Stronghold RP (Amira and Bucks only)

[Bucks23]

This story is set in the fictional kingdom of Parravon, in a time of medieval knights, dragons, beasts and outlaws who live in the great forest. The main storyline here is the struggle between the ruthless rulers of the kingdom and the those that dwell in exile in the forest….

[Bucks23]

It was early morning in the castle courtyard. Servants and yeomen went about their business, talking to each other amongst the clucking hens that wandered aimlessly about and the grunting pigs in the sty. A lazy plume of smoke rose from burnt straw that had been alight during the night.
An old man lead a horse through to the stables, passing a young boy with messy brown hair as he swung a wooden sword against a scarecrow type manikin.

Darius was ten years old, his face and clothes were streaked with dirt and he wore ill-fitting clothes. Not how you would expect the King’s grandson to look, but then he was not a legitimate heir to the throne or a fully fledged family member and therefore didn’t receive such luxuries. Darius’ life was simple and he was content with his place in it.

A shadow loomed over Darius and he turned to squint up at the tall frame of his father. “What are you doing son?” The man asked, pausing to lick his thumb and rub a smudge of dirt from the boy’s cheek.

“I’m killing outlaws!” Darius replied excitedly and turned to give the scarecrow another good thwack with his sword.

Brendon chuckled quietly and shook his head as he watched his son. He could not doubt Darius’ enthusiasm. Ever since his wife had died it had just been the two of them. Thankfully his half brother didn’t see Darius as a threat against his throne so they lived in peace and were mostly overlooked… for now at least. “Aim for the neck boy, that’s it.” Brendon offered a few suggestions then leaned down to wrap his arms around his son from behind. He put his hands over Darius’ on the hilt of his pretend weapon. “Don’t grip your sword too tightly or you’ll be disarmed.”

“When will I get to kill outlaws like you father?” Darius asked eagerly.

Brendon’s jaw clenched as he remembered the last time he had to plunge his sword into the chest of a rebel warrior. The look in a dying man’s eyes was something you never forgot and the horrors of battle were not anything Brendon enjoyed… they were merely a necessity that had to be done for the greater good. “Hopefully never. We are close to routing the rebels for good.”

Darius pouted unhappily. “But I want to be a warrior like you someday!”

“And I’m sure you will be! But not today eh?” Brendon ruffled his son’s untidy hair fondly. He knew these were the years he should savour… before the awful teen phase began.

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In a room at the top of one of the towers was a richly furnished bedchamber. The young prince Adrian yawned as he rolled over in bed and stretched out his pale and lightly muscled arms. He was a youth in the prime of health though he had not yet seen actual combat. The sounds of the castle waking up and the glare of sunlight coming in through the window made him groan in anger.

“Oh f*cking hell.” He muttered and rubbed his eyes. His head hurt terribly as he suffered from a hangover. He struggled to sit up and rested himself on his elbows.

There came a knock at the door and his manservant entered. “You called out milord?”

Adrian sneered at the insignificant human being. “No I didn’t, you wretched fool. Now go away and send in some sl*t from the kitchens or something.” He dropped back onto the bed with another frustrated growl.

The servant cleared his throat awkwardly. “Begging your pardon sir, but the King and Queen request your presence in the throne room as soon as possible.”

Adrian lifted his head and forced open one eye. “Oh you have to be joking…”

“No sir I…” The servant was cut off as Adrian launched an empty wine jug at his head. He narrowly avoided the pot as it smashed against the wall inches from him.

“Tell them I’ll be there in a moment…” Adrian told him.

An hour later Adrian headed down a corridor towards the extravagant throne room, scratching and picking at his tunic. The guards opened the door on his approach. He didn’t spare either of them a glance as he headed inside to greet his parents. He realised he hadn’t actually seen them for a few days. He had been whoring and binge drinking himself into oblivion and sensed a reprimand coming. He knew he could get sympathy from his mother but his father could sometimes be a stuffy old git.

“Mother, father… what is it?” He asked as he dropped himself unceremoniously down in a chair close to them. “If you are going to tell me about an audience with yet another dull princess from another realm I am afraid I shall die on the spot…”

[Bucks23]

Meanwhile in the great forest…

The soldier wearing Parravon’s livery turned and fled as his fellow warriors were slaughtered around him. Tomas notched back an arrow and smiled as he let the deadly barb fly and strike it’s target square in the back. The soldier let out a startled cry and fell face first to the mud-soaked ground.

Cries of pain and the clashing of steel began to die down as the ambushers quickly overwhelmed the supply wagon making it’s way through the great forest. The soldiers were all killed where they stood by arrow and hatchet as the outlaws came upon them from the trees, bushes and all manner of hiding places. It was easy pickings.

Tomas left his hiding place and strode through the killing ground towards the soldier he had shot in the back with an arrow. The man was still alive as he crawled forward, desperate to escape.

“You royal c*nts make me sick!” Tomas spat and grabbed a nearby rock as he proceeded to dash the man’s brains out onto the floor.

The outlaws cheered over the easy victory and started raiding the wagon that was full of weaponry and food. It was a grizzly business but these were rebels living in one of the most dangerous and harsh environments known to man.

“We should have waited for her signal.” A rebel said to Tomas with a worried look about him. He glanced over the heaped bodies of the soldiers. He knew the leader’s code of honour was to kill only when necessary and they had slaughtered all of the soldiers; some of whom had given up or tried to run away.

Tomas shook his head and smiled slyly. “We took the wagon didn’t we? Who cares about the royalist scum. They would have done the same to us.”

“Heads up.” The rebel said and nodded his head towards the tree line. “She comes.”

Tomas turned to see the rebel queen and her second in command climb the rise between the trees on their warhorses. She was an awesome sight to behold and inspired love and devotion from her fellow men. Tomas hoped to impress her with what his small force had accomplished even though they had gone completely overkill on the guards.

There was a sudden scream as the outlaws found a noble woman hiding in the wagon. They pulled her out and held her up in the air amid chuckles at her terror. She was a pretty little thing and richly dressed, Tomas hoped he would be allowed to have his way with her but as the queen was here now, the prisoner’s life was her decision.

Tomas opened his arms wide to indicate the supplies they had stolen and grinned broadly. “Look what we found!”

The second in command shook his head. A wiser, older man he knew the king would not let this insult go unpunished. “Ill fortune will befall us for this.” He muttered to his leader…

[Lady Amira Nuit]

The queen smiled big as her son came walking into the throne room. "Good morning Prince Adrian. I see you have slept most well. How have you been?" She felt like taking him in his arms and just kissing his cheek. He was her son. Her pride and joy and loved him with all her heart. So much more then the only child that her King had with a sl*t. He was a fool to have picked that woman. Brendan wasn't even half the man her beloved Adrian was. If it was up to her she would had Brendan killed but then the King would have her killed to so she just had to put up with it until he died then she would destroy him. How that thought brought her much joy. She turned her attention back to her wonderful baby boy who began to speak...

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Etheldreda Golda approched as she saw Tomas standing in the middle of a blood bath. As she listened to her second in command her eyes focused on the woman that they pulled out of the wagon. Etheldreda walked over to her. The woman seemed almost terrifyed that she was going to kill her but that was far from Etheldreda's mind.

"Luna," she called out, "Can you please take this woman back to our camp and make sure no harm comes upon her."

Luna walked over to her with a big smile on her face. "You got it m'lady." Luna turned to the woman and said, "Come on then. Let's get you to..."

All of a suddenly the lady slapped Luna with the back of her hand and took off running. As she reached the trees and black man standing at 6'0 stepped out in front of her, bent down, and put her up on his shoulder. She began to buck but he had her in a tight hold.

"Thank you Jaxon," Etheldreda said, "Now, please turn around."

Jaxon did as he was asked and turned so Etheldreda could look her in the eyes.

"What in the hell was that?"

The girl still looked terrifyed.

"I brought you in. Don't you get that? I dont want you to get hurt."

"Well, if I get my way I just might pay her back for the lovely gift she has stole upon my face," Luna said as she pointed at her eye. It was swallown and now began to brusie.

Etheldreda sighed. "Look I don't want you to get hurt, ok? Per tell. What is your name child?"

The girl looked lost and scared much like a rabbit caught in a trap. When she spoke her voice was far away. "I am..Lily."

"No last name?" Luna asked.

The woman just looked down. She was done answering question for now. Etheldreda told Jaxon to go ahead and take her back as Luna walked with him.

As they were out of sight Etheldreda then turned her full attention to Tomas. "What the hell were you thinking?" She began to shout. "What right did you have to slaughter these men? Where you going to kill her too? You sicken me Tomas. I've about had enough out of you."

Blayre saw the anger in Tomas eyes and stepped forward. "That was really uncalled for Tomas. You should had known better then to step in between like that. She has done nothing but help you. Why? Why did you not wait for her signal?"

Etheldreda turned her attention back to Tomas to await to see what he had to say for himself and why he had done all this. She would never would have murderered them all so it wasn't to get on her good side. Jaxon told her he was a bad idea to bring along with them. Maybe he was right. She began to see that now but he was still apart of her so for now she would wait to see what he had to say.

[Bucks23]

(OOC: Hehe just a quick note hun, Darius is the king’s grandson, Brendan is the King’s illegitimate son I think the queen is referring to)

“I’m fine mother.” Adrian replied grumpily, idly scratching at the arm rest of the lavish chair he reclined in. He was pouting like a spoilt child. His eyes still blood-shot from his days long drink binge. “What do you want?”

King Alexander Tyron grunted as he examined his youngest son and wore his usual expression of disdain. He always blamed his wife for Adrian’s sloppy attitude. The Queen and her son were an inseparable pair and he argued that Adrian should get a taste for the battle field. But Of course Beatrix would have none of that. When he was at that age he was fighting battles daily and taking wenches nightly. He saw his son as a wasted youth.
Not without considerable effort, King Tyron pulled his wide girth out of his throne and limped over to his son, glaring as he headed his way. He leaned in close and shook his fist at him. “You’ll do as you are told boy! No questions asked!” He barked. “If I summon you to my side, you will come and with great haste! As it happens, we are expecting a noble woman from a good, profitable family to join us here at the castle for the weekend. You are to court her and be polite to her in every way possible. AM I Clear?”

Embarrassed and ashamed, Adrian nodded obediently. “Y-yes father.”

“Good boy.” Tyron huffed and stood up straight again. He hobbled towards the doorway. “I am going to lay down for a while.” As he was leaving, a pretty young blonde servant came into the room carrying a tray with three goblets of wine. The king took one and shared a knowing smile with the young woman. “I’ll see you later tonight Greta.” He said with a leer that stretched between his ruddy cheeks. The blonde giggled teasingly.

Adrian growled, his father’s blatant flirtation with his latest wh0re in front of his mother felt like a knife thrust into his heart. Adrian went to sit in his father’s throne beside his mother and patted her arm in a reassuring gesture. “No fear mother, the brat has nothing on you. Father must be bewitched by her. She won’t last… just like all the others.”

Greta came over to the thrones humming to herself as she gave a goblet to Adrian and then handed one out towards the queen. With a sudden stumble, the young woman dropped the goblet and splashed a rich coloured wine over the queen’s gown. “Oh Milady I’m so sorry!” Greta gasped.

“You wretched b!tch!” Adrian snapped and backhanded the girl across her face. She fell to her knees and started crying. Adrian ignored her and turned to the queen. “Mother are you alright?”

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Tomas’ eyes flared with barely concealed anger as he was reprimanded by Etheldreda and his peers towards his actions. He said nothing at first but took deep breaths. His hot, youthful temper bubbled to the surface.

“I killed the king’s men, so what?” He snapped. “They wouldn’t have spared us if our situations were reversed.”

“Tomas you go too far.” Etheldreda’s second in command spoke quietly, but directly. His hand rested on the pommel of his sheathed sword.

“No I don’t, I go exactly as far as I should go! Y’know why? Because you guys don’t have the balls to do what should be done.” Tomas shouted, throwing his arms about wildly. He pointed towards Lilly. “That royalist c*nt slapped Luna and we aren’t going to punish her? I captured the supply wagon, surely the prisoner belongs to me?”

“Young fool.” The second in command snapped. “You think to take the king’s own supply wagon and there not be any consequences for this? Tyron is not a man to take this great insult lightly. Shame on you Tomas, you should be stripped and left alone in the woods to fend for yourself. That is what I would have done to you, but luckily for you, Etheldreda decides your fate.”

All eyes turned towards their leader as they waited to see if Tomas was to be punished or forgiven. The men who had backed Tomas’ attack so readily earlier now offered no support or aid to the young man. Tomas stood alone, but bravely…

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A rider came galloping into the castle courtyard in a frenzy. “The outlaws have struck again! The supply wagon is lost! The outlaws have taken the supply wagon! Everyone else was murdered where they stood!” The rider shouted.

“Father?” Darius asked, his eyes wide with panic.

Looking towards the rider, Brendon patted his son’s shoulder. “Go about your chores son, we will meet up again later.”

Knowing not to argue with his father, Darius reluctantly set off towards the stables as Brendon headed towards one of the towers. He knew the King would not let another attack go unpunished and could already tell the knights would be despatched… with him at the head of the charge…

[Lady Amira Nuit]

(OOC: Sorry. I thought as I wrote it something was wrong but I didn't double check myself. I fixed it though. Thanks.)

Beatrix suddenly stood, anger fueled her. "You little b*tch!" She yelled as then she began to yell for the guards. They rushed in and she said, "Take this winch to the tower."

"No milady. Please, I am sorry. It was an accient. I didn't mean for it to happen."

"I am sure you didn't. Take her away."

The guards took her away kicking and screaming. She sat back down and looked at her son as she said, "I am fine now. That little Dracula will not dare cross me again. 'He' will be sure to take 'care' of her. Beside your father wont miss her away. Its time he moved on. I make sure he only has them for so long so they don't end up having another little offal child as Brendon and his child. Uh, I wish I could have him killed but then your father would really have my head. He loves that boy, god knows why." She sighed as she smiled at him. "So, what are your plans? The princess, I hear, is truly a knock out as you would put it. Might as well see what she is all about when she gets hear. Not for your father but for me. I just want you to be happy." She held on to his hand as she spoke. He was truly a mommas boy.

........................................................

Etheldreda felt all eyes on her but her full focus was on Tomas. She let out a deep breath. "I should strip you down and leave you but that's not who I am. They would had not attacked us like you think Tomas. I will not leave you out here but this, what you have done will not go unpunished. When we return to the camp its the walk of hell for you.

Blayre and many others gasped around them. The walk of hell was two lines of at least 10 to 12 your fellow group mates on either side facing one another. You start at the beginning with nothing but your clothes on your back and begin to walk down the line while they begin to bet you and your not allowed to fight back.

"Unless you don't wish to return with us but the moment you want back in that is the first thing you must do." She whisled as her horse come over to her and she got up on him. Looking down at Tomas she ask, "What's it going to be?"

[Bucks23]

Adrian pouted as his mother spoke of the princess. The heated moments of a few minutes ago were gently receeding though he had to admit he was wanting to steal himself away to the tower to watch the little wench dealt with. He couldn't deny his mother anything when she asked for it so he sighed. "Okay mother, if you insist. I will greet the princess. Though I don't have to like her." He smiled slightly and rubbed her hand with his fingers. "Father is a fool to treat you so, one day he will see... I just pray that it is not too late for him."

Suddenly a soldier entered the throne room and bowed low to the queen and Prince. "Your highnesses, I beg your pardon but the king requests both of you in the great chamber... a council of war is to be underway. The outlaws have struck another supply wagon and killed everyone accompanying it!"

Adrian sprang out of his chair with his mouth agape. "The curs! Father will see them pay for this! Come mother." He took the queen's arm and escorted her down to the main chamber where a great many soldiers and lords were gathered as the rider gave his report on the ambush in the forest.

Through it all King Tyron stood grim and silent. Nearby stood the tall and handsome form of Brendon, watching the messenger with tense jaw and fierce eyes.

Adrian stared at his half brother for a while... how he loathed him.

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"I'll take the walk of hell." Tomas declared, to many gasps and murmering of suprise. He spat on the ground at his feet, his blue eyes blazing as he looked upon Etheldreda. The woman inspired so much hate and lust in the young man's raging heart it was unreal.

Tomas had no supporters or words of encouragement from his fellow outlaws on the way back to the camp... they all knew very soon they would be beating him to with an inch of his life...

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Beatrix moved as she stood beside her King. Then stealing a glance at her husbands bastered son, she felt like running his own blade threw his heart but she fought against it. How she hated him. Brendon was proof to their kingdom that her King didn't respect her in the least. That any piece of hot ass that cross him he will nail it. She was just a face to keep some kind of piece. To make the reality unseen and the towns people blind to the real problems at hand. But their King and Queen had ruled for many of year and there was no one stupid enough to cross them. No one but the outlaws.

She would find the leader one day and destroy them right in front of her King. Then he will see her true colors and they will be forever together once more. She just wanted to make sure that he didn't get a borner once he crossed her path again. That little b*tch will go down and once she does then her followers will disappear into the darkness. All will be right with the world once more. So they just awaited for their King's words.

......................

As they reached the camp Etheldreda went to check up on the woman that she had saved from Tomas. She knew what he wanted to do to her. Something he has fantasied to do to her sense the first moment they met but he needed help and she couldn't turn her back on him. Not even now but to remain the leader she had to punish him. This was the way to do just that.

The woman was scared but she was doing ok. Luna had given her some stew to eat and she was out. This was the perfect time to do this.

Etheldreda called her people into a circle as she began to speak. "The time has come to punish one of our own. He has not held up his own end and went against my orders. The punishment is the walk to hell. This is the time when we have 10 of each on either side standing shoulder to shoulder facing the other line. With blunt objects I want you to hit, kick, punch, etc. He isn't allowed to fight back or the punishment is death.

They all got in the lines as requested by their leader. Etheldreda stood at the end of the punishment train as Tomas now walked up to the beginning of it. Their eyes locked. She showed no emotion for him on her face. It was stone cold. He only in shorts and nothing more.

Etheldreda then called out, "Begin!" As she kept her eyes on him awaiting him to make his first step towards hell. This was only for those that got to this point. That went against their leader and began to become a monster. This was to help them back track but in this case Etheldreda felt it might had to his hate for her. Either way in the days to come he might land himself on a sword.

[Bucks23]

"What orders my lord?" The words spoken by a chancellor stole a glance from the king.

Tyron nodded once and straightened himself, resting a meaty hand on the pommel of his ancestor sword. "It is time we routed these outlaw b*stards for good. The knights of Parravon will unleash hell upon them." He wobbled over to Brendan and slapped the younger man's arm. "You, my son, will lead the force and strike at their heart. No man, woman or child must be left alive to act as an example to any further ingrates thinking to rebebl against their one true lord."

Adrian's cheeks flushed with barely concealed jelousy as his father and Brendan shared a moment together. The king seemed to treat his b*stard offspring better than he treated his own, true legitimate son. Why was he not asked to lead the army against the outlaws?

There was shouted agreement to the king's plans and the lords in the chamber raised their fists to the ceiling in honour before the council of war was disengaged.

"With a bit of luck Brendan will kill the outlaws but get killed himself. "Adrian whispered to his mother.

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Tomas inhaled and exhaled sharply as he stood at the end of the lines waiting to make the walk. He saw Etheldreda at the other end, though she wasn't far away it seemed like a mile to the young man. Stripped to nothing more than a pair of shorts, Tomas had nothing to defend himself with and his muscled body was exposed to any kind of attack. Other men had died facing this test.

Etheldreda shouted for the trial to begin and Tomas took another quick breath before he started moving forward. The first couple of warriors he passed didn't make any move to hit him, they had fought side by side with him for months and it felt very awkward to beat one of their own comrades, but eventually the rush of adrenaline affected everyone and the shouts suddenly turned into actions.

Tomas took fists and kicks into his torso, sides and legs. He grunted as he stumbled on, suffering terrible pain from the bruises and cuts that started to appear on his body. A club was smashed into the side of his head and he almost fell over. He spat a tooth out onto the dirt infront of him. Another club met his face and broke his nose with the force of impact. He fell to one knee, breathing sharply against the thick taste of blood and snot. One eye was sealed shut from a large purple bruise on his forehead. Pushing himself to his feet he continued across the last few feet of hell walk, enduring more battering before reaching the end.

Tomas fell to his knees before the lady Etheldreda. Blood streamed down his face as he peered up at her with one bright blue eye as he waited for her own strike...

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Beatrix smiled at her son's comment. How wonderful it would be if Brendan would die as well. As all began to cheer and was excited about the war that was just ahead of them she turned to her King and said, "What about Adrian my King? He has every right to lead this war as that," she pointed to Brendan, "Other child of yours. Adrian should be first in line for everything sense he is our blood. That is not. Why are you not giving him a chance?"

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All eyes were on Etheldreda as they awaited for her to strike down Tomas but her expression turned. She knelt down and put his arm over the back of his neck as she put her arm around his back. Then helping him to his feet she looked at her men. "He has past. Blayre, come." He went to Tomas other side and took him as Etheldreda did and they walked him to the med-tent even if he didn't want them too.

They helped him to a caught and sat him down. Etheldreda exsused Blayre as she wanted to be left alone with Tomas. Sitting across from him she said, "Why did you go against my orders Tomas? Why did you kill the King's men? We were only suppose to rob them not murderer them." She paused a moment. "This was for your own good Tomas. I just wish I knew what was going on in there," she said pointed at his head. "We use to be a family. It doesn't seem like that any longer." She looked up at him. The bruises and blood all over his body. She grabbed a rag and poored some water on it. Turning to him she began to wipe the blood away. "I care about you Tomas. I care about all my followers. Why did you do this?"

[Bucks23]

King Tyron turned his attention from his wife to his younger son.
Adrian practically shrivelled beneath his father's steely gaze and was unable to meet his father's eyes.

"Do not think Adrian less precious to me than my other son." Tyron said to his wife, his eyes returning to her face. "But I would not have him in command of anything much less my most powerful strike force. He is weak and has spent too much time in your bosom. He needs to spend more time around men, REAL men who have earned their status through great deeds of battle. When this war is over, I will have Adrian join the knighthood and end his days by your side."

Adrian's jaw dropped in dismay. He was to be parted from his beloved mother? This was surely a jest? His father's determined expression revealed otherwise.

Next to the king, Brendan stood awkwardly with his eyes on the ground in front of him. He had thus far made no comment for fear that his place was not among his true-blooded family. Seeing the contempt and dismay on Adrian's features however, he wet his lips and found voice; "Be heartened brother, joining the knight's order is a great honour. We will enjoy to ride together I think." He held out his arm to shake...

Adrian looked at Brendan's offered arm like it was a particularly rancid insect in need of squashing. His eyes burned with barely concealed rage. "P1ss on the Knights!" He snapped and quickly shot off in a huff, earning more than a few harsh glances from the lords still milling about the great hall.

"I need a drink." Tyron muttered in defeat before hobbling off. He had more important things on his mind at the moment to bother with his adolescent son’s tantrum.

This left Brendan and the Queen stood within a few feet of each other alone for the most part. It was a very uncomfortable encounter. Trying to stay civil before a woman whom he knew despised his very essence, Brendan tried to smile and bowed his head slightly. "Your highness."

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Every breath Tomas took felt like a small torment. His bruised and broken body was wracked with pain. It was a wonder he was still conscious, let alone alive. He gazed up at Etheldreda with his one functional eye, his other still forced shut by an enormous purple bruise.

“Family? Yes… I guess we were. I did it for us.” He managed to say, his voice low and trembling. “I know you cannot order such a thing as another person’s life. That’s why I killed them all before you turned up. I did what you would never be able to do. Your mercy will be downfall of us all, Etheldreda…” He took a sharp breath and winced as he felt a stabbing pain in his side. His head was beginning to feel light as a black unconsciousness wave approached. “…Just as your mercy today with me will be YOUR downfall…”

Barely after uttering those words, Tomas’ eye closed and he seemed to fall asleep.

Etheldreda’s second in command, Kurt, entered the Med-Tent almost as if on cue. He smiled slightly at his superior as he let the tent flaps close again behind him, shutting out the lights and sounds of the outdoors.

“He will always be trouble, that one,” The older man sighed and looked down at Tomas’ unconscious form like a father might observe a particularly disobedient child. He shook his head slowly then returned his gaze to Etheldreda. “He’s been in our company for a very long time hasn’t he? I think he was little more than a child when we first took to our ways. I remember he was always doing stupid, reckless things to try and impress you. Each stunt was more dangerous and bloody hair-brained than the last. It’s a wonder he’s lived this long… providing he survives the night of course.”

Kurt shifted his sword belt as he perched himself on the end of nearby cot. He studied Etheldreda for a moment. “If you want my opinion… I think he’s wrong about you. Your mercy will not bring about our destruction. I think we have survived this long because of it.” He smiled softly. “I just wanted you to know that, pet.”

[Lady Amira Nuit]

The Queen just stared at her husbands bastered son. How she wanted to kill him and even more now that they were alone. She could call it self defention. Her King would believe that, right? As he bowed she snapped, "How dare you. If you werent his child I'd have you killed for speaking to me. I wish you all the days of your life in this one and in the next to be cursed to the days you soon will die. My son is ten times the man you'll ever be." She turned and in a rough hiss she began to storm off. How she wanted to watch him die. To see the light slowly burn out in his eyes. Oh how joy that will bring her. Not to mention her hubby will not get his little treat tonight for his newest girl. How she felt the need to go watch her be tortured. It was surely good to be Queen.

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Etheldreda sighed as Tomas fell back unconscious. She then turned to see Kurt walk into the tent. She was so happy he was her right hand and her friend. She could trust him with her life. As he spoke she turned her gaze to Tomas. "He is a liability, isn't he?" She asked keeping her gaze on Tomas. "I am not sure what to do with him Kurt. The test today only proves how his is driven back anger or possible rage. He is my creation though but right now I am not sure I could destory him." She turned her gaze towards Kurt. "I wish I could save him but I free the next stupid stunt he pulls will hurt one of our own or even worse. I cant let that happen." She paused as her gaze turned back to Tomas. "I want you to get a party together. Ones you can fully trust and take Tomas far away from here and then return back as quickly as you can. I am not ready to face him nor can I destroy him. Please just take him far away and leave him. That's all I can think of to do at this point."

He gaze remained on Tomas's face as an old memory flashback appeared. It was the first time Tomas held a sword and he was fighting against her, herself. She was pleased with his foot work and as the battle went on it was like he was born to use a sword. It was like a beautiful dance and she was really impressed. But by the end of the battle she had tripped him and he went face first into the mud. She helped him to his feet but everyone was laughing at him, everyone but her. That night she went to his tent as she bright him dinner and found him crying. She held him like a mother to her child and finally after eatting he fell asleep. She didnt leave him that night.

But now she looks upon his face and that little boy is gone. A murderer stood there before her and she couldn't do anything but turn him away now. She wished there was another way. Anything to keep this little boy from turning evil but there was no hope for him. It was gone. He was gone. Blood of the innocent was on his hands and she couldn't bare it. Not anymore.

She turned her gaze back to Kurt. "Please hurry. I want him gone. Then in the morning we will figure on what our next steps will be." She stood and put lifted her had to Kurts cheek. "I am counting on you. Just leave him. Nothing else is to be done." Then she walked out not even stealing a look back.

[Bucks23]

Kurt watched her leave, he could feel the heavy weight of her conscience on his shoulders like a ton of stone. This was no easy decision for her, and nor should it be, Tomas had been with them practically from the beginning. With a deep sigh, Kurt studied the boy now as he slept. His face seemed more peaceful for the time being at least, none of that false bravado trying to show itself. Knowing what had to be done, Kurt wandered out of the tent to rally a couple of his most trusted men and together they shifted Tomas gently onto a stretcher. One of the women gave him a satchel with some supplies to give to Tomas, so he would have a chance at surviving on his own in the wilderness. Kurt thanked the woman’s kindness as his helpers transferred Tomas onto the back of a cart.

Deep into the woods they travelled. It soon became the middle of the night. A full moon illuminated their guilty activities as they set Tomas down on the moist earth and then started the wagon back the way they had come.

Stirring out of his delirium, Tomas groggily raised his head. He saw the wagon trundling away from him and his quick wits told him exactly what was happening. His eyes widened in panic and he cried out in pain as he forced his body to sit up. “You can’t just leave me out here!” He shouted after Kurt and his fellows. “C’mon Kurt! What the hell is this? I passed the godforsaken test! I’ve earned my place back in! Please don’t leave me out here alone!”

Steeling his resolve, Kurt remained silent and not even looking back.

“Kurt Please!” Tomas was practically screaming now. “Don’t leave me!” The only answer Tomas received was the howl of a wolf some distance away. It’s echoing cry was repeated by another wolf, closer this time. Tomas’ trembled in terror as he tried to crawl after the cart. His fear soon gave way to anger. “You’ll regret this Kurt! You and that b1tch Etheldreda! I swear it!” He shook his fist above his head, his pale blue eye burning with an all consuming rage. They would pay for this… if it was the last thing he ever did!

Kurt returned to the camp and together with his handful of men they unloaded the cart and un-tethered the pony. “Remember lads, we do as we must to survive out here.” He told the men, choosing his words carefully to try and extinguish their guilt-ridden minds. They looked back at him gratefully. “Tomas was a self-destructive force and we will all be better off this way. Tomas included. I doubt any old wolf is going to be enough to take that boy out… even with the wounds he carries.”

With allocated sentries on patrol, Kurt retired to his own tent for the night. As soon as he closed his eyes all he could see was Tomas’ face as they left him. Sleep would not find Kurt easily this night, he was too wound up thinking about the lad he had just abandonned to die and what his actions might bring down on them from the king…

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It was past dark when Lily awoke. Her eyes sprang open as the realisation of her situation set in. It had not all been a dream after all! Those outlaw ruffians had attacked the wagon train leading her towards her new and exciting life with Prince Tyron in Parravon. Everyone else in her company she feared had been slain. Tears formed in her eyes almost immediately and she hugged her knees to her chest as she began to cry. Her pretty red satin dress was smeared with dirt.

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Brendan bowed his head a second time as the Queen snapped at him and took her sudden leave. He sighed as he realised there was no love lost between them. He was heartened by the fact she didn’t mention his son Darius’ name. He wished above all else that the child escape her notice for fear of her hurting the boy to get to him.
Sleep would be the best thing for him to get now, he decided. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day and he wanted to be present during the manufacturing of the artillery. He didn’t want any bolt-throwers or trebuchet’s malfunctioning on him in the near future.
Turning on his heel, Brendan headed away from the grand audience chamber and made his way down into the filthy but comforting peasant quarter of the castle.

It was some hours later that Brendan sat in a small chair, telling his son a story as the boy lay in his bed. The only light came from a flickering candle that was beginning to die out on the night stand. The small light had created shadows across the small room that had ignited Darius’ imagination as his father’s story had gone through brave and courageous knights rescuing fair damsels from dragon guarded towers and witches at war with warlocks with deadly magic.

“--and they lived happily ever after.” Brendan finished softly. A warm smile crossed his face as he watched Darius sleep. He had nodded off towards the end of the tale, just like he always did.
Who is going to tell you a bedtime story while I am away? Brendan thought to himself and felt a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. What would happen to Brendan if his father was killed during this war on the outlaws? He knew of a young serving girl in the castle mess room that sometimes took a big sisterly approach to dealing with Darius. He knew his son was fond of her and hoped she would be fine to look out for him.

Brendan blew out the candle and the room went dark. A silver shaft of light entered the room from the small window as the full moon gazed down big and bright. Brendan went to kneel by the window and clasped his hands together in prayer as he lowered his head. His mother had been a follower of the old religion and some of it had stuck on Brendan. It wasn’t common any more to pray to the lady of the lake. Most people thought of her as belonging to myth like the old pagan gods, but Brendan always remembered to pay his thanks to her form time to time, not that he expected or received much apart from being able to live in relative peace and watch Darius grow up happy.

“Hear me lady of the lake,” He murmured quietly to himself. “I offer you my own blood and life to keep Darius safe, thus maintaining your balance of nature. Watch over us all kindly.” Raising to his feet, Brendan gazed up at the moon for a moment before retiring to bed. It didn’t take him long to fall into a deep sleep…

… Brendan opened his eyes as he felt warm sunshine on his face. He was laying on some grass inside some sort of grove in what must have been the great forest. Strangely he didn’t feel in the least bit frightened or bewildered as to how he got here. He was still wearing the same shirt and britches he had gone to bed in. Getting to his feet he heard the gentle trickle of water from some nearby but as yet unseen stream. He smiled happily at the sounds, sights and smells of a forest alive and at peace. Somehow he knew everything was going to be alright.

“Surely I am dreaming?” He asked himself and, as if in answer, a bird in the tree above him gave a shrill yet melodic chirp. His bare feet treading through the warm grass, he headed towards the sounds of the stream and soon found himself stepping through some shrubbery. Pushing a doorway made of branches and leaves out of his way he found himself looking onto some sort of lake. A female hum reached his ears but it sounded like the sweetest bit of song he had ever heard. At the side of the lake a young deer stooped to drink the water. It raised it’s head suddenly and peered at him, though it showed no sign of fear in the slightest. It didn’t even try to bolt as he approached and stroked a hand over it’s head.

Suddenly sensing someone else was there, Brendan turned his eyes back to the lake and saw a sight almost too beautiful to behold. A maiden stood in the middle of the lake, somehow able to walk upon the water like it was a solid surface. She had the brightest hair that sparkled in the sunlight like the most precious gold. Her robes were whiter than the clouds on a perfect day. This woman was perfection and left no doubt in his mind about her identity. Whether or not the lady of the lake truly existed or he was just dreaming he did not know or care. She seemed to notice his presence and he waited to see if she would speak to him…

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Etheldreda paced her tent unable to sleep. When she heard the wagon return she headed out towards Kurt's tent but then paused. Listening for a moment she turned towards the tent the sobbing was coming from. Remembering she let out a sigh and stepped towards it.

"Miss," she began as she opened the tent, "Are you ok?" Looking at the poor woman Etheldreda expression was soft and soothing. "Please do not be afraid. I am so sorry what happened to your people. It wasn't suppose to go the way it did." She lowered her eyes thinking about Tomas all alone in the wilderness. It was for the best, she kept repeating to herself, he was going to destroy us all.

Looking to the woman she said, "Is their anything I can do for you? Please, if I can help I will do my best too."

She had no idea who this woman was or where she was going but she felt horrible bad what Tomas had done and the thoughts of what he wanted to do to her now worked their way threw. God, she hated what he had become. What had happened to him? What did she do wrong? Why was he this way? All these questions and now he was gone. Maybe not forever. She had to speak with Kurt. The next plan of action will count on what he has to say.

She just awaited for the girl to speak...

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Luna and Blayre took a walk. Both quiet for a long time before they were outside the camp.

"I can't believe he is gone," Blayre said with a sigh.

"I can," Luna snapped, "He was a ass and out of his mind. Something had to be done."

"Well, he did pass the test and all..."

All of a sudden there was a voice from behind them that made them both jump.

Turning they both saw Jaxon as he said, "She did the right thing. Though I probably would of had him killed but that is just me."

Blayre sighed. "Well, I know what she did was for the best for our sakes. He probably would have done something very foolish after that beating."

"Yeah," Luna snapped, "Glad he is gone."

Suddenly they began to hear the sounds of dripping water. It was odd. The lake was near where they stood so as they all shared a glance they headed towards the sound. Hidding within the brushes they saw a sight that took their breaths away. The Lady of the Lake had come forward. Luna was about to say something when the boys stopped her. As Jaxon pointed their eyes saw a man standing at the water edge as she walked towards him.

"What do we do?" Luna asked in a whisper.

"Should we run back and tell Etheldreda?" Blayre asked with concern.

Jaxon said nothing because he let his action speak for him. He turned and began to walk away. The two did the same as they rushed off after him. Hopefully they would return in time to tell their leader of this. The man was strange indeed and if he was there to ask for weapons against them then their leader would handle it as she saw fit.

..................................

In a sweet smooth tone The Lady of the Lake ask, "You have come to me with hope and of promises. I will do what I can to help you as you have done so for me. One question, one answer, and one wish. Chose wisely for there can only be one. The choice is yours..."

[Bucks23]

Lily looked up at Etheldreda with tear smeared cheeks. "Let me go!" She whimpered. "You have no right to hold me prisoner here! They will come to find me and when they do they will kill every last one of you for this! My Prince Adrian will lead his army against you to rescue me... you'll see!"

Wracked with sobs again, Lily dropped her face into her hands. It was clear she was young and innocent by her dramatic behaviour. She was used to having fine things around her and servants waiting to attend her every need. She did not understand her little chance of survival in the forest alone...

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Brendan continued to gaze upon the lady of the lake, everything else around him was forgotten and overshadowed by her beautiful face. He dropped to one knee by the side of the lake and bowed his head for he had no doubt he was talking with the deity of the old religion. He also knew it was some sort of dream as he had gone to sleep at the castle barracks. He just prayed he remembered this when he awoke.

"You may look into my soul, you know that I am a knight for the kingdom of Parravon. I have butchered and I have killed and I have no right to be set before you. I ask for only one thing oh gracious lady." He said. "That you watch over my son Darius and keep him safe from enemies outside and within. He is pure and he is good but he lives among others that are not, I will do whatever you ask to make him safe."