Wolf and The Dog Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

	Helkesen-Gai. This is the name of the infernal academy in which so many were sent. One of the first lessons they all received was the history of the institution. Founded by two men, Holdren Gai, and Thedren Helkesen, both members of the legendary Imperial shock troops. They retired and founded the school based off of their brutal training and what they had learned through their long military career.
	Several months had passed since that first fateful day. After they entered the massive fortress school they were processed like animals. Stripped bare of clothing and possessions. Brought down to the core of their being. Ushered through large halls that towered overhead with many spanning walkways in between. There wasn't much time to take in the sights right away.
	As they were forced through they were given new clothes. Tough linens, drab gray. Devoid of all color and personality. Then they were stripped of their names. Only to be referred to as their family name. It all happened so fast for Eihger he was in his living quarters before he knew it.
	Like the outside the inside was an impossibly smooth carved stone surface. Though many windows dotted along their sleeping hall. The room they would call home for many long months. A long open hall with two rows of bunks twenty five in depth on either side.
	The beds were modest mattresses with heavy wool blankets and thin white sheets. For some this was a luxury, other squalor. At the foot of the bunks were two large footlockers. Between the rows was a long red carpet with a golden trim.

	The first few months were the worst. Almost non-stop physical conditioning for the children. Conditioning and yelling with an occasional beating thrown in for good measure. The first few to break were found in these months. Eihger remembered the first to die. A sickly looking child to begin with, but it cemented in his mind that this was real.
	Classes where the only solace they had. The only time their instructors were not bearing down on them over every minor detail. There they were allowed the luxury of rest, if only for the body. They were engaged fully. Grateful to not be beaten. Though many were confused as to why they were learning such things. They believed it was only an academy of war.
	Mathematics, history, languages they were taught a wide variety of subjects at first. Learning languages was greatly stressed. Many classes were set aside just in the pursuit of learning languages. Then the whole school, staff and all, would be forced to speak only that language for a few months. The children would learn through immersion.
	There were many who were curious, or outright against such things. Of course those who failed to comply would be met with wrath. Eihger remembered sitting through one particular class. They all gathered after a long day of running and strength exercises. They were pleased to be seated, still sweating from the heat outside.
	Their teacher was a fair woman, long since retired. Ther wrinkles well formed around her mouth and her hair began to gray. She wore a white cotton robe, as did many other teachers. She continued about her lesson of a eastern language.
	“I just don't understand how this makes us better fighters.” One student complained
	“Do you know that the Kosveken word for retreat sounds like their word for die?” The child shook his head. “Yet their word for withdraw sounds like survive. Two words with similar meaning used entirely differently.” She said. Speaking with a tinge of pride as she herself was a Kosvek. “ To them running from a fight meant their doom, yet they knew to when ground needed to be yielded for victory. You can see this in their fighting styles.”
	She went into a stance she was well versed in, with one arm held upward as if a blade was pointing straight out, the other arm to counter balance. “
	Their focus was quick strikes” She pantomimed a thrust. “and if their opponent was overpowering them, strong disengages to ready for another strike!” She mimicked the moves, several of the children smiled at her over acting for emphasis. She smiled recomposing herself. “The point I am trying to make is words form ideas, and ideas shape the mind. Know how they speak and you can find out how they think.”

	As time passed classes became more and more specialized. Such a wealth of knowledge and understanding. Something none of the children expected when they first entered the school. Though just as the classes became more specialized their training became more rigorous. A catechism well hammered into them “Fight with the body, win with the mind.”
	What helped him through those months was Aiya.  When she could, she would not leave his side. They held on to their friendship dearly. She was terrified and in pain most of the time, though she tried to hide it with her smile. Eihger was the only one she felt safe enough around to let down her guard. Something about that put him at ease. Knowing that someone trusted him and would stand with him. She was all the family he had left in the world.
	Eihger hadn't been too keen on growing relationships with others. Though what happened happened long ago, Eihger still had trouble with allowing others to get close. With Aiya, she acted somewhat as an ambassador for Eihger. Her attitude attracted others and through her they would meet and get to know him.
	Soon they started making more friends in their battalion, as time went on those that weren't interested in making friends we at least amicable. Eihger was beginning to feel a strange sense of belonging that he lacked in his life.
	The longer they were there, the more they learned when the instructors would and wouldn't be in their chambers. The more relaxed they were able to become. As well their bodies slowly became accustomed to the constant conditioning.
	When six months passed their training changed. They were given wooden weapons and were started on their martial training. The days were grueling and full of many bruises and cuts. The more it hurt they more they learned to avoid, the more they wanted to react. Instructors encouraged the students to swing hard enough to break bone. They did. Time and time again. It wasn't uncommon for a third or more to be in the infirmary. Eihger had been placed there many times, so was Aiya.
	Not until a year had passed were they given liberties. More than a single rest day. Now they had time to relax on their own. One of the sources of entertainment was the grand library they had been given access to.

	The library itself was marvel to behold. Five stories high and row after row of books from all over the world. Manuscripts, ancient scrolls whatever they could find. All accessible through a well laid out catwalk that sprawled throughout the library. Many split level floors surrounded the library with several jutting dais overlooking many sections. While few instructors entered the library they would from time to time to prevent unruly mischief. Many students would come here in their free study days to learn, to immerse themselves In the quiet or whatever they desired.
	Training had ended for the day. Eihger's arms burned from having to hold a massive shield over his head for hours in drill. Many others slowly flooded into the library with him. He wandered the aisles searching for a subject he felt would tickle his fancy. He happened upon Aiya who had a large elegant book in her hands.
	The craftsmanship on it was simply excellent. The fine embroidery of the gold and silver working on the leather binding was astonishing. The theme appeared to be floral and leaves were ever present. Elven characters spanned the top. Eihger managed to make out the word. “Histories” on it. His elven was spotty at best by this point.
	“What do you have there?” He asked.
	“Orylsian Histories.” She exclaimed with a sense of pride. “I want to learn about my ancestry. Want to join?” She asked innocently, forgetting entirely about his past.
	“I'm not so sure.” He said uncomfortable. Aiya's eyes widened, suddenly remembering. She felt horrible reminding him.
	“I'm so sorry, I-I forgot.” She said ashamed.
	“Its alright, besides my elven is shit.” He smiled
	“Well so is mine, but you only get better by trying, right?” Her mood elevated again.

	He decided to join Aiya. While he could never forgive the Orylsian's for what they did to his family, there was no harm in learning more about them. 'Know thy enemy' he thought to himself.
	Aiya placed the book on one of the many long tables. Lining through the common areas.  A light brown wood  with a long flat bench for sitting on either side. Several other students sat around reading what they would. As they began going over the book a friend of there's appeared on the other side of the table. He placed a stack of books on the table beside them.
	Gord Ohsman. A nice boy from the rural provinces of the country Eihger was from. Blonde hair and blue eyed. Nice as he was fair. Between him and Aiya, Eihger could only take so much energy. Though he was a good friend to have on tough days. With a simple hello he greeted them.
	“What do you have there?” He asked.
	“Orylsian Histories” Aiya repeated. “I'm fascinated with my ancestry.” She said with innocent enthusiasm. Forgetting that Gord had suffered at their hands as well. “I just think everyone should know who they are.” She smiled.
	“Who they are...” Eihger mused to himself.

	While he mused Gord and Aiya began conversing as they normally did in their slowly rising tone. They spoke about how they were changing the language they were forced to speak soon, or something else. He wasn't much paying attention. He was more focused on what Aiya had said.
	Eihger knew he was different, no one else had hair or eyes quite like his. The few drow with their black skin and red eyes were close, but they were fae, not human like Eihger. He wanted to know more about himself at that moment. He stood from the table.
	“You alright?” Aiya asked.
	“Yeah.” He said not quite engaged in the conversation. “I just want to check something out.”
	“Oh, well mind if I join? She smiled. Eihger nodded.

	He snaked his way through the long aisles, looking for the organization tables. All the while Gord and Aiya continued to talk about the elven history, reading form the book. Eihger would chime in with a few words he knew, slowly partaking more in the conversation.
	“Apparently they have urban migrations every thousand or so years causing elven civilization to collapse where they left.” Gord spoke reading from the book. “Those the remain are left to either assimilate with other cultures, or form new ones. Interesting.”
	“Explains why half-breed would show up if the elves are so xenophobic.” Aiya added. “But where did the elves come from?”
	“No one knows, even this book hasn't mentioned early histories.” Gord spoke fliping several pages at once. “No references anywhere really.”

	Up and down the row he looked. They were headed towards the historical literature area. Aiya and Gord continued to search through for more Orlysian texts, picking up a few along the way. Eihger remembered one word that he was told about his lineage. 'Asmar' If it were a tribe race, or nation he didn't know. He wanted to find out. Eventually he found an impossibly old tome. The leather was peeling away, the lock and chain long rusted away. He looked at the spine and griped it gently.
	It held together just fine as he pulled it out. He thumbed through the brown and dusty pages. It didn't sit well with him that this was the only one. Though he did stay confined to one small area. It just happened to be the closest. He climbed down from the ladder to join his friends.
	“Whats that?” Gord asked poignantly
	“Something about the Asmar.” He said focused entirely on the book. Suddenly he snapped back to himself and smiled. “I figure I'll read what I can and find out about my people. Taking Aiya's advice and find out who I am.” He pushed Aiya's shoulder with his knuckle. She smiled pleased she gave him the idea.

	A horn sounded in the grand hall, alerting the students they would need to return. A deep resonant bellow that lasted for a minute or so. Slamming books echoed throughout the library as dozens of students began returning. Eihger clutched the book in his hand taking it back with him. It was perfectly permissible to bring books back to the barracks. It just wasn't allowed out during any time other than their free time.
	The horn blew again and they began to pick up the pace. Aiya likewise brought back her book. Curious about her own history. There was something scratching in the back of Eihger's mind. Something that made him want to press on, as if he'd find something wonderful. The horn blew again.

	Eihger jumped as a trumpet section played. He awoke from his daydream, remembering days past. He stood in a lords house. A well constructed wooden structure with paneled walls and a faux vaulted ceiling. It took a few days but he managed to get a security job for a man visiting a friend at his country villa. A dull job but it was paying.
	After his falling out with the Marshal he needed to take whatever he could. He lamented that Aiya found one with another noble as well. Not that she was away, but that he worried about how she was being treated, or how she was acting herself.
	It was a constant fight she fought where no one would take her seriously. They would hire her and think she was a wonderful bit of ornamentation for their hall, or a toy to play with. With her rambunctious personality she had a habit of succumbing to her promiscuity. Eihger found no fault her appetites. He just worried about the long term, her reputation. She had made the mistake before, and soon she was only being hired for other services.
	With the flare of another fanfare the business was concluded and Eihger would soon be on his way. The business of barons and lords didn't concern him so much as the political drama unfolding on the border. What he was overseeing was agricultural deals.

	The weary warrior retired to the room he and Aiya were renting. A poor establishment in the seedier parts of the city. The wood of the tavern was beginning to rot from years of spilled drink and bowels on the floor. The room itself was tiny. No window, it stank, and the floor boards were just support beams with rotted planks on it. He could see straight to the main floor through them.
	There was no other furnishing other than a raised straw mattress with a sheet over it. They had placed their bedrolls over it for a bit more comfort. Though the greatest insult was having to lock his weapons up in the city armory. The very least, he could keep his armor, though without his weapons he felt wrong.
	He laid back on the bed crossing his hands behind his head. Contemplating his next move. Giving himself over to daydreaming. He knew Aiya was set to return some time after he did, though a few hours passed. He occupied himself with reading one of the books they brought back in Daersin. A light novella about adventure on the seas. It passed the time.
	When Aiya did arrive she opened the door and had a beat look about her. She dropped her bag and tossed Eihger an orange. He caught it with a smile. She began unstrapping her armor, starting with her greaves.
	“Whats this for?” He asked as she continued to disarm.
	“I saw some on the way back, figured you'd want it.” She smiled quickly dropping her brown pants. She began to climb on Eihger, straddling him, placing one leg to the side of him one at a time, seductively.
	“Oh whats this?” He quipped coyly.
	 She leaned in and started kissing Eihger's neck Without need for invitation his hands pressed against her thighs sliding up her armor to grip the collar of her breastplate. “I had a long and boring day.” She whispered sensually between her kisses. “and you know what?” she purred into his ear. “Being away made me really.” She reached her hand into Eihger's lap. “Really.” She grazed her lips against his ear. “Want you.” She began kissing down his middle.

	A moment of fun in an otherwise droll day. Once they had finished and expended their energies Eihger sat up from the bed allowing Aiya to rise. She began picking pieces of straw from her hair, curling her lips to one side of her face in annoyance.
	Eihger bit into his orange to cut into the rind before peeling it. Aiya was always taken aback by his method of peeling an orange. The rind was such a bitter taste and she felt would only dull the otherwise delightful sweet taste of the fruit. It did little to wane Eihger's love of the fruit however. He continued to peel the fruit with little concern.
	“You want my knife?” She asked still pulling straw from her hair.
	“No thank you.” He smiled still frittering away with the peel before biting into the fruit like an apple.
	“Ugh.” Aiya complained still finding more strands of straw. Though she complained she felt it was a fair exchange, a bit of mess for an hour of fun. She directed her grievances towards nothing, her tone was entirely sarcastic. “And to think someone offered to fuck me on an extremely luxurious bed today as well.” She commented.
	“Did you?” Eihger raised an eyebrow.
	“Yes Eihger, I took up an old man's offer to have sex with me because his bed was nice.” She jeered sarcastically, raising her eyebrow in protest. They both laughed. “No no, I learned my lesson in Daersin.” She admitted. “Though he had an absolutely beautiful knight in his service.” She rolled her eyes back and bit her lip. “There was also a big titted cook, you should take a job from him, so we can bring them back.” She gave him a sly nod.
	“Tempting.” He agreed. “Though we're not exactly hard up for sex now are we?”
	“You're content to have only me?” She asked. Eihger nodded. “Damn, I need to get you laid.” She laughed.

	Their sense of open promiscuity was part their youth and upbringing. During their adolescence such interpersonal mingling were strictly monitored and punished if caught. Not made any easier with the boys and girls living in the same quarters as they transitioned into adulthood. They would even bathe together in groups. The visage of the flesh became a mundane sight after a while, yet there was not force great enough to stop young and healthy men and women from desiring each others company.
	This forced the students to become very crafty with how they went about it, or repress their desires until they boiled over into furious passion. The responses were typically a standard beating, repeated offenses were met with more severe punishment, such as transfer into another battalion. The longer they grew accustomed to their own, the more deeply transfer cut.
	While they grew the Library became a popular spot to hide and engage in these behaviors. Everyone knew about this. The guards, instructors, and students. The trick was simply to not get caught. For Eihger and Aiya, subtlety was not their strongest trait. They had forgone such pretenses as hiding away in the rows of books and shared their first kiss in their own barracks.
	An innocent kiss, not even one charged of passion just curiosity, though at the wrong time with the wrong set of eyes watching. An instructor quickly broke the two up and forcefully took them away. They were made to wait outside an office on a long and uncomfortable stone bench, on far ends form each other.
	There had been a slew of reports of lack of discipline and poor training performance being reported back. The staff needed to take measures. They were looking for an excuse, any excuse at all to come down on the students for any infraction. They wanted examples, so a minor mistake the two made was to be met with harsh justice.
	They sat in silence, a sliver of fear crept up their senses, the kind of dread they hadn’t felt since the day they stood before the gates. Eihger sat closest to the door, he heard the latch press and it creak open. The instructor peered out the door. His face didn't look angered, instead he held a rather somber appearance. Eihger heard a bit of heated voices, as if the instructor fought for his recruit and lost.
	“You remember your procedures?” The man asked quietly. Eihger nodded. “Go.”

	With a deep breath to calm his nerves. He stood and curled his fists. With a proper stance he pivoted and marched into the office. Three steps forward, half turn right, three steps forward. When he saw the silver hair of the Drow school master he almost lost his step. His eyes widened and there was an obvious look of duress.
	The drow wore a wide shouldered gray coat with silver chord trim for epaulets. The coat was simple, with small stitching thread around the seams. He stared Eihger down with a hawkish gaze that pierced into his very being. He watched patiently with his hands folded on the desk infront of him waiting for Eihger to finish.
	“Recruit reporting to the Master!” Eihger said with a slight waiver in his tone.

	Rurgen continued to stare. He wanted to see the young boy break. For a few minutes he examined the boy, monitoring his physique for imperfections and progress of training. His face to signs of fear and contention. Fear itself was punishable in the school. To make Eihger cower now would only solidify his choice to punish.
	Eihger steeled his nerves and forced his mind to go blank. To think as hard as he could to not think, ironically. The fights he had been in, and the challenges he had faced were one thing. Now Eihger was in trouble against a foe he didn't know how to fight, or if he could fight. This terrified him more than anything else.
	“Eihger Letheron.”Rurgen spoke in a calm tone. “Son of Galen Letheron?” He posed his question as a statement. Eihger did not respond. “I asked you a question boy.”
	“Yes Master Lex!” Eihger snapped.
	“I remember him. He was a great man.” He stood from his desk and quickly added. “Note I said 'man'. As a student, he and his brother were absolute delinquents.” He began circling Eihger. Talking behind him and  changing direction constantly. All while maintaining a ghostly step that Eihger could not follow. “He was a pain in my ass, but I managed to whip him into line. I will do the same to you.” He stopped in front of Eihger and leaned down to be eye level. “This is your second infraction isn't it?”
	“Yes Master lex!” Eihger complied.
	“We keep extremely good tabs on all of you. Don't think we don't know what all of you are up to. How is that study of the Asmarian people going by the way?” He raised an eyebrow, sounding genuine.
	“Deadlock, Master Lex. I have read three books so far, and all are allegory or myth. No historical accounts Master Lex!” Eihger was shocked. He hadn't been too outspoken about his search. Granted he wasn't keeping it a secret. He began to think that perhaps word travel and had caught the attention of the staff somehow.
	“Thats too bad.” He goaded. “What about Ohsman's cache of pastries he hides? Or Reats' research in the Elven genesis? Or Daques brother he writes letters to he never sends?” He didn't allow Eihger the chance to respond. “The point is we know what you are up to at all times. We 'want' you to hide, and to be subversive. When you are caught we want you to fight to the death to get out. What we cannot tolerate is your absolute lack of pretense.” He slowly walked back behind his desk. He turned away from Eihger and folded his arms behind his back. He gavzed out a window that overlooed more of the training halls. “How did she taste?”
	“Master Lex?” Eihger was taken entirely unprepared for such a question. So crude, and so direct.
	“Simple question, how did she taste?”
	“I don't know Master Lex.” Still confused.
	“I guess she's not that important to you then. Perhaps I'll have her removed. She's not meant to be here anyway.” He threatened. He felt the anger rise in Eihger. He listened to the quiet crunch of his fist tightening. A heavier breath taken in through the nose. He didn't need to see but he figured his lip was beginning to curl. Rurgen was pleased. This is the anger he wanted from Eihger. That grit and determination to defend his friends.
	The only regret he had was Eihger did not show such determination for himself. There was a hidden potential in Eihger. He felt that his relationship with Aiya was what has holding him back. Though perhaps his natural bias toward her kind  made him believe so. She would take him back from his rage and calm him whether she realized it or not. There was a beast he wanted to unleash in Eihger.
	Rurgen just needed a way to release it. Aiya was the only obstacle to this. It was a fine line he walked. Remove her entirely would devastate him, but to lead him on with the hope of seeing her, and she might not hold influence over him.
	“Sweet. Master Lex. She was sweet.” Eihger spoke. Rurgen kept his smile hidden, then he turned around, slamming his hand on the desk.
	“This is what I mean!” He shouted. “You're desire to protect your pack makes you less subversive. You were caught in a lie and gave up to save one of them!” He paused to let silence over come the room and Eihger to relax slightly before taking a seat. “This is why You will no longer be with the red battalion. You are transferred to green effective immediately. Disappear.” he flicked his hand at Eihger.

	Eihger's eyes widened. He gave his departing statement and left. He turned and began marching out the way he came in to prevent any display of emotion. He did not want to think. He was ushered out by another instructor who lead him back to his barracks. His old instructor entered the office.
	“Lord Rurgen, I still think this is a bit much. They are just dumb kids.” The man pleaded.
	“In my eyes you are all still children.”He commented with a wistful sigh. “There's something in that boy. You don't go through what he has and stay that lucid. I've seen it before. That girl is keeping him from it. I want to see what he truly is. My decision is final. Now, send the elf in, I'll need to scare her as well.” He smiled before reasserting his harsh gaze in anticipation for Aiya's entry.

	Humiliation, shame, hatred, sadness. Anger... Eihger felt all of them as he was escorted back to his barracks. The instructor stayed at the doorway, not entering. It was their free time and he was encouraged not to do so. As well he felt pity for Eihger. An entire year with the same group of people he had bonded with, now he was the only one leaving.
	Eihger had opened up, he had let others close to him. He took a risk and failed. Once again he was forced away from the ones he cared about. He kept his head forward and didn't look at anyone. They asked him as to what happened, or what was going on. He completely ignored them.
	He wanted to break down, he wanted to stop. The only feeling keeping him composed was his seething rage. It showed as he opened his footlocker. He began pulling items from it with harsh tugs and tossing them to the ground with careless abandon.
	His friends began growing quiet. It wasn't hard to piece everything together. He was being removed from them but they didn't know why. So they asked. Eihger stayed quiet. Gord finally placed a hand on Eihger's shoulder. With enough courage he asked.
	“What happened? Are you really leaving?” He worried.
	“Going to green. I'm out.” Eihger spoke through clenched teeth.
	“For a stupid kiss?” Gord whined. “They caught Miller and Fassern fucking the other day and they just got beat!” He exclaimed defiant against Eihger's punishment.
	“Yeah well sometimes life isn't fair Ohsman.” He began placing his items in a large brown sack with a pullstring.
	“I'm just saying.”
	“Would you shut the fuck up you blabbering cunt!” Eihger barked at him.

	Gord silenced himself. The others gasped or reacted in their own way. There were disputes and fight all the time, yet they were always over something petty, or to pass the time. This was something charged with raw passion. Someone went to defend Gord from the insult. Eihger yelled at them as well.
	He didn't know why he was attacking them. They were his friends. He was so angry he needed to attack something and they were just there. He was disgusted with himself yet couldn't stop. Till finally he provoked someone enough to attack him physically.
	It compounded from there. Eihger threw himself at his attacker quickly grappling their arm and throwing wild punches into his gut. Another jumped in from behind. That person was met with a harsh kick to the gut. His form was impeccable as he was attacked by many people at once. There was an admirable tenacity. He refused to go down even as several strong punches and kicks were landed on him.
	As he was being taken to the ground he fought on, still struggling to break free. The lone fighter continued on kicking his way back to his feet. He managed to backpedal enough to spread his attackers out enough to where he could engage one at a time before being swarmed again. Yet he still would not go down, allowing his rage to drown out his pain.
	The instructor watched with a sigh. He would not intervene. He would wait out them out and let the fight come to its natural conclusion. It was everything they had wanted to instill in these students, that unyielding desire to continue fighting. Eihger was beaten, but still struggling. His eyes white with rage, shouting in incoherent roars til finally they exhausted themselves and Eihger could not stand without help.
	Despite his own injuries Gord still helped Eihger to his feet, despite the growling from the injury boy. The instructor finally stepped in to help escort Eihger out.  There were snide jeers and hisses as he left the barracks. Their anger at him would fade as all childhood squabbles did. Gord was still willing to defend his friend.
	“He's still family damnit!” He spat in defiance as he rubbed his bruised face.


	The Markets in the city of Gresten the capitol of Varvistahd, were entirely different than in Daersin. While they chose open forums and central locations for for their markets, Varvistahd seemed to arrange themselves rather passively. Shoppes were a common sight, many buildings made specifically for the purpose of selling items. Some shared these areas with other businesses.
	While these shoppes and cutaways did seem to gather in market districts they were still very spread out and disorganized. As the city grew the idea of planning out such districts was a second thought, so they grew more naturally. While it was pleasant to shop indoors, like items could be on other ends of the city.
	Though stalls and booths did exist they were not a staple sight as they were in Daersin. Mostly for cheap peddlers who would be there one day, and gone another. Foreign merchants that were allowed though the borders and the like.
	The two companions attempted to browse wares together through the confusing streets. Eihger was adorned in similar style of clothing as Aiya, however he wore a longer sleeved green shirt. As well his clothing fit him more appropriately.
	The style of boots they wore were different than the typical leather fabric that covered the legs of many denziens. They were thick leather soled, with a grid-studded pattern on the bottom for grip. The leather itself was thickened and sturdy. Most unique was the lacing that looped through many riveted grommets along the front. Most styles of the time were simple ones that slid on and off.
	This made their footwear much more stable. Sometimes there was problem with feet sliding in ill-sized boots, or heavy footware being too cumbersome. Their boots were specially fitted and the lacing allowed for a bit of adjustment. Eihger liked his tight, and Aiya liked a bit of give at the calf.
	Even by appearance one could tell they were of military pedigree. The way they walked together, unknowingly, in unison. Their belts were of similar fashion with their pouched being hung in a similar order. Though their style of dress greatly differed from those around them.
	It was clean, and plain. Hardly any patterns stitched into them, and they did not have tinges of grime in areas of high wear. Wile those around them wore many different styles of fashion from a wide range of time.
	Dresses were either long with trains that followed them for the well off, or shorter stopping towards the ankle for the lower classes. A similar theme, however, was the bodice. Their fashion seemed to like segmenting from top and bottom clearly at the waistline.
	Even in men's style their jerkins and vests stopped abruptly at the waist. Their shirts tucked neatly into their pants. While all had a variety in color this was a constant. There were those who had  clothing poke from the belt line. They were either impoverished, foreign, or wearing a different style all together.
	With their long tailed shirts that hung over their  hips like a tunic, Eihger and Aiya stood out more than they had already. As with before Aiya would get her curious glances, and she would wink back playfully if she noticed. Eihger however, there was avoidance in gaze. People would engage with him if he spoke to them, he just wasn't receiving attention as Aiya was.
	They had a bit of extra coin from their recent jobs and looked to replenish their missing stock. As well as a few drinks at a nearby pub. Quality was not a watchword at the inn they stayed at so they would search elsewhere. A couple of drinks for each to feel a bit better about the day then they left.
	As they left a couple of men in padded tabbards and white skull caps pushed through the crowds to allow a group of horses through. They yelled and forced people to the side with white wrapped batons.  A group of equestrian nobles rode through in a trotting on their warhorses. Each man wore a similar white tabbard or robe over their half-plated mailed armor. The lead two horses carried long triangular cavalry standards.
	A warhost, though small. The two of them took to scanning the group for crests and emblems. Aiya instantly recognized the group to belong to the lord she worked for. There was the man in the center of the formation. Old with a frizzy beard, likewise wearing a skull cap. He had no armor and instead wore lavish robes with many embroidered designs in the stitching.
	She called out for one of the knights. She recognized the one she fancied from before, and began forcing herself through the crowd to meet with him. Eihger short in toe. It was obvious they were off to something important, she wanted to be there when it happened.
	The man was the sort you could plainly tell he was of higher birth. Fixed on his face was an ever present smug grin that rested between two jutting cheekbones. Very manly in his appearance though most of it covered by a mail coif. He kept to his lords side until the brown haired elfess began calling out to him.
	“Hessin! Hessin!” She cried waving her arms. “Where are you going?” She smiled with a great exuberance. She continued to push through the crowd.

	The man turned to her after a few callings finally figuring out where it came from. At first he looked with a bit of disdain until he recognized the beautiful warrior he was been so privy to work with earlier in the day. He regained his smug grin.
	“Aiya!” He called. “Such a shame your services ended too soon. I have missed you.” He continued. Eihger rolled his eyes.
	“Oh please.” Aiya blushed. “Where are you off to? Please tell me a fight!”
	“We meet with the Marshal, theres been a disturbance.” He said matter of factually. With everything he said there was an air of importance about them. A man who clearly over elevated his status.
	“Get us a job on your detachment!” She pleaded with a eager face and fluttered her eyelashes hoping to swoon the knight.

	Hessen turned to his lord and began speaking with him privately. They discussed the issues with a few back and forth gestures towards Aiya and her friend. Hessen nodded and turned back towards Aiya and patted the front of his saddle.
	“Hop on.” He said with a measure of pride.
	“And my companion?” She asked, raising her eyebrow.
	“What about him?” He directed the comment more towards Eihger, very dismissively.
	“He goes or I stay.” She protested. “Please Hessen, do it for me!” she clasped her hands together giving him a wide eyed sad look.

	Once again the knight turned to his lord will a roll of his eyes. This time more back and forth. Hessen didn't fight too hard to bring Eihger along. Aiya had spoken a great deal about him, however. While she was attempting to advertise her companions abilities, Hessen simply saw him as a distraction, competition if their relationship was so.
	He would look back at Aiya and she would clasp her hands together to give him that sorrowful look like a scared puppy. The knight was so vulnerable to her gaze. He smiled at her and continued to plead to his lord. Eventually he turned, and with an annoyed tone he groaned.
	“Yes... Your companion can join us. He stays on foot.” He patted his saddle once again.
	“We need to gather our gear, where are you mustering?”
	“The Marshal's Hall. Be there within the hour. I cannot wait to see you again my dear.” He pressed his hand to his lips and gestured it towards Aiya.

	Aiya laughed before grabbing Eihger's hand to keep them in formation through the crowd. It would be a task to get from all ends of the town, but if they hurried they could possibly make it on time. Their first stop was their room. They needed to piece together their armor quickly.
	Many speed drills of donning and doffing armor came in handy in this particular moment. First they adorned the harness of plates to go on the boots, then there greaves. Eihger helped Aiya first with her waist plate then her breastplate. She threw on her long faulds over her leather bands around her waist.
	They tightened the straps on the plates before donning their vambraces and paudrons. Their armor was complete covering mostly head to toe. They moved around a bit and checked each other in good order for any miss fitted plates or mistakes. After correcting a couple they placed their helmets on a rivet on their backplates.
	Their helmets were a simple two part piece. A plate that came to a crease in the center attached to a rounded sallet. The face plate had dashes along it for ventilation, and closed to a narrow vision slit. Both composed of similar materials as their armor, and similar colors.
	The Armory wasn't far from the hall. Their expedition made easier with people's general desire to stay clear of charging people in plate. The extra weight wasn't noticeable at first. However a good hundred or so yards and they felt the difference quickly.
	A sensation they learned if they powered through the body would grant itself a boost of energy so long as they kept moving. They reached the armory and boisterously asked for their weapons. The quartermaster not so keen on moving with alacrity at that moment. Driving the two mad with a quiet indignation.
	They would calm down once they were handed over. They didn't know what to expect so they decided to grab all of them. Their swords and their polearms. Their polearms still wrapped in their covers. They each took their swords and unsheathed them inspecting for rust and other imperfections while in the cities care.
	Eihger's sword was shorter than Aiya's but wider and with a thicker edge about three fingers in width. The sword itself was about an arm length. The handle was a ribbed wood grip with a brown leather wrapping. Good for a firm one hand style. The pommel was a fat and round disk. The crossgaurd likewise thick for counterbalance. There were jutting bars for parrying thoroughly thumb length. All with a slight brass finish.
	Aiya's blade was a more standard affair longsword. Silver in décor for the cross guard and pommel. Her's was meant to be used as a defensive weapon more for a non clashing fighting style that didn't focus on strength against strength. The blade was well sharpened and had fine about a third more narrow than Eihger's blade.
	Though their principle weapons were their polearms. About eight feet in length each the quickly unwrapped them. They smiled as if greeting a long lost friend. These were their prized possessions. Good long weapons for use in line battle. Not as nimble as a sword, but powerful, and with long reach. Able to effortlessly attack opponents on horse or in heavy armor.
	Aiya's weapon was a sleek design. A long elegant cutting edge like a scimitar on the end of a pole. It followed a more elven aesthetic with a flowing curved tip. Behind the point was an opposing curved spike meant for parrying. The only part that seemed out of place was the spike behind that that stuck out as a sharp angle. The spike was meant to break mail or plates with a proper swing.
	On the other end of the pole was a very sharp leaf spearhead. It was good for either a secondary weapon or for a more flowing motion of combat preferred by elven soldiery.  After inspection she covered the spearhead with its cap as to not dull the tip as would rest it while standing.
	Eihger's was a thick heavy blade. Shorter but wider. The blade itself was an elongated 'S” shape coming to a sharpened point meant for raw thrusting. The shape of the blade made for a more deadly edge with hacking motions. The blade was a good counter to lightly armored foes however. As with Aiya's His had a spike on the other end meant for parrying. It jutted out from the back of the head like a thumb from a hand.
	.On the inverse was more of a simple stiletto dagger than the full spearhead. Simple meant for stabbing or an occasional slash if the opponent was unarmored. Both of their poles were blackened with a course leather grip wrapped around them.
	Satisfied with their weaponry they adorned them. Aiya's at her left side, and Eihger's on the flat of his back meant for off hand drawing. An interesting method but had fared him well in many fights before. Then they departed the stuffy armory, thanking the inattentive quartermaster, for the Marshal Hall not to far away.

	The garrison that housed the Marhal's Hall was filled with armored soldiery. They lacked a uniform sense in their armaments and dress. Though there was a theme of white and green. Many had leather ring coats. Some brigandines. Most had long padded gambisons and kettle helmets. They stood around in very poorly maintained formations.
	Eihger couldn't help but smile at this display of force. There was a small compliment however, perhaps a hundred or so. Aiya looked for the white banners of Hessen and his lord. Their horses were stabled. She spotted them at the head of the formation with their lord speaking with several other lords. Hessen and the other knights stood around on the outside of the circle.
	With many prying eyes the soldiers looked at the green and blue armored figured weaving their way through towards the men at the front. Hessen silently greeted them and gestured them to stand off to the side while the lords spoke.
	In their haste Eihger noticed Aiya's hair was still free flowing in the wind. He handed her his polearm and gripped her hair. She fought a pleased smile as he did. After he gathered it all up in one hand he began wrapping it into a low bun. She turned and mouthed a 'thank you'.
	The lords spoke on, their conversation  drowned to a dull rumbling as it reverberated against the stone walls. The marshal appeared at the door. He stepped to the side and called the group to attention. Reflexively Eihger and Aiya snapped straight before realizing they did not fall in with their ranks.
	Then at the doorway and man in long purple robes over a likewise polished set of plate stepped forward. An older man with more groomed features surveyed the group. Atop his head was a golden gem encrusted band.
	The king himself was in attendance. Aiya listened in carefully silently relaying what she herd to Eihger. Apparently the forces of Karoth had built up at the border and removed a garrison a few nights ago. The king wanted a small response force to stabilize the situation. He appointed the Marshal as lead to meet with the neighboring nation.
	Things were tense in their conversation. The king all to unhappy with the development. The two freelancers off to the side were straining to not show their excitement. The Marshal noticed the two of them off to the side and gave them a glare. Eihger responded with a smile and raising his eyebrows a couple of time as a taunt.
	When the meeting ended and the king dismissed his men the Marshal approached them heavy footed. None too pleased to see them in attendance. He eyed them over one more time, and with a sigh he spoke.
	“Well I don't know how you did it, but you managed to get your lucky break.” He growled. “Listen to me though, if I even 'think' you are going to do something rash and start this war, I will turn on you and have you killed on the spot. Understood?”
	“Very clear.” Eihger smiled.
	“A fight is something we want to avoid. I will even pay you extra if you stand still the whole time. Unless a fight does break out.” He laughed with a puff from his nose. “They you better be as good as you think you are.” He turned without another word.

	They two regrouped with the lord they were under the service of. Hessen approached the two placing an arm around each's shoulder, leaning towards Aiya. He reiterated what they had already known. Speaking as if it were such a great honor to be apart of this endeavor. It wasn't until he began praising the gods that it finally clicked with Aiya. They were knights of a religious order.
	Not a big concern with her or Eihger. They were taught the cannon of many different faiths and it happened to be a matter of indifference to them, not aligning themselves with any of the thousands of gods throughout the hundreds of religions around the world.
	Though it should have been obvious now that she thought on it. Their saintly colors, the high status of the knights as well as their unarmored lord. While he wasn't adorned in religious attire when Aiya worked with them earlier, she felt she should have pieced it together. Boredom can dull the mind in many ways.
	Hessen was over joyed for the coming excursion. Too overjoyed. There was a bit of zealous fervor in his voice as he spoke of the people of Kartoth. Though not much else, he prattled on about the oder and their mission in this meeting. He nelgected to direct any conversing towards Eihger as well. He left for his order mounting his horse and donning a rounded great helm with a white and gold fabric wreath crown.
	Eihger turned to Aiya. Though he was annoying and obviously dismissive of Eihger he couldn't help but concede the point Aiya had made earlier about him. He smiled pompously
	“Well, he is beautiful.” He winked as a taunt to tease Aiya. She blushed.
	“Its not his personality I was interested in.” She rolled her eyes.

	The march was to be a long one. Spanning many dozens of miles. They stopped periodically for resting breaks for the soldiers. The companions were rather used to long marches in gear. They were rather grateful to not bring their packs with them this time. Likewise grateful to be granted free food from the knightly order.
	They took a moment to take in the beautiful landscape. The rolling hills of long green waving grass in the gentle breeze. The sound of the wind as it slowly crept through the valley, rustling leaves and bushed. The air was cooler, higher up than in the Daersin basin.
	As they passed villages many children would run up to wooden fences and wave on the soldiers with wide eyed splendor. The soldiers themselves felt a sense of purpose and pride from these children. As they progressed many of the soldiers started to be adorned with flora wreathes of  bouquets of flowers. It was a sign of good fortune to wear flowers into battle in their culture.
	They would not reach the border till the next morning. The soldiers set up their small triangular tents gathered from a pack wagon at the end of their formation. Eihger and Aiya were promised amenities by lord of the order Cantor Deglin. They didn't know what rank in the church a Cantor was, they jut knew it was an elevated position.
	Their tents were much more luxurious in the fact that they were larger. Comfortable bedrolls and blankets were given. The two of them doffed their armor and began stretching. They joined the common soldiers around a campfire with a tripod over it cooking a stew.
	They sang cheery sounds of their people eating from wooden bowls. When Eihger and Aiya joined them they were given more personal space than the rest. Aiya sighed and poured Eihger and herself a bowl to eat. She mused to Eihger how no one ever spoke about the boring time marching to battles in any book she ever read.
	“You can read?” One of the soldiers asked curiously.
	“Yes, is that odd?” She shrugged her shoulders still eating
	“Hell I can't read.” Another added. “Where did a woman-thing like you learn to read?”
	“Helkesen-Gai.” She said with a concieted pride. The group silenced. They had only second hand myths and hearsay for understanding. Clearly not as educated as the lords where. The marshal knew about t and saw it with indifference, the soldiers saw it with reverence.
	“Bullshit!” He barked at her.
	“No look at this!”

	She lifted her left sleeve to reveal a wing flanked laurel skull and banner motif tattoo on her shoulder. The same place as Eihger's. She also flexed her arm to show off her muscle. Some of them men felt odd about it at first. Then one man stood up with elation.
	“We can't lose with two heroes now!” Joked the soldier.
	“Oh come on anyone can put a tattoo on a dog and say its from Helkesen-Gai.”

	Aiya stood up and walked over to the man. She wore a confident smile leaning in behind him. He looked at her with a cocky smile, and she returned it right back. She grew closer to his ear and loud enough for others to hear she exclaimed.
	“Fight me then, or are you a coward?” She slowly leaned back.

	The group jeered at the man. He was challenged, and he felt he needed to respond. He stood and dusted himself off taking a poor fighting stance. His hands up and his legs straight and locked. Eihger placed his head in his hand waiting for the mans inevitable humiliation. Aiya did love showing off, and Eihger enjoyed watching it. The fighter turned his head to the group.
	“It don't feel right hitting a woman.” He exclaimed to save face.
	“No woman here, I'm elven.” She dropped to a striking stance, her legs bent, one forward and her arms protecting her head. “Come on, you pansy, hit me.”

	The man move forward and threw a pathetic punch. Still not taking the fight seriously. Eihger taunted the man by sarcastically telling Aiya she was going to be defeated. Aiya was built up even more by his comments. A smile was frozen on her face under her narrow and focused eyes. The man struck again with a bit more force. Aiya allowed the punch to connect. She dropped her arms gesturing for the man to hit her harder.
	“Come on!” Goaded the elfess. “If I wanted a pathetic pounding I'd fuck your father.” That seemed to do the trick as the man lunged at the mixed blood elf.

	He swing furiously left an right wide hooks. Aiya pressed out her forearm to block every strike, sliding her stand behind her slowly. The man became unbalanced. The moment he moved his footing Aiya grabbed his arm to flip him to the ground. The soldiers erupted in cheers.
	She continued to fight and position herself, locking her arm around the mans neck. He struggled for a bit, but his actions began to slow as his consciousness faded from him. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and Aiya let him go thrusting her arms into the air cheering with the group. She loved a victory, no matter how small.
	Absolute satisfaction washed through her from others meeting her with fanfare.  A silly fight, yet she still felt incredible. She surged with energy. Raw aggression; she needed more. She ambled over to Eihger with a sultry sway in her hips.
	Behind him she grabbed his chin and turned it towards her. She forced her lips upon his with a satisfied moan escaping. He reached to the back of her head  pressing her to him. She parted with an enthusiastic smack. Eihger stood swiping her legs into his arms and hoisting her.
	“Gentlemen, I bid you a wonderful evening.” He smiled and turned.
	“See you in the morning boys!” Aiya waved as they departed.

	While she would wear herself out and pass into slumber, Eihger was troubled. His nerves ate at him, racing through every possibility of the next day. He adorned his pants and left the tent, looking at Aiya's peaceful slumber with a smile before he left. He sat on a nearby folding chair staring at the night sky.
	It was beautiful and serene. A sky perfectly illuminated with a myriad of dots. Utterly uncountable. He pondered a bit about the heavens and what laid beyond them. It served to distract his busy mind. He allowed his body to rest, feeling his muscles ache.
	There was an odd enjoyment he gained from them aching. His body was so relaxed it allowed itself to be vulnerable. His feet throbbed and his shoulders felt stiff from wearing his armor for so long. He took in a deep breath, closing his eyes.
	“Beautiful night isn't it?” A calm voice asked. Eihger opened his eyes to see the proud knight Hessen milling about in simple clothing. A white shirt and tan trousers.
	“That is is, Hes. That it is.” Eihger agreed.
	“Sir Thomas Hessen.” He spoke with a measure of indignation.
	“Excuse me?” Eihger asked with his eyes still closed though with raised eyebrows.
	“I'm afraid we don't know each other well enough for pet names.”
	“Oh, and Aiya has earned that right I see.” He turned to the knight, peering at him with one eye.
	“She is a marvelous woman, isn't she?” He chuckled before sitting in a chair next to Eihger.
	“I'm afraid we don't know each other well enough to sit next to each other.” Eihger joked with an air of ambivalence. He returned to resting with his head in his hands, reclined, and eyes closed.
	“Then perhaps its time we do?” He extended his hand towards Eihger.

	Eihger stared him down for a moment, trying to understand his motive. Perhaps he was genuine, perhaps he had an ulterior motive. Eihger smiled and shook his hand all the same. They began to converse candidly. Talking inanely about the weather as people tended to when no other topic presented itself.
	Eihger still maintained a bit of a dismissive barrier from the knight. More habit than dislike of the man. Though he still wasn't too keen on his company. The more he talked the more vapid he began to sound. Speaking only of his order, and how they served their patron god well.
	Matters of no importance to Eihger, he simply nodded and grunted in agreement. He was rather surprised that the knight wasn't trying to bring up the topic of his friend. There was no question the man was interested in her, and he figured his reason to speak with him was to probe about their relationship. Yet the man seemed to genuinely seek out his companionship.
	“Honestly.” Hessen said as his voice grew deeper. “I've never had want of a battle, but if its the will of our god, then so be it.” He looked down and the pompous smiled faded from his face. Eihger leaned froward in his seat.
	“What do you mean?” He raised an eyebrow. “We are there to Deescalate the situation aren't we?” Eihger grew concerned.
	“Yes.” He patted Eihger thigh amicably. “Yes we are.” He spoke with a his typical smile. Eihger felt something was greatly amiss. “Well its late, I need to get some sleep. This has been a good conversation.” He nodded his head in respect and departed.

	Eihger watched the knight as he left. Something has been eating him about that group of knights. Why was a holy order going to settle a dispute between nations? If calming the trouble climate was the goal, why send them of all knights. Surely a regular group of knightly lords would have sufficed. No, why did it have to be them?
	No gods had been offended, no religious conflicts were occurring. Yet these knights were always far too eager to get to this engagement. Hessen only deepened Eihger's worries with his offhanded comment. Eihger's mind raced with possibilities. He knew he would have to keep a good eye on that man in particular.
	The tent flap opened and Aiya stood at the opening with tired closed eyes. Her bare body partially illuminated by the dim light of the night sky. She groaned abit incoherently.
	“Come back to bed.” She spoke with a sleepy grogginess, then wrapped her arms around his chest. “You'll oversleep.” He felt her rest her head on his shoulder then she was fast asleep.

	The morning was tense to say the least. The soldiers prepared and the knights began the day with a prayer. They gathered around the Cantor as he read from their holy text in hymn. Other soldiers were in attendance. Eihger watched them carefully as Aiya went about her morning routine without him.
	Once everyone was geared and ready they departed. Another long march ahead of them though fortunately they were only an hour or so away. They could see the makings of a large stone windmill in the distance. Around it stretched acres of open farmland. Wheat swayed in the wind and farmers tended to their fields.
	The world around them didn't feel any different. It was odd to Eihger and Aiya, they expected a bit more pretense to a battle. As if they were stand alone events in history that went from cause to effect. Marching to one made it seem more 'natural'.
	They watched as the windmill slowly grew and moved from the horizon to the middle of the ground. In the distance they all watched as the agressing nation began to form in its men. Positioning them in the path of the Varvistans.  Aiya's heart began to thump harder in her chest. She took many slow deep breaths, and looked towards Eihger.
	She smiled seeing his Stoic face. If he felt uneasy he wasn't going to show it before her. Aiya knew she could depend on Eihger for strength to draw from. She knew he was worried by mannerisms only she would have noticed. It was the fact that he refused to show it that gave her hope. If he could do it, she could do it.
	Dust kicked up in a steady screen in the distance. The tell tale sign of infantry movement. Eihger scanned for long thin clouds, denoting cavalry, thankfully none were to be found. The Marshal gave a cry and the formation spread out. They formed five ranks of twenty men across. Off the road they began to march into the freshly tilled soil.
	The two of them knew how terrible the terrain was to fight on. It didn't appear they would clear the field before reaching the enemy. While they were not necessarily inside of the formation, they weren't able to freely move through it. They opted to move around the back of it to reach the Marshal.
	He had nothing to say to them, and ignored their pleas for the moment. 'Trust me.' Was all he said to them. The Marshal placed himself in the center behind the formation, high upon a horse. The knights were placed off to the left of the formation. Ten in total. Hessen was noticeable only by the Great helm with the gold and white ring. Their lances were prepared with streamers over the grip and other heraldry thrown about.
	The Kharothis were now some hundreds meters away. Aiya could make out the detail of their forces sooner than Eihger could, she relayed everything to him. The first she noticed was the pentagon shape of kite shields. All decorated in a multitude of banners and colors. Different lengths and angles, but the general shape was rather uniform.
	Uniforms did not seem to be present. All manner of coat and  mail.  Plates were hardly present. The most armored were a few dozen men in Hauberks with simple sallet helmets. The line wielded spears no more than ten feet in length. Uniformity in its entirely was lacking, in theme and style in the enemy forces.
	Even with Varvistahd lacking the same uniformity, they held a certain theme. Mostly padded gambison coats. Grime covered and well worn, but they were mostly white or green. It Denoted soldiery from a state as opposed to what appeared to be a levied force before them.
	Even still it was soon apparent they they had double the manpower as Varvistahd. Eihger and Aiya were begging to think they backed the wrong country. Though greatness often arose from adversity, and other phrased well taught rolled through Eihger mind. The two of them began to push towards the front of the formation.
	Two men strode out from the Kharthi line atop Horses clad in surcoats along with the knights atop them. Blue and yellow quartered with a a coiled serpent in the yellow. Eihger was drawn to the the man second to the apparent leader. His eyes were a Vibrant red, and his hair matching perfectly his own color. Youthful and fair, the man appeared no older than Eihger as well. By the bright tone of his flesh it was obvious he was not a drow. He was able to see his first Asmar.
	Though he was a distance away, Eihger though he saw the Asmar nod to someone in the line of knights. His head snapped towards where he believed to look and saw the glimpse of a helmet rising back up. He turned to Aiya and voiced his concern. She Nodded and lowered the visor on her helmet.
	The Marshal barked an order. The formation opened up allowing him to walk through. Eihger attempted to say something to the officer and was plainly ignored. The Cantor moved along to stop along side the Marshal. They sat only a few feet in front of the formation, a couple dozen yards away from the two foreign knights. They raised their hands and exchanged a greeting. The leader spoke something and the Asmar translated, shouting across the field.
	“My Lord bids you good morning.” The Red eyed man shouted.
	“Aiya, listen carefully to their conversation.” Eihger spoke She nodded and removed her helmet. She closed her eyes.
	“This is a beautiful morning indeed. It'd be a shame if men had to die needlessly.” The Marshal spoke. The Asmar dutifully translated his words and his lord responded. Likewise the Asmar spoke again.
	“He agrees, but he wonder's why, if you did not want a fight, you would bring fighting men.”
	“We brought them because you are on our land.” The Marshal boasted.
	“These acres of farm belong to Kharoth.” The Asmar Laughed, sounding as if this was a well known fact. “Always have.”

	Aiya opened her eyes, and scrunched her face. She tried to listen to the lord speak as they conversed. She shook her head and grimaced.
	“No thats not right.” She said confused. “I must have heard it wrong.”
	“Whats going on?” Eihger asked.
	“Well the leader said He wanted to talk terms, not about the weather. And the pretty guy just said to his master that 'We spit on their claim' here.” She rubbed her ears. “I might be wrong they're not talking that loud.”
	“No I trust you, I know your ears are that good.” Eihger said with a stern face. Yet Aiya still smiled.

	The negotiation was slowly becoming more irate as things progressed. The Asmar kept speaking with both hands, always gesturing towards himself. It mimicked a territorial display, His attitude was very coy. He played the part of smug cunt very well, only antagonizing the very loud Cantor.
	“You disgusting Kharothi have long turned your back on Kalharen on high for your pantheon of sin! You should all be put to the torch!” The priest growled in anger at the unaffected translator.
	“Deglin, be quiet!” The Marshal spat, attempting to reign in his counterpart. “As you can see things are not well between out people, but we must work out matters peacefully.” The Marshal grew worried his words were falling on deaf ears. The Asmar translated again.
	“Thats not at all what the Marshal said!” Aiya said aloud, the soldier around her looked at her strangely. “Eihger, there's something going on. Boys let us through.”

	The two of them pushed their way through the formation, met with a few disgruntled outburst and general confusion. The two of them drew far more attention than that needed to to exit the group of soldiers. They needed to approach the Marshal with care. At this point any slight provocation could set off the battle.
	Eihger still had his helmet behind his head, and as such the Asmar took a notice to him. He looked at Eihger with the look one greets a long estranged friend. He pointed and spoke something, to Eihger. He stopped and looked at the man. The marshal quickly snapped towards Eihger.
	Eihger was a well learned man. He spoke six languages fluently, was conversational in another dozen. What was spoken to him was something he had never heard before. It sounded like no root language of anything, or the denotation either. The words were entirely foreign to him. So he looked at the Asmar with a curious but confused look.
	The red eye'd man's smile slowly faded. His bright hopeful eyes waned and a look of bitter disappointment washed over him. He shook his head and took in a deep breath. For a moment Eihger almost forgot why he was beside the marshal. His angered outbursts quickly snapped him back to reality.
	“This man is mistranslating everything you've been saying.” Eihger said forcefully. The Asmar's visage quickly changed to one of scorn.
	“What nonsense are you speaking of?” Theodrik stared down at Eihger angrily.
	“Nothing you said was relayed back to the Kharothi lord.” Aiya reinforced. “He's been saying insulting things to the man instead. Not once has the translator mentioned your terms.”
	“And why should I believe any of this?” He gripped high reigns tightly, attempting his best at stifling his rage at the arrogant duo.

	The Asmar lowered his head as the three argued. His master was noticeably confused and confided to his assistant for answers. As he had been the man sewed more falsehoods, suggesting that they were readying for an attack. He glanced back towards Hessen and the knights and gave a slight nod.
	Eihger fed up with trying to explain himself hurried from the Marshals side towards the blue and yellow lord. Theodrik Gripped his blade expecting to have to charge after the boy. Eihger held his weapon parallel to the ground, trying his best to appear non-threatening. He filed his lungs with air and shouted.
	“Your Translator has been lying to you!” In Kharothi.

	Everyone was shocked for a moment. Whether they understood him or not the silence that fell was contagious. Where there was rather normal conversing voices, a sudden and boisterous shout filled the air. The Kharothi army looked stunned in confusion understanding perfectly. The Varvistans feared the man to ordering the attack to launch.
	The Marshal stared at him utterly speechless. Aiya did her best to explain to Theodrik what was happening. Before anything could be calmed the Asmar bared his teeth and drew his blade. His horse kicked up the loose soil and began charging at Eihger.
	“The Kharothi have drawn weapons! To Battle my brothers!” Hessen bellowed as he drew his blade and kicked his horse to charge.


	Too much happened at once. Theodrik watched as the knights charged across the ground before he could call them off. Eihger was about to be trampled by a horse, and the Lord, seeing the charging knights, ordered his men to ready spears.
	The horse charged at Eihger, for a moment his wit's vanished from him. The air had grown thick and sounds drowned out. All he heard was the sudden shriek of his body inhaling heavily. He leveled his blade at the charging Asmar. The Asmar cocked his arm back for a swing. Eihger stood his ground. He waited til just a moment before to shift to the side the man couldn't wing at and thrust his weapon.
	He felt a connect. The sudden jarring halt of his weapon as something else moved it. It happened so fast that he couldn't quite make out the details. He just knew as the horse turned the Asmar was clutching his side. Another charge. As Eihger tried the same tactic he saw the horse turn wide to arc towards him at the last moment, making it hard for the green armored warrior to predict the mounted one.
	Eihger felt a sudden jerk on his shoulder, followed by a loud 'Pak' from steel on the palmer lined steel. It knocked him off his balance, long enough for a thrust to strike his breastplate. With a harsh swipe of his pole he knocked away the blade. He followed through with his swing, chocking the pole at the blade to whip the Amsar across the face with the dagger end of his pole.
	The Asmar reached for his face reflexively and snarled. Their skirmish would have continued had a hundred or more men not charged across a field. Hessen and his knights seemed to be doing a wonderful job of splitting the enemy force. Eihger glanced at the charging wall of spears as they ran towards him. He rolled under the next attack  and belted towards Aiya. She kept screaming for Eihger to return.
	Theodrik had given up on the situation and readied his men for battle.  His blade pointed into the sky and he preformed a few quick gestures. The men locked shield and stepped back into a bracing position. The blade dropped and he cried out.
	“Shield formation!” His men echoed with a loud  crack as they smacked their spears against their shields.

	In  unison, the line of men moved with the flanks pulling back and the front holding in position. A crescent formed pointed towards the enemy. The Marshal placed himself just behind his men at the center. Beside him was the cowering Deglin who dropped his head bellow his shoulders. He pointed towards Eihger and Aiya.
	“Get to the center! Get to the center!”

	The formation opened up just enough for the two to place themselves at the spear tip of the formation. As Eihger took his place he was breathing heavily. The loose soil difficult to move on as he predicted. However Theodrik had chosen the spot just for that reason.  He raised his sword again and ordered the formation to slowly shift backward. Giving more distance for the Kharothi to charge across.
	Eihger looked back it the Marshal and smiled. He returned the gesture glad the arrogant boy figured something out. The charging force was noticeably beginning to tire out. Their spears weren't as high pointed and they slowed a bit. Yet their thirst for battle was strong as ever.
	Eihger stood with his weapon ready, his right leg was back firmly planted in the ground he left has a light bend in it. The pole was leveled about mid height. Aiya held the same stance just beside him. She broke for a moment to toss Eihger helmet on. He whipped his head to drop the visor.
	Everyone did their own little ritual to prepare for the charge. They breathed heavy to calm, they prayed. For the two at the center They sped their breathing to build into a warcry. As they shouted so did those around them. The roar was deafening as it mixed with the shouts of their charging foe.
	The enemy who had been an assortment of shapes and blurs had emerged into full human forms. Eyes, teeth links of chain, and grime on their person. All these details were plainly obvious. The enemy appeared so human now. Aiya felt a tightness in her chest. She had never killed before.
	The only time she ever harmed another living being was in fist fights, or in training. Never with the intent to kill. She gripped her pole tightly, causing her hand to hurt around it. Her ears already rang from the roars. Her senses were heightened and her chest pounded. This was going to happen now. She was in a fight to the death. She had to kill.
	Everything went silent, or just a brief instant in time. Then like the roaring of a river on jagged rocks the bodies collided. The clanking and snapping of wood with great force. She watched the tip of her weapon point towards a man's shield. Right before impact she shifted it just slightly to the side and he ran straight into it.
	She watched with wide eyes as the fabric of his leather coat caved in on the point of her weapon. It continued to press in. She could almost feel it in her own chest. Like watching someone poke something aggressively, eventually the body would push back on the finger and it would stop. His body did not stop.
	The blade sank into his flesh. When it did all the resistance pushing back into her hands stopped. The man was still snarling. She noticed he had very clean teeth. She was transfixed on his face. She didn't know why that stood out over everything else. It just did.
	His face slowly changed when he could finally feel the pain, from worry, to realization, to absolute terror. Then nothing. His pupils dilated and the light in is eye vanished. He became a soulless hunk of meat at the end of her weapon. This was real.

	The wave of men continued to crush against the first line of soldiers. Pushing them back violently into each other. Some men flew over the lines, others trampled below. Eihger braced the best he could but the loose ground offered poor footing. Many of the line were crushed and knocked over in the charge, others killed. Eihger kept his weapon ready. He gritted his teeth and with a hard scream he began to press back against the enemy.
	They survived the charge. The enemy group recoiled and men began to press apart giving each other space. It was foolish of them to make this charge. A simple march would have been more effective. Eihger thought to himself. The only semblance of order in the Kharothi seemed to be they would stay spear length away. And their shields in a relative line.
	Spears crashed upon shields as thrust after thrust was sent out. Eihger and Aiya continued to thrust violently as others around them. They stayed as part of the formation, hardly making a move.  Eihger lifted his weapon overhead and began to stab downwards. Aiya covered his exposed body by stabbing from below.
	The two would shift stances in unison covering where the other was weak calling out they were doing so. It was difficult to determine if they cut or not in the melee. Or even if they were winning. Eihger wasn't going to lose, not in his first battle.  He would quickly check those beside him, and offer a covering attack as well.
	Theodrik was doing his best to change the formation as the enemy closed in, but they were utterly outnumbered. The enemy soon flooded over the edges of the formation to attack them in the rear. The Marshal called out.
	“Mercenaries!” They glanced back as they could. “Fall back, cover the rear! Close the formation!” As Eihger and Aiya pushed back through, the Marshal spoke to them in a level voice. “You better be half as good as you think you are.” He  turned his horse ready for the enemy to flood in. Eihger nodded not much of his face shown.

	There was not much order in the enemy. The were more a formless mob than a cohesive fighting group. As such there was little independent thinking. If they had their wits around them they wouldn't gang up at the center waiting for their turn to get stabbed, they would have run around them. So when people did get this idea they would trickle in a few at at time. The two warriors could engage at their leisure.
	They stayed together. Only a gap of a few dozen feet was opened in the back. Enough room two skilled fighters could hold for awhile as the enemy slowly moved in. For the first man, Eihger dropped his weapon low, turned the blade upward. He cut violently, knocking away the man's shield. Aiya responded with a quick stab to his belly. He doubled over, collapsing to the ground.
	Another group charged in. One attacked and dropped his guard at the same time, a sign of poor training. Eihger braced and tossed out a quick succession of high and low blows until the man was blocking with his shield up high. With a twist he used the back end of his weapon to slice him across the shoulder. He recoiled and fell back.
	As they charged in from the other side Aiya announced she was moving. She faced a man with a long oddly shaped bilhook. A farming implement, not a proper weapon. She swung wide and knocked it out of his hand. She followed through and stabbed him with the other end. Then stabbed the other direction at another behind her.
	More and more pushed around them. They slowly moved towards each other back to back. Their movements became very fluid. Wide and dangerous swings when fighting beside friends was being used to their advantage. Aiya would move in such a way that when Eihger put force behind his swing, she would attack where he was vulnerable, keeping their foe off balanced and unable to attack at once.
	They blocked with the center of their poles, only to pivot around and drop their blade. Aiya would deflect Eihger would stab. Someone would come at them from behind they struck with the reverse of their weapon. It was less a display of martial prowess and more a dance of blades where strength and finesse came together.
	Yet even for all their skill they could not hold back the numbers coming at them. They were slowly being pushed back into the formation. Theodrik moved in, swinging his bade with great effect. He showed no fear and fought just as fiercely as Eihger or Aiya.
	The enemy was greatly weakened. Though they were surrounded, the formation was simply too much for them to overcome, and the mercenaries flexibility prevented them from gaining the advantage with their numbers. With a charge from Hessen and his knights the fight ended. The enemy fled.
	Theodrik ordered his men to stand down. Yet Hessen and his ilk continued to butcher the enemy in droves. The Marshal took off to chase down Hessen. His words charged with wrath, he was forced to block his attacks to get the knights attention.
	The soldiers began cheering and celebrating, however. Thrusting their weapon into the air or banging them on their shields. They created a terrible unorganized ruckus. Aiya did likewise. She lifted her visor and flipped her helmet to her back. She looked over at Eihger.
	Her eyes were fixed and wide. Her face wanted to be happy, but it looked terrified. Eihger slowly approached her. Then she dropped her weapon and collapsed to her knees. Her comrade quickly moved to tend to her. He looked her over for injuries asking her, alarmed. She was breathing fast staring straight into his eyes.
	Eyes that appeared so calm, yet she could see the fear in them. She closed her mouth and breathed through her nose. He wrapped his arms around her and she began to calm. She looked into his eyes again. He was strong. If he could do it, she could too.
	“We did it.” She said with a weak voice. “ We fucking won.” She smiled. And stopped shaking. “We survived, fucking hell we survived.” She started laughing, coming back to her senses.

	The Marshal returned some time later, the knights under control. He was none too pleased about their actions. It was one thing for the skirmish to take place, but to slaughter the men as they did. There would be retribution. Eihger saw him in a different light. Not some smug noble who didn't know his left from right. He was a true man of distinction. A man worthy of his name Vainly Eihger still wanted to etch out his own name.
	They established a camp some ways down the road. Local farmers were conscripted to help cart away the dead and wounded. Aiya watched as the wounded were taken away ahead of the main body of troops. She  felt she needed to help them, but they didn't know she could.
	 The two of them had some minor scratches and cuts they hadn't noticed during the fight. There was a particularly bad cut on Eihger's shoulder. A well placed stab pushed through the gap in his armor. Several smaller one around his body as well. Eihger sat on a chair shirtless and Aiya tending to his woulds. She held medical supplies in her hand mimicking a sewing motion.
	In actuality she pressed her hand against his wounds. There was a dull light poking from under her hand, and warm soothing sensation over his wound. She moved her hand and it was gone. To save face she still wrapped a bandage around Eihger. She wasn't too pleased about the subterfuge.
	“There are other wounded I could help.” She spoke in elven.
	“You're already hurt, you know what happens to you if you overdo it.” He responded in the language as well. “I don't want you to take that risk.”
	“I do, Eihger, they need my help.” She said wistfully.
	“No one knows this is even possible. They might over react and think you are a witch or something.” He joked to mask his concern.
	“I'm elven, we are said to do stuff like this all the time.” She pleaded.
	“In myth. Aiya you are too tired from just me and you alone. The other will kill you.”

	She conceded his point. She didn't want to but she agreed. Several of the men she could treat would take to illness and possibly die later on. Eihger dad a point. Even though fae were known to posses mythical abilities, any recorded instance of it did not exist. As far as the world was concerned it was a superstition.
	Her hands began to shake again. She felt empty inside. Not emotionally, but psychically. She tried to stand and fell her her knee again. Eihger caught her and spoke to her in concern. She had grown weaker than she expected, yet she still fought through it with a smile before she lost consciousness.
	While she could heal others just fine, whenever she tried to heal herself she was met with extreme pain. She would always feel far more worse for the wear after healing than if she left her wounds open.
	Eihger panicked, but found her to be breathing. He carried her off to their tent to rest her. He covered her and left. Theodrik was standing in front of the tent as he exited. His look was stern and  none too pleased. He beckoned Eihger with a flick of his fingers.
	“Come with me.” He commanded.

	Eihger followed him to his tent. Of course it was much larger then the others tents. Inside there was a raised bed, and a desk for him to right missives. He placed a couple chairs at an angle. Not quite facing each other, but not facing other directions.
	“Sit.” He spoke. Eihger did. Ne nodded before talking. “You're good. You're actually damn good.” He admitted to Eihger. His pride won out and Eihger smiled. “I  know I said I would pay you if things went well. They didn't but I'll still be paying you two. Handsomely. Without your help things might have gone worse.” Eihger nodded to his words. “Or they might have gone the same. I don't know. What I want to know is why do you speak Kharothi?”
	“Aiya and I trained at Helkesen-Gai. They teach us languages. We are fluent.” He spoke candidly. Theordrink Nodded  placing his fingers under his nose and began contemplating.
	“That may be true. I don't know. All I know is the enemy spoke to you; you shouted something at the enemy and they attacked. Can you understand my confusion?” He glared at Eihger. Who noticed the two armed guards appear at the tent entrance.
	“As I said. We are fluent in many languages. Varvistani isn't my native tongue as well. I am from Weissgen. I spoke Oslish as a child. Aiya is from Baltia she learned Oslish and Baltish as a child.” He argued. Careful not to plead. He didn't want to appear weak, or worse guilty. Right now he needed to stay calm, more than anything else.
	Theodrik Nodded and uttered string of words in a string of curt syllable as long words. They had a certain elegant and familiar flow. Oslish, Eihger's alleged native tongue. He asked him where he lived. Eihger responded in tongue, adding his home was destroyed. He stared at Theodrik with intensity, and fervor. If this didn't convince him there would be a fight.

	Theodrik paused for a moment. Eihger proved one of his claims. Though he was still convinced there was something more to the spark that started the fight. That battled didn't need to occur, and he needed to find fault before returning to his king. However He was satisfied with Eihger, for the moment.
	“Right.” He broke the silence. “I believe you. You are free to go.” Eihger nodded and turned to leave. “Oh before I forget. I haven't changed my mind. You're good, but you are two people. You saw how you were overwhelmed?”
	“Yes.” Eihger answered.
	“Imagine if you hadn't checked your arrogance and ran lose into the fray. I still see that arrogance in you. Though if you can get me a decent warband, I'll recommend you directly to the king.” The Marshal spoke. Eihger smiled and thanked the man. “Right. Now, disappear, get drunk, fuck your girl I don't care. I don't want to see you anymore.”

	A weight lifted from Eihger. A good fight had ended, ironically for another to happen. There was a satisfaction only dwarfed by the satisfaction of winning the battle. He took in a hearty breath as he left. Hessen had been summoned to the Marshal's tent. No doubt for a reprimand. He was not at all pleased to see Eihger some reason.
	“Asmar.” Growled the knight. He grabbed Eihger by the shirt. “You meddled with matters far beyond yourself” Hessen spoke quietly between the two. “No matter, The war is unavoidable now.” He smiled and entered the tent. Eihger should have barged into the tent that moment, however he was already in disfavor. Such claims would only serve to sew more distrust in him.

	Aiya was sitting up trembling when Eihger returned. She held a mug of what he figured was ale. He quickly dropped to her side, holding her and rocking her gently. Her eyes fixed in gaze as she silently whimpered to Eihger. He spoke calm words to try and sooth her.
	“Its alright Aiya. The fight is over.” He reassured her. “You're safe here.”
	“You know I thought it was the fear of death messing with my mind.” She stammered, slowly calming. “Turns out it's much worse. I wasn't prepared.” She turned to Eihger.
	“No one is ever prepared for battle.” He held her tight.
	“No Eihger. I wasn't prepared for how much I loved it.” She looked up at him terrified. “Am I alright?”

END CHAPTER