The sun was setting over Baile and the sky was painted a glorious pink as King Lawrence slammed the butt of his staff into the floor and his voice boomed throughout the room: "This court is closed for the day! Begone! All of you!" Nearly a hundred peasants--some leaving in good spirits after having the King grant their requests, and some leaving in sorrow after rejection or not being seeing at all--exited the gigantic chamber through the large doors opposite the King's throne. The King handed his staff, crown and cape to the nearest servant and stood up to leave for his dinner.

"Wait!" exclaimed a voice nearby. The King turned around and saw Ulrich MacManus striding towards him. "My liege, you can't leave yet. We have to wait for the other members of my team to arrive so you can give them their instructions."

The King sighed. "Ah, yes, yes. The group that will rescue my daughter. When you're my age, you'll understand, Ulrich, even the most important things begin to slip away. But do choose your words more carefully around your new comrades. It isn't your team. I handpicked each and every one of them. They're the best and the brightest. You'll all be equals and I doubt they'll take kindly to your condescension. Understand?"

"Yes, your highness," Ulrich responded enthusiastically, but the King thought he might have caught the young man pouting a bit as he turned to sit again.

"Where are they, Ulrich?" Lawrence asked, sinking into his chair. It was after a long day such as this that he really felt his age.
___________________________________________________

"I'm sure they're on their way," Ulrich said. He descended the stairs from the King's platform and stood on the ground floor where the audience always stood during the court. When the others arrived, they would have to stand there and, even if Ulrich wouldn't be a leader, he knew he should still set a good example. His heart felt heavy with the events of the last few days, as he was sure King Lawrence's did too. Princess Elena had disappeared, her kidnapper's note spelled out on the wall of her room in the night guard's blood. 'I, Azazel, have taken the Princess. You will never see her again.'

Why leave a message like that? Ulrich wondered. He answered his own question, To taunt us, of course. That's what it's always been about. To weaken Baile, to weaken Midas, to weaken King Lawrence. Azazel's only aim is pain and chaos. He heard footsteps from the other side of the door across the room. "I believe the first has just arrived, my King."

"Ulrich," the King said. "I don't blame you for this. If I did, I wouldn't trust you to be a part of this group. I know you'll do your best out there. Just... Just bring my daughter home. Please."

Ulrich watched the King's face for a moment. He seemed on the verge of tears. The sight of his Lord in such a state made Ulrich quite uncomfortable and so he just nodded silently and turned to meet his first teammate.

Leslie was not sure why she was joining this. But in her heart she knew, the only reason was because the King had asked her to. She would have refused him if he had not been king. Her? Leslie Pickering a common noble become a hero and help rescue the princess? Pshaw, you may as well as donkeys to fly around and talk! Leslie walked quietly through the grand halls of the palace and to the double doors of the King's throne room. She took a deep breathe and tightened the leather string that held her hair in place at the top of her skull, and straightened her sword at her waist. She closed her eyes, then pushed the door open, slightly frightened, but still none the less exhilarated.

"Your Majesty.." Though she wore armor, Leslie walked as gracefully as a duchess in her finest dress. She swept through the room, curtsying the deepest she could muster, though she would preferably have bowed. She knelt at his feet, her head to the floor before slowly rising up, her head still looking down at her flat-soled leather shoes. She had never been in His Kingship's presence before and was honored in doing so. She raised her head, but not high enough to look at the king. She did not dare look him full in the face. "I have come to serve you, and only you." She spoke in a slight accent, though her father Lord Pickering had tried and tried again to get rid of the horrid accent, she could not. She held her hands at her sides and her arms limp as they dangled there. Her back was straight as a ruler and her mind as sharp as the edge of a dagger. She could not help but wonder why the King had chosen her.

She had heard about the quest, and had longed to go. But she had never dreamed she would be chosen to join the team. She had nearly whooped with glee when the letter had arrived and she had gone riding afterwards training with her personal expert. She had had her sword sharpened and oiled until it gleamed and her armor polished. That was when Leslie noticed a man near the doorway which he had been looking at, as though he expected her to come. Had she really been that loud? She must have, Leslie nearly grimaced at this, she'd tried to so hard to be quiet, could it be true that she had been clunking down the hallways like a rogue elephant? If she had, Leslie would never be able to face the king again. Ever. Leslie looked around the throne room in her peripheral vision. It was spacious, airy and delightful. But something seemed sad about the room, as though there was no one to laugh in it, no smile to light it up..The ghost of the princess. Leslie had vowed she would help all she could to get the princess back, and she would. She would do everything it took. And when Leslie made up her mind, it was made up. No turning back. Ever.

Krankas Adimis was the next to stride into the throne room, his large, bronze helmet under one arm, the former Gladiator looked around him, the chambers torchlight sending the shadows flickering and dancing across his bare chest, throwing the hideous scars of his last arena bout into sharp releif, a constant reminder of the former Champions shame and faded glory.

Upon reciving the Kings message, Adimis had hurried to make himself ready, his blonde hair was now cropped short, he had been bathed, scented and oiled as he would have been before entering the arena, and had even adorned his old Gladiator attire, armour and weapons.

In short, Krankas was ready to embark on a quest no only to save the girl, but to rekindle the old flame which had long since burnt out of his heart... this journey stood to give the Gladiators life purpose once more, such as it had held in days gone by, when he had stood proud as Champion of Baile, a Titian of the Arena, a God of blood and sand!

"His Majesty does not forgett his Cities former Champion,"
Krankas spoke, placing one fist across his heart and bowing his head as he stood before the dias.
"I shall find your daughter, and bring glory and honour back to not only my name, but to this city as well!"

Galain stepped into the massive throne room adorned with his finest clothing –which just so happens to be the only clothing he wears. His simple green dyed tunic covering his tough leather hide which gives him the protection he needs will still keeping mobility a top priority. He walked in a little more confident than he should have given that the king was present, but alas he wasn’t the modest type. He never really gave much thought to royalty and preferred to believe his was the only law he truly had to fallow. He was however not a fool and knelt respectfully in front of the king drawing his blades. He crossed the runic engraved rapiers in front of himself ad spoke.

“Your highness, I would like to pledge myself to your daughters rescue and use these blades and my bow to defend her from any potential harm if you will accept this humble ranger as your servent.”

How could one say no to a king?

Orana didn't knew how that was for certain, and then there was the large reward that could buy her mother a competent crew and a boat the size of a big house, all that traveling was going to pay off big time.

Besides supposing that they did find the princess, how long till she was Queen? 10 or 20 years at worst; being saved from a malevolent wizard, as if there were any other kind of wizard, would place her in a tall position she could even get a statue with the legend "To the Saviour of our beloved Queen" and then everyone would give her the respect she rightfully deserved her works would no longer find any opposition to their publishing, her maps would be in a demand that she could provide and gods be good maybe even become a noble while at it

Mum is going to be so proud

There was no need to look bad in front of the rightful ruler, she had a nice dress that did her some favors to be certain she was lean "like a boy" to hear them say it, but that was when she was in her traveling gear, hard leather boots, dried hides over her chest and bags and pockets in her pants and shoulders, she just needed a beard to look like an authentic mountaineer.

But not today, her hair washed and trimmed, her fingers covered with flashing rings, real jewelry mind you, a pair of lovely earrings with the art of the port of Ituvia which where shaped after the likes of a swordfish and clearly showed that a talented artist had put time upon it, and a perfume bought at an auction in the auction house of Tarave, said to have the scents of the far off jungles.

All merchant rubbish that she was all to acquainted with, but the nobles loved to hear those things and she was trying to leave an impression here make a name for herself.

After the King had dismissed most of the mob she knew it was time to see the people she would have to guide trough the perils that the mountains will provide, they could surely best foes with sword and spear, kill a wolf pack or two, take some bears while at it, magnificent feats to be certain but would they know what water could be swallowed without killing you? would the know when a light blizzard is about to become a hailstorm? When the ice is treacherous and when is it safe for footing?

If they did, they would not have called her

She saw some persons in there besides her, there was of course the one who was entrusted by the king a knight to be certain, the royal bodyguard perhaps? maybe the one who had failed to keep the princess safe and now was on an honor bound task to get her back and while at it kill an enemy to lord and land? O her travels were plagued with tales like those

Shouldn't have problems with gold I guess

Then there was another man, older and with more mass to him, scars covered his body from toes to head and those were the ones you get from having claws, talons, knifes and axes kissing your skin a mercenary he did not looked like the kind of man that shouted "For King and Kingdom!" but rather like someone who could gouge your eyes out with his bare hands... o he must have such tales to share

Good, when things get ugly I know hell get us trough

How could you miss this hotshot? an spy or scout and one that was clearly full of himself, the pompous style of his standing and walking denoted that this man could stand against any odds and think that he had a good chance, Orana knew that confidence would be good and hopefully contagious to the others and herself when things went dark, hopefully he would know how to forage and hunt those would be most welcome in this trip

At least well see them coming with this one

And then a girl, very young early twenties... or witchcraft involved behind her young looks, she was garbed in gear ready for combat and was taller than Orana, who was a short little thing of about 1.6 centimers tall while this woman towered at least 20 centimeters over her, but she already felt more comfortable with this companion, the knight looked too holy to try anything but the mercenary and that scout... she did not liked sleeping with her back to the wall and waking to every single noise when camping.

I cant wait to know more of her

She had already presented to the king but she had to introduce herself to the group "Brave are those who would chase the trail of a wizard" she walked towards the king "But wicked are those who would not right injustice when they see it" she loved to make entrances, to be the center of attention and leave impressions

"My name is Orana Lopia and I have been hired by the king to guide you trough the perils that Chilipeak Mountains might throw at us and believe me if we seek to cross it into the territory of the magi there will be plenty to deprive us from the feeling of safety"

She took time to look at all of them in the eyes as she spoke "I know little of combat and the art of war, so I will not question the wisdom that experience has left you; all that I ask in return is the same" she made a point to raise her voice "DO NOT" she made a frown as he meet their gazes again "Question my knowledge, on these matters and we will get our precious princess back without casualties"

After all, how could one say no to a would-be Queen?

[Long post, which normally will not be the case from me. Had to establish some things in the beginning. The misspellings in Kerix's dialogue at the end of the post is on purpose and is meant to represent an accent and manner of speech that accompanies the role he is playing.]

Kerix placed the two eyeballs, still moist with blood and fluid, on the table where they would be readily visible when the others arrived at the warehouse that served as the local meeting place for the local crime lords. He had only been in Midas for just over a year, but it had been enough to establish his reputation. Unfortunately this was one of those times he had to demonstrate that everything they had heard in rumors was likely true. Honestly, he thought to himself as he repositioned the bloody orbs against a candlestick so they would appear to be glaring at those who found them, the victim wasn't all that bad. In other circumstances they likely could have done quite a bit together. But he did have alot of weight in the underworld of Baile and he had openly stated that the Shade was just a myth, and that was something that Kerix just couldn't let slide. It would be a costly lesson, but a needful one: no one was beyond reach, not even the King.


~~~

He smiled as he waited in the darkness, knowing full well the opportunity before him should he change his mind. The King entered his chambers and walked over towards his bed, illuminated by a single oil lamp, before Kerix made his presence known.

"So then you have accepted the terms?" He didn't bother identifying himself, there was no need. His reputation preceded him even in the royal court.

"Y..yes," the King answered nervously after turning with a start in the direction of the voice. "How did you get in here," he demanded, his royal pride resurging.

"You have a rare privilege," Kerix continued, ignoring the question. "You are going to see my face and know who I am. Afraid it can't be avoided, given the situation. So here we are." Kerix spoke whimsically as he stepped into the soft glow of the lamp. He could tell by the man's demeanor he was not convinced, which was as it should be. Physically Kerix appeared to be very little threat and often seemed much more pleasant than he actually was. Taking a breath, he resigned to endure the mundane ritual of proving himself yet again.

"I could have easily taken the lives of three of your guards on my way here, but I chose to arrive undetected so that I could have you alone." He stepped closer, his nose now inches from the King who stood a good head taller than himself. "I even considered changing my mind," he paused, glaring wickedly at the King until the reality of his current situation occurred to him and the fear set in. "But, as they say," Kerix added as he turned towards the window through which he had come, "a deal is a deal."

Setting one foot in the window he turned back towards the King to offer final instructions. "You know whom to send the payment to, and do be sure it is on time. I really would hate to stain such a lovely carpet in blood. You can call me 'Kerix' when I show up tomorrow. I will take the role of a scout that has previously served under one of your men. That, and the fact that you trust me is all the others will need to know."

"If circumstances were different," the King muttered resentfully.

"Yes," Kerix interrupted. "You would have my head, or feed me to the dogs, or some other contrived means of punishment fitting for a man of my skill. But it is my lethality that caused you to call on me in the first place." Allowing time for a pause, Kerix turned and sat in the window sill with arms folded. "You haven't changed your mind have you?"

"No," the King sighed regretfully. "You know what I expect from you."

"And you shall have it," Kerix answered with a warm smile. "You certainly paid enough for it." He climbed out the window and was about to return back to his meager home a different way than he had came when a thought struck him. Poking his head back in the window he volunteered cheerfully "I wouldn't use that pillow tonight. I doused it in a contact poison that would have killed you in your sleep....just in case." He added the last bit with a wink of the eye as he disappeared into the dark night. Truth be told, there was no poison, though he had such substances in his possession. The thought alone that he had nearly been assassinated would be enough to guarantee that the King would not betray his loyalty. And if he should, Kerix had already arranged to have his death avenged. He turned his mind towards more serious matters as he considered the dawn that was quickly approaching. He still had much to do.


~~~

Shifting the weight on his large pack for comfort, he gave Gerin last instructions. Gerin, the local Grave Keeper, was the only other man who knew the Shade's true identity. It was a meeting of circumstance: his wife and daughter and been savagely raped, Kerix needed a person to be his main contact for his activities. It was a win-win scenario. Gerin had never been the same since he watched as Kerix slowly torture the rapist before him, drawing the pain out over several days before the man's heart finally exploded from the strain. But he had been warned before hand concerning how revenge would twist his soul. Besides, it was none of his concern; he had Gerin's unswerving loyalty and that is all that mattered.

"When the payment comes in, you know how to handle it. Expect to be followed by some of the King's men; I expect they might want to try to find out a bit more about me so they can exploit us later. Do not let that happen. But you know what to do. And if any of the others come looking for me, you know what to tell them."

"You are currently on another job and are unavailable," Gerin repeated thoughtlessly.

"Right," Gerin was a scarred man. He honestly doubted that he would ever find love again, and likely would die alone. But such was the path of those that sought revenge. "I will send word as soon as I can. Take care friend."

Turning towards the door of the small cottage they shared on the edge of the graveyard, Kerix didn't wait for a response before heading out. His mind was already focused on the task at hand. Though he normally traveled much lighter, he knew he couldn't go without the supplies. There were several things he would need, such as warm blankets and the like, as well as other tools he brought just in case. He knew he would have to improvise on this journey but he brought as much as he thought he could safely carry without rousing suspicion. The rest was just for show. Even the pack, which he had bought off some poor drunk, looked as though it had seem many years of wear from traveling across the country.



As he was escorted into the castle, Kerix was confident that his ruse would hold. And when the time came that it didn't, well he would just have to make plans for that day.

"Please be excusin my irrevrint tardeeniss," Kerix apologized as he entered the room and made a fumbling attempt to bow respectfully with the large pack still strapped to his shoulders. He dared to give the King a quick, knowing wink as his head rose, and rubbed his eye immediately after as though a bit of dust had gotten into it. He didn't bother sizing up the rest, there would be plenty of time for that later. This act of the play was dependent on establishing his role as a simple scout and nothing more. That would come later.

"I 'ad to git some stuffs on the quick, but I'm ready as rain now, I am. Where is it we're off to again?" Kerix asked with a look of confusion twisting his face.

Krankas eyed the plush interior of the Kings Royal meeting chamber thoughtfully, the last time he had stood here had been after his last arena bout, when the Monarch had granted him his freedom... But it had been a hollow ceremony, considering he had lost his next fight but a day later, never to return to the sands again...

Still, such bitter memories would have to be forgotten, this was a new dawn and a new journey lay ahead, strewn with fresh dangers and challanges, a true test of skill for all involved;
And it was those others Krankas now reguarded with a keen eye, he recognised the Knight, although did not know him by name, the man had often sat in the Royal box at the Games, alongside his King, high above the screaming crowds of common folk, baying for blood.

Then there where the two women, both had odviously dressed for the occasion, the slightly shorter one had entered the chamber a few moments after the Gladiator, and reguarded them all with a feirce gaze as she spoke-

"I know little of combat and the art of war, so I will not question the wisdom that experience has left you; all that I ask in return is the same, DO NOT, Question my knowledge, on these matters and we will get our precious princess back without casualties!"

Krankas met the womans gaze straight on, and grinned, before raising one fist in salute,

"Spoken like a true professional,"
He replied with a nod,
For he himself had spent most of his life a slave, seeing little outside the sands of the arena, or the inside of the Ludas in which he trained... and of course since retirement, Krankas had spent little time outside of the cities Tavern...

"I shall leave paths and herbs to you as you will leave blood and steel to me... we would be in a sorry state if our scout was mauled by Goblins five miles beyond the City gates!"

The Gladiator turned his head at that moment, as another staggered into the chamber, stumbling forward and bent double under the weight of a large pack... the former Champion of Baile raised an eyebrow... surely the King could not be serious...

Ulrich watched the fool enter the room with growing suspicion. The King couldn't be serious. He looked up the stairs to where his lord sat on the throne and was surprised to see that, not only did king look serious, Ulrich thought he saw a bit of fear in the King's creased brow and down-turned lips. To the others, it may have been the stoic expression that comes with age and pain, but Ulrich had seen this barely-traceable face in a thousand different positions in the past few years. Something here was off.

"Good. You're all here. Allow me to introduce you all to each other, though you seem to have begun on your own," Lawrence began. He first gestured to Ulrich, "Ulrich MacManus, a royal knight and personal bodyguard to the Princess." He choked up a little at the thought, but visibly swallowed hard and continued. "Besides being one of the finest young swordsmen I've ever had the pleasure of trusting my family's life with, he is a close friend of the Princess. When you find her, she'll know to trust you because he'll be there with you." His hand now pointed at the old gladiator as he said, "Krankas Adimis, once thought of as Baile's Greatest Champion. This man earned his freedom through strength and blood. You would all do well to show some respect to such a man. Galian Cortez," he began, moving on to the rogue. "A skilled, archer, tactician and has been blessed with a silver tongue, or so I've heard."

Ulrich noted each of his companions, sizing them up. So far, so good. Maybe this wouldn't be a suicide mission, after all.

"Leslie Pickering," The King continued, "Though young, she is a fine fencer and a hero to many of Baile's... well-endowed citizens. She is also the daughter of a personal friend of mine." Now he spoke directly to her. "A terrible shame, his death. I'm sure he would have been proud of you."

But she was so young. Did she really get picked just because her father was a friend? Ridiculous. What had the King been thinking? This team had to be built of the best, not of friends receiving pity favors. Ulrich wondered if the young woman had any traits that would actually be useful to them.

"Orana Lopia. She has traveled through most of Baile and beyond. As she stated previously, she will be your guide. She knows her way through the wilderness of our kingdom, including the Chillpeak Mountains, and will be an invaluable asset on your journey. Finally, Kerrix. One of the most skilled scouts in Baile's military. I can tell you from personal experience, there are few places, indeed, that he can't find a way into."

Ulrich furrowed his brow, wondering why this fool was a part of the group. They needed no scout. It was a straight shot to the Chillpeak Mountains. Other than Kerrix, though, the group was pretty solid. He was sure that they could handle any threat that they encountered.

"I'd like to stress the fact that I did not make this decision lightly. All of you were picked for a reason and all of you are imperative to your success. You will all be equals on this quest and I expect you to act as such." The King snapped his fingers and a servant approached the group from behind and unrolled a large map. "You will travel directly East out of Midas," the King proclaimed. "You will cross the Great Plains, travel through Azazel's desert--" named as such because the desert was once all lush and green until Azazel arrived and cast a spell over the entire middle section of the kingdom, killing the trees and turning the dirt to sand--" and emerge on the other side in the Black Swamp. At the opposite end of the Black Swamp will be the Chillpeak Mountains. Scale the mountains, find Azazel's tower and return my daughter to me safely. Any questions?"

Leslie did not speak, only nodding once to the king as he adressed her so. She stared straight ahead, her sword hanging at her side and her hair tucked into a leather string. Everyone was older..She was probably the youngest here. That made her feel..Somewhat incompetant but she wouldn't show it, not now, or ever. She straightened up ever so slightly as the king finished introducing everyone, she was listening, yet she wasn't listening to hard. She tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword and pushed her hair back, it was a nervous habit of hers. She bit her lip as she watched the king speak.

"--And return my daughter to me safely. Any questions?" The king had finished speaking and as he adressed them all, Leslie snapped out of her mind and back to reality. She straightened her posture once more before pondering to herself, did she have any questions? It seemed quite straight forwards. But all of a sudden, Leslie felt stupid. She had come here because the king had asked her, not because of anything else, was she up for this? Leslie didn't know if she cared to find out, but she did something bold, something that she had never done before.

"Your majesty," She trilled in a melodious voice, the accent still there. "I must say that I am honored to be here as we all are, but do tell us, do you think we will survive this?" She bowed her head before stepping backwards, her head still bowed as she glanced up. She was being a fool! To ask the king such an idiotic question. Leslie had never known how to hold her tongue and she probably never would.

"I shall leave paths and herbs to you as you will leave blood and steel to me... we would be in a sorry state if our scout was mauled by Goblins five miles beyond the City gates!" good, that would leave no problem to Orana this man could be trusted, he was not in for honor or personal pride, just another job well done in his list that meant several things to her, he was not new at this, he had seen years of battle and already he had acknowledged her authority in her field she would do well to do the same "Thank you my good man, it ill be good to know that I have someone that has done these things before"

And then, a fool of a man waltzed in

A drunkard, a beggar that would have been beaten out of the places she had visited just out of respect to good taste had walked into the room, he looked well... wearied like a pair of boots that have seen too many summers

"the peasant`s hearing is over im afraid" she said lightly while looking to his direction, maybe he was the fool? o yes the joker that entertained the king! that was it! he was here to sooth some humour into the king`s words and make the briefing all the less dire, Orana decided to humor him and laugh out loud "Ive seen you got quite the joker at your court king, a laugh can ease out the stress of the perils ahead to be certain"

She looked briefly at the marksman with a devious smile

There are other things that can ease the stress now that I think of it

The king then began to introduce them all

The knight Ulrich. as she suspected he was the kingdom`s token and was the one who represented the King`s best interests as well as knowing the princess personally

But then her ears began to fail her

"Krankas?" she mutter to herself in awe, at first at a low voice and then she almost shouted "Krankas Adimis?" her face reflected her shock "The titan of midas? The flesh sculptor? The bone breaker? The slave made god? The King of blood and sand?!" this was no mercenary, this was a legend!

His exploits were well known amongst all of Baile, she had heard from pirates how they used to flood the arenas with water creatures and that Krankas had killed a Vethialon, whatever the hell that was the pirates told her it had tentacles and rows of razor sharp teeth, she had heard at the bars how he had the strength of the gods on his legs... all three of them and the magnificent tale of how he once ripped the spine of a man with the naked hands he had been born with and used it to choke a lion of all things! and of course that time when he threw a horse at ship to sunk it and that time when-

Reality came crashing back to her as she heard her own name told by the sovereign of Midas

Uh who wha?

She was in time to hear of this Kerrix, he was no joker and was instead an infiltrator, surely the king would not hire two persons to do the same job so she suspected that maybe this was the man that had ties to the magician... the one who would put a dagger in his back maybe? she was interested in finding out more about him

The king then indicated them that now was the time for questions, and the tall girl made one that irked Orana

What does she mean by "do you think well survive this"

"Hey you" she walked towards the tall female "This is not going to be a field trip girl, death will be stalking us and the fact that a wizard is our target should take some sleep off you, but look around you we have got the King`s first knight, and the mighty Krankas Adimis that has already left a stain upon this world you cannot walk a million steps without meeting someone who has heard of him and then there is me" she smiled not minding to give herself a pat to the back "Orana Lopia! the explorer who has charted what is known to man, im going to trust in the king when he chose you, but if you dont think you are up to it then say so because I will not carry dead weight around"

It was time to tell the king of her own doubts, she had heard many tales of wizards and their kidnappings this would not be a first to her ears but still a princess was too bold "Your highness" she bowed as the words escaped her lips "What is the magician after? riches? political gain? and pardon my audacity but... is he after a heir? does he expect us to infiltrate his domain with a small group? or is he waiting for a ransom? an army of footsoldiers shouting for his head mayhap? did he left any sign of his intentions?

"What is the magician after? riches? political gain? and pardon my audacity but... is he after a heir? does he expect us to infiltrate his domain with a small group? or is he waiting for a ransom? an army of footsoldiers shouting for his head mayhap? did he left any sign of his intentions?"

Ulrich already knew the answer, and so he answered for the King, noticing his lord's growing fatigue. "Azazel's aim is, and always has been anarchy," he explained. "For twenty years, he's ravaged the eastern side of Baile with his magics and terrorized our citizens everywhere else. We don't tell the public, for everyone's sake, but there have never been any demands. Just death and destruction."

"If I had to guess," the King interjected, "I would say the wizard has stolen my daughter away from me just to have one more thing that I don't. The last move of this drawn out game of his. Checkmate, as it were." Then the King stood up, impassioned in his stance and words. "But he's just gone too far! It's never been worth the casualties to send an army across that damnable desert to climb those mountains, but this is the last straw! I fear we may never have order in Baile again, unless this mission succeeds and Azazel dies by your hands. Not only do I think you will survive this, Leslie. You must survive. The safety of my daughter, myself and every other soul in this kingdom depends on it!"

Ulrich smiled, seeing the color return to his lord's face a bit. He was a great speaker, and prided himself on it, Ulrich knew. "What are your orders, my liege?" he asked the King.

"I will ask that you all leave immediately. Six horses from the royal stable await you outside the city walls. Six of the fastest mares in all of Baile. Take them with my blessing and begin your quest. Good night to you all and may the Gods watch over you."

Krankas listend as the King introduced the other members of the party, good, they all seemed capable and competent, the Ranger and Knight most of all, the girl, Pickering, seemed a little nervous but still, that was only to be expected in one so young, then there was the swaggering, dandy of a man... and the capering fool... then himself...

An odd collection indeed!
The Gladiator glanced round upon hearing his name exclaimed and could not keep a smile from lighting up his features as Orana, the Ranger, reeled off a list of his former titles and could not keep a slight embaressed flush from entering his cheeks, it had seemed a long time since anyone had spoken of him in that way.

"That was a long time ago,"
He told her with a grin,
"But its good to know I'm not forgotten, your name is not unknown to me either, Orana Lopia, intrepid explorer and ranger... somewhat renown for not allowing others to criticize her area of expertise... a damn fine trait, if you ask me."
The Gladiator nodded, and patted the helmet nestled under the crook of his left arm,
"Grattitude for the recognition, but realise that, should you survive this and bring the Princess back safe, your own legacy will be well on the way to supassing my own."

Then the King was speaking again...

"I will ask that you all leave immediately. Six horses from the royal stable await you outside the city walls. Six of the fastest mares in all of Baile. Take them with my blessing and begin your quest. Good night to you all and may the Gods watch over you."

Krankas nodded once more, clapped a fist to his chest in one final salute to the Monarch, before turning on his heel and striding towards the doors.

Kerix was delightfully relieved at the near open scorn accompanying his entrance. His role was being played perfectly. Now he had just to do as he was told and wait for the moment when he would need to act. It was something he knew very much about, having spent a great deal of time in slow, patient stalking of a victim before finally getting the chance to see fresh steaming hot blood spill from their convulsing bodies.

"do you think we will survive this?"

He immediately appreciated the woman's candor. In all the world, there was no kind of person Kerix liked more than one with a healthy fear of death. It was something he himself was immune to. He knew his path was set and that his own demise would likely be unbearably unfortunate, so there was no point in fearing or even thinking about it. It would come when it would come. Yet this woman seemed ashamed of her own fear, or perhaps the the fact that she had voiced it.

He quietly stepped closer to the woman called "Leslie", close enough to speak softly in the direction of her ear so as to not attract the attention of others. Which wasn't very difficult given the raucous way that other woman was going on.
" 'ontchu worry mum," he said in a tender voice to the young and very beautiful swordswoman. "You wont be the furst to doyee if somfin happens, I can promise you vat I can." He smiled broadly and stupidly as she turned her head slightly towards him in a gesture of reassurance. But it was not simply vain jangling. She would be the last to die...if it came to it. There was something about her, a strange softness that made Kerix giddy when he thought about her terrible screams as the life was bled out of her.

She would be quite enjoyable to kill indeed, though he really hoped he never had to take such action.


As the gladiator turned towards the door, Kerix raised his voice for anyone who might bother paying attention to him. Though he might have seemed to let his mind wander during the interchange, he had been carefully taking in each word.
"Kin I git a horse fur me pack? Its dread painful to ride all about thu countryside wif a pack like this you know, it is." He didn't know if he would have to carry the pack as he rode or not, but it didn't matter. Whatever pain came of this venture would be worth the rewards at the end, of that he would make sure.

Leslie didn't like the man that had spoken to her. He obviously was in a right state and wasn't thinking. She leaned away from him, that wasn't the only thing that drove Leslie away from him. There was just something about the way that he had looked at her, the way he had whispered to her..It was odd. She gave him a small uneasy smile as she walked towards the door, following the gladiator. She shook her head, there was something about these people that made her feel insignificant, and she probably was insignificant.. She tucked a strand of hair behind one ear tugging on the loop once more before pulling her hand to her side. She loped after the others, jogging smoothly and gracefully. She wasn't sure how this was going to end, or how it was going to begin, all she knew was that she wasn't giving up.

Leslie was a pro at horseback riding, ever since she was a little girl the horses had always been gentle with her. She had never once been bested by a rogue stallion. She missed her gentle mare back at Pickering Mansion. She sighed and straightened her posture, shaking her head and silently vowing she wouldn't show any more emotion. She missed her father, Lord Pickering had always seemed to know what was wrong. She touched her sword's handle, remembering when she had watched him tirelessly train with his trainers. She remembered everything.

"Hm..." Leslie mused out loud softly, this was going to be an interesting group that she was apart of..

(sorry all for the hold up i had some family issues and i couldnt get on to post. i apologise)

Galian listen as each teammate was introduced and took notice of the gladiator especially. He had once watched one of this mans fights and he remembered it fondly. all truly capable but a champion in our group will make this an amusing trip. He also scanned the slightly above average amount of adventuring women. keep your eye on the prize Galian. Focus there is money and a possible princess after this focus on the task at hand. Galian noted that he would have to resist the temptations that this trip promised.

As they left for the horses Galin was excited as was his large lupine companion. Galian gave him a short scratch behind the ears before swinging up onto his respective mount then watched the others. One could tell a lot about someone from how they rode there steeds. Galian was a fairly decent rider though he never truly enjoyed riding. Everything moved to fast and you missed things. Still he was trained in horseback archery and he could most likely keep up as long as there were no high speed chases.

And I was just getting comfortable...

Orana left a disappointed sigh escape her lips, the King wanted them on their merry way, not on the weekend, not on the next day, neither by the end of the day but right now and have even saddled and readied the fastest mares that the stables could offer

Had she missed the memo? no wonder why everyone was geared up and ready to move, maybe she had been so distracted by the idea of passing some time with influential and wealthy nobles that she forgot the urgency of her task, and due to this lack of attention she now had to slip out of her classy and elegant evening wear and walk around her hides and furs.

There was nothing wrong with hides and furs, it was just that she knew them so well that the opportunity to prance around in something else, be someone different from the adventurer who slept under the stars and amongst the wilderness... but she knew better, that was who she was, a couple of times she had tried to settle in but life became just too goddamn boring

"You will have to excuse me then, seems like I will have to gear up... ill meet ya´ll in the stables"

And with time waiting around for nobody, Orana rushed in to her quarters to present herself as able and ready as she could be to her peers.

It was not long before she was at the stables and just as suspected she was not on schedule "sorry about that, I was not told the time of our departure-

Or if they did I forgot

but now we can get moving"

She now looked like the rouge she was, hair covered by a hat, rings and polished nails gone and replaced with hard leather gloves, her feet now featuring furry boots instead of the vibrant colored heels she had, the swordfish earings and jewerly all gone and out of plain sight and the dress that had done favors to her shape now replaced with a clothes and a vest that had bags everywhere

Wished I looked as good as that young lass on the road

"If we are heading on to the mountains we have several choices, there is the desert, the swap and the lands surrounding Volya" she had their attention as she could tell they were looking at her "If we go trough the desert, well I would personally advice against it, while it is the fastest way it is also the most taxing take an unprepared group trough that place and all you are getting are corpses and then there is the fact that the wizard´s magic did a number on the local flora and fauna, while I have not seen anything with my eyes I have never gone trough it and... well they say unnerving things that is all" by the stern face of the knight she could figure he would skin himself alive for the princess and a puny desert would not stop him, but this other girl Leslie didnt looked so certain... and she didnt want anyone dying truth be told

"We could go south trough the swap, all we need fear there is the poisonous fauna and the harsh landscape and of course the tribes that dwell there some are friendly some would loot us to the bone... except us the pretty ones " she cracked a joke, she always had to joke when things got uncomfortable "but the trip would be prolonged dramatically, the bright side is that on the southern coast we could easily resupply our stock and be at top shape for the mountains"

"And then there is Volya" her tone changed, she was not eager nor indifferent it was just... different "While I have spent most of my efforts locating that place it has been to no avail, but you can get to the mountains from the north, but there are things up there that-" was it fear? it tasted dark and invoked despair in her "- that cant be explained and well i suspect that we would run into a lot of trouble up there and most of you would be ready and willing to hack away any enemies that we might encounter... but there are things up there that make that place feel like another world rather than a distant region" the puzzlement on their faces was laid bare, well that fellow Kerix didnt seem to be bothered

"Still whatever you choose I will do my job and get you trough"

That didnt sound nice

"All of us, trough"

Ulrich walked with the others to the stables in silence, taking in the last sights and sounds he would have of his home for a long time. He'd said all his goodbyes earlier that day--made sure his parents would be forwarded his royal stipend to use for whatever they would need in his absence--and all of his affairs were in order... just in case. Don't think like that. You'll make it back alive and you'll have Elana with you. The made it through the city gates just before they closed for the night and entered the stables where, as promised, six beautiful steeds awaited them, saddled and packed with rations and supplies for a good, long time.

"All of us, trough"

He considered their options carefully before responding. Volya was out. They couldn't risk starting a war by dancing the border of the two kingdoms. The horses would be useless in the swamps, meaning they'd have to travel light and by foot. It would take them longer and they'd use up their supplies faster. Not exactly ideal. "I suggest we take the path of least resistance. Through Azazel's desert we face a straight line to Chillpeak Mountains. It's the obvious choice," he said as he approached the nearest horse and mounted up. "Does anyone disagree?"

((I know its short, but hopefully my posts will gain more detail as the action starts.))

Krankas Adimis placed one foot in his mounts stirrup and swung himself up into the saddle with a grunt of effort, the horse shifted and nickered under its new rider but soon settled, a well trained beast indeed.
The Gladiator glanced round the stables as the Ranger returned, clad in far more practical adventuring attire and began to outline the possible routes for the trip.

Krankas nodded as Ulric spoke up, and added his own voice to the disscusion,
"I would also choose to cross the Desert, blood and sand have always called to me."

Galian was groaning on the inside. The damned desert....not a place I wanna spend my time. Rangers worst nightmare open space far as the eye can see. "this may just be the woodsman in me talking but i would far prefer an approach from a more........living area. The desert seems like we would be slowed down by the shear amount of water necessary for the trip as well as food considering the lack of life through that region. The swamp will have plenty of game and with a good fire we can boil the water so it is drinkable. That may however just be the ranger in me talking, ill fallow the group where ever we decide to go." Galian looked down at his companion which whimpered slightly at the thought of the desert.

Kerix maintained his composure and gave no indication of concern either way, yet he was relieved. Though he would likely not be caught should they head towards Volya, he knew it was best to avoid borrowing trouble. There were more than a few people in that kingdom that wanted his head, both as the Shade and as Leonard, the last persona he had taken on, though no one had ever connected the two.

Not willing to be forthcoming in any way, he made a modest showing of resistance as he strapped his pack to the horse.
"The disurt is misrably hot and I'yd raver not go that way. But you probably know best your knightness and I figure I wull jus foller wherevers directions you decide to be taking."

Having the pack adjusted just behind the saddle, which was in truth not as heavy as he made it out to be, Kerix mounted the horse and nonchalantly waited for the others to begin riding. Though he had heard a bit about one or two of them, there was none yet that he would trust with his back. The safest choice to ride at the rear where he could observe everyone and have the advantageous position to act, should he need to.

Leslie nodded, barely listening as she watched the steeds. They were glorious, and beautiful. And Leslie wanted to ride them. She WAS listening though. She could feel vibes though, bad vibes. Obviously the others in the group decided that she wasn't good enough to go on this trip. She turned back to them, slightly miffed but showing nothing on her face. She slid towards the horses, picking a fine one and twirling onto it expertly. She gripped the reins in her hand and sighed. She felt content.

The horse shifted slightly, but with a little prodding from Leslie fell still. She rubbed its soft mane comfortingly. It snorted once. She adjusted the pack behind her and shifted her weight. They'd probably leave now. She tucked a piece of hair behind one ear and clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, urging the horse forwards. She led the horse into a few circles. She liked its rhythm. Steady yet fast. She nodded pleasantly at the others. But she didn't understand why they didn't like her... She shrugged off this question and waited patiently, still petting the soft hair of the horse..They may as well go now.

Ulrich was puzzled, albeit unsurprised at the sight of Leslie leading her horse in circles. She really was quite young for a mission like this, but the King had said they were all vital to the Princess's rescue, so Ulrich would take his word for it... at least for now. Perhaps she was just anxious for them to be on their way. Lord knows, he was. So without further ado, he urged his horse out of the stable, calling out behind him, "Well, wherever we're going, we need to start riding east to get there, so we'd best get a move on. Let's get going! Gods only know what type of torture the wizard is putting the princess through while we dawdle here, barely outside the city's gates."

Ulrich picked up speed a little, hoping that it would encourage the others to catch up to him and maybe push the tempo of their travel a little further, even. If the guide wanted to ride in front where her position rightfully put her, she'd get there. A surge of energy clawed its way up through his throat as he rode and Ulrich let out a strained breath, glad of their departure, but somewhat nervous for the journey ahead--even if he wouldn't admit it to himself. He comforted himself with thoughts of the Princess as the group rode off into the night.

((We rode through the night and now find ourselves at dawn of the next day.))
_______________________________________________________

Ulrich watched the first bits of the sun rising up over the mountains to the East as their horses trotted along the road through the countryside. The group had slowed in pace considerably after the first few hours. better not to kill the horses off on the first night. From where they were, the rolling hills of the West hid the desert from view and the dangerous peaks were a distant thought. It was calm, though far from peaceful. Too much was at stake for the knight's mind to drift so far.

"I've been wondering," Ulrich began musing to no one in particular, "When this is over. Azazel dead, the Princess safely back home... What happens next? Will we have peace?" He thought of war with Volya, revolt from the mysterious tribes in the swamp and of conspiracy within Midas itself. "When this wizard isn't the biggest threat anymore... Someone else has to be, don't they?" He cursed himself for being so cynical, but his mentor had taught him that danger was always just around the corner and Sir Ruben had never led him astray in all their years together.

Krankas yawned widely as the sun crept over the distant horizon, heralding the arrival of dawn, slowly rotating his neck and rolling his shoulders, the Gladiator eased some of the tension the nights hard riding had bought on out of his sore muscles, the former Chapion knew he had grown out of shape in the years since leaving the arena, and he had not rode a horse in what seemed like an age, it was somewhat embaressing just how much a single nights riding had worn him out.

Shaking his head, Krankas swore under his breath and spat into the dust of the roadside, one thing was for certain, the hard road and dangers ahead would test the entire groups physical and mental limits, and should they survive, the Gladiator knew he could expect to return in better physical condition than he set out... well either that or hideously crippled by blade and spell...

Adimis glanced round as the Knight spoke up and, rubbing the back of his fist across tired eyes as he gave the mans question some thought;

"Should we slay the Witch,"
He replied,
"The glory and honour of the deed shall not only be ours, but all of Baile, would those Tribal cunts or those Volvan dogs dare to challange Midas if they knew the six greatest Warriors in the land stood ready to defend its boarders?! Would they seek combat with the Slayers of Azazel, The Rescuers of the Princess, the Champions of Baile?!"

Krankas grinned wickedly as he imagined the triumphant homecoming and the return of his shattered honour...

"But such things sit in the distant future,"
The former Gladiator countinued,
"Best to keep mind on the task in hand, and worry about future battles when we come to them..."

Reaching down, Krankas tugged a full wine-skin from his saddle bag and took a long swig, before offering it to the Knight,
"Pass it round.. and the rest of you, come, speak, we have a long ride ahead of us, and I would know more about the men and women who fight at my side, I can't abide the silent brooding of some venturing groups, come now, speak, tell your stories!"

Kerix was relieved to see that he was not the only one who had been fatigued by the nights riding. Though, of course, in his case it was due to how he had been up the night prior making preparations. Going into his second morning without sleep was not sitting well with him. Several times he had felt the urge to yawn or stretch, but didn't want to appear to be the first one to give in to the strain.

"What happens next?"

The question struck a chord with Kerix, nearly drawing him out of character. "Yes," he muttered quietly as he thought to himself. What was next? There would surely be more people that just needed to be killed, and more riches to be gained from the endeavor. But to what end? When did it stop? What was he trying to achieve? He abandoned the line of questions as quickly as he had breached them, sensing that the answer was inextricably removed from his reach at the present time.

Noticing the gladiator responding to the fatigue that he guessed everyone was experiencing, he decided to be the one to voice what others may have been thinking.

"Kin we stop fur a bit? Me saddle sors are a'flammin sumthin awful and I could use a shakes to stretch me longjohns, I could." There were several times during the trip he had allowed himself to fall behind slightly before catching up again. Though he hadn't originally intended to play the part of "dead weight" it was the role that had been chosen for him by the first impressions of those he traveled with, he could tell from their reactions. In his mind, the best plan of action was to continue with it. People are never more unprepared than when you lull them to sleep by showing them exactly what they expect. The truth was that he could ride on through until the night on sheer willpower alone, but he saw no reason to strain himself to that degree just yet. Especially when there was no clear reward for such effort immediately in view.

"B'soyds," he commented as he slowed slightly. "I'm sure your ladyships would like a spot from the hard trail."

Galian didn’t have any immediate family though by the way he slept around in his early traveling days one would expect he would have a massive brood. His everything he owned he kept on his person or in a safe house hidden beneath his old home. When the gladiator asked for them to tell them there story he realized he would have to think fast since the truth wasn't something he enjoyed indulging others in when it wasn't necessary. He decided on an old tale he used to tell when he wasn't as clever as it was simple and easily believable ... for the most part.

Galian laughed at the complaining man slightly. "i believe the 'Ladyships' are doing better than you are sir." He truthfully was getting rather sore himself but he simply swung his feet around so he was laying across the horses back. Balancing wasn't a problem since he slept in more precarious positions. His feet were crossed and stretched out over the horses rump while his back and head rested on the horses neck. Alterian lead the horse easily so Galian didn’t have to bother guiding the beast. He was ahead of the group so he looked back at them all casually before closing his eyes.