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[Tarothin Armunn]

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Jack Tall was a miner by trade. Riddled with sickness for a month put him back severly on his taxes. Not being able to mine the ore needed to pay the tax with. The Lord Armunn was displeased yet understanding of his condition and waved off the fine he would have paid on being late on the taxes. Yet, the next tax period he will be expected to turn in triple that that he would normally do, so as to compensate for missing the previous months worth. As well as taking the remaining ore he had left. Ofcourse he had not spoken to the Lord personally, but was something that was relaid back to him.

He needed that to sell on the market to pay for food and supplies he desperately needed. But knew well the laws. They were harsh, yet something that can be paid if actively working.

The Dark Order do control the land though, and he had to obey the laws or suffer the fines inplace. No longer a citizen council with the occassional pirates that come in and do what they please. The Dark Order may be strict with their laws, but they do indeed provide a more secure and safe lifestyle for him and his family. They take care of any mauraders, priates, or the orc's that come up from their fort.

Jack didn't have much time to get the ore needed for the next time the tax collectors come around. He had about just enough time to mine the ore needed yet, still without any left over to sell for food. There was only one thing that he can do. Mine the mountain side closest to the Orc fort where it is known for more ore to be found, as well as not competing with other miners.

This was dangerous though. The soldiers only patrolled and kept the mountain pass clear and make sure none of them enter into the town. Yet after that point, he was on his own. But he would be able to gather more ore and then some to pay off everything, even the supplies to help fix his house and possibly get his wife and children a gift.

So off he went, knowing well the risk, yet thinking on the reward. He mined most of the day, and it getting late as well as his pack horses full, he decided with a smile that it is time to return home. A few more days like this and he will be able to pay off what he will be taxed.

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((later that night at the area mined))

A few orc's hunting came across the tracks of horse and man. After following it back near the pass they stopped and discussed something among themselves, all the while smiling.

After the brief talk they began to follow the tracks to the area that was just a few hours ago mined by Jack Tall.

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((The next day))

Jack Tall now full of energy and excitement that things are starting to look up, decided to get an early start.

Once again there were no encounters as he started mining more of the ore vein that he found the previous day. He decided to call it a day and head back home as the sun started to dip below the horizon. That is when he heard the loud snapping of a branch behind him. Be startled and scared out of his wits was what possibly saved his life. As he tripped backwards the crude arrow sunk into his sholder instead of his heart.

Thinking the Humie was down, the orcs went over to pack animals, one needing to give chase to one as one fled, but loaded down with ore the orc caught up quickly.

Jack gritting the pain he now felt, looked at his surroundings. The orc's were not looking his way, and so crept as queitly and fast as he could away. Once out of view, hobbled as fast as he could. His breathing was beginning to come heavy to him and he felt cold chills. Was the arrow poisoned he asked himself.

He had barely enough strength to open his front door before passing out. Waking up in the morning he was told by a healer that was standing over his bed with his wife, that he will be fine.

Lying in bed again, fine? He lost his ore from that day as well as his pack animals. He didnt have enough money for much food or to buy new pack animals. How was he ever going to pay the tax this time around?

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((The day of Taxes))

Lord Armunn, The miner that you gave lienancy to the last tax collection period, has once again not been able to cover not only the fine, but this times tax as well. He pleaded saying he would have had it if not being attacked by orcs. When asked where he stated that it was beyond the mountain pass and known safty.

Nodding with a frown on his face. "Then he leaves me with no choice. I was fair to him, and he has still failed to pay what everyone else seems to be able to pay. I am a generous lord. If he cannot respect the laws and order I put forth, then I will show the citizens what happen to those that constantly wish to skip on thier taxes."

Sending a note to Mairsil, he and Killian rode over to the house in front of the Armunn tower to knock on the door.

Jack Tall answered it fightfully, with his wife clinging to his arm pleading with her eyes for a good outcome.

Mairsil, motioning Killian to step forth and bring forth the message.

By command of your Lord, you are hearby arrested Jack Tall for concecutively on many accounts failing to pay the tax. You house is to be confiscated by the Dark Order to do as they wish with it. Your family will have to find somewhere else to live. Effective date, immediately.

With that, Killian came forward and ripped the pleading Jack from his wifes arms as she fell to the ground crying. Taking him to the Jail.

His wife looked at Mairsil asking for some kind of forgiveness or time. Shaking his head, he told them that by the time they come back, she and her children should have vacated the area. And that the best thing they should do is gather the money to free her husband.

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((At the armunn tower))

Tarothin Armunn looked out over the tower rampart at the small home of Jack Tall being torn down.

Without looking he called back to a servant near by. Inform Lady Armunn and all the staff to pack up everything. As well as hire many carpenters and stone workers. I will be taring down the Command center and my Cottage to then have them build a grand fortress for the Dark Order and for Dark Cove.

It looks like the man has indeed paid his debt. Also pass along to the jail house to release that miner.

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((later that week))

Through the help of many servants, and hired help as well as a few mages, the now broading fortress of the Dark Order resides before the gates of Inner Dark Cove.

For the glory of the Dark Order.