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Post by Jet on Jul 17, 2006 12:27:52 GMT -5
From the pen of Bradhidair- It's been two long years since the destruction of Valsaress and the Serpent Riders destroyed our cities. I still find it ironic that the lowest in our society were the only survivors, the Heretics. We've been living like hermits, underground in our makeshift town acting as a rebel force against the Serpent Riders but we are only a small number and they rage above us like a storm-
Riena was distracted from her journal entry by a sound outside her small room, she pushed the fringe of her fairly short red hair out of her gold eyes as she put her pen down and flicked the book shut. The sound had been a knock on the door, Riena stood up and pulled her coat back on. She opened the door to an unfamiliar face.
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Post by Jess on Jul 18, 2006 2:28:28 GMT -5
A small paige was at the door, bearing a scroll for Riena. "Here you go ma'am...its from that...scary...Kyana woman..." He says, offering her the small scroll of parchment, the ex-general's wax seal- The Raven with a sword and arrow through it -clearly embossed on it in red wax.
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Post by Jet on Jul 18, 2006 3:19:04 GMT -5
Riena extended a gloved hand and took the parchment from the hands of the paige who was waiting expectantly. She took a knife attached to her belt and slit the seal,and scan read the incrypted message in Kyana's staccato script.
Bradhidair,
One of our number has betrayed you, they offered your life in exchange for safety. I don't know when this message will reach you but you must move and quickly. Zepahaniah is searching for you.
Red Serpent.
Riena's skin pallored to a deathly white before she composed herself and scribbled a quick note underneath Kyana's own message and handed it back to the paige.
"That is to reach Kyana as quickly as possible and is not to be read by prying eyes, do you understand me?"
Riena snapped venomously to the young page who nodded fearfully.
"Good." she said and slammed the door.
Unknown to Riena on the otherside of Pathoris the cell of K'chekrik was being attacked.
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 9:11:06 GMT -5
A young man in a blue silk dress shirt and blue silk pants stepped up behing her, she wouldn't even notice him most likly "Are you Reina Belltower ?" He asked in a cheery tone.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 9:15:27 GMT -5
Riena turned sharply in the direction of the voice and saw the young man, she didn't recognise him.
"Captain Belltower to you."
She replied sharply crossing both arms across her chest.
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 9:26:14 GMT -5
"Why be so formal.....Names Banrei Akino" he said and bowed shollowly and looked up at her "I'm a refugee and soldier sent to work with you" He said.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 9:29:07 GMT -5
Riena raised an eyebrow and appraised him he appeared to be a warrior but she wasn't taking an chances... She raised a hand as if to snap her fingers.
"Sorry to do this but..."
She snapped her fingers and several soldiers grabbed Banrei.
"Check him for the brand." she ordered.
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 9:48:28 GMT -5
"What the hell........let go of me" He snapped to the soldiers.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 10:41:24 GMT -5
Riena ignored Banrei's protests and carried on giving orders.
"Check his back, chest and hands. You know what you're looking for."
She stepped back and watch the soldier's roughly search him for the black X, the mark of a Heretic. If it wasn't found he would be considered a spy sent by the Serpent Riders and put to death.
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 10:49:26 GMT -5
"Okay....what the hell are they looking for ?" He asked looking down at the men.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 11:00:27 GMT -5
Riena's eyes never left Banrei and she spoke in a matter of fact tone but her gold eyes betrayed a hidden anger and sadness.
"The black X, the mark of a Heretic. If we don't find it there's a chance you will be tried as a Serpent Rider and put to death."
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 11:13:18 GMT -5
He pulled up his sleeve it was on his lower arm "This one ?" He asked gesturing with his head toward it.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 11:17:16 GMT -5
"Hold him."
Riena ordered the soldiers as she approached and traced the mark, it definatly wasn't a fake the black X was raised on his skin. Burnt there.
"Alright, he's clear let him go."
The soldiers dropped Banrei and left back the their posts.
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Post by banrei on Jul 21, 2006 11:56:49 GMT -5
As usual he landed on his feet and dusted himself off, then extending a hand to shake hers "As I said I'm Lieutenant Banrei Akino" He said with a smile.
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Post by Jet on Jul 21, 2006 12:35:00 GMT -5
Riena ignored his outstretched hand and appraised him with her eyes for a moment before responding.
"I apoligise for our somewhat forward approach but there's been too much betrayal for us to take any chances with Newcomers. If you're a Lieutenant then shouldn't you be back at base in charge of your cell? What brings you here?"
When Riena wasn't barking orders she still used a firm tone with her lilting Silverspring accent. Her armoured coat was open at the collar revealing the black X on her chest twin to the mark on Banrei's arm.
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