A Needle for Bearface

A beautiful spring day in Kingdom 179, unexpectedly warm, had dawned and MAJOR Tom woke up content, feeling lazy. It was the day of the Supermine Contest for Arya’s fabled weapon, Needle, but this had nothing to do with him, as he had four starred this weapon long ago. Even more importantly, ChristianOr had also four starred it, so there was nothing to threaten his peaceful morning. 

He made his way to the Great Hall, where he bumped into the newly elected MBL Duke, Killkeks, a young polite man with a hurried air.

Good morning Major Tom, Killkeks greeted him respectfully

Where off to, Keks? Major asked him, as he noticed he was departing.

I need to attend the Duke summit, but should be back in the evening. Bearface as a marquis, is also there and will be waiting for me, Keks replied without pausing for breath, before disappearing fast, with a cat-like grace.

Major continued walking leisurely when he spotted ChristianOr calling him. She was standing by the Supermine entrance, which should have been unexpected, but in a way, he always had known she would be here.

Look, she said in disgust, not even bothering to greet him. This BWF guy has over 3 hours, and now Blutangel from EDF is in for over an hour.

So? Major asked. It is not like you do not have the weapon, let someone else get it too, he continued more seriously.

Most people would have been deterred by Major Tom being stricter, as he cut quite an imposing figure, but not ChristianOr.

Yes, I have it, she admitted, and Major knew she was missing the thrill, but Bearface for example doesn’t.

He hasn’t four starred it yet? Major was surprised as Bearface was probably one of the three strongest people in MBL.

I mean he does not have it, period, ChristianOr said smoothly, knowing she had hooked Major. He has no Needle at all, she finished in a tragic tone.

Major looked at her suspiciously, but he knew she would not lie to him.

But what can we do? he enquired, involved despite his earlier intentions. Bearface is not even here.

He isn’t but I have access to his barracks, which he left to me in case MBL gets invaded. I could access his soldiers and commanders and send them to the Supermine.

I do not think this occasion qualifies, told her Major, once again seriously.

Sure it does, we are being invaded in Supermine rankings, she quipped and ran off.

Not before long she reappeared, dragging Cassana, Bearface’s Lady Commander.

Yes, I am telling you, you have nothing to worry about, Bearface has left me with instructions, ChristianOr was insisting.

Cassana was not looking very convinced but suddenly she started getting ready to attack. Major Tom who was watching, empathized with Cassana, he knew she was probably going to assault the mine, just to get ChristianOr off her back. And indeed she stormed the mine.

Woop woop, ChristianOr cheered.

Everyone kept waiting for Blutangel to attack back but it seemed like she abandoned the mine. Cassana kept a small force and settled to wait.

A couple of hours later, Major Tom was fishing happily, when a well known shadow appeared and blocked the sun. 

You have to be kidding me, he growled. What now? Despite his tone, he started to worry. Was Bearface fated to never get Needle?

Subrio has appeared, and even though Bearface might be able to tank his spears, Cassana is refusing to try without a raven order from Bearface, ChristianOr explained hurriedly.

You can take care of Subrio on your own, Major pointed out. 

I can, she said smugly. But where is the fun in that? 

Major laughed despite himself and followed her back to the Supermine.

ChristianOr attacked quickly, but Subrio wasn’t defending seriously. 

ChristianOr had barely coaxed Cassana to retake the Supermine in Bearface’s name, when Subrio appeared and kicked again.

ChristianOr sighed, it meant Subrio meant business. She grabbed her shield but Major stopped her.

Let me, he said, I will go with a light force to see how he is defending. If he has gone cavalry, he will decimate your troops.

Hey Major, perhaps you could ease up a little on the t1? suggested ChristianOr teasingly.

No need, I have a plan. We attack together, I will take down most of his meatshield and you should kick, Major had started strategising happily and Chris was all too happy to follow his lead. But would this be enough to discourage Subrio and allow Bearface gain time to reach the first rank?

The double hit made Subrio realise he would have to fight both of them and he decided to retire as he already had enough time for at least two chests.

Bearface arrived home after a few hours and found to his surprise he was holding the Supermine. Despite ChristianOr’s protests that he hadn’t still ensured first place mathematically, he asked who wanted to succeed him, and Lady Rhaella who was passing on her way to her inn, decided to stake a claim.

Oh this is very exciting darlings, she said happily, it is the third time ever i have been in the Supermine.

However as soon as Lady Rhaella took over a familiar name appeared to kick her. Blutangel was back with a vengeance.

Cassana, once more stepped forward. This time having no doubt of her Lord’s intention, she attacked full force utilising even their best troops they had at their disposal.

Bearface destroyed Blutangel’s troops and Lady Rhaella once more resumed the Supermine occupation. However Blutangel had not left, but was hovering around, waiting for a chance. When Bearface retired as he was nodding off due to his early start, WEE appeared menacingly to kick Lady Rhaella..

Oh can anyone help please? Lady Rhaella beseeched. I would not ask normally, but is the third time I have ever been in this mine and I was doing so well. Pleaseeeee….

Killkeks was just returning home, but he could not ignore her pleas, and charged into the mine.

Wait Lady Rhaella, he said kindly, I will keep for a little while in case he returns, and then you will place your troops again.

Oh thank you so much darling, i am sorry to take advantage of your kindness, but i am really anxious you see…

She had not finished talking when Killkeks was attacked. GoldDigger was back with a full spear ensemble. 

However to everyone’s surprise Killkeks tanked easily.

Oh darling, that was brilliant, Lady Rhaella was saying, but it seemed she was fated never to finish a sentence. Killkeks had just been kicked.

Blutangel had found her chance, but Killkeks was angry. He took his duties as a Duke very seriously, so he was ready to fight. If he did not help, Lady Rhaella would definitely not keep her place.

Once more Lady Rhaella was reinstalled and once more she was swiftly kicked.

I will lose that third place, she sighed.

No you will not Lady Rhaella, Killkeks promised her. I will take it myself and stop everyone who is trying to pass you.

“Goodbye sleep” Killkeks thought to himself but he really did not have the heart to leave Lady Rhaella undefended. After all, it was only her third time in the supermine.. He looked around to see if ChristianOr was around to give him a hand but she had a knack for avoiding hardships and was nowhere to be found.

A few minutes after reset, Killkeks jolted awake, not even knowing where he was. He looked anxiously at the rankings. Did Bearface manage to get the Needle and was Lady Rhaella safe?

He breathed in relief, both Bearface and Lady Rhaella had made it. He saw from afar Lady Rhaella, who was carrying an enormous basket full of homemade delicacies, coming towards him.

Darling, how can I thank you? she exclaimed happily, handing the basket to Killkeks, despite his protests.

Killkeks forgot his weariness looking at her happy excited face, and decided being Duke definitely had its compensations.