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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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 Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:37 pm
I thought I might also share some stories, poems and such of mine here.
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Posted: Sat May 05, 2012 4:39 pm
I started this story for Stormy's SCARY AVI CONTEST! in the Movie forum and might add more to it later. 3nodding
Once upon a time there were two half-brothers of the wolf people. Their father was a great lord and warrior. He impressed upon his sons that they needed to live up to his greatness as only one of them could become his successor. They were both taught the ways of battle and as they became knights they sought ways to prove themselves.
The two of them, Kharn and Varhn, were both great warriors. Varhn was a better fighter than his half-brother but Kharn had the stronger heart. Varhn proved to be formidable and ruthless on the field of battle. Few could stand against him in battle and such was his reputation that many foes would quit the field rather than face him.
Unlike his brother who dominated his opponents, Kharn sought out those in need. He championed those who were weaker, saved those in need and proved to be selflessly generous to the less fortunate. He was kind to those he met and showed mercy to the vanquished. He roamed to lands far away and the stories of his deeds grew as he became known as an enemy of villains and a champion of the innocent.
Hearing of their deeds their father finally made his decision that Kharn should be his successor, to protect their homeland with justice and mercy, and sent out messengers to bring his word to his wayward son.
Varhn was impatient and had his men intercept the riders so he could learn of his father’s decision. Reading the missive Varhn was outraged. How could his father choose the son who went away over the one who had stayed? Had Varhn not vanquished all their foes and become a great war leader with his own men who followed him? He ordered his army to march with him home. When he arrived he confronted his father as to his decision. His father claimed that while Varhn was a great warrior his brother had proven to have the head and heart of a hero and would be the better leader. He promised Varhn that he could stay in command of the armies but this only made Varhn angrier. He accused his father of making of him a servant to his brother and in his rage he struck his father. Whether it was intentional or an accident is unknown. What is known is that the king had fallen out of the tower and died that day. Varhn quickly declared himself the ruler of their homeland and then set out with his army to subdue the country. His methods were cruel and heartless and what had once been a happy and prosperous land became a dark place of suffering and suspicion.
Unfortunately no word reached Kharn and he wouldn’t learn of things that had transpired until he eventually made his own way home to find a place he hardly recognized anymore…
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 9:35 pm
Kharns Story
‘This is the way to live one’s life’, he thought to himself. The morning air was crisp and cool as he swam in the pond. The feeling of being clean and a newly risen sun invigorated his mind, body and soul. Above birds sang as they flew over in the still pink tinged daylight as he swam his way back to where they had made camp the night before. Rising from the water and onto the shore he grabbed the rough blanket he had set by his clothes. Drinking in the reflection of the sky above in the water below as he briskly dried himself off, shaking the water out of his longish hair. Looking towards the north and the highlands he thought to himself, ‘Home. Soon I shall be home.’ Dressing he made his way back to the camp.
They had spent the night beside the lake under the cover of some trees. The simple tent and a small fire with some food cooking over it was an inviting and familiar sight. ‘How long has it been since I first started living this adventurous life?’ he mused. He dressed himself in his simple but well-made clothes and then cleaned his armor and checked his weapons before he sat down to eat his breakfast. Afterwards he broke down the camp and donned his equipment stopping as he made to put the helmet on as he read the inscription inside. ‘For my beloved son, Kharn.’ Smiling he placed it upon his head and shouldered his pack, turning to begin the last leg of his journey home.
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Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 11:00 pm
Varhns Story
“Messenger!” the cry echoed across the din of the camp.
The man opened his eye and smiled. It wasn’t a very nice smile. The man was handsome enough if a little scarred from battle and the loss of one eye didn’t exactly detract from that. No, it was the way he smiled. How there was no warmth to it. It was a cold and fierce smile.
He sat up from the cot he rested in. The tent served as his quarters and his command center. He cracked his neck as he stood and started to move his joints. He had slept in his armor and was stiff and sore from doing so. ‘Being ready in the event of a surprise attack is worth the discomfort’ he thought to himself. His armor was a deep and lustrous black and though well cared for it was as scarred as its owner.
From outside the tent a man cleared his throat. “Messenger for you, My Lord.”
The man reached over and checked his sword still with the same smile and nodded his satisfaction. “Indeed. Show him in.” Someone held the flap open and his commanders entered into the tent along with a soldier from the rebellious city, obviously the messenger. He looked at his commanders as they entered. They had the hard look of men accustomed to battle and the atrocities thereof. Hard faces for hard hearts. By contrast the messenger seemed out of place. He was young, barely an adult. Soft skinned and his eyes wide with fear. The man smiled wider and breathed in deeply. ‘Yes, that’s it. The stench of fear hangs about this one like a specter.’
“L-lord Varhn,” Stammered the youth. “I come here bearing a message from the city council of Freeport-“ One of the warriors growls. “You dare use the name you gave yourselves after you declared your separation from us! You were Seaport before and you shall be Seaport, again if you have any sense-“
Varhn raised his hand still smiling. The warrior stopped speaking. “Now, there is no need for yelling about such a simple thing. If they wish to call themselves Freeport, that is fine” said Varhn in a soothing tone of voice. The young lad smiled nervously obviously relieved that Varhn hadn’t taken offense. Emboldened he continued to read from the scroll he bore.
“The city council of Freeport wishes to commend you. You are a great general and warrior. You have expertly laid siege to our home. We wish to offer you a deal to spare further bloodshed. If you quit the field and allow us our anonymity we shall not only declare you the victor of this battle but we shall tithe to you 20% gross of all revenues that the City generates. We shall erect a statue to ‘Varhn the valiant and fair’ and make this day a holiday to your generosity-“
Something made the man stop reading and look up. Perhaps it was the quiet, something in the air, a slight sound or perhaps he just felt the mood change for it certainly had. Varhns’ smile froze the young man’s blood and made his heart skip.
“20% percent of all revenue? A statue and a holiday to me? All to celebrate my fairness and generosity?” Varhn asked as he grinned unpleasantly. The young man began to sweat and the commanders laughed. “I’m sure there is more, boy, but that I have heard enough. “ The young man shook with fear and closed his eyes as he heard the sound of steel rasping as it was pulled from a scabbard. “It’s time you went home with my message…”
Sundown that same day, Varhn smiled still as he walked the city’s streets. Children cried as women wept. The dying cried out in pain and agony as others prayed as they faced their executions. Varhn looked up into the faces of the city council and smiled. He waved his hand forward and his men carried the crucified messenger and placed him with those of the crucified council. “There, I have brought you home as I said I would because I am a ‘fair and generous’ man.” He looked around at the havoc and destruction and smiled. “Let it be known that the city of Freeport stood and fell in a glorious month from their rebellion! From this day forth, it and those who founded such treachery, shall be remembered! The treasonous bones of these men shall forever hang here until they turn to dust and this city shall now be called Skullport, The loyal city of traitors!”
And Varhn Laughed and laughed his eye burning with cold delight and malice.
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 5:25 pm
Kharns Story
The day was overcast and wet while a cool breeze blew. Kharn felt he was making good time as he traveled. Ahead were the mountains and the pass that would bring him to his homeland. Down the road there was a village. “There looks like a good place to stop for a rest and a meal.”
It was a little village nestled in the hills. Some of the people could be seen in the fields as they were stopping their labors for a midday break. Some looked his way as he approached so he smiled and waved. The reaction he received puzzled him as most of them either looked away or ignored him. “That’s odd. Perhaps they do not like strangers here?”
As he drew closer he saw that the village seemed a little rundown. It had obviously once been a prosperous trade post between the kingdoms on each side of the mountains. A place for merchants to stop as they carried trade goods back and forth. “How very peculiar. Now that I think about it I didn’t anyone on the way here, either…” Ahead he saw an Inn and decided to stop there.
As he passed people by they stopped to stare and whisper. With his keen ears he caught some of their words.
“What is he doing here?”
“See that crest and those markings? He’s one of the Wolf Tribe.”
“…looks like a warrior to me…”
“True but not like the ones we usually see…”
“Best to be cautious anyway.”
As he was focusing on their conversations someone bumped into him from behind. It was a slender person covered in rags that obscured their features. “Pardon me”, they said and moved as if they were in a rush. Kharn quickly realized what was happening and grabbed them by an arm dragging them into an alleyway.
“Hey! Let go of me!”, they demanded.
“Certainly, I would be glad to do so, as soon as you return my coins”, said Kharn gently for the person appeared destitute.
With a hiss the figure dropped a small purse on the ground, then snarled and with a flash of claws struck the arm that held herand with a tearing of cloth managed to make her way free. Kharn was startled. It was definitely a young lady, perhaps still a teenager. She had dark hair and features, green eyes, and to go with the claws there were ears and tail. She was definitely one of the Cat Tribe.
“I am sorry”, he began to appologise for his rough treatment of her but she was already running the alleys and out of sight before he could continue. “What is one of the Cat Tribe doing here?”, he wondered. Picking up the coin purse he made his way to the inn.
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 3:20 pm
Varhns Story
Varhn sighed. ‘A ruler’s work is never done,’ he thought to himself.
He still hadn’t rested since the taking of the rebel city. Supplies, logistics, giving orders, setting a garrison, dispensing justice… All of these took time to solve and had to be done immediately. Now he only had to pass judgment on the surviving rebels.
“Are you alright, Sire?”
Varhn looked up into the face of one of his commanders, Grosh, a Bear tribe warrior and the one in charge of his heavy infantry. He was one of Varhns best and had proven himself many times in combat. Consequently he was one of Varhns most trusted men.
Varhn nodded. “I am fine. No one ever said it was going to be easy to unite kingdom and all the tribes and cities under one banner.” He chuckled.
“Remember, just because there is a long way to go yet towards your goal, doesn’t mean you can’t accomplish it,” purred a throaty voice to the side. Varhn turned to look at the speaker. Xara was a muscular and scarred but beautiful tiger featured Cat Tribe warrior. Varhn admired her skill and ruthlessness but also her wisdom. “You are trying to do what none have ever accomplished before, My Lord. The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step. Do not lose your resolve to do the hard things now that you are nearly halfway there.”
Varhn chuckled again. “Thank you for your words. But let me guess, Xara. You are going to also advise me to kill all of the traitors and finish what I began with the city council?”
Xara grinned toothily, her tail twitching languidly. “Of course not, My Lord, since you already knew what I would have advised. It isn’t wise to leave an enemy behind you. If putting this whole city to the sword is what you desire than we shall be happy to do it. But I believe that isn’t what the others will suggest.” She yawned as if the subject had suddenly bored her, but Varhn knew better.
“Sire”, the rest of the commanders had parted for the speaker. Lyle was much smaller than the others as he was a member of the Rat Tribe. Where Gorsh was in charge of the heavy infantry and Xara had command of the light infantry and skirmishers, Lyle was in charge of the scouts and spies. He wasn’t as big, strong or tough as the others but he was cunning and vicious. He was also quite brave when necessary and was missing half an ear and a few fingers to prove it. Varhn could guess at what he was going to suggest. “Sire, we could always make use of them and turn a profit instead. Have the sorcerer do his work and put the enslaving enchantments on them. Then we can put some of them to work and sell off the rest.”
Varhn considered it. Indeed they had done such in the past and it had proven a useful strategy. The slaves could be put to work fixing and building fortifications and roads, while those who were unable or to troublesome could be sold to other countries and increase their profits. Raising armies and building a kingdom was expensive after all.
But Varhn wasn’t sure this was an appropriate response either. This was a city that had sworn allegiance to him early on in his ambitions only to betray him by trying to secede later. It was a challenge to his authority and leadership! “This has to be handled appropriately and send a message about what happens to betrayers. Bring all of them to the marketplace. Have everything from there removed except for the stage I saw there earlier. Grosh have your soldiers surround and prevent any of them from escaping. Xara, you and your people will provide security. Lyle, since you suggested it, fetch the sorcerer and then have your people on every rooftop and high vantage point they can with bows and arrows at the ready. I want them to see them also so they know that if they act up they will be shot. Everyone else is to prepare everything to move for when we are done here. We will return home briefly to choose our next target and plan. Have everything ready two hours before sundown. That is all.”
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 6:04 pm
Kharns Story
The inn was an old but sturdy two story building. Once it must have been well cared for but that time had long since passed. Now the signs of obvious neglect showed in its’ peeling paint and some cracked and dingy windows. As he entered Kharn noted that the inside wasn’t much better. He had to duck his head to avoid hitting the beams of the next floor up. The place reeked of stale beer and smoke. A small fire burned in a hearth much too large for it and at the other end of the main room was a worn and slightly warped wooden bar.
A few patrons were sitting in small groups here and there. Some were eating while others nursed their drinks. All of them looked in his direction as he entered and then quickly looked away. ‘No friendly faces or voices full of cheer in this establishment’, thought Kharn. ‘Wait, there is one…’
The proprietor was a short, squat man with thinning hair and had a greasy look about him and his smile. The man approached Kharn saying, “Greetings, Milord! Welcome to the town of Dunhill and to Jorriks Inn of Welcome!” The man pulled out two tankards and filled them from a cask. He handed one to Kharn and then drank from the other and said, “Jorrick of Dunhill, welcomes you,” and waited for Kharns response. Kharn was familiar with the old custom and so took a drink of the watery beer and said, “Kharn Wolfson, Thanks you.”
Jorriks grin grew wider. “Wolfson! I knew you were a member of the Wolf Tribe! And apparently someone important to boot! We’re happy to have you here, Milord. Simply name your pleasure and we’ll provide it for you if we’re able.”
Looking around at the other faces none of them seemed happy to have him there. Their reactions ranged from fear to distaste though none seemed hostile. Kharn shrugged. He wouldn’t be staying long.
“A meal and a seat at a table near the fire is all I require for now,” he said.
“Very good, Sir. I shall see it is brought to you quickly.”
Kharn seated himself at the table as Jorrik shouted orders into the kitchen and then return to see if Kharn required anything else and ask him for news from beyond the mountains. Kharn replied that he needed nothing further and that he had no news to give as he hadn’t been home in a long time. Jorrik left and returned with the food. Kharn thought briefly about asking him for news of his home but there was something about the man that he didn’t like so instead he focused on eating. The meal was simple and flavorless but hot.
Not much later he was halfway finished with his meal when Jorrik began yelling. The Inn keep stood over a figure on the floor. “Where have you been? This place is a mess and there’s work to be done. And you return empty handed as well? Why did I ever pay good money for you?” Jorrik yelled at the person huddled on the floor.
“I’m sorry, Master,” The figure pled in a pitifully feminine voice. Kharn grimaced. Of all the practices he had seen in his travels in the lands of humans and others, slavery in all its forms was one of the worst.
Her answer only seemed to upset inn keep further and he kicked her in the side making her cry out with pain and curl up on the floor. “I don’t want your excuses or apologies, slave!” Spit Jorrik. “Now get to work!”
Kharn was already making to stop the man from further abuse when he was shocked to see the face of the young lady who he had met earlier. Now her face was contorted in pain and only now did Kharn see the collar about her neck. She lay there crying with tears running from her eyes and couldn’t move.
Furious, Jorrik grabbed a broom and lifted it as if to strike her with the handle. There was the sound of singing steel as the broom was suddenly cut in half and the edge of tip of Kharns’ sword was rested against the man’s neck. There was sudden silence as everyone stopped what they were doing and looked with wide eyes, except for Kharns which were narrowed in anger as he moved to put himself between Jorrik and the girl.
Jorrik swallowed nervously and asked, ”What seems to be the problem, milord?”
“I cannot allow you to continue to beat the lady and I require an explanation as to what is going on,” Kharn growled softly. Hands hold of his leg and as he looked down he saw fear filled eyes as she said, “Please, sir. The more trouble you make, the worse he will beat me.”
Kharn did his best to give her a kind look and said, “I swear that I shall not let that happen.”
Jorrik cleared his throat and Kharn fixed his angry glare upon him again as the inn keep spoke. “She is my rightful property and I’ll do as I-“ He stopped and bit his tongue at the anger filled glare he received from Kharn at the word ‘property’ but he continued, stammering. “I-I am s-sure I have a b-bill of sale to p-prove that I paid for her. I got her from the t-traders that were r-representing the W-w-wolf T-tribe that came through here for the sum of t-twenty g-golden c-coins.”
Kharn was stunned. His mouth went dry and his stomach turned. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. “What?” was all he could manage to say.
Jorrik, seeing the shocked expression, took his chance to tell everything he knew in the hopes it would save him. “I bought her from the slave traders the last time they came through the pass. They buy the slaves from some noble of the Wolf Tribe and take them to sell elsewhere. They come with the obedience collars and the master rings like the one I wear. It makes them magically bound to their owners. They’re quite prized and valuable. Tribe-people make excellent laborers, not to mention their exoticness which leads to other uses and pleasures-“
Kharn snarled at this and Jorrik thought he was certain to be killed. “Don’t kill me or else she dies! If the master wearing the ring dies so does the slave. I swear I haven’t prostituted her! She just cleans, runs errands and catches vermin!” He paused and embarrassedly says, “And a little thieving… But I swear that is all! Please don’t kill me!”
Kharn was furious but he wasn’t sure what he could do about the situation. As far as he knew the man had had broken few if any of the laws of this place and he was a stranger here. What he did know was that he couldn’t tolerate the situation as it was now. After a moments thought the solution came to him. He put his sword away but kept his hand upon the hilt so he could draw quickly if he needed to and then bowed to Jorrik.
“My apologies, sir. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. I shall be happy to pay for any damages.”
Jorrik sighed with relief and his fingers trembled as they touched his throat where the blade had rested. “Apology accepted and yes, that would be just fine. Shall we say two golden coins?”
Kharn nodded and Jorrik smirked knowing that he had charged the Wolf far too much while he was feeling guilty. The young slave hung her head and stayed kneeling on the floor. Her hopes had been dashed. Kharn checked his pouch and nodded, took out a few coins and said, “I’ll buy the girl as well, another dinner and five rounds of drinks for everyone here for thirty.” And so saying he tossed the purse at Jorrik who caught it and stammering. The girl jerked her head up in surprise!
I didn’t agree to that!” Protested Jorrik.
“Kharn feigned puzzlement. “But of course you did, sir. You already accepted my payment. You are holding it right now in fact.” Kharn smiled at Jorrik but his eyes were threatening and his hand flexed from where it rested over the hilt of the sword. “Two for the damages and my tab. Eight should buy many drinks for everyone here and I’ll buy her from you for Twenty since that is what you paid and you have obviously taken good care of her.” Kharn snarled a little bit at the end. “I’ll have that contract and ring, now!”
To be continued.
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 2:44 pm
(This chapter isn’t finished. More has been written but just not posted yet... I’ll edit the post tomorrow so the rest will be here tomorrow if I am able. So please check back then. Also I wanted to say’ thank you’ to all the people who have told me they are enjoying the story. It makes it even more fun to write knowing that you will be looking forward to enjoying reading it. Thank you very, very much for your praise and support! ^_^)
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu May 17, 2012 2:46 pm
Kharns story, continued
Many of the people in the room chuckled at how Kharn had skillfully manipulated Jorrik and the promise of free drinks helped lighten their moods as well. Jorrik looked around and realized he wasn’t going to get any help from them. One last look at Kharns steely gaze was enough to make him relent.
“It’s a fair deal, I suppose. Very well, let me get that contract,” And so saying he left to retrieve the document.
The young lady looked up at Kharn and their eyes met. Kharn could see many different emotions cross her face. First came relief and admiration, then disbelief and caution. Kharn understood. She had been through many hard times and it would be hard for her to trust, even if she wanted to. But there was another emotion he had seen flicker there as well. Hope. Kharn thought that was the best sign that he had done the right thing.
Kharn gestured to the half of his meal he hadn’t eaten and said, “Please help yourself if you would like. Our journey will be a long one and you look as though you could use something to eat.” He had barely gotten halfway through offering and she had snatched the plate and began eating hungrily. “The second meal that is coming I ordered for you as well.” Kharn smiled and asked, “What is your name?”
She paused in eating and stared at Kharn for a moment before saying, “I was called Myra before… and what do I call you, master?”
Kharn shook his head. “I am not your master.”
“But you are to be my new owner, yes?” she asked.
Kharn sighed. “I shall be your care taker until we find out how to free you. “
She stared at him, “I don’t know why but I sense that you tell the truth and intend to do as you say…”
He nodded. “My name is Kharn Wolfson and I will do everything I can to see that you are freed.”
Myra stared hard at Kharn in a way that made him feel uncomfortable. He thought that she was going to say something but instead she stayed quiet. The innkeeper returned with the second plate of food and an ornate scroll. Myra started eating again as Kharn looked at the scroll.
He could feel a sense that there was something ‘wrong’ about it before he even unrolled it. Inside it was a detailed contract for ownership done up like many legal documents pertaining to property, except this time the ‘property’ it mentioned was a person. That alone was enough to bother Kharn but the rest was disturbing as well. Around the borders, in the margins and everywhere there a space was left it had archaic runes, glyphs and symbols in a different ink that he didn’t recognize or understand written in a spidery, but very precise, hand writing. Also at the bottom where left plenty of spaces left blank for owners looking to resell and new buyers to sign. It also appeared that the signatures had to be written in blood. The whole thing was loathsome to Kharn. The idea, the act and the way it was carried out was repugnant to him. He looked it over several times but could find nothing in it that told how to free those enslaved. ‘I’m going to need the help of a magus of some kind to figure out how to break this enchantment,’ he thought.
Jorrik nervously waited for Kharn to finish reading and then pricked his finger and signed his name in the indicated spot. It was Kharns turn and he pricked his finger. For a moment he had self-doubt.
He thought to himself, ‘Am I really about to sign my name in my own blood to some infernal contract?’ He looked up from the scroll and at Myra. It had only been a few minutes but she had nearly finished the second meal. She was gnawing on a bone when she must have felt Kharns gaze. She looked up, the bone still in her teeth, and their eyes met. Kharn wasn’t sure if it was the way she faintly blushed, the way one corner of her mouth twitched in the start of a smile or if it was the hand of fate at work. Without even realizing that he had done it he had signed his name.
Jorrik quickly gave him the ring and Kharn slipped it on his finger. Something seemed to run through his body and apparently Myra felt it as well. The two of them stood still, staring at each other as the bond established itself.
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 3:28 pm
Varhns story
Varhn looked out over the people of the conquered rebellious city. He stood upon a wide platform with Xara at his side. On his other side and a little behind him the sorcerer stood silently, his features obscured in the deeply hooded robe. Varhn looked back at him but all he could see were the glowing eyes staring back at him.
‘Is he irritated with me for making him come out into the daylight he so detests?’ , Varhn wondered. ‘It doesn’t matter. There is work to be done.’
“My people”, he began addressing the crowd. “For you are my subjects. Today we pass judgment on those traitors amongst you.”
Xara gave the signal and Grosh and a detachment of his men cleared a path through the crowd. A long line of those who had been captured or surrendered, as well as those who had been found to have directed them, marched through to the platform. There were cries from the crowd as they saw friends, neighbors and even loved ones marched past.
“These are the traitors who made the plans to defy us and the ones who bore arms against us in defiance of our laws! Our laws! They are traitors and rebels. Their fates are fixed and they must be put to death! Also all those who aided them are also to be executed as well,” Varhn held up a large scroll containing the names of those who had been indicated from extracted information. Inside it indicated most every family in the city. “So say our laws!” and with a flourish of his arm he indicated for his men to bring out the chopping blocks, axes, nooses and other tools for the executions.
At this there was much crying and tears. Varhn had been waiting for this moment. “All of them and those who helped them, knew what the punishment was when they decided on this tragic course of action… but what good is the law with out mercy?” he asked questioningly.
The crowd quietly murmured. They hadn’t expected this. Was this real? Was there a possibility of mercy? Varhn continued.
“Following the law would wipe out whole families and communities.” He shook his head, frowning in sympathy before continuing. “Must a father and mother die for their son or daughter? As well as every brother and sister? And then what of their families? Their neighbors? This city would soon be left nearly empty! Who wants that kind of devastation? Do you?”
The crowd quickly roared “No!” followed by many individual voices crying out for mercy and forgiveness. Varhn fought to keep a grin from showing on his face as he listened to their pleading. ‘I have them, now!' he thought.
He raised his hands for silence and they did as many thousands of teary eyes watched him with hope. “My people, I do not want that to happen either! Therefore this is my judgment. All those who plotted and raised arms against us must be executed, as the law demands. But well shall spare those who assisted them from the executioners axe and gallows. Instead we shall take one person from each family into lifelong servitude to our kingdom. There was much muttering at this but Varhn said, “Their lifetime of servitude shall clear the debt of execution from the heads of their loved ones, while their hard work shall be to the benefit of us all and make this kingdom a better place through their efforts.”
There was much gasping from the crowd and mothers clutched daughters and fathers held sons. Varhn looked out over the crowd and saw tear filled empty eyes, but he also saw much grim nodding. He tried not to smirk and settled for a beneficent smile. ‘And now I have a bunch of slave/hostages to keep you all loyal with,’ He thought to himself.
Varhn spoke to the crowd. “It is a hard thing to do but it is necessary to spare the rest of you. One son or daughter spares their whole family and themselves from execution. It is time to dispense justice.” Varhn nodded to Xara and she gave the signal. Varhn stood impassive as the sounds of the executioners tools did their work and as his men collected the strongest, fittest, youngest members from the cities families and brought them before the sorcerer.
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Thu May 24, 2012 5:49 pm
Kharns story
Kharn and Myra had camped in the mountain pass and now sat around a fire. Neither of them had wanted to spend any more time in the town of Dunhill after their experiences there. Neither had they spoken much to each other in their journey since. They had both seemed to want to travel in silence at the time.
Kharn looked at Myra. The firelight cast light and shadows across her face and shined in her eyes and dark hair. She looked up and Kharn, realizing he must have been staring, blushed and looked away. He picked up a stick and started to stir the embers of the fire before putting on more wood.
‘What is wrong with me?’ he wondered to himself. He dared to look back up only to find her still staring at him. Her feline eyes shining in the half-dark she stared at Kharn intently. ‘What is she thinking?’ he wondered. ‘I cannot tell. That feline stare hides her emotions.’
As he looked at her, while she looked at him, he saw her tremble a little. Kharn stood up and walked around the fire taking off his cloak. As he got near her she seemed a little startled and nervous.
“Relax,” said Kharn. “I won’t allow anyone to harm you.” He gently placed his cloak over her shoulders then went to his pack and took out well-used but warm looking blankets. He handed one to her before walking back around the fire to his previous seat and wrapping himself in the other. He pulled out a kettle and filled it with some water and set near the fire to prepare tea to help keep themselves warm with.
After a while he could still feel her staring at him. This time when he looked up he was certain that her eyes were sparkling with amusement.
“What is it? He asked as he handed her a cup of the tea.
“You are not at all what I would expect,” she said after she carefully took a sip of the tea. She blew on the cup and then took another sip slowly, savoring the warmth. She looked at him from over the rim of the cup in a way that made Kharn think of a peaking child. “You appearance is that of a fierce warrior but you are very kind and gentle, as well as sensitive.”
Kharn blushed again and simply said “Thank you” unsure of what else to say. Instead he decided to turn his attention to the straps of his armor and began the long and complicated process of taking it off himself. He heard her set down her cup and looking up he saw her walk around the fire towards him. He paused what he was doing. She walked behind him and he held very still. A moment later he felt delicate fingers lightly touch his head, pause there for a second as if unsure of themselves, and then move slowly forward, gently combing through his hair. Kharn let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding and closed his eyes for a moment with pleasure at how good it felt. The fingers brushed past his ears to the odd half circlet/ half visored helm that offered protection while not hampering his senses. Gently it was lifted off his head and set aside.
It always felt amazingly good to take the armor off after a long day. Usually though that good feeling was partially ruined by his having to struggle and contort himself to try to remove the armor himself. ‘How long has it been since some one did this for me? One? One and a half… no, almost two years?’
Kharn sighed as next those fingers down through his hair, untangling it as they went before moving on to his neck and shoulders. “Your armor is very unique”, she stated as she began loosening the straps that held the plate mail together focusing on the neck, then arms and torso.
Kharn chuckled and said, “It’s from many different places and types of armor as well as smiths and all have been custom fit to work together seamlessly. The mail was a gift from the elves of one kingdom while the gauntlets, cuisses, poleyns , greaves and boots that cover the legs where gifts from more of them from another land. The cuirass, breastplate, spaulders, faulds and tassets are of dwarven make. The couter and vambraces that cover the arms are of human design as is the padding beneath everything.” He was quiet as he looked at the helm and said, “The Helm is almost all that has survived of my original armor over the years and was a gift from my father.”
With all the straps now loosened she began to remove the armor from him. Kharn groaned in relief as the constricting weight began to be slowly lifted away. “Why ‘white’?” she asked with a slight bit of laughter in her voice showing her amusement to his reaction.
“During one of my first ‘adventures’ I rescued a little human girl.” Kharn smiled at the memory. “I still remember how the other humans with her had been afraid when I had rescued them. I am sure they all had simply seen me as a fierce wolf tribe warrior. But that brave little girl in her tattered lavender dress wasn’t afraid. She grabbed hold of my hand and she was the one who convinced the others to follow me to safety. When I complimented her on her courage later she said it was my white hair, ears and tail. She said she knew I was ‘her white knight to the rescue.’ When I asked what that meant I learned how most human lands have legends of ‘white knights’ who protectors of those in need, champions of justice and went around righting wrongs.” Most of the armor was now off and Kharn leaned forward as Myra pulled the mail and padding off him. “Since then I figured a ‘white knight’ was a good idea to put people at ease and the idea stuck.”
The armor was now off and Kharn was naked to the waist and feeling just a bit shy about the situation. He was going to reach for the blanket once more but to his surprise Myra did not stop her attentions. Now she began to massage him starting at the neck and shoulders. Kharn began to blush hotly and opened his mouth to tell her she could stop but a quiet groan came out instead as muscles sculpted by hard fighting and near constant travel surrendered to her touch and a bliss they hadn’t known in years. He groaned and sighed in a mix of pain and pleasure while she laughed and asked, “So you left home to be a hero in foreign lands?”
Kharn laughed and then winced as dug into a particularly nasty knot in the shoulder muscle of his sword arm. I’m not a ‘hero’, or I don’t try to be one. I just see a situation where someone has to do something and then a voice inside me says, ‘you are someone. Why don’t you do something?’ And so I do something and try to do the best I can. As for ‘foreign lands’ well, that’s a bit of a story…”
He told her about his father and his half-brother and winced as she went to work on another knotted muscle. “I had to prove myself as worthy with deeds and with Varhn already serving in the army and guarding the land. I knew I would have to distinguish myself some other way. I had always wanted to travel and see the world beyond and so I left.”
Myra paused in her efforts for a moment and asked, “Do you truly think so highly of your half-brother?”
Kharn frowned in thought and stared deeply into the fire before saying, “Varhn was a much better warrior than I was for most of our lives and I am certain that he has only improved in the years since while he was with the army and defending our borders. I am sure he has achieved renown and fame by now.”
Kharn reached up with his right hand and touched his face, running his fingers across the ‘X’ shaped scar on his cheek.
“I only ever won a battle against him, once…”
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Posted: Mon May 28, 2012 6:36 pm
Varhns Story
Varhn and his men headed out from Skullport. Despite being their leader he still considered himself a soldier and he marched along with his men.
Lyle ran up and reported that Grosh and his men were still managing to make to keep pace even with taking care of the merchandise.
“They aren’t for sale, Lyle. Now don’t make that face. They are ‘Leverage’, not ‘Merchandise’.”
Xara laughed. “You found a way to punish them and secure your city. Well done, my lord!” She gave him an approving look and licked her lips. Varhn grinned. There were many that said she was more than just his general. ‘They are sometimes right,’ thought Varhn. He knew how she was after a battle and they had warmed each other’s beds often enough before. She licked her lips again and gave him a certain look. Tonight seemed likely to be one of those nights.
The sun would be setting soon and Varhn felt a familiar ache that always signaled bad weather coming. “Lyle spread the word that we shall be stopping to make camp for the night. “ Varhn sighed and put a hand to his head covering his eye patch. “A storm is coming,” he said.
Lyle saluted and excused himself. Once he was out of hearing Xara asked,”It still bothers you after all these years?” She received silence for an answer. She said, “It has been ten years since he left. Perhaps he has died on some foolish adventure and shall never return…”
Varhn ran his fingers over the patch and smiled nastily. “At least he left me something to remember him by…” He turned to Xara and saw she still had that look about her that he had noted earlier. “Come to my tent. I need someone to… attend me in removing this armor.”
Xara grinned salaciously and said, “But of course, My Lord.”
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:37 pm
10 years ago…
“Is that the best you can do? You’re pathetic!”
Kharn sat in the dirt, sweat running down his face. He hated practice time because it always ended like this since the time he was a young child. He was always bested, most times quite cruelly, and ended with him looking up into those same eyes.
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:40 pm
Ten years ago: Varhn's story
Varhn looked down at his half-brother and smiled. It always ended like this.
They had training six days out of seven, no matter what injuries they might have or what the weather might be. At the end of each session the instructors would have the two of them spar with each other.
When they were little children they wrestled, later as they grew they used wooden weapons. As soon as they were strong enough to lift even the lightest of real weapons they practiced from then on with the real things.
Varhn loved this, especially when others or father would come to watch.
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Kharn Wolfson Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:41 pm
Ten years ago: Kharn's story
Kharn hated this.
It was worse now as they had drawn a crowd. He didn’t like it when so many came to watch the two of them.
His father used to tell him ‘one day you will need these lessons. You may not see it now but you are a warrior, my son. We all fight for different reasons. One day you shall find your ‘heart of the warrior’ and then your reasons for fighting will be clear to you.’
Kharn didn’t want to disagree with his father but he failed to see how any of this helped or mattered. Varhn was the best after all.
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