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| The Storm Builds By LLErix |
| Tamra stared at the water basin sitting on the small folding table in front of her. Her stepmothers face had long since vanished from it, but her words still rang in Tamras ears loud and clear, and they curdled the juices in her stomach. She was in control of the Lycanthropean Empire. Jadell had all but made her the Empress in her absence Tamra sat back in her folding chair and stared at the wall of her tent, a slow sigh drifted from her lips. She had been tracking Erix and Touls army for many days now and they were gaining considerable ground on them, if her scouts could be trusted anyway. She would have trusted her own tracking ability, but the force that had gathered around her had placed her in the center of a sort of protective shell. They would not let her lift a single finger in the camp, nor while they were marching. She felt as though she were totally useless from lack of action. True that her orders were followed as if law, but they were often put through so much discussion with other people that she often forgot if the outcome was what she had truly meant to happen or not. Not even a finger could be lifted to help set up the inside of her tent each night when they stopped to rest without someone lecturing her about how it was a servants place and she should not trouble herself so. She was so frustrated that she could bite nails in half. The contingent of soldiers following her had barely set up camp for the night when the message from Jadell came through. In total, the conversation had lasted only a handful of minutes, but it was now nearing midnight and her heart had still not stopped pounding. Finally she let herself speak. What in all the Hells is she thinking?! Her voice seemed to echo inside the cloth walls of her tent. Tamra had no idea how to lead an Empire, despite what her stepmother had said. Tamra knew that she could possibly lead these people to Erix and then let him take over, but not a moment longer. Knowing that, how could she possibly manage an Empire? Not for the first time, and by far not the second time, Tamra wondered what was going on inside Jadells mind. She was not a leader. A stray thought caused her to smile maliciously. How would Mystice take to having to call her Your Majesty? She couldnt help herself but laugh. This could most definitely have its advantages. The candles and lamps in the tent flickered and chills made goose pimples appear on her bare arms as the tent flap was pulled back admitting a short woman with raven black hair and eyes to match, but the eyes help concern that seemed out of place from the humor that usually resided in them. Mystice was dressed in light armors that suggested that she had gone out with the scouting parties again. If Tamra couldnt be somewhere, then Mystice was and let Tamra know immediately what had happened. Mystice was Tamras left arm and dearest friend. Normally she would have let loose at Mystice with whatever banter she had ready in her arsenal, but Mystices expression stopped any thoughts of joking around before they even began. Tam, Mystice took a deep breath. Tamras back straightened. We found Erix and Touls army. Tamras eyes tightened. Then why do you not sound happy? Mystice opened her mouth to speak, but closed it as if to reconsider what she was about to say. What is it? Tell me. With a nod, Mystice continued. It appears as if there was a huge battle. There are bodies everywhere. Thousands upon thousands of them Tamra noticed the pause that said that there was more that her friend was not telling her and gently urged her on. They found one of those daemons among the dead, but no sign of Erix or Toul. Tamra let out her breath and was surprised, she didnt even know that she had been holding it. Toul was okay. He was still out there. How many of Erixs Bloodclaws have you found? Tamras voice was steadier than she had imagined she could have made it. Obviously her steadiness helped to calm Mystices nerves, because she spoke more confidently, but still with a grim tone. So far, we have found almost a hundred of the Bloodclaws mixed in mostly three locations among the bodies. Were not sure what truly happened, but it appears as though Erix either had to make a major retreat after being ambushed or his forces were divided during the fighting. Mystice took a seat in front of Tamras folding chair on one of the many rugs spread out across the bottom of the tent. Do you have any idea where the army came from? Where did the soldiers come from? Tamras mind seemed to race trying to piece together this puzzle, but the pieces kept slipping from her fingers before she could get a good look at them. Nothing seemed to fit together. The daemons couldnt have amassed such a large army of non-daemons in such a short amount of time, and from what Tamra understood, the daemons hated the denizens of this world so much, that they wouldnt sink to hiring them to fight. Then where? It was too dark for us to clearly make out any specific colors or sigils. That is going to have to wait until daybreak when we can investigate further. But it appears as if they all came from the same region just from a few glimpses at the similarities in dress. What disturbs us the most is that none of them appeared to be wearing any armor at all. Were sending a group at daybreak to investigate things further, perhaps we might be able to discover their exact country of origin. Mystice looked at Tamra. What are you thinking? Tamra blinked in surprise. Nothing. Well These daemons amassed an army this large in that short of time. I wonder what else they are capable of? What kind of horrors do they have in store? She let her gaze dropped to the floor. Myst, we have to find Erix and Toul. We need to know what really happened here. I know. At daybreak I am assembling a second scouting party to begin searching for them. Im going with them so Ill be sure to let you know what we find. Mystice stood from the floor and made dusting gestures at her pants, although there was surely not dirt to be found in the tent. Speaking of which, I had better go try and get some rest. Im going to have a long day ahead of me. No. Mystice paused and looked at her friend. Tamras blue eyes twinkled as she smiled and sat back in her folding chair. Ive got an idea ~*~ Sunlight shone down on the slumbering camp in vibrant oranges and hues of red as two parties gathered together on the outskirts of the camp. Many of the people were strapping their packs on at the site, while others were already prepared for the days journey. Mist drifted heavily along the contours of the ground making it seem as if the ground was made of water. Mystice knelt down and played in the mist making it swirl around her hand, which produced waves that seemed to travel on forever until out of sight. It seemed a morning meant for either grand or disastrous things. But whatever they found, Mystice was sure that things would somehow work out for the best . The clearing of a throat brought her attention to the other company. Pallan, the other companys leader, had stepped forward and extended a hand to Myst, which she gratefully accepted and shook it. Luck be with you Mystice. May you find Lord General Stogart and the Lord Dragon Auhven. Pallans voice was steady and smooth, almost making the parting sound ritualistic instead of the spur of the moment like it indeed was. Luck be with you Pallan. May your discoveries bring us victory in the end. Mystice felt pride in herself at answering so formally. With quick farewells, Pallans company began to march away to the north to investigate the battlegrounds where the Bloodclaws had fought and killed thousands of the daemons army. Watching the people disappear in the distance with swords, polearms, and various other equipment in tow, brought her the grim realization that the heat of day would soon be on them. Letting out a small sigh, she turned toward her company, who was already standing at attention and waiting for orders. It was their job to find two high officials, whose names they had only heard in tavern tales and stories told by bards. They were looking for legends. Mystice shook her head, if these people only knew how far from the truth that was, but deeds did make for some interesting stories to blow out of proportion. As her eyes drifted from person to person, she wondered which of these people would have stories told about them. Which could become one of the living legends that they now revered? Her eyes fell on one person wrapped inside of a cape, who flashed a quick smile and dropped her eyes before readjusting the hood. Mystice smiled inside, but kept her cool expression on the outside. It was as good a time as any to get this thing rolling. Most of your have hunted with me before and Im sure you have all fought beside me at one point or another. Usually I would lead this group, but Im going to let a more experienced tracker take the reins. She motioned to the woman with the cape. This is Cedra. She will be tracking Erix Stogart and Toul Auhven. Many shifted where they were standing, uncomfortable with anyone speaking those names with such informal familiarity. To many people forgot that even legends had friends. Cedra will be tracking the remaining Bloodclaws. Perhaps with her help, we will find them before weeks end. Mystice motioned Cedra forward, which she did without hesitation. Cedra, if you would? With a quick nod, Cedra straightened her pack and turned toward the company. We have to go to the battlegrounds first and see if any trails lead away from it. Nothing to big, we are looking for less than a hundred people or so if reports are correct. Keep your eyes open for anything. Youve been chosen because of your tracking ability, this is the time that you get to finally show your quality. Many people straightened at being called out so blatantly and a few chins rose. With that said, we should go. The sooner we get to this business, the fresher the trail. Lets go. Mystice picked up her few belongings and motioned for the company to move out as Cedra proceeded to the north. Mystice stepped closer to Cedra and whispered so no one could hear. How long do you think before someone notices? Cedra cast a quick glance over her shoulder to see if anyone had heard. After a moment, she looked back toward the horizon. They probably already know. Thats why Im trying to put as much distance between us and the camp as possible. Theyve kept me locked up in a tent or surrounded by guards for entirely to long. Its time I do something of use. Are you sure you want to do this? We might find something that you dont want to see. Mystice looked at her long time friend with concern. Cedra looked up, her blue eyes almost ice. I dont care what we find. As long as I find it and see it with my own eyes. You better keep your head. Youre the one leading this outfit. You more than anyone need to keep that in mind. Mystice looked up into the hood. Tam, we cant afford to lose you because of your being hard headed. Blue eyes flashed at Mystice, then softened. I am not hard headed. That earned a laugh from Mystice and an abashed look on Tamras face. What was that for?" Not hard headed? Mystice laughed, What about the time you denied teleporting an entire raid back to Lycanus and refused to admit that you were the one who did it? Hey! Thats not fair! Tam argued, but Myst continued right over her. And the time you The two argued amongst themselves as dawn spilled over into morning and the mists evaporated exposing the green vegetation beneath. By LLErix |