In
which H Falls for Everything
16/14/10,121 - The South East Gate, High Medurim
To the sound of the alarm above Kilite & Molin burst in to the ground floor of the right hand tower & head for the steps, they are met however by the cursing as Tharla is blocked as a trap door above slams shut & bolts are thrown home.
Glancing out of the door Molin can see the portcullis is fully down; Illyra is on the outside gesturing madly for Tharla to pass her the flask. Doing so the three turn & assess the situation, there is quite a gathering crowd however from the shouting beyond it is only a matter of moments before the alerted militia personnel can push through. Kilite drags the wounded sky city officer to his feet putting a blade to his throat intending to barter thier freedom, realising its futility, his threat quickly becomes reality as he slits the mans throat from ear to ear.
Molin ignoring the others tries his strength against the weight of the portcullis timbers, despite his mighty biceps however it fails to move an jot. Calling to his anarchic but loyal mount he urges Gunter to put its great weight to some use, understanding his masters wishes the bear bends and lifts, together with the straining efforts of the bloodied Kilite, the portcullis slowly rises. As the three friends throw themselves under the gate Kilite shouts a warning, glancing back at least eight spear weilding troops can be seen pushing past past the gorping rabble. With a crash the portcullis drops to the dirt barring the way of the rushing guards.
Feeling safe the four mount up & head out intending to catch up the with the timber wagons, glancing back however they are not to surprised to see the portcullis slowly begin to rise. Pushing hard they try to put distance between themselves & the pursuing foot troops. Unfortunately however they are not out of ranges of the city walls militia, fortunately only Gunter suffers nothing more than flesh wounds. Hastening to the gallop Kilite's lack off experience to the saddle combined with a second strike from the wall lets them down & he falls from his precarious perch behind Molin.
Poor luck abounds however, as Illyra hauls her dog around, her left stirrup strap snaps & she slips sideways of the dog, spooked her dog takes off at a bolt, alas Illyra's right foot tangles with the tack & she is dragged into the distance. Tharla, who was at the front of the gallop & ignorant of the events behind her, continues along the trail. Several minutes later a casual glance to her left brings her quickly up to speed, whilst Illyra's dog is close beside, it appears to be riderless & there is no sign of Molin & Kilite, reigning in her dog team, she turns around & stares back along the trail.
Turning Gunter, Molin can see Illyra's roll to a stop in the dust, her dog continuing its pursuit of Tharla's sled. Turning back to the city walls Molin can see the foot troops increased turn of speed, additionally two dog-mounted figures emerge from the gate, long spears couched for the charge. Molin, strong though his bear is, realises that it can not out sprint the two charging dogs, especially with the added weight of Kilite & the rcovered Illyra on its back, drawing his heavy axe he braces himself for the impact. Illyra has other idea's however, rising up from the dirt she pulls herself together & throws a befuddle spell at one of the charging riders. Smiling with success she watches as one of the riders veers towards & charges his startled comrade, his spear firmly embedded in the flank of his war dog.
The foot troops confused by events circle the fallen rider, restraining his comrade. Gathering thier wits their wits thethree jog away in the direction in which Tharla was last seen. Eventually, sans pursuit, Tharla can be seen returning back along the trail. Mounting up they head off in pursuit of the wagons.
An hour or so later the wagons can be seen ahead, no mention is made to the drivers of the activities at the gate. As evening draws in, camp is set, aside from the drivers, the four discuss what should be done, a quick decision is made to lose the drivers during the night.
As dawn approaches the four quietly slip towards the drivers tent which stands atop two of the wagons load intent on murder. Molin & Kilite climb one, Illyra & Tharla the other. In the dark however the wounded Kilite slips & crashes to the ground. Molin, feigning the protector is not convincing, one of the drivers tentatively stuck his head out of the tent to receive a slash across his forearm for his trouble.
Retreating Illyra & Tharla head back to their own tent, Kilite hides below the driver's wagon whilst Molin crouches silently waiting for the three on this wagon to emerge. Shouting between their respective tents the six drivers emerge, lanterns in hand, Molin & Kilite tense waiting to strike, dawn breaks, 17/14/10,121.