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Telmar Archive2 [Exported view]
[RSS] 2009-07-14 20:09:44
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Ullari walked along the docks, huge ships with three decks of oars on them lined the channel...near
ly one hundred of them "An entire legion is devoted to the new navy...all of whom are ofcourse mariners" Ullari said with satisfaction "Now...let us go for a raid" he said slyly to Rayne, approaching a fleet of twelve long boats with one, Ullari's personal ship a two oar leveled beauty built for war "Hope you like it" he said as he alighted onto the ship.
Rayne smiled darkly, "She looks fit for battle." she said slipping her arm into Ullari's. Her hair was back in its usual tight braid down her back, and her long dress trailed behind her as she followed him.
"You will be staying on the ship though....i have a raid on an island that owe's me some of my men back, as well as supplies and money unpaid" he said softly as the raiding fleet set sail. The long boats beside them could be seen now...all the members where shrouded in deep grey cloaks to blend with the fog.
Rayne nodded, "I will do as you say." she said quietly, though she knew she would rather be with him.
Ullari stood at the bow of the boat...it was clearly designed to be a lander, with its' two ramps off to each side. As he perched on the edge, a beautiful if slinky woman came up behind him "My lord when shall i begin?" her voice was silky, yet low and deep though she was almost unbelievably thin yet well formed.
Rayne stood beside Ullari, looking the thin woman up and down.
The Woman eyed Rayne evily well if it isn't the old piece of elf bait that everyone has been talking about lately...im unimpressed she mocked Rayne mentally before turning to Ullari "What are we going for?" she asked simply.
Ullari sighed feeling the tension between the two "We are going to a Human island....razing it and returning...you are going to use you pretty little voice as the all to infamous warnng bell...that way if there are any survivors the word will spread" he said even toned.
Rayne glared darkly at her, "I suggest you keep your thoughts within your own mind." she said hotly, not caring if the woman wanted to keep the exchange to herself or not.
"You think it matters?" she said. The woman was in fact a Siren, and as such she made Rayne begin to feel the pain that she endured again out of spite.
Ullari sighed, saying somthing to the effect of women and their not being able to get along under his breath. The island could be seen now in the distance as Ullari begn signalling for the long boat that would take him ashore.
Rayne stiffened, emotions playing across her face which was as always an open book, "You will cease your antics Siren, and focus on the task at hand." she growled through gritted teeth.
"I can see why the Deamons toy with you...and for that matter your captives...you're very easy to get a reaction out of" the Siren cooed as she climbed atop the prow. A low mournful tune rang out over the bay.
Ullari smiled as his boat neared the shore, the Siren's mournful cry had the town confused and afraid. "Ready yourselves for battle men, leave no one alive" he said simply. The boat hit the beach as the thirty men in each of the twelve long boats lept out and stormed ashore. The large boat with Rayne hit the beach with a thud, the two ramps dropping as the hundred plus soldiers ran to join the fight in the town.
Rayne's hand gripped the rail around the bow as the boat lurched to a halt, then threw her arms around Ullari's neck, "Be careful my love." she whispered in his ear before kissing him, then took a step back to allow him to follow after his men.
Ullari smiled "Despite her scorn, trust the Siren she is a long time servant of mine and one of the few Deamons that i would entrust your life to...she will look after you no matter what love" he said eyeing the human warriors now charging his men. The fight was short and brief, Ullari led his men on to burn the entire port to the ground. The castle fell soon after. A long row of spears on each side of the road leading to the castle gate was now adorned with the former inhabitants of the Island. The fighting still waxed fierce though, nearly two hundred well armed and trained soldiers marched orderly to meet Ullari and his men, cutting them off from the boats "This should be fun...nearly even numbers to" he said as his men drew up their own lines only to dissappear into the city.
Rayne stood at the bow of the boat, her knuckles turning white from gripping the rail as she was forced for the first time to sit by and merely watch a battle. She watched as the small island burned, and as Ullari was cut off from the ships.
Ullari fought with contemptuous ease, as did his verteran warriors beside him. Before long he had the island burning. Walking proudly aboard the ship he had with him two heads and two swords grasped in his hands "The leaders" he said calously. A long line of roughly three hundred dismal looking elves stumbled aboard, their leader sitting nearby Rayne "He makes it look so easy" he said mournfully. Setting sail Ullari spied in the distance a ship approaching "Ship oh the line due south" the call rang out as the ship became a flury of activity.
Rayne approached Ullari, a smile on her face, "For your collection?" she asked, not interested so much in the answer as in how he was doing.
"Yes" he said with alittle relish in his voice, seeing the large Human warship draw close "This will be fun pull out the sheilds men!" with that the sound of doors opening and closing followed by large squarish metal sheilds being produced "You will see why we need these shortly" he said. A balista bolt smashed into the deck, their own balistas and cross bows returning fire.
Rayne nodded, watching the scene, her knees bent ever so slightly to help her balance.
Ullari stood silently behind the metal sheild, an occasional bolt could be seen sticking through. "They're going to ram us!!" came a cry. Ullari looked stuned "Well this is new...wonder who would...ooof!!" he grunted barely having time to prevent himself from flying off the boat as it was rammed. Shouts and sounds of battle erupted all around, the long boats swarmed the sides, the battle was on.
Rayne's eyes widened as she struggled to remain on her feet, "Ullari, are you alright? Damage report!" she shouted to anyone who was in a position to give a report as she placed a hand on Ullari's shoulder.
Ullari batted aside the sheild, joining the now desperate defense of the ship. The human warship had a fortress like tower underneath which ran the ramp that fed soldiers by the dozen into Ullari's ship. Four long metal barrels protruded "Hell fire cannons!" Ullari shouted before leaping clear of the gouts of flame the poured forth. He knew fuel was kept for the cannon below deck, and that he had to detonate that inorder to win this. Vanishing off into the smoke he hacked his way into the oar room, searching aboard the enemy ship for the entrance to the tower.
Rayne backed away from the fight, she wanted to follow Ullari, but she also wanted to do as he had asked and stay away from the battle. She drew the knife at her belt, ready to defend herself if an enemy should approach her, she did not want to use her powers, knowing that if one of the ships were to catch fire, both would likely go up in flames.
Ullari ferreted out the door to the fuel room, felling three more Humans in the process. Placing a condensed disc of energy at the base of one of the fuel cells, making his way to the middle of the ship and placing an even more powerful disk there he then made his way back to his ship. His men where struggling to hold on...the Human war ship was much larger than expected. "Well my love, now to send those Humans up in flames, but first" he said lowering her into a near by long boat. When he was statisfied with the distance yah never know with shrapnel and all that lovely excess he released the energy discs. The resulting explosion tore through both ships. Ullari blacked out as he was thrown clear and into the water. The Siren sitting with Rayne whached wide eyed "I think m'lady i will turn us around...we might be needed" she said pointing to the burning ship. Ullari's ship was sinking, the Human vessel there was little left of.
"We are not going to leave Ullari to drown." Rayne snapped, diving into the water after Ullari, her dress was lightweight and she was an excellent swimmer, she only worried about Ullari's armour. She reached Ullari, and struggled to keep him from sinking deeper as she fumbled with the straps of his armour.
Rowing the boat up beside her the Siren hauled Ullari out of the water with ease "Great he's unconcieous...least he was smart enough to wear light weight stuff" she said with a sigh. They went around gathering up any Dark army troops to be found alive or dead to bring them home.
Rayne hauled herself back onto the boat, glaring at the Siren and her apparent lack of any difficulty in the task that could have drowned Rayne. She turned and began helping troops onto the boat.
Ullari winced slightly, yanking a cross bow dart from his should, back and stomach. He began to heal himself as he whached the burning wrecks of boats around "We need to leave now, gather all that you can and be out by the hour...they will be coming soon enough when they realize that this smoke is not all ours"
"Are you alright?" Rayne asked, turning to him. Her voice was steady, but her eyes showed much worry.
"Yes my love...just a few darts and a couple scratches is all" he said smiling.
Rayne nodded, and moved over to him, "Do you need anything?" she asked
Pecking her on the lips in front of the men as well as the Siren "Just to get back in one peice" he said softly, resting against the gunwall of the long boat.
Rayne smiled a little, her cheeks slightly red, "Then we shall attempt to do that." she murmured.
"As you wish my love" he said turning to face the shore, exposing a large burn down the side of his face, neck and shoulder.
"Oh Ullari," she breathed, "what happened?"
"War" he said softly to her. What felt like hours later, the long boat group limped back into port. Ullari's eye had glazed over slightly on the burn side of his face.
Rayne stood as the longboat docked, then looked back to Ullari, "What now l-Ullari, your eye, what happened?" she asked worried by the glazed look to his eye.
"Heat from the burn" he said simply turning to the dock foreman "Have all remaining men of the seventh legion ready by morning, see to it that the ships are prepared for a full scale invasion" he said walking briskly to what could be called command and control room fore the dock yards. Entering in to a large room with a three dimensional map as the center piece, with various generals milling around "Listen up, the Human's have decided that they no longer are under our authority, to prove them wrong we will strike back, i want a head captains and admiralty meating convened within the hour in this room"
Rayne accepted his answer, hoping that the glazed look didn't mean he had been blinded in that eye, and followed after him. She followed after him, like she always had, just behind his left side, her steps firm, the look in her eyes saying that anyone who threatened or denied Ullari would have her to deal with.
The admiralty was not one to take an attack lightly, immediatly the docks became a flury of activity "I want the seige boats armed, and armoured to preform their jobs and prevent attack" Ullari said above the commotion. Nearly seven hours later, the docks had quieted down and Ullari along with the captains and Rayne where seated around the map "Good evening, let us begin" he said calmly.
Rayne sat silently at Ullari's side, much as she always had, though there were more glances in her direction now.
Ullari listened to the generals plan the attack, interjecting where he saw fit "We should leave tomorrow night before they can mount any attack of their own" he said, being met with objections immediatly "My lord it is to soon" or "Ullari we cannot attack the capitol and plunge such a stable sector into war" or "The humans are nessescary pawns Ullari, by destroying their head won't we eliminate this?" the remarks and objections continued to flare as Ullari sat patiently.
Rayne had an idea. Rising to her feet, she called out above the other voices, "Then place one of our own at their head. We must remove the human emperor, and place one who would serve as an ally in his position. In that way the threat will be nearly neutralized, and we will have more control over the human armies than ever before."
"Because they will not accept one of our own" one of the captains spat
Ullari sat back, happy that at the exchange.
"Then we make them." Rayne growled at the captain, "Ullari's Dark Army has not come to control the better half of Arda through being accepted."
"We fight a war on two fronts already...a third we cannot afford" spoke a general, well worn in years though he was an elf.
"Then we pull the Dark Elves out of Telpurion." Rayne said, "The only possible threat there are the fragments of the Wood Elves, those we can keep an eye on to be sure they do not become one. Besides, we need our dark brothers here, up against Lomien's Alliance. Can you not see? This is our opportunity to gain control of even more forces, such a move could tilt the scales ever further in Ullari's favor." there was passion in her voice, and her red eyes fairly blazed with it.
"Because the wood elves are not few in number and if left alone all those on Telpurion will revolt and we will have three wars at once!" came the retort followed by shouts of agreement.
Ullari arose "We will take out the head and leave it at that...the resulting power struggle will take years to resolve..and by then we will be in posistion to act on it" he said hopefully
Rayne sat down abruptly, Ullari had spoken and as far as everyone else as concerned, that was that, she did not make a habit out of questioning him in front of others.
The captains where surprised at Ullari's sudden firm descision "Very well" came the admiral's reply, this silencing any captains objections. Seeing cooperation he smiled "well then everyone to your respective posts" he said softly sitting down with his feet on the table.
Rayne turned to Ullari as the captains began dispersing, "So we just leave the humans to themselves then?" she asked him quietly, she was not entirely sure she liked that idea.
"We leave them to war amidst themselves, thus they will make their conquering easy for us, or at the very least render them a threat of no consequence for the time being, and should they head in the direction of becoming a larger threat then we can become more involved in shaping the outcome...but for now i think it is best to confuse and disunify them....human's are most dangerous when they are united" he said quietly, enjoying what little rest he knew he would get.
Rayne nodded, she knew that what he said made sense, though they could use the extra forces, "I see your point, and I agree." she said
"Human auxillarys we do have, we don't need anymore...the northmen cheiftains are so easily persuaded by the simplest of offerings...suffice to say we will use them to wage our war on the troublsome sea kings...though...hmm..this could get interesting should the sea kings ally with my brother...he would probably apoint Seriphim over the new empire...in that case we would have a problem...if only slightly but it would cull the human populations on all sides in the event of any ensueing war to a point where we wouldn't have to worry about them" Ullari was casual in his tone, unlike in past meatings with her "What do you think of this my love?"
"But would the humans accept Seriphim as their new emperor? Humans are not generally predisposed to other races, and Lomien is not one to use force, aside from in fighting your cause." Rayne mused, "I do still believe that placing one of your own at the head of the humans would be a wise decision. However, if you believe that we cannot spare the forces for that, then I shall support that choice."
"Seriphim is darker and far more sinister than even Gurthar....he would get the job done. At the moment we don't have a whole lot to spare save for defensive purposes and raids....the reason why we can spare the forces now is because we have no long term goals there as of yet....though i will tell you that plans are in the works for a more long term war" he said lazily gazing at the map "Right now we cannot afford to be spread thin...Lomien's army is growing and i don't know why...he has made no overtly offensive gestures and appears to be biding his time...."
"But biding his time for what?" Rayne asked, "That is what we must find out."
A small black bird alighted on Ullari's shoulder, dissapearing shortly after "It would appear that Gurthar has found this out for us...well at least part...Lomien means to set sail with a fleet transporting nearly three hundred thousand, half of who are men at arms" he said with a sigh "That we cannot fight...the fleet would be far to big and most likely well defended"
Rayne started a little, "That many? Where did he get the troops?" she asked, "What is our next move then?"
"We have the strengh to fight it here, i have two legions of dark elves coming over soon putting our numbers when fully marshled at somwhere in the range of six hundred thousand, and Lomien have roughly half that...though he is better supplied because he is sitting on several ore mines..." he said thinking "They can easily play a defensive war and play it well, we on the other hand can play an offensive war but the alliance is likely to resort to insurgency, and bring the half million hill billy human's or so into the fray...which are little more than a meat sheild...their weapons are good but their armour is poor if non existant...so long as we keep them in the open then all will be fine..which shouldn't be a problem as i intend to advance in a straight line up the highland planes to Eldamar itself"
Rayne smiled mischeviously, "Won't Lomien be surprised to wake up and find you knocking at his gates, and with an army twice the size of his." she said, her voice low and venomous.
"The funney thing is, is that he will anticapate my every move...so no he won't be surprised...he'll be ready....and then some" Ullari sighed "He will deny us every advantage...harvesting all the food and supplies he can get, and burning or destroying that which is of no use to him...the fortresses he will fight us at...and since he has men who know the place better than he we can expect insurgency and covert warfare...it will take awile to plan for these possiblilities" he said even toned, concealing his excitement.
"Hmm, how long do you think?" she asked, more than a little eager for a good fight.
"The current plan is to surrive the incursion first...which we will..after that will determin when we tak the offensive"
Rayne nodded, forcing herself to be patient, though the eagerness showed in her fiery eyes.
Ullari rolled his eyes in slight contempt and exasperation "You look rathe earger" he said, his tone conveying that much "I thought you raised a team of sorts for missions...if you're really that desprate im sure old Gurthar could use a hand..." he said not that he would let you do much..knowing where you stand and potentially what you carry he thought pleasantly to himself.
Rayne blushed, embarrassed, "My apologies. No, I shall remain with you." she smiled.
"I won't take issue should you chose to go afield" he reassured her "I've kept you off long enough....we'll wait for Gurthar to send a message...." he sighed pulling a hood over his eyes.
Rayne rose from her chair and sat on the table in front of Ullari, "No," she said softly smiling, "I think I will stay with you."
"I might send you on a feild mission, it's not fair of me to keep you so cooped up all the time....yes and besides...i think o'le gurthar could use his tail feathers being ruffled..and there is none who do so better than you" he said poking her on the nose with a slight laugh.
Rayne laughed a little, a light silvery laugh that was seldom ever heard, as she slid from the table to Ullari's lap, "I suppose you are right." she smiled, her eyes dancing.
"Just don't ruffle them to bad....he will turn you into a puppet if he feels like letting off steam" he said, loseing his balance and falling out of his already pivoted seat "Well that was graceful...why is it that the floor is more comfortable in than the chair...hmm maybe because you're atop me?" he teased "Honest i could fall asleep right here"
Rayne's cheeks flushed bright red, then she laughed again, that same musical laugh that Ullari had probably never heard before, "Aww, but I enjoy getting under the Cursnik's skin." she said mischievously, wrapping her arms about Ullari's neck.
"So i noticed" he said sitting back in another chair and setting her back on the table with a kiss "I haven't heard that laugh...in a long time" he said tenderly "Well then just don't chafe him to much....Gurthar does snap...even though he has an unheard of soft spot when it comes to you...which is like i said...unheard of....he will snap if pushed...or if you catch him in the right mood to have fun" he said smiling.
Rayne looked at him curiously, "I don't think I have laughed like that since my early childhood." she said quietly, "Did we ever meet before I joined your brotherhood?"
"Yes..that is why i remember that laugh...though only vaguly" he said softly to her. "I never did forget that laugh"
Rayne smiled a little, "Then I shall do my best to laugh more often." she said quietly, sitting back in his lap and resting her head on his shoulder.
Ullari gazed down quietly at her, resting his hand on her head to induce a deep sleep "Rest well my love" he said setting her down on a couch, then perching on two chairs to doze for the night.
Rayne didn't struggle as she felt sleep come to her, she snuggled into his shoulder, breathing in his sent, then remembered no more.
Ullari awoke having fallen out of the chair, growling in pain he hauled himself up into the couch next to Rayne falling asleep quicker than what he thought he would.
Rayne woke feeling Ullari next to her, "Sleep well my love." she whispered, wrapping her arms around him and burying her nose in his cloths before she fell back to sleep.
Ullari slid out from her to go attend to a morning meeting why so early?....oh..forgot...i have a government to dismantle he thought smuggly donning his armour he had worn the previous day.
Awile later Gurthar walked in...looking clean yet at the same time entirely worn out barely able to keep his eyes open he sidled up unknowingly to Rayne and dosed off, his silver hair making a masque over his face as his red eyes where dull from wearyness and hunger "That will have to wait" he murmered as he fell asleep. One of the captain who had also fallen asleep quietly whached the whole thing....not dareing to arouse Gurthar's wrath...nor Rayne's "I know better" he said to himself..whaching and waiting for the inevitable explosion.
Rayne put her arm over Gurthar in her sleep, then woke slowly. Finding silver hair in her face, rather than black, she sat up abruptly, "Gurthar, what are you doing here, where is Ullari?" she demanded, thoroughly embarrassed and rather angry that she had awoken snuggled up to Gurthar instead of her husband.
Gurthar who had been asleep and had not known that Rayne was right beside her awoke with a start. To say that he shot out of the couch and into the cabninets would be putting it mildly "ow" he groaned "Where did you come from?" he said struggling to unimpale himself from the wall and unbury himself from the mess, despite himself it was all he could do not to roar in laughter.
"I have been here all night." Rayne snapped, "Where did you come from? Where is Ullari? And wipe that silly look off your face." her voice rose a little, she could tell that he was trying not to laugh, and it in infuriated her. She suddenly noticed the captain who was watching, "And what are you staring at? Do you want to be placed on the kitchen staff? That is where you will end up if you do not stop snickering and go about your duties."
"I've been rowing for fourteen hours straight so forgive me, i couldn't see when i came in last night...you have soft arms by the way" he teased...he knew he was goading her but he was in the kind of mood Ullari had warned her of.
Rayne choked, flushing bright red, her eyes blazing.
"I was wondering why everything was so soft and cushy....figured Ullari saw to putting a new one in...no i guess he just decided to put you in as a subsitute" he said removing himself from the wall posts, eyes dancing alittle.
Rayne's eyes widened, she had had enough, she sent a low-intensity gout of flame right into his face.
Gurthar reappered behind her "lets dance" he said taking control of her body through her blood, making her look like a complete fool "Oh and i wouldn't recomend your fire element...you'll end up making a mess of yourself" he said playfully...he hadn't been in this sort of mood in a while as she moved with the motions of his hand.
"You will stop this immediately Gurthar!" Rayne growled, struggling to remain in control. She considered sending another gout his way, but she was moving too much to direct it properly, "Release me now!"
"Hmmm....no" he said teasingly making her dance like a balerina "Hmm...now lets add a personal touch" he said as ice formed over her hands and arms. Two wings also made of ice appeared on her back "Much better...." he said roaring in laughter.
Ullari walking wearily up the stairs started at the hole and blood in the wall, hearing Gurthar's laughter he sighed "What now!" he said walking in...stiffling his laughter far better than Gurthar.
Infuriated, Rayne hurled a gout of fire at Gurthar, but her hand arced as she released it and the flames hurtled toward Ullari, whom she had not noticed come in.
Ullari batted aside the gout leaping clear.
Gurthar seeing Ullari started alittle "Well then let's have a show" he said forming up four large ice blocks, one for each foot and hand around Rayne "My lord i give you the ice farie" he said laughing.
Rayne glared at Gurthar, her eyes widening and cheeks flushing brighter when she realized that Ullari had come into the room.
Gurthar deciding to have alittle more fun, forced her mouth closed and into a commical smile "It appears your erm...wife makes a good pillow...and she decided to cozy up to me on the couch" he said laughing, well aware he was provoking "have fun kids" he said dissapearing out the window in search of sleeping vampires to eat an heal his wounds.
Ullari realizing gurthar had forgotten to release everything smiled "Well now...you look quite commical" he said laughing at the sight of her being iced down on all fours and the floor.
Rayne glared between Ullari and Gurthar, then drew heat from her surroundings. She drew heat from the air, from anything nearby, and even from Ullari, though only enough to make him feel like a chill had crept into his bones. When she had gathered enough, she released it, melting all the ice, then stood, "Ha, ha, ha," she said sarcastically, "Now that you've had your fun, don't we have work to do?"
"yes we do, the fleet is ready so we leave soon" he said briskly. Having doned his battle armour, taking a long elven katana like blade he made his way to the back of the building. The sight that awaited him was one that had not been seen in awile, the entire legion fully marshled was assembled and marching to each units respective ship. No long boats would be used this time, only the large war vessels and the even larger seige vessels.
Rayne followed him then stopped, awed by the sight of the armada, "I do mot believe that any forces of this world could stop you now." she murmured, slipping her arm through his.
"This is only one of twelve legions, each numbering a full ten thousand strong" he said proudly "and that is only the regulars...human auxillarys account for another eight legions bringing the total man power to around two hundred thousand...though i fear that this will not last" he said whaching the legion march on "Lomien has at least half our number now and the Wood elves coming with him by sea will put him closer to our numbers...at least three quarters...." his voice trailed off. Lomien may be out numbered but Ullari was out gunned, the alliance was in possesion of some of the best mines and smithies that could be obtained and Lomien was not one to sit idle while having access to such a treasure trove. Ullari smiled at himself, he was slow to armour his men unlike the alliance but his men where still well trained and armed armour though would put me at ease he thought...his men were vulnerable, in fact the sea legion was one of only two legions that had armour. The rest had mail shirts on, a poor defence against elemental or crossbow bolts.
Rayne nodded, "Lomien's numbers are growing," she murmured, "but even so, I do not believe that you can be defeated."
"Time will tell, already the remaining legions are being armed with shoulder, fore arm, leg armour and helmets.....so in due time we may have the legions fully armed....however the campaign will begin soon....infact i mean to begin shortly after this raid" he said pleasantly.
Rayne smiled a little, "I look forward to this campaign." she said, here eyes smoldering.
Ullari walked in the direction of the head ship "Well then let us begin" he said whaching the setting sun "and yes i to am looking foreward to the campaigne...you have more than one life to look after though" he said as they passed a group of captains...who merely stood agape, followed by a buzz of hushed and confused voices. Ullari smiled "let that one slip didn't i?"
Rayne's eyes widened, "Ullari," she exclaimed quietly, "you do not know that for sure."
"Whatever you say" he said teasingly "All right you snickering old women to your ships" he barked as the captains scuttled off "Their crews will hear about that one soon" he said boarding the boat.
Rayne blushed, "I suppose we should know by the time we are ready to launch the attack against the Alliance stronghold." she smiled a little.
"Or as soon as you start eating like a half starved lion only to get sick in the morning....which ever comes first...and i need to whach where i say that" he snikered as they passed a large group of sailors who where all ears now.
"Ullari!" Rayne blushed even brighter and buried her face in Ullari's shoulder, laughing a little through her embarrassment.
Ullari closed the door behind them, flopping down on a large bed "haven't felt one of these in what seems like an age" he sighed kicking off his boots "You will have more than your fair share of questions im sure" he teased as he set all his weapons on a long table for just such a purpose.
"As will you, I am sure." She smiled a little, sitting on the bed beside him and placing a kiss on his forehead.
Ullari raised an eyebrow "Only two..boy or girl and what name?" he said simply opening the windows to let in the cold night air "Perfect night for what is about to happen" he said whaching the ships pick up speed "We should be there in eight hours...pre dawn attack"
Rayne blushed again, "What name do you think?" she asked softly.
Ullari redened around the ears "I'm not sure...that remains to be determined" he smiled pleasantly dosing "You have any ideas?" he asked half asleep.
"I am not sure." Rayne mused, laying on her side next to him, propped up on her elbow, "Perhaps for a family member, or perhaps we will find a name with much meaning between now and then." she smiled, leaning down to kiss his forehead again.
Ullari pulled her down to him kissing her full on the lips "Whatever you wish my love" he said softly dozing off to his first restful nights sleep in a while.
Rayne returned his kiss, then settled down beside him, her head resting lightly on his shoulder, and fell asleep as well.
Ullari awoke to a pounding at the door, rising reluctantly "Is it time already?" he asked wearily searching around for his shirt.
Woken by Ullari's movement, Rayne sat up, and after a few moments of forcing herself awake, strapped her red corset back on. She undid and re-braided her hair quickly as she waited to follow his lead.
"It's time you see what a real seige looks like, one where for them there is no escape...we already have the roads cut with men on the shore" he said glee fully. walking out he nudged her aside "sit here and whach the show my love" he smiled. Along the lengh there where two lines of well built saliors, their shirts off as they stood in a trance like pose. Ullari stood at the end in the middle "Fire!" he cried, all of them, one hundred in all shot fire at him. Ullari carefully redirected it towards the city in a massive fire ball. Other ships followed suit as the city was soon aflame. The large seige ships use their catapults to make breaches in the walls. Screams could be heard and cries of alarm throughout the doomed city. The city though was vast and despite the ferocity of the assault only the two lower levels burned.
Rayne watched from a safe distance on the deck, her eyes burning with the fire of emotions that coursed through her, the excitement of battle, rage at the audacity of humans who thought they could stand against Ullari, and the satisfaction of seeing them put in their place.
The boat continued to drift towards the breach that was being made in front of it. Ullari donned his battle armour and a shield, a long elven sword strapped to his side. The section of wall came down revealing a devastated interior, though most of the fires had been put out...making Ullari uneasy, there where enough bodies to carpet the streets.
Rayne looked on as Ullari and the rest of the crew readied themselves for battle, wishing that she could follow, but willing to stay for Ullari's sake.
"You may follow after we clear the three levels" he said as the seige boats moved in to shell the third level Citadel. Here and there an arrow from a loan archer pattered off the side only to be inturn shot by a dozen returning crossbow bolts. Seeing the men rush from the by now dozens of wall breaches, led his men into their breach. Once inside though they where set upon almost immediately by the remaining Humans in the city. Ullari hacked his way through to the secound level gate, all around the Humans where being routed "Leave none alive!!" he roared over the dying din of battle.
Rayne nodded with a slight grim smile, there would always be a few survivors left behind in the heat of battle, she was sure she would be able to have some fun, even if it wasn't in the thick of things with Ullari.
Ullari reached the ruins of the secound level "Where are all the men?" he thought. He only had about fivehundred men with him...the rest where slaughtering away down in the first level or on the far sides of the secound "Did we just come in the back door?" he said as his men advanced through the ruins of the city. The seige boats had flattened both levels and done alot of damage to the Citadel itself. Seeing the third level gate and gatehouse...or what was left of it and its' defenders. Ullari sighed "Well lads send for the lady Rayne, she'll want to see the end of this" he laughed. A young elf on horse back road back onto the boat "Lady Rayne, Ullari sends for you" he said excitedly, he had a wound across his chest and his right eye was bloodied but the fire in him was far from gone "Ya should see it m'lady...the Humans are putting up a tremendous fight in the south, but oh well...we ride north" he swung around as a battered elf..the informant that had helped with the attack stumbled aboard "Where is Ullari?" he asked earnestly.
Rayne smiled, a grim smile, "Lead me to him then." she said, then looked to the informant as he approached, "We go to him now." she said.
The informant who introduced him self as sternhelm eyes widened "Lady Rayne where is he?" he said in an urgent tone that left alot of questions in the air "Why he's at the third level gate...bashed it in and is in the citadel to" the young messanger said matter of factly. Dernhelm's eyes widened "He needs to pull back now!"
"Why? What is wrong?" Rayne demanded, her eyes wide with fear.
Dernhelm straightened...he had forgotten that Rayne was Ullari's wife "I'm afraid m'lady that Ullari was cut off by the Elite warriors of the Citidal guard, relief is on it's way but if he's up there....he'll be hard pressed to hold his own" he said grimmly turning to several captains "Come take secound wave to the third gate, be prepared for elementals, psychics and Deamons" he said earnestly whaching as the six captains and six hundred men marched swiftly off to the gates "You m'lady will follow me and my personal guard to the gate" he said walking off, the guard forming up around her. They knew the drill...protect her at all costs, and that they would do. A grim scene along the road greeted them, Dark army marines lay splayed and butchered by what appeared to be a small, now collapsed Deamon portal "Stay close m'lady, technically you aren't supposed to be here but it makes it easyier for us to protect you" whispered on of the guards. All of her guards wore dark blue robes, golden helmets and masks covering their faces, and carried a long glaive and sword at their side.
Rayne nodded briskly, and set off following Dernhelm at a quick pace, a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, and anxiety showing clearly on her face.
Dernhelm barked a few orders in an ancient tongue to his men as the came upon the remains of the third level gate. Barricades and dead Dark army soldiers as well as Human warriors lay strewn about the gate "Stay here" Dernhelm said to his men and Rayne. Stepping over the barricade he was met by a mere fifty of the Dark army men, and Ullari was not amoung them. The secound wave arrived on scene "Secure the area and be ready to press on to the citadel" he barked as the men formed up to meet another attack.
"I am coming with you." Rayne snapped at Dernhelm, following after him, "Until we find Ullari, I am with you, and we are looking for him." Her voice was firm, but fear showed in the eyes that rested on every person present, searching for the face of her husband.
Dernhelm who was talking to the captain in charge laid a firm hand on her shoulder "No you will not, he's here but you can't see him yet m'lady" he looked over to a figure limping from the shadows "M-m-My lord?" he stammered. Ullari stumbled alittle, half his armour was missing on his side revealing everything down to his ribs...courtesy of a Deamon.
Gurthar walked up behind Rayne, turning her away before she saw him "Come you don't want to see that" he said leading her away forcefully as others moved in to aid him, thus blocking her veiw entirely.
Rayne pulled against Gurthar, trying to get to Ullari, "Let me go Cursnik! Let me see him!" She pulled, but couldn't break free from his grip. She gave up trying to get away and stood trying to get a glimpse of her husband. A single tear escaped to slide down her cheek, washing away the grime of the battlefield to reveal her white skin beneath the grey.
"Hey it's ok kid, he'll be alright....i just don't think you want to see him in the state that he's in..." his voice trailed off as he saw Ullari stand above the kneeling medicae team. Ullari had a glint in his eye "This however you might want to...get down!!!" Gurthar cried knocking her over as Ullari let out a blast, blowing a hole in the wall, and shrapnel every where. A large chunk cleared Gurthar off of Rayne sending him into a nearby wall with the chunk of Citadel wall.
Rayne grunted as she hit the ground, nearly blacking out as the same piece that hit Gurthar hit her head, but barely. She slowly pushed herself up a little, looking around for Gurthar and Ullari, as a little blood trickled into her eyes from a cut just above her hairline.
Ullari had a dark aura about him as he strode into the citadel, his men rallying behind him. Battle joined in the courtyard as the remaining Human defenders strove to hold back the Dark tide, Ullari butchered all in his path as if his wounds held no sway over him.
Gurthar thrashed desperately, from his chest down was covered by the wall chunk, and despite his pain he struggled if weakly to free himself, half blinded by blood and pain. He knew most of him was probably smushed, but somhow his vitals where not again he thought bitterly as he collapsed, gathering his strengh for another effort.
Rayne watched Ullari leave, then saw Gurthar. Despite slight dizziness, she was at his side in a few swift strides. Dropping to her knees she looked earnestly at him, "Gurthar, can you hear me? Let me help you."
Gurthar gently moved her aside as he threw up "Well, could you get this rock off me?" he said weakly "Or perhaps just put me out of my misery" he groaned as he heard and felt half his ribcage cave in with a loud crunching. He stifled a scream as he bit down on his lip that now bled badly cause of it.
Rayne covered her mouth, sickened by the crunch, "Do you have the strength to help me?" she asked as she grabbed hold of the piece of wall, she was stronger than she looked, but she was still not sure if she could lift it by itself.
Gurthar with her help removed the stone, only to throw up at the mangled mess his body had become, then to cry in pain as he heaved. Blood ran from his mouth as he desperatly tried to remain concieous. Repairing the immediate and lethal damage he sat weakened, his ablities drained and his life still in the balance as he clung to life as he leaned against a wall.
Rayne placed a hand on each of his shoulders, squeezing them a little as she struggled not to vomit at the mangled mess, "Stay awake Gurthar, Ullari needs you, you have to hold on until a healer gets here." as she said this, she turned around, searching and calling out for a healer.
Gurthar nodded his head "Yes m'lady" he said weakly, his once silver white hair was now soaked with his blood, he had a hand placed over his stomach for no apparent reason, though it shook violently. In truth he had it there to cover up his organs, though he didn't mention that.
Ullari came out with the king in hand, stumbling wearly as the regal human King walked out with him. In front of the remaining Human warriors Ullari brutally and mercilessly decapitated him, burning his body as he raised his sword to victory before collapsing and being carried over to Rayne.
Rayne watched grimly as Ullari killed the human king, starting when he collapsed. Forgetting Gurthar for the moment, she kneeled at Ullari's side, holding his hand to her as she waited for him to come to.
Ullari propped himself up, looking over at Gurthar "Who are you?" he asked dazzed, lifting his hand up to see the id on the armour, recoiling in horror at the baleful moan emitted from Gurthar.
Rayne's eyes fell, then she looked between Ullari and Gurthar's mangled form. "You there," she called out to a passing soldier, "go fetch a healer, now." her voice and the look in her eyes said that she was not to be argued with, the soldier scurried off in pursuit of a medic.
"All the medics are dead Rayne" Ullari stated flatly "The counter attacked at the triage station....the medics fought back but where killed....which is why the legion is below half strengh" Gurthar finished as he coughed blood. Ullari looked down at his rib cage, though you could no longer see the ribs, as he had been hard at work self repairing.
Rayne's heart sunk, "Do not do more than you must Gurthar." she warned quietly. She had never been fond of the Cursnik, but she knew that Ullari needed him, he was more important to Ullari's cause than she was. She held Ullari's hand tightly, watching Gurthar.
"I can walk" Gurthar said coldly "And if i can walk i can fight" he led the men towards the pocket of resistance, walking much slower than he normally did, his regal gait gone. The sight of him was unnerving as he led the the men to slaughter all that was left of the city. The entire action took a mere hour. Gurthar returned to the ship with only twenty of the two hundred men.
Ullari walked down the road to the ships, knowing Gurthar would meet him there. Surprised to find him there and all the Dark Army dead aboard he looked around, he had lost six out of the ten thousand men in the attack on this city. However this proved to him that not even the greatest of his enemies cities could withstand an attack such as this "Load men we're going home" he sighed having healed his wounds he went into the back cabin not noticing that some of the dead were those of the crew...non combatants, and that he had a nasty surprise waiting for him in the cabin.
Rayne followed him into the cabin, her arm through his, just as unsuspecting as he.
Ullari gave a start, twelve tall armoured figures stood in the cabin, three lunged at Ullari who was knocked to the floor by the impact. Fighting like a bear he burnt holes through one as he jumped off screaming as his head and insides burned. The cabin soon filled with the smell of burnt flesh.
Rayne reacted immediately, dropping into a ready stance and sending eight blasts of fire at the remaining figures, then turning to help Ullari.
A guantleted fist came down hard on her as the rest swamped her, Ullari was knocked unconsious in a pool of his own blood. Shouts could be heard as the rest of the crew realised what was happening.
Rayne's vision went black around the edges and the blood flowed anew from the cut on her head. She lashed out with one fiery fist as the other grabbed the dagger that was strapped to her leg. She set the cloths of one of her assailants ablaze, and plunged the dagger into the throat of another.
Ullari felt himself blacking out no, no you can't take her! he called out in his mind, instead of seeing black he saw glowing red around the edges not....that..eee.. the room went dark, Ullari slowly arose, his eyes burning a saphire blue, lashing out at Rayne's attackers. Their screams filled his mind as he returned to normalcy, collapsing again as he did so, seeing a blade embeded into Rayne's upp thigh as one of the dying attackers strove for her life she's mine he said crushing the life form before blacking out.
Rayne fell to the floor, crying out from the pain. She pulled the dagger from her leg, then pulled herself over to Ullari, tears rolling down her face. Her only thoughts were for him as she sat there, trying to wake him, ignoring the bleeding wounds on her thigh and head.
Gurthar who had been hunting for a stow away vamp he smelt came running into the room, repulsed by the smell of burning flesh "Here little one i'll get him to the bed, he's fine" he said calmly, patching up any wounds. "Now if you'll excuse me there is a vampire on this ship....unless you want me to let it live" he said waiting her command "You do realize that while he is out you are incharge correct?" he said softly waiting for reaction and response.
Rayne nodded, attempting to compose herself, "Go," she whispered, "you need the blood."
Gurthar's dark eyes gleamed as he bowed "As you wish" he said searching for the vampire "These creatures are always so easy to find..." he said following the dead crew members bodies. An ear peircing cry was quickly silenced. An hour later Gurthar had managed to clean up, find new clothes and report back "What now?" he asked her softly.
Rayne still sat where he had left her, on the bed beside Ullari, her hand on his. She looked up at Gurthar as he spoke to her, "What were Ullari's next plans? I give you command for the time being, if you have the strength to accept."
"As you wish" he bowed turning on his heals and leaving, two guards at the door could be seen outside standing guard.
Ullari stirred, shooting up "Rayne!" he said breathlessly seeing his armour removed he began searching for it.
"Ullari!" Rayne exclaimed, pushing him back down on the bed, "It is alright, I am here my love." she murmured, her hand caressing his cheek gently, "Just rest a while love."
He turned to face her...half his face was a bandage including an eye. Instead of saying somthing he pulled her down and close to him, caressing her gently in his arms.
Rayne let him hold her close, holding back her tears, she held as tightly to him as she could without hurting him, "Are you alright?" she whispered.
"Just alittle dizzy is all love" he said curling her up against him as he sat up alittle. "You look like you got a scrape or two as well" he whispered as he began stroking her.
Rayne reached up to finger the wound on her head. Gurthar had healed it, but there would still be a scar. Her usually neat black hair was matted with blood from the wound, "I'm alright," she whispered, "The dizziness has passed."
"Well you satisfied for the moment as far as your battle lust is concerned" he teaased slightly. Ullari undid the rest of his armour, tossing it idly to the side along with his weapons. He carefully removed his shirt, revealing a nasty bruise like discoloration on his right side.
'For the moment, I have no desire but the one to know that you are safe." she murmured softly, "I placed Gurthar in charge, he found some food and seems to be doing much better."
"Well i am safe, and Gurthar is a competant commander....i've put him in that posistion more than once" he said quietly, casting his shirt aside "This little thing is going to be a pain" he groaned refering to the large burn mark.
"Well, be more careful next time then." Rayne joked quietly, gently tracing the scars and marks on his chest.
"You're one to talk" he said delecately tracing the open wound on her. Ullari smiled contentedly. Seeing the coastline start to distance itself "Well then i suppose we are heading home" he said quietly. It had to have been midday at least but the sky was blackened from the burning city and surrounding forests "To think that this was once the jewel of the Human crown...somthing that could easily rival all but the most ancient works of Telpurion" his voice was alittle distant. The burning walls and city set off the charred landscape nearby.
"And it fell to Ullari and his Dark Army." Rayne whispered proudly, a small smile on her lips.
Ullari smiled, courtesy of his pride which he rarely let show....or for that matter up until her marraige to him rarely let any emotion show. Ullari had a messanger order the bodies of those who died in his service burnt...as was tradition for mariners of the time.
Rayne returned his smile, "You should rest my love." she said softly, "Don't worry about anything more until we have returned, Gurthar will take care of it."
"I am resting" he teased running his hands up her "And yes Gurthar is more than competant" he sighed, content at his current situation.
Rayne smiled, resting her head on his better shoulder, and trembling ever so slightly at his touch, "Good." she whispered, "What happens next? Do we wait for the supplies to march on Eldamar?" she asked him.
Ullari grinned at her slight tremble, turning her over and running his hands over her "Hmm..well we have the supplies we just need to wait for Lomien to take to the sea so we can lay seige to Tervel"
"And while we are in Tervel, the rest of your army marshals for the siege of Eldamar." she guessed, smiling a little at his touch.
"Precisely" he smiled breathing down her back and playing lightly with her neck "What do you want to do?" he purred in her ear.
Rayne smiled, her heart beginning to race at his breath on her neck and his voice in her ear. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling herself closer, then stopped, "Oh no you don't." she laughed a little, "You need to rest my love." She said with a smile, kissing him on the forehead.
"well you're no fun" he said tossing her lightly to his side and tassling her hair. Ullari noticed that the the burning spanned the entire coastline "We are two hours out from Tervel, and Human settlements all along are alflame...pay back?...hmm" he murmered almost inaudably.
Rayne laughed as he played with her hair, "Payback for what?" she asked quietly, following his gaze.
"The internal war apparently has already started...the loyalists are making power grabs and trying to hold together what little order there is...this is pay back against the city states loyal to us...no matter" he said calously.
Rayne gazed at the burning shoreline, angered by the attack on towns loyal to Ullari, but she shook that off, they were only humans, "They never learn, do they?" she murmured.
"If they where to ever all unite under one banner....they would drown the world in a war that only they would emerge as victor...but they won't...thus far any competant commander has been skillfully eliminated with minimal losses"
"Due to shear numbers." she said disgustedly, "They're like animals, there are so many of them, but there are few of them who can work together or pose a threat."
Ullari sighed, yes he thought humans where animals, but as of late he was begining to rethink his posistion on their being mindless beasts. He was recieving reports of a Human kingdom had paired with a well skilled dwarven realm....but they where to far back for a displacement raid...he would have to march two entire legions through the heart of the now crumbling Human empire...and he knew he would lose far to many to make that feasable at the moment "Not due to shear numbers alone" he said softly, closing his eyes.
Rayne was not convinced, but she too closed her eyes, resting her head on his shoulder, ready to sleep, or just lay there beside him until they reached their destination.
Ullari followed suit, though he was soon snoring loudly though he was on his side. His dreams strayed to all manner of things...primarily before the war when he was younger and living with his family before the feud.
Rayne rolled her eyes, and nudged Ullari, attempting to get him to stop without waking him.
Ullari canoned his foot subconscious at the source of the disterbance before dozing off again, his dreams venturing into the pre war and plans for Telpurion's fall.
Rayne rose from the bed and sat at the small desk against the wall. She sat fingering her mother's necklace as she watched Ullari sleep, her mind drifting to the past, from the earliest years she could remember, when her mother was still alive, to her early days in the Dark Brotherhood, to her wedding.
Ullari's snoring ceased as he rolled over, blood running down from his eyes and ears. His dreaming had stopped, this was the result of an internal war with the Deamon inside of him. He slept peacefully however upturned his mind was.
Rayne pulled herself from her daze as she noticed a red gleam, she went over to the bed, and placed her hand on Ullari's shoulder, "Ullari, are you alright? Wake up love."
Ullari gave a start "What...what happened?" he cried, his hand grasping her neck as seering pain shot through his body.
A small gasp escaped Rayne's lips as Ullari grabbed her neck, she pulled his hand from her throat, "Are you alright? You are bleeding." she wiped some of the blood from under his eyes.
Ullari recoiled, his vision now cleared "Deamon" he said near inaudably.
Rayne's eyes widened as she recalled their conversation the previous night, "Are you alright Ullari?" she asked him urgently.
"I got attacked and the Deamon immersed itself into the wound it gave me" he said gesturing to the large burn mark on the side of him "And i'm feeling the after affects of it" he sighed, one of his eyes had turned black with a white iris "It's fine Rayne...there is nothing to worry about...nothing i haven't been through before.." his voice trailed off.
Rayne looked at him, worried, "Is it hard to fight it?" she asked in a whisper
"No" he said simply. A guard came in "My lord, we are docking" Ullari nodded in response "Well then i suppose i should be getting up" he sighed.
Rayne nodded then rose to her feet, turning to make sure Ullari didn't need any assistance.
Smarting alittle under her reasons for staying, Ullari donned his armour, minus the breast plates, and as usual...the helmet. Sheathing his sword he walked brisquely onto the deck seeing fires along the port walls he turned to Gurthar "Why is there fire in my port Captain Lelaith?" he asked in a tone that conveyed his displeasure aptly.
Gurthar sighed "The loyalists launched a disorganized assault somtime ago....intended as a premptive strike...somone knew we where coming...they thought they had prevented it which is why our attack was so complete" he said in a hushed tone so only Ullari could hear.
Rayne followed Ullari and stopped short when she saw the fires. She approached Ullari and Gurthar, but not in time to hear what was said, "What happened?" she asked
"Premptive attack" he said simply turning to Gurthar "See to it that the engineers repair the damaged walls, and Gate" his voice even toned "Also see to it that the medics ashore are prepared for the wounded" "How many?" "roughly eight hundred, treat it order from most to least severe" Ullari walked down the ramp, strechers line the large dock space. Originally it was a parade ground....now it was a triage center.
Rayne followed after Ullari, listening to the exchange, both anger at the attack and worry over Ullari showing on her face. Slipping her arm into Ullari's, she gazed at the rows of stretchers, wondering what exactly was going through his mind.
Ullari gazed at the feild of wounded "Such is the price of war" he said calously "Now on to plan for the next" he said wearily walking to the north gate leading to Ullari's tent
Rayne followed him to Ullari's tent.
Return to Telmar
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