Fable - Ask The Stabbing Hunger

[Ein]

Just beyond the cleared out section of forest ahead of the Walls stood an army.

Each of the men beyond the wall was dressed in brilliant black armor. Odd overlapping segments of steal adorned them to perfection, helmets covering their faces. Some clutched bows, others pikes, and other still swords. Among them flattered great white banners painted with a rising Black Sun.

Ein had never seen anything quite like it. The army stretched back into the woods and seemed to go on for miles. One of the scouts had assured him that there were no more than two thousand, but that was still nearly ten times the amount of Guardsmen in the walls of Fort Thel. Concern painted his features as he watched the Dreadlord stop, his hand raising in some sort of gesture before his voice boomed out.

"I AM DREADLORD GARRICK HALBROGHT OF THE THIRD! YOU ATTACK AN ANIRIAN FORT AND BY THE RULE OF THE KING I DEMA-"​

As the Dreadlord spoke he found himself suddenly cut off as a massive black bolt the size of a man slammed through his chest and pinned to the ground. The mages chest caved in, and utter shock painted his face. "H-holy fuck."

Ein stammered as the siege of Fort Thel began.

It had been four days now, four days since the Dreadlord had been impaled and left to rot in the field between the Fort and Army.

Ein had overheard some of the superior officers talking about how the Death of the Dreadlord should not have been possible. They spoke of shields and wards, and argued back and forth about the nature of the bolt that had killed him. Ein didn't really understand any of it, but he knew it wasn't good.

On top of that It seemed that the assailants of the Keep were experienced in the art of war. After the death of Garrick Halbroght they had not gone charging in, they had not tried to attack. Instead they had surrounded the entirety of the Fort and begun to lay siege. In the back of their army Ein had spotted some sort of construction going on, three odd structures that were forming more and more every day.

Their enemy had also managed to kill every messenger the Guardsmen had sent out. Both scout and raven had been unceremoniously executed, and now things were beginning to look rather glum for the two hundred or so Guardsmen inside of the Fort.

"Why in the hell would anyone want this dump anyway?" Ein said with a rumbling stomach. They had been placed on half rations yesterday. "The only reason we still have this place is in case Alliria gets any ideas."

It didn't make any sense really. Especially since they had no fucking idea who these guys were.

In frustration he kicked over a nearby stand of arrows. "Fuck this. I don't want to die like some sad sap in a barrel."

Though he had no idea how he was going to avoid it.

 

[Sierra]

There was a collective hush behind one Ein as a dreadlord, level 3, entered the room. Rumors had it she had the power of a level 2. Unlike the dreadlord who'd gotten impaled, Sierra hadn't meant to be here for this. She'd been passing through on official Vel Anir business.

And setting up more families outside of Ven Anir's territory, thanks to the tool Harrier had given her, she'd been able to get to the families with magical potential before the government even knew about them. It was slow work and most days, she felt like she was saving one for every thousand.

And now she was as stuck here with this mouthing-off whelp of a soldier.

"Private Ein," voice was deadly quiet and she didn't need to raise it, considering the rest of the room had gone silent - all eyes on her. Strange. He didn't seem much younger than her. Yet, having had a child made her feel older beyond years.

"Follow me. Now."

 

[Colette]

Fort Thel felt like it was at the edge of civilization. When Colette's division first arrived her usual cheer was reduced to an obvious gloom. The ground was muddy, the fog thick, and the forest nearby gave off an eerie sort of aura. Luckily their deployment here was brief, two weeks to relieve the normal guard. Or so she thought...

Now, curled up in a ball with dirt caked against one cheek, she wondered if they would ever leave this place. Half rations had given rise to a gnawing hunger that served as a constant reminder of their plight. At night the enemy, clad in sinister black armor, would bang on mighty drums and sound high-pitched brass instruments until the sun returned in the morning. This siege was depriving the Anirians of food, sleep, and worst of all, hope.

The despair couldn't have begun worse either. A Dreadlord, a talented one according to the rumors, slain so easily. If this enemy force could cut his life short so simply then what chance did she have?

Colette's straw hair moved as her gaze was raised to stare at Ein. His words made sense, what was the value of Fort Thel? A buffer against Alliria as he suggested? She recoiled after he kicked over an arrow stand but she gathered enough courage to offer a meek, "I'm sure reinforcements will be here soon."

She doubted it was true. But she refused to believe that they were all doomed to die here. Colette was only serving the mandated year all citizens were required to serve. She wanted to open up her cafe after being discharged. Build a comfortable little life for herself. That dream wouldn't die yet. Surely the universe wasn't so cruel that it would allow her and her comrades live's to end before they'd really even began.

As her lips moved to form another lie of comfort for Ein it was another Dreadlord who appeared. Clearly seeing the guardsman's outburst she ordered him to accompany her. Colette's doe-like blue eyes stared at Ein in horror. Surely they wouldn't punish him for vocalizing the despair they all felt?

 

[Ein]

Shit. Ein thought as he suddenly froze in place.

The voice behind him was not one that he recognized, but that fact alone nearly made him shit his pants. Ein knew all the officers here, not personally, but at least by the sounds of their yelling. His head swiveled for a moment, and then he caught site of her.

Dreadlord.

His eyes lingered on the woman for a brief moment, and then he glanced towards Colette. The Doe Eyed Guardswoman was staring up at him, her face half a reflection of what he imagined his own features to actually be.

Swallowing hard Ein nodded. "Yes Ma'am."

He'd had disciplinary problems in the past, but despite what lay beyond the walls he was not suicidal. Far from it. If he had to he'd make a break for it. Even if they tried to kill him for it.

With a gnawing hunger in his stomach Ein fell into step behind Sierra.

 

[Sierra]

The empath felt his hunger, intermingling with her own. She lead him out of the common room but not before her eyes lingered on that doe-eyes cadet. Colette. Just how young was the government recruiting now?

Not that it mattered.

She'd been taken for the Academy when she was ten. Vel Anir politics and policies she hoped to one day reform. But that was neither here nor there. They needed to survive this hell hole first.

She lead Ein into a dank, moldy-smelling and dimly lit corridor. They were rationing the oil for the tortes as well. Spinning around, her hands clasped behind her back.

Stormy-grey eyes stared the man-boy down.

"If you're not careful, that mouth of yours will get you into more trouble than you can handle one day."

She paused for effect, then continued.

"Now. I need volunteers. There are rumored to be some dwarven tunnels in the surrounding hillside. I'm going to lead a small contingency to try and find them. I want you to pick one or two of your fellow soldiers to join us."

Yes, she meant he was coming along too.

 

[Colette]

Would she ever see Ein again?

Colette wondered what sinister deed the Dreadlord who took him away would ask him to perform. Was she going to use him as a messenger? He'd be cut down before he got six feet from the perimeter of the fort. The girl would've loved to complain to someone, anyone, but who would question the orders of a Dreadlord?

Talus had seemed far more kind than the stories they told as children but even Talus was reserved. And Colette often wondered if, perhaps, he had done a few acts he wouldn't have been proud of. The guardsman clutched her legs in closer to her chest as she tried to remain calm. Would the Dreadlord come for her next?

Her features brightened as a rat scurried by. Two days ago the rats terrified her. Now the sight of it excited her. It had transformed from a disease-ridden menace to something much different. Food.

She drew a small dagger and lunged forward, hoping to strike between the tiny rodent's shoulder blades. No such luck, it dashed forwards just in time to cause her knife to slip into the soft mud. Before she could jump after it a second time the creature weaseled its way into some of the wooden boards and she could hear its minuscule claws scratching against the lumber as it descended deeper into the interior of the fort.

Colette drew herself back into her little ball. Still hungry. Still wondering if her friend was even alive right now.

 

[Ein]

"Y-yes ma'am, I'll keep my mouth shut." Ein stammered out.

He had expected a whipping, beating, or maybe even to be flayed alive. An outburst like his wasn't exactly good for morale and he'd thought the Dreadlord would make an example of him. When she only gave an admonishing word Ein nearly collapsed from utter and complete relief.

He wasn't going to die today.

Not yet at least.

Her next statement surprised him even more. His eyes lit up and a small bit of hope returned to his features. A way out. Even if it was the slightest bit of a chance, even if there wasn't a guarantee at least it was something. Something to hold on to, something that he could tell the others.

When she asked for another soldier he nodded his head quickly. "I know just the one. Reliable as can be Ma'am."

He snapped off a quick salute, a genuine no less. She had given Ein a sliver of hope, that was all he needed.

With a quick half run Run made his way up the steps towards the wall, finding Colette curled in almost the exact position she had been in earlier. He frowned, glancing over her head above the wall before stepping up and gently putting a hand on her. "Colette."

He said quietly, his words a whisper.

"The Dreadlord may have a way out." If she made too much noise Ein would put a hand over her mouth. If other got wind they might give them false hope, worse, there could be a scramble to come along and endanger it all. "Tunnels. She wants us to help her look."

The hunger gnawed at his stomach, and he didn't exactly know how much work he could do at the moment, but he knew he had to try.

 

[Colette]

She found herself in a vivid daydream. Imagining the possibilities of a hearty rat stew or a roasted leg of rat. Her mouth began to salivate until the impact of a hand on her shoulder jolted her conscious back into reality.

Blinking, rapidly, the sallow-haired girl took a moment to process what Ein had just told her. ”Way… out… ?”

Colette’s dazed demeanor began to fade out and she raised a hand to clutch at Ein’s arm. Slowly she lifted herself off the ground, feeling a bit woozy from the lack of food and staying sedentary for such a long while. Excitement was beginning to rush over her though. Glow filling her cheeks and color returning to her features.

”We might have a-“ the other guard’s hand slammed against the woman’s face to muffle her words. She hadn’t bothered to modulate the volume of her speech and one look of concern from her comrade caused her to recognize the reality of their situation. This was a mission for but a few and if the escape path was flooded with soldiers it was likely none would escape.

Colette nodded re-assuredly and prepared to follow Ein back to the Dreadlord. Whatever they had to do to get out of here would be done. It seemed as if desperation was reaching its peak.

 

[Ein]

Ein let his hand slip away from Colette's mouth, turning around on his heel almost immediately so that they could head back towards the Dreadlord.

As he did so the young Guardsmen nearly found himself falling onto his face. His vision blurred, head ached, and he had to catch himself on one of the rails of the wall. Fingers tightened, and he took in a deep breath as he followed behind Colette. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

He whispered.

"Where are the reinforcements?" That was a thought he'd had often over the last few days. "Where's the Army of the West?"

Weren't they supposed to be here?

Ein and Colette had only been stationed here for a brief tour, nothing more. It was just dumb luck that they'd found themselves here when these stupid black sun people had shown up. His head shook as they walked back towards the Dreadlord.

 

[Sierra]

Sierra waited, looking as intimidating as she thought the Proctors looked growing up. She was lean and muscled. Any lingering baby fat from being pregnant had long since disappeared. Not to mention the last few days of barely eating anything.

She had a bow slung over her shoulder with a quiver of arrows at her back - her specialty weapon. Besides her magic. Stormy-grey eyes keyed in on the two recruits as they came to the designated meeting area.

"Private," she nodded to Ein. He'd followed orders. Good. Had to try and keep the corners of lips twerking in mild amusement. That gaze of hers turned to the young girl.

"And you are?" Sierra continued on after the girl gave an answer. "I hope you have your canteens with you and any nominal supplies you were able to scrounge out. Follow me to the main age."

 

[Colette]

"Don't know, maybe no one is coming," she answered Ein's rhetorical question.

Apparently this Dreadlord was an archer. Much like Colette. Of course, the blonde girl was slowly improving her abilities with a blade but she still preferred to keep dangerous things an arrow's length away. Combat up close and personal was messy. And dangerous.

"I'm Colette your Dreadlord...ness."

The only Dreadlord she had ever really conversed with was Talus and her introduction to him was just as awkward as the exchange with this one. She double checked her canteen which was nearly filled with water though her ration pack was entirely empty. "Um, actually ma'am, the day's rations were already exhausted and," she realized there wasn't much of a point. If this Dreadlord had additional food rations she'd likely not be as desperate as the duo was to get out of here. Besides, she wasn't in the mood to talk much. She had never realized how much energy it took to formulate thoughts into words until this experience.

Colette glanced over at Ein and then followed Sierra forwards. Hopefully this plan would work. She didn't much like the idea of making Fort Thel into her resting place.

 

[Ein]

"Not much water left either, ma'am." Ein tried not to sound like he was griping.

The entire Fort had lacked for supplies in the first place, and this whole thing just proved that fact even more so. Rations were short, and the well in the center of the place had to be used sparingly elsewise it might run out too. At least that's what's the officers claimed.

Ein fell into step behind Sierra, lugging his shield and glancing over to Colette.

He wondered if he looked as bad as she did. There was a haggardness to her eyes, the odd doe like stare she'd had before replaced with a look of utter misery and hunger. "Maybe we'll find some mushrooms at least."

Ein said I'm a desperate attempt to give his friend a modicum of hope.

 

[Sierra]

Sierra couldn't help the softening of her smile toward Collette. Would Rose grow up to be like her one day? She hoped her and Hal's child would grow up far away from the lands of Vel Anir. She didn't imagine the child not showing signs of magical aptitude. And that's what she was worried about. And a small part of her wondered if she could recruit more to help her cause. Or just help the children of Vel Anir in general.

Might not get the chance if they couldn't damn well escape this hell hole.

"Maybe," she responded to Private Ein. "This way," she said gruffly and lead them to side doors from the fort. The main gates were being watched. Hell, they probably all were. But they had the cover of darkness now. Perhaps a chance to slip away.

She opened the door and motioned her head for them to go first.

"Stay low. Don't make noise. Use the bushes and then try to get to the treeline. This might be the hardest part."

 

[Colette]

A nod followed Sierra's orders and the guardswoman pulled her body into a crouch. She stayed low, as ordered, and hoped that she moved unseen. Truthfully, at this point the desperation had gotten so bad that she simply hoped that if this all ended in tragedy that it ended quickly. She didn't know if she could take another day at quarter rations with a gulp or two of water.

Colette collided with the first bush she saw. Twigs scratching up one side of her arm and a grimace touching her lips as realized the sound had been louder than intended. If there were enemies around it probably didn't sound any different than a rabbit rummaging through the brush.

A rabbit.

That was good eating. But she couldn't dwell on that. Even if cooking a rabbit stew with fresh carrots and potatoes sounded like the most divine thing on Arethil. No, she couldn't risk a stomach grumble as they traversed enemy territory.

Her head spun as she waited to see if Ein and Sierra were following behind her. It swiveled back towards the front to scan the treeline for enemy sentries and came up empty... at least for now.

 

[Ein]

Ein moved to run behind Colette as quickly as he could, but his steps were suddenly stopped as he spotted something in the trees to the east.

A hand came out unconsciously, grabbing Sierra before she could step forward. A whispered word came out from his lips, a hiss more like. ”Look.”

He exclaimed quietly.

There within the far trees one could just barely make out black specks. Between the ferns and bushes men could be seen, or at least that was what they appeared as. Three of them, each in that heavy black armor, each of them carrying bows crafted out of some sort of Steel Ein had never seen before.

His heart caught in his throat as they realized they were all walking directly towards where Colette had just run to.

 

[Sierra]

It was hard for her not to backhand Ein for grabbing her like this. Perhaps a reaction instilled in her at the Academy. She quickly shrugged it off, mind sharpening to their situation. Stormy eyes looked to where he pointed.

"Shit," she breathed.

Taking a breath, her gaze narrowed and she looked like she was concentrating. The empath began sending forward suggestions, like invisible arrows to the men who were walking toward Colette.

They were going the wrong way.

A noise away from Colette.

An urge to turn around and go back from whence they came.

She frowned as nothing happened.

"What the hell," she breathed and pulled her arm free from Ein. She unshouldered her bow. The other recruit, Colette, wouldn't like this. "You and I circle around. We'll get them the old fashioned way as their attention is on her."

The Dreadlord was marking Colette as bait.