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Post by Cutebabys on Sept 29, 2009 5:00:05 GMT -5
Lee shook his head. "Don't think you should bring him back to Araluen, Tony,"he advised. It was usually up to Tony to advise him but this time Lee just said it. He was the quarter master and was in charge of all the cargo and supplies so he should get a say in things. He had been listening to their conversation and thought that it would be wrong to bring Rick back. In fact, he believed they should just kill him. If the ranger got back, he might make an report of them. Or more specifically, Tony.
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Post by Tandar on Oct 7, 2009 16:57:31 GMT -5
Cannon had been sleeping, but now that his hands were free, he was fully aroused and ready to make a getaway. He watched as Rick was taken inside. On one hand, he wanted to escape while they could. On the other hand, it would be nice to shove a blade in that pirate's face. After a slight hesitation, he made up his mind. His desire to leave had won out. It was too dangerous to go after the Ranger with all the other pirates crawling about the area. Not that he really cared about Rick. He was a good guy, sure, but Rip could do without him. All he needed was Angel and he had a ticket into the secret organization.
Getting to his feet, Cannon rubbed his wrists as the circulation returned. He winced as pain briefly shot through his shoulder. It was still sore. He eyed Angel for a moment. Rip would get her back eventually. He wasn't going to let her off the hook just because she was a woman.
"I'm ready."
Just as he turned toward the mouth of the cave to make a run for it, shouts rang out and Cannon could see silhouettes in front of them, blocking their exit.
"Damn! They know we're free."
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Post by Brandwyn on Oct 8, 2009 14:14:49 GMT -5
Rick wasn’t too happy about Lee’s input, though he hadn’t expected any different from the pirate. Seeing little help from Ulrich, Rick thought frantically about what might appeal to the pirate captain. Then he remembered that the man was superstitious. Maybe…
“You know, there is one reason why you shouldn’t kill me, for your own sake that is…” Rick said casually.
“Really?” Tony scoffed, “and what would that be?”
Rick pinned Tony with an intense glare and his voice took on a hard edge. “Everyone knows it is bad luck to kill a ranger.”
Mortimer laughed, “oh they do, huh? Yeah, right.”
Tony wasn’t as quick to dismiss the ranger’s words though. He actually had heard that saying before. “Go on.” He crossed his arms and leaned back against the cabin wall, meeting Rick’s gaze.
Rick waited for Mort to stop chuckling before answering. “Well, for one thing if I don’t show up eventually, Crowley will send another ranger to find out what happened. Rangers don’t give up on assignments, especially not when one of our own is in trouble. My travels will eventually lead him to you, and chances are he won’t be as amiable as I am. We aren’t known for our sweet personalities.”
Rick’s eyes narrowed. “Then there is the fact that if you do kill me, I will haunt you for the rest of your life. Every time you feel the wind blow, it will be me whispering in your ear. Every time you see a shadow move just out of your sight, it will be me, sneaking up behind you. I will invade your dreams and turn them to nightmares and I will never stop. Ever.” All pretense of being friendly was now gone from Rick’s visage.
Tony stood there for a moment, not saying a word, his fists clenched and unclenched as Rick spoke, weighing whether the ranger was telling the truth or not.
“Cap’n, ya ain’t seriously considerin’ this are ya?” Mort looked incredulously at his boss and friend. “He is jes’ tryin’ ta save his skin.” Mort snorted. “Ain’t nuthin’ to it, Cap’n.”
“Maybe… then again maybe not.” Tony glanced at Mort, “it’s not you he is threatening to haunt.” Tony had grown up on a ship around sailors and he had heard lots of stories over the years. Most of them were hogwash, but there were a few, a very few, that he believed to be true. He couldn’t just dismiss Rick’s words out of hand. He needed time to consider his options.
“Lee, you and Ulrich take this- take the Ranger up on deck and tie him to the main mast.” Tony said. “If he gives you any trouble, kill him.” Tony looked Lee in the eye, “and Lee, you make sure he don’t get loose again.” Tony shifted his gaze to Ulrich, “for both your sakes.”
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Post by JezusBagels on Oct 8, 2009 20:51:07 GMT -5
((sorry bout that, lemme see if Ulrich can redeem himself))
"Whatever you say, Tony," Ulrich said complacently.
He grabbed Rick by the arm and leaned in close for a fraction of a second to whisper, "Go with it." Then he proceeded to drag him out of the room, not noticing or caring if Lee was following behind him. He spoke quietly and harshly, though, just in case. "You're going to escape. We're going to get outside and I'm going to let go of you for a few seconds to grab some rope. When that happens, knock me out. If Lee's with us, take care of him, too. I'm sure you can manage that. Go back to your people. Warn them that we're here, and for the love of God, teach them how to fight. Tony won't take kindly to this."
It was a sound plan. Ulrich and Lee could conceivably be overpowered by a Ranger so that Tony wouldn't be all over them for the failure... At least, not for too long. He remained silent as he thrust open the wooden door and found himself quickly surrounded by the freezing air of the early morning. With a wink and a smirk, he let go of Rick and turned to grab some rope.
"Good luck," he whispered.
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Post by Cutebabys on Oct 9, 2009 8:00:58 GMT -5
Rick waited for Mort to stop chuckling before answering. “Well, for one thing if I don’t show up eventually, Crowley will send another ranger to find out what happened. Rangers don’t give up on assignments, especially not when one of our own is in trouble. My travels will eventually lead him to you, and chances are he won’t be as amiable as I am. We aren’t known for our sweet personalities.”
Lee snorted. "Yeah, right! I heard rangers take an oath to help the kingdom. Crowley won't ask another ranger to find you. After all, the saying goes: 'It takes one ranger to solve a riot.'" he said.
Lee saw Ulrich whisper something to the ranger. Lee raised his eyebrows. There's a conspiracy afoot, he thought, then pushed the thought away. Don't be silly! Ulrich wouldn't do that!
Lee followed behind the two, sighing.
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Post by Brandwyn on Oct 9, 2009 14:02:33 GMT -5
Rick felt Ulrich release his arm and pulled away from him forcefully, hopefully making it look to Lee like he had jerked himself free. “Thanks for the advice to come quietly,” He said savagely to Ulrich, for Lee’s benefit. “But I am afraid I can’t do that. My people need me.”
At the same time he was talking, he spun around and leveled a fierce kick into Lee’s stomach. Hopefully it would not only knock the wind out of the pirate, but it would shove him back down the stairs into the hold as well since they had just exited the stairwell.
In the same motion he drew his saxe knife and planted the hilt onto the side of Ulrich’s head, hard enough to knock him out, but not hard enough to do any permanent damage. “Sorry, and thanks” he whispered in Ulrich’s ear as he lowered Ulrich to the deck.
He didn’t wait to see what Lee was up to, but instead sprinted for the gang plank as fast as he could go. He slid down the gang plank and into the gravelly sand lining the beach and then sprinted across the sand to where his bow and arrows should be lying on the ground.
As Rick ran, he saw that Angel and Rip were heading towards the cave mouth, but there was shouting and a lot of confusion. It seemed there were some men blocking their path. He decided to add to the mayhem, “Quick lads! They are trying to steal the ship!” He shouted as he ran, throwing his voice behind him. “Get up on the deck! Hurry!”
The men that had been guarding them near the fire looked around and then took off running toward the ship just as Rick reached the spot where his strung bow lay on the sand in the dark.
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Post by ivory on Oct 9, 2009 14:32:27 GMT -5
Angel made her way slowly, but briskly behind him, eyes darting around the darkness as she fingered the knives. She didn't want to pull them out in case the light of the fires reflected off one of the blades, but kept them as ready as possible in case they were given chase. After all, she didn't need them to fight with in hand-to-hand combat so they'd be better put to use in arcing through the air to those in front of her. She wouldn't waste a blade on someone behind her for then she wouldn't have the chance to retrieve it and use it again. Besides, turning around to even get a good lock on the target would take too much time, better to just keep moving foward.
"Damn! They know we're free."
Angel had already spied the silhouttes at the mouth of the cave and was already in the process of pulling out a knife. She stopped herself before she completed the act and reversed its direction to slide it back up her sleeve, knowing they were too far away for an accurate throw. And besides, they may've just been positioned there in case there'd been an escape, and they hadn't actually seen them...yet.
Better to break into a run or drop to the ground and hope they didn't see them before making their way more slowly? By the sounds of the shouts behind them, she doubted they'd have much time. They were a little disorganized and confused, but she doubted it'd be like that for long. After all, they were crewmen and knew how to run a tight ship. Orders would be issued and immediately carried out; it was the life on sea. The slightest hesitation in the face of a storm could spell the end to everyone on board. So plan A it was, run for it while hugging the darker shadows.
As soon as the knife lay once again concealed in her sleeve, she broke into a run even as she once again reversed the action and was beginning to pull out the blade. She hugged the cave wall, hoping the shadows of the bends would hide most of her form until she could close enough for an accurate throw.
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Post by Cutebabys on Oct 10, 2009 20:15:36 GMT -5
Lee, was, indeed shoved backwards. He had the air knocked out of him. By the time he realized what had happened, it was too late. However, he tried to catch the ranger, but to no avail. Then he stopped, confused. What was happening there? It looked as if the prisoners had escaped! Reaching this conclusion, Lee, once again, started to run after them.
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Post by Brandwyn on Oct 11, 2009 14:03:28 GMT -5
Rick crouched down and picked up his bow and threw the quiver strap over his shoulder and set an arrow on the string. He looked up at the pirates running back up the gangplank and saw Lee pelting across the beach towards him.
He took careful aim and sent an arrow into Lee's thigh. 'That ought to slow him down' Rick thought.
Suddenly something slammed into him from the side, sending him sprawling in the dirt, the bow skittered out of his hand. Rick felt the weight of a small human on his back and then heard a familiar chuckle. 'Wensley. Figures.' Rick threw him off with and was just about to get to his feet when Wensley flung a knife at him which caught him in the chest on his right side, above the lung.
Rick grunted in pain. "I've had just about enough of you, little man" Rick pulled the knife out and flung it back to Wensley. His aim was off, or Wensley managed to dodge it and instead of hitting him in the eye as Rick intended, the blade sliced off a chunk of Wensley's left ear. The little pirate grabbed the side of his head and started yelling.
Rick grabbed his bow and took off running toward the cave mouth, kicking Wensley in the back of his knees to tip him over as he ran past and knocking another arrow. Blood ran down his chest from the knife wound, but he ignored it.
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Post by Brandwyn on Oct 15, 2009 14:27:48 GMT -5
The pirates guarding the boats near the cave mouth heard shouts ring out near the ship. They moved closer to hear what was going on. They saw the men near the fire scramble toward the ship and board just after Lee descended the gangway. Ducky noticed a dark shape near where the prisoners were tied up stand up and shoot at Lee. He tapped his buddy on the arm and pointed with the other hand, "I think that archer is free." They watched as the archer then started running straight toward them and the boats behind them, turning his bow on them. "Watch out!" Ducky shouted and hit the sand, pulling his friend down with him.
Two of the others weren't so lucky. They both toppled with serious arrow wounds. Serious, but Ducky thought both of them would survive. He looked around and noticed the other two prisoners were much closer and heading for them also.
Ducky waved to the three men still standing and ordered, "Get them! They are getting away!" Then he pulled a throwing dagger out of his boot and stood up in a crouching position and advanced on the archer, trying to dodge back and forth so he wouldn't get shot. His friend right behind him with his scimitar drawn.
The other three advanced on Angel and Rip, pulling out weapons and grinning at the prospect of spilling blood. It had been too long since they'd been in a good fight.
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Post by Cutebabys on Oct 16, 2009 11:12:31 GMT -5
Barry sat on a rock near the fire after the first real meal on the island. With the arrival of the wild boar carcass in camp, Barry had become an instant celebrety for having killed it. Between that and the bear steaks that the other fellow had brought in - who was also being heralded as a hero- everyone seemed to have gotten their fill to eat. Barry had made sure the lady who had helped him and Darcy had gotten a large pile of the juciest, choice portions of the roasted pig. He thanked her profusely as he handed her a coconut shell full of meat. Now, after the meal, he looked around the fire and didn't see her. He sighed and then glanced at Darcy to see if he had noticed Barry looking for the woman. He hoped not. The lady was pretty and all, but a bit older than him and he really wasn't anywhere in her league, he knew. Last thing he wanted was his friend teasing him about it. Since the meal, and since people's stomachs were now full, they now started complaining about other things. Most everyone looked pretty glum and dejected as they discussed the possibility of rescue. Barry rubbed at his shoulder because it ached terribly and then realized he had better leave it alone. The Doc hadn't been too thrilled at having to help the three of them back to camp and redress Barry's shoulder. Then Malphorius got up and addressed the group, trying to cheer people up, Barry guessed. As the Doc explained about the missing people and the plan to build shelters tomorrow, Barry groaned. He turned to Darcy sitting next to him and whispered, "Let's volunteer to help search for the missing ranger and his friends. I sooo don't want to get stuck building huts." Course maybe he could play up their injuries and get one day of laying on the beach out of his shoulder wound. He looked at Darcy though and figured that Darcy would still get stuck with working, even if Barry could get out of it. [OOC: Sorry...I forgot about this. It's a bit long overdue, but I'll just post according to your post earlier] Darcy closed his eyes. He sighed, his head still throbbing. He opened one eye lazily. Good meal, he thought. That was mainly because of Barry, who was now famous for catching the boar. Barry was looking away. But before Darcy could turn to see who the person was, Barry glanced at Darcy. Darcy looked around but was unable to locate the person whom Barry was looking at. "What're you looking at?" Darcy asked. Darcy shook his aching head in an attempt to clear his brain. It partially worked - his head didn't hurt that bad. Darcy nodded. "Much better," he whispered back. He wasn't sure if he would manage to get out of work. Glancing at Barry, he decided that while Barry could easily get out of it, he would have a harder time convincing them to let him slack.
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Post by Tandar on Oct 16, 2009 19:17:03 GMT -5
"It's too late to be stealthy," Cannon spat.
He took off sprinting toward the boats, skidding to a stop when the men blocked his way. One of the pirates who brandished a scimitar sneered and moved in for the kill. With a swift slashing hand motion, Rip shouted a command in Teutlandtish.
In a flash, Rift leaped out of the water, bounded a short distance across the rock floor, and pounced on one of the pirates, his saber-like teeth going for the throat.
Cannon followed up the surprise with an attack of his own. He jumped at the closest man, bringing his arm up for a punch at his chest. At the same time, his hidden blade slid out of the concealing bracer. The pirate barely had enough time to see what hit him as the weapon was plunged into his flesh, just missing the heart.
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Post by Brandwyn on Oct 17, 2009 9:45:27 GMT -5
"What're you looking at?" Darcy asked.
Barry blushed and looked down, not wanting to admit he was starting to form a crush on the woman that had helped them with the boar. "Uh... nothing really... just.... well, I was wondering what her name was. That Lady that helped us after we killed the boar." He said sheepishly. "She never said, and what was she doing out there in the woods alone?" He looked around again. "I don't see her anywhere, but she was here when we were eating."
Oh well, he would likely see her tomorrow. He was getting sleepy now anyway. "Mmm, I think I ate too much. I can hardly move." He said to Darcy. He didn't even feel like seeking shelter for the night. The weather was nice and the stars were coming out. He shifted position and as he half listened to the conversation around him, he finally drifted off to sleep.
Later, in the dead of night he woke suddenly, a great pressure on his chest. He opened his eyes and would have screamed like a woman except when he opened his mouth he was so terrified nothing came out.
Staring him in the face was a Llynx who was sitting on his chest. She was just looking at him, but when he opened his eyes she meowed and leapt off of him. She walked a few paces away and then turned back to look at him.
Barry slowly sat up, his shoulder protesting and stiff from sleeping on the ground.
The cat walked back over and sat at his feet, then slowly reached out with one paw and layed it on his leg. She meowed again, looking at him intently, then turned and walked back to the woods, stopping again to look at him.
Barry saw Darcy and reached over to wake him, "Darcy..." he said softly, "Look at this will you?" Barry's initial terror had subsided since the Llynx didn't seem to be attacking him. Slowly it dawned on him that there had been a Llynx following that ranger around. "Hey, isn't this the Ranger's cat?"
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Post by Tandar on Oct 19, 2009 10:00:41 GMT -5
Rift's strong canine teeth pierced the man's soft flesh. The massive white tiger tore out his jugular vein, spraying blood all over and matting the animal's fur.
Cannon jerked his blade free and let the pirate fall to the ground. He took a chance and briefly scanned the cave wall where he had left Angel. He couldn't see her, but because he was colorblind, his night vision wasn't exactly great either. Rip had stood still a little too long. Something blunt struck him on the right side of his head and sent him reeling. He rolled when he hit the rock floor and struggled to get to his feet. Blood trickled from his ear and he suffered from a massive headache. Hearing the men drawing closer, Rip spread his legs and brought his hands up into a defensive stance.
Where are you Angel? This had better not be one of your tests.
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Post by ivory on Oct 21, 2009 17:39:18 GMT -5
Ivory lay resting in the branches of a tree, having climbed up there shortly after coming back to camp. Within seconds, she’d fallen asleep, only to wake hungry as a growing boy. She knew she should’ve eaten before going to sleep, but she’d been so tired and her body had been screaming for a period of rest and she’d happily complied. A period that didn’t seem to have helped in the least as her body was still felt like whipped butter.
She tried to move to descend the tree and pick from the remains of the boar, but was too weak to do so. Hell, she was even too tired to panic at her stuck situation. Her eyes felt so heavy, but she was hungry...She tried moving again and after a few minutes, actually managed to succeed. Not wanting to stop in fear that she’d not be able to start again, she began to painstakingly make her way down the tree, only to slip the last few feet and land hard on her shoulder.
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