The Reprisal

[jamiemacgregor]

All was coming together as Jamie had planned. Eight warships were enough as escorts. Merchantmen had also been bought and prepared. Fighting platforms had been fitted to some and catapults to others. And several remained unconverted as well, to serve as transport. The Baron expected to be bringing back quite a good deal of wealth from this operation. He needed the raiders to come. He was hoping for a large raid, perhaps even headed by a royal. The Friggean Royal Family had grown wealthy based on their depredations of foreign lands. That would end in one bloody, burning night. But he could not move without a hostage of high rank.
The mobile beacon system was in place and the first two fishing villages were already rebuilt and people living and working in them. Jamie's patience was rewarded. On the first night of the new moon the raiders came in six swift vessels. The Baron was out was his troops, as was his custom. No beacon was needed. The brigands vessels slipped gently onto the sand between the two villages, just as had been hoped. The new villages had not been built upon the ruins of the old, but some distance inland, just before the forest began.
As the enemy advanced toward the village Jamie quietly advanced his own infantry to meet them. On each flank his lancers made ready to move. Just before the raiders reached the village, the baronial infantry charged through the village straight at them. At that moment the lancers charged on both flanks. One last mounted party moved to put themselves between the raiders and their ships, while squads of infantry swarmed over the ships slaughtering what few men remained aboard. The surprise was complete, and there was no escape for the outnumber Friggean raiders. Almost to a man they were slaughtered. One, better dressed an almost fully clothed in chain mail dropped his sword, and bawled. "I am Crown Prince Elric of Friggea and my ransom is 10,000 marks in gold" The self proclaimed Crown Prince was not harmed but bound and brought before Jamie. The Baron looked at him coldly and ordered that he be brought into camp, where shackles awaited the Prince. To himself Jamie smiled. He now had the excuse he required to send Silkie to Friggea. When he returned it would commence. Jamie could only hope that Avari and Aegis would be able to return and join them in their deed.

[jamiemacgregor]

A message pigeon quickly brought a visit from Silki and Shuku. While Shuku and the baroness visited, Jamie quietly took Silki aside. He explained that the first raiders had come and been annihilated. Also, he now possessed the royal prisoner required for the next stage of the plan. "Silki, you have already volunteered your services as negotiator; so draw them out. I need information as I explained. The defenses of course. I've heard most of them face the water, as the castle is right behind the naval harbor. We need to be able to get in from the rear. The exact position of all room housing the royal family and how many. The exact position of the Royal Treasury as well. And finally I need to know how to get in and out of the kitchen would be most useful, as I intend to leave a little "present" that will not be forgotten. Start asking for a very high ransom, and let them work you down slowly; so you can "explore". Some sketched maps would be helpful as well. When you return, I'll call a council of war and then we shall act." Silki just smiled, knowing exactly what was expected of him.

[jamiemacgregor]

Jamie found himself concerned about Silk. He knew he was letting the man go into possible danger. At the same time, he felt that Silk's penetration of the castle might not render up enough information for the operation he visualized. Using some of his innocent looking merchant ships several of his more intelligent soldiers were put ashore on a few deserted beaches in Friggea. At a prearranged time the vessels would return and hopefully pick them up so that Jamie could wring every scrap of useful information out of them. Fortunately they all returned unharmed, although a couple of them had near brushes with Friggean guards. The information he received was simply priceless, especially about the state of the regular Friggean forces, as opposed to the raiders. He now knew also the state of the harbor defenses and the wall behind the castle and the port. With Silk's information on the castle proper and the location of the Royal Quarters, the Royal Treasury, and the kitchen; his picture of the Friggean capital would be complete. Also Jamie did not want anything to happen to Silk; he liked him and Shuku as well. There would be danger enough for all when the time came, but this was a most especially gallant enterprise to be undertaken; emissaries and flags of true were not always honored. And Friggea and the Horn were not in a state of war, at least not officially. The Baron could only wait and hope for the best.

[jamiemacgregor]

Silk had been hard at work in preparation for what was expected of him. With a final nod that all that he wanted done was indeed done, Silk set out. First he paid a visit to the captured prince. Before entering he set his appearance. His ebony skin would slowly fade and change color taking on that of a wood elf’s, focusing his eyes would also fade from their deep red to a deep brown. With all correct and in place Silk strode in to meet the captive. He pursed his lips and brought a silk gloved hand to his mouth to see the prisoner in chains. In his lands they would never have thought of chaining royalty, but… these were not his homelands. A short bit of discussion with the man and soon Silk was rolling up a parchment written by the prince detailing his capture and the authenticity of the courier’s claims. Returning to his house he would begin to meditate and wait for the prince to rest.
Finally Silk’s scrying paid off and the prince finally laid his head down to rest. A smile played across those drow features, the will was always weak in slumber. Silk began to focus his mind, opening it up more and more to the world around him, the wealth of sensory input assailed him but Silk retained his focus and finally found that which he sought… the prince’s sleeping mind. Thus Silk began to close his mind again factoring out everything except the prince. His link to the man secured, Silk began to work on him. Sending forth promptings that existed in the gray zone between thought and feeling; Silk began to lightly guide the man’s dream to things that Silk wanted to see, and things Silk wanted the prince to dream. The images played before Silk and the prince… Silk watching an analyzing the dreams examining those details and using his powers of the mind to store the information in his memory. Yet as the night progressed, Silk began to wear. Constantly Silk fond himself buffeted by the fears of the prince, and he struggled constantly against allowing the dream to turn into a nightmare. Finally Silk began to retreat from the dream, slowly returning back into his own mind and body, those rose-colored eyes opened and a wave of exhaustion swept over him. Silk swooned and placed a shaking hand to his head to wipe off the sweat which drenched his body. He was not surprised to see blood on his hand for indeed the use of power had taken its toll. Silk tried to rise but fell over as he did so, gritting his teeth he crawled across the floor calling now on another form of magic he fought the waves of nausea that wracked his body and willed the blood on his hand into the desired action. Grabbing a book the blood began to pour onto the pages, inscribing all he had seen and learned. His lids drooped and he lay more prone, barely holding out till the last word had written before finally giving in with a satisfied smile.
One part down, many more to go.
The coma-like slumber found him then. It settled in over the entirety of his wasted and spent form. He did not dream, he had not the energy.

[jamiemacgregor]

Silk’s eyes fluttered open and a smile spread across his face at the faint memories of being put to bed by Shuku. He moaned as he extracted himself from among the silk sheets and roused his form up off the feather down mattress. “ugh…magical hang-over” By his estimation it was nearly eight hours since he had completed the preparations of the previous night. He std and stretched all five and a half feet of his sore body. “Magic pants!” He snapped his fingers and he was clothed. Placing a kiss on the cheek of his sleeping mate, Silk turned, grabbed a bottle of wine and was off to his study. Though the powers he used were relatively minor, each use sent slitting headaches and cramps through his body. Only once had he felt similarly as bad, it involved being polymorphed into a woman for about a little more than a month. Glass after glass disappeared as he completed what needed to be done. The prince’s dream had been recalled and a modified version memorized. Silk also readied a compilation of notes for Lord Jamie, things which he would need to expand on since the visions of things in dreams were sometimes either blurry, or not correct in the least. His work done, Silk would spend a couple hours bidding Shuku farewell and then he was off to the ship bound for Friggea.
While Silk listened to the sailors put out to sea, he pulled a mirror from his pants and set it on the floor figuring to make the most of the inactive time to do what probing he could. Soon visions floated before Silk, playing across the crystal mirror. His notes in hand, he began to sort the fact from the dream. This continued for quite some time till suddenly Silk found his concentration waning because the ships rocking was nearly throwing him about. The last thought brought Silk to pause. Placing the mirror back in his pants Silk would exit his cabin and head down the hall. Opening the door he was greeted by a strong gust of wind and a sheet of rain. The captain was belting out orders as they buttoned up the ship for the sudden storm before catching sight of Silk. Marching over the captain yelled something but a gust took it away. Silk blinked, looked at the captain’s pointing hand and nodded. They were battening down the hatches and heading below to weather it out. Turning about Silk headed back to his room to do the same.
It was a few hours till the storm had passed and Silk re-emerged on deck to hear the captain’s report. The ship was listing to port and needed repairs on the rigging and foremast, but all things considered it had weathered the storm quite well. The only problem, as the captain explained, was that they had been badly blown off course and Silk would be delayed by at least a day, if not more. Silk nodded and told the captain not to worry, but put into the nearest port and begin repairs. Returning to the Cabin Silk smiled. All in all, the trip as going better than expected.

[jamiemacgregor]

A dark figure slipped from the ship that eve moving quickly and quietly off of the docks. Pausing in an alley way it waited. Four drunken fishermen stumbled down the dock. Out came the figure and the poor fishermen soon found themselves running face first into it. The four fell back with a drunken cry. The figure also fell back and the cowl of its cloak fell off. “Shorry! I washn’d looking ‘ere I’ush gon.” Said the olive skinned man sitting before the drunk quartet. A bottle of rum was raised as a pointing implement at the fishermen. “ow abou yosh guysh, ssshhoin me fer a biddo a drink? My ‘pology….” He swayed and slapped his chest. “On ME!” The quartet looked to eachother… and smiled. “Tha sounds lahke a fine idear Mr.” “Shluggsh.” Silk said, introducing himself to his newly acquired quartet of town guides. “Well met Shluggsh!” Said one of the men as he helped Silk up. Silk let himself be helped up and swayed. “Well met!” He laughed and passed the bottle. Soon he was moving from bar to bar with his new ‘friends’ drinking and laughing… often spilling more than he drank… and always, always listening. It was a couple of hours till Silk bid the men a good night and ‘staggered’ to his room. Closing the door Silk quickly changed again while going over the information learned that night. His sharp elven ears had heard much.
Later that night a nice carriage rolled along the road; its sole occupant, the local baron stared out the window as they passed through the town. It was then that his eye caught a sight of beauty. Standing by the road, the woman was studying a map with a puzzled expression. Her skin was a smooth milky white and her red hair cascaded down her shapely shoulders and came to rest on her ample bosom. The baron leaned forward and tapped. “Driver… take me by that woman.” The carriage turned and soon the baron looked down to the woman from his window. “A fine evening milady. Are you lost?” Silk smiled and replied to the baron in his most breathless female voice. “Oh! Milord I was hoping to find the baron of this beautiful land, I have information of great importance.” The man gazed hungrily at Silk and all of his false female charms. “I am he. Come we shall return to my keep and discuss this message.” Silk understood the innuendo well enough to understand that he had the baron. After a carriage ride of being ‘seduced’ by the Baron, they were soon in the keep and the master bedroom with very few having seen them. The lord poured two glasses for them, one discreetly poisoned by the lord, and both discreetly poisoned by Silk. A coy smile crossed Silk’s face as the lord watched him drink from the glass, smugly drinking his own glass assuming he would still be standing to have his way with such a pretty lady. Minutes later Silk was smiling down at the passed out baron, sweat running down his face. The poison had been foreign to Silk but Silk’s faster working poison had rendered the man unconscious before Silk allowing Silk time to take the proper preventative measures. Making the necessary noises of love for any listeners, Silk dragged the man to his bed and began to pry his dreams. Information was implanted and information was taken and soon a dark figure cut its way across the grounds of the keep leaving no trace of its passing. Silk slipped into his cabin aboard the ship as the first rays of dawn graced the sky Silk lay down on his hammock he smiled. The Night had yielded much.

[jamiemacgregor]

The ship repairs were finished by noon the following day. The captain woke Silk shortly before they were to set out. Rising from his hammock Silk touched softly to the floor. “Very good captain.” Silk had honestly hoped the repairs would take longer but not everything can go according to plans, even Drow laid plans. A letter was quickly penned, folded and sealed. “I took the liberty of sending for an overland courier to announce my presence as an official emissary at the Friggean court.” Silk handed over the letter, when the captain’s hand took it Silk would hold on. The captain glanced u confused and was immediately locked by Silk’s dark red eyes. “You will appreciate that my mission is of volatile nature and hence forth the fate of your ship is completely dependant on you following my orders.” Though the captain stood a few inches taller than Silk the man was cowed as if by a giant. “I must involve myself in many magical rituals which will bring great peril to this ship should they be interrupted.” Silk nodded o the man and the captain nodded in understanding, Silk’s minor charm sinking in noticeably. “When we put into port I will come out, you will not disturb me before that, no matter what.” The captain nodded again and Silk brightened letting the spell end. “Very well! You will be rewarded for your services in this vital endeavor.” The captain left soon after and Silk closed the door, quickly changing his appearance and slipping invisibly from the ship.
Soon Silk’s mentioned courier appeared and the captain handed over the letter and set sail. The courier headed down the ramp, mounted his horse and rode from the town at full gallop. Entering the countryside the courier stopped and dismounted. Silk smiled as he changed from his courier’s outfit and into that fitting an emissary’s attendant. He then met the real courier he had hired. The boy was paid a hefty sum to speed the message along and as he galloped off Silk laughed. It was all working so delightfully well. He pulled out a magical map watching the two small dots making their way along it. He had little more than a day to do what was needed… more than enough to plant his lies. He rolled up the map and mounted his hose, by the time the ship put into harbor, Silk’s seed of deceit would be well on its way to blossoming into a beautiful truth.

[jamiemacgregor]

Silk patted the exhausted horse. “You have served well.” The horse ate greedily the offering of oats as Silk completed his transaction with the stable master. He had traveled two hours to the barony at full gallop. The trip, which would have normally have taken half a day, had been completed easily with the aid of Silk’s spells. He had completely used up four separate wands and even he was tired; but Silk was son schedule and every second saved meant a second closer to going home to his beloved Shuku and their three children. “He must rest for the next week.” Silk said to the stable master as he parted from his mount. The man nodded and Silk left with a purse of gold towards his next mount. If his expenditures kept up he might have to sell the clothes off his back. Silk chuckled at the thought of showing up to a royal court butt-naked demanding a ransom. Silk pushed his thoughts aside and ducking into an alley changed his appearance once again, schizophrenia was only one of many possible insanities people wondered if Silk had. Four hours later Silk strode from the baron’s keep on one of the finer horses in the man’s stables. He could have laughed out loud as he rode, recalling the events. The man had fallen easily into Silk’s trap, a trap baited by the man’s own greed. Messages had been sent to every one of the baron’s allies, the air was thick with magic as wizards communicated secretly with one another. Silk urged his mount on to greater speeds pulling forth four wands, letting them loose in succession to speed up his mount.
Silk rode hard for successive hours, on into the night to meet with yet another baron. Finally arriving at this new keep Silk practically flew from his mount as he dismounted and presented his writ to the guards. The men nodded and led him inside, guiding him to a door where one went inside and left the Silk and the other two to wait to be called in. Silk’s mind worked furiously over the ‘facts’ presented before earlier that day in preparation for the meeting. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he barely noticed when the guards standing behind him suddenly quieted. Silk turned to understand this sudden silence and barely avoided the flying blade. The blade sank into the door near him and its owner followed soon behind it, a cutlass slicing fast at Silk’s throat. Silk snapped backwards, the fine edge a hair’s breath from his throat, the assassin slammed the pommel hard into Silk’s windpipe causing him to gag. Silk hit the floor and rolled as that cutlass swept down. Gasping for breath Silk caught the man in one ankle stumbling him and causing another cutlass swing to go wide. Those tuned abdominal snapped into taut motion, brining Silk into a backwards roll that gained him his feet. But the assassin was quick as well and the cutlass swept forward drawing a line of blood across Silk’s chest. Silk smiled as the pain stung him and surged forward, the cutlass came back in and Silk caught it in the forearm, gritting as metal hit bone. But Silk’s recklessness had not been counted on and his fist pounded home into the side of the assassin’s face, all of the blow’s force directing into the stunned man’s eye. The assassin waved his sword trying to ward of his assailant and Silk dodged easily launching another punch to the now swelling eye. The assassin backed up realizing that he was blind to half of the battlefield. As he compensated with a new stance Silk just smiled. The assassin launched at the foolish elf but he found himself instead stumbling to the side and slumping into the wall. His eye stung much more than it should have. A quickly numbing hand reached up to remove one of the six small needles protruding from his one eye. Realization dawned as the man faded into unconsciousness from the poison and watched his smiling target begin to bandage himself.
“The loyalists have already begun their response.” Silk said, leaning over the lord’s desk giving the man a good view of his gash. The assassin had long ago been taken away to the dungeon for his wake up torture and interrogation. “They seem to have already decided where you stand, it is up to you to decide whether you will make that stance a profitable one.” With that Silk left the room. A new horse was already mounted for him and Silk rode off into the night heading for the capitol. He rode hard with the cool wind in his face his arm hurt badly but he had been trained by the best healer he knew and the combination of magic and poultices had healed it almost completely and by the next night when the bandages came off, no scars would remain.
Silk made his way from keep to keep, delivering the news to the growing network gaining information on defenses, troops, loyalties, and resources. Two more assassination attempts would follow, the king’s counter spies trying to stop his progress. Finally, as the dawn broke over a small town the loyalists were rewarded with success. The assassin smiled as he twisted the rapier into the elf’s throat. The olive skinned elf fell back gasping in a half crawl, a wand in his dying grasp. The loyalist withdrew the sword. “Doesn’t work with a hole in your throat does it?” The man sneered at the dying elf. To his surprise, the wand discharged and decapitated its wielder. His job done, all-be-it messily, the assassin left. Silk smiled, the realistic puppet double had been labor intensive, expensive, and grizzly to make; but the results were amazing. Now that he was ‘dead’, Silk was free to return to the ship and act as the Emissary he was supposed to be.

[jamiemacgregor]

(( WHAAAA MY BABY SILK! *snuggles silk* d**n straight he was trained by the best healer ))

[jamiemacgregor]

Every eye in the room was focused completely on Silk. He stood directly in the center of the room, his skin a pale snowy white complimented quite beautifully by his rich red hair, combed and cascading down about his handsome face as he bowed. His rich blue coat bore two rows of gold buttons, each secured in a gold embroidered buttonhole and his wrists and collar were trimmed in black lace. His white tights showed off his muscular and graceful legs till they disappeared into the gold embroidered red, knee-length boots. His hands were clothes in fine silk gloves of a matching red, and his waist encircled as well by a silk sash of the same color and embroidery. Silk had intended to be examined in full, and had spent tedious hours preparing these clothes for just that. From the masterful craftsmanship, to the deep, rich colors, to the fancy but not overly opulent embroidery and lace his clothing was meant to portray one message, that their wearer was not to be ignored as some greedy impoverished kingdom. “Yes your majesty.” Silk said maintaining his respectful bow with his eyes on the king. “Your son, the crown prince, shall be ransomed for no less than one hundred fifty thousand pounds of pure gold.” Silk’s expression revealed nothing, nothing of the change in atmosphere he sensed, nothing of his observations on the court’s reactions, nothing of the hungry expressions on some lords he saw, nothing of the worried glances some gave the king, and nothing of how much the king’s brief, near smile told Silk everything. Silk’s message had been delivered clearly to those who wished or feared to see it. “And if I refuse?” The king responded in a daring fashion, a ploy to help him count his enemies and the severity of the approaching political storm. “Then your son’s life is considered forfeit by your own hand.” Silk replied calmly, knowing that no sane king would kill off his only crowned heir. Again the court told Silk everything; the currents ran deep. The tension remained for nearly and hour as the ransom was discussed. Silk had posed the exorbitant amount to properly gauge the kingdom’s wealth and surprisingly the king’s response was a bit off of what Silk had expected. His lack of outrage at Silk’s bargaining meant he took Silk seriously and either he had more money at his disposal than most monarchs, not in debt over his head, or he had a cunning plan in mind. Finally the ransom was settled after great amounts of political maneuvering and all seemed satisfied. Silk left the court and boarded the ship bound for home. On board was an initial payment of three thousand pounds in gold paid by the king himself in faith, requiring the goodwill return of any and all their captured individuals who had accompanied the prince. In Silk’s hand he held a more valuable prize, it promised a second payment of fifteen thousand pounds (going to be paid largely by the various barons who hoped to see the prince return at the head of an army Silk did not doubt) and finally, it detailed a third goodwill apology payment of three thousand pounds following the return of the prince. Silk could not have asked for a better settlement, though he wondered how it would fit into Lord Jamie’s plans. As the ship sailed home Silk collapsed onto his cot, a sense of satisfaction falling over him. As the ship returned to port Silk’s stomach filled with butterflies, it had been the longest he had ever spent away from Shuku since the day that the two had met and all thoughts were bent on seeing his beloved and his family again.

[jamiemacgregor]

Re: The Reprisal
« Reply #10 on Nov 21, 2007, 11:46pm »

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Chat History for Council of War
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Jamie MacGregor (9:28:26 PM): (Now that we are all here, Ava start the log)
VvThe Dark Angel (9:29:00 PM): He stepped in to the room, smiling as he saw ava and wrapped his around her, holding her tenderly
Avariannah (9:29:07 PM): ~~Log started~~
Avariannah (9:29:40 PM): ::she laughed, snuggling into his arms::
Sieshuku elf (9:29:52 PM): ::well shuku had left the throne room rather angry. Arm linked with silk as she dragged him to the room::
Jamie MacGregor (9:30:54 PM): "My friends, you probably know where we are gathered here together. To put it bluntly we are going to mount an operation to remove a grave danger to the realm and the queen. For one reason or another, our navy has failed to
Silkinsane (9:31:13 PM): ::Silk ound her quite amusing, a rather dangerous thing to do. So he let himself be deraggd in, literlly. Deing dragged in limp ltting the floor muss his tuxedo.::
Avariannah (9:31:37 PM): ::a warm smile to those gathered as she sat in his lap to listen to Jamie::
Jamie MacGregor (9:32:12 PM): protect our shores. At the same time we simply cannot involve the Horn in a war, which our realm cannot afford, especially now. Friggea has been sending raiders not just against Bengal, but against all of Argentia, and other
VvThe Dark Angel (9:32:33 PM): He held Ava close to him, rubbing her back softly and purred. He listened carefully his brow arching
Silkinsane (9:32:34 PM): ::Silk smiled tipping his dark purple top hat to Ava.::
Avariannah (9:32:53 PM): ::she dropped a gold coin in Silk's hat::
Jamie MacGregor (9:33:04 PM): realms as well. We have been victimized for too long. We must strike back and do it boldly, guaranteeing Friggea will never be able to retaliation and the threat will be ended."
Avariannah (9:33:59 PM): ::she figured that's why Silk tipped it to her, and nodded as Jamie spoke::
Silkinsane (9:34:21 PM): ::Silk blinked at the coin and then to Jamie, finally getting up off the floor to pulla hair from his pants and sit, pulling Shuku into his lap.::
Silkinsane (9:34:38 PM): *chair, not hair
Sieshuku elf (9:34:40 PM): ::shuku sat on his lap listening to what jamie had to say::
Jamie MacGregor (9:36:38 PM): "I do have a plan, which will remove the threat and totally keep the Horn out of it. Outside of this room, now, it can never be discussed again or even mentioned. In effect, for us it never happened. If the Queen does not know,
Jamie MacGregor (9:37:56 PM): she does not have to lie. We will be attacking Friggea as brigands. No Golden Horn standard or baronial banner will be shown. All troops and leaders will be dressed in indsicript garb with no marking, colors, or anything
Avariannah (9:39:07 PM): ::she lifted a brow at this:: disguised?
Jamie MacGregor (9:39:11 PM): emblazoned on it. All of us will be addressed as sir, during the operation, except for Ava who will be addressed as Madam. Our ships will leave in darkness and return here the same way. Officially the troops will be out on
VvThe Dark Angel (9:40:29 PM): "Plausible deniability"
Avariannah (9:40:48 PM): ::wrinkling her nose, listens, her hand threading into Aegis's::
Jamie MacGregor (9:41:00 PM): maneuvers in backlands." Jamie pauses to answers Ava's question. "Basically, we will be there as just the sort of raiders who have attacked us. Brigands are brigands." Jamie smiles. "Precisely Aegis"
Sieshuku elf (9:41:09 PM): ::Her hand rested on silk's finding it h arder and harder to hold her tongue.::
Avariannah (9:41:16 PM): ::nods, listening::
VvThe Dark Angel (9:41:19 PM): " in other words if we art caught we canst expect nae help from the outside"
Jamie MacGregor (9:41:35 PM): "Shuku, if you want to say something, now is the time."
VvThe Dark Angel (9:41:45 PM): He held Ava's hand tenderly in his, his thumb caressing her hand softly
Avariannah (9:42:13 PM): ::warm smile to her beloved, then looks over to Shuku::
Silkinsane (9:42:16 PM): ::Silk sighed and kissed shuku on the cheek before moving to stand with a resurring smile to his beloved.:: milord Jamie, may i speak?
Sieshuku elf (9:42:33 PM): Silk can speak first ::She nuzzled herself against silk like a small shy child would against it's mother:
Jamie MacGregor (9:42:55 PM): "This is a council Silk," Jamie continues smoothly "I want and value your opinions"
Silkinsane (9:44:34 PM): ;:Silk nodded.:: First milord I would like to offer you my exac movements in Friggea.
Jamie MacGregor (9:45:24 PM): Jamie holds up his hand. "Later on that Silk. Let us get through this for the moment."
Silkinsane (9:46:04 PM): But i fell it is of import and has significance to the operation.
Avariannah (9:46:21 PM): ::she wrinkled her nose, looking between Jamie and Silk::
Silkinsane (9:47:13 PM): It concerns a bit of a better way milord. An idea you had that I executed.
Jamie MacGregor (9:47:34 PM): "Silk, I thing Shuku wants to say something that may take precedence." he smiles and motions toward the elf. "Please, I think you have some objections or doubts. We should hear those first."
Silkinsane (9:48:05 PM): ::Silk nodded and quieted, retaking his seat and allowing shuku to speak.::
Sieshuku elf (9:49:23 PM): I do have an objecection. I think attacking them without the queen's knowledge is wrong. It feels like treason since we are going behind her back. I know not how the others feel about this j amie but I am your friend and I do
Sieshuku elf (9:49:42 PM): not wish you to get in trouble if everything gets screwed up.
Avariannah (9:50:14 PM): ::playing with Aegis's hand, listening to Shuku::
Jamie MacGregor (9:51:28 PM): "Shuku, I do appreciate your feelings. First, I will not make a liar out of our Queen, under any circumstances. Second, if it all gets screwed up, I will not be coming back to get in trouble. Prisoners will not be taken and I wil
Jamie MacGregor (9:52:02 PM): not allow myself to be taken; alive. It is my responsibility to the Queen and the realm."
Avariannah (9:52:32 PM): ::softly:: Shuku, do nay be thinkin' our queen is totally ignorant of this..she is an empath, aye?
Silkinsane (9:52:51 PM): ::Silk bit his tongue.::
Avariannah (9:53:04 PM): ::trying to comfort Shuku somewhat::
Sieshuku elf (9:53:48 PM): You are right ava. But still. I still think it is wrong. Have we not messed their country up enough?
Avariannah (9:54:18 PM): ::eyes widened:: Whose?
VvThe Dark Angel (9:54:50 PM): He sighed softly and swallowed hard
Sieshuku elf (9:55:12 PM): ::Shuku kept quiet now and looked towards silk so he could speek up::
Silkinsane (9:57:07 PM): ::Silk looked to Jamie.:: Please Sir Jamie. Hear me out?
Jamie MacGregor (9:57:29 PM): "Go ahead Silk. I will hear you out."
Avariannah (9:58:24 PM): ::she brushed her hand into Aegis's feathers as she listened::
VvThe Dark Angel (9:59:19 PM): He purred softly and held Ava closer to him a deeply concerned look begining to etch its way across his features
Silkinsane (9:59:31 PM): ::Silk nodded.:: Firstly, we do not have to go in as raiders. ::He puased and took a deep breah.:: Due to my actions I have set the wheels in motion for a civil war within Friggea. One we can either stop now and ern the
Silkinsane (10:00:03 PM): gratitude of the current king. Or one we can allow and use as cover for our retlliation.
Silkinsane (10:01:13 PM): ::Silk would allow those gathere to think over this, waiting to hear how they wished events to play out before continuing.::
Jamie MacGregor (10:02:39 PM): "Please continue Silk"
Avariannah (10:03:32 PM): ::she tilted her head, thinking;: yer sayin' Silk, that ye think we can earn the king's gratitude, how so?
Silkinsane (10:06:06 PM): ::Silk nodded to Ava.:: Yes, the King understands that a civil war is brewing. Thus the stipulated payments of the return of the prince. He hopes to bankrupt the disloyal barons using their reed against them.
Jamie MacGregor (10:07:00 PM): Jamie interrupts. "There is no question of earning his gratitude, not that it would do any good. Their entire economy is built up the proceeds of raiding. Punishment is required." Jamie's face is set in stone at this last comment
Avariannah (10:08:02 PM): ::a brow lifts, then softly to Jamie:: how can ye be so sure?
Silkinsane (10:08:18 PM): ::Silk nodded.:: Indeed, but they wil need to stop their raids to stabalize.
Avariannah (10:08:46 PM): Ye seem..to hate these people for some reason. Why?
Jamie MacGregor (10:08:53 PM): "I speak for every one of the dead, the widowed, the orphaned. And especially for those kidnapped and sold into slavery." Jamie's voice is also quiet but determined.
Silkinsane (10:09:45 PM): ::Silk sighed.:: The othe alternative is to pose as the prince's hired mercenary army and let them kill eachother in civil war.
Silkinsane (10:10:49 PM): We just show up and distribte the ransome money to the disloyal barons and allow them to do our job for us. If they only know raiding, they will not feel a raid as punishment.
Avariannah (10:11:25 PM): ::nods, listening::
Jamie MacGregor (10:11:30 PM): "Silk, I thank you for the initiative you have taken, but we shall proceed as I have planned. There will be no hiding. The brigands of Friggea will simply be attacked by other brigands. In case you hadn't noticed, they come over
Avariannah (10:11:34 PM): ((aegis poofed!))
Jamie MacGregor (10:12:18 PM): flying no flag or showing any banner, even when he ships carried their crown prince. I can hope that the King has squeezed every penny out of the barons; more for us to loot."
Silkinsane (10:13:56 PM): ::Silk sighed.:: Then you will proceed without my help lord Jamie. I apologize but, i will take no part in killing. I have never in all of my years, taken the life of another.
Silkinsane (10:14:39 PM): Not one have i killed. i will not break my vows now.
Jamie MacGregor (10:15:01 PM): Jamie smiled. "Silk I was well aware of your feelings. You are required only to serve as a guide, and will not be expected to take a single life under any circumstances."
Avariannah (10:16:54 PM): ::she looked to Aegis,hadn't really thought Silk and Shuku would be in any danger::
Avariannah (10:17:02 PM): He does nay have to come with us, Jamie..
Silkinsane (10:17:16 PM): ::Silk nodded.:: I will not leave Shuku, nor my family. I am sorry milord, but my oath to Shuku outweighs all others.
Avariannah (10:17:26 PM): He and Shuku do nay belong in this..::shaking her head::
VvThe Dark Angel (10:18:08 PM): "I couldst nae agree with Ava more "
Jamie MacGregor (10:18:09 PM): "Then I shall require oaths from both you and Shuku that you will speak no word of this."
Avariannah (10:18:20 PM): He can give us his map..and we can take it from here..
Avariannah (10:18:26 PM): ::nods::
Silkinsane (10:19:26 PM): ::Silk nodded.:: I can do that and more. I urge you to use the disloyal barons, they hnger for gain and their betrayel will only imporve your chances of success.
Sieshuku elf (10:19:44 PM): ::shuku looked towards silk and grinned:: aww my lil pristine pure silk...no blood on his hands.
Silkinsane (10:20:25 PM): ::Silk blushed.::
Jamie MacGregor (10:20:30 PM): "Shuku, I would like you to at least remain here. If things go badly, there may be wounded you could aid."
Avariannah (10:20:36 PM): ::she smiled to Silk:: thank ye for all yer hard work in this..
Avariannah (10:20:56 PM): ::softly:: We can send for her Jamie..
Sieshuku elf (10:21:35 PM): awww silk's blushing ::She pinched his cheek more amused that silk was blushing than anything else:
Silkinsane (10:22:25 PM): ::Silk shook his head.:: thank me not, I served as was needed. Lord Jamie, I am stil peicing the map togeater from the information gathered. I am sory for not being more promt.
Silkinsane (10:22:40 PM): ::Silk nipped Shuku's fingers playfully.::
Avariannah (10:23:29 PM): ::soft chuckle, watching them::
VvThe Dark Angel (10:24:52 PM): He couldst nae help it. He looked at Shuku and silk with a fain of discust. " Get a room wouldst ye?"
VvThe Dark Angel (10:24:56 PM): He chuckled softly
Jamie MacGregor (10:25:06 PM): "We do need it swiftly Silk. To be honest I also put some men ashore to gleen more information. Instead of simply starting a civil war, we shall be starting twenty."
Sieshuku elf (10:25:41 PM): ::Shuku looked over at aegis with suprise;: like you have the right to talk aegis!
Silkinsane (10:25:46 PM): (( OMG!! I'm missing project runway!! ;-; ))
Sieshuku elf (10:25:55 PM): ((OMG your so gay))
Avariannah (10:26:41 PM): ::she laughed merrily, then looked to Jamie:: Starting twenty civil wars, how so?
Silkinsane (10:27:01 PM): ::Silk smiled to Aegis.:: I am surprised you were able to notice us seeing as how your always lusty gaze had to pass Ava.
Jamie MacGregor (10:27:49 PM): Jamie coughs politely. "More specifically our raid shall have three specific objectives. First, the total elimination of the Royal Family. Every noble with a thimble full of royal blood five generations back will be claiming the
Sieshuku elf (10:27:57 PM): Silk! ::hands went to her mouth to try and stifle the laughter::
Silkinsane (10:27:59 PM): ::Silk blinked.:: Twenty. Well it does make sense, nce the king is unseated, such loosely joined baronies wil all want the power.
Avariannah (10:28:39 PM): ::amused, looks down at her ample bosom, then back to her husband:: I rather like yer lusty gaze, love..
Silkinsane (10:28:50 PM): (( YAY! We are recording project runway!! Disaster averted! ))
Jamie MacGregor (10:28:54 PM): throne. At the same time Aegis will be responsible for emptying the Royal treasury. And Ava will have the honor of burning their entire fleet. The gale season is almost upon us; so there is little time. Their fleet is now all
Sieshuku elf (10:29:05 PM): ((**smacks forhehead*))
Silkinsane (10:29:34 PM): (( It's a good show >
VvThe Dark Angel (10:29:42 PM): He smiled softly and wiggled his brows looking at Ava. It wilt ne'er leave thee. For tis only for thee that i doth have eyes"
Jamie MacGregor (10:29:47 PM): laid up in the inner harbor; a perfect target. Without a stable throne, an empty treasury, and no fleet, they will not be doing any raiding for quite some time."
Silkinsane (10:30:37 PM): ::Silk shook his head.:: I disagree, with an treasury that only fills by raiding, such action will be doubled and any civil strife will end quickly.
Jamie MacGregor (10:31:23 PM): "And how will they refill their coffers when they have no fleet?"
Avariannah (10:31:29 PM): ::a press of finger to his lips, a wink, then turns, listening to the others::
Silkinsane (10:32:00 PM): They build one.
Jamie MacGregor (10:33:24 PM): "On whose authority? No king or Royal Family. No Silk. This is the only way."
VvThe Dark Angel (10:33:32 PM): His hand came up and held Ava's lightly as he softly kissed her finger tips, listening as well
Silkinsane (10:33:53 PM): Put yourself in thier mind milord Jamie. How would you act with no oney behind the throne? Would you fight for it aganst your neighbors? or would you seek unification and alliance to rebuild and retalliate?
Avariannah (10:34:53 PM): Mayhaps..we can discover one or two who would be willin' to lead, but only by treaty with ye, Jamie..
Jamie MacGregor (10:35:08 PM): "Silk, you yourself have alrady begun the process of disintegration. This will be a further blow."
Jamie MacGregor (10:35:36 PM): Jamie listens to Ava's comments. "Perhaps, but we will see to that later."
Silkinsane (10:36:00 PM): We would also be incriminated. It would not seem a coincidence that suddenly after the prince was ransomed, the entire amily was wiped out after payment to a foreign land? And to boot, the treasury empty with no one showing a
Silkinsane (10:36:05 PM): sudden ull treasury?
Silkinsane (10:36:57 PM): I beagn desintegration with no evidence and incentive for disunion.
Jamie MacGregor (10:37:34 PM): "Silk, the prince's life was forefit the moment we captured him. As for our treasuries, we just keep rather quiet."
Avariannah (10:37:50 PM): ::she looked to her husband::
Jamie MacGregor (10:38:19 PM): "I forgot to mention, equal shares to all"
Silkinsane (10:38:33 PM): ::Silk sighed.:: It will not matter. The process of elimination will leave only us as the holders of the kingdom's wealth.
VvThe Dark Angel (10:38:49 PM): he looked ta Ava and shook his head slowly, that concerned look etching deeper on his features
Avariannah (10:39:43 PM): ;:she nodded to her beloved::
Jamie MacGregor (10:40:03 PM): "Who is going to tell. I don't let anybody in my strong room, and I have already made many contracts for work, before the enterprise."
Avariannah (10:41:14 PM): The money goes to Horn..after yer expenses..
Jamie MacGregor (10:42:20 PM): "Once again, if the Queen accepts a penny; she is as guilty as any. Any funds I keep are for the betterment of my people in the barony. And there is much to be done."
Sieshuku elf (10:42:27 PM): ::Shuku rose from silk's lap.:: I'm needed at home ::with that she turned to move to the door then stopped looking back at the group:: let me know what you've decided ::with that she left:
Sieshuku elf (10:42:33 PM): (( i g2g i can't even keep my eyes open ))
Avariannah (10:43:14 PM): ::she shook her head, looking to Aegis:: I am nay sure I like the sounds of this, love..
Avariannah (10:43:26 PM): ((gnight, Shuky! Happ T-G!))
Sieshuku elf (10:43:37 PM): (( lol happpy gobble day))
VvThe Dark Angel (10:43:55 PM): " Nor I love. doth have a foul taste ta it "
Avariannah (10:44:20 PM): ;:she nodded:: Jamie..yer gonna have to do this without us..
Jamie MacGregor (10:44:36 PM): "As you wish"
Avariannah (10:44:38 PM): if ye have to rid yer lands of attackers, and brigands..
Silkinsane (10:44:40 PM): ::Silk sighed and just closed his eyes.::
Avariannah (10:44:59 PM): we will assist ye with all of Horn's navy as well..
Avariannah (10:45:35 PM): but nay to fill yer coffers. Then yer no different than they are..
VvThe Dark Angel (10:45:59 PM): " Aye, well said Love"
Jamie MacGregor (10:46:39 PM): "Ava, the Horn navy is not involved and will not be. If I should run across a Horn ship I shall be obliged to sink it with all hands."
Avariannah (10:46:59 PM): ::a brow lifts, she stands;: ye sink one of our ships..
Avariannah (10:47:05 PM): and we are enemies.
Avariannah (10:47:18 PM): and ye will be tried for treason.
Silkinsane (10:47:54 PM): ::It was all deeriorating so quickly.:: The best laid plans of mice and men....
Jamie MacGregor (10:47:59 PM): "Besides it's almost gale season and the navy never even sails off our coast."
Avariannah (10:49:24 PM): ::she lifted her chin:: they will, if ye need them. We help each other in Horn, Jamie..
Jamie MacGregor (10:49:28 PM): "Ava, I did not conceive of this plan to fill my coffers. It was necessary to dispose of the threat. Sooner or later it would lead to a war with Horn. We just can't afford it."
Avariannah (10:50:04 PM): ::shaking her head:(gahh.Aegis's connection is wonky!))
Jamie MacGregor (10:51:17 PM): (I understand)
Silkinsane (10:52:14 PM): ::Silk finally spoke up again.:: Milord, your plan seems to speak only of gaining Friggea's gold.
Jamie MacGregor (10:52:28 PM): "Ava, if the navy had been here in the first place theis council would never have needed to be called."
Avariannah (10:52:45 PM): ::blues enigmatic as they went from Jamie to Silk and back::
Jamie MacGregor (10:53:06 PM): "It is a plan with three prongs, all of which connect and compliment each other."
Avariannah (10:54:28 PM): ::listens, softly:: I do nay recall yer askin' for any assistance, Jamie..
Jamie MacGregor (10:55:08 PM): "What was the point Ava. These raids have been continuing for a long time. No navy."
Avariannah (10:55:13 PM): from Lupe or Rayna..
Silkinsane (10:57:55 PM): ::Slk sat quietly.::
Avariannah (11:01:48 PM): (brb)
Jamie MacGregor (11:02:03 PM): "Ava, they can't do anything without involving the Horn in another war. Otherwise it would just be hoping to find the raiders before they struck. My action will put them out of business for a very long time if not permanently."
Avariannah (11:03:58 PM): wb
VvThe Dark Angel (11:04:11 PM): TY
Jamie MacGregor (11:04:58 PM): (Good to have you back)
Silkinsane (11:05:08 PM): ((wb))
VvThe Dark Angel (11:05:54 PM): {ty, ty. Good to be back}
Silkinsane (11:06:56 PM): :Silk shook his head.:: You risk too much. I will help no more.
Jamie MacGregor (11:08:57 PM): "Just finish your map Silk and give it to me. That's all that is required."


Avariannah Peloponnessus Tevlyn Ash Spirito Vasilek Marcus Aragon
Co-Commander, Rangers of Golden Horn
Duchess of Kencha Keep

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jamiemacgregor
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Karma: 0 Re: The Reprisal
« Reply #11 on Dec 1, 2007, 9:33pm »

[jamiemacgregor]

Jamie has pondered long over the council meeting and the refusal of the others to join in the enterprise. Especially disturbed by Silk, who was most cheerfully willing to get people to murder each other, but unwilling to get any blood on his own hands. Still, he had expected better of Ava. Yet he did respect her views although he was sure she and Aegis were both wrong.
He would have to take action on his own. The hardest thing was for him to part from Star even for a few days. She was on the verge of tears when he told her, but being the lady he loved with all his heart and soul, she stifled those tears. For now the barony was in her hands.
Jamie took the troops he required for the operation off into the woods supposedly on extensive maneuvers. Once out of sight the infantry and archers marched to the river. Jamie had secretly created his own naval base. Assembled were his eight allowed warships, as well as the six captured from the Friggeans. Surprisingly there were a score or more merchant vessels there as well, but these were faster and sleeker then the usual merchantman. With the addition of fighting towers and catapults they were easily converted to warships. And Jamie had the equipment to do it. Now he had a most sizeable fleet to take to Friggea and to once and for all chastise those brigands for what they had done to Argentia and Bengal, as well as other realms

[jamiemacgregor]

All was in readiness. All of the soldiers had changed in surcoats without any insignia. They were instructed that Jamie or any captain was to be addresed only as sir. A most special contingent marched into camp. Some were armed with crossbows, but most wore the arms and surcoats of the Friggean Royal Guard, the only difference being a white cloth ties around their left arms. Just before dusk all the troops boarded the vessels. They cast off and were soon down the river, the heavily wooded banks screening them from view. It would be a long trip; so Jamie led the fleet down the coast just out of sight of land, each vessel with a lantern in it's prow to keep them all together. By daylight they were well out to sea and well out of view of any prying eyes.
When the time came, based on the advice of his navigator, the course was changed. As planned they came in sight of the Friggean coast just as darkness descended. Every ship had numerous pairs of sharp eyes seeking the agreed upon signal. Jamie had men ashore, who had given him even more specific information then Silk had obtained. The green colored flamed was seen to move up and down. Jamie made similar signals to his vessels and they all landed silently on the beach. Once there had been a most prosperous village here, but it's men had preferred to fish rather then go raiding. The King had made an example of the village. No one since had stinted on providing crews for Friggian raiding vessels. It was why Jamie had determined to mete out justice to the Royal Family, but not the people.
Quickly, taking a vessel count, it was determined that all had arrived safely. The troops quickly and quietly debarked. With them came carts, in pieces which were assembled on shore. These vehicles would make it much easier to remove the contents of the Royal Treasury. They were lead to a great wall running from one end of the small peninsula to the other, providing protection for both the palace and the town. On the walls two sentries paced back and forth, easily visible by the light of torches positioned all along the walls. Two of the men with crossbows took deliberate aim. By the light of the far away torches they fired. Both sentries toppled silently; the venom on the bolts paralyzed their vocal cords, as they were both hit in the throat. The crossbowmen heaved up grappling hooks with ropes and simply climbed up the walls. On the other side they applied copious amounts of grease to the great gate before it was now silently opened. Jamie and his troops marched through, those wearing Friggean livery in the front. Two of them remained by the open gate. The others lead the troops straight to the palace.

[jamiemacgregor]

Jamie relies here on his spies and Silk's map. The few guards are silently surprised, killed, and replaced by his own men in Friggean uniforms. One dozing guard at the Royal Treasury was most easily eliminated. In the adjoining corridor stand the chambers of the Royal Family. The King has a sister and she has a husband. The King's two other grown up sons have wives as well, and there is the wife of the Crown Prince. Of children there is only one; a Royal niece of 14 and as yet unmarried. Jamie regrets, but all must be put to death this night. His crossbowmen take out their daggers and prepare to go to work. They are interrupted. The king coming out of his apartments seeking the Royal privy. Jamie caught him by the throat and choked the life out of him right there in the hallway. He put the dead soverign back on his bed and then drew his dagger across the queen's throat. With his hand over her mouth she made no sound as she left the world. Coming out, Jamie went into each room in turn to inspect his men's work. Even the niece died silently. Jamie motioned them to continue with the rest of their part of the operation. Around the king's neck had been a set of keys. They had already gone to his captain who was proceeding to ransack the Treasury. A line of soldiers has been loading the carts. Load ofter load is taken outside and loaded. As soon as a soldier's load in deposited, he returns straight away to the Treasury for another. The work moves at both a swift and silent pace. Jamie moves to open the last act of the operation.

[jamiemacgregor]

Jamie and a few of his men march through the silent, sleeping town down to the naval harbor while lies inside the merchant harbor. Between the two stretches a great fortified boom. Above the boom stood two towers and a connecting bridge. Only from both of the towers could the boom be lowered and vessels allowed in or out of the naval harbor. Jamie's men had already done their work. The guards were dead, and the boom was raised. At Jamie's instructions, they made the signal with their torch. Ever so slowly, Jamie's fleet crept through the outer harbor and then they silently entered the inner harbor. The ships were drawn up in a line, which although thin, stretched from one end of the Friggean fleet to the other. Upon signal of his commander, those funny looking tubes fastened on the prows of the vessels suddenly sprouted forth flame onto the enemy vessels. It was a weapon known as Greek fire;nothing could stop it. The few crewmen aboard the Friggean vessels either dived overboard or were engulfed in flames as well. In just a few minutes the Friggean vessels were all blazing from stem to stern; the fire spread from ship to ship eventually engulfing the entire fleet. At that point Jamie retired to the palace, where he saw the very last of the treasury loaded aboard the carts. Jamie formed most of his men into a rear guard while the convoy of carts was already moving to the wall and it's open gate. Jamie had one last present for Friggea. People were waking to see their much vaunted fleet burning into cinders. Jamie's archers fired into the guard barracks. Naturally, Jamie's fake guards had eliminated the real ones and locked the barracks from the outside. There was no escape. Swiftly and just as silently the entire force and the ransacked treasury moved through the gate and back outside the town. His most special squad remained behind to lock the gate. The with their grappling hooks, they let themselves down on the outside of the wall, dashing off to rejoin Jamie's column. Dawn found them all down at the beach waiting for the fleet to rescue them from a hostile shore.