Springtime In The City 30.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Hurrying over to where the racks of lances are, Zam the ex mercenary watches as sir Percavelle Lé Dic makes another pass on his warhorse. 

The large heavily armoured knight is on the rings, and though he has to adjust his lance a couple of times. He takes all six rings along the posts. It makes no difference to the former paladin that each target is at different heights. 

The noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, easily collects all the rings. And so far that Zam has seen since they've been here this morning. 

The former earl of Lé Dic is the only tourney competitor to collect the all the rings on any of the passes they've attempted. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins quickly moves to one side as a squire for a landed knight from the kingdom of Girdane. Hurries over and takes a lance from the rack. 

As usual, those helping the various competitors, are more than a little careless as they take a lance. 

As the squire from the kingdom of Girdane swings the long length of wood onto his right shoulder. Without even looking where Zam is. 

The youngest member of the group, if he was standing where he was previously, would of been hit by the lance. But where is now, he easily avoids it. 

Waits for sir Percavelle Lé Dic to come back this way, as the large heavily armoured knight in the order of Saint Mar'che. 

Has one of the tourney attendants provided by the city council, taking the rings off the end of the former paladin's lance. 

The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic makes his way back along the side of the practice field, to this end of the lists. 

While he does, a pair of knights charge at one another in a practice joust, and one is unhorsed, when his opponent scores a direct hit on his wooden shield, which shatters. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins winces as the knight hits the ground with a clatter. 

"Damn" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary with a shake of his head, who follows that up with "I bet that fucking hurt him". 

Then the youngest member of the group who learnt that the tourney competitors will be using blunt lances. And not a war lance, which have a sharp steel tip at the end of the lance. 

Moves away from the rack, and over to the side of the practice field, when the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, gestures he's taking a break. 

Zam takes hold of the bridle of the warhorse, and the large heavily armoured knight dismounts. The two of them start walking over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Shur Kee the monk have been watching the morning practice. 

"I say lad, was there any takers?" asks sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who follows that with "Wot" before adding "I'd like to test thy self against one of my potential opponents, wot" then saying "Who doth are inferior to I". 

"Not a single one" responds Zam the ex mercenary, who continues with "I asked everyone down at this end" followed by "And a few at the other end too, after they made a pass, before heading back to the far end". 

"Bugger" says the large heavily armoured knight in disappointment, who follows on from that with "Not a single courageous one amongst the lot, wot". 

The youngest and most recent member of the group nods in agreement with the nobleman who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. 

For he can see why the former paladin can't secure himself a practice joust against a potential opponent. 

As the former earl of Lé Dic is indeed a menace with a lance as Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy described him as they made their way through the city earlier this morning. 

"Looking good out there Percy" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy when Zam the ex mercenary and sir Percavelle Lé Dic join the commander in the Armies of Farque, and the short statured monk out front of the small tent that the four of them have hired for the day. 

As the teenager who is the youngest member of the group, brushes down the warhorse the former paladin recently purchased. 

The elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alinlae says to the large heavily armoured knight "You didn't miss a single ring on all the passes you did". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, continues with "And without damage to your lance too". 

The noble born knight who has just briefly lifted up the visor of his full helm, to take a drink from his water sack. 

Closes the helm's visor, then grunts in agreement with the spy Tanith, then says "Child's play" followed by "Any competent knight should achieve such". 

The elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae before joining the group, just shakes his head at that from the Druvician nobleman. 

For what Dalin has observed this morning since they've got here to the practice field. 

Only two other knights have got five of the six rings in the practice joust. And one of them barely got a fifth. 

The spy Tanith along with Shur Kee the monk had a feeling the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che would be the most accomplished competitor here practicing for the Vexil Spring Tourney. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith nods his hooded head when Percy gestures at Zam, then says "The lad here says that not a single one of this lot is willing to practice joust against I, the great sir Percavelle". 

"I can't imagine why" dryly says the elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

Which gets a grin from Zam the ex mercenary, and a smile from the honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council, Shur Kee the monk. 

The noble born knight clears his throat, then says "Yes well" followed by "Not very sporting of them if I say so myself, wot". 

Then the four of them look towards the practice field when they hear a scream, and see that a squire has just been knocked down by a knight upon a horse. 

Zam winces, while Dalin murmurs "Damn" and next to him, Shur Kee just shakes his head. Meanwhile, sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the others in the group tend to call him, says "Bound to happen with some many on and around the field". 

They watch as a couple of attendants and a lesser spellcaster from the city council, go out to the severely injured squire after there's been a call to cease the practice for the moment. 

A few moments later, and the squire is helped to his feet after being healed by the spellcaster. And after he's been helped off the practice field, things get underway again. 

"Good thing if you get injured or wounded, you'll be healed quickly" says Dalin with a sideways glance at the former paladin beside him. 

The nobleman originally from the kingdom of Druvic, sniffs in disdain, then says "No such thing will happen". 

The extremely confident knight, who is both landed and ordered, continues with "I have seen none here this morning who thy deem a challenge to face in the joust, wot". 

The spy Tanith nods his hooded head, then asks "What about Le Grande Meleé?" followed by "Anything could happen in that". 

The elf who hails from the principality of Alinlae, and is now a commander in the Armies of Farque, then adds "That's open to almost anyone" he continues with "Not just knights, and knight's apprentices". 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic grunts, then says "Tis true" and after a brief pause, he continues with "Not to fear, I shall prevail in that too, wot". 

The former paladin follows on from that with "It is not so different than battle" he then adds "And all know I, the great sir Percavelle is supreme in that, and no one can stand against me". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith rolls his eyes, then quietly says in elvish to Zam in slightly dry tone of voice "He's probably right, you know". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nods to that. For the noble born knight is probably right. And that it'll be difficult for anyone to best him in Le Grande Meleé. 

Though for the ex mercenary, it's Le Grande Meleé that he's most worried about. As the squires and helpers of the participants. Are expected to go out onto the tourney field and help their sponsor. 

Either to give them more weapons, or to get them to their feet, to help them stand, so that they can continue on. 

All things that Zam is not looking forward to. Though Percy himself has mentioned he won't need assistance in anyway. 

For the simple fact, the large heavily armoured knight won't need anymore weapons. As he has plenty upon himself to begin with. 

And also because the former paladin in all his confidence, doesn't believe he'll need any help to get up off the ground, as he won't be knocked down at all during the mass combat, that's Le Grande Meleé. 

As he finishes up brushing the warhorse, then letting it drink from a small bucket of water. Zam hears the former paladin ask Dalin and Shur Kee "Doth by chance, happen to see anyone from my order?" followed by "Wot". 

The elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque shakes his hooded head no, then says "There's none here this morning" followed by "I asked around". 

The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, continues with "That doesn't mean any of them won't show up later on in the day". 

Dalin gestures to a larger tent further on to the left from theirs, then says "Talking to a couple of The Knights of The Dark there, and they say there's quite a few members of your order in residence at the city chapter house at the moment". 

"Saint Mar'che" mutters the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, who winces behind the visor of his full helm at hearing that. 

"If any have entered the tourney, they could turn up later on today to practice" says Dalinvardèl Tanith, who continues on with "And they being from your order, there's a high possibility a lot of them have entered". 

Once again the former paladin winces behind the visor of his full helm, and this time he mutters "Naralle" the god that's worshipped by the members of the order of The Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Hmmmm" murmurs the former earl of Lé Dic, who after a few moments of silence as he thinks about something, adds "Might be best if we return to the city at midday". 

The large heavily armoured knight who doesn't particularly want to run into any members of his order, even though he's not wearing his order's tabard at the moment, and he's left the Shield of Saint Mar'che back at the Merchant's Rest inn. And he has no plan to use it during the tourney, since magical weapons and items are banned in the city run tourney. 

Then says "Yes, tis best if we go back to the inn for lunch, wot" sir Percavelle Lé Dic then says "Come along squire, get the lance, wot". 

The former paladin continues on with "A few more passes at the rings, then we'll be off" he nods to himself, before adding "Sounds like a good plan there Percy old chap". 

As the noble born knight walks back to the practice field, leading his warhorse, and Zam the ex mercenary carrying his lance, follows him. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Shur Kee the monk share a look, and both nod in understanding. Before they go back to watching what's happening on the practice field this fairly sunny and clear spring day just outside the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 29.

Vexil. 

The morning dawns clear. Well it's slightly cloudy, but at least there's no rain like there has been the last four days here in the city of Vexil. 

They leave the Merchant's Rest fairly early after having breakfast, with sir Percavelle Lé Dic leading the way with his recently purchased warhorse. 

Who is followed by Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, while Shur Kee the monk follows them. 

"Why are we going south through the city?" asks Zam the ex mercenary, who continues on with "The tourney field is just outside the north wall". 

"The practice field is south of the city" replies Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who follows on from that with "They don't want to mess up the actual tourney field before things get underway". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nods his head at that, for that actually makes a lot of sense when he thinks about it. 

The youngest member of the group then asks the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque "What exactly am I expected to do?". 

With a nod towards the large heavily armoured knight leading the way, Zam says in a slightly dry tone of voice "He hasn't exactly told me much". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, smiles then says "I bet". 

The elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae continues with "He's just practicing the joust today, so all you have to do is make sure he's got a lance before he makes a pass". 

Dalin follows that with "And see to his horse whenever he takes a break" he then adds "It shouldn't be too difficult". 

Lowering his voice, and switching to the elven language, the spy Tanith quietly says "Just be careful of everything going on around you". 

The elf who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, continues with "If it's busy on the practice field it can get hectic, and quite dangerous". 

The commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque then says "Most knights couldn't care less for the squires and apprentices" followed by "So watch out for yourself". 

The teenager who before joining the group, scratched out a living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins, says to Dalin in elvish "Been to many tourneys?". 

"Quite a few over the years" is the reply from the spy Tanith, who continues on with "Think the last one I went to here in Vexil was about forty years ago" followed by "It was a ruckus affair for certain" he then adds "I suspect things haven't changed too much over the years". 

Zam nods to that, then the elven spy switches back to the common language, and says to the noble born knight leading the way "You know what type of tilt they have Percy?" followed "Open or rings?". 

"I hear tell they have both, wot" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic without looking back at those following him. 

"I, the great sir Percavelle shall practice the rings, to get me eye in, so to speak" adds the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

"A few passes, and all shall be dandy" continues the former earl of Le Dic, who has the nickname of Percy that the others in the group call him. 

"He's probably right" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith in elvish to the ex mercenary walking beside him. 

"The man's a devil with a lance" adds the spy Tanith, who continues on with "There's a fair chance he could win". 

The commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque then quietly says "I'm betting on it". 

Once again Zam nods, then he asks Dalin "I'm not expected to go out in some woods and cut down trees for lances, am I". 

The elf who hails from the principality of Alinlae softly laughs at that, while behind them, Shur Kee the monk grins. 

"No" says Dalinvardèl Tanith who continues on with "They'll be plenty of them there for the participants" he then adds "For a fee though". 

The elven spy gestures ahead at the nobleman originally from the kingdom of Druvic, then says "Knowing how tight fisted Percy is with his coins, he'll be reluctant to pay" dryly followed by "He'll probably make you pay for them". 

"The fuck?" mutters the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins, while Dalin says to the former paladin "Percy you going to pay for the lances you use?" he then adds "You can't expect your squire here to pay for it". 

The large heavily armoured knight looks back with a frown upon his face, then he catches sight of Shur Kee the monk, who nods to him. 

"Oh I suppose, I guess" sourly says the former earl of Lé Dic, who then looks ahead as they cross the street they're on, and starts muttering loudly about how things were better in the old days, when his lessers did his bidding and the like. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Zam the ex mercenary both grin, as they along with Shur Kee the monk follow sir Percavelle Lé Dic south through the city of Vexil on this rather pleasant spring morning. 

Later in the morning after they exit one of the gates in the south wall of the city, Dalin says to the noble born knight leading the way "Percy hold up for a moment". 

The Druvician nobleman stops, and looks at the spy Tanith with a frown, and before he can say anything, the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque tells him "Probably best if you took off your tabard". 

The large heavily armoured knight thinks about it for a moment, then grunts in agreement with the elven spy. And with the help of Zam, the former paladin takes off his tabard. 

"Will anyone in your order if they're here, recognize your armour?" asks the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae. 

"Hmmm maybe" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic after he thinks about it for a bit, who then adds "If they're from my generation then most definitely, wot" followed by "I'm quite famous after all". 

The spy Tanith rolls his eyes at that, then says "I doubt anyone your age from your order if they're here will take part in the tourney" the elven spy continues on with "I doubt anyone your age is taking part at all". 

With an offended look upon his face, the former earl of Lé Dic says "How rude" followed by "If thou weren't thy companion, i'd run you through, wot". 

Then as they stand off to the side of the road, Percy looks away to the southwest, where in the distance about half a mile away, is the practice field, where tents have been pitched, and already a number of participants in the upcoming spring tourney, are practicing this morning. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic then asks the commander in the Armies of Farque "Hmm elf with your demon cursed eyes, doth thou see any knights, apprentices, and squires from my order?". 

Dalin who has already carefully looked towards the practice field in the distance, says "None out in the open" followed by "Who knows about in those tents though" he then adds "Or who might turn up later on this morning". 

The nobleman who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, grunts then says in an ordinary tone of voice, not the usual pompous tone he uses, says "Good idea, wot". 

In response to the spy Tanith telling him "Best you put your helm on, and have the visor down, and keep it that way" followed by "Just in case someone from your order is there, or shows up and recognizes you" before adding "Or someone from another order, or a Druvician landed knight knows who you are". 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che puts his helm on, puts the visor down, then mounts his recently purchased warhorse. 

They get back on the road, where most of the traffic, those on foot, horse, wagon, and cart, are heading towards the city. 

While they head south, before getting off the road and cutting west across open ground to the practice field. 

As they do, Zam the ex mercenary gestures ahead at the large heavily armoured knight on his horse, and asks Dalinvardèl Tanith "Exactly how old is Percy?". 

"I believe round fifty years old" is the reply from the elven spy originally from the principality of Alinlae. 

Shur Kee the monk who is now walking alongside Zam and Dalin, nods then says "Yes friend Percy is nearly a decade older than I am". 

The short statured monk who is an honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council, who is in his early forties continues with "I think fifty one, or fifty two years old". 

"Hell, he doesn't look like it" says the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, who then adds "Or fight like it". 

The spy Tanith, who has lifted the hood of his cloak up onto his head, nods in agreement, then says "That's why he's so good in battle" followed by "Remember he stands toe to toe against Dorc half the time when they should be fighting the enemy in the battles they're part of". 

Shur Kee nods in agreement with that, then the elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, says "It kind of helps, that he's, you know". 

Dalin then lifts his right hand up to the side of his head, points at with his index finger, and makes a circular motion a few times. The universal sign for someone who is more than a little bit crazy. 

Zam looks at Shur Kee, and the acolyte in the order of Bru Li shrugs his shoulders, then he quietly says "Maybe". 

The short statured monk who is originally from outside The Southlands, the far east coast of the continent, and the kingdom of Wah Lee to be exact, pauses for a moment before continuing with "In all seriousness, most likely he is". 

"Hell" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary, who then nods when Dalinvardèl Tanith quietly tells him "He's more delusional more than anything else". 

Shur Kee faintly smiles, then quietly says "That is definitely true about friend Percy" the physical adept follows that with "There is no denying that about him". 

The mounted knight, who has been busy looking ahead at the practice field, and those already on it, looks back at the three of them, following behind him, and says "What are you lot nattering on about?" followed by a "Wot". 

"The weather" is the deadpan reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, which illicits a grunt from the large heavily armoured knight on his warhorse, who then looks up at the fairy clear skies this morning, then says "Hmmm yes, a good day for a joust or two". 

The former paladin who is no longer even a knight of the first rank, he's actually a knight of the third rank in the order of Saint Mar'che. Not that he knows, as he hasn't been in contact with his order for years. With good reason for that as well. 

Says to the trio following behind him "Wonder if any of these lesser knights are up for a practice joust or two?". 

The noble born knight originally from the kingdom of Druvic continues with "A pass or two after I complete some practice with the rings might be good, wot". 

"If they're smart they won't" dryly says Dalin in elvish to Zam, then the spy Tanith says in common to the large heavily armoured knight "Who knows". 

The elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque gestures ahead of them, then says "Well, we'll find out soon I guess if anyone wants to". 

As they approach the practice field for the upcoming tourney, just over half a mile to the southwest of the city of Vexil, on this fairly clear spring morning here in the city-state . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 28.

The City Of Vexil. 

After Lord Farque gestures to the left and tells Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout to wait in a particular shop. 

The undead warlord along with Dorc da Orc continue down the street they're on. With the large ork trying to put the now empty ale barrel he brought with him from the Merchant's Rest, on his head, to protect himself from the constant drizzle that's falling this morning. 

The ork warleader only takes it off after he walks into the side of a building, and almost bumps into Lord Farque because he can't see where he's going. 

The deathlord of Farque tells the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world to take it off, and get rid of it or else. 

Just inside the shop, which is a chandler's, here in the east of the city of Vexil. Zam and Lisell look out the front door, and down the street. 

Where they spot Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy step out from an alleyway, where the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque and the ork weaponsmith have just stopped. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins and the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury share a look, as they both wonder what the spy Tanith is discussing with the lord of the death realm. While a disgruntled looking Dorc da Orc looks on. 

Before the ex mercenary can say anything, Lisell Maera the scout quietly tells him "I have absolutely no idea what's going on". 

The officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, who is speaking in elven, quietly continues with "And what they're up to". 

"Same" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary in the elven language, who along with the scout Maera slightly jump in fright when a familiar voice behind them says in elvish "Probably shouldn't do that". 

The two of them turn around, and Helbe the elven thief continues with "You're kind of making it obvious you're watching them" followed by "Which we don't really want". 

Both Zam and Lisell Maera or Lis as more often than not she's called by the others in the group, nod in understanding. 

The elven masterthief nods his hooded head for them to move further into the shop, then quietly tells them "Dalin will be here shortly" followed by "He'll tell you what to do". 

Then the young elven noble who is originally from the island principality of Laerel heads out the open door, and makes his way down the street through the drizzle. 

While Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy heads this way, passing by the younger elf, who quietly tells him something. 

As the highly talented elven magic user gets to the mouth of the alleyway, where Lord Farque and Dorc da Orc are waiting. 

The spy Tanith gets to the chandler's, which he enters as the trio of the deathlord of Farque, the ork warleader and the elven master assassin make their way into the alley. 

"Just look around, and pretend you're going to buy something" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy to Zam the ex mercenary in the elven language. 

"Hell, you might as well actually buy something that might be useful" adds Dalinvardèl or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. 

The youngest member of the group nods, then quietly asks in elvish "What are they doing?". "Just going to watch something" is the quiet reply from the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae. 

The elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque quietly tells Zam "We're the distraction". 

The elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, quietly continues with "Don't want the shopkeeper, more specifically the clerk seeing what's happening down the street". 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins nods his head, and starts making his way between two rows of shelves, to see what they're selling here in the chandler's. 

While the spy Tanith moves off to have a quiet word with Lisell Maera, who is already parousing the goods on some shelves against one of the walls here in the shop. 

Dalin will repeat what he just told Zam, to the attractive young woman who is originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury. 

The youngest member of the group who finds himself looking at a couple of shelves with blankets stacked on them. Blankets which he realizes are horse blankets. 

Looks through the open shelves, to the counter along the wall to the right, which has the shopkeeper behind it. 

While the shop's clerk, who has just spoken to the shopkeeper about something, heads into the office that's behind the counter section of the business. 

Zam moves onto the next shelves, where he finds stacks of saddle bags, or varying quality and price. 

If the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins, decides to purchase anything. He's definitely buying something a bit more pricey, as the expensive goods here in the chandler's seem to be the only ones worth buying. 

The ex mercenary, turns and heads back the other way, going by the open front door, which he quickly looks out of, and down the street. 

Seeing if either Lord Farque or Dorc da Orc, along with Helbe the elven thief are anywhere down there. But he doesn't see them, so he continues on his way to the other side of the shop. While the drizzly rain continues to fall outside on this spring morning here in the city of Vexil. 

Zam is looking at some scriveners sheets, when the shop's clerk walks behind him, on the way to the open front door. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins sees that the man, slightly overweight, in his thirties, with thinning blond hair. Is carrying a small book, and a thin charcoal marker. 

The youngest member of the group glances over his shoulder to the right, and sees the clerk of the shop has just stopped at the front door, and is looking out of it. 

Zam who sees that the clerk is looking down the street, in the direction of the alleyway that Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc and Helbe the elven thief went into, and the buildings either side of it. 

Decides to be a distraction, considering that's what Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy said they were to be. 

Someone has already thought of that, and before the ex mercenary can even walk over to the open front door. 

Lisell Maera the scout is already there, and has started talking to the shop's clerk, who doesn't know to keep looking down the street, or to engage with the attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury. 

Zam faintly smiles to himself, as the clerk of the shop seems a little flustered and nervous sounding with the scout Maera. Who without doubt, knows how to use her physical beauty when she has to. 

And the shop's clerk gives up trying to look down the street through the drizzle, and instead leads Lis to the other side of the shop. To show her where the various types of thread that they have here in the chandler's. And which ones are best for what she wants to use them for. 

A short time after that, when the clerk of the shop is finally free of the attractive young woman who is an officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque..

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy interrupts him as he's heading to the front door. And the elf who hails from the principality of Alinlae, distracts for him a bit, as they search for weatherproof cloth that the elf is supposedly looking for. 

By the time the clerk has got free of the spy Tanith, two more customers enter the shop and get the attention of the clerk. 

By then Zam who has actually purchased a new horse brush, as the ones back at the Merchant's Rest inn are old and really not the best. 

Spots Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc and Helbe the elven thief walking up the street, when he glances outside through the open door. 

The youngest member of the group looks around, and nods to Dalin who he sees looking his way. The ex mercenary gives a discreet hand signal he's been taught. And the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque nods. And heads this way, stopping to get the scout Maera who is looking at something  in one of the glass topped cabinets beside the counter. 

Behind which the shopkeeper has spent most of the time the trio have been in the shop, dozing in the high chair he's sitting on. 

When Dalin and Lis join Zam at the front door, the spy Tanith quietly says in elvish "Let's go" when he spots the undead warlord, the ork general and the elven masterthief walking up the street. 

The three of them exit the chandler's, and walking through the drizzle like rain, they head after the other three. Who they soon catch up with, as they near the end of the street. 

"He see us?" quietly asks Lord Farque as they turn the corner. Zam blinks in surprise, for Helbe the elven thief who was leading the way and was first around the corner, has disappeared. 

"He didn't" is the quiet reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who has moved up to walk beside the large heavily armoured deathlord. 

While Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout, closely follow them. And Dorc da Orc is behind the two of them. 

With the large ork grumbling and muttering to himself as he gets wet because it continues to drizzle with rain. 

"Good" quietly says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, who then shakes his head and quietly adds "Not now". When the spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of the principality of Alinlae goes to ask him something else. 

Dalin just nods his hooded head in response. While Zam, and for that matter Lis wonder what the spy Tanith was just going to ask. And for that matter, what the undead warlord, Dorc da and Helbe the elven thief were watching. 

It's as the deathlord of Farque, who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by. 

Leads the way across the street, that the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins realizes where exactly they are in the city. 

They're in the east of the city, still north of the center of Vexil. And looking at these streets, and particularly the buildings in the area. 

Not to mention the buildings back on the street where the chandler's is located. That Zam figures out where they are. 

They were here earlier in the week. Though from a completely different vantage point. For they were onboard one of the small sight seeing airship one can travel on, whilst here in Vexil. 

And Zam who was at the wheel for a bit during that flight, is absolutely certain that they circled this part of the city's northeast. 

And to be exact, slowly circle above the street the chandler's shop is on, and the surrounding streets. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group is fairly certain that the building Lord Farque and others paid particular interest in, was one of the buildings on the other side of the alleyway that Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc and Helbe the elven thief went into just a little while ago. 

A counting house, Zam the ex mercenary thinks to himself with a slight nod, as he knows it's one of the newer ones that Lord Farque has started using. 

Owned by a certain trading company, that the large heavily armoured deathlord has no dealings with. One in fact that's a rival to the Reinholt Trading Company. Which the undead warlord has close ties with. 

Almost as if reading his mind, the lord of the death realm glances back at the ex mercenary, and says to him "In the next break in the weather, which will be a couple of days most like". 

The deathlord of Farque who has the elven name of Des'tier, which means The Destroyer, continues with "Go with Percy to the practice fields" followed by "There's tilts there, and that stark raving idiot hasn't jousted in years". 

The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque adds "No doubt he'll need a bit of practice with the lance" Draugodrottin briefly pauses before continuing in a dry tone with "Or not, knowing him". 

Lord Farque ignores the muttered "Hope that cunt falls off that horsey and breaks his dumb fucken neck" from Dorc da Orc followed by "Then Dorc can have the pretty horsey". 

And says in elvish to the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins "It'll also keep him away from that fucking idiot Dorc for a day, which is always a good thing". 

"Yes my lord" says the youngest member of the group in the same language, who follows that with "I'll see to it". 

"Keep your wits" says Dalinvardèl Tanith in the elven language to the ex mercenary "A lot of squires and apprentices get injured or worse on the practice field, more so than on the actual tourney field". 

The elven spy then says to the lord of the death realm "I'll go with them, and keep an eye on things" followed by "That's if I'm not needed for anything". 

Des'tier nods his full helmed head, then says "I'll send Shur Kee as well" the undead warlord follows that with "That idiot Percy, like Dorc actually does what that monk tells them to do" he briefly pauses before continuing with "At least most of the time they do" he then quietly adds "With good reason". 

Zam slightly nods at that, for in the time that he's been with the group. He's learnt that the only person that both Dorc da Orc and sir Percavelle Lé Dic are somewhat cautious around, with the exception of Lord Farque himself. Who they're extremely cautious around. Is Shur Kee the monk. 

Even in battle, they like everyone else in the group with the exception once again of Lord Farque. Keep well clear of the short statured monk. Even the spellcasters in the group, keep their distance from Shur Kee in the heat of battle. 

Zam the ex mercenary contemplates this as the five of them continue on their way back to the Merchant's Rest inn. On this drizzly spring day here in the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 27.

Vexil. 

After brushing the coat of the horse, then feeding it from a bucket of oats, as well as an apple he got from a nearby street vendor yesterday. 

Zam the ex mercenary closes the stall to sir Percavelle Lé Dic's recently acquired warhorse. Then makes his way out of the stables behind the Merchant's Rest inn. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins sourly smiles as he looks up, and feels drops of water falling to signify that once again it's going to rain here in the city of Vexil. 

The youngest member of the group is about to dash to the inn, when he spots the large form of Dorc da Orc lurking to one side of the Merchant's Rest. 

Clearly the ork warleader is trying to go unnoticed. But that's basically impossible considering he's seven and a half foot tall, and weighs at least seven hundred and fifty pounds. 

Zam frowns and starts walking towards where the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world is trying to hide. 

When suddenly the ex mercenary hears a thump behind him, he spins around and finds the massive undead wardog Axe is in front of the stables. 

Where the massive canine, softly barks before lying down in front of the closed stable doors, looking in the direction of Dorc da Orc. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins turns back around, and grins when he spots the ork weaponsmith hurrying away, heading out of sight, and back around to the front of the inn. 

Zam just shakes his head, and starts making his way around that side of the inn too. He knows that the large ork has been paying a little bit too much interest in the recently purchased warhorse that belongs to sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

And a number of the group have already warned the ork general in the Armies of Farque, to keep away from the horse. 

Which the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group figures the ork warleader wants to kill, eat or fuck if he ever gets the opportunity. And not necessarily in that order, as the large ork isn't particularly fussy about such things. 

"Crazy fucker" Zam the ex mercenary murmurs to himself after making his way around to the front of the inn, which he enters. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins makes his way through the reception chamber, and into the common room of The Merchant's Rest. 

Where he finds Dorc da Orc has just sat down on the floor, furthest from the fireplace, shouting at the serving woman for a barrel of ale. 

The ex mercenary, who woke up early this morning, makes his way over to the table where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Lisell Maera the scout are sitting. 

He nods his head and tells sir Percavelle Lé Dic that he's seen to the warhorse this morning, when he goes by the table the former paladin is sitting at with Shur Kee the monk and Tovis the war engineer, and asks him about his newly purchased horse. 

"What is it?" quietly asks Lisell Maera the scout leader in the elven language after Zam sits down, and she notices the ex mercenary looking over at the warleader of the ork race, Dorc da Orc. 

"Dorc wanted to get into the stables" is the quiet reply from the youngest member of the group, who is speaking elven as well. 

"No doubt to rape the poor animal" dryly says the officer in the Scout and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

Zam just nods his head, while next to him, Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy grimaces at the thought of that. 

"He took off back inside here, when he couldn't get into the stables" explains the ex mercenary, who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

"For the simple reason Axe plonked himself down in front of the stable doors" adds Zam, which causes both Dalinvardèl Tanith and Lisell Maera to grin. 

"Now he's emotionally drinking" quietly says the scout Maera with a chuckle, as she nods to where Dorc da Orc is now drinking from a barrel of ale that's just been rolled over to him by the serving woman and the innkeeper. 

Both Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, and Zam softly laugh as well. 

Then the youngest member of the group asks the elven spy from the principality of Alinlae "Plans for today?". 

The spy Tanith who has the hood of his cloak down at the moment, nods to where Lord Farque is sitting with Mira Reinholt the mage and Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, where they're discussing something. As usual Helbe the elven thief isn't around at the moment. 

"They're talking about it I guess" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae. 

"We'll know soon enough" quietly adds Dalin who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

The ex mercenary nods, and hopes if they're going out today, that it's not raining, or if it is, it isn't particularly heavy. 

The youngest member of the group can never get accustomed to the constant rain fall that hits the city of Vexil for at least a four or five day stretch in a row. 

With maybe two or three days of perfectly fine weather to follow it. Which Zam has learnt is the weather cycle here in the city of Vexil during the spring, especially early spring. 

"Keeping up with your training?" asks Lisell Maera or Lis as more often than not she's called by those who know her well. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins nods his head in response to that, then he quietly says "Between that, and now squiring for Percy, which is just me taking care of his new warhorse so far" followed by "Not to mention whenever we go out into the city, as well as collecting the latest shipment from the hill country mines". 

The ex mercenary briefly pauses before continuing on with "I've been busy, it's a surprise I can get any training done at all". 

The spy originally from the elven principality of Alinlae nods, then quietly says "You're probably the busiest of us in the group at the moment" Dalin briefly pauses before adding in a slightly dry tone of voice "Well, with the exception of his highness". 

"Speaking of" quietly says the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "Where is he this morning?". 

"Probably robbing something or someone" is the dry sounding reply from the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury, which lies upon the coast of The Southlands. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith slightly smiles at that, then quietly says "Probably" the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque continues with "Or he's looking for something, or watching something or someone". 

"Oh?" says the teenager who the group found in The City of Ruins, where he was scratching a living as a hired mercenary. Which most inhabitants of that rather odd city, partake in to make a living. 

The spy Tanith slightly shakes his head at Zam, who slightly nods in return in understanding, that he's not to ask about that, unless it's specifically brought up by one of the others. 

And the others being Lord Farque himself, as well as the members of his personal council, Helbe the elven thief, Mira Reinholt the mage and Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman. 

When Lisell Maera and Dalinvardèl Tanith finish their breakfast, Lord Farque brings a halt to the conversation he's been having with Mira Reinholt and Malisse aka Zubutai Timaginson. 

The undead warlord gets up and makes his way towards the table that Zam is sitting at with Dalinvardèl Tanith and Lisell Maera. 

"You three with me" says Lord Farque who nods for the trio to follow him. The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque briefly stops at the table where Tamric Drubine the field commander is sitting with Saanea the witch. 

Where the large heavily armoured deathlord has a quiet word with young field commander in his Armies. 

After speaking with Tamric Drubine, the lord of the death realm calls out to Dorc da Orc in the ork language. 

And though the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world scowls, he gets up, and not forgetting the barrel of ale he's started on. 

The large ork heads after the undead warlord, the ex mercenary, the elven spy, and the lead scout, who make their way from the common room, and through the reception chamber, then outside. 

Zam slightly frowns as it's now raining outside, though not particularly heavy this morning, here in the city of Vexil. 

Though that doesn't mean anything to Dorc da Orc, who steps outside, and loudly mutters in disgust "Fucken cunt rain". 

He stops his complaining, when the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, or Draugodrottin to give him the name the people of his lands also know him by, gives the ork warleader a pointed look. 

Then the large heavily armoured deathlord murmurs something in the elven language that both Zam and Lisell can't hear. 

But which Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, clearly hears, for he replies to the lord of the death realm with "Yes my lord". 

The spy Tanith sets off at a run, crossing the small yard, and going through the tunnel like walkway that leads to the nearby street. 

The others follow after him at a slower pace, with Lord Farque leading the way, with Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera right behind him. While Dorc da Orc is behind the two of them. 

Out of the covered walkway, and onto the street, where Dalin is no where to be seen. Des'tier, to give Lord Farque his elven name, turns left. 

And as they head down the street, it's the ork weaponsmith who voices what Zam and Lis want to ask themselves. 

"Where the fuck we going?" asks the large ork who was named warleader of his race by Lord Farque a number of years ago. 

"Somewhere" is the fairly evasive answer from the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque, which gets a grumbling sounding "Dafuk" from the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks. 

Then the ork who is a general in the Armies of Farque asks what else the ex mercenary and the scout leader are thinking, when next he says "For fucken what?". 

"Something" is the non-committal reply from Draugodrottin who crosses the street, so they can turn to the right. 

"What type of fucken bullshit answer is that?" mutters the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world. 

Who then heavily sighs when after they round the corner onto another street, the deathlord of Farque glances back at him. 

The ork weaponsmith who isn't exactly pleased to be out in the lightly falling rain this morning, scowls in frustration as he follows behind Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout. 

Who like Dorc da Orc wonder where the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque is leading them to this spring morning in the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 26.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Zam the ex mercenary's eyebrows lift up in surprise when Helbe the elven thief says "The family of a former paymaster general of the Vexillian army hired them". In response to Lord Farque asking him "So who are this lot then?". 

"To be exact, mercenaries hired by the family" says the young elven noble who hails from the island principality of Laerel, who continues with "They'd heard rumours that Mira was here in the city, and they wanted to find him". 

The highly talented elven magic user briefly pauses before adding "Along with you and Dorc" the elven masterthief pauses again, this time a bit longer, before he says "He was the paymaster general when you and Dorc first met Mira during The Battle of Vexil". 

Zam looks over at Mira Reinholt the mage who winces at hearing that from his fellow practitioner of magic the elven master assassin. While Dorc da Orc grunts then says "Huh?" followed by "Fucken when?". 

"Karg arvga nük haäl argka tigal mak" says Lord Farque to the ork warleader, followed by "Magl néh nardil Mira cakl jãrk kaughin dgnac vava". 

"Gakk mahga ganik nakl mük?" asks the large ork, who continues with "Nardil Mira somä haäl mak naugh?". 

"Kaughin cakl jurke kaagly mük va kar" replies the undead warlord which causes the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world to laugh then says in common "Yeah, me fucken 'member now". 

"You get that?" Lisell Maera the scout leader quietly asks Tamric Drubine the field commander who is standing alongside the scout Maera and Zam the ex mercenary. 

"Something about how they first met Mira, and how the three of them robbed the paymaster general of the Vexillian army during the middle of The Battle of Vexil" quietly replies Tamric Drubine the field commander who Zam recalls, somewhat understands and speaks the ork language. Because he was practically raised by Dorc after the group found him when he was a child at the  age of just seven years. 

"Or something like that" adds the noble born field commander who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin. 

"A lot of swearing there, so I could be wrong" continues field commander Drubine, who falls silent when the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque glances their way. 

They're up in the second floor suite in The Merchant's Rest that the large heavily armoured deathlord is using. 

And discussing the trio that Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy came across yesterday morning. 

"What did you do with them?" the deathlord of Farque asks the elven masterthief who is a member of his personal council, and his envoy. 

"Sent them on their way" replies the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, who continues with "They heard a rumour that Mira, along with you and Dorc are out of the city, and are somewhere away to the southwest". 

"Members of the family, who want revenge for what you did to their father and uncle, have gone with them too" explains the elven master archer. 

With a shake of his hooded head, Mira Reinholt the mage says "Can't blame me for that one" the once powerful mage continues in a wry tone of voice with "I clearly remember it was Dorc who chased him down and killed him". 

"Me did?" asks the warleader of the ork race, who just happens to be a general in the Armies of Farque too. 

"You did" says the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in The Southlands. 

"He was a really fat guy" says the Vexillian mage in exile, who after a slight pause, dryly adds "You wanted his man hams". 

After a moment hesitation as it's clear he's trying to remember, the ork weaponsmith bursts out into laughter, then says "Yeah me 'member that fat cunt". 

Zam grimaces, as do a few others, when Dorc da Orc or Dorkindle to give him his full name, says "That fat fucker tasted good too". 

Shaking her head at the antics of Dorc da Orc, Mira Reinholt the mage, and Lord Farque from over twenty five years ago, Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman says "How many others like that will pop up while we're here in the city". 

The rotund woman who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who happens to inhabit the body of Malisse continues with "You and Dorc are quite memorable to say the least". 

The rotund woman who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council, then says "And Mira is recognisable too" followed by "Even though it's been more than a quarter of a century since he was exiled during The Battle of Vexil". 

The undead warlord who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by, shrugs his broad heavily armoured shoulders, then says "It can't be helped". 

The deathlord of Farque continues on with "We'll just have to fucking deal with it whenever it fucking happens". 

Dorc da Orc grunts in agreement with that, while the mage Reinholt nods his hooded head, as he too is in agreement with what the lord of the death realm just said. 

Then before anyone else can say anything else about it, the undead warlord looks at everyone and asks "Anything else?". 

"Good" says the large heavily armoured deathlord giving no one the opportunity to bring anything else up. 

Then the undead being who has an elven name of Des'tier, which translates to The Destroyer, says to the elven princeling from Laerel "We'll meet you there". 

The highly talented elven magic user nods his hooded head, then after glancing out of one of the windows, he disappears. 

"Come along Zam" says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, who then adds "With us" as he heads to the door that leads to the hallway. 

"Good luck" quietly says Lisell Maera the scout to the teenager from The City Of Ruins, who slightly winces before he hurries after Lord Farque, who is followed by Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman. 

The ex mercenary catches up to them as they're heading downstairs to the common room of the inn they're staying in. 

"My lord, about this" says Zam, who is cut off by the lord of the death realm "There's no else to do it" says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, who after a pause, adds "No one else actually wants to do it, so it's up to you". 

As they make their way down into the common room, the lord of the death realm says to the youngest member of the group "Sorry". 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins refrains from smiling, but he does sourly smile as the undead warlord didn't in the least sound sorry at all. 

In the common room waits sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is pacing back and forth, while Shur Kee the monk sits at a nearby table, keeping an eye on the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

"Ah verily" says a chuffed sounding sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who continues on with "We are off then?" followed by a "Wot". 

"Yes" is the reply from the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque, who then tells the former paladin "Come along then". 

The four of them exit the common room, and pass the through the reception chamber, and make their way outside. 

Once outside, where it's gloomy and overcast this morning, though not raining. They head out to the nearby street. 

With Lord Farque and Malisse aka Zubutai Timaginson in the front. Followed by sir Percavelle Lé Dic and Zam the ex mercenary, who are walking side by side. 

Without looking back, the undead warlord asks the Druvician nobleman "You found a suitable one then Percy?". 

"Yes my lord" replies the large heavily armoured knight, who has a spring in his step this morning as they head east through the city. 

"A pair in fact, wot" says the member of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, who follows that with "Fine steads, the both of them". 

"We'll see about that" quietly and wryly says the rotund woman, who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to find himself inhabiting the woman known as Malisse. 

"Shut up" mutters Lord Farque in the hordes dialect of the southern tundra, which causes the grinning Malisse to fall silent. 

"If we get one of them this morning" says the lord of the death realm after they turn onto another street. 

"Then you or your squire will have to care for it, no matter what" continues the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque. 

Zam winces, in fact he grimaces at hearing that from the undead warlord. Then the teenager from The City Of Ruins sighs, with good reason. 

For he's been appointed squire for sir Percavelle Lé Dic in the upcoming spring tourney, being held here in the city of Vexil. 

In fact, the youngest member of the group had no choice in the matter. Considering no one else wanted to do it, so he became Percy's squire by default. 

And no matter how much pleading to Lord Farque he did, the ex mercenary still finds himself being the squire to the noble born knight who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Even though Zam has absolutely no idea how to be a squire to anyone. Let alone a demanding knight such as the former earl of Le Dic. 

The teenager from The City Of Ruins, who has been told by Tovis the war engineer, to keep giving sir Percavelle Lé Dic a lance during the lists, aka the joust. 

Has also been told by the war engineer originally from the kingdom of Nastell, to make sure Percy is always armed during The Melee, or Le Grande Meleé. 

Though that shouldn't be a problem, considering the former paladin who is a member of The Knights of Saint Mar'che, is absolutely bristling with weapons. 

In fact, the only person who has more weapons amongst the group, is the noble born knight's bitter rival, Dorc da Orc. Who is basically a walking armory. 

"Verily, thoust take the right up here, wot" states the large heavily armoured knight, who is a former earl from the southeast of his homeland, the kingdom of Druvic. 

"I know the way Percy" dryly says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, which causes the former paladin to clear his throat, before saying "Of course my lord". 

And though the large heavily armoured knight tries to sound contrite, he comes off sounding pompous as usual. 

It's not too long before they head down a quiet street, devoid of buildings, apart from one end. While there's what's essentially a field to one side along the street. 

The buildings at the end are amongst the finest stables to be found in the city of Vexil. Where horses aren't just stabled, but also bought and sold. 

Draugodrottin nods his full helmed head when sir Percavelle Lé Dic points out a couple of horses in two of the yards to the side of one of the stables. 

Standing at the fence line, with an eager Percy beside him. Zam the ex mercenary studies the horses in question. Who have a yard each to themselves. 

While Lord Farque and Malisse aka Zubutai Timaginson quietly discuss things in the hordes dialect of the southern tundra. While off to one side, stand the horse dealers, who are selling the mounts for their clients. 

After the undead warlord waves over the two dealers for the horses that Percy is interested in, and asks then each a series of questions. 

The lord and ruler turns to the former paladin and tells him "The roan". The member of the Knights of Saint Mar'che slightly frowns, then says "I the great sir Percavelle am more inclined to the white". Besides, he's of the opinion that horse matches his armour and cape better than the other one. 

Des'tier shakes his full helmed head no, then says "The roan" then quietly he tells the former earl of Le Dic "It's been in battle, the white hasn't". 

Percy grunts, then nods his head, as he knows it's best to have an experienced warhorse, over one that's just been trained, and never been in any type of combat at all. 

"Very well then my lord" says the noble born knight , who follows that with "The roan it is then, wot". 

"Since it's yours, pay the seller" says the deathlord of Farque, who continues with "It's a lot, even so it's a fair price" quietly followed by "Helbe's made sure they won't rip you off". 

"Come along squire, let's get my new horse, wot" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic, while Zam the ex mercenary sighs as he follows the former paladin on this cloudy, and overcast spring morning here in the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 25.

The City Of Vexil. 

"What the hell am I'm doing here?" mutters Zam the ex mercenary as he crawls across a rooftop on what's another rainy morning here in the city of Vexil. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins sighs and pulls the hood of his cloak down lower to try and stop water getting into his eyes. 

He's somewhat successful as he gets to the edge of the roof and looks down into the narrow alleyway below him. 

The youngest member of the group hauls himself over the edge of the roof, which he holds onto for a bit. 

Before letting go, and falling about six feet to the ground. The ex mercenary let's out a breath he was holding. 

Then looks both ways in the alley, and decides to go to his right. Hoping he's not spotted by anyone, anytime soon.

Zam gets to the end of the alleyway, and glances out of it, looking out into a fairly quiet street, here in the north of the capital city of Vexil. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins slightly smiles to himself, and is just about to walk out onto the street. 

When all of a sudden a gloved hand falls upon his left shoulder, and he's quickly turned around by someone. 

"Nice try" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who continues on with "Did you go across the rooftops from that street behind that square?". 

Zam wryly smiles, then nods his hooded head, before quietly telling the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque "Thought I had got away from you". 

"You almost did" is the quiet reply from the elf who is originally from the principality of Alinlae, who follows that with "Good move going up on the rooftops". 

"Think I'll make a good spy?" asks the youngest member of the group as the two of them look out onto the street. 

"Well" says Dalinvardèl Tanith who pauses, before continuing with "Maybe". The elven spy doesn't exactly sound positive about it. 

"Think you're more suited for the infantry if you join the Armies of Farque" says the elven spy who follows that with "Especially considering you'll achieve the rank of blade master sooner rather than later". 

The youngster from The City Of Ruins nods, then he slightly frowns when the spy Tanith quietly says "That's if you decide to join Lord Farque's Armies". 

"You mean I've got a choice?" asks the ex mercenary after the commander in the Armies of Farque gestures that they go out onto the street, and head back to the Merchant's Rest inn. 

"Of course" says Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. 

As they walk through the steadily falling rain that's hit the city this morning, the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, quietly says "More than half of the group isn't in his Armies". 

Zam whose eyebrows shoot up in surprise at hearing that, nods his hooded head when the spy Tanith tells him "Beldane isn't in the Armies of Farque" he slightly pauses, before adding in a dry tone of voice "For obvious reasons". 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group knows that Beldane as a cleric can never set foot into the Lands Farque, let alone join one of the Armies of the undead warlord. 

"Saanea isn't, nor is Shur Kee" quietly says the elf in the gray hooded cloak, who continues with "And of course Percy". 

Zam nods once more, then Dalin quietly says to him "And though he's a member of Lord Farque's personal council, Mira isn't in the Armies as well". 

The ex mercenary who knows that Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman is a calvary commander in the Armies of Farque, isn't too sure if Helbe the elven thief is part of Lord Farque's Armies. 

So he asks the spy Tanith as they round a corner "What about Helbe?" followed by "I'm not sure if he is". 

As they make their way down a slightly sloping street, that has just a few people on the other side, hurrying to get out of the rain. 

The youthful looking elf who hails from the principality of Alinlae slightly nods in reply, then quietly says "You wouldn't know it, but he is". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith continues with "Though he's a council member, and Lord Farque's personal envoy". 

He follows that with "His highness is also a senior commander in the Armies of Farque" the elven spy then adds "He's the overall commander of the Scouts and Rangers division in all the Armies of Farque". 

Dalin follows that with "So technically he's my boss" the commander in the Armies of Farque continues with "If you don't know already, from within those divisions you get Lord Farque's spy network which his highness runs". 

Zam's eyebrows shoot up at hearing that, as that's something he didn't know. Though he figured Helbe the elven thief, or prince Helbenthril Raendril of Laerel to give him his full name and title. Had something to do with the running of the spies that Lord Farque has at his disposal. 

The two of them fall silent as they walk by an open shop front door, which the shopkeeper is looking out of. Looking slightly miserable at the prospect of having no customers for the day. 

The elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae and the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nod in greeting to the shop keeper. Who just replies with a sour sounding grunt. 

The two, the elf in the gray hooded cloak and the human teenager in predominantly leather armour. Only resume their conversation until they're much further down the street from the shop with the open front door. 

"Along with his highness it's only myself, Lis, Tovis and Tam who are in Lord Farque's Armies" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who after a moments pause, continues with "And of course Dorc". 

Zam slightly grins when the spy Tanith dryly adds "Not that anyone bothers to remember that" followed by "Including Dorc". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins snorts in amusement when Dalin adds "I'm pretty sure most of the time he doesn't even know that he's a general in the Armies of Farque, and that he even outranks Tam". 

The youngest member of the group nods his hooded head in agreement with the spy Tanith who tells him "Which when you think about it, is a good thing to be honest". 

The pair turn onto another street as they make their way back to the Merchant's Rest inn on this rainy spring morning. 

After Zam under took a bit of evasion training, to see how long he could keep away from Dalin, before the elven spy located him. 

As they cross a small square, that has a statue on a plinth in the middle of it. Of who, Zam has absolutely no idea. 

And they enter a lane, which they both know is a short cut back to the inn that they, and the rest of the group are staying in whilst here in the city of Vexil. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith slightly frowns, then holds up a hand to the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

"What is it?" quietly asks Zam in the elven language when they've come to a stop, and stand in a deep recessed doorway. 

"Trouble" is the quiet reply from the spy Tanith in the same language, who gestures in the direction they're heading, and to the right. 

"Up ahead" quietly adds Dalin, the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae quietly continues with "I can hear them". 

The ex mercenary who is always amazed at the hearing and seeing abilities of the non human members of the group. 

Watches as the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque stands there with his eyes closed, listening to what's happening not far from here, through the falling rain. 

After a while, the spy Tanith opens his eyes, then quietly tells the youngest member of the group "Three of them" followed by "Don't know who, but they're searching for Mira". 

The elf in the dark grey hooded cloak who is just over three centuries old, continues with "Not just that, I heard them describe both Lord Farque and Dorc". 

He follows that with "They know if they find them, they'll probably find Mira" the elven spy who previously served in one of more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, then says "Even though they believe the mage is not in the city, but elsewhere". 

"Damn" murmurs the youngest member of the group, who after a pause, asks the commander in the Armies of Farque "Should we do anything?". 

After a few moments of silence, Dalinvardèl Tanith quietly says "Maybe" followed by "Don't really want an altercation in public. 

Zam can agree with that, then he looks out of the recessed doorway when Dalin does, and they find the street they're on at the moment, is practically empty. With hardly anybody on this street, due to the constant rain that's been falling this morning here in the city of Vexil. 

"Anyone on the street they're on?" quietly the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

"Not really" is the reply from the spy Tanith after he briefly closes his eyes and listens to what's happening on the street just up ahead, and around the corner to the right. 

"Come on" says the spy who is originally from the elven principality of Alinlae, who continues with "They're moving". 

The pair exit the recessed doorway and head off, as they do, Dalinvardèl Tanith quietly says "We should probably deal to them". 

The commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque tells Zam "After we take them down, you run to the inn" who then adds "It's not far" followed by "You know how to get there?". 

"I do" replies the youngest member of the group after looking around, and realising where they are, here in the north of the city. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins nods his hooded head when Dalin tells him "We'll need help moving them". 

The spy Tanith follows that with "Besides the others can find out what they're up to, and who they're working for a hell of a lot easier than you or I could find out". 

As they close in on the corner up ahead, Dalin quietly tells Zam "Try and not to kill any of them" followed by "Don't want to make a mess". 

They round the corner, and the ex mercenary immediately spots the trio in question up ahead through the rain, on this side of the street, heading away from the Zam and Dalin. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group slightly nods when Dalin quietly tells him "You take the first one you come on" followed by "Then run". 

The elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque then adds "I'll take care of the other two". 

Zam finds himself walking quicker and quicker through the constant rain, with the spy Tanith close on his heels. 

The ex mercenary almost stops when the rear most of the trio, briefly looks back, and peers through the rain. Though he doesn't notice the approaching pair in hooded cloaks. 

The youngster who hails from The City of Ruins, is soon upon the last of the trio. Who goes to turn as he definitely hears the approaching pair..

As the man goes to turn, Zam grabs him by the collar and the left shoulder. The ex mercenary then smashes the man sideways, head first into the front of the building to the right. 

Then the teenager who is the youngest member of the group takes off running, surprising the two other men, who spin around to see what's just happened. 

Those two find themselves under attack from Dalinvardèl Tanith by the time Zam has run by them, heading quickly down the street. 

And before the ex mercenary turns into the next street to the right, he glances back, and sees those two men are now down on the ground, hardly moving, if at all. While the elven spy Tanith stands over them. 

Zam heads around the corner, and continues running to the Merchant's Rest inn which isn't all that far away, on this rainy spring morning, here in the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 24.

Vexil. 

"Is that normal?" asks Zam the ex mercenary as they hurry back down the street opposite the west end of the main airdocks of the city of Vexil. 

"No idea" is the reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who continues with "But he's willing to go, even in this weather" followed by "So that's all that matters". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nods his head as they hurry through the drizzle on this spring day here in the capital of the city-state of Vexil. 

They get to the corner of the street, where beneath an awning in front of a shop, wait the others. 

"Well?" asks Lord Farque as he looks at the elf in the dark grey hooded cloak, and the youngster who is wiping rain off his face. 

"Found one" replies Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's called more often than not by the others in the group. 

"Not many going out this morning, because of the weather" adds the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae. 

"Hardly any customers too" continues the elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

The undead warlord nods his full helmed head, then says "When?". "Anytime we want" is the reply from the spy Tanith who follows that with "Just him and one crew member". 

Once again the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque nods, then says to everyone "Come on, let's go" and gestures to the nearby airdocks. 

Dorc da Orc sourly grunts, then sighs as he they make their way from beneath the shop front awning. 

The large ork didn't want to come out today, for the simple reason it started raining during the night. And though it's only drizzling now, the ork warleader is more than a little uncomfortable that he's getting wet. 

This morning with Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc, Dalinvardèl Tanith, and Zam the ex mercenary. Is Tamric Drubine the field commander, Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman and Mira Reinholt the mage. 

Once again, the once powerful mage is the slightly rotund woman named Daisy. As he's under a spell that's been cast by Helbe the elven thief. 

As for the elven masterthief, he's somewhere around. Where exactly, no one is sure with the exception of Lord Farque. 

"Which one?" asks Mira Reinholt the mage who once again isn't exactly pleased that the Greater Illusion spell the highly talented elven magic user has cast on him, has him looking like the younger sister of Malisse aka Zubutai Timaginson. 

"That one there" is the response from Dalinvardèl Tanith who points to the end of one of the long airdocks, where there's a number of small single masted airships tied up. 

The small vessels are sight seeing ships, which usually travel over and around the city of Vexil. But on a day like today, where it's raining. Not many, if any of the small sight seeing ships are in the skies above the capital city. 

""How much?" asks the practitioner of magic who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in The Southlands. 

"Two gold for all seven of us" is the reply from the spy Tanith, who is walking alongside Zam the ex mercenary and the Vexillian mage in exile. 

"Not too bad I guess" says the mage Reinholt who continues on with "Especially considering the weather". 

The slightly rotund woman follows that with "All those sight seeing ships are a rip off, always have been". 

The spellcaster who is also a highly talented swordmaster, then says "The captain is desperate for any business on a day like this" the woman named Daisy adds "It's why you didn't get completely ripped off". 

They climb the steps to the top of the airdock, which is a good thirty feet high. And though it's a long, straight dock. Not like most of the docks, which are circular. 

It doesn't take them long to walk to the end where the small airship they're taking is tied up, on this drizzling spring day here in the city of Vexil. 

They board the vessel, with both the captain and his crewman staring in disbelief at the large form of Dorc da Orc. 

Until the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world growls at the two of them, which causes the captain and air sailor to quickly get underway. 

The small, single masted airship has soon disembarked, and though the captain usually has a set flight. He nods and says "Yes sir" when Lord Farque points and tells him "That way". 

The small vessel, isn't particularly quick. Though it's fairly agile due to it's small size. And it passes over the main airdocks of the city, as they go north and east. 

Once they're clear of the main airdocks, and other larger vessels going in and out of the airdocks. The undead warlord tells the ship's captain "Drop down closer to that building there". 

Though the captain, a man in his forties, whose nephew is the lone crew member, is reluctant to do so. 

He agrees to, as he nervously stands at the wheel, because the large heavily armoured figure of the deathlord of Farque is standing right next to him. 

As they drop down towards the building in question and start passing by it, there's a loud thump behind the captain. 

Who turns around, then falls over backwards in fright. And as he sits there on the deck, pointing with a shaking hand, he stammers out in fright "What's that?". 

"A cat" dryly replies Lord Farque who has taken the wheel, and doesn't even bother to look around at what's behind him. 

Still on the deck, the captain of the small airship looks at the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque as if he's crazy. 

Then he looks at the massive black dog, that's appeared on his vessel, and has now flopped down. And is lying there, with one eye slightly open, looking at the ship's captain. 

"Probably best if you go and help your crewman at the mast" says Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman who has moved aft to stand with Lord Farque at the wheel. 

The rotund woman who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to inhabit the body of Malisse, looks at the captain of the airship, and tells him "In fact it's probably be best if you and crewman went down in the hold until we get back to the docks". 

After a moment, the captain, who is still staring at the massive dog, that jumped up onto the small airship from the building they flew closely by. 

Vigorously nods his head, then scrambles to his feet, then hurries forward to get his nephew, before going down into the hold, through a hatch forward of the mast. 

Though only after Lord Farque has to yell out to Dorc da Orc in the ork language to get out of the fucking way. 

As the ork warleader had his head down through the hatch to the hold, looking for a spare sail or something similar. 

Which he could drape over himself, to stop himself getting wet from the constant drizzle that's falling this morning across the city of Vexil. 

The woman named Daisy and Dalinvardèl Tanith are at the mast, and both reef the fore sail after a command from the large heavily armoured deathlord. 

The airship slows, and the undead warlord who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands know him by, turns the wheel to starboard. 

And the small single masted airship, slowly turns in a circular arc, just a hundred feet above the tallest buildings in this part of the capital of the city-state. 

The lord of the death realm who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates to The Destroyer. 

Pushes the wheel slightly forward on it's plinth, and the small sight seeing airship drops in altitude. 

The undead warlord who is watching Mira Reinholt in amidships, looking over the starboard rail. 

Pulls back on the wheel when the exiled Vexillian mage looks back at him at the wheel, and nods his full helmed head. 

After Draugodrottin gives the order to drop the main sail, he calls out "Zam!" followed by "Get back here". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins who is in the bow, hurries back along the deck to aft. 

"Take the wheel" says Lord Farque to the youngest member of the group, who lifts his eyebrows in surprise and says "Er?". 

"It's either you or Dorc" says the large heavily armoured deathlord, who then dryly adds "Trust me, you don't want that fucking idiot Dorc in control of an airship". 

Zam nods in agreement with that, and the teenager who has never been in control of an airship in his life, suddenly finds himself at the wheel of a small single masted airship, above the city of Vexil on what's a rainy spring day. 

"Just hold it steady like that" explains the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque who continues on with "You're just holding position, and not going anywhere". 

"Yes my lord" says Zam the ex mercenary, who holds the wheel absolutely steady, not moving it back and forth or side to side at all. 

While the deathlord of Farque moves forward to amidships, where Tamric Drubine the field commander, Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman and the woman named Daisy, who in actual fact is Mira Reinholt the mage. 

Are at the starboard rail, looking down at something below them, here in the northeast of the city of Vexil. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins, who hears Axe the undead wardog behind him, sigh then roll over. 

Watches as Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy makes his way aft, to join the ex mercenary at the wheel. 

While the others quietly discuss things, as the look down at something in this part of the capital of the city-state of Vexil. 

Whilst Dorc da Orc makes a forlorn looking figure, sitting up in the bow. Looking both miserable and angry, as the drizzly rain continues to fall across the city of Vexil this spring morning. 

Zam who only has a small semblance of what's going on here while they're in the city of Vexil, nods his head to those at the starboard rail in amidships, and quietly says to the elven spy beside him "What are they planning?". 

"You don't want to know" is the slightly wry sounding reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith, who after a pause continues with "And they're just looking at something at the moment". 

The youngest member of the group slightly nods, then does so again when the elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque quietly tells him "It's to do with that list of names we took from that lot observing that counting house the other day". 

"Oh?" says the ex mercenary who is careful not to move the wheel either forward or backwards, or side to side. 

"Someone on it?" quietly asks Zam, who after blowing drops of water off his nose, continues with "Or who actually wanted it?". 

"The latter" is the quiet reply from the elf who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland, the principality of Alinlae. 

Interesting, the ex mercenary thinks to himself, who then silently adds, I wonder what they'll end up doing? 

"Keep it steady" quietly says Dalin to the youngest member of the group when Lord Farque glances back at them. 

"Will do" quietly says Zam who slightly turned the wheel as he thought about what he and the spy Tanith have been discussing. 

Then it's not too long before the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque makes his way back aft, while Mira Reinholt and Tamric Drubine raise the main sail again. 

"Stay on the wheel" says Draugodrottin to the ex mercenary who was going to get out of the way, so the deathlord of Farque could take the wheel again. While Dalinvardèl Tanith nods, and makes his way forward to join the others in amidships. 

Once the main sail has been hoisted, the undead warlord tells Zam "Come about" followed "Three to starboard". 

The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque quickly explains to the ex mercenary what that means. And the teenager from The City Of Ruins nods in understanding, and he turns the wheel to starboard, not that much. Three spokes of the wheel to be exact. When Des'tier shows him that there's notch on the top of the wheel to show when everything is zeroed out. 

"A full turn is obvious" explains Lord Farque who follows that with "A half turn is six spikes, three is more often than not called a quarter turn". 

"Seems simple enough my lord" says Zam the ex mercenary who now finds himself actually flying the airship above the city of Vexil. 

The lord of the death realm softly chuckles, then says "So it seems" then after a moments silence, he adds "To drop in altitude you push the wheel forward, then backwards to rise up again". 

The large heavily armoured deathlord follows that with "This is a three setting airship" he continues with "When you push or pull the wheel, you'll feel it click with each position, that determines the speed in how to drop or rise". 

Lord Farque adds "Larger and quicker vessels will have four or five positions" followed by "All depends on their lines, and draw". 

Zam listens as Draugodrottin explains what all that means. After he does, the undead warlord tells the ex mercenary to push forward on the wheel one position. 

After the teenager from The City Of Ruins does so, and the small sight seeing airship drops in altitude as it heads back to the main airdocks of the city. 

The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque snaps his fingers and gestures away to the side with his right gauntleted hand as he says something in a language that Zam doesn't understand. 

There's a slight rocking of the stern of the small vessel, and the ex mercenary glances back over his shoulder, and sees that Axe the undead wardog is no longer onboard. 

The youngest member of the group then pulls the wheel back in the full upright position when the deathlord of Farque tells him to so that the vessel is now level. 

As they head back to the main airdocks north of the city center, on this this drizzly spring morning here in the capital of the city-state of Vexil . . . . . .