The Black Steel company's vigil in the peaceful town of Oatbarton continues. As the company continues to explore the region looking for cues that might help them unravel the mystery before them, they could not have expected the horrors that were to unfold...
Honory is walking towards the camp. She peers to see if anyone is present there.
Sigfread says in Rohirric, "Of course..... Perhaps with someone you have not met yet..." He would be standing with his steed. The horse has only very recently arrived at the campsite and it appears he is packing some of Sigfreads gear already.
Gaeded would nod, looking over at Honory, "I guess we should stop talking about this now. Even if others cannot understand us."
Honory directs her attention to Sigfread and then to Gaeded with slight smiles to each of them.
Sigfread grabs his bow and swings it over his back. "Tell Fiontann I'll be back before dawn..." and mounts his steed.
Gaeded would smile back, nodding her head politely, "Good morning."
Honory replies to Gaeded. "Good morning. Are we packing up now?" She asks the last part with a hopeful tone.
Gaeded would nod to Sigfread, "Yes, I will do." She would turn to Honory, shaking her head, "No, I don't think so."
Sigfread sets Aronath off into a slight gallop as he rides off North.
Honory looks crestfallen. "I rode to the south a ways last evening... it was a sight for sore eyes. Is there any progress made with the captive? Or with what we set out to do, I suppose?"
Gaeded would shake her head, "I'm afraid I don't know. But perhaps we will be doing something today."
Honory huffs out a breath, patting the tops of her legs in an antsy way. "I'm getting tired of waiting," she remarks. "Though it's not my decision to make. It seems more and more unwise."
Gaeded would nod, "Gea (Yes), I am getting restless too. But as you said we cannot make that decision, but I trust in our leaders' judgement."
Honory looks off into the dark of the night around them. "Ever since that stranger the other day, the silence around this camp has seemed much less invincible, don't you think? I didn't suppose anyone would recognize us out here."
Gaeded would sigh and shake her head, "It never felt invicible for me in the first place. Perhaps that is because I am getting used to the dangers of the wild, though I am not sure."
Honory tells Gaeded, "Well, so near to a town, I would think we would not see much danger." She bites on her lip, looking around again. "But it hasn't felt much like that."
Gaeded would nod, "Yes. That is true. But from my own experiences, I know that even towns are not safe anymore." She would look a bit reserved and there would be a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Honory frowns. "When I was a girl, orcs would come down from the north to Trestlebridge often. I suppose you're right." She sits down by the fire and sighs.
Gaeded would nod, "Yes, sadly. When I was there, I saw quite a few attacks. Luckly we were able to prevent worse from happening." She would sit down on a log also, picking up a stick and poking the fire.
Honory nods at Gaeded's words. "I'd hoped that this trip might have allowed us to help face some of those threats head-on... but so far, it's been more silence and waiting than anything."
Gaeded would nod, "There has been some small skirmishes. And some have been wounded by them. I'd rather sit and wait than have many members of the company becoming injured.
Honory's eyebrows furrow in concern. "I hope they were not too badly hurt," she says. "Perhaps you're right, then... waiting is better."
Gaeded would nod, "Yes... Last time I was on a venture with the company, I ended up breaking my ribs, though it was after the final fight, luckily. If it had happened before, I wouldn't have been much use at all."
Honory shivers. "Broken ribs are horrible," she replies. "I'm glad you recovered swiftly? I hope."
The dark veil of night fell on the small village known as Oatbarton. The group is gathered around the fire to warm themselves, despite the summer he nights are still chilly on this part of the world. From there they can see the Hobbits ending their daily activities slowly and getting ready to go to an inn for some drink and hot meal, or even to their houses! Who knows! They chatter and murmurs slowly get quieter and quieter and now the bounders are out, armed with a spear and a bow, their right hand usually on their green cap, since every now and then a torrent of air threatens to take it away! They chat casually as they pace up and down the roads, every now and then eyeing the company half suspiciously and half concerned.
Gaeded would chuckle, "As swift as broken ribs can heal. They were a real pain, but I was able to get back into things. Hopefully nothing as bad will happen this time around."
Honory nods in agreement. "I hope so as well." she says.
Gaeded would look over at the Hobbit bounders passing by, "Worried little fellows, aren't they?"
Honory chuckles to herself. "Yes, though I trust they do their job well," She watches them.
The last two or three caravans from the Shire arrive, one may even see armed men with it to protect them, two or three around each. Not all of them seem so honourable, but one can understand why the Hobbits hire them. Soon music and lauughter comes from the inn and a company of Hobbits is sitting next to the road with fire, telling stories! "Do you remember the day that the black Dragon flew over the Shire and cast its shade all over it?" said one of the Hobbits who seemed quite young and the others shook their heads in amazement, one can see a grin on his face as he starts to recount the tale!
Gaeded would nod, "Well enough for the little folk that they are..." She would chuckle as she watches one bounder almost lose his cap in the wind, "...Even if they seem like very humble folk."
As the Hobbit starts to tell the tale, a young one that somehow managed to get there arrives at the camp and looks at the girls that sit around it with eyes open wide!
Honory looks at the approaching Hobbit. "Good evening, little miss," she tells her. To her, the accent might sound like the men of Bree.
Gaeded would look over at the young hobbit, smiling kindly. She would speak in a Rohirric lilt, "Hello there."
"Good day to you" From the voice, one can tell taht the Hobbit isn't more than 6 years old. "Why are you here?" It asks with the sincere curiosity of a young one.
Honory sits up straighter, a smile coming across her face. "We made camp, see?" she tells her simply.
The Hobbit scratches its head and looks at her not understanding "What is camp?" she asks and then gets closer to the fire, extending her arms to warm them.
Honory smiles at the Hobbit, but her eyes flicker to Gaeded to see her reaction. Gaeded would chuckle lightly, "It's like a house, but not as nice. It's outside and you can move it around."
In the other camp, the young Hobbit telling the story jumps up, his arms spread out. "And he flewwww over the Shire, bringing night when it was midday, I was there, I saw it! Everyone ran away thinking it would burn the village!"
"It is nice if you have a house you can move around, why is it not nice? It doesn't have food or tea?" The girl asked.
Gaeded would smile a little, looking over at Honory, nodding to her to give an answer.
Colvomir walks upon the hill, as he passes the camp he says "Evening!"
Honory replies. "We have tea," she tells her. "But I like to be at home, don't you?"
The Hobbit points back towards the village "My home is there, I am closer. I want to go camping like you!" and jumps.
Honory grins. "Sit with us, at least until your mam comes looking for you. Isn't it too dark for you to be out?" She looks at Gaeded and shrugs.
The Hobbit looks back and smiles, then scratches its head, trying to appear innocent!
Gaeded would look over at Honory, and then at the hobbit girl, "Yes, why are you out when it is so dark?"
Over the camp and from the farm smoke started to come out, even the Rangers from afar see it. Hobbits point at it and look up there. Suddenly the scream of a woman can be heard as it shouts a name. The little girl turns around and runs to her mother!
Honory rises to her feet. "What is that?" she asks, craning her neck to see the source of the smoke and commotion above them.
Gaeded would stand quickly, looking up at the smoke, her eyes following it down to try and find its source.
Colvomir says, "Does any of you know what is going on here?"
Gaeded would look over at Colvomir, "There's a fire, it seems."
The smoke soon becomes black and thicker and soon more goes up. Some Hobbits try to head up there but many whistling sounds scare them, deterring the bounders!
Honory points up the hill to direct Colvomir's attention. "Should we go see what is happening?" she asks, her tone urgent.
Sigfread comes riding into camp with another ranger at his side. They ride hard as they come near the camp but manage to slow down just in time ''Turchiron, take point!''
Soon the air is filled with a strange smell and from above one can hear sounds of things breaking, voices of terror and more fire goes up, the smell is getting stronger!
Sigfread quickly dismounts the steed. Grabbing some extra arrows for the quiver on his back before looking towards the farms. "Seems we arrived just in time. Everyone. Grab your arms..."
Turchiron keeps an eye on the smoke, swinging down from his horse as quickly as he can, he slings his shield from his back and straps it hastily to an arm.
Honory sniffs. "Do you smell something?" she asks. She looks to the rangers.
Sigfread says, "This way you all. Hurry! Turchiron, take front. I'll cover you."
Turchiron draws his sword and works his way quickly up the hill, keeping his shield prepared.
Honory clutches her crossbow close, following the group.
Gaeded would draw her bow, following quickly.
Turchiron pulls up the mask beneath his hood to as they enter the smoke-filled area.
Colvomir draws his sword and runs up the hill as quickly as possible as soon as he sees the smoke get bigger and thicker!
Gaeded would pull up her hood in an attempt to cover her face from the smoke.
Honory presses her elbow over her nose, shouting, "Be careful!" to no-one in particular.
When the group enters the farms they see two or three Hobbits dead on the ground, they seem to ahve been gutted and their intestines are around their necks. Their skin is burning and the smell now is stronger than ever, maybe it could get one sick! Apart from the fires and the dead bodies everything seems quiet for now!
Colvomir takes his shield from his back.
Sigfread looks around in disgust, though it isn't a new sight to him ''Turchiron, we must keep moving. Quick to the farmhouse up the hill....''
Gaeded would cover her mouth to stop herself from gagging at the sight and smell around her.
Turchiron holds his shield ready, looking down at the corpses of the hobbits with dismay, He also becomes conscious of the unknown group he had just joined, casting a quick evaluative glance over his shoulder toward them, "Right, Try keep up then." He moves forward with slightly more caution than before.
Sigfread looks over his shoulder to the youngsters. ''Keep your eyes off the bodies..... let them not discourage you''
Honory gasps as she sees the dead Hobbits. She looks disgusted, but not enough to lose her wits. Her eyes travel up the path ahead to see where they are going.
Sigfread says, "Turchiron, can you see anything down that path?"
As the company moves through the flames 4 men appear from the left and run straight onto them! They seem to be bandits and charge without stopping on the group!
Sigfread sees the Bandits comming in from the fire. He has not time to draw an arrow out and thus uses his bow to catch the incomming blow. The Steel plating on the mid-section of the bow provides enough strength for this.
Gaeded would run to the side, managing to dodge the attack of the bandit. She draws her sword and readies herself quickly.
Honory jumps away from the bandit's attack with relative ease, drawing the dagger from her boot so she might be ready to attack him in turn.
Turchiron continued to keep his shield raised as the bandits charged forward, the attack bashes against his shield, Turchiron staggers back, maintaining his defensive position and readying his sword for combat.
The men are kept back but they will not just run away! They stay there, fighting!
Sigfread would use the bow and his strength to force his opponent back. As the brigand staggers backwards Atharan grabs an arrow from his quiver and nocks it. He doesn't need to aim as he releases the arrow almost point blank into the head of his opponent.
Gaeded would raise her sword up, aiming for the bandit's shoulder, her body angeld to the side so that she has less chance of getting hit. However, as she swings down on the bandit, he is able to grab the blade of her sword in his gloved hand and push her away.
Colvomir runs towards an enemy, hitting him with his shield. Then he stabs his sword into the heart of the bandit!
Honory moves forward with her dagger, slicing through the air towards the brigand's neck region. Unfortunately, he moves and the blade glances off his shoulderpad, leaving Hona stumbling to the side.
Turchiron uses his shield to move forward, pressing the bandit's position, he swings his sword down onto him from behind his shield with as much force as he can muster.
The bandit that is attacking Sigfread was quite lucky! When the ranger shot, he brought his sword up and the arrow hit the sword, which hit his head which left him dazed! Bandit number 2 defended against Gaeded and gets ready to attack. Bandit number 3 defends himself from Honory but that opens him for an attack from Colvomir, bringing him to his knees! Bandit number 4 is hit with great force by Turchiron and staggers back, losing his footing! Yet he is still up!
Gaeded would parry the bandit's next attack with her sword, which was a swing towards her thigh. Gaeded would ready herself for the next attack.
Honory regains her footing and blocks the bandit's next onslaught. She scrabbles to prepare to attack again.
Colvomir readies his shield as he sees an enemy charging towards him. THe enemy strikes with great power but Colvomir's shield blocked the attack, and no harm came to him!
Turchiron maintains his one-man shield wall, glancing another blow from the bandit's attacks, keeps a firm grip on his sword, eyes fixed on his opponent as he prepares to attack once more.
The bandits fight hard and the fight goes on!
Sigfread would grab a second arrow as the man is dazed an places this one between his eyes. Due to the drawback and the power of the impact the arrow goes all the way through, sticking out the back of his head as well as the front.
Gaeded would swings her sword at the bandit's upper thigh, she would slice though his flesh. She would draw her sword back, it now being streak with blood. She would ready herself again.
Honory charges forward a second time, this time making contact with the brigand's neck. After her blade makes contact, he falls to the ground and lies motionless, blood falling to the stones below his head.
Colvomir tries to hit the enemy he just blocked an attack from but the enemy is quicker than him so Colvomir could only hit him on his left arm.
Turchiron makes another swing from behind his shield, the power in which he attempts to use gives the bandit time to get out of the way, his blade passed harmlessly past the bandit as he returns to his defensive stance.
With two bandits dead, the rest are remaining seriously outnumbered and wounded! They now move, one away from Turchiron and the other from Colvomir and stand back to back in the middle. The last two to hit, Colvomir and Turchiron will manage to kill one each.
Sigfread keeps his eyes on the front knowing that his back will be safe with Turchiron there. He starts walking forwards towards where the brigands came from.
Colvomir walks towards the heavy injured bandit who is now weak and can barely stand on his feet. Colvomir knocks the bandit to the ground with his shield and than stabs his right in the middle of his chest killing him immediatly!
Turchiron moves on the bandits position with his shield raised, he bashes the bandit with his shield, dropping his defenses while bring his sword down hard on the bandit, burying it in his shoulder, blood soaks the bandits garb as he crumbles to the ground where he stood.
When the remaining bandits fall the company can see that the road ahead is clear, as clear as it can be, there are no bandits but there is rubble everywhere and a dead HObbit lays on the ground. The door to the left is closed!
Turchiron holds his bloodied blade infront of himself and casts a look toward Atharan, "Is that all of them?"
Honory straightens her leather jerkin, cleaning off her knife and placing it back into her boot. She readies herself to continue up the hill, looking to the others to see what they are doing.
Sigfread turns back to the group as he comes to a realisation ''This area is large. There are more roads north of here.... We must split... Hona, Gaeded, Colvomir. Turn back and try to find other of the company. They should have noticed by now. Head to the North gate and secure the areas there and beyond."
Honory nods to Sigfread. Her eyes move towards the road ahead before she asks, "What's up there, d'you think?"
Sigfread says, "I will continue along this road with Turchiron"
Turchiron stands silent, watching the members of the strange company with caution.
Sigfread pauses. "On second thought.. No... Find anyone you can find. Then come back here and head up the road. With haste! We don't have long!"
As Sigfread says that the whistling sound can be heard from afar somewhere North! Some screams can be heard, some bangs and hits and something that breaks and falls!
Honory nods again, gesturing the others to follow her. She turns and moves back the way they came.
Sigfread says, "Turchiron and I will go ahead. Make sure to follow us swiftly as soon as you find the others. Go! Now!" He slows down as the smoke thickens around him.
Around the two Rangers is only death, fences broken, more dead bodies and fire and the smell that makes one sick! Again silence, except for the creaking of the wood from the fire and a post that falls burned!
Honory hastily bids a goodbye to Gaeded and Colvomir, as they return to Oatbarton to look for the others and warn the Hobbits to stay away from the farm for now. She moves the way the group came before, looking for any members who might have heard the commotion from the hilltop.
Lieta comes running around the corner, pausing some as she finds the others. Her face is slightly pale as she covers her nose and mouth with her left hand. Her sword in drawn in her right.
Honory shouts, "Lieta!" before running after her.
Lieta stops to look at Honory.
Honory is close behind. "The others went ahead - we should follow them," she says, slightly out of breath and her dagger drawn.
Lieta nods as she starts rushing to catch up, her sword still in hand.
Meanwhile, farther along the path, Turchiron eyes a closed gate in their path. "If it isn't barred, then we ought to get through it no problem..."
Sigfread starts pushing with mighty strength against the gate before them. However it doesn't feel like it would budge
Turchiron casts a momentary glance behind them before moving toward the gate and joining Atharan in pushing it open.
The door moves slightly but comes back again, it doesn't seem too willing to move! Each time they push it moves for two or three inches and then comes to its previous position. It's too heavy!
Sigfread throws more force into it still trying with all his might to open the door.
Turchiron continues attemping to push alongside Atharan, straining as he speaks, "You sure? We've fought trolls that seemed lighter than this..."
Lieta comes running in, aiming at the door as the two rangers are pushing. She goes to slam herself against the door, hoping it helps.
Honory stops when she sees the rangers struggling against the door.
Sigfread grints his teeth together as he sets in more force ''Come on! Push!''
The door does not move, but Lieta does! She would fall after clashing on it, unless someone grabs her! The plants around it seem thick... As they look at the door and all over one would be able to guess that the plants they can see that they seem strong enough for someone light to climb? The branches are quite thick and there are no thorns!
Honory reaches out to try and break Lieta's fall. "Whoa there!" she exclaims. She doesn't seem to notice anything around them as being unusual.
Lieta looks up at Honory with a cheeky grin before she stands up, "Thank you. That door is locked shut." She would then look about, humming some.
Sigfread pants for a short moment after trying to open it ''It won't budge...'' He then looks to Turchiron ''You on the same mind as me?'' He then inclines to Lieta as he looks to Turchiron
Turchiron looks to Atharan and then to the young girl, "Are you sure?" Then he adds in Sindarin, "We can't just throw her in to potential danger..."
Sigfread shrugs for a moment before replying in Sindarin. ''She survived Forochel with me... She can handle it.''
Lieta looks between them, frowning at their sudden change of expression and Sigfread's glances at her.
Sigfread tells Turchiron, "Hona will follow right after as well..."
Turchiron nods, "Well if you're sure, Suppose asking them might be the right way forward."
Honory looks at the two rangers speaking, but she cannot understand their words at all.
Lieta says, "What are you two planning?"
Sigfread says, 'We are going to throw you two over the gate....'
Lieta says, "Throw?" She raises her brow.
Sigfread says, "The branches are think but it won't hold Turchiron or me. We are to heavy... You two however will be able to get over rather easily.... The plan will be as followed: Lieta goes first. Hona, you will follow right after. Once on the other side. Lieta will keep an eye out while Hona tries to open the gate or break the lock... whatever budges the gate on the other end."
Honory frowns. "I don't think..." she begins, before trailing off.
Turchiron looks up to the top of the gate and then to the two women, his eyes showing slight concern from beneath his mask, remaining silent in unknown company once more.
Sigfread continues, "By the looks of the dead halflings, whatever is on the other side is no mere brigand. You must be fast...."
Lieta nods as she sheathes her sword, "Alright. Toss me over then."
Sigfread swings his bow over one shoulder so he can quickly grab it again if needed
Honory pipes up. "Being rangers, can't you two just... go over there yourselves?" She points up to the top of the gate. "I know what you said of the vines, but..."
Lieta glances at the two of them, "I'm as ready as I can be."
Turchiron slings his shield other his back and follows in the action of sheathing his sword, He casts a look to Honory, "I could give it a try but that may ruin our way over, but like the old man said, It'd be much easier for you two, The faster you find a way to open the gate, the quicker we can move to help, though nothing will happen to either of you, We promise."
Sigfread holds out his hands for Nethdir to grab. That way they can make a step-up point for Lieta ''Ready?''
Lieta says, "Aye."
Turchiron takes Atharan's hand and gets into position to boost Lieta upward.
Lieta moves for them to help her get over the wall.
Turchiron looks to Honory once more, "Come on, You'll be alright."
Honory steps up and allows the rangers to help her over the wall with little difficulty, pulling at the branches as she does.
Turchiron steps back from the gate, swinging his shield back onto his arm once more.
Sigfread pulls his sword from its sheathe. He wishes to spare on arrows for now unless no other option is left.
Turchiron readies himself in preparation for the gate opening.
Sigfread says to Turchiron, "Isn't it fun how I always drag you into danger old friend...?"
Turchiron casts a glance to Atharan, "Of course, I didn't expect this journey to go any different."
Sigfread says, "Reminds me of that time we went Trollhunting.... Only we are now with young girls from Breeland instead of our kinsmen!"
Lieta is thrown over the door and lands on something soft but moisty and sticky! She lifts her hand and sees that it's all red, she looks around and she can see that she has landed on a pile of maimed Hobbit bodies, That moment Hona falls on her!. Their cut limbs are stuck under the door, preventing it from beign open! To manage to open it the girls will have to move all the limbs from underneath and push some aside to make a narrow space for the two men to pass through, the stench is quite horrible at the moment and the fallen lamp post soon sets the clothes of the bodies on fire. The stench gets stronger once more!
Turchiron continues looking to Atharan, "Not the best group to be battling with---" He turns abruptly to the gate as they scream.
Lieta lets out a shout, cursing with every word that comes to her, "Who in Bree's name are these wicked bastards!" She throws her hood back, having to move away from the door, "And I'm covered in it..."
Honory scrabbles off of Lieta quickly, shouting "Ah! Ah!" at the sight of the dead Hobbits around them. "Lieta, look!" She points to the Hobbit carnage blocking the way, covering her mouth with a clean edge of her cloak's hood.
Lieta says, "I don't really want to look..." She heaves her latest meal up as the sight and smell are worst than when she first entered the town.
Honory shouts, "Sigfread!" in a really loud and shrill tone. "We need more help, we cannot do this alone!"
Sigfread shouts back ''Why not?''
Lieta weakly calls out, "I'm covered in Hobbit..."
The fire will soon get stronger and block the door for good! Some more whistles can be heard!
Sigfread says, 'Allright... Push me up with your shield...'
Honory looks around behind them to see if there's anything she can use to help. Her face is pale.
Turchiron quickly kneels below at the base of the gate, bringing his shield low for Atharan to mount on. He prepares to lift it up.
Sigfread puts his sword back into it sheathe as he readies to climb. He is heavier then the girls but probably light enough to make it.
Lieta kneels on the balls of her feet, holding her head for a moment. She's quiet, unsure of what to say or do.
Sigfread steps onto the shield, holding his balance untill Turchiron can rise. Knowing this must be heavy for his companion. However they have done it before. "Ready...."
Turchiron wavers under Sigfread's weight, but holds his ground, "What have you been eating, old man.." He begins pushing upward with all his strength, straining under the weight.
Sigfread quickly grabs a thick branch as he comes up to the gate, ''Nothing weird.. meat mostly.'' He then pulls himself up on the large brance and throws himself over the gate. His highly trains agility allows him to land on his feet. However still, most likely, on the carcasses. "Well.... this looks..... refreshing..." He steps off the carcasses with a disgusted expression. "I guess dead hobbits were blocking it..."
Turchiron falls back from the gate once more, breathing deeply, he looks behind him, cautious of being isolated from the others.
Lieta leans forward some to heave again, "I can't get the smell off of me..."
Honory turns to Sigfread. "Sigfread!" she shouts, still at the same volume even though he is nearer now. "Look at this!" She points to the blockage.
Sigfread sighs for a moment as he starts grabbing the carcasses and moving them away from the gate ''I see it I see it..." He pauses. "I mean no disrespect little fellows.. But to save any survivers I must be quicker. Forgive me..."
As the bodies move, the door can be opened enough for Turchiron to narrowly pass, still with sooome difficulty! But the fire is now stronger!
Honory moves to help him, but she covers her face in response to the flaring of the flames near them. "Watch out!" she cries.
Sigfread would simply toss the last carcasses onto the pile before helping to open the door ''That was..... unfortunate."
Turchiron continues to watch behind him carefully, waiting for the others to get the gate open.
Lieta takes her gloves off before tossing them into the fire.
Sigfread would have the gate open, ''Are you coming princess?''
Turchiron turns around slowly, his eyes express a mood of not being impressed, "Right away, sir."
Sigfread looks at his bloody gloves but doesn't seem to care. ''Turchiron.. take the front. Ladies behind us... Stay close..."
Turchiron readies his shield, moving forward slowly.
Honory moves to follow the group, wincing as she avoids the flaming fire and the dead Hobbits still strewn about.
Sigfread has his sword pulled out of its sheathe again. It is ready for use.
The fire now goes on the door, everything is quiet on this side of it though. Nothing is stirring but the flames that slowly grind against the houses and trees. On the fields to the right two Hobbits are nailed on two or three logs each, if one looks closely he will see that they have no blood on them!
Lieta looks over as they continue. She then looks at Honory, lingering back some, before eventually standing up to follow.
Turchiron focuses on the path ahead, the corpses of the hobbits bring him much sorrow, he remains silent as he passes, for now he must worry about keeping the others alive.
Around the grotesque scarecrows nothing can be seen, but something may be heard far from this spot, a shout, or a hit, something faint due to the distance!
Turchiron gazes up the road, his sorrow slowly turning to anger as more hobbit corpses come into view.
Sigfread says, "No fear now Turchiron.... It is like that time with the Spiders... the really large one up near Gath Forthnir."
Turchiron replies, "Don't remind me..."
The cap of a bounder is dropped on the road which is smeared with a trail of blood, a thin trail of blood, the flames eat the wood mercilessly, warming up the already warm night! The road is empty and too quiet!
Honory follows, gawking in horror at the terrible sights surrounding them.
Sigfread says, "Keep moving... Eyes open..."
Lieta stops at the next sight. Her brow knots together tightly as she looks at the mess.
Honory clutches her dagger close, gaze darting to every dark corner. At the crest of the hill, she pauses. "Lieta?" she calls behind her, looking for their companion.
Sigfread notices. "Lieta...."
Turchiron holds his ground near Honory, holding his shield between her and the road ahead.
Lieta goes to rub her face before hearing Sigfread's voice. Her hands and face are still a mess from falling into the pile. She looks at him, a bit forlorned.
Sigfread says, 'Come... Hona, whatever happens, stay with Lieta. If we tell you two to run... do so... We move on to the highest point of the farm."
Lieta is slow to follow as she stares at the mess some more.
Honory nods in response to Sig's request. She follows behind Lieta, holding her dagger close.
Turchiron casts a look back at the two women, great concern expressed in his eyes. He asks Sigfread in Sindarin, "Is it wise to keep them with us? Perhaps they ought to try return to their camp.."
Sigfread replies, "Sadly... they must learn someday... Best while they are young... so we can still guide them through it. As cruel as that sounds."
Turchiron tells him, "I won't allow any more deaths of innocents as a result of our inability to protect them.., I'll do my utmost then."
The moment the four pass through the door it heavily closes and they can hear clanging behind them and from the other side of it. The smell of death and burnt flesh has retreated now. Everything is so calm, too calm! The area is clean now, no fires, no death, no nothing. They feel relaxed, almost too relaxed, despite what they have seen. As they take some more steps ahead or towards the door they all hear their mind speak! Turchiron's mind is filled with voices: You weren't careful! You left it happen because you were absent! You disappointed her and him! And now you dare stand beside him! Sigfread's eyes see the image of his daughter, in blood, then she falls and calls out to him, but she disappears and he can hear a voice in his head: You left her to die, you killed her with your actions! You are not her father, you never were! You are nothing! Her blood is on your hands! Lieta feels dizzy and she sees her house burning and her mother's voice: You let the fire burn us... You let it and now you walk around as if nothign happened. You killed us! Your parents! Ungrateful girl! But soon you will him too, you will kill him! Honory feels her head light and she sees the all hated orcs run and slay everyone in the barn, she sees their leader pointing at her: It was all your fault, y ou lured us here that day! We saw you, we came and killed, their blood is on you! Their orphans are on you!
Sigfread does certainly not feel relaxed. His sences are at its peak when he sees the image of his daughter. One would think a man would subcome but this isn't the first time his mind has been played with. He keeps his emotion stone cold as he looks past the image of his daughter. As painfull as that is to his heart. He then sheathes his sword and takes the longsword from its cloth wrap. He then draws a deep breath and closes his eyes only for a moment. He centers himself and ignores the voices in his head that aren't his own. ''Turchiron... steel yourself.''
Turchiron looks to Atharan, in his eyes a mix of rage and misery, his eyes begin to well slightly at the voices words, as in the end - They were correct. He tries his best to shake it off but is clearly affected by this. "Right.., Won't let you down..."
Sigfread looks to Turchiron with ice cold eyes ''You never have.... It is a trick''
Honory stumbles on her feet, crying out in surprise. She looks wildly around, her eyes landing on the rangers ahead.
Lieta falls to her knees as her hands go to her head. Subtle sobs can be heard as she mutters apologies. She shakes her head as the voices continue to berate her mind, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean for you and pa to die..."
Sigfread says, "Fall back.. to the girls... Break them out of it... I'll hold point."
Turchiron nods silently, lowering his shield, He casts one last look to Atharan, wishing his words were true, He turns back to help the two girls.
Sigfread grasps the longsword with both of his hands. He takes another deep breath and keeps his attention to his surroundings
Honory turns as Lieta falls, kneeling to try to speak to her. However, the onslaught continuing in her head makes it difficult, so she reaches blindly for Lieta's arm and tries to pat it, seemingly lost.
A loud shout breaks the silence and the daze, a shout that no normal man can produce: "Are you going to cry like children now? How much more pathetic can you become?" and then a strong torrent of wind blows, chilling them deep down!
Sigfread says, "You'll not see me cry, creature. I've faced far more fearsome foes. However, you seem so scared of us. Is that why you hide?"
Turchiron sheaths his sword, pulling down his mask, he feigns the best smile he can manage at the moment, trying his best to focus on the girls through teary eyes, "Right, need you on your feet.., A trick of some kind.." He looks to Honory, "You still with me? Focus on me now if you can and it'll be alright." He reaches down with his now free hand and attempts to pull Lieta to her feet.
Honory looks up at Turchiron, her expression dazed. "What?..." she says. She looks back to Lieta to make sure she is well.
Lieta slumps some as her head hands low. She still mutter apologizes, having seem to be stuck in the past.
Sigfread looks around again for the voice, ''Come out! Show yourself! Or have you lost the courage!''
Turchiron looks to Honory, trying to maintain his good mood, "We have to keep moving, no good to us stopping here, We'll get you to safety, Whatever it is affecting you, you just have to try.. get past them, Focus on following me instead, call me Turchiron, Now can you help me get her on her feet?" He nudges Honory's shoulder in an attempt to maintain her attention.
Honory looks back to the ranger in front of her and murmurs, "Turchiron... I'll help her," She reaches again for Lieta's arm, this time making an effort to tug on her wrist.
A sweet smell is coming from the path, it fills their nostrils deep inside pleasantly!
Sigfread still doesn't sway. It seems the man has an unusually strong mind and willpower.
Lieta is pulled towards Honory. "I'm sorry..." she mutters, still lost in the trance.
Turchiron looks down to Lieta, "Try your best to talk to her, She knows you better than I." He turns back to look up the path past Sigfread, thoroughly confused.
Sigfread shouts, "Honory... Get Lieta to safety... Turchiron and I shall handle this..."
Honory looks to Sig, then back to Turchiron. "Are you okay?" she asks the ranger, still holding onto Lieta to support her.
Turchiron nods, pausing for a moment while finding the words to speak, "I'm okay, No need to worry, You get on to safety now, Don't let anything stop you." He does his best to feign a smile before pulling up his mask once more.
Sigfread says, 'Turchrion... There is none other I can count on now. The girls are at their limits. I need your shield and sword at my side." He drops the bow and quiver behind him near a bush. Placing them safely there
"Not coming? I shall come and wipe your tears with my blades then!" The voice is heard again and wind blows. Soon a black clad figure appears in front of Sigfread and in a distance, a figure he encountered not long ago, holding one curved blade in its right hand and a longsword in the left.
Lieta leans into Honory, almost embracing her tightly like a young child. She still mutters to herself, apologizing to her mother.
Turchiron draws his sword quickly, remembering the words of the voice, his sorrow turning to partial determination, "I'm with you, always."
Honory tugs on Lieta's arm. "Come on now, quickly!" She stumbles back the way they came.
Sigfread says, "As I thought. A Wraight..." He calmly walks forwards ''How come a worm of angmar dug his hole here? Too worthless for something bigger?''
Honory stands near the door with Lieta, hoping to get out of the way of the conflict that seems to be approaching.
Turchiron raises his shield, moving partially infront of Atharan in order to defend him best he can.
The figure does not speak. He just raises his head even more, leaving the hood fall from his head, revealing a pale face, clean shaven with long black hair shoulderheight. He lifts his right hand, only to point at the two Rangers and then lowers it once more. "Welcome to your death."
Sigfread only grins at his opponent ''How original... I have never heard anyone say that before to me''
Honory casts her eyes around the area, seemingly trying to clear the dizziness from her head and look for an alternate escape route.
Sigfread lays a free hand on Turchirons shoulder ''Ready old friend? This will be a good story to tell''
Turchiron breaths shakily, remaining silent in the face of the figure, he stands with his shield as firmly as he can hold it, he only makes a small nod at Atharan's words, focusing intently on the creature ahead.
The figure moves on and stops midway, waiting for the two. "Come Rangers, I am Erenkhad." And looks at them carefully.
Turchiron holds steady, waiting his Elder's guidance.
Sigfread suddenly shouts out in Sindarin, ''For Elendil!'' To some this may be a simple warcry but for a ranger it is simply one thing. Charge and fight! Letting Turchiron lead with the shield he follows closely behind with Forodgwaew at the ready. To his opponent this sword may feel filthy and dangerous as it emits an aura of its own. It is not an avarage sword afterall.
Turchiron mimics Atharan's cry, moving forward to attack, sword and shield both braced for an attack.
Lieta stands up to wipe her face. She blinks for a moment as she looks at Honory, like she is now confused. After a step back, she would look around, "We're not in Bree...?"
The man would attack first once they get closer! He swings the curved blade towards Turchiron and makes a turn, slashing against Sigfread with the longsowrd!
Honory lets Lieta go, shaking her head. "No, but we're away, l-look!" She points at the conflict occurring up ahead with the two rangers of their group involved...
Lieta tries to clean her sign of crying some before drawing her sword, "Come on... This has gone on too long..."
Honory hesitates. "Wait!" she says. "H-He said to stay out of danger,"
Lieta says, 'And if they fall?'
Turchiron glances the curved sword easily off of his shield, staggering Turchiron backward, He makes a quick recovery and brandishes his sword for an attack.
Sigfread takes the hit from the longsword as it clashes with his own. He tries to stand his ground but the impact of his enemy is stronger then he can manage. Fending off most the of the blade he can't avoid his left arm being scraped by the sword. Soon after the cloth on it turns red from his own blood. This however doesn't stop the ranger.
Honory draws her dagger from her boot. "We could help them now," she tells Lieta. "We might not be able to do much."
Lieta holds the sword with both hands before nodding, "Aye." She would rush to join in the fight, prepared as much as she can get herself to be.
Sigfread quickly comes out of the stumble and shifts the weight of his feet. From the position he is in he'd step in a cuts out towards the arm holding the longsword. with great froce. Right after this he'd take position again to fend off any counter attacks.
Turchiron swings his sword toward the man, though it is not calculated well enough and is easily parried, He raises his shield and braces himself.
Honory also comes forward to fight, dagger raised.
Erenkhad steps back when Sigfread's sword slashes agaisnt his hand, his black cloak gets darker as it gets soaked. One can see he is slightly surprised and looks at Sigfread. "That is a nice toy... Let's see if you can handle it!" and aims a kick towards Sigfread's chest and once his foot is down he'll attempt a slash against Turchiron's chest!
Sigfread steps out to his right and avoids the kick this way. Knowing such a kick takes quite some recovery time he'd instantly prepairs for a counter upon moving out of its way.
Turchiron parries the sword coming towards him, resulting in a loud twang of metal against metal. He once again retakes his stance behind his shield.
Lieta tries to move around the fighting, wanting to strike from behind the villain.
Sigfread places his sword horizontally as he steps out of the way of the kick. As the leg is stell strenched out he slides the edge of his sword vertically over the shit of his opponent
Turchiron moves in with his shield, using it in an attempt to batter his opponent, followed by a quick left to right swipe with his sword.
Lieta rushes in, her sword in both hands. While the wicked man is busy with Sigfread and Turchiron, she would rush in, swinging to cut one of the villain's legs from under him.
Honory moves to attack the figure but she doesn't make it far - instead she stumbles towards the nearby wall, looking dizzy.
Erenkhad lets out an angry grunt when the first Ranger's sword cuts against his leg, another hit by the second ranger makes him stagger and the girl's swing brings him to his knees! His attention is shifted to the one from behind though and he will attack only her. He turns around suddenly and tries to hit her with the pommel of his curved sword on the head!
Turchiron charges forward with Atharan, he makes another slow from the left against the man with as much power as he can muster.
Sigfread sees an opening in the enemies defences and doesn't even take a mometn to think. The moment his enemy goes for Lieta he himself launches an attack in the form of a swordthrust forwards.
Lieta holds her sword up, catching Erkenhad's arm with the blunt on her blade, as she got low with her sword. She would then tries to pull back, flipping her blade with her wrist to cut the man's arm.
Honory steps forward and makes a slash at the figure, but she fails miserably, falling and tripping in the dirt.
Sigfread send the sword forwards towards the lower back, He makes sure to put some power behind it to do as much damage as possible.
Turchiron stares into the distance.
Lieta steps back in, thrusting her sword towards the man's lower back, as she is not quite tall enough to aim too much higher.
Erenkhad gets hit from all directions, he gets stabbed and slashed at and starts to stagger back. He groans once, then growls, raising his weapons for an attack but then a thundering is heard all over! Out of nowhere a voice is heard "Enough! Erenkhad come!" and the place is filled with smoke! For some seconds nothing can be seen, just some footsteps, running and stumbling away. After that one can hear a thundering sound! And after that nothing!
Some feet away from the group one can see a parchment folded! It may have dropped from him?! The smoke is now cleared out! After these strange and troubling events, the group returns to Oatbarton to help the community recover as best they can. The rangers bid them farewell to return to the wilds. As the members of The Black Steel company return to Bree-town, with Lieta carrying the parchment to give to Fiontann, they cannot forget the terrors they witnessed.
