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Morning arose grimly for the six warriors, with images of the previous night’s attack still fresh in their minds. One thought was common between all. It was time to leave this cursed place. The town was deadly still, and everything was a little too quiet.
Cautiously, they left the inn and entered the empty town square. Nothing could be heard, only the sound of the wind, whistling as it blew past.
“We need to leave, now” whispered Mikha to the others
A rustling in a nearby bush caused the warriors to turn and a sharp hiss, soon after saw them surrounded by at least 12 dark elves, some on the roof of the inn
“Two each then” said Elderan, throwing a dagger into one and then drawing twin swords and leaping onto the roof tops
“To the last” shouted Mikha, drawing the Lion’s Talon and rushing forth.
Lilo drew his sword and shield and charged forwards into the enemy, while Manti and Myrianna stood back to back, weapons drawn, and waited for the enemy to come to them. Myrianna swung her flail, crushing the elves, while Manti use black lightning to fry the others. Thenet used his fists, and a focused mind like no other to break the elves’ armour and then their bodies. Soon the warriors had disposed of the elves, but more were approaching, quickly.
“The horses” shouted Myrianna, pointing to a stable
The warriors ran to the stable and each stole a horse, before riding out of the town, as the archers, having just arrived, began to find their range. The warriors managed to escape.
In the village, the people approached the corpses of the elves. They would be blamed for this. They would pay the price. They would die. Two men however looked upon the corpses, while the others returned to evacuate. One of these men wore strangely crafted armour, with a dragon skull helmet, while the other wore a white hooded cape. “It seems like we’ll have to take up the sword” said the dragon skulled knight
“It seems we shall” replied the hooded individual.
The warriors arrived at a small lake to the west of the village and watered their horses.
“We’ll camp here tonight” spoke Mikha, breaking the silence that had shrouded the group.
Myrianna was pale. Her clothes still bore the stains of the midnight assault as well as those received in the morning’s violent escape. She turned to Mikha “Mikha?” she asked “Why did that thing attack me last night?”
“I don’t know” replied Mikha “Maybe it just went…feral”
“Maybe” she replied quietly
“There’s something else…isn’t there?” he asked
“I just…never killed anything remotely human before, and what’s worse, I enjoyed killing them”
“That’s just the adrenaline, everyone feels that way in battle, its natural” he replied with a small smile

The warriors rested that day, taking the opportunity to bathe and refresh themselves. All felt relaxed as daylight drew to a close. Using the remains of some salted beef, and a few old carrots and potatoes, they made a crude stew. It wouldn't taste too good, but all realised that nourishing was all that they could hope for. Taste was just a bonus. They sat and drank the last of the "fine ale" they had bought at the inn, around the fire enjoying the quiet sound of the crickets chirping, as day turned to night. Myrianna smiled to herself, This is great, all of us, friends, together like this, she stopped smiling, these times will end soon, we may never sit like this again.
Mikha left the group to sit at the lakeside alone. Great, I get to be King, just as the land is thrown into turmoil by my arch-nemesis. Well I guess this is the sort of stuff legends are made of.

* * * * * *

Roha was worried. He wished he could leave Jald's forces for good, maybe even destroy them, for what they’d done. It's just not right, what Jald is doing He sighed deeply I wished I hadn't pledged my life to him all those years ago. I remember it well
I was travelling across Mennotai, when a Rhyos caught me off guard. That creature with a lions, dragon's and wolf's head took me to the brink of death. Jald brought me back. He cut off all three heads at once with one foul swoop. I pledged myself to him, there and then. That was twelve years ago. I saw him for what he was, ten years ago. He killed the King of Seccya. The King’s son took out Jald's eye so I knocked him out, before he could do any damage. I wonder what ever became of him.
A messenger entered the room. "Roha, the emperor desires your presence"
"Okay, I'm coming"
Entering the emperor’s tent, Roha saw that Jald's three generals and personal guard were there. Glefor was a giant of a man carrying the axe of a titan. Next there was Lufre, a master of combat using claws. Then there was Rowi, the only female of the group, using incredibly sharp daggers to fight. She was sharpening them now. Roha used a staff in battle but he rarely used it. He killed many with fire before they could reach him.
"Your Majesty"
"Roha, in a few short weeks we shall be upon the Seccyan's main citadel"
"Yes, sire"
"But one thing concerns me. A youth with the monarch's sword is heading there. The same youth that took my eye."
"Really?"
"You told me you killed him, but that is not so. Is your allegiance to me or otherwise?"
"Only to you sire"
"Make sure it stays that way. I am sending the Realm Knights to deal with him. Do you think this is wise?"
The Knights!? Roha thought quietly They destroy everything in their path. They’re barely human
"Yes sire" Roha replied uneasily
"Glefor, inform the Realm Knights of our decision."
Glefor picked up his axe and left the tent