Ignis laughed at the man inching away from Warrick, obviously disturbed by the comments he had made.
"Naw, Warick, it's nothing to do with the blood, the bones are what you can really make use of. Ever made a crib out of a man's ribcage? I've never seen a child sleep more soundly." Ignis said loud enough for the Bramwell soldier to hear, and watched as he left the area entirely, and marched to the front of their convoy.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
A flash of steel was all that Ignis could see, he looked up to see the officers blade laying at his feet, and two figures sprawled on the forest floor. Ignis grabbed the blade without thinking, and looked at the first figure.
How the hell did Warrick get here so fast? He thought, silently praising the mans quick intervention, without it, he would surely have died in these woods.
He glanced at the second figure; it was the officer. He tried to rise to his feet, but Ignis quickly drove the man's blade through the back of his neck, spraying blood on ancient roots. The officer made a horrible gurgling sound, and finally died.
"I have never seen one person fight through so many wounds.." He said, somehow in awe of this man's unnatural resilience. He helped Warrick to his feet, clapped him on the back, and thanked him or his help.
"Showed him who's king of these woods." He said, laughing as the remainder of his panic washed away.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
Crouching, Ignis crept from tree to tree to get into a better position. Eventually he was behind the officer, and signaled Warrick to distract the soldier.
As Warrick and the officer exchanged threats, Ignis took both knives out of his sleeves, and gripped them in between his fingers on his still usable arm. He laid the two knives from his boots on the ground, ready for a follow up throw.
"NOW, INGIS!!!!!"
He ducked sideways from the tree, and loosed his first two knives. They punched through the plating on the soldier's back, and he howled in anger at the pain. Ignis picked up his last two knives, gripped them like before, and threw them at the soldier.
Now facing Ignis, he took both knives in the chest and fell sidways off his horse. He landed on his back and drove the knives even deeper, still screaming in pain, he rose to his feet, brandished his sword, and ran towards Ignis.
Absolutely stunned that the man was still able to move, Ignis barely drew his blade in time to deflect the first swing. He was knocked backwards, and instinctively jerked his arm towards the soldier.
"Shit, knives are already in him." Ignis thought, cursing himself for not remembering this key fact. He lost precious moments with his failed attack, and had to jump sideways to avoid another swipe. The soldier pressed his advantage, and shouldered Ignis into a tree, slumping to the ground, Ignis raised his katana to deflect what could be the final attack Ignis would ever see.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
Ignis heard the clanking of metal plates, and readied himself to fend off yet another Riddian soldier. He drew back his katana and readied it for a vicious thrust, but stopped himself as Warrick burst from the bushes, covered in fresh blood.
"Brother are you okay?" He said, Ignis nodded in response.
"Never better, soldier caught me off guard but it's not fatal, I'll have somebody patch me up after the fight, there are Riddians to be killed." Ignis said as he gritted his teeth, the pain was minimal, but it was pain nonetheless. He ripped off a nearby vine and tied it above the wound to slow the flow of blood. He knew it was only a temporary fix, but it would allow him to continue the fight.
"There, should be fine for a while." He said to Warrick, he then pointed at the nearby mounted soldier.
"Think we can take him?"
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
After hearing Buliwyf's shout, Ignis immediately drew his swords and ducked behind a tree, just as an arrow embedded itself in the thick bark. Still got those instincts Ignis thought to himself, grinning as he looked around for his attackers.
A Riddian patrol was emerging out of the woods, several swordsmen and a mounted officer backed up by archer support. Just as Ignis noted their numbers, Ignis heard a swoosh, and felt a stabbing pain in his right arm. He immediately dropped his wakizashi, and howled in pain. He jumped backwards, jerking his left arm at his attacker as he did to loose the dagger contained in his sleeve. His injury affected his aim, and the dagger swayed off target and glanced off a rock.
Shit... first time that's happened. Ignis thought with a sudden feeling of dread, knowing he may not be able to survive this fight with only one of his arms capable of swinging a sword.
His attacker was unphased by the suprise throwing knife, and quickly closed the gap between them. He swung an overhead chop at Ignis, who raised his katana to defend. The Riddian blade bounced off, and Ignis quickly reversed his grip and drove his katana into the stomach of the soldier while he was preparing another attack.
Out of danger for the moment, Ignis quickly picked up and sheathed his dagger and wakizashi before glancing around the area for any signs of his comrades.
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Ignis heard a deafening battle cry behind him, and spun around to witness Donsro pulp the skull of a Riddian soldier.
"Watch out!!" Yelled Ignis as another soldier crept up behind Donsro. Acting on instinct alone, he jerked his left and right arms towards the soldier, and loosed both knives he kept strapped to his forearms. They streaked towards their mark, one hitting the man in the eye, the other burying itself in his chest. The man let loose a howl, and toppled backwards.
"Shit, how did they find us out in the woods? Was it a patrol?" Said Ignis as he looked around frantically, wondering if their operation had been compromised.
"We can only hope our brothers in the outpost are having better luck, without their success, we'll be dead men." Said Ignis with a somber tone, wondering if this hadn't been such a noble idea after all. He quickly snapped himself out of his wondering state, and set his mind back to watching for more patrols.
"Somebody keep an eye out for our signal, I'll watch for more patrols." Stated Ignis to no one in particular, hoping that somebody was still watching for their signal to charge the gates.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
Ignis thanked Warrick for his enthusiasm, but had to correct him. "It seems that we're using a different plan, I was not aware that outfits would be available to us, and now we'll be taking some from a guard post."
Ignis noted Kira's offer to help take out the guard, andBuliwyfs complete neglect of deciding who would be a part of the first strike. Is he even aware that people volunteered? Seems he's off in his own world sometimes... Thought Ignis to himself, wondering if this man was fit to be leading the attack.
With the rest of the knights either outside or planning the attack, Ignis sat down and took time to review and familiarize himself with the maps.
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Ignis nodded at Donsro, noting the sarcastic tone of voice.
"I highly doubt they would keep boats moored in their moat. We're either going to have to use a smallish canoe, or find some other means of getting across the moat. Swimming is not an option, if we're wet then there is no way we'll be getting atop that wall. Keep in mind that this will be under the cover of darkness, however. So hopefully visibility will be at a minimum where we'll be approaching. Perhaps we could scrap the canoe plan, and fashion a wooden plank that would be able to cover up part of the moat?" said Ignis, realizing how impractical hauling a canoe would be. Oh well, crazy fails from time to time. He thought to himself as he chuckled, feeling somewhat idiotic.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
"Are we talking more of a stealthy approach or killing everything in sight?"said Warrick, obviously favouring the second.
Ignis took a quick glance at the maps, before deciding their course of action. Never thought I'd be a tactician, but I guess I'm the most experience here in stealth. Thought Ignis with a feeling of pride swelling through him.
"Before I start, I must stress that we must attack at night, else this plan will never work." said Ignis as he glanced at Buliwyf, hoping for approval.
"Anyways, I propose the 3 of us go along the right side of the castle. If we can get ourselves a canoe, or some form of boat, we can paint it to blend in with the grass at night. If the 3 of us hide under this, we can be protected from their gazes, and any arrows if luck should fail our stealthy approach." said Ignis, hoping that they would not have to dodge arrows.
"Once we reach the moat, we simply use the boat to get across silently." Ignis chuckled at this point, realizing how ridiculous this boat idea sounded. However odd it sounds, it will work, with luck.
"At this point, hopefully the rest of the knights will be distracting the archers, and focusing their gaze and attention away from us. With the archers distracted and clumped near the frontal towers, we will easily be able to toss grapling hooks up the side of the walls, and climb up." Ignis glanced at Donsro and Warrick, noting that their ascent will be slower with their armor. At least we won't be weighed down by the water.
"Once we're up the walls, we'll have to work quickly to eliminate the archers, and open the drawbridge for the rest of the knights. It may sound borderline insane, but it may be the best bet we've got. As long as the rest of the knights can keep just out of range of the archers, their attention will stay on them, without the danger of being in the line of fire." His plan on the table, Ignis hoped that it would gain approval.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
"Numbers count for naught if they cannot move, but a single unit of well armored soldiers can last a long time and take very little damage." Ignis didn't like the sounds of this, heavily armoured soldiers meant a long, drawn out battle.
"We'll need to find ways to exploit the chinks in their armor." Said Ignis with a glance over the notes and maps, "Kifu has shown some remarkable abilities with swarms of insects, perhaps we could call on him to help eliminate a fair amount of the soldiers."
"If I can force them to concerntrate their forces there on the bridge they will be unable to move. But I will need to find a way to take out the archers in the towers above the bridge." "I guess this is where I make my contribution to the plan", said Ignis with a slight groan.
"Remember how I said I had a misspent youth? Needless to say, it sometimes involved scaling buildings to get... things from inside. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, but I'll refrain from actually saying it out loud. Anyways, if you need somebody to get up the walls, I'm your man." Said Ignis, finally glad he didn't have a typical childhood.
"With any luck, I'll also be able to locate the drawbridge lever, and let the rest of the knights in the town."
"However, this may not be easy alone, a comrade would be welcome." Said Ignis as he glanced over at Warrick. Looks like we'll finally get to follow through with that promise, they will finally pay. Thought Ignis, a dark grin stretching across his face as he imagined the coming battle, and the coming vengeance for Tappas.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
Ignis nodded at Buliwyf, he and Warrick would have to wait to fulfill their need for vengeance. Riddias time will come, no doubt about that. Thought Ignis to himself, trying to convince himself that now was not the time to rush to Riddia, and that they would need to wait.
"Warrick, looks like we won't be attacking Riddia. Thought I thank you for standing beside me, I'll have to make sure to watch your back more often." said Ignis to Warrick, saddened that they would not be able to avenge the deaths of the townspeople as soon as they had hoped. Should stick near that guy, seems to be a like minded individual, no doubt we would make a fierce combination in the heat of battle. He thought, wondering if he had just gained himself a future ally in battle.
He heard a crash of armor behind him just as he had finished speaking, and heard somebody yell Jamis's name. He whirled about and saw Jamis crumpled on the floor, with Victor quickly rushing over to carry him off, hopefully to a padded wagon.
"Buliwyf... is there something wrong with Jamis? This is the second time I've seen him pass out, perhaps that wound he sufferend in Phillipassus was more serious than we had thought." said Ignis, wondering if Jamis was as strong as he seemed. Would be a shame to lose a leader like him. Thought Ignis, hoping that Jamis was only tired, and that it wasn't something more serious.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
As Ignis looked about the church, the scene was horrific. Dirty children crying about lost parents, battered parents sobbing about lost children, and both crying about the lives that had been burned away by the Riddians. He saw dismembered seniors, cut up youth, and even several corpses of people who had passed away, their loved ones still clutching them in their arms as they rocked back and forth, coping with the shock of it all the only way they could.
As Ignis looked about the church, a fury unlike any other he had experience grew inside him. How... how could anyone do this, why would anyone do THIS, to innocent people ?! Thought Ignis to himself, the rage growing within him with every glance around the church.
"We have to f$%&ing ACT, WHY ARE WE STANDING HERE TENDING TO THE SICK, WHEN THERE ARE LIVES THAT ARE GOING UNAVENGED ?!?! We are not doctors, we are MERCENARIES, and it is our duty, our OBLIGATION, to avenge these people. Riddia must answer for the crimes they have committed today, and I say we be the ones to bring them to justice." Yelled Ignis to everyone within earshot, with a passion he had never had, had never expected to have in the entirety of his life. He did not know what was happening, but what he saw, what he was still seeing, changed him.
Ignis threw his katana across the room, and collapsed into a heap of jumbled emotions on the floor, he did not know what to think or do, when such evil was possible in this world. He simply waited for a response from the rest of the group, praying that his superiors would agree with his words.
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Noticing the smoke on the horizon, Ignis called over to Kifu "Hey, looks like I might win our bet after all!!".
Looks like some kind of forest fire, well at least it will shorten the time we're in here, I need to get back to the city, and fast. Ignis thought to himself.
As they continued down the path, a sickening smell wafted past them. It smelled like overcooked meat, and decay. The smell gripped them for the rest of the path, and when they left the tree line, they became aware of what was causing it.
Tappas had been levelled. Ignis was dumbstruck, he simply could not fathom the hatred it would take to give cause to destroy an entire town. And from the looks of it, kill all of it's inhabitants as well.
Ignis nearly vomited, he was used to some odd sights from the places he used to visit, but this was unlike anything he had ever seen.
He followed the rest of the knights into the town, and unsaddles his horse before running off to the only building left standing, the church. It seemed as if Buliwyf and Jamis had the same idea, they were there before him and Ignis only caught the last few phrases they uttered.
"The Riddians. They came down the river. While our best fighters were in the fields, the best from Riddia came down the river and took us by surprise. Most of the towns people did not get away. They hacked us down where we stood, women, children, they slaughtered them all, I saved who I could. They are safe in the chu........" said a dying priest, obviously he had defended the rest of the townspeople with his life, a sacrifice that would not go unavenged.
"My god.... it's all clear now. The people we fought, they couldn't have even been militia, let alone soldiers. Riddia must have forced their own townsmen to fight, while their forces came in and destroyed Tappas. How could a town be so.... evil ?" Ignis thought aloud, barely even noticing the people around him as he considered the weight of the situation.
"I can't believe it," Jamis said, a look of utter shock on his face,"Come on, let's look in the church. Maybe someone can tell us why the Riddians would do this."
Ignis merely nodded at Jamis, he was lost for words. He started up the stairs, passing by a bloody streak on the ground leading into the doors of the church.
He went up to the doors, and threw them open. The townspeople inside screamed, obviously mistaking him for an attacker. Shit, should have left my weapons at the door. Thought Ignis as he glanced down as his two swords.
"We're not here to hurt you, we're the mercenaries that your town hired to help fight against Riddia.", yelled Ignis over the roar of the battered townspeople, most looked as if they had been sobbing for hours, and now he had the honour of stirring their terror and anguish up once more. Ugh.... should have let somebody else open these doors, Kifu probably would have enjoyed it. Heh, speaking of which, looks like he won't be getting that ale. Thought Ignis, a dark chuckle escaping his lips.
The townspeople had begun to calm down after seeing Ignis standing there for some time, obviously not intending to hurt them. Who could even hurt these people? Thought Ignis as he looked over the remaining villagers, most had cuts and scrapes on them, but some very serious injuries stood out within the crowd. There was a man who looked as if he had stood in the fires of hell, and another man was missing a leg, and his hands were bloody and mangled. Guess thats where that streak came from... probably dragged himself in here to avoid the soldiers, poor bastard. Thought Ignis, a feeling of sadness washing over him.
"Now that we're all calmed down.... can somebody tell us what happened here?" Ignis said, not wanting to hear what gruesome tale that the villagers would give him.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
"Hey Ignis, wanna make a bet?" Ignis immediately perked up upon hearing these words, Heh, old guy sure knows me well. He thought.
"I bet you we make it through this path without so much as a strong wind holding us back." Taking some time to consider the odds, Ignis figured that there was a decent chance of some kind of animal running out onto the path, or some brigand attacking them, maybe even a crazed patrol of fallen ones finding them. These areas had been becoming increasingly dangerous ever since the incident in the dreadlands. If it's this bad here, I wonder how the barbarians are doing... Ignis thought, a jolt of empathy suddenly flowing into him. Anyways, back to the bet... I guess the odds are decent enough, I'll have to take him up on it. "Sure Kifu, you're on. 5 gold for the winner." he said to the old Witch Doctor, wondering what he would ever spend gold on. Well, I guess there ARE black market organ dealers out there... He thought with a smile, he was very glad that the old man had managed to cheer him up.
I'll have to buy him some ale once we get back to Tappas, he certainly deserves it.
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"One in every 10 million people can potentially have a headache from this pill." God forbid she is the 0.000000001% of having a headache.
"We are leaving." Ignis nodded at Buliwyf, he seemed as if he did not want the knights to take any more time in these killing feilds. He slapped the reigns, and Illudere marched forward in response, they were finally returning to Tappas.
"of course, I could raise your horse from the dead but....I am afraid he would turn and try to kill you..hahaha" The man burst into laughter after saying this, obviously he found irony quite hilarious. "You see zombie horses tend to be pretty agressive but if that's what you want..haha.. I supposed I could teach you how to control his zombie hunger. You see, zombies need a constant supply of human organs. If you kept your horse fed...hehe..he might not try to eat you" Ignis felt a sudden pang of stupidity, he had never realized that zombies required food.
"Thank you for the information, Kifu. I may take you up on this offer someday, or may even let you keep him if you ever raise him from the dead. It seems you sure know zombies, and I'm sure he would serve you well." Ignis clapped him on the back, and thanked him once more.
He remained wary of their surroundings, from his past, he knew that people would stop at nothing to gain some extra gold, and their caravan was a fairly obvious target to loot. His worry became even greater as they passed into a forest. The massive boughs overhead interlocked to block out most sunlight. Several shafts of sunlight managed to peirce through the leaves, and illuminated patches of ferns and berries. Well at least this place had a well stocked larder, thought Ignis, trying to cool his nerves. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of this forest made him feel trapped. The claustrophobic feeling was new to Ignis, maybe it was the battle that caused it, maybe he was just worrying too much, but he wasn't comfortable in this place. The Squirrels didn't help, either. They were everywhere, watching him.
"Hopefully this forest does not stretch too long... I wouldn't want to set up camp in here. Seems damn near anything could be waiting to devour us in our sleep." Ignis said as he shot a wary glance around the trees, barely able to see beyond the first row. He lit his torch, and was comforted by the glow it cast about them. With any luck, we'll be out in several hours.
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"Naw, Warick, it's nothing to do with the blood, the bones are what you can really make use of. Ever made a crib out of a man's ribcage? I've never seen a child sleep more soundly." Ignis said loud enough for the Bramwell soldier to hear, and watched as he left the area entirely, and marched to the front of their convoy.
How the hell did Warrick get here so fast? He thought, silently praising the mans quick intervention, without it, he would surely have died in these woods.
He glanced at the second figure; it was the officer. He tried to rise to his feet, but Ignis quickly drove the man's blade through the back of his neck, spraying blood on ancient roots. The officer made a horrible gurgling sound, and finally died.
"I have never seen one person fight through so many wounds.." He said, somehow in awe of this man's unnatural resilience. He helped Warrick to his feet, clapped him on the back, and thanked him or his help.
"Showed him who's king of these woods." He said, laughing as the remainder of his panic washed away.
As Warrick and the officer exchanged threats, Ignis took both knives out of his sleeves, and gripped them in between his fingers on his still usable arm. He laid the two knives from his boots on the ground, ready for a follow up throw.
"NOW, INGIS!!!!!"
He ducked sideways from the tree, and loosed his first two knives. They punched through the plating on the soldier's back, and he howled in anger at the pain. Ignis picked up his last two knives, gripped them like before, and threw them at the soldier.
Now facing Ignis, he took both knives in the chest and fell sidways off his horse. He landed on his back and drove the knives even deeper, still screaming in pain, he rose to his feet, brandished his sword, and ran towards Ignis.
Absolutely stunned that the man was still able to move, Ignis barely drew his blade in time to deflect the first swing. He was knocked backwards, and instinctively jerked his arm towards the soldier.
"Shit, knives are already in him." Ignis thought, cursing himself for not remembering this key fact. He lost precious moments with his failed attack, and had to jump sideways to avoid another swipe. The soldier pressed his advantage, and shouldered Ignis into a tree, slumping to the ground, Ignis raised his katana to deflect what could be the final attack Ignis would ever see.
"Brother are you okay?" He said, Ignis nodded in response.
"Never better, soldier caught me off guard but it's not fatal, I'll have somebody patch me up after the fight, there are Riddians to be killed." Ignis said as he gritted his teeth, the pain was minimal, but it was pain nonetheless. He ripped off a nearby vine and tied it above the wound to slow the flow of blood. He knew it was only a temporary fix, but it would allow him to continue the fight.
"There, should be fine for a while." He said to Warrick, he then pointed at the nearby mounted soldier.
"Think we can take him?"
A Riddian patrol was emerging out of the woods, several swordsmen and a mounted officer backed up by archer support. Just as Ignis noted their numbers, Ignis heard a swoosh, and felt a stabbing pain in his right arm. He immediately dropped his wakizashi, and howled in pain. He jumped backwards, jerking his left arm at his attacker as he did to loose the dagger contained in his sleeve. His injury affected his aim, and the dagger swayed off target and glanced off a rock.
Shit... first time that's happened. Ignis thought with a sudden feeling of dread, knowing he may not be able to survive this fight with only one of his arms capable of swinging a sword.
His attacker was unphased by the suprise throwing knife, and quickly closed the gap between them. He swung an overhead chop at Ignis, who raised his katana to defend. The Riddian blade bounced off, and Ignis quickly reversed his grip and drove his katana into the stomach of the soldier while he was preparing another attack.
Out of danger for the moment, Ignis quickly picked up and sheathed his dagger and wakizashi before glancing around the area for any signs of his comrades.
"Watch out!!" Yelled Ignis as another soldier crept up behind Donsro. Acting on instinct alone, he jerked his left and right arms towards the soldier, and loosed both knives he kept strapped to his forearms. They streaked towards their mark, one hitting the man in the eye, the other burying itself in his chest. The man let loose a howl, and toppled backwards.
"Shit, how did they find us out in the woods? Was it a patrol?" Said Ignis as he looked around frantically, wondering if their operation had been compromised.
"We can only hope our brothers in the outpost are having better luck, without their success, we'll be dead men." Said Ignis with a somber tone, wondering if this hadn't been such a noble idea after all. He quickly snapped himself out of his wondering state, and set his mind back to watching for more patrols.
"Somebody keep an eye out for our signal, I'll watch for more patrols." Stated Ignis to no one in particular, hoping that somebody was still watching for their signal to charge the gates.
"It seems that we're using a different plan, I was not aware that outfits would be available to us, and now we'll be taking some from a guard post."
Ignis noted Kira's offer to help take out the guard, and Buliwyfs complete neglect of deciding who would be a part of the first strike. Is he even aware that people volunteered? Seems he's off in his own world sometimes... Thought Ignis to himself, wondering if this man was fit to be leading the attack.
With the rest of the knights either outside or planning the attack, Ignis sat down and took time to review and familiarize himself with the maps.
"I highly doubt they would keep boats moored in their moat. We're either going to have to use a smallish canoe, or find some other means of getting across the moat. Swimming is not an option, if we're wet then there is no way we'll be getting atop that wall. Keep in mind that this will be under the cover of darkness, however. So hopefully visibility will be at a minimum where we'll be approaching. Perhaps we could scrap the canoe plan, and fashion a wooden plank that would be able to cover up part of the moat?" said Ignis, realizing how impractical hauling a canoe would be. Oh well, crazy fails from time to time. He thought to himself as he chuckled, feeling somewhat idiotic.
Ignis took a quick glance at the maps, before deciding their course of action. Never thought I'd be a tactician, but I guess I'm the most experience here in stealth. Thought Ignis with a feeling of pride swelling through him.
"Before I start, I must stress that we must attack at night, else this plan will never work." said Ignis as he glanced at Buliwyf, hoping for approval.
"Anyways, I propose the 3 of us go along the right side of the castle. If we can get ourselves a canoe, or some form of boat, we can paint it to blend in with the grass at night. If the 3 of us hide under this, we can be protected from their gazes, and any arrows if luck should fail our stealthy approach." said Ignis, hoping that they would not have to dodge arrows.
"Once we reach the moat, we simply use the boat to get across silently." Ignis chuckled at this point, realizing how ridiculous this boat idea sounded. However odd it sounds, it will work, with luck.
"At this point, hopefully the rest of the knights will be distracting the archers, and focusing their gaze and attention away from us. With the archers distracted and clumped near the frontal towers, we will easily be able to toss grapling hooks up the side of the walls, and climb up." Ignis glanced at Donsro and Warrick, noting that their ascent will be slower with their armor. At least we won't be weighed down by the water.
"Once we're up the walls, we'll have to work quickly to eliminate the archers, and open the drawbridge for the rest of the knights. It may sound borderline insane, but it may be the best bet we've got. As long as the rest of the knights can keep just out of range of the archers, their attention will stay on them, without the danger of being in the line of fire." His plan on the table, Ignis hoped that it would gain approval.
"We'll need to find ways to exploit the chinks in their armor." Said Ignis with a glance over the notes and maps, "Kifu has shown some remarkable abilities with swarms of insects, perhaps we could call on him to help eliminate a fair amount of the soldiers."
"If I can force them to concerntrate their forces there on the bridge they will be unable to move. But I will need to find a way to take out the archers in the towers above the bridge."
"I guess this is where I make my contribution to the plan", said Ignis with a slight groan.
"Remember how I said I had a misspent youth? Needless to say, it sometimes involved scaling buildings to get... things from inside. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about, but I'll refrain from actually saying it out loud. Anyways, if you need somebody to get up the walls, I'm your man." Said Ignis, finally glad he didn't have a typical childhood.
"With any luck, I'll also be able to locate the drawbridge lever, and let the rest of the knights in the town."
"However, this may not be easy alone, a comrade would be welcome." Said Ignis as he glanced over at Warrick. Looks like we'll finally get to follow through with that promise, they will finally pay. Thought Ignis, a dark grin stretching across his face as he imagined the coming battle, and the coming vengeance for Tappas.
"Warrick, looks like we won't be attacking Riddia. Thought I thank you for standing beside me, I'll have to make sure to watch your back more often." said Ignis to Warrick, saddened that they would not be able to avenge the deaths of the townspeople as soon as they had hoped. Should stick near that guy, seems to be a like minded individual, no doubt we would make a fierce combination in the heat of battle. He thought, wondering if he had just gained himself a future ally in battle.
He heard a crash of armor behind him just as he had finished speaking, and heard somebody yell Jamis's name. He whirled about and saw Jamis crumpled on the floor, with Victor quickly rushing over to carry him off, hopefully to a padded wagon.
"Buliwyf... is there something wrong with Jamis? This is the second time I've seen him pass out, perhaps that wound he sufferend in Phillipassus was more serious than we had thought." said Ignis, wondering if Jamis was as strong as he seemed. Would be a shame to lose a leader like him. Thought Ignis, hoping that Jamis was only tired, and that it wasn't something more serious.
Dirty children crying about lost parents, battered parents sobbing about lost children, and both crying about the lives that had been burned away by the Riddians.
He saw dismembered seniors, cut up youth, and even several corpses of people who had passed away, their loved ones still clutching them in their arms as they rocked back and forth, coping with the shock of it all the only way they could.
As Ignis looked about the church, a fury unlike any other he had experience grew inside him.
How... how could anyone do this, why would anyone do THIS, to innocent people ?! Thought Ignis to himself, the rage growing within him with every glance around the church.
"We have to f$%&ing ACT, WHY ARE WE STANDING HERE TENDING TO THE SICK, WHEN THERE ARE LIVES THAT ARE GOING UNAVENGED ?!?! We are not doctors, we are MERCENARIES, and it is our duty, our OBLIGATION, to avenge these people. Riddia must answer for the crimes they have committed today, and I say we be the ones to bring them to justice." Yelled Ignis to everyone within earshot, with a passion he had never had, had never expected to have in the entirety of his life. He did not know what was happening, but what he saw, what he was still seeing, changed him.
Ignis threw his katana across the room, and collapsed into a heap of jumbled emotions on the floor, he did not know what to think or do, when such evil was possible in this world. He simply waited for a response from the rest of the group, praying that his superiors would agree with his words.
Looks like some kind of forest fire, well at least it will shorten the time we're in here, I need to get back to the city, and fast. Ignis thought to himself.
As they continued down the path, a sickening smell wafted past them. It smelled like overcooked meat, and decay. The smell gripped them for the rest of the path, and when they left the tree line, they became aware of what was causing it.
Tappas had been levelled. Ignis was dumbstruck, he simply could not fathom the hatred it would take to give cause to destroy an entire town. And from the looks of it, kill all of it's inhabitants as well.
Ignis nearly vomited, he was used to some odd sights from the places he used to visit, but this was unlike anything he had ever seen.
He followed the rest of the knights into the town, and unsaddles his horse before running off to the only building left standing, the church. It seemed as if Buliwyf and Jamis had the same idea, they were there before him and Ignis only caught the last few phrases they uttered.
"The Riddians. They came down the river. While our best fighters were in the fields, the best from Riddia came down the river and took us by surprise. Most of the towns people did not get away. They hacked us down where we stood, women, children, they slaughtered them all, I saved who I could. They are safe in the chu........" said a dying priest, obviously he had defended the rest of the townspeople with his life, a sacrifice that would not go unavenged.
"My god.... it's all clear now. The people we fought, they couldn't have even been militia, let alone soldiers. Riddia must have forced their own townsmen to fight, while their forces came in and destroyed Tappas. How could a town be so.... evil ?" Ignis thought aloud, barely even noticing the people around him as he considered the weight of the situation.
"I can't believe it," Jamis said, a look of utter shock on his face, "Come on, let's look in the church. Maybe someone can tell us why the Riddians would do this."
Ignis merely nodded at Jamis, he was lost for words. He started up the stairs, passing by a bloody streak on the ground leading into the doors of the church.
He went up to the doors, and threw them open. The townspeople inside screamed, obviously mistaking him for an attacker. Shit, should have left my weapons at the door. Thought Ignis as he glanced down as his two swords.
"We're not here to hurt you, we're the mercenaries that your town hired to help fight against Riddia.", yelled Ignis over the roar of the battered townspeople, most looked as if they had been sobbing for hours, and now he had the honour of stirring their terror and anguish up once more. Ugh.... should have let somebody else open these doors, Kifu probably would have enjoyed it. Heh, speaking of which, looks like he won't be getting that ale. Thought Ignis, a dark chuckle escaping his lips.
The townspeople had begun to calm down after seeing Ignis standing there for some time, obviously not intending to hurt them. Who could even hurt these people? Thought Ignis as he looked over the remaining villagers, most had cuts and scrapes on them, but some very serious injuries stood out within the crowd. There was a man who looked as if he had stood in the fires of hell, and another man was missing a leg, and his hands were bloody and mangled. Guess thats where that streak came from... probably dragged himself in here to avoid the soldiers, poor bastard. Thought Ignis, a feeling of sadness washing over him.
"Now that we're all calmed down.... can somebody tell us what happened here?" Ignis said, not wanting to hear what gruesome tale that the villagers would give him.
"I bet you we make it through this path without so much as a strong wind holding us back." Taking some time to consider the odds, Ignis figured that there was a decent chance of some kind of animal running out onto the path, or some brigand attacking them, maybe even a crazed patrol of fallen ones finding them. These areas had been becoming increasingly dangerous ever since the incident in the dreadlands. If it's this bad here, I wonder how the barbarians are doing... Ignis thought, a jolt of empathy suddenly flowing into him. Anyways, back to the bet... I guess the odds are decent enough, I'll have to take him up on it.
"Sure Kifu, you're on. 5 gold for the winner." he said to the old Witch Doctor, wondering what he would ever spend gold on. Well, I guess there ARE black market organ dealers out there... He thought with a smile, he was very glad that the old man had managed to cheer him up.
I'll have to buy him some ale once we get back to Tappas, he certainly deserves it.
Ignis nodded at Buliwyf, he seemed as if he did not want the knights to take any more time in these killing feilds. He slapped the reigns, and Illudere marched forward in response, they were finally returning to Tappas.
"of course, I could raise your horse from the dead but....I am afraid he would turn and try to kill you..hahaha" The man burst into laughter after saying this, obviously he found irony quite hilarious. "You see zombie horses tend to be pretty agressive but if that's what you want..haha.. I supposed I could teach you how to control his zombie hunger. You see, zombies need a constant supply of human organs. If you kept your horse fed...hehe..he might not try to eat you" Ignis felt a sudden pang of stupidity, he had never realized that zombies required food.
"Thank you for the information, Kifu. I may take you up on this offer someday, or may even let you keep him if you ever raise him from the dead. It seems you sure know zombies, and I'm sure he would serve you well." Ignis clapped him on the back, and thanked him once more.
He remained wary of their surroundings, from his past, he knew that people would stop at nothing to gain some extra gold, and their caravan was a fairly obvious target to loot. His worry became even greater as they passed into a forest. The massive boughs overhead interlocked to block out most sunlight. Several shafts of sunlight managed to peirce through the leaves, and illuminated patches of ferns and berries. Well at least this place had a well stocked larder, thought Ignis, trying to cool his nerves. Nevertheless, the atmosphere of this forest made him feel trapped. The claustrophobic feeling was new to Ignis, maybe it was the battle that caused it, maybe he was just worrying too much, but he wasn't comfortable in this place. The Squirrels didn't help, either. They were everywhere, watching him.
"Hopefully this forest does not stretch too long... I wouldn't want to set up camp in here. Seems damn near anything could be waiting to devour us in our sleep." Ignis said as he shot a wary glance around the trees, barely able to see beyond the first row. He lit his torch, and was comforted by the glow it cast about them. With any luck, we'll be out in several hours.