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The ocean spray was thick in the air as two figures and a small group of Illion knights met in a secluded section of the Southern Lenfel coast.
The meeting was one of utter secrecy, so the small party walked toward the edge of the seacliff where they would not be overheard over the crackling spray of the ocean by anyone who attempted to eavesdrop. The knights of Ilion turned to face Lokitan and the stranger.
"I admit, I am intrigued," said the captain of the company, "Why is it that we were asked to meet with you esteemed sirs?"
Lokitan smiled and replied, "Highlord Triphian has a mission of dire importance for us. This war has dragged on for far to long and we have suffered many losses. He feels it is time to once an for all drive the war mongering Loreesi back to the arid desert which they call a home."
"Indeed, Lenfald has suffered many casualties. We dare not risk a frontal assault or counter invasion, the Loreesi war elephants are practically invincible," The captain replied. "I presume you have a solution?"
The darkly-clad knight now spoke, "Sir, my name is Malcus, and I hail from Loreos." Interrupting the captain as he began to sputter, "Sir, before you protest, I will tell you why I am here. My mother was a Lenfel before she fell in love and moved to Loreos with my father. Her family was slaughtered during a recent Loereesi raid into Lenfel lands. I cannot idly sit by while this tyrant sheds innocent blood for his own selfish political gain."
Lokitan and I will sneak into the palace gardens of the Prince, and silently eliminate the Prince if an opportunity presents itself. I have contacts in Loreos who may be able to help us execute the plan."
"Hmph, very well.... if you are sure your information is good, you may proceed. After all, the best way to kill a snake is to cut of its head. We can provide you with a small vessel and crew to facilitate your travel into Dalmantha. Good luck."
With that, the Illion captain and his men turned to head back toward Stonewald, leaving Lokiten and the Loreesi, who's name was Malcus, to carry out their secret mission.
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Under cover of darkness, the Lenfel and Loreesi commandeered a light trading vessel and set sail southwards, the travelers disguised as harmless Loreesi merchants and all arms and armor stashed away safely below the cargo of the ship.
They arrived several days later in the city of Dalmanutha, and after securely mooring the boat and packing down the weaponry for further transport, Malcus and Lokiten went strolling along the quay, looking for a quiet residence from which they could commit themselves to reconnaissance and the planning of the final details of their sinister plan.
Emerging from the limited space of a narrow side alley, Malcus made up his mind and nodded to his Lenfel companion as they passed a lone Loreesi guard. Up ahead hang a worn sign bearing a decorative painting of a horse’s head, signalling that the door beneath led to one of the multiple port-side inns where the less fortunate travelers and residents in Dalmanutha spent their time.
The place was a ramshackle, perfectly unnoticeable building, and as Lokiten caught Malcus’ eyes from the shade beneath his hood, the two compatriots quietly agreed that this was the place. Cautiously stepping over the fallen body of a lone, drunkenly mumbling sailor, the duo went up to the low wooden door of the establishment, pushed it open, and entered resolutely.
A guesthouse like this would be used to visitors with shady stories and motives, and Malcus could tell from his former experiences with the darker side of Dalmanutha that no unnecessary questions would be asked. It was an excellent place from which to fill the last remaining holes in their plot, as well as safely store their weapons until they were needed
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The morning air was crisp and clear. Prince Jarius Lorean calmly walked through the palace gardens enjoying the peace and quiet, glad for a brief respite from the duties which his position as leader of Loreos required him to perform.
The war with Lenfald had taken a harsh toll on him, though you would never know from his demeanor. He was a master of keeping up outward appearances. These daily strolls helped him gather his thoughts for the rest of the day's events.
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A few yards up the path, two dark cloaked figure crouched behind a large rock, lying in wait. The reconnaissance they had obtained had been accurate. Here came the prince, alone, just as they had been told was his daily routine. Their muscles tensed as the prince drew nearer, beads of sweat gathering on their brows, despite the morning chill.
The prince appeared lost in thought and unaware of the impending threat, drawing closer to where they laid in wait with each step.
"Here he comes Malcus!" Lokiten whispered, quietly drawing his blade. "Shh! Get ready....", Malcus replied. "It's time to cut the head from the snake."
However, just as Lorean was about to reach the place where they were hiding, much to their horror, the Prince abruptly stopped as the clamorous sound of hoof beats pounding the sandy ground came to his ears. The would-be assassins winced as they saw him quickly turn to see who was approaching. They waited to see what was going on.
"Your majesty! I bring news...!" They overheard the rider calling out as he pulled his frothing horse to an abrupt halt in front of the Prince. The rider extended a sealed letter with trembling hands. "I wonder what this be all about..." Malcus whispered, his annoyance clear. They watched and listened...
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Jarius snatched the letter from the courier, irritated at being interrupted from his thoughts, but curious to see what could be so important.
As he tore open the seal and quickly scanned the contents, his eyes widened, then watered. "Mark..... captured?" he gasped.
Quickly, he gathered his wits about him, as he was never one to lose his composure, one of the traits that made him such a competent leader.
"Give me your horse, boy!" He barked at the rider, quickly mounting the still panting steed as the courier jumped off and bowed in deference to his lord.
As he took the reins, Jarius said as calmly as he could muster, "It seems that my nephew, Mark of Falworth, has been captured by a Lenfel dragon rider. Run to the barracks as fast as you can and fetch my generals. We must come up with a plan!"
The lad, who was still rubbing his saddle sores after such a hard and fast ride, nodded. "I will do as you comman..."
Jarius did not wait to hear his reply. With a quick jerk, he whirled the beast around and charged back toward the Palace, leaving the courier jogging behind to deliver his message on foot.
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Wide-eyed, the two figures behind the rocks watched the Prince and courier head back up the path. They knew in that moment that their plot had failed, but they were astounded at what they had overheard. "THE Mark of Falworth, Champion of Loreos.......captured!" Malcus was grinning from ear-to-ear at his Lenfel compatriot. "Do you know what this means, man?" Lokiten said thoughtfully, "This bloody war might be over!"
And with that, the two shadowed figures made their way back to the palace wall, the guards none the wiser of the assassination attempt.
MOCs for this development were built by Friskywhiskers, Albatross_Viking, and Royalbrickcustoms. Story was written by Albatross_Viking and Royalbrickcustoms with oversight by the Kings Council. Thanks for the help, guys!
for that imposter brat, er, Chartres... 
