|
|
Post by Eldrana MkTavish on Sept 20, 2015 8:31:41 GMT
Name: Lady Eldrana Suzanne MkTavish
Age: 30
Height: 5'3
Weight: * A winking smiley face fills this spot *
Ethnicity: Greymane Pureblood
Sex: Female
Place of Birth: Stormglen, Southern Gilneas
Current residence: Stormwind
Citizenship: Gilnean and Stormwind
Previous occupation: Librarian, Gilnean resistance fighter, Duskblade Mercenary.
Relatives: Serra MkTavish (Adopted Daughter) Mirian MkTavish (Daughter) Abigail MkTavish (Daughter), Robert Brackenhall (Son), Daniella Archer (Sister).
Basic description: A petite and athletic woman with long light brown hair and a ready smile. Most prominent features are her honey coloured wolf eyes, canines and a long scar across her throat and one across her right eye.
Combat experience: Resistance fighter, Guard training, Ghost Spec Ops unit. Trained in use of swords, daggers and long rifles. Received medical training for battlefield situations.
Personality traits: Selfless, acts on instinct and noble intentions. Stubborn and strong willed. Always willing to risk everything for her friends and comrades. Cheerful and optimistic.
Prone to feral rage if placed under a lot of stress.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eldrana MkTavish on Sept 20, 2015 8:35:41 GMT
Flight From Gilneas
Gilneas, Two weeks after the invasion.
Rain sliced its way down through the air from the stormy clouds of the heavens. A figure stands upon the edge of the cliff that marks the border of the coastal road , A cloak tightly wrapped around his frame,Colme Mktavish stared out across the ocean. A bear of a man in his middle years, His once jet black hair slowly turning slate grey, his features worn and tired, Yet despite this, fire burns in his eyes and he is still as hale as he was in his prime, Wearing dark leathers crossed with a brace of antique flintlock pistols , A broadsword sheathed across his back, He made an imposing sight.
With a sigh he stepped back, taking a hipflask from his belt then uncorking it, he tips it to his lips, Fine Gilnean brandy trickled down his throat , taking several gulps he stoppers it. Turning to face the road, he glances over to an upturned carriage, several more figures slumped within the shelter it offers. Colme walked towards them.
There were three in all, Two men and the lass. He nodded to the men, huddled in their cloaks they nodded back to him grumbling about the weather, Colme grinned in response before tossing them the flask, the two men nodded their thanks before sharing the flask of brandy between them. Colme's gaze finally flicked onto the girl, A willowy lass in her mid-twenties at least, huddled deep within the shelter of the shattered carriage, sitting with her arms wrapped round her knees, cloak tugged tightly around her form, Her light Brown hair stirred every so often by the occasional gust of wind.
Colme remembered back to when he had found her, The Royal quarter of the city had been in flames, staggering towards the inferno that was the Library he had been stunned as she burst out the door, Her dress smouldering, he had beaten the flames out and slung her across his shoulders before joining with more refugees and fleeing the doomed city, He had been walking for several hours until she started to pummel his shoulder demanding to stand on her own feet, Colme , a gentleman despite his rugged appearance, obliged. The girl had stretched then whirled around to confront him, whatever she was about to yell though, remained unspoken. Her eyes had locked with his , Honey coloured, they matched Colme's own. Shocked she had lowered her gaze and mumbled two words "Thank you". Colme nodded and gestured to the road "Shall we continue Lass?" , a single nod. They had made their way slowly along the highways of Gilneas since, neither speaking for long periods at a time.
A week had passed when they met the two Soldiers, Both men wore the livery of Greymane , battered and shifty looking they claimed they were all that was left of the Eleventh regiment of Foot trying to regroup with the main force. Colme had served within the army long enough to spot deserters, the Eleventh had been holding the bridge to the doomed city and had been wiped out to a man. Choosing his words carefully so as not to insult them should they use their rifles upon himself and the lass, He convinced them to group together for safety. The shorter of the two offered Colme his hand with a grin " Name's Renard Willis, This tall gent 'ere is Rigby, He don' talk much." The man in question simply nodded, Colme shook the mans hand replying "Mktavish , Lasses name is El, nice enough, keeps to herself though so don't bother her" Colme had narrowed his eyes at the last part , his jovial tone underlined with a warning. The men had nodded as their eyes lingered on the girl , She had simply stared at them, her expression neutral. They had travelled for several days along the coast road when it had started to rain, taking shelter within the shattered carriage when they came across it.
Colme leaned against the carriage " You alright there Lass?", She looked up at him smiling softly "I am, Are we far from the port?" Her voice was soft almost musical , Colme nodded " Not far now lass, nightfall i reckon." She rose from her spot, rubbing the aches and pains from her legs she straightened up smiling once more to him. Colme's eyes wandered over her form, A little just under average height with light brown hair tied back to keep it out of her eyes, her features fair and spoke of nobility, Her eyes a light honey colour like his own, she was dressed simply in light brown leathers and a white linen shirt, a saber sheathed at her waist , she had eschewed her dress whilst passing through one of the villages within the time they had travelled together for something more practical, Colme had also taken the liberty of teaching her how to shoot at the time.
The girl picked up a nearby musket, a battered thing best left in a museum but times were desperate and any weapon that could still be used was invaluable, Colme grinned , turning to the other two he gestured to them "Up off ye haunches lads , lets push our way out of this mess!" Groaning Willis and Rigby rose, grabbing their own flintlocks and pulling their capes tighter around themselves , The group began the last part of their journey along the coastal road.
Darkness was fast approaching when they came in sight of the town, Deep rumbling and flashes out to sea illuminated shadows amongst the fog, a decisive Naval engagement underway, The town itself was wreathed in smoke, musket fire and the ring of steel on steel echoed faintly upon the air, Colme frowned , This would not be easy.
Turning to the three alongside him he grinned reassuringly, "Well Lads and lassie, We got a wee problem, nothing to difficult mind but still a problem", The two soldiers exchanged knowing glances before looking back to him, The girl remained where she was, appearing to not have heard, staring down at the beach, Colme moved to stand by her, His gaze searching. Upon the beach amongst the flotsam and wreckage slowly being washed onto the stones were bodies of drowned or dying sailors,
Movement caught Colme's eye and he watched in mute horror as several Cadavers rose from the waves and made their way to the prone forms of the sailors, the Cadavers checked each and every body, shrugging at the dead, cackling as they dispatched the wounded with wickedly curved daggers, Colme watched as a young midshipman, realising what was happening pull out a flintlock and try desperately to shoot the Cadaver looming above him, it stood motionless as the man repeatedly hammered the trigger to no effect, with a dark chuckle it swung its broadsword above its head and brought it down ending the doomed sailors plight.
Colme placed his hand upon the girls shoulder, leading her away from the gruesome scene "Come lass, Some things are best not seen." She nodded, mute with horror, Colme smiled gently at her as he spoke soothingly " That town yonder is where we are headed, All that we need to do is outsmart a few more corpses aye?, Then we are home free." She blinked, then nodded her affirmation, "Good lass!" Colme grinned at her then gestured for the group to carry on.
Night had fallen when they began to stumble across the outer rings of defence formed by the towns defenders, Scenes of violence and death were captured in stark unyielding vividity. The fallen were everywhere, piled up as much as several men deep , Shock, fear, anguish filling their dead eyes. Tattered banners and bloody flags marked last stands by the beleagued defenders, Colme could see that some of the fallen were heavyset with green skin, "Orcs, Just what i need." Colme thought. As they were picking their way through an abandoned trench, the sky exploded into daylight, a thunderous clap of noise causing them to clutch briefly at their ears. As the light faded , they lowered their hands, Rigby turned to Willis " What the nether was that?!", Willis answered "Powde' magazine to one of those boa-"
Willis never finished, Colme spun round just in time to see him fall to his knees, blood gushing from a ragged cut across his throat , A Cadaver behind him with a blood slicked blade, Willis slumped onto the ground with a wet gurgle.
"Ambush!" Colme was halfway through drawing his broadsword as Rigby howling with rage raised his rifle and blew the Cadaver's chest into shards sending it spinning. Sudden shouts filled the air and they found themselves defending against more of the walking corpses , wicked blades and glaring eyes all fixed upon them, Colme drew one of his flintlocks with his free hand , chopping down at one of their assailents legs while simultaneous obliterating the leering face of another, An offhand swipe of his sword sheared the spine of a third sending it reeling to the ground.
Colme snatched a look to his companions, Rigby was still screeching his rage to the sky and clubbing all that came close, Colme watched in horror as a dagger flew out of the darkness , burying itself up to the hilt in his eye socket, Rigby's corpse toppled to join that of the fallen in the trench. Colme frantically turned to the girl, he blinked , She was holding her own well, calmly loading her musket when she could, several Cadavers motionless infront of her, skulls disintigrated. Colme yelled a warning to her. Two glowing orbs twinkling beside her, she rolled forwards as the blade sliced towards her neck, rolling to her feet, shrieking her defiance she swung her musket towards the Cadavers head, pulping it, turning she spitted another attempting to rush her on the bayonet clipped to the muzzle "Feth off!" She pulled the trigger , powder igniting with a loud crack, The cadaver slumped over as she retracted the blade. Colme whirled around in time to guard against another attack, kicking the Cadaver in the shin snapping the bone and sending it toppling, he flicked his blade up as it fell, slicing through vertabrae and decapitating the foul being. Chest heaving he peered wearily around for another foe, There were none left, the girl finishing dispatching the last one with a flick of her saber. She looked up at him, he offered her a grin, she shouted a warning just as Colme felt white hot pain punch through his chest,
Roaring with rage he staggered forwards, spinning round with flintlock in hand, the shambling monster that had wounded him casually licking the blade of his lifeblood, Colme shot it in the face.
Dropping the pistol Colme fell to his knees, the girl rushed to his side and caught him just as he was about to slump into the corpse filled trench, he smiled up at her as she cradled him , her eyes, so like his, filled with tears. Colme raised one of his bearish hands and gently brushed hair away from them, his gaze lingered upon her tearstained face, so like her mothers, He coughed, A trickle of blood running down from the corner of his mouth he took a gasping
breath then spoke "I am sorry Lass but this is where i stay", she nodded , tears cutting trails across her cheeks, Colme squeezed her shoulder gently with his hand, his other fumbling for the leather braid around his neck. He slipped it over his head and offered it to her, A necklace of Wolves teeth surrounding a beautifully wrought silver Wolf head, she took it gently from his hand, Colme smiled sadly "Forgive me Lass i should of been there for you." She shook her head before answering , her voice calm, tinged with grief "You did what you had to.. I do not fault you." Colme nodded.
He could hear shambling steps drawing closer, sighing softly he squeezed her shoulder once more "You must go Lass...Get out of here!" she shook her head, Colme frowned " You have a life ahead of you Lass, Do not waist it here for me, find your sister, look after her.. Do that which i could not!" He watched her grit her teeth, bow her head then nod softly "Good lass!" He stroked his hand through her hair one last time, eyes wandering over her features so as not to forget them. "Help me up?" The girl supported Colme to his feet, he nodded his thanks then gestured towards the burning town, his breathing ragged as he spoke "You won't have long .. All hell is taking this place, you must survive it" he took a breath before carrying on, he could feel his lungs slowly filling with liquid "Once you make it through the gates keep running straight until you find the port..There is bound to be at least one vessel picking up the last of the defenders." She nodded, "Good..Now go!". She took one last glance at Colme, her eyes no longer holding back her tears "Die well..Father" She turned and sped off towards the burning town.
Colme smiled, he could feel the migraine building, how long had he been holding it back for?, He closed his eyes, yes it was there, two crimson orbs stared at him from the darkness of his minds eye "Alright old friend, Lets do this one last time aye?" The presence padded forwards revealing a giant shaggy brown furred Wolf, it stared at him before nodding. Colme smiled, He had cursed the day his humanity had been snatched from him in the Blackwald, Days spent roaming feral through the lightless forest preying on those that had dwelt within its shadow. He had awoken human once more within the strange ancient ruins deep within the forest. Emerging days later near the village of Stormglen, He was cared for by a local girl named Rose, he had grown fond of her. Years had passed by and Colme had become respected within the community, making Rose his wife and siring two daughters, Eldrana and Daniella. His life had been shattered once more one stormy night when brigands had attacked the village, Colme had lost control and assumed the form of the beast within, during the fight he had rampaged through half the village killing all who stood in his way, when he finally calmed down. Realising what he had done he had turned to his friend Gregory Archer, pleading with him to protect his wife and children, Lord Archer had promised it thus and taken them into his care while Colme fled into the Blackwald to escape retribution.
Colme opened his eyes, everything was clear as if it were twilight if a little brighter, He could see the shambling horrors stalking towards him, smell their fetid stench. He hated them, wanted to sink his teeth into their throats and tear them asunder. The pain in his chest was a dull throb, he cast his crimson eyes around, they alighted on an abandoned repeater cannon, a crew served rapid firing musket mounted on a carriage. He padded over to it, checked to see if it was still functioning, growling with satisfaction he braced himself as he wrapped his hands around it. With a grunt he ripped it off the carriage, muscles bulging as he swung it around and braced himself. The cadaverous army surged towards him. With a snarl of bestial fury he began cranking the handle, the weapon bucked in his hands, a barking roar that drowned out all other sound, sending bolts of fiery lead death towards the undead. Colme watched with savage delight as the Cadavers struck by the hail of death burst apart into bone shards and viscera or sliced in half by the horrendous power of the weapon. He scythed it left and right mowing down dozens of the undead horrors. Colme began advancing, continuing to crank the handle watching in slow motion as an undead horse caved in on itself, its legs shorn off, its rider hurled onto a spiked barricade, another ripped to shards as he strafed the bucking weapon in its direction. Colme could feel his features changing, his nose and jaw lengthening and a burning sensation as fur rippled across his body, he welcomed it , howling his fury into the night sky. A dry clack announced that the Repeater cannon had run dry, Snarling he hurled it at the closest foe, barking a laugh as it punched the cadaver off its feet. Snatching up his broadsword he leaped over the barricade and fell upon the Horde, a howl ripping from his throat as he plunged into their ranks seeking redemption for his sins.
Eldrana sprinted through the streets, her breath coming in ragged sobs as she choked back tears, the necklace clutched in her fist so tight that the fangs had drawn blood. Smoke billowed out from the door ways of buildings as fire engulfed them.
She leapt over the remnants of a barricade landing awkwardly forcing her to roll, Straight into the path of a Forsaken foot soldier. With a snarl the corpse soldier swung his axe at her, rolling to the side she whipped her saber up, removing the cadavers arm, swiping once more, decapitating it as it hurled curses at her. She sprinted on as the corpse toppled over. She could see the entrance to the port proper, sporadic musket fire between Gilnean guardsman and Forsaken foot soldiers flashing out of the darkness surrounding the gate. Her eyes widened as she saw one of the guardsmen raise his musket and aim at her, flinched as she saw the powder ignite with a bright flash, she closed her eyes waiting for Oblivion.. It never came, A muffled grunt made her whirl around in time to watch an Orc slump to the ground " Come on Miss we are fething getting out of here!" She turned looking at the guardsman frantically waving for her to hurry, padding over to him he took her by the shoulder and lead her through the gates, several guardsmen ran passed, one carrying a roll of fuse wire, slowly uncoiling itself. "Quickly Miss!" They ran down towards the pier.
Guardsmen were filing onto the ship, snipers in the ships rigging offering covering fire to their retreating comrades.
Eldrana watched as the last few guardsmen sprinted down the hill towards the peer, one buckled and fell never to rise again as a Forsaken marksmen plied his trade. An officer amongst the fleeing guardsmen turned lowering his flintlock he fired a shot at the ground, igniting a fuse before sprinting up the gangplank "Cast off..Cast the feth off! Or we are all dead men!". Sailors and guardsmen alike severed the ropes that held the ship in place, drifting out into the harbour, the sails being unfurled the Scythe of Gilneas set sail for Darnassus. Eldrana covered her ears as a concussive shockwave and flash of fire announced the destruction of the militia garrison headquarters and its armory, she slumped down against the rail, hugging her knees to her tightly and hiding her face, she released her grief and sorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Eldrana MkTavish on Sept 20, 2015 8:37:06 GMT
On Reflection
The pitch black forest shot passed her as she ran. Her heart pounding in her breast, her breath ragged in her throat. Behind her she could hear the crashing of the beast as it sped through the undergrowth after her. What it was? She did not know, she knew that if she stopped, then all would end in fear and pain. She yelped as a bramble raked her leg and drew blood, she stumbled onwards, not once turning back as the beast howled, scenting her lifeblood. She choked back a sob and forced herself to carry on. The Beast was closing on her. She could smell the rank stench of blood, decay and fur, hear the panting of its breath as it eagerly chased her. She tripped. Gasping at the pain as she raised her arms to shield her face from the undergrowth. She rolled onto her back, panting hard, realising that she could no longer hear the sound of racing claws. Fear crept over her as she slowly lifted her head to stare into the cold unforgiving crimson eyes of her pursuer. Her eyes widened as she gazed at her own bestial reflection.The beast snarled and lunged at her. She screamed as white hot talons lanced into her stomach and torso ripping her asunder...
Eldrana's eyes snapped open and she focused on the two big green eyes hovering before her own, a black cat lay perched on her stomach. The afternoon sun lanced brightly through the window panes of the living room, warming her and the black purring fiend sitting on her stomach pawing at her. Eldrana looked around bewilded, her breath and heart rate slowly calming. She was lying on the couch, a book loosely clutched in her hand, a cushion propped behind her head. She ruffled the cats ears and smiled at him "I see you made yourself comfy Nicodemus." Her voice tinkled musically as she chastised the cat, whom only purred back and blinked its green eyes in response.
She lifted her hand to better see the title of the book, Children's fables and fairietales of the Blackwald forest. She frowned softly before placing it aside on an end table. Staring at the wood panelled ceiling she wondered how such a nightmare could be spawned from an old children’s book. She closed her eyes and thought back to her own childhood.
She opened her eyes. A child of no more than five years wearing a blue linen dress, her hair tied back in a ponytail with a black bow. She sat perched upon a rock under an oak tree. She studied the golden fields stretching out before her. The wheatears were waving lazily in the breeze of a late summer afternoon. She could see the looming blackness of the ancient Blackwald forest to the north, bordering her families holdings. The dark ancient guardians arrayed like soldiers for battle, stoic, foreboding, yet she found them oddly comforting rather than frightening.
Her gaze lingered upon the forest, she recalled some of her father’s farmhands speaking of the horrors they imagined lived within. She smiled as she remembered the disbelief on their faces when she sauntered over to listen. " Ah. Forgive us if ye will Little Miss, we didnae realise ye had heard us. " The elder one replied as he chewed on a wheat stalk "What doest ye wish to know of yonder forest?". She smiled brightly before asking, her voice tinkling melodically "My father spoke once of a wolf that walked like a man. That it hunted at the edges of the forest, feeding on any who lived near. That it took a mighty hero defeat it. Is it true? "she finished. "A wolf that walked as a man?! Ha! Nothing but a child’s tale!" The younger farmhand scoffed. The elder remained silent as he continued to chew on the stalk, his eyes narrowed slightly in thought as he studied Eldrana. She frowned at the younger man before looking to the elder, blinking as she realised he was staring at her. " No Wolfmen little Miss... Just a child’s tale. Ask no more of them." He rumbled, making it clear he would talk no more.
Disappointed at her result, she had meandered across the estate until she found herself under the old oak tree where she sat now. Overlooking the fields and long dusty road leading to her home, she could gaze out across the valley for hours and never grow tired of the spectacular view she witnessed there.
She turned her head to observe the lone rider winding his way up the road. Her face lit up as she shot to her feet and ran to meet him. "Father! Welcome home!" She called. The rider reined in his horse and lent down to scoop her up, seating her in front of him so could ride side saddle comfortably.
A broad grin upon the face of the bearded giant, he ruffled her hair and planted a kiss upon her brow before tilting her head up to look into wolfish honey coloured eyes reflecting his own, "Does my heart fine to know I have my wee bonny daughter watching for me on the road after market day." He chortled before spurring the horse to trot onwards. Eldrana giggled and clung to him as they rode towards the farm and the figures waving eagerly to them. Her mother was waiting, unmistakable with her long brown hair amongst them. They rode on whilst twilights first tendrils traced their way across the sky. Eldrana yawned and snuggled into her father’s chest, blinking back sleep.
Eldrana caught herself before she fell back into slumber. Shaking herself out of her doze, she sat up, forcing Nicodemus to relinquish his perch on her stomach. "Eugh.. If I continue to lay down, I'll never finish the dratted housework." She chided herself. Rising to her feet she made her way out of the living room and down the hall towards the kitchen and pantry. She stopped, noticing that someone had left a dusty smear upon one of the paintings hanging just outside the kitchen. She sighed and took her handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped the offending dust away, revealing the faces of her and her sister, Daniella, smiling benignly back at her. She gazed at her sisters features as memories flew like butterflies before her eyes.
It was hot, little to no breeze made the air stifling and heavy. The sun had baked the ground dry until it cracked. Eldrana, now six years old, sat under her favourite tree fanning herself with a straw hat given to her by one of the milkmaids. Her wolfish eyes once more upon the long dusty road, waiting for the tell-tale puff of dust announcing approaching riders. She could hear the anxious excited murmur behind her from the farmhands and maids gathered outside the farmhouse. Their anticipation made the already heavy air seem charged with electricity.
She blinked. "Was that dust?" She thought to herself. She hopped up onto a nearby rock and stretched as far as she could on her toes. "Yes! I knew it!" She exclaimed. Not one, but two riders were riding hard up the road. Her father’s gigantic bearded form easily recognisable as he lead the other in a mad dash up the hill towards the farm. She hopped off the rock and ran to the crowd near the farmhouse door. "They are here! They are here!" She cried as loud as she could. The murmur turned into an excited babble then shouts and cheers as the two riders sped into the yard and reined their mounts in.
Her father's horse had barely come to a halt as he swung himself from the saddle and began to surge through the celebrating crowd. Spotting Eldrana he barked a laugh and scooped her up in his arms. "Come lass.. Let’s go see your new Sister eh?" He pushed open the door and stepped in, closely followed by the second rider, an average in height, clean shaven man in his early thirties, his light brown hair hung down to his shoulders, his expression one of concern.
An elderly priest barged into their path before they could step further into the hall. "How many times do I have to tell you lot to bugg-.. Milords?! "Brother Sigmund, a straight backed balding priest whom it was said was once a Templar of an order of knights long dead, composed himself instantly as his eyes fell on the three. He gestured into the living room. "She is in here Milord." Eldrana's father nodded and followed the elderly priest into the room closely followed by the second rider.
"Colme? Gregory? Is that you?" A tired sounding feminine voice drifted from the figure lying on the couch. Colme knelt down beside the couch and set Eldrana alongside him before turning to the woman lying there, babe in arms. "It is us Sister. We rode as fast as we could once we heard." Answered the second rider, a warm smile creasing his features. "That we did." agreed Colme. He looked to his wife, a young woman with long brown hair and careworn motherly features, then the babe asleep in her arms. "You are both well?" He queried. The woman smiled and nodded as she replied "Tired... Even the little one here. I think she will be a handful when she grows. Sound like anyone you know my love?" Colme chuckled as the woman turned to Eldrana.
"Ellie my sweet. Say hello to your new baby sister." She held the baby up for Eldrana to see. She crowed with delight upon seeing the babe, it bore her father’s features and dark hair, yet they were softened like her mothers. "She is beautiful! Does she have a name Mother?" Eldrana asked, looking to the woman whom nodded. "She is called Daniella, after her great grandmother." The woman smiled before looking to Colme "Brother Sigmund believes I should be adequately recovered in a few days." Colme beamed a smile then turned to the elderly priest "Thank you Brother. Twice have you welcomed my kin into the world and twofold is my gratitude." The old priest bowed his head to Colme as he replied "I do what I must in the name of the light Lord MkTavish, may it guide and protect us all." Colme nodded as the others uttered a soft "May it be so." The old priest looked to the babe and smiled before turning and leaving the room, allowing the young family to acquaint itself with its newest member.
Eldrana blinked and shook herself. “Stop daydreaming Ellie..” She chided herself and made her way into the kitchen. She tossed some logs into the stove and lit the fire. “I might as well prepare dinner while I am at it.” She mused. “A Shepard’s pie, Rag loves those.” She smirked before taking the ingredients she needed from her larder.
A little while later she put the finishing touches to the pie before adding a layer of grated cheese to the top. “There.” She turned to place it into the oven and blinked. The fire was roaring merrily, the door to the stove wide open. She scolded herself and shut it. She heaved a great sigh before opening the oven door and placing the pie within. “ Fire...” She shivered and poured herself some juice. Her eyes were unfocused.
There were shouts, screams and the sound of steel ringing against steel coming from outside. Eldrana was crouched down inside a cupboard, her younger sister Daniella whimpered quietly next to her. “It’s ok. Papa will chase them off..” She comforted Daniella. Her sister cuddled into her. “Where Mama?” She asked. Eldrana grimaced and wiggled her nose. “With Papa..” She nodded, trying to convince herself more than her sister. Daniella nodded. “Scared..” She whimpered. “Me too.” Eldrana replied and hugged her.
A commotion outside their hiding place forced them into silence. “What are you doing?! Get away from there!” A woman cried. “Mama?” Daniella reached for the door.” Eldrana held her back. “Wait..” Daniella struggled as a scuffle ensured outside the cupboard, a sudden chilling scream rent the air, stunning the two girls. The cupboard door was ripped open revealing a horrifying scene.
Their Mother lay bleeding on the ground before them as a man in dark leather armour leered at them. “Gotcha..” He smiled cruelly before reaching for them.
A roar of anger and grief echoed from the door, before the man could turn and defend himself, a large figure careened into him knocking him to the floor and sending his blood stained sword skittering across the floor. “Demon!” He shouted before drawing his knife. He screamed as the creature sank its jaws into his hand. As the knife clattered to the floor, the creature tore out the man’s throat in front of the two horror stricken girls. The creature turned two golden eyes onto them. Eldrana’s eyes widened as she recognised the gaze of the bloodied apparition. She screamed.
The world disintegrated around them in a wave of noise and fire as an explosion tore the walls apart from outside. As the dust and smoke cleared, men were surging into the breach, shouting and brandishing weapons. “Find it! It cannot be allowed to escape!” One pointed at the two girls both lying unconscious in their hiding place. “I found the whoresons spawn-“. His cry was interrupted by a blood curdling scream as one of his comrades fell prey to the beast. “There! Kill it before that bastard lord’s men get here!” Musket fire snapped off sporadically towards the beast. The beast’s agility enabled it to effectively dodge most of the shots, but not all. Two more fell to the claws and fangs of the beast. “Stand your ground!” A man ran forwards and plunged a bayonet into the creature’s hind leg. The beast yelped and tore the offending weapons owner to pieces. His comrades were falling back. “Archer’s men are here! Run you fools!” The thunder of hooves was deafening as the Lord’s men stormed the besieged manor house. In their haste to escape the vengeful Lord’s ire, one of the raiders knocked an oil lamp to the ground.
As the fire took hold of the manor, a soldier burst into the blazing room. He cried out upon seeing the body of the slain woman and the mutilated raiders. Noticing the children he scooped them up wrapped them in his cloak and fled the burning building. Of the beast, there was no trace.
Lord Archer sat atop his horse as he watched the manor of his brother-in-law and sister blaze. His face was emotionless. A soldier bearing the insignia of an officer cleared his throat. “Milord, The field is ours. The rebels are routed.” He reported. Lord Archer turned to stare at him. ”What of my kin?” He enquired. The officer took a step back before replying. “Lord MkTavish is missing.. The ladies Eldrana and Daniella have been rescued and placed in the care of the Father, Lord.” He paused. Lord Archer frowned. “And my Sister?” The officer hesitated. “Well?!” Lord Archer’s eyes flashed with anger. “Murdered.. My lord.. “The officer replied. “ It grieves me to say the fire spread quickly before we could recover her-“ “Silence!” roared Lord Archer. He covered his eyes as hot tears cut furrows down his cheeks. “Find Colme!” He ordered. The officer saluted and left, leaving the grieving Lord.
Gregory watched the manor burn for a while longer. “Farewell Rose..” He whispered before turning and spurring his horse down from the oak tree and into the camp his men were erecting. He made his way to Father Sigmund’s tent. He dismounted and entered.
The elderly priest looked up. “Be quiet. They are sleeping.” Lord Archer frowned at the priest’s abrupt manner but said nothing. He set his gaze on the two forms lying on truckle beds. “They are unharmed?” He enquired. “Well, considering their ordeal, surprisingly so.” The priest replied. Sigmund sighed deeply. “I heard about Rose, you have my heartfelt condolences. Your sister was a wonderful woman.” Lord Archer nodded. “Thank you.” He whispered. “I will pray for her, but what of Lord MkTavish?” The priest continued. “Missing.” Lord Archer scowled. Sigmund furrowed his eyebrows at this. “Gregory?” He asked with concern. “I am fine..” Lord Archer snapped back. “Don’t snarl at me boy!” Sigmund bristled. Lord Archer turned to retaliate before catching the old priest’s stern golden gaze and holding his tongue.
“These two need a guardian.” The priest stated, his eyes locked on Lord Archer. “But what if Colme is not dead?” Lord Archer stammered. “Then he would already be here.” The priest replied bluntly. He gestured to the two girls. “They need a protector. Someone that knows who and what they are.” The priest paused as he let it sink in. “Someone, who will keep them safe from the rabble.” Lord Archer shook his head. “Why not, Boy?” The priest raised an eyebrow. “I am not one of them!” snarled Lord Archer. “How could I control them?! How can I stop them if they decide to slaughter their way through the land” The priest stared at him. “They won’t.” He promised. Lord Archer stared at him, mouth agape. “How can you be so sure?” He demanded. “I was told.” The priest answered. “By who?” Lord Archer’s fury was reaching its limit, “No one you need concern yourself about,” The priest rose from his seat. He confronted Lord Archer. “They are your kin, like it or not. They are yours and when the time comes and it will. I will help them understand.” He promised. Lord Archer gazed into the priests golden eyes. “Fine.” He turned and stormed out of the tent to be greeted by his captains. “Milord? We took prisoners. Your orders?” Lord Archer glared at the group of defeated rebels. “Kill them.” He turned and disappeared into his tent.
Sigmund washed the soot from the sleeping girl’s faces. Eldrana stirred and opened her eyes. She sat bolt upright and screamed. “Get it away from me!” She cried. Sigmund hurried over to her and wrapped his arms around her. “Hush now child.. It is over, you are safe.” He reassured her. Eldrana stared at him in disbelief. “Siggy?” The old priest chuckled. “Yes it’s me.” He laid her back down. “Gently now, you got a few bumps and bruises. Nothing old Siggy can’t fix.” He stroked her hair. “Where are Mama and Papa?” The girl asked. The priest hesitated before replying. “Your Uncle’s men are searching for them.” He lied. She nodded. Sigmund took a bottle and a spoon. “Here. This medicine will help you sleep. He lifted her head and fed her the medicine. Within moments Eldrana was sleeping soundly. Sigmund sighed deeply and tucked her in before flopping into his chair. ”Why must they suffer so..” He pressed his head into his grizzled hands and wept.
To be Continued!
|
|
