----------------------
Ch 8 Home Away From Home
------------------------------
"I must say, it is interesting to meet an Erudite this far out. Especially since Commandant Shaltvar, prohibited any one from entering or exiting Erudin."
"Like I said before Mathasar. The Commandant wants to reopen relations with Felwithe. Especially since the Heretics, have been getting rather uppity lately. Their patrols are coming closer and closer to Erudin, we feel they are going to strike soon."
"So Erudin is getting trampled by their mess, and comes to us like whipped dogs?"
"Maybe. Nevertheless, the Heretics are your problem too. If Erudin falls, their next stop will be Fawdyer. The enemy of my enemy is my friend as the old saying goes. Unfortunately, you stuck-up High-elfs are it. So, deal with it, Mathasar.
"Call me Commander."
"I'll call you what I like. Mathasar."
----------------------------
Outside the command tent, Arorua intercepts Raziel who was apparently lost in the camp.
" For an ambassador, you aren't doing a very good job so far. Unless ticking off one of the King's most loyal Commander's is a great way to open diplomatic relations?"
"Eh."
"O well. He needed to be set straight. He is a jerk, only wish it didn't have to take an outsider to do it."
"Outsiders can sometimes see things you don't."
"True"
"So...want to go get a drink?"
/Your becoming a drunk/
"Again?"
"Well, its not like I have anything else to do"
"Shouldn't you be working on seeing the King?"
"O yeah. I knew I forgot something"
"hehe"
"So shall we go Felwithe?"
"We?"
"Well I need a guide. I'm likely to get lost out here"
"Well, I do still need to take the weapons back to the blacksmiths"
"Good. Then its settled, we are going to Felwithe...do they have good mead in Felwithe?"
/Your Hopeless/
"Your Hopeless."
"Yeah, I know......do they?"
-----------------------------
They began to wind around the final leg of the journey to Felwithe. They stopped upon a hill facing the great Castle City of Felwithe.
"Wow. This is impressive. I bet this cost a lot"
"Probably. But I wouldn't know. It was built long before I was born."
"I didn't think you were that old......well....maybe."
"Hmph! Im barely 57!"
"Yet, you dont look a day over 56."
"Wise guy."
" Heh."
They continued down the hill and walked towards the entrance. The Guards stopped them
"HALT! Who goes there!"
Arorua reached underneath her armor and pulled out a small amulet and held it out before the Guards
"I wonder what else you're hiding under there?"
Arorua ignored him. And waited on the Guards to let them bye.
"So nothing at all?"
She blushed, and hurried through the entrance.
---------------------------------
"Arorua!!! It's so great to see you!"
"Hi Janus!"
"So what is new?"
"Quite a bit. I brought some things from the front line."
She handed him a finely crafted mace and special chainmail.
"O my! Such quality, Such craftsmanship. Oh my. Telvious must have made these. I thought he had been captured by the orcs?"
"He is, but we smuggled these out last night"
"So that's where Grandarfal and Silva went! Wow with a few of these, this siege will be over soon. Where are they? We must celebrate!"
"They didn't make it..."
"Oh no.."
"They gave their life to get these out. I probably would have joined them if Raziel hadn't intervened."
"Who is Raziel?"
"An Erudite Templar, sent from Erudin to establish an alliance with us. He saved my life."
"Then I owe him a drink"
"Ummm..no."
"Hmm?"
"Long story"
----------------------------------
Later on, Arorua found Raziel standing on one of the guard towers. She hopped up to the tower and stood beside him.
"So, this is where you have been hiding"
"Yep"
"Heard you got an appointment with the King in the morning. You must have made quite an impression"
"I do my best"
"So Ambassador, what is first on your agenda with the King"
" Dunno"
" Ok..how about second?"
"Not a clue"
"Do you have any plan for your meeting with the King?"
"Nope"
"Hmm....ok....So for a start, what are the going to call you when they introduce you?"
"Ambassador Eom'brn"
"Eom'brn? isnt that.."
"Teir'dal? Yes. It sounds better then a Templar Ambassador named Darkborne"
"True..but why Teir'dal?"
"Its a family name"
"Huh???.."
"That's enough about me. What about you?"
"Kaya"
"Arorua Kaya. Starfire Princess. Nice. One who radiates such beauty deserves such a name."
"You're quite the charmer aren't you?"
"I try to excel at what I do"
"Including drinking?"
"No exceptions"
"Well, you better hold off for tonight. You have a big meeting in the morning"
"I'll try"
-----------------------------------
"Sir, please wait here until the King summons you."
"Fine"
The squire entered the King's chambers and closed the doors behind him. Raziel yawned and leaned back against the wall. A few moments later Arorua entered the room.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I owe you my life. The least I can do is help you talk with the King."
"Great. I could use a hand."
"Glad to be of help then."
"....So what's his name again?"
"Who?"
"The King"
"!!!!! You don't even know the King's name and your trying to make an Alliance!?!"
"I have a bad memory."
"Humph"
"I thought you said you were going to help me?"
Arorua exhaled loudly.
"Why did the Commandant pick you?"
"Because I'm one of his best"
"Uh-huh. His Name is King Tearis Thex"
"That was going to be my first guess"
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Sir, Milady. The King will see you now." The squire opened the great doors to the chambers. They entered the large room and waited. The squire introduced them.
"The Ambassador from Erudin. Ambassador Raziel Eom'brn."
Raziel moved before the Kings throne.
"and his Advisor Milady Arorua Kaya"
Arorua moved up beside Raziel.
2 Grail Knights and his Advisors; Caerdwill Pwrodealian, a magician and Morgann Bernheardt, the commander of all the Felwithe forces encircled the King.
Arorua kneeled down before them "M'lord"
"Young Kaya. I see you are advising our guest."
"Yes, I am M'lord"
She rose to her feet.
Raziel walked forward and saluted the King. "It is an honor to meet you Sire."
"I never thought, I would live to see the embargo on Erudin removed. I am honored to be present in these dealings."
"Well now that we have got the pleasantries out of the way, shall we cut to the negotiations?
"I like someone is direct. Please continue"
"Ok. The Commandant wants aid in destroying the infestation of the Heretics before they attack us. We want 3 contingents of your paladins, one contingent of Grail Knights, and whatever magicians and wizards you can provide"
"And what do we get out of this"
"Gratitude and our smiling faces"
The King chuckled.
"It will take more then that. You ask much of us, we could not possibly spare even a quarter of what you ask, with the Crushbone Orcs bearing down upon our borders"
"In exchange for your military aid, we will train your knights with our techniques. We will give no more then that."
"That's all? You should not have even wasted your time Templar. My knights are the finest in all the lands. Your training would do more then sully their skills."
"It's a shame that you believe that..." Raziel disappeared.
He reappeared in front of the King with his blade at his neck "for it will cost you your life."
/I can't believe you just used that technique, in the middle of the lion's den!! Are you trying to kill yourself?/
The two Grails knights hesitated unsure of what they had just seen.
"Had your 'finely trained' knights had any skills, they would have stopped me. But look at where my blade is. Now do you still think your knights are highly trained?"
"Gahhh! you..you"
Raziel pressed his blade some more against the King's neck
"Were you saying something?" He pulled his sword back and sheathed it. He jumped back beside Arorua who was dumbstruck.
The King rubbed his neck. "Alright. If you train my knights AND help us deal with our enemies, we will help you deal with the heretics"
"Good. Have a nice Day"
He waved to them and left the chambers.
"He bears much watching sire. However, I feel his offer is genuine. My word, if even 3 of our Knights could move with the speed and skill he just did ... even I couldn't track his movements"
"Interesting, what about you Morgann?"
"I have to agree Sire. He is strong, his training could prove valuable."
"Very, well then. Arorua, you are to keep watch over him, make sure he doesn't have any alterior motives."
"Yes M'lord"
---------------------------------
Crashes echoed through the small training arena. Blades boomed together as Raziel and Arorua traded some blows
"I can't believe you did that!"
"Well, it was easier that way."
They traded more blows.
"How?"
"Well, it was either waste time arguing with him, or just prove him wrong"
"Uh-huh. Are we as poorly trained as you made us out to be?"
Raziel stopped and backed up. Leaned against his sword.
"Your not that bad, quite the contrary your people are quite skilled. It's just that, your techniques waste too much time and energy. Your incident in Crushbone is a perfect testament to that."
"How?"
"Simple, you single-handily defeated 4 orcs out of 7. But what happened then?"
"I was exhausted, I couldn't go on"
"Exactly my point, had your techniques not been so stamina hungry, you could have beaten all 7."
"O.k. What is the first thing that is wrong with our techniques?"
"Well, first of all, your swing your sword too far and too hard. Second you're pivoting your hips too much, and especially for you that's a lot of hip. No wonder you tired so quickly."
"What did you say!!!!!" She charged him making wild swings. He jumped and dodged out of the way.
"Hey! Easy! Easy! Chill out! I'm too much of a gentle men to fight ladies with big hips!"
"Why you!"
"You shouldn't let your anger get a hold of you Arorua. It makes you crazy and do rash things" said an armored figure standing at the door
Arorua halted and faced the figure. "M'lord Karasir"
"Karasir? Not the Karasir, that single handily saved the royal family of Kaladim?"
"So you heard of me?"
"Your exploits have reached even the sealed continent of Odus."
"And I have heard have your exploits, not many would dare humiliate the king and his advisors like that."
"Well I like to be different"
"Would you do me the honor of a small duel? I would love to see the skills that could humiliate our King's Guard."
"I would be happy to accept."
/That's a freakin Grail Lord Raziel!!!!/
So? I won't humiliate him too much
/Your going to have to force a draw. If you beat him, you'll surely be tossed out on your ear for totally humiliating Felwithe. If you lose, you'll be kicked out for not having the skills you claim./
You're not telling me anything new
/you are way to confident/
So you say
*
Karasir drew his sword and circled around Raziel analyzing him looking for a weakpoint in his stance. Raziel held still, he let Karasir circle around entirely. Then they paused, waiting for the other to make the first move. Karasir made the move, his blade cut nothing but air as Raziel jumped backwards into the air and landed a good distance away.
Karasir charged, his sword whirled out, again meeting only air as Raziel dodged away from his strikes.
"Is this all your so called techniques consist of? Or do u actually attack your opponent?"
"We attack but only when it is beneficial!" Raziel surged forward then whirled around Karasir crashing the back of his hand against him. Karasir stumbled, but quickly reoriented himself and readied himself.
"Hmm. A nice move lets see you do it again."
The rushed each towards each other, their blades slamming together. They parried and thrust their swords again and again. Driving each other back and forth through the training arena, eventually spilling outside to the main section of the Castle City. Now with more room, they began to jump from rooftop to rooftop parrying blows. The duel continued through the city coming to the city entrance, their blades clashed together one more time then they jumped back away from each other.
Karasir breathed heavily "You are quite good. But I think the so called skills you wish to impart to us are nothing compared to what we already have."
"Maybe, Maybe not. But then again I'm not the one who is already tired."
The tensed again ready to leap at each other, when commotion came from the front gate. * One of the front guards was carrying a wounded ranger inside. They rushed over to him.
"Hang on young one. Your safe with in Tunare's walls now" "M'lord..kara..sir....We..need..help...orcs...have broken
the...line.......Kelethin...is...tak......
------------------------------------
End Chapter 8
------------------------------------
Ch 8 Home Away From Home
------------------------------
"I must say, it is interesting to meet an Erudite this far out. Especially since Commandant Shaltvar, prohibited any one from entering or exiting Erudin."
"Like I said before Mathasar. The Commandant wants to reopen relations with Felwithe. Especially since the Heretics, have been getting rather uppity lately. Their patrols are coming closer and closer to Erudin, we feel they are going to strike soon."
"So Erudin is getting trampled by their mess, and comes to us like whipped dogs?"
"Maybe. Nevertheless, the Heretics are your problem too. If Erudin falls, their next stop will be Fawdyer. The enemy of my enemy is my friend as the old saying goes. Unfortunately, you stuck-up High-elfs are it. So, deal with it, Mathasar.
"Call me Commander."
"I'll call you what I like. Mathasar."
----------------------------
Outside the command tent, Arorua intercepts Raziel who was apparently lost in the camp.
" For an ambassador, you aren't doing a very good job so far. Unless ticking off one of the King's most loyal Commander's is a great way to open diplomatic relations?"
"Eh."
"O well. He needed to be set straight. He is a jerk, only wish it didn't have to take an outsider to do it."
"Outsiders can sometimes see things you don't."
"True"
"So...want to go get a drink?"
/Your becoming a drunk/
"Again?"
"Well, its not like I have anything else to do"
"Shouldn't you be working on seeing the King?"
"O yeah. I knew I forgot something"
"hehe"
"So shall we go Felwithe?"
"We?"
"Well I need a guide. I'm likely to get lost out here"
"Well, I do still need to take the weapons back to the blacksmiths"
"Good. Then its settled, we are going to Felwithe...do they have good mead in Felwithe?"
/Your Hopeless/
"Your Hopeless."
"Yeah, I know......do they?"
-----------------------------
They began to wind around the final leg of the journey to Felwithe. They stopped upon a hill facing the great Castle City of Felwithe.
"Wow. This is impressive. I bet this cost a lot"
"Probably. But I wouldn't know. It was built long before I was born."
"I didn't think you were that old......well....maybe."
"Hmph! Im barely 57!"
"Yet, you dont look a day over 56."
"Wise guy."
" Heh."
They continued down the hill and walked towards the entrance. The Guards stopped them
"HALT! Who goes there!"
Arorua reached underneath her armor and pulled out a small amulet and held it out before the Guards
"I wonder what else you're hiding under there?"
Arorua ignored him. And waited on the Guards to let them bye.
"So nothing at all?"
She blushed, and hurried through the entrance.
---------------------------------
"Arorua!!! It's so great to see you!"
"Hi Janus!"
"So what is new?"
"Quite a bit. I brought some things from the front line."
She handed him a finely crafted mace and special chainmail.
"O my! Such quality, Such craftsmanship. Oh my. Telvious must have made these. I thought he had been captured by the orcs?"
"He is, but we smuggled these out last night"
"So that's where Grandarfal and Silva went! Wow with a few of these, this siege will be over soon. Where are they? We must celebrate!"
"They didn't make it..."
"Oh no.."
"They gave their life to get these out. I probably would have joined them if Raziel hadn't intervened."
"Who is Raziel?"
"An Erudite Templar, sent from Erudin to establish an alliance with us. He saved my life."
"Then I owe him a drink"
"Ummm..no."
"Hmm?"
"Long story"
----------------------------------
Later on, Arorua found Raziel standing on one of the guard towers. She hopped up to the tower and stood beside him.
"So, this is where you have been hiding"
"Yep"
"Heard you got an appointment with the King in the morning. You must have made quite an impression"
"I do my best"
"So Ambassador, what is first on your agenda with the King"
" Dunno"
" Ok..how about second?"
"Not a clue"
"Do you have any plan for your meeting with the King?"
"Nope"
"Hmm....ok....So for a start, what are the going to call you when they introduce you?"
"Ambassador Eom'brn"
"Eom'brn? isnt that.."
"Teir'dal? Yes. It sounds better then a Templar Ambassador named Darkborne"
"True..but why Teir'dal?"
"Its a family name"
"Huh???.."
"That's enough about me. What about you?"
"Kaya"
"Arorua Kaya. Starfire Princess. Nice. One who radiates such beauty deserves such a name."
"You're quite the charmer aren't you?"
"I try to excel at what I do"
"Including drinking?"
"No exceptions"
"Well, you better hold off for tonight. You have a big meeting in the morning"
"I'll try"
-----------------------------------
"Sir, please wait here until the King summons you."
"Fine"
The squire entered the King's chambers and closed the doors behind him. Raziel yawned and leaned back against the wall. A few moments later Arorua entered the room.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I owe you my life. The least I can do is help you talk with the King."
"Great. I could use a hand."
"Glad to be of help then."
"....So what's his name again?"
"Who?"
"The King"
"!!!!! You don't even know the King's name and your trying to make an Alliance!?!"
"I have a bad memory."
"Humph"
"I thought you said you were going to help me?"
Arorua exhaled loudly.
"Why did the Commandant pick you?"
"Because I'm one of his best"
"Uh-huh. His Name is King Tearis Thex"
"That was going to be my first guess"
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Sir, Milady. The King will see you now." The squire opened the great doors to the chambers. They entered the large room and waited. The squire introduced them.
"The Ambassador from Erudin. Ambassador Raziel Eom'brn."
Raziel moved before the Kings throne.
"and his Advisor Milady Arorua Kaya"
Arorua moved up beside Raziel.
2 Grail Knights and his Advisors; Caerdwill Pwrodealian, a magician and Morgann Bernheardt, the commander of all the Felwithe forces encircled the King.
Arorua kneeled down before them "M'lord"
"Young Kaya. I see you are advising our guest."
"Yes, I am M'lord"
She rose to her feet.
Raziel walked forward and saluted the King. "It is an honor to meet you Sire."
"I never thought, I would live to see the embargo on Erudin removed. I am honored to be present in these dealings."
"Well now that we have got the pleasantries out of the way, shall we cut to the negotiations?
"I like someone is direct. Please continue"
"Ok. The Commandant wants aid in destroying the infestation of the Heretics before they attack us. We want 3 contingents of your paladins, one contingent of Grail Knights, and whatever magicians and wizards you can provide"
"And what do we get out of this"
"Gratitude and our smiling faces"
The King chuckled.
"It will take more then that. You ask much of us, we could not possibly spare even a quarter of what you ask, with the Crushbone Orcs bearing down upon our borders"
"In exchange for your military aid, we will train your knights with our techniques. We will give no more then that."
"That's all? You should not have even wasted your time Templar. My knights are the finest in all the lands. Your training would do more then sully their skills."
"It's a shame that you believe that..." Raziel disappeared.
He reappeared in front of the King with his blade at his neck "for it will cost you your life."
/I can't believe you just used that technique, in the middle of the lion's den!! Are you trying to kill yourself?/
The two Grails knights hesitated unsure of what they had just seen.
"Had your 'finely trained' knights had any skills, they would have stopped me. But look at where my blade is. Now do you still think your knights are highly trained?"
"Gahhh! you..you"
Raziel pressed his blade some more against the King's neck
"Were you saying something?" He pulled his sword back and sheathed it. He jumped back beside Arorua who was dumbstruck.
The King rubbed his neck. "Alright. If you train my knights AND help us deal with our enemies, we will help you deal with the heretics"
"Good. Have a nice Day"
He waved to them and left the chambers.
"He bears much watching sire. However, I feel his offer is genuine. My word, if even 3 of our Knights could move with the speed and skill he just did ... even I couldn't track his movements"
"Interesting, what about you Morgann?"
"I have to agree Sire. He is strong, his training could prove valuable."
"Very, well then. Arorua, you are to keep watch over him, make sure he doesn't have any alterior motives."
"Yes M'lord"
---------------------------------
Crashes echoed through the small training arena. Blades boomed together as Raziel and Arorua traded some blows
"I can't believe you did that!"
"Well, it was easier that way."
They traded more blows.
"How?"
"Well, it was either waste time arguing with him, or just prove him wrong"
"Uh-huh. Are we as poorly trained as you made us out to be?"
Raziel stopped and backed up. Leaned against his sword.
"Your not that bad, quite the contrary your people are quite skilled. It's just that, your techniques waste too much time and energy. Your incident in Crushbone is a perfect testament to that."
"How?"
"Simple, you single-handily defeated 4 orcs out of 7. But what happened then?"
"I was exhausted, I couldn't go on"
"Exactly my point, had your techniques not been so stamina hungry, you could have beaten all 7."
"O.k. What is the first thing that is wrong with our techniques?"
"Well, first of all, your swing your sword too far and too hard. Second you're pivoting your hips too much, and especially for you that's a lot of hip. No wonder you tired so quickly."
"What did you say!!!!!" She charged him making wild swings. He jumped and dodged out of the way.
"Hey! Easy! Easy! Chill out! I'm too much of a gentle men to fight ladies with big hips!"
"Why you!"
"You shouldn't let your anger get a hold of you Arorua. It makes you crazy and do rash things" said an armored figure standing at the door
Arorua halted and faced the figure. "M'lord Karasir"
"Karasir? Not the Karasir, that single handily saved the royal family of Kaladim?"
"So you heard of me?"
"Your exploits have reached even the sealed continent of Odus."
"And I have heard have your exploits, not many would dare humiliate the king and his advisors like that."
"Well I like to be different"
"Would you do me the honor of a small duel? I would love to see the skills that could humiliate our King's Guard."
"I would be happy to accept."
/That's a freakin Grail Lord Raziel!!!!/
So? I won't humiliate him too much
/Your going to have to force a draw. If you beat him, you'll surely be tossed out on your ear for totally humiliating Felwithe. If you lose, you'll be kicked out for not having the skills you claim./
You're not telling me anything new
/you are way to confident/
So you say
*
Karasir drew his sword and circled around Raziel analyzing him looking for a weakpoint in his stance. Raziel held still, he let Karasir circle around entirely. Then they paused, waiting for the other to make the first move. Karasir made the move, his blade cut nothing but air as Raziel jumped backwards into the air and landed a good distance away.
Karasir charged, his sword whirled out, again meeting only air as Raziel dodged away from his strikes.
"Is this all your so called techniques consist of? Or do u actually attack your opponent?"
"We attack but only when it is beneficial!" Raziel surged forward then whirled around Karasir crashing the back of his hand against him. Karasir stumbled, but quickly reoriented himself and readied himself.
"Hmm. A nice move lets see you do it again."
The rushed each towards each other, their blades slamming together. They parried and thrust their swords again and again. Driving each other back and forth through the training arena, eventually spilling outside to the main section of the Castle City. Now with more room, they began to jump from rooftop to rooftop parrying blows. The duel continued through the city coming to the city entrance, their blades clashed together one more time then they jumped back away from each other.
Karasir breathed heavily "You are quite good. But I think the so called skills you wish to impart to us are nothing compared to what we already have."
"Maybe, Maybe not. But then again I'm not the one who is already tired."
The tensed again ready to leap at each other, when commotion came from the front gate. * One of the front guards was carrying a wounded ranger inside. They rushed over to him.
"Hang on young one. Your safe with in Tunare's walls now" "M'lord..kara..sir....We..need..help...orcs...have broken
the...line.......Kelethin...is...tak......
------------------------------------
End Chapter 8
------------------------------------