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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 26, 2017 23:09:08 GMT -5
It was midday by the time Luna decided she actually had no idea where she was. Having broken her small camp at the crack of dawn, she’d seen little reason to rest. Mossflower wood was mostly behind her now as she approached it’s southern border. The trees were thinning, and the lack of leafy foliage meant large bright patches of light were finally getting through. It would have been a beautiful sight to a peaceful soul.
Of course, Luna only appreciated the fact that it was limiting the number of spaces for robbers to hide. While she traveled alone, there was little fear of highway robbery in her. It was just a convenient way to pick up new members. After a small fight, they usually ended up cowering for a bit while Luna made them an offer too good for them. If they agreed, she usually sent them off to an encampment for training. If they didn’t, she removed their heads and went through their belongings. It was a win-win for her.
Still, coming to this area disturbed her internal calm: Mostly because she hadn’t expected to reach this area without first stumbling across Redwall, or at least Salamandstron. It seemed her fifteen year old memories of the area just weren’t up to snuff. Not to mention the fact she had encountered roughly three other travelers on the road so far. This being before she acknowledged she was lost, she had nodded at them in greeting and they scurried off after getting a good look at her face.
“It’s a goo’ thing no one’s ‘ere to see me failing at directions.” She muttered to herself. By which she meant it was a good thing none of her horde were around. No reason to put rumors of senility into anyone’s head. Not before the main event anyways.
With a sigh Luna settled against a tree, unstrapping her broadsword and laying it across her lap with the hilt in easy reach. Then she reached into her small traveling pack, and retrieved a small parchment. Dated and torn, it was the only map she had of the area.
“Where the bleedin’-”
Luna’s ear twitched, and she quickly closed the parchment and shoved it away, before grabbing her blade. Someone, many someone’s by the sound of it, were coming down the road.
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 26, 2017 23:51:51 GMT -5
"Cap'n, we got company ahead." The wirey ferret Blacktail reported.
"How many? Are they armed?" Kaspiyan asked. He and the Cradle were coming upon a bend in the road, marching in a defensive posture.
"Not they cap'n, there's only won. Big stripedog by the look of it, and a fighter too. Saw a massive broadsword of hers, could be a problem." Blacktail said. Kaspiyan frowned, badgers were a rather rare sight in Mossflower as he heard it. He hadn't anticipated any outside of the Salamandastron fortress, and didn't relish getting into a fight with one.
"Where is she?" He asked.
"Round the bend, just fifty paces or so away. Didn't see her until she moved, tricky creature was sleeping and hidden up all well and good."
"Understood. Thank you Blacktail." He turned to address his other fights in a quiet tone. "Sawtooth, Drivel, take five beasts on either side of us, bows nocked. The rest of you, stay close and keep those spears ready in case she charges." At his words, several weasels and foxes with bows slipped off either side of the road into the woods. The remaining vermin gathered up and kept their spears and halberds leaned forward for quick use. With a flick of his head, Kaspiyan ordered them forward behind him and drew his saber.
They rounded the corner. The badger stood before them on the open road, broadsword held guardedly in her paws. Kaspiyan resisted a shiver of apprehension, he'd faced the beasts before and didn't relish being at the front of the line if it came to blood.
"Ho there badger, what business brings you down these roads?" He called out, saber tip resting at his feet.
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 27, 2017 0:14:43 GMT -5
Luna quirked her head at the sight before her. A squad of vermin, led by a wildcat. Not a sight she was expecting to see. Most robbers on the road had less of a raiding party look to them, and more… starving animal. This group was well equipped, weapons out and ready for use. The odds wouldn’t be in her favor should things go south. But that was no reason to act nervous. Especially when Luna sensed opportunity in the wind.
Slowly she raised an arm to scratch at her scarred muzzle, letting the motion highlight her rough features. It was best they not think her easy pickings. Though given how some were looking at her, that wasn’t an issue. Still, Luna wasn’t looking for a fight. Even though this had promise of a good one. Like knew like, and she could tell these beasts were trouble. But for who? Well, that point was open to negotiation.
Luna’s left ear flicked, earrings catching light as she listened to the noises around. The forest had grown awfully quiet since the appearance of the party.
"Ho there badger, what business brings you down these roads?
How to answer? Bluntly state she was a warlord preparing for a campaign? Maybe, but then, what did she know of this stranger? Still, if she didn’t declare her allegiance to somewhere other than Redwall or Salamandstron, they’d likely think her an enemy. Thinking over her options, she decided on a vague answer to start with.
“No need ta fear,” she told him, though her own paw never strayed far from her weapon. She grinned at the wildcat, know the effect gave her a look of gleeful and violent intent. “Ye heard o’ the Silver Horde to the Northeast? Or the Crescent Moon?”
Internally she cursed her decision not carry anything with her trademark insignia. While there was no guarantee he’d heard of her band, it would help to have some evidence of her validity.
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 27, 2017 0:41:46 GMT -5
Kaspiyan had never met a badger that seemed as the one before him. The stripedogs tended towards more altruistic walks of life, and the grin on this ones face reminded him more of one who delighted in violence. Best be careful then. The cat didn't care for excitable killers, they were undependable and unrestrained.
"“Ye heard o’ the Silver Horde to the Northeast? Or the Crescent Moon?”
"I've heard." Kaspiyan answered curtly. The names were had been passed on in travelers tales and secondhand accounts. Some of which had mentioned a badger leading them, or some of them, though its gender had never been mentioned. Kaspiyan stared warily at the smiling beast. "Would you claim association with them? Who are you, what is your name, and what interest have you in Mossflower?" He asked strongly. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Blacktail give a discreet signal. Ready. One flick on his head, and a shower of broad-headed shafts would bury themselves in the badgers skull.
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 27, 2017 1:06:55 GMT -5
This situation had the feeling of a powder keg. Moving might set it off. Than again, it might not. There were so many variables to consider. For one, Luna didn’t know if the full force were in front of her, or if some were moving to flank her while the welcoming committee kept her busy. Vermin weren’t known for clean tactics. By the Abyss, Luna wasn’t known for them either. She shifted her weight, preparing to move. If there were archers though, she’d never be able to move fast enough.
The wildcat was curt, his gaze wary. There had to be a way to relieve this tension before the group pressed their advantage. It was a small miracle they hadn’t already. Did a lone badger intimidate them that much?
"Would you claim association with them? Who are you, what is your name, and what interest have you in Mossflower?"
Posturing would get her nowhere. There needed to be a good faith gesture. Hating it with every inch of her soul, Luna released her sword hilt and forced her body to relax. Not wanting to appear subservient to the Wildcat, she did want her appearance to shift to non-aggressive.
“Aye, I do. I’m Luna. I reckon mah purpose is much the same as yours. Only, I’m liable to cause less of a stir than you.”
Nice and vague. Luna was reluctant to reveal her position as horde leader just yet. After all, such a large army might tempt a soul to assassination. Best to prove herself more useful alive than dead. In time, Kaspiyan himself might prove useful to her plans.
“O’ course, that all depends on your name and business here. If it’s highway robbery though… well truth be told, I’d be a mite disappointed.”
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 27, 2017 15:47:37 GMT -5
The tension in the air could be cut with a meat cleaver. Kaspiyan's saber hung in his grasp, ready to spring to life the moment the badger made one wrong move.
“Aye, I do. I’m Luna. I reckon mah purpose is much the same as yours. Only, I’m liable to cause less of a stir than you.”
"Funny, I've never known badgers with swords to stay on the low key side of things." Kaspiyan said. Most of the tales regarding the Silver Horde had mentioned a badger warlord, or general, or champion, and Kaspiyan wouldn't be surprised if the figure before him was that champion. But why was she wandering alone? He was not accustomed to warlords who took strolls apart from their armies.
“O’ course, that all depends on your name and business here. If it’s highway robbery though… well truth be told, I’d be a mite disappointed.” Luna said, the dangerous smile subsiding, but not leaving her face.
"I suppose it's a matter of perspective to some, but we are no highwaybeasts. I am Kaspiyan, captain of the Cat's Cradle. We are soldiers of fortune, traveling from the south in search of prosperity. If you are on good terms with the Silver Horde, I might be interested in asking you to lead us to them. I don't believe you will find anything disappointing among us."
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 27, 2017 16:11:51 GMT -5
"Funny, I've never known badgers with swords to stay on the low key side of things."
Luna chuckled lightly at that response.
“Goodbeasts trust badgers, ‘specially those with swords. Makes ‘em feel safe an’ warm. Never suspect ya…”
This was untrue these days though. For Luna at least. There was just something too dangerous in her aura. Maybe she could pull of being the victim of an attack, but no one had let their guard down around her in recent memory. Still, why did the wildcat need to know that?
"I suppose it's a matter of perspective to some, but we are no highwaybeasts. I am Kaspiyan, captain of the Cat's Cradle. We are soldiers of fortune, traveling from the south in search of prosperity. If you are on good terms with the Silver Horde, I might be interested in asking you to lead us to them. I don't believe you will find anything disappointing among us."
Kaspiyan…. Luna tried to recall the name, or a group calling themselves Cat’s Cradle. So many mercenary bands and raiders popped in and out of sight in recent times. They all flowed together in her mind. Some joined up with the Silver Horder, took her colors, some didn’t and some opposed her. She liked it best when they opposed her.
Luna shook her head, ridding her thoughts of memories. It was time to stay in the present.
“Bad bit o’ luck, the Silver Horde is in its off season. Gatherin’ strength for the biggest campaign of all.” It was time for the pitch. Luna looked Kaspiyan in the eye, gauging his interest in what she was about to sell. “I’ll not lie tah ya; war is comin’ to these woods. An’ the reward will be great… dependin’ on whose side yer on…”
She gave a moment to let the implication seek in, watching his reaction. What did this cat fight for? Land, wealth, or something more… What did he want for himself and his men? Did he want a kingdom for him and his, or was he lookin’ for the thrill of battle?
“’Course, if ya lookin’ for a solo take down, I’ll jus’ let ‘em know that Redwall’s dance card’s full for the season. Though, if this is all ya got to go against ‘em, I’ll have tah add tha’ it was only fer the season.”
Best he know now that there was no taking Redwall on his own. That Abbey was legendary for a reason.
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 27, 2017 16:45:26 GMT -5
This badger was dangerous. Kaspiyan couldn't prove it yet, but his gut told him he was talking to a beast with considerable power and influence, and how his dealing with her went in the next few minutes would be one of the most important things he'd ever done. If he chose well, he and the Cradle would prosper. If not...
“I’ll not lie tah ya; war is comin’ to these woods. An’ the reward will be great… dependin’ on whose side yer on…”
There it was. A challenge. She mentioned Redwall, implying it was out of his means. He thought to Risky, wondering if his lieutenant was having any success scouting the famed abbey. He kept his gaze on Luna. She was alone, he was sure of that. He could kill her too, he had the advantage. But what if she was who he suspected?
"The Silver Horde is gathering strength, strength that I possess in myself and my soldiers. We have come here seeking to test that strength and reap the rewards, as is our way, and will fight for our share of the destiny that is to befall this land." He gestured around them. "Our goals are intertwined, it would seem." He said invitingly.
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 27, 2017 17:13:05 GMT -5
Like knew like. And Luna could see clearly that Kaspiyan was like her: A leader of beasts, a dangerous opponent, and a seeker of opportunity.
"Our goals are intertwined, it would seem."
“They are indeed,” Luna agreed calmly, pleasantly. She opened up her body language a bit more. This wildcat captain had become more inviting in the last few moments. Perhaps it was time to up the ante. “No reason fer us tah be at odds over it. These woods are big enough that we can all get what we want. Depending on what exactly it is ye want. ‘Cause if ya want a kingdom to rule over, and land enough that each of yer men can retire and grow fat, well… I can help with that. If it’s a battle and glory yer after… well, I can guarantee that.”
She broke eye contact then, turning slightly away from him. Gave him a moment to think it over carefully.
“’Course, there’s still a lot to be done before any of us can get to that point. An’ the way I see it, standing on some back road with our weapons hanging out isn’ gonna get us anywhere.”
With a confident air, and decisive posture, Luna looked at him. It was time to do away with vague answers and half lies. She'd lay down her cards, and see what the fates decided.
“I am Luna Broadblade, the Crescent Moon, the Bloodied Fist, and Leader of the Silver Horde. Fight with me, an’ anything you desire can be yours.”
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 29, 2017 1:45:05 GMT -5
Fate seldom threw such opportunities at Kaspiyan. He knew full well who he was speaking too, even if he didn't 'know' them. A warlord, a conqueror, a ruler. Power and danger radiated from the badger, something he was too familiar with. He stepped forward, holding out his paw behind him. His soldiers lowered their weapons, though not entirely.
"“I am Luna Broadblade, the Crescent Moon, the Bloodied Fist, and Leader of the Silver Horde. Fight with me, an’ anything you desire can be yours.”
There it was. A flicker of a smile touched the cats face.
"And I am Kaspiyan Urr Hysst. Heir to a dead name and leader of true steel. We shall fight with you, badger, if you are worthy to be our master." He said strongly, then sheathing his sword. "Lead us well, lead us true, and we shall deliver you your hearts desire with steel, tooth, and claw."
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 29, 2017 16:37:17 GMT -5
"And I am Kaspiyan Urr Hysst. Heir to a dead name and leader of true steel. We shall fight with you, badger, if you are worthy to be our master."
There was a challenge there that Luna could just make out. If you be worthy… Well, worth or not, it still remained to be seen what use this Kaspiyan would be. Gaining an alliance with a group of mercenaries hadn’t exactly been on Luna’s to-do list this week. Next month, yes; Today not so much. Still, Luna was nothing is not a Master of Improvisation.
“Now that we’ve made our official introductions…”
Luna reached into her pack, careful not to appear threatening and pulled out the map she’d tucked away as they’d approached. It was also a good chance to finally figure out where she was without appearing like she’d lost her way. This in mind, she set it up on a nearby stump, before beckoning Kaspiyan over.
“If ya’d like to get any of yer people out of the woods and scoutin’ ahead, we can talk about what our next move is going to be. I scouted ahead of my own army, since they aren’t exactly discreet when marching across a countryside.” For a moment she eyed the map. If that was there, that meant she was… Oh. That was a lot further south than she intended. Ah well, it wasn’t a complete waste. Time for that charming smile of hers. “As I see it, there are two major fortresses to be looked at: Redwall Abbey, an’ Salamandstron. Yeh must tell me of course, which you prefer: Rabbit stew, or minced mouse pie?”
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jun 30, 2017 13:52:14 GMT -5
Some thought Kaspiyan's conditional loyalty to be a foolish thing to say. However the cat thought that any leader who was confused or irritated by such a thing not worth following. Some didn't associate mercenaries with principles, but anybeast without them didn't merit the followers at their back, if this Luna turned out to unworthy of the Cradle, then it was Kaspiyan's duty to reject them. Until then, though, he was swayed by the badger, who called him over to look at a map.
“As I see it, there are two major fortresses to be looked at: Redwall Abbey, an’ Salamandastron. Yeh must tell me of course, which you prefer: Rabbit stew, or minced mouse pie?”
It was a much more detailed map than the one Kaspiyan had, although two chief points of interest remained the same. Redwall Abbey and the fortress of Salamandastron were the two aspects of Mossflower that had been consistent in all he'd heard of the place.
"I have already dispatched scouts to Redwall, if all goes well they should be inside the walls already, and have been working on a scouting mission to Salamandastron." Risky had been the most inconspicuous member of the Cradle, so sending him to infiltrate the abbey made sense. From what he knew of the fire mountain however, it would not be so easily breached. "
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jun 30, 2017 18:26:50 GMT -5
Someone was already in Redwall then. Good to know. That still left Salamandastron to get info on by the sounds of it. Of the two targets, the fire mountain drudged up less of the past for Luna. There were also fewer who would know about the runaway badger lass from over a decade ago, and fewer to tie Luna to her.
“Traditionally Salamandastron is led by a Badger Lord,” Luna supplied, remembering her childhood lessons. How often had her mother told her of the mountain and its lords? Enough to leave the bitter taste of expectation in her mouth. She’d often felt like a prisoner about to be sent to an executioner’s mound. “Badgers are said to be drawn to the mountain. Myahap there’s there’s somethin’ to that. In any case, they’re not the only one to watch for. The Long Patrol is also stationed there, an’ in the past it’s grown to be a thousand strong. What the numbers are this year, I dinna know. Nor do I know who currently rules there…”
It would be good to know the who in the case. While Luna wasn’t particularly romantically inclined, she did find Badger Lords tended to lower their guards faster than Badger Lady’s when she was around. Still, with the right scenario, anyone could play the hapless victim, and heroes did love rescuing damsels. No matter what the hero’s gender. ‘Course, with a plan like this there was a lot that could go wrong. Trusting Kaspiyan and his crew not to go too far with it was a reckless move on her part.
Then again, Luna was always a bit of a gambler at heart.
“Ye ever pulled a Honey Trap Kaspiyan?”
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Kaspiyan
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Post by Kaspiyan on Jul 3, 2017 2:25:00 GMT -5
It had always struck Kaspiyan as amusing that Redwall took the lions share of the fame and myth in Mossflower. That an abbey run by alleged pacifists struck more wonder and fear into the hearts of vermin than the indomitable fortress of the fire lizards, guarded by badger lords and an army of fighting hares, was remarkable. Salamandastron was far and away the more concerning issue to the cat, and judging by the map it was also the most important. Taking Salamandastron would grant operational impunity for any invading force, and any other bastions like Redwall could be easily surrounded.
"... The Long Patrol is also stationed there, an’ in the past it’s grown to be a thousand strong."
That was concerning. While Kaspiyan had known forces larger, he also knew the Long Patrol's reputation. Organized, trained, and disciplined. Adding to that the advantage of a indomitable fortress and home-terrain advantage, and any force anywhere near that size was a threat to behold. Of course, that only made the prize of success over such a force all the better.
“Ye ever pulled a Honey Trap Kaspiyan?”
That intrigued him.
"On a few occasions. However the targets were less auspicious than the sort to rule the fire mountain."
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Post by Luna Broadblade on Jul 3, 2017 17:33:51 GMT -5
Was there something nervous in Kaspiyan’s countenance as she spoke of the Long Patrol’s numbers? If so, all the better. Luna didn’t particularly care to go to war with blowhards and braggarts who’d fallen in love with a poorly earned reputation. While there was a possibility of using them as cannon fodder, often they just proved a weak point to be exploited by an enemy. Not that Kaspiyan had this look about him. No, there was something well-balanced about the wildcat.
"On a few occasions. However the targets were less auspicious than the sort to rule the fire mountain."
“I’m thinkin’ I may have better luck than you in this regard,” she replied confidently. “Good beasts often don’t see how their prejudices blind them, often claimin’ all are treated equal an’ then shunin’ a select group. If yer willin’, we can create a story they’d be willin’ to buy. I’ll slip in under the cover of a poor victim of vermin attacks, an’ within three days I’ll have all I need to know about Salamandastron’s defenses. Then I’ll leave with none the wiser, till we’re ready to make our move.”
Another beast would have added a part about poison, but Luna was leery of that. Not out of some antiquated sense of honor, but previous poisoners had not met good ends behind Slamandastron’s gates. The whole point of getting in would be to get out again after all. She glanced at Kaspiyan, watching how he took to this plan.
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