Classic-Castle Roleplay: November 2005

[Maedhros]

Ioan smiled as he heard the agonized shouts from below. Weak Megablox. Now I´m rid of them and the annoying knights, now on to a bigger challenge, he thought as he looked out of one of the windows at the huge Megablox dragon.

Grid: L-12
Location: Castle Dracul

This day he had finally got a full day of sleeping, uninterrupted by those weak Megablox warriors. The sun had set about anhour ago and Radu was leading the other newly-made strigoi around the castle to purge it from the last of the Megablox taint. Meanwhile Ioan had set out to clean up the last thing, the dragon.

He had crafted a sword from the femurs of a dead fright knight. It was almost as long as a fully grown minifig and glowed an eerie white colour. He had also clad himself in an armour of a ribcage and a sculpted skull as an hemlet. He knew that he didn´t need it but Ioan had always had a sense of style.

He had prepared about half an hour before he set out, he wasn´t nearly as skilled as Laurentiu when it came to magic and spirits but this time it would suffice. Right now he was sitting on a rock outside the castle and contemplating his sword.

Suddenly a loud roar broke the silence. Ioan looked up and smiled broadly. Time to pay...

The darkness was to thick for any mortal minifig, but Ioan wasn´t mortal. He blinked and his eyes started glowing red. Now everything was as clear as in bright daylight. The Megablox dragon was just a few hundred feet away and it looked as if it had spotted him. He stood up and met its challenge with a thunderous roar that made the mountains shake.

For a moment it looked like it would stop midair but then the two warriors on its back psuhed it forward and it continued towards Ioan.

Ioan´s wicked smile widened. Fifty feet, forty, thirty, twenty...

"Spirits of air and wind! Heed my call!" He shouted and suddenly a violent gust of wind blew the dragon off course. Sharp shards of ice followed the wind and the dragon was thrown right into a mountainside and impaled by countless tiny shards of ice. Ioan quickly ran towards it.

Both Megablox warriors had been killed, either by the impact, the ice or both. But the dragon was still alive. It rolled over and tried to stand but Ioan was upon it before it got a chance. His bonesword sliced right through one of the legs and black blood flowed from the wound. The dragon roared in pain but Ioan didn´t give it time to react.

Faster than the wind he darted around it and cut it four more times. After another roar of pain Ioan decided to finish it. He took a giant leap and landed right on the back of its head. It tried to throw him off once but he had already buried his sword deep in its neck. Ioan cut the sword loose and cut once again. This time his mighty blow nearly severed its head from its body. The battle was over in less than five seconds.

He gracefully jumped off it and walked away. It was still trashing in pain and agony but it was only a matter of time before it would die.

"Pathetic", Ioan whispered as he walked back towards the castle... his castle.

[The Green Knight]

OOS

“Yeah, well… eh— Oh, ok. By the way, who was that blind guy with ya? Ya playing guardian angel?”

“No, not really. He’s why we’re here, actually. He uh… he can see us.”

“Say WHAT!!”

It didn’t take long for Hullin to explain the situation. Mostly because there wasn’t much to explain. What actually took longer was explaining Yill to Thenais.

“But if he’s a Man of Valor, how come I can’t see him? Thenais asked one morning when he and Iirick were sharing breakfast in their room.”

“I didn’t say he was a Man of Valor, only that he was from the invisible island.”

“I still don’t understand. Aren’t all of you Men of Valor.

Iirick shook his head. “Not all men from the island are part of the Men of Valor. They all have the potential to be, but traditionally the title is passed on to none but the eldest son in the family. You see, all my kindred possess the gift by inheritance, but none of us begin with the ability to use it. Hullin explained it to me like this once. Imagine you have a little box in your mind. One that you can’t open unless you see or hear something that unlocks it. Sort of like your gift with stories. When you hear the title of a tale you suddenly know the whole story. It’s like that.

“When the eldest son of a household comes of age, having proven himself to be of noble virtue and above deceit, the gift of invisibility is transferred to him from his father. This takes place in a ritual that unlocks the gift in the son, but removes it in the father. And once the father loses his ability to become invisible he can’t repeat the ritual and that’s why only one child may inherit the gift.

“Still the fight isn’t only to those with invisibility. Many of those who never receive the gift still make themselves indispensable by gathering information and reporting news to the men. Yill is one of these informants. He doesn’t have the gift and that’s likely the reason why you can’t see him.”

“So what are you saying? I can only see people with ‘the gift’.”

Iirick nodded. “Or to be precise, you can only see people who are invisible.”

“How do you mean?”

“I preformed an experiment yesterday when you were having supper in the common room. I was there you see, seated at the table in front of you when you were about half way through your broth. You couldn’t see me –and I’m certain of this for I waved at you with no result- because I had become visible. This of course, only lends more credence to my theory.”

“Your theory?”

“Yes, I believe you have the blood of island in you. You see, those who are from the island. The men of Valor and even those who aren’t chosen, have the ability to see other invisible people. That’s how Hullin and I can see each other and how Yill can see us both even when we’re invisible and… and I think that that’s the reason you can see us too.”

“But I’m blind!” Thenais reminded Iirick.

“Ah, but see, I have another theory about that too. Let’s just say for a moment that all men have one set of eyes. I don’t think many would argue with that, except for a few who’ve gone and gotten one of their own poked out. But we of the island are not normal men. We have been gifted and I believe that when the messenger gave us his gift, he gave with it another set of eyes. One for seeing invisible things.

“Now let’s say one of these gifted ones — let’s call him Thenais— becomes blinded and looses all sight of the visible world. Yet, with two sets of eyes, visible ones for seeing what is visible and invisible ones for seeing what is invisible, he can still see those using the gift.”

“Do you think it’s possible?” The beggar whispered in wonderment. “Do you really think it’s possible?”

“I sure do. My uncle, Hullin- I told you he was my uncle right? Anyway he didn’t want me to get your hopes up, but I’ll bet I’m right. I’ll bet you’re one of our informants. Someone like Yill. Anyway, maybe we’ll find out more when we get to the island. If my theory’s correct someone there might recognize you.”

That was the end if the conversation for a while. Hullin entered the room just then and Iirick dropped the subject. But Thenais remembered all that he had said and pondered the possibilities over and over as the days passed. The trio had stayed at that inn enjoying Yill’s hospitality through the winter and into the spring when they received favorable winds and set sail for the invisible island.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Thenais?” The beggar was roused from his reminiscing by a touch on the shoulder. It was Iirick. “We’re almost there Thenais. Up ahead is the ring of stones and beyond that, the island.”

“Uh, ring of stones?” Thenais questioned.

“Yeah, it’s a…well it’s a ring of stones. You know, rocks jutting out from the water. Goes all the way around the island. Ships steer clear of the rocks, you see. It’s what we use to keep them from accidentally running into something that isn’t supposed to be there. We’ll get through it alright though. Before long, Thenais, you’ll be standing on the banks of the invisible island."

[Maedhros]

The others still looked confused. Toratsugu closed his eyes too and whispered a single word:

"Angel..."

Grid: E-12
Location: Outside Kyoregoto

Another night had passed and they were greeted by a cool and frosty dawn but this time Toratsugu hadn´t let them enter the city. He insisted that they should stay where they were. But he had sent away one of the remaining shinobi with Yoritada´s body to the ship. He would be taken back to his home and be buried there.

The eight shinobi hadn´t talked much since Yoritada´s death. Toratsugu refused to speak and Hidemitsu hadn´t spoken much either but he had at least told them what he knew.

"What did Toratsugu Sensei mean with Angel, Hidemitsu-san?" An old and scarred shinobi by the name of Yukimoto asked as they sat by a small fire in the middle of the night. "You seemed to know about it too."

Hidemitsu nodded slightly. "I don´t know much", he answered. "But that Angel... it´s some kind of force. Some kind of celestial force..."

Yukimoto raised an eyebrow. "Celestial force? And what does that mean to us?"

Hidemitsu shivered and shrugged. "I don´t want to know..."

"It´s that wolfpackfellow... Swift..."

Everyone looked up when they heard Toratsugu speak. He hadn´t moved nor opened his eyes. He was there as calm and still as ever.

"Excuse me, Sensei?" One of them said.

"We shall return to the ship", Toratsugu continued.

"But the Takagiyoshin?"

"We need to tidy up among our allies first."

"But..."

Toratsugu didn´t answer. Instead he stood up and immediately started to walk. The others jumped up to and after giving each other confused looks they followed Toratsugu.

[Sir Kohran]

Gaeth was already investigating the hull marks on the shore, next to the gently lapping sea. Cal was marching down to join him, when suddenly he tripped on something. He grunted, and looked down to see what he had stumbled on. He caught his breath.

A large, horned helmet seemed to glare out at him like a skull from the sand.

Grid: E-11
Location: Ruined village

Sir Cal stared down at the helmet for several seconds. The curved horns jutting out of the steel were too large to have come from any stag and too foreign to have come from a bull; they must have come from the body of some unknown beast.

The metal used was Rub N'buff, a new and stronger type of steel that some of the mysterious Shadow Knights had been sighted wearing. Apparently, it could deflect even the strongest of blows and made the wearer virtually immune to arrows.

If the beasts that did this wear such impenetrable armour, then who knows what they'll do to Dametreos...

He was still staring at the helmet after several seconds, questions entering his mind.

Who - or what - had worn this ugly thing? How, in the turmoil of the attack - did they loose it? What thing had the horns come from?

All these thoughts passed in and out of his mind without answers.

He snapped out of the stupour as Gaeth strode up, his face set grimly.

"The ships. There were five of them. They were large, capable of carrying dozens of soldiers. I have not seen a make like them before. The timber was more streamlined. What is that?" he asked, motioning towards the helmet with his axe.

"Ahem, well, I believe it belongs to one of those ruthless scum who attacked this place. Don't show it to the men. Yet."

With that, Cal wrapped the helmet up with a spare cloak and set it on his horse.

A soldier approached, and slowly saluted with his spear. "We searched all the buildings, sirs..." - his voice quivered as he swallowed his tears and tried to be a soldier worthy of his king - "No survivors. The tyco shifty bricks killed 'em all. Men, women an' children alike!"

Cal attempted a bold pose. "Fear not, my friend. We will hunt thse wretched beasts down and destory them! Never again shall they commit such atrocities upon Royal Knight soil. We will give each one of them a quick thrust and a quicker passing, as the saying goes! Who's with me?"

The speech struck a cord within the angry soldiers. They all reaised their weapons to the sky and shouted.

Amidst the cheering and vows, a tall man with a bow stepped forward.

"But...surely, we'll need a ship?"

"Yes." Gaeth answered.

"Where...do we get one from?" the soldier continued, slightly perplexed.

"Oh, we'll get one." Cal said reassuringly. "For now, though, we go back to the Fort and rest. It's been a long day. Tomorrow, though, we go hunting!"

[Formendacil]

Grid: C-3
Location: Emberlain Castle

The mountainside shook from the blow, and as the dust settled, Sir Dractor realised that the entrance to the dragon's cave had been totally covered.

"Is everyone all right?"

While not exactly "all right", everyone was able to travel. The outlaws had suffered the most, burned and hit with stone, unprotected as they were by their lack of armouring. Thomas and Estella had managed to avoid similar troubles.

After first ascertaining that the dragon was indeed dead, they gathered up such of its treasure as remained outside the now inaccessable cave, to take down to the castle.

There was an almost disappointing lack of reception upon their victorious return. Baron Edmond rushed out of the castle to welcome his daughter home, hugging her and crying, but the villagers and soldiers remained suspiciously in the castle, afraid to come out and celebrate.

Over dinner that night, a sumptuous feast ordered by the baron, and served to just about everybody in the castle, Sir Yves recounted the tale of their climb up Mt. Greybeard and their success in dealing with the dragon.

"His carcass lies before his old cave entrance," finished the knight, "for anyone who wishes to see."

"A pity that the tunnel caved in," said William Jorgenson, the outlaw sitting at the high table with the rest of the returning heroes, and happily munching away on legally-hunted venison. "We could have done a lot for rebuilding the village with that gold."

"We brought back quite the fortune as it was," said Sir Dractor. "I rather think it will be sufficient- assuming that a financial incentive is even needed to spur the villagers into rebuilding."

"And speaking of incentives," said Lord Edmond, standing, and calling the attention of most in the hall, "I am pleased to announce the gift of the hand of my daughter, Estella, to Sir Aethelred Dractor."

As the people in the hall cheered, Sir Dractor muttered to Thomas.

"Tyco. I forgot about that."

"Well," said Thomas, "you'd better think your way out of it fast. And don't foist her on me!"

Sir Dractor stood up.

"I am most honoured that you consider me a worthy son-in-law, Baron Edmond," he said, to tumultuous applause. "But I fear I cannot accept. My heart was given to a young maiden many years ago, and I have sworn an oath to take no other."

What?? thought Thomas.

"Then I cannot ask you to break your knightly word," said the Baron, "but my daughter is past the age to be married, and much desires a husband. Would your worthy squire perhaps..."

"No!" said Thomas, a bit more forcefully than he intended. "I mean, that I, uh, cannot marry until my training is over."

"Nonsense!" said the Baron, "you have proven yourself already! I'll knight you myself!"

"I must intervene," said Sir Dractor, "Thomas was placed in my tutelage with the understanding that I would train him to the fullest of my ability in the martial and military arts. Although he is a fine young man, and already well-skilled in his craft, he has much to learn, and it may be years ere I am done with him."

The Baron looked rather deflated, and Estella was weeping quietly at the end of the high table. Somehow, the outlaws had slipped away into the crowd, perhaps afraid of getting sucked into matrimony.

"Sir Yves..." Baron Edmond started to say.

"You would have me marry with my wife not buried fifteen months?" said Sir Yves.

"Er, no," said the baron.

"Good, because I was afraid that you were. I'm almost as old as you are, Edmond! Old enough to be her father!"

"Shall I be fated to remain an old maid?" bemoaned Estella. "Once these brave men depart, what others of noble blood will come hither to this out of the way land? I shall be old and ugly ere that day comes!"

Estella buried her face in her hands. Lord Edmond looked ready to crack up himself, and Sir Yves was looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"If you're so dead set on arranging a marriage," said Sir Dractor, "I might be able to arrange something."

Sir Yves, Thomas, Lord Edmond, and Estella all turned to look at Sir Dractor.

"Not that there's any rush," he said hastily, "Estella's still quite young."

"Tell me what you can do!" demanded Estella.

Sir Dractor gulped. Think, think!

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

“Once we had landed our fleet, and destroyed the forces guarding the shoreline, we immediately split apart into several different forces, each to attack the different portions of Inion’s army. My brother Orlan, and myself, led a strike force to take out Vermicus at the Dark Fortress, in Ankoria. It was our choice to attack him that changed everything...forever."

Grid: K-10
Location: The Dancing Tom Cat Inn
Date: August 19, 2005

Solesstorn’s dramatic tone was shattered by an explosive yawn. Solesstorn looked in consternation at Viktor. The Easter Knight’s Kingdomer didn’t offer an apology.

“Are you ever going to get to point?” he said grumpily, “Tyco it. Two hours later and I still have no idea why I was forced to flee Orion, trudge knee-deep through a gong farmer’s harvest, and fight off demonic baby dragons!”

Solesstorn’s chest swelled angrily.

“I’m telling you why.”

“You are not.” said Viktor dismissively, “You shoulda been a bard and not a wizard.”

Solesstorn clinched his good fist. Thunder crashed outside. Viktor did not twitch.

“I’m going to bed.” he said, getting up, “You can finish your epic in the morning.”

"Wait!" snapped Solesstorn, "I am nearly done. Sit."

Viktor flung himself into the chair.

"Then get on with it."

[TheOrk]

L-12 Dracul Province

An Erie silence had settled over the land. For the time being at least, no more demons attacked nearby villages. It didn’t really matter anyway, there were very few left to attack. Through all of the events from the previous months. All the villages and hamlets close to the castle had been abandoned, or burnt to the ground.

But a new evil had settled into the ghost ridden land. None knew what it was, for it left only grisly remains of all those who encountered it. Some said that the ghosts of the dead had come to inhabit the old castle. None knew, no would dare approach it or the land around it.

The demonic phantoms of Castle Dracul were known as the strigoi, the children of Mephistar himself, so said the rumors. One cold night in late October, the castle had gone up in flames. Once the flames had died out, the castle still stood. It’s skeletal remains would be shunned by minifigs for generations to come.

All of the surrounding settlements would become fortified strongholds in the months to come. At one small, walled village, dozens of ragged refugees from other villages sat crowded around a huge bonfire. A dozen guardsmen, armed to the teeth patrolled the walls and the gate. Every door had at least a dozen icons to ward off evil spirits.

One cloaked figure looked hatefully at all the minifigs there, as if blaming them for all that had happened. The figure was completely swathed in billowing, ragged robes. He had a rapier and a knife at his belt, in one hand he carried a strange looking walking staff. Over his back, he had a small which content’s clanked and scratched.

The cloaked figure walked with a limp over to the village side door. Two halberd wielding guards looked at him provokingly and ordered him to get lost. With a flick of his staff, the two guards collapsed unconscious. The figure opened the door and walked into the woods. Belzzar took one last look at Castle Dracul, uttering an oath of vengeance, he vanished into the wilderness and was not seen again for some time…

[Maedhros]

Grid: L-12
Location: Castle Dracul

Ioan sat on a throne made of the ribcage of the dragon. It stood in a huge cave deep below the castle. The floor and ceiling were covered in stalagmites and stalagtites. Countless candles cast a dim and eerie light over the silent cave. Ioan sat there alone and smiled to himself. It felt good to be awake again, the world would pay for everything..

There was a faint sound in the cave. Footsteps... Radu slowly entered from a small tunnel. No normal mortal would be able to see from one end to the other of the castle but Ioan was far from a simple mortal. His eyes glowed with a red shine and followed Radu as he slowly made his way to his master.

After a walk of several minutes he finally reached the throne and bowed low to it. Ioan motioned for him to stand and he did.

"We have killed them all", Radu said. "No single Megablox is left."

There was a long silence. Ioan smiled cruelly and after a few minutes he spoke:

"Good... Now, bring me my progeny, Radu."

Radu nodded and bowed once again. Then he turned and walked away.

About half an hour later about thirty strigoi followed Radu into the cave. Ioan´s smile widened and he stood up.

The newly made strigoi looked scared, they had stopped raving and frenzying and for the first time they had time to think about what they had become. They were really nothing more than simple innocent serfs and warriors who had come in the way of Ioan´s need of cannon fodder.

When they had reached them Ioan greeted them with open arms.

"Ah, welcome, my progeny. You have done well, very well. You served faithfully, and now you will be honoured."

No one spoke and everyone gazed at Ioan. They had no idea of what had happened to them but they understood that Ioan was behind it.

Ioan motioned for one of them to come a bit closer, a strigoi who had once been a tall and strong serf. Then he motioned for another one of similar proportions to come forward. He contemplated them for a long time with a slight cruel smile on his lips. They fidgeted uncertainly but didn´t move. He continued looking at them, it was almost as if they were two fishes in a bowl.

And then, after a long wait he carefully caressed the cheek of the first one.

"Ah, you will become a good pillar", he said in a dreamy voice.

And then the flesh in the face of the strigoi began to twist and warp in strange ways. Ioan took both of his hands and continued to caress it, then he began to sculpt his whole body. The young strigoi shouted out in pain and tried to struggle for a few moments but he hadn´t got a chance against Ioans superior strength.

The others stared dumbstruck at Ioan and didn´t move. When Ioan was done with the first one he continued with the second who didn´t even try to struggle.

"So... Who will be a fitting archway for my cathedral?"

[Formendacil]

Grid: Q-19
Location: At sea, just south of Kingdom Isle.

The Ragnoir had nearly returned to it's home port on the southern Fright Knight coast. Lord Vækadær had finished his business in Iadoraz. Even now, the last relatives of Count Ollero should have been dead.

Following the Ragnoir was Thorgeir Hakónsson and the Clan Briksnarri's longship.

"I'm sending a guide with you, up the coast," said Vækadær, before parting ways with Thorgeir. "There's a small, very well-hidden cove, surrounded by high, inaccessable cliffs, where you will remain hidden, until needed. I will ensure that you are kept provisions. And you can probably expect to see action in the near future. My servants report that the Eastern Knights' Kingdomers, over the border, have been making some unwanted forays into my lands. A bit of a Viking menace will do well for distracting them."

Thorgeir nodded, not entirely pleased with the way things went, but relishing the thought of battle.

"In the meantime," Vækadær continued, "I am returning to Envika Sorgodh. I don't expect that we shall be seeing each other in the near future."

True to his word, Vækadær returned to his castle, where several matters were awaiting his attention. One of his first acts was to consult Andrei Bartavlo, via his crystal.

"The Valenti family had been dealt with," Vækadær told his deputy. "Opal's potion should have taken full effect by now. Your contacts in Iadoraz will be able to confirm it. What is the report concerning Captain Del Grakken's Dragon Masters? My immediate need for them has slackened, due to the acquistion of some new, unaffiliated, raiders."

Bartavlo's eyebrow raised in curiosity, but he went on to report about Del Grakken.

"He's made landfall in Port Firetresses, and should be reaching the Firebreathing Fortress any day now," replied Bartavlo. "There's still no indication as to how well King Ajaxx will look on the House of Del Grakken."

"It's of little concern," said Vækadær dismissively. "Have you anything else to report?"

"Drazzuil will tell you in person about our progress with Captain-Colonel E'terriole," said Bartavlo. "I will sum it up as going well. The Captain-Colonel has told us a great deal, although he is, as yet, unaware of it."

"Excellent," said Vækadær. "I shall go and speak with him."

"Before you do," said Bartavlo, "I want to inform you of a lead we may have found regarding Augustus Alexander Smith's papers.

Vækadær's ears perked up.

"Indeed?"

"Yes, milord. As it turns out, Harold Brakespear did leave a relative. His grandson, one Thomas Valt. My informants in Drullen Bell learned this. I instructed the network to report anything they knew or heard related to Brakespear, and it turns out that Sir Aethelred Dractor, who has been living in Drullen Bell irregularly, visited Brakespear shortly before his death, and purchased a suit of armour. At that time, he also took young Valt on as his squire. Their current whereabouts are unknown. Sir Dractor was last reported to have led the Forestman task force against the Ikrosian invaders."

"Good work, Bartavlo," said Vækadær. "Learn what you can about young Valt, in particular whether he inherited any papers. And continue on the Smiths' Guild investigation."

Bartavlo acknowledged the orders, and Vækadær set off to find Drazzuil. All in all, it had been a day of good news.

[Formendacil]

Grid: G-10
Location: Near the Fire-breathing Fortress

"He'll be trying to rebuild the regiment as well," muttered Elbadar, then he said more loudly to his men. "Let's get out of here- and let's try to keep a low profile tonight. Hopefully, Del Grakken will be aiming for Grolling Fortress or the Fire-breathing Fortress."

Elbadar's intention had been to go to the province near the Dark Dragon's Den, away from the capital, and away from his home province near Grolling Fortress, and also in a region where men were plentiful- men who might be persuaded to enlist in the Sorceror-king's forces. However, a chance encounter along the main road, not far from the Fire-breathing Fortress, convinced him otherwise.

Elbadar and his seventeen followers were marching down the road in formation (Elbadar had not let discipline slacken), when a much larger troop of Dragon Masters, bearing the blue dragon crest of Dragonar, came marching in the opposite direction, towards them.

"Company to the left!" ordered Elbadar, "we're letting the others by."

However, as they moved off the road, and the other Dragon Masters drew near, the commander of the other Dragon Masters ordered a halt, and came over to see them.

"Who be ye?" came the voice of the commander, a figure in silver armour, with a patch eye.

"Japheth?" said Elbadar. "Sergeant Japheth!"

"That be Commander-General Japheth Dragonsbane," said he, "is it really old 3rd Corporal Elbadar?"

"It most certainly is," said Elbadar, "except that, like you, I've gone through a few promotions. You are looking at Lord Marshal Elbadar, commander-in-chief of the Sorceror-king's Dametreosian forces."

"I heard about that," said Japheth. "What happened to that bugger? Last we heard, he be going to Talistrand. After that, we heard naught, although they say that ye fought in the Battle for Orion."

"That we did," said Elbadar, "The Sorceror-king's gone now, and what's left of his men are mine. I'm actually here to rebuild the regiment, looking for some good Dragon Masters looking to enlist in an elite company. We were one of Lord Void's best, you know."

"Aye," said Japheth. "But what do ye want with ye own regiment? Ye could find a fine place in Ajaxx's army, if ye was inclined. What good be a small, if independent, army to ye?"

"I don't know if I could serve Ajaxx," said Elbadar. "I was loyal to Lord Void, and I'll be loyal to the Sorceror-king and his heirs until I'm released."

"A pity," said Japheth. "But don't be saying things like that so much. Ajaxx be outlawing magic and magic users, and proclaiming loyalty to them be not a wise thing for ye to do."

"Would he let me rebuild the regiment, though?" asked Elbadar.

"I don't see why not," said Japheth. "Ye be promoting the name of Dragon Master, not ruining it, and ye don't be following a magic wielder any more. If we emphasize ye participation in removing BloodVaine, and downplay the Sorceror-king- and don't say a word about Lord Void if ye value ye life- he should be more than willing to let ye recruit men. In fact, he might even be letting ye siphon some men off of our lists. Come with me, and I'll put in a good word for ye. He won't refuse if I ask him."

"I should probably warn you that my deputy, Oris Del Grakken, has broken away with the greater part of my regiment, and may be seeking to rebuild it as well," said Elbadar. "I caught sight of him disembarking in Port Firetresses."

"Del Grakken, ye say?" said Japheth. "Don't worry overmuch, Elbadar. Ajaxx be not caring any more for the servants of BloodVaine that he do for Lord Void."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the throne room of the new Fire-breathing Fortress, Ajaxx King of the Dragon Masters looked up to see the man who had arranged an appointment with him.

"Enter," he ordered, and in walked a man in the Dragon Master uniform of a commander-general. But where the highlights of his uniform should have been blue, as they were on Japheth's dress uniform, this man bore green. And the shields of his escort bore green dragons, not blue.

The crest of Dragonar under Del Grakken, Ajaxx realised.

"Commander-General Oris Del Grakken to see King Ajaxx of Dragonar," said Ajaxx's herald.

"What be ye wanting?" asked Ajaxx bluntly.

"Your Majesty," said Del Grakken. "I am the commanding officer of a force of Dragon Masters that originally served as an elite regiment here at the Fire-breathing Fortress. A year and a half ago, my regiment was reassigned to man known as the Sorceror-king, who has been dead these past seven months. As highest-ranking surviving officer, I held the regiment together, and have been working in the mercenary field for the past few months. Times have been rather difficult, and my regiment is down to only seventy men out of what should be two hundred. I have come here to ask for your royal permission in allowing me to recruit men to rebuild my numbers."

"Ye say that ye served a man known as the Sorceror-king," said Ajaxx. "And that ye be the inheritor of his power. Ye must know my feelings on those associated with magic. Why do ye ask me for aid?"

"Your Majesty," said Del Grakken. "To serve someone loyally does not mean that you love them. Since the Sorceror-king's death, I have not spent any time with workers of magic. And you will see from my emblem that I have forsaken those ties that would hold me to the Sorceror-king's legacy. For his Dragon Masters bore a black dragon, whereas I bear the green."

"The colour of ye house," said Ajaxx. "The emblem of the Del Grakkens. An emblem which be not sitting well with me. For the last time this emblem be seen in Dragonar, it flew over a nation of traitors, disgracing the Dragon Master name. It be ye own uncle, Erik Del Grakken, who led our people into the service of BloodVaine, a sorceror ten times worse than even the foul Void! The resurrection of ye emblem be disquieting."

"Your Majesty," said Del Grakken. "The green Dragon has been born by many Dragon Masters, long before my traitorous uncle took the throne. My grandmother's family, the Y'lrandics, bore it for three centuries, of which they held the throne for two. Before that, it was born by the Barseth family, as far back as the 1100s. It is an old and honourable emblem, foully used by my uncle. I wish to restore my family's honour and let the green dragon fly once more."

"And I should be pleased to hear this?" said Ajaxx. "If the Del Grakkens be rulers again, where does that put the House of Ajaxx?"

"I do not deny that the throne would be most desireable," said Del Grakken, "but I do not see it as achieveable within my lifetime. Furthermore, Your Majesty, you have no son, and your line ends with you."

"So ye be wanting to succeed me?"

"If the opportunity came, I would seize it," admitted Del Grakken. "But I might become King of the Dragon Masters by other means. Are not Monilious Dracis and Boranis Dracis currently independent of your rule? Would it be so terrible if you were to see me ensconced as King there?"

"I be wanted them back under my rule," said Ajaxx, "but I be not denying that it be beyond my means to fight the Isles, and I would rather see ye ruling in my despite than those snivelling dogs that be slavering at Void's memory!"

"So will you permit me to recruit men for my regiment?" asked Del Grakken.

"Ye may recruit enough men to restore ye regiment to full strength," said Ajaxx. "But no more. Be that everything?"

"Just one thing more, Your Majesty," said Del Grakken. "Back when I was 2nd Corporal of the Regiment, the 1st Corporal was a man named Elbadar son of Halbadar. He still lives, and with a small number of followers, continues to proclaim loyalty to the Sorceror-king, or possibly to Lord Void, since he was very loyal to him prior to our transferral to the Sorceror-king. It is possible that he may be in Dragonar as well, seeking to recruit men. He can be recognised in that he still bears the black dragon of the Sorceror-king."

"If he be here," said Ajaxx coldly. "He will be finding his welcome cold. If that be all, I will send ye with a note to my chief officer, Commander-General Japheth Dragonsbane. He will be facilitating ye acquistion of troops."

[Formendacil]

Grid: C-3
Location: Emberlain Castle

Sir Yves, Thomas, Lord Edmond, and Estella all turned to look at Sir Dractor.

"Not that there's any rush," he said hastily, "Estella's still quite young."

"Tell me what you can do!" demanded Estella.

Sir Dractor gulped. Think, think!

"There, er, is a young man of my acquaintance," began Sir Dractor, entirely clueless. "Who is, uh, a baron."

"Excellent!" said Lord Edmond.

"Father! Ssssh!" said Estella hastily, as if desperate to hear of the man that Sir Dractor began to fear he was making up. Then it hit Sir Dractor. He did know a young baron: Sir Jayko Falconensis.

"He's not too much older than you," continued Sir Dractor, on more solid ground. "He's seen a great deal of Dametreos, having accompanied the army from Talistrand on its way to the Battle for Orion. He's a native of the Eastern Knights' Kingdom, where he is the baron of an entire province, but he's currently residing in Orion, where he is training as an officer for the Imperial Cavaliers."

"A Cavalier!" said Estella, swooning.

"A Jelly Knight," said Lord Edmond, frowning.

"Come now, Lord Edmond," said Sir Dractor. "Don't disregard him simply because of his birth! He is a noble and chivalrous man, devoted to the ideals of knighthood in the extreme." A bit too extreme, thought Sir Dractor, but that will fit well with Estella. "I would ask you not to disregard him so readily.

"I should perhaps warn you though," said Sir Dractor, aware that both Edmond and Estella were incurable romantics, "that he has been displaced from his barony by a man who was once his brother-in-arms. His service with the Imperial Cavaliers is intended to train him for his attempt to regain his patrimony."

"He sounds so romantic," said Estella, daubing at her eye with a handkerchief. "What is his name?"

"Sir Jayko Falconensis," said Sir Dractor, "Baron of Barleyburg."

"Do really you think this fine young man would really be amenable to a match with my daughter?" asked Lord Edmond.

"I cannot guarantee it, of course," said Sir Dractor, "but he is as likely as yourself to see it as a suitable marriage, and I believe him and Estella to be complementary in many ways. Given a little time together, I rather feel that they could come to love each other."

"Love," said Lord Edmond distantly. "That is almost more than I could have hoped. You have my blessing to take my daughter with you to this Sir Jayko when you depart."

"Take her with us..." echoed Sir Dractor momentarily. "Right. Of course. Can we, uh, expect any other escort?"

"I hardly think it necessary," said Lord Edmond. "I am assured of the integrity of both yourself and your squire. And great dragonslayers such as yourself should be able to handle anything that might come across your path."

That wasn't exactly why I wanted an escort, thought Sir Dractor. The poor girl has probably never been away from this area in her life.

"I'll go," said Sir Yves, speaking up. "My lands can take care of themselves, and I'm ready for a bit more travel. I'm sure Estella can use a familiar face on the road."

"Oh, would you, Sir Yves?" said Estella, her eyes shining.

"Of course I would," said Sir Yves. "I said so, didn't I?"

"Excellent," said Lord Edmond. "I'll have things ready for you to leave tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow?" whispered Thomas to Sir Dractor as they left the hall. "Isn't that a bit soon?"

"I've given up trying to understand that man," said Sir Dractor. "The sooner we get to Orion and get rid of this whole mess, the better."

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

"Del Grakken, ye say?" said Japheth. "Don't worry overmuch, Elbadar. Ajaxx be not caring any more for the servants of BloodVaine that he do for Lord Void."

Grid: G-10
Location: Near the Fire-breathing Fortress

“Excellent.” said Elbadar, “I am not eager to start fighting fellow Dragon Masters again.”

Japheth cracked a smile.

“I be having ‘nuff of it meself. Come, let’s go on to the Fire Breathing Fortress.”

Once the two groups of Dragon Masters had been informed and reorganized, they did just that. Japheth led the way, with Elbadar right by his side. The gates were open, and the Dragon Masters were not hampered entering. Japheth stumped up to a pair of large, heavy black doors and said, “Here be the throne room. Ajaxx should be inside.”

Japheth shoved upon the doors dramatically. Elbadar stepped forward, and his brow darkened. His hand leapt to his sword.

“Del Grakkne!” he hissed.

The wiry, hunched form of Del Grakken spun around.

“Elbadar!”

King Ajaxx stood.

“This be the man you were referring to, Del Grakken?” he snapped.

“Yes!” said Del Grakken. He fingered the hilt of his flaming green sword, but was hesitant to draw it, especially in King Ajaxx’s presence.
“What has he told you?” demanded Elbadar, completely bypassing formalities.

King Ajaxx slowly walked forward, the tip of his dragon-scepter clinking on the stone floor.

“You be wearing the colors of the Sorceror-King, I see.”

Elbadar looked down at himself.

“I no longer obey the orders of the Sorceror-King. Only my own.”

“You be a Dragon Master.” said Ajaxx, “Ye loyalty be mine. Unless ye still follow Void…”

Japheth was looking uncomfortable. He shoved his hands into his deep pockets.

“Ajaxx.” he said, “Elbadar be--”

A sharp clinking cut him off. A small glass ball, about the size of a fist, was rolling across the floor, away from Japheth. The Dragonsbane Commander stared at it with a look of shock and horror. Ajaxx stared at it too.

“Japheth…” he said dangerous, “What be that…?”

“Uh…” Japheth scrubbed at his eye patch, “Be a trinket. Pocket…must have hole.”

Ajaxx approached the ball, tapped it with the end of his staff. A tone rang out, vibrating. Ajaxx stepped back. His eyes were daggers.

“Hey,” blurted Oris Del Grakken, “Isn’t that a crystal ball?”

The ringing continued. Ajaxx looked at Japheth.

“Japheth…”

“Ajaxx, I--”

The ringing stopped.

“Hello--?” said a voice, “Jaffy? That you?”

Japheth threw himself forward and scrabbled up the ball.

“Japheth…” Ajaxx murmured, “Not that was a move I be not expecting. Ye’ve been playing both sides.”

Elbadar, currently forgotten, stared.

“Ajaxx, I--” stuttered Japheth, attempted to muffle the talking ball.

Ajaxx’s voice was now dangerous.

“When on plays both sides, Japheth…part of ye always looses…”

Ajaxx turned upon the soldiers in the throne room. They consisted of Elbadar’s men, Del Grakken’s men, the palace guards and a part of the Dragonsbane Brigade.

“Dragon Masters! Japheth is a traitor! Seize him, and this Elbadar as well!”

The collective mixture of Dragon Masters were unsure what to do. Elbadar’s men were murmuring and beginning to draw weapons, as were Del Grakken’s men. They were all halted, however, by a sudden pop and a flash of light. Enter Opal.

“Darling Jaffy, what’s going on?”

Japheth seemed to shrink. Opal looked around.

“Oh dear!”

At that moment, the Dragon Masters decided. The palace guards charged, and Oris Del Grakken’s men joined them. The Dragonsbane fell into chaos: some fighting for Japheth, others for Ajaxx. Elbadar’s men eagerly attacked Oris’ men.

“Megabloks!” Elbadar drew his own sword. This was not what he had wanted.

Ajaxx and Japheth had joined swords. Opal was exclaiming in confusion, then screamed as a Dragon Master. A moment later that Dragon Master had been blown into pieces. Opal’s wand packed a powerful punch. Upon her broom, Opal flew above the crowd of battling Dragon Masters, blasting one or another from time to time.

“Men, to me!” bellowed Elbadar, “To me!”

Soon his surviving men were all around him, as were the few crossover Dragonsbane Brigade men. Elbadar’s heart was sinking inside him. There was no way he and his men could fight their way out of this one.

Then something unexpected happened. The almost-forgotten feeling of a teleharm buzzed in his head.

Are you with my Jaffy?

It took Elbadar a moment to realize that it was the witch Opal talking.

I guess I am.

Then brace yourself.
Elbadar didn’t have time, for the next moment a strange sensation came over him. Then all went black.

It was the first time Opal had done a major teleportation. Not even she knew if it would work.

+++++++++++++++++

Elbadar awoke many minutes later. He was lying on his back. He slowly, painfully, sat up and looked around. A man cloaked in ragged black stood a few paces away. He had a monocle.

“Greetings, Dragon Master.” said Lord Void, “Imagine my surprise when the lot of you fell out of the sky. What, pray tell, has happened in the fine land of Dragonar to cause such upset?”

[Lord_Of_The_LEGO]

Elbadar awoke many minutes later. He was lying on his back. He slowly, painfully, sat up and looked around. A man cloaked in ragged black stood a few paces away. He had a monocle.

“Greetings, Dragon Master.” said Lord Void, “Imagine my surprise when the lot of you fell out of the sky. What, pray tell, has happened in the fine land of Dragonar to cause such upset?”

Grid: H-11
Location: soon to be revealed

Lord Marshal Elbadar stood slowly. His eyes were refusing to focus.

“Lord Void?” he said slow, not comprehending.

“The one, the only.” said Lord Void.

“Where am I?”

“I am currently not eager to reveal that to you.” said Lord Void, “I have, ah, been quite paranoid of late. I think I’ll ask the questions now.”

Elbadar nodded drunkenly. He could taste blood in his month, and his helmet felt extremely dented. Had he really fallen a great distance.

“Formalities first.” said Lord Void, “Name and rank.”

Elbadar gingerly pulled off his helmet.

“Lord Marshal Elbadar,” he said, “commander-in-chief of the Sorcerer-King’s Dametreosian forces.”

Lord Void squinted.

“The Sorcerer-King?” he repeated, “Ah yes. Him. Sold me a ship and slaves for a dragon and a battalion of soldiers.”

Lord Void looked at Elbadar.

“1st Corporal Elbadar…”

“Lord Marshal.” said Elbadar, realizing after he said it that he had corrected -- people of all people! -- Lord Void.

“Milord.” he added.

Lord Void’s mouth turned up in a sour smile.

“Lord…yes…lord of very little these days.”

Lord Void stepped away, hand clasped behind his back, apparently lost in thought. Elbadar took the opportunity to look around. He was not alone. Dragon Masters, bearing the markings of both his band and of the Dragonsbane Brigade, were sprawled everywhere.

“What happened here?” he asked.

Lord Void turned back around.

“I do not know. And apparently you do not, either. I was rather eager to learn why a mismatched band of beleaguered and bruised Dragon Masters suddenly, and quite literally, fell out of the sky and into the one place I can still call my own domain.”

“Fell out of the sky…?”

Elbadar looked around. One black form among the reds and yellows was stirring.

“Ooooff!”

Opal sat up, clutching her head. Her formally glamorous appearance was now muddled. Her lipstick was smeared across her cheek, and a green bruise perforated her forehead. Her robes were dusty and ripped, and her witch’s hat was crumpled.

“Oh dearie me!” she exclaimed, looked about, “What happened?”

“You fell out of the sky.” said Lord Void, looking quite bored, though his eyes flashed at the sight of Opal and her witch-like appearance.

“Oh…oh dear.” she said, unsteadily standing, “I must have misaimed.”

“What?” said Elbadar.

“I believe your lady friend must have attempted to teleport you and your motley gathering of companions from one location to another.” observed Lord Void dryly, “Obviously with unexpected results.”

Elbadar was still trying to get his eyes to focus. A million question burst inside, the foremost of them related to Lord Void.

The pile of Dragon Masters was beginning to stir. Japheth slowly rose, looking like he had been chewed up by a locknest and then spit out.

“Oh Jaffy!” cried Opal, and she rushed over to embrace him.

Lord Void stiffened.

“Jaffy?” he said, his eyes thin slits, “Japheth.”

Japheth looked over Opal shoulder and visibly paled.

“Void…”

Lord Void looked at Elbadar, while not keeping Japheth out of his sight.

“And interesting move by Ajaxx, no doubt. Dropping his most trusted peon, along with the dregs of the Brigade, on top of me. Though his employment of a witch and some sorcerer’s troops is admittedly befuddling.”

“Er,” said Elbadar, “If I may…”

Lord Void stared.

“Milord,” continued Elbadar, “I think we are all outcasts here. I have betrayed, like you, by one I once commanded. Oris Del Grakken --”

“Del Grakken!” Lord Void clenched his fists, “It seems I am cursed to be surrounded by traitors.”

“Oris is the nephew of the Del Grakken you knew.” said Elbadar hastily, “He betrayed me and set King Ajaxx against me. I am now a hunted man, as are my men who still follow me.”

“And what of Japheth?” snapped Lord Void.

Elbadar shrugged, and looked at Japheth, still in Opal’s arms.

“Ajaxx found out,” said Japheth, “’Bout Opal.”

“Opal?” Lord Void glowered. Then his face relaxed and he laughed.

“Oh, I do see now. You, Ajaxx’s closes confidant, has be involved in intimate relations with type of person he’s been trying to obliterate: a magic-user.”

Lord Void laughed long and hard. It was a dry, scathing laugh.

“The irony is immense, indeed.” he said, “And so, with your dirty little secret revealed, Ajaxx attacks you, no? Elbadar happens to be caught in the middle, as are his men and the men of the Brigade loyal to Japheth. Then Opal saves the day.”

Lord Void smirked.

“And then you fall on top of me. Traitors, rejects, criminals and turncoats to the Dragon Master throne.”

Lord Void’s eyes flashed.

“What luck. What luck indeed.”

[Maedhros]

Toratsugu didn´t answer. Instead he stood up and immediately started to walk. The others jumped up to and after giving each other confused looks they followed Toratsugu.

Grid: E-12
Location: Ninjarian Coast

They weren´t far from the ship now but they needed to rest one more night in the wild before they reached the ship. The eight shinobi had stopped in a small wood by the coast. They didn´t want to draw attention to themselves by lighting fires but they found that it would become another cold night. And when faced with that Toratsugu told them to light a small fire.

It was very dark, almost pitch-black and the only source of illumination was the small fire. No stars shone this night and no wind blew. It was completely still and silent. They had eaten a small meal consisting of roots, unpolished rice and a spare few vegetables and now everyone except Hidemitsu was sitting in deep meditation. Hidemitsu had tried but he had frozen to much and was now trying to cook some tea. The smell of the tealeaves was very alluring but the intellabrix fire was to small to make the water boil. And there Hidemitsu sat, smelling the tealeaves and waiting for the water to boil...

But suddenly Toratsugu jumped up.

"Put out the fire!" He shouted as he landed a few feet away almost invisible in the darkness. Hidemitsu heard the distinct sound of Toratsugu´s sword being drawn before he turned the pot of water upside down on the fire. The flames didn´t die out completely so he quickly began to stamp on the remains.

At the same time the other shinobi had opened their eyes too and were peering out in the darkness but no one dared say a word.

Hidemitsu cursed under his breath as he tried to put out the last part of the fire. Hissing noises came from it but it wouldn´t die. And then suddenly it blazed up and became larger than himself before it died out.

But before it died Hidemitsu thought he saw it change shape to something resembling a human form. He didn´t have much time to think about it though because then he heard a whistling sound before him and threw himself backwards. The heavy blade of a nagamaki barely missed his head and buried itself deep in the ground.

A strange voice hissed menacingly.

"Be on your guard", Toratsugu whispered. "Hidemitsu, are you ok?"

Hidemitsu had got up and drawn his own sword. He moved closer to Toratsugu and patted his arm. He thought he saw Toratsugu nod to him but he wasn´t sure. Everything was pitch-black and silent now. Silent, except the menacing hiss from where the fire had been.

"What do you want from us, Angel?" Toratsugu asked in a strong and confident voice.

"Your cause is wicked, shinobi", a hissing voice answered. "Your Angel of Death is here to punish you..."

"Our hearts are pure and benevolent, Angel."

"So it may seem..." The hiss grew louder. But suddenly it was interrupted byt the sound of metal against metal. Hidemitsu heard two moving bodies. Metal clanked against metal again. He recognized the sound of one of them but the other one was unfamiliar. After another clank he was sure; Yukimoto had attacked the stranger.

He didn´t know what to do, nobody moved. Even Toratsugu seemed to be dumbfounded.

But then he heard a high-pitched shriek and the distinct sound of a blade cutting through flesh. But something was different, that didn´t sound natural.

Metal clanked against metal again and then he heard a loud crack. Then there were more sounds which sounded like bodies that hit bodies. Another clank of metal against metal and then he heard Toratsugu shout:

"Run to the east!"

Toratsugu´s voice came from another place than he had expected but he didn´t stop to think. He followed his orders and ran. He heard the other shinobi coming after him but he wasn´t sure how many. He just kept running...

After about two minutes Toratsugu shouted again, his voice came from the front now.

"Down and stay silent!"

Hidemitsu threw himself down and put his ear to the ground. Multiple footsteps were following, he didn´t have time to count them before the others had lain down but he was sure that they were more than five at least.

He was panting but after a sharp stab in his side he tried to control his breath.

Something was coming. He heard a low hiss and something that sounded like wings. The hiss chilled him to the bone but he kept control. The sound came closer and closer. Hidemitsu had forgotten how it felt to be afraid but now he felt it again. Whatever it was spread a chilling terror. he felt panic rise inside him but he maintained control.

Do not move, do not make a single intellabrix sound, he told himself over and over again.

And then finally the chill disappeared and the sound of the wings and hiss became fainter and fainter. They stayed immobile for several more minutes before Toratsugu finally spoke:

"We will not rest tonight, we have to carry on."

"Sensei, how did you....?" Hidemitsu asked.

"You will learn too in time, Hidemitsu", he answered.

"What happened to Yukimoto?" Another shinobi asked.

"He´s hurt... No more talking, he needs care he can only get back in the ship. Hurry!"

[Formendacil]

Grid: C-6
Location: At Sea

"Tomorrow?" whispered Thomas to Sir Dractor as they left the hall. "Isn't that a bit soon?"

"I've given up trying to understand that man," said Sir Dractor. "The sooner we get to Orion and get rid of this whole mess, the better."

True to his word, Lord Edmond had Estella packed and ready to go by dawn. To Sir Dractor's amazement, and relief, her belongings to be taken were no more than one packhorse could handle.

The Baron was there to see them off, although his eyes were red with dark bags from staying up all night talking to his daughter, and seeing that she was ready to leave. Estella, still young, was somewhat sleepy, but seemed fit enough for a day of travel. After some teary-eyed farewells with her father, they were off.

They took a slight detour to the west, visiting Sir Yves' estate for a couple of hours, before continuing on one of the roads to the coast. Before they had stopped for sundown, a familiar figure drifted out of the forest into their midst.

William Jorgenson was girded, as always, with bow and quiver. He was also carrying a small pack with provisions and a bedroll.

"Thought you folks might be wanting a little company," he said, "and after all this hobnobbing with nobility, I've a mind to leave the Isle and try my hand at not being an outlaw for a while. Hope you don't mind."

"As long as you don't slow us down, go ahead," said Sir Dractor.

"Don't worry about that," said William. "If anything, I'll speed you up."

Sure enough, William's presence meant accessing a few unknown shortcuts, and soon they had reached the coastline and one of the fishing ports thereon.

Sir Dractor quickly found them passage on the only ship headed to the mainland. It was a lower class trading vessel, run by a hard faced crew, and Sir Dractor and William were both fairly certain that it was a smuggler's vessel. But they said nothing, for who knew when the next boat to the mainland would be putting out from such a small port.

The destination, however, merely confirmed Sir Dractor's suspicion, for the ship was headed to the Iadoraz Freeport.

"Once we get off, stick close together," said Sir Dractor. "We shouldn't have any trouble if we travel in a group, and don't tarry in the city."