OOC: Here we go
@Ashleg , the vessel that the lookout spots is Vilu's.
IC:
There was no greater vessel then the
Freebooter in Ublaz's opinion. Her red banners streaming gallantly, her white sails billowing in the warm Caribbean breeze. Every creak of the gunnels and crack of the rope sent shivers of pride down his spine. The perfect ship, for the perfect commander. Ublaz was the perfect commander. A young Emperor of the ocean if one will. Dressed in fine silks, a red coat and a tricorn hat Ublaz was adorned as any wealthy captain should be. Brushed fur, trimmed claws, and curled whiskers all holding the scent of a rose perfume that he had vainly dabbed on, all this demonstrated his self-importance more than the glimmering sword at his hip or many bits of jewelry did.
It was the crew that disgusted him. Corsairs, nasty dirty creatures that preferred to drink and sing sea shanties rather than keep themselves clean. Flanking Ublaz were two other creatures, whose differences were almost as stark as their roles within Ublaz's entourage. The first was a female rat by the named Sagitar Sawfang, leader of the trident rats and a competent servant. The other was a monitor lizard, titled Lask Frildur, general of Ublaz's army and his trusted right claw. Lask's dead gaze matched his mud colored scales making him terrifying to even the boldest of corsairs. A true asset when controlling a fleet full of wavescum.
"Ahoy Cap'n, sails ter th' east. She's a great big'un too." The lookout called from the crow's nest. The stoat captain Barranca who clutched the ship's wheel spun his gaze to the east while Ublaz kept his focus locked on the port that the
Freebooter was steadily heading towards. Already creatures onshore were prepping ropes, and a large welcome committee was gathering on the docks.
"Ignore them," Ublaz ordered, not even having to look to know what Barranca was thinking. "Our business with Lord Gilvur is more important than chasing around after merchant vessels. Keep straight ahead, we'll be in harbor within the hour."
"Says ye," Barranca snorted turning the wheel ever so slightly to the east. "I got a crew to feed n' keep 'appy. We can't jus' tote ye 'round all o'er th' seven seas wit'out any profit." Still he did not challenge Ublaz beyond that, riding the swell, as the tide pulled them towards the waiting landmass.
Ublaz ignored him for now turning so he was looking at Sagitar and Lask. "Gather your trident rats, make sure their weapons and armor are polished to perfection. Lask, you will remain on the ship, as... Insurance." Ublaz glanced towards Barranca who quickly averted his eyes. Anybeast who had worked with Ublaz for any amount of time knew never to look him in the eyes.
The "Merchant Vessel", or so they thought, rode the waves in the distance behind the Freebooter, though she was gaining speed quickly as the winds picked up.
This ship, this frighteningly beautiful, ginormous, red ship...was captained by a stoat named Vilu Daskar who was rather refined himself.
Not just that, but he was a long-time lover of red.
It thrilled him to see the blood of his enemies go spraying out onto the sand or to perhaps spy the fearful look of an innocent as such things happened to his friends.
The Goreleech was painted red because of it, and as she sailed the paint which washed off into the current would leave a bloody trail in her wake.
The ship was large not merely because of Daskar's large ego or due to being a slave ship, but because of the fact that his crew was no schoolyard gang.
The stoat corsair had followers aplenty, some there out of loyalty to him though most there out of fear of what he would do to them if they resisted.
He had his moments of weakness or pettiness, surely, but he had never been afraid to get his paws dirty.
Vilu quietly lounged in his cabin, spiked helmet on one ear and red cloak hanging lazily off one shoulder. He was nearly half asleep, blinking tiredly, as a knock sounded on his door.
"Who is it?" He snapped, fixing himself as he ran to open the door.
A ferret stood cringing outside.
"'Tis me, Sir, Akkla!"
"Well, hurry up and spit it out. I am busy."
Akkla nodded eagerly. "Oh, yessir, I know, sir. 'Tis jus' that I've spotted another ship ahead of us, a big 'un--not nearly as big or awe-inspirin' as yours, though," he added quickly, practically dancing on the tips of his paws when he caught the glint in Vilu's eyes.
"Sh-should we loot it, Cap'n...?"
Daskar held up a paw for silence.
"...No. Now would not be the time to waste energy on something so meager. Lord Gilvur is expecting us, and what would he say if we showed up exhausted from battle?" He leaned down on the ferret and bumped him out the door.
"Go now, Akkla, and focus on your duties."
Gradually the Freebooter eased into the harbor, which nestled just a few miles from Lord Gilvur's citadel. Crewbeasts cast out ropes to the waiting vermin on the docks, who worked together to pull her in. The short trip had been more or less uneventful, though the lookout had found it necessary to report every ten seconds about the oncoming red vessel, whose presence grew upon them by the minute. Literally.
Ublaz stood amidships with Sagitar and a dozen trident rats watching the massive ship bear down on them with no obvious intent of turning about.
"That thing looks big enough to hold an army an' a half." Sagitar commented leaning on her trident shaft. "Should we prepare the forces for battle?"
"No," Ublaz mused, stroking his silky brown chinfur thoughtfully. "Best not to be entirely unprepared, keep the ship ready to sail, but I have a feeling whoever captains that ship was meaning to come here as well. To talk, which is not a good thing." His last words came out as a low hiss and his almond eyes blazed momentarily revealing the monster under the posh and show.
The gangplank was hastily lowered allowing Ublaz and his cohort to descend onto the wooden platforms. A small routine of corsairs accompanied them along with a large weasel by the name of Bowfly who was Barranca's first mate. Barranca would remain on the ship with Lask, ready to sail at a moments notice. Meetings between pirates and vermin warlords never ended without some form of bloodshed, and Ublaz had no reason to believe this meeting would be any different.
"Look away," Grunted a fat rat, who met them on the planks. He to was flanked by vermin warriors, no less then a score stood ready with spears as insurance for a civilized discussion.
Not surprisingly Ublaz kept his gaze where he wanted, inadvertently forcing the one who gave the order, to in fact follow it.
"Our master refuses to discuss th' island o' Samperta, if ye don't cover yer eyes in some way." The rat continued, determinedly not looking at Ublaz. "Ye'll tie a length o' silk o'er yer eyes, or be killed 'er an' now."
"How does your master know that my magic eyes do not work through such coverings?" Ublaz asked silkily, stroking the rodent's head. "And why does he assume that I would walk blind into whatever trap he might have laid out?"
"'E jus' does," The rat grunted ducking away for the pine marten. "Now put this on." He offered up a length of white skilk, which was thin enough to see through, but would still effectively keep Ublaz's powerful gaze in check. Releasing a weary sigh Ublaz did as he was told and everybeast who had been clutching their weapons with white knuckles relaxed.
"Now we'll wait fer Cap'n Daskar," The rat grunted, looking relieved.
"Captain Daskar, hmm," Ublaz commented in a dry voice. "Well good thing I wasn't dying to see him."
OOC-
For some reason your pin DARN TYPO! pun had me laughing pretty loud. Good job, Mate.
IC-
Minutes had passed since Akkla had scurried back to his duties, though in Vilu's eyes they couldn't have passed long enough.
Sitting before a mirror, the stoat curled his fur into place and adjusted his helmet. Ah, yes. He looked every bit the leader the crewbeasts wished they were.
Bullflay, the fat weasel slavemaster, stumbled to Daskar's cabin door and barked out a quick "Cap'n, we're there!"
It flew open to reveal the stoat in all his refined wickedness.
Pushing Bullflay aside and chatting airily as he waltzed into the deck, the captain said, "I know, moron, did you not know I can feel it beneath my paws? Bring to me Parug and tell Akkla and his friends to stay on this ship, along with yourself. We don't want anything going...astray."
The slavemaster nodded eagerly. "Aye, Cap'n Daskar! An'...an' that big ship, well, she's docked 'ere, too."
"I noticed."
Vilu shooed him off. "Go now, go on."
--
Once each and every vermin knew where they had to be, the gangplank was lowered and they filed out, headed by Vilu.
The stoat's eyelids fluttered as he was greeted by a great array of vermin of all different shapes and sizes.
He noticed that the crew of the Freebooter happened to be among them.
"Padra," he commented, leaning over to the rat at his side.
"Keep an eye out for who their captain is."
"Now we'll wait for Cap'n Daskar!"
Vilu knocked Padra out of his way and strode down to the center, bowing illustriously.
"Captain Vilu Daskar. What an...event it is to meet one under the service of Lord Gilvur."
"Th' pleasure is all mine Cap'n. I am Viceroy Calcabba, the voice of Lord Gilvur of the seven isles." The rat simpered preforming a short bow to the pirate captain. "If ye would all foller me." The creatures crowded on the docks shuffled along behind the rat as he led them off the water and onto the sandy log path that led to the citadel. A few rough shacks had been set up along the waters edge, taverns to hold wavevermin and bilgescum of the worst kind. Small crowds of drinking vermin watched as the two lords of the ocean were led along the pinewood planks. These logs kept the many marching footpaws off the shifting, white sands that covered the beach allowing them to walk easy.
"Captain Vilu Daskar," Ublaz rolled the title over with his tongue, using a low silky voice that managed to display his disdain and guile all at once. The prim pine marten was flanked by the big Bowfly and the sinewy Sagitar as he marched alongside this Vilu. He idly plucked at the white silk that covered his eyes carefully considering the stoat's blurry, burly form.
"I haven't had the pleasure to meet you before. Nor have I heard of you. I suppose for a beast who sails a ship so enormous and not have a name for themselves you must be particularly skittish or shamefully unskilled. Not that it matters." Ublaz smirked wickedly, he was used to belittling pirates whose vocabularies rarely exceeded the usual insults and petty curses. He expected nothing more from this pirate captain, even if he carried himself with such confidence.
"You have of course heard of me, the mighty Ublaz, Emperor of the oceans, and the commander of a great fleet of ships?" In truth Ublaz had only three ships under his command, including the Freebooter, but that was hardly common knowledge.
Daskar shrugged and flicked his tail as he walked along, a skittish-looking Parug lingering at his side. The stoat captain's calm attitude towards Ublaz's insults seemed to be upsetting him.
"No," Vilu said simply. "Though if you don't rule over anything but fish I can't see why I would have."
Parug scampered around him.
"S-speakin' of seein', Cap'n, how does he see with that blindfold on...?" He hissed, letting out a gasp as he nearly tripped over a crack in the wood.
Vilu grimaced and held up a paw for silence.
"Do not speak, Parug, for this marten is quite visibly a delicate one. Ye would not want to go distressing him."
"No, no." Ublaz countered, his voice like honey through clenched teeth. "I find it reasonably befitting of such a creature to speak. One could judge a beast by those he surrounds himself with. My creatures are disciplined, and loyal, speaking true to my capability as their leader." The pine marten cast an appreciative glance over the ten and two grey rats that marched behind them. Their dead soulless eyes staring blankly ahead, trapped in total servitude. Only Sagitar and a few other trident rats still acted under their own willpower, a gamble Ublaz had made when choosing officers amongst his little army. She however did not speak out or make any foolish statements, as she had been strictly instructed. Bowfly however, was a different matter altogether, though the weasel had the gumption to stay silent, probably under Barranca's orders.
"I do pride myself for my delicate appearance though. Obviously you can tell, I can see it quite clearly in your expression, blind fold or no." Ublaz continued, flicking sand from his clothing in a meticulous manner. "You might find the marten underneath to be as quick witted, and capable as any pirate, mayhap more so. But I do thank you for your concern, it shall not be quickly forgotten."
OOC: One more response from Vilu, and then they reach the citadel?
OOC-
Sure.
IC-
"I am not just a pirate," Vilu chuckled, flashing Ublaz a fake smile.
"And my creatures are plenty disciplined."
He recalled one time seasons past when he had a large clump of his crew beaten for backsassing him, Parug included.
The pirate stoat did a little hop-skip over another piece of jutting board and turned round as he walked to take a gander at Ublaz's crew.
Blank stares, no expressions...surely Daskar didn't suck the souls out of his own, but what he did to guarantee their obedience was fitting enough.
"Perhaps it's better for me to have a crew that is scared, but not to the point of losing their own unique personalities." He ventured, "After all, if you only surround yourself with the same types of beast, you will never know anything else. Like how to make deals! I dare ask if we're near Gilvur's place?" He asked the rat, padding up and away from Ublaz.
"Aye m'lord." The viceroy indicated the large fort-like castle they were approaching. "Lord Gilvur will be waitin' fer ye in th' main hall. I suppose ye know enough not ter foolishly ire 'is lordship. But keep yer manners about ye, an yer creatures silent. Ye'll be allowed ter keep all ye' guards. But jus' so ye know, they'll be twice outnumbered inside."
Ublaz mostly ignored the pompous rat, simply considering the large expanse of the island, and the solidness of the castle walls that now faced him. The pine marten imagined having his own palace, perhaps similar to this one, except better. Though, to tell the truth he wouldn't mind having this place to start off with.
They strolled on past the slave fields where captured woodlanders toiled with the soil. Weaving in-between tall stalks of sugarcane and other unidentifiable plants, working under the watchful eye of cruel taskmasters. Farther afield were wooded mountains covered in thick foliage and sparkling streams that wound their way down to the ocean.
These sights did not interest Ublaz as much as the new swarm of creatures that had assembled in front of the citadel. There seemed to be an air of confusion, and maliciousness over them that was infectious. Pirates and horde vermin alike tightened their grip on sword and spear as this new group, numbering well over a hundred wandered forward to meet them less then fifty yards from the citadel's entrance.
"Was goin' on 'ere?" The Calcabba growled, crossing his arms in obvious frustration. "Lord Gilvur be waitin', an we don' 'ave time fer this. Someone answer!"
"Lord Gilvur is dead!" Somebeast amongst the crowd shouted. There was an immediate uproar from all around and many creatures began shouting at once. It appeared that even some in the opposing party hadn't even fully realized what had happened, and it was obviously news to Calcabba who stood in bewilderment between the two sides.
Ublaz to his credit had remained calm throughout the encounter, not even bothering to draw his sword. Even as Sagitar and Bowfly, along with the dozen trident rats closed ranks around him the pine marten seemed only surprised, if a little disappointed at the news.
Curious to see Vilu's reaction Ublaz glanced over, commenting aridly as he did. "Well it would appear our business will have to wait until a new lord of the oceans is found. Whoever that might be..." Only when the words left his lips did Ublaz realize what he had just said. His sable ears twitched angrily and he hopped Vilu hadn't caught on as quickly, but one could never be too sure.
Vilu's brown eyes glimmered with interest.
Gilvur, dead...
Who was the new "Lord of the Oceans"? Surely not Ublaz, for he was the one asking.
The stoat grinned widely, fiendishly, almost, as he took a graceful bow.
He bobbed his head and winked, throwing an arm around Ublaz's shoulders.
"I hear you loud and clear, friend. What was this deal you were trying to arrange with Gilvur? I am sure I could offer the same thing or at least a decent substitute."
He turned to Gilvur's rat and mused above the chaos, "I think I will take control while dear old Gilvur is so peacefully laid to rest, at least until you creatures find a leader for it. We cannot have disorder reign upon this land, eh?"
His disapproving frown turned into a full on glare under the silk mask as Ublaz realized that Vilu had realized the profitability of the situation. Sending Bowfly scurrying off to the ship for Lask and reinforcements, Ublaz laid a heavy paw on the stoat's shoulder sinking his claws in just a little, as a sign of aggression and intolerance for any foolishness. The pine marten hissed a staple warning under his breath into Vilu's ear, making his meaning clear.
"Stay out of my way pirate, this is mine, you hear?" Releasing Vilu, Ublaz turned to the rat viceroy resting his paw on his sword hilt. "Ignore Captain Vilu my good rat, take me up to the palace at once, and send for all the overseers and captains. And disperse these creatures their quarters." He motioned at the small army that was still on the verges of a panic.
Calcabba to his credit was taking the loss rather well. Assuming the role of temporary leader, the rat knew that a strong commander would be necessary, or the army would tear itself apart in a desperate power struggle. The only problem was that two qualified creatures had already staked their claim. Nervously Calcabba looked from stoat to pine marten, wondering whose willpower would win the day.
Vilu's eyes widened in shock and he took in a sharp breath.
Nobody touched him like that and got away with it!
He wasn't just some hordebeast to boss around.
"I think Ublaz is just bluffing, Calcabba..."
It was evident he was trying to keep a snarl out of his tone.
"He's an entitled snob. A plethora of idiocy. I laid my claims first, so step down, Ublaz."
Parug's eyes flitted anxiously from his captain to the mysterious pine marten.
Surely Vilu couldn't be beaten...
Ublaz's ears sank low as he released a growl from behind clenched teeth. Nobeast, nobeast called him an 'entitled snob' and got away with it. Captain Vilu Daskar was treading on thin ice with his comments, ice that was about to crack. Red coattails twirling the pine marten danced away from Vilu pulling off his blindfold as he did. It would be better to remain out of striking distance for now, maybe he could demonstrate his authority. Those present would flock to his aid should he seem confident enough.
"Never you pitiful excuse of a captain, you... You wave scum. I am Ubaz, master of the seas and this is now my Empire. You three there," he ordered flicking his claw at the chosen horde vermin. "Arrest this insolent pirate, and his crew members. Throw him in the nearest slave pit, and keep him under guard until I have time to deal with him myself."
The three he had indicated, several big weasels, looked less then comfortable with these orders. They glanced hesitantly towards Calcabba who appeared just as unsure as they did.
"Wavescum? Perhaps. But at least I do not look like a prissy maiden, all done up and ready for a dance."
Vilu grinned broadly, knowing the weasels would not make a move.
"Do you wish to fight me, Ublaz Blindeyes? Don't make these creatures do your bidding." He pulled out his bone-handled blade.
"Have a go."
He knew he wouldn't either.
Image mattered too much to this marten.
Perhaps one day their crews would do battle, but this did not seem like the day...
Showing a admirable amount of self restraint Ublaz left his sword in its sheath, wishing seven deaths upon the weasels who refused to follow his orders. Even if Bowfly was still around Ubaz's little company was heavily outnumbered by the pirates, and it had been made clear that the horde vermin wouldn't follow his orders. His only chance was if Bowfly pulled through bringing a whole host of loyal fighters with him, and then Ublaz have the numerical advantage. Thinking quickly the pine marten made a sudden bow, flourishing his tricorn hat in a sweeping gesture.
"Fight you, no, no my good captain. I would be rather indisposed to fight against you. I do not fancy my chances." Ublaz said carefully, keeping his voice low and soothing.
"I'll gut him for ye sir." Sagitar offered hefting her trident threateningly in Vilu's direction.
"Shut up ingrate," Ublaz hissed back as he replaced his hat back between his ears. "As I was saying Captain Daskar, you clearly have a greater claim on this... Place then I do. I cannot fight you myself or otherwise, and I cannot change your mind any other way. Perhaps it would be in my best interests to return to my ship and preform dealings with you when you have sanctioned yourself as lord of these lands. You can continue with Calcabba and claim the citadel as you clearly wish to do. I shall wait patiently for your summons aboard the Freebooter. Is this an acceptable agreement Captain?"
Vilu's tail swished as he listened to his adversary speak, all the while grinning wider and wider.
"I accept your offer, Marten. I will rule this land and carry forth whatever deal you were going to make with their now deceased king."
He bowed curtly in return and then strode past Ublaz, twirling his red cloak behind him like a splotch of blood in water.
"Calcabba, lead my crew and I to the palace. Ublaz is a matter I'll see to in due time. Come, Parug!"
Not entirely sure why Ublaz had backed down so quickly Calcabba hesitantly bowed to Vilu, "Certainly lord, we shall continue to lord Gilvu- I mean your castle." The viceroy turned raising his voice to be heard over the crowd. "Everyone return to your barracks, save you guards. Escort Ublaz back to his ship and secure the docks."
Casting one last smile towards Vilu, Ublaz spun on his heel deserting the scene. He walked swiftly back across the shore with the guards and trident rats in tow. Once they were out of sight Ublaz suddenly drew his sword, hacking down one of the horde vermin. His trident rats sprang upon the others splattering blood across the sands littering bodies left and right. None of the unfortunate souls managed to even raise their weapons in time as they were slaughtered.
A few nearby slaves watched in shock as the final horde vermin was slain, but they said nothing, unwilling to direct the trident rats' wrath upon themselves.
"Sagitar, take two with you and follow that wretched stoat Daskar." Ublaz ordered cleaning off his sword. "We'll wait here for Bowfly and Lask to return with reinforcements. Leave your uniforms and weapons, they'll give you away. Use these fools' things to blend in." Ublaz indicated the felled creatures. "Oh, and take a good archer with you, if you see an opportunity, slay Vilu. That'll make the task of seizing the island far easier."
"So, Calcabba..."
Vilu trod lightly on the rat's tail, looking up and raising an eyebrow in mock innocence when the rat's attention spiked.
"The castle has treasured, correct? Tell me all about them. In fact, I expect a full-blown tour..."
The stoat captain couldn't hold back a short laugh.
He hadn't expected to gain control of the island this easily or at all, and the day was rolling over in his favor with each passing minute.
"Mind telling me your current position, Calcabba?"
Gasping slightly as Vilu treaded on his tail Calcabba gnashed his teeth trying his best to hold his patience. He hoped with every fiber of his being that this was simply a prank being pulled by Lord Gilvur, but knowing the wildcat lord, that would never be the case.
"I am Viceroy," he said keeping his air of reverence. "Loyal servant and speaker for the lord of these lands, which would be you, your grace."
Sagitar and her two rats rejoined the entourage surrounding the new pirate king, dressed in the rags of fallen horde vermin and armed with bows and arrows. They loitered in the back, waiting for their chance to strike.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Ublaz's planning had paid off. Bowfly, along with a small army had returned. Lask, at the head of nearly a score of his monitors, and many more trident rats was closely accompanied by a portion of Barranca's crew. The lizards and vermin crossed the sands in a tight formation weaving their way to where Ublaz was waiting.
"Got 'em all 'ere." Bowfly grunted coming to stand next to the pine marten. "Armed n' ready fer a fight."
"Excellent," Ublaz hissed rubbing his paws together gleefully. "Keep them marching, I've got a conversation to finish with a certain stoat."
"Grand," Vilu laughed, "Marvelous."
"I feel like somethin's terribly wrong, Cap'n," Parug whispered in his ear.
The stoat brushed him off.
"Oh, Parug. Ublaz is gone, and if he dares to even make a wrong move with me, why, I will have him killed. Are we nearly there, Viceroy?"
"Yes, my lord. Here we are." Calcabba bowed as the gate opened into a wide courtyard and path that led up to the keep. A few of the guards looked uncomfortable with this new arrangement, but held their silence. Just as everyone was about to cross the threshold one of Sagitar's rats separated from her winding his way through the crowd. Picking a small dune for his sniping position he coolly drew an arrow from his quiver, setting it to the string and drawing back the bow.
Any creature who had control over their own mind would have known the foolishness of such an action. They would have known it was suicidal in success or failure. Not this rat.
Compelled to preform Sagitar's orders through Ublaz's hypnotic eyes, he aimed and loosed his shaft towards Vilu all in a single fluid motion.
Farther away Sagitar and her remaining crony watch in eager anticipation, to see whether the assassination attempt succeeded or failed. Even if it was ultimately useless she still had one more rat to try again.
Vilu was gazing about the scenery and noticed something off.
There was something shooting at a relatively quick speed towards him, out of the sky.
"Treachery!" He gasped, shoving a random horderat of similar height in front of him.
The beast gave a gurgle and fell, an arrow protruding from his skull.
Vilu's lip curled in disgust.
"An arrow..."
Seething, he seized Calcabba by the ears.
"You know about this, Rat! That rat up on that dune tried to shoot me--kill him or by the stars I'll flay you alive!"
OOC: Sorry for the delay.
IC:
"Y-yes at once my liege," the viceroy stuttered in alarm, doing his best to pry Vilu's claws from his ears. However the horde vermin were more then capable of dealing with the issue on their own, and they pounced upon the lone trident rat, forcing his weapons from him, and dragging him off the dune into Vilu's presence.
"We gotta get out'er." Sagitar whispered to her compatriot as their lone comrade was forced to his knees in front of the pirate lord. "I thought they'd kill 'Im, 'ell spill 'Is guts, one way or another. Move it rat." The two rodents very inconspicuously attempted to sneak away from the others, even whistling a bit as they wandered off.
OOC:
Should Sagitar get captured?
OOC-
Indeed.
IC-
Vilu was about to strike down on the rat with his blade but then thought better of it.
He'd put the scoundrel out of his misery, but not yet.
Harshly he grabbed him by the wrist and yanked him back up.
"Lead me to my castle and I will question him there," the stoat snarled at Calcabba.
The viceroy bowed once more, rubbing his injured ears ruefully. "Yes, my lord." After a few hastily shouted orders, and a bit of explaining the guards raised the portcullis and opened the gates admitting Vilu into his castle. A few of the pirates present grabbed the captured rodent, practically carrying him inside the walls. Sagitar snuck in after them, having realized she still had a chance to complete her mission.
"After you lord Daskar," Calcabba said as they made to enter the open gates. "Shall I have the prisoner taken to the dungeons?"
At that moment Ublaz, leading his army over a small hill, came into view fully armed and ready for a fight. The pine marten's almond eyes flashed in malicious greed as he drew his sword pointing it down towards the enemy pirates and horde vermin.
"There, catch them before they get inside and close the gates, all of you charge!" He ordered as Lask and Bowfly led the mixed army down upon Vilu's citadel. "The creature who brings me Daskar's filthy head will be made captain of the Goreleach." Ublaz still had to deal with the Goreleach, there were who knew how many pirates onboard, loyal to Vilu. A considerable threat to be sure, but not one he couldn't handle. And besides, they were nearly two miles away aboard their ship, blissfully unaware of their captain's situation.
Vilu flicked his scarf out of the way.
"No, no, just bring him to me once I get to the throne room. There is one, isn't there, Calcabba? I have always dreamed of sitting like a king in front of my own subjects--ah!"
The stoat grinned and flicked an ear towards the gates.
"Hurry up and close them. It would be a pity to have that marten or any of his filthy followers snake their way in."
Hustling inside the horde vermin hastily began closing the wooden gate just as Lask reached it. A weasel squealed in agony as the lizard's claws sank into his shoulders pulling him through the door just as it slammed shut. Biting into the weasel's throat Lask flicked his jowls once breaking the mammal's neck.
"Find zomthing to uze az a ladder foolz!" He hissed in disdain as the slower members of Ublaz's army reached the gate. Licking blood from his chomps the general stalked through the milling creatures pushing them away from the high stone walls. "Zey will kill anybeazt who standz too close with arrowz, back to ze hillz."
They made a unsightly retreat back to Ublaz having been unable to catch their foe with his gates open. The pine marten looked livid. The element of surprise had been ultimately important for victory to be possible, and now it was very clear they were aware of his presence.
"You flea brained idiots!" Ublaz growled slapping anybeast that dared come to close with the flat of his sword. "Bring me his head I said, kill the scum I said. Why is it that the only one who seems capable of following orders is my general?" Turning to Lask he motioned for the lizard to approach him. "We'll need to salvage this situation, where is Sagitar?"
The reptile shrugged, his long tongue slithering out of his mouth as he tasted the air. "I do not know, ze wz not outzide ze wallz."
"She might have snuck inside." Ublaz deduced stroking his chin thoughtfully. "We'll need to give her a good target to take Vilu down."
Inside the keep Calcabba and a few other vermin had settled Vilu's prisoner in front of Lord Gilvur's old throne ready for questioning. The room was large and well cleaned with tapestries adorning the walls, and red carpets covering the floor. The dead wildcat, who had been discovered only hours before had been disposed of, and the throne hastily polished in the honor of his successor.
"All hail, Vilu Daskar, lord of the great western seas!" The viceroy choked out, wishing he was anywhere but there. "Long may he reign."
Vilu Daskar flopped down in his new throne like a feather.
Crossing one leg over the other, the stoat tried to look regal and fill out the chair. The trouble was, the throne was made for a wildcat and he was nowhere near as big.
He cracked a smile.
All the better for him if the chair was so large. Only a true ruler could ever sit in such a thing.
The pirate whipped his sword out and poised the tip at his prisoner.
"Bow before your ruler."
Parug scampered in and lingered by the door.
Surely he could get Akkla soon?
Somebeast should warn the crew back on the ship, and it could be him.
The would-be assassin shuddered and bowed, but not low enough for his guard who kicked his legs out from under him. The rodent fell in a heap, and shuffled into a prostrate position his nose squeezing against the dirt. Ublaz's control was beginning to wane, and as hypnotism often worked the rodent was now hyperaware and willing to follow anyone's orders. Or answer their questions.
~*~*~*~
Outside Ublaz along with a small cohort of reptiles and trident rats approached the walls, waving a flag of truce. The pine marten had a devilishly wicked smile forced on his face, which he flashed like a badge at the sentries stationed on the walls.
"Greetings," he yelled making sure to wave the makeshift flag in front of him. "A fine morn is it not? I come under the flag of truce, as you can see."
Vilu tickled the rat's ear with his bone scimitar.
"Who sent you? You're quite a failure of an assassin, you know. Surely you can answer, because if I send you back I'm sure they won't be pleased."
OOC: Don't forget Ublaz
IC:
"U-Ublaz m'lord." The rat squirmed in terror as the bone scimitar slid along his ear. "C-Commander Sagitar told me too shoot y'lordship in th' back. H - Her orders sire."
"It would appear lord," Calcabba commented from his place to the left of the throne. "That Captain Ublaz was'n' as agreeable wit' yer rise to power as we first thought. In fact, at this moment his crew is blocking off all th' exits and entrances to th' castle, probably in hopes o' starving us out."
"Truce?! Ya have us surrounded!" Snarled a rat from his lookout post.
"Either throw yer weapons away and lose some 'f the soldiers, or get off our lawn!"
--
Inside, Vilu issued a sigh that sounded strangely calm.
"So be it," he said to Calcabba, bending forward to tickle his prisoner's neck with his bladepoint.
"Sagitar, really? You wouldn't mind describing this horrid mongrel to me, would you...?" The stoat trailed off as if expecting the rat to say his name.
"Shut up brigand and listen closely," Ublaz snapped throwing courtesy to the winds. "I wish to speak with that fool of stoat you call master to discuss his surrender!" He held his paws akimbo showing his resolution to remain exactly where he was. "Either Vilu comes and fights me on open ground, or he starves inside that castle with the rest of you." Ublaz regained some of his composure, and rocked back on his heels.
"Well move too it you lazy cur, I've got important matters to discuss. I haven't all day to sit around in the sun."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Er, er she's a rat." The rat said looking a little confused and a bit cross-eyed from staring at Vilu's balde. He scratched his stomach in thought for a moment never once taking his eyes off the metal point. "She's got er, brown fur, yeah I think so yer lordship."
"What do they call you, frogwalloper?" Vilu hissed, jerking the blade back to lightly cut the rat.
"You are awfully dim. There are many brown rats! What defining features does she have? Armor? Weapons? I don't know, eye color?"
Just as he was about to continue the rat from the watchtower came stumbling in.
He vowed awkwardly and said, "Milord, th' sassy marten's at th' gate, an' 'e wants to speak t' you! Sir."
"Ow, ow mercy m'lord, they calls me Gullup, just Gullup yer worshipness." The rat cowered before Vilu pawing at the tiny wound. He didn't spend any time considering Vilu's second question, not wanting to get cut again, he blabbered out all the information he knew about Sagitar. "She is erm, big an 'as clothes on like me. We took 'em off dead 'ordebeasts to blend in. I dunno 'er eye color, mebbe brown, she's got herself bow n' arrer, I knows that I do, jus' like I did."
OOC-
If you want him alive, tell me and I'll edit it.
IC-
"Gullup. Just like you did...good to know."
Vilu thrust back with the shining blade and slit the rat's throat.
Sliding casually off of his chair, he paraded up to the guard and motioned with a claw to lead the way.
"I'll have that marten walking circles of shame by the time I've finished with him."
OOC: Its cool
IC:
Waiting patiently on the sandy sward below Ublaz rested his gaze on a lone beetle as it crawled resolutely towards him. His almond eyes snapped upwards to the wall as Lask hissed a warning to him.
"Here zey come lord."
Smiling Ublaz waved the white flag to the figures on the wall, whispering to Lask. "Do you suppose Sagitar is in position, general?"
"I do not know lord, zhe is a capable beasst." Lask hissed back, glaring in his reptilian way. "If zhe failz, there will be retribution from all ssidez. Ze rat will pull zrough, or die."
"True." Ublaz raised his voice, addressing Vilu. "Greetings you great pile of sea scum and rotted wood, I have come to accept your surrender! I've got the numbers to keep you trapped in that pile of stones for seasons on end, surrender and I might spare your worthless life."
Vilu's mouth curled up into a twisted smirk as he padded toward Ublaz.
"Train your arrows on that marten," he said as he pointed a claw at the watchrats.
Striding up to the gate and sticking his snout through, the pirate stoat let out a coo of laughter.
He found the marten's ensemble quite peculiar.
"Why, but you're the one who's carrying the white flag." He grinned at his remark and pulled back, marching back and forth inside.
"Hmm...no, I don't think I will." He raced back up to the gate. "Is that the white flag of surrender, or the flag of war? White, war, they start with the same letter. Oh how you do surprise me."
"Its a flag of truce you shabby excuse for a pirate," Ublaz growled, drawing closer to the gate. The archers would have to bend well over the battlements to keep their arrows pointed at him, making them easy targets for his own sharpshooters.
"Alright stoat, you're separated from your crew, and your fancy new castle is surrounded." Ublaz tried to lock eyes with Vilu, but the blasted sun was blinding him, forcing him to squint. No matter, it would make it easier for Sagitar to take her shot from inside the citadel. "I know you aren't very bright, so I'll make this simple and use short words you lily livered sea slug; give up, or die. An easy choice no?"
Inside Sagitar had taken notice of this clever ruse. She snuck around behind the stoat with her remaining crony, who readied his bow aiming at Vilu's back. "Get 'Im," she whispered to the rodent archer. "An' don' miss, or I'll gut ye myself."
"That isn't how a truce works, you flower-furred marten." Vilu sneered, whirling around.
"Petty idiot, blasted bloomer, shoot him, you fools!" As he quit yelling and actually looked, he took in the creatures behind him.
Brown fur, similar uniform...
The stoat grinned widely and clapped his paws together. "Sagitar! Before Gullop died he told me all about you. Now, now, guards, don't shoot Ublaz, shoot these two."
Spinning around Ublaz narrowly avoided an arrow shaft loosed at him by an overeager archer. The pine marten jumped his tail bottlebrushing as the arrow buried itself next to him.
"Idiot, Vilu ordered you to shoot Sagitar!" He shouted, shaking a paw at the archer that had nearly hit him. "Turn and loose at the proper target you moronic buffoon!" The archer spun around as ordered reaching for a second arrow, only then realizing he was following the enemies' orders.
"'Ey, 'ang on." He spun around again, in time to see Lask, Bowfly, and Ublaz hightailing it back to the safety of the dunes.
Sagitar meanwhile wasn't waiting around for the watchrats to shoot her. Pushing her companion into harms way she turned tail and fled. The would-be assassin behind her screamed in agony, dead before he hit the ground as the arrows found their mark.
"Fool," she growled in self-justification of her callous act. "He didn't shoot Vilu when I told 'Im, e' deserved e'ery arrow that hit 'Im."
OOC:
Sagitar is trapped inside the castle, you can capture her if you want.
"Sagitar, don't run, you coward you!"
Vilu laughed, skipping and taking after her.
He didn't know why he was giving chase when he had a castle full of soldiers at his dispense, but there was energy pent up inside him from his recent winnings.
He snatched the bow from the paws of a clueless guard and shoved him out to the side, taking aim.
"Don't flee, now that you've ran inward you have nowhere to go!"
This self evident truth was slowly making itself known to Sagitar. She had nowhere to go! Running in a zigzag pattern to hopefully throw off any archers she began to find herself corralled into a corner of the walls, with her only options making a desperate charge through the middle of Vilu's army, or surrendering. She went for the latter.
"Don' shoot, I give up!" She cried throwing up her paws and dropping to her knees. "I'll tell ye anythin' ye wanna know jus' don' kill me." She begged in a mournful tone, her eyes growing larger as Vilu drew closer.
Hidden behind the dunes Ublaz watched the walls, waiting for any sign of pursuit. There was none, perhaps Sagitar had been useful after all. Ublaz supposed that such a sacrifice was worth the cost, of course now he needed a new trident rat commander.
He looked over his small army where they waited crouched in the shade, waiting for his orders. He'd have to consider his next appointment carefully.
OOC: Have you decided, or do you want to scrap the idea?
OOC-
This just reminded me to look!
Guja, he was Ublaz's steersrat before he turned traitor, I believe. I really liked that guy.
IC-
Vilu smirked and continued toward Sagitar, this time calmly.
His army began closing in from the sides.
"Whatever would I need to know? Gullop told me everything. Technically I don't need you....but...."
"You do need me," Sagitar pleaded clasping her paws before her. "I know so much more about Ublaz then that fool Gullup, how he thinks, what he eats, where he goes." The rat suddenly had an epiphany waving her paws desperately as she became completely surrounded. "I know all about Ublaz's mad eyes, you'll regret it if you don't know about them!"
"Oh shut up," Vilu snarled, pointing his scimitar at her.
The army halted just as they'd closed in enough, waiting to hear their leader's orders.
"I'm sure you do. Somebeast seize her!"
Two rats descended on Sagitar.
OOC: I've been a little stuck on what to do next, is Vilu going to try and get rid of Ublaz next? Or should they just fight?
IC:
Doing her best to fight them off Sagitar screamed in horror, but her fight was in vain as somebeast clubbed her in the back of the skull. She slumped forward a bit, stunned but still conscious, staring fearfully up at her captors.
"Ublaz made me do it," she excused desperately, with a bit of an added slur from the recent impact to her head. "He forced me a sword point, if I didn't try he would have murdered me. You have to understand, I had no choice."
OOC-
Is what I said in the PM okay, orr??
IC-
Raising his voice to a mockingly high pitch, Vilu fluttered his eyelashes.
"You have to understand, Sir." The stoat bared his teeth, kicking out at Sagitar.
"Understand the potential murder?! How about you understand this! Beg harder, Ratty, or I'll send your head back to Ublaz next time he asks for lunch!"
One of the guards raised his spear.
"Milord, mabbe ye'd like to--"
The stoat was still raving, claws out and pointed. "Get Parug and tell him I gave the order for him to go back to the Goreleech and get Akkla and his mates, as they are to set fire to Ublaz's ship!"
OOC: Yeah its good.
IC:
"Ough," Vilu's footpaw connected with Sagitar's jaw at the rat slumped over onto her side, crying pitifully. Spitting out blood from a bit tongue, she groveled at the stoat's feet, pleading for mercy.
"Please sir show kindness, I understand ye in full." Sagitar knew her very life depended upon the stoat's ego and mood, and she went after it like a starving dog after a bone, throwing any self-respect and pride out the window. Her pleas and cries went on for some time as she practically kissed the stoat's jacket hem as she described his greatness and how foolish her attempt to assassinate him was.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Standing to his full height Ublaz pointed towards a searat he'd seen in action before. The creature seemed more or less loyal, and would make do for an expendable officer.
"You there, what is your name?" He demanded, trying to recall it in the back of his mind. Gula, Cuja or something... "Get over here rat, I have a task for you."
"G-G-Guja, sir!" stammered the rat as he stepped over to Ublaz, eyes darting to and fro.
Anywhere except the marten's face.
Trembling, he lowered himself into some sort of awkward bow.
"What k-kind of task? Erg..." He bit his lip, his mind screaming 'Why me?'.
--
Vilu was enjoying Sagitar's begging, but nothing in his face gave it away.
Casually, he flicked a claw at her.
"Silence. Do you know any of Ublaz's strengths?"
He needed to know what to avoid.
Pulling the steersrat in close, Ublaz whispered into his ear, his voice like honey. "Guja, good rat. I have need of a loyal creature to relay my orders to these buffoons. Someone who, can steer through troubled waters, and what better creature then a steersrat?"
Or, Ublaz thought sadistically. Somebeast stupid enough to charge first into battle. This rat would be no Sagitar, but he could be useful.
"As an officer you would receive triple the loot of everyone else, and double the rations. What do you say? Shall you become my strong left paw?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Y-yes great one," Sagitar stammered, feverishly wondering if she might just survive. "I know of all of them, Ublaz trusted me above all others." Perhaps that wasn't necessarily true, but maybe it would sweeten the deal, and give her a fighting chance.
"What would you like to know, sir?"
Guja, still a bit shaky, smiled greedily.
"T-triple th' loot, Sire? Now that y'say, that doesn't sound so bad!"
The rat nodded his vigorous agreement.
His loyalty, merely there due to fear, was on the wavering side compared to most of Ublaz's hordebeasts.
But this...
He could use this, at least for the time being.
"What d'ye want me to do?"
--
Vilu's eyes twinkled.
"Does he have any signature abilities, hmm? Why the blindfold?"
"Nothing much at the moment," Ublaz smiled, looking the rat up and down. "But when the time comes, you shall make sure my orders are followed. You can do that, right Guja?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Blindfold?" Sagitar gulped, wondering if lying would be worth it. There was the chance that Vilu could be caught under Ublaz's sway, and she could boast her own part in such a victory. However if she did lie and Vilu found out then she'd be dead for sure.
"I - I told ye before sire, th' pine marten has magic eyes. We call 'Im Ublaz mad eyes behind his back, cause when one looks into his gaze fer too long, they can't think for themselves no more. Th' lord here knew about it, an' he ordered Ublaz to wear the blindfold to keep th' power in check. H - he knew." She point accusingly at Calcabba who was standing a little ways behind Vilu.
"Is she telling the truth, Calcabba?" Vilu snapped, glancing at the bigger rat.
He hissed darkly to Sagitar, "If he says you're lying, your head will make a pretty decoration."
--
Guja saluted again.
"Yessir, I 'ear ya sir."
"As far as I know my lord she speaks true." The rat said grudgingly, not looking at Sagitar. "I've ne'er seen th' act meself, but Lord Gilver was adamant 'bout 'aving his eyes covered, jus' in case."
Sagitar nodded hastily, backing up what Calcabba said with her own experience. "Tha's right. He's got most o' 'is rats n' lizards under 'is sway. Honest on all that's 'oly lord. He c'n freeze snakes n' a single glance, I've seen it meself, on a grass snake we found on an isle off'n Mossflower."
"So be it. Get up, you're going to carry out my attack on your own leader."
Vilu's eyes twinkled. He found irony like this to be very amusing, especially when it was at the cost of others.
"Redpaw, Frogear!"
Two rats raced up to their stoat captain and saluted.
Vilu snorted. "You're going to make sure Sagitar here doesn't chicken out. If she does, or if she disregards orders, kill her."
The rat's saluted.
Turning back to Sagitar, the stoat found himself grinning imensely.
"You are to act as if they're part of your horde, but when the time comes you three will kill Ublaz or die trying."
"He'll know," Sagitar moaned in warning. Falling at Vilu's footpaws once again she shook her head miserably. "If'n e' seems me he'll know something went wrong, my task was to kill ye m'lord. An' if'n e' figures out I'm workin' for ye he'll kill all three o' us right then n' there. I knows e' will."
"Then perhaps I'll just send you," said Vilu coldly, digging his claws into the hapless rat's shoulders as he forced her back up on her paws.
"He can suspect who he wants and kill who he wants, long as they're of his own. If he keeps that up, he won't have a crew left and I will have no need to fret over it! Get going," he snarled, pushing her towards the door.
"My assignment still stands. Perhaps you'll succeed, mm?"
Horrified at the idea of the suicide mission she was about to be sent on, Sagitar dragged her footpaws as she was led out by Redpaw and Frogear. Her shrewd mind worked furiously as she tried to find a way out of the sticky situation.
Something clicked, and she suddenly smiled rather creatively, eyeing the two rats with her. "Yew got th' lucky spot mates eh? Ready to get killed by a crazy pine marten?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Down in the dunes Ublaz was eating a pawful of bitter olives that had been taken off some nearby trees. The marten's minions had erected a shade shelter of sorts, where they rested while they weren't on sentry duty.
The shuffle of paws caused Ublaz to turn and look as a weasel scurried down towards him. "Lord, three rats 'r comin' towards us fr'm th' fortress."
"Oh really? Guja! Get up on that dune an' check it out." The pine marten ordered casually, spitting out an olive pit, wiping his muzzle with the back of his paw. "See if'n that stoat wants to surrender yet, an' then bring 'em to me, ya hear?"
Guja squinted.
"Milord, I think that's Sagitar with 'em," he said, looking down at the pine marten from atop the dune.
"None of 'em look very happy."
Redpaw and Frogear ignored Sagitar, considering themselves and all of Vilu's crew too superior to be dabbling with her type.
"Mate, look, we've been spotted!" Gasped Redpaw, pointing a claw at Guja's form.
"Sagitar - Impossible, there is no feasible way she survived, Vilu himself pursued her. That's why I ain't full o' arrows you daft, witless, incompetent..." Ublaz's stream of insulted faded off as he crested the dune's summit, seeing for himself the return of his leading rat officer. Surprised as he was, Ublaz wasted no time in gawking, retreating swiftly out of sight.
"Guja, new orders. Gather ten beasts with you and go meet them, bring her and those two here. Understand, well move about it quickly, I haven't all season."
Guja nodded, turning his back to Ublaz as soon as he was given the order to get ten creatures.
And thank goodness for it, too, because the pine marten would not have been very happy if he found out about the huge smirk on Guja's face.
Being insulted only to be proven right greatly amused the rat, and he ran off to search the crew with a new kind of snarky confidence.
"You three...an' you group there, come with me, we 'aveta bring Sagitar 'ere."
Seemingly resigned to her fate, Sagitar walked on heavy paws, dragging at her assassins-in-arms in a show of discontent. Taking no time to not bemoan her current situation, which came in a steady torrent of oaths and self pitying. Only when eleven beasts made a move towards them did she consider the lives of somebeast other then herself, and even then it was far more cynical and crafty then actual concern.
"Ah see, they're coming to slay us, I told ye Ublaz w'know. Ye ought ta leave me 'ere to die an' run back to that fortress o' yers. I'm thinkin' Vilu w'be kinder to ye then Ublaz. I'll slow 'em down ye know, they'll stop to see 'oo I am an' such."
Though Redpaw appeared unmoved, Frogear found the idea very appealing. He thought it would be best to crawl back to Vilu than die here or be captured, especially as Guja and the group got closer.
"I'm goin'," he said in a hurry, pelting off in the opposite direction.
Redpaw spat after him. "I allus knew 'e was a coward. Ole mucker deserves whatever he'll get back there..."
His speech fell short, for Guja and his ten-beast-army had arrived and encircled them.
"Wot's goin' on 'ere, eh, Sagitar?" snickered Guja. "Got yerself in a bit of a pickle with yer new mate? Ublaz wants t' speak t' you."
"Yeah that I 'ave, who're ye again?" Sagitar sneered to Guja, stepping away from Redpaw and indicating the rat pirate with her paw. "This'n is one be Vilu's, an' he's 'ere to kill lord Ublaz, but I scared th' other one off see." This wasn't exactly true, but surely these trident rats and corsairs would believe her over Redpaw.
"Really, aye? Yew scared 'im?" sneered Guja, ignoring the female's question about who he was.
He prodded Redpaw in the chest. "This'n 'ere don't look very scared t'me. If anything, you look more scared, Sagitar..."
OOC: I keep forgetting about this. Sorry.
We ought to have them fight here pretty soon.
IC:
"I ain't scared yew little mouse," Sagitar growled insultingly. "Th' only reason e' inn't soilin' 'Imself is cause e' don't have enough o' a brain t' figure out 'ow much trouble e's in. Kinda like ye actually."
"Like ME?!" Guja growled, brandishing his weapon.
He advanced on Sagitar, his rat tail flicking wildly. Like a whip.
"Why don't ye say that t' my face, you lousy addlebrain?"
Placing her paws on her hips Sagitar stood her ground, staring Guja down. "Yew don' hardly 'ave the brains ta breathe on yer own volition blunder paws. If'n ye fergot to concentrate fer half a second ye'd turn blue n' pass out."
"I'll kill ya fer that!" Guja cried, and he charged at Sagitar.
"Ublaz will get y' if'n I don't, coward, jus' yew wait!"
The rat aimed a cut at his opponent's side.
Unarmed and not in any position to fight off Guja the trident rat commander broke into a retreat crashing into Redpaw. She hadn't expected Guja to actually attack her, and she held up her paws floundering on the ground, panic raising the pitch of her voice.
"Quarter mate don' do it, I call quarte- agh." Sagitar moaned in pain as Guja's sword sank into her side. The wound wasn't fatal, but blood splattered onto the sands and her pirate rags stained crimson.
Redpaw stumbled and fell, but Guja's mind wasn't on him.
It was on Sagitar.
Sneering, he stood over her and gloated.
"You call quarter? Ha, that's funny innit. Maybe I'll get more respect from Madeyes after this."
Putting pressure on the wound Sagitar squirmed on her back at Guja's footpaws. For the second time that day she had to beg for her life, or demand it. She was Ublaz's strong left paw after all, she barely even knew who this upstart was.
"Yer gonna get nothing but th' eyes or th' sword ye boatscum. Madeyes wouldn' want me dead an' when I report ye to him ye'll get it then!"
She twisted her head around to the pirates and trident rats that had accompanied Guja. "Seize him lads, grab Redpaw too an' take their weapons. I'll make sure Ublaz knows about yer loyalty."
"Heh, there ain't no need fer that funny stuff," said Guja as he backed up.
Redpaw glared daggers at Sagitar.
She was supposed to be the one dying! Had Vilu sent him to his death?
Knowingly, he thought with a bitter frown as the pine marten's creatures grabbed him.
"Glad we could come t'a consensus mate." Sagitar allowed one of her trident rats to pull her upright and press some makeshift bandages into the would. She tried not to wince at the stinging pain, unwilling to give Guja the satisfaction.
"So, Guja. Wot were yer orders from th' madeyes? Are ye supposed to bring us before 'Im, cause I know a few things that he'd like to hear."
"Yeah, bringin' ya to 'im and stuff." Guja flicked his tail and gave a sharp turn, yowling, "Right, y'hear that, everybeast? Er, bring these two t' see 'is Mightiness!"
Ublaz was waiting for them when they arrived.
"You numbskulls what took you so long!? I don't have time to waste bandying about waiting for you fools to dilly and dally until grass grows from our fur. Sagitar give your report, no, Guja give your report first." Ublaz turned his cold eyes upon the rats in question in turn, noting Sagitar's wound, Guja's smug expression, and the newcomer Redpaw's nervousness.
Guja smirked, striding forth and giving Ublaz a stiff bow.
"Yeah, so it looks like Sagitar caught this ugly scrap when she escaped from Vilu. I don't know how she did it, but...'t seems t' me like she didn't go unscathed," here he nodded at the wound he had inflicted.
Leaning over, he remarked so only Ublaz could hear, "Poor Sagitar's gone looney. She keeps tryin' t' blame me fer this."
Curling his lip Ublaz pushed Guja away, holding a scented pawkerchief to his nose. "I do not have time or patience for lies. Sagitar," the rat stood a little straighter, despite the pain in her side. "Is what Guja said true?"
"Uh," Sagitar knew better than to irritate Ublaz, and pushing a rivalry between herself and Guja wouldn't improve the dangerous marten's mood. "Aye, e' speaks th' truth. An' this 'ere is th' prisoner I caught." She could take vengeance upon Guja later, now, she pushed Redpaw forward into Ublaz's presence.
Guja stumbled off to the side, sneering, but as he did so he left room for Redpaw to take the spotlight.
Vilu's assassin looked betrayed and confused, but for now he held his own and did not break down.
The searat grinned, removing his hat as he preformed a stiff bow in front of Ublaz.
"Guess that's me. Heh. Quite a misunderstannin'..."
"A misunderstanding hm?" Ublaz grabbed the unfortunate rodent by his collar drawing him closer until the were staring eye to eye. "I suppose a beast loyal to Vilu would have heard some whispers of my power, what I can do, what I am capable of. You should know then that I can force you to tell me the truth through the power of my gaze. But, I would find it more interesting for you to tell me of your own volition first, and then take over your feeble mind and force the truth from you. So I can decide on how terrible your punishment should be by how much you lied."
Raising his other paw as if to strike, Ublaz instead lowered it slowly. Smoothing the fur on Redpaw's muzzle with the back of his claw. "So tell me rat, what was your true purpose for bringing Sagitar back to me? What was Vilu's plan?"
OOC-
Glad you revived this, Mate. Will try to post tomorrow, after re-reading this of course!
Redpaw wasn't stupid; he had heard things. Still, he fidgeted and grinned and initiated a visual scan for some sort of exit, not too keen on admitting his horrible intentions to Ubaz.
The rat kicked the air. "I'm 'ere to, well...heh heh. You wouldn't like it. Not gonn' do 't now, though, 'cause ye won! Congratulationers. I'll be goin', if ye don't mind."
"You're leaving already Redpaw?" Ublaz cooed releasing the rat's tunic and letting him flop to the sand. "I suppose you have to report back to Vilu about your success. You wouldn't want to go back to your master a failure would you?" The pine marten gave the slightest twitch of his paw and two big trident rats stepped in close, ensuring Redpaw didn't attempt to make a break for it.
"I know how tyrannical pirates think and act, I've been dealing with them for far too long. You may as well be slain here swiftly by my sword as to go back to Vilu empty pawed to face a much more painful demise. I of course can help in this regard." A smile played on Ublaz's lips, a nasty crafty smile that made the spine tingle to behold. "Unless you help me help you. You might be able to avoid death altogether."
"Y-You can? 'Ow's that?"
Redpaw looked hopeless now. He gulped, shifting.
OOC-
Drat, bad post, but not much I can do till Ublaz reveals whatever he's about to say.
"Easy, you walk up to the gates, claim you, completed your task, whatever that might have been. Then when the gate is sufficiently open, get out of the way." The pine marten swished his tail stalking around the hapless rat. "Not too complicated, but efficiently brilliant on my part. Providing Vilu is thick enough to open the main gate for you. Will he, do you know?"
Redpaw nodded dumbly, fear over mind. "Aye. Sure 'e will, jus' let me live an' I'll let 'im open th' gates, okay?"
"Of course my dear rat, I wouldn't dream of letting any harm come to you." Ublaz soothed. The pine marten rubbed his paws together in anticipation. "Lask, Sagitar, Guja! begin sneaking your respective squads closer to the fortress, do your upmost to not been seen, surprise is everything. Now we must simply wait for nightfall..."
~*~*~
Several uneventful hours passed with the vermin down in the sand dunes sweltering under the oppressive sun. After what seemed like forever to Ublaz it finally began to dip beyond the horizon casting the island into shadow. Lying flat with a full routine of trident rats around him, hidden about a hundred meters from the fortresses main gate, Ublaz patted Redpaw's back, giving the rat a few last minute instructions and warnings.
"You see that big ferret right there with the bow and arrow? His name is Deadeye, he can pick off a fly's wing at a hundred meters easy as you please. If anything comes out of your trap besides what I want, I'll make sure you're the first thing in his sights to kill. Understand? Good, now go."
Redpaw scampered nervously down the slope, skidding in the sand when he--not once, but thrice--almost tripped out of pure fear. He knew how this went; he'd do Ublaz's dirty work, but the marten would order his sniper to pick him off when the moment was right.
The rat gritted his teeth.
"Vilu's more similar 't yew than ye think," he muttered under his breath, "Wot makes yew think yew 'kin take 'im, Ublaz, ye prim ol' curlywhiskered son o' a mousemaid...?"
He halted at the gates and lifted a trembling paw to knock, but the sentry on the other side had already seen him coming and was now eyeing him warily.
"Where's yer partner?" called the guard, a stocky weasel.
"Ran off, jus' lemme in! I have news fer Cap'n Daskar an' it's urgent, ye see."
Sniggering at the simple genius of his own plan Ublaz watched the confrontation at the gate eagerly. There was always the chance that Redpaw would be spurned and sent away, or even outright slain which would place Ublaz back at paw on. But at no real loss. Yet, if the plan were to succeed the fortress would fall easily and Vilu would be hung at the jetty as a warning. All he could do was wait.
"Y'ain't allowed back here 'till yer finished with yer task," snapped the weasel, flicking his eyes around Redpaw as if searching for ghosts. "Why've I got a feelin' I'm bein' watched? Wot're yew up t'?"
"Nothing!" Redpaw exclaimed, paws akimbo. "I have t' talk 't Vilu 'r else 'e might be in danger, I knows something, I does! Let me in!" he babbled.
"Well, I suppose, fer yew, cully..."
"What exactly do you suppose?"
Both rat and weasel jumped and whirled, staring straight into the angular face of Vilu Daskar.
The stoat grinned cooly. "I think that you, Weasel, should join him on the other side of the gate."
"That'll work just as well." Ublaz mused from his hiding place. The pine marten dubiously flicked sand from his garments, wanting to look his best when he slew the filthy pirate Vilu. The slight flaw in his plan meant that he had to lay down to remain concealed, and on the tiny island that meant getting sand and dirt on one's outfit.
"Wait for my signal," Ublaz raised his paw sensing the trident rats around him tense. The monitor lizards thanks to their natural scale color were the closest, and their unnatural speed meant they were more fleetclawed as well. So they would be the first ones in, keeping the gates open until everybeast else arrived.
Vilu opened the gate a crack and shoved the guard out, and the weasel fell awkwardly onto Redpaw.
The rat stood up, snarling. "No, Vilu, what's this! What are you thinking?!" he yowled. "I need to be let in, not him out!"
"Kill them," Ublaz hissed anger shining in his eyes. The moment had come and three things happened all at once. The ferret Deadeye stood, drew, and released and arrow towards his target in one smooth motion. Further away the monitor lizards launched upright as the arrow buzzed over their concealed spots wielding a collection of cutlasses, hatchets, and knives they charged headlong for the unsecured gate. Meanwhile Ublaz and the pirate crew and trident rats sprang into action, preforming a silent charge in the wake of the lizards and Deadeye's shaft.
Both rat and weasel fell dead, skewered by arrows.
Vilu Daskar stared on in chilling coldness as Ublaz's army poured down the hill, and he ushered Calcabba up to him with a flick of the paw.
"What are you waiting for?!" he demanded, shaking the rat by the shirt collar. "My creatures are every bit as numerable. So meet them head on! Gather the army--have not a begging coward left standing in our wake!"
The stoat chuckled bitterly and hop-skipped inside, shutting and locking the sturdy fortress doors behind him.
His plan had failed. Just as Lask and his lizards reached the gate Vilu secured it. The reptiles pummeled the great wooden portal to no avail, their hissing voices throwing unspeakable curses at the sturdy timbers.
"You Guja, get your pirates!" Ublaz turned to the seafarer portion of his army, rallying them with his elegant saber. "Use your ropes and grapples, scale the walls and open the gates! Move your carcasses you worthless-toe fungi! hurry up and get to climbing you opened-ocean scabs. Sagitar, Deadeye gather your archers here and pin their defenders' heads down. Cover for the pirates with the grapples. Lask, hack at that gate. Bust it open with your axes! We're taking this fortress the hard way!"
~*~
The sounds of battle grew and Calcabba scrambled after his pirate lord wringing his paws in agitation. "M-meet them head on? Me lord, I am no commander, I cannot rally troops I'm just a Steward." The rat winced as the monitors began their assault on the gate. "Our defenses are strong m'lord. Perhaps instead of meeting 'em in battle we could just, stay inside where tis safe."
"Ah, yes, Calcabba. Thank you for suggesting that. Now that I think about it," Vilu paused, clicking his tongue disapprovingly when an axe came flying over the fence and landed with a Twang! in the grass. The stoat shook his head and then eyed the rat again. "It--by this I mean yours--is a much smarter idea than mine. To stand around inside and get cornered and possibly burned out or starved is just such a thrilling prospect. Is it not to you, Calcabba? Because I think that is what I will make you do while me and my creatures fight them off."