I Ain't Nothing But A Hound Dog

[Eddywilson2 2117]

The Culling of False Prophets

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

It is traditional in Haense that when a boy reaches the age of 14, he takes up arms in defense of his homeland. In the case of Prince Nikolas, he chose to fight with the Hounds. They are a promising group, commanded by the renowned Lazlo and Reynault who had earned their spurs and were rewarded in Haense for their prowess. Together with his comrades, they went on a patrol to cull bandits from the roads and ensure the safe passage of citizens throughout the Empire. Solebron, known by some as the Chieftain Crusher for when he allegedly slaughtered the false King of the Highlanders, had taken a liking to the young prince. As they discussed the art of combat for which Niko had much to learn, they heard the jarring shouts from the bushes.

 

https://gyazo.com/b3daf35314128842a6ec85da9865d58b

 

“Halt, Orenian scum!”

 

https://gyazo.com/9db79e4edf77b986ca1987025c311296

 

Niko gripped his reins hard as he realized what was about to occur. The Nordlings were larger in number and heavily armed. Blood was soonto be spilt. Niko’s thoughts were not alone. Reynault realized the odds and called a retreat as the fighting commenced. The horsemen covered their brothers on foot as they were pursued by the Nordlings. Niko’s arm was true on this day as he took a Norlanding with a javelin to the chest. 

 

Reynault made a daring call to divide his forces. The three remaining Hounds beat a retreat to Johnstown where their stables await. Meanwhile, Niko and Renault would keep the Nordling force busy. Arrow by arrow, javelin by javelin, the two Hounds whittled at the moral of the Nordlings. They led them through fields, through mountains and ravines, from Kaedrin to Helena and back until Niko’s thighs chafed against the leather of his saddle. 

 

As Niko’s arm grew weary and the Norldings’s fire came ever so close to their mark, Niko felt fear in his heart. It was the heroic trumpet of hooves and the twang of arrow fire that lifted his spirits. The three Hounds led by Lazlo had returned from Johnstown, mounted on fine steeds. The Nordling force was ravished by arrows in moments. Some tried to flee individually. As cowards, they died alone. Some of the braver Norlanders tried to hold together against the arrow fire. It was to no avail as the Hounds rode circles around the shield wall, peppering them from every direction.

 

Their discipline broke quickly. The survivors ran for their lives back towards Morsgrad with the Hounds nipping at their heels. They pulled the chase at the border to enter Morsgrad. The last couple survivors could live to tell the tale of their defeat. The Hounds would keep the roads safe of all who seek to do it harm.

 

A letter is penned from the palace of Haense as words spreads of the conflict.

 

“Let it be known to all nations and organizations across Arcas before the Morsgradians draw you into another one of their wars. I see a nation that claims a Highlander title that is not their own. I see a nation that marches 20 orcs and Morsgradians unannounced to Helena and call it an effort towards peace. The same armies who every man of living memory in the empire recalls from the eternal conflict, yet claim victim when they are met with mistrust. They have earned none. I see a nation that raids our roads, yet claims they are the victim. I see a nation that whose king will claim to be strong with numbers at his back, yet runs like a dog with his tale between his legs when confronted.

 

As Morsgrad, Norland, the so called ‘Highlander Realm’ or whatever they deem to call themselves tomorrow continues to raise tensions, those in Haense shall view nations that sign treaties with this nation to be with the intention to see our people brought to their knees. This is a group of blind idiots who dragged many into a fruitless war that saw many die for naught. Do not let their lies fool you again.”

 

Spoiler

https://gyazo.com/a6d15d807592161bbfdd8cb65f1948f0

https://gyazo.com/79d5978d5a508eff3729a30a271bf259

 

[nevy40 405]

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

 

 

"Ave Hounds!

 

I congratulate my dear friend and close ally, Nikolas, and Reynault the 
Brazen on this most prestigieous, decisive victory. 

 

Proud is the realm of men to have such valiant god-fearing, soldiers.
Once more you have proved yourselves the bulwark of Oren, shielding the Empire
from the most vile cretins of Norland. 

 

Those god-foresaken heathens corrupted the once beautiful Lorraine, turning it
into cesspool of filth and degeneracy now known as Darrowmere. The crown jewel 
of the Empire turned into nothing more than a piss pool filled with doddering 
Helves and Rodents alike.

 

By God Almight - I pray you Hounds put an end to the Norland insurrection and
bring peace to the Empire once more.

 

God give you strength. God give you guidance. God bless the Hounds!

 

P.S. I have recieved a missive from a concerned citizen of Norland, stating 
that the King of Norland shares his chamber with other men. Though we are enemies,
I shall pray to God that this sick individual finds salvation...."

                             

 

 

Signed,

Ser Loras of Lorraine

 

 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

 

[Werew0lf 24181]

Private Roland cheers on the hounds. “They call themselves after dogs — but are the ones walking norland on a leash and having them chase and fetch the bone. My idols!” 

[seannie 7443]

“Little Niko is a wild one, got more of grandfather’s spirit in him than I do!” Sigismund commented, having heard of his little brother executing bandits along the Imperial Highways.

[StokedOff 456]

Stanimir Barrow signed the Lorraine cross as he trotted past St. Emma’s shrine in Johnstown following the defeat of the Morsgradians “GOD guides our blades” he’d say before dismounting his horse and wiping a few pieces of skull and hair fragments off the horses hooves. He then unhooked the bag of gear he’d retrieved from the fight and went to store it 

[Sarven 2619]

"Niko! You did well lad, I'm proud of you! I'll be sure to award you some fine javelins!" *He said with a smirk as he'd ruffle through the lads hair*

[Legoboy7984 3155]

Stefan Vyronov grins.

Good to see at least one of King Andrik’s descendants has his way of doing things. From books I’ve read about of the late King I can compare some things with him to Prince Niko. That is his temper, attitude, humor, and his thirst for combat.