PlaymoFriends
Creative => Story-Telling => Topic started by: Rhalius on December 11, 2012, 15:59:17
-
Times are difficult in the kingdom. The king has send Roderick, Henry and Frederick on the road along with a messenger for each.
They are visiting neutral villages at the borders of the kingdom, trying to persuade them to become part of the kingdom in exchange for protection.
The village that Roderick is visiting, is called Snakewood. It is a rather quiet place with a small harbour, and a talented blacksmith.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/011-2.jpg)
When he arrives along with Harold, the king's herald, they dismount and proceed on foot.
When they look around however, they notice Lion soldiers patrolling the streets, and when they look up they see their banner displayed on the tallest tower.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/012-1.jpg)
What happened here? As far as Roderick knew, prince Edward the Lion and his troops did not have any land ever since their kingdom was conquered years ago.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/013.jpg)
Roderick: "Harold, I thought you said this was a neutral village? what is going on here?"
Harold: "I don't know, maybe we should ask those knights about it?"
Roderick: "Excuse me sir? I am Roderick. I did not know that Snakewood belonged to Prince Edward. When did this happen?"
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/014-1.jpg)
Lion knight: "Ah, hello Roderick. It is nice to meet you." The knight gave a warm smile. "To answer your question, Sir Francis of Snakewood has sworn allegiance to our king yesterday, after negotiating with our prince Edward. Snakewood and other villages like this are a small beginning, but the Lion Kingdom will return in time!"
Roderick: "Your king? my apologies, but I thought that Prince Edward was leading the Lions. And how did you persuade Sir Francis?"
Lion Knight: "I can understand your confusion, there is no need to apologise. We did think that our king was lost to us for many years, but we received a letter from our king several months ago!" The knight spoke proudly. "He is being held captive.. but we dont know where and by who. That letter gave us hope though.
Prince Edward has rallied us together and in the last months we have captured many bandits who plagued this region. In exchange for protection from bandits, more and more villages are joining our cause. Sir Francis is right here, you can ask him about it if you like."
-
The knight turned around and gestured towards a knight with the symbol of Snakewood on his shield.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/015.jpg)
Roderick: "Hello sir Francis, how are things here in Snakewood?"
Francis smiled: "Snakewood has not been doing this well in many years! My people can travel safely through the forests once more and Prince Edward has such need of my people! they have been working hard to feed and arm his soldiers, this is very good for business. And in exchange I will fight for the Lion kingdom when need be."
Roderick gave it some thought. The village did seem pretty peacefull, and the people seemed happy. It was a shame though that Prince Edward arrived here a day earlier than him. "Thank you Sir Francis, I hope things will keep going this well for Snakewood."
Lion Knight: "Come, I will show you the blacksmith." He gestured Roderick and Harold to follow him.
The local blacksmith seemed very busy. Soldiers where everywhere sharpening swords, polishing armor and inspecting the weapons and armor made by the blacksmith.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/016-1.jpg)
Lion Knight: "We consider ourselves very lucky with the blacksmith here, he has a lot of experience and is a hard worker. He supplies us with all the weapons and armor we need to keep this region safe, and new recruits join our cause every day."
Roderick: "He does seem to work very hard indeed." Roderick couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated by all those soldiers and knights around him, it seemed like an army was getting armed and equipped here. "What is the purpose of this army? Surely there are not that many bandits around?"
Lion Knight: "Don't worry Roderick, you have nothing to fear from us. Our king always respected your king, and so do we. We are creating a new Lion Kingdom through peacefull means while we are working to find out who is holding our king prisoner. When we free him, his new kingdom will be waiting for him."
Leaving his helmet with the blacksmith to work out a dent, Roderick took a walk through the village with Harold.
Noticing several villagers standing in line at the bakery, talking about all kinds of things, Roderick approached them to see how they felt about this take over.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/017.jpg)
Roderick: "Hello there good people, I am sure things have changed quite a bit around here lately?"
Man: "Yes, for the better. My children can finally play in the woods again without fear of bandits!"
Woman: "And there is so much work now. Me and my sister have been very busy sewing together all kinds of uniforms."
Baker: "And those soldiers sure eat a lot! The knights have paid me very well to feed them, so thats what I do."
Roderick: "I see, well a pleasant day to you all! I am glad to hear things have changed here for the better."
Although he felt a bit disappointed that he couldnt get the agreement he wished for, Roderick was happy for the people of Snakewood still.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/018.jpg)
Roderick: "Well Harold, our job here is done. Let's have a nice glas of milk before we head back home."
Harold smiled and agreed. He never cared much for being on the road and prefered to just toot his own horn from the safety of the royal castle so he was happy to return home.
((to be continued soon. :)))
-
Hello Rhalius.
Great story until now, well done. It seems that in the village all are very well and the villagers are very happy with the new situation. They have jobs, money and they are safe with the Lion's knights there. But, are everything well? I have the feeling that something is not going well. I'm very curious for what will happening next. ???
Thank you very much for the nice pictures. The second photo with the village is wonderful. Excellent job, congrats.
George. <*)
-
Hmm all does seem well there and everyone seems happy but, the last story I read seemed to suggest something mroe sinister might be a foot O0 :eh?: ;) Great photos will be interested to see how this one develops :).
-
This is excellent story telling, Rhalius! Everything seems all right but you've got the feeling something is wrong. I'm very curious what wil happen next. Oh, and tell Roderick it's not polite to talk to people with the visor closed!
-
Sadly his visor cant remain open anymore, its an old helmet. It's why he's often not wearing it in the stories. :)
Yesterday I had my next post almost ready when I accidently closed the tab, was listening to music and looking up some info somewhere. :(
Tomorrow I plan to post the next part, didnt feel like retyping the same thing again yesterday and was busy today.
-
((and here it continues, theres going to be references to all previous stories, so here are links to them.
http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=10139.0
http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=11266.0
http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=11576.0
That's all of them, now back to the story. :) ))
When Roderick and Harold try to enter the tavern, they are stopped by the guard at the door.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/019-1.jpg)
Door guard: "I am sorry sir, but you cannot enter. A private meeting is held in there."
Roderick: "I see, what about upstairs?"
Door Guard: ""One of the dockworkers is celibrating his birthday upstairs."
While Roderick keeps talking with the door guard to find out where he might find something to drink, Prince Edward the Lion is speaking with questionable company inside of the tavern. The three cousins Wolfgang of Ravenstein, Heinrich Drachenfell and Siegfried Rodich are there, but also Lord Ranulf the Dread Baron and his silent helper.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/020-1.jpg)
Prince Edward: "Time for the next part of our plan.. we gathered enough information about King Phillip's castle and its defenders."
Wolfgang drinks from his ale before speaking: "We already captured that castle you know. If it where not for that troublesome Templar Knight we would have kept it."
Heinrich: "You allowed the beer delivery cart where he was hiding in to enter the castle. If it where not for your love of beer, we would be ruling that kingdom now."
Wolfgang: "Says you Heinrich, while you where beaten in the tournament hosted by the Falcon kingdom. If I had entered the tournament, I would have beaten that upstart swan knight and Lord Silvermane."
Siegfried: "Need I remind you both that I won that tournament?"
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/021-1.jpg)
Heinrich: "That Swan Knight won the battle, you only won the tournament because that bossy lady Mary declared you the winner to marry you. With a wife like that I am not sure you really have won anything that day."
Siegfried: "I will not have you talk ill of my wife like that! And she is not bossy, I decide what happens around there at my castle. Now can we get on with this meeting, my wife said I should be home before dinner time."
Ranulf: "All three of you are weak. I infiltrated their castle, earned their trust, kidnapped their queen, and defeated all their knights and soldiers."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/022-1.jpg)
Heinrich: "And then you where beaten by a girl."
Ranulf spoke with anger: "You better watch your tongue boy, I can take you all on at once."
Prince Edward raised his voice: "Enough! we gain nothing by fighting amongst ourselves. However, your bickering gives me an idea."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/023-1.jpg)
While the others calmed down and looked curiously at Edward to hear about his plan, Edward grinned as he continued:
"Like us, they are an alliance and not a single force.. King Phillip shares his power with Baron Blacktower and Sir Cedric the Swan Knight.
If we can turn them against each other.. they will become divided. And that is when we strike.. we take them out one at a time."
Ranulf agreed: "Aye, leave Cedric to me. His many victories in battle made him a living legend.. but in me he will find his equal. We just need to seperate him from the others."
Heinrich: "We can take care of Baron Blacktower, that leaves you with King Phillip, Edward."
Edward: "That will be Prince Edward to you, now that our plan is settled, I have other business to attend to."
And with that Prince Edward stood up and walked out of the tavern.
-
Much to his surprise, Edward sees Roderick outside and is startled for a moment.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/024-1.jpg)
He quickly recovers and smiles to roderick, making sure to close the door behind him.
Roderick: "Prince Edward, it is nice to see you in person."
Edward: "You are one of king Phillip's knights, yes? what brings you to Snakewood?"
Roderick: "I am Roderick sir, I came here to offer Snakewood protection in exchange for joining our kingdom, but it seems you have beaten me to it noble prince."
Edward smiled: "Ah Roderick, if you are in need of allies, what would you say about us signing an alliance between our two kingdoms? together we will stand strong!"
As he spoke, he grabbed Roderick's shoulder and gently guided him away from the tavern.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/025-1.jpg)
Seeing no harm in signing an alliance with the appearantly noble Lion Prince who helped them in the past, Roderick agreed and was happy to make new friends. "That sounds great prince Edward, it seems my journey was not for nothing after all!"
While Roderick and Harold move away from the tavern to sign the treaty with Prince Edward, the meeting inside continues.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/026-1.jpg)
Ranulf: "I don't like how the prince bosses me around.. but we is usefull.. we need his soldiers and his silver tongue."
Wolfgang: "Maybe can get rid of him after we captured the castle."
In the meanwhile Harold the Herald has signed the royal treaty in name of the king, under Roderick's watchfull eye. And now prince Edward is signing the treaty as well, with his knights standing by his side.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/027-1.jpg)
Everyone seems happy about this treaty, but will it truly be a good thing?
((to be continued soon.))
-
Ooh, very exciting! Great story, eager to read the next installment. <*)
-
Very interesting so far. Looking forward to the next installment.
-
Great story, Rhalius! ;)
-
((thanks everyone. :) ))
While Harold is explaining the details to Edward, Roderick takes a moment to watch down from the tower over the docks.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/028-1.jpg)
His attention is drawn to the dark knight who seems to be coming out of the tavern. Roderick thinks he looks awfully familiar and finds it rather suspicious that prince Edward might have had a meeting with someone who he supposedly locked up in prison.
Slowly he walks to Harold and whispers low to him: "Please stall them a little while.. something fishy is going on and I am going to find out what it is."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/030.jpg)
Harold agrees with the plan and gave a small nod. "Be carefull."
Roderick turned his attention back to the group. "Alright, I will prepare the horses while Harold will work out the details with you, noble prince Edward."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/029.jpg)
Before anyone can object, Harold starts his diversion. "Now, I will need the signatures of three witnesses as well.. your three knights here will suffice. And have you read the small print prince Edward?" While the knights give their signatures and prince Edward keeps looking for non existing small print, Roderick is already on his way down the ladder.
Carefully he sneaks past the buildings.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/032.jpg)
"I just have to find out whats going on in that tavern.. something is rather suspicious about all of this.." He thought to himself while glancing around the corner.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/031.jpg)
-
Quickly Roderick crossed the street when no one was looking, and he found an open window leading to the tavern's kitchen.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/033.jpg)
Slowly he steps through the window, and leaned against the wall. Surely he will learn about whats going on by simply listening to what is said in the other room!
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/034.jpg)
In the meanwhile, Ranulf and the three cousins where still talking.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/035.jpg)
Wolfgang: "So how do you plan to defeat the legendary Cedric? thats no small thing.. he wins every tournament he ever enters and has never been defeated in battle."
Ranulf: "His love for the tournaments might be his weakness... I visited many of those tournaments to study how he fights. as for me.. he has never seen me fight."
Roderick could hear what they said, but he can't distinguish the voices too well... the people upstairs are making too much noise.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/036.jpg)
Ranulf: "Well I should be on my way.. we will meet again soon enough to discuss the details of our plan."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/038.jpg)
Ranulf left the tavern, before Roderick could recognize the sound of his voice. Carefully he tried to catch a climpse, but he couldnt, and quickly withdrew.
Siegfried spoke with a lowered voice to his cousins: "I think I heard something in the kitchen."
Wolfgang drew his sword slowly, and the others grasped their weapons as well. "There should be no one in there.. whoever is there will have something to answer for."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/039.jpg)
Roderick kept quiet, unsure if they had seen him.. how is he going to save himself out of this?
((will be continued soon. Yep I sure now how to pick my moments for that. :P ))
-
Very exciting! Great cliffhanger!
-
I cannot wait! Wonderful story! :wow:
-
Uh great suspense poor unsuspecting Roderick :o :)
-
Excellent story with to much suspense indeed. Well done Rhalius.
George.
-
Ahhh! Get out of there Roderick! :o
-
((Might have been enough suspense for now. ;) ))
Before Roderick can react, the three cousins storm into the kitchen and grab Roderick, pushing him against the wall.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/040.jpg)
Siegfried puts his sword against Roderick's chest to make sure he wont escape.
Heinrich: "Who have we here? one of King Phillip's knights?"
Wolfgang: "Whoever he is, he likely heard too much."
Siegfried: "Yes.. we can't let him go back to his king."
Roderick's heart was beating in his chest. He never was more affraid in his life. But he had to get back to the castle.. not just for his own safety, but for the safety of the kingdom! He had to do his best to get out of this..
Acting fast, he kicked Siegfried away from him and against the wall, causing him to fall down.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/041.jpg)
Quickly, he drew his sword and tried to make it through the window while fending off Heinrich and Wolfgang. If only he could get outside where people would see them he would be safe.
But alas, as Roderick was climbing out of the window, Heinrich hits him on the head with his mace!
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/042.jpg)
As Roderick lies unconcious, the three cousins try to decide on what to do with him.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/043.jpg)
Siegfried grumbles as he gets back up: "Foolish knight, what was he trying to do? he could never get past all of us."
Wolfgang: "I say we get rid of him right here and now, we can't risk him telling everyone about our plans."
Heinrich: "We can't do it here.. perhaps we can smuggle him outside of the town somehow."
Outside however, Henry and Frederick have arrived, along with a squire for each.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/044.jpg)
Frederick: "Harold! good to see you, where is Roderick?"
Harold: "Roderick is supposed to be in the tavern behind you, what brings you all here if I may ask?"
Henry: "Both the villages we where send to have already joined the Lion Kingdom, I see it is no different here."
-
When the cousins look out of the window, they notice the new arrivals.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/045.jpg)
Wolfgang: "Blast! It seems his friends are here as well.. they might come looking for him."
Heinrich: "Quick, we need to hide. we need to leave that knight here.. if they find him dead in this town, the Lion Knights will have us thrown in prison."
Siegfried: "Prince Edward would deny being involved with us if we'd kill him here yes.. "
Outside, Henry and Frederick try to convince the guard to let them in after Harold told them everything about the situation.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/046.jpg)
Henry: "You have to let us in, Prince Edward gave us permission."
Door Guard: "Do you take me for a fool? Every guest of prince Edward already arrived, many already left even. You are NOT getting in here while I stand watch."
Suddenly Frederick smiles widely and reaches his arms out to the guard: "Well I'll be! my old buddy! how good to see you again after all these years!"
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/047.jpg)
The door guard looks surprised at Frederick's friendly gesture as he is suddenly given a friendly hug. "..Er.. what?"
Frederick: "Don't you remember me anymore? we used to spend so much time together as kids! I always thought you would grow up to be a fine guardsman!" As Frederick kept talking, he gently guided the surprised guard away by his shoulder.
Another guard quickly comes running as he sees that the door guard is guided away from his post: "Hey stop right there! what are you trying to do here? you won't keep us from doing our duty!"
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/048.jpg)
Frederick turned a bit to watch the other guard while keeping his hand on the shoulder of the door guard: "Why I would not dare to keep you from your duty! such fine guards! if you two don't want me to go into that tavern, I won't go in there. I have nothing but respect for you guys."
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/049.jpg)
Guard: "Well good that you realise you wont be getting in there. Nothing gets past us!"
And Frederick is indeed not getting past them, while he distracts the guards, Henry is quietly slipping into the tavern.
What will he find in there?
((the conclusion will come soon.))
-
Brilllaint! :lol:
Very humorous, I love the guards.
I would have liked to see Roderick lie his way out,
but I guess he is more of a fighter. ;D
-
Yes, go for it Roderick! He must be very tough when he survives a blow with a mace!
-
Wow, awesome story! Can't wait to see what happens next! :)
-
Apologies for the long delay, I've been having some stomach problems for over a week now which means I have limited my computer time quite a lot. Going to the hospital on monday to hopefully get it resolved or learn whats causing it so it will soon be resolved. Once I feel better I will continue the story. :)
-
Take care your self Rhalius, we can wait. I hope you will feel better soon. :)
Friendly George.
-
Sorry to hear that mate :-\ hope you feel better soon or that the Doctors can at least tell you what's wrong :)
-
At last I've had time to read this excellent story; only to find it's not over yet!!! Can't wait to know what happens next!
???
-
Excellent story. hope you feel better soon and we see more of Roderick. he must be very lucky to survive such a mace blow
-
I hope you feel better Rhalius! :wave:
Take care of yourself. :)
-
An excellent plot, Rhalius!!! Looking forward to the conclusion of your story!!!
-
((it's been a while, but my health is getting better and I really don't want to leave poor Roderick laying unconcious there for any longer.))
Henry slowly draws his sword as he steps inside and closes the door behind him.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/050.jpg)
There is no one there, oddly enough. But he hears some mumbling coming from the kitchen.
Carefully and slowly he moves there, expecting an ambush but instead he sees Roderick laying there, mumbling a bit as he regains conciousness.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/051.jpg)
Quickly he puts his sword away and rushes to his friend's aid. "Roderick! who did this to you?"
Carefully he helped Roderick back up his feet and guided him to sit down on a chair.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/052.jpg)
Roderick groaned and rubbed his head. "Ugh.. Heinrich Drachenfell knocked me unconcious.. his cousins where here as well. They where plotting something against your brother!"
Henry seemed surprised: "Cedric? are you certain? no one has ever defeated him in battle. Where they the only ones involved in this?"
Roderick: "Let's find Frederick first.. he should hear about this too.."
Carefully Roderick stood up, and together with Henry they moved to the kitchen window and sneaked out of the Inn without the guards knowing, Frederick was already waiting for them outside.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/053.jpg)
Frederick: "You look a bit dizzy Roderick, what have you been drinking in there?"
Roderick picked up his sword as he spoke: "Heinrich Drachenfell and his cousins knocked me unconcious.. I saw Prince Edward leave the tavern and later I saw the henchman of the Dread Baron walk the streets.. maybe he is involved too.. I sneaked inside to investigate."
Frederick: "That sounds serious.. what did you hear them speak about?"
Roderick: "They are plotting to murder Cedric.. I am not sure if prince Edward is involved in it too.. I regret signing that treaty with him now.. he might not be a friend at all."
Henry: "It's best if you don't withdraw from it now.. he might suspect something, and here we are surrounded by his soldiers."
Roderick: "Agreed, let's meet up with the others."
Harold and the two squires where talking a bit, concerned about what was going on inside, they seemed happy to see the three knights return back to them safely.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/054.jpg)
Harold: "It is good to see you are alright Sir Roderick, what happened?"
Roderick: "I will tell you later, for now let's head back home."
-
As they turned around they saw prince Edward approaching, along with several knights and soldiers. They feared for the worst.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/055.jpg)
Edward: "There you are, knight Roderick! thought you could sneak away like that, did you? I can't let you go just yet.."
Roderick and the others glanced around, unsure about what to do, Roderick carefully asked: ".. You can't?"
Prince edward: "Of course not! Not before we shake hands to seal the alliance between our kingdoms!"
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/056.jpg)
Roderick sighed relieved, and smiled as he shook hands with prince Edward. While he worried about this alliance turning out to be a mistake, he made sure to not show this to prince Edward.
With the treaty signed, and the conspirators having gone into hiding, Roderick and his friends gather their horses and start the journey back home to the castle.
They have much to tell to King Phillip, Baron Blacktower and especially Sir Cedric!
But what about the three cousins? where have they been hiding? they where no where to be found after all..
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/057.jpg)
Ah here they are.. hiding at the birthday party untill it is safe for them to come out.
Heinrich: "... I hate it here.. these peasants are loud, they drink cheap ale, and they keep spilling ale over my armor."
Wolfgang shrugged and took another sip from his mug: "Relax cousin, have some Ale! at least Siegfried is forgetting about all his worries."
Siegfried: "I am king of the table! WOOHOO!!"
The villagers just cheered him on and figured the more the merrier.
And Prince Edward? He has gathered all his knights around him.
(http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac337/Rhalius/058.jpg)
Prince Edward: "Alright, we need to work harder.. we need more soldiers, we need to sign alliances with more small towns, and send letters to Ferdinand the Falcon and Lord Silvermane.. I wish to speak with them."
What is Prince Edward up to? While Roderick's quest is over, his new task will be to uncover this conspiracy along with Henry and Frederick.
But that is a story for another time.
-
Well it is certainly good to see Roderick is alright at least now they will all now to be wary and on the look out for trouble :knight: will be interesting to see what the Prince has up his sleeves
-
Great to see the chapter closed on this one. Wonderful story, I hope you can go on with it at some point in the future.
-
thanks everyone, in a few weeks I hope to start on setting up the next installment. I am already feeling a lot better, but not comforteable enough yet to be bending myself in all angles for pictures. :)