Hellfire [lost age/closed]

[The knights of kings]

Mankind has grown strong in eternal struggles and it will only perish through eternal peace. Now we stand before the almighty gods, to strike as swift as angels to eliminate those who deny us or birthright.
-First Prinnian Fuhrer

The forest was dimly lit thanks to the canopy of restless leaves above, the birds danced about in their majestic courtship with nature. Grass was dry and it seemed the full force of spring and summer had finally arrived dousing the land in green lush life, the crops had arrived and many tended to them enjoying the good year’s harvest. Sun shining brightly in the noon time air and all seemed at peace, the river roared past in a magnificent display of Mother Nature, a side which seemed could not be tamed. Warm dry air covered most of the land as the rains had disappeared for the season and it would soon become a wonderful time to stay outside, unless of course you where weighted down by hardened leather and chain mail. Clattering of armor and swords resounded throughout the peaceful woods; the noise quieted the forest life as they scurried away in fear. These scruffy looking men along with seemingly young men treaded in a ruckus as they moved down the dirt path banners and shields revealing the crest of Argonia, a small kingdom west of the Prinnian Reich's borders. These men numbering in the several hundred where responding to the report of the sacking of a border village. Prinnia had never hidden their ambitions to rule them and this would not be the first skirmish that would have taken place. Frequent raids had made warfare a fact of life, yet neither made any moves to conquer the other. So it was that this column moved up to scout and assesses the damage totally unaware of the brush moving beside them.

"How far is this shit hole of a village Jeofry?" A man by the name of Ivan scowled as he once again readjusted his broadsword; Jeofry was riding atop a black horse which snorted aggressively. Jeofry looked at the man covered in chain mail and face covered in war wounds; he thought he must look the same if not a little cleaner shaven. He pulled out his map and looked at the crinkled yellow paper, poorly drawn lines sketched over it with names barely legible, it was undoubtly still quite far away. He shook his head and pulled on the reigns slowly, casting a hard gaze at Ivan who had a little smirk spread across his dirty mug.

"Ivan we will be there when you shut that mouth of yours, which will probably be never." Jeofry chastised and Ivan backed off a flush of red running over his dirt caked face. They had been marching for a good day and he knew these men would be tending the fields had they not chose this life. The young men were gitty with the thought of taking it to the Prinnians, though Jeofry knew that the Prinnians were not a foe one could underestimate, in fact they were probably...

A sharp thunk was heard throughout the column and everyone halted, at first some thought that an animal had made that noise. Ivan though thought differently, he ran his hand over his face a crimson liquid covered him, but it wasn't his. He looked up to see a crossbow bolt lodged deep into Jeofry's unprotected face, the bolt had smashed its way deep into his skull and Ivan could see the gray matter spilling out. He wanted to puke, that was until a bolt punched him so hard in the chest that he flew backwards, dead before he hit the ground. The following several moments were followed by screams and panic as crossbow bolts came from every direction, these warriors accustomed to seeing their foe and courageously attacking meant nothing here. They were pinned down on the ground as bolts flew whistling through the air. Those who weren't struck fled and they watched in horror as the brush seemed to get up as well and chase them down, several men dropped their swords and hoped to be taken prisoner but no such thing came as they were struck down by daggers.

When the carnage was over a multitude of corpses and wounded lay sprawled about the forest floor, moans of anguish and cries pleading for help resounded. One of the bushes that moved stood as tall as a man and seemed silent like a hunter. Then a human hand pulled back the blind and inhaled a breath of fresh air, his hair blonde, and blue eyes piercing as he place his officers cap back on. He folded the blind into a pouch on his back and reloaded his crossbow, putting the bolt in the latch and pulling back with a satisfying click. At least thirty other bushes got up spread out along the forest floor and did the same until they were all together, the officer nodding at his men examining the damage they had done. The rest of his men went about cutting the throats of the wounded enemy and began rifling through their belongings.

"Reynald," A soldier by the name of Georld came striding up his crossbow shoulder strapped and strung on his back. "That was quiet the ambush we laid huh?" He smirked with pleasure.

"Indeed," Reynald spoke whilst lightly kicking the body of a dead horseman. "They didn't even have a chance to react, I almost feel bad for the poor bastards."

"Yea well they are Untermensch, no need to feel bad for beasts." Georld spat venomously, he placed his coalscuttle stalhelm back on his head and slung his crossbow onto his shoulder. "Any who sir, we should probably contact the rest of the division we cleared the pass."

Reynald nodded and turned to a mage who was tucking away his brush camouflage. He waved him to come closer, the mage put on an officer’s cap and hustled over and Reynald stuck out his hand. Instantly the mage gave him a medallion which he whispered ancient spells upon until it glowed gently. Reynald put it against his ear and at first nothing happened but then he could hear it, a faint voice which continually grew louder until it was as if a man stood before him now.

"This is divisional command we have you on the port medallion." A voice said from the glowing disk, "What is your current state?"

"This is Reynald we just eliminated a large armed patrol heading east, we are currently holding for further orders." He said, there were several moments of silence.

"Alright Reynald, how many are under your command at the moment?"

"Around forty five men, we have enough crossbow bolts to last us awhile." He looked around at his men who had nearly finished picking up trinkets from the dead. It was generally frowned upon to take the belongings of a dead enemy combatant but rules were meant to be broken.

"Roger, due to your current position the village of Taten is several minutes’ walk from your position. If you seize that town command will offer you a rest and there you can halt for the night."

"OK moving out." He gave the medallion back to the mage and called in his men explaining the objective. They moved out marching along the very road they had destroyed the caravan of troops. The invasion of these lands would be swift or so the Prinnian's hoped, they also hoped their superior tactics and numbers would help.

[Dbrought]

The Argonia village of Taten was by no means one of the major towns of the kingdom, though what it lacked in a large population, its location next to the nexus of Argonia's most major gained the Covenant's notice. Long before the promising gesture of friendship from Prinnian, that facilitated their alliance with Zelbae, was extended, the Covenant had planted many seeds of influence across the entire continent. In the Icy north new souls were bought with the blood and steel of the Zelbaen Crusades. As each league was gained by Lord Commander Victor Sangrey and his armies, the Council also moved forth with a hidden army of spies, saboteurs, and assassins of their own. As it had been decided, steel would quell the barbaric men and monsters, while those of the shadows convert the more civilized south to their flock without anyone the wiser.

Taten's location, coupled with its small population made it a promising division headquarters for the Ordo Exterminatus's operations in Argonia. Nearly a decade before the Prinnian Invasion, a man who called himself Robert Mason had come to Taten alone as a traveler. As he continued his presence in the town, the people were at first intrigued or wary of him, but as he continued his patronage and stay without incident, he soon became a familiar sight to the townspeople. Soon the found that Robert would not be the last of travelers who seemingly came to pass through, but ended up remaining in the town. After Rob a pair of journeymen arrived to apprentice to the local blacksmith. Even when it soon became clear that they were in fact far superior than their adopted master, neither the blacksmith, nor the towns people gave any complaint of having the shops metal work become far better in quality. Following them came Gregor Cross, a tailor, looking for a new place to sell his craft. Initially it seemed that he, too would just pass through if it were not for Robert's coin that kept him in Taten. Seeing the fine quality of Gregor's work as Robert wore it within the town, make men and women alike stare upon the clothes, convinced the village that every courtesy should be available to convince Gregor to remain. Kane Norton arrived nearly a year after Robert, and if he was not an instrument of a far larger organization, his arrival would indeed be miraculous. Two weeks before he and his carriage of herbs and potions arrived the inn keeper began to feel week and soon developed a growing fever that left him bedridden. With no method of treatment working, the townspeople and his family had nearly resigned him for dead, and he would have, if Kane had not provided him the antidote the day he arrived. Arriving as a saint, the inn keeper's family sought to repay him with nearly every coin they had as payment, but in a calculated move Robert announced that it had been he that sent for Kane, the moment he recognized the inn keeper's fever and that he personally would pay for Kane's expenses. In Robert's own practiced word, "A few coins in nothing compared to the host and friend who so generously has sheltered me." After Kane's arrival, none questioned any newcomers Robert had sent for.

Before the village had been without major significance, but with Robert's coins and influence, much was accomplished. A traveling bard, who Robert thought was talented, soon became a permanent source of entertainment. A sculptor and carpenter arrived, and built Gregor a new shop. With a place of his own Gregor took on a pair of apprentices, and seeing his success the two apprentice blacksmiths convinced their master that they should too should expand their workshop and begin selling beyond just the village. With his apprentices plans a success they were soon advanced to equal partners and each took two more apprentices as their own. The blacksmith's products brought regular merchant caravans, and with the influx of trade though the village Robert, in his in continued calculated generosity, paid for the expansion of the inn adding an entire two story wing with a courtyard and tavern to handle all the new travelers. Last of all the new industries came the creation of a brothel on the outskirts of the village, whose girls were by the time of the Prinnian invasion, intimately familiar nearly all of the villagers.

The Prinnian invasion was not part of Robert's original plans, though the trigger of them all the same. The last decade of influence and wealth planted in Taten would now be harvested on the edge of the Prinnian advance. The blacksmiths, their apprentices, the tailor, his apprentices, the carpenter, the sculptor, the doctor, the bard, the merchant caravan, the whores, the travelers, and the sell swords were all of the Covenant's Ordo Exterminatus, and trusted members of the village. At Robert's signal the wells and cups were drugged with a slow acting, but powerful sleeping agent. More than half the people fell to this slumber, while the rest were quickly and quietly subdued. The Prinnians would come, but when they did they would find Robert there to welcoming them to what was already theirs.

[The knights of kings]

Through a pair of scopes, that had been handed down to Reynald for generations, came into view the town of Taten. It was a relatively small, but rumor had it a small group of men had crafted it into a prosperous settlement, this in turn led Prinnian officials to make the decision to cease it personally instead of bypassing it like they had with other villages. Though this meant leading Reynaldo’s unit out of their way and forcing them to capture the town before they could fully reequip. Regardless, orders were orders; Reynald was not about to be considered a traitor anytime soon if he could help it. Thus trudging through the forest and finally the small hill overlooking the town was in store for him. When they all lay hidden on the hill they were met by a curious sight, down within the village what they assumed were corpses lay on the ground. The whole town was quiet and nothing stirred. Had the whole town committed suicide? Reynald thought to himself, though this was unlikely due to the fact these people could have escaped. He twisted his head to scan again through his binoculars; something was wrong, very wrong. The Argonian's were a small barbarian kingdom of Untermensch that much was certain, but they did not just massacre a village on the retreat. He explained this to his other officers who all nodded it was indeed strange, yet an objective was an objective.

"I think we should wait," Reynald spoke softly, "It just doesn't seem right, it has to be a trap..."

"I think your right sir," an officer concurred, "The heavy ballistae and the rest of the army should be passing through, we can wait until then."

"Indeed, I was just hoping that the Argonian's would leave the village before we got there. Then again when does anything go according to plan?

With that they heard a creak of wheels and the marching of feet, a sound synonymous with the marching Prinnian Wehrmacht. Reynald watched as line of field gray with crossbows marched in a nice formed column out of the woods, beside them where several heavy ballistae being pulled by work horses under the close guard of their crews. These ballistae were massive things, generally a normal sized ballistae was the size of a man and required a crew of two or three to lob bolts at the enemy, but Prinnian's had gone a step further. These massive ballistae were much large than a man and required to be placed on a large specially designed carriage. A crew of five to six operated a single ballista, holding large bolts that could soar across fields. At least one crew member was a mage and before loading the hefty bolts enchant them with ice or fire to spew shrapnel on impact. They were called Mouser ballistae by the Wehrmacht and Reynald would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the comfort those beasts gave him. A ballista officer with his gray field cap topping his blonde hair walked up to Reynald, who in contrast was filthy from the forest floor and a light beard growing on his scruffy chin. Ballista operators never saw actual combat, just lobbing arrows and this created some friction between them and other units. The ballista officer crouched as he approached Reynald and gave a half assed salute.

"I am Papen from the first Mouser group; I was under the impression your unit was supposed to be in Taten already." Papen scolded irritably.

"Well Papen," Reynald glared icily, "We were actually waiting for your Mousers to arrive so you could stir up the town a little...We believe there is a trap set up down there."

"Hmm I see, well if that's the case I suppose we could let loose a few fire bolts. Set a few buildings on fire...just for show of course." He smiled maliciously.

With that Papen scurried back to his crews and gave the orders, the crews responded with haste traversing the carriage into a firing position. Men worked the wooden cranks and pullies, lifting the ballista into the air. The mages ran fire runes across the shaft of the bolts and handed them to the others before loading them into the Mouser. Several seconds later the creak of the strings could be heard and finally all was quiet, Papen looked over the town his eyes searching for any movement. With a single command the ballistae let loose the bolts. They whistled through the sky and darted away like flying fish, suddenly fire spells went off in the village. Several roves were blown off as the runes generated a fiery burst sending embers about, a black plumes snaking their way into the sky. After three rounds from the Mousers the earth was scorched and several buildings ablaze. Reynald took that as a signal to move and had his crossbow at the ready as he and his men move slowly towards the village. Most of it lay intact as Reynald had hopped, it was imperative they take most of the city undamaged. Yet still other buildings had collapsed when a fire spell shook its wooden walls. As they paced through the village no signs of life remained except for the bodies on the ground, which they noted were heavily drugged. One of Reynaldo’s men removed a banner with the hooked cross in the center of a crimson flag and attached it to a pole. He waved to signal that the village was theirs. Now it was time to see who remained.

[Dbrought]

This is not according to plan.

That was the thought going through Robert's mind as the Mouser ballista bolts fell upon the town and burst with their fire magic for the short second he did not immediately move into action. Concentrating his mind Robert lanced out telepathically to his agents, spatting out orders into their minds.

Gregor! Use your magic, and put the fires out with the well water. Kane, move the townspeople to the inn, and begin to fortify it with fire protective magics. Anton, Sorren, Vidic, and Crane with me to the gate! We must cease the Prinnian's assault before they level the town and earse the work we have done!

Bounding from their posts like shadows Robert's agents came to his flank as he bounded towards the advancing Prinnian army. Their ignorance be dammed. They will cease their assault on this town, or I will be forced to answer for my actions later. This outpost is far more valuable to our leadership, than any army division they posses. Udan forgive me, for what I may be forced to do. Robert charged towards the lead of the Prinnian forces weapons sheathed, but mind fully armed. He was without steel in hand, but even still his mind would make the entire leading column cringe and kneel, if for but an instant should he will it. Even since he was an initiate, Robert was extraordinarily gifted as a psyker, and among the Ordo Exterminatus, referred to as the Mind Flayer. With both voice and mind Robert pierced into the hearts and minds of the advancing troops.

"HALT! STAY YOURSELVES PRINNIAN SOLDIERS! BOW YOUR SWORDS TO YOUR ALLIES OF ZELBAE! THE TOWN IS ALREADY OURS!"

[The knights of kings]

Reynaldo's boots crunched over the charred remains of a villager, the black thing was undistinguishable except for the white teeth which smiled evilly back at him. He turned away his hands still gripping the crossbow, its razor sharp bolt ready to pounce on any target it was pointed at, beast or man. His men appeared to do the same, they could sense something in the village and Reynaldo wasn't going to get his men killed in something they could easily avoid. That was when the man appeared before him, he seemed part mad but other half incredibly calm, the sign of a man who could go great lengths to achieve something. Reynaldo was about to lift his crossbow and at him when a message seemed to pierce both his mind and heart. His hands shrugged slightly and he put his crossbow in a disarming stance his men did the same. They too greatly confused by their sudden cease of hostility. Reynaldo tipped his peaked cap back to allow the dimming sun to touch his brow as he rubbed it slightly. Another officer arrived and whispered in Reynaldo's ear.

"Sir I was unaware of a Zelbae presence in the area," He whispered, "Is It wise to trust him. At least division will want to know of this."

"Indeed," Reynaldo whispered in return," But a man of this power can’t be a simple mage..."

"Il make sure division learns of this encounter." He saluted and ran off port crystal mage following in his tracks.

Reynaldo, unsure how to go on unfolded the Prinnian Reich's crimson banner and shouted back in return to their new found visitor.

"This town is now under the jurisdiction of the Reich! I was not informed of a Zelbae force acting in the area. Please identify yourselves and make haste or you will be put to death!"

[Dbrought]

They think killing the people makes the land theirs. You don't own land, you own the people who live upon it.
"My name is Robert Mason, Brother of the Covenant, acting Justicar of the 3rd Chapter, and this town was under MY jurisdiction long before your troops marched towards it. Unbeknownst to perhaps yourself, but known by your high command Zelbae posses a host of agents working within Argonia, which have relayed among other things intelligence to your leaders. For that information you have the men who work with me here at Taten to thank, but it seems I misjudged you. I had it ordered that the people of the village be drugged so as to make your advance be unhindered, but alas you perhaps believed it was a trap and decided to lay waste to it. Explaining to the people that they were under your rule when they already were under mine in a fashion was going to be one thing. Explaining death and destruction while they slept, will be a tad more difficult."

Robert advanced to the corpse that was near the Prinnian troops, kneeling down and uttering a series of unintelligible syllables under his breath. The corpse began to exude a blue cloud like glow that seeped from the body to a crystal produced from Robert's pouch. "I do so hate unneeded waste. Welcome to your town Prinnian. My people will soon wake and greet you properly."

[The knights of kings]

Stamping feet of the horses rumbled down the hillside towards the village of Taten, they carried with them not only the banner of the Reich but also a different one, another red banner marked with a two headed dragon which fought with itself. Its fangs digging into the flesh of the opposite head. Beneath the fluttering banners rode several ss knights accompanied by one whose armor had the glitter of silver, setting the rider apart from the rather black armor of the others. About twenty in all they made an imposing force. The men in the village who were watching this mysterious Zelbae agent do his work instantly recognized the banner and stood at attention. Reynaldo looked over at Robert who had explained the situation of Taten and its inhabitants. Yet before he could speak the horses and knights drew up upon them, these weren't regular Prinnian knights Reynaldo could already tell by the golden arrangements on their hilts. These were the royal guard, Reynaldo thought silently to himself as he saluted.

"Hiel Hitler!" Reynaldo shouted. The one clad in silver merely dismounted without so much as a nod of recognition, instead immediately turned to Mason. The other knights dismounted and proceeded to do the same silently, their gauntlets gripping their hilts tightly prepared for any scenario.

Tilting over, the silver knight examined Mason, even going so far as to tilt his chin up to get a better look at his face. Though the face was covered by the face plate one could tell whoever was in the armor was smirking. Yet this mysterious face was not to remain so as it lifted the face plate revealing a woman. Her face was elegant and she wore nothing on her face, it was an almost natural sense of beauty. Her blonde hair tied back to fit her helmet and thin smile showing both courage, but one could tell that she had the blood of countless lives on her hands.

"It’s princess Kushana..." Murmuring began within the ranks of Reynaldo's men. Reynaldo himself felt himself tense. Kushana was a princess indeed but she was a bastard child and greatly shunned by the royal family. She was a viper in the nest and though she was a princess on technicality she was not the legitament heir to the throne. She was older than lily and though they did not hold in each other in contempt they did not speak of one another. Instead Kushana fled the court and its treacherous occupants and took up being a commander. She raised her army and though it is the fuhrer’s finest it is more loyal to Kushana than the actual ruling family. To offset this fact the fuhrer assigned her second in command kuratowa to the southern front sand avoid any chance for conspiracy.

Kushana let her hand fall off Mason's face.

"Please forgive my men's transgression, they did not know of your Zelbae presence in the area. Even I chose to ignore that some agents where working in the area, therefore I ask for your forgiveness. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive my men." She spoke softly and turned to her knights who stood readily to fight or receive orders.

"Quickly bring up the command center, we rest here tonight! Bring food quickly for these men are deserving."