Divine Inheritance: Chaos

Merrick breathed long and deep then exhaled slowly. They had made good time arriving in Barisor before the nights end. Travelling so far in such a short amount of time would have completely exhausted Merrick if not for Tess lending him some of her strength. The two had taken shelter in a barn, not the best smelling of places but it was warm, dry and other than some animals empty. Tess was away doing some reconnaissance and trying to confirm where exactly in the city Jaxx and Lilith were.

One of the horses let out a snort and began pawing at the ground. “You were right. They were exactly where you said they would be” Tess said moving to sit beside Merrick. “They are deep in the city. It will be difficult to get them out unnoticed.” “We’ll kill anyone who gets in our way” “Or, we kill the giantess and blame it on these barbarians. No one need know” Merrick looked at Tess in response. “No harm in asking” she said with a shrug. “No point in making a move now, the barbarians are on high alert.” Merrick gave a slight nod. “Here, build up your strength” Tess said handing Merrick some sticks of dried food. The two ate in silence, neither of them really having an appetite. “You want to take the first watch?” Tess said taking a water flask and having a long drink. She put her hand out to pass it to her brother. “Merrick?” Looking over Tess saw he’d fallen asleep. He still had a piece of dried meat in his mouth. Tess shook her head and with a slight smile moved closer to remove the food. She sat down beside Merrick and moved him so his head was resting on her lap. She watched as his chest moved in a steady rhythm. It had been a long time since the two of them had been working alone. Travelling with the group was exhausting. They slowed the two down and most of them were extremely disagreeable. “I wish you’d forget this fool’s errand and leave with me” Tess whispered. “There is nothing here for us”. Merrick shifted in his sleep and Tess thought she saw a hint of frown on his face. She shook her head once more and using her ability searched for anyone nearby before slowly closing her eyes.

--

Zamir stood at the prow of the ship. He and his men were heading back to Barisor to regroup with his father. Ilda had been ungrateful to him for saving her life, but he would soon prove her wrong. He would be King. The winds had favoured the travellers and the sea was calm. They would reach the city before dawn. Zamir looked forward to telling his father of his exploits and his defeat of the Emperors worthless general. Yes, he would make a fine King.

* *

“Godless bastard!” Zamir shouted storming into the hall. Finnan and his Jarls were stood around a table in discussion. “You dare take my place as King!” he yelled storming through the gathered Jarls and flipping the table so he could truly face Finnan. “I am the son of Haldor Lothbrok it is my birthright! What say you Finnan Loch!” Zamir spat the name with venom. He stood but a few feet from the man who had usurped his inheritance as leader of his people. The Jarls had given the young Lothbrok a wide berth, only Sithtric sporting a freshly broken nose and blackened eye stood by his Kings side to intercede should the need arise.

Finnan took a deep breath and let it out as a sigh. He was in no mood to deal with the yipping pup. His men had failed to retrieve the prisoners and the bastard general Lucius had not moved far from the city. He expected an attack come sunrise. Looking up at the snarling face in front of him Loch lost any patience he had left. Cracking his neck Sithtric stood aside. He knew his lord well enough to know he wouldn’t want any interference. “What say you!?” Zamir seethed again bearing his teeth. Loch threw a fist and heard bone crunch as he met his mark. Zamir’s nose burst in a brilliance of blood. Staggered by the unexpected blow he didn’t have time to defend himself let alone retaliate as Finnan continued to rain blows down on the man. Finnan finally relented when Zamir was in a state near unconsciousness. “Remove yourself from my presence before I kill you for treason!”Loch spoke in a low threatening tone. “You are not worthy to call yourself King let alone the son of Haldor Lothbrok.” Zamir lay unmoving on the floor. Two of the Jarls moved to pick the man up. Once on his feet Zamir shrugged himself free of them. “This isn’t over” Zamir said spitting at Loch’s feet. “I will have my vengeance”. With that he turned and left the hall.

“What happened my lord?” a Karl said as Zamir passed. Without warning Zamir yelled his frustration. Grabbing the man by the neck he pinned him to a wall and punched, again and again until his own hand hurt. Releasing the man Zamir continued on his path to nowhere.

 

Paige yawned, stretching her arms over her head as she stepped up from behind Kable and listened to his comment. It had been a while since she'd been to Barisor. The sheer size of the city was still a surprise to Paige no matter how many times she visited it. It made the great wall that surrounded it all the more impressive. Aside from a few outposts and outlying homes, the city was completely encased in the massive structure. On top of it, she could see a couple of dozen massive soldiers scouting the perimeter. From this distance she could tell a majority of them were much larger than the average Azureth citizen. Even still, they looked tiny compared to the wall.

Below, the imperial army swarmed the outside searching for a way in. She finished her yawn as she spoke at the same time "This would be much easier if they just dropped into there. This would have been one hell of a city to take. Meaning that this army has brains... that makes them harder to get past. Good thing you have me here huh?" she winked before turning to Voltair.

"So, what is the plan anyway oh fearless leader?"

--------------------------

"Your grace sent for me?" the assassin woman's smirk was annoyingly evident. She knew she had gotten what she wanted and she made no secret of it. If he was any less of a decent man, Atticus would have knocked the grin from her face with one well placed bolt. But that would only serve to soothe his pride, and ruin negotiations with her clan leader. So he stayed his hand by balling it firmly on top of the tilted back rest of the broken throne beside him.
He looked her over with a critical eye. The garb she had chosen for today's audience was a vast improvement from the various pieces of imperial armor stolen from Atticus's own fallen men she had worn the day before. Dressed casually and mostly in black, with her hair pinned up, Atticus could almost recognize her as a proper woman again. Almost. There was no getting past those teeth or that damned grin. Still, mentally insulting her wouldn't stop her from knowing she had won negotiations, so he steeled himself and cleared his throat.

"Yes. Tell your master I've considered his terms, and accept them. I will fulfill his demands in return for his assistance on one condition...."

Roxanne appeared amused slightly but stifled her chuckle, shifting her weight to one side with a hand on her opposite hip. "Condition?"

"The terms will remain untouched for the most part. Your clan will be allowed their independence, and the usurper will face justice among his own kind. But the girl's life belongs to me." This time it was Atticus's turn to be amused as Roxanne finally appeared surprised.

Roxanne's initial confusion was more apparently than she would have liked. What could the emperor possibly want with the likes of her? Whatever it was, Roxanne was confident that there was no way her master would agree to the terms. So she would humor the emperor for the moment "Your grace has given my master much to consider. I will deliver the message and you shall have your answer within the week."

"Good then. You and your comrades will be given whatever you need for your travels back to wherever your master has holed up now." The emperor motioned toward a servant near the door, who darted off to see that the emperor's promise was seen to. Right behind him, Roxanne also left through the door eager to be away from this god forsaken palace at last.

Atticus had only a moment's peace before a soldier appeared at the door. "Yes? Enter." Atticus spoke to the newcomer without really looking at him.

"Sir! Preparations have been made for your departure for Barisor. And your regent has confirmed they are ready to assume command of the house in your absence."

"Good. See to it that woman and her filthy comrades are long gone. At that time, we shall make our leave."

 

Zamir had wandered deep into the city destroying anything he could get his hands on as he went. More than one unfortunate soul had crossed his path. Whether they were part of his army or one of the pitiful scum that call this land home he didn’t care. They all felt his wrath. None of it went towards quelling the anger he burning inside. He’d arrived to Barisor to find his father dead and that cur Loch had laid claim to his throne and armies. Not only had he taken his birthright but when challenged on it he had underhandedly beaten on him. Zamir would not allow that slight to go unanswered. Yes, Finnan would pay. And Zamir would claim his rightful place as King among his people.

Zamir washed his face in the water barrel he’d happened upon. Grabbing his nose with his index finger and thumb he heard it cracking as he straightened it. Exhaling a fresh blob of blood from his nostril Zamir took another handful of water and washed his face. Slumping against the wall Zamir leaned back looking up into the sky. Finnan would pay. No he just needed to decide how. Zamir chewed on a multiple of grisly and painful ways that he could dethrone Loch. Smiling to himself at one he was particularly proud of Zamir was disturbed from his thoughts by the sound of someone approaching.

*

“You should have woken me” Merrick said pacing a beam in the barn they were in. “I tried. But you were having none of it” Tess replied with a smile. “Besides. I slept just fine” she said he smile broadening. She knew Merrick wouldn’t be happy that she’d let her guard down like that, but he didn’t have any ground to stand on and he knew it. “Come, let’s get this over with” Merrick said making his way to window they had climbed in. “We are nearly finished” He said smiling at Tess.

 

"Your useless grandpa ain't done shit for you!" Voltair randomly yelled, surprising Paige, Kable, and Oryx. He looked at their blank stares from his sudden outburst. "Umm... Sorry. I had this odd feeling that Lilith was saying something... Really stupid. Just a thought. Anyways... Getting in?"

He paused again as he thought what the group should do. "Well, given that you three won't let me go at the gate directly clearly the only option left is for me to throw you three over the wall." He could see their protests to his random idea forming on their faces. "Come on, no arguments, it'll be fun. Let's see, for starters..." Voltair randomly tracing some shape with his finger in the air, a small trail of darkness following. This was done to provide a distraction for the illusion he was about to place them in. Once he finished this, admittedly useless, action, he spoke up again. "Okay, so first things first, now as long as you stay close to me our enemies shall not see us. Come on." He began walking towards the wall, beckoning the group to follow.

Once they came into the open near the wall, there was hesitation from everyone but Voltair. "Come on guys. Trust me when I say they won't see us. Here, watch." Voltair picked up a rock and threw it at a guard who was scouting the perimeter. The rock hit the guard square in the head.

"Hey! Which one of you bastards threw something at me!" He yelled towards the other guards in his group, completely oblivious to Voltair standing out in the open near the base of the wall.

"See?" He said, motioning his head for them to follow him again.

Once reaching an unoccupied portion of the wall Voltair again stopped and looked at the group. "Alrighty then. Ladies first." Before Paige could provide any opposition Voltair grabbed her by her waist and tossed her upwards, her body feeling weightless as she continued to rise into the air without falling down. "Next." He spoke before tossing Kable and Oryx upwards as well.

As each person cleared the top of the wall, the weightless feeling dissipated and enabled them to land on top of the wall. Voltair landed last, smiling as he landed. "See, fun stuff. Anyways, now that we're here it should be easy enough to find them. Let's see..." He closed his eyes, trying to look like he was deep in thought. "They should be somewhere in that direction." Voltair pointed towards a spot in the city. He then pointed towards the temple of Neptune, where Finnan was located. "I'm bored, so I'm going to make my way over there. I'll try to catch up with you guys once you find Lilith and Jaxx. Oh, and I might as well warn you that once we're far enough apart people will be able to see you again. So do be careful. Have fun." Ignoring the stairs, Voltair jumped off the wall into the city and began walking towards the temple.

-----

"Gerik, why are we always left behind?" Claire asked after Raven had left them.

"Does it bother you?" He replied, answering her question with another.

"Kind of. I was busy showing Tess stuff and then her brother takes her away to go without us. And then once Raven brings us here she has us hide here and then leaves.

"I see. I've noticed you've taken quite the liking to Tess. Almost more than me. I think I might be a little jealous."

"Don't be." She glared and spoke with a deadpan tone. "Tess is a girl, so it is different talking to her than it is talking to you. That doesn't mean I like her more than you."

"I see." Gerik laughed.

"Gerik, you're ignoring my question again. You do that a lot." She spoke again, realizing that Gerik had attempted to change her earlier subject. "Why do we get left behind?"

"You know Claire, left behind isn't the proper term to use. We're in a very dangerous area. So we are keeping you safe by keeping you away from the danger. Once Raven finds Jaxx she'll come and get us and we will put this dangerous place behind us."

"I... See..." Claire replied softly, thoughts of the attack on her home beginning to surface.

"Come on, it's fine Hey, let's play a game to pass the time." Gerik spoke, trying to keep Claire's focus away from whatever it was she was thinking.

 

Merrick’s body had tensed when he heard the voice talking to him. Realising it was Raven he allowed himself to relax and put his dagger away. “Put it away Tess”. Tess had moved behind Raven and was holding her own blade at the woman’s throat. Whether she didn’t realise or didn’t care Tess couldn’t tell. But she was glad to have gotten behind her. “You really should think twice before sneaking up on us” Tess said putting the weapon away. “You made good time. Left the stragglers behind I see”. “Don’t worry about them” Raven replied. “They are someplace safe”. “I wasn’t and I don’t” Tess replied making her way to Merrick. “Emperors soldiers have the barbarians on high alert. Getting those fools out without being spotted won’t be possible. Merrick and you can go collect the impudent children and I’ll get to work on clearing an escape route. Meet back here when you have them.” With that Tess patted Merrick on the shoulder and headed off out of site. Merrick and Raven stood a moment longer and with a subtle nod Merrick began heading off in the direction they had seen them in.

*

Zamir looked the girl in the eye and noted she reached for a weapon when the giantess stepped out from her hiding spot. “Piss off” Zamir said after a moment’s tense silence turning his attention back to nothing. He was shaking as he always did when he came down from a blood rage. “Fucking Finnan letting his fucking prisoners escape. Dumb bitch’s could at least do me the favour of killing the prick.” He mumbled mostly to himself. He looked at the two of them again “That is if the dumbasses don’t get themselves killed, running around like dickheads unwittingly into enemies. Fucking idiots.”

“Go on piss off!” Zamir yelled at the two again “I am in no mood for you!”

*

Finnan rubbed his hand down his face. He was in no mood for this idiocy. “Shut it!” he said firmly as the group made their way to the top of the battlement. They stood on top of the gate where the gore of the previous fight stank. They watched as men prepared themselves getting ready to attack the city. The fool of a general had been trying to find a way into the city for quite some time now despite his warning of what would happen to the emperor’s daughter. “Build and executioners stand right here” Finnan said. “And by the Gods find me those prisoners.”

 

Zamir twisted his head from side to side letting his neck crack. He stood up rolled his shoulders and taking a step towards the barrel he lifted it and threw its contents at the two girls standing opposite him. “I said piss off”.

*

Merrick not wanting to exhaust himself decided to simply walk towards the alley Raven had mentioned. There was a fair amount of activity. Warriors ran to and from searching or moving to their positions. Not many paid him much more attention than a glance. It was only as he approached the alley that a guard and thought to question him. “Who are you?” a tall stern looking man asked in his own language. When Merrick made no move to stop or respond he asked the question again in a very broken accent. Merrick was merely a few feet away from the man at this point who annoyed by his lack of response made to grab him. Merrick ducked nimbly under the man’s lumbering attempt and rising up he brought a blade cleanly across his throat. The man gasped and attempted to say something causing the blood now pouring out to gargle. Merrick grabbed the man by the scruff of his top and dragged him into the ally letting him fall against a wall in the shadows where he was less likely to be seen. Merrick knelt before him and cleaned his blade on the man’s trousers. He was pleased to see a money pouch which he cut free and added it to his own pockets. “Much obliged” Merrick said walking to the other end of the alley where he waited for Raven.

-

Tess pulled the man through the doorway and stabbed her blade unnecessarily hard through his chin at an upwards angle. Warm blood ran over the blade and her hand and when the body began to slouch she let it fall unceremoniously to the floor. Seeing Raven had put her in a bad mood. She had been hoping to find the emperors fool daughter, kill the giantess and be on their way. Raven put a stop to that plan. Tess made her way towards the next house and waited again for her next target.

 

Paige was a bit startled by Voltair's random outburst. She glanced around at everyone as though looking for whomever's grandpa he was talking about. She was met with no explanation to be seen. She shrugged it off though as their eccentric companion snapped back into reality and back to business.

As Voltair jumped at walked away, Paige suddenly startled as though waking from an out of body experience. "Woa! It's like I was suddenly overtaken by outside forces against my will." she shook her head and rubbed her temples "Did you guys feel that too?" she otherwise shrugged it off like a weird random headache and called after Voltair "Ok take care." she waved at him enthusiastically. "Now... let's get out of sight huh?" she turned her attention back to Kable and Oryx. "I'll race you guys to that alley. Don't get us caught though." she said those last words with a bit of playful condescension before she winked and stepped off the wall, disappearing between buildings. She was already formulating a plan but knew they couldn't talk about it until they were safely out of the sight of the barbarians. Jaxx, she didn't care for. She would kill the snobby princess if necessary. Maybe even have a chance to get revenge on the hot assassin woman who knocked her out. But Lilith was a priority. Her rescue would have to take priority.

 

OOC: I've already talked with Hope over this, but I'll be taking over for Oryx until an appropriate time we can find something for his character, with Caboose being out and all.

Kable wasn't a big fan of what had just happened. As Voltair grabbed him around the waist, Kable opened his mouth to protest. Suddenly, he was flying through the air. He cleared the wall. Voltair must've been working more of his dark magic, because none of the barbarians even flinched people began floating above the wall. He landed softly next to Paige on the wall and glanced down. Oryx was the next to go. Voltair launched him up and Oryx cried his mighty battle cry. He launched over the wall. Giggling with excitement, Oryx floated down and landed next to his friends.

Voltair soon joined them. The man casually pointed towards a temple and made his declaration that he would head there. Without another word, Voltair jumped off the wall and descended down, making his way into the city. Paige slyly challenged Kable and Oryx to a race and took off for the alleyway. Oryx took off after her, leaving Kable in the dust. He sighed and made his way after them, drawing his cloak around him.

 

"Who the hell a-" Two guards shouted, interrupted by a loud crack as their bodies were suddenly impaled by spears. The spears hit them with such force that they were embedded in the temple walls behind them. Cracks spread out from the impact site as each spear was stuck a good half foot in the wall. Voltair calmly walked into the temple, two spears floating behind his back. Footsteps became louder as additional guards came to investigate the noise. Voltair held his hand out towards an open door that led deeper into the temple, the spears re-positioning themselves to be parallel to his arm. They shot towards the open door, impaling an unfortunate barbarian as he stepped into the doorway. The two spears hit with such force the man was knocked off his feet and pushed back out of the doorway.

"If the remaining three of you step out here you will die." Voltair shouted out, a bow and three arrows forming into his hands. He took aim at the doorway. "I understand fear is weakness but there is a fine line between courage and idiocy. That line," Voltair released the arrow, managing to hit the heart of the man who next stepped into the doorway. "Would be the doorway." Voltair notched the other two arrows on the bowstring and continued shouting to the two remaining men. "You have my word I will not kill you if you remain there."

With a sigh he released the remaining two arrows. As the two men reached the doorway, one arrow hit the front man in the eye. The second arrow flew right past his head, hitting the final man square in the throat. Both of them collapsed as they died.

Now alone in the temple Voltair took the time to look around. The statue of Neptune was broken, its head removed from the remainder of the body. Voltair picked up the head and dusted it off a bit. "Not bad." He spoke before tossing it over his shoulder like any other worthless object. Next was Lilith's bisento. He picked it up as though it was any other object that fell to the floor. Part of him wanted to destroy this weapon, bestowed to Lilith's family by Neptune himself. That probably wouldn't be the best course of action though. Lilith was still dependent on the weapon. Additionally it also provided her benefits in battle. While it was something he himself would never use, there was no point in taking away anything that would help Lilith achieve her goal.

Setting those thoughts aside Voltair then sat on the throne the barbarians set up, disappointed Loch wasn't at the temple right now.

 

As Paige had been given an unfair head start coupled by her already superhuman speed, she beat her companions to the designated alley with ease. Still, she found Voltair's behavior puzzling. Would it not be easier to find Lilith and reclaim the city with his help? Still, she couldn't necessarily question him now. Besides, the prospect of an actual challenge for the first time in days intrigued her more than the curious nature of Voltair... at least for now. She wondered if Jaxx's people had also managed to find their way to the city. Were they already here? The prospect of actually getting to cross the famed warrior Raven this time was interesting. Though also somewhat troubling if she actually had intention of helping Jaxx harm Lilith. Either way, the most logical strategy would be to start by locating Lilith and figuring out who was in charge of the city now. Killing them would be the quickest way to regain control of the city. Then, just keep killing people until the rest of the barbarian army either falls in line or dies. As Kable and Oryx managed to catch up, Paige put aside her thoughts to greet them. "I win. Big surprise." She giggled, cracking her knuckles. "So... I guess we should start by trying to find Lilith and Jaxx huh? I mean, it would be better to find them before Raven assuming she has already caught up. But maybe you wouldn't mind seeing her again, huh Kable?" she winked with a devilish grin before clapping her hands together. "Now... let's see... what was that plan of yours again? Oh yes" she snapped her fingers "Distraction by mass violence. I'd say it would still work. Oryx, how many of these brutes do you think you can kill before Kable and I manage to find Lilith. Shall we make a game of it?"

 

Oryx was distraught that Paige managed to beat him. She wasn't even a demigod, just a simple human, like Kable. But then again, Kable wasn't exactly one hundred human himself. Oryx nearly ran Paige over as he made his own way into the alley. He skidded to a halt right at her feet and felt Kable bounce off him.

Oryx spun and helped his friend up. "Sorry, mate. This lovely lass decided to stop way too fast."

Kable grumbled and let himself be raised up by Oryx. Brushing himself off, Kable turned as Paige gloated at them. Her ego was one for the books, that was for sure.

At the mention of Raven, Kable grew slightly red. But it was ignored as Paige turned to Oryx. "Oryx, how many of these brutes do you think you can kill before Kable and I manage to find Lilith. Shall we make a game of it?"

Oryx grinned maddeningly as he held his hands out, open palm. Fire erupted from them, forcing both mercenaries back a step. "I will win this game, lassy. Just you wait." Right as he finished speaking, two guards rounded the corner. They immediately drew their weapons. Oryx spun around, crackling to himself. "The Lords of Iron shall have their fill in Valhalla today!"

Oryx launched himself forward. Kable had to raise his arms to shield himself from the blowback. Oryx was upon the two men instantly. He smacked away the first guard so hard that the man went through the wall to his left. The next guard swung his sword and it rang uselessly against Oryx's armor. The behemoth grabbed the guard by his shoulders and headbutted the poor guard straight into the ground.

Oryx spun around and held up two fingers. "That's 2-0, lassy. Better step your game up." And with that, he launched himself straight into the air and onto a building.

Kable looked over at Paige. "Look at what you started, you monster. Come on, we need to find Lilith."