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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 1, 2010 13:28:48 GMT -5
Kalaht was hidden in an old shack with his old friend from Azvon Hold. She had moved when he was Ten. The reason was of the murders that were going on. Kalaht and his brother didn't want to move because his brother was a Hold Guard and didn't want to transfer. His brother knew he was needed to help out.
This was after the bandits attacked in the forest and killed his brother. Now that his brother was dead, they were after him. Why? He didn't know, just that they wanted him dead for some reason.
Kalaht stayed hid until he heard the six or seven footsteps and shouts go by. His friend said it was okay to come out once it was over and they for sure to be gone. He crept out of the shack and peeked around the corner. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He whipped around and saw a several men standing behind him. He started to run. He was spooked already from the killing of his brother and this wasn't any easier to swallow.
"Wh-Who are you?" he finally got out.
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Post by seneth on Jan 2, 2010 21:11:57 GMT -5
These were troubling times indeed, with tales of murders and bandits, rogues and robberies. To think troubles more often seen in Northern could be found here too. The disguised Harper thought as he followed a group of willing but cautious companions further into the dense jungle. Their aim to find the bandits layers, whilst his own was to find safe trails to travel to the Weyr. Neither so far had been successful until, they suddenly spotted a group of running men.
Well, I’m glad I left Klinorfin, back at the hold... The Harper thought grimly as he spotted large knives and heavy sacks. “Don’t rush them, this could be their territory and they could be leading us into a trap…” He murmured to hold guard leading their group. His hand pointing out the sudden drop to one side, thick concealing vegetation to the other and the old shack before them. The guard offered a flat grunt as he loosened his blade in his sheath and indicated they should approach with caution.
Seeing movement inside, Klivin in his supposedly camouflaging green and brown, ducked out of view. But much to his surprise it was a girl that came out first. As he watched her, her eyes instantly focused on the trail left only moments earlier, as she turned to call in the direction of the shack.
It was only in that moment that the Harper realised he was holding his breath. “That was tense…” He gasped softly with a relieved grin, before approaching the shed. This profession sure finds me in unusual situations… He thought as he rested a reassuring hand the appearing boys shoulder. From this angle he seemed a similar age as his son, but before he could speak the boy whirled round before instantly trying to bolt. “Steady there lad…” Klivin called out, his tone slightly amused and friendly as he caught the boys arm. “We’re not going to hurt you or your friend, we’re allies...if it’s the bandits you run away from?” He asked in light tones, as his kindly brown eyes studied the girl then the boy. “If its names you require lad, I’m Klivin… and if you take time to look, you might recognise some faces here.” The man continued as he loosened his grip slightly.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 2, 2010 21:48:06 GMT -5
"I am Kalaht this is my friend, Daria. It is the bandits that I run from. They killed my brother, a Hold Guard. His was is-err was Tommy. You might have heard of him. His body is about a hundred yards from here next to a tree stump. We were hunting then, we were ambushed. They made me watch his death. Two of them had me down on the ground and another pulled my head up by my hair. One of them said to watch or I was going to die too. I had no other choice but to watch, Mister Klivin. I am only 13, sir." Kalaht was telling the truth. He had sad eyes to prove it. "They killed my brother!!" he shouted. Daria was trying her best to console him.
"He had it rough, sir. I would suggest filiing a report and get it in the system." She knelt down and began to examine the tracks. "I'd say these tracks were about three days old and there a struggle here." she pointed to the disturbed soil. "Not by Tommy, but one of their own. Apparently, it was someone that didn't agree with the leader's intention and did something about it. See?Look. Same foot markings but one's heavier. So it was a male and female."
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Post by seneth on Jan 2, 2010 23:30:19 GMT -5
At the introductions Klivin smiled and nodded at both, before his expression took a more serious note as the boy explained their situation. After a little while the Harper changed his mind, this was no situation it was a tragedy. One that should never have happened to a boy so young. He thought angrily to himself, as he reached out to give the boys shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I hear you lad…I hear you,” He said sadly, his eyes not once doubting the truth behind the boys words.
When the girl took over, he turned to her as his untrained eyes to offer a polite glance at the soil. It wasn’t until she pointed the obvious markings that he nodded. “Trouble within their ranks is good news for us…” He murmured lightly, as he studied the ground and then the group. “I think it best we return to the Hold,” Klivin suggested before turning to Daria and Kalaht. “The information you both have will be invaluable, when it comes to finally capturing these Bandits.” He reassured the pair with a sharp nod, his manner upbeat despite the tactful retreat.
After a slight pause his expression softened as he knelt before the young boy. “Now lad I swear to you we’ll make sure your brother, Tommy is properly put to rest.” He said softly as he indicated a couple of hold guards and half the group. “Whilst we…you two included, return to the Hold.” The Harper told the boy as his eyes searched for any signs of rebellion or a thirst for vengeance. It wasn’t clear how long he’d been hiding out here, but neither emotion would be of any benefit to the already traumatised lad.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 3, 2010 0:13:31 GMT -5
A crack of a twig behind Kalaht and a hand came in front his mouth.
"Hmmmpfff!" the Kalaht said as a knife was at his throat! Daria looked up and saw a man....no a boy. The boy looked no older than Kalaht. It was one of the bandits!
"I suggest you leave now Mister before I slit the boy form navel to neck." He took off his hand. "Make her back off!!"
"Daria, don't. Please! Back away!"
"So -you're- the guard's brother....hmm? You're coming with us....you will make an excellent profit when I turn you in."
Suddenly about 6 or 7 bandits charged the group with a nod from the boy that had Kalaht! The boy back up with Kalaht. Daria began to charge.
"DON'T!" the boy said, "I will kill him!" he pressed his knife more deeply into the soft part of the throat. Daria stopped dead in her tracks. He chuckled. "Smart girl."
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Post by seneth on Jan 3, 2010 20:28:04 GMT -5
It all happened so suddenly and whilst inwardly cursing his slow reaction, Klivin stood with hands raised. “Easy there…” He murmured soothingly, as his mind raced behind his mask of surprise and fear. “D…Daria…don’t try anything…” The man added with a half step back, as he gulped visibly. “W…why him?” He asked the boy with the knife, as his eyes subtly glanced at the other bandits. Not good, we can’t react whilst they have young Kalaht…and whose to say that they wont kill the rest of us…
Admin's Note:[/hr] There’s four…no, more behind me…lets be optimistic and say eight. But why is the boy so important…
Admin's Note:[/hr][/I] The Harper wondered logically, whilst maintaining his mask of fear.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 3, 2010 21:19:13 GMT -5
"We want him so we can get the Guards profit as well. He is our liablity as well as my proof. When we don't need him anymore, he'll be handed off to a slave master." he laughed. Kalaht got wide eyed and shook his head in fear. "Yes, my pretty boy...you will be a slave to Master Deigan. I'm sure you've heard of him."
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Post by seneth on Jan 3, 2010 22:11:46 GMT -5
The situation wasn’t getting any better as the boy with the knife spoke of profit, and liability. This boys been well taught to think of such things…this isn’t some simple minded group of bandits… Klivin thought to himself, as he resisted wiping sweaty palms on his dull trousers. There’s nothing else I can do…unless…no, I can’t rely on something that might not happen. The Harper added finally as he straightened, his fear smoothly shifting into an easy grin. As his eyes briefly lingered on Kalaht before focusing on the boy holding him.
“Now then, can’t suspect a mere guard and a boy could offer yeh much,” Klivin smirked as he settled into a confident crouch, tilting his head round to the other bandits before turning back again. “By the looks of yeh, you seem to be the lead of the group…and I has a fine trade to offer yeh.” The Harper added as he slurred his words slightly, to mimic some of the rougher sort he’d come into contact with in the past.
“Nows as yeh can tell I’m not from around here, so it was easy enough to join up with this goody goody sort.” He said adding a casual spit for god measure. “The only problem is thus boy yeh has, is related to a mate of mine…has to admit I’m glad yeh got rid of that brother, a pain he was!” Klivin chuckled harshly as he dipped his hand swiftly into his pocket and pulled out a small selection of Harper knots.
“Nows in my old crew up North-way, we liked em Harpers…they know stuff, you know…
Admin's Note:[/hr] So with sum…persuasion,” He grinned. “Yeh can get em to tell you all sorts of secrets. As for this’n…” He held up a knot at random, “It comes from a’new Harper…we founds him a few days back snoopin’ around as they do. …Now a Harper with all that stuff in his head, would be worth more than that boy does to you. Especially the one I knows of…” Klivin added, as his mind raced to find a suitable solution. “So if you lets the boy go, I can takes you to where we’ve hidden our Harper…” He sneered. “We’ve also a few marks fer the trouble…good ones too.” [/size]
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 3, 2010 23:14:22 GMT -5
"Hmm, you drives a hard bargin. A Harper would be worth more...but I already made tha arrangments. She comes ta pick him up in three sevendays. Whats she seys if I fails her, hmm? She wells known fer cruelty an' shouldn't be taken lightly. While yeh have the Harper and I haf da boy, Massa Diegan is on her ways here. What I seys to her?" The bandit was almost hooked. "Whats da yeh want with tha boy?" he asked.
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Post by seneth on Jan 4, 2010 0:01:54 GMT -5
At the mention of arrangements Klivin paused before nodding with an understanding frown. “I knows what yeh means…” He said lightly as he fiddled with the cords in hand before tucking them away. Too much association could make myself the target…but at least he believes my bluff… The man thought to himself as he ran his hand through damp sweaty hair. “Suppose it’s not m’place to gets yeh in trouble with yeh band…
Admin's Note:[/hr]” He said with a slightly disappointed shrug. “Guess I’ll speak with m’mate and see’s if he has a better bargain t’make…as fer the boy?” The man smirked. “Heard he’s lazy as anythin’…all m‘mate said was somethin’ about’ relation or another…” He shrugged as if he didn’t get it himself.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 4, 2010 0:42:29 GMT -5
"Wells, last thing I wants' slaves massa breathin' down -my- neck, if yer knows whats I mean. " the bandit leader shook his head as one of the other bandits approached in a menacing manner. The bandit saw the signal and backed off.
"Lazy? No ones of Massa Deigan is lazy. She may nots want him then. Still, I needs him as proof and kids a liability. Thanks yehs fer the info. I mays be using its in tha future. Howse this fines little lady, hmm? I'm sures theres sumthun I could use -her- for." He approached her and caressed her chest and her neck. Daria angrily slapped his hand away. "Ooo, yehs a fiesty one. I likes! You willin' ta part wit this purty thing?" He thought Kliven a slave master. " Daria glared at the bandit leader. He sniffed her hair and breathed a heavy sigh. He smiled in respond. "Oh, you hates me now but soon yeh learn ta love meh." He whispered in her ear. He caressed her arms softly. "Mmmm....skins so soft."
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Post by Spirithawk on Jan 4, 2010 1:15:34 GMT -5
P'rin enjoyed the sweep of fresh air across his face. He was in his flight leathers, because who knew when you'd have to pop *between* and the last thing the bronzerider needed was to catch cold from going into the deep void without proper attire. Not to mention, patrols needed to be in full flying regalia, to make a statement.
The bronze beast he rode gleamed. He had a few smudges from the firestone ash and smoke, but that only added to his appearance of strength. P'rin could smell the stench of firestone. The pair had finished their drills, grabbed a bite to eat for the bronzerider, and then left for their afternoon patrol. P'rin had only been patrolling this area for a few days. The rotation before had him closer to the sea, and in the early morning. He couldn't sleep late, but now he could sleep later than before.
The bronze made a circle with a tilt of his wings as the bronzerider checked the skies and the ground for any sign of trouble, or worse, Thread. He saw several people in a section of the skybroom forest that hadn't been there before. He didn't think that it was a caravan. Few people traveled this way, especially off the beaten track like this. Something told the Master Tanner that all was not well.
Shall we investigate?
We shall. Hover, don't land. We need to make sure all is well before we put you in a vulnerable position. If anything I can use rope to get down and then get back up.
I can take off and land fairly quickly. The bronze said with a hint of vanity, as if he were annoyed that his rider had questioned his ability.
Better safe than sorry Kil.
You better not do anything stupid. The rider knew that it was his dragon's way of telling him he worried and he wanted him to be safe.
I'll be careful, now let's drop closer.
"Hello down there. Is everything well? If you are lost I can direct you to the road." His knife was loose in his booth, and his dragon was poised for action as he slowly beat his wings to keep them airborne. His voice was carefully neutral.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 4, 2010 1:32:21 GMT -5
Panick set in as the bandit glanced up and saw the dragon. He grabbed the girls arm and threw Kalaht to the ground.
"Yers a purty young thang, miss an' Is don't wants yeh to go. Yers stayin' wit meh!" he laughed. "Comes on or I kills da boy and you both!" The bandit leader bolted with Daria. Kalaht looked the bronzerider.
"He's got my best friend! Please, do something!" Kalaht knew the boy was about the same size but he had more experinced in fighting. He knew that he didn't stand a chance.
The bandits bolted to the trees, the leader and Daria included. One even shot an arrow at the bronzed dragon.
"You fool! Do nots do that! Come on, let get out of here!"
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Post by seneth on Jan 4, 2010 16:11:29 GMT -5
Klivin nodded with a half smile, “Aye I knows what yeh means…” He said with a casual scratch of his stubble as he listened to the bandit leader. When the boy started to caress and touch the girl, it took all of his control to hold back his anger. Breath…grin…do something… He thought as he twisted his grimace into a slick grin. But before he could speak all was chaos, as a huge bronze hovered over them.
Suddenly all he could see was Kalaht on the ground, and the bandits were bolting into the tree’s. Grabbing the boys shoulder to check he was alright, Klivin noticed the girl was gone. With a muttered oath he leaped into the vegetation, his long legs easily catching up with the bandit leader. “Slows down…I thinks it might be a’trap…” He gasped as he searched the skies. “Best t’hide or pretends you was scared…stupid riders dids this up north, ther might be more of em…” The man hissed as he heard the riders words and Kalaht’s shouts.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 4, 2010 16:53:07 GMT -5
The bandit leader slowed down to a halt.
"Ho....Ho...Ho! Slows down!" He ordered. "This mans mights up to sumthen. If'n it be trap, why are youse not run? Unless youse aren't what you seys youse are." He looked at Klivin closely. His eyes not missing anything. "Circles him." The others did that. He pulled Daria towards him and kissed her on the lips. "Yah!" he growled in a low raspy voice. "Me thinks I's gonna do youse later, little miss." He licked his lips at her. She turned away. He only laughed. "Mmm, yer sures are purty. Youse gonna learns to loves me."
"Never!" Daria exclaimed.
"Shuts up!" he back handed her and let go so the impact when hitting the ground was greater. He smiled. "Nowse back to youse...whose are youse in truth?" He thought about it. "Youse thats uh Harper, arch youse? I's no fool, Harper!" he growled. "I'll takes youse for Massa Deigan. I'm sures she has a say about this! Takes him!" The others crowded around Klivin.
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Post by seneth on Jan 4, 2010 17:57:37 GMT -5
“I don’t runs cause those riders be trouble…and I knows they’s been out t’look fer yeh group…” Klivin frowned as he focused on the leader. “Ther coulds be more a’flyin’…” He said making a point of looking to the sky in an attempt to ignore the circling brutes. “Dangerous they are…” The Harper trailed off, his form tensing as the leader kissed the girl. “Now see here…” He growled, his hands balling into fists as he hit her. “You…yeh don’t treats em like that…” Klivin hissed as he eyed the other bandits.
The Harper inwardly cursed as his plan fell apart…but it wasn’t his life he thinking about, it was Daria’s. So as the men crowded him he struggled before attempting a lunge towards the bandit leader. His hands instantly aiming to disable or at least block his knife arm. “Run girl…run!” He roared, “Dragon rider…help!”
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 4, 2010 18:21:34 GMT -5
Daria ran towards the forest. The bandit leader stared at her with terror.
"Wrong ways, little miss! Youse headin toward da wher den! Stops, now!" he was genuinely concerned for her life. "Please, miss! Stops......or youse gonna gets yourself killed!" He pleaded. He looked at the Harper. "Stops her befores she gets to da wher den!" He barked. A couple of bandits took off running after the girl.
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Post by Spirithawk on Jan 4, 2010 21:46:36 GMT -5
When the men took off, P'rin's fears of mischief were cemented. The boy's frantic cries set his blood pumping. His anger sparked the dragon's anger and the bronze's eyes whirled with alarm and anger.
The bronze swooped down towards the bandit, chasing after the bandits to rescue the boy's friend.
When she took off towards the forest, P'rin told the dragon to intercept her. Kilzanth swept his gold and black flecked wings down and dove, careful not to knock the girl down. P'rin leaned from his perch on the great dragon's back to grab the child. He hauled her onto the dragon's back and Kilzanth swung in the air to face the bandits.
He let out a roar that included a small tongue of flame that licked out about his jaws. With his lightly smudged hide and his whirling, red and orange eyes, he was certainly a sight that could strike fear in an adversary's eyes. His rider held tight to the girl. "Shh, you're safe now." He told her.
The black-haired rider glanced at the boy to make sure he was still unharmed. He would have to tell the Weyr that there were bandits in the area. The holds would need to be warned to have guarded escorts with any travelers.
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Post by Drgnwlf71 on Jan 4, 2010 22:20:40 GMT -5
The bandit leader was paralyzed with dragonfear. One so young could not have become an effective leader if he was just stand there. The others had to carry him off. It was quiet a sight. He never had to deal with a dragon before.
Kalaht squealed in pain. One of the bandits had snuck up to him and stabbed him in the left shoulder and twisted the knife a little and took it out swiftly. Kalaht fell to his knees and fell forward. The bandit grinned as his blade glistened in the sun. He approached him. He chuckled, sinsterly.
"Youse thinks youse safe? Wrong! I am second in command and when our leader is incoherant thats make meh leader until he is okay. You don't knows what safe is." He continued to walk towards the boy, his eyes ginting dangerously. He had dealt with dragons before and wasn't afriad. Kalaht crawled towards P'rin, reaching out for him with a very weak..."Help....me." the boy lost conscienceness due to loss of blood.
The bandit grinned, evilly. He walked forward, unafraid to finish the job he was set out to do. His orders were to capture Kalaht and give him to the slave master and he won't see any dragonrider again. He would have no hope to escape. He may be lazy but the Master will make a man out of him -- if you know what I mean.
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Post by seneth on Jan 4, 2010 23:05:58 GMT -5
After kindly being deafened by the almighty dragon roar, Klivin had found the right moment to slip away from the bandit crew. On the way back to the old shed and the clearing, he breathed a sigh of relief. Sure that the rider had saved the girl, before returning to face the bandits. So with ears still ringing, his relief turned to sheer panic as Kalaht fell. “No…” He breathed as one of the bandits brandishing a bloody knife descended upon the fallen boy.
Suddenly before he could think of what he was doing, Klivin ran out and struck the man hard in the side of his head. Thoughts of his own son flashed in his mind, as he placed himself and his belt knife between the bandit and Kalaht. “Don’t you dare threaten this lad again! As for safety think of your own.” The Harper threatened, his face a mask of fury. “If anything I know your face and that of your small band…don’t think you can escape justice for much longer...” He smirked, despite the worry he felt towards the lad. Shard it all…I hope the lad is still alive… Klivin prayed to himself, as he chanced a quick glance at the boy and then back again.
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