Two years after a boy signs a contract with a devil.

Z has had control of the body for several months now. The boys mind, whom he named X, is a fragile play thing that the demon Y enjoys breaking, rebuilding, and breaking again so he has not attempted control for some time. “The brainless brute is no match for me anyhow,” Z thought to himself. “But then again, no one ever was. Entire countries once trembled at my name. Now I am imprisoned in this shell. As powerful as it is, it is nothing compared to the strength I once wielded.”

Z flew without a destination for hours. His mind wandered from this to that. He thought about the days long passed, the world as it is now, and how he could alter the days to come. No matter what direction he steered his mind, it always ended up on the final battle of a once feared commander and the fall of a kingdom.

Before he realized where he was, he landed and stood surrounded by swirling snow and bitter ice. A cold breeze blew through his blue hair and his feet sank deep into the snow. “I stood here before,” he said aloud. The sun was setting behind the trees and it cast a red shadow across the field around him. He was in modern day Finland, now a national park in the eastern Laplands. But in the times of blades and bows, a battle was waged here. It was the beginning of the end for Raido Z, or as he was once called Lord Eigel.

Setting:

Winter 984 a.d.
Finland

Characters:

Kingdom of Isa

Lord Eigel/Raido Z – Raido XYZ

7’1”
350 lbs
Blue hair and Blue eyes

Commander Kollswein – NutiketAiel

Name- Commander Alvar Kollswein, "Kollswein the Plague"
Age- 36
Nationality- Norwegian
Height- 6'6"
Weight- 270 lbs
Hair- Red
Eyes- Blue
Sex- Male
Gender- Male
Title- Commander of the Armies of the Kingdom of Isa

Appearance- Kollswein is a tall, very broad-shouldered man. Despite his height, he appears to be almost stocky from a distance because he is build to wide; no part of him, however, can be described as "soft." His red hair falls loose down to his shoulder, with one small braid torwards the front. He wears a trimmed goate that makes him appear quite sinister, a look that is added to by the scar that mars the left half of his face, running just next to his eye; a tenth of an inch to the right, and he would have been blinded on that side. He has more scars all over his body than he has ever bothered to count, though he can recall where each and every one of them comes from. He wears no armor, disdaining it for clothes of fur from animals he has killed and skinned himself, always predators- bears, wolves, etc. Indeed, the only metal he wears is a silver circlet with a saphire in the center of his forhead, which is an emblem of his former position, and the huge unadorned battle-axe at his side.

History- Before the coming of Lord Eigel, Alvar Kollswein was the Prince of a town in the extreme north of Norway known as Narvik and the surrounding areas. He had always been an extremely ruthless individual, killing his eldest brother when he was only 6 years old in single combat. His brother had been 17 at the time. Indeed, between the ages of 6 and 16 Alvar killed all ten of his siblings, each one in battle. When his father died, poisoned by one his mother's lover, Kollswein defeated the man in a duel, beheaded his own mother and declared himself Prince of Narvik, slaughtering any rival claimants. Over the next four years, he ruthlessly turnedthe people of Narvik into a fighting force that was small in size but unrivaled in all of Scandinavia for their brutality, skill, prowess and cruelty. Leading this small but elite force, he conquered the neighboring towns and lands, enslaving their people, forcibly recruiting the strongest lads into his army, plundering their lands, raping their women, etc. etc. etc. Kollswein encouraged, and took part in, despicable acts against the conquered people, the mildest of which included torture, cannibalism and gladiatorial combat, trustung that fear would keep the survivors in line. It worked. In time, they might have brought the whole of Northern Norway under Kollswein's brutal rule had they been left to their own devices.

They were not, however, left to their own devises. When Kollswein was 24, the conquering armies of the Kingdom of Isa appeared on the outskirts of his territories. For almost two years, Kollswein fought and kept the forces of Isa out of Northern Norway, with significant losses on both sides. Then, Lord Eigel arrived to take personal command of the army, having allready secured his control over the rest of what was known now as the Kingdom of Isa.

Using tactics even more brilliant that Kollswein's own and a seemingly magical command over ice and snow, Eigel drove the men of Narvik back. For all their ferocity, they could not match the power of Eigel. For all their brutality, they could not match the numbers of the army of Isa. For all Kollswein's brilliant tactics, he could not out-captain Eigel. Indeed, it took all of his skill to manage orderly retreats for his men, avoiding deadly encirclements and antrapments. In short order, all the territory that Narvik had conquered had been lost to Isa. Eigel had come to respect this commander that had fought so well, and was equally impressed by the tales of his evil and brutality that were spread through the conquered territory. Eigel arranged a meeting between himself and Kollswein. As a result of this meeting, Kollswein surrendered what was left of Narvik to Eigel's control, incorporating it into the Kingdom of Isa. In return, Kollswein was made the commander of all of Eigel's armies, and the men of Narvik became the elite of that force, feared throughout Isa.

Thus has it been for the last ten years, with Commander Kollswein, known as Kollswein the Plague to the survivors of his attacks, leading every major offensive of the Kingdom of Isa and putting down numerous minor rebellions. He is the second most feared man in the Kingdom, after only Lord Eigel himself, and is utterly loyal to his unholy master.
Rebels

Eric – Sano

(description to be provided for by player)

Aife – Shinigami

Her story is not a happy one…but then again, few truly are.

Her name is Alfie, a Celtic warrior and one of several generals leading the Irish division of the heavy Calvary…she had fought long and hard and sacrificed much to attain such a rank. Born neither into wealth nor power such a position of authority would normally have eluded someone of her calibre.

The day of her birth was meant to be one of great celebration, but irony’s hand played a role, and under the bleeding moon, set full in the sky, her first cry breached the heavens, along with her mother’s soul as it slipped from this world into the adjacent.

Her mother, Illyana, had prayed daily for a daughter in which she could share both her love and her knowledge, especially after the birth of her fifth son, all five boys were the mirror image of their father, Greydau. She had whispered her wishes of a child in which her own image could be reflected…she never knew the curse her wishes would bring upon her daughter, for Alfie was her mother’s image…and the sight of her sickened her father.

He had loved Illyana, loved her as much as any man could…and this daughter was the thing that had taken her from him, he could not bear to acknowledge Alfie, physically turning from her when she was in his presence and cursing her name, the blood moon had been an omen…she would be a scourge upon them…

Therefore, she was brought up mostly by her five elder brothers, her childhood years filled with rigorous training in many fighting forms, her days and nights were a stream of lessons and sparring sessions in which she learnt to wield a wide array of armaments. Fencing, archery, un-armed combat…the years past in a blur, and always she was void of her father’s love and approval, nothing but the physical reflection of a ghost.

Each of her brothers had joined the arm forces when they had come of age, and with her extensive training and knowledge she was happy to follow in their footsteps. The second eldest of the five boys, Kelser had even attained a lieutenant promotion and given his own battalion of 30 plus men, a rare privilege to be promoted straight from the ranks without a gentleman’s background, and due to the lack of gender restrictions it had given Alfie hope that she too could aspire to a role above that of a foot soldier in the ranks.

Word of Lord Eigel’s impending invasion of Ireland spread swiftly, it was always known that sooner or later they would have to hold of an attack and much time and effort had been spent into ensuring that the armed forces were at there best. But a determined individual such as Lord Eigel would never cease his strife against them, and wages a constant attack, which has thankfully been contained to the northern tip…but his forces can only be subdued for so long.

It was during the very first attack that Alfie’s aspirations of a higher status came to pass…for during the heat of battle her commanding officer was knocked from his horse into the swarm of foot soldiers below. Without hesitation or consideration for her own safety she launched herself into the throng and effectively saved his life, sustaining a massive gash to her back, which has left a horrific scar, the first of many battle scars. She was promoted for her actions and ascribed to a lieutenant position, and worked her way swiftly upwards, her main drive being her ambition to prove her worth to her father.

But the towards the end of the first year of Lord Eigel’s constant attacks, disaster struck as three of her five brothers, including lieutenant Kelser were killed on the battlefield, after requesting a brief leave of duty she travelled home to deliver the news of her brothers demise personally to their father.

Greydau was mortified by the news, his anger raw and painful he blamed Alfie, blamed her for the death of his wife and his sons, proclaiming that the devil’s moon had cursed her to be a scourge upon them, and that she had the devil’s luck in battle which is why she had not met the same demise as her brothers.

“You are no daughter of mine! You are a bringer of death! Return to the battlefield and pray it is there that you meet your end for there is no home for you here!”

Those were the last words he had said to her, for she had fled her home then, not caring that tears streamed down her face, an obvious sign of weakness but she didn’t care as she ran out of her home, pausing only to grab her father’s scythe from his wall amidst the array of armaments, swords of various sizes and weights, serrated blades to smooth, but she chose the scythe. Before leaving her home completely she visited her mother’s resting place, and under the full moon she made a pledge slicing her flesh with her father’s blade to fulfil the title that he had bestowed upon her, he labelled her a bringer of death, and she would fulfil that legacy…she would do all that was within her power to prevent her homeland being taken by the likes of Lord Eigel and with her scythe at her side, marred with her blood so that it would only be wielded by her and answer her call, she refused to fail!

Her story is not a happy one…but then again, few truly are.


Reinhard Waller – To be announced

(description to be provided for by player)

Background:

The kingdom of Isa has ruled over most of modern day Norway, Sweden, and Northern Finland for a decade. Control has been kept through the ruthless leadership of Lord Eigel. Through the use of his magical ability to control and create ice, his large stature and immense strength, and his brilliant military tactics have brought him victory after victory on the battlefield.
During the 5th year of his reign he marched his army against the city of Tivaz. The warriors there were powerful and held the army of Isa beyond its gates. When the Isan army ruptured the city one battalion remained of the Tivazan guard. They fought bravely under the command of Erik. They were eventually overrun however, but before the killing blow could be brought down upon Eric, his sister intervened and offered her hand in marriage to Lord Eigel in return for the halt of hostilities and the sparing of her brothers life. Lord Eigel was surprised by this gesture. His curiosity for this woman prompted him to accept her offer.
Five years later Eric has begun amassing an army to overthrow Lord Eigel. He has found many men that would like to see the rule of Isa brought to an end. And also those that would like to see Isa’s expansion halted before it enveloped their homelands. Among these are the Celtic warrior Aife and the Bavarian commander Reinhard Waller.
Word of the rebellious force reaches Lord Eigel and he immediately sends out his Eastern army to deal with it. The forces of Isa are lead by Commander Kollswein. He is known throughout the kingdom as Kollswein the Plague because of his complete annihilation of all opposition.
The Isan army camps along the banks of the lake. Lord Eigel sits in his tent, but refuses to dirty his hands on such a meager offering and so leaves the battle entirely in the hands of Kollswein. With the forest at their back, the army of the rebels plots a way to overcome the much larger force that threatens to wipe them out. Eric however is a skilled tactician and creates a plan to help them even the odds. He also has a trump card that is unknown to even his most trusted generals.

Act 1:
Prelude – The Dawn

Act 2:
Battaglia – Battle of Tuntsa

Act 3:
Finale - A Kingdom Falls

Act 1:
Prelude – The Dawn

Lord Eigel sits upon a makeshift wooden throne in his tent upon the edge of Lake Tuntsa. Across the field the rebels lay in wait. Commander Kollswein stands before him to receive his final instructions before the coming dawn.

Lord Eigel stands as he speaks. He towers above everyone present. His silver armor glimmers in the flickering torches. Upon his breastplate he bears a dagger forged from gold; the symbol of his family. His sword lay sheathed on the left side of his throne and his wife Andras stands on his right.

“Kollswein, you have served me faithfully for many years now,” he said in a voice that seems to fill the room. “There I trust you to make short work of these rebels without my intervention. And I don’t think I have to tell you that no quarter or aid will be given to wounded or captured foes. Kill them all quickly and do not return until you have.”

Commander Alvar Kollswein smiles maliciously as he listens to the commands of Lord Eigel.

"My Lord," he answers, "I have never failed you in my service all these years, nor have I ever lost a battle while in your service. Indeed, I have never lost a battle at all, except when I fought against you all those years ago. Now I, and the men of Narvik, serve you unquestioningly, and the Kingdom of Isa prospers."

Kollswein's smile deepens as he runs his thump along the edge of the great battle axe at his side. "I will destroy these rebels for you, my Lord. If you want it done quickly, quickly it will be done..." A slight hesitation, then Kollswein speaks up again. "My lord, it will not go over especially well with my men, that we cannot take prisoners. They will not enjoy having no one to torture; it is always unwell when we must kill them all quickly, and have none to... play with... afterwards." Kollswein's smile takes on another tone, one predicting a deeper pleasure in the future from darker, more sadistic pursuits. "Is there something different about these rebels, My Lord, that they must be dealt with quickly? Is there something that I should know?"

Sitting in his tent in the Forest, Erik looked over the maps he had laid out on the table in front of him. On the map he had markers for where his troops were located and where his scouts had told him Eigel had his troops positioned. Were their accounts to be correct about the number of enemy troops, they would easily be outnumbered 2 to 1. Scanning the map with a deep look of intent on his face Erik was interrupted by one of his scouts returning for the night.

"Commander, I wish to make the final report," the scout said.

Looking up, Erik motioned with his hand that he wished the scout to speak. What followed was not unexpected, Eigel did in fact outnumber Erik and his forces 2 to 1, and Kollswein was there as second in command. While the news was not a shock to Erik, it still meant that there was a lot to get done before the battle began.

"I need you to do one last thing for me before you go to sleep for the night," Erik said to the scout, "I need you to go find Aife and Reinhard and tell them I need to speak with them right away. Once you do that go back to your tent and get some sleep, we will have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

As the scout walked out Erik took one last look at the map before standing up and walking over to the corner of his tent. No small man himself, although not nearly as big as Eigel, Erik stood 6'6" tall and weighed a muscular 250lbs. He had sky blue eyes and shoulder length blond hair which he kept tied back in a pony tail. On his left cheek was a scar, a constant reminder to him of his last encounter with Eigel and the deal they had made.

He walked with a confident stride over to the corner of his tent where his armor lay. It was full body armor made out of the best metals around. On the knuckles of his gloves were 1inch spikes, and on the shoulders of his breastplate were thick 4inch spikes. Neatly etched on the center of the breast plate was the rune Algiz which symbolized protection, and behind that was a lightning bolt. Picking up his helm and looking it over, Erik rubbed his hand across the lightning bolt etched into the back.


Algiz

Putting down the helm and picking up his battle axe, Erik held it high above his head before bringing it down to inspect it. The axe was a full 2ft long with a massive double blade on the end of it. At the tip of the axe in between the blades was a solid 6inch spike perfect for impaling people's heads. On both sides of the blades was etched the rune of Tiwaz which was said to bring victory in battle when carved on a weapon.


Tiwaz

"You have broken the bond formed between us Eigel," Erik said as he began swinging the axe in front of him, "and you have brought disgrace to my family. This battle shall bring about your downfall and the return of my family's honor, and your severed head will be a notice to all of the end of your reign.

Setting the axe back in place, Erik walked back over to his table and sat down awaiting the arrival of Aife and Reinhard. The battle ahead was going the be the hardest any of them had ever fought, and they were going to have to be prepared.

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Meanwhile, on the other side of the camp, Reinhard Waller paced around in his tent going over things in his mind. Erik had been upfront with both him and Aife from the beginning and Reinhard was starting to plan things out in his mind. The upcoming battle was going to be a rough one and Reinhard knew it, the last thing he wanted was to come this far and lose to Eigel. Just as he was about to head out and find Erik a scout showed up at his tent and let him know that he was to report to Erik's tent immediately.

"So," Reinhard thought to himself as he left his tent, "the wheels are being set in motion."

Lord Eigel looked down upon his subordinate with a look of ice. He spoke clearly and without emotion. “You know what I allow you to know Commander and nothing more. For every one of their soldiers that escapes the battlefield alive, one of your men will take his place in death.”

As Eigel was finishing a scout wearing the dagger of his Lord came in and kneeled, bowing his head to the floor. “My Lord, I bring news from the enemy camp,” the scout said through gasping breaths.

Lord Eigel took his place once again on his throne and bade his scout to speak. “The rebels have their camp positioned inside the forest. They appear to be around 25,000 strong with 5,000 heavy cavalry. I did not see any archer units, but there must have been at least some people with bows and skill with them; for I was the only one to return out of the five scouts ordered to infiltrate.”

Lord Eigel squinted at the scout and asked “and what of their leader? The man called Eric.” At the mention of her brother’s name Andras’s head perked up and she also looked intently at the scout.

“He prepares the main force as we speak Sire.” Lord Eigel waved his hand in the air and the scout rose to his feet and departed the tent.

Outside the scout looked around at the sea of snow and the fleet of tents floating on the surface of it. The 50,000 troops of the Isan Eastern division were preparing themselves for battle. The nobler of the men were mounting their horses and collecting themselves into their battalions. The 15,000 heavy cavalry consisted mostly of Kollswein’s own Narvik guard with scatted others also allowed to join its ranks. The 5,000 archers were stringing their bows and filling their quivers.

The scout walked around for a time. He looked at the frozen lake behind the Isan camp and then went to the front of the camp where one mile beyond was the field where the armies would clash. It was covered with a foot of snow that would slow infantry and also glare the sun into the eyes of archers. Large boulders jutted through the snow with smaller rocks hidden beneath. The rocky terrain would make this battle hard for troops and cavalry alike. But this was probably in Eric’s design he thought. He would take anything to level the odds against him.

He then looked past the battlefield to the forest that kept the rebel army hidden. It was full of tall pine trees that were full at the top but bare near their bases. It was perfect to hold an army. He could see the sun rising over the tree tops and see the army preparing to move out.

Back in the tent of the Lord, Eigel looked back at Kollswein. “You are dismissed Commander. I wish a private word with my wife.”

Alfie stood poised in a low fighting stance, her slender frame donned in black slacks that curved tightly to her thigh muscles that were taut with the pressure of holding her posture. The loose tunic fluttered in the breeze, as did her long brunette hair, spaying about her as she brandished her scythe, her dark brown, almost onyx eyes flashed, she looked beautiful and sinister all at once as she concentrated on the blade that hummed with a pent up vibrancy,

Many of the men had retired for the night, save those who were on watch duty, but she could not retire…the air was thick with the tension of impending battle; it adorned her lungs as she breathed in deeply, soothing her racing mind and thundering heart.

Even though the armed forced bore no gender restrictions it was rare to find female warriors amidst the forces, and even though she bore her own reputation there were still those that sceptic her abilities and indeed her worth in the battlefield. She could feel them now, the eyes of those that doubted, trailing over her form as prepared herself.

She launched herself forward, her scythe a blur as she brought it before her in a series of elaborate yet erratic arcs that bore no pattern, she never repeated the same sequence too often, not wanting her enemies or even her comrades to be able to truly predict her movements. The scythe split the air with an audible whoosh as she flipped through the forest’s undergrowth, outstretching both a foot and her scythe in savage strikes at invisible enemies.

The scout sent out by Erik was most grateful that she was as capable fighter and wielder of her scythe as her reputation depicted, as his sudden appearance caused her to alter the trajectory of her final sweeping arc to aim for his head, stopping but centre metres from carving a gash in his skull.

Alfie smiled maliciously at his quaking form as his eyes were fixed upon her weapon, she was also renowned for being slightly psychotic in the heat of battle. “Did you want something?” She asked politely, withdrawing her scythe to her side for the scout’s own peace of mind.

He gulped discreetly, attempting in vain to hide his fear and embarrassment. “Commander Erik has requested your presence.” He stated in a voice that wasn’t too shaky.

“Of course, thank you.” She answered curtly, running a tentative yet loving finger over the blade’s edge, remembering how it had felt to slice her flesh with it’s smooth, sleek blade, relishing the thought that her enemies would soon enough have the same privilege.

She turned sharply and headed towards Erik’s tent, most would have been polite and attempted to knock on the fabric construction or at least warn of their presence. Alfie on the other hand merely strode into its vicinity.

“You called?” She asked cheerfully.

Lord Eigel looked down upon his subordinate with a look of ice. He spoke clearly and without emotion. “You know what I allow you to know Commander and nothing more. For every one of their soldiers that escapes the battlefield alive, one of your men will take his place in death.”

Kollswein narrows his eyes as Eigel speaks, opting not to respond as the scout enters and begins giving his report. Something was clearly bothering the Lord about these particuliar rebels; he had never shown such blatant disrespect before. It was as disturbing as it was insulting, and Kollswein wasn't about to put up with it on an extended basis. He worked for Eigel because there was a mutual respect between them; if that respect was no longer there, Kollswein had no qualms about abandonning Eigel on the field of battle, or even joining this pitiful rebel band, if necessary.

Kollswein was silent as the scout spoke, paying careful attention to the details of the report and filing them awayfor use in the battle; they agreed with the information his own scouts had brought back. As the scout left, Kollswein once again narrowed his eyes when Lord Eigel dismissed him like a common soldier.

"As you wish, Eigel," Kollswein responded gruffly, expressing his displeasure with the lack of respect Eigel had been showing him, even as a subordinate. The commander whirled, his shoulder length red hair brushing against his face as he left the Lord's tent. If he was put into jeopardy because Eigel did not see fit to impart all the information he had... suffice to say that the consequences would be dire.

As Kollswein left the tent, his honor guard accompanied him on his way back to where the main force was marshalling. A 25 man honor guard of the toughest, strongest, most brutal veterans from Narvik. They expected him to head back to the main force... instead, however, he went to where the scouts stood. He ignored those that were Eigel's men, walking right past them. They were decent men, and relatively trustworthy, but they did not have the same skill as his own scouts. He pulled asside the best 20 and gave them their orders for before the battle.

"I need more information about these rebels, and their plans. Under cover of the forest, go to the outskirts of their army and capture someone, or a small group of someones. Preferably officers, but time is of the essence. Bring them back here stealthily, and put them in one of the mess tents. Then come and find me. Now go."

As the scouts were leaving, one of Kollswein's officers approaches him. "Sir," he comments, "unless they are lucky enough to get an officer it is unlikely we will be able to learn anything of use."

"I know," replies Kollswein gruffly. "But we may get lucky, and regardless it will be fun. We won't get much chance for torture after this battle, so we may as well get in what we can before hand."

Both officers laugh manaically, the bodyguard joining in, their horrible "BWA HA HA HA HA" echoing across the camp as they make their way over to the next part of the camp to be checked...

Sitting at his table looking over the map of the battlefield Erik suddenly heard someone push back the flap of his tent.

“You called?”

"Ah, Aife good to see you," Erik said, "please have a seat we have much to discuss."

Taking a seat next to Reinhard who had already arrived, Aife paid close attention to what Erik had to say. Both knew that they were badly outnumbered and were anxious to hear what Erik had in mind. Speaking softly and clearly, Erik explained his plans to his two generals in great detail. There were to be 5 movements in which they would engage their enemy.

Folding his hands in front of him and looking both his generals in the eyes Erik sighed and said, "This will be the toughest battle any of us has been in. But I have the utmost confidence in the both of you and the troops you command. Get rest tonight, you will need your strength tomorrow."

Getting up and seeing Aife and Reinhard to the door Erik suddenly heard something off in the distance. Someone had tripped one of the border alarms that were set up along the outskirts of the forest. Stepping out of his tent Erik saw an arrow with a note on it shoot just past his head into the tree next to him. Pulling off the note Erik read that 20 of Kollswein's elite guard had penetrated the forest.

"Such arrogance," Erik growled, "if Kollswein wants some information I will send him a message."

Heading back into his tent and grabbing his battle axe, Erik moved stealthily through the forest to where the intrunders had entered. Climbing up to a branch on a tree just off the path Erik kept his eyes open for the intruders. As they approached Erik leapt out of the tree and brought his axe down through the shoulder of the first intruder he saw. Pulling his axe out Erik brought the axe around and lopped off the intruders head.

Snapping around he blocked a sword swipe from one of the guards and quickly stabbed the guard next to him in the chest with the spike on the end of the axe. Sliding down to the ground to avoid a slash that was aimed at his head Erik lifted the guard off the ground and kicked him off towards the guard who had attacked him. Spinning up he narrowly missed another slash and came up swinging at the head of the guard who had just tried to kill him.

Taking off the head of that guard Erik brought his axe up behind his head just in time to block an attack from the only intruder left standing. Flicking his axe upward knocking the guard's sword out of the way Erik came around and slammed his axe into the guard's chest. Ripping the axe out Erik swung it around and chopped the guard's head off.

In the same fashion as the others Erik methodically worked his way through the guards doding and blocking their attacks. One by one he decapitated them all as his clothes became drenched in the blood of his enemies. Not tiring in the least Erik finished off the last standing guard with a powerful backhanded slash that took his head off clean.

Looking over the slaughter Erik could see the guard he knocked down earlier getting up and charging towards him. Ducking under his slash, Erik swung his axe around hacking off the guard's leg. Standing back up Erik ignored the guard he just knocked down and went over the the only dead guard who still had his head. Chopping his head off Erik went around and collected eight of the other heads he had cut off and put them in a bag.

Walking back to the lone surviving guard Erik tossed the bag with the heads of his comrades into his lap.

"Kollswein wanted information so badly then tell him this," Erik barked to the guard, "come tomorrow he shall see whatever god he pays tribute to and I will personally make sure of that. Now go, before I decide to reunite you with your fellow guards."

Watching as the guard grabbed a nearby spear to use as a cane Erik stood where he was and made sure he left. After the guard had exited the forest Erik went around and gathered up the bodies and heads of the dead guards. With everything gathered up he began to walk towards the end of the forest facing Eigel's encampment. As he passed he mumbled something into the trees on his way to the forest edge.

Reaching the edge of the forest Erik proped up all the corpses against trees and held them in place by impaling them on their own swords. Placing the heads in front of the bodies at their feet Erik thought this would be a fitting sight for Kollswein at the outset of the battle. Heading back into the forest another arrow with a note shot just past Erik's head into the tree next to him. Reading the note Erik found out that the remaining guard had headed back towards Eigel's camp and had gone out of sight.

Returning to his tent Erik proceeded to take off his blood covered clothes and wipe the blood off his axe. Putting on clean clothes, well cleaner than the ones he just took off, Erik flopped down onto his cot. It was going to be a long day tomorrow and he wanted to be rested and ready, especially after his little bit of night exercise.

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Having heard the plans of their impending battle from Erik, Reinhard proceeded to leave the tent of his commander and walk back to his own. Once again Erik had proven himself to be a brilliant strategist and an excellent leader. The battle plan couldn't be better, and the respect and confidence Erik had in both Aife and himself made Reinhard all the more sure that things would go well tomorrow. Once back to his tent Reinhard gathered his main force and informed them of their participation in the various movements of the upcoming battle.

Having told his troops what they were to expect Reinhard dismissed them and told them all to get sleep and be prepared for the struggles ahead. Deciding he wanted to get some air before he went to sleep Reinhard walked around the forest some. Nearing the edge of the forest Reinhard could see Erik carrying dead bodies out to the front of the forest. Watching intently Reinhard watched his leader display the bodies in a most disrespectful way that looked like a message to the enemy.

"Well it looks like our fearless leader is as rough and brutal as ever," Reinhard thought to himself, "that's good, because this battle will not be easy."

Satisfied that they were in good hands with Erik at the helm, Reinhard headed back to his tent to get some sleep. Laying down on his cot Reinhard put his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. Thinking for a minute about what was to come in the day ahead Reinhard slipped quickly into a deep sleep.

Alfie listened intently to Erik’s words, especially the sections in which her troops and her were a distinctive factor; she nodded her approval at the well-constructed strategy. She rose with Reinhard and exited the tent, pausing momentarily as Erik exclaimed "Such arrogance, if Kollswein wants some information I will send him a message."

Alfie watched the receding form of Erik, refraining from following suit, she knew Erik could take care of himself, of that she had no doubt. That didn’t prevent her from wishing to help antagonise Kollswein.

But preparations had to be made and the troops need to be enlightened of the plan and the roles that they each had to play. Walking swiftly, her hair streaming out behind her as she twirled her scythe idly between her fingers with an endless grace, relishing the feel of the smooth wooden handle, faintly warm from the heat of her hand.

She gathered the troops and filled them in on the details divulged to her by Erik, explaining in explicit detail to ensure that there wasn’t a soldier who didn’t know what was expected of them, even to the extent that she requested that before they fully retired for the night that they check out the area where they were to be situated at the battle’s start to ensure that the forest that had sheltered them was to provide no hindrances.

Alfie never lied to her troops; she told things as they were, and the truth of the situation was that many were going to die on the battlefield, just as many of those that had preceded them had. She gave them her usual, customary advice, “The extent to which you survive is a direct reflection of how much you value your lives! You have homes, families eagerly awaiting your safe return, do not disappoint them nor bring dishonour upon them! That is all, scout out your positions and then retire.”

Alfie turned from them then, backtracking from whence she had come. She wanted to view the battlefield before the ground became a pulped mass with the blood of the deceased. She hoisted herself into the trees, flipping through the dense shrubbery, making her way unseen to the forest’s edge. Her mind preoccupied, Erik’s plan was a good one, and it gave them a good chance of a victory, but what if they did win? Unlike her troops she had no home to return to when the days of war were over…the battlefield was her home and sanctuary all rolled into one, and in truth she feared the war’s end. For what life is there for those whose only purpose in life is to fight?

Reaching the forest’s edge she saw Erik pinning the decapitated frames of the enemy’s scouts to the trees, a gruesome sign of the rebels’ unrelenting spirit. She growled faintly, severely annoyed that she had not gotten a chance to spill blood this night, letting her blade taste the blood of her enemy, giving it a brief sample of what was to come. “Typical male, doesn’t like to share!” She whispered with faint amusement. “Doesn’t leave any for the rest of us…” She diverted her gaze from Erik, as he returned to his tent, to the deserted space between the two forces…she smiled with anticipation, then following Erik’s example she returned to her tent, determined to get at least some sleep that night, not wishing for fatigue to cause her any problems.

“You do not approve of my words.” Lord Eigel spoke coldly to his wife without acknowledging her with a gaze. His eyes remained cold and fixated forward upon the flickering embers of the torch at the door of his tent.

Andras felt the cold air coming from Eigel’s heart and it filled her with an uncontrollable sorrow. She could not bear the thought of her brother’s death. She ran before the King’s throne and fell to her knees, weeping loudly. “I beg you my Lord, spare my brother’s life! I have already given you everything I could ever possibly give, is that not worth at least the life of one man! I beg you!”

Lord Eigel felt his wife’s tears fall upon his leg and freeze solid on contact. His eyes gleamed with a blue fire as he stood up suddenly. He reached his hand back and brought it forward, striking his wife across the face. Andras left her knees from the force of the blow and fell upon her side crying.

“Your courage was the reason I originally took you as my wife, Andras.” Lord Eigel looked down upon his weeping wife and then sat back upon his throne. “There are very few on this globe who would ever dare ask favors of me. But your request can not be allowed. As long as your brother lives he will always challenge me. One can not exist on the Earth with the other.” Lord Eigel reached down the side of his throne and stroked the handle of his sword. “He will die tomorrow. Now leave me and mourn your brother. Be weary however, if you decide to end your own life in your sorrow; the rest of your family at Tivaz will be sent to join you.”

Andras rose to her feet, rubbing her swollen and red cheek. Her tears continued to roll as she knelt on one knee and departed. Lord Eigel watched her leave and sat alone in his tent. The torches slowly extinguished and left Eigel in darkness. His body was concealed in shadow except for his piercing blue eyes, which never seemed to close.

"He said that, did he?" Kollswein asked of the last surviving scout that had come out to him.

"Yes, Commander," was the only reply.

"And were you able to learn anything of use?"

"No, Commander."

"I see." Without a flicker of emotion on his face, Kollswein's hands moved faster than could have been believed for a man his size, his axe appearing to fly from its place on his hip as the scout's head seperated from his shoulders. "Feed that to the dogs," growled Kollswein. Men hurried to do his bidding as he moved on to another part of the camp, accompanied by his elite guard. The commander of these rebels had personally killed 19 of his scouts... only scouts, to be sure, but they had been from Narvik... elite scouts. Their battle prowess was nothing compared to that of his regular men, but still, it was something to be considered.

Kollswein moved silently through the camp, checking his arrangements. He inwardly cursed Eigel and his haste... Lord Eigel's decision to rush this force out here and confront the rebels immediately had forced Kollswein to leave behind the slow moving, but useful, catapults. Better in Kollswein's mind to wait the few extra days to ensure that they had all that they needed, and he could put those catapults to such use... regardless, done was done. He still outnumbered these rebels two to one, and Eigel would... well, probably would... have told him if he knew of anything else they had up their sleeves.

That forest where the rebels had their encampment was well fortified, and a naturally defensible place. His plans would have to account for that... it would be so much easier with catapults!! Never-the-less, he put the complaint out of his mind and, with a snarl, moved off to where the archers were preparing. He took asside the commander of the archers. "All is in readiness?"

"N-N-N-N-N-Nearly, C-C-C-Commander K-K-Kollswein, sir!" the man said, cowering. Kollswein grimaced, the scar on his face making the expression truely horrible. The vast majority of the archers in this army were men of Isa, and they were commanded by this snivelling wretch; why Eigel had such men in his employ, Kollswein had no idea; he could not stand up to any of the men that had come from Kollswein's homeland of Narvik.

"Good," Kollswein finally replied to the stuttering fool. "Make sure that your men have enough of the special arrows, and that they know when to switch to normal. See to their positioning according to my battle plan, and alert me when it is completed."

"Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes, sir!!"

"And stop that stuttering, or I'll cut out your tongue and feed it to whoever deigns to replace you." With a barely muffled "eep," the Captain of Archers leapt to obey Kollswein's commands.

With a rueful shake of his head, Kollswein stepped to the front of his infantry lines, speaking to the captain there... a fellow with more backbone, thankfully. "Are the baricades in place?"

"Yes, Commander. Almost all of them have been raised as per your instructions." Indeed, Kollswein could see the wooden baricades being risen all across the field, seemingly at random, but actually according to his careful design.

"Excellent. The men have their instructions?"

"Yes, Commander. The infantry will do you proud, sir."

"Good. Continue, and alert me when all is in readiness. I go to ensure that the cavalry has been prepared."

"Yes, Commander." Cheers rose up from the assembled thousands of infantrymen as Kollswein passed.

"Kollswein, and victory!!"

"Horray for Kollswein!!"

"Death to the Rebels!!"

And so forth and so on. Kollswein smiled evilly to himself as he loped across the camp torwards where one half of the cavalry was gathered, going over the plan again in his mind.

As the sun rose over Tuntsa and broke through the trees in the forest hiding the rebels, Erik was awakened by the sun peeking in through his tent flaps. Rising like he would every other morning, Erik went through his usual routine. He took a small walk around the forest by his tent looking over the troops around him knowing that he would be sending them into battle soon. Returning to his tent Erik made himself some breakfast and began mentally preparing himself for the coming fight.

Picking up his battle axe, Erik headed out to the front of his tent and sat down, placing the end of his battle axe into the ground in front of him. Closing his eyes Erik began his pre-battle ritual of praying and paying tribute to the god that watched over him. Standing back up and going to his tent, Erik put away his weapon and started stretching out before he put his armor on. Getting himself all set and into his armor Erik picked his axe back up and headed out to where all the troops were gathered.

Addressing the troops Erik kept things short and honest like always. "This begins the toughest battle anyone amongst us has been in so far. I expect no more out of you men that I do out of myself. We are outnumbered and susposedly outclassed, but that means nothing. We have the advantage in this fight and we shall leave this place victorious. Just go out there and fight with everything you have and leave it all on the battlefield."

Once he finished giving his speech, Erik walked over to where Reinhard was to give him further instructions for leading his men. Reinhard was a good officer and Erik trusted him with some of the most important movements in the battle. "It begins now friend, take your men and begin the first movement. You know where to go from there."

Having completed preparations for the opening movement of the battle, Erik headed towards the front of the forest to position himself. Sliding his helm over his head and lifting up the face guard Erik looked out over the battle field and sighed.

"This is for you sister," Erik said to no one, "and those others who have been mistreated by Eigel. For you I will obtain victory today."

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Waking up just as the sun began coming up over the horizon, Reinhard was feeling ready for whatever would come his way. Unlike Erik he had a very simple morning routine, he made himself breakfast and did some basic stretching before putting on his armor. The bavarian beast stood a solid 6'5", weighed a muscular 210lbs, was bald and had a thick dark black goatee. Heading over to his armor, Reinhard suited up piece by piece, inspecting everything before he put it on to make sure it was ready.

Like Erik, Reinhard wore a full suit of armor with the only difference being he did not have a full helm. On the front of his breast plate was etched a massive griffin in front of two swords, the symbol of his family. His helm covered only the top of his head and had 6inch horns sticking out forward from the sides. Once head had all his armor on Reinhard walked over and picked up his sword and took it out of its sheath.

Looking up and down the blade of his sword Reinhard ran his finger along the edge to make sure it was still sharp. Now holding the sword still in front of him Reinhard looked at the saying carved into the middle of the blade on both sides. "Für selbst, für familie, für land, für ehre," it said which translated roughly to, "For self, for family, for country, for honor," which was the age old battle motto of his family. Reading that Reinhard knew all to well that today he would be fighting for all of those things, and that he needed to heed those words now more than ever.

Heading out of his tent, Reinhard caught up with Erik just as he prepared to give the troops his prewar speech. Listening closely Reinhard knew Erik was right, and he knew that there was a good chance that he would lay down his life for Erik on this day. Heading off Reinhard got all the instruction he needed for the beginning of the battle as Erik said, "It begins now friend, take your men and begin the first movement. You know where to go from there."

Walking back over to where his troops were Reinhard said to them, "You heard the man, this is what we have been preparing for. You all know what is expected of you and I stand here knowing that no man here will dishonor himself, his country or his fellow soldier. Now let us go, the first movement begins now."

Mounting his horse, Reinhard lead his troops slowly out of the forest and towards the battlefield. Passing Aife on the way Reinhard gave her a knowing nod and proceeded on exiting the forest. Once out of the thick forest Reinhard and his troops lined up in perfect formation. They were a small fighting force, but a very well trained and determined group that included 5,000 heavy cavalry and 20,000 infantry.

Standing out in front of his troops on his horse Reinhard looked out over the battlefield. It was turning out to be a beautiful day and Reinhard was almost sorry that they would be covering the snowy plains in blood. Looking out towards the lake Reinhard could see what looked to be Kollswein and his main force slowly working their way towards the plain.

Pulling his sword out of his sheath and addressing his men Reinhard said, "This is it, on my command we attack and leave no man standing. And when I give the order to begin the second movement you all know what to do."

Turning back to face the approaching enemy Reinhard took and deep breath and thought to himself, "Today will be a most glorious day. Today we fight for our future and our honor. Kollswein, Eigel, you shall meet your end today on this battlefield, I will personally see to that."

Alfie woke with the dawn and quickly prepared herself, the day was to be a long and arduous one, and one she was willing to meet head on. She ran a tentative finger over the aging scar on her hand where she had sliced her flesh with her scythe when making her vow to fulfil her title as the “bringer of death”. She prayed to no one in particular that she would be able to bare that name once again during this battle.

She held her scythe out in front of her, her eyes fluttering shut for a few minutes as she concentrated on her weapon, honing it’s potential as well as her own so that the two meshed and intertwined. She felt the familiar warmth radiating from its surface and could envision the gentle red hue encircling its frame; it hummed with pent up energy and seemed just as anxious for battle as she was.

She opened her eyes and marvelled at her weapon, it felt as though it were an extension of her being, to be wielded and cared for by her and her, it no longer answered to her father.

She donned her battle armour quickly, unlike the orthodox style worn by most she was unwilling to sacrifice flexibility and graceful movements to ensure that she was fully protected, she believed that if she was able to move fluidly and use her abilities at their best then she was just as well suited for battle as those decked in full battle armour. She wore a simple chest plate and her helmet was tucked under her arm, with metal protective plates covering her thighs and shins she also donned wrist plates that were as affective as any shield when blocking blows.

And for her and a selection of her troops, freedom of movement was to be a welcomed asset, she was grateful to hear that the troops had each surveyed their individual positions the previous night and each was confident that the forest would provide no hindrance and only support.

And so the battle was to commence soon, the very air oscillated with it’s impending force. Alfie stood to the side as she watched Reinhard pass by, she nodded back to him, whispering under her breath that he and his troops would succeed in their objective, for all of their sakes.

She watched their retreating forms; both relieved and disappointed that she was not amongst them for the battle’s start, but she had her own part to play…she turned swiftly on her heel and set about insuring that her troops were prepared for what lay ahead…

Act 2
Battaglia - The Battle of Tuntsa

Lord Eigel sat upon his throne in the darkness of his tent. He had spent the night unmoving in intense thought. A single strip of light leaked through the front flap of his tent. The light slowly slithered across the floor like a serpent. It reached the edge of Lord Eigel’s throne and crawled its way up until it split his face in two.

The pale light of morning twinkled in Eigel’s crystal blue eyes. “I can hear the Valkyries song floating on the breeze. The dawn brings death with it. Kollswein will cover this field with the blood of my enemies. And then I will bring upon this Earth the Fimbulvetr.” Lord Eigel reached down the side of his throne and took his sword in his hand. He unsheathed it and stared at the five-foot blade. It was covered from tip to handle with gold. On the handle was a golden drawing of the wolf Skoll devouring the sun. He held his sword high and then smashed the tip between his feet. Splinters of his throne flew in all directions.

Eigel released his sword and left it standing before him. He spoke one final word in a whisper. His word floated from his tent and flew over the gathered armies. The two forces stood at either end of the battlefield. Anticipation rose off the shoulders of those gathered like steam. Above the mass of the Army of Isa, Eigel’s word seemed to linger and fade. Kollswein stared across at his enemy as the word of his Lord drifted in his ear.

“Unstoppable.”

Kollswein inhaled deeply, letting the crisp, frozen morning air fill his lungs. Ah, a good day to die. It was a cold morning, but the men were Northmen, acclimated to such things. All was in readiness, it seemed, as Kollswein walked from formation to formation in the predawn. The infantry prepared in their ordered ranks behind the archers, the cavalry divided into three segments, the two largest on either side of the field, the smaller in the back, with the infantry being held in reserve. His flankers were out, and his scouts reported that the enemy was just stirring from the forest.

Truely, Kollswein hadn't expected such before dawn and, frankly, he didn't expect the enemy to stir from that forest at all, willingly. After all, that place was an extremely defensible tangle of underbrush and trees. There, they would have an excellent advantage despite being outnumbered two to one... once again, Kollswein mentally cursed Eigel's haste that had prevented the margin from being four or five to one, and with heavy equipment besides. Well, past was past. No use dwelling on it. Focus on the present. This rebel leader was truely a fool if he willingly came out to do battle on the field. Kollswein immediately adjusted his plans mentally, discarding the idea he had had for forcing the rebels out of the forest.

"Begin phase one," ordered Kollswein just before the sun was about to come up. The signalmen who were with him, inside his circle of elite guard, waved their flags furiously at either side of the formation. The signals were repeated, and the two large cavalry forces left the formation, loping off to the cover on either side of the field of battle, still littered with the seemingly random baricades and the... heh heh... little surprises that they hid.

Kollswein the Plague then headed back torwards the infantry formation, and the archers ahead of them, allready placed on the field of battle, just within bow range of the forest on the far side. The cavalrymen had their orders, and would wait for the next signals to take action. He looked around at the gathered thousands of infantrymen as the sun started creeping over the horizon. "Lord Eigel has ordered that every one of these rebels be killed. So shall we do!! We shall bathe in their blood, drink the fluid of their eyes and eat their livers!! NO MERCY!!"

"NO MERCY!!" the vicious army chanted again and again as loudly as they could. Commander Kollswein was never much for speeches, but this one had sufficed.

“Unstoppable.”

Kollswein stared across the field at the forest that held the enemy as his lord's whisper drifted to his ear. He smiled slightly.

"Shall we continue with phase one, Commander?" asked one of the signalmen with him.

"The enemy have not moved as I expected; we will not have to burn them out of the firest after all. I shall give the orders personally. Stand back." Indeed, they all gave the man space as he climbed atop a nearby rock and raised his arms, signalling for silence from his infantrymen. Lord Eigel... the men of Narvik had called him the Ice Lord when he came to personally direct the battle against them, the only man that they feared as much as their own commander... and how that grated. Ice Lord... a fitting name, if unused by those wise, because of his powers. Few would expect what was about to come form one of his armies.

"Archers," Kollswein bellowed, "Nock Arrows!"

Every archer in the command obeyed this instruction, blinking at the ommission of the expected order, "Nock Special Arrows."

The next command would have been "Archers, ignite," had things gone as Kollswein had expected. This rebel truely was a fool to leave the protection of his forest base so early in the battle. Kollswein had fully expected to have to burn down a part of the forest with flaming arrows to force the rebels out. Well, so much the better. He still had his little surprises behind the baricades in the field, placed the night before. The rebel army was allready among them, and would be in place in moments.

"Archers... LOOSE!!"

The first volley of 5000 arrows was away. Most came down among the rebels, striking the marching men. What Kollswein would have done for catapults to make this plan perfect, though...

"Archers... nock... LOOSE!!" A second volley.

Elite Archers, nock special arrows, Archers nock..." One archer in ten nocked a pitch covered arrow, while the rest nocked the normal ones. "Archers... ignite." Those with pitch arrows lit them on the nearby torches. "Archers... LOOSE!!"

Again, 5000 arrows flew torwards the enemy. This time, though, 500 of them were on fire. Many missed their intended mark, falling instead among the rebels with the normal arrows. Most, though, fell where they were aimed by the best archers Eigel's army had to offer...

Commander Kollswein smiled and a brief cheer went up from the infantry as, all over the field, over a dozen of the baricades exploded as the arrows his the barrels made of deliberately thin wood which contained the specially prepared lamp oil. They were not large explosions, lacking proper gunpowder, but they were large enough to soak any rebels unfortunate enough to be standing near what was left of the baricades with flaming lamp oil.

Kollswein repeated his set of commands and another volley of arrows, some flaming, was let loose, and still more baricades exploded.

There were not enough baricades left on the field for another volley of flaming arrows to be of any use. What happened next depended on the rebels. If they charged, he estimated he had time left for one more volley of normal arrows before he gave the order to retire the archers through the infantry to their places in the back of the force, leaving the 42,000 infantrymen to face the charge, their pikes braced to meet the beginning of it. Shields were all held at the ready now, in case the rebels defied his scouts by unleashing a volley of their own. if they continued to march orderly, for whatever reason, Kollswein would continue to fire volleys untill they were too close for comfort, and they retire his archers. Meanwhile, the cavalry was under their cover, 6000 on either side of the field, awaiting their orders. Kollswein felt that he was prepared for any reasonable tactic the rebels... now depleated by the archers and some just now having their flames snuffed by the snow... might employ.

Victory was almost assured. Kollswein allowed himself another small, malicious smile.

And it was almost time for phase 2...

As the troops stood behind him Reinhard watched as Kollswein brought his men up to the battle field. If things were to go as Reinhard thought they would Kollswein would start off with a few volleys of arrows. Without fail the first volley came across the battlefield, most of the arrows missing with some finding their mark. Next came something he never expected, a volley of arrows came over and Reinhard noticed at the last minute that a few of them had been set ablaze.

"Get away from those barrells," Reinhard yelled to his men that were near what he had thought were empty barrells strewn about the battlefield.

"So he wishes to go about things like that does he," Reinhard said to himself, "fine then, he shall see how he has underestimated his enemy."

Gathering his troops back into formation Reinhard could see that there were some men injured and a decent number of men dead from the volleys of arrows. Expecting a third to be headed his way soon Reinhard looked across the field to see Kollswein hesitating. While there had not been a lot of troops lost in the opening attack any loss of life was substantial at this point.

Riding over to where his heavy cavalry were, Reinhard gave them their orders. "Run their archers into the ground," he growled to the men, "I do not want a single one of them to make it out alive. Kollswein has hesitated, and that was his first mistake."

Looking over to where the infantry was Reinhard added, "Cover the cavalry, the most important part of this attack is to take away the advantages they have. And pay close attention, when I give the order begin the second movement without delay."

Returning to the front of his troops Reinhard led them in a methodical march towards Kollswein and his unprotected archers. As they got closer he could see Kollswein give the order for the archers to release another volley. Watching as the archers loaded up their bows Reinhard suddenly gave the order to charge. Galloping in at full speed the rebels heavy cavalry were able to catch the archers completely off guard.

With most of the cavalry soldiers carrying two weapons it was easy for them to ride right through the ranks of archers. Within minutes the entire archer section of Eigel's army had been decimated which also left the rebel's cavalry highly vulnerable. Riding right into the infantry with reckless abandon the cavalry kept slicing their way through everyone that stood in their way. As they hit the front line of the infantry many fell as their horses were speared by the waiting men.

Undaunted by what was going on around them the rebels continued to push through attacking every enemy that came within their reach. They fought like madmen, like berserkers, attacking until they couldn't move anymore, until every ounce of life had been drained from their bodies. At the forefront was Reinhard, slicing his way through the enemy with such ferocity that his men couldn't help but follow.

This way to be the deciding battle and no one on the field wanted to give up and inch of position. As the battle raged on the cavalry of the rebels slowly dwindled as they were quickly outnumbered by their enemy. Always paying attention to what was going on around him Reinhard could see his numbers fading but he pressed on. The infantry had made their initial assault on of all targets the cavalry of Kollswein catching a number of them off guard.

It wasn't long, however, before their advantage of having rushed the enemy began to falter as the shear numbers of Eigel's army began to take control. None of Reinhard's troops gave up or faltered depsite the seemingly insurmountable odds. Watching the fire and intensity of his troops Reinhard couldn't help but think that they might just win the day in the end. He was quickly snapped back to reality though as one of Kollswein's men charged him.

Ducking under the soldiers attack, Reinhard came up and slashed him in the stomach then spun around and cut off the head of the soldier charging him from behind. His armor covered in the blood of those he had slain, Reinhard continued to hack his way through the crowd stopping only to pick up the sword of a fallen rebel. Slicing his way through the mass of bodies Reinhard saw one of his officers come over to him.

"Commander, our cavalry has fallen," the officer says, "but so has their archer division."

"So, the first movement is complete," Reinhard responded, "that is good, although I am sorry to hear that it came at the cost of our entire cavalry. No matter, it is time to begin the second movement."

Heading over to a "quiet" part of the field Reinhard pulled a small back from his pocket and lit it on fire, then threw it into the air. The bag he had ignited contained the whole of the explosive powder that the rebels had. As the bag exploded it got the attention of all of Reinhard's troops, and as he had hoped all of Kollswein's troops as well. Having seen the signal Reinhard's men quickly stopped what they were doing and began to head back into the forest. Picking up his two swords Reinhard slashed the throats of a few soldiers as he himseld began to head back to the forest.

Leaving the battlefield and confused mass of Kollswein's men behind them, Reinhard and his troops reached the edge of the forrest unimpeded. With all of Kollswein's archers killed there was no way that they could attack them from behind, let alone set the forest on fire. Walking through the forest Reinhard came up Erik sitting on a stump resting his hands on his axe which stood before him.

"Commander Erik I bring word that the first movement has succeeded," Reinhard said as he bent down on one knee, "and you were right, Kollswein did instruct his archers to set their arrows on fire."

Looking up Reinhard could see that Erik had a satisfied yet grim look on his face, and Reinhard knew what he wanted to know. "We lost all 5,000 cavalry and about 5,000 or so of the infantry," Reinhard said bowing his head in reverance to those who had died for the cause, "and by my estimates sir we took out just as many if not more of their troops. All 5,000 archers are dead and at least that many infantry are dead along with about 2,000 of their cavalry. Of course I could be wrong."

Standing back up Reinhard bowed slightly to Erik and took his leave, heading back to where his troops were to prepare them for the next movement. The first movement had taken its toll on his troops, that he had expected, but Reinhard hadn't expected them to do so well. They had taken out more troops than he had expected and while the cavalry was lost, they had taken out the archer division and would be useless in the forest anyway.

Staring up to the sky Reinhard thought, "Well Erik, you have been right so far. Kollswein had archers ready to light the forest on fire and our actions on the battlefield were enough to give us all the advantage we needed. Let's hope the rest of the battle goes just as well."

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Watching as Reinhard marched his troops out to the battlefield Erik hoped everything would go alright. He knew the only two things they had to worry about were being outnumbered and Kollswein lighting the forest on fire to smoke them out. He had heard rumor of Eigel's power, but Erik had a feeling that the mighty general would not want to get his hands dirty this early in the battle. Closing his eyes and listening intently to the battle Erik could hear everything that happened.

Looking back up Erik could see that the battle was turning in Kollswein's favor and began to gather his troops to prepare them for the upcoming movements. Walking over to Aife and placing a hand on her shoulder as she watched the battle as well Erik gave her a nod of understanding. The battle was rough and the casualties were going to be high just as they all had expected but the troops had to be ready to fight. Heading back over to the stump where he was sitting Erik looked back at Aife as she went to prepare her troops for the coming movements as well.

Sitting back down Erik looked out onto the battlefield and could see a small explosion up over the heads of all the soldiers. Recognizing the signal for the start of the second movement Erik looked around as soldiers everywhere prepared themselves for their part in the third movement. Paying attention as everything fell into place Erik could see Reinhard coming closer. As the blood stained general reached him Reinhard got down on one knee and explained to Erik the results of the first movement.

Listening intently Erik liked what he heard and disliked it as well, the first movement had gone as planned but that also meant that there had been a number of casualties. The only hope now was that the rest of the movements would go as well as the first one so those who gave their lives would not have done do in vain. Upon finishing his report Erik watched as Reinhard got up and headed over to where his troops had gathered.

"You have done well Reinhard," Erik said as Reinhard walked away, "and for your efforts I thank you."

The first movement was over and the second movement was working itself to a conclusion. Walking towards the front of the forest Erik could see all the remaining rebel troops preparing themselves for the third movement. Reaching the edge of the forest Erik looked out on the battlefield and saw Kollswein and his men working their way towards him.

"You want my head do you?" Erik yelled out across Tuntsa, "Then come take it from me Kollswein. This forest I where I make my stand Eigel, you shall reign over this land no longer."

As Reinhard was leading his men across the field, Kollswein saw that he had misjudged the timing. That last volley had taken too long... Too late, he called out "Archers, retire through the infantry!! RETIRE!!!" Shout though he might, it was too late. The charging rebel cavalry swept through the archers like so much grass. Cursing his miscalculation, Kollswein prepared to salvage what he could of the situation. "Infantry, DO NOT ENGAGE!! Fall back 25 feet. Cavalry reserve to the center."

As the archers were ruthlessly slaughtered, Kollswein's orders were followed, the infantry withdrawing further and leaving the archers to their fates; it was impossible to save them at this point anyway.

"Infantry, reform the line and prepare to repel cavalry charge! Cavalry reserve, hold behind the center line, and fill any holes that appear." Obedient to his commands, the Infantrymen got their pikes up just as the rebel cavalry finished hacking their way through the archers. Hundreds of men and horses died screaming as they impaled themselves on the pikes. A vicious melee proceeded from there as the rebel cavalry battled with Kollswein's infantrymen, with the cavalry reserves he had called up filling any holes in his line. The rebels really never stood a chance, but Kollswein knew that they had achieved their objective. Cursing aloud again, Kollswein calmly turned to one of the signalmen with him.

"Signal the main body cavalry to execute phase 2 now."

The signalman nodded, raised the horn to his lips, inhaled deeply...

and died with a hiddeous squelching sound as a rebel throwing axe sliced the horn neatly in two and embedded itself in his head.

"DAMN IT!!" exclaimed Kollswein at the top of his lungs. "Has anybody got another horn?" No one did. "You two..." he picked out the two fastest of his elite guardsmen. "Ride to the cavalry units, and tell them to execute phase 2 NOW!! We have to flank them, while their infantry is still on the field. if they withdraw into the forest... GO! NOW!!" The two men chosen salutes quickly and spurred their horses out of there.

The rebel cavalry were dying in droves, and their infantry was just starting to engage when... "BANG!!"

Of all his men, only Kollswein was unsurprised. "That's their signal to retreat... damn, the cavalry is too late!! Curse you, Engelburt!!" He kicked the dead signalman, Engelburt, who was supposed to have blown the horn.

Initially confused, a number of Kollswein's infantrymen began to chase after the fleeing rebels. "NO!!" shouted Kollswein. "Do not give chase!! Reform the line and prepare to repell infantry attack; it might be a feint. Cavalry reserve, retire! AND WHERE THE HELL IS MY FLANKING ATTACK?!?!?"

As if the bellow was a summons, the two main bodies of Kollswein's cavalry finally swooped in from the flanks, having been reached by the runners that Kollswein had sent when the horn signal failed. Too late to cut off the retreat of the main body of the rebel infantry, they had to settle for cutting off the rear guard. All told, the flanking attack claimed some 3500 rebel infantry, in addition to the 500 who had died in the fighting at the line, and another thousand or so that had fallen between the archers and the explosions. Not to mention about 5000 rebel cavalry.

"Main body cavalry to fall back and rejoin the infantry in flanking positions," Kollswein ordered in an earily calm voice. His men grimaced around him- they knew he was furious. All told, he had lost all 5000 of his archers when the rebel cavalry had barreled through them like butter, about 1500 men from the cavalry reserve that had been brought up to support the infantry, another 500 cavalrymen from the flanking forces that had caught the rebel rearguard from behind, and somewhere between 3500 and 4000 infantrymen... the number was uncertain, with reports still coming in. Most of those deaths had been from those infantrymen who had disobeyed his orders, rushing forward to try to save the doomed archers, or who had been in the front line and unable to set their pikes in time to repell the cavalry charge.

"Reform the line to repell arrows- I don't want them surprising us with archers they aren't supposed to have. Cavalry on the flanks, stay alert- they might try circling around. Foragers to the line- try to salvage the archers' equipment. AND BRING ME THE REBEL WOUNDED!!" Kollswein's orders were relayed throughout the army. The battle had reached a lull, and Kollswein's sub-commanders approached him for a conference.

"We will rout these rebels out of the forest like quail, commander," began one of the sub-commanders from a conquered territory. "They are a rabble, and will easily..." the man's pompous, idiotic speach ended in a gurgle as his head was seperated from his shoulders by Kollswein's axe, quicker than he could blink. Kollswein did not suffer fools gladly.

"This was my fault," began Kollswein. "I underestimated their Commander, and I misjudged the timing of the charge. They have lost nothing of import- their cavalry would have been useless in that tangled morass- and we have lost our entire compliment of archers, our only effective means of routing them out of those woods. We have been severely set back." Kollswein sighed and shook his head. "Normally, I would be content to besiege the forestand wait for proper reinforcements and resupply to arrive. We have enough men to keep them from escaping; unfortunately, Lord Eigel has commanded that these rebels be dealt with quickly. We will not have the luxury of waiting for reinforcements and then going back to the original plan of burning them out; it seems that this rebel had anticipated my plan. We'll have to go in their after them. Make no mistake- this will not be easy. They have had weeks to prepare defensive fortifications in those woods, and they undoubtedly have a defense well planned. We, on the other hand, have no reliable maps of the forest interior and have been unable to scout it to any detail thus far. We'll be going in blind, for all intents and purposes."

At that point, an under-officer in charge of the foragers' units returned to make his report. "Commander, most of the equipment the archers had been sing was trampled in the cavalry charge. We've salvaged enough to outfit 300 men."

The quartermaster spoke up then. "With the spare supplies, we can outfit another 200 more."

"What about the special arrows?"

"None were salvagable," replied the forager.

"Is there any pitch remaining?"

The quartermaster shook his head. "Not in the quantities you'll need. We sent the majority of it forward with the archers, in anticipation of needing it for the initial salvos th force the rebels out of the forest. We have enough for 250 arrows, maybe."

Kollswein grunted. "That won't be sufficient. Forager, send any equipment you've salvaged back to the supply train; archers will do us no good in that mess."

Inwardly, Kollswein cursed most vilely as the forager left to see to his commands. Damn Eigel and his senseless orders. First, moving here in such haste that there had been no time for suitable reinforcements to arrive, much less catapults and ballistae. Then, he orders the immediate death of all the rebels, eliminating the possibility of a proper siege, which is what would be the wisest course of action to take, tactically speaking. What was it about these prticuliar rebels that had Eigel so worried? Kollswein had personally put down a dozen rebellions without Eigel taking this much interest; granted, few were this large, but that couldn't be the only reason.

Another infantry sub-commander entered the tent. "Commander, we have the rebel wounded. All told, 27 men and 2 officers."

"That's it?"

"They dragged most of their wounded back with them, sir, and many of those that weren't dragged back fought on untill they were killed by our own men."

"Very well. Perpare them for interrogation; I'll be there directly."

Kollswein turned back to his assembled officers. "Maintain defensive positions. Keep the cavalry out to prevant flanking attacks. Replenish all front line units from the reserves, and send scouts from the cavalry reserves to encircle the forest. They are not to enter of come within bowshot of the woods; I just want to make sure the rebels aren't going to try to flank us, or slip away. It's unlikely, givenm the tactical advantage they now enjoy, but this will ensure it. Inform the men that we'll be entering the forest shortly. make sure they're prepared. And don't let them have their sport with the dead ones yet; we need to maintain our ranks." With that, the sub-commanders nodded and left to carry out their orders. Kollswein took his personal guard back to where the prisoners were being kept.

As he had instructed, they had been prepared for interrogation. All had been stripped naked, their armor and weapons cast asside; the foragers were allready picking through it for equipment to keep. The two officers were staked out on the ground, spread-eagles, while the men were all hog tied off to the side.

The infantryman who had first reported the captures came up to Kollswein and whispered in his ear. "Both officers are Lieutenants. None of the men was marked as anything higher than a Corporal." Kollswein nodded, then slowly drew his dagger. A wicked glint in his eye, he just looked at the officers for a minute. They didn't have much time, but if things were rushed too much they wouldn't get any information of value. One minute of silence stretched into two... into three. Despite the cold, the two officers began to sweat, looking at Kollswein and that knife. Without warning, Kollswein dropped to a knee, twisting to the side and cleanly slicing open the gut of one of the men as the two officers watched, horrified. The man screamed as his intestines piled out onto the snow, howling in wordless pain. Putting his dagger in his teeth, Kollswein ripped out said intestines, then calmly took them over to one of the other men. Bending down slowly, menacingly, he pulled the dripping intestines taught and...

The sounds of the second man being strangled were almost completely drowned out by the screams of the first. Kollswein timed it out perfectly- both infantrymen died at the same instant, in front of the officers.

"You didn't... you didn't even ask them any questions..." stammered one of the officers from his position staked out on the ground.

Kollswein just looked at that officer untill he fell silent with a worried gulp.

Kollswein walked up to a third man. His knife still in his teeth, he whipped out his axe and struck the man's head from his shoulders. A strangely merciful death, all things considered. The man had reason to be thankful- not so for soldier number four. Kollswein licked the blood off his axe, replaced it at his hip, then picked up the severed head by its long hair.

Using the head as a bludgeon, it took him just under five minutes to kill soldier number four. By the time he was done, the body was an unrecognizable mass of broken bones, there was little to nothing left of the head itself, and he was covered in spraked blood. It clung to the fur of his clothing and dripped down his bare arms.

"You monster..." gasped the officer who had spoken before; his companion kept his silence, merely steeling himself for what was to come. Again, Kollswein did not answer. He just went up to soldier number five. This one had his throat slit with the dagger. Quickly, before he died, Kollswein picked him up with one arm and used the other to hokd open soldier number six's mouth, letting the blood flow into it.

Soldier number six drowned before soldier number five ran out of blood and died.

The officer who had spoken was in tears now, thinking terrible thoughts of what was in store for him.

Kollswein stepped up to soldier number seven. Licking clean his knife before putting it away, Kollswein crouched over the man, and thrust his hand downward with all his might, the fingers shaped like a claw. Due to the force of the blow, Kollswein broke through the skinn below the soldier's sternum. He howled in agony even more than the first soldier had, but it didn't last long before Kollswein's searching fingers found what they wanted. A cracking sound, followed by a dreadful tearing, and out came the Commander's forearm, followed by his hand, clutching the soldier's heart and the broken off pirtion of one rib. The soldier under him supttered and died as Kollswein took a big, tasty bite out of the heart before tossing it to one of his guardsman, who messily devoured the rest of it. Still holding the rib bone, Kollswein stepped up to soldier number eight, and without warning plunged the sharpened bone shard into the man's eye, and thence into his brain, killing him.

The officer who had spoken was whimpering now, while the other still lay there resolutely. It was time; Kollswein stepped over to the weeping officer, covered in blood, glaring menacingly.

"Tell me everything you know," Kollswein commanded.

"P-p-please, I don't know anything!! They didn't tell me the plan after this point, just what I was supposed to do with my cavalry troop today!!"

"I don't believe you," Kollswein replied matter of factly.

"Please, it's true, you have to believe me!! Oh, gods, don't kill me!! PLEASE!!" Kollswein let the man's shrieking and begging carry on for a few moments more before raising his hand for silence.

"You will be cut loose, and my men will give you paper and ink. You will draw for us a map of the forest, and all the fortifications contained therein, and the distribution of the troops as last you knew it. If you please me, I may let you keep most of your limbs after I sell you into slavery." The cringing officer snivveled. "If you fail to please me, your death will make those you saw here seem pleasant."

At a gesture from Kollswein, the man was cut loose. Immediatly he flung himself at Kollswein's feet, kissing his blood spattered boots and groveling. "Thank you, thank you!!"

Kollswein kicked the man in the face, sending him flying back a yard. "Get that filth out of my sight." Several men dragged the still weeping officr away; as he was dragged past him, the still bound rebel Lieutenant spat on the cringing wretch.

Kollswein stepped up to look down at the remaining rebel officer. "You are a brave one. Breaking you would be a great pleasure, and test of skill."

"Do your worst, you scum. I'll never tell you anything!!"

Kollswein sighed sadly. "If I had the time, I would teach you the error of your words, and make you beg even more assiduously than that pathetic fellow. Unfortunately, I have to prepare to destroy your rebel friends, and Lord Eigel has ordered that you be killed to a man."

"Then torture me and get it over with."

Kollswein smiled warmly down at the fellow. "I am impressed again; were you anyone else, I would ask you to join us. Unfortunately, that option is denied to you. Still," Kollswein continued, taking out his axe, "you have earned a quick death. Go with honor, rebel Lieutenant."

"Kiss my ass, Kolls-" The man's statement... and head... were cut off mid word.

Kollswein turned to regard the rest of the prisoners, all eyeing him fearfully. "If these Lieutenants knew so little, these men will know nothing of value. Torture them if you like, but make sure they're dead at the end of it. And don't be long." Kollswein, cold and business-like throughout the whole business, turned away to the sound of screams and pleas for mercy from the captured rebel soldiers and laughter from his men. Hardly enough time for a proper go at it, but it couldn't be helped. Perhaps after this battle, they would sack some village somewhere and force the inhabitants to torture each other to death. That should relieve some tension, and give his men a needed break.

Putting that irrelevancy out of his mind, the Commander returned to checking on the arrangement of his forces, waiting for the map the rebel was drawing for him. The lull in the battle continued, but it wouldn't for long. His forces had faced a setback, but not a fatal one- the day would be his!

((OOC- I'm going to hold off on posting my attack untill the rest of you have the chance to post your own replies to what happened in the early part of the battle, defensive preparations, etc. I'll give it a couple of days at least before I have Kollswein move his forces against the rebels in the forest, so you guys have time to post as much as you need to. ;)

-Jim))

>>OOC: Sounds like a good plan, thx man. It shouldn't take too long to get everything set up but you'll be able to tell when its time to attack. :D -Ray<<

Alfie watched the battle commence from the forest edge, the air was thick with the sounds of war, and cries of both rage and pain adorned her ears.

She felt a faint pressure upon her shoulder and turned to see Erik standing next to her, engrossed by the activities before him. He gave her an understanding nod, which she returned. No words were exchanged, for what could be said? Each knew their role, no confirmation of this was required, and she did not want to break her serene calm that encased her. She was as ready as she ever was...

She nodded once again and left Erik to go and prepare her troops, which consisted of roughly 500 archers, a secret stash that they had kept concealed from the enemy. She gave the command for them to take up their positions amongst the trees, submerging themselves in the dense shrubbery, a natural camouflage supplied by the compact undergrowth of the forest.

Alfie made a round swiftly, ensuring that none of her troops were visible to the eye. Once or twice she scolded a troop for not being completely invisible and compromising their chances, for which she would receive a hasty apology and then the troop would vanish from sight.

Once she was satisfied she turned her attention to herself. She jumped high; grasping a thick branch firmly in her hands she hoisted herself effortlessly into the tree's embrace. She felt very at home hidden within the leaves and she proceeded to move soundlessly through the forest, back towards its edge to see how the planned movements were progressing.

The rebel troops had retreated into the forest and keeping herself concealed she heard Reinhard's exchange with Erik. "We lost all 5,000 cavalry and about 5,000 or so of the infantry, and by my estimates sir we took out just as many if not more of their troops. All 5,000 archers are dead and at least that many infantry are dead along with about 2,000 of their cavalry. Of course I could be wrong."

"You want my head do you?" Erik yelled out across Tuntsa, "Then come take it from me Kollswein. This forest I where I make my stand Eigel, you shall reign over this land no longer."

"The troops for the next movement are prepared and waiting." Alfie spoke from amidst the leaves to Erik and Reinhard below. Hooking her legs about one of the branches she lowered the top half of her body from the shrubbery so she was hanging upside down, making herself visible to them both. "I have done my round and all is ready...I hear we lost the cavalry...tis a shame, I am glad to hear though that the enemy seems to have suffered the worse for it though...their sacrifice appears to have been a worthy one, you should be pleased." She said with a reassuring smile. "I must return to my position." She said pulling herself back into the tree with little effort. "Stay safe." She called to them both before departing.

Standing with Reinhard deep in the forest, Erik looked up into the trees as he heard a voice above him. Looking up he saw Aife hanging down from a tree branch and listened as she explained that her troops were in position. Nodding that he understood, Erik watched as Aife swung back up and headed off to get into position saying, "Stay safe," as she left.

As Reinhard was leaving to tell his own troops of their part in the upcoming movement, Erik went to do the same. They basically knew their part but Erik wanted to give them details and thank them for being loyal. Coming up on where his troops were Erik found that they were already in position and ready to fight.

"Good to see you all ready and in position," Erik said to his troops, "you know what is expected of you in this upcoming battle. We are the first and only line of defense in this forest and we must not give way."

Standing and looking at the faces of his troops Erik knew that the third movement would be hard but that everyone was prepared and in for the long haul. Taking his position along side his troops Erik say in the distance as Reinhard was moving his troops to their posts. The rebel army was ready for Kollswein and Erik was ready to make his push to Eigel. One way or another Erik was going to make sure that Eigel reigned over this land or any other no more.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As he was about to leave Erik's side and go talk to his troops Reinhard looked up to see Aife hanging from a nearby tree. Listening with intent Reinhard heard that Aife's troops were in position and ready to begin the third movement. Nodding to her and then to Erik, Reinhard left to walk over and prepare his troops. Walking over to where his troops tents were Reinhard found that they were not there.

Starting to get angry that his soldiers were not where he expected to be Reinhard was about to yell when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Spinning around Reinhard saw one of his remaining soldiers standing there grinning at him.

"I'm guessing everyone is in position," Reinhard said to the soldier.

"They are indeed commander, we are all set and ready to begin the third movement," the soldier said.

"Good, then I shall come join you," Reinhard replied, "for I have not yet tasted my fill of blood for the day."

Heading off with his soldier to get into position, Reinhard looked up into the sky knowing what was to come was going to be the hardest movement so far. But they were ready, and he trusted that his troops would come through in this their darkest hour. The stage was set and the pieces in place, it was time for the real battle to commence.

Lord Eigel listened to the sounds of war from his tent. He could hear the thunderous explosions of Kollswein’s traps and then the clash of steel as the armies met. Men screamed and blood melted the snow. He then heard the action slow and dissipates.

Lord Eigel waited for several minutes and then called for one of his loyal scouts. The man who had reported to his Lord earlier appeared promptly from the other side of the tent flap and fell to one knee. “I am at your service my Lord.”

“With the lack of a report from Commander Kollswein, I assume that the battle is not concluded,” Eigel said with obvious annoyance. “Proceed immediately to the battlefield and then report back to me the progress of our forces. Report to no one but me.”

Lord Eigel then waved his hand in the air and his scout exited with a bow. Eigel then leaned back in his throne and closed his eyes. “How strong you’ve become Eric,” he thought. “But not even you can halt the coming winter.”

"Commander Kollswein?"

"Yes, what is it," replied the Commander as he saw to the final redistribution of the Infantry before his attack.

"We have the map from the rebel Lieutenant who broke under torture."

"Give it to me." The under-officer... one of the conscripts from Eigel's conquered territories, and a green one at that, handed the Commander said map with alacrity. Kollswein studied it silently. Good... good... this was exactly what he needed.

"Sir? What of the rebel who talked? Shall I have him sent back with the slaves as you told him?"

"No. Have one of my torturers flay off all of his skin. And tell him to remember to use the salt." The officer hesitated, his eyes widening with surprise. "Did you fail to understand my order?"

"No, sir... well, actually, yes. You promised you'd let him live."

"He betrayed his friends. I have no respect for honorless betrayers and traitors. A promise to one such as that is no promise at all. Have him flayed alive. And if you hesitate to follow my orders again, you'll join him."

"Y-yes, Commander," the officer replied, paling, and literally ran to do his bidding. Kollswein summoned his officers again for a hasty conference.

"Time is short," began Kollswein. "Every moment we wait is another moment that the rebels may change their positions." Kollswein laid out the map so that they could see it. "Their fortifications are weakest here," he said, indicating a stretch of the forest that was slightly less well defended than the others. "The thickness of the damnable shrubberies, and the fact that they are placed to resist an attempted envelopment, makes any flanking attacks virtually impossible as things stand now. We must concentrate all of our infantry forces along this single axis of attack. Once we have broken through their lines here, the men will spread out through the forest and take their remaining defenses from behind. They have a distinct tactical advantage in the extreme defensibility of the forest. However, that advantage is lessened slightly by the fact that they must defend the entire perimeter of the forest, not knowing whence we will come; that, and this map, are our advantages. Cassualties will be heavy, but we will win the day."

"What about us, Commander," asked one of the cavalry officers.

"Your horses will be worse than useless in that tangle, and your men aren't worth much afoot. The cavalry units will surround the forest from the outside. Any rebels that attempt escape after we break their defenses will be slaughtered. If this rebel leader is wise... and his last attack proved that he most certainly is... he will likely consider trying to flank our main infantry force by sending a sortie outside the forest, catching us between their prepared defenses and a rear assault. The cavalry will engage any sortie that leaves the forest, to prevent just such a move. The rebels will be unable to flank us untill we have broken through their lines at the weak point in the forest and, by then, it will be too late."

"Sir," commented an infantry commander, "this weak point you identified is not significantly weaker than any other part of the forest. The difference is minute."

"But there IS a difference, Captain, and we have to attack somewhere. With all our forces massed, we can overcome any single point in their defenses and then break into their rear, attacking the rest of their defenses from behind. By doing it here, we risk fewer casualties. Any other questions?"

There were none.

"Good. Also, our rebel turncoat told me..." Kollswein cut off as said rebel started screaming at the top of his lungs in another part of the camp, wordless and unceasing shrieks of pure agony. It seemed that his orders were being carried out. Grins split the faces of some of his officers as he contiunued. "Our rebel informed me that they have a company of archers, though he was not sure how many or where they would be placed. It is most likely that they will be spread throughout the forest to support all the defenses. However, there is a chance... a very small chance... that the Rebel commander anticipated that I would come into posession of this information. In that case, the weak point I have identified was left there intentionally, and the archers will be camoflagued there en masse. If that is the case, we won't know it untill after we have broken through and they begin attacking us. I want every infantryman to be made aware of this; any that had their shields splintered during the melee must have them replaced to defend against the archers. Have them look to the trees- that's where they will most likely be hidden. The throwing axes will be the best bets against them. Any questions?"

Again, none.

"Allright men, let's move out."

~~~

A very short time later, Kollswein's orders had been carried out and all was in readiness. The forest was surrounded by the cavalry troops, and the infantrymen formed a hard column, with Kollswein and his best men, at their head. At his word, "CHARGE!!," they took off into the forest at a surprisingly quick run.

As soon as they were in the forest, the leading elements of the column broke off to attack the portions of the rebel defenses in this area that they had been assigned. It seemed that the rebel commander had not had time to reallign his defenses, or had not thought to... or had DECIDED not to... the possibility that this weak point was a trap prevented a broad grin from appearing on Kollswein's face as he led some of his best men against the strongest rebel fortification in this part of the forest.

Screaming rebels went down all around him, over thirty under his own great axe, and the nor dried and partially frozen blood from torturing those captured rebels was covered over in fresh hot gore as Kollswein and his men methodically took apart the rebel fortifications here. In very short order... 10 minutes, about... it was over. Kollswein rallied his forces in the breech he had created. Immediately, he started dispersing them to attack the other rebel fortifications from behind, as he had planned. If all went well, the battle was allready essentially won, baring an incredible disaster. If this 'weak spot' was indeed a trap, though... despite dispersing his well trained men as quickly as he could, there would be a perilous few minutes when they were bunched too close together in uneven and unprepared ranks as they realligned themselves to press the attack. If the Rebel Commander was indeed surprised, as Kollswein thought, it would not matter; no one would be able to move troops fast enough to take proper advantage of this one moment of weakness. If that tiny chance was so, and this was a trap, however... all would not be lost, but it would be a severe setback.

Well, Kollswein would know in just a few moments. If this was a trap, and he was the rebel commander, he would press his advantage and attack right...

about...

now...

((Guys, sorry it's taken me so long to post, it's been crazy here. I haven't had more than a few minutes at a time to sit down and post, and I didn't want to screw this up with a short, rushed, thrown together posting. I'll be able to get on more frequently from this point on, though, so my posting will return to normal now.

-Jim))

Alfie remained in the dense camouflage of the trees as the screams of war and pain ravaged the earth below. Kollswein and his forces breached the forest, slicing the rebels down in bloody rhapsody and she didn't divert her eyes. She was a bringer of Death, it was a comfort the cries to her and she looked to her archers, concealed to all unless they knew where they were positioned. She was trained in many forms of armaments; she would help the archers in their duty as she set her arrow on fire. The flare amidst the trees summoned the rest of her archers to follow suit, each causing their arrows to flare with fire and she let her arrow loose, and hundreds of arrows graced the sky, their fires burning like falling stars as they dived for the ground.

Several of the enemy were struck by the arrows as they fell into the middle of the attacking forces...but their target wasn't the soldiers themselves...but the ground upon which the stood!

The oil had been laid their long before that battle had started, the falling snow concealing it from the enemy's eyes and the flaming arrows lit the oil and a sheet of fire rose high, splitting the enemy's troops in half. Reducing the number, half were in the forest, half were barred from it. The two to one ratio of soldiers had been reduced, the odds were even...

"Take as many as you can down!" Alfie screamed as she let loose more arrows into the soldiers who had entered the forest, the battle had truly begun!

>>OOC: Don't worry about it man, its just good to get the story goin again. And I personally would have rather waited for the good post you put up than have you put up some short, rushed one. <<

Watching as Kollswein and his soldiers entered the forest Erik saw them head right for the small group of soldiers that were left on the ground. Sad to see them die Erik knew that it was for the cause and that they would not die in vain. Looking over to the entrance of the forest Erik could see Aife and her soldiers let loose with their flaming arrow lighting the ground on fire. Looking more closely Erik could see the archers continuing to shoot at both the soldiers inside and outside of the forest.

"Good, their troops are split," Erik thought, "everything is going according to plan, and in a moment it will be time to introduce Kollswein to his death."

Scanning the forest below him Erik could see that the final decoy soldiers were perishing at the hands of Kollswein's men. As the last of them fell Kollswein's men began to group back up slightly so they could begin their push through the forest. In that moment of weakness Erik made his attack jumping down out of the tree into the middle of Kollswein's troops and slamming his axe into the ground. As he did so the earth shook beneath his blade and a massive bolt of lighting shot down from the sky and his the earth where Erik's axe had hit.

In an instant the dark forest was engulfed in the glare from the lightning bolt and everyone within two feet of Erik was electrocuted to death. With the resulting flash having blinded the remainder of the troops all of Erik's and Reinhard's men descended from their posts in the trees. As the light faded the real battle began as the rebel soldiers had Kollswein's men surrounded and they began to fight their way to the middle. Erik himself began to kill anyone and everyone around him that wasn't a member of his army.

Swinging his axe with unbelievable speed Erik cut his way through Kollswein's forces ducking and dodging every attack that came his way. Men from both armies were falling left and right as the forest was quickly stained with blood. Moving with a ferocity never before displayed Erik continued to hack his way through the masses of Kollswein's men not even stopping when a blade dinged off his armor. The numbers of Kollswein's men in the forest was declining fast, as once again Erik had managed to catch them off guard and had taken the advantage.

Having a quick moment to breath Erik looked out at the entrance to the forest and could see the fire raging and the archers killing the cavalry outside the forest. Soon the fire would reach the forest and it would be time to make their push out, but in the meantime Erik wanted to make sure every enemy in the forest was dead before hand. Brought back into the fight as another sword clanged off his solid armor Erik spun around and blocked another swipe with his axe and quickly sliced off the head of the attacker.

"Don't leave a sinlge man standing," Erik yelled, "slaughter them all."

As he yelled, Erik brough his axe around and sliced the throats of two nearby soldiers before ducking under an attack from behind. Coming up he stabbed the attacker in the head with the spike on the end of his axe. Covered in blood from head to toe Erik continued attacking with reckless abandon watching as the battle raged on all around him.

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Taking in the battle from his post in the trees Reinhard witnessed the death of those men that had been left behind as a decoy. Bowing his head in reverance for those who gave their lives for the cause Reinhard watched for the signal to attack. Thankfully it was something no one could miss, and when the bolt of lightning hit the ground Reinhard and his men knew it was time to attack. Dropping out of the trees Reinhard and his men quickly engaged the enemy from all sides and began to slaughter them all.

"Erik is a genius," Reinhard thought to himself, "outnumbered and he manages to gain the advantage at every turn. We shall win this battle today."

Continuing his push through the enemy Reinhard attacked with his two swords like a man posessed. Reinhard would make sure that he would spill enough enemy blood to make up for those who died to help them gain this advantage. Slicing soldier's necks and hacking off limbs Reinhard could see the fire blazing in the distance. He knew that soon enough it would be time to leave the forest before the flames began to spread. But for now he was going to make the most of this advantage and kill every enemy he could.

Pushing through Reinhard could see Kollswein in the distance trying to fight his way out of this bad situation. Heading towards the enemy commander Reinhard began growl as he continued his killing spree. Just as he was making it closer to Kollswein, Reinhard heard something not unexpected from Erik.

"Don't leave a single man standing, slaughter them all.

"Not a problem," Reinhard thought, "I never intended to let anyone live anyway."

Charging forward his swords held out at his sides, Reinhard sliced the heads off of everyone as he passed on his way to Kollswein. Every attempt to get close however was futile as Kollswein kept moving further away from Reinhard.

"KOLLSWEIN!" Reinhard yelled into the forest, "If you want blood come try and spill mine."

Knocking back an incoming attack with his right sword Reinhard swung through with the other one and lopped an enemy soldier's head clean off. Continuining his advance toward Kollswein, Reinhard took every advantage he had to kill any enemy soldier in his path. The battle was raging hard but the rebel forces were quickly taking the advantage in terms of number as they decimated the enemy forces that had made it into the forest. The forest now completely stained with blood, the rebel troops had surrounded the enemy and were pushing in to finish off those who were left.

<<Sorry I didn't get this up sooner. I was gonna save Eigel for a little later, but then I realized that everyone was probably waiting for me to post before they posted again so I figured I'd just go out now.>>

Lord Eigel sat upon his throne with his head bowed to the floor. His cold blue eyes stared unblinkingly downward as the flap of his tent was suddenly pulled aside. His scout walked cautiously inward. “What news have you brought me?”

The scout fell to his knees and placed his forehead to the floor. “My Lord, the rebels have trapped our main forces in a fiery trap. They are cut off and the forest is falling around them.”

Eigel squinted his eyes and rose to his feet. His huge form dwarfed the scout who tried his best to slink toward the doorway. Lord Eigel grabbed his sword and sheathed it at his side with a loud “clank”. “Scout, fetch me a horse. I will ride to the front personally and put an end to this farce.” The Scout was glad to have a reason to leave. He bowed again and hurried out.

Lord Eigel walked out of his tent and felt the sunlight on his body. A cold breeze rustled his blue hair. The scout quickly returned with a steed large enough to carry his Master. “Do you wish me to get some men to escort you sire?”

Lord Eigel peered down at him with contempt. The scout fell to his knees and begged forgiveness. Lord Eigel kicked the horse’s sides and whipped the reins. The horse neighed and galloped forward. “You have forced my hand Eric, and now I am coming for you.”

"KOLLSWEIN!" If you want blood come try and spill mine." The words reached Alfie's ears over the cascading battle cries and pained wails of those about her and her eyes focussed on Reinhard as he made his way towards Kollswein, ripping into any enemy troops that stood in his path.

Alfie soared through the trees, the branches twisting in her palms as she breached gravity, swinging through the shrubbery, shielded by the greenery, tapping the occasional archer on the shoulder, congratulating them silently on their progress.

She jumped to the ground near Reinhard, "and mine!" She hissed addressing Kollswein. Her scythe in hand, twirling menacingly and an evil smirk marring her features. She gave Reinhard a side wards glance, "no need to fight alone."

If this was a trap, and he was the rebel commander, he would press his advantage and attack right...

about...

now...

Kollswein threw up his hand, blocking his eyes with his forearm as he was momentarily blinded by a brilliant flash of lightning. "AAAAaargh!!!" he cried with anger and despair from the depths of his black soul. Magick!! The rebels were attacking with magick! Damn that fool Eigel; there was no way he could have been ignorant of the fact that one of the rebels was some kind of powerful sorcerer. This changed everything, especially since Kollswein had no sorcerers among his own men.

Unfortunately, he had larger problems. The lightning bolt had set fire to oil cleverly soaked into the ground under the snow. Normally, this wouldn't have been a problem since the snow would prevent the oil from igniting. Unfortunately, the lightning bolt had vaporized a significant portion of the snow, allowing the rest to be melted by the ignited flam and thus for the fire to spread. Kollswein's troops were cut in half, and the half left outside the forest were his best men, the ones he had intended to use to prosecute the breakthrough he had just made. It HAD been a trap, and one far more devastating than he could have been prepared for thanks to cowardly, tricksy, horendous MAGICK, magick that Eigel had kept from him.

Kollswein knew that one day Eigel's use for him would be at an end; that day had finally come, and Eigel had betrayed him. Commander Kollswein... no. That title, Commander of Eigel's armies, was no longer worthy of the mighty Kollswein. He tossed it asside and embraced his true title, that of Prince Kollswein!! Prince Kollswein vowed that, after this battle was done, he would destroy Eigel and reclain his rightful rule over those portions of Eigel's Kingdom that were his. The damned rebels could have the rest, for all he cared.

But first, he had to withdraw from the forest. Or, more appropriately, he had to escape. A withdraw implied that he had to take the majority of his troops with him in something approaching good order, and that was not so. Kollswein's personal men, men loyal to him above all else, made up the remaining cavalry forces outside the forest and the hardened core of that portion of the Infantry that had been cut off by the flames. These fools surrounding him... except for his personal guard, of course... were Eigel's men, decent enough fighters when well led, but not Kollswein's. They were conscripts largely, and slaves, pulled from throughout Eigel's vast empire to serve him. Kollswein didn't care if they lived or died.

This thought process took less than two seconds to pass through his head. By that time, Kollswein had a plan fully formulated. He shouted orders and sent runners... always from among Eigel's men, as he would need his own in the days to come. The enveloped forces realligned. All of Kollswein's men in the mess were brought into the center to surround him, and Eigel's were sent to the outer parts of the ring. The troop deployments were such that they had no hope of mounting a successful long term defense- they were intended to stall for time. Their orders, of course, were carefully worded and crafted to make it seem otherwise. And so it appeared, to rebel observers, that the pocket of Kollswein's forces was collapsing in on itself, and falling. In actuality, that pocket was moving, as Kollswein slowly pushed his way torwards the edge of the forest not blocked by flames. If he and his personal guard could only reach the edge of the forest, one of the surrounding cavalry troops would pick him up. He could give such orders as were necessary to pull his men out of the forest, use what remained of Eigel's in a desperate and, ultimately, doomed rearguard action, and return to the encampment to destroy the Lord Eigel. He was going to make it. He was going to make it...

"KOLLSWEIN!" Reinhard yelled into the forest, "If you want blood come try and spill mine."

She jumped to the ground near Reinhard, "and mine!" She hissed addressing Kollswein. Her scythe in hand, twirling menacingly and an evil smirk marring her features.

The rebel commander, and what could only be his woman. They hadn't seen Kollswein's brillaint exit strategy... they still thought he was fighting them. Kollswein found that odd... the trained and, frankly, brillaint military mind that had been handing him defeat after defeat all day would have seen Kollswein's efforts as what they truely were- Kollswein's betrayal of the betrayer Eigel and his attempt to escape. How could the rebel commander miss it? Perhaps his anger, or the glory of his seemingly imminent victory, was clouding his mind. Never-the-less, it gave Kollswein an opportunity.

"Hold here," he bellowed, and his men formed defensive rings around him, with those loyal to Eigel but duped into obeying his orders continuing to fight and die on the outside. Kollswein turned to face behind him, and saw the rebel commander and his woman... Reinhard and Alfie... desperately trying to work their ways torwards him. He obliged, motioning for his men to move out of the way, allowing those two... and only those two... through. Although they had cut through Eigel's men like so much grass, they surely found Kollswein's personal guard to be made of sterner stuff. Only two or three of his men fell to them, the rest blocking or dodging their blows without counterattack as Kollswein left the center of his men, going to meet them torwards the outer rings of the forces loyal to him (though he was still surrounded by his own soldiers). His Great Axe was out and ready in his hands, covered in the dried blood and gore of the men he had tortured to death earlier and glistening with the blood of the few rebels who had gotten through to him since entering the forest.

When the rebel commander and his woman were within five feet, Kollswein stopped, holding up his left hand, palm out. "Hold. I would speak with you a moment."

Before either of the two could