Mas Bagus

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

4:20 AM - 4:40
Fanghorn, Kingdom of Kindeance

That impatient hunk of muscle did not turn off the device and Jazdia could still hear what happened afterward, it sounded like the busy sound of someone forcefully crowbarring a nailed wooden container or a door open. And then, a pause before it finally crescendoed into a thundering explosion.

"...Mattie?"
A soft, continuous beep indicates that the device was suffering heavy damage and malfunctioning.

"Great! I hope she is not dead in a goddamn fire!"

It sounded prophetic, yet sarcastic at the same time. Jazdia thought they had determined that Pesti was likely a trap and must act accordingly and with great caution. With that in mind, nobody should be tempted to open something out of curiosity and impulse alone. They should have just go in there, look around, and scry to their heart's content.

"Scry... huh?"

She didn't overlook that one possibility. But Jazdia preferred to keep her judgment to herself. Her mind raced at Pesti and she genuinely hoped that Mattie was still in one piece. She looked back at the castle one last time and could see divine magic being practiced. By their gesture, it seemed they have noticed Solomon's summons and exorcised them. Quite a tight security in one place.

”It could be the prince he’s hiding. Or just something else he does not want the world to see. Anyway, since you can’t see past their barrier I guess we’ll have to do it the old-fashioned way and get there up close. Entering the town should not be too difficult. We can just wait for the gates to open and pretend we’re travelers looking for a place to rest. I’m betting that Fanghorn has some sort of inn on the main road to the keep. We could go there and meet the local drunks who do nothing all day except downing grog and staring out of the window. Any word from the Orc?”

I can't see past the Barrier. That word was hard to swallow.

"Indeed the damn prince is likely in there, hidden behind the curtain. The Orc? Looks like she is in trouble and we all have been compromised. Come, we need to regroup."

"Regroup huh?"

"Our job here is to ensure that their avenue of quick escape has been cut off---" Jazdia activated her eyes and imagined how those bastards thought they were safe inside their fortress, with barrier and all--they were right.

She maneuvered back to the riverbank but did not climb down to her previous vantage point. Nah, she did not need extreme accuracy for this one.

An arrow rested in her bow, and into it, she imbued another explosion spell. The elf aimed, this time slightly elevated to compensate for the distance. With another pull and another release, the arrow flew in a whistle and blasted the bridge, and the other arrows that had been rigged there into a chain reaction.

The left side of the bridge collapsed, leaving only the vertical support and rampart on the right side of the bridge. Bridge disabled, and the explosion should be hard to miss. Let's see how they would like it!

"Let's go back to Pesti."

The elf, with eyes still activated led the group back to the treelines, their horses were still there, faithfully waiting, safe and sound. The coast was clear, she immediately reached the saddle to mount up, kicked the steed, and have it cantering immediately.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

4:12 AM
Fanghorn, Kingdom of Kindeance

As they went farther to the northwest, the trees became more sparse until there was nothing but brushes and clearings. The houses of the local farmers provide them ample covering, however, be it from eyes stationed on top of the walls or several towers at the corners of the city.

It did not take long for the team to reach their ideal position; a river bank with a steep side but a relatively flat shore. Jazdia nocked an arrow and measured her target. The bridge was one hundred and fifty meters away, it had four columns, and was four meters wide and thirty meters long across the Green River. It had one watch tower, which was currently empty, and no other sentries could be seen.

Her forty-four-pounder bow tensed as Jazdia pulled it to its peak draw, and soon it launched her enchanted arrow with a distinctive twang. The first shot landed on the second first column from the right, embedded in the gap between the bricks. The second shot was released, and it landed not far from the first one, impaled on the part of the structure that was covered with moss. The third shot bounced off and fell to the water below. Jazdia replaced that last arrow by firing on the same gap where her first arrow was. Three should be enough. Those arrows will be ready to detonate in half hour.

Jazdia climbed from that riverbank and turned on her radio. Her eyes were still activated as she began to walk around the compound. There didn't seem that many activities inside except in the inner citadel, which for some reason had magical enchantment protecting it. It was not very perfect; it had some gaps and cracks in its magical barrier, but still a nuisance nonetheless as Jazdia could barely peek inside like a half-opened curtain.

However, the inner castle was built under a large mound, thus its underground section had no such protection

"Their dungeon is empty, there is no princeling in there!" she stated as they arrived at the southeast part of the castle. "Huh, strange, pretty sure you will use your dungeon when you detain someone. There goes our plan to criminalize the baron for the mistreatment of royals."

"His lackeys seemed to hold a bloody convention on the third floor, right above the... huh Baron's quarter? Damn this barrier! It seems overused. How did a local baron can have one of those planted in his walls while Rascade, the Capital itself had none?"

"Matilda. Can you hear me? What's your status over there? We almost finished our part of the job. And that funny bear is MIA, I assume he is on the way to... regroup with you. We are waiting for the news from your side, Ma'am."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

To her surprise, the druid carried her order without much fuss. That was good. Jazdia drew her bow and activated her eyes, aiming at the general direction the bear took. Walking in all four, Cedar began to spread his seeds, or spell, or whatever there.


“My shadows. Yes." said Doctor Solomon solemnly "There should be five of them within the inner walls of the village. They will be the eyes and ears in the areas we cannot currently reach. If anything warranting our attention or concern, the shadow will reveal itself to you or I. I’m afraid they cannot speak in the traditional sense. However, I will understand them. Should we be separated, if they approach you, it will be a warning."

"So they are autonomous?" asked Jazdia, intrigued by the explanation, but still focused on the druid's movement. "Can we use them to warn the others? Or in case we separated even further?"

"Should we be separated, if they approach you, it will be a warning. It might try to communicate another way such as the way it moves or points, so be mindful if one reveals itself. Beyond scouting, and providing warning, there is not much a shadow can do. They are silent, fast, intangible, and can hide in any form of darkness seamlessly, a perfect scout.”

Jazdia frowned. Not to Solomon's explanation, but to what Cedar was doing right now in front of the south gate. It was not the intended target, and there was a risk guard who could see him, which would incite unwanted attention among the populace. But fortunately, no such things happened, the bear successfully sowed his seeds at critical points, and even managed to replenish his ammunition along the way from the nearby backyard. He did all of that silently, just like a kid doing mischief.

Jazdia still provided cover and monitored his movement when the bear somehow took a very peculiar route and headed straight to the forest. She wondered if the druid was sidetracked by something her eyes did not see, but that was... impossible.

That Bear, where was he going? He kept going straight into the forest, through foliage and darkness, until completely out of Jazdia's enchanting sight.

"What in the world..."

Jazdia deactivated her eyes and then reactivate them again, scanning the woods in case of a bear came out of the treeline. A full minute passed and still no sign of him.
Jazdia started to lose her cool, her mind raced, and among many things, Cedar having treacherous intent was flashed briefly, but she tried to keep the assumption under control. The only settlement nearby was Pesti, and Matilda was there. Maybe the Druid thought he should rejoin the orc captain? For...whatever reason?

Jazdia faced the rest of her team and did very little to hide her dissatisfaction. "Cedar's gone. He went to the forest. Reason unknown. Maybe he will be back shortly and maybe not. We will not wait for him."

"So what's the plan?" Asked Kaito.

"Let's move to the edge of the forest so we can get a closer look at the wall. The first goal is to plant my arrows on that bridge. Then we will see..."

Maybe Cedar would return during their approach?

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Supposedly out of any prying eyes, the group made their stop in the treelines two hundred meters away from the gate. The sound of the swift stream from the Green River could be heard behind them, a perfect mask for one of them who walked with heavy steps, though not a soul could be seen anywhere near them at that moment.

If Veronica's intel was to be trusted, the fort was almost deserted, and it seemed so before their gates and battlements. Only eight could be seen patrolling atop the rampart, fulfilling their duties with bored heavy faces, so nominal for a second or two Jazdia wondered if they have arrived in the right place.

But the Hunter was so sure he looked about to jump from their cover anytime now. In his answer, he added how those men must pay for the death of his brother, needless to say, Jazdia didn't find his personal motive beneficial for this mission.

"We are here for scouting purposes." and she will not repeat it again. "If it is revenge you seek, be patient-"
Jazdia shifted her attention to the main mission. The earpiece was still silent, and that was the first thing to worry about because now should be the time for Matilda to inform her of the first update. She wondered how they are doing right now. Chonan was impulsive and Matilda doesn't seem to be a person with patience. Had they sounded the alarm already?

Jazdia patted Cedar's wide shoulder and donned her friendly attitude. If memory serves right, working with a druid is difficult, but this fella seemed more approachable.

"One of my concerns is if the second party started a fight and Pesti called for reinforcement with whatever means they have. We can't let their reinforcement arrive before we do. We must do something to hinder their mobility. Master Cedar, I need you to create obstacles on the main route so their horses and carriages cannot pass. Can that be arranged?"

Sure it can. He was a druid and nothing those tree huggers liked more than turning man-mad creation back to nature's embrace.

"And, Master Solomon, you said you deployed one of your shadows. Care to tell me something about it?"

After saying that, the elf activated her eyes and scanned for whatever waiting behind that city wall.

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

“I don’t believe in coincidences. I still think the fact that we suddenly broke through with scrying is entirely intentional from their side and that us splitting up is exactly what they want us to do. But hey, why listen to someone who specializes in trickery and misdirection…..” Spoke the fox mildly annoyed as he was convinced that this whole situation was an obvious trap.

Jazdia's glowing eyes stared at Kaito in a way it was intended to bore his skull open. Sure she didn't mind an alternative plan, but so far nobody offered none, save what Matilda has planned, and if putting all eggs in one basket could be considered a plan that is.

"Then what is it that the enemy does not want?" she said, though on low voice, the belligerence of her tone was apparent. If it was someone else, she would have forgiven it, but Kaito was one of her agents, and he doubted her like he was yesterday's recruit, no... not even yesterday's recruit would dare to say that. Unless he is smart enough to devise his own plan.

"Ten minutes have passed! We can't stay here long. If any of you folks have another plan, say it now." declared Jazdia, there was a hint of challenge in it. "How we should handle this interference? My plan essentially is to check all avenues and cut their escape route, and improvise with the upcoming situation. We have the means to communicate now so coordination can be done easily. It is not a perfect plan, no plan is, but at least a flawed plan is better than idling about with no clear direction."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Twenty years in the organization and Jazdia perfectly knew how exactly she sounded like. Not every people find her leadership style... convenient, and she knew it often stems from her ability to see what most people could not. She had tried to tone it down many times, obviously, but now due to her being pulled out of retirement, she forgot some of her settings. But hey, Matilda always had the option to decline her plan and devise her own. If it was sensible enough, of course.

As if anything she ever planned was sensible enough...

"Why do we need Solomon's shadow in both villages again? You are going to Pesti, will you not? And I will proceed to Fanghorn. I don't think you will need summoned entities. One because once discovered, it shows hostility from your side, and two, what purpose does it serve? Communication? You already have one."

Jazdia shrugged. "But, hey, don't let me stop you. You are the boss, right?"

A plus-one if fighting broke out? Could work, but she doubted it would be anything Matidal couldn't handle. Besides, the head was always a precious commodity, and whoever dares to lay finger on Fred's myrmidon was either a madman or someone who could live without a head, or four other limbs.

But a madman though...

"Well, you picked the commpass..." said Jazdia, smiling rather gleefully. Who cares if the orc Paladin looked very irritated by her brazenness? She decided to roll with her plan anyway. "Try to give each other sitreps whenever possible, okay? If you think the place is an obvious trap you lots couldn't handle, please inform me immediately. I will need Mister Solomon to go with me. Of course, if he doesn't mind. If anyone else wants to tag along with me, you should consult Matilda first."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"If the prince is not at Pesti, we'll find and break whatever magic interference that bounced the scrying there. It'll announce our arrival, but the prospect of any stealth seems to be more and more distant the closer we get."

@A5G

"If the prince is not at Pesti, we will go to Fanghorn, true. But I am afraid he would not be there when we get there."

"Matilda. Infiltration doesn't have to be done with deception or furtive actions. Whoever is in charge in Pesti doesn't have any reason to welcome you with hostility, lest they incur the wrath of the King himself. You are still Fred's right-hand woman. Go to Pesti and visit the village as King's aide, Take Veronica with you and scan the entire place."

A brass commpass now pinning the map on one of its edges, courtesy of Jazdia herself. "This is a portable communication device. Press the golden button and it will dial its counterpart, the silver button is to record voices. When your team finds something, you should inform me quickly. I will do the same on my end."

Jazdia activated her eyes to see if everyone was close enough to hear her properly. If someone interpreted two glowing orbs in the darkness as a form of intimidation, so be it.

"Remember that Pesti is an ordinary village. We don't have to initiate a fight if it can be helped. Get in, look around and leave. If your prince is indeed there, I will regroup with you as soon as possible. Remember that they have nowhere to run, even if they somehow got a wind of your scrying, they can't relocate him anywhere far enough we can't trail it. If you don't have any problem with my plan. Go ahead and pick that device."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

Jazdia squinted, not because of the darkness nor illumination from her enchanted arrow, but from the daring implication the pale girl had just made. Wiped out? Hardly. It indeed went less smoothly no thanks to nobody in that royal palace was smart enough to foresee one of the king's attachés had turned against him. Not to mention one in her team was an impulsive idiot and the other one was thinking too much. Nevertheless, the elf knew better not to argue. Veronica was here to offer alternative intel, and it was best to treat her as an informant.

"It seemed nothing beats boots on the ground and scouting ahead manually. But thanks for answering," she said, now turning to the orc paladin, Jazdia continued. "Pesti is less fortified, surrounded by a forest and flanked by mountains and a river. If we strike it now, it will be too easy, too easy it looks very suspicious."

Jazdia brought her glowing arrow closer to the map. "As Lady Veronica said, It might be bait for us. But let us assume we attack Pesti simply because it was less of a threat the prince is more likely to be there. My question is, what if he is apparently not there?"

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

It was three or less in the morning when Veronica reported her finding. It was the pinpointed location of the prince himself and his general well-being which apparently remained unspoiled for the past six days.
What concerned them was the part where her finding conflicted with the hunter's account, which pointed to Fanghorn as the location where the kidnappers went.

Jazdia huffed and dismounted from her horse. It was not really a big deal for her, but she wanted to hear what the team leader had to say about this information, and the intel gatherer herself.

So the elf opened her pocketwatch and called for an emergency meeting. The map of Kindeance opened, and her enchanted arrows provided the light. Ten minutes at most.

"How much is the enemy on each site?" she began, eyeing Veronic. "In Pesti especially."

Sovereign's Will: A Fantasy Roleplaying Game. [CONCLUDED]

"I will not pry into your past, or your network." The orc caught Jazdia before the latter entered a room. "But I require your words that it will not negatively affect the mission at hand."

@A5G

Jazdia was clearly not pleased with this untimely interruption. Though Matilda's suspicion was probably justified, they had all the chance in the world to join in and listen when she had a talk with Baker. Heck, it even would save her time from explaining to their team leader how the devices works.

"No, it will not," she replied with a deadpan expression. "On the contrary, I just solved our communication issue and ensured we can leave safely. From what I heard we probably have multiple targets, so splitting might be an option. Anything else? If not, I will take my leave and rest."