Through Sherwood, From King Richard

[Mistress]

Rules:


* Player Killing Allowed - Be Careful!
* No Real ERP, get used to light descriptions.
* Have fun! Or else ..

[Mistress]

Jian Heng, a young man, but seemingly wise beyond his years, painted in careful mediated strokes. Calligraphy in English was so ugly, nothing compared to the tempered artful strokes of Chinese characters. Scrunching up his face in distaste he grabbed his seal from Wu, his manservant and quickly pressed the rubber stamp into the ink block. Frowning, he pressed the his seal against the page, the red ink bleeding into English parchment, looking nothing like it was supposed to and breaking his perfection. Passing the letter to Wu, he spoke in Chinese fluently, though rather loud.

"Get this message through to Halton! Take the fastest horse we have! Come back before nightfall tomorrow, I don't want you on these roads come dark, not alone my friend. Hurry."

Wu, the rather tiny looking man, bowed respectfully towards Jian Heng and left in a flurry of robes and hooves. The beast was magnificent, a white Imperial steed, his own horse. However, the Ambassador gave no care towards his own horse being taken, he only worried about his friend alone on those dangerous roads.

The thieves camp had been sighted a day ago and it was a day old. They were ruthless to merchants and caravans, taking whatever they saw fit. Though the legend of Robin Hood was overly grandeur, it was valid and Jian Heng figured sending for assistance from the King would be better than not.

The letter wrote:

The Jian Heng caravan is in need of assistance to arrive to Halton castle through Sherwood forest. Please provide at least one small troop of armed men as escort. Need is dire. Send messenger back with reply as soon as he arrives. Thank you.

Jian Heng 大篷車需要協助抵達到至 Sherwood 森林的 Halton 城堡。請隨著護送提供被武裝的男人的至少一個小的軍隊。需要是可怕的。隨著回答送回差使一旦他抵達。謝謝。

[CockbiteGrif]

His orders were clear, they were understandable and necessary. The bandits on the roads seemed to be more rampant than the past years. Lex thought about his task, not fully pleased that his king would assign him to something so irritating, something he considered below him. He could have assigned someone else, he knew this, as the armor fitted around him and bowed his head quickly, shooing away the temporary servant away with a quick hand gesture.

He was supposed to go with the messenger back to his camp, where the ambassador named Jian Heng was and ensure a safe passage. Grumbling to himself he decided that it was pointless to dwell over the lowly task, futile to wish it was assigned to someone else, the king knew what he was doing and he knew he could carry it out.

"Gather my horse and supplies, boy." He said coldly to the young boy, who was watching him with a look of awe. Eying the boy, conveying the message that he was not to dawdle, the boy ran off.

Walking two steps he picked his helmet up and walked outside into the brisk morning air. The air was sweet, the scent of baking bread wafted in it's cool breeze, this would have been a good day to walk about town and relax if he had such an inkling to do such. His only regret was that he wouldn't be able to bed with a woman he had seen a few days prior to this mission. He was under strict orders to be quick in reaching the ambassador, so a stop to a tavern was out of the question already.

Sighing he looked to his right and saw his horse and the young boy appear from around the corner. "Hurry up, boy! I don't have all day, I must reach him before nightfall!" He demanded impatiently.

Mounting his horse quickly, effortlessly even in his heavy armor he put his helmet on and kneed the horse into a good paced trot, heading towards the building where the messenger was waiting. To his surprise the small man was ready to go and ready on his horse, Lex found the horse to be in great condition, well suited to carrying a person. Nodding his head in greeting to the small man they began their journey. Riding out of Halton in a brisk and steady pace.

[Mistress]

Wu brought the horse around, it's long magnificent mane flowing in the breeze. It was a stallion as well, from good breeding and and with an even better spirit. Ready to move, the horse kept pawing the ground, while Wu waited patiently in the ornamental saddle. Eying the man that stepped towards them, the manservant suspiciously pulled his dagger, however studying his pace and gate he figured this must be his escort. The warhorse underneath him, much bulkier than his mount, well suited for carrying a man and two man's weight in armor.

"We go now." Wu's English wasn't as great as Jian Heng's, but he still understood well enough to make due. "Reach caravan by nightfall. You get supplies?" Wu was speaking of water and rations for the quick pace their journey would take.

The caravan slept, unknown to all the predators in the wood. Jian Heng walked by the fire, cane in hand. He rested on it, his muscles sore from the long ride. Happily breathing in the cool night air, black eyes glanced around to where the crickets stopped their song. He saw nothing, but couldn't help the hair rising on the back of his neck. A wolf? Perhaps just a deer. He whispered a prayer, hoping it was not the bandits.

Ignoring the lack of noise for now, he focused instead on the fire, putting himself into a slight meditation while watching the flames flicker and dance in his eyes. Ping approached, startling the Ambassador out of his slight coma.

"Sorry, master. I did not mean to interrupt you. It's time for your medicine." Ping handed the man a cup of tea, it was hot and the herbs so bitter, he could smell them from the distance. However, he quickly brought the cup to his lips and drank it with haste. Breathing out, he handed the cup back to Ping.

"Thank you." Jian Heng spoke, soft and undisturbed.

"You have not eaten today, Master. Can I bring you something?"

"No, I'll be fine."

"Please, Master. You need sustenance." Ping pleaded slightly with his Lord. All of his men were friends to Jian Heng, they cared for him as he cared for them. It was not merely greed that ran this caravan. Too long away from home.

Jian Heng rubbed his forehead, pushing away a slight headache from the medicinal tea. "You're right, I think some rice would be allright. Plain though, I don't think I can stomach the trout here."

"Of course." Ping went off, fixing Jian Heng a bowl of rice.

[CockbiteGrif]

"Of course, I got supplies." Lex answered the man. Looking ahead through the the helmet, he sighed softly to himself, still trying to wake up from last night's sleep, which wasn't very much to start with.

-------

The ride had been quick and rather calm. Lex was pleased that the man didn't talk much and seemed to be well suited to traveling, they made few stops to refresh themselves as well as their horses. This only made Lex curious about the ambassador, was he just efficient or did he use threats and violence to command such efficiency?

The day had disappeared as the darkness creeped up on the land, covering it completely in it's dark shroud. As they came closer to the location of the camp he started hearing noises, of either movement or of fighting. Eying his escort for a reaction he wondered if this was normal for his camp or not.

Deciding that he better be on the safe side, he grunted at the man and moved his horse infront of him. Being on the ready for whatever may occur, Lex looked around, taking notice of the surroundings.

[Mistress]

As the Knight moved his steed to protect Wu and his Imperial horse, a crossbow bolt shot out from the darkness and pelted into the white fur of the horse. Squealing and rearing up on its hind legs, throwing Wu to the ground, the horse bucked and kicked instinctively before falling down to another crossbow bolt. However, any bolt aimed at the armored horse fell to it's metal plates and caused no harm.

Wu jumped up, pulling out twin daggers with metal rings attached to the hilts. They clinked around as the sound of fighting came as they neared the camp. Two bandits pulled themselves from the sticky blackness of the night and started to charge the messenger and escort.

Wu stood ready and started to fight, letting out a loud "Huh!" as he charged to meet them. "Jian Heng!" He cried out for the Ambassador, but with the wagon on fire, light easily crossed over the young man standing amidst the battle, doing nothing but rubbing his forehead.

Jian Heng knew there was a battle on, but let his two friends fight for him. They protected him with passion, knowing their friend was a prime target. Though no bandit actually made a move for the well dressed Ambassador, Jian Heng kept his cane in hand, standing still next to the original fire pit.

"Ping, Bo. Two more men approach." he muttered, though loud enough to be heard over the clang of steel. Ping held an ornamental spear and Bo had one long Chinese sword in his hands. Both of them seemed to easily dispatch the bandits, their skill with weapon and hand-to hand combat efficient and deadly.

Pushing up his glasses, Jien Heng lazily looked over Lex and Wu as they came into the battle. He didn't speak any more, simply stood there looking rather annoyed. Though, like most Lords, he did not flee or scream out orders to his men, scream for protection or any of those coward-like moves. He did nothing but wait.

Finally, when a small amount of corpses lay around his feet, Jian Heng turned to his three vassals as they bowed low, weapons on presentation towards him. Watching as they lay prostrate, he spoke in a flurry of Chinese vocabulary.

"Good work, my friends. You've fought well." With a wave of his hand, they stood up and bowed. He gave them a slight bow of the head too, then his lazy eyes landed upon the stranger and his voice turned into the chalky English he abhorred.

"Greetings. You must be our reinforcement. Thank you for being so swift." Bowing then turning away from him, Jian Heng returned to his tent and rustled around with something inside. Wu walked over towards the others. They didn't smile, they only gave each other the respect of silence from a long formed brotherhood upon this weary road.

Stepping out of the tent, Jian Heng presented his Ambassadorial proclamation and handed it over towards the Knight.

"This is my proclamation of good will for your King Richard from the Chinese people of the Song Dynasty. We hope to open trade with your people." Jian Heng pushed up his glasses again then rubbed his little gotee momentarily as he studied the Knight before him.

[CockbiteGrif]

Hearing the squeal behind him, he knew the escort's horse was down. Giving no thought of his beast's safety he dismounted swiftly as he could and slain the attackers nearby. Coming closer to the camp he watched as a finely dressed male stood apparently uninterested about the battle around him. Fires made the place bright, allowing the attackers and the attacked free to get their deed done.

As the last body fell with a groan of pain from the dying victim, Lex walked over to the bleeding man and nudged him with his foot and scoffed slightly. His concern was close to nothing about the fate of the bandits. He merely nodded his head to the ambassador as he spoke. Finding it rather distasteful that he didn't even so much as lift a finger to aid his protectors, but he knew better, men of privilege rarely knew how to defend themself.

He watched the man go into a tent, with the same look of arrogance and disgust on his half-hidden features. When the man reappeared, Lex looked at what was being held out towards him and took off his helmet, his long dark hair flowing out, his eyes examining the packet.

"I have no need to carry this for you, ambassador Jian Heng." He looked at the two soldiers behind him, who hadn't removed their helmets yet, giving them a signal to move about to check the area. "I'm sure that packet can stay in your hands, until you reach your destination."

Looking the man up and down he judged him to be the typical spoiled brat. Surely used to being pampered, he did not envy his life. Smirking he kept his deeper thoughts to himself. This would be a long tedious journey.

"I trust that your destination is straight to the king. That is more than a day's journey I'm afraid. I shall watch over your group until you reach him, however I must ask that your men be a little more alert to ensure this fiasco doesn't happen again. I am not going to lose my men over stupidity." Lex was risking a bit talking to frankly as he was to a superior, but he knew their safety depended on his men being more precise in their watch.

Bowing his head slightly he looked around once more, finding the camp to be a mess, but comfy. The fire, although not intentional was helping the cool night not to be so harsh. "Is there anything you need of me right now, Sir?" He asked the ambassador, knowing that as long as he was watching this spoiled man that he had to take orders from him. His duties demanded him to acknowledge the needs of his superiors before his own.

[Mistress]

"I'd suggest you speak carefully sir Knight, for the future. The Chinese people do not take kindly to being insulted, it is dishonorable and I'm afraid when it comes to the honor of my men, I hold no responsibility for their actions."

Bo, Wu & Ping stood by, staring the Knight down as he spoke. They all understood English rather well and knew they were being insulted, however they also trusted in Jian Heng to defend their honor as they would his. Knight Lex received his warning, they thought in unison. When Jian Heng lifted the documents away from him, Ping took them swiftly and walked back into the tent leaving it while he returned to the camp. Then, the Ambassador waved them away again and with no further orders, they set about cleaning the camp up and taking care of the horses.

"Let's take a walk." He suggested to the Knight. "My name is Jian Heng (Ji-yah Heyn), what is your name?"

Taking the cane within his pale fingers he walked slowly away from the camp, towards his slain horse, but did not stop, assuming the Knight would follow. Seeing the dead Imperial steed, he stopped briefly and knelt to close the beasts eyes. Fingers ran briefly over the blood stained white fur, but he stood up just as quickly and turned to look back at the man. Removing his glasses, tucking them away in his robes, Jian Heng briefly looked towards Lex again. Sighing softly he turned away towards the forest, still going on his walk with his limp.

[CockbiteGrif]

Bowing his head, but cursing the spoiled ambassador in his head, he knew he must speak to his soldiers for more than just a report. "Of course, Ambassador Jian Heng." Looking to the side he saw one of his soldiers moving about in the forest, hoping he wasn't going to lose either of them due to Chinese idiocy, as it would look bad on his record.

Turning his attention back to the man before him he looked straight in the man's eyes. "My name is Lex Alden of Halton."

Lex couldn't believe this man wanted him to take a walk after what just occured. What's the purpose of this? He asked himself, purely annoyed in his head. As he watched his escort bend down to examine his dead steed, he only screamed more annoyances in his head about the pointlessness of it all, keeping a controlled face he stood in readiness, his hand near his sword as habit.

"If you don't mind, Sir, I would like to report to my soldiers before we walk. They are in need of briefing." As he said this, he signaled to his men with both a hand movement and a sharp whistle, not caring if the ambassador had a problem with this. "Excuse me, Ambassador Jian."

As his men approached he commanded them to remove their helmets and reprimanded them for not doing so earlier in the presence of the ambassador, he also spoke to them of their duties that would have to be enough to pick up the slack of their escorts. Saluting to them, releasing them he turned back to the ambassador.

"They have been given their duties. I am ready for this walk." He announced to Jian.

[Mistress]

"I'm no longer in the mood." He smiled, an empty look put on his face merely to show the Knight respect. Though the Knight showed him none in return, it was the honorable thing to do. "If you'll excuse me, I'm feeling rather tired, I think I shall retire for the night." His eyes sparkled slightly in the dimmer firelight. The burning wagon was put out and salvage had already been under way.

Meandering along, hobbling with his cane, the young man slipped into his tent and sat down in a rather ornamental looking chair. He pulled out some papers and pushed them upon a desk, matter of fact, that also rested in the tent.

He started to write in his journal, filled with many pages of beautiful Chinese scripture. Pouring a bit of water onto his ink block, then rubbing it with the ink stone. When enough ink seemed to appear, he dipped his brush in his ink, swirling it around gently. With little to no care, he started to write in quick strokes, making even the most talented of sword artists look bland.

Ping came in to greet him soon after, "Master. I do not like this man."

"It is not about 'like' and 'dislike' my friend, it is all about getting from this place, to that place." Jian Heng smiles.

[CockbiteGrif]

Grumbling to himself, Lex watched the man disappear into the tent. Wondering to himself if all Chinese were like him and his servants, he suspected that most probably were and shrugged it off. Though the journey wouldn't be short, he had no choice and might as well carry out this task as fast and as smooth as possible.

Whistling for his horse he tied it off and rummaged through his warhorses packs. Finding all that he needed he laid out the small blanket on the ground by his horse, setting his sword on the ground next to him as he laid down. If needed he'd be up and ready to fight within seconds.

Knowing his men were close by, keeping guard in the spots he ordered them to be at, he would be at his post. Eating some of the provisions he had taken out. He thought of what happened at his meeting with this ambassador and knew that most of what he did may have come across as rudeness or disrespectful, he knew as much by how the ambassador was looking at him and how the others eyed him.

Groaning he pushed the thoughts aside as pampered, spoiled brat reactions and looked at his horse. Smirking he was pleased that his horse was armored, wanting to laugh at the mere fact that the white horse wasn't even protected, but figured it was due to the Chinese lack of preparation in hard conditions.

The ambassador didn't even seem concerned about further attacks. This angered him a little, but knew that nothing could be done. Babysitting wasn't always easy and if he wanted to give a good report he'd have to try to get on good terms with this ambassador and keep him safe.

Closing his eyes he dreamed about the woman that was promised to him. A young, beautiful woman who was of good standing and pure. He smiled at the thought, knowing that he'd have to prove himself to fully gain her as she wasn't fully his yet. He also thought of the other women he had come in contact with a few days prior, thought about their innocent eyes even when they weren't being so innocent. They believed they'd have him to them self, this made him laugh, but also made him desire a drink.

He kept his eyes focused on the dark forest in front of him, entertaining thoughts of lust, greed and relaxation.

[Mistress]

Ping brought out a tray of wine and rice, passing each Soldier a tiny cup and bottle as well as a bowl of rice with pieces of baked trout. It was leftovers and a bit cold, but it would be nutritious and hearty for the Soldiers to keep something other than stale bread and molding cheese in their bellies. Without permission, Bo even started to pick up their discarded garments from laying around the camp, to washing them in the nearby stream. It was their way, they were always busy doing things in their own personal bubble of perfection, pushing out what was dirty or rude and filled with thoughtlessness, recklessness.

So they worked about the camp, all of them, while the ambassador wrote to himself, doing his own nightly ritual. He left all thoughts that rivaled the Warrior's to his dreams, and kept his consciousness clear to do the plotting and planning needed to cross through these treacherous woods, without any more harm.

Cleaning off his brush, Jian Heng then stood and began his own personal night rituals before bed, including praying and meditation.

Quiet then fell across the camp.

[CockbiteGrif]

Taking the bowl of rice and trout, Lex looked at it and smirked a little. At least they were being thoughtful to feed him and his men.

As he ate he thought about their needed path, a path that would no doubt be riddled with bandits and thieves. He wondered if there was a way to stop this seemingly out of control thievery, knowing that as long as things stood as they were things would continue to spiral out of control and if that happened, what would that mean for him?

He believed his future depended on fixing this bandit problem, if he came up with a solution he may be rewarded handsomely, if not he'd either stay his rank or worse depending on the King's mood.

Finishing the meal in relative quickness he set the bowl aside and seemed to be lost in thought. He didn't feel time pass, only being alert to the sounds of the forest around them.

He knew his men were probably fighting sleep and no doubt losing. He, however, was fine with little sleep.

[Mistress]

Daylight settled around the camp in a quiet and rather thick fog. Cool temperatures and moisture made it hard for the fire to light, but Bo was the first up and managed to get the move on, heating water for tea and more rice. Ping and Wu also exited their tents breaking them down to the easier to carry bundles of wood and silk-decorated canvas. The wagon had been set aflame last night, leaving the rest of their supplies unable to be salvaged, however the wagon seemed to have made it through fine, only needing replacement of one wheel, which they had a capable spare resting inside one of the unoccupied tents.

Out of the pack animals, the Imperial horse was the only one dead. The others had fled the scene throughout the night and wandered back into camp early in the morning, afraid to be alone in the dark. Beautiful the beast was and it was the first thought that came to mind when Jian Heng woke up. Coming out of the tent unprepared, he looked more stressed than he did last night. Then again, it was starting to get brighter out and the sun penetrating his nearly paper-thin skin, did him no good.

His hair, long and silky black from years of pampering, was not braided and he did not wear his court clothing. In fact, he wore simpler clothes, though made of silks, it was the same peasant-like cut of cloth as his manservant's wore. They didn't seem troubled by Jian Heng's lack of preparation this morning, but he did get a few glances from the Englishmen. Glasses, pushed up high on his nose, Jian Heng grabbed a shovel in one hand and his cane in the other, then proceeded to hobble towards the wooded areas alone.

[CockbiteGrif]

Lex stood up and rubbed his eyes, trying to shake the sleep from his head he looked around. He had only slept a few hours last night, staying up most of the night on guard, moving around he located the stream the others had been using for other things and splashed water on his face.

He had saw how the ambassador had looked, smirking to himself he spied the rippling reflection of himself in the water and figured he didn't look much better. Standing up fully he whistled for his soldiers to give them their daily commands.

When they arrived they appeared groggy and unready for the day before them, this irritated him slightly as they didn't appear to be professional.

"Simon, Rex ...today you must be on full alert as we walk the paths. Simon you are to be behind me at all times, Rex you are to be behind the pack and ensure things are safe behind us. Both of you are to report to me the moment you hear something that I may not have noticed." He saluted them to release them from attention, to send them on their way.

After they left he looked over to where the ambassador should have been and grumbled when he did not see him. Walking into the camp he looked around for one of the ambassador's henchmen.

"Where is Ambassador Jian?" He demanded of anyone listening.

[Mistress]

"Where is Ambassador Jian?"

Bo just stood up, looking at Lex, like he heard the man and acknowledged him through a long look, but said nothing and just went back to strapping feed bags to the horses attached to the wagon. Petting their dark brown fur slowly, soothing them while the Englishman's stress filtered throughout the camp. Ping, however, always loyal and mouthy walked right up towards the man, folding a piece of paper in his hands, forming a rather decorative looking star and tying it to a small firecracker.

"Master Jian Heng is preforming burial rite for his steed, I make him prayer. When rite is finished, we leave." Ping just walked past the armored man into the woods, like he knew exactly where the Ambassador was. Filtering through the tall and now sunny alder and birch trees, the servant made his way towards the other man.

Soon though, Ping came back, cracking words from his voice in Chinese like a whip on a bull. The man was paled and acting as if he saw a ghost. Panic washed through the other Chinese men and Wu started to speak too. They huddled closely together, holding some sort of object in his hand, Ping kept pointing towards the woods.

"Hey! Hey you!" Wu beckoned Lex over. "You come here now!" He was rather demanding, however Wu had that sort of power behind his words, he could command.

Within Ping's hands, was the silver dragon head cane of Ambassador Jien's.

Earlier, Ambassador Jien had been working on burying his mount, almost finished, he paused briefly. Panting and sweating from hard labor, he dropped his shovel and moved towards the stream for a drink of water. However, seems their camp had been being watched, because a rather tall English brute, knocked Jien clean across the back of the skull with a club. Jien was out cold, left only with a bruise and carried away.

Now, Jien sits in captivity, in the forest with the band of thieves. He's still unconscious, but tied firm to a tree.

[CockbiteGrif]

Lex listened to the man and allowed anger to show on his face. "You allowed him to walk into the forest alone!? Over a steed?" Looking for his own men he saw them looking dumbfounded at the edges, Rex had a look that sparked Lex's curiosity. Whistling sharp and signaling them over he demanded them the same question.

He knew if anything happened to this dolt that it'd be on his hands, not theirs, not even the foolish men who made the ambassador's camp. He heard his men say that they may have heard something, but wasn't sure what it was, sighing he looked over to where another man was yelling at him to go to him.

Obliging the man, whose voice seemed more urgent than he'd ever expected, he stepped over. "What is it?" He looked the man square in the eye, glaring both from frustration and from the morning sun.

[Mistress]

"Master Jian Heng is very ill and needs his medicine. We must go to him now! Medicine makes him stronger, you see. I bring it to him. He did not take medicine this morning, that's why he get taken away, he did not bring his cane. Master Jian Heng, always has cane." The man nodded to Lex, trying to get him to understand. Perhaps his English wasn't that great, but the glint of the bright sun coming from the silver dragon-head of the cane revealed even more details about it.

Its eyes glittered, revealing a faceted ruby for each eye. The silver was cut to match the wingless dragons of Chinese lore, holding the beautiful flaws of hand-made craftsmanship. The fierce looking beast ended atop a silver band that wrapped around a polished ebony staff. Though noticeably, it was cut between the dragon and the silver band. How strange.

Sword.

"You ready yet?" Seems two of the men were already ready, armed and set to leave with the soldiers to find their master. Bo remained behind, silently he watched the others, his sword in hand.

[CockbiteGrif]

Nodding his head at the question, he went to his spot next to his horse, quickly packed his blanket, attached his sword to him, untied his horse and mounted. Taking all of a few seconds he looked around and lead the way slowly to where the dead horse was, assuming that the fool may have visited it.

A few moments he came across the corpse of the beast, seeing it's dirtied but still beautiful coat he jumped down and looked around the area. Seeing nothing amiss at first he looked closer.

Foot prints were everywhere and lead across the small stream. Raising an eyebrow he looked around and saw Simon motioning towards him. "What is it, Simon?"

Simon pointed to the ground, "A piece of cloth, Sir, it looks to be a small part of the ambassador's clothing." Raising an eyebrow he went over and picked the small cloth and held it out to the ambassador's men. "Does this look like his?" He asked just to check.

Going back to exploring the scene, Lex was in thought about where to continue searching. He never heard of them kidnapping travelers, but knew it wasn't completely impossible.

"They went across the stream, we must assume their camp is off towards that way." He said to no one in particular.

[Mistress]

"Wake up." Water was thrown all across the Ambassador's body, snapping him out of his bleary state. He shook his head violently, wanting to spit out the water but found his tongue barred by some sort of disgusting cloth. Sneering, Jian Heng looked up, wet locks of black hair partially covering his eyes, but found the scene he had hoped not to see. "You'll be worth a lot more alive than dead, Chinaman."

Groaning slightly, feeling the bruise on the back of his skull pulse with the blood rushing through it, healing it slowly, as all damaged skin does. It was when he was fully aware of the situation, his body settled from the cold of unconsciousness and feeling rushed back into his limbs, he noticed he was shaking.

This will not bode well for trades, if I end up a bargaining chip or dead even ..

Sighing internally, he peered around the camp. Though his hands were tied behind him, he wiggled enough so that at least his rear was comfortable. Noticing it was rather a small camp, packed with several more thieves than he imagined, wonder filled him as perhaps maybe one of these men was Robin Hood himself. The legend be true, these beasts looked more like farmers with pointy rocks than any real hero of the people. Then again, he could be mistaken, it was rude of him to judge and he pushed it out of his mind near immediately.

He could note that they were no longer near the stream, obvious. But the trees were thicker here, more untraveled part of the wilderness. Probably why the camp was so small, or he couldn't see all of the tents. Though, he did notice a few archers posted in some of the trees, wearing coats of pine needles no less. They were smart, or at least a few of them were.

A fight between two thieves over who won a game of dice, irrelevant. Blackish eyes then scanned into the trees further, he could barely make some out, but he thought there may be a fence there. Less the trees were even thicker. His glasses were missing, sniffing slightly he tried to rest at least. Body growing weak, coughing slightly, all he could do was wait for nightfall or at least prime opportunity.

[CockbiteGrif]

Lex kept his horse nearby, knowing that at any moment he may have need of him, putting his helmet on for protection, despite it's limited eye sight he knew that danger could not always be seen. His two men were fanned out far from him, he was uncertain if they'd find this ambassador, he could not believe his own mistake of giving the ambassador credit to have the brains to stay inside.

Cursing the foolish, spoiled brat of a man, he knew it wasn't productive. Sweat dripped from his head, the rising sun beating down on his armor, he paid no attention to it, seasoned and well trained to tolerate the suits uncomfortable design. Better to be alive to know it's uncomfortable than to be comfortable and dead. His eyes changed into a darker gray as he focused on his task, his brow furrowing as well, his breathes coming at a steady pace as he moved about the forest.

The trees were getting thicker, making it harder to be certain of where they were. He was glad he was trained in this department as well. His father had made certain that he would be useful in any possible setting, to ensure his rise in the ranks. He took a moment to wonder a moment about his family, then pushed those thoughts aside, once again focusing on his task.

The ambassador's men were useless on the mere fact that they were unfamiliar with the area. He wished he had more experience in finding a kidnapped person.

Looking at the ground he saw a footprint and smiled to himself. This may just be what he needed to ensure he found this bastard. Congratulating himself he signaled to his men, raising an arm, hoping they'd see in the thickening forest.

[Mistress]

Though they were unfamiliar with the area, Wu and Ping both seemed rather comfortable and intent on their journey. It was quiet between those who marched throughout the wilderness, seems they weren't men of conversation. Which is good, in situations such as this. Why talk and let the enemy hear you? When Lex stopped abruptly up ahead, both the men remained alert, not specifically staring in any general direction.

--

The day wore on at the bandit camp, Jian Heng was sweating and starting to become miserable. Breathing labored between the gag, head bent over, the Ambassador began to drift in and out of consciousness. Finally, however, a meal was brought to him. Moldy cheese and stale bread with one cup of water.

The gagged removed and force fed, the man shook under the pressure of such grit slowly working its way down his throat. When the water finally came, he whispered for more.

"You ain't gettin' anymore .." said the one who fed him, cursing and raising after taking the plate and cup.

"Give him more water, Eric. You'll kill him." Another voice came, obviously one of command and stature. A nobleman's voice. He couldn't see where it was coming from, but would note to find that voice again later.

[CockbiteGrif]

As afternoon had been reached and passed, evening was near and Lex wasn't sure how close they were to finding the ambassador. Further cursing the man he looked at his soldiers and at the ambassador's men, noting the difference, his men seemed unaffected by what it would mean if they couldn't find this guy, what it'd do to himself and them. The ambassador's mean seemed to be a little more interested in finding the man, not fearing what would go down if they didn't, but he wasn't sure about that.

These guys seemed well trained in masking their emotions. A trait he respected.

Looking up at the sky, he saw some smoke in the sky, smirking to himself he figured it may just be the camp they were looking for. Making another signal to the men he pointed up, wanting them to see the smoke as well.

Wordless he stood there, waiting for another sign that they were headed in the right direction.

[Mistress]

Smoke curled and twisted into the darkening sky. Dusk had reached the forest and the twinkle of stars, all of them so far away in the navy sky, only brushed the beginning of the setting. Birds stopped their chirping suddenly, as if a predator lurked in the forest. Crickets also stopped their orchestra and quickly the Chinese noticed the dismay within the foliage.

A scouting party, from the bandit camp, made of three men only, leaped from the trees to knife down unsuspecting soldiers. Only Wu got injured it seems, as the knives slid off the armored men with a wave of sparks. As Wu cried out in pain, digging the dagger from his shoulder blade, he turned around and threw it at the one who injured him. The dagger flew true and ended up replacing the man's nose.

One of the scouts started to run, to alert the main camp of the intruders.

[CockbiteGrif]

Grabbing the arm of the man who had swung down, he twisted the man's arm slightly. Looking at his soldier and the ambassador's man he saw that he had gotten hurt. He watched as the other guy who had attacked them, run off towards the camp to alert them of their arrival.

He knew that he had to use the man in his grip as shield now if he planned to survive this night. Looking over at the ambassador's man he knew that he was probably in no condition to continue, fearing that if he did he'd only be a liability, a risk to himself and their goal.

"Wu, stay back with Rex, he will protect and aid you. You'll only be a risk if you come with me." He looked sternly at the man, showing him he meant what he said.

Looking at the man he had the grip, he smirked and twisted the mans arm more. He listened to the man scream in pain as he kept twisting it, hearing the arm crack and break he held tightly to the man and whispered in a threatening and authoritative tone. "You will get me in that camp safely, you will ensure that my goal is not foiled. You and your men will give me all that I ask or I shall see to it personally that your limbs are severed to complete uselessness." He reached over and began to twist the mans left arm to prove his point, only twisting it enough to hurt the man greatly but not to break.

The man screamed in pain and gasped out his words. "Y-yes... "


This post has been edited by CockbiteGrif on Jan 21 2009, 12:03 AM

[Mistress]

Wu didn't think twice about the mans orders, he had his own ideas. However, he stood back with Rex and let the other man tie off his wound while he watched the incredibly barbaric display of torture. Which, however effective it was upon this one man, seemed entirely useless on any man of honor or dignity. Scrunching up his features in a slight display of disgust as the scratched each other inside the enemy within Lex's grasp, Wu turned his head away to peer around and search for his discarded weapon.

Meanwhile, the man that escaped raised alarm at the bandit camp. Shouts rose up high into the darkness, the fires were quickly put out and lanterns extinguished.

Ambassador Jian knew something was happening, but his delierium was too far in, for him to figure out that people were coming for him.

Arms were raised around the camp, archers prepared themselves and the bandits pulled steel from sheathe. They outnumbered the small party, four to one.

[CockbiteGrif]

Growling at the man he held in his hand, he nudged him forward and watched as all the lights were going out. Smelling the sickeningly sweet smell of the smoke he smirked in the darkness. One way or another he was going to get the ambassador tonight.

"Yell at them in warning that we are not to be harmed." He demanded of the man. Walking a brisk pace, he paid no attention to his group as he had already put them in the back of his mind. He was focused on this task.

As they neared the area he looked at the darkened buildings, hearing the shouts that were still ahead.

Hearing the man in his grasp yell out his warning, the sounds of confusion started to appear.

[Mistress]

Whispers in the darkness, bold statements piercing his confusion. Jian Heng tilted his head to hear better, something roused these pests from their dens and did so in a way that jarred the aura of the little encampment. Someone had come, rather unexpectedly it seems. Chuckling to himself, he didn't realize someone was still standing guard nearby. Spit hit his face and made the man flinch, disgusted Jian Heng desperately wished for a piece of cloth to clean his face with but instead delighted on a small fraction of personal revenge.

"I'm going to kill you." He spoke, rather politely in his thickest Chinese accent.

The thick guard just laughed and kicked dirt into his hair and clothes. Though weak, he still had the muster to fake the guy out and he lunged against his bonds, sending the man falling on his rear in humility. Seemed as if Jian Heng was still intimidating after all.

I wonder if they brought my cane ..

[CockbiteGrif]

Lex pushed the guy forward more, with a bit more force than needed. Looking around he didn't see the ambassador right off, but heard the familiar voice speaking in that thick Asian accent, polite even to his captors. Refusing to show his emotions on that front, he spotted the sickly looking man against a tree.

"Get that man unbound, taken to us.... now!" He demanded the person he was using as a shield. The man growled in response, but did as he was asked. Soon enough men rushed to the ambassador and untied him and proceeded to try to drag him to Lex.

Looking about, Lex figured that there must be a trap. There had to be some reason why they were obeying his commands, despite his own captive, any normal group would sacrifice the man to keep the upper hand.

"Hold it!" He shouted. Looking about he raised an eyebrow. Stopping where he was he heard a twig snap and slowly turned his head in the direction.

A man of a rough and strong build appeared from the shadows. A smug smirk on his lips. "You're smarter than you look." The man laughed, mockingly. "I fear that you have wasted your efforts, this man isn't leaving this camp until I get what I desire." He looked at his men and shook his head. "Though, from what I've heard about you, Lex, I'm shocked you were tricked this far."

"Samson, take our captive elsewhere. The sight of him is making me rather disgusted." He smiled, a cruel smile at Lex. "After all, who wants to see a man rot, while he's still living?"

As the man spoke, Lex glared. "Do I know you?" He asked, undaunted.

"No, I'm afraid not, your reputation is rather big around these parts." The man, smirked. "I'm Gavin."

Lex, nodded his head and looked towards the ambassador, hoping he would be able to fight a little as he moved his sword up a little. Quickly, slashing into the man he had abused. Looking at the man who had introduced himself as Gavin he proceeded to lunge.