A New Threat

The once loyalist known as Rhuric, former shadow-knight in the honorable Queen's guard, has made an attempt at the Queen's life. All active military and stationed guard are to be on the watch for the described male - use excessive force, take extreme caution if engaged and make no attempts to reason with the assailant. Guards are to post at all points of entry and double watch routine in light of these treacherous events. Subject is wanted dead or alive, preferably dead.

Rhuric: The inner-guard of the castle had been frantic; the distant call of horns, a beckoning cry, resounded through the yard as several of the militia scattered about with weapons drawn. There had been an intruder, a shadow along the walls who somehow managed to bypass their direct intervention... Shouted commands of 'find the bastard!' and otherwise barked orders clamor in the pre-dawn, the higher ranking militiamen clearly disgruntled and nervous at the notion someone was capable of such adept subterfuge. Several stories above, an onlooker remains leaned against the stone - perched, in a loose posture, with armor similar to that of a black rider... darkness fell over this one, the unsavory character, as a perked grin rested smooth on parted lips. Cold eyes survey, calculative in their predatory watch, as the clank of steel against stone indicated his push from the previous lean. Rhuric was not unknown to them, someone who knew their protocol well enough to endanger... well, everyone in the service. And those who would pin his appearance, they would undoubtedly assume to which direction he was headed; the Queen's quarter. An ominous sound of footsteps through the corridor thuds, and ever closer to that destination did he reach.

The Queen: ** Kaelyn was within the only sanctuary she had of the Castle her private quarters in the East wing.  She was dressed in her usual attire of white tunic shirt that laced up the front, black leather pants, and black boots. Sitting before the fire arctic colored blue eyes stared at the flames as the licked and consumed the wood logs, tiny embers floated in the air like fireflies swarming on a sultry summer night only to vanish as they spiraled upward into the chimney on a fuedal quest of freedom. The thunder of footsteps pulled her from her deep introspection of her life. Rising quickly for what could be the cause of such hurried steps in the pre-dawn hours?**

Rhuric: Unnatural mobility kept the man a step ahead of the military movements, twisting through the halls and making his way back outdoors to better avoid the stationing guard within. By now, many armed men would be positioned in the upper levels and standing guard... that was his intent, after all. If they thought him behind, they would never anticipate the ascension through clever means; the exterior wall. Hands grip the outer stone, poising himself upward to traverse the rise connecting the castle's towers to the inner-hallways... and naturally, the Queen's private domain. The balcony was quickly found, having some relatively nimble fingers and capable torso strength; enough to manage a fast climb and sturdy roll that left him knelt outside the open doorway to her sanctuary. An abrupt sound of cackling muscles resonate the air, clicking his reflexive joints and nerves in a readily stretched fashion, and the man would approach. Slow, hard-pressed steps are intentionally heavy to announce his arrival as shaded armor comes into full view when crossing the open barrier. Calculative eyes settle on the interior inhabitants, the previous smirk once again appeared on thin lips.  "Funny... You make a little nudge at the nest and the whole hive starts losing its mind."  the confident, well-toned voice drawls from the entry. Without a doubt, the current company would know all too well who caused the commotion. 

Shadow-Knights: As if clockwork, the two honor guard would turn immediately to the sound and latch firm hands upon dormant weaponry.  In an instant, Pagan and Phantom's attention settle on someone they knew; the bastard, one of their own former allies, in the flesh. Methodical motion crept each shadowy knight away from one another, giving room for practical application of excessive force in case the situation escalated as they knew it would. Neither said a word, not a sound, as such was not needed - they were firm in their duty to protect the Queen from all adversaries... and Rhuric was very much that.  With keen precision, the clamorous sound of steel inflicting a pristine slice against scabbard clashed the air with its vibrant pitch. Each took a sword-spin, dipping their in-hand blades with finesse and composure. The black armored brutes were readily prepared for the current task at hand... former ally or not, there would be no hesitation to strike if the anti-knight came but footsteps closer.

The Queen: ** The Nordic warrior was half way between the door and the balcony when  Pagan and Phatom took positions ready to protect and defend her as was thier duty. She looked coldly at the man who had dared to be so bold as enter her private chambers. Upon hearing his voice she stood rigid as if frozen in place by an unseen force. Could it be?? It was him a former Shadow Knight back from the dead. Swords at the ready she glanced to Pagan and Phantom and then back to the intruder "Rhuric." she hissed his name as her gaze narrowed to an icy disbelieving stare "So it seems ye did no die in battle that fateful day?" her voice was smoothed as perfectly aged Scots whiskey yet held an undertone of contempt laced with a touch of loathing. "Ye dare show yer face here... and aye, poke the nest and ye could get stung." smirking sardonically as she glanced once more to the two Shadow Knights in front of her. There was no fear on her face only complete cold rage, her pale eyes seemed to burn holes right through him.**

Rhuric: In a manner of deliberate taunt, arms lift and extend over his head while a look of mock terror displayed his face for a few seconds... then, of course, levels out to a daunting disposition with eyes flicking from one armored man to the other.  "Oooh-ho... I should watch my step. The tin-can brigade might swing some swords at me."  the sarcastically touched voice, and borderline arrogant flinch, were playful attempts to enrage the two guardians nearest to his position. Rhuric knew well enough to fight both at once would be inevitable loss, but to detach them one by one may prove fruitful to his endeavor. Both arms slink down, sliding hands behind his back, and the anti-knight retained a masterful stance with feet separated by enough room to pivot and parry if needed.  An audible, entertained sigh expels from parted lips while that glowering gaze turns to regard 'Queeny' intentionally at the torso. All the while, a knife crept down from the inner-section of the left sleeve while his right hand idly toyed upon a small canister of shadowy gas contained in glass.  "So sorry to disappoint you. I had thought maybe we could have dinner sometime, maybe let me see you without all that obstructive clothing..."   came the relaxed drawl, a head cant toward the left following such. To most untrained individuals, the idea of insinuating to the Queen of a realm would no doubt strike as 'idiotic'... but there was an unsettling calm about Rhuric, enough to usually unnerve those in his presence.

Shadow-Knights: The tactical, stalwart guardians were not subject to taunts; they knew no rage, only a devotion to their Queen who was in their eyes being threatened by the former guard. Pagan took some steps back, standing in front of the Queen with sword at the ready. Phantom immediately understood the plan - one defends, the other progresses. Twisting his weapon at an arc and stabilizing the hilt with his off-hand, the shadow-knight took heavy steps forward in the direction of the posed opposition. An audible huff exerts the shadowy mask that hides his face, enough so that shaded steam was visible from the ventilation of his nose holes. Then, the intense sound of clashing steps shifts his movement from a slow approach to a quickened pace. The weapon was positioned sideward, ready to draw forth and slice diagonally when in range...  The other, Pagan, remains motionless before the Queen while he watched his ally descend upon the trespasser.

The Queen: ** Her rage was practically blinding her but she managed to keep it locked down tight, for she knew this man and knew him well he was as calculated and manipulative as they came as could all Shadow Knights be. "I would rather dine with vermin than ye." words hissed through clenched teeth. She had not missed the way he looked at her. "In another place and time we had been friends, but ye crossed a line Rhuric and that I cannae fergive, nor ferget." Pagan had stepped back closer to her as Phantom advanced closer to Rhuric. her sword was over by the chair she had been sitting in... so she slid her hand to the hilt of her dagger just in case. "Why Rhuric?" she had to know why he had so blatantly disregarded his oath so long ago? Kae squared her shoulders and straightened her frame to its nearly six foot height and inhaled slowly. She knew she would not fight this day for Pagan and Phatom would do all so she did not have to, but someday in the future she would meet this man in battle and may the best one win. The Queen lifted her chin a bit more and  waited to see what the next move would be.**

Rhuric: There was no question in his mind what Phantom intended should their range be closed in... that, he was not about to risk. A quick right hand tossed forth the container, shattering the glass onto the floor in front of the impending figure. Shadows roar from the prior imprisonment, cascading a darkness over the scene as smoky fog would instantly expand and overwhelm the area to lessen vision. Then, as he continued to listen in on the heavy steps, the left hand slid forth with the man's most lethal weapon readily clenched... his dagger, a blade which could easily have been connected to his very soul, something each shadow-knight held in their most valued of possessions. By the time vision had completely ceased, Rhuric plunged forth the bludgeon side of the razor-sharp steel in hopes to meet Phantom's face head on with force to knock him back or prone him. There was certainly power in each strike and anyone who knew how to present excessive force with prowess would sustain a brutal means to infliction. Dawn was upon them, and being that the posted guards outside in the halls had not seen him yet ... well, the man knew well enough their intervention to the scene would be soon. It was about time he made his departure, having hoped to off-set Phantom's balance and dip sideward to begin racing toward the balcony exit during the distraction if his hit was successful.  "Because.  Friendships are just a means to burden. Besides, I was expendable - else you'd have considered the actions more carefully."  the voice called out through the darkness.

Shadow-Knights: The brutish form did not cease even as the shadows corrupted the field of visibility, his steps only proving more forcible in the approach to find the man... To the two shadow-knights, there was now a serious issue for them to consider; being unable to see the Queen ... or the threat.  Pagan pushed backward, extending his hand outward to feel around for the form of the Queen while hoping to push her closer to his flank and in his closed area of protection.  However, the ear-piercing sound of metal impacting metal donned the room as Phantom connected with the hard extension of Rhuric's weapon. Not fatal or damaging, but enough to send him backward several feet and land him loudly against his arse... Perhaps a bit disoriented from the mixture of smoke and the powerful clash, the shadow guard waves his weapon harshly before him two or three times in separating the thick fog... and, too, aim to retaliate at the adversary. Ineffective as it was, it was little more than instinct to make certain that Rhuric hadn't slipped in closer after the blow.

The Queen: ** Her initial instinct was to rush forward and engage the 'enemy' however as smoke filled the space they occupied causing her to cough softly. Pagan's large hand snaked behind him and  touched her side as he gently pushed her back and remained in front of her so he knew where she was. She reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped back giving him space yet letting him know where she was without crowding him. "We are all expendable Rhuric... tis the way of things as ye well know." she shouted. She could hear the guards outside her door trying to gain entry... and then the sound of a fight ensuing within. The sound of something striking metal and the tell tale sound of someone falling  "PHANTOM!" she practically cried out his name in worry and .. and yes fear for her loyal and faithful knight and friend. Pagan stood before her sword drawn and reached up placing a gloved hand over hers as if to reassure her all was well... or that he hoped it was only time would tell for sure and it seemed to tick by so damn slowly at the moment.**

Rhuric: "Don't die, old friends. We've many more encounters to make."   called out the voice of the trespasser.  With that, the man was gone - out the balcony exit, hurling himself off the stony ledge and into the fold before him. A few clamorous thuds could be heard, distantly, as his descent from the towering stone castle was taken... a leap of faith, but not entirely fair. Shadows overtook his form, curling his frame in a temporary shield that deflected a brunt of the blow when he reached the ground level. Innate use of shadow magic, something developed over time and mastered with timing, was quite handy for scenarios like this - allowing him a quick escape, one not easily followed by any except the two distracted shadow guard who he knew would not pursue. A casual flick of his over-coat took place, brushing the development of dirt from shoulders, as attention crept once more to the previous position in the castle walls. There was much to do, he knew, and much more relative circumstances to involve in... naturally, it was time for him to disappear into the surrounding terrain, the forests that went on for leagues. Rhuric was far from dead, and the Kingdom would no doubt be seeing him again. With that, confident steps directed toward the woodland as those cold eyes narrow on the creeping light that formed about the trees... dawn had risen.

Shadow-Knights: The smoke within the room cleared through the open exit, cascading in a slow yet tantalizing sway downward... as if it was controlled by something, or someone. As quick as it had appeared, the darkness rose and Phantom glanced about the room to see that the previous threat had departed... Still, the thought of Rhuric's survival caused a thread of concern given he knew all too well the lethal prowess the man held. All the same, the shadow-knight quickly stood from the prone position and gathered his composure. Pagan relaxed a bit, noticing his ally had not fallen in the sense of meeting fate; it was a relief, to be true, given both considered the anti-knight a most competent enemy. With the danger cleared, both knights regarded each other and turned to the Queen for support - though nothing was said, the woman would no doubt understand their silent consideration as a quiet 'Are you alright?' in hopes of answer. One after the other, swords were returned to their scabbard, relieved no extensive harm had come upon either themselves or their beloved Queen.

Arganian Guard: "My Queen, are you alright?"  resonated a voice from behind the door followed by excessive knocking, a group of militiamen standing at the ready with swords drawn and spears tightly clasped if conflict was in effect. Five armor-clad guards, donning the banner of Argania, wait patiently for the response of their royalty. The front-man, being the highest ranking of the bunch, had been the one to call out. The guard captain turns, nodding to the nearby Private.  "You, head down the hall and secure the final intersection. No one enters, no one leaves - not until the situation is settled."  he barks, pointing off at the distant corridor.  Without hesitation, the 'greeny' fled the scene and went to take position as instructed. All through the castle, pairs of guards had been tactically set with weapons at the ready in the case of interior resistance... Some inexperienced, some veteran -- all of them ready to fight and die for their cause; protection of the castle, and the Queen.  -d-

[ Role-play was done by BornofLies (The Queen) and aLoremaster (Rhuric / Shadow-Knights) ]