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Post by Ribitta on May 27, 2011 10:57:07 GMT -5
Aurinar’s footsteps thundered on the through the hall as he departed from the meeting chamber. His face was smooth to the untrained eye, but anyone who had a history with him would notice even the slightest dishevelment in the usually solid features. Truly, it had been quite some time since negotiations had not gone in his favor, and he knew exactly why. It had been only a moment, a partial glimpse that he was sure was intentional, and Aurinar had sniffed out the culprit: Khordus Jorin. It could not have been helped, really, but the reality of it infuriated the Emperor nonetheless. Stamaria had been beaten to the chase politically, the mobility and proximity of the Korin having overcome Stamaria’s best efforts to pocket the government of this city. Nevertheless, this folly had not been unanticipated by Aurinar; even if he had not won the city this day, Stamaria had the resources to pursue it relentlessly for long periods of time. More importantly, though, Aurinar had known even in advance that the only force that could counter his presence in Teradia was his only true vice, and he now had him cornered with an ocean on one side and a Stamarian army on the other. There would be no escape for the Korin.
Turning the corner, Aurinar entered a side chamber that he knew DuValle would be in. Negotiations had gone well at first until a request had been made that only the leaders finish the discussion. As the other men had left, Aurinar had caught the glimpse of Jorin and immediately the diplomacy went sour. DuValle may not have been present for the conversation to take a turn for the worst, but he suspected his perceptive officer would be able to put the pieces together. Regardless, he spoke as soon as he was sure the room was empty of spying ears, “He’s here himself, and his intrusion will not go unpunished. Reroute all orders: Khordus Jorin is in the city. Dead or alive, we are not done here until I have his carcass.”
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Post by The Rising Dragon on May 31, 2011 10:59:50 GMT -5
As the Emperor stormed into the chamber, DuValle quickly lowered his head, dropping to one knee with his arm held crooked before his chest. While others would be fooled by the man's expressionless gaze, DuValle could see the signs of the Emperor's anger. He knew that the negotiations must've taken a turn for the worst.
It all became clear when the Emperor issued his orders. "As you desire, your Majesty," he replied. "What of your standing orders, about keeping the peace in this kingdom?"
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Post by Ribitta on May 31, 2011 15:05:41 GMT -5
Aurinar offered his officer a joyless smile, turning his back on him and rolling his shoulders so that his cape would cover the entirety of his back, "The order still stands but its priority is now superseded by this order. Use discretion, but Jorin's life is more important than anyone that resides in this city. The local authorities may be subdued if necessary." He quirked yet another smile, this time with perhaps some faint vestige of emotion attached, "The Order of the Blade will lead this mission, but you will be overseeing them. I expect to hear from you how they carried this out; is that clear?"
But the conversation was really already over. A twinge of satisfaction emanated somewhere from inside the emperor as his plans fell in with one another yet again. The Order of the Blade would have their chance at redemption. If they succeeded the emperor would have his trophy kill. If they failed then they would indeed be even greater servants than they were already forced to be by their past. No day was ever truly a loss for the Emperor of half the world.
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Post by The Rising Dragon on Jun 1, 2011 11:11:27 GMT -5
"Yes, your Majesty!"
DuValle stood and made a short bow, knowing in such events the Emperor would have his speed, rather than his formality. He exited the chamber at a purposeful stride, Flamereaver's enchanted blade bouncing slightly against his back with each step he made. He traversed the palace until he arrived at the guest quarters for the higher members of the Emperor's entourage. He knocked on the door twice and strode inside just as it was opened by a servant.
"You there, find the Lady Arvestus and Knight Commander Lightshield and bring them to me," he ordered with a curt gesture, sending the man scurrying out of the sitting room to find the two Order nobles.
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 1, 2011 13:36:19 GMT -5
As the courier approached the quarters belonging to the command staff of the Order his way was quickly blocked by a pair of warriors. After a moment of explaining why he was there, the female soldier of the pair nodded her head and led the way back to the actual quarters. She then knocked on the doorway, and entered a moment later to find Lady Gillian Arvestus sitting in the middle of a group of clerks going over paperwork.
Gillian listened silently as the courier explained that she should gather up Knight-Commander Lightshield and make haste to meet up with Duvalle. She nodded politely to the courier, standing gracefully as she did so. A moment later she had exited her quarters with the courier in tow, heading across the hall to Lightshield's room.
She tapped lightly upon the door, "Knight-Commander," she called out. "May I come in?"
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Post by Risk on Jun 6, 2011 10:19:03 GMT -5
((-cracks knuckles- Here goes nothing...))
Morning light was streaming in the window of the small room, causing the heavy armor within to glitter brightly. Near the armor, which was neatly placed in order on a small table, a woman sat with a book in hand. From all angles she appeared to be simply reading, but she had paused much earlier and become lost in thought.
It had all been too quiet lately, the world around her. Grandmaster Arvestus had even found some relief from her stress over her missing lover. However, the Knight-Commander could not help but wonder why everything was so still. There had been few assignments over the past few months, and certainly little violent contact. Perhaps their superiors were close to a breakthrough. Or perhaps they were at a loss completely as to what was next. Regardless, Alyssa Lightshield was not the type to enjoy sitting around on a quiet morning. She would far rather have a sword in hand and blood on her fingers.
A knock on the door caused her to turn, and the voice of the Grandmaster sounded from the hall requesting permission to enter. Alyssa grinned despite herself and paused to reflect on the irony, "You may." Her reply was firm and held all the authority of her rank as the smile disappeared from her face and she stood, turning to salute her superior officer.
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 6, 2011 18:00:28 GMT -5
Gillian locked the courier in place with an icy look that clearly stated "stay outside", and then unlatched the door and entered swiftly, closing it behind her.
"Knight-Commander," she said pleasantly, "It would seem we are finally being called upon to serve, Lord Duvalle has requested both our presences in a meeting with him as soon as possible. How soon can you be ready?"
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Post by Risk on Jun 6, 2011 19:49:49 GMT -5
Alyssa relaxed ever so slightly as Arvestus launched into her purpose for arriving. Finally, some action had reached their ranks. She turned quickly and sheathed her sword, wriggling her fingers into her gloves as she responded shortly, "Immediately." She was dressed in rather royal clothing. Black pants were tucked into silver knee-high boots that buckled at the side with a slight heel to them. Her shirt was the same silver as the boots with black buttons and threads contrasting darkly across the fabric. Only the middle of her torso and the cuffs of the shirt were seen beneath the long, black silk coat, tail falling to behind her knees, with silver threads crossing in intricate designs around the high collar and hemlines. Her long blonde hair was down, as she had grown to like it these days, framing her face gently. Now, with silver gloves covering her hands, the light, cool clothing was all in place and she was prepared to follow the Grandmaster to this meeting they had been called to.
She turned to Grandmaster Arvestus, eyes gleaming with hidden excitement, "Lead the way."
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 6, 2011 20:03:17 GMT -5
Gillian smiled pleasantly, and then led the way to their meeting. Surprising the courier from earlier by her speed, she swept past him in a surge of movement, trusting Alyssa to keep up. The courier tried to catch up, attempting to lead the way. But Gillian would have none of it, she knew the layout of the building well, and the courier had already told her where the meeting was to take place.
She led Alyssa straight up to the ornate double-doors, guarded by a pair of Royal Guards, "I believe Lord Duvalle is expecting us," she stated, her polite tone a mixture of commanding personality and her customary warmth.
The Guards nodded without a word and opened the doors for the two women. Gillian led the way inside, found Lord Duvalle to be waiting, and curtsied expertly. "Lord Duvalle," She greeted, "You requested our presence?"
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Post by The Rising Dragon on Jun 6, 2011 20:14:27 GMT -5
DuValle stood before the two women, towering over them as he looked down on them imperiously. As the doors shut behind the women, leaving them alone, he finally spoke. "Have all of your armed forces present mobilize immediately. Khordus Jorin is within Teradia. The Korin are present in this city. His Majesty the Emperor has decreed that we will not leave until we bring Jorin before him, be it dead or alive. Though we should still keep the peace, our standing orders are now second to this one. You have permission to subdue any local authorities to accomplish this mission.
"His Majesty has decreed that the Order of the Blade will take charge of the search, and that I will oversee your operations," he detailed to them. "Your retainers, Lady Arvestus, should prove useful in locating whatever Korin cells are active within the city. This is not an operation any of our men should take lightly. Now... you are dismissed."
With that, DuValle strode from the room, pushing open the double doors of the sitting chamber with both hands as he went to retrieve his armor.
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 6, 2011 21:15:07 GMT -5
Khordus. Here. Gillian was shocked that the leader of the Korin would be so bold as to come to the same city as the Emperor. And now the Order was being tasked to hunt down the vile monster and put him out of the Emperor's mind, permanently.
"Well," she said after Duvalle left the room so suddenly. "This could prove to be difficult." Possibly the understatement of the year, if not the decade, with the slightest chance of it being the understatement of the century.
She turned to stare at Alyssa, hoping for some insight into the situation. Gillian was a capable commander, in a sense, at least. Able to plan battles and give orders, though unused to the blood and pandemonium of most close combat. Alyssa's help would be invaluable in this operation.
"Knight-Commander, have you ever participated in an operation such as this?" She questioned hesitantly, "I have never had cause to participate in, let alone lead a mission for a man-hunt in an urban environment. As the commander of the Blade's Templars, I would hear your thoughts on the matter."
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Post by Risk on Jun 6, 2011 23:29:03 GMT -5
Alyssa Lightshield took in the information as it tumbled out of DuValle's mouth. Korin? Here? And not just Korin, but the Korin leader himself. Alyssa pondered that fact alone for a moment. Her experience told her that the leader of a group like that would not show up in the targeted city unless it was absolutely necessary. Unless he needed complete control. But his soldiers were trained so well, she could not think of anything he could be doing that would require that kind of presence. Her eyes narrowed and her forehead wrinkled in concentration as she watched the short spoken man leave the room. This was all very foreign to her.
Gillian turned to her and Alyssa's blank face returned. The question was simple and yet complicated all at once. How were they to deal with this threat? She was not entirely sure, but she knew that it wasn't going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination. "It would seem beneficial to hire a spy of some sort to find out the location of Khordus' hideout. Past that it's simply gathering a team of soldiers to take him out. There is not much we can do at the present time but search him out." Lightshield rolled her shoulders, "Meanwhile we'll need to scramble the troops to take out any and all of his ranks. Without them he can't do much to us." Assuming he hasn't already...
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 7, 2011 21:50:35 GMT -5
A spy? Gillian knew it was a good idea, though the idealistic part of her balked at the idea of using one. The practical side of her, however, told her that a true spy wouldn't be possible, unless Stamarian Intelligence had one in the Korin ranks and hadn't mentioned it to her.
However, she did have the two Sphinx members of the Order with her, and they could be used in an attempt to ferret out the Korin. For a split-second she contemplated whether or not she should tell Alyssa about that particular asset they had at their disposal. But quickly decided Alyssa would need to know.
"True spies we do not have," she said thoughtfully. "But I brought a pair of Sphinx operatives with us, they will have to suffice for the time being, unless Stamarian Intelligence would grace us with a few of theirs."
She contemplated the plan silently, "Though we've been authorized to use force against the local authorities, I'd like to avoid that for as long as possible. We should use small groups of Order-members to ferret out the Korin, then smash them with the Templars you brought with us, agreed?" she glanced questioningly at Alyssa, obviously wishing to hear the Knight-Commander's thoughts on the plan.
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Post by Risk on Jun 19, 2011 22:39:10 GMT -5
Alyssa thought for a moment. The plan was a good one in all honesty, but the Knight-Commander was concerned that the Grandmaster did not grasp the difficulty they faced, "It will have to be kept very quiet, and it will take a generous amount of effort and perhaps time to find the enemy soldiers. I trust that your operatives are trained for speed of some variety?"
This had to be done swiftly and effectively, but quietly. Civillians need not take part in such a dangerous situation, and casualties must be spared, "Assuming so, they should be told to use that training. This must be quiet but quick."
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Post by Steinerman on Jun 21, 2011 0:34:52 GMT -5
Gillian inclined her head in agreement. "The operatives I brought are among the swiftest and surest the Sphinx has to offer, they shall not disappoint."
She strode to the door and turned around to speak once more before exiting the room. "Knight-Commander, if you would be so kind, please place your Templars at the ready to move on any intelligence our operatives gather, I shall go and set them to their work." She smiled warmly, "We shall speak again soon. Good day, Knight-Commander."
With that, she exited the room and quickly set about ordering her agents into the city to hunt for the Korin leader. She decided that it would be best to inform Lord Duvalle only when they found something, as otherwise she would just be wasting his time.
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