As the last of the Laguz went beyond range of sight, the light rain that had persisted throughout the battle finally cleared, and Grae and his mercenaries resumed the last leg of their journey. Not only did the rain clear, but the sky did as well, leaving the sun to shine high in the sky, though it was beginning to lower as the group approached their destination.
The lake town of Mendisoro was not a large village by the standards of human society, and not much larger than other villages around the countryside despite the lake teeming with fish. Nonetheless, it was a permanent home for nearly a hundred Laguz year round. More to the point, it was relatively close to the Morcian Border and home to a royal audience chamber. South of the town itself stood a cave, and after a short round of questions from Grae they were directed to it. At the entrance, they found two large, imposing guards. They lit torches for the group, and led them down the hall toward the king...
The assembled Laguz had been waiting for some time, with no company apart from a handful of guards and Himos, Lord of the Cats and King of Sampia. He had hand selected them from a group of applicants hundreds strong, though he had not yet divulged why, nor responded to any line of inquiry, except that of payment.
"Should you complete the tasks I have for you, each of you shall be named Elites and granted land of your choosing." However, thereafter, he fell silent. And he remained so for many hours, until the footfalls in the hallway could be heard. More than half a dozen- and many not Laguz. The king straightened in his seat, and his long nailed fingers grasped upon the armrests of the throne.
Aurelia, Aya, Heledd, Joachim, Jupi, and Kawri are in!A strongly built human man in light armor was the first to enter the room behind one of the King's guards, who was holding a torch aloft. He was older than the legends around him suggested- But wasn't that always the way? He was followed by six women. No men- curious. Still this
was Steelhart. Old he was, certainly, but the weight of experience was clear in the man's stance. Once his followers had arranged themselves behind him, the man spoke.
"Your Majesty. I am Grae Steelhart, here at your request. What do you wish of my men and myself?" Himos sat tall in his throne, holding his chin high.
"Guards. You will leave us. I will speak with the humans and my assembled team in private." Himos said nothing more until the guards that had escorted his visitors in had returned from whence they had come.
"...You are Grae Steelhart, yes. The legendary mercenary, commander of hundreds across the continent. Victor in battles innumerable. I would have your services." The man was silent for a few moments before it became clear that the King was not going to continue.
"Your majesty, we would be honored to serve. What task do you have for us?" King Himos stiffened. This would be the first time he had put words to thoughts for three weeks- and even now the thought unnerved him. But when he spoke, his tones were as rich and even as they ever were.
"The Morcians have declared war on my people. Though their attacks are weak and few in number, I fear something terrible has happened." The king grit his teeth, and his fangs shone in the sunlight streaming through the hole in the cave roof.
"My... I have four children, Steelhart. And my youngest, Ella, has been missing for a full three weeks. I suspect she may have been kidnapped. If she has, those Morcian scum could be planning to use her as leverage. If they were to threaten her-" The King stopped short, then inhaled deeply.
"I must, and will, put my nation first. But I would like for you to ensure that such a thing does not come to pass. I want you to infiltrate Morcia and recover my daughter. Do this, and your reward will be great." Steelhart barely moved, but suddenly exuded the sense of a predator.
"I believe I understand the situation, Your Majesty. I do have a policy of determining precisely the nature of the reward for my band. What do you offer for us?" Himos grimaced, and reached within the loose fitting robes he wore. When his hand emerged again, it was clutching a sack, which he threw toward Grae with a scowl.
"That bag contains three thousand of the gold coins that the Morcians use in trade. I offer five times that much to each of your subordinates and yourself when you return with my daughter alive and well. I offer that gold to you as an incentive to do my bidding. I also insist that you be accompanied by some of my own." The King stood, and gestured toward the room behind him. With the King outside the spot of light allowed in from the cave, it was possible to see 6 Laguz standing in the rear of the room.
"We accept your terms. We will return with your daughter, one way or another."
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Topic: Fire Emblem on Forums: Laguz Test Game IC (Read 61239 times)