RoE Archive > Legends of the Hero-Kings

The Wraiths of Ilien

(1/23) > >>

DM B:
The Wraiths of Ilien...

X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten):
Resplendent in his shining armour and shield incorperating both Haelyn's Sun and Ruornil's Crescent Moon, Kaven Enlien arrives at the Cathedral of the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn.
By his side, also armoured, though not as splendid as the Baron, are two knights, their heraldry also depecting the odd design of sun and moon.
Patriarch Baeraelan, in a breastplate, and with a wicked looking mace at his side and two priests of the Celestial Spell identically armed and carrying a small bundle each with little flasks of holy water, follow closely after.

The six men are silent, looking expectantly towards the cathedral, waiting for someone or something. Only the creaking of leather straps beeing tightened beneath steel and iron armour, and the clanking of metal hitting metal fills the air.
Kaven steps forward and hails the guard.
"Tell the High Prefect that we await him here, outside. We do not wish to go armed under the archways of the cathedral."

X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper):
This morning tolling bells welcoming dawn mix with the sounds of men being fiercely drilled. The air is vibrant with the sounds of metal, leather and heavy footsteps. The Impregnable Heart of Haelyn’s Grand Cathedral in Ilien resembles the barracks or headquarters of an army preparing for a crusade. The compound not only is a place for prayer but also a fortress and home to the renowned unit the Justicars of Haelyn.

With the last toll of the bells drilling comes to a halt. Standing in the center of the courtyard calm determination oozing from every pore, the Archbishop of Roesone, Sarane Bellamie, look to the commanders of the Justicars of Haelyn. Silence hold dominion then with a sudden cry, Sarane Bellamie set things in motion.

“Lieutenants to me”

Five men, all tall and grim looking, march to the Archbishop in haste. A few moments pass in complete silence, then, brandishing a brutal looking ornate morningstar the Archbishop speak to the soldiers.

“Attention. Pontiff to the Conclave of Temples, High Prefect to the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn, His Holiness Wallac Isilviere will inspect his troops in a moment. Now march to the square in front of the Cathedral for the people of Ilien to bear witness to our resolve and so they may take comfort in it”

The five lieutenants each walk to their detachment and give instructions.
 
Making a display of martial might, 270 men all clad in field plate briskly march with a rhythmic stride and in step with each other, to the square in front of the Cathedral taking up pre-arranged positions. On their way out the pass the party from RCS.

Dominated by the Archbishops presence, no one notice Wallac Isilviere silently entering the square opposite Sarane Bellamie before he is on height with the soldiers. As he passes the soldiers he greets each man by name. Slowly the High Prefect passes the 270 men that clad in field plates, stand in five squares, each consisting of 50 stern fighters. Standing a little in front of the Archbishop a group of 20 similarly equipped men forms two lines. Every so often the High Prefect stops exchanging remarks about deeds done and battles fought until everybody has been greeted by name.

Wallac Isilviere walks the last 20 paces to the Archbishop. Accompanying him is his personal assistant Rogal Destar. Wearing a shinning Full Plate armor Wallac Isilviere, not a young man anymore, never the less seems unencumbered and radiate rage and holy purpose. In one hand a grand mace, inscribed with prayers to Haelyn, in the other a shield heralding the Impregnable Heart of Haelyn by its display of Haelyn’s sun on a red background. Looking the men in their eyes, his commanding presence giving each a feeling that he looks into their soul, the High Prefect starts speaking in a low voice the volume raising with each sentence, in the end the High Prefects voice almost roaring like thunder.

“Justicars today you will, besides your regular equipment, be issued 3 vials of holy water and we shall serve the All Father by freeing Ilien from the yoke of the shadow. Preying upon the innocents, foul Wraiths have been stalking the streets of Ilien at night. By the All Father we will not have it! Today we will bring the battle to them. Let cold steel and holy wrath substitute their regular menu of defenseless people. Justicars of Haelyn your Lieutenants have been given their instructions and each detachment will set up stations around the city. Today, in the name of Haelyn, no more shall Wraiths prey upon the innocents. Divine Haelyn we salute you!”


Lowering his voice almost to a whisper Wallac Isilviere changes his stand.

“Now soldiers, pray with me. Pray for our mission’s success and pray for those that may give their lives so others may live”

With the clanking of steel the 270 Justicars go down on their left knee as if sharing a collective mind. The movement done in one smooth motion has clearly been done a countless number of times.

Prayers done Rogal Destar clears his voice then exclaims:

“The Knights of the Sun to me”

20 very tall and grim looking templar’s detach from the units main body and makes a square around their High Prefect, the Archbishop and Rogal Destar.

“Your Holiness we are set to go on your command”

Wallac Isilviere look one last time to the men then turn around and march, in the middle of the square made by his bodyguard, to the Baron and the Patriarch waiting just outside the archways leading into the courtyard of the Grand Cathedral. While leaving the 250 Justicars in the square salutes, then leaves for their stations in the city.

“The others will meet us here shortly”

X-Medoere & RCS/KE (Thorsten):
Grimacing slightly at the display, and sending a stern look to one of the knights who offers up a snide comment, Kaven patiently waits until the templars have marched pass, though his eyes are on them all the way. .
"Ruornil bless the transcendance from darkness to light, Your Eminence." He says, as way of greeting Wallac Isilvere and his troops.
"How does the morning find you?"
He smiles as he walks towards the High-Prefect, stretching out his hand to shake his.
"That was quite a display. I hope the countess has been informed of the templars marching forth, lest she wakes up thinking she is getting invaded."

Kaven shakes the morning chill from his bones, even as he looks to the men gathered behind the High-Prefect.
"Would that I had had your men besides me, when I fought the Red Winds forces in Mieres. Ah, but that is not for now.
The rest will be with us shortly? It is a cold dawn, to be waiting for too long, and I am anxious to get to grips with the plague that resides below us."

X-IHH/Wallac Isilviere (Kasper):
Wallac Isilviere returns the greeting of Baron Kaven.

“The sun of Haelyn bless the new day. It’s good to see you and your men.”

Greeting the Patriarch he gives a small nod.

“Your Holiness”

Eyeing the men accompanying Baron Kaven with scrutiny the High Prefect seems satisfied after a few moments.

“I see you brought veterans martial and spiritual alike. Their competence will be needed my good Baron. Her Excellency has been given notice as well as detailed layouts of the patrol patterns and positions of my brave Justicars. My lads where sorely disappointed they were not allowed to participate in the actual fight”

The sewer guides arrive, their leader walk up to the group.

“Your holiness, Her Excellency said to assist you navigating in the sewers. We represent the both the guilds working in the servers – rat-hunters and servicemen alike.”

The High Prefect nods benignly to their leader.

“Did you bring the caged rats? When we get close to the foul undead the panic of the rats will serve us as warning”

The rat-hunter bows.

“As instructed Your Holiness, where do you want my men?”

Satisfied with the answer he replies:

“Destar, tell the man where you want him placed.”

Wallac looks impatiently to the archway leading into the Cathedrals courtyard.
   
“Baron Bellamie said he would meet us here shortly after dawn, the Swordmage likewise. I am a patient man but for today when every hour of daylight count in favor of the innocent. Flushing out the sewers during night time can very well have dire consequences but as the Patriarch will confirm the Wraiths cannot stomach the rays of the sun, blessed be Haelyn. We will march to the sewer entrance when the two come.”

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page