Terrible Tidings, Ill News

((Verden Capital, 2 YSTR))

The streets were completely filled with the many people. It certainly made it hard to navigate with the pony but the dwarf had no trouble with his well trained mount. Many people gave him a glance, more than half believing him to be them, the other scowling or cautious eyes following him. And the guards certainly knew him, their scornful gaze tracking him like an iron golem.

Tolkyn paid no mind. Verden always had trouble understanding races. And the many races often had a hard time understanding humans. Some were capable of greatness and of the highest regard. Others were the scourge and enemy to the nation. It was very confusing but at least it added adventure. He knew many a Man that were of same training as he, most of them here in the Verden military. And in the past twenty years, they had learned he was a force to be reckoned with.

Passing through the open portcullis of the inner courtyard, he entered the not so crowded palace grounds. Soldiers stood everywhere, flag proudly held aloft on its pole on many towers. Crossbowmen stood ready in their patrols, spearmen watching from doorways and merlons.

The amount of troops was an impressive sight but one that worried him. Verden had changed in the war, and perhaps not for the better. The Inquisition had risen to some power within the kingdom and had done so with completely brutal tactics used in the war. Their speciality in mage hunting and knowledge of many races had even Tolkyn beaten in the sheer weight they carried in such specialties. No normal soldier could take down any creature as fast as a Weapons Master, but they were the closest to him.

It was regret that he felt. The pony was handed off to the servant as he slid off the saddle. With quick strides, he marched up the stairs of the castle. He had trained the army too well and now it was used for their own ends.

Entering the throne room was an easy task but one that became complicated as he approached. Three Inquisition men stood in their long, leather coats and tri-pointed hats. With them, five soldiers and Lord Erland. Next to Erland, a man he did not know stood with a look of evil. Tolkyn slowed in his walk.

He watched as the man spoke in hush tones to Erland, who nodded affirmatively. He looked to Tolkyn. "What tidings do you bring on this heavy day? More calls of attacks? Or to sell secrets?" Erland finished with a suspicious eye.

"A just question, my lord," said the man, his tongue poison.

"Neither, my lord," Tolkyn said, coming to a stop just twenty feet shy. "My business is with his Majesty. I am rather late, rather urgent, and now rather angered at such allegations."

"Your true nature is known; Lolthspell, I name you. Ill guest with ill news," spoke the man again, to which Tolkyn had no idea he was talking about. He gave a glare.

"What charges are ya laying on me?" He said, crossing his arms. His hands were not far from the hilts of Fire and Ice.

"Conspiracy to usurp the throne, conspiring with rogue elements of the nation, and conspiring with enemies to the throne," answered Erland with an authoritative voice. "You will surrender now. And there is no need to see the king, he has already been told of your crimes. He was rather distraught when he saw your deceit," he finished as the soldiers drew weapons.

The Inquisition ones simply stood watching. Tolkyn glanced between all of them. He knew this was bad, knew they were wrong, and definitely knew he was in no safe position. But he wasn't going to surrender. This was obviously some sort of coup, and he was most likely something that needed to be gone.

He took a step back. The soldiers advanced. "Yield!" They cried. Tolkyn shook his head. They raised their weapons. As they came down, he finally moved in quick and sure movements. The first sword cam and he stepped left, driving his hand up into the armpit of the soldier before kicking his right leg out with a swift sweep. The man fell as a spear jabbed forward. With a quick and iron grip, he caught the spearhead and drove it past him to strike the man's chest. The man stumbled backwards as Tolkyn wielded the spear.

With a whoosh of wood, Tolkyn flipped the spear around and struck a thudding blow upon the soldier's head. He collapsed upon the ground as the dwarf now rest it across his shoulder. The other soldiers glanced between them. The swordman rose grasping at his arm. Tolkyn shook his head. "I wouldn't do it," he said.

The soldiers charged and Tolkyn forgave them for their training. He was quick to knock them out, leaving only the Inquisition. He stared at them, tossing the spear he had used as a staff aside. The guards lay limp along the wall and floor, Tolkyn in the center of the chaos. "I have done no such thing, Lord Erland," the dwarf spoke. "Do you want to continue this? I can defeat you, sir."

"Indeed, but can you defeat them?" Erland said with a confident smile.

((2 Hours later, midday, day 2, Viebeck))

"No, no you could not. Tolkyn, you fool," he said to himself, bruised and battered while being very saddle sore. The dwarf had fled the capital and much of the army in rapid haste. They had cut off his original plan to the north, so the east didn't seem as bad. If anything, the closer to Dalen, the less soldiers were going to be looking for him. Viebeck was alive with activity, the pony panting as he crested a hill.

He had to rest. The Inquisition were well trained and this coup completely caught him off guard. He winced at his wounds, clicking his tongue and digging heels. The pony gave its own sigh as it began to walk forward towards the quaint town. Here he would heal up and figure out his next move.

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