C1 RacksomAnd then, there was War(5th Board)

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[center] Xavien was quiet most of the time they walked. Until she spoke at least. "You kiddin me?" He asked ehr. "Im doin this to get you better. And... I have my own reason for it too. I might as well do this, after all. It all will be for the best." He told her. He was very set on this decision. He would make sure she got healed properly too. And well, He would join their cause. Or seem to join their cause anyway. He had pulled stunts like this before. They enver were too hard. He could lie in front of dragons and get away with it, he doubted theyd spot it. He was....well damn good at such things. Although he knew this would be quite a challenge, for well, they were all pretty resltless and violent. So it would be... highly interesting to say the least.

Though he did notice Siofra become.. uncomfortable suddenly. She seemed to not too much like this Zartear.... Well Zartear probably didnt like ehr much either. But Xavien had news for him, he ahd best not slip his tongue... he wouldnt hesitate to splice him in two if he said the wrong thing right now. Xavien was tense, and a bit angry too. Indeed this was the last thing he had wanted to happen but of course, Murphys' law came into play at the most horrid of times. Xavien was pretty cetain he wouldnt be liked. However he had an air of strength about him, and well a stubbornness unmatched in some cases. Why would you have someone killed that would get at their target even if they had to run right through javelins to get to them? It would make no sense. And yeah, if Zartear did do things the wrong way with this Xavien would definently screw his world all up. Siofra was to be healed. No exceptions.

Xavien finally got to them. Seeing a little crowd around Zartear as well, though he really did not care about them. "Hey, you!" Xaviens' voice was sharp and strong, easily audible. He wanted to be heard and paid attention to, and carefully. There was no time for idiotic stunts or ramblings. "Wheres your infirmiry or whatever? This woman obviously needs attention." Xavien said to him. He didnt appar enemy-like, no. Though itd be fairly obvious he ahd no side in this really. But no matter which way thnigs went he was getting who he loved help, or some people were gonna drop dead.

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It was right after Atleon said he needed compatible people to bring the fight back to the Surahnians. Exactly right after that, almost like it was on que. The air around them rippled a bit.... it became unsteady rather, and in a few seconds, the space ripped open to Atleons' right side, a bit away from him.... The portal rather shimmered a bit. Then a being came streaking from it. He skidded on the ground to a halt, the armor upon him shining and well, steaming from the heat of the portal they took there. After this another came frmo the portal. This one not as big and tough loking. He wore a more... spiritual armor, of chainmail in fact. The black draconic being landed on his feet without skidding though. The bigger, taller one stoood tall, rolling his shoulders a bit. "Showoff...." He muttered simply. Kayoss had a strong, commanding tone of voice. His armor was pristine, but the visible scaly hide of his was a bit scarred. Kayoss had seen more the enough war in his time. The othr, the Black draconic being rather, was Gorz. Though Gorz chuckled emrely. "Im not showin off mon, you just dont do it right most of da time." He said softly. He sniffed the air though... they both rather would probably resemble Kevv to these beings. The Draconic-lady....

Kayoss whipped his ehad around, his strange, but strong eyes resting on them all. He growled a bit, looking them over to. "This place smells of death..." He growled. gorz nodded some, sniffing too. "It stink of war mon.... and inexperience..." He said. Kayoss snorted, looking over some of the fighters. "Whered they get these people from farms and carpenter shops?! Geez!" Kayoss growleda bit, looking toward them all. "Who is ni charge here?" He asked, htough his voice was a bit softer, steadier now. He figured thes epeople ahd liekly been attacke dunexpectedly. Or perhapsthey just really had no actual army. Which was.... pitiful at best. For if this WAS Their army how the hel would they push at all? He could tell the first round had most definently went to the oposing side. He could aslo tell these were the ones with better hearts to them. These people stood for a righteous defense simply, he felt no malicious intent or anything of the sort. Gorz, and Myself, Kayoss... Come on Behalf of the Empress Kevv. I was told... help was needed. I need to know who leads here." He said gently. Him going to folow his Mothers' wishes of course. If help was needed, then they were going to get it....

"As you wish it so it will be done my lord." Cato looks at the boy. "When he was fighting he smelt of battleblood, so did the markings look to marking on him." He thought of what kind of magic could possible create such a being. His perdicament was noting but him ingesting to much dragon's bloos while killing the beasts. True he only went after the ones who caused trouble leaving the wild ones alone unless he needed to. He looks at Felren and quirks a smile. "Watch it boy, mine doesn't take kindly to little whelps like you." Gold began to leech into Cato's eyes as a low deep rumble slips past his lips. He sat on the horse blood still leeking from him as he waited to see if the boy would challenge him again. "You are in no condition to test me. I've illed bigger things then both of you." He waves his hand in the air. "BUt we will leave that for another time. Takeing a deep breath he smelt somwthing odd and looks at Felren.

With a growl he turns the borrowed horse and spurs it to the western gates to collect the healers. He spots Siofra and a new comer with her and give her a nod as he passes her. He looks over his shoulder at where she was headed and shakes his head glad that he wouldn't have to get in the middle of that mess.

Faust kept picking at the slates as he kept going letting them fall to the street below. His foot finallt made a hole big enough for him to peek in to. Scooting around he sticks his head into the hole to see what was within.

Siofra could do nothing but hope that Xavien really had his own reason for doing this, a good one too. Otherwise she would be the one having a hard time if he got killed or even only hurt because of her. Though she did wonder whether it was possible for these mere humans to actually seriously get at him, he was much more powerful and strong than she had thought. Not only had she gathered that from the few memories he had shown her today and before at his house, but also when they had been fighting off the demons. He barely had taken a scratch and there had been quite a mass of them, even though most of them had been in human bodies, which probably had not been the right choice for them as fighting gear. Maybe he was right, maybe this was going to be for the best, maybe it was all going to be fine.

As she grew edgier and more uncomfortable with every step Xavien took to get closer to Zartear and the group of people around him, she could feel that he himself was growing tenser by the second. Obviously she was not the only one who was not looking forward to this. Only a few steps away, Cato suddenly passed them and she barely managed to return his greeting nod. Though for a moment she did wish they could swap roles and she could ride away in his stead, obviously taking Xavien with her, not wanting to trade her place in his arms for anything really. It was her only comfort at the moment, yet even that was not going to be comfortable for much longer when Xavien called out to Zartear.

It made her cringe slightly, which in turn sent her head spinning even more again. She should give up on trying to retain a little dignity, but she was not willing to, not yet at least, not wanting to give Zartear even more reason to scold her as he was certainly not going to be happy to see her like this. Or maybe he was, she couldn’t be certain. However, she would soon find out anyway when he would reply to Xavien’s opening lines. The adrenalin began pumping a little again in her body and she was fairly certain she could stay conscious through this, maybe even fight for a little bit if worse came to worse. But that was probably only wishful thinking again.

Atleon was just about to add something else when there were sudden strange events occurring right next to him. He was not one to be easily astounded but when out of nowhere a .. portal formed out of thin air and two dragonic creatures stepped out of it, joking amongst themselves, he was dumbstruck. He stared at them with wonder and confusion replacing the look of determination on his face and he simply did not know what to say. He had never seen anything in the likes in his life before and did not quite know what to think of the two. They looked somewhat like warriors with their rather spotless armour but he could be mistaken. He narrowed his eyes at their next words however, not particularly liking that the second thing they said in this place – for they obviously were not from around here – was to slack off his people. Yes, some of them were inexperienced but that was no reason to rub it in. Racksom was doing the best they could with what they had, which at the moment, sadly did not seem to be all too much.

At first, Atleon did not reply, still watching the two over, considering them. It was only when the larger one, Kayoss, spoke for the second time, that he smoothed out the expression of confusion on his face and addressed them with just as polite and gentle a voice as Kayoss had, though he was still slightly confused who they were referring to: “My name is Atleon, and I am in charge here, alongside Talos,” at this, he slightly gestured towards the avian, not wanting to exclude him for all he had done so far, but he did not take his eyes off of the newcomers. “However, I do not know this Kevv you are speaking of,” at this he cast a quick questioning glance at Talos to see whether he knew who she was before looking back to the dragonic men who had been introduced as Kayoss and Gorz. “But of course we appreciate the fact that she apparently sent for help on our behalf. As you can see, our ranks are not really fit for fending off a surprise attack by an invading army.” He was in no way trying to excuse anything that had happened, merely explaining in a few brief words what had happened, but he would not take insults towards his people, they were doing what was in their power and though it may not be much, they had stood against Zartear and his men. “Our time is short however. In what manner would you care to help us?” The people below were starting to grow more and more restless as the noises of Zartear’s army steadily moved closer. He did not want to be impolite but they definitely were starting to be pressed for time.

Armeno too nodded his respect as the dragon descended, carrying an odd green creature and a man who was evidently the prince.
'I'll be fine for another few hours, I'm pretty much unharmed,' he said. He then watched curiously as the prince exchanged words with some bizarre draconic creatures.
'Prince Atleon,' he said. 'Is there anything you'd like me to do?' He didn't particularly like taking orders, but this man seemed to have much more similar goals to him than Talos- it was absolutely true that if they fled there was no hope for the people of Racksom, which didn't seem at all fair. Behind him, Sandy sat- she seemed fine, but Armeno wasn't sure.
'Sandy, are you going to try and return to Silverwing or take a horse or something else entirely?' he asked her.

Kumiko sighed as she sat on the rooftop, the four remaining clones still as statues and barely taking any power. A movement caught her eye, and she looked up to see a strange portal rippling the air near the North Gate. It wasn't far from where she had set herself down, and now she morphed smoothly into her fox form. The clones did likewise, and Kumiko made sure they had all changed correctly, which they had.. Her fur turned to a bright copper colour as her interest peaked. The being which had emerged from the portal were strange- draconic, and fitted out for war. She wasn't necessarily going to go in on the offensive, but she wasn't going to sit around having a tactical discussion and joining up with them. That would just be boring. She bunched her muscles, and then straightened her legs out quickly, springing off the roof and falling through the thirty feet to the ground. She landed on her legs, bending them as far as they would go to absord the impact and rolling over a few times to disperse the rest of the impact. She then stood up, stretched briefly, and set of through the streets. Nine tails, all solid for now, fanned out in the air behind her, forming a beacon for the clones to follow. She was a copper blur as she raced along, though if you let your eyes follow her then you would be able to see her relatively clearly. She reached the North Gate in a few minutes, the clones sliding to a halt behind her.

Her eyes travelled the scene, taking all there in. The motley assortment of an army, then nearest her, the two draconic creatures, the two leaders of DDC and the elf and woman on the black horse.
'Hello,' she said, the clones sitting quietly in a line as all four of them and Kumiko morphed back to human. 'I thought I'd come and see you interesting people.' She flashed a bright and dangerous grin, looking especially at the draconic people. SHe would definitely like to know more about them. And she had no objections to helping one side in particular, but she wanted some good fighting to take part in. It seemed the best way to get that was to give her assistance to the weaker side, so they would eb better matched. Everyone knew fairly matched armies presented the best fights. And she got the feeling that these new beings who had come through the portal were fairly powerful, and evidently they were joining up with the defenders. She waited for a reaction to her arrival.

Mask frowned slightly under the cloth bottom of his mask. He was still not sure if he wanted to leave or not. He felt like he should help out a little, but still… He wasn’t sure how just yet. This battle seemed like there was no way to win, and that this city would fall, and while Mask wasn’t entirely sure why he cared so much, he couldn’t stand the thought of these innocent people losing their homes to this mad man who claimed himself as a ruler. It just didn’t seem fair at all. He sighed as his mind worked over if he should stay or go. In the mean time however, he would fight. Fight and be as much help as he possibly could. There had to be something or another he could do while he was here. He hoped.

This female in front of him though caught his eye and pulled him out of thought again though. She was odd, and it soon became apparent she wasn’t human. Her wings glittered, her hair glittered, and the feather’s on her arrow’s as well. All in all, Mask had to admit she was very beautiful. He wondered what she was doing here in the first place. Had she come to fight as well? Then why come from the air, instead of fighting on the ground? “What interests you about this city?” he had to ask. She certainly didn’t seem the type to be here for the fighting; of course he could very well be wrong.

Tegan was about to say that she was ready to go for another fight, the injuries from her fight with Akira and Mizu already healing, especially with the help of her own magic’s they healed rather quickly. That and she could hardly feel anything, her strength, pain, everything, was shared with Lyrian. Their bond was something the two of them held close. It came in handy when things got bad, or if one of them was hurt. Which was normally Tegan, but there was the rare occasion that Lyrian got hurt. It was just normally not as often, the two of them being travelers; they weren’t entirely used to actually fighting. But they still had practice with it. Tegan never let herself get rusty with her twin blades.

Yet, she didn’t get the chance to say anything. How could she. As soon as Atleon was done speaking the space to his right opened. The air changed, and Lyrian flapped her wings and held herself still in the air as both Tegan and her tensed when two draconic beings emerged from the space rift. Tegan blinked in amazement. What were these things? She had never seen anything like them before. But as they spoke, they made no move to hurt anyone. Then as Tegan listened, she couldn’t believe it. Could these beings really be on their side? She grinned brightly. ‘Lyrian,’ Tegan spoke into her dragon’s head. ‘We do have a chance, we really do. You ready to go again? Ready to turn this battle around?’ Lyrian hummed back into Tegan’s head. ‘Young one, I’m more than ready.’

Lena was never known for her patient acts and now, her already thin layer had been long gone. She had thought to wait at the gate for her soon-to-be-dead husband but something was stalling them on the roof tops not too far away. Soon she saw a shimmer as the air around them had changed and two more beings has arrived looking ready for battle. She was given no evidence that they were against the DDC, but she wasn’t willing to let any evidence come to her. Unfolding her wings she looked back once to the small army behind the gates and then took to the skies.

As she got closer to the group, she noticed many unfamiliar faces and only two she did recognize; one being Talos’ and the other Atleon’s. She quietly landed next to her husband as the group spoke, giving a simple nod to the prince as she favored her good leg. Saying something now would only delay the group further from taking action. How many wars would the two of them take part in together? She then looked to Talos, he seemed for the most part to be in one piece and she had an overwhelming urge to slap him silly for making her worry so much. Though, she controlled her temper and looked at the two humanoid creatures. Well, at least they were not against us. A frown came across the avian’s face as she thought for a moment. She was out of arrows, couldn’t walk and still had part of an arrow shaft in her leg. The small cuts on her face and arm would heal but contributed to her blood loss. If there was more fighting to come this night, Lena was unsure how much more she could put in. Whatever the case might be, Lena would refuse to leave her husbands side once more.

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Felren gave a snort to Cato. This thing could know nothing of him, of his powers of the Tribal Battle Blood, of the suffering he had endured from the cultists when they carved their tribal markings onto his body. This, Cato, was just some pompous brat not worth his time.

“This woman is confident, and I would know otherwise. If I am to play more into this, Zartear, I must rid myself of this…parasite.” The best thing Felren could do for himself was ignore the creature within him. If he fed off of the true and strong, be it evil, dragon within him…he could survive this. As he was about to say something more a rather annoying, but strong voice called over to Zartear. He was carrying a woman and seemed to be wishing for medical help for her. The only thing more pathetic than humans are their silly emotions, the worst of them being love…Which I know you remember… The dragon hissed seeing the couple. The human part of Felren longed for a relationship, not of love, but something other than the constant feeding of his soul to the dragon. Though, he was sure any such emotions would be crushed by the dragon as they had been once before. The dragon spoke of one of the first time he took over his body. Distant, yet just as painful memories flashed in his head.

Before he was taken by the cult members he had lived a rather normal life, soon to be wed in fact. He worked in his modest village and nothing ever happened to him out of the ordinary. His soon to be wife was a beautiful sight and one of the kindest people Felren had ever met. His life was perfect, even more so with the news that a child was soon on the way. All of that changed when the dragon was put in side of him. After he had woken up from the ritual Felren found several dead bodies around him, all of them the cult members. They were killed violently, chunks of their flesh hung on the walls and blood coated his hands. Panic struck him and he ran as fast he could. Just running, with no direction until he had somehow made his way back to his village. “Kata…” He saw the woman and tears filled his eyes as he dropped to his knees in front of the her.

“Felren! What on Earth happened to you?! Why…is your hair white?” She called out. This all seemed like a distant nightmare, why were these images flashing before him now, now when it so important to keep his guard up? The dragon within him grinned, this was a reminder that the longing ache in his heart should not be there. The memory continued.

“Kata…I- Oh god..” He couldn’t get the words out and the woman bent down to wrap her arms around him. “Shhh…you are home now…” She whispered, trying to relax her distraught partner. Within seconds Felren became still, tense even a pain came over him that he couldn’t explain and spread through his body. His head exploded with pain and felt splintered. Kata pulled back to look at him once he stopped yelling in pain. His eyes were a beautifully deep red that frightened her to her very core.

“How interesting…” Felren said as he felt the pull from the human. “She will only hold me back, human.” He spoke to his human self and let his nails grow sharp. Kata looked at the man in terror but had no hope. The moment she even twitched to run his sharp nails ran through her stomach biting deep in her flesh. “Two lives have been ended and now you will know not to feel as such pitiful emotions.” The dragon spoke to him self, standing to watch the woman draw her lasts breaths and the light go from her eyes.

Why are you doing this to me! Never have a sought companionship in all the years you have tormented my soul evil thing! Felren bit back his angry words as the painful memories were now fresh in his mind.

A reminder. He said simple and then went silent again. Felren gripped the reigns on his horse until his knuckles grew white. He almost wished this parasite would just kill him off so he could be free of this cursed life that felt as if it would never end.

Starling grinned, and looked around her to look at the almost empty city. “I’m not sure, really. I’ve never been - that’s all. And of course there is the fighting…” she explained, a hint of regret creeping into her voice. She knew that peace in the kingdom required battles, but she had never been one of the bloodthirsty soldiers that seemed to love war and all of its horrors. She had offered her services as an archer simply because she had a knack for it, not because of any want for honour or glory.
She shook off the feeling of regret quickly, and rolled up her sleeve again, where it had slipped down after her leap. She looked around, trying to think of how she would get home to Shayenne when it was all over, but keeping a careful eye on the man before her too. She wasn’t usually a suspicious person, but this was a battlefield, after all, so she knew better than to let her guard down completely. She was too far away to see any trace of the town, or the large cliff before it, but she could almost make out which direction it was in.
Turning back, she looked at the man, and asked, “What, if I may, is your name?” She wasn’t sure why, but she had always felt uncomfortable around people whose names she didn’t know.

He wasn’t entirely sure what he thought to expect from the Prince once the two met. Perhaps blatant outrage for letting all of this go to hell, or resignation to their fate, even. He had always imagined a Princeling to be some sort of spoiled character that didn’t know one end of a sword from another, despite what little Lena had told him about the man. However, asking him to continue the battle with such stark determination was the last thing he expected. It made sense of course, trying to save the remaining civilians, but a retort to Atleon’s plan started building in his throat. He knew that abandoning this city meant leaving everyone that was too foolish to not leave. True, he didn’t want to think of all the innocent blood that would essentially stain his hands for the retreat, but in battle sacrifices had to be made. If they wanted to save the rest of Dragons Cove, they needed to pull out! He was about to tell the prince that he would get every able-bodied soldier together, sparse as the number might be when the air was literally rent in half.

He had never seen the likes of these dragonic characters before and was instantly wary of them. Was this some sort of ploy on the part of Zartear? Further more, what sort of gall did they have just appearing like this and throwing insults at his soldiers? Indeed, they were little better than farmers, but that was hardly reason to vent the obvious. When they were asked who was the leader, he went to reply immediately but fell silent, the words stuck in his throat. Atleon outranked him here and with his rescue he assumed that the prince would take back over control of the people. After all, he was little more than a low-class citizen of a far-away village…

He was more than a little surprised then when Atleon included him in the circle of power, nodding toward these strange newcomers. When Atleon gave him a searching glance to see if he recognized this “empress” that the two had been sent by, he shrugged. “I ain’t heard of anyone like that.” He watched their continued conversation in silence, simply taking in the sight of these strange beings. Truly, he had never seen their like in all of his wanderings of Dragons Cove. The flutter of wings had him looking up and around and he saw a flash of white in the darkness. His hard expression softened as Lena landed beside him, extremely grateful that she was alive, though looking a little rough around the edges.

“I am glad you’re safe.” He whispered so as not to disturb the delegations going on. Then his eyes traveled down her body and caught sight of the arrow shaft sticking out of her leg. Immediately a wave of panic hit him at the sight and it was something of a struggle to force it down. He knew Lena too well to think that simply telling her to retreat from the battle would work, so he didn’t try. Instead, he straightened his shoulders and looked directly at the prince. “Atleon, I’ll go round out what hands we have to spare and send the fleeing citizens out of the city into the countryside. They’ll be somewhat safe out there. I word of warning though; aside from those here now, there are hardly any of our number that can hold their own. We’ve been blessed that they haven’t already caved in under this pressure and fled along with their families. I hope that you have a damned good plan for turning this thing around, because the battle’s favor is not on our side.” He would meet the prince’s gaze unflinchingly. He was far past trying to save his own dignity and was foremost concerned with saving what lives were possible to save.

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Kayoss tilted his head slightly. Smiling a bit at his words. Acknowledging them all with small, polite nods. They didnt seem far too experienced for the most part. Some of them were idneed battle-hardened though. Atleon had had to have seen his fair share of fights, or just horrid luck. The female, Lena, seemed to have fought before as well. Though he sighed, sensing mistrust. Well, he respected that. In war anyone could be your enemy or your friend. The female that appeared though Kayoss tilte dhis head to look at her. Her soul reeked of vile.... He snorted a bit. ~Begone.~ He told ehr simply. That odd Kumiko... he wasnt going to have someone interfere like ehr, not now. These people eneded to pick themselves up and fast.

Kayoss was about to answer Atleons' question, though Gorz rather took this initiative. "Do a remember da storms across da battlefield mon? What about da bolstering buff that everyonsuddenly filled with, the energy and strength? Da elementals dat attacked the vile team? Atleon, she has spoken to you too, lest our information is mistaken. She gave ya and da dragon and dem da barrier that made sure your hides werent stabbed to bits. Dat was Kevv. She sacrificed ehrself to get you outta dat mon." Gorz told him. He then looked at Lena though. "C'mere miss.... Dose wounds dont look too good." He said softly. Well he culd help naturally.

Kayoss nodded a bit though. "My Mother, Kevv, had came ehre for a diplomatic mission from our homeworld.... She had wanted to seek peace and alliance, with this planet and continent. Se had sensed good potential, yet the need for help perhaps. She did NOT anticipate war though." He said softly. "If she had she wouldve prepared better, and probably still been alive." He said gently. "THough she probably is becoming living again as we speak. But well, while she is out of commision...." Kayoss flicke dhis armored tail. "I suppose ill cary out what she sought for. I suppose, if things are to be sour ehre and in need of fixing... I, and Gorz, and perhaps Kevv when she is ready once more.... will be glad to help." Kayoss said to Atleon. holding out a scaled hand to shake simply. Kayos was far from meaning harm to these people. Granted, he didnt see the point of helping this place. But... he was not about to go agains this Mothers' wishes. Thus these people were going to get the help they indeed needed.

Before the discussion could continue, they were interrupted by another new arrival, namely that of an oddly tailed creature that came to them because they were interesting? This was not a social gathering, this was war, what did she want from them? He did not have much time to consider her intentions however as Gorz replied to his question as to who Kevv actually was and was quite stunned by the response. At the mention of the being that had reached out to him in his mind, having put up up the barrier so Rilos and Kagan could attempt what a few others had failed at earlier. So Kevv had been this creature’s name, her name, and he was deeply shocked to have it put into words by someone else that in the end, she had sacrificed herself for him. He had known she had died, she had said so herself but it was still something completely different to hear it from someone else and it caught him a little off guard, a sensation which was luckily smoothed over by the arrival of yet another avian.

Atleon shortly returned Lena’s nod when she joined the group and one of his barely visible smiles played at the corners of his lips at her appearance. He too was wondering how many more battles they were going to fight in together but his thoughts quickly returned to fully focus on Kayoss and what he was saying. “I am sorry your mother has not received the warm welcome which might have been appropriate but instead stumbled into a war. However,” Atleon was deeply confused at this part, but there was no time for further explanations, “it is good to hear that she seems to be not completely dead or rather is being reborn,” was that the word?! We gladly accept your help and as you already know yourselves, we are in desperate need thereof.”

Turning towards Talos as the avian spoke up, Atleon returned his stare, a touch of coldness creeping into it at the man’s tone and words: “Agreed, go round them up, and as mentioned earlier everyone remaining needs to be set in their places, fighters with fighters, and everyone who cannot hold their ground because of injuries or extreme inexperience, have them gather on the other side of the gate. Do however not let them flee like cattle!” With this, the prince turned to the female avian: “Lena, I want you to survey the escape for women, children and everyone else that needs to get out now.” He knew her well enough to expect her to retort to this, realising that he was keeping her out of the battle on purpose, but it was also something that needed to be done and she had wings which would facilitate this kind of job by quite a few degrees. “It needs to be done, and I trust that you will do this the appropriate way without the civilians getting themselves into trouble by panicking.” It was not that he did not believe in her fighting skills, after all, he had seen her in action, but the concerned look Talos had given her told him enough and he preferred Talos to keep his head cool and on the task instead of wondering how much trouble his wife was getting into. He returned his gaze to Talos. “This battle is not over yet, there is hope for all of us and favour would be on our side if people have a reason to be fighting, if they know what they are fighting for.” A small smile crossed his hardened features as Gorz offered to have a look at Lena’s wounds and with that he also dismissed Talos from his presence.

Looking towards the man and woman on horseback, he beckoned for the woman to come meet them. “Let him have a look at your back too, you’re badly wounded.” It was a blessing to have someone around who knew how to heal wounds, it really was. Without waiting for a response from the girl, he turned his attention to the man who was holding the reins. “I would need you to take Kagan,” he pointed to the goblin, “if he does not have other plans,” he added with a slight grin towards Kagan, remembering the goblin’s words about wanting to visit a tree, “to scout out the area around the northern gate. We need secret passageways, alleys that have not been taken over by the rebels yet, any valuable information that can be helpful tactics. Don’t get caught,” he added, before turning around to the next pair of eyes staring at him, namely the girl on her dragon and the dragon itself. “You,” he said, a little annoyed that he couldn’t address people by their names, “please gather all dragons and avians, or anyone else who can fly for that matter and bring them to Kayoss to receive further instructions. Gorz will be in charge of the healing, I presume?” From the way the two dragonic ones had behaved so far, this did not seem to be too hard to figure out, though he did hope he did not step on their toes inadvertently. They did not seem like enemies he would want to have.

“As for you Rilos,” he slightly patted the dragon, “I might need your services to get from place to place rather quick, if you don’t mind? And I seriously need to get myself a better weapon,” he grumbled as he looked back to the two spears in his hands. Then he looked back to Kayoss. “I hope I did not impose too much straight away, but this needs to be organised as soon as possible in the best possible manner. We are not going to leave this city to Zartear so easily.”

Lena’s expression softened measurably when Talos spoke to her. “Same to you…” She took note of his panicked look and was more then pleased that he had somewhat managed to keep his cool. She was content listening to the battle plans that were being drawn and eyed the two creatures that spoke of such a powerful alley that somehow had gone unnoticed. When Gorz’ attention was placed on her a guarded look shone in her eyes as she limped back slightly. She had no reason to trust him, let alone get near the vicious wound in her leg. Granted, it would b nice to heal it but what sane person would willingly trust two strange creatures in the midst of battle? Her gaze shifted slightly to Talos to see if he trusted the beings but no such recognition came to his face. “There are others far more in need of healing.” There was a slight bite to her tone that she had meant to hide but slipped through. She wasn’t one for trusting strangers or taking handouts from anyone, she knew Talos would expect that much from her.

When Atleon once again addressed her a frown played on her lips with the obvious disapproval from taking her out of the front lines. She wanted to open her mouth and retort what he had said but what use would it be really? She would only force him to order to do such a thing and it would just waste time. She sighed, “Fine Atleon, but keep in mind I refuse to give you special treatment.” The private joke was sure to lighten the mood between at least the two of them as a shadow of a grin hovered on her lips. Her smile was short lived as Talos and Atleon addressed each other in such callous manors and she had a sudden urge to smack the both of them on the back of the head. Now was not the time to be acting as such towards allies.

Lena turned towards Talos once he was dismissed from Atleon, she wanted to deny the charge given to her by the prince once more, the want rising every moment she took to look at her husband. Slowly, she brought a soft fist to his chest and let it rest there. “Come back to me.” She said in a hushed tone, her eyes refusing to meet his in her private moment of concern for him.

Rilos went to flap off the roof, flaring his wings in preparation, but before he could take to the skies, there was a crackling in the air, and a rift appeared between him- that was, him, Atleon and Kagan- and Talos, then two… Draconians? appeared. He scuttled back along the roof, feeling a couple of tiles crack under his weight and looking at the pair with surprise, and a little fear. Who were they, to suddenly appear like that?

More hardened warriors than those that were already fighting, it seemed, from their scathing comments. The spine spike dragon kept quiet as they talked, discussing the next battle plans- it was not for him to say, and he was quite bewildered by it all. Luckily, his opinion wasn’t required.

When he was finally addressed by Atleon, Rilos was relieved that it was only to receive instruction.
“Yes, yes, I can do that. Where to?” He started to open his wings again, having closed them when the two new figures had appeared out of nowhere. Kagan suddenly sprang to mind again.
“Oh, better let Kagan get off.” He flapped a couple of times, rising into the air before coasting down to street level and letting the goblin off his back. His leg twinged again as he hit the street, even as gently as he had- Better get it seen to in a spare moment when they weren’t being attacked or Atleon had no further need of him. As it was, it would have to wait.

Static emerged from the house after a while, having bandaged herself up with some cloth she had torn and taken a swig of the liquor she had found in a cupboard. She needed it, numb the pain a bit hopefully. The street now had some people in it, hurrying this way and that to evacuate the city or try and find those who they had been fighting with earlier. A few former farmers ran past, one tugging on the reins of a pair of horses- And one was splendidly spotted, tossing his head spiritedly. It was Tamarisk.

She stepped out of the shadows of the house, a frown on her face.
“Stop there!” she cried, holding out a hand and firing off a focused bolt of electricity. It hit the man squarely between the shoulderblades and he fell forwards with a shriek, dragging the horses’ reins with him. She went and retrieved her horse, deflecting the weak attacks that came from the other peasants around (they were useless fighters), then mounted the knabstrupper, pulling his reins around and cantering off into the city. If there wasn’t fighting to be had- and it was fruitless anyway, she would be fighting for nothing- then looting was the next best option. She might as well make a profit from invasion, whoever turned out to win.

After he had finished bandaging Measle’s wing, Jackdaww looked around a little, scouring the bodies littering the ground as a result of the battle. Jackdaww had become used to the results of battles, war and the likes when he was just a boy – his knight’s training had helped him with that – so the sight did nothing to startle him. Instead, he was looking for bulging wallets around them. He didn’t think of himself as a dishonest man, but after this, he was going to end up living in a tree somewhere, with naught but Measle and one ragged blanket. Getting money was difficult for him, and he was partial to the odd tankard of cheap ale. That didn’t come without cash, and the corpses wouldn’t need theirs any longer…
Using a silvery dagger that he kept in his boot, he began to slit the pockets of the nearest body, looking for a few silver crowns, or better yet a gold piece. He found naught but coppers for a good while, that discovered a leather pouch around the dead man’s neck. Inside were ten gold coins. He pocketed them quickly and hoped that no one had spotted him. Measle would kill him if he knew he’d been stealing, especially if it was from a dead man’s purse.

Of course once everything had been explained on the part of this Kayoss fellow, he could now put a name to that feeling he’d had at the beginning of the battle. Naturally, he had attributed that feeling of hope to a battle high and is lack of presence the failing of all mortals; the battle had simply taken the energy out of him. But to hear that he and everyone else in his small band of soldiers had been protected by a single entity… that was nearly ridiculous to the point of disbelief. If these two were trying to fool them, then they were terrible liars. So when Lena was offered to be healed he half wanted her to accept and half wanted her to stay away from the scaly creature. Of course, Lena’s obstinate nature pulled through for the both of them and he was a bit relieved by her decision. Lena could always get some field treatment for the wound on the go and deal with it later when these creatures could have an eye kept on them for mischief.

He only nodded to Atleon’s command, a reaffirmation of the order that had already been given and turned to go, meeting Lena’s fist. He was surprised no so much by the action, but by the fact that he wasn’t going to wake up in the morning with a bruise on his jaw. A little belatedly, he realized that he must have worried her quite a lot being absent for so long and made a mental note to prepare for a sound thrashing from the small woman. “Of course I’ll come back.” He replied softly, taking her hand in his own and giving it a firm squeeze. “We will be close for a while yet. Fly with me to the gate.” He nodded toward the sky and with a snap of his wings was in the air. At first he flinched from the action, the burned wing tip stretching painfully at the movement, but the pain became dulled with repeated motion, or at least he could ignore it better that way.

The crowd at the Northern gate was little more than a mess. Soldiers whose families had appeared from the depths of Racksom were mingling with the civilians and the civilians were wandering the scattered group of soldiers trying to find lost loved ones. Cries of despair could be heard over the general chatter of the gathering, though mostly the noise was subdued due to imminent danger. Everyone here knew that their homes were being taken from them and the chances of getting them back were very little. He wished that he knew just what crazy plan that Atleon had hidden up his sleeve so that he could feel a little better about the whole thing, but there was really nothing… Or!

“Lena!” Talos shouted, looking quickly to her bow and empty quiver. Damn. He hovered briefly in the air and landed on a building that was the last before the opening in front of the massive entrance gates. “Lena, if while you’re gatherin’ the fleeing citizens you see anyone with arrows, send their gear back to the frontlines. I’ve got a plan that migh’ help us out a bit. Or at least put a dent in the enemies forces.” He had his bow out now, taking quick stock of the arrows left and formulating a plan as quickly as he could think it. They didn’t need expert archers for this, only someone that could draw a bow and aim it in a general direction without shooting himself in the foot.

Mask nodded calmly. Seemed fair enough. Why not explore somewhere new, somewhere you’ve never been before. He was sort of doing that every day of his life. Granted, he was looking for someone, but still. That and the sound of egret in her voice for the fighting. Mask wasn’t one for it either. He simply was here, and yet, it occurred to him. Why did he care? He’d been chasing the horseman for attacking the city. Yet, once inside he’d only been attacking in self defense. No care of who was who, so long as they didn’t kill him. Except the ones who backed off once disarmed, he didn’t harm. Just those that seemed blood thirsty enough to keep at trying to kill him did he kill instead.

Her question confused him slightly. It seemed like an odd thing to ask, yet, he supposed he should answer. Or well, he would answer. “I go by Mask, and yet that is not my name.” He looked her over; he was trying to decide if he could tell her his real name. He decided it could do no harm. “The name I was given when I was little is Akar. May I ask yours?” After all, it was only fair to ask. He could hear the people who had evacuated the fighting behind him. Finding their families and enjoying each other’s company that they were still alive. He himself was ignoring the pit of despair he felt over his sister’s disappearance. Where was she?

Tegan paid close attention to what was going on between everyone. She was keeping tabs, so to speak, on who would be doing what. Who was on who’s side, and more of less, getting used to who was on who’s side. She was still a little confused on who was fighting for who, but in the fighting she had learned pretty quickly, from what she had seen before that little girl had side tracked her. Speaking of which, she really was annoyed that the girl had kept her from doing her original job. Yet still, when they had been busy, at least she had kept her from massacring any more of their reserve lines. She pulled herself out of her head when Atleon addressed her. Although, she could also feel Lyrian’s comforting touch in her mind as her dragon sensed her anger over that girl.

So she was gather all those who could fly then? Alright, that sounded easy enough. Although, she’d have to be careful. After that appearance of the Tribal Blood dragon, who knows what else could be found in the skies. “Yes sir,” she said nodding at the Prince. Her eyes level with him. ‘Alright Lyrian, time to be of some use today,’ She thought as she turned her attention back to her dragon, then back in the direction of the gate where everyone had headed to during the retreat call. Lyrian flapped her wings rising into the air. When they were high enough above the roof tops, she did a wide circle around the group, then shot off in the direction of the gate.

When they reached it, Lyrian did a quick landing, which was kind of a hard one. Tegan noticed her tail was singed, probably by the blade dragon’s fire. She growled a little under her breath, but called out to the men and women. “I need anyone who can fly,” she said. She wasn’t used to having to address a group, and she felt a little out of place. “The princes orders, we’re to report to Kayoss for farther instructions.” She thought about that for a moment, then decided to add. “We’ll lead the way there,” she gestured to herself and Lyrian as she spoke. “So long as you’re battle ready.”

Guest

Gorz leaned his head a bit, tilting it and watching Lena curiously. Though at her words he seemed to consider for a second. Though finally, he nodded. "You be careful on dat now miss. Dat wood within your leg could get infected... just be careful, be sure da dirt dont find it." He told ehr with a soft nod and a smile. Though he turned to Atleon too, listening to the humans' words. He smiled a it though. Turning to the beings on horseback. Rather raising his hand a bit, a bluish, watery sustance seemed to glow from it. At the same time, the same energy cascaded over them. Their wounds began to close and clean by themselves, leaving no trace of their presence at all. Gorz' healing indeed very, very top-notch. He dropped a strange-shaped, wooden piece in the ground too, with odd carvings gowing upon it. A Totem. He turned, beginning to cast various, small spells. Healing small wounds on whoever he saw them simply. He would let Kayoss deal with the more political and combative things. He liked to nurture and heal, and he would stick to that.

KAyoss himself listened closely to his new comrade and ally. Whom he was quie seeing as a fine human to have at his side in a battle, or anything for that matter. Though once he had seemed to suddenly have a command position... Kayoss grinned a bit. "You wat your Racksom back... ill see what can be done. Though id not hold your breath. I can see your people do their best, but... theyre nto at all trained warriors or mages, or hunters. This will have to be a move... conventional approach." He growled. Kayoss then too flight. He flew straight up, looking down while he flew, at a very high speed at that... Well, he was checking the citys' layout. Once he had something in mind though, he flew down quickly, He didnt slow either, letting himself fall on his feet... the ground around him cracked and dented in a good bit on landing. His bones strengthened and hard, letting him fall quite a considerable height and speed and land fine, long as he was on his feet. He growled a bit, flexing his wings, giving a bit more thought too.

Although he turned to who formed in front of him, finally. Giving them time to situate. He stood tall, proud... beginning to speak. "I seem to have been given charge in thnigs. I want you to know, ill lead you all the ebst I can in this skirmish. Though know this as well. Once this is over... Im definently training you all to fight as needed. For no one should expect anyone o just be conscripted, or to just walk off the street and fight. HOWEVER.... sometimes, like this one, the situation calls for ALL to stand tall, and push forth their hardest strengths! Im gonna make sure tehy are pushed to the best advantage possible. However! Ill let you know now, that.. with their nubmers, even MY Method might not work. But if it dont... theyll have nothing left of Racksom to enjoy anyway." He growled with a grin. "But let shope e can save this palce, rather then decimate it. Butfirst, I nee dthings, and fast. I need wood, lots of wood. find trees, forests, anything." He growled. "Slice down trees and bring them here. I will need very, very large vats. Then I will need Sand, Flame, Water, Iron or Steel, and Stone. Granite, or Quartz shall work best. Were gonna make some very fine, old-fashioned Crowd-controlling methods coem to life..." He said with a chuckle.... "I will also need, if anyone qualifies... perhaps a few Blacksmiths, and Carpenters, Masons too. We will need thigns made, and in a fast fashion, but yet precise. Weve got a few hours ebfore we try this retaking thing, thus... we MUST Use Time to its fullest advantage!" He growled. Knowing time indeed wuld need to be used to its best extent, and in the most constructive ways possible. The Advantage wasw going to require force to get.... and Force took work to create. Thus... it needed to be done.

Help someone? Again!? He saved the prince to e rewarded, not to be passed off to some animal slaver! He shifted uncomfortably, still needing to visit the yellow arches, and sighed. Anything for money Was the goblin mercenary code, so Kagan could only do one thing: Accept. "Oh, very well." He mumbled, arms crossed. "Anything for the cause." The cause for gold He added, mentally grinning.

"However, business comes first." Kagan added, nodding his thanks to Rilos. "Seeya, bud." He said, just noticing the bleeding gash on his leg. "You should... get that looked at." And with that, Kagan dashed away, looking for a dark alley where he could relieve himself. And roughly two minutes later, he was back, tieing back up the rope that acted as a belt for his makeshift pants. Decency device secured, he thenm looked up at the rider, appraising him with a raised eyebrw and smirk. "Okay, pony boy, let's see how good your eyes are."

Kumiko's hair instantly darkened to a fiery red at Kayoss' mental words, and her lip lifted slightly out of instinct. She morphed back into a fox once more, and after firmly instructing the clones to stay, she began to speed around the outside wall of the city. It was going to take her a while to get round, she knew, but she certainly wasn't giving her assistance to anyone so disrespectful. In any case, they were obviously going to attack again and it would be a lot more fun if she was on the winning side of the lines. Zartear hadn't exactly given her the best reception either, though- she mused this as she ran along. It was mostly that phoenix which had been rude, but the human hadn't exactly seemed thrilled to see her either. She reasoned that there was no need for her to communicate with Zartear- she just really didn't like the idea of those defenders, seeing as they were bound to lose and attacking was always more fun. She continued to streak along- she would call her clones when she arrived.

Armeno nodded.
'That should be fine, Atleon,' he said, glancing at Kagan. He quickly checked himself over- he had few wounds, though there was a fairly large cut on his leg which he stared at, bemused for a few seconds. How could he not have noticed that? He touched it tentatively, before realising it was only blood trickling from a small nick in his skin. Smiling at his foolishness, he watched Gorz. His eyebrows raised a little at the effective healing, and he smiled gratefully.
'Thank you very much,' he said. However, he felt he needed to check one more thing before he set out- and Kagan was away relieving himself at any rate. Armeno dismounted and picked up all four of Velox's hooves, taking a tool from his pocket and picking out any stones. He then ran his hands along the sleek black legs and examined the horse's body, checking for any wounds. Satisfied that there were none, he looked around for any water the horse could drink. He soon caught sight of a large puddle, which Velox drank from- if unenthusiastically. The horse then shook his head, and Armeno stroked him gently on the neck.
'Sandy,' he said, looking up at her. 'If you'd like, then as far as I'm concerned you're welcome to come with us. There're plenty of horses about that Kagan could ride.' He once again scanned their surroundings and snared a passing bay in approximately thirty seconds. Horses were milling everywhere; it seemed Zartear had released his cavalry.

Lena’s gaze returned to Talos with his affirmation that he would return to her. It was silly to say such a thing, she thought, but something nagged at her that if she didn’t say it he might not really return this time. She shrugged it off as worry and nodded when Talos suggested they fly to the gate together. She took notice of the grimace of pain that flickered on his face the instant his wings open before he took to the air. Similarly she snapped her own wings open and took to the skies to follow after him.

As they reached the northern gate Lena had to keep herself from sighing. The people looked on the verge of panic and if that happened chaos would ensue everywhere making the escape nearly impossible. She landed on a roof as she tried to sort out how to get the people out safely. As she was about to make her way outside of the gate Talos called to her and she looked over her shoulder to him. She listened to him for a moment, so he had a plan eh? “Sure thing Talos!” She shouted back and took off to the gate. There was commotion and people talking everywhere and she frowned. With a half flap of her wings she got herself on slightly higher ground standing on some boxes. “People of Racksom!” She shouted over the crowd and waited for them to become more silent. “Those of you with bow and arrow move back to the front lines everyone else follow me!” She said sternly looking at the varying emotions of the people. Somewhere angry, others hurt, and some eyes her suspiciously. She could understand their suspicion but now wasn’t the time to doubt her. “If any of your asses don’t have allegiances to Atleon come forth now and I’ll happily put a blade through your gut, otherwise I suggest you listen to me.” She growled, patience wasn’t something Lena was really known for and being in pain only shortened her fuse further. Many of the people who had looked at her with suspicion turned their heads with angry expression but pressed it no further.

Some of the crowd separated holding their bows to them and Lena pointed out Talos. “He can further tell you what to do.” She watched them head in his direction and looked back to the people. “We have to get further into the farm lands away from Zartear’s armies.” She told her plan to the people, hoping it would calm them slightly if they knew what was going on. She jumped down from the box and nearly doubled over in pain that shot up her leg and back down. She had forgotten about the wound in the rush of adrenaline that had coursed through her body. She straightened herself and looked back into the gates. There weren’t any civilians in sight, she flickered a gaze to Talos and then began out into the farmlands with the rest of the people.

“I’m Starling.” She replied, giving an unusually cheery smile. She seemed completely at home in the city – simply because it was a city rather than anything else. “Nice to meet you. Well, presuming you’re not going to try to kill me. You know how it is around here.” She said, almost making the war itself sound like a dodgy alley or the likes. The bow slung over one shoulder and wing glittered, however, reminding her that this wasn’t Shayenne, and that she wasn’t really as safe as she was acting.
The bracelet around her wrist also glittered in the eerie light that fell on the battlefield. That was what had brought her into the war to begin with: the hope of beginning to understand it. She figured that leaving the safety of the cities that she had always lived in would spark of some stroke of genius, but so far it hadn’t. Now she was just left in a filthy (and now deserted) town, with nothing but bloodshed outside of those walls. It wasn’t what she’d expected, but it made her wonder why anyone chose to get caught up in it all. “So…” she began, “how did you get caught up in this… this mess?” she asked, emphasising the word ‘mess’ somewhat.

It was hard leaving Lena’s side, especially when she was so obviously wounded, but there were higher callings in battle than the duty to one’s wife. At the moment, he was surveying the mass of people at the gate, his thoughts interrupted by that dragon man appearing and calling for the most ridiculous list of supplies. Timber? Really? They would have to travel to get to the forests that lay beyond in order to fill that request, but the request for stones had him even more confused. There was no quarry in the immediate vicinity that he was aware of, and even if there were, they didn’t have the time or supplies to be dragging around heavy blocks of granite if they could even get the materials cut from the flesh of the earth. All but one blacksmith in the city had fled when news of Zartear’s army reached Racksom, and he didn’t know how many stone smiths there might be here yet. Kayoss was certainly living up to his name in causing plenty of it, the confused crowd milling about and doing their best to adhere to his strange wishes. The appearance of Tegan and Lyrian weren’t helping much either, though their request for flying fellows was much less complicated than Kayoss’ bid for materials.

Heaving a small sigh, Talos rubbed the bridge of his nose and floated over the houses that separated him from Kayoss. He landed next to the draconic man, sizing him up briefly. Perhaps he was more used to commanding armies that could pull off such tasks easily… well, he would certainly be in for a rude awakening, and Talos was in no mood for softening the blow. He heard Lena in the background calling for the retreat of civilians, adding further confusion to the mix and restrained the urge to slap his own forehead. Really now… was it so hard for allies to stay organized within themselves?

“People of Racksom! These messengers come with the blessing of your Prince, Atleon! He has been saved from Zartear by our forces!” There was a ripple of approval from that. The prince was something of a mysterious figure, but the ideal he represented everyone could understand. Still, there was some milling about, he didn’t quite have everyone’s attention yet. “We have been dealt an impossible hand in this battle. Half your city has been invaded by the scum that follows the man who pretends himself your king. But! We have made a victory today! Against overwhelming odds, we have taken something back from him! Stand now together! We rally to take back our homes and our freedom!” Here he launched from the building, hovering over the crowd whose attention he had more or less captured. In such a large crowd, it would be impossible to get everyone to listen, but as least he had most of the populace. They knew him as their leader, after all, and he had been tried so naturally they would be inclined to trust him.

“The elderly, sick, wounded, and children go to the gates and follow the white-winged woman. Any of you left that are willing and able to fight rally to me! I want all the infantry and archers at my side to take back our city.” He pointed as he spoke, making large gestures so that no one could mistake his intent. Being disorganized was only wasting what precious time they had left. “If you are unsure of your bladework join the dragon man, Kayoss. He will lead you. There is no dishonor in bolstering our chances of success by labor!” There, now they were getting results. The crowds were separating, perhaps a bit slower than he would have liked, but that could hardly be helped. “If you can fight by air, go to the dragon and rider, Lyrian and Tegan!” Assuming that his work was completed he landed in the streets in front of the crowd, those of the infantry and archery positions coming to him from out of the general mass.

Though they held weapons, they were farmers still. Inwardly he sighed at the mass lack of experience that he was seeing in his men, but couldn’t help but be a little impressed by their bravery. Given the choice to leave with their families or stay behind and work for that Kayoss thing they had still come to him and presented their arms for use. Brave men indeed. And possibly a woman he noted, taking care not to look overlong at the distinctly feminine face lest she loose her nerve amongst so much men. “We have been given a chance to take back what is ours, and the strength of our arms will not be the only thing that determines this battle. They out man us, have better weapons and armor, but we will not shrink from this challenge! Archers, you will take the roofs. In these narrow streets it will be easy for you to pick off the enemy’s men from above and they will only offer token resistance. But be careful and place your shots wisely. We don’t have an endless supply of arrows.” Those with bows nodded their understanding and followed Talos’ directions to get on the roofs, scaling some barrels and a cart that were propped up against a wall.

“To the rest of you, we march through the streets and divide the forces that are coming after us. We can’t take on the main body of Zartear’s forces. To do so would be wasting our lives. We need to present a target so that the archers can make work of the enemy infantry. Am I understood?” There was a chorus of agreement from the men. Time to take action.

As the morning hours crept closer, the already relatively warm summer night began to grow warmer. In a way it was nice, it always seemed to sparkle a little hope within the people if they made it through the night in rough times. Yet, it also made the smell of the dead people rise a little stronger within the streets of the city, slowly weaving its way through the walls, faint yet but it might be stronger before long when the sun would come out behind the night sky and start boiling the corpses. It was not a happy thought and Atleon made a mental note that they might have to take care of that soon as well. They could not leave their people behind to rot.

At Lena’s comment, a smile crept onto his face and he replied: “I would not expect anything different from you.” He silently acknowledged that she did not refuse his wishes and was glad nobody else did either, it would have been a waste of time indeed and it would not have been of much use anyway. They needed all the help they could get and everyone had to chip in now. A good leader needed to know how to delegate well too and this was exactly what he was doing. He could not take care of everything himself and most of these people seemed to have proven that they were worthy of being in this battle.

As Rilos flew down towards the street to let Kagan dismount - the goblin’s obvious satisfaction of not being able to be on his way was amusing -, Atleon took another moment to observe Kayoss and Gorz. They certainly had come out of nowhere and some might consider it foolish to immediately trust them but Atleon’s senses when it came to other beings had quite developed over the years and he was fairly certain that they would not suddenly change their mind, a doubt he dismissed when he saw the quick response of every single one of them to be on their way to complete their respective missions. Talos, Lena and the dragon riding girl were already about their business before Gorz was done sending out his little healing spells. As the elf on the horse let the girl, who he called Sandy, dismount, Atleon beckoned her towards him, calling to Armeno that it was fine, he was going to take Sandy along on Rilos. He was still unsure whether he had met her somewhere before or not, but either way, he was going to need a few more hands soon enough and she was going to be one of them.

Observing the milling of the many people that were crowded around the northern gate, Atleon’s forehead creased in worry. It was obvious that they were all scared and on the brink of panicking, but how many of them actually knew what was happening, apart from a few fighters amongst the ranks of the people Talos had rallied to fight for the protection of Racksom. Finally, he also replied to Kayoss’ earlier statement: “I know. This will be a tough one to win, if we can even win. Yet, we cannot abandon Racksom without a fight. This city is worth too much and there are secrets within its walls that some of the people might not even know about and they need to be protected as far as possible. You cannot imagine the implications of what might come to pass if Zartear gets his hands on those secrets.”

Turning towards the badly wounded girl, he finally beckoned Gorz to take care of Sandy’s awful wound on the back, as far as his previous healing had not done the job yet. While Kayoss was now stating his instructions, Atleon fervently tried to devise a few more plans. “We need the guardian dragon soon,” Atleon murmured, more to himself than to anyone in particular, though Kayoss, Gorz, Rilos and Sandy weren’t too far away from him. “There would be no better leader for an air assault, someone people will follow and put all their trust in.” He knew himself that the Guardian Dragon probably had a specific purpose in mind otherwise it would have joined them by now, and they had many more preparations to take care of before they could even consider launching a counter-attack but the prince was fairly certain that it would raise the spirits of the fighters if Silverwing was at their side.

A grin spread over his face however as he listened to Kayoss enumerating the materials he needed, slowly beginning to see what it was his new ally had in mind. “Rilos, could you do me a favour and take a quick scan over the rest of Racksom, see what Zartear has planned and where the main bodies of his army are stationed? And please, let Gorz heal that wound of yours before you head off,” he added while finally dismounting the dragon. “Kayoss, you do realise that not all of this might be around in the city. Can you work without some of those materials?” His eyes flickered to Talos as the avian began giving more and more orders to take positions and so on. It was a good idea, but Atleon was not so sure they were quite ready for this yet. At least the archers taking position were needed either way, but the prince was uncertain on moving out into the streets just yet. Not without knowing where Zartear’s men were exactly. “Talos, hold up for a minute,” he urged the avian, unheard by the people. “Don’t storm out into the streets until we have a few reports back on the current situation and position of the opposing armies. After all, we do not want to fall into any traps. That would indeed end up being fatal. Let them take a breather to wrap their heads around what is happening here. It will do them good.”

Guest

Gorz just raised an eyebrow a bit, continuing his spellwork. Most beings were revitalized quite quickly. Some he ebgan to take closer care of however. Hearing Atleon though he gave a nod. "Come ere miss...." He said softly, stepping to her gently too. He looked along her, seeing her back mainly. "Mmm, dat one looks a bit messy." He said softly. Seeing the beginnings of infection even. "I can take care of dis easy. Got a good trick Kevv taught me for stuff like dis." He said a bit happily. Dropping a this feet a different sort of totem. Rather it glowed blue, the carvings upon it all different from the first. Then Gorz held out his hand a bit.... rather, a soft blue line of magic went from his fingertips, to the wound itself. The dirt and infection from it beign drawn out and destroyed. At the same time the totem he dropped ebgan to mend the wound itself. It was made for bigger wound like this, this combination was.

However Kayoss grunted, hearing Atleon too. "I know exactly what lies in this city. Howver, He will NOT Be discovering any of those secrets. My Mother put protections behind your protections, and they wont be nice to any who dare press at the barrier." He said with a grin. Oh he kenw those elementals and such inside would decimate all who entered simply, them made to destroy and devour those they were against. "I dont plan to leave them with a city if we lose either." He growled. "Just an inferno...." He said, smirking too. Though his eyes suddenly narrowed hard. He turned, looking at the female Gorz was tending to. Holy hell, she felt familiar. IT was so strange. An energy within that Kevv had described once before. But this had to be impossible right? Such things were unique in feeling. Yet this Sandy fit it almost perfect. almost.... but... Sandy wasnt a dragon. Then again he knew some spirits reincarnated themselves with time. If that was so, he kenw his Mother wasnt going to be too happy. Or maybe she would. But he kenw that the matter would be a highly depressing one... a horrid almost inflictment that Kevv seemed to carry. Kayoss wasnt sure if such existed on ehr though. He thought she just had extremely bad luck in that part. Perhaps someday someoen would be hardy enough for her...

Kayoss rolled his shoulders though, growling a bit. "Well Ill use all we can. Pus ill add greatly to it." He growled. Shoving his hands both at once into the ground, as they radiated energy. Beginning to form the dirt and sand, which rather ebgan to contort before him and grow and shape.... well some things were going to be a strange, stone material, which Kayoss would create with the dirt. So long as the dirt wasnt... too impure itd work good. He would shape some of the catapults and ballistas and the containers to hold their heated materials. Though osme he wanted wooden for other reasons. Which was what the wood and masons and thigns were for. He mainly wanted a decent stone to use for his wooden tools of war. The rest of course he woudl shape himself from the earth beneath their feet...

Peeking into the hole he had made the power washing off the stone made Faust pause. Tapping his talons on the roofing he backs away from it. Scanning the area around him, he notices how only the attackers are withint he city. Beyond and in full flight mode where the defenders, now more then dispaced civilains. With a smile Faust begins to hatch a plan.Let them have their little war, when all is said and done I will still be around. I can pick through the ashes and build this island back up to what it used to be. With a dark chuckle he spreads his wings and give out a ear peircing keen before lifting into the air. WIth only a few flaps og his wings he was away from the city and flying in the general direction the defenders have gone. Faust scans the open land of bodies, he could see the crwos and carrion bird flying in to pick at the dead. It wouldn't be to long before the wolves came.

Cato road thorugh the city, shouting orders to wandering soldiers to get to work rebuilding. Finding the west gate he looks for the healers Zartear wanted him to get. While those healers were working on collecting their things. He slides off the horse and has the other ones work on closing his wounds. He ground his teeth at the fact that he would need to by new boots or -he smiles- take some. Spotting one of the soldier carrying in some unbroken arrows Cato calls him over and fills up his quiver. Looking out on the body and blood covered fields he lets out a shrill whistle. After a few moments and answering whinny is heard.

Argento in a full gallops makes his way to Cato who swings up onto the stallions back. He leans over and checks on the horses wound from earlier and notices it was not bleeding and would heal just fine. "Take that horse and bring it to the stables feed it, clean it up and give it to any of the mounted infantr." The soldier nods and goes to do as he is told. Looking at the healers he nods at them to follw him. He heads back to where he had last seen Zartear and the others. Seeing some of his archers he tells them to get others who where not doing anything and begin cleaning the batlte field. He told them to strip the bodies. Put them into piles to be burried later, and all usable items to be cleaned and stored for later use. All defeneder items where to be place in a seperate area just in case it was needed at a later time for any missions Zartear could think of. NO one could say that Cato doesn't hink ahead on what Zartear could possibly thin of plan wise.

Static headed towards the outside wall of the city, heading away from where she knew the main forces of the invading troops would be. Tamarisk seemed pretty relaxed- or as relaxed as a horse could be in the middle of a war. Most of the outside wall was intact, having been left well alone when the army had got in through another way. Static didn’t know where they had got in, but she guessed that it could either have been through an open gatehouse, or another destroyed stretch of wall.

She trotted down a long straight street, mainly deserted, those who she passed keeping to their own business as they fled the city, or took the same idea as she was having and started to ransack the houses. At the end of the street was a small gatehouse, the door swinging open to the outside of the city. There was no need to guard it now that the invaders were within the city. Maybe there was something of use within the guardhouse- There might be a new breastplate she could… Borrow. She rode towards it, making for the doorway to one side of the open way, but something colourful streaked past, impossibly fast.
What the heck was that? thought Static, immediately kicking Tamarisk into a gallop through the small gateway and round the corner after the streaking object. She had no chance of catching up with it, but it might notice her and stop? Hopefully it wouldn’t attack her, but she was still pretty powered up, and she could always play the mercy card if it came to call- Her shirt was covered in her own blood after all.

» (C1, Racksom) The Making of Men (12th Board)
» Tremors in the Earth....C1, Racksom (4th Board)
» (North of Azure caves, east of Racksom) ~~~~Peace in the Everplains~~~~6th Board
» The Destruction of Quinsilla.....T1 (1st Board)
» (C1, Racksom) Surnames in Surahnia (19th Board)

C1 Racksom~~~~And then, there was War~~~~(5th Board)

C1 RacksomAnd then, there was War(5th Board)