Copperfox
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One of the surviving harpies takes off to find and warn Mauron; the other flies toward the Archenlanders led by Sergeant Zimcar, planning to distract them.
With Swords, Claws, and Teeth Bared
- Thread starter ~Lava~
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One of the surviving harpies takes off to find and warn Mauron; the other flies toward the Archenlanders led by Sergeant Zimcar, planning to distract them.
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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The rat, Vermwood arrives at the tree Bronon has climbed, looks up towards where the boy is concealed and smiles. He waits there for Mauron and the bulk of the hunting party to arrive. Bronon, seeing the rat begins to climb down from the tree when he sees something approaching that makes his blood run cold, wolves approaching from the direction he has come: the hunting party is arriving. Suddenly, from the northeast, a strange creature flys down from the trees. It is partly a human female, albeit extremely ugly, but also has wings. It speaks to the wolves, gesticulating urgently. Bronon does not at all like the look of the creature! However, despite the fact his father is a librarian, and no doubt would have books describing the appearance and behaviour of harpies, he does not know what it is. Almost immediately, Vermwood scampers towards the harpy and the hunting party withdraw, heading south. The harpy turns and looks at Bronon: the boy is terrified but it too withdraws, flying in the same direction as the hunting party. Bronon is totally puzzled, he cannot imagine what motivated the wolves and this strange creature to back off, but for them to behave in this manner, something terrible indeed must be coming from the east he reasons. He therefore climbs out of the tree and runs off westwards as fast as his legs can carry him and continues at that pace for a long time, until his lungs are bursting.
Meanwhile, Sareg has witnessed all this, although too far away to hear the harpy's message, has a shrewd idea what it was from the reaction of Mauron and his followers. He considers his options for a moment, whilst remaining well-hidden from anyone or anything that might come along the path.
Meanwhile, Sareg has witnessed all this, although too far away to hear the harpy's message, has a shrewd idea what it was from the reaction of Mauron and his followers. He considers his options for a moment, whilst remaining well-hidden from anyone or anything that might come along the path.
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Copperfox
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The harpy who went east will not be seen as a recurring character. As soon as Sergeant Zimcar sights her, he calls out in a mighty voice: "Winged fiend, come down and surrender, in Aslan's name!" When she refuses, the five Archenlandish bowmen instantly shoot her dead. Zimcar sends one rider back to report this to the main body of the Archenlandish troops, and leads the rest onward to the west.
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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"What was that thing, Sarge?" asks one of the bowmen. "I'm glad it's dead, I didn't like the look of it at all!"
Sareg decides to wait and see who or what caused the harpy and the hunting party to withdraw. However, he makes sure that he is well hidden from whoever or whatever might come that way.
Mauron and his wolves, the rat, Vermwood, plus the remainder of the hunting party, plus Hackroot the warthog, plus the dwarves, plus the remaining harpy hasten south, heading back to their camp, taking great care to leave no trail for enemies to follow. They are all extremely angry about the interference of the satyr archers, elephants, bears leopard and Sergeant Zimcar's small band.
Sareg decides to wait and see who or what caused the harpy and the hunting party to withdraw. However, he makes sure that he is well hidden from whoever or whatever might come that way.
Mauron and his wolves, the rat, Vermwood, plus the remainder of the hunting party, plus Hackroot the warthog, plus the dwarves, plus the remaining harpy hasten south, heading back to their camp, taking great care to leave no trail for enemies to follow. They are all extremely angry about the interference of the satyr archers, elephants, bears leopard and Sergeant Zimcar's small band.
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CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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Having run as far as he can, Bronon finally stops for a rest. He hopes that he has finally evaded anyone or anything pursuing him.
Sareg has a good vantage point whereby he can see who or what comes along the path, without himself being observed.
The hunting party are now well clear of the area.
Sareg has a good vantage point whereby he can see who or what comes along the path, without himself being observed.
The hunting party are now well clear of the area.
Copperfox
Well-known member
An old female Talking Falcon called Wideglide had been living outside Narnia, away west beyond the great waterfall, to be out of the Witch's reach. Her children were all grown and scattered now, and her Tiercel husband had passed away; but before dying, the husband had told her that he was _sure_ Aslan was close to returning. Lately, Wideglide had seen from afar that the snow over Narnia was at last receding, so she had started east.
Though uninformed on recent events, the Falcon knows enough to realize that any _human_ being present within Narnia proper is a good sign. Spotting Bronon, she descends and hails him: "Son of Adam, bless you! Have you come up from Archenland, or over the ocean with Aslan Himself?"
Though uninformed on recent events, the Falcon knows enough to realize that any _human_ being present within Narnia proper is a good sign. Spotting Bronon, she descends and hails him: "Son of Adam, bless you! Have you come up from Archenland, or over the ocean with Aslan Himself?"
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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Initially, Bronon is a bit wary of trusting her, following his experience with the sly Vermwood, who had pretended to be his friend whilst in reality planning to lead him straight to Mauron and his wolves. However, he senses that the Falcon is honest and loyal, completely unlike the rat.
"Me? I'm from Archenland", he says. "We came up from the south when the ice barrier disappeared. Such a thing hasn't happened in !00 years they say. "Everyone is also rejoicing, because the White Witch is dead, slain by Aslan Himself! Where are you heading?"
"Me? I'm from Archenland", he says. "We came up from the south when the ice barrier disappeared. Such a thing hasn't happened in !00 years they say. "Everyone is also rejoicing, because the White Witch is dead, slain by Aslan Himself! Where are you heading?"
Copperfox
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"My darling Dodgedive was right!" Wideglide exclaims. "Aslan be praised!" Then she remembers Bronon, and says to him: "I was merely searching for answers, but now you've given me the most important answer! Now, they said that Aslan would appear from the Eastern Ocean, so I suppose He must be east of here?"
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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"I imagine He must be," replies Bronon. "However, if you're flying east, take great care! "Not all the White Witch's followers are dead, by a long way! "I only just managed to avoid being caught by a pack of her wolves, and there are others too, including things that can fly! I saw one, what looked like a hideous human female with wings! It gave me the creeps I can tell you! There's also this rat with them, he pretended to be friendly but all the time was plotting to lead me straight to the wolves. I shudder to think what might have happened to me, if this bluejay, Flakefeather I think he called himself, hadn't chanced to come along and warn me! So do take great care if you go that way!"
Copperfox
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"I'm slightly acquainted with Flakefeather," says Wideglide. "But since my husband and I passed our lives in outer Telmar, your fellow Archenlanders don't know me. They might be doubtful of whatever news I would give. You seem by now to have gathered ample information in this brave lone scouting of yours; I'll ask you now to come with me, so that the Archenlandish army will take me more seriously."
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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"Er, that might be a problem," replies Bronon. He sighs and then continues. "I'm not actually scouting for the army, far from it!" He sighs again. "You may as well know the truth!" He then explains what he is really doing here, not forgetting to mention how he was forced to join the army by his father, very much against his will, and the circumstances which have led him to this place. "So you see," he concludes, "I dare not go back. As much as I would like to help you, I regret to say that I really am in no position to do so."
Copperfox
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"I do not know your father," says Wideglide in a voice now much colder; "but my husband and I traveled enough to know something your father probably also knows. The barbarous Calormenes to the south of you have long wished to invade your homeland. Since they don't believe in Aslan, the foremost thing deterring them from the attempt has been the worry that Jadis would interfere. But in recent months, the priests of Tash have been telling the Calormenes that Jadis would NOT interfere, because her power was much less outside the actual borders of her domain, and besides, she and Tash really are on the same side. So unless Aslan chooses to crush the entire Calormene empire unassisted -- which of course He could do -- Archenland WILL need soldiers, whether the soldiers like it or not."
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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"I understand what you are saying," answers Bronon, "But surely there is no way the Calormenes could invade Archenland! I don't know how well up you are on the geography of the area, but between Archenland and Calormen, they say, lies a huge desert. It is common knowlege amongst my friends, and indeed, most of my people, that no army could ever successfully cross this desert from Calormen: the distance is too great and they would die of thirst due to the lack of oases. Is this desert not as great a deterrent as the presence of the White Witch was?"
O.O.C: I'm finding it much harder with Bronon than with Zamron, Mauron, Sareg, Vermwood and co. I find the latter much easier to play, probably because as they are thoroughly evil, they don't have any boundaries limiting their behaviour. Bronon, on the other hand, as a good guy does have standards to follow. Rightly, or wrongly, I decided from the start that he was not going to be a "typical" hero, as many goodies are portrayed in films and books. On the contrary, he does have faults, partly because he isn't one of the brightest of young men, and in many ways is very naive. However, the way he has actually evolved wasn't planned, his personality has developed as the story has progressed. In many ways, he is a typical teenager, not unlike those found in the "real" world in 1960s.
O.O.C: I'm finding it much harder with Bronon than with Zamron, Mauron, Sareg, Vermwood and co. I find the latter much easier to play, probably because as they are thoroughly evil, they don't have any boundaries limiting their behaviour. Bronon, on the other hand, as a good guy does have standards to follow. Rightly, or wrongly, I decided from the start that he was not going to be a "typical" hero, as many goodies are portrayed in films and books. On the contrary, he does have faults, partly because he isn't one of the brightest of young men, and in many ways is very naive. However, the way he has actually evolved wasn't planned, his personality has developed as the story has progressed. In many ways, he is a typical teenager, not unlike those found in the "real" world in 1960s.
Copperfox
Well-known member
Wideglide's gaze grew colder and harder. "Has it occurred to you, fledgling, that the survivors of Jadis' following will be looking for allies? The remaining harpies could fly down to Calormen with a message proposing cooperation. Once an agreement was reached, the same harpies could fly back north along the Calormene army's expected route of march.... carrying sealed kegs of water to be placed at pre-determined locations on the way. They would need only a dozen such trips to transport just enough water to keep the soldiers and their horses alive on the march. Once in your country, the Calormenes could help themselves to your water.... and your crops, and your gold, and your daughters and sisters."
Meanwhile, the party which included Hackroot the wild hog was continuing its escape. One rank-and-file Evil Dwarf muttered, "I hope Zamron won't lose his nerve when he hears how two of our wolves were struck dead. Last thing we need -- for our leadership to get scared."
Meanwhile, the party which included Hackroot the wild hog was continuing its escape. One rank-and-file Evil Dwarf muttered, "I hope Zamron won't lose his nerve when he hears how two of our wolves were struck dead. Last thing we need -- for our leadership to get scared."
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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"If you take my advice," whispers the dwarf next to him, the one wounded in the fracas with the party containing the satyrs and elephants, "You'll keep such opinions to yourself: the police may be reduced in numbers, but their eyes and ears are everywhere. Zamron may not have magic, unlike our beloved Queen, but I've seen him operate, and believe me, you don't want to cross him! And, I can tell you this much, he's not the type to bottle it! If I know him, he'll soon come up with a plan to teach the traitors a lesson they won't forget!"
Sergeant Zimcar and his patrol meet the group of Narnians including the elephants and satyrs. A concealed Sareg glares at them with an evil expression on his face, and eavesdrops on their conversation.
Meanwhile, Bronon remains sceptical of any threat from Calormen. "I suppose it's possible," he concedes, "But it would be a very long and dangerous journey even for harpies (whatever they are). They would have to cross the whole of Narnia and Archenland, both of which are full of their enemies. I honestly doubt if they'd make it, without being intercepted. Even if they did, then they would have to cross the desert and there's no guarantee that the Calormene guards wouldn't just kill them before they could deliver any message."
0.0.C: By a strange coincidence, I was intending that Zamron and his followers would take similar action to what Wideglide suggested to Bronon might happen, as soon as the hunting party have returned and made their report!
Sergeant Zimcar and his patrol meet the group of Narnians including the elephants and satyrs. A concealed Sareg glares at them with an evil expression on his face, and eavesdrops on their conversation.
Meanwhile, Bronon remains sceptical of any threat from Calormen. "I suppose it's possible," he concedes, "But it would be a very long and dangerous journey even for harpies (whatever they are). They would have to cross the whole of Narnia and Archenland, both of which are full of their enemies. I honestly doubt if they'd make it, without being intercepted. Even if they did, then they would have to cross the desert and there's no guarantee that the Calormene guards wouldn't just kill them before they could deliver any message."
0.0.C: By a strange coincidence, I was intending that Zamron and his followers would take similar action to what Wideglide suggested to Bronon might happen, as soon as the hunting party have returned and made their report!
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Copperfox
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WIDEGLIDE TO BRONON: "Harpies aren't stupid. If they do undertake a mission to Calormen, they can detour west, then make for Tashbaan by a route which _doesn't_ pass directly over Archenland. As for the reception they would receive: you must understand that the demon Tash actually _exists,_ not only in the minds of his worshipers. It is thus highly likely that Tash will urge the Tisroc to _welcome_ the Jadisite messengers."
ZIMCAR TO FAITHFUL NARNIANS (audible to the wolf spy): "I already sent a fast rider to the commander of my regiment to report that at least _some_ Jadisite holdouts exist here in the west. Now, although I have no authority to command you good Narnians, here is what I _suggest_ we do next. I'll send a second rider straight to Cair Paravel, to report the very latest developments. Then the rest of us will camp temporarily in this area. This will serve both to let your wounded leopard friend rest and recuperate, and to maintain a watch against new mischief by those Jadisites."
ZIMCAR TO FAITHFUL NARNIANS (audible to the wolf spy): "I already sent a fast rider to the commander of my regiment to report that at least _some_ Jadisite holdouts exist here in the west. Now, although I have no authority to command you good Narnians, here is what I _suggest_ we do next. I'll send a second rider straight to Cair Paravel, to report the very latest developments. Then the rest of us will camp temporarily in this area. This will serve both to let your wounded leopard friend rest and recuperate, and to maintain a watch against new mischief by those Jadisites."
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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Bronon looks astounded. "Are you saying Tash actually exists, and he's a real demon? How can you be sure of that? My friends back in Archenland and I always believed he was a bogeyman, a figment of the imagination invented by parents, to terrify their children when they misbehaved!"
Elsewhere, the Bull elephant looks at his companions then turns to Sergeant Zimcar. "Yours is an excellent idea and we will camp here with you. Otherwise there is also a risk that your loyal company may become a target for those who served her . We had hoped that the death of the White Witch would mean an end to the evil that has plagued our land for the last 100 years." He sighs. "Alas, this is not to be, not yet."
Sareg, who has listened attentively to everything that has been said with great interest from his hiding place, waits to see if anything else is mentioned that may be of any interest. Then, after the Archenland messenger has departed for Cair Paravel, and as soon as Sergeant Zimcar and his remaining men, plus the Narnians with him, are busy setting up their camp, he discreetly slips away, being careful not to be seen and to leave no trail for anyone to follow. He hurries south.
Elsewhere, the Bull elephant looks at his companions then turns to Sergeant Zimcar. "Yours is an excellent idea and we will camp here with you. Otherwise there is also a risk that your loyal company may become a target for those who served her . We had hoped that the death of the White Witch would mean an end to the evil that has plagued our land for the last 100 years." He sighs. "Alas, this is not to be, not yet."
Sareg, who has listened attentively to everything that has been said with great interest from his hiding place, waits to see if anything else is mentioned that may be of any interest. Then, after the Archenland messenger has departed for Cair Paravel, and as soon as Sergeant Zimcar and his remaining men, plus the Narnians with him, are busy setting up their camp, he discreetly slips away, being careful not to be seen and to leave no trail for anyone to follow. He hurries south.
Copperfox
Well-known member
O.O.C.-- Must be close to nightfall by now.
Wideglide tells Bronon, "In the early years of our world, there were talking _tigers_ in Narnia. For reasons we need not discuss now, they migrated far to the south long before Jadis captured Narnia proper. This is told of in an ancient epic titled 'Southward the Tigers.' The descendants of those emigrating tigers helped the surviving Narnian humans to escape. More to the point, some of the original talking tigers actually _encountered_ Tash. Aslan saved them from falling prey to the demon, but they were left with no doubts about the _existence_ of Tash."
Wideglide tells Bronon, "In the early years of our world, there were talking _tigers_ in Narnia. For reasons we need not discuss now, they migrated far to the south long before Jadis captured Narnia proper. This is told of in an ancient epic titled 'Southward the Tigers.' The descendants of those emigrating tigers helped the surviving Narnian humans to escape. More to the point, some of the original talking tigers actually _encountered_ Tash. Aslan saved them from falling prey to the demon, but they were left with no doubts about the _existence_ of Tash."
CORIN THUNDERFIST II
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A very good point, which I had failed to consider. Understandable, I suppose, since Narnian time differs from ours to such a degree. That's my defence anyway, and I'm sticking to it! lol
I.C: Bronon suddenly realises that night is rapidly closing in. "That's amazing!" he exclaims. "However, there are many in my country, especially amongst us younger generation, who believe as I do, that Tash does not exist. Now, I know better, I hope I never meet him!" The boy gives a shudder. Quickly changing the subject, he observes, "It's getting dark quickly, we need to find somewhere to sleep. I shall look for a hollow tree or something similar. What about yourself? Are the trees suitable for you?" He asks these questions sincerely, clearly concerned for Wideglide's needs as well as his own.
Many miles away, Sergeant Zimcar and the loyal Narnians with him have established a camp and are preparing to settle down for the night.
Even further away, Sareg is hurrying back to his camp. (O.O.C: I assume wolves can see in the dark?)
Meanwhile, even further south, the hunting party is getting near to their camp. Suddenly a dark shape, leaps out in front of them, blocking the path. It is Parcash, another senior wolf. "Go no further, if you value your lives!" he orders. "Whilst you have been away we've been busy too! Upon the orders of Lord Zamron and Captain Ashraf we have laid and hidden many lethal traps and snares leading from here into our camp. Follow me, treading where I tread, and you will pass without injury or worse!" Soon the hunting party cross safely into the camp at Beaversdam.
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