(C1, Racksom) Rising in the Ranks (10th Board)

OOC/ Okay guys, since this was never supposed to be a full-full board (but rather just a bridger to the tactics board), Zartear will begin the dismissal of characters. To which end, apologies Tegan, joined a little bit late in this one xD Ah well, there'll always be another time Wink

When Zartear didn't receive a clear response from Andyr, or so much as a word of affirmation from Vann, he was forced to notice the woman that had slipped into his peripheral vision earlier. Unlike the apparent riot starter and the insulted brute, this one had actually done more than just break a guard's arm, she was showing complete disrespect in his presence, had become a shame to the men around her and in one fell swoop, disgraced herself before them. Zartear gave a grunt of disapproval, this was one destined for the Disciplinarian Sentinel measures, much like Vann, albeit in for a harder time if she didn't speak very carefully and with a great amount of silver in her voice.

"Men, don't trouble yourselves with this one." He continued matter of factly, "Andyr, you will report to the City Guard HQ south west of here, take the straggler with you." He briefly eyed up Vann, "Tell the Chief Sentinel that you come by the authority of Lord Straten and have been ordered to trial for a sword specialists cohort," The sword specialists were more than just heavy sword handlers, there were many other kinds too. All above their regular all-rounder sword wielding companions, sword specialists had smaller units of elites within their chosen weapons and had a tendency for shock value and brutality, given freedom of choice over armour and weapon. This would suit the barbarian quite perfectly.

"Also, with this man in your care, It shall be your responsibility to incorporate him into the forces. If he can't be used make it so he can be. We're all to benefit from it when we all partake in the strength of the S.R." Content with having made himself clear, he nodded, "You may leave."

Having dealt with them it had only now came to his attention that there was a healer mage around his ankles. She had tended to the struck man from earlier. Zartear looked over the catty woman and her vicious pet. So much toned flesh pleased his eyes a great deal, but also indicated her true value. She did appear to belong somewhere within a brothel, perhaps the one of royalty given all her bravado of silk, but Zartear knew immediately there was no trusting such a woman.

"And you, I believe you don't understand your place." He looked to the guard she had so casually assaulted, then continued speaking to her, "No tact to be had with you is there?" Zartear frowned with displeasure. "And now I wonder what a suitable punishment for such behaviour is?" Zartear paced to the other side of her, looking with eyes of scrutiny on how to fix this unruly animal.
"Atoro, how would you remedy this?" A small smile slipped from his mouth, intrigued by how this supposedly clever man would react. "Mage," He took this small moment while Atoro concocted a response to make use of the girl, "Go welcome my wonderful Merchant friend over there, maybe you can be of more use to him." He said curtly, waving her off as if shooing a dog from his side.

The fight is sucked out of her as Zartear talks to her. She bows, her arm going over her chest to not only to keep them from falling out but a form of respect. SHe even goes as far as to lower her eyes. "Please forgive me, my lord king. I ment no disrespect to you for my outburst. But many men think it it not the place of a female to be in a military setting. They think us week, were in some things we can do more. Many a man drops his guard around a female they think week and only realize to late, when a knife is in there belly." She glares at both Andyr and Atoro, if she had her way she would destroy them both. But not now, not yet. She knew she made a fool of herself in front of the king and would try her best to fix it. She has been away from the courts for a long time but she still hoped she could talk her way out of this unfortunat situation. "Please pardon the way I dress, I am from a dessert kingdom and this is the manner of dress to those of the royal house." She stays bowed, though she kept herself alert not wanting to be caught off guard by the two stupid males that were holding blade near throat.

"I do have some skills that are for the feild. THough I'm sure you think my skills are more for more private locations. Not many can call on their own legions if needed." She hoped that he would see her as an asset then an annoyance. She was sure neither of the two male could call on their fathers army to their aide.

It was one of the few new found gift her father had bestowed on her.

Vespira nodded her head to her king as he spoke. She knew that his sending her away was a dismissal of her services. In which case, she finally picked her head up and looked around for this merchant man that her king spoke of. When she found the man she ducked her ice blue eyes again and turned to look at her feet in Zartear's direction once more. "Of course my king, as you wish." She curtsied once more to her king and then turned to the other men. "Sirs," she added to them respectfully. She of course had only spoke when she was sure no one else had. With that, she walked towards the merchant with a respectful step. He of course was a man and she did know her place.

Reaching the man, Vespira spoke softly to him. She hadn't entirely thought of what to say, nor why Zartear had asked her to deal with a business matter, but she would do what was asked of her. "Sir, my king has asked of me to handle what it might be that you seek. May I question as to what you may need? Or perhaps could I offer assistance in any way?" A small worried feeling formed in her stomach, she was worried that she might do something wrong in dealing with this matter, and that wouldn't be acceptable. Though, she had never had to deal with more than broken bones, adding water to canteens, helping with fires on occasion, and defense of course, for herself. Not that she advertised that.

Andyr had hoped that Zartear would have ordered him to slay the outlandish woman. Instead, he diffused the situation and decided to handle it. Andyr was not at all opposed to letting Zartear handle the woman, and lowered his sword. "As you say" he said to Zartear and walked to the guard whose sword he'd taken. He handed it back, hilt first, and nodded his head in thanks, clapping the man on the shoulder. "Good man. My thanks" he said and turned back to handle Vann.

He helped the man to his feet and undid his bonds. "We go to where Lord says. Lead" he said and shoved him lightly. He suddenly remembered his swords and stopped Vann with a vice-like grip on his shoulder. "Wait" he said and walked over to a guard. "I want swords. Get swords of mine from Guard Captain. Tell him big barbarian want swords" he told the man. He looked a little frustrated when he turned back to Vann. Andyr hated sounding stupid. He was intelligent, and if these people knew his dialect, he'd sound as intelligent as he was.

Alas, they spoke Common and he was just learning. "Lead." he said again, shoving Vann lightly. And with Vann leading, the two men walked off for the Guard HQ.

-exit Andyr and Vann-

Eythil sat comfortably in his wagon, listening to the conversations going on about him in a curious manner. Such tension in this group, but he waited for the best chance for him to speak and at the mention of the young mage woman coming to talk to him he exited his wagon carefully, standing beside it as she came to him. An odd little wisp of a woman, very obedient looking and nervous. His dark eyes rested on her for a moment before he decided to speak with a gentle tone to let her know she could relax.

"I've to speak to Lord Zartear about some trading routes and goods that might be good for the city." He smiled at her, and then looked past to Zartear. "I could return at a later date, if this is not the time." He said loud enough for Zartear to hear him, and he made sure he had an apologetic tone as if he had interrupted something important.

A snake of pleasure wriggled cruelly inside Atoro as Zartear noticed the commotion Khonsu had been causing, the woman bowing under his command. She would soon enough learn manners enough to fit under the rule of the Surahnian Rebels, otherwise Atoro himself would have her dealt with. He didn’t put up with that sort of crap from those underneath him, and he certainly wasn’t going to if he didn’t have to. Especially with a yappy dog along for the ride. She seemed passive enough in Zartear’s attention, but it was all a façade, and women who managed to show two sides so different so fast… well, caution would be needed to deal with this one, that was for sure. But she wasn’t as much a threat as that blond giant, no. He was the one he would really watch out for. At least the man had gone now, sent off to some other place by Zartear.

“I think this one needs to watch her tongue more carefully,” Atoro said, catching the woman’s glare, lowering his sword again as he spoke. He pressed two fingers to his lips in brief thought. “I would suggest sending her to work with your other female servants, in the pleasure industry, but that may suit her too well. Some other menial task may teach one with such high views of herself a little humility.” She really did have too high a view of herself; a little crude innuendo about her appearance on his part would do her good.
“However,” he quickly assimilated that which Khonsu had so unwisely just revealed- as if that would do her any favours- “if these things this wench speaks of are not lies, then she may be a little more of an asset to our side. Not that her behaviour is excused through her situation. I would suggest healers’ duty. Let her see those harmed like he has harmed this man.” He gestured to where the guard with the broken arm had wandered off to get it checked further. A little sympathising with the troops always went down well. “And I’m sure the injured will relish a chance to talk with such a sight for sore eyes.”

Vespira braced herself, ready for whatever the man might do, and she was more than a little surprised when he spoke kindly to her. She blinked and picked her head up slightly, looking at the man. He was proabably one of the few people who had spoken kindly to her since she'd been taken from home. She hadn't meant to look so dumbstruct, but his gentle tone had surprised her more than he could have know. She smiled at him while he spoke, and once he was finished she nodded her head. With a quick glance back at Zartear she returned her eyes to the man. She hadn't been paying enough attention, and hadn't really noticed till now that the giant had left as well as that blond haired man.

Kindly, Vespira spoke to the man, not bothing with a title for she was after all a women. "There will be no need to come back, sir. I'm sure that king Zartear will see to your matters shortly." She smiled at the man once more as she finished. With that, she curtsied to the man and backed up a few steps before retreating away from the men in the gardens. She had other things that needed to be dealt with, and she was mostly surprised by one thing. That fact that she was still thinking of the blond haired man. She wanted to know who he was.

((Exit Vespira))

Last edited by Zay on Mon Mar 04, 2013 12:40 am; edited 2 times in total

A flicker of interest passed in Zartear's expression, this woman was apparently, well connected. Strongly so, too.
"Truth be told, had you not humbled yourself then, perhaps you would have made a fine display on our new gallows. There is yet some insolence to be had from you yet, but for now...Yes, I think I shall spare you." He concluded aloud, passing his eyes over her again, considering Atoro's words carefully. That man too, was far from firm as of now. "How strange that you should have such a bloodline. Your father commands armies you say?" He nodded slowly with approval. There was no reason to believe one way or other; for now. He did not require any aid within this war, so he felt solid enough to not have to question the offer.
If the time came though, he realised he might have to start asking more thoroughly, but now was neither the time nor the place.

"Lady, it is true that you have your "talents"; many a man falls to the treachery of a woman." Zartear didn't want to concede on this particular point, it would be self-deprecating to do so, what with his pride and all the guests present. "I strongly believe you would be best applied within the division of healing magic. At the very least, physical healing. Yes, I think that is an appropriately humble task. My offer is fair, but it is also generous." Zartear saw the nods of affirmation from his captains nearby, silently agreeing with him at every chance they could. "As for your appearance, well," A hazy smirk of sorts formed on his face. "I leave it in your judgment of the common people to dress as you wish to be imagined as. The magical division of healing is a military endeavor, however, so I shall expect you to at least bear our emblem with pride. You are free to go now, however, I give you a week to decide what you will do. Accept my judgment or be punished appropriately." The hidden message was painfully clear.

Zartear now laid his eyes to the guest, noting the servant girl had resumed her normal duties. This man was a free merchant of the island that would be useful in future. His specialty being in food, grain and other consumables. Since he'd conquered Racksom but days ago, another demonstration of his view to equality on the condition of helping the SR progress was shown in his allowance for the Merchant to roam. All people needed to eat.
Besides, staying on friendly terms was most useful where food was to be bought and sold, trades to be discussed and bargains to be struck.
"Aah, Eythil." He greeted him fondly, embracing him briefly. "Won't you stay a while? We have much to talk about- ah- the trade routes through the east, no?" He paused, as if trying to measure the merchant's reaction. "I have determined a particular merchant of my own should be available to speak on our grain and supply imports, I have entrusted his mind to get the balance correct. Doubtless you'll be guided to him soon." He smiled jovially, "I'd expect having no wife makes him quite the free man...Between you and I, Eythil, he should probably pursue one while he's still young...before he makes a fortune and has trouble choosing which, like yourself." He grinned again, it always paid to warm up the seller. Glancing back, he beckoned Atoro to his side. "Eythil, this is Atoro. A clever man, such as yourself. Atoro, this is Eythil, a well-respected merchant. A rarity, if you will."

Khonsu stiffled a growl and bit her tounge at the trtort she wanted to say to Atoro. Those should hold there tounge when those who have higher breeding then them. But she wouldn't it wouldn't go well if she did. The possible out comes were to many and none ended with her on top. "I will do ask you wish of me King Zartear. Though I have no healing magic, I will aid the healers in any way I can." She humbles herself some more and bares the wing tattoo on her back. "I have experience in this when I was a child, when my adopted father men came back from fighting." Maybe there will be a way for her to show what she could really do. But for now she would do as she bidded to do. Until time permits a better showing. "Anup let us go." Rising the amulet a Anubis blinks in the light as she gives another bow. "King Zartear." She leaves.

(Exit Khonsu)

Eythil smiles as Zartear greeted him, returning the warm gesture and clasping the man on the arm as the pulled apart. "Yes, much word travels on the eastern route." He agreed, "A merchant of your own, eh? And here I thought you were exclusively trading with me." He chuckled, not taking any serious sort of tone as he listened for Zartear to go on. He nodded at the location where the man should be and made sure to make a mental note.

At the mention of the other merchant not having a wife and being 'free' Eythil chuckled. "To be young. I shall of course keep you up to date on my beautiful wife." He added, walking along with Zartear until he was introduced to Atoro. He eyed the man carefully for a second, knowing how testy they all seemed to be but gave him a warm smile and extended his hand in a greeting. "A pleasure." He said to Atoro.

It was quite rewarding for Atoro to have his suggestions followed up by Zartear almost immediately; he didn’t require the unintentional praise, but it was always a good boost for the ego. It certainly felt as though he was sliding himself into the position of tactician quite nicely already- but care was always needed. He would make sure to remember that; pride was often the fatal flaw in the foolish. However, he wasn’t going to grovel and submit himself completely to Zartear’s whims, not like those other fearful generals of the man. He watched with some pleasure as Khonsu left with her dog, savouring the look she had given him. Ooh, that one didn’t like him one jot. Well, that was fine with him. She was little more than a pawn, another piece in the big game they were all playing.

The place was starting to- once again- dull down in activity a little, most of those who had talked with himself or Zartear having now left on whatever assignments that the other Surahnian had set them to doing. Finally he might actually get a chance to discuss what he had come to discuss with Zartear; tactics.

Or not. It was most frustrating that yet another man came up to talk to Zartear- a trader, of all people- and he had to just grin and bear it, as the saying went. Well, he had to bear it at least; there were no requirements for smiling. The other two seemed particularly jovial though, either through friendly banter or actual friendship… Atoro assumed it was the first. It was clever of Zartear, keeping the merchant happy and on his good side, so the best goods would come to the SR.
“Indeed,” replied Atoro as he was introduced to Eythil, laying a polite smile on his lips and shaking the man’s proffered hand. “To come so highly spoken of from our king speaks volumes; you must be quite the accomplished man.”

Satisfied enough that they had met, Zartear spoke to Eythil, still maintaining a face of generosity. “Ah, you are a one of a kind merchant, true, now.” He looked to them both, Zartear had plenty of time spare for now to play those “political” games. “Atoro, Eythil, you will both accompany me to the palace now. How do you think of it? There is no better way to seal our future together than through a meal. Though I apologise for the condition of the palace, it seems those of Dragons Cove never paid much mind to taking pride in splendour.”
He guided them both along with him toward the western exit of the gardens, whereupon he’d perhaps summon his dragon and two horses for the men beside him.
With any luck they’d both become suitably less sober, a little more familiar and hopefully more friendly with eachother. All under Zartear’s watchful eye, mind.
This meeting as far as he was concerned, had been a success.
A useful military contact gained, possibly. A newly fledged tactician that’d he was set to learn more about, a competent trader, the appearance of what he was sure would be a famous swordsman and of course the half-man for a possible sentinel. A subtle smile traced across his lips, it was amazing how much one could accomplish simply with words. This was power.

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