Rough Landing

Waking with a start, Magnus glances around, breathing deeply to calm his racing heart. Getting up, he walks through the ship, reaching the rear door. Opening it slowly, he braces himself as a blistering wind hits him. Quickly stepping outside, he closes the door behind him, and moves to the edge of the railing, looking down at the ground passing slowly below. Sliding the blade from its sheath on his hip, he looks down the edge of it watching as it glint in the pale sunlight.

"That's a nice blade you've got there." Starting as a heavy English voice comes from his left, Magnus quickly sheathes the blade and turns to look at the man standing against the wall. His blonde hair whipping around his face in the breeze. Pulling a small thin stick from his pocket he presses it to his lips and inhales, breathing out a puff of smoke shortly after.

"You don't mind do you?"

"Suit yourself."

"Cheers, old mate." Taking another drag from the cigstick he walks over and holds out his hand.

"Arthur Voster. I'm a Paladin. Same as you."

"How did you know I'm a paladin?"

"Please. The great Magnus Elwood needs no introduction. Your reputation precedes you, chappy." Looking down at the man's hand, Magnus blinks.

"Is that a good or a bad thing?" Removing his hand and taking the hint, Arthur sighs and takes up a spot against the railing.

"Well, that depends on which side of the Vatican you fall now, don't it? You see, those who are loyal to the commander think Lady Amirah made a solid choice in choosing you to lead the death squad. But those that are loyal to Marshal Doyle, well they're none to happy about it."

"And which side do you fall on?" Taking a final drag from his cig, he blows out the smoke and places it back inside his coat.

"Me? I prefer to let a man's actions dictate whether he's worthy of respect. After all, actions do speak louder than words, and let's just say, I am very interested to see what your actions say. Mr Elwood." Laughing, the blonde man waves over his shoulder and heads inside through the other door. Staring at the empty space for a while, Magnus shakes his head and turns away, heading back inside. Before he can take two steps, an announcement crackles over the speaker.

"Attention Passengers. We are now entering Alexsteig airspace. Please ready all your belongings as we will make a touch and go landing. Prepare to disembark." Looking at the speaker as it crackles out Magnus curses out loud and starts turning through the ship, dodging soldiers as they ready themselves. Busting into the girl's room, they stop as the door crashes against the wall.

"You guys heard?" Rolling her bag up, Lana nods.

"Yeah, a touch and go landing. Means they're probably under attack as we speak." As if to validate her words, an explosion sounds outside the airship, and it shakes violently.

"Meet me in the cargo hold." Leaving the women to get ready, Magnus races to the cargo hold, running into chaos as he steps inside. Shouting soldiers and paladins run around getting their gear and squads into order. Standing to the side, Arthur and three women lean against the wall looking bored. Taking a step towards him, Magnus leans against the wall as more explosions rock the ship from side to side. Seeing Magnus, Arthur waves and smiles.

"Magnus!" Turning at this name, Magnus sees Lana and the erst of the squad enter the cargo bay as more explosions rock the ship violently. Before he can respond, an explosion tears a hole through the side of the ship, sending men and supplies tumbling to the ground below. As the cabin fills with air and screams, Magnus pushes himself to his feet and struggles to make his way to the squad. Crashing against a cargo crate as another explosion throws the ship around. Getting to his feet, Magnus looks around and sees the girls leaping across the ship to land neatly in front of him.

"You alright, Magnus?" Looking up at Lana, Magnus nods and runs to look at the hole in the ship's side. Watching the ground get closer, he turns and finds Arthur standing next to the girls.

"Looks like tis going to be a rough landing, Chappy. Perhaps we should vacate the premises?" Not waiting for Magnus to respond, Arthur races across the cargo hold and leaps through the gap, disappearing into the smoke and trees below.

"He's not wrong. Lancers. Move Out." Following the girls, Magnus leaps from the cargo hold right behind them, and turning back he watches as the side of the ship bursts into flame. Twisting away from the heat, he lands heavily on the ground. Walking over to Lana, they watch as the airship crashes and the flames roar into the sky.

"Well, I guess we're walking."

"I guess so."

"Don't leave us behind, Chappy. The more the merrier and all that." Turning to look at Arthur walking over with his three Lancers, Magnus shakes his said and sighs. Turning away, he walks towards the town in the distance, ignoring the flames roaring away nearby.