A Grim Plan

[Rayl Torien]

[Continued from A Chance in Hell]

Rayl smiled at the compliments, and shook his head," And I would sooner retire than believe you would be bested so easily, for you dealt with dragons, armies, and The Prophet in the past as well." It was doubted that anyone around them knew what he was referencing: The fighting at The Docks, and their temporary entrapment inside the walls of The Prophet's stronghold in Delphia ( along with the death of Crowley, but he wasn't really referencing that part.). It was one of those days you would not want to remember, but at the same time one you couldn't nor wouldn't want forget: It was what had spurred Richter on to this point and the reason Rayl had put Pherae, if not the WHOLE of the current shaky Lycian Alliance at ris-

He suddenly remembered his men on the peace trip. He knew the other Lycian nations had banded together, but he had heard nothing about Laus joining them. his smile turned to a frown of dread as he began to think once again about his involvement in this chain of events," Richter old friend, you realize the risks I've put in aiding you here. I will take the Etrurian Soldiers who have joined us with me back to Araphen..." He paused, and gave a brief look to the Araphen healer, who looked up to him for a moment before departing: His work was done for the time being.

"No messengers got out to tell The Prophet of Lycian involvement, but they'll send troops to check up on the forts. We need to dispose of any corpses of Araphen troops...by any means necessary." letting out a sigh turned to pet Elibe on the snout, giving a brief glance to Guinevere, saying nothing for awhile before continuing:

" I Plan to reunite with my division in Lycia and then ride out to find a way to get Ilia to join our united front, and if possible convince them to leave Bern..." despite his resentment with Bern, he knew that a Free Bern was a stronger Bern in terms of Military Prowess and Morale, and they would need all the help they could get against the rising Plague that was The Prophet.

"...and what of you, friend? Where will you go? Surely you will be hunted throughout Elibe...I would try to get Marquess Pherae to extend more help, but with what's been going on, He barely allowed citizenship and protection to a certain Dragon, with extensive persuasion on my account...I doubt with the polotical pressure that I'd-"

...he went on for awhile after that.

It was surprising, how much the two had changed in the past five years, from a Mercenary and a simple Knight traveling and getting caught in some sort of world saving battle to a Commander of a renegade group of 'Heretics' to a Company Commander and Ambassador...

[Richter Abend]

"We've both been through a lot," replied Richter, also referencing the same conflicts as Rayl. It was then that Richter was first thrust into the sick world of the Prophet. After seeing resurrected heroes, dark dragons, demonic child sages, and an army of zombie Ostians, it was hard to find anything surprisingly deadly anymore. But Rayl didn't know about the zombies, did he? In fact, only those who were in Ostia at the time knew, and Richter wondered if the Herald had let any of the refugees out of the military camps.

"And I realize I'm not the safest political ally," continued the commander, "being the wild dog that I am, but I'm glad you came to my aid. I don't think I would have been able to crack this egg without you." He raised an eyebrow at the paladin as the healer sauntered off. "Then again, you were already an enemy of the Prophet before this encounter. If you can eliminate Araphen's presence from this battle, all accounts should be squared on your end."

Richter sighed, looking off towards the sun rising in the east. It was red, as per usual after a battle. Richter wasn't much for superstition, but that one always seemed to play out.
"As for me, well, like you said, once the Herald realizes Ariston didn't manage to kill me, I'm going to be a hunted man," said the Ilian commander, stroking his beard. "Hopefully word won't get out too fast, or merely harboring me will become a crime against Etruria." The pink haired Ilian took a long pause as he thought of his plans for the future. "I was planning to either go to Bulgar or Edessa from here. Bulgar has never been much of a military threat, at least not while I was working as a mercenary, but after all this Etrurian persecution, it would be nice if we could move past any hostilities. After all, we're not enemies." Richter shifted his weight as he spoke, looking northward as he did. "I wouldn't personally need to go to Bulgar myself, however, considering Sacae doesn't have much of a centralized government that needs impressing. A small messenger group would be good enough to send news of the status quo."

"I was mostly planning on going to Ilia to go talk with the bigwigs up in Edessa. Ilia has been playing little sister to Etruria out of fear, but I imagine when an Ilian mercenary bearing the almost forgotten name Abend shows up at their front gates with the news of a decisive victory against their passive aggressors, they might be willing to grant some support to my cause." Richter shrugged. "If you're going to Ilia too, we might meet up sometime in the near future." These plans were all preliminary, however. Before he began any marching, Richter would want to talk with Mavick first. He might be bad tempered and of wee stature, but the man was good at his trade.

[Mavick]

Mavick had set up shop in one of the forts few private rooms, and was currently looming over a rather large book, quickly jotting things down with a quill pen. So much needed to be done. Supplies needed to be accounted for and stored. Rations, weapons, and medical supplies needed to be properly distributed. Hours for the watch had to be set up. A toll for soldiers capable of battle had to be taken. And who was in charge of all of this? He was, of course. Richter was a good enough leader, he would admit that, but he wasn't about to trust the man with the fine details.

[Marle Daviau]

In the skies overhead of this encampment, two Pegasus knights encircled each other, gaining a lay of the land. They were not so bold as to be directly over the large group of men and women, instead, they kept to the air over the pen part of land just outside. The two Ilian Pegasus knights conversed with on another, making odd signage with their hands in place of their voice which wouldn't carry as well.

"Is this it?"

"It should be, this is the direction we were headed...and Sacae only has one real city...but that's far to the east."

"Alright, I'll go inform the commander."

One Pegasus left, while the other stayed in the air for the time being, just looking in from a safe distance. There was no way that the knight as trying to hide herself, she was perfectly visible for all to see. While this one stayed, the other flew back beyond a low rising hill, to which Marle and her expedition were just about to cross, but had stayed down low. Marle was busying herself with tieing a pack down on one of the beasts of burden, checking the straps, even though it wasn't her job.

Hearing the flapping of the Pegasus' mighty wings, Marle turned and fixed her hair, as futile as it was, and proceeded to walk over to the mounted girl, piking up her lances on the way.

"Ma'am. We have spotted a fort just over the rise, we believe this to be Salvation Point."

Sliding the lances into the holdings on her back, just behind her shield, Marle gave a pleased, and relieved smile to the girl, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Finally, Sacae is nice, but I'm getting sick of endless grasslands and trees..."

There was a small chuckle behind her, but as she went to go prepare the troops to continue moving with the setting sun all too low in the sky, the Pegasus Knight jumped from her steed, and rushed back over to Marle.

"Excuse me ma'am, I figured you should know. Elayne and I noticed that there was smoke rising from the fort. It looks as if a battle had taken place at some point, perhaps not that long ago."

Marle stopped, and stared at the ground for some time, and then turned to look back at the girl one more time, offering a small smile, but then went back to procedure. Men and women both donned their armor and weapons. Those that were on horseback tended to their animals, as few as they were. This was only a scouting group, but their numbers were that of a company almost. Her superior thought this appropriate with the constant barbarian attacks, not to mention the way that Ilian forces would be received by the Eturians encamped here.

"Put up the flags, those are important. Don't want them attacking us thinking we're some hostile army."

Quickly, her knights and recruits fitted their flags to the tips of their long lances, and held them up, as Arthis had shown them. Speaking of which, he was still in the air, encircling from above with that mighty beast which scared the life out of her. For once, she was glad he was up there. He wouldn't cause any trouble with the Eturians.

-

Slowly, the Ilian troops advanced over the hill, now clearly visible, even with the limited lighting of the setting sun. She came from the north, with the girl on the Pegasus mount right next to her. From the skies, the other scout came down, and took up spot right beside Marle on the other side. It probably seemed foolish, keeping such vulnerable units at the front, but incase the sentries did not see the flags, they would see the pure white of Ilian pegasi on the flanks of their blue-clad commander.

[Richter Abend]

"Speak of the devil," muttered Richter under his breath as he saw the Ilian forces approaching over the hill. Why would Ilians be here? They didn't seem hostile, seeing as how they had their flags up and were moving at a marching speed. One could never be too careful, however. Richter's soldiers were tired and weary from the battle before. He couldn't afford another fight.

To the Ilians, Richter's forces must seem fairly pathetic. Their numbers were greater, sure, but a bunch of wounded soldiers setting up camp amongst ashy ruins, bloody bodies, and broken weapons was hardly intimidating. Then again, how often did you see dragons walking amongst your troops, much less two of them?

"Sir, what should we do?" inquired a soldier who had sauntered over to check on his commander. Richter held up his hand. He wasn't worried.

"Go inform Mavick of Ilia's arrival," replied the commander. The soldier cocked his head in need of clarification. "The small purple man," Richter sighed. Hearing this, the soldier perked up. "Other than that, nothing. I doubt this force is hostile."

"Yes sir, commander Abend," the soldier replied, saluting. He then scampered off into the fort to find the tactician, his armor jangling as he went. Richter turned to Clair.

"Well, looks like our home country has come to greet us," he told her. "Let's hope they're here to make friends."

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair turned back to her Commander from thanking a soldier who'd recognized her killer lance laying on the field somewhere, and returned it to her.

"Commander, maybe Illia isn't as deep under Etruria's influence as you think." Clair mused aloud. "If they were coming to provide support for Ariston, then they would've been flying higher. Harder to see. And if they aren't coming as Ariston's back-up, then Illia is probably acting alone on this. Orders?"

There was a feeling of anticipation on Clair's face. Just being near other pegasus knights had sparked it. She'd been unable to read the hand-signals of the two riders, as they were still too far away, but she hoped that they were here in peace, as the flags seemed to indicate. Even the Araphen troops that Rayl had brought had to be feeling some exhaustion by now. This was not a good time for another battle.

[Marle Daviau]

The group got closer and closer. They were at a quick march, but the day was coming to a close, and her soldiers were exhausted as well, not to mention most hadn't really gone outside of Ilia, so the heat was an issue. Marle sure was feeling it afterall, in this stuffy armor. With her helmet dawned, it was hard to see who she was. The helmet was a bit extravagant, and not really deserved, but she did pay for it, well, half of it. Grinning a little, she could see the troops clearly now. Some looked like they may fall over if their lances weren't there to support them. It must have been a hard fight. She could see the casual Eturian colours of black and white, but also other colours that just didn't seem to match...what happened here?

Coming closer, Marle signaled a stop, and moved the rest of the way on foot alone. The column of Ilian soldiers was only a seventy-five meters behind her, an easy sprint should things go awry, which Marle predicted they wouldn't. As she approached, she stopped, and gave a once over of the perimeter, keeping track of faces, as well as to guard herself incase one had a bow. All she kept held in her hand, was her shield, lances were still placed on her back.

"I am Lance-Captain Daviau of Ilia's standing army, and have come to speak to your commander, Richter Abend on matters to relating to Eturia's occupation of Sacae."

That was the most direct, and honest way of putting it. Marle was actually here for a more personal reason. if Richter was still alive, as evidence of the scene shows heavy fighting, she may just be blessed with an answer. If not, well, she would surely be disappointed..

[Mavick]

Mavick sighed as someone opened the door. "What now?" he asked, continuing to jot things down in the rather large book he carried around. "As you can see, I am rather busy, so if it isn't of the utmost importance, go see Commander Abend or Officer Feldsky."

"Uhh...Actually, Sir, Commander Abend wanted me to inform you that a platoon of Illian soldiers is on their way. We aren't sure why they are here."

Mavick turned around in his chair to stare at the man, before turning back to his book. Slamming it shut, he hopped out of his chair, scooped up his satchel, stuffed his Flux tomb into it, threw up his hood, and turned back to the soldier. "Take me to Commander Abend." With a nod, the soldier turned and led him back outside to the Commander.

"Commander. Officer Feldsky." Mavick greeted as he approached. "We should assemble the archers and some of the footsoldiers, Commander. Flag or no flag, it would be unwise to greet them without some sort of counter measure. Flags can be used to lie as much as words." he advised.

[Richter Abend]

"Perhaps you're right," said the commander to his second in command. "It would be nice if my home country wasn't trying to kill me." It was then that Mavick approached them. That soldier had been fast. Good man.

"We should assemble the archers and some of the footsoldiers, Commander. Flag or no flag, it would be unwise to greet them without some sort of counter measure. Flags can be used to lie as much as words."

Richter nodded to Mavick, then turned to Clair, giving her a nod.
"It's true, Mavick's right. Better to be safe than sorry," he said to his Assistant Officer. "Assemble the troops that can still stand, I'll go talk with their leader." As the rebel commander turned to approach the Ilian regiment, a lone Ilian began to approach in heavy blue armor.

"I am Lance-Captain Daviau of Ilia's standing army, and have come to speak to your commander, Richter Abend on matters to relating to Eturia's occupation of Sacae."

Her voice rang out loud and clear. A female commander. She wore such heavy armor, he wouldn't have never been able to tell whether she was a man or a woman from a distance. Richter had been gone from Ilia so long, such a thing didn't seem commonplace anymore. Etruria was such a male-dominated society, which was ironic considering its founder was St. Elimine. And Daviau. The name seemed deathly familiar. Was it...? No...

"I am High Officer Abend," replied the pink haired Ilian, meeting the woman half-way. He was suspicious, and as such referred to himself by his old position. Richter had been a mere high officer. Why would a contingent of Ilians be sent to talk with him? Were they indeed working with the Etrurians? "But what business would you have with me? Would you rather not talk with High Commander Ariston? He's in charge of the Prophet's occupation of Sacae." For all Richter was concerned, until he knew their intentions, he was still a loyal follower of Etruria.

[Marle Daviau]

As predicted, the archers began to form up, and all Marle did, was tuck her shield a little closer to her body. Back behind her, her own troops were preparing the same thing, arrows knocked, but bows kept low as they were told. She would not have them prepared to fire. If anything went wrong, they would receive the shots, and fight back in self defense. She would not allow it for her soldiers to spark instigation.

Seeing Richter meet her half way, she smiled a bit. Her face was visible, but only barely under the visor of her helmet. She took the time to look him up and down, as he introduced himself. It had been a long time for her, she was only a child back when she met Richter, and their families weren't exactly the closest most were, but she remembered him well, he had made a name for himself, with slight help of his lineage.

"High Commander Ariston?"

Marle looked a bit puzzled, but she didn't shift, or really draw attention away. Instead, she went through her mind, trying to recall that name, but nothing came up. As far as she knew, and was told, Richter was the commander here.

"I know not of the name Ariston. Reports had been sent that a Commander Abend, you, had been leading the Prophet's army into Sacae. If there is indeed an 'Ariston,' I guess I should address my questions to him, but since you're here.."

Marle looked up at the man with pink hair once more, and smirked, but she was formal right now. She wanted to do proper greetings to her cousin, but she couldn't, duty wouldn't allow it.

"As you had heard, I was sent by my superiors to bring answers for what purpose the Inquisitional Army would invade Sacae. Some would call it stage of prepared invasion." Marle posed it as a question, but it was a pretty obvious statement. it would be a dangerous assumption, that she probably might be killed for, if they were who she thought them to be...but she had to remain strict.

[Rayl Torien]

As the commotion regarding the Ilian forces rose, Rayl looked to his side and gave a slight nod of his head to his friend and ally,"It's best that no nations know of our involvement. I'll get our troops to lay low for awhile." With this he saddled up and rode back to the tents with Guinevere ( he felt kind of bad for dragging her around the area with her...). Upon arrival, he was addressed by the Araphen Commander,"Hail Lord Rayl! What is our next course of action?". The Holy Knight said nothing for quite some time, and was looking into the eyes of the commander, Guinevere, and the soldiers around, both Araphen and Etrurian: But all had exhaustion in their eyes.

Slowly opening his mouth to speak, he turned his head to address the man before him," Gather and Bury the dead, but gather their armor. We must leave no trace of Lycian involvement. Then have the men return to their tents and rest. Leave behind tents, spare weapons...and anything we do not need for Commander Abend's troops... We leave come Dawn." the Man bowed his head and began to walk away, but was soon stopped,"...and bring the surrendered men of Ariston to me, I will proceed to brief them on our plans." the man then left, giving the orders out to his men. Removing his helmet and running a hand across his sweating brow, only now did he notice how tired he was: but there were priorities to take care of.

Stopping a passing soldier, he asked for a bucket of water and was soon given one, along with kudos for a battle well fought. Returning the formalities, he then proceeded to water Elibe, who drank deeply from the bucket which was soon empty. Unstrapping a canteen from his belt and helping Guinevere down from the saddle, he held the object out with a smile on his face,"I'm sure you are thirsty, Lady Guinevere."

[Clair Feldsky]

Clair heard what Mavick said, and had to admit that he was right. There should always be some back up plans on hand. Then she got her orders. "Yes Commander." She hurried off, and gathered a few of the Captains of the bowmen who had fought at the start of the battle.

"Maam?"

"All archers who are still in good enough shape to string their bows should position themselves on either side of the encampment, but close enough to hit the newcomers. I don't want a single arrow fired unless the signal is given though. Go to the front and await further orders."

The soldier nodded. "Yes Maam. We'll be ready." He tried to hide a groan as he stretched, and gathered up his command, passing on the instructions, and sending them to their places.

Clair didn't stop there. On her way back she gathered up some of the armies lance fighters, bringing them back up to the front and sending them to protect the archers. She herself stayed back, watching the meeting. The illian knight was encased in blue plate armor, was holding a shield, and had a lance strapped to his back, but that was all the pegasus knight could tell.

She found herself alone, near the purple haired shaman. There was something she'd been considering asking him for awhile, but there had never seemed to be a right time. Now was as good a time to spit it out as any. "Mavick... I was hoping that you could instruct me in the strategy of large scale tactics.... Sometime between now and the next time we're fighting for our lives."

[Guinevere von Altenburg]

Guinevere slid down off Rayl's horse with his help, landing neatly on her feet. At his offer of a drink, she accepted the canteen happily. "Why thank you, Sir Rayl," she said with a smile. She took a deep drink; she hadn't realized how thirsty she really had been. Once finished, she handed it back to Rayl so he could take a drink. She also offered his lance back. "And I believe this belongs to you too." She paused for a minute, thinking something over and feeling her face start to slightly go red. "So... a-are you really leaving...?"

[Mavick]

Mavick smirked beneath his hood. Of course he was right. It was impossible for him not to be. After all, he was a genius. Richter was lucky to have such an infallible tactitian on his side, especially since he could probably get alot more if he were on the Prophets side. But Mavick had no interest in working for some religious crackpot. Besides, it would be more enjoyable to outwit the so called 'Prophet'.

He found himself alone with Officer Feldsky, out in the middle of the rain. He was glad to have his warm robes when he considered the fact that she was wearing cold metal.

"Mavick... I was hoping that you could instruct me in the strategy of large scale tactics.... Sometime between now and the next time we're fighting for our lives."

Mavick looked up at the female officer. "Why's that? Trying to take my place?" he asked noncholantly. "I'm kidding." He assured her. "Yes, I suppose I should teach you and the Commander some basic tactics. After all, in the future we may not have the luxury of being within hearings reach of eachother." he mused. "Now of course isn't the place for a proper lesson, though I can divulge you with a few points. When you can, always charge from the direction of the sun. If you are on the high ground, even better. It makes it more difficult for the enemy to see what they are fighting. That would also work for you as a specific combatant, Officer Feldsky, seeing as you are an airborne fighter." Mavick liked to talk. He especially liked to talk about strategy. After all, it was his passion. The saddest part about losing his home was the loss of his personal library. He had barely had any time to grab anything, so most of it had gone to waste. Apart from his Flux tomb and the record book, he had only saved one book.

[Richter Abend]

Richter eyed the Ilian troops. They were tensing a little bit at the sight of Richter's archers, which was understandable, but they looked more ready to defend than attack. A good thing, considering the rebel commander's arrow display was nothing more than a small attempt at intimidation.

Richter looked down at commander Daviau as she smiled. Her face, well her mouth at least, really was familiar to his little cousin Marle's. It'd been so long since he saw her, though, that he couldn't be sure this was her. It wouldn't be odd that she wasn't the only woman with the last name Daviau in Ilia.

Lance-Captain Daviau showed confusion as she professed her ignorance of Ariston's existence, which meant she couldn't be working with the Etrurians. Perhaps Ilia just had old information, probably acquired when Richter was head of the forces in Salvation Point. Back then he would have been head of the Sacaen occupation. Fancy that. Either way, it meant that he could talk freely.

"I imagine that the occupation is indeed, as you say, a state of prepared invasion," Richter replied. His tone immediately become more relaxed, though he still spoke in his harsh Richter tone. "However, having just killed their High Commander and crushed their main headquarters, I can't imagine that the other three forts or so present much of a threat." He gave the Ilian knight a slight nod. "Then again, I'm no expert on Etruria's master plans. To update your clearly outdated info, I am no longer a High Officer in the Etrurian army. In fact, I am probably their most wanted traitor." Richter took a gamble in speaking like this. While not working with Etruria, Ilia would be able to secure their place with the theocracy by turning over a wanted ex-High Officer like Richter. If Clair was correct, however, this blow against Etruria may open up doors with Ilia.