Completed [The Dyres District]Something Wicked

[Perplexity]

53rd Day of Autumn, 513 AV 3rd Bell The Great Harbor of Syliras was, as always, a busy staple of Syliran society. From dawn until dusk the ships that docked its seaside arms were filled with one vessel or another. Merchant ships from Zeltiva supplying timber and cultural goods to be sold in Syliran markets maintained a steady trickle in the harbor, the occasional Svefran pod made berth in the Harbor while in transition from one part of the Suvan Sea to another. Ships from Riverfall bearing the wealth of great gemstones and a variety of herbs sailed in from the south. Not to mention the Syliran Fleet that protected the great citadel from seaside invaders. Sailors, mercenaries, travelers, seafarers alike all were made welcome into the great halls of Syliras through the harbor and every ounce of that traffic was overseen by a firm but fair hand. From behind her great oak desk in the halls of the Commerce and Trade Commission the aptly named “Iron Maiden” of Syliras kept a close eye on just about everyone and everything that passed through the realm of her jurisdiction. Nancy Sulvet. Formally known as Captain-Knight Sera Nancy Sulvet of the 3rd Regiment of the Silver Quadron, hers was a name that was very well known amongst the upper crust of Syliran society as well as the lower. With a reputation for being both a formidable fighter and an admirable leader she was most certainly a skilled knight. The honorable Nancy Sulvet was not at her desk however. Not at the current hour of the night. Presently she was standing in front of none other than Warden Albrek Degan who was frowning down at a report he’d just received only a few hours ago. “Do you know why I’ve called you here, Captain?” The stern woman showed no outward signs of discomfort not was there an air of stuffy arrogance about her as she spoke. “No, Warden. I do not presume to know anything other than what is my duty to know.” The Warden gave a gruff smile at that. When it came to Nancy Sulvet that was saying she knew a great deal. He sighed heavily pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. He then held up a missive that looked to have been the victim of harsh travel. “I just received this report from a messenger along the North Kabrin Road.” He extended the missive to her and the woman took it immediately scanning the information. She arched a slender eyebrow. Few things surprised the Knight-Captain. Even fewer things got the opportunity to take advantage of her surprise before she managed to turn the tide in her favor. This was one such circumstance where she was indeed surprised. She glanced up at the Warden-Knight the question obvious in her eyes. “Is this from a reliable source?” The Warden-Knight nodded gravely. He rose from his desk walking up to a tapestry depicting the Windoak surrounded by the high tenants of the Knighthood and the glory that was the Fortress City of Peace. “The messenger died shortly after delivering this. The Lord Knight wants a squad to look into it immediately. As this has happened within reach of the city it falls to us to look into it. I have already sent a contingent of knights to investigate. They have not reported back in some time. This does not sit right with me. So I must now send you.” Nancy furrowed her brow. She opened her mouth to speak but the Warden held up a hand for silence. It was met without question. “This is not a punishment, Sera Sulvet. You have done well in your duties. However, when the list of potential candidates was presented before Lord Alvikal he picked you.” Nancy blinked at that. That was unexpected. Twice she had been surprised that day. “I am honored, Warden.” He nodded and returned to his desk where he took a seat with a heavy sigh. Albrek laced his hands together and stared at Nancy from over the top of his fingers. He was silent and she didn’t dare break that silence both out of respect for her superior and respect for the man she knew him to be. Albrek was not known for being one to speak at length. He was always direct and to the point. It was what she admired about him. “If memory serves, Captain you have not taken Squires under your command in some time. Too long have our newest batch of Squires sat in the comfort of these walls. It is time for them to prove themselves. Lead them, Captain. Lead them as you would your brothers and sisters in arms. You are to take no less than two squires with you along with a handful of knights. You have a fortnight to assemble those you need. Am I understood?” She gave the Warden a sharp nod. He returned it in silent dismissal returning to whatever it was that a Warden Knight consumed his time with all day long. She executed an about-face and made to exit Albrek’s office. Nancy was at the door when the Warden called after her. “Oh and Captain?” She stopped just as she was about to grasp the door handle. “Yes, Sir?” She turned to face him not daring to be disrespectful and show her back to her superior. “No one is to know.” He nodded to the missive still in her hand. She looked down at it. Nancy pursed her lips at the information scrawled upon its surface. With a nod she executed a crisp knight’s salute to her superior then exited his office. As she left Albrek leaned into the high back chair behind his desk. He stared at the door to the chamber and quietly wondered just how many lives he had sent to their deaths.

[Perplexity]

60th Day of Autumn, 513 AV 8th Bell Nancy stood in front of the office of the Commerce and Trade Commission. Before her were lined numerous Squires from around the city that had been recommended to accompany her and other assigned knights on this task. Her face was stern. Her armor was polished but it bore the markings of someone who had indeed seen the heat of battle. To her right stood a Sergeant Knight of the Orange Company that fell under her jurisdiction. Nancy studied him for a moment. He didn’t fidget under her gaze like most of the younger knights but it was evident in the way he swallowed a bit more pointedly and stiffened ever so slightly that her mere presence unnerved him. He, like the rest of the assembled was standing at attention and had been since falling into formation in front of the Captain to review. To her left stood those full knights that had been chosen to join her. While all of them fell under the jurisdiction of Warden Degan not all of them were from her regiment. “At ease, Sergeant.” The man assumed a modified parade rest stance and breathed a barely noticeable sigh of relief. “Good morning, ma’am.” She nodded. “Good morning, Sergeant Knight Davis.” Gregory Davis. That was his name. Nancy had been searching the archives of her mind to match the face in front of her. He was taller than her by several inches leveling out at an even six feet. Broad shoulders and a lean physique as was expected of a Knight constantly on patrols and in training. He had dark brown hair and equally dark green eyes. “Ma’am, these are the Squires that have been recommended to accompany us per your request.” Nancy nodded. She had already selected the fully fledged knights who would be traveling up the Kabrin road with her on this venture. While she was away her trusted lieutenants would be tending to the harbor and she was already ahead of the Warden's demand of leaving within a fortnight. “Well done, Sergeant.” Captain Knight Nancy Sulvet painted the picture of statuesque discipline. Her features were sharp and aquiline in nature. Her hazel eyes were highlighted by the dark black hair that framed her face. She was not exceptionally tall, measuring at only five feet and eight inches but she stood with envious posture. Her back was always straight. Her movements purposeful. Her eyes were always studying and observing the world around her. With a silent nod she motioned for Gregory to join her as she reviewed the potential squires that would accompany them. Her face was impassive as she studied each Squire. Each one was so young to her. Finally when she was done inspecting them she went to stand in front of the formation. Nancy looked out over the gathered. She was silent for a moment before speaking. Her voiced carried over the assembled quite easily. “Some of you have been pledged to the Knighthood for a great deal of time. Some of you are just starting out upon the path to defending this great city. All of you have been called to a higher purpose. Today, you will get to prove to the Knighthood that has fed, sheltered and clothed you just how deeply your love for our great city goes. Each of you has been recommended to me by your Patrons. Each of you has proven themselves skilled enough to undertake the task at hand.” She surveyed the formation once again. “We travel north along the Kabrin Road. Vicious creatures known as Kriital have been wreaking havoc upon the travelers who walk it. It our right, our privilege to ensure the safety of all within the purview of our great city as such this task falls to us. Twenty of you there are assembled. Only two of you will accompany the contingent sent to rid the road of this menace. Know that this endeavor is not for the feint hearted. No one will fault you if you declare yourself unfit to face this challenge.” She paused so that those who might weigh the knowledge of what they were going to investigate bore down upon the assembled. None stepped down. She nodded. “So be it.” For days she had been in contact with most of the Patrons within the city. She had narrowed it down to the twenty squires before her but now came the real challenge: who among them was trustworthy enough to undertake this mission? She had a way to solve that. “In the spirit of fairness, to both prove yourself skilled and of sound mind enough to accompany us I propose a tournament. Each of you Squires shall be partnered and to instill in you the tenants of discipline and obedience you shall be mentored by a Knight other than your Patron for the duration of the tournament. Your names shall be drawn randomly…” The Captain Knight nodded to Sergeant Gregory who held up a satchel that seemed to be filled with slips of parchment. “…and with your partner you shall each face off against other squires in teams of two until the final team stands victorious. When I call your name step forward and approach the Knight that is assigned to mentor you during this undertaking.” She motioned for the sergeant to come stand beside her. With a final moment of pause she reached into the satchel and began calling out names. One by one each Squire being partnered and directed to a full Knight who would guide them during the tournament. “Squire Bolivar Coglias!” She handed to slip of parchment to the sergeant then reached in and drew out another. “Squire Fallon Skylar! Both of you shall be under the guidance of Ser Markus Andres.” When all the names had been called, the squires paired up and given to a full knight the Captain nodded surveying them all. “Know, this trounament is to test you but as challenging as this shall be the real test lies after the victory won within the walls of our fair city. May Sylir’s peace reign in your hearts and Syna’s light guide your path. The tournament begins at dawn at the Antinous Training Grounds. Best of luck to you all!” It was unorthodox but Nancy Sulvet wasn’t known for thinking inside the box. Those brave enough would fight hardest. Those wise enough would rise above and those foolish enough would think themselves unstoppable. From there, it was only a matter of waiting until the completion of the tournament. The next few days would prove to be quite eventful and would lift the spirits of those involved. They would need the camaraderie in the days to follow.

[Markus Andres]

Although Markus usually were stationed at the docks, he had jumped at the possibility to join this expedition. His reasons for requesting to join the mission was two-fold. The first reason was purely in the interest of advancing his career, get his name out there for the higher ups to notice and his skill-set made more apparent. Secondly, it took his mind off of Imass. Markus looked over the squires standing at attention. Several of them were acquaintances or former sparring partners of his when he had been a squire several years back. One of them he knew a little more intimately, but he wouldn't let that fact distract him from his duties. She were a capable squire and he would have to see her as that and not as someone needing special attention. But it was hard not to. His eyes were averted from the female squire and back to Sera Sulvet. They were going to hunt a Kriital? Markus wasn't sure he even knew what that was, something horrible and unnatural, to be sure. He felt his pride soar when the next generation of knights did not step down from the challenge and a smirk became fixed on his face. He was wearing the armour that the knights had provided him. His shield was over his back, the Bastard and its smaller sister were both on the left side of his armour. Sera Sulvet carried on, speaking of a tournament. Squire tournament. Markus raised a brow, surprised that she would determine their worth in a competition. It also sounded intriguing, Markus almost wished he could join it as a compete and not merely as an adviser to a pair of squires. Then again, this might be his chance to prove how good he is with leading people and tactics. Markus eyes went wide again in surprise when he was assigned none other than his significant other to guide in the tournament. Markus let out a silent petch at the prospect. Would be harder now to keep private and work life separated. He waited for Sera Sulvet to finish her speech and then he waited a couple of moments more to make certain that there were nothing she might have forgotten. It was best to get to work. "Squire Fallon and Bolivar, to me!" He ordered the pair of squires. He would wait for the two to appear before him and then he would continue. He really wasn't in the mood for his own terrible puns or attempts at humour, so he got right to business. "Let me make this clear, I expect the two of you to win this tournament. Our focus before the tournament is to get the two of you working together as a team. Get familiar with each other's styles, strengths and weaknesses. Any questions?" He looked from squire to squire. His eyes went from squire to squire as he spoke. Keeping the stern look fixed on his face.

[Fallon]

It was among the other squires that Fallon stood to attention before the Captain-Knight, back straight and her eyes staring ahead. Ears twitched, her nostrils flared as she listened to the briefing they were given. Palms grew damp, her brow knitting together slightly as more information became apparent. Of course she was nervous, who would not be? It would not stop her however, not now, not when she had to show strength to gain the silent approval of another. No matter its form. There was a wince at the gap in her knowledge. Kriital was little more than just a name to her, nothing more or less. An enigma she would have to go away and find out sooner rather than later. She only gave a brief glance to Ser Andres, unable to make definite eye contact with him. This was duty after all; it could not mingle with other more private thoughts.

Names were pulled, a sharp intake of breath as she registered who she would be with. There was nothing she could do about the knight or Bolivar for that matter. It only made her brow crease further, more so when she realised the nature of the test. She gave a sheepish glance at those about her, already turning to the taller, stronger ones that were often the cause of the brunt training she received in the grounds. Lips pursed, her shoulders sank a little as she eyed up the other opponents. Or at least until the call of her name came.

Snapping to attention the squire weaved her way through the sea of bodies and towards the knight. There was the clinking of the Tulwar, the weight of the shield and kukri upon her back. Unlike the others the light armour was worn instead, the plate had a tendency to cause more harm than good. She gave a small nod to the Knight when she finally got to him, eyes not truly looking towards him. Hands clasped behind her as she stood to attention, shoulders forced into squaring out.

Of course he wanted them to win; then again every knight here seemed to want those they were training to. It would make him look good after all, even if they got towards the end of the tournament it would most probably gain him a large increase in respect – whist she and Bolivar would no doubt just be left with bruises and scrapes.

“No questions from me Ser,” she answered quickly. Getting this sorted would no doubt pay off in the long run, or at least that is what she kept telling herself. She gave a swallow, her toes flexing slightly in her shoes. It was going to be a long few days.

[Bolivar]

A break from the usual melancholy of Bolivar Dynamicgear Coglis came in the form of a message not even two days earlier. To attend fully geared and prepared with a professional attitude was expected from the squire. Soon Bolivar found himself attending what at first seemed to be a ceremony where he lined up with a few that he knew to be squires. Anticipation was in the air but soon Bolivar found himself staring dimly at the window his gaze fixed on matching the sounds from outside. It was not out of boredom that led his sight out the window but it was out of desperation fearing something that his bothering his mind. This was not the time or place to think about such outlandish speculations for sure but that did not stop him from finally reaching his own conclusion about this gathering. Fervently beating back with what little fortitude he had left the squire thought of lavish tradition where today was the day where they were to be addressed as knights. Soon the squire's dreams and fantasy turned out to be just that, dreams and fantasy. Inwardly shrugging as the "Iron Maiden" of Syliras made her speech Bolivar mused silently at each word given. Kriital? Two? Looking straight ahead as Nancy Sulvet gave a chance for the squires to back out Bolivar closed his eyes at the sediment given. No one here was afraid of death, here and now. Fear of being called a coward makes many a squires stay their hesitations. To die rather then to die of embarrassment, the mixed blood was certainly not exempt from thinking so. At the call of his name Bolivar raised his head glancing at the crowd for some sort of tell. The first name seemed familiar and as he looked for a reaction his eyes on instinct found itself centered on Fallon's face. That was her, he remembered now. At the name of the knight Bolivar glanced at Fallon for some sort of insight. His eyes following her gaze Bolivar kept his eyes centered on who he assumed was the knight Markus Andres. Soon enough a call came for them to come to his side with the squire letting out a small chuckle at the Knight's rousing first words. "Fair enough." Glancing back at Fallon trying to get a read on the other squire's talents glanced back at Markus after Fallon's response. "None from me. Ser." Glancing out at the window one last time Bolivar attention went back to Markus with a nod, that was going to be the last of the squire's retrospective thinking, the knight had his full attention now.

[Perplexity]

The hustle and bustle of the Squires running about trying to get to their new mentors as soon as possible was far more chaotic and disorderly than any senior knight would have wanted. While the Squires went on patrols with their patrons, trained in the Training Grounds with the Weaponmasters and did a great show of being brave most of them had never been tested in true knightly fashion. No doubt they had been exposed to the mild dangers of the Bronze Wood or even had dealings with drama within the walls of Syliras.

"How many would truly uphold the oath to serve when they realize that on every day, at any moment, whenever is necessary their lives are the shield that keep our people safe?" Such were the thoughts of Nancy as she observed the hustle and bustle of inexperienced unranked knights giving orders in a leadership role for the first time. The Captain turned to her Sergeant and gave him a slight nod.

"Go and inform the Weaponmasters of the Training Grounds that the selections have been made. The tournament begins tomorrow." She sighed slightly then turned her steely gaze back upon the assembled. Most were no longer consciously aware of her. She didn't mind. She was not the kind of woman who needed people to fawn over her every waking moment of the day. As Gregory made for the interior of the castle she clasped her hands behind her back and decided to walk amongst the crowd listening to bits of advice here and there.

"---it takes a strong arm to win in a close fight!" Nancy smiled to herself. Not every fight could be won with brute strength alone. She passed by that particular group moving on to the next.

"Cunning. Outsmart your opponent. That's how you can win and do the Knights proud!" She passed by that group knowing that was also not a true statement. Not all fights could be carefully thought through. Instinct sometimes won out over logic.

"All plans are doomed to fail upon contact with the enemy regardless. No matter. Lessons will be learned all around. For Knights and Squires alike."

This pattern continued. Nancy kept on the fringes of the gathering letting mentoring take place. She occasionally stepped in to offer bits of advice on how to better help a team acclimate to each other. Finally she came to the group of Ser Markus Andres.

This was a knight she knew. Or rather she knew of him. He was within her scope of familiarity and she had received progress reports on him from time to time as a measure of good standing given he patrolled the docks. She stayed on the fringes of his group just as she did with all the others listening quietly to what he had to say to his two newly appointed charges. When he noticed her standing not far off she walked up more closely to the group. To say that she was observant was an understatement. Her bearing was that of someone who knew far more than she let on. She eyed both the Squires assigned to Markus for a moment before turning to address the knight directly.

"Ser Andres. I thought I recognized you. You will do Stewart Knight Brundt proud will you not?"

[Markus Andres]

The knightly gaze fell on Fallon as she spoke, then to squire Bolivar, the stranger as he spoke. First then realizing the squire was actually shorter than Fallon. But looked far buffer, even with the armour. This he could work with. Speed and strength. A fine combination. A firm nod responded to their negative answers. Markus was pleased that neither of the squires that he had been assigned had any questions. Meant he could get right to business and avoid any asinine questions. It was unfortunate that he had been assigned Fallon to guide, for the best way to get to people to work together was to give them a common enemy. In this case, it would have been Markus himself, but that was not an option with Fallon, she would see through it immediately. Thus, he had to work a different angle. Positive reinforcement - or some such shyke. "Excellent, have you met each other before? More importantly, have you ever sparred against each other?" Markus spoke firmly, but a person was observing them and Markus felt his back straighten instinctively to stand at attention when he saw who the observer was. Sera Sulvet herself. Markus paused in his words as his eyes looked to the higher ranking knight, a puzzled look on his face. Were she just eavesdropping or was there a particular reason for her standing there. The latter it seemed. Markus raised a hand to silence the squires when she approached the trio. "Ser Andres. I thought I recognized you. You will do Stewart Knight Brundt proud will you not?" It was hard to not snort at her question. He wondered briefly if she had ever met ser Brudt or even heard of him. The stewart knight was famous, or rather infamous for his lack of knightly virtues. Markus was particularly unlucky to have become a part of his company. But he couldn't really say that to Sera Sulvet's face, speaking ill of a superior was never a brilliant idea. "Naturally, Sera. I- We will certainly do our best, sera. Isn't that right, squires?" Time to test their commitment to the ideal of winning. If not, he would have to inject that into them as well during training. He did note that she had known him by name. Either he was getting known beyond his own chain of command, for good or bad, or she just did her homework really well before quests. He hoped for the former, but suspected the latter.

[Fallon]

Fallon turned her head to the mixed blood, then snapped it back to Markus, “Yes Ser, we’ve met before. Generally when there’s horses involved though. We uh… have yet to fight each other Ser.”

Swallowing she gave only a small nod, followed by a hesitant glance to Bolivar. Outside of that the pair did not see much of each other, so in turn it proved pleasant to see a different – though familiar face. She gave a smile, followed by a shrug, “I think we’ll be able to pull off working together if that’s what you’re wondering.”

At the sound of Sera Sulvet however, the squire snapped to attention. Pivoting round, her hands clasping firmly behind her back the squire raised her gaze up to the female knight. In honesty she was not how to exactly act. Most knights wanted attention and discipline, and so Fallon did her best to show just that. She gave a low nod, bending at the shoulders as she did, before finally standing to attention once more. There was a swallow, hands clenching tightly before she finally registered Ser Andres question. There was only a glance back to him, searching almost for an answer as to what to say. Sure, she had faith in Markus and Bolivar in trying their hardest and succeeding, but herself?

“Yes, that’s right Ser,” she forced the words out, “Do our best and our hardest. It’s all we can do after all.”

Looking slightly awkward, Fallon gave a glance to Bolivar. She did not have a clue if she had done something right or not. Sure, she knew that squires were supposed to put their faith into the knights, those they worked with and their duty was vital. They strove for order and peace, which came first. Did it not? She could already feel her brow pinching together. It had already been a challenging season, and it was bound to get worse.

[Bolivar]

A loaded question about the pair's understanding of each other. Responding to Fallon's glance at him with his own Bolivar seemed to breathe a easier knowing that Fallon did not seem to hold a dislike for the mage. "Yes, we have yet to see what the other is made of." “I think we’ll be able to pull off working together if that’s what you’re wondering.” "I can imagine she can hold her own with me. Short people tend to stick together. Ser." Watching the knight straighten up at the answers raised a question from the squire's face. Looking forward while following Markus's gaze Bolivar's curiosity was sated upon hearing the woman from before. Bolivar had already been standing up straight though with his height it didn't seem to matter much. Watching Fallon do a customary bow Bolivar mirrored the action before hearing Markus's response and Fallon back up his. "Yes of course. Squire plans to make both Syliras and Sultros proud Sera. Not quite reacting to Fallon's voice and hesitant glance at him. Bolivar was sizing up the challenges this Sera placed in front of him. She had seem on friendly enough terms with knight Markus. Even expecting great things from him. All earlier thoughts of stacking the deck against the mage squire diminished slightly listening to the two talk. Which meant the hesitation from Fallon was of her own accord. Where did that suddenly come from? Was the lady squire always this perturbed and he just hadn't noticed? Though it might have been obvious now in hindsight. That day in the waterfall and her expression quickly degraded but perhaps that was to be expected. So many uncertainties. Just enough time. oocRed is me talking. Blue is other's talk.

[Perplexity]

Nancy's sharp eyes caught hold of trepidation in the young knight's disposition regarding his superior. Ire with the higher ups was not uncommon in a militant organization. She wasn't unfamiliar with quelling dissension in the ranks but that Markus had enough character to push his down spoke volumes about his personal integrity to the woman. She nodded to the two squires though she paid them little attention to begin with. Truth be told she hadn't been paying much attention to any of their careers aside from the quarterly reports that passed across her desk.

"We." She said the word simply. It was a reiteration of the correction Markus had made in his amended statement. For a moment her eyes just studied the three of them before a knowing look crossed her face. "Indeed."

Turning away from Markus she directed her attention to the two squires assigned under his direction. She knew little about Bolivar or Fallon. She didn't even know their names but what she did know was potential when she saw it. The two had the possibility of meshing well together in combat. They were both not much of an intimidating sight upon first glaces but with closer inspection there was a fire in each of their eyes that bespoke a hardened backbone born of troubling pasts.

"I have but one question for the both of you. Answer truthfully. Answer to the best of your ability." She scanned their faces the hard visage of the Iron Maiden of Syliras bearing down upon them. Her eyes were merciless in their scrutiny. They stripped the surface of a person bare daring an individual to try and hide the truth from them.

"Is it better to be victorious alone or defeated together?"