<font color=orange>Keal lets go of the horse, and tries to calm it down. Keal sees someone in the dark, "Who are you, and of who's Kingom are you?"</font>

<font color=lightgreen>With a slight bow, not deep enough to show true respect, Roland adressed the orc "My greetings to your strength, Glurg. I believe you have been sent here as a mistake, my father has personally taken a troupe of men to take the heads to the stronghold. He left three days ago, he should be there by now. It appears your journey has been in vain. You are welcome to restock from the military reserves before you begin your way back to the stronghold." He made no mistake to leave the true intent of the last sentence, he wanted the orcs to leave and do it fast.</font>

[ 11-02-2004, 02:50 PM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

For Roland:

<font color=white>"You right maybe, but me master tells me, me need proof. Me send me fastest runner to stronghold. When he come back we talk again. We allowed make camp outside city walls?"</font>

[ 11-02-2004, 07:36 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=lightgreen>"Yes, you may. There is a clearing just east of the town, set camp there." </font>Roland turned to the captain and whispered<font color=lightgreen> "How many orcs are there?"</font><font color=grey>"We have counted fourty of them, including the ones in here."</font>
Roland turned back to Glurg <font color=lightgreen>"I would appreciate it if you and your men did not enter the town in groups. I mean this as no offence, but orcs can prove to be a distress to the population."</font>
<font color=white>"Good, we make camp there. I send my runner."</font> and the orcs turned and left. Roland turned to the captain and Robyn and asked <font color=lightgreen>"How many men do we have in the guard?" <font color=grey>"Near four hundred men. What is it you intend to do? You hold no rule here, you can not order the men."</font>
<font color=lightgreen>"If we do the chain of command right, I won't need to address the troops. I need you to recommend who of Easthome's followers in high command points to replace with more trusting men. I want these orcs under guard, and counted often to ensure all are accounted for. We should have atleast three days of time to prepare whatever we would before the runners come back. If we need to, I would have the runners met far off town and killed to buy us some more time. A battle with the orcs is a possibility, and we have to be ready for it.</font></font>

[ 11-02-2004, 05:18 PM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

OOC: info for Celedor also contained in this post

<font color=green>Feldorn

After Roland and Robyn left Feldorn walked a few minutes around the town and then decided to check up on the orcs outside the gate. He climbed to an observation platform in the wooden walls of the town and watched them from a distance. Some people looked at him strangely for him being an elf, but then seemed to accept him being there since they had heard about their Lord taking on new allies.

Looking down at the orcs he scanned for any sign of Celedor. It took him five minutes to find him. He was well hidden from the orcs and Feldorn could only see him because of being at a different angle from him and because he was an elf. In order to attract his attention Feldorn started imitating the sounds of a forest bird well known to Celedor.</font>

[ 11-02-2004, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=violet>Harmeth

Harmeth was woken from her sleep by one of the guard captains trusted men and given the news that her father was dead. Her initial feelings were of grief, but then a sense of urgency took over. The town now needed tending to. The soldier told her that Roland was right now even negotiating with some orcs. She hurried to the town hall and was just in time to see the orcs leave.

"Foul creatures" - she whispered.

Roland, Robyn and the guard captain then walked out of the gates into the open.

"What is happening?" - she asked from all three of them.</font>

===============================

<font color=yellow>Robyn

Robyn had remained silent throughout the talks with the orcs, but after they were over she turned to Roland:

"You handled that pretty well. However I think we should be careful with that orcish leader. I feel that he is much smarter than what he shows off."

Robyn then continued out of the gates of the town hall and there was met by Harmeth.</font>

=======================================

The orcs

<font color=white>"Klirk, Zird and Zarnag shall be the ones we shall send as runners to the stronghold. I do not trust these humans fully to only send one runner. Klirk and Zird take the direct route, while Zarnag goes back to speak with the other group."</font> - Glurg gave out his orders in orcish to his group outside the town gate.

Then after his three subordinates left Glurg led his troupe off to the eastern side of town where they set up camp.

OOC: Celedor can remain hidden from them during all this time and still observe them.

<font color=lightgreen>"Thank you Robyn."</font> Roland smiled at Robyn, and let out a long breath of relief. <font color=lightgreen>"Yes, I feel the same way about the orc."</font> As they left the hall, Roland met Harmeth, and her question <font color=lightgreen>"Fourty orcs are outside the city gates, and they want to know why am I and my companions still alive. I told them that our heads are sent to the stronghold, and sent the orcs to make camp off the eastern wall. I posed as Kalam for the negotiations, and Robyn took your place."</font> Roland looked at Harmeth's eyes, and said <font color=lightgreen>"Harmeth, your father is dead. I must say that I helped in the deed. I offer my condolences."</font> Roland expected anything from a burst of tears to a slap.

<font color=purple>Harmeth

A vision of sadness passed over her face yet the tears were not coming.

"I already knew of his death. Yet the time for mourning has not yet come. Other things need taking care of first. My authority shall most likely be needed in the absence of my brother. But before any of that tell me what has happened to Turin? It was reported to me that he isn't in the city."</font>

<font color=lightgreen>"Turin left yesterday with a troupe of men to see if Therlion and Kalam were alright. We have recieved news that they have been in a fight, and we were both about to go, but then this all started happening here. I am sorry, but that is all I know about your brother or Turin."</font> as Roland finished, the captain started <font color=grey>"I still believe it would be a good idea to kill the runners before they have a chance to reach the stronghold and bring reinforcements. I will send some of my best after them."</font> He said it in a way to remind Rolandthat he has no rule here, and to keep him in check. Roland needed the remark, as he was already getting ahead of himself. The captain turned to Harmeth and asked <font color=grey>"Should I issue extra men at the walls and the gates?"</font>

<font color=purple>"No I do not think that would be necessary. We do not want the orcs suspicous about us. Send out men to follow the runners then! By the way when have we last heard about our scouts sent out to the south?"</font>

[ 11-05-2004, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

<font color=grey>"The group I sent to watch the orcs is not back yet. They are due some time now, that is when I ordered the shift."</font> the captain said, and went to a few of the men in the back, ordering the orc runners hunted down.

While a few well selected men of the town's soldiers left following the footprints of the two orcs who had left going straight south towards the stronghold, the third orcish runner reached his companions. There he told them of the message and gave his commanders orders to them and then went on towards the stronghold.

In the town the rain started falling slowly and then more steadily and Harmeth invited everyone in to her family's house to shelter from the storm. By the time they got there all of them were drenched and they took some time to dry themselves. They were surprised by a knock at the door. One of the guards from the town gates was there.

"Mylady, you'll have to come and see this."

He led them to the guard post next to the town gates where a man was lying on a bed, mortally wounded. The guard captain was already next to him and informed them of what had happened.

<font color=grey>"He is the only survivor of the scout party we had sent out. I could not clearly make out what had happened, but they had encountered a large body of orcs southwest of here and somehow a battle erupted where his companions were all slaughtered."

"I fear that Glurg has hidden the main body of his force from us. If what this soldier says is true then the orcs number close to two hundred. We must prepare the town's defenses and mobilize our men."</font>

Foreshadowing the events to come a massive thunder could suddenly be heard. Just as the last rays of the sun peeked out from under the clouds in the distance the sentry at the top of the gate blew the horn of the city. The orcish host had been spotted.

For Salphur, Hurlon and Bober.

After travelling for most of the day, you decide to make a small camp to spend the night. The last rays of the sun are still enough to see clearly, so you start setting the sorroundings to suit you for the night. Salphur is gathering some branches for a fire, but you are interrupted by a sound of something running through the forest recklessly. You look up and see some movement in the distance between the trees, but you can not make out who or what it is. The other two in the group also notice something now. Whatever it is, it is moving towards you, fast.

[ 11-07-2004, 03:09 PM: Message edited by: Bozos of Bones ]

OOC: well I am finally back! So much things happend during my absence. :confused:


IC:
After a brief moment, Bober was stunned for a momemnt or two. He was not sure what to do. Two things were running through his head at the time: should he try to escape or should he stay with his two master and prepare for fight if neccessary. Then he decided that it would not be wise to run becuase he was a prisoner and said:<font color=gold>Salphur you should try to make fire in case that is some nasty beast. I think. Maybe we should hide?</font>He looked at his masters and said:<font color=gold>I am opened for suggestions.</font>

[ 11-07-2004, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: Xen ]

Although a bit suspicious of this sudden idea from Bober, who had been quiet for some time before, Salphur decided that it would be best to prepare for a fight, although he was good at hiding, if this thing had somehow tracked them down, there was no way they could simply hide up a tree.
Salphur called Hurlon to grab their weapons, and keep an eye on Bober who seemed a little jittery...

ooc:wheres turin?

Bober was also prepared to fight and was hoping for one thing. Since he was a prisoner of Salphur and Hurlon he could escape if they would be killed in a battle and if he would survive. But he decided that he will have lots of time to think about that. He grabed what he could and said:<font color=gold>"Listen you two. I know we have some differences between us but let us give them away for just a moment and prepare to fight."</font>

Next time could you post OOC posts in the discussion thread please?

Larry has told me that he has been very busy with real life lately, but he said he shall try to find time to post on one of the weekends.

BTW Xen ROFL at your "I am opened for suggestions".

[ 11-08-2004, 02:17 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

For Salphur, Hurlon and Bober.

You take positions to battle the potential foe, and draw your weapons. Bober picked up a wooden club and crouches in wait with the other two.
You can see it closing in, and some metal reflects the sun rays that are somehow coming through the dense forest. Fangs and dark green skin flash before the creature moves behind the next tree, out of sight. A shrub is covering the thing moving directly towards you, and you can only hear it braking branches and brushing accross leaves. Suddenly, the creature jumps through the shrubs, and runs a few more feet before it notices you. Wearing next to no armor and holding a waraxe in his hand, the orc stops five meters away and takes a step back. <font color=red>"Human! And elf!?!"</font> he growels and takes a battle stance, holding his axe high. He notices the dwarf and he barrs his teeth at the trio, preparing to strike at the enemies of Morgoth.

Bober picks up a rock and throws it to Orc. Then he attacks with his club and strikes the Orc at his legs.

Introduction post for Deoradhàin and Layna:

They had spent the last three weeks in this jail cell. They had expected hospitality from the humans of the town but instead they had gotten jailed for being enemies of Morgoth. But for a day now change had been in the air. Layna could feel it. She often did feel strange things. The feeling of change was proved right when just before nightfall an officer of the guard came to their cell.

"The captain has ordered me to release you two. The lord is no longer among the living and his orders no longer stand. Lady Easthome wishes to talk with you two." - he said while opening the lock of the cell with a large rusted key.

He led them out of the prison and into the light, which was the last dying rays of the sun. Away in the distance thunder could be heard and slowly raindrops started falling. The officer led them through the streets of the town to where the town gates were. When they came in view of the gate, the horn of the watcher on the gate was blown. The officer quickened his pace and then they reached the gate.

A great commotion had already started and then the word reached them that an orcish host of two hundred had just been spotted. A human woman of around 25 years stepped up to Deoradhàin and Layna.

<font color=violet>"I am Harmeth, daughter of the late Lord Easthome. Although I am sorry for your imprisonment as you must have seen me and my men we have a more urgent problem on our hands. Although I know that this would be too much to ask, we need every man we can get. I know that you were mistreated by my father, but pray forget your past grievances and join us in our time of need."</font>

Guards could be seen running all around the place as they went to tell their comrades to arm themselves.

Outside the town three orcs detached themselves from the main body and went to talk with the smaller group which had already been stationed next to the town earlier. Altogether the orcs numbered close to two hundred and fifty and the town's men when all armed four hundred. However they were not all as practiced warriors as the orcs and not all of them could be fully trusted.

OOC: edit: and a new avatar!

[ 11-12-2004, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

For Salphur, Hurlon and Bober:

Bober's thrown rock missed the orc, and Bober then lunged at the orc along with Salphur and Hurlon. But none of them got the orc. The unmistakable sound of an arrow flying in the air could be heard and the orc suddenly halted, the arrow sticking out from betwenn its eyes. After a few seconds of motionlessness the orc fell to the ground, dead. Before either Salphur, Hurlon or Bober could react they fealt heavy objects striking them at the backs of their heads.

They woke up individually several hours later.

====================================

For Bober:

Bober's waking was gentle. A soft forest breeze and the music like voice of elves was what woke him. An elderly, extremely wise looking elf stood over him.

"I learnt, much from you in your sleep, young dwarf. You have gone through many perils, yet your heart has remained unscathed. Our scouts had been following you and your two captors from the stronghold. I am sorry for us having to take you by force. We could not take any unnecessary risks. You are free to continue on your journey, however I request of you to stay a few more hours, while we investigate the matter of your companions deeper."

The elf left Bober alone to his thoughts in the soft leaves, which formed a bed.

====================================

For Hurlon:

Hurlon's waking was much more abrupt than that of Bober. The same elderly elf stood over him, as the one who had seen Bober just a few minutes ago.

"I have read much of your heart in your sleep too. You have committed evil deeds, yet I see good in your heart. I am willing to let you go with one condition: never travel with Salphur again, and don't follow the evil path again. Do you accept these conditions?"

====================================

For Salphur:

Salphur's awakening was the most abrupt of all three. He was roughly shaken awake by two elven guards, while a young man stood over him.

"You Salphur are a disgrace to the elven race. Many are those who have cursed your name. Among your acts one of the worst was corrupting that young human Hurlon. Have you got any explanation to offer for your acts?"

[ 11-16-2004, 07:23 AM: Message edited by: dplax ]

Salphur
Salphur thought it unwise to try and take down two guards, instead he decided to try a sneaky tactic by pretending he had suffered memory loss...
But his mind was constantly worried about how his master would treat him for failing. He knew then and there that he must escape, both his captors and his masters wrath.

"Wha...wha?? whats going on...who are you?? where am I??"

Before the guards could reply, Salphur continued what he thought was an excellent performance..

"What are you talking about? Who is Salphur???"

Salphur knew that one of the guards would have to leave to to signal to someone that they had gotten a response from him, at that point he would try to take out the single gueard and go from there, noticing that there were no areas with good cover, it would be difficult, but he was excellent at using disguises.

[ 11-16-2004, 07:32 AM: Message edited by: Hivetyrant ]

For Salphur:

Salphur saw the young man look at him in disgust, but then suddenly the whole word around him turned fuzzy and the only thing he could concentrate on was the face which seemed to float in front of his eyes. It was the face of Arandor, but it seemed to be totally transparent and ghostlike. A voice came from the vision, and although to Salphur it was extremely loud, no one else was able to hear it.

<font color=black>"You have not failed. Yet. I have managed to stop the old one learning much from you. Your deepest secrets are still safe as is your association with us. There shall come a time for escape, but it is not now. The old one comes now and a new test needs to be withstood. Hold yourself in this vision, it shall help you get through it."</font>

Arandor's face shifted somewhat further away and introding voices could be heard. At first Salphur thought they came from those around him, but then he realised they were from inside his own head. Mystic words were chanted in elvish as the mage tried to break the protection Arandor had woven. As the voice faded away, Salphur's eyes opened. Apart from the two guards and the young man, an old elf was now next to him. He looked extremely tired and was barely able to speak.

"The evil which is in him is too strong. I am not able to defeat it. We shall have to lock him up in the cage until our leader brings judgment on him."

Salphur was picked up by the two guards and carried some distance where he was put into a cage. Looking up he could see the cage attached to a tree high up above him. The cage was locked and Salphur got pulled up to a height of twenty meters. A voice shouted up to him.

"Periodically food shall be lowered to you from the bough of the tree. You shall remain up there until your fate is decided."

Bober was left standing with the beauty of the place he was in.

<font color=skyblue>Turin realized that he had surprised these strangers a bit harshly.

"Fear not! We have not come to harm you. My name is Turin and I currently heed from no land, but am merely a passerby. My companions and I request permission to rest our horses and speak for a while with you."</font>

[ 11-18-2004, 11:46 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Therlion's head rose suddenly, he turned to the woods in a particular direction, trying to see if there was something there. A familiar voice he thought he had heard got him to get up and move towards the woods. As he moved a bush, he saw a man on a horse. Therlion's face showed a smile <font color=silver>"Turin? Turin! My friend, it is good to see..."</font> and then the smile widened upon seeing Terias and Kirun. <font color=silver>"Comrades, how fare you?"</font>

<font color=skyblue>Turin

"Therlion! I am glad to see that you made it out of that place alive! Where is everyone else? Do you know if everyone made it out?"</font>

Hurlon, shocked by the abruptness of these events, hurridly agrees to these conditions.
He then askes the elderly elf what he is to do now.

For Hurlon and Bober:

"I am glad you have agreed to these conditions. Salphur was much less cooperative. You are now to team up with Bober and join Bober's companions in the fight against the orcish host sent by the stronghold. That shall help you redeem your soul."

He then took Hurlon to where Bober was and told Bober what Hurlon had agreed to. He then handed an amulet each to Hurlon and Bober.

"These amulets have the power to take you to a location of your choice once a week. However they have been specifically enchanted this time so that they can only take you to the town where your friends can be found, then they shall come back to us. Good luck on your further journeys and may you never again wonder the dark path."

OOC: I did not take you two to the town since you might have some more questions.

<font color=silver>"I am fine enough, but Kalam is not. He is poisoned, and we are taking him to a healer, Ardana is her name."</font>, then, Therlion remembers Keal and says <font color=silver>"I believe you have not met Keal. He is a young elf who helped me in the fight. There is also one more you must meet."</font>

Salphur
Salphur scouted the surroundings. it was night time, most of the others were asleep, and they had forgotten to feed him, although he was irritated and eager to escape, Salphur decided to stick with the plan and went to sleep, even though he knew this would leave him open to suprise.....

<font color=skyblue>Turin

Turin gets the idea of how bad off Kalam is, and then is introduced to Keal.

"Well met, Keal. I am Turin, the leader of a small rebellion against the Dark Lord, under the direction of a higher authority that I cannot reveal the identity of at this time."

Then, Therlion tells him that there is another he must meet. But before continuing, Turin jumps in and stops him.

"Therlion. Before we continue on, I must be allowed to attempt something. I have here this ring that has the miraculous ability to heal a person that is wearing it. Please allow me to borrow this to Kalam immediately to see if it can help him while we travel to this healer you speak of."</font>

For Salphur:

Salphur sleeps during several hours and then is abruptly woken up by a voice. As he thinks that it is maybe his master who would want to contact him he opens his eyes hastily but then sees the basket dangling outside the cage. The elves above him tell him to take the food and as soon Salphur takes it they lift the basket up. As he is about to begin to eat the voice sounds in his head again.

<font color=black>"Do not eat of the food! If you eat it your defenses shall be weakened and you might reveal information to the enemy. Do not worry now! Help is already on its way. When the elves are to be their busiest you shall then make your escape. Go straight to the north for half a day after your escape where you shall meet one of my servants who shall tell you what you need to do then. Soon, my servant, soon your time shall come."</font>

======================================

For Turin, Keal, Therlion, Adohorn, Terias and Kirûn:

The guard who had been accompanying Turin's group upon hearing about what shape Kalam was in quickly dismounted and ran over next to the fire where Kalam was. He only spared a glance at Adohorn. He kneeled down next to Kalam and looked at him calling his name. No response left Kalam. The guard stood up.

"Kalam looks to be in really bad shape. We had better hurry to this healer."

Therlion suddenly feels a sharp pain in his side.

OOC: Therlion is again starting to feel the effects of the poison inside him. He is going to gradually become weaker.

The sudden pain made Therlion think someone stabbed him in the same place again, and he shuddered for a brief moment. He regained his composture, and sat next to Kalam, inspecting his condition and giving himself a short rest. <font color=silver>"Yes, his condition is deteriorating. Turin, you mentioned the ring that might help the recovery?"</font>

Hurlon:
Hurlon tells the elderly elf that he is ready to travel to the town as soon as Bober is.

<font color=skyblue>Turin

Turin comes quickly to the side of Therlion and Kalam.

"Here. Take this ring and place it upon whichever finger it fits the best. It must be of elven make, for the effects of its healing powers are miraculous. I have witnessed them first-hand."

</font>

Turin: Borrowed out the Ring of Healing.

[ 12-01-2004, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=#3300FF>Adohorn

Adohorn, who had silently watched as all the hustble and bustle about him took place, decided he should introduce himself to this Turin, as he seemed like a friendly enough person.

"Greetings Turin, I am Adohorn, elf and bank of knowledge. Pleased to meet you!"

The elf held out his hand with sincerity and inquisition in his eyes.</font>

Therlion puts the ring on Kalam's hand, but nothing sudden happens. Nothing remarkable, the ring has always needed time to work it's magic. <font color=silver>"We shall soon see the healing effects."</font> Therlion says as he is placing Kalam's hand back under the blanket.

Temporary removal of Terias and Kirûn:

Terias had stayed back to talk about some interesting subject with Kirûn and the guard and had not gone near the fireside. It was due to the dark that they did not notice the orcs creeping up on them. Soundlessly they were overpowered by at least three dozen orcs and taken down the mountain to their secret hideout, along with their horses.

OOC: Only Turin's horse remains and so far no one has noticed anything about the three people missing.