Thread: A New Weapon of War || Wintersday & AlphaZero ||

They had set up camp in a dried up creek bed, it's steep banks giving them shelter against the bitter night winds and concealing the light of their camp fire from any passers by who may stumble across them in the night. In those early morning hours before the sun peeked above the eastern horizon Winston Stal sat on a large rock staring intently into dying embers of the fire. Stal was a large man, broad in the shoulders and thick in limbs. White hair and beard cropped short and kept neatly out of the way. A scar bisected his left eye, a memento of his younger more careless days that had left that eye useless. The mismatched members of his unit dozed around the fire, most of them where non human save for the self proclaimed Artificer who had thus far proven himself a much less than capable solider. But when commanding a unit of criminals one made due with what one was given. There where four in the unit other than Stal. First was Crow, who had been arrested attempting to steal several books and artifacts from archives of the Magisters archives in Koran. It had turned out the man had warrants out for his arrest across the across the Freelands for acts of fraud, theft and tomb robing. Bullwark the Dwarf had been arrested on terrorism charges in Dunbar, having acted as a hired bomb maker for a violent group of Elves who had decided to resort to terrorism to try and prove their point whatever that my be. They had put those skills to good use since then letting him destroy several bridges used by the Mad King to transports troops and supplies across his lands. Wrak of the Blood Speak Orks had gone out on a bender one night. The night ended with three trashed pubs, a defied temple, two destroyed police cars and at least a dozen officers hospitalized as they attempted to subdue him. The only other proper solider in the unit was Val'en, an elf scout and sharp shooter who acted as his second in command by default. Commander The She Elf's voice was barely above a whisper. Stal hadn't even heard her return from her patrol. His heart nearly leapt into his throat and he had to suppress the reflex to turn his fun on her. What is it Val? She stepped into field of view, cradling a a very ornate scoped rifle rifle in her arms. None of his team dressed like soldiers, as a deep line infiltration unit it would have made them stand out too much. Val sported a moss green wool jacket, a belt loaded with ammo slung across her ample chest. Her long silver hair was pulled back into a tight braid and tucked under a knit cap the same color as her jacket. Someone entered the forest from the castle side. she reported well dressed, possibly a person of some value or interest to the Mad King. Ooooooh, someone in a fancy get up comes walking into the forest and we gotta go running off to greet them. Gideon Stormcrow, or simply Crow, as most people called, was a stark contrast to his commander. Dark, scruffy hair and a matching beard, shabby clothes and younger by two decades and, as Stal was always quick to point out, a completely insufferable asshole. For all we know she's a chamber maid or something like that sneaking out to meet her fuck buddy for an early morning quickie. Hardly seems worth getting outta bed for. Unless your feeling voyeuristic that is. he said, pulling the weather beaten canvas duster tighter around himself and rolling over to try and go back to sleep. The commander scowled, I decide what's worth waking up for and what's not in this unit Crow. And right now I say it is. I decide what's worth waking up for Crow repeated in a mocking tone before a boot heel slammed into his back. Ow, fuck off! On your feet and bite some jerky, there's work to do. And make sure you don't let Wrack get to cuddly when you shake him. The party broke camp in under five minutes and scrambled up the steep banks of creek and moved into the thick underbrush in a staggered line, Val leading the pack out in front, scouting the way wile Stal followed with Wrack, green skinned and towering above the rest brought up the rear clad in skins and fur and brandishing a massive stone hammer he was the only one not to carry a gun. A whistle pierced the silent air and Stal raised a balled fist drawing the unit to a halt. Val appeared up ahead, jogging to meet them, The woman is up ahead but a patrol from the castle just entered and I think they're looking for her. Could she be an escaped hostage? I can't say for certain but I know they're closing on her fast. If she starts running they're going to be on us shortly. Crow rolled his eyes, Great, just great, I really wannted to get outta bed and get shot at this morning. Thanks a fuckin lot Stal. he said around a mouthful of dried meat. Stop your bitching Crow. There's work to do. Break off and move up.