Crusader1307

Brother Goodman listened intensely to Sir Loring. ?Too bad you could not have ?split? the Gord of that Maceman?. Brother Goodman chuckled. Still a new ?tack? was needed. He thought silently, then spoke. ?Loring, check your map for that thin river we passed some leagues back. Let us turn back to that position. Let our foe think that we are what we are...a scouting party. Once there, we will switch our direction from North to East ? far East in fact. It will be a hard ride to flank then by horse, but it is worth the effort, I think?.

With a lull in the combat, Goodman worked his way to Sir Loring's position. ?I have no clue as to why our enemy has stopped?, Goodman said in query. ?Let us send a scout or two to that stand of trees?, Goodman pointed at a distance. ?Let us also gather our horses and prepare to move. If they are attempting to flank us as well, we can depart at haste?. Goodman continued. ?Signal me if your scouts see anything.? Goodman worked his way down to his original position and gave orders to gather the horses for all. He gave instructions for every 2 men in one to work their way quietly back to the horses. The valiant group waited on Loring's scouts to report back.

Goodman (thankful that his comrade's arrow had struck true ? lest he have had the ?answer? to the ?Eternal Question?), turned back to notice Sir. Loring and his men moving into a flanking/overhead position. ?Good, ? he thought - ?a flanking position was a needed move now.? Just then several more of the men came up (crouched). Goodman spoke to them. ?When Sir Loring and his Lads are in position, we will make a break to the right ? over there!? Goodman pointed to a stand of trees, packed densely to the right. Their lines would create a perfect flanking attack. If Sir Lloyd and his men came up the center, Goodman and Loring would ?pivot? inwards and snare their prey. Goodman looked down into the quiver. Running low. The movement had to be made soon. More arrows whizzed by, thudding into the tree that Goodman hid behind. It seemed their ?enemy? had a grudge set for only Goodman! Quickly, he fired. Shadows blurted out moans as they fell to his front. By count, possibly 6 had fallen. Just how many of these attackers where there? Goodman noted Loring was in position. He signaled Lloyd to his position and explained his plan. Loring would see from the formation what they were attempting. With Lloyd now back in place. All was ready. Just then, as quickly as the attack had started ? it stopped.

Goodman reached up with his hand to touch his face. Blood flowed freely. ?Quickly men, dismount ? take to the nearest cover!? The swarm of arrows came hot and heavy as they thudded into the ground and trees around Goodman. A man standing next to him turned for instructions. Just as he opened his mouth, the tip of an arrow could plainly be seen protruding, dripping blood red gore. Goodman grabbed the mans bow and snatched his quiver. Not being an accomplished Bowman, Goodman did his best to return fire (aiming at any good position he thought). The pain was growing in his face. No matter. ?Deo Volante?, he thought. ?God Will It!?. Hunkering down, he continued to fire. If this was the enemies first salvo ? they were in trouble!

(OoC) It's okay, Matthew, just jump in....trust- this is "making it up to the umpth degree!"

Brother Goodman interjected. ?You are correct. We must press on. Let's get the men together qiuckly and continued onward with our patrols to the North. I am sure there are more small groupings of these brigands about. The next group may not be so......easy. Pass on the instructions to be prepared to attack on the slightest provocation.? Goodman prepared his horse and equipment for the coming ?hard ride?. Within 15 minutes the intrepid group were mounted again. Goodman had checked his map again. They picked up the route that they had diverted from quite easily. Their earlier ?trot? was now a seasoned gallop. Staying close to the treeline and making use of shadows (and the occasional outcropping of bushes and thrushes) ? they maintained their ?cover?. If one was not quick enough, these riders would be upon you before you could defend yourself. After about 1 hour of riding, Goodman motioned his arm upward ? to stop the movement of the troop. He smelled smoke wafting in on the slight breeze ahead. Signaling for Sir Loring (a few horses back), Goodman said, ?Prepare to deploy to the left ? well within the forest. Make it appear that there are only a few of us.? Sir Loring moved his troops into the treeline. Goodman again raised his arm and quietly muttered? ?Forward.............?

(OoC)? Great....Just Great, Charles :D Okay, MY Guess (using Sherlock Holmian deduction.......It's NOT Joan of Arc (who purportedly had a Sword with 5 Crosses etched on the blade)......The blade is an Oakenshott-type blade (rare, but made in 15th Century England).........OR it could be an old enemy of Brother Goodman (5 Crosses being indicative of The Jerusalem Cross) - meaning ANOTHER Crusader. (My sad ode to 221-B Baker Street!) Good One, My Lord :lol:

Hi, Eagle Prince.... Not being a "Techy", the "Ladies of My Kingdom" (being Wife and Daughter) both use portable chargers for their phones. Neither have had problems. The phones do get "warm", though. They have being using them for around 8 months. I sounds like your Salesperson was selling you a "Universial Charger" perhaps? Unless your portable charger is pumping out massive amounts of amps, I don't think you'll have too much of a problem though. Hope my "lack of knowledge" in the matter helps :)

"Phantom,eh?" Goodman pondered the tale. The fear looked real in this Brigand's eyes. Goodman was a good judge of truth. "So, some Ghostly figure attacks your ranks. I've no doubt that you and your kind made it quite easy". Goodman pondered. This "Phantom" (if real), who could it be? Just because this "Spectre" kills and marks Bandits does not make him a friend. Goodman regarded the Bandit and cut him free. Holding his sword at throat level he said, "Move towards the center of the glen quietly". Goodman marched him in the direction of the glen and passed him on to a fellow soldier. "Feed this thing.....if he gives you any problems, by all means kill him". Goodman sat down by a fire made nearby. "Phantom. Well, Loring and Loyd will enjoy this addtion to our little "game". Goodman called them over. "Listen to this story, Lads........" After Brother Goodman has ?spun his Tale? of what the wounded Bandit had said, he looked at his comrades for response. None. ?That was good.? Brother Goodman thought. True or not, they must continue with their Scouting of possible bandit positions. Goodman left the two to ponder ?The Phantom?. Walking over to the Bandit's Guard, Brother Goodman said, ?After he is fed, tend his wound well. Tie his hands well. Send him on his way with a kick and tell him that he has more to fear from us that ?The Phantom? if we find out he betrays us?. Goodman turned and walked away. Moving towards another Campfire where food was cooking, Goodman bent down and took a roasting bird from a spit over the fire. He consumed it with relish. Goodman thought, ?Phantom, I hope you are on our side after all.......?

Brother Goodman surveyed the field of the dead bandits. Death was a natural thing, but not so when brought about by the hands of another. This was the paradox he felt - as warrior and religious. Still these men were evil (as ursurpers of The Duke's realm). It was justifed. He called over to Sir Loring, "Tie up the Knave on yon tree" (motioning to a tall Pine). "I will question him directly"". Goodman next shouted over to Sir. Loyd. "Let us establish a good perimeter". Goodman watched as Sir Loyd and his men blended well into the trees and bushes around their "ambush site". Goodman wiped the blood from his trusted Templar blade. He had personally dispatch 3 Bandits on his own. They lost none of their own men. By "Desert standards", it was a "Good Day". Goodman walked over to the grouping of Bandit bodies. He searched them for any items of intelligence they could use. Nothing was found but a few coins. He picked up the collection of swords, daggers and bows and distributed them among the men (another Desert custom). Goodman walked over to the tree where Sir Loring had tied up the surviving Bandit. He noticed his leg was injured. Blood seeped up from under the bandage. Goodman reached down and with his open hand slapped the wound. The man howled with pian. Goodman waited several minutes for the pain to diminish before he said to the man, "Think carefully before you speak". The man watched as Goodman positioned his hand again over his wound. "Let us speak of Truth"............

The line of men rode on into the rising Sun. Under cover of the forest, the light was filtered out so as to create a semi-twilight appearance that was almost a pleasant sight. Goodman looked over at his line of men. They had been riding now for several hours and no doubt needed a break. "Soon" he thought. He reached into his tunic and withdrew his map. Determining his direction, he reckoned they should arrove near a clearing in half an hour. The horsemen rounded a bend, when Goodman caught a whiff of smoke. He silently held up his right arm to signal stop. Goodman looked back to make eye contact with Sir Loring (motioning him forward). "I smell smoke. We are too far out for hunters or traders, it may be bandits. Take some men and flank to the right. Be ready to shoot straight". Sir Loyd rode up at that moment. "Loyd, take some men and flank to the left. Do not hesitate to fire if you have to". Goodman thought to himself. "We need but one of them for information". Goodman knodded to both Loring and Loyd, who instantly deployed with their men to the requested postions. Goodman would take the center. A classic "Pincher" formation. At that moment, an arrow sailed past Goodman's head. "Damn!" "Sally forth Lads, Deo Volante!? (God Wills It!). Goodman chrged up the center, sword at the charge. Loring and Loyd cam in from the left and right flamks perfectly. Arrows flew in a cloud toward the small group of Bandits. Before they really could understand what happened, all were dead.....save one!

(OoC) We're scouting Bandit positions to the North. (I just haven't had the time to submit....still working on it!) :)

Not bad looking. I like it!?

Congratulations to both of you on your well earned titles! From what I have read (on and off), both nobly won! :)

As the intrepid group mounted their steeds, the air grew crisp and the land began to lighten with the rising of the sun. A soft mist began to waft over the training grounds.The smell of burning wood and cooking food gave the Camp an almost peaceful feel. Brother Goodman took a swig of water from his water skin. Capping it he leaned over and back to look at his troop. Sirs Loring and Lloyd were making their last minute check of gear, as were the recruits. Goodman waited several minutes. "It is time Lads, we head North - as per our maps directions". Goodman paused, "Be wary and follow me, I intend to ride off track through the wooden areas. We need to maintain a single file profile, one rider after the other and no more than 10 feet back. IF we sense the slightest danger, fire and aim true." With a tap of his heels, Goodman spurred his horse on. The line of Scout began a new adventure. With luck all would return.

Seriously good work, Eagle Prince! Thanks :)

(OoC) Quickest nap I ever had, Thanks Matthew!?:( Goodman awoke. Any rest was good rest. He remembered his Novice Master telling him once "You can sleep when your dead". He understood why now. Getting up, Goodman checked his weapons. He began to move his supplies out to one of the horses. Goodman choose a gray tethered close to the tent. "Come Lads, we must be about our Sport". The others began to load their equipment on their selected horses. Goodman looked up to the sky. The light was beginning to change the darkness of the sky to a light whitish blue. The "morning star" was off to the right of the horizon. Goodman stopped for a moment and said a quick prayer for success.

Goodman bowed his head to The Duke. "We shall commence our Scouting with the morning light, Sire". As Goodman left he took on of the maps. He folded it and tucked it into the fold of his tunic. Leaving The Duke, he proceeded towards the Stables. Entering a tent, he saw a skinny young Page, buffing a saddle. "Boy, have 6 horses brought to that tent". He motioned towards his and his comrades somewhat large tent. It had a faint glow from the fire outside and the candles inside. "We will need them saddled and ready within the hour". Goodman turned and headed towards the tent. Entering, Goodman saw his fellows - all much more happy and rested than they had been in weeks. "Well Lads," Goodman announced, "We have our mission". Goodman began to relate his meeting with The Duke and of his need for Scouts. "Sir Loring, pick 4 of your best recruits who can ride and shoot from horseback. At dawn we will begin our Scout." Goodman produced the map and showed it to his companions. "And this is where we will start", Goodman pointed at a small forest to the North. As his comrades looked at the map, Goodman announced - "Horses will be delivered to us within the hour. Until then, I shall rest my eyes. Wake me when they arrive." Goodman practically fell to sleep the minute his head hit the cushion on the floor!

"Shall you need my attendance in your meeting Sire?" Goodman asked The Duke. Goodman was pushing his "new found" influence to it's utmost. Still, he needed to break away and advise his Group of this turn in events. Goodman awaited The Duke's reply.

(OoC)? No worries....... Goodman looked away fron The Duke and regarded The Commander. "No doubt, I would have killed you Sire." Goodman waited for his words to sink in. "The Duke commissioned me and my comrades to assist him in his quest to reclaim his lands. I and my fellows can trust no one. I am sure you understand, Commander. You yourself thought me an Assassin." Goodman added.. "In the desert, trust and honor came readily. After 3 years of Saladin and his armies, trust is a commodity I no longer freely give." Goodman turned his attentions from The Commander to The Duke. Goodman thought "How odd The Duke has access to a standing troop of men (although poorly trained) and has not developed a plain to reclaim his Estates?" Goodman felt a slight unease. Still, he needed to keep up his guard with both of these men....for now. Goodman cleared his throat. "Excellency, (regarding The Duke) - What are your plans now?? My comrades and I are training your men as best as possible in the Arts of War. What say you of your assault against the Bandit Ruler?"

I saw this on the news. TOTALLY ruined my day. I grew up on his work. There will never be another "Count", now or ever. I still to this day break out his Hammer Films (and it is very much a delight every time). God grant him eternal rest!

(OoC) Cheeky fellow, Chris!? Goodman glanced over at The Commander (who was obviously in shock). "My Lord", Goodman said as he lowered his head in honor. ?"I believe I owe The Commander an explanation".? Goodman proceeded to relate how he had come to meet The Duke and of his and his comrades true mission. When he was finished speaking, he could see amusement in The Duke's eyes. "Remember what I said of truth, Commander - one must speak it......or choose not to. For the deception, I am truly sorry". Goodman stepped from behind the table and extended his hand. "I am Brother James Goodman of The Holy Order of Templar Knights".

(OoC) Meaning........."Hi Guys, I am your Commander or actual names ? I'm just going to end up killing them in several more paragraphs (or our first battle anyway) Ha! (SPOILER ALERT)

Brother Goodman listened intently. Taking a small linen cloth, he wiped the bird grease from his fingers and hands. Content with the meal, he cleared his throat. "Interesting tale, Commander. Your loyalty to this Duke is admirable. Still, while my comrades and I were resting in the local Tavern, we heard of a "Bandit King". One who through some unknown skill or "magic" - wrested this Duke's Estates. What of him? What information do you have of this Brigand?" Goodman felt that perhaps this man was in fact telling the truth. Goodman wished he could tell The Commander that he and his comrades had in fact met The Duke (and were under commission to him). Still, after so many battles in the Desert, one must play one's "dice" carefully - lest one loses one's bet! Goodman sat patiently for The Commander's further tale.....

(OoC) We had a "story spurt" recently. You can always write yourself in talking with the other characters waiting for me to finish my talk with The Duke. We can bounce around, I'm sure!