Iron Part 15
Story by MagnumWolf2 on SoFurry
Ironclaw (c) Sanguine Games
The Normandy is plowing through the sea as we make our best possible speed to Port Spar so that we can reach Harrowgate, looking back at our time with the Doloreaux after we defeated Vaslov's forces, they sent one third of the converted mortars to the Aviordupois and another third to Triskellian as thank you's and diplomatic gifts. Truth be told I am more then happy to see everyone on the island fighting for a common cause, but true unification no matter what transgresses will still be impossible for practical purposes. Now we are heading to the lands of the Bisclavret, based on what I have heard they aren't truly slavers, but rather innovators who are in a near constant state of some form of change due to engineers and have the most powerful fleet compared to the other powers, outnumbering all the others combined by a decent margin and have well-established military aspects in terms of size. Given that's the case, maybe I can strengthen diplomatic ties to where we can form a Rinaldi-Bisclavret alliance of some kind, I know a few may give me some push back given the use of slave labor in some shape or form, but all the House's use slaves or indentured servants of some kind... some just take it a little too far.
Danica comes over to me "Port Spar will be in visual range soon."
I give her a nod "And with it hopefully the end of this, but the start of something brighter."
The vixen gives a smirk "Spoken like a royal indeed."
I squint my eyes at the horizon as I think I see something, I grab a spyglass and look through it and I see two massive plumbs of black smoke, I put the crew on alert and ready to cast some iron but also to be ready to commence rescue if we have to. We get closer to the smoke with my hand on my undrawn sword with shield read and the sight is that of two flutes ablaze and by the looks of it there are no survivors.
Danica blinks as she looks to both of them "These are the two flutes that were with that warship!"
"Yeah and now they are nothing but hulks!", I look to everyone "At this point in time we are on red alert, all hands to battle stations until further notice!"
Maeve comes down from the mast "Adam! There'z ah ship out there!"
I pull out my spyglass and quickly look, past the smoke I see it, I lower it "Speak of the devil there it is, right between us and the port!" as I grit my teeth at the end.
Danica growls "Vaslov!"
Elie looks to me "Orders captain?!"
I glance to the crew and sure enough everyone is looking to me, we can't go around them and reach Harrowgate effectively and we can't turn back to Triskellian, our only option now is to fight. But how? We are severely outnumbered so boarding is out of the question, not that it matters because we would be smashed to splinters in no time because we are hopelessly outgunned. Time to get a little crafty, the only way we can make it now is with magic and a lot of luck...
I fully turn "We all know we have no real alternative options, our only option is to deal with the first rate, a suicide action in every conventional sense. But we are far from being just that, we have braved through the hordes of the undead and an army of elite steel, they sit atop a fortress of wood atop the open waves... lumber that shall be razed!"
Wovka folds his arms "An how do we do dat?" with an amused tone.
I look to Serilda and Mavra "Can we submerge the ship in the waves and keep a bubble of air around the ship so that we can breath and keep the guns dry?"
The look on everyone's face is priceless, but the too ladies look completely surprised.
Mavra puts on a thinking look "It may be possible, but that is a lot of magic and we wouldn't be able to maintain it for long."
Serilda looks to her "It's suicide is what it is!" as she folds her arms, she looks to me "Say we do accomplish this feat, what would happen next?"
"Then I use my firestorm to set it aflame, if we set either side completely on fire it may cause an internal detonation, but either way they would be too concerned with the flame then pursue us."
Danica blinks her eyes "This is crazy even by your standards."
"I'm not saying that it would be easy and it is completely unorthodox, but our enemy keeps employing their fancy tricks. They have shown their teeth but we have always made them choke, I think it's time we showed them we can not only bite back, but strike so hard that it'll make them think twice." I look to everyone "Look at what we have done in such a short time, we have broken armies, warships and the ties between the houses have gotten stronger, we have gone from errants, hunters and pirates to something far more, we have given those around a glimpse of a better tomorrow, what we have and what we give is stronger then any weapon, more robust then any ship and faster then any steed. And believe me when I say this, that I have entrusted my life onto you the entire way and that trust has not been misplaced. So if Vaslov wants to keep this fight ongoing, then let's give him what he wants, I have the best crew, the best comrades and the best allies one could ever ask for! Who's to say that we still can't do the impossible?!"
The crew begins to cheer with my companions joining in, I can still tell everyone is skeptical about the plan, but I can see the vigor in their eyes renewed, to be honest I am not too sure of the plan myself but in boosting their morale they boost mine.
I ready my sword, I raise and aim it towards the bow "VALOR AGAINST THE ODDS!!!" with everyone bellowing my words after.
...............................
Lystragones is eyeing the ocean line, the otter having seen the humans vessel just a moment ago is a little on edge but he knows he has the advantage given the capabilities of his vessel. He glances to the wrecked flutes, having the two vessels fight each other to the end wasn't what he wanted to do, but Vaslov wanted it done to send a message to the Phoenix, that he was willing to sacrifice what was needed to kill or even scare the human into submission. That being said, the grey fox almost did slay him and all it did was strengthen his resolve and the otter heard rumors of the battle the two had a little while ago, now it seemed the two were evenly matched or close to it, if it's to be believed then the lands will be free from the talons of both him and the plots of his mother... he just hopes he would live long enough to make it past that and enjoy his older years and leave behind his use of his spells.
A rumble comes to the ship, going from faint to making the first rate tremble a little, suddenly to the port the humans vessel emerges from the water, the otter and his crew becoming surprised by this occurrence, the evidence of magic being quite clear as the human is in clear view with his wings of flame summoned, for a moment he locks eyes with him, the otter knows what is to come and now even if he gave the order to abandon ship or even surrender it would not make a difference or be heeded.
A sigh escapes the otter for a split second 'Well played young man. I guess this is check mate.'
The human unleashes his storm of flame and from the bow to stern the port side and deck of the first rate becomes engulfed in unforgiving flame, the air and water being consumed in screaming heat death of steam. The otter closes his eyes as he accepts his fate and a few seconds later the heat ray of death finds him, turning him to ash and dust...
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The Normandy lands in the water as the air around it dies down, we look back to the war ship, I smirk as I raise my hand in fist and bring it down "Good night!"
The first rate handles a few small explosions but then a massive one claims the mighty vessel, reducing it scrap and splinters, the largest mast flying in the sky before crashing into some nearby sea rocks, thankfully we had so much momentum we escape unscathed from both the blast and shrapnel from the first rate, but regaining control was difficult, either way it was quite a quick victory for our side as cheers sweep across the Normandy.
I know when it comes to our deeds and my speeches it boosts our morale but to an extent everyone's ego as well and no matter what I say some of us may think we are invincible... which isn't true, far from it. Heck, I almost died twice from dealing with the grey fox and that's common knowledge at this point, to be honest though even with all my skills and capabilities I know that sooner or later my luck will run out, but more importantly even though being an errant has been nothing short of a once in a lifetime adventure, I do still wonder what brought me here exactly, I think back to just before I came here with that strange green light... I may know some pretty amazing magic wielders but no one I know of can conjure something like that, Vaslov was teleported away but his mother couldn't even be that powerful, I doubt she even thought I or my species even existed given we exist in a different space. It does bring into mind though, that once this journey is over what am I going to do? I can easily put some of my ideas in motion because of my reputation and status, however I am thinking of my future, settling down either in Triskellian or in one of the other lands I've been to and maybe even trying to find a partner as I lay down my sword.
I don't fully know what I want to do, but it's nice to know that I have options to go on, then again being an errant has brought me all kinds of experiences that I could have only dreamed of and I do want to explore beyond Calabria at least for a little while. I'm not sure, I'll have to see this through first then think about it some more, I also wish to speak with the Don and Donna along with Danica before making a choice.
Eventually we reach Port Spar with a gathering crowd, they had seen the destruction of the first rate and what they have heard of me being confirmed as they had heard tales from the west, but we also learn that they are grateful as the massive ship was forcing trade ships away. I personally doubt Vaslov had put the ship intentionally there to try to block trade for the economy of the Bisclavret, if anything I think he put it there to try to delay our approach to the capital of the Great House... and I'm not the only one who shares this notion as Danica and Mavra comments on this with the others nodding. We knew that it would be a race against time no matter what for the last part, but now it's even more so, as such a road block would grant him weeks worth of time and could allow him to achieve his objective.
Danica looks to me "Vaslov must be desperate if he was willing to do such a tactic, but it does confirm that he wants to finish what he and his mother started."
I nod to myself "We will come to blows again no matter what, if he knows we have both parts then this will likely be winner takes all.", I look to the vixen "Is everyone up to speed on the emergency plans?"
The vixen sighs "Yeah, let's hope that we don't have to implement any of them."
"But they are needed just in case.", I look to the riverway to Harrowgate "We cannot allow anyone to pay the price if we fail."
Lalaine comes over to us "The crew is wondering if we have time for a shore leave, in my opinion it would be wise as we also need to resupply."
Danica looks to both of us "I don't want to push the crew but a little rest and relaxation would make the situation a little better."
I shrug "I don't see the harm in a few days rest either, we'll have a standard shore leave and begin our restocking, besides I want the Normandy to be inspected after our show of force anyway."
The vixen puts on a smirk as she pats my back "Careful about having some fun, wouldn't want a scolding from our priestess would we?"
I blush as Lalaine pouts and eyes me with somewhere between a glare and a glance, I sigh 'I would tell a joke, but she'll probably slap me if I do.', I clear my throat as I look to the skunk "In all seriousness, how is morale around the ship?"
Lalaine composes herself "The crew aside from their boost earlier is fairing well, though I'm unsure how well they'll hold up on another extended voyage."
"I think we're near the end of all of this, once this is all over I think we have all earned a vacation."
Lalaine crosses her arms "Once this is over, what quest are you going to do next?" forming a witty grin.
I give a relaxed sigh "I don't know, part of me wants to explore and part of me wants to just settle down and find someone."
The skunk puts a hand on my shoulder "Whatever you choose, you will have our full backing. And if you decide to go one another adventure, I would love to be apart of it again."
Danica winks "I think we all will." and gives a giggle.
The next few days go without incident though we do get looks as the Phelan are part of our allies, but Queco and I look more into the tomb as it was a perfect opportunity to see if we can finish going through it or at least try, we uncover what looks like a journal entry done by someone named Cnaeus Fundanus Fabillus, an ancient warrior who according to this entry was a Centurion of the ancient culture, the entry reading as follows:
This is likely the last thing to be written by my hand, for our enemies have gained a firm grip of our Holy Empire's neck and are breaking it as we speak. Most of our weapons have been lost, but I refuse to let my sword share their fate, therefore I have taken it apart and I will put the parts into hiding. I pray that when or if they shall be found, that they are turned to use of virtue and valor, I hope our arrogance and turning a blind eye to those in the dark doesn't carry over for those to come.
The past few years of this struggle has shown unto me that our rule was never to last much like those we have conquered, I do not know what is to come but after two parts are hidden I will remain with the last, I know our allies to the north west will help in our efforts to preserve what we can even if it is very little. I doubt that our tale will withstand the test of time even with them, but if these words are being read then some fragment of our culture and history has made it through the sands of time and survived. The last portion of this book will reveal the location of where both I and a part of my sword will remain, of course I will not know how much time has passed and the area may be different, however I will leave easy to follow instructions on my wishes should anyone find me without this tomb.
Our Empire that has stood for so long may be dust and what I leave is very little, but my sword the Trinity of Light is the greatest thing I can leave behind, it was one of our first magical weapons and alongside the others helped forged our identity over the centuries. We stretched ourselves too thin and those of the black arts have taken advantage of that with these large crow creatures and bringing our foes together.
I conclude this entry on this, I doubt that we will ever rise again from the ashes, but others will. Even our great Empire had to build itself from nothing over a long span of time from those that came before us. I am not sure what role my sword will play in the time that is to come, but I pray that the right hands are laid upon it, for I fear those with ill intentions will merely change form and try to claim my weapon for their own plans of destruction. The fate of so much may very well lay on whoever gets to the sword first.
------Final entry of Centurion Cnaeus Fundanus Fabillus
There is also a date but I don't recognize it so I quickly cross referenced it with some of my books and discover something amazing, currently the year just turned 885 Apres so if the date on here is correct then this tomb alone is at least 1,300 years old.
Queco looks to me "A map that'll take us right to it!"
I quickly pull out a map as we flip to the last part of the book and we see a small map of the island, after doing some math and a little guess work... the answer we get just stuns us. We get the rest of our circle together and their reaction is simply priceless... I wish I had a polaroid camera at the very least!
After a refreshing shore leave we are on our way up the massive water way, it'll be a little while longer until we get to Harrowgate given how slow we have to carefully go and navigate the water. Now I feel we are so close, we know where the last part is and closing in. I am wondering though, once I have the sword in it's entirety, what am I going to do with it? I don't even know what it does outside of being a sword as I have only heard that it is a powerful weapon... I can honestly say the same about Fireweaver given that I know it's capabilities... so what exactly is this weapon able to do?
I'm going over my full translation of the tomb in my quarters, when we do get back I'll gladly give it to the College and get it mass printed, a translation of a forgotten book of a lost empire by both a human and Phelan druid, I can already see the gold rolling in while making sure Queco gets her share. Speaking of which, given the role our northern allies have played this entire course, I'll definitely try to strengthen diplomatic relations with them too, heck I am a member of the Cell, so maybe it could work but the Bisclavret and the Phelan have some major issues with each other... no one ever said it would be easy.
I hear a knock at my door "You may enter." as I close the book casually.
Danica enters "I knew you would be here." with a smug look on her face, she comes over to me "It's hard to believe that the last part is in Harrowgate itself. Here's hoping we can get our hands on it without incident."
"With all the crazy stuff we've been through it would be a nice change of pace... but we both know how this usually goes." giving a smirk at the end "Frankly I am also concerned with a few scenarios after this is over and I was wondering if I can run them by you."
The vixen raises an eyebrow, she takes a seat "I am all ears."
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Vaslov is wandering through the forest, keeping to the shadows as he tries to make it to where his mother figures the last part is likely to be... Harrowgate. He wishes he could just have the spell take him directly to it, instead he has to be a good distance away as the spell isn't that accurate. As he carefully makes his way to Harrowgate his mind begins to wander to the human as he reflects on the struggle the two have had all this time, this human was truly something he never would have expected and despite him being on the opposite side, the grey fox is starting to really gather respect for him. The first time the two fought one another, Vaslov thought he was mere prey, something he could simply kill for sport and be done with it, the second time however was far different. Seeing him adorned in that combination of blue, gold and red, unleashing his magic and leading from the front... he had turned from a lucky runt to a powerhouse, when the two locked eyes during the fight he could see the fire burning in those blue eyes and it wasn't any kind of magic, it was the same gaze Vaslov had, one that showed the gaze of the wielder was ready to fight to the end, to prove a point and to do what they thought was right.
Vaslov glances to the moon 'I wonder, how would it be if we had gotten to him? What if he were turned to our side and not the Rinaldi? Being a warlock of that caliber with black magic... the thought alone is powerful on it's own.', he thinks about his mothers plan 'At this point, I wonder why I am even here... we've exhausted all our resources and most of our influence, even if this works I doubt we'll come back from it. I understand that my mom's ancestors were here before and it was them that hit the last nail in the coffin for the Empire here... they simply failed to secure what they were truly after.', he smirks 'It makes me wonder though... if he is the Phoenix? Does that make me the Raven?', he chuckles to himself 'Actually, I quite like that title. Two birds on opposite sides of the spectrum fighting over the neutral ground that lies between them. I just need to make sure he doesn't resurrect!'
To be continued...