[Guest ST] Troubled Waters

[Ricky Maze]

The trip up to the ship was by far the most intense and intimidating situation Ricky had been stuck in, and considering his history that definitely meant he was at the end of his rope in the ideas that came to mind. He had no clue how they were going to get through this, even worse how this would all end seeing as how they were heavily outmatched. He'd managed to spit in the face of death time and time again of course, except this time the situation involved risking the life of one of his own. Pulren had been assigned to his squad when the recruit finally became a Wave Guard, therefore it was Ricky's own responsibility to make sure the young Guardsman made it out alive to carry the torch. The next generation. It was imperative they be guided and in turn guide those that followed them in turn, that was the role that a veteran such as Ricky played a part of in his career.

They finally reached the deck ogthe ship to meet the gruesome sight, the dead and the charred all a horrid image to take in as they found themselves at the centerfold of their engagement. The one that brought the two up here was by far too silent, too complicated for Ricky to try and read into. All premade attempts to observe was only met with a shell of mystery, a barrage of faults also laid on part on Ricky himself as he failed to find anything particularly useful in this situation. The hothead however was wicked in her attempt to confront the two, her "charms" casted to Pulren quickly defended by the fisherman as he grasped the young man's shouldrr, in turn making sure he remained at a distance from her. "Stay back ye blazin'bitch!" He demanded aloud at first, but then their presence was graced by the leader of this whole act. The man of the bell himself showed and he in turn led the conversation to a more civil route, though Ricky felt that in this case the situation was much less that civil. It was then he realized that he still had a hand on Pul's own shoulder, the defensive grip he held still slightly strong as the mage continued to speak.

Dis be it! He noted to himself, as now woulf be the only time he could manage to pull what Djed was left in him. "Hear 'im out mate, stall fer time fer a chime er tw' but don't move from me." He murmured to Pulren, a sharp look to the man as he cintinued to prattle on. "Oi'm Ricky and dis be me squad member Pul, we'll be listenin but dat's it. Oi can only promise dat." He barked as though they had little choice, in truth the speech that would be given would hopefully serve enough time. Ricky needn't to zone himself into that protective state he always needed, seeing as how they were already in a sticky situation. All he needed to do was pull out his Djed and weave it into the fabrics of magic, and then from there he would know Pulren to a least be slightly protected from the magic. Ricky took in a deep breath and held a stern look towards the wizard, listened closely as he let out a silent sigh only Pulren would be able to hear. It eas then he felt the channels of his Djed flow, and solely directed it out through his right arm as it started to sluggishly pour out from his hand.

Only thing was the faint shimmer only he could see glimmered brighter, his mind solely focused on the thought of blocking possibly all forms of foreign Djed. With that set in mind he let his Djed flow free, hopeful that no a single other mage were capable of seeing this. As far as he knew only he could, but that didn't stop the possibility of another discovering in turn. His Djed glowed a brilliant royal blue sheen that slowly flowed out over Pulren's shoulder, gis focus split on the man while at the same time molding a solid layer of a shield. In terms of affecting Pulren he only knew the shield would block magic, all while the young guardman wouldn't know it was there... unless he were hit by magic. The act continued nonetheless as the fisherman focused more on the shielding, his channel wearing thin as what spare Djed he had left started to grow rather thin so quickly. Almost enough... just a wee bit more!... He pushed and pushed as he forced out what Djed he could, the sheen finally less bright as it started to spread across Pulren's neck and over most of his chest. The fisherman managed to cover most of the boy's face too, but only a small portion of Pulren's right side remained untouched by his shield.

That was it then, the best Ricky could do considering the circumstances. It was difficult to try and keep the fact he'd expended the last bit of Djed he freely had on shielding, namely the sudden increase in breath intake could give it away. Though he still did his best to hide it, only Pulren could fully know that what Ricky did wore him down some. All that was left was the fighting spirit in the fisherman, even then that would prove hardly effective in the current situation. All that remained in check was a plan of action, and seeing as how this man had a "proposition" of the sort, it was high time the two figured something out to stall for time.

[Pulren Marsh]

Each shaky step brought the pair on to the deck with their newfound captors. That's what they clearly were, regardless of any misconceptions otherwise. Pulren's shield and trident became as useful as driftwood in the face of such terrifying powers. As they surveyed the bodies that were strewn about the deck, Pulren found a sense of calm amidst the storm of emotion. it came with the splashing and flailing of his comrades in the waters below. With the full attention of the Wizards on himself and Sergeant Rick, the others could regroup and pull themselves from the ocean without the fear of the waters turning on them. So that would be Pulren's focus, to engage the lunatics in theor games and keep all of the attention on himself and Rick. Their lives were easily given for the lives of so many Guardsmen, not to mention the many innocents that populated the docks.

He could hear Rick's murmuring about courage. He would give no nod of assent or understanding, as it was clear to him that those assembled on board the Voyage were scrutinizing the two of them, the magic fueled insanity driving their senses to a state of acute paranoia. When the blazing beauty came to Pulren and tempted him, Marsh played the game. He allowed his lusts to drive through his eyes and watch as she playfully toyed with his tines. he knew the congress that she inferred. He knew it was deadly. But he ignored any fear and allowed the idea of her body shaking in orgasmic delight at his touch instead. Her play was just that, as it was clear that those who did not want to play met a disgusting end. Best to play by their rules for now, wait for an opportunity that had yet to present itself.

When he was referenced as Pul by Rick, he did nod slightly, following with his own, "Pulren Marsh." A slight grin crossed his features as his face softened. His grip on his weapons did not initially, however. He was unsure of how to continue until the clear Master of the three made himself known. The dark and older man carried himself with a potent presence which denied his physicality. His words rang true with Pulren. Their weapons were indeed useless. At this point. It was best to agree and acquiesce as the other Guardsmen found their feet and the injured were cared for. completely oblivious to the magic that his Sergeant was attempting, he kept his eyes set on Master Gaius as he slowly and diligently placed his shield down against the deck, his trident resting beneath so that it wouldn't roll away should he need to go for it in some ridiculous last ditch effort.

Sliding his pack from his shoulders, he placed it next to his weapons, its aquatic gear equally useless for this particular moment. Pulren respected and trusted Sergeant Rick, but he also trusted himself more. Taking a few careful steps froward, he bowed to the Master. "Master Sivet. I am Guardsman Pulren Marsh of Zeltiva. This is my commanding officer, Sergeant Rick Maze of Zeltiva. Thank you for allowing us to live." His thanks were genuine, though fear was not in his voice. It was a calm now, one of sure action. All attention would remain on himself and Rick. Even if the ship had to sink and they all had to die, two was acceptable instead of twenty or more.

[Aoren]

Ricky’s efforts to Shield his comrade would prove to be in vain. As the Djed of his Shield flowed over Pulren’s form several key factors would prove it to be less than adequate. The thickness was not even dispersed. Some areas of the Shield were far too flimsy and wispy to provide any measure of protection against even the most miniscule of spells throws against it. As soon as the neophyte Shielder ceased feeding his conjured protection hole would begin to appear as the threads of the Shield unwound. Those holes began to spread, growing larger and more pronounced. It would not be long before the whole Shield collapsed.

“Sergeant Maze. Guardsman Marsh. What fine names for such fine gentlemen.” Gaius gave them a slight inclination of his head. As he did there was a light of amusement in his eyes. He looked from Pulren giving him a once over before a small grin touched his lips. Those eyes passed to Ricky. The elder gentleman gave him a knowing look.

“Now that we are properly introduced, we can get to my proposition.” The ship rocked slightly, drifting away from the docks as the moorings had been cut. Gaius reached up taking hold of the helms wheel giving it a small spin. The ship pivoted away from the docks at a very small angle. Any further, without the release of the sails from their holdings and the ship would crash into the docks causing heavy amounts of damage. Fortunately, the gentleman did not push the ship any further in any particular direction. Indeed his efforts seemed to be focused on preventing such a crash.

“My colleagues and I are in need of capable hands to aide us in guiding this ship to safer harbor. Sadly, our lives have been spent studying the greater mysteries of the world. While we could most certainly grasp the concept of guiding a ship out of the bay we are not exactly seaworthy.” He gave them both a polite smile gesturing to them.

“That is where you come in. As men of the world you would no doubt fair better at helping to keep this ship afloat.” He gave the wheel another small spin to keep it from careening into the docks. “If you can safely see us out of the harbor and safely into the depths of the Ancient Labyrinth in the middle of Matthew’s Bay, I shall see to it you are handsomely rewarded.”

The Labyrinth? What need could they possibly have for stealing a galleon if their only intention was going to the Labyrinth? There was more to this tale than Gaius was saying aloud obviously. What was in the Labyrinth that he wanted? Why would he steal a ship of this size to get there and not a smaller one like a ferry?

“I would of course be grateful if you decided to assist us without having to be…persuaded. It would also be far less damaging for you.” Gaius folded his free arm behind his back. What was he playing at? This was a risky gambit that drew far too much attention for such a simple endeavor. Something just wasn’t adding up. But what was it?

[Ricky Maze]

It took Ricky's whole willpower to avoid looking both vexed and troubled by the sudden flaw of his shield, not only had he managed to make a poor quality layer but even then what was created had patches. In turn the entire shield as a whole started to die out rapidly, faster than usual due to his exertion from earlier with the Reimancy. If anything he was tense now, and he was definitely struggle to avoid hiding it. Shyke! Shyke! SHYKE! Petch me damned luck t'day! Indeed today of all days had to be one of the worst days of his life, given the fact he's been through enough ordeals in a life time that was saying something. All the same though the plan had failed altogether, now he had no way of knowing for sure that Pulren was going to be as protected as he would've been with magic on his side.

For some reason Ricky felt this man, this Gaius, knew or noticed what Ricky was doing. There was no real gesture or hint to give it away, but deep down Ricky couldn't help but internally feel that his little gambit was known. Even worse it was a gambit that failed to launch, therefore it was evidently clear that the veteran was by now officially in a state of desperation. I pray t' Priskil dat t'ing's turn roun' 'ere soon. His grip on Pulren's shoulder loosened altogether but the and still remained, hovered in the event he needed to shove Pulren out of harms way or nudge him for a signal. As they listened to the man's proposition altogether Ricky's eyes darted from spot to spot on the deck, there was pretty much nothing that could serve as a vantage point. They were in the wide open and hugely met with a disadvantage. Dammit! What de petch am Oi suppose t' do?! His attention was suddenly pulled by a sudden flawed interest in the proposition, these monsters wanted the galleon to go not out to sea.... but into the Ancient Quarter. Is he petchin' serious??!!

Just why? Why in Zeltiva did they need an ENTIRE galleon to travel with when it merely took a simple rowboat to reach the Ancient Quarter? Something didn't add up, none of this made sense now that Ricky started to wrap his mind around it. Something in the Ancient Quarter, where they after a particular item? Did this item actually require an entire ship to reach? And just what reward could they have to offer? None of this was right, it stunk of deceit and secrecy that made Ricky grimace just a little. "Pul," He murmured to his squad member, "We're in deep shyke. Any ideas yew 'ave now 're welcome t' through ont' de table." Though Pulren was more or less unarmed now that didn't mean he was any less dangerous, Ricky still had his own longsword at his belt but that's were it remained. He preferred to keep that close and his shield closer, which still remained on his left arm with a tight grip from the hand. "Oi say we stall f'r a few ticks longer, git out whatever t'ey 're 'idin'. We can make our move den." He added when they had but a few ideas they could go upon, the problem was they had to work with both brawn and brains in order to come out of this alive.

"Aye,", Ricky stepped forward with a couple of pats on Pulren's back at first, to make it look like they were debating on choosing to help the mages or not, "afore we make a decision in 'elpin yew lot Oi've a few questions t' ask. In return yew'll get a straight answer as t' whet'er o' not we'll 'elp." The situation wasn't going to improve and it seemed counterproductive on Ricky's part, nevertheless he remained insistently at the point. "First yew manage t' commandeer a galleon an' now yew ask us t' 'elp yew sail 'er t' de Ancient Quarter, but me question fer yew is... what's down dere t'at yew absolutely gotta 'ave?" He reflected with a slight raise in his eyebrows, hopeful that he could get an answer while the two secretly conspired to formulate a better strategy.

[Pulren Marsh]

Master Gaius seemed to be in agreement so far. Pulren wasn't sure about the other Wizards, but guessed that they would probably step in line with whatever the master said. What continued to be important to the Guardsman was the continued focus on he and the Sergeant, rather than civilians and other Guards. He didn't like the idea of sailing the ship out, but his bag contained enough gear to increase his odds of surviving an escape if need be.

Listening to Rick, it was clear that his superior was jarred by the situation. He expected a calmer presence from the man, but who was he to judge? The only reason that he was projecting a calm presence was to insure that these already insane Wizards did not become more agitated. The deck had plenty of reasons why that was a bad idea. Hearing the pleas for action from Rick, he simply nodded, his own view scanning across the lengths of the ship.

How in Zulrav's bosom were they to sail a ship? He hoped that Rick knew how to, his own experience limited to his brief journey out to the rock for his Wave Trial. Looking to the Master, Pulren cleared his throat. "We'll need to raise the anchor and pull in the gangplank. I'll need Sergeant Maze's help with the anchor. These things must be completed before we can depart. Is this suitable to you, Master Gaius?"

Pulren certainly hoped so. He had to have the few precious moments to touch base with Rick before they began their dangerous sojourn.

[Aoren]

Laughter.

Gaius was chuckling. The deck rang with the sound of his rich laughter. He clasped his hands behind his back. Though his face had broken out into a wide grin there was a darkness in his eyes that said he was anything but amused. Bringing a hand up he gently blew across the surface of his palm. A split second later three razor sharp shards of ice raced forward with frightening speed. One buzzed past Ricky’s face slicing across the surface of a cheek. Another embedded itself in his right shoulder. The third sliced across Ricky’s left thigh. With that startling display of power done, Gaius gave Ricky a smile.

“Allow me to illuminate something for you, Sergeant Maze. You’re alive because I wanted you alive. Your amusing display of pathetic parlor tricks intrigued me. You are here because you might prove useful in assisting us with our project.” He took in a calm breath as if he were appreciating the smell of the sea.

“So when I said “let’s talk”, what I was really saying was “listen politely and agree”.” Gaius shrugged his shoulders. “As for the reward I promised? Consider me allowing you to keep your festering worthless lives reward enough.”

Gaius’s tone was nary above conversational the whole time. If anything he seemed complete disinterested in the situation. He needed them to comply or he would kill them and find an alternative solution. That was blatantly obvious. It was then that the trio were joined once more by the Master’s comrades. He nodded to them cordially before his eyes zeroed in on Pulren. His gaze was cold and calculating though there rest a small smile upon his lips. He nodded seemingly pleased with the young guardsman’s response.

“Ahh, reason at last! You have a wise head on your shoulders Master Marsh. Accompany dear Thurman to make the necessary preparations. Start with, as you so kindly suggested Master Marsh, the anchor. I’m sure two strapping young men like yourselves can handle things just fine. Addison my dear? We have work to do.” The woman with the flaming hair let out a high pitched giggle before skipping up to her Master. Gaius knelt down withdrawing a black leather pouch. He opened it tipping it slightly and out poured what looked to be white sand. He began walking in a circle. Addison stepped into the center of where Gaius was making his circle. She began chanting softly in a language that most definitely wasn’t the Common tongue. The pale man, Thurman stepped up to Ricky and Pulren motioning for them to start walking.

“Move.” He spoke bluntly with the tone of a man half-living. The flat planes of his eyes suggested nothing but that in itself was unsettling. Thurman would begin leading them away from the helm toward the apparatus that would enable them to lift the ship’s anchor from the seabed. For the moment it seemed that Gaius and the depraved Addison were preoccupied with their work leaving only Thurman to tend to the prisoners.

[Ricky Maze]

Was he... laughing? Surely this proposition wasn't so humorous, at least Ricky didn't intend to humor the man with such a simple statement. In the long run however it didn't matter of course, within a moment Ricky soon found that he was brushed with the kiss of winter once again. Ice. Pure frigid ice had shot straight from Gaius' own hand and in turn whooshed past Rick, and provided him with a bitterly cold taste of how close to death he'd easily faced just now. Pain. Cold and hot spots soon radiated as he felt the nasty bite of what could've easily been the Bonesnapper for a moment, the portion of his face that felt the clean cut went numb from the chill, though the blood that soon dripped from the soft cut was a strong indication of just how spot on the ice had been in catching its mark.

His left thigh felt cold too but only for a couple of ticks before the lack of feeling wore off, and immediately afterwards blood soon stained that part of his uniform as he himself took to be frigid. Where there was the most numbing cold pain was within his right shoulder, right in the spot where the ice shard had pierced into his flesh. SON O' A- He clenched his jaw tight and kept his hands curled into fists, a strong urge to bellow out a cry of pain contained as he remained petrified by the sudden face of fear he'd encountered. Gaius' next words however were something Ricky, though unexpected, needed to hear in order to set himself straight. All doubts the fisherman had felt before had started to diminish now, as his mind started to purge all thoughts that proved nuisance.

There was a change in his posture then. A rigid and uptight form now seemed a little bit looser, the fear that had been plastered on the man's face seemed to wash away as he felt the regions of his new found wounds throb. Pulren had the right notion, he had the right idea to play along with their interests. They weren't giving up and helping these bastards. Oi'm gonna kill me a bastard, Oi swear Oi am. His initial thoughts were what came first but he couldn't just react, even if falling into the same state of mind was how he usually handled such situations. Usually he would black out when it came to moments such as this but now, now Ricky couldn't even feel the pain in his injuries anymore. Whether it was due to adrenaline or the cold he didn't know, but by now he started to feel rather light compared to his size, in turn making the world around him caught in a rapid pace.

Sure enough they were being herded over to the apparatus to attend to their task, Thurman being the one before them while Ricky followed just a little bit behind Pulren. During the time they were on the move Ricky tried to make sure he could keep his shield on the right arm, seeing as how the shoulder had been damaged enough, it was highly unlikely that his sword would be useful on that arm to begin with now. Curse him. Curse Gaius. The bear took deep breaths and they kept his mind clear, he was already planning out the next move that would likely make all this go to shyke in the long run. How long could they manage? Some chimes? Maybe less? They had to hold out somehow otherwise their backup would not arrive, yet even so there was too much at risk for them. If anything these mages needed to be put down now, first the pale ass and then the pyro bitch. If Ricky could manage it in that order of course... Gaius was officially the one he wanted to strangle with his bare hands, though that wouldn't likely end well either. So many negative thoughts, dark feelings he hadn't expected to have. These were nothing though, just initial reactions in an effort to fight. To survive.

"Listen Pul," Ricky murmured as they were near the apparatus, "Oi say we haul anchor t' make it look like we're complyin'. And den Oi'm gonna take down dat bastard in front o' us. Got it?" His words were only loud enough so that his squad member would hear, so that he would know what to expect right before this shindig finally let loose. Whatever Pulren had to say or add Ricky would take quick note of and in turn comply with the act, they were after all only going to help just a little, and then the Zeltivan Bear himself would retaliate against he odds set before him.

[Pulren Marsh]

Pulren could only watch as Gaius sent shards of ice flying into his Sergeant and friend. Sure, Rick wasn't complying with the ease that Pulren was, but wasn't that reaction a bit harsh? It became crystal clear to him that these insane bastards were truly and completely out of their minds. He knew the flaming woman and Thurman were, but hoped that their leader might have some remnants of sanity left.

No, not in the slightest. Pulren felt out of his depth and as if he were simply treading water as the great wave came. Watching Rick, he could see that the man was very good at holding in his emotions and overcoming pain. Pulren hoped that he would be able to shoulder all of those burdens as well because before the day was through, he would probably be sharing in the misery himself. Listening to his Sergeant's labored breathing and watching his slow steps, Pulren found it quite impressive that the man could just push on. It was a sight to behold.

Not for long, however, as Thurman ordered them to move on toward the large wheel with levers that had the chain for the anchor tied around it. Pulren nodded, looking back briefly at the location of his weapon, shield and backpack that rested on the deck, his eyes trailing forward with apprehension as he watched the other two Wizards engage in some sort of ritual. What were they to do? Unarmed, he could only approach the device and do his best to pretend to know how to use it. Their ruse would be figured out and there would be consequences. Sweat began to bead on Pulren's brow with the concern.

Suddenly, he heard Rick's words over his shoulder, answering his inner concerns. His words were short and quiet. Pulren heard them and nodded. He knew that Sergeant Rick wouldn't put him in harm's way, that he had the experience to know what to do. One day, when Pulren was a Sergeant, he would demand the same respect from his men. As they reached the levers, Pulren grabbed one and pushed his arms against it, stretching in order to cause any distraction possible. He had no idea what Rick was going to do but he would follow suit to the best of his ability.

[Aoren]

“You know…” The stale voice of the pale wizard named Thurman interjected the two Wave Guard’s thoughts. He folded his arms over his chest narrowing his eyes at both of them. “…you should really consider “whispering” your plans in a fashion that doesn’t involve me standing less than a foot away from you.”

He sighed heavily shaking his head pinching the bridge of his nose. Grumbling something he dropped his arms. With a disdainful glare he leveled Ricky with a stare. There was no warning. There was no outward sign but suddenly there would be a pressure around Ricky’s neck. The mage had not moved. He continued to focus on Ricky.

“You are all truly and remarkably stupid. I will never understand why the Master bothers seeking new Potentials for the Awakening. Why seek the weak….” The grip around Ricky’s neck tightened.

“Why seek the inferior?” There was the slightest sound of steel dragging against the deck of the ship. A sword, pulled from one of the corpses on the deck levitated itself into the air. It moved speedily toward Pulren coming to a stop just in front of his chest. Thurman narrowed his glare for a moment. The sword swung nicking Pulren on the right shoulder. Thurman made a jerking motion with his head. The sword sliced across the young man’s chest. The wounds were not deep. He would not die from them but they would sting something awful nonetheless.

“Why bother with you pathetic insects at all?” By this time air would be in desperate need for Ricky. Should he claw at his neck he would feel a hand there though no hand was visible. Just as suddenly as the apparent mental manipulation manifested it stopped. The sword dropped. The pressure squeezing itself around Ricky’s neck vanished allowing him access to air, precious, precious air. After a moment or two, the mage lifted his arms. He rubbed his wrists as if they pained him before folding his arms over his chest.

“Now. Get to—“ The sound of something whizzing through the air was caught too late by the torturous wizard. Before he could finish his sentence there was suddenly an arrow sticking out of the side of his neck. His eyes widened in shock. He opened his mouth to speak. That was when another arrow embedded itself in his chest. The wizard stumbled backward before dropping to his knees. Life began to sputter out of him. His gaze became murderous but whatever intention he might have had, they would never know. Just as he tried to raise a hand, an arrow embedded itself in his skull. With that, Thurman dropped to the deck. The life was gone from him before he hit the wood.

“Petching bastard.” From the shadows stepped a young man. He was of average height. His form was taut and athletic. His brown hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. There was a small amount of scruff on his face. He looked tired. More than that he looked angry. There was nothing but hate in his gaze as he stared at the dead mage. Quickly he ducked down so that the other two wizards would not notice the sudden death of their companion. He came to kneel next to the post right beside Pulren and Ricky. He motioned for them to get down.

“My name is Tyler. I was a mercenary hired to stand guard here on the Maiden’s Voyage. When those three stampeded through the ship I had the good sense to make myself scarce.” Such was the nature of a mercenary and this man didn’t look to be much older than Pulren. He gave a shrug of a shoulder.

“Before you go calling me a coward just take a look around you. Look how far their bravery got them. Any longer and look where it would have gotten you.” He nodded to the corpses around the deck. He looked between the two of them. “I managed to get off the ship and rally some more of the Guardsmen. When I told them that the ship had been taken by three crazed mages though they told me they would have to bring mages of their own. Last I heard they were waiting to hear from the University to lend a hand.”

Tyler scanned the deck of the ship. In the background the three of them could still hear the slithering chant of the wizards at the helm. The mercenary gave a shiver.

“Whatever they’re doing up there it can’t be good. I don’t aim to find out. We need to act and we need to act fast. Get yourselves together. Find a weapon. Something to arm yourself with. Now we have the element of surprise. I suggest we make use of it.” Tyler was wearing the leather armor of someone who was accustomed to conflict. On his back was a quiver filled with arrows. In one hand was a bow that looked as if it took no small amount of strength to draw. Two swords hung at his hips and the handles of daggers protruded from straps on his boots. Young though this man appeared, there certainly was no mistaking that death and conflict were things he was learned in.

NoteSee? I'm not so unhelpful. Both of you will be able to find basic weaponry among the corpses on the deck. Swords, cutlass, daggers etc.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky's expression changed as the pale faced creep interjected on their quick plan, he was certain that the murmurs were only loud enough for the two to hear as he clearly made sure Thurman couldn't hear them... unless the man just had that much of an excellent hearing. Either way they were petched now, as the ice cold glare that the man shot their way soon followed with an unusual follow up, the air that he felt himself breathing in was suddenly closed off. There was a grip, a tight grip around his neck that he couldn't shake off somehow. Something... something was happening. Ricky was being strangled by some invisible force he couldn't comprehend at first, something that made him start to panic as he tried to figure out just what in Zeltiva had started to happen.

He was immobilized by this grip as he strained to breath, no air was able to enter nor escape to provide relief for his lungs. There was a constriction on the front of his neck he needed severed, he need something to put a stop to this! Something that would give him the freedom to breath and attack this bastard, put him down like the rabid dog he'd become and... Release! After hearing what the damned mage had to say, as he prattled on and on about the inferiority Ricky and Pulren seemed to display, there was finally a release from the bind around Ricky's throat as he fell to his knees then. He coughed and rasped for air then and felt the pressure of strain lighten on his lungs finally, the fresh salty taste of air a miraculous blessing to have once again as his mind went through a moment of daze.

As he started to regain the dulled senses and feel the fog in his mind ease he managed to hear a voice, the presence of another face soon discovered as the fisherman finally looked to see the sight that had unfolded before them. Thurman was dead, killed by the arrows that used by this... mercenary he called himself. Tyler was his name. He had saved them from Thurman, Pulren looked to be fine. Injured a little but fine all the same. The fisherman nearly rose to his feet once more with a strong intake of air, his senses nearly returned as he felt the rage within him bubble up all the more. He felt ready to black out now, ready to submit into a state of berserk he would have no control over. With the motion made to remain down however, Ricky knelt once more with a bitter cold look in his eyes.

There was... something different to be sure, he was getting rather spiteful towards these mages. The fact he hardly had any effective ways to counteract them at this point didn't help much either, yet there wasn't any way he was going to submit to defeat to these bastards yet. He would surely kill them, that much was for certain. The question was would he regret the act later on. Ricky connected the dots with the scene of the event that just transpired though, all while Tyler explained to them that back up was on the way via more mages. Great on their part, but Ricky cared little for back up now. The only thing he wanted was to kill these mages before more people wound up hurt or dead. Pulren's shoulder and chest, the sword that did it with no hand to grasp, and the deathly choke hold Ricky felt from Thurman... this magic had to be Projection. One of the disciplines Ricky didn't know about save for the name, and of course the moment Ignotus demonstrated it once almost a couple years back.

Oi didn't t'ink such a magic would'a been so lethal. He thought to himself as he reflected back on that sudden moment, though the scene of it all happened so fast he could still remember the feel of it. The invisible hand that grappled around his throat. He was dead silent now as his eyes remained locked on the dead mage, a cold stare cast in that direction as he listened closely to what this Tyler had to say. As cowardly it may have been for him to remain hidden, he did right by doing what he could in his own way. He played it smart and dodged the arrow in this fight, while the rest fought to the death in an effort to stop these monsters. Now it fell on the three of them to thwart whatever plans they had, and Ricky was all the more inclined to listen to the instruction given with getting a weapon.

This Tyler looked certainly young but something about him screamed experience, as though he were a seasoned fighter who's encountered the face of death more than one time. Ricky himself looked to the shoulder where the ice shard still remained embedded in his flesh, his intent to use it to kill Thurman obviously no longer necessary. And so the fisherman gripped the cold construct in his shoulder with a few fingers, and yanked it out with a large muffled groan through the nose. After a moment to take the pain and use it for more fuel for ventilation against the other two mages, he dropped the ice shard on deck with eyes directed in the direction where the chanting could be heard. "Bastards gonna die Oi guarantee dat." He finally added as he picked up a shortsword that rested near him, given the fact he already had a longsword tied to his belt and a shield on his right arm, he felt the shortsword would serve as a practical use for pinpointed strikes... or he could just throw it later on.

"Roi, lead de way Tyler. Let's see if we can't kill us a couple o' mages." It may have sounded odd for Ricky to actually say this, given the fact he was usually against killing in general. Yet he'd been pushed to the edge today, and he was ready to give the other two a taste of his steel.