The Hire 66.

Savariss...

The next morning. And they let him out for some fresh air. He's escorted from the room he's been held in. By a pair of the mercenary soldiers in black. Who take him upstairs, to the top of the tower.
There in the early morning sunshine, on what feels like it's going to be another warm summer's day here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
The captain of the castle guard, the swordmaster Gallene. Takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. Then he opens them again as he exhales, and looks out over the city that's been his home all his life.
Gallene looks down into the nearest streets, and blinks in surprise. As he sees a number of locals, city folk for the most part. Out and about like it's a regular morning here in the city of Savariss.
A city that's clearly under enemy control. As there's a lot of them. Whether they be soldiers in the armies of the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, who are at war with duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
Or the many mercenaries they've hired from throughout the Southlands. Including here in the kingdom of Nastell.
True, there's far more of them than there's locals upon the streets below. But there are locals out and about this morning. And though some seem a little nervous. The captain of the castle and city guard sees that they're being left alone as they go about their business.
Something that swordmaster Gallene wouldn't of thought would of happened. Considering there was a battle that took place here in Savariss during the night.
A battle that he and those defending the only city in the very north of the kingdom of Nastell, clearly lost. And a whole lot quicker than what captain Gallene thought they were going to lose it.
The captain of the guard who wonders if his brother and fellow swordmaster, Berric. As well as his nephew Poliss survived the night.
Turns around and looks along the north wall of the city, he looks down and sees that work has already begun on the repair of the wall where the breach is.
He sees a number of the mercenary soldiers in black. Wearing leather aprons as engineers and masons do. Supervising work gangs, who are clearing away debris. While other engineers are measuring out where the gates once stood in the north wall of Savariss.
The swordmaster Gallene slightly shakes his head at the industry of it all. And so soon after the battle that created the damage in the first place.
Though the captain of the castle and city guard knows that the enemy could've inflicted a whole lot more damage upon the city last night in the efforts to enter Savariss, but they didn't.
In the early morning sunshine, Gallene looks along the top of the north wall of the city. And sees that there's the various robber baron's soldiers in position along there. They're the interposed every so often by the mercenary soldiers in the black tabbards and black cloaks. Who the swordmaster gets a sneaking suspicion from what he's seen so far this morning. And during the night in the battle. Are the one's who are actually in command of the enemy. And not the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains who have banded together to wage war upon duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
It's the same along the long west wall of the city. And on the south wall in the distance. And captain Gallene sees it's also like that in the center of the city, at castle Savariss.
Then he turns and looks to the east, lifting a hand to shade his eyes as the sun continues to rise in that direction.
Then the swordmaster suddenly pauses as he spots something that's got his attention. It's not the enemy upon the top of the east wall of the city. It's something else outside of the city.
It's an army about a thousand yards away to the east of Savariss, who are marching south as the sun rises this warm summer morning.
Clearly an army from the unruled lands to the north of the kingdom of Nastell. As he spots many a banner belonging to the five robber barons who have decided to wage war upon duke Hargen. And with them are plenty of mercenaries. Including those in the black tabbards and black cloaks.
It's also clear to the captain of the castle guard that this army had nothing whatsoever to do with the battle last night. Infact it doesn't look like they've engaged in any fighting at all so far in the campaign of the robber barons of the unruled lands, against duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
"Hell, that's four" Gallene the captain of the guard murmurs to himself, as he watches the fourth enemy army. Larger than any one of the other three that attacked Savariss last night. March southwards, going by the city without stopping.
The swordmaster turns quickly around, as a voice behind him says "Indeed it is four armies in total that your duke faces".
Captain Gallene sees a couple of those from last night, who briefly saw him in the room below in the tower where he's been held since being captured.
The one who spoke, who is a man taller than the captain of the guard. Who wears a black hooded cloak over his armour. And from over one shoulder, he has one of the strangest looking weapons, the swordmaster Gallene has ever seen.
It has a long blade, about the length of a short sword, maybe a little bit shorter. At either end of the weapon.
The captain of the castle and city guard knows only an utter idiot, or an extremely talented master would wield such a strange looking weapon as that one.
The other man in armour next him is around the same height as the one in the black hooded cloak. Maybe taller, standing just over six foot in height.
Has a pair of long daggers on his belt, at his hips. Which captain Gallene finds a little odd. Because if he's not mistaken. This fellow who is much younger than the one in black who spoke.
Is some kind of cavalry officer if the riding boots he's wearing is anything to go by.
And those weapons aren't particularly favoured by mounted soldiers. Well not one's that captain Gallene has ever  seen or heard about.
"Good morning captain Gallene" says Mira Reinholt the mage to the prisoner.
"Morning to you" replies the captain of the castle and city guard, who then adds "You've got me at a disadvantage, i don't exactly know who your are".
"I'm councilor Reinholt" says the once powerful mage who continues with "And this is councilor Parsen" as gestures to the cavalry commander standing beside him.
"We're part of the" says the Vexilian mage in exile who is interrupted by the prisoner who says "The mercenary army the robber barons have hired".
"Correct" says the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, he continues with "Infact we're in command of their campaign against your duke".
The captain of the castle guard slightly nods as he suspected as much.
"Makes sense" quietly says the swordmaster Gallene, who continues with "That lot can't usually agree on anything, no wonder they've put others in charge of things for them".
"Exactly" quietly says mage Reinholt, who along with Darid Parsen step towards the prisoner, and gesture to the east side of the tower, the roof of which, is ringed by a chest high, crenalated wall.
The three of them go and stand by it, and watch the army that's marching south to the east side of the city. As they do, the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands, tells the local swordmaster "Not to worry, we're not going to hand you over to them and their men".
That's a relief, captain Gallene thinks to himself, who then looks sharply at the man who introduced himself as councillor Reinholt, who is saying "I know you want to know, but so far neither your brother Berric, or your nephew Poliss have been found amongst the dead and injured, or those who have been taken prisoner".
The swordmaster who is in exile from his homeland, the city-state of Vexil, briefly pauses before continuing on with "So there's a good chance they're still alive".
"Not so lord Chesié" adds Darid Parsen the cavalry commander who finally speaks up, the cavalry officer in the Farqian mercenary army then says "He died during the battle last night when he and his horsemen encountered my company and i".
Captain Gallene figured the nobleman from the south of the duchy would go down fighting. Lord Chesié just wasn't the type to do otherwise.
After all he remained here in Savariss, when so many of the other nobles who had come north to help in the defence of the north of the duchy.
Took off back to the south, when the duke's forces suffered losses in battle, on the same night, just a handful of days ago.
Now the duke's forces have suffered another defeat. This time trying to defend the city of Savariss from those who have come down from the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
The local swordmaster points towards the passing army, and says "You've held that one back".
"We have" says Mira Reinholt as they watch the army led by General Halvane. The army which is the largest of the four that have come down from the unruled lands in the Colevar Mountains, into northern Nastell and the duchy of Phelm.
"Your duke's forces further south will face those of us who have defeated you so far in battle, and taken this city" says the spellcaster who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who gestures at the passing army and adds "As well as that lot".
The highly skilled swordmaster from the city-state of Vexil briefly pauses before asking "How do you think the duke and his remaining forces will fare?".
Not well, captain Gallene thinks to himself, though he doesn't voice that opinion, instead he says "As best as they can" he looks at his captors and adds "They might surprise you" followed by "You just never know when it comes to a battle".
With a faint smile upon his face, the once powerful mage says "This is true" he pauses for a moment, before continuing with "Though in this case i think not" the mage Reinholt then adds "I don't think the duke and his remaining forces will do well at all".
The prisoner looks sharply at the figure in the black hooded cloak, who just voiced the captain of the guard's very thoughts.
Then after a moment, he goes back to watching the enemy army that's passing to the east of the city of Savariss.
After a while the local swordmaster, who briefly glances down at some of the streets on this side of the tower, then looks at the two standing beside him and says "What will happen to the city?" followed by "And the people who live here?".
"Nothing" replies Mira Reinholt, who follows that with "The damage to the city will be repaired, and the people will be treated the same, or maybe even better as they were when the duke held the city".
The spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster continues with "As will the the rest of the duchy once the duke and his army are finally defeated" the exiled Vexilian mage then adds "This might sound hard to believe, but there's no real difference between you here in Phelm and those from up in the unruled lands in the foothills of the mountains".
Councilor Reinholt then says "You're basically the same people, especially those of you in the north of the duchy. You're only seen as different because of a border and the name of the place you're from".
Next to the mage Reinholt, his fellow councilor, the cavalry commander, Darid Parsen nods in agreement with him.
And after a couple of moments, the prisoner, captain of the guard Gallene, nods as well. As he knows this to be true. Infact it's common knowledge, especially here in the north of the duchy of Phelm.
The local swordmaster then asks "What about myself?" followed by "And the others you have taken prisoner".
"You'll be coming with us" says the spellcaster, who was the youngest ever member of the mage council of Vexil "And any others we deem important" adds the swordmaster Reinholt, who continues with "The others will remain here under guard until the campaign is finally over".
"At least I'm alive" murmurs captain Gallene "Which is something" says Darid Parsen, the cavalry officer who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who then adds "Considering if we hand you over to the robber barons, they'd execute you as soon as they can".
"They don't exactly like competition" dryly says Mira Reinholt, who continues with "Weather it's nobleborn like the duke, or common born like you".
That's for certain, captain Gallene thinks to himself, as it's common knowledge throughout the duchy of Phelm, especially here in the north. That the robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
Aren't particularly fond of those in power here in the duchy of Phelm. Whether they be nobleborn, which most are. Or those few commoners in positions of power, such as the captain of the castle and city guard here in Savariss. Along with his older brother Berric, who is the commander of the personal guard to duke Hargen. Berric who is also the highest rank commoner in the entire duchy, whose position in the duke's court, is more influential than many of the nobility here in Phelm.
Then as he goes back to watching the enemy army that's passing by just to the east of the city, as the sun continues to rise into the clear summer sky.
The local swordmaster asks "When are we leaving then?". "Soon" replies Mira Reinholt, who momentarily pauses, before adding "Probably some time later today" he continues with "So be ready when we come for you" the once powerful mage then adds "So until then".
The two councilors depart after having a quiet word with the Farqian soldiers who are guarding the prisoner.
Captain Gallene pays them no attention, as he continues to watch the enemy army just to the east of the city of Savariss, heading further south into the duchy of Phelm . . . . . .

The Hire 65.

Northern Nastell. The City Of Savariss...

Commander Berric stumbles, and is steadied by Ludoc, one of his men that remains alive.
"Goblins" murmurs Berric the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who has said that a number of times since they've begun their mad dash south through the streets of Savariss.
"Who would of thought it" adds the commander who also happens to be a swordmaster, and the highest ranked commoner in the court of duke Hargen of Phelm.
"I know" quietly says Ludoc, who has said that a number of times since the attack upon their company by the goblin mercenaries, the experienced guard then adds in a tone of disbelief "I still can't believe it". Beside him, his commander nods in agreement.
There's seven of them in total. Four of duke Hargen's personal guards, who include commander Berric as well as Ludoc. Two soldiers in the duke's army, and a mercenary who has been hired into the duke's army.
That's all that remains of those who were with the swordmaster Berric when they were attacked earlier tonight by a band of goblin mercenaries who have been hired by the robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of Colevar Mountains.
All the others are either dead, dying, or have been taken prisoner by the enemy. Who as the night has progressed, have taken control of more and more of the city of Savariss.
They stop at the end of the alleyway they're in, and after looking out of it, they cut across a street, and go into a lane. That takes them closer and closer to the south wall of the city.
As they hurry through the lane, Ludoc who has been in the personal guard of the duke of Phelm longer than even his commander, once again quietly says "What the hell was that thing?".
And once again commander Berric winces at the mention of it, and he quietly says again to the experienced guard "Not a troll, that I'm certain of" followed by "An ork is what some of the others thought it was".
"Damn thing" mutters Ludoc, who along with his commander, figures it killed more of their company than most of the goblins combined.
The swordmaster who had to use all his skill just to keep himself alive as he battled numerous goblins, who he had no idea they were so vicious, as well as proficient in battle. When they weren't falling over one another, or tripping each other up.
Winces once more as he recalls his subcommander Omrick's head exploding in a bloody mess as the large, green creature. That definitely wasn't a goblin, nor was it a troll. Smashed a hammer down upon the head of the subcommander in duke Hargen's personal guard.
Though the abiding memory of it, is not it killing anyone it fought against with ease. Or it roaring and shouting all the time. Usually "Get some!" or something unintelligible that involved a lot of swearing.
But the gut churning stench that came from it. And the massive poncho looking thing it wore. Even though it hasn't rained here in the north of the kingdom of Nastell for a few days. And it doesn't look like it's going to rain anytime soon.
And if it wasn't the large green, foul smelling creature killing everyone. It was the enemy knight, that someone recognised as being in the order of Saint Mar-che.
Who called everyone either a villain or a cretin, as he killed or incapacitated them.
Then there was the fellow in the odd looking clothing, and the even odder looking conical shaped hat. Who with his staff, or his bare hands, and sandled feet. Battered, punched, kicked or threw down anyone who came at him.
Even the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard tried to take him on. Thinking he was the easier target amongst the trio who weren't goblins.
And all that got the swordmaster was a whack in the side of the leg from the fellow's staff. Which if it didn't hit the armoured thigh guard. Berric knows it would of shattered his leg.
Though even now, it still hurts like hell, and is badly bruised, so much so, that every step the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard takes gives him pain.
They're in the south of the city, fleeing the enemy. As are others in the duke's forces who were defending the city of Savariss.
And though commander Berric knows all they were ever going to, was delay the enemy. He thought they would of lasted longer.
The enemy only began their attack when night fell. And now, just after midnight. They've entered the only city in the north of the duchy of Phelm. And already have much of it under their control.
The swordmaster who along with the experienced guard Ludoc are leading the others with them to the south wall of Savariss. Not one of them isn't injured or hurt in anyway.
They've all got aches and bruises. And some have hastily bandaged cuts and wounds from enemy weapons.
Commander Berric who knows that the goblins, because they were in black tabbards and cloaks. Belong to the mercenary army that the five robber barons have hired.
Is trying to keep well away from them as they hurry south through the streets of Savariss.
They've seen some of them just the once since they attacked the commander's company and the stragglers who were with them.
And that one time Berric, Ludoc and the five others with them, spotted those goblins. They took off running in the other direction from them.
And though the goblins took chase. They did so only briefly. For they ran across even more of the duke's forces. Who weren't so quick to flee. And they ended up fighting them instead. Which the swordmaster Berric and those with him, are glad of.
For they know there's no way they would come out alive, or not as prisoners. If they got into a fight against more than just a few of the enemy at this time.
Ludoc, who though not from the city of Savariss, knows it fairly well, quietly says to his commander "The gates would be easier to get to if we had gone left" as they turn right at the end of the lane.
"I know" is the quiet reply of the commander of the duke of Phelm's personal guard, who continues with "We're not going to the gates".
"We aren't?" asks the experienced member of duke Hargen's personal guard. His commander shakes his head no, then quietly says "We're getting out the city another way".
The swordmaster grimly smiles as behind him he hears one of the soldiers in duke Hargen's army quietly say "I hope he isn't intending to climb a rope down the wall, 'cause my arms are fucked at the moment".
"Quiet" says another of the commander's company to the army soldier, who shuts up.
If it's blocked, you'd wish we climb down the wall on a rope, the swordmaster thinks to himself.
Then Berric quietly says to Ludoc "The enemy are probably watching the gates, especially if they've been opened, and others are leaving that way" he then adds "Best if we exist the city without them noticing".
"Good idea" murmurs Ludoc, who just hopes they're able to escape the city of Savariss without them encountering anymore of the enemy.
Especially those goblin mercenaries, and that large green creature that might of been an ork, who looked like it was leading the goblins.
They stop at the end of a side street, and they hear a nearby door bang shut. Then after the others glance at the swordmaster Berric, he leads them into a courtyard at the back of an inn. Which has it's windows, and doors boarded up.
The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard who knows the city of Savariss just as well as anyone alive. Hurries through the courtyard, and into a narrow lane beside the inn.
As they can go down the lane, they can clearly see the south wall of Savariss ahead of them. Just a couple of streets away.
And after they check to see if the street they get to is clear. Commander Berric leads them across it, into the yard of a warehouse. An alley runs along one side of the warehouse, and the swordmaster enters it, followed by the others.
"Where exactly are we going?" quietly asks the experienced guard Ludoc when they get to the end of the alleyway, and they can see the south wall of Savariss is directly across from them, on the otherside of the street.
"Away to the right" quietly says the commander of duke Hargen's personal guards, who continues with "There's a number of buildings right up against the wall" the highest ranked commoner in the court of the duke of Phelm then adds "There's a bolthole in one of them that smugglers use to go in and out of the city whenever they like, and not pay the tax for outgoing goods".
The swordmaster pauses as he looks the other way down the street that runs behind the south wall of Savariss, as he says "It was a sally port centuries ago, until some genius decided to build those places up against the wall".
Ludoc looks away to the left as well, and in the distance they can just make out the south gates of the city, which are indeed open.
They see a number of figures hurry across the street in that direction, then disappear as they go through the gates.
A few moments later, and commander Berric quietly says to Ludoc "You hear that?". "I do" murmurs the experienced member of duke Hargen's personal guard as they can just hear fighting from the otherside of the open gates.
The commander looks back at the others, and quietly tells them "Once we go through the wall, head west as quickly as you can" the swordmaster continues with "Because it sounds like there's a number of the enemy on the otherside of the gates, trying to stop anyone from leaving the city".
The others all nod after commander Berric tells them "After we get clear of the city, we'll head south and try and join up with the duke's forces down there".
Then the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard leads them out of the alleyway, and goes to the right along the street that runs behind the south wall of the city.
Once he's gone about thirty yards, the swordmaster crosses the street at an angle, heading towards a few buildings that are right up against the wall. Berric leads them to the third building, which is right beneath one of the squat towers on top of the wall.
Ludoc tries the front door, then mutters "Locked". He along with his commander glance at one another, and they both nod.
The two of them kick at the door at the same time, they have to kick it a few times. But the door eventually slams open. And they hurry inside.
As they do, they can hear shouting from further down the street, around where the gates are.
Commander Berric hopes it isn't the enemy. And hopes they don't come rushing this way to see what's happening. But considering his luck this night. It probably is the enemy, and they probably will come and investigate what all the noise was about.
The building is a traders shop, selling all types of wares. From coils of rope to small porcelain trinkets. An obvious front for smugglers.
In the darkness they bump into things, mostly tables and free standing shelves as the swordmaster Berric leads them to the storeroom at the back.
In there, one of the other guards finds a lamp, and quickly lights it, so they can see what they're doing.
"I wonder where it is" dryly says Ludoc as they see the large tapestry hanging on the back wall. The commander and the experienced guard pull down the tapestry to reveal the bolthole.
It's a wooden door built into the wall, the hinges are greased so well, it makes no sound as they open it.
On the otherside is the old sally port, that's open and up against the side of the inside of the south wall of the city.
The swordmaster who is the highest placed commoner in the court of the duke of Phelm, leads the way into the wall. And they hurry through the tunnel, at the end of it is the otherside of the sally port, which is closed, though not locked.
Commander Berric suspects the smugglers and their families who were in the city when the robber barons armies showed up. Used this bolthole to escape Savariss when the city's gates were closed.
"Put out that lamp" orders Ludoc, and the tunnel goes dark. As it does, they can hear people back in the traders shop.
"Got it?" quietly asks the swordmaster Berric "I have" replies Ludoc, who has got one side of the long handle that opens the sally port.
"Go" quietly says the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who pushes the sally port, while Ludoc turns the handle. The heavy door slightly opens, allowing one person at a time to slip outside. Which they do after the swordmaster takes a quick look outside.
Once the last soldier is through the sally port, and outside the city's south wall. Commander Berric and Ludoc push the heavy door close.
The others are already hurrying away to the west along the base of the wall. And after they close the sally port, the swordmaster and the experienced guard follow after them.
As they do, they hear shouting in the distance behind him, from near the south gates of Savariss.
Commander Berric and Ludoc glance at one another, then even though the two of them are battered and bruised, they start running.
"Run" orders the swordmaster Berric when they catch up to the others. For though they've safely escaped the city of Savariss. The enemy has spotted them, and as earlier in the night, they're being pursued again.
Commander Berric who has kept thoughts of his oldest son Pollis, along with his younger brother Gallene out of his mind. Hopes that they're safe. Because he knows for him it's going to be a long night, and that he and the others will have be extremely lucky if they're to survive the night as they hurry away from the city of Savariss . . . . . . .

The Hire 64.

Nastell. Phelm. Savariss...

They enter the city of Savariss through the breach in the north wall where the gates once stood.
Tamric Drubine looks at his fellow field commanders and says "Well, that was easy enough i suppose".
"This part was" says field commander Talbot, who continues with "They're still fighting further south in the city".
Both commanders Drubine and Leivyn nod in agreement to that. Then the youngest of the field commanders in the mercenary army from the lands Farque looks over at his subcommander Waiamin and asks him "Where are they?" followed by "And did any of them do us a favour and get themselves killed?".
"They're all alive" says subcommander Waiamin, which gets a muttered "Pity" from field commander Leivyn.
The subcommander to Tamric Drubine points up to the top of the wall behind them, then says "They're up there, congratulating themselves on their victory".
The large heavily armoured field commander, Talbot snorts in disgust. While the small and lithe, not to mention attractive field commander, Leivyn sourly smiles.
While Tamric Drubine, who is more commonly called Tam by those who know him well, just shakes his head as he looks to the top of the north wall of the city, where he can just make out the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
In the light of some of the torches up there. Talking enthusiastically to one another and their seconds, and others. About how well the attack upon the city of Savariss has gone this night.
Here in the north of the city, particularly along the north wall, and the surrounding streets and the nearby neighbourhoods. Is now under the control of the armies that have come down from unruled lands of the Colevar Mountains. The armies under the leadership of the Farqian mercenary army. Who are led by the trio of field commanders.
The three of them turn, as behind them. The councilor, and mage, Mira Reinholt. Walks in through the breach in the wall. Where the gates, that he destroyed, once stood.
The mage Reinholt nods his hooded head to an approaching rider coming along the street. It turns out to be Lisell Maera. Who reins up infront of the three field commanders and the once powerful mage who joins them.
"We've got some prisoners" says Lisell Maera, who continues with "One's important too". The attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a messenger in the armies of Farque, then says to the field commanders "Thought you'd like to talk to him before that lot try and get his hands on him" as she nods up to the top of the wall, where the five robber barons are.
"Where?" asks Tam "There" replies Lisell Maera who is more often referred to just as Lis by those who know her well "In that tower" adds the runner in the Farqian mercenary army who points to a tower on the next street over from the one they're on, just behind the north wall of Savariss.
"Might as well" says Mira Reinholt the mage after commander Drubine glances his way. Then the nobleborn teenager originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin who is the youngest of the three field commanders in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, says "Let's take a look at these prisoners then".
Lisell Maera dismounts and leads the way on foot, as she does, she tells the trio of field commanders, their seconds, and the spellcaster who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque. What she knows of the battle that's continuing further south in the city.
"Dorc and his goblins, along with that idiot Percy, as well as Shur Kee are the ones who broke them" explains the attractive young woman, whose mother was a street prostitute in the city of Brattonbury, and whose father, who she never knew, was a sailor.
"They ran into a large number of the enemy within the city streets, further to the west, and nearly wiped them out to a man" continues Lis, who then adds "They've been fighting ever since, against those who fled from here along the wall" she waves away to the south as she says "They're somewhere to the south of the city center the last i heard".
"Knew that part of the plan would work if they were able to get into the city" murmurs Tamric Drubine, who along with his fellow field commanders, came up with the plan to take the city of Savariss. Doing as least damage to the city as possible. As well as taking it fairly quickly. As it just now coming up to midnight. And more and more of the city is coming under their control.
They get to the next street directly to the south, and the tower there. Where they find Darid Parsen the cavalry commander and councilor, talking to a number of people near the front of the tower.
The cavalry commander and his second in command Kalleb make their way over to them when they walk up.
"This way" says Darid Parsen the cavalry commander after he greets them. The member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque leads them into the tower.
The cavalry officer, who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson who just happens to inhabit the body of Darid Parsen.
Opens up a door to a side chamber on the ground floor. Inside the chamber, lies a dead body on a table. And from the style of the armour, and the cut of the fabric of the clothing. It's fairly obvious whoever it is, was important.
"Who is he?" asks Mira Reinholt to his fellow council member "A lord Chesié" is the reply of commander Parsen, who continues with "The senior most noble in the city, and the one in command of it's defence".
Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman briefly pauses, before he adds "Well one of those in command of it's defence".
The cavalry commander, who a little over fifteen months ago, was a foot soldier in the army of lady Linara Lé Dic in the kingdom of Druvic, then says "He was leading a lot of their horse troop" Darid Parsen continues with "Unfortunately they ran into my company just after we entered the city".
The member of lord Farque's personal council closes the door. And leads them to the main chamber here on the ground floor of the tower.
And though there's a number of enemy prisoners under guard in here. The cavalry commander leads those with him to a set of stairs. And up to the next level in the tower.
On the next floor, Darid aka Zubutai Timaginson leads them down a hallway. Where halfway along it, a pair of soldiers in the Farqian mercenary army are standing guard infront of a door.
After commander Parsen slightly nods to them, one of them opens the door, and the councilor leads those with him into a room.
Inside of which, sits an armoured man without weapons, on a chair at a table. He's drinking from a bowl of soup, and eating a small round loaf of bread. He puts them down and looks at those who have entered the room.
"An officer in the city guard?" says Tamric Drubine in the elven language as he recognises the armour the prisoner is wearing.
"Not any officer" says Darid Parsen in the same language, the cavalry commander in the armies of Farque continues with "Their commander" he follows that with "The captain of the guard, a swordmaster, by the name of Gallene".
Darid aka Zubutai the son of Timagin, then says "He's the other one who was in command of the defence of the city" councilor Parsen briefly pauses before adding "He's a local commoner too".
Commander Drubine lifts an eyebrow in surprise at that. True, Nastell isn't a feudal kingdom like his homeland of Sarcrin. But it is still a monarchical kingdom. Whose nobility are those in the positions of power.
The nobleborn teenager who is a former heir of a previous knight of  castle Drubine in northern Sarcrin, looks over at the mage Reinholt and quietly says in elven to him "What does he know?".
The spellcaster who is in exile from his homeland, the city-state of Vexil, looks at the prisoner, who is sitting there, calmly looking back at his captors.
The mage, who is also a highly skilled swordmaster then reads the mind of the prisoner. Wishing that his fellow councilor, Helbe the elven thief was here to do it. As the elven magic user is far more adept at reading minds than he is. The young elven noble from the principality of Laerel is far more subtle at it than the mage Reinholt as well.
After the spellcaster, who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands, reads the mind of the prisoner. Who slightly grimaces as he now has a faint headache.
The Vexilian mage in exile quietly tells the others in the elven language what he's been able to find out from reading the mind of the captain of the guard, Gallene.
After he does, Mira Reinholt quietly says "I suggest we keep him, and not hand him over to that lot". The lot he's referring to, are the robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains who have hired the Farqian mercenary army to lead them in their campaign against duke Hargen, and the duchy of Phelm.
"I agree" says the other council member, the cavalry commander Darid Parsen who then adds "He's far too important to give to them".
The three field commanders nod in agreement with the councillors. Then commander Parsen says to them "Let's head up to the top of the tower, you can get a pretty good view of much of the city from up there".
They leave the room, not saying a single thing in common to the prisoner, who goes back to eating his meal after they depart.
Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman leads them to the stairs, and up to the top of the tower. And up through the trapdoor onto the roof, which has a chest high crenelated wall running around the edge of it.
Already on the roof are a few of commander Parsen's cavalry company, as well as other officers in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
"As good a place as any to oversee the rest of the battle here in the city" explains the cavalry officer who is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
The trio of field commanders agree with that, and they and their seconds make their way to the south side of the roof, so they can observe the running battles further south in the streets of the city. And make quick decisions to quickly help those fighting against the remaining enemy within the city who are still sticking up a fight.
As they do, the two councilors, Darid Parsen and Mira Reinholt stand back from everyone else, and have a quiet conservation about certain things. While not far from them stands Lisell Maera, who doesn't look south. But the other way, back to the north wall of Savariss.
"He's only really worried about his nephew who's in his city guards" quietly says the Vexilian mage in exile who continues with "And also his brother, who just happens to be the commander of the duke's personal guard".
"He's here in the city?" asks the cavalry commander in a slight tone of surprise, who continues with "I thought the duke had gone further south?".
"He has" is the reply of the highly skilled swordmaster to the latter "But his commander and some of his personal guard are here in the city" adds the spellcaster who was the youngest ever member of the mage council of Vexil, when at the age of seventeen he was appointed to the council that help rules the largest city-state in the Southlands.
"If we could capture him, that might be something" quietly says Darid aka Zubutai Timaginson, Mira Reinholt nods his hooded head in agreement then says "Let's hope that we do".
There's a standing order in the Farqian mercenary army. That if possible, all enemy senior officers should be taken prisoner.
That doesn't always workout, since things just happen during battle. But a number of the senior officer staff of the enemy have been taken prisoner ever since the mercenary army from the lands Farque took over the campaign of the robber barons of the unruled lands of the Colevar Mountains, against duke Hargen and the duchy of Phelm.
"Any word on our spies?" asks the once powerful mage "None of them have been found so far' is the reply from the cavalry officer, who like the spellcaster standing beside him, is a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
"Four of them here isn't there?" asks the swordmaster Reinholt, commander Parsen nods his head yes in answer to that.
"Hopefully they've got out of the city and are safe" quietly says the exiled Vexilian mage.
Just then, a small and familiar voice quietly says to them "They have, and they are" followed by "Though Dalin got soaked doing so".
The councilors turn their heads sharply to the left, where they find Narladene the ground pixie hovering near the mage Reinholt.
"Where's Helbe?" asks the once powerful mage and the cavalry commander at the same time.
The eyebrows of the tiny winged creature arch up in surprise, then she says in elven which they've been speaking "I never knew how much you cared for him".
"Hardly" dryly says Mira Reinholt, who continues with "He just took off without telling anyone, and before the battle got underway too".
The spellcaster who is a member of the personal council of lord Farque nods his hooded head to where Tam stands, who is discussing things with his fellow field commanders and their seconds as they look south across the city. Then he nods over at Lis who is looking back to the top of the north wall of Savariss.
"He should be here keeping an eye on them" quietly says the Vexilian mage in exile to the naturally magical creature.
"You lot seem to be doing fine enough with that" quietly says Narladene.
The mage Reinholt rolls his eyes, while commander Parsen sourly smiles, then Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman quietly says to the ground pixie "Well" followed by "Where is he?".
"Somewhere" is the rather elusive reply from the tiny winged creature who is attached to Helbe the elven thief, who then adds "He'll be back soon i imagine". Mira Reinholt is just about to say something, when Narladene vanishes from view.
"Fuck" mutters the once powerful mage, who looks at his fellow councilor, who shrugs his shoulders then says in a slightly dry tone "Well at least we now know he's alright" followed by "That's something i guess".
"Guess so" murmurs the once powerful mage, who then nods his hooded head at those, including the three field commanders, who are looking to the south across Savariss, and quietly says to cavalry officer "Let's see if we can help them end this battle before sun up".
Darid Parsen nods to that, and he and his fellow councilor make their way over to where the trio of field commanders and those with them are standing.
While nearby, Lisell Maera who didn't pay attention to anything the mage and the cavalry commander said. Continues to look at the top of the north wall of the city, watching the robber barons who are there . . . . . .

The Hire 63.

The City Of Savariss...

"You hear that?" asks Shawtus McQuade "Here what?" is the reply from his cousin Smawfri McQuade.
"Fucking that" says the slightly older of the two dwarven cousins, this time in their native language.
"Fucking roaring or something" adds Shawtus as he glares at his slightly younger and slightly shorter cousin.
"Don't know what the fuck you're going on about you silly fucker" mutters Smawfri McQuade in the dwarven language, the warrior who like his cousin, hails from the Sunreach Mountains, then adds "I can hear fucking fighting in the distance, to the north and to the east as well. But no fucking roaring".
"By Thaxel, i thought i heard" mutters the older dwarven warrior, who then switches to the common language, and asks the tall figure in the hooded cloak walking infront of him and his cousin "Dalin you hear that?".
Looking back at the dwarven cousins walking behind him and the squad leader Barron, Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy says "Hear what?".
The spy Tanith, looks around as Shawtus McQuade says "Roaring, like there be some kind of beastie about".
Dalinvardél Tanith who is more commonly called Dalin by those who know him well. It's also the name he's going by as he ensconced in the army of duke Hargen of Phelm.
Has a frown on his youthful looking face, as he says "Roaring?" followed by "I don't hear any roaring".
The elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alínlae, and now serves in the armies of Farque, and has infiltrated the army of duke Hargen, then says "I can hear fighting in the distance that way" as he gestures away to their left, to the east.
Then the elf, who once served in one of the more prominent noble houses in his homeland of Alínlae, then adds "And away to the north, at the wall i guess" he continues on with "But i don't hear any roaring".
"See told you" says Smawfri McQuade in the dwarven language to his slightly older cousin "You've got fucking shit in your ears or something" adds the slightly younger and slightly shorter of the two dwarven warriors from the Sunreach Mountains, who then says "You might want to get that fucking checked out one day".
"Fucking smartass" mutters Shawtus McQuade, who like his cousin, is back to speaking in dwarven. As they and the rest of the small squad, follow behind Barron their squad leader. And the elf they think is just a mercenary ranger, though a highly skilled and efficient one. Who is form the principality of Alínlae.
As he walks in the front with the squad leader Barron. Dalinvardél Tanith who hears the two dwarven warriors muttering away at one another in their native language.
Has no qualms about lying straight out to Shawtus McQuade. For the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army. Did indeed briefly hear roaring somewhere away to the east of them.
Roaring that sounded familiar to the spy Tanith. As he's certain it came from the mouth of the ork warleader, Dorc da Orc.
Dalin, who is just glad that he and those with him. Didn't run into the large ork, and the goblin battalion in the Farqian mercenary army that he leads.
After all, the small squad he's apart of in duke Hargen's army. Has a pair of dwarven warriors in it. Who have a more than colourful past with the big, burly ork who hails from the southern polar region of the world.
Looks at the young squad leader Barron, who quietly asks him "How close is that fighting?".
"Close enough" is the equally quiet reply from Dalin, who continues with "To the north as well, it's moving down from the wall i guess" followed by "Spreading down into the streets".
"Aye sounds like it" says Shawtus McQuade in common from behind them, then the spy Tanith gestures to their right, across the street, to set of steps that go up the side of a building.
"Should be a pretty good spot to have a look around" says Dalin, who has been leading the small squad to a specific place here in the west of the city. A place he's yet to find, though he'll know it when he sees it.
They quickly cross the street, and Barron along with the elven spy, and the two dwarven warriors head up the steps. While the rest of the squad remain alert down in the lane below.
Once on the roof, they turn and look back to the north. And though the young squad leader from the south of the duchy of Phelm can't see it as clearly as the other three. He can see it easy enough, as he looks away to the north, where in the distance is the north wall of the city.
"Fuck" mutters Barron, Smawfri grunts in agreement, while Shawtus just nods, and Dalin is silent as they look towards the north of Savariss.
"That" says the slightly older of the two dwarven cousins "Is a rout if I've ever seen you" adds Shawtus McQuade.
"Aye" says the younger of the two dwarven warriors in agreement with his slightly older and slightly taller cousin "That's what it be" continues Shawtus.
"You see there" says Dalinvardél Tanith who points at a few of the streets in the distance that lead south from the north wall of the city "That's either them coming this way, or ours heading into the city" adds the elven spy from the principality of Alínlae, who briefly pauses, before he continues with "It actually looks like both to me".
"Aye it seems to be" says Shawtus McQuade as they stand upon a roof garden of a boarding house "Ours and the enemy pursuing them" adds the dwarven warrior, who though bad tempered, isn't as bad tempered or volatile as his younger cousin Smawfri.
Looking eastwards, Barron says "Where's the fighting that way?" the young squad leader from southern Phelm, then adds "I can't see anything there".
"Behind those row of buildings there" is the reply from the spy Tanith who points out a couple of streets of large buildings, the elf who once served in one of the more prominent noble houses in his homeland of Alínlae, then adds "Can't actually see them from up here".
"Aye" says Shawtus McQuade, who continues with "Though it sounds like a fierce fight going on there" he then adds "Seems to be a quite a few on both sides giving each other hell". His younger cousin Smawfri grunts in agreement with him.
Barron is quiet for a few moments as he contemplates things, then he looks at the trio of non humans who are far more experience than him when it comes to warfare. Then he eventually asks them in a quiet voice "What should we do?".
It's Smawfri McQuade who answers, much to the relief of the spy Tanith. For the slightly younger of the two dwarven warriors suggests what Dalin wants to do.
"I say we get the hell out of here" says the slightly shorter of the two dwarven warriors, who continues with "Out of the city like".
As Shawtus McQuade nods in agreement with his cousin Smawfri, Dalinvardél Tanith says "I agree" the elven spy who is posing as a mercenary ranger from Alínlae, then adds "We can always join up with the duke's forces further south in the duchy, either in Almaic or somewhere else, and fight another day".
Dalin gestures away to the north to the fighting there, as he continues with "Because if we stay here this night, we're going to end up either dead, or prisoners of the robber barons".
After a few moments of silence, the young squad leader nods. Then Shawtus McQuade says "The only problem we have is how the hell are we going to get out of the city?" he continues with "No one is exactly going to open any of the other gates, unless there's a commander or senior officer there giving the order to do so".
"That is a problem" murmurs the young squad leader, while next to him, the spy Tanith frowns as if in thought. Because he already knows of a way out of the city.
After a few moments, Dalin says "I've got an idea" the elven spy who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army then adds "Come on, let's see if we can find it".
They head down the steps to rejoin the rest of the squad, with Barron asking the elf who he thinks is a mercenary ranger "What exactly is it we're looking for?".
The answer Dalinvardél Tanith gives the young squad leader, causes the thick eyebrows of the dwarven warriors Shawtus and Smawfri to lift in surprise.
Then the younger of the McQuade cousins quietly says "Why didn't i think of that?". "Because you hardly ever think, that's fucking why" says the older McQuade cousin in a dry tone of voice in the dwarven language.
"Ah get fucked you tall prick" mutters Smawfri McQuade as they and the rest of the small squad follow behind Barron and Dalin, who has told them what to look out for.
The elven spy in the Farqian mercenary army who has infiltrated duke Hargen's army. Knows exactly where to find what he's searching for. After all, he's been given directions to it. He just needs to find somewhere that will lead him there. As the starting point to it, wasn't exactly a set place.
Well, this is what you get from taking directions from a pixie Dalin, the spy Tanith dryly thinks to himself, who after they hurry down a narrow street, spots a place that's on the way to where he wants to go.
Finally, Dalinvardél Tanith thinks to himself in relief, he then tells the others "Look carefully for one" he then adds "In a lane or a small side street would be my best guess to find one". He knows that the one he's looking for, is in a dead end lane not too far from the old rundown tavern they've just gone by.
The elven spy, who briefly touches the hidden pocket he keeps his lock picking tools in. Nods his hooded head to a side street, and quietly says "Try down there".
And though there isn't one in the street. There is one in the dead end lane halfway down the street. Which they find is already open.
Well i don't have to pick it open, that's something, Dalin thinks to himself as he realises who must of opened it.
"Hell, someone snapped the bar in two" says Shawtus McQuade, holding up the round bar made of iron which is usually locked onto the top of the heavy circular iron plate, that's been pushed to one side of a sewer opening. It's infact an opening to a service tunnel, that's leads into the sewers and waterways beneath the western quarter of the city of Savariss.
"No time to waste" says Dalin, who is the first one to go down through the circular hole in the ground, he's quickly followed by the McQuade cousins who are perfectly at home beneath the ground.
They're hesitantly followed by Barron and the rest of the small squad. Who head down into the darkness, which they can barely see in, compared to the two dwarves and the elf.
Once down the steps into the service tunnel, it's the McQuade cousins who take the lead. Dalinvardél Tanith lets them, even though he knows exactly where to go. All he says to the dwarven warriors is to look for an exit out of the city.
And as the rest of the small squad follows in the near darkness. As Shawtus and Smawfri has told them not to light any makeshift torch they might make. Just incase there's a build up of gas in one of the sewers.
They head more or less in the exact same direction that the spy Tanith has been given to make his escape from Savariss.
And whenever the McQuade cousins briefly stop to argue about which way to go. It's Dalin who solves the argument by picking the right way to go.
And it's not too long before they find themselves in a side tunnel of the waterways. Where the elven spy who has infiltrated the army of duke Hargen says to the dwarven warriors infront of him "You hear that up ahead?".
"Aye" is the reply in unison from the McQuade cousins, Shawtus then adds "Sounds like a main tunnel". "Smells like a bloody sewer that way too" says Smawfri, his slightly older and slightly taller cousin grunts in agreement.
They get to the end of the tunnel they're in, and the raised walkway on the side of the tunnel, turns right. And they enter what's the main tunnel of the waterways beneath the western quarter of the city of Savariss.
After Smawfri McQuade mutters in dwarven to his cousin Shawtus "Fucking filthy humans, shitting in their own water instead of having two separate tunnels".
Dalinvardél Tanith says "Well there's the way out" as he gestures ahead to an open culvert in the west wall of the city. On the otherside of which is a stream.
"Hell, we're going to have to get into that muck" mutters Smawfri McQuade "It's far more water than crap, so it should be alright" says Shawtus McQuade, who after a slight pause adds "I hope".
Dalin turns and tells Barron the plan, the young squad leader nods his head, then says "Sounds good to me" then he adds "Who's first?".
"Out of the way you tall prick" says Smawfri in dwarven as he shoves his slightly older and slightly taller cousin to one side, as they get to the end of the walkway, where there's some steps that go down into the water.
The dwarven warrior goes down the first couple of steps that are still above the level of the water, then he jumps into the water, and is quickly swept out through the west wall of the city, and through the culvert to the stream beyond.
"Hope you drown you dickhead" mutters Shawtus McQuade to his cousin who disappears through the west wall of Savariss. Then he too hops down into the water and is swept away.
Dalinvardél Tanith the elven spy after tying up his cloak, follows after him. Then one by one, the rest of the small squad get into the water, and they're swept out through the west wall of the city, out through the culvert, and into the stream outside of the city . . . . . .

The Hire 62.

The Kingdom Of Nastell. The Duchy Of Phelm. The City Of Savariss...

They head back northwards through the city. To see if they can do anything to help with the defence closer to the north wall of Savariss.
Berric the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who has most of his men with him. And a number of soldiers and mercenaries in the duke's army tagging along with his company.
Knows already that the city of his birth is going to fall to the enemy from the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains this night. It's just a matter of when, not if.
They see a couple of the enemy dash across the street infront of them. The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who is also a swordmaster. Doesn't bother sending anyone to chase after them.
He has those with him continue northwards through the streets of Savariss. The city streets where you'll only find the combatants from both sides of the conflict.
As the citizens of Savariss, and those people who fled the enemy from further north in the duchy, and came to the safety of the only city in the north of Phelm.
Who were unable to get out of Savariss by the time the city gates were shut yesterday morning when the enemy first showed up.
Remain inside their homes and the other buildings as the battle for the city this warm summer's night rages on.
As they cross a square, they meet up with Omrick, the subcommander of duke Hargen's personal guard, and the members of the company has with him, and all the stragglers in the duke's army he has picked up.
After briefly conferring with his second in command, and looking over those Omrick has with him.
Commander Berric slightly frowns then asks the subcommander "Where's that small squad led by that young fellow from the south?" the swordmaster who is the highest placed commoner in the court of duke Hargen then adds "They've got a trio of mercenaries with them, two dwarves and an elf" he continues with "I sent them your way when i ran across them earlier".
"Oh them" says subcommander Omrick as they get underway again, heading north towards the wall, where the battle is heaviest.
"We got separated when we ran into some of the enemy" adds the subcommander of duke Hargen's personal guard, who continues with "Hopefully they can rejoin us, or any of the others" Omrick briefly pauses, then quietly says to his commander "Or get to safety some how".
The swordmaster Berric slightly nods his head at that. For it isn't particularly safe here in the streets of Savariss. And it definitely isn't safe where they're heading. To the north wall of the city, which has been breached by the enemy. Who have also gained the top of the wall in numbers.
One of the commander's officers calls out something from the left. And a few moments later, one of the guards in the company comes forward with a soldier in the duke's army.
"Commander" says the member of the duke's personal guard, who nods to the soldier with him, and continues with "This fellow here says there's a substantial number of the enemy, at least a couple of hundred of them, who are coming through the streets on the west side of the city".
"West?" says Berric in surprise, who calls a halt then adds "You sure about that?". He then looks at his subcommander, who for a while headed through the streets towards the western quarter of the city.
"I'm sure sir" says the soldier in the duke's army "We encountered some out that way" quietly says Omrick to his commander, the subcommander then adds "But nothing substantial like that".
The second in command of duke Hargen's personal guard then murmurs "Hell, if we did, they would of wiped us out".
The swordmaster who was born and grew up here in the city of Savariss, nods his head slightly when he hears his subcommander murmur that,
Then the commander of the duke of Phelm's personal guard looks at the soldier and asks him "You sure?".
"Yes sir" says the soldier who is fairly young, who continues with "Three of us saw them hurrying across the far end of a street, near a small park that has a fountain infront of it". Berric nods as he knows exactly where the soldier means.
"We rushed off to find someone to tell about them" adds the young soldier, who looks around then says "I don't know where the others got to".
The swordmaster nods again, then glances at his second in command and quietly says "West?".
The subcommander nods, as he's thinking the exact same thing as his commander. How the hell did they get into the west side of the city in such numbers.
"Which way were they heading?" asks commander Berric, who already knows the answer before the soldier tells him, as it's what he'd do if he was the enemy "Northwards sir" says the young soldier.
The swordmaster nods his head and faintly smiles when he hears his subcommander mutter "Hell, knowing us we'll run into them".
Berric gives the order to continue, and they set off again. Though he tells those infront to turn left up at the corner ahead. Which still takes them northward, though a bit more to the west as well.
"You hoping to run into them commander?" quietly asks Omrick, who glances back at their company, and the stragglers they have with them, then he looks at his commander and quietly adds "Because that lot outnumber us by about fifty or sixty at my best guess".
"Their whole army outnumbers us here in the city" dryly says the swordmaster "There is that" says the subcommander, who then sourly adds "Unfortunately".
The swordmaster nods to that, then he falls silent as they continue north, though veering to the west as well. His second in command Omrick makes sure those of the company at the rear, and the others on the flanks. Usually on the streets, or in the lanes parallel to the one the bulk of them are traversing through.
Keep a watchful eye out for this large, substantial number of the enemy, who are somewhere in the western quarter of the city, heading north.
They hear fighting up ahead on a street. But it's only a number of city guards and soldiers, less than twenty of them. Fighting against a similar number of the enemy.
They quickly overwhelm the soldiers and mercenaries in the armies of the robber barons of the unruled lands of the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains.
Then subcommander Omrick asks the city guards if they've seen any sign of a large group of the enemy in the western part of the city.
When they answer in the negative, the second in command of duke Hargen's personal guard has them join them.
Then he glances at his commander, who nods for the company to continue. The members of duke Hargen's personal guard here in Savariss, and those amongst those defending the largest city in northern Phelm they've gathered up.
Continue northwards, and west through the city streets. Wondering if they'll run across a large number of the enemy who have apparently entered the city form the west.
Dorc da Orc growls, and Teabagger the goblin Cunt quietly says in common "Get back inside".
The youngster, no more than five or six years old. Who has opened the front door of his home, to have a look at what he heard outside. Bangs the door shut when he sees what and who is passing by on the street infront of his family's home.
The ork warleader who is the general of the goblin battalion in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, chuckles as he hears the child in the house they've just gone by. Hurrying into another room, babbling to those inside, presumably his family. That there's a bunch of monsters outside this night.
"Yeah we fucken monsters alright" softly chortles Dorc da Orc in his native language, then the large ork, who by his sense of smell, is leading the way through the streets of Savariss, quietly says in common to Teabagger "Right".
The goblin commander, who sees that there's only a right corner up ahead, and glad that there is. As he doesn't have to ask his general if he's sure. As he's had to do whenever there's more than one option to turn.
Gives the signal to those in the battalion following, that they're going right.
Not all of the goblin battalion in the Farqian mercenary army are on the same street, following directly behind their general and commander. Others are on the surrounding streets, keeping pace with the bulk of their battalion. Who are heading northwards through the western quarter of the city of Savariss, that's under attack this warm summer's night in the north of the kingdom of Nastell.
They get to a market square, which is more circular than square shaped. And amongst the empty stalls, and wagons and carts that have been left here. The ork weaponsmith who hails from the southern polar region of the world, quietly tells Teabagger to call a brief halt.
Near the rear, Shur Kee the monk and sir Percavelle Lé Dic glance at one another. And though the heavily armoured knight has a sour looking smile upon his face. He does nod his head yes when the short statured monk gestures ahead.
The two of them, the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, and the nobleman in the knights of Saint Mar-che, make their way forward. To where they find Dorc da Orc and Teabagger the goblin Cunt at the eastern edge of the market square.
With a look of disgust as he looks at the big, burly ork wearing a poncho, who reeks more than normal.
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic quietly asks the large ork in tone of contempt "Well beast, why have thou called a halt?".
With a sideways look at the heavily armoured knight, a look that's a glare if there's ever one. The warleader of the ork race who is the general of the goblin battalion in the Farqian mercenary army, quietly growls "Fuck up cunt" follow by "Me tryin' to fucken listen".
The former earl of Lé Dic who hails from the kingdom of Druvic is about to retort. When he sees the physical adept who is originally from the otherside of the continent, the far eastern side. Shake his head no, and put a finger up to his lips to be quiet.
The nobleborn knight who is around the same age as his antagonist and rival Dorc da Orc, sourly smiles again. Though he does keep silent as they watch the large ork.
After breathing deeply in through his nostrils, as he and Teabagger listen with intent. The weaponsmith from the wolf tribe of orks grunts, then quietly says in his deep, growling voice to the goblin commander "There's a fucken bunch of them coming this way".
The son of the former matriarch of his tribe, points to the southeast, and quietly adds "Form that fucken way".
"Yes general" quietly says the small, bright green goblin who is originally from the kingdom of Melaurn, as he too has heard a fairly decent sized force of the enemy heading this way.
Dorkindle looks around, and though he can make out the north wall of the city in the distance as he looks between two buildings. The north wall, where he can see heavy fighting along the top of it.
The big, burly ork who hails from the frozen bottom of the world, leans down and quietly discusses things with the goblin commander.
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic briefly frowns again, then he and Shur Kee the monk share a look as they listen to what Dorc da Orc and Teabagger the goblin Cunt are quietly talking about.
The nobleborn knight then briefly grins as he listens to the large ork and the small, bright green goblin. As he does, the former paladin draws his pick axe, and a hammer. While the short, statured monk clasps his staff in a relaxed grip.
The street they're on goes up an incline, and at the top of it. Commander Berric gets a view of the top of the north wall in the distance. The swordmaster nods his head, as next to him, his second in command Omrick mutters "Hell" as he catches sight of the north wall in the distance. And the heavy fighting that's taking place upon the top of it.
The commander of duke Hargen's personal guard briefly thinks about his oldest son Poliss, who is in the city guard. As well as his younger brother Gallene, the captain of the castle and city guard.
Both of whom, were on the top of the north wall of Savariss when the battle began at nightfall.
The swordmaster who wonders if they're both alive, quietly says to his second in command "Come on, let's get there and see what we can do".
They continue down the otherside of the street, and turn left at the end of it, which takes them more to the west again.
The street is relatively short, and they turn right, which once again takes them directly north. They do this for the next few lanes and streets. Turn west for a bit, then head back north.
Commander Berric knows if they keep doing this for some time, they'll eventually end up near where the north and west walls of Savariss meet.
The commander of the duke of Phelm's personal guard, who is safe in the knowledge that his charge, duke Hargen is far away from the city of Savariss, somewhere further south in the duchy.
Is looking back amongst the company, and the stragglers they've picked up. To where one of his company, who is holding a burning torch, as a few are doing. While a few others have lamps.
Is conferring with another of his men, who has been keeping pace with the bulk of them, off on the side streets.
"Something's happened" quietly says Berric to his second in command, the swordmaster quietly continues with "Ludoc is talking to Halvar about something".
Omrick the subcommander looks back, and spots the two men in duke Hargen's personal guard in question. Then one of them, hurries forward, to where the commander and subcommander are.
Just then, further back. At a side street. Comes a number of figures who charge into the company, and those soldiers and mercenaries in duke Hargen's army, and city guards who are with the company of the duke of Phelm's personal guard.
"The enemy!" shouts commander Berric, who blinks as he sees that those attacking them are short. And for a moment he thinks they're being attacked by a troupe of dwarven mercenaries.
Then he blinks in surprise when beside him, his second in command Omrick voices in a tone of surprise, what he sees "What the fucking hell, they're goblins".
The swordmaster draws his weapon, just as more goblins run from a lane that's between here and the street the others have run out from.
And though a few of them trip over, others leap over them, and attack with a ferocity and skill, that the commander of duke Hargen's personal guard, never thought goblins were capable of.
Just then, in the light of a lamp, Berric spots running from the side street, what can only be described as a large knight, who with a pick axe and hammer, wades into his men, and the others. Smashing and bludgeoning down anyone who gets in his way. The swordmaster is pretty sure he hears the knight over the noise of the fighting, loudly shout "Take that you foul villain!" as he slams his pick into the face of a city guard.
With the loud knight, commander Berric sees a fellow, that causes the swordmaster to blink in surprise. For he's wearing the strangest looking clothes imaginable, as they resemble bed or night clothes more than anything else.
And also what can only be described the oddest looking hat that's commander Berric thinks exists. It's conical in shape, and obscures much of the short fellow's face.
Though it doesn't hinder him in the least, as he knocks down city guards, soldiers, mercenaries and duke Hargen's personal guards with ease, with the staff he's using.
The commander and the subcommander go to hurry and join in the fight, when there comes a loud roar from the nearby lane that some of the goblins are rushing from.
Berric and his second in command Omrick glance at one another, then they turn and make for the lane, and the fighting there.
And to see whatever it is, that's somewhere back in the lane, that they hear roar again, followed by a loud growling, deep rumbling shout, in heavily accented common, that sounds like "Fucken get some!" . . . . . .

The Hire 61.

Savariss. Phelm. Northern Nastell...

"Next group, move forward!" calls out Lisell Maera, and the next group of about forty soldiers and mercenaries. These ones in the armies of the robber barons Larimer and Almard. Start hurrying forward, towards one of the siege towers that's up against the north wall of the city of Savariss.
"You got this?" quietly asks the attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury in the elven language.
"I have" is the quiet reply in the same language of a fellow female soldier in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
"Just keep making sure they go off in intervals" quietly says Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by those who know her well "Continue to make sure they don't bunch up" adds Lis.
After her fellow soldier in the armies of Farque nods. The attractive young woman from the west coast of the Southlands, hops up onto the back of her horse. Then heads back to where the rest of the cavalry patrol, commanded by Darid Parsen, is watching the battle for the city of Savariss.
When she gets to the patrol, whose members have been ordering groups of the robber barons soldiers and mercenaries forward at intervals, so they don't all get in the way of one another.
The attractive young woman finds the cavalry commander Darid Parsen, off his horse, sitting on the corner of a catapult. As it, like the vast majority of the war machines aren't in action now.
Only the wagon mounted ballista are still firing. And even they're only shooting off their missiles sporadically. As more and more of the attackers are gaining the top of the north wall of the city.
Reining up beside the catapult the cavalry commander is sitting on, Lisell Maera says to him "Larimer and Almard's men who were sent forward to my sector are still going to the wall and the siege towers at intervals, and in an orderly fashion".
Nodding his head, Darid Parsen the cavalry commander says "So are pretty much the rest of them" he continues with "Even with those two out of action, and the one that didn't even get to the wall" as he gestures to two of the siege towers that are on fire.
One is well and truly ablaze, while the other, is more like a chimney, with flames coming from the top of it.
"How did Tovis take the loss of those towers?" asks Lis referring to the war engineer in the Farqian mercenary army who is in charge of all the siege towers and war machines.
"Pragmatically" is the reply from the cavalry commander, who in actuality is a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson, who just happens to inhabit the body of Darid Parsen.
"When i spoke to him a little earlier about it, he just shrugged his shoulders and said, it happens" continues commander Parsen, who then adds "Besides, it'll give him a chance to build some new ones, and with a slightly different design knowing him".
Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman who has been looking at the battle along the north wall of Savariss, which is easier to see now thanks to the two siege towers over a hundred yards apart, that are on fire.
Looks at the attractive young woman who is originally from the city-state of Brattonbury, and is now a runner in the scouts division of the Farqian mercenary army, and quietly asks her "You haven't seen his highness lately have you?".
"No" is the quiet reply from Lisell Maera in the same language, who then asks "Still no sign of him?".
"None" quietly says the cavalry commander, who previously was a foot soldier from the kingdom of Druvic, who served in the army of lady Linara Lé Dic.
"Got word earlier, that Dorc says the royal thief's little friend is in the city" quietly says Darid aka Zubutai the son of Timagin in elven. Lis nods in understanding, as she knows the cavalry commander is referring to Narladene the ground pixie.
"But he's no where around" adds commander Parsen, who continues with "Well no where that Dorc can smell him".
"I'm sure he's fine" says the messenger in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, who follows that with "If not, his little friend would of done or said something".
"I know" quietly says Darid Parsen, who then murmurs "Just strange him disappearing like that before a battle has even begun".
Lisell Maera, who caught what the cavalry commander just murmured, dryly says to him "This is the same prince who is a notorious thief you're talking about" the attractive young woman who hails from the west coast city-state of Brattonbury, then dryly adds "He does what he wants, whenever he wants".
Darid aka Zubutai Timaginson knows this to be true. Though he still thinks it's a little odd Helbe the elven thief took off without telling anyone, considering he's supposed to keep eye on things, as well as certain people.
Commander Parsen who suspects Narladene the ground pixie knows exactly where prince Helbenthril Raendril has got to, says to Lis "Since you're here, you might as well come along".
Darid Parsen turns to his second Kalleb "We're off to see the field commanders". The commander of the roving cavalry patrol, who is also a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, adds "Send Zaneff if anything truly extraordinary happens".
"Will do" says the second in command Kalleb, Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman hops off the catapult, retrieves his horse from where it's tied to the back of the war machine, and gets up into the saddle.
Then he and Lis ride eastwards along the battleline that's made up of the war machines that were previously targeting the north wall of the city of Savariss.
As they ride, the attractive young woman from the west coast of the Southlands, spots the trebuchet that the robber barons were watching the battle from earlier, they're not there at the moment.
"Where have they got to?" asks Lisell Maera in elven as they ride at a walk, seeing where the messenger is gesturing towards, the cavalry commander faintly smiles when she adds "Have they gone forward with their men?".
"Hardly" says the cavalry officer who is a member of lord Farque's personal council "They're probably bothering Tam and commanders Leivyn and Talbot" adds Darid aka Zubutai the son of Timagin.
Which it turns out to be. As they rein up to where the field commanders and their senior staff are observing the battle for the city of Savariss this night. They see the five robber barons, and their seconds are with them.
Lis who spots Tovis the war engineer and his second in command, the sorcerer Larris off to one side. Standing with Mira Reinholt the mage.
For a few moments, only has eyes for the robber baron Gergus. Who she can clearly see thanks to a few lit torches that have been shoved into the dry ground.
The attractive young woman who is a runner in the Farqian mercenary army, recalls where she is. And quickly looks away from the youngest of the five robber barons of the unruled lands in the southern reaches of the Colevar Mountains, who have banded together, to wage a campaign of war against duke Hargen, and the duchy of Phelm, the northern most duchy in the kingdom of Nastell.
Lis who looked away before anyone noticed her staring at the robber barons Gergus, points out the mage Reinholt, the young engineer Tovis and the sorcerer Larris, to the cavalry commander.
Who nods when he sees them, then he and the messenger dismount, and the two of them after tying the reins of their mounts to a nearby trebuchet. Make their way over to where the two spellcasters and the war engineer are standing.
"What's going on now?" asks Darid Parsen in elven "Nothing much" replies Mira Reinholt the mage in the same language, who then dryly adds "Apart from that battle just over there" as he points towards the nearby city.
"Not that" says the cavalry commander after rolling his eyes "I mean them" continues Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman with a nod towards the robber barons and their seconds, who are in conversation with the field commanders Drubine, Leivyn and Talbot.
"The usual i guess" says the once powerful mage, who then adds "Them just being a nuisance" he follows that with "Though specifically, they want to go forward with their men into combat".
"Let them" sourly says the cavalry officer who is a member of lord Farque's personal council, who then adds in the same tone "They can do us all a favour and get themselves killed".
The mage who hails from the city-state of Vexil, who like the cavalry commander, is also a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, briefly smiles at that, then he says "As satisfying as that would be, it would be a bit of a problem" the mage Reinholt then adds "Who'd pay us then?".
"That is a drawback i suppose" says Darid Parsen who fifteen months ago was a foot soldier in the army of lady Linara Lé Dic in the kingdom of Druvic, until he died in battle.
"Unfortunately" dryly adds the cavalry officer whose body is inhabited by the barbarian hordesman from the southern tundra, Zubutai Timaginson.
Commander Parsen nods towards the robber barons and their seconds, as he continues with "Helbe should be here dealing with that".
At the mention of the elven envoy who is also a member of lord Farque's personal council. Mira Reinholt slightly frowns.
For the Vexilian mage who knows how carefree the elven masterthief is. Also knows the elven princeling from the principality of Laerel. Has been a lot more responsible in recent years.
Especially now that he's a member of the personal council of the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, and that he has certain duties that he has to attend to.
One of which is keeping in line the five robber barons who have hired the Farqian mercenary army in their war against the duke of Phelm, duke Hargen.
The other important duty is what the mage Reinholt and commander Parsen are currently doing. Keeping a watch on certain people. Tamric Drubine, Lisell Maera and Tovis the war engineer.
That's why there's always one of them, the mage, the cavalry commander, the elven envoy, along with Shur Kee the monk.
Who are always around the trio, who were searched for, and found over the last nine years.
Not mentioning the fact that Helbe the elven thief was brought up by his fellow councilor, the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster nods his hooded head towards the five robber barons and their seconds, and quietly says "In all seriousness, I'm actually thinking about letting them go forward soon".
"Oh?" says the cavalry commander in the Farqian mercenary army, who looks towards the city of Savariss, and sees though the fighting around the breach in the north wall of the city is still fairly heavy.
More and more of those assaulting the only city in the north of the duchy of Phelm. Are gaining the top of the north wall, via the seven siege towers that are up against the wall as the battle this night continues to rage on.
The spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in the Southlands, nods his black hooded head towards the city and says "It's over, they just don't know it yet" referring to those who are defending the city of Savariss this night.
The Vexilian mage in exile then adds in a slightly dry tone "Especially considering fatso and his goblins are probably in the city by now".
"There is that" dryly says Darid aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman who after looking around, faintly frowns as he notices something "Where's Percy?".
"He went with Dorc" is the dry reply from the swordmaster Reinholt, the cavalry officer winces at that, then he slightly nods as the highly skilled swordmaster adds "Shur Kee went to keep an eye on the two of them".
"Well at least they won't kill each other with him there" quietly says Darid aka Zubutai the son of Timagin "You hope" dryly says Mira Reinholt, who suspects that one day both Dorc da Orc and sir Percavelle Lé Dic will find a way to try and kill the other.
Or at least try and get the other one killed, without them seeming to be involved with it.
Fucking psychos, the both of them, the once powerful mage thinks to himself, then the exiled Vexilian mage nods his hooded head at the nearby robber barons, who are talking with the trio of field commanders in the Farqian mercenary army, who are busy running the battle for the city of Savariss this night.
"Lets go and have a chat with this lot" says the mage Reinholt to his fellow councilor, he continues with "And allow them to go forward, though under supervision".
Commander Parsen nods to that, then he and the highly skilled swordmaster walk over to where the robber barons and their seconds are in conversation with the field commanders in the Farqian mercenary army.
Lis, Tovis and the sorcerer Larris all glance at one another. Then by silent agreement, the three of them decide to follow after the two councilors.
As they do, Lisell Maera watches the robber baron Gergus as she and the war engineer, and the sorcerer walk after Mira Reinholt and Darid Parsen . . . . . .

The Hire 60.

The City Of Savariss...

They've made their way around from the north side of the walled city of Savariss, to the west side of the only city in the north of the duchy of Phelm.
They've moved pretty much in silence. Which is pretty good considering two of them are human. One of whom, is a usually overly loud knight, who finds it difficult to keep silent at the best of times.
Not to mention the person leading them all, who the loud knight detests. Isn't exactly quiet when he does things. Though this warm summer's night as the battle for the city of Savariss rages on. He's kept silent as they've worked their way around to the west side of the city.
This side of the city, just like the east and south sides of the walled city. Isn't watched by that many of those who are attacking Savariss.
Nor is it defended by many upon the top of the west wall of the city.
Considering all of the battle this night, has concentrated upon the north wall of the only city in the very north of the kingdom of Nastell.
They meet up with about twenty or so from their own army who have been keeping an eye on this side of Savariss since the siege began.
And after a quiet conversation with the leader of those who have come around from the north side of the city.
Those who have kept watch upon this side of Savariss since the siege began. Head off, and make their way around to the north side of the city to help out with the attack there.
While those who have come around from the north side, who number nearly two hundred. Work their way southwards along the west side of Savariss. About four hundred yards out from the city itself. Well out of view from those few on top of the west wall of the city.
Following their leader, and his extraordinary sense of smell. They get to a stream. Which he looks at in disgust. There, they turn and head in towards the city, following the stream.
They walk quickly, which is a bit of a risk. As the vast majority of them are accident prone. But they all keep to their feet as they head inwards towards the west wall of Savariss.
And with the exception of the two humans, who are at the rear. They can all see in the darkness. And see to the top of the west wall. Which is only sporadically lit with torches.
And they can see that amongst those few enemy soldiers up on the long west wall of Savariss. None of them are looking in this direction, towards the stream.
Infact the closest one is about fifty yards away from where they're heading, on the north side of a broach tower. And he's spending all his time either looking to the north wall of the city that's under attack.
Or walking northwards along the wall, until he realises the part of the west wall he's supposed to keep a lookout from this night, is next to the broach tower that's behind him.
They move in near silence as they head inwards towards the city. Until they finally get to the west wall of the city. Where the stream exits through a barred culvert.
Their leader, who towers over the rest of them. Is sniffing furiously, and though the odour coming from the stream is rather pleasant to his sense of smell. As it's more of a sewer than anything else. It's still disgusting to him as it's predominantly water.
Then he grunts and sourly smiles as he catches wind of an individual who is primarily made up of water, who is suddenly beside him.
"Warleader" quietly says the water elemental courser who is a scout in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
"Hey cunt" is the quiet reply from Dorc da Orc who gestures at the stream coming out of the barred culvert in the base of the west wall of the city of Savariss, and adds "Can you fucken do it?".
The large ork hopes so. Because if not, he and his goblin battalion will have to resort to other methods. Other methods which will be extremely loud and violent.
Which he is ordinarily fine with. But not this night. As the plan is for him and his battalion to enter the city of Savariss as quietly as possible. Without the enemy knowing so.
"I can" is the reply of the water elemental courser, who previously in the robber barons of the unruled lands to the north of the kingdom of Nastell's, campaign against the duke of Phelm and his army.
Was a contact for many of the spies who have infiltrated the army of duke Hargen. A few of whom, are inside the city of Savariss this night.
"Though it will be a bit unpleasant" murmurs the courser, who like all the water elements in the Farqian mercenary army, comes from the west coast of the lands Farque.
"No shit cunt" mutters Dorkindle in the ork language, who continues muttering in his native language with "You gots to get in all that nasty fucken water".
"Well fucken get to it" quietly says the ork warleader in the common language, then the big, burly ork who is from the southern polar region of the world grunts, when the water elemental tells him "You and your, ah men, will have to get well back, preferably along the wall" followed by "Unless you want to stay here and get drenched".
"Fuck that" mutters the ork weaponsmith who couldn't think of anything worse than getting wet.
The large ork turns and quietly says to the commander of the goblin battalion "You fucken heard him" Dorkindle continues with "Back them the fuck up along the wall, away from this fucken pisshole".
"Yes general" quietly says Teabagger the goblin Cunt, while the water elemental disappears in a fine spray of mist. And the ork warleader who is the general of the goblin battalion in the mercenary army from the lands Farque.
Quickly backs away from the stream, as he definitely doesn't want to be anywhere near it with what's about to happen.
A couple of the goblins who are archers keep a eye on the only enemy soldier up on top of the wall, who is remotely near them.
While sir Percavelle Lé Dic, followed by Shur Kee the monk, make their way to where the ork warleader is standing against the wall, well back from the stream.
"Well beast, can he do it?" demands sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who does actually remember to talk in a quiet voice.
The weaponsmith from the wolf tribe of orks, who'd like nothing better, than to yell at the heavily armoured knight, and tell him to fuck off. Probably only smashing him in the head with a hammer would be more satisfying. Briefly scowls, then slightly grins and says "Yeah cunt, he can".
That wasn't what the former earl of Lé Dic was expecting the big, burly ork to say. He was expecting to get into an argument with him. After all, that's the only reason he came forward to speak to him.
The knight in the order of Saint Mar-che scowls, which illicits another grin from the large ork.
Then the nobleborn knight from the kingdom of Druvic stomps away, muttering under his breath about the duality of evil green creatures from the deepest depths of hell.
"I better keep an eye on friend Percy" quietly says Shur Kee the monk "Better you than me" mutters Dorkindle.
The short, statured monk nods, then turns and heads after the heavily armoured knight. Besides the physical adept finds the ork warleader reeks more than usual, since he refuses to take off the canvas poncho he's been wearing for nearly a week now.
And standing too close to the big, burly ork from any length of time, is an assault upon one's sense of smell.
The ork, who is the son of the former matriarch of his tribe, the wolf tribe of orks, grunts when just infront of him, Teabagger who is closest to the stream, quietly says "Boss, i mean general look".
Dorc da Orc looks at the stream, and sees that the water level is dropping, and that the flow coming through the barred culvert, has dropped off considerably.
The large ork, who is the general of the goblin battalion in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, turns and quietly says "Get ready you little fucken gob-a-lin cunts".
Then the warleader of the ork race looks ahead again, and sees that the water coming out of the culvert in the west wall of Savariss, is just a trickle now. Then that comes to a stop. And the water already in the stream. Flows away to the west. While nothing comes from the culvert for now.
The big, burly ork who hails from the bottom of the world, where his, some would say, demented race, are the only people to be found.
Tilts his head to one side, as he listens carefully. As does Teabagger the goblin Cunt, and many others in the battalion that Dorc da Orc is the general of, and Teabagger is the commander of.
They all hear it a little while later, a sudden surge, a rush of water from behind the west wall, within the city.
"Fucken get some" murmurs the ork weaponsmith, and a few moments later there's a sudden rush of water that comes bursting out of the culvert.
It spews forth so powerfully, that the vertical bars in the culvert. Are ripped out, all in one piece. Washed away downstream. As is a fair bit of the stonework they were in.
Then as powerfully as the water appeared, it suddenly stops. And the water level starts to drop again.
"Come on, come on, fucken hurry" mutters Dorc da Orc who then repeatedly mutters "Come on".
And a few moments later, when the water level is just a mere inch or so, Teabagger turns and looks back at the large ork standing behind him, and quietly asks him "Should we go general?".
"Fucken might as well" mutters the ork warleader, who then tells the small, bright green goblin standing infront of him "Let's go cunt".
Teabagger nods, and hurries forward, followed by the big, burly ork, then all the others.
The goblin commander drops down into the bed of the stream, keeping to his feet and not falling over as he does so, which he's rather proud of.
Dorkindle then hops down into the stream bed, and sourly smiles as a little bit of water splashes up onto his shins.
"Yuck" mutters the large ork, who follows after Teabagger, and enters the city of Savariss through the culvert, a culvert that's about five and half foot tall. Which the ork weaponsmith has to basically bend over in half, to enter.
Walking through water an inch or so deep, and walking bent over. Dorc da Orc is scowling as he goes through the west wall of the city.
Once he's through it, he stands upright, and finds himself in what's basically a sewer and water drainage tunnel in one.
"Right cunt" quietly says the big, burly ork who hails from the southern polar region, to the small bright green goblin infront of him.
"It's left general" quietly says Teabagger who points to the left "That's what me fucken mean, left" mutters the warleader of the ork race, who follows after the goblin commander who is originally from the southern kingdom of Melaurn.
There's a raised walkway on that side of the sewer, and there's some steps, that would ordinarily be mostly under water. The two of them climb the half a dozen steps to the raised walkway. And they're followed, one by one, by the rest of the battalion who have entered the city through the damaged culvert in the west wall of Savariss.
Dorkindle looks ahead in the sewer, then murmurs "Eeewww yucky" as he spots a wall of water, about six foot high, about eighty feet away, further into the sewer, come waterway.
"Hurry cunt" says the large ork to Teabagger "Me don't know how fucken long he can hold that for" adds the ork weaponsmith gesturing at the stationary wall of water further down the sewer tunnel.
Good point, the goblin commander thinks to himself, who sets off quickly along the raised walkway, which turns left just up ahead, well short of where the water elemental courser is holding up the water in the sewer.
They turn into a side tunnel, that's relatively dry, with only a shallow bit of water in it. The rest of the battalion follow behind their commander and general. With the two humans, Shur Kee the monk, and sir Percavelle Lé Dic, the last up the steps and onto the walkway.
Then once the former paladin, who is at the rear. Walks around into the side tunnel. The wall of water that's in the main sewer, come waterway. Rushes forward, and exits out the wall, and out through the broken culvert as the stream resumes it's course after being held up by the water elemental who is a scout in the Farqian mercenary army.
In the side tunnel, Teabagger continues to lead the way. For unlike his general, he can correctly recall the way they've been told to go.
And the small, bright green goblin leads them through the sewer and waterway tunnels beneath the city of Savariss. Taking the correct turn whenever they get to it.
Finally coming to a set of steps in a service tunnel, that leads upwards. Once at the top, the goblin commander mutters something in his native language, then he turns and quietly says "It's locked general".
"Of course that little fucken bee wouldn't open it" mutters Dorkindle in the ork language, who then quietly says to the small, bright green goblin "Out of the way cunt".
Teabagger comes back down the steps, and the large ork heads up them. At the top of which he finds a heavy circular iron plate. He grabs the handles, and shoves upwards.
It barely budges, so he knows it's locked from the otherside.
Dorc da Orc growls, then grunts as he strain as he pushes upwards, muttering "Fucken cunt, me gonna fucken smash you" as he does so.
The big, burly ork is just about to roar with effort, when there's a clank from the otherside, and the heavy iron plate, which is wider than the broad shoulders of the ork warleader, and weighs at least a couple hundred pounds, suddenly swings upwards and open.
Dorc da Orc quickly sniffs, then grunts, and climbs up the last few steps, then up and out of the hole in the ground, where he finds himself at the end of an empty, and narrow lane in the city of Savariss.
The ork warleader kicks away the thick iron bar that was locked above the plate, and has snapped in two from him opening the iron plate up.
Then Dorkindle looks back down into the sewer opening, and quietly says to Teabagger down below "Come on cunt, we here" followed by "Get the rest of the cunts up here".
One by one, with Teabagger first after his general, the goblin battalion in the mercenary army from the lands Farque, along with the two humans Shur Kee the monk and sir Percavelle Lé Dic, make their way up into the streets of Savariss . . . . . .