[Flashback] Debts to pay[solo]

[Robert Cithon]

27th Spring, 505 AV The past three day had been hell on his men. Robert led a small group of mercenaries. Under his command, ten experienced soldiers had backtracked through the Wildlands of the Syliras region. The men in his company had all earned their pay time and time again. Robert himself ad handpicked them for this job. They were tracking down yet another escaped slave. Escaped slaves seemed to be the main source of income for the mercenary army. With numbers reaching over one hundred and fifty, they could afford to split up frequently. Broadening the amount of jobs they turned, which raised everyone’s pay. And it seemed as of late the men were working nonstop. Robert was thankful for the lack of attention civilians paid to the ones they deemed ‘property’, it bolstered his pockets often enough. This particular job was different however. Six woman had escaped the confines of a nobleman’s home in Ravok. The escapees had murdered the mans wife and two sons in their escape. The man, Rulis was his name. Had specifically asked to keep the mission as low profile as possible. He offered to double the price for secrecy. Alfred, Nikoli’s cousin had taken over the army after Robert’s father had passed. Alfred had eagerly agreed to the terms. The swindy little man had shown up to Robert’s tent after sunset three days ago. He informed Robert of the situation, and the need for supreme secrecy. Alfred deflected any questions or attempts Robert made at prying more information from the man. He insisted that Robert pick ten men, ready them during the night hours and depart from camp before the others awoke. Robert agreed tiredly, he was uneasy about this job. Something felt wrong. Robert went about waking and forcing the men he picked out of sleep. And occasionally out of the arms of loved ones. Zeph, a huge burly man hefted his enormous axe and threatened to sever Robert’s head if he did leave him alone. But after a few more minutes of negotiating. The giant agreed to his terms and began readying himself for the departure. Robert was thankful, the man had saved his skin on more than a few occasions. He was one of Robert’s most trusted friends also. He did regret having to pry him out of the arms of his petite wife, Sil. Next came the twins who shard a massive tent. They two perfected eachother in battle. Stan, used a long poled halberd type weapon, he was an expert with it also. Robert had never seen a man manage to close the distance between his weapon. Xir his identical twin, was even more agile with his two double edged talon like swords. He was quick and fast on his feet, often circling the ring his brother made with his weapon. Cutting down those who thought to ambushed his kin. Robert choose them out of friendship also. They had all been born into the mercenary lifestyle. For the next few chimes Robert had went about waking the others he had decided to accompany him. Each had been instructed to reunite in a little before sunrise. Robert himself had to go and ready his things as well. He spent the last few moments attempting why one so powerful and well blessed as Rulis would put such an effort into keeping his dealings secret? Knowing nothing of the noble lifestyle, Robert decided it best to leave alone. H would do what he was paid for, nothing more, nothing less. He was a mercenary. Odder jobs than this had come along before, why did this one feel so wrong?

[Robert Cithon]

They small group departed while the sun was slowly breaking the tree line. A dozen or so men had seen them leaving, few raised hands in question. But Robert raised his own dismissively, and they let it go. Each man understood orders were orders, they had to be followed in order for their survival. Those who did not follow orders usually never lasted more than a few months in the army falling victim in scuffles first usually. They made their way down to a nearby river, the same river that flowed into the city of Ravok’s huge lake. The one that encircled the city itself. Robert had never physically laid eyes upon the dangerous city. He had heard enough rumors and tall tales to fill his curiosity. In truth, he did not like working this close to the city, the God of Chaos within a days ride. It was uncomforting to say the least. Alfred had been wise enough to send a scout out ahead of them and determine the location of the running slaves. The river bend within sight was the pre determined meeting place. Robert leaned forward on his horse, the brown mare resisted the urge to throw him off. He had yet to find a suitable mount for his size, no horse ever greeted him friendly. He looked to his right jealously. Filing his eyes, Zeph had superb riding abilities. It seemed no matter the size of the animal he rode smoothly and comfortably. Even the horses carrying his massive weight seemed content. “How does he do it?” He asked under his breath irritably. Redirecting his attention back to the river bend, he noticed a lone figure waving his arms violently. It was the scout. Robert motioned his men into action, and they began to gallop in unison toward the dark clad figure. Waving his hand in a friendly manner Robert asked the only question on his mind “Where are they?” He was not familiar with this particular man, so he felt no need to linger and catch up on old times. The scout quickly rambled on, describing hills and trees. Every man in the group listened intently, each would draw his own directions from the information. “That it?” Robert asked bluntly. The scout looked at him with a smirk, “No, they are armed and watching for anyone approaching. They seem to be fairly well trained. So have fun!” He was openly smirking now. The scout kneed his ugly dark colored horse into a full gallop, quickly leaving the other men behind. “Well looks like we might end up needed weapons this time.” One of the men behind Robert said jokingly. It was true, nine out of ten they would just rush in surprising the escaped slaves and scoop them up. A few strings of rope to tie them up during the journey back was normally all that was needed. “Well lets get this over with” Robert spoke dismissively. He hoped the scout was only teasing, he truly hated killing women. No matter how deadly they could be. -0-0-0-0-0- The entire day was spent traversing over rough country. Swooping hills tangled with massive roots prevented them from making decent timing. The location he scout described was near. Though they should have reached it a long time ago. Robert was in a dreadful mood, his mount had been relentless bucking. His body was aching from the effort to stay on top of his horse. Robert looked up at the disappearing sunlight, they had to make camp soon or they would be sitting ducks tonight. Moments from sounding the order for camp he noticed a small glimmer of sunlight reflecting of the surface of a body of water. “Hey Zeph, that look like the pond the scout described?” He asked questioningly. Zeph steered his well trained mount next to Robert’s. A smile spread over the huge mans scarred face. “Well, I’ll be damned! It is!” He said excitedly. Robert nodded in confirmation. Finally the day would end, e thought silently. An embarrassing dismount was signal enough for is men to follow his lead. The horses would make to much noise on the approach. And if the scout hadn’t been lying, it would likely reveal their positions, costing a death or two. The men gathered around him, each ducking low avoiding casting obvious shadows. A few quick hand gestures sent the men running into the desired locations. Xir and Stan would have the farthest to go, they would circle the area, coming in from behind. Zeph and Philipe would round toward the left, coming in that direction. The others would stick with Robert. They would draw attention in their direction, distracting the slaves from the other sides. Robert and the six other man slowly made their way toward the pond. The pond was in a shallow hallow, roughly forty spans wide. It made for an excellent hiding place. Only the glimmering water would reveal the existence of the hollow, a simple mistake most would not think of. Robert and his men were crouched low, the approach slow, giving the other enough time to position themselves correctly. After sufficient time had passed Robert assumed the men would be in place by now. He gave the order to rush the hollow, swords extended ready for combat. His men smiled eagerly, ready for the fight. One, two, three his fist went down, signaling for the onslaught to begin. His men leaped into the air screaming and running toward the glimmering water, Robert was quickly on their heals. To his surprise, and to the surprise of his men. They heard terrified screaming. A dreadful sound that halted the men in their tracks. Each looking toward each other for guidance. Robert shoved his way through the dumbfounded men, attempting to see for himself what was unfolding. He shoved a man out the way, and broke into the clearing of the hollow.

[Robert Cithon]

In the natural made pit, the perfect hiding place except for a small pond. The pond, roughly seven foot across either way, reflected to much sunlight. The reflecting light made the hollow easier to spot, if you were looking. If not, you would scan over it and never know there was a rough ten foot drop, wide enough to hide three dozen men and horses. Robert had been lucky enough to spot the glimmering sunlight. After roughly forcing his men to part ways, allowing him to gain eye sight of the spectacle. He came to the realization the scout had indeed been toying with him and his men. Before him, stood three torn figures, three more cowering behind those. The ones standing ready were holding up kitchen knives, simple blades used for slicing bread. Two of the tattered woman kneeling behind were beaten and bloodied, the third was unconscious. “Weapons down” Robert commanded roughly. There would be no need for the mercenaries to used blades. Robert took a small step forward, hands held outward, showing no signs of danger. “Just put your weapons down, we will not harm you.” He said, trying to sound reassuring. One of the ragged women hissed at him violently. “You mean to take us back to him!” Her words were laced with hate. She even spat to empathize her hatred. She took a long step forward, within touching distance of Robert. Several men raised their weapons quickly, if she moved for him, she would die. “Don’t be rash woman!” He quickly said, his voice was low and demanding. He did not want bloodshed today. Another dark hair woman took a step forward, she laid her hands upon to the mouthy ones shoulders. “We will die if you do this.” She said softly, Robert could detect the sadness evident on her face. She seemed beaten, not physically, but emotionally and mentally. Robert took a step back, a slight attempt to diffuse the situation. He lowered his hands motioning for his men to do the same. A slight movement caught his eye toward his left side. He made a pained effort not to turn and reveal Zeph’s position. The giant man had a talent for hiding in the oddest places. He was nearl in plain sight, yet undetectable to an untrained eye. He was laying wait, surveying the situation. A quite bird call, unfamiliar to this area signaled the Stan and Xir were ready and watching as well. His men were a simple reminder, he was in control of this situation. “If by Rulis, then yes. He hired us to capture and return you six.” He paused, letting the situation sink in on their worn faces. “He claims you murdered his wife and two sons also. Is there any truth to this?” It would not change what he had to do today. The calm dark haired woman spoke again, eyeing the remaining six hesitantly. “Yes it is true, we would have killed him to if he hadn’t run like a coward.” Her words were honest, she openly admitted to murder? “Why?” The words escaped his mouth, it was meant as a private thought. Not an open question. Robert could ot describe the look that came over the face of the aggressive women. Pure hatred? Perhaps disgust? He was not sure. “Why?!” She roared out. “Because he did this!” She was screaming now, a raspy voice that could give at any moment. Her hand was out stretched, fingers stretching toward the two beaten and bloodied woman lying on the ground. “He took turns with us! Torturing us daily, doing unthinkable acts to each and everyone one of us.” He strength failed her, she collapsed to the soft forest floor. The dead leaves creating enough cushion to avoid more pain. The two woman who still remained standing quickly knelt down to aid the poor women. Robert, with a lack of words at the moment took a few more steps back. The image of the two nearly lifeless women burned into his mind. How could someone willing do that to a defenseless woman?That question would remain vivid in his mind for years to come. He scanned the faces of the men surrounding him, each wearing the same confused expression. They were waiting for his orders, and he had none to give. Thankfully Zeph rescued out of is despair. He stood up making a rather loud grunt, gaining everyone’s attention. He withdrew his intimidating blade, resting in front of him with both hands. “I have a wife, and a daughter not much younger than these little things.” He nodded toward the six slaves. “I swear to each and everyone one of you. If you so much as attempt to force them back into the hands of the wretch, I will kill you where you stand.” There was no hint of an underlying joke. He was deadly serious. Standing, Robert stepped away from the remaining group of soldiers. “I am with him.” He said challengingly toward the remaining six men. Robert’s own longsword was held up ready to defend himself ,he was the closest to any who may challenge the decision. Two voices sounded in unison from behind also, the twins sided with Robert also. Looking toward Salem, the only man who might take advantage of the situation. Robert was anxious for the standoff to end. The remaining men would side with Salem if he decided to fight with Robert. Their loyalties weighing more toward the army than Robert himself. Salem stared Robert in the eye, they had been friends a long time also. “I am with you.” He said sighing. He did not agree with the situation, but he was not a monster. None of them could send those women back into the hands of Rulis, the worthless noblemen.

[Robert Cithon]

The entire next day was a dreadfully sad one. It was spent tending to the needs of the poor women. Each man took it upon themselves to set up camp, set a perimeter, gather wood. Any dealings with surviving a night in the Wildlands was done without much discussion. Each soldier knew what was needed. Once the men had set up relatively large tent, one of them took it upon themselves to go hunting for food. They had expected to be riding back toward camp by now, not caring for six wretched women. It was an unexpected turn for all of them, which no doubt would leave them jobless in the end. Robert only hoped that was all that came from the preceding events. Robert had dispatched a lone rider, a messenger to inform Alfred that they had successfully obtained the slaves. Robert and the other had already devised a plan, one that would put all their lives on the line. Now they just had to wait until noon tomorrow. The men would spend the majority of the night watching over the women, who shared the large tent. The mercenaries sleeping in a perimeter around it. Three men stayed awake at all times. One standing outside the tent watching for trouble. Another patrolling the previously agreed upon out perimeter. The last remaining soldier awake was to reach over the women. Two were in relatively fine shape, not much attention was paid to them. Two only needed water ad treatment for their minor scrapes and cuts. The final two, they were a different story. A sick soul had his way with them, both were lucky to have lived this long without treatment, and the little battlefield first aid the soldiers could provide was not enough to sustain them for long.

[Robert Cithon]

In a clearing stood a lone figure, Robert Cithon. He had chosen this spot for today’s events to unfold. It was nearly noon time, sun peaking high in the clear sky above him. The grassy patch was relatively open, the closest thick of brush nearly a hundred paces away. Him and his men had woken up early this morning, to prepare the trap they planned. He stood waiting for the arrival of Rulis, and whoever he brought with him. Robert squinted his eyes, a bird call signaling the approach of the intended target. Two wagons broke the tree line in front of him. One was richly decorated, Rulis’s personal carriage no doubt. Pulling his carriage was two extravagant horses, the species of which Robert was unsure of. Behind the extravagant cart was another, bland and bulky cart. It was roughly made with thick wood an windows covered by round bar. The carriage he intended to toss the woman back into for sure. Along the side of each carriage was four horsemen, only two of which possessed armor, the other two carried short bows. Robert watched calmly as the wagons neared him, coming to a halt a short distance away from him. Once stopped two of eight armed guards dismounted, each taking a position alongside of the elaborated door. It opened slowly, a foot stepping down, followed by a leg, eventually Rulis had revealed himself completely. Robert looked over the lanky man, he did not seem so twisted as the women had claimed. Perhaps they all had been fooled by helpless women? Only time would tell. Rulis cleared his throat, a frail voice escaping his dry lips. “Well, where is my property?” He asked hoarsely, clearly a man who was not accustomed to waiting. Robert cleared his throat as well, a clearer more commanding voice departing his lips. “Where is my money?” He asked, just as rudely. Two of the unarmored archers lifted their short bows, taking aim on Robert. Clearly they were loyal men, not used to hearing one speak to their master as he had. Robert smiled, lifting his hands innocently. “Calm down, you women are here.” He said, voice calmer this time. Just as he finished his sentence, three of his men began emerging from the trees behind him. In tow were five of the women, the sixth one had passed during the night. Her wounds were to great for Robert and his men to tend to. They fell in a few steps behind Robert, the women wearing solemn looks on their beaten faces. “Now, my gold.” He said, voice returning to it’s commanding nature. Rulis, an already ugly little man, smiled, turning his face into even more of a twisted sight. If Robert had any doubts to the women’s story before, he believed it solidly now. Rulis had sealed his fate with that particular hideous look. “Very well” He said, acting is if he had better things to do. He very well might have, in all honesty. Rulis raised his hands high, another hideous smile spreading along his face. As his hand went high, his mens bows focused on Robert and the three other soldiers behind him. Robert knew this would happen. Rulis wanted things kept secret so that when he dispatched of Robert and his men, no questions could be raised. Foreseeing this betrayal Robert had planned today’s events ahead of time. Hence the reason only four men were visible, instead of all eleven standing there in he open. The women were already kneeling on the ground, Robert had warned them of misfired arrows hitting them. A slight twitch of his hands signaled his hidden men to let loose the furry they held back. Arrows flew from both sides of the caravan, picking off Rulis’s archers before he had a chance to finish his signal to murder Robert. In an instant half of the men Rulis had brought were dispatched. A rather amusing sight, with one of Zeph’s enormous arrows, nearly four feet in length an made of thick wood. Had impaled two men at once, killing one instantly, the other was struggling to keep the dead mans weight from pinning him down even more. He was done for, there was no way he would manage to survive that wound. Robert and the other four men charged forward while the armored men had been taken off guard, not expecting their side to take any losses. His axe in hand Robert charged headlong into Rulis, his foot came up high kicking the frail looking man back into the carriage. He spun swinging his axe hard crashing into the one of the guards head. Blood spewed from the wound, spraying the carriage heavily. The men who had stood behind him finally made it to the scene as well. One dispatching the other guard who had stood next to Rulis as well. In a glance Robert could tell his plan had worked perfectly. The four men up front Robert included, drew the remaining horsemen toward them. All of whom had short distance weapons, forcing them to get close. With back to the fancy wagon, they formed an impenetrable wall. The men refused to get of horseback and charge them, but the horses kept them from closing enough distance to engage Robert and his men. The rest of which were still pelting the armored guards with arrows. He had ordered at least three men to remain hidden, using bows to aid from a distance. The remaining four had mounted their horses and charged onto the battlefield. Zeph included in that group. The twins were already with Robert backed up to the carriage. Stan’s polearm keeping most would be attackers at bay. Zeph and his horse came from the side, barreling into two guards. He swung his massive axe easily rendering the two into lifeless bodies. Huge gashes showing most internal organs on one ma, the other missing majority of his head. One rider got to close to Stan and his long weapon, he stepped forward smiling, twisting his hands in a lightning fast way, forcing his blade into a fancy swing. And the rider galloped off hands holding his now torn throat. It only took a few minutes to dispatch the remaining men, between the mercenary horsemen, archers, and men on foot. It was a relatively simple battle, that worked in their favor. Once the final threat had fallen prey to a well aimed arrow. “That it?” He asked hoarsely. His men nodded in agreement, the remaining me revealing themselves from the tree lines surrounding the wagons. “Time to end this” He said as he pulled the elaborate door open once more. It revealed a wide eyed Rulis, who must have watched the spectacle from the peep holes along the carriage. Robert, smiling, reached into the well decorated space. His hands being none to gentle ripping the little man from within the confines. “You did this” Robert spat on the ma curled into a ball at his feet. He motioned toward the now standing women who approached slowly. Once they were close enough for Robert’s comfort, he spoke, his voice low. “You remember the knives we gave you all last night?” He asked, the knives were just incase todays events turned bad. At least then they would have a minor chance to escape again. Each women nodded in turn, staring blankly at him. “Well” he said eyeing the curled ball beneath his feet. “Finish what you started.” He said roughly, turning away from the women. “You can take the guards horses and run away to whatever place you desire, do so quickly though.” Those would be his departing words, Zeph had brought him his horses. Each of his men now mounted and ready to ride back toward camp. They heeled the mounts, ready to leave the scene before un-wanting eyes caught sight of the. Xir tossed him a sack, the coins they managed to snag of the guards and Rulis himself. It seemed rather heavy with miza. The deed was done, they had rid the world of one more vial vermin.

[Seth]

Robert: +3 Leadership XP +1 Riding XP +2 Tactics XP Lores: Basic Silent Hand Signals, Basic Outdoor Tactics, Plotting a Surprise Attack from Afar, Using Positioning to One's Advantage. The Method behind my Madness : Hello there! I was impressed by the tactics you used in this thread, as well as the LEadership qualities you showed. There was a bit of description on how hard Robert found it to ride, so I added a point for his attempts. You used your Ave and Brawling a bit, but not enough to warrant anything, imho. I enjoyed reading this thread! It is great to see you setting such a good backstory for yourself! <3!