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A Free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=113129#entry2291454 and the ones before it for back-story. The sun's rays shone down upon Ravensbrook Tavern and Inn, their late summer heat competing with the mountain breezes over the group of refugees and make-shift soldiers congregating beneath their celestial battlefields. Cumulus clouds coasted over the mountainscape, their shadows crawling over the pinnacles and valleys. To Adira the bright atmosphere seemed almost obscene in light of the impending battle. The mood of the soldiers around her were equally annoying, as if they were expecting some kind of a party. They had been called from the field and outskirts of the town, and many did not yet fully comprehend the fact that their town was currently being overrun by Desert King troops. Those who did seemed to be in a state of disbelief, nervously making small talk with those around them. Only the refugees fleeing the town fully realized what doom overhung them. It was a pitiful trickle, most of the refugees probably fleeing into the mountains and finding their own way to the pass leading to the Nestlands. As it were most of those taking the highway were those who did not have the endurance to take a longer rout, and thus did not have the strength or prowess to fight. Adira glanced over the few dozen soldiers assembled. It would be enough to hold the road for a short while, but they would be done for as soon as the Desert King troops made the trip around their lines. “My Lady!” Adira glanced up from her morose speculations to see Mardil, espire, and keeper of her family's treasury striding toward her down the path. His face was grim, and his measured pace was marred by a slight limp. After a few moments he had reached her side, his breath a little ragged from exertion. “Lady Navabi, I bring news from Havers. He is still trying to find any men or other refugees left in the town, but is hard pressed to keep himself out of the hands of the Desert King forces. He reports wholesale slaughter, and whoever is not killed is taken prisoner or misused. The Desert King is showing no mercy.” “Sacking, raping, burning, that is the way of conquering armies.” Adira answered curtly. “This is the gamble we all took when we first defied the Desert King.” She nodded toward Mardil's leg. “You didn't get hurt, did you?” Mardil paused, staring into Adira's eyes. “You aren't the same person you were when you first came to Estolad. Where has your compassion gone?” Adira ignored his question, staring at him stone-faced. “You didn't answer me.” Mardil shrugged. “An old war wound. It won't inhibit me much, but I won't be doing any fighting.” His gaze became intensive. “Adira, you can not ask these people to fight again. We have lost the battle, now it is time to save as many lives as we can and flee. You can not do this!” “Remember who you are speaking to.” Adira turned toward the town, her eyes searching the horizon grimly. “I will not give up this town until there is not one building left and not one man left to defend it.” Her gaze moved back to Mardil's anguished face. “Since you are not in a position to fight, you will lead the non-combatants over the mountains. I place them under your charge. We will stand and fight.” Mardil cast one last pleading glance toward her, and then turned without a word toward the mountains, giving his arm to an elderly women as she made her way through the throng of soldiers. Adira watched them for a moment longer then looked up toward the sky. Clouds were gathering overhead, and she smiled grimly. The battle for Estolad will happen here, and only one force will leave.” “They are coming! The Desert King has come!” The man shouting ground to a halt outside the inn, sweat streaming down his face despite the chilling wind. “They are just around the next curve!” Adira closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again. She drew her sword, and all eyes turned toward her. Slowly she scanned the faces around her. “You all have gathered here to fight for your homes, your city, your families. You have come to fight for Kaliphlin. This is where your devotion will be tested, this is where you will make a name for yourselves as either those who ran, or those who stood firm in the face of darkness. So let men compare themselves to the men of Estolad, and find themselves lacking. Let them hold us up as a standard of patriotism and endurance, and let them say that the men of Estolad stood, and died, for the freedom of Kaliphlin.” The Inn-keeper, a large man with a flaming red beard lifted his broad-sword above his head a roared in a voice that had deafened many a tavern. “For Estolad! For Kaliphlin!” The soldiers let out a cheer that echoed through the valley. At least what they lack in experience they make up for in patriotism, Adira thought. Quickly she ordered them into a shaky battle formation, those with shields in front, archers behind, and then took her place in the second row. Only after the soldiers had settled themselves into position did they hear the sound of marching feet on the road. The Desert King soldiers filled the roadway and overflowed it, trampling the crops on either side. Their helmets glistened in the sunshine, and their blades flashed. It was even more then Adira had anticipated. The Desert King doesn't take any chances. Then their ranks parted, like a wave parting on a rock, and a black mailed man stepped out of their midst. Only he wasn't a man. Adira stared into the eyes of the same undead warrior who had attacked her outside of Queenscross, and had just recently helped to kill her friend and loyal soldier Udgr. Hate seared it's way into her mind, almost clouding it. Desperately she fought the urge to charge forward now and end this creature's life, once and for all. She knew it would destroy their chance to successfully defend the street, but suddenly the battle seemed to fade in significance. Then he saw her. His sword left his sheath, and rose above his head. For a long moment his eyes stared into hers, taunting her. Then his sword fell and all hell broke loose. The surge of Desert King troops almost broke through the Estoladim ranks in it's first charge. The front soldiers faltered for a moment, but then with a war-cry from the Inn-keeper they regained their resolve, striking out ferociously into the Desert King horde. Adira moved toward the center of the road, trying to be visible and present for her men. A field commander of a trained army could afford to direct from the rear, but what the men of the mountains needed most was a leader who fought with them. Adira pushed her way into the front of the line and struck down a large spearman as he thrust toward a fallen towns-man. The smell of blood assailed her nostrils, and dust caked on the roof of her mouth. The striking of blades on shields crashed in around her, pierced by the cries of the fallen. Then and arrow whistled past her head, clattering off the shield of the man behind her. Then arrows were fallen all around her, clattering off armor, and sometimes striking home. The towns-men raised their shields above their head, and many were cut down by the advancing soldiers. Then a cry came from the back of their ranks as an archer pointed toward the back of the Inn then turned and started to run. Adira's heart sank. So they saw. They called our bluff. The line broke in chaos. Men were throwing down their weapons and running, and the men standing next to them were being cut down from behind. The inn-keeper bellowed his challenge at the entrance to his tavern only to be cut down from behind. It's over. The thought crossed Adira's mind but she refused to believe it. No, we can still rally! We can defend the road at a higher point, somewhere we can not be outflanked! But already she knew it could not be. There was no option left but to die here, by the blades of their oppressors, fighting for the freedom of Kaliphlin. A sword flew towards her. For a fraction of a moment she considered letting it hit it's mark. But then her sword was up, deflecting the blow. Now she was backing up and a voice, her own and yet not her own, was calling for a retreat. Her legs were carrying her back towards the mountains, along with her men. She would survive. But yet in her soul she was already dead. To be continued... The build. This build took me more then two months to complete (thus explaining my absence, hopefully), and required three Bricklink orders. Tudor houses are not a specialty of mine, and I had to redo the white-wash four times. The trees were a last minute add-on, and yes, I know they look horrible. The back. I was running out of pieces about now, so the landscape isn't quite as up to par as in the front, but I think it was worth it. I was originally intending to have water on this side (thus the dock), but didn't end up doing it (lack of pieces). The fletcher. Lame (and apparently deaf, if he didn't hear all the comotion on the other side of the Inn), he was called into service plying his trade for the town's archers. Probably still grumbling about how he can't be expected to make crossbow bolts without any experience. The Inn's one remaining dairy cow. They used to have many, but all the others were used up in the siege. This one probably won't survive the siege either, unless some remaining peasant decides to, uh, liberate it from the desert King troops. And I guess that's it! Thank you all for your patience, and comments! Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=117072 and the ones before it for backstory. This is also a cross-over with gedren_y, so please go check out his fantastic builds! Long Live the Kaliphlin and the High Council! The humid climate of the Nestlands was usually not very appealing to most Kaliphlinians, but to Adira it felt like heaven. The freedom this land brought her people was worth a thousand discomforts, though her own mind remained trapped in anger. And after the frigid cold of the mountain path behind her, the warm weather wasn't so bad. The people of Estolad weren't the only ones who had fled to the Nestlands, apparently. A large population of refugees already existed on the southern face of the mountain of Edst Nol where the people of the Nestlands had prepared housing for an occupation that never came. They, for the most part, gladly welcomed the refugees, among them, meeting them on the path coming down from the pass with blankets and food. Adira wandered among them, trying to help, but for the most part being ignored. She refused to show any emotion except concern, but on the inside her anger and hurt did nothing but fester and grow. What have I but the love and trust of my people? If they do not trust me, what reason have I yet to live? Yet the answer always came back with equal resonance, cold and ruthless. Revenge. The Desert King has taken everything from me, even my two most trusted friends. I will hunt down Sirhan until there is no place left for him to hide. Then I will kill him. The sound of someone standing silently behind her reached Adira's ear but she refused respond. She did not, however, walk away. Let them bring their complaints somewhere else, I no longer govern this people. I am a useless appendage. “Lady Magdeburg. I have heard of your loss, and bring you the condolence of my people. Please except any help we can give you and your people.” The voice had a slight Nestlands accent, but was still recognizable. Adira had met the Nestlands Minister of External Affairs Aturl Prndrn when she was first deployed in the Nestlands as a Guerrilla not even a year ago. “There is nothing you, or anyone can do.” She turned. “But thank you none the less.” Aturl nodded slowly. “If there is nothing to be done, then what does the Lady of Estolad plan to do?” Adira smiled sardonically at the title. “Bring my enemies down with me.” “A noble aspiration. And this will heal you?” The Minister asked. Adira paused, considering. Finally she spoke. “A shattered vase can not be mended, but it can stab the one who broke it.” Aturl was silent for some seconds. “I wish I could go with you, but since I am tied down here I will help you all I can. Tell us what weapons, disguises, and food you will need, and we will supply them as best we can. And when you wish for solace, come to the Nestlands. Perhaps your people will have you back.” To be continued... The build. Those on Flickr saw this several months ago, but I finally have been able to use it in GoH! Yay.... Also, please check out Gedren's builds: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showuser=14064 Expect my next post in roughly a week or two (most likely the latter). Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A Freebuild for the Guilds of Historica, and the next Episode in the story of Adira Navabi. Check here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=110813 and the ones before it for backstory. The wind whispered through the trees, swaying their branches in accordance with it's patterns, and carrying the scent of their blossoms to every bee within it's range. Adira smelled deeply, and smiled. The apple tree swaying above her seemed to send all it's best smells to her nose, as if it too were wishing her safety in the coming battle. The thought of the battle intruded upon Adira's bliss like a black mist, seeping into every part of her mind and demanding all of her attention. The Desert King forces had been sighted at the mouth of the valley a few days ago, and would be here any day now. All of the able bodied men would be arming up in the town, including whoever owned this orchard. A sudden loathing for what she was about to do overtook Adira as she stared across the orchard, full with the blossoms of spring. Who am I to bring down the hand the Desert King upon these people, these people who live day by day and whose only worries are I the rain will come late our not? “Lady Adira, the men await you in Estolad.” It was Havers. Adira knew without even turning. She could distinguish his unique mix of the Western and eastern dialects anywhere. She spoke without turning. “I can't do it, captain Havers.” There was a pause, then Havers spoke, his words slow a measured. “I can not speak for all the inhabitants of Estolad, but I believe I speak for the majority when I say that when we voted you as our head, that we would take whatever came for it, whether that be peace or war, life or death. If these people can have such courage as to trust you with their lives, you can at least lead them to the best of your abilities.” Adira turned on Havers, her showing a strange mixture of anger and sadness. “But how can I do so in good conscience? If I do, at least some of them will die. And even if we are victorious, and drive the Desert King forces back out of our valley, what can I promise them but a guarded peace, always in fear of another invasion? I would destroy their peace of mind forever.” Havers let out his breath slowly, staring past Adira in deep thought. Finally he focused on her again. “We can not have everything we wish for in one life, or in any number of lives, so we must choose the lesser of two Weavils*. In this case it is our decision whether we wish for security of our lives, though we be slaves to the whim of an Un-dead Tyrant, or Freedom to choose as we wish, to worship as we wish, though we be forever in fear for our lives. These people have chosen Freedom over security, and they have chosen you to lead them. You can only do as much as you are able, and they wish for no more from you.” Havers turned and started down the road back toward the town of Estolad, his motion halted yet smooth on his peg leg. “The men await.” Adira paused, taking one last look over the orchard behind her, then followed Havers down the road toward Estolad, battle, and a future that would define the history of Kaliphlin forever. To be continued... The build. Just a quick one to continue my story. I gave a try at using the tree-leaves from altBricks, a Lego off-brand store, and I'm not sure what to think. Thoughts? *Ten comments to the person who can tell me where this quote is from. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=116423 and the ones before it for backstory. You are a coward. You can not even die honorably. You ran from death! The words played over and over in Adira's mind, forming a cadence with the pounding of her feet on the rough mountain path. The wind bit into her, but that pain was trifling in comparison to the bitter pain of these words. After all, what had she ever lived for but courage and honor? And now she was running like a frightened hare, running as much from her defeat as from the death or torture that awaited her back in the valley. Finally her legs would carry her no farther and she halted, leaning on one of the numerous pine trees along the road. People passed her by, making for the pass to the Nestlands, but none of them made eye contact. They knew she had failed them. They knew she continued to fail them. But Adira did not care anymore. She had no pride left to protect. She was bled dry. Slowly she removed her cumbersome outer armor and laid it at the side of the road. It was of Mitgardian make, some family heirloom. As soon as she took it off she felt refreshed, no longer protected, but at least free to move around as she was used to. “Lady Magdeburg.” Adira tensed. She knew what she would see when she turned, but she did not want to face it. Why can't he just leave me alone, like everyone else? Slowly she turned and stared at Havers defiantly. “What is it, Captain Havers?” Havers returned her stare levelly. “There are still people in the town down there. We must do what we can to rescue them.” Adira sighed. “The town is lost. They will die there or in the mountains.” “That is NOT true!” Havers' voice was emphatic, almost desperate. Adira took a step back from the fury in his eyes. “Some might escape! What can we do but try?” Adira studied him coldly. “Who is it that you can not find?” Havers glared at her, groping for words. “Me Lady!” Adira spun around, her face red from her altercation. What she saw didn't please her. Adelwight, occupationally a goat-herder and a member of the town Council, stood on the path, armed with a heavy battle-ax and flanked by two young men similarly armed. Behind him stood a square, thatched, and carved log house that she now realized must belong to him. He had been the last deciding vote in making her ruler of Estolad, but he had been very hesitant. Now he would speak of her failure, and probably not in pleasant terms. The man's eyes were grim. “Where are me and me sons needed most?” Adira was taken aback by the question, but quickly regained her composure. “Wherever you most wish to die.” Adelwight let out a laugh that sounded almost like a bray. “That'll be right here, next to th' home of me fathers, and right where the flea-bitten varmints can find us!” It took a moment for Adira to understand what she was hearing. This man is staying here to die when he could probably escape with his family. Why? No. She refused to think of the answer. Instead she posed an indirect question. “What of your young ones? Who will take care of them?” The man's old but fierce eyes turned on her, and she saw immediately that he knew what her true question was. “Me Lady, courage has nothin' to do with charging into the middle of a fray, and all to do with standing where ye have always stood, even to death. We're doing this for our land, every tree, every hillock,” he paused, looking strait at Adira, “every person.” The patriarch leaned on his ax, staring out over the valley. “Ye still have a life to live, a people to lead. Protect me bairns, and all th' people of Estolad that go through that pass.” There was nothing Adira could say. These men were giving up their lives for a town who had spurned their council, and practically invited the enemy to their doorstep. They were giving their lives for her. A tear sprang from Adira's eye. Slowly she started up the path. She noticed that Havers was no longer behind her, but she did not care. Let him kill himself down there. If there was anyone left in that town they would be Desert King prisoners by now, but these few survivors still had a chance. She could help them. To be continued... The build. This build is approximately three months old by now, so most of you might have seen it on Flickr by now. I hope the story made it worth it, however. Back in the middle of the summer I decided I wanted to try something more Mitgardian (surprise surprise) so I made this. This also was posted for the Colossal Battle Contest on Flickr and brought to our County fair, where it won a meaningless little first prize sticker (along with half of the other open class entries. ). I hope to post the next installment, a crossover with Gedren, sometime this month. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Check here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=111919 and the ones before for backstory. “AAAAAAAGGGH!!!!” The sound of the Mummy's screaming echoed through the tunnels of the abandoned mine, as bone-chilling and terrifying as the Mummy himself. His pale skin was rent in places, and his face held a snarl terrifying enough to make a gargoyle swoon in fright. And his voice, a hollow hiss of a sound, now rent the air in brain-rending screaches. Adira almost would have preferred to have him gagged, if not for the purpose of their torture, namely; information. Adira leaned toward, everything in her wanting to throw up at the smell that assaulted her nose. But she kept her face impassive, staring into the Mummy's eyes, twin wells of death. His hatred and agony smote her almost harder then the smell, but she refused to look away. “Do not think we will stop for fear of any threats you make, we are your masters now, and we will not stop until you tell us what we want to know. Who is the Dark Mummy Lord? How do the Desert King forces know the mountain passes? Who told them?” The Mummy let out a shriek, nearly defeaning her. Adira leaned back, taking a breath of the slightly fresher air, and motioned toward the village drunkard, the only person they could get to caryout the torture. The man giggled, stone-deaf to the horror in front of him, and lifted a bottle he had been drinking out of a moment before. “Want some more drink, buddy?” The Mummy shrieked again as the whiskey burn over his leg. Adira winced, looking away from the creature's bulging eyes and wide open mouth toward where Havers stood near the door, watching the mummy intently. The drunk paused to take a sip, and Adira leaned forward again. “Give us a name. Who is the traitor?” The drunkard finished his prolonged sip and lifted the bottle again. The Mummy stared at it, terror in his eyes. His eyes diluted and he gasped out one word. “Sirhaaaaaaaaaaaan.” Adira raised a hand and the Drunkard paused, staring at the hand. Slowly Adira's mind wrapped around the word. Sirhan. Was he referring to the Mummy Lord, or the traitor? It can't be... Adira glanced up at Havers, who was now staring at her. His eyes showed some surpirse, but mostly anger. Adira's palms began to sweat and she slowly let out a breath. Sirhan is a common name, couldn't it be someone else? A villager they didn't know about? But Adira already knew. Only the Sirhan she knew could tell the Desert King everything he had learned about their plans. Adira leaped into action. Grabbing her sword she bolted towad the door. Havers started after her then stopped. “Wait. We must search this out first. What if the Mummy lied to us?” “What if he didn't?” Adira shot back, her hand wrapping around the key in her pocket. She turned toward the door and deftly unlocked it. “We have no time to lose.” Then she was out of the door, sprintinting down the tunnel. There was a pause, then uneven footsteps bounded behind her, Havers trying his best on his peg leg to keep up with her. The light at the end of the tunnel grew brighter and brighter, and she had to squint, even if it was only moonlight. One thought pounded through her head, burrowing deeper into her consciousness with every foot-fall. It was Sirhan all along. It was Sirhan. To be continued... Da build. I know this might a stretch to call this an abandoned mine, but I hope it suffices. And a parting shot of the drunkard... in front of an empty table. o_0 Expect the next episode in a few days. Oh, and sorry for the blurry second Picture and any spelling or grammatical errors I might have overlooked. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A Free-build for the Guilds of Historica, and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Please check here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=112694 and the ones before it for backstory. The setting sun cast long shadows across the street, painting what was not in shadow in a fiery glow. Adira ground to a halt, her lungs screaming, waiting for Havers to catch up. Soon the sound of uneven foot-falls sounded behind her, along with the higher notes of wood on stone, and Havers was beside her, breathing heavily. “Captain, I assume you have a course of action in mind?” His words came between breaths. Adira nodded, clasping her hands behind her head. “The town chapel... He'll be there.” Not waiting for Havers to reply, Adira set off again toward the center of the town. Slowly the dirt roads gave way to pavement, and the streets became narrower. As she ran, a sense of foreboding settled upon Adira's mind. She tried to ignore it, but it kept asserting itself. There is still a chance the mummy was lying... we might get there only to find the local priest, going about his business. Yet even as the thought presented itself Adira knew it was not true. There was no lie in that mummy's eyes, it is Sirhan. Tall buildings surrounded them, many of them quite strange in their style. The curve in the street that would lead them to the open square in which the chapel was placed grew closer and closer before them. Finally Adira turned, and stopped in her tracks. Her heart sank, and a cold finger of terror crawled up her spine. A small group of people, and mummies, surrounded the chapel steps. Adira's gaze passed over the Mummy general and several of his elite soldiers, one holding the local priest at sword-point. The one Mummy Lord in black stood on the steps, and beside him stood Sirhan, still wearing the mask, but now decked out in a magnificent suit of golden armor. Anger boiled up within Adira's chest, and she drew her sword, but then her eyes alighted on the two figures at the floor of the steps. One was a hooded man, holding a knife to an orc's neck. The orc looked remarkably similar to... Udgr. Sargent Udgr's eyes were hazy as he looked up toward her, but when he saw her they widened with a look of despair. “Adira?...” A guttural, raspy laugh echoed down the street as the Mummy General stepped in front of the bloodied orc. “My return is unexpected? Well that's too bad. I hope I didn't interrupt anything.” His voice lost all humor instantly. “Drop. Your. Sword.” A hush fell over the street. Adira could hear the ragged breathing from her left where Havers stood. All eyes were on her. Haver's voice was desperate. “Don't give in. You would be just playing to their schemes! For all we know the orc could be one of them as well...” The clang of metal against stone echoed around the square. For a moment all was silent. Then the same raspy laughed cut into Adira's mind, and the General took another step toward her. “Your pliability surprises me, Lady Navabi. I shall give your colleague, Sirhan, more credibility in the future. Now as for you and your friend here, Havers, was it? I want you both to...” A sudden thud yanked Adira's attention toward the chapel steps, just in time to see Udgr leap onto the hooded assassin's prone form, and cleave the man's blade into it's owner's head. Chaos ensued. Havers charged the temporarily distracted Mummy who had been advancing on him, plunging his cutlass into the creep's neck. An elderly wood-cutter Adira hadn't noticed before sneaked up behind the Mummy general and stabbed him in the back, only to get cut down himself. Adira grasped the hooded man's knife and flung it toward the other Mummy who was guarding the priest, embedding it in his neck. A sudden gasp drew Adira's gaze back toward where Udgr had been standing. The orc stood there, staring at her with unseeing eyes, the end of a curved blade protruding from his chest. Sirhan stood behind him, his gleaming eyes staring strait at her. Adira's heart stopped. She barely noticed the Mummy Lord in black advancing toward her. Udgr... A flash of color flew through Adira's line of vision as Havers attacked the Mummy Lord with flurry of cuts and slices that made the creature take a step back. Adira was momentarily distracted, and when she looked back Sirhan was on the church steps, still staring at her. Anger, like a volcano, began to rise in Adira's heart, along with something even more bitter. The hatred burned in her soul unlike anything she had felt before, and before she knew it she was picking up her blade and starting forward. A slow smile curled Sirhan's mouth. Then the Mummy Lord was retreating down the street, along with the wounded General. Sirhan's gaze flickered toward them before moving back to her as he followed them down the street. There was no malice in his eyes, only a lazy satisfaction that infuriated her beyond words. Havers pulled up beside her, panting hard. Together they watched the three of them retreat slowly down the street. Neither said a word. Suddenly Adira remembered Udgr. Turning on her heel she ran back and dropped to her knees beside the still body of the orc Sargent. Desperately she felt for a pulse. The orc's wrist was as lifeless as his eyes, clouded over and staring off into space. Numbly she held his hand, her finger still waiting vainly for the sign of life that would never come. Something in her mind snapped, though she couldn't care what, and she looked up. Havers was standing beside her, graciously silent, and the priest was beyond him, glancing around nervously. Seeing her eyes on him, the man spoke quickly and urgently. “The Mummy King's hordes are all 'round the city, m'Lady. Many citizens have fled, and we'll soon be surrounded if we don't hurry!” “We need to call the retreat, Captain.” Havers said, gently but firmly. “What are your orders?” Adira stared out over square and drew a deep breath. The silence hung. Finally she looked back up into Haver's face, a steely resolve in her eyes. “Gather the men at the Raven's-Brook tavern just outside of the city. The Desert-King scum have invaded Estolad, and they will die in Estolad.” To be continued... The build. Please ignore the random London paraphernalia lying about, and the general modern look of the second house. This is a reused build. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A free-build for the Guilds of Historica and a continuation of the story of Adira Magdeburg. Check here: http://www.eurobrick...86#entry2261451 and the ones before for backstory. The pines sighed in the breeze, then fell silent, leaving the fields without noise except for the occasional chirp of a passing bird. A ball of ice lay at the bottom of Adira's stomach, refusing to leave. Nervously she surveyed the landscape around her. Nothing but grassland, pines, and the small collection of ruined walls and pillars that crawled along the ground around her. They should be here by now, it's nearly noon... Beside her, a villager mumbled something about skipping their midday meal, but quickly fell silent under Havers' stare. The hills again returned to noiselessness, leaving Adira alone with her thoughts, and her fears. What if the Desert King can see our positions, and is taking an alternate rout to Estolad, or flanking us at this very moment? Or perhaps Amir's Guerrillas have been alerted, and are descending from the mountains! What if the men haven't had enough training, and flee at the first sight of the battle? Adira glanced over the men behind her, and the ones on the other side of the road. Her gaze settled on Udgr, the Orc sergeant behind her, and Havers, the one legged ex-soldier, then over at Sirhan, the masked Guerrilla across the way, and her fears slowly began to calm. If they flee then I shall die defending in their place, and I know I shall have at least three others with me. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of marching boots in the distance, from the West. Mummies, and their allies. Her grip tightened on her blade, and her palms began to sweat, as they always did before battle. The ball of ice in her stomach seemed to double in size as she stared at the road, waiting for the first mummy to step into view. There was a dash of red, then the Mummy commander stepped into view, his cape swirling about him in the breeze. He was followed by two elite guards, then a whole procession of local militia from the town at the head of the valley, their dark green and black uniforms in striking contrast with the dark red of the mummy's uniforms. A gasp came from one of the villagers next to Adira, and she turned angrily to see him drop his spear and cover his mouth with his hands. “That's my son, in the Desert King ranks....” “Silence.” Adira whispered. She turned to Havers, her expression hard. “Order the attack.” Havers hesitated, then nodded. His voice echoed over the fields. “Forward and Charge!” A hail of arrows flew from the trees, slamming into the Desert King ranks, closely followed by yelling villagers in rag-tag armor and weaponry. All order among the Desert King troops disintegrated as soldiers saw the men next to them fall, pierced with arrows. Chaos ensued, as the villagers closed with their dis-ordered attackers, splitting shields and shattering helms in their fury. The troops panicked, fighting desperately but separately, each trying to protect his own neck. Adira charged toward the fray, her elation growing with each second. We're going to win! They're retreating! She charged toward the Desert King commander, a Mummy general, as he struck down an ax-wielding villager, drawing her sword. He turned, catching sight of her, and she ground to a halt. For a moment they stared at each-other, the battle moving in slow motion around them. Finally the Mummy spat toward her, his eyes burning with hate. His voice barely carried over the tumult of the battle. “I'll be back! And when I come next you will not survive!” A spear-wielding villager came up behind him, and he spun, cutting the man down. He scanned the battlefield, his gaze moving over the bodies that had been his men, then turned and, taking two running steps, leaped over a surprised villager and on toward the west. A cheer rose from the villagers, echoed down the road where more rag-tag soldiers raised their weapons over their vanquished foes. They had had victory over the forces of the Desert King, that which was counted impossible to do without a trained army. Adira surveyed the battlefield, suddenly tired and thirsty. Villagers walked about, congratulating each other, and laughing. A single man bent over the lifeless body of one of the militiamen, crying bitter tears for his dead son, but elsewhere the people celebrated their victory. Many were cheering her, and Havers was smiling broadly at her underneath his helm, but all she could think of were the Mummy General's last words. “I'll be back. And when I come next you will not survive.” The fight was not over, it had just begun. To be continued... Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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A freebuild for the Guilds of Historica, and the next episode in the story of Adira Navabi. Check here: http://www.eurobrick...howtopic=110589 and the ones before it for backstory.Thud! Adira almost jumped as the book was slammed down onto the table in front of her, almost toppling it. Leonard Havers, Chairman of the Council, sure knows how to get people's attention. Havers, a short but trim man, former captain in the High Council Millitia, swept the Council with a piercing stare. He shifted on his peg leg, a memoir of his last battle in the service, and slowly removed his hand from the large tome on the table. The Council of Estolad was silent, all eyes focused on the Chairman. “We have come here together to decide whether or not we will have Adira Navabi, blood daughter of Addalar Navabi, as head of this our village of Estolad.” Havers' eyes focused on each individual Council Member as he spoke, boring into them. “In doing so we would be declaring open rebelion against the Desert King, to whom the last Navabi has sworn allegiance. With the war all but over, we can expect nothing but complete retaliation. If we do not, we will continue to live under the tyranny of the Desert King, keeping our lives, but at the cost of our freedom. This is our choice.” For a moment there was silence. Adira could hear Sargeanr Udgr moving about behind her, and she knew Sirhan was there too, watching them. She had barely been able to procure them a place in the Council room, but she was glad they were there now. It would be good to review notes with them on possible loyalties afterward. Finally a coarse, bearded man across the table from her, in the garb of a goat-herder, spoke. His voice was as coarse as he was. “We all ken the army from Sultan's Gate that was coming toward here several days ago, and we all know we will not be getting no help from Berigora or anywhere else. Many O' us have bairnes and wives to think of, and that Mummy in Sultan's Gate always left enough for us to live by. Why, in the name of all sacred, would we start a wee rebelion when it has no chance of surviving?” He continued without waiting for an answer. “I am a man O' the earth, and these mountains are me home. Why would I die and not be able to enjoy them no more?” “Becuase you believe in Freedom for your children, rather then letting them grow up under Tyranny.” It was Havers speaking. Adira noted him as one who would vote for, when it came to that. Havers continued. “Yes, we can not expect reinforcements, at least nothing substantial. Our only hope to make the Desert King pay so dearly in his attempts to conquer us that he decides we are not worth the bother. If we are successful, then others of like mind as us, former military etc., may join us, and evenetually we may be able to gain protection from one of the other Guilds that fought against the Desert King, and we will be able to live in peace here under our own rule. This is all specualtion, but it is a hope.” He turned, facing one of the Council members Adira could not place. “Even if we die in this attempt, our fame will spread, giving heart to resistance elsewhere. Those who can not fight can be sent across the mountains, to go into hiding with in the Nestlands, where the locals keep up a resistance, but where they will be relatively safe. The rest of us can make a stand for freedom, unencumbered, here in this valley. We are self sufficent, our goats needing minimal supervission, and our crops already planted. We could outlast any siege they put up against us in this valley of ours...” A loud noise, that Adira first mistook for a cough, but later realized was a clearing of throat, came from the only non-human in this Council, the Minotaur. He stared at Havers with large, solemn eyes, and his voice was deep. “I, too, hate the idea of fighting a war we can not win. But the Desert King has never been a friend of my people, and we, most of all, would suffer under his rule. I would not have that happen.” He turned to Adira. “Would you promise my people an equal share in all that happens in this village, Lady Navabi?” “Yes.” Adira said immediately. “I maintain the tradition of the High Council. All Peoples have equal footing under me.” Her gaze moved over the rest of the Council. “I can offer you nothing except freedom. Neither security or wealth, only the satisfaction of knowing that Tyranny did not conquer you, and that your loved ones can live in freedom.” A fist slammed down onto the table, almost cracking it. Adira looked up to see the Council member who Havers had addressed earlier, a large man with shoulderlength brown hair, staring at her, hate in his eyes. “How can our families live with nothing to sustain them? If we are uprooted from the valley, and if we ourselves are killed, then they will be homeless and without any continual source of nurishment!” “But they would have freedom, and a legacy of freedom for which to strive.” Havers answered levelly. “This is our decision, and our's alone. We will choose this day whom we will serve, whether the Desert King, or our conscience. Choose wisely.” He looked at the Minotaur. “Councilman Duraudth, how do you vote?” “Aye.” “Councilman Labersmith, how do you vote?” A middle aged, slightly pudgy Councilman to Haver's right shook his head. “I vote nae.” “Councilwoman Dalithna, how do you vote?” The woman smiled at Adira. “I vote aye.” “Councilman Strauhn, how do you vote?” “Nae.” The large Councilman said, his eyes on Adira. Havers paused. “I vote aye. Councilman Adelwight, how do you vote?” The goat-herder Councilman hesitated. Fear gripped Adira's heart as she thought of the consequenses of his vote. With Mardil not present, he is the deciding vote. He could tie it, or swing it in our favor. And he did express his opposition near the beginning, though it's possible he could have cghanged his mind... “Councilman Adelwight, how do you vote?” Adelwight paused, glancing around the table. All eyes were on him. Adira held her breath. He gulped. “I, Councilman Adelwight of Estolad vote... Aye.” Adira let out her breath. The vote had made it. She was now the lawful ruler of Estolad. Suddenly she found all of the Council's eyes on her, some full of joy, other uncertainty, other hate. She swallowed, wondering where her voice had gone. “Um... our first coarse of action will be to send the non-comabtants over the mountains to the Nestlands. Then we shall meet again to for a Council of War.” She turned to Havers. He nodded, and smiled broadly at her. “The Council is dismissed.” To be continued... The build. This was just a quick build, only about 24x24 studs. It was mostly for story, but I hope the build is worthy enough. __________________________________________ I would like to claim UoP credit for: Trade and Law: Governing Body. Wall Techniques: SNOTed tile stonework. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
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The setting sun blanketed the landscape in warm colors, making the ground appear to have twice as many colors as it did. Towering above the hills around it, a gatehouse stood solidly, it's ancient walls still standing firmly on the crest of a hill, high up in the Rakath mountains. Beneath it, clustered within a small vale, sat the small village of Estolad, the traditional holding of the Navabi family. Adira strode down the path leading to the gate of the castle, lost in thought. Beside her walked Mardil, a retired esquire to the house of Navabi, and keeper of the family Histories and Genealogies. Adira glanced at him, taking in his gray beard, his trim, healthy body, and his firm gray eyes. He walked purposefully, with the measured step of one who has been to both King's courts and pitched battles. He held his head high, as one who has nothing to be ashamed of, but one who was equally ready to give his respect to others, as long as they respected him. Adira turned toward him, and he stopped, his eyes focusing on hers. Adira paused, slightly uncomfortable under his piercing gaze. “So, I assume there is a reason you sent for me to aid you, instead of someone you had more ties to? I don't believe I have ever met you before...” She trailed off, unsure of what to say next. “Ah, but I have heard of you, even if we have not met.” The Historian said. “You are one of the few effective High Council Guerrillas known to me, and when I learned of the Desert King's plans to remove the Histories under my keeping to their capital, you were the first person I thought of. Does that explain things?” Adira wasn't quite convinced. “But if you wished merely for High Council protection, why did you not send to Berigora, or some other, nearer, High Council outpost? I was weeks away from you, while soldiers from Berigora could have arrived in half that time.” Mardil stared past Adira, lost in thought. Suddenly he turned and started walking down the path again, away from where Adira's troops were, along with the captured Desert King soldiers. Adira fell in next to him, and for a while there was silence. Finally Mardil looked up again, his eyes thoughtful. “I have decided to tell you something, something I vowed never to tell you, but that I can not in good conscience keep from you, especially with you in the midst of such a war.” Adira's palms began to sweat, and she stared at the older man's face. Apparently he knows more about me then I thought, she thought. Perhaps he can even tell me why my father was targeted... He turned, and his eyes were sad. “I called you here because you are the only remaining member of the Navabi family that supports the High Council.” Adira stood rooted to the ground, her mind reeling. I am a Navabi? That's who my true parents were? So that is why My adopted father would not tell me who my parents were! The Navabi House is one of the most ardent Desert King supporters of all the houses of Kaliphlin! Except for that one Ulandian raider, and myself, there is not a single Navabi known to be anti-Desert King. Adira hardly knew what to say. “How... how did you know?” “Simple, I was the one who gave you to Magdeburg. Or his deceased wife, to be exact.” Mardil, paused, as if unsure if he should continue. “You see, your parents were not interested in any female progeny, and they already had three heirs, so when I offered to “do away” with you, they didn't ask questions. Thus you came into Magdeburg's household.” Adira tried to take it all in. “So it was just luck that I came to the Magdeburgs?” “I have lived more then half a century in these lands of Historica, Adira, and I have yet to encountered such a thing as 'Luck'.” Mardil said. Adira didn't bother with a rebuttal. “So, how does this effect me?” “How does it effect you?” Mardil smiled widely. “You are now the rightful heir to the village of Estolad, as far as the elders, myself included, are concerned.” He turned, gesturing toward the castle. “This is the Navabi castle, and that,” he moved his hand in a general sweep toward the village, “is the holdings of the Navabi family, which have now come to you, under the direct decision of the Council of Elders, with general support from the inhabitants of the village.” Adira stared at the castle, her mind still trying to comprehend what she had heard. I am the Lord, or Lady, of a village! Granted, a small village in the middle of the Rakath mountains, but still... I wonder how my relatives will take this... Adira glanced at the smiling Mardil. “My parents won't like it, or my siblings.” “They are powerless without the support of the people, or without some external force,” the Historian answered confidentially. “And why would the Desert King bother sending a force here, when he has so many other things to worry about?” “I'm sure that, being out of the way, you are not as informed, but if you haven't noticed the Desert King is winning this war, despite anything we can do to stop him. If the rumors are true, then he has even conquered the capital of Ulandus! It is only a matter of time before he will be at the very gates of Eastgate, Barqa, Berigora... He has already taken Queenscross, and is fighting for Petrea. It will only be a matter of time before he will destroy us!” Adira didn't mean to say it that vehemently, but it only reflected the bitterness in her heart. Mardil's face grew serious, and his posture more stiff. “The Council would not have decided on this, if it were not for good reason.” He turned to Adira, and for a moment she thought she saw a glimmer of tears in his eyes. “I... I have seen what the Desert King does to 'insurgents' and 'law-breakers', especially when the executors of justice are people like your parents and siblings. Believe me, we of this village do not want our children growing up under such tyranny!” Adira nodded slowly. “So you are ready to endure any hardships that such a rebellion would entail? The destruction of war, starvation, death of loved ones?” She searched his face for any sign of hesitation, of unnerve. The Historian raised his chin, his jaw set. “We knew what we would have to face. We are not about to back down. There may be some still loyal to the Desert King*, but the rest of us will fight to the death for the sake of our liberty, and our children's liberty.” Adira paused. They can not know what they are getting into, all the suffering that will come upon them by their decision... but would it make a difference if I abandoned them? No, if the look on this man's face is any indicator, then they will not back down, whether I help them or not. Adira nodded. “Then I will help you, as best as I may.” A smile of pure joy spread across the older man's face. “I Can not thank you enough. The village can not thank you enough. I shall inform the elders immediately, and then we shall gather all able bodied men immediately!” Adira shook her head. “No. We can not defend this village in our present state. I must first go to Berigora and gather a sufficient force to defend this place, along with weapons for those of the villagers who wish to fight. You must lay low for a few a week, or several weeks, until I can get back. While I am gone, determine who is on your side, and who is not, and start stashing food away in this fortress, for the defenders, and in the hills, for the non-combatants*. I shall get back as soon as I am able.” Mardil looked slightly disappointed, but he nodded. “Bring back as many weapons as you can, and as much food as possible as well. I shall inform the village elders.” With that he turned and started off at a brick trot toward the road leading to the village. Adira frowned. Who do these people think I am? I am only human. The Desert King, on the other hand... But I can not leave them to their fate. If this is to end in blood, then we shall all bleed together! To be continued... The build. This is one of my larger (good) builds, about 48x48, as I really wanted to secure this one spot for future story. *notes: I would appreciate if anyone countering this would not do anything with my characters (Adira and her Guerrillas, and please don't kill off Mardil), so I included these to note possible ideas for counters. “Anyone with ears{/eyes}, let them hear!” The interior. I know the doors protrude a bit much, but it was the best I could do, seeing as they are plumb up against the inner workings of the round tower (see this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/112401269@N03/13682466383/in/dateposted/, and this: https://www.flickr.com/photos/112401269@N03/13707179664/in/photostream/, to get the basic jist of how I did it, though it was tougher since it was a smaller size). Hope the doors don't mar the results too much. Anyhow, hope you enjoyed the build, and if you didn't read the story, go and do it now, since it is definitely better then the build. Soli Deo Gloria & Sola Gracia!
