The Rise of Uso

[Darion McNair]

Paulo and the hooded man left the city. The Silver Eel Lieutenant hadn’t been this far outside the city in a while and he really didn’t recognize anything. He didn’t trust anyone who refused to show their face, nervously he fingered the hilt of the new blade in his belt. A wish that he had studied knife fighting in the past crossed his mind.

“We must act quickly.” the man told him, “He is being sheltered by a group of people outside the city. They are preparing to strike soon.”

Paulo raised an eyebrow and looked skeptically at the man. “And what, pray tell, would you have the Syndicate do?”

“Olin’s group is too small to oppose the wizard, Silver Eel has resources we don’t.”

“Wait, you want our assistance and money? If we’re risking our necks in a joint venture, the five hundred gold payment is void.” The hood man stopped in his tracks and just stood there for a moment.

“Very well.” he said finally and started walking again. The two of them kept walking in silence. The conversation had gone from an information deal to a pact for military support. He wondered how Enoch would have reacted under the circumstances. No doubt Paulo had the authority as a top lieutenant to negotiate such a deal, he only hoped Enoch would approve. A moment passed before he chuckled to himself.

“At least I got out of the information payment.” he thought.


They followed the road for about ten miles, Paulo’s legs were starting to kill him and the sun was far west of its noon position. Up ahead a wood seemed to be bristling with activity. As they came closer Paulo realized that there were at least fifty men hurrying about. They all carried weapons and their voices dripped with apprehension. The hooded man looked as befuddled as he was. “I was not told about this.” he told Paulo.

“What is this?” Paulo asked as he entered the camp. It seemed like a stupid question and it was.

“We are going to war.” someone in the frantic fray told him. Paulo looked over and saw a tall man with a crooked smile on his bearded face.

“Olin, are you mad?” Paulo replied. “Fifty men going in without support? Delay the attack, Silver Eel with give you reinforcements.” Olin shook his head disappointedly. Someone else ran over carrying chain mail. He grabbed it and began and pulling it over his head and around his torso. The head section completely covered over his shaggy black hair. He pulled his arms through the metal sleeves.

“There’s no time, in a day or two he’ll strike and no one will be ready. We’re going to stop it before it becomes a problem. Could you hand me my breastplate propped up on that tree behind you.” Paulo did as he asked but was still perplexed. Olin secured a belt around his waist before donning the breastplate. Metal gauntlets were soon over his hands and a sword at his belt.

“Olin.” Paulo spoke slowly, feeling misunderstood. “Wizards are dangerous. All of the wizards I’ve heard of in my life have power beyond belief. And very, very rarely do they ever feel generous toward humanity.”

“I know.” Olin responded emotionlessly. “They are not impervious to the sword Paulo. If not myself, then one of my men will bring him down. Fifty against him and his handful of agents, we have a chance.”

Paulo knew he had no way of talking him out of it. He sighed heavily. Another armored warrior approached them, his eyes were stone and he knew his death was at hand. “Olin we are ready.” was all he said. Olin nodded.

“We move now! Eastward, archers in front!” He barked to his men. He looked back to Paulo. ‘We have pinpointed his location, he’s still in hiding outside of town, we should be able to attack without alerting Arconia City. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I’m not going to die with you Olin. Silver Eel will fight this its own way.”

The other shrugged. “Suit yourself. As for me I will oppose this sorcerer.” He turned and began walking with his troops to their grim destination. Paulo watched them go, as they sank farther into the distance a twinge of guilt tugged at him. He didn’t want to fight and die he wanted observe and report the outcome. He was in the information business after all. Starting after them, he kept his distance.

[Darion McNair]

There was a small farm house about six miles outside of town. The sun was beginning to set, the crops were high, and harvest time seemed near. But the owners had no time, they were housing some very unexpected guests.

“You’ve been sitting there for hours. Would you like to share what you’re thinking.” A woman asked as she walked in the front door. “We just did a perimeter check and Roger thought he spotted someone on the west side. He’s investigating right now.” The man turned, his dark eyes glared at her.

“I assume everyone has weapons with them?” the other nodded. “Good. The Arconian military isn’t the only force we’ll have to face. Others answer to no one and act. . . independently.”

“How many of these independent groups will we have to deal with?” She asked, concerned. “Need I remind you that there are only five sleeper cells in and around the city to support you. We can’t fight off an army.”

“We won’t have to. The people I spoke with have an army, they will fight. All I have to do is prepare the way and I receive lordship over a portion of the lands they conquer. I will create chaos, they will bring their forces and overcome the pathetic Arconian military.”

“You will have to have patience Uso. This will take time.” Uso let out a mocking laugh and casually backhanded the air.

“With a simple gesture I could bring Arcon and Zelda to their knees while everyone watched. And you tell me to have patience?”

Just then a brutal scream was heard from outside. The woman rushed to the door and looked out.

“That sounded like Roger.” she told him. A sneer was forming on Uso’s face as he realized he would get a taste of battle sooner than he thought.

“Have everyone spread out to the north and surround whoever’s coming. Tell them to use bows and hide in the crops. Go!” the woman nodded and rushed out to gather the dozen agents around the farmhouse.




Olin cursed under his breath. “There goes the element of surprise.” he said, crouching down and looking at the man he had just killed moments ago. “Archers advance and fire at will!” he yelled. In a patch of forest outside the farm, he and his swordsmen waited. He looked to the them, trying to appear confident. “Stay down. Once his men are taken care of we will rush Uso.” He heard a reply come back from an archer.

“We don’t have a target!” Moments later that same voice let out a muffled grunt. The swordsmen heard him collapse to the ground.

“Where are they coming from? We can’t see anything!” Olin heard more of his me crying out in pain. They were failing and he could not wait any longer.

“We must go now. To the house!” He rose and drew his sword, the rest of his men did the same. Then, with a bellowing battle cry he rushed out of the forest toward the farmhouse.

As he ran, up ahead he saw the archers that had gone before him. All of them lay dead, and not an enemy was in sight. As the thirty warriors with him saw this you could almost feel their morale bottom out. They drew closer to the house and still no enemies appeared. The crop fields were all around them now, the tall corn and sunflower plants high on all sides.

Then without warning the door of their target flew open and out stepped one person. A young looking man dressed in black clothing. His prideful carriage was almost mocking to the soldiers. The man stopped and turned toward the opposing warriors who were now stopped at the unexpected scene.

“Kill him!” barked Olin, he his men rushed forward again. The man up ahead waited a moment before slowly raising his hand. The signal given, arrows ripped out of the crops and tore into the few ranks of soldiers. Four, five, six men fell to the ambush. Another volley came and more fell, they could feel their goal slipping like sand through their fingers.



“This is too easy.” thought Uso as he watched the enemy soldiers fall to his agents’ attacks. After the second barrage he decided he’d had enough of this game. Power grew within him. In a horrifying spectacle the whites of his eyes began to shine, contrasting sharply with his dark irises and pupils. He lowered his hand and quickly thrust it out with palm open. The motion sent out a violent shockwave into the enemy. The wave hit Olin and his men and sent them hurtling backward some twenty feet.

More arrows came into the pile of vulnerable men. Screams rose from the mass of humanity and more died. The plan was forgotten and numbers dwindled to a little more than thirteen, chaos ensued among them. Some broke and ran only to be grabbed by the wizard’s will and tossed like rag dolls. They all knew that wizards were made of flesh and blood but right now it really didn’t matter, he had the edge.





Far off, Paulo watched from the forest as the attack fail miserably. The cries of pain elicited anger from the Syndicate lieutenant, anger at Olin’s stupidity. They had walked right into an ambush and there was no way any of them could have survived. He saw the last of them fall and moments later spotted at least ten or twelve of Uso’s people come out of the crops surrounding the men, bows in their hands. Uso seemed please and assisted them in picking over the bodies for weapons and armor. Paulo saw them come to one who was still alive. Uso grabbed him by the throat and lifted him. The soldier was wound badly, an arrow having pierced his left side. They exchanged words for a moment before Uso threw him down, the man went limp.


Paulo was horrified, he had to tell Enoch so something could be done before Uso and his people attacked Arconia. He crawled as quickly as he could back into the forest. As soon as he was out of sight and earshot he got to his feet and bolted in the direction of town. He didn’t care that it was six miles away.

[Iwant2bafencer]

ooooo Uso Just made Rosaline made! Ha bring it! 'the pathetic Arconian Military' Bah!

----------------------
Carpe Diem
Ad Asha

[Darion McNair]

“Enoch! Paulo’s back!” Raymon called. Enoch’s right hand man was polishing one of the dirks that was in the weapon’s shipment. It was one of the best in the bunch, the thieves must have parted a high ranking officer from his secondary weapon. He looked up at him and saw his hands on his knees, his breath was heavy, and he was soaked with sweat. “You’re late. . . .you look terrible.”

“Enoch!” Paulo panted between breaths, ignoring Raymon’s comment. Their leader emerged from his study, his pace quick.

“Report.” he replied. “Raymon and Hardin told me of the messenger.”

“Olin and his men went into battle against the wizard. They were slaughtered, I saw the whole thing. Enoch whatever we do we must act quickly Olin said he will strike within a few days.”

“Slaughtered? How many men are we talking about here?” Raymon asked, standing up and sheathing his weapon.

“Olin had fifty men, all of them were killed. I saw the power of the wizard, his name is Uso. I saw him. . .” he cringed as he remembered watching them die, “He threw them around by his shear will! He never even touched them!”

“Was he acting alone?” asked Enoch as he walked quickly back into his study. Paulo followed him.

“No, he had allies. At least ten people were there, they ambushed Olin’s men and assisted the wizard. They killed as many as he did.” He looked in the doorway and saw Enoch at his desk quickly jotting down a message on some parchment.

“Where is he right now?” he asked as he wrote.

“In a farmhouse about five or six miles from the city.” he said. “What are you writing?”

“This is a formal letter alerting the king and queen to the situation and asking for assistance.” He walked out and called for Hardin who popped his head out the barracks door. “Make sure they get it and make sure you don’t reveal the position of our headquarters. I still want to have a business when this is over.” Hardin nodded, hurried over and took the letter. He left with the intent of getting the message to the country’s rulers. “While he’s gone, we must try to stall this wizard until our glorious rulers can come up with something. Hopefully this isn’t a vanguard for something bigger.”

“Right, We’ll get a team together.” responded Raymon. “What did you have in mind?”

“If he still relies on an infrastructure of people, we can take them out and slow him down. But remember, we do not confront him directly. Use guerilla tactics only.” The both nodded and gathered their weapons. Grabbing a bow each and two quivers full of arrows they rushed out to gather some Syndicate members for the raid.

They gathered five well armed men and were ready to go. Paulo led them out of the city and toward the farmhouse. They followed road but not on the road itself, they stayed off the road and traveled in the underbrush and forest. The hurried with all speed, knowing full well that he could escape and avoid detection all together.




“Very well done my dear.” Uso said as he and his agents were worked to store the weapons salvaged from their dead attackers. “A flawless ambush.” The woman looked up from gathering a group of swords.

“That went well indeed.” she said, “But we can’t keep you here. If word of the attack gets out more will come. We must move you, tonight.”

“Tonight? A bit soon don’t you think.” he replied. He pulled a breastplate and chain mail off of one of the men. “Oh, this one even has gauntlets, no one else does. He must be someone of importance.”

“That’s the one whom you spoke to before he died.” she told him.

“Ah yes, very pompous this one. Not willing to admit defeat. He said something about. . .Silver Eel coming.” he yanked the breastplate off of him. A moment later he conceded to her suggestion. “Alright, we move tonight.”



“Uso, there’s movement is the trees to the north.” whispered the woman. Uso’s agents were traveling in three, horse drawn carts. All three carts were filled with hay but under the hay of two carts lay the weapons and under the hay of the third lay Uso.

"Keep going.” came Uso’s muffled voice from under the hay. “They're heading for the farmhouse. They’re too late.”

[Darion McNair]

Hardin fought through the crowded streets on the way to the tournament. The number of competitors was ever dwindling but the mass of spectators seemed to be increasing. Having absolutely no idea where to go to deliver the message he decided to start with the tournament. With the competition’s winner to be crowned king, it seemed a logical place to start.

How are they going to work that out now that Arcon has returned? He wondered. But he knew that if he didn’t find Arcon or Zelda there would be no new king for quite some time. Up ahead at one of the bout areas she was watching another bout. Her bodyguards around her kept careful watch of the surrounding area.
“You Majesty!” he called he called as he ran “I have an urgent message for you!” His shout stuck out like a sore thumb. Hardin’s voice was perhaps the loudest in Arconia, it contrasted sharply with the hum of the crowd. He continued calling to her until she looked directly at him.

“Hold it.” order one of her guards, coming between Hardin and the queen. “What business do you have with her majesty?”

“I have a message alerting her to a threat to her position as ruler of Arconia. I was sent by a very concerned citizen, my employer.”

“Let him through.” Zelda ordered, cautiously. He handed her the message.




“I don’t see anything.” Raymon told Paulo as they spied the farmhouse from a nearby hill. The two of them and their team were lying prostrate behind a large clump of trees. “Perhaps they’re expecting us? This Olin fellow better not have said anything to Uso about us.”

“Or what? You’ll kill him?” retorted Paulo. “Sorry but it’s a little late for that. Olin wouldn’t do that anyway.”

“You two.” Raymon pointed at two of his team members “circle around through the cornfield and come up behind the house. I want to know if there’s anyone in there. And stay down!” The two nodded and began circling around and down into the cornfield. The rest of the team lost sight of them, all the could see was the slight rustle of corn stalks as they made their way down the rows.


“You think they’re still in there?” asked Paulo, “I think it would be stupid to stay in one place especially after the attack. It’s not safe.”

“I’m aware of that. If that’s the case then we’re at a dead end.” Moments passed and they saw the slight ripple in the field angle toward the farmhouse, stop, and turn back. They returned to the hill as quickly as they could.

“There’s no one in the house.” one of the scouts said. Raymon heaved a heavy sigh. “But we saw bodies piled up in back, dozens of them. They were all stripped of any armor or weapons they might have had.”

“They must have moved them all after the attack was over.” Paulo offered, stating the obvious.

Raymon stood and brushed the dirt off his front. “Okay, we report this back to Enoch. Hopefully he’ll have an idea.”




“This is it.” said the woman as she brought the cart to a stop. They had gone deep into the city. The particular area was a place abandoned of seemingly all life. The tournament being held in another part of town appeared to be the peoples main entertainment. The carts halted in front of a two story house big enough to be an inn. “Uso there’s no one in sight, get out.” The figure rose from the hay, bits and pieces of yellow still clinging to him. Uso rushed to the door of the house. The woman ordered the two carts in back to pull into a nearby alleyway before entering the house herself.

Uso and the woman entered a hallway that was dark but very roomy. Down the corridor there were many connecting rooms and not five steps before them was a stairway.

“My lord, it is an honor to have you in our presence.” a man said, coming out of a side room to meet them. “My wife and I were not aware that you would be coming so soon.”

“Yes well, we were unexpectedly hurried on.” Uso’s tone was sour as he referred to the attack. “Did you pick up the shipment?”

“Yes my Lord, it was right where you said it would be. I must confess though, I have no idea what it is for.” As he finished someone could be heard coming downstairs. “Ah, here is my wife, Tera.”

“Take me to the shipment.” Uso said, not even acknowledging her.

“Uh, of course my lord.” the man looked a bit annoyed before turned to his wife, “Tera he wants to see the barrels we picked up yesterday.” She nodded led them down the hallway. Turning a corner into a room there were four barrels sitting in the middle of the floor.

“Why are they not in the cellar as I instructed?” inquired Uso. “ It needs to be stored in a cool place.”

“We haven’t had time my lord, we’ve been very busy.” replied the man.

“Uso, what’s in the barrels?” asked the woman, speaking up for the first time since they walked in.

“Delila it is a powder, a black powder that will be our instrument of pandemonium and death in the coming days.” he looked to the man and his wife. “I will explain later. We need to move these to the cellar. Be sure to keep them away from any burning candle.”

[Darion McNair]

(not much I know, I will try for more later tonight.)


“And they were stripped of everything.” Raymon said. He and the rest of the team stood before Enoch in Syndicate headquarters. Enoch stood next to the dinning table, a glass off wine in hand. Taking a sip, he listened intently to what his second in command said. “We’re not sure where to go from here Enoch. Uso slipped away during the night. Any word from Hardin?”

“None.” replied Enoch, deep in thought. “He’s probably having difficulty getting his message to Zelda or Arcon.” he paused a moment. “Paulo. Milk your contacts for all they’re worth. I want to know everyone that has entered the city in the last day or so. If he’s in town we’ll find him.” Enoch turned and looked reflectively up at one of the paintings adorning the wall. His voice dropped to no more than a whisper. “A wizard is not something you want to lose track of.”

The Syndicate leader walked to the entrance of his office, turned, and leaned against the doorpost. “They say that even though wizards are powerful, they are mortal. If we’re going to kill this...mortal...an assassin’s arrow will have to silence him. Anything more and his attention would be drawn to his defense.”

“An assassin? We already have a contract with the Swordsman. God knows if we requested an additional task of him he’d clean us of every last gold coin.” Raymon’s comment elicited a frown from Paulo as he remembered the extra fee for his blunder.

“No, this one will be handled by us. Raymon.” A hopeful smile appeared on his otherwise troubled face. “You are known for your archery skills, I want you to do it.”

“Enoch you can’t be serious.” Raymon’s expression became solemn. “True, I’ve carried out assassinations for you in the past but we’re talking about someone of incredible power.”

“Which is exactly why I need you to do this for me. You are the best we have.” Enoch replied. Raymon took a deep breath and reluctantly nodded.

“Good. Paulo, get to work. I want to know where Uso is before I sit down to dinner.” Paulo nodded, he had but a few hours to do the job.

[Darion McNair]

Uso stood in the cellar of the house, staring at the three barrels that had just recently been moved. A moment passed before he covered them with a thin tarp. The barrels had the power in and of themselves to cause unspeakable destruction. What’s more, the shock of such an attack will leave all of Arconia shaking with panic. Turning, he started back up the stairs only to see Delila standing at the top and looking down on him.

“You still haven’t told us what you’re planning, Uso. If we are to carry out your bidding we need to know.” Her expression grew insistent, patience was a virtue she greatly lacked. Uso nodded slightly and continued up the stairs.

“Very well my dear. Have everyone gather in the house’s den.”


She gathered the man and his wife along with the cart drivers that came with them from the farmhouse. Within minutes they were assembled in the den and waiting for Uso to speak. Standing before them, he eyed them all in turn before he started to speak.

“My friends, the reason we are here in the midst this base and pitiful society is to exercise the means of it’s destruction and then profit from it. We are a vanguard of sorts.” He eyes illuminated for a split second as he continued. “My friends, an invasion is at hand. The likes of which this insignificant country could only imagine in its darkest nightmares.”

He fell silent and walked over to the nearest window. Gazing reflectively out he saw the castle, the dwelling of the king and queen in the distance. A deep breath hissed through his teeth as he envisioned what was to come. “Though none of you are aware of this, the leaders of the invading force have sworn to me I would receive governorship of almost a third of the Arconian lands. All of you will rule with me as my noble council.”

Then he whirled around to face them once more, bellowing a deep, guttural laugh. “No longer will we have to negotiate with kings and queens only to receive minuscule fees. No longer will Emperors and Empresses deploy us on quests in exchange for mere penance. Those days have ended! Now we, we will be the rulers.” With a forceful thrust he extended an open hand to the window. “And these people will be our subjects!”

The encouraging words of their leader raised the morale of the others in an instant. They looked at one another, excitement building within them.

“Finally, something better!” someone finally said. “Uso, you’re a genius!”

Delila stood from where she sat and strolled over to Uso. “So it’s finally over, isn’t it?” she said.

“Not over, my sweet Delila. It is just beginning.”

“This calls for a celebration!” announced the owner of the house. “Everyone to the kitchen. I have a keg of the finest whiskey you’ve ever had!”

[Darion McNair]

“A home on the east side of the city.” thought Raymon as he crossed the street. “I hope Paulo’s contacts know what their talking about.” He wore a loose fitting, hooded, gray robe that ironically made him look similar to a friar. The robe was loose enough to concealed the quiver at one side that held two arrows. At Raymon’s other side he wore his newly acquired long knife.

As he drew closer to the target house the number of people on the street dwindled to almost none. Everyone seemed to be at the tournament. He had heard from the gambling ring that the queen was doing quite well for herself and the entire kingdom seemed to be cheering her on.

Up ahead the house came into view. The building was at least three stories high. Raymon wondered why Uso picked sure an obvious building. “The wizard must be very secure in his secrecy.” Raymon mused.

He was no more than two hundred paces to the house when he began examining the buildings adjacent to it. The one closest to had a sign above it that read Rohn Shipping Unlimited. Outside in the front, there were several broken and discarded barrels left outside for anyone who wanted them. Walking casually up to the barrels he inspected them a moment. Then with no one around to notice, he reached down and picked up two objects wrapped in dirty cloth. With measured calm he walked into the alley between the building and target house.

Quickly now he unwrapped the cloth-covered objects: a bow and climbing rope . Raymon made a mental note to promote the agents that had run the plant mission a few hours before. His mind turned to the kill as he set the bow on his back but kept the rope in hand. Getting a clear shot was going to be difficult, he might have to resort to his long knife at such close range. His mind flashed back to Paulo’s briefing before he left. “There are second story windows in the back. At least one should be open.”

He made his way behind the house. There were four windows, only one of which were open. He stopped and listened for any noise coming from the window. When none was heard he threw the rope up to let the small anchor at the end catch.

Quietly he climbed the wall and entered through the window. His ears perked up when he heard the sounds of laughter coming from downstairs. He carefully made his way to the staircase and looked down. Not a soul could be seen but the laughter was still strong and people were talking loudly. He hoped their jolly spirit would help him get a jump on Uso.



Uso’s people were still in good spirits from his speech. They had retreated to the parlor after filling their mugs high with whiskey. Some were on their third round. Almost Everyone seemed to be three sheets to the wind except Uso. They were taking turns telling jokes and dreaming of their ruling day. “...And then, and then he said ‘That’s no servant girl, that’s my wife!’” another roar of laughter broke out from the group. Uso cracked a smile but didn’t laugh. If he had his way, there would be no whiskey. But the spirits and morale of the group had to be kept high and this seemed the easiest way to do it.

“You know Uso.” said one of the cart drivers. “When I’m on your counsel I want a robe, a big red one. And on it should read ‘Fear me for I can make your life miserable.’” His speech was so slurred you could barely understand him. Uso raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

“I think I need some fresh air.” Uso finally told them. He went to rise but as he did he felt something whistle past his ear. A moment later he heard the hard impact of an arrow on the wall. “Get down! All of you!” he shouted, bolting to the floor. The rest of them sat there with stupefied looks on their faces. Another arrow shot though the air. Uso bellowed in pain as this one pierced his arm. He looked in the direction of the arrow and saw the attacker in the hallway an entire room away. He was out of arrows but as soon as he they made eye contact he darted behind a wall and out of sight.

“Everyone after him!” he yelled.

“After who Uso?” one of them said, looking around. Uso knew that his people would be useless, he would have to deal with the intruder himself. A swift tug removed the arrow from his arm, he ignored the pain.



Raymon cursed himself for missing. Uso was injured but far from dead. He drew his blade and waited. Maybe he can get the upper hand with Uso’s arm the way it was. Hearing footsteps closing in he took a deep breath and rushed through the entrance in a full charge.

Uso was ready for him, but he had no time to bring enough power to bear. Instead he ducked as a slice came right for his head. He kicked the assassin’s legs out from under him and Raymon collapsed to the floor. On his back but blade still in hand he rolled away from Uso before pushing himself back up.

Raymon knew he was going to die but he wanted to take Uso out with him. In an act of shear desperation Raymon came in close and stabbed going for the heart. Each time Uso would easily dodge the thrusts. Raymon became increasingly frustrated and went to tackle the wizard. Uso sidestepped and held out his uninjured arm. Raymon’s charge promptly became flight as Uso’s will grabbed him and threw him into the wall. Raymon hit hard and fell, limply hard wood floor. Again Uso picked him up and sent him hurtling into another wall and watched him fall to the ground. He lay there without a sound, not even breath.

The wizard walked over and kicked him in the side once to make sure he was dead. This one was not from the Arconian government. Another organization obviously was aware of his presence and willing to oppose him. The operation would not be as smooth as expected.

“That’s it.” said Uso sternly as he winced a bit from the pain in his arm. “No more whiskey.”

[Darion McNair]

Darion watched the queen and the other woman hurry off and heaved a heavy sigh. He and Willow would just have to catch up to her later. He scanned his surrounding and noticed the Swordsman in the middle of a bout in Bout Area Two. He hurried over to watch with Willow following behind. With great interest he watched as the Swordsman battled his foe. The man towered over him but there was no disadvantage at either end. This was perhaps the longest bout the Swordsman had fought yet. They were both skilled and for a second the Swordsman’s enemy seemed to have the upper hand. But the tide changed as the Swordsman quickly made the opponent his size.

His looked around for a moment at the large crowd observing his bout when he saw something he didn’t believe. Not ten feet away from him was the unidentified man the swordsman had fought earlier. The man watched the Swordsman for a few more moments before discreetly turning and heading away.

"He's not getting away this time" thought Darion. Waiting a handful of second he glanced back at the Swordsman. He told Willow he'd catch up with her later before quietly breaking away from the crowd and following him. He kept his distance and went from merchants to bout areas, never following him directly.

The man went away from the tournament grounds and deeper into the city. The people became fewer and farther between. When there was no way avoid being obvious Darion he would duck down alleys and observe the man from hiding. He watched as he came to a large house and wrapped softly on the door.




“All of you were drunk! I had to kill him myself.” Uso spat out. He glared at each one of his people, now sobered up after several hours. They were visibly scared. No one was willing to speak for fear of rash retaliation from their disgruntled leader. Uso’s arm was bandaged up, the cloth a faint shade of red after stopping the bleeding. Uso’s people glanced down at the dead body, trying to recollect exactly when the attack took place.

“What shall we do with the body?” Delilah asked. The others looked at her with surprise that she would dare to speak.

“I don’t care.” Uso blurted out. “Put it in one of the upstairs rooms far from the staircase. It will take longer for the smell to reach us from there.” He spoke up so that everyone would hear him clearly. “If I catch anyone drinking before the job is complete, there will be hell to pay.”

Delilah and two others helped carry the body upstairs. Those who were left looked at each other confusedly.

“My lord, what would you have us do?” one of them asked.


“Stay out of my sight till I need you.” Uso replied, still angry at them. They hurried out of his sight, not wanting to be around a raging wizard.

Then something happened that surprised everyone. . . .there was a knock at the door.

“You. Get the door.” Uso told one of them as they were leaving. The owner of the house bowed low and rushed down the hall to the doorway.


Opening the door he glanced over the man standing there. His face could not be seen because of the hood. Moments passed and the man said nothing. The owner glanced down and saw a vicious looking saber at his side. Becoming unsettled, the owner was about to close the door on him when he spoke.

“Take me to Uso.” he said. At this the owner opened the door wider.

“What do you need of him?” he question.

“I have business with him. Take me to Uso or I will find him without your help.” he insisted. His hand moved down and settled atop the hilt of his saber. The man reluctantly nodded and motioned for him to come inside.



He led the man back to the parlor where Uso sat by himself. “My lord, someone to see you. He insisted.”

The man spoke up once the owner finished. “Master Uso, I presume. I was sent by those who employ you. They bid me tell you the time is near.”

Uso raised an eyebrow and stood from where he sat. “So soon? Why was I not told from the beginning?” he asked. “I am prepared to attack if they would have it but I was under the impression it wouldn’t be so soon.”

“They tell me things have been accelerated. They are ready to attack and request you launch your assault as soon as possible.”

“It will be done.” Uso vowed, he waited a moment before continuing. “If I might ask, where did you come upon a Talruum saber?” He asked, noticing the blade at his side.

“That is none of your concern, Master Uso. They have expressed interest in one of their own that dwells in Arconia. He possesses one as well so they demand that I match him. That is all you need know.”

“Fair enough.” Uso replied with a shrug. “We will attack as quickly as we are able. Would you care to assist us in the assault?” the man shook his head once.

“I cannot stay, I must report back. I wish you swiftness in your strike Master Uso.”

Uso nodded and watched as the man turned and left.



The door opened again and Darion ducked behind the corner of the house. The man spent no more than a few minutes in the house and now he was off again. Darion wondered what in the world he did in there. He stole another glance around the corner and saw the man heading in the opposite direction. Darion needed to get this information back to the Swordsman.

This man matched the Swordsman in skill, that in itself planted the seed of dread in the back of his mind.

[Darion McNair]

Darion knew he needed to get the information he had back to Swordsman, but he did not want to let this powerful figure disappear again. This man was possibly more than a match for Darion. His speed and concentration in the short bout he fought was superior to anything Darion had ever done. Only through his weapons master could he have achieved such skill, and his training ended years ago.

Every fiber in his being wanted to pursue the man, but he turned and headed to the tournament area to inform the Swordsman. Though the Bosconian native had absolutely no idea what he would be able to do either.




Delilah and the house owner left and made their way quietly out the front door. Between the two of them they carried one of the large barrels with the black powder Uso put so much stock in. With great care they placed the barrel in one of the horse-carts and started for the castle.

Delilah had never seen the supposed devastating impact of this seemingly harmless black powder. With the arrival of that mysterious man and the issuing of new orders, Uso ordered them out to the castle. Their instructions were to place the barrel at a rear cornerstone. They were then to stick the long thread (at least it looked like a thread) that he gave them inside the barrel, light the other end, and run like hell.

“I hope Uso knows what he’s doing. I don’t want to be in midst of arconian soldiers when this fails to work.” said the house owner.
“It’ll work.” replied Delilah, bluntly. “I know Uso well enough to know that he plans his moves with incredible precision. By this time next year we will be counsel members helping rule a third of this land. And we will owe it all to him.”

“Yes you apparently to have exclusive access to our fearless leader” his tone grew accusatory, “In my opinion, relationships like that should be kept professional. But I see how close you are to him.”

“It is my opinion,” she shot back, “that you should keep your mouth shut. I’ve been at his side long before you ever signed on with him. He trusts me more than anyone and I trust him just the same.” Her eyes turned from him as she focused on driving the cart. Her voice settled a little and she tried to change the subject. “Right now, we have a job to do. We can bicker about this some other time.”

The other dropped the subject as well. He knew Delilah carried more weight than he did in Uso’s eyes. Getting on her bad side could destroy him later. They both continued on in silence.



“He should be back by now.” Enoch said to Paulo as they waited in headquarters for Raymon’s return. “Are you positive your information was accurate?”

“Absolutely Enoch. I ordered a plant mission before he left right outside the target house. He should have been able to do it effortlessly.”

“I’m beginning to wonder if we are certain as to what we’re dealing with.” Enoch didn’t want to say it but for the first time in a long time he worried that Raymon did not complete his mission. “If Raymon has not returned in two hours I will assume he has failed his mission and we will discuss other options.” There were several moments of silence. Neither of them could believe what Enoch just said. “Hardin has not returned?”

“No. I’m not sure if he was able to get the message to queen or not.” replied Paulo.

“The king and queen must be warned of this threat. I don’t care if I have to do it personally.” Paulo nodded, solemnly.



“Here. Stop it here.” the house owner said. Delilah did as they asked. They were passing near the castle. The road they were on ran parallel to the castle and only a quarter mile away from the arconian fortress itself. A thin line of forest was all that stood between them and their target.

“We need to carry it there.” Delilah told him. He let out a heavy sign but nodded. Carrying full barrel a quarter mile was not appealing. Together they lugged their cargo through the woods.

A quarter of a mile later they arrived at the rear cornerstone that would be destroyed. Neither said a word; the centuries toward the front of the bastion had very good hearing. Setting down the barrel they grabbed the fuse and put one end in the top. It was long, three feet long. Delilah looked around for some rocks. She grabbed two smooth rocks and stooped down next to the other end of the fuse. Striking the rocks, a spark ignited the fuse.

The two of them looked with amazement at the sparkling, crackling cord then at each other. Terror took them as they realized destruction was near and they ran, ran with all speed into the woods and back towards the road. They didn’t know who was in the castle at the moment but they were in for a big surprise.


Minutes passed . . . . .they managed to reach the cart . . . . .and a bone jarring explosion was felt and heard.

[Darion McNair]

“I can’t hear anything!” Delilah yelled to the house owner. They were both sprawled on the ground after the thunderous explosion. “Uso didn’t tell us it would do that!”

“Yeah, you’re telling me!” he replied, trying to get to his feet. “We need to report back to Uso, come on!” Helping her stand, they both hurried back to the house. They left the cart where it was and hurried as fast as they could down the street.



Uso stood in the house, quietly listening to the sounds of distant chaos. Only seconds earlier the first detonation rattled the house and brought with it a wave of satisfaction that Uso reveled in. There was the first one, he would give it perhaps half an hour before ordering the second blast. The third would come much later and it would carry with it the hammer to crush the spirits of the Arconians.

“I will make of them an broken offering, filled with despair.” he mused. The others in the house were with him, though being as silent as Uso himself. But the silence was shattered when Delilah and the house owner barged through the door.

“Uso!” Delilah gasped, “Next time tell us when something like that is supposed to happen! I almost went deaf!”

“My apologies my dear, but I take it the mission is a success?” he said. She nodded.

“It went off just as you said and did more damage than I ever dreamed possible!” the house owner chimed in. Only a half hour ago he was question their might leader, now his cup of confidence runeth over. Uso smiled a thin, wiry smile.

“Just as I said, just as I said.” he reassured him. “And there are two more where that came from. By the time we are done, the Arconians will be running around like chickens with their heads chopped off.” His voice became bold as he spoke up. “In that hour my friends, our allies will sweep in and take this land. And we will have our share!” A cheer rose up from his people as their joys were finally put into words. Uso them pointed to the two cart drivers in turn. “In ten minutes you will leave with the second barrel and head for the spot deep in the city we have chosen. Twenty minutes after that the next explosion will add to the sum of their horrors.” They both nodded.

[Swordsman]

Nækos was shaken as he left the tournament grounds. Not disturbed, or stunned, or traumatized. But shaken, nearly off his feet – as was everybody else in the area. With the rocking concussion came the sound of a distant blast – from the direction of the castle. And he was off at a sprint, thankful that Senyik had found him fast enough and was at his side.

“What the hell WAS that?” the smith yelled as the two plowed through the masses still staggering back up.

“I don’t know, but it came from the castle!” Nækos stopped for a moment in the midst of the flowing masses of people. “Get back to the cottage, now!! Somewhere around should be a large black half-wolf. His name’s Corasce, and he’ll come to it. Get him, and bring him back to the castle. Find me there!” And then he was off again.

Alarm bells were going off all over in the Swordsman’s head. Blast. The dark sabrist that nearly killed him. Another Talruum blade around. The Russ preparing for invasion. Attack. It has to be some kind of attack. Who? Where from? How did they get here undetected? The crowd was thinner now as the tournament grounds faded swiftly behind him. Still there was a stream of people toward where the sound seemed to have come from.

Except for one, fighting against the current. Wearing a cloak, and brandishing…a distinctive rapier. Nækos angled over to him.

“Swordsman!!” Darion hailed as soon as he saw him. “Attack of some kind!!”

“All you know, now!” Nækos couldn’t remember feeling unsure like this for…well, ever. Thoughts and warnings were spinning around his head, too many threats and considerations even for him on this slim amount of information.

“There’s a huge hole in the castle wall, but no enemy to be seen. Everyone who was around is stunned, ears ringing. Some kind of loud noise, obviously, but I don’t know how a noise fells a wall. There seem to be some soldiers about, but I don’t know who is in charge, or doing what, or how much. I went to help, but there is little to do – just rubble, no real fires, forces, anything. I was coming to find you.”

“Is that all?”

“No. The one that attacked you, I followed him to a house on the outskirts, then he left. I went to find you instead of tracking him.”

“To the house.”

Darion nodded and began running back in the direction of the house he’d been at earlier, the Swordsman following closely.

[Swordsman]

Senyik found himself at the small cottage about seven minutes later, pressed against the wall, with a large black dog that seemed to have wolf blood in it snarling at his every move. And he couldn’t, indeed for the life of him, remember the dog’s name.

“Connor!” A snarl. “Colin! Correl!” A snap of jaws unnervingly high; the beast’s shoulders were almost as high as his own waist. He thought he had the beginning part right, though. “Coran! Corat! Corate!” The last one sounded a little closer. “Corane? Corafe? Corasce!” And the animal ceased immediately, looking at him with curiosity. “That took long enough. Corasce: Nækos. Swordsman.” The dogs ears perked up again, and it sniffed him, apparently finding the halfling’s scent on Senyik’s person. “There we go. C’mon!”

Corasce took off at once, bounding along at a speed Senyik found quite difficult to match. After a minute or two, though, it was apparent he wasn’t headed toward the castle. “Corasce! No! Other way! Over…here! Corasce…!” Yelling after the dog proved rather difficult after a few minute’s running, so Senyik turned away himself, starting to head back in the direction of the castle.

Corasce, apparently, had other ideas. Quickly heading the stupid human off, he stood in his way and snarled, then started pushing him back the way they’d been going before.

“Fine! You’re bigger, you answer to Nækos!” At least he stopped snapping when Senyik followed again.

[Swordsman]

“That’s the house.” Darion pointed to the small, two-story building on the back street. “Should we look around and see what’s visible through the windows?”

“No.” Nækos drew his sabre, kicked in the front door, and marched through. Inside, a wizened old man with one arm in a sling looked up at him in surprise, along with a grubby, rather stupid-looking peasant man. “YOU!!”

“My, my, if it isn’t the escaped thin-blood.”

“Some history I need to know here?” Darion inquired.

Nækos charged, but was stopped a foot short of striking range at Uso, and lifted in the air as the wizard raised his undamaged arm. Darion ran the man through that came at him, and continued quickly toward Uso. For a second the wizard lost his concentration, and the Swordsman was dropped back to the ground. Darion was about to strike, only to be lifted into the air himself. In a moment’s desperation he switched Halcyon’s grip around in his hand and threw the rapier as if a spear. The heavier hilt spun the blade around in the air, but the pommel still dealt Uso a good blow to his face. In response he backed off a step or two to give himself more distance, then made a pushing motion out with both his hands, ignoring the shock of pain from the wounded arm. Both Darion and Nækos were thrown back across the room, slamming into the opposite walls. Uso picked the rapier up from the ground, and began to advance slowly, holding both fighters against the wall.

And then a streak of black flew in the still-open doorway and slammed into the wizard, sending him rolling down the hallway. Nækos was on his feet in an instant and followed to find Uso back on his own feet, facing Corasce. The Swordsman was about ready to violate his own cardinal rule and throw the sabre to stop the wizard as he raised both arms to destroy the dog. The half-wolf didn’t move, but only stood there snarling. Uso backed away a few steps and tried again, again to no effect. Corasce advanced on him. Glancing up, Uso saw the halfling again, and sent him flying back once more with a wave of his hand. He sputtered an incantation under his breath and pointed at Corasce. The creature sprang, knocking Uso to the floor.

[Darion McNair]

Delilah was in a room on the second floor when a crash got her attention. A split second later a struggle could be heard raging downstairs. A shiver went down her spine, how could anyone now they were here? Crashes and thuds could be heard and she knew Uso was in trouble.

Running to a nearby closet she dug out a short sword the owner had told her about, just in case. She could feel the entire operation falling down around her as she unsheathed the weapon and hurried downstairs. Her determination steeled with every clumping step down the stairscase.

When she got to the base of the stairs the site she took in shocked her. A monster of a dog was on top of Uso, snarling viciously. Behind the dog two others, one tall and one short, were eyeing Uso with weapons in hand.

“Hey! Who the hell are you?” The question was really a challenge as both the invaders turned to look at her. The tall one stepped forward and held his weapon up at the ready. He did not say anything. “You first, then the short one.” Delilah told him. She stepped forward, short sword raised.

With a deep breath, Delilah charged at him with a piercing cry. She made a sweeping cut to his head which was dodged easily. The man sidestepped and thrust his rapier out in front of him. Delilah swung around to parry only to see the blade being lowered. Pain exploded from her side and she screamed.

“No, stop this you animals! You want me not her!” Uso cried, only to receive a kick in the kidneys from the shorter one. The beast on top of him had him pinned and for some reason he couldn’t muster enough strength to force it off.

The tall one removed his blade from Delilah’s side and she stumbled back. The large puncture in her flank began soaking her clothes red. A fire came to her eyes as she fought through the pain to bring her weapon to the ready again.

In a flash of speed the tall one ran his blade down hers. Surprise and horror swept over her as her hand was cut and the sword forced out. Even before it hit the floor she was impaled and dropped to the floor. Her eyes glazed over as she gazed upon her leader whom she loved more than life.

“Uso.....I’m sorry.” she murmured, and then she died.

The tall one walked back over and stood next to the short one and they both continued where they left off. Only, this time, Uso’s face was twisted with anguish and hatred. Delilah’s body lying no more than five feet away.

[Swordsman]

Nækos came and stood over the pinned wizard and watched as Darion ran the woman through. “Thank you, McNair.” Uso seemed genuinely sorrowful that she was dead; this surprised the Swordsman greatly. Surprise, however, was still a far cry from pity – he’d seen what this particular fiend had done to dozens of women at a time. “Alright, block. Time to have a chat. What did you have to do –“ He was suddenly slammed against the ceiling. “Come on, a’awshd’j s’ngn!! You think I am afraid of your tricks!? How did you make the – hole – “ The space around his throat seemed to be getting suddenly tighter. “Corasce – nawp – lawt!!” And with that command, he dropped back to the ground as the half-wolf ripped Uso’s throat out.

Nækos regained his feet, straightened his collar, and snarled. Corasce looked up expectantly, Darion raised an eyebrow, and a panting Senyik stepped in the door. “Did I…miss all the…action?”

“You snooze, you lose, man,” Darion consoled him.

“Hey – you try racing that beast from the cottage!!”

“Enough, you two. Time to call in reinforcements. And you’re both on the Force, by the way.” And with that, Nækos was on up the stairs, Corasce at his heels.

[Swordsman]

Following him up, Senyik and Darion were surprised to see him not look for other occupants, weapons, or other suspicious things, but for a window. This he presently found, and promptly climbed out of. “What the – ?”

“Guess he went up,” the Bosconian observed. Senyik shrugged and stuck his head out, only to have a rock hit him on the top of it. Looking up he saw Nækos perched atop the roof’s peak.

“Come on. You want to stay on the Force, you’ve got to keep up. We’re taking the high road!” Senyik and Darion climbed up out of the window after him, and over the next several minutes followed him on an ankle-twisting run across the close-set roofs of the inner Arconian city. During this time, Darion filled Senyik quickly in on what he’d seen and what had happened – and was disturbed at the fearful look of revelation on his face. Nækos stopped once or twice to look around and take a heading from the castle’s towers, and then finally found himself on a high roof with a cupola in the center. “Congratulations. You’ve only just been added, and you’re about to see something that few have ever seen before – the entire Strike Force turned out at once.” Ducking inside the cupola, they found a massive twisted horn hung from the roof. “Senyik, do us the honors – you’ve got the biggest lungs.”

The smith sucked in every bit of air he could, put his mouth on the metal tip of the horn, and blew until he was blue. A low, reverberating blast echoed out across the city, over the walls, and through the surrounding woods and hills.

“Again, if you please, and then a third,” Nækos requested. Only his head was showing, hanging down from the roof of the cupola where he was perched.

Senyik blew twice more; he could see small heads in the streets all around turning toward the source of the noise. While most stared, a few looked only briefly, before rushing off and ducking into some doorway.

Nækos dropped back down and hopped in. “Excellent. Back to the cottage now. Move it!!” The Swordsman took off at a sprint, leaving the two fighters in his wake wondering where his endurance came from. Tournament grounds, castle, wizard’s house, fight, over the roofs to here, and now back to the cottage?

[Darion McNair]

“They’re dead? What do you mean dead?” asked one of Uso’s agents as they pulled the cart to a stop outside the house.

“That’s exactly what I just said.” replied the other one, his voice shaking with panic. They were the two that Uso had assigned to place the second charge. They had just finished scouting the target and returned only to find the wrench of carnage thrown into the gears of their plan. One followed the other back into the house to behold the horrible sight. The house owner, Delilah, and Uso all lay dead on the floor. The two of them stared with disbelief.

“Uso’s not supposed to be dead. He can’t be dead! What are we going to do now!” cried one of them. They rushed to Uso’s side only to find his throat ripped to shreds. Delilah had two wounds in her chest and side and the house owner only one in the chest. “We’ve got to get out of Arconia, whoever did this is going to be looking for us.”

The other was more solemn as he knelt beside his fallen leader. Uso and the rest of the team may be dead, but they still had the barrel of powder. It was the least he could do to honor the memory of Uso and what he was trying to accomplish.

“We’re not leaving. We’re going to set off that second barrel.” The panicked one looked at him as if he were insane. His jaw dropped nearly to the floor and his eyes darted between Uso and his living comrade. “Listen.” he continued in a stern voice “The Russic are coming whether we like it or not. The contract they made with Uso was clear and they expect those two charges to be going off. If we fail to complete our mission, we’ll have the Arconians and the Russic to run from.” The panicked one seemed to quiet down a little and he nodded in agreement.

“Let’s get the barrel then.” he replied. “But, what are we going to do about them?” he gestured to the dead bodies. “We can’t just leave them here.”

The other walked into the kitchen and returned with a large white tablecloth. With ceremonial reverence he cast it over Uso’s body to cover it. A moment or two of silence was observed before they hurried to grab the barrel and leave. It was a good twenty or thirty minutes to the target site and they needed to hurry. As they were leaving they heard the deep blast of a horn go out into the city, it sounded very close. The bellowing call only made them speed the cart along, knowing their time was short.

[Darion McNair]

Enoch had been waiting for hours to hear back from Hardin or Raymon but neither had returned with any news. He was beginning to fear that both were dead. It was then that the blast came and shook the entire building. He knew right then that the waiting was over.

It came from the direction of the castle, Arconia was either under attack or would be soon. Hurrying outside he saw the dust rising from the castle, as it cleared he could see a gaping hole in the right side of the of the fortress of Arconia.

He had to think quick. Hurrying back inside he rushed to his office to arm himself. Grabbing his long knife he strapped it on his side as he called for Paulo.

“Paulo! Get in here now!” he bellowed. Seconds later his last remaining lieutenant was at his side. “Arconia is under attack. I want all monetary operations suspended and every man in Silver Eel armed. Establish a militia but they must lay low in the city till we know what we’re up against. We will take them by surprise and fight alongside the Arconian military. Is that understood?” He didn’t even wait for Paulo to answer, instead he reached under his bed, pulled out a coat of mail and leather and strapped it on.

The largest organized crime syndicate in Arconia was about to be transformed into a loyalist militia nearly five hundred strong.

[Iwant2bafencer]

Evil turing to good. Ya gotta love it!

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Carpe Diem
Ad Asha