A Burning Mast

[Arteh 1837]

 

13th of the Deep Cold, 1518.

 

A fire roared within the palace council chambers as the slight beading of rainfall could be heard muffled through the large stone walls. Lord Marshal Augustus de Sola accompanied with Count Guy de Bar, one of his most valiant and trusted commanders, discussed affairs regarding the war. The increased aggression from the Adrian rebels and the treachery of the rebel state, Vanaheim, was not to go unpunished. Vanaheim maintained most of the naval forces of the Kingdom, renowned for their formidable fleet, it was transparent that they were to be a problem if they were to maintain such naval prowess. Augustus de Sola instructed the veteran commander to muster up a small number of the most loyal and competent men to head out on a mission to hinder the advancements of the Vanir’ naval forces and to prevent any attack from their fleet. Guy de Bar understood the severity of the task at hand and gathered the most formidable of his men to accompany him on such a mission.

 

The silence of the night was broken by the riders. A lone pack of pale horsemen had emerged from the swamplands in a swift ascension to the North. Steely gazes adorned their visages as they rode hard towards the rebel state of Vanaheim. Their intent was dour; the necessity was even more so. And when the riders did reach the duchy of the North, not a bell was rung. The town slumbered in ignorance to a war that fast approached their frozen gates. And so the bronco busters filled into the dock, pouring into a small boat that rocked and swayed to their every movement.

 

They embellished themselves with the coats of a swashbuckler and scoured the seas as any sailor party would. Inside their large and plentiful coats, unlit torches and sharpened flint lay in wait for their task. The quaint boat drifted quietly across the waters with a black shadow enveloping the raft. A midnight wind soared low throughout the sea, whipping the fog upwards as if to purposely reveal their target. A massive frigate loomed in the near distance, beckoning with sheer grandeur. It’s quiet beauty resonated onto the soldiers, and yet it could not sway their cause.

 

The raft slowly made its way to the vessel’s side. The shadow draped warriors ascended the boat. In the dead of this winter night, only some few sailors gazed out across the waters. Those that did were subject to the blade of the invaders. They, the covert men, swept across the hull and claimed the lives of those adventurous few, who sook to use this the glamorously dreadful ship for treacherous means.  Torches were lit and flint was flashed, and the sails of Vanaheim tumbled down in a blaze of ember.

It was not long before the final flag fell and was swept into the coursing flames. Aided by boiling oil and flint with steel, the torch’s flame swept across the sails. A beacon of death and foreboding shot into the sky that illuminated it with tints of orange and yellow. The final mast’s base crumbled into ash as the pillar smashed into the fire and waiting ocean. The soldiers peered back at the waiting coast of Vanaheim, where soldiers would surely soon awake to find ships littered at the bottom of that freezing bay. The prominent figure amongst the cloaked soldiers tore his eyes from the coast, thudding along what remained of the warship. His countenance shone with fury and wrath.

 

“Burn down this fleet, boys!”

 

[Publius 4098]

"They were huge. At least the citizens will be able to keep warm this winter!"

 

Publius laughs at his jest, and reflects on the mounting poor fortunes of Vanaheim.

 

[Delrof 381]

Decurion Ragnar of Banard raises a tankard in victory with his brothers at the news of the now incinerated Vanir fleet!

[Pureimp10 5691]

((So you deny the war claim to stall for this? Great work!

Britannus frowns, before shrugging. "We'll build it again."

[Savoyard 263]

Sergius overhears Brittanus, retorting with a smug grin, "Eager to lose another ship, I see."

[Vamoose 265]

"That ship was an eye sore."

[Treshure 5817]

((So you deny the war claim to stall for this? Great work!

 

 

Kendor would quickly escape the burning inferno to ride back to the swamplands of Dour Watch.

Lets keep this civil, please.

[Galendar 631]

((Thought it was voided?))

Ostromir bobs his head once at this action, "Then I see how this game will be played."

[lawnmowerman 3040]

A shawled figure stands atop of a trustworthy white steed within the cold, harsh north, a content smirk smeared across his lips as he'd watch the wild embers trickle around the sail.

 

He'd tug on the horse's reins, turning it anti-clockwise, drawling out coldly, fog escaping his parted lips,

 

"Let's kill some crows."

[Jonificus 2761]

Caspar finds himself complaining about not getting the invitation to a shipburning "Why don't they like me.." He asks a lowly stableboy in Peremont.

[Mj. 697]

"Boy I hope they actually decide not to be cowards next time and run, so we can give 'em a proper Vanahiem welcome!" Wem says

[DrakeHaze. 2524]

Ilaustius Marna puts forth 10000 minas towards workers and supplies to ensure repairs are made and backups are at the ready.

"Easy."

[ℤ∃ʁ∅ 823]

Neero looks to the burning boat from the church and sighs. He stares at it for a moment and looks back to the cross.

 

"What was the real reason for this.. be civil.." 

[tilly 5115]

Rhosyn claps her hands together. "I love it when things are burnt down."

[Harri 4815]

Dorian simply smirks as he would ride back to Peremont.