Alpida does not soften her grip. After a moment, the Black Knight shouts out, "That is enough! Release him, Alpida! I have seen all I need to see." Alpida lets go of Sobald, picks up her scimitar, and moves to stand along the wall.
Sobald keels forward, panting. Managing to stop himself from dropping to his knees, he staggers upright again, retrieves his sword and faces the Black Knight. Unable to speak, he gives a salute, standing on the alert.
Alpida does not soften her grip. After a moment, the Black Knight shouts out, "That is enough! Release him, Alpida! I have seen all I need to see." Alpida lets go of Sobald, picks up her scimitar, and moves to stand along the wall.
Sobald keels forward, panting. Managing to stop himself from dropping to his knees, he staggers upright again, retrieves his sword and faces the Black Knight. Unable to speak, he gives a salute, standing on the alert.
"Very good," says the Black Knight. "So, you can fight. That is important, but it is not enough. Tell me, warrior, will you swear your loyalty to me for as long as I live?"
Sobald keels forward, panting. Managing to stop himself from dropping to his knees, he staggers upright again, retrieves his sword and faces the Black Knight. Unable to speak, he gives a salute, standing on the alert.
"Very good," says the Black Knight. "So, you can fight. That is important, but it is not enough. Tell me, warrior, will you swear your loyalty to me for as long as I live?"
Sobald lays his sword across his chest. 'Where me do come from, commitment to people, big thing. Commitment to tribe, big thing. Commitment to country, also big thing. Shadow Knights, this Sobald's new people, new tribe, new country. Sobald, he vows this - how you say? - loyalty.' He nods once.
"Very good," says the Black Knight. "So, you can fight. That is important, but it is not enough. Tell me, warrior, will you swear your loyalty to me for as long as I live?"
Sobald lays his sword across his chest. 'Where me do come from, commitment to people, big thing. Commitment to tribe, big thing. Commitment to country, also big thing. Shadow Knights, this Sobald's new people, new tribe, new country. Sobald, he vows this - how you say? - loyalty.' He nods once.
"I am pleased to hear that," says the Black Knight. Turning to Alpida, he stands up. "Now, I believe my people are expecting us. We shouldn't keep them waiting too long." Alpida nods, walking toward the door, as the Black Knight returns his attention to Sobald. "I am to give a speech. Would you care to join us?"
Sobald lays his sword across his chest. 'Where me do come from, commitment to people, big thing. Commitment to tribe, big thing. Commitment to country, also big thing. Shadow Knights, this Sobald's new people, new tribe, new country. Sobald, he vows this - how you say? - loyalty.' He nods once.
"I am pleased to hear that," says the Black Knight. Turning to Alpida, he stands up. "Now, I believe my people are expecting us. We shouldn't keep them waiting too long." Alpida nods, walking toward the door, as the Black Knight returns his attention to Sobald. "I am to give a speech. Would you care to join us?"
Sobald silently considers the offer for a few seconds as he processes the foreign language. Finally he nods and follows the Black Knight.
"I am pleased to hear that," says the Black Knight. Turning to Alpida, he stands up. "Now, I believe my people are expecting us. We shouldn't keep them waiting too long." Alpida nods, walking toward the door, as the Black Knight returns his attention to Sobald. "I am to give a speech. Would you care to join us?"
Sobald silently considers the offer for a few seconds as he processes the foreign language. Finally he nods and follows the Black Knight.
Alpida, Sobald, and the Black Knight walk through the corridors of the castle. It is rather empty inside, and when the three of them exit into a courtyard, Sobald can see why -- most of the inhabitants of the castle seem to be gathered here. The Black Knight walks up onto a platform, facing the assembled crowd, and Alpida nods for Sobald to follow. She stands to the Black Knight's right, leaving Sobald to stand on his left. As they arrive, a cheer runs through the crowd; almost all are clapping, but many look resigned to the action. The Black Knight allows this to continue for a few seconds before gesturing for the spectators to quiet down. Then, he speaks. "My loyal subjects, I had planned to speak to you today of the strides we have made in recent weeks to cleanse our great kingdom of those who would seek to betray it. With your help, Alpida and my other agents have rooted out many pockets of sedition and captured the traitors. You have all seen the fruits of their labor, as those conspirators we deemed safe enough to dwell close to innocents are placed in temporary public holding not far from here. Their allies have been traced and arrested, placed with them for all to see. Soon, I believe, we may be able to purge the threat entirely. But, there are always other enemies. And that is why I am so very pleased to have with me today an unanticipated guest." He gestures to Sobald. "This is Sobald. He came to our castle today looking for a worthy cause for which to fight."
OOC: Making this post in two parts, so it's more digestible.
Sobald silently considers the offer for a few seconds as he processes the foreign language. Finally he nods and follows the Black Knight.
Alpida, Sobald, and the Black Knight walk through the corridors of the castle. It is rather empty inside, and when the three of them exit into a courtyard, Sobald can see why -- most of the inhabitants of the castle seem to be gathered here. The Black Knight walks up onto a platform, facing the assembled crowd, and Alpida nods for Sobald to follow. She stands to the Black Knight's right, leaving Sobald to stand on his left. As they arrive, a cheer runs through the crowd; almost all are clapping, but many look resigned to the action. The Black Knight allows this to continue for a few seconds before gesturing for the spectators to quiet down. Then, he speaks. "My loyal subjects, I had planned to speak to you today of the strides we have made in recent weeks to cleanse our great kingdom of those who would seek to betray it. With your help, Alpida and my other agents have rooted out many pockets of sedition and captured the traitors. You have all seen the fruits of their labor, as those conspirators we deemed safe enough to dwell close to innocents are placed in temporary public holding not far from here. Their allies have been traced and arrested, placed with them for all to see. Soon, I believe, we may be able to purge the threat entirely. But, there are always other enemies. And that is why I am so very pleased to have with me today an unanticipated guest." He gestures to Sobald. "This is Sobald. He came to our castle today looking for a worthy cause for which to fight."
OOC: Making this post in two parts, so it's more digestible.
"I ask you, dear subjects, is there any more worthy cause than ours? A small kingdom, long ignored by greater powers, its only alliances token agreements with equally small neighbors. A turbulent land that has, in recent years, undergone unpredictable shifts in leadership, the threat of annihilation by powerful and mysterious magics, and a devastating attack by a foreign power that nearly brought it to our knees. A just and honorable people struggling to survive these many threats -- not to mention those internal betrayals -- and come through the better for it. I tell you this now so that you may understand the existential struggle that awaits us. For even when we defeat the enemy that has gnawed inside us for too long, there will be others seeking to destroy us. Outsiders, bent on bringing us down, whether to enslave us, to steal what is ours, or simply because it brings them pleasure. Know this: the Dragons and the Lions may be our allies today, but it has not always been so, and, I regret to say, it will not always be so. There are others, as well, that I discovered in the travels that took me from this kingdom for a time. Enemies to the north, beyond the Forest. Enemies to the south, in the treacherous islands. Enemies, as we have all seen far too clearly, to the east, across the sea. And this is why I am so pleased to have at my side two mighty warriors from far off lands. They have come to us, seeking a righteous cause, bringing knowledge of our foreign enemies that we may use in the coming battles. Alpida, once Kriatoma, who nearly lost her life in service to my predecessor, now a member of my loyal Shadow Guard. With her, Sobald, our new ally, hailing from parts unknown. He proved his worth today in combat against Alpida, and I now name him my newest general, a leader of our armies as they march to face what comes next. Step forward, my friend, and allow your new people to greet you." The crowd cheers.
Alpida, Sobald, and the Black Knight walk through the corridors of the castle. It is rather empty inside, and when the three of them exit into a courtyard, Sobald can see why -- most of the inhabitants of the castle seem to be gathered here. The Black Knight walks up onto a platform, facing the assembled crowd, and Alpida nods for Sobald to follow. She stands to the Black Knight's right, leaving Sobald to stand on his left. As they arrive, a cheer runs through the crowd; almost all are clapping, but many look resigned to the action. The Black Knight allows this to continue for a few seconds before gesturing for the spectators to quiet down. Then, he speaks. "My loyal subjects, I had planned to speak to you today of the strides we have made in recent weeks to cleanse our great kingdom of those who would seek to betray it. With your help, Alpida and my other agents have rooted out many pockets of sedition and captured the traitors. You have all seen the fruits of their labor, as those conspirators we deemed safe enough to dwell close to innocents are placed in temporary public holding not far from here. Their allies have been traced and arrested, placed with them for all to see. Soon, I believe, we may be able to purge the threat entirely. But, there are always other enemies. And that is why I am so very pleased to have with me today an unanticipated guest." He gestures to Sobald. "This is Sobald. He came to our castle today looking for a worthy cause for which to fight."
OOC: Making this post in two parts, so it's more digestible.
"I ask you, dear subjects, is there any more worthy cause than ours? A small kingdom, long ignored by greater powers, its only alliances token agreements with equally small neighbors. A turbulent land that has, in recent years, undergone unpredictable shifts in leadership, the threat of annihilation by powerful and mysterious magics, and a devastating attack by a foreign power that nearly brought it to our knees. A just and honorable people struggling to survive these many threats -- not to mention those internal betrayals -- and come through the better for it. I tell you this now so that you may understand the existential struggle that awaits us. For even when we defeat the enemy that has gnawed inside us for too long, there will be others seeking to destroy us. Outsiders, bent on bringing us down, whether to enslave us, to steal what is ours, or simply because it brings them pleasure. Know this: the Dragons and the Lions may be our allies today, but it has not always been so, and, I regret to say, it will not always be so. There are others, as well, that I discovered in the travels that took me from this kingdom for a time. Enemies to the north, beyond the Forest. Enemies to the south, in the treacherous islands. Enemies, as we have all seen far too clearly, to the east, across the sea. And this is why I am so pleased to have at my side two mighty warriors from far off lands. They have come to us, seeking a righteous cause, bringing knowledge of our foreign enemies that we may use in the coming battles. Alpida, once Kriatoma, who nearly lost her life in service to my predecessor, now a member of my loyal Shadow Guard. With her, Sobald, our new ally, hailing from parts unknown. He proved his worth today in combat against Alpida, and I now name him my newest general, a leader of our armies as they march to face what comes next. Step forward, my friend, and allow your new people to greet you." The crowd cheers.
Sobald is very suprised at the practically immediate promotion - to be frank, he is gobsmacked. However, he tries to hide shock as he takes a step forward, nods, steps back. 'Thank you, thank you a - ' he says, looking for an appropriate expression of gratitude. ' - a bunch.'
"I ask you, dear subjects, is there any more worthy cause than ours? A small kingdom, long ignored by greater powers, its only alliances token agreements with equally small neighbors. A turbulent land that has, in recent years, undergone unpredictable shifts in leadership, the threat of annihilation by powerful and mysterious magics, and a devastating attack by a foreign power that nearly brought it to our knees. A just and honorable people struggling to survive these many threats -- not to mention those internal betrayals -- and come through the better for it. I tell you this now so that you may understand the existential struggle that awaits us. For even when we defeat the enemy that has gnawed inside us for too long, there will be others seeking to destroy us. Outsiders, bent on bringing us down, whether to enslave us, to steal what is ours, or simply because it brings them pleasure. Know this: the Dragons and the Lions may be our allies today, but it has not always been so, and, I regret to say, it will not always be so. There are others, as well, that I discovered in the travels that took me from this kingdom for a time. Enemies to the north, beyond the Forest. Enemies to the south, in the treacherous islands. Enemies, as we have all seen far too clearly, to the east, across the sea. And this is why I am so pleased to have at my side two mighty warriors from far off lands. They have come to us, seeking a righteous cause, bringing knowledge of our foreign enemies that we may use in the coming battles. Alpida, once Kriatoma, who nearly lost her life in service to my predecessor, now a member of my loyal Shadow Guard. With her, Sobald, our new ally, hailing from parts unknown. He proved his worth today in combat against Alpida, and I now name him my newest general, a leader of our armies as they march to face what comes next. Step forward, my friend, and allow your new people to greet you." The crowd cheers.
Sobald is very suprised at the practically immediate promotion - to be frank, he is gobsmacked. However, he tries to hide shock as he takes a step forward, nods, steps back. 'Thank you, thank you a - ' he says, looking for an appropriate expression of gratitude. ' - a bunch.'
OOC: Hey, you wanted to be a general.
IC: The Black Knight grins. "Wonderful! You are most welcome. Now, people of the Shadow Kingdom,--."
He is cut off by a voice from behind the platform. "The last time you held a gathering like this, it was to run a good man's name through the mud, to smash one of the greatest heroes this kingdom has known in recent memory, to cement your rule by directing the people toward a fictitious enemy. Bakar did not believe you are the man you claim to be, the Black Knight that ruled before Valithor. I don't know if he was right about that, but I do know one thing -- whoever you are, your reign ends today." Standing there are a man, the speaker, and a woman. Both are human, dressed in the same uniform as Alpida, and both have their short hair dyed jet black, also like Alpida.
The Black Knight turns to face them. "Garal. I should have known. You always were fond of the old man." He sighs. "I would have liked for you to stand with me, but if this is how it has to end, so be it. Garal and Alaia, I hereby expel you from the Shadow Guard." He gestures at a group of five men standing near the platform, all outfitted like Alpida, Garal, and Alaia. "Smash them."
The men rush to attack, but as they do, the crowd begins to seethe. Fights break out as the spectators turn on one another. Some try to rush the platform, and are fended off by Alpida. The Black Knight nods to the ordinary soldiers standing nearby, and they move to quell the disturbance, but are intercepted by a smaller group of soldiers, led by a red-bearded man in what Sobald can surmise is an officer's uniform.
Sobald is very suprised at the practically immediate promotion - to be frank, he is gobsmacked. However, he tries to hide shock as he takes a step forward, nods, steps back. 'Thank you, thank you a - ' he says, looking for an appropriate expression of gratitude. ' - a bunch.'
OOC: Hey, you wanted to be a general.
IC: The Black Knight grins. "Wonderful! You are most welcome. Now, people of the Shadow Kingdom,--."
He is cut off by a voice from behind the platform. "The last time you held a gathering like this, it was to run a good man's name through the mud, to smash one of the greatest heroes this kingdom has known in recent memory, to cement your rule by directing the people toward a fictitious enemy. Bakar did not believe you are the man you claim to be, the Black Knight that ruled before Valithor. I don't know if he was right about that, but I do know one thing -- whoever you are, your reign ends today." Standing there are a man, the speaker, and a woman. Both are human, dressed in the same uniform as Alpida, and both have their short hair dyed jet black, also like Alpida.
The Black Knight turns to face them. "Garal. I should have known. You always were fond of the old man." He sighs. "I would have liked for you to stand with me, but if this is how it has to end, so be it. Garal and Alaia, I hereby expel you from the Shadow Guard." He gestures at a group of five men standing near the platform, all outfitted like Alpida, Garal, and Alaia. "Smash them."
The men rush to attack, but as they do, the crowd begins to seethe. Fights break out as the spectators turn on one another. Some try to rush the platform, and are fended off by Alpida. The Black Knight nods to the ordinary soldiers standing nearby, and they move to quell the disturbance, but are intercepted by a smaller group of soldiers, led by a red-bearded man in what Sobald can surmise is an officer's uniform.
Sobald draws his sword. He has no idea, should he give an order, if anyone will obey him as so new an officer. He decides to stay put for the time being, and looks at the Black Knight for a command. OOC: ha ha ha, thanks
IC: The Black Knight grins. "Wonderful! You are most welcome. Now, people of the Shadow Kingdom,--."
He is cut off by a voice from behind the platform. "The last time you held a gathering like this, it was to run a good man's name through the mud, to smash one of the greatest heroes this kingdom has known in recent memory, to cement your rule by directing the people toward a fictitious enemy. Bakar did not believe you are the man you claim to be, the Black Knight that ruled before Valithor. I don't know if he was right about that, but I do know one thing -- whoever you are, your reign ends today." Standing there are a man, the speaker, and a woman. Both are human, dressed in the same uniform as Alpida, and both have their short hair dyed jet black, also like Alpida.
The Black Knight turns to face them. "Garal. I should have known. You always were fond of the old man." He sighs. "I would have liked for you to stand with me, but if this is how it has to end, so be it. Garal and Alaia, I hereby expel you from the Shadow Guard." He gestures at a group of five men standing near the platform, all outfitted like Alpida, Garal, and Alaia. "Smash them."
The men rush to attack, but as they do, the crowd begins to seethe. Fights break out as the spectators turn on one another. Some try to rush the platform, and are fended off by Alpida. The Black Knight nods to the ordinary soldiers standing nearby, and they move to quell the disturbance, but are intercepted by a smaller group of soldiers, led by a red-bearded man in what Sobald can surmise is an officer's uniform.
Sobald draws his sword. He has no idea, should he give an order, if anyone will obey him as so new an officer. He decides to stay put for the time being, and looks at the Black Knight for a command. OOC: ha ha ha, thanks
The Black Knight returns the look, cold eyes glinting inside the dark armor. "Smash them."
Sobald draws his sword. He has no idea, should he give an order, if anyone will obey him as so new an officer. He decides to stay put for the time being, and looks at the Black Knight for a command. OOC: ha ha ha, thanks
The Black Knight returns the look, cold eyes glinting inside the dark armor. "Smash them."
Sobald leaps off the platform. He grabs one of the soldiers he guesses to be against the Black Knight and bellows into his face. 'Little eel! Shame on you, traitor! You have not an ounce of honour!' He raises his sword.
The Black Knight returns the look, cold eyes glinting inside the dark armor. "Smash them."
Sobald leaps off the platform. He grabs one of the soldiers he guesses to be against the Black Knight and bellows into his face. 'Little eel! Shame on you, traitor! You have not an ounce of honour!' He raises his sword.
The soldier screams back. "You know nothing of the Shadow Kingdom! For weeks, we have watched our friends and family being locked up, disappearing for no reason! All this Black Knight wants is to gain power by frightening us into mindless obedience! Well, no more!" Pressed by the crowd, the soldier struggles to lift his weapon in defense.
Sobald leaps off the platform. He grabs one of the soldiers he guesses to be against the Black Knight and bellows into his face. 'Little eel! Shame on you, traitor! You have not an ounce of honour!' He raises his sword.
The soldier screams back. "You know nothing of the Shadow Kingdom! For weeks, we have watched our friends and family being locked up, disappearing for no reason! All this Black Knight wants is to gain power by frightening us into mindless obedience! Well, no more!" Pressed by the crowd, the soldier struggles to lift his weapon in defense.
With two swift movements, Sobald grabs the weapon (a stout staff) of another rebel and uses it to knock the first soldier out with a tap to the forehead.
He proceeds to bash his way through the mob, shouting over and over 'til hoarse: 'All supporters of Black Knight to me.'
The soldier screams back. "You know nothing of the Shadow Kingdom! For weeks, we have watched our friends and family being locked up, disappearing for no reason! All this Black Knight wants is to gain power by frightening us into mindless obedience! Well, no more!" Pressed by the crowd, the soldier struggles to lift his weapon in defense.
With two swift movements, Sobald grabs the weapon (a stout staff) of another rebel and uses it to knock the first soldier out with a tap to the forehead.
He proceeds to bash his way through the mob, shouting over and over 'til hoarse: 'All supporters of Black Knight to me.'
Soldiers and civilians begin pushing through the crowd towards him.
Across the courtyard, the red-bearded captain and his own soldiers, along with a group of civilians, begin forming up.
In the middle and around the sides, the remaining civilians try to flee the coming melee. Pushing and shoving, they trample each other in a mad scramble to escape.
