probably used by animals. Although the sun was nearly up the shadows were a tangible presence under the cover of the forest canopy. The children traveled in silence, the trials of the last week teaching them the value of stealthy travel. Yas kept one eye on the children and the other on Rory. She was remembering her promise not to let Baldwin down.
    
    Rory looked at Smeed. “There’s no time like the present for your first lesson. We’ll start off easy. I’m sure you’ve heard of auras. They surround everything the force that gives us life the force in plants, animals, even things like rocks and dirt to a lesser extent has its own aura. I think that if you concentrate you can see them by unfocusing your eyes a little. Divination is merely being able to read the interplay of these forces. Clairvoyance is the ability to see things beyond the ability of your two eyes. It’s just a step above looking at auras. All wilder magik is is a manipulation of these forces. Not with your hands though but with your mind. It takes concentration at first but then it becomes easier. Seeing non magikal things requires a more subtle touch. When you become good it’s possible to track someone using magik alone or erase your own trail. I don’t know anyone who’s better at tracking than Baldwin but if I use magik he can’t find me in the woods. If I use magik to track him it’s as easy as rain finding the ground.�
    
    Rory pulled out a small dark brown leather pouch and tied it to the sling on his staff. “I want you to practice seeing auras with your eyes open and closed, focused and unfocused. I want you to tell me which one of these kids has the strongest aura. That should be easy. Then, I want you to tell me what’s in the pouch.� Rory winked at the older man. “Take your time, and remember this is a lesson not a test.�…

19. The Last War

    #139

    Odat was now walking again. He had just followed the larger crowd. Even if that crowd was filled with a lot of children. He had a large birth around him as the children were staying away from him. With good reason too. He looked about to fall over all the time, and nobody wanted to be underneath him when that happened.
    
    Overhearing the conversation, and not grasping the fact that they may have wished for privacy, he decided to join in.
    
    "Nod, errythinzz done withhh mazzik you knoww." he said in a slurr of words that were barely comprehensible. "furr azample, the godddzz arrrr thoughd to yuuuzze somethinnnng elzz i thingggg(k). Nevver nodice howww divvvine spillsss cannn ollly bee trazed bag to the spelllcassssster, bud the cassster dunnt knoww a lick uff magick? Thaz cuzz id stars off azz somethinggg else bud chanzes when id reagis the spu, spa, spo, urrr the perzzon."

20. The Last War

    #140

    holly smiled she was born to ride and she leant down spoke into the horses ear, and it whined, instantly galloping forward weaving round branches and tree's in the way, she soon caught up with Baldwin, and called over the horses pounding feet, "come on race you to the end of the trail see what we find" she grinned and spurred the horse on abit faster, the horses hooves intertwined with Holly's heartbeats, the mane flowing back in the wind, he was a fine horse, and knew how to run, she earged him on a bit more this was great, she called out a huge smile across her face.

21. The Last War

    #141

    Several of the children continually gave Odat glances that the man seemed not to notice. They whispered among themselves, and some were unsettled by his presence. Tantus couldn't help but notice himself, such men were problems, too hooked on whatever juice filled their flasks to notice the world around them. They were either wretched creatures whoi filled their meager lives with wanton amounts of liquor, whores, and debauchery to hide the fact that they were morally bankrupt. Others were those who were eaten by secrets. Traitors, betrayors, mutineers and kinslayers, those were hard drinking men who forgot themselves and their crimes in a haze of drunkeness.
    
    Whoever he was, his smell rivaled the stumpy troll's. Grumple might think that a fun game, to see which of the two could stink worse. Unfortunately that would be an unfair contest, a drunk was a drunk, and a troll could eat things that would make death vomit. He had seen an adult troll eat a tree stump out of the ground, toadstools and all, he had also seen them eat grown men, and he had found their remains...after they had been eaten. Thankfully there was little left but what was left was horrific in the extreme.
    
    "Pardon me, brother." Tantus said, moving close to the staggering man. "Perhaps you would be willing to allow me a drink of your flask?"

22. The Last War

    #142

    Auras. Smeed remembered a little of his uncle's lesson concerning auras, but Rory had put it far more bluntly. Old Uncle Provis had blustered on about transvoyancy, spectrum vibrations, relative aura emission frequency significance - the words had soared right over his juvenile head. It might have helped if his absent-minded, stuffy tutor had remembered he was supposed to be teaching the subject, not just reciting it. Try as he might, Smeed had never really been able to see anything in that dusty tower room - yet everything was worth a second try, wasn't it?
    
    Smeed shut his eyes and held his breath. He didn't know why he was holding his breath, but it seemed like something one might do when doing magik. He concentrated on seeing these auras Rory had described... but, try as he might, nothing seemed forthcoming. Perhaps he wasn't cut out for Wilder Magik after all...
    
    Letting out his breath in a disappointed sigh, Smeed opened his eyes to explain his failure to Rory - and the words died on his lips. For a split second as his old, sharp eyes drifted out of focus, something had changed. Exactly what, he couldn't say, but he eagerly tried again, letting his eyes slowly lose focus...
    
    The effect hit Smeed like a glance into straight sunlight - he was momentarily shocked, and lost it again. But there had been a definite glow - like everything was suffused with its own radiance... he tried again, this time steeling himself for the shock.
    
    "Dear Lord," Smeed breathed, entranced. There they were - dancing flickers of light, encasing everything inside their glow... Each child, each tree, each blade of grass lining the rough trail... It was simply wondrous.
    
    He remembered Rory's challenge. Which child's aura was strongest... Smeed ran his newfound gaze over the group of tired youths - and rested it on two at the head of the pack - Yas, and another boy whose name he didn't know, being half-supported by another, less radiant child. The hobbling boy's aura seemed to glow nd crackle, sending off sparks that entwined with Yas's, and Smeed suddenly found he knew two things: this boy was Yas's brother, and he had just as much magik potential as Rory himself.
    
    Amazed by what he saw, Smeed managed to stammer out an answer to Rory's quizzical grin. "The... The boy up there, with the bad leg... He has the strongest aura... Nearly as strong as yours!" He could hardly believe he was actually performing Magik...
    
    "But... the pouch," he went on, "Surely I won't be able to look through lather with this sight?" As far as he could see, inanimate objects had barely any aura... How could he sense something as dim as that?

23. The Last War

    #143

    OCC: By the gods (and demons?), Scrasamax! You made me laugh until I cried!
    
    "...and a troll could eat things that would make death vomit. He had seen an adult troll eat a tree stump out of the ground, toadstools and all,..." Indeed.
    
    And you all seems to outdo yourselves again and again. Callista, our beautiful and romantic action queen. Wogden with the perfect touch of observation and introspection. POG, whom I've raved about before. Nobody, I know all too well... well, nobody writes like Nobody! (I'm waiting for Odat to cut loose.) Thank you so much, everybody!
    
    
    IC: The first rays of sunrise glinted over the assembled Penkwe. Nearly 100 men, including 50 calvary, 25 archers on the wagons with the ballistas, and assorted support and logistics teams stood in formation on the courtyard just inside the main gates. Astride an enormous black charger with full chain mail, Captain Kraggis moved up and down dramatically before the troops, inspecting. They were ready.
    
    But a slender figure clothed in a hooded gray cloak shuffled over to Captain Kraggis as his horse pranced sideways. Kraggis immediately took notice. The mysterious character said to Kraggis in almost a whisper: "Belzar is here, and orders you to come."
    
    The captain paled, then recovered. "Lieutenant Millerson! Take the Penkwe to the forest! I shall bring up the rear!!"
    
    The calvary thundered out the gates led by the Lieutenant. Five Dekms. Excellent horsemen, all. Dust boiled up and mixed with the fog, shining red in the morning sun.
    
    Kraggis watched them pour out through the gate, then respectfully dismounted and followed the hooded Kras-minion to the Keep, where Lord Belzar awaited. In the cool of the morning, the Captain was starting to sweat.

24. The Last War

    #144

    "Errr, surrr, hhhavve somee. Yer look like yerrr could uzzzze id"
    
    He handed off his half emptied flask to the large Bugbear after taking one final swig of the potent drink." Yer mighhd wanta mix a liddle wader'n thaad flasg. Izz preddy strong righd now."

25. The Last War

    #145

    Baldwin spurred his mount onward caught up in the race. He was impressed, Holly could ride. He lost himself in the joy of riding as the wind blew through his hair. He bent low over his horse’s neck speaking to him, urging the stallion to gallop forward with all it had. Large clods of mud flew as the horses raced down the road. The other horses in the pack stretching their long legs to keep up, tied as they were to the lead horses the entire group sped around a bend in the road at breakneck speed as the sun rose, dispelling the clinging nighttime mist.
    
    **********************************
    
    Rory glanced at Odat, what the man said intrigued him. He’d have to have a talk with him about divine spells if he ever sobered up. Or, thought Rory mischiveiously he could get drunk enough to get on Odat’s level. Even if he couldn’t it’d be fun to try, especially if Holly was around.
    
    He smiled at Smeed’s success. The man had the Wilder in him for sure. “Excellent!� he said. He glanced up at the pouch, then back at Smeed with a quizzical expression. “Take your time.�….

26. The Last War

    #146

    Holly laughed as the sun shone on the top of her head making her hair shine even brighter then it did usually, they were neck-in-neck as the road began to wind to the right then to the left, making all of the others behind have to weave and dodge there way through, Holly's horse and baldwins seemed to the strongest of the lot, as they powered there way through, there was an opening just ahead and Holly began to urge the horse on faster and faster, the opening was coming up wider and wider until it filled the whole of the path with sunlight, there it was a huge green field stretching out in front of them, reaching for miles and miles around, the grass waved in each direction as the cool breeze blew around them, Holly stopped as suddenly as she had started, the horses hooves skidding a tiny bit on the small bit's of stone on the trail, it was beautiful the sun shone on the grass picking out tiny bits of dew on the blades, Holly pushed the horse forward, it walked into the grass, Holly took a deep breathe smelling the fresh air around them and the smell of early morning dew on the floor, twinkling in the sunlight, Holly dismounted and walked forward holding onto the horses reins.

27. The Last War

    #147

    "It is said that Sister Catherine of Alberta was among the most adamant of the faith in the rejection of any and all spirits. She tried to have even the sacred wine replaced with unfermented grape juice." Tantus said, quoting from his teachings. "She said that strong drink poisoned the mind, and the body and lead to the inescapable taint of the soul." Tantus mimed taking a drink from the flask, raising it to his lips but not letting drop into his mouth. He could smell the soul alcoholic vapor that came from it, and knew it to be potent. Even with his larger size and metabolism, a drink of this potency could render him giddy and drunk.
    
    He handed the flask back to Odat, wiping at his mouth in a satisfied manner. Young Rory and the not so young Smeed would have seen a flare of light, a perceptible brightening of Tantus' aura as he wove the orison, or small prayer, into Odat's flask. Invoking Catherine of Alberta was all that was required, and the contents of the vessel recieving her blessing would be altered. Rather than finding strong drink, the drinker would find each drink worse than the last, going from slighly poor in taste to being more foul than the excretment of the Stump-eating troll.
    
    "That is a potent potable, sir." Tantus said. "I would take care to not drink too much of it."

28. The Last War

    #148

    Grumple tumbled off the horse when Holly brought it to the sudden stop. At least the troll had the presence of mind to hurl the spear away as he fell. Even so, it swerved back and nearly stuck Grumple in the foot -- but speared an innocent box turtle instead.
    
    That was fine with Grumple, who casually pulled out the spear, scooped up the turtle, and popped it into his mouth. The perfect snack. Extra Crunchy! Grumple rubbed his belly... Still a bit unsettled, down there. Eyeing a small tree stump nearby studded with mushrooms the hapless turtle had been eating, Grumple rubbed his head and wondered if maybe a bit of roughage would help? "Hmmmmm."
    
    ---------------------
    
    The inner keep was dark. There were no windows in this most defensible part of the castle, and only one torch was lit. The Captain had to bend his formidable figure considerably to stoop under the low stone door lintel, then pass between the "murderholes" on either side. His own forces manned those positions, however, and they drew back fearfully when they saw Kraggis. However, Kraggis gave them not even a glance. He was nervously trying to pierce the darkness within, looking in every corner of the keep's central room. Instant death could be in any dark corner, or above him, or beneath. Kraggis' mind was a whirl. "Belzar, here? How did he enter the city without passing through any gate?"
    
    Ahead, on the dais in the gloom, a dark figure sat on the throne. It said softly, "Hold." Kraggis dropped to one knee. "Your servant, M'lord!" He continued to look around cautiously.
    
    Lord Belzar spoke in a rasp, "You send your men to chase after shadows. You had not orders to leave Palaten. You were next to prepare to strike Halbad."
    
    The Captain tried not to allow his voice to waver, "M'lord, there are roving armed forces that threaten us! I..."
    
    Belzar cut him off. "Silence. We will use your disobedience. The Strand is aware. You are ignorant, but you will learn. Know this: there are untamed magic wielders among the enemies you face. They are hard for us to focus upon from here for they follow no true discipline, but their presence is known. They must be brought before me, to be... discipled."
    
    "I send Voramis with you." (The slender cloaked figure standing in the shadow by the door nodded slightly). "He will reach out to The Strand and reveal the untamed ones you face, and their weakness. Go now."
    
    With the crackle of heavy leather and the clanking of armour, Captain Kraggis strode from the room as quickly as he could. Kras-minion Voramis followed, but in utter silence.

29. The Last War

    #149

    "Take your time..." So no explanation was forthcoming. Smeed bit back a retort: much as he knew Rory was trying to help him, the man could be vexing sometimes. But he would have to do it on his own - he knew that. No sense getting frustrated about it.
    
    He focused on the leather pouch, swinging gently from the end of the sling-staff, and willed himself to see its aura. Unfocusing his eyes worked to a point - the glow was there, but far too faint to work properly. Harder concentration was needed. Smeed bit his lip and shut his eyes tight again, like he had the first time.
    
    He held his breath: nothing happened. No surprise, thought Smeed, and one eye opened tentatively. Something was different again... This time, the children's auras were faint - and those of the rocks, dirt - even Rory's staff - were clear as day. Smeed grinned in pleasure: three glowing cube-shaped auras penetrated faintly through the leather bag.
    
    "There are three small cubes in that pouch," he said, grinning from ear to ear. "And judging by your hobbies, my friend, I would hazard a guess that they are dice."

30. The Last War

    #150

    "Dice" Odat said the word quite clearly without the usual slurring, almost as if he had practiced saying it before. "Sommmburdy heeere playyys dice?"he said taking a drink from the flask, not even noticing the taste more foul
    
    If he had been sober, the spell cast upon the flask, mixed with its potency, would have made it vile indeed, but Odat was too drunk to be aware of the fact. At this point the drink would have tasted only as bad as the mold on bread.
    
    "Carrrre furrr a rrounnd er Dice? Yurrr sett [of dice] urr mine?" came his slurred speech, followed by another swig of the potent liquid.
    
    This time the taste was like a combination of spoiled milk, and meat two weeks gone. Odat reacted in curiosity, scrunching up his face and looking inside the flask as if to inspect the alchohol inside. It was only random passes of his unsteady hand that ever allowed him a look inside the flask, and it was a wonder that not a single drop was spilled as the flask changed directions again and again.
    
    It would have been quite amusing to watch as Odat tried to line up the hole in his flask with his eye, while stumbling around worse than ever, in an extreme (even for him) case of unbalance. It was so amusing in fact that several of the children laughed at Odat's improptu performance.
    
    Odat was a little more cautious this time as he tested the flask's contents. He took a small sip, swished it around in his mouth a bit, and then right then, as if just registering the taste on his tongue, the contents of his mouth sprayed out over the forest floor.
    
    Odat immediately went into a frenzy, clawing at his tongue as the full effect of the taste was realized. Dropping the flask on the ground, he pulled up his soil covered trench coat and shoved it into his mouth.
    
    At this point there was only but a few children not laughing histerically at the show.
    
    Still, it wasn't enough to wash the taste from his mouth. He dropped the trench coat from his mouth, and quickly fumbled in his pocket for something. It was a flint striker. A device that would create sparks without the standard skill required of flint and steel. In a moment he breathed in deeply, and bringing the striker to an inch from his mouth, produced a jet of flame, a yard in length and three seconds in duration, from his mouth.
    
    "wow"s and "whoa"s were heard from the children as they watched the brilliant display, and immediately children were surrounding him asking him how he had done that, and could he show them how to do it.
    
    If he had been sober, it might have been a very gratifying moment, but all Odat was really concerned with at that moment was examining the burnt taste in his mouth. After about a second, he seemed satisfied, and finally realized, with a start, that there were children all around him.
    
    Three seconds passed without so much as stepping on a child, and he took a swig of his phantom flask. And, for the second time since leaving Palaten, he realized that he held no flask in his hand at all. Again he inspected his hand to make sure that it was not, in fact, playing a trick on him, and again, he reached inside his trench coat, and pulled out yet another flask.
    
    Unscrewing his cap he lifted the flask to his mouth, and hesitating for just one moment as if almost remembering some distant, unpleasant memory, he took a drink...

31. The Last War

    #151

    The Penkwe maintained a steady pace, with two Dekms of light cavalry moving ahead to scout and engage only if necessary. Not a gallop, which would tire the horses, but fast, open and free. These animals were born to run, and covered the miles joyfully, as horses were meant to do. Only the best for the Blackhand Riders. Of course, if they found better, they took it.
    
    Two Dekms of heavily armoured knights on the larger draft horses remained back with the archers on the light wagons with the ballista teams. The projectiles would engage the enemy at range, with the heavy cavalry as protection, or the knights could overrun any unfortified positions after the missiles pinned down the enemy.
    
    The ballistas were about the size of a bed, made of oak, with steel reinforcing members. They were essentially large crossbows that launched spears. The spears varied according to the target and range. Some could break stone fortifications. Some could set fire to flammable materials. Any of them could kill a man -- or men, if they were in a file -- at ranges up to 300 yards, whether they were armoured or not.
    
    A force of this size required logistical support. An army does not travel on its horses! Several fast-moving wagons in the rear carried the secret weapon of the mobile army... food. Lots of it. Loaded with barrels of beef jerky, heavy bread, potatoes, plus the essential staples of any fighting force: Alcohol and tobacco. Skillful cooks could create a feast in minutes for fighting forces.
    
    Of course, if the Blackhand came across better, they took that, too. It's What They Do, and they did it very well, indeed. No one who "contributed" to their store of supplies, money, jewelry, women, etc., ever complained.
    
    At least, not more than once.
    
    They were passing Sergeant Griswold's impromptu fortifications. Lieutenant Millerson noted the forest rising just ahead. If the enemy had not moved from the clearing further in, there would be a battle within minutes. He planned to engage in skirmish fashion, to allow the heavy forces to catch up. No reason to rush in headlong and repeat Lieutenant Hanley's mistake.

32. The Last War

    #152

    “Dice� Rory nodded. “Well done.� He turned to Odat, “I’ll take your money another time. When you’re more sober or I’m drunk.� He was beginning to doubt Odat would ever be sober. “Smeed that ends your first lesson, my teacher referred to it as Mage sight when he was trying to impress people, we never called it that we just referred to it as opening your eyes.
    
    Rory turned his attention to the trail they had just traveled down; the bent grass and disturbed twigs, overturned stones. He took a deep breath and turned his vision inward kept his breath in his stomach and hummed an invitation. This took far more concentration than just seeing. He extended his concentration, his will dividing his intent like a thousand fingers on a hundred arms. The magik fingers straightened each grass blade mended twigs, turned stones dirt side down, replacing them, expanded moss that had been compressed by footprints. After five minutes the trail looked as if no living thing had passed along it for years. Rory wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his hand. He turned to Smeed. “I don’t know if you saw what I did but if you open your eyes the aura will look as if I’ve tampered with it. Conventional trackers even if they are as good as Baldwin, will find nothing. There are those among us that can track the magic. That’s what the false trails are for.� Rory faced northward, a direction they wouldn’t be going and concentrated; letting out a puff of air. The sound of footsteps was nearly audible and twigs snapped, blades of grass bent, all leading in a direction the group was not traveling in. The false trail ran for about four hundred yards or so. Rory started to walk towards the rest of the group. They traveled for about five minutes and Rory said. “That makes me tired. It’s subtle manipulation which is more difficult than moving bigger things.� The pouch on his staff lifted up and started to float lazily around him in a circle as he walked. “I’ll let you in on a secret.� He winked at the older man, “Don’t play dice with me.�
    
    **********************************
    
    Baldwin rubbed his horse affectionately as he looked at Holly; he could see what his brother saw in her. Well I guess Rory has time for that. “It’s time for us and these horses to part ways. We need them to run down the road while we take to the woods. There’s a river just east of us. We can cross it to make us harder to track. “Holly can you think of a way to make these horses run down the road? I have an idea but it involves fire and a branch.�…

33. The Last War

    #153

    Lieutenant Millerson arrived at the clearing with the light cavalry. No one there. Only dead bodies, which were starting to show a real need for burial.
    
    He posted one man there to chase off the buzzards, with orders to tell the supplies squad to bury properly the dead men from the first two Dekms.
    
    Then he ordered his scouts forward to find the trail. That was not hard. The six horses (and the little troll footprints) had led through the forest, then to an encampment that was deserted. However, the 6 horses had then re-entered the trail and continued down. Millerson ordered the two Dekms of light cavalry after them.
    
    Within two hours, the heavy cavalry and the support wagons arrived at the clearing. Captain Kraggis and the mysterious hooded figure also caught up at this time. The Kras-minion Voramis dismounted lightly from his mount -- unarmoured, a racing breed.
    
    Voramis put his arms outstretched and stood still for a full minute. Then he whispered to anyone who listened, and yet to no one,
    
    "The Lieutenant chases a diversion. One with the spear that hungers. They should follow a different trail. To the untamed magic. Thousands of eyes have seen them. We shall go that way."
    
    Kraggis was one of those who listened. However, he only heard "spear that hungers" and he suddenly knew where he wanted to go. He yearned to have it back in his hand again, and to kill any and all who had ever touched it.
    
    Several men stayed behind to bury the dead, and the full array of heavy cavalry and archers thundered off seeking Rory and the children. With Voramis receiving guidance from The Strand, it was only a matter of time before they were found.
    
    **************

34. The Last War

    #154

    OCC: "Rules": I have been told that I am supposed to tell everyone what is OK to do with characters I created. So here I go...
    
    If and when you choose to engage these cavalry, they are available for your disposal. Please remember the units:
    Light cavalry = 20 men, very lightly armoured, fast horses. They are following Baldwin, Holly and Grumple.
    Heavy cavalry = 20 men, heavily armoured, slower and heavier horses. These should be hard to kill by conventional weapons. Following Rory, Smeed, Tantus, Odat, and the children.
    Archers and Ballista teams: Accompanying the heavy cavalry, but on carts pulled by unarmoured horses. These carts cannot travel quickly over rough ground, but the archers could move well on foot in such a case.
    Support: Basically a few cooks with a horse and wagon of food and drink. They set up camp, build fires, and stay well in the rear. They can fight on foot if they have to.
    Captain Kraggis: Don't kill him outright, please. He's useful to the story, IMHO. But feel free to engage him one-on-one, since he is a very fine conventional fighter and would make a good sort of "boss battle" if you use your imagination.
    Voramis: Don't attack him just yet. He would remain in the rear anyway, and would not fight you. Arrows will not hurt him; not even Holly's. If you are dying to fight him, PM me and I'll give you details.
    
    Everyone in the Penkwe has orders to wound and capture the "magik users" (not that a soldier in battle could easily tell). If that doesn't go well, they will do what any soldier will tend to do: kill everyone, or retreat if necessary and regroup. They are quite disciplined, and have some idea of what to expect from the previous battle reports, but probably are fearful.
    
    Please forgive me for controlling (what I think is) too much of this story. I did not have that intention in the beginning. It just sort of grew out of Grumple's introduction. If anybody wants this story to go another way, please let me know! I didn't create this thread, but I did try to play off Holly's beginning. Thanks for listening, and happy hunting.

35. The Last War

    #155

    Dream: Check your PM's

36. The Last War

    #156

    Smeed cracked a grin at the other man's jest. Kind-hearted and noble as he seemed, Smeed somehow doubted that Rory was above cheating at dice every so often - especially with a gift like that. Still, he'd underestimated others before.
    
    After another few minutes' uneventful travel, Smeed remembered his side of the bargain. "I suppose I ought to give you some tips about the cards," he said sheepishly, "But, well, it's kind of an involved process. For me, at any rate." Which was true. Often it took upwards of half an hour to disentangle the threads of meaning from the jumble of cards.
    
    "The actual layout is simple, but to teach you the meanings of each card - and how to tell which one is being referenced - we would need some time to spend. Perhaps when we reach Halbad..." He stumbled an nearly fell over a tree root he hadn't seen and muttered an oath. "Although, I suppose I could impart the very basics as we walk."
    
    Smeed cleared his throat, and wondered where to begin. Perhaps it was best to start simple, with the cards themselves. "No doubt you've seen fortune-tellers at work?" he queried. "How they - we - use a deck of 100 cards? Fifteen Bound Arcana per suit and 10 Master Arcana? Well, there are six suits that each correspond to an element - Sabres for air, Towers for earth, Masks for water, Torches for fire, Stars for light, and Vaults for darkness."
    
    "These suits each stand for a variety of emotions, symbols, events, and such," Smeed went on, "and every suit is comprised of 10 numbered cards, and the Fellows - Serf, Merchant, Knight, Queen, and King. Then you have the Master Arcana, which are ten cards that don't belong to a suit. These stand for very specific and powerful messages - like life and death, or love and hate. A fortune-teller's job is to lay the cards out and figure out what they are trying to say." He cast a glance at the limping boy ahead. "Similar to seeing auras, I suppose - except one is trying to find a meaning, not just a presence."

37. The Last War

    #157

    Grumple looked at Baldwin as the man spoke about chasing off the horses. Grumple thought about this for a moment. Then he Got It.
    
    Grumple hunkered down for a moment and took a huge breath. Then with a foul spray of saliva, Grumple let fly with a tree-shaking bellow!!! The ear-splitting roar shook the earth and echoed off the trees and hills. Everything that lived either flew, swam, crawled, or ran away for their lives. Especially the horses! They ran, and ran, and RAN, as if the Devil Himself were behind them.
    
    Not a bad assumption, all things considered.
    
    Holly and Baldwin had to struggle to get their mounts under control before they got their heads knocked off by low tree limbs, but their horsemanship was superb, as usual.
    
    Grumple looked around with a satisfied grin on his toothy mouth. He picked up a furry little bunny rabbit nearby that had died of fright, nodded his misshapen head and thought, "Yep. Grumple still Got It".
    
    
    Grumple's work here was done. Time to disappear, with Holly and Baldwin. Grumple knew how to do that, too.

38. The Last War

    #158

    the only horse which didn't run away was holly's as it flinched with fright but didn't run, Holly turned to the horse and it just stood there watching her, as if she would keep it safe no matter what, she walked up to the horse right to it's ear "do not worry, we shall meet again somewhere down the line, run after the others and take them to safety, make sure they get enough food and water, and we will meet you at Halbad, go careful my dear, and run smooth." she whispered in it's ear, the horse whined and nudged Holly's face, Holly smiled and patted him on the back, then he was off, he ran half way down the field when he stopped turned and reared onto his hind legs, before taking off at a fast canter, Holly turned to Baldwin "right lets get going" she smiled and started to walk to the east, smiling as she walked.

39. The Last War

    #159

    OOC: Dream, I think that you are doing a very fine job with the story line. I am sure that Callista would have told you if you were overstepping your bounds here, and I am personally very satisfied with the overall progression of behind the scenes plot that you have taken upon yourself to create. Don't be so hard on yourself.
    
    As for posting, I think that I shall wait upon somebody else to set up the battle scene, as my character would likely only attract the outside fringes of attention from anybody who would wish to attack. By my way of thinking, the battle scene should be set up by those who would recieve the brunt of the action. It works out better that way anyway.

40. The Last War

    #160

    Bereft of their mounts the trio made their way down a heavily wooded slope to the banks of a river. The river was about fifty feet across and the current was swift. The water didn’t appear to be too deep though. Baldwin led the group south along the river bank looking for a way to cross. Halbad was less than a day away by horse but going cross country like this, it could take them two days or even longer.
    
    The forest was different here. The trees were older and larger. The forest floor was flat and even, covered by a bed of fallen pine needles. Baldwin was about to suggest swimming across the river when he heard a voice yelling for help. He gave Holly a look before running towards the voice that was not too far off. The trio ran through the woods for about a hundred yards or so, and came upon a figure trapped under a fallen tree.
    
    She was small, pain twisting her beautiful features as she struggled to lift the large log that had trapped her leg, nearly crushing it. Although she was diminuitive in stature her dimensions were that of a woman. Almond eyes looked into Baldwin’s imploringly with a hint of vulnerability, hints of promises. They were wide with fright like those of a frightened doe; lavender orbs that looked into his soul. He felt exposed and compelled to help and shelter her. He went to help, but wait…
    
    He had to take precautions lest everything was not as it seemed. He lifted final judgment free from its scabbard, just a handspan so he could view the blade. There was no glow. He bent to lift the log…
    
    …and pulled it away. Her leg looked fine, as did the rest of her. The flimsy, nearly transparent slip she wore as clothing left little to the imagination and did nothing more than emphasize the assets at her disposal. As Baldwin lifted her from under the log she could feel the curves of her body melting into his arms as he lifted her and carried her to a nearby clearing. Her eyes were the sun glistening on morning dew as she looked at him her words the musical babble of a stream, her breath was like wildflowers.
    “Thank you.� She said, “I am called Nya.�
    
    Baldwin’s words were caught up in his throat as he looked at her realizing how close she was. Her beauty was extraordinary, it made his blood boil and he ached to do more than just hold her.
    
    In the back of his mind something nagged at him. Something, a small piece of him, something he had learned in the past, told him that something was wrong. Nya kissed him on the side of his neck and nestled deeper into his arms and he suddenly forgot what he had been thinking about.
    
    Baldwin looked over his shoulder as he walked towards a large tree, the largest in the area. “This looks like a good place to rest. We should stay here until Nya feels better.�
    
    Meanwhile twenty men on fast horses thundered down the road gaining distance on the trio. They were led by Kraggis himself. Voramis can handle the wild magik I will have my spear back. The dolts I command don’t seem to be able retrieve it. I will do it myself. The morning sun turned the dust red as the horses closed the distance. They were about 30 minutes away from where the trio had sent the horses down the road…

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