// ' ' - thinking.
" " - talking .
_______ - Scene change.
//
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(General POV)
We were walking through an umber-brown, ancient forest. Along with the rest of the soldiers consisting of 20 strong men . It reeked of age. Its woody incense was from centuries of snapping branches crashing to the forest's floor and rotting silently. The composting, organic smell rose up in waves like a miasma. Every sprawling tree we passed under reminded me of a watchful guardian, a silent sentinel of the groves. We decided to venture deeper into the tangled heart of this primeval forest. We hoped that it would reveal its dark secrets to us.
The further we went, the more mystical and spellbinding it became. Huge roots spread-eagled the ground, twisting like the great backs of sea dinosaurs.
The mage with us was busy doing other things he find interesting though. Never were we too fascinated by the sight as was this , to us warriors it was a relaxing atmosphere.
The foliage became thick and lush, forming an arch of fairy tale-green above our heads. Arthritic boughs, gnarled with age, dripped their bounty of nuts onto the path. Briars, brambles and berry trees flanked the trail, making it impenetrable on either side. Shuffling noises came from deep in the interior, deadened by the cunningly woven web of leaves. A troupe of shambling badgers crossed the winding trail in front of us at one point.
They were finishing up their early morning foraging and looked startled to see us.
We arrived at a wide glade, where the trees fell away, revealing the bespectacled sky. The last of the morning's stars were glinting like silver pin pricks, luminous and bright. An ore gold moon hung quietly in the distance, casting a honeyed sheen over the trees. Along with the glistening of ruby red from the battered moon of blood that fixed itself below the golden one still remains as magnificent sight to any.
We sat down with our backs against a lightning blasted tree trunk and watched it fade away. As if on cue, an avian aria erupted from the knot of trees. The solitary songbird was soon joined by his beaked companions, creating a symphony of song.
The heart haunting melody was an elixir for the soul. The sap sweet fragrance of the forest washed over us and we were seduced by its comforting goodness. We placed some stinging nettle leaves into the broth we were brewing and it added a tingling, chlorophyll flavour. When we were leaving, I risked a glance over my shoulder. The forest glade looked freeze frame perfect in the enhanced light of the full dawn.
The soldier's footstep echoed as the crunching of branches was heard , everyone could tell he was going to talk to the one in lead of their squadron . Though they were led by not their own leader but a different knight in a dull silver Armor adorned with white metal with faint runic symbols on it chest along with a blue shoulder cloak around his pauldron that almost never clank. The knight in question was also famous through and through.
'Aaron sykes' , the heir to the sykes family known from young age for his swordsmanship , more importantly for his friendship with second prince of the realm.
Grey long hair framed his lean tense face , with slanted silver eyes that have hollow powerful feeling in them . Fair skin with thin lips and cheekbones which compliments his looks . He was excluding a calming feeling around him , walking in middle of group with his eyes closed restfully.
(Aaron POV)
After some time in the glades we were going in the deeper parts of this damn forest. The rest seems oblivious but someone was tagging us since some time now .
' oh oh , it's starting , hopefully this bunch can handle much more or the commander will repeat his lecture again' , after a few second the rustling of the bush seems to have stopped and a glint in there was observed.
With a swoosh the arrow was launched from the concealed location to the open target from the group , a mage that was ... yawning .
As expected , the arrow strikes something in the mid air and fell back . The simmering light blue colour of shielded area appear around the mage .
"Well , even if u lots hate me for being superior than you , not even trying to protect me speaks volume of your intentions huh,,," spoke the mage, who had removed the hood from his hooded cloak still trying to stiffen his obnoxiously long yawn though.
That send the group in action by assuming a circular formation with me and old mage in centre . The mage was starting to form his magic circle .
" Don't , Its their training ." I exclaimed ' Dealing with these old basterd's is really frustrating me now'
" I know , I know brat . but it gets boring you know . I'm really hoping some hobs will be their at least." grumbled Mavis . This is the court mage we got assigned , who roughly half the time is drinking some mead or harassing recent additions to army.
In the mean time, the front few soldiers were already engaged in a brawl with the little vermin's. They brought with them the smell of blood , rotten flesh and shit . Their were lot of goblins prancing around this side of the forest lately. The recently added soldiers were instantly overwhelmed as fighting for first time for their life is pretty much a blunder for anyone . The reality and expectation really don't mix well. This in turn increased the pressure on the older soldiers.
A dozen of savage goblin's , ordinary peasants are capable of demolishing an average goblin, Average that is. These are goblin's lived and breed in forest near a warzone . Their ferocity make them stand out among other weaker sub-demi humans.
The frontline's consist of heavily armoured warriors who take up shields to block the first attack .
While this was happening , the remaining 3 archers in the group have already assume positions near the vantage points. They were targeting their head's which is a bad idea considering they are much smaller body frame so their agility allows them to dodge slower projectiles And firing arrows at the still out off range goblin's.
The spearman's are working their footstep's to weed out the strangler's. They are not using the spear efficiently enough , its getting stuck in multiple places. Their arm strength is not enough just yet.
As more and more arrow heads laced with paralysing poison rain down on the group only the more experienced warrior were successful in swatting them away with their weapons.
The newer of the group were stunned when the got the first real life threatening injury.
" Experience should be shared . Teach the new one's how to fight effectively . And MOVE AROUND , the hell your standing in same positions for ." This should help them , get over their instinct's. While the older soldier's nodded .....
"Sir yes sir " screamed the newer soldier , even when trying to parry the slashes at their neck .
This is a weakness of newly minted soldier's in an army unless you have excellence in a skill , the only thing that can save everyone is discipline and coordination.
*Slash*
*Sigh* they are so out of rhythm that instead of complimenting their attack's they are disturbing the more experienced person in battle.
one of the spearman tried to pushback his enemy on another but the goblins are not known for their strength in first place .
It abandoned its weapon and directly bit him in his elbow .
*Crunch*
"Fucking little shit" roared the now injured man . Eventually the nearest archer took out the sharp dagger from his backbelt and stabbed the goblin that was now biting with more and more force.
"Fuck" the man screamed pulling his mangled elbow which is now useless unless he treated it in medic tents. The smell of blood seems to excite the remaining survivors.
' uhm Really an unexperienced bunch , hopefully this ordeal will stick as a lesson . But strangely more and more work is being thrown at me , hmmm as of late . Well that ass of a prince better call me back from the frontline's .'
After killing every living thing in their site , they were left with ragged breathing in hyperactive state . The old man was sneaking on the resting soldier.
"huff huff AAAGGG , Please for love of god ,stop scaring the crap outta me , old cunt." cried the startled warrior holding a shaking spear. Anew addition I suppose . Mavis though still seems to be enjoying himself.
" All your actions today , will bring you better tomorrow so what to you do today can improve your lot's of tomorrow ." exhaled the crack of a old goat trying to imitate sage Ehtrix while nodding sagely with the slight breeze to flutter his robes that i suspect was made with magic as well.
This daily routine of training new warriors and getting them ready for battlefield is either getting to our head or we were just that much starved for entertainment here.
A few moments later with minor injuries , they started tending to their needs . Finding a large rock i relaxed for some moment . When mavis arrived , I expected a complaint , a sarcastic remark even he just being plain dick but ..
"SO not to be nosy but do we still have no idea of a proper time for the battle's end . You know u being the high and noble ' Sir Knight ' haha " he said offering the mead .
(⊙_⊙;) " Are we under attack or something , why did u suddenly started making sense any-"
"It's eating my research time brat , so i can't concentrate on my studies . seriously though sending a court mage here . The others didn't even bat an eye , which means that old council basterd must be planning something . Now can you give me the details." mavis has the "NO BULLSHIT " face on.
"*sigh* honestly ,no idea. My assignment is only reinforcing the troops facing the savage tribes nothing more. SO I'm practically blind here as well old man".
After some time we moved on to next area. As the night was falling creating an amber hue in sky.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
( General POV)
In Another place.
The lake was glimmering in the callow light of dawn. Local legend had it that a giant dragon had scooped out a gash of rock aeons ago. Then a great heap of argent-silver was moulded and poured into it, hemmed in by precipitous hills.
A broad span of Tuscany-amber sky was slashed above it, making it appear like nature's amphitheatre. The hollowness of the valley magnified all sounds, from burbling streams to the bumble of bees. The visage of the lake was veneer-clear and tranquil, flanked by an avenue of cedar trees. There was perfection to the scene, while the water was gilded with moonlight-pale lilies.
But even this natural beauty was tainted with the unusual moments of underwater current on the rocky side of the lake. A silhouette of a struggling man becomes clear as it moves to the shore.
(Cain POV)
*huff* *cough**cough* *huff*
"what ,,,,what happened"*cough* only after some time did I manage to calm down when all the water in my chest was expelled.
' The last image of drowning appeared in my mind . That dark mud was forced into my mouth in that dark place . but this dark place seems different somehow. Still i should calm down ' I consoled my self , like what else I'm suppose to do here. The wet cloths are gonna be a problem . I looked above to draw a cool breath but it got stuck in my throat.
" ( ⓛ ω ⓛ *) Okay Dream right ? right ......
...WHY THE HELL ARE THERE TWO FUCKING MOON IN THE SKY....FUCK I'M I .....
....REALLY IN IT....I'M I ON HELL MODE???"