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January 11, 1999 |
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Serpentis Parade Grounds, Kashfa...
This fort sits on a vast
stretch of flatland that is heavily trampled by boot and hoof alike.
The ground is mostly fine dirt and near-dead grass. High walls of
timber and stone mark the borders of this new base, twelve feet tall,
and shaped as an octagon with high guard towers built at each of the
eight points. The gate is always kept closed, it is made of thick
oak, reinforced with iron bars. Archers are at the ready in all of
the towers, which are connected via the wall top. A two story brick
keep dominates the western potion of the grounds. A banner hangs from
it, the lion rending the unicorn, Dalt's standard. To the south
stands the barracks also created of bricks. Between the barracks and
gates the stables can be found. Mounted patrols arrive and leave
regularly.
Pestilence emerges from the keep.
Thenru/War speaks with one of Dalt's 'higher-ups'. As always, his expression is one of irritation.
Pestilence notes the expression on Thenru's face as she approaches. "Perhaps this is not a good time for a word..."
Thenru turns from the officer as the other man is mid-sentence and says to Pestilence, straight-faced, "That depends on which word."
Pestilence smirks and stands quietly next to the men, "Please. Finish. I can wait."
Thenru returns his attention the man and says, "Go talk to Dalt." He then looks back to Pestilence, apparently waiting.
Pestilence places a hand gently on his shoulder, "Let's walk, War." She motions ahead and waits for him to follow. "A problem has arisen."
Thenru nods, "What's the problem?"
Pestilence explains, "As you may or may not know, I am not as strong since my rebirth as I once was. In fact, it has been to my detriment." A smile plays on her lips; horid looking in contrast to her lifeless eyes. "To our detriment in fact."
Thenru nods, "Go on." "I have been 'found out', Thenru." She stops abruptly, "And I am not strong enough yet to remain in this form all the time..."
Thenru nods, again, "And?"
"And Merlin, Dalt's nephew, is very powerful" She blinks once, "And a self-righteous bastard." She clenches her jaw tightly, "He will end this. And that includes you. It includes all of us!"
Thenru chuckles, a chuckle lacking all humor and goodness. "He will end none of us," War replies, "None."
"You are certain." She seems mildly doubtful even though the horrible grin still falls on her lips, "I am weak alone, Thenru. We all are compared to these Amberites it seems."
Thenru snorts, ". I am strong compared to everyone." He pauses, then answers, "Yes, I am certain. His relation to Dalt will not save him."
Pestilence's brow furrows and the blackness in her eyes swirls violently, "Your mere physical prowess isn't the answer, Thenru. You cannot deny this."
Thenru chuckles, the same dark, empty chuckle, "Oh yes, I can. And I do."
Pestilence shakes her head, "You forget yourself. You are but one of Four." She clenches her fist, her nails digging into the fleshy skin of her hand.
Thenru nods, "I see Famine often enough. I will collect him. *We* will deal with this problem."
Pestilence reaches her hand to his face, her touch clammy and light, "Dalt should know. Warn him; perhaps test his concern for our wellbeing?"
Thenru's face remains locked in that cold, irritated twist, even as she touches it. He nods, "If you insist."