Skirmish in Hemlot

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was proud that he and Merlin had managed to train such respectful and obedient troops, as they left silently in their respective groups, he couldnt help but feel they would win tonight.

As he, Evie and Dreamer made their way around the houses to one end of the main street- directly opposite Merlins trio. He saw the mage he had asked to cause a distraction fly further up into the night sky. He cursed under his breath. Had the boy not listened to his instructions? He had expressly requested that he stay with Elizabeth and not give away his magical ability. He squinted a little, trying to spot the girl who had clearly been left by herself on the ground, but it was no use- the night had gotten too dark too fast.

The boy's distraction was good enough though, it drew six men out of the house Arthur had spotted them in and meant they were open to attack. Arthur tapped Evie on the shoulder and nodded towards them. It would be her job to start the attack and once the others saw her they too were instructed to join in. He held his breath, sword ready just as he saw a cocky Chase rise higher into the sky. One of the men who had been busy putting the fire out caught sight of him and cried out in surprise.

Now it would begin.

"NOW!"

[Imriel Cwningen]

Imriel waited for Arthur's other troops to fall into position. She could feel her blood pulsing and the adrenaline rushing. Imriel was more ready now than she had ever been. Thoughts of death and injury were as far from her mind as she possibly could push it. And then Arthur's signal came and Imriel gave her own signal to her men. With a sharp forward hand movement her men began to run toward the back door, quickly entering it.

Imriel did not know what she would find. She did not know if the odds were good or bad, but she knew that today would make her a man and that she would prove to her brother that she could do this. She was not some silly damsel in distress. She would give her brother the honor he had deserved as well as proving to herself that she was strong. Imriel then entered the door, her sword raised for combat.

[Evie Perroy]

Evie followed the Prince's line of sight to the mage in the sky. Lucky for them, the smoke from the diversion he had created masked him somewhat from enemy eyes. She wondered how he would be able to hear Arthur's instructions...

Following Arthur's nod, Evie gave him a quick smile, gripping her sword tightly and readying herself to initiate the battle. At that point, one of the soldiers inspecting the barrels looked up, caught sight of Arthur and cried out, rousing the other soldiers, who began to pour from the houses.

NOW came Arthur's cry, and Evie launched from the Prince's side, throwing herself over the flaming barrel and flinging the man who raised the alarm to the ground. She sprung back to her feet without harming him- he was unarmed after all. Instead, she gave the door to the house a flying kick causing it to slam violently in the surprised faces of the outpouring enemies. It would buy her allies a little more time. The man she had knocked to the ground was on his feet again, this time with a sword. Evie flew toward him and their swords clashed. The similar grating of metal around her assured Evie that, through the smoke, the same was happening elsewhere.

Surrounded by fire, the heat of the battle was a little too literal for her liking.

[Elizabeth Severn]

Fully expecting to be some help in distracting the enemies, Elizabeth was left quite surprised as the young mage started lighting things on fire. Before she could berate him, however, he floated off into the air, leaving her high and dry in the middle of the fires. As she heard people rushing out of the houses behind her, Elizabeth's face fell from a look of anger to a look of complete annoyance.

One of the men (clearly the brighter of the bunch) ran toward her as soon as he spotted her. Lifting her sword from the ground and turning in one movement, Elizabeth felt the clash of their blades before she saw it. While the battle axe he was holding was preoccupied, she took the advantage to kick savagely at his knees, hearing the resounding pop.

Not looking to see if he fell, she dodged the attack from the next man. The other three seemed to be engaged with her allies, and she was left with these two to deal with. Just managing to get her sword in front of the attack, Elizabeth took a staggering step back from the force of the man's sword. Without a moment to see the other assault, her other opponents staff came around and thudded into the back of her knee, sending her to the ground.

With a small growl of pain, Elizabeth swung again, catching the first attacker in the thigh. In a desperate effort, she slipped her left hand off her sword and drew one of the knives from her belt, bringing it forward with lightning speed. With a feral snarl, she stabbed it deep into the injured man's stomach as the staff came around again. It hit the side of her face, opening a cut above her eye, warm blood clouding her visions. Reeling in the smoke and blood and darkness, Elizabeth brought her sword halfway up, hoping to block another attack.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer checked his equipment one more time as he took his place beside Arthur and the girl named Evie. Dreamer knew he should feel honored to be placed to fight alongside, and most likely, act as a shield for the prince. Seeing as they were moments away from a battle, Dreamer felt no such honor. Instead he turned to look at the woman, Evie, and estimated her skill. He often watched many of the fighters training as he healed the injured, and already knew Arthur was skilled, but he didn't know about Evie.

Shrugging it off, Dreamer waited until the battle started to bring his magic into play.

Of course, it had to start with Chase doing something not exactly intelligent. As Arthur cursed to himself silently, Dreamer only shook his head and said aloud, "How did i know...". It wasn't a question, it was a statement, Dreamer knew the boy well enough to know he knew very well how to attract attention to himself.

Before he knew it Evie was rushing into battle and he was left standing beside Arthur. He watched as she danced around with he blade, eventually being catching her blades with one warrior. The fire was starting to spread faster than anticipated, which was unexpected. Dreamer brought in his focus and hoped that what he was about to do worked.

He began to sing,

I command safety from light
In this perilous fight
for Evie and Arthur
Let blades so heavy, glance off softer
and flames to sear
you have nothing to fear..

Dreamer felt the threads of magic begin to leave him and wrap around Evie and Arthur. The magic was strong enough to aid in protecting both of them, at the cost Dreamer's energy. The heat would be much more bearable now, since that was also apart of the spells purpose.

Dreamer felt the initial wave of exhaustion, which lasted a few breaths. Then he was ready and waiting beside Arthur to begin his part in the battle, while keeping an eye on his other comrade, Evie.

[Evie Perroy]

The man that faced Evie was strong, and obviously a trained soldier. The first few blows exchanged were measured, but they became increasingly erratic through the haze of smoke. Evie had to squint in order to see properly. She only managed to block a downward swing with her own sword at the last minute, and as she took a step back to keep balance, she slipped, toppling backward into the flaming barrels.

But the intense burning sensation never came, and both Evie and the man she was fighting froze in wonder. She rolled back to her feet; her hair a little bit singed, but other than that no worse for wear. The mage with them was good, she realised, and took the opportunity to cut down the soldier almost immediately.

Evie repositioned herself close to Dreamer. If he was working hard to protect her, she would make sure he wasn't in any danger himself.

[Sir Tristan de Braose]

Tristan watched the atmosphere carefully, scanning his eyes over the environment for any signs of miniscule movement or any danger. He was put in charge of caring for Selphia so that was exactly what he was going to do. He shot a reserved look back behind his shoulder, making sure that Selphia was still there and that she was still okay. He then turned his head with his sword still held high ready to fight should that opportunity arise. He kept walking slowly, suddenly alert to the sound of battle. He could hear the clang of connecting blades sounding from somewhere around him and he was immediatly sent on his guard. He stopped stock still in his tracks, holding a hand up to Selphia to signal for her to stop.

He guessed that Prince Arthur had sent the sign they were to start fighting so he began to expect a surprise attack from the opposition. His sharp hearing caught the faintest sound of heavy breathing coming from behind a old, rickety wooden hut and he un-strapped his Anelace from his sturdy, leather belt and held it in his only reminaing free hand. His sword remained pointed, stabbing in the general direction that the noise was coming from eager and aware that any minute they could be joined by an unwanted visitor.

Just like he had expected, the man who had been watching them came out from hiding thinking he had brought the element of surprise. The man came running, holding a Horseman's pick and weilding it in their general direction. It was obvious the guy had two left feet but nevertheless he kept on running, intent upon making a kill. The gap between himself, Selphia and this mental man was closing so he had to do something and fast, before they both became distant memories.

Tristan flicked the Anelace from his hand, sending it flying through the air like a knife through butter and embedding itself square in the man's chest. It pierced his heart and leaked his vital body fluids soon sending him spiralling onto the ground dead. Tristan couldn't afford to leave cauaslities alive as they had to chance of getting up and rejoining the fight; that was something they could do without so for now he had to put his conscience aside. "Careful Selphia. Were going to have to try and stay under the Radar; hopefully we haven't been spotted yet. The people of Gore will be realising there under attack so we'll only be safe if we stay hidden" He said, trying to make sure Selphia's safety was his number one priority.

[Selphia Dek]

There was little that Selphia could aid with as far as hand-to-hand combat. Her pale eyes searched the night air for traces of the others they had come with. She was grouped with Merlin and Tristan, with strict orders to use what skills she did possess. She would have to release her control on her focus in order to allow the thoughts of those at present, within Gore, including the people of Gore. That was a lot of voices that were waiting to get into her head.

Following behind Tristan, as a safety measure she would slowly allow her hold lax a little. She didn’t want thoughts to race on in and overwhelm her. That would possibly cause her to become incapacitated and useless to the others. For the time being she would render herself as and aid. Allowing her thoughts to expand from her small frail body.

Once she was in a place were her safety was secure she would gently knee upon the ground, hands gently resting upon her lap. She would stretch her thoughts beyond their position and out toward the others. Tapping as she willed herself into their thoughts, their psyche. She was becoming well aware of the reason for her being there. She was sort of being used as a look out. It made sense; she was not skilled with a blade, or offensive magic. Her abilities would aid in the unknown. Seeing around corners that they were unsure of. Looking without seeing so to speak.

A flicker of energy she felt. Her thoughts projected forth. She felt the man as he took a breath and moved. “Tristan.” She had uttered, as the man came lunging at them. Tristan made quick and easy work of the man. He was down before any type of sound came from him. But that did not prepare Selphia for the blow to her own psyche. Her hand jetted to the ground to keep her upright, while her heart pounded in her chest. She looked to Tristan as he explained their need to keep under the radar. She nodded and pushed herself to her feet to follow again.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wasn't far behind Evie as she launched into battle. With Dreamer's tentacles of magic wrapped around them both, the pair of soldiers had an advantage that their enemy did not. They could remain close to the flames with no fear of being burnt.
Arthur shot the mage a grateful smile as he plunged his sword hilt-deep into the stomach of an approaching adversary.

This end of the street, Arthur realised suddenly, was clear. Merlin's group were out of sight and Imriel's didn't seem to have emerged from the house yet. He hoped that they were still alive, for who knew how many had been hiding inside?

"Dreamer can you put out this fire?"He asked, "It will draw uneccesary attention to us. And we want to avoid as much of that as we can."
Arthur's heart was beating ten to the dozen, although he remained solemn on the outside as he led Evie and Dreamer towards the nearest cottage, the first on the row. He had no idea if anyone was inside but Arthur felt more alive than ever.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

"Dreamer can you put out this fire?...It will draw unnecessary attention to us. And we want to avoid as much of that as we can."

Dreamer wanted to ask the prince how exactly he wanted Dreamer to do that. Fire was an element, Dreamer was not an elemental mage. Dreamer had a thought that maybe the prince should study the differences in magic again. Putting out a fire with light magic was going to be difficult.

Although, maybe not impossible

Dreamer had an idea, but it was going to require alot of concentration, not something easily acquired in the middle of the battlefield. Dreamer noticed Arthur pushing them towards a cottage. Wanting a clear view of what he had to get rid of, Dreamer stayed outside and leaned against the cottage, hoping that they would keep him alive.

Really hoping they kept him alive

Dreamer looked at the spreading fire for a moment and then closed his eyes, trying really hard to block out the outside interferences. He let his magic begin to come to him little by little, building up the necessary energy. When he felt he had enough, he began to sing his spell.

"...Die down, let sleep
Die down, down deep
Be gone, from here
both far and near
vicious flames
be tame..."

Dreamer sang his song over the noises of battle, and at first nothing happened. Then everything went dark. All light, both the fire and from any other light sources had been banished.

Woops

Dreamer had preformed his spell a little too well, and because of it he felt the drain on his body now. He was hungry, and thirsty, and he felt slightly more achy. He dropped down to a knee for a minute, trying to catch his breath. Large scale magic took a heavy drain on any magic user, no matter the caliber.

After a moment Dreamer stood up, he wouldn't stay down, he was a White Mage of the Mage's Guild. He wouldn't let a single spell slow him down from what needed to be done.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin kept back from the action slightly, watching the soldiers engage in battle through the flames. He kept a careful eye on Arthur, although he could tell the Prince was already being protected by someone else's magic.

A little way off, Merlin could sense the curious civilians of Hemlot waking at the noisy clash of swords, and the smell of smoke. Hissing a chain of hushed words under his breath, Merlin extended a hand in their direction. All of the doors and windows of the houses were pressed closed with magic. None of the innocent civilians could get out, and that way, none would be harmed.

As Merlin turned back to the battle, suddenly, everything went dark. The candles in the windows went out, the blazing fire, and the torch he was carrying extinguished. It wasn't completely black, the night was a full moon, but it would be difficult for soldiers to see through the smoke.

Capture as many enemies as you can. Came Merlin's mental orders to all the magicians. We don't need them dead, just imobilised. The sooner the enemies stopped moving, the less likely that any of Camelot's soldiers would be hurt in the near darkness.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase watched from the sky as Dreamer made a fool of himself. The idiot had somehow put out all the lights in the entire area. What was he thinking Chase wondered to himself. After all now the enemy would be able to escape in the cover of the darkness and smoke.

Chase listened sceptically as Merlin ordered the magicians to capture as many people as possible. Chase supposed it made sense to keep them alive for questioning but it still didn't seem like an easy task to capture the soldiers and keep them from escaping. Wouldn't it be better to keep the enemy soldiers from escaping the town in the first place. All that would be needed was some sort of barrier one the opposite side of town where the enemy was escaping to.

Although Chase realized the first thing they really needed was some light to bring order to the chaos. Otherwise Any spell Chase caste might end up hurting his own side more than it hurt the enemy. Unfortunately while Chase was good at fire he wasn't sure if he could maintain a fire and attempt to cut off any escaping soldiers. He would need some fuel to light instead.

Chase looked around for something to burn. It would have to be something big that would light up the entire battlefield. The church caught his eye. It was even on the end of town that the soldiers were escaping to. its straw roof would catch fire easily.

"Naara uruite thoron yaana" Chase chanted. A fireball shot from his outstretched hands into the roof of the church. The flame spread quickly illuminating the battlefield just as Chase had planned. He had to admit it was beautiful.

Chase started towards the edge of town looking for any escaping soldiers.

[Prince Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was inside the cottage, checking each room individually to ensure there were no hidden men inside. He liked this part of the job, but it was one of the most dangerous because anyone inside would have a distinct advantage. Luckily this time, the house was empty and he began to make his way back outside to Dreamer.

It was then that the lights went out.
And Arthur walked into the doorframe, knocking himself out.


When he came round Arthur first noticed that the light had returned, but it was strange flickering light. Had Dreamer not already extinguished the fire?
He made his way slowly out of the house, rubbing his temple, where he would later find a dark bruise and not-so-small bump. It didn't take him long to notice the church was on fire and screaming villagers were running every which way about the city.

"What IDIOT set the church alight?!" He yelled, racing down towards Merlin and the others, forgetting all of his injuries, "Now the whole of Gore will know we are here!!"

He arrived by Merlin's side and asked him to issue the command to retreat back to Camelot. They may have held off the soldiers here but Gore had more, and if King Urien knew they were here then he would declare war outright.

"Merlin can you do anything to stop the flames spreading?" He muttered. It wasn't only his men whose lives he feared for, the villagers of Hemlot had no quarrel with Camelot and it seemed more than unfair to destroy their home any more than was necessary.

[Merlin Emrys]

The darkness probably threw most of the mages off balance, as nothing seemed to happen for a while. The few people that continued to blunder around in the dark soon stopped with cries of pain. It was just too dangerous for both sides. Suddenly, the church blazed alight, and with the flames came new chaos. Villagers were roused, and Merlin's previous spell to keep them inside had worn off. The innocent citizens were running about outside with the soldiers.

Merlin heard Arthur's angry tone before he saw the Prince striding toward him.
"I don't know." he replied honestly. He suspected it was a magician as it happened so suddenly, but he didn't know who. And it equally could have been a soldier. "We retreat!" he yelled, at the Prince's instruction, echoing the command mentally for the mages.

He turned his attention to the burning building, perhaps if he could group all of the magicians together they would have enough power to douse the flames. But there was no time, and in the commotion it would take too long to group the magicians.
"Lochaa!" Merlin cried out at a fleeing enemy soldier who was heading toward them in his panic to escape. The soldier's muscles locked, and he dropped into the dust before Arthur. "One captive." Merlin announced with a grin, then regarding the church, continued more seriously, "I can keep the flames from spreading, but I can't save the church, it's already out of control..."

As the soldiers retreated, Merlin crouched behind a barrel, whispering words of magic which created an oxygen bubble around the church, and prevented the fire from spreading. Merlin was strong, but as his eyes grew amber, he could feel the spell would sap at his strength...

[Evie Perroy]

Evie was fighting close to the church when the lights extinguished; the last blow from her opponent sent Evie's sword spiralling from her grip, and she was left standing in the darkness weaponless. The church, which burst into flame without warning, threw everything around her into an painfully hot orange glow. Evie threw up her arms to shelter her face, and staggered backwards away from the heat. The fighting seemed to have ceased, and civilians began to flood out of their homes.

Catching sight of the Prince, she jogged toward him and his dark haired servant who called out the order to retreat. Evie didn't need telling twice. Keeping a weather eye out for comrades who needed help, Evie headed out of the little village feeling particularly naked without her sword in hand.