Evening the Odds

[Allanon Creel]

Houses aflame, smoking ruins, and everywhere he looked he could see desecrated corpses. Allanon and his escort knew this scene-- had dealt with the apparent victors of this town's sacking since joining the legions. "Cowards. Not only were these mainlanders a peaceful village, but were completely unsuspecting of such action."He spat, disgusted. "We can look at it this way, at least there will be less of them attempting to break our lines back home."Allanon turned to the man, at that " Not only is that a shameful sign of lacking courage of our forces, but is a disrespectful statement to the dead here today. To save what is left of your honour,sir, I suggest you silence yourself right now, lest you disgrace yourself further." The soldier nodded and Allanon knew the man would from then on in be as vocal as any of the unfortunates displayed before him. They passed by the town unmolested, and continued on towards the fort dawn, the nearest sanctuary before nightfall. They had their horses pick up the pace, and as light started to fade from the day, Allanon could discern a small shape upon a hill, the fort. " Sir, look along our trail to the fort-- there happens to be a what looks to be a line-up of caravan leading to and in the fortress. No doubt it is result to the attack, yet that is not what I find of interest- look, a short distance from the crowd a lone caravan well clear of the rest, far from the trail, in fact." "Aye, I see it, rather interesting indeed. Well, I for one am not going to attempt topush past that mob, so why not fufill our curiosities and investigate." With that, they set off.

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

Serra overheard the sound of a great deal of hooves, curious she stepped out from behind the caravan and turned herself in the general direction of the band.
"Who's coming?" She queried curiously to the driver of the small caravan headed for the Kotepian capital.
"Just a band o' templar, my'lady. Nothing' to fret about." Bored the driver responded as he continued to feed his horses, the two brutes pulling the cart had become rebellious and demanded more food through the action of constantly stopping. It was clear he spoiled the animals.
"Well I suppose I'll greet them, maybe they've got stories to tell or would like to share our food." Serra suggested smiling, she'd always loved meeting new travellers and people that was her favourite part about the current diplomatic mission to Kotepia. Meeting all the wonderful different cultures along the way.

[Allanon Creel]

Upon approaching the encamped group, Allanon was met by a milky eyed elvan woman, while a retinue of guards watched a short ways off, suggesting this woman was their charge. " Appologies if we be interupting anything, madame, we found ourselves intregued by the distance you are away from the line so felt like checking as to why, thus took too much time arriving, so now ask if we could camp here as well." He looked back on the easy canter they had traveled at, and regretted it, should it result in them camped either far in the bush, or directly near the passage. He knew there would most likely be at least one clumsy wagon to wake his men up, and a sleepless soldier was often more careless. I pray the warm smile upon her face is an acceptance of what I shall ask..

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

"Hello, it'd be a pleasure of ours to share what meagre food we've got. You're also more than welcome to share our fire, you and your men must have been riding hard. I could hear you ways off." Serra offered still beaming at the prospect of meeting the men of the dessert. She was impressed at the courtesy they had already exerted and a little bit amused at their curiosity.
"If you must know why we're so far off kind sir; it's because we've hit a bump in the road and with all the caravans rushing to get in. We thought it'd be nicer to make camp here on the ridge away from all the noise and thieves. My name is Serra Rayban, I'm a foreign dignitary from Highever." Explained Serra as she carefully felt her way towards her previous seat by the fire hearing the click of the man's boots hit the pavement. He was certainly well armoured she could tell from the weight of it.
"And these gallant men here are my retinue of guards." Serra said stifling a laugh, she herself thought that it was ridiculous to send her with a guard, an escort maybe but a full blown guard was a little silly.
"They're here to protect a fragile flower such as myself to see the big bad king." Smiling at the grunts of omission from the men under her employ.
"But I've been rude, whom do I have the pleasure of sharing my fireside with and what brings you out here?"

[Allanon Creel]

"Thank you, lady Serra for your hospitality, we are most gracious to be able to relieve ourselves the weight of our armour for a time. I am Allanon Creel, and I was planning on informing King Durand of my king and people's wishes to aid them in defending against the Mortulians." Allanon said, while unsaddling his horse. She was correct about the hard ride, they had wasted no time in covering as much ground as possible, travelling with few breaks to make it past the border, and then only for the horse's sake. Given the chance to rest now, he was ready to simply lay down where he was and rest, yet he waited for his men to seat themselves and relax first, honouring his men for their discipline. " Lady Serra, you mentioned you were a dignitary- I do not wish to pry, but if I may, what is it that brought you to see the king? " He figured it was just an alteration to a trade pact, but, as there were few things to start conversation with, this could be intersting. He walked over and took a seat a few paces off, facing her, and started wiping the dust off his Pendant of Meirn, a daily sort of finality for him, of the day's events.

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

"I'm the bearer of bad news." Serra said dryly, do they not know what's going on? Serra thought to herself curiously.
"I come here bearing news of an imminent invasion from the south, the Ironwood is back on the move and we thought.. Well we hoped that we could receive aid from the North.. But I never imagined that there was so much going on up here myself." Serra sighed, from his ignorance she could instantly tell the way this mission was going to go. The Northmen were too busy fighting each other just like the dwarves.
"These are dire times and it greatly saddens me to see so much turmoil." Sarah frowned.

[Allanon Creel]

He saw a look he interpreted as dissaproval upon her mention of the Northern wars. Ah well, we are all entitled to our own opinions upon such things. "Were it that we could all live in peace, yet there will always be those who's ambitions and intent rise above their morals to claim them." He was unable to read her expression, and was suddenly weary. "Excuse me, Lady, for I am afraid the ride is now taking it's toll on my energy. I will rest now." He was not in the mood to pitch a tent, instead picking his cloak from his bag, and using it as a pillow against a tree. He stared upward, and saw the stars coming out. Thank Meirn some things of beauty are beyond the reach of men... with that last thought he was claimed by sleep.

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

The very next day the sun rose magnificently shining like a ruby gem of fire on the horizon; however, fire was actually shining on the horizon. Caravans ploughed through hurriedly into the city as the commander of the garison rushed people through.
War had reached them.
In the peak hours everyone was awakened by all the hub-bub of people afraid trying to save themselves, some went straight into the city while some caravans attempted to scatter towards the country side.
Serra heard Allanon speaking with his lieutenants.
"Thank you for sharing our fire Allanon, I'm grateful for the company." Serra said smiling as she rubbed the fatigue away from her eyes. She carefully made her way over to their position and one of the men lead her gently to the empty fire pit.
"This is a bold and possibly selfish request of me, I am aware that it is your business. If you do not wish to tell, I will understand..." Serra dragged on diplomatically.
"But what're you and your men planning?"

[Allanon Creel]

Allanon sighed, guerilla tactics even with greater numbers to civilian cities. Atrocities the mainlanders did not deserve, nor expect, yet this would happen night after night, and if anything changed, it would be a skirmish rather than a slaughter each night. "It is we who owe you thanks lady Serra, for had we slept where we were planning otherwise, we would most likely be confined to that seething mass of terrified villagers." He looked on at the gate's guards unable to move, let alone uphold order, being pushed asside. "King Durham seems to be expecting the Mortulians to strike, given this chaos and mass of villagers. I intend to aid the men-at-arms down there by using the fact that we are mounted as an attempt at using the power of prescence to assert order amongst the citizens. I will admit, I am green in this area of warfare- we have held them at the border, so are unfamiliar with civilian involvements." He thought about the risks, and the possibility they could be, amongst the panic, thought to be mortulians, but dismissed the thought. Their symbol was known as that of Meirn. " Lady Serra, I know this is a somewhat foolhardy thing to do, and I also know that what I ask would be both over-stepping my welcome and putting you in a very confined situation..." Self-conciousness, he did not know where it came from but he understood why he felt it, this was a silly question to be asking, but he felt the need to go with his gut feeling on this. "But would you mount one of our horses, or one of your caravan's, and come with us? You eminate an aura of calming and peace, which is precisely what is required. If need be, one of your men may take a horse of one of my men to escort you, should you feel it needed."

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

"Well if we're going into there.. I mean, I suppose I could do it. But I'd like to ride on the back of someone's horse. You can imagine it'd be a little confusing for me, with all the sounds I'd have trouble navigating." Serra stammered a little bit embarrassed that her handicap would hold her back here.
"But my guards and I will accompany you, I mean it doesn't look like we're going anywhere and this could be fun. We may be able to really help someone." Serra beamed enthusiastically.

[Allanon Creel]

"Well, then, I'll help you aboard, Hahah, such unexpected vigor!" He said, lending a hand and pulling her onto his stallion. The riders sped to the scene, and Allanon realised his horse's speed was too fast, "Whoa DuskBreak, whoa there boy!! That's it, they are not the enemy.-- Sorry Serr--Lady Serra, my appologies I on instinct gave him free rein to charge, boy would that have turned out ugly no?" Upon reaching the chaos, Allanon went to as close to the gate as he could muster.Now, how am I going to silence all these fretting voices, to be heard? A thought struck him, but he wondered if his vocals would immediately serve him-- he had not used his commanding voice loudly for weeks now. " M'lady, I strongly, no, highly advise you to block out as much sound from thy ears as possible, I will be back momentarily. You there, soldier-- hold my horse and the lady anchored until my return." He shoved past outraged men and women, until he spotted the highest up solid looking caravan possible, and climbed atop it. Oh Meirn, this is basically the same as speaking to men, yet I've never commanded for men to hold the line-- let alone civilians, this feels... so awkward, I don't know if this'll work... No, I have gone this far, and if this swarm continues needless violence could occur. Verry well. In his loudest, most authoritive commanding voice possible he roared, " HOLD!!! HOLD, DAMN YOU!! THERE IS NO NEED FOR PANIC, THE ENEMY ARE NOT APPROACHING. DO YOU SEE THEM UPON THE HORRISON? DO YOU FEEL THEIR STEEL? NAY, BEHAVE YOURSELVES!! YOU ARE NOT ANIMALS, YOU ARE HUMANS, HEAR ME- SHOVE NOT THY NEIGHBOUR TO PROCEED, FOR YOU WILL ALL FIND SANCTUARY WITHOUT MOLESTATION. " The crowd had stopped its buzzing, and he felt all eyes now on him, making him feel unnerved, he mentally made a quick note to learn to make public speaches should another occasion such as this arrise. He took a deep breath and with all but the hard intensity of his last speach said loud enough, " Thank you for your co-operation, ladies and gentlemen. Now, please funnel into the city 2 caravan abreast, for that is the maximum capacity, freat not you will be allowed in, so do wait your turn. Should there be any troubles, there will be soldiers circling around to make sure all is going smoothely." He stepped down, and handed the man who's caravan he had slightly cracked a ring he felt would better fit the man than he, to which a gracious smile was awarded. He walked back over to Lady Serra and DuskBreaker, and remounted. "I swear I was going to wilt under all those eyes. Gods, Civilians are a much more brutal audience than soldiers, without anything being said, too. How do you manage, M'lady?"

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

"That was impressive Allanon, you've certainly silenced this crowd." Serra smiled, she was impressed by the man's honesty and he was certainly right - addressing those under your command is a lot easier than this rabble. She could not see if the crowd had listened to his request but there was definitely a lot less noise now because of his commands, she could only hear the people's small chat now opposed to pure unbridled panic.
"And here I thought I was the diplomatic one." She said grinning. The group rode through the gate of the city, people moved out of the way after Allanon's previous announcement mistaking him for some local authority and if that was not the case his heavily armed entourage certainly did the trick. Feeling the horses weight under her she could tell by an incline that they were entering the gate house.
"Halt, state your names and business. We've got plenty ere' who want to pass. What makes yee' so special?" A guard from somewhere off to her right demanded.
"I'm a diplomat sent here to speak with the king, my escort and I would only like to lodge within the city until the turmoil in the country side simmers down. Now my friend here I can't tell you what brings him out here, only he can say." Serra explained as she rested a hand on Allanons shoulder, letting him know it was his turn to do his own explanation - after all in hindsight it did seem rather unfair that the group had just pushed themselves to the front.

[Allanon Creel]

Lady Serra's complement threatened to bring a grin to his features, but he needed to keep a plane face to adress this guard. "The thing that makes me so special, friend is that the Empire Templar is a fairly useful ally to possess when only they have the knowledge as to your enemy's battle tactics. Oh, I forgot to mention that I represent said Empire, yes, that could be relevant, unless you wish your people's utter slaughter that is, then I highly suggest you keep me outside the gates." The guard paled slightly and hurridly ordered the gates to be opened for them. Passing through the arched gate, Allanon smirked over his shoulder, " I think I entered the wrong trade m'lady, the way that man wilted under a title made it a challenge not to burst out laughing!!" Upon exiting the arch he took in the sights; to say the fortress was crowded would be an understatement: Caravans, carts and wagons crowded the area, and soldiers were visible rushing around completing the lists of tasks required of them. "Two things could happen when the Grey Skins employed this tactic; they would either encircle the city and take it with a flood of soldiers, to wash upon the walls 'till it they were gone. Or, they would heard more people to this spot and THEN attack." he said, as their pace was slowing with thinning room for the horses. As they exited the main plaza, and moved closer to the castle, the road cleared for the refugees were seeking shelter- not meetings with a king. Aye, I still remember that from battle history sessions yet I never thought I'd need to know it, never imagined they'd open two fronts. "Aah, the castle gates at last, allow me to aid you in your descent. Also, I promice not to be so brutal with my self-explainations should we be confronted this time" He said, unsaddling, and lending out his hand.

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

Ignoring the hand that she could not see, Serra gracefully propelled herself from the beasts back sensing the journey was now at an end. Steadying herself she awkwardly gripped Allanons arm, using him as a support beam - sensing that he did not mind the two continued on towards what she could only guess was the keep. Of course for all she knew they could be anywhere.
"Mhmm, very authoritarian. You've got the sounding of a great commander sir." Serra said smiling at his delight, it was nice to hear someone so genuinely amused. Of course given the current circumstances she hoped they could return such care free fancies to everyone in the resounding country side.
The two entered the chambers of the local commander, propped upon the table was a map and tons of little bits and bobs being used to represent enemy troop movements.
"Who' are yee?" He questioned impatiently staring at the odd couple that had just barged into his chambers nearly unannounced.
"Sire, the man there has the look of a Templar about him." Added one of the commanders.
"I'm Serra Rayban a diplomat from Highever on an urgent quest to see your king and my friend here is Allanon Creel. What I'm doing here however, is inconsequential, I believe my friend here may be able to aid in your defence." Serra explained boldly hoping that by offering her friends services without yet even consulting him would not warrant any unwanted response.

[Allanon Creel]

Allanon studied the men as they approached the commanders. There was one specifically tall man, who seemed on better days he'd exude an aura of discipline, yet the bags under his eyes and his sluggish demeanor told the story of a man who had not seen sleep in days. "Aye I can aid in this defence. The tactic being employed is common knowledge employed, yet the Grey Skins use it differently. They will attack all surrounding villages, and funnel them here, to exhaust resource and space as well as the chaos of fearful villagers." He paused, examining the silent faces staring back at him impatiently, irritated by his pause. "When all nearby villages have been have been stripped clean, they will attack in numbers you will not be familiar with, but fear not- for that is their main weapon." He saw the confusion and realised he must expand upon that to continue. "Their soldiers are, by our estimates, 60% faudder, and their main tool is the disheartenment of the enemy, wearing down and breaking lines like a great flood. Hold fast the floodgates, however, and victory is within grasp." He judged by their expressions upon this information that they had reached that point-- that the villages nearby had already all been fled. "Not even the highwaymen we usually hear about have been reported about the roads." One of the commanders said, confirming the thought that need not be voiced. "If you need the lady or myself, contact one of our guards to convey any messages. Now excuse us, commanders, we are off to speak with the High Commander of the specifics, along with other things."

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

Serra felt herself lead deeper into the castle, for such a busy place it was quiet - but she knew that this was not the kind of quiet one would associate with a lack of things to say. This was the quiet of those who had given up. She was saddened, the situation outside must be a lot harsher than first anticipated.
"Are you going to be able to save these people?" Serra pleaded, hoping that what ever answer he would provide could point towards a happy ending. She could never swallow the death of the innocent, even if it was common place in this cruel world.

The sound of footfalls echoed off the granite walls, amplifying for her an idea of what the layout was like. They were not wide hallways but they were very empty and windows must've been far apart or simply not there at all.
Eventually Allanon lead her through a door, within the room she could make out the sounds of a dozen people talking at once. It must be the grand hall.
"Who the devil are you two?" Questioned a hard sounding man.
Serra provided the introductions. But she kept them short, business was to be done here.

[Allanon Creel]

Allanon wished he could have told her that everything was under control, he wanted to stop their walk there and tell her in all seriousness that this madness would be halted. After a long pause, he "I...I wish I could promice a swift victory, a confident grin or something close, but I do not take you for a fool, nor would I ever lie to you, Serra."They reached the hall to be greeted with a multitude of voices arguing opinions in unison. Serra introduced them, and her entrance seemed to restore some order to the council, to which the speaker of the council smiled appreciatively. The sides voiced their views in reply to the other, versus screaming frustratedly at Allanon now, for he was the ever important source of acnoledgement to their beliefs. " In this debate I agree that yes, the enemy far surpass our defenders in soldiers and resource, yet their men are pathetic fighters. Treaty signing is the last thing to do, for they would send in a squad fairly capable with arms and speed to try to assault you all, with one being a high mage to help accomplish the kills." He looked to see the reactions of those pieces of information, as some looked shocked at the treachery while others were seemingly outraged at his contradictions to their intel. "I believe," He gazed at the Knight Commander, the only man to yet voice an opinion in this whole ordeal, "That neither surrender nor defence should be made. I believe we should form an orderly retreat with all the citizens and their belongings to Fetopolis. We are facing an enemy that could wait until we ran out of resources, or outright bog down our defenders, and should we surrender, we will most likely be turned to undead as most of their people seem to be. If we remain here, the enemy will arrive and cut off all other options." The councilmen were silent, as the Knight Commander thought upon this new information. Allanon knew that should this idea be passed, he would be required to stay with the host and it was unlikely they would just have the Lady part, which would hamper whatever else she had, or he would plan. The councilmen formed a reclusive horseshoe around the Commander as they murmered. "...I am sorry for involving you in this, I believe I should have thought it through better, as I know you had planned on going to the king. If there is a means of repaying this possibly deadly side-track I've involved you in, I would be willing to fufill it."

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

Serra bit her lip frowning, it's appeared as though her mission to see the king would not go as smoothly as planned. She let out a sigh. At least she would be able to find a new friend in this Allanon and could possibly learn a few things about the men of the dessert while she was at it. She just hoped that no more innocents would be harmed by the rapacious brutality of the so called Mortulians; however, she was no fool and knew that to her sorrow they would.
"No, don't be, it's not your fault. In fact I am proud of you for intervening to their aid opposed to fleeing the city and returning safely to your homeland. I bet you'll make all the difference." She warmly said putting a gentle hand on his arm, reassuringly. He was brave and fighting for good reasons and that was admirable. She could only imagine the amount of responsibility he had to shoulder.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" She queried of the council. If she could see their faces she'd recognize the looks of incredulity. They were thinking what use could a woman be, better yet a blind one.

[Allanon Creel]

"No, at the moment there is nothing for you to do, madam. Horace, inform the commanders of the decision and to ready the citizens as fast as they can." One of the councilors said, then resumed the closed conversation with the others. Allanon estimated the enemy would arrive at the walls within several hours, and the city's evacuation would take an hour and some if everything went swimmingly. He sighed, "The problem I find with self-important politicians; they'll accept your help but right after will dismiss you until they again need aid." He tried to hear what the men were talking about but their voices were all blending together in a rush of words believed more important than the others. "If we may, I would like to go to the balcony, this air seems too tense, too smothering in a sense. I need to clear my head, to think straight. Also, it could possibly serve as a good vantage point to see how the evacuation preperations are faring." They walked out and Allanon breathed deep the air- he had never felt this...nervous knot he now held in his gut when thinking of the fighting to come. He believed it was because of his lack of familiarity with the mainlands, and it's people's mettle. He scanned the city and saw as soldiers were going around in groups passing the orders of leave, and the people rushing back home. Others, trailing the soldiers after being told, most likely disbelieving or outraged they had to leave. A sad sight, but he hoped if all went as planned they could look back and know their defenders had made the right choice. His thoughts had taken him inside himself, and he now realised it must have been a good 15 minutes he'd left Lady Sera waiting on him should she not have been occupied. "Ugh, this situation is getting the best of my concience, I know I should have better composure but... the blood of innocents rides upon my decisions relayed through the Knight Commander." She was silent for a bit, he assumed she was probably as in-thought as he was and just gazed out at the setting sun. By the time the sun was gone they'd either be safely out of reach, or making a full-fledged retreat with a withering rear guard- it was situations like this that caused him to check his hair for white. Now they would wait for the word to be escorted out of the city with the colomn. He pressed his clasped hands to his head closed his eyes. Lord Meirn, give me the clarity of mind to see these people out of this, give me the strength to protect them and that which they hold dear..

[Yeorl Oakenleaf]

Serra waited in silence at the side of Allanon, she felt the warmth of a new risen day upon her face and the cool fresh air breeze so she assumed they were now outdoors. He was clearly tense at the prospect of leading these people against what seemed nigh impossible odds. She only wished there was something she could do to help; but, Serra was no fighter, nor was she versed in any of the arcane arts. The idea of her words having a grand impact upon the minds of the Mortulians was preposterous and what little she could say to inspire the humans here would probably just go right over their heads. She found that a lot of Men held the elves in scorn and ignorant fear.
Serra let out a long and exasperated sigh.
"Allanon, I think we should speak to the men, prep them up and let them know what we're going to be doing." Serra suggested as she gently tugged at his arm.
"I may be able to help you - after all, this isn't going to be easy. Let your soldiers see how ready and willing you are, maybe it'll be infectious."

The Knight and Diplomat walked back to the barracks together, they'd have to give a rousing speech for combat was nigh soon and they'd get no other chance.

[Allanon Creel]

He knew she was correct, and the time to move was at hand. He steeled himself as best he could and together they walked to the impatient coucil, all waiting on them. They all walked in silence, Allanon and Serra taking lead, flanked by their guards as they exited the Fortress, the KnightCommander and his men following suit. Through the streets with the civilians behind to the waiting army gathered to protect them in this flight, little was said, most of it prayers, some soothing words to little ones. He turned in saddle and looked beyond Serra,"Commander, it is a harsh thing to have the old and children do, but we must make extreme haste to leave the view of the fort, for when they come they must not see which way we left." The man nodded his agreement and sent word to aid those who would lag behind as best possible, diminishing side protection. [color=red]"Pardon, leader, but what good does harrying the people this early achieve?" r=cyan]]"The Mortulians know we could either take the safer route near the mountains, or the risky direct trader's route- a dangerous option considering there could be ambushing forces. We go the latter, because the enemy do not know we are among these people, and so can confirm that they do not employ such a tactic." He said it loud enough for those around him to hear, to hearten some with doubts of all this, in his most confident voice he could manage. "Where are we going? I represent the nobility in this trip, and we were NOT given the time we required to collect all our belongings, and since none of your men are turning for them, I believe all of us are entitled to some form of reimbursement." Allanon sighed, the nobility- the rot from the inside that could be just as fatal as the blade of the opposing soldier. "I am terribly sorry about your losses, miss..?" "You do not know my name!? Why, your ignorance as a commander is rediculous! I am The Charice Thylan!" She exclaimed, her cheeks turning red. "Well, once again, I appologise an evil invading force has left us no choice but to evacuate you without all your belongings, now please madam, this is not where you belong." She looked outraged as she was escorted back to the nobility's section of the line. "WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED SO EASILY!!" the fading voice vowed. He sighed, for he knew he'd only make things harder on them when the night attacks started, when he'd need their hundreds of servants to aid in defence. Allanon gazed once more at the train of refugees and guards- warmed by the sight of some able civilians dropping back to help the slowest, At least some of the citizens know the reality of the situation..

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