Harroul

Jonathan was still working on his garden when the sun came up, signalling that the next day had begun already. He was still planting his onions and potatoes when he heard the sound of little feet walking around. He picked up his gardening fork and threw it to his left. He gave it a little extra power with the wind and it stuck into a tree. He saw a fox running from the tree in fright.
"Sorry." Jonathan concentrated and the fork flew back and landed on the ground in front of him.
"That's enough garden work for now. I want tea." Jonathan stood up and walked towards his cottage.

He made a quick ginger and basil tea then sat down with his book.
I'll go to the market later.

(Sorry but I might not be on for a few days, maybe more, I'm not sure yet. Sorry)

(miss-post)

King Harroul (I promise this is only so long because of well....I don't even know)

He sat, bored witless and with his fingers crossed amongst the plants of the royal gardens. In front of him, his most loyal advisor and the leader of his Kassik Elite guard, was Nauticus. Of course, that wasn't his true name, simply an alias he was known by currently. Currently, he mentally laughed, just like he wasn't born as Oslander Harroul, no, it was Nauticus who told him to change his name to that of the land he ruled, he said it would show his 'humility'. He really didn't quite understand the word but if the people would like it, hey.

They were currently locked into a game quite akin to chess. He knew he wasn't the best of players but was happy when his opponets didn't look down upon him for it, he knew it was because they liked him, or thought rather. The only pieces he had remaining were ironically his two bishops and a knight. 'Nauticus' had lost several figures but most notably he still had a decent amount of pawns. He was currently arrayed to place the king in check no matter which move he would make. The king knew it would not be much longer at all before he was defeated. On the other side of the table 'Nauticus' was stifling a grin.

Indeed the king normally sat his nights out here, discussing matters of the kingdom with 'Nauticus'. He was glad he had such a well informed council of Kassik to guide him, half the time it was as if he did not have to do anything except sign his name to what they wrote or speak what they told him to speak. It was wonderful, and the entire world thought he wanted it.

Smiling to himself, he gazed up at the moon, leaning back. He wasn't quite paying attention as his opponet declared checkmate. The cool breeze was soothing and he himself was relaxed. He took in the many scents of his fine flowers and shut his eyes. Tonight was a grand night to be alive, so distracted he was he hardly realized his ally was talking until he heard the word sir repeated multiple times, trying to recapture his attention. Quickly he snapped out of it, managing a sleepy grin and taking a sip of his fine raspberry tea. "Yes, friend?" he mumbled sleepily, leaning forward. He prefered to think of all his subjects as friends, and hoped in turn they would think of him as well as one. Clearing his throat, 'Nauticus' went over again of the current info they had. Operative 'Fault', by far the most talented Hunter Kassik the kingdom had, whom was also under the employ of the king had reported even more signs of Kassik retreating. Their exact location had been founded sometime ago; operative 'Dread', the sole Warmonger out of his Kassik, was just taking his sweet time marshalling the armies and preparing a substantial naval force to blockade the island.

However all this discussion of Kassik and what not bored him, he really didn't see why he should care, he had generals and admirals and a myriad of other officers and personel to deal with them. He did come to see his own Kassik's point of view however, that if the Kingdom did not hold firm control over the Kassik, than the ones that were out of its grasp should be obliterated, entirely.

Speaking of obliteration, 'Nauticus' had just gotten to the reports of his Destroyer and Reader the king had in his employ. Twin sisters and the only female Kassiks he controlled, operatives 'Spritz' and 'Shatter' respectively. Apparently they were in the middle of taking small groups of soldiers and performing loyalty checks amongest the officials in the various towns and cities throughout his kingdom. The last of his roving Kassiks, a Destroyer with the current alias of 'Spear' was out supposedly claiming shipping for the royal navy. He was by far the least trust worthy in the King's eyes. Always spewing on about how killing those Kassik outside of the kingdom was genocide, bah! He wasn't king, and all of his other Kassik assured him it was fine, so what did he care?

Tired and bored witlessly, he began to get up, 'Nauticus' asked his permission for something he wasn't sure what a mission or someother, he smply nodded. He wanted to retreat back into the serenity of his own quarters, and his wife. Kassana Harroul. Who was coincedentally the another member of his Kassik Cadre. She was a medic and was often out doing what his other Kassiks were doing under the alias of 'Light'. He relished the moments he could spend with her. The fact that she was queen was unbekownest to his entire kingdom as it was, the relationship remained a closely guarded secret.

Jonathan heard a smash and his eyes shot towards a ball on the ground. It rolled very slowly, revealing a burning fuse wire. He lifted his hand and the ball flew out of the window. He ran outside and grabbed what he could. Herbs, vegetables etc.
"Not again...how do they keep finding me?" He packed his things and ran around the back of his house. There was an explosions but he didn't even flinch. He got to his horse, Kiki, and grabbed a few provisions when he heard seven more smashes. He jumped Salave. We have no choice. It's either that or get killed. They think I'm dead just now, but they'll soon realize I escaped and then they will be coming after us. The boat leaves tomorrow. I'll get a ticket and you will be coming on too." They rode towards the nearest town to search for the port.

A small group of maybe 10 men with a wagon passed through the small sleep ytown of Mientana. The night watchman was starting to fall asleep when he saw the suspicious looking group. Who would be looking to trade or whatever at this hour!? He walked over to them as fast as his ungainly body would let him and tried to speak with an authoritarian voice. " By order of the Council of Mientana, no stranger is allowed to come into this town unannounced and unsearched, especially at this hour. State your name and purpose of being here." The lead hooded man glanced at the man behind him who nodded. Then he produced a small scroll out of his cloak and handed it over to the watchman. With his pudgy fingers, the watchman opened up the scroll and his eyes nearly jumped out at the contents. " L--Lord Siro! I assure you I had no id--" he was cut off with the lead man putting his hand over his mouth, then said, " You were only doing your duty watchman. The Lord and us are here to conduct some cleanup by the order of the King himself. Do not speak of any of this, and do not alert anyone if any commotoin happens caused by us indirectly or directly. In fact, you never saw us here." The watchman nodded and waved them on. The group turned a corner and the watcman lost sight of them, especially with there being very little moonlight. The clatter caused by the wagon wheels meeting the cobblestone was the only way he knew that they were still there.

Siro knew that there was a very dangerous kassik hiding in this town. A hunter by the name of Fault had told the King that although many Kassiks were retreating, a couple stubborn ones still stayed, believing that no harm would come to them as long as they stayed low and out of sight. However, the King was hellbent on extermination and he appointed Siro to lead one of the groups who were designated to "dislodge" these stubborn killers. He was given power to virtually do anything he wanted, whether it was to get a discount on an item or grab a couple soldiers off the royal guard. Or at least that's what he used to have. He abused it too much one time and he was stripped of many of the powers, through he could still get through checkpoints and the like with no hassle and could still get discounts and get a ship. Siro shook his head clear of those thoughts and got back onto the task at hand. Fault had said that a warmonger was hiding out there and that he would more likely then not raise some rabble to rebel against the King. It was very well known that warmongers were not only charismatic, but could easily wipe out a bunch of soldiers and guards single handliy. There were many tales and stories about it, each one getting gorier then the last. Siro picked out a couple of his most elite men that he trusted with his life through they probably didn't know it. Then he set out hunting for this kassik and managed to pin him down to this town after torturing a hunter into working for them as there was no time to run back to the palace to get one of the Kings own hunters. Of course the wild kassik was executed after he was done. After asking the few citizens still out on the streets, he reached a dilapidated building and knocked on the door while his retinue pulled out the weapons from the wagon and made sure they were sharp and ready. . An elderly man came out rubbing his eyes and roughly asked what they wanted and immediately let them in after seeing the medallion dangling from Siro's neck that he just know felt like pulling out. Well that and all the weapons. They asked him where their target was in the flat. He told them and Siro nodded his thanks and gave him a small bag of gold. Hrug, one of his soldiers, went up to the door of the kassiks flat and kicked the door down only to suddenly thrown against the wall so hard, it broke. Siro pulled out his sword as did the others in his retinue, some who had crossbows and axes. Siro decided to yell, " Kassik, by order of the King, you are to be executed on the ground of treason, and that's all you need to know. Surrender now and your death will be quick and painless." even through he knew it would be no good. The Kassik laughed and spat something about the King and proceeded to break another of the soldiers back. He then picked up one of the swords and began fighting with all of the remainig members of Siro's retinue at once, except for Siro himself and his constant companion, Taleth. Siro was amazed at how fast the kassik was butchering his men. Just like how other of its kind butchered his family. Siro slashed at the kassik in rage and was thrown back by the kassik who focused his attention towards him, now that off the retinue was either dead or dying. The kassik was about to stab him when Taleth threw himself in front of the blade and took it for Siro. This sacrifice brought him the time he needed and Siro pulled out his rahter compacy crossbow from his belt and fired a bolt point blank at the throat of the kassik who cauight the bolt and broke it. " Now your the only one left Siro. i've heard of you. You've kileld so many of my kind, even through your killing the wrong ones." this confused Siro who retorted, "What do you mean wrong ones. You kassiks are all wild.... only the King's retinue is civilized and decent beings. You lorded over us with your powers in the old ages." The kassik laughed, then said, " You really dont get it do you. I'm talking abo--" he never finished the sentence as Taleth pushed his sword through teh Kassiks heart. " Don't listen to that bastard." He started falling down and Siro caught him who panickly said, " No... your not dying here. I've lost too many people here, and I can't have you dieing especially." Taleth weakly smiled and said, "Sorry, my times up. Tell the King that we've kileld the bastard here. Move on. You'll get anotehr aide and a retinue, especailyl as you've know killed a warmonger." Suddenly he seized up and finally breathed his last breath. There were already sounds of people coming to see what had happened here. Screams followed and Siro walked out dripping in blood. He was so shocked that he hat lost possibly the closest thing he had to a friend, and the best men in his retinue. Also, what the kassik had said was disturbing. He managed to secure a horse and finally made it back to the palace where he kneeled down before the king and those aloof kassiks that advised him and said, " I've cleansed the towns of Mientanna, Krugerlz, Mahoz, Taleriem, and Mehsoav of kassiks. The rest have fled. However I've lost my most loyal retinue and Taleth, but I will perservere and will carry you your next order."

King Harroul (Yeah, I lied about the length)

It had been a long night, another one frought with dreams. The disturbing, misleading kinds that his wife would often tell him to ignore, this time it was 'Spear' who had killed him. He shook his head, each week it was a different member of his Elites, even his wife on occasion. It hadn't mattered there was commotion, a guard, no two had informing him of an individual seeking an audience, he smiled once looking the two soldiers over. "How does he fare?" He asked quizzically.

His two guards cocked their head,"Sir?" The lieutenant had said. Shortly before informing him that it was the bloodied visage of Lord Siro they had seen. Good.

The King waved them off to fetch the lord, his most trusted human agent by far and so far the most successful. As he waited his gaze drifted sidelong to 'Nauticus' and 'Dread' the only two Elite Kassik still in the capital, with a few minor ones lining the walls behind the throne. The minor ones were of course, also conidered the expendable ones. Maybe he would pester 'Dread' to have the troops ready a tad earlier, hit Salave with their pants down. He was grinning.

He didn't have much time to plot, nor eat his fine muffin he had within his hands. Siro was quickly before him kneeling, and the muffin was set aside, the King forced to wait. It mattered not, this man was a prime example of those who worked dillegently to purify this land of the wild Kassik taint, and even the king himself had the upmost respect for him.

" I've cleansed the towns of Mientanna, Krugerlz, Mahoz, Taleriem, and Mehsoav of kassiks. The rest have fled. However I've lost my most loyal retinue and Taleth, but I will perservere and will carry you your next order."

His eyebrows raised as Siro finished, he hadn't expected the mission to go over so quickly. This however was a great boon in the grand scheme of things, a major step 'Nauticus' had outlined to the king the night before while playing their daily game of Chess.

"Lord Siro, once again you fail to dissapoint. You still remain one of the most effecient of my agents, out of both Kassik, and human. The loss of such an equally deadly retinue is a painful shame to our kingdom, however their sacrifices were not in vain. Because of your actions, and theirs we are even closer to wiping out the wild plague. 'Fault' has enlightened us of a new happen stance, one that I was hoping to keep in the dark, but must now be revealed to the kingdom. Flocks of Kassik are retreating to Salave, it is disgusting that the island will so balantly take the refuges in. None the less something must be done, 'Spear' is trying to route out all shipping to that area, but of course he can not be anywhere at once. Recently however, while monitoring the town of Talbim, one ship in particular has been spotted ferrying Kassik. 'The Artic Storm'. "

" This if fine, especially since the captain is currently not on to us, and it is also outside of our power last being sighted off the shore of Salave as it is. This captain, will be doing a service to our glorious land whether he knows it, or not. I wish you to go to the town, the next he attempts to live port. Customs search him, execute all Kassik found on board. If there are none, let him go, our privateers will finish him once he leaves. Treason is not taken lightly."

Licking his lips he continued, a smile breaking his face. "Despite the results of the former action, I require info on Salave, if you are up to it, you may comandeer the royal navy ship called 'Dragoon', it is a fast sloop and effecient for travelling, it has recently been refitted to appear as a fishing sloop. I wish to know exactly what numbers our armies will be facing. Succeed in this Lord Siro, and you shall be elevated to the status of Baron Siro. You may take the ten soldiers on board, and up to twenty of those stationed within the capital upon your leave. "

"Before you go, remember, my vision extends farther than my own eyes." With that he gave the man time to reply but remained silent himself. Implying that if it is not a question that needs answering, Siro may leave the castle.

Jonathan got on the ship for Salave just in time. It took a while, but he finally convinced them to let Kiki on the ship. They were finally on their way to a safer life.
"Well Kiki...looks like we are going to survive after all." He thought back to when he was caught abut a year ago.

(His memory)

The hand gripping Jonathan's shoulder tightened until it hurt but Jonathan just blocked out the pain.
"Not so tough now that you don't have your little stick huh?"
"It's called a bo staff and I'm just as deadly." Jonathan said through gritted teeth.
"Why have you been caught then? You'll never get away. You will die, there's no escaping it. We will kill you. I. Will. Kill. You."
"I don't think so." Jonathan brought his knee up towards the man's crotch. He buckled over, giving Jonathan an escape. He seized it. Jonathan as fast as his legs would take him.