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Post by Dante on Mar 27, 2006 2:48:55 GMT -5
Another excellent chapter, PJ... But that makes three on one page, now, and I think they deserve to be more spread out. So it's time for a new page.
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Post by PJ on Mar 27, 2006 2:54:44 GMT -5
Another excellent chapter, PJ... But that makes three on one page, now, and I think they deserve to be more spread out. So it's time for a new page. Yes. You guys need to praise me more, so that it's equally distributed. So far it's Six Chapters, and we have Six Pages. Another three chapters to go. So praise, damn you, praise!
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Antenora
Detriment Deleter
Fiendish Philologist
Put down that harpoon gun, in the name of these wonderful birds!
Posts: 15,891
Likes: 113
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Post by Antenora on Mar 27, 2006 8:58:26 GMT -5
We've got a new page now, but I shall still praise you. Great chapter, I'm quite enjoying this.
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Post by Charles Vane on Mar 27, 2006 14:08:45 GMT -5
Aww, I'm glad the Loyalist group just got bigger, they seemed to be getting killed off a lot.
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Post by twistedbrain on Mar 27, 2006 15:20:02 GMT -5
Nice one, PJ. It's great. *praises*
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Post by SF on Mar 27, 2006 20:49:36 GMT -5
*praises PJ so she doesn't get killed*
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Post by Dismay on Mar 28, 2006 16:14:55 GMT -5
Have I mentioned how much i like this story? Good job PJ. I can't wait to read more.
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Post by PJ on Mar 29, 2006 0:27:20 GMT -5
Chapter Seven – Attack
“You wanted to speak to me?” Akbar said, leaning back in his chair. PJ nodded. “Well? Out with it. What’s wrong.” Akbar said, rifling through his drawers for some kind of snack. He found an apple, which he started to eat. “Well…I need you. For something. Something big.” “What?”
“Well, that’s just the thing. I can’t tell you. I’m under oath. But I can say this: There is a war coming, and I wanted to warn you. Give you time to prepare.” Akbar was a known pacifist, and a great mediator. He had resolved several conflicts between some of the rich folk in the Capital, and had even prevented a skirmish between Pandora and Dupin over border-rights. He was a poor magician, and an even poorer warrior, but was rich, very rich, and very influential in the Capital and its surroundings. There were few parties he was not invited to, or, indeed, that he was not himself hosting.
“A war? Here? In Menacing Miscellaneous?” PJ nodded. “Woah. I…I…what do I do?” Akbar said, putting the half-eaten apple on his desk. “Well…I dunno. Mediate. When it starts, talk to both sides. Convince people that war is stupid. That sort of thing.” PJ stood.
“What? That’s it? Just a cryptic warning about some coming conflict?” Akbar said, alarmed. “It will have to do.” Lord PJ said, and swept out of the room. Akbar glared at his back, and finished eating the apple. No-one appreciated him; war was infinetly harder to stop than it was to start. PJ just came barging in, then asked, asked Akbar to stop some mysterious future war. As though stopping war was just a job. A hundred dollars, and I’ll prevent a second really cool member invasion, thanks. He sighed loudly, and got to work.
The doors burst open. Tragedy, who was at that moment having a light conversation with PJ, turned to the door, surprised. “What is it?” He asked the messenger who came in. “Your Majesty, the Knight-Marshal sends urgent warning; there appear to be troops just within a day’s travel of Menacing Miscellaneous!”
Tragedy sat up, giving PJ a significant look. “How many of them are there? Who are they? N00bs? Kingdom Soldiers?” The monarch demanded, and the messenger shifted uncomfortably. “I do not know, sire, any scouts we send do not return. We only know that there is a large force of soldiers just outside the city.”
“How large?” Tragedy demanded again, rising from his throne. The messenger looked decidedly alarmed. “Around 5000, your majesty, is the Knight-Marshal’s estimation.” “5000?” Tragedy shouted, turning red. His city garrison held little over one thousand. The Capital wasn’t a city built for war. This wasn’t looking good. “You may go, now.” Tragedy said, and the messenger fled.
The king rounded on PJ. “This is what you were warning me about, isn’t it?” He said, settling back into the throne. “You know I can’t admit to that.” PJ said, craftily. “Of course it is. Who could it be? N00bs are out of the question. I would have received word long ago, and they are barbaric, and number no gifted magic-users. No, either Pandora is in on this, perhaps with others, or someone has used magic to transport those troops. For a force that size, at least two Dukes or Duchesses would have to be in on it. With Antenora and Derik out of the Capital, it could be Dante, Dupin, Gigi, Derik, Antenora or Snicketfires. Perhaps Songbird is in on it, too. Gah!”
PJ stood silently, whilst the king raged. “Who is it?” He demanded, but PJ could only sadly shake his head. “You cannot rule out traitors within the city, either. Any of the DDs could be in on it, and Snicketface, too. I’ve been with the Detriment Deleters for a few days, and for Snicketface a bit longer, but before that, anything is possible. And there’s always the possibility that I am in on it, and am lying. As far as we know, that army could have been out there for weeks.” “No, PJ, you aren’t in on it. Why would you bother warning me? Perhaps, perhaps you were in on it, initially, but got cold feet, and fled here.”
PJ shook his head. “No, highness, I am not behind the appearance of this mysterious army. Although I do know, almost certainly, whom it belongs to, I cannot tell you.” “Yes, yes, I know. Well, PJ, you’re pretty much the only experienced warrior in this entire city, so I’m putting you in charge of Menacing Miscellaneous’ defenses.” “Me, sire?” “Yes, you. That girl, Setnick, can help you. She seems familiar enough with the Border to be of some use.” “I will do my best, sire, to defend this city.” Lord PJ said, bowed, and departed.
As a lieutenant in the Border Army, and a magic-user, PJ was rather skilled at using magical defenses; his superiors were far too busy to do it, and his subordinates didn’t possess the skill required.
So over the next few days, PJ showed Snicketface, SetnicK and Libitina how to magically reinforce the walls, how to bespell the arrows and swords and axes for accuracy and speed, how to magically strengthen the shields and armour, and so on. After this, PJ had gathered all the magic-users in the entire City, and had his comrades teach them what they had learnt, so that soon enough every inch of the walls were magically reinforced, so that they would hold against catapults and ballistae, even other magic.
Lord PJ, however, and his fellow Detriment Deleters and Duchess Snicketface, moved on from the small magics, to greater workings. First they bespelled all of the gates to open and close quickly with the simply pull of a lever, and then they had fashioned magical cannons that would fire balls of fire at the enemy, and required only a dribble of magic to use, so that even the most plebeian of magicians could work them.
Meanwhile, PJ had scattered his men throughout the City Garrison, and the soldiers were drilling daily, and the new volunteers were being instructed in the use of a blade. Catapults, ballistae, and other weapons of destruction were being built at his command, and a team of engineers were busily patching up any part of the wall that wasn’t thick enough.
Despite all these preparations, PJ couldn’t help feeling that it wasn’t enough. The City Garrison was miniscule, and an army the size of Dante’s, or Pandora’s, would brush them away in an instant, no matter how much PJ prepared them.
So for three days, the entire Capital laboured, making weapons, training with them, building traps and defences, and they accomplished surprisingly much. Pandora’s Army was at least a week away, and PJ hoped desperately that this mess would be sorted out by then.
Then, on the morning four days since the army had been sighted, a messenger hurried into PJ’s study. PJ was re-evaluating the distribution of the troops in the Capital, and looked up in disgust. “What is it?” He snarled, tired and irritable.
“Sir, you said to tell you if any nobles arrived.” The messenger squeaked, taking a few steps back. “And?” PJ asked, shaking his head and sitting up straight. “Duke Dante has arrived with his retinue, and wishes to see the king.”
PJ sprang up, and grabbed his sword. “Find Snicketface, Libitina and Setnick, and send them to the palace, immediately!” PJ said, putting his coat on, and dashing out the door, leaving the messenger standing befuddled in PJ’s study.
Dante was in Menacing Miscellaneous. And his Border Army was going to attack today, one way or another. As PJ hurried to the palace, willing his men and his comrades to come with all speed, he realised that this was it. The time had come; Dante was going to try and seize the throne.
Perhaps an hour after Dante entered the Capital, the Border Army attacked. A surging wave of continuous flesh and steel. Despite all of PJ’s magical defences, the thick walls, and the determined soldiers, despite all of that, the Border Army held one glaring, immense advantage: Antenora’s Intelecteers -one of the most feared, and skilled band of warriors in all of 667 Dark Avenue – had been assigned to defend the gate of the Capital. And, unfortunately for the defenders, the Intelecteers were not, as was widely thought, trying to keep the invaders out. And this meant one thing, and one thing only: Treachery.
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Post by Dante on Mar 29, 2006 7:00:26 GMT -5
Interesting chapter, PJ. I liked the continued elaboration on the setting (and the level of detail).
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Post by twistedbrain on Mar 29, 2006 7:05:13 GMT -5
Nice, PJ. I know I always say that, but good job.
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Antenora
Detriment Deleter
Fiendish Philologist
Put down that harpoon gun, in the name of these wonderful birds!
Posts: 15,891
Likes: 113
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Post by Antenora on Mar 29, 2006 8:45:04 GMT -5
Great update. As I've said before, the setting is very well-imagined, and it's a very exciting story.
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Post by Linda Rhaldeen on Mar 29, 2006 15:50:28 GMT -5
Great chapter, PJ. Um...pretend I said some really superb compliment, because my mind just went blank.
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Post by SF on Mar 29, 2006 22:59:46 GMT -5
Interesting chapter, PJ. I liked the continued elaboration on the setting (and the level of detail). I love PJ's level of detail, and envy it. This is still amazing, PJ. One question: Did you purposefully forget the "Alleigances"?
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Post by PJ on Mar 29, 2006 23:17:12 GMT -5
Ah, I was meaning to do that. No, I just forgot it. The only addition would be:
Pacifists: -Akbar
So meh. There you have it.
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Post by PJ on Apr 2, 2006 3:10:20 GMT -5
Sorry for the delay. I've been busy:
Chapter Eight – Regicide
The doors burst open. Dante strolled in, a sword at his hip. On either side of him, a large knight completely covered in armour stood, his personal bodyguards. A small retinue of six other warriors, less warlike in appearance, came in behind, and stood at attention as Dante stood before the throne.
The unexpected and warlike appearance of Dante made the king’s bodyguards – a dozen of the finest swordsmen in the Southlands – instantly wary. Throw in the unidentified kingdom soldiers just outside of Menacing Miscellaneous, and they almost drew their swords there and then.
“Hello, Dante. What brings you to my court?” Tragedy asked, staring at him suspiciously. Dante didn’t bow, but stared straight into Tragedy’s eye. “A dreadful business has brought me here.” Dante declared loudly. Tragedy sat, unmoving. “You wouldn’t know anything about that army camped just outside my city, would you?” The king asked, suspiciously.
“Why yes, Tragedy, I do. They are there by my command.” Dante answered, casually. The king’s bodyguards, if possible, tensed even more. They outnumbered Dante’s guards, and Tragedy’s magic could be counted on to shield them from Dante. Still, the tension in the room was thick. Very thick.
“Oh, really? They seem a bit far from home.” Tragedy commented. “Yes, but their presence is necessary. It’s a nasty business, Regicide.” Dante calmly said. The king’s bodyguards all drew their blades. Dante’s warriors didn’t move.
“Draw your swords and you won’t live to use them.” Tragedy threatened, eying the soldiers. “And don’t try using magic, Dante. I’m still king, and am more powerful than you are.” He added, his gaze fixing on Dante.
“You’re laxness has poisoned this kingdom, Tragedy, and I intend to remedy it. I do not like it, but it has to be done.” “There’s still the problem of my warriors outnumbering you two-to-one, and my powers being greater than your own. And the fact that should you somehow manage to kill me, you’re still in a city filled with soldiers loyal to me.”
Dante shook his head. “As we speak, my men will be attacking, and this city’s pitiful defences will be swept away. So even should I fail, here, it will be you, Tragedy, who will be surrounded by enemies, not me.”
Tragedy hesitated, unsure of what to do. “As for your guards…you can’t believe that I hadn’t already included them into my plans.” Then Dante raised his arms, and sent a wave of fire at the throne. Tragedy, who was ready, raised a shield around himself and one around his troops. To his horror, the shield around the troops broke, and all his bodyguards died around him. Luckily, the magical shield he had created around himself had still held.
Dante smiled wickedly at the lone Tragedy, and made a signal with his hands. The two armoured bodyguards at his sides removed their helmets, and Tragedy’s eyes widened, as he saw that it was Dupin and Antenora. “You may be more powerful than each of us, alone, Tragedy, but combined, we can destroy you.” Dante said, slowly but menacingly approaching the throne.
It was at that moment that an invisible force exploded in the midst of Dante and his men, and the traitors were all thrown to the floor by the mysterious magical blast.
PJ, Snicketface, Setnick and Libitina rushed into the room, PJ’s 50 Library soldiers behind them. “Attack!” Lord PJ yelled, and charged past the stunned traitors, as they recovered from the magic he had thrown.
“PJ!” Dante exclaimed, picking himself up. “You traitor!” He shouted, and prepared to incinerate the Detriment Deleter, who had positioned himself in front of his relieved monarch. To Dante’s utter consternation, he was struck on the head from behind, and he stumbled forwards, and whirled around, to find one of PJ’s men behind him. He promptly obliterated the warrior, and turned to find another in his place.
“To the death!” Dante yelled, backing into a corner with Antenora and Dupin at his sides, and his remaining five warriors. They formed a ragged line of defence around their leader, who hurled all manners of spells at PJ’s men. But Setnick, Libitina and Snicketface were countering with their own spells, and a fierce magical duel ensued.
Meanwhile, PJ was standing in front of his monarch, smiling broadly. “You came just in time!” Tragedy exclaimed, clearly relieved. “I’ll make you the new Duke of the Border, or something.” He continued, watching the fighting happening. “I will protect you, sire.” PJ said, standing his sword ready. Tragedy settled into his throne and watched.
It was going badly for Dante. Although he, Antenora and Dupin were magically superior, the Border Soldiers were vastly outnumbered, and the nobles had to keep on killing any soldiers that made it past their bodyguards, which left them open to attack. Grimly, they kept on fighting.
Suddenly, a lone bodyguard broke through the mass of PJ’s soldiers, and ran towards the king. The bodyguard charged at PJ, who stood his ground, grimly holding his sword before him. The bodyguard roared and swung his sword, but PJ swiftly ducked, and skewered the man on his blade. PJ danced backwards, pulling his blade free, as the man collapsed right in front of Tragedy’s throne.
Tragedy stood, staring at the warrior lying in front of him. “That was too close.” He said, his eyes turning back to the battle. Suddenly, he felt something hit him in the back. He turned to look at PJ, confusion showing in his eyes. PJ pulled the bodyguard’s blade back out of Tragedy’s back, and threw it to the floor, next to its fallen owner.
Tragedy, king of 667 Dark Avenue, most powerful magic-user in the entire kingdom, fell to his knees. Still not knowing that he had been betrayed, he made a gurgling noise, and fell flat on the floor, dead.
Allegiances
Traitors: -Dante -Antenora -Dupin -Ennui
Opportunists: -PJ
Pacifists: -Akbar
Loyalists: -Pandora -Songbird -Snicketfires -Snicketface -Derik -Gigi -Setnick -Libitina -BSam -Swans
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