Fantasy Legend of Knights IC

[Sitting and Dreaming]

Burner cleared his throat, nodding his head towards Void. Shockingly, he was more than willing to agree. Burner did exactly what needed to do, and it was clear what needed to be done. Standing up, he bowed just slightly towards the Green Knight. "Welcome, as Angel says, we apologize for beginning this meeting without you. Truly, though we invite you to take your seat." He spoke curtly, gesturing towards the man's seat at the table with just the slightest of smiles.

Burner refused to lose his temper again, especially since he didn't know the Knight would be arriving at all. Nonetheless he wouldn't cause a ruckus, as there was no need. His cheeks remained their pale color and his temper calm. "As with Void, we must fight with and alongside these villagers for their homes. To end the havoc of these bandits once and for all. As a team." He spoke, his soft voice growing ever louder. Soon after he took his seat, done with his part. Everyone knew where he stood, there was no need to continue.

 

[The Grilled Charlie]

Nathan sighed at the dark knight's haste. "You are not thinking this through. If we kill these bandits immediately, how will we know who is behind this? Sure we may stop these criminals before they can commit one act of terror, but then what will this change? The only way to truly defeat these bandits is following them to there headquarters, taking them out at their source." Suddenly the Green Knight busted in, spewing out a monologue. Nathan boomed, "Sit down you bumbling fool! Why must you always show up late, sometimes not at all? Does the fate of the cities not concern you? Or do you only care about your twigs and branches?" Regretting his outright anger he added, "I apologize, to a fellow knight. But I just want what is best for the people, and..." He continued. "I feel some of you do not. Maybe I have misread you, but on the surface I find that most of you don't even make an effort to show true concern for our country." He sat back down. "As for the plan. If you all agree with Burner and Void's plan, then so be it. I have heard enough of this squabble." Nathan approached the exit of the room, leaving his papers sat on the table. Before he left he turned around to everyone, and thought to himself. Maybe I am not fit to be a knight. My intentions are pure, but the means I sometimes go about it... I feel more like the "bad guy." He turned on his heels and headed outside for fresh air.

 

[WordArtist]

The heavy doors swung open with little effort - although not quite the bang that a few others had entered with - and a slender young man in simple leathers stood momentarily in the doorway with his palms on his thighs, panting ever so slightly. Pasqel was not difficult to recognize as he looked around the room, even for those who'd never met him before, due to the strangely-golden color of his eyes that was so well-known to his family name. "Sorry I'm late," he said, though without even a hint of sheepish remorse. "The guards outside were badly injured, and I stopped to heal them. Are we under attack?" Concern showed in his expression as he finally caught his breath and straightened his posture. "If there are others to tend to..." He didn't finish the sentence but instead looked at the faces of the other knights, hoping for a swift answer.

Of course, if Pasqel had regularly-attended previous meetings, he'd likely have known exactly why the guards were injured. As it stood, it wasn't the first time he'd attended one of these meetings, but it was somewhat rare that he showed up. More often than not, he was on a journey across the kingdom and out of pocket when meetings were held. This time, however, he'd made it a point to show up. It was a big day for the young Knights. The new generation were on their own now, and they were expected to act as Knights should.

Training beneath the previous Cleansing Knight had been a singular experience... and, quite frankly, one that he was glad to be done with. Patience was not a virtue he possessed much of, and his mentor had been ever frustrated with his inability to simply sit still and wait. Pasqel always had to be -doing- something. The two had come to an understanding when Pasqel finally conceded to training in archery, a pastime familiar to all Cleansing Knights of previous generations. He'd resisted, at first, claiming that a healer need not know how to fight, but when he'd finally begun to learn, it had occupied enough of his time to keep him contentedly busy. Now, he rarely had time for much of anything but his seemingly-unending work.

Pasqel shook his head, breaking his own momentary reverie and blinking at the group. The trip down memory lane had only lasted a moment, but it still felt like an eternity to wait for a positive answer. Of course, what he thought was positive and what others thought was positive probably did not align, but he wasn't about to let that show. He'd long ago learned how to perfectly mask his desires beneath the facade of the Cleansing Knight. It had been part of his training in bedside manner, something he'd since come to appreciate greatly.

 

[_Exodus_]

"Then its settled, we set a trap at the next targeted village and wait," David says.
He still wasn't sure of himself, but the plan should work. He didn't want people to get hurt, but it was for a good cause. Even then though. David's thoughts continue to battle.

 

[Kloudy]

The Black Knight​

Void stared at Nathan for a moment, attempting to understand the man's reasoning. After a second he simply shook his head, chuckling as he sat himself back in his seat, "You think 'bandits' have some grand mastermind organising a guerrilla war?" Another bark of incredulous laughter came, "We will crush them, and follow the cowards back to their lair! Then we'll see this supposed mastermind of yours." He had a dismissive air, unconcerned with the idea of an opposing general. He had yet to lose a war and his might in battle was unparalleled. Some knights were healers, some were kind or some preferred politics. The Black Knight specialised in fighting.

As the Cleansing Knight walked in, Void's expression grew more exasperated as he sighed, "Oh, you actually turned up for once. Great, we can slay our enemies with healing." He rolled his eyes, dismissing the man.

"Anyway, if there is some devious leader behind these attacks, we will track him by the weaklings that retreat from battle. We do not tolerate anyone messing with our city and we will damn well set a precedent for others in blood." It was a daunting sentiment, a clear death warranty to the bandits. As per the Black Knight's usual theme, mercy was not on his agenda.

 

[Elekta Kount]

The Green Knight was about to yell somthing at Nathan when a new comer arrived, who's words caught his attention. The Green Knight stared at the new comer for a few moments, if one would notice eyes on his shield glowed blue.

But moments later, he snapped out of his trans when the void knight started talking again.

"Ah, so I city dwellers with some brains. Cut the cancer at it's roots." The Green Knight snorted, he didn't bother taking a seat. "Fact is, I know exactly where this bandit contingent is camped out. They've been camping out in the woods, been meaning to pay them a visit, but this "meeting" seemed to be priority. We can probably take care of this little problem today, if you city dwellers are done with the chit chat."

The Green Knight then shifted his stance into a much more serious one. "I'll can easily lead you to these bandits, but..." He said, in a bit of a serious tone. "...I have one condition."

He lifted his free hand, his finger up at all members present. "You will do this my way, or you wouldn't do this at all. I can led into the forest, and I can easily kick you out. The forest is my domain and I am not tolerating any recklessness to it just for the sake of a few puny bandits. Got it!?"

 

[NekoQueen49]

For a long while, Veronica took in the arguing quietly and with no small degree of annoyance. Why couldn't they just agree on just one course of action? Personally, she agreed with the trap idea as the Snow Knight. That way, they could take them out with no injury. Just as the conclusion came to a vote, two very unexpected visitors arrived. She blinked up with her startlingly blue eyes. Veronica had just thought that the Knights present would be the only ones attending. The Forest Knight was always never to be found, off prancing in the woods close to the east doing one thing or another.

Things only got stranger when the Cleansing Knight followed him. One would think that the arrival of both together was connected but apparently not. Unlike the Green Knight, the Cleansing Knight was usually found in cities but he spread further than the capital unlike most of the Knights. Snow assumed that he was driven to heal everyone that he could. Mostly illnesses now rather than the flesh wounds the original Cleansing Knight dealt with but that's just how he was, she supposed.

The Snow Knight rose from her seat for the first time that she had sat down. To the Cleansing Knight, she explained, "There have been bandits plaguing the city. These idiots have wasted time arguing about how to deal with them. The price of peace, I suppose, that they are so inexperienced and inept. I assume you've been keeping busy, right?" A small snort of laughter escaped her as if she doubted it. In all honesty, Veronica knew that he was but that wouldn't be how the Snow Knight would behave.

She finally turned to the Forest Knight. "As for you, how do you expect to defeat these people? There are seven other Knights here that were trying to do what you claim. Maybe you've been in the forest, Forest Knight, for far too long. The beasts you slaughter are not people. We're far more clever so we should respond in cleverness. What we should do, is go down and survey the area. Get a grasp for the location and set up a trap for them."

 

[Miracle Corgi]

Ada was lost in thought, only breaking when Snowball began to talk. She lifted her head, watching her stand. She agreed with everything the knight was saying, and finally acknowledged the other two Knights who had just entered. She was a fan of the two for going and doing their own tasks elsewhere, how cool, she thought to herself. She had never seen them before in her time as a Knight, and if she had, it was sparingly and she was with her predecessor at the time, they probably wouldn't have recognized her. She would be beaming if she wasn't the Moon knight, but perhaps it was better that way. Being in her position, she should stop idolizing those around her. She was about to get carried away before she remembered what she was brooding over, and quickly fixed her eyes back on the map that Shield had unrolled. She stood up now, ignoring the others, to fixate on the line. It was obvious what village they were going to attack next, so obvious that a knot was beginning to tie in her stomach.

Deep breath, Ada, she told herself. Moon doesn't feel anxiety like this, just remember to take things in Stride. While she wasn't going to stop the direct attack that Void and Burner were plotting, or the one the Forest knight brought up, she didn't think it was the smartest move. "Take notice that the next targeted city is fairly obvious." She began, referencing the map. "Perhaps I've spent too long thinking about it, but be cautious. At this point, this 'band of ruffians' has done everything in their way to attract our attention, while also making sure their location and their path is predictable and obvious." Ada said, projecting her voice slightly as a result of all of the recent commotion within the room. "Whatever action we choose from here, I'll follow, even if begrudgingly, but it looks like we're the ones being trapped, as opposed to us trapping our adversaries." She finished, taking her seat once again and crossing her leg. She reclined her back into the chair and let out a sigh under her breath. Whatever they chose to do was now out of her power, being one of the more subdued voices in the room.

 

[_Exodus_]

David became tired of the fighting. He clenched his fists.
"Enough! We're suppose to be a Council of wise knights. Look at us! We've fallen apart. If we stand alone, we shall fail. Stand together, we shall win wars. Each of us has their part to play. I'm the one who shall unite us. Now, let's all calm down and speak, peacefully," David reasons.
He sits down in his chair, still maintaining a proper position.

 

[NekoQueen49]

The Snow Knight rolled her eyes at the Shield's outburst. While she agreed that they should stop arguing and come up with a peaceful resolution, she would hardly say that they were falling apart. That, and with an aggressive approach like that wouldn't get them to be a 'council of wise Knights'. It'd only instigate more fighting. Instead of replying to him, she decided to focus on the more reasonable one, the one actually trying to add to the conversation.

A trap, hmm? Veronica put a hand to her chin in thought. It did make sense. The violence, when examined, seemed nonsensical. There was nothing to be gained from killing all of these animals and leaving all of the resources behind. Probably those who have gone stir crazy from the lack of the action. "What if it's a trap for the Forest Knight?" The Snow Knight offered. "After all, I think he'd be the one most affected by the deaths of forest animals. If the target was us, the attacks would be closer to the capital and people instead, unless they don't have the guts to something like that. But based on the evidence, I doubt it. So either they have a grudge singularly against the Forest Knight or they plan to try and pick us off one by one. If this is the case then they might not have the force necessary to take on many of the Knights, meaning that several of us should face off with them," she explained, looking up at the rest of the group. "Though I do suggest getting more recon before charging in to see if my theory is correct."

 

[Elekta Kount]

The Green Knight just titled his head in laughter, before looking directly at the Snow Knight "Darling, that just shows how incompetent you lot are at ya jobs. Funny that ya call me inexperience, I've been fighting far an' wide across this nation, an' this ain't the first bandit infestation I've delt. Where were you lot? Hm? When their was a bandit raid on village of Ashwood? Or when they're was a horde of zombies on the loose to the west? All of you city folk spent time lazing about an' arguing on ya arses."

When David out shouted, the Green Knight snorted before looking away from the snow knight. Then the Green Knight put a foot onto the table and began leaning on it. His gaze went Moon knight, having heard what she said, the Green Knight himself said with a nod towards her. "The lass over there ain't wrong. There's been a lot more human activity in and out the wood, and I can tell not all of them are there to hunt. Seems like they love taking the roads up here up near the capital."

He then looked around the room at each knight. "The lot of them are holed up in a part of the woods not many outsiders can navigate, which is funny, considering those who do generally have lived there for quite a time." He then leaned forward onto the table. "And I have never seen anyone of them before until recently, which leads me to suspect magic."

The Green Knight then stood up straighter, retracting from his lean. "I think full proof of it would be here." Using his free hand, he reached for somthing in his pouch, when he opened his hands, it was reveled to be a dead sparrow. But somthing was off about it; there was some sort of black taint attached to the side of the bird, almost as if it wes infecting it.

"Poor lassy was flying out of those parts, found her on her deathbed." The Green Knight said somberly as he shook his hea, before holding it out in plain view.

"Like I said, I was about to pay these fellas a visit, but I was told it be wise to seek outside help." The Green Knight said, a bit begrudgingly. "Maybe I was a bit too cavalier on my entrance. I'll be honest, I would like to be anywhere but here, maybe a pub, but it seems like we have a common foe to deal with."

The Green Knight gingerly put the bird back into his pocket, planning to bury her later, before resting his hand back on his knees. "I've already scoped out the area. It ain't big, but they have quite a nice set up going for them, defenses and all. I suppose I can take one of you to go have a look for yaselves, but I don't think all of us should be on this camp at once. They're ready, but they'res not that many of them at the camp at a time. Best some of us stay here, to follow another lead maybe or incase somthing else comes up."

 

[WordArtist]

Pasqel listened carefully as the others spoke, too enwrapped in the conversation to take his seat. Instead, he stayed put, listening from the open doorway. He'd noticed Nathan outside and assumed, with the doors still being open, that he'd be able to hear the commotion as well.

When all was said and done, Pasqel straightened. "Well, it sounds like there is a bit of controversy over how to handle this. If we already know where they are based, I see no reason to wait for them to make their next raid. If this is, indeed, a trap for us, however, they will be expecting us to come after them... but, as our Lady of the Snow has said, it is unlikely that they will expect the entire group. Perhaps, as our Man of the Forest has said, it would be wise to send one or two to scout the area and return with a layout and head count; however, I worry that the delay of doing so will give the raiders time to conduct their next attack, bringing about more casualties."

Pasqel paused a moment to let that sink in before continuing, managing to keep the worry in his voice and on his face. "If we are certain of their next target, I will travel to that village and be present at the next raid. I will be available to keep the casualties to an absolute minimum while you scout their camp and formulate a plan to counter the core of the problem. This is the best of both worlds, is it not?" He looked around the room carefully, hoping that the compromise he proposed would satisfy each of them; in truth, however, he knew good and well there was no way to please all of them. At least one he knew of would be itching to take the fight to the bandits immediately.

 

[Miracle Corgi]

Ada was tapping her foot, "Before we break for any sort of reconnaissance, has anyone else noticed anything off within your jurisdiction? Have you noticed anything different on patrol?" She said, biting her lip. She had to speak quickly, everyone was trying to get out of the meeting room now, it seemed, and she had to deliver her thoughts with haste. "Let's assume the absolute worst case scenario, then. If there is an organized effort to draw the attention to the forest, then..." Ada was getting lost in her words, scrambling to deliver her piece as eloquently as she could. She bit her lip in her pause, if it's behind closed doors, she could slip up a little. Her tone changed slightly, her usual haughty and monotonous drear exchanged for something much more mundane and personable. "Right, right, so if we ventured out there, and left the city unguarded for a moment, who knows what could happen. Considerin' we don't know-" Ada cleared her throat, that was too much like a commoner, and not at all like Moon. She continued then, going back to her normal tone, not feeling as rushed anymore to speak. "Considering our current situation, I agree with Forest. We should only move one or two of us at a time, making sure that the city isn't left defenseless, but also that the group that goes into enemy lines is well prepared for even the most malignant of magic. So, I don't think all of us should go. A majority of us can, but some of us should stay behind." Ada finished, cupping her chin into her palm as she thought about the injured sparrow's wound.

"I think it's obvious which members wish to go out into the woods, but would anyone be willing to stay behind the city walls tonight in case of an emergency? If no one else will, I volunteer, but I'd rather have at least one more Knight willing to stay behind."

 

[WordArtist]

Pasqel considered. "Our Lady of the Moon has a point," he said calmly. "If this 'trap', as some of us have so elegantly put it, is intended to lure us away from our precious city rather than to lure our Forest Knight out, we may be walking right into it with this line of thinking. If that is their plan, they would have more than one base of operations, and their core would be located elsewhere. Might it be wise to send a scout to search for any unwelcome guests outside the capitol while another outlines the known camp?"

He paused a moment before adding, "Either way, assuming that we plan to do a bit of scouting rather than immediately raiding the bandits' camp, I will attend to the village that we believe is next on their attack plan to ensure the well-being of the villagers immediately afterward. Their health and safety are my priority. My presence there alone should not cause any major suspicions, for it is no secret that I often travel to remote villages."

Pasqel examined the group for reactions, hoping that this would resolve the conflict and finally satisfy the concerns of each Knight. He was eager to leave. The prospect of a village attack was most definitely at the top of his mind, and he wondered briefly when the next raid would begin. The village would keep him busy for a day or two, anyway, curing the sick and healing minor injuries. He was certain that he could find entertainment enough for a few days after that, and the bandits would provide the perfect opportunity later.

He mentally shook himself out of such thoughts. He needed to focus. A decision was about to be finalized - or so he hoped - and he'd soon be on his way. Until then, however, he needed to be carefully alert.

 

[Kloudy]

The Black Knight​

"Right, well it seems us 'idiots' have come to a consensus of sorts." Void frowned at Snow at the slight insult, but decided not to bite her head off about it like he would normally do to others. Instead, he got to his feet again, resting a hand on in the hilt of his long sword.

"Those that wish to stay shall stay. The scouts can do whatever it is they think will help." He gave a pointed look the Green Knight, his condescending gaze clearly portraying how inconsequential he thought the man's plans was. Not to mention he was getting rather sick of the 'city dweller' label. His hand tightened around the hilt of his blade, the look turning venomous to the nature weirdo with a living piece of tree at his side.

Void did not sit in the city, counting the days until the next invasion. He was the conquerer of the kingdom. Whenever the king had enemies to be quashed further afield, beyond his territory, the Black Knight was sent off to siege the victims' homes and castles. Turning the idea of offensive conquest into an art form, Void was particularly gifted in attacking well defended areas, his strategies, predictions and combat prowess all proving his long and successful track record. Much of the kingdom's current territory was taken by the Black Knight legend and Marx had more than lived up to that title. He just hoped no one back home knew how easy he had been going on the poor villages he had raided.

Walking away from the table, clearly done with the meeting, Void turned at the door, next to the Cleansing Knight but ignoring him all the same, "Oh, and Burner. I believe we have some plans to discuss. You know where to find me." He seemed to hesitate for a moment, apparently considering something, before then speaking again, "And anyone else, if they feel like taking the initiative rather than waiting for the inevitable." And with that, he strode out of the room.

 

[_Exodus_]

"I'm going with Void, stay or come, it's your decision," David says.
He stands and follows The Void out of the room. He liked to think Void didn't actually have him, but rather played the role. He tried his best, but he as always lacking in some area.

 

[Miracle Corgi]

Ada folded her arms. Part of her felt like she was going to be the only one staying behind. Moon would be fine with that, but Ada was still a bit worried. She watched two Knights leave the room and sighed, she wasn't going to wait for the rest of the lot to walk out. She stood up, smoothed out her clothing and looked around her. "Right, as I said before, I'll be staying. Whoever wishes to do the same, you can follow me out. To those of you planning to either gather reconnaissance or face the bandits head on, send a messenger back by sunset and update me or any of the other knights that's stayed behind on what you've learned." She started, and began pacing towards the door herself.

Ada turned around once more. "If something goes wrong here in the city by nightfall, something like a trap or an attack, I'll do my best to illuminate the tallest tower in the city. Hopefully you should be able to see it from where the village is, on the horizon. As for right now, I'm planning on walking the perimeter of the city, if anyone cares to accompany me." She stated, placing hands on her hips and nodding to her companions. She then made her way towards the door, pacing with determination.

 

[NekoQueen49]

Veronica sighed once again, weighing her options. Who would need her plans the most? Though the Snow Knight would probably follow after the Knights going after the bandits but, logically, there needed to someone who stayed behind. The Forest Knight knew what he was doing, Veronica was sure.

Though the Ice Queen was based upon facts and unerring logic, Veronica had a gut feeling that she would be needed here more than in the raid. Her powers would probably be better used in defense than offense, unlike some of the others. So she rose from her seat and followed the Moon Knight out.

 

[Sitting and Dreaming]

Surprisingly, Burner had fallen silent throughout the meeting. He decided that, after all, with each of their voices being heard, it would be better to sit back. If even just slightly, as it was quite in his nature to keep his voice low when unnecessary. And seeing as he'd spoken his piece, well, there was truly no need to consistently repeat himself. As the Cleansing Knight walked through the doors, Burner's hand lifted into a small wave of greeting. His eyes eventually fell closed, as the voices of each one of them filled his head. There was just.. far too many of them. None of them could truly again, as far as he could tell. Sure, each of the Knights of Legend were agreeing on what each of them weren't together, but it was off. Somewhere, deep down, each wanted something different. It wasn't split down the middle, they were each scattered out relatively unevenly according to what they wouldn't do.

Though Burner would not complain, he kept his mouth shut. He was with Void, someone who stood by his beliefs, a chance to use their skills for something. He did respect each and everyone one of their decisions. He simply wished that they could each have banded together to form something stronger. Soon enough, it seemed the each of them were leaving the room. Ironfist had rushed out long ago, which Burner found disgusting to have disappeared in his.. well, he didn't know what to call it. But Burner found it weak for a man so strong like himself. As Void and Shield left, Burner let out a sigh and stood up from his chair. "Well, I do hope you all enjoy what you've chosen to do." He said softly, adjusting each of the medallions that hung from his armor and pushing in his seat slowly.

Jackson walked out just behind the Snow Knight, walking quickly to catch up with Void and Shield. "I truly do hope the two of you stay safe, I wouldn't want to hear of any trouble catching you when you stay behind." Burner had spoken as nicely as possible, a soft tone clashing with the raspiness of his voice. He'd quite obnoxiously glanced over his shoulder at both the Moon and Snow Knight, his smirk playing coyly on his lips. Before he knew it, he'd turned the corner, giving Jackson the chance to let loose. At least, a childlike grin and a soundly laugh escaped his lips before he put on his bored expression once more.

 

[WordArtist]

Pasqel sighed. No consensus had been reached. Every Knight was going his or her own way. He wondered, briefly, if teamwork was ever in their nature or if this generation was rather normal. As rarely as he attended the all-Knight meetings, it had never occurred to him to ask his predecessor such a thing. As he watched Burner leave, he frowned around the room at those who had not yet made a decision. He assumed that the more... eager... of the Knights would be mounting an assault, which meant that the attack on the village was not likely to come.

He let himself frown outwardly. The others would likely perceive it as a concern for the lack of teamwork, but in truth, he was disappointed that the raid was unlikely to proceed. Briefly, he considered the possibilities. Going after the raiding party was a bad idea. As many injured as would be there, almost all of them would be criminals. He'd be far too tempted to mend the wounds of the enemies if the followed in that direction. Where, then, was he likely to see the most injury?

After several long moments of silent thought, he finally concluded that scouting the local area might afford him the best opportunity. He would be on his own, and any injured he came across would be fair game... including bandits. "Very well," he said, managing to sound resigned. "If no others will offer to do so, and since it is unlikely that the village will see any injury with a few of us attending the raiding party's encampment, I will scout the area around the city for any unusual activity. Hopefully, I will be able to spot any potential problems before they develop." He gave a curt bow of his head to those who remained before turning for the door. "I will inform our Ladies of Moon and Snow as well," he said before closing the doors behind him as he left.

* ¤ * . ¸ ¸ . · ´ ¨ ` » * « CHELAN » * « ´ ¨ ` · . ¸ ¸ . * ¤ *​

Outside, Pasqel jogged to catch up with Ada and Veronica. For a short time, he walked alongside them as he explained his intention, concluding with, "I will have flares with me. If I spot any trouble on the move, I will send up a flare to inform you of its location and direction of travel. At least then you will have some warning as to what you should expect. If I anticipate that you will have any problem dealing with it, I will send up a second flare as well. Be on the watch for it. If you see a second, it is likely that the party in question is either numerous or unusually well-equipped."

 

[_Exodus_]

"We better be doing what is right," David says to Void.
He has always been a good companion to him even though they are told to be enemies. They are a great pair, they push each other to do their best. He can't help but to smile, feeling joyed that they are going to save the day as the knights of old did.
Kloudy

 

[Kloudy]

The Black Knight​

As Burner was talking to the women behind them for the moment, Marx replied to Shield for a brief moment in an undertone, hopefully so that no one else could hear them, "If we kill the bandits before they can launch a raid, we will save more of the villagers lives than if we were to stay and defend them in the village." Glancing over his shoulder to see that Burner was returning, Void's scowl returned as he gave Shield a look as if he had said something stupid.

"A surprise attack will crush them easily, and any survivors, if there are any, will tell us if there are more scum like them. If they won't tell, well, I have my methods." Getting terrified soldiers and nobles to tell him what he needed was child's play for Void. Torture was a hell of an incentive, after all. Marx was just glad he didn't have to do it too often, that his imposing presence was usually enough to intimidate people into yielding their information.

"Anyway, I shall see you at my castle, near the Eastern Gate of the city. We shall discuss the details of our attack then." A man in officials clothing walked over to Void as the knight signaled him with his hand, "Tell the Gold Knight that I would like for him to attend our discussion at my castle as well." He sent a cursory look at the other two, "This will be easier if we have his support with gathering and supplying the soldiers for this attack. Besides, I'm sure he won't pass up an opportunity to increase his fame with the people. Winning an overwhelming victory on the offensive will be sure to win us the approval of the people."

And with that, Void strode off to his warhorse, mounting the mighty steed smoothly. Whipping the reigns, his horse took off, moving east towards his own territory. An escort of four other armoured men on horses followed him, long swords bouncing at their sides as they set off after their master. The next meeting would be in a couple of days. They would need time to gather information as to their individual army numbers, supplies, equipment and positioning before a plan could be formulated, and such information would need to be presented at the meeting. Void may have appeared rash and hasty, but he was very talented at strategy, especially so in offensives. He was more than capable of playing the tactician when the situation called for it. Marx himself was more calm and patient in reality anyway.

 

[_Exodus_]

David walks over to his warhorse. Stroking her mane, he jumps onto the mighty steed's back. He rode off on his own. He needed no protection, that was certain. A few miles out, he began to identify his castle, Redcliff. The sea could be heard all around the castle because of it's fine location on a cliff.