Kayne Alastair's Story

Kayne opened his eyes slowly and yawned. He proceeded to sit up and look around, examining his surroundings. "Oh yea," he shrugged "I actually made it to Muradnia," He felt quite accomplished making it this far. "Alright," He jumped up off the pile of rice sacks. "Time to find some lead." Kayne yawned again and began walking down the street, placing his hands behind his head. His facial expression slowly getting more angry as he walked down the street, straight towards the lone hightower. "Erich, you fucking bastard," he muttered under his breath. "Why are you so weak?" he again muttered, making sure to avoid attention.

His blonde hair was rather unkempt from sleeping on some rice sacks, so he fiddled with it trying to make himself somewhat presentable, not that it mattered. He also noticed that his clothing seemed a tad bit ragged and his herb supply was dwindling. He knew that he lacked funds to keep himself supported and had no job, other than his self employed mission of finding answers to his questions, of course.

Kayne proceeded to walk towards the town square, a place lively and filled with vendors. "I wonder if I could get any supplies here..." He looked around, not noticing anything peculiar, other than a woman wearing a gypsy-like green robe. "So, nothing out of the... Wait, WHAT?!?" Kayne wasn't surprised to find Muradnia a boring, dull city; but to see a gypsy, in Muradnia, when rogues were constantly hunted... He knew his eyes must've been fooling him, so he pursued the gypsy-maiden.

"I haven't seen a gypsy since... uh... ah, who cares." Kayne began sprinting towards the gypsy as she turned down an alleyway, slowing his pace as to not attract her attention. He sharply turned the corner, following her, watching as she got up from falling over. "Huh," He watched as she entered some building, "It couldn't hurt..." Kayne decided to follow the gypsy-maiden, taking his time before actually entering the building. As he approached the door, something made him pause for a moment, he could feel something... something strange emitting from the other side of the door. "Well... here goes nothing." He opened the door into what appeared to be a pub. "Ok... Muradnia is definitely full of surprises..." Kayne had a blank expression of dissatisfaction plastered on his face. Even so, he walked in to find four patrons; a silver haired maiden, a doll like girl, a girl with short brown hair, and his lovely gypsy-maiden. Kayne walked up to the bar, watching the television and murmured, "Two Deaths, at this hour... For Shame." He proceeded to sit at the bar, hoping someone would strike the first conversation...

Kayne finished with his moping and looked up, "Oh it's fine, I'm low on supplies anyways." He watched as all the women around him slowly socialized with each other. Listening to each one's comments and introductions; the silver haired lady was Amelia von Muran, a doctor... and the lovely gypsy-maiden was Jack Drákōn. Jack had a brother that was part of the Muradnian Royalty. The same Muradnian Royalty that he hated so much. He wanted to talk to Jack, alone, to see what she knew.

"I doubt that, even Gypsy's have families..." Kayne had the feeling that Jack was hiding something, something about that Muradnian Assassin guy. Kayne was getting tired of the serious mood and felt as though he should lighten it. "So, is this pub women only? Or did I stumble in on a good time?" Kayne figured he should strike a conversation or else face silence. He was actually hoping to make some allies so that eventually he could face Erich. Suddenly, he was struck with an inclination, 'These women, they're witches!' That would explain why they were here, and why this pub appeared to be well hidden. 'If they are rogue, maybe I could get their help...' At least that's how Kayne saw it.

"Pardon me, ladies." He stood up, "I'm going to be rather blunt, but, are any of you Muradnian Soldiers?" Kayne figured his statement would cause one of two reactions; either the woman would be respond or they'd attack. Either way, he had to get some answers, and this appeared to be the only way.

Arakawa blankly looked at the blond-haired man. His question quite lost on her. 'Muradnian Soldiers?' She stared at him, what gave him the expression that she, a mere nobody was one of the soldiers? She wanted to ask him a question but she was reminded of her Grandma Is' warning, "Don't speak unless your spoken to-- even to the 'normal locales' of the town." Grandma Is told her that it was the best action for someone like her to avoid bad situations.

As they were talking and introducing to each other, she contented herself with listening about them. The brown haired woman, she's somewhat familiar with, she's quite well-known in Muradnia after all. This was the first time she met her closely though but the others, she certainly knew nothing much. She had wanted to know more about them and this actually confused her. This was the first time that she became interested with other people.

For Arakawa, the only things worth giving attention to were her parents, the animals, the flowers and her past. Wanting to know more about these people greatly perplexed her. There was something about them that made her want to confront them and ask questions. Questions that she usually would not dare think of. She leaned a little in her seat and listened closely, eyes wandering each faces and studying their expressions.

She was surprised to hear the woman state her name, "Amelia" and was more confused when she told them that she is a resident doctor and a friend of the bartender. 'Doctor?' She thought questioningly and stared at the said woman. One of the things Arakawa can really say that she's proud of, is her photographic memory. She remember every detail about everything that she happen to see, hear or smell. With their inn closely located at the Esper, she can say she's familiar with its usual costumers (but this was the first time she actually entered the pub). But of all things, she never encountered something about Amelia von Muran.

Then she heard the coughing green-haired girl introduce herself, a traveling gypsy she said, Jack Drákōn. 'Almost no family? She's just like me...'

Giselle nodded and retreated back into silence when the girl, who latter introduced herself as Jack, was done asking questions. She nearly jumped when Amelia spoke to her and after processing her words she nodded. She would do what the woman asked if the moment presented itself. Her talent was gaining information but never being seen. A woman who spoke rarely generally stayed out of people's curiosity and was rarely questioned. Especially if said woman wore what some would consider gentleman's clothing. Skirts were rubbish around a barn and she had adopted the style she wore now back when she first started working there. She was pulled out of her thoughts when the man suddenly stood and asked if anyone was a Muradnian soldier. An audible growl that had the likeness of a large vicious canine escaped her throat and her ears had elongated and grown black fur before she could stop herself. The question he presented had confirmed that he was not familiar with the Esper and suggested that he could potentially be a threat to those around him if he chose to run and tell the guards about the situation. It was a question that had startled her and caused the growl and partial transformation, yet as quick as her ears had turned they were back to their normal pink skin and round shape.

"Excuse me," she muttered, faking a cough as she took another sip of beer before finally adding, "No soldiers here."

As she sat feeling embarrassed for her sudden outburst she realized that another man had entered the bar and sat not far away. Nearly every hair on her skin was standing on end and her muscles had tensed, yet she did her best to regain her calm demeanor from before. It wasn't that the new addition to the bar was causing her to feel on edge, it was the sudden question that was asked before combined with the room being flooded with people whose alignment with the government were not obvious. After downing the last of her glass she ordered her third, having forgotten her rule of only having two for the night. She comforted herself by patting her shoulder, making sure the pistol she had in her shoulder holster was still there. Feeling the hard weapon she felt a bit of relief and allowed her muscles to ease a bit to resume her silent observation of those around her. She had seen far too many 'Outlaw Roundups' in her time and knew that the one thing that saved her tail was being observant.

Kayne was glad that nothing came of his blunt question, he wasn't in a fighting mood. "Thanks, so I indeed found the Esper." Kayne had finally felt pretty good, having stumbled upon what would end up being his information hub for some time. But the new patron gave him a bad vibe. "A gunslinger..." Kayne new that this guy disliked mages, he could see it in his eyes as the new man looked at Amelia. He leaned over to Jack, motioning her to listen. "Hey, I think we should get out of here... That guy appears to be bad news." He slowly sat back up as to avoid grabbing the guys attention.

Kayne watched as Amelia left to handle something outside and return with a little girl, "Hmm?" Kayne was rather surprised to see someone so dark and mysterious doing something kind. What kind of spells did she use, especially to take some policemen out in a matter of seconds with much ruckus. "Hmm." Again, Kayne was pondering the situation and the stupidity that he used to arrive here. He didn't feel like pestering Jack again, but now he really was getting weary of the new guy. "I'm gonna head out, I'd like you to come with me, please... I'll explain outside." He looked at Jack, giving her a look that said, 'Trust me'. He hopped up off his seat, and motioned for her to follow. "Alright, it's been fun!" He proceeded to walk towards the door, as to exit the Esper.

Kayne stood outside the Esper with Jack. He turned to face her, with that the setting sun landed upon his face, specifically the eyes. "Alright," Kayne stretched a bit and cracked his knuckles and neck. "Before we head out, I'm assuming you noticed that guy wasn't a wizard." His eyes shifted to a serious look. "Either way, he's a gunslinger... You know the people that usually kill us for sport." Kayne paused, placing his arms behind his head and regaining that happy-go-lucky expression he always wore. "We should leave here, I have a feeling the police may show up again... and I'd like to avoid them, heh." He was obviously being serious, but he couldn't help but laugh at the idea that the police would catch him. So he turned and began walking, gesturing that Jack should follow.

As he walked out from the alley, Kayne turned his head just enough to see Jack's face. "Your Brother." He assumed that bringing him up would be a sore subject. "I saw him earlier today, actually, it was right before you caught my eye as you turned into the alleyway." Kayne took a moment flashback to when he examined the town square; having seen Jack and another green haired character, presumably her brother. "He was walking towards the hightower," Kayne pointed to the accursed building where Erich lived. "But that was an hour ago or so." He placed his hand back behind his head, and again turned his head slightly just to make sure Jack was still with him. "So... whatcha want to do?" He asked, smiling at Jack. Kayne smiled since she reminded him of a girl he once knew... a few years ago. "Oh and before you tell me, please don't say you want to go out for a drink, you're far too young." He winked at Jack after saying this. He was at least ninety percent sure that she was too young, figuring she was roughly eighteen or nineteen. He himself was just old enough to drink at twenty two.

Kayne looked in slight bewilderment at Jack, "Ok, the cloak is no problem... but... didn't you just say you didn't want to go near the hightower...?" Throughout his comment he was making a face of complete confusion and when mentioning the hightower, he again pointed towards it. "Well here," He handed Jack some money, just enough to buy a 'nice' cloak. "Don't get me wrong, I get what you're saying... family is family... but still, I doubt it's a good idea to go snooping tonight." Kayne tried to find some good excuse, then thinking of the recent events that Amelia started. "I mean, if you think about it, the police are probably on a tighter shift, considering the events that transpired today." He looked past Jack towards the alleyway that hid the Esper. He then sighed and followed Jack to a nearby stall so she could purchase her cloak. "I'm just saying, it really isn't a good idea. Especially tonight... and if it helps at all, he looks a little older than me, minus the height." Kayne revealed a small smile of satisfaction, knowing that he was taller than a guy, considering that wasn't too often.

Crock took in the news on tv and figured that if this witch wasn't going to work with him she would one day end up against him. If only he came with his magitech trackers. In the meantime Crock widened his smile and nodded politely now moving to follow the fleeing two out the pub. He did turn and give one last look at Giselle first to memorize her face. He would return another time to the pub, perhaps to gain a few mage followers for his small group. They might be distasteful but they could be handy in a pinch.

As he was moving towards the exit he decided to stir things up a bit. He silently moved in step with a larger group exiting the pub as well. Just as the group was about to finally leave he threw a few low blows around him before slipping out between the men. A fight would surely ensue as the men turned on each other and the shouting would keep everyone's attention towards said group. During this time he took a few steps back into the crowd that was forming around the fight. Slipping a hand into his coat he produced a single barrel Revolver. Not one of his favorites but it would due. He held the already loaded handgun at waist level where no one would hopefully notice it and fired straight ahead before dropping the gun and now moving quickly out of the place. He did not even wait to see which body hit the ground.

There was few chance of him being noticed as the shooter. Most people would flee the scene once they saw the body drop and he again would join into the crowd. His next goal was to move towards the nearest guard and tell them a convincing story of that same witch who was seen on tv produce a gun and fire at an un-harmed citizen. He gave no reason for the police to know the pub's true purpose though. The time for planning and waiting is gone. With that small bit of mischief, Crock had decided that it was time for his group to finally gather and start down the road to success.

"I get that, you're just abit confusing." Kayne's smile quickly died when he noticed Amelia had been following them. "When did you..." Kayne stood there with a look of stuper, but recomposing himself pretty quickly. "Alright, well... I think we can handle it, Miss... Silver Hair." Kayne felt stupid not knowing the silver haired girl's name. He looked back down at Jack, all that really mattered was that she stuck with him. He again smiled having seen her smile.

Then, a gun shot rang through the silent air, ringing in Kayne's ears. "The Esper!" Kayne immediately turned to run towards the Esper, but Jack stopped him and ran herself, "You can't," Rather than wasting his time talking, he took after Jack. "Jack!" As soon as he called her name, she turned and fell into his arms. "Did you see him?" Kayne had a serious look in his eyes, his expression almost resembled that of man intending to kill. "I figured, stay close to me." He let go of Jack and ran towards the Gunslinger, but lost track of him. He was hidden among the crowd of fleeing civilians. "Damn, bastard got away." He continued to examine the scene, trying to find a hint of where the gunslinger fled. The crowd was dying down and nothing remained, other than a mysterious hooded mage who was healing the wounded man. "The police are already here, they haven't noticed us, so let's go." He lifted Jack and carried her to the nearby alleyway where Kayne had napped the previous night. "Sorry for the hero act, I can't stand watching people die... but I couldn't risk our capture." He cracked a small, but warm smile, letting Jack down. "So you're ok, right?"

((OOC: xKyrie, it's fine, I was trying to figure something out for Dallan, hopefully someone will interact with him soon :D ... Aniihya, I feel like the story flows for now, the police arrived before Dallan, he just noticed the commotion for a long distance; thanks to the crowd. So he wouldn't have noticed Amelia or anyone inparticular.))

"It's perfectly understandable." Kayne gave Jack a warm smile, "Everyone has a fear, or at least a few." He sat silent for a few moments until Jack stood up on her own. "What's up?" He wasn't expecting her to get up for at least a little longer, but he'd stick with her to make sure she was fine. "That's not a bad idea, I was planning on taking you somewhere safer than this." He looked around, and kicked the ground. "Anyways, yes, please explain." Kayne was a tad bit confused with the brother situation, but figured he was planning on killing her. He wasn't exactly sure of that anyhow, and he could only imagine how their parents felt about this.

Kayne listened intently to Jack's story, being sure to stay close behind her. "For shame..." He looked down in disatisfaction, "All I can promise is that the gunslinger will have to fight me before he can imagine reaching you; promise." He displayed a rather large grin, "And that's a promise I intend to keep." Kayne's smile died abit, but he felt something lingering in the air. "Anyhow, let's wait until tomorrow to see your brother... I understand that you need to see him, but tonight isn't a good time." Kayne knew the anguish of seeing family well, he hasn't seen his parents in years. And, even if it was important to Jack, she could stand to wait one more day. Kayne began surveying their surroundings, making sure nobody was around. "We definitely need to find somewhere to crash..." Nothing came to Kayne's mind, especially since this was the first full day he spent in Muradnia. Kayne yawned and cracked his shoulders, "Well... Do you know of any inns that'll house us?" Kayne sighed, he was rather desperate for nice lodging, plus his stomach began growling.

Giselle had been sitting inside when she heard the gunshot and she had a slight feeling as to who it was that had caused all the ruckus. She downed the last of her drink and placed it down on the counter before standing to head out the door.

"Aye, don't do anything stupid." the bartender asked as she reached the door.

"You know very well I can't promise that," Giselle said with a small smile, "Keep my stool open would you?"

She didn't wait for a response as she slipped out the door to be confronted by chaos. She paid no attention to the men swarming about the wounded man, instead she was searching for the one she believed to be the culprit. There, she saw him. The gunslinger was walking away from the scene and she nearly followed him before she remembered that last look he had given her before he left. He would recognize her. Quickly she darted past Amelia and into a nearby alleyway, almost crashing into Jack and Kayne as she did so. She stared at them for a moment, wondering if she should ask them for assistance in following the gunslinger but it happened to be just at that moment when Jack said she didn't ever want to see said gunslinger again. Well, there went that idea. She didn't have time to linger and decided it best to get a move on with her 'chase' after the gunslinger.

"Excuse me," she said as her body shifted once more.

Her clothes were replaced by black fur and her body's bones snapped and cracked as she changed. She had just barely finished changing before she bounded out of the alleyway after the Gunslinger. There was a crowd forming directly in her way and she quickly moved around them only to see a fountain in her way. She didn't slow, jumping onto the fountain's edge and nearly slamming into the man sitting there. She jumped over him at the last minute however, landing back on the ground to continue her sprint. She saw one of the girl's from the pub running quickly towards the fountain and Giselle almost stopped to see what was going on. She quickly reminded herself that the Gunslinger was most important. He knew the location of the Esper and after the commotion he placed outside it she had a feeling he didn't have good plans for the pub or its patrons. She slowed when she neared him, keeping a safe distance back, but she wouldn't be surprised if he noticed her following him. She wasn't trying to be discreet, her plan was to confront him after all.

Jack smiled at Kayne before looking down. "Thanks... for all you've done. I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can." She then pulled down her hood, feeling happier. "Well, I guess you're right. I guess I can wait until tomorrow to see my brother. For now, we'll just need to watch out for police and royals." She blinked and then smiled as his stomach growled. With spoke with a laugh. "We really need a meal. I think I saw a place on the way. As long as we don't reveal ourselves, we'll be fine anywhere."

Jack then took Kayne's hand, taking off at a run with the cape of her shroud waving in the wind. She laughed a bit, looking back at him and then letting go of his hand. "Keep up if you can!" She then looked straight, heading towards one of the things she had seen on her way to the Esper. She ran past the fountain with a laugh, seeing two, maybe three, people but ignoring them. She kept running, feeling as light as a feather. She finally stopped in front of a lit inn, slightly panting and waiting for Kayne. Once he caught up, she pulled some money from her pocket. "I'll pay."

Kayne looked down at Jack and shrugged. "Oh, it was nothing." He smiled and used his hand to gently lift Jack's face, "As long as you aren't all depressed, I gotcha back." He removed his hand as Jack lifted her hood. He raised his eyebrow wondering what she was doing exactly. His stomach growled again, causing Kayne to lynch over a tad and place his hand over his stomach. "Yea, I have a feeling hunger will kill me before any royalty finds me." Kayne smirked abit, still feeling pretty crumby, and still having that cautious feeling about him. "Isn't that obvious?" He laughed a little and looked past Jack, just to make sure nobody happened to walk by.

Suddenly his hand was grabbed tight, and he was being dragged by Jack. "Huh, WAIT!" Next thing he knew, he was stupidly half running behind Jack as she dragged him along somewhere, hopefully a place that sold food. Then she suddenly let go and Kayne ended up skidding and flipping, ending up face first splattered on the ground. "Ow..." Kayne noticed that Jack was only playing and got up to follow her, he was running after her, hoping to catch up soon. "Deja Vu..." Kayne's face was a tiny bit red and was giving off a 'what the fuck' expression. One thing he did notice was Jack's carefree expression, "At least she's feeling better." He smiled abit and continued following her, until she stopped suddenly. It was so sudden that Kayne nearly ran into her, but decided to crash into a passerby. Kayne got up and offered his hand to the stranger and acknowledged Jack's offering. "That's great I'm so hungry!" He laughed and smiled, but noticed that the passerby wasn't just anybody.

It was probably the worst person Kayne could've ever run into, Dallan Magnus.

Dallan Magnus; Town Square - Side Street, Murandia

Dallan had dismissed the woman that sat nearby and began leaving the town square. Oddly enough he didn't notice the woman that bumped into him, "Hey! Watch it!" He hated the ignorance of the lowly peasants. Before he knew it that woman was poking his cheek, touching his arm, and feeling his hair. "Old hag stop it NOW!" He flailed his arm around as to strike the old woman, but she had found her way around his strike and behind him yelling; 'What are you doing?' Dallan didn't have time for the antics of piss ant peasants, he grew more and more angry as the woman egged him on. "Ignitio!" A fireball spawned in his hand, and he aimed it directly at the hag. "Begone! Or burn!" Dallan's facial expression was of pure rage, he wanted to simply ignite the old bat, but knew politics forbade it. Dallan decided it was best to just leave the hag. "Enflame!" Dallan struck the ground with the fireball immediately causing fire to surround the woman, "I swear on Emperor Erich's life, do not bother me again!" He immediately retreated around a few side streets, heading towards the palace.

"Dirty, disgusting, impudent, Fucking Rats!" Dallan was about to explode, his stride taking a more pissed appearance. He turned a few more corners and then smashed into another civilian. He gripped the man's hand used it to get up, and screamed at the man, "What the Fuck is wrong you GOD DAMN Civilians tonight!!!" He was seriously pissed off now. "You are all worthless pieces of tr-...!" At that moment he had taken a few moments to look at the man, Dallan's eyes burned with hatred now. "ALASTAIR!"

Dallan knew Alastair all too well; he was the pupil of Nicholas Flamel, his master's killer.

Jack had already tensed up when a man had walked by, noticeably annoyed and obviously a royal. She gave a short intake of breath as Kayne ran into him, the man yelling Kayne's name. She quickly walked over and grabbed Kayne's arm, pulling him a little away from the angry man and bowing her head. "Sorry, sir, that my friend ran into you. Please forgive him." She knew there was more than just Kayne running into him, but she wanted to prevent her and Kayne from being noticed. This guy probably knows my brother... gotta get away before he recognizes me. She pulled Kayne towards the inn. "So very sorry, sir."

Jack then quickly turned and opened the door to the inn, pulling herself and her friend in. She made sure the door was closed before walking to the inn keeper, still holding Kayne's arm. She placed a few coins down. "We need room for the night and a good meal, sir." The man nodded before giving her a key and saying that he would send up a meal. She bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, sir." As she turned and began walking to the room she had rented, she let go of Kayne's arm and spoke low. "Kayne, I trust you'll tell me who that guy is and try to avoid him." She looked into his eyes. "He's a royal, so he probably knows my brother. It'd be safe for us both to lay low."

"You wouldn't dare call me by that name, Dallan!" Kayne wasn't afraid of Dallan, he could easily take him down, especially considering their last dual. "You need to chill out, Prism Case!" Kayne conjured a large crystalline structure surrounding Dallan, covering every thing but his head. "Gaia's Fi-!" Kayne stopped mid spell, have been dragged away by Jack. "Shit, JACK stop!" She wouldn't listen to him, and proceeded to apologize and drag him into the inn swiftly grabbing the key and throwing him into the room. "What the hell is your problem?!?" Kayne was actually pissed with being dragged away from a fight. The reason lied deep in the two guys' pasts, for these two were destined to destroy one another. Having his armed released he grasp where her tight grip nearly caused his mana flow to stop, he sighed. "Comeon Jack," He further examined his arm, "What if you just killed my mana flow? I'd become a right handed mage, and my combination spells would become obsolete." Kayne was just frustrated having run into Dallan of all people, he was taking it out on Jack.

He sat on the bed, "I might as well explain while we have time." He was still tense, still frustrated, still ready to obliterate Dallan. "It all began when I was 16 and Dallan was 15... His master, Randall Flagg, and mine, Nicholas Flamel, were arch enemies. They had fought many times, and this time mine was determined to end the evil... So one day he left and came back exhausted and covered in blood." Kayne sighed; massaging his arm abit and continuing the story. "I never asked my master about what he did, but not too long after that I found my master lying on the ground, his body was being consumed by a curse... I couldn't do anything about it, but he told me to leave immediately and become a great wizard." Kayne laid back, trying to relax just a little, but his muscles were still tense from holding the spell on Dallan. "From there I traveled constantly, training and doing odd jobs in villages. I figured that it was time to return home, and I found my house abandoned with a note saying, 'Alastair... We fled because a mage wanted to find and kill you. We don't know if we'll ever see you again. Please be safe son.' and that was it."

Kayne sighed heavily, wincing in slight pain from Dallan breaking through his Prism Case. "Damnit... Dallan just cracked my spell. Hopefully he'll leave and choose to die another day." Kayne sat back up, "Hopefully the meal will arrive soon." Kayne stood up and walked to the window and stared up at the moon. Someone knocked on the door, and Kayne immediately grabbed Jack and jumped out the window. "Doprava!" Kayne quickly casted a spell that generated a sphere around them, suddenly the sphere disapparated and Kayne fell to the ground with Jack lying on top of him. "Thank you... master..." Kayne then passed out; he laid on the soft meadow grass, under a large tree.

Dallan Magnus; Outside Golden Oak Inn, Murandia

"Arafl-!" Suddenly Dallan was encased in Kayne's Prism Case. Unable to move his body, he was getting annoyed with this day and wanted to end it nicely. "Fuck you Alastair! I will kill you!" He struggled to get free but couldn't move, only talk. As he attempted his escape from the casing, the girl dragged Kayne into the Golden Oak Inn. "Heheheh, he has a weak spot... excellent." It had been a few minutes and Dallan had regained most of his composure, he again tried to break free and was successful. "HA! Take that you arrogant piece of shit!" He was proud of himself, a little too proud, but nevertheless happy to have broken free of that prison.

Dallan stretched, "It's not over, not even close Alastair!" He opened the door to the inn and slammed it closed. "Innkeeper! Of royal decree, direct me to where that girl took the boy!" The innkeeper pointed down the hall, "It's up the stairs at the end of the hall, it'll be the third door on your right." Dallan grinned distastefully, but was filled with excitement. "Thank you." "Real fast sir; they ordered a meal, could you take the cart to them?" He pointed to the cart. "Of course," Dallan figured he could launch a surprise attack on his enemy now. "Now Alastair, prepare to die!" He wasn't going to let this dual end so abruptly, he wanted some revenge, and he wanted it now. He walked up the stairs, and proceeded to the room. Dallan prepared to strike whoever opened the door swiftly, he knocked. Nobody answered so he smashed the door in, all Dallan saw was the sphere Kayne summoned, witnessing it's disapparation. "NO! GOD DAMNIT ALASTAIR!!!" Dallan yelled the loudest he could, he knew Kayne had cast a teleportation spell to flee the area.

Dallan Magnus; Golden Oak Inn-His Hightower Quarters, Murandia

"Alastair..." Dallan tried to contain his undying anger and hatred. He stood there watching the window, almost expecting Kayne to come back, but alas he wouldn't. "Next time, you're mine." He walked towards the window and heard the voice of the familiar old hag, "Leave me alone!" Dallan proceeded to jump out the window and walk towards the palace, with the hag following him still. Dallan suddenly turned around, "Can you ju-..." He turned around, expecting to see the same old hag, but this time it was a much younger girl. "Whether you be an old hag or young girl, YOU are still an ANNOYING Peasant! Now, BEGONE!" Dallan listened to the girls stupid speech, feeling the ground shake and the landscape warp. "80 years? HAH! Try 8 weeks." He felt confident in his abilities as they were, for he could use his magic without the incantation; it was far more effective, it just lacked the pizaz during combat.

So the girl left, "Finally!" Dallan continued his walk to the palace, approaching the gate. He waved his hand and the gate opened, he entered and walked up to the hightower, where his quarters were. He breathed heavily once entering his room. "What a day." He removed his cape and vest, throwing them on the rack over to the side. He placed his staff on the holster next to his bed, proceeding to lay on his bed. "Tomorrow Alastair... tomorrow." Dallan tried to drift on to sleep, having little trouble.

Kayne was lying on the soft grass in a comatose like state, where he was slightly conscious to the outside world. He couldn't talk nor respond to Jack, but he knew somehow she would feel his words. 'Thanks.' He knew it was pointless to try and talk, but he appreciated Jack for leaning him against the tree. So he lay there listening intently to Jack as she rambled about what happened at the inn. 'It's fine, forget about, I should apologize... I was the idiot there.' He truly blamed himself for dragging Jack into this situation and he wanted to apologize sometime soon. He watched as she rose to her feet stating that she'd return to town and bring back food. 'How do you plan on doing that? We're half-way across the continent.' Kayne laughed abit at her silly statement. As he watched, she mimiced his spell; Doprava. He was stunned, she mimiced Master Nicholas' specially developed spell that involved teleportation and barrier magic. It was designed to protect all of those being teleported so that nobody would be harmed directly before or after teleporting. 'How did she...' Even after she returned Kayne was amazed to see that she was still alive, let alone awake. 'That spell must've taken alot out of you...' But of course, she couldn't hear him. Anyways, Kayne laid there with an exhausted body and a mind that was fading. After she returned safely, he truly fell asleep.

Dallan Magnus; His Hightower Quarters, Murandia

Dallan hadn't slept in days and needed to, but was disrupted by an unfamiliar presence entering his bedchamber. He heard his name... but he didn't want to wake up yet, but did anyways. "What?" He rolled onto his side, still sleepy. "Why business does anyone have with me at this hour?" He rolled back onto his back, shielding his eyes from the direct moonlight. He couldn't sit up, he was just too exhausted. "Can you just bother me tomorrow? I'm not in the mood for some deal." The word Deal rang eerily in his ear, giving him enough energy to sit up, finally. He looked towards the far corner of the room to see the doll like girl he met at the fountain, his eyes opened wide with surprise. "How the hell'd you get in my quarters!?" He jumped up and grabbed his staff from beside the bed, "Answer me now!" Dallan just about had it with these god damn shenanigans. His mana was dwindling from the lack of rest, but he managed to generate a steady fireball, aimed directly at the girl. "I'd prefer to kill you and sleep, but if you speak up now, I'll spare your life before having you removed from the grounds... Your choice." His tone showed no sign of joke or jest, he was being absolutely serious.

"Great! Now if you would please exit this estate and never return that would be just dandy!" Crock flashed another smile and turned away from the kitchen finally heading up to his study to prepare for the gathering of allies. Word was spreading quickly to the right ears and maybe even a few others such as Kanye or Jack have heard of this "gathering".

(OOC: I'm tired of waiting for Aixulram... I'm just going to say she fell asleep.)

Kayne suddenly awoke in an ice cold sweat. His heart was racing, his sight blurry, and his breathing staggered. He shakily arose, leaning against the tree and rubbing his face. "Jack!" He moved his hands and found her lying next to him, asleep. "Oh thank god..." He rubbed his face again and pulled out his book from his satchel. He began writing, stopping at about one full page and tearing out the page. He kneeled down and tucked it into Jack's hand making sure she'd find it upon waking up. "Sorry, but there's something I gotta do... Brivara." Kayne had cast a protection spell, knowing that it'd keep Jack safe until she woke. "Alright." He lifted his arm, with his palm facing straight up, "Exec Posit Gunslinger!" A faint aura surrounded Kayne and faded, the same aura appeared just outside Crock's Manor, but this time Kayne appeared. "Phew, I'm guessing it worked..." He walked up to the door and knocked, hoping the gunslinger would answer.

The door opened before Kanye and he was greeted by the friendly and innocent face of a female mage. She bowed and directed to inside and pointed towards the garden, where already several dozen have gathered to hear Crock's speech.

It appeared that Kanye had arrived just in time. If he decided to look around he would find he was in the company of some of the most important men in the country. Veterans, Mercenaries, Merchants. They were all here under the common goal of being part of a rebellion. No, THE rebellion. Part of Crock's plan was becoming the main force trying to liberate the country. God knows that there are hundreds of others who also want to take control. Within a few minutes of Kanye's arrival arrival Crock would finally step out. He was dressed as he was at the pub earlier. A large Overcoat and a classic fedora on. It was obvious that he was trying to keep up with the latest fashion and pulled it off quite well. The chatter amongst the guest quickly died down as he made his way to the podium. The time has come for this show to get on the road. Around the estate, the few female mages that Crock had employed quickly began putting up spells which would mute off the estate from the surrounding city for non un-wanting ears could listen in.

"Friends! Allies! Even loyal customers! You all know why I have gathered you here today. There has been talk of Rebellion. We all know one or two leaders trying to start up their own little gang, but is that what we really want for this country! A bunch of war lords fighting between themselves?! That is no better then our damned king now! What we need is a single force for the people! That is why I have called you men here! You are the leading members of our community. You hold power and that is what we are going to need! I am but one Gunslinger but with you all I am a leader. A leader that will drive us to the top! I have a simple plan!

"First! Mayhem! The small towns and villages that dot our country side! Most of our troops are aimed at Picardia. The fool Erich will have to split his men between there and our small outbreaks! After Mayhem, Cleansing. There are some talented men amongst us. Old veterans, mercenaries, and even a talented mage or two. We will have to take out the closest followers of Erich. Put down his generals, his best mages, everyone! And then finally insertion! Our soldiers will ran down on Muradnia and capture the fool himself! Remember why we have gathered! This man has pitted us against our neighbors and has been wasting our resources for no good reason! Furthermore instead of paying attention to the war HE started he would rather waste more of his efforts on capturing mages! Under my rule you mages will be free!!!"

A murmur went through the crowd. They took this in. The people were ready. Merchants already were calculating how to use their riches to fund this movement. Old officers were thinking of battle strategies. "I ask you now, to hurry and set out. You all know how to keep in touch with me for afar. I only asked for you see me in person for this official declaration. Spread the news to your neighbors. To your towns, and cities! Spare no time in gathering your forces. I hope to hear of each of your struggles by a few days time. Do not disappoint..."