[center][IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/zwdws7.png[/IMG] [hr] Lucian looked to the large man, Van Ken he believed he'd called himself and sighed; shaking his head. [color=darkred][b]"They're already doomed. They were doomed the moment the Curse found it's way into the city. The city can still be saved but we can't save everyone. If we try to save them all, we doom them all to the fates of this damned creature in my bag. If you wish to accompany me than by all means try and keep up. Lua, hop to it. Time is of the essence"[/b][/color] he grunted. Lucian took his crossbow back as Lua got to work, the Old Raven leaving for Kenfort Keep with Kapti in toe. He knew what his plan sounded like. It sounded cold, insane, evil perhaps. Lucian however understood that sacrifice had to be made. Lucian couldn't weed out the Cursed in time to make a difference. It was impossible. It would take the full strength of the Raven Lord's or at least the combined efforts of several Raven Priests. Lucian sighed as he walked through the Fort's gates, approaching Kenfort Castle. He wished one of the Priests were here. They would improve the chances of stopping the Curse from spreading to the extent Lucian had to allow to properly stop it. The guards looked towards them and Lucian gave them a look. Perhaps it was his look, perhaps they recognized Kapti, but they didn't stop them, merely parted to allow the men through. They seemed official enough as they proceeded for Lord Hargreave's throne room. Hargreave began to stand. "[i]Who are you? What is this?![/i]" he said. Lucian raised a hand to show him that he meant no harm. [color=darkred][b]"I mean no harm Lord Hargreave and we have very little time. Your city and it's people are in danger and unless you wish to be Lord of a graveyard you will listen to what I have to say"[/b][/color] he said. The lord frowned. "[i]Guards! Escort these men out![/i]" he said. Lucian scowled and removed the sack from his belt throwing it towards the lord. The head rolled out, snapping and looking around for living flesh to bite as the guards backed up, whispering prayers. The lord jumped back into his throne. "[i]Good Lord....[/i]" he whispered. [color=darkred][b]"That is the fate of every man, woman, and child here if we do not act accordingly and quickly. Once the sun has dipped below the horizon, they will attack and spread like a fire"[/b][/color] the Old Raven said. Lord Hargreave looked up and once more, asked who he was. Lucian stood up straighter and breathed deep. [color=darkred][b]"I am Lord Lucian Barret, esteemed member of the Raven Lords; defender of the living from the the clutches of the damned. My apprentice and I tracked the Curse here and found it has taken root in your cities slums. I need your help to stop this from spreading anymore than it has to"[/b][/color] he said. Hargreave seemed ready to listen now as Lucian explained what he needed from Kenfort's lord. [hr] Lucian stood between the two bridges, guards standing at attention and spears out and ready. 4 dogs were stationed at the bridges, 2 for each as the people from the slums came swarming in. The dogs sniffed and seemed friendly enough but it wouldn't be for long. The cities guardsmen had been instructed to close all gates of the city and keep them locked. No one was getting in or out until Lord Barret said so. Should one of the dogs begin to bark and snarl, they were to push the people coming through back and raise the bridges. No one was to get through after that. Lucian kept a mental note of the people coming through, counting them as best as he could. The sun was lit up like a campfire but the warm oranges and reds were soon giving way to purples and dark blues. [color=darkred][i]'Damn it Lua, where are you?'[/i][/color] he thought in annoyance. [i]BARK BARK BARK! BARK BARK BARK![/i] The dogs on the left bridge began to bark and charge at the crowd. They'd smelled someone cursed. It seemed his apprentice would have to survive on the other side of the bridge then. [color=darkred][b]"RAISE THE BRIDGES!"[/b][/color] he shouted over he chaos. The guards nodded and began pushing citizens back, spears out as others began turning the wheels. The bridges hadn't been raised in years as they began to creek and groan, lifting up as people screamed for sanctuary, to let them across. Lucian tuned it out. He was about to turn and leave when a book landed before his feet. Where had it come from? [i]THUNK![/i] Something had landed on their side of the bridge. Lucian grabbed his crossbow and took aim. He was prepared to fire when Lua's face came over the bridge's edge. Lucian sighed in relief and motioned for the guards to let her through as she slid down the bridge into the mud. She was up and grabbing the book, shoving the book into his chest. Lucian grabbed the book and took it looking it over. A journal of some kind. Answers perhaps. Lucian looked to Lua and nodded towards the city, inferring she get some rest and medical attention. Shiara then approached, anger on her face as she asked what the plan was now. Lucian sighed as he put the journal into his belt. [color=darkred][b]"Now, we wait. The Curse is going to spread to anyone who hasn't had it now but they are now trapped on the other side of the river with no way out. By sun up, those who had been on the other side of the bridge will be one of them. By then, we'll enter the city in force and kill anything that moves"[/b][/color] he said in a cool demeanor. It was cold and cruel, but it was a necessary evil. He took no pleasure in condemning people to die, no pleasure in allowing innocents to be taken by the Grim Reaper and the curse but he had to do what was necessary, not necessarily what was right. That was his burden as a Raven Lord, do what was necessary to ensure that others could live.... [@Overlord Thraka] [@Rosenrot] [@Parzivol] [@shylarah][/center]