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Post by Watcher on Dec 30, 2008 1:34:31 GMT -5
days were steeped in darkness and silence as blood drenched the earth. time ripened for him. Eyes glowing he look to the castle and showed white teeth to the night. It was coming. he could feel it nearing every day more. Death.
Months had he studied the castle and it's roads, the fields and the forrests. They were vast but dangerous. The rangers having a tight grip on them. The roads were patrolled by the soldiers. But the hills and the mines there were caves there and here in the clifss.
far away an animal cried, the hunt was on for something. someone. he could almost smell the blood upon the air. Almost. He imagined the feel of flesh pierced, split open by a blade. he only needed to decide who would be the first warning
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Post by The Watcher on Jan 6, 2009 6:16:18 GMT -5
He had come and gone for many days now. It had taken time to learn the lay of the land. He had ridden over roads and through forest. Along cliffs and fields. He had walked the same distances for days, Then he had traveled abroad, Following. Would the final kill be easier there? He had waited so long, but now the time was nearing. He could feel it. He would succeed. No longer needed to reign back the lust inside him that demanded blood. The first kill. It had been almost too easy.
Darkness was his friend. He would have liked to have a clearer view of the mans face as he plunged his knife inside him.
The night had been late, the music from the tavern bawdy. He had followed the youngling. Unstead in his steps, singing flat. He had followed along the edge of the village. The dark path next to the forest border. The fool had not even looked back, not before a hand had been over his mouth and he was pulled back.
It could have been quick but after months of waiting he indulged himself. Instead of fast slitting a throat he had plunged his knife in the soft belly and pulled up. His licked his lips as he remembered the shock going through the body, the prolonged struggle as pain and life warred within. The blood and gal that had streamed. It had pained him almost to snap the neck to end it.
The first message had been delivered.
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Post by cecil on Jan 8, 2009 1:15:49 GMT -5
He had been further from home than this, though has he measured the space between each foot, he could not think of how much more it was, he was counting how many steps he had taken but alas he could not do it very well and soon became bored with his game, he looked to the trees at the edge of the forest and listened for the birds and what little life in the undergrowth of the rabbits and wild fowl, if only he could catch one he thought, his father would pay him handsomely for a rabbit, it would feed them for two whole days.
As he looked to the undergrowth he noticed a shiny thing under a clump of weeds, he crouched and lifted it in his tiny hand, it was covered in a sticky something, like a deep strawberry color, he rubbed it against his shirt to see better the prize he had found, as he cleaned it he looked round sharply to assure himself he was still alone.
He returned his gaze back to the shiny, it was some kind of a clasp, he had seen the same on the uniforms of the soldiers when they passed his house, but surely a soldier man would not loose this all by himself, and mayhap there will be a reward, aye so he can buy food at market, or take the randsom home for his mother to buy food.
He stayed crouched for a short time and scanned the undergrowth further with his keen sight just to ensure there was no more bounty to be had, his eyes strained at the sight of worn leather, he moved some grass and found it to be a boot, a mans boot still attached to the foot and leg, as his eyes ventured firther up the legs towards the thigh, he reeled back, is it to be a drunk who has lost his way, he stood and kicked at the booted foot, no reaction or sound came from the owner of the kicked boot.
He kicked at it again only harder this time, still nothing, he decided to seek the face of the person, he took one pace forward and saw the tunic of the Castle guard, it was not its normal color, it was covered in deep red, but not all over, he saw the young mans face, it was a pale grey it was the same color as his old grandad who had gone to heaven, his stomach served up his dinner all over the grass aside the young guards body, his mind told him to run....run as fast as his legs would carry him, he turned and began to run though his first step only found a clump of grass and threw him to his knees upon the rough track.
He stood and ran, he ran so fast his heart was about to burst, the tears ran down his face, where would he run, who would he tell, his mind in blind panic, a monster did it, no a wolf, mayhap a murderer, did he see cecil find the man, would he get me next, he ran and ran, he wiped the tears from his eyes and found himself in woodland though in which direction he knew not....
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Post by Lady Edfeil on Jan 9, 2009 22:39:46 GMT -5
((great post!))
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Post by cecil on Jan 12, 2009 9:02:36 GMT -5
He could run no more his legs buckled he had ran as fast as he could for some way, he collapsed and knelt at the side of the track on the lush green grass, he drew breath into his bursting lungs he rubbed his eyes dry and looked around, did he know of this track, it seemed like it was the woodmans route he should wait until at least a big person came he needed toshow them the man in the hedge on the other track, he looked back and could clearly see his path, he had not taken to much trouble in hiding it, branches though low down to the ground had been disturbed and the forest floor shown signs of where he had ran....
He felt a sharp jolt through his body, he opened his eyes and standing over him was a huge bear of a man, the man reached down and lifted him like he weighed nothing and patted him down with his other hand and began to chuckle in a deep ruff...
Tha has nae brocken ye bones lad, a figured tha wus ded an left for wolves, tha ma an pa be upset to lose tha ere, wot tha doin ere anyways...
Cecil shook his head, a woodman he thought...a good honest man, as he was placed on his feet he began to explain to the woodman what he had found and where, the woodman tethered his horses with his cart and began to follow him to where he found the young guard, eventually the two neared the spot and cecil stopped as if polaxed to the spot and pointed, the huge frame of the man moved forward, after a few minor adjustments to his way by the lad rooted to the spot, leaning to the left and then to the right in an attempt to keep his gaze upon the spot where the man lay.
The woodman stopped and took a knee as he leaned over the motionless body, he stood knowing the castle would need to be informed for this is not right a guard of the Queen dead at the side of the road like a animal, he knew in his mind who shall however answer to this then it shall be certain he shall go to the noose or worse, he crossed himself and muttered a prayer, then reached down and lifted the body, he cradled it like a child and carried it forth to his wagon, though laden with logs this would have to surfice, it was a short way to the Castle, the three of them returned to the wagon and set off to the Castle....
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Master Sergeant Gerben
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Post by Master Sergeant Gerben on Jan 12, 2009 22:11:09 GMT -5
*He moved from the baracks to the courtyard, not certain whether to be annoyed or worried. The young whippersnapper should have been on duty today. He was seen last even celebrating his commission at the Stag and Hound. While the tavern was rather more respectable than the dockside shack, there was more than enough ale for any foolish young man to drink himself a hard head.
Well, if Rudderick had drunk himself in a stupor and was now sleeping off the consequences, there would be more consequences to follow.
He understood some of the new recruits were young, but he had hammered on responsibility and discipline enough during training for him to know better.
He paced, glancing at the sun. He should have been here two bells ago to take up his post. Well, he should have been inside the walls last eve to truely please him. First he would blister his ears, then he would lay down the law. The lad could clean up his act or resign right then and there. If the beginning was this bad, how would the rest follow? After that would come the punishment. The stables would be a good place to start. He was certain most of the stablelads would nae object to a free day, and someone to sweep out the manure in their stead. Then there would be extra training...
God, but he had not expected this from Rudderick. The lad was young, but his older brother had been an examplary guard for near five years afore being promoted to messenger for the queen. And the young one had worshipped his brother. Well, so done, so learned. And one foolish mistake would nae make the end of the lads chances.*
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Post by cecil on Feb 3, 2009 7:14:45 GMT -5
He sat quietly as the great wagon and its load trundled towards the the huge walls of the castle, the thoughts in his mind where mixed, his father would clip him about the ear for being away from home so long and getting into mischief.
The wagon jolted his thoughts back, the walls now towered above them as the road wound round towards the castles gates, his mouth dropped open as he lifted his gaze upwards to the battlements, then a voice commanded the driver to halt the huge wagon slowed to a stop and two guards approached them, the woodman looked down at him and winked as he stood and climbed down from the wagon.
The three men stood talking for a few moments as one of the guards sent for the sergeant on duty from inside the walls, the woodman walked with the other guard to the side of the wagon where a mans shape covered with hessian was laying, he pulled off the cover and the guard took two steps backward as if the devil himself lay under the cover, the woodman pulled the cover back over the body and stood with the guard.
Cecil held the treasure he had found tightly in his hand, he knew it was not his to hold but the money for its sale would see his family through most of the year for food and livestock, his mind filled with thoughts of guilt he was a honest lad and the gods would guide his hand on this matter, he half turned to his right on the narrow seat and saw the woodman point to him he turned away quickly and sat quiet once more.
The guard approached his side of the wagon and stood next to the wagon, the guard told him he would need to speak with a sergeant and show where they had found this man, this was official Queens business now his bladder almost lost control and allowed a little moisture to pass into his pants, he just sat quiet and waited for whatever was to come.
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Master Sergeant Gerben
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Post by Master Sergeant Gerben on Feb 4, 2009 7:52:00 GMT -5
*The few whispered words from one of his men were enough to have him rush to the gates to see for himself.
A woodsman. A lad. And a cart. And the grim face of his men betrayed that what was in the cart would be as bad as the few words had described. He nodded his head to the two, but strode past them to look under the hessian first. And stopped. And with grim determination stared down. Not an animal. There was no animal that killed like this, at least none of the four legged variety.
His blue eyes went cold as ice as he looked down on the corps. No robbery either. But why? Why kill a young man barely dry behind his ears. They would find out. And whoever had done this would feel the heaviest hand of justice come down on him that he could lay on him.
With determined steps he moved to the front of the cart, saw the lad and forced his own expression to gentle as he spoke.
"I've been told ye've found this man, lad."
*He waited for the boy to nod, to look at him, then send him a smile, despite a colder feeling. His youngest was barely a few years older than this stripling.*
"Nae worry. I know ye be nae to blame for this. But maybe you could tell me where and how ye found him? Someone hurt him really bad and I will want to make sure that person is gone."
*He wanted to make sure that person was hung by the neck after answering some pertinent questions. But there was no use in upsetting the lad more. Life and dead lay close together, but this kind of dead was nae one a child should have seen.*
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Post by cecil on Feb 5, 2009 3:20:31 GMT -5
As the other man arrived his uniform different to the ones worn by the other men here, it was shiny and smart and he spoke different too, his voice snapped orders and cecil noted as he cursed under his breath as if this was his own son lying on the wagon.
As cecil looked to the man he noticed he smiled a litttle to him, cecil knew he would give up his treasure to this man, the money he could get for it did not matter anymore, it was right to give it as it was not his to keep and he should not steal, father told him of sins an such if he stole from folk.
Cecil held out his left hand, opening his fingers to show the treasure to the man, the imprint of the clasp pressed into the palm of his hand through holding it so tightly, he lowered his gaze as the man lifted it from his hand, the feeling of the removal of the clasp from his hand lifted a great weight from his heart and he looked to the man, the man smiled once more and placed the clasp upon the body on the wagon, cecil was lost in his thoughts now.
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Master Sergeant Gerben
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Post by Master Sergeant Gerben on Feb 5, 2009 8:19:21 GMT -5
*He ruffled the hair of the bend head for a moment after taking the clasp, tempted to stride away, giving orders immediately. Yet he saw the bend of the shoulders, the skinny arms and knew that what was a clue for him, would be a prized possession for the lad. He leashed his rage tightly. The man who had done this would pay, but there was no need to frighten the boy more than he must have been..
Ye be a good lad to give me such. I am certain the queen will be very grateful.
*For a moment he looked over the boys head towards the woodsman and locked eyes* There will be a few questions that need answering, but it nae needs to be done here and in the cold. I am certain cook would be all too glad to offer some food, and we will need to discuss yer reward for bringing us such sad, but important news.
*He stroked past his moustache for a moment and brought the guards schedule in mind as well as the queens plans for the day. In hushed voice he then ordered one of the younger guards to get Lord Repsol here as soon as possible*
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Post by Repsol on Feb 5, 2009 20:19:27 GMT -5
Repsol stood speaking with his Man at Arms when the guard approached at speed, scuttling small baskets to one side in his haste, he looked over the mans right shoulder to see the guard running, the castle could not be under siege as this lad was the only one running, without missing a word from his freind he continued to watch the guard.
The guard slid to a halt, clenched his fist and struck his chest above his heart, Repsol inclined his head in response, allowing the guard to fill his lungs with air he waited, the guards mouth was moving at speed but no sound was made, he placed his right hand on the young lads shoulder and squeezed it slightly....
It be in thy favor to breath lad else we shall be lifting thee from the ground, what message doth thou bring which causes thee such agony?...
In between breaths the young guard spoke, gulping air into his lungs the best he could...
Sire tis with urgency I attend thee, Master Sergeant has asked for thee to attend the main gate without delay for it be sad news this day......
Then be it so I shall attend go and tell the Master Sergeant I shall attend with haste...
He turned to his Man at Arms and arranged further discussions later in the eve, he turned and walked towards the main gate, though he did not make any attempt to keep pace with the young guard.
Moments later he arrived at the main gate to see the wagon, the lad, and a huge frame of a man surrounded by guards, he made way for Gerben who was standing aside the huge man discussing something, of which he could not hear, he stood and waited for them to finish....
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Master Sergeant Gerben
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Post by Master Sergeant Gerben on Feb 5, 2009 21:58:37 GMT -5
*He saw the lad returned, followed closely by Lord Repsol. He bend his head curtly in respect, and moved slightly, angling his body to include him in the conversation. His face was tight.*
It's bad. *was the first thing he said, then motioned to the cart to allow the Lord to have a look for himself.*
He was found this morn. One of our own. Just sworn in and supposed to be on duty this morn. He was late and I thought him to have a hard head after a night on the tavern.
*His voice was calm because his men needed to see him have his head cool and his manner determined. But inside he seethed. Whoever had done this would come to justice. But before they could tie a hangmans noose, they would need to find him. And in the mean time, they needed to keep the lands and the castle safe. It wasn't likely a coincidence that Rudderick had been atacked. A uniformed guard, no matter how young, was not that likely a target when a merchant would hold a fatter purse.*
I've not rung the alert yet. I wanted to hear yer opinion first.
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Post by Repsol on Feb 6, 2009 18:12:47 GMT -5
He turned to the Master Sergeant and looked into his eyes, the man was seething and the two had one thing in common, the need to bring the perpetrator to justice and quickly, he spoke softly....
My friend tis with heavy hearts we stand here this day, let it be known that we shall find the murderer and justice shall be served swiftly, we should seek to tell the Queen and make preperations for the capture afore he strikes again, double the guards none to patrol alone, I shall seek to make further patrols of the village and close to the castle, these shall begin forthwith...
He turned and walked into the castle for he knew the Master Sergeant would prepare his men for the task at hand, the man needed time to sort out the body and the buriel, and to reward the ones who brought the young lad to the castle....
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Master Sergeant Gerben
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Post by Master Sergeant Gerben on Feb 7, 2009 9:16:40 GMT -5
*He was relieved slightly that at least it would nae be his task to inform the queen. Looking around to his men he knew it would be his task however to tell Ruddericks brother. And his parents. His hands tightened, then he turned sharply*
Everyone back to their post. I want double sentry on the walls and everyone coming in will be checked unless we get a counter order. Make sure none of this leaks until I have talked to Rudder's parents. All furloughs are revoked until we can sort out a new duty roster.
*His voice softened when he turned back to the lad, including the woodsman in his conversation*
Ye both have done us a great service in bringing this man here. I will make sure there be a reward for such. *He forced himself to a smile as he spoke to the lad once more* Would ye like to meet the queen? I'm certain she would be grateful to for what ye have done. And mayhap afterward ye could tell me exactly what ye have seen? *He looked up to the woodsman* I would hear too what ye know or have seen. Yer eyes might know more of the forrest and have noticed something we would miss.
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Post by cecil on Feb 12, 2009 19:07:05 GMT -5
As the sergeant spoke to him he heard the words Queen and reward, his mind raced and his legs weakened for a moment and he looked to the huge man aside him for some sort of sign, but his stare was met with two brown eyes as the woodsman returned his stare, he knew at this time the woodsman was as rooted to the spot as much as he was, his hands sweating and pressing into his pockets to dry them somewhat, though it did not aid him as his hands made his pockets wet.
The woodsman reached down and with a nervous smile took the lads arm and moved to one side to allow the Master Sergeant and his men room to do their duty.
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