| Blood and Heresy |
| Summary: | An Inquisitor seeks to arrest Prince Sylvain and Templars and Aequorians clash upon the walls of their manse. |
| Date: | 1877-01-17 |
| Related: | Those related to Rikton and the blood moon. |
| NPCs: | {$npc} |
| Players: |
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| Rikton - Lower Rikton - Saint Lanard's Way - Against the walls of the Aequorian manse. |
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Saint Lanard's Way is an enormous, winding boulevard of white cobbles which goes from the markets and leads off to the southeast. It is situated on the side of a smaller hill than the Upper City, anchoring it in a visible location. The road itself is over a hundred yards wide, almost reminescent of a long, extended plaza. Great walled residences of white stone and red tile loom either side, each adorned with the Ducal Crests of the great families of the North and the South. The Ducal residences are all very similar, each entered through large, reinforced gate and each with a seemingly identical courtyard, with the exception of the abandoned Sokar manse, clearly in a state of disrepair. The Royal manses, meaning those of Aequor, Galenthia and Kentaire are bigger in size, have higher, stronger walls and are more impressive looking than their cousins. Ordinarily this area is well patrolled, but at the moment, the Orders Militant and Rikton Guard are nowhere to be seen. Rather, order is being maintained largely by soldiers from Aequor and Galenthia. |
| 1867-01-17 |
Rikton continues on its path of quiet acceptance of the situation they find themselves in. However as the bell tolls the time in the afternoon, a group of Templars led by a priest moves toward the Aequor manse. They stop in formation, before the gates of the walled manse and the Priest calls out to the sentry, "I am the Bishop Travis Gerarld. In the name of the God of the One, as spoken by his Eminence the High Priest Alejander, I and representatives of the Templar Order's Justicars are here to demand that the Prince Sylvain al'Ramar surrender himself for arrest and trial before God." He pauses and looks over his shoulders, as the Templars all draw their swords in unison, and set their shields. "You have ten minutes your Highness, else the Templars will declare war, and assault your manse."
A small group of five Templars move to stand before each of the other Manses. A sergeant of the order addresses each of the sentries there. "The church has no quarrel with your great nations. Nor do we quarrel against the pious state of Aequor. We ask you do not open your gates, until such time as this tragic event is passed." The five men have their weapons drawn and shields set.
—
Havelock himself had only just arrived to render some measure of healing to one of the guards within the manses, though as he comes to a halt, he notes that he appears to have arrived a little too late at the fortified manses. Clad as ever in his armour adorned with the red warcoat of his Order, bedecked with weapons and a satchel that spoke of his position as a warrior as well as a healer, the battle-scarred knight of the Order of the Reliant casts his gaze towards the Templars that call out for the Prince and looks over each and all, especially so the Bishop who makes the demands. Though the knight says nothing for the moment, casting his gaze to the Sergeant who seeks to close down the manses.
—
Tavi was on the wall when he hears the call for surrender and arrest, he carefully removes a hand cannon and primes it. He watches from his position, but crouches down to use the crenalation as cover. He watches as a guard runs to inform the Prince and frowns. "Well. Bloody day."
—
The commotion outside draws the attention of the short knight from whatever horrifically boring thing he was previously doing. So boring was this thing, that he had already forgotten what it was. Within the manse, he peers out the window, a deep frown set in place where a smile normally would be. "Oh damn it…" He retreats into the manse, in search of his equipment and weapons; he hadn't quite gotten to the point where he slept with all of it on, yet.
—
In the courtyard of the manse, Myrana has been visiting despite her better senses when the cry goes up from outside the wall. She looks up to where she knows Tavi is strolling, startled. "What the… what?" And abandoning her conversation with other ladies, she hurries up the wall's steps and to the battlements themselves to appear at the cavalier's shoulder, peering down over the edge.
"On what charges does Rikton accuse our prince?!" She shouts down, voice a slap in the dark.
—
Walking the dark streets of the city gets old after the third or fourth week. Having found little sign of the creatures he KNOWS ARE THERE, TAUNTING HIM JUST OUT OF EARSHOT, Ramius has elected to take a break from the endless grind. The evidence of his restlessness can be found throughout the docks, where distressingly well-reinforced walls of storage crates and empty casks have sprung up here and there through the quarter. But even construction and fortification can't keep him busy for too long.
And so he is here, in Aequor's ambassadorial mansion, reduced to the most base form of entertainment.
Watching politics.
At least things seem to be getting interesting though. Rikton is apparently here after the prince, which means that things are probably about to get very messy.
It's a good thing Ramius brought his sword! Probably.
—
Blinking a little as that guard that ran to inform him tells him about what happened outside, Sylvain grimaces. "I'll be right out there…" he mutters to the guard, reaching for both the sword belt he has been using more often lately, as well as his bow. Not that he's sure he will have to use it, but just in case. He then makes his way out of the building itself, over towards the people on the top of the walls. Steps a bit slow as he looks quite thoughtful now.
—
On a security patrol of the manse, Eisen slinked about the grounds with a practiced stealthiness that speaks to his mastery in the art of being a living shadow. As he walks, he notes that the others are wandering outside and to the walls, and, curious, he makes his way over. Hearing the shouts of from the bishop, the d'Geroux frowns slightly and his eyes narrow. Five templar, at least. Hm. The assassin moves to take up a position near the gate, where he could ambush someone that comes through, if necessary.
—
One of the Templars points a blade to Havelock. "Stay where you are /Relient/, this doesn't concern your order." The man fairly growls. "Go find a pox to cure or something." Some of the Templars chuckle before the Sergeant quiets them with a word.
The Bishop looks to where Myrana stands calling down her challenge. "My Lady. The Prince is accused of Treason and blasephemy in the eyes of the One. He is accused of assisting the dark forces that perpetrated the events we have found ourselves in. " He smirks. "If YOU want to defend that monster, that is your problem. But the Church, and the Inquisition, will not stand for it. Surrender him. Or your safety here is forfeit."
The Guard nods. "Bloody hell your Highness." He pauses. "If you order it. We'll send those Templars packing back to their little chapels and choir boys."
—
Tavi looks to Myrana and raises an eyebrow. "Oh. Blasephemy. Well that is a good way to start the day yes?" He sighs and looks over into the Courtyard, where he suspects where the Prince is. "I don't suspose you brought your bed warmer with you?" He then looks back to the Templars. "We… Might need his sword."
—
Havelock tilts his head slightly towards the Templars that so crudely inform him to go and cure a pox or two, not to mention the blade levelled towards him. There's a moments silence, before Havelock's lips quirk into a slow smile, "I would cure the pox quite readily." The reply given and even still the Reliant takes but a step forward, his eyes flitting from one to the other, "Though if I could ask, for me to prevent as much of this foul pox as possible…" Again he pauses, unsure and yet all his life he's thought the Templars were a cut above the hoi polloi, "…where is your mother?" His hand gently shifting to his belt near the warhammer that hangs lightly upon it. Uncertain, unsure and just put somewhat on edge by the threat made to himself, a member of a Holy Order and indeed those within.
—
Stellan retrieves his armor and weapons in a jumbled mess, strapping them on as he returns to the manor foyer only to find the prince was going to happily surrender himself to the contingent of assisine Templars without protest. He throws his hands up in exasperation. "Are you insane!?" He stops just short of ordering the royal to go back into the safety of his manor, but it was likely an obvious unspoken thought.
—
"Oh god in heaven," Myrana breathes and looks at Tavi. The Inquisition! Anybody raised by within the Syndicate has more than a healthy fear of the Inquisition. For good reason. She reaches over and pinches Tavi's cheek in her terrifying lady grip. "Yes, Ramius is here. Somebody'd better tell him to grab it." Then she looks over the wall again. "On what proof are these charges leveled?"
—
"Why do people assume that I go anywhere without my sword?" Ramius says from JUST OVER MYRANA'S SHOULDER. How does he even do that? It probably has to do with how she may be mildly preoccupied with the Riktonian Inquisition hammering at their door.
Man, who would have ever expected them?
"Should I head downstairs to make our case, then?" His fist clatters against his armor's plate, "I'm ready to do whatever we need. Unless of course you want to try diplomacy first?" Ramius casts a glance over towards the Reliant, frowning, "Though I have a feeling it won't be much good"
—
"GH!" Myrana clutches her chest.
—
The Bishop smiles and gestures off handedly, "The Inquisition does not need to answer your questions my Lady." He states firmly but with amusement. "Besides. I simply follow the orders of my superiors. If he is innocent, have him plead his case." He gestures with the other hand, "If he is not, the proof the Cardinal has will show it, and judged under the One's light, he will burn." He nods once. THe Templars move into an aggressive formation. "Enough of these games. Surrender the Prince or we attack!"
The Templar begins to march toward Havelock with his sword at the ready to gut the Reliant. The Sergeant stops him by grabbing his arm. The Sergeant looks to havelock and says sternly, but not impolitely, "Reliant. This is not your fight. I implore you do not take up arms."
—
"I'm just going to the walls, to be able to hear what the good Templars have to say, Sir Stellan," Sylvain offers a bit quietly, offering the man a smile. "Walk with me up there?" Moving for the stairs from the courtyard up to the walls, he hears Myrana call out to the ones outside, frowning a bit. "Why are they accusing me of?" Spoken quietly, sounding a bit unsure now.
—
Nodding to Ramius, Tavi says, "Oh good. One bed warmer." He nods once then looks back out aiming his hand cannon toward the lead Templar. "If things go down big knight. Keep them off the walls. We don't exactly have an army here, and there are A LOT of Templar. And all of them Knights." He grins to Ramius. "Isn't that ducky?"
—
Stellan seems a tad relieved that Sylvain was not truly as insane as he previously thought. "Oh, um, sorry… it looked like you were going outside." He approaches Sylvain, evidently intending to follow him as requested. Oh hey, there was a Myrana… and other people! He blinks hard as he watches everything unfold. "I think they still think you're a witch, Your Highness."
—
Havelock eyes the templar who seems intent on gutting him, the faint smirk etched upon the knight's features no doubt slightly irritating. Though the Reliant does incline his head respectfully towards the Sergeant who speaks peacefully, "I simply expected better behaviour from such an Order as your own, I shall not take up arms… though I shall remain if only to tend to the injured should such a fate occur." There's a faint pause as he looks towards the aggressive group by the Aequorian manse, "For you seem intent on aggression." Though despite his words, Havelock remains all to wary and watchful, especially of the aggressive Templar who has taken offense at Havelock's diagnosis of his mother.
—
The Sergeant nods to Havelock, tipping his head in silent thanks. Making it clear he'll do as ordered, but he doens't have to like it.
The Bishop looks up to the wall and calls out. "Your Highness! Your time is almost up. Come out and surrender, else we will be forced to attack this manse. You don't want innocents harmed do your Prince?" He nods to the Templars who take steps forward, to stand in front of the Bishop. "Of course, you are a monster. You helped cause this disaster. YOU are as responsible for the deaths of hundreds, possibly thousands, with your involvement." He smiles darkly. "Perhaps it would be justice to storm your nation's Manse, and kill you were you stand."
—
What cause have the Inquisition to believe Prince Sylvain to be some sort of sorcerer? Myrana bows her head as Sylvain ascends the wall and looks worriedly past him to Sir Stellan, dwarfed by the mountainous figure of Ramius standing behind her and Tavi but weirdly glowing in the unending midnight, with her stark white hair and heavy cloak. "Your majesty, perhaps you should be behind cover." She looks back up at Ramius, jaw tightening, and puts her hand on Ardaigh where it hangs at her hip. "We don't have as many as the Galenthians in their manses; we'll be overnumbered easily. We need the murderholes opened and archers here immediately."
—
"Cover sounds like a good idea," Stellan remarks towards the prince, at Myrana's suggestion. "I'm fairly confident they came here expecting a fight. Outright threatening innocents is not something the diplomatic would say…" He turns to incline his head towards Sylvain. "And you have command of the castle, so to speak."
—
"But why would they think that?" Sylvain asks Stellan, looking between the others assembled. "I have nothing to do with this, I promise you…" he offers to all of them, before he steps forward a bit further as he hears the Bishop outside. "Who is the one falsely accusing me of such deeds?" he calls back to the man below. "I expected better than being met with false accusations where my mother comes from. I can assure you that when she finds out about you being willing to bring war against the Kingdom of Aequor, she will not take that lightly." A brief pause again as he adds, "I would like to speak with the High Priest, preferrably with someone from Cantire present as well." Another brief pause, before he adds, "I am sure both you and I would want to minimize bloodshed, and the possibility of a war lasting for years, Bishop…" A glance around, "What is your name?" Since he wasn't around to hear it the first time.
—
Tavi looks to Sylvain, and frowns slightly before he then nods to the man. "Your Highness. I am or was before your fahter disbanded us, a Blue Cavalier. I am yours to command, none of these Church dogs will harm you. I so swear." He bows his head to the Prince and then moves to stand in front of the man, two Hand Cannons primed and ready.
—
Stellan sighs and slumps against the nearest wall. He did not have access to ranged weaponry - he will have to get close, or they would have to come to him. He watches intently, but doubtfully, as Sylvain engages the group of hostiles outside. He supposes Tavi works as cover…
—
Havelock watches the diplomatic display bandied back and forth, though from his position down on the street it doesn't look good and so to the Sergeant the Reliant turns, "There are better ways to deal with this, the Prince isn't leaving that manse just as we aren't leaving this city… no one needs to get hurt." His brow arched lightly as he watches the Templars take up a formation that shows their intent, "I've fought with a good many northerners, they are honourable folk."
—
Ramius does not seem to respond to his new position as Myrana's Official Bed Warmer. The reasons may be myriad and mysterious, but each and every one secret within his dark and steely heart.
"I can't see this going very well," Ramius murmurs as his arms slowly lift to cross over his chest. "But it seems foolish that they'd come now of all times. You'd think they could at least wait until this crisis is over before starting a war."
His eyes narrow slightly, "…Unless that is, in fact, the objective."
—
"Of course you don't!" Myrana is furious that anyone would accuse the prince of colluding with the monsters in the city, or of being the sorcerer who's kept the sky frozen. FURIOUS! This is beyond insulting. So much so that she's having difficulty being polite in front of the Prince. "This is Marek's doing; first the vam- th-those creatures, and now this." She takes out one of her hand cannons, as its not yet to close quarters, and looks at Stellan. "Do you know how to use a crossbow?" She points at a guardsman. "Bring Sir Stellan a crossbow from the station, quickly."
—
Stellan shifts his gaze to Myrana nervously. "A-ah, a little!" Presumably, the guard gets him that crossbow, and Stellan is left to fiddle with it and hope he doesn't accidentally shoot one of their men. It was still a better choice than giving him a hand cannon, at least! "I need to stab this Marek guy…" he mutters under his breath, at no one but everyone.
—
Myrana is meanwhile all but shaking in her shoes and muttering to herself, caught between a very sensible instinct to flee The Fucking Inquisition(tm) and her duty to the Crown as she tightens the straps of her brigadine one-handed.
—
"You do NOT get to make demands blasphemer!" The Bishop calls out. "I will grant you this however. I am the Bishop Travis Gerarld. Inquisitor serving the Cardinal Varyth Teleko, whose peace you have so sullied with your very presence! The City would be in ruins after what your Sorcery did if it wasn't for him." He nods once, and the Templars look about ready to charge. "This is your last chance Prince Sylvain al'Ramar. Surrender, or by the One's breath, I will order these men to bring you low, war be damned!"
From somewhere on the wall, a bolt flies out. There is the Bishop's proclamation, and then a Templar clutches his chest and falls, silent as the grave with a crossbow bolt piercing his heart. A stunned silence follows for nearly everybody, both Aequoran and Templar before the Bishop takes a further step back and draws a blade of his own. "ATTACK! ONE WILLS IT!!"
With that, the Templars, set shields once again and surge forward! Intent on taking the Prince, alive - or dead.
—
Stellan's eyes immediately dart towards wherever he thought the bolt may have flew from, but it matters little. It was now war.
Grunting, crossbow now readied, he takes aim for the nearest templar attempting to climb the wall. This was not how he normally did things, but he swallows his unease…
—
At the command to charge, Tavi curses like the pirate he is, a very impresive epitath, "YOUR HIGHNESS! To Cover!" Then he does a snapshot wiith hsi hand cannon, the blue acrid smole of the gunpowder pluming outward as well as the orange tongue of flame from the powder burning. He looks to Ramius and blinks at the man with a longbow. "Huh. I had no idea you knew how to do anything other than: RAMIUS KILL WITH BIG BLADE." The last words are his attempt at sounding like Ramius. He slaps the guy on the upper arm after he shoots, "Good on you. Broadening your horizons. Very modern."
—
It is with a roar of a shout that Havelock steps forward, concern etched upon his face as he looks from the Rikton contingent to the defenders upon the walls, "This is not right, this is utter madness." His hand shifts to the comforting and well worn grip of his warhammer as he eyes the Templars moving for their assault, "To fall upon one another in such a way is cowardice, I'll wager the blood moon will remain just so even if you follow through on your foolish threat! Blood need not be spilled." The flight of that bolt stills Havelock, a look of horror etched upon his face as that blood he just spoke of is quickly spilt. The Reliant moving as if on instinct towards the fallen Templar.
—
"I would have brought my big bow if I'd known I'd be guarding a wall," Ramius sniffs as he nocks another arrow— and sends it whistling down at the men clambering up the fortifications. "I'll just have to use this one until then. Less talking, now. More shooting."
—
Myrana gasps as someone from their side, FROM THEIR SIDE, shoots the first bolt. "Son of a bitch!" She kicks up a leg and puts a foot on the battlements with a flash of underskirts, shoooting straight down at one of the very first to start to scale the walls. That choking smoke unfurls around her as her hand cannon gives a thunderous BLAMM!!, wreathing her in blackness even as she throws off her cumbersome cloak to reveal her brig coat and the long white braid of her hair. "They're perfectly modern in Gendiel!" She tells Tavi acridly over the gunfire.
—
Nodding at Tavi's words, "I remember you…" Sylvain's expression is thoughtful. "Someone's setting my family up…" Pausing at the words of the Bishop, he frowns. And then things erupt, and he grimaces to Tavi. "Everyone need to help stop them…" Getting out his hunting bow, and preparing to fire at one of the attackers, while ducking a bit back into cover.
—
Having acquired a long rifle from…well, it probably would be best to not ask, Eisen carefully sets up a position, nestling his weapon against a section of the wall. He'd try and at least take a shot at one. He didn't particularly like this ranged fighting business, but it would be easier to put a bullet through the chest of one of these idiots so there was less work later, so, he drew a bead on the templar leading the group and he pulled the trigger, and with a loud *CRACK*, he fired.
—
The Templars roar as one and spring to the walls, One of them stumbles as a hand cannon hits his gut, and another spins ins place as another Hand Cannon slams into his chest. Arrows fly, and many Templars take the shafts on their shields.
The Front Rankk of templars reach the wall and kneel, allowing the second rank to spring up onto the short ten foot wall of the manses, or crawl up with templars behind slashing at legs to drive Aequorans back. However, they reach the wall, and begin an attack!
Tavi nods to Sylvain. "My life is yours my Prince." Then turns to face the first Templar to reach the wall, drawing his Cutlasses with ease as they whisper from their sheathes. "You think God will protect you? You've never faced the Dread Pirate AND Blue Cavalier Octavian Deverot." He winks. "Come on ducks. Let's see what you got." And then he dives forward, Cutlasses lashing as he does.
—
Stellan is still trying to aim the crossbow when they finish climbing. He sighs, but insists on shooting this particular templar in the face, if he could.
—
Myrana shoves her hand-cannon back into its holster and draws Ardaigh out shining and clean in the gloom, shouting as she kicks up from her half stance and onto the battlement onto the edge itself. Before a Templar can knock her ten feet out into the empty air she pirouettes and comes down with the help of gravity and the force of her swing into the fray.
—
As the templar comes up over the wall, Eisen decides that this is his time to strike, and he dashes out of his hiding place, throwing a haymaker blow that he hopes will at least make the templar regret coming up over the wall, moving far too fast for such a big man.
—
"I'm not so sure it can be considered modern if we've been using the bow for centuries," Ramius huffs as his arrow goes wide and the knights continue to climb. As they scale, he abandons the weapon, setting it aside to switch to his familiar blade. Argetlahm's black blade screams as it tears from its sheath, a holy blade turned against the (ostensibly) faithful.
Ramius has no qualms about what he's about to do, though his brow is still creased in thought. That crossbow bolt didn't come from their line, did it? If not, then who stands to gain from inciting this battle?
He makes a contemplative noise. Argetlahm is swung in a heavy, warding arc, pushing his assailants back against the crenallations.
—
Havelock comes to kneel by the first Templar to fall, the bolt protruding from the man's chest which certainly ensures that there is little to be done. One hand sweeps across the templar's face, closing the man's eyes as he eyes the bolt that caused this bloodshed, "By the One…" The words uttered as he wrenches the lightsilver bolt from the man's chest and rises to stare at the Kentaire Manse, "This wasn't…" Rounding upon the Bishop, the Reliant jabs the bloody and oh so sparkly bolt towards the Kentaire manse, "It didn't come from the Aequorian manse, it came from over there!" The words shouted as loudly as he can, standing there all exposed before the first templar to fall.
—
Eisen's strike lands true, but the armor of the templar deflects most of the energy of the cestus, barely cutting through the protection there to inflict a minor wound. The man frowns before deciding to have a go at it the old fashioned way. He slips the cestus off onto the back of his hand. He was going to get to grips with his bare hands. Always had more success that way, anyway. Besides, who didn't want to punch some armor now and again?
—
Even as Havelock makes his cry the BIshop cries out, 'SEND IN THE SECOND ATTACK! GOD WILLS IT!"
The Sergeant nods and cries out, "Alright lads! FOR THE ONE AND RIKTON!" The cry is echoed as the templars rush forward and join the ensuing chaos.
The Bishop turns to regard Havelock and hisses slightly, "Lightsilver. That Royal cunt woudl SO dare to defile so holy an instrament by killing a Templar with it." He then looks at Havelock's eyes as he cries that Kentaire fired the bolt. "Impossible. My men would have warned me." He gestures as the men guarding the Kentaire manse make no move. "See? Nothing. I know Reliants do not fight," he clearly has a misguided view of Relients, "But you must trust me. The culrpit is a man's of the Prince. I promise you." He bows his head to the man however in respect. "Thank you for seeing to the man. The Butcher's bill will be paid today and men and women such as yourself will be needed."
—
And shoot him in the face he does. Well, sort of; the chest was close enough! As the poor templar stumbles he is then set upon by an Argetlahm-wielding Ramius. Stellan promptly drops the crossbow with a loud clatter to reach for his sword as he sees another templar close in on him, but needs to move to avoid an incoming downward slash, which manages to graze his left hand. He curses loudly then sets his narrowed blue eyes on his next target…
—
Tavi's blades cut open one man and he savagely kicks the man off the wall to land on thsoe below. He whirls to find more men and nods once. "Alright." He then begins to walk forward. "COME ON LAND LOVERS! NONE SHALL HARM MY PRINCE!" he holds the Cutlasses to the side, blood dripping off their edges.
—
"Ah!" Myrana takes a shallow gash to the arm through the hidden plate of her brigadine, and in the next instant is knocking aside the man's broadsword and barreling into him with all her weight behind Ardaigh. The lightsilver cutlass runs him through and topples him over the wall. Myra almost goes with him, but catches herself on the battlements at the last instant, only to find herself back in the thick of it.
—
"Stop this… We've all been set up…" Sylvain calls out to the templar moving to attack him, quieting down as his armor absorbs an attack. Flailing the sword back, he sighs as he misses.
—
Ramius makes a surprised noise as Argetlahm hews through what little remains of a knight's torso. Well, if they weren't committed to making this a bloodbath before, the death of a few soldiers of the church would probably change their minds pretty fast. Ramius grunts as more soldiers start pouring up the walls, Argetlahm's black blade swinging in great, defensive arcs. "The prince has the right of it, lads," Ramius murmurs as he's set upon, "Don't make this worse than it has to be. I don't want to feed those demons with the blood of good men."
—
Havelock just stares at the Bishop as if he is insane, "Are you completely…" The words just trailing off as the blood continues to be spilled. Good men dying and all over some ruse that is pushed onwards by those with a vested interest or just plain stupidity. The Reliant seeks to prove to the Bishop that they do indeed fight and so he reaches out to try and grasp the man's robes oh so quickly and pull him close…
—
Hold back? Don't murder the shit out of people trying to kill you and take your prince to a horrible dungeon?! MYRANA HAS NEVER HEARD SUCH BLIBBER BLABBER! And actually she probably didn't hear it the actual first time because she is up to her neck in big, terrifying inquisition men.
—
… and thus the Bishop encounters a snarling Havelock, the headbutt not quite happening as the Reliant stumbles a step, but as the Bishop and the Reliant tussle with Havelock's gauntleted hand grasping those slippery robes, it seems that it could go any way. At least until that lightsilver bolt is brought to bear against the Bishop's throat, "Don't you bloody well move or I shall shove this bolt through your throat and show the world just how full of shit you are." That hand tightens its grasp, the bolt digging in just a little too much as he draws the Bishop against him and shouts, admittedly right into the Bishop's ear with a shout honed on the battlefield. Oh it is loud, "Halt or by the One I shall gut this idiotic bastard from root to stem! Fall back damn you all! Fall back!" The bolt is jabbed harshly once more, "Call them back your Excellency, I may be a healer but that also means I can make this very painful for you and keep you alive at the same time."
—
The Bishop stops moving when he suddenly finds a bloodied silver quarrel pressed against his throat. "Well. It seems I misspoke Relient. You CAN indeed fight. And not like the Templars, you go right for the uh Jugular so to speak of the matter." He takes a deep breath. "I don't know what you intend to accomplish Relient, but we'll play it your way." He would nod, but the act might bleed him out. So instead he calls outm "IN THE NAME OF THE ONE, I ORDER YOU TO HALT! DO NOT ATTACK, HOLD YOUR GROUND AND DEFEND YOURSELVES, BUT DO NOT ATTACK!"
The Templars hold their positions, recognizing battlefield orders when given. They watch the Aequorans warily, waiting for one of them to break this tenuous truce. Weapons drip blood, and men and women moan and cough on the walls.
Travis Gerarld, Bishop of the Inquisition moves his eyes to try and see Havelock better. "Well Knight. Besides loosing your spurs over this, what else do you have planned?"
—
Stellan veers out of the way of his opponent's next attack and wounds the man in the abdomen as he stumbles with his overextension. As long as he was being attacked he was going to keep moving, regardless of what may be happening outside. Survival instincts insisted on it! He circles around his attacker much like a predator with his prey, but his sword arm remains still. The order for them to halt then reaches his ear and they're now in an intense staring contest with their weapons drawn.
—
As the fighting dies down to nothing, the d'Geroux warily steps back and he moves off to investigate something that he saw for a few moments, picking it up and investigating it with a cautious eye. He would get to the bottom of this, if nothing else, before he decided what to do next. He would still keep one eye on what was going on though, just in case.
—
Having struck once more, Sylvain hears the shouts to halt, and looks around. "HALT! NO ATTACKING, IN THE NAME OF AEQUOR! HALT!" Pausing to look to see the man he was striking, to see that the man is not attacking anymore. Letting out a deep breath now, as part of his attention moves on to Havelock and the Bishop. Expression quite curious.
—
Tavi stops at the command, and moves a step back to catch his breath. He looks over to Sylvian and then steps beside him. "Are you alright Highness?" The Cavalier asks calmly. But he doesn't take his eyes off the Templars who wait. Patiently.
—
Myrana D'Armaz steps back from the clash, her arm shaking and blood coating the left side of her brig coat from one terrible blow that gutted the man she was fighting, hand all but glued to Ardaigh through the glove she wears. She backs up, and putting distance again between herself and the man she was fighting, retreats with backwards steps to Ramius' side, gazing out on the rooftips opposite the great lane. She swallows.
—
Havelock keeps the bolt digging into the Bishop's throat, the fact the man is an Inquisitor to boot does perhaps given Havelock a moments pause… but merely a moment, "You'd continue to let men die, good Aequorians and fine Templars because you're blind to this Kentaire plot? Or perhaps a part of it. I love the Church, I would die for the Church. But you are not part of my Church… and spurs or not I remain a better man than you." Aside from keeping the Bishop quite stuck with that bolt, Havelock looks more than a little lost as he eyes the Kentaire manse and shouts, "The bolt! The bolt I hold against this man's throat came from the Kentaire manse and I shan't let any more good blood be spilled!"
—
"Who at the Kentaire Manse would wish to frame His Majesty?" Myrana asks, aloud but clearly to herself.
—
After a few moments in silence, Eisen scoops up the items he is investigating before putting a crossbow over his shoulder quietly, and the quiver over the other. He makes his way to the top of the wall once more, looking down at the Bishop and Havelock holding him. "If the charges of witchcraft and heresy are to be levelled, I hereby take Prince Sylvain al'Ramar of Aequor into custody of the Vigilant, until such a time as an investigation can be fully pursued as to prove his innocence or guilt." The d'Geroux looks at the templar and then back to the Bishop and Havelock. "Unless of course you would prefer to dispute my arrest, Bishop, in which case, we can take a nice walk to the Archbishopric and talk with them about it."
—
Ramius takes a sword to the leg! He repays the favor by straight up cutting a man in half. Argetlahm enters underneath one plate, carves through the hollow of a soldier's chest, and explodes from the other end with a spray of blood and other, less pleasant fluids. "Tch," Ramius grunts as the man's body falls away, lowering Argetlahm into a ready stance—
And then Havelock manages to stop /everything./
"HOLD YOUR FIRE," Ramius' voice roars over the din. "Everyone, hold now. We did not wish for this fight, and we will hardly survive the week if he keep slaughtering one another." He steps tentatively towards the wall's edge, peering down at the inquisitor and bishop down below. "You lot. If you can't tell that this was a set-up, then I'm disappointed to see that the inquisition is less insightful than all the rumors say. We're not so foolish as to incite conflict against Rikton /within/ Rikton. The only ones who could stand to gain from this fruitless infighting are the monsters responsible for this mess. Call off your men, let's calm down and talk this over."
"Bring the bolt here when you're done with it, good Reliant" the northerner adds, "There might be something that could led us to its source."
—
The Bishop is about to respond when Eisen makes his proclamation. "The vigilant?" He whispers and then snarls. "One." There are a few deep breaths before he finally nods. "Very well, Relient. You may tell your Northern Friends that I will await the Head of the Vigilant's orders on the Prince." There is a pause. "Templars! Fall back to the Palace. They have some time it appears." He smirks to Havelock. For whatever it buys you.
—
As he hears Havelock's call, Sylvain looks to the Kentaire manse. "I told you, I was being framed…" he says to the Templar he had fought, letting out a breath after the words leave him. Then after a few moments, he seems to register Eisen's words. Pausing for a few moments, he seems to consider something. "Maybe…" he begins, but goes quiet at the Bishop's words. Letting out a few deep breaths now.
—
Havelock for his part keeps the bolt lodged against the Inquisitor's neck and slowly begins to move towards the Aequorian manse, "You can tell them yourself." The bolt remains firm, likewise Havelock's gauntleted grasp tightens as he keeps a watchful eye upon the Templars and keeps his back to the Kentaire manse, for nothing would say 'set up' like a shot Reliant who has utter faith in his armour and the will of the One. Not a word more said to the Bishop, the only noise from Havelock being the heavily armoured guiding steps of a Reliant with a hostage Inquisitor towards the Aequorian manse gates, "The bolt and Inquisitor are yours, time it would appear is of the essence."
—
"Oh Havelock, good man," Myrana breathes as she now recognizes the Reliant. Then she looks at Ramius— and then down at his leg. Then she swears at him, and wipes Ardaigh to be sheathed so she can get out the bandages.
—
"This damnable night has us all on edge," Ramius sighs, moving away from the wall. He glances at the churchmen still dawdling across the fortifications and gestures in a vaguely 'shoo'-like motion. "Go home to your families, or whatever else you have. No more blood will be shed here tonight."
There's a beat as his own wound drips a little bit more.
"Except mine, evidently," he looks to Myrana and inclines his head, "Milady, you are a blessing as always."
—
Turning to the Prince, Eisen nods to him. "Prince Sylvain, unless you wish to resist, I must now take you into Vigilant custody. I assure you, you will be kept in good health and in relative comfort until this investigation is over. If you would kindly follow me, I will lead you to a temporary holding area, until you can be transferred into Vigil custody proper." The giant Vigilant looks to the Bishop who is being led to the gate, lightsilver bolt to his neck. "Ramius, take the Bishop inside and find him a place to be out of the way. He is a guest of Aequor until I return, understand?" A look to Myrana now. "Myrana. The portal that is opened with black iron. You should go there sometime. Soon."
—
Myrana had just taken out the bandaging and suggested with a mollified smile that Ramius sit and take off his leg armor when Eisen interjects. She looks at him with an expression that says; What the fuck is the Vigil, huh? but doesn't press, simply swallows her questions, dark eyes stubbornly oblique.
—
The Templars leave. With no words spoken they turn and head out, marching in orderly fashion. They spend a moment collecting their wounded and dead and then march toward the Palace. One Templar waits near Havelock and the Bishop. "Sir Relient. I apologize, I do not know your name, and perhaps that is for the best given the situation eh?" He smiles genuinely. "I need the Bishop before I leave. Word of the One and my Sword that there shall be no retributions. We all performed as per orders," He looks to the Bishop, then to Havelock, and how the One told us we must. There is no harm in that."
—
Havelock looks to the Templar and lightly inclines his head, "Sir Havelock Synn at your service." The name given freely and with some measure of warmth, "Too many of your fellow Templars died because of this Inquisitor's blindness, good soldiers of the faith one and all." The bolt is released from the Inquisitor's neck, the pressure gone and the bolt remains clutched within Havelock's hand, "When all this is over, I shall relinquish myself to your custody regardless of the outcome… but I stand by my actions this day my Lord Templar." Though Havelock's gaze is withering as it slips to the Bishop, "Too many died because of this man, the One shall judge him."
—
The Templar commander nods to Havelock. "Well spoken Sir Havelock. On that day you have my word that you shall be treated fairly." He bows his head and looks to the Bishop. "Eminence. If you would accompany me?"
The Bishop nods to the Templar and shoots Havelock a less than friendly look. "We'll see who the One Judges Reliant Synn." He snorts and rubs at his neck where the bolt was. "Come along Captain. We have much to report to the Cardinal." The Templar nods and follows the bishop who departs together toward the palace.
—
"My lord…" Sylvain replies to Eisen, studying the man carefully. "I beg you, please find out who is trying to frame me…" A brief moment of pause, as he glances around at the others, then back to Eisen. "I trust you, unlike him…" A nod to the departing bishop.
—
Myrana's fingers hook into Ramius' elbow boss at something the Bishop said.
—
"…My namesake is involved," Ramius utters in a whisper that transforms into a sigh half-way through. "Milady, I do believe this may be a good time to reconsider our disappearance."
—
Havelock for the time being slinks into the Aequorian manse having knocked politely unlike those Templars, oh just like old times with the northerners! Only less barbarians and no dead brewers jauntily propped up in a corner. The bloody bolt clutched still within his hand as he approaches Eisen and Sylvain, "My lord, Your Highness. Before you depart." A bow proferred as he sinks to one knee and offers up the bolt, "It came from the Kentaire manse, no matter what that Bishop claims." Oh tis a weary Havelock indeed!
—
"I know, Reliant. I recovered the crossbow and the bolts. Someone slipped them onto a dead soldier here. I watched them do it during the melee while everyone was distracted. A woman in blackened leathers and blonde hair." The d'Geroux gives a bit of a sigh, shaking his head. "I had hoped to keep my…unique position under wraps for longer, but it was necessary, it seems. Well, at the very least when we escape this place, I'm sure your mother will give me a nice medal, your Highness. We shall have to go inside and gather your things. I would wish you well armed and armored, lest someone unpleasant tries to attack us on the way."
—
"Sit down," Myrana urges Ramius, hands shaking a little. Impossible! Impossible! But… oh god. She puts them to her middle, over the buckles of the brig coat he made for her, and takes a deep, calming breath.
If Ramius sits, she very gently but business-like takes off his leg armor on that side to reveal the gash, then peels back the flap of trouser to treat it. Partway through, she calms, and turns her mind to this suggestion.
"It can't be the Cardinal," she whispers up at the northern baron, stitching the now clean wound. "He's a man of god, and loyal to the queen…" Close as they are, it would be hard to catch their conversation.
—
"Myrana, why would he be sending men after the queen's own son? There is something else at work here," Ramius answers with a similarly hushed whisper, barely even wincing as his wound is attended to. "I do not mean to say he is necessarily responsible, but…" The northerner's eyes harden briefly, his hands tighten around the plates of his armor. "This place is far removed from the eyes of the queen. Those men we saw on the walls were not ordinary soldiers- this was not a matter of simply capturing the prince."
"They meant to use his presence as a pretense to kill us all, Myrana," Ramius murmurs, "The only reason we are not dead is because of the Reliant's actions, and because those bishops are so craven that they value their own lives over the success of their mission."
—
Sylvain nods a bit as he hears Eisen's words. "If we get out of this safely, I will personally recommend that you get that medal." Offering the man a quiet smile. "I will gather the things at once." A brief pause as he looks around at the people still present. "I had hoped there would be no blood shed at all, but with how it all went…" A brief pause, "If anyone finds out anything that can help in this, let him know…" Another nod to Eisen, before he starts moving off to get those things of his.
—
Havelock leaves the bolt in the care of those more skilled in such matters than he and rises to begin tending to the wounded, barely a pause between most likely losing his spurs and rendering aid to those bleeding and suffering. It has been an odd day.
—
Myrana finishes the small, neat stitches and covers it all with a fragrant green salve before bandaging Ramius' leg. "…You're right," she says, taking a mental step back from her own alarmist reaction. Weeks of unending night have made her more nervous. "You're right, of course. We must find out what is going on." That done, she rises and wipes her hands on a cloth, turning to listen to the prince address those of them up there on the wall. She curtseys, hiding her gashed hand within the folds of the cloth. "As you wish it will be done, highness," she says.
—