[IRP] The First of Many

[Swift_Assassin]

"As bad as things are, I haven't given up on the common man yet," Shad remarked. He looked back at the people in the school room before looking back at Orica. "But thanks for the compliment." He sighed, in relief. I just hope it never gets that bad. If this place was Ostia...I don't know if I could still do it.

As he listened to Orica tell of Tania, one thought came into his mind. War is on the horizon again. The careful balance has been disturbed and needs to be reestablished. I hope that if Bern fights for Etruria's sovereignty or against the Emperors tyrannical rule that Tania won't just be another target. Rather, the first in a group of Lycian cities rebelling against their corrupt government. "As I'm sure you'll endeavor to make it worthy, just like I'll endeavor to never forget it."

He turned his attention to the chalkboard as Paige started assembling plans for a counterattack. Apparently, she and the pegasus knight surveyed the surrounding area and noticed an approaching force.

"I don't know much about breaking a seige, as the only large scale battle I've fought it was taking back my own keep, but I do agree with Orica's assessment. Unless the duo that were being used as bait were you and the pegasus rider, I really doubt they would seriously attack," Shad chipped in. He thought about it some. "But we can't do that. I would think you would want the two of you to be part of the ambush, with the maneuverability you get from a winged horse."

"The two of you wouldn't be a sufficient enough ambush. If anything, all the two of you would be able to do, if the archers don't get an eye on you, is whittle away at their numbers in hit and run sweeps," the lord replied. "If I had a horse, I'd be able to help in the ambush, but I came here on foot. If we had a person I could ride with, the ambush would be more effective," He suggested, leaving Orica to work on the frontline planning as he tried to finalize the ambush. This was no civil conflict like when he took back his home, but it's no less dangerous. They can't risk anybody.