[IC] Knights of The Dawn Covenant: The Longest Winter

[OtomostheCrazy]

Kaathe nodded to Evelyn to assure her that her order to him was heard. The dark elf picked up the bound and unconscious cultist, and quietly exited the inn. It wasn't that far to the square, but it would take him a few minutes. In those few minutes, Kaathe assessed the situation...in his own way. They had all come together for a single event, one that Kaathe honestly cared nothing for. Then, when night arrived, an army of cultists, dedicated to some nonsensical deity, attacked. An entire army of trained knights, decimated alongside every other knight-captain except for Evelyn within a single night.

Kaathe returned his attention when he realized he had found the square. The people around there were running around, preparing for the inevitable encounter with the cultists. It was a shame, really. They don't have much of a chance against them. Still, it was their decision, and he simply didn't care much for them. Still, curiosity had always been his problem.

...Note to self, thought Kaathe. Ask about the state of this village in the next town.

Kaathe placed the man on the ground, and told some idle villagers to watch over him. The dark elf decided that may as well check to see if the cultists were heading their way yet. As he walked to the border, he returned to his earlier thoughts.

One after another, commendable knights of the Dawn Covenant started arriving. Their little group was beginning to grow large. He wondered if there would be enough supplies to allow the villagers to live on, should they survive the cultists. In any case, Kaathe recognized just about every warrior there. Through rumors, he had managed to figure out who they were, what they were capable of, and what they had done. All of them were quite popular amongst the knights, and a popular subject of rumor, as well.

He returned his focus again when he reached the borders. He looked out, when he realized that his crossbow and spear were still at the Inn. Kaathe payed it no mind. He was carrying a man through the village. His spear and decorated crossbow would have just been a burden. Besides, he was just checking on things. Still, he pulled out his dagger to keep himself armed.

Kaathe inspected the dagger. It's blade was as sharp as before, and if anyone were to look at it, they'd think that it was unused. That would be incorrect. It was used before. Many times, actually...but that's a story for another time. For now, he returned his focus to the task at hand, and looked out from the border.

[Zelosse]

@OtomostheCrazy

Bartuc wandered through the village in silence, shaken by the harsh defeat but eager to return to combat. His sole purpose to the Order was a soldier, trained and eager to fight even after all these years. He had seen grotesque killings of every sort, delivered a couple personally, and pulled more than one man from the jaws of destruction.
But still he wandered. Never content to sit.

More and more knights drudged in through the day, having escaped from the grim fate their friends had suffered, likely in the hopes of another chance. Bartuc seriously doubted any of these men would be staying much longer.

His rambling thoughts ceased as he caught site of a familiar clothing, spilled in blood. "Kaathe." He called out to the dark elf, a good man in his own way, but more than a little jaded. "It is good to see you made it out, sir." Despite the armor, he bowed low to his superior. "Forgive my manners. Bartuc Crestfallen. Have you any word on future plans, or would you like an escort for the time being."

[IcePezz]

Maddy pushed herself off the table. Her body still seemed a bit weak, but certainly much better off than she was prior.

More and more Knights started pooling into the room. First to enter was a dwarf - he seemed a bit young. Madelyn had never seen such a young dwarf before. But her damaged notion of what dwarves were supposed to look like only seemed ridiculous now and made her chuckle inside, an act only displayed by a smirk as she glanced away from the dwarf.

Evelyn balanced her attention, answering the dwarf before turning back to Madelyn. "We will be leaving soon, I hate to ask but are you fit to ride?". Maddy merely nodded in response, but it was sufficient enough before the next person walked in.

She was an odd little girl with a some how sadistically cheery disposition. Another member of the order, and from her introduction, already acquainted with the Knight-Captain. This proved that she was not a threat and so Maddy's gaze quickly moved to who spoke up next.

Her eyes turned a slightly darker shade of blue, her matted blond locks whipped behind her as she turned to face Lloyd.

"Well seems like we all had the bright idea to run here. Means the enemy will eventually fall upon this time. Lloyd Castellans, knight lieutenant. How are you doing this terrible night Knight Captain?"

He didn't seem to notice Madelyn, or perhaps just didn't care that she survived. She shot a quick glance of disgust in his direction before turning her back to him, her hands bracing the table for support as she steadied herself on her feet.

Evelyn continued on about the preparations they needed to complete... and then a prisoner. Madelyn's ears perked up at the thought of perhaps getting a good look at one of the monsters that were responsible for so much blood.

It was almost time to go. "Can you walk?". It wasn't the Knight-Captain's words that struck her as odd, but more so the gesture that accompanied them. Madelyn hesitated a moment, she'd always been on her own, she always thought it better that way. The thought of endangering their group, well that was something she just couldn't bear. But what if.... if she could be of any help... she took Evelyn's hand in her own. Her voice was steady and firm and nodded, "To the end of the earth if need be, to finish the task."

[Snarfulblast]

@TheDarkTemplarAn elf enters the tavern dressed in the armaments of the Order, noticing Knight-Captian Evelyn Karl quickly walks over and salutes,"Templar Karl ShadowThorn at your service ma'm." Karl returns to a more normal posture, thinking to himself about the fight he had managed to escape. Sorrow, regret, and anger towards himself filled his mind, he hated that he had to run and leave his brothers and sisters in arms to die.

Karl found a nearby seat and sat down pulling out his long sword he began to clean the blade, so many thoughts rushed through his head many of them about his friends he had left to die. So many good soldiers dead or dying and he had run, he had run like a coward. He thought to himself that next time he would not run, next time he would stand and fight till he had nothing left to use to fight with, he would fight till he lay dead on the ground.

[Mega Birb]

Lucien guided the horses to the tavern, having almost been garroted by one of the reins and a lamppost at least once on the ride over. Upon arrival, he dismounted and walked inside, not even bothering to tie the beasts up. They wouldn't be unattended for long at all. The cleric gave a hasty salute to Evelyn, signalling his return, and took a seat near a fire pit in the center of the room that smelled of hickory and alcohol. Hunching forward, he removed his crossbow from it's sheathe, and cursed under his breath. The string had gone slack and needed immediate replacement, and that meant finding a fletcher amid the chaotic frenzy the village was in.

Problem was, he had only a basic idea of what the town looked like, and that basic idea didn't include the location of said fletcher. For the first time in ages, he was going to have to ride without any form of ranged protection, and he was quite nervous about it.

[OtomostheCrazy]

Kaathe continued to look out. The cultists hadn't quite come close to the village yet. Still, he saw something. Something that, at this point, just didn't surprise him. The dark elf laughed quietly at the situation.

"Look at that..." mumbled Kaathe. "Famous knights are just popping up left and right...It's beginning to make me feel inadequate..."

Kaathe stayed where he was, waiting for Bartuc to come closer. As he did, he replied,

"One of the monsters of the Order knows of me? I wonder if I should take it as an honor, or a cause for concern."

Bartuc CrestFallen...a man whose surname had no business associating itself with. The large Templar was not even a bit crestfallen. In fact, he seemed more likely to embody the opposite meaning of the word, in Kaathe's opinion. This man was brash, just, and had a habit of just charging in swinging. Kaathe had heard quite a few rumors about him. Usually ones that detailed the damage and carnage caused by the man, but there were a few that spoke of his more heroic actions.

It was a miracle for a man such as Bartuc to have survived, given the rumors, but if they were true, then Kaathe could see the man running to his death soon. It wasn't Kaathe's problem, though. A monster can always be killed by something. If Bartuc chose to die charging at everything, then Kaathe would allow fate to decide what would happen.

Bartuc had finally come close enough for a proper introduction. He asked Kaathe a question, to which the dark elf responded in his calm voice,

"If you're looking for someone to lead you, then Knight-Captain Sunderland is at the Inn. Quite a few other knights have gathered to her. Some just as well-known as yourself."

[Zelosse]

@OtomostheCrazy @boomlover

"The mutterings are true then, you really do cut right to the chase." Despite the situation he couldn't supress a laugh. Everyone he'd talked to, and there had been many on the list over his years, mentioned the dark elf as a blunt person. The others said he would sooner cut a mans throat than try to save him. The notion didn't sit well but neither did he judge.
It wasn't his place to be like that.

With a helpless shrug and a sigh, Bartuc scratched his stubbly chin. "Mmm. Well, for now I'll take a stroll through town before heading to the inn. I doubt Sunderland wants more visitors." Another shrug and he turned to walk away but couldn't. He had one last message.
"Kaathe. When the fighting starts, keep going. People like me die to protect people like you." With a smile he turned and strolled off. Hopefully Kaathe understood his meaning. Not cowardice, buy intelligence. Those who lacked it died for those who did.

What followed next was more than a bit of time spent wandering the town, stopping to help load a cart or shore up a defense. Mostly he wandered because he'd forgotten to ask the way and at this point was too proud to ask. Finally the smell of food and ale caught his nose and followed with a passion.
Bartuc practically burst through the door, his excitement and hunger getting the best of him. The bar was busy with knights trying to get the departure ready, to where Bartuc did not know.

"By the gods!" Bartucs face lit up with a smile as he caught sight of a familiar bearded face. "Argus, you wily monster, good to see you made it out! Round of food on me?" Food and companionship may yet save his spirits. If that didn't work, there had to be alcohol somewhere.

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil made her way back to the tavern with Halen and with the game they had worked so hard to gather. The lack of free hands, however, made this to be a more difficult task than she had first interpreted. She kicked open the door and witnessed a sight most vulgar. A few of the newly arrived Templars, as well as the bear, had clearly had one too many pints and was now beyond drunk.

Ruinil sighed at the embarassing sight before her steady gaze swept over the room in search for the captain. It did not take long to find her. However, now wasn't probably the best time to approach her, as she was currently engaged with the task of healing a wounded arrival. Evelyn was exhausted, that much Ruinil could clearly see. Thus, Ruinil decided to place her kills in a safe place nearby.

She then exited the tavern once more to distance herself and keep out of trouble. From a shadowy distance, she watched the swarming of both Templars and villagers as they prepared for the inevitable destruction that was heading their way.

[TheDarkTemplar]

The Departure

---

Everything was ready, the horses had been acquired and the supplies were packed. Now all that remained was the matter of The cultist's fate and the knights would be on their way to Thanermere. Evelyn looked about the tavern and couldn't help but feel a great sadness come over her. Elves, Humans, Dwarves, had all come together in service to an order which now lays in shambles. These next few days would be trying times for The Order as well as all of Miras. It was now that the Templars were needed more than ever and for them to be in such a helpless situation angered the young Knight-Captain. "I leave to deal with the captive, by the time I return I expect you all to be ready to depart", Evelyn's words were stern and forceful, ever since the attack she had not a moment to rest and she would not for quite some time longer. From here on, Evelyn would need to be strong not just for her own survival but for the survival of those under her command as she knew their journeys would be ripe with terrors. Her pace was swift as she exited the inn, the door flying open then shut as she headed towards the village square.

By the time she reached the village square a noticeable amount of people had already gathered around the cultist, watching him carefully but not daring to touch him for fear of being possessed or worse. Evelyn made her way through the crowd and grabbed a hold of the cultist's cloak, dragging him over to one side of the mob. The captain pushed the prisoner onto his knees before unsheathing her sword. "People of Sharwood, I bring before you a man who has taken the lives of many Templars, practiced innumerable dark rituals, and conspired to bring death and destruction upon all who do not bow before his alleged god! This man serves the false god whose army lies just beyond your borders! I ask you: What fate would you decide for him?". There was a low murmur as the villagers conversed amongst each other before one bold voice gave word to everyone's thoughts, "Kill the whoreson!". One by one the people shouted, calling for the death of a man they did not know till moments ago. As for the cultist himself, he had hoped that at some point he'd be able to escape but whatever opportunity he might have had was erased once the people began to flock around him. The man began to sob as he knew what was coming, Evelyn turned her head to gaze down at the man who's fearful eyes begged for mercy. "Lower your head", there was no mercy in her response as Evelyn lifted her sword over the man's head. With his spirit broken he hung his head low and not a moment later did Evelyn's sword come crashing down on his neck, removing his head from his body in a single blow.

Evelyn was a devout follower of the teachings of Altaia and Cadeniere, but in that moment she cared not for mercy or justice. That execution was her revenge for all the lives taken and she'd ensure that this false god paid for each life lost at Starguard. The Knight-Captain sheathed her sword and headed to the inn to gather the men. "Mount up, we ride now for Thanermere".

[Cuccoruler]

Cythlla had been drinking with a few others, Henry had been drinking out of a bowl. "Man, it has been too long!" Cythlla said with a smile, her toothy grin was frightening to some. Once she heard Elevyn say something about going now she grumbled. "It wouldn't hurt to drink you know." Cythlla said muttering to herself before heading out, Henry squeezed himself through the door but was eventually able to get out. "Your great!" Henry said in slurred words as he aimed a hug at the dwarf known as Bartuc. "You Dwarves are always the best when it comes to company!" Henry said, a grin could be seen on his mouth. "When I was human you dwarves were always the most fun to hang around you know that?" Henry said with a grin.

Cythlla shot a glance at Henry, she hadn't liked the idea of others knowing about Henrys past. Most people would quickly come to the conclusion that she had turned him into a bear. It wasn't true at all and she didn't like having to constantly explain herself, as well as how her magic worked.

As Cythlla walked towards the group of Templars she noticed a rather large increase in elves. "Uggg elves... here to enslave us all I guess." Cythlla muttered to herself.

[Mega Birb]

Lucien downed what was left of his third mug of ale since arriving in this village, slamming the mug down on the thick table and earning a surprising cheer from a nearby group of onlookers. They hoisted a small barrel and started to make their way over, until the cleric held his hand out as a signal for stopping the advance. "Sorry, friends. I've to be off now. Any other day and I would accept that challenge, but the last time I was drunk on a horse, I woke up upside down in the saddle with my head in a bush." He laughed heartily, recalling that ridiculous scenario and what led up to that event.

"Take it anyhow, you'll need it more than us." The group of villagers seemed to be an astonishingly stoic bunch, and appeared to know the travelers would need the drink more than themselves, as one would be running for help, and the other would need a clear head to fight literal demons.

Jakorian thought for a brief moment, then ran outside to his horse and removed a rope from one of the saddlebags. "I gladly accept your offer. If you need anything, make sure the Templars hear of it. I'll make sure Candeniere is at your side when you need him most." As the keg was laid on a second table, the cleric set to tying an intricate system of knots around the vat, then soon hoisted it onto his back.

"Make good use of it, Knight Jakorian."

"Will do, sir." He made his way out and mounted his steed, adjusting his currently useless crossbow to fit around the hogshead he was carrying.

[Zelosse]

@Ace of flames01@Cuccoruler

Unlike most of the other Templars, Bartuc did not partake of alcohol during their brief respite instead choosing water to quench his thirst. A simple meal accompanied it. There was need of supplies for later.
Bartuc placed a majority of his coin on the counter as he stood up, enough to pay for 30 such meals most likely, and gave Argus a warm smile and a salute. "dont stay too long."

Even before he could walk away, Bartuc was overtaken by a monstrous behemoth of tooth and fur. Some called him 'Henry' or so he had heard. Anyone who had traveled in the order know of the necromancer and her talking bear familiar.
He hadn't been ready for the hug but that didn't mean he would go down easy. "aww," he purred, "Does Fuzzy Wuzzy want a hug? Its all yours!" Bartuc pressed forward, catching a mouthful of fur, and locked his arms behind Henry and crushed with all his own considerable might, enough to make even fully armored knights wheeze, and roughly broke off the hug a few moments later. "lay off the juice, friend. I may need to ride you into battle some day!" He pat the bear for a moment as it went about hugging more men.
Nice bear. Bad drunk.

The sight of something stirred him forward and out of the bar, like a mirage of his desires he had seen her clear as day. The half demon Ruinil. Bartucs greatest inspiration. Like the bear, it was hard not to hear of the mysterious and deadly half elf, but always the rumors labeled her poorly as a monster. Bartuc could only see beauty.
His pace quickened as he left the inn shortly after the elf had and quickly found her walking away. If there was a chance it would have to be now.
"excuse me! Madam!" He called, waving to the elf. "my apologies, I do not wish to impose. I imagine it will be a long ride to our destination. I wondered if you would like a companion for the road." He gave a deep bow, truly honored to have met someone of her calibur. "would you grace me with aname and a chance?"

[boomlover]

Argus Smiled Back at Bartuc and then Attacked his food with a fury unmatched. Argus did not really care what he was eating. As long as it was food that wasn't made from human flesh. He just kept digging and digging. mostly ignoring everything around him. yet still thinking about everything that had happened. Which was mostly because He didn't had the time to think. "Damm it seems that exploring is gonna be an issue now." He stopped eating for a moment to catch his breath and then continued eating." I should try to convince the knight captain to warn the dwarfs of this attack. Hell maybe even gain some support against whatever attacked us at Starguard. If we can convince him anyway."

When Argus was finally done eating the innkeeper approached him." Anything more i can give you? Argus looked up at the man and said." Anything that can make me drunk would be appreciated." The man raised his eyebrows." Well that's certainly uhh a weird request to make." He then thought for a moment before responding."But i might have something." He turned around and walked down his cellar. After a few moments of waiting he came back with a whine bottle. the liquid inside had a strange blue glow to it. Argus Started to regret the words he had said, as the bottle was put right in front of him." This". The innkeeper said with a grin," Is dwarven ale infused with magic. It is so strong that if you drink to much of it you will be drunk for 3 days straight." Argus eyes opened and wide smile appeared on his face. The innkeeper then continued his story." I found this bottle deep in the forest when i was hunting. I couldn't resist the temptation and took a sip. I then quickly passed out and woke up three days later hanging from the ceiling of a barn in the middle of no where bottle still in hand." Argus was stunned by the story and looked at the bottle with lust in his eyes." After that i decided to keep it in my cellar to sell it to a rich trader. But it seems your going to need it more than any rich trader so ill hand it over for free." Argus then grabbed the bottle and put it in is bag." Thank you kind sir i will make great use of this i'm sure.

The man nodded and walked towards his other customers who where waiting for him. Argus put the bottle in his bag and then turned around surprised by the drunk bear and all the new people on the room. But mostly the drunk bear which he had not seen or heard coming in. I mean really how did he not hear him?
He then looked around looking at the new people in the room, Most of which he knew. Then Evelyn walked in and said."Mount up, we ride now for Thanermere". He Jumped of his stool and walked outside seeing the horse in front of him. Now Argus could ride it no problem. The problem though was simply this. GETTING ON THE DAMM THING!.

[Ace of flames01]

Ruinil was surprised, not only by the sudden approach of the exceptionally tall man, but also by his request. However, her surprise quickly to amusement and slight confusion. She smiled warmly and her crimson eyes glowed gently, piercing through the dark forest that cloaked her. "Why would thou ask such a request? Thou must certainly realize that one such as myself, has been labeled a monster. I cannot deny that what they say is true." Ruinil was suddenly cut off by Evelyn calling for the troops to assemble and prepare for their leave. She stepped out of the darkness and faced the young man before her. "Follow me if you will. I shall not stop thou." She walked past him a few steps before stopping, "said thy name is Ruinil." She then continued to make her way to the stable.

She saddled up and mounted her horse. She trotted up Evelyn and circled around her then stopped by her. "We await your command, captain."

[ShaggyDoo0]

After making sure all the horses (and his mule) were tied to posts and secured, he walked inside the tavern just to move out of the way of the Knight-Captain's exit. Glodin qyickly ran over to the barkeep and pulled out a small flask from his back pocket. He took one last swig from it before handing it over to the barkeep. "Fill 'er up my good man, with something strong enough to keep me warm on a cold night." As he spoke he placed a few gold coins on the counter and waited for his flask to be filled. Taking his flask back he looked the bartender in the eyes, "Sir, I wish you best of luck in the hours to come. It will not be easy and I want you to know that I respect you and your townsfolk for being strong. This town's name shall live on long after the walls crumble." He gave the man a firm handshake and left the tavern in time to watch his captain behead the prisoner. "Damn I should have volunteered to slay that beast." As everyone began to mount up he saw a fellow dwarf having trouble reaching the stirrups of his horse. He walked over and without a word interlocked his fingers together and gave his brethren a boost onto the back of his steed. With a nod and a smile he trotted back over to his mule and mounted up to get into position.

[Zelosse]

@Ace of flames01

As the graceful woman walked by, he could not resist his own mind from doing what it wanted, praying he did not come across as rude. Gently he put his hand on her shoulder and stared into her eyes, the mesmerizing red were beyond anything he had ever seen. "Your eyes.. Breathe taking." His words were barely a whisper but he knew she could hear.
He came to his senses quickly and took a friendly step back. "My apologies, Ms.Ruinil. I was captivated and couldn't resist the urge to see you in person. Nothing could have prepared me for a godess made flesh." He bowed once more, as low as he could go in his armor, the plate dug into his stomach, but he ignored the minor inconvenience.

Bartuc watched her walk away and knew his heart had found itself. After 45 long years.

Bartuc made his way to the stable and procured himself a horse. The supplies needed to be spread out evenly with the horses, dwarves had shirt legs so took priority. If a horse had not freed up he would walk, gladly, near the elf lass. Somehow he felt that near her, he could walk forever.
Knowing they would rise made the idea even better.

[Snarfulblast]

Great moving already, I thought I would at-least be able to clean my other sword.thinking to himself Karl sheaths his long sword and exits the tavern. Looking around Karl realizing that he would have to ride a horse which he did not prefer, although he didn't hate horses he did not like riding them. Watching so many other more important looking soldiers made Karl feel dam near insignificant.But he knew that everyone had their place in the order, and his was one of the more basic roles.

Karl starts helping prepare the wounded for transport, while helping someone onto a horse he notices a bear hugging people, Karl walks over to the bear tapping the bear's shoulder to get it's attention."Umm could you stop hugging people for a moment and go find your master so we can get going as soon as possible."

[Cuccoruler]

Henry looked over at the knight who had tapped him on the shoulder. At this point he was starting to lose to the bear soul, he was drooling more than normal. As he finished his latest hug he got on all fours and looked at the knight. He then let out a roar at the man. Cythlla had just heard this roar and ran towards Henry. "Henry stop that!" Cythlla yelled at Henry. It seemed that her words didn't quite reach him though. He roared at both Cythlla and Karl. "Calm down!" Cythlla yelled again.

Henry just walked closer to them. "Melcor I command thee to regain control!" Cythlla yelled at Henry, using his real name as she pulled out her shovel which now seemed to be glowing as she used her magic to bring Henry back to his senses. Henry at this point had frozen in place before regaining control of his body. "Sorry about that, I guess I need to be careful of what I drink." Henry said.

Cythlla gave a sigh before turning to Karl. "That stupid bear lost it..." Cythlla said petting Henry as she walked towards him. She didn't even bother to apologize for what had just happened, she only cared for herself, and currently Karl was more important to her alive than dead. He would be more useful that way anyways. "Be more careful not to sneak on him alright, I don't want him killing the wrong person." Cythlla added looking back at Karl.

[TheDarkTemplar]

The Road to Thanermere

Mood Music

---

The Road to Thanermere was more than a simple three day ride along the Kingsroad. The first day of their journey snow began to fall, obscuring the road and bringing it's bitter cold with it. Even with what little supplies they brought with them there still was not enough for the twenty two knights. Their situation was made even more desperate when on the second day a horse carrying most of their supplies strayed from the group. A group of four Templars were sent from the main group to search for the lost mare but they did not return. After a day had passed, Evelyn took two knights with her to personally see investigate their disappearance. The captain did not find her Templars but instead bloodied corpses which attracted ghouls by their scent. The ghouls were dealt with but at the cost of one of her knights and the other suffering a deep bite to the hand. Returning to the temporary encampment, Evelyn offered to heal the injured knight but was refused with the words, "I'll not be aided by you! Because of you Naels is dead!".

The fourth day was no better as the group found signs of riders in the area, the cultist army had sent forth patrols to hunt down any survivors. At one point the group was forced to hide as a patrol captured and killed a couple of Templars. Another incident with the patrols forced the group to diverge from the main road and brave the wilds. In the night their encampment was attacked by a Kest Warrior which took the lives of two more Templars before it was slain...no one slept for the remainder of that night. At dawn, fifteen knights continued through the wilds until they encountered the kingsroad again. From there they traveled onward towards their destination until they came across a familiar and unwelcome sight. A Templar, standing amongst the bodies of his fallen comrades, was fending off attacks by cultist patrolmen. What's worse is that the leader of these fanatics was no other than that beast from Starguard, Krovah "The Defiler". Evelyn at this point had become so frustrated that she did not order her men to stay back but instead to fight.

Evelyn could not get dismount fast enough as she so dearly wished to put an end to these madmen. Unsheathing her sword, she kicked a charging cultist onto their back before plunging her blade into his heart. The next was a resurrected corpse which Evelyn dealt with easily using her electromancy. There was no restraint in the Knight-Captain's fighting, each swing of her blade fell so deep into the enemy it could nearly cleave them in two. Her lightening bolts were so charged they ran the risk of striking her allies had they not been careful. Evelyn forgot the ideals she had valued, in this moment she only knew revenge. Seeing Krovah only intensified her anger as the foul creature snarled at her approach. "The whore returns with her minions! I shall feed your corpses to our ghouls!", Krovah's words fell on deaf ears as Evelyn ignored all of it. Her sole focus was on sending that wretched abomination back to the abyss from whence it came.

[Mega Birb]

Lucien was in a state that he was rarely in at the first day; perfectly sober. He was usually at least slightly drunk, but he had chosen to leave the small barrel on his back corked. He never minded snow. In fact, he was more comfortable in the cold. Once the mare strayed from the group, he had gotten a feeling that things would only get worse.

He was absolutely correct. One of the knights asked him to provide solace for the group, and all the cleric was able to do was shake his head and sigh. "I apologize, but there is not much I can do now. I only hope the Gods can hear our prayers."

On the third day, he treated the wounded, his services being sought from the injured rather than Evelyn's abilities. He had a feeling that he was called just to spite the commanding officer, she was perfectly capable of healing a bite wound, although she was less skilled than he was. But the knight had a certain air of bitterness around him as the flesh mended back together, setting an awkward scene for the grand total of five minutes it took.

The fourth day was worse. Four more died that day, and Lucien was steadily becoming more and more somber. He had taken a blunted arrow in ribs, and while he had to admire the use of bludgeoning quarrel for armored units, he cursed their accuracy. A bone had been bruised from the glancing blow before the first two were captured and executed while the rest ran. That night, before the party laid to rest, he opened the keg and passed around some drinks, hoping to help everyone forget the troubles of the road. Then the Kest Warrior appeared and lacerated two of the knights before it was felled. The keg was empty by the morning, to put it simply.

The fifth day was barely better, being the first day to begin normally. Then The Defiler came into view, and Lucien dismounted, casting a quick area-of-effect spell to both bolster the spirit and toughen skin. In his left hand was the talisman he carried everywhere, in his right was his mace. If a summoned or captive spirit was inhabiting a corpse, all it took was a simple tap for the runes in the mace to dispel the captive soul. So he delved in, immediately smashing a cultist's face and ending a life with the brutal blow, and blocking a dagger swipe with his idol. No stranger to combat, he could hold his own without a problem. If Krovah decided to come too close, however, it could be the end of him. He didn't rely on the Gods for power, but this demon was something too powerful for even the battle-hardened healer.