《The Crown of Sorrow》


 The End (Prologue)

    The air burned. The remains of his home, his friends, his loved ones, his comrades, his enemies intermingled ash and dust. He had fallen to his knees, among the aftermath of the ruin of his own making. He no longer knew how long it had been since he''d fallen, how long he remained beyond everything else he ever knew. The ashes of his life coated his body, making him appear as a gray uneven statue, a monument to his own sorrow.


    Violet-hued flames of Fel magic continued to burn, despite that lack of fuel. For they burned by his will, and would only extinguish by his will. Rolling hills of ash and flame, all thatremained of the landscape. The once serene plain, torn by war, the once grandest city of its age.


    He stood, slowly at first, as the ash that coated him cracked, rolled and flowed down his body. The flames ceased, sputtering into nothing. Feathered limbs shifted stretching to their utmost after so long. A jerky movement sent another plume of ash into the air, revealing their darkness. Each wing, folded along their complex joints, returning to a relaxed position at his back. He strode forward, trudging through the ash, the bottoms of his wings dragged through the ash leaving serpentine furrows in their wake. His mind too enraptured in his loss, guilt, and sorrow, to bother with any care for time. He knew naught what he sought with his journey. Until his leg entangled with a small withered bush, singed from the heat, rooted in a patch of barren soil. The anomaly broke his mind free of its inner turmoil, taking an awareness of his surroundings for the first time of his journey. The bush was not the lone sign of life. Patches of grass and shrubbery increased in regularity as his eyes scanned into the distance.Stolen story; please report.


    His pace quickened, a sense of purpose filling his stride. He kept time by the brightening and waning of the light that passed through the clouds of ash. His journey ended at the base of a tree, its deep, wide-spread roots reinforced soil, holding firm against the hills of ash. Small saplings and fresh patches of grass, could be seen rising through the film of ash, subsisting off the nutrients and water brought forth from deep underground by the roots of the great tree.


    He decided his new purpose, nursing the life in this small grove he claimed as his own. He would protect it from the ruin he caused. Each rolling hill of ash that approached the grove aided in its protection, as he wielded what was left of his untainted magic. The hills ash were fused together and formed a gray wall encompassing the grove. He sent his mana into the earth below, compressing the earth forming a large cavern, willing moisture to gather there. The earth and water obeyed his command as he tore a path from the surface to the newly formed underground lake. The new spring provided water for the shallow river he forged through the ground. Encircling the grove within the walls, the river flowed into the lowered ground around the great tree, surrounding it, forming a small peninsula.


    With the last vestiges of his mana, he reached into the sky, pushing the ash aside. The Grove saw its first sunlight since the raging inferno, nourishing the plant-life within. Small withered buds of the great tree blossomed pitifully. The red and pink blossoms filled his chest with a warm feeling. With three flaps of his wings, He rose into the boughs of the great tree. Rough bark met his kin as he settled its trunk. He rested, as both himself and the life around him recovered their strength. He knew he had far harder work to do.

 Rude Awakening

    Thud


    Thud


    THUD...


    I shot out of my bed heart pumping. My body relaxed,my mind catching up with my body. I could already guess as to the owner of the boot slamming into my door.


    " A''ight already, hold your horses" I said while untangling myself from my heavy blankets. Brisk air met my skin as I escaped the folds of my bed. Without time to do anything proper with my hair, I tied it into a ponytail with a leather strap.Its golden length long enough to tickle my butt as I shoveled aside a heap of clothes to fetch my simple riding clothes off the shelf.Goose bumps formed on my arms as I pulled dark leather pants over my skin. A simple long-sleeved white blouse with a cropped, short-sleeve leather jacket that fit comfortably, and finished my ensemble.


    Thud


    Thud


    A leather clad boot narrowly missed my shin as I wrenched open my door.


    "Took yah long enough," Luke says.


    The words slide out of the side of his smirk that seems to be the only thing keeping Luke from being fiendishly handsome. His angular features and close-cropped black hair make him a favorite of the ladies.


    "Are yah com''in or not, or would the fine lady be stay''in behind to return to her beauty sleep" Luke spoke, his low-born accent slipping through his agitation.


    My eye twitched before I responded, "Just give me a moment to prepare my gear"


    "Fine, but I won''t keep the men wait''in all morning, We''ve a schedule to maintain." Luke repliedhis voice fading as he left to return to his men.


    Isifted through the equipment rack adjacent to my bed. I fumbled with the clasps, fastening my simple iron vambraces and greaves. I tightened the straps down, making sure everything fit securely. After tying my hair back into a pony-tail with a worn leather strap, I threw my breastplate in a large canvas bag, already filled with mundane supplies. With me left hand throwing my bag over my shoulder, I ran my right arm through the straps of my large, battered tower shield. I grab my longsword by it sheathe before bustling out the door, barely remembering to close it with a gentle nudge of my foot on the way out.


    I made my way through the narrow streets of the Lower Ward. Appealing scents wafted on the cold air. Beating hammers thrummed out a repetitive tune over the commotion of morning shoppers. Workers rarely rested, molding ancient rennovating aged ruins into the only I ever called home. I made way for the only gate in and out of Salearn, the capital of the newly established Kingdom of Valskaar. The entire city was built fast, but with security in mind.


    King Valsarn himself had led the armies that united the local unruly populace under one banner. The kingdom evolved quickly, allying with the kingdoms of the East. The population swelled as people flocked to the opportunities presented by new land and a growing economy. I had watched the city of Salearn grow as did. Getting stronger and swelling with life over the years.


    I jogged the last of the way to the large pavilion just inside the wall. This pavilion was the training area and military grounds used by the three armies of Valskaar. All sorts of military buildings encompassed the pavilon, from barracks to house soldiers, to great armories of weapons, and the blacksmith forges that maintained them. A grand tower stood at each corner, manned by guards and siege weapons. These towers worked as a headquarters for each of the armies, with the fourth being the headquarters of Engineers.


    And in the center of it all was a group of fifty men, mounted and ready to depart. I picked up my jog and found Luke at the front of the group.


    "Ah, so the lady rises from her chambers" Luke greets me upon my arrival, all sign of his accent gone as he composed himself before the men in his command.


    "Oh shut it, Luke" I reply crassly, as he hands me the reins to a spare horse. "I just need a moment to prepare my things" Luke nods and turns away already shouting orders.


    "Lieutenant, have your men mounted and prepared to embark."


    "Yes, my Captain!" The short brunette responds immediately from among another group of men. Rushing off with a slight tint to her cheeks, I''d say that Luke has ensnared another woman to his charms. But that was not my concern, nor did I have the time to ponder it, as I myself rushed to stow the supplies I broughtto the saddlebags on the mare. I was the last to get mounted. The lieutenant''s eyes sharpened with a hint of rivalry, as she rode towards Luke and I. The edges of my mouth quirked as I withheld a chuckle. She and all the other court ladies had nothing to fear. Luke and I grew up together as orphans, Wards to the Kingdom. Our relationship was more sibling-like than anything else.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Luke joined up with the Long Riders as soon as he could swing a sword. He ascended the ranks to Captain quickly. The Long Riders, as the Kingdom of Valskaar''s third army, was formed mostly of veteran militia and volunteers. His skill and charisma outshined any concern, if any, of his lack of lineage.


    With a wave of his arm, Luke led the procession of soldiers through the gate to the outskirts of the great walled city. The rumbling clomps of a multitude of hoofbeats followed us as I led my horse behind Luke. As one of the best fighters among the Long-Riders I received the rank of Lieutenant, however, do to my.... lack of leadership qualities, I was assigned as Luke''s Shield-bearer. I was his guard in battle so he could focus on directing his men, but outside of battle, I was little more than a personal aide. Thankfully Luke and I had a history together, as we grew up alongside each other as friends. Luke was lax in upholding me to my duties, As I''m pretty sure I''d go crazy if I had to brew his tea and handle his laundry like a common maid. A fact that, no doubt, Luke is aware of.


    The other Lieutenant wordlessly reigned her horse alongside Luke and I. Under closer inspection of her, I believe I was coming to understand Luke''s intentions with personally supervising this routine patrol. While it was very common for Luke to personally take charge of various missions and tasks assigned to his unit, ( I''m well aware his purpose of doing so is to avoid his desk and the mundane duties involved with it). It was unusual he would insist on accompanying a simple patrol.


    The Lieutenant would slyly shift her head towards Luke. The Northmen blood in my veins granted me a stature that allowed me to peer down at her over Luke''s form, trouncing her attempts at subtlety.Her soft features and a very feminine "button" nose gave off a young and innocent vibe. I immediately marked her as Luke''s type. My chest emptied of air, crafting a deep sigh at the foreseeable trouble that would arise on this trek.


    My sigh drew Luke''s attention, Chainmail chimed as he twisted to address me with his signature smirk. One eyebrow raised.


    "Saora, what could possibly be the cause of such a sigh at the beginning of a pleasant adventure?"


    I sighed again, "I do not see anything pleasant about accompanying you on one of your shameless escapades."


    Lukesmirk shifted down, in mock hurt, "Fine lady, you wound me. I feel as if you have misread my intentions." With a thoughtful pause,his smirkreturned. "I only wish to verify Lieutenant Marian and her soldiers'' ability."


    I could only sigh yet again. "I am beyond your scheming Luke of Valskaar."


    Well, at least I learned her name, avoiding asking something I should know. Lieutenant Marian''s cheeks grow a subtle red. She rode on wordlessly, as the underlying meaning of our conversation dawned on her.


    We rode for the Darkwood, a five-day ride from Salearn. We would make the trading town of Roderan towards the end of the second day, and make it to Senechal, a small village on the edge of the Darkwood, on the fifth day. The road was made safe from the passage of the Long Riders, as well as the Knights of the Silver Hand. It was the duty of the Long Riders, to patrol the outlying towns of Valskaar, as well as the Darkwood. On the lookout for any scouts or small war-bands of the Saren Empire that attempted to pass through the Darkwood.


    The Kingdom of Valskaar had been at war with the Saren Empire by the very manner of its creation. The King Valsarn, had once been the Grand General of the Saren Empire. With his personal army of Northmen, led an uprising that liberated the Eastern Red Plains from the Saren Empire. Now all the separated The Kingdom Of Valskaar, that ruled over the Eastern Great Plains, from the Saren Empire, that ruled over the West and the land beyond, was set of three great mountain peaks known as the Demons Spine. With the impassable Frozen Wastes to the North and the Darkwood to the south, the only route an army could travel between was the Dead Mans Pass. A harsh path between the two southern peaks of the Demons Spine, It was blockaded by the Black Garrison. The Knights of the Silver Hand manned the Black Garrison and fended off the Saren armies to a standstill.


    Cackling laughter broke me from my thoughts.


    Holding back his own laughter Luke continued," And you should have seen his face when she showed up to the training grounds two days later as one of his new pupils."


    Yet again I found myself sighing yet again with annoyance, I knew this story well, It was about me, and a long-standing source of mirth for Luke.


    Lieutenant Marian turned to me, eyebrows raised in levity, " Did you really break General Valg''s nose when you were thirteen?"


    "He was being rude." I responded coldly.


    Luke visibly shook with laughter as if he could not contain himself. "Rude? RUDE! HaHahaha, the geezer put''ah flower in yah hair and called yah a cute little lass."


    Marianerupted in laughter. I chose this moment to redirect my horse towards the main unit of troops, seeking peace among the soldiers, who ironically held a far more professional demeanor than their superiors, at least when they were on duty.


    I rode on in silence among the troops, few willing to try to talk over the cascade of hoofbeats. My neck creaked and my shoulders tightened as I watched their behavior in front of the troops they should be leading. We made camp off the road as the sun started to set. I made sure to set my tent a good distance from Luke''s. I did not want to overhear the events that would occur within.

 The Wolf-Kin

    "Upsie daisy fair lady."


    The voice breaks my slumber


    "Now now, I think you''ve slept in long enough, you''ve already missed breakfast."


    "Go Away!" I mumble harshly.


    A boot kicks from outside my tent, making solid contact with my shin.


    "Oww, Relax your bloody damn arse I''m up, I''m up." I crawl out from my tent, akin to a bear emerging from its den. I glance up to see Luke standing over me with that bloody damn smirk on his face.


    "We are breaking down camp now, we need to get a move on if we want to make Roderan before nightfall," Luke rang out from his position standing over me.


    I stood with a long sigh. I ignored the feeling of emptiness in my stomach, a regular companion. despite my Northmen blood, I always preferred to avoid the chill of the crisp morning airthat plagued Valskaar. I much preferred the warmth of my bed, but when traveling I''d get by with a tent and, maybe an unreasonable amount of blankets.


    I broke my tent and prepared myself at a far more relaxed pace than yesterday. I stowed the tent and pilfered blankets back into one of the supply wagons.


    A loud incomprehensible jumble of mutterings assailed me. I jumped on reflex, twisting air (with a move I hoped looked for more graceful than it felt) and landed facing what had to the most rugged, and decrepit soldier I''ve ever seen under the King''s employ. Two lines of jagged scars ran down the right side of his face, seeming to creep out from under the worn gray bandana tied over his right eye. His crooked nose released hair that flowed into his mustache, that was as gray as the ragged beard that reached down to his chest.


    He raised his left hand and pointed his gnarled middle finger at me, as his pointer and pinky finger were entirely absent. His mouth released another deluge of jarring vocal atrocities.


    I was saved as Marian came to return her own gear to the supply wagon.


    " Oh, I see you''ve met Darington, one of our best scouts recently retired from the from lines. He now serves as our supply officer and occasional cook." Marian spoke as if defending the man.


    The old scout grumbled to himself. Marian tilted her head seeming to understand the gruff man.


    "Don''t worry about him, throw your things in the back. We need to get moving." Marian added, ignoring Darington''s continued incomprehensible musings.


    After that bout of awkwardness, I readied the rest of my possessions and mounted my horse. Late as my usual standard, I caught up to Luke at the front of the unit as the procession got underway.


    Luke acknowledged my arrival with a smirk and a nod. Our journey continued down the dusty road to Roderan.


    ....


    After an uneventful day of traveling in which I bore awkward witness to Luke and Marian''s flirtations, the small town of Roderan became visible on the horizon. Puffing chimneys embellished slanted roofs visible over the wooden wall.Closer small hamlets and farms could be seen lying outside the walls amid the dusty flat landscape. Closer still on a small hilltop overlooking the town, small tents and a campfire of an unkempt military encampment were within view.


    Luke met my eyes and with a nod of his head led us off to the side of the road as the platoon of Long Riders continued down the road.


    Luke spoke while looking at the encampment on the hill. "Look''n like our usual spot is taken."


    "They look like mercenaries to my eyes. I''m not aware of any other Valksarn troops in the area, and that bunch looks to disorganized to be any regular troop." Marian deduced.


    I focused on the hilltop, sharing my thoughts. "No reason we can''t be civil, maybe they''re willing to share camp with us."


    "Hell why not, ma''ight be interesten" Luke added, nonchalantly shrugging his shoulders.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    .....


    "That bloody-damn bastard!" I raged, as I rolled my shoulders and shook loose the tension in my arms, preparing to endure another of Luke''s outrageous schemes. I stood amid a circle of beast-men. Their wolf-like ears angled forward, long bushy tails wagging as the awaited the entertainment I was to provide, as promised by Luke, in exchange for sharing the encampment area and fresh provisions from the Wolf-Kin''s hunters. I tightened the strap of my blackened, battered tower shield, as I awaited my opponent for my unwilling duel. I heard laughter and inwardly cursed Luke again, turning towards the sound. The crowd of eager Wolf-kin parted, allowing passage of my opponent and Luke, both laughing at what I could assume was one of Luke crude jokes. My eyes met my opponents as I attempted to gauge his strength through the parting crowd. Mirthful eyes peered out from a slit in his full rather unique helmet. He bore no weapons, but I doubted he would need any. His full suit of plated armor was designed around a singular purpose, pain. A line of spikes ran from the forearm length spike on his forehead, running between the battered ears poking from his helmet. The line of spike tapered to finger-length on the back of his helmet. The whole ensemble seemed to be forged of wicked curved blades and vicious spikes. The fingers of his gauntlets ended in wicked claws, with long curved blades extending from his elbows and knees. It was no wonder the crowd gave him a wide berth, As even with their own assortment of mismatched armor, just bumping into his figure could be fatal.


    I was stunned. This, THIS was supposed to be a light-hearted dull for entertainment! How was I supposed to come out of this unscathed? Any bodily contact with this man would leave me in a perilous state. Luke approached me in my frozen figure.


    "Now, now Saora, ole Dirge here, promised he''d go easy on ya'', as long, as ya'' willin'' to do the same." Luke spoke, whilst patting me on the shoulder.


    I raised an eyebrow at him, as Dirge stepped forward to introduce himself. His left ear flopped down against his helmet as he lowered his head in my direction as way of greeting.


    "Well, howdy- ah damn, pay no mind to the ear, never been the same since that drake." He spoke with a low baritone voice befitting is large and wide shouldered stature, as he reached up and righted his ear, holding it in place for a second before he let his hand fall back to his side.


    "D-d-drake?" I stuttered meekly.


    "Oh just an ole grump he was, on his last legs anyway. But-uh... don''t mind that, lass, story for another time perhaps? We have entertainment to provide, Most of the boys here hav''never seen their uncle Dirge hav-at-it." Dirge spoke, obviously very relaxed and he made his way to one side of the impromptu arena. Though relaxed he never turned away, or even broke eye contact with me. I could tell there was more to this man than his mirthful attitude, that contrasted with his violent appearance.


    "Ready?" He asked, I couldn''t see but, only imagine the raised eyebrow that accompanied his question.


    "Uhh... Yes?"


    He was moving before I even answered him, lowering his stance, dropping his hands to the ground, similar to a cat ready to pounce, or in his case a wolf. I bent my knees, lowering my own stance, planting the bottom of my tower shield into the loose dirt. I held my sword arm at the ready of to my side, pointed forward, the tip of my long-sword over the top edge of my shield. He charged forward, bounding on all fours like a wolf chasing its prey. In two bounds he had halved the distance between us, before he leaped, in some strange form of a flying tackle. Arms outstretched preparing to ensnare me if I tried to dodge to either side. As his back feet left the ground, on impulse my shield arm moved in concert with my left leg, a half-step forward, replanting my shield and further lowering my stance to meet and stop his momentum. I stabbed instinctively stabbed forward with my sword, All thoughts of a relaxed, entertaining duel, gone in the face of his charge. The tip of my blade glanced off his armor, become entangled in the curved blades on the shoulders of his armor. His body hit my shield like a battering ram against castle gates. The force far beyond what I expected bowled me over onto my pack, my wrist twisted painfully, as movements ripped my lodged long-sword from my grasp. His weight crushed the wind out of me, as both of his arms reached around my shield, in an attempt to grasp and bind me. I curled my legs in pressing my feet against the bottom of my shield. His hands caught me in a powerful grip around my shoulders, as I kicked upwards with all the power I had with my legs throwing him up and over me. Surprise caught me as he did not relinquish his grip on me, He jerked me along the momentum of his roll, I crashed on top of him, The largest spike of his forehead grazed my cheek as I barely avoided being impaled face first. He pulled me in tight to his chest and simply convulsed, twitching like a madman, his serrated armor slashing my body from the chest up, In a complete panic, I yanked my shield higher between us, separating our upper bodies. He quickly shifted his right hand from my shoulder to grasp the back of my neck, pulling my face towards the spikes of his helmet. I met his eyes as tried to resist his strength. No longer were his eyes filled with mirth, instead, a bestial rage and a hunger for blood stared into my own eyes. My own rage and determination fueled me, I raised my shield, my determination rivaling his strength. The top lip of my shield met his chin as he attempted to head-butt me. His head rocked back, the spikes of his helmet digging into the ground. I seized upon this momentary advantage, punching with the edge of my shield, my blows were weak from the closeness of our bodies, but my shield was heavy, and I struck again, and again, and again. But then I was floating, I crashed into the ground before I knew what was happening, stunned, tired, and breathless.


    I heard the laughter of a deep voice, as my eyes refocused the man standing over me. A helmet-less Dirge, left ear flapping and shoulders shaking with laughter.


    "Ahhaw, sorry lass, haw-haw, that tumble was the most fun I''ve had in years.

 Twin Camps

    Soon Luke joined Dirge, standing over me in laughter as he offered me a hand up. I accepted his hand with a sigh, wholesomely unamused by their levity. As he hauled me to my feet, the aches and fatigue made itself apparent in my body. I looked over myself as They talked tuning them out to take stock of my injuries. I immediately covered my chest alarmed. To not even speak of the rag that was my riding jacket that somehow managed to cling to my body, my iron chest plate was rent with numerous horizontal gash, tearing all the way through the thick metal. A small bottom portion had been completely sheared off, barely hanging from its leather straps. Numerous shallow cuts adorned my chest where the blades of dirge''s armor were long enough to pass through my armor. My shoulders and neck leaked blood from trails of lacerations from his clawed gauntlets.


    "By the Aethern Dirge, what is that armor made of? Poor Saora looks like she ran through a horde of trolls!"


    Dirge''s laughter ceased, the mirth in his eyes seemed to dim. "Ah, it''s the pride of the of our people, sadly it can no longer be reproduced."


    Their conversation lulled from Dirge''s sudden somber tone. Even some of the surrounding wolf-kin seemed affected by the sudden change.


    Dirge broke the lull, his voice not quite filled with the mirth he displayed earlier. "Well Captain Luke, you best see to your people, I''ll take Saora here to our very own.... eccentric healer, to get patched up."


    "Ah, yes yah'' right, I''ll align our camp to the Western side of the hill, I''ll catch up to ya and Saora later, yah''ve yet to introduce me to the leader of your merry band."


    "Haw-haw your right there, I''ll take you into town to meet him on your return. We''ll find him in the tavern no doubt." Dirge answered, while yet again reaching up to correct his flapping ear.


    "Sounds like my kind of man Dirge, until later then." Luke spoke while turning to walk out of the Wolf-Kin encampment.


    "Saora, if you would follow me please." Dirge turned walking deeper into the camp before awaiting my response.


    Sighing heavily I followed after him, keeping my arms crossed over my chest as we walked between the scattered tents and campfires.


    "You should be proud, that was a good fight, and not many could last so long against one such as I." His left ear flopping down as he turned his head to address me.


    "I''m not sure you''re complimenting me, or yourself." I answered still irritated due to my ruined equipment and doing my best to ignore the occasional Wolf-Kins who blushed and avoided my gaze as we passed through the camp, apparently some had seen more than they should, before I managed to cover myself.


    Dirge upon noticing my irritation, spoke while his ear snagged my attention, he had not noticed it''s most recent collapse. It dragged and flopped against his head with his every move. "I hope you''ll accept my apologies for their attention lass. The Band of Fluffy Tails is entirely male, it''s been almost a year since most interacted with a female."


    I stopped dead in my tracks. " Band of Fl-flu-fluffy Tails. psshtt.... ha...ha...haHaHa!" I struggled to reign in my laughter "What kind of-haha... name is that?"


    Dirge chuckled lightly as I hastened myself to catch up, "Well it was decided by the boss, You''ll have to come with your captain to the tavern to meet him, you''ll prol''ly understand when you meet him."


    "I-I see." I answered, doubting if I would actually enjoy accompanying Luke to anywhere alcohol was served.


    I followed Dirge into a larger tent, The smell of strange herbs meeting my nose, as I passed through the flap that acted as the entrance. In the dim light Dirge, while pinching closed his more sensitive nose with one hand was trying to get the attention, of the other occupant of the tent, his voiced altered comically, due to covering his nose.


    "Simone.... Simone..... SIMONE!"


    The last call, a shout that startled the Wolf-Kin, his hands seemed to move unnaturally fast as he dropped and then attempted to catch a small glass vial that ended up shattering against a large wooden work table. I had to hold my own nose as the three of us watched as the liquid within the vial mixed with various contents of the table, releasing a noxious cloud as it began melting through the table to sizzle upon the ground underneath. The older looking gray haired Wolf-Kin bent down under the table to continue observing the liquid add it bubbled and sizzled under the table.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    "uhh... Simone." Dirge spoke, once more trying to catch the attention of the other Wolf-Kin. Simone, I assumed at this point, bump his head on the underside of the table as he tried to stand.


    "Yes, yes, what do you need Dirge?" Simone asked, rubbing his newly bruised scalp.


    "Simone, This is Saora here, she requires some medical attention." Dirge answered while gesturing towards me. When Simone finally noticed my presence, his unusual yellow eyes pieced my own. With his unnatural fast movements, he moved towards me hand outstretched to initiate a handshake. My hand met his own, and with a dizzying twist I found myself haphazardly seated on the edge of a cot. His hands crawled upon my neck and shoulders, like prowling spiders searching for prey. My limit of creepiness maxed out, I instinctively attempted to bat his hands way, his seemed to do nothing to dissuade him as his hands seem impossible the catch with my own. He only ceased when Dirge latched a hand onto his shoulder, digging in a tight grip to get his attention.


    "Simone, take it easy will yah, It takes time for some to get used to your.... personality." Dirge spoke into his ear from over his shoulder.


    "Uhhh, Ah yes excuse miss....... uhh?"


    "Saora." I supplied my name as i watched how he clasped his hands wringing them together in a fast and albeit creepy manner. His eyes traveled to his shoulder where Dirge''s hands were clasped to mine own.


    "Ah I could tell those wounds were Dirge''s work, you''ll need some antiseptics and cleansers as well, I''ve seen the kinds of places those hands have been." Simone spoke with a soft-spoken voice as he turn and dug through various crates on his work table. Glass vials, clinked together as he shuffled through them, removing three before returning to stand before me. His creepy mannerisms shifted suddenly, turning into a profession shopkeeper as he explained the contents of the vials.


    "Use this one here first," he spoke while indicating a vial filled with a pale green liquid, "It will seal the wounds and promote healing.... Then half a day from now use this one, it will cleanse and prevent any infection. Once the wounds are mostly healed this third one will prevent any scars from forming, as such a thing wouldn''t be very lady-like. Though be very careful the contents of the first in second vial don''t mix, so be sure the clean the area thoroughly before applying it."


    The third vile caught my attention, as I looked between it, and the very similar looking substance that was continuing to burn a shallow hole in the ground under the table.


    "Uhh... I think I''ll be fine with just the first two... some men must like scars... I think." I answered with the first excuse I could think off, to prevent whatever that substance was in that third vial from coming in contact with my skin.


    "OH, indeed some do, I once knew this Fox-Kin, had the cutest little scar right above her umm... Ah another time perhaps?" Dirge''s reminiscing faltered as he acknowledged Simone''s and my own judging looks.


    I pulled the first two vials from Simone''s grasp, and moved towards the flap of the tent, Dirge following my lead to escape the awkward atmosphere. Simone waved us off muttering with his soft voice something along the lines of "I''m surrounded by savages." as we exited the tent.


    We weaved our way west through the camp, again winding our way around tents as the rest of the Wolf-Kin prepared to settle in for the night. Occasionally passing armed Wolf-Kins as they relieved others, changing over guard shifts, as the sun started to settle on the horizon.


    "I know Simone is .... somewhat unpleasant, but as long as we remain uninjured we don''t have to deal with him. It actually ends up as a good motivation for our band not to make careless decisions." Dirge spoke interrupting our silent walk.


    "Well, I see how that good be a good thing, I guess" I answer still plagued by the feeling of spiders crawling over my body.


    As we approached the border of the Fluffy Tales'' camp and the Long Riders Troop, He spoke again. "Well get yourself patched up, and hopefully you''ll accompany your captain to the tavern in Roderan later. I''ll have to show how to party like a wolf." He turned leaving with a chuckle.


    "oh, uh ya cy''ah later Dirge!" I called after his leaving figure. He answered with a wave over his shoulder as he continued on."


    I walked down one of the organized lines of our own camp, towards the center, where the horses would be tethered near the supply wagons. I found my mare among the other horses. I threw my saddle bags over my shoulders, as they clanged against the shield on my back. A Long-Riders tending their horses stopped at the noise to look at me before continuing with their own task. The added weight of the saddle bags agitated the wounds on one of my shoulders and the back of my neck, causing them to begin bleeding again. I still had a few more task to complete before I could take care of them. I made my way to the supply wagons, avoiding the tracks of mud their wheels tore up as they rolled in earlier. My height allowed me to lean over the closed tail-gate of the covered wagon, as I pilfered some spare blankets. Just as i managed to grab a few throwing their rolled up forms over my already agitated shoulder, a familiar squawk of incomprehensible yelling rose in alarm. I twisted my heard to see an angry Darington jogging towards me from another wagon, shaking a closed fist over his head in some form of threat. I took of running through the camp not willing to relinquish my ill-begotten blankets (I''m only borrowing them).


    I turned my head to see that Darington gave up his chase before I even made twenty paces, grumbling all the while. Since I have no idea what he''s saying I can only assume that he figured a couple blankets wasn''t worth chasing me threw the camp on his old bones. I slowed to a walk as several witnessing Long-riders let loose a few chuckles. I made the way the border of the two camps at a relaxed pace. I still had to set up my tent if i wanted any privacy while tending my wounds.

 The Bar-Maid

    After tending my wounds, I redressed in a black, long-sleeved, tight-fitted shirt. With my favorite riding jacket lying in rags, I had to make do with the spare jacket I had brought along. The black dyed leather was faded in places, the leather rough and scratchy, However, the worn leather only added to the comfort as the inside of the jacket was lined with the white fur of the dire-wolves that roam the frozen wastes north of Valskaar. With its high fur collar and length that reached my knees, I had brought it along for when I had to be active during the cold nights around the Dark Woods. It had slit up the back to make it suitable for riding, but would be nowhere near as comfortable as my old jacket. I left my jacket open as to not overheat on the mild night, but belted my sword over it which would keep my jacket tight to my body as well as keeping easy access to my sword. I glanced at my shield debating whether it would be acceptable to bring it along with me, while I adjusted and re-tied the leather band around my hair. My hands froze as I realized my shield, that should have taken the brunt of the damage from Dirge''s armor, remained the same slightly battered shape as before our duel. I picked it up while I thought. All the small dents and scratches it bore were there before I acquired it. All those years ago it had been gifted to the orphanage, a regular occurrence as many orphans desired to join a mercenary band, or enlist among Valskaars'' armies as they came of age. All those years of training and small skirmishes, and it has not altered one bit. I set my shield back down with a sigh, as I forced myself to put aside those thoughts for now. Luke would already be waiting for me, and I was growing more and more weary of the inpatient kicking he seemed prone to of late.


    I set out for Luke''s tent, arriving quickly I reached forward to open the flap of his tent, just as Luke barged out, throwing the flap aside. His boot collided heavily with my shin before he could completely stop himself from crashing into me.


    "Ahh, BLOODY-DAMN LUKE, that''s the same spot from this morning" I exclaimed, as I bent over rubbing my shin, my hair flopped over my shoulder into the mud after I had just managed to get it clean.


    "Oh come now, Saora, after watch''in that duel, I doubt that would even both''ar yah. Besides I was just on my way to come to yah, Let''s get goin already." Luke casually brushed aside my anger, already walking away.


    "Is Marian not coming?" I asked as I caught up to him.


    "No, I''ve assigned''er as actin commander while we''re gone." Luke recited as if rehearsed.


    "And that has nothing to do with the rumors of the newest barmaid around camp?" I asked to tease him, as I already knew the answer no matter how he responded.


    "Oh, no, course not, Someone has''ta stay behind and watch over the troop."


    "I sincerely doubt that, Captain, also It''s my job to inform you that any relationship between military officers, has to be reported and approved through the chain of command, WE wouldn''t want to cause any unrest among the men, now would we Captain."


    "I am completely oblivious, as to why you would choose to mention that now Lieutenant." All signs of Luke''s accent gone as he attempted to appear professional.


    "Ah well, no mind then, some of the men just reported strange sounds from your tent last night Sir. I received the reports as it seems Marion was not available." I continued to tease him, doing my best to hold in my mirth. It was not often I found some modem of payback for everything Luke has put me through.


    Luke maintained his composure as he answered. "Purely coincidental Lieutenant, I was doing some late night exercises to maintain my form, Marion must have been similarly indisposed."


    "More like she was ''maintaining'' her form with you" I muttered under my breathe.


    "What was that Lieutenant?"


    "Oh, was merely stating we should hasten our pace, Sir. Wouldn''t want to keep the honorable leader of ''Fluffy Tails'' waiting Sir." I said with the straightest face possible.


    Luke responded with a mere nod, likely tired of my teasing.


    We continued walking towards Roderan in silence, as the last vestiges of sunlight faded and the night welcomed us.


    We approached the gates of the town out of the darkness. The Night Watchmen calling out to us from atop of the high wooden walls as we entered the light of the torches upon the walls.


    "State your name and purpose, as required." Called out the gravelly voice of the seasoned man.


    "Captain Luke of Valskaar, of the 2nd Division of Long-Riders, accompanied by my assigned Shield Maiden. We are to meet with the leader of the mercenary band Fluffy Tail... or was it tails... either way, we are to meet in the tavern." Replied Luke, raising his voice to be heard clearly, despite his lapse of memory.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "Very well, be on your way then good Captain. " The Night Watchmen called back, signaling the men below to open the gate.


    We stood in patiently, accompanied by the sounds of men behind the door removing the draw-bar sealing closed the gate. We didn''t have to wait long as the gates swung open revealing a cobbled street and the tired Gate-Keepers, who obviously desired to be elsewhere... most likely the tavern visible from the gate. They begrudgingly closed and barred the gate behind us as we made for the Tavern. We opened the door, hearing an ambiance of chatter and occasional light laughter. The local patrons paid us no mind as I easily spotted Dirge, still dressed in the same armor from our duel. I paid special attention to the crimson haired Wolf-kin seated next to him at the bar. I pointed them out to Luke, who''s attention was focused on the rumored barmaid as she made her rounds among the patrons, drawing their attentions as she refilled their mugs. I had to elbow Luke in the side to draw his attention.


    "Oh, righto'' let''s sit down shall we?" Luke asserted, showing no embarrassment at being caught ogling the girl. He led the way to the two available seats alongside dirge and his companion, he had wavered hesitantly as he moved to pat Dirge on the shoulder to catch his attention, but finding no safe place on the man to do so. He instead slapped it down on the bar as he sat on the edge of the stool, slightly leaning away from the cascade of pain that was Dirge''s figure. Dirge''s whole figure turned as he moved to address us, Luke shifted further away as his movement caused the blades of his shoulder guards to pass alarmingly close to Luke''s face.


    "HAW-haw, what took you so long lad, me and the boss here''s, already down four pints!"


    Luke replied trying to cast aside his concern for the blades that dance before his face to Dirge''s animated movements. "Saora, has a knack for being late, but you know how women are, always fixing their hair and such."


    Dirge turned his attention to me, eyes following the hair down my back, as I was steaming from Luke''s words. "You might want to work on that some more lass, there''s still a fair amount of mud in your hair."


    I could only let out a deep sigh in response.


    "Well anyways, let me introduce you to the boss" Dirge continued leaning back to further reveal the Wolf-Kin alongside him. "Captain Luke, meet Elijah Ethewulf, leader of Fluffy Tails." Dirge declared cordially.


    "Please, Just Eli, if you would." The Wolf-Kin added with his guttural voice. His stature was nearly as tall as mine own, making his features easily discernible over the heads of Luke and Dirge. His soft, heart-shaped face was a sharp contrast to Dirge''s squared lived in looks.


    "Ah, among the band, we lovingly call him Fluffles" With his right hand gesturing to the soft-looking plumes of white hair that flowed out from his inner ears. While his left reached behind Eli grasping his tail and brought it forth, for Luke''s and my own, comical viewing pleasure. Eli quickly swatted his hands away but not before I caught a glance at Eli''s crimson tail whose tapering seemed to reverse towards the end into a veritable ball of white fluffiness.


    Restraining my laughter I asked, Fluf-Eli, what''s your band''s purpose outside Roderan?"


    "We''re taking short respite, from our long journey back from patrolling the southern reaches of Valskaar, I want to get the men back to help their families to help with the summer harvests." His eyes drifted, and followed the bar-maiden, as she walked past the bar into the kitchen, hips swaying, and arms filled with with empty pitchers. He wasn''t the only one as Luke had returned his attention to her midway through the prior introduction. Their attentions shifted to each-other as she disappeared behind the doorway. The Wolf-Kin''s cheeks flushed red, with a veiled smile, different than looks roguish smirk, as each mans face relayed their thoughts one the same topic.


    "I''d hav-tah admire yah'' tastes Eli, but I''m afraid with-an attitude like that, yah'' might miss out to-a better man." Luke, not so subtlety challenged the Wolf-kin.


    Eli hesitated, trying to catch up to Luke''s fast paced low-borne accent. I spoke first interrupting whatever delayed response he had forth-coming.


    "LUKE, we''re on a schedule, We''ve no time to wait as you go gallivanting around after some village girls!" I"ll admit, I was slightly annoyed at how easily some girl had every male patron of the tavern vying for her attention.


    "Oh yah'' jus-bein jealous Saora, maybe if yah jus-put down yah'' shield, and put the same kind of effort intah yah'' own womanly charms, as yah'' do with fightin, yah could find yah'' own man to squish batween yah muscled thighs!" Luke''s accent regressing more and more, as he had been delving into his drink that I wasn''t sure when he acquired.


    "Ignore him Saora, I think you''d make a fine lass, if you cleaned up your hair a little better, maybe wore less leather and more finery, possibly try frowning less and quit sighing like and begrudged kneaver, and quit...... uh, uh,.... ah never-mind lass, you''r just fine as it is. You just need the right kind of man to... look past all that.... stuff." Dirge tried and failed desperately to climb out of the hole he dug for himself through his charade.


    I failed to hold back a sigh, as I did a poor job of pretending the whole last bit of conversation never happened. I smacked my own two pence upon the table, harder than I meant too, drawing the older Bar-Keeps attention as he brought me my own mug and collected my coins. Eli and Dirge exchanged shrugs and furtive glances as I all but inhaled the contents of my mug, emptying it in one go. My blood warmed as I placed two more pence on the bar with a light tap. The Bar-Maid strode out of the kitchen, arms laden with two fresh pitches in each hand. My eyes followed her a she passed the bar, vetting her to discern how she so enraptured the heart and lust of men. Her form was lithe and sensual. The low-cut front of her dress, coupled with one of the straps slide over her shoulder, letting one side droop even lower, revealing much of he womanly assets I could judge honestly inferior to mine own in size and shape. But while my figure was tall and rigid, her figure seemed small and fragile. Her height likely wouldn''t put the top of her level with my chest. Her soft angular face help an innocent look, but looking into her eyes, I could see by the gleam she new full well the effect she had on these men. Her sensual looks would not save her from the harshness off the land, her slender shoulders would not support the work plowing fields, her innocent face would do her no favors against the hunger of a dire-wolf. Shapely hips would be of no use, if trolls tried to run her down.


    I pitied her and the life she would have relying on others, before casting her from my thoughts, and gulped down another mug. I slapped down two more pence before I had finished draining it.

 Gloom

    I woke with a dull ache in my head I attributed to a hangover. I slowly untangled myself from my plethora of blankets that enshrouded me. The hilt of my long-sword jabbed painfully into my side for It seemed I had laid down to sleep fully clothed, without even removing my sword-belt. I was still deep in a half-asleep stupor as I made to leave my tent seeking the water the would sate my dry mouth and help quench the pounding in my head. As I stumbled through the flap of my tent, my shin connected heavily with something. My body''s impact with the ground shocked me fully awake. I not so gracefully stood up and took a moment for my sense of balance to realign with the ground. I eyed my offender, the sleeping form of a Wolf-Kin curled up and completely undisturbed in his sleep. The red tail, with its uniquely fluffy white tip, that lie across his form sent last night''s recollections racing into my mind. How did Eli end up outside my tent? A question I had no obvious answer for. I sighed before seizing the empty water-skein that lay near him.


    I made my way towards the supply wagon. It''s seemed for once I had awoken at a decent time as the other members of our camp shifted about in the early morning light, tending morning meals on their campfires. The smell of which caused my stomach to shift and squirm bringing forth a sense of nausea. I cradled my stomach as I approached the supply wagons. I located the one that held our water supply, I uncorked a barrel my firm figure aiding me to slowly tilt it over, despite the poor condition of my body. The sudden spouting of a loud garbled voice caused the pain in my head to spike. Water sloshed over my boots as I shifted the weight of the water barrel to my shoulder freeing my hand to cradle my head. The presence of the figure shifted uncomfortably closer as a disfigured hand grabbed the lip of the barrel. The sight of which unsettled my stomach further as the figure I now recognized as Darington, by his missing fingers, took the water-skein from my free hand. He refilled it for me, then showed surprising strength for his age, as he pushed the still nearly full barrel back upright with one hand. The old veteran mumbled some more nonsense with a softer tone as he handed me the now full water-skein. I nodded not sure how to reply, but he seemed satisfied with that and departed, briefly sorting through the contents of other wagons as he went.


    I returned to my own tent, noticing that Eli had vacated his position of an impromptu doormat, now nowhere to be seen. I had finished off the contents of the water-skein before even making it halfway back through camp. I decided to keep it for now fastening along my sword-belt, as I slipped through the opening of my tent. Slipping my arms out of the sleeves of my jacket, I let the top half dangle, shirking the need to completely remove it and my sword belt. I pulled the long sleeved shirt over my head, stretching the lacerations on my shoulders, eliciting a light burning sensation. The smell of spilled ale and a hint of vomit passed through my nose as the slightly damp material dragged over my face. I undid the wrappings of my chest and applied Simone''s remedies to my various cuts and lashes, which seemed to be healing healthily, if not slowly. Without re-wrapping my chest, I donned a tribal looking leather vest that fastened together in the front with several various laces. A little revealing, as it only covered my chest and upper back, I omitted wearing a shirt underneath as I normally would. I wanted my wounds to have space and fresh air to heal, and my soft fur-lined jacket would mostly cover me, while only being a light burden to my shoulders. I made a mental note while I slid my arms back through its sleeves. I''d have to shirk my shoulders out of it occasionally to prevent the fur from grafting into the cracked scabs.


    I rubbed at my face and neck with a course dry cloth, my pale skin growing red and slightly irritated as I cleansed myself of the accumulated grime and sweat. I pulled at the loose ends of the leather strap in my hair, freeing it, before running a comb through my hair. I took my time picking at a few knots and the many clumps of mud.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Finally, with a presentable appearance, I shrugged my shoulders out of my jacket, giving them a few minutes of air, as I collected my various possessions and rolled up my ensemble of blankets. I tucked my shoulders back into my jacket as I stepped out of my tent as I began breaking it down and packing my things away into my saddle bags. I made my second trip of the morning. This time among many of the other Long-Riders, as we all sought to stow away our gear amid the horses and supply wagons. I somehow avoided another encounter with Darington this time around. Noticing Luke''s horse was absent, I mounted my mare, and rode towards the road. Luke sat atop his horse, patiently waiting at the forefront of other early risers. He greeted me with a raised eyebrow and his usual smirk. We waited for the rest of the Long-Riders to fall into the formation in silence, neither willing to interrupt the morning stillness. Marion soon joined us atop her own imposing dark gray warhorse. She looked far more refreshed as I, which grew more apparent as the morning breeze brought a light smell of soaps and peaches amid the normal stench of horses from her direction.


    Her chipper voice broke the comfortable silence to my dissatisfaction. "The rest of the troop shall be ready shortly Captain. We''re only waiting for Sergeant Darington to bring around the supply wagons. He should be here shortly."


    "Be at ease Marion. We''re still easily with''in schedule."


    The silence began anew, but this time a tension filled the air. Marion seemed to be glaring a hole into Luke''s face. Probably upset Luke left her behind last night, coupled with his late return. Well, at least that''s what I thought, until I realized that she was looking past Luke, her gaze directed at me. I sighed heavily, I had no intention of trying to rationalize whatever convoluted thought process led her to believe I was at fault for whatever wrongdoing she perceived. While my recollections of last night were spotty at best, I knew from prior experience, that just meant I had passed out, likely face down into the bar. Luke had once likened my drinking habits to a badger eating a particularly venomous snake. Chewing it apart lavishly, then slumping over to sleep. Once its body overcame the toxins, continuing its voracious eating as soon as it awakened, in a cycle that could last days.


    I reigned in another sigh. The procession of wagons had finally started moving down the hill, their coachmen aligning them in a neat row behind our formation.


    Luke waved his arm once, moving his arm along a wide, overhead half circle, "LONG-RIDERS.... FORWARD.... MARCH!" The whole procession moving at once on his signal.


    The nest two days were a monotony of travel and camping, of which I spent most of my spare time chasing rumors concerning Marion and some of the other female Long-Riders of sequestering a wash tub that they then used regularlyaround the camp. Despite questioning almost every female within our contingent, I had found no evidence. After being fed many similar lines, and seeing some ill attempts of feigned ignorance, I began to see Marion''s vengeful hand at work. As to what she thought she was avenging... I was still clueless. I had begun to admire her cunning though.


    On the third morning, however, I was stirred awake by the sounds of shouting and the jangling armor of others running past my tent. I shot up to my feet, then proceeded to strap my shield to my arm, I grabbed my sword around its sheath with my shield arm, using my right to try to fasten the straps of my ravaged chest plate. I made it two steps out of my tent, enough to feel the chill morning air, before a heavy, full bodied blow knocked me clean off my feet. A metal covered limb connected solidly with my shin. I reacted on instinct twisting myself to the top of the tangle of limbs. In an instant, I freed my sword-arm, able to partially unsheathe the blade and angle itagainst the offender''s throat.  I glanced towards the face I was a moment away from relieving of its body.

 The Troll Incident.

    I made it two steps out of my tent, enough to feel the chill morning air, before a heavy, full bodied blow knocked me clean off my feet. A metal covered limb connected solidly with my shin. I reacted on instinct twisting myself to the top of the tangle of limbs. In an instant, I freed my sword-arm, able to partially unsheathe the blade and angle itagainst the offender''s throat.  I glanced towards the face I was a moment away from relieving of its body. I stared into a frightened face of the unlucky Long-Rider, his eyebrows raised in shock. I raised myself up off his chest, and raised my blade from his neck.


    "WHAT, in the BLOODY-DAMN FEL IS GOIN ON?!" I half-yelled, He flinched as spittle of saliva landed on his face.


    He his eyes reopened, not meetingmy own, but lower. "t-t TROLLS." He stutteredin reply, his checked flushed red.


    I followed his gaze... my assets had done their best to try to escape the limited confines of my tribal vest during our scramble. I freed the rest of my blade from its sheath, awkward from its length. Then brought down,hilt first on the man''s temple. His head lolled to the side, and I let forth a deep sigh. I''d be lying is I said that both of the last two actions were done in reflex, but it felt good. I extracted myself from the, nowunconscious Long-Rider, rising to my feet as I adjusted myself. I stormed off in the direction of the commotion, sword drawn, bare-foot, andpossessinga near, all-time high, level of irritability. Nearing the eastern edge of the camp, 15 or so Long-Riders crowded together just outside the woodline. We had only drawn close to the northern edge of the Dark-Wood yesterday afternoon, and already it seemed to hold up to its dangerous nature. The remains of four trolls twitched and stirred, filled with arrows and pinned to the ground with spears. Their movements earned them an occasional extra spear thrust or arrow, as only through fire, would their lives finally cease. Even a troll split asunder into multiple pieces would continue on. Anew troll would be born, growing from each single lump of flesh within a fortnight. The situation seemed handled however as Marion, arrived moments after me, joined by another seniorlooking Long-Rider, both bearing torches.


    "You four, gather wood, the fires must burn hot, we have to be sure there is nothing left. You three scout out the surrounding area, but don''t go too far into the woods." Marion appeared comfortable in her authority, giving commands as she set her torch to the trolls, their thick, oily skin catching alight easily.


    "The rest of you, continue your duties at camp, Saora," I turned to her surprised she would address me, as she had been avoiding me for the last few days, "If you would, Go find the Captain, and update him of the incident. As your place as Shield Maiden, you should be at his side anyways." Marion''stone made it clear that last phrase was meant as areprimand.


    "Sure, Sure." I replied, following it with a sigh. I turned my back on her and walked back towards the center of the camp.


    I found Luke sitting outside his tent, carefree and enjoying his breakfast. He turned to me, hearing my approach and proceeded to choke. I sighed again, watching his shoulders tense up, coughing out his breakfast, before laughing with teary eyes.


    "HAhaha, Saora-hahaAH... what has-yah'' lookin so disheveled this mornin? Yah hear about the trolls?"Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    I slumped down on a stump across from him. "Yeah, surprised me this morning, thought it was something more serious."


    "Ah, no matter, best yah go find ya boots at least, we''re off to ah late start today."


    I made no move to get up. "Still its weird though ain''t it? you ever heard off four trolls attacking a whole contingent before?"


    "Ah thedumb beasts only think with their stomach, jus look''in for their next meal."


    "I know their pretty dumb, but would have them so hungry as to attempt to make a meal outa fifty armed men?"


    "Who knows? maybe they were just an extra stupid bunch."


    I stand, speaking my final thought before walking away. "Just doesn''t seem right Luke."


    <hr>


    I awoke in the darkness, MY Darkness.


    Something foreign disturbed ME? Within MY Sanctuary.


    An unknown lance of mana probed the darkness, feeling out my own resting power.


    I let it leave uncontested. This would only be the beginning. While the one who sent forth that lancecollected his findings, I had attained my own knowledge. For within that mana, I sensed the all too familiar presence of the Fel. It was enough to assume the caster''s intentions, but I relaxed in my darkness, there was no need to act now, but precaution was necessary.


    I began the gather my mana, that had been slowly ebbing since I laid to rest.


    For that which should be left in slumber, had awakened.


    That which should be left in peace, was angered.


    But I had time, My time was limitless.


    For patience is the first lesson of Sorrow.


    <hr>


    We hastened our march, delayed by troll incident. Luke desired us to reach Senechal by midday, giving us time to relieve the First Contingent, so they could begin their own journey back to Salearn. It seemed our rush was unneeded, however, as the small village came within sight well before midday. We proceeded on, skirting around the village and pushing on the outpost that stood between it and the Darkwood. I stood off the side, thinking of trolls, as Marion and Luke performed the formal change of the guard with the First Contingent''s commanding Lieutenant.


    Trolls were said to simply spring forth into existence, mostly around places teeming with mana. I was no mage, but it was easy to infer the Darkwood qualified as such as it was a veritable breeding ground for trolls. Breeding, of course, being the constant brutal in-fighting, in which they tore each other to pieces, thus spawning more trolls. The trolls of the Darkwood, however, varied greatly from the more common cave-bound trolls who bore a weakness to both the sun and fire. Able to bask in sunlight, with thick skin, and just generally larger and meaner than the average of their race, the Darkwood Trolls were the more often encountered in the Kingdom of Valskarn. With the Darkwood covering much of its South and Eastern borders, It fell on the Long-Riders to cull their numbers.


    Luke''s heavy patting on my shoulder garnered my attention.


    "Yah com''in or nah?" He spoke as I realized that the First Contingent of Long-Riders had already vacated the outpost, making their final preparations to depart.


    I followed Luke into the outpost. I was really nothing more the than a small flat area surrounded on all sides by a tall circular wooden fence of spikes, lorded over by various tall, wooden lookout towers. It would never hold against any real siege, but then, it would never have too, as passing through the Darkwood, alone or surrounded by thousands, was a folly the Saren Empire had attempted many times, before finally learning better. The only wooden structures being an aid station, and a small cabin used as a headquarters building.... I knew Luke would take residence in the cabin, likely joined by Marion, So I soughtout the farthest spot I could be from it, riding my horse near the eastern spike wall. Finding anice clear patch of dirt with a prebuilt campfire and its own makeshift chairs, I dismounted my mare and began claiming it as my own.

 Fort of Sticks

    ibSaora:


    It wasn''t long after I arranged my new temporary home to an acceptable level of comfort, and lit a small fire to warm my rations when a fledgling long rider walked into my vicinity with an uncertain stride. She waved awkwardly at me, obviously uncomfortable to be under my attention. I tried to ignore her, I had just started to relax, and the dark clouds on the horizon foretold a cold and wet night.


    "The Ca-captain ne-needs." I interrupted her stammering,


    "Luke doesn''t ''NEED'' anything, What does the Captain desire of me."


    Her cheeks flushed momentarily before she composed herself. "The Captain desires your presence, Ma''am."


    I stared at her.... and she stared back meekly, impatient I gave her a hint "For?"


    a few more seconds passed as my small fire begun to really take life, the wood popping and crackling.


    "Oh, uh-umm the Captain spoke of, um.... op-operating procedures... and engagement something, and um Ah-"


    I cut her off again. "Stay here, keep my fire going, I''ll return shortly."


    I pulled my jacket tighter and fastened it closed, The scent of warm food and the sound of men laughing and eating drew my ire, worsening my mood as the evening grew darker, and the wind colder.


    I met Darington at the door, he paused halfway in the door, and in his own odd form of a gentleman, stepped out, bowed slightly and held open the door with his disfigured hand. With a smooth gesture, he waved me through the door but startled me with his contorted voice. I instinctively flinched a half-step away, before I mentally translated his speech as "Ladies first," or possibly "After you," kinda of a toss-up between the two. I weaved my way through the tightwad of bodies I half-recognized as the ten other squad leaders in the Second Contingent, With Sgt Darington being the eleventh, in charge of the supply squad.


    I made my way around the ramshackle table, noticing the standard map of the area and an unusually large stack of papers, that would consist of intelligence and reports passed on from the First Contingent. I raised my head and made eye contact with Luke, who acknowledged me with a nod of the head and followedwith a hand gesture I read as "take a seat on my cot and relax" I gavehim abelligerentscowl with a flash of teeth, as I passed a serious-faced Marion. I preceded to do my best fly-on-the-wall interpretation as I slouched into a back corner.


    Luke and Marion exchanged nods before look began with "Well, as we''ll all present now, It''s time to get into things."


    "There have been some unsettling reports of heavy troll activity within the woods. I think it wise to deploy patrol groups by squad, rather than the usual breakdownby team. as well as bumping up the guard to two fullsquads, with another two on standby to be a quick response force in the event of any unforeseentrouble. Thus leaving half the men to focus on the priorities of work, and rest accordingly. There be and daily breakdown of......."


    And that''s when my attentionleft. My mind wandered through several things, occasionally catching phrases from Luke, standard military jargon, things like ".... blah blah engagement criteria.... blah blah primary signal methods..... blah blah."


    Every now and then his discipline would slip and a little of his accent would make itself known, Growing more and more common until His brief devolved in the group of men grunting and laughing and the singular concept of "walloping trolls."


    Marion''s sharp elbow in Lukes side brought things back on track for a while, but I had stopped paying attention all together at that point. My harsh mood that was beginning to brighten when the pitter patter of rain made itself known on the thatch roof of the building. Followed by my stomach sharing it''s rather negative opinion of skipping dinner. Which all-in-all set me pondering the life choices that led me into a leaky wooden hut, in the middle of a fort of sticks, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by un-bathed men... and the rare un-kempt woman.As I was damned myself among the unkempt women, I swore by the Fel that I would weasel out where they were squandering that wash basin. Hygiene aside, I directed the blame of my situation on Luke, ever since we were kids it all came down to Luke.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Let''s sneak int''ah tha'' courtyard an'' watch the soldiers..."


    "Let''s go play-in tha'' rain..."


    "Let''s go spook that sleepin guard..."


    "I dare yah to go tickle tha fat bread mer''chant."


    "Let''s go-on-in an hav-ahlooksie..." That lead to an unfathomable foray into the sewers.


    Well, the point I''m getting to here is It was Luke''s idea yet again that found me here. "Join the Army," He said "Go on adventures... See the World.... Fight monsters.... Find treasure... so on, so forth." I''ve slowly come to realize over the years that no one ever needs soldiers in nice scenic places, and unless you have a thing for collecting crude stone weapons, there''s no treasure or glory to be had combating the occasional troll. Any bandit smart enough to actually come upon his misbegotten wealth usually has a solid plan to make off into the sunset with said wealth. The rare chance we catch one of the bugger''s any wealth is confined to evidence and used as reparations.


    Unfortunately one doesn''t just simply quit being a soldier, especially as an officer, However, I liked to dream of retiring in Salearn, maybe becoming alibrarian, reading of history and adventures past. My thoughts devolved into daydreams of books and warm fireplaces until my imagination brought upon me the awkwardness of Darinton walking into my cozy library. The awkwardness quickly turned to irritation as he kept poking and prodding me, rambling all the while. I did my best to ignore him, as his pokes grew in force and frequency. I finally turned to give him his just reward, when I found myself staring up at a very real Darington standing over my slouched form. His seemed unconcerned with my raised fist and pointed one of his remaining fingers at my chin. I quickly brought my hand down to my chin, my cheeks flaring as I found a wetness there. I wiped at the drool with my sleeve and it seemed Luke was bringing his whole spiel to a close, wrapping things up with a few generic motivational lines. I took quick advantage of my new wakefulness and made myself first out the door before anyone got the idea to talk some more, or even dreadfully, talk to me.


    The camp seemed near empty, as all sought shelter from the rain as it ran its course, now returning to nothing more than a light drizzle that would hopefully come to an end soon.


    My stomach was met with a sense of guilt as my eyes met with the sight of a small shivering figure hovering over my sputtering fire. I sighed before I approached, her figure turning to me as I neared. She stood as I spoke.


    "Your Name?" I said tersely with a straight face, hoping to cover the fact I was struggling to remember if she had already told me.


    "Pa-Private Neary, Ma''am." This time I was unsure if her stutter was caused my meekness or cold.


    "I commend your determination, Private Neary, But would you think me so crude as to have you suffer in the rain over my...." I paused glancing at the state of my missed dinner. "Water-logged rations?"


    "Uh-um uh-" I caught her off as her hesitationjostled the guilt in my gut.


    "Go, get warm and eat if you haven''t." she made it two steps away before my voice stopped and turned her around. "Private Neary, In the future, you would do well to remember that a soldier that shows Initiative and acts without orders under sound reasoning if worth for more than one who follows orders blindly." She made to move away before I stopped her again.


    "Understood, Neary?"


    Her chin raised as she replied. "Yes, Ma''am"


    I turned from her as she scampered off. After another brief glance of my soggy dinner, I kicked it over, putting out the last pitiful embers of the fire. I half crawled, half fell into my tent as I prayed for sleep to take me.


    <hr>


    I Stirred.


    Satisfied with the power I had gathered for now.


    As my strength returned, so had the corruption within.


    But it was a weak thing now, My rest had been to it, a drought upon a barren field.


    I sent my own probe forth, but rather than a week lance of power, I over-whelmed all the free mana in my immediatevicinity with my own, granting me an awareness outside my darkness.


    I was saddened as I felt none of my caretakersamong new domain.


    I would have no allies in my darkness.


    But the corruptionfound it''s own.


    My new domain housed many of it''s like.


    I withdrew my mana, surging to build up more, to return to my strength.


    For it was near time.


    As Patience is the first,


    Vengeance is the second lesson in Sorrow

 Step into Chaos

    Three days, passed in a blur. Despite the recent reports, not a single troll was encountered by any patrols. The occasional rain of late called forth a heavy fog that would linger for hours. At first, the fog seemed ominous, leaving many of the newer Long-Riders visibly unsettled, but after three days of insipidness, and reassurances of more veteran members had mostly resolved their nerve.


    Hopefully, the residents of the Darkwood were hunkering down or hibernating or whatever such beasties do when nature sought to teach one of its harder lessons. An idea I could get fully behind, as I spent much of the past days hidden from the cold rain among my throng of blankets in my cozy tent. I had little to do as Luke saw too his own needs and the command building had its own rotation of guards from among the men on duty.In one of the rare moments I spent outside my tent, tending my small fire to preparea late breakfast when a sense of urgency rolled through the camp, lone runners darted around rousing other from slumber or monotonous task, add in moments the camp was a sea of action and noise. After failing to get the attention on one of the few that seemed to know what was going on as he darted by, I decided to copy the actions of others around me. I ducked into my tent, hastily shirking out om my furred jacket, before strapping on my armor. I returnedmy jacket to its place on my shoulders, strapping my sword belt over it, going so far as to belt on a spar dagger and tuck a small hunting blade into my boot. I grabbed my shield as I left my tent, sliding my arm through a loosened strap, letting it slide over my shoulder, so the large shield would rest on my back.


    I followed the flow of bodies towards the gate. I adjusted my course toward a group of three. I questioned them as Imatched my gait with their own.


    "What''s the situation." Not directing my questionto any specific one of them.


    "Watchtower spotted an emergency signal sent up by the patrol." A youthful Long-Rider answered me. The musclesof his jaw clenched tight as he spoke with a serious tone.


    "Ah, It''s Barnes'' squad, like''lay lost his way in tha'' fog." A brusque female added with an accent not far from Luke''s. The stripes on her shoulder denoted her as a Team Leader.


    "Barnes Is unreliable?" I asked of her, as two men wielding bows, sauntered into our group midstride, Likely the remainder of her team.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Nah, academic one he-is, just not from round her''e... Prolly oe''er done, but the response squads ''ill get him sorted."


    I continuedon in silence as the Team Leaderbegan to addressher team. She checkedover their equipment as we made our war through camp. We made quick time camp. Marion was already present at the gate. I interruptedher as she organized new arrivals.


    "I''ll lead us out."


    She paused staring at me for a moment before responding "Is that truly wise? Your duty lies here with the Captain."


    I answeredwith confidence. "Luke''s in no danger here, and if there is truly an emergency I''m the best sword here."


    Marion hesitated for a moment, so I chose to continue. "With me in the front, you could maintain the rear and make sure no one is lead astray in the fog."


    She nodded before she replied. "I''ll defer to you here."


    One of the men shouted ant point over the treeline in the distance.


    "LOOK, THERE"


    My eyes alighted to the sight of a subtle smoke trail of a burning arrow as it ascended at a high angle skyward. My sense of urgency renewed at the signal of emergency as I solidified my direction towards it. I made my way to the front of the formation, glancing over my shoulder as men made final adjustments to their gear. At the front, I paused for a moment before raising my voice.


    "Let''s go. Double time Long-Riders." I set off at a trot, speedy up into a steady jog, focus my eyes on the receding smoke trail. The quake of footsteps and the rattling of chainmail followed in my wake. I relied on my sense of direction to keep me straight as I ignored various trails, slapping vegetation aside as I made my own path straight towards my destination. I splashed through bogs and mires, eventually slowing my pace as some struggled to follow my path. Quicking my pace only shortly afterward, as the sounds of battle rang out from ahead of me. The yells and outcries of both men, and those assuredly not, spurned my pace forward. I swung my left shoulder forwards letting my shield slide down my arm. I adjusted and tightened the straps, as the sound of fighting drew close.


    The figure of a troll appeared from the fog, looking over its shoulder as it detected our approach. He turned and swung a crude wooden club in a wide arc. I never slowed, lowering my stance and setting my shoulders. My shield connected with it before it could garner any power behind it"s attack. I braced and push outwards with my free hand, flinging the troll from my path. I continued on, drawing my sword as I went. Minutes that seemed like seconds passed as I reached the edge of chaos. Long-Riders, heavily outnumbered, engaged in open melee with a troll horde.


    I stalled a moment, The noise of those close in my wake confirming my resolve. I lowered my stance, raised my shield and strode into the chaos.