Bird on a Wire - Part 1
Bird on a Wire - Part 2
Bird on a Wire - Interlude 1
Bird on a Wire - Part 3
Bird on a Wire - Part 4
Bird on a Wire - Part 5
Bird on a Wire - Interlude 2
Bird on a Wire - Part 6
Bird on a Wire - Part 7
After a breakneck ride through Ered Luin, the trio came at last to a ridge overlooking a bustling port of clearly dwarven design, built of solid stone and squared lines.
Braichanar pointed down as they brought their horses to a halt. '''Behold...Kheledul. Nightwind, Audea...The ship is already here.''
Audea peered around Xanderian as she sat behind her on the horse and down to the structures. When she saw the low, brutal looking ship, her eyes went wide, and she looked between the two of them, obviously panicked. “We have to go! They'll take him!”
Braichanar shook his head. “We have arrived in time, calm yourself. They still provision the ship...but it will not be long now”
Audea shot Braichanar a questioning look, still the opposite of calm as she looked down at the ship in the distance again.
Braichanar turned his horse. ''Come, we will make the descent into the valley. We must be cautious, for this is a hive of enemies, and they will be as dangerous as hornets once disturbed.'' As they arrived in sight of the gates of the port, but still under cover, the trio slid from their horses and took refuge behind an outbuilding.
Braichanar narrowed his eyes, leaning out and studying the fortress carefully. There were sentries upon the walls at fairly regular intervals and though the gate was open, at least two heavily armed and vigilant guards could be seen. Audea reached up for the seagull pendant she had held so many times before, nervously eyeing the grim fortress as she fiddled with it.
“The Viper will expect us to seek to wait and take the ship on the river as assaulting Kheledur itself would be madness.” Xanderian smiled. “So that is what we shall do. However we will need a distraction of some sort”
Braichanar pursed his lips, hidden behind his cowl, then nodded. ''Under the circumstances, audacity may be best though I would normally act with more caution. A distraction, as you say, will be needed to draw the guards...allowing us to slip in and search out sign of our quarry.” He went silent for a moment, then spoke again as he watched the distant guards. “I can serve as the distraction.”
Audea shifted a little nervously, watching the Ranger with worried eyes. ".. Will y'be safe, Mister Brai?"
Braichanar glanced at Audea and smiled shyly. How strangely the Bree-folk spoke, but it was endearing to him all the same. ''Be at peace, Audea of Bree; I may not have the look of an impressive warrior, but I can draw the attention of the rabble well enough.''
Audea smiled, albeit not entirely genuinely, as she didn’t seem so convinced that he could get out without a scratch. Nevertheless, she nodded. She had to trust him.
“I will find less valuable cargo and set it aflame, perhaps that will be enough to convince the guards to abandon their rounds.'' The ranger looked to Xanderian, who nodded.
“This seems our best course. Once you have their attention, it should be easy enough to see where they must be holding their captive. I will remove the gate guardians...you then make for your goal. When the main body is drawn away, Audea and I will enter while you watch for where they run to ensure their captive has not escaped. Once we have entered the building where they are keeping Hawke, make your own escape and we shall rendezvous at Waymeet once the task is done.”
Braichanar nodded, then turned his attention to the sky. ''We will have cover of night in some few hours, if you have the patience to wait for it. Otherwise, I will set forth on your signal.''
Audea had begun to tap the hilt of the sword at her side anxiously, looking out to the structure again. She truly didn't want to wait another minute. Xanderian noted this and smiled softly at the woman’s impatience, looking at the ranger. “Cover will avail us not...and night will be when they set forth. Beyond that the longer we wait the greater the chance a lucky patrol will undo our surprise. We must strike now.”
Braichanar nods and smiled. ''Truly the headstrong boldness of the first born is more than legend. So be it. Follow me, now, and stay to the cover of the heather and trees. Steel your heart, young Audea...” Braichanar and Xanderiant moved forward, Audea close behind. They waited under cover as a patrol left, leading a wagon filled with goods, some of which could be heard to moan pitifully. Audea stared in horror, but Xanderian put a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head. That was a cause for another day, for the moment they had to focus on a single goal: Hawke.
Xanderian looked back to be sure the Ranger was ready as she nocked two arrows. As Braichanar nodded, the elleth let fly. The two dwarves standing at the gate fell silently to the rough ground and the gate was clear. There would be no better moment than this.
Braichanar darted forward, as fast as a shadow, and vanished into the gates. He snuck past the odd dwarf or two with ease, waiting while another wagon went by, until he spotted a good place to create his diversion. A large amount of cargo is stacked between two staircases, the boxes marked with the trading marks of Annuminas, many of which had been painted over with the sigil of Angmar. Drawing flint from his pouch, the ranger made quick work of them, sending flames licking into the sky. An alarm sounded and the harsh steps of heavy dwarves running towards him echoed in the compound.
Audea watched the smoke rise, still gripping onto that pendant as she turned to face Xanderian, awaiting further instruction. Xanderian was watching the dwarves panic...keeping an eye for those who fled AWAY from the fire and looked at Audea. "The moment is now my dear one...the time for the assault. Stay close beside me and show no fear...nor mercy. There is not a single foe before is who has not laid a cruel blow upon our Urchin.”
Audea took in a deep breath, holding it for but a moment. Nodding, she moved her hand from the necklace and down to the hilt of the sword, which she drew once again as they moved through the now unguarded gate.
The two moved into the first courtyard, Heartbreaker bringing down two more guards as they rushed towards the ranger. He was standing in the partial shelter of a pile of wine casks, arrows from his rapidly dwindling quiver having brought down perhaps a dozen of the Dourhand.
Braichanar gestured to them, drawing his sword and pointing it towards a warehouse on the other side of a bridge that appeared more secure than the others, his arrows having already slain the guards who tried to defend its heavy iron door, now left asunder. ''Go!''
As the pair moved swiftly towards the bridge a Dourhand grabbed at Audea’s wounded arm. ''No! No! Fight on, my kinsmen!” the dwarf howled as with a grunt of pain the girl spun, slamming him across the side of the head with the flat of her blade. The stunned slaver fell back, as the last of the ranger’s arrows struck him in the chest, knocking him away from the girl.
Xanderian ran past the ranger’s hiding place, Audea already staggering across the bridge and towards the warehouse. Noting she still had six arrows in the smaller quiver on her belt, the elleth swept the fully laden quiver off her back, tossing it the short distance to the ranger who caught it expertly. The two locked eyes, both knowing there was a chance this was a farewell, and nodded to one another, volumes spoken by the simple look. Xanderian smiled softly to herself and turned, racing after the girl, just in time to precede her through the warehouse door as the Ranger watched her receding form intently, shaking his head slightly before beginning his retreat.
Xanderian drew Lovelorn as she stepped inside, the ancient blade lighting the way. Audea followed behind Xanderian, pushing the door closed behind them as her eyes adjusted to the darkness. The half lit warehouse was cold and vast and brimming with crates, weaponry, and various other treasures, all stored and waiting. Also waiting were two brigands, already altered by the Dourhand guards but shocked none the less that the two women had gotten past the dwarves. One had a broken nose, the other missing an ear, both courtesy of Hawke.
Xanderian smiled softly and moved swiftly, making use of their sudden entrance as she slipped Lovelorn easily through the chest of one of the brigands before he could even raise his guard. She pushed the dying ruffian forward on her sword, using him to block off the other, giving Audea clear passage into the warehouse proper.
The Breelander already had her weapon drawn, certainly having expected there to be some people to go through within the warehouse. Though she hadn't been smiling on the way, when she catches sight of what Hawk must have done to the thugs, the widest grin spread across her lips. While she left Xanderian to deal with the two, she dipped her head and continued onward, rescuing Hawke her only thought now.
The first brigand died before he could blink, but the second one, blood clotted on the side of his head, was quick to shout and raise the alarm. He swung wildly at Xanderian with his mace. ''Intruders!''
Audea continued down the steps more quickly when she heard the shout, hoping, praying that she could get in and out quickly; however, something in her gut told her that this would not be the case.
Behind her, Xanderian sidestepped the blow from the heavy mace...kicking out with one booted footand breaking the long bone of the man’s calf. As he fell forward screaming, pearl white bone jutting out from the side of his soft boot, Lovelorn flashed out in a delicate arc, like a hand caressing velvet...and his head fell away.
Already at the base of the stairs, Audea winced as the heard the scream…then winced again as it abruptly ended. Her eyes widening however when she saw the Viper standing over Hawk. Just as she went to move forward again with a cry, she's grabbed around the arms from behind! "'ey! Bloody-!" With that, she began trashing in an attempt to shake off the last of the brigands.
Xanderian had followed Audea down however, and dropped to one knee behind the girl’s attacker. A low sweep of Lovelorn neatly sliced the backs of both of the man's knees as if they were paper. The ruffian keened out as the tendons were severed, causing him to fall heavily, trying to clutch onto Audea for support but failing as she shrugged him off. Other than his employer, he seemed to be the last line of defense in the wide, brazier lit room.
Agdarom the Viper began to applaud slowly over the last brigand’s whimpering from across the large room, lit by several flickering braziers. “Well done, well done...but that is enough.” He spoke quietly, taking Hawk by the scruff of his neck and dragging him forwards, pulling his unconscious body along the ground and keeping close to the pillar for cover, the stone between himself and the elf’s deadly bow.
Xanderian sighed softly...and sheathing Lovelorn slipped her Heartbreaker back into her hand, pausing to step lightly on the throat of the crippled man, smashing his windpipe without looking down. She nocked an arrow, and met the Viper’s haughty gaze as Audea struggled not to rush to the unconscious Hawke. When Xanderian spoke however, she caused Audea to stare at her, her voice had the cruel, arrogant tones of the Miss Xan in her dream. “And so....we have a standoff, my friend the naturalist. There is only one way out of this chamber...alive, that is. And we stand in it.”
Agdarom nodded, “You have done well to come this far. I commend your stubbornness. And yet, as you say....a standoff.” He smiled very slightly, cold and not at all worried. His hand was clamped around Hawk's neck, fingers digging into the loosened collar.
“You have what we wish...the boy...and we have what you crave...” Xanderian smiled like death again, her eyes never leaving the Viper. “Your life. As I predicted, it seems this task may prove more trouble than it is worth to you.”
Audea was squeezing the poor hilt of her blade so tightly that her knuckles had gone white beneath her gloves. "Stop hurting him!" she exclaimed, daring to take a step forward. Hawke appeared unconscious. He had groaned softly as he was dragged across the floor but otherwise made no sign that he was aware of what is going on. The firelight played strangely over his pale face, one eye blackened, his lip split, and there were dark blood stains down his chin and soaking his tunic. Otherwise he was huddled too close to the floor for any other damage to be easily seen.
Agdarom ignored the girl’s exclamation and arched a brow at Xanderian. ''Do you know, I think you may be right?'' He sighed affectedly, the tones of his voice rich and cultured. ''This lovely bird hardly seems worth the trouble he has caused me, not to mention the Angmarim and their greedy ways. These Dour fools, as well, are an annoyance.''
Audea made a sound akin to a whimper, letting Xanderian do the speaking. She was far too focused on Hawk and his injuries, many of which she's was sure she couldn’t see. At any rate, both the Viper and the elf were unnerving her too much to be able to contribute much.
Xanderian nodded softly to Agdarom."Then the time has come to settle this matter, if you wish to live to fight another day. You will allow us to take the boy without resistance, assuming he is indeed not mortally wounded, and we will depart...leaving you to make your escape as you will.”
Agdarom tightened his hold on Hawk's neck, bunching the collar of his shirt and hair and pulling his head up so they could see it. ''Ah, is that how it will be? How very generous of you, first born...yet I am no fool.'' His venomous green eyes glinted. “I have something to add.''
“And your addendum?” The huntress tilted her head
Agdarom shrugged, “You will indeed allow me to leave, unharmed, first. For if you do not, you will not know what antidote to give the wounded little bird here.”
Audea gasped then pressed her lips together tightly, the bottom quivering at Agdarom's words. She did her best to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over and down onto her cheeks, only failing a little.
“And what then is to stop you from simple calling down your allies as soon as you depart this room?” Xanderian asked, her expression placid and curious.
Agdarom let go, allowing Hawk to slump on the floor. He was clearly mindful of Xanderian's bow, and stayed close to the pillar. ''I am a man of my word, though perhaps you find that hard to believe.'' He gritted his teeth. ''And it would seem I have overstayed my welcome. I wanted a higher price for the boy, and that has caused some...friction.''
Audea finally looked up to the Viper, meeting his green eyes with a hard stare of her own. "He's not some farm animal you can sell," she stated through bared teeth, gripping her sword.
The Viper seemed to notice Audea for the first time at her outburst, looking down at her. “I hardly recognized you, but you must be the wounded heart from Bree! You are correct...he is not a farm animal. He is a rare, beautiful bird, and I could have sold him for a very high price, but so it goes…”
Ignoring the exchange between the villain and Audea, Xanderian nodded, “Very well then, I will take you as a man of your word. Give the boy the antidote. When he regains his sensibilities, I will allow you to depart past me. I give you my word.”
The Viper laughed quietly as Audea fumed, then looked back to Xanderian. ''Hm. That seems fair, yes? You will put down your weapons and stand clear from me.''
“I will indeed stand clear, but once he is awakened...and only then will I unnock my shaft...that is the best you can hope for, friend. For in the end, if the boy dies here, I will grieve but it will happen in a blink of my eye one way or another...however, if YOU die here, you will be mightily vexed I am sure.” Xanderian smiled as if they were discussing what was for luncheon, looking every bit the uncaring first born.
Audea narrowed her eyes. "Yer fuckin' disgusting," she uttered, raising her sword. Xanderian’s voice cracked out, bringing her up short. “Audea…PUT IT AWAY! This is not the time for revenge.” She glared back at the elleth, then reluctantly sheathed her sword.
As the girl stepped back Agdarom reached for a vial in the pocket of his robe, and tossed it to Audea. ''Go on, prove to your smug Elven friend I keep my word.'' Audea sucked in a sharp breath, leaping forward to catch the vial tossed her way.
Xanderian raised Heartbreaker again, the bowstring taut. “Step back from them…and If I lose sight of your hands, you die”. Agdarom arrogantly raised his hands.
Audea peered down at the vial she had caught suspiciously. This was the best option it seemed, so she carefully moved forward, eyeing Agdarom as she lowered herself to the ground in front of Hawk. After assuring herself that he was not going to try anything, she turned her gaze to the injured boy and leaned down, placing a palm to his cheek. ".. Hawk?" she whispered, but no response came.
Xanderian watched the Viper carefully, who was still quietly smirking, looking impatient as if late for an appointment. "Be swift Audea...” she said.
Audea frowned deeply as she went to open the vial with trembling hands. She carefully tucked one hand under Hawke’s head to lift it, while the other brought the antidote to his lips. Carefully, she drained the precious vial into his mouth, and then shut it so that he might hopefully swallow.
A long series of heartbeats passed…and then Hawke almost gagged on the liquid, but with Audea holding his mouth closed he was forced to swallow. The change was not immediate, but it was there, his colour slightly returning and his breathing evening out. His eyelashes fluttered slightly though he didn’t open his eyes.
Agdarom smiled, “There, are we quite satisfied?”
Audea dropped the vial once he'd gulped down the antidote, her arms sweeping Hawke up partially into her lap to hold him there in an embrace. She merely gave a sharp look up to Agdarom, but if looks could kill….
Xanderian nodded softly...and unnocked her bow, stepping well away from the doorway. “I imagine we will meet again, Viper....one way or another.”
Agdarom bowed his head politely, as if they had been discussing a simple business deal. ''Oh, of that I am sure, huntress. Most likely sooner than you think.'' He cast one last look at Hawk, giving Audea a smug smile. ''Though whether someone else enterprises to catch this little bird again is beyond my powers to stop. He bears my mark, perhaps that will dissuade them.'' He shrugged theatrically, then swept out of the room, not even turning.
Audea clenched her jaw at those words. She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know what they meant, and didn’t linger on them for too long, instead looking down to Hawk in her arms. She began to hum a gentle tune, brushing a bit of hair from his face.
Xanderian passed Audea a small flask..."Miruvor....give him but a taste of this. Xanderian stepped back then...leaving the two of them be, simply watching over them silently
Audea glanced up to Xanderian and the flask curiously. Again, with his head lifted, she made Hawk swallow just a little bit of.. whatever was in there.
Hawke swallowed easier this time, and the effect of the Elven liquor was immediate: he coughed and opened his eyes yet he appeared dazed, disoriented. ''Don't...touch me,'' he hissed, curling in on himself, but after a moment the tension left his body. He opened his eyes again, carefully, and saw Audea. ''...alright, love?'' His voice was a tiny, rough whisper.
Audea looked up at Xanderian with tears in her eyes. The elleth nodded softly, whispering. “Come Love’s Blade, while the port is still in chaos we shall make our escape and bear him to Waymeet. Hopefully the ranger awaits us there and we will bring this long, long road to a close.”
