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The land under the name of the Aviordupois, even from my spyglass I can make out acts of knights as castle-like structures make the settlement in front of us, though for the most part all I see are plains and farmland. I put the spyglass away and get down from the mast, I signal to make ready for port and Elie sounds it off while I send for my team.

Queco comes from below deck, she looks to the land that we're closing in on, she looks to me as she points to herself and then the land.

I lightly shake my head and I say "I've already told you, something is going on here to where paladins are gathering en mass, unless it's needed I am not going to risk your safety."

I am not sure if Queco understands me completely, though I think she is learning how I speak because her mom speaks both of our languages, but she simply walks away with a nod.

I sigh as I make my way to the bow of the ship, maintaining my composer to the crew as I start to delve into my thoughts, I stare out onto the water as I do my best to picture the great house we'll be visiting, suddenly I feel a sharp pain in my heart which causes me to tremble for a moment and with it a flurry of emotions. I hear foot steps as Relocca comes over to me, she looks out over the water and the towards the city.

Relocca says "Such a beautiful place, I hope things clear up to where we can experience it." with a light smile.

I say "We need to get the situation squared away first, with any luck I can convince the locals to let you all go ashore afterward. Though I need to get a grasp on the people here.", I sigh as I say "Politics..." with an aggravated tone.

Relocca looks to me "Also, are you feeling okay?" with concern in being hinted in her voice as she goes on "It was subtle but I saw that you were in pain."

I say "I'm still trying to deal with the pain I have. Though I will admit, sometimes I simply try to hide it."

Relocca nods and she says "That's one thing I like about you, your honesty. No matter how painful or ugly it is, you tell the truth.", she crosses her arms as she goes on "How are you going to approach this? If this house is as hard headed as I've heard, it may be your most difficult task."

I glance to her as I think "All I can do is improvise and roll the dice based on what's going on. Lalaine is going to be my advisor on this venture, so I won't be completely in the dark, after all if you want to get to know an area, talk to the locals." with a light smile.

Relocca puts on a smirk "That is certainly true."

The Normandy soon makes port without any issue, with it I decide to give the crew a shore-leave and we head out with Danica and Lalaine at my sides and the others just behind us. I've repainted my armor with a royal blue complement the red robes with some gold accents mixed in, to try to stand out a little better as oppose to the drab of brown leather, even having the aquilia painted on the chest in gold paint with a steady hand. Up ahead is a group of three heavily armed equines, their armor has the symbol of S'Allumer and elegantly crafted calendar swords, one is a mare and the other two are stallions, now one of the stallions compared to the other two isn't wearing much armor, hardly any outside of a rather plain plate chest piece and worn leather bracers and sabatons, his body adorned with heavy scars while the other two are basically in pristine shape.

I think 'These must be some of the paladins, here goes nothing I guess.'

The mare looks to all of us and steps forward, height wise she must be about seven and a half feet at least... looks like I'm going to be in a land of giants until the situation is resolved as the stallions look to be about a foot taller then her on average.

The mare says "I am Sister Tamel, I am a paladin of the penitence faith." her german accent kind of thick but I can make out her words pretty easily.

I say "I am Adam Rinaldi, it is in honor to meet you." with a light smile as I bow and place my right hand over over my heart that is partially enclosed.

Tamel says "When Father Coniglio sent word about you we weren't really sure what to think, but we have heard of your deeds thus far and that you are called the Phoenix.", she looks me over and she says "You weren't really what I was expecting."

The scared covered stallion steps forward and he says "This runt is the warrior we've heard all this time? He comes flashing gold and baring the Rinaldi name in the same fashion, showing off and talking is what they are known for these days!"

The mare looks to him "Brother Amston!"

The other stallion says "Brother Amston, he is a knight. Care to show some respect at least?" with a roll of the eyes.

Amston looks to the stallion "Don't be ridiculous Brother Zekeyal, you think because he bares that name and rings earns something of that for an empty house."

I look between them "With all due respect, I do agree with Amston, to an extent at least. If you think my steel is lacking, I wouldn't mind a spar."

Amston says "If you wish to test your steel, we could use a sell-sword I guess. The damned are coming back, test your steel against them."

I say "Wait, as in the undead?", which earns nods from the paladins and I say "How bad is the situation?"

Tamel says "So far they come in small mobs, but the more recent attacks have been having modified undead and this necromancer is learning at a fast pace."

Lalaine says "By the Light..." in shock.

Tamel says "Indeed Sister, thankfully none of them sprung up here, though the attacks are becoming more aggressive, so it's only a matter of time."

I say "Where do we report to offer assistance? I have a full crew and plenty of 25 pounders just in case."

Tamel puts on an amused look "You ARE looking at the recruiters. We've been at this for the past few days in trying to add more manpower to the reserves. Most quickly do their trade and run, but a few have stuck around."

I look to see the small number of ships in port... I was wondering why it was practically deserted for a major port, I look to the paladin and nod, I turn to Maeve and I say "Inform the crew of the situation, I want those cannons ready in case we need fire support, also we're going to need Relocca or Wovka to help relay firing coordinates to the ship."

Maeve says "Yes sir." and quickly makes her way back to the ship.

Lalaine says "Relay coordinates?" with everyone giving me looks.

I say "I figure since wolves can howl and it can be complex, also given the possible range it may give us an edge."

Serilda says "That makes sense, relaying information like that happens all the time so it'll work the same way. And it'll help guide the cannon fire far better then any other signal."

The equines blink and Amston says "You hide behind cannons, should've figured because you have two pistols and now howling wolves?! How much more blasphemy can you possibly commit?!"

After a few minutes I hear "Reporting for duty captain!", we look to see Wovka arriving with Maeve.

Amston says "Savages? Savages! This one works with the Phalen!" in disgust.

I say "Some are part of my crew and they are my comrades. If your fighting undead that means numbers and sooner or later they will overpower whatever numbers you may have, war is overall a numbers game and I can help even the odds, all I ask is a little trust. But keep in mind I will not tolerate hostilities to me, my ship and my comrades." as I take a firm stance.

Zekeyal says "Given the situation, we accept your terms."

Amston looks to him "You can't be serious?!"

Tamel looks to Amston "We need all the help we can get on this Brother Amston, they are one of the few ships that has come in willing to offer aid after being told the situation. I understand the traditions of our great house, but maybe we need a new tactic to meet this unconventional foe. I commend our brothers and sisters as well as the efforts of the knights, but we need more assitance then we think. And the young lord is correct, they may hit us with a horde we can't defeat on our own in the near future."

Amston gives her a stubborn nod and he walks off, earning a sigh from the mare.

Zekeyal says "He'll get over it in time Sister. His head may be hard, but so is his faith."

Tamel says "Indeed, the haimorrous heterodox produces some hardy paladins indeed." with a frustrated smile.

I say "Haimorrous?" with a curious look.

Lalaine says "The haimorrous heterodox is an accepted branch of the S'Allumer faith, their worship focuses on inflicting pain onto themselves and each other as a form of worship."

I blink and I say "That explains the scars he had, but I never would have guessed that scarification would become a mandate."

Lalaine says "To be blunt, they learn to love the whip and often go days without eating, not to mention they are also strict vegetarians and they don't believe in... procreation." getting a little uneasy towards the end.

I look to the paladins for confirmation and they nod, I say "I was never told that there we're other versions of your religion." as I look between the three of them.

Lalaine gives a sheepish smile "I forgot to inform you, we were so focused on the core aspects of studying the faith that I forgot to bring it up.", she regains her composer and she says "Take me for example, I am part of the Penitance, the core faith."

Tamel says "I identify as part of the hyperdulia faith." followed by Zekeyal "And as for me orchomency. Which are branches of the core faith."

Laline says "The main values are intact, but there are a few minor difference between them."

I think 'And then there's one where you basically kill yourself!'

After getting clearance and paying docking fees we are finally able to enter the city where knights are constantly moving with the occasional paladin here and there and many priests are walking around. Compared to Triskallian the city is somewhat bare and small, then again we're in Fermerouge, a port city of the Avordupois and a fair distance from the capital of the great house Chalon-sur-Sauldre. According to the paladins, the undead started attacking from the south west, near Ardent which at first held but has now been surrounded for the past few weeks and have struck the location of Porteur-du-Soleil which is a fortress of those who follow the old faith of the great house over the past few days but the horde seems to be moving north, meaning the next attack will either occur here or Enclume which is controlled by the house of the same name that forges quality arms and armor. If a necromancer is directing the horde, then attacking them would be a terrible idea, so I relay that Fermerouge is the most likely target... the scary thing is the paladins agree.

I say "In terms of bringing the fight to the foe, what's the plan?"

Tamel says "I'm glad you asked, the Archduke will be here within a few days to lead the crusade, which will be a three pronged attack. We've had to forge an uneasy alliance with the heretics at Porteur-du-Soleil just so we can gain proper footing on that flank, our high king will lead the central force with most of the paladins and elite knights, on the coastal flank, the force will move until it can hit the enemy in the rear where hopefully the necromancer will be."

Zekeyal says "We'll recommend that you join the coastal force, as your ship won't be able to play it's role any other way."

Serilda says "Your logistics must be pretty good for such a feat."

Tamel says "Resources are being brought in from all over the kingdom, what warriors that can be gathered are being brought here. Word has also reached the Doloreaux and they have sealed their boarders until further notice. And I can't blame them, raiders have become quite a problem lately."

Zekeyal says "To be fair, they would sooner see us wiped out before offering aid."

Lalaine says "By the Light, how can others turn a blind eye to such monstrosities?!" with shocked eyes.

I sigh "I wonder the same thing about my people Sister."

Tamel says "A temporary post has been built between here and Enclume which is where most of our forces are gathering, small defense forces will be left behind to protect the settlements."

I say "Honestly, we may not have a few days for the Archduke to arrive if the attacks are becoming this zealous."

Tamel gives me a reluctant nod and she says "I agree, however he wishes to carry it out in honor and glory."

I say "Honor and glory is good, but in terms of mounting an effective line it does nothing."

Maeve says "I couldn't agree more."

I say "But we should be able to hold the line for a few days at least. In total what do we have for forces to work with?"

Zekeyal says "Outside of your forces, we have around 100 paladins, around 10,000 knights, a sum of 25,000 regular troops, some cavalry and whatever almoners are taking to the field to act as support. In addition around 600 in hired mercenaries."

I say "That's quite a lot of troops." with a light smirk.

Tamel says "A good chunk are actually from the Bisclavret, our messenger must've delivered quite a speech to gain their aid and Triskellian closed their land boarders after word reached them though a few small companies did come to aid."

Danica says "So we have forces from most of the other houses here, that's quite a good thing."

I say "That being said, the stakes are high... if we fail the whole island could be lost.", I suddenly stop as I feel a cold chill run down my spin, everyone instantly looks to me and I suddenly just feel cold.

Tamel says "Are you okay?" with a raised eyebrow.

I say "I suddenly just felt very cold, almost like I just felt the feeling of ice."

Mavra says "It could just be nerves, I mean coming here and hearing this kind of news hits pretty hard."

Tamel says "We'll guide you to the Inn where the mercenaries are, you can all get some rest if you need it."

.................................................................................

In a nearby alleyway Amalsand looks at the scene in front of her, the human her son was talking about was here and giving aid to this lands great house, but he looks more then fully healed, he also bares the symbol of the Rinaldi and baring some pretty potent-looking gear. She had heard the priests and commoners refer to him as the Phoenix, even hearing he conjured great wings of fire a time ago.

Amalsand thinks 'This human, I wonder how much of a wild card he is. Hmm, I should keep my distance, but maybe I can get to know him, maybe I could find some leverage on him. Maybe I can convince him to turn on his masters and join us... or at the very least see if he has the artifact my son failed to secure!', the coast clears so she steps out and she thinks 'Vaslov was correct though, most of his comrades are women. Maybe I can use that to my advantage.'

A voice comes her way "Madam Velviea!" and a horse comes her way.

Amalsand looks his way and she says "Yes?"

The horse says "Sorry I lost you, would you like to finish the tour?" with a nervous look.

Amalsand puts on a polite smile and she says "Thank you but that won't be necessary, I can find everything." as she gives him about nine denar.

The horse gives a bow as he thanks her for the money and wonders off and the grey vixen turns and starts to follow the humans trail.

...............................................................

After arriving at the Inn and being a restless, I decide to go kill of some stress, in fact the ladies are busy browsing the shops nearby, so I decide to head to the local tavern and see what I can have to drink. I do get some attention from everyone with the waitress becoming a little distracted, to try to make this less awkward I give the bartender a few gold coins and buy everyone a round of drinks much to everyone's delight. I get a tankard of water from a friendly waitress and I soon take my seat, tucked into a corner to where I can keep to myself. Being in a tavern isn't exactly my strong suit due to how rowdy some customers could be, but most of the patrons here are level headed, so I guess their conditioning has something to do with it, though some of the younger equines are either under the table or being a little zealous as alcohol guides them. I sigh to myself and have some of my water, there is no drinking age here which is true of the time period, but I figure it's best to be reserved.

I hear "Mind if I join you?", I look to see a grey vixen, she's wearing regal red dress that would put roses to shame, her eyes are gold, red lipstick and a layer of light bluish make up that is just enough to work as an accent to her features, all with long white taking over her head as she holds a glass of wine.

I say "Not at all mi lady." with a light smile as I use an air spell to move the chair out for her.

The vixen gives me a smirk of her own as she says "How charming.", she sits across from me and she says "A young lad sitting alone in a place like this a rare sight. Normally they are chasing tail or playing the many games with friendly banter, though I think you have more interesting words then they do."

I say "It largely depends, the name is Adam Rinaldi, to whom am I sharing my company with?" as I keep my smile.

The vixen says "Velviea DeCue, a pleasure to meet you.", her eyes scan me "The first human is a Rinaldi, how quaint and from what I hear a magic wielding knight-errant. I heard of your dealing with the group of bandits that you and your allies defeated, quite commendable."

I say "The group needed to be dealt with, I feared for Triskellion that a raid was imminent." as I take another sip of my drink.

Velviea says "I am curious however, is it true that all of your close comrades are of the opposite sex?" with curious blinks.

I say "Indeed, it brings attention from some but I don't mind it, they are good company and they are people I would trust my life with."

Velviea says "So you've never..."

I say "No, I haven't done that with any of them." already knowing the question "Besides they are also my teachers and I don't think it would be a good idea." with a light smile towards the end.

Velviea says "I guess it wouldn't." with a knowledgeable grin "Honestly, I could use some company as my children are away and I'm traveling. I can even pay you if you want."

I say "You don't need to pay me, I would be happy to accompany you."

One of the patrons looks to us "Aye, the lad likes a woman of older fashion. Good on ya, but be wary, ye never know how many miles they got." his tone drenched in ale and strong booze.

I instantly glare at him as I stand but Velviea motions to let me know it's okay.

Velviea looks to the rude customer "At least he has a chance to woo a lady, as oppose to your ugly mug.", she sticks her nose up with a "Hum!", she motions me to follow her.

I get up and start to pass him, he blocks me and he says "Come on lad, ah see those rings, at least give out some low justice and chivalry.

Everyone looks at the scene instantly, great now I have to deal with this trash!

I say "Fine, I'll entertain you." as I give him a sneer.

The guy closes his eyes and he says "Go ahead, ah wont feel a thing." with s condescending tone.

I whip out my sidearm by the barrel, without lining it up I pistol whip him into the side of his head, he goes flying down, I can hear him grown as I put my pistol away, I leave a few denarii on the counter as I say "Sorry for the mess." and everyone watches me leave with a few of the waitresses looking at me with huge eyes.

Velviea and I start to head down the quiet streets, even in the fading hours people are still about with plenty of activity, mostly from bakeries, some venders trying to sell their wares and the occasional escort. Basically it's just like New Town back in Triskellian, just the thought of it makes me feel homesick.

I feel my hand getting gently gripped, I look to see Velviea holding my hand with a warm smile as she glances to me, I give her a gentle grip back with a smile of my own. Eventually we find ourselves close to the western outskirts of the city and outside of farmland there is practically nothing outside of the occasional windmill and stone tower, the stars of the night sky starting to really blossom as the sun has almost fully withdrawn.

Velviea says "Getting out of the city will give us some air and besides a knight escorting a lady is always a sight." with a light smile.

I say "I agree, but haven't you heard of the attacks?" with a raised eyebrow.

Velviea says "I have, but they are far enough away from here to where it shouldn't be a problem."

We soon find a bench and we take our seats, the older vixen maintaining her posture but as for me I simply get lost in the stars. The night sky here is very similar to ours, it even has the same constellations, just more that shows this is an alternate Earth by the looks of it.

Velviea says "I am curious though, are you joining the charge with the paladins?"

I give her a nod "Yes, my comrades and I will lend any assistance we can. But this will be the first time we've faced such a foe. Given that the undead are a popular enemy in a lot of stories, they shouldn't be much of a problem."

Velviea says "So you already have a tactic in mind?" with a curious look.

I say "I have several actually." with a light smile.

Velviea puts on a smile of her own "Then the people have nothing to worry about. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders and have a firm grasp on things.", she gives a happy sigh "It kind of reminds me of my son."

I simply smile at her but I glance down in a personal sadness, that is something that I once thought I'd knew, every time I think I'm past it I become haunted by it. When does it end? Why can't I just move on from it? I guess my heart is in too much pain. I feel an arm come around me, I look to see Velviea looking at me with those gold eyes of hers with curious concern.

The vixen says "What's wrong?"

I go to speak when the loud snapping of twigs sounds, I quickly get up as I ready my sword and I say "Who's out there?! Come on out!"

Moans come from the foliage as more twigs snap, from them the smell of rancid flesh comes and with it zombies come forth, to which I count a total of 29, I ignite my sword with fire, with my left hand I launch an exploding fire ball into the air.

I look to Velviea and I say "I can hold them off until help gets here! Get clear!"

Velviea gives a reluctant nod and she runs away as she says "I'll see who I can get!"

I turn my attention to the horde and I ready another fire ball as I yell "VALOR AGAINST THE ODDS!!!"

I launch the fire ball which obliterates three of the zombies, I quickly pull out a pistol and with a trigger pull I blow off another zombies head. The horde keeps coming and slowly closing in, I quickly holster my spent pistol, I pull out and fire my other pistol which takes out another one, I quickly holster it as I make my defense ready. One of the creatures lunges and while I block most of it's strike the punch hist me hard enough to knock me back a little, I follow up with a swing which cooks through the dead creature, amplifying that stench as I bring it down, another abomination comes at me but it stumbles as I bring fireweaver into an upward swing which takes the monster out.

I think 'Seven so far, but I can't loose my focus!'

I swing as one of the monsters makes an attack but thanks to help from my swords flame I bypass it and the monster ignites before falling a few moments later, I decide to back up a little with my sword ready. I quickly cast an ignite spell but all it does is burn off a zombies clothes, another comes at me, I try to doge and it does land a hit on me but my armor stops it. I go to swing but I loose my footing, at that moment one of undead goes to attack but I do succeed in block the attack and igniting the monsters flesh, I glance behind me and I see I don't have much more room. I have no choice, I must use the attack I've been trying to perfect.

.......................................

A company of soldiers and some paladins with those Adam brought ashore come into Amalsand's sight, she quickly waves them down.

Danica says "We heard the gunshots and the fire ball. What's going on?" with a solid stare.

Amalsand says "Your friend is fighting a horde, he's holding them at bay for now, he sent me to get you."

Danica nods as she motions the vixen to come with them, while Danica may not know who this vixen is, Amalsand certainly knows her as she saw her fight against Vaslov and barely came out on top. Quite an interesting turn of events.

The group turns the corner and they see Adam has conjured his wings of flame, he takes flight as he says "Feel the wrath of my ultimate attack! ALL... IS... DUST!!!" with his wings booming in flame.

The sound of wailing wind takes the calm air, as fire melds into it, in an eyeblink, Adam unleashes the wings in a cascade of vengeful heat, the zombies are given no time as the flame engulfs them, a few zombies towards the edges gurgle as they try to escape the immolating flame but the fire cooks them instantly along with the small trail of fallen undead behind them and a small portion of grass. Everyone watches the scene in awe, that Adam could unleash such power, nothing remains of the horde at all save what ashes may remain.

..................................................

I look at the inferno in front of me, I turn to see everyone looking my way with a lot of people coming from the city, the knights and paladins stare without any words as I approach the crowd, I say "The horde has closed in sooner then expected, if you wait any longer then this location will be overrun! Waiting for your leader will not protect your house, if we have the forces ready then we must strike now or risk losing your lands. I understand how much you all take pride in honor and glory, but if your leader has a sense of understanding then we must commence the operation tomorrow.", I raise my blazing sword and I say "We must take the fight to them! Who's with me!?"

A lot of people put on surprised looks, but a few start to raise their hands, declaring that they agree with me and willing to take a stand, among the crowd however is a heavily dressed equine, he is adorned in plate armor and a black cloak, he nods as he reveals he is the duke of the city and he says his forces will be ready as he has messengers dispatch to the post and the other settlement, that the crusade will start sooner then expected. We all accept the fact that we'll have to face the possible consequences sooner or later, but everyone understands that unless we act now, the undead will reach the capital city in no time. I eventually find myself in my room with Maeve with me cleaning and reloading my sidearms as I start to make more ammunition, however given the opponent I load the pistols with a form of buckshot and that's what I'm currently making, that way I can negate the time needed to try to aim and just point and shoot to cover a larger area.

I hear a knock "You may enter."

Velviea enters with a merchant behind her wheeling a display stand that has parts of plate armor on it.

I say "Velviea, it's good to see you again." with a light smile.

Velviea puts on a feminine smirk "Same to you, I came to bring this to you, I hope this armor helps you in the coming battle."

I become stunned, as such a suit has one heck of a hefty price tag, in fact I also see a metal heater shield, I say "T-Thank you madam, I am taken aback by your kindness."

Velviea says "It's my way of showing you my support, after all what's a knight without his armor?" with a witty smile at the end.

Maeve blinks "Mah Sir Adam, with you aroun' we won't have to worry about resources." as she gives me a sly smile.

We get the plate armor on me as I decide to wear my leather armor underneath it, the set up is restrictive but I can still move okay, the helm resembles a sugarloaf helm and I have some pretty good vision despite the restriction of having it on, though I think I'll leave it off for the coming battles. Velviea also has a painter come in and she starts to paint the shield with the symbol of a raising phoenix on a field of royal blue along with the chest piece of the armor and the armor pieces are even painted in royal blue with gold accents. Everyone looks me over with Velviea having quite a beaming smile, I look myself in the mirror, now I know I'm ready.

To be continued...