Curse this accursed cold, curse that idiot cat, curse this snow, curse it all! The early morning world was encased in a blanket of snow. White fluff covered the many pine trees, here and there clumps of brown grass protruded from the white mantle. Gray clouds filled the sky and a damp atmosphere hung over everything.
Crouched next to a tiny fire in a small muddy patch Kasta Shortclaw wrapped his cloak around himself tighter cursing his birth, and that of every other living thing. The beautiful scene hardly matched his thoughts and appearance. He was a tall wildcat with a silky tabby fur which was now wet and frozen to his body. His once fine clothes were dirty and soaked giving him a ragged look as he rubbed his paws over the flames trying to bring life back into the numbed appendages.
I hope that mangy father of mine rots and dies a hundred horrible deaths, coward ha, I'll show him I would rip his heart from his chest if I could. Dark thoughts filled Kasta's mind as he attempted to warm himself while reflecting the last three days.
Three long days ago he was the respected Crown Prince to his father's throne, and now he was a starving frozen wreak waiting for some messenger to tell him he could go home. He shivered trying to move closer to the fire. A coward that was what his father had called him, a coward who had no courage was no son of his. He had disowned his own son and exiled him, and for what. Who would willingly chase escaped slaves into a freezing river?
He pulled his cloak closer to himself and wondered if he would freeze before his father forgave him. In truth Kasta would rather his father died instead of having to face the humiliation of being brought home. The thought of his father's death- as horrible as it was- warmed Kasta slightly and he pressed closer to the fire. He was exiled and doomed to this horrible waiting game, but he could wait. What else was there to do?
Raja stumbled through the snow, muttering all the bad words she knew under her breath. This wasn't worth it. She should go back. She was wet, cold, hungry, and miserable. But before she could change her mind, she saw a small light in the distance. Quickening her pace, Raja pulled down the hood of her cloak and waved her paws around. The silver bracelets jingled as she called out, "Hey, hey over there! It's me! Raja! Are you Kasta?" She unwisely called out at the top of her lungs, hoping the distant figure could hear her.
Not being the most attentive creature Raja's shouts nearly scared Kasta out of his wits. Jumping up he puffed out his fur nearly doubling his size. Hissing and spitting he yowled in pain as his frantic attempts to stand made him plant a hind paw straight into the small fire.
"Yaaaarrgha!" Leaping about Kasta clutched his burnt paw glaring at the newcomer with evident rage. Seeing who it was he sat back down pushing his paw into the snow trying to cool the inflamed paw.
"Oh its you?" Kasta snorted looking to see if any of his fire was left. The twigs had been scattered most effectively by his paw and the last of it flickered out. Narrowing his eyes Kasta glared at his cousin with distaste, they had never been very close and she was the last creature Kasta wanted to see. "What are you doing out here, did my father send you to kill me. He must not think very highly of me if he sent you." Kasta groused flattening his ears.
Kasta's screeches had caused Raja to begin screaming as well. Not in pain, as Kasta had, but because he had startled her. She clutched the handle of her machete tightly, trying to calm down, "Wha.... wha... what was that? Why... Oh never mind. I've come here to tell you something, and your father never sent me. He won't be sending anybeast any time soon," she hinted, hoping to catch his attention and curiosity.
That caught Kasta's attention more then it should have. He wasn't the smartest creature but he wasn't slow by any means. Releasing his damaged footpaw he stood up wincing slightly.
"Wots that suppose to mean? What happened to my father, speak?" He pressed, ears twitching. He noted the blade that hung at her side with some concern but he pushed it aside, if she really was here to kill him he figured he could hold his own even without any weapons to speak of.
Hiding a smile, Raja shook her head mournfully, "Alas, your father had passed away. He is no longer living, and your brother has taken over the throne. I have come to warn you, your kingdom may fall under his illegal and unrightful rule. I have come to bring you back to your kingdom so you may inherit the throne that belongs to you," she took a deep breath, as if holding back tears.
The almost sorrowful way she proclaimed his father's death and his brothers take over almost made Kasta laugh. The pain in his foot paw was instantly forgotten as his tail flicked back and forth in a feverish excitement.
"Yes!" He screamed, no longer able to resist the urge he threw back head and yowled his triumph to the sky. The fact that his younger brother had taken the throne didn't bother Kasta overly. He was sure the teen wildcat would step aside when he came marching back in triumph. It was as if his curses had reached his own father and killed him just as Kasta wished.
As the echoes of his jubilation resided Kasta's mood changed drastically from irritated curiosity too vicious intensity and excitement. His gazed snapped back to Raja who was standing like she was depressed.
"Snap out of it cousin, you did the right thing. I will make you second in command, under me of course." A new idea traversed Kasta's mind and a dark smile crossed his features. "Have you anything to eat cousin? I have not had food nor good drink for some time now. Come rest by what is left of my fire and tell me more of my father's final hours."
OOC: Feel free to make something up
Raja instantly dropped the act and crouched down by the remains of the fire, "Second in command?" She hissed. This was what she deserved, perhaps Kasta was not that bad if he could be so hasty in giving out power. She smiled, "Well, it was not too long ago. I would have gotten here sooner, but I am not used to trudging through this dreaded snow. We were told that he died from some heart failure," she hesitated, then narrowed her eyes and leaned forward, "But there are rumors that your brother himself is behind all this. I've heard that he talked your father into making you an outcast, that he poisoned your father, and that he has no intention of bringing you back to claim the throne...." She left off there, watching to see his response.
"Rumors?" He hissed collecting some more partially dry branches and sticking them unskillfully into the stack of smoldering wood. Blowing on the embers he managed to revive the orange glow into a small blaze. Sitting back he tilted his head listening as Raja finished her tale of how his brother had been the cause of all this.
"Is that so, well Vircis must be taught who is the real king. Once we return the guard will join us and I will have him thrown in among the slaves and have him work in the fields. That will show him." Kasta rubbed his paws gleefully considering everything that he would do to his brother and those who had opposed him.
"When you have rested sufficiently you will show me the way back." He commanded, standing up and pacing back and forth like a caged wild thing. He couldn't wait, he would go back, it was less than a day's journey and he was itching to sit on the stone throne.
"Only a few more hours." He murmured.
OOC: Does this remind you of Thor at all?
Raja's eyes shone defiantly as Kasta commanded her to show the way back, "Why yes, cousin," she said, forcing herself to smile sweetly, "That is why I came here. To help you claim your throne... with me being your second in command, of course..." She said.
OOC: That's actually what I was just thinking :P
He paused his continuous pacing eyeing Raja with a new light. She may very well be dangerous in the future, Kasta silently berated himself for speaking so quickly, he should never just paw out power. He leaned against a nearby tree a smile slowly crossing his face. Raja would prove useful now, if she ever attempted to take what was rightfully his a knife between the shoulder blades would be more then effective solution.
"Well cousin it appears we have a common goal," He waved a paw dramatically and dropped to the ground sitting with his back still against the tree. "Claiming my throne is the top priority and you will get your due reward for the aid you provided."
OOC: Okay so unless there's something else Raja wants to mention feel free to initiate a time skip to where they are ready to head back to the castle.
OOC: nah, I'm good.
BIC: Raja smiled slightly, "I'm sure you will reward me greatly after the trouble I went to in finding you out here in this miserable snowy place," she commented, settling down by the fire and wrapping her cloak around her shoulders, shivering slightly as she rested.
As the hours inched by the two cat's conversation drifted and then ended. Both rested in the slight warmth brought by the midday sun. Kasta feeling more impatient than ever sat up shivering as he realized the patch of snow he had been sitting on melted into his tunic.
"Come cousin we have wasted enough time, by this hour tomorrow I expect to be sitting on the throne of my father's kingdom, and you will be standing by my side. Hurry, you're leading the way." He picked up a pawful of snow and threw it at the dozing Raja in an effort to make her rise faster.
Raja jumped slightly, giving a small cry as the snow hit her, "Gaah, stoppit, fool!" She screeched, brushing the snow off of her and standing up, "Yes, I will lead the way back, who else will? Follow me, let's get back as soon as possible, out of this cursed snow and disgusting cold. Ugh, it's all wet and cold and gross. I hate snow," she grumbled.
With an evil grin that only a cat could make, Kasta followed his cousin clapping his paws together to rid himself of the excess snow. "Would you call your future king a fool?" Kasta purred as they began their march with Raja leading. Brushing at his soaked clothing the wildcat couldn't help but agree with his cousin. What cat liked the snow? "Certainly cousin the snow is water that is cold, what cat likes water, much less the cold?" He put in ducking under a low hanging branch.
Raja pulled the hood of her cloak up, "Only a fool would like snow. Or cold. Or water. Huh, otters like water. Though I've never liked the nasty creatures anyway," she commented, shivering slightly and unused to walking long distances.
The wildcat prince snickered at Raja's complaints, and was considering flicking more snow at her when he stopped. His ears twitched and he sniffed the air. "What was that, it didn't smell good?" He asked gazing at Raja.
"Der I bert ie' don'. Heehee ain't dat jus' 'weet, tw' kitties ouw' walkkin'."
"Heheh i'd is chief, et' so cute, heehee."
Kasta whirled around standing on the path behind them were two big water rats. They clutched what looked like rusty saws and sickles as weapons with they spun in their paws. Not fancying a fight the cat spun around to flee in the opposite direction they were going when two more rats walked out. One was twirling a sharpened shovel and the other gripped a wood axe.
Feeling his hackles rise Kasta backed up to where Raja stood hissing. He hated being cornered.
Raja hissed and screeched, clumsily pulling out her machete, "Get away, get away from me!" She howled, her tail puffed and her claws shot out. She glanced around wildly, wondering if she could outrun them or at least Kasta. As long as she got away.
Seeing Raja pull out her machete made Kasta groan, she had drawn it like she had never even touched the thing before. The rats would see that as a weakness, the only way out of this situation was by talking.
"Put that away cousin your only going to make this worse." He whispered to Raja before opening his paws to show he was unarmed. Kasta took two steps toward the rat he assumed was the leader.
"Listen friend we have nothing of worth and we are simple travelers. However if you let us pass I promise to bring you a rich reward in three days time." A rich reward of spears and swords. Kasta hopped his winning smile would win the rat over.
"Heehee e' et so 'anky speakses eh muckers? 'Ow shtuppid ye dink me am?" The lead rat, twirled his sickle a nasty grin on his face. His breath was rancid enough to make Kasta wrinkle his nose. The other rat pointed his saw at Raja leering at his chieftain.
"Kin et ber me's, der 'anky shword chief?"
"No et me's shword idjit, ye." He took another menacing step forward causing Kasta to step back. The rat yelled behind Kasta pointing a grimy claw at Raja. "Droppit me 'anky shword." he commanded as all the rats stepped closer menacing the two wildcats with their rusty weapons.
Raja half-heartedly swung at a rat and missed, "Get away," she screeched, having never faced creatures in a fight she wasn't sure she would win. This was different than watching her creatures fight one or two creatures that had offended her. She waved her weapon around to scare them off, her silver bracelets and jewelry jingling noisily.
OOC: you know, if I were in Kasta's position, I'd just join the rats and kill her. This character is pathetic ;D
OOC: He might have if he wasn't in the same situation as her.
BIC:
The rats looked just about ready to charge when Kasta fell over backward throwing up his paws crashing heavily into Raja's footpaws. One rat rushed forward trying to wrestle the machete from Raja's paws.
"Ah don't kill me!" Kasta yelled as yet another rat laid his saw across the wildcat's throat.
In a panic, Raja wrenched the machete away and swung at the rat's head, screaming hysterically. The machete found its mark, and the rat fell the ground dead. She stared at the dead rat, having never killed another beast with her own paws, and let the machete drop to the ground.
For a moment the world seemed to stand till, then with a collective wail the water rats left off attacking them staring at their fallen compatriot. "Gaaaah et kill'em chief gaaaah!" Kasta blinked as the rat left off pressing the saw into his throat and stood. Dropping their weapons, all three remaining rats collapsed onto their faces bowing to Raja.
"Der chief be deader et kill'em wid der 'anky shword. Be der chief gaaaaah!"
OOC: heheheh...
BIC: Raja hesitated, grabbing her machete and standing up, "Er... that's right. Aye, I killed him," she said, gaining confidence, "Yeah, and now you have to do everything I tell you to!" She glanced at Kasta, unsure of what to do with the rats.
The wildcat prince picked himself up with as much dignity as possible. Which wasn't much. Brushing some excess snow from his yellow tunic the cat at the bowing rats perplexed.
"How cousin?" He asked more to himself then Raja. One of the rats stood up bringing his makeshift weapon up with him.
"Der chief ber deader, mak'y ya bigchief 'eft der us'sers." The other two rats sprang up watching Raja closely as if waiting for her to do something. They looked neither afraid nor pleased with almost comical expressions. They believed that only the strongest fighter could have defeated their chief and that such a fighter could defeat anybeast. Not being exceptionally bright they followed the orders of the most dangerous creature. Which just so happened to be Raja.
"So dear cousin." Kasta said carefully knowing he was treading on thin ice. "What are you going to do with your new rat gang?"
Raja bit her lip, "Perhaps we will need them when we remove your brother from the throne. Something tells me he may not be willing to give it up so easily," she said.
Of course, she could have told them to kill Kasta, and she wanted to... but she doubted the kingdom would accept a leader that didn't even belong on the throne and had taken it by force. She would have to slowly claim the throne without Kasta knowing it. That seemed like the best answer, but she wasn't sure how one would go about stealing a throne.
Giving Raja a suspicious look the wildcat prince pushed past the rats looking around dejectedly. Already the sun was growing low in the sky. Turning to the closest rat he prodded the creature in the chest.
"You, stupid or whatever your name is. Where is the closest place where we can sleep, comfortably." The rat glared up at Kasta sneering.
"Me don' lissener ter ya. On'y da bigchief." Kasta stamped his paw into snow like a spoiled dibbun. He turned to Raja throwing his paws into the air dramatically.
"Great, now we have a tiny gang of water rats that only follows your orders and is liable to kill us the moment our backs are turned. To top it all off I'm starving, cold, and as far away from my rightful place on the throne as I was when these idiots attacked us. Now would you relay my question cousin so that we might sleep without getting snow in our fur."
Raja bit her tongue to keep herself from laughing, then nodded, "You, rat," she said to one of the rats, "Where is the closest place to sleep without being cold or wet?" She demanded.
The rat looked blank and stared up at Raja as if he couldn't understand. One of the smarter ones albeit still stupid stepped forward.
"Der be bigbarn on de edger o'v likkle village. Be clos''" The rat said uncertainly. Kasta nodded motioning with his paw.
"That will do lead on." The rat pointedly ignored the wildcat prince and turned to look at Raja, waiting for her orders. Kasta hissed and laid his ears back, but the large axe in the rat's paw gave him the wisdom not to try anything.
Raja hesitated, "A large barn? Ugh.... it's better than sleeping out here... Fine, take us there now," the spoiled cat demanded. The rats immediately started leading them away towards the barn they had spoken of. One rat put its paw on Raja's shoulder, guiding her steps and making sure she didn't trip. She hissed, smacking it away and growling.
The rat jumped away quickly, "Muchsorry, sorry!" It exclaimed.
OOC: I'm going to make the rats have much less of an accent simply because its to hard to write. :P
BIC:
Sulking and irritable Kasta followed Raja inside pushing a rat out of the way. Stepping inside the first thing he noticed was the stench of moldy hay. The barn looked as if it had been abandon for far too long. It was evident by the food scraps and random assortment of items that the rats had been living there before. This fact was supported even more as two bow wielding rodents stepped out of the shadows leveling the weapons at Kasta and Raja.
"Ey oo' be derm?" One of the rat archers shouted spiting on the floor. Kasta felt himself get roughly pushed aside as the axe wielding rat stepped forward motioning towards Raja.
"She'em killer bigchief, she'em new bigchief foller et order now." After a moment of hesitation the two archers lowered their bows and bowed to Raja. Kasta snorted, he was suppose to be the king, not his stuck up cousin. He folded his arms and turned to Raja raising his eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"So cousin will this be a fit palace for you, your regal majesty?"
Raja glared at Kasta, "You know what....." her voice trailed off when she couldn't think of an insult. She looked around at the barn, wrinkling her nose at the smell, "This place is disgusting," she muttered.
"I fully agree cousin, however I'm sure your ratty gang will clean it up nicely if you ask them." Kasta groused. Finding himself a respectful pile of ragged looking clothes stolen off some long ago traveler he squished brushed off a few insects and sat down. Here he was, great King Kasta. His brother was probably off giving orders and sleeping on lace and satin, drinking warm spiced wine and eating puffy sweets. Life had a cruel sense of humor sometimes.
He glanced over at the rats, all five were gathering wood and other burnable items which included a large dictionary and were lighting it all with flint and an axe blade. One of the rats looked up at Raja holding a filthy looking pan.
"What'da wanna be der eatin' bigchief?" We got to get rid of these rodents before returning to the castle. Kasta thought irritably.
Raja looked at the rats in disgust, "Eat? Whatever there is to eat, as long as it's not gross," she said as she placed her cloak down on a pile of hay and sat of it.
"Huhuh.... we good cooking der food," the rat replied, then all the rats set about creating a meal for their new leader. Raja didn't pay attention to what they put in it, but the end product resembled a bunch of roots floating in snot.
"Der be's good food, bigchief," a rat proudly announced as the 'food' was handed to both Raja and Kasta.
With slight trepidation Kasta accepted his bowl of 'food'. All of the rats filled their own makeshift bowls and began eating with gusto. Dipping his paw into the concoction Kasta lifted it to his nose. Two urges fought for dominance, one was his hunger which was very powerful, the other was disgust which was just as strong. After a moment of hesitation Kasta sampled it crunching on a hard root.
To say it was delicious would be wrong, but it wasn't overly horrible either. Kasta took another pawful and swallowed. He turned to look at Raja a slight glint in his eye. "Surprisingly cousin as horrible as it looks its slightly edible."
One of the rats jabbed a knife at Kasta glaring at him angrily. "Der bigchief will like th' good food, ya shuddap cat."
Kasta sulked and pulled away slapping an inquisitive cockroach away from his bowl he took another mouthful and muttered under his breath. "If this is good food I really don't care to see their okay food, especially not their bad food."
Raja tried to keep herself from gagging as she stared at what she was expected to eat, "What is it?" She asked, poking it with a claw.
"Der be's roots, d'berries, and good food in it!" Answered a rat, "Bigchief hungry, eatmuch!"
Raja sniffed at it, then slowly dipped her paw into the bowl and licked it. After a few seconds, she cringed and ate a pawful of the stuff, struggling to keep it down, "When we arrive at your castle, I expect a big meal with real food in it," she told Kasta.
"I fully agree." Kasta heaved having eaten some unknown item which was too hard to be a root. "I think they made this with bones and rocks!" He set down his half empty bowl unwilling to eat much more of it. Patting down the few ragged blankets he circled once and laid down. One of the rats however kicked him in the tail pushing him off the makeshift bed.
"Be der not ye nest, begone." Kasta leaped up ready to show the insolent rat what a wildcat was capable of but the rats knife was in its paw. Giving Kasta a 'I dare you.' Look the rat motioned towards the one empty place. "Th' bigchief nest tha'n you get'a hay." Hissing Kasta talked over to the pile of molding hay slamming his paws into the woodwork and receiving a few splinters for his efforts.
"Cousin when we get to the castle we have to get rid of these rats, preferably before anybeast sees them. They will ruin everything. They can pick their own new chief, they wouldn't be helpful anyway." He left out the fact that he would be send a squad of castle guards to eradicate the gang once he was on the throne.
Raja smirked, sitting down on the more comfortable bed, "I agree, cousin, these rats will not be of use to us once we reach the castle. Though I'm surprised you're being so.... kind to them and letting them leave. After they've tried to poison us and kill us with that disgusting food fit only for pigs," she said, closing her eyes.
"Being kind to them certainly isn't what I will be to them, especially that big one with the axe. To big for his boots that one." Kasta back in the hay, besides the horrendous stench, and being jabbed by the straws it wasn't that bad. The rats seemed to be settling down, there were a few arguments on which rodent got to sleep closest to the fire but as it grew later the barn quieted down.
For the first time since he had been banished by his father Kasta felt almost comfortable, like he could use to living like this. Then a cool blast of air pushed though the cracks in the walls chilling him. Then a small bit of snow fell on him though a hole in the roof. To finish it off all the rats began a snoring competition.
Rolling away from the now snowy spot Kasta felt his eyes slowly close. Soon he would be king, and then things would never be like this again.
OOC: do you want a time skip?
Something kicked Kasta in the back. He grunted and curled up into a tighter ball. He tried to ignore whoever was attempting to wake him up with little success. The kick came again this time paired with a voice.
"Get'cha up shtupid kat, be der goin' ta robbin'." Kasta relented and sat up. He blinked, slightly blinded by the bright morning light filtering though the many holes in the barn. All the rats were already awake but Raja was still sleeping, the rodents moved about slowly stretching and warming up leftover root gunk to eat.
Kasta sighed and brushed hay off his clothes and fur, still waking up he leaned against the wall letting his eyes close again, dozing.
Raja opened her eyes slowly, looking around the barn and wrinkling her nose in disgust as she hopped to her feet, her multiple silver bracelets and necklaces jingling noisily.
"When will the food be ready? I'm hungry," she turned to one of the rats.
The rat shrugged, "Soon goodfood be ready for der Bigchief," he said.
Raja looked at Kasta, "I assume we're leaving once we've eaten?" She asked, brushing dirt and hay from her cloak.
"Do you want to wait that long?" Kasta hinted dryly as a scent from the root gunk floated over to him. "I'd rather not wait that long." The wildcat straightened up stretching his back and paws. By some miracle the smell of the moldy hay had faded and was now being replaced by the rat's good food. One of the rats glanced up his eyes glimmering.
"Where be der bigchief a'goin' der yer findin' beasties ter rob?"
Kasta decided to let Raja answer that and began digging about in the rat's pile of makeshift weaponry. Finding himself and dull knife and a rusty sickle he shoved them in his belt. He was going to be slightly ready next time they come across an unfriendly party. Then he stalked up behind Raja whispering in her ear so the rats couldn't hear.
"Get rid of them cousin, make an excuse."
Raja hesitated, "Er... not yet. Actually, Kasta and I will be taking a walk. There's creatures that are going to be giving us... uh, treasure. Now, they won't give it to us if you're with us. So you must stay here and wait. Then I'll give you all the treasure you deserve," she explained, watching the greedy looks on the rat's faces
"Huh huh huh, I want der treasure. 'Ow much treasure Bigchief bringin' us?" Asked a rat.
"Er... more than you can imagine," Raja smiled sweetly.
The rats held a whispered conversation, then turned to face Raja and Kasta, "We be stayin' here, in der barn, Bigchief. We wait in der barn fer treasure!"
Raja glanced at Kasta, waiting for him to say something.
"Ah erm yes, we are going to get lots of treasure for everybeast here." Kasta declared supporting Raja's claims. "And real weapons too." He added for good measure. At this some of the rats began salivating, they're eyes big with anticipation. Kasta curled his lip in disgust also annoyed that the rats had seen no reason to correct him for speaking now.
"Let's get out of here cousin, it's a straight shot from here to the castle, we'll be there in couple hours." Taking the lead Kasta dodged around several of the rats and out onto the snowy fields. He gulped in surprise. A fresh blanket of white covered the ground blotting out any tracks they had made on the way there. Kasta turned to Raja his eyes wide.
"You don't happen to remember the way do you?"
Raja hesitated, "Perhaps we could ask those fools which way the castle is, we could tell them we need to head in that direction," she suggested, pulling the hood of her cloak up over her head.
"Ah, of course we have to ask for the assistance of our greedy hosts again." Kasta spat, irritated they still needed the rats' help. He crossed his paws glaring down at the fresh snow kicking it irritably. Every time they got held up for some trivial reason, like directions, he wasn't king for a slightly longer time. The crown was his, the throne was his, and he was waiting around leaching off some disgusting commoners hospitality.
"Well they're your gang, ask them cousin." He snapped at Raja.
Raja snorted, rolling her eyes as she trudged back to the barn. Several minutes later, she appeared again with the gang of water rats eagerly pointing in the direction of the castle.
"Follow us, Bigchief. We show you d'way!" One cried out.
Raja joined Kasta, "I guess we should probably follow the fools," she muttered.
"Ah, no I mean they can just point the way. If they come we won't be able to get the treasure." Kasta said quickly not wanting to bring the rats along. One of them glared at him poking a dirty claw at his chest.
"Yer don' wanna us eh, th' bigchief be deciding that." Kasta glanced pleadingly over at Raja backing away from the aggressive rodent.
Raja smiled apologetically at the rat, "If I could bring you with us, I would. But it must be just my cousin and I, or none of us will get treasure. I've heard they have spears made of pure silver and gold, with precious stones set in them that glitter like the stars!" She said, pointing to the rat's broken, rusted spear.
His eyes light up with greed, and he nodded quickly, "We be stayin' 'ere, Bigchief, der treasure be muchgood!"
She gave a small nod, glancing at Kasta and starting to make her way towards the castle.
"Wut 'bout swords, eh? Muchgood swords Bigchief be bringing us?" Asked one of the rats.
"An' axes. Axes dat be muchgood like der spears!" Another rat shouted out.
"An' t'rowing knives? T'rowing knives muchgood, good fer killing der enemies!"
Raja squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she hadn't gotten them started on talking out weapons, "Yes! Yes! All of that! They have everything you want!" She yelled.
Leaving the rats with promises of exuberant treasure and fine weaponry Kasta and Raja made good time though the snow. Around late morning they came across the path again and were soon on the tracks to the castle. Kasta was starting to feel the strain on his footpaws from the long march though ankle deep snow. Pride however kept him from calling a halt. It was only when they hit cultivated fields and the castle's highest towers could be seen that his pride gave into his pain.
"Cousin rest of a moment I can see the castle, we're getting close. I can almost taste that roasted fowl and feel the fire and royal fur cloaks."
Raja was secretly relieved when Kasta stopped, and she sat down on a rock while looking up at what was visible of the castle.
"What do you plan on doing to your brother when we arrive?" She asked, pulling the hood of her cloak down to let the sun hit her face. The cloak had become worn and slightly tattered, and she looked forward to getting a better, new one.
OOC: [sarcasm] Kasta's reply took me such a long time to figure out, running though hundreds of different calculations, equations, and graphs of his character traits before I finally decided on one to use. :P [/sarcasm]
"Vircis, ha I'll kill him." Kasta responded almost to hastily, "He isn't worth keeping around, plus he has this coming to him." Crossing his arms the wildcat prince shivered noticeably. He glanced over at his cousin curiosity flashing in his eyes as he considered her position in the situation. Raja was clearing investing much of her time and comfort into this, for the first time Kasta felt a sting f guilt which he quickly smothered.
"What is the first thing you will do when I'm king and your the head advisor?"
OOC: :P
BIC: Raja smiled, "Get a better cloak and eat some of the finest food there is in this land. I think we both deserve it after all this trouble. Then I'll arrange a small group of guards to go back and put an end to those rats," she chuckled, pulling the cloak tighter around her cold shoulders, the silver jewelry jingling noisily, "I'll also have somebeast polish all my necklaces and bracelets. What will you do once your brother is dead?"
OOC: When you have Raja respond could you work into the end of your post that you hear someone coming. I really don't care how. Thanks.
BIC:
The wildcat let out a loud laugh, his chuckles seemed a bit forced as if they were a false bravado. In truth Kasta was rather afraid of his younger brother. In all their many wrestling matches they had when they were younger the smaller, but tougher Vircis had always come out on top. He was strong, quick witted, and twisted to the core. If it came down to a straight up battle Kasta was doomed but he wasn't about to admit it. Instead he counted on the support of his father's closest allies within the castle to recognize that he Kasta, was the rightful heir to the throne.
"After he's dead I think I'll head out to wherever they buried my father, throw my brother's corpse down there with the old fool. Then I'll spit on it and never go return to that spot." He laughed again then smirked. "After that well, I'll come join you at that fine meal."
OOC: whoops! Sorry for keeping you waiting, my bad. I've discovered the joy of Netflix and forgot to post in a lot of threads :P
BIC: Raja gave a small nod, then looked Kasta in the eye, "And I'm assuming you can fight your brother on your own?" She asked.
With any luck, they would both be killed in the fight, leaving only Raja to rule. That would be in a perfect world, but anything could go wrong with her plan here. Before she could continue questioning Kasta, there was a small noise that came from her left. It was enough to make her turn her head and nervously ask, "Who's there?"
OOC: Hey she's back, and its all fine, I figured you were travelling or something.
BIC:
Keeping his tone level Kasta nodded confidently. "Aye, I could, as long as its just us, I'll need you to rally the castle guard to protect me while me and my brother fight. Vircis might have some supporters." He fell silent biting his lip, even with his confidence shaken Kasta was determined to claim the throne, absolutely nothing was going to stop him.
"Who's there?" At Raja's words Kasta straightened.
"What is it, who is it?" He snapped, "Those bloody rats better not have followed us!" The bushes rustled again and a female otter about Raja's age stood up in full view. She wore ragged clothes and was covered in whip marks, on her wrists were manacles with short lengths of broken chains hanging from them. But her eyes were the most notable feature, bright green and blazing with ferocity, and determination.
"You!" She shouted pointing a dirty claw at Kasta.
"You!" Kasta responded reaching for his dagger. "You caused all of this."
"Then I suppose this is a good place to thank you, spoiled kitten."
OOC: Remember Kasta's history and that's who the otter is.
Raja narrowed her eyes, "What's an otter slave doing out in our forest? Shouldn't you be working with the others, rivermouse?" She asked, her paw grabbing the handle of her weapon. The intense eyes of the otter was unnerving.
"I escaped, and he let me get away." The otter laughed drawing away from the two cats. "And whether I like it or not yon prince is the reason I'm free, so I owe him a debt. I wont kill you two today."
Kasta hissed, his claws clenching the hilt of the knife until they turned white. He pointed the blade at her waving his other paw to add emphasis.
"I didn't let you escape, you went into water that would have killed me and my soldiers! Your the reason I'm out here, and why Vircis is trying to be king! This is all your fault, and what makes you think you could kill us. Were armed, and theirs two of us." Kasta's bold words withered away at the look of sheer confidence on the otter's face. She smirked and turned away from him giving a closer look at Raja.
"What are you doing with him?" She asked blatantly, "The pretty not-royal is to high and mighty to come all the way out here without a really good reason."
Raja hesitated, the confidence that radiated from the otter making her nervous. When the otter asked her the question, she drew herself up to her full height (which was not very impressive), "None of your business, so shuttup, streamdog! Who are you to ask such questions? You're just a slave, I could have you killed for your disrespect!" She grabbed her machete out of fear rather than to threaten the otter as she struggled to keep eye contact.
"Hardly a slave anymore." She pointed out lifting her paws to revel the broken chains. "And who will you command to kill me, him?" She raised a eyebrow looking over at Kasta who had let his ready stance fall, the knife hung at his side loose in one paw.
"Leave," Kasta commanded pointing a paw in the opposite direction they were going. "I never want to see you're face, or smell you're fishy breath again. You'll ruin everything just being here!" The otter smiled, holding up her webbed paws and backing away.
"Fine, prince, I have no idea how I could ruin everything, but I have no desire to be here anyway." he turned to leave, but paused. "I suppose you don't know my name, I'll tell you, so it can ring in your head forever more. The reason for all you're trouble. I am Brava!" The otter Brava turned and raced off her laughter digging deep under Kasta's fur. The wildcat spat twice into the snow, tail lashing.
"Come cousin, we're never going to mention that otter again!"
Raja hissed, narrowing her eyes as she followed Kasta, "I do not like the way she talked to us. When we're done with the rats, I'll send out a search party to find her and bring her back. I'll make an example of that little riverdog, all the slaves will fear to even look at either of us the wrong way!"
OOC: for some reason I can't send a PM... so I'll post it here, assuming that you're ok with that:
So sorry I've not been active lately. I'm still getting used to having a life after weeks of staying so late after school. I was actually thinking about checking LtoL earlier today, I just didn't get around to it yet. And I'm fine, just a little busy.
"That would be desirable cousin," Kasta snarled, his eyes narrowed. The wildcat kicked at the snow, a growl deep in his throat. "Though she may prove challenging to find." Kasta considered his last ill fated attempt to catch the otter, and his anger flared again. Looking forward his eyes fixed on the distant castle which grew with every step Kasta felt his anger fade. He would be king before sundown.
OOC: Ready to do a time skip? I'll discuss it more by PM.
Oh BTW you can send PMs, its just weird right now. I got seven copies of the last one :P
"Challenging? I do love a good challenge every once in a while. I always win," Raja purred, looking up at the castle, "I can almost taste that roasted bird and wine - soft bread, too. And a blazing fire with a warm cloak draped about my shoulders."
OOC: yup.
Seven copies.... whoops. I may or may not have gotten irritated and repeatedly pressed the send button.
"You will, stand at attention on the left side of the gate, you will salute anyone, and everyone of higher status then yourself. Do you understand?"
A nod.
"You will allow only guards, and courtiers, to enter the gate unchallenged, if anybeast enters without first providing proof of who they are you are to sound the alarm, do you understand?"
Another nod.
"If anybeast attempts to leave the castle, in a rush, or if they are a slave you will challenge them and or sound the alarm. If any group, or single beast appears threatening, approaches the gate from any side you will sound the alarm. Do you understand?"
A third nod.
"If it appears you are to die, you will sound the alarm, and fight to the death. Do you understand?"
A gulp, and a half nod.
"Good, go stand watch lad."
The little weasel sentry adjusted his grip on the heavy spear watching the road dutifully. Outside slaves toiled in the fields watched by their task masters, they had been the only creatures to pass through the gate. Otherwise his job had been easy, and without incident, which was good because his slow brain might not have been able to handle much more than the sergeant's strict orders.
His first time as guard was a good one so far, in fifteen seasons if he survived he might even be promoted to the storage guard. However he had been told that was the farthest he could go with such a depressing intellect. The little weasel wasn't sure what those big words meant, but they sounded good.
Something caught his eye, approaching the gate were two wildcats, immediately the weasel forgot his instructions, and while he attempted to remember he did what had been drilled into his head ever since he got pressed into the castle guard. The weasel snapped to attention, and saluted.
~*~*~*~*~
"Haha look cousin, the castle guard recognizes me, and salutes my approach. We have arrived at last" Kasta grinned at Raja jubilant as they reached their goal., "Let's go meet my brother, shall we."
Raja smirked, "I'd like to see the look on his face. It'll be priceless," she chuckled. She had never liked either Kasta or Vircis, and especially hated Vircis since he had nearly pushed her down a well when she was little. But the time spent in the wild with Kasta had begun chipping away at the unnecessary hate she had for the cat. She still didn't like him, so it would be easy to take over the throne, but she agreed with some of the things he did.
"Aye, priceless." Kasta agreed quickening his pace forgetting the cold and his sore footpaws. All around them surprised looking slave drivers looked up from their assigned tasks to watch the two cats approach. Their charges took a break from where they were toiling in the frozen soil, removing rocks and other obstructions from the fields. Once spring arrived the fields would be planted early as possible, so even during the winter months the slaves worked. Something Brava had recently escaped from.
The untasteful memory reappeared in Kasta's head and for a moment his eyes narrowed, but the next thing that happened tore his thoughts from the escaped slave.
"Oi its Prince Kasta mates!" A large stoat wielding a whip shouted pointing a muddy paw at the cat.
"An th' other un, wot's 'er name!" Shouted anther slave driver.
"Raja," Muttered a slave hedgehog venomously, but she wasn't heard as a group of vermin rushed towards the two wildcats. Kasta purred crossing his paws.
"My loyal subjects fetch me and my cousin proper attire and something to drink, then bring me my treacherous brother Vir- Aaaaargh!" Clutching his face Kasta fell into the mud, a long bloody stripe cut across his features.
"Chain em up lads!" Roared the stoat raising his whip again and advancing towards Raja.
OOC: Looks like the forum is back online, glad I got the email telling me you posted here, I was sure forum was dead forever. :) Oh I know its been about a month but do you have the advisor all planed out?
Raja jumped backwards in terror as he advanced. Her tail puffed as she hissed, clawing at her machete, "What is going on? Get away from me, you stupid beasts! Is this how you treat - argh!"
There was a crack as the stoat brought his whip down, "Shuddup, yeh useless kitten!"
Raja clutched her shoulder, turning to run and stopping when she found herself facing a crowd of slaves. She faced the vermin again, "What is going on? How dare you attack me! I think you broke my arm!"
"Yer arm ain't broke, stupid. Now get movin' afore I really break your arm!" The stoat chuckled.
"This is foolish," Raja screeched, struggling against the guards as she fearfully looked at Kasta. What was happening?
OOC: yeah, I was dying to post again. Turns out there was a small back up forum, which I didn't know about :P There's a link on the "whoooo" thread, if you didn't know.
And I do have something planned for an advisor. Do you want me to PM it to you?
Two big rats snagged Kasta under his armpits pulling his paws behind his back. A third stepped forward slapping a rusty pawcuffs onto his wrists clicking them shut. Kasta hissed struggling in his bonds. Spitting furiously he snapped his teeth at the closest rat.
"How dare you!" He roared blood from his cheek slithered down into his mouth. "I am crown prince! I will have you all executed for this!" One of the rats punched Kasta in the stomach and the cat doubled over gasping. His two makeshift weapons were quickly discovered and removed from his belt.
"Prince Vircis says th' beast that brings th' fugitives in twill be promoted!" Shouted one of the slave drivers. A whip cracked and all three rats jumped away from Kasta who fell face first onto the path.
"N tha'll be me n' Gripthroat ya dim witted excuse fer slavers!" Roared the stoat whose name was Gonewart. Snapping his whip again he continued pompously. "Chain th' stupid kitten Gripthroat, I ain't goin' to be no Slave driver no more. Tis th' easy life O' a Cap'n fer me n' you mate." A second stoat sniggered grabbing a second pair of pawcuffs and making his way towards Raja.
For the first time Kasta considered the wellbeing of somebeast other than himself. Lifting his muzzle out of the mud slightly he stared hard at Raja. "Run," He coughed, "Get out of her- Uugh."
OOC: She can try to run but she can't get far. ;)
Oh and ya shoot me a PM.
Raja stood frozen in terror, her wide eyes taking in the entire scene fearfully. Her machete was torn from her limp paws, bringing her back to reality, "Get away!" She cried, stumbling backwards and tripping over her own footpaws, her jewelry rattling as she fell.
"C'mon, let's get these idiots to Prince Vircis," the stoat snarled, grabbing Raja's paws and pawcuffing them.
"He's not the real ruler," Raja whimpered as they began to drag them away. She shook slightly, not looking forward to facing Vircis without an army behind her.
A dark shape stood in the window, watching the scene below, "My lord, your brother has arrived. And that spoiled kitten they call Raja," Brynn turned around and left the light of the window, his tail dragging on the ground behind him as his scraggly whiskers twitched, "I was never fond of Raja... always whining when she didn't get what she wanted."
OOC: I'll send the PM.
(And Merry Christmas!)
"I know, and we had to tolerate her because she was my father's favorite niece. Could you believe it, I swear my own mother loved her more then me." A well built, young, and handsome wildcat approached the window and glanced out. The scene below put a small smile on his face. Things couldn't have gone better over the past couple days. A lot of it was because of Brynn's string pulling behind the scenes, and while Vircis didn't know half of what had actually happened, he knew he owed a great debt to the ferret. But it hadn't been all Brynn, a little of his own genius had been added into the mix.
Turning away he practically skipped to the door pushing it open. "Ooh I'm so excited in seeing my better half, or my worse half, I suppose depends on which way one looks at it. I bet Kasta considers himself the better half. Hm, should I have them killed right away, or starve and torture them first?" He giggled excitedly clapping Brynn on the back. The two guards outside the door snapped to attention and followed them down the stairs.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Outside Kasta and Raja found themselves being dragged into their old home, the exact opposite of their glorious fantasies. The stoat Gonewart kicked Kasta in the back of the legs forcing him onto his knees, while Gripthroat did the same with Raja. Gonewart snapped his whip laughing before pointing at a nearby weasel.
"'Ey stupid go'n fetch his Majesty th' King. Tell 'Im I got his brother here to meet him." The dull weasel guard suddenly torn between following the big stoat's orders, and his sergeants orders stuttered dully.
"Er, er, er."
"'Ey Gripthroat use yer whip n' make that weasel move, why don'cha mate." Gonewart snapped, to far away to preform it himself.
A thin smile spread itself across Brynn's wicked face, "Killing the little brats would not be satisfying. I would advise drawing out their deaths and making them beg for mercy. Hah, imagine Raja begging! Or Kasta, the miserable little wimp!" he chuckled.
Raja shook slightly, trying to smooth down her tail, "Kasta is the rightful king... let us go," she said, trying to sound less terrified and more brave.
One of the vermin hit her in the back of the head with the hilt of his sword, "Shuddup, yah little brat. Yeh ain't pushing me around no more!"
Raja fought back tears, shaking like a leaf. She had been stupid to think Kasta would actually have been able to take the throne. Now they would both die.
"Oh ho yes you're right Brynn, you're right an awful lot." Vircis declared, swirling his fancy cloak. "We'll starve them in dungeons of course, I could always lock them in the stocks and have the soldiers throw rocks at them, nah he'll be to beat up for my coronation." The wildcat shuddered in ecstasy thinking about his coronation that was to happen in six days. Too long in Vircis opinion, but the preparations required time, and visitors from the other fiefdoms couldn't make the long journey overnight. Kasta and his loyal companion Raja would live just long enough to see him crowned king.
"You know Raja could have escaped this mess as long as she hadn't gone and found my brother. Clearly she's to loyal to him to keep alive. Though she did me a great favor in bringing him right to me, I was about to send my soldiers to find him. I ought to reward her somehow, what do you think Brynn, Is a brand saying 'King's Helper' fit for her?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Kasta considered a hundred and one possibilities, each one more foolish and desperate then the last. He cut a poor picture for a crown prince with his paws in chains, fur fluffed up, blood trickling down his face, and his ragged travel stained clothing covered in mud. A swirling winter wind whistled across the castle's pavestones as he whimpered up at the stoat.
"Please help me, I'll promote you to general, you'll be my second in command, second to none. Please my brother will kill me!"
"Aw hush it, ye aren't a strong creature like Vircis, n' nobeast here would think twice over whose th' better leader. Yer jus' a couple of cringing little kittens who've fallen way out O' their league!"
Brynn chuckled, "Coronation? How wise. Should he be the one to put the crown on your head before he's killed?" he pulled the hood even farther down so nothing but his snout could be seen, then held up his dagger, "And Raja does deserve to be called a King's Helper. Should I write it on her face?"
Raja shuddered, thinking of what would happen to her and Kasta, "Vircis doesn't know how to rule," she said, "You need to let us rule. Not him. If he rules, this kingdom will fall in less than a day. you'll all die!"
She flinched as a rat brought his paw down to hit her. The rat stopped short, laughing, "Lookit yer face! Yer terrified of what'll happen to yeh. No ruler should be scared o' facin' their liddle brother or cousin!"
"Fates no, she needs her eyes to see the axe fall won't she. Besides, I can think of much worse places to carve words into somebeasts body." Vircis purred pushing past a weasel that was stuttering something about something. "Here we are. Guards open the door."
The two guards marching behind them rushed forward pushing the large castle door open. Cold air rushed in as Vircis descended a short flight of stairs into the castle courtyard. The wildcat glanced about taking in the small but sturdy fortress that was now his.
A ten meter high wall surrounded a paved courtyard. Small patches of grass now covered in snow lay here and there among the many footpaths that spider-webbed across the clear space between the keep and the wall. A single main gate protected by a fortified gatehouse complete with two towers marked the only entrance into, and out of the castle. The gate was a simple wooden structure now open, to admit the kneeling Kasta, Raja, and their captors. Behind Vircis rose the keep itself. Built for defense it was square and sturdy, rising high above the outer wall. Small window slits had been cut into the castle for light to come in, and arrows to go out. While slightly old, and worn the castle was perfect in Vircis' eyes, and it was his.
Padding out to where the party stood Vircis motioned Brynn to follow making his way towards Raja first, the wildcat bent down so he was level with his cousin. Smiling broadly Vircis leaned close to her.
"Comfortable dear cousin?"
"Comfortable dear cousin?"
Raja had been hoping her would ignore her, but looked up when she heard him speak, "I..." she whispered, "I... I... don't kill us," she stuttered, shaking like a leaf.
"Ha," Brynn laughed, "The stupid brat. What's wrong? Not as strong when you don't have an army behind you?"
Slowly, Raja shook her head, "N... No."
"What's that?" Brynn said, "Speak up, I can't hear you."
"No... I'm not," Raja muttered, looking at Kasta for help. Not that he could have helped her.
"Just think dear cousin, you never did have a army at you're back. You went off against my orders to find Kasta. Why? Did you think it would help you in any way?" Vircis' tone softened as he spoke, and his voice was almost kind. "Now you're in trouble, simply because you couldn't be satisfied with good enough. Planning isn't you're strongpoint is it cousin. Now Brynn thinks you should starve and be tortured with my brother."
At this Kasta flinched noticeably.
"But I'm a merciful king, so tell me. Would you be willing to join me, as my loyal subject? Would you bow down, and kiss my paws?" Vircis stood up a held out one of his footpaws and kind smile on his face.
OOC: Its a form a humiliation, just go with it. ;)
Raja hesitated, glancing at Kasta, then looking down at the ground. Slowly, she leaned forward and quickly brushed her lips against his paw.
Brynn stepped forward, kicking her in the stomach, "That's not a kiss, stupid. Try it again." he laughed as the air left Raja's lungs and she gasped for breath.
Again, Raja kissed Vircis's paws, shaking with rage, but too scared to do anything about it.
"I knew it, you'd just as soon betray Kasta as you would me. You would willingly kiss my paws to save you're life rather then to stay true to the course you've taken. Cousin you've steered a dangerous tour though treacherous waters. You're a traitor Raja, and one to dangerous to keep alive. Even if I brought you into my trust, and let you live you would just as easily turn my kindness around and stab me in the back. I think Brynn would agree that you shall die, just as my foolish brother shall die. Guards take her away to the coldest, most uncomfortable dungeon we have." Three rats sprang forward ready to drag Raja off. Vircis held up a paw to stop them. The kind smile was gone, replaced by a cruel twisting sneer.
"Brynn, was there something you would like to add, I believe the back is the most sensitive part of the body. But the forearms would work just as well. Oh and somebeast remove her jewelry. That will be going into my coffers."
OOC: I don't know if Brynn will do what he was threatening or not. But its okay either way. Oh and sorry about taking away Raja's effects. But Vircis wouldn't send her to the dungeons with them on.
Raja tried pulling away as Brynn stepped forward, "Please..." she whimpered.
Brynn held the knife up in one paw, "You deserve it, brat," he grabbed her shoulder, dragging the knife down her back to make the K. Raja yowled, kicking out and catching him in the stomach before he could continue. She kicked again, hitting the wheezing vermin in the jaw.
This time, it was Brynn that cried out, holding his jaw and throwing his knife at her. Its hilt hit Raja in the eye as Brynn began to kick her, "Stupid little coward. I'll teach you to attack me, you spoiled kitten! I'll kill you, I'll tear you to pieces!" He shrieked, standing back when he was out of breath, then bowed to Vircis, "That'll be all for now." He glanced angrily at Raja, who was curled up in a ball and whimpering, then crossed his arms.
Watching the exchange though an amused smile Vircis watched the exchange, a almost curious expression on his face. The smile flickered as he looked at the wheezing Brynn. Vircis let out a low purring sigh that sounded almost genuinely disappointed.
"Ah well, if it is truly all that can be accomplished my faithful Brynn. Though it is a shame she must die, such a fighter is hidden under all the kitten fluff." He shrugged noncommittally. "Though I suppose-" He cut off looking hard at Brynn's face. "Are you alright Brynn, she kicked you rather hard? Perhaps we should call the healer." He flicked his paw and a little rat maid scurried off to find the castle's healer. "One of you bring a chair for Lord Brynn." The cat ordered, then as if remembering something he turned back to Raja and Kasta.
"Oh and remove these two of anything valuable and take them to the dungeons. The best one." The traces of his usual humor returning to his voice.
Kasta whimpering leapt forward as the rats holding him strained. "Please brother don't do this to me! I won't ever try and take revenge, kill Raja, but please don't kill me! I'd never dream of hurting you even if I had the power too. Mother would tell you not too, please let her have her say. You can't do this to me. Please your majesty, please." He sobbed into the mud as Vircis turned in a almost lazy manner, bending his knee so he could whisper into Kasta's ear.
"Mother's dead Kasta. She died of grief soon after our father. Terrible tragedy I know. Who would ever be so wicked as to put poison in her calming draft as she mourned for ol' pa? I suppose we shall never know." Standing Vircis turned his attention back to Brynn, as his only brother and cousin were dragged away.
Brynn stood up straight, "I think she almost knocked a tooth out, but it's not too bad. Maybe a few bruises, too," he spat at Raja as she was dragged away, then picked up his dagger, "Is there anything else you need?"
"Nay," Vircis mused satisfied by Brynn's insistence. The wildcat purred excitedly walking back and forth across the small muddy patch of grass. The snow had been trampled away by the many paws of slaves and soldiers as they passed. Most of the castle grounds were that way. "Though I could use something to eat, roast woodpigeon or something. Come Brynn we have guests to prepare for, they may be here tomorrow or the day after. We have much to discuss, plans to make and such."
~*~*~*~*~*~
The four rats took their charges around the keep to the back where a small cellar like door was positioned. It was inside the castle walls but outside the keep, two guards stood on duty outside eyeing the two new prisoners with surprise. However they didn't question it and a moment later the doors were unlocked and Kasta found himself being dragged down a flight of rough stone steps. Kasta had never been down into the dungeons before, and the putrid smell reminded him of why.
They passed a few cells, some of which contained filthy creatures of unrecognizable species staring hollow-eyed up at them. Kasta whimpered as they passed one ominous cell whose occupant looked long dead. They finally stopped at the end of the passage where two of the cells directly across from each other stood empty.
"Put her in that one, an' him in this other one." Grunted the guard unlocking the first. The two rats holding Kasta kicked the back of his knees making him slump even more before throwing him into the cell. He landed hard grunting as their laughter rang in his ears, he kept his head down cringing as the locked clicked shut.