No sooner Pentre had left the tavern, he had been relentless in giving chase to Iskra Sokol, the woman was running afoot and Pentre was horseback riding at full throttle.
Technically, it should not have taken long for the knight to catch up to her. However, it was clear the woman knew all the roads and shortcuts like the back of the hand.
By the time Sir Pentre reached the city, following her footsteps closely, he slowed the horse down, his eyes scanning ahead at the crowds for any signs of the fugitive woman.
When he finally caught sight of her at the lower markets, he paused the horse to address her, no sooner he entered the lower gate.
"Iskra Sokol.... the infamous Onyx leader... surrender at once and I will be lenient enough to spare your life until a fair trial is held" prompted Pentre
"If you run now... you won't get any mercy or reprieve of any kind" warned Pentre, staring in disbelief and uttering a curse when Iskra cleverly took the pouch and tossed the coins into the air, watching and hearing the golden pieces fall to the ground and scatter about, immediately attracting an avalanche of greedy peasants that blocked his passage altogether.
Pentre growled angrily, as he was forced to dismount his trusted steed and hand it to a stable boy who took away to a barn until recalled.
Pentre was most annoyed at being made to continue the hunt on foot and, even on foot, the eager crowd of beggars was dense enough to impede him making much progress.
Pentre immediately took out his sword, ordering the guards to disperse the crowds, yet... by the time the situation was under control... Iskra had again scurried away to any of the many alleyways and back streets, leaving little to no trace behind.
Even the fact the trail was harder to follow did not deter Pentre from persistently and foolishly pursuing the woman into such dubious parts of the city, completely overlooking the fact that he was one man alone, without any armed escort.
When he finally saw Iskra again, at the lowest filthy city slums, he frowned.
Iskra was no longer alone, there were at least three more thugs with her and to make matters worse, she was holding a vial of sorts, a glass bottle that shimmered in her grasp.
"Surrender! Iskra Sokol... Don't be foolish and think about what you are going to do... innocents could be harmed by your actions" warned Pentre hand resting on the hilt of the sword doing a quick headcount and falling into the realization that perhaps he had been too hasty and laxed about his own personal safety and numbers
Technically, it should not have taken long for the knight to catch up to her. However, it was clear the woman knew all the roads and shortcuts like the back of the hand.
By the time Sir Pentre reached the city, following her footsteps closely, he slowed the horse down, his eyes scanning ahead at the crowds for any signs of the fugitive woman.
When he finally caught sight of her at the lower markets, he paused the horse to address her, no sooner he entered the lower gate.
"Iskra Sokol.... the infamous Onyx leader... surrender at once and I will be lenient enough to spare your life until a fair trial is held" prompted Pentre
"If you run now... you won't get any mercy or reprieve of any kind" warned Pentre, staring in disbelief and uttering a curse when Iskra cleverly took the pouch and tossed the coins into the air, watching and hearing the golden pieces fall to the ground and scatter about, immediately attracting an avalanche of greedy peasants that blocked his passage altogether.
Pentre growled angrily, as he was forced to dismount his trusted steed and hand it to a stable boy who took away to a barn until recalled.
Pentre was most annoyed at being made to continue the hunt on foot and, even on foot, the eager crowd of beggars was dense enough to impede him making much progress.
Pentre immediately took out his sword, ordering the guards to disperse the crowds, yet... by the time the situation was under control... Iskra had again scurried away to any of the many alleyways and back streets, leaving little to no trace behind.
Even the fact the trail was harder to follow did not deter Pentre from persistently and foolishly pursuing the woman into such dubious parts of the city, completely overlooking the fact that he was one man alone, without any armed escort.
When he finally saw Iskra again, at the lowest filthy city slums, he frowned.
Iskra was no longer alone, there were at least three more thugs with her and to make matters worse, she was holding a vial of sorts, a glass bottle that shimmered in her grasp.
"Surrender! Iskra Sokol... Don't be foolish and think about what you are going to do... innocents could be harmed by your actions" warned Pentre hand resting on the hilt of the sword doing a quick headcount and falling into the realization that perhaps he had been too hasty and laxed about his own personal safety and numbers
The corners of his lips curled into a smile, try as he might to fight off the pleased expression. To him, either way was a lovely win for them. He had seen Pentre run off after her, they took down the others- and now his hired hand and Lancelot were here, talking.
Faith was a funny thing, but he knew Iskra like he knew himself. Alexei drank from his tankard, his blue eyes sparkling, “You’re quite the opponent, Lancelot. A shame you play for the wrong side- Pentre, that is.” He polished off what was left of his drink, glancing at Glendale, “Well, how about you? Ready to die for the cause?” There was some coyness in his tone- it’d been a long time since Alexei sat down with a man like Lancelot, to discuss something like this. He almost wished this drama happened more, it was really getting boring.
Dunsten huffed at Jal’s offer to Nails, “He ain’t got anything to compare to what we got. Onyx is infamous, and Iskra’s a beast of a woman. Lived through hell, she ain’t gonna lose to ole Tron.”
———
Iskra’s eyes practically lit up when she heard Pentre call out to her, though the joy on her face was entirely misplaced, “Oh, look! Didn’t even have to work.”
Layne had already fetched his knives, while Abram pulled the bow from his shoulder, nocking an arrow and keeping his sharp eyes trained on Pentre.
“Tron the Terrible, telling me to be careful for the innocents?” A flash of teeth, a smile akin to that of a dog ready to bite- She popped the cork from the bottle, “If you don’t want to see this place reduced to ash, why don’t you drop that pretty sword of yours and relaaax.” There was nothing at all relaxing about that ferocious grin on her face- Iskra was enjoying herself, flirting with danger was second nature.
“He’s got Lev.” Abram spoke curtly, and the joy was quickly disappearing from Iskra’s face, teeth gritted. Still, her slate eyes never left Pentre’s face.
“Is that true?”
Faith was a funny thing, but he knew Iskra like he knew himself. Alexei drank from his tankard, his blue eyes sparkling, “You’re quite the opponent, Lancelot. A shame you play for the wrong side- Pentre, that is.” He polished off what was left of his drink, glancing at Glendale, “Well, how about you? Ready to die for the cause?” There was some coyness in his tone- it’d been a long time since Alexei sat down with a man like Lancelot, to discuss something like this. He almost wished this drama happened more, it was really getting boring.
Dunsten huffed at Jal’s offer to Nails, “He ain’t got anything to compare to what we got. Onyx is infamous, and Iskra’s a beast of a woman. Lived through hell, she ain’t gonna lose to ole Tron.”
———
Iskra’s eyes practically lit up when she heard Pentre call out to her, though the joy on her face was entirely misplaced, “Oh, look! Didn’t even have to work.”
Layne had already fetched his knives, while Abram pulled the bow from his shoulder, nocking an arrow and keeping his sharp eyes trained on Pentre.
“Tron the Terrible, telling me to be careful for the innocents?” A flash of teeth, a smile akin to that of a dog ready to bite- She popped the cork from the bottle, “If you don’t want to see this place reduced to ash, why don’t you drop that pretty sword of yours and relaaax.” There was nothing at all relaxing about that ferocious grin on her face- Iskra was enjoying herself, flirting with danger was second nature.
“He’s got Lev.” Abram spoke curtly, and the joy was quickly disappearing from Iskra’s face, teeth gritted. Still, her slate eyes never left Pentre’s face.
“Is that true?”
Sir Lancelot du Lac raised an eyebrow at Alexei
"If I may say so, I beg to differ... and rather firmly on that. The lord knight Pentre is more on your side than mine. Mine stands by righteousness while most of his frequent atrocities are more aligned to your dark side of wrongdoing than the knightly oaths he swore to uphold and live by in a long gone and forgotten past. Still, he is my superior by the will of his majesty and I abide by royal command. Duty demands compliance" sighed Lancelot sitting back
"If I may say so, I beg to differ... and rather firmly on that. The lord knight Pentre is more on your side than mine. Mine stands by righteousness while most of his frequent atrocities are more aligned to your dark side of wrongdoing than the knightly oaths he swore to uphold and live by in a long gone and forgotten past. Still, he is my superior by the will of his majesty and I abide by royal command. Duty demands compliance" sighed Lancelot sitting back
Pentre frowned at Iskra's remark.
"You know very well, I'd sooner burn down this entire city and everyone within its walls, if you were to die in the same fire, witch, than spare everyone and watch you leave this city unharmed yet I have my reasons for avoiding unnecessary carnage and damages when I have some levarage of worth to you... and your own." assured Pentre with the certainty of a careless murderer
Pentre smirked with an evil half grin of his own at seeing Iskra's smile get wiped off right away
"Lev is indeed under my custody at the royal dungeons... worry not... at my orders, he is getting my men's fullest attentions and most thorough of services... till his execution" assured Pentre as if offering the best hospitality to be had
"Though when he dies only his fleas will mourn what is left of him by then and the longer you wait... the less of him left to collect and bury" smirked Pentre
"You know very well, I'd sooner burn down this entire city and everyone within its walls, if you were to die in the same fire, witch, than spare everyone and watch you leave this city unharmed yet I have my reasons for avoiding unnecessary carnage and damages when I have some levarage of worth to you... and your own." assured Pentre with the certainty of a careless murderer
Pentre smirked with an evil half grin of his own at seeing Iskra's smile get wiped off right away
"Lev is indeed under my custody at the royal dungeons... worry not... at my orders, he is getting my men's fullest attentions and most thorough of services... till his execution" assured Pentre as if offering the best hospitality to be had
"Though when he dies only his fleas will mourn what is left of him by then and the longer you wait... the less of him left to collect and bury" smirked Pentre
Nails looked on to Dunsten very curiously as he mentioned Iskra being a beast of a woman.
"Well, now you've piqued my interest." The elven rogue grinned mischievously and she leaned over towards Dunsten. Most of the politics and verbal jousting between Alexei and Lancelot were going right over her head, and frankly, she didn't have much interest in things that didn't involve fighting. She'd let the fancy lads talk while she had her own conversation over with Dunsten.
"So, uh.. this Iskra. Is she hot? Oh and single?" She asked Dunsten, the elf clearly having her very own personal agenda in this whole mess.
"Well, now you've piqued my interest." The elven rogue grinned mischievously and she leaned over towards Dunsten. Most of the politics and verbal jousting between Alexei and Lancelot were going right over her head, and frankly, she didn't have much interest in things that didn't involve fighting. She'd let the fancy lads talk while she had her own conversation over with Dunsten.
"So, uh.. this Iskra. Is she hot? Oh and single?" She asked Dunsten, the elf clearly having her very own personal agenda in this whole mess.
“You see it too huh? Pentre would make a dangerous man, running on his own.” Alexei hummed, “Most in power are like that.” He was filling time now- Iskra hadn’t returned with the other three, which either meant they hadn’t found her, or they had, but something else had come up. At the very least Abram would’ve signaled. He supposed they’d find out soon enough, so he smiled, “How much money is on Sir Iskra’s head these days? Quite a bit I imagine.”
Dunsten was happy for the distraction, grinning at Nails, “Ya gotta have a particular taste for someone like Iskra. She binds her chest, likes poison and keeps wolves for pets. As for being single...” He shrugged, “She’s a widow, gave her last husband a knife ta the chest, ain’t introduced anyone to us yet. Who knows.”
———
Iskra had it in her to snort at his words, the grin returning to her face. Was it a mask? That much was unclear while she rocked back on her heels, eyes tracing the locations of each of the nearby sources of fire. Torches lit to cast light on the street, and if she was quick about it she could get one. Did it matter if she was quick? A good throw would splash this so called “Greek Fire” everywhere, and it’d certainly get the ball rolling.
“You and I both know I wouldn’t die in some measly fire. I’ve got a way of coming back, like a little cockroach.” She sneered, “How many times have you almost had me? Bet you’d adore my pretty little neck in a noose, it’s almost cute how fervently you chase me.” Iskra laughed, the sound ugly and reminiscent of the calls of a hyena. She was ignoring his words about Lev’s condition. “He’s a strong boy Pentre. Play the games you’d like, though I’d be careful leaving him around men. Those fae touched have a way with... enchanting. He’s shy, but you never know what he’s thinking...”
“So why don’t you disarm yourself.” A voice from behind him cut in- Cordel had been absent from the group, taking his time to watch this play out. Had Pentre come with more men, perhaps he would’ve switched sides. He was a bounty hunter first and foremost, and money was money. But this was looking like it might go in Iskra’s favor, “I don’t know about you, Lord Pentre, but a four-on-one sounds like a sure way to get crippled. Or worse.” And of course, in his hand, he held a torch- bringing the fire closer to Iskra’s range.
She sloshed the shiny contents around in the bottle, “Come now, Pentre- if you don’t want to surrender, we could all die here and now~ You know I do love fire.”
Dunsten was happy for the distraction, grinning at Nails, “Ya gotta have a particular taste for someone like Iskra. She binds her chest, likes poison and keeps wolves for pets. As for being single...” He shrugged, “She’s a widow, gave her last husband a knife ta the chest, ain’t introduced anyone to us yet. Who knows.”
———
Iskra had it in her to snort at his words, the grin returning to her face. Was it a mask? That much was unclear while she rocked back on her heels, eyes tracing the locations of each of the nearby sources of fire. Torches lit to cast light on the street, and if she was quick about it she could get one. Did it matter if she was quick? A good throw would splash this so called “Greek Fire” everywhere, and it’d certainly get the ball rolling.
“You and I both know I wouldn’t die in some measly fire. I’ve got a way of coming back, like a little cockroach.” She sneered, “How many times have you almost had me? Bet you’d adore my pretty little neck in a noose, it’s almost cute how fervently you chase me.” Iskra laughed, the sound ugly and reminiscent of the calls of a hyena. She was ignoring his words about Lev’s condition. “He’s a strong boy Pentre. Play the games you’d like, though I’d be careful leaving him around men. Those fae touched have a way with... enchanting. He’s shy, but you never know what he’s thinking...”
“So why don’t you disarm yourself.” A voice from behind him cut in- Cordel had been absent from the group, taking his time to watch this play out. Had Pentre come with more men, perhaps he would’ve switched sides. He was a bounty hunter first and foremost, and money was money. But this was looking like it might go in Iskra’s favor, “I don’t know about you, Lord Pentre, but a four-on-one sounds like a sure way to get crippled. Or worse.” And of course, in his hand, he held a torch- bringing the fire closer to Iskra’s range.
She sloshed the shiny contents around in the bottle, “Come now, Pentre- if you don’t want to surrender, we could all die here and now~ You know I do love fire.”
Pentre unsheathed the sword, ready to attack and bring on the fight and single-handedly subdue these rogues when he saw a young figure coming out of the barn, making his way proudly and calmly to Pentre, clearly oblivious to the imminent danger he was getting himself into and unaware of whom Pentre was addressing at the time.
"Uncle Tron!" greeted the youthful amicable squire "... sorry... I mean... lord knight... sir... your horse is rested, groomed, saddled and ready... my lord" informed the young squire coming over to stand by his knight, looking weary at Cordel for being too close to Pentre for comfort.
Pentre took a deep breath and he let his breath out in a long exhalation of surrender, well aware, as much as Iskra was now aware, that one false move or wrong answer from Pentre's part and the boy would likely be taken or harmed in retaliation. The fact the boy had already revealed their close relationship made it too late to conceal the truth and try to spare the boy.
"It's fine... Eric... thank you" nodded Pentre still holding the handle of his sword, yet lowering the blade to the ground in a non-hostile gesture, looking at Iskra serious and sober, a contrasting expression and attitude to his earlier flaunt of power and wealth. The smirk of victory wiped off his face.
"Iskra... this is Eric is my nephew... " introduced Pentre officially, finally speaking of the boy few ever dared mention he existed at all
"Spare the boy from lasting harm and, on this occasion, you will get all you seek, whatever you ask off me" prompted Pentre well aware he could not guarantee the boy's safety and fight off the four well trained and highly skilled rogues at the same time, nudging Eric closer to him to shield the lad if necessary "I accept surrender" accepted Pentre
"What?!" quizzed Eric as looked up confused at the unexpected turn of tables, the thought of his mighty uncle ever surrendering to anyone a too far fetched thought to even conceive it.
"Keep calm... and quiet... Eric" advised Pentre through gritted teeth, his nephew's presence making the situation more awkward and embarrassing than it already was
"Uncle Tron!" greeted the youthful amicable squire "... sorry... I mean... lord knight... sir... your horse is rested, groomed, saddled and ready... my lord" informed the young squire coming over to stand by his knight, looking weary at Cordel for being too close to Pentre for comfort.
Pentre took a deep breath and he let his breath out in a long exhalation of surrender, well aware, as much as Iskra was now aware, that one false move or wrong answer from Pentre's part and the boy would likely be taken or harmed in retaliation. The fact the boy had already revealed their close relationship made it too late to conceal the truth and try to spare the boy.
"It's fine... Eric... thank you" nodded Pentre still holding the handle of his sword, yet lowering the blade to the ground in a non-hostile gesture, looking at Iskra serious and sober, a contrasting expression and attitude to his earlier flaunt of power and wealth. The smirk of victory wiped off his face.
"Iskra... this is Eric is my nephew... " introduced Pentre officially, finally speaking of the boy few ever dared mention he existed at all
"Spare the boy from lasting harm and, on this occasion, you will get all you seek, whatever you ask off me" prompted Pentre well aware he could not guarantee the boy's safety and fight off the four well trained and highly skilled rogues at the same time, nudging Eric closer to him to shield the lad if necessary "I accept surrender" accepted Pentre
"What?!" quizzed Eric as looked up confused at the unexpected turn of tables, the thought of his mighty uncle ever surrendering to anyone a too far fetched thought to even conceive it.
"Keep calm... and quiet... Eric" advised Pentre through gritted teeth, his nephew's presence making the situation more awkward and embarrassing than it already was
"Sir Iskra? Since there are no knights or lords that go by that name... so there is no bounty to that name either. Against Iskra Sokol's head, however, the bounty stands at three thousand golden pieces, enough to buy the entire city and the lands and villages around it" assured Lancelot sipping his drink
"Now... if you excuse me... I am due to deliver the captive at the royal dungeons by sunset and lateness won't do for a knight of my calibre. Hand over the prisoner, and feel free to join us... or not." concluded Lancelot seeing how Dunstain had handled Glendale a little while earlier and making it clear Lancelot and Jalsinter were keeping the rogue
"Sir Jalsinter... please see to it that our charge doesn't become misplaced among these scoundrels" asked Lancelot a good hint that Jals ought to grab Glendale, with or without chair, and drag him to the prisoner cart outside to continue and finish the journey promptly
"Honest wages should be wasted on dishonest hands..." warned Lancelot looking at Nails meaningfully, keeping his respectful distance from the thieving woman
"Now... if you excuse me... I am due to deliver the captive at the royal dungeons by sunset and lateness won't do for a knight of my calibre. Hand over the prisoner, and feel free to join us... or not." concluded Lancelot seeing how Dunstain had handled Glendale a little while earlier and making it clear Lancelot and Jalsinter were keeping the rogue
"Sir Jalsinter... please see to it that our charge doesn't become misplaced among these scoundrels" asked Lancelot a good hint that Jals ought to grab Glendale, with or without chair, and drag him to the prisoner cart outside to continue and finish the journey promptly
"Honest wages should be wasted on dishonest hands..." warned Lancelot looking at Nails meaningfully, keeping his respectful distance from the thieving woman
"Huh.." Nails rubbed her chin thoughtfully as she continued her side conversation with Dunsten, and the other went to explain what kind of woman Iskra was. Honestly, Nails was not disliking what she was hearing, Iskra sounded like a total badass, but she wasn't certain she liked it either, there were a lot of similarities between her and Iskra, and she was more a believer that opposites attract. Well, she'd nevertheless would go to meet her, if anything, they'd certainly have a lot in common. "Oof.." The elf winced when Dunsten told her how Iskra dealt with her ex-husband. "Guess that didn't work out, huh?" Nails would have to be careful if she wished to get involved then, Iskra did not sound like she took well to fall outs.
"You think she'd be into me?" The elven rogue asked Dunsten, absorbed in her own conversation and paying no attention at all as to what Alexei and Lancelot were discussing. She was in her own little world. "I mean, you saw me out there. I kick some serious arse." She chuckled dusting her shoulder.
"Eh?" It was when Alexei and Lancelot appeared to move that she realized that their business meeting appeared to be over, and all Nails managed to catch was Lancelot throwing shade her way by calling her dishonest. Why, Nails was very honest! She was a thief and she was very honest about it!
"Oh, bite me!" She said to Lancelot and shot the man a rude gesture by flicking her hand under her chin.
"You think she'd be into me?" The elven rogue asked Dunsten, absorbed in her own conversation and paying no attention at all as to what Alexei and Lancelot were discussing. She was in her own little world. "I mean, you saw me out there. I kick some serious arse." She chuckled dusting her shoulder.
"Eh?" It was when Alexei and Lancelot appeared to move that she realized that their business meeting appeared to be over, and all Nails managed to catch was Lancelot throwing shade her way by calling her dishonest. Why, Nails was very honest! She was a thief and she was very honest about it!
"Oh, bite me!" She said to Lancelot and shot the man a rude gesture by flicking her hand under her chin.
Alexei sighed, dropping coin on the table for his drink, “I think we’ll follow you outside, hm? Give me a couple more minutes to think on your offer.” He was only halfway paying attention to the conversation between the other two, frowning slightly at Dunsten’s encouragement of the situation- and then more at Nail’s comment about the ‘not working out.’ “Johann was a disgrace of a man and Iskra recognized he was unfit to lead us.” He said curtly, “He crossed a line and she made him pay with his life.”
Dunsten nodded, “Yeah, she made him pay alright. Iskra don’t take kindly to that behavior, husband or not. What’s the saying? Hell hath no fury-“
“Come on already, enough. We’re leaving.”
Dunsten stood, following Alexei outside, “Can’t really say. Think she’ll like you, yeah, she likes strong women. But she got weird taste sometimes, her last lady friend was a Knight. Bit of a wildcard.”
When the arrived outside, a bird had come to land on a railing, calling out a strange tune. Alexei smiled, “Afraid it’s time we take out leave. Glendale, we’ll return for you at another time.” He fastened his cloak around his shoulders once more, before bowing slightly at Lancelot, “And you, my new friend, will see us once again. I hope you’ll continue to entertain me.” He straightened up, before walking ahead, “The boss is waiting, let’s not waste time.”
——————
“Abram.”
“Yes, Sir.” The silent one lowered his bow, bringing his hand to his mouth and letting out a shrill tune- a nearby bird (clearly trained) repeated the song and then flew off, presumably to signal the others. Iskra was smiling, her gaze shifted from Tron to the boy now.
“A pleasure to meet you, Young man.” Iskra waved her hand at Cordel, who drove the lit torch into the ground and produced rope from his hip, beginning to tie Pentre’s arms, “The name is Iskra Sokol, they call me the King of the Onyx Bandits.” she bowed, while Layne was already advancing. One hand holding tight to a knife, the other holding rope.
Iskra had sons of her own, though not of her blood. A harpy boy who had fled his family, and a young elf, who said harpy had kidnapped, but Iskra grew attached to. Thanks to them and a run in with a strange unicorn, her intolerance of non-humans had become weaker. But that isn’t the point- the point was, she couldn’t bring herself to hurt a child.
Layne, on the other hand, could. And would.
“They got Glendale too,” Layne smiled, “So I think it ought ta be a fair trade- and a bit of insurance. Take Tron and his little brat, and we’ll get em both. But if we hit some bumps along the way...”
Dunsten nodded, “Yeah, she made him pay alright. Iskra don’t take kindly to that behavior, husband or not. What’s the saying? Hell hath no fury-“
“Come on already, enough. We’re leaving.”
Dunsten stood, following Alexei outside, “Can’t really say. Think she’ll like you, yeah, she likes strong women. But she got weird taste sometimes, her last lady friend was a Knight. Bit of a wildcard.”
When the arrived outside, a bird had come to land on a railing, calling out a strange tune. Alexei smiled, “Afraid it’s time we take out leave. Glendale, we’ll return for you at another time.” He fastened his cloak around his shoulders once more, before bowing slightly at Lancelot, “And you, my new friend, will see us once again. I hope you’ll continue to entertain me.” He straightened up, before walking ahead, “The boss is waiting, let’s not waste time.”
——————
“Abram.”
“Yes, Sir.” The silent one lowered his bow, bringing his hand to his mouth and letting out a shrill tune- a nearby bird (clearly trained) repeated the song and then flew off, presumably to signal the others. Iskra was smiling, her gaze shifted from Tron to the boy now.
“A pleasure to meet you, Young man.” Iskra waved her hand at Cordel, who drove the lit torch into the ground and produced rope from his hip, beginning to tie Pentre’s arms, “The name is Iskra Sokol, they call me the King of the Onyx Bandits.” she bowed, while Layne was already advancing. One hand holding tight to a knife, the other holding rope.
Iskra had sons of her own, though not of her blood. A harpy boy who had fled his family, and a young elf, who said harpy had kidnapped, but Iskra grew attached to. Thanks to them and a run in with a strange unicorn, her intolerance of non-humans had become weaker. But that isn’t the point- the point was, she couldn’t bring herself to hurt a child.
Layne, on the other hand, could. And would.
“They got Glendale too,” Layne smiled, “So I think it ought ta be a fair trade- and a bit of insurance. Take Tron and his little brat, and we’ll get em both. But if we hit some bumps along the way...”
Lancelot looked at Alexei and nodded in agreement more than glad to hear the man bid his amicable farewell and bring no further trouble in regards to Glendale, far preferring diplomacy to the clash of swords.
"Indeed I am certain we shall cross paths again and keep each other company a while longer, Alexei. Next time, hopefully whilst you are a bound captive under arrest on its way to the dungeons where you lot belong, or already locked up and bound at the dungeon cell" nodded Lancelot gazing at Jals and nodding for the three of them, Glendale, Jals and Lancelot to move along
"Indeed I am certain we shall cross paths again and keep each other company a while longer, Alexei. Next time, hopefully whilst you are a bound captive under arrest on its way to the dungeons where you lot belong, or already locked up and bound at the dungeon cell" nodded Lancelot gazing at Jals and nodding for the three of them, Glendale, Jals and Lancelot to move along
Glendale had heard the unusual singing of the bird, that was a clear instruction from Iskra for the rogues to abandon their current locations and regroup.
He ducked the head quietly, nodding discreetly at Dunstan and Alexei, while putting on the show of a worried captive, one who had been left to his doomed fate so as to not raise further suspicion upon the righteous knights and guards that kept him secured.
He ducked the head quietly, nodding discreetly at Dunstan and Alexei, while putting on the show of a worried captive, one who had been left to his doomed fate so as to not raise further suspicion upon the righteous knights and guards that kept him secured.
Pentre looked at his surroundings, at the men that were closing in on them. It was futile to try to consider any escape or distraction for it would just worsen the situation and endanger Eric further.
The alleyways were dark, narrow and poorly lit, the cobbled stones and uneven paths were muddy, coarse and slippery, greatly increasing the chances of tripping over and getting caught anew. It wasn't worth the risks nor the small chances they had of evading Onyx.
He silently sheathed his sword, placing back into its scabbard and folded his arms behind his back, holding his wrists neatly crossed, one over the other, for easier binding, without offering the least trouble or resistance.
"Iskra... you have me already... must you bring him along? Please... leave the boy here... within the safety of these walls" requested Pentre more than willing to negotiate for Eric's sake, rather keen and eager, if not desperate, to get Eric out of the situation.
The alleyways were dark, narrow and poorly lit, the cobbled stones and uneven paths were muddy, coarse and slippery, greatly increasing the chances of tripping over and getting caught anew. It wasn't worth the risks nor the small chances they had of evading Onyx.
He silently sheathed his sword, placing back into its scabbard and folded his arms behind his back, holding his wrists neatly crossed, one over the other, for easier binding, without offering the least trouble or resistance.
"Iskra... you have me already... must you bring him along? Please... leave the boy here... within the safety of these walls" requested Pentre more than willing to negotiate for Eric's sake, rather keen and eager, if not desperate, to get Eric out of the situation.
Eric quickly took out a dagger and held it firmly if rather menacingly, ready to defend himself if it came to it, when he saw Layne approaching with a blade and rope at hand which were clearly intended for him.
"Stand back, peasant" ordered Eric sharply as he frowned at Layne, looking over at Iskra briefly as she bowed
"I am prince Eric of Askia... heir to the throne and to the noble house of Pentre. You commoners may address me as royal highness or sire and will refrain from manhandling royalty" frowned Eric, becoming apprehensive, ready to fight these thugs if it came to that
"Stand back, peasant" ordered Eric sharply as he frowned at Layne, looking over at Iskra briefly as she bowed
"I am prince Eric of Askia... heir to the throne and to the noble house of Pentre. You commoners may address me as royal highness or sire and will refrain from manhandling royalty" frowned Eric, becoming apprehensive, ready to fight these thugs if it came to that
Jalsinter canted his head very slightly as his inquiry was denied. It wasn't entirely surprising to him that the bandits would turn him down but he did at least click his tongue with disappointment. It was likely for the best anyway, he thought. These people were not trustworthy with the task he had in mind, as much as he'd hoped they'd be interested. The knight stayed silent as the others continued to talk and when Lancelot indicate he should grab Glendale he shifted to do so. In the entire time between the fight and his taking Glendale to the door he hadn't eaten a single bite of food.
When the two knights had parted from the group of brigands, Jal muttered to Lancelot. "Leaving without them was... an interesting decision." Without a care to be gentle, the large knight manhandled Glendale onto the cart. "I hope that it is one we do not regret."
((Sorry for the slow posts, life's been dramatic.))
When the two knights had parted from the group of brigands, Jal muttered to Lancelot. "Leaving without them was... an interesting decision." Without a care to be gentle, the large knight manhandled Glendale onto the cart. "I hope that it is one we do not regret."
((Sorry for the slow posts, life's been dramatic.))
Lancelot tied their horses to the back of the cart while Jals dealt with the prisoner .
He was a kind hearted man who watched over those in his care and company so... once Glendale was inside the prisoner cart, well secured, he took the reins and gave Jalsinter a wrapped parcel with warm food inside and a skin filled brimming with wine.
"Eat, my friend, you will need the strength if we encounter them later or they lay an ambush further ahead" encouraged Lancelot.
"I would have preferred to seize them all, however, with the duty to protect these innocent patrons, to watch Glendale and bring him alive... we are heavily outnumbered and they are highly skilled.
Had we tried to take them all, Alexei and Dunsten would have taken Glendale and us too, as prisoners... Our treatment would have been a lot worse. It is likely Onyx has more thugs hiding in the vicinity. Let us hope for all our sakes we do not meet again too soon" mused Lancelot gazing at the path ahead
He was a kind hearted man who watched over those in his care and company so... once Glendale was inside the prisoner cart, well secured, he took the reins and gave Jalsinter a wrapped parcel with warm food inside and a skin filled brimming with wine.
"Eat, my friend, you will need the strength if we encounter them later or they lay an ambush further ahead" encouraged Lancelot.
"I would have preferred to seize them all, however, with the duty to protect these innocent patrons, to watch Glendale and bring him alive... we are heavily outnumbered and they are highly skilled.
Had we tried to take them all, Alexei and Dunsten would have taken Glendale and us too, as prisoners... Our treatment would have been a lot worse. It is likely Onyx has more thugs hiding in the vicinity. Let us hope for all our sakes we do not meet again too soon" mused Lancelot gazing at the path ahead
“Pentre, I couldn’t care less.” Iskra shrugged, replacing the cork on the bottle and tucking it into her pocket, “Besides, a boy his age should be plenty safe outside the city. Is his father not teaching him how to survive?”
When Eric spoke, there was surprise- Iskra did her best to suppress a lopsided grin, but the others weren’t so quick. There was a snicker from one of them- until Abram let out a low chuckle, Layne joining in with a howling laugh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard someone talk like that.” Abram spoke from beneath a thick scarf, “Doesn’t it remind you of when Iskra was young?“
“For your sake, Layne,” Cordel grumbled, finishing tying Pentre’s hands behind his back, “I would step back.” The other glared, but lowered his knife, and again Cordel took the lead, “Forgive them, your royal highness. I’m afraid Layne lacks manners, among other things...and Abram was only a servant, his days of acknowledging a Master are gone.”
He bowed, “I am Sir Cordel Kotov, second son to the late Lord Antoni Cordel of the Kingdom of Tirshina- you seem like an educated boy, it’s to the north of here. Far north.” Stepping forward, Cordel stood between him and Layne, the rope that held Pentre’s arms kept firmly in his grasp, “I think that, for your Uncle’s sake, you ought to come with us. The Lady Sokol-“ Iskra barked out a few harsh words at suddenly at the change in title, but Cordel only spoke louder to drown her out, “has boys of her own, and I’m certain she’d be far less likely to cause Lord Pentre harm in the presence of his nephew.”
“You think too highly of me.” Iskra mumbled, “But if the child doesn’t want to be manhandled, fine. Let him ride with me. My back is already aching.” The scars on her body were flaring up- she at least would be riding slower, “When Alexei meets up with us we’ll head outside, to the western hideout. It’s not too far.”
————
Someone was ahead from Onyx, though they remained hidden. A harpy clung to a nearby roof, an elven boy holding tight to his shoulders- shrouded in darkness they watched Glendale placed into the cart, frowning.
“Guess things ain’t workin out too well.” The harpy mumbled, not having heard the call. The boy on his back nodded.
“We should follow.” He whispered, “Keep eyes on them.”
When Eric spoke, there was surprise- Iskra did her best to suppress a lopsided grin, but the others weren’t so quick. There was a snicker from one of them- until Abram let out a low chuckle, Layne joining in with a howling laugh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard someone talk like that.” Abram spoke from beneath a thick scarf, “Doesn’t it remind you of when Iskra was young?“
“For your sake, Layne,” Cordel grumbled, finishing tying Pentre’s hands behind his back, “I would step back.” The other glared, but lowered his knife, and again Cordel took the lead, “Forgive them, your royal highness. I’m afraid Layne lacks manners, among other things...and Abram was only a servant, his days of acknowledging a Master are gone.”
He bowed, “I am Sir Cordel Kotov, second son to the late Lord Antoni Cordel of the Kingdom of Tirshina- you seem like an educated boy, it’s to the north of here. Far north.” Stepping forward, Cordel stood between him and Layne, the rope that held Pentre’s arms kept firmly in his grasp, “I think that, for your Uncle’s sake, you ought to come with us. The Lady Sokol-“ Iskra barked out a few harsh words at suddenly at the change in title, but Cordel only spoke louder to drown her out, “has boys of her own, and I’m certain she’d be far less likely to cause Lord Pentre harm in the presence of his nephew.”
“You think too highly of me.” Iskra mumbled, “But if the child doesn’t want to be manhandled, fine. Let him ride with me. My back is already aching.” The scars on her body were flaring up- she at least would be riding slower, “When Alexei meets up with us we’ll head outside, to the western hideout. It’s not too far.”
————
Someone was ahead from Onyx, though they remained hidden. A harpy clung to a nearby roof, an elven boy holding tight to his shoulders- shrouded in darkness they watched Glendale placed into the cart, frowning.
“Guess things ain’t workin out too well.” The harpy mumbled, not having heard the call. The boy on his back nodded.
“We should follow.” He whispered, “Keep eyes on them.”
Nails was surprised when Alexei of all people butt in on her conversation with Dunsten. She thought he wasn't paying attention-- too focused with 'business' talk and all that. "Huh." The elven rogue arched a surprise eyebrow at Alexei's apparent indignation, this Johann fellow must have been a real knuckle head to earn Alexei's resentment AND a dagger to the chest by Iskra.
"Alright, the last dude set the bar pretty low. I think I can do this." Nails muttered to herself and checked her cuffs and dusted her shoulders, fixing her kimono, almost as if she were planning to marry Iskra and become second in command of the Onyx bandits already. She was a bold one. Dunsten's mention that Iskra had partnered up with a lady knight before was troublesome though, Nails was the entire opposite of a knight, crass, dishonorable, prone to fighting dirty, she was loyal sure, but only in her own way. "Huh.. well, we'll see what happens." Said the elf, rubbing her chin before following Alexei and Dunsten outside.
As they left, Nails turned around and pointedly stared at Lancelot and Jals. She pointed at them with her index and middle finger before running her fingers across her own neck in a throat cutting motion. They've been marked. Next time she won't be going easy on either of them.
Her threat given, she quickly left the bar with the others.
"Alright, the last dude set the bar pretty low. I think I can do this." Nails muttered to herself and checked her cuffs and dusted her shoulders, fixing her kimono, almost as if she were planning to marry Iskra and become second in command of the Onyx bandits already. She was a bold one. Dunsten's mention that Iskra had partnered up with a lady knight before was troublesome though, Nails was the entire opposite of a knight, crass, dishonorable, prone to fighting dirty, she was loyal sure, but only in her own way. "Huh.. well, we'll see what happens." Said the elf, rubbing her chin before following Alexei and Dunsten outside.
As they left, Nails turned around and pointedly stared at Lancelot and Jals. She pointed at them with her index and middle finger before running her fingers across her own neck in a throat cutting motion. They've been marked. Next time she won't be going easy on either of them.
Her threat given, she quickly left the bar with the others.
Eric replaced the dagger and adopted a calm if regal demeaner as he looked at Sir Cordel Kotov when the man formally bowed before him and introduced himself.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance Sir Kotov of Tirshina." saluted Eric "I shall take heed of your sound advice and warning and follow you, of my own accord" assured Eric not about to leave Pentre's side
"Indeed the kingdom you hail from is a long-standing, albeit distant, northern ally of ours, quite far to the north, three month's riding or nine on foot. Coarse mountains with harsh winters yet bountiful mines, especially of high quality ores. I hope you find your stay and travels through these southern realms of mine more pleasant, at least weather wise." recalled Eric welcoming Cordel in a cordial fashion, whilst proving he was clearly well educated as was expected off the future ruler and leader.
"Iskra Sokol... thank you for the courtesy of allowing me to ride with you, unbound, and for the opportunity of joining you and your men and be able to remain by my uncle's side, it is much appreciated" thanked Eric coming over to Iskra to mount on her horse disregarding Pentre's obvious discomfort at the new situation and the physical closeness between Iskra and Eric, which kept the lord knight on edge
"Pleased to make your acquaintance Sir Kotov of Tirshina." saluted Eric "I shall take heed of your sound advice and warning and follow you, of my own accord" assured Eric not about to leave Pentre's side
"Indeed the kingdom you hail from is a long-standing, albeit distant, northern ally of ours, quite far to the north, three month's riding or nine on foot. Coarse mountains with harsh winters yet bountiful mines, especially of high quality ores. I hope you find your stay and travels through these southern realms of mine more pleasant, at least weather wise." recalled Eric welcoming Cordel in a cordial fashion, whilst proving he was clearly well educated as was expected off the future ruler and leader.
"Iskra Sokol... thank you for the courtesy of allowing me to ride with you, unbound, and for the opportunity of joining you and your men and be able to remain by my uncle's side, it is much appreciated" thanked Eric coming over to Iskra to mount on her horse disregarding Pentre's obvious discomfort at the new situation and the physical closeness between Iskra and Eric, which kept the lord knight on edge
Jal wouldn't have noticed the parcel of food in the other knight's hands had the latter not told him to take it. He took the small bundle gently into his hands, mulling it over for a second before replying simply. "Thank you." Lancelot's following explanation did not please him very much but he had a point; they were outnumbered, and the brigands were indeed quite skilled despite Jal's earlier words.
"It is all rather ridiculous, isn't it...? It seems to me Pentre would rather die than let these Onyx troublemakers go. He likely causes more suffering with the way he meddles in their affairs... not that I'd necessarily condone letting them wander free." Jalsinter grumbled, sitting down on the cart to accompany his fellow knight. Lancelot may well know that, although the former lord served Pentre, he held no love for the man.
"Still... with this hostage-taking business... What do you think the odds are their 'Lev' is in the same place as...?" As vague as it sounded, his fellow knight may know exactly what, or whom, Jal was talking about.
"It is all rather ridiculous, isn't it...? It seems to me Pentre would rather die than let these Onyx troublemakers go. He likely causes more suffering with the way he meddles in their affairs... not that I'd necessarily condone letting them wander free." Jalsinter grumbled, sitting down on the cart to accompany his fellow knight. Lancelot may well know that, although the former lord served Pentre, he held no love for the man.
"Still... with this hostage-taking business... What do you think the odds are their 'Lev' is in the same place as...?" As vague as it sounded, his fellow knight may know exactly what, or whom, Jal was talking about.
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