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Post by homeskillet on May 23, 2008 20:16:37 GMT -5
Stone is not as happy with the outcome. He decides that the two seeking cover should not have any and tries one last time to remove them from the scene. In this case, Stone sends the pebbles to them! He hopes this will make them either advance with brave one or make haste like the scared one. Either way hopefully this will keep them busy enough.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 1, 2008 2:08:10 GMT -5
No matter how the soldier under the wagon buries his head the pebbles keep pelting him. Giving up he scrambles out and charges to catch up with the advancing soldier. The last soldier in the cart fairs no better as luck would have it a pebble smacks him in the temple as he maneuvers and loses his balance. Falling head long out of the cart the man lets out a great 'oof' and lay stunned on the ground.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 1, 2008 2:22:54 GMT -5
Suddenly, Stone's dance takes a shift and changes. The slow, rythmic Tu Bo Kata is a testament to his balance. With this change a sudden dust cloud appears to the west trapping the guards over there. Stone gives Tull the signal.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 1, 2008 2:45:21 GMT -5
With the guards nullified, Tull quickly and quietly shambles over to the first cart. Ducking inside he begins prying at the lid of one of the crates. Working quickly the dexterous little fellow takes a peek inside, reseals it and moves on to another. Making sure to check at least two crates in every Cart for thoroughness, the hobbit keeps at it until shouts of reinforcements are heard over the howling wind and dust. Tull tumbles out of the last cart and scrambles away into the darkness.
Aiko sees a dozen soldiers all armed with shields and swords marching double time to the wagons.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 16, 2008 9:31:54 GMT -5
Stone looks over at Mason. Stone initiates the sneak over to where Tull disappeared. He hopes that his little dust storm will be enough of a distraction as he sneaks over to his brother to find out what he discovered.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 17, 2008 0:37:50 GMT -5
The dust was just the thing to hide Stones movements. Mason was fast on his heels. They found Tull breathing hard from exertion or maybe the energy rush one often experienced in such moments. Mason remained at the corner of the building keeping watch on the guards.
"They're rocks Stone. All of them. What does it mean?" Tull whispered heavily.
The approaching guards could be seen surrounding the carts and investigating. They were obviously alarmed to find rocks in the crates as well for Tull hadn't the time to close them all back up.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 17, 2008 1:29:58 GMT -5
" I don't know, but I aim to find out," Stone walks up to the wagons. He lifts one of the unopened crates. Carrying it he turns to the guard in command, " Take me to Captain Mohay, now!" Stone is no nonsense. He carries the unopened crate to wherever the Captain is.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 18, 2008 1:41:57 GMT -5
A couple of the soldiers looked up at Stones demand. The Sergeant in charge of the squad frowned and made a quick decision. "Private Blan. Take him to see the Captain and provide a report as well." with that he went back to investigating the carts.
The private was quick footed and Aiko, Tull and Mason walked briskly to keep up. Aiko noticed a cut on the privates cheek and realized this was the one guard that stood his ground with shield and sword during Aiko's diversion.
Because Captain Mohay wasn't a resident of the fort he was housed at the visitor barracks the same as his men. He was found pouring over maps by lantern light at a small but functional desk off in a corner.
"Eh? Whats this?" he asked curiously at the interruption.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 18, 2008 9:05:37 GMT -5
Stone drops the crates with enough force to shatter the crate. He has a look of anger upon his face. " Captain, why are we taking rocks to the Capital?"
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Post by Game Master on Jun 18, 2008 18:33:13 GMT -5
The Captain flounders, obviously flustered. "Wha..I..Private is this true?" Stone noticed that the Captain looked truly perplexed. Whatever was going on he wasn't behind it.
Private Blan stood ramrod straight and recounted the events, honorably leaving out the parts where his fellows acted like cowards or abandoned their posts. His report was clear and precise.
"Whirl winds and hopping stones Eh? Wizardry is not my field. What say you Earth Master? The missing weapons are disturbing enough without some rampaging wizard type on the loose. Can you protect us if he or she surfaces until we can get this matter straightened out? Is it possible the weapons were ---------- into stones by magic?"
Aiko wasn't familiar with one of the Captains words but the meaning seamed clear enough given the context.
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 18, 2008 20:43:27 GMT -5
"Captain, the dust storm and hopping stones were by my power. I apologize for scaring your men (looking at the brave soldier that led him to the Captain) and hurting this brave one, but the stones within were not caused by me. I sensed the stones within earlier. This is why I asked you the questions earlier. I used my powers to get your soldiers away so I could be sure. Now, I want to know, why are we guarding a bunch of rocks?" Stone is no nonsense. He believes Captain to be a man of honor, but he must know the answers.
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Post by Game Master on Jun 27, 2008 18:27:40 GMT -5
The Captain pinches the bridge of his nose between forefinger and thumb while closing his eyes. A moment later he looks to Aiko. "I honestly don't know Master Stone. I just don't know. Whatever the case it means our mission is over. We leave tomorrow to head back to Garrotten where I can hopefully sort this out without losing my rank over it. Get some rest and report to me at dawn. Dismissed."
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Post by Game Master on Jun 27, 2008 18:50:06 GMT -5
The group head to their bunks dejected and full of questions. The next morning some of those questions were answered when a messenger on horseback rode into the Fort. Aiko and Mason were immediately summoned to the Captains office.
Inside Captain Mohay stood to the side of the Fort Commander who sat at a huge oak desk. A few other officers as well as the soldier Blan were also present. In the center of the oversized office stood a Red rider messenger. Mohay got right to the point.
"Well I just received word that the weapons shipment we've been guarding was stolen by a smugglers ring back at Garrotten. Discovered after we left this messenger was sent to retrieve us as soon as possible. At noon today we will head back to Garrotten. Our mission is over. Everyone is dismissed except Mason, Aiko and Blan.
When all the officers and Red rider left Mohay spoke to the group. The Fort Commander was present as well but remained silent at his desk.
"With the mission ending prematurely I wish to make it up to you and the other mercenaries. You've all done a fine job and it ain't right for you to leave empty handed. When I get back to Garrotten I'm going to petition that you and the others receive full pay for an outstanding job. I'd also like to offer you a side job if your interested. With the mission scrubbed I need to send a message to Fort Calda to the North. The Red Rider has prior obligations so I'm forced to send one of my own men. I've decided to send Corporal Blan here. He's shown bravery and initiative so I feel he's a good choice."
Stone noticed Blan stand a little straighter at the praise.
"Anyway, Fort Calda is at the Mouth of Ogre Pass so you can gather that its a dangerous journey. It would be suicide to send a single man on foot. I'd like to Hire you and any of the other Mercenaries interested to escort Corporal Blan to Fort Calda so he can deliver his message. From there you can take the old fort road back to Garrotten where I promise your payment will be waiting. 250 gold per man is what I'm offering for escort duty. Earth Master would you mind finding out if anyone is interested for me please?"
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Post by homeskillet on Jun 30, 2008 9:52:46 GMT -5
Stone bows," You are a very honorable man Captain. Thank you for everything. I will accompany the Corporal here, but you need not pay me. It is the least I can do for scaring and hurting him so last night. I will go now, gather the mercenaries and tell them the news." Stone bows again and with Mason leaves.
As the two men exited, Aiko looks to Mason," It is up to you my friend. You may be needed for the trip back. You do not need go with me on this on. The Captain may need a scout." Mason didn't say anything, he just walked ahead, gathered the mercenaries for Stone.
With the mercenaries and brothers before him, Stone stands in contemplation, meditating on exactly how to explain this. All around is the bustle and hustle of troops readying to leave. This of course only nerved the others before him as Stone carefully thought out his approach. " The mission is over. The weapons we were supposed to guard were stolen. We have nothing left to guard. The honorable Captain Mohay, is going to petition, upon our return, to receive full money for this job. We have done well. As you see the troops are leaving, but there is one more job to be done. Corporal Blan is taking a message, on foot to Fort Calda. This fort is at the mouth of Ogre Pass, so the Corporal help to complete his journey. I am going to help him. Now, You all have done your part and may go home. You need not do anything else, but if you choose to come with Corporal Blan and I, the Captain will pay 250 gold for the escorting duty."
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Post by Game Master on Jul 1, 2008 20:21:32 GMT -5
The dwarf just grunted when Stone mentioned the petition. He did however step over to Aiko's side when he was finished speaking. Tull, and Sull agreed upfront as Aiko expected and Mason stepped over as well to Stones joy and relief. Par-Nax looked at his elven companion and seemed to come to a decision without words.
"The two of us would join you as well if you'll have us?" Par-Nax asked in a booming voice.
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