The Breaking Wheel - Part 2 Part 1: tinyurl/breakingwheel1 --- A pathetic whimpering sound escaped the womans lips as she tried to crawl away on broken limbs, her breath coming in choked gasps as she struggled to find some place of shelter, some respite from the slaughter that had descended on her home. She wasnt even sure how theyd entered. Her first waking memory was sleepily wandering down from the bedroom to see why her husband was up so early, only to find his corpse bleeding on the floor, two black-garbed figures standing on either side of him. Theyd quickly turned her attentions towards her, passing the time while the Horde sated their bloodlust. Theyd been deprived for so long - and they had so much time they waited for the Stone Guard to break down the gates and join them. Lex and Shade had resolved to spend it creatively, crossing the wall swiftly and creating scenes such as this one, as they waited for the Stone Guard to finally take down the town. Of course, theyd let the citys guards see them once or twice on the way, so that they could raise the alarm, and the city would put up an enjoyable fight. But the woman had been poor sport. It wasnt long before she abandoned her delusions of escape and slumped to the ground. Bored, Lex picked up a burning log from the fireplace and tossed it on the pathetic wreck of a woman, letting out a faint sigh of pleasure as he heard her dying screams. Not bad, observed Shade. But she was unarmed. You heard what Elizabeth said. Wordlessly, Lex plucked an old kitchen knife from the table, its surface pitted with rust, and placed it in her dead hands. Shade smirked, lifting his head as the sounds of fighting abruptly rose in volume, the sounds of peoples shouts of fear intermingled with those of shields and swords clanking against armor. For a brief spell, the pair listened in silence from within the building, as the fighting slowly started to slow down, before finally ceasing. Kos arrived, said Shade, eventually. Hell be asking for us soon. Funs over. The door slammed open at those words, a short, blood-drenched woman staggering into the dimly lit room with a tired grin on her face. If it wasnt for the horns on her helm and the smirk on her face, Shade doubted even he wouldve recognized Ezak under all the gore and filth she was drenched in. Looks like you had a fight to get in, he observed. Kos is fine, yes? Hes fine. There was a pause as she flicked her tongue on her teeth, glancing out the door. He said Elizabeth ordered us not to use violence unless we had to. But the town guard was expecting us. We were not as subtle as we couldve been. Lex idly ran a finger along the edge of his sword. Deliberately, he added. I dont think Kos is upset. I dont think anyones upset. Technically, we followed orders. And we deserved a good fight, didnt we? Elizabeth wont see it that way, observed Shade. Ezak grinned, crookedly, as she kicked the burnt corpse on the floor. You really think shell do anything about it? Shes lost her edge. Besides, it looks like you had plenty of fun while you were waiting - I managed to find you just by following the trail of bodies. Fortunate for you. This latest one looks like shes been cooked well. Still fresh. Lex faltered when Ezak stared at the corpse in confusion. You mentioned that youd eaten a woman before. The warrior pressed her teeth together to suppress a groan. Not - dont worry, Lex. She stretched slightly, looking back at the door shed come through. We should get a move on. Taylor says Elizabeth is coming to survey our work. She wont be happy with all the bloodshed, observed Lex, glancing back at the corpses - husband and wife. Whats she going to do about it? --- Death left a distinct taste in the air. Elizabeth briefly wondered why shed never been able to recognize that heavy, bitter taste on her tongue before she joined the Darken, but only allowed her thoughts to wander for a moment before focusing on the task at hand, once more. The city was empty and quiet. In fact, she might have considered it tranquil, were it not for the signs of violence on every corner. A glance in a nearby tavern revealed a corpse, slumped at a table - it could have looked like it was sleeping, if it werent for the blood congealing around its mouth. A nearby home had almost burned to the ground, but she could still make up the wooden bars that had been used to bar the door before it was set alight. A pair of corpses, clutching each other, lay slumped in the shadows of an alley. There was even a bloody hand print - more of a smear, really - left on the doors of an abandoned garrison, too small to be anything other than a childs. Theyd disobeyed her. The moment theyd left her tent, shed known they would have, eager to exploit her newfound mercy to sate their bloodlust. And theyd keep doing it. Every step of the campaign would be drenched in more and more blood, as they continued to test her command. Claiming she could influence the campaign any more was laughable. They werent scared. They wouldnt obey. Thanks to Saga, shed found the shattered remains of her conscience, and it was determined to keep her from spilling blood lest that happen again. But by not spilling blood, the Darken stopped fearing her - and took care of the bloodshed for her. The only way to stop the bloodshed and torture was to engage in it. It was pointless, futile cycle she couldnt get free of. It made her feel like she was tied to the breaking wheel again. Duchess. Taylors voice ripped her from her thoughts, and she lifted her head to stare at him, silently. She was grateful that the void had returned to her eyes since Sagas death; it made her faintly foreboding, and she needed every edge she could get in the current circumstances. She had to be perfect. She had to be flawlessly terrifying, and rattle them into - Flax is here. For once, Taylors voice was quiet and hesitant, and she was faintly surprised to hear the fear in his voice. She couldnt be certain if he was afraid of her reaction to the news, or what the news meant for her, though she hoped shed taught him well enough for it to be both. Last shed heard, though, Flax was back at the Spire, the citadel of the Darken that overlooked their vast lands. Less than a day ago, hed sent her a message asking for a report when the town was conquered. Are you certain? Taylor looked distasteful for a few moments. It was... definitely Flax, he replied. If this was true, something was wrong. He mustve ridden non-stop to make it here so fast, and if hed done that, then something important warranted it - He wishes for you to see him immediately. Thank you. She glanced down at Taylor, keeping her voice as cold and calm as she could manage, despite the fear slowly drifting up her spine. I was told those the Darken spared were being directed to the courtyard. Will he be there, as well? Taylor hesitated, before speaking slowly, choosing his words carefully. He is in the courtyard. Elizabeth felt her heart sink into her stomach. What about... those who were spared? There were a few moments of silence, and Elizabeth felt whatever fragile cold façade shed put up start to crumble. He said he was disappointed that he had to fix your mistakes.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:15:49 +0000
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