Classic-Castle Roleplay: September

[The Green Knight]

Targon was seated at the head of the second table, with Elwen seated at his left. ... The servants began to serve the meal.

Grid: N-24
Location: Talistran Palace, the Great Dining Hall

Targon wasn't eating. It was a shame too, because he had never seen such a feast. There was fowl and venison, boar and vintage wine, there was even a new drink that Targon had never heard of before. They said it was a new invention, made by a monk named Dom Perignon. Champaign, they called it.

Targon didn't try it though. Instead he kept his goblet of wine, sipping it silently as the food passed by. He wasn't in an angry mood. Nor was he in the sulking state that usually accompanied his silence. He wasn't even sorrowful in the strictest sense.

He was just sullen.

Why was he like this? Bargon was dead wasn't he? "If anything I should be happy." But he wasn't happy. Perhaps it was a loss of purpose. Since before he could remember, his life's goal had been to outdo his brother. To make him as uncomfortable as possible and to put him down in the most humiliating way he could. A wiser man explained to Targon that such actions never bring lasting satisfaction. But Targon was no wise man. Crafty yes, but not wise. As Targon sat there, sipping his wine and contemplating the irony of his situation, he noticed that the lady to his left was staring at him out of the conner of her eye.

Elwen dan Raleigh. Her sitting beside Targon was like a swan sitting beside a bullfrog. They were totally different people. Made from two different sets of bricks, you might say. Had Targon been in normal sorts he likely would have revolted Elwen right out of the banquet hall with his eating habits and crass behavior.

As it was however, she let him off with a cold stare. A suspicious stare and one with a hint of contempt. Elwen knew that Targon worked for the Sorceror King and she didn't like him. He had the look of tretchery, or that of a cruel mischief, about him. He was on the side of evil. And yet, she couldn't help analyising him. The time might come when they would pitted against each other in battle. And if that that was to happen then now would be the best time to find her enemy's weakness.

So it was that Targon caught her studying him out of the corner of her eye. Elwen may have known who he was but he had no clue as to her name or allegiance. "Some Classic Legolandian princess no doubt. Someone aughta teach her to mind her own business." Targon tried to ignore her, but he wasn't in the mood for patience and eventually he couldn't take it.

"You got a problem missy? If you don't like the way I look, you can turn the other way."

Targon turned his attention back to his goblet. It was empty. He needed more wine.

[The Green Knight]

"Tyco! If only Dacker were still here."
"But he is, my lord. He's in the never wood even now."
"Then I will find him. Keep me posted. I will have need of your help soon."
BloodVaine mounted his dragon and took off.

Grid: H-10
Location: The edge of the neverwood forest

BloodVaine reached the edge of the neverwood forest. He was about to start searching for Dacker when he felt something strange. The place where he had landed reeked of manna. BloodVaine concentrated, stretching his senses to find where the manna had gone. Now he had it. It was heading south.

"Aezazel, come to me!"

The demon materialized in front of BloodVaine.

"Report." the sorcerer commanded.

"All is underway my friend. The Royal Knights and the Classic legolanders are completely decimated. Also the Black Falcon Army is poised at the Black Knight border, waiting for your word to advance. I have also sent the Eroth Gamus to aid them. Victory is assured."

"Not so my friend. I fear there is something else brewing in the south. Follow this manna trail and report to me what you find there. Take Bahamut if you need. Also send word to Del Grakken that we need him and his dragons to return. Tell him that I'm working on his problem."

"By your will my friend." The demon leapt onto the dragon and left.

Bloodvaine turned to enter the forest but before he could, Dacker came running out.

"BloodVaine! Help! You've got to help me!"

"What happened to you?" BloodVaine asked, looking at the blood on Dacker's clothes and face.

"I... I killed him. I killed the dragon that poisoned me."

BloodVaine looked shocked.

"YOU FOOL!" BloodVaine shouted as he blasted Dacker back into a tree. "HOW DARE YOU COME TO ME AFTER COMMITTING SUCH AN ACT? You have sealed your fate. I know why you come running to me and on foot. YOU HAVE LOST THE GIFT THAT I GAVE YOU! You have lost control of the great Coal Blood! By curing your illness you have destroyed the very poison that gave you your gift for dragons! DO YOU THINK IT WAS AN ACCIDENT THAT I LEFT SOME POISON IN YOU? After all I've done to bring you to greatness, you throw it back in my face!"

"What? You mean you..."

"Yes. You didn't honestly think that it was all coincidence did you? That you happened to get poisoned by a dragon and that I just happened to find you and save your life. You fool!"

"Why. Why me?"

"Why not you? You were young, impressionable, ignorant. You had a strong constitution, which meant that you had a better chance of surviving the venom."

"Do it again!" Dacker pleaded. "Poison me. Give me back my power!"

"BloodVaine frowned. "No Dacker. You have too much dragon blood in your flesh. If I gave you another dose you would be dead before midnight. No, this gift shall go to another."

BloodVaine was interrupted by a teleharm. It was Aezazel.

"I have good news my friend..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When the teleharm ended BloodVaine turned to Dacker. "I'm afraid I must leave you Dacker." Bloodvaine chuckled evilly. "I'm headed to join the Eroth Gamus in the attack on the Black Knights. But don't worry Del Grakken and his dragons haven't been left out. Aezazel has found a new target for them. Oh, and I'm afraid that I have some bad news about your friend, Gib..."

[Jack Craft]

"Dordrot, Jack believes ye. And I'll have a talk with the Ranger and Barbod about getting you up and about. I'd take this as a chance to relax, if I were you-- once you've joined up good and proper, Barbod'll have a fair sum of work for you, I'd warrant."

Jack straightened up, hearing the guards returning.

Location: Grid s-17

Jack looked up mildly as Barbod, the Lone Falcon, and the two Bull guards approached, their boots echoing hollowly in the near-empty hold. Barbod and Jack stared at each other, Jack's face an innocent blank, Barbod's slightly scowling. But to Jack's satisfaction, it was the warrior-king who broke eye contact first.

"I should have known. When Jack Craft leaves a troublesome scene, it's only to stir trouble elsewhere."

Jack made no reply aside from his neutral gaze, though the ends of his mouth qwirked a bit. He seemed to be waiting for something, and after a moment, got it.

"Jack, I've been a fool."

"Aye, your Kingship," returned Jack, his grin creeping in along the edges of his cheeks. "Takes you a while, sometimes, but Jack knew you'd see sense in the end."

Barbod, who did not like to be mocked even by a friend, shook his head.

"We've been jumping at shadows for days, now. This whole thing with Bloodvaine has us all paranoid. After you left the meeting, the Falcon said as much to me."

"A wise fellow, to be sure of it," Jack said, tipping a slight nod in the Falcon's direction.

"It's the Ranger's fault. He..."

"Now, you've gone too far the other way, your Kingship. The Ranger wants only to do what's right-- he's used to seeing enemies at evey turn. It's the only thing that's kept him alive this long."

Barbod nodded again, and motioned one of the guards over. At his gesture, they began to untie Dordrot.

"Your Kingship, we need every ally we can muster," Jack continued. "And your friend here has some news about the going's on at Drullen Bell."

The guards were helping a cramped Dordrot to his feet.

"Dordrot, my old friend-- if it really is you-- I'm sorry. Let me welcome you aboard properly this time."

Barbod and the others went back above deck, leaving the final embers of the oil lamp alone in the hold to grow cold and faint.

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

Shortly after Radjar and his group had left they met up with Fraun and his Rangers. After some slaps on the back Fraun decided to go with Radjar to slay Aezazel. Dordrot, Voolmark, and the Rangers head toward Drullen Bell keep.

Grid: M-8
Location: outside the protected ring of remaining Delvarden Gard Swamps

Radjar lead the way through the charred remains of the Forestmen Swamp, keeping his distance from Graygon. Rosa followed next, then the two Stormspear brothers. Sir Dractor brought up the rear. They were traveling along the Forestmen/Crusader border, and all of them were tence, uncomfortable with the lack of trees and protection. Ever Sir Dractor, who had traveled over many different types of terrain, felt uneasy in the exposed wasteland. All that remained were charred stumps and ash for miles, the many streams that had flowed before the fire were now smothered under countless inches of soot.
The lack of trees had one advantage however. They could not hide from anyone, and therefore no one could hide from them. They would be well warned if anyone or anything attemped to attack.

Graygon, with his sharp Wolfpack eyes, was the first to spot the group of Forestmen Rangers approaching from the west. The Elk emblem held high did not ease the group's worries, for all they knew the Black Falcons and the Dragon Masters could be hiding behind the Sign of the Elk.

The tension was broken when Radjar let forth a shout of joy, rushed forward, and embraced a figure who stood at the front.

"Fraun Jerlock, you megablok! Where have you been hiding since the Fell War?" asked the Dark Forest King.

Fraun grinned, and pounded Radjar on the back. "Here and there, Rad. It seems I've missed a lot!"

Radjar's face went grim. "Alas, that is to true. Dametreos has never been in deeper tyco."

For the next hour and a half, the reunited friends chatted. Some of the persons from Drullen Bell, especially Graygon and Rosa, were peeved at the delay, but neither wanted to make the reunion turn sour. At last the discussions were finished, and the parties seperated. Voolmark, Dordrot and the Forestmen Rangers were given directions to Drullen Bell Keep, and Fraun continued on with Radjar, Rosa, Sir Dractor, the Stormspear twins and Graygon.

Bjarn and Voolmark were discussing the day Bjarn had put a frog in Voolmark’s desk when Dordrot walked in.

Dordot smiled and said. “Barbod and I have known each other since we were boys. I was the King’s messenger you know.”

--------------

“YES!” Screamed Dordrot. His patience was running thin.

‘ Here we go!” Said Voolmark,and cast the spell.

Grid: M-8
Location: Lounge, Drullen Bell Keep

Dordrot vanished with a flash, and Voolmark sagged visibly.

"Oof, I forgot how much teleporting took outta me.." he groaned.

Bjarn lead his old schoolmaster to a chair and poured him some wine. Voolmark sipped, sigh happily, and then said,

"Bjarn, me boy, you sure have grown up since I saw you last..."

Bjarn chuckled. "The promotion from orphan to Elk Man is quite a jump, but so is forty-odd years."

Voolmark nodded. "And much has happened in that time, much indeed."

Bjarn snorted. "Brix and blox, I think more has happened in the last eight months then in forty years!"

Voolmarked chuckled. "Brix and blox...I haven't heard that phrase in about forty years myself..."

Bjarn grinned at the memories. "Aye, that was favorite phrase of Jacky...remember him?"

"Yes, he was the young one with a skill with hammers, if I remember correctly..." Voolmark mused.

"He was about five years younger then me, yes..."

Voolmark went quite, and then said, "Have...you seen...Green Fox?"

Bjarn stiffened. "I have. He escaped from Drullen Bell's prisons when the wildfire broke out and I haven't seen him since. He could be dead for all I know."

Voolmark said quietly, "You can't hold a grudge forever, Bjarn..."

[Daimyo]

RADJAR whistled and sang an angular rhythm as the group trudged through the ash. The Dark Forest borders, and green, were in clear view to the north, as well as the remnants of the Forestmen woods.
"My home," Fraun sighed, "Burnt to a crisp."
"Don't worry." replied Keavur. "Once this is all taken care of, the Druids will be able to replant the place in a matter of days."
Radjar continued to whistle, and began singing, in a loud, boisterous voice, heavy in a Crusader accent.
"O, I walked along the waist-high green, as war drums beating, swords-a-clashing, and Cavaliers got to their mounts, forged rapiers, slinging, slashing,"
Fraun walked closer to Radjar, singing himself.
"On that bloody field I did stand there, that bitter hill of Castermare!" they both crooned in unison, breaking into a symphony of laughter.
"Oh, old times, friend, old times." Radjar exclaimed, trying to catch his breath.
"Reminds me of the time we headed into Royal Knight waters," Fraun quipped. "And your father captured that galleon full of Black Knight wine..."
"And all the sailors got too drunk to walk!" Radjar chuckled.
"What I would give for a flask full of that rich garnet wine, Rad, I would!" Fraun sighed.
"So, you two Hemlin-may-goes know eachother?" Rosa said, almost disgusted by the boyish antics of the two.
"Why, yes!" Radjar replied.
"This is the scoundrel that routed MY rangers at Drunbrough Downs!" Fraun pointed at him.
"Aye, but we don't remember eachother for those bloody times," Radjar noted. "Fraun was trained in cartography by my old mentor, Geth! I spent a long year with Fraun Jerlock scouring the globe. What good times..."
Rosa rolled her eyes. Graygon just laughed obnoxiously.
They all continued on.

[Formendacil]

Grid: N-24
Location: Talistran Palace, the Great Dining Hall

"You got a problem missy? If you don't like the way I look, you can turn the other way."

Targon turned his attention back to his goblet. It was empty. He needed more wine.

Elwen said nothing, but turned back to talk to the various Talistani nobles that sat at their table. They were also ignoring Targon, considering him fairly rude and boorish. They were right of course.

A couple of times the Sorceror-king glared displeasingly at Targon, as if to spur him into being more sociable, and more of a credit to him, and less of an embarrassment. But Targon, caught up in his own moodiness, didn't even notice.

When the meal was over, the servants cleared away the dishes, and guests sat back comfortably. Targon was getting rather inebriated, and seemed to have decided that he didn't like Elwen at all.

"Stuck-up princess," he was heard to grumble, "that's what she is."

Elwen pretended she hadn't heard. Targon said it louder, trying to provoke a response from her. Again she ignored him. The third time he practically yelled it, leaning over the table at her, and spewing saliva in her face.

"Is this man bothering you?" asked a voice behind Elwen. She turned to see Bernard Quorandis standing behind her, respendent in his armourless, purple and blue, dress uniform.

"Not much, thank you," replied Elwen, after she had wiped the spit off her face with a serviette.

"We are invited to remove to the ballroom now," said Quorandis. "I would be honoured to have the pleasure of the first dance with you." Elwen smiled, and blushed very slightly. But she had a question first.

"There is a separate ballroom? You do not use this hall?" she asked.

"Your Grace," said Quorandis indulgently. "We are not Crusaders, or Black Falcons, or any less cultured nation. We are the Lego people, ancient and wealthy. This is the Dining Hall only, the Ballroom is the Ballroom only. And we have a third great hall, the Throne Room. And really, this is nothing compared to the Golden Castle in Orion. It is both larger and grander than this, as well as being a mighty fortress, where this is only a palace."

"I see," said Elwen. "And I would be honoured to dance with you." Leaning on his proferred hand, Elwen rose, and departed with him for the Ballroom. The Old Man was watching with a bemused smile from the High Table.

Alone now at the Second Table, Targon also started to rise. He had forgotten, in his drunken state, that he had decided he disliked Elwen. He was irked that she had shrugged him off, and left with Quorandis, that arrogant Legolander. Wasn't he just as good? And a Lord Marshal to boot?

Determined to beat Quorandis at his own game, Targon headed towards the Ballroom, intent on not only dancing with Elwen, but possibly marrying her as well. After all, she was a fine-looking woman, and obtaining powerful in-laws was a great plan for an up-and-rising man such as himself, was it not?

EDITED TO FIX QUOTE.

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

Barbod and the others went back above deck, leaving the final embers of the oil lamp alone in the hold to grow cold and faint.

---LATER---

Grid: S-17
Location: thawing Fright Knight territory of Kingdom Isle.

The Lone Falcon, on board the hovering Arklyndellys Vulondur, surveyed the expance below him, picking out figures he reconized in the crowd. Near the large bonfire sat Lord Barbod and Dordrot, both deep in conversation. Nearby stood the Lone Ranger, glowering. Further on were Trevelayn, Peter, Jack, Reno, Aros, and Luxus, all six of them helping the other Bulls pass out the morning meal. To the right, near the four moored ships stood Lord Void and Gib, muttering in low tones. Marus skulked sullenly among the half-frozen Fright Knights and East and West Knight's Kingdomers, closely watched by Gib's wolf Jackel. Lastly, the earth mage Bourne stood conversing with the Fright Knight who still hadn't given his name, the spirit-box between them. As the Lone Falcon watched, they seemed to come to and agreement and they parted. After a few minutes the sound of a Fright Knight bone horn tore though the chilly silence, calling the high-ranking officials to council.

When everyone had gathered around the large central bonfire, Lord Barbod spoke.

"I have conversed with all of you, both during council and individually. Many things have been said, but now it is time to come to a decision on which course of action we should take. We know, thanks to Bourne and Dordrot, that the necromancer grows in power by the hour. The sooner we act, the better. Our only chance is to be one step ahead of the enemy."

Barbod paused, and then continued,

"There are only two sides in this war, this world war of Dametreos. There are the followers of BloodVaine; the demon Azezal who posesses the body of Searil Chordate, Dacker who was poisoned by dragon blood, the god-dragons Coal-Blood, Bhalamut, and Eroth Gamus, the Dragon Masters lead under the traitor Del Grakken...and...the bloody Falcons!"

Lord Barbod spat, as did many of the other Bulls.

"On the other side are the victims of BloodVaine, who are despertly trying to keep Dametreos out of BloodVaine's grasp. There are the Forestmen, Wolfpack and Dark Forest, ravenged by fire but still fighting, there are the Black Knights, the only faction who's army survives mostly intact. There are the two Knight's Kingdoms, who by far have been hit the hardest by BloodVaine, for sources say their army is non-existant and there people either dead or scattered or enslaved. The Crusaders, once a powerful navy faction, has nary a rowboat now, and many ports have been destroyed. There are also the Royals and Classic LEGOland, both occupied and helpless. Also, the Fright Knights have been hit hard by frigid weather, but they might have the key to bringing down the necromancer. Lastly, there are the Bulls, a faction remembered by few, but still strong. Only the Bulls, along with the silent Ninjas, have not been hit by BloodVaine. Yet."

Barbod sat.

Lord Void rose.

"Greetings. First off, I am Lord Void, the rightful ruler of the Dragon Masters. There are some here who hate met, perhaps rightly so. But that is of no matter. It is true that if it were not for I, the Eroth Gamus would not exist, and, consiquently, the Forestdweller Factions would not have burned. I admit my greed, which a common attribute among evil wizards, blinded me until it was too late. The Eroth Gamus had risen, but not to obey me, but to obey BloodVaine. Some of you may ask what I would have done with the Eroth Gamus? My answer is, the same thing BloodVaine is doing now. Another common attribute of evil wizards is the want of world domination. I would have probally burned Forestmen woods, frozen Knight's Kingdom towers, and decimated the Crusader navy just as BloodVaine has done. However, that did not happen. I am the villager who is being hacked to pieces by a sword, not the knight atop his warhorse who spreads death with a sweep of his blade. My role has reversed. I am the victim, fighting to survive just as you are. I am on your side this time."

Lord Void paused. You could have heard a 1x1 tile drop in the silence.

"I am not the only Dragon Master on your side, too. Though my former sub-ordanate Del Grakken has bretrayed me, as have some others, there are still many Dragon Masters, lead by my second-in-command Caimlin, who will fight against Del Grakken and BloodVaine as long as I live. I can occasionally teleharm Caimlin, and he has sworn that he and three thousand other followers will fight to the death to save Dametreos. Many dragons, too, have senced what is amiss, and there are many still loyal to the name of Void. I also offer my airship the Arklyndellys Vulondur to the cause of ridding Dametreos of BloodVaine."

Lord Void sat.

The Lone Falcon rose.

"As you all can plainly see, I am a Black Falcon. I am loyal to my faction, but not to my corrupt king. King Falconis XXVIII has been bought by BloodVaine, and I am grieved to say that many Black Falcons also have been bought in this way. King Falconis XXVIII has dishonored the Black Falcons beyond repair, he has tainted the once pround bloodline of Falconis. There are many who feel the way I do, and we have broken away from Falconis's rule to undermine the Falcon resigme. These rebel Falcons, as we call ourselves, have chipped away at the piller of power, assassinating corrupt Falcon advisors and aiding the Bulls back into power. On behalf of the rebel Black Falcons, I can offer the support of a thousand troops who will turn against Faconis at a word."

The Lone Falcon sat.

And so the day went on, with each person making a speach, pledging troops and offering ideas. After the speechs a course of action was discussed, debated, and finalized.

[The Green Knight]

Grid: N-24
Location: Talistran Palace, the Great Dining Hall

"I see," said Elwen. "And I would be honoured to dance with you." Leaning on his proferred hand, Elwen rose, and departed with him for the Ballroom. The Old Man was watching with a bemused smile from the High Table.

As Bernard led Elwen to the ball room, he turned and gave Targon a stern look. As though he were reproaching the field marshal for his behavior in front of the lady.

"All right pretty boy," Targon whispered. "This be war!"

Alone now at the Second Table, Targon also started to rise. He had forgotten, in his drunken state, that he had decided he disliked Elwen. He was irked that she had shrugged him off, and left with Quorandis, that arrogant Legolander. Wasn't he just as good? And a Lord Marshal to boot?

Targon wiped his beard with his sleeve and left the table. The wine had done it's work and, until he was sober at least, his life had a purpose.

Determined to beat Quorandis at his own game, Targon headed towards the Ballroom, intent on not only dancing with Elwen, but possibly marrying her as well. After all, she was a fine-looking woman, and obtaining powerful in-laws was a great plan for an up-and-rising man such as himself, was it not?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile, Elbadar was having a very interesting conversation with Jayko. The young baron -in spite of his best efforts- was revealing nearly everything he knew about his companions and Elbadar was learning a great deal. It wasn't long however, before Jayko became distracted. Following Jayko's gaze to the source of the distraction, that the baron was staring at Elwen. Or, more precisely, he was staring at Elwen and Bernard Quorandis, as the captain asked the lady to dance. Elbadar turned back and noticed a frown on Jayko's face. Without a word Jayko stood and left the table. Looking back at the high table, Elbadar noticed that Targon too was gone.

"This won''t end well." Elbadar murmured. And he was right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Location: Talistran Palace, the Great Ball Room

Meanwhile, Elwen was enjoying herself on the ballroom floor. She was dancing with Bernard Quorandis, and one doesn't become a cavalier captain without knowing how to dance. The two talked as they went along, each sharing a laugh now and then. Before long Elwen had all but forgotten Targon and his lack of social skills. All went well until the end of the second number when a hand tapped bernard on his shoulder and a voice said:

"Mind if I cut in?" Bernard turned and smiled.

"Of course not father, but you will not take offence if I do the same later?"

"Not at all my son. For I can't leave your mother alone too long. Especially with that vulture Lord Korildan in attendance."

Bernard smiled. "Well, I shall leave you to your own introductions father. You will save the last dance for me, won't you Elwen?"

"I will." She said, returning his smile. And before she knew it, the music had started and they were off.

Ferdinand Quorandis -for that was his name- proved to be an even more accomplished dancer then his son. The man was a dignified, defined old gentleman, who still possessed a wry smile and a dry sense of humor. After the introductions were finished Ferdinand got down to business.

"So, they tell me that you are from foreign parts, is that true?"

Elwen nodded. "I come from a land, far north of here. One quite different from this."

"You're not a spy I hope." The elderly man squinted at her.

Elwen started before she realized that the man was only joking. Laughing, she answered him. "No, I'm not a spy."

"So tell me," Ferdinand continued. "Long long will you be staying?"

"I'm afraid I don't know. I suppose I will stay until Maragus decided to move on."

"Would you like to stay longer?"

Elwen smiled. "I don't know. This is by far, the most agreeable land that I've seen on our journey..." Elwen trailed off, slipping into thoughts of her homeland. Ferdinand was quiet as well, bidding his time before the next question.

"So, what do you think of my son?" The old man asked, at last.

Elwen gave him a suspicious look. Now he was being forward. Bernard's father took the meaning of her look and quickly added: "All in the way of interrogation you understand. I'd hate to find that my boy has been cavorting with the enemy."

He was joking again, but he didn't get an answer, for at that moment another man cut in.

Targon.

[the_great_one]

Reno Stood, as did luxus who was clutching to renos arm.
"The time of war is upon us. Yet we have no real means of fighting, or supplys for a war." Barbod nodded at Reno
"I suggest we gather a council of all the leaders in a discussion about the fate of dametreos*, the leaders of this world will gather and discuss how to bring BloodVaine down."
There was a stirring in the room, and then a murmer of agreement.


(it feels wierd saying "Dametreos" )

(Sorry for short post... nothing much to say... :s

[Formendacil]

Grid: N-24
Location: Talistran Palace, the Great Ballroom

He was joking again, but he didn't get an answer, for at that moment another man cut in.

Targon.

"Might I have the pleasure of the next dance?" he asked.

"Certainly, Lord Marshal," said Count Ferdinand politely, stepping away.

Well, the next dance was pretty much shaping up to be pure agony for Elwen. Targon, a Dragon Master, had about three left feet. And two right ones. He was rough, and too strong for his own good. Elwen felt extremely uncomfortable as they "waltzed" across the floor.

So when Sir Jayko came forward to cut in at the start of the next dance, Elwen practically fell into his arms. Not a good thing, has she thought about it, encouraging his pretensions as it was, but there was no way she was going to have another dance with Targon.

As for the Dragon Master Lord Marshal, he had been about to push the blue-clad Eastern Kingdomer away, but he felt a tap on his shoulder. Elbadar.

"What?" he snarled, furious at seeing Elwen swept away across the floor.

"I just heard some news from a wealthy merchant who was sitting at our table. He was almost completely drunk. I managed to get him talking."

"And?" demanded Targon. "Speak up. Colonel."

"Not so loud," said Elbadar, unintimidated by his superior officer. "It seems that this merchant reached port only yesterday. He came from Orion. And I don't know how important this is to us, but he claimed to be the "Eyes of BloodVaine, whatever that means. More importantly, the Emperor is dead, and Orion is in the hands of an ally of Del Grakken. We need to tell the Sorceror-king."

"Go do that then!" said Targon, as quietly as he could manage. "Why tell me this?" And, his mind slightly more sober, and with capturing Elwen at least temporarily in the place of killing Bargon, he set off across the Ballroom, hoping to successfully cut in again.

Back in the Dining Hall, Broadside and Blackheart, having thoroughly inebriated themselves with wine, were booted into the palace courtyard by some of the king's guards.

Bernard Quorandis watched Jayko and Elwen dance, unaware that the Sorceror-king was approaching him from behind, intent on speaking with him

[Jack Craft]

Grid S-17

In the early hours before dawn, Lord Void stood at the prow of the Rose Marie, his gaze studying the patterns of the stars. There were new portents building, and much he could learn with the eyes of a trained sorcerer. Some of the midwatch crew moved about the deck, but with the ship still anchored off the coast of Kingdom Isle, there was little to due except routine checks. Another prowled the deck as well.

"Evening, your Voidship."

Lord Void's eyes narrowed peevishly as he stared upward, but he did not turn.

"Jack Craft. Is there a reason you feel compelled to disturb my divinations?"

"Not much of one, your Voidship. Jack's had a busy few days and my sleep's been uneasy, is all."

"I'm certain I could remedy that if you persist in bothering me. Perhaps some essence of Foxglove or Nightshade? I'm sure you'd sleep sounder after a dose."

Jack, perceiving the mild threat to be nothing more serious than Lord Void's caustic humor, chose to press on. His grin flashed in the darkness.

"I've always preferred the crispness of cyanide myself, your Voidship."

"Indeed. And is there a reason you seem to call everyone by a nickname ending in -ship? 'Your Lordship, your Falconship, your Voidship.' Voidship? How droll."

"Simple, your Voidship-- you've never given anyone your name."

Lord Void blinked, and finally turned to face Jack.

"My... name?"

"Aye. 'Lord Void' can't be your original name, can it? Or is that why evil wizards turn out so dangerous? Jack can see it now: 'Oh, John, what shall we name our beautiful child?' 'Well, I promised we'd name him Bloodvaine, after your aunt.' Aye, and thirty years later the tyke grows up and sells his soul to the planes of darkness."

"Well, it's not..."

"Or is that when it happens, is it? One day you're 'Floyd, son of Mends the Blacksmith', and the demon prince says to ye, 'I'm sorry, now, but Floyd the Conqueror isn't quite what we had in mind-- can we call you Lord Void from now on?'"

"I don't see..."

"Or is it a part of the Magician's Guild? Do they hand out stage names, like a troupe of actors? Did you draw out of a hat?"

Lord Void frowned, smirked, and frowned again in the space of less than a second. Finally, unable to see any other reasonable course of action, he turned back to his stargazing.

"You have some interesting... thoughts, Jack Craft. If it amuses you, then continue to call me what you will."

"Consider it done, your Voidship."

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

"You have some interesting... thoughts, Jack Craft. If it amuses you, then continue to call me what you will."

"Consider it done, your Voidship."

Lord Void stared and Jack with a mixture of annoyance and amusement, which felt a bit odd. Lord Void was rarely amused.

"What about yourself, Jack Craft? That surely isn't your name? A Jack-of -all-trades, eh? Did you change you name to fit that discription or did you create that phrase yourself?"

"Ah, your Voidship, wouldn't you like you to know..." grinned Jack back.

Annoyed, but still slightly amused, Lord Void left Jack and approached Lord Barbod.

"Has the loading of the refugees commenced?" he asked.

Barbod nodded, then yawned. The discussion and debating had gone long into the night, and the Bull King had had little sleep.

"Yes, we're putting them on the Fleetwood and Barbarian Blood. Those two ship will be ready to sail on the tide and they'll probally reach Bull's isle in a fortnight."

Lord Void grunted. "Its a fools hope your pitiful amount of Bulls, with a few able-bodied Fright Knights will be able to fend off BloodVaine's attacks."

Barbod scowled. He did not much like the Dragon Master wizard. "We might be able to aid the Black Knights, that is all we can hope to do. Besides, we have the element of surprise."

Barbod left, leaving Lord Void glaring.

[forester3291]

Grid M-8

Location: Still outside the protected ring of remaining Delvarden Gard Swamps.


[quote=“Lord of the Lego”] For the next hour and a half, the reunited friends chatted. Some of the persons from Drullen Bell, especially Graygon and Rosa, were peeved at the delay, but neither wanted to make the reunion turn sour. At last the discussions were finished, and the parties seperated. Voolmark, Dordrot and the Forestmen Rangers were given directions to Drullen Bell Keep, and Fraun continued on with Radjar, Rosa, Sir Dractor, the Stormspear twins and Graygon. [/quote]



“We’ll make camp here.” Shouted Radjar as they came upon a mound that had un-touched by the fire. “ We’ll have to have a watch. Sir Dractor and Graygon will be the first watch, you two will be on the second.” He said pointing to the Stormspear twins. “And Fraun and I will be on the third and final watch.”

“Am I not good enough to be on a watch?” Asked the strong willed Rosa.

“ Well, I guess if you wanted to be on one you could be with Fraun and me. I just figured you would want to sleep the night through.”

“ I think I will be on the watch with you.” Said Rosa. “ I won’t be able to sleep ALL night.”

“ Suite yourself.” Said Radjar. “ Well now that’s over what’s for supper?


“ I can cook one of Hodges suppers.” Volunteered Fraun knowing that Radjar had enjoyed the breakfast Hodge had prepared for them at Hemlock.

“ Oh yes. That is you know how to cook as good as Hodge.” Said Radjar.

“ Almost as good.” Said Fruan, and he set to preparing the supper.

[Jack Craft]

Location: At sea, grid R-16

With their relief supplies largely exhausted, and their small convoy overloaded with refugees and volunteer soldiers, Barbod finally gave the order to continue their journey. From the news Dordrot had brought, he was more anxious then ever to reach Drullen Bell and join their forces to the forestmen. As they cleared the makeshift harbor they had been using, another surprise waited.

A fleet of five more vessels, all of Knight's Kingdom Secundus make, sailed alongside the Bull's convoy. Though garishly colored, the craft-- two sloops, a tiny barque, and a pair of sleek cutters-- fell into formation with Barbod's ships. Shouted conversations between the vessels made it clear that the fleet, by order of their king, had been placed at Barbod's disposal. The news of it-- one of the first pieces of good news in several days-- spread though the crew in no time, and spirits rose.

**********************

"... to the freeboard, then lads,
she's a running broad-reach,
and she'll not turn her keel,
nor for rock or for beach..."

On board the Rose Marie, a lively chanty volleyed from decks to ratlines, ratlines to rigging, rigging to spars. The gloom of recent days had burned off like the morning fog, and the sky shone a luminous blue in the midday sun. The two Knight's Kingdom cutters, the Faindor's Green Glen and the Maiden Blue-eye raced playfully to the starboard side of the fleet, and several crew had wagers on the outcome. Barbod was still meeting with the captains of the Purple Loosestrife, the Chain of Gold, and the Garnet on board the Bull's Revenge.

Jack oversaw the shift from the forenoon watch to the afternoon watch, alternating between relaying the Lone Falcon's orders and leading another verse of the chanties. His high spirits had most of the crew grinning though their work as well, especially when he took a few minutes here and there to turn clumsy acrobatics along the ratlines or gunwales. During one of his conversations with the Lone Falcon, the subject turned to their unusual ally, Lord Void, who was also in conference on Barbod's ship.

"...I'm not sure if putting our trust in him is wise, Jack. Once an evil wizard, always an evil wizard. He as much as admitted it himself the other day, and without a shred of remorse."

"Aye, your Falconship. It's true he wants the same as the rest of us-- to stop Bloodvaine-- but for who's gain? And what's to stop him from turning on us like a starved dog when he gets that?"

"We have to watch him closely," the Falcon agreed, "and make sure that we aren't helping to make a worse problem for ourselves after Bloodvaine is gone. I do admit that flying ship of his will make a valuable weapon in the fight to come."

"Well... Jack wasn't going to mention this, yet, your Falconship. But I was watching his Voidship pretty carefully when I was on board the air-boat. It's not as hard to fly as he likes to pretend, I'd warrant."

"Are you saying..."

"Aye. I could fly it, methinks. Something to keep in mind, should the need arise-- but I'd prefer you keep quiet about it for a bit, yet. Best if his Voidship doesn't suspect."

The Falcon nodded sagely, and turned his full attention back to the helm.

"Now if your excuse me, your Falconship, Jack's got a five-mark wager to collect-- the Maiden Blue-eye just won her race."

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

“ Oh yes. That is you know how to cook as good as Hodge.” Said Radjar.

“ Almost as good.” Said Fruan, and he set to preparing the supper.

Sitting away from the chatting friends, Rosa and Graygon talked quietly.

"...we should keep walking, with no obstacles save ash and the moon to guide us, we could travel until we reached the edge of the burn..." Graygon was saying, annoyed.

"That's not the only thing bothering you, is it Graygon?" asked Rosa.

Graygon looked at the former barmaid. They were basically strangers, but he detected a firery spirit behind her plain face.

"No, that is not my only greivance." he admitted.

"Radjar." stated Rosa calmly. Graygon nodded.

"Not just Radjar, but the Kingdom he represents. The Wolfpack and Dark Forest clans have always been scrabbling at one another, but not enough to break into war. We are both allies of the Forestmen, and the Forestmen are always trying to find a peaceful sollution to matters, while the Wolfpack were intent on poisoning Dark Forest wells and the Dark Forest were intent to obliterate the Wolfpack in outright attack. The Dark Foresters saw their chance when Lord Willam was draw away in the affairs of the Misfits and the tyco upstart Defore made a power grab. The Wolfpack would have been able to get rid of Defoe easily enough if the Dark Foresters hadn't used Defoe as an excuse for war. If the Dark Foresters hadn't intruded the Wolfpack would have been prepared for BloodVaine."

"And Valus Narus would still be alive, the Misfits might still be together, Bjarn wouldn't have been the Elk Man and a million other things would have happened, but they did not. That was all in the past." Rosa pointed out. She found in very interesting that the two other accounts of the Fell War that had been told to her by Bjarn and Radjar were very different from one another and from Graygon's.

"Willem seems to want to stive for peace between Dark Forest and Wolfpack." Rosa pointed out.

Graygon shrugged. "That is true, and I respect his judgement, for he is my friend and my leader and a wise man. But I fear some wounds may never bee healed between these two factions, too much blood has been spilt on both sides."

Rosa said quietly, "I think, ironically, the one man who is trying to destory us will succeed in bringing the Wolfpack and Dark Forest together again."

Graygon spat. "BloodVaine."