S3E5 - To Absent Friends

Sounds from the dining hall. The party is eating and catching up from the day.

Nar - Keldor

The dining hall was surprisingly quiet that evening. The members of the order sat on their oaken benches largely in silence. The pasty thin broth of their meal a reminder of the siege. This taste would likely never change for as long as they were trapped inside the halls of the great tower. For some they felt it could be their last altogether the wear of battle driving spirits downward. One Squire sits with his company staring at the last bite of the provided food balanced in his spoon... carved from a single golden horn.

benedict

(last bite of food) Oh...

(beat)Well Morren I hope you have a good evening

Morren

(thinking) Yes. You as well Benedict. Rest well.

bryce

Hey... Benedict?

benedict

Yes Sir. I.. I mean Bryce.

Bryce

(chuckle) You fought well today kid.

Nar - Keldor

Bryce smiled. the blue crown and sword on his black tunic was darkened in spots as was his attitude prior at the table. But now at least for a moment the brooding Corporal relaxed the tension in his face and eyes. Ridley the dwarf looked up as well at Bryce. Seeing him smile caused a big grin on her face.

Bryce

Real well.

Ridley

(a bit of happyness) You were great! See you in the morning...

(excited) and we'll send more of them back to the shadows from where they came!

benedict

(chuckle) Sounds good Ripley and... thank you Bryce.

Nar - Keldor

Benedict made his may out and into the quiet hall of the tower. The tower was separated into sections much like the cross section of an orange. each of the 6 smaller towers flanked the central tower while adjacent to each other. and were in their own right impressive. The central tower may be a staggering 1200 feet high but the side towers were still 400 feet if he were to guess at them being a third of the height from a distance. He looked to his right... The curving high walls were covered in faded and worn tapestries. The once vibrant colors over time had faded to their pale pastel counterparts in the stale air that reverberated down the halls.. He imagined the pale periwinkle was once a strong blue as seen on the newer tunics of the soldiers stationed here and the mint green a bold turquoise or even deep jade.

benedict

(to himself)Woah... This is the war of the stone. Wh.. Where it all began.

Nar - Keldor

He stopped in front of a tapestry depicting a battle around a huge towering monolith shaped eerily like an anvil. though black there were numerous colored threads woven inside to show multiple colors shimmering on the surface. It was impossible to tell how large it was but in the embroidery it certainly felt like a small mountain. The foreground was filled with banners he didn't recognize. Axes, wolves, trees, elk, hammers all were in battle against the standards of a raven or an eagle. He wasn't sure. Erebus hadn't shared much of this time in history, just the legends. Which honestly were probably more fun and entertaining to a 10 year old.

He was aware this ancient order had existed since the war of the stone, and this Tower was built in the years following it. But that was over 1500 years ago. These banners came from the time before that.

An opening in the long wall became visible as the hall curved gently towards it revealing the central sanctuary. He smiled thinking back on the events a few hours ago.

Sounds of the chamber and reverence.

Nar - Keldor

The sanctuary was filled with white tunics of the Knights and the Black tunics of the soldiers. The blue crown and sword rippling across every chest like gentle waves as they sat watching the procession. Benedict knelt head bowed at the front of the room with 5 others dressed in only a simple white robe. They didn't waver. Steadily balanced and calm before the large crowd. a crowd that had seen this ceremony and been a part of it themselves at some point in their career.

caleb

(Announcing proudly) Members of the Order. You... You have witnessed their actions this day and wish to welcome these... Initiates to our ranks as Squires.

(beat) Lord Alvar, Knight Commander of the Celestine Tower it is my honor to bring them to you.

(beat) May the Stone... now guide your judgement, milord.

Nar - Keldor

Lord Alvar stepped forward. His wiry beard seemed more full and strength seemed to return to his grey eyes. He wore no ceremonial outfit but the same white tunic he was accustomed to wearing. Complete with 4 blue bars at the bottom.

lord alvar

(a presenting and rehearsed speech) Initiates, you proved valor this day on the field. When in battle... only YOUR heart will know if your... intentions were honorable. In our tenets there are guiding words... Words we use to guide our tongues as well as our sword... Our actions are still our own... but now they will also carry with them... the collective will of the knighthood.

(beat) In all your days, give not into anger or seek revenge... Always show kindness and generosity... Forgive... Forgive the unforgivable... Keep your word in all things... And always... Always defend those who can't defend themselves.

nar - keldor

He stepped forward and drew his longsword. The brass pommel and cross guard polished to a high sheen. The well used blade had been carefully ground to remove the deeper nicks and blemishes but many remained to

tell their story. A story many watching knew from their own sparring with the old veteran.

benedict

(sigh)

Nar - Keldor

Benedict took a last look in the wide room. He could still smell the rich incense and sage from the braziers and feel the cheers as they welcomed him to their ranks. Keldor and Elloveve had proudly embraced him following the ceremony and his units Commander Morren with Bryce and Ridley led the rest of their group in a rousing Huzzah. This WAS what he always dreamed of.

He came to the stairway that ascended to the next floor above leading to the barracks. The Barracks were placed in each tower though only 2 of them were being used at this time. The stone steps were kept clean as the cavalry could wear their smooth sabatons that could act more like skis on these stairs with one wrong step. He climbed the 20 feet to the next level. the hall branched to several rooms each containing 20 cots covered in tufts of straw bedding and topped with a tanned large animal fur. It was suprisingly comfortable and a step up from the hard ground of the road or the turn in the wagon. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment before pulling his boots off. There was only one thing missing from today.

benedict

(sigh and quiet prayer) Knightlord, please watch over my friends tonight. Though we are separated I feel we are all still together. May the maiden guide those in the Tower seeking its secrets that may help us. And please help brave Skotmir in organizing the volunteer militia tomorrow. I know I shouldn't doubt him (beat) Help him to see that too.

Nar - Keldor

He couldn't help but smile thinking of his awkward but caring friend. He was rough but if he just believes in himself, he knew he could do great things. Then laying down on the bed his eyes drifted off to sleep.

SFX Door Transition

Nar - Keldor

Dawn came too soon for most especially those in the 5th Infantry. Captain Morren looked at her company once they reached their point at the front of the line behind a long row of entrenched pikeman. The long black tunics donned the majority of her soldiers. Elves, humans, dwarves and an orc or two had served by her side. Northern Darkovnia, Bellz and parts of southern Trull represented in the ranks. Blue crown and sword emblems across the chest of all including the 4 veteran knights who wore white tunics. Like herself. But she was Captain. or how she liked to think of it, they allowed her to be captain. They let her wear the twin blue stripes on a white field. It was her honor to head them.

Morren sighs and sniffs looking out across the distance.

They were down a few soldiers from the prior day one was the corporal Mallius she knew was recovering from a serious headwound. The elf was struck next to her by a greatclub, the wicked knot digging deep before sending him reeling by the leering man in dark armor.

(Mallius grunt and cry as he's hit followed by terrible laughter. Morren yells as she strikes him down Dark Man death cry.)

Though she had dispatched him the wound was grievous. standing over his body to guard it she looked around as the skirmish cooled.

morren

(panting from fatigue) hold on Mallius... (concerned) You hear me? ...There is NO dying in the 5th!

mallius

(groan) uuuugh...

morren

(firmly) come on Mallius stick with me! say it.

mallius

nn..no d..dying...

morren

Close enough!

(pause to cry out) Benedict! ..flag that cavalry returning for us! ...We need to get Mallius back to the camp.

Benedict

(cry out)HEY! over here!

Nar - Keldor

Benedict stood with his arms outstretched waving enthusiastically to get their attention. They were returning from the front line back to the tower as the battlefield cleared for the day.

arsinia

(calling out)What do you need Squire!

Benedict

We need help with the wounded!

Nar - Keldor

Arsinia looked at her major who nodded in agreement before quickly galloping over.

benedict

He's over here hurry!

Arsinia

(rides up on horseback)Captain Morren I'm here to...

(pause suprised then grunts as she dismounts quickly) oh... oh no Mallius?!

Morren

He's hurt bad Arsinia. Bring him back to the clerics at the gate...Immediately... I'm afraid we may lose him if we wait for them to come to us.

Arsinia

Yes of course...

benedict

I'll help you get him on your mount.

Nar - Keldor

Arsinia mounted her horse as Benedict and Morren lifted his limp body to drape over her lap. Holding him and the reigns she drove her heels into the ribs of Flyte, her grey mare, setting them off in a gallop back to the tower looming in the distance.

back to current timeline

Transition

That was yesterday she thought. Morren hoped he was still fairing alright. The Infantry felt an impact yesterday but their Cavalry and Archers had kept the

majority of Pallus's dark invasion back on that first day. Those that had made it past their lines, only fell to the heavy stones flung by the trebuchet and more archers. They had been covering the left flank but today was different. Lord Alvar moved them closer to the center this time as he anticipated they were just testing the defenses before. The long shadow of the tower stretched across the battlefield as the dawn waned on.

war drums and horns in the distance

Morren

(sigh and to herself) well... here we go again...

(shouting) Archers! (beat) Nock!

Bryce

(shouting in echo) Nock!

Benedict

(shouting in echo) Nock!

Nar - Keldor

the tops of the distant hills moved slightly as masses of darkly clothed figures creeped like a slow dark tide across the earth. As if the night itself was wishing to return from an early banishment. As they drew within 200 yards something unexpected happened... they paused.

benedict

(to himself)Why? (shouting) Captain? why are they holding?

Nar - Keldor

But Captain Morren was silent. The smell of the wet mud and snow carried across the battlefield as did the oiled leather and steel. The wind was dulled to a gentle breeze in the early morning. And looking up the over cast sky held nothing to fear from what she could see. She remembered what she was briefed on this morning. About the dark uncle of Mallius.

galloping to the middle

Loukas

(shouting and laughing) Mallius!... Where are you boy?... Do you not remember me?... Do you not remember your beloved uncle? Come now! Don't hide!

Nar - Keldor

The black leather armor was emblazoned with a blue-green skull smeared like an inverted teardrop. A symbol that hadn't been seen yet on the battlefield.

Benedict was looking at him intensely.

benedict

(under breath) I don't like this guy...

Loukas

(still shouting but loosing patience) Mallius! (patronizing) don't keep your uncle waiting! I know you are scared. Well!... WE... all know that don't we Mallius?

benedict

(under breath) I REALLY don't like this guy...

Loukas

(angry screaming and ranting) Mallius! You coward! Face me now and you can keep your precious silver maples! Prove to this world you deserve them! not just because you were born to them... but that you earned them! Earn them by defeating me? Hahaha! Yes! earn them with MY blood! hahahhaa!

(maniacal laughter. Echoes by ranks behind him.)

Orc and man laughter and cheers

benedict

(calling) Corporal Bryce Permission to...

Bryce

(angrily) No! Stand your ground Companion!

benedict

Corporal I can...

Bryce

I said no!

Nar - Keldor

But Bryce wasn't entirely sure. He didn't want to be held responsible for the privates death but this seemed a straight up match and frankly Benedict had proven to be a formidable warrior one on one. Morren's jaw trembled with rage. A pause listed across the ground like a tumbleweed momentarily.

morren

(sigh and to herself)I really... hate that guy...

(shout) Corporal Bryce!

Bryce

(calling)Yes Captain!

Morren

(calling) Is there someone you recommend to answer this... gentleman's demands?

Nar - Keldor

He looked at Benedict. The young man appeared to be for the most part successful in holding back his anger. Bryce couldn't help but smile a bit. He knew what that meant.

Bryce

(calling) Benedict Shieldheart!

benedict

Thank you.

Nar - Keldor

Benedict strode from the line drawing his great sword as he passed the line of bewildered pikemen. He looked at Morren as he passed. Her lip curled in a proud smile.

morren

(under breath) Bless you Benedict.

(calling) Loukas! Your demand on this battlefield to meet with Mallius cannot be met... But this man will gladly stand in for him.

loukas

(angry) Where is my rat chicken of a nephew?

morren

All that matters is he is not here. And as is our custom, a demand on a member is a demand on the order itself...

(smiles as she drives the point) and must be fulfilled... We must honor it to be met.

Nar - Keldor

This infuriated Loukas who swung off the horse. The green daggers of face paint around his eyes curled at the points from his wicked sneering. Drawing a ebony longsword in his hand the dark oiled Damascus rippled in the dawnlight.

Loukas

(laughing) It is no matter! This whelp shall lie slain in the mud regardless. To become a feast of worms for my dark lord...

(stops and continues cruelly and venomously) You... Benedict... You only prolong the inevitable... and Mallius will still...

(battlecry) DIE! GYAH! (shout and lunge)

benedict

(battle cries, strikes, defends and blows)

Loukas

(battle cries, strikes, defends and blows)

Nar - Keldor

Loukas dove at Benedict lashing out with a quick arc to the midsection that he dodged by jumping back slightly on his heels. He answered with a high strike downward to be met by Loukas's parry.

Loukas

(annoyed) Weak! (spit) ...I could fight you all day!

Nar - Keldor

As they circled each other Benedict calmly drifted his focus to the the crowd behind them. He felt confident this wouldn't place him at a disadvantage. This was a learned behavior from his days pulling Zorin or another friend off the sticky beer soaked floors during a tavern brawl. Always someone waiting to drive a tankard into your skull if you weren't looking. He took note of two individuals who stood out against the dark horde. They wore no helm and their polished leather scale armor was a midnight Blue rimmed in Gold. Not gold paint but real gold leafing. The male stood behind the woman their dark rimmed eyes showed Irises the same color as his pupils. Black as a starless night. They both had cruel one sided grins as they stood at the front of the army with their arms crossed watching intently.

benedict

(pant) as could I... but I have better things to do. (yell and swing)

Nar - Keldor

They locked blades staring at each other. Benedict could tell he could drive his blade through the

others guard easily but it would open himself up to a possibly deadly counter. Loukas kicked free and swung in a series of wild blows that drove Benedict backward several steps finally stumbling to a knee. Bringing his sword up into a high guard Loukas drove a single chop to the shoulder.

Benedict groaning in pain and strength. Loukas laughing as he grunts driving the blade

Benedict grabbed the blade in one hand holding it in place at the top of the shoulder where it passed through the black muslin tunic he now wore, and entered his armour between the pauldrons and the breastplate itself. Standing up he swiftly kicked the side of his Knee and grabbing the crossguard drove the blade with 2 hands back into his opponents face. (crack... crack...) Twice.

(LOUKAS Groans) Loukas loosened his grip enough allowing Benedict to disarm him as he stumbled backwards from the blows. He thought briefly about dispatching him... He saw the looks on the knights faces. Largely smiles. They knew he had won this battle honorably. Morren nodded smiling. He remembered the guidance of his Knight Commander.

(LORD ALVAR "Forgive the unforgivable") Looking over his shoulder back at the horde behind him the Dark haired woman stared at him with her cruel smile. Her blue scarf around her head gently tossing on the breeze. She leaned back to the man behind her whispering something. They both expected the death of Loukas. Their own soldier. This disgusted Benedict.

benedict

Bah!

(beat) Get out of here, and slither back to the rock from which you came! (sword toss)

Nar - Keldor

Tossing the black sword to the side Benedict began to walk back to the ranks.

Loukas

(panting) Don...Don't you turn away from me! GYAHHH!

Nar - Keldor

Drawing a curved blackened dagger from the cracked leather scabbard at his waist, Loukas dove at the

exposed back of Benedict. He drew it back to strike, the tip of which dripping with the dark ichor of an unknown poison, his eyes wide in maddening anger.

(sound of lightning ripping through LOUKAS)

Loukas

GYAHHHAAA!!! (death scream)

Benedict

(Suprised) What?!

nar - keldor

He saw the dark eyed man's hand extended towards where the now blackened body of Loukas once stood his face twisted in a cruel lopsided smile. The woman was nodding though she was no longer smiling.

cobalt

(announcing) NOONE in my army stabs backs like a thief in an alley! Let that be a lesson to you all or face the same fate!

Nar - Keldor

Leaving the still body of Loukas on the ground they turned on their heels walking back into the crowd as the warhorns sounded.

transition

(the sounds of inside the tower)

Vix

well... This... is worthless.

cordelia

no its not.

vix

oh?

(beat) oh yes it is.

Nar - Keldor

A large 15ft oval stood in the center of the 65 ft chamber. The steel frame was 2 ft wide and depicted relief sculptures of dragons tied in intricate knots.

cordelia

Fine

(beat) (sigh) Sophie can you help me?

sophie

Sure... what do you... what do you think we should try?

cordelia

just need to dust it off... especially the gems. There no power in them right now so nothing to worry about... hmmm That's what we have to find out actually... what's wrong.

Zorin

h.. hey Eralin... you see that up there?

Nar - Keldor

Zorin spotted an area in the 20 ft high ceiling where a ring of stones was. Framing something.

eralin

yes... Is that a...

vix

(interupting) Yes of course. A trap door.

Nar - Keldor

Eralin glared at Vix while Zorin just shook his head.

vix

Obviously. Now this is important.

Zorin

(beat) wh.. Really?!

cordelia

(sigh) Didn't you just say its worthless?

Vix

Well, not anymore.

zorin

Bling bling! That went from worthless to priceless faster than anything I can remember

Lorvana

You really do have all the magics!

sophie

Yeah I was wondering if this little spot I polished held some sort of magical power. Give me a moment and

we are gonna see some...

vix

(exasperated and interupting) IF you're quite done I can explain to you ignorant FOOLS how it works.

Nar - Keldor

The group went deadly silent. No one had seen Vix that angry since the Underworld and it was frankly a little unnerving.

vix

(clears throat and takes a moment to calm himself) Not all magic can be summoned from yourself or the immediate surroundings... You idiots... That's why some spells require a little extra push... like spell components or maybe a focus like a wand or staff to assist.

(beat) This is also true with very powerful magic.

nar - keldor

Vix paced to the steel ring. As he drew closer he saw in addition to the 5 Gemstones were inlays of brass, bronze, copper, silver and gold spread throughout the artwork, gently glinting from behind the dust and tarnish. The smell of the musty air and dust in this room proved it had lain untouched for many years. No windows graced this central chamber that was placed many floors above the stained glass mezzanine from before. All was illuminated in their torchlight. He looked up.

cordelia

What is it?

Vix

This aligns perfectly to the opening above. If I were to guess there's a very powerful spell component at the other end of this trap door to activate the possible portal between the towers...

zorin

Well then! Eralin... help me find out where this goes.