by Vaalic » Mon Jan 03, 2005 7:26 am
Having left Somber’s company Vaalic began to walk the keep. They had come up with a rough outline of a plan, and he tried to play it through his mind. How exactly would this work, what did he need to be aware of? These thoughts troubled him as he made his way to the lower levels of the keep. There were still some hours before Somber would call Ji’dar away and give Vaalic the opportunity he needed. He knew caution would be important, and though he had picked up a few things from his father and friends Vaalic knew he was not a thief. He could not say what the consequences would be should he be found, but it was clear that they would be dire.
The halls were quiet as Vaalic neared his assigned room. He had a place to stay, which was not something he would complain about, but they had seen it fit to board him with the servants. That was not something he minded. These people worked hard at their livelihoods, which was more than he could say about some nobles. The corridor he made his way down was sparsely lit, having only a few small candles left to guide his way. Coming to a stop before his door Vaalic began to push it open, only to stop himself once his hand touched the wood. Noticing then that there was light coming from beneath his door. That sight troubled him. There was no one in the castle that would leave a light burning without use, especially for him. It was possible there was a servant inside, but to what purpose he didn’t know. Feeling it best to be prepared Vaalic slowly drew his sword, careful as to how much noise he made. Pausing a moment he listened: silence. If there was someone inside he was sure he would have heard them. This only added to his suspicion. Slowly he pushed the door open, peering through the doorframe before he entered. The room was small, with little more than enough room for the bed that sat across the right wall. A single candle burnt on the small table beside it, itself having only a short time of light left. A man sat in a small wooden chair in the back left corner of the room, in the flickering candlelight just enough for Vaalic to see he was there. Prepared, Vaalic stepped into the room, his sword ready, though it stayed by his side.
â€ÂWho are you?“ He demanded of the man, trying to see his face through the flickering shadows. It took him only a moment to look over his visitor, though he could not say who it was. At his spoken words the man sat up, his posture perfecting. It was then that he felt a sharp prick at the base of his neck. Instinctively he moved to turn, only to have it pressed harder, this time breaking the skin. Vaalic cursed under his breath as he realized there was another in the room, hidden behind the door as he entered. The man in the chair leaned forward more fully into the light.
â€ÂVaalic is it?“ The mysterious man questioned, his voice calm and almost pleasant. A nod was all he gave in response, scanning the room to ensure there were no other hidden guests. The blade tip twisted slightly, opening the small puncture wound just a little more. Vaalic could feel a fine trickle of blood crawl down his back. The small amount of pain it caused was more of an afterthought as Vaalic focused his attention on the man in front of him. The man he was speaking to was well dressed, and wore a neatly trimmed beard. His hair was a curly brown, cut short almost as if to hide that fact. Upon his hands he wore rings of gold, giving Vaalic a good idea he was someone wealthy, and possibly of some importance. His eyes were a dull gray-blue, that caught in the dim candlelight and by his side he had resting a long sword, who’s scabbard Vaalic could see even from this distance was finely carved with intricate designs. The man rose, and took a step forward, looking Vaalic from head to toe. His eyes lingered on Vaalic’s blade as though he could read it. Finally his eyes rose to meet Vaalic’s. He sported a large grin as he took another step closer, careful to stay far enough back to prevent a desperate swing.
â€ÂI have been looking forward to meeting you... though I must say I am slightly disappointed. Somehow I was expecting... something more.“ The man’s grin slowly turned into a scowl, as though he had a bad taste in his mouth.
â€ÂThen again, I may have been expecting too much. You are, after all just a commoner. You would do well to drop your blade, it won’t do you any good here.†The man spoke now with a sense of arrogance Vaalic could clearly distinguish. The point of the blade pushed slightly more into the back of his neck, as if to remind him he had no choice. Once the pressure began on his neck he reacted, hoping to catch the man behind him off guard. In one fluid motion he brought his sword up as he took a half step forward and turned, creating a swift roof block with his blade, forcing the other’s sword up, then left it to slide harmlessly off the blade and to the side as he finished his turn, stopping with his blade tip upon his attackers throat. It had taken only precious seconds, and he had indeed caught the other off guard. Vaalic now looked eye to eye with the man that had been behind him, his sword held firmly against his throat, their situation now reversed. The look of surprise was clearly written on the swordsman’s face as he froze, his back pinned against the wall. Holding the blade steady, Vaalic felt the back of his neck with his free hand. He felt the small puncture wound that had been left and brought his hand back to see it had a fine coat of blood. A small cut, nothing more, but it was more than was necessary. Turning to look he could see the other man watching him, his own hand resting on the hilt of his sword, though he didn’t draw it.
â€ÂWho are you, and what do you want with me?†Vaalic asked, his question directed to the free man in the room. He couldn’t help but let his anger show in his voice. There was a short pause, where Vaalic pressed his own blade ever so slightly into the skin, enough to start a trickle of blood.
â€ÂInteresting.†The man said, as he regarded Vaalic who now held his companion captive. He did not appear to be at all concerned with the sudden change of events, though Vaalic knew the man he held pinned thought differently. Neither made any move to stop him, which so far was saving the life of the one man.
â€ÂI am Viscount Firaxis, and I have come to court the lovely Lady Somber. Now, lower your weapon so we may speak as gentlemen.†The Viscount offered, though Vaalic refused to let his captive go. Not yet.
â€ÂThen why come here? Why come to me?†He questioned, making no move to lower his weapon or his guard. His captive shifted his weight to his other foot in discomfort. He still didn’t know why these men were here, or why they had drawn weapons on him.
â€ÂIt has come to my attention that you also seek to win the hand of the lady. As you no doubt know that is an impossibility for someone of your... inferior blood lines.†The words held a venomous tone.
â€ÂWe will see...†Vaalic stated flatly. He knew this was a problem, and not one that would be easily overcome. He cared too much for Somber to let it go, this barrier only helping to strengthen his resolve.
â€ÂIndeed. Now, lower your weapon. If you make a foolish mistake and kill my guard I will have you hung from the gates of these walls. We will leave you to the crows.†He threatened confidently. Vaalic knew that if this man was who he claimed to be, there would be no doubt he could follow through with the threat.
â€ÂIf I kill this man it will be because of your actions or his. Do not think for a moment that I would let you leave this room if it came to that.†Vaalic returned the threat, knowing he was more than capable of carrying that out as well. He could see the Viscount growing visibly angry, and his voice did little to hide that fact.
â€ÂYou dare threaten me? I should have your head for such words!†The two met stares for several long moments before the Viscount finally broke away, his anger beginning to subside. The other man shifted uncomfortably again, though no one paid him any attention, and Vaalic could see by the fear in his eyes that he didn’t intent to try anything. Not with a blade so close to his throat.
â€ÂI am a reasonable man, Vaalic. I know the Lady Somber is a very lovely woman, but she is not worth getting yourself killed over. There does not have to be bloodshed. All I ask is that you disappear. I do not care where you go, as long as it is far from here.†As he spoke the Viscount brought out a large belt pouch, which he threw down at Vaalic’s feet. The bag landed heavily, the sounds of coins clashing together gave Vaalic a good idea what it held. Vaalic didn’t move, but instead looked back to the Viscount, his expression unreadable.
â€ÂThink about it. Be gone before the banquet tomorrow night and there will be another bag waiting for you with the Gate captain.†With that said the Viscount moved to the door, never once taking his eyes from Vaalic. No longer threatened, Vaalic let his blade drop from his prisoner, who let out a long breath of relief. He waited a moment as the Viscount and his guard left, shutting the door behind them. Sheathing his sword, Vaalic looked down at the bag at his feet. Just from its size he knew it held more coins than many commoners would make in a year. Turning away he left the bag on the floor, not giving it a second glance. He had some planning to do if he wanted to find that parchment and he knew it would not be long before he would have to go.
When a Greater evil unites, the good must come together;
else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a useless struggle.