//Burton and Camishio: ok guys, what the heck? my machines aren't being attacked by anything. in fact, the occupants of the town are running away with their skirts in their hands. the machines are not exploding, and definately not imploding... why would they do that, if nobody's done anything to them yet? and besides, each encampment (a scorpion machine, an adept, and 9 soldiers) is protected by a mental barrier, cast by adepts. nothing short of a 3-post attack gets through, at this point.\\
Arlin calmly looked at his incoming opponent. So she thinks she's powerful... well then. It can't be helped, it seems.
He decided to use a defensive tactic, for now. He ghosted right behind Aura, while she was still flying upwards towards where he used to be, and sent a powerful whip lash at her back.
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"Somewhat angered by this intrusion, I tried to hide my fury... for now. After taking one last look at Steorra, I calmly walked towards the man in the suit. I recognized him as being the man I saw previously on the mountain, where I found the gravity orbs. I bent down to his level, and with the most peaceful and soft voice I could muster, I whispered:
-"Somehow, I am getting the feeling that your little headache is the least of your problems right now..."
Obeying my mental command, eight undead guards came inside. I pointed at the one in the metal suit.
-"Take this one down to the dungeon. Beat as much information out of him as you can, and perhaps try to get that metal off him - i could use some spare scrap."
The commands I was giving to the guards obviously had no effect on the undeads themselves - it was like telling the stick to fly before throwing it. They had no minds of their own - I was controlling them. Perhaps the content of the commands will strike some fear into these pathetic ones' hearts...
After another mental command, two of the guards picked the metal one up, and dragged him out of the room. I turned my attention to... Ein, was it?
-"Well then. Isn't this so very interesting. The last place I'd expect to see-" just then, I noticed that Ein was throwing quick looks at the girl next to him. This is going to be fun..."-see you. And my inquiry was never really answered - who is this girl? She bears the mark of Kandarin, as do you, Ein. But I know that those are not your clothes, for I found a citizen lying in his house, unconcious. I also found your old clothes in there."
The girl looked up at me with an unexpectedly stern look, just before turning her head away. Her facial traits revealed her to be Kandarinian... in which case, it was but a matter of skill getting her to talk.
-"Oh... I see, then. Stand up, child."
I lowered my hand, and touched her just below the chin. With that hand, I lifted up her head, forcing her to look at me, and dragging her upwards in a standing position. Her eyes were starting to get glossy... looks like she still had Kandarinian blood in her.
-"Tell me", I whispered. "How dare you disobey your Master?"
My hand slid down from her chin to her neck. I smoothly massaged it, while her eyes were starting to get red. She was breathing a lot faster.
-"Do you know what kinds of things they used to do to Citizens who defied their land, when my grandfather was in power?"
I put my hand around her waist, and forced her towards me. With undeniable pleasure, I licked her neck.
-"They would... break... every bone in your limbs. Then they'd cut your chest open..."
My other hand rested on her breast. Her heart was racing, which was (HONESTLY!) the only reason I put my hand there in the first place. I had no attraction for this one. I was simply using certain tactics to get her to talk.... and perhaps annoy the Aspye.
-"...break your ribs outwards.... all while pouring strongest vinegar upon your exposed flesh. They called it..."
My hand dropped from her breast, and down around her waist, like the other one. I looked straight into her eyes, which were wet with tears.
-"the Bloody Eagle."
One of the undead guards hit her on the back of her knees. I let go of her, as she dropped down an all fours, intensely crying.
-"Now... tell me your name, child."
-"*sob* A--*sniff* *sob* Amaya Ryleh, *sob* my *sniff* Lord..."
-"That's a good girl. GUARDS! Throw her down into the dungeons, with the tin man. I'll decide what to do with her later. As for you two..."
I turned to Ein and Marshall, another Aspye I captured recently. The guards slammed both on the back of the head with the hilts of their swords. Ein fell down.
-"Down into the dungeon with you. Put both of them in separate cages... I have a big, big surprise for them..."
