~ Dire Struggle for Dillend: [Archive] [Home] [Previous Turn] [Next Turn] ~
Turn 57.0: Lady Hannah of Seden
Posted: 9/28/99
Storm looks off into the tents of the enemy camp. He then turns back to the party. "I spent me a good chunk o' me life snoopin' into places like that there, I'd be willin' ta do it again. Especially with that there mage makin' me see-through again! Heh heh!" He adds as an afterthought. "Oh an' I be promisin' to behave meself in there, too. As much as me wouldn't mind runnin' through an Orc or two, if theys be there an' me try somethin', I'd say me wouldn't be comin' out alive. So don't ye worry, just tell me what t' be lookin' fer an' I's gettin' the job done." He smiles and waits for an answer.
"I mean this in the nicest possible way, my dwarven friend," Dire says in an apologetic tone, "But I, too, would like to go in there. This is my life at stake here, and I would like to see if I might be able to find some of the proof I need to clear my name. If you come across the name of a Red Dragon mage, would you recognize it? I doubt anyone here could, save me. Invisibility I can provide, but I will be going to the camp with whomever else wants to go..."
"I'm willing to go with you," Emma announced, leading her horse back to the group...her quick change of clothing now complete. She looked a lot different without her caste's official symbol anymore. She even felt a little out of place as well, like she had taken a step down out of a public office in order to become a commoner again. She shrugged the feeling away, discounting it as nothing more than a left over effect of her noble upbringing.
"I might be able to distract the Caerloon soldiers while you slip away to make your investigation, Dire," Emma suggested, "Maybe I could tell them I'm a mercenary come to join them? Unless, you think you'd rather keep us all invisible?"
She closed her eyes for a moment as if thinking something over, then finally opened them and asked, "Do you think you could use another of your illusions to make us appear as soldiers in their army? We might gain better access to the commander's tent that way, don't you think? It's just a suggestion. If your powers aren't capable of pulling off such a deception, I guess we'll have to find another way...Should we go at night, or during the day?"
"Indeed" Crayne nodds at Dire, "All our lives are at stake here. I think we have proven that we can work close as an effective tight knit unit. And that I believe is what this task will require. This is our most dangerous one yet, I personally believe, for we are to venture forth into the heart of the Caerloon army. Not only that, though, we have the goal of trying to get in there and seek some information that may be very hard to find. It may be locked away, protected by a trap of some sort or not even be in there at all. Nevertheless I believe it to be crucial for us to clear our friends name here so that he can fight for our cause against the terror that faces our kingdom.
"Now, I believe we need a more cohesive plan than just a simple matter of heading for the camp invisible and trying to sneak in there. As Dire has mentioned to us it is perfectly conceivable that there are Red Dragon mages within there encampment and therefore we must be wary. There are spells that detect the invisible or even dispel the invisible. I suggest first off that three venture forth into the camp, one definitely being Dire. I would be happy to be the second member of such a group although if other people insist on taking up the positions then I will step down.
"I suggest our first step should be to get an idea of where the commanders' tents are and what the security for their tents is, before we actually commence in snooping around inside of the tents. Hannibal, as a skilled person in the arts of shall we say trickery I believe you would be asset to the party. Also, Emma with your ability to send messages you would be an asset to keep in touch with those who wait back here. What do you think then? Please I am happy to hear suggestions or disagreements to the points that I have made!"
Emma agrees with Crayne's assessment, "We surely need a goal upon entering the camp. Information-gathering is always the best one when you don't know the strengths or weaknesses of your enemy. Sending three scouts makes some sense, but if we find what we seek, shall we return here and then all go in together? Or should we seize the evidence of Dire's innocence when we have the chance? We should make that decision now, rather than acting rashly once we get there. I want to make sure that those that remain behind understand what those that enter the camp will be doing...and in fact, can count upon them to act according to the plan."
"If I accompany the scouts, and the situation changes, perhaps I can send a bird with a note to inform everyone of our intentions. We need to act as one, or we will quickly be captured...," she finishes.
Crayne looks around the group knowing that this could be the last time that the group will remain together. He is perfectly aware of the dangers that lie ahead, but knows that what is about to occur could effect the entire outcome of the war. He looks at everyone again, "None of you have to go through with this you know!"
"For Anhur and the King," Emma says, looking off toward the army's encampment, "I can think of nothing better to be doing at the moment..."
Hannibal nods at Crayne's suggestion and begins to unload gear into his saddlebags for silent running. Looking over to Emma, he smiles... "It will be nice to have you along Emma, just in case things get nasty."
Once done, Hannibal dismounts and prepares for the invisibility spell again. Magic always made him quesy, and this spell in particular he didnt care for a bit. Something about walking without being able to see your feet...
"I'm afraid you over-estimate my skill, sometimes, Hannibal," Emma says as she returns his smile, while trying to stay humble, "I do as well as I'm able to...with every weapon that Anhur has given me. Even so, against an entire army, I'm afraid I wouldn't last very long..."
She looks back at Edryd and says, "It's a good thing we've been sparring lately with the sword. Perhaps it will be put to the test tonight..."
"Here's what I say," Canter puts in, "we definitely send in Dire. Emma, you go too, since you can send that message with the bird. Hannibal and Storm would also be good in there, since they can move more quietly than anyone I've ever seen! And Crayne, your magical powers would be helpful in case you need to counteract some Red Dragon magic. Edryd, Cy, and I will stay here. If we receive a message, we'll follow your directions, or come in and try to find you. How's that?"
"That sounds like a plan," Edryd says, nodding his head. "But will you use the invisibility?" He looks to Dire and Crayne.
"I be thinkin' it be a good idea," says Storm.
"But perhaps we should not all be invisible," Emma says, raising a finger. "For though the two thieves can move pretty quietly, we can't expect the same skill from Dire and Crayne. Perhaps, then, I will remain visible and act as a new recruit, so as to keep attention away from any invisible mishaps?"
"It will be difficult, priestess," Dire cautions, "for you, too, will be unable to see us."
"I realize that..." Emma says, thinking.
"But I think it's worth a try," Crayne says, reassuringly. "Come, let's make haste. The fate of the kingdom may lie in our hands, to be decided tonight!"
The spells are cast, and soon Storm, Hannibal, Dire and Crayne are made to be invisible. Hannibal places a hand on Emma's should so as to make sure they all stay together. They then set off for the tents. The camp is very large and smelly. The mud on the ground and the sweat of soldiers makes the place quite distinctive. There are tents everywhere, with footpaths between them, allowing soldiers to pass through. Fires are lit and food is being cooked in the centers of small circles of tents. Men clad in chain mail walk to and fro. Swords are being sharpened and card games are being played. A few men on horseback trot around. The place seems to stretch forever.
The paths lead toward a circle of tents at the center of the camp. "Must be our place..." Hannibal thinks to himself as he and the others approach, doing their best to stay together. About twenty yards from this circle of tents, two tall, plump soldiers come up to Emma, stopping her in the middle of the pathway.
"What have we here? Some entertainment?" The first one says, chewing on a leg of chicken and elbowing his companion in the chest. Neither wear armor or carry weapons. "I like this one!"
"Heh!" the other replies, reaching out and flipping Emma's hair.
Emma clenches her jaw, outraged. But she is smart enough not to lash out at these men, not wishing to cause a scene.
"You men there!" a voice suddenly booms from behind the soldiers, the direction of the tents. In the firelight a mounted man comes into view. His clean-shaven face and shiny breastplate set him apart from the rest of the gruff men in the camp. He is young, perhaps in his mid- to late-twenties. "Leave that lady alone!"
The annoying soldiers turn their heads to face the mounted officer, and quickly scramble, but not before giving Emma a quick wink. The officer then trots up to Emma (and the others). "Please forgive these men, they are but commoners. My father must conscript them, but I care not for their petty ways."
Emma is awestruck by the contrast between this gentleman and the petty filth he disposed of. The officer's short, culy black hair shines in the firelight, and the red and gold throne painted on his breastplate is glorious. His red cape flutters in a slight breeze. "You must be the Lady Hannah sent of Seden, to see my father, the General." He dismounts from his horse, taking Emma's hand in his and kissing it. "I did not expect you in such common clothes, though I must compliment you on your clever disguise. If those in Rinder knew of your father's aid to the Baron, they would not have let you leave. Won't you follow me into the General's tent?"
Emma's jaw just drops. Her? A royal lady? And what was he talking about, 'aid to the Baron?' 'of Seden?' Wasn't Seden a city--a province--of Rinder?!? Emma pauses, unsure what to do. She suddenly feel's a jab in her back as Storm's hand pushes her forward.
"Go!" Crayne whispers hoarsely out loud at the back of Emma's head.
"What was that?" the officer asks, raising an eyebrow and turning his head so he can see Emma better.
"So..." Emma says, covering for her friends and taking a giant step forward, alongside the officer. "So...so...and who might you be?" She asks, her knowledge of etiquette coming back to her.
"I, my lovely lady..." he let's the words trail off as he suddenly seems to drift away, looking into Emma's eyes. "I...am..."
Getting a little impatient, Dire clears his throat. Though his body is invisible, his voice is not unheard. Assuming that the sound came from Emma, the officer straightens himself up, taking in a deep breath before looking back at her face. "I am Robert, Robert the Fourth, son of General Robert Wade III, Baron of Bayswater. And I must say I am cast adrift on the waters of the south sea by your beauty, My Lady Hannah of Seden."
He then tosses his horses reins at a soldier, who nods and takes the white horse off, grumbling all the way. But Robert doesn't even notice, his eyes are fixed upon Emma (Hannah?) intently as he leads her to the central tent. Two guards pull the canvas curtain at the front of the tent apart, revealing the interior. Brightly lit by lanterns, a large wooden table is laid out in the center of the room, covered with maps. Six men are in the room, three sitting around the maps, moving little wooden pieces around the map. One stands guard just inside the entrance. One stands at another, smaller table, his back to Robert and Emma, as he flips through some papers on the table, a quill in hand. And then there is the warrior. His thick mustache and strong arms identify him immediately as not your ordinary soldier. He, too, wears a red cape like Robert, identifying him also as artistocracy. He holds a silver helm under his arm, and a sword in the other hand.
"No! That will not do! Those men must attack Dillend as soon as possible! Yesterday! Last week! I want victory! No more excuses! He slams the helm down on the table, causing the wooden pieces to tumble and fall from their neat stacks. The other men around the table fold their arms and scratch their heads. Then the warrior looks up to see Robert and Emma (failing to see Storm, Crayne, Hannibal and Dire due to their invisibility--though space in the tent is getting tight and should someone bump into one of them, there could be trouble!).
"What is it, son?!" the warrior (Robert III, the General, the Baron) yells at the younger Robert.
"Father, I have here the Lady Hannah of Seden. And she has, presumably, your answer." The younger Robert suddenly remembers his is still holding Emma's hand, and quickly drops it, embarrassed in front of his father, the great General.
"Well then," Robert III says, snorting loudly and throwing his sword aside. He calls to one of the advisors at the table, "Get me some more meat. I'm hungry." He scratches his nose and steps forward to look Emma over. He is taller than she, and his frame towers over the priestess-turned-royal lady. "So, Lady Hannah of Seden. You have my answer. What will it be then?"
All is silent in the tent as the General waits for Emma to speak. She is unsure of what to say. Answer? What was the question? Was she supposed to deliver some sort of message? The advisors, noting the silence, look up from their maps. The man flipping through papers at the back of the tent stops flipping and turns to look at Emma.
"Well? You are here two days early. It must be important?" The General bellows, shouting at Emma's face: "WHAT IS MY ANSWER?!?!"
1. I realize I moved the story along quite a bit with this turn, but I wanted to make up for some lost time, so to speak. Since I did not receive responses to the last turn for Edryd or Cy, I will assume that they are okay with staying behind with the mounts and gear, outside the camp.
~ Dire Struggle for Dillend: [Archive] [Home] [Previous Turn] [Next Turn] ~