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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 19:20:06 GMT -5
In the middle of the vanguard camp, are rows and rows of black tents, occupied by the Traitors' Sons. The men keep their own sentries, and stay apart from the others. Those on official business are challenged, before being escorted to the commander's tent, which is the same size as the others, and distinguished only by the large black battle standard flying overhead.
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 20:53:03 GMT -5
A man approaches the camp of the Traitor's Sons. In itself, this is hardly unusual. What is considerably more uncommon, however, is that this man sits on the shoulders of a massive snow bear.
Rask looks down at the wary sentries. "There is a man named Talyn Thatcher among you?" It is said in a questioning tone, as if the speaker is not quite sure he has reached the right camp. "I would ask questions of him."
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 20:56:19 GMT -5
The sentries eye the bear nervousily.
"There is, but you can't come in here with that bear," The man say. They keep their pikes at a low ready, even though the bear does not appear to be violent.
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:02:17 GMT -5
A look of annoyance sweeps over Rask's face, but he makes no comment save a grunt. Gripping tight to the fur of the bear's back, the old wildling lowers himself to the ground.
"Lead on," Rask grunts.
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:04:42 GMT -5
The men escort the Wildling cautiously leading him into a command tent, where a man in black mail sits, writing parchment notes to himself.
"Is there something I can do for you..." He lets the sentence hang, so that he receives a name.
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:08:11 GMT -5
Rask follows the men into the tent, walking with a pronounced limp. He looks around the tent as he enters. He either does not recognize the cue or does not respond to it.
"You are Talyn Thatcher? Your father is called Thaddeus?"
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:11:36 GMT -5
"I assumed you knew that, since you asked to see me. And yes, my father is Thaddeus. And you are?" Talyn asks, directly.
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:15:11 GMT -5
"I am Rask," Rask says. "I want to know about Thaddeus Thatcher. Will you answer my questions, or should I ask elsewhere?"
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:16:56 GMT -5
"Why do you want to know about Thaddeus Thatcher? Tell me your reasons, and I will consent to tell you," Talyn agrees.
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:23:14 GMT -5
Rask scratches the scar where his left eye once was. The damned thing itched again. Eye, leg, knees. Rask scowls, more to himself than in response to anything Talyn said. Too many wounds.
"Because I believe that a man should know his enemy." Rask frowns again. "I do not know much about Thaddeus Thatcher, but I know enough to have decided to kill him. I have heard that you share this goal, and being his son I thought you could tell me about the man."
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:26:53 GMT -5
Talyn nodded, "He is an accomplished liar and manipulates anyone he speaks to. Ask and I will try to answer any questions you may have."
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:29:59 GMT -5
"He is a man who betrayed humanity to the unmerciful grasp of the white walkers. I cannot comprehend his goals. Why did he do it?"
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:34:33 GMT -5
Talyn shook his head. "I had hoped for a simple question, like in which hand does he hold his dagger, or does he prefer a high or low guard. But instead you ask the question I don't have the answer to. I can tell you, that he is a man of great ambition. More ambitious than any other man you have ever met, if you have ever met anyone with any ambition," the sellsword says, looking over the Wildling with a practiced eye.
"Did my father hope to be King of the Mountain atop a pile of skulls? I can't say."
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Post by Horas on Jun 1, 2009 21:37:26 GMT -5
Rask frowns, then nods. "Simpler questions, then. Is he a warrior? Can he defend himself with a blade when his words fail?"
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Post by The Flint on Jun 1, 2009 21:42:32 GMT -5
"He is not a warrior, but he is a killer, if you understand the distinction." Talyn replied, "I think he will run first, but if you corner him, he will fight. Assuming the one you've even chased down is him. He likes to disguise himself as his own guards to avoid assassination. More likely he already knows you plan to kill him, before even you made up your mind to do so."
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