Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 117
(3/3/06 5:12 pm) Reply
Four Kings (BAND)
So it had went. So it had happened. Saker sat on his horse, a looking glass in hand, surverying the field before him. There were several bodies laying scattered about, all wearing the royal red of the Andoran Queen's Guard. They had been dispatched to "deal" with the growing "threat" in the west, Manetheren, the Band of the Red Hand. They had fought a few times now, clashed horribly at Whitebridge. The slaughter of that day would long live in Saker's memory. There were few days that he had survived that matched that battle, the fierce melee. But the Queen was threatening everything that he had built, threatening to tear the Band and his heritage apart. That he could not let happen. Why she had chosen this course of action however . . . it was beyond him still.
"Sir! The enemy has begun moving."
Saker turned away from the sight of the skirmish. A small patrol of Andorans that Saker's cavalry had massacred. "Where do they head?"
"Directly at us."
"Again?" The Andorans had tried the same thing at Queen's Blessing. Another horrible battle in the Band's past now. Another victory, if any battle could be called a victory in this war.
The Band had fortified positions at Queen's Blessing. They had the high ground, their flanks were covered, and there was a clear field a hundred yards long on all sides. With Asha'man standing watch next to Band lowbowmen, there had been no chance for the Andorans to reach the walls unharmed. Their commander, some politician fool that had replaced the able-bodied commander that Saker had fought against at Whitebridge, had overestimated his advantage in numbers and marched his forces right at Saker. Two days later, his shattered remnants fled back this way. Saker had taken the cavalry ahead of the infantry, which was close to a day behind by now with Elisan still at their helm, harrassing the broken Andoran ranks with daily, and nightly, raids that had cut their supply lines and broken morale further.
But this new commander that had come from Caemlyn with a good thirty thousand men in reinforcements, was a bright man. The last two raids had been met with stiff resistance, and the one before that had nearly suffered catastrophic failure that would have crippled not only Saker's ability to harrass Andoran lines, but his ability to move and fight with efficiency with his forces at hand. He frowned.
"This is unexpected. It's too aggresive for a foe on the run. They should be staying inside the town, trying to put up defenses and force us to come at them like we did at Queen's Blessing. But instead they come out to meet us? Either they are very brave, or very foolish indeed."
The scout, sent by one of the few men that Saker really trusted in his army, shrugged uncomfortably. "I only know what Curlan ordered me to report. I . . . ah . . . I think they do not mean to do battle, personally."
Saker shot him a dark look, his dark eyes narrowed in concentration. "What do you mean?"
"They do not move in battle lines, wary of a foe attacking them."
"Because they know I can't," Saker said sharply. "At the moment, I lack the forces to carry out an assualt."
"Their commander leads the lines personally. I think that he does not know what he faces."
"You mean they have yet again underestimated us? This commander is much brighter than the last. He knew how to counter our raids much more efficiently than the last."
"Yes, sir, but understand this--Curlan has trained us very, very well. When we find their scouts, we do not hesitate. We kill them. They have no operating scout force worth a damn. He could believe that your entire force consists only of a skirmish force."
Saker paused in thought. He had not considered that. He had assumed, cautiously, that the enemy commander knew the layout of Saker's lines. But if he did not, for the scout spoke the truth about Curlan's scout forces' abilities, then . . . the Andorans could again have seriously underestimated the Band. No army in the land could move like the Band. No army could simply take one step and be halfway across the country. If he willed it, the infantry could be there NOW, and he could throw his forces against an unsuspecting enemy yet again . . . "Anythign else you have to report?"
"With Four Kings empty . . . the townspeople there do not like the idea of Andor and Manetheren fighting. You could easily ride through the city and strike a massive political strike against the Queen as well. Two victories in one would cripple her ability to make war on us effectively."
Saker shook his head. Since when had scouts become political advisors as well? "I do not play the Great Game. Manetheren will not become as corrupted and twisted as Cairhein or the White Tower. Or . . . Andor."
The scout nodded sharply. "I understand, sir. With your permission . . .?"
"You may go," Saker said with a nod, turning his attention back to the small battlefield. Then, he turned and looked over his camp. Twenty thousand men, a powerful and formidably force, armed to the teeth, trained by the best in the best facilities available, tested by battle and proven by blood. A noble, strong, and dedicated force. He rode down into the camp. A few trumpets were blaring out on the field, where small units were drilling and practicing field manuevers, making themselves perfect. Beyond perfect. Into a lethal, quiet, killing machine.
Nodding and acknowledging the cries that followed him from his men, he rode straight to his tent, swung down out of the saddle, and walked into the second tent pitched right next to it. As he suspected, Curlan was inside with two of his men, pouring over maps and discussing the layout of the column of the Andoran line. Saker walked up to them, his boots making not a single noise on the grass underfoot, his sword on his hip creaking slightly as he bent over the table to study the layout of the army markers spaced around on the map.
"Curlan . . ." Saker nodded to the map. "I am at a crossroads, as you know. We have yet another chance to catch the Andorans by surprise. But with the subtlety that this commander has already shown, I strongly suspect this a trap of some sort. Now I need to know this, right here, right now. What is your take on this move? And if you were me, what would you do?"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Curlan gave a quick look to his two scouts and they dissapeared from the tent faster then Lord Saker did in the woods. He was still staring at the map and reports from his scouts. This was the first time Saker had come to him for advice. Curlan did not intend to dissapoint.
"Well, let's see..." Curlan said trailing off, looking over the maps harder. His men had scouted every blade of grass in a five mile radius. All had reported back to him except Darus. He was two hours late.
"Well, here is why they are coming piece meal," Curlan said, starting to draw extra battle lines on the map. "I haven't heard from this scout yet, which means one of three things. He is dead, captured, or stuck behind enemy lines. All three tell me the same thing. You got advancing troops on this flank. More then likely cavalry or archers. Perhaps both."
Curlan looked at the map hard again, seeing the advancing lines in his mind. He took a short breath to pray that Darus was still alive before continuing.
"If you pour out to meet the advancing troops like we've done before, you'll be sliced to ribbons by cav or archers in this woodline. If you really want to hurt them, hit those troops in the woodline. We've killed 5 scouts in the last two days. They don't have a clue what forces we have at our disposal. Either send the asha'men behind them to hit the wodline troops simaltaniously, or just hit the wood line troops and break down on their flank here."
The map had more lines on it then it should, but Curlan didn't care. He saw past them but knew they showed the options he needed to give.
"And none of those options will push you too close to the wolves," he finished, his golden eyes boring into Saker's.
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Topping a small hill, Alexia rode her horse over to the Gaidin that lead their small group. The one she closed in on seemed to be scanning the area for any hidden threats. She reviewed the small stretch of land before her as well as she thought over why she was there.
Andor, her birthplace, was the same as she remembered it. The outlying areas were rural and simple. She left this place to find her own way, so her scoundrel of a father would not rule over her life. Now she realized how much she had missed it and how she would not let the Band come in and change it.
Talks of the Band and Andorans fighting had reached her a few weeks ago. The informant had stated it had been longer still that the hostility that Queen Saveena had not tried to squelch had worsened in a day and now weeks later Lord Saker and his band were calling for total retribution. The fighting had been unnecessary but yet when she inquired what was going on with Saveena in the Caemlyn the only answer she received was that Saveena was not able to correspond with her. She was later told that no one had seen the Queen in the weeks before the entire situation went out of control.
The entire thing gave her a bad feeling, which caused her to go to the Blue Ajah. The only Blue she knew would be able to make some since of the situation had been Kerin. Granted she was still young but she had a good head on her shoulders. Alexia knew that once the woman got her nose in the air about something she would see things got done. They talked the situation over for many nights before the Blue decided to take it to the rest of her ajah. Alexia had also made a similar visit to the other ajahs. The rift between all of them had become tolerable of late since the new Amyrlin had been chosen. All the ajahs seem to have let some of the tension of the past go but of course not all. Alexia had been hesitant about speaking with the Red Ajah. But she did and had been flat out refused aid at first. After a week or so the Reds did come around. It was agreed on by the Hall to send out a group of Aes Sedai with at least one sister from each ajah to Andor.
Alexia looked back at the small group. The Aes Sedai with her were much younger then she had hoped. The ten or so Tower guards that traveled with them she was glad to say seemed a seasoned lot so she did not have to worry overly much. “How long till we here from the scout you sent out Master Kenly?” Just as she asked the question a young man came out of the woods into the clearing and quickly came up to them. “Report.” “Yes sir,” The man gave Alexia a look then continued, “It seems there was a skirmish between the Band of the Red Hand and Andoran soldiers. The band has secured the Queen’s Blessing.” “Thank you scout tell the other to get ready to leave.” The Gaidin then turned his attention to Alexia, “Maybe we should forgo going into the Four Kings Aes Sedai. If we would have taken the …” Alexia waved away his concerns, “No we would have not gotten through to Caemlyn that way even if we wanted to. The Queen has ordered any ship not carrying food and supplies for Andor to be stopped miles short of the capital. No we go straight to the Band. If the Queen will not here us out maybe the Band will.” The Gaidin did not say anything more but he looked as if he would like to argue.
Much later the small caravan of Aes Sedai and Gaidin arrived in Four Kings. She was not surprised to see the small town deserted. She headed for the first inn she saw and went in. The Innkeeper there surprisingly welcomed them and gave them lodging. She filled them in on what was going on. After her visit with the innkeeper where she gave her enough gold to be set for a very comfortable life Alexia wrote a note to be delivered to Lord Saker.
Lord Saker of Manetheren,
I request a meeting with you to speak of what can be done to hopefully find a peaceful solution to your problems with Andor.
Please meet me in the Silver Rose Inn in Four Kings.
Alexia Sedai
Aes Sedai of White Ajah
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 120
(3/6/06 11:42 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Kerin's horse stepped lightly through the streets of Four Kings, trotting towards the inn where Alexia had already set up her "headquarters" of a sort. The rest of the Aes Sedai in the group were rather unhappy, but Kerin was beyond unhappy. She was mad.
She swung down off of her horse even before it stopped, marching up to the door and pushing it aside impatiently. "This is absurd!" she exploded. The innkeeper, standing behind the bar, idly wiping a glass over and over, jumped and dropped the glass. It shattered on the floor, and Kerin didn't even pause as she stormed across the common room before throwing herself into one of the seats near Alexia, who looked up at her like an intruding child.
"Completely absurd!" she reiterated. "The nerve of the people around here!"
Very, very calmly, Alexia rested her chin on her hand and blinked. "Oh?"
Kerin glared out the window, blinking furiously. "My eyes and ears here refuse to report. Most of the people in the town are boarding up their doors, and it's not because the Band's coming to town." She crossed her arms, her feet tapping quickly on the floor. "Oh no. It's because WE came to town. The people think that this Lord Mandell has the right bloody idea! Well." She coughed. "I remember well the day that man was only a gaidin." She didn't say the truth of the matter however; that she knew him only through Kami's distant dealings with the man with one of Kami's old friends. "He wasn't nearly so arrogant then. The Warders wouldn't let him be. So he had to leave and form a lost nation? For crying out loud, the Tower is on the brink of war on two fronts, and here comes Mandell, threatening a third!"
Another of the Aes Sedai in the room coughed. "It would be well, child, to mind your tongue."
"I'll bloody well mind my bloody tongue when it bloody well feels like bloody being bloody minded!" Kerin growled, spinning to face her, taking fierce delight in the paleness that washed over the Red sister's face. "Blood and bloody ashes. The situation here is very complex, Alexia. Mandell holds sway with these people, who think that their Queen all but went insane. Or worse, that she fell to the influence of another. It cannot last like this! Andor under Manetheren's influence loose the Tower two allies, for the Black Tower is becoming ever-more tied into the fate of this . . . Band." Her lip curled in anger. "I would tread carefully with every word you speak."
****
Saker watched Curlan lay out his plan with a nod. Roll up the treeline . . . indeed. He could knock Andor out, essentially, with a powerful one-two punch combination that would leave the road to Four Kings, and ultimately, Caemlyn, wide open. He nodded to himself slightly. Curlan had never failed him yet, and there was no reason to doubt him now, but he had a horrible haunting suspiscion that something else had yet to take the field, that all the pieces were not quite laid just yet. Like an on-going stones game, he needed to be a little more cautious just yet. At this point, Andor had him outnumbered and was catching him unaware with their sudden movement.
Just as he opened his mouth to say such, the tent flap swung open. "Lord Mandell," a courier bobbed in a half-bow, half-salute. "This was just delivered for you. From Four Kings."
Saker took the offered envelope, wondering what was so important about it, when his eyes fell on the White Tower seal. He groaned inwardly at that. Just what he needed now, the White Tower finally hopping down onto his back as well. He looked back at the courier. "Go to the Asha'man, and tell them that we're probably going to need the M'Hael here soon."
He flipped the envelope open and read the note with a wry shake of his head. Sure enough, another piece had just been placed. He scowled darkly. Refusing Alexia Sedai, of all Aes Sedai, an audience would be right next to suicide. He turned to Curlan. "I need a clear lane to Four Kings. Me, you, and two others. Asha'man others."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Silence reigned in the common room after Kerin's impassioned spiel. Alexia stared at the woman for a long time before smiling. It was good to see at least she has started to care. For a long while the little snob could not seemed to think past her nose much less bite off anyone's head. But now was not the time for her passion.
"Oh do calm yourself Kerin. Aes Sedai doesn’t act like spoiled ninnies. Although I will admit your points are valid." She stopped smiling then and turned her attention to the rest of the group. "Now is not the time to squabble over things that cannot be controlled as of yet. We must make a plan of action and fast. The Band is still an ally to the White Tower. We must find a way to keep them from taking this too far.” Alexia sat back in her chair a bit and crossed her arms over her chest. She had no idea what to expect from Saker. He was a former Gaidin and she has spoken to him a handful of times that she could remember. But know him she did not and that could cause more problems then she wanted to admit to. “We all know at the moment the Queen is indisposed to us so we go to the other side and hope they will be reasonable.” She stood then, “Now would be the time for a few ideas sisters. Time is of the essence; Lord Mandell will be here shortly. And I have a feeling his new ally will not let him walk among us with out a few guards.”
Conversation hushed down a bit as the Aes Sedai put their heads together. The Gaidin guarded the entrances and were told to give a shout if the Band and their leader showed up. The end of the small meeting frustrated Alexia. Nothing seemed to be settled to her satisfaction. Every last sister seemed to want to demand they go to the Queen. But it was impossible. She tried to make them see that as of this moment the Band was an ally but just barely. They could not afford to antagonize them but neither could they tolerate this uprising against Andor. More then one sister mentioned the Black Tower much to Kerin’s morbid enjoyment. Alexia ignored her and reiterated that for now nothing could be done about the Asha’man.
An hour or so later the sisters got their warning. Alexia and the others stood when Lord Saker and the other members of his party walked into the common room. She watched them file in and could not help but see they were more organized then she would have liked. Saker had done a good job of keeping his men in line or so it seemed. She was about to speak when she caught sight of the two Asha’man that trailed in after the rest. The glares the two men gave her made her angry. She expected this but she hated they acted as if she had wronged them. Bloody children the lot of them.
“Lord Mandell I am glad to see you are well.” When he gave a nod at her welcome the innkeeper’s wife ushered in to offer drinks to the newcomers. When she left Alexia decided to get done to business. “I have come here to ask you on behalf of the White Tower to throw done your arms.” She felt rather then saw some of the Aes Sedai with her nod. Except for Kerin, who gave the Asha’man a very haughty glare. “It is our hope to come to a peaceful solution that we can then present to the Queen. One of course that favors any major issues you may have that we can some put to rest.” Alexia hoped that would help although she had a feeling form his unreadable expression it would not.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Curlan felt his tongue stick to the roof of his mouth. Dealing with Aes Sedai was not something he had ever wanted to do. He started looking at the map for a way around.
'Well sir," Curlan said with a half smile, "it'll be a hard ride around. And I need a hood."
And now he sat there in an inn with a Aes Sedai, several men standing around who could likely kill him faster then anyone he knew, hood pulled over his head. All he needed was for the Aes Sedai to start questioning him about his golden eyes.
This was definitly not comfortable for him.
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 123
(3/7/06 7:13 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Saker rode straight up to the inn, swinging out of his saddle, knowing that the men around him were professionals. They had been chosen for their skills and talents in areas such as this, and would not disappoint. Most had seen personal training for the blade under Saker or Elisan themselves, and were more than a match for any gaidin. They were swinging out of their own saddles, eyeing the men at the doorway.
Pushing back his cloak he moved up the couple steps and went through the door first. The next two men in went left and right, filing out until they had formed a bowl with Saker in the middle, with Curlan standing to his right and slightly behind him. Then in stepped the Asha'man, their flawless black coats seeming to jump right out and grab everyone's attention.
“Lord Mandell I am glad to see you are well.” When he gave a nod at her welcome the innkeeper’s wife ushered in to offer drinks to the newcomers. Saker watched impassively as the drinks were brought out and handed to all the men. They clutched them with one hand, ready to drop them on a moment's notice. “I have come here to ask you on behalf of the White Tower to throw done your arms.” Saker laughed inwardly, keeping his face a carefully smooth mask of indifference. “It is our hope to come to a peaceful solution that we can then present to the Queen. One of course that favors any major issues you may have that we can some put to rest.”
He remained silent for a moment, letting the tension in the room build. He recognized a few of the Aes Sedai in the room, others not so much. But he knew this had to a rather powerful collection of Sisters, one with influence and power in the Hall back in Tar Valon. He frowned inwardly, knowing that was potentially problematic.
"Any major issues that I may have, Alexia Sedai?" he asked, trying to keep his voice neutral. "You must know that your claims are as empty as the streets outside. Doesn't the White Tower know what has happened here?" he glanced around between the sisters. The one he dimly knew as Kerin was glaring daggers, but not at him. At the Asha'man. Something told him that she should have been a Red. "Andor purposefully initiated actions against us, Alexia Sedai. At Whitebridge, they attempted to cross into our lands with the sole intention of murdering me, and scattering the Band to the winds." The men around him shifted. A lot had gained much from Manetheren, and now threatening that was like threatening their lives, all that they stood for.
"If you want to end the war, I think you are in the wrong place. For ever since Whitebridge, this fight has been escalating, and it's beyond my control. If we were to stop right now, the army of Andorans outside this city would ride down upon my camp and massacre thousands. You do realize that you've ridden into the next battleground, right? Or has the White Tower's eyes and ears been blinded that much?"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
If she had not been an Aes Sedai for most of her adult life Alexia would have started cursing.
Loudly.
In her head she ranted to herself about idiots and twits that played at being a Queen. What Saker had mentioned had not gone unheard of in the Tower but something, anything, had to be done to avoid this. Or the Tower would turn on the Band of the Red Hand. The Hall had made it clear they would not associate with them if they did not find a peaceful solution. Amyrlin Seat went along with the Hall to some of the sitters surprise. The look on Arine's face that day gave Alexia pause. The Yellow was very sly in her machinations and Alexia only hoped it was because she had a plan on how to keep the White Tower from being sunk into the depths of chaos.
The mention of Whitebridge made Alexia want to shout at him to forget Whitebridge. They had no idea the things that were lurking in the shadows just waiting for every man and woman to be fighting against each other. But only then it will be to late. Her hazel gaze went to the Asha'man. One smirked when her eyes fell on him while the other gave her a hate filled stare. She rolled her eyes at him and turned her attention back to Saker.
Tension of the others was starting to wear on her and she wanted to just be done with all of them. "Lord Mandell if you have any suggestion we are open to them. You are a valuable ally to the White Tower. Now would be the time that you remember that and find a way to keep your men from dying in a useless war. This does not have to be a battleground."
Aiden watched the Aes Sedai curiously. He had nothing against them personally. But he was no fool. They were here for their own reasons, reasons he did not want to have a headache over trying to figure out. The red-haired one talking to Saker seemed to be losing her patience. It was sort of nice to see since he was sure it meant they were desperate.
But why would an Aes Sedai be desperate over a situation that had nothing to do with them?
He turned his head to look at Dell and Gamon. The Asha'man had been in and out of the camp of the Band for while now. Both seemed sane and Dell was even friendly on occassion. But one look at the both of them and Aiden could tell they would start trouble. Gamon had not stopped glaring at the red haired Aes Sedai since she rolled her eyes at him. Although he would have liked to see the two go at it he was very much attached to his life and limbs. A fight between the two could endanger those more then a dumb Andoran soldier could.
Only he wished he knew why Dell was so happy and smiling about?
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 124
(3/7/06 9:52 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Saker shrugged his shoulders slightly, crossing his arms, his dark eyes boring holes into Alexia. He could tell that the presence of the Asha'man was driving her insane . . . what she didn't know was that the Band had already all but severed their ties to the White Tower following Tear and Haddon Mirk. They had become too closely tied to the Black Tower to risk loosing the Asha'mans' support, and Saker was nto about to loose what he considered his most valuable ally anyway.
"I have a few suggestions, most of them relating to your continued good health," Saker said, his voice suddenly icy. "This is not a place for Aes Sedai or the White Tower. You think I don't know about the consequences of fighting with our old allies? Manetheren was once known as the thorn in the Dark One's side, and I have vowed to be so again. If that means that I have to defend my people against those that should be my friends. You want to end this? I have told you here is not the place to try. Here WILL be a battleground. I have fought in several campaigns, I know war. Go to Caemlyn. Talk to the Queen. Tell her to draw back her forces."
****
Raekal nodded as he walked down the spiral staircase. The two Asha'man flanking him, Stormleaders Rodgin and Revvan. He was dressed in his usual, the black coat with the half-cloak on his back, silver lightning snaking down his sleeves. As First Stormleader, his lightning was thicker than that on the sleeves of Rodgin or Revvan. As acting M'Hael, he was wearing black gloves with the golden dragons imprinted on the back of his hands. Aran had vanished about a week ago, going into his office and not coming back out. The really hard part about it all was that NO ONE knew where he was, or what had happened. Raekal refused to take the title of M'Hael, choosing instead to wait until some word, be it positive or not, came about Aran's whereabouts.
"The men are ready?" Raekal asked, turning to Rodgin. His friend nodded, staying silent. Raekal figured he didn't really approve of Raekal's idea. Raekal didn't care at the moment. It was really time to start telling the White Tower just how real the Asha'man were. No Aes Sedai had been to their Tower yet. None had seen what they had done with the place.
Raekal knew the Aes Sedai would be floored upon seeing all of this. That they would be leveled by the magnificence, the splendor of the Black Tower. His plan was to bring a few of them here, and make the rest realize that the Asha'man were not toys to be trifled with.
He reached the courtyard, and there were the men, standing in a loose group, all in their dress uniforms with swords on their hips. All were grim-faced and ready. Two dozen all told, more than enough to overwhelm the Aes Sedai and take each and every one out of commission.
Brenna came running up to him, giving him one of her looks. Raekal sighed. They had already had this conversation, and he had lost. Sneaking out was obviously no longer an option, and though he didn't want to take her into a potentially hazardous situation, he knew the numbers were strongly in favor of his men. And at least she was wearing a black jacket with silver buttons down the front, her hair pulled back out of her face. He paused for a moment, looking at her. She was his heart, his life . . . he really didn't know what he would do without her. He reached out, taking her face in both hands and pulling her to him for a quick kiss. Then sliding her around to his side, he out his arm around her shoulders.
He looked around once and then nodded. "Okay. Let's go."
****
Kerin sat, watching the proceedings, exchanging dark glares with one of the Asha'man. He had an odd smile quirking the corners of his lips as he stared at her. He had been staring at her since he came in, watching her with a dark malicious intent obvious in the cores of his eyes. She turned away from him slighly, watchign Saker turn the "talks" into a thinly veiled threat. Her skin went cold from his tone. She had been face-to-face with him alone once, deep in the bowels of the Stone of Tear, when he had gone through the ter'angreal. He had come back, and been different. He had acted differently since then, and it didn't seem like it was for the better, when the White Tower was involved. She leaned forwards to lightly touch Alexia's elbow.
About that time, she heard a shout outside, one of the gaidin that ended as abruptly as it had begun. She was standing, rising smoothly, reaching out to saidar when the shield slammed into place over her, iron-strong and numbing her deep inside. "I . . . Alexia." She swallowed hard, looking back at one of the Asha'man. "He's got me."
****
Raekal looked down at the gaidin's body. He obviously hadn't been bonded, a mere member of the Tower Guard. His lip curled upwards as he stepped over the man. He really shouldn't have been so insistent on trying to sound an alarm. Raekal beleived it the young man's own fault that his throat was now missing. Brenna was still on his arm, though she didn't look too happy. He supposed he would hear from her later about the hostile action taken here.
He pushed open the door, surverying the scene quickly. He looked over at Alexia, remembering her all too vividly with a slight shake of his head. "Alexia Sedai. How nice to see you again." Saidin was a raging river within him, molten rock and frozen ice, sliding through his veins, burning and freezing. "This time, won't you be my guest?" he asked cruelly, reaching out with saidin to shield her with ease.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
A chill went through her the moment the shield was in place. The ambush had taken moments and Alexia felt angry. More then angry just a small bit mad and wanting to kill. As she looked at Raekal she was sure he would welcome her attack so that he could kill her. Bloody bastard Her eyes saw red for a moment at his refering to her as a guest. "It's bad manners to shield your guest but then what would you Asha'man know about manners." Her voice was as cold as a winter wind and she did not care. She was the flaming prisoner he could deal with it as he wished.
Stars crossed her eyes soon after her words. The man who had been staring daggers at her while she was talking to Saker had slapped her. As he shouted at her to mind her manners her hand balled into a fist and she punched him in the face. "I may be shielded but I do attack when I'm corner you mangy dog!" Her voice was low and angry and she resisted rubbing her cheek. Another man stopped the one who assaulted her from lunging at her agian. They struggled for a while before Raekal gave them both a look. Both men stopped struggling. The one who hit her turned pale under his commander's gaze. If she was not so angry she would have laughed.
The man was ushered out under a wacthful eye but soon enough Raekal was staring at her again. His eyes still gave her a bit of a start but then he knew that. They bored into her now and she was not in the least bit worried. At least not for herself. Lord Mandell and the other stood and watched and she was not surprised. Resigned, she squared her shoulders, "Well you might as well get on with I assume you do not have all day and I would much rather go now rather then later." Her tone was patient as if she was talking to a child which she knew was not the way Raekal liked to be treated.
Brenna stood back and watched in awe. Raekal was not taking Alexia's words well. But he seemed more angry about what one of his men had done then about her for the moment. The woman was about the same hieght Brenna yet she carried herself as if she were taller. She was sure that was something learned before sh became Aes Sedai. If the scene before her was not so serious Brenna would have laughed. Although she liked the Aes Sedai her loyalty was to Raek. Alexia was one of the few she figure would be more accomdating of the Asha'man. But like Raek she was loyal to her Tower and that meant they would always come at an impasse.
"Sometimes all this is so bloody stupid." Her mumble must have reached Raek since the bond quivered with indignation before going cold. She kept a straight face and moved closer to him sending soothing like emotions through the bond. she would not show how all of this was silly to anyone else but him.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Curlan smiled to himself, face still deep in the cowl of his hood. This situation was well in hand now with reinforcementss from the Black Tower here. He wasn't very happy about being here, buy Lord Saker told him where to go and when to do it.
Slowly being caged by responcibility.
****************************************************
Rodgin stepped through the gateway and into Four King's looking every bit the Stormleader and arms master he was. His men killed fast, as proven by the poor Gaiden that was laying in his own blood now.
Rodgin didn't mind the visit, but he feared Raekal's hate of Aes Sedai would cloud his judgement here. Ever since Haidon Mirk, he seemed even more hateful. Thankfully Brenna was enough to temper it out of him for the most part. This situation could quickly go down hill though.
And then the young whelp hit the Aes Sedai. Rodgin nearly killed him on the spot, but instead drug him out of the room. He would leave Raekal to his talk and mockery of the Aes Sedai. Fixing overzealous Asha'men was something Rodgin knew a thing or two about.
And fix he did.
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 125
(3/8/06 11:42 am) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Raekal was filled--quite literally--to the brim with simmering anger at the Asha'man. He knew Rodgin would take care of the man and his insolence, and that that particular man would never so much as set a toe out of line ever again. He turned his attention back to the Aes Sedai, his cold light blue eyes scanning the room.
"Well you might as well get on with I assume you do not have all day and I would much rather go now rather then later."
Raekal's attention went back to her. "As you wish." He turned to Revvan, who was standing next to Saker, arms crossed across his chest, eeys daring the Aes Sedai to make a move. "Stormleader, pick three Aes Sedai."
Revaan smiled and nodded to three of them. With flows of air, he pulled the three that had been singled out forwards. "Tie their shields off, set them to dissipate after a few hours. Give them hours and let them take whatever supplies they wish. These three have a mission, a message to deliver back to their White Tower." Raekal felt Brenna tensing on his arm, could feel the conflict in her mind. She didn't mind Aes Sedai, but she lived and worked for the Black Tower now. The division in her loyalties was harsh. "You three will go back and tell that the Asha'man have taken the pther four as guests back to the Black Tower." A few eyes bulged, he loved it. Anytime he could surprise Aes Sedai was a good time. "There they will remain, unharmed. The incident with Gamon is regretable, yes, and you have my word that it will not be repeated."
He turned back to Revvan once more. "However, at the moment we have other matters to attend to besides Aes Sedai getting in the way. Your gaidin, those still alive, will be sent back with the three Aes Sedai. After all, we do not wish them harm either . . ." his tone indicated clearly the opposite. "Revvan, the tea?"
Revvan stepped forwards, pulling a pouch out of his pocket. A few minutes later, he had mixed the tea and was passing out cups to all the Aes Sedai. Who drank it, willingly or not. Then, as the forkroot kicked in, Raekal left Revvan and two others to watch over them, taking the rest back out to the street with Saker.
****
Saker watched the three Aes Sedai leave slowly, trying to hold their heads high and look dignified despite the fact that they had just been thoroughly whipped. He wondered if any would be foolish enough to not do as the Asha'man had instructed and try to sneak back to rescue their friends. But he needed not worry about that--that was now the Black Tower's responsibility. He had an army of Andorans to worry about.
"Master Dunshain, a moment?" Saker asked, following the Asha'man down the steps into the streets. "I am sure you know of the Andorans in the area."
Raekal smiled thinly. Saker's eyes twitched to the woman still on his arm, who was eyeing him coldly. He wondered how dangerous a woman would have to be to live with at the Black Tower. Another thought occured to him. She couldn't be . . . bonded to him, could she? That would be . . . quite normal, he supposed.
"I do," Raekal said, his voice calm, low, as if nothing that had just happened had happened. "I know perhaps as much as you do." Saker's eyes flickered to Curlan. He doubted Raekal knew QUITE as much, but more than the White Tower had. "One thing that the Aes Sedai probably said to you. This war needs to stop."
Saker nodded. "You have no idea how much I agree."
Raekal smiled. "Then, it is time we end it. With the destruction of Andor's forces so close to Caemlyn, the commanders will have no choice but to pull back to the city, and the Queen will be forced to come out and speak with you. You can make peace with her then."
"Unless she decides to fight. Which wouldn't surprise me at this time."
Raekal nodded slowly. "I do not think she is quite as foolish, however. But we shall see. First things first. Where is your camp? We need to return there to prepare for battle."
Saker nodded, and before he knew it, he was stepping through the gateway onto the low sloping hillside, standing just above his camp. The camp had actually been broken while he was gone, the men in rows, battle rows. Raekal turned to his men and sproke briefly. Saker waited until he was done. "I will need my infantry as well."
****
Kerin walked out of the building slowly, taking the horse from the man's hand. The man. She refused to add an "asha" before man. He was a man. She kept her eyes steadfastly forwards, her mind running through all available options to her. She could try to do something, come back and slice the Asha'man inside apart, but the Three Oaths prevented such an action. Light, as much as she wanted to not believe it, she did indeed believe Raekal's word that they would come to no harm, so their lives were not in danger, and they were letting them go and . . . the only option that she could see was either going to Caemlyn to plead their case to the queen, but what good that would really do she had no idea.
Ignoring her two comrades as much as they ignored her, she turned and rode out of town. She would head to Caemlyn, but only to get a ship back to Tar Valon. Then, once there, the Hall would decide how to act. The Hall would do something powerful, decisive . . . something right.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Alexia tried not to grind her teeth. Events had gone from somewhat disappointing to completely infuriating in her mind. At least someone would notify the Hall not to interfer. Or at least she hoped not. The last thing she needed was any one of them to get it in their head to try and rescue her or the others. The look she gave Kerin was quick but she was not sure the Blue saw it. Now is not the time to play hero. By the Light I hope she knows that.
The she drank that blasted tea. She knew the effects of the stuff and pretty soon she was passed out in a chair.
Brenna listened to the tlak of Andorans and war and felt sick. Did she not tell this man she was tired of war? If he did not listen to her soon she would have to kick him. If the Aes Sedai had come to the Band to ask them to stop the war then the Queen was obviously not listening to the White Tower either. How much more could the Black tower do? And this Lord Saker was just too bloodthirsty for her own piece of mind. He could simple go and find the Queen and threaten her couldn't he? How hard was that to do? He did not even need the Black Tower for that unless he wanted one of them to make a gateway. Light did any man think reasonably around her? "Why is it that you feel this need to start a war when the simple thing to do would to kidnap the Queen? She is in Camelyn right this minute doing nothing but sititng around while other people die for her." Both Saker and Raekal looked at her in surprise. She started a bit since she had not meant to speak that out loud then she made a face and talked a bit more. "She started this take the fight to her instead of killing people and getting Asha'man involved. I have been told you are great strategist Lord Mandell figure something out." For good measure she pinched Raekal and made sure he felt her mood.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 126
(3/8/06 7:38 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Saker stared at the woman next to Raekal with a blank expression. "You . . . you really think it's so easy to walk into Caemlyn and kidnap a Queen? Light woman . . . she'll be surrounded by over a hundred men ready to die for her! The entire city would go up in arms if someone stepped foot through the palace doors and went after her. Security is not something to laugh about, nor ignore."
Raekal nodded slowly, looking thoughtful. "I wouldn't worry about doing such right now." Two gateways slashed open on either side of him, and out leapt two Asha'man, landing in three-point stances. "Sir!" Both said, raising, snapping fist-to-heart salutes as their gateways snapped shut. "Andorans approaching fast and hard. Coming out of the treeline and up from behind the little outcropping."
Saker turned, sending hand signals down to the camp. Horns blared out as he began to split his forces. "Master Dunshain, I'll appreciate all the held you and yours can give. Without the infantry here, we're drastically outnumbered."
"Don't worry about the infantry too much," Raekal said, nodding towards the opposite ridge. Gateways were beginning to open, large enough to columns to pour through, and men were doing just that. Saker smiled fiercely this battle really was about to begin, now. "I must go join my men," Raekal said, and stepped backwards with Brenna on his arm still through another gateway.
Saker turned away, jogging down the slope until he reached the lines of men. One handed him the reins to his horse, and he swung up into the saddle, wacthing as more were brought up for those that had been with him. Grabbing Curlan by the arm, he pulled the man around to look at him.
"It'll be a while before the infantry can form for battle. At least ten minutes that we don't have, perhaps more. We have to buy them that time, understood? I want you to take the left flank. Lead them well. After all of this . . ." Saker looked towards the trees again. Curlan was a free spirit. Cage him too much, and he would break. Saker needed him to be open, free to do what he did best. "After this, you can go do whatever you want for a time. I'll let you decide." Saker pushed him towards the left, drawing the sword on his hip.
The horns of advancing Andoran troops blasted the air, and the ground began to tremble underfoot. Saker spun his horse in a circle, raising the blade overhead. "For Manetheren!!" he yelled. The roar that came back was as patriotic and powerful as ever, enough to raise the hair on the back of Saker's neck. "For Manetheren!!" the roar was twice as powerful as men raised weapons overhead, shook them, horses dancing, armor clanking.
The horns blasted the air. The roar transformed as the horses kicked forwards, beating the ground as they went up the slope, dirt and grass flying as their hooves dug in. Men were screaming, Saker along with them. There was something . . . insanely powerful about the imminent rush of battle.
They broke the ridgeling in a wave of power, the men angling their spears, horseback archers drawing arrows to fit to their strings. Saker spun the sword in his hand, letting the horse accelerate beneath him, feeling the power . . .
Andoran lines reacted like professionals, archers taking a step back, drawing their powerful bowstrings back even as shieldmen rushed forwards, planting their shields at angles and pikemen laid their poles across the shoulders of their comrades, creating a wall of wood and steel. A daunting obstacle to any force.
Any force without Asha'man, that is.
Fire erupted from the ground in rows and lightning fell from the sky in clumps, incinerating the archers, blasting apart the Andoran lines. Fireballs the size of houses rolled through their columns, the earth opened to swallow whole companies. Saker glanced to his side and saw an Asha'man point fowards with his hand, and fire raced from each fignertip to slice through the hearts of men trying desperately to rally the decimated line.
Then Saker and his men hit, pounding through the front column, screams rising as horses trampled over men, swords rising and falling, spears flashing, arrows hissing around them. Saker's horse leapt over a clump of bodies, landing in front of two men who were running backwards, screaming in terror. He rode over them both, not caring, closing his emotions off inside the void.
The main lines of the Andoran force on the right flank was beginning to come up now, seeing their advance scouting force in total ruin, streams of men exitting the battlefield only to be mown down by bolts of lightning from a clear sky. The Andoran commander, a hard man by any terms, made his decision right then and there.
Saker twsited around, hearing the horns over the drone of dying battle and the screams of the wounded. they were coming from in front of him, meaning that this battle was about to get a lot more serious if something did not happen right then, and right there. Arrows fell in waves around him suddenly, taking men out of their saddles, striking still-fighting Andorans in the back. A new wave of screams rose, and Saker realized that the Andorans were standing at a distance, firing into the melee in an attempt to bring down their enemies' numbers by sacrificing some of their own. Saker shook his head. It was a tactic he would never, ever use, one born from desperation and sick delusions.
Before the arrows could continue to fall, the Asha'man cast a shield overhead, and a very unnerving sight of arrows frozen in midair filled the sky. Saker spun his horse, trying to shout out orders to reform the lines, to make ready, but there was too much chaos, too much death still echoing all around him, that few heard and those that did looked away, distracted by the need to survive.
A roar rose from the trees, and out from their dark interior came the Andorans, charging ing with spears lowered, swords bared. Saker spun to face them. Crossbowmen fired a volley into the Band's struggle before the infantry clashed, and Saker felt the horse sliding out from under him. Leaping, he twisted, hitting the ground on his side, rolling across his shoulder to come up with his sword flashing in his hands, spinning around to behead the nearest man, twsiting around to deflect a few spear thrusts. He kicked a discarded sword up into his other hand, and locking blades for a moment, knew that it was now or never.
Spinning and dipping, he began to dance among their lines, swords flashing around him in patterns too intricate for even simple gaidin to master. Long ago, Saker had learned that to master the sword, all one had to do was to study it. But to be a Master of the Sword, one had to understand it. Be in tune with it and one's self, and Saker was then more than ever before. His heart beat in rythym to his movements, his eyes caught every moment, every threat. Men that came towards him, died. His hair came loose and flew around his face as he moved and fought.
He was aware that the battle was not going poorly, for he heard the horns echoing out, the roar of the infantry charging in. He could see and feel the fight around him, see the explosions as Asha'man wrought their havoc, destroying life like nothing, walking through the battlefield and slaughtering Andorans. He could feel the earth shake, knew that Four Kings right now was sitting with bated breath, awaiting the pouring in of the wounded and the fleeing, waiting for whichever army would march through the ruins of the other. There was no retreat here--if the Band won, they owned the road to Caemlyn. If Andor won, Saker would be dead, and Manetheren cast to the wind once more. So they fought, poured out their heart and souls to it, and knew beyond any doubt . . .
Manetheren would win.
Ducking and sliding on one foot, Saker rose, stabbing outwards with one sword, ripping the second through the stomach of a luckless man. Spinning again, the red blades spun around him, and a man fell back screaming, his arm removed at the elbow. A second man simply slid to the ground, lifeless, the stab wound through his heart perfect, not messy at all. The Band was surging forwards through the woods around him, and he could hear them chanting now, hear the battle chant the men were picking up.
Dance with Jak 'o the Shadows . . .
Yes, Saker thought. Yes. Come. Dance with me.
****
Raekal stood in the grey void of Skimming after leaving Saker's side, and turned to Brenna. "Where did that come from?" he asked. "And why pinch me? I can feel your emotions better than you can!" He growled, rubbing his arm. It had hurt. She was in a bad mood, and felt like showing it. "You wanted to come along on this, so don't even accuse me of dragging you out here. I told you there would be death and battle!"
Not really listening to her reply, but still taking stock of her answer, he stepped out of the grey skimming world a few miles away with several other Asha'man, watching the Band charge over the hill and into the Andorans, the Asha'man channeling furiously to destroy the Andoran lines. Raekal joined in at once. Today would not end lightly. He had a bad feeling that Saker would pursue this one to the end now . . . and it would, in fact, be Brenna's fault for suggesting it in the first place.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
A long time ago Skimming would have given Brenna the willies. Now she stepped on the plateform like she had done it all her life. She also wanted to stomp on Raekal's foot just so he could feel it more then her. "You idiot! I came because you were NOT going to leave me behind at the Tower to worry about you. I came because unlike you I have some sense and do not WANT to see anyone else die of this idiocy you and that bloody dumb Lord Saker are willing to dish out. For once think like a man and see the Queen of Andor is a flaming fool!" She frowned at his lack of answering and continued, "Why I said what I was thinking I will never know but you know I don't think it will be so bad if he is as good as he is said to be." She doubted it since he felt the need to complain about the guards and who knows what else. "If only he would not feel the need to start some stupid fight with Andorans who are obviously not as skilled as the Band. But then that would be wishful thinking since I am talking about sheep-brained men." she pinched him again to make him actually look at her while she was talking. "Plus you don't help when you don't go along with my idea. You should have said, 'Yes that is a great idea I will lend you an Asha'man or two who know how to make gate ways into the palace or as near it as they can so you can go and get Queen Saveen to stop the bloodshed.' Now why didn't you do that? Light I almost hate you right now. And what in the bloody Light convinced you that kidnapping Aes Sedai would help ANYTHING....."
They stopped and Raekal pulled her out with him. What she saw made her want to weep. Watching the Band charge the Andorans was too similar to what happened in Tear and she was not over that yet. Her heart stopped for a moment and she felt overwhelming sadness. War just seemed inevitable. With that thought in her mind she pushed away the sadness. Her feelings had to be calm because it would distract him if she continued being so sad. This fight had some how became his too the moment he came here so she had to make sure he was concentrating on it not her. But afterwards she would kick him for making her weepy.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 126
(3/11/06 4:16 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Raekal let his eyes wander across the field of battle. It was being fought on two seperate fronts--the Band's attack had neatly divided the Andoran's attention, and now with the Asha'man's help, had depleted their reserves in the center so that there were two fields of death before him. Saker was in one, he knew, but he wasn't sure who lead the other half. Whoever did wasn't a bad commander, from the look of things. He turned away, saidin draining out of him, and ran his mind back over what Brenna had said to him earlier. A low pang of guilt hit him in the stomach, and he frowned. He did expect a lot from her for little in return, and it was beginning to get to her, he could tell.
He walked away from the battle, motioning for her to follow. Away from the other Asha'man, he let himself slide down the trunk of a tree to sit at it's base, and motioned for her to sit next to him. He relaxed a moment, chasing off the fatigue of channeling so much so quickly. "I'm sorry," he said softly, studying the ground between his feet, his elbows propped on his knees. "You know that we all have a . . . job here. I serve the Black Tower, and it is my life. I put its needs before my own, before any others. I'm sorry this happened, this battle, but you know, deep down, that it had to happen. Think about what this means for the Tower, Brenna!"
He paused, realizing that she very much did not want to talk politics and discuss the Tower's impending benefits to this slaughter. He sighed, scrubbing a hand across his face. He had shaven this morning, so his cheeks were smooth, unmarred, and his hair was laying in perfection, not a strand out of place. But he felt as if he should be covered in dirt and mud. He was afraid of what he felt trickling through the bond--disgust. Not at him, personally, but at the disregard for human life displayed here today. "We have to be hard, Brenna. We have to be firm, solid, or else the Shadow will wipe us all away without a second thought. Andor was standing in the Shadow's doorway, ready to fall over inside. We have to yank them back, and if that means that we have to kill several thousand men, so be it! Andor means more to the world whole, and behind the Light's banner than it does behind the Shadow's. I'm sorry you think that I don't care, I do. I really do . . . but . . . it must be done."
Death is lighter than a feather, duty heavier than a mountain. The words rang inside his skull mockingly.
"We can't go to Caemlyn right now, because since Whitebridge, the Queen has outlawed all Asha'man. We are rogues to her, nothing more. Don't you see? Going there would be a battle in itself! Against innocents, unarmed men and women. At least here we can shatter her armies and make her come to us. We can make her hear, make her listen. There are steps that must be taken everywhere we go. Lives are nothing more than assets to the Tower." Even mine.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Brenna wanted to slap and hug the man all at the same time. He was so bloody kind when he wanted to be. The sadness that invaded her mind and her heart was being pushed back.... and replaced with anger. He contradicted himself more then he knew and she would set him straight. "I cannot believe you of all people are scared of the Queen of Andor. And your small explanation makes not one wit of sense. Look around you Raekal. The men she has here and whatever ones she has waiting for Saker and his Band are all she has. This is a desperate attempt to keep Saker and you out." Glaring at him she went on. "She is the one on defensive we are the ones on the attack. Simple battle logistics right? Now of course these men are half wits since none of them seem to be fairing against good Lord ninny used be warder." She mad a face at that then went on, "Now think about this what if in the Palace she only has enough to keep her guarded but not enough to keep the rest of the Palace so tightly secure. The Asha'man could sneak in with Saker and take her with only half of the death wrought here today."
She stood then needing to walk off her frustrations. To her mind they were to busy thinking of retaliation and destruction. The people the Queen had fighting against the Band could be home tending their own families if they took a much more direct route to the Queen. Light what am I going to do with them? Does he really expect to beat the women of the White Tower like this? "I understand war Raekal but it does not always have to be this way. Strategic attacks are key in winning anything in the first place. This battle that is being raged right now is a waste of men and time. The longer we sit here besting the locals the longer the Queen has to plan."
Alexia awoke groggy and disoriented. She was sitting in a chair her head slumped on an Inn table. For a moment she thought she had disgraced herself then she remembered and she sat up. Groaning over the sharp pain in her head she looked around as rubbed her temple. She pushed her dark red hair off her forehead and looked around. At the look of things Raekal and his other men had not made it back yet. The guards were watching her intently as if she would bite one of them if they came close. She would if she could but that was not a thought she should entertain at the moment.
Being kidnapped was such a dreadful thing to think about. For one she should have been prepared. Well not that I knew it would happen so I guess being prepared is the wrong phrase. Weary was a better word. She knew the connections that Saker had with the Black Tower. She should have been weary of him. Now she had to figure out how to get more information. Raekal and his new M’hael had to have reason for kidnapping four Aes Sedai.
The pain in her head became bearable after an hour or so but she still felt dizzy. She could not even grasp the source which made her wanted to groan and curse. But for now she needed to keep her Aes Sedai calm as some called it. If she let the enemy see weakness she would not get what she wanted out of them.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 127
(3/14/06 6:18 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Raekal's eyes narrowed as he watched Brenna rise and walk around. Talking about matters which she did not understand. He had tried to be nice. He had tried to explain it in a manner that she would understand. Perhaps now, though, he would have to be a bit more blunt. "Brenna." She turned to him, noting the hard line in his voice and the ice-cold steel flowing across the bond. A bit of surprise wafted back at her. "You don't understand war. If we went to Caemlyn, and took the Queen, nothing, nothing would change! Haven't you heard the rumors? The tales? Of this mysterious Lord Raphael? He is the one in command, and he recently vanished. I believe Aran's disappearance is linked; Aran had voiced suspiscions that this Raphael was perhaps a Forsaken in disguise. There is a reason that we HAVE to kill those men," he said, waving his hand at the field outside.
"Most are darkfriends and evil men. Andor fell to the Shadow, and recruited the Shadow's best to fill her ranks. We are wiping out the evil, wiping the Shadow from Andor. Taking the Queen would be an act of war against which we have not declared war against yet." His eyes narrowed more. "Besides. The world knows what happens when the Black Tower is attacked, and what happens when we are angered. Now let them see what we can do to those that cross us repeatedly. Andor outlawed us; we will force them to reverse such." He crossed his arms across his chest, still sitting with his back against the tree. "Now. Do you still think that this is all a waste? Or must I take you back to the Tower now so that I can deal with my Aes Sedai in peace?"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Brenna forced a laugh. "You counter my very well thought out advice with rumors and tales of Forsaken?" She felt his anger rise and she did not care. "When are we going to actually strike were it's important. If Lord Raphael has disappeared now is the BEST time to capture the Queen. The best time to reign in her armies so any darkfriend can be found and gotten rid of. You know that intermingled with the darkfriends are light-minded people. People roused from their farm and Andoran cities don't you?" She was shouting and she lowered her voice. “You make think this is effective in getting rid of those darkfriends but it does not help keep Andor whole.” Her mind was filling to the brim with ideas of what can be done other then this. She knew Raekal would disagree with every single one but she would make him listen. “The Black Tower cannot make enemies of everyone Raekal. No matter how much power you take in from being feared there are that many more who will turn on you so that you can be brought down. Plus why are you so ready to give in to this way? Stealth and secrecy can end this and no one would be the wiser. You use the one power.. use it for something like this.... use it to where you can convince the Queen to stop this." He gave her a skeptical look and Brenna sighed, "Fine you want to be a fool so be it. You want to convince yourselves that THIS is not an act of war against Andor then you are really as foolish and small-minded as the Aes Sedai think you are. This will get you nowhere and the Aes Sedai are waiting for you to slip up. Do you think right now they may not have already thought of taking the Queen into safety? And if the rumors of this Lord Rapheal disappearance have hit your ears then it has gotten to the White Tower too. Do you think they are so slow-minded?" Cold fury raged through the bond but Brenna had to make him see. They had to be more cunning then the flaming Aes Sedai or the Black Tower will be pulled under. He was too concerned with death and she had to show him there are other things that can be done then pushing himself to an early grave.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 129
(3/14/06 7:28 pm) Reply
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Raekal had to slam a block over the shield, or the anger pouring from him into her would have merely added to the growing fire between them, and fists would have flown. "You just don't get it, do you," he growled. "We're above the White Tower here. If the White Tower knew anything, ANYTHING about this fight, they would have been on our side from the beginning. You want to see the evidence?" he asked, his voice little more than a growl. He rose and grabbed her arm forcefully, channeling quickly to form the gateway into his own office back in the Tower. He drug her through, let teh shield snap close, and walked to his desk, picking up two stacks of papers. "These are the reports from our eyes and ears inside Caemlyn. All--do you hear me? ALL--of the 'good' Queensmen have been sent westward, towards Aringill to hold incase the Cairhein civil war threatens to spill into Andor."
He picked up another stack and shoved at her. "There are the reports on all the men that have been sent at Manetheren from the beginning. Thieves, criminals, men that Raphael released from his prisons to hand them officer's positions. Mercenary units pulled in from all areas, most with shady reputations. Why do you think the people in Andor itself do not come out to support their troops? These men, the ones we are killing now, are evil! Shadowspawn! If we did not face them NOW, we would face them LATER. The battle would still happen, and perhaps not on ground of our choosing. You say this serves no purpose?" He flung another stack of papers at her. "These papers are letters from the people that we have intercepted to their Queen, to the White Tower, and to Lord bloody Mandell himself! These people object to everything that this Raphael has made their Queen do! When we have defeated this army, and can march to Caemlyn, THEN we will draw the Queen out to talk to her. And unless this Raphael has a much stronger hold on her than we think, she will be thankful to us. For liberating Andor and Manetheren."
He was panting, shoulders heaving. He was so angry he could hardly see straight, and Brenna sitting there telling him that the WHITE BLOODY TOWER was above them . . . well. She was lucky he was a man of honor, or she would have a very sore mouth for her cheek. "The White Tower has long been suffering for new knowledge. You saw the very evidence yourself not very long ago! This new Amyrlin of theirs is a bit TOO strong, even for them, and she MUST be made to understand that the Asha'man are NOT a threat to the White Tower, but a very, very valuable ally! If you question my methods in doing what must be done again, Brenna, I . . . I don't know what I'll do."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Four Kings (BAND)
Brenna watched him rage and just shrugged. The papers he flung in her face meant nothing. He knew all this and not once told her anything."Fine I concede defeat. You are right I knew nothing and now I do. Thank you for telling now in the midst of all the things that are happening. I think I will let you go back to your brillant kidnapping plan." She went to walk out of the door then stopped. "As for the White Tower you underestimate them every time you think you know what they will do. They know you are threat to them and they are trying to guard against the Asha'man as much as the Black Tower is trying to find a way to attack them." Her grip on the doorknob tightened, "Maybe if you would have told them what was going on they would feel indebted to you. Or at least a very influential one would try and help you. Talk with Alexia. Maybe she will be more help to you then me."
She then walked out not really caring what he did with himself. He had shielded his feelings from her and at the moment maybe it was a good thing. Jerk! If he knew all that why now is he just reacting? Does he really think after this the world will think the Black Tower is anything but a power hungry tyrant?
she made her way out of the Tower to the gardens. She had to calm down and think. Now that he told her all of what he knew she would devise another way to help him. The Queen snatching was obviously out.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
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