Role

Chapter 4

The two scouts crouched upon the hill overlooking the imperial lands. All
around them columns of smoke rose from the burning fires, clouding their
vision and masking the details of their enemies. For days upon end the clash
of steel echoed throughout Thera, originating first within the Redhorn
Mountains, spanning across cities to finally come before the palace of the
Empress.

Before them a single road etched itself out of the village of Balator, carving
between two massive towers, only to nestle itself between buildings as it
curved along the land to come before the palace. Imperial centurions took
strategic positions all along the road, while before the palace gates a
behemoth stood watch. However, it was his bag which caught the scouts
attention, for the bag glimmered with a radiant white light, and it was left
without doubt this light originated from their orb they sought.

"What do you think?" the scout inquired.

Araevin remained silent, his eyes surveying the land before them all the while
his hand absentmindedly toyed with his chin which was covered with days old
growth.

He knew the Undead Empress and those who fashioned to call themselves Elites
would never bother themselves against his strike. No, they would send forth
their youth, those who called themselves Blades of the Empire would be the first
to answer the calls of the Centurions.

"We shall strike at dawn, when their centurions are most weary, and the Imperial
Blades unprepared for assault. Let fear of the unknown settle within their minds,
and anxiousness overwhelm them." Araevin finally replied.

He slowly rose, pain tormented at his body, but he would not allow such things to
have a place within his mind. All over blood-soaked bandages covered his body,
for even his blessings had limit to heal his wounds. He slowly made his way down
the hill, returning to his camp, and his squire companions. Coming to fall upon
a blanket in the dirt where he would call home that night, he slowly removed his
scabbard and placed it next to him. No fire would burn, simple rations of bread
and water would be passed out, they could not allow their position to be given
away.

Araevin looked to the heavens silently, it always amazed him with all chaos in
the world, and one could still look up into the stars and find a calming tranquil
peace. His eyes grew weary, and as he laid his head to rest, a rush of memories
overwhelmed him.