The Mar Ardor

The Heist

It was not unusual to see a man dressed as Cedryk was strolling through the streets of Nekrate. He had a white, expensive tunic and brown vest, both of which had once been worth a great deal in the past, though now looked faded and worn. He was armed with a thick longsword sheathed on his left waist. Within the city, there were many warriors such as he, whom either worked for the guard or were simply passing their time surrounded by its high walls and amongst its citizens. This being the case, the three guards standing at their post in front of the door leading down into the city dungeon, found in the back corner of the base of the castle, were not surprised to see him walking by. Nor were they overly surprised when he approached them, asking if they could aid him in locating the nearest brothel. These wayward warriors often had such requests of the guards, who of course were very knowledgeable of their sprawling city. These three guards were surprised however, when once Cedryk was within an arm's length away from the first guard, he flicked his wrist and drove the blade that had shot from his sleeve up into the bottom of said guards jaw and into his brain with one smooth motion, killing him instantly. Once the first man began to drop, Cedryk spun away from the falling corpse and whipped his same arm across his person and flung the blade into the neck of the second guard, just as he realized what had happened to his commander. Then, without missing a beat, with his other arm Cedryk drew his longsword from his belt and sliced the final soldier from waist to shoulder.

He stood for a moment, then looked over his shoulder to the shadows of the nearby buildings.

"I don't supposed you two will be assisting me in clean up will you?" He inquired to his compatriots as they approached

"Nay my friend, you alone will be handling that. Kaj and I have a package to retrieve for our good friend." Replied the smaller of the two heavily armed men as they walked past him, each clapping him on the shoulder as he pursed his lips, sighed and nodded, very aware of the boredom he was about to endure. Cedryk bent down and grabbed a limp, bloody arm as his two cohorts entered the dark and grimy dungeon, mumbling to himself about how with the ruckus about to commence up at the top of the castle he did not see the point of having to clear away these corpses. Alas, he thought to himself, it is a part of the plan, and so he begun to drag away his kills to hide them.

 * * *

One of the most famous features of the city of Nekrate was it's mighty gate. Said to be impregnable for any not permitted by the king to enter. Anyone looking to exit or enter would be stopped and required to provide a valid and legal reason for doing so to the guards. Unfortunately, though they would have a valid reason for leaving, Byard thought, the guards would hardly find their behavior legal after Roland began his show. This being the case, it was Byard's job to ensure there would be minimal resistance once the crew was ready to make their exit.

Clothed in a long, brown and tattered robe, he limped leaning heavily on his hardwood staff. His head down, clothes and face completely obscured. He was pushed and shoved by various passersby as he made his way past tier upon tier of streets towards the gate at the bottom of the great hill. When the ground leveled out and he reached the wall, he turned left towards the massive portcullis and guard outpost at the end of the stree.

As he approached, a guard called out, "Stop there old man, you've no business here lest you be wanting to leave the city."

Byard did not stop. He simply continued to shuffle down the road. After several more steps, the guard repeated his call, requesting a reply from the apparent elder. When he received none, he became even more angered and approached the old man, threatening him if he did not answer. Once again he received nothing but a silent approach. The guard reached him and jabbed him in the chest, attempting to shove the cripple to the ground. Byard stood firm. Another jab. All that moved was the long cloak surrounding his body. It shifted and revealed his right hand. The guard cast a bewildered look down at the glittering metal replacing his skin.