Closed The Big Bad Wolf

[Sevris]

"Damnit. This could possibly be a problem." Sevris said when he was sure the wolves did not use the shore as their water source. Making it less than likely they would go that far inland even for a potential free meal. They would have to make due and set up ambush around the river, wherever they were at, they would be able to smell it coming from the river when it went downstream. They walked a little bit ways away down the river, when they chanced upon a rather good location for the ambush. A small hill that led downhill to the river. An opening for their archers to take point and room for the Soldiers to do damage themselves. So Commander Ty decided to set up shop here. Styn and two others, a Soldier and Gafgar were sent up at the highest point of the hill, while the others were close by. Near the bank of the edge. Sevris was told to set up the decoy himself. His plan, his job. He put blood decoy in a small self-made puddle with the rocks. And he put some in the river the so the smell would go downstream into the wind. The wolves would definitely pick that type of smell up. After that he was told to return to their position for stakeout. "You ready to slay a Dire?" Sevris asked Styn. "You can ask yourself the same question. Because my weapon shall taste blood today." "So shall mine." After speaking with him, he had to leave the archers to their position and they sat there waiting for the wolves to arrive. They waited for a few chimes before anything happened. It was Sevris who picked up some movement at the coming through the trees. Then they all started to come out. Sevris counted 5 wolves, they were different assortment of colors. But there was no giant wolf amongst them. Had their intel been wrong? If so it would be a let down, but there was still a job to do regardless. Wolves weren't weak creatures, but neither were the Ebonstryfe. But as soon as Commander Ty was about give the order to slay the wolves, something else came into the clearing. It was impossible to miss, for a giant black wolf stomped its way into the clearing. The thing was massive easily towering over any human being. Its giant feral eyes surveyed the area for a potential kill as were the wolves. Everyone tensed up, this was it. Commander Ty gave the silent command for the archers to attack. Being sure that they hit Dire wolf as the top priority. Once they did the rest of squad would attack, with Sevris leading the charge.

[Styn]

Styn surveyed the lay of the land, looking out from the crest of a hill they had been fortunate enough to find. The squad had broken through the worst of the forest at least half a bell ago. The pack itself was operating fairly close to Ravok. This entire journey through the wild lands had only really taken a few bells. However, the noontime rays of Syna did little to warm those gathered below. The extra distance traveled had turned autumn into winter. Each black cloaked and armored figure was making puffs of white smoke with every exhale. Styn was really starting to regret not dressing for success. He'd warm up quick enough when the wolves showed themselves, battle was always hot.

Careful questioning of Gafgar had revealed that this was only the most recent hunting area of the pack. Tracks found on their side of the river had revealed that the wolves were still in the region though. Wolf sign on the other bank showed that the pack tended to favor both sides of the river, or rather, neither side. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be possible to position themselves to use the river with any degree of accuracy. "We'll trust to Rhysol to provide," Styn prayed. On the other hand they did have this nice hill. It was surprising how close the wolves had wandered, they must be pushing the limits of being turned aside by the hand of Rhysol. This was actually the closest to Ravok the pack had operated to date, reinforcing Styn's belief that this dire had wandered in from Taldaria to the west. Eating everything in its path most likely. The last thing we need is some enemy plot involving dire beasts, Styn thought.

Down below on the riverbed, Sevris was deploying the blood decoy, so Styn set to work making his final preparations as well. He had dropped his pack when reaching the area, recognizing it as a great place to lie in wait much as Sevris had. It had been nice to relax his senses a bit, taking point was far more taxing then he had anticipated. Good fortune alone had saved the squad from encountering anything beyond that rabbit, but Styn appreciated the chance to lead the way. Even if his back crawled with the spear toting Soldier's gaze the entire time. No doubt the man had hoped that Styn would fail miserably and learn his place. Still those thoughts were for another time, and after leaning down to his pack he rummaged around for a bit and soon had a ration pack out.

It would take the wolves several bells to notice the blood decoy, plenty of time to put some food in his system. Some would say that eating before battle was just asking for trouble, but Styn had never been one to have an upset stomach over physical activity or adrenaline surges. Food was fuel and they would need to keep their energy charged. He noticed the other bowman doing the same, although it seemed that Gafgar hadn't thought to bring anything himself. Well I'm not going to want a full belly anyway, Styn thought with a glimmer of amusement at the man's blank hungry stare. "You look starved Gafgar," Styn said passing the man some of the ration. "Got to keep your strength up man, how else are you going to run away?"

"Not running away neither," the man mumbled around a bit of dry travelers bread. It tasted like sawdust but filled famine's hole well enough. Nothing quite like the fine cuisine to really enforce the image of an elite fighting force. Truly they were blessed with such bounty as dry bread, stale cheese, and leathery bits of dehydrated meat. Praise Rhysol, Styn thought as he chewed another bite.

"Oh? you fancy yourself a wolf slayer with that dagger then?" Styn said as Sevris joined them. The ration pack had an entire day worth of food so Styn passed what remained to the apprentice and finished his own share. No need for Sevris to break a fresh ration open even if he had brought one.

Gafgar looked at Styn like he was crazy. Pulling out the dagger he flipped it so that he was holding it by the tip. The spin was oddly graceful, raising a recent memory from last fall, another flashing blade, wielded with skill. He suddenly felt stupid even before the trapper flipped the knife into the ground with a smooth thunk. "It's a knife," Gafgar said with a grin.

Maybe he won't be completely useless then, Styn groused. There was still a few things left to do though. Another trip through his pack revealed two bottles he had requested specifically when drawing his gear. He'd had to pay for these but hoped the mizas would be well spent. Styn felt slightly uneasy handling the liquid contents. Both vials contained dark tongue, a poison made from the venom of a black adder. It was more then that of course, the venom was concentrated to be several times as effective. It was one of the best low level poisons if you wanted an immediate and noticeable affect. That at least, Styn remembered from the classes he had taken. It was part of the Serpente family of poisons, a family that Styn specialized in, sort of. It wasn't that the amateur knew anything helpful about snakes, and Styn doubted he could craft anything but the most mild of versions. Still, it didn't take that much knowledge just to apply the poison.

Styn withdrew eight of his arrows and meticulously applied a dose of dark tongue on each arrow tip with a cloth, folding it so it was thick enough to avoid contact with his skin. There had been close calls in the past and there was plenty of time to make sure this was done right. First the cloth would be doused in poison, then holding an arrow by the middle of its shaft, Styn would liberally coat both sides of his bodkin tipped shafts, armor piercing they were sometimes called. The projectiles wouldn't fly as far as flight arrows, but packed a much larger punch for all of that. A nearby rock allowed for him to have each arrow point upward, drying in the air. Despite his caution he felt a bit light headed after and pulled his single vial of antidote taking a swig. Just once I'd like to do this without poisoning myself, Styn thought darkly. Within another few chimes he was clear headed once more. It might just take a bit more skill to apply correctly after all.

Twelve more arrows without deadly venom, went point first into the ground in a grouping for easy notching. Styn noticed the other Ebonstryfe bowman not doing the same but said nothing. The use and preparation of a shortbow was not the same after all. Even a standard longbow usually didn't require any special preparation. This however was a one hundred pound warbow. Styn doubted the woman with her smaller bow would even be able to pull his string to a full draw, there was trick to it that super ceded physical strength. The last twenty arrows were left in their side quiver, he would need them if forced to move. They had passed a bell or so in silence and now Sevris stood, exchanging words with Styn. As he moved down toward his position below Styn called out, "Rhysol's grace on you this day brother." Rhysol's grace to us all, Styn prayed with a touch of eagerness. The blessing of chaos to their foes.

The chimes seemed to tick by in slow motion. Styn stood ready with the other bowman. Although this close to the city, the ground was free of snow, still the cold beat at him. Shivers shook his frame beneath black brigantine. The time spent waiting was tracked by the dulling of Syna's rays into evening. Just as it started to seem that they might want to start considering lighting some torches, there was movement. The wolves it seemed, were eager to start their day with a fine breakfast. The Ebonstryfe would be sure to give them a healthy serving of steel.

As the five regular wolves advanced into the clearing Styn took his stand. Starting with feet shoulder width apart he took a single gliding step forward with his right foot, bow held firmly in his right hand just below the middle. When held upright in preparation to loose, the bow was just shorter then he was himself, nearly three times the size of the woman's shortbow. The arrows themselves were likewise larger, each just over two and a half feet in length. Most of his weight was rested onto his rear foot, it would anchor his shots as he leaned his upper body into each draw. The first volley would be a poison arrow and he would hope for the the best. Styn's left hand reached down to pull one of the eight poison arrows from its earthy sheath. He was able to raise the arrow in one motion, as he had visualized before, and notch it firmly into place. Fingers holding the nock, he held the arrow steady with his left hand. Here was the trick. You don't pull a longbow by the string. You push the bow away from you. This allowed for an archer to use their whole body to stabilize the shot.

Styn had achieved a full draw, endpoints of the bow arched inward, practically quivering with the tension. The nearest wolf was a full two hundred yards, and despite not seeing the dire, Styn prepared to fire to thin the crowd. It was a short wait however, the monstrously large ebony wolf stalked into view presently, its mouth hung open slightly. A crimson tongue tasted the air and Styn imagined that he could see its nose crinkling as it drunk in the sent of blood decoy. It would seem to be coming from the river, like a corpse was waiting just below the slow moving waters.

Commander Guss dropped his hand which had been raised to stop the archers. Good thing I didn't fire early after all, Styn thought. He doubted the Commander would appreciate such lack of discipline. He still wasn't used to not being the one to call the shots. In his initiate days he had led the charge with an arrow most times, letting his squad know with his opening salvo that it was time to strike. As the hand fell forward two arrows struck home. The shorter arrow opened the side of the dire's face with a deep cut. The battle may have ended there had the shot been luckier. Not many things could survive an arrow to the eye. Styn's own arrow was aimed more center mass and buried itself almost to the hilt in a thick muscled shoulder.

With a howl the black wolf charged, smaller cousins snarling in its wake, undeterred by injury. Styn would have time for three more shots before the wolves reached their ground forces. They had been lucky again in that the pack would have to traverse the river to reach their main group. That water would cost them. Styn reached down for another arrow, non poison this time. He would use the next shot to try and gauge how fast the dire was moving. The biggest part of hitting a moving target was to not over think it. Spend all day hesitating and you'd never work up the nerve to loose. The next arrow was drawn and released within moments of the first, even anticipating the dire's power Styn found himself surprised and his shot landed behind the beast. The shortbow volley may have landed had the wolf not ducked its head at the last moment. A crafty beast then.

Styn's third arrow was drawn just as the dire reached the river bank. The distance was too great for him to track the wolf with ease, or perhaps his mind just couldn't track fast enough. Instead of wading through the icy flow as he expected the creature leaped to the other side in a powerful display of strength and agility. This failure of observation would cost Styn another arrow. The shortbow however tracked the motion, the woman perhaps noticing something Styn had missed. A second arrow struck home in the chest of the creature but didn't penetrate the bone underneath. Had Styn hit that shot, it would have driven and arrow into its black heart. Those gathered below would be readying their charge. While only landing one arrow was disappointing it wasn't the end of the fight. If Styn saw an opening he would be ready with another arrow, until then there were five other wolves to keep out of the battle, wolves not nearly as fast as their dire cousin. Even that beast would soon be feeling the weakening effects of the poison tipped arrow.

Drawing a forth arrow from the earth, Styn continued to provide cover fire from the hilltop.

[Sevris]

The attack was on. When the wolves were making way into understanding where the arrows were coming from, the Dire alpha made its charge. But the second command from Ty was show stopper. The wolves seemed confused at the amount of humanoid creatures heading towards them. But the Dires fierce howl deterred any confusion, it was clear, kill the attackers. So they charged ahead, Commander Ty Gus and two Soldiers taking on the Dire while the rest of the company tried to slay the wolves. Sevris picked out a grey wolf who had chosen him as his prey it seemed as it dashed towards his way. The Apprentices and a Soldiers swarmed on the wolves, and two apprentices were already tackled to the ground by wolves as they tried to eat their faces. Sevris had his own problems as the grey wolf dove and tried a similar tactic, Sevris fell back and the wolf went sailing over him. Weapon drawn he tried to get back up before the wolf overtook him, but it was fast. And it was charging back to him when he got his bearings back. He swung the back end of his Double-Bladed sword when the wolf got near. Luckily the blade made a deep gash in the wolfs hide and it fell to the ground. The Soldiers had dealt with three other of the wolves as well, but not before they felled three Apprentices and a Soldier. The Dire wolf had now done its damage by sending a massive clawed paw smasing against Commander Ty's armor and sent him reeling back a few yards. "Commander is down!" Instantly the Soldiers knew to rally themselves so that he could recover, Sevris moved to the last two Apprentices aid. The Dire was already injured but it was putting up a ferocious fight knocking back even the Soldiers. Sevris had an idea that came within the midst of the battle. If they didn't do it, the Dire wolf would overcome them soon. "Everyone use your mighty power on the wolf! Let it feel the power of Rhysol!" The Soldiers didn't look perplexed but registered the order no matter where it came from. Their lives were foremost before anything at the moment. Sevris was swinging away putting the wolf on the defense as he and another Apprentice prepared to deliver the final blows. However the other Apprentice who had been holding off the last wolf was bitten badly and lay to bleed, as the wolf converged to help his brethren. Sevris battled keeping them back with a range of defensive maneuvers. He hoped this would give Styn and the rest enough time to give them some time before Commander Ty got back up to help finish the fight with the Dire.

[Styn]

Loosing arrows was nothing like engaging in melee combat. A skilled swordsman had to worry about foot work to position themselves to strike. A sword swinging man would always have to worry about what their opponent was doing, would always feel pressured to stick them before they were stuck in turn. When groups clashed, the confusion was even worse. Styn, perched up on the hill, looking down at the chaos felt a moment of relief that he was not exposed to that danger. It wasn't so much that he was unable to meet the foe with his brothers and sisters, it was just that he served a more effective role in his current position. No, archers had a different difficulty. Patience and stoicism won the day. Diligence to make a great shot rather then a good one, to avoid rushing into a poor stance, taking that extra moment to line the arrow up. The sense of self to miss without panicking, the calmness to reach for another arrow while allies fought and bleed, the confidence to place an arrow inches from a friend.

Styn's forth arrow caught a wolf in the steam. The bottom was just out of reach and the beasts were forced to wade. The arrow caused the wolf to flounder in the water, slowing its landfall. It seemed to have missed the spine, but two and a half feet of arrow would definitely be ruining the animal's day, punching through to the hilt. It wouldn't surprise Styn if bones and been shattered by the force of the strike. The short bow to the left struck the dire wolf again, in the back this time, near the rear left leg. This really was a superior angle, as each arrow would potentially punch through several organs on its way through the beasts. Still, a dire wolf's hide and muscle mass proved a heavy deterrent to the lighter bow, and again the arrow slowed after a few inches.

Styn reached for his third poison arrow and notched it. The arrow would still face the ground as he leaned down into the longbow. In one smooth motion he would rise up to full height, right arm pushing forward, left firmly grasping the nock. Most of his weight would be first on the leading foot, allowed for back and shoulder muscles to assist in the initial push. Achieving a full draw meant locking his right arm, bringing the stability of bone to allow for aiming. Styn's wrist, elbow, and shoulder would all help bear a piece of the strain that a one hundred pound longbow would exact on his body. Already his right arm was beginning to feel sore, his left hand cramping, fingers feeling raw from the string's pressure.

An opening appeared as the dire wolf smashed Commander Guss to the ground with a ferocious clawed paw. The creature had reared up a bit to do so, which caused a moment of delay before it could lurch forward and rip the Commander's head off with its teeth. Styn used that moment to line up his shot, already familiar with the speed at with the creature could move. He loosed his third poison arrow just as the creature touched back down to the ground. Even so it was already moving. Styn's arrow ended up entering near the middle of its back and went in almost a foot, only a dense Taldarian bone kept the creature from taking the full length. The angle wasn't quite right to blast through.

Sevris was in position to aide and called on his fellow Ebonstryfe to assault with Rhysol's blessing. Styn figured if there was anytime to strike with debilitating divine djed, this was it. Sadly none of the soldiers were nearby to do so. Indeed, Sevris was forced to turn from the dire wolf and engage the last wolf that was trying to flank him. Styn on the other hand, had to take a moment to flex his left appendage to work out the cramp. The short bow to his left loosed on the dire wolf again and missed, arrow sinking into the ground to the creatures left. The Commander however was finally back on his feet, and held his empty left hand up, palm facing the giant ebony beast. Even from his position on the hill Styn felt a wave of warmth, bringing to his mind the dark flame born form of Rhysol.

The wolf it would seem had born enough. Instead of charging the Commander it took a step back and turned, dashing down the river bank toward the forest. With a curse Styn reached for another poison arrow. Mere moments had passed and the creature was markedly slower now. Lining the projectile up and loosing was the work of seconds. A strike here could end the fight, but skill, or perhaps luck was not with him. The arrow landed with a hiss to the dire wolf's right. The short bow wielding woman cursed as she fumbled her arrow and dropped it, quickly reaching back for another. Mind carefully blank Styn pulled another poison arrow from the earth. Muscles trembling slightly he drew once more. After the draw he would rest the bulk of his weight on his rear foot, front foot bent slightly at the knee. He wasn't able to aim directly at the beast at this range, his first shot had been loosed from this distance, but at at almost stationary target.

The longbow was held with an upward angle. The arrow was released and flew true, but the crafty beast must have had a feeling for how often the arrows were coming. Some sixth sense, a freak chance, or maybe just the lay of the land, guided the creature into a right leaning lunge at the forest's edge. Styn's last arrow missed and then the dire wolf was gone. "Petch it all," Styn cursed. Reaching down he grabbed another poison arrow and dashed down the hill, holding it loosely in his left hand, bow gripped in his right. "Follow me Gafgar, we're going to lose it at this rate." Even as he said this the short bow hummed to his left, the woman placing an arrow near the last wolf, providing Sevris a welcome distraction even as it missed. The scion of Lazerin would most likely be able to make short work of a wolf suddenly flinching from a projectile that landed to its left.

Styn on the other hand was moving with a quickness. The first gliding step of a cool walking kata would transition to the brutal power of a running kata. The steps were more aggressive, tripling from a sixty count cadence to a one hundred and eighty count cadence. One hundred and eighty steps a minute. Taking that downhill of course wasn't possible so Styn was forced to sacrifice much of his balance as his form disintegrated, fortunately nothing ambushed him on the way down. He did stumble and almost fall at the bottom of the hill. A moment of half steps allowed him to recover his balance, and soon he was moving at a steady ground eating lope down the river bank. Styn's breath was already starting to come out erratically as he struggled to control his breathing. Running in armor is tough, Styn groused.

Hopefully Sevris would follow, if not Styn had no doubt that Command Guss would send one of the uninjured or lightly injured Soldiers to assist. There were plenty of wounded Ebonstryfe to practice patching up if that was more Lazerin's style. However, if the double sword wielding man followed, he would most likely be just as surprised as Styn when a wolf leaped out of the woods knocking Styn down. Watching where he was going wouldn't be enough to give him warning, the wolf would completely overwhelm Styn from the shadows of the forest. Before the motion even registered Sevris would be assaulted in turn by another wolf dashing from the right seeking to bite low, at a place that chain mail didn't cover.

Styn it seemed, would have to take care of himself.

[Sevris]

The Lazarin was attentive and on high-alert, for his life was in danger, and that made things a little bit sharper. What he did notice almost immediately, was a rogue arrow took its flight into ground, mere inches away from the wolf he was fighting. The wolf turned his head to in surprise at the sudden arrow appearing next to him. Sevris acted immediately he dashed forward and drove his sword into the face of the wolf. It died instantly as the blade punctured its skull and into its brain. He kicked the wolf off of his sword and rushed to the aid of his fellow apprentice. And in quick time they made quick work as the other Apprentice provided the distraction Sevris needed to slice the wolf multiple times in the neck and body killing it. The man didn't even get to rest long before Commander Ty was back on his feet and barking new orders, the Dire wolf was injured and was escaping the with the rest of the pack, an we needed to pursue at once. Commander split into two mini-groups where he sent the majority of Soldiers to aid the archers vantage point. And one Soldier accompanied Sevris, the other Apprentice, and Commander Ty Gus himself. The groups would stay in range of each other, but as Sevris took point when they charged into the forest, a wolf came out of no where and charged him. He was taken completely by surprise and the wolf aimed for a vicious bite to his abdomen where he had open unguarded patch. Sevris did the only thing he could at the time and that was to put his hand out instead to take the brunt. The wolf crashed into Sevris pinning him to the ground, with its jaws crushing into his armored arm. If it wasn't for the scale armor, his arm would of been torn off, but some of the teeth were findings its way in between the scales from the sheer strength of its jaws. Before the group could converge on the wolf, Sevris roared in protest and with his free hand holding his weapon, he struck it towards the wolfs head. The blade went through the neck. A clean kill. His jaw however were still clamped shut on his arm. "Someone help me remove his jaws," he asked his group. "Remove them yourself Apprentice," Commander Ty said coldly as he stepped over Sevris to take point. The Apprentice understood that maybe there was no catering to when the tough gets going. So he dropped his sword, and pried the wolfs mouth from his arm with sheer strength. He was bleeding but not badly, it could have been worse. At least he can still use arm but not to the degree he wanted. There was no mercy here, he would have to stick it out. Whatever trouble befell him he knew that Styn's group would be fine. They were Rhysol's messengers afterall. Sevris got back up and followed the rest of his group after the Dire.

[Styn]

A flash of motion out of the corner of his eye and a shouted "Look out!" were probably enough warning for a master in unarmed to pivot at a full sprint and rip the throat out of an offending wolf. Styn knew better then to even try. Like most men in armor confronted with a four legged beast, saliva coated fangs reaching for his throat, he raised an arm defensively. The wolf was kind enough to latch onto Styn's forearm and had more then enough mass and momentum to put the black armored Ebonstryfe on his back. Still, help was on the way if that shout was any indication. All he really had to do was hold the thing till someone else could kill it.

While the pressure on his forearm was impressive, the wolf couldn't really get a good mouth full. It didn't seem to like tasting metal either. As soon as the the death grip began to go lax, the wolf pulling back for a fleshier target, Styn pushed his arm deeper into the beasts maw. Not so eager now are we, Styn thought as his legs moved to wrap around the wolf's midsection. Wolf bodies are undoubtedly faster and parts of them are definitely stronger, Styn doubted he would be able to almost break an arm through brigantine with his teeth after all. Flexibility was something that wolves didn't do nearly was well. Pushing upward with his right arm, Styn lashed out with a one inch punch to the beast's throat, trying to maximize his force with limited mobility. At the same time his wrapped legs locked, and pulled inward and down. A dull snap announced the sound of the wolf's broken spine.

Footsteps from behind and gasping breaths announced Gafgar approaching. Perhaps the man sensed that his cash cow was disappearing right before his eyes. Styn didn't have any other explanation for why the man would grab the dying wolf by the scruff of the neck and slit it's throat viciously. Red hot blood covered black Ebonstryfe steel, soaking through the small openings and liberally coating Styn in copper scented death. With a sound of disgust he pushed the beast off flexing his right arm. In the distance a deep howl reminded him that the dire creature was still alive, if not quite well.

"Thanks, I guess," Styn said as he secured his bow. The string had snapped and he quickly restrung the almost six foot staff of wood from a spare in his side pouch. "Pick up the trail," Styn snapped since the trapper seemed intent on gasping and staring. Several of his arrows had scattered from his waist quiver and it was a few moments more before he secured his stock of ammunition. Gafgar meanwhile was picking his way through the underbrush. Great, we're fighting them in the forest and its getting darker, Styn groused. Exactly what we didn't want to happen.

Footsteps coming at a much more sedate pace alerted Styn to his reinforcements. Instead of Sevris however, it was the spear wielding Ebonstryfe Soldier who jogged up, grinning at his first sight of Styn, covered in wolf blood. "What did I do to deserve this my lord Rhysol," Styn prayed, not making any attempt to disguise his displeasure.

"Not so easy to kill up close huh?" The man taunted.

In answer Styn notched an arrow and drew. The man's eyes widened in shock and Styn allowed a cold smile to stretch across his face. It was important that the man remained still after all. Low to the ground and slightly to the left a shadow stalked. Styn would have missed it himself if he wasn't going out of his way not to look directly at the man. As much as he would love to let the taunts get answered with a torn hamstring, he might need a meat shield later on. Besides the Soldier wasn't really that bad, they were a team now, however temporary. We all do Rhysol's work, Styn thought as he shifted, arrow point moving left from center mass on the spearman's chest to a slight downward angle. "Behind you," Styn offered by explanation as he loosed the two and a half foot length of steel tipped wood.

Sadly, the angle to fire wide enough not to strike his ally and actually hitting the wolf was poor odds at best. In addition, he had hedged his aim a bit on the side of caution, choosing to be the bigger man about the entire situation. Still the reaction was about what Styn expected. Turning smoothly the man was able to ram the point of his spear deep into the running wolf's shoulder. A projectile from a one hundred pound war bow was apparently disconcerting enough to throw the beast off from what might have been a truly spectacular leap. As soon as the shaft was off Styn dipped his hand into his quiver and in two smooth motions was notching another arrow. A single step to the left granted him line of sight. Not trying anything fancy he attempted to put the arrow through the wolf's midsections and was moderately successful.

The snapping aggression was replaced by whining wheezes as the beast slid off the spear point with an arrow through its lungs. Taking a step back the spearman finished the wolf off with a second well placed thrust, the animal not up for much of a fight by this point. Pulling another arrow, but not notching it, Styn turned without another word and once more jogged after Gafgar in a swift running kata. Eyes and ears strained in the fading light and again a howl was heard, farther off this time. If there was more of this pack they would no doubt be seeing them soon. Breaths coming in pants, Styn made his way through the wood, wolf blood choking him every step of the way. Hopefully things are going better for Sevris, Styn thought charitably.

[Sevris]

The small but determined group jogged through the woods, it wasn't really hard to track the wolves now. They were leaving an obvious trail to follow. Not sure where they were going but it was getting dangerous for them now. But they had shred enough numbers off the wolves now, and the Dire would be their biggest concern once again. They came up upon a small clearing but it was away from the river by now. And there they were. It looks like they had regrouped, there was a bigger pack then they orignally thought. This Dire was leading a small vanguard of wolves. It was must have been a lot smarter then most wolves to get a group to this size. Commander Ty gave command with his hand, telling the rest of the group to stop. We did so immediately. "Do not be fooled by the numbers. They do not have as much room as before. They cannot maneuver as we can. We will attack and hold off for reinforcements. They will be overwhelmed ." The company of warriors nodded. They understood as did Sevris what was at stake. Which of course was their lives. It was in Rhysol's hands if he wanted them to live or die, as it has always been. They knew that they would be heard trying to sneak up on them. So Ty let out a bloodcurdling war cry and charged the pack of wolves, with the Soldiers and Sevris getting his back. They jumped over fallen branches in their bloodlust. The fighting and war cries would grab the attention of the rest of company in due time. Sevris reached the opening in time to meet another wolf who was charing at him full speed. He would not be take by surprise this time. He dove forward and impaled the wolf in mid flight. The Dire had risen to the attack, this would be their last stand. But they would not hold out to soldiers of Rhysol. No one really could.

[Sevris]

They were not to be questioned this time. Nearly were they overrun earlier by the wolves, so they had to stick together and fend off without breaking formation. Ty lead the front assault as there were a total of 6 wolves left including the Dire. There were 4 in the immediate group Sevris was in. Styn was still high-tailing it with his group to their location bringing an extra 4 extra men. They needed to shred their numbers quickly. Ty dove forward and put a blade directly into one of the wolves head ending that bout quickly. The Dire however decided to take charge forward with its amazing speed. Sevris being the closest waited until the Dire got within range and it dove forward at Ty who dodged to the side went tumbling into a tree. This gave Sevris enough room to take a running jump on top of the Dire's head. The giant wolf instantly felt the pressure on top of his head and tried to buck Sevris off. The Apprentice held on for dear life with the wolfs hair as he resisted the urge to be thrown off. Before he lost his entire hold on the giant wolf, he held his Double-Blade tightly and yelled, "For Rhysol!" And plunged his sword directly into the brain of the wolf. The Dire however was stil reacting and still shaking his head trying to kill Sevris. Sevris began to continuously stab his head before the Dire succumbed to his brutal attacks and died. It keeled over and Sevris jumped off and fell to the ground. Tired beyond usual, he believed it to be over before two more wolves oblivious to their supposed belief that they wolves would flee when the Dire died, came to rip him apart. There was no way for him to fend both off alone. But the Soldiers and Ty quickly flanked them and slew the wolves as they zoned in. The remaining wolves noticing their feat scattered away after howling at them for their losses. "Good work Lazarin. You might make a Soldier just yet. Lets pack up and leave the fallen. They have served their purpose." Seconds later the other group showed up and to find that Sevris was bloody from head to toe. Styn asked, "What happen?" "I killed the Dire wolf. Bastard messed with the wrong Lazarin." The Soldiers cheered, while Ty remianed impassive. Gafagar still there looking like his job was all done, "Well my job is done now right?" All of the excitement disappeared from Sevris's face as he heard those words. His eyes penetrated his as he walked closer, a few feet from his face and said, "You have exactly 5 seconds to flee before I skewer you." Gafagars face widened in fear as he realized that he was serious, but didn't react till 3 seconds later. Fear can do that to you sometimes. He took off. Sevris walked to Styn and said, "Can I borrow that bow?" Styn quickly gave it to Sevris with an arrow. Gafagar didn't get 10 meters before Sevris strung the bow and took aim at the mans head. He released the arrow, but it was clear that it was going to miss and spiral just short of him. But the fool chose that time to slow down look back at the Ebonstryfe warriors. The arrow with momentum caught the man in the kidneys. He skidded to the ground yelling in mortal pain. "Score," said Sevris smiling. Nobody said anything or moved to stop him when he took another arrow and got a little bit closer to the side of Gafagar and put another in between his eyes. He retrieved the arrows from the body and gave them back to Styn. "Lets move out Dire Slayer." Ty mocked. But the title gave some nodded heads from the Soldiers. They would probably rumor such titles back in Ravok. Sevris liked the sound of it and said, "Aye Dire Slayer I am." Then they cut the head off of the Dire wolf and Sevris took it back as his prize.

[Verilian]

. . Thread Award . . Sevris +1 Observation +3 Tactics +5 Double Bladed Sword +1 Longbow Lores: Lore of Styn Judicar, Riding on a Water Glider, Laying an Ambush, Dire Slayer Loot: 250gm*Awarded as a bonus for a job well done, 1 Dire Wolf Head Styn Judicar Thread Grade Pending This thread has been graded, but for one reason or another the grade cannot be awarded. I have sent you PMs detailing why the grade can't be awarded. Once you respond to these PMs and correct whatever I have asked you to do, the thread grade will be updated. Thankyou, ~V You Question My Logic? : I gave a few bonus points just for good writing. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Notes: Only four posts in and I had to stop and make a comment. Usually when I do this it is because something bad, but not this time. Styn, excellent use of the lore and describing the atmosphere of Ravok. You are the first person I've seen to even mention a water glider. Overall I was very impressed with this thread. You both did a great job, and it is unfortunate that the thread apparently had to be cut short. Styn, if you ever come back, make sure to take care of the stuff I messaged you about, then send me a PM and you will be able to get your reward. Good job, guys, and keep writing! Notice As per the request of the Founders, threads cannot be graded unless your CS is up to date. This means you need to add threads to your thread list when you make new threads, keep your skills up to date, ledger, living expenses, ect. If you aren't up to date, you'll get a PM from me before i grade your thread. If you are up to date, disregard this notice.