Capture or be Captured

[Heavyarms03]

The camp was always noisy, several fires and groups around the fires, it wasn’t that it was cold, because it was really wasn’t yet. To it provided cooking and light in the fading sun. This camp was far different than the soldier’s camp a little ways away. This camp was organized, patrols kept look out, even if the camp was noisy, they were sill quieter than the soldiers camp. It was amusing when one or a couple of the soldiers walked over and started a ruckus about wanting to buy one or more of the women in the band for a bed warmer. They were dealt with quickly enough, not killed, but kicked out swiftly most of the time by those women. His men also weren’t drinking beer and ale like the soldiers, they were drinking water, a rule that they all agreed on, it wouldn’t do to be blubbering drunk or have a hangover when they are trying to fight. But between contracts and after their job was finished, they would head back to Dragon’s Holm and drink and celebrate to their hearts content.

 

A shadow appeared outside his tent, he looked up from his ledger, the shadow than became a person moving into his tent. The men looked at each other for a long moment.

 

“Commander, we have a captive,” the man said.

 

“We don’t take prisoners,” Zagen said simply and turned back towards his ledger. The man didn’t leave after a few minutes.

 

“You may want to see this one,” the man said. Zagen closed his book and set it aside. He attention fully on the man standing in his tent. “What could hurt?”

 

The man frowned but nodded, standing up he pulled a shirt over his broad chest and pulled his long black braid from the collar and allowed it to rest over his shoulder. He followed the other out and across the camp to a small tent where there was a single guard standing by. Zagen didn’t look too happy that there was a prisoner in his camp, but he ducked inside the tent anyway.

 

“You have two minutes to tell me why I care about your life,” he said and closed the tent flap behind him. His green eyes landed on the boy as he looked him up and down.

[azuneko]

The cold dirt ground, a random person tying you up. These were not the full expectations that one would expect to have gone through on such an evening. As a simple informant, infiltrating on camp and getting out was always such an easy task. Though for some reason this night he failed to keep his stealth mode in tact. With his cover blown but not to its full extent, he had now come face to face with the clear head of the camp. The man before him was well known and clearly strong. Though that wasn't enough to make him lose his edge.

 

"My life...? Are you seriously asking me to beg for it or even give a reason as to why it should be spared? So the rumors about you must be true." a light chuckle followed after.

 

As this wasn't his first rodeo, he had a feeling all his natural tactics would work easily. He would soon be on his way with a few bumps and bruises. His mind at full ease. He knew never to show fear or tremble no matter how grave the situation may be. It why he was a highly recommended informant.

[Heavyarms03]

A deep frown appeared on Zagen’s face as he looked the boy over. He was already getting a headache from this. He then turned towards the tent flap and spoke low to a person standing outside. A whispered conversation for a moment and then Zagen was joined by the one who went to get him in the first place, and the one who caught the boy currently tied on the ground.

 

“I don’t care if you beg or plead, I said you have two minutes to tell me why I care,” he paused for a second, “you haven’t,” Zagen finished then looked to the man who was standing next to him. “I’ll say this again, the next time it’s broken I will leave you behind. We don’t take prisoners. You caught him, you kill him. So kill him."

 

“Yes sir,” the man said.

 

Zagen nodded and started out of the tent. The man unsheathed his sword.

[azuneko]

From the looks of things this wasn't going to end well. It was time to move to his next ploy of defense. If this didn't work then his days as an informant were about to come to an abrupt end. His eyes focused on Zagen as he had now let the person who tied him up enter the tent. This wasn't what he expected to happen either.

 

"Care to know your enemies weakness and shallow points? As an informant I know more about your enemies than you could find out in a month." he said staring pass the unsheathing blade.

 

This should grasp one's attention. It always had since everyone in battle could never pass up on being one step ahead of their enemy. His information would come at a cost though. It was clearly obvious he wasn't going to give it up for free. Relaxing his muscles he waited for a response of any kind. If not he was prepared to get out of this tent on his own.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen paused and turned his head slightly. The man finished unsheathing the blade and waited for a moment. Zagen turned around fully; there was a small cruel smile on his lips. “A dog,” he said. “I have several hounds of my own. I am still failing to see why I care about your life,” he shook his head. “Personally I don’t like stray dogs in my camp. I am sure you know what happens to informants when they are caught,” he looked at the body before him his eyes narrowing in what seemed anger. “Only I skip the beating information out of them. It takes time, and more often than not worthless.”

 

He watched the dog before him, he tapped on the tent flap a few times and within seconds the tent had shadows all around it. He didn’t want the boy to try and do anything stupid like run.

 

“As amusing as it was, if that’s all you had to say I would like to get back to work,” he stood there fully thinking that the boy had something else up his sleeve.

 

“Commander, one of the hounds returned with a report, they’re in your tent,” said a voice from outside the tent.

 

“Thank you,” he replied and turned his attention back to the boy before him. He looked to the man with the unsheathed sword. He walked over to stand beside the boy. "No hard feelings?"

[azuneko]

"You have dogs you say. I doubt any of them with honest information that will suit to your liking. You current enemy has two blind spots with easy access but only a fool would use that and follow through with a plan. The only true advantage point is one no one would ever use and yet only I know of it. I have gotten in and out using it and even was close to the head of that pack if I were an assassin." he said unmoved by the shadows now present.

 

His gaze on Zagen as a small smile crept upon his lips. His chance to escape was now in his grasps. He had no intention of dragging this out any longer. It was apparent this man wouldn't take his bait and that was all good and fine with him. He had gotten what he came for anyway. This was surprised and yet all too amusing.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen watched the male for a long moment, his expression didn’t hide anything, and he was smirking at the other. He waved his hand at the other male. “I have dogs, I have rats, and I have birds. We have never lost a war or battle that we have been in,” he confirmed. He placed his hands before him clasping them around a hilt of a dagger. He stood and waited for a minute or two, to make it seem he was thinking of something. He then tossed the dagger in the ground beside the male tied up.

 

“Let him go,” Zagen said. “We have a meeting; I don’t have time to deal with him. He’s not a threat.” Zagen turned and left the tent. The man that caught the person looked at him and then went to follow Zagen.

 

There were no guards around the tent any longer, the people around the areas a good few yards away didn’t seem to notice him and went on with their own conversations.

 

The command tent however had lanterns burning and people were standing around a table.

 

“We’ll move around to the north side of the river and move down stream, which should block off their supply routes. The main force will be moving along this road heading east,” Zagen said to his men.

[azuneko]

"Well that was anticlimatic. Time to go then." he mumbles as he turned around and used the dagger to cut the ropes.

 

Once free from the ropes that had bound him, he got up and brushed his hair from his ear. His hearing was sharp which is always good in his line of work. Quickly walking out the tent he heads to where he had gotten grabbed in the first place. In a nearby bush he picked up his mask. It was custom made by himself. It had many useful things he's always used. Putting it on and glancing back his eyes narrow. He had a feeling something interesting would happen so one enough. With such a thought in mind he left. His next stop the base camp of Zagen's current target.

 

"Time for you to taste defeat Zagen!" he chuckled as he made his way there.

 

 

how he looks with the mask on:

 

[Heavyarms03]

Someone walked into Zagen’s tent. “He’s gone, outside our outer watchers,” the man said. “He’s heading towards the enemy camp.”

 

“What I expected,” Zagen said and nodded to the men. “Alright you all did wonderful, Hegan, keep an eye on that little dog of ours.”

 

“Sir,” said a man and he seemingly vanished out of the tent. Zagen looked at the table and the map. The others around the table looked to the markings and then to Zagen. He nodded his head to them and they all left his tent. He dropped down to his cot and placed his hands behind his head.

 

“Run, run little pup,” he said to the air. He would have to catch that pup again.

 

--

 

The other camp wasn’t like Zagen’s. They were disorderly and getting drunk off beer and ale. They were loud, and their watch wasn’t top notch. But where Zagen lacked in sheer numbers, this camp made up for it.

 

The commander of this camp was nearly drunk and was cackling like mad.

[azuneko]

This was interesting enough for him to keep moving. His eyes focused behind him as he moved forward. Stopping some he smiled a bit. It was time for him to take the low road sort to speak. With that in mind he had completely vanished from sight of anyone. Fixing his mask he continued forward. This land had many underground tunnels. Most of which nearly no one knew of. There were very few who knew and those who did barely knew how to get in and out of them. This was what he had planned to share with Zagen.

 

"This dog has much to live for. I'll let this slide for today. One close call is enough for me." he says to himself as he head through the tunnels.

[Heavyarms03]

Hegan came back to the dragon’s camp. Zagen woke to hear what he had to say and then sent him to his own bed. He rolled to his side and got a couple more hours of sleep before the dawn broke and the camp was being torn down in an orderly and quick fashion. Zagen was handed a cup of coffee as he yawned at the morning light.

 

“Are you not that worried about that boy going to the other side?” one of the captains asked from the true army. Zagen took a sip of his coffee and looked to the man.

 

“I hope he did,” Zagen replied to the man. The captain was shocked, to say the least about this news. “He’ll be easier to find. Remember to head straight across, they’re going to try and box you in.”

 

“I don’t know what you’re playing, but this isn’t a game, why would you let a dog loose?” the captain asked.

 

Zagen looked at him, and handed his empty cup to someone that came by their camp was almost down completely. “I don’t get paid to answer your questions; I get paid to help win wars. If you have questions you want to ask me, that’s extra on the side and after we win.”

 

Once the camp was down, Zagen looked back towards the captain. “Get going.”

[azuneko]

Once through one of the tunnels, he climbed a tree into what one would call a tree house. It wasn't huge and it was well hidden. It was one of his many hideaways. He sat inside and closed his eyes. It was high enough to remain out of sight from all those who may seek him. It also gave perfect view for the current battle ahead. He glanced out a small opening to see how things were going.

 

"I wonder how Zagen will handle such an enemy. He is after all one interesting guy." he says to hismelf

[Heavyarms03]

The armies moved, and they moved fast. Zagen sat on top of his mare as he looked over the field and the enemy camp which was still in chaos and most still sleeping. One of his men rode up beside of him, “some army,” the man said. Zagen nodded his head. “Should we slice and dice?”

 

“Move in,” Zagen confirmed. The man nodded and gave the signal for the others to move. Zagen watched as his men galloped down the banks and burning arrows were fired from the archers. He stayed where he was, watching. The enemy camp had prepared for this. That meant that the others were coming up behind the main army now.

 

Pulling his sword from his belt he turned the horse around and took the other half of his men down the other side of the hills. The main army was there and they were in fact being attacked.

 

“Good diversion, if they were organized,” said Hagen as he rode beside Zagen.

 

“Find that pup,” Zagen ordered.

 

“Why?”

 

“Don’t question just do it,” Zagen ordered as he sliced open a man on a horse. “Take Tina and Jenna with you.”

 

“Aye,” Hagen answered and turned away from Zagen.

[azuneko]

"Oh my... Zagen wastes no time in destroying his enemies. As to be suspected and yet..." he grits his teeth a bit as he sighs.

 

Taking off his mask to adjust it some, his mind on how foolish some men really were. War was something that always seemed to be far to common around him. It was like a plague which he himself one day wished to cure. It was an odd feeling he always had yet he never showed on the surface. As smoke filled the skies; he was prepared to wait till things died down. In which he could gather any information on any survivors and then take it with him. It was always best to know these things since it was useful at times. There were times enemy survivors joined the groups of those who took their clan down in order for revenge. It was always nice to know when these things could happen.

[Heavyarms03]

As the day was turning into a blood bath and the battle was settling down, his men were quick. They swept through the battle field stabbing anything laying on the ground, their enemies and their allies alike. While the main army shifted through the field piled the bodies’ together and started fires. Zagen shifted on his mount as the commander of the main army walked over towards him.

 

“How did you know they would come from behind from tunnels?”

 

“A pup told me,” he replied and looked to the man.

 

“You did a wonderful job, I am sure his majesty will be happy to hear of this victory,” the man said.

 

“We’re heading back to Dragonsholm as soon as we get our money,” he replied.

 

“You’re leaving?” the commander asked.

 

“I did what was in the contract,” Zagen replied. “There is nothing left,” he nodded to Hagen as the man rode up to them.

 

“The pup was found, haven’t approached,” he said to Zagen.

 

“Show me,” he said and turned with Hagen. They rode to the area and he looked up at the tree. Zagen leaned on his horse as he looked up. “Pup,” he called. “Come down here I want to talk to you.”

[azuneko]

Narrowing his eyes he could see things were calming down. It would soon be time to scope the area then collect his data that he deems useful. As he prepares a small satchel of things he'll need, a familiar voice called out to him. Since his name was unknown to others it was only natural to answer to only what made sense to him.

 

"You rang for me? What can I do you for sir? I am not in the mood for death today nor do I have time to play captive again." he said tossing his satchel over his shoulder.

 

Climbing halfway down the tree he noticed it was Zagen. This was a surprise and highly unexpected. He wasn't expecting to see this man's face up close any time soon. He avoided the enemy camp for this reason as well. Thus he never got the information he had to them. So this rare meeting was no upon him. His mind boggled as he tried to grasp what this was about.

 

"Please make haste my good man. I have places to be and people to see." he said still in the tree but more in view.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen laughed lightly. “No no pup, nothing like that,” he said watching as the male made his way down from the tree. He looked around at the battle field not that far away and then back to the pup climbing down the tree.

 

“I’ll make this quick then, come with me,” he said. “Become one of the dragons if you want. Hagen here, one of my dogs, lost your track when you went for the tunnels. You’re okay, you’re learning. I want you. It pays well.”

 

Tina and Jenna laughed some and nodded their heads. “The famous Hagen got off track?” Tina snickered. Hagen glared at them and they went hushed. Zagen looked to the three of them and shoed them away.

 

Once they were gone he looked back to the pup. “If you’re thinking about looking for survivors of the battle there wont be any on the enemy side, we make sure there are none, for strays,” he said and looked over his shoulder. “The bodies are being burned as we speak. So, what do you say?”

[azuneko]

This was an odd turn of events. It was like being offered an actual job of sorts. He found it funny that his trail had been lost in the tunnels. "There are more of those tunnels but one would have to know them in order not to be lost or buried alive. Its a skill I am very proud of I might say." he said finally out of the tree. he stood before Zagen with his mask still upon his face. He wonders why such a offer would be given so easily.

 

"I don't enjoy being tied to anyone person. If I feel cornered I will bite and run away. If that's fine with you then sure I'll join. I grow bored as of late and this sounds promising." he said grinning with his eyes.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen moved his mount closer to the male and looked down at him and then up around. “As expected from a pup,” he said softly to his commit about biting and running away. “I have no problems with that; however I will let you know. If you leave, you leave for good, I don’t allow people to leave and come back. But you are welcome to join, we’re heading back towards Dragonsholm, our job here is done, we’ll stop at the capital take our money and leave to home.”

 

He held out a hand for him. “Come on, its a little distance towards the actual battle friend. One more thing,” he looked to the male. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours pup…” there was a smile on his face that was calming and non-threatening, like he wanted to be on good terms with this one.

 

“I’ll tell you about Dragonsholm on the way, I am sure there will be some that will also want to put their two bits of information in as well. I have rules of course, these will be explained also. If by the end of it all you don’t want to commit yourself you will be free to stay here.”

[azuneko]

Noticing that this offer was pure legit and without strings it was perfect. He hadn't made the full on commitment which meant he was free to go as pleased. That was just how he liked things. It wasn't like him to grow attached to anyone or anything besides his mask. Since he had that with him nothing else matters. Slowly taking the hand before him he looked at Zagen.

 

"My name...? You say I know yours but its possible that could be a code name used for these types of tasks you take on. Without knowing its your given name I don't feel comfortable saying my own. Besides, I haven't fully committed in coming along with you. So lets hear out those rules and such." he said always playing to safe. It was his way of survival and he disliked giving his name out to others.

 

His gaze drifts towards the burnt remains of the battlefield. It was something worth seeing and it always left him feeling more and more empty as time went on.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen nodded his head as he watched the male. When he took his hand, Zagen pulled him up on his horse in front of him. He turned the mare around and started to head back towards the camp.

 

“My real name is Zagen, I don’t believe in hiding behind masks,” he replied. “Rules,” he let out a breath.

 

“One, when on a missions no alcohol, when on missions we keep a three ring watch at all times we’re camped. You are allowed to do whatever you want with your share of gold, our home is Dragonsholm, every one of my men have a home there of some kind. Different branches have a captain that give them orders, archers, lancers, you get the idea. Dogs are my scouts, the camp is to be set up and taken down in an hour, sometimes less. We get paid half before a mission, and half when we complete that mission, the money is split when we reach Dragonsholm. Hunters are sent out as the camp is being set up. Any questions?” he asked as they started to enter the battle field. The mercenaries were looking towards them, but they said nothing.

[azuneko]

As he sat upon the mare his view was taken aback some. Honestly this was his first time on such a thing and it made him nervous. He wasn't one who cared to ride upon animals if it wasn't necessary. As he focused on Zagen's words deep within his mind something made him curious. The rules were so simple that anyone could join without fail. It was like child's play to never break any of Zagen's rules.

 

"I only have one question. There are women in your group. Don't you worry about coitus? I've no interest in such things but isn't that just a common worry when females are around men." he asked wondering the kind of answer he would receive.

 

His mind was made up by now and he felt it right to give the other a proper answer. "You can call me Halvir. I'll only tell you and you alone. Although I enjoy the ring you have when calling me pup." he insisted.

[Heavyarms03]

Zagen looked at the male and shook his head. “Only if the females are willing with the males, I don’t care about their personal lives, there are a couple of females that are at Dragonsholm that are with child,” he replied. “As long as it’s not against their will or effect their combat abilities I don’t care.” He slowed the horse to a walk as they entered the camp. He stopped at some point and he dismounted and helped the other down.

 

“Alright then pup,” he said as he walked through the camp. One of his men came up to him a breath left the man and a look was on his face. Zagen tilted his head.

 

“We have a problem,” he said and looked to the other male. “The commander is having his army try to keep us here,” he said. Zagen shook his head, and started to walk towards the commander of the main army.

 

“Zagen,” said the commander when the white dragon came into sight of the other. Zagen paused a few steps away from him, “how can I help you?”

 

“My company and I are leaving this battle field, out work is finished.”

 

“It’s not finished until I say it’s-“ Zagen didn’t play around like this, his sword was in the commander’s gut. The man looked up at the white dragon shock written on his face.

 

“You should read my contracts,” he told the man pulling the sword free from the man. “Get the company together we’re leaving,” he said to the man that followed him. “Pup, can you ride by yourself or no?”

[azuneko]

Halvir got off the horse and was feeling a whole lot better. He preferred to be on the ground. It was a much safer feeling to him than being upon an animal. As he slowly followed Zagen, his eyes quickly took in the surroundings. He continued through the camp as he noticed there seemed to be some boiling tension ahead. 'To suddenly pierce a man down like that.... He must really want to go home..' he thinks as they were now leaving.

 

"I dislike riding those beasts. Honestly I only get around with my two good legs." he said turning his head. Halvir only got on before because Zagen offered his hand. If it wasn't for that he would have walked beside him. It was only natural for him to enjoy the freestyle life he's always enjoyed.

[azuneko]

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