S3E7 - Tide of Winter

(SFX enemy camp sounds that evening)
Sharptooth
(questioning) What's wrong Bula?
Broadflare
(mocking laughter)Hmm-hahaha The skeletons scared them! HAHAHA! Scared big tough Bula! hahahaha
Nar - Keldor
Bula ignored the laughter of the crueler of the two Kobolds, known as Broadflare. They both shared similar short 3 ft red-orange reptilian bodies and leather armor common to their kind but these two were the leaders of their units. Sharptooth was the calmer of the 2 and less barbaric in nature. And honestly was the better one to talk to.
Bula
(angry under breath) I believe there are boots to lick back in your camp little Broadflare. Leave.
broadflare
(angry hissing) You fat pompous ugly troll! you don't tell broadflare what to do! I...
Bula
(contained cold anger) Don't I.
Nar - Keldor
Bula drew a long battered blade from their waist. It was stained dark and had been hammered into a crude shape to serve a hasty purpose. Broadflare suddenly wide eyed hoped that purpose didn't involve his throat. He frantically began stepping backwards in the cold mud.
Broadflare
(gulping) I... I...
bula
(Yelling) Leave!
Broadflare
(shrieks and pants heavily as he runs off)
Nar - Keldor
Bula watched the Kobold scamper through the mud between the wide makeshift alleys of their tents. The
orange glow of fires broke the dark midnight air dancing off Broadflares scales as he darted by. The smell of cooking meat of unknown origin was heavy in the low smoke. Likely local venison. He looked at the pot before him. A mash of beans and a single large ham bone floated as the ladle broke the surface. He gently began circulating it in a false hope to make it taste better.
Bula
(over their shoulder) Sharptooth... Do you miss home?
Sharptooth
Enruk?
(thoughtfully) ...Yes. I miss it very much... but we are many miles away now.
Bula
(sigh) Me too. (beat) I have something I need from you and your team.
nar - keldor
They grinned knowingly. Bula wasn't a cruel leader of the Kobolds under their command. A command passed to them from Dabria when she was made a Centurian in Dekkions army and allowed to command a dead legion. They were given the Kobolds. A job noone wanted. They were wild and unpredictable. Hordes of teeth, claw and spear that swarmed the battlefield. A living nightmare. That's what the tall and muscular orc wanted. They were living.
Sharptooth
Of course... What is it?
Nar - Keldor
She looked at Bula her Dragonlike snout cocked to a side questioningly. her fangs longer than most and hung over her lower jaw slightly giving her name sake.
bula
Take 3 with you and make your way south towards home... But I need you to go into the mountains to deliver this to Dubok of the Mistguard tribe... Then make your way back to Enruk... Take this coin... (beat) to show you aren't deserting.
Sharptooth
Yes... and thank you...
Nar - Keldor
At the other end of the camp Cobalt, Dabria and Una were discussing the plan for the next day while standing over a body on a hospital bed. The face was unrecognizable behind layers of bloody bandages. But his twisted black beard suddenly shook.
azure
(angry and in pain) I will destroy them! ...Those puny knights have... have insulted me!
cobalt
(calming but still cruel) Shhh my brother. You... must rest.
(beat) (coldly to Dabria) So tell me again... Why are you leaving?
Nar - Keldor
Dabria and Una stood stoicly before Cobalt. She knew a trusted Centurian of Dekkion's undead Legions had their secrets and for good reason. But it seemed out of place for this to happen in the middle of a long major siege.
dabria
We are being called to the north to investigate the netherspring. The dark lord wills it.
una
Yes... The great ancient shrine calls us... An artifact of great power... A staff... A staff for my patron.
Nar - Keldor
Dabria regarded Una with a hidden concern. According to what Una had explained to her years ago her patron was a voice inside herself from which she drew power from. Una said the voice had been there since they were children, over the last 10 or so years as far back as she could remember. A voice that provided some vague guidance, and an occasional vision. Dekkion could use these powers of Una's to see further supposedly. Using her in dark magic powerful beyond any other necromancer she had witnessed. But this voice had become more prominent and clear it seemed recently... Like something had awoken once they arrived.
dabria
Yes, and we will leave after we launch the first assault of the day.
(beat) The undead horde will then be yours to command. Just remember they are not favorable in the sunlight.
(beat) Obviously.
cobalt
(bored) Obviously...
(snapping) Fine. We both know I cannot keep you if the Dark Lord calls you. Leave control of the horde with Bula when you leave.
dabria
(Laughing) Bula?! hahaha!
cobalt
(blunt and serious) Yes... Bula... That is my wish,
(beat) (dismissively) They can control both.
dabria
(insulted snicker) You would have them control both? (chuckle) Its not as easy as...
cobalt
(curt and full of pride) need I remind you... Squib put me in charge... and this is MY plan... The kobolds and undead will be controlled together.
(pause and continue in a condescending tone) Everyone must step up and do their part
(cocky and self assured) and we don't need to waste resources where its not needed... when after all we are this close to victory.
dabria
(agreeable) Of course... It is YOUR plan after all.
(sigh) I will leave the talisman with Bula when we leave. I will see you on the battlefield tomorrow.
Nar - Keldor
Dabria turned to leave the oiled canvas tent... icy air biting against a scarred cheek. Her golden eyes narrowing slightly as the corner of her mouth cracked
upwards smiling, in the darkness.
SFX Door transition
Battlefield preparation. Morale is low.
Nar - Keldor
He stood on the muddy battlefield and flexed his sinewy strong muscles while squeezing the long handle of the steel great axe. Time and a lack of concern for keeping it shaved had given way to long deep brown shaggy hair that framed his ruddy face and bulbous nose.
skotmir
(grunt) ah.. hmm..
Nar - Keldor
Skotmir looked at the head of the axe. Dings and divots told the tale of many successful battles. And the survival of many more encounters. He looked up and out across the slushy mud of the battlefield. Taking note of their position he saw they were the reserves, meaning any charge breaking through down the center still had to get through several lines of trained Knights and Soldiers though the numbers seemed fewer day by day.
Skotmir
(Thinking) Hmmm.. (grunt while turning from the bright sun)
Nar - Keldor
Squinting in the morning sun he turned back to face those behind him. Farmers mostly he guessed based on their plain ragged clothes and ill fitting scraps of armor. Many carried a hastily sharpened longsword provided by the quartermaster but many others carried pitchforks spears and other farming tools now as proud weapons.
And proud they were he marvelled.
The warriors of his company may sometimes shake. A tremble in their eye from never seeing battle but they looked forward proudly. They did their best to understand the gruff dwarfs orders and interpret them to efficient actions. He approached a late teens human he guessed. Their long black hair hung in locks fastened with clay beads and tied to hang behind them. Their deep eyes read of many years lived
despite their apparent age.
skotmir
(calming) Um... hey... Whats your name soldier?
Dairmid
(slight shake in the voice but trying to be strong) D..Dairmid sir.
skotmir
Where are you from Dairmid?
Dairmid
My family holds a small grain field to the east of here.
nar - keldor
Skotmir perked up. He wasn't sure where he was going to go in this questioning just that he needed to. There was something he always liked about the generals who walked with their soldiers. And now Dairmid setup one of his favorite topics.
skotmir
(smiling) Ooh. And what kind of grain? Wheat, Rye, Barley...
dairmid
Wheat sir.
Skotmir
(shrugging off the 'sir') Eh.. don't call me that.
(excited) Wheat eh?! well, do you bake?
Dairmid
(questioningly) Y..Yes. yes of course.
skotmir
(excited) well fight well today Dairmid. I...
(beat) I want some of that bread.
all
(laugh)
dairmid
(awkward laugh) heh hehe oh... ok. Sir.
skotmir
(mock frustrated) I said don't call me that... Skotmir. Skotmir Flintgrog.
(proudly) Get ready to make a tab under that name, buddy cuz I'm coming. Will I need to bring my own ale Dairmid?
Dairmid
(shrugging) Well I don't really...
Commoner 1
(proudly) I'll bring the ale Skotmir! My farm is next to Dairmid's and my family would be proud to have you at our table!
Commoner 2
(excitedly joining in) Well then... we need a stew! We raise cattle just to the north of here. Best beef in the land, fed on cornmeal and blackroot they are!
all
(cheer)Aye!
Skotmir
(laughing)Well my friends!
(beat) I'll see you all there!
Nar - Keldor
Skotmir was awestruck. He did it. He actually did it. Where was Benedict right now he wondered. Bet he would have been proud. A big smile ran across his face as he looked at his brave troops. He turned back to the Battlefield. Knowing if nothing else one goal of the day was to live to see a good hot meal, with new friends.
transition door
(Enemy overlook the beginning of the vanguard)
nar - keldor
The dead moved in a swarm down to the battlefield, Limbs ending in crude rusted and ancient weapons... shook with every shambling step. The bodies barely balanced on their ancient leg bones, like the jittery legs of an old spider approaching the end of its days. They drug themselves to certain death though they knew not the purpose in their re-existence again.
squib
(spits) Ugh... Disgusting.
(beat) But... effective... (condescending) Right Lieutenant?
cobalt
(can see the insult of the superior officer and growls) yes... Commander.
squib
(Laughing)
Nar - Keldor
Squib the crusher. Commander of Lord Pallus's forces here at the Celestine Tower had grown impatient to Cobalt's toying with the knights. She moved herself up to watch over the opening assault herself before leaving. They were in control of the battlefield. Soon the knights would fall. There was no need for Squib to waste her own time anymore.
squib
(stating venomously) LORD... Pallus... was very clear that the Blue Dragons would be the ones to assault the blue tower.
(chuckle) He does excel at matchmaking doesn't he?
Nar - Keldor
She kept looking forward. Her long black braids hung behind her slightly pointed ears, Her red orange eyes were the color of the fire that burned behind them as she surveyed the battlefield. She smiled slightly revealing more of the tusk over lapping the top left corner of her plum colored lips. She flexed a powerful arm under the Spiked armor that hung at the shoulder and matching bracers. Her crocodile green skin pulled tight around large muscular biceps. Her eyes narrowed as she sneered slightly looking up to those on the horses. She hated the use of horses.
squib
(condescending) Well... We will be very excited to see this "great plan" of yours today. Dabria and Una will be leaving soon... not that it means much but I grow tired of your little games.
(angrily hissing) Crush them! (beat) You have wasted enough time and my people grow weary of your games.
cobalt
(bowing) Y... Yes milady.
Nar - Keldor
Squib smiled cruelly at the formality and looked at the man at her side. Another Orc like herself, his skin was Jet Black under only a fur war skirt. His massive broad chest was marked in jagged lime colored tattoos and tribal markings. His eyes held deep rubies. He smiled back at her and nodded.
squib
(sighing) Fine then... I'll leave you to it. The day is yours to finish your... "plan." We are done babysitting you... See you back in Enruk... Do not disappoint me.
(beat) lets go Ebon.
Nar - Keldor
Squib turned on a booted heel her mind elsewhere. As she walked away her fingernails absently played with the dark brown tattoo of a WarHammer emblazoned on her wrist.
transition to dabria/una
Nar - Keldor
Dabria watched her walk away her golden eyes lingering too long as she felt the fire of anger in her heart.
una
She at least respects your will
Dabria
(sneering) She respects nothing. She's no different then the rest of them. Mindless.
(chuckle under breath) Rassler has more sense than most here... Squib included.
Una
(a breath) Hmmm... it is time, Dark Sister. She calls us north.
dabria
(calling) Bula! It is time.
Bula
(heavy sigh) so how do I use this talisman again?
dabria
Simply think of the orders themselves and place your palm on the obsidian eye. (beat) It really is quite simple...
bula
Yes of course it is! (slightly insulted) Just. Just go.
dabria
Very well. (beat) May their death come on swift wings in your favor Bula...
transition
benedict
(Shouting) Hold them back!
(shouting strike) Gyah!...
morren
(shouting) Right flank!
(shouting double strike) Gyah!...Gyah! The right flank is falling!
caleb
(Shouting) The Knightlord will guide us! (battle cry) Gyahhh!!
(several strikes and parries with a longsword and shield.)
Nar - Keldor
Caleb's mount rode into the right flank meeting the enemy head on. His shield was emblazoned with the Blue Crown and Sword and the glint of his longsword darted with precision rending the undead horde useless before him.
caleb
(shouting) I left you some Keldor!
(sneering) Try to keep up... unless duty still doesn't suit you.
keldor
(battle sounds) Ha! Duty suits me fine!
(sword strikes) Gyahh! (falls from horse)
Nar - Keldor
I hit the mud with an impact that shook through my very being. Dazed Rolled over to see the tattered ribbons of ancient armor and the skeletal face of the adversary above me. A rusty one handed ax raised up with a bony claw like hand. I drug my great sword out of the mud and at the same time slicing upward as I stood cleaving them in twain. My mount had cleared from the battle field heading back to the keep as was its instinct I imagined. I spun in the mud realizing I was surrounded.
(Sounds of explosions and terrified yells and screams.)
nar - keldor
Red-Orange fire erupted from the ground in great columns of flame towards the sky.
belinial
(shouting) PEE-TAH!! (Spell sound)
(Shouting) Clear a path!
nar - keldor
A mage in red and gold robes raised her hands sharply as 3 other mages in blue, green and violet peeled a hole on the crowd gathering around me sending them spinning into a hovering 10 foot orb in the air above me. They flew as if they were feathers on the cold wind. My wide eyes looked at myself surprised it wasn't the same for me the treacherous orb spinning ominously made of the darkness itself. I Gathered myself and took the opportunity running towards them in the clearing.
Keldor
(panting) thank you!
belinial
(Shouting) Clear out!
Rue
(calmly) Sir, get behind us please.
(pause then shouting) ZAH-TOK!!
Nar - Keldor
I dove behind the tall bald man in the blue robes as the ground erupted in a wall of Ice the darted across the battlefield in both directions separating the
horde from our army. The knights cheered.
all
(cheer as the battle turns)
Nar - Keldor
The stone monks from the Library had arrived to assist in our cause. Our fatigued Knights fell back relinquishing the ground to the hundreds of fresher forces. We saw blazing spell after spell roll across the battlefield driving the adversary back towards their lines as they fled searing flames rolling in 20 foot high red-orange arcane wheels.
transition
(sounds of the retreating army and screams)
cobalt
(suprised and angry) No!
(screaming) NO! This is impossible!
(commanding panicked) Bula! You Send them back now!
Bula
(scared) But! I...
Nar - Keldor
Bula looked at the talisman but hesitated remembering Dabria's words. They struggled to find the order within thier own panic.
cobalt
(shouting) Now! Do it now!!
Bula
(panicked) I... Can't! Uhhh...
(yelling) GYAH!
Nar - Keldor
Bula was conflicted in their mind but took the plunge any ways. Slamming their palm over the obsidian stone they ordered them back. There was a moment of relief there as it was done. But then screams erupted all around Bula as realization poured over their soul like white hot lava. They found they were envisioning their own internalized terror... Their worst fear after seeing the undead legion charging back in
flight from the wheels of fire. Their orders were now sending them like a tidal wave deep into their own army.
transition
Ayla Forsythe
(narrating but happily relieved) We watched them flee father! It was on that 23rd day of siege when we saw them run... The smell of the blood and death seemed to follow them as we rejoiced in the coming of the Librarians from the Ivory Tower.
That evening we celebrated in the dining hall. Granted we had yet another meal of Chicken and Vegetables but this one simply tasted better than any other meal. Even the stale bread trencher seemed to be made from some exotic bread from a far off land. And we even got to enjoy mead together. Mages and knights alike sat and mingled enjoying ourselves in the hall... We were saying goodbye to some of our new friends.
lord alvar
Keldor, Elloveve and...
(beat) now corporal Benedict.
(smiling) ...We wish you a safe journey.
Keldor
Lord Alvar, it was an honor.
lord alvar
No old friend...
(smiling) The honor was mine.
(clears his throat)Ahem... I believe someone has something they wish to say?
caleb
(proud but not rude.) Keldor... You... You fought well.
(pause and then suddenly apologetic) I am sorry for my words on the wall the other night I...
Keldor
(interrupting gently) No Caleb. You had every right
to say them. I...
Nar - Keldor
I paused when I saw the look on his face, as he turned away from me and looked at Benedict. I knew he hadn't told him, and he didn't want to as was his right I suppose. Knowing Caleb, he wasn't sure where to start when greeting the son of his long dead sister. So he chose to greet him with honor as a knight. It was no matter if I agreed with his method or not. It was ultimately his choice and i chose to honor his wish. I needed to remember that we all carry our demons differently.
caleb
(proudly) Sir Benedict... Shieldheart. I wish you success in your journey to reclaim Garnet Keep. (beat) I have something for you...
Nar - Keldor
Caleb produced a folded black cloth. He opened it slowly revealing a soldier's tunic. Identical to Benedict's own but in deep red colors and the single red stripe of a Corporal.
caleb
You will need your own uniform when you succeed. (smiles) ...May the Knight and Maiden watch you now.
transition
later in the mead hall
Skotmir
Sophie... Tell me again... Why didn't we go with them?
sophie
Benedict said this was something he had to do with just themselves.
zorin
Its a smaller group...
(thinking out loud) makes sense if they are scouting it out to be sure.
(drink) ah.. He said for us to meet them there in a month.
cordelia
Yeah... no one believes there is any threat left at garnet keep.
(pause then sigh) I'm not sure I believe them.
dabria
I wouldn't.
cordelia
what?!
Nar - Keldor
The friends looked up to see 4 Veteran Knights escorting 2 prisoners.
guard 1
Mister Zorin. These two were asking where to find you. We've confiscated their weapons and they didn't give any fight...
(beat) Well that one did punch Joey.
dabria
(scolding) He was rude...
una
(smiling excited to see Zorin) Yes! That's him my dark sister! His heir!
zorin
Woah! Who are you and whose heir... wait.
(sigh) nevermind that... what do you want with me?
dabria
We need to talk in private about a mutual...
(beat) interest.
Nar - Keldor
Dabria looked at Una with her gold eyes twinkling sinister in the dim torchlight of the Mead hall. Una smiled in return behind her dark robe, pleased in their shared success.
dabria
(smiling) Actually bring your friends. It'll be a party. Hahaha (long drawn out laughing)