ToT: Theowyn - Saturday, February 05, 2000, 5:20 PM

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The First Prince is standing at the head of the briefing table, a group of ranking Queen's Guardsmen. A map of Caemlyn's surrounding area is layed out on the table. The marker shows the town of their destination, a day's ride away.

Ian isn't gathered with the guards. He sits ia rigid, purely functional chair that's propped back on two legs with its back against the wall. His boots are stretched before him, crossed and balanced on steel spurs. With a small belt knife, he cleans beneath his fingernails; they got dirty last night.

Reynard is among a few of the Guardsmen that most often get Princely guard duty. He's leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest.

The first part of the meeting included the Queen's Guard offering their suggestions. At least the hire ranking ones, which took the priority of Theowyn's attentions. "I do not believe storming the farm with a hundred men will be of use. They have hostages." Theowyn pauses, then pushes himself from the table. "And going there with only a few men risks failure. We can have teams of Guards. The first set a smaller group that will scout the farm in question. And send men to the city in numbers of twenty every half hour, so not to rise suspecion. There are other dark elements in the works here, gentlemen." Theowyn's eyes settle on Ian and then Reynard. "Suggestions?" Those other ranking Queen's Guardsmen were given priority in speaking much of the meeting, though now it rests on the final two men in the room.

"The men who took the Kandori are inept and not but pawns. I suspect they're already dead." Ian mentions simply, never taking his eyes off of his nails, "The prisoner knew far too little--he claimed to not even know the identity of the women abducted. I've a serious doubt their employer would be so naive. Those four remaining men are probably already dead, or certainly not in charge. Were that the case, it would take one competent man to finish the job."

Reynard looks a little nervous as Theowyn's gaze passes over him. Could this be what the dream had warned him of? Could he have stopped this somehow? He merely shakes his head when asked for suggestions.

"The prisoner shall come with us, gagged and bound. At least if he lied, we have the opportunity to extract information," Theowyn concludes with a slight nod. "But indeed, this rescue attempt might lead us to an empty location cleared of any men or Kandori royals. Both Guardsman Reynard and Master Ian have questioned the prisoner. Is there something further to add?"

Reynard clears his throat as he prepares to speak, "The only thing he mentioned to me that he didn't tell you, Your Highness, is that the man who hired the mercenaries gave orders not to harm Princess Elyse permanently. He still had 'plans for her yet'."

Dain walks in from the barracks.

Dain has arrived.

"The man who hired the prisoner..." Ian begins, getting his attention. "He is a well-known source of contact--well, if you're in my business--for those who'd rather remain annonomous when hiring mercenaries. He does not come cheap, and he is not one to hire such bumblers as the prisoner without good reason." He sets his knife in his lap and looks up, speaking to Theowyn, but his tone is reserved for all, "It could be a trap."

Some convorsation can be heard on the other side of the door ((provided there is one)) one of the voices is that of Dain, his tairen accent giving him away. Apparently he is having some sort of descussion with the guards dealing with his admitance into the room, although it is not heated at this point. After a few more moments the door open and a guard sticks his head in the door, "Sir... there is a man here whom wishes to enter, his name is Dain Na'uin... should I allow him in?" the guard looks quite concearned at his interuption and perhaps that of this Dain fellow as well.

Theowyn takes in the words from both men, leaving the briefing table and heading more toward the center of the room. As the interruption occurs at the door, Theowyn responds in half distraction. "Yes, allow him in." Turning to Ian and Reynard, he nods. "Very well, a man of your experience in this particular area will hold much sway with my decision, Master Ian. I do favor the plan to set a small group of men forward, and have the troops arrive an hour behind. If they are needed, they will be there, but we will not risk announcing our arrival."

Ian nods his head, neither showing nor announcing any objection to the Prince's plans, "I would suggest you use whatever underbelly sources you have to seek out this contact and question him, though I warn that he is aware of the dangers of his position, and is capable of taking care of himself." He looks towards the door briefly, noting it's the man from last and turnign back to Theowyn without any sort of greeting.

The guard nods his head but once and slips out of the room, after a quick few words the Tairen enters the room closing the door behind him. Dain Rakes a hand through his hair as he looks over the room a small frown on his lips from under his goatee... Moving forward a bit he places his hands behind his back in silence knowing that the men no doubt thave the planning well under control and perhaps not wishing to interupt the flow of convorsation with what seems trival formal greetings...

Theowyn nods, showing hints of concern over the plan. "He will need to be taken without alerting others of the group," is all Theowyn states, eyes now moving to Reynard.

Reynard stops leaning against the wall and stands at attention when the Prince's gaze pauses on him.

"He'll not be -with- them." Ian has a hard time explaining this without sounding like he's speaking to a child. He clears his throat and begins to stand, "Forgive me, your Highness." He goes silent and waits when Theowyn turns his attention to Reynard.

"I assumed that, Master Ian. I also assume you have the capability of finding him, yes?" Theowyn asks simply. "If this man resides within Caemlyn, then his arrest might lead a messanger to alert whomever else is involved in this, yes?"

Dain keeps silent with his hands behind his back although he is quite obviously paying attention to the ongoings, as to why he would want enterance to not take an active roll is anyones guess. Perhaps simply to not be left out...

Ian takes the first inquiry as rhetorical, but shrugs nonchalantly to the second, "I had not suggested he be arrested, your Highness. Only that some questions be asked."

Theowyn tightens a little in impatience. "Perhaps I misunderstood, Master Ian. You are suggesting that the man that hired the prisoner is to be questioned and released, without arrest? Are you not concerned that he may betray our insight in the matter to the others involved?" Theowyn is far from brilliant on the matters of the underground, though seems to show little patience in understand the matters either.

Ian's eyebrows raise curiously and he doesn't seem to realize that the information learned last night might not be something the whole guard should know, "Released, your Highness? This man executed the abduction of your Lady Love. I had not thought such crimes against your heart would warrant such uncommon courtesy."

Dain 's eyebrow shoots up at this, quite interesting indeed. Although as always he says nothing keeping his own mind to himself...

Reynard eyes Ian from across the room. The man shouldn't be speaking to the Prince in such a tone.

"Master Ian, it is you that suggested this man be questioned, and not arrested." Theowyn's frown shows, as he misses whatever innuendo that Ian had been hinting at. He turns to other matters. "Otherwise, we are in agreement. I will lead the first group of men that ride off. The Queen's Guard will follow in smaller groups."

"The Queen's writ states.." Ian begins to explain, but then falls silent when Theowyn turns away and discusses another matter. He does his best to hide any displeasure at the Prince dismissing him.

"Your background in the law is showing, councilor," Theowyn smirks again, taking a few steps closer to the Blademaster. "When in court, your interesting detuctions may rest influence on a jduge. Though I will remind you, that improsonment is an arrest, holding no rights by definition. Is that all, councilor?"

Ian's brow flicks upwards a hair and a small smile begins to show. He seems to enjoy the verbal challenge and willing to accept it. However, he does recall the position of the man who addresses him, and does his best to sep down submissively--and his best at this is not that good, "Of course, your Highness. I just wish to clear up any confusion as to my suggestions on the matter of the one who hired these men."

Reynard eyes Ian from across the room. The man shouldn't be speaking to the Prince in such a tone.

Dain rakes a hand through his hair and looks to the trio and his brow furrows in thought.

LOG: At this point, Ian's player had to get something to eat or risk passing out.

NOTE: Fast Forwarding to some time later when the man Ian mention's is found dead.

Ian has left.

Ian has arrived.

Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

Dain walks into the courtyard from the flagstone path to the northwest.

Dain has arrived.

Reynard walks into the courtyard from the flagstone path to the northwest.

Reynard has arrived.

Mouse is standing in the courtyard, checking her pony's saddle, to be sure it's tight. She's got a small satchel slung over one shoulder, and her cat perched on a bench watching her. It would appear she's planning on going riding.

The courtyard is not a place of a great deal of traffic, the gates well guarded for those wishing to gain entrance. It is well guarded with Queen's Guards, however, and has the usual servant, noble, and commoner traffic. A taller man strides out from the doors of the Palace, his blue eyes an interesting countrast to his rougher features. Though he has broad shoulders, that man walks with a certain grace. He is armed, and dressed in regular commoner garb made from wool, and a simple cloak. He is speaking with a few Queen's Guards on his way out, perhaps a Guard off-duty? Or that is the intention. A carriage waits for him at the doors, and a man within shows himself of finer quality. Stepping inside, the carriage driver urges the horses forward. (Theowyn's pose)

Dain has left.

Five Queen's Guardsman ride through the practise yard and toward the gates of the palace courtyard. Not anything particularly different about these men then any others, though one rides the Prince's stallion.

Dain enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Dain has arrived.

Making his way across the courtyard each stride brings Dain closer to the exit, retriving his sword from the guards he straps it about his waist. Raking his hand through his hair as he moves from the courtyard his horse brought to him...

Five more Guardsmen, armed for a standard city street patrol, move through the courtyard and towards the palace gates.

Mouse doesn't know anything about horses, but she has an eye for detail, and recognizes the prince's horse as it gets ridden out the gate. Still, she doesn't know that it belongs specifically to him. She finishes checking her horse's saddle and clambers up into it, adjusting the satchel across her shoulders and reaching down to the bench to scoop up her cat. She rides toward the gate, catching up with Dain, to whom she whispers, "Since ain't no one doin' nothin', I'm gonna go find 'er. You comin'?"

Dain raises an eyebrow at the young girl, "Mmmm it is not recomended that you come along. Regardless of your intent I bloody well dont want to have to save you as well." he offers with a rather quiet tone to the young girl regardless he moves twords the gate heading who knows where...

Dain walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

Dain has left.

Mouse snorts, and suggests to Dain's retreating form something obscene and physically impossible. Something no girl her age--whatever that is--should know. And then, as he's just admitted that they're going, she rides out the gate, pondering her next move.

Dain enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Dain has arrived.

Dain walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

Dain has left.

Mouse walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

Mouse has left.

Twitch leaves with Mouse.

Twitch has left.

The guards return any weapons they may have confiscated and bid you a good day.

Eastern Fields: Caemlyn, Andor

Atop a grey animal a man in a grey cloak can be seen making his way along the path. Apparently travel worn he does not seem to have a whole lot in the way of equipment with him...(dain)

Further down the road is a pony bearing a little girl and her cat. She's almost out of sight, staying at just that point where she can see the man she's following, and pacing him carefully.

A somewhat broadshouldered man in a deep green cloak atop what looks like a farmer's horse rides along. A long bundle is tied behind his saddle. Looks like a bedroll perhaps.

Ian has left.

Ian has arrived.

The carriage from the palace would be on its ride back into Caemlyn by now. At the road, Prince Theowyn is mounted ontop of his horse, still wearing the commoner clothing. He waits for the others to meet with him, another man is beside him.

Note: At this point, Ian's player returned.

The mounted seemingly ragtag party begins to make its way way down the road... does anyone notice the straggler? Well, that remains to be seen. Regardless, the group is certain to pass the occasional group of passing merchants, but all and all this seems not to be a very heavily trafficked road. Perhaps that is part of the reason it was originally selected for the Princesses' outing.

Ian departs company with the Prince and leads his horse towards a tree with low branches. Tossing the reins over a branch and begins inspecting the horse with a slight frown. His care is as detailed as time allows: checking the teeth, beneath its hooves, ensuring the saddle is properly harnessed, the bit is of proper size for the steed's jaw. All-in-all, his countenance is one that he's rather unimpressed. He looks towards Theowyn and thrusts his chin upwards to get his attention, "Where was this thing trained?" He asks without ceremony or title.

Dain frowns slightly to himself as he pulls his horse around, the animal stamping a bit perhaps aware of the mood of its rider.

"By the trainers of the Queen's Guard," Theowyn explains, waiting for the others to arrive. A brief shift in the wind sends his hair across his forehead, which he promptly pushes back. "The mount was selected by the Master of the Queen's army. I am certain it will grow on you." There's a hopeful note in that.

Mouse doesn't stop riding. That would be to obvious. However, she slows the pony's pace a bit. It takes her a minute, though, and a string of whispered curses. THankfully, her voice is too low to carry as far as the others. She leans down, as if checking something on the funny belt thing that goes under the pony's stomach. Maybe she won't be recognized.

Reynard brings his horse to a stop as Ian stops off to the side of the road. He waits patiently, his eyes scanning the area around the road.

"I've too much experience to allow myself to become attached to any one horse." Ian replies, "Not that I deny the usefullness of a familiar one, but all to often circumstances don't allow it to be." As he speaks a hand rubs steadily against the horse's jaw and he tilts his head to get a better look at its eyes. "Hello there." He talks to the mount.

"Gurdsman Reynard," Theowyn produces a slight nod in response to the man's approach. Not seeming one for conversation, he simply nods to Ian's words. "Dain is approaching," he notes the man riding over-top of the hill that has him come into view.

Reynard returns Theowyn's nod with a nod of the head, but doesn't say anything as he continues to scan the area.

With a furrow of his brow Dain spots the group in the area and spurs his own animal forward the grey mount moving along with an quick trott.

Ian doesn't think so, "We probably had the briefing in the barracks before dawn, if they're anything like a normal military.

Mouse kicks the pony a little faster as Dain disappears over the hill. As she gets high enough on the hill to see over it and see Dain riding up to join the others, she slows again, pulling her pony off the road to stand near a tree so she can watch.

Crickets chirp in a nearby thicket, and are harmonized by a few finches conversing amongst honeydew vines. Merchants and common folk pass with polite nods and idle chatter. All in all it seems a delightful setting, along this road, if it weren't for the mission at hand.

A cart full of barrels passes by. An older gentleman using a quarter-staff to nudge the nag of a horse pulling the cart while a younger one carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows walks along to the side and near the rear of the cart.

Theowyn follows Dain as he approaches, the Warder seeming impatient and having the need to ride. It is still early, though their approach into the town would likely already will be challenged by nightfall. Theowyn patiently waits for Dain to make his approach, turning briefly to look down the path they are to travel.

Ian is very focused on the condition of his steed. Reaching inside the left breast of his vest, he withdraws a thin black glove and pulls it onto one hand, meticulously pulling each finger to be sure it's properly fitted. From inside the other breast pocket he produces a second glove, and is equally as tedious in overseeing its fitting.

Appon reaching the group Dain inclines his head, "Light Illumen.." he offers in a tight voice as he pulls his horse to a halt and a bit to the side. Noding to each man in turn the horse stamps a few times on the ground perhaps a bit uneasy. Leaning down to the horse's ear he whispers something in its ear before patting its neck no doubt trying to settle the animal a bit.

An open carriage with a young man and woman riding in it rolls by. The woman is blushing and giggling at some charming remark the young man must have made moments before. In her lap is a bouqet of wild-flowers.

Mouse continues to watch the men below.

"Light Illume," Theowyn greets Dain, then looks down the road. Since Dain is the last to make his appearance, he simply comments. "You were careful not to be followed? I believe your disguise is as nearly unimpressive as mine, though at least in my case I am well disguised as a commoner since few would assume me as such." He turns to Ian, who's less so disguised, briefly. "We have a long ride ahead, gentlemen."

Ian is in the middle of letting his horse sniff and his gloves and rubbing its jaw. At Theowyn's stating of the obvious, he makes a quiet remark to the horse and steps around in order to mount.

A toad kicks up dust as it hops across the road.

Reynard nods solemnly at Theowyn's comment on the ride. As for his disguise, he's not wearing one. This is his off-duty wear. Convienient, no?

Mouse continues to watch.

Ian puts a spurred boot into a stirrup and pulls himself into the saddle with ease. Before he's even settled, the horse is being turned towards the road. He looks over at the prince expectantly.

Dain nods his head once, "As far as I know... None knows I even left." he offers with a wave of his hand. A wry smile slides over his face, for almost a year he has managed to keep who and what he really was hidden for so long.. And now he cant even come up with a decent disguise for himself. With a shake of his head and a slight smirk he lunges lets out a low breath to help calm himself, keeping his own mind clear he slowly assumes the nothingness. His Azure eyes grow a bit distant as he does so things around him getting ever so sharper... Looking to the prince he asks, "How long of a ride do you think it is?"

The wind picks up a little, moving the tree tops, and making a sound like distant applause, or hundreds of whispers at once. Stray leaves come loose from their sedintary positions and get carried away across the road, or drifting further into the woodline.

Dain nods his head once, "As far as I know... None knows I even left." he offers with a wave of his hand. A wry smile slides over his face, for almost a year he has managed to keep who and what he really was hidden for so long.. And now he cant even come up with a decent disguise for himself. With a shake of his head and a slight smirk he lunges lets out a low breath to help calm himself, keeping his own mind clear he slowly assumes the nothingness. His Azure eyes grow a bit distant as he does so things around him getting ever so sharper... Looking to the prince he asks, "How long of a ride do you think it is?"

Theowyn turns his horse around and moves on.

Reynard heels his horse into motion and follows Theowyn.

"Most of the afternoon." Ian answers when the Prince does not. "It was being discussed at the briefing when you interrupted." A snap of his wrist urges his horse after Theowyn, its dirty-snow coat doing little to blend in with the summer foliage.

Dain Shrugs his shoulders and frowns slightly to himself as the prince simply ignores the question although he seems to care little. Looking to Ian when the man speaks her offers an inclination of his head and a wry smile at his words spuring his own horse forward to follow from behind.

It starts to rain. Not a hard rain, just one of those soft, lazy summer rain storms, sans thunder and lightning.

Mouse waits until they're all moving, and moves back onto the road, following the men as they ride away.

Given the late start, it is well into dusk by the time the party arrives at the village. There aren't very many people out and about at this hour, as it is the supper hour. However, there is a lamp lit in most windows.

Village Square: Twin Oaks, Andor(#6487RJ$)

The village of Twin Oaks is little more than a farming community about a day's ride to the east of Caemlyn. It has the same look about it that most small villages do, its residents seen going about their daily routines... but surely a party such as this draws more than a few looks. The square is little more than an expanse of green grass where children can be seen playing most any time the sun is up. At the center of the green stand the two massive old oak trees for which the village is named, growing so close together that they seem almost to end in one giant trunk. The village's inn, The Singing Sword, sits proudly amongst the other, smaller, buildings and is clearly a source of pride dispite the fact that the village itself is barely large enough to even merit _having_ an inn.

Mouse rides along behind the strange group of men, into the town.

Theowyn rides through the town, leading the group for the most part, though more so as a guard to the more richly looking Ian. "Shall we rest at the Inn?" he asks the others, taking no position of authority here in his current diguise.

Adjusting himself in his seat apon the horse Dain inclines his head, "As good as any..." his Tairen accent gone... Turning his horse he continues along the way not moving to far in front yet not straying behind...

Reynard rides along, a little behind and to the left of Ian. He doesn't make any form of response. He appears contemplative, judging by his facial features.

Ian absorbs the idea that this party would more aptly fit in if it were disguised as a party of guards, well, guarding the more affluently dressed Altaran. Why he would need guard is left to question, as the idea of wrapping his swordhilt has certainly never crossed his mind. Luckily, few look for such details without reason. "Unless we're to conduct our trading in the night, I would side with our Tairen friend.

Theowyn nods, then urges his horse further onward. "Perhaps we shall take a look at the farm first, though? We are a small group, easily explained riding out in that direction."

Dain inclines his head glancing over his shoulder with a slight frown on his face, although with a quick shake of his head he clears his mind agin. "Indeed.." his tone level in agreement as he urges his own mount onward...

No one comes out to greet the party, though a face or two do appear in windows now and then as the riders pass. Indeed, it seems that their passage through town is shaping up to be quite unremarkable... which is probably better than if they had raised an alarm and come out armed. ;)

Mouse stays well back, not even in town yet, watching the men riding through, and studying the buildings.

Not one to deny that the walls (or woods) might have eyes, or that the old man sitting on a porch with his wife might be a rear scout, Ian continues the charade, "Very well. If I'm to purchase this land I'd see it at night as well as day." He wrinkles his nose at the two uniformed guards, "And you'll be able to collect your taxes and be on your way, yes?"

The party continues through the village, it really doesn't take long to get all the way through. It is a small village, after all. Darkness is finally beginning to settle over the land, and the trees up ahead look somewhat gloomy in the night... but you're all big tough men, right?

Mouse is just passing into the village as all the big tough men are passing out the other side. Not a very big village, remember? She rides with the hood of her cloak up, and her eyes focused straight ahead. If she weren't staying back where she hopes she won't be seen, it might look odd. As it's getting dark, however, she hurries the pony. She doesn't want to lose sight of them.

Theowyn half leads the party out, though eventually settles back to the flank of Ian. The other Queen's Guardsmen that are also in their usual commoner garb settle nearby. The Warder keeps his attentions on the road. "Indeed," he responds to Ian's earlier statement. They ride on.

Not sure of what could be ahead of the party, Dain reaches for the orage glow just out of direct view within his own mind. The rush of Saidin slamming into his mind the heat of it burning his bones although he does not fill himself but simply keeps hold enough that should he need it... Much the same way a blademaster may grip the pomel of his sword. Regardless of what is going on in Dain's mind he shivers slightly then straitens in his seat apon his horse appearing much more alert than before, but he keeps along.

A breeze blows across the road, rustling the leaves on the trees ahead, branches shifting in their arc over the road. As the party passes into the woods, the sounds of wildlife become more prevalent... now and then an owl hoots from a branch high overhead.

Ian steers his horse over towards Theowyn's side and speaks quietly with him, He mutters to Theowyn, "... not we... a... guard,..."

You sense Ian steers his horse over towards Theowyn's side and speaks quietly with him, "Should not we wait the scouts' report. Or leave a rear guard, for that matter?"

A bat whips around to snatch a moth, then goes back into his sanctuary of the treetops. Crickets chirp. Frogs squawk. And inteh distance is the song of a whipper-will.

Reynard shakes his head as if to clear it and gives Dain an odd look. What in the Light is that?

Darkness enshrouds this place more fully, as the branches of the trees all but block out the glow of the moon. It becomes difficult to make out the road much farther than two or three horse lengths ahead. The figure lurking near the edge of the road beside a tall tree, swathed in a large black cloak (the figure, not the tree), could be rather easily overlooked.

Theowyn rides in closer with Ian, nodding at that. He mutters to Ian, "... though..." he finally nods in agreement. He looks to two of the Guardsman, urging them over. After a few brief whispers, one rides ahead on the trail, the other behind. He sends out the scouts, and it might appear that at Ian's requeset.

Ian senses "Theowyn rides in closer with Ian, nodding at that. "Perhaps that is wise, though I assume we are not expected. Yet," he finally nods in agreement. He looks to two of the Guardsman, urging them over. After a few brief whispers, one rides ahead on the trail, the other behind. He sends out the scouts, and it might appear that at Ian's requeset."

Mouse is closer to the group of men than she's been all day, now that it's dark. She's following mostly by sound ... and by the fact that their dark shapes move more regularly than the shapes of the trees.

It was there a moment, and now is gone. The figure, that is. Trees rarely move, even in spooky forests.

Reynard blinks for a moment. Wasn't that shadow by that tree larger when he last looked at it? Or maybe it was that tree...

Trees have a nasty tendancy of looking alike, don't they?

Mouse doesn't noticed the disappeared tree. She's too intent on trying to keep an eye on the men in front of her. Not easy in the dark. Where'd those scouts go, anyway?

It does not take but some steps for the scout to come approach Mouse. The other is heading at a pace up ahead.

Dain appears to not realize that Reynard has given him any strange looks, keeping his own azure eyes looking about unforunetly he also does not catch the fleeting shapes, not yet anyway... Regardless he keeps his eyes looking about just in case he is to see something.

Ian looks around uncomfortably and deftly maneuevers his horse back from where he approached the Prince, convieniently moving away from the lead. He looks all around him as if seeing little of what the others do, trusting his steed to pick its path.

Oh sure, leave The First Prince of the Sword riding the lead. Now that he is no longer distracted by conversation, his attentive gaze settles on the road, and what is ahead.

Mouse rides almost right into the rear scout, having missed his approach in the darkness. When she sees him, she turns her pony aside and tries to ride around him without a word.

Darkness, darkness everywhere... darkness that clings to the bones and makes the mind play tricks. The eyes of the riders peer off into the darkness, at least until there is the sound of rustling coming from the trees off to the left. *rustle* *rustle* As if footsteps... hasty ones, coming this way. With little in the way of stealth. A figure bursts out of the woods just ahead and stumbles out into the center of the narrow road just ahead of Theowyn's steed.

Pushing the right side of Dain's cloak over his shoulder, he checks to make sure his blade will clear the scabbard, just in case he thinks to himself. Although he keeps his horse right on track...

Reynard tenses as the figure bursts from the woods and his hand slips back to the roll behind his saddle...

Theowyn jerks the reigns of the horse so that it moves to the side, his sword arm freed toward the attacker. He had been alert with the man's approach, and even now as his hand moves to the hilt of his sword, he begins to lean forward, as though possible dismounting or maybe crouching. "Who goes..."

The scout does not hear the first movement through the bushes, though as he looks over Mouse, he does slow in his horse. A girl on a pony in the middle of the night. He turns his horse in the side of the road, blocking her passage. When he hears the Prince's voice, his attention quickly goes up the road. He would see nothing but shadows.

When the man stumbles through the trees, Ian takes one broad, fast glance around at the darkness. Not wasting a second, he swings out of the saddle and lands on the ground holding the reigns in a single, seamless motion. He makes no effort to reach for his sword, but does move closer to the steed in an attempt to make his own shadow difficult to spot in the darkness... just in case there are crossbows waiting. A hand reaches up to smooth the horse's neck as he turns to see what Theowyn's action will be.

The scout ahead also hears Theowyn's words, haulting the progress of the horse. He takes a deep breath, as though about to call out, but decides against it.

The darkness conceals far too much about the figure for features to be made out, but the figure does seem to wobble a bit before taking a step forward, reaching out a hand attached to an arm.. "Help.." comes her plea. Yes. It is female. And approaching. Slowly, more of her features come into view, to those closest.

Kae has arrived.

Mouse shrugs and turns her pony off the road and under the first of the trees. Just within the treeline, she turns the animal's head forward again, and continues on while the scout is distracted. Unfortunately, the pony isn't very quiet in the dark underbrush.

Theowyn had been dismounting, though not nearly as talented in the ride as Ian. When his feet touch on the ground, he hears the please, and steps forward. The hand still hands on the sword hilt, and now his gaze turns to the direction she had approached. A few more steps forward, and he realizes he recognizes the features of her. The horse behind him snorts uncomfortably, pushing back some. "Kae?" it is all put a whisper, heard only by those a few steps around.

The scout is far too distracted by the road up ahead, though he doesn't lose sight of Mouse. Or at least not of hearing. He pushes the horse forward, riding along the sound of her ride, and attempting to gain insight of what is up ahead.

That name had been mentioned on many occasions in discussion last night: Kae the gleewoman. Having done his best not to make assumptions, the feminine voice and the Prince's barely-audible question, Ian steps forward cautiously, trying to look around the Prince's steed to get sight of the prone figure.

It is indeed the gleewoman.. though, the condition of her face might make her 'features' a little less then recognizable. The glimmer that is her eyes narrows as she peers into hte darkness, trying to make out who the man is that is dismounting. The man who knows her. She wobbles a bit where she stands, offering after a moment's pause, "Yes?" It is a good question indeed, for a woman with an identity crisis.

Not quiet sure what else to do Dain slides from the back of his own Animal knowing that voice all to well he begins to move twords the front...

Mouse isn't close enough yet to have heard the familiar voice. She's working on it, though. Mostly because she hasn't yet realized that everyone has stopped. Her pony picks its way along just inside the margin of the trees, rattling underbrush and snapping branches and making the occasional whuffle.

Though there was a pause in Theowyn's thoughts, there is not one now. He steps forward toward her, releasing the sword hilt in favor of taking the Princess by the waist. As though the threat of bolts were immidiate. The horse is turned sideways, thoug he attempts to guide her toward the animal, so that it stands between them and the direction she came from. Theowyn also waves an arm. The Queen's Guard from ahead rides slowly toward the scene.

"You girl, please stop," The guard requests, and then mutters a few choice words. He'll notice now that men have dismounted, and so he urges his horse forward and dismounts himself, though to run into the side of the road and capture that pony.

Reynard notices that everyone else seems focused on the figure that emerged from the trees and starts scanning the treeline for signs of a trap. The snapping underbrush causes him to turn towards Mouse.

Mouse's pony is captured, its reins seized. The startled pony rears back, and the girl falls off into the underbrush with a thump and crash of breaking branches. The cat, a little better off since he didn't have to use stirrups, leaps as the horse rears, landing lightly on a tree branch and observing the scene. Mouse, for the moment, is too stunned to do much.

Kae utters a quiet pained sound when touched, but it doesn't take much urging to get her to move in the direction indicated. Still, she peers up at Theowyn. A familiar face... where has she seen that face before? It's not her fault, really, she only met him the once... and she was rather preoccupied at the time.

Ian hooks the reins through the saddle harness so that the horse might think it is tied and takes the few steps towads Theo, placing a gloved hand on the Prince's horse's rump so it does not spook and kick him. This close, he just stops and watches the girl, his face a mask of surprise.

A few quick strides brings Dain closer to the front of the line, he states simply "Kae..." that Tairen accent to his voice.. Although he does not move to her perhaps unsure or perhaps not wishing to hurt her by sweeping her away, regardless he stands not far from her or the frist prince...

The Guard mutters under his breath, holding the pony firmly by the reins as he looks down toward the girl that fell off. It was a shame he did not grip them tightly enough, as one would usually, to prevent the small pony from jumping into startlement.

Ian hooks the reins through the saddle harness so that the horse might think it is tied and takes the few steps towads Theo, placing a gloved hand on the Prince's horse's rump so it does not spook and kick him. This close, he just stops and watches the girl, his face a mask of surprise.

Noticing that the Guard seems to have the situation behind the party under control, Reynard returns his attention to the treeline. Anything could happen out here. If Kae's here, where is Elyse? He doesn't like this one bit.

That, or it's too bad the girl is such an awful rider. Either way, she finally jumps up to her feet and steps back up to the pony, growling softly, "Do you -mind-? That's -my- pony!" Growling, you see, in an attempt to hide the fact that she's whispering.

"It is Princess Kae," Theowyn confirms with a whisper, taking the reigns of his horse and guiding the animal in shelter of himself, Ian, and the Princess. "You seen the direction she came from." Theowyn turns to Kae, his eyes showing concern, as he still embraces her at his side. "Your sister?" he asks, and then quickly shakes his head. "It is Prince Theowyn," he reminds her. The Queen's Guardsman comes to a stop, the nose of his horse nearly touching Prince Thoewyn's.

Ian lets his astonishment go to the wayside as he reverts to more practical matters. He speaks quietly to Theowyn, "This is a good sign. They don't intend to kill the Princess." For some reason, he does not recognize Kae as a princess, "If she has escaped alive, the chances of a full rescue become that much greater."

Ian indicates Kae when he says 'if she has escaped.'

"Who are you?" The guard asks, shaking his head with a brief sense of confusion. He is young, perhaps inexperienced. "What are you doing riding here in the middle of the night?"

Mouse frowns at the guard, crossing her arms over her chest. "Trying to get home," she growls, "Before my ma thinks I got took by bandits." Something seems to suddenly occur to her. Her arms drop to her sides, her grey eyes widen, and she starts to back away, further into the trees.

The guard mutters under his breath, and releases the pony. "Sorry, just when you road off the side of the road..." his voice trails, as he turns around to look over his shoulder.

Mouse humphs, and steps up to take the reins again. "What'm I -s'posed- t'do when you block the road, huh? Ride through you? Some people!" she grumbles softly. She climbs back up into the saddle, her cat leaping down to her shoulder as she settles herself. "Now, if you don't mind."

Reynard continues scanning the treeline for threats. He hasn't pulled his sword, yet.

Ah, now -there- is a voice she recognizes. Kae turns her head to look in Dain's direction as he speaks. "Dain..." A smile touches her lips, an odd smile what with the lower one swollen up as it is. She lifts a hand to extend it toward the Tairen even as her gaze shifts once more to the First Prince. "Elyse is alive... Light! We have to hurry... I fear what they might have done in anger over my escape.."

Ian steps forward, intent on wetting his bla... er, getting some justice. He tries to speak comfortingly, but firmly enough that no time is wasted by answers being slow, "How many are there, Kae?"

Taking her hand Dain pulls himself closer to the woman, muttering something tohimself as he does so he places a kiss on her hand, "Thank the light you are Alive..." he says plainly Looking to the other men anger creeps onto his own face at what exactly? well that should be quite obviouse...

Ian's jaw tightens and a flicker of irritation is tossed at Dain, but whether at jealousy or impatience is not exactly obvious. A finger taps impatiently against his thigh as he looks back at Kae expectantly.

Theowyn releases the Princess while Dain and Kae reach for eachother. Stil holding the reins to his horse, Thoewyn steps a closer to it and away from the pair, waiting for a response to Ian's question. He also seems eager to ride out.

The Guard is less then pleased, still holding the reigns of the pony. "You could have waited a few moments," he responds quietly. "I will insure the path is safe, wait here. And with that, he heads to the road and for his horse.

Kae shakes her head slowly, wincing as she does so and stopping almost as soon as she starts. "Five... six... I can't say for certain." she speaks, keeping her voice low. She peers through the darkness to try and get a better look at Ian, but only frowns when she can't see well enough and slips away from the First Prince to move closer to the Tairen. "The why of it is not something to go into now."

Mouse rolls her eyes. What is it with men, anyway? Just because they've got something hanging between their legs, they think they can handle dangerous situations better'n girls? Oh, yes, she's young, but she's learning that lesson awfully quickly. Life on the street is so much less complicated. You do for yourself, no matter who you are. Well, she doesn't have the patience for it, and as he makes his way back to his horse so he can "be sure it's safe", she rides on, still just inside the treeline. *crackle* *snap* *thud* *whuffle* *snap* *crackle*

"The the same men that ambushed you?" Ian queries quickly, a slip of his eyes to Theowyn to see the Prince's demeanor. At her squinting, he takes a step forwards so that she might know to whom she speaks.

Dain closes his eyes for a moment and yet agin anger arcs across them at Kae's word's not sure if he wants to know exactly what happend, and half wanting to make these men pay ...dearly perhaps if one were to mix a little...spirit...and fire... with. Regardless he is torn between joy of finding her and wrath. ALthough he appears not to notice much else as he keeps close to Kae.

"We need your help in locating her," Theowyn states, leading the horse away a touch as he looks to all the noise. It is about the same time that the Queen's Guard that had been dealing with Mouse approaches. Theowyn looks concerned at the sound in the line of the forest, and moves his arm to the sword hilt once more. When the man explains to the Prince that it is a small girl, Theowyn shakes his head. "Get her on the road, will you? And insure she passes through quickly." The Queen's Guard on the horse stays as he was, his eyes watching the forest line. The other does as he is told by the Prince.

Kae nods slowly, again wishing that she hadn't immediately. "Yes... I think." As Ian steps forward she peers toward him a bit more, eyes widening when she finally is able to make out his features. The gleewoman closes her eyes for a moment, "5 or 6... 7. There were seven." She smiles somewhat darkly, her eyes opening. "Now there are 6." What does -that- mean, anyway? "I don't know if I can find my way back... I have been hiding in the woods most of the afternoon, waiting for nightfall.."

Reynard really doesn't like this. It seems too...ah, it's probably just his imagination. Like the fact that he thinks he can feel Dain's anger. Noone can do that, right?

Mouse is trotting along just under the trees. Unfortunately, the pony's steps make too much noise for her to hear the quiet voices. And here's that damn guard again. She thought she'd gotten rid of him. She looks at him, but doesn't appear to have any intention of stopping for him.

Ian turns around defensively at the noise, but only sees the Guard approaching and makes the assumption that it is him. He watches the exchange between Prince and guard until Kae speaks, then turns and listens to her intently and nods supportively. When she says there were seven, a flash of rage comes across his eyes and he looks at Theo briefly before turning back to Kae, "Do you recall how many are warriors. And how they are armed?"

The guard does approach, this time moving throughthe forest and ahead of Mouse. "Can you please take to the road where its quieter," he points that way, his voice still a whisper. The guard is indeed young.

Dain rakes a hand through his hair even within the void he cannot escape from his own dark thoughts and fealings. ((Anger is the path to the darkside)) Keeping his brow furrows he looks from Kae to Ian the other man nearly speaking his own mind for him, regardless he simply listens to the transaction smouldering in his own mind...

Theowyn waits impatiently, the Prince likely ready to ride off through the forest alone if that is what is needed. He looks to Reynard, briefly, though mostly the scene ahead remains covered by the horse. That is, until he begins to guide the horse toward the edge of the path. He seems to be taking in the direction Kae had taken, and where it might lead. "It could certainly be near the farm," he states, closer to Reynard.

Mouse stops the pony miraculously easily. It doesn't like walking through underbrush in the dark anyway. She stares at the guard, then grumbles, "Ain't gonna block the road again?" Without waiting for an answer, she turns her pony and makes for the road, toward the group of people stopped on it.

Kae shifts to lean lightly against Dain, wincing as she does so. She replies to Ian after a moment or two of thought, "All are. Swords and crossbows, mostly. One has an axe." She shudders faintly, perhaps at a memory from her captivity. Considering what she has been through, and her 'condition' such that it is.. it may seem somewhat amazing that she is holding up as well as she is. Then again, those who do not know that Kae is a strong woman simpy do not know Kae.

Reynard nods to Theowyn as he scans the treeline, "It would be hard to find it through those trees in this darkness." Well, it would for this city boy. "She's lucky she found the road, in my opinion."

Dain inclines his head as Reynard speaks, "I have had some experiance tracking in the forests, but not at night..." he offers he places an supportive arm about Kae, "Although I would be more than pleased to go find the bloody bastards here and now but they are no doubt looking for her now... " he offers with a wave of his free hand.

"And another with a whip." Ian states, though how he possesses this information is unknown. "It's an abandoned farm. How hard can it be to find. Besides, they are likely out-" He stops at Dain's comment and nods in agreement, releived to find someone who shares some sense. "And if they are, why not bring -them- to us." He looks at Kae meaningfully.

Theowyn seemed to have other plans. Indeed, he'd rather be riding into that farm right now. The man is itching, the woman of his love so near to him, yet still not safe. There is still that uncertainty of whether she could possibly be alive, the only thought of reassurance is the information he had that she was to be kept alive... yet what are they doing to her? "I will heaer suggestions," Theowyn takes charge of the group with that. "If you feel we can have them come to us..." he shrugs. "Tell me now. Otherwise, two men will ride into the forest and head East, the rest will take the road. The prisoner did say this path will read us right past the farm, I assume it will be an easy sight."

It's about this time that Mouse's pony returns to the road and the snapping and crackling of underbrush ceases. As the pony's hooves find the road, Mouse surveys the group of people. Oops. She didn't mean to get this close. Why've they all stopped?

Ian turns and nods to the Prince and explains, "As the Tearin said, they are probably searching for her now. If we can draw them in with, say," he looks at Kae "The scream of a woman who broke her ankle, the number at the farm will be reduced. A farmhouse is likely to be surrounded by open fields, unless it's been abandoned many, many years. I do not care to attempt to cross that field if there are likely to be five or six crossbows. If we can lower their numbers, our chances of making it across that field are going to be much more favorable."

"Indeed, though the Princess did say she was hiding since afternoon," Theowyn nods though, finally. "That is a good plan, however. The attention will be drawn." He does face the girl on the pony, her image just a shadow. "But we need to insure no bistandards are about. Guardsman, escort the girl back." This is not said until she is very near the group, and likely within sight of Kae. He faces Ian expectingly, perhaps for more detail?

Dain inclines his head twords Ian. "Indeed... My thinking exactly." he offers with a wry smile, "If a few men were to stay back to meet those that came to the decoy... then the rest could perhaps sneak in and rescue the other..." he adds almost to himself...

Kae listens to Ian's words, nodding slowly. "True.. yet I've no desire to stand here and wait for them while you go running off." Her hands shift beneath her cloak briefly, reappearing with two daggers identical to the one Dain found in the carriage. "After last time... they may not be willing to get within range." Girl? What girl? Kae looks off toward Mouse.

Mouse sees Kae, and that's all it takes. She flings herself from her poor startled pony and pelts across the road to the gleewoman, throwing her arms around her--knives and all. GOod thing Mouse is short. "Kae!" she exclaims in a whisper, which sounds, interestingly enough, like she's having problems breathing. "You're all right!"

Ian looks at Dain and snorts a laugh at one of the comments made, finding it honeslty amusing. He turns back to Theowyn, "If we can get some scouts to go ahead and find the farmhouse--possibly get a count--that would be helpful. If they are as incompetent as that prisoner, they are likely-" His head snaps around at the little girl and he glares before turning back to Theowyn and speaking between clenched teeth, "As I was saying... if they are as incompetent as the prisoner, they are likely to be spooked easily. By scaring a deer or some such into the fields, we may be able to learn how many are on lookout with bows."

Kae blinks a bit as she sees the little one dismount. Well, sort of. "Mouse?" she speaks, too startled to even consider getting out of the way. As Mouse flings her arms around her she winces yet again and bites her lip to keep from making a noise. "Indeed, little sister. Indeed." she murmurs, her attention shifting to Ian as he continues speaking and she slips her knives away. "As I said, there are 6."

Ian turns and asks Kae, his tone indicating that he does not expect her to know the answer "You know how many of these may be searching for you, how many may be on lookout, how many are guarding the princess, and how many are sleeping?"

Mouse steps back almost immediately after hugging Kae, glaring at anyone who might've seen it. None of their business, anyway. Twitch, the poor cat, leaps down from the pony's saddle and trots over to twine once around Kae's legs, then starts climbing MOuse's pants. Reaching down, she frees his claws from her pants and lifts him to her shoulder, listening to the discussion.

Sohai okies, and guesses Dain will just go along and remain in the background until he can come back?

Kae's gaze hardens as she looks to Ian. "They are stupid. They think that they cannot be found... I cannot say how many are searching for me, but they do not seem to have concerned themselves with lookouts thus far." She speaks, standing a little straighter as though to prove that she doesn't _need_ Dain's support to stand there.

"I will ride out with Reynard and the two other Queen's Guards," Theowyn then states. "You will create the distraction?" he asks Ian and the others.

Ian smiles smugly to Kae, "Good. If they are stupid, they may be out looking for a gleewoman in the forest." He turns to the Prince, "If you'll deal with the farm, I will deal with those that may be hunting Kae. Should you find reason to believe you can cross the field do so without me, then do not tarry. Should no clues present themself to you, we shall meet at the road as close to a candlemark as our minds can track, to determine a new course of action, yes?" He seethes with impatience.

Theowyn nods. There is that brief agreement with Ian, as he watches Kae with concern. "Light Illume your path, Master."

"It does, your Highness." Ian informs Theowyn, "The Light illumes it and my herons clear it." With an impish smile, he grabs his horse's reigns and he leads it it towards the trees.

On the road, after Ian's departure, the remainder of the group (Reynard, the two Guards, Theowyn, Dain, Mouse and the newly recovered Kae) stands finalizing their plans.

From the direction of the city comes a contingent of fifteen or so horses, the Kandori that had been behind, along with the Advisor himself, are just now catching up, Timuri in the lead, hurriedly urging his horse forward to meet the group he has been back up for.

The sound of men riding in the darkness does offer a reaction from the Prince, one of him drawing his sword. Fifteen men... he could hear about as many horses, give or take five. The other Queen's Guards do the say (minus Reynard cause I don't emit him :), Theowyn mounts his horse and urges it forward, attempting to see the shadows through the dark. "Halt!" Theowyn's voice is well trained in command, and would be said when it would be heard past the hoves of the horses. "Identity yourself."

Mouse's attention is pretty much all for Kae. She figures if the Prince and his guards can't handle it, well, she and Kae'll just make a run for it. Mouse herself couldn't care less about the Prince, after all.

Kae, having been standing with Theowyn and Dain, turns to look down the road. The Tairen draws her aside and she frowns faintly but moves a bit closer to his horse and, effectively, out of the line of sight. After all, it could be more mercenaries come to look for her....

Reynard does in fact wheel his horse to face in the direction of the approaching horses and draws his sword for the first time tonight.

Timuri pulls his horse up quickly, holding up a fist to indicate the rest of his people should do the same. After all, coming from a country where one little misconception after dark could cause you your life, he knows this is need. "Advisor Timuri and the Kandor Contingent." His accent as well as any who may have watched the man's body language would tell that he is indeed who he claims to be if one can not see in the dark that well.

Theowyn urges his horse forward slow, the sword once again disappearing into the scabbards. "Advisor. Good, you received my message. The woman thought to be Princess Kae has been found," he gets straight to business, eager to ride into the farm. "We know the location of Princess Elyse. The Blademaster, Master Ian, has gone to the forest to offer a distraction and perhaps take out a few of the six men that are left. We plan to ride and take the farm at two sides."

Right about that time a horrifying scream sounds from off to the south. Speaking of Master Ian... well, he -did- say something about bait. Sounds like he really -can- scream like a girl.

Kae steps out from behind the horse, gathering the tattered shreds of her cloak about her in a half hearted effort to look more 'presentable'. However, given her present 'condition' it's would take a lot more work than that.

Mouse stands protectively close to Kae. On the side on which Dain isn't standing protectively close. Poor Kae, she's surrounded.

Timuri begins to quickly look over those at this spot, looking for the Lady who had been mentioned as found. Eyes just falling on the person everyone is thus far claiming to be the lost Princess when the scream is let out from the south. Instinctivly a hand goes to his swordhilt. "Then we should waste no time, correct sir?" Speaking to the prince while again looking towards Kae again. Surely that can't be what people are trying to pass of as a princess.

"That would be Master Ian." With the quality of the scream, even Theowyn takes doubt in the matter. Though he wastes no time, and turns the horse with skilled effort, before digging his heels into the side. Theowyn rides outward.

Kae glances around a bit, seeing no horse for her. She looks to Dain, then to Dain's steed, then to Dain once more. She would arch a brow, but it would hurt.

Reynard wheels his horse around as well and follows after Theowyn.

Dain rakes a hand through his hair and looks to Kae, "you take my horse..." he offers with a bit of a rougish grin and removes a large dagger from his coat, one of a set it would appear and hands it twords the Princess... "You dropped this." he offers the grin fails to reach his eyes, but perhaps going through the motions will ease the situation a little.

Mouse looks around herself. Where'd that stupid pony go? Oh, there. She walks over and catches the pony's reins, climbing laboriously up into the saddle, with a few muttered curses. Fewer than usual. She's getting better.

Kae takes the dagger from Dain and offers a small smile to the Tairen as she tucks the dagger away. "Surely two can ride, my lord? He looks sturdy enough." Gathering her tattered skirts in one hand, she climbs into the saddle a little more awkwardly than usual due to the stabs of pain that the motion causes.

Timuri follows Theowyn's lead, riding past Kae he takes another look at her... surely not.. A little hardening comes to his features before he spurs his horse on, the Kandori men following.

Theowyn continues riding onward until he spots hints of the farm. :)

Dain is thankfully wrapped in the void the pulse of saidin keeping his mind from what could have been done to Kae... Or at least not on the front of his mind. With a nod he moves onto the horse, half way on he halts to try and make a choice, In front or behind... with a small frown he moves in front of her desiding that would be best. "Hang on..." he offers before spuring his horse forward trying to be gentle about it...

Look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a... farm. An abandoned farm, in considerable disrepair. Light can be seen seeping from beneath the barn's doors, while the farmhouse itself is pitch dark.

"Certainly the kidnappers can't be that niave?" Theowyn asks Reynard as he pulls on the reigns to slow the pace of the horse until it is a near stop. He continues to be alert of the surroundings, and sends to the two Queen's Guards up ahead to scout the surroundings.

Reynard slows his horse to match Theowyn's pace, "It certainly would seem that way. I don't like it."

Mouse trots up herself, staying near Dain and Kae on Dain's horse. Looking over the abandoned farm, she lets out a low groan, audible only to the two on the horse beside her.

Timuri comes up along side the Prince and Reynard, his men staying back a good ways. He dosn't say anything himself, letting the other men make what descions there rae to be done.

Kae remains silent, watching and listening carefully from behind Dain. All the while, she remains alert to the movements of the man before her, prepared to move quickly if he should choose to draw his sword. After all, the last think she wants is a(nother) elbow in the face.

Dain for the second time this night checks to make sure his sword is clear in his scabard unclapsing his own grey cloak and handing back to Kae, after all her own clothing has taken quite a beating. With a furrowed brow he tences taking in the suroundings the void clothing his mind in calmness...

Across the distance around the barn, the quiet warm summer night is suddenly interrupted with a shrill soprano scream, followed by audible protests, "Noooo!! No!" staggered a bit by obvious sobs, and another horrible, panicked scream which is accompanied--perhaps oddly--with the sound of water spashing. The splashing continues but the following scream is suddenly cut off--the reasons for it might provoke a chill through the spine of the less stouthearted. The sound of a man's voice can be heard now, apparently it had been drowned out by the scream moments before, "Ya wanna go home, Lil Wench?! Huh?! Do ya? We'll send ya home in parts lak we did yer sister if ya don't Bloody tell us where it is!!" The sounds carries easily across the still of the dark night.

Across the distance around the barn, the quiet warm summer night is suddenly interrupted with a shrill soprano scream, followed by audible protests, "Noooo!! No!" staggered a bit by obvious sobs, and another horrible, panicked scream which is accompanied--perhaps oddly--with the sound of water spashing. The splashing continues but the following scream is suddenly cut off--the reasons for it might provoke a chill through the spine of the less stouthearted. The sound of a man's voice can be heard now, apparently it had been drowned out by the scream moments before, "Ya wanna go home, Lil Wench?! Huh?! Do ya? We'll send ya home in parts lak we did yer lady friend if ya don't Bloody tell us where it is!!" The sounds carries easily across the still of the dark night.

Only the Prince gets to call his love a little cute wench, and even then he'd likely get slapped across the face. Theowyn does not wait to give orders, or to look back to the others. The reigns to Theowyn's horse slap against the main, the sound of scabbard and metal at odds his heard, as the weapon flashes out of its sheath. Without giving much thought to anything, but the insurance that his love is safe, he heads stubbornly towards the door of the barn in haste.

Kae tenses slightly behind Dain at the scream, taking his cloak and pulling it on silently. As she stills once more, She mutters to Dain, "Things... more... difficult... they discovered... is..." She watches Theowyn bolt toward the barn and sighs softly. Men.

The two Queen's Guards that were sent outward to scout, urge their horses forward toward the barn.

Reynard takes a deep breath. Well, this is it. He takes off after Theowyn. Can't let him go in there alone, even if he is a trained Warder.

Timuri is almost as hasty as Theowyn, the splashing of the water seeming to be what the Advisor hones in on, a dark mutter coming from him, something about blight cursed something or other that wouldn't be too good for any delicate ears to hear.

Kae slips off of Dain's horse, not quite willing to go storming blindly in. The methods she prefers are much more... subtle. The gleewoman remains behind, daggers close at hand.

Dain swings hims from the horse nods at something kae says, a rather grim look on his own face. Apon hitting the ground his own blade swings free *shhing* the sound of steel being freed, following Theowyn as best he can, cant let him go in all lonesom... then agin these men have thier own debts to repay in blood.

Mouse watches the prince and his men pelt across toward the barn. She thinks, silently, of the loose board around back that used to let into the tack room. She looks at Kae with her knives drawn. Sighing, she slides off the pony. She mutters to Kae, "... me..."

Kae looks down at Mouse and nods. "I don't want to go in there." she replies, a dark twinkle in her eyes as she nudges the girl toward the barn, beginning to walk slowly in that direction as the horsemen pass her by.

As the rescuers approach, the man's voice stops, but the splashes continues, and the screan returns along with what sounds like a near-drowning victim choking for air, and trying to scream at the same time. A crossbow bold slips through the air with a quiet wisk of sound, past the party, and then two others rain down towards the approaching Prince and guardsmen, and anyone else in the front line of the charge.

Mouse sighs, and twitches Kae's sleeve, then slips around the edge of hte clearing the farm occupies. Ain't no way she's going in the front door. Let the silly men do that. They probably wouldn't fit the back way, anyway.

Kae quirks a brow, winces, then follows Mouse along the edge of the clearing, drawing Dain's cloak more closely about her so that she can fade into the darkness a little better.

One can never be too careful, and in the case of Theowyn, he's far from it. As though immortal, certainly a flaw somewhere in his psychie, Theowyn snugs the main of the horse as a near shield. Though one bolt swooshes by, and a second, one of the Queen's Guards is not so lucky. The one that had blocked Mouse's passage gets it just beneath his neck as he was looking up for the source of the attack. He falls from the horse almost instantly, rolling in the dirt and disappearing in the darkness of the night as his horse leaps to the air.

Cursing softly to himself Dain ducks a bit then with a shake of his head to clear it from within the void something clicks and he allows a weave of air to form above the front group of men, centering on the prince but covering most of the front of the lead group... Hard air odly enough to deflect the arrows that are being flung at them...

Timuri gets a close call with one of those bolts before the forward motion of them is halted. The bolt zipping over his head just as he is beginning to lay low along side his horse's neck. The Kandor troops spread out, making more targets of themselves to help keep the shooters off mark.

Reynard continues to rush on after the Prince, seeming not to notice the fact that the bolts are being deflected by...nothing... However, his body does tense up quite a bit. What *is* that weird feeling?

Meanwhile, Mouse continues to make her way along the edge of the clearing, where her shadow, and that of the gleewoman following her, will be lost among the trees. Along the edge of the clearing she leads, incidentally going around the barn as well.

There is a pause as one of the mercs in the hayloft cries down to alert those within the barn, and the others drop their crossbows and pick up their secondary ones that were preloaded. Having been warned of the rescuers approach they prepared

There is a pause as one of the mercs in the hayloft cries down to alert those within the barn, and the others drop their crossbows and pick up their secondary ones that were preloaded. Having been warned of the rescuers approach they prepared--afterall reloading a crossbow takes *time*. The splashing continues, but there is another sound from within the barn, aside from a woman's terrified scream. There is the distinct impression of activity as those within grab their weapons to defend themselves. Another round of bolts rain down on the advancing group, curses are heard as some are met with that strange wall of air. One yells, "They've an Aes Sedai with 'em!!"

Kae continues to follow Mouse.. o O ( Dain, you idiot... ) The two have definitely disappeared from sight by this time.

Agin the Tairen Lets out a curse as he moves forward trying to make it none to obviouse that he is not nearly as shocked as perhaps he should be. Dain keeps himself moving as to not get pelted with any stray shots regardless of the barrier he created. Looking up to where the scream came from he considers something a bit more drastic but quickly disgards that idea knowing what has been done was verry well enough. Regardless he moves twords the barn with the rest of the party, save of course for Kae and the little one.

It would seem the Prince is immortal, with those arrows not hitting at his head. Though he wouldn't notice, not while hugging the horse in an attempt to use the animal as a shield from a very certain death, especially when he rides near the door. The sword still hangs at his side, and as he rounds the door, Theowyn approaches more from the side, and closer against the wall of the barn. He seems to nudge the other men to the other side.

Reynard imitates the Prince by approaching the other side of the door as indicated. Aes Sedai? he thinks to himself. Kae can channel?

Mouse leads her follower to the back of the barn and, with only a momentary pause to study the rear wall, moves up to nudge a loose board aside a fraction of an inch, peeking inside the barn. The tack room, of course, but is there anyone in it?

Timuri glances back when Aes Sedai are mentioned, going to look at Kae... but... where has she gone? Another muttered oath comes from him as the urge to follow theother fighting men to save the princess he /does/ know conflicts with wanting to re-find the lady he dosn't know yet.

Theowyn begins to unrwap the straps holding his cloak, letting it drop from the horse, and reaches behind into the saddle. The material that is removed is near invisible. With the sword resting on one side, he draws the cloak over his shoulders.

Kae crouches down behind Mouse, giving a sharp intake of breath. Ow. She peeks in the crack with Mouse. Looks empty from here... She nods and nudges Mouse once more, gently.

Mouse would sigh, but what's the point? She pushes the board further aside, and slips through into the dark tackroom, waiting for Kae to join her before she leads the way easily across to the door.

Dain keeps his own blade to his side and as soon ither most of the men are clear from the shower of arrows, or the arrows appear to have stopped he drops the weave the oily slickness of the taint slamming into his first his mind, then his soul the snickness urging him to pure. WIth gritted teeth and a mutterd curse he moves twords the enterance of the barn, after all that seems to be where everyone else is...

More muttered curses can be heard loudly uttered by the mercenaries. Then the splashing stops, though the terrified sobbing doesn't. "Dey better bugg'r off or de Lady 'ere is as good as dead!!" the man's voice seems the same as the one who was interrogating the Princess earlier, not one of those defending from the hayloft. The sobbing starts to subside and aside from that, an eeerie silence settles from within the barn. The men within are now ready, it would seem, no longer scrambling. Those in the loft busy themselves with reloading now that they are fully out.

Kae watches Mouse crawl in, reminding herself to ask her 'little sister' about this later... However, for the moment she contents herself with crawling in. She's bigger than Mouse, so it takes a little creativity... but Kae's form is rather lithe and she is quite dexterous.

Kae enters the barn.

Kae has left.

Mouse enters the barn.

Mouse has left.

Twitch leaves with Mouse.

Twitch enters the barn.

Twitch has left.

"I suggest you open the doors if you wish to find what you seek. It is not in there, but out here. And worth the value of the Princess." Theowyn call's out as he approaches the door, still adjusting the ties of his cloak until it is well secured. Though he is put a head on the horse now, only the parts of the horse that are covered by the cloak would trick the eye into near nothingness.

Timuri moves closer to where Dain his, casting is words low when he speaks to the man who Timuri last seen with Kae. The Kandori stype sword held firmly in the man's grip. He mutters to Dain, "... did... with..."

Dain looks to the other man and glances over his shoulder muttering yet agin for a 4th time, "Bloody hell..." he rakes hsi free hand through his hair, "She was with my horse I had hoped she had enough sence..." the rest of his words are lost he looks about seeing no sign of her or the little one. "bloodyhell." he mutters agin. Moving along the side of the barn he makes his way twords the front doors keeping his eyes and ears open...

There is a lengthy pause before the man curses, "Blood and Bloody ashes!" then louder, to the man who is offering the prize, "Leave it at the door and back off nice and slow. We'll let the woman go when we have it and safe passage away! And only then." Elyse suddenly cries out in pain, as the man must've done something to cause her discomfort in an effort to remind them that there is a hostage.

There is a lengthy pause before the man curses, "Blood and Bloody ashes!" then louder, to the man who is offering the prize, "Leave it at the door and back off nice and slow. We'll let the woman go when we have it and safe passage away! And only then." Elyse suddenly cries out in pain, as the man must've done something to cause her discomfort in an effort to remind them that there is a hostage.

"The doors are to be open, so that I may gain witness of the Princess," Theowyn responds with a firm tone. "And I suggest she is left unharmed," Theowyn's voice strains at that, knowing she has already been greatly harmed. "Though I may have control over the Queen's Guard, I doubt thirty Kandori Guard will allow for your escape if she is hurt." There is a pause, before he goes on. "The Kandori will be far from pleasant."

If anything the Prince's words are an understatment. The Kandori advisor himself already looks angered enough to spit in a fade's face, unarmed. He moves past Dain when finding out the /other/ Princess is lost again, but Elyse means the more to him at the moment. Adding his Kandori accent so those inside know the Prince does have those of Kandor with him he says, "I would listen to the man if I were you."

Dain smiles wryly knowing full and well these men will not escape with any part of thier lives intact.. although let them think they do.. Regardless the Tairen comes to a stop near the front ready to burst in should he need to, also keeping an eye open to make sure they are not attacked from behind... that would be bad.

There is a few vague mutterings as these bloaks try to figure out what to do. Then finally, the spokesman says, "Yer in no position to bargain." Then lower, "Answer 'im. Tell 'im yer alive, wench!" There is a moment where a soft yelp is sounded from the unistakable soprano voice of Elyse, and then her words, soft and shaking, "I--I'm alive," she manages, then the man says, "You hear dat?!"

"It would seem to me, that the woman you hold hostage is the only link that keeps you alive. Kill her, and you sign your death warrant. There are enough men here to prevent your escape." Theowyn changes the odds, or at least tries too, watching Dain move toward the door. He looks to Reynard, with a slight nod, and rides forward. The tip of his sword knocks on the doors of the barn. "The affair will be far too bloody for you. Now, I suggest the bargaining begin with having sight of the Princess. Unless she is already near death, she certainly does not sound well. Perhaps we shall end this now?" Theowyn turns, his voice moving in another direction. "Sedai..." it is loud enough to be over-heard, though not loud enough to make it obvious he wished them to hear. Again, he looks to Reynard. "We ride in..." it is a whisper that might have a chance of being heard with the exaggerated motions of his lips.

Reynard nods quietly to the Prince and takes a deep breath as he gets ready.

Dain keeping his hold on Saidin ready he only smirks at the comment from the prince, a cold smirk. Regardless his knuckles go white on his blade as he prepares a weave of air so that aopn entering and getting his bearings he may be able to stop a knife aimed for the princess, should this other man have a knife to her neck... And perhaps a little weave of air to remove his bloody head. Regardless he redies himself.

The man grumbles audibly and shouts, "Roland! Git yer arse down here and open the bloody door so's dey kin see her and we's kin git outta here!" There is the sound of shuffling in the hayloft and the creaking of a man decending the ladder, "Alright," the spokesman starts, "You'll git to--" and then is suddenly cut off by a gargled cry from within. There is a startled gasp and short cry from Elyse--not pained, but frightened.

Theowyn urges the horse forward toward the center of the barn doors, and begins to pull on the handle in hopes that there is no locking mechanism. The reaction is quck, his sword, readied as his side as he tugs while guiding hte horse away from the swinging door (if it swings).

There is a secondary cry of startlement and pain from another man from within.

The door swings open, revealing a horrific scene within. (feel free to enter the barn now, for those entering.)

At the scream and the commotion from within Dain spins into action, and he seems to be quite quick on his feet as he moves into the barn.

Barn

Just inside the door of the barn are the stalls where the farmer's horses would have been kept. Indeed, there are horses in the stalls. Five of them, to be exact. A wide corridor leads between the stalls, passing by a ladder that leads up into the hayloft before it opens up upon a wide open area containing, of all things, bales of hay and farming equipment. In the center, a 'camp' of sorts has been made, with bedrolls and even a small firepit dug into the bare earth. There is plenty of light, as lanterns have been placed at various strategic locations.

Contents:

Twitch

Mouse

Kae

Elyse

You go into the barn.

Reynard enters the barn.

Reynard has arrived.

Reynard arrives with Theowyn.

Dain enters the barn.

Dain has arrived.

Timuri enters the barn.

Timuri has arrived.

Mouse leans down to slit the hamstrung man's throat, flashing him a grin that only he can see as he leans down. Her eyes dance with delight. Poor man. And once he's dispatched, she stands and bolts for the tack room, following Kae and Elyse.

Once the doors are flung open by Theowyn, the men outside are met with a startling scene. Two men down, their throats slit or being slit by none other than Kae and Mouse. The third man that had been with them is currently in mid-turn when a dagger from Kae's expert hand smacks him dead-center in the forehead. He doesn't even fall right away, more a slow slumping to the ground. At the same time, one of the crossbowmen has just landed, having jumped the last few rungs of the ladder, to the ground, and brings his crossbow bolt first onto Kae and Mouse, then onto those who entered with the opened doors. He lets out a curse and fires. The crossbow whips passed anyone, hitting one of the supporting columns in the barn and piercing the rope on a lantern. The lantern falls and hits the ground, breaking. The flames already starting to catch the strewn hay. Two more crossbow bolts stream down on the group from those in the hayloft, but these were aimed at their original targets, Kae and Mouse--at the first sound of trouble. One goes wide and hits Elyse instead, in the shoulder. She cries out from the pain, and with such confusion and having gone through such torture she doesn't understand friend or foe, and attempts to fight off Kae's hold on her, managing weakly to pry herself away, if only for a moment, but stumbles to the ground in the process.

Elyse's appearance should be noted. She is soaking wet, head to foot, and her gown is torn similarly to Kae. What skin is visible is bruised and cut with both injuries suffered days ago, and injuries suffered more recently. And her lithe form is slightly more emaciated, having refused food during her captivity.

With a willowy tall and lithe frame, this young woman exhibits the qualities of someone with a self-possessive air, confident disposition, yet demurely expressive countenance. Her long, slender face holds slightly pale, delicate features: soft, full lips seemingly ready to smile at any given moment; a small button of a long, slim nose; and two soft eyes of a cornflower blue that seem to hold a tender, distant and somewhat wistful gaze beneath a brush of thick lashes. Her honey-blonde tresses spill out in waves, cascading down to just a few inches below her shoulders. Her slender, tall figure gives the impression that she is barely beyond her twentieth Naming Day, if that; and she moves with a slow, careful grace--every movement purposeful, and somewhat sparing. "Energetic" does not describe this young woman at all. Instead, she appears calmly reserved, conservative, and often pensive.

She wears an elegant empire-style gown of dark violet. The sash that cinches her waist just under her bosom is only a shade or two light in color. The silk material and master custom tayloring indicates that this was an expensive commission, yet there are no House sigils on her gown to be found. The length of the billowing skirt comes to the tops of her feet, permitting the toes of her matching silk slippers to be visible and giving her feet a bit more freedom of movement so as not to trip. The sleeves begin slightly off the shoulder, allowing a great expanse of smooth flesh exposed, though stretching across her bosom in such a fashion so as to only give a hint of cleavage. Elegant and yet modest. On the skin of her left shoulder blade, a birthmark in the shape of a five pointed star, is partially visible above the material of the gown on the back. Her hair is kept loose and unbound save by a slender silver circlet around the crown of her head; the only other piece of jewerly is an opal resting as the centerpiece to the silk choker about her throat. She is not quite in disguise, but it might seem obvious to some by her appearance that she does not want to be immediately recognized as the Princess of Kandor.

Carrying:

Special Item Token

Moving into the Barn Dain pulls his blade before him should he need to defend himself aginst attack, now once in better light those whom are perceptive would probly notice the end of a cross bow bolt sticking out his side, wrapped within the void he has yet to notice the blood soaking into his once grey tunic. Trying to get his bearings as his eyes adjust to the light of the fire, he frowns to himself in a moment as he stalls trying to figure out what exactly to do certainly not having expected this.. although perhaps he should have.

Timuri moves in with everyone else, a man of pride not about to let a lady and a little girl either do all the work of saving Elyse, or get themselves killed at that. His voice, probebly familiar to the princess that has gotten peirced by the bolt shouts out, "Elyse!" He tries to move past comrade and flame to get to her.

Kae mutters a string of quiet curses that don't belong on the lips of a woman, much less a Princess, as Elyse fights her. When her 'sister' gets hit with a bolt, she utters a quiet growl and looks up toward the hayloft. Damn. Out of range. Wincing as she bends to take Elyse's arm again (the good one), she tries to get her to stand while pulling her back toward the tack room and (hopefully) behind cover. The lamp oil, as it soaks into the hay and allows the fire to spread quickly, is just another worry on her list.

Mouse blinks as she hears a soft thunk from beside and a little above her. Sometimes, being short is quite the blessing. She only stops for a second to look at the bolt, and then she's off across the barn toward Kae and Elyse, whispering fiercely, "Hurry, hurry! They're -shootin'- at us!" Well, duh. Elyse has figured tht out. She darts past the pair to pull the tack room door wider, allowing Kae more room to maneuver her sister in, should they get that far. "This way's out," she tries to assure Elyse ... as if an unknown voice whispering at her in the midst of chaos is going to help.

Theowyn rides into the barn. At the sight of Elyse, he rather blindly rides out to save her. There is little care for the bolts that fling through the air, though he is cloaked in that Warder's cloth that shows him near invisible but for the head and the horse he rides. Seeing Elyse being attempted and pulled toward safety, he turns up to the man with the bolts. Already one of the Queen's Guards is heading up the ladder to take the man out.

Dain grits his teeth and looks up twords the loft, a fire already started he will be damned if they shoot any more bloody crosbowbolts at the group, preparing a weave of fire to direct twords the loft where the large (( assumably)) group of archers WHERE, if they wont come down he will burn them out. Saidin filling him he realeases the weave of fire, the reaction with the straw on most likely the same as bellow... quick spreeding flames... Apon letting go of the weave yet agin more of the oily Taint slams into his mind the urge to purge barley being choaked back. Quickly the Tairen looks over the room to see if there are any other men who are amred, perhaps with swords? Or otherwise... half of his tunic now soaked with crimson...

Fire and smoke begins to consume the barn so thickly that those in the hay loft find it difficult to breath, let alone see to get off another shot. Elyse manages to grasp that Kae and Mouse are part of the rescue, not her enemy and is a little more cooperative, but as she tries to get to her feet, she falls again, too weakened, "Go!" she yells in the direction of Kae's voice, coughing over the smoke, then her head whips around at the sound of Timuri's voice, "Uncle?!" The crowssbowman on the ground drops his useless and emptied bow and unsheathes his sword, trying to fight his way out of the barn, and engaging anyone in his path. The last two above attempt to fend off the Queen's Guards who have climbed up to deal with them.