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Post by Eadfearth on Jan 27, 2008 23:16:28 GMT -5
Eadfearth pulled the string back of his bow. Twang, the arrow flew out piercing through the side of a dear, it fell silently dying quickly. "Excellent shot, your getting better." A man said from behind him patting his shoulder. The Germanian king looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Right." Needless to say they, were hunting. Eadfearth and four of his loyal servants. In a forest, one seeming less untouched, for the most part. It was something Eadfearth had loved to do.
A shadow darted, past the group of four in an amazingly quick speed. "Another one." "This one is mine." A voice quickly replied. Quickly for men their size, they followed the deer. As they followed slowly, the space in between them grew. They were all trapped within the hunt. Dashing among the trees, Eadfearth kept his eyes on it. His was quicker than his servants. "Wait! Its pointless to go one, don't separate your self from-" The voice yelling from behind was quickly cut off, followed by a gurgle and a thud. The large man came to a quick halt, nearly crashing into a tree. Warrior instincts took over the king, as he placed his back against a tree. He held his breath. " Eadfearth." A voiced yelled from behind the tree. "They killed-" A large hand, covered the guards mouth. "Hobs shhhh" To his relief it was a king. " Who killed him?" Hobs turned to look at Eadfearth, his whole body shook. "They did.... they tried to get me to join. "I wouldn't, Dar wouldn't. At first we made it seem like we would. Dar though is not a very good liar. You picked smart guards, maybe not loyal but smart." Hobs whispered lightly. "They still think, I'm with them." "Eadfearth, My lord Dar's dead." A voice yelled in the distance. "They have more coming, I can try to stall them but.." The king stared at Hobs, for all he knew, he could be pulling his leg. Maybe he wasn't completely loyal, maybe his whole court was corrupted. He would take his chances. "Go." Eadfearth let go of Hobs pushing him forward. Turning his head over his shoulder, his loyal servant gave him a nod of recognition.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Jan 28, 2008 12:50:01 GMT -5
Before the killings and uprising had started, my dark eyes surveyed the small quintet of hunters. One was obviously in charge; the others seemed close to him, loyal. In this land of Germania anything could happen. Wars were common among the hot-blooded occupants. And it was just my luck that I would witness the beginning of such a thing. My falcons were with me, their keen eyes no doubt on me, waiting for a command to strike. But the command did not come. These men were of no threat to me; there was no reason to kill them yet. The female, ever vigilant, perched on a tree nearby. The male I could not see, but I had no doubt he was positioned to strike at any time. They had split up now, chasing a fleet stag through the thick forest. Something ominous lurked; I could sense it. And my suspicions proved correct when one of the five was struck down, dying with only pointless gurgle as his lifeblood spilled to the ground. An ambush had killed him; a most unhonorable way of killing. My keen hearing picked up the hushed and hurried conversation of the two. So the leader was a king, and the others were his servants. From the sound of it there was an uprising on the agenda today. A most intruiging thing to watch. I would not interfere for now; but you never knew what you could benefit from. The thing about wars was that there was always someone who people wanted dead. I could help with that. Staying low, my dark cloak covering my skin, blending me with the forest, I watched and waited for any opportunity to act.
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Post by Eadfearth on Jan 28, 2008 17:47:10 GMT -5
Eadfearth had for the most part remained hidden. He was not the very sneaky, but the large trees provided safety. The barbarian quickly began to think. Panicking was not his reaction, a king should not panic. Hobs had said there would be more coming for him. They would most likely arrive from the south, he could try to lose them or fight. The choice perhaps would be to run or leave. Eadfearth would not, he had to much pride, a little to much. Gripping his fist tight around his bow, he began to slowly move around the tree with his back still facing it. Glancing up wards he noticed a female. The Germanian smiled in satisfaction.
******
A large rock, hit the branch the female falcon stood on.The branch shook violently. It only made enough noise to catch the attention, of the traitors. "There!" Hobs exclaimed, pointing in the general direction knowing, hoping it was a hokes. Quickly three arrows were let loose around the branch. The arrows bounced off the trees, harmlessly. Gritting their teeth they grew frustrated and nervous. "Lets wait for the others." One of the conspirators proposed. Two others shook their heads in agreement. "No we can't wait we should go on, split up." Hobs retorted, " Eadfearth is wise we must find him now. But stay within eyesight."
The sound of a sword being pulled out of its sheath could be heard. Hobs turned his head, a blade was place held right in between his two eyes. "No, we are here now. You out of us should know, he can kill us one by one without breaking a sweat. Maybe that is what you want." Accused a new conspirator who had arrived with sevens others. Eadfearth's loyal servant remained calm. "Of course not, I simply did not wish to sit still.. We've given him to much time to work against us." He responded trying to sound convincing. "Liar!" Exclaimed the accuser. "I can see you are not to be trusted as well!" The conspirator pulled back his blade to strike. Thud, an arrow entered his body, in pain and agony he dropped the sword to pull out the arrow. He placed the palm of his hand on the bleeding wound, and stared at in disbelief. By now Hobs and the others had drawn their swords. "Fools kill hi-" Now an arrow pierced through his throat, at the same time one entered his chest.
Metal sounded as one of the conspirators attacked Hobs, he brought his sword up wards in one swift movement to parry. Hobs moved his back against a tree, that way he could not be surrounded. That was not their intention to attack him all at once, their was currently another threat, a march large once. A bush behind the group, shook. All at once they turned around, one was brave enough to check. He slashed his weapon down to only recoil and fall down back words. He scurried up wards, to check what he had hit. "Its a rock?" He stated confused. A bush shook above him, nervously he looked upward to only see a massive boot. Eadfearth dropped from a tree, crushing the man's head.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Jan 29, 2008 15:07:06 GMT -5
Watching my beauty fly from the tree, I almost signaled the male to strike the man. He had no right to disturb the bird. But then I saw his plan and unwillingly crouched low again, watching, waiting for any opportunity to strike anyone. It was like watching a play unfold before my eyes, only these were no trained actors, and those that fell would not rise again. The 'loyal' men were not to be trusted. I put not my trust in any human; they were weak and fell prey to the strong. It was a brutal life here, especially among these tribes. The king was wise and strong; that was why he did not fall for now. Having seen where the king had gone, I realized his plan. An ambush of sorts was the only way to kill a large group when you were alone. The unwitting man came closer to the rock and the tree that the king hid in. Also he came closer to me. Had the king not dropped and crushed him that instant, he would have found death at my hands. But as it was he died the same, his blood spilling out to soak into the forest loam.
The king was now exposed, and I knew it was my time to strike. Better to win favor with a king than a gang of untrustworthy usurpers. Rising, I could see a few eyes widen, for they did not know of the man hiding in the bushes. Underneath the dappled sunlight I no doubt looked even more forboding, for my dark hood covered all of my face but my thin humorless lips and my dark eyes that glittered out upon them, promising death. With a flick of my wrist, no effort coming from the motion, as if just a side thought in the matter, I pinned one of the men, a larger one, through the head. Eyes wide and full of disbelief, he fell, dying without a sound. My beauties no doubt watched my actions, though I did not dare look for them. Even if I did they would not reveal themselves; with their dappled chests and dark heads they were invisible in the thick canopy. My presence made known to the rabble-like group, I waited then to see what would happen. If they charged I would kill. If the king turned on me I would kill him too. If they ran, my birds would find them in short order. It was really only a matter of how long they would live.
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Post by Eadfearth on Jan 29, 2008 22:59:51 GMT -5
Eadfearth grind-ed the man's head into pieces with his foot. An emotionless smirk crossed his face, as the newcomer appeared from behind. His immediate reaction was to turn around to face him, as he seemed to be the immediate threat. Had they hired, a professional to kill him it seemed so. But his impression quickly changed, as he slayed a conspirator. The man who seemed to lead the group spoke up. "Ah, so our king" He said adding a spiteful tone to the last word." Seems to be a cower. Always having a watchful eye over him. It does not matter kill him, forget the others." He spoke in a rarely spoken dialect. The others were Hobs and Talon, Hobs by now had bested his attacker. The numbers were on the side of the conspirators, but the assassin seemed to be more than an able warrior and Hobs could manage himself. Eadfearth's reputation was based on his skills with a sword.
Quickly Eadfearth turned to fight his true enemies, hoping Talon was not an enemy. If he was, he was already a dead man as he had his back turned to him. Though the conspirators were told to all attack Eadfearth, they were wiser than that. By attacking one man, the would have no defense against the others. Acting as one whole group, two of the men attacked Hobs, another two attacked Talon and the final three targeted Eadfearth. The two attacking Hobs simply rushed him. Talon's attackers moved slowly to the assassin's sides. At once they charged him, trying to get him stuck in between the two of them. Eadfearth moved away from Talon, making room to fight. It was easier to fight with more space. Quickly the three men rushed Eadfearth, his bow was strung to back he was armed with a 36 inched sword, and a simple wooden buckler. It was in fear of hitting Talon that he had moved away. Simply, Eadfearth leaped out of the way, it was difficult to readjust your direction of attack when you had a head full of steam. The king smirked in satisfaction this was to easy, he thought as they stumbled passed him. Thrusting his arm forward, the sword created a gash through one of the men's back. He was unarmored one of his hunting companions. It was unwise to hunt in armor. The others turned their backs quickly, looking at each other they nodded in acknowledgment. One leaped forward striking his blade down wards, Eadfearth brought his shield from the left side of his body to the right, to block the attack. Now the other attack at nearly the same time, aimed for the left side of Eadfearth which was now unprotected. His shield was currently the only buffer between him and one of his attacker's swords. Therefore he moved his sword over his shield arm, to hold the attacker's weapon in place. Currently they were all gridlocked, Eadfearth's upper body strength was currently what held him alive. He took a risk, with all his strength he tried to repel, he pushed his arms up wards, launching not only his attacker's swords into the air but his as well. They fell harmlessly, the two stared at each other in belief gritting their teeth. Armed with nothing but his shield, which really was not a weapon Eadfearth moved quickly with a speed uncommon for a man of his size. He grabbed the side of the heads of his attackers, and pushed them together with incredible strength. There was a large crack, followed by a thud of their bodies hitting the ground. A small puddle of what seemed like blood formed on the floor.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Jan 30, 2008 12:12:12 GMT -5
The king was alarmed at my presence, but now was not the time to say that I was not the enemy for the moment. Considering that the king turned back to the group and ignored me momentarily, I figured he did not view me as much of a threat as the rabble rousing group that threatened him. The one that spoke first was obviously the leader, for he was the one that now taunted the king and I. I was far from a watchful eye, for I would not have interfered if it had not been for the fact that I saw I could benefit. In the matter of kings and their subjects, I first tried to gain favor with the king. Later I would deal with the subjects. Besides, I needed something to interest me. It had been long since I had fought. If any of these men escaped with their lives, I would offer to hunt them for the king - for a fee, of course.
I drew my own weapons of choice at the moment; a long blacksnake whip and a strange knife. It was of a peculiar blue steel that I had found to never nick or bend, and it was wavy on one side, like the gentle waves of the ocean, and straight as an arrow on the other. It was an especially good throwing knife and useful in close combat. Although the king's weapon was large and no doubt deadly in the right hands, I preferred to kill my enemies up close and personal. And, by charging me, these men had definitely just become my enemies. Face passive and emotionless, I waited until they came closer. A classic move, this was, rushing in hopes that the enemy would focus on one man alone. An unwise move when your opponent knew how to fight better than you. My fighting was not of the charging blood and glory type. I was subtle, fast, and deadly accurate in everything I did. Being tall and lean as opposed to stouter and more muscular, it was the fighting style that had benefited me many a time. In a move that some would deem unwise I turned and faced the man on my left. I, however, knew every action that would make this successful, making it a very good move indeed. Following the quick turn of my body I brought the thick whip around, cracking it around the hapless attacker's legs before he could make a move to counter. With a hiss and a crack it bit into his pant and to his skin, no doubt burning and stinging judging by his shocked face. Instead of stopping I continued my turn, snapping the whip as the man was dragged with me. The thick snakelike whip untwisted from his legs with a sharp snap as it was flung behind me. That man down for the moment, I brought my left hand around, knife angled sideways, and caught the other man around the legs with my leg, tripping him as I stabbed him deeply through the neck. Spinal chord severed, he collapsed with a gurgled yell, his sword managing to catch through my cloak and rip it. That was my good cloak, and him ripping it made me very unhappy. Deadly intentions in mind and eyes, I waited to see what the next attack would be.
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Post by Eadfearth on Feb 1, 2008 16:34:50 GMT -5
Eadfearth did not turn to watch Talon best his attackers, instead he searched the corpse of the men who had attacked him. Quickly he turned their bodies over and looked for some sort of insignia or sign that would show their true loyalty. He eventually stumbled apon a piece of paper. The king grabbed it quickly yet carefully, in fear of tearing it apart. It stumbled in his rough hand's as he folded it in half and placed it in a pocket. He got up and turned around to face Talon, the 'barbarian' kept his weapon in hand. "Who are you and what do you want?" The king asked bluntly in Latin.
For a moment he had seemed to forget about Hobs, who sat down his back against a tree. His hand was placed onto a wound, among his feet his two attackers layed dead. There was a gash across the throat of one, Haps's sword was stuck in the chest of another. Following Eadfearth's recognition he grinned and spoke in German. "I'll be fine, its just a minor flesh wound. But it hurts like hell." Eadfearth nodded his head, and turned back to Talon expecting an answer from the assassin.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Feb 4, 2008 16:06:33 GMT -5
None of the men rose again. It was a good thing for them that they had died the first time, for I did not forgive nor show mercy. Death would have been their end eventually. Now there were three in the clearing, five if you counted my beauties that hid above us somewhere. I did not care for their location; I knew their keen dark eyes were watching, waiting for any movement. My strange sickle knife had blood on it. Distastefully I wiped it clean on the edge of my cloak, wiping away the metallic smelling blood until the curve glinted in the light again. Satisfied for now, I sheathed it beneath my cloak next to my other weapons, more than anything to put the king slightly at ease as to my intentions. Latin flowed upon my ears as the king spoke. I enjoyed the language; the simplicity and succinctness of it appealed to me. "You may refer to me as Talon," I returned, Latin easily dripping from my mouth, "and I want only what you may offer." Not being quite sure of the king's temperment, I had no inclination towards rudeness. I did not make friends, but I also tried to avoid making enemies. Especially of kings. The other man, his loyal servant, was gashed open and leaning against a tree. I could see the blood begin to seep through his coarse fingers, and I knew that the wound would not kill him. However, without proper treatment, the infection no doubt would. It was a common killer in these parts. "Your man," I stated, "needs that stitched." With a simple flick of my wrist I soon had my whip coiled back into my black-gloved hand. Not really gloves, actually, for I had long since removed the finger coverings. Now they served as thick palm protection. Losing use of a hand could prove deadly to an assassin. I surveyed the two again, took in the bold stance of the king, the bloody man, the bodies that lay around. They did not need buried; nature would take care of them itself.
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Post by Eadfearth on Feb 6, 2008 16:33:20 GMT -5
Eadfearth glanced down at his man and then back to Talon. "Oh yes I just noticed." He said sarcasticly, as he walked over to his companion. He reached down to grab the man. " We should go to a place, that can be regarded as safer. " Eadfearth said heaving his friend over his shoulder, with ease. There were not a fourth a mile away from the edge of the forest, and from there the closest town was about a mile away. " We should leave now unless you are some sort of healer." He paused, "Which I doubt." Eadfearth turned his head down to look at the corpse. He then turned his head up, a small frown crossed his face. "Its getting late, Wolves will begin to hunt soon, they will most likely be intrested in the dead men." He said with no real accent. But the order he spoke his words, and their use were most likely used wrong. This the king never thought about. "Follow me.." He requested, and began to head to wards the forest's border.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Feb 6, 2008 20:35:39 GMT -5
I shook my head as the king turned his back, flinging the man over his broad shoulder. No wonder the mortality rate among the Germans was so high. If this was the medical treatment they offered, it was no stretch of the imagination to see how most injured men died. "Doubt is a thing you should not succumb to so easily, king," I murmured, my dark eyes scanning the darkening trees. The sinking sun cast eerie long shadows through the forest, striping the dead men, casting all into shades of gold and black. Yes, the wolves would come. As would the foxes, the ferrets, and the lynx. Scavengers would have their way here. Within a few days nothing would remain of the unfortunate traitors but a few tattered pieces of cloth. Such was the way of the wild.
Before I followed I turned to the scene, taking in all with my gaze. Lifting my right hand, I placed two fingers on my forehead, closing my eyes for a second. Death was something I respected the power of, respected the solemnity of it. Traitors, yes, but they would never get a second chance. Death was something final, something supreme. I resepected it and it, in turn, seemed to pass over me. Turning, I followed. We treaded through the forest then, pine needle fragrance filling the air. Forests had a strange feel about them, a safe feel to those who understood it. To those who did not know how the forests worked, the trees would betray them, would hide their enemies. I understood; I lived.
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Post by Catriona on Feb 7, 2008 7:24:03 GMT -5
"Brother!" Came an all too familiar voice. When Eadfearth looked up, he saw his sister on her horse and his own own horse tied to hers. "I heard you were out here, but it's much too late for you to be here," she told him. He could see she came well prepared though with her spear on her horse's pack.
When she noticed the men and the blood, she grew worried but didn't show it. She untied Eadfearth's horse and handed it to him then looked to Talon. "We have a visitor? Is he returning with us to the village?" She asked, her gaze returning to her brother's. She he'd be mad at her for coming out both alone and at night, but she also knew he'd wait to snipe at her.
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Post by Eadfearth on Feb 15, 2008 17:34:20 GMT -5
(my computer is fixed XD) Eadfearth nodded in reply to Talon. "Words of wisdom?" He replied sarcastically. They had to get Hobs into town and find a healer of sorts. At that same time Eadfearth's sister seem to appear out of thin air. He looked up at her and then back at Talon. "I did not come here alone, but you did." He pointed out, even if he was alone, The king was more than able to protect himself. "Yes actually he is, and so is Hobs." He replied patting the injured man on his back. Hobs managed to look up and smile lightly. Eadfearth had already noticed the dilemma of only having two horses. He grabbed the reins of his horse, and nodded in thanks to his sister. " Our horses are large enough to ride two, if you are uncomfortable riding with Talon or the bleeding Hobs, you can ride with me." He said while patting his horse on the neck. It was far from a calm beast. It was insolent at best, and few could master the horse. "Either way, who ever rides with Hobs must ride fast..."
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Post by Vanora on Feb 15, 2008 17:52:02 GMT -5
"You are the faster rider I suggest you take him in. Me and your friend will meet you back in the halls," she said to her brother. "And ride fast, I doubt he can last forever," Catriona said with a smirk. Then she lowered her hand down to Talon so that he could jump up behind her.
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Talon
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Post by Talon on Feb 16, 2008 21:15:10 GMT -5
The woman that appeared obviously knew the king. In fact, she was his sister, it appeared. She was not a threat, so I merely observed her with interest. She was obviously comfortable around horses, for she handled her horse as well as the horse for the king quite well. I admired people who could handle animals well, without fear on either side. The horses were not afraid of her, meaning she was no doubt a kind one. She was young; I would not guess a day over eighteen. Though she was the king's sister, she did not look like one of high breeding, being dressed to work. Her hand reached towards mine as the king prepared to run off with Hobs. It was a small hand, slender, but not soft from a pampered life. I took it, encompassing her palm with my right hand, careful to not hurt her with my grip. Easily I swung up behind her, sitting behind her on the horse. It was a beautiful animal; strong and supple, well trained. I was ready to ride now. A low circular motion with my hand, so quick only my falcons would notice it, signaled my beauties to follow. I knew they were on the wing within a minute, high in the air and watching me for any signal to act.
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Post by Eadfearth on Feb 16, 2008 22:34:35 GMT -5
Eadfearth placed Hobs lightly on the horse's back. He then swung himself onto the horse. The chief looked down at his friend and then let out a sigh. The sun could be seen setting in the west. It was actually much later than he thought. His hand fumbled lightly as he made sure Hobs would not fall. He his head turned quickly as he gave Talon a quick nod, and with a flick of both his wrist the horse quickly the horse was off leaving a trail of dirt. In Germanian standards it was not a very large horse, but at the same time it was not small. It had the perfect mix of speed, stamina and strength. The breeder had done a rather superb job, and the horse showed it clearly. In every way except one was the horse perfect and that was its temper. He was easily one of the most arrogant horses alive.
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