Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
[Accompany Ryler] Aaah, this is hard, but I think that this choice would just give us a more interesting storyline for Ilish. Sorry Valarr
[Stop Aldrik] I'd say Aldrik is more important than Keat, and him going after the Second Son and Rodrik alone would be way too dangerous. If Keat wants to run away then that's his choice, as much of a dick move as it is.
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
[Help Valarr] We are going to need some good guardsmen after this raid is over. And Illish probably wouldn't help all too much. Hopefully Arthur will realize that Ryler is there to help, oh and now I am kinda concerned as to who was outside Lyria's door. Either they were someone who might try to help them, or it's actually Wolfius and Kreep. But we gotta save good ol' Valarr, or else we would have no Valor.
[Stop Keat] I'm expecting to find Aldrik at the gate with all the Second Sons. I'm guessing that Rodrik is going to rally his troops, so maybe he'll run into John and Daghan. I don't remember if Lucas is heading there too, but if he is, Richard will be in for a rude awakening. But knowing our luck, he is going to have another trick up his sleeve. If we let Keat get away, we probably won't ever see him again.
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
If it were my choice I wouldn't have stopped either, instead do something else helpful. Aldrik needs revenge, let's let him get it.
I think the length limit forced me not to put that much detail on the choice here, though Maya is pretty badly wounded. That sellsword guy, Morgrem, most likely broke her ankle, so there is not much she can do at the moment. Her own best chance at survival is to keep her group together as much as possible. Therefore, among the few things she can do at the moment is to prevent one of them from leaving.
Ah Irving. The screw-up.
Indeed, he is back, probably a bit sooner than expected. Maya's next part should show a bit more of him and then you can decide if he's still a screw-up (he probably is)
No Knifefang! Why! I'm about to be real mad if the voting killed him. Revenge is good.
I am afraid that Knightfang's death is a direct consequence of Maya and Co. choosing to escort Rodrik to the castle. However, his death would have happened either way at some point, but with the right choices, he could have survived way into Book 2. That said, the other choice in Maya's latest part wouldn't have necessarily led to a more desirable outcome.
Hm. Ryler. Bloodboar. Hm.
Yes indeed. I believe Bloodboar has been mentioned (and even appeared) in TheFurryOne's short story a couple of times. The current lord of the house can also be found in the character list, so he is guaranteed to appear at some point in Book 2.
[Help Valarr]
Oh sweet Valarr I would have sent Arthur to help you, I cannot let you die.
[Stop Keat]
If it were my choice I wouldn… more't have stopped either, instead do something else helpful. Aldrik needs revenge, let's let him get it.
Ah Irving. The screw-up.
No Knifefang! Why! I'm about to be real mad if the voting killed him. Revenge is good.
Hm. Ryler. Bloodboar. Hm.
Hopefully Arthur will realize that Ryler is there to help,
This is very likely. Arthur is really not the guy to attack first and ask questions later and the same certainly goes to Mathea, so any sort of misunderstanding would have to come from Ryler's side, who is similarly a rather intelligent guy. However, both must definitely face some challenges of their own until they will even get there. I think there is a good chance that Arthur will get at least one other part in the remaining December, probably the first after Christmas, so there you'll see more of them
oh and now I am kinda concerned as to who was outside Lyria's door. Either they were someone who might try to help them, or it's actually Wolfius and Kreep.
This is a very interesting, if concerning speculation. Obviously I can't reveal too much about it, but Lyria's next part will be out very soon. Like Maya, I feel the need to give her two parts in rather short succession, so the part after the next one will be dedicated to her. Coincidentally, it is planned to be the last part before Christmas. But yeah, Wolfius is heading to their position, so there might be some pretty huge danger incoming for Lyria, Rosalie and Urid.
I'm expecting to find Aldrik at the gate with all the Second Sons.
Well, he would follow that Morgrem guy, with intentions to kill him. If Morgrem is heading to the gate, which is a possibility, then Aldrik would indeed end up there as well.
I don't remember if Lucas is heading there too, but if he is, Richard will be in for a rude awakening.
Actually, that would be very good for Richard, because Aldrik, John, Daghan and Lucas would clearly be allies to Richard. And I can confirm that Lucas, together with Harris and Darren, will head there for sure and we're definitely going to see them in the very next part.
[Help Valarr] We are going to need some good guardsmen after this raid is over. And Illish probably wouldn't help all too much. Hopefully Ar… morethur will realize that Ryler is there to help, oh and now I am kinda concerned as to who was outside Lyria's door. Either they were someone who might try to help them, or it's actually Wolfius and Kreep. But we gotta save good ol' Valarr, or else we would have no Valor.
[Stop Keat] I'm expecting to find Aldrik at the gate with all the Second Sons. I'm guessing that Rodrik is going to rally his troops, so maybe he'll run into John and Daghan. I don't remember if Lucas is heading there too, but if he is, Richard will be in for a rude awakening. But knowing our luck, he is going to have another trick up his sleeve. If we let Keat get away, we probably won't ever see him again.
This is very likely. Arthur is really not the guy to attack first and ask questions later and the same certainly goes to Mathea, so any sort of misunderstanding would have to come from Ryler's side, who is similarly a rather intelligent guy. However, both must definitely face some challenges of their own until they will even get there. I think there is a good chance that Arthur will get at least one other part in the remaining December, probably the first after Christmas, so there you'll see more of them
That seems like relatively good news, maybe a new friendship??? It would be real interesting if Arthur and Ryler gotta do a buddy cop scenario. Good cop, Bad cop. One who follows the law, one who bends it.
This is a very interesting, if concerning speculation. Obviously I can't reveal too much about it, but Lyria's next part will be out very soon. Like Maya, I feel the need to give her two parts in rather short succession, so the part after the next one will be dedicated to her. Coincidentally, it is planned to be the last part before Christmas. But yeah, Wolfius is heading to their position, so there might be some pretty huge danger incoming for Lyria, Rosalie and Urid.
Here's hoping for it is either Brandon or Ando, or the slavers. It would be pretty ironic if the slavers are there to save some lives. Hah.
Well, he would follow that Morgrem guy, with intentions to kill him. If Morgrem is heading to the gate, which is a possibility, then Aldrik would indeed end up there as well.
I'm not sure where else they would go. Unless they want to go after the wildfire..... OHshoooot they are going for the wildfire. Now Aldrik really needs to go after him. We cannot let the Second Sons get the Wildfire. That would be really bad. Go Aldrik, run after them. GOOOO.
Actually, that would be very good for Richard, because Aldrik, John, Daghan and Lucas would clearly be allies to Richard. And I can confirm that Lucas, together with Harris and Darren, will head there for sure and we're definitely going to see them in the very next part.
Hopefully Arthur will realize that Ryler is there to help,
This is very likely. Arthur is really not the guy to attack first and ask… more questions later and the same certainly goes to Mathea, so any sort of misunderstanding would have to come from Ryler's side, who is similarly a rather intelligent guy. However, both must definitely face some challenges of their own until they will even get there. I think there is a good chance that Arthur will get at least one other part in the remaining December, probably the first after Christmas, so there you'll see more of them
oh and now I am kinda concerned as to who was outside Lyria's door. Either they were someone who might try to help them, or it's actually Wolfius and Kreep.
This is a very interesting, if concerning speculation. Obviously I can't reveal too much about it, but Lyria's next part will be out very soon. Like Maya, I feel the need to give her two parts in rather shor… [view original content]
That seems like relatively good news, maybe a new friendship??? It would be real interesting if Arthur and Ryler gotta do a buddy cop scenario. Good cop, Bad cop. One who follows the law, one who bends it.
Hm, maybe, though not entirely likely. Ryler is not exactly the kind of guy to make friends easily. Though a temporary partnership to achieve mutual goals, that would be possible, as well as perhaps the only kind of team-up Ryler is going to have with a complete stranger.
Here's hoping for it is either Brandon or Ando, or the slavers. It would be pretty ironic if the slavers are there to save some lives. Hah.
Well, at this moment I can confirm that Brandon and Ando at least are trying to get Ellena and Briar to safety. As for Abbas and Bakr, they will appear as well in this chapter and we're even going to get an interesting and important glimpse at Abbas' backstory. However, I can't really say where they are, only that they will appear again relatively soon.
I'm not sure where else they would go. Unless they want to go after the wildfire..... OHshoooot they are going for the wildfire. Now Aldrik really needs to go after him. We cannot let the Second Sons get the Wildfire. That would be really bad. Go Aldrik, run after them. GOOOO.
Ah, the wildfire is at the lighthouse near the southern gate, so if anything, this would be a target for Bear's bandits, if they somehow manage to get past the mighty Jarow. And the wildfire is guarded by the two most dangerous people in the city, Clayton and Alysanne. That said, the former is definitely going to get some problems of his own, with Kersea and Raenna going after him and everything.
Ah shoot, I meant to say Rodrik. Darn me.
Ah, that makes sense. If he is heading to the gate, then yes, all of these people should really cause some trouble for him, but at the same time, there are also Torvin and his Ironborn, so he wouldn't be without allies. However, Rodrik has given a very strong hint at where he is heading next. Take a closer look at his brief talk with Morgrem and you're probably going to see it.
Ohdangohdangohdangdude, Samantha is in for a heck load of trouble. No I really regret not having her reinforce the bottom. Poor ol' tavern folk all gonna die now. Oh no, I wonder who is there, besides the tavern crew. That doesn't bode well at all.
That seems like relatively good news, maybe a new friendship??? It would be real interesting if Arthur and Ryler gotta do a buddy cop scenar… moreio. Good cop, Bad cop. One who follows the law, one who bends it.
Hm, maybe, though not entirely likely. Ryler is not exactly the kind of guy to make friends easily. Though a temporary partnership to achieve mutual goals, that would be possible, as well as perhaps the only kind of team-up Ryler is going to have with a complete stranger.
Here's hoping for it is either Brandon or Ando, or the slavers. It would be pretty ironic if the slavers are there to save some lives. Hah.
Well, at this moment I can confirm that Brandon and Ando at least are trying to get Ellena and Briar to safety. As for Abbas and Bakr, they will appear as well in this chapter and we're even going to get an interesting and important glimpse at Abbas' backstory. However, I can't really say where they are, only that… [view original content]
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
Oh man, nearly forgot to answer to this XD Well, that is certainly a very good guess. Rodrik has unfinished business with Samantha and her group, so they might be one very likely target. In the current chaos, Rodrik could surely repay some debts. When it comes to the tavern, only very few characters are there at the moment. The tavern crew of course, Audrey, Megur and Daisy, as well as a couple of people who have gathered there and are trying to fortify it, as an easily defendable building. Then there are Samantha, Nymeria and Davith, as well as I'lian, Lenrianda and Sasha, who are all three not quite in the condition to fight. The rest of John's group has left, so have Orys and his men. However, the tavern is located very centrally and therefore somewhat protected by the city guard that tries to hold the centre of Raylansfair, even if no guardsman is explicitly inside the tavern.
Ohdangohdangohdangdude, Samantha is in for a heck load of trouble. No I really regret not having her reinforce the bottom. Poor ol' tavern folk all gonna die now. Oh no, I wonder who is there, besides the tavern crew. That doesn't bode well at all.
[Help Valarr] This is Wolfius we're talking about. We aren't gonna stop him anytime soon regardless. He's always gonna find a way to escape.
[Stop Aldrik] Aldrik has begun to grow on me and I don't know if he will be able to kill the man. Besides, Keat is choosing to flee on his own, which is kind of a dick move considering the situation Maya is in. I think Aldrik would be better to help anyway.
Ilish
Raylansfair was dying. Ilish could feel it. The Ironborn weren't conquering the city, not even raiding it. They were burning it dow… moren. Soaring flames were consuming it as they spoke. She was not sure if the fire or the iron would claim more lives today, but the all-consuming stench of burning flesh gave her the impression that it would be the former.
Ryler had been quiet since they separated from Taenora and Philip, though she had the opinion that he was glad for her company. That said, she had no idea how she really could help him. After all, he was the guy with the greatsword and the wolfhound. She was just Ilish, the girl from the North that kept losing her home.
Bad memories flashed through her mind. Her father, beaten to death by the men he had debts with. Her brother, leaving her behind without even a message. She glanced down at the knife in her hands and her eyes narrowed. Audrey had been good to her, took her in when ev… [view original content]
I must say, I am really surprised by the outcome of the first choice. Not that I disapprove, it's just that I was pretty sure from your votes that going with Ryler would have the majority of votes. Only when I counted them again did I notice that things are actually different. This also probably was a wise choice. I can already confirm, this won't be the last we've seen of Ryler in this chapter and well, having a friend at the city guard can only be helpful for Ilish. Meanwhile, Maya's choice was the one I was expecting to win. Aldrik is likely going to be useful for what might come for her, so another wise choice. One thing you might be able to guess is that Aldrik wouldn't have managed to kill that guy who just murdered his wolf. This man, Morgrem, is actually a submitted character and rather well done, so I definitely have more planned for him than just one short scene. So, it is likely that Aldrik will be able to help more at Maya's side than in the pursuit of a single sellsword.
The next part is hopefully going to be out today. My plan is currently to write 4 more parts in this year, meaning a new one every 3 days. And I believe some of these parts will be pretty huge. The next one at least has the chance to be pretty long and it will be a Lucas part. Last time we saw him was a while ago, at the beginning of the attack. Back then, Lucas decided to give Harris another chance at redeeming himself, by choosing him to lead the troops with his experience. The two decided to travel to the eastern gate, which is also where John and co. are located and where Torvin and his men have decided to attack. Before leaving, they were approached by Darren, whom Lucas allowed to join, despite the knight's previous fight with Harris. I hope to finish this part today, though it is likely going to be very long, so there is a slight chance it will be done early tomorrow. That shouldn't really affect my schedule too much, but in the end, I hope to deliver the part in time.
I was also informed that there will be a new set of drawings before that, which I'm really looking forward for
So, as promised, here comes the new set of drawings! Though all the characters in this set are anything but new, they have all been in the story for a long time. Actually, couple of them have already been dead and gone from the story for quite a long time These are all also characters that have been drawn earlier by foxbrg, actually these are the last ones that had only fox's version of them. Oh, and I also made another portrait again, though this time I was a bit selfish and draw my own character, Ser Jaron the Bastard Anyway, here they are:
I love them! I said it to you before, I especially enjoy the comparison between yours and fox's drawings, the differences in style and how you interpret the characters. These characters are obviously among the oldest in the entire story and therefore among the ones I feel the most involved in as well. There is Eaton, the very first character in the story and your version of him looks just how I imagined him to look back when I wrote the prologue. Next, Dairon, who is among the characters I actually regret having killed off so early. I greatly enjoy your drawing of him, that is spot on. Then there is Lyria, who made me all hyped for writing her next part in just a few days. I think she has to be among the most spot on drawings you have made so far. Richard is one where I have to mention a massive improvement over fox's version, as much as I like that one as well. Your drawing of him is just so much in line with his character, especially when it comes to his expression. And finally, there is Wolfius. Oh man, I think he is my favourite in this drawing. This is creepy, but awesome. I like the detail with him and well, one thing I am amazed of is something I actually can't even comment on, because you coincidentally got one detail right about him which I have not yet revealed in the story. Let's just say, this is seriously amazing.
Then there is the portrait, which stands without competition of course. You certainly know best how Jaron should look And I remember you have drawn a portrait of Jaron before, ages ago and wow, the difference is noticeable. These portraits are always a special treat and I'm loving them. As always, thank you very much for all of this!
So, as promised, here comes the new set of drawings! Though all the characters in this set are anything but new, they have all been in the s… moretory for a long time. Actually, couple of them have already been dead and gone from the story for quite a long time These are all also characters that have been drawn earlier by foxbrg, actually these are the last ones that had only fox's version of them. Oh, and I also made another portrait again, though this time I was a bit selfish and draw my own character, Ser Jaron the Bastard Anyway, here they are:
And finally the portrait:
Thanks, and no problem! As always, it was a pleasure to do these Richard and Lyria are probably my least favorite PoVs, but for some reason I really liked drawing them, especially Lyria And Wolfius too of course, it's nice to get to draw a bit over the top expressions now and then. I'm wondering what is this detail I got right though, hmm. Oh, and I didn't remember that Dairon is 19 years old, somehow fox's drawing made him look a bit younger... though I suppose that fits the character. Anyway, I tried to make him look slightly older than in fox's drawing. And Eaton, well, he was in one part so I didn't really have a very strong image of him, but I'm glad he turned out as you had imagined
I love them! I said it to you before, I especially enjoy the comparison between yours and fox's drawings, the differences in style and how y… moreou interpret the characters. These characters are obviously among the oldest in the entire story and therefore among the ones I feel the most involved in as well. There is Eaton, the very first character in the story and your version of him looks just how I imagined him to look back when I wrote the prologue. Next, Dairon, who is among the characters I actually regret having killed off so early. I greatly enjoy your drawing of him, that is spot on. Then there is Lyria, who made me all hyped for writing her next part in just a few days. I think she has to be among the most spot on drawings you have made so far. Richard is one where I have to mention a massive improvement over fox's version, as much as I like that one as well. Your drawing of him is just so much in line with his character, especially when i… [view original content]
So, as promised, here comes the new set of drawings! Though all the characters in this set are anything but new, they have all been in the s… moretory for a long time. Actually, couple of them have already been dead and gone from the story for quite a long time These are all also characters that have been drawn earlier by foxbrg, actually these are the last ones that had only fox's version of them. Oh, and I also made another portrait again, though this time I was a bit selfish and draw my own character, Ser Jaron the Bastard Anyway, here they are:
And finally the portrait:
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second later, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn't disagree. “Hurry up!”, he added unnecessarily.
They continued to ride down the street in a trot, though Harris slowly got faster. He was taking the lead, as Lucas noticed, though there wasn't much he could do against it at the moment. Even he had to admit that Harris was the most capable leader they had at this point. The only thing he had to make sure of was that the former acting lord would be constantly aware of how temporary his leadership would be.
Turning around a corner, Lucas finally saw the Ironborn host. For a second, he had to pause. “Seven...”, he mumbled. “They are too many” And indeed, the Ironborn outnumbered them ten to one at least. They were advancing towards the gate, already engaging in a brutal fight with the outnumbered defenders, who had to split to fight down the sellswords outside and the raiders inside.
Harris shook his head. “There's no such thing as too many opponents”, he said with confidence. “This just means we have to try harder” He moved his horse around so that he was fully able to face his small force. “You are men of Raylansfair! Proud defenders of this city and my brothers in arms!”, he addressed them with his deep voice. His hand moved to his sword, removing it from its sheath in one motion. “Will you ride with me tonight?”
Almost in unison, the guardsmen drew their swords, followed by Lucas and finally Darren. “For Raylansfair!”, they yelled and Harris smirked grimly, as he lowered the visor if his helmet. Lucas followed his example, even though the full helmet severely limited his vision. “Then ride! For history, for Raylansfair!”, Harris continued. His sword pointed towards the Ironborn, as he started to charge. The first to follow was Lucas, the guardsmen and Darren only shortly behind.
Of course the Ironborn noticed them. It was hard not to notice roughly a dozen riders charging at someone, though even then they reacted a bit too late. They weren't used to fight against cavalry and it took them too long to form proper ranks. Lucas noticed one particular man however, who quickly started to shout orders.
“Form ranks!”, he yelled. “Spears at them! Faster!” He was taller than Lucas and more massively built, with a long, thick beard as dark as the king he served. He held a slim, two-handed axe in his hands and pushed his way through his men to get closer to the riders, with a fearlessness that set him apart from his men.
The fighters at the gates took this opportunity to advance, pushing the Ironborn further into the direction of the charging cavalry. Though outnumbered, the arrival of reinforcements had visibly renewed their spirits and they pushed against their fearsome opponents with desperate courage. Lucas narrowed his eye as he pointed his sword at the first Ironborn in front of him. And then, the horses crashed into the Ironborn.
For a second, the air was filled with the screams of men and animals, as the horses hit the Ironborn at full speed. Nothing was able to stand in their way, especially when it came to Harris' strong-backed chestnut destrier, weighing nearly a ton and waltzing through the unfortunate raiders without effort. Lucas himself didn't even hit the man he was aiming for. His horse did the work for him, crashing against the raider with terrifying strength, sending him flying against his companions and pulling them to the ground with him, where they were trapped under the approaching hooves. Lucas' sword found its way into the throat of the next raider, ripping it out with great force.
The Ironborn reacted as any army without significant discipline would do. They wavered and scattered. Many retreated into the side streets and small alleyways around the gate, where a cavalry charge would be suicide, while others tried to break through, to retreat down the street they came from. Thanks to the riders' slow number, this was an efficient tactic. Only few remained standing, among them their black-bearded leader.
The raider captain was doing more than that. He was among the few who were actively charging at the cavalry. “Stand your ground!”, he yelled. “They are few, we can take them!” Yet Lucas knew, in this moment the dozen riders didn't seem like only a few for the men who had to stop them. Unfortunately, he also knew that every death hurt them more than it hurt their enemies.
And there was death, on both sides. The cavalry reaped a harvest of blood, yet they were neither invincible nor unstoppable. A thrown spear hit the guardsman to Lucas' right, piercing the weak armour on his chest and sending him flying off his horse. Another man charged into five raiders at once and their combined might was enough to drag horse and rider down with them. On their left flank, a guardsman sank from the saddle, when one of the raiders not only parried his sword, but severed his entire arm in the process.
Lucas sighed, as he locked gaze with the Ironborn captain, who was glaring at him with anger. “Go!”, he shouted at his horse, as he pointed his sword at the man. With determination, he started to charge at the raider, who was similarly charging at him. Having been slowed down by the first two rows of Ironborn, his horse wasn't nearly as fast as it could have been, but he knew he still had the advantage...
The captain was no fool though. Instead of trying to parry Lucas' strike, he stepped to the side and into Lucas' blind spot. The short moment he needed to move his head to spot his opponent again was all the man needed to land his own hit. His axe was aiming low, hitting the horse's leg, cutting through flesh and bone and severing the entire limb with what was a mixture of his own strength and the horse's speed.
The agonizing neighing of his mortally wounded horse filled the air, as it gave in underneath the weight of its rider, sending Lucas flying face first onto the ground. The impact was only marginally lessened by the armour and Lucas lost his helmet in the process. He moved his hands to protect his face, though the pain that flashed through both, his mutilated hand and the barely healed wounds on his face was intense and it came with such a sudden force that it instantly pressed the air out of his lungs. His vision started to blur and warm blood ran down his forehead.
With what little strength remained, Lucas not only managed to stay awake, but also to roll onto his back, to spot his opponent and to be able to breathe more easily underneath his armour. Gasping for air, he saw the raider captain approaching him. Another guardsman tried to ride him down from behind, though he heard him coming. With a speed that was surprising for such a massive man, he jumped to the side. His axe hit the horse only barely, but it was enough to severely damage its spine. It staggered, still at a considerable speed, before going down, narrowly missing Lucas as it came to a stop, crushing its rider in the process.
With a furious glare, the captain now continue to approach him. His men were in a disarray, split up into several smaller groups or outright fleeing and it was clear that he had to regroup if he wanted to have any chance to take the gates. The small cavalry of Raylansfair hadn't brought victory, but death and a fighting chance for the living. Judging by the anger on his face, the captain knew this. He started to charge at Lucas, who found himself unable to stand up on his own, with the weight of the armour and his own injuries dragging him down. It was then that Harris' destrier hit him.
The horse had been slowed down as well, though it still sent the captain flying for a good four feet, until he crashed onto the ground, heavily. Instantly, two Ironborn with spears confronted Harris. His horse had come to a stop, which quickly proved to be a problem. One of the spears found one of the obvious weak spots in the destriers rudimentary armour, piercing through the lower neck and into its upper body, while the other raider impaled it from the side just the same moment.
Even in death, the animal served its rider well. Instead of falling to the side and crushing Harris underneath it, its legs cave in, causing it to gently sink to the ground, which gave Harris enough time to prepare. Despite his heavy armour, he managed to slide out of the saddle and to engage both raiders while standing.
With his metal shield, he parried the first spear, while using his sword to attack the other raider. The man parried the strike, but Harris did not back down. He instantly attacked again, while simultaneously parrying the other raider with his shield. His next attack sliced through his opponent's throat. The backhand of the very same attack slashed across the belly of the other raider, with enough force to gut him. Both sank to the ground, leaving Harris as the only survivor.
With a pained grunt, the Ironborn captain rose. It surprised Lucas that the man was still relatively unharmed, though it was at least clear that every breath hurt terribly. With a bit of luck, the captain had damaged his lungs and would not survive this night. Knowing his luck though...
Somehow, the Ironborn managed to muster the strength to raise his axe, as Harris charged at him. The heavily armed knight wasn't quite a war horse, but nonetheless a force to be reckoned with, yet still, the raider parried the first strike. Despite his wounds, he was faster than the old knight, especially due to his lack of armour. The hilt of his axe moved forwards, heavily smashing against Harris' face and knocking the helmet away.
Without missing a beat, Harris attacked again, with more strength than before. Again, the captain parried, but his wounds finally took their toll. His eyes widened and with a gasp, he sank onto one knee, still holding against the attack. Showing no mercy, Harris used his knee to kick his opponent in the centre of the chest. A yell of pain came out of the captain's throat, as he staggered and sank against the small house behind him.
Before Harris was able to finish him off, a new opponent forced his attention. A young raider, probably younger than Lucas, armed with a one-handed axe, charged at Harris. He was no match for the experienced knight of course, but he provided enough distraction for two other Ironborn to rush to their captain. “Captain Breaker!”, Lucas heard one of them say. “We need to regroup, come on!”
With a look of regret on his face, the captain gave them a nod. He grunted, as the two men carried him away, just leaving Harris' reach when the former castellan landed a deadly hit on his opponent. The Ironborn were retreating, at least for the moment. They had suffered heavy casualties, though the city guard did not survive without losses either. All of the horses safe for two were dead, the same applied to almost all of the riders. Darren was the only one still in the saddle. Out of the few dozen who still held the gate, a few attempted to charge after the fleeing Ironborn, though Harris raised a hand.
“No!”, he barked loudly. “They will return. Until then, you need to prepare. I need a barricade down this street. Archers in the houses. They won't take this gate, they won't take this city!” He moved towards Lucas, as one of the guardsmen approached him hastily. “Lord Harris!”, he addressed him, much to Lucas' dismay. “Lord Harris, Ser Leonard has sent a message for you earlier!”
Harris gave him a nod. “I'm listening”, he said and the man moved closer. “The wildfire”, he said and Harris' eyes widened, just as Lucas understood what he meant, with growing horror. “The lighthouse is under control of a dangerous enemy. Two allies have went to reclaim it, but Ser Leonard believes they need help”
The knight sighed, as he visibly forced himself to calm down. “The wildfire...”, he mumbled and suddenly, a smirk formed on his face. “Yes... yes, this could work!” He looked up, as he patted the man on the shoulder. “This will work!”, he stated, as he pointed towards the gate. “Good man! Now go and help the others”
The guard raised an eyebrow. “But... Ser Leonard said the people at the lighthouse need...”, he started, though Harris cut him off. “I'll take care of everything”, he promised, just as he approached a still downed Lucas. “Come on, boy, get up” He reached down and with a sigh of pain, Lucas grabbed his hand, allowing himself to be pulled up by the man. Pain flashed through his ribs, though he was positively surprised that his legs weren't damaged at all. Still, he felt dizzy and overall terrible.
“Harris!”, one of the guardsmen started to shout, in a cheerful voice. “Lord Harris!” Quickly others chimed in. “Lord Harris!”, they shouted. “The hero of Raylansfair!” A surprised smile formed on Harris' face, as he put an arm around Lucas' shoulder, to support him while they were walking. “Come on, boy”, he said, pointing at the open door of a small house close to them. “In there. You need to sit down”
Under the cheer of the guardsmen, Harris led Lucas to the house, with highborn dignity and the calmness of a true knight. But Lucas was having none of it. This man was a murderer, he killed Ser Ilhan in cold blood! This was unforgettable, this was unforgivable.
The room they entered was small and abandoned, though there was still a set of chairs around a table, which Harris led Lucas to. “I never thought I'd get a taste of this again”, he said, as Lucas sat down with relief. “Their love, I mean. Their support. It reminds me why I'm fighting”
Lucas gave him a cold glare. “Cherish it while you still can”, he said. “This will be the last time they do this. Once this is over, they'll learn the truth about you” Instantly, Harris' smile was gone. “And what kind of a truth are they going to learn?”, he asked. “Your version?”
He glanced towards the door, starting to walk towards it, just as Lucas narrowed his eyes. “Certainly not yours”, he said. “The only truth that matters. You murdered Ser Ilhan. You knowingly went against Lord Robert's last wish. You tried to seize control over this city!”
Harris shook his head. “There's no evidence for the latter two”, he said coldly, as he closed the door. “As for the former... a case of self defence, don't you agree?” As he turned around, his stare was as cold as ice. Lucas noticed that his breath started to go faster. “What do you mean?”, he hissed.
“I mean that the truth is always written by the winners”, Harris said, as he approached Lucas once more. “And this... experience right here, it showed me once again why I must be the winner tonight. Why I must triumph!” His voice was shivering and Lucas had to gulp, worried by the sudden shift in mood and temper of the former acting lord.
“There's nothing you must”, Lucas growled. “Aside from paying for your actions” Harris shook his head. “An hour ago, I might have been more willing to agree with you, boy...”, he started to say, though Lucas cut him off. Jumping up despite his wounds, he snapped at the other knight. “I am NOT your boy!”, he yelled.
Unmoved, Harris merely raised an eyebrow. “Boy”, he said defiantly. “An hour ago, I might have agreed with you. But out there, you showed me why I can't allow this to happen. This city needs me” He pointed at the door. “Out there, I was the one to lead the charge! You showed me that you could not do it! That you had no guts to lead, boy!”, he yelled, his voice getting louder. “It won't be any different when I'm gone. You told me about this Mullendore. You think you can stop him? You think your stag princess can stop him?” He shook his head. “No. NO! You'd just come and beg me for help again! Seems Mullendore took your spine as well!”, he barked. “If there would be another way, I'd take it, but there is none! You proved me right on this, so did they, so did this day! I am the only leader that can save this city”
Lucas' eyes widened, as he realized that Harris was about to do something terrible. This rage... perhaps Ilhan had seen the same in his final moments. “What are you going to do now?”, he asked, as calm as he could, though still trembling with anger and pain. Harris towered above him. “I will reclaim the wildfire and I will use it against the Ironborn”, he explained. “I will be the saviour of the city, its hero. The citizens will unite behind me against all foes, just as it always should have been” Lucas clenched his good fist. “And if I won't allow this?”, he asked.
For a second, Harris seemed to think. “I do not wish to hurt you”, he said and he sounded sincere. “But I will not allow you to oppose me. Once this is over, I will give you a choice, and Leonard and Darren. Leave this city in peace and never return, or I will be forced to hang you as traitors” Lucas narrowed his eye. Then, without warning, he reached for his sword. Harris was faster, a lot faster. The hilt of his sword smashed into Lucas' face, right against the wound where his eye used to be. Screaming in sudden pain, Lucas sank back onto the chair, then onto the ground. “This was your only warning”, Harris said. “You know your options. Leave this city in peace, I implore you”
They were cut off by the sound of the door being opened. “Is everything alright?”, Darren asked. “I heard screa...” He stopped and his eyes widened as he spotted Lucas on the ground. Instantly, his hand moved to his sword. “Oh, you fucking bast...”, he started to say, though once again, Harris was faster. He had already drawn his sword and completely in cold blood, he put it through Darren's side. “I'm sorry, Darren”, he said, with a voice that was filled with genuine grief.
Gasping, the heavily wounded knight fell to the ground. Lucas only saw this through a veil of tears and pain. “You're insane”, he spat. “Leonard is never going to back down from this!” Harris sighed, as he glanced at both knights. “At this point, what's one more dead body?”, he asked quietly. “He will get the same choice you and Darren will get. Speaking of, Tallwood needs medical assistance. I haven't hurt any inner organs, but without a healer, he will bleed out. Bring him to the castle, boy, and don't follow me” He walked to the door, though he stopped once more, glancing over his shoulder coldly. “In this tale, there's only room for one hero”, he said, before he stepped through the door.
Outside, Lucas heard him barking orders, demanding one of the horses. His own damaged bones protested, as did the numbing pain in his head, but he slowly forced himself back onto his knees and then onto his feet. Outside, he could hear Harris galloping away, towards the lighthouse. There has been a second horse, he remembered. He could follow him, maybe even stop him. Then, his glance fell upon the grievously wounded Darren Tallwood. The knight needed help, he needed a healer, or else he would be another victim of this night. Another victim of Harris Flowers...
Leonard can hold his own. He's probably not going to be even at the lighthouse. Darren can be helpful at the castle, although he won't have Mathea there currently. What's the worst Harris can do?
Well somebody isn't all chill now is he? Welcome back to the not chill list Harris.
But hey, who is the goddamn hero of the story? The good guy always beats the bad guys, the bandits.
Grr we shouldn't have told Leonard about the wildfire damnit.
Lucas has been in the story for like two years now, real interesting that this is where he ends up by then.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
[Get Darren to safety] We gotta protect our own. Dang Harris has gone mad with glory. I still don't know if this is as bad as letting the Ironborn raid unchecked, but hopefully Harris can earn his redemption without killing off the knights in Raylainsfair.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
[Get Darren to safety] Damn you, Harris. You were so close to earning my respect again.... But now I have only disgust towards you. Anyway, going after him I think would be pretty useless, Lucas can't stop him now. And Darren is an ally we are going to need, so better make sure he stays alive.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
Leonard can hold his own. He's probably not going to be even at the lighthouse.
Yes, I can confirm that Leonard is not at the lighthouse. That's a job for Kersea and Raenna, while he focusses on holding the gate, together with a few guardsmen and a group of Stormlanders, among them Garen, up until Argella and the rest of her men come as reinforcements. So, at least immediately, Harris doesn't pose a threat to Leonard. The danger would come if he actually succeeds, because he has every intention of going through with what he said to Lucas.
What's the worst Harris can do?
Well, the worst case scenario here would be a complete victory for him. He would take control of the wildfire, potentially killing every assassin in the process (though I doubt this would be that much of a problem for you), then using the wildfire to defeat the Ironborn. Afterwards, he is going to use his newfound status as a hero to gain the smallfolk's unwavering love and loyalty, to the point where they are more willing to believe his side of the story (which paints him as entirely innocent of the whole affair). Then, he will give Lucas, Darren and Leonard the choice to either leave the city or to die and if they choose the latter, he will execute them for made-up reasons. His final goal would be to become a legitimized bastard, able to found his own house, so that he could lawfully rule over Raylansfair for the rest of his days.
Well somebody isn't all chill now is he? Welcome back to the not chill list Harris.
Indeed, this is far from chill. This is exactly the man that murdered Ser Ilhan. Harris can be affable and generous and his intentions are good, but the moment things don't go his way, he reacts like this, justifying it with the greater good. Chill is the last word I'd use to describe Harris.
But hey, who is the goddamn hero of the story? The good guy always beats the bad guys, the bandits.
So the hero beats the bandits, you say? I guess this means Jarow is confirmed to be the prince that was promised now.
Grr we shouldn't have told Leonard about the wildfire damnit.
I can confirm that this unfortunately wouldn't have changed much. It would have meant that Harris wouldn't have had this idea immediately, but eventually, he and Lucas would have gotten into an argument, which ultimately would have led to him getting this idea from something Lucas would have said. However, in that case he wouldn't have known about the potential danger inside of the lighthouse, making things more risky for him.
Lucas has been in the story for like two years now, real interesting that this is where he ends up by then.
Almost two years, indeed. Lucas first appears in the first part of Chapter 1, which was written on the 28th. And I'd say he certainly has been through the most out of all the PoV's. Let's see where he ends up from here
[Get Darren to safety]
Leonard can hold his own. He's probably not going to be even at the lighthouse. Darren can be helpful at the castl… moree, although he won't have Mathea there currently. What's the worst Harris can do?
Well somebody isn't all chill now is he? Welcome back to the not chill list Harris.
But hey, who is the goddamn hero of the story? The good guy always beats the bad guys, the bandits.
Grr we shouldn't have told Leonard about the wildfire damnit.
Lucas has been in the story for like two years now, real interesting that this is where he ends up by then.
Aye, he has without a doubt. That's the problem with giving a megalomaniac a taste of the recognitiong he craves for. After this part, Harris is genuinely convinced that he is the only person capable of saving the city and he won't allow any obstacle in his way.
I still don't know if this is as bad as letting the Ironborn raid unchecked,
Probably not, no. In the end, Harris is just one man and his goals are largely well-intentioned and certainly beneficial for the majority of Raylansfair. The Ironborn meanwhile only wish to pillage the entire city, so leaving them unchecked is by far the worse thing.
but hopefully Harris can earn his redemption without killing off the knights in Raylainsfair.
Well, that kind of depends on how much the knights are willing to cooperate. As he said to Lucas, he plans on giving them a choice.
[Get Darren to safety] We gotta protect our own. Dang Harris has gone mad with glory. I still don't know if this is as bad as letting the Ir… moreonborn raid unchecked, but hopefully Harris can earn his redemption without killing off the knights in Raylainsfair.
Damn you, Harris. You were so close to earning my respect again.... But now I have only disgust towards you.
Ah, this was very much the intended reaction. Well, not particularly the disgust part, but I wanted to paint him a darker shade of grey again here, by reminding everyone just how far this man is willing to go to achieve his goals.
[Get Darren to safety] Damn you, Harris. You were so close to earning my respect again.... But now I have only disgust towards you. Anyway, … moregoing after him I think would be pretty useless, Lucas can't stop him now. And Darren is an ally we are going to need, so better make sure he stays alive.
Well, as I said to InGen, Leonard is not really in any additional danger from this choice, at least not immediately. He is at the gate, the wildfire is at the lighthouse, so the ones in danger of being attacked by Harris are the assassins, who are surely capable of putting up a good fight at least. And someone who knows the city as well as Harris does, it can be expected that he will find a way out of the city that won't involve having to face Leonard.
Lets hope Lucas will meet Mathea and Arthur on the way to the castle, so she can help him.
An interesting idea! Mathea would surely be able to help Darren somehow, if she'd encounter him. I am currently about 80% sure that the part after the next one will include a PoV from Arthur, so we'll soon see where they have ended up at by now.
[Get Darren to safety]
We need to help wounded companion, since we witnessed the stabbing. Leonard hopefully can manage there.
Lets hope Lucas will meet Mathea and Arthur on the way to the castle, so she can help him.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
[Get Darren to safety] This is the more urgent scenario. We can get Harris later, goddammit. Besides, I don't think we'll be able to get Harris by ourselves just yet.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second l… moreater, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn… [view original content]
Well, I don't think all of you had a chance to vote yet, but I think the outcome is clear already, with a pretty vast majority in favour of the winning option. I did expect this outcome as well and let's just say, you obviously saved Darren's life here. That said, going after Harris would have changed more than just Darren's status, as you're going to see in the alternative choices at the end of the chapter. This would have also changed additional stuff in Chapter 9 on top of that. All in all, I'd say you picked a good choice here, though your mileage may vary once you hear about the alternative choices.
The next part is hopefully going to be out today. I have a bit of writing still ahead, but I made good progress and hope to finish it before heading to bed tonight. It will also be the last part befor Christmas. Obviously, I won't release any parts on the next three days, though I plan to finish a part on the 27th. This next part will be from Lyria's PoV, which means it'll be a wonderful and light-hearted Christmas-themed FoT part. At least maybe it will be all of these things. Or maybe not. Yeah, probably not. Actually, I bet it will be anything but light-hearted and Christmas themed. The last time we have seen Lyria, she, Rosalie and Urid were at Mathea's house, uncertain about what to do, especially since Urid and Rosalie wouldn't be able to leave on their own without help. However, suddenly they heard a knock on the door and someone behind it promised to help them if they would open the door. Against Rosalie's urging, Lyria decided to open the door, since she, like many of you, have come to the conclusion that this sort of behaviour would be strange for Ironborn raiders. We'll see the truth in the next part. Prepare for, well, one of these parts I have planned for a very long time in advance.
Hm, I'd say it kind of depends on the volume if this is a good thing or not. I mean, some are less dark and bloody than others after all. You made me really curious here, which volume are you referring to in particular?
I also just had a look through the covers of the volumes to find out which one you might mean and to my surprise I noticed that one of them has coincidentally the same title as the upcoming first act of Book 2.
Comments
[Accompany Ryler]
[Stop Keat]
[Help Valarr]
[Stop Aldrik]
[Accompany Ryler] Aaah, this is hard, but I think that this choice would just give us a more interesting storyline for Ilish. Sorry Valarr
[Stop Aldrik] I'd say Aldrik is more important than Keat, and him going after the Second Son and Rodrik alone would be way too dangerous. If Keat wants to run away then that's his choice, as much of a dick move as it is.
[Accompany Ryler]
[Stop Aldrik]
Ah, that's alright. These are probably not the easiest decisions, so I can understand you. Glad you enjoyed the part though!
[Accompany Ryler]
[Stop Aldrik]
[Help Valarr]
Oh sweet Valarr I would have sent Arthur to help you, I cannot let you die.
[Stop Keat]
If it were my choice I wouldn't have stopped either, instead do something else helpful. Aldrik needs revenge, let's let him get it.
Ah Irving. The screw-up.
No Knifefang! Why! I'm about to be real mad if the voting killed him. Revenge is good.
Hm. Ryler. Bloodboar. Hm.
[Help Valarr] We are going to need some good guardsmen after this raid is over. And Illish probably wouldn't help all too much. Hopefully Arthur will realize that Ryler is there to help, oh and now I am kinda concerned as to who was outside Lyria's door. Either they were someone who might try to help them, or it's actually Wolfius and Kreep. But we gotta save good ol' Valarr, or else we would have no Valor.
[Stop Keat] I'm expecting to find Aldrik at the gate with all the Second Sons. I'm guessing that Rodrik is going to rally his troops, so maybe he'll run into John and Daghan. I don't remember if Lucas is heading there too, but if he is, Richard will be in for a rude awakening. But knowing our luck, he is going to have another trick up his sleeve. If we let Keat get away, we probably won't ever see him again.
I think the length limit forced me not to put that much detail on the choice here, though Maya is pretty badly wounded. That sellsword guy, Morgrem, most likely broke her ankle, so there is not much she can do at the moment. Her own best chance at survival is to keep her group together as much as possible. Therefore, among the few things she can do at the moment is to prevent one of them from leaving.
Indeed, he is back, probably a bit sooner than expected. Maya's next part should show a bit more of him and then you can decide if he's still a screw-up (he probably is)
I am afraid that Knightfang's death is a direct consequence of Maya and Co. choosing to escort Rodrik to the castle. However, his death would have happened either way at some point, but with the right choices, he could have survived way into Book 2. That said, the other choice in Maya's latest part wouldn't have necessarily led to a more desirable outcome.
Yes indeed. I believe Bloodboar has been mentioned (and even appeared) in TheFurryOne's short story a couple of times. The current lord of the house can also be found in the character list, so he is guaranteed to appear at some point in Book 2.
This is very likely. Arthur is really not the guy to attack first and ask questions later and the same certainly goes to Mathea, so any sort of misunderstanding would have to come from Ryler's side, who is similarly a rather intelligent guy. However, both must definitely face some challenges of their own until they will even get there. I think there is a good chance that Arthur will get at least one other part in the remaining December, probably the first after Christmas, so there you'll see more of them
This is a very interesting, if concerning speculation. Obviously I can't reveal too much about it, but Lyria's next part will be out very soon. Like Maya, I feel the need to give her two parts in rather short succession, so the part after the next one will be dedicated to her. Coincidentally, it is planned to be the last part before Christmas. But yeah, Wolfius is heading to their position, so there might be some pretty huge danger incoming for Lyria, Rosalie and Urid.
Well, he would follow that Morgrem guy, with intentions to kill him. If Morgrem is heading to the gate, which is a possibility, then Aldrik would indeed end up there as well.
Actually, that would be very good for Richard, because Aldrik, John, Daghan and Lucas would clearly be allies to Richard. And I can confirm that Lucas, together with Harris and Darren, will head there for sure and we're definitely going to see them in the very next part.
That seems like relatively good news, maybe a new friendship??? It would be real interesting if Arthur and Ryler gotta do a buddy cop scenario. Good cop, Bad cop. One who follows the law, one who bends it.
Here's hoping for it is either Brandon or Ando, or the slavers. It would be pretty ironic if the slavers are there to save some lives. Hah.
I'm not sure where else they would go. Unless they want to go after the wildfire..... OHshoooot they are going for the wildfire. Now Aldrik really needs to go after him. We cannot let the Second Sons get the Wildfire. That would be really bad. Go Aldrik, run after them. GOOOO.
Ah shoot, I meant to say Rodrik. Darn me.
Hm, maybe, though not entirely likely. Ryler is not exactly the kind of guy to make friends easily. Though a temporary partnership to achieve mutual goals, that would be possible, as well as perhaps the only kind of team-up Ryler is going to have with a complete stranger.
Well, at this moment I can confirm that Brandon and Ando at least are trying to get Ellena and Briar to safety. As for Abbas and Bakr, they will appear as well in this chapter and we're even going to get an interesting and important glimpse at Abbas' backstory. However, I can't really say where they are, only that they will appear again relatively soon.
Ah, the wildfire is at the lighthouse near the southern gate, so if anything, this would be a target for Bear's bandits, if they somehow manage to get past the mighty Jarow. And the wildfire is guarded by the two most dangerous people in the city, Clayton and Alysanne. That said, the former is definitely going to get some problems of his own, with Kersea and Raenna going after him and everything.
Ah, that makes sense. If he is heading to the gate, then yes, all of these people should really cause some trouble for him, but at the same time, there are also Torvin and his Ironborn, so he wouldn't be without allies. However, Rodrik has given a very strong hint at where he is heading next. Take a closer look at his brief talk with Morgrem and you're probably going to see it.
Ohdangohdangohdangdude, Samantha is in for a heck load of trouble. No I really regret not having her reinforce the bottom. Poor ol' tavern folk all gonna die now. Oh no, I wonder who is there, besides the tavern crew. That doesn't bode well at all.
[Accompany Ryler]
[Stop Keat]
Irving, you came back!
[Help Valarr] Can't just let a man die to chase Wolfius.
[Stop Aldrik] He'll get himself killed otherwise and I can't blame Keat for wanting to leave, I imagine this is more danger than he's used to.
My baby Irving is back, yay!
[Help Valarr]
[Stop Aldrik]
Oh man, nearly forgot to answer to this XD Well, that is certainly a very good guess. Rodrik has unfinished business with Samantha and her group, so they might be one very likely target. In the current chaos, Rodrik could surely repay some debts. When it comes to the tavern, only very few characters are there at the moment. The tavern crew of course, Audrey, Megur and Daisy, as well as a couple of people who have gathered there and are trying to fortify it, as an easily defendable building. Then there are Samantha, Nymeria and Davith, as well as I'lian, Lenrianda and Sasha, who are all three not quite in the condition to fight. The rest of John's group has left, so have Orys and his men. However, the tavern is located very centrally and therefore somewhat protected by the city guard that tries to hold the centre of Raylansfair, even if no guardsman is explicitly inside the tavern.
[Help Valarr] This is Wolfius we're talking about. We aren't gonna stop him anytime soon regardless. He's always gonna find a way to escape.
[Stop Aldrik] Aldrik has begun to grow on me and I don't know if he will be able to kill the man. Besides, Keat is choosing to flee on his own, which is kind of a dick move considering the situation Maya is in. I think Aldrik would be better to help anyway.
The Voting is closed!
Ilish is going to help Valarr
Maya is going to stop Aldrik
I must say, I am really surprised by the outcome of the first choice. Not that I disapprove, it's just that I was pretty sure from your votes that going with Ryler would have the majority of votes. Only when I counted them again did I notice that things are actually different. This also probably was a wise choice. I can already confirm, this won't be the last we've seen of Ryler in this chapter and well, having a friend at the city guard can only be helpful for Ilish. Meanwhile, Maya's choice was the one I was expecting to win. Aldrik is likely going to be useful for what might come for her, so another wise choice. One thing you might be able to guess is that Aldrik wouldn't have managed to kill that guy who just murdered his wolf. This man, Morgrem, is actually a submitted character and rather well done, so I definitely have more planned for him than just one short scene. So, it is likely that Aldrik will be able to help more at Maya's side than in the pursuit of a single sellsword.
The next part is hopefully going to be out today. My plan is currently to write 4 more parts in this year, meaning a new one every 3 days. And I believe some of these parts will be pretty huge. The next one at least has the chance to be pretty long and it will be a Lucas part. Last time we saw him was a while ago, at the beginning of the attack. Back then, Lucas decided to give Harris another chance at redeeming himself, by choosing him to lead the troops with his experience. The two decided to travel to the eastern gate, which is also where John and co. are located and where Torvin and his men have decided to attack. Before leaving, they were approached by Darren, whom Lucas allowed to join, despite the knight's previous fight with Harris. I hope to finish this part today, though it is likely going to be very long, so there is a slight chance it will be done early tomorrow. That shouldn't really affect my schedule too much, but in the end, I hope to deliver the part in time.
I was also informed that there will be a new set of drawings before that, which I'm really looking forward for
So, as promised, here comes the new set of drawings! Though all the characters in this set are anything but new, they have all been in the story for a long time. Actually, couple of them have already been dead and gone from the story for quite a long time
These are all also characters that have been drawn earlier by foxbrg, actually these are the last ones that had only fox's version of them. Oh, and I also made another portrait again, though this time I was a bit selfish and draw my own character, Ser Jaron the Bastard 
Anyway, here they are:
And finally the portrait:
I love them! I said it to you before, I especially enjoy the comparison between yours and fox's drawings, the differences in style and how you interpret the characters. These characters are obviously among the oldest in the entire story and therefore among the ones I feel the most involved in as well. There is Eaton, the very first character in the story and your version of him looks just how I imagined him to look back when I wrote the prologue. Next, Dairon, who is among the characters I actually regret having killed off so early. I greatly enjoy your drawing of him, that is spot on. Then there is Lyria, who made me all hyped for writing her next part in just a few days. I think she has to be among the most spot on drawings you have made so far. Richard is one where I have to mention a massive improvement over fox's version, as much as I like that one as well. Your drawing of him is just so much in line with his character, especially when it comes to his expression. And finally, there is Wolfius. Oh man, I think he is my favourite in this drawing. This is creepy, but awesome. I like the detail with him and well, one thing I am amazed of is something I actually can't even comment on, because you coincidentally got one detail right about him which I have not yet revealed in the story. Let's just say, this is seriously amazing.
Then there is the portrait, which stands without competition of course. You certainly know best how Jaron should look
And I remember you have drawn a portrait of Jaron before, ages ago and wow, the difference is noticeable. These portraits are always a special treat and I'm loving them. As always, thank you very much for all of this!
Thanks, and no problem! As always, it was a pleasure to do these
Richard and Lyria are probably my least favorite PoVs, but for some reason I really liked drawing them, especially Lyria 
And Wolfius too of course, it's nice to get to draw a bit over the top expressions now and then. I'm wondering what is this detail I got right though, hmm. Oh, and I didn't remember that Dairon is 19 years old, somehow fox's drawing made him look a bit younger... though I suppose that fits the character. Anyway, I tried to make him look slightly older than in fox's drawing. And Eaton, well, he was in one part so I didn't really have a very strong image of him, but I'm glad he turned out as you had imagined 
I really like Wolfius' one! It's so good and actually gives me a really good idea of what he looks like.
Lucas
Darren slightly moved his hand, to touch Lucas' left upper arm, signalling him to stop. Harris didn't need a warning and a second later, all three horses were standing still. Lucas gave Darren a curious look, just as he heard it. The sound of steel clashing against steel, of men screaming with fear, pain or rage, all of these sounds were closer than before.
Harris sighed. “It seems we arrive just in time”, he mumbled and Darren looked at him. “Or a little too late”, he replied. Lucas glanced over his shoulder, at the city guard cavalry that was accompanying them. About half a dozen men on horseback, nothing special, not even particularly well-armed, but better than nothing. They had caught up with them just a few blocks ago.
“We'll see about that in a moment”, Harris remarked, before he looked at the riders. “Faster now!” His order came natural and though Lucas wanted to make sure that he was not the one leading them, he couldn't disagree. “Hurry up!”, he added unnecessarily.
They continued to ride down the street in a trot, though Harris slowly got faster. He was taking the lead, as Lucas noticed, though there wasn't much he could do against it at the moment. Even he had to admit that Harris was the most capable leader they had at this point. The only thing he had to make sure of was that the former acting lord would be constantly aware of how temporary his leadership would be.
Turning around a corner, Lucas finally saw the Ironborn host. For a second, he had to pause. “Seven...”, he mumbled. “They are too many” And indeed, the Ironborn outnumbered them ten to one at least. They were advancing towards the gate, already engaging in a brutal fight with the outnumbered defenders, who had to split to fight down the sellswords outside and the raiders inside.
Harris shook his head. “There's no such thing as too many opponents”, he said with confidence. “This just means we have to try harder” He moved his horse around so that he was fully able to face his small force. “You are men of Raylansfair! Proud defenders of this city and my brothers in arms!”, he addressed them with his deep voice. His hand moved to his sword, removing it from its sheath in one motion. “Will you ride with me tonight?”
Almost in unison, the guardsmen drew their swords, followed by Lucas and finally Darren. “For Raylansfair!”, they yelled and Harris smirked grimly, as he lowered the visor if his helmet. Lucas followed his example, even though the full helmet severely limited his vision. “Then ride! For history, for Raylansfair!”, Harris continued. His sword pointed towards the Ironborn, as he started to charge. The first to follow was Lucas, the guardsmen and Darren only shortly behind.
Of course the Ironborn noticed them. It was hard not to notice roughly a dozen riders charging at someone, though even then they reacted a bit too late. They weren't used to fight against cavalry and it took them too long to form proper ranks. Lucas noticed one particular man however, who quickly started to shout orders.
“Form ranks!”, he yelled. “Spears at them! Faster!” He was taller than Lucas and more massively built, with a long, thick beard as dark as the king he served. He held a slim, two-handed axe in his hands and pushed his way through his men to get closer to the riders, with a fearlessness that set him apart from his men.
The fighters at the gates took this opportunity to advance, pushing the Ironborn further into the direction of the charging cavalry. Though outnumbered, the arrival of reinforcements had visibly renewed their spirits and they pushed against their fearsome opponents with desperate courage. Lucas narrowed his eye as he pointed his sword at the first Ironborn in front of him. And then, the horses crashed into the Ironborn.
For a second, the air was filled with the screams of men and animals, as the horses hit the Ironborn at full speed. Nothing was able to stand in their way, especially when it came to Harris' strong-backed chestnut destrier, weighing nearly a ton and waltzing through the unfortunate raiders without effort. Lucas himself didn't even hit the man he was aiming for. His horse did the work for him, crashing against the raider with terrifying strength, sending him flying against his companions and pulling them to the ground with him, where they were trapped under the approaching hooves. Lucas' sword found its way into the throat of the next raider, ripping it out with great force.
The Ironborn reacted as any army without significant discipline would do. They wavered and scattered. Many retreated into the side streets and small alleyways around the gate, where a cavalry charge would be suicide, while others tried to break through, to retreat down the street they came from. Thanks to the riders' slow number, this was an efficient tactic. Only few remained standing, among them their black-bearded leader.
The raider captain was doing more than that. He was among the few who were actively charging at the cavalry. “Stand your ground!”, he yelled. “They are few, we can take them!” Yet Lucas knew, in this moment the dozen riders didn't seem like only a few for the men who had to stop them. Unfortunately, he also knew that every death hurt them more than it hurt their enemies.
And there was death, on both sides. The cavalry reaped a harvest of blood, yet they were neither invincible nor unstoppable. A thrown spear hit the guardsman to Lucas' right, piercing the weak armour on his chest and sending him flying off his horse. Another man charged into five raiders at once and their combined might was enough to drag horse and rider down with them. On their left flank, a guardsman sank from the saddle, when one of the raiders not only parried his sword, but severed his entire arm in the process.
Lucas sighed, as he locked gaze with the Ironborn captain, who was glaring at him with anger. “Go!”, he shouted at his horse, as he pointed his sword at the man. With determination, he started to charge at the raider, who was similarly charging at him. Having been slowed down by the first two rows of Ironborn, his horse wasn't nearly as fast as it could have been, but he knew he still had the advantage...
The captain was no fool though. Instead of trying to parry Lucas' strike, he stepped to the side and into Lucas' blind spot. The short moment he needed to move his head to spot his opponent again was all the man needed to land his own hit. His axe was aiming low, hitting the horse's leg, cutting through flesh and bone and severing the entire limb with what was a mixture of his own strength and the horse's speed.
The agonizing neighing of his mortally wounded horse filled the air, as it gave in underneath the weight of its rider, sending Lucas flying face first onto the ground. The impact was only marginally lessened by the armour and Lucas lost his helmet in the process. He moved his hands to protect his face, though the pain that flashed through both, his mutilated hand and the barely healed wounds on his face was intense and it came with such a sudden force that it instantly pressed the air out of his lungs. His vision started to blur and warm blood ran down his forehead.
With what little strength remained, Lucas not only managed to stay awake, but also to roll onto his back, to spot his opponent and to be able to breathe more easily underneath his armour. Gasping for air, he saw the raider captain approaching him. Another guardsman tried to ride him down from behind, though he heard him coming. With a speed that was surprising for such a massive man, he jumped to the side. His axe hit the horse only barely, but it was enough to severely damage its spine. It staggered, still at a considerable speed, before going down, narrowly missing Lucas as it came to a stop, crushing its rider in the process.
With a furious glare, the captain now continue to approach him. His men were in a disarray, split up into several smaller groups or outright fleeing and it was clear that he had to regroup if he wanted to have any chance to take the gates. The small cavalry of Raylansfair hadn't brought victory, but death and a fighting chance for the living. Judging by the anger on his face, the captain knew this. He started to charge at Lucas, who found himself unable to stand up on his own, with the weight of the armour and his own injuries dragging him down. It was then that Harris' destrier hit him.
The horse had been slowed down as well, though it still sent the captain flying for a good four feet, until he crashed onto the ground, heavily. Instantly, two Ironborn with spears confronted Harris. His horse had come to a stop, which quickly proved to be a problem. One of the spears found one of the obvious weak spots in the destriers rudimentary armour, piercing through the lower neck and into its upper body, while the other raider impaled it from the side just the same moment.
Even in death, the animal served its rider well. Instead of falling to the side and crushing Harris underneath it, its legs cave in, causing it to gently sink to the ground, which gave Harris enough time to prepare. Despite his heavy armour, he managed to slide out of the saddle and to engage both raiders while standing.
With his metal shield, he parried the first spear, while using his sword to attack the other raider. The man parried the strike, but Harris did not back down. He instantly attacked again, while simultaneously parrying the other raider with his shield. His next attack sliced through his opponent's throat. The backhand of the very same attack slashed across the belly of the other raider, with enough force to gut him. Both sank to the ground, leaving Harris as the only survivor.
With a pained grunt, the Ironborn captain rose. It surprised Lucas that the man was still relatively unharmed, though it was at least clear that every breath hurt terribly. With a bit of luck, the captain had damaged his lungs and would not survive this night. Knowing his luck though...
Somehow, the Ironborn managed to muster the strength to raise his axe, as Harris charged at him. The heavily armed knight wasn't quite a war horse, but nonetheless a force to be reckoned with, yet still, the raider parried the first strike. Despite his wounds, he was faster than the old knight, especially due to his lack of armour. The hilt of his axe moved forwards, heavily smashing against Harris' face and knocking the helmet away.
Without missing a beat, Harris attacked again, with more strength than before. Again, the captain parried, but his wounds finally took their toll. His eyes widened and with a gasp, he sank onto one knee, still holding against the attack. Showing no mercy, Harris used his knee to kick his opponent in the centre of the chest. A yell of pain came out of the captain's throat, as he staggered and sank against the small house behind him.
Before Harris was able to finish him off, a new opponent forced his attention. A young raider, probably younger than Lucas, armed with a one-handed axe, charged at Harris. He was no match for the experienced knight of course, but he provided enough distraction for two other Ironborn to rush to their captain. “Captain Breaker!”, Lucas heard one of them say. “We need to regroup, come on!”
With a look of regret on his face, the captain gave them a nod. He grunted, as the two men carried him away, just leaving Harris' reach when the former castellan landed a deadly hit on his opponent. The Ironborn were retreating, at least for the moment. They had suffered heavy casualties, though the city guard did not survive without losses either. All of the horses safe for two were dead, the same applied to almost all of the riders. Darren was the only one still in the saddle. Out of the few dozen who still held the gate, a few attempted to charge after the fleeing Ironborn, though Harris raised a hand.
“No!”, he barked loudly. “They will return. Until then, you need to prepare. I need a barricade down this street. Archers in the houses. They won't take this gate, they won't take this city!” He moved towards Lucas, as one of the guardsmen approached him hastily. “Lord Harris!”, he addressed him, much to Lucas' dismay. “Lord Harris, Ser Leonard has sent a message for you earlier!”
Harris gave him a nod. “I'm listening”, he said and the man moved closer. “The wildfire”, he said and Harris' eyes widened, just as Lucas understood what he meant, with growing horror. “The lighthouse is under control of a dangerous enemy. Two allies have went to reclaim it, but Ser Leonard believes they need help”
The knight sighed, as he visibly forced himself to calm down. “The wildfire...”, he mumbled and suddenly, a smirk formed on his face. “Yes... yes, this could work!” He looked up, as he patted the man on the shoulder. “This will work!”, he stated, as he pointed towards the gate. “Good man! Now go and help the others”
The guard raised an eyebrow. “But... Ser Leonard said the people at the lighthouse need...”, he started, though Harris cut him off. “I'll take care of everything”, he promised, just as he approached a still downed Lucas. “Come on, boy, get up” He reached down and with a sigh of pain, Lucas grabbed his hand, allowing himself to be pulled up by the man. Pain flashed through his ribs, though he was positively surprised that his legs weren't damaged at all. Still, he felt dizzy and overall terrible.
“Harris!”, one of the guardsmen started to shout, in a cheerful voice. “Lord Harris!” Quickly others chimed in. “Lord Harris!”, they shouted. “The hero of Raylansfair!” A surprised smile formed on Harris' face, as he put an arm around Lucas' shoulder, to support him while they were walking. “Come on, boy”, he said, pointing at the open door of a small house close to them. “In there. You need to sit down”
Under the cheer of the guardsmen, Harris led Lucas to the house, with highborn dignity and the calmness of a true knight. But Lucas was having none of it. This man was a murderer, he killed Ser Ilhan in cold blood! This was unforgettable, this was unforgivable.
The room they entered was small and abandoned, though there was still a set of chairs around a table, which Harris led Lucas to. “I never thought I'd get a taste of this again”, he said, as Lucas sat down with relief. “Their love, I mean. Their support. It reminds me why I'm fighting”
Lucas gave him a cold glare. “Cherish it while you still can”, he said. “This will be the last time they do this. Once this is over, they'll learn the truth about you” Instantly, Harris' smile was gone. “And what kind of a truth are they going to learn?”, he asked. “Your version?”
He glanced towards the door, starting to walk towards it, just as Lucas narrowed his eyes. “Certainly not yours”, he said. “The only truth that matters. You murdered Ser Ilhan. You knowingly went against Lord Robert's last wish. You tried to seize control over this city!”
Harris shook his head. “There's no evidence for the latter two”, he said coldly, as he closed the door. “As for the former... a case of self defence, don't you agree?” As he turned around, his stare was as cold as ice. Lucas noticed that his breath started to go faster. “What do you mean?”, he hissed.
“I mean that the truth is always written by the winners”, Harris said, as he approached Lucas once more. “And this... experience right here, it showed me once again why I must be the winner tonight. Why I must triumph!” His voice was shivering and Lucas had to gulp, worried by the sudden shift in mood and temper of the former acting lord.
“There's nothing you must”, Lucas growled. “Aside from paying for your actions” Harris shook his head. “An hour ago, I might have been more willing to agree with you, boy...”, he started to say, though Lucas cut him off. Jumping up despite his wounds, he snapped at the other knight. “I am NOT your boy!”, he yelled.
Unmoved, Harris merely raised an eyebrow. “Boy”, he said defiantly. “An hour ago, I might have agreed with you. But out there, you showed me why I can't allow this to happen. This city needs me” He pointed at the door. “Out there, I was the one to lead the charge! You showed me that you could not do it! That you had no guts to lead, boy!”, he yelled, his voice getting louder. “It won't be any different when I'm gone. You told me about this Mullendore. You think you can stop him? You think your stag princess can stop him?” He shook his head. “No. NO! You'd just come and beg me for help again! Seems Mullendore took your spine as well!”, he barked. “If there would be another way, I'd take it, but there is none! You proved me right on this, so did they, so did this day! I am the only leader that can save this city”
Lucas' eyes widened, as he realized that Harris was about to do something terrible. This rage... perhaps Ilhan had seen the same in his final moments. “What are you going to do now?”, he asked, as calm as he could, though still trembling with anger and pain. Harris towered above him. “I will reclaim the wildfire and I will use it against the Ironborn”, he explained. “I will be the saviour of the city, its hero. The citizens will unite behind me against all foes, just as it always should have been” Lucas clenched his good fist. “And if I won't allow this?”, he asked.
For a second, Harris seemed to think. “I do not wish to hurt you”, he said and he sounded sincere. “But I will not allow you to oppose me. Once this is over, I will give you a choice, and Leonard and Darren. Leave this city in peace and never return, or I will be forced to hang you as traitors” Lucas narrowed his eye. Then, without warning, he reached for his sword. Harris was faster, a lot faster. The hilt of his sword smashed into Lucas' face, right against the wound where his eye used to be. Screaming in sudden pain, Lucas sank back onto the chair, then onto the ground. “This was your only warning”, Harris said. “You know your options. Leave this city in peace, I implore you”
They were cut off by the sound of the door being opened. “Is everything alright?”, Darren asked. “I heard screa...” He stopped and his eyes widened as he spotted Lucas on the ground. Instantly, his hand moved to his sword. “Oh, you fucking bast...”, he started to say, though once again, Harris was faster. He had already drawn his sword and completely in cold blood, he put it through Darren's side. “I'm sorry, Darren”, he said, with a voice that was filled with genuine grief.
Gasping, the heavily wounded knight fell to the ground. Lucas only saw this through a veil of tears and pain. “You're insane”, he spat. “Leonard is never going to back down from this!” Harris sighed, as he glanced at both knights. “At this point, what's one more dead body?”, he asked quietly. “He will get the same choice you and Darren will get. Speaking of, Tallwood needs medical assistance. I haven't hurt any inner organs, but without a healer, he will bleed out. Bring him to the castle, boy, and don't follow me” He walked to the door, though he stopped once more, glancing over his shoulder coldly. “In this tale, there's only room for one hero”, he said, before he stepped through the door.
Outside, Lucas heard him barking orders, demanding one of the horses. His own damaged bones protested, as did the numbing pain in his head, but he slowly forced himself back onto his knees and then onto his feet. Outside, he could hear Harris galloping away, towards the lighthouse. There has been a second horse, he remembered. He could follow him, maybe even stop him. Then, his glance fell upon the grievously wounded Darren Tallwood. The knight needed help, he needed a healer, or else he would be another victim of this night. Another victim of Harris Flowers...
[Chase after Harris] [Get Darren to safety]
[Get Darren to safety]
Leonard can hold his own. He's probably not going to be even at the lighthouse. Darren can be helpful at the castle, although he won't have Mathea there currently. What's the worst Harris can do?
Well somebody isn't all chill now is he? Welcome back to the not chill list Harris.
But hey, who is the goddamn hero of the story? The good guy always beats the bad guys, the bandits.
Grr we shouldn't have told Leonard about the wildfire damnit.
Lucas has been in the story for like two years now, real interesting that this is where he ends up by then.
[Chase after Harris]
That's what I would do if I were Lucas, sorry Darren.
[Get Darren to safety] We gotta protect our own. Dang Harris has gone mad with glory. I still don't know if this is as bad as letting the Ironborn raid unchecked, but hopefully Harris can earn his redemption without killing off the knights in Raylainsfair.
[Get Darren to safety] Damn you, Harris. You were so close to earning my respect again.... But now I have only disgust towards you. Anyway, going after him I think would be pretty useless, Lucas can't stop him now. And Darren is an ally we are going to need, so better make sure he stays alive.
[Get Darren to safety]
We need to help wounded companion, since we witnessed the stabbing. Leonard hopefully can manage there.
Lets hope Lucas will meet Mathea and Arthur on the way to the castle, so she can help him.
Yes, I can confirm that Leonard is not at the lighthouse. That's a job for Kersea and Raenna, while he focusses on holding the gate, together with a few guardsmen and a group of Stormlanders, among them Garen, up until Argella and the rest of her men come as reinforcements. So, at least immediately, Harris doesn't pose a threat to Leonard. The danger would come if he actually succeeds, because he has every intention of going through with what he said to Lucas.
Well, the worst case scenario here would be a complete victory for him. He would take control of the wildfire, potentially killing every assassin in the process (though I doubt this would be that much of a problem for you), then using the wildfire to defeat the Ironborn. Afterwards, he is going to use his newfound status as a hero to gain the smallfolk's unwavering love and loyalty, to the point where they are more willing to believe his side of the story (which paints him as entirely innocent of the whole affair). Then, he will give Lucas, Darren and Leonard the choice to either leave the city or to die and if they choose the latter, he will execute them for made-up reasons. His final goal would be to become a legitimized bastard, able to found his own house, so that he could lawfully rule over Raylansfair for the rest of his days.
Indeed, this is far from chill. This is exactly the man that murdered Ser Ilhan. Harris can be affable and generous and his intentions are good, but the moment things don't go his way, he reacts like this, justifying it with the greater good. Chill is the last word I'd use to describe Harris.
So the hero beats the bandits, you say? I guess this means Jarow is confirmed to be the prince that was promised now.
I can confirm that this unfortunately wouldn't have changed much. It would have meant that Harris wouldn't have had this idea immediately, but eventually, he and Lucas would have gotten into an argument, which ultimately would have led to him getting this idea from something Lucas would have said. However, in that case he wouldn't have known about the potential danger inside of the lighthouse, making things more risky for him.
Almost two years, indeed. Lucas first appears in the first part of Chapter 1, which was written on the 28th. And I'd say he certainly has been through the most out of all the PoV's. Let's see where he ends up from here
Aye, he has without a doubt. That's the problem with giving a megalomaniac a taste of the recognitiong he craves for. After this part, Harris is genuinely convinced that he is the only person capable of saving the city and he won't allow any obstacle in his way.
Probably not, no. In the end, Harris is just one man and his goals are largely well-intentioned and certainly beneficial for the majority of Raylansfair. The Ironborn meanwhile only wish to pillage the entire city, so leaving them unchecked is by far the worse thing.
Well, that kind of depends on how much the knights are willing to cooperate. As he said to Lucas, he plans on giving them a choice.
Ah, this was very much the intended reaction. Well, not particularly the disgust part, but I wanted to paint him a darker shade of grey again here, by reminding everyone just how far this man is willing to go to achieve his goals.
Well, as I said to InGen, Leonard is not really in any additional danger from this choice, at least not immediately. He is at the gate, the wildfire is at the lighthouse, so the ones in danger of being attacked by Harris are the assassins, who are surely capable of putting up a good fight at least. And someone who knows the city as well as Harris does, it can be expected that he will find a way out of the city that won't involve having to face Leonard.
An interesting idea! Mathea would surely be able to help Darren somehow, if she'd encounter him. I am currently about 80% sure that the part after the next one will include a PoV from Arthur, so we'll soon see where they have ended up at by now.
[Get Darren to safety]
[Get Darren to safety] This is the more urgent scenario. We can get Harris later, goddammit. Besides, I don't think we'll be able to get Harris by ourselves just yet.
[Get Darren to safety]
[Get Darren to safety] Same reason I voted to help Valarr over chasing Wolfius.
Man, fuck Harris. He's really getting on my nerves.
The Voting is closed!
Lucas is going to get Darren to safety
Well, I don't think all of you had a chance to vote yet, but I think the outcome is clear already, with a pretty vast majority in favour of the winning option. I did expect this outcome as well and let's just say, you obviously saved Darren's life here. That said, going after Harris would have changed more than just Darren's status, as you're going to see in the alternative choices at the end of the chapter. This would have also changed additional stuff in Chapter 9 on top of that. All in all, I'd say you picked a good choice here, though your mileage may vary once you hear about the alternative choices.
The next part is hopefully going to be out today. I have a bit of writing still ahead, but I made good progress and hope to finish it before heading to bed tonight. It will also be the last part befor Christmas. Obviously, I won't release any parts on the next three days, though I plan to finish a part on the 27th. This next part will be from Lyria's PoV, which means it'll be a wonderful and light-hearted Christmas-themed FoT part. At least maybe it will be all of these things. Or maybe not. Yeah, probably not. Actually, I bet it will be anything but light-hearted and Christmas themed. The last time we have seen Lyria, she, Rosalie and Urid were at Mathea's house, uncertain about what to do, especially since Urid and Rosalie wouldn't be able to leave on their own without help. However, suddenly they heard a knock on the door and someone behind it promised to help them if they would open the door. Against Rosalie's urging, Lyria decided to open the door, since she, like many of you, have come to the conclusion that this sort of behaviour would be strange for Ironborn raiders. We'll see the truth in the next part. Prepare for, well, one of these parts I have planned for a very long time in advance.
Is it good that when I see a cover of a Walking Dead volume I think of this story?
I'm not sure if it is or not.
Hm, I'd say it kind of depends on the volume if this is a good thing or not. I mean, some are less dark and bloody than others after all. You made me really curious here, which volume are you referring to in particular?
I also just had a look through the covers of the volumes to find out which one you might mean and to my surprise I noticed that one of them has coincidentally the same title as the upcoming first act of Book 2.