To Explain (Private, Eyvind and Vince)

[Soldier]

The guards were a mix. Two Warriors, one wearing the uniform of the Fianna clan, the other in the uniform of the Ravens, kept their eyes on the riders as they approached. When they got to the gate, the Fianna raised a powerful arm and ordered the halt, then respectfully nodded. “Imperials be not welcome in the city, sir, but if ye wait here, our leader is bein’ sent for. He’ll explain to ye what happened.” True to the guard’s word, a small retinue of Warriors approached, a mix of the same fighters as the guards. A pair of large battle banners depicted the emblems of both the Ravens and the Fianna.

At their head stood a large man, wearing the kilt and chain shirt of Clan Fianna. He stopped fully ten paces away, his arms crossed as he watched the newcomer from under long, flaming red bangs. He said nothing for several moments before sighing. “More Imperials. I’m supposin’ this is expected. Yer Navy already learned we don’ wantcha here. Explain why you arrive, an’ be quick. We’ve much ta do.”

[Vincent Stefan]

The Raven's Wing

With the Fianna Warriors came a group of the Raven's Wing's as well, There dark blue banner with a silver Raven in flight on it, moved with the winds. In the lead of the group, was a elf. His White hair and cold blue eyes where only set off by the black scarf that covered the man's face. He wore the standard dark blue uniform of the Raven's Wing with a set of Katana blades on his back.

Next to the white haired captain, walked another commanding figure as well. Though, this person would be as new to the Fianna leader as the peaple they came to talk with. The new Mercenary had black hair, and one Ice blue eye, the other was covered by a black patch. He also wore the standard raven's wing uniform, though the cloak he wore was of a finer make then the normal issue, and had a second layer to it that stretched down to elbow length. Attached to the man's belt was a Broadsword and from the look of it's grip, The blade had seen use several times in the past. However, of all the things about the newcomer that made him odd, the most interesting was the Raven that stood perched on the man's right shoulder. The Dark black bird seamed to just stand there it's red eyes boring into everyone and everything.

*******************************************
Vincent

Vincent found he was out of place here, at this gathering. It was a interesting feeling considering the Raven's Wing in reality worked for him. Though he had placed Migeria in control, he had still founded the group. Yet, it was Migeria's control that was at the heart of this situation. The elf commander had done a staggeringly good job at taking the role of commander. So well in fact that Vincent found himself reluctant to take the position away from him. So, here the half elf now stood, mostly in the background. He was here to observe, and peak his curiosity. The running of the situation was on Migeria. Reaching up to absently scratch Shadow the Raven's Neck, Vincent had to marvel at life's little Irony's.

***********************************************
Migeria

Migeria found he disliked having the commander with them on this trip. The elf wanted to say it was because he feared for the commander life, but in reality he simply wanted to not have the eye of Vincent on him as he conducted this affair. However, it was not like he could say no. Such was not his place. Not anyone's for that matter..not when dealing with the true commander of the Raven's Wing. Taking the last few steps to where the Fianna commanders now stood. Migeria could not help but feel a sense of pride. They where all Mercenary's here, all sworn to protect Archadoon. A city controlled controlled by the peaple. a peaple who only wanted to be left alone...forgotten...A People who wanted to remain Invisible to a empire that chose to forget them. So why not let them have there wish.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The flaming hair Vagaran nodded to the guard that ordered his group to halt. If the man's words were true it was best to be received by the city leaders as soon as possible than to be pierced by archers in the walls. Behind him the small retinue that had followed him from Sheria, the same men that had been with him in Vers and Zerdargia while doing the exact same thing he was about to do here in Archadoon, ancient Arkdün of Antediluvian. Ask for aid against the Ancient Aelyrians that had usurped the seat of power through the former Regent. Eyvind was here to offer things as well, and the most valuable one was Freedom, but Freedom had a price.

As the larger group of warriors approached, carrying banners and being lead by the leaders of the city Eyvind nodded to one of his men who unfurled his banner as well. The Nimâlni Elf held the black standard with a white wolf's head high, not in a challange but in a show of strength. Somehow Redbeard knew the manners with which he would have to deal with the leaders of Archadoon would be similars to those used by his ancestors, before the appearance of the Aelyrian Realm.

A faint smile showed up on his face as he unmounted, there was nothing to fear unless he broke the ice in which he was walking. The words of one of leaders came thundering to the Vagaran's ears. The Navy had been there already? It wasn't with the same purpose as his for sure. Patting his chest with his right hand, immediately over his heart the red haired man gave some steps in the direction of the Fianna.

"I am Eyvind Redbeard Avornmagor Björnsson, Commander of the Black Shields and Rightful Heir of Gonehameau. I am also a Provost in the Imperial Legions as my armor and weapons demonstrate. I am here to seek Archadoon's help in this time of need. The Empire stand at the edge of the abyss, enemies surround it from all sides and the most terrible is the one that appeared flying over the city of Aelyria Prime. The return of the Ancients who desire to enslave us under their New Kingdom. I come with an offering of Freedom for all those who want to help the Empire in this hour of need, the rewards will be great and your destiny will be yours alone to decide. Separated defeat await us, united our victory will prevail."

[Soldier]

Colin nodded in approval as the newcomers’ banner unfurled, placing them all on equal footing. The howling wolf of the Fianna, the raven of the Ravens’ Wing, and the wolf’s head of the Imperial troops all flapped in the gentle breeze. Crossing his arms, the Barbarian needed to get some things out of the way before business. “We will take ye inside to discuss matters. However, for the protection o’ my people, an’ the protection o’ yer own, I must ask ye to keep your weapons outside the walls. Forgive me, but my people have rightly begun to fear the Empire and her Warriors. I give my word ye will not be harmed.”

Colin was hesitant before speaking again, as if he was debating whether to speak his mind to an Imperial soldier. “I mentioned the Navy had arrived, an’ indeed it had. There was a misunderstandin’, an’ nine o’ yer men were killed in the skirmish that followed. They have been held in one of our buildings and a guard placed on them. We will return them and their equipment to ye, to be delivered to their families. Now that small talk has finished, do you accept our terms and parley wit’ us?”

[Eyvind Redbeard]

Since no weapons were needed at the diplomatic table Eyvind nodded and turned to his men motioning them to unsheath their weapons after unmounting and delivering them to some guards that stood by the gate. As Galdoran prepared to hand the long shaft that held the banner the red-haired Vagaran shook his head. Soon enough his small retinue was waiting behind him, unarmed except maybe for their fists, strong will and the bladed gauntlets of their leader, which were then removed and handed to a guard along with Eyvind's sword.

"We will keep our banner, I hope you don't mind."

Redbeard greeted Colin with a honest smiled and then took his time listening to the tale of what had happened with the Navy men. So there had been a misunderstood, a skirmish and nine men had died. Things would have to be taken care later then. With a respectful nod the towering Imperial Officer answer.

"The terms are fair and I would only request a cart and permission to have some of my men attending to the deseased immediately."

Six men immediately stepped forward to follow whoever would guide them to the building where the dead were kept.

"Lead the way."

He continued to Colin. It was then that in the middle of the band of warriors behind the Fianna leader, Eyvind saw a slightly familiar face. It was only a glimpse but it seemed to be a man who had somehow joined him in a journey to a dark place ending up threatening the coesion of the journeying group. But Eyvind was here to speak with Colin, not some Cencoris with thoughts of superiority, so he disregarded the man.

[Vincent Stefan]

In Answer to the Imperial mens readiness to go get the body's of the fallen sailors. Two Figures appeared from out of nowhere, Each wearing a Raven's Wing Uniform. Though, both Scouts materialized from out of the main body of Mercenaries. There presence was such that they had remained completely unknown until this point. Not even a single movement or sliding gesture from the other Raven's present, marked the Scouts passing. With a gesture from the lead Scouts hands the mercenary indicated the way for the imperial men needed to travel and then the two Ravens took up positions, one in lead, one bringing up the rear. In this fashion the small group marched off into the city. Though there was only two scouts. The Imperial men would be able to feel the set's of eyes that even now watched there movements. More men followed, they just chose to not be seen..

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

With nothing to add of there own to the situation, for now. Migeria and Vincent fell in step with the rest of the Group going to talk peace. Though, a signal from the hand of Migeria left seven Raven's Wing mercenary's behind at the gate, to add reinforcements should the men decided to attack. In addition a runner had been sent to bring back another twelve. One could never be to careful. Other then that the remaining men fell in step behind the leaders.

[Soldier]

“No fear, yer men will be safe,” said Colin cheerfully. So it was that a group of men, each wearing one of three uniforms, formed a procession into the city, the three banners waving proudly in a gentle breeze. The Imperials saw the destruction of the city of Archadoon, the bleak faces staring back at them. It was going rather smoothly until they came to a ramshackle residential area. From up above came the call of “Filthy Imperials!” From an upper story window, a chamber pot came sailing into the ranks, the ceramic shattering and splashing its disgusting contents on to a couple of Redbeard’s men. Like magic, the sky was soon filled with rotten fruit, mud, and even chunks of stone, each missile striking a single Imperial, Raven or Fianna.

Amazingly, the four leaders were unscathed, and Colin halted the parade to raise his hands. “My friends! Hear me!” the Barbarian called out. “These men come in peace! Ye have known me for a long time, sure an’ ye have!! I give my word, no harm will be comin’ to ya!” At his words, the missiles stopped, and the miserable people melted into the shadows, leaving the group to continue. “Before we be makin’ parlay, sir, do ye want th’ tour? Or after?” the Barbarian asked the Imperial commander.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The six Legionnaires quickly followed the two Raven Scouts and disappeared from sight. Eyvind and the others formed up with the Fianna and the Raven, the leader on the lead at Colin's side and the black banner immediately behind him. At the Fianna's leader words the Vagaran grinned widely but looked the opposite direction while doing so.

"It is not for my men that I fear, it for whatever trespassers may make it past your men and reach mine..." the Provost then turned back to Colin "But it won't happen right?"

The moment the Vagaran ended his sentence a rain a trash and rotten fruit, not to mention a few chamber pots, started raining over his men. Colin was quick to act and soon the mob was gone, only the smell of what they had thrown remaining. It seemed Archadoon wasn't ready for them just yet and maybe making things faster wouldn't be so bad.

"Why don't we make the parlay while you show the city to us? There is nothing I want to hide and the people of Archadoon can follow us and make questions if they so desire. As long as they keep their hostility away, obviously."

[Vincent Stefan]

The Raven's Simply followed. There was nothing to add for the most part. When the Garbage began to fall, the men fell into a more tight line. keeping there cloaks high to stave off some of the falling debris. The Raven Shadow, instantly took off form Vincent's Shoulder, least he be hit by some type of object. Yet, as it stopped falling, the bird once again returned to it's masters arm. Only too happy to hop back up to it's favorite perch.

So it was that the two Raven Commanders followed the other commanders. Waiting, and watching, as both men knew the importance of Information.

[Soldier]

The group walked down the street, the leaders in a group and the three units marching behind them. After the rain of objects ended, Colin beckoned. As he led the way, he spoke so that both Eyvind and Vince could hear. Colin gave an apologetic nod to Vince for not telling him what had happened sooner. “Th’ fire started with a Gnome named Gunther. Th’ fool had an experiment goin’ in his shop, an’ didn’ finish his clean up before goin’ home. Th’ shop caught, an’ th’ fire spread. Water put on th’ flames only spread th’ oil what burned, and stone itself caught fire, burnin’ away like wood.” The large man shuddered before continuing on with his story.

“The fire spread to th’ government buildings, destroying th’ keeps of the Crimson Lions an’ th’ Imperial Guard. Those in th’ buildin’s were killed in th’ blasts, an’ those in th’ city were killed tryin’ ta drag their comrades out. None survived but those in th’ wilderness aroun’ th’ town. An’ they refuse ta come back.” He led the way inside the charred remains of a large house. Inside were the bodies of men, women and children, piled like cordwood. “We ran outta space for th’ dead, an’can’t bury ‘em with the honor they need. An’ any burial details we send out to find more space are attacked by th’ Undead. Until they can be buried proper, we have to keep them here an’ in areas like this. Thaums commit prayers over them to keep them from risin’.” He pointed to the Fianna Shaman standing over the dead, and the Chaplain from the Ravens chanting his prayers.

[Eyvind Redbeard]

The tale of Archadoon's disaster was indeed terrible. By accident a single Gnome had destroyed most of the city and caused the death of thousands of innocents. Eyvind didn't really wanted to know what had happened to poor Gunther if had survived the Great Fire. Stone burning like wood...that was an inferno, it was surprising how someone had escaped alive. The stench of the dead bodies in front of the Vagaran reminded him of the short siege to Hiems, the town that had been conquered by the Horde...with no survivors being left.

The lack of response of the Northern Cross Legion was somewhat disturbing though. It was understandable a period of wait before one among the remaining Officers to take control of the Legion and reestablish order and then send Legionnaires to Archadoon, it seemed Eyvind would have to pay some attention to these lazy Officers, they had to be punished and disciplined.

"They will be punished, the Officers who refused to come back...I promise you that."

Another glance at the dead reminded the Provost of one other thing, the possibility of more dead.

"I understand it may be against your traditions but you should burn the dead to prevent deseases spreading and killing the few who survived. The Priest and Shamans may not be enough. And please explain me where all these Undead you've talked of come from, the dead don't rise unless disturbed..."

[Vincent Stefan]

".....The dead don't rise unless disturbed..."

Those Words could not have been any more true. It was that same thought that had, had the Half Elf's Attention ever since the briefing that morning by Migeria on the subject of The Raven's Wing's first mission. There was much about that situation that was interesting. More so now that the Half elf knew the full story behind the tragedy of Archadoon. The Grad Commander did not begrudge the Barbarians there reasons for not telling the RW up till now the full story. It just would have been nice to have all the information, to think on...Rather then a few key parts.

Vincent knew that Migeria felt much the same in this regard. As he two had expressed how disturbed he was by the shear number and apparent organization of the undead. There was much more to this story, possibly hole volumes more. Yet, who to get information from was proving, harder to figure out. People in this city had a tendency before the fire for hiding things. Yarrow had hid a love life with Rhys right under Vincent's nose. It was not like the half elf had any stake in that. It just would have been nice to know. Now here the commander was once again, in the port town and if anything the peaple here hid information even more.

With a sad Sigh, Vincent contiued to keep track of the conversation between the Fianna and the Imperials. There would be time to get a word in later, for now, it would appear the Raven's Wing was obtaining more information from the shadows.....