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Post subject: Heart of Brackness
 Posted: Jul 10, 2012 - 08:06 PM
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Noble
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 680
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When a man bleeds inwardly, it is a dangerous thing for himself; but when he laughs inwardly, it bodes no good to other people. ~ Charles Dickens
(Scene: Near the end of the waning Growing Moon. Sumac, Abadonna, and Farookh find themselves Foehan.)
"What's the final count?" asked Abadonna.
Setting the bag of bracken seeds on the table, Farookh replied: "Four-hundred and twelve. He-he."
Turning to Sumac, Abadonna then asked: "We are sure that we want to do this?"
"Yes," responded Sumac. "Enough with the plotting. It is time to act. Ideal as it might not be, I hope it enough to force the king to reveal himself to address the public, to reassure them of the safety of Mirith. And when he does, we shall kill him."
"We are talking about the king. What makes you think he will reveal himself. He doesn't give a damn about the people of Mirith," countered Abadonna.
"If he doesn't, then the people should rise up against him and hang him for once and all. Either way, he dies--be it from our hands or theirs," said Sumac.
"I don't see the people of Mirith having the heart to depose their king. They want unity. They want certainty. They want to be ruled. So much so that they are willing to tolerate an impuissant king. Did you not say so yourself?" questioned Abadonna.
"I've said many things," snapped Sumac, irritated at his brother's sermonizing. "Moreover, I haven't let anything I said stand in the way of anything I done before. I damn well don't plan to start being consistent now. It is time to act."
"Fine. Fine," responded Abadonna, having resigned himself once and for all to commit himself to his brother's plan.
"The matter is resolved," chimed in Farookh.
"The moon will end badly for Mirith," said Sumac, laughing silently to himself. |
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ìIn every man sleeps a prophet, and when he wakes there is a little more evil in the world.î ― Emil Cioran
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Post subject: In Mirith Jail...
Posted: Jul 12, 2012 - 11:26 PM
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Noble
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 680
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ìThe best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered by an occasional assassination.î ~ Voltaire
(Scene: End of the Growing Moon - Farookh and Abadonna find themselves in jail with Sam. Farookh sits alone in the corner, with his elbows resting on his knees, face buried in his hands. Abadonna stands at the bars imprisoning him, looking out at the guards.)
"You have no right to throw me in here!," he shouted at the guards. He then walked over to Farookh and sat next to him.
"I blew it," said Farookh. His tone was one of dejection and regret. "I just don't understand what happened. It was as if a spell had be cast on me. I stood behind him, undetected, ready to backstab the bastard. But, when I tried some force prevented me from striking him. I couldn't strike my target. I struggled mightily and could only manage a meager attempt. By then, I had revealed my presence. The element of surprise was gone. His troop were quick to protect him. I had an opportunity to escape, but I knew I might never have the opportunity again. So I chased after him, but he positioned himself well between the wall and a pillar, preventing me from backstabbing him. I then felt arrows in my back. Not sure what happened next, but when I awoke I found myself here. Failure."
"Don't beat yourself up over it," said Abadonna trying to console his comrade. He then took a moment to roll a cigarette and offered it to Farookh.
"We will be charged with treason," said Farookh. "It was anything but that."
"If people are blind to the sorry state of affairs, we cannot expect them to understand that we are trying to preserve the monarchy by assassinating the king. No, the fate of Mirith will be one of a tragic irony. People will continue to be obedient and loyal to the king--where anyone standing on the outside looking it would see these traits as merely aping apathy and indifference. It is this obedience, this loyalty that will be the ruin of the monarchy. Of Mirith."
Abadonna, pauses a moment, to look at Sam. We should have enlisted his help. Neblin's, too. They understand.
"Many will see our act as one of cowardice. Such views are both naÔve and idiotic. Our act was one of desperation, a desperation driven by a revulsion to see the monarchy become so cankered by an impuissant king.'He is old,' say his apologists. What a shamelessly vulgar view of the elderly. Why must people infantilize them, rob them of their dignity by treating them as helpless infants?! The thought of it--allowing him to remain king in such a feeble state, when he would never had wanted it to happen. People confuse pity with compassion. By continuing to pity him, people only serve to destroy what vestiges remain of his dignity, to turn the monarchy into a mockery. No, the compassionate thing to do would be to remove him from the throne. I would find such pity incomprehensible among those closest to the king, if it were not so unctuously self-serving."
"Opportunistic charlatans," said Farookh in disgust.
"Perhaps we are fools. Perhaps we should have become apostates," mused Abadonna.
"I'm no quisling," retorted Farookh.
"We could have attempted to exploit of the state of affairs," continued Abadonna, "to endear ourselves to the royal staff, to..." He didn't bother finishing his thought.
"Farookh, if you hang--as you likely will--I shall wish to be hung next to you," said Abadonna. |
_________________
ìIn every man sleeps a prophet, and when he wakes there is a little more evil in the world.î ― Emil Cioran
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Post subject: Shadow Prison
Posted: Jul 13, 2012 - 02:24 PM
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Noble
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 680
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(Scene: New Bleeding Moon -- Abadonna finds himself in Mirith Jail with Farookh and Sam. With his hands gripping the bars and face pressed between them too, he looks at the world outside. He sees Casden Pernell approaching.)
"Abadonna," said Pernell. "You will come with me for questioning."
"I see I have little choice in that matter," replied Abadonna. He was then put in chains. And, as he was led away for questioning, he could hear Sam's voice calling to Pernell: "Mirithian Pig. You hold me here for nothing!"
Blindfold now removed, Abadonna looked about him. He found himself in a small room with no windows nor doors, lit only by a few torches. I wonder where I am. This looks to be more than an interrogation room. Duldrus? Gohoran? I would not be that surprised if in Andris. The only other person in the room with him was Pernell, who he then addressed: "Are the shackles necessary?"
Not bothering to answer Abadonna's question, Pernell asked one of his own, "What were you doing in the castle when the attempt was made?"
"I heard there was a commotion, so I went to investigate," responded Abadonna. I had hoped to find a dead king, he thought.
"What is your connection to Farookh?"
"I don't deny that I know him. An acquaintance of my brother."
"Who is your brother?"
"I think you know that answer to that." Why is he even bothering asking that?
"Is it Sumac?"
Abadonna nods in accent.
"Your brother is wanted for questioning."
"Whatever for?" responded Abadonna, feigning shock of hearing such a question. He then added, "Is it about his meeting with the masked figure?" Perhaps I can throw suspicion on someone else.
"In connection with the attempt on His MajestyÖ What masked figure?"
"He mentioned he met a masked figure recently, one looking for a type of crystal."
"What has this got to do with the attempted murder?"
"How should I know? I don't know anything about the matter."
"Are you connected to the Foehan Underground?"
"The Foehan Underground? You mean the Gestalts? We are the only group associated with Foehan, so far as I know."
"The man Farookh - you were seen consoling him in the cells."
"Ah, yes."
"It is clear you know one another."
"As I said, an acquaintance of my brother. We have had occasion to talk. (Said silently, and to plot.) I do not deny that."
"What do you think of His Majesty King Galandir?"
"I do not want to lie to you," responded Abadonna. No point in denying what is common knowledge. Others surely have heard my thoughts about the king. Only lie when absolutely necessary.
"You had better not."
"It is not favorable. But that is not a crime, is it?"
"You admit you know the man Farookh. You despise the King, is that not so? You are the brother of the fugitive Sumac."
"Fugitive? What is he guilty of?"
"He is a wanted man."
"For knowing Farookh? Many people know him. Are they too guilty?"
"Close associates of Farookh are wanted. Especially those of the Foehan Underground."
"I doubt that organization exists."
"Perhaps not now."
"Well, I suggest looking for Sumac in Foehan," offered Abadonna. He knew damn well the information would be useless. He had received word that Sumac had taken foot towards the Wall of Trees. He could be anywhere. I doubt he will stay any one place for a long period of time. He then added, "He seems to like it there."
"If your information proves of use, this may be in your favour."
"It is common knowledge. And if it is not? How long will I be held?"
"Until your guilt has been proven. And you have been punished."
"My guilt? I am guilty of nothing."
"We have proof enough for Farookh."
"And what will become of him?"
"He will suffer the fate of all traitors."
"Execution?"
"If he is lucky. Enough questions. Back to the cell."
Blindfolded again, Abadonna is led back to the jail in Mirith. Sam, upon seeing him asked: "Well, how did that go?"
"They asked questions about Sumac. For some reason he is considered a fugitive," responded Abadonna.
"So why are you back in jail?"
"My relationship to Farookh. I think they are taking their time sorting it out. I suspect I can expect to be here for a while."
"Even after your interrogation? That's silly. Those pigs should hurry."
"To whom do you complain if your adversary is the judge?"
"The executioner."
Smiling at Sam's remark, Abadonna said: "He said Farookh should consider himself lucky to be executed."
"They have evidence of nothing. They hold us here without charges. Then they should give you a hearing. This town needs to be brought down. So, I sit and rot. for nothing! I will kill these people." Turning to the guards, Sam shouts: "Let ME out." Turning to Abadonna, he said: "You probably deserve to be in here. Plotting with Farookh." |
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_________________
ìIn every man sleeps a prophet, and when he wakes there is a little more evil in the world.î ― Emil Cioran
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Post subject: Sumac on the lam
Posted: Jul 14, 2012 - 01:32 PM
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Noble
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 680
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(Scene: A few days into Bleeding Moon -- Sumac finds himself deep in the ant cave, awaiting the arrival of his brother Abadonna and their comrade Farookh. He paces nervously, while talking to himself.)
"They should have been here by now," he fretted. "Where in the hell are they? I hope Abadonna did not return to Mirith. I explicitly told him not to do so. He could not be so foolish, could he? No. I know he was concerned about Farookh getting caught, but he knows he would be under suspicion for the bracken alone. Anyway, Farookh is clever. He would only try to kill the king if he was sure he would succeed. Otherwise, he would abort the mission. If things started to go bad, he was to abscond--live to fight another day."
Feeling a bit hungry, Sumac killed a few ants and made a small meal of them. "I cannot stay here much longer. It has been several days now. If they have not showed, something must have went wrong. I wonder if the king presented himself like we thought he would? Did Farookh have an opportunity? Was he successful? Was he able to escape during the initial confusion? Argh! And where is Abadonna!"
Tired of waiting, Sumac gathered up his items and made his way out of the cave. It was night. Only the stars filled the sky, for the new moon still had yet not decided to reveal herself. Off in the distance he could see the glowing cap of the volcano. He set foot towards it.
Having arrived at the volcano, he made his way to the beach behind it and then set sail to Skull Island. If either Abadonna or Farookh, or both of them, were unable to rendezvous at the ant cave, then the gang were to meet inside the Dungeon on Skull Island. Perhaps both felt that they were being followed, thought Sumac. Neither would risk getting all of us captured. Yes, that must be what is happening.
After some hours had passed at sea, he caught sight of the The Tower and the mountains of the island that protected it. As he approached it, he noticed in the distance a vessel. H'm. I wonder who? Perhaps a party coming to hunt in the Tower. Perhaps a party coming to hunt me down. Damn those 'orbs of seeing.' I better hide near the back entrance until I can see what is their intention.
As the vessel drew close, Sumac felt a rush of joy flow through him. He recognized who the party was--a dear old friend. He stepped out from behind the tower and greeted the wizard clad in her usual light blue robe. "My orb led me!," she said with a smile.
For Sumac, she was a sight for sore eyes. He knew she would not betray him. The two talked awhile, catching up on the past. Eventually, the conversation became about the recent past.
"Ah, yeah... Um... Sumac...," she said.
"Yes?" he asked, knowing full well where the conversation would soon head.
"I've heard of rumors..."
"Oh?"
"That an attempt has been made in Mirith."
"An attempt?"
"Yup, and your brother seems to have been staying in not so comfortable place now."
"I don't understand.... where is he?"
"I didn't make sure of it, but rumours said he's caught."
"That fool! I told him not to return. This is not good news. They will hang him."
The wizards sighs, then asked, "What will you do...?"
"I shall try to... well, perhaps you are better off not knowing. I don't want to put you in a compromising position."
"It seems they, I mean the Kingdom, are looking for you as well."
"Yes, I keep moving about. Never staying in one place for a long time."
"I don't want to see you doing thing in too hurry."
"No, no. I will be cautious. But, I need to stay below ground as much as I can."
"All right, I should not keep you here too long."
"Well, it is good to see a familiar face. As always, a pleasure to see you."
"Same here! Bye, for now."
"I, too, shall take to the seas. Farewell,..."
The two parted company, with the wizard making her way towards Andris and the ranger his way towards Skull Island. The latter finally arrived at his destination. He made his way into the dungeon on the island, ate a meal of shark fin soup, then laid down to rest next to the fire that cooked his meal. His body now nourished, his bones warm, he stared at the rocks, trying to picture her face in them. But he couldn't, the rocks remained just that, rocks. How he wished he could see the face of Akunin right now. |
_________________
ìIn every man sleeps a prophet, and when he wakes there is a little more evil in the world.î ― Emil Cioran
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Post subject: Farookh, the Eggs, and the Farce
Posted: Jul 19, 2012 - 05:23 AM
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Noble
Joined: Jan 29, 2008
Posts: 680
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(Scene: A sliver of the waxing Bleeding Moon ~ Farookh and Abadonna find themselves in the Mirith Jail. Abadonna stands staring out the back window of the jail, a green cube jiggles its way around Gooey Park. Farookh is busy trying to convince Cael to help him escape. (The reader might want to ask Cael about how he ended up in jail)).
After releasing Cael, Casden Pernell ordered Farookh blind folded. As the blind fold was being applied, Farookh managed to make eye contact with Abadonna. He smiled. He was not sure if he would ever see Abadonna again.
Abadonna was not sure either. He wanted to say something to Farookh, but could only manage a meek smile of his own. I wonder if they will execute him now, or perhaps he will be taken to the same location I was taken before. Will he be tortured? Abadonna fretted as the minutes turned into hours. Still no word about Farookh.
Abadonna returned to his usual spot by the back window, where he sat on the sill watching the gooey. He had all but given up hope of ever seeing his comrade again, when he heard Farookh's voice: "Hey, I am getting out of here today!"
Abadonna quickly turn around. He could hardly believe his ears. "They are letting you go?" he asked incredulously.
"Letting me go to my execution," replied Farookh. And before Farookh had a chance to say much more, guards entered the jail and shackled Farookh and started to lead him away. Again, Farookh managed to make eye contact with Abadonna. Again he smiled.
This is unfair, thought Abadonna, I promised him that I would not allow him to die alone. Abadonna started to weep. I don't want him to die alone. His sadness turned to blind rage. He then began yelling pejoratives at the guards, at anyone passing by, cursing them for their crime of misplaced loyalty, for their treasonous pity of the king, for their indifference. Distraught, he sat himself in the corner, pulling his knees to his chest and buying his face in them. More time passed.
The jail doors open and the guards threw Farookh inside. Turning to the guards, he shouted: "This is the king that you follow. And people think that I am a fool." He then saw Heike and shook his head at her, indicating his disgust at what transpired. She offers him some food, stating she hoped that he would not suffer. Farookh thanked her, then caught sight of the approaching circus. Abadonna hadn't move, other than to raise his head in disbelief.
"Prepare for the King!" bellowed Praegus.
The king arrived with a curious crowd behind him. "Tell us a joke," he deliriously demanded from Farookh. "Hehehe." You're a joke, thought Farookh, before spitting in the face of the King. "That's not funny," said the king, confused at the response he received from the rogue.
The king then grabbed an egg (which dear reader you must agree is something rather odd for a king to be carrying) and threw it at Farookh. He missed. The king then proclaimed, "Someone else throw an egg!" Only two obey--Cliff and Llino. Most everyone else could see the king was not well, and lacked the cruelty to exploit his feeble state for no other reason than to demean another human being. Most seemed embarrassed at what was transpiring.
"Hahaha!," laughed Cassandra.
"Get out of my face," yelled Farookh at her. The visceral disdain he felt for her made his blood turn to vitrol. The enmity was palpable.
"The jester gives orders," she retorted. "Maybe we should just go look for Nafets."
Farookh turned and walks away in disgust as eggs continue to pelt him. After a few steps, he suddenly turned around to face his antagonists and spread his arms apart, now smiling at them and wishing them to continue. Let them embarrass themselves by this farce. The eggs continued to strike the rogue. He then thought, She refuses to throw an egg, perhaps feeling too ashamed to do so, and yet she takes delight in the actions of these others. Pops was right, the human mind can rationalize anything. Haha. Hahahaha. Ahahahaha.
"Sire, you have quite the sense of humor," said Praegus.
"I am tired," proclaimed the demented king.
"Shall we find Nafets, your Majesty?" asked Cassandra.
The group wandered off. A few remained behind, discussing the bizarreness of what had just happened. Abadonna rose up and walked over to Farookh. He felt sickened at what had just transpired. He then started to clean Farookh in silence. |
_________________
ìIn every man sleeps a prophet, and when he wakes there is a little more evil in the world.î ― Emil Cioran
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