There is no escape — we pay for the violence of our ancestors [Open/Soldier please!]

[Alexis Sapientia]

Timestamp: 2nd Kalendryas in the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne

They came into the harbor on the light of the brightening , canvas sails flapping unsteadily in the wind, naught but the whisper of the wind and the splash of minor waves indicative of anything untoward. A few shouts, a few sung shanties, but naught else but that.

They loomed large in the horizon, dark cavernous shapes illuminated sparingly by sunslight, not immediately discernible save to the most trained eye (of which most, in this harbor, were probably drunk) or the most curious of children (who would be too asleep to notice).

It was only until midbrightening that the citizens of Archadoon would be able to recognize them as what they were: frigates of the Imperial Navy, proud, strong, protective and fierce-looking: the Aelyrian Fighting Ships Heroic and Valorous, fresh from the western harbor of Jaedexia.

Rousing the folk at sunsrise with the usual naval tradition of raising the flag with much pomp and circumstance, drums beating and horns blowing, needless to say, their arrival brought along a festive, militant, atmosphere.

The Imperial Standard fluttering at their sterns was sufficient proof of their mission here: maintenance of Lex, Ordo, and Iustatique, all of which had seemed terribly lacking in Archadoon since the destruction of late.

Curious how there appeared to be a lack of communication with Archadoon ever since, but the reasons for such were for them to find out.

[Soldier]

OOC: First rule of war… Never assume anything. The city always has eyes watching.

Standing on the dock were a squad of Fiannas, the Barbarians standing with thickly muscled arms crossed over their chests. All were armed, and all were unhappy to see that the ships bore the emblem of the Empire. While each Fianna had loyalty to the Emperor and Empress, they knew that the citizens would not want to have the Empire rushing in, not after they had been “abandoned”, so to speak. Nearby were a few cloaked soldiers of the Ravens’ Wings, borrowed from the Mercenaries so that the Empire could see that not all the protectors of the city were unwashed savages. Standing at the front of this group was Colin himself, standing directly in front of the standard bearing the howling wolf of his clan.

Being Fianna, Colin stood unimpressed as two warships loomed on the horizon, more interested in what was inside these floating tubs. Mostly, who was inside, how they were armed, and what their intentions were. As a precaution, snipers armed with crossbows were stationed at strategic points around the docks, ready for whatever came out of the ships. Runners were dispatched to the Ravens to prepare themselves, and finally, citizens were asked to remain indoors for their protection. Fianna were dispatched to different parts of the city, and all warriors alerted. Finally, there was nothing more to do but wait, and see who it was that came out of the Heroic and the Valorous.

Standing defiantly on the edge of the dock, Colin crossed his arms and waited, his Warriors forming a line behind him, their spears held loosely in their hands as they waited to see what transpired.

[Vincent Stefan]

The Raven's Wing also had a showing that day. Three of there members made there way out to the docks. Drawn by the dark ships and there unknown purpose. One of the men bore a bow, his customary black cloak removed to allow for a full quiver of arrows. The other bore a sword, and from the muscle of the man's arms it was clear he knew how to use it. The last carried only a cane made of wood. His progress marked by a clear clicking sound on the boards of the walkway itself.

**************************************

Lrass Halberd, Second in command of the Raven's Wing, did not like the look of this situation. Though, the ships had not made a any real threatening move. Such a situation could change in an instant. Yet, The druid knew he could also do something about that should the confrontation get ugly. More then a couple of the spells he knew, could do quite a bit of damage to a vessel that relied entirely on the winds. However, Lrass was not about to simply spark a fight. He would stand here leaning on his cane and wait, time would tell all and for now time was something they all had.

It was then that the elf, noticed the flags marking the ships as Imperial. Instantly the flags sparked a small part of Lrass's mind that wanted to blow the vessels away at that very moment. It took the druid some effort to forced himself to relax. They where not hear to take down the Raven's Wing once again. NO this mission had to be different, but what that was the key. To be safe though, the elf motioned for the swords man to run back and inform commander Migeria of the current situation. By now a runner from the Fianna had probably arrived. Yet, information seen first hand, by a member of the organization always carried more power as it where. Reaching into pouch at his side the elf Druid pulled a small pill out. It's brown yellowish color disappearing as he pooped it into his mouth. As the pain killing effect ran threw him, reliving the ache in his left leg the Mercenary again thanked his former teachers for there training in herbs. Turning his attention back to the ships, Lrass waited, and watched.

[Ruhn]

Ruhn stepped aside quickly to make way for the swordsman that passed, seemingly in a hurry. The Dorin rounded the corner curiously, a pleasant smile on his face as he took in the scene of the harbor. It was really nothing to smile about, but the prospect of adventure could never allow his spirits to fall as the adrenaline moved into his system.

The two guard factions of the city had gathered, the mighty Fienna, and the mysterious Raven's Wings, and in quite a mass too, at least to be in the same place at once. The emblem on the flags of the ships, the reason he was here, made it even better. On those ships layed countless adventures and oppertunities to test his mettle. Not that the two guard factions offered any less, but being trapped in a city on the brink of civil war was not his idea of a smart decision. He was a citizen of the empire, thus that is where his service belonged. Dorin honor made that perfectly clear.

Making sure he was well out of the way of the two powerful factions, Ruhn leaned up against a wall, taking in the specticle of the great ships riding in on the bitter winter wind. Hopefully, the wind would be all that was bitter on this arrival.

[Alexis Sapientia]

A longboat was lowered from the Valorous, 5 sailors and an equal number of marines aboard it, a naval officer directing their movements from the bow. The sailors did what they were paid to do - scull - and sang a pleasant shanty involving a mermaid and a drunken sailor as they did so, eliciting a few laughs before being shushed by the dwarven daekin who was the Imperial Marine in charge.

The officer noted the group on the dock, their mood decidedly cloudy, and advised his marines to arm themselves properly. Armed civilians not otherwise clad in uniform was an otherwise curious sight, but considering the ramifications of what Archadoon had gone through, it was expected.

Waving his hand, so did the officer shout.

"Ahoy there! Imperial Navy sailors coming ashore! We're here to examine how things are since your recent calamity!"

Archadoon was one of the Imperial Navy's major bases in Carmelyn, and it behooved them to consider why this city had suddenly gone quiet. Had it no government any more?

[Soldier]

Colin wasn’t happy. Neither were any of the Barbarians standing behind him. As the longboat was lowered, the Chieftain watched with hooded eyes as the sailors rowed toward the shore. The Ravens and the Fiannas effectively blocked the dock, permitting the sailors to disembark, but unable to proceed into the city proper. Colin uncrossed his arms and raised his weapon, sliding it into the sheath on his back. The other Warriors and Mercenaries, however, remained standing with their weapons in hand. “Come ahead!” he called, striding to meet them at the ladder and beckoning Lrass to approach with him.

Once the officer was on the dock, Colin could do nothing except allow the other men in the boat to step onto the dock as well. It would be dishonorable to allow an officer to stand there surrounded by strange, armed men without his own men behind him. Once the sailors and marines had set foot on dry land, the huge Barbarian took a moment to study each one. After he took in every detail from each newcomer, he turned to the officer. Without extending his hand or offering any greeting, he got straight to business, as was the Fianna way.

“I am Colin McDougan, Chieftain of the Clan Fianna, hired by the city of Archadoon to provide protection. Tell me why the Empire decided to wait to offer aid to one of their own cities, allowing their own citizens to die of disease, starvation and rampaging Undead. Tell me why the Empire allowed a city weakened by such a disaster to fall into anarchy after the rightful government was destroyed. Tell me why the Empire permitted a city to go defenseless after the military was destroyed, leaving a clan of wilderness Barbarians to defend it, even after all this time.” Colin’s face was extremely hostile, though he didn’t reach for a weapon. “And lastly, tell me… If the Empire cares so much for their subjects, why were innocent women and children allowed to starve? Is it because the Empire is so hard pressed for men, resourses and food that a little could not be spared to help the sick? Or is it because the mighty Fianna can work miracles and feed a city of thousands with only one hundred fifty men? If you think I treat you with disrespect now, belive me, you will face much worse from your own people. You abandoned them. Your military is not welcome here.”

[Alexis Sapientia]

Quite the reception committee, in truth, though how one would consider this such a hearty welcome would be hard-pressed, as favored hospitality was not usually forthcoming if one were greeted with drawn swords and shields, with taut bowstrings not too far behind.

"Ho, Master Chieftain!" began the Imperial Marine daekin in gruff greeting, staring suspiciously at the gathered lot, to be silenced by a steady searing gaze from the trieririrus who held titular command of this particular shore party.

A collective deep breath could be heard from the crew, including the sailors who had been press-ganged to scull, as they observed that this was something of a prizefight. Granted, of course, that they did not expect such an event from taking place, they were here, after all to...

"Rescue and relief is what we are all about, Master Chieftain," noted the trieririus with crisp and clipped tones, his manner just as warm as that he addressed, hands clasped behind his back as it were, back ramrod-straight and countenance, firm. "...to that end, we are likewise here to seek answers to the very questions you give us, and more. If you do say that we, ah, 'allowed a city weakened by such a disaster to fall into anarchy', I must likewise determine why it is that no word was sent by the, ah, 'rightful government' even though it was destroyed, and what exactly happened here to cause such an event. Jaedexia is but a few leagues to the east, and it behooves one to think that such a well-armed, and if I may say so, very competent band of warriors such as yourself, could send but an emissary to the Imperial overseer or Thane therein to give notice of such dire straits."

Crossing his arms thus, so did the officer remain steadfastly defiant, just as how they had been taught at the Imperial Naval Academy at Port Constantine, now Portshire.

"Communication has likewise been sent by the Imperial Ministry of War during Imperos of this era, and since no reply was forthcoming, we are here under orders of Zeton Navarch Zale Boluken, Senior Naval Officer Commanding the Imperial Protectorate of Northumbria, to determine how matters are, firsthand, and to render such aid deemed necessary."

[Vincent Stefan]

Lrass remained quiet threw most of this. In truth, little could come from fighting the men. They where here to assess the situation, Something that though late could provide interesting results. Though, on the other hand such help could also end badly. The peaple had learned to hate the imperials, mostly due to there lack of help thus far. For them to just walk in and treat the situation as though everything is fine...could end with a civil war. A war for land that in rights belong to those who survived the fire. Not to some king far away.

All and all the possibility's where not good, that is unless you are a mercenary.

Yet to add to the situation Lrass felt it wise to make his presence know as well. "I find it interesting that you bring up Rescue yet, your men appear to be more ready for war. Exactly what did you intend to find here when you arrived????" The elf left that thought floating in the air and then contiued. "Archadoon has suffered greatly, and yet where where you...where was the mighty empire. You say you only now find out, that sounds staged, I find it hard to believe those ships out there are laden with Supplies ...I find it more likely they are filled with armed men, and you need this port, ready to fight to the death to get it back. Even if it means making a peaple who have already suffered, despair even more." Though his voice remained light, Lrass eyes contiued to bore into the man, this spokesmen for the ships.

[Soldier]

It was true. With a nod, Colin crossed his massive arms over his chest again. There was a reason that he had paid the Ravens for aid, and they were proving well worth the expense. He would have to see about adding a bonus to their fee when he met the commander to render payment. “The Elf speaks truth, sure an’ he does. Do you expect to leave the city weakened, then just walk in an’ be seizin’ it back? I think not, lad, not because we’d stop ye, but the people themselves. Ye an’ yers has a lot o’ explainin’ ta do, an’ that before ye’d be allowed ta enter th’ city proper. This is the word of the people, not some fop sittin’ high and pretty on a throne a million leagues away.”

Colin uncrossed his arms and stood to his full height, planting himself firmly between the Imperials and the stricken city. “I an’ mine have been paid to protect the city an’ her people. We intend to follow through on our contract. I may be a supporter o’ the Empire, but th’ people o’ Arkdun come first. An’ they have said that ye must prove yer goodwill. Now, I give ye yer chance. Explain yer story now, or begone from here!”

[Ruhn]

Ruhn's eyes darkened. He grabbed his weapon and quietly made it to where he could not be seen. If things escalated rapidly, he didn't want to be in the middle of it. Crouched behind a crate, he held his long weapon so that it too would be concealed.

He thought to himself about what his next plans should be. His freedom was on that ship and he had to get there. This city was far too dangerous for someone of his skill level. He wasn't stupid. That was apparent. The sea was all he needed to receive the proper preparations to become the leader of his pack. To make his father proud of him. He just hoped that this oppertunity wouldn't be gobbled up by the guard factions taste of revenge.

[Alexis Sapientia]

This was insane! Never had he encountered anything as remotely ridiculous as what he was experiencing right now. Having to explain himself with what looked nothing more than a ragtag band of brigands and thieves, led by a rablle-rouser whose vitriol had more substance than his brain...ridiculous. Impossible. Maligning the Imperial Regent and all that. Treasonous poppycock.

"I have said what we are about, and your beliefs otherwise will make no difference. I will have no argument on this and I will speak no more. We will meet first with the Thane and henceforth proceed accordingly. Good brightening."

His crossed arms were sufficient communication to solidify his foregoing statements, curt as they were, with a stern mien to accompany it.

"Master-at-arms, secure the vessel, and report back to the captain on Valorous. Marines to follow me, Sailors to remain under the master-at-arm's orders."

Assembling briefly to fall into line, the dwarven marine daekin gruff and unfearing as always, as the classis officer led the small party off to an orderly march inward to the city, ignoring anyone else who stared or even looked at them askance, their classis officer with ramrod-straight back, alongside.

[Soldier]

From the sides, the snipers fired. They had orders not to permit anyone from entering the city without first leaving their arms behind. From all sides, the crossbow bolts struck, sending Marines and sailors tumbling. Finally, the only one left standing was the officer himself. Colin stood in front of him, his arms crossed over his chest. “You were warned, you pompous fool. Do be lettin’ me explain th’ parts to ye. Did ye not hear that the THANE WAS DEAD?!? He died in that very fire what killed so many of your countrymen. And now, your own soldiers join him. Now, I give ye an ultimatum. Return to yer ships, lad. Return to yer Navy and report what happened here. And tell them that we will not allow the Empire to hurt another citizen of this city.”

From the shadows came several crossbowmen, their bolts drawn and weapons loaded for bear. Colin knew he had struck a blow that would plunge his city into turmoil, into a civil war he knew he could never win on his own. Still, the officer saw the look in his eye and knew that the Barbarian was beyond the limit. Any false move would be his last.

[Vincent Stefan]

Lrass did not even bat a eye as the shots fired, he was too absorbed in his own power. Calling out to the powers of nature itself, the elf began laying out the complex patterns and points to the effect he desired in his mind. He needed the clouds help to guide him to flow threw him like a conduit, to come to his call. There was some overhead now, that was what he needed. Bringing them to a focal point, the effect would create a temporal rain just above the ships decks. Rain of Scolding hot water. Heating the rain and creating enough was going to be hard..though as luck would have it. A sea of water existed at his call.

With any luck the men on the ships would be to interested in keeping out of the hot burning rain... instead of trying to do more damage to the peaple of Archadoon. As the spell began to take shape, Lrass had to smile at the fact that some of the shafts pointing out of the men now laying dead on the deck bore blue feathers. Arrows shot from the bow's of the Raven's Wing.

[Alexis Sapientia]

Nothing had prepared the officer for the shock of seeing his own men gunned down in cold blood by these...these...barbarians of all people. No, they were not people, they were who they were - killers, with no qualms, no morals, no...sensibilities.

With eyes burning with rage, so did he let his training and discipline take full hold, kneeling in slow, measured movements to pick up the peaked hat that had fallen to the ground in the quick skirmish, mud staining its bottom, with blood from a slain Cutlass of the Empire streaking across the emblem of the Imperial Navy. Gripping it tight in his hands, mouth taut and seemingly dry as ashes, so did he let a powerful gaze lie heavy on each and every single body of his fallen command, and hence back to them, accusation and enmity terribly evident in his eyes.

"Jorel take the lot of you, then," so did he mutter under his rage.

Taking a deep breath, and with steady, measured steps, so did he march back from whence he came, bootsteps crunching the mud and gravel and wood of the dock, back straight, his dignity intact.

Taking oars into his hands, so did he begin to slowly scull, eyes remaining on them all, back to the ships, where the rain from the heavens had sent sailors scampering to raise sail and prepare to head for safer shores.

They had seen what had happened, of course, and would not force the issue. This was something that they would soon raise to their political masters, for a political solution to what had become, most decidedly, a political problem.

We will meet again, but not yet.

The vessels would be out of sight within the candlemark, the Standard of the Empire flying defiantly at their sterns, with officers abaord keeping a close and tight watch on their men, the threat of retaliation being doubly heavy on anyone who dared avenge the deaths of their shipmates and comrades.

The time for that would come, very soon.

But not yet.

Not yet.