Thread: A Viking's Tale (Charon & ScarletAngel)

He had nearly drifted off in his chair when Grubbi shook him awake to hear the young warrior's report it seemed days since the last time he'd truly slept and he had used nearly all his remaining energy during the fight. The dragon nodded and rose slowly, wanting to see for himself. As they walked back towards the vault the Jarl asked where they'd heard the voices. Near the back, my lord. Quiet it was, but I am sure of what I heard. The stronger the lock, the dearer the treasure. He remembered the vault door and pieces began falling together. The glance back towards the keep. Now it occured that where he looked was in the direction of where the vault lay. The scrap of fabric hanging from the window. It was a dark blue and looked to be of fine quality, even from where he stood on the ground. He spoke low to one of the men accompanying him and watched as he ran back the other way. That wiley bastard, Orm smiled as it all made sense. That wiley, lying bastard. He really couldn't fault the man however, he was certain he'd have done the same. As they aproached the door to the vault Orm entered slowly and watched as the young housekarl pointed in the direction he'd heard the noise. Orm stepped lightly to the back wall and placed his ear upon it, listening for any sound. He heard nothing. He frew his dagger slowly and began probing along the wall's seams, discovering the gap. There is certainly a latch to open it he thought, and in the same instance realized that there would also be a barred from the other side.His mind raced as he considered many possibilities. There might be only a small room beyond, in which they were trapped. But that made little sense to him since the vault door would be locked and they'd have no other means of escape. That might be the case- those hidden inside would wait it out and then make their escape when the attackers were gone. No one bothered to lock an empty vault after all. Or there might be an escape route. Like rabbits there could be a tunnel leading somewhere- outside the wall perhaps. If that were the case then time was of the essence. They may already have escaped in the time since they were discovered. Remember to send men to search for a tunnel , he reminded himself. He was tired and he had to refocus his attention. Was there a tunnel or not? If they smashed the back wall with the battering ram, it would topple the wall and possibly crush the people beyond- accomplishing nothing. If there were a tunnel, the first time the ram struck home they'd all scurry down it and away, again accomplishing nothing. He was just considering that rabbit had many holes into and out of their warrens and if there were a tunnel there cold be multiple exits when his mind came to a halt. It was enough to do his head in. He pushed off the wall and walked back to the vault entrance. Find me someone who knows of this room beyond. I swore that I would not kill anyone here and I will not be marked an oathbreaker, despite St. Rose's deception. So tired now, if he could just have a few hours rest he could think more clearly. But time he did not have. The Earl had seen the reason in surrendering without unnecessary bloodshed. In truth other then his, very little had been spilled at all. The Jarl rubbed his eyes and covered his mouth as he yawned. He shook his head to clear out the cobwebs and walked to the back wall. He spoke clearly and his voice was firm- the voice of a Jarl. I am Orm Ivarsson, Jarl of Ivarsgard and Jorpeland. Earl St. Rose is dead. He faced me in single combat and died an honorable death. He shall be buried according to your customs as he deserved. He paused listening for any reaction beyond. I swore an oath to the Ear that neither I or any of my men would kill, enslave or do worse to anyone in the castle or in the village beyond its walls. I invite you to come out of your own volition and no harm shall come to you. I am tired and have no desire to break this wall down to pluck you out. He rubbed the back of his neck with a hand, wondering if they would listen. My quarrel was with the Earl- he did not pay Danegeld and had to stand as an example to others who might also think to refuse. That is settled and I am now the lord and master of these lands. Again he paused listening. You may be able to escape, I do not know yet if you have a tunnel or not. But you should know that I have released four of my captains and their crews to find their treasures elsewhere in the countryside. Outside these walls I can not ensure your safety and they swore no oath. The game is up. Now is the time to come out and give yourselves up. He wondered if they would or not, if they would charge out weapons drawn or not- as a precaution he stepped backwards from the wall with his hand upon his sword.