Quietus Clarion (IC)

[Coyote777]

Riddar stared at the ogres and their makeshift logging camp with palpable contempt.

 Idiots.  But they could be useful idiots on the Western front.  Burning trees instead of harvesting them.

He glanced upwards towards the work camp.  And now I have to mince words with some...foreman.  Likely pasty and mealy-mouthed, soft from the effort of avoiding a one-way tour to beneath the Kaladruns...   Well, no way but through it.

As he turned to bark an order to follow to the young priestesses, he saw it.  

That boy.  Smiling? Now that is worth noting...

"Come along!  We've wasted enough time."

He sank his spurs into Coal's flanks.

[Johanas]

Roycilo rode along, talking about anything and everything he saw. But in his head, he was deep in thought. It had occured to him it was about time to reevaluate his traveling companions. He felt he was right where he wanted to be, but the group was lacking something. Hr wasn't sure what.

Let's see. I like Riddar. He's fun...and...fun...and quaint. I've seen hardened soldiers before, but there is something different about him. He is all business. I like that. Makes me look even stupider by comparison.

Roycilo spurred his mount forward, trying to keep pace with Riddar. He rode slightly back and to Riddar's right. He spared a glance back at the two priestesses.

These two are a mystery even to me. I was certain I could get a read on a new traveling companion, especially a member of the clergy. But not these two. They're....tougher to get a grasp on. They both seem like so much less than they should be, and yet I can't help feeling that perhaps there is something there. I think I'll just go ahead and like Xein. At least he's easy to understand. I shouldn't even bother with Kael. He's a confusing wreck of a creature.

Roycilo slid his hand over his robes, and gently touched the metal beneath. His near death experience had weighed heavily on him these past few weeks.

And then it hit him. He needed someone to control. A puppet, a guard, a voice to stand with him when dissent arose, a soul to care for him. He needed a patsy. A fool to befriend and cast away. Someone to solidify his standing in this group. And he knew just who it was...

[callie]

Amiril nodded in agreement; the ogres were indeed a strange bunch. Their brute strength is obviously their greatest attribute. That combined with their dimwitted nature must make them an easily manipulated and efficient workforce, she thought to herself. While mildly intriguing, Amiril was far most interested in her fellow companions. Most of her interactions thusly had been with Xein, whom she found to be pleasant enough and quite forthright with information, but she was beginning to feel anxious to learn more about the others. She had been cautiously observing Roycilo along their journey, taking in his talkative, charismatic nature. Or facade, as the case may be, she thought. She also had the distinct impression that she and her fellow priestess were not held in high regard with Riddar, assumably because they represented the Sisterhood; this was certainly a conundrum she felt needed further investigation. She would speak to Mara on the subject later that night.

Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, Riddar barked for them to follow. She gave her horse a swift kick with her heels, catching up with the group.

[Doomed Hero]

To Riddar, the pass was just another mid-war construction project. To be fair, this one looked fairly well organized and was obviously near completion. That in itself was worth noting.

To the rest it was a marvel of civic engineering. Hobgoblin engineers layed out plans to bugbear taskmasters who directed human and ogre laborers. Grak scouts gave their reports to orcish sergeants who directed patrolling squads and tower guards, ensuring the safety of the site.

They were stopped three times before reaching the main camp. Human and shadowspawn alike took note as they passed. It was not often that a Soldier Legate and two Sisters traveled together so curious looks traveled with them. The first two security checks did nothing but verify their identity, clearly unsure what to make of the group. It was not until the third time they were stopped that anyone asked why they were here.

"Legate Jael wass not exsspecting you, Sir." the hobgoblin said to Riddar apologetically. "I am afraid he iss rather busssy. You can find him in the forward camp further up the passs, or we can try to find accommodationss for you here and ssend a runner. In either casse I'm afraid you may be waiting on him for ssome time. Which would you prefer?"

[Homp]

Kael had never liked the pace of the shadow's bureaucracy, it was unnervingly slow and unnecessary in his eyes. He stepped forward as the hobgoblin spoke, and gave a quiet nod to Riddar before speaking.

"We will not wait further, goblin. We will continue to the forward camp and and seek him out ourselves"

Without waiting for the hobgoblin to respond Kael gave another quick glance to Riddar and continued walking.

[Doomed Hero]

The hobgoblin said nothing, simply snapping his fingers to an attendant Grak and pointing up the pass. The lanky, large-eyed creature took off at a sprint.

The pass became less organized and controlled as they moved upward along the winding pass. There had clearly been a rock slide that was still being cleared in some places. Half finished towers were left unconstructed. Ash and soot from a massive fire scarred a narrow point along one of the higher switchbacks. The forward camp was little more than piles of equipment and building material and a few tents. The entire narrow strip of stone was swarming with slaves and hobgoblin laborers.

A massive Oruk with a slightly bluish tint to his skin sat lazily on top of a large pile of timbers. He spoke with a savage-looking orcish soldier in light grey armor who's lips and nose had been carved off revealing a scarred bony rictus. Next to them stood a black-armored human wearing a dark cloak who nodded as the others spoke. They were looking at a map and pointing up the pass.

A group of ogres worked quietly under the direction of a calm and powerfully built human. They seemed to have no other handlers, which gave Riddar pause. He had never seen a handler effectively control more than three ogres at a time. Ten was unheard of.

In the middle of the worksite a frustrated looking hobgoblin was having an argument with a very loud dwarf.

[Pheros]

"I don't particularly care how you think this halfling-suckled pass should be cleared" Dunkin bellowed. "Worm-liver! Just make sure your small-footed crew stays out of the way of Marakal's ogres and my meat bags.  Your towers will be as useful as an elf's prick if the pass isn't clear."

Dunkin bellowed over his shoulder to nearby workers, moving them and the logs they were about to set ten paces further up the trail before glancing back to the hobgoblin.

[Gabboge]

Clouse massaged his temples, bringing down the headache "Maybe if you ever saw fit to share with me your plans in detail we would be a lot better off. Sometimes I wonder if you just make it up as you go along. If you keep this up we will be just as vulnerable the next time some of your brotherss decide to attack."

Couses lacky handed him a rolled up paper. He opened it, briefly looked it over, and then handed it to Dunken.

"These are the schematics I drew up for the towers I am constructing. The peices are segmented to allow for easy construction but I have also designed the pieces to be useful as improvised defense, make sure your men know how to use it in case they need to. We surly don't want another ambush like last time, do we?"

[Doomed Hero]

The group that rounded the bend to ride into the forward camp was unexpected, to say the least.

At their head was a lanky young man with a strong gaze. Behind him rode a massive armored knight wearing a great helm in the shape of a snarling beast, and a smiling legate with a round, cheerful looking face. Next to them ran a pale halfling and a strange dog beast. Trailing behind were a pair of Merciful Sisters in white leather.

[Gabboge]

Clouse felt the droplets of sweat forming behind his ears. His nerves rattled. Why? Is it me? no... There are two of them, this must be something higher. Is it Jael? Am I culpable? I was part of the decision making...

The thoughts were doing him no good, he needed work to do and fast. This is what I get for trying to stand apart from the others, the orc with the loudest cry is the first to be thrown into the pot.

[Pheros]

Dunkin looked to be forming a retort to the hobgoblin, but at sight of the group he paused.

"I'll take a look at these" he simply said as he took the plans, and stalked off bellowing more orders to the laborers.  He didn't know what the group meant, but knew it wasn't good.

[Homp]

Taking in the layout of the camp, Kael surveyed the area, immediately noticing the human adorned in black armor. A brash interruption would be rude, and he had no intention of undermining the camp's commander. Instead Kael approached the hobgoblin that had just finished conversing with the dwarf, which in itself was a new sight.

"I had not expected to see a dwarf in the company of the shadow, I do wonder how you managed that." Kael spoke in a calm voice, the question was clearly rhetorical and he gave no room for an answer before he continued. "We do not intend to disturb your operation but my companions and I would have a word with the legate Jael."

[Gabboge]

"Of course, I'll guide you there myself." Clouse knew that if he were in trouble there would be no escaping it, best to know what was going on. It was best for now to simply perform his task, answer questions and watch carefully. A terrible thought crossed his mind This is what it's like to be Lacky...

Clouse began leading the group through the encampment towards Jael. It had a calming effect on him, being so close to the danger that if he were going to die there would be nothing he could do about it. He saw the look of terror on the faces of anyone with half a brain, And this must be what it is like to be a legate...

[Doomed Hero]

"Re can send out grak scouts to katrol the falls you nentioned." the lipless ork said in a flat tone, his hideous face making understanding him quite difficult.

"I don't know if we have them to spare. We've lost twelve in the last month. Twice what we expected." The massive oruk said blandly. "We're going to end up relying on goblins."

"Hine." the orc shrugged. "Re rill attach two squads to the grak katrols. They will neet this delivery."

Jael nodded. "I don't like it, but it will have to do. The delivery can take care of itself. It just needs to be led here. I'm going to need the smartest goblins you can find."

"Then here's your man." the Oruk said, pointing at Clouse as he approached.

Jael turned and watched the approaching Hobgoblin with his heavy, discerning gaze, and nodded. "Yes. I -" his thought halted in his mouth when he took in the young man walking with Clouse. He stood silent for a moment, clearly not expecting what he was seeing, but his face never betrayed his emotions at the surprise. After a moment he spoke without taking his eyes off the newcomer.  "Kahv, tell Engineer Clouse what needs done."

Stepping closer to Agent Kael, the Legate's eyes narrowed. "What... are you doing here?" he said intensely.

[Homp]

Though the legate showed now signs of surprise, Kael knew that their arrival was unexpected.

Best to keep things formal out in the open, don't want to give anyone the wrong idea.

Speaking in a quiet voice Kael replied "Legate Jael, I apologize for the intrusion but my companions and I believe that you may be able to assist us, and if possible I would speak with you in private."

[Le Noir Faineant]

The conversation was promptly interrupted by a wave of foul-smelling air.

An ogre, naked, and quite obviously male, had wandered by the scene and stopped to watch, with obvious curiousity.

Stinking attrociously, but otherwise quiet, he contended to stand by for a while, quite relaxedly chewing on a snack he has made for himself...

An unfortunate rat, through whose mouth a long stick had been driven, just long enough to serve the ogre as an impromptu meat popsickle.

The big man-thing's eyes blinked with ostensive curiosity, as he fixed first the legate, and then Kael with his gaze.

...And lingered there. Hungrily.

[Doomed Hero]

Jael gagged slightly and slowly looked up, an expression of pure disdain and revulsion seeping into his eyes.

"Anywhere would be better than here." Jael said, turning away from the ogre.

Passing Marakal as he walked, the stoic legate said "If your pet ever comes near me again, I will have it chained down and left in the goblin warren." Taking a moment to glance at the Sisters, he looked back over his shoulder after he passed the big man. "And get it some goddamned clothes."

[Gabboge]

Clouse let himself get left behind by the group. The sisters aren't asking any questions... maybe they're just passing through. Clouse waited until the group was out of earshot.

"Did I hear my name used, sir?" Clouse tried his best to be respectful to the orcs and oruks. Hobgoblins tend to have a bad habit of letting there own superiority complexes ruin perfectly good relationships. Clouse would not make such mistakes. The more respect he showed, the smarter he seemed.

[Doomed Hero]

Kahv looked down from his makeshift throne. "Good ears. The Legate wants your goblins to head a pick-up squad. There's some kind of siege engine being brought in from the north. He needs your crew to meet up with the transportation detail and guide them here."

[Doomed Hero]

Legate Jael looked over Kael's traveling companions as they walked. "Quite the entourage you've got there." he said slowly. "Why don't you introduce them to me."

[Homp]

"As you wish." Kael said as they approached the group.

Though his body was oriented towards the group, it was obvious that he was addressing the man at his side. His eyes scanned over each member of the party individually as he spoke of them, sizing them up once more for anything worth mentioning. His voice was cold and determined, and he almost seemed to speak as if they weren't there even as he spoke of them "This is Sir Riddar and and Father Illustrian, they have both been with me for some time now. The Halfling is called Xein and the beast-pup is his pet it seems, they accompany us on the behalf of Lord Skinner and it is there tracking in part that has brought us here. The two sisters are our most recent additions and they'll forgive me for not remembering their names."

Kael paused for a moment, his glance shifting briefly downward as he considered his next words. Looking back up to the group he finally spoke to them instead of speaking at them.

"This is Jael, he is both the commander of this encampment, and my brother."

[Luiniel Blades]

Xein looked from Agent Kael to Legate Jael.   Another surprise.    Then taking his cue from from Kael, Xein stepped forward and spoke. "We are hunting a group of outlaws riding in a wagon who have escaped us before, and we believe they are moving in this direction.  The group is ver-"

He was cut off mid-sentence as Skindancer, who had held a long seething silence within Xein's mind finally shouted in rage. You insolent little wretch how dare you speak to a Legate as an equal!  Have you forgotten who you are, have you forgotten what you are?!  You are nothing more than a hunter, a tool to be used or discarded at their whim.  You are nothing to them.  You will speak to them with proper respect, you will use their proper title and you will do it now!

Xein realized at that moment Skindancer was right.  The time he had spent traveling with Father Illustrian and Sister Amril had allowed him to feel almost comfortable with speaking his mind.  He could not allow himself to think all Legates were the same.  He let out a small breath and began again.  "Forgive me Legate Jael, I spoke poorly.  The Sisters Agent Kael mentioned are Sister Mara and Sister Amril.  If you desire I have detailed information of the outlaws we are tracking.  Rash'Gar and myself are at your disposal.

How was that? Xein asked cautiously.

After a moment he could feel Skindancers rage subside into a not quite satisfactory smirk.  Better.

[Doomed Hero]

Jael stared at the pale, scarred halfling for a long moment, his face impassive. Then he nodded once, the only reply Xein would get at the moment. Looking up to the others, Jael made the sign of the skull and bowed slightly. "Brothers. Sisters. Welcome. I am Jael, overseer here. I am afraid I cannot offer you much in the way of accommodations, and I cannot spare any manpower to aid you in your mission. If you have any other needs, we can discuss them."

[Johanas]

Roycilo took a step forward, and bowed a deep bow. 'I thank you for your hospitality, as I realize we were very unexpected guests." Roycilo stole a glance at Kael as he spoke. "We apologize for the intrusion, and were our mission not of such vital importance, would not have bothered you to begin with. Praise be to Izrador. May his Darkness consume the weak,and elevate the pious." Roycilo rose from his bow, and gave his most winning smile. This smile wasn't quite as vapid as he usually projected. A small smirk tugged at a corner of his mouth. Oh, I am enjoying this.. He thought wickedly.

[Doomed Hero]

"What is your mission, exactly?" Jael said thoughtfully. "You say you are tracking outlaws. I can assure you they are not here. Do you have reason to believe they will come here?"