The Thick Of It 6.

Winter.

"Here, here and here" quietly says Helbe the elven thief as he points at a number of spots on the map.
Lord Farque nods, then quietly adds "Numbers?".
"Over a thousand in camp" is the reply from the elven magic user, who follows that with "And a couple hundred more billeted in town".
The undead warlord nods his full helmed head, then he falls silent as he thinks about things.
"Alright" says the large, heavily armoured deathlord when he breaks the silence.
"We'll go ahead then" adds the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who looks at the others, then tells them "You know what to do".
"Go ahead" says lord Farque to Beldane the cleric "Go with him Tam and take command".
"Yes my lord" says Tamric Drubine the field commander and Beldane the cleric in unison.
Then the undead being, who is also known by the name of Draugadrottin to the people of his lands, dryly adds "We'll be here".
Then looking at the elven masterthief who is a member of his personal council, the lord of the death realm says "I'm guessing that will suffice?".
"I guess so" is the reply from the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel.
"Considering they'll really only be less than a hundred yards away, when in fact they're actually more than fifty miles away" adds the highly talented elven magic user.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque just grunts at that, then gestures to the elven master assassin to assist the fighting cleric.
"Go ahead, no one in town can sense you now" says Helbe the elven thief a few moments later after he casts a spell upon the member of the church of Glaine.
A god predominantly worshiped in the north of the kingdom of Nastell, the powerful cleric's homeland.
Beldane the cleric quietly says "Thanks" then he and field commander Drubine move to the middle of the clearing in the woods.
While the elven master assassin who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel.
Hurries back to join the rest of the group at the edge of the woods.
Which is just a couple hundred yards from a town, that's fifty five or so miles to the southeast of the city of Kuradum.
In a part of the city-state that's firmly under the control of the faction in the civil war led by the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
It's early morning, and just north of the city of Kuradum. Commander Tracklen of the Kuradian army still loyal to the ruling council.
Has mustered nearly two hundred and fifty soldiers in the council's army.
He stands infront of the men, along with his adjunctant Morris. The two of them share a look.
Then go back to watching their new allies in the war against the pretender, councilman Hirrye.
There's about a thousand soldiers in black armour, and black uniforms. Predominantly infantry, both light and heavy from what commander Tracklen and his adjunctant can tell.
They're basically completely still in the early morning sunshine on what's a cold day here in this part of the city-state of Kuradum.
There's no fidgeting, and barely anyone moving amongst the ranks of the black clad mercenary army.
The commander in the local army is just about to quietly mention to his adjunctant that the mercenary army look inhuman.
When his adjunctant Morris quietly says to him "A runner heading our way".
Tracklen, the senior most officer in the Kuradian army still loyal to the ruling council nods his head when he spots the black clad youngster hurrying along the road to their position.
"Commander if you and your men would follow me" says the young teenage mercenary all in black when he gets to their position just off to the side of the road.
"We're going through now" adds the runner, who is part of the scouts and rangers division of the third army of Farque.
"Very well" says commander Tracklen, who has been told to ready his men for battle.
He has absolutely no idea where, and when. But he has his large company ready as they'll ever be.
Turning to a subaltern behind him and his adjunctant, the Kuradian army commander quietly says "Give the order to move out".
Tracklen, and his adjunctant Morris lead the way onto the road as they follow the young runner.
Who is part of the mercenary army from someplace called the lands Farque.
Who only arrived here in the city-state of Kuradum yesterday morning. And already they're going into the battle against the enemy, the faction led by the pretender, councilman Hirrye.
A short while later and commander Tracklen steps through the gateway and blinks as he realises he's somewhere completely different to where he just was.
The local army commander until now, had never gone through a magical portal of any kind before.
To say it's a little odd, would definitely be an understatement.
For starters, wherever here is. It's a lot colder than just outside the city of Kuradum, where they were just a few moments ago.
"This way commander" says the young teenage runner, who continues with "The field commander is this way".
The black clad youngster then adds "If you could have your men wait over there until the rest of them come through, it would be appreciated".
"Of course" says commander Tracklen, who gives the order to the subaltern behind him.
Then the local army commander and his adjunctant follow the teenage runner from the clearing in the woods, and they head into the trees.
Tracklen who is wondering where they are, finds out soon enough, when they get near to the edge of the woods.
"Salmet Crossing" quietly says adjunctant Morris as they spot the town a few hundred yards away in the distance.
The local army commander nods his head in agreement as he recognises the town too.
A town over fifty miles southeast of the city of Kuradum. A town in the territory under the pretender, councilman Hirrye.
Also a town, where a large war camp has been set up by the enemy. Who want to take over the rule of the city-state of Kuradum.
"Return to your squad" quietly says Tamric Drubine in elven to the young runner.
"Yes field commander" says the runner in the same language, who then slightly nods to the two locals, before heading back amongst the trees.
"Commander" says Tamric Drubine in common to the senior most army officer in the faction that wants to keep the ruling council in power.
"Field commander" replies the local military commander, who nods in the direction of the enemy, and adds "I gather we've got a surprise this morning for that lot".
"We do" says the young noble originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, who faintly smiles before he explains to commander Tracklen the plan.
The local army commander and his adjunctant listen in silence as Tamric Drubine explains what's going to happen this morning.
After field commander Drubine explains things, commander Tracklen quietly says to him "It's a wonder they haven't sent any of their patrols to the woods here".
"They have" is the quiet reply of Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well.
"Twice infact" adds the senior officer in the armies of Farque, who continues with "They think no one is here".
Both the local army commander and his adjunctant lift their eyebrows in surprise at that.
And the young field commander tells them "It's the magic of having magic on your side that no one can detect".
Commander Tracklen nods to that, while next to him, his adjunctant, Morris quietly says "Definitely".
Then the former heir of Castle Drubine, which is located in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin, rolls up the map he's holding.
Puts it away, then takes another one out from his map pouch, and unrolls that one.
Showing the two local army officers, field commander Drubine of the armies of Farque tells them "Here, here and here" followed by "Three pretty sizeable co-ordinated attacks this morning across the southeast of the city-state".
Commander Tracklen nods as sees the two other attacks are at towns similar to Salmet Crossing.
On well used crossroads in this region of the city-state of Kuradum. Where the enemy have camps.
"It's time for the council to take the offensive in this war" quietly says Tam who follows that with "And for your enemies to taste defeat".
Both commander Tracklen and the adjunctant Morris nod in agreement with that.
For since the start of what's essentially a civil war for the control of the city-state of Kuradum.
The ruling council and the faction led by councilman Sammis have been on the back foot against the pretender, the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
Losing ground wherever battles take place. Seeing much of the south and east of the city-state fall under the control of the pretender.
Field commander Drubine rolls up the map, and puts it away as lord Farque and a number of others in the group approach through the trees.
"You tell them?" asks lord Farque once he comes to a stop next to the young field commander in his armies.
"Yes my lord" replies the young noble who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
Switching to the elven language, the undead warlord says "We'll be going with them" followed by "Best to keep a close eye on the weakest link in this attack".
"I understand my lord" says Tam in the same language, who then steps aside so the large, heavily armoured deathlord can address the local army officers.
"Commander if you will ready your men" says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque in the common language.
"The attack will begin shortly" adds the undead being, who also has the name of Draugadrottin that the people of his lands know him by.
"Yes my lord" says commander Tracklen who has been informed that the large man in the dark blue and black heavy plate armour, is in ultimate command of the ten thousand strong mercenary army, that's been hired by the ruling council of Kuradum in the war against the pretender.
And one of the stipulations of that hire. Is that he has taken over command of the ruling council's war effort. And that they'll be using his strategies from now on.
Commander Tracklen isn't against this in the least. Infact he welcomes it.
For though he's the senior most officer in the Kuradian army still loyal to the ruling council.
It was actually the ruling council who were strategizing the war against the pretender, and using their tactics.
Which the local army commander didn't necessarily always agree with.
"Myself, the field commander and some others will be joining you shortly" says lord Farque.
"Yes my lord" says commander Tracklen, who then adds "We'll be off to see to our men".
Then he and his adjunctant slightly bow to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, then make their way back amongst the trees, to where their force of two hundred and fifty Kuradian soldiers are waiting.
The undead warlord shares a look with his field commander, then Draugadrottin asks in the elven language "How do you think they'll do?".
"We're about to find out my lord" replies Tamric Drubine in the same language.
"Where about to find out" adds the young nobleborn field commander in the armies of Farque.
The large, heavily armoured deathlord nods his full helmed head, then he quietly says "That we are" . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 5.

Winter.

"You sure?" asks Mira Reinholt the mage who then yawns as they walk through the darkness before dawn.
"Definitely a number of their spies in the city" says Helbe the elven thief as they head north, away from the city of Kuradum.
"He tell you to kill them?" asks the once powerful mage, who nods his hooded head to where lord Farque is further infront of them.
"He told me to keep them alive" is the reply of the elven magic user, who then quietly adds "They could come in handy later on".
The human spellcaster, who is from the city-state of Vexil, nods his hooded head in understanding.
As they and the rest of the group except one walk through the early morning darkness, heading north away from the city.
"You will take command of a large portion of the third" says lord Farque.
Walking beside the undead warlord is Tamric Drubine, who says "Yes my lord".
"At least a battalion" states the large, heavily armoured deathlord, who then adds "Take Saanea with you" followed by "Have her keep in contact with Mira and Beldane".
"Helbe too?" asks the young noble originally from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin.
"That ain't going to happen" dryly says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, who follows that with "He'll get in contact with her, if he deems it necessary".
The undead being pauses for a moment, then after he glances back at the others, he quietly tells the young field commander "Take Lis with you, and".
Tamric Drubine, or Tam as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, hopes the lord of the death realm doesn't say Dorc, or for that matter, sir Percavelle Lé Dic.
He breathes a slight sigh of relief, when the undead warlord adds "The newbie Zam too".
Field commander Drubine nods, when the lord and ruler of the lands Farque quietly continues with "He's only just joined us, so make sure he stays alive".
Draugadrottin as he's also known by to the people of his lands, then dryly adds "Who fucking knows how important he is".
Indeed, Tam thinks to himself, who then heads to the right when the large, heavily armoured deathlord gestures in that direction.
As they continue walking through the predawn darkness, here a few miles to the northeast of the city of Kuradum.
Back in the line of march, the mage Reinholt, who has just said to his fellow spellcaster, Helbe the elven thief "Guess you'll be going off to do whatever you want?".
When he shouts "Fuck!" and goes to grab the elven masterthief, whose eyes roll back as he suddenly faints, and falls forward.
The Vexilian mage in exile catches the young elven noble before he hits the ground face first.
"Fuck, now what?" mutters lord Farque, who stops and looks back to see what's happened.
The undead being, who has the elven name of Des'tier, which means, The Destroyer. Sighs as he sees that Helbe the elven thief has fainted.
The large, heavily armoured deathlord, along with Tamric Drubine walk back to where the others have gathered around the unconscious elven master assassin.
"He's fine" says lord Farque, who then mutters in the ground pixie language "Stop fucking flapping around like that".
As a distressed Narladene the ground pixie is buzzing around his full helmed head.
As the tiny winged creature calms down, the undead warlord says in common "He'll wake up soon enough".
Then Draugadrottin mutters in the elven language "It better not be too important".
Then the lord and ruler of the lands of Farque snaps his fingers, and points at the unconscious elven master archer, and says in the ork language "Bring him".
Dorc da Orc sourly smiles, then he goes and grabs Helbe the elven thief to pick him up off the ground.
The large ork grunts in disappointment, when the undead warlord tells him in orkish "Gently cunt".
The ork warleader sighs, then lifts up the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who he drapes over his right shoulder.
While an invisible Narladene, curls her upper lip in disgust at the ork weaponsmith who is carrying the elven practitioner of magic she's attached to.
"Will his highness be alright?" asks Zam the ex mercenary as they get underway again, in the predawn darkness on a cold winter's morning.
"He's fine" says Tovis the war engineer, who follows that with "He just has the occasional ah fainting spell".
Which is true enough, the young engineer originally from the kingdom of Druvic thinks to himself.
The local Kuradian nods and takes that at face value. As he's yet to learn of the power of foresight that Helbe the elven thief has.
They make their way off the road, and go through a stand of trees. When they spot farmers and carters who are up early, are heading to market in the city. Appear in the distance on the road.
They make their way to the northern edge of the woods when the first rays of light of the false dawn start to appear away to the east.
On what's a cold winter's morning, here in this part of the city-state of Kuradum.
"We wait" says lord Farque after he's brought the group to a stop at the edge of the woods.
"Looks like his highness is about to wake up" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven thief as Helbe the elven thief starts stirring.
Just then in the sky, a thousand feet up off the ground, there's a disturbance.
It's multi coloured, and it ripples across the sky, a good sixty feet wide, and even further in height.
Next thing it stabilises, and an airship appears through it in the sky that's starting to get brighter as dawn breaks this day.
It's an odd looking airship, sleek looking, with a flat deck, with the wheelhouse to aft. An airship without any masts too.
As the mastless airship drops down towards the ground, and more airships, these with masts, some warships, others transporters.
Start appearing in the early dawn sky through the giant ship rift.
Helbe the elven thief groans, then he gags as he gets a whiff of who has a hold of him.
Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Mira Reinholt the mage grab the elven magic user as Dorc da Orc shrugs him off his shoulder.
As the elven masterthief shakes his head to clear it as he's held upright by the spy Tanith and the mage Reinholt.
Lord Farque says "Saanea, Lis and you Zam, will go with Tam" he gestures at the airships that are coming down to land, and continues with "He'll command at least a battalion of the third" followed by "Maybe more".
"He can't" says a groggy sounding Helbe the elven thief after shaking his head again.
The undead warlord turns to look at the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who says to him in the royal elven language "We have to stick together as a group".
"Oh?" quietly says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque who in the same language adds "Why the fuck is that?".
"Because everything you've worked for over the last twenty five years since you found Dorc, will be for nought if we're not together as a group" says the highly talented elven magic user.
"This what your foresight just showed you?" asks the large, heavily armoured deathlord.
The grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel nods his hooded yes in reply to that.
"Fuck" mutters the undead being who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates to, The Destroyer.
Then lord Farque asks "For how long?".
"The foreseeable future" is the reply from the elven princeling from Laerel.
"Fuck" mutters Draugadrottin again, who continues muttering with "There goes my fucking plans for this war".
As he was hoping to take command of this civil war here in the city-state of Kuradum.
Overseeing it from onboard the krean strikeship that's just landed nearby.
While having Tamric Drubine and a few others in the group, in at least one battalion of the third army of Farque that's just arrived.
While the others would of been spread out amongst the rest of the third army.
As they fight on behalf of the faction led by councilman Sammis in the war against the pretender, the self styled duke of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye.
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque sourly smiles behind the faceplate of his full helm.
Then he asks the elven masterthief who is a member of his personal council "Anything else from your latest bout of foresight?".
"Nothing, just that" replies prince Helbenthril Raendril of Laerel.
"Thank the fucking gods for that" mutters lord Farque in a language that only he, and his family's sword, strapped across his back, understands.
Then switching to the common language so the entire group can understand what's being said.
The undead warlord says in a dry tone of voice "Change of fucking plans".
Mira Reinholt shares a look with Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, then the two of them look at their fellow council member, Helbe the elven thief.
Who though a little unsteady on his feet, is able to stand without any assistance now.
Looking at the lord and ruler of the lands Farque, the once powerful mage asks him "What are the plans then?".
"I'm just working those out" mutters the lord of the death realm, who then says "Whatever they fucking are, we'll be sticking together as one group".
The mage Reinholt glances at Dorc da Orc, then sir Percavelle Lé Dic, before saying "Is that a good thing?" followed by "Especially in battle".
"Probably not" says Draugadrottin with a shrug of his broad, heavily armoured shoulders.
"But there you are" adds the undead warlord, who continues on with "Because that's what we're fucking doing".
As more of the airships start to land nearby. Beldane the cleric suddenly appears next to the group.
The fighting cleric originally from the kingdom of Nastell, went off to get the third army of Farque.
Who were waiting beyond the borders of Kuradam. To see if they would be needed, if the group were to be hired by one side of the conflict or the other.
"Did i miss anything?" asks Beldane the cleric.
"You could say so" says Mira Reinholt in a slightly dry tone of voice.
The powerful cleric who is a member of the church of Glaine, lifts an eyebrow when he hears that. He doesn't get to ask what's happening.
For lord Farque says "Come along then" followed by "I need to discuss things with the senior captain of the fleet, and the general".
"Dorc a fucken general" declares Dorc da Orc, quickly followed by "What you want to fucken knows?".
"Not you idiot" says the large, heavily armoured deathlord, who then sets off. Forcing the rest of the group to follow him.
A little while later, as the sun continues to rise in the east, on what's a cold winter's morning.
The group are onboard the krean strikeship, which lord Farque was intending to use as his command ship in the war between the two factions, here in the city-state of Kuradum.
While the undead warlord, along with field commander Drubine. And three of the members of lord Farque's personal council who are here.
They being Mira Reinholt, Jarjin Littlefoot and prince Helbenthril Raendril.
Discuss matters with the captain of the strikeship, and the general in command of the third army of Farque. In the captain's state room.
The rest of the group roam about the krean vessel. Well, Zam the ex mercenary roams about.
As he's never seen, or heard of an airship like this one before. Nor has ever seen, or heard of the krean before too.
After wandering about, the young Kuradian eventually finds the rest of the group in the galley.
With the exception of those meeting with the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
And Dorc da Orc, who is up on the deck of the krean strikeship. Who prefers it up there, than down in the warmth below deck.
"You know what we'll be doing?" asks Zam the ex mercenary after he takes a seat at one of the tables in the galley.
"We'll find out soon enough" is the reply of Tovis the war engineer, who then nods his head towards the nearby doorway, and adds "Infact even sooner".
As Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit, Helbe the elven thief and Mira Reinholt the mage.
Followed by Tamric Drubine the field commander, and lord Farque come through the doorway into the galley.
There's an expected moment of silence as those who have been waiting here in galley, look at the undead warlord.
Then the lord and ruler of the lands Farque says "Alright then, this is what we're going to do" . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 4.

Winter.

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy puts the hood of his grey cloak up onto his head as he follows Tovis the war engineer and Zam the ex mercenary.
They're in the south of the city of Kuradum, they've just gone through a market square on what's a chilly day here in this part of the Southlands.
"Which way?" asks Tovis the war engineer as they enter one of the poorer districts of the city.
"That street to the left" is the reply of Zam the ex mercenary, who knows this part of the city well.
Since he grew up here, and only left it just over a year ago. When he decided to become a mercenary, after failing to get into the army of Kuradum, then after that, a brief stint in the city guards.
"It doesn't look like it" says the young ex mercenary, who continues with "But the street curves, and gets there eventually".
Dalinvardèl Tanith, or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group.
Nods his hooded head in agreement, as he knows the city of Kuradum fairly well, having been here a number of times over the years.
Unlike Tovis, as this is the war engineer's first time in the city.
They make their way along the curving street, which is fairly narrow for a relatively long street for this part of the city.
Some of the buildings on the street, are three and four storeys tall. And they loom over the street, as if they're leaning over, and looking down at those who are on the street.
They pass a quartet of dwarven mercenaries who are serving in the Kuradian army.
Glad that Dorc da Orc isn't with the three of them as they head south through the city.
And they round a corner, onto a way that runs along the inner side of the south wall of the city of Kuradum.
"Closest way up is to the left" says Zam as they cross over to the wall after a couple of wagons go by.
Tovis who is already looking closely at the wall, absent mindedly nods as they head left, to the east.
"It's about halfling between the first and second gates" says the ex mercenary from here in Kuradum.
As the city has a trio of bridges that crosses the river that runs along the south side of Kuradum.
As anyone can go up to the top of the wall, they have no problems making their way up the steps.
Helped that there's hardly anyone up on the top, since the day is cold. And there's a fairly strong wind blowing when you get to the top of the wall.
And though there's city guards on duty up here. The only ones they see, are those wandering from guardhouse to guardhouse, as the others are staying indoors, to keep out of the wind.
The spy Tanith has taken notice of this, so has the war engineer Tovis. Who is crouching down, getting a better look at the construction of the wall.
While Zam, who is only seventeen, and the youngest of the group by a couple of years.
Is looking away to the south, at the countryside in that direction. On what's a clear and cold, though windy day here in this part of the city-state of Kuradum.
"Well?" asks Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy.
As he stands back up, Tovis the war engineer says "Better than the walls of some of the other cities I've been to".
The young engineer, who is in his earlier twenties, and hails from the kingdom of Druvic, briefly pauses before continuing with "Though it's worse than some others".
"Average then?" asks the elven spy who is from the elven principality of Alínlae, where he previously served in one of the noble houses in his homeland.
"Average" replies the war engineer who is a captain in the armies of Farque.
"Better than nothing i guess" quietly says Dalin, who follows that with "That's if the enemy make it to the city".
The newest member of the group, looks at the elven spy and the war engineer, and asks them "Think they will?".
Both Dalin and Tovis shrug their shoulders in reply to that from the ex mercenary.
Then all three of them look over the wall, and down at the river below.
The spy Tanith who is an officer in the armies of Farque, nods his hooded head in the direction of the first bridge, the one furtherest east.
And switching to his native language, he says to the young Druvician engineer "Just that bridge, or i should say, the original version of it was standing when lord Farque took the city during the war against the Empire".
The elven spy continues with "Well, it wasn't a city then, just a large trading town".
Tovis nods in understanding, as he too, has read some of the history books and tomes in the lands Farque.
That tell of lord Farque's time as a battlelord five and half centuries ago against the Holy Norstran Empire, which had traveled across the Great Western Ocean, and invaded the Southlands.
Five and half centuries ago, when lord Farque, who was not lord of his lands at the time, but was the heir. Was still alive.
"When he killed the Kura, the founder of the city" says Dalinvardèl Tanith, who follows that with "Who was in cahoots with the invaders".
"Best not mention that to any of the locals" dryly says Tovis the war engineer in the elven language.
"They won't like hearing what their founding father was really like" adds the young engineer, who is from the southeast region of his homeland, the kingdom of Druvic. Where he previously served in the army of one baron Harkonin.
Zam listens to the other two speaking in elven, not really understanding them.
Since he's just started learning the elven language, he can only pick up a few words here and there.
And has absolutely no idea what the elven spy and the war engineer are discussing.
As the three of them stand upon the top of the south wall of the city of his birth, the city of Kuradum.
Switching back to the common language, Dalin points away to one of the roads to the south, and says "Supplies and more army recruits coming in".
Both the young ex mercenary and the young engineer nod when they spot the trio of wagons heading towards the city.
Wagons followed by about twenty five men on foot, ranging in age from teens to those in their fifties.
Escorted by a quad of mounted soldiers in the Kuradian army still loyal to the ruling council, who are led by councilman Sammis.
"Guess there won't be too many of them coming in" quietly says Zam, who having been back in the city of Kuradum just over a day.
Knows the plight of the war here in his homeland fairly well. Where the forces of the pretender.
The self appointed duke of the city-state of Kuradum, councilman Hirrye. And his faction, have the upper hand in what is essentially a civil war here in the city-state.
As his army and forces, are larger in number than those of the faction led by councilman Sammis. Substantially more too.
For more than half of the city-state's army is in support of councilman Hirrye.
And the vast majority of all those mercenary companies who have be hired during the conflict.
Are on the side of the self styled duke of the city-state of Kuradum.
"Probably not too much more" says Dalinvardèl Tanith, who follows that with "Especially from that way, the south".
The elven spy, continues on with "Though more should still come in from the north, prominently the northwest".
"So I've heard" says Zam the ex mercenary, who didn't know it when he was found by the others in the autumn, in the City of Ruins.
That he'd end up being fast tracked into an army. An army of a a nation he's never even been to. A nation he never knew existed until he joined the group.
"Every little bit counts" states the elven spy originally from the principality of Alínlae.
"Even with our third army showing up tomorrow morning, things will be tight" adds Dalin, who looks around as he continues with "Especially if the fighting reaches the city".
Both Tovis the war engineer and Zam the ex mercenary nod in agreement with the elven spy.
Then the young engineer who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, and who is now an officer in the armies of Farque, says "Come on, let's go back down".
The war engineer continues with "I want to have a good look at one of the gates" followed by "And the state of the wall around it".
The three of them head along the wall to the steps they came up. They head down them, and once they're back down on the ground, they make their way to the nearest of the three gates here on the south side of the city.
There they get a few curious looks from the city guardsmen on gate duty.
But they're left alone as Tovis examines the gates, and the state of the wall around it.
"Helped if they had a portcullis" quietly says the Druvician war engineer, who then adds "Either side of the gate would do".
Dalinvardèl Tanith nods his hooded head in agreement, then Tovis says "Let's check out the other gates" followed by "Might as well see how they are since we're here".
They move off, heading westwards. With the young engineer who is a captain in the armies of Farque.
Stopping every once and a while, to check the state of the base of the city wall.
Tovis doesn't say much as he does so. Just grunting and saying "Hmmmm" when he has a close look at the wall.
They soon reach the second gate, which the war engineer examines, along with the surrounding wall.
After that, they move off, and head to the third gate in the south wall of Kuradum, the western most gate.
Once the young engineer examines the final gate. The trio head back through the city.
Making their way to the inn, near the city center, where they and the rest of the group are staying in, whilst here in the city of Kuradum.
As they do, Tovis the war engineer quietly tells the other two that the first two gates are sound. And should withstand a barrage for quite some time.
The third gate, the western gate in the south wall, not so much.
It's the newest of the gates, less than a century old. And the young engineer clearly noted the workmanship to install it was pretty shoddy.
Slightly damaging the wall around it too. Especially on the inner side of the south wall.
"Well if the pretender and his army reach the city" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who continues with "And end up attacking from the south, they'll definitely target that gate".
Tovis the war engineer grunts in agreement, while Zam the ex mercenary looks a little nervous at the prospect of that happening.
"Hopefully it won't get that far" says the young engineer, who follows that with "But it's war, so who knows".
Zam, the local Kuradian nods. As he's been told by some of the others in the group. That in a war, anything could happen.
It's not like running skirmishes and battles between mercenary companies. Like he had experienced in the City of Ruins, when he was in a mercenary company living and working there.
This will be different. For starters it will be larger, not to mention longer than any skirmish he got caught up during his time in the ancient city of Dalphene.
Or as it's more commonly known by throughout the Southlands and beyond, the City of Ruins.
"Well if the war does make it to the city" quietly says Dalin as they cross the market square they passed through earlier, when they were making their way to the south wall of Kuradum.
"Who knows if the pretender will attack or not" adds the spy Tanith, who follows that with "He might not want to damage the city that is his home".
"Or he might" says Tovis the war engineer, which illicits a grunt from the elven spy in the grey hooded cloak.
Then the two officers in the armies of Farque look at the newest member of the group.
And Dalinvardèl Tanith asks the young Kuradian "What do you think he'll do Zam?" followed by "If he makes it to the city?".
The ex mercenary, who only knew a little bit about the individual councilmen before he left Kuradum just over a year ago.
Does know one thing about one of them. That being councilman Hirrye. Who was known to be incredibly ambitious. Even amongst the residents of the poorer quarters of the city of Kuradum.
"I don't think he'll care one bit that this is his home" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary.
"If he makes it to the city, and the council is still in position to defend it" adds the local Kuradian who is now in the armies of Farque.
"Then he'll attack, I'm certain of it" says the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "He wants to be duke, and i guess he'll do anything to make that happen".
Both Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Tovis the war engineer nod in agreement with the young Kuradian.
As the three of them continue on their way northwards through the city of Kuradum.
As they head back to the inn where the group are staying whilst here in the city . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 3.

Winter.

"No i won't send anymore out" says commander Tracklen as they walk through one of the vast hallways in the council building.
"And twenty is too small of a force to send to the front" continues the commander, who follows that with "The combined force of eighty we sent first thing this morning will have to do for now".
"Yes sir' says adjunctant Morris who was hoping the commander would send more men this morning.
But alas the commander of councilman Sammis forces refuses to.
They're heading through the council building, to meet with captain Forssen. The captain of the city guards.
They're followed by a pair of pages, who are the current runners for commander Tracklen.
"He's in the garrison building i take it?" asks the commander.
"He is" is the reply of the adjunctant, who continues with "Looking at some new recruits to the guards".
Tracklen, and man of average height, and blond hair, in his early thirties. Fairly young for the command of the army that hopes to keep the city-state of Kuradum united. So that it remains a council ruled land.
Grunts when he hears that, for it's winter, and the captain of the city guard Forssen must be scraping at the bottom of the barrel to get new recruits.
"Those too young, and far too old most like" quietly says the commander to his adjunctant.
The junior of the two officers in the army of Kuradum nods in agreement with his commander.
For even they have found it difficult since autumn to find new army recruits.
He can't imagine how hard it is for captain Forssen. As joining the city guard is the lesser in the minds of the populace.
For being a city guardsman has far less training, not to mention inferior equipment compared to those who join the army.
"At least everyone counts i guess" says commander Tracklen who then sighs. Making audible his frustration at the situation they're in.
For though the city guard remains loyal to the cause of the city council led by councilman Sammis.
The same can't said about the army of Kuradum. For more than half of which, predominantly those outside of the city of Kuradum.
Have sided with councilman Hirrye, and his cause. As he's declared himself the duke of Kuradum.
Not to mention councilman Hirrye's side of the conflict are hiring the lion share of the mercenaries who have joined the fray.
For the simple fact most mercenary companies traveling into the city-state after hearing about the conflict here in Kuradum. Encounter councilman Hirrye's forces first.
Rounding a corner, and entering another of the vast hallways here in the council building.
Commander Tracklen quietly says to his adjunctant "If only Jovin hadn't gone over to the pretender".
The pretender being the term to describe councilman Hirrye, the self styled duke of Kuradum.
There's a moment of silence, before the army commander mutters "Bastard".
Adjunctant Morris can only nod in agreement with that. For general Jovin was the overall commander of the Kuradian army.
Jovin who treated the younger Tracklen like a brother, almost like a son considering the near twenty year age gap.
The adjunctant is just about to mention something, to change the subject. As general Jovin is still a sore point with commander Tracklen.
When he spots a runner, running through the hallway, heading in their direction.
People in the vast hallway get quickly out of the way of the runner, as the army commander says "What's this then?" as he spots the runner heading their way.
A short while later, and commander Tracklen and his adjunctant Morris are hurrying out of the council building, following the runner who has just given the army commander a message.
The senior officer has just sent off his own two runners. One to get councilman Sammis, and the other to get captain Forssen of the city guard.
"Which hall?" asks the commander of the forces loyal to councilman Sammis.
"Second hall commander" is the reply of the runner leading the way.
As they cross the city square infront of the council building, commander Tracklen asks the runner "How much?".
Without looking back, the runner, a young teen in the army, says "A lot" he briefly pauses before adding "The recruitment officer said it's an army" he briefly pauses again, then says "Ten thousand strong".
Both the commander and his adjunctant's eyebrows shoot up when they hear that.
The two of them share a look as they hurry across the Kura Way, the long avenue that cuts through the center of the city.
"Hell" mutters the junior of the officers.
"Hell indeed" murmurs the senior officer who nods his head in agreement with the sentiment from his adjunctant.
They enter the second of the two guild halls that stand next to one another, opposite the city square where the council building is located.
The guild halls are where the forces loyal to the city council, are recruiting those who want to join the city-state's army.
Along with mercenary companies who want to join the faction led by councilman Sammis.
And though mercenaries were continually being hired during the early stages of the conflict in the autumn.
Now in the winter, very few mercenary companies, of any size really. Have signed up to fight on behalf of councilman Sammis and his faction, who want to retain the status quo in how the city-state of Kuradum is ruled.
They enter the guild hall, and stop in their tracks when they see who is in here.
It's fairly empty, with just a few tables along one wall, behind which are the recruiting officers.
Who are usually bored most days, as very few are joining the army of late. And hardly any mercenaries are joining too.
Not this morning though, for the trio of recruiting officers are all alert, and are sitting up.
And the dozen or so soldiers, and their sergeant at arms, are also alert here in the guild hall, on this fairly cold winter's morning in the city-state of Kuradum.
For sitting on some of the benches, and standing near them as well. Are a group, made up of the oddest of individuals you'll ever likely to see.
And even amongst the odd assortment, there's a few who stick out more than the rest. Especially one of them. Who happens to be green and massive, who is covered with weapons of every description imaginable.
"Holy shit" mutters the adjunctant Morris after they stand there for a few moments in silence, just staring at those on the benches.
"That's an ork" adds the junior officer with a shake of his head.
"Eh?" quietly says commander Tracklen in a tone of disbelief.
"That's an ork" repeats adjunctant Morris, who then goes onto explain "I saw one at the end of summer tourney, when i was a child" followed by "It was in the Lé Grande Melee and won after pretty much bashing up everyone else".
The younger, and junior of the two officers then adds "I'm pretty sure i remember it not even using it's weapons" he continues with "Took out knights, men at arms, mercs and others with just it's hands and feet".
As his adjunctant mutters "That one kind of looks the same as the i remember".
Commander Tracklen shakes his head at the differences in his and his adjunctant's childhoods.
While Morris comes from a well to do family here in the city of Kuradum. Who as a child attended the famous tourneys that the city hosts.
Tracklen comes from one of the poorer quarters, and he never got to see a tourney, until he joined the army when he was fourteen years old.
He spent his summers as a child, playing in the river that run alongs the southern side of the city.
Jumping off the bridges with his friends, keeping cool in the summer heat.
And though both his parents, now dead. Were proud he got into the army.
Tracklen knows the same can't be said about his adjunctant's family. Who were dead set against Morris joining the Kuradian army.
The commander hasn't looked closely into it. But he's certain that the parents of his adjunctant, are pretty sympathetic to the cause of councilman Hirrye.
For though there's no nobility here in the city-state of Kuradum. If there was one, then the Morris family would definitely be a noble family.
And they just might end up being one, if the self styled duke Hirrye, is victorious in the war for the control to rule Kuradum.
They go and stand by the tables where the recruiters are. And quietly speak with them as they wait for councilman Sammis and captain Forssen to arrive.
It's not too long before commander Tracklen's runners show up. With them is captain Forssen and a few other officers from the city guard.
As well as councilman Sammis, and some of his advisors and guards. Soldiers in the army that commander Tracklen personally assigned to the councilman.
After those who have just arrived, stop and stare at those sitting on the benches on the otherside of the hall.
Councilman Sammis and those with him, walk over to the tables where commander Tracklen is standing with his adjunctant Morris.
"What is it Tracklen?" quietly asks councilman Sammis, a short man in his early fifties, who has been on the ruling council of Kuradum for the last two decades.
"Those mercenaries are offering their services" is the quiet reply of the senior most army officer loyal to the ruling council.
The councilman frowns as he looks across to the otherside of the guild hall, then he quietly says "Then hire them" followed by "There's only a dozen or so of them, it shouldn't cost too much".
The leader of the faction that wants to retain the political status quo in the city-state, then mutters "What the hell is that big, bloody green thing sitting over there on the floor".
"You don't want to know councilman" dryly says the adjunctant Morris.
Before councilman Sammis can ask Morris what that means, commander Tracklen says to him "Not just them, but their army too".
Sammis blinks in surprise when he hears that, then he says "Huh?".
The army commander nods his head, then he gestures at one of the recruiting officers, and says "Subaltern tell the councilman what you know".
"Yes sir" says the subaltern, who then informs the others listening, with "They're offering the services of their army, which is a little over ten thousand strong".
He briefly pauses to take a breath, then says "Light and heavy infantry, light and heavy cavalry. Spellcasters including some clerics, and even a few mages" he then adds "Airships as well, not just any airships, but warships".
After closing his mouth, which dropped open in surprise, the councilman nods then says "I figured as much" in response to commander Tracklen telling him "They offered the same to the pretender and his lot, who turned them down".
Councilman Sammis nods again, then he quietly asks the subaltern "How much are they asking?".
The recruiting officer answers, and the others all listening wince or grimace.
They're all silent for a few moments, then the councilman looks at one of his advisors, who is in charge of the treasury, and asks him "Can we afford that?".
"They want to be paid weekly?" asks the treasurer who looks at the subaltern, who nods yes for an answer.
"Then yes we can pay them" says the treasurer, who continues with "For at least five or six weeks" followed by "If the fighting continues for longer, i don't know if we can afford to pay them".
The councilman nods, then he looks at commander Tracklen and captain Forssen, and asks the two of them "How many more do you think you can recruit?".
"In here, in the city, probably a couple hundred more" says Forssen the captain of the city guard, who then adds "Two fifty, three hundred at a stretch. Though no one from outside the city".
"Probably the same here in the city, possibly up to four hundred" says commander Tracklen, who continues with "And i guess a similar number from outside the city in those areas still loyal to the council".
The leader of the faction who wants to keep the rule of law, and the ruling council intact, nods then he falls silent after quietly saying "We're still well short of what the enemy can field".
Commander Tracklen nods in agreement with that, and knows it's getting worse as more and more mercenary companies from outside the city-state are signing up with councilman Hirrye's faction.
Councilman Sammis looks meaningfully at the senior most army commander, who nods yes.
"We'll hire them, then" says Sammis, who continues with "For as long as we're able to".
"Councilman, the one doing the talking, he says that they want command of their own army, as well as access to our battle plans" states the subaltern.
The councilman looks at the army commander, who though he slightly winces, he nods yes.
"Do it" says councilman Sammis, who then asks the recruiting officer "How quick can they get their army here?".
"Quick councilman" says the subaltern, who follows that with "Real quick, the one I've been talking to said they can have their entire army here by the day after tomorrow".
There's silence from all of them after hearing that, then councilman Sammis says "Hell, we might have a chance after all against the pretender".
Then he looks at his senior army commander and says "You'll take care of this Tracklen?".
"Yes councilman" is the reply of commander Tracklen.
"Good I'm off, I've got other things to attend to, tell me how things go" says councilman Sammis, who along with his advisors, depart.
"Which one is doing the negotiating?" quietly asks the army commander.
"The one in the white hooded cloak sir" is the reply of the subaltern, who then quietly adds "He's an elf"".
Tracklen pauses for a moment when he hears that, then he quietly tells the subaltern "Bring him over so we can work out the details of the deal".
"Yes sir" says the subaltern, who then looks over to the otherside, and gestures for the one he was talking to earlier, to come back over to this side of the guild hall.
Commander Tracklen and his adjunctant Morris stand to the side of the table, as they watch the figure in the white hooded cloak make their way over to the tables.
As they do, the senior army commander hopes this deal is successful.
For if it is, then he reckons they might have a slim chance at victory in the war against councilman Hirrye's faction this winter.
Because at the moment, he knows they've got no chance of defeating the pretender and his army . . . . . .

The Thick Of It 2.

Winter.

"What's that away to the south?" asks Zam the ex mercenary as they prepare to leave their campsite.
"Not sure" is the reply from Tovis the war engineer as he looks away to the south in the predawn light, or lack of it, on this cold winter morning in the city-state of Kuradum.
Helbe the elven thief wanders over, and the two of them ask him what it is they can see away to the south.
"A fire mountain" says Helbe the elven thief, who continues with "A volcano towards the eastern end of the Sunreach Mountains".
"That's about a hundred miles away" says Zam who knows a fair bit about his homeland, and the lands that surround it.
"Is it that big?" adds the ex mercenary who is the latest member of the group, having joined during the autumn.
"Nah, pretty average i guess" says the young elven noble, who pauses as Narladene the ground pixie, who is invisible to the two humans, whispers something into his right ear.
"It's constantly erupting, and it's a clear dawn, that's why even you two can see it this morning" adds the highly talented elven magic user.
Who then nods his hooded head for the ex mercenary and the war engineer to follow him, and he says "Come on".
As they walk between the trees in the woods, Tovis the war engineer says "I guess they're not hiring us?".
"They're not" says the elven masterthief who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel.
"Their loss" continues Helbe the elven thief who follows that with "Especially if the other lot end up hiring us".
Both Zam and Tovis nod in agreement with that, as the first light of the day starts to stream down through the branches in the trees.
They stop when they reach the others, the last of them to arrive being lord Farque and Dorc da Orc.
With the large ork looking both miserable, and furious. Due to the fact he's soaking wet at the moment. After the undead warlord chucked him into a nearby stream. Much to relief of everyone else in the group. As the big, burly ork from the southern polar region of the world, has absolute reeked of late.
"We ready?" asks lord Farque ignoring the angry scowl directed at him from Dorc da Orc.
Not waiting for an answer, the large, heavily armoured deathlord says to Beldane the cleric "Go ahead" followed by "You know to where".
The powerful cleric from the kingdom of Nastell nods, then he casts a spell.
A few moments later and a gateway forms, and Helbe the elven thief is the first one through.
Quickly followed by Lisell Maera the scout, then starting with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, then sir Percavelle Lé Dic, the rest of the group go through.
With the cleric in the church of Glaine, the last to go through the gateway. Which disappears a few moments after he's gone through it.
They walk down to a road after coming through the gateway which was in the middle of a farmer's field.
The road leads to the city of Kuradum, which can be seen less than two and a half miles away to the west.
As the sun rises this fairly cold winter's morning, in this part of the Southlands.
After a brief word with lord Farque, Helbe the elven thief disappears. The highly talented elven magic user will be the first into the city.
"Fair bit of traffic on the main east road already" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary, who then adds "And the sun is just coming up too".
"War tends to do that" says Tamric Drubine the field commander, who along with his lover Saanea the witch.
Is walking infront of the ex mercenary and Tovis the war engineer.
Zam would agree with that. This is the first real war he's seen and been around.
And since being back in the city-state that's his homeland, for the past week.
Things are far more busier than a normal winter would be in Kuradum.
With what's essentially a civil war taking place in the city-state of his birth.
Where councilman Hirrye, has declared himself duke of Kuradum.
And opposing him is councilman Sammis, and the faction he leads.
And while the self styled duke Hirrye has most of the local army backing him. Predominantly those garrisoned further out in the state, outside of the city of Kuradum.
The rest of the army, and just as importantly, the city guard of Kuradum. Are with the faction led by councilman Sammis.
Who wants to retain the status quo, where the city-state is governed by a council.
Unlike councilman Hirrye, who wants to be the outright ruler of the city-state of Kuradian.
As Lisell Maera and Dalinvardèl Tanith lead the way along the paved road.
Mira Reinholt the mage says to Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit walking beside him "Who knows if this lot will even hire us".
"Think they might" is the reply of Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit who continues with "Especially if Helbe lets slip Hirrye and his bunch didn't".
Looking at the city they're heading towards this morning, the once powerful mage quietly says "I'm surprised they're not fighting in the city already".
The spellcaster who is from the city-state of Vexil continues with "Considering from everything we've heard, both councilmen Hirrye and Sammis are in residence in the city".
The halfling, who is from the far east coast of the continent, nods his head in agreement with the mage, who like him, sits upon the council to the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
Jarjin, who is an ex air sailor, glances back, to where lord Farque is walking with Dorc da Orc at the rear of the line of march.
Then the hobbit who previously served in the fleet of the Sultan of Dreese, quietly says "If Sammis does hire us, this war can be over fairly quickly if indeed that Hirrye is in the city".
Jarjin Littlefoot, who isn't what he appears to be, nods infront of them, to where infront of Shur Kee the monk, and Beldane the cleric.
Dalinvardèl Tanith and Lisell Maera are about thirty yards infront of the rest of the group.
"One word from Farque, and Dalin or Helbe can assassinate that Hirrye" quietly says the halfling, who is really a hordes outrider from the southern tundra by the name of Zubutai Timaginson.
Who just happens to find himself inhabiting the body of the hobbit former air sailor.
"He won't though" murmurs the mage who is also a highly skilled swordmaster.
"No profit in that" adds the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation, to be found anywhere in the Southlands.
Until he was stripped of most of his powers a number of years ago. When he went offworld through a rift/void that he accidentally cast.
"True that" quietly says Jarjin aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, who nods his head in agreement with what the mage Reinholt just said.
Coming from the city are a group of horsemen, and though many on the road, most of whom are going into the city this morning. Make way for the riders, simply by getting off the road.
Not so the group, whose only accommodation for the oncoming riders, is to move to one side on the road.
As the riders, a mixed group of city guards, and local soldiers. Bound for the front, away to the southeast.
Pass by, the group garner a lot of looks from the riders. Especially sir Percavelle Lé Dic, lord Farque, and particularly Dorc da Orc. As the three of them stick out like sore thumbs. Often the case when they're out and about, and traveling around.
None of the three are exactly small, especially the seven and a half foot tall, near seven hundred and fifty pound ork warleader.
Though they garner looks from the passing horsemen, none of them actually say or do anything.
After the riders have gone by, Mira Reinholt turns and looks back, then says in the elven language to lord Farque "That Sammis will hire us".
The spellcaster who is in exile from his homeland of Vexil, continues with "That lot didn't even stop and question us" followed by "Bet they're hiring every merc and fighting man who makes it to the city".
The undead warlord doesn't say anything, though he does reply with a nod of his full helmed head.
"We'll know soon enough" quietly says Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit as he walks alongside Mira Reinholt the mage as the group heads towards the city of Kuradum.
A little while later, and they stop a couple hundred yards away from the city.
Standing off to the side of the road, as lord Farque has told them to wait for Helbe the elven thief to return.
"Ever been here before?" asks Zam the ex mercenary as he looks at the city of his birth, a city he still lived in just over a year ago.
"No, first time here" says Tovis the war engineer as he looks at the city of Kuradum. The largest city in the northern central region of the Southlands.
"The others?" quietly asks Zam who is still trying to find his way amongst the group.
A diverse bunch of individuals you'll ever likely to meet. Not only here in the Southlands, but anywhere in the world of Volunell.
"I guess most of the others have" says the war engineer who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, who then dryly adds "They tend to get around a lot".
Also talking about the city as they wait to enter, is sir Percavelle Lé Dic. As usual the large, heavily armoured knight is speaking in his loud, boisterous voice. To anyone who'll listen to him really. Not that any of the others want to listen to him.
"Ah this city, i remember it well" declares sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who continues with "I won many a tourney in this city, wot".
Standing nearby, Mira Reinholt faintly smiles, then says "Except that one tourney a number of years ago".
The Vexilian mage in exile then adds "Well, the Lé Grande Melee in that tourney to be exact".
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar-che thinks about it for a moment.
Then he scowls after the mage Reinholt gestures over to where Dorc da Orc is sitting by the side of the road.
"I remember no such thing" says the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic in a haughty tone of voice.
"Of course you do" says the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster.
"It's when we first met you" adds the once powerful mage, who continues with "Me, Farque, Helbe".
Councilor Reinholt briefly pauses before saying "And when you first ran into Dorc".
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group.
Who had been trying to forget that incident from well over fifteen years ago ever since they arrived here in the city-state of Kuradum about a week ago.
Stares at the exiled Vexilian mage for a few moments. Then the former earl of Lé Dic, who has a selective memory to say the least. Remembers something about the mage from around that same time, over fifteen years ago.
"Tell me you evil doer of the arcane arts" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who follows that with "I do believe that was the time before you turned on the group, and attacked them, wot".
The former paladin continues with "Because i doth remember you fighting on the side that i was on a few months later in the war in those mountains yonder south" he briefly pauses before adding "Against the group, wot".
Percy raises a questioning eyebrow, then smirks, before turning and walking away.
After a moment of silence, Jarjin Littlefoot the hobbit quietly says "He got you there" followed by "You did turn on the group, almost killed Dorc didn't you?" he then adds "Then you fought on the side of the invaders in that war in the Sunreach Mountains".
"Don't look at me like that" says Jarjin aka Zubutai Timaginson when Mira Reinholt scowls, and glares at him.
"I wasn't part of the group then" adds the halfling who is a former air sailor.
Then as the once powerful mage is about to say something, lord Farque calls out "Gather round".
As they all walk over to where the undead warlord is standing. Helbe the elven thief suddenly appears next to lord Farque, after going into the city of Kuradian to check things out.
"How was it?" asks the lord and ruler of the lands Farque.
They all listen, with the exception of Dorc da Orc. To what the young elven noble from island principality of Laerel has to say about what's happening inside of the city of Kuradum . . . . . .

The Thick Of It.

Winter.

He ducks down when an arrow clangs off the rubble next to him. He takes a deep breath, gets up and makes a run for the corner of the building to his left, hoping he doesn't get shot at as he does so.
He gets around the corner of the building without incident. Breathing heavily, and shaking his head at the situation he finds himself in.
"Keep up" says Tovis the war engineer, who follows that with "Don't want to get left behind".
Still breathing heavily after running around the corner of the building, Zam just nods his head in reply to the young engineer who hails from the kingdom of Druvic.
When he does get his breath back, Zam the ex mercenary mutters "Never thought I'd be back here, fighting against my own people".
"That hasn't been decided" says the war engineer who continues with "Remember we haven't actually been hired by a side yet".
Zam grunts, then says "Tell that to whoever is trying to kill us".
"That'll be both sides" says Tovis, who moves, keeping close to the side of the building.
The ex mercenary who joined the group in the autumn, keeps close to the young engineer.
"And I'll remember to do that, the first lot we get close to" says the war engineer who is an officer in the armies of Farque.
Then Tovis nods away to their right, and he says "There" he continues with "Run for it" followed by "Keep your head down".
Zam nods, then he grimaces as Tovis takes off running. The ex mercenary takes off as well, muttering to himself as he does so "What the hell am i doing back here".
The winter finds them in the city-state of Kuradum, the homeland of the former mercenary, Zam.
There's a war going on, essentially a civil war. Between two factions of the ruling council of Kuradum.
And though conflict hasn't yet reached the city of Kuradum itself. The same can't be said for the villages and towns further out from the city.
Especially those towns out to the south and east, where the city-state borders the unruled lands in that direction.
For even though it's winter, fighting has been pretty heavy in and around those locations.
Zam finds himself following Tovis around the side of an inn, he lets out a sigh of relief when he sees Lisell Maera the scout, who tells them "We're safe here".
The attractive young woman who is originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, then adds "Both sides, or i should say, those of them in town, are concentrated on the side of town we entered from".
Zam just nods, and does up his cloak. For though it isn't especially cold, it is more than a little chilly today.
The ex mercenary from here in the city-state of Kuradum, who is the youngest in the group.
Wanders along the side of the inn, while Tovis and Lisell quietly chat in the elven language.
A language Zam has only started to learn over the last couple of months, and he doesn't know that well.
He slightly frowns as he hears grunting coming around from the back of the inn.
The ex mercenary looks around behind the inn, as he does, the scout Maera spots him doing so, and says in the common language "I wouldn't look around there if i was you Zam".
The former Kuradian mercenary wishes he had listened to Lisell as he looks into the small courtyard behind the inn.
For he sees Dorc da Orc with his pants around his ankles, fucking a dead horse. Zam backs away, turns and vomits.
"What is it?" asks Tovis the war engineer as he sees young Zam throw up.
"Dorc, a horse, you figure it out" dryly says Lisell Maera in the elven language, which causes the young engineer from the kingdom of Druvic to grimace.
As Zam wipes his mouth, Mira Reinholt the mage suddenly appears out of thin air, saying "There you lot are".
"What's wrong with him?" asks the once powerful mage as he sees Zam hunched over, trying not to vomit again.
"He saw something he regrets seeing" dryly says Lisell Maera the scout.
"Oh" says the spellcaster who hails from the city-state of Vexil.
"Dorc with a horse" adds the scout in the armies of Farque.
The mage in the black hooded cloak, who also happens to be a highly skilled swordmaster, rolls his eyes.
Then he walks around to the back of the inn, and says "Dorc leave it alone" followed by "You've fucked it dead already".
"Dorc finished" declares Dorc da Orc, who didn't actually realised he had fucked the horse dead.
The large ork turns around, and the mage Reinholt tells him in a dry tone of voice "Pull your pants up Dorc" followed by "Nobody wants to see you like that".
Lisell Maera, who along with Tovis the war engineer, have walked around to the back of the inn, and she says "You know, for someone so big as you are, that's not exactly big". As she points at the ork warleader's groin.
Dorc da Orc, or Dorkindle which is his given name, scowls as he pulls up his knee length pants.
"Dorc gotta bigger dick than you" states the ork weaponsmith.
"Well of course, I'm a girl, i don't have one" says the scout who is originally from the city-state of Brattonbury.
"See" says the large ork who grins, and he follows that with a cackle, then says "Told ya i gotta bigger dick than you".
Mira Reinholt rolls his eyes, then he says "Hurry up" followed by "Gather round".
Zam takes a tentative look around to the back of the inn, then steps into the courtyard when he sees Dorc da Orc is no longer fucking the horse that lies dead in the middle of the small courtyard.
"Closer" says the Vexilian mage in exile, who slightly grimaces as the ork warleader, who absolutely stinks, crowds in close.
The scout Maera doesn't even bother trying to hide her disgust at the fragrant smelling ork who is a general in the armies of Farque.
She tells him "Hell, you fucking stink Dorc" before she covers her nose and mouth with a gloved hand.
While both Tovis the war engineer and Zam the ex mercenary turn their heads, trying to not to breathe in the foul smelling odour coming off the large ork.
Mira Reinholt looks away between the buildings behind the back courtyard of the inn.
Then after the mage who is a member of the personal council to lord Farque.
Drains some power from a gem he's holding in his gloved right hand. The five of them disappear as he teleports them away.
They reappear on the northern outskirts of town. And walk towards a burnt out shell of a building. Once a warehouse by the looks of it.
And though a lot of the stone work is still standing, most of the wood has be burnt away in a recent fire. And the wood that does remain, is all charred.
Around the burnt out warehouse, are mercenaries from a number of companies.
As well as soldiers from one of the factions in the war that's taking place here in the city-state of Kuradum.
"Councilman Hirrye's lot" quietly says Mira Reinholt the mage, the others recognise the name, well Dorc doesn't.
For Hirrye, who styles himself the duke of Kuradum. Is the leader of one of the two factions at war to control the city-state of Kuradum.
Though they're stared at, no one challenges them as they make their way into the burnt out shell of a building. Where the rest of the group are.
Inside are representatives of duke Hirrye's faction. A couple of his military leaders, as well as a trio of mercenary leaders.
For hired mercenaries are the key to the winning of the war here this winter in the city-state of Kuradum.
As mercenary companies, small and large. From right across the northern central region of the Southlands, and beyond.
Are being snapped up and hired by either faction in the war for control of Kuradum.
The five of them go and stand with the rest of the group, while Helbe the elven thief is speaking with councilman Hirrye's negotiators.
"How many?" asks one of the senior officers in the army of the self styled duke of Kuradum.
"Ten thousand, more or less" is the reply of Helbe the elven thief, who briefly pauses before adding "Basically an army".
The senior officer in councilman Hirrye's army shares a look with his fellow officer, who is sitting behind a table with him.
While the three mercenary captains stand off to one side, watch the negotiations.
"What type of army?" asks the officer after he and his comrade quietly discuss matters.
"The best kind" says the elven magic user, who slightly grins before continuing with "The ones who'll keep on fighting no matter what, just as long as they're kept on getting paid".
The officer doing all the talking, clears his throat, before saying "Yes, of course" he then adds "But, what I'm referring to is, what's".
"The make up of the army?" says the young elven noble as he interrupts the officer in the army of councilman Hirrye.
"Infantry, light and heavy. Along with cavalry, both light and heavy" states the elven masterthief, who follows that with "As well as a detachment of engineers".
That gets the attention of the mercenary captains, as well as the two senior officers in the army of the self styled duke who wants to rule the city-state of Kuradum.
"There will be a number of spellcasters in the army too" adds the elven master archer, which definitely gets the attention of those on the side of councilman Hirrye.
Even more so, when the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel says "Including a mage or two".
The two senior officers representing duke Hirrye's cause, quietly and quickly discuss matters.
While the highly talented elven magic user glances back at the others, and lord Farque slightly nods his full helmed head in reply.
The elven master assassin looks ahead again, and interrupts the two local army officers who are quietly chatting with one another.
"Gentlemen, that's our terms" states the member of lord Farque's personal council, who is the envoy and chief negotiator for the lord's armies.
"You either accept them or you don't" continues the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel.
"You have until tomorrow morning to make up your minds" adds Helbe the elven thief.
There's a few moments of silence, then the senior officer who is the chief negotiator for the self styled duke, says "And if we don't accept the terms?".
"Then we'll offer them to the otherside, and see if they'll hire us" is the quick retort from the elven princeling.
"And if we don't allow that to happen if we don't hire you lot?" says the local army officer.
Which garners a slight wince from his fellow officer sitting beside him. And scowls directed at him by the trio of mercenary captains.
"You won't do that" states the elven practitioner of magic, who continues with "Because if you do".
Here the elven master assassin gestures at the three watching mercenary captains as he says "They'll leave with their companies" followed by "Mercs have the right to negotiate with any side in any war, and to deny that right, will earn the ire of other mercenary companies and armies".
The chief negotiator for councilman Hirrye glances at the three mercenary captains standing off to one side.
One of whom nods at the elven masterthief, and tells the local army officer "He's right" followed by "We won't take kindly to anything like that".
The chief negotiator for the self styled duke of Kuradum glances at his fellow officer sitting beside him, who slightly nods his head.
Then the chief negotiator for councilman Hirrye clears his throat, then says "You'll have your answer by the end of the day" followed by "Word will have to be sent to the city for a hire this big".
"I completely understand" says the grandson of Prince Raendril of Laerel, who follows that with "We'll be waiting for your answer".
The elven masterthief then says "If you need a way to the city, we'll be more than happy to help with that".
"That's okay" says the local army officer, who continues with "We have a way".
"Then we'll hear from you later" says the elven magic user, who slightly nods to the two officers in councilman Hirrye's army, then nods to the watching mercenary leaders.
Then he turns, and joins the others, who are already making their way outside, led by lord Farque himself.
They head out of town, making their way to the patch of woods just to the northwest of town.
And though there's skirmishes on the otherside of town, over here to the northwest, things are clear.
While lord Farque and Helbe the elven thief are at the front of the group, quietly discussing how the negotiations went.
Zam the ex mercenary, finds himself at the back of the group, walking alongside Tovis the war engineer as they walk along a dirt packed road.
The Kuradian ex mercenary, who is the newest member of the group, looks around, then back at the town they've just left.
Then he looks ahead again after slightly shaking his head at the situation he finds himself in.
Back in Kuradum, potentially fighting in a war. When he left his homeland little over a year ago, he never thought he'd be back, and in the middle of a war of all things.
Once again, Zam the ex mercenary slightly shakes his head as he thinks about what's happening to him, and what he finds himself in the middle of . . . . . .

The Find 70.

Autumn.

North central Southlands. The ancient city of Dalphene. More commonly called The City of Ruins.
"I don't know?" asks Farnill the mercenary, who follows that with "You think they will?".
"Who knows" replies Almard the mercenary as the group sit around the corner table drinking, after they've eaten their meal.
Melmear the mercenary, who previously worked in this tavern before joining the company.
Sits back down after speaking with the tavern keeper and a couple of others who work here, who she knows.
"I guess the captain will retaliate" says Hilmik the dwarven mercenary, who continues with "For all we know, he already has".
They haven't been able to find out anything, since their fellow mercenaries from their company, some of them who are in the tavern with them.
Don't exactly know what's happening at the moment in the battlefield, that's the northern part of the giant hole in the ground.
The young dwarven warrior, who hails from the Sunreach Mountains, the northern slopes of that range to be exact.
Is about to continue saying something, when the front door to the tavern opens.
And shouts and yells of excitement come from the patrons when they see who enters the tavern.
"Who is it?" asks Zam the mercenary and Melmear in unison, while both Farnill and Almard stand up to see what's all the commotion is about.
It's Hilmik who with his naturally enhanced hearing, who quickly discerns what's happening.
"It's the captain!" says the young dwarven warrior, who gets up and rushes forward.
Quickly followed by the rest of the group at the table. As they join the others to crowd around the popular mercenary captain.
It's not only Maygam the mercenary captain, but also Lolmildíll the elven magic user who has entered the tavern.
After the shouting and yelling dies down, due to captain Maygam putting up his arms to get everyone to quiet down, the mercenary leader speaks.
"All those in the company, gather your gear and equipment, we've got work to do in the north of the pit" states Maygam the mercenary captain, who follows that with "I've got an advantage over the next few days up there, and i intend to use it".
Those in the company hurry away, to get their gear from their homes. Meanwhile the group who have just recently returned, get their gear and equipment which they've left lying by the corner table where they were sitting.
Maygam watches them, then says "You five with me and Lolm" and he nods for them to follow him and the elven magic user outside.
They wait for the other members of the company to come back and join them out the front of the tavern.
As they do, a large, heavily armoured figure comes into view from around the side of the tavern.
Before they even wonder what's going on, Maygam says to the five who have recently made their way back down into the giant hole in the ground "Four of you will be going with the rest of us up north".
The mercenary captain continues on with "To help out with the fighting on the otherside of the neutral zone".
Maygam briefly pauses as the large figure in the dark armour, who cuts an ominous figure in the near dark with just a single lamp shining next to the front door of the tavern, stands beside the mercenary captain and the elven magic user.
"The other will be going with this individual" continues Maygam, who pauses once more before adding "Almard, Farnill, Hilmik and Melmear you'll be coming with the rest of us".
Those four glance at the fifth member of their group as the mercenary captain says "Zam you'll be joining the lord here, and his ah company".
The young mercenary in question blinks in surprise then says "Er?" followed by "Ah I've got a different hire now captain?".
"Something like that" mutters Maygam the mercenary captain in the elven language with a sideways glance up at the tall figure standing beside him.
Then the company captain says in common to the teenage mercenary "Sure" followed by "You'll be doing the same for his lordship here, as you've been doing for me and the company".
Maygam then mutters again in the elven language with "More or less".
Some of the others start coming back, and as they gather infront of the tavern, Maygam the mercenary captain says to the large, heavily armoured figure "You'll be off then?".
"I will" says lord Farque, who then looks at the young mercenary Zam, and tells him "Come along then".
Zam barely hears the farewells from the others in the group, though he does hear Hilmik the dwarven warrior say "Good luck lad".
The teenager, originally from the city-state of Kuradum, is in shock as he follows after the individual that Maygam the mercenary captain told him to go with.
They walk around the side of the tavern, and the undead warlord slows to allow the young mercenary to walk alongside him.
"I understand you tried to get into the city guards of Kuradum and failed?" asks the heavily armoured deathlord.
Zam blinks in surprise, as he wonders how this lord knows that about him. As he told just those in the group he was previously, about his failed attempt to get into the city guards of his homeland.
"Yeah i did" says Zam the mercenary, who then remembers who he's talking to, and he adds "Er my lord".
The lord and ruler of the lands Farque nods his full helmed head as they make their way through the southern half of the village.
Zam, who though still in shock at his change of situation, does ask "Where are we going?" followed by "Aren't we going to go up north, to all the fighting on the otherside of the neutral zone".
"We're going somewhere else" states the lord of the death realm, who then falls silent as they continue through the village.
They're soon at the southern edge of the village, where Zam is surprised to find a group of people waiting for them.
The young mercenary, who didn't even notice the figure in the white hooded cloak who followed him, and the lord. Wonders who these people are.
He takes a step back, when he spots a rather large green figure, that stinks.
And though he can't see it too clearly as there's only one moon up in the early night sky so far.
Zam is pretty sure it's not a troll. And Zam is absolutely certain, it looks to be more than a little agitated. Infact it looks down right murderous.
As the large, heavily armoured figure walks away, to speak with the even larger, not to mention, angry looking green creature.
Zam who takes another involuntary step back, almost steps back into the person he doesn't know who is behind him.
Who easily avoids the young mercenary, and comes to a stop beside him, and starts speaking to him.
"Don't worry about Dorc there" says Helbe the elven thief, whoop continues with "He just doesn't like that friend of yours, the dwarf Hilmik".
Zam, who is momentarily taken aback to find someone suddenly standing beside him, says "Er why?" followed "Why doesn't he like Hilmik?".
"Because he's a dwarf" is the dry sounding reply from the elven magic user.
The young elven noble who hails from the island principality of Laerel, then says "Let me introduce the others to you".
Zam is introduced to the group, that he suddenly finds he has joined. He doesn't remember many names straight away.
So he just nods his head, and says "Greetings" to the others, as he's introduced to them by the elf, who he finds out is called Helbe.
"And of course you've met our leader lord Farque" says the elven masterthief who quickly determined that the newest member of the group doesn't have anything of value to steal.
"And that with him over there, he's talking to is Dorc" adds the highly talented elven practitioner of magic.
"Er, what is Dorc?" quietly asks the young mercenary who hails from the city-state of Kuradum.
"Trouble" dryly says the figure in the black hooded cloak, who walks over, who Zam recalls is called Mira.
"Just keep out of his way, and you'll be fine" says Mira Reinholt the mage, who follows that with "Oh if he offers you anything to eat, don't take it".
The figure in the black hooded cloak looks sideways at the elf named Helbe, who sourly smiles in return.
"I'll remember that then" says the young mercenary from Kuradum, who suddenly finds himself amongst another band of mercenaries, or what he assumes are mercenaries.
Lord Farque, and the large creature named Dorc walk back to where the rest are waiting.
Zam involuntarily steps back when Dorc looks his way, and growls at him.
The large green creature only stops when the lord slaps him on the arm, and says something in a guttural sounding language that Zam doesn't understand.
"Tovis you're babysitting the new arrival" says lord Farque in the elven language to the war engineer, who nods in reply.
Then switching to the common language, the undead warlord says "Let's go" followed by "Beldane up top".
"The town to the west?" asks Beldane the cleric, the large, heavily armoured deathlord replies with a nod of his full helmed head, then says "It'll be there soon".
The powerful cleric who is from the kingdom of Nastell nods at that, then he starts casting.
"Through it" says the lord and ruler of the lands Farque a few moments later when a gateway appears.
First through is Helbe the elven thief, followed by Lisell Maera the scout.
"Er what's that?" quietly asks Zam "A portal" replies Tovis the war engineer as he walks up to the young mercenary who is originally from the city-state of Kuradum.
"Stick close to me, and you'll be fine" adds the young engineer who is a captain in the armies of Farque.
Zam nods then blinks in surprise as he watches the next two go through the portal after the knight and the halfling.
He's pretty sure the young woman next to the young man in the half plate armour. Has a cat sitting on her right shoulder.
The young mercenary who finds himself amongst others he knows nothing about.
Nods and steps forward, when Tovis says to him "Come along then".
Side by side they step through the gateway, and the next moment Zam realises he's somewhere else.
The teenager from the city-state of Kuradum knows exactly where they are. They're just outside the western most town up top, that overlooks the giant hole in the ground.
Within which is the ancient city of Dalphene, or as it's more commonly called, the City of Ruins.
"That way" says the young engineer who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic.
They follow after the others as the rest of the group come through the gateway.
The last through is Beldane the cleric, who drops his spell once he's on this side of the gateway.
As they walk south away from the town, Zam spots what looks like a building they're heading towards.
As they get closer, he realises it's an airship. A small, dark, sleek looking, single masted vessel.
And though he knows next to nothing about airships. To his eye, this one looks quick.
"Your company has an airship?" quietly asks Zam the mercenary as he realises this company must be well off, and successful to own such an airship.
"Yeah" replies Tovis the war engineer, who follows this with "We're not like other companies" he then adds in a murmur that Zam doesn't hear "We're not exactly a company either".
Soon everyone is onboard, and the small airship, that the newest member of the group, learns is called the Quick Gull, is steadily rising up into the night sky.
Zam stands at the starboard rail as the small, sleek looking airship turns that way, and starts heading to the south and west.
As it does, he looks back and he can see down into the giant hole in the ground, into the City of Ruins.
Away to the north, miles away, north of the neutral zone. Zam spots an explosion, followed by another.
As the fighting continues in that half of the giant hole in the ground. As mercenary captains fight for control of that part of the ancient city of Dalphene.
As the newest member of the group stands at the starboard rail, lord Farque walks over to him.
Zam is silent for a moment, then after glancing at the large, heavily armoured figure standing next to him, he asks "Where are we going?".
"Somewhere" is the reply lord Farque, which garners a nod from the young mercenary who hails from the city-state of Kuradum.
Who looks back, and watches the City of Ruins slowly disappear away to the north, as they head southwest.
On this cool, autumn evening in this part of the northern, central region of the Southlands.

Author's Note - Here ends "The Find". The main storyline will return in "The Thick Of It".