"What have you to report of the battle"? As the figure turned
to replace the black book on the archive wall with a slender hand, Ice noted the large blazing sun
encompassed by the moon on the back of the black cloak and his breath
caught in his throat. Having an audience with this person was
sometimes very surreal.
"The battle was long and hard but I have come to report that we achieved
victory" Ice replied. "We did sustain some loss, but, in comparison
to the loss of the
Kings guards, ours was minimal" Kenta chimed in.
The figure spoke in a soft musical voice "You know that I hate loss of life whether it be human or of other race, be it our soldiers or the Kings. It is such a heart
breaking ordeal that the King chooses to tax his people beyond what is fair and just, leaving some to starve and die under his proclaimed *protection*. Our King
claims to love his people, yet he rapes our pockets and has his soldiers hunt our lands dry of game so there is not even a wild rabbit to feed our children". The black
clad figure fixes Kenta with an icy blue stare "Kenta, though it saddens me I would have our soldiers sent forth again and again until the King either comes to his
senses or is rightfully removed from power. Only this time I
cannot bear to view the battle from the mirror, I shall lead our
soldiers into war. Make preparations as
necessary and come to me with all of our soldiers for council when next the moon is full".
As they were mounting their steeds to take their leave Kenta looks to Ice..... "I will gladly lay down my life to see our people fed and have money in their pockets
for medicine to combat the scourge that has occurred from the lack of fresh food since the King has stolen our peoples money".
"Yes" replied Ice "I would as well and I would follow our leader into the very depths of hell to see our goal accomplished". Kenta eyes Ice and replies
"Unfortunately we may very well have to battle in hell to achieve victory for our people. God willing our Leader will not again be overtaken by the dark side while
there"...........
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Two men sat drinking happily at the tavern known as the Laughing Rhino.....
"and then, outta no where....whammm the Dark bards just ripped their lines open. Man you should've been there"
"I was you idiot, remember, I was your shieldman...."
"oh yeah....hehehe..my favorite part was the King running like a scared little girl as soon as the first swords clashed. I thought he was suppost to be a warrior"
"Ice, Rheno, Rhinehold....shut those morons up...quickly and quietly. The last thing I need is the guard tearing my bar apart." Kenta growled furiously.
"Too late boss" Rhinehold chuckled as the door broke in and armored guards seized the two men.
"You are hereby condemned of treason, by your own words" the guardsman announced. "whether you come with us peacefully or by force is your choice."
"I hope the Crown intends to pay for the door" Kenta hollers from behind the bar.
"Our pardon barkeep, we were told to hurry. See the prime minister for retribution."
"Yeah right" Kenta mutters angrily, "and you'll see the money when the Four Horsemen wear bridal wreaths in their hair." Ice sputters and almost chokes on his drink..."Oh man what a visiual.."
Later in a private office a dark figure beckons to the soldiers......
"Our peasant troops are being rounded up by the Kings soldiers. Where is he getting his information?"
"By my experience, from their own drunken mouths" one voice answers.
"I just saw two pulled out of the Laughing Rhino earlier today."
"I fear that more mercernary troops might be necessary to run the usurper out of my castle. Continue the commerce and taxation raids, but keep one tenth of the total take. If we are forced to hire troops, let the Crown pay for it."
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As the day looms long, a royal supply wagon makes its way through the woods, surrounded by a squad of the kings guards. On the wagon is mostly weapons and food.
"This forest looks weird." Says one of the guards.
"We've been through these woods before."
"It's different this time. It's like were being watched."
Bird calls are heard.
"Stay sharp people."
Bird calls continue. The guards look around. The guard on the wagon feels something strange. Suddenly he falls to the ground.
"The wagon!!"
The other turn to see the only the guard and the two horses standing there but no wagon.
"What happen?"
"It was there a moment ago and then it just vanished."
The forest sounds become numberous now. The sound of numberous animals are heard, all predatory.
"What's going on here?" An unearthy fear grips the guards. They retreat back to Daharahn.
Once the guards are out of earshot, the animal noises turn to laughter.
**********
In Daharahn, another supply run has arrived.
"Any problems, gentlemen." Sean Carlton ask.
"None sir." The guards answer as they unload the cargo.
POW!
"WHAT THE!!!" one of the guards exclaims as the bag of grain he holds explodes.
As if on queue the other bags explode. In the bags wasn't grain but flour. A white cloud covers the guard.
One of the guards caring a bundle of weapons trips. CRASH!
"Sir, these weapons," the surprised guard states, "are made of glass"
"What!" Sean exclaims. "What type of farce is this?" How was he going to explain this to the king.
**********
Deep in the Dreaming confines of Tow'land Forest, admits a torrent of giggles a regal voice speaks.
Send the Rebel leader this message.
I hear you need supplies. I will give you two wagons of supplies. This is just a small jester of good will.
I would like for me and my associates to be remembered when the throne is yours.
Signed
Prince of Tow'land
One of the raid masters speaks up. "Sir I have something to report"
"What is it?"
"We didn't find much money."
"Huh? Hmmm. Well keep the raids going. Also send word to any commoner changeling and fae."
"Even the trolls?"
"Even them. Tell them this: Are you bored? Want to have some fun? Then join the Pooka in our game of Prank the King. There will be merriment for all."