The company of warriors was lead deeper within the mountains, through a small ravine. By the path that Faerhild unfailingly followed ran a small stream. Soon though the road ahead would become steep, requiring to climb up the frozen now formations of the rocks. It's been a good six hours of hiking and climbing up the mountain until the company made it to the top of the mountain. No sun would shine and the sky was grey, it should be noon soon. As you peek around the last of the trees a wide plateau is revealed in front of you. The old ruined fort stands in the middle of it, its solid stone mass dominating the white and still landscape. An uneasy feeling of stillness and silence surrounds you, as you lay eyes upon the baren land ahead and you soon realize there is no sign of animals around you. Then the cold wind blows and brings a foul scent to your nostrils, that of rotten flesh mixed with orc filth. On top of the walls of the ruin, you can see dark figures patrolling.
Aeschere's face changed to an expression of disgust, ''There is an orcish scourge in this place. The wind reeks of it.''. He would spit on the ground.
Eorcan squinted his eyes trying to look around his surroundings, but to no avail as he could only see mist in this snowstorm
Faerhild looked at Régnwald who has fallen behind somewhat, awaiting silently for him to speak out loud his plan.
Gydgar took in a long breath through his nose, "Smells like things for us to kill." He grinned, weight shifting from foot to foot as he awaited.
Yrminas followed the pace of those ahead of him.. he seemed to be fairly luckily in his ascend. No great obstructions prevented him from reaching the summit and by the time the stink orc curls his nostrils he took his bow.. an arrow laid with practiced ease as figures appeared in his sights.
Eorcan whilst waiting for the leader of the group he looked at the patrolling orcs, counting the number of figures that he could see.
Yrminas said in a whisper 'Snnfff...sgnn...snfff...a ripe bunch.'
Zaiweyn stopped breathing for a while, rising the scarf on her neck and tying it around her face, to filter out the ungodly stench. Only after that, she unhooked the bow from a holster on her back, bending the thing slightly and picking up a string from the pouch, stringing the bow properly.
It took a while for the leader of the war-band, known in times as Régnwald to catch with his comrades. Weariness could be read from his bearded, scarred features; though the eyes would betray... He walked near Faerhild ahead of the band, gazing briefly at Aeschere before he spoke, eyeing his kinsmen ''We'll try to sneak inside by Hunter's will. In small groups.'' 'twas stated.
Eorcan sighed and took a few steps back, taking his shield that was strapped on his back, and holsters it to his arms adjusting the leather strap to fit, he then unsheathed his sword slowly to not make any noise and proceeded to move and swing with his sword in small arcs to warm up his sword arm after the long travel. A bit of clicking sounds could be heard as he moved his arms and fingers
Aeschere examined the slopes before the high walls. Something to the far right seemed to capture his attention. ''The slopes over there appear more gentle. It looks like an easy climb to get to the walls.''
Zaiweyn walked over to the group, after her preparations were done. "There are no walls east, should be no patrols that way" she stated with a hushed tone, not to alert the guards on the walls.
Gydgar looked over to the words of Régnwald before he nodded, looking to the others. "How small of groups?" He looks back with his brow raised underneath his helm.
Faerhild nodded hesitantly and then casts a calculating gaze at those around. "If we are to move in groups or pairs, perhaps we should divide our skills. So that we have some shields and a bow in each group."
Yrminas spoke in a whisper, 'A wise suggestion. Mind that even orcs know a weak spot if there is one, they will likely have their eyes on easy accessible places.'
Gydgar casted his eye about, speaking in a lower tone than usual though there was still some loudness to his voice, taking advantage of the wind blowing in their direction whilst it lasted. "Who has a bow and no shield?"
Yrminas spoke low, 'Me.'
Régnwald listened the recounted suggestions of his kinsmen with a faintly arched brow, peering into the distance like a smith would evaluate a sharp sword from the dull, he turned around, nodding some ''Small groups of four men I'd say.'' and he agreed with Faerhild ''We'll make for the slopes ahead, if we're lucky enough, we can reach the walls without tarrying.'' and he exhaled filthy air.
Eorcan sheathed back his sword and walked back nearer to the group.
Gydgar nodded his head, gesturing for Yrminas to come in besides him, putting himself forth as one of the shield bearers. "Who else will join our group?"
Faerhild attached her shield into her forearm, stepping forth, "I will come with you, Yrminas, son of Irmin." She smiled at him lightly from behind her helmet.
Eorcan thought of choosing who to follow, but as he didn't know any of them besides his friend Yrmenlaf, he'd wait for his orders or follow his friend instead
Yrminas bobbed his head at her, "I will leave my leftside in your care then shieldmaid." While he stepped in behind Gydgar.
Régnwald watched silently with a solemn air about him, voice lacing with the fatigue of recent days, though no less firm ''Aeschere, Yrmenlaf... Follow me.'' he ordered, turning around as he strode forth with deliberate steps, eyes remaining vigil.
Zaiweyn looked at the people, waiting in silence until the choices were made. "And the fourth?" she asked eventually.
Faerhild said, 'You have the second bow. You should go with them.' She gestured at Régnwald and she looked at Eorcan, "That leaves you with us...Whomever you are." She grins lightly at the stranger.
Zaiweyn shrugged, doing as told.
Yrmenlaf nodded at Régnwald and grasps on his axe, one maybe not suited for this occasion. He patted Eorcan on the shoulder before walking to his cousin and Aeschere.
Eorcan looked to the shieldmaiden, and took a moment to look at Yrmenlaf before walking to the group that he was instructed to follow
Aeschere unslinged his shield from his back. ''Aye.'' he muttered, as he latched his shield into his arm. His eyes catch the glimpse of a familiar face, a rider of Forlaw called Eorcan. He put his hand up to beckon him just as Faerhild spoke. He hesitated and lowered his hand.
Gydgar glanced between them all, "Who first then? The group with two shields I'd say." He'd go to give his shield a good clunk against Faerhild's to indicate them.
Eorcan bowed his head to the trio as he walked closer to them
Faerhild stole a moment to look at each in their group, nodding solemnly to mark her faith in them. Faerhild would however escape Gydgar's jolly, retreating a step and raising a finger on her lips to signal they should not make loud sounds.
Zaiweyn was working on replacing the position of her small quiver from the back to the hip, for an easier reach, hunkering down and cringing at a sudden shield slam, be it quiet or not. She muttered.
Yrminas returned the gesture with a greeting of his own, he spoke still in a hushed tone, "Who's voice do we choose to heed among the four of us? If danger comes and we are on our own."
Régnwald lifted up his bearded chin, meeting Gydgar's gaze for the faintest of moments and he nodded stoutly. Then his eyes were set upon his cousin, sparing no words, he let a deep breath escape the confines of his mouth.
Gydgar returned the nod, a grin forming for a moment. He then jerks his head to Faerhild, "Her, she knows what she's doing. Just tell me what to do and I'll go do it."
Eorcan stretched, moving his neck, shoulders and arms to loosen up any tight knots as he waited patiently with his group.
Yrminas eyed Faerhild and his fellow newcomer, "If she is willing than I shall accept aswell. What say you both?"
Eorcan looked to the Eorling to his right and nodding his head, finally speaking a sentence, "I'll follow her orders, if she's comfortable with leading us."
Faerhild looked at Gydgar, "You honour me with your trust, especially as I am a young scout among experienced warriors. My fellow men, I'd rather hear your thoughts, although I can make my suggestion as well. We should move very silently, and seek to end any foul life we encounter with haste in a tight group, every side covered, while Yrminas will shoot any that attempt to near us from other points." She raised her brow, looking at all of them.
Yrminas answered, 'I can shaft orcs for as long as I have arrows and the space to aim, however I am capable with spearing them down if shieldbearers can keep them at bay just the same.'
Faerhild smiled and nodded at Yrminas, "Even better."
Gydgar said, 'It sounds like it would work, now let's get going before they do notice a bunch of armoured men and women standing outside their doors.' Gydgar looked to them all with a faint grin, eyes forward again.
As the moment passed, Régnwald would speak thus, wandering his eyes among his small group ''We'll climb. If we are noticed by a filthy greenskin, we will not risk the other groups. They'll head on still, until we find Thrymm.'' as his words sank in, he followed the desolate path heading towards the slopes, adjusting his helmet for once.
Zaiweyn raised a brow high. "Greenskin?"
Aeschere grunted, ''Enough talk. Now we act.'' he looked up at the towering castle, ''For Thrymm.'', he whispered to himself. He followed Régnwald towards the slopes.
Yrmenlaf nodded at Régnwald and followed him in silence.
Zaiweyn remained low, walking hunched and slowly, rather than rushing to not be seen, trying to stay in the parts of the surroundings that blend nicely with her attire, to maximise the effect.
Régnwald stalked through the desolate path in his chainmail, advancing with quick strides, with the stealth as much as he could muster. And so he would edge himself near the slope.
Aeschere approached the edge of the slope under the cloak of night, walking with light steps despite his hauberk and large shield. Finally he leaned his breast on the slope and gazed ahead.
Yrmenlaf followed Régnwald. As he was not versed on stealth and was wearing a chainmail every one of his step make his chainmail jingle, until finally he reached the edge of the slope too.
Gydgar trudged on forward, shield raised halfway just incase however he moved fairly silently through the snow and frosty grass, creating an easier path for those who followed behind him.
Faerhild followed some feet away from the first group, looking keenly here and there as they ascended.
Eorcan moved slowly with small steps to not move his chainmail
Yrminas remained right behind Gydgar, trooping on in his footsteps aside for that one trip he nearly made.
As they approaced closer, the stench became even more intense. The distant sound of orc growling and wargs howling and barking can reach your ears. Clanks and thuds can also be heard, a omninous sign that the enemy is preparing. The slopes up seemed steep, the fort's natural defences. There's a small ridge on top of them and around the castle, though it should be quite close and within sigh of the walls above.
Eorcan sighed closing his eyes and looking down and closing his nose with his hood, "Sometimes you wish you could use a horse to siege castle"
Yrminas had a bemused smile on what little that's exposed of his face at that remark, "A great wooden one..to ram through the gates."
Régnwald lifted up his chin to better see the high reaches of the slope, then gazed at his side briefly before a hand ran in search of a steady rock he can hold onto. A quick breath escaped the confines of his mouth, sparing no words.
Gydgar looked up to the sounds reaching his ears, muttering out. "Or one that you can ride straight through the gates and into them all, like Hund once did.
Zaiweyn tied the scarf tighter around her nose, trying to breathe through her mouth to avoid the awful smell, for all the good that precaution would do.
Yrmenlaf looked down at the stench grew stronger and snorts, murmuring something. Just as he finishes he started climbing the slope, following Régnwald.
Faerhild halted, appearing hesitant. She stared up at the fort, yet decided to save the fellow men from her grim thoughts. Instead her eyes narrow, simultaneously hopeless and determinate, accepting the possibility of death.
Eorcan chuckled lightly, "Aye, if only we can have such horses" finally getting used to the new group he's in after speaking.
Gydgar said in a whisper ''Let's follow after them, aye? Give them a push up with our shields if they slip.''
Aeschere looked at the hill before, and slings his shield on his back again to prepare for the climb. He followed the rest.
Yrminas turned his face to Faerhild.. waiting for her word.
Faerhild forced a light smile at Gydgar, "Yes, let us hope they spare us of their weight. I'd hate to be killed by a butt, when there are blackbloods to kill." She strode forth and started to climb with some effort.
Gydgar put his shield back on his back before following along behind one of the others.
Yrminas slinged his bow over his shoulder once more and casted a look up at the rockwall.. "Shall we find a means to work together?
Gydgar barely got up a few steps before he slips back down, scraping his arm along the rock wall which caused the fabric to rip and a sharp rock piercing the lighter armour he wore, into his skin which caused some blood. He grumbled out, "This rock deserves a punch.."
Faerhild halted to peer down at Yrminas, "Well, if you want to carry me, I will not protest. Or is there some other idea in your mind?"
Zaiweyn lays low as the other band members begin to drop off the wall, not risking to climb after all the noise that was made. Instead, she decided to prepare a coil of rope, waiting for the news from above.
Yrminas said, 'I am fairly certain I can lift you up, after which I can do the same with you, he gestured for Eorcan, "When you find a good footing you both pull me up and we continue that way."
Eorcan nodded to both Faerhild and Yrminas, "Aye we should help each other"
Yrminas said, 'Hm, I have no rope with me unfortunately.'
Aeschere steadily climbed the wall. He found himself in the lead of the group as he went, his companions falling down one by one. When he finally reaches the summit, he looked back to see that he was the only one on the hill.
As the man reached the ridge it is not hard to understand stepping on to it will get him on sight of the orcs patrolling the wall.
Faerhild said, 'I can make one of our cloaks, if you do not mind losing them.' she grinned lightly.
Régnwald continued climbing, but the next rock he ran his armoured hand would not be as steady as he assumed, making the young Eorling fall a few feet and it would leave some hurts in his ankle. ''Fuck-'' he casted his eyes down to the snow, cursing inwardly.
Zaiweyn nudged the nearest man of her group, offering him the prepared coil of rope, nodding up as if to notion where it should go.
Faerhild said, 'Otherwise, I'd say our best chances lie in attempting individually.'
Eorcan took out the rope that was hooked onto his waist behind him covered by his cloak, "I brought one just incase we got into a touch situation." he smiled lightly and he always brought it along with him" he then looked to Faerhild, "I don't think I want to lose this cloak."
Yrminas said, 'Neither do I believe our cloaks would stretch that length even if you managed to tie them to something up there.'
Faerhild said, 'I was going to rip them half, Yrminas. But if we have a rope there's no need.'
Eorcan shivered at the thought of having his only remembrance of his family torn apart.
Aeschere looked down at the shades in the dark moving around, bending over something. He saw that it is a pile of rope. He picked up a few stones and rolled them down to hill to catch their attention.
'Who will climb then?'' Yrminas asked, deciding to get to the matter at hand.
Régnwald eyed Zaiweyn as he grimaced with the pain in his ankle. He nodded in silent thanks to the maiden, taking the offered pile of rope and he lifted up his chin, his eyes finding the watching gazes of the warrior from Forlaw named Aeschere, behind the ridge.
Faerhild looked up at Aeschere after a small pebble hits her back, "He is there, yet it is impossible to toss a rope that high, no matter how strong our arms are.''
Faerhild said, 'I can climb as well.'
Yrminas said, 'Watch yourself when you get up there.' he patted Eorcan upon the shoulder, "Since you are the owner, I believe it fair that you are more capable with it's use."
Gydgar grumbled and just hits the rock a few times with his padded hand, his boot trying to find another grasp though this man was not the best climber and he just hopped quietly.
Eorcan looked down at his ropes then to the shieldmaiden, "Well, guess I should put my practices to good use"
Aeschere watched as a shape wearing glinting armor in the grey sky approached the ridge. As he draws closer, Aeschere put a hand on the shield on his back and pulled him over the slope. They lie behind the slight ridge. ''Did you bring rope, Eorcan?''
Eorcan slowly and carefully climbed the slope hugging it and nudging it as he slowly moves ud to the Eorling that was already up there.
Yrminas spared a glance for the walls while the men that managed to brave the small cliff...
Eorcan crouched staying low and nods to the Eorling, "Aye, I did" he unhooked the rope behind him and gave it to the Eorling.
Yrminas peered down at her, folding his arms, "Only just begun.", he whispered to her before he took in a deep breathe.
Faerhild allowed her smile to fade, as her expression grew more serious and determinate.
Gydgar grumbled more and more, now heading over towards the group, "I hate climbing."
Aeschere took the rope from Eorcan. He tried to undo the ties, he loudly fumbled with the rope in increasing frustration.
One could hear an orc shout in it's guttural tongue. Whatever it was he shouted, more shouts followed...
Eorcan hooked his rope back onto his waist and unsheathed his sword and stands ready for whatever was to come
Zaiweyn dropped down to the ground at the sound of guttural shouts moving away from the group as to not be spotted. "Shh!"
Aeschere muttered to Eorcan, ''Damn this to the pits of the abyss! That sound is no welcoming song, prepare for a fight.'' He drew his sword and unslings his shield.
Yrminas seemed to be standing there with a surprising calm while looking up at the duo, "Well, perhaps this climb was folly to begin with. They will be in trouble up there by themselves if we stay down here.", he glanced around perhaps Régnwald would respond to this situation.
Régnwald heard the voices of drawn swords, golden brows crossing like arrows as his eyes glinted with something akin to worry. Leaving the rope, he would run around in search of any other path up. ''Helm's balls,'' he cursed grimly under his unruly beard as he went to save his comrades by the Hunter's will.
Faerhild said, 'I'm starting to regret we did not take time to actually make a plan.'
Yrminas said, 'Too late for that, time for action!'
After a few minutes a band of least ten orcs seemed to get out of the fort's north gate in great, marching towards the two men. The shouts continued and the orc guard on the wall points with his greenish finger
Gydgar shouted, 'Any who are coming with me, come now! We'll meet them before they can meet those two!' he nodded his head stoutly, grabbing his shield from his back again as he'd towards the road.
Zaiweyn muttered something incoherent under her breath, withdrawing somewhat from under the slope and making way away, trying to use the masking quality of her whitish cloak. Nocking an arrow, she takes aim once reaching a distance which allows her to see anything up there. "Why are we here..."
Faerhild spoke ''In the hopes of surprise, yet that we have lost! Forth to save our fellow men.' She sprinted up the slope alongside Gydgar.
Yrminas aimed an arrow over the shieldbearer's heads well before the orcs could reach the duo with the ropes. If atleast there was time for that!
Régnwald would run beside Gydgar and the others, his plumed helmet gleaming even in the gloomy air and smoke. His hand found the hilt of his sword, keenly drawing it from her baldric...
