One Final Stand

[Eddywilson2 2117]

One Final Stand

The remaining Crows limped back to Norwick, defeated and downcast.Their liege, Singuine Barbanov, was missing and presumed dead. They had failed their duty yet again. Tarcell collapses into a seat, clutching a bloody rag to his shoulder as he listened to his Brother's cries of pain from their wounds and mourning for the dead. He looks over to his loyal deputy, Marius who was attending a wounded soldier. They met eyes, both knowing what they must do.

Standing up, Tarcell cleared his throat. The throng of crows turned as the room faded to silence.

"Brothers" he begins "We've lost the day. Our leader is gone, our castles are sacked and our comrades are dead. We could surrender now. We could try and keep what we have left by proving loyalties we do not have."

"However, I am not that type of man. The Ashen Snakes killed Hughes, they killed Singuine, and now they will try to kill us. I will hold this castle until they come and throw my dead body out of it. I made an oath to House Barbanov, and I will not let their name die out just yet."

"There is a choice to be had here. You can go South, perhaps submit to the enemy like the Voliks did and live another day, or you can fight last time with your brothers. Years from now, the bards will sing of the courage of the Golden Crow as they held the North until their final breath. It's a journey that will end in your death my brothers. We all meet it one day. I'm choosing to meet mine now."

The Crows began to look around at each other. Some stirred at the thought of death while others held their weapons with gleaming eyes at the thought of a glorious last stand. "Leave now" cried Tarcell "If you want to live. For the enemy will be on our doorstep soon, and we will be here to meet them."

Not a single man took his leave.

With a grin, Tarcell raised his fist "Soon my brothers, we fight one last time! Hone your swords and ready your steel! We die as free men! We die as Crows!" He yells as the brothers break out in cry "For the Crow, and for Haense!" It seems the Savoyards have one more castle to take.

[Faelond 25]

The Animal nods in approval to Tarcell's words and begins sharpening his sword.

[grnappa 1230]

Erik Berhal, Huscarl of the Crow, sighs, longing for the war to just end.

[calculusdesola 1658]

Noting the mention of Snakery, Titus Hanseticus could only bring himself to quote immemorially :

 

"The Vladovs send their regards."

 

May the Toddler's War continue til the end of all time after this heroism, when everyone wants it to be over.

[Himfea 22]

Janberk Kuad'je of Cherkassian folk grips the hilt of his sword, "Sell the life, to purchase the honor. To the last drop of our blood!"

[Norman 492]

​     From a loyalist war camp abuzz with the hum of labor, Adrian de Bar would learn of the Golden Crow's refusal to capitulate with the rest of their conquered allies. The weary nobleman conceded a snort of derision, looking to to those around him with a perfunctory nod.

 

"The northmen would sooner die than surrender; a defiant lot until the end. I had figured as much."

[Porko 397]

Veryn narrows his eyes upon hearing of the Crow's decision. "Bravery in the face of their destruction. They squandered their chance, and it looks like we'll have to grant their last wish."

[wolfdwg 2677]

 A Man travelling on his Horse catches wind of Tarcell's proclamation, He rolls his eyes, "Dead men walking." He simply states

[nordicg_d 1847]

*deano joins the crows...

[argonian 14254]

"Eh, I've lived long enough. Better to die now with my finger up to Olivia than serve those bastards." says Tylos as prepares to join the Crows in battle.

[Treshure 5817]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDjgnVd7CXA

[Arteh 1837]

"Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win."

 

Says Augustus de Sola

[Hammer4_ 166]

"So if I vere ta slaughter all of my cows, it vould be a tale vorth telling?"

[giambro 612]

Asher looks up to Tarcell while holding a huge wound on his leg, red blood gushing out. While listening to Tarcells speech, and trying to get up Asher said, "I am with ya till the death, Sir Tarcell. Let's take as many as we can! for one last time.." As he grunts in pain, while trying to get up.

[Geoff 33]

"Good..." Solbjorn says, a wolfish grin appearing on his face, "I 'ave been vaitin' fer this."