NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the organization developed in order to the defend the world from pure blood radical groups as during the last war the veterans of it decided to form a group to prevent such a war from breaking out to such a degree. Yet, sadly many of its members, being prominent opponents of pure blood radicals were murdered due to expressing their beliefs in public. Though due to this the Army hand to go into secret hiding and that only the children of tits founding members were allowed to join after its original founding in order to hide it.

OOC: Alright, I will work on this when I get back, but feel free to discuss on this thread the plans to counter the pure blood radicals own movements and plans, though do not express direct knowledge of what there true plans are and when they are planning to do something.

Ryan Getzlaf, 12, 1st-year, will join.

Ryan Getzlaf, 12, 1st-year, will join.

OOC: I believe this is for people outside of the school, so say, your student's parents.

Alex's mother, Natalie Cavourna will join the Eagle's Army, so will his cousin Darren (23)

Serros' uncle, couisn, and one of his (5) potentional fathers shall be part of the Eagle's Army.

The Griffin's Crown Tavern, Gosford

The small and sleepy town of Gosford lay nestled against the coast of the Irish Sea. The air was cool and moist as storm clouds covered the sky like a blanket. This weather was typical in the British Isles. Around the town were fields and moors where sheep grazed and pockets of trees occupied the slopes of the moors. A heavy fog moved in over the landscape, rolling with the hills. The fog itself seemed to move of its' own accord...against the prevailing winds. Onle several hundred people lived in the town, it's old houses lined the streets as outlying farms provided much of the local economy. An old woman in her late sixties stepped out from her home to tend to a line of clothes that were left out to dry.
"Harold, it's going to rain!" she replied to Harld's pleas for her to stay indoors due to her health. The woman was tough and went out despite her husband's wishes and carried a wicker basket out to the lines. The linen and clothing items flapped in the wind as it grew. Sudden;y, the air became crisp and cold, a puff of visible air came from her mouth. "My word, it's awefully nippy out" she said aloud to no one in particular.

At the end of Yard's Ford Street, the main street in the town there was an old stone and wooden tavern named the Griffin's Crown. A wooden placard hung from over the door. There was no establishment date under the picture of a Griffin and a crown atop its' head. Inside, a tall man with an unshaven face full of hair and shoulder length black hair and appeared to be in his mid thirties sat in the corner. A nip of cold bit him on the tip of the nose, sending his ehad upward from over his bowl of soup. His eyes narrowed as the other occupants looked around, bewildered.
"Arthur, seems like the fog is rolling in" commented the barkeep.
"Which direction?" Arthur Bailey, a local sheep farmer inquired. The barkeep looked outside to see the leaves of the tree blow northward and the fog rolled southward.
"Why, against the wind" the barkeep returned with a confused tone, almost in disbelief. Arthur Bailey suddenly stood to his feet, pushing the chair back. He brandished a wand. "What seems to be the trouble?"
"Tell everyone to hide in the closet!" Arthur Bailey demanded. There was a natural feeling of alarm amoungst the regulars. The occupants stood up and shuffled to a small closet which held only a pale and a mop. Despite this, the first person put both feet in the pale and suddenly sunk deep into it. Soon, all six people were inside. Arthur Bailey was now alone in the darkened tavern. The fog entered the town, devoiding much light. The thick fog entered through the doorway as Bailey stepped back. Anticipation and dred filled his heart as the fog engulfed the entrance. Suddenly, a dark figure sprang up, materializing from the fog. His face was masked with a plain white face.
"So, you've finally come" Bailey said with a fatalistic tone at the end. The tall figure loomed in front of him, saying nothing, giving no indication of any emotional capacity.
"Offendo!" The figure hissed and a spell shot out from his black wand. Bailey leaped out of the way and the two began a magical duel within the tavern. The figure streamed curses and attacks which Bailey skillfully countered and blocked. Bright lights and thunderous sounds emminated from within the tavern as chairs and tables overturned and pieces of wood flew into the air. The battle continued for a few minutes.

Bailey moved backwards and tripped over a stool, sending him backwards onto the floor. The figure loomed over him , raising his wand, preparing to deal the final blow. Quickly, Bailey shouted "Armo Obfirmo!" and the attackers strong arm froze, locking in place, making him unable to use the spell. The attacker panicked and threw himself back. "Incendia Conicio!" and a burst of fire shot out from his wand, engulfing the wouldbe assasin in flames. He screamed and cried as he ran out into the street and into the thick fog. As soon as he disappeared, so did the fog. bailey panted and exhaled quickly and shakily. Another Blood Inquisitor made his move against him. Bailey knew he was being targeted but did not know when the attack would come. Being a member of the Eagle Army inhereted certain dangers. But he was dedicated to the cause of stemming fanatacism within the magical community.

OOC: I believe this is for people outside of the school, so say, your student's parents.OOC: You are correct.

Arthur Bailey exhaled deeply, calming his heart. A hand glided through his hair as he stepped back and looked around. The tavern was trashed, almost devestated by the duel. The fog lifted and the day returned to normal. The old woman scurried back outside and gathered the remaining linens, mindful of the receeding fog. This was not the first and certainly not the last time a Blood Inquisitor attacked him or the other members of the Eagle's Army. Years ago, their ranks were dilluted from the constant murders and duels amoungst the Inquisition and the Army. He was a veteran duelist and proefficent in numerous magical arts, even dark magic.
"Is everything alright, Arthur?" as a metallic and hollow voice. Bailey walked over to the closet and opened the door. The barkeep's head jutted out of the bucket, curiously observing the scene.
"Yes, Jonas...everything's safe now." Bailey replied, putting the wand away.

The Inn door was flung open and a shadow stood in the doorway, wand drawn. However, while the figure looked menacing, a light laugh lifted that image as the figure stepped into the light.

She had long black, shiny hair and a tall slim figure. Her green eyes were twinkling in the light as she put her wand back into her belt. She looked around and laughed again "I see you've been busy Arthur"

Natalie slumped into a chair that wasn't wrecked and exhaled deeply "I ran all the way here y'know" she stated calmly.

Bailey swung aroud to the door but instantly relaxed upon seeing Natalie Cavourna at the entrance. She was another member of the Army and a trusted one at that. Bailey leaned up against a post and crossed his arms. Jonas Hayward, the barkeep muttered and groaned about the inside of his inn and began the meticulous duties of cleaning, with the help of the ohters, of course.
"This was an unusual occurance. It's been several years since they openly attacked a target like that." Bailey replied, falling into thought. "I have a feeling that the High Blood Inquisition is on the move once more" he finished grimly.

Natalie took one sarcastic look around the destroyed Inn and laughed "I couldn't have told" she was serious for a moment "have any other members been attacked?" her mind was racing, she really should have summoned the other members butr if it was nothing, then why disturb them.

~ A sharp crack nearby Natalie and Arthur was enough to cause anyone alarm - and possibly a heart-attack - but a hand held on high and a quick shout of " It's me!" settled any fears.

Years ... it had been years since Nicodermo Arcano had been forced to use magic. His face was haggard and pale, his normally blazing, white hair had lost sheen and was frizzed and tossed about (and part of it looked like it was actually singed), and his robes too were tattered and worn.

He collapsed as soon as he appeared, his wand clattering onto the floor. He was trembling badly: something that no one had previously seen. Throughout his service with the Eagles, Nico had always been stalwart, unbreakable, and confident. To see him so ... shaken ... it was a new, unpleasant experience.

Backing himself on his hands and knees against a wall, Nico curled his knees into his arms. With a look of perpetual sorrow and horror cast upon his normally cheerful face, he managed to get out in a soft, frightened whisper,

" In- ... Inquisitors ... they ... Elena, they ..."

He put his head down in his hands, wiping his face forcefully before raising his eyes to his companions again.

" They killed her ..."~

A shockwave blasted through Arthur Bailey as he rocketed from the post to his feet. He was joyed to see another good friend return but at the same time, overrun with sorrow at the news he brought. Nicodermo Arcano was a trusted and loyal member of the Eagle's, to see him in such a state was dredful. His long legs darted over to Nico as he wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Peace, Nico" Arthur pleaded "When did this happen?" he asked. A silent rage fueled deep within him.

Elsewhere

Beatrice Blackwater retracted her wand and brought it back down to her side. A look of deathly satisfaction on her face. It's been too long since she used the killing curse but still remembered the tingling joy it brought her upon watching the victim collapse, devoid of life. It was a powerful feeling, to take life. The four other Inquisitors scavanged through the room, looking for any clue to the whereabouts of the other Eagles.
"She was loyal" Inquisitor Yaltaz admitted as he stood over the body of Elena Arcano.
"She was foolish, nothing more" Beatrice countered. Elena died at her hands while her husband, Nico escaped while battling the others. Inquisitor Chartand was injuried in the fight but was being healed in the other room.
"It was too easy this time. Years ago, I could not have gotten this close" Beatrice said, turning away from Elena's lifeless body. "Nicodermo Arcano may have escaped today. But he will not escape my fury!" she shouted. There was more than one way to kill a target, Nicodermo was not the only Arcano left...

Natalie lowered her head in sorrow at the news, Elena had been a good friend during many dark times. She tried, and failed to control her voice as she put a comforting hand on Nicodermo's shoulder "Who was it? Did you see?" it was an insensitive question but revenge coulodn't be gained if names were not known. That's what ran through her head.

~ Nico was still in shock: to see his wife die right in front of him, to see his house destroyed ... everything he loved was taken from him in one night. He had no way of knowing if Elario was alright either, which only served to destroy his composure even more.

Shakily, he tried to tell his tale.

" There was ... 3? or maybe 4, I'm not entirely sure. Elena, she saw them first, I barely had time to grab my wand before the first spell came at us. She ... she had to run, being a Non-Magi. I didn't see it happen, but there was Chartand, I'm sure of it: I hit him with a curse before I had to flee as well."

He gulped, wiped the cold sweat from his brow, and continued on.

" Elena ... Elena saved me. She jumped in front of a curse; she didn't know what it was ... Oh God, this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me!"

Rage, depression, regret, so many dark and horrible emotions flooded Nico. His face, originally pale, was now bright red and hot to the touch as the tears began to flow. He had been with Elena for 17 years ... 17 years of happy marriage, of raising their son, of trying to leave Nicodermo's world for good. He had failed in that last task: his past had come to haunt him, and now it had taken her life away ...

" It was Blackwater," he got out with finallity. " Beatrice Blackwater still lives, I swear it. She killed her ... she killed her and laughed ..."

Natalie looked as though she'd been slapped "Beatrice Blackwater? Impossible! She was killed in a clash many years ago! I know it! I was there! I saw her die!"

Natalie slumped back "This is most disturbing turn of events. If Blackwater's back, who else might have rallied to their cause?" she shook her head sadly.

Natalie looked as though she'd been slapped "Beatrice Blackwater? Impossible! She was killed in a clash many years ago! I know it! I was there! By my hand she was killed and the world rid of her evil! She jsut can't be alive!" Natalie was breathing hard. She had defeated Beatrice all those years ago, she was sure that she was dead. Yet, now...she didn't know what to believe

OOC: Please read Kulikovia's posts in the other threads. It states in one that Beatrice faked her own death: what you are doing here is a form of god-modding, and I'll ask you to please edit it.

~ Nico shook his head slowly, his eyes locked into Natalie's with a piercing realization of a terrible truth.

" I assure you, Natalie Cavourna, I know what I saw. Blackwater still lives, as much as anyone will deny it, I have seen it!"

He knew Beatrice ... he had fought her in the Blood Wars, he had seen her daughter, Kira, he knew what she was: a monster.

Thoughts raced through Nico's mind, none of them lessening the pain he felt, both physically and otherwise. Now, his thoughts turned towards Elario. Elario safely in school ... with Beatrice's daughter ...~

OOC: Shit, my mistake...edited

IC:
Natalie thought hard about Beatrice. In her time, she'd been a dark witch with immense influence in the less open-minded sections of magical society. Her return could only bring bad news. She thought hard, her mind still screaming that Beatrice was dead, after a while she looked at Nico "Was it her that dealt the final blow?" she just had to ask

~ Nico nodded silently. There was not much more to say. Elena was dead ... dead because of him, and Elario was in possible danger. He had no way of contacting his son, and his brother, like himself, had left the magical community long ago. He didn't even know if he was still alive.

He had calmed himself considerably, especially taking into account the state he was in before. Nico simply put his head down into his lap, refusing to move off of the floor.

" I ... I just can't believe she's gone ..."~

Natalie put a comforting hand on his shoulder "I know the feeling" she said, thinking back to her husband and the day he was murdered. She shook off the feelings and smiled weakly "Have you anyway to contact your son?" she asked while thinking of Alex. He was quite close to the Blackwater daughter. He may be in danger.

~ Nico shook his head slowly while replying, " No, no I can't get in touch with Elario."

For a second, it looked like he was about to stand up, but all he did was adjust his seating position. He placed his free hand on top of Natalie's, knowing all too well that she shared his pain of loss. He could not thank her or Arthur enough for their support right now. Concerned, he continued,

" What about your boy, Alex? Do you know if he's alright?"~

She thought for a moment "I've taught him all I know. If they attack I'd place him amongst the most qualified to resist. Although I don't know how he'd handle betrayal" She thought back to the dark days, when no one could be trusted and therefore no one was trusted. She gave a reassuring grin "SO long as Elario and Alex stick togather, they'll be alright!" She was silent for a moment "I wonder where Beatrice's next target is?"

~ Nico liked to think that Elario would be okay, but there was a certain sense of dread he couldn't shake off. He wasn't up to the level of the other fifth years, and Lord knew he wouldn't be prepared if he was attacked ... Elario had been studying and practicing intently, but for all sakes and purposes, Nicodermo didn't think his son could cut it.

" Yes, you're right: our boys will be fine. As to Blackwater's next target, I don't know, nor do I want to ..."

The even had disturbed him to the core: for 17 years he had no magical contact, and in one night all of that had changed. It was like forgetting how to ride a bike and then being forced to compete in the Tour du France. Looking around the room for the first time, a look of disappointment came over Nico's face.

" Where are the others?"

He didn't expect anyone to be here, but if some were gathering, eventually all the Eagles would. Eventually ...~

Beatrice Blackwater alive! THe thought sent a chill up his spine, cutting him to the core. A dark witch of immense power and influence. She skillfully concealed her whereabouts for years, faking her own murder. It was an ingenious plan which fooled everyone. God knows what she's been up to for the past few years. It was a blindside, he hadn't expected Beatrice to still live. This was certainly trouble brewing to a boil.
"I don't know what to say. Her reemergence is certainly a dark fact. This means the High Blood Inquisition has recovered fully if not grown more powerful." Arthur said grimly, patting Nico on the shoulder. His face turned towards Natalie. "Knowing her, Beatrice's next target ay very well be one of your children...or Kira" he looked off.

OOC: Nueve Italia, did you call Beatrice a monster or her daughter?

Natalie's face drained of all colour "You really think so?" Alex was good, but he wasn't THAT good. Certainly not good enough to take on Beatrice Blackwater one-on-one. It might even be two-on-one if she persudes her daughter to join her evil cause. Alex had spoken up for her in the summer, but never underestimate the maternal bond in magic and it's effects "We have to warn the school" she said after a while "But Young Blackwater must not know of her mother's re-emergence"

Arthur nodded in agreement. If Kira fell into the path of the dark arts, then the other students would be in peril. The High Blood Inquisition is recruiting students, this was a suspected idea but now it is a horrible truth. Beatrice could use her reemergence as a tool to bring Kira closer to the dark arts and away from good.
"I always feared that something like this would happen." Arthur said grimly. "The school must know this ugly truth and we must watch over the studnets as well as Kira. It is only a matter of time before Beatrice makes herself known to her daughter."

Natalie nodded in agreement "If she hasn't already" she said, a cold wave running over her. Alex was all she had in the word, she couldn't bear lose him the same way she lost her husband. She refocused herself, "The school will be informed immediately that a potential dark witch may have or may soon infiltrate the school and attempt to subject one or two pupils"

The reality of the situation began to sink in. Arthur felt his stomach knot up and twist inside his body. He could feel Beatrice's darkness still lingering. The situation looked grim at best. Beatrice was clever but he felt that she wasn't the one truly in charge. The Pure-Blood fanatics and dark magicians were becoming stronger in numbers, another war was brewing.
"Indeed, but we must send out word to the other members and tend to Nico" he said sympathetically. Arthur stood up and looked out the window frame across the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man was some miles away but he sensed the clouds moving again.

"I agree" Natalie said "But the ball is already rolling. Beatrice and her cronies have struck first and we must somehow delay their plans" she said desperately "Whatever they are, they revolve around that school. We must act as soon as possible" she couldn't get the vision of Alex out of her head. Alex versus Beatrice. He could delay but he could never beat her. It would take experienced battle-hardended Magicians to beat her. And the Eagle's Army was full of them.

"SO what's the plan?" she finally asked after a lot of thought. "Are there any teachers who could hold off the dark wizards?"

"The High Blood's are meticulous and surgical in their ways and motives" Arthur said as he moved away from the window. "The one I faced here was just eager and overconfident. Beatrice won't make the same mistake. She'd too methodical and a calculated attack will take time because she'll want it to go according to her design with no deviations. It will be some time before they make an actual move but we must make preperations. We must summon the other members and travel tot he school and meet with the head master and explain the situation." Arthur finished.

Another member of the Army showed up and had heard whatb they were talking about so he replied," The Inquistion had links in House Draco and Hippogriff, though good luck gaining access to the school with the current head master there."

~ While the other members discussed strategy and how they would react to the two recent attacks, Nicodermo could still not come to terms with what had just happened.

17 years ... 17 long years. When they met, their first date, their engagement, the wedding, honeymoon, holding Elario for the first time, watching him walk, talk, go to school, and, finally, learn of his heritage.

If Elario had never discovered his powers, we could have remained in hiding ...

Though he could not understand why, or even help it, Nico found himself blaming his son for Elena's death. What he was thinking both made sense and was also completely ludicrous.

Unable to contain these musings, or even deal with them at the moment, Nico actually stood up, banished his mind from what had happened, and focused only on the present. Beatrice was a cold, calculating woman, and her next strike would not be at the Eagles. Beatrice would never openly attack the Eagles, even if she outnumbered them, for far better it is to break an enemy than to kill him ... Nico snapped out of it as the newcomer informed them of the security issues of the school.

" Just who is the current headmaster? Does anyone know?"~

Arthur shook his ehad slightly "I am unware of the the headmaster. It's been years since I paid attention to the school" he replied with a disappointed tone. He was suprised to see Nico snap out of his trance. He suffered a horrible loss, one which no one should ever endure. There was worse to come, he could feel it.

~ Nico nodded in accordance.

" I know what you mean, I haven't heard anything from the Academy in some time now."

Pain weighed heavily on him: he had been hit by a curse in the leg, and all the magic in the world couldn't dim the unpleasant feeling. Still, he stood, tall and strong, much like he was remembered.

However, regarded as many as a pillar of righteousness, no one could possibly know what was going through Nicodermo's mind ...

She died for me ... No, she died because of me. If it weren't for magic, none of this would happen. It's evil stuff ... All magic has brought me is death and ruin, and I avoided it for so long until Elario ... I've killed my sister over magic, I've watched the light leave my wife's eyes because of magic ... This can't go on.

He couldn't control his thought process now: paranoia, fear, anger, and ideas boiled over one another, each fighting for control of his brain.

Power ... what it all comes down to is power. Who has it, who can get it, who can use it. That's it ... that's all it really is. Am I powerful? Of course I am. Is my son? ... No. No, my son is weak. My son's feeble control over our proud bloodline killed Elena. It was because of him that we were found out ... What of Elena? Was she powerful? In her own way, yes: she kept our family together. But she's gone now. Struck down ... if she were stronger, she would have lived ...

The thought burned in his very soul as soon as it had came: If she were stronger she would have lived. Did he really think that? Did Nicodermo just blame his wife and son for her own death?

They are the cause of it, and they alone: without Elario, we would have never been found. If Elena wasn't a Non-Magi, she could have defended herself.

He had reached his conclusion, awry as it was, but it still didn't change matters at hand: Revenge was sought, and it needed to be sated, lest rage consume Nico ...~

OOC: Just for a character reference, no one can tell from Nico's outward appearance this is what's going on. However, this is the start of Nico's downfall, much as Kulikovia has begun Kira's.

Yaltaz loomed through the room. He was a man in his forties with a trimmed salt and peppered beard. His dark eyes casted upon the contents of the room, it was a study of sorts with stacks of books and such. He was tall and a proefficent dark wizard and pure blood fanatic. The dark wizard hovered around, searching through journals, books, even a few scrolls. In frustration, he sent a chair crashing against the wall.
"What bothers you, Yaltaz?" asked the fourth Inquisotir, Viktor Vallen, a shorter, bald-headed man.
"Nicodermo Arcano left no writings concerning the Eagle Army"
"He would be foolish to do so" Vallen replied with a sarcastic tone. Vallen swept across the room and rested a hand on a table.
"We were never successful in discovering their location" Yaltaz bellowed with disgust. "No matter how many we tortured"

Chartand leaned up against a wall, his arm bandaged from the battle. He was a moustached man of avergae height and thick black hair.
"What shall be our next course of action?" he inquired.
"Lady Blackwater is busy at the moment. She will tell us soon enough." yaltaz replied, turning to his fellow Inquisitor.
"We will hurt these people in unimagineable ways" Chartand threatened.

Lord Herrold himself emerged on the exterior of the house and then, in his flowing blood red robes, entered the house with his two guards on his sides carrying the enchanted shields that protected them from nearly every attack and the spears that acted as both wands and spears, all due to the workings of Herrold whom had created some of the grestest enchanted items that existed in the world today.

Seeing the body of the woman Herrold said to Beatrice," High Inquistor Blackwater it seems that you have done your desired objective quite well. Further, I hope that they were able to see your face during the attack?"

Beatrice lingered through the room as the other Inquisitors gathered. They bowed slightly upon the entrance of their leader. Beatrice nodded and gave a full smile, a look of satisfaction.
"Yes, I wore not a mask. I wanted Nicodermo Arcano to see the face of his detroyer." She laughed slightly, and brought a hand to her face, looking at Elena's body. "I am far from done, my lord" Beatrice hinted.

Beatrice lingered through the room as the other Inquisitors gathered. They bowed slightly upon the entrance of their leader. Beatrice nodded and gave a full smile, a look of satisfaction.
"Yes, I wore not a mask. I wanted Nicodermo Arcano to see the face of his detroyer." She laughed slightly, and brought a hand to her face, looking at Elena's body. "I am far from done, my lord" Beatrice hinted.Lord Herrold let out a little grin of satisfaction and said," Well done, now I believe that it is time that we go kill some real members of the Eagle's Army, instead of this lousy non-magic. Now if you would join me I will bring us to a small hideaway of the Army that I was able to detect as the Arcano dog fled back to his comrades. For this I believe a suitable attack with our current forces will be more then enough to overcome them as you and me are strong enough alone to take them on. Do you not agree such an attack will be apporiate?"

OOC: I believe this is for people outside of the school, so say, your student's parents.

OK well Prince Ryan Getzlaf, RG12's dad, will join.

IC:

Prince Ryan Getzlaf walked into the Inn. He saw a bunch of wizards and witches arguing. "Excuse me, is this the Eagle's Army? And what the heck are you guys talking about?"

A weakness came over Beatrice, her mind and body were drained. She used a very old spell. This spell literally did bring her to near death, allowing her soul to leave the body and reappear to Kira. This ghost like figure also served as a messenger hundreds of years ago, but could only be used once a year or the user would die. It took tremendous amounts of magic and energy to use, especially to deliver a physical object. Her hand shot out and brabbed the corner of a table, staggering back against it.
"My lord" she said, exhausted "Such a direct approach so soon would not achieve our desired outcome. Yes, The Eagle's Army would be destroyed but not all their members have come into the light. We must wait, surround them, coil amoungst them. I delivered the dark book to my daughter, now the seed is planted and we must wait for it to grow." Beatrice finished.

"Lady Blackwater" Letra protested "We have a chance to kill at least some of them, this will serve as a message!" The other Inquisitors entered the room and loomed around. Inquisitor Letra, a woman in her early thirties with subtle features, almost harmless in apperance walked in. She had medium length blonde hair and entrancing blue eyes. Her looks were a guise for a much darker force beneath.
"Nay" Beatrice responded, wearily. "It will cause the others to go into hiding and it will become impossible to find them afterwards. "We shall rot their foundation and their future"

A weakness came over Beatrice, her mind and body were drained. She used a very old spell. This spell literally did bring her to near death, allowing her soul to leave the body and reappear to Kira. This ghost like figure also served as a messenger hundreds of years ago, but could only be used once a year or the user would die. It took tremendous amounts of magic and energy to use, especially to deliver a physical object. Her hand shot out and brabbed the corner of a table, staggering back against it.
"My lord" she said, exhausted "Such a direct approach so soon would not achieve our desired outcome. Yes, The Eagle's Army would be destroyed but not all their members have come into the light. We must wait, surround them, coil amoungst them. I delivered the dark book to my daughter, now the seed is planted and we must wait for it to grow." Beatrice finished.

"Lady Blackwater" Letra protested "We have a chance to kill at least some of them, this will serve as a message!" The other Inquisitors entered the room and loomed around. Inquisitor Letra, a woman in her early thirties with subtle features, almost harmless in apperance walked in. She had medium length blonde hair and entrancing blue eyes. Her looks were a guise for a much darker force beneath.
"Nay" Beatrice responded, wearily. "It will cause the others to go into hiding and it will become impossible to find them afterwards. "We shall rot their foundation and their future"Lord Herrold responded," The time for direct action is soon coming and for now I want all of your to prepare for a new attack as I plan to conquer a rogue tribe of Orcs that have resisted our rule for to long and threaten our control of the other orc tribes that will be needed when the time of open war begins."

"Open war now, eh?" said Getzlaf. "Are you sure?"

OOC: Scand, Deeming Worthy?

OOC: The High Blood Inquisition is at the home of Nicodermo Arcano presently and not at the Eagle's Crown.

After some deliberation in his mind, the events surrounding this moment. The reemergence of Beatrice Blackwater, the murder of Elena Arcano, and the threat of the High Blood Inquisition all took its' toll upon him. These were sad and dredful occurances. Arthur picked up a stool and wearily sat down, hands clasped together, elbows on his knees.
"Well, whoever the Headmaster is, we must leave now and warn of the danger. I am afraid it is unsafe to stay here anymore, the Inquisitors know of this tavern." Arthur sighed, after a few moments he stood back to his feet and out a hand on Nico who seemed strangely detached.
"Nico, the time for repaying this horrible crime will come soon enough." he gave a quaint smile to Natalie "Let's go" he said to her.

Natalie returned the smile before dropping it and shaking her head "I'm afraid I cannot. I have a high profile duel tomorrow and Body-Guards will be swarming all over me in a few moment. I'd best be getting back to the house to prepare" she turned and walked towards the door "If you see Alex, please give him my love" and with that, she was gone

A duel?! Arthur could hardly believe it, she'd rather duel than do what is most important and urgent. Of course, she always had her alternate reasons and couldn't hold it against her. Before he could manage a reply Natalie was gone. He hung his head low and ran a hand through his black hair and contemplated what course of action to take next.

Natalie sighed sadly as she walked away. She hoped that Arthur had understood the reasons for not going to the school but she doubted it. Tomorrow she was to duel Nikoletta Kuruc, who happened to be world number 1 and a big media favourite. The last thing she wanted was the Media to dig into why she had visted in the first place. It would much simpler just to let Arthur go on behalf of the Eagle's Army.

Arthur turned to Nico, sighing heavily. There was a duty to be done which must be seen through and he was determined to do what is needed to halt the Inquisitors. He looked past Nico's shoulder towards Jonas who mumbled on while he straightened out the tavern.
"Jonas, ole' chap" Arthur said in a down voice "I'm afraid the Griffin's Crown shalln't reopen for business. The High Blood Inquisition know of our meetings here, it is unsafe and you and the others must leave". Jonas nodded and scurried off. Arthur looked back at Nico "Come on, Nico. There's work to be done"