Amric said:
Ambitious, aren't we? Well, there's an obstacle in reaching that goal, a certain Mongol turned Roman
-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Ambitious, aren't we? Well, there's an obstacle in reaching that goal, a certain Mongol turned Roman
Vann the Red - Because you read Cyprus and are concerned I'll do the same thing again? I won't....Wouldn't do to become predictable...
Chief Ragusa - Indeed. A public celebration would be a good thing. I just have to consider how I'd write it....
Director - Yes, indeed. But who will get the job of killing him? Vorlean certainly isn't the one, nor is Oranthes....
Kelvin - Bummer about your computer...at least you have it working again! As for Vorlean's ambitions...well yes, indeed!
Chief Ragusa - Indeed. A public celebration would be a good thing. I just have to consider how I'd write it....
Director - Yes, indeed. But who will get the job of killing him?
Vorlean certainly isn't the one, nor is Oranthes....Kelvin - Bummer about your computer...at least you have it working again! As for Vorlean's ambitions...well yes, indeed!
Amric said:
well, it's working... I still have to reinstall all those things I had before... including EU2...
which is doable...
All - More updates on the weekend.....BTW, I have surpassed 10,000 views! I think it is the first of my stories that have ever done that....then again, I tend to finish them within 30 updates or so...this one is up to 35 updates and no end in sight! And here I thought my Cyprus story was my opus...shows what I know, doesn't it?
All - More updates on the weekend.....BTW, I have surpassed 10,000 views! I think it is the first of my stories that have ever done that....then again, I tend to finish them within 30 updates or so...this one is up to 35 updates and no end in sight! And here I thought my Cyprus story was my opus...shows what I know, doesn't it?
Congrats on the 10K views. I meant to say so earlier but forgot. Well done. 35 updates already it really doesn't feel that long when you're reading it.
it really doesn't feel that long when you're reading it.
Ceres is certainly more brutal that I fist suspected. And though Vorlean seems to appear distasteful of it, he really should use what he has if his true goal is the throne.
Was expecting more updates but hey... while we wait we can speculate...
Gengis Khan is a harsh yet efficient ruler. So it would only be natural for him to be harsh yet efficient as Leonides. It's just that Leonides as a name is so... different... so sometimes I forget that he's supposed to have a mean streak in him.
I'm waiting to see vast conquest of Europe, and my guess is I'll be waiting a LONG time...
Gengis Khan is a harsh yet efficient ruler. So it would only be natural for him to be harsh yet efficient as Leonides. It's just that Leonides as a name is so... different... so sometimes I forget that he's supposed to have a mean streak in him.
I'm waiting to see vast conquest of Europe, and my guess is I'll be waiting a LONG time...
Duke of Wellington - Thanks, Duke!
coz1 - Yep....but whether it works out for him is something else...
joebthegreat - Probably, but imagine that the journey will be well worth it....
All - Update time!
coz1 - Yep....but whether it works out for him is something else...
joebthegreat - Probably, but imagine that the journey will be well worth it....
All - Update time!
Down a narrow alleyway, filled with refuse and populated by the dregs of humanity, was a mid sized tavern with the simple name of Grappa. A weathered wooden sign had the simple, faded image of a jar of cheap wine. The door, however, was quite heavy and sturdy. Inside was dim, lit with rush lights illuminating a packed dirt floor covered with rough wooden tables surrounded by mismatched chairs and benches. A fireplace on one side was barely full sized with a tiny fire lit within it putting out more smoke than firelight or heat.
The place was relatively packed with customers. Day laborers drank from chipped clay mugs on cheap wine. The wait staff was comprised of tired, non attractive women dressed in cheap woolen togas. A older man sat in a back corner drinking from a clay cup and wincing at the taste. He looked up as a shadow loomed over him before sitting across from him. A clanking purse jangled discordantly on the table.
“Evening, Ceres.”
“I need you to find me some more men, Michael,” Ceres said quietly.
A wench came up, only to be waved away by the older man with his left arm which was missing a hand. He stared back at the assassin with his one good eye. The other was milky white and obviously he was blind from that dead orb.
“Not going to happen,” Michael snapped,” Your last two efforts have been woefully unsuccessful.”
“So what?” Ceres inquired,” Men need and want money.”
“Not from you they don’t,” Michael told him bluntly,” Men get killed working for you. A lot of men. Word has gotten around.”
“I don’t want hundreds of men this time,” Ceres shrugged,” I only need about twenty. Good bowmen.”
“You’re not listening, boyo,” Michael pushed the money back toward the killer.
“Oh, I heard you,” Ceres glared at the older man.
Michael didn’t even blink,” Don’t be giving me that fish eye, Ceres. I’m not scared of you.”
“You should be,” Ceres snarled quietly.
“I’m over 50 years old,” Michael chuckled,” I’m missing an eye and a hand. My pizzle hasn’t seen a woman in the past two years. I piss so often I ought to have a jug next to me at night as I sleep.”
Ceres frowned,” What has that to do with anything?”
“Killing me would be more of a favor than a threat,” Michael snapped,” Nobody wants to work with you.”
“I’ll pay the whole fee in advance this time,” Ceres changed his tactics.
“Can’t spend it if you’re dead,” Michael shrugged.
“Spend it before the mission,” Ceres shook his head in irritation,” I don’t care how or when they spend it. I only care that they can shoot a bow with some competence.”
“You do realize the boy has Imperial Guards around him now?” Michael rolled his good eye.
“They can’t stop an arrow from finding his heart,” Ceres growled.
“Then why don’t you do it?” Michael snapped,” Or do you not have the skill to do it?”
“I have some skill,” Ceres grudgingly admitted,” However I want him filled like a porcupine with shafts.”
Michael rubbed his bristly chin,” It could be done.”
“Then get me the men,” Ceres demanded.
Rubbing his balding head, Michael sighed,” Won’t be easy. ‘Twill be right expensive, too.”
“Hang the cost,” Ceres barked,” I only care about results!”
“You’ve a real hard on for this Leonides, don’t you?” Michael chuckled, sipping more of his wine.
“I’ve had to do more to kill this boy than I have ever had to do before,” Ceres grimaced,” It pricks at my professional pride.”
“Your pride indeed,” Michael nodded sagely,” There has been talk that mayhap you’ve lost a step or two.”
Ceres eyes blazed,” Hardly. He has help.”
“The Prince, of course,” Michael agreed,” A powerful ally.”
“Not exactly,” Ceres snapped,” But it is no matter. Nobody is going to be able to dodge arrows.”
“You planning on trying this at the party?” Michael inquired.
“The official party for Prince Theodore to announce the sprat as his heir, I have considered it,” Ceres shook his head negatively,” Has to be done sooner than that.”
“Why?” Michael inquired.
“What you don’t know,” Ceres voice turned gravelly,” the less you can tell.”
“Who would I tell?” Michael asked.
“Don’t patronize me, Michael,” Ceres snapped.
Michael smiled grimly,” As you wish.”
“Now about my men?” Ceres turned the conversation back to where he wished it to be.
“It’s going to take a little while,” Michael shrugged,” Your reputation is kind of in tatters right now. Going to take some real talking to get what you want. Archers are pricey.”
“Again, I don’t care what it costs,” Ceres reminded him,” I want them within the next two days.”
Michael snorted,” Can’t be done.”
“Make it happen, Michael,” Ceres voice turned to that low dangerous tone.
“Still not going to happen,” Michael replied unflinchingly,” Three days minimum.”
“Too long,” Ceres muttered.
“Too bad,” Michael sniffed,” You want twenty of them and that is going to take some time.”
Ceres sat back and thought for a moment before nodding slowly,” Fine. I’ll have to wait, then. But they will be ready for me in three days time?”
“Yes,” Michael agreed,” How much have you given me?”
“One thousand solidari,” Ceres stood up slowly.
“That should do,” Michael eyed the other man,” Be back here in three days. Same time as now.”
“I’ll be here,” Ceres assured him,” You can count on it.”
“Good,” Michael shrugged,” I really don’t need to know what you have planned.”
“You asked a moment ago,” Ceres reminded him.
“Occupational hazard,” Michael grinned,” Sometimes I get curious. But with you, I have the feeling it is better not to be such. Especially right now.”
“Good instinct,” Ceres nodded,” I’ll be seeing you, Michael.”
“So you will,” Michael agreed.
He watched as the assassin stalked out of the tavern. The cocky fellow didn’t even bother trying to disguise himself. Michael crooked a finger and a young man crabbed over to him.
“You heard?” Michael inquired.
“Yes, master.”
“Start searching,” Michael told him,” We only have three days.”
“Shouldn’t be a real problem,” the younger man shrugged.
“Don’t be so sure,” Michael warned,” Find three times the men needed. I’m certain many will decide to forgo this experience.”
“Yes, master.”
“Don’t just stand there, boy! Get moving!” Michael ordered brusquely.
“Yes master!”
The younger man scurried out into the night. Michael sat back and drank the rest of his wine in one gulp. He motioned a wench over and ordered more.
The place was relatively packed with customers. Day laborers drank from chipped clay mugs on cheap wine. The wait staff was comprised of tired, non attractive women dressed in cheap woolen togas. A older man sat in a back corner drinking from a clay cup and wincing at the taste. He looked up as a shadow loomed over him before sitting across from him. A clanking purse jangled discordantly on the table.
“Evening, Ceres.”
“I need you to find me some more men, Michael,” Ceres said quietly.
A wench came up, only to be waved away by the older man with his left arm which was missing a hand. He stared back at the assassin with his one good eye. The other was milky white and obviously he was blind from that dead orb.
“Not going to happen,” Michael snapped,” Your last two efforts have been woefully unsuccessful.”
“So what?” Ceres inquired,” Men need and want money.”
“Not from you they don’t,” Michael told him bluntly,” Men get killed working for you. A lot of men. Word has gotten around.”
“I don’t want hundreds of men this time,” Ceres shrugged,” I only need about twenty. Good bowmen.”
“You’re not listening, boyo,” Michael pushed the money back toward the killer.
“Oh, I heard you,” Ceres glared at the older man.
Michael didn’t even blink,” Don’t be giving me that fish eye, Ceres. I’m not scared of you.”
“You should be,” Ceres snarled quietly.
“I’m over 50 years old,” Michael chuckled,” I’m missing an eye and a hand. My pizzle hasn’t seen a woman in the past two years. I piss so often I ought to have a jug next to me at night as I sleep.”
Ceres frowned,” What has that to do with anything?”
“Killing me would be more of a favor than a threat,” Michael snapped,” Nobody wants to work with you.”
“I’ll pay the whole fee in advance this time,” Ceres changed his tactics.
“Can’t spend it if you’re dead,” Michael shrugged.
“Spend it before the mission,” Ceres shook his head in irritation,” I don’t care how or when they spend it. I only care that they can shoot a bow with some competence.”
“You do realize the boy has Imperial Guards around him now?” Michael rolled his good eye.
“They can’t stop an arrow from finding his heart,” Ceres growled.
“Then why don’t you do it?” Michael snapped,” Or do you not have the skill to do it?”
“I have some skill,” Ceres grudgingly admitted,” However I want him filled like a porcupine with shafts.”
Michael rubbed his bristly chin,” It could be done.”
“Then get me the men,” Ceres demanded.
Rubbing his balding head, Michael sighed,” Won’t be easy. ‘Twill be right expensive, too.”
“Hang the cost,” Ceres barked,” I only care about results!”
“You’ve a real hard on for this Leonides, don’t you?” Michael chuckled, sipping more of his wine.
“I’ve had to do more to kill this boy than I have ever had to do before,” Ceres grimaced,” It pricks at my professional pride.”
“Your pride indeed,” Michael nodded sagely,” There has been talk that mayhap you’ve lost a step or two.”
Ceres eyes blazed,” Hardly. He has help.”
“The Prince, of course,” Michael agreed,” A powerful ally.”
“Not exactly,” Ceres snapped,” But it is no matter. Nobody is going to be able to dodge arrows.”
“You planning on trying this at the party?” Michael inquired.
“The official party for Prince Theodore to announce the sprat as his heir, I have considered it,” Ceres shook his head negatively,” Has to be done sooner than that.”
“Why?” Michael inquired.
“What you don’t know,” Ceres voice turned gravelly,” the less you can tell.”
“Who would I tell?” Michael asked.
“Don’t patronize me, Michael,” Ceres snapped.
Michael smiled grimly,” As you wish.”
“Now about my men?” Ceres turned the conversation back to where he wished it to be.
“It’s going to take a little while,” Michael shrugged,” Your reputation is kind of in tatters right now. Going to take some real talking to get what you want. Archers are pricey.”
“Again, I don’t care what it costs,” Ceres reminded him,” I want them within the next two days.”
Michael snorted,” Can’t be done.”
“Make it happen, Michael,” Ceres voice turned to that low dangerous tone.
“Still not going to happen,” Michael replied unflinchingly,” Three days minimum.”
“Too long,” Ceres muttered.
“Too bad,” Michael sniffed,” You want twenty of them and that is going to take some time.”
Ceres sat back and thought for a moment before nodding slowly,” Fine. I’ll have to wait, then. But they will be ready for me in three days time?”
“Yes,” Michael agreed,” How much have you given me?”
“One thousand solidari,” Ceres stood up slowly.
“That should do,” Michael eyed the other man,” Be back here in three days. Same time as now.”
“I’ll be here,” Ceres assured him,” You can count on it.”
“Good,” Michael shrugged,” I really don’t need to know what you have planned.”
“You asked a moment ago,” Ceres reminded him.
“Occupational hazard,” Michael grinned,” Sometimes I get curious. But with you, I have the feeling it is better not to be such. Especially right now.”
“Good instinct,” Ceres nodded,” I’ll be seeing you, Michael.”
“So you will,” Michael agreed.
He watched as the assassin stalked out of the tavern. The cocky fellow didn’t even bother trying to disguise himself. Michael crooked a finger and a young man crabbed over to him.
“You heard?” Michael inquired.
“Yes, master.”
“Start searching,” Michael told him,” We only have three days.”
“Shouldn’t be a real problem,” the younger man shrugged.
“Don’t be so sure,” Michael warned,” Find three times the men needed. I’m certain many will decide to forgo this experience.”
“Yes, master.”
“Don’t just stand there, boy! Get moving!” Michael ordered brusquely.
“Yes master!”
The younger man scurried out into the night. Michael sat back and drank the rest of his wine in one gulp. He motioned a wench over and ordered more.
Indeed a serious threat. Leonides and his bow against 20 hired archers. That's Ceres and his plan.
Now, if Tomas has been doing his job, he'll have had the seedy pubs and other places where men are recruited for desperate acts.
Another fine update, Amric, now for Leonides' actions!
Now, if Tomas has been doing his job, he'll have had the seedy pubs and other places where men are recruited for desperate acts.
Another fine update, Amric, now for Leonides' actions!
It seems we're approaching another of the small breaking points in this, now almost epic, story.
heh, looks like Temujin will have to brush up on his dodging skills. Perhaps he should take to wearing armour at all times?
A nicy grimey feel to the whole update, Amric. The underworld was showcased well. This Michael seems a real character and smart of Ceres not to tell him more that he needed as I would think Michael would surely sell his information to the highest bidder the first chance he got.
And yet another serious bullet for Leonidas to dodge. I have faith that he will, but I am quite sure you will put him through the ringer before that happens.
And yet another serious bullet for Leonidas to dodge. I have faith that he will, but I am quite sure you will put him through the ringer before that happens.
I would propose that Temujin merely be badly wounded and appear to be dead but then recover. But I think that Ceres would want to make sure he is dead, as you have said, and would make sure he had contact with the body once it collapsed to the ground.
Obviously the murder must be done before the ceremony and party, or Temujin will be in a legal position what he already is in de facto, and the possible punishment for being caught will be so much worse.
Coz1, I propose that Micheal sell the information that Ceres is planning this manner of attack and wishes to do it soon. Even that tidbit is useful if it gets to the right ear at the right time.
Obviously the murder must be done before the ceremony and party, or Temujin will be in a legal position what he already is in de facto, and the possible punishment for being caught will be so much worse.
Coz1, I propose that Micheal sell the information that Ceres is planning this manner of attack and wishes to do it soon. Even that tidbit is useful if it gets to the right ear at the right time.
Leonides will soon be dead! MWAHAHAHA!!!!
Oh... erm...o
yay... let's go Leo... yeah...
Oh... erm...
o yay... let's go Leo... yeah...
Duke of Wellington - Thank you. Yes, it will be...
Chief Ragusa - Yes, it is indeed serious....now as for whether Leo will be involved with a bow...well not likely...remember he DOES have Imperial Guards around him as well as his own guards...
Kelvin - Thank you....you could say that....
Registered - Well that would presume that he knew what was about to happen. Which he doesn't, of course...
coz1 - Thank you....yes, I was trying to depict the true underbelly of the City and I am glad that it worked out as I planned. Michael is indeed clever, but he is also not afraid of Ceres....Leo will have to dodge it...how successfully he does it will sure prove to be interesting...
J. Passepartout - Well Michael COULD sell that information...but that would mean one of two things...either he goes to Leo, or Leo and/or one of his employees finds Michael....Wonder if that will happen?
joebthegreat - Leonides heard that....
Chief Ragusa - Yes, it is indeed serious....now as for whether Leo will be involved with a bow...well not likely...remember he DOES have Imperial Guards around him as well as his own guards...
Kelvin - Thank you....you could say that....
Registered - Well that would presume that he knew what was about to happen. Which he doesn't, of course...
coz1 - Thank you....yes, I was trying to depict the true underbelly of the City and I am glad that it worked out as I planned. Michael is indeed clever, but he is also not afraid of Ceres....Leo will have to dodge it...how successfully he does it will sure prove to be interesting...
J. Passepartout - Well Michael COULD sell that information...but that would mean one of two things...either he goes to Leo, or Leo and/or one of his employees finds Michael....Wonder if that will happen?
joebthegreat - Leonides heard that....
Amric said:J. Passepartout - Well Michael COULD sell that information...but that would mean one of two things...either he goes to Leo, or Leo and/or one of his employees finds Michael....Wonder if that will happen?
Well, if certain of Temujin's employees do their jobs, it is entirely possible that the latter will happen, and the former has not yet been ruled out...
J. Passepartout said:Well, if certain of Temujin's employees do their jobs, it is entirely possible that the latter will happen, and the former has not yet been ruled out...
Or Leonides finds out, but Ceres has already hired the men and the attack will take place. Ceres would still have to be tracked down. Irather suspect that the archers were intended as a diversion. Whilst they were getting killed, Ceres would slip inside the Manse and attack Leonides and Ariana.
I think eyes and ears will be out after the last attack. It was too large-scale for the underworld to not know about it, and as Michael said, there will probably be a lot of "sod off!" answers despite all the gold. I think Leonides ideas have enough support, especially among the lower classes that might overhear or socialise with the people Ceres wants to hire - after all, skilled people are not the lowest dregs, and quite a few will probably say no. I think it is quite possible that the rumour of someone wanting archers and paying very well and in advance for a single job might float upwards.
Excellent update as usual. I still check twice a day for updates. I wonder of Leonides will be called the "Second Isaurian" before he dies of age?
Excellent update as usual. I still check twice a day for updates.
I wonder of Leonides will be called the "Second Isaurian" before he dies of age?