Post by Sir Caedric Moore on Oct 3, 2015 15:57:14 GMT -8
The third installment of my part of the Rise of the Wyrms collab and my first freebuild for October 
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-Northwatch Caverns-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Northern border of Orevale Hold, Southern Garheim...
"You should not have goaded him so much, Layton," Sir Caedric Moore chided, looking between his shieldman Layton Connors and the Knight Rangers' newest recruit, Ronald son of Roald. Ronald, whom the other rangers called Fledge, had taken the big shieldman's teasing too seriously and felt his bravery to be in question, being the first of their little party to unload his bags and lead the expedition into the cave, a blazing torch held aloft in front of him and a determined expression on his face. The other members of the party moved forward more cautiously - even testily - swords and spears clenched tightly in their fists, ready to face whatever threat the caverns posed. It had been all but proven that the Echowyrm had made its nest here - bones of both livestock and farmers cluttered the rough floor of the cave - and it was likely that the dragon's mate and nestlings were nearby. "He tries too hard to prove himself."
"Perhaps he will, Caedric," the big knight responded, rolling his shoulders after the tough climb up the cliff face. "I know ye have faith in the lad - the same as I do. He's Roald's son, after all." Sir Layton propped his spear against the icy wall of the cavern mouth and wrung his hands together characteristically. "He may prove his mettle yet."
"Aye, faith I have," Caedric sighed, following the party of rangers into the spreading vastness of the cavern. "But mettle and lineage might not be enough to compensate for inexperience. We are dealing with dragons, Layton."
"I don't mean to argue with you, my liege," Sir Connors replied, wiping crusted ice from his large grey mustache, "but the boy has got potential. You know I handpicked him for the Vigilants, originally; he's a natural with a blade, if a bit clumsy with his footwork, and his foresight when it comes to blocking with a shield is commendable. But he also showed balance and finesse, easily mastering the Rangers' trials and putting him on the fast track to becoming a member of the Wulfguard one day. That is why you chose him for this quest, is it not?"
"Aye, that it is. Gods, Layton, you're lucky I can tolerate your presence or I'd assign you to a counselor's position straight away." The big shieldman laughed at that - a deep hearty laugh that echoed around the cave...
...And was answered by a deeper rumble from further in the darkness followed by an echoing roar and the tell-tale sound of leathern wings beating the air.
"Well, Boy-o," Connors smiled ruefully, clapping his captain on the back and grabbing his spear from its resting place. "Looks like you've done it now."
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
As always, comments and criticism are welcome and appreciated!
Ronin
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-Northwatch Caverns-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
Northern border of Orevale Hold, Southern Garheim...
"You should not have goaded him so much, Layton," Sir Caedric Moore chided, looking between his shieldman Layton Connors and the Knight Rangers' newest recruit, Ronald son of Roald. Ronald, whom the other rangers called Fledge, had taken the big shieldman's teasing too seriously and felt his bravery to be in question, being the first of their little party to unload his bags and lead the expedition into the cave, a blazing torch held aloft in front of him and a determined expression on his face. The other members of the party moved forward more cautiously - even testily - swords and spears clenched tightly in their fists, ready to face whatever threat the caverns posed. It had been all but proven that the Echowyrm had made its nest here - bones of both livestock and farmers cluttered the rough floor of the cave - and it was likely that the dragon's mate and nestlings were nearby. "He tries too hard to prove himself."
"Perhaps he will, Caedric," the big knight responded, rolling his shoulders after the tough climb up the cliff face. "I know ye have faith in the lad - the same as I do. He's Roald's son, after all." Sir Layton propped his spear against the icy wall of the cavern mouth and wrung his hands together characteristically. "He may prove his mettle yet."
"Aye, faith I have," Caedric sighed, following the party of rangers into the spreading vastness of the cavern. "But mettle and lineage might not be enough to compensate for inexperience. We are dealing with dragons, Layton."
"I don't mean to argue with you, my liege," Sir Connors replied, wiping crusted ice from his large grey mustache, "but the boy has got potential. You know I handpicked him for the Vigilants, originally; he's a natural with a blade, if a bit clumsy with his footwork, and his foresight when it comes to blocking with a shield is commendable. But he also showed balance and finesse, easily mastering the Rangers' trials and putting him on the fast track to becoming a member of the Wulfguard one day. That is why you chose him for this quest, is it not?"
"Aye, that it is. Gods, Layton, you're lucky I can tolerate your presence or I'd assign you to a counselor's position straight away." The big shieldman laughed at that - a deep hearty laugh that echoed around the cave...
...And was answered by a deeper rumble from further in the darkness followed by an echoing roar and the tell-tale sound of leathern wings beating the air.
"Well, Boy-o," Connors smiled ruefully, clapping his captain on the back and grabbing his spear from its resting place. "Looks like you've done it now."
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-
As always, comments and criticism are welcome and appreciated!
Ronin
