Dungeons & Dragons Fan Fiction ❯ Storms of Destiny ❯ Chap 2 ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: RegenaPhoenixRose 
Non Anime: Dungeons & Dragons Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Occult / Martial Arts / Samurai / Supernatural / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.18.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 162 | Status: Work In Progress
Non Anime: Dungeons & Dragons Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Occult / Martial Arts / Samurai / Supernatural / Fantasy / Adventure | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.18.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 162 | Status: Work In Progress
Ok chap two is finally up! This one is more of an intro for the other characters, and learning about their mission
The next morning rumors filled the city. The heroes were all dead, everyone one the castle was cursed, the children were missing, the mage school had turned against them. Every type of possible treachery was rumored. Kitairo had finally mustered up the courage to go to the Constable and offer her service in any way that she could.
As she was walking, she noticed a strange buzzing sound following her. She tried to ignore it but the sound kept getting louder, soon it sounded like muffled shrieking. She realized that the sound was coming from her hip!
She stepped into an alleyway and looked over the western style sword she had purchased with her remaining money. The sound was coming from it. Biting her lip she unsheathed the sword, and almost dropped it.
“HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY! HEY! HEY!HEEEEY!” The sword paused.
“Oni sword!” she gasped.
“Oni? What the hell is an oni? Anyways you have a job to do!” She stared at her sword in utter disbelief. “ARE you listening to me? HELLO?”
“Um. Yes.”
“Good! Glad your listening , this will go soooooo much faster. As I said you have a job to do. The children have gone missing, and it is your job to find them.”
“I was on my way...”
“I thought you were listening” If the sword had eyes she could have sworn it would have rolled them at her. “Are you TRYING to get arrested? Go back to the inn. There will be others there who will help you with your mission. Talk to a man named Isham. Now get to it!”
The sword went quiet. “Strange western weapons.” she whispered. Briefly she considered dropping the thing in the nearest well and walking away
***********
Aramil stood in the guard offices waiting for his next assignment. It had been a long and chaotic night. Confusion was in the still in the air about what exactly happened at the castle. He and his squad had mostly tried to keep the panic from spreading but with no news about what had really happened it was hard to quiet the rumors. He grabbed a hunk of bread while he waited with his fellow guards.
His commander seemed to be falling apart under the pressure of the sudden emergency. Attacks from the outside or bellow the city were easy to to defend for the elven and regular army. But from within the palace itself, now that was new.
As he watched his commander with bored eyes the guard room doors opened with a loud crash. Like every one he turned to the door, ready for attack. However, he was surprised to see the elfin queen Essania stride in as if this were an everyday occurrence. While being a warrior queen, she never mingled with the common solders these days. The last time he had seen her in person was at the great battle five years ago when he was just a new cadet and she had just rose in into power.
She walked into the room and paused in the middle so that all eyes could see her. Her armor bore marks of recent battle, and her beautiful yet hard features were set in obvious displeasure. His queen glared at the large group around her then to the commander who obviously wasn't doing his job. “I need a volunteer. However I cant devolve any information about the mission unless they agree beforehand. Also whoever comes forth will no longer be apart of my army. But will be honorably discharged and free to return home once this is done.”
Silence. No one was ever honorably discharged from military service. Aramil considered this, he had never wanted to be in the military. He would rather join his family in the study of alchemy. And he could use this to presume his other interests.
He cleared his throat and stepped forward. “I'll do it.”
She turned to him and looked him over before nodding. “Come with me.” He followed her to one of the small offices closing the door softly behind them.
“The royal twins have gone missing. I'm going to send you to help look for them and to bring their kidnapers to justice. I don't know where this mission will send you but as of this moment you are no longer apart of the elven army.” She reached up and removed his insignia from his uniform. “There are others that will be helping you in this. They will be gathering in the Brown Roof Inn. Talk to a man named Isham. Join them and bring back the children.”
She reached behind her and pulled off her quiver. “Also take this. It should come in handy for your adventurers.” She handed him a quiver with one single white arrow in it. He raised an eyebrow but took it anyways.
“Go.”
Aramil bowed to his queen and left.
***********
Thomas listened to the rumors with a heavy heart. He had just arrived in the city and now it would seem that there was tragedy all around. Pausing to sit in the gardens he gathered his thoughts and tried to think of how he could help in some small way.
As he was sitting a dark shape blocked the sun from him. He covered his face and looked up wondering if there was an unexpected eclipse. He had to look up again and then a little further up to look at the face of the man towering over him. Or rather half orc. “Um.... hello?”
“Come on get up we don't have all day. And you have work to do.” The half orc's voice was like boulders grinding together.
“Excuse me I don't believe I know you? What do you mean that I have work to do? Ah... Ah!” A large hand reached down to grab his star speckled robes and yanked him up. He felt his feet dangle for a few hart wrenching moments before he was carefully sat down on them.
“Look here, now we drew lots and I ended with the short stick, so I got be the one to deal with you.” He leaned over and eyed him with disdain. “I don't like it and I don't like having to deal with your type. So shut up and listen. Got it?”
Thomas nodded his head repeatedly, not really understanding but not wanting to make the big man get angry at him again.
“Good.” He straitened out to his full 9 ft tall frame. “The name's Rail and the kings children have gone missing. Kidnapped. You and some others are going to go and get them back.”
“Well why don't you go since you know so much?”
Rail closed his eyes and Thomas was sure he was counting to ten or something. “Because you were chosen. I was chosen to tell you. Now get your ass over to the Brown Roof Inn and volunteer yourself to Isham.” He waived his hands angerly, “Now go on. Git!”
As if pulled by puppet strings, Thomas about faced and began walking to the Inn. He had wondered what he could do to help now by strange coincidence he was being sent on a mission. Though he wasn't entirely sure how things had come about this way. He glanced over his shoulder to were the half orc was at, only to find him gone like he was never there.
***********
Kendrick walked the streets, listening to the mummers that flowed back and forth in the city. The gaunt boy moved through the crowds easily. Habit caused him to turn down alleyways and seek back passages to avoid any patrolling guards though he hadn't done anything...today. It was walking through one such alleyway he was surprised to hear someone call his name.
He turned to see the shadows of the alleyway form a woman. Pale skin was a sharp contrast to the black hair and armor that she wore. “You are needed.” she said with a twisted smile.
Kendrick mentally waved aside the fact that no one in this city knew his name, and squarely faced the woman in front of him. “Who the hell are you? And what do you mean?”
“Sabrina.” She said her smile widening to seam more like a snarl. “The kings children have been taken. You will get them back.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Whats in it for me?”
“If its payment that you need then here.” She pulled a wicked looking knife and made a long slash in her hand. The blood welled up dark, almost black. As it dripped off of her hand he could see it turn to gold when it hit the dirt. He eyed the gold, swaying between taking up the job and getting more money or telling her to fuck off for trying to order him around. As he thought about it she reached into her pouch and pulled out a book. “Take this. You may find this very...” she paused as of rolling the worlds around in her head. “Useful.”
He looked at the book, in her hand. Books tended to not be useful, at lest not to him. “I haven't agreed to help you.”
She sighed, no longer smiling. Next thing he knew, her blade was pointed at him and her smile was back in place and bigger than ever. “You will do this.”
Kendrick's ego was always bigger than his sense of personal safety. “You can't threaten me into service. You can only bribe me into it. So, I say again, what is in it for me?”
She rolled her eyes and sheathed her sword, “I'm sure the royal family will pay you handsomely.” Sabrina shoved the book into his chest. “Go to the inn that you stayed at last night, the others should be there soon. The man your looking for is named Isham. ” The shadows swirled around her and she became one with them.
Left alone he pocketed the book and then the gold drops. Briefly he considered his options before deciding to go to the inn, and hopefully an adventure of sorts.
***********
Isham Walked stiffly through the gardens of the mage tower. Though he was a young man, his bones ached the way that an elder's would. Because of last nights chaos there were no classes. And no word had been left about his teacher and the master of the tower Matthias.
Any one who knew Isham, knew about a little quirk that he had. As he thought about what possible magic combinations that happened last night he started to speak them out loud, sometimes even arguing against himself.
His musings was interrupted by a soft cough from behind. Turning he saw a man standing behind him. The man had a defiant magic aura surrounding him. He was tall, wearing black plate mail with white vestments. His smile was one of those ones that said he was at piece with the world and that world amused him faintly. “Hello Isham.”
“Hold on a second.” He half turned around and continued his monologue/conversation about different magical theory's. Finishing he turned back. “Hi. And who are you?”
The man in black held out a hand to him. “My name is Edwin. And we have much to talk about if you don't mind.”
Isham shook the mans hand, and for a brief moment he was surprised to feel his pain that had been wit him all this time momentary lifted in the second that they touched. He flexed his and feeling the familiar ache he briefly considered contemplating the type of magic this Edwin had used but designed against it since it would take to long. “What did you want to talk about and how did you know my name?”
If anything Edwin's smile deepened, “I know much about you Isham. But your past is unimportant at the moment. What I want to discuss is your future. What do you know about the events from last night?”
Isham shrugged, “Nothing much. There are rumors flying all about the city.”
“How would you like to know what happened in the castle? And what happened to your teacher Matthias?”
Isham's brows rose as he quickly thought about the mans offer. “And what do you know about it?”
“One of the presents presented yesterday was a strong magical trap. The King and Queen and even Matthias are trapped within. But that is unimportant next to their children. The one who gave the gift has stolen them. You and others must go and return them. This will not be an easy task and may take some time. But, the fate of the kingdom rest with those two children.”
“Ok. Why me?”
“You are Matthias's finest student. Who else would be sent?” Edwin made a gesture with his hand that was similar to a shrug. “You and others have been chosen for this quest. Just like other great heroes have been before you, on similar journeys. Go to Brown Roof Inn the others will be there looking for you.” He turned his head and looked over his shoulder. “In fact, there is one of them now.”
Isham looked to where he had pointed and saw a young man striding down the street grumbling to himself. In his hand he had an obvious book of magic. Looking back at Edwin he discovered that he was gone. Shrugging again he approached the skinny man with the book.
“Excuse me but, I think that we need to speak.”
The man stopped and looked at Isham. Obvious mistrust showing on his gaunt face. “Why are you going to try to send me on a quest too? You can just tell that lady that I'm not interested.”
Isham cocked his head quizzically. “I don't know anything about a lady. But I have just been informed that I'm being sent on a mission as well. To rescue the king's children. I take it that someone has approached you as well?”
The Young man, boy rather, pushed back his shaggy red hair in frustration. “Some black leather clad bitch, just told me the same thing and handed me this book.” He waived the book in the air, and Isham fought the urge to snatch the thing from him. “It doesn't even have anything written in it!”
“Can I see that for a moment?”
“Here you go.”
He flipped open the book. Indeed the pages were blank, but the aura of magic was strong around it. Casting a spell to read the magic, he looked again. For a brief flash he saw words on the pages before pain clouded his vision. And he near dropped it as the world went red then black.
“Your eyes are bleeding man.”
Blinking a few times Isham hoped to regain his sight. “I kinda figured that might happen. Don't worry it will pass. I think it will. By the way my name is Isham, and yours?”
“Kendrick. I think I'm supposed to talk with you. But I thought it was supposed to be at an Inn.”
Isham's sight was returning in painful patches. “Then we should head over there to see if there is anyone else that were suppose to go pick up. Though I think I might need a hand getting there.” He said, swaying a little. “Do you mind if I keep a hold of this for the moment.”
Kendrick usually wasn't the kinda guy to let go of something in his possession, but looking at the still bleeding eyes of the man beside of him he thought better of holding that book. “Sure man, you can have it”
************
Kitairo walked into the Inn, her head swimming with thoughts about this mission that she was sent on. She got three steps into the door when she heard, “There she is! She is the filthy foreigner”
Her head snapped up, to see a regiment of guards coming after her. She turned to run for the door but they caught a hold of her. “Let me go!” She yelled. “I've been sent to help!”
She struggled between two guards while a third went to remove her weapons. Now she was doubly glad that she hadn't brought her family's sword. Se screamed in rage as the guard brought his hand across her face to try to make her go still.
“I'm not a fucking naga! I'm supposed to help a man named Isham get the children back!”
She kicked and thrashed about trying to get free. But it was to no avail. She was trying to bite the guard who slapped her when she heard. “Let her go.” The guards hesitated long enough for her to get a hand free and shove one of them back. Breaking away from them, she lept back to look at the man who had spoken.
What really caught her attention before anything else was the fact that he had dried blood on his face from his...eyes? Forcefully, she examined the rest of him. He was only a few years older than her. He was of a slight build with rusty red hair and and beard, while neatly trimmed did little to cover scars that covered his face and neck. He wore a dark gray tunic that was similar to the wizard cloaks that she had seen yet much shorter leaving his legs free to move about. Everything he wore was that same dark gray including his neatly pressed gloves. “I am Isham. And Indeed we have been expecting her. Please allow her to join us so we can continue our meeting on how to save the children.”
“We don't take orders from you. And she is wanted for questioning about last nights events. She is the same race as the filthy slant eyed bastered who is responsible for all of this.” Said one of the guards as he tried to edge near her. It was the one who had slapped her, go figure.
“Seems that this city is rampant with racism.” This came for a boy younger than her who stood with a group of other people that Isham had been talking to. Like Isham he had red hair, but that was where the resemblance ended. He was only a little taller than her and that was saying something. And he was gaunt, almost to the point that it looked like if he missed one meal he would die from starvation. But he had a look in his eyes as they flickered around the room taking everything in, that said he was a survivor. The air about him reminded her of some of the ninja from home, arrogant and shifty. She may have found her first friend here. If he didn't turn out to be an enemy.
“Oh go a head and let her go.” She was surprised to see that the commander that had been talking to the inn keeper waved his hand in dismissal She was even further surprised to see that it was the Constable that she had previously thought to talk to.
“She is obviously no threat to any one. We should hear what she has to say.” Camellious replied with an easy going air. She could tell by the looks of his men that he was obviously not respected and by his easy going smile he was obviously not aware of it. “Shall we all adjourn to the other room. And disuse this more private.” All of them shuffled to the back room where there conversation wouldn't be overheard. To her enjoyment the Busybody Inn keeper was bared from the room.
Before taking a seat she snatched her morning shaft from the guard, fighting the urge to whip it open to slice him for good measure. “As I said before I was sent to help Isham find the children.” She held her hand out for the rapier and dagger that the guard was still holding. At a nod from the contestable he begrudgingly handed it over, and she sat down. “The slant eyed bastered is a naga's servant and they have taken the twins.”
“What are nagas?” This came from a man with a white robe with black stars embroidered into it. He was tall with dark hair and blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with there own lights.
Before she could answer him the door slammed open, as a large thing entered the room. It was hairy and huge and had a silver arm, and it was obviously angry about something. The sight of the creature made her want to hide under the table or attack, but the smile that Camellious gave it was reassuring.... a little.
She leaned back in her chair and asked the skinny boy, “ Is that an Oni?”
He gave her a strange look before replying, “What is an Oni?”
Not taking her eyes of the latest member of the group who was currently looking around the room in obvious displeasure. “A daemon of sorts.”
The Boy, whose name she would later learn was Kendrick, smiled, “No that would be a Bugbear. A pissed off one at that. I believe that is Dungren, Keeper of the under city.”
Oh, Silver arm, bad temperament, she should have figured out ho he was. Finally Dungren settled his angry stare on the constable. “Why wasn't I invited to this meeting?”
Camellious waived his hand nonchalantly, “This is a city mater, not an under city mater. I didn't think you would want to be bothered.”
That great silver hand clenched and flexed, as if he was fighting the urge not to hit his old friend. Maybe he was. “Our friend and king are trapped in a body of stone along with our other friends. And there newborn children are missing. And apparently Some wet behind the ears children have been chosen to go find them. So in what way is this not my concern?” She could see the others tense up at this comment. Whether it was the children or the wet behind the ears comment or both she wasn't sure.
“Well...When you put it that way...”
“And what is she doing here?” a silver claw was suddenly pointing at her, inches away from her face. She leaned back in her chair again, trying to put some distance between her and the angry bugbear glaring at her.
“There is just prejudice everywhere today...” Muttered Kendrick.
“She has already stated that she was sent here just like the rest of us. And was about to tell us what she knew about or kidnapers. And I, for one would like to hear it.” This came from an Elf who had been quiet up till now. She had heard that elves were a beautiful race and so was he, with the pale golden hair and blue/green eyes. She had noticed when he walked into the room and with every movement he made he held a grace that would make a geisha envious.
Dungren glared at him for a moment before turning back to her. With a sarcastic waive of his hand he urged her to continue.
“Nagas are a race of people that come from my home land. There half man half snake. I saw them unloading the statue off of a boat at the harbor a few days ago. But I didn't know what it was there were planing.”
“And how did you happen to see them unloading the statue?” Camellious inquired.
“Because I came from the same boat.” She saw the darkening of the bugbears face and spread her hands. “What? There is only one boat! Are you allied with everyone from your land?”
The keeper of the under city crossed his arms and glared at her a long time. Before asking, “What was your reason for coming to the city?”
“I... I” Kitairo stammered suddenly at a loss for words. “I had hoped to join the guards. I wanted to send money home to my family.”
He crossed his massive arms, “Well were currently not hiring. But you may get to work for us after all.” He looked around the room before settling on Isham. “I know you. Your Matthias's prize student. Your in charge of this group, got it? What are the rest of yous names?”
The Elf gave a crisp bow his heals clicking slightly. “My name is Aramil.” It was the stiffest move that she had seen him make.
Kendrick slid down in his seat as if he were bored with that whole thing, and muttered his name.
The man in the star speckled robes inclined his head slightly. “And I am Thomas.”
“Kitairo...” She murmured. Great. She was the only girl traveling with four men. Normally, she got along with the boys of her village better than the girls. But that was only after years of beating them in the head repeatedly. That was how she got the masculine version of her name which was actually Kitaria. But she was sure she would have to do her best to make sure that thees new traveling companions didn't think of her as a simple girl! Oh, what would her father think if he saw her now!
“You are now in the employe of the kingdom. You will track down whoever took the children and bring the twins back.”
Kendrick pushed forward in the chair, his face showing interest again. “If we are in the employe of the kingdom. How much are you going to pay us?”
“One thousand gold.” Camellious offered, helpfully.
Her interest perked as well. With that kind of money, her family could easily make it through winter, even three if mother kept the purse strings as tight as normal. Her hopes were plummeted when Dungren snarled. “But you wont get a copper of it until you have returned with the children.”
“Oh come on!” Kendrick wailed. “We could use that.”
Thomas suggested, “How about half now half when we bring back the twins? That seams reasonable.”
“How bout none at all? You could just do it out of the kindness of your own heart.” The bugbear jeered.
Kendrick sat back with a huff. Crossing his arms over his chest. Kitairo commented, “Though I know my family would do well with that kind of money, I would do it just to see that the honer of my homeland is resorted by my actions. To make sure that there is no mistrust between our two country's.” She sighed thinking of her near empty purse. “I think that payment after the deed is done is fair.
Aramil leaned forward, “So the only question remaining is where do we start to look? They could be anywhere. They may even flee to their homeland.”
“We know at lest one is still in the city. Or at lest one was last night.” Kitairo spoke up, and the rest of the group turned to look at her. “Ask the Inn keeper, she turned him away last night.”
“It's true, I saw him last night. He came in shortly after I did.” Kendrick commented and Thomas nodded, conforming that he has seen him too.
Dungren grunted impatiently, “So were looking for a man covered with scales and bandages. Shouldn't be to hard to find. I suggest you get to it.”
We left the Inn and split into two groups. Isham, Kitairo, and Thomas in one. And Aramil with Kendrick in the other. Since only Isham and Aramil knew the city. Isham was also worried that Kitairo might be on the receiving end of more prejudice because of her race. She was about as welcome as a Drow drider in the city to those who knew what was going on.
The two groups went north and south, looking for any sign of the servant. Both groups learned that he was seen Heading for the great Roc lairs that stood on high towers at the far end of the city. He could use those great birds to escape the city with the children.
Though on separate paths both party's decided to use the magical benches that wound their ways through the white city. As they were running toward them, there was a crash and screams could be heard. Everyone increased their pace to only come to the tram that they had been seeking.
People lay on the ground or were slowly crawling away. Blood and dust coating them. The stone benches lay cracked or thrown and crashed against buildings. The magical runes that lit the path of the city now were dull and without power.
Kitairo and Thomas ran to the people, reviled that there were only minor injury to the poor souls who had been traveling. Isham knelt by the runes and tested them with his magic. To his dismay the runes were all but dead.
The others soon came to the scene. “He must have some how cut the power off to make sure that no one followed him.” Isham said as everyone joined him.
Kendrick looked towards the four tall towers in the distance. “He is heading to the Rocs. And he is far ahead of us.”
“Then we had better hurry.” Aramil commented as he began to run towards them. The party took off as a run, hoping to make it to the Rocs before he escaped!
Panting, they arrived at the first tower. Not to their great surprise, the magical lifts to the towers would not operate. Not even bothering to stop and curse, the group ran up the stairs. Hoping that they weren't to late.
In a way, they were lucky that he wasn't at the top of the tower. After running through the city, and then up, and up those winding stairs they were in no shape to fight. However what they found was not a welcome sight. Obviously the naga hadn't escaped, not from here.
The Rocs were still hooded and tied to their perches. However, some one had slit their throats. The guards were dead too. More to catch their breath than anything, they split up to examine the scene before them. One guard had been stabbed from behind. The other had a curious wound in his chest. What ever had made it was long and vaguely cone shaped with a blunt tip. No weapon that anyone could name could had made this type of wound.
Also, still in his hand was a bloody sword. Which could have meant that he had wounded his assailant. However, there had been no blood on the stairs. But the blood on his weapon and on his clothes could have come from killing the others.
Thomas was looking about the corpses of the Rocs when he heard a warning hiss. Leaping back, he was surprised to see an asp slither out from underneath one of the great birds wings. Before he could muster a warning, an arrow impaled the serpent. It gave a few death thrashes and then lay still. Gingerly, Thomas picked it up by the arrow. From mid section to tail, the snake was covered in blood. Isham examined it. “There are indeed spells that can turn snakes into arrows.”
Kitairo nodded, it would make since for someone like the servant t to use such a spell. “We need to get to the other towers before more death happens.”
Thomas was the first to head back down followed quickly by Aramil. Exhausted and pained in Isham's case the others were slower to catch up. Almost as soon as he passed through the exit, Thomas's eyes was caught by something red.
Dressed in reds and oranges. Another Rokugan was walking down the street towards him. He hadn't seemed to notice him yet. This one was obviously of wealth and power, unlike the girl who was traveling with him now, and his hair was blood red crimson. The man turned, as if noticing he was being watched. Panicking, Thomas called out to the guards patrolling nearby, “Kidnaper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!”
His words weighed heavy in the air as the people on the street froze then fled. Aramil was now at his side, bow ready. Strangely, he noted that a blond woman also did not flee along with the man in red whose hand was going to one of the swords at his waist.
***********
Katrine walked through the streets observing the panic and dismay in the people who were trying to live their day to day lives with the worry of what had happened. She was supposed to be here on a diplomatic mission to bring trade from this country to hers. Surprisingly this land had a fierce following of Athena worshipers, but none of the other gods of that patron were ever mention let alone worshiped . This intrigued the people that she worked for as well as the vast new fortunes that came from this once poor country.
She was knocked out of her thoughts quite literally. When some one yelled, “Kidnaper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!” And people shoved against her to get away from the man and the fast approaching patrol.
Intrigued, she stood her ground to see what was going on.
***********
Sho was quite unhappy with this whole city. Everyone was rude, no proper etiquette at all. Staring at him like he was a freak, or with open mistrust. There was no rice, all there was was a grain called wheat, which lay in his belly like lead. Lucky for him he had brought much of his own supply. He was very unhappy with his brother Crugan, and by proxy, his father for sending him on this mission.
He was especially unhappy with his quarry, who had fled from their country to here. Stupid snit of a girl, if it wasn't for the fact that he knew that his brother was up to no good, he would take his advice and kill the girl on sight and return with her head. The members of the Lion Clan weren't exactly known as the most patient people. A trait that he himself (for the most part) didn't share. But the girl may have useful information.
You would think that finding one Rokugan girl would be easy to in this city. But so far his searches had lead her to the city then nothing. Except for one last thing, some one had seen a girl traveling with a group of men. For some reason this too made him unhappy. A promised bride of the Lion Clan was running around with another man. Wait, make that three or four men according to what he had heard.
He could feel someone staring at him, this was something un-new to him. But, this time there was something personal to it. He looked to see a man standing at the door to one of the great Roc towers. There was something close to reconsign in the mans eyes. He changed his path to approach him when he suddenly pointed at him and called for the guards. “Kidnapper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!”
Oh ancestors. What had that silly girl done now?
************
The guards advanced on Sho. His hand drawled near his sword, not ready to strike them down yet. He could see an even archer appear from the door behind the man in the star patterned robes and aim at him. Vaguely he could see that others were coming down the stairs behind them but the approaching guards were more of a concern at the moment.
Thomas was ecstatic. They had found one of the naga's servants and it was all his doing! Soon they would find the children too.
“Surrender your weapons and come peacefully.” One of the guards shouted at the tall Rokuni.
Sho shook his head, “I can not give you my weapons. It is against my code. If you want them your going to have to take them from from me.” His hand rested by the hilt of his kitana, “But that will be no easy task.
One of the guards rushed him. His sword was back in the sheath before the man's head fell from his shoulders.
Kitairo heard the shout that they had found the servant and rand down the stairs looking for sign of him. Unfortunately it was a different Rokugan. He was wearing the red and orange of the lion clan, and when he turned his head to speak the guards she could clearly see the clan symbol tattooed on his neck. Her heart froze and she gasped out loud when his sword slashed out in a blinding speed. The blood spray from the guard matched the blood red hair, tied in a traditional samurai knot.
There was only one man with the rare red lions mane alive today. First born son. Heir and chief duelist of the Lion Clan. Sho. Brother to her fiancee.
Seeing the guard go down, Aramil fired his bow. He ignored the quiet gasp behind him. Concentrating only on hitting his target. Something flew from the Rokugan collar with a flash and the arrow was knocked away. “I don't wish to fight you, But I can not allow you to take my weapons.”
Kitairo was torn. She knew this was not the man that they were looking for. But at the same time she knew that he would try to drag her home and into Crugan's waiting arms. As she warred with herself the fight continued without her.
“Give up your weapons!” Aramil fired a new arrow as another guard ran at Sho. The results were the same as before. The guard dead in a single shot and the arrow was once again deflected.
Katrine, long since forgotten in the fight. Now stepped forward. Stupid people, really deserved to die. But this was getting ridicules. She placed her hand on the wrist of the samurai and held out her hand to the remaining guards. “Wait a fucking minute.” She looked back at the tall man before her. “Would you be willing to go with thees men if your weapons were left alone.?”
He looked at the platinum blond woman before him and gave a stiff bow. “Of course. But I can not give up my weapons. It is against my code.”
“You deserve to die for killing those guards!” Shouted the elf that had shot at him. As he looked back at the man he saw the quarry that he had been hunting duck behind a tall bearded man.
“What is your propose here?” Thomas called out. Maybe he wasn't with the naga after all.
“I'm here to bring back something that belongs to my clan.” He grinned to at the tall man that the girl was hiding behind. “Isn't that right, Kitaira.”
Kitairo hid behind Isham's taller frame, praying that the samurai hadn't seen her. Unfortunately, it would seem that her ancestors weren't listening today, nor were the storms. For he had spotted her, and was fully intending on taking her back.
Panic and furry fought inside her till furry finally won out. Jumping from her not so clever hiding spot, she yelled back at him. “Like hell! I'm not going back with you!” She ignored the dumfounded looks that her new group members gave her and marched towards him, her rage getting the better of her. “And I'm not going to marry that filthy, honer-less pervert either!”
Sho allowed him self a small smile. His brother had chosen better than he thought. She was lovely with a fighters spirit as well. “You will return with me.”
She crossed her arms, with a smile of her own. “Unfortunately, I am currently under the employe of the kingdom, with a vital mission. And honer dictates that I must fulfill that duty before I can even think of going anywhere with you.”
Sho was about to approach her and do something that he might regret, when the tightening of a hand on his arm reminded him that the blond woman was still there. “In case you forgot, you have agreed to go with thees nice men to the jail.” She reminded him.
Sho sighed and agreed to have his hands tied in front of him so long as they didn't try to take his weapons from him. Aramil was enraged by this. He had kill the city's guard men, and he deserved to be executed! Angerly, he demanded to go with them to the constable's offices to plead for a harsh sentience.
Interested, Katrine followed the group to the jail. She was more interested in the story behind this and fining out what would happen between the elf and the samurai. Than she was concerned for anyone welfare. Since she couldn't do her mission, she could do her favorite past time, observe.
************
With one of the party members gone on off, Isham quickly gave new orders to his group. “Kendrick, you go to the next tower. Thomas you to the third. Kitairo and I will take the last tower.” Thomas's little stunt was further proof that people would be un-trusting of a lone Rokuni. He wasn't going to let the little runaway out of his sight for a while.
With their missions layed out for them the group split off.
So that is chap 2! Pleas feel free to leave me some comments people.
The next morning rumors filled the city. The heroes were all dead, everyone one the castle was cursed, the children were missing, the mage school had turned against them. Every type of possible treachery was rumored. Kitairo had finally mustered up the courage to go to the Constable and offer her service in any way that she could.
As she was walking, she noticed a strange buzzing sound following her. She tried to ignore it but the sound kept getting louder, soon it sounded like muffled shrieking. She realized that the sound was coming from her hip!
She stepped into an alleyway and looked over the western style sword she had purchased with her remaining money. The sound was coming from it. Biting her lip she unsheathed the sword, and almost dropped it.
“HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY! HEY! HEY!HEEEEY!” The sword paused.
“Oni sword!” she gasped.
“Oni? What the hell is an oni? Anyways you have a job to do!” She stared at her sword in utter disbelief. “ARE you listening to me? HELLO?”
“Um. Yes.”
“Good! Glad your listening , this will go soooooo much faster. As I said you have a job to do. The children have gone missing, and it is your job to find them.”
“I was on my way...”
“I thought you were listening” If the sword had eyes she could have sworn it would have rolled them at her. “Are you TRYING to get arrested? Go back to the inn. There will be others there who will help you with your mission. Talk to a man named Isham. Now get to it!”
The sword went quiet. “Strange western weapons.” she whispered. Briefly she considered dropping the thing in the nearest well and walking away
***********
Aramil stood in the guard offices waiting for his next assignment. It had been a long and chaotic night. Confusion was in the still in the air about what exactly happened at the castle. He and his squad had mostly tried to keep the panic from spreading but with no news about what had really happened it was hard to quiet the rumors. He grabbed a hunk of bread while he waited with his fellow guards.
His commander seemed to be falling apart under the pressure of the sudden emergency. Attacks from the outside or bellow the city were easy to to defend for the elven and regular army. But from within the palace itself, now that was new.
As he watched his commander with bored eyes the guard room doors opened with a loud crash. Like every one he turned to the door, ready for attack. However, he was surprised to see the elfin queen Essania stride in as if this were an everyday occurrence. While being a warrior queen, she never mingled with the common solders these days. The last time he had seen her in person was at the great battle five years ago when he was just a new cadet and she had just rose in into power.
She walked into the room and paused in the middle so that all eyes could see her. Her armor bore marks of recent battle, and her beautiful yet hard features were set in obvious displeasure. His queen glared at the large group around her then to the commander who obviously wasn't doing his job. “I need a volunteer. However I cant devolve any information about the mission unless they agree beforehand. Also whoever comes forth will no longer be apart of my army. But will be honorably discharged and free to return home once this is done.”
Silence. No one was ever honorably discharged from military service. Aramil considered this, he had never wanted to be in the military. He would rather join his family in the study of alchemy. And he could use this to presume his other interests.
He cleared his throat and stepped forward. “I'll do it.”
She turned to him and looked him over before nodding. “Come with me.” He followed her to one of the small offices closing the door softly behind them.
“The royal twins have gone missing. I'm going to send you to help look for them and to bring their kidnapers to justice. I don't know where this mission will send you but as of this moment you are no longer apart of the elven army.” She reached up and removed his insignia from his uniform. “There are others that will be helping you in this. They will be gathering in the Brown Roof Inn. Talk to a man named Isham. Join them and bring back the children.”
She reached behind her and pulled off her quiver. “Also take this. It should come in handy for your adventurers.” She handed him a quiver with one single white arrow in it. He raised an eyebrow but took it anyways.
“Go.”
Aramil bowed to his queen and left.
***********
Thomas listened to the rumors with a heavy heart. He had just arrived in the city and now it would seem that there was tragedy all around. Pausing to sit in the gardens he gathered his thoughts and tried to think of how he could help in some small way.
As he was sitting a dark shape blocked the sun from him. He covered his face and looked up wondering if there was an unexpected eclipse. He had to look up again and then a little further up to look at the face of the man towering over him. Or rather half orc. “Um.... hello?”
“Come on get up we don't have all day. And you have work to do.” The half orc's voice was like boulders grinding together.
“Excuse me I don't believe I know you? What do you mean that I have work to do? Ah... Ah!” A large hand reached down to grab his star speckled robes and yanked him up. He felt his feet dangle for a few hart wrenching moments before he was carefully sat down on them.
“Look here, now we drew lots and I ended with the short stick, so I got be the one to deal with you.” He leaned over and eyed him with disdain. “I don't like it and I don't like having to deal with your type. So shut up and listen. Got it?”
Thomas nodded his head repeatedly, not really understanding but not wanting to make the big man get angry at him again.
“Good.” He straitened out to his full 9 ft tall frame. “The name's Rail and the kings children have gone missing. Kidnapped. You and some others are going to go and get them back.”
“Well why don't you go since you know so much?”
Rail closed his eyes and Thomas was sure he was counting to ten or something. “Because you were chosen. I was chosen to tell you. Now get your ass over to the Brown Roof Inn and volunteer yourself to Isham.” He waived his hands angerly, “Now go on. Git!”
As if pulled by puppet strings, Thomas about faced and began walking to the Inn. He had wondered what he could do to help now by strange coincidence he was being sent on a mission. Though he wasn't entirely sure how things had come about this way. He glanced over his shoulder to were the half orc was at, only to find him gone like he was never there.
***********
Kendrick walked the streets, listening to the mummers that flowed back and forth in the city. The gaunt boy moved through the crowds easily. Habit caused him to turn down alleyways and seek back passages to avoid any patrolling guards though he hadn't done anything...today. It was walking through one such alleyway he was surprised to hear someone call his name.
He turned to see the shadows of the alleyway form a woman. Pale skin was a sharp contrast to the black hair and armor that she wore. “You are needed.” she said with a twisted smile.
Kendrick mentally waved aside the fact that no one in this city knew his name, and squarely faced the woman in front of him. “Who the hell are you? And what do you mean?”
“Sabrina.” She said her smile widening to seam more like a snarl. “The kings children have been taken. You will get them back.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Whats in it for me?”
“If its payment that you need then here.” She pulled a wicked looking knife and made a long slash in her hand. The blood welled up dark, almost black. As it dripped off of her hand he could see it turn to gold when it hit the dirt. He eyed the gold, swaying between taking up the job and getting more money or telling her to fuck off for trying to order him around. As he thought about it she reached into her pouch and pulled out a book. “Take this. You may find this very...” she paused as of rolling the worlds around in her head. “Useful.”
He looked at the book, in her hand. Books tended to not be useful, at lest not to him. “I haven't agreed to help you.”
She sighed, no longer smiling. Next thing he knew, her blade was pointed at him and her smile was back in place and bigger than ever. “You will do this.”
Kendrick's ego was always bigger than his sense of personal safety. “You can't threaten me into service. You can only bribe me into it. So, I say again, what is in it for me?”
She rolled her eyes and sheathed her sword, “I'm sure the royal family will pay you handsomely.” Sabrina shoved the book into his chest. “Go to the inn that you stayed at last night, the others should be there soon. The man your looking for is named Isham. ” The shadows swirled around her and she became one with them.
Left alone he pocketed the book and then the gold drops. Briefly he considered his options before deciding to go to the inn, and hopefully an adventure of sorts.
***********
Isham Walked stiffly through the gardens of the mage tower. Though he was a young man, his bones ached the way that an elder's would. Because of last nights chaos there were no classes. And no word had been left about his teacher and the master of the tower Matthias.
Any one who knew Isham, knew about a little quirk that he had. As he thought about what possible magic combinations that happened last night he started to speak them out loud, sometimes even arguing against himself.
His musings was interrupted by a soft cough from behind. Turning he saw a man standing behind him. The man had a defiant magic aura surrounding him. He was tall, wearing black plate mail with white vestments. His smile was one of those ones that said he was at piece with the world and that world amused him faintly. “Hello Isham.”
“Hold on a second.” He half turned around and continued his monologue/conversation about different magical theory's. Finishing he turned back. “Hi. And who are you?”
The man in black held out a hand to him. “My name is Edwin. And we have much to talk about if you don't mind.”
Isham shook the mans hand, and for a brief moment he was surprised to feel his pain that had been wit him all this time momentary lifted in the second that they touched. He flexed his and feeling the familiar ache he briefly considered contemplating the type of magic this Edwin had used but designed against it since it would take to long. “What did you want to talk about and how did you know my name?”
If anything Edwin's smile deepened, “I know much about you Isham. But your past is unimportant at the moment. What I want to discuss is your future. What do you know about the events from last night?”
Isham shrugged, “Nothing much. There are rumors flying all about the city.”
“How would you like to know what happened in the castle? And what happened to your teacher Matthias?”
Isham's brows rose as he quickly thought about the mans offer. “And what do you know about it?”
“One of the presents presented yesterday was a strong magical trap. The King and Queen and even Matthias are trapped within. But that is unimportant next to their children. The one who gave the gift has stolen them. You and others must go and return them. This will not be an easy task and may take some time. But, the fate of the kingdom rest with those two children.”
“Ok. Why me?”
“You are Matthias's finest student. Who else would be sent?” Edwin made a gesture with his hand that was similar to a shrug. “You and others have been chosen for this quest. Just like other great heroes have been before you, on similar journeys. Go to Brown Roof Inn the others will be there looking for you.” He turned his head and looked over his shoulder. “In fact, there is one of them now.”
Isham looked to where he had pointed and saw a young man striding down the street grumbling to himself. In his hand he had an obvious book of magic. Looking back at Edwin he discovered that he was gone. Shrugging again he approached the skinny man with the book.
“Excuse me but, I think that we need to speak.”
The man stopped and looked at Isham. Obvious mistrust showing on his gaunt face. “Why are you going to try to send me on a quest too? You can just tell that lady that I'm not interested.”
Isham cocked his head quizzically. “I don't know anything about a lady. But I have just been informed that I'm being sent on a mission as well. To rescue the king's children. I take it that someone has approached you as well?”
The Young man, boy rather, pushed back his shaggy red hair in frustration. “Some black leather clad bitch, just told me the same thing and handed me this book.” He waived the book in the air, and Isham fought the urge to snatch the thing from him. “It doesn't even have anything written in it!”
“Can I see that for a moment?”
“Here you go.”
He flipped open the book. Indeed the pages were blank, but the aura of magic was strong around it. Casting a spell to read the magic, he looked again. For a brief flash he saw words on the pages before pain clouded his vision. And he near dropped it as the world went red then black.
“Your eyes are bleeding man.”
Blinking a few times Isham hoped to regain his sight. “I kinda figured that might happen. Don't worry it will pass. I think it will. By the way my name is Isham, and yours?”
“Kendrick. I think I'm supposed to talk with you. But I thought it was supposed to be at an Inn.”
Isham's sight was returning in painful patches. “Then we should head over there to see if there is anyone else that were suppose to go pick up. Though I think I might need a hand getting there.” He said, swaying a little. “Do you mind if I keep a hold of this for the moment.”
Kendrick usually wasn't the kinda guy to let go of something in his possession, but looking at the still bleeding eyes of the man beside of him he thought better of holding that book. “Sure man, you can have it”
************
Kitairo walked into the Inn, her head swimming with thoughts about this mission that she was sent on. She got three steps into the door when she heard, “There she is! She is the filthy foreigner”
Her head snapped up, to see a regiment of guards coming after her. She turned to run for the door but they caught a hold of her. “Let me go!” She yelled. “I've been sent to help!”
She struggled between two guards while a third went to remove her weapons. Now she was doubly glad that she hadn't brought her family's sword. Se screamed in rage as the guard brought his hand across her face to try to make her go still.
“I'm not a fucking naga! I'm supposed to help a man named Isham get the children back!”
She kicked and thrashed about trying to get free. But it was to no avail. She was trying to bite the guard who slapped her when she heard. “Let her go.” The guards hesitated long enough for her to get a hand free and shove one of them back. Breaking away from them, she lept back to look at the man who had spoken.
What really caught her attention before anything else was the fact that he had dried blood on his face from his...eyes? Forcefully, she examined the rest of him. He was only a few years older than her. He was of a slight build with rusty red hair and and beard, while neatly trimmed did little to cover scars that covered his face and neck. He wore a dark gray tunic that was similar to the wizard cloaks that she had seen yet much shorter leaving his legs free to move about. Everything he wore was that same dark gray including his neatly pressed gloves. “I am Isham. And Indeed we have been expecting her. Please allow her to join us so we can continue our meeting on how to save the children.”
“We don't take orders from you. And she is wanted for questioning about last nights events. She is the same race as the filthy slant eyed bastered who is responsible for all of this.” Said one of the guards as he tried to edge near her. It was the one who had slapped her, go figure.
“Seems that this city is rampant with racism.” This came for a boy younger than her who stood with a group of other people that Isham had been talking to. Like Isham he had red hair, but that was where the resemblance ended. He was only a little taller than her and that was saying something. And he was gaunt, almost to the point that it looked like if he missed one meal he would die from starvation. But he had a look in his eyes as they flickered around the room taking everything in, that said he was a survivor. The air about him reminded her of some of the ninja from home, arrogant and shifty. She may have found her first friend here. If he didn't turn out to be an enemy.
“Oh go a head and let her go.” She was surprised to see that the commander that had been talking to the inn keeper waved his hand in dismissal She was even further surprised to see that it was the Constable that she had previously thought to talk to.
“She is obviously no threat to any one. We should hear what she has to say.” Camellious replied with an easy going air. She could tell by the looks of his men that he was obviously not respected and by his easy going smile he was obviously not aware of it. “Shall we all adjourn to the other room. And disuse this more private.” All of them shuffled to the back room where there conversation wouldn't be overheard. To her enjoyment the Busybody Inn keeper was bared from the room.
Before taking a seat she snatched her morning shaft from the guard, fighting the urge to whip it open to slice him for good measure. “As I said before I was sent to help Isham find the children.” She held her hand out for the rapier and dagger that the guard was still holding. At a nod from the contestable he begrudgingly handed it over, and she sat down. “The slant eyed bastered is a naga's servant and they have taken the twins.”
“What are nagas?” This came from a man with a white robe with black stars embroidered into it. He was tall with dark hair and blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with there own lights.
Before she could answer him the door slammed open, as a large thing entered the room. It was hairy and huge and had a silver arm, and it was obviously angry about something. The sight of the creature made her want to hide under the table or attack, but the smile that Camellious gave it was reassuring.... a little.
She leaned back in her chair and asked the skinny boy, “ Is that an Oni?”
He gave her a strange look before replying, “What is an Oni?”
Not taking her eyes of the latest member of the group who was currently looking around the room in obvious displeasure. “A daemon of sorts.”
The Boy, whose name she would later learn was Kendrick, smiled, “No that would be a Bugbear. A pissed off one at that. I believe that is Dungren, Keeper of the under city.”
Oh, Silver arm, bad temperament, she should have figured out ho he was. Finally Dungren settled his angry stare on the constable. “Why wasn't I invited to this meeting?”
Camellious waived his hand nonchalantly, “This is a city mater, not an under city mater. I didn't think you would want to be bothered.”
That great silver hand clenched and flexed, as if he was fighting the urge not to hit his old friend. Maybe he was. “Our friend and king are trapped in a body of stone along with our other friends. And there newborn children are missing. And apparently Some wet behind the ears children have been chosen to go find them. So in what way is this not my concern?” She could see the others tense up at this comment. Whether it was the children or the wet behind the ears comment or both she wasn't sure.
“Well...When you put it that way...”
“And what is she doing here?” a silver claw was suddenly pointing at her, inches away from her face. She leaned back in her chair again, trying to put some distance between her and the angry bugbear glaring at her.
“There is just prejudice everywhere today...” Muttered Kendrick.
“She has already stated that she was sent here just like the rest of us. And was about to tell us what she knew about or kidnapers. And I, for one would like to hear it.” This came from an Elf who had been quiet up till now. She had heard that elves were a beautiful race and so was he, with the pale golden hair and blue/green eyes. She had noticed when he walked into the room and with every movement he made he held a grace that would make a geisha envious.
Dungren glared at him for a moment before turning back to her. With a sarcastic waive of his hand he urged her to continue.
“Nagas are a race of people that come from my home land. There half man half snake. I saw them unloading the statue off of a boat at the harbor a few days ago. But I didn't know what it was there were planing.”
“And how did you happen to see them unloading the statue?” Camellious inquired.
“Because I came from the same boat.” She saw the darkening of the bugbears face and spread her hands. “What? There is only one boat! Are you allied with everyone from your land?”
The keeper of the under city crossed his arms and glared at her a long time. Before asking, “What was your reason for coming to the city?”
“I... I” Kitairo stammered suddenly at a loss for words. “I had hoped to join the guards. I wanted to send money home to my family.”
He crossed his massive arms, “Well were currently not hiring. But you may get to work for us after all.” He looked around the room before settling on Isham. “I know you. Your Matthias's prize student. Your in charge of this group, got it? What are the rest of yous names?”
The Elf gave a crisp bow his heals clicking slightly. “My name is Aramil.” It was the stiffest move that she had seen him make.
Kendrick slid down in his seat as if he were bored with that whole thing, and muttered his name.
The man in the star speckled robes inclined his head slightly. “And I am Thomas.”
“Kitairo...” She murmured. Great. She was the only girl traveling with four men. Normally, she got along with the boys of her village better than the girls. But that was only after years of beating them in the head repeatedly. That was how she got the masculine version of her name which was actually Kitaria. But she was sure she would have to do her best to make sure that thees new traveling companions didn't think of her as a simple girl! Oh, what would her father think if he saw her now!
“You are now in the employe of the kingdom. You will track down whoever took the children and bring the twins back.”
Kendrick pushed forward in the chair, his face showing interest again. “If we are in the employe of the kingdom. How much are you going to pay us?”
“One thousand gold.” Camellious offered, helpfully.
Her interest perked as well. With that kind of money, her family could easily make it through winter, even three if mother kept the purse strings as tight as normal. Her hopes were plummeted when Dungren snarled. “But you wont get a copper of it until you have returned with the children.”
“Oh come on!” Kendrick wailed. “We could use that.”
Thomas suggested, “How about half now half when we bring back the twins? That seams reasonable.”
“How bout none at all? You could just do it out of the kindness of your own heart.” The bugbear jeered.
Kendrick sat back with a huff. Crossing his arms over his chest. Kitairo commented, “Though I know my family would do well with that kind of money, I would do it just to see that the honer of my homeland is resorted by my actions. To make sure that there is no mistrust between our two country's.” She sighed thinking of her near empty purse. “I think that payment after the deed is done is fair.
Aramil leaned forward, “So the only question remaining is where do we start to look? They could be anywhere. They may even flee to their homeland.”
“We know at lest one is still in the city. Or at lest one was last night.” Kitairo spoke up, and the rest of the group turned to look at her. “Ask the Inn keeper, she turned him away last night.”
“It's true, I saw him last night. He came in shortly after I did.” Kendrick commented and Thomas nodded, conforming that he has seen him too.
Dungren grunted impatiently, “So were looking for a man covered with scales and bandages. Shouldn't be to hard to find. I suggest you get to it.”
We left the Inn and split into two groups. Isham, Kitairo, and Thomas in one. And Aramil with Kendrick in the other. Since only Isham and Aramil knew the city. Isham was also worried that Kitairo might be on the receiving end of more prejudice because of her race. She was about as welcome as a Drow drider in the city to those who knew what was going on.
The two groups went north and south, looking for any sign of the servant. Both groups learned that he was seen Heading for the great Roc lairs that stood on high towers at the far end of the city. He could use those great birds to escape the city with the children.
Though on separate paths both party's decided to use the magical benches that wound their ways through the white city. As they were running toward them, there was a crash and screams could be heard. Everyone increased their pace to only come to the tram that they had been seeking.
People lay on the ground or were slowly crawling away. Blood and dust coating them. The stone benches lay cracked or thrown and crashed against buildings. The magical runes that lit the path of the city now were dull and without power.
Kitairo and Thomas ran to the people, reviled that there were only minor injury to the poor souls who had been traveling. Isham knelt by the runes and tested them with his magic. To his dismay the runes were all but dead.
The others soon came to the scene. “He must have some how cut the power off to make sure that no one followed him.” Isham said as everyone joined him.
Kendrick looked towards the four tall towers in the distance. “He is heading to the Rocs. And he is far ahead of us.”
“Then we had better hurry.” Aramil commented as he began to run towards them. The party took off as a run, hoping to make it to the Rocs before he escaped!
Panting, they arrived at the first tower. Not to their great surprise, the magical lifts to the towers would not operate. Not even bothering to stop and curse, the group ran up the stairs. Hoping that they weren't to late.
In a way, they were lucky that he wasn't at the top of the tower. After running through the city, and then up, and up those winding stairs they were in no shape to fight. However what they found was not a welcome sight. Obviously the naga hadn't escaped, not from here.
The Rocs were still hooded and tied to their perches. However, some one had slit their throats. The guards were dead too. More to catch their breath than anything, they split up to examine the scene before them. One guard had been stabbed from behind. The other had a curious wound in his chest. What ever had made it was long and vaguely cone shaped with a blunt tip. No weapon that anyone could name could had made this type of wound.
Also, still in his hand was a bloody sword. Which could have meant that he had wounded his assailant. However, there had been no blood on the stairs. But the blood on his weapon and on his clothes could have come from killing the others.
Thomas was looking about the corpses of the Rocs when he heard a warning hiss. Leaping back, he was surprised to see an asp slither out from underneath one of the great birds wings. Before he could muster a warning, an arrow impaled the serpent. It gave a few death thrashes and then lay still. Gingerly, Thomas picked it up by the arrow. From mid section to tail, the snake was covered in blood. Isham examined it. “There are indeed spells that can turn snakes into arrows.”
Kitairo nodded, it would make since for someone like the servant t to use such a spell. “We need to get to the other towers before more death happens.”
Thomas was the first to head back down followed quickly by Aramil. Exhausted and pained in Isham's case the others were slower to catch up. Almost as soon as he passed through the exit, Thomas's eyes was caught by something red.
Dressed in reds and oranges. Another Rokugan was walking down the street towards him. He hadn't seemed to notice him yet. This one was obviously of wealth and power, unlike the girl who was traveling with him now, and his hair was blood red crimson. The man turned, as if noticing he was being watched. Panicking, Thomas called out to the guards patrolling nearby, “Kidnaper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!”
His words weighed heavy in the air as the people on the street froze then fled. Aramil was now at his side, bow ready. Strangely, he noted that a blond woman also did not flee along with the man in red whose hand was going to one of the swords at his waist.
***********
Katrine walked through the streets observing the panic and dismay in the people who were trying to live their day to day lives with the worry of what had happened. She was supposed to be here on a diplomatic mission to bring trade from this country to hers. Surprisingly this land had a fierce following of Athena worshipers, but none of the other gods of that patron were ever mention let alone worshiped . This intrigued the people that she worked for as well as the vast new fortunes that came from this once poor country.
She was knocked out of her thoughts quite literally. When some one yelled, “Kidnaper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!” And people shoved against her to get away from the man and the fast approaching patrol.
Intrigued, she stood her ground to see what was going on.
***********
Sho was quite unhappy with this whole city. Everyone was rude, no proper etiquette at all. Staring at him like he was a freak, or with open mistrust. There was no rice, all there was was a grain called wheat, which lay in his belly like lead. Lucky for him he had brought much of his own supply. He was very unhappy with his brother Crugan, and by proxy, his father for sending him on this mission.
He was especially unhappy with his quarry, who had fled from their country to here. Stupid snit of a girl, if it wasn't for the fact that he knew that his brother was up to no good, he would take his advice and kill the girl on sight and return with her head. The members of the Lion Clan weren't exactly known as the most patient people. A trait that he himself (for the most part) didn't share. But the girl may have useful information.
You would think that finding one Rokugan girl would be easy to in this city. But so far his searches had lead her to the city then nothing. Except for one last thing, some one had seen a girl traveling with a group of men. For some reason this too made him unhappy. A promised bride of the Lion Clan was running around with another man. Wait, make that three or four men according to what he had heard.
He could feel someone staring at him, this was something un-new to him. But, this time there was something personal to it. He looked to see a man standing at the door to one of the great Roc towers. There was something close to reconsign in the mans eyes. He changed his path to approach him when he suddenly pointed at him and called for the guards. “Kidnapper! He is one of the Rokugan who stole the twins!”
Oh ancestors. What had that silly girl done now?
************
The guards advanced on Sho. His hand drawled near his sword, not ready to strike them down yet. He could see an even archer appear from the door behind the man in the star patterned robes and aim at him. Vaguely he could see that others were coming down the stairs behind them but the approaching guards were more of a concern at the moment.
Thomas was ecstatic. They had found one of the naga's servants and it was all his doing! Soon they would find the children too.
“Surrender your weapons and come peacefully.” One of the guards shouted at the tall Rokuni.
Sho shook his head, “I can not give you my weapons. It is against my code. If you want them your going to have to take them from from me.” His hand rested by the hilt of his kitana, “But that will be no easy task.
One of the guards rushed him. His sword was back in the sheath before the man's head fell from his shoulders.
Kitairo heard the shout that they had found the servant and rand down the stairs looking for sign of him. Unfortunately it was a different Rokugan. He was wearing the red and orange of the lion clan, and when he turned his head to speak the guards she could clearly see the clan symbol tattooed on his neck. Her heart froze and she gasped out loud when his sword slashed out in a blinding speed. The blood spray from the guard matched the blood red hair, tied in a traditional samurai knot.
There was only one man with the rare red lions mane alive today. First born son. Heir and chief duelist of the Lion Clan. Sho. Brother to her fiancee.
Seeing the guard go down, Aramil fired his bow. He ignored the quiet gasp behind him. Concentrating only on hitting his target. Something flew from the Rokugan collar with a flash and the arrow was knocked away. “I don't wish to fight you, But I can not allow you to take my weapons.”
Kitairo was torn. She knew this was not the man that they were looking for. But at the same time she knew that he would try to drag her home and into Crugan's waiting arms. As she warred with herself the fight continued without her.
“Give up your weapons!” Aramil fired a new arrow as another guard ran at Sho. The results were the same as before. The guard dead in a single shot and the arrow was once again deflected.
Katrine, long since forgotten in the fight. Now stepped forward. Stupid people, really deserved to die. But this was getting ridicules. She placed her hand on the wrist of the samurai and held out her hand to the remaining guards. “Wait a fucking minute.” She looked back at the tall man before her. “Would you be willing to go with thees men if your weapons were left alone.?”
He looked at the platinum blond woman before him and gave a stiff bow. “Of course. But I can not give up my weapons. It is against my code.”
“You deserve to die for killing those guards!” Shouted the elf that had shot at him. As he looked back at the man he saw the quarry that he had been hunting duck behind a tall bearded man.
“What is your propose here?” Thomas called out. Maybe he wasn't with the naga after all.
“I'm here to bring back something that belongs to my clan.” He grinned to at the tall man that the girl was hiding behind. “Isn't that right, Kitaira.”
Kitairo hid behind Isham's taller frame, praying that the samurai hadn't seen her. Unfortunately, it would seem that her ancestors weren't listening today, nor were the storms. For he had spotted her, and was fully intending on taking her back.
Panic and furry fought inside her till furry finally won out. Jumping from her not so clever hiding spot, she yelled back at him. “Like hell! I'm not going back with you!” She ignored the dumfounded looks that her new group members gave her and marched towards him, her rage getting the better of her. “And I'm not going to marry that filthy, honer-less pervert either!”
Sho allowed him self a small smile. His brother had chosen better than he thought. She was lovely with a fighters spirit as well. “You will return with me.”
She crossed her arms, with a smile of her own. “Unfortunately, I am currently under the employe of the kingdom, with a vital mission. And honer dictates that I must fulfill that duty before I can even think of going anywhere with you.”
Sho was about to approach her and do something that he might regret, when the tightening of a hand on his arm reminded him that the blond woman was still there. “In case you forgot, you have agreed to go with thees nice men to the jail.” She reminded him.
Sho sighed and agreed to have his hands tied in front of him so long as they didn't try to take his weapons from him. Aramil was enraged by this. He had kill the city's guard men, and he deserved to be executed! Angerly, he demanded to go with them to the constable's offices to plead for a harsh sentience.
Interested, Katrine followed the group to the jail. She was more interested in the story behind this and fining out what would happen between the elf and the samurai. Than she was concerned for anyone welfare. Since she couldn't do her mission, she could do her favorite past time, observe.
************
With one of the party members gone on off, Isham quickly gave new orders to his group. “Kendrick, you go to the next tower. Thomas you to the third. Kitairo and I will take the last tower.” Thomas's little stunt was further proof that people would be un-trusting of a lone Rokuni. He wasn't going to let the little runaway out of his sight for a while.
With their missions layed out for them the group split off.
So that is chap 2! Pleas feel free to leave me some comments people.