The giggling of two children, were running through the halls of the family home, the ancestral home of the Baenre family. Which was kept in good condition regardless of the centuries that it has ever been occupied. It has been many years since he has resided in this part of the world itself, since he had left it behind in other darker pursuits and to keep an eye on certain dangers to the world at large. But it was here, that it was where he settled to deal with other affairs. Which now consisted of a game of hide and seek with twin girls, one just like the mother. The other was just like him all over again. But Cyric himself was taking his time to let his twin daughters find a good hiding spot.<br/><br/>With Farrah's thoughts, she tugged onto Syen's arm."In here." She said, and Syen looked at the door and back at her twin sister."But that is papa's study, we can't go in there!" She exclaimed, but Farrah rolled her eyes."It is, and papa wouldn't expect to find us in here."A little smile on the eldest twin's features. Pushing the door open and taking a protesting Syen with her, then shutting the door. The color eyes of her mother, Farrah put a finger to her lips. They were surrounded by a ornate office, with a darken oak desk. A globe, walls lined with maps some that have passed through the ages of history itself. Shelves lined with books, many of them books that had been in the family for centuries. Then there were books, that bound in blackish blue leather covers. With silver sigils on the spines. The curious eyes of the children, was well apparent on their face. They needed to find where to hide. Farrah was searching, but something had caught Syen's attention."Syen, we don't have much time papa will find us soon."<br/><br/>Syen, flipped a page when looking through it, Farrah gave a hiss."Syen! Didn't mama tell you never look in those books?" Twin sister spoke, flipping a page. "This isn't a magic book. This is..."She paused and eyes lit up and gave a giggle."Papa has a diary!" Then both went into giggles, and Syen began to go through the words. Which followed:<br/><br/><i>I, Cyric Baenre, Arch Duke of House Baenre, Lord of Night here by commit into memory of things that have transpired many centuries ago....</i><br/><br/>The battlements, were set. There was always a constant battle going on within the Empire and it's surrounding borders. Trade disputes, between the Drow and the Nerakan Empire for better than a year, till the powder keg had explode and caused a disaster. All this caused by a squad of soldiers attacking a caravan party of Drow, a thorough investigation was also in the works, but no information has turned up. Not yet anyway, then again the red tape of bureaucracies always puts many of things to a stand still. This campaign had lasted for no more than a few months, and both sides were at a stand still, that was till this morning till reinforcements were arriving from the capital itself.<br/><br/>This is where the young noble born, noticed the marching of more troops. Cyric's arctic blue eyes gazed to see them coming. Standing next to watching along with him another young noble born, Karras Morutina."I see Emperor Targonne has decided to send in the cannon fodder." Spitting on the muddy ground."Draconains can't stand their stench." Cyric stood listening, but not regarding the other young nobleman, but kept his gaze on the marching troops. At the age of sixteen, it was by law that the young noble born were to be conscripted into the ranks of the Nerakan military, as a learning lesson. If they survived a battle field they would be given high status. If they were killed in battle, they were honored dead. The status of that royal house dimishes slowly. Trained in combat, by a house sword master at the age of twelve to learn the finer points of melee combat and everything. Till they were prepared. In this case, it's been twenty years since a battle has begun, and this was the first time that Cyric had been in one.<br/><br/>Silently he mused watching the marching lizard like creatures, that were rumored to be of some kin to dragons, which most of rumors from the dragon rider divisions among the military looked at these creatures with pure disdain. Folding arms behind his back, standing in complete military fashion. Watching the marching reptile troops go into the camp itself. A man came running towards the direction of the two young noble men, taking a moment to catch his breath. "Lieutenant Baenre..Morutina."Taking a pause, he recognized the adjuntant. "General Klytus wants to see you both in his command post." Karras shot a look over at Cyric, then a look given over to the other comrade."I guess we better not keep the General waiting." Having finally spoke and taking the observation of what was going on, wondering exactly what Klytus wanted.<br/><br/>It didn't take long for the two young men to arrive at the command post, Klytus was awaiting inside with the several other officers, going of strategy plans, to break the stale mate that's been going on for the better half of a year. Entering the make shift office of the General himself, arctic blues stood at full attention with the right fist pounding to heart in salute to him. The half metallic mask of the general looked up, bald cranium shown, rising metal arm. Most of the look of the Klytus was mostly scarred, from many years of war. The old timer, as what he was called, gazed at the two young men. "At ease lieutenants, I have called you here for a special mission." Turning to gaze at three men clad in white armor, bleached skin and red eyes. Cyric and Karras both at once sucked in a breath, the famed Bane killers. The Elite assassins of the Empire, answer only directly to the Ruling Council of the Lansdraad. Klytus noticed the astonishment on the two young noblemen's features."Relax, they are not here for you." A relief the both of them felt. They have been known to take out high ranking officials and enemies of the State without showing much a care of mercy.<br/><br/>"The mission is this and orders directly from the Ruling Council and the Emperor himself." Rising a scroll from a message a draconian seemed to stand amongst the officers."Colonel Gahken has been tasked with sending in his troops into a blitzkrieg attack against Ber'gan Fortress that enters into the Drow territory." Both noble men looked at each other, both wondering what exactly did this have to do with them. Then gazed back at the old war general. "Your mission is to help the Bane killers, to infiltrate the fortress itself. Find their high priestess and kill her. Emperor Targonne has initiated the War of Assassins protocols with approval of the Lansdraad as a whole." Cyric spoke finally, this time."So killing the high priestess, we destroy morale of their male soldiers is what I am getting at?" The General gazed on young man and gave a nod a half smirk."Just like your father, how you seem to deduct to the conclusions of war fare. Seems that Erasmus has taught you well. He has been teaching your family for generations." Speaking of the House weapons master, there was a bit of a embarassed flush on young Cyric's features. Seeming so humble about it, and gave a nod." The two of you leave immediately within the woods, once we have secured the fortress, this campaign can be over." With a bark of command from himself."You all know what to do! So men get to it!"Klytus barked out his command.<br/><br/>Getting their armor put on by aides, to prepare for battle. Karras had to speak, it was a wonder this one wasn't put elsewhere besides here."Just like the General to send us in as sneak thieves to attack from inside. I rather fight in the middle of battle." Cyric only did was listen to the compatriot do nothing but rant about the mission they were put on. Till his chain mail shirt was fasten and taking the blackish green cloak, and wrapping it over his neck. Clasping the family house emblem of silver that had the face of a roaring bear. The family coat of arms, the bear. Since Paulus took the moniker as the Old Bear, was a large man and very intimidating, but yes also a noble man at heart. "I just don't see why he wants to send us on some safety trip, than go into a battle against the dark elves themselves." Cyric's gaze then cut to Karras."It's actually a sound plan and I know where he is going with this. We kill the High Priestess in charge of the fortress, we kill morale. Not only does it kill morale, it will also be known that two noble born warriors infiltrated their lines and easily dispatched their army, and secured the fortress under their nose. It will give their royal houses pause in continuing the war. It's more a show of force on our end." Karras stopped and looked at Cyric."You actually believe this political drivel?" A snort given."Sending me and the nephew of the ..."Pausing as he saw a cold stare given to Karras." Use your words carefully Karras, the next might be your last." There wasn't even a veiled threat, causing the other noble man to pause. "Forgive me, I spoke out of anger." Cyric only gave a smirk."It is no bother, we must hurry don't want to keep these killers waiting." Stepping out of the tent leaving their assigned squires behind to meet with the three Bane killers.<br/><br/>Hidden within the trees that was that was near the fortress, within the brush, those eyes watched not far off, the time was almost ready for the blitzkrieg, if Colonel Gahken can get the job done. Infiltrating the fortress itself will not be that hard. Cyric was taken the time to get his nerves under control, making them hard as steel itself. Karras on the other hand wasn't having much control. Already have dry heaved into several bushes. One of the Bane killers admonished the young noble man."Keep it up and the entire fortress will hear you."A sharp hiss from this one killer who seemed to be the leader of the three. It was a matter of waiting, when the troops begin too attack. It was quiet not even the sounds of birds either of prey or regular. The loud sounds of thumping could be heard, and the sounds of wings flapping. The attack began, he heard the shouts as the sounds of catapults were given. The draconians with wings were sent into the attack. Against the fortress. Clawing their way through, arrows coming to and fro. The leader of the three killers spoke up once more."It's time let's begin."<br/><br/>Scaling the fortress was an easy task, if you keep your eyes up and not down. Cyric keeping his discipline in control, the other nobleman was not, who seemed to look at the encroaching battle ahead, as he seen why the draconains were sent on the attack instead of the regular troops. Each one that dies something happens to them and the killer. One of them exploded sending it's bone shrapnel into one hapless drow, who fell over and died. Another turned into stone, the drow trying to wrench the blade free that stab it, only to get cut down by one of them.<br/>Making it over, the eyes of all began to scan around looking for where the High Priestess was, only to find the one place where several guards were standing sentinel. One of the killers spoke quietly."She's in there, let's move in quietly..since the draco's are already breaching the walls."Cyric took time to pause and look over to see the progress, it was going rather well. Too well to be exact, something didn't feel right with this battle, Cyric can feel it. But none the less he will follow with the orders. Following behind the three killers, and down into the main fortress. Hands were on the hilt of one sword he carried. Corner of his eyes he checked on Karras, but he noticed he was on edge. Shrugging shoulders, he followed along, keeping head down and quiet.<br/><br/>Just as one of the killers, came up to one of the guards and slit it's throat, the other two moved to take on two more of the guards. It was time for a battle and drawing his blade, Cyric moved in for the kill taking one of them by surprise just as he was about to get attacked by the last one. Karras moved to parry the blow, that would have taken out Cyric. Only to stab a dagger into the drow's side. Easily dispatched, the young noble man felt on edge. "This seems too easy." He said under his breath, but one of the killers heard him."Of course we got a distraction and to put an end to this farce." Just then they charged into the main doors of the fortress greeted with an older woman of a dark elf, that stood there wearing her armor and a whip of three headed snakes. A cruel smile shown on her features. The leader of the Bane Killers moved in a quick fashion to charge at the priestess, as she rose that weapon of her own up, to come down at him. The other two followed suit just as Cyric took a minute to survey the area, something felt wrong about this.<br/><br/>Only to be snapped out of his moment of observation, to catch the leader of the Bane Killers take the snake full force on his face and neck. The venom dripping into his blood stream, he didn't have much long in life. Just as the two came into the kill, one of their blades went across her stomach, the other through her back and out from her chest. Twisting the blood spurting from lips, eyes gazed at the two nobles, a smile spread. Just as she collapsed down on the floor."Too easy.."Said one of the killers. Cyric spoke again."Way too damn easy." Gazing around, and then looked over at Karras."Well, are we going to take her corpse and throw it through the fortress grounds.. get a surrender?" The other noble man spoke, Cyric's senses if he had any felt off and something wasn't right."This is a trap..."Just as he was about to explain, a cross bow bolt hit one of the Bane Killers in the throat, causing him to pull it out and charge at the offender, but there was none. Then several more bolts fired and hit both of them at once. Out of the shadows came ten drow male warriors surrounding the two nobles. Coming from the main hall was a young female priestess, licking her lips and smiling much more cruel than the one that was killed moments ago.<br/><br/>The sounds of rumbling could be heard, as something was coming out from underneath the fortress and burst from the ground. Umber Hulks were sent out to drive off the blitzkrieg, that had happen, this battle just back fired for the worst, those eyes of red gazed right at the two noble men. Cyric studied her features, she had to no younger or maybe almost his age, and she moved up towards him."You seem to knew this was going to happen, I'm impressed a surface dweller such as you, can see this coming."A smile faded to a sneer looking at Karras, before gazing at Cyric again."My name is Ve'hara, priestess of the Spider Queen. You two are my prisoners, surrender." Karras was about to reproach her, till Cyric rose a hand."Do as she says" Unseathing both his blades, he dropped it on the ground in a clatter. "Two nobles no less, you two will make a fine bargaining chip." But she took a closer look at Cyric."A very fine bargaining chip." Turning away and in her native tongue called the warriors to shackle them both. To be led off to where who knows...<br/><br/>[to be continued]