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Post by NLV Plot on Sept 16, 2007 15:50:36 GMT -8
The courier service wore similar colors of the kingdom. Green and Purple, but with other markings the guild used to identify themselves. They had been chartered for a century, official scribes and couriers to the king’s of Akliceium. They took great pride in their work, and were honored guests among the noble houses of the realm.
The task of heading south was granted to Derim, a scribe now courier, guild member in good standing for several years. He was happy for the long trip. He was accustomed to making his rounds in the northern province. Now this trip south he was sure would be filled with sights unknown to him.
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Post by NLV Plot on Sept 16, 2007 15:50:59 GMT -8
Derim made his way from horse to horse, and saw the mountains pass on his right throughout the journey. The grasslands turned more arid here and there, and he could see the signs of the desert lands in the south and their influences.
Before long, the gates of the city of Lochling loomed ahead, and with a wave and a shout he greeted the guard there. It took longer than normal for him to enter the city, and Derim was a might annoyed as he remounted his horse and entered the northern Aljahir district.
He had never been to Lochling before, but from the stories he had heard it seemed nicer than was described. Streets were clean, and he could see decorated City Guard walking pairs from time to time. The city was sizable too, almost as big as Soldrien was.
His task was an important one, or he might have stopped in at one of the taverns he spied. He knew his duty however. Still, even he was taken in by this city. Sidau seemed to understand how to run a city, it would seem.
The Central District was before him now, and he saw a gentle transition from city housing to houses of learning. Universities and Guild facilities could be seen, as well as open grassy planes where people sat, groups were seen teaching, and the business of learning took priority. Derim thought of taking some time on the way back to inquire as to how one might study here.
A quick stop and question of a city guardsman gave him his bearing, and he was off to deliver his parchment.
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Post by NLV Plot on Sept 16, 2007 15:52:16 GMT -8
As directed by the guardsman, he rode up upon a series of larger buildings, surrounded by walls and towers. Green grasses covered the inner areas, and he could see training facilities, barracks, and military style housing. Farther inside, he guided his horse to a large 1-story compound. It looked comfortable, but more functional than anything else.
As he arrived he bid word to the “High General”, as he likes to be called here. An official looking soldier greeted him, who identified himself as a Colonel. He instructed this Colonel that his message is straight from King Arios Cromwell, and as was proper as a King’s Courier, he was to deliver it to Detmer von Sidau himself. He smiled broadly, and rather proudly, as any guild member in his position would.
The Colonel bluntly replied that no one was to see the High General on this day, and that he would assume responsibility for the delivery of the message. Derim was confused at this, and reminded this “Colonel” that his message was from the King of Akliceium. It was to be delivered without delay.
The Colonel kept a straight face, and coolly replied, “…and the message will be delivered without delay, but not by you.” With a wave 2 soldiers appeared from the nearby tower door, and it was made clear to Derim, the King’s Courier, Guild Member in good standing, that he would be going no further on this day.
Not long afterward a group of students on the common of the Central District could see a horse at full gallop, making its way towards the edge of the city. A rider clad in green and purple rode atop the mount, and it was clear he was not interested in stopping to speak with anyone.
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Post by NLV Plot on Sept 16, 2007 15:52:51 GMT -8
Inside headquarters the morning was passing much like any other. Most of Jenil’s compatriots were also maintaining records for the Army of the Southern Duchy, and they were under her command. The dozen or so soldiers like her were chosen for their ability to produce a clean stroke of the quill, and each had undergone at least one active tour in the ASD. Charles, another scribe, sat beside her today.
“Have you heard the news? We’ve made some more progress in the hills.”
“Hush Charles. You know better than to gossip. It never pays off here. The High General looks down upon lipsmacking like that.”
“Yes, yes indeed.”
With a start, a call for Major Jenil was heard, and she answered promptly. She was summoned to the High General’s office. As she walked the halls there she made sure her tunic was clean and her hair was pulled tight, and entered.
Inside she could see General Sidau and several others pouring over maps and charts, and a green and purple insignia on a freshly delivered parchment in the General’s hands. The General called Jenil to him and quietly whispered to her, handed her the parchment, and turned back to his business.
The major left the room with a purpose, and returned to the Scribe’s room. She ordered Charles to duplicate the parchment, and have it printed and posted by the City Guard throughout the districts and at points of interest. Gathering her own quills and inkpot, Major Jenil then returned to the General’s offices.
As she reentered the room she could see the General was working alone now, and she quickly set up her equipment. With precision she recorded his words, and as they finished the document the General reviewed it, and sent it off with her. She collected her tools and returned to the Scribes’ Room.
Charles and the others were hard at work, following her orders. With a short review of their work, she then set at her own desk and proceeded to complete her own task laid before her.
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Post by NLV Plot on Sept 16, 2007 15:53:08 GMT -8
Word had spread, and the King’s posting was making waves in the city of Lochling. Many knew of the parties mentioned in the post, and rumors were spreading throughout the districts.
The City Guard had received a parchment of their own from city headquarters, and was instructed to post it in all districts of the city. The Army of the Southern Duchy was seen making rounds, posting a document from the High General’s Headquarters throughout the districts.
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