Vladen, knew his comrade’s wounds were severe, but it made his decision no less easy. Relinquishing his ground next to his injured comrade, he turned toward the others. “Ro’Nihn, disperse!”
At his command, the remainder of his group broke into a sprint as they escaped the battle. As they dispersed, the final Ro’Nihn increased his attack upon the soldiers of Thorne, felling several more despite the blood seeping through his clothes and armor. Finally, the Ro’Nihn stumbled in pain, and the momentary lapse was enough for his enemies to overwhelm him with bayonet strikes. Through the pain, he died serenely knowing he gave his fellow Ro’Nihn a chance to live.
The ambassador of Thorne was clearly not pleased. He watched grimly as the Ro’Nihn ran at an unnaturally high speed, faster than anything he had ever seen move on two feet. His irritation increased as he noticed his soldiers watching in amazement. “Well what are you waiting for, girls? Get after them!” He then surveyed the damage before adding to his order. “Get the transports and let’s hope to hell these guys tire out.”
As his orders were carried out, the ambassador finally tore his cloak off, tired of the charade. Combat had ensued without him, and the very thought of it infuriated him. The tattered cloak fell, revealing a large, untidy man with near gleaming mechanical appendages. Spitting on the ground, he used his mechanical red eye to focus on the escaping Ro’Nihn in the far distance. “Well, Winston, I told you they’d send Ro’Nihn. You got your damn wish. Hope that was enough of a show for your studies.”
Next to him, Major Gregory Winston, a thin man with pale, indifferent features struck a light for his cigarette. Instantly its distinctive fragrance surrounded him. “It was, Janzen. This little exercise has merely solidified my conclusions. I didn’t think such skill and ability were possible. These Ro’Nihn are not to be trifled with.”
Janzen spat again. “Had you really wanted a comparison, you should have let me at them.”
Winton chuckled bitterly, his tone revealing how he truly felt about Janzen. “I think their skill is sufficient enough to defeat even the likes of you.”
Janzen rolled his eyes. “Boy, you are fortunate that Cresul likes you and your studies. If things were different, I’d squeeze your neck until your sallow little head popped clean off.”
Major Winston took a drag from his cigarette, blowing the smoke into Janzen’s face. “But fortunately for me, things are not different.” Winston motioned to the soldier nearest to him. “Fetch my horse and be quick about it,” he instructed. Winston took another long drag from his cigarette, his eyes accepting what must be done.
Janzen nodded at this. “Good to see you showing some spine for a change,” he replied.
Winston accepted his horse as he replied to Janzen. “Do not mistake my intentions, Janzen. I will take no pleasure from killing these Ro’Nihn. They truly are a fascinating group, and I assure you they will give us more trouble than you and General Cresul will give them credit for. Had you any respect for anything but chaos and destruction, you may have even grown to admire them.”
Janzen regarded him with distaste. “You are close to treasonous talk, boy.”
Mounting his horse, Winston guided his steed around to meet Janzen’s gaze. “It is our actions that are treasonous, Janzen. The things we do, the things we are going to do to start this war. But it is what you desperately crave, so I waste words on you.” Major Winston flicked his cigarette onto Janzen’s chest. The large mechanical man watched it fall to the ground before he stared icily at Winston. “I’ll see you again in Vallance, you soulless bastard.” Major Winston then goaded his horse and was gone.
As Janzen watched him go, he had already imagined several ways of killing Winston in a span of ten seconds. Most of them were slow and painful courses. Spitting on the ground again, he allowed a part of him to accept that the major was correct. This was, in fact, exactly what he wanted. A man of his skill, strength and acumen was wasted in meager stretches of peace.
As Janzen turned to prepare for travel, his heart lifted at the knowledge that his long wait back to the battlefield was almost at an end. He was nearly drunk on the possibilities. Thedron Ralick would soon officially declare war upon Vallance, and the gateway to blood and glory would be open. All Janzen needed to do was make sure a few more pieces of the puzzle were into place. With feral and browning teeth, Janzen smiled in grim satisfaction.
A bloodbath was on its way, and Janzen was ready to swim in it.
{2}
Alderich Ashener stepped out into the glory of morning’s light. Cool, soft winds seeped through his robes and onto his skin. He accepted this with open arms as his lungs filled with crisp, fresh air. A smile played over his earnest features as he ran a hand through sleep-worn hair. Below him, the Lorne River pressed on with its inevitable course. It was as enjoyable out as late summer mornings went. He intended to drink in as much of it as possible before his duties pulled him away.
Alderich could see a great deal so high above the Vallance capital of Bannar. It seemed that only yesterday it was but a speck on the map. In his youth, he could recall when it was not yet even a dream of unified prosperity. Now Alderich found himself admiring an ever-growing stretch of streets and life. At this testament of progress, warm pride spilled upon his face. Had Alderich faced the notion of running a country those many years ago, he would have shrugged it off as pure lunacy.
Yet it seems that now I am the lunatic, he thought to himself. Stretching the weariness from his bones, Alderich looked again below. As early as it was, everywhere was the usual energy that epitomized the indomitable spirit of Bannar. Everyone had a place here, and a purpose. No one was starving or dying needlessly, and there was no sorrow in the streets, no war. It was not perfection by any means. Alderich learned early on that to strive for such things was madness. However, Bannar was as close to perfect as Alderich could ever hope for.
To his great joy, the town was brimming with vibrancy. Not including surrounding villages and outposts, more than 100,000 people called Bannar home. And it was a number that continued to rise. When trade, visitors, and business that carried forth daily were included, it was a truly inspiring view. I wish my father had lived to see this day. He would have appreciated the progress that we have made. If you are looking down now dad, know that it was you who set these wheels into motion. It was you that began a dream worth fighting and dying for.
For the briefest of moments, his contentment faltered as his thoughts strayed to the day he would face. He knew without any doubt his time would soon be buried in duty. Alderich had called for emergency meetings. There was a great deal of issues to address before the Grand Harvest. It was indeed a time of celebration for Vallance, but Alderich’s priority was the safety of his people. He would not see years of enduring effort fall in vain.
“Admiring your handiwork again, I see,” said a familiar voice from inside.
At the sound of that voice, stirring thoughts filled Alderich and gave him peace again. “If it were mine to claim perhaps,” he said. “Our people have worked hard and accomplished the impossible through adversity and sacrifice. They have a great deal to be proud of and my pride is reserved for them.”
The soothing voice returned. “Your modesty is one of the attributes I love about you, but it is okay to revel in some credit, my love. It was the passion behind your dreams that allowed Vallance to be more than just a fond wish. It was you who unified the many into one.”
At this soft laughter came from Alderich. “You put too much faith in my part in all this.”
“Just as you put too little in it,” was the reply.
Alderich sighed with a grin. “There’s just no victory in arguing with you, Enora.”
“Well at least you have learned something in the years we have been together,” she said.
“I have, love. I certainly have.”
Alderich smiled deepened when familiar, soft hands enfolded him. He turned to meet Enora’s embrace, his fingers finding solace in rich, long h
air painted in gentle hues of brown. He traced the strands of her hair down to their ends passed his chosen’s shoulders. “Sleep well?” he asked.
Enora nodded. “As always, beside you. Even when you snore,” she replied.
“I’ve never been one to snore.”
“Ah, but you are not the one who is awake to endure it.”
“Well if I do snore, and I still contest that I do not, but if I do snore perhaps it is because I long for an equal amount of the covers.”
“And perhaps I withhold said covers because you snore.”
Alderich playfully looked off into the distance as if buried in thought. “What a viscous circle it is.”
“Indeed,” she said. “You know what else I might add? How you always–”
Before she could continue, he squeezed her tight, kissing her fully. He would never grow tired of her lips. Enora’s hands went to the back of his head, entwining through the fullness of his black hair. They remained like this for some time before she pulled back, pointing an accusing finger at him.
“Cheater,” she said. “Didn’t your father teach you to fight your battles fairly?”
He smiled back. “I can’t let you win all the time. You would have grown bored with me so very quickly.”
Enora gave him a playful push as he turned back to face the town. His smile did not fade, though it darkened as he thought about the day ahead. He drew a deep breath, losing himself to thought. There was so much to do. Preparation for the Grand Harvest should have been the highest priority on his agenda, yet the rising threat from the borders of Thorne easily filled his day. Alderich did not look forward to the hours that loomed in his near future.
“You still are troubled,” was Enora’s observation. “If I could take it from you, if only for a little while I would. If anyone can get us through this unfortunate ordeal, it is you. You must know that. The people are behind you, and I am behind you. I hope you can at least find some comfort in that knowledge.”
Alderich nodded as he offered Enora a reassuring grin. “I know, and believe me it does,” he replied. “Dark times such as these leave a shadow on the hearts of everyone. The Unification War cost us so very much. I had hoped to make it through all my days that it would not come to the prospect of war again. But all reports from our scouts indicate a viable threat to the north. It seems that hardships have come to haunt our doorsteps and I fear that there may not be a diplomatic means around it this time.”
Enora would not stand for such darkness permeating her chosen. “You will see us through Alderich,” she countered. “And Thorne will see the folly of their ways. A solution is always present whether we can or even choose to see it. I’ve never stopped believing that. Someone in Thorne has to have the sense to know that nothing good will come out of a war against Vallance.”
He squeezed at her arms around him. “I do hope you are right, for the country’s sake, and for our sons. They have no place in this, and I would do anything to have them never see the days we have endured.”
“And they won’t, Alderich. Thorne likes to remind us of their power from time to time. They are merely flexing their muscles at the edge of their borders. But they are smart enough not to forget our own strength. The bravado will simmer down once more, and cool heads will prevail. Give it time,” she said.
Alderich hoped that she was right. The chill of such thoughts remained with him as he dressed. Sitting at the other side of the bed, Enora watched him, still smiling. She knew his concerns continued to weigh upon him, but she let it be, deciding to try distraction instead.
Enora concluded that the best avenue was to change the subject. “So when is that body of yours going to catch up with the years and troubles it claims?” Her tone was once again playful.
“If it is your wish, I’m sure that I can arrange something,” he returned, “but where were such thoughts last night? Were they preoccupied by those curious hands of yours?” Alderich barely dodged the pillow meant for his head. He finished buttoning his shirt, smirking. In another 60 years, they would probably still be carrying on like this. He couldn’t wait.
“You are fortunate that we both have our duties to face. Rest assured that we will finish this later,” she challenged.
Alderich went to his chosen, kissing her on the forehead as she rose into his arms. He could feel her inviting warmth through her sleeping gowns. Her heartbeat met the drumming in his chest. He smelled her hair as it caressed his face. Enora grabbed at his chin, staring into his eyes.
“Yet I’m looking forward to it,” she admitted.
“Is that so?”
Enora nodded. “It is. Don’t be late.”
Alderich laughed at this teasingly. “And keep you waiting? There are some things I have learned over these years with you!” He laughed as she scowled in reply. He longed to kiss her again when a knock at the door called to his attention. Alderich did not turn from his chosen while telling whomever it was that he would be out presently. “It is just as I feared. The urgency of duty will not be denied on this day.”
Enora eyed him as she replied. “Try not to forget that no matter how busy you get, you have sons who would appreciate some of your time, especially the one too young to go chasing after his older brother.”
Alderich chuckled, stretching his back once more, working more of his tension free. Obviously recent events even troubled him even in his rest. “And how can I forget them? Which reminds me, any word from Rhoneck yet?”
Enora shook her head, smiling with as many reassurances as she could muster. “I’m afraid not. But you cannot dwell on such things. He is 25 after all, and you have taught him well. Every day he strives to be more like you. Remember that he is out there because he chooses to be, not because we dictate the kind of man he should be or what future he should pursue.”
Alderich nodded reluctantly. His oldest son Rhoneck was already an accomplished warrior. When the threat of Thorne had surfaced, Rhoneck had been one of the first to volunteer to meet that threat head on. Hurler Rinstan, head commander of Vallance’s military had approved. Rhoneck was indeed older and more capable than his father was ready to admit. Alderich sighed.
“I know what thoughts you’re holding,” said Enora, “Just be thankful you can keep the younger one from storming off to be with his brother, at least for now. Cherish such time while you still can,” she said.
Alderich grinned proudly at this. “Our young boy is quite the handful, isn’t he?”
Enora nodded smugly. “Indeed. He is much like the father.”
“And more so like his mother,” he replied.
“Though you say that like it was to be a bad thing.”
“Forgive me. Fate thought it fitting that I have reminders of previous, long seasons of strife.”
“Just wait if you think you have seen strife!”
Alderich knew better than to continue his retorts. Looking at her now, she was every bit the jewel she was when they met if not more. He watched her little tirade as her soft hair fell freely over her shoulders, sad that all good things must come to an end. Leaving from this room is never easy. “As much as your offer tempts me, I must be off. There will be another knock soon if I do not. I still have just a touch of time to spend freely. And if it cannot be with you, then it will be with Norryn.”
Enora stood to go and ready herself, for she too had matters to attend. She gave Alderich a parting caress on his cheek. “Be sure to give him love from me as well. And tell him to come and see his mother at some point when he decides to quell that spirit of his.”
Alderich made for the door. “I will. And I love you. Wish me the luck I am surely going to need.”
Heading for her closets, Enora replied from the distance. “By that, do you mean luck in your duties or luck in finding Norryn?”
“Both of course.”
“I am afraid I can only help with the second. You can always ask Cethric or Nilanna. Wherever our boy is, you can rest assured that Serra Landring with him.”
<
br /> {3}
An eerie cold crept into your bones in these lands, the kind that whispered with seduction only to crawl upon your skin and conjure unease. It was said that these lands were damned, infested with demons from the south; men and women who could cloud your mind and poison your soul. In any case, it was much closer to Vallance than anyone present wished to be.
The day was made worse by dismal clouds eating up the sky, robbing any chance at sunlight. Rain seemed only around the corner and crawling closer by the second. A newly trained group of proud Thorne soldiers made their way to their new post. They were freshly graduated grunts, well drilled yet craving desperately to be anywhere but still a six-hour march from their destination. These were unsure roads in uncertain times, much too close to a bordering country threatening Thorne with the prospect of war.
Wiping beads of sweat from his face, Private Josaph J. Pearce marched steadily with his group. His emotions were not as transparent as the others. He had finally made it and, to his parent’s great joy, was an honest-to-God soldier. He had witnessed much in the last twelve weeks, but graduation had made it all worth it. Soon he would be at Fort Mire to take up a new life.
Josaph had been a troubled youth, a real handful for his parents. And while he had done a few things that he would much sooner choose to forget, Josaph finally felt on the right track. It had been because of his family that Josaph had wanted to change his ways. However, that was not the whole truth. Josaph realized they had given him the means, but it was the love of a woman that drove him to the right path
She was a wonderful woman, and her name was Elisha. Through her shimmering eyes and infinite compassion, Josaph had realized just what love really was, and it had changed him completely. Josaph’s life changed the day he met Elisha and it was her that pushed him to be better than he ever thought he could be.
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