Two crows, one stone

[KIIWIKILLA 342]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS6n2Hx9Ykk

 

As the pair approached the battlefield, they were prepared and strong. The Lord, Eirik Baruch, and his uncle, Lord Hughes Pasquier, made a ritual of being together before battle in case one of them should fall. As the Courlanders and the Mardonic forces lined up, they stood together. They had eyed their enemy and realised that their numbers were less than their foe, yet they stood proud and ready; they knew that this battle would be victory or death.

 

The Hanseti loyalists beside the Mardonians.

 

When the battle commenced, the pair stayed close; fighting back to back, both prepared to give their life for the others. They slashed their way to a bridge, passing corpses from both sides. That was when the fire came - the Courlandic forces had managed to cover much of the bridge in flames making it impossible to pass over, and the smoke was so thick that no one could see anything. It was at that point that the pair separated. Desperately trying to catch glimpse of light, Lord Eirik moved away; flailing his axe around in a weak attempt to defend himself and clear a path. At first he could only feel a slight damp in his boots, but he soon realised that water had filled most of his lower armour. He tried to turn back, but the soaked mud moved beneath his feet and it slowly carried him deeper into the river. The man was no stranger to water, having spent most of his life on board a ship, but this scared him. The weight of his armour made it impossible for him to swim effectively, with each stride just knocking more air out of him. Air that he would need to retain if he were to survive underwater long enough to remove enough armour to emerge on the surface. As his lips dipped under the surface, he caught glimpse of his uncle rushing into the water in an attempt to drag him out. Lord Hughes knelt and extended his hand, but it was too late. Eirik’s head was now fully submerged and he was floating effortlessly towards the bottom.

 

The now aged Lord Hughes slapped the water in both anger and despair. His nephew’s long and inevitable death pained him, but he did not have time to grieve. He was driven to almost madness, trying as hard as humanly possible to reach for his nephew. But even war does not spare those trying to save family, as Hughes felt a sudden pain in his collar bone. His eyes would widen, and he’d glance down to find an arrowhead tearing through his skin. His mouth fell ajar; a trickle of blood falling from his lips onto his surcoat, turning the yellow orange. He fell forward, the water filling his mouth whilst the ground carried him to the same fate of his nephew just seconds before. As the elderly Lord submerged, his still outstretched arm felt a hand. Closing his digits, Lord Hughes realised it was Eirik. Knowing that there was no chance of survival he pushed upwards, submerging himself further to be on par with his nephew. He held Eirk close, the memories of many happy days rushing through his mind. As they shared in each other’s embrace, the darkness of the deep opened up, as if a great pair of jaws had swallowed them into the depths.

 

Both men had died as they had lived. Lord Eirik in water, and Lord Hughes protecting his family.

 

“Protect your family, Eirik, for one day you will need them to protect you.”

Lord Hughes to Eirik after the birth of his son, Otto.

 

(This is a joint PK post)

[Chimp 528]

(Feelsbadman)

[gandalfo 1452]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.