Seeker of Truth

[Cara]

Andrioth looked at her, his face weary and full of concern. "You will only have a couple of hours. It is the safest way..."
Aslen took the cup, her breathing fast. "May the Creator watch over me," she whispered before drinking it. Several things happened at once. She felt like she was being pulled into a space too small for her, moving faster than she had ever moved before. The world around her spun into a blur. Then only a few claustrophobic seconds later she was standing in the middle of a deserted hall.
She looked around the dark room and sent out a thought. Charlot. Suddenly the world shifted and she was standing in the middle of the city square. She saw the woman lined up there, still chained standing in the dying light. Her eyes searched frantically for the familiar face. The women had all fallen to their knees. "Mother Confessor...Mother Confessor..." they said. Aslen ignored them.
"Charlot," she said, looking down the line. "Oh no..." she whispered. She ran over to Charlot's body. "Sister... sister," she cried, pulling her limp body into her lap. "NOOO!!!" she screamed.
Guards and people looked at her. Many fell to their knees. The soldiers drew their weapons and attacked.
Aslen felt as if her blood was boiling in her veins, as she felt the subdued power of Confession rise in her. What was happening? It was like she couldn't even control herself! She felt the magic within her release. Then everything turned calm.
"Mistress Aslen..."
"Stop," she said, looking at the dozen soldiers standing before her. They stopped.
"Kill them," Aslen said, watching the few who weren't Confessed begin to run to send a warning. Before anyone could take a breath the remaining soldiers in the square were dead with fifteen arrows in their backs. "Release the prisoners. Release these women."
As the men went to do this, Aslen grabbed one man. "Take this woman with you." The man bent down and picked up Charlot's body. Aslen cupped her sister's face in her hands. "Who did this?" she choked, though she already knew the answer.
"General Marshall Shorshall, Mistress Aslen," the Confessed soldier said.
"And where is is staying the night?"
"He sleeps outside the city walls with his own men in his tent."
"Good..." Aslen turned to him. "Take her body back to Aydindril and call for Wizard Andrioth. He will know what to do with her. Do not stop, do not rest until my sister's body is safely home."
"As you wish, Mistress," the man said and was gone.
Aslen looked over the crowd of people bowed before her. "Rise," she said, eyes on fire. The remaining two Confessor moved to Aslen's side. "I will not let what has been done to this city, to its people go unpunished!" There was a cheer. Aslen looked grave. "But then again, I can not undo what has been done. I tell you the truth that we will not be able to hold back the Daharan army that is camped outside the walls. I can though, give you your lives." She paused. "I would leave now. Before it is too late."

Most of the Confessed soldiers had returned to her by now. Aslen could feel the magic fade back into her hold. What had happened? She had never been able to Confess more than one man at a time. And never without touching them!
"Go into the army, undercover. Slaughter every soldier," Aslen said, her eyes cold. They bowed and left.
"Mother Confessor," one of the women said, taking Aslen's hand.
"Sister Mesin," Aslen said, hugging her. "Sister Lilith..." Aslen swallowed. "I know what has happened, you need not tell me. We have a mission to do," she said.
"Yes, Mother Confessor."

[Galadas]

Reemus woke to the sound of screams, he sat right up in his bed, looking to the sides of his tent. as impulsive as his body could react, he was running through tent as he collected his body armor. He didn't even care his shoulder ripped out of its stitches as he pulled his shirt and chain mail over his head. "What is happening!? What is happening?!" he yelled when he came out of the tent. He had recognized the screams of terror, and his body had reacted to it faster than his mind. It was only becoming clear to him then that they were under attack. But who attacked them? He had secured the whole area, no one could go in or out without being taken down by a dozen of his soldiers.
He breathed heavily, his sword in his hand. "Lieutenant General Lyra!" he saw her through the crowd of his own soldiers, all having their weapon, all still half asleep.
"They attacked sir, we didn't see it coming, Ademai warned us, sir," Lyra yelled back, her words broken.
"Who attacked?!" Reemus demanded to know, he sped towards his Lieutenant. Silence had returned in their camp, he was lucky he was among a group of about twenty men, including two of his Lieutenants.
"Our own men, sir, our own," she looked terrified, and he could understand that emotion. They fought against an enemy that used their own strength against them.
"Focus on empty eyes, confessed men look as if they have nothing to fight for! They are no longer the men we knew, they are no longer alive! Once confessed, you're dead!" he warned the men. "Get as much people to the catapults as you can, the armory tent will be our stronghold, I suspect the Confessor came from the city," he ordered. "Check every men you let in, ask them who they fight for, they won't lie," he said.
"And you, sir?" asked Lieutenant General Lyra. "You don't seem as if you're going to join us."
"I have to find Ademai," Reemus said. He took one of the helmets from the ground and put it on. "Meet me at the Armory!"

Ademai had noticed something wrong with great amount of soldiers coming from the city. Instead of joining Reemus at his tent, she had decided to stay up all night and make sure the camp was completely secured. She had acted as she always did, running up to the soldiers, and demanding a reason why they didn't stay on their posts. They answered normally, but by then she had already noticed their eyes. While her agile was placed against the confessed soldier's heart, she ordered the guards to get to arms, they were under attacked by their confessed friends. The whole camp had to be warned. And that's how it started.
Ademai ran down the path, followed by a few of the guards. They had recently taken out about twenty of confessed soldiers, but they were unsure how many their would be left. Reemus had about a hundred soldiers within Ormeli, and that was only on the square, on other numbers she had no information. If she hadn't noticed the attack, the confessed soldier would have probably taken out more of their men.
"Where's Reemus?" she asked when Lieutenant General Lyra appeared in front of the catapults, about the whole camp had collected there, thousands of men, they all looked around, holding torches and checking each other, asking questions and demanding answers. No one trusted an other anymore.
Lyra checked Ademai before she answered, while others checked the guards that were with her.
"Reemus went looking for you!" she said.
Ademai looked back at the camp, they were south of the camp, in the north screams were heard. A few hundred soldiers were left there. She feared Reemus was among them, and what of Luchin? "Stay here, lead no rescue opperation, we have to keep knowing which are ours and which are confessed," she commanded Lyra. "Get all the Lieutenants together, you'll lead the army in case we don't come back. Send out a falcon to Lord Rahl and Marshall Tora, tell them of what is happening!" She nodded at the guards and ran down the enormous camp, which held about 20.00 soldiers, towards the tents in the North.

[Cara]

(oh, just fyi, Confessed people have only one thing to live for, which is why they fight so hard. The only person they care about is the one who Confessed them. And they can still lie, but only if the Confessor tells them how they must act...so it may change up a few things)

Aslen looked to her Confessors. The only two left. "Sisters," she said, taking their hands. She could feel them shaking. "Stay strong. The Creator will watch over you," she said.
"Yes, Mother Confessor."
She smiled. "Confess any soldier you see. I want panic. Chaos. Tell them they must kill any unConfessed soldier. They must try not to be noticed and act as themselves until they get the best opportunity to attack. If we can keep it as quiet as possible for as long as possible, the better. We may give this city another chance. Or at least die trying and send a message. Melidis will not give in without a fight, and the magic of the Confessors and the wizards will stand to support that."
"They took our wizards away. Our friends..."
"They come, sister. They come. They will try and meet up with you as soon as possible."
One of the women looked at Aslen. "How did you get here? I feel as if you are not really here."
Aslen gave her a smile. "I am only here for a few more hours," she said. Her eyes flashed with anger. "But in a few hours, I can make them all pay for what they did to you all. To Charlot."
"Wizard Andrioth is back at Aydindril then?"
Aslen nodded. "With my body. I am here, but not here. I can affect what I wish without being in danger. I have nothing to loose. But you two. Be safe. Return to Aydindril if you can." She gave them a quick hug each and then closed here eyes and thought, Luchin.


Luchin ducked as a man ran towards him, his sword swinging. He could see the fire in the man's eyes.
He easily moved, sliding his sword up to the hilt in the man's stomach. The man's eyes widened. "I failed, and so I die," the man whispered, before falling to the ground.
There was so much confusion! The Confessors! They had attacked! Who could he trust? No one! Confessed men weren't always that easily detected. They could act as your friend and then stab you in the back when you weren't looking. Luchin backed away from the room and ran. He grabbed his horse. He had to find Reemus.
Suddenly his horse reared, kiching up. Luchin flew back onto the ground, landing hard. He turned, sword spinning. Standing before him was that woman, the Mother Confessor. She stood out in the blackness in her pure white dress.
"You!" Luchin cried, and without a thought plunged the sword through her breast.
The Confessor didn't even flinch. Luchin looked back at her with astounded eyes. He stepped back and she looked at him with cold eyes. "You really meant me harm, General Coladar," she said.
"Why are you doing this! You must stop!"
The Confessor laughed. "My sister is dead. So many more of my people are dead! Charlot!! My sister!" She took a menacing step closer. Luchin backpedaled.
"Charlot... I met her. I'm... I'm sorry," Luchin said, not knowing what else he could do.
"You will pay. Your family will pay."
Luchin paled. "My...my family?"
"You have a sister, don't you?" Aslen asked. "I wish it hadn't come to this, General Coladar. But you choose wrong. I guess I was incorrect about you. You are no better than the scum you fight for."
"Wait! Please! Don't go! Choose wrong!? Don't hurt my sister!"
But the Confessor was gone, leaving Luchin to stare into the dark.


Aslen shook her head. She felt so much rage, so much pain and sadness. "I'm sorry, Charlot," she said. And sent out another thought. Reemus.

[Galadas]

(I'll think of some explanation :3 I don't expect the Daharan army not being prepared. )

Reemus walked slowly through the tents, he held his eyes and ears open. He had struck down two confessed soldiers, but since then it had been quiet. Screams were heard from everywhere, his men were fighting, and they were scared. They could any moment stand against a friend and realize that friend isn't a friend anymore.
He checked a few tents on his way, the fights, the chaos, it was only in the Northern parts of the camp. The middle part was quiet, it was a ghost town over there.
They were lucky they had been well prepared for any Confessor attack. Lord Rahl had seen to that, especially after the many events that had occurred. They had been attacked by Confessors a few times, or wizards. Melidis knew it couldn't win if it played by the rules. They were always attacked when they least expected it, during a walk from city to city; a soldier within had begun taking down soldiers around him, he killed seven cadets before being taken down himself. A wizard had once burned down a few tents during the night, 56 soldiers were burned to dead. In comparison to them, the Melidis army used Guerrilla attacks to weaken their army, luckily Reemus had send his Calvary to take down the attackers and it worked. But this was a much bigger threat.
Reemus rose his sword when he saw a man appear. "Show your eyes!" he demanded. Rahl had urged his Marshalls to learn their soldiers how to recognize someone who was confessed. During one attack, Marshall Shorshall had demanded to capture confessed people, in order to learn from them. He was among the first to detect something that would forever help them. He called it 'emptiness', that's how their eyes looked to him. He knew they fought only for one thing, their Confessor, but still he found it nothing. They were no real people anymore, no real feelings, they were empty inside.
The man appearing in front of him took off his helmet, and opened his eyes widely.
Reemus sighed as he saw nothing 'empty' and recognized Lieutenant Ky'ur.
"Now you!" Ky'ur demanded. It was hard to recognize people from under their helmets.
Marshall Shorshall took off his helmet.
"Sir!" Ky'ur said, surprised to see his officer. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm looking of Ademai, and Luchin, have you seen any of them?" he asked, putting his helmet back on and following Ky'ur through the tents.
"Ademai was the one who warned me, but I've not see her since then," he answered.
"How many have you killed?" Reemus asked, he looked over his shoulder once in a while and kept his voice to a minimum.
"Four."
Then a person in a white dress appeared, she looked as if she was running from someone, and the moment she saw Reemus and Ky'ur she leaped towards him.
Reemus wasn't about to let that happen, he ran forward, tackling the Confessor and pressing his sword through her heart. "What happens to confessed people when you die?" he had asked, but received no answer, because the Confessor had died by his hand. He had fall down with her, laying on the soft ground for a few seconds. Never had he known so much loss in one day.
"Reemus! Sir," Ky'ur said, helping his Marshall from the ground. "You killed one of them," he said, "A second one."
"Third," Reemus corrected him. "I know that other Confessor won't survive the wound I gave her," he muttered. He felt bad for the false way he had given her the fatal wound, but he acted impulsive again. From now on he would think before acting, that he promised himself.

Ademai and the nine guards she had taken on a journey, were walking through the middle part of the camp. She kept quiet, as she listened to the sound of screams and terror. War had never been so strange to her, whenever she turned around and looked into the eyes of her soldiers, she could only see fear, fear and sorrow. They were not fighting an enemy this night, they were fighting those who were once their friends.
A soldier sprinted towards them, the moment he came close and saw the Mord Sith he opened his eyes widely. "I'm not confessed!" he yelled.
Ademai nodded at him. "No, you're not," she said. "Armory, there you'll be save!" she urged, and watched him go.
They walked on. Ademai had learned the same techniques as Reemus and other soldiers, she feared Confessors as well. Confessed people less, as long as she could recognize them. In comparison to Reemus, she didn't see the thing in their eyes as something empty, but more something strong, they had only one goal, and they would die for it.

Reemus and Ky'ur now walked side by side, looking around, searching tents, anything to show them a sign of life. Marshall Shorshall had told his Lieutenant to send every soldier they would run into to the armory, only their they would be safe. He had to keep this up till sunrise, only then would he send a team to search for survivors. Depending on the deaths, he surely had to consider asking Marshall Tora for help, he might have to admit not being able to win this fight on his own.
"Who's there?!" Reemus yelled, he had heard some kind of heavy breathing, he turned, seeing a young cadet run their way, he saw the fear in his eyes. Two soldiers ran behind him. He and Ky'ur grabbed the soldier and placed him behind their backs as they attacked their confessed enemy.
Ky'ur smashed his sword down, following by the soldier flying in the air. Reemus had less skills, he slammed his sword against that of his enemy, but was pushed back, falling down to the ground. He tried to defend himself, but it was too late, the sword flew down, right beside the wound that was made earlier that day. He screamed, which was followed by that of his enemy, who had been stabbed below the throat by his Lieutenant General.
"Sir," the Cadet helped Reemus to his feet, his helmet lay on the dirty ground. "Sir, are you okay?"
"Fine, fine!" said Reemus, he bowed down to take his helmet, his hand resting on the wound. "Ky'ur," he nodded at his Lieutenant. Again prove that he needed Generals by his side. He missed Luchin at that moment, everything always seemed to have a better outcome when his best friend and General was with him. "I'm fine, we have to move," he said, looking at the Cadet for a moment. "Armory, go there, be safe," he urged, but the Cadet didn't move.
"I'll be staying with you, sir," he said. The soldier had recognized Reemus, and Ky'ur, he saw staying with them a much better plan to stay alive.
"What's your name?" Reemus asked, they were on the move again. Only a few tents away from the edge.
"Dane, sir, Maximus Dane," answered the Cadet.
"Killed any of them yet, Cadet Dane?" Ky'ur asked, he seemed to only want to know the amount of people that had been confessed during the attack.
"No, sir, did wound one," answered Maximus.
Ky'ur nodded, he was walking first in line, followed by Reemus and after him Cadet Dane.


Evana woke to the sound of something ticking against the window, she sat up, pulling away the curtains. A falcon with a letter bound to his back within a handmade holder stared at her through the glass. She opened it and took the falcon inside. She looked back at Joan, who still slept, in the same bed as her, she refused to let him sleep on the ground. Very silently she jumped over him and took the letter from the bird. She gasped while she read it. She grabbed her coat and left the room, running down the hall to Elize's room. She had to warn Elize. It was a letter from Lieutenant General Lyra, who she had known from childhood. Marshall Shorshall's army was under attack by Confessors, and everyone was being informed.
"Mistress Elize!" she said, knocking on the door. She would not make the same mistake again.

[Cara]

Aslen felt the bonds of the magic pulling at her. She had Confessed do many! How had she done it? It took so much energy to Confess even a single man! She gave a gasp as she felt the bands snap around her. When she opened her eyes, Andrioth was peering at her, his face worried.
"Here, drink this," he said.
She took it, suddenly thirsty. She coughed as she sat up. "Andiroth... did any? Did any return?" she cried.
Andrioth shook his head. "No, I am so sorry, Aslen," he said. "Charlot..."
"She...?" Aslen said.
"Yes, a soldier you Confessed just arrived with her a few minutes ago. He had killed his horse, he was riding so fast to get here. The guards could barely understand the man, when he collapsed on the ground with your sister's body and died right there."
Aslen looked off, feeling sadness creep over her. "I want to see her," she said, standing slowly.
"Of course. This way..."


Luchin bent down and closed the dead eyes that stared at nothing. "I'm so sorry Lieutenant Kurse..." He turned away as he heard someone making their way through the bushes. He swung around, grabbing the man who came through. There was a flurry of motion. Swords were drawn. Luchin easily defended himself, and disarmed three people before everyone paused for a moment to assess the situation.
"Luchin?"
Luchin looked up to see Reemus and a few other people. "Reemus! I, I mean, General Marshall Shorshall," he said, adjusting himself. "I'm so sorry... I thought.."
"Not, a problem," Reemus said, picking up sword up off the ground where Luchin had thrown it. The two other people Luchin didn't recognize, but they didn't seem happy to have to retrieve their own swords from Luchin, who still held them. "Were you attacked?" Reemus asked, looking at several bodies that lay strewn across the ground. Luchin nodded, eyes downcast. Reemus was glad that he was friends with the man who could do this. Luchin was one of the best, if not the best swordsmen and fighters in their army.
"Confessors," Luchin said. "I think though that the fight is dying down..." he looked at Reemus. "But there are many casualties," he said. "We will find out exactly how many when the sun rises, but we are in no condition to attack Aydindril. I don't know how many men I've killed alone tonight."


Elize opened the door. She stood there, fully dressed, agile in hand. Evana wondered if the woman ever slept, or if she slept like that all the time.
"You got the message?" Elize asked. Evana nodded. "Same. Just wait a moment," she said, shutting the door back in her face. A few seconds later, a man jumped through the door, pulling his shirt on as he went. He gave Evana a quizzical look before turning the corner. Elize opened the door a moment later, pack over her shoulder. Evana looked after where the young man had disappeared off to. Elize a sneering half smile with a laugh. "What, is Joan not enough?" she laughed. Evana blushed slightly before frowning.
"We have to go and assist Shorshall and my father," Evana said.
"You can go and assist in what ever way you can," Elize snapped back. "I am under special orders from Lord Rahl himself to deliver the boy to him as soon as possible."

[Galadas]

Reemus nodded. "You're right, that's why I'll ask Marshall Tora to join us, we can't win this battle on our own," he said, nodding to everyone to follow them, the sun was finally appearing behind the horizon. He felt tired, he had not slept since the early morning of the previous day, sleep sounded sweet to him.

Ademai gathered the soldiers she found by her side, urging them to round up and search for survivors. She had been disappointed by the amount of Cadets that joined her during the night, there were not as many as she had hoped for. Just fifteen more than she had already brought in. But there was no trace of Reemus, she wondered what he was doing going looking for her on his own. He was the Marshall, he shouldn't be out on his own.


The Marshall's daughter nodded. "As I expected, he's still asleep, his shoulder is healing slowly, not infected," she informed her. She knew Elize would have his way with him even if his shoulder was infected, but she was sure that; if Lord Rahl wanted the boy for his ability to resist magic, he would have some great plan louring around in his head. She wondered if her dad and Marshall Shorshall knew about it as well. She turned around and walked back to the room, dressing up as fast and as quietly as she could. "Goodbye Chib," she whispered, and grabbed her sword from the chair before leaving, gazing at Elize's door one more time. "Take care, boy, you'll need it."
The night was cold, she closed her coat around her, as she jumped on her horse and watched the sunrise out in the east. She rode through the city, leaving it to join her small army of three hundred on their way to Ormeli.

[Cara]

Aslen looked down at the pale face, practically on the verge of breaking down again. She felt someone come up behind her and give her a hug.
"I will find Reemus and kill him for this," Aslen whispered fiercely. "He deserves so much more than death!" She turned around and looked at Andrioth. "She was my sister, Andrioth. My sister, my best friend."
"Aslen, as your friend and wizard, I must advise you that you can't be set on revenge. It will only eat at you. You are the Mother Confessor, the truth ruler of Melidis. You must stay strong for your people. If Melidis has any chance at holding back the forces of Dahara, it needs its Confessors and wizards. It needs its Mother Confessor. You will get your chance." Andrioth placed his hands on her shoulders. "I will do everything in my power to stop them and to avenge your sister, but they is not our main goal." Aslen closed her eyes as she felt some of Andrioth's magic soaking into her, calming and soothing.
"Thank you, Andrioth. You are a true friend." Aslen gave a weary smile. "I must talk with the other Confessors and wizards. We dealt Reemus's army a hard blow. I don't think they can continue until they get more reinforcements. That gives us only a little more time."

Elize looked out the window. Dawn was almost upon them, the sky pink and purple in the rising light. Elize reached down and shook Joan's shoulder roughly. "Boy, get up," she said. Joan moaned and rolled over. Elize pulled the covers back. "Don't make me poke you with my agile. I'll make it hurt."
Joan's eyes snapped open and he sat up. "I'm up," he said, looking at her with a cold expression. Elize smiled. "Where is Evana?"
"Evana had to leave. You will remain in my custody until we reach the People's Palace."
"Wait, what do you mean, she had to leave?...Mistress Elize," Joan added, when Elize turned to him. She gave a satisfied nod.
"We are at war, boy. She is the general's daughter. Last night one of the armies was attack and suffered grave losses. Of course, that is really none of my concern. My only task is to get you to Lord Rahl." Elize threw him his small pack. "And I want to leave in five minutes. Get dressed."

[Galadas]

Joan dressed as fast as he could, not minding the pain in his shoulder, he ignored it and the fact that Evana had left him without saying goodbye, she could have woken him. He remembered himself the warnings she had granted him, every single one of the, and he would use them in order to survive any danger that crossed his path in these new lands.
He jumped around the room, searching if he hadn't left anything anywhere. Then he opened the door, where Elize stood waiting for him. "Mistress Elize, if I may ask please, allow me to travel along with you without having shackles in my way, it might make our journey much easier," he said, trying to be as humble as possible.


Reemus closed his eyes as soldiers with body bags passed by. Behind him, Lieutenant Lyra, Lieutenant Hy'ur and General Coladar followed him. He stopped as he reached the square of Ormelli. The city was empty, everyone left, including the Wizards and the Confessors. It surprised him that everything had happened in such a short time. "Lyra, Hy'ur," he said, turning to the two Lieutenants he had learned to trust in the past day. "You'll now be Generals, under my army," he said, and congratulated them. "Lyra, send a message to Marshall Tora, tell him I ask for help, in order to take Aydindril, we'll have to work together," he whispered and dismissed the two newly ranked Generals.
"Don't you think that that was a little to fast?" Luchin asked, as he watched it all go down.
Reemus shook his head. "It was necessary," he said. He paused for a while. "Luchin, in case I get mentally or physically unable to control this army, in case I die or get captured, I want you to lead this army. Don't listen to a word Marshall Tora says to you, he'll only try and manipulate you. This is not only a fight against Melidis, Luchin, and I should've told you much sooner about it. Ever since Lord Rahl split up the army in halve, both Marshall have been trying to reunite it and take control of all of it. Some for selfish reasons, others in order to show Rahl the power of a complete army. We fight among each other, we fight sneaky. I want Tora's army, that's why I wanted you to be in charge of that army," Reemus admitted. "Will you take my place when I can't?" he asked, his hand resting on Luchin's shoulder. He knew he had to tell his plan sooner or later, he had to keep Luchin's trust.

[Cara]

(didn't you mean 'Mistress' Elize? XD)

Luchin looked surprised, but was trained enough to hide it quickly. "Of course, Reemus," he said. "It's just all happening so fast... I thought Tora was retiring, though? Why would he retire in such a time of crisis? Does it have anything to do with you? With me?" Luchin asked. Reemus had been keeping things from him. Was this the full truth? "I just don't think it wise to go ahead with the attack so soon. The men are afraid. After what happened here tonight? With only a handful of Confessors and wizards? What will happen when we face Aydindril, the home and center for Confessors and wizards... There may be problems in the ranks. Rebellion." Reemus gave him a hard look, but Luchin continued on. "I may not be the best tactician," he admitted, "but I am a fighter. And I have fought along side these men. I know their hearts. If we push them too hard, they will resist."

Elize glared down at Joan. "You will be restrained. Though, shackles could slow us. You will be tied to your horse then," Elize said, evenly. "One word of complaint, and I will not only shackle you again, but shove a shirt down your throat." She motioned with her arm. "Now let's go."

[Galadas]

(Yeah, changed that :3)

Reemus sighed. "We'll not fight until Marshall Tora arrives, that could take about two weeks. But every moment we wait, Aydindril is defending itself," he said, he looked at the door, he found it annoying when his Generals told him what he didn't want to hear. "Tora won't retire yet, it could take months before he'll be dismissed from his ranks by Lord Rahl, I have nothing to say about that," he added and walked away. He felt tired, and he wanted to leave everything that was happening at the moment behind, for just a few hours, at least. The soldiers were moving their stuff into the city, which was now empty and could easily hold the 19.340 men that were left. Around four hundred of their men had been killed during the night, others during the day.
Reemus walked down the hall, he had ordered servants to move his belongings from the tent to the biggest room in the main quarters of the cities.
He entered the room, his mind clouding with thoughts of a nice warm bed. Only when he looked around, someone else had already taken his place.
"Ademai," he whispered.
Ademai stood, the Mord Sith looked a bit angry. She held her agile beside her body, and the moment Reemus came close, she slammed the agile against his side and watched him scream and drop to the floor.
"Ademai!" Reemus yelled in terror, as the agile was removed from his skin he looked up to her.
The Mord Sith closed the door and helped Reemus from the floor. "Don't barge into Aydindril without a plan, Reemus, neither should Mikial, because if you do, you won't have the support of the Mord Sith," she said.
Reemus sighed, he did not reply, just watched her leave the room. Finally he was alone.


Joan sighed, he had failed at getting her to trust him, but sure, it was to be expected. He followed her, he didn't move as she shackled him to his horse. He would go along, silently. He kept telling himself that it would all be alright, but would it? He didn't know what Lord Rahl wanted from him, neither did Mistress Elize or Evana. As long as he didn't have to kill his parents or sisters just like the Mord Sith had to. No, that was only the Mord Sith, he was a man, he would never be a Mord Sith. Beside, he already had something that Lord Rahl could need. His ability.


Evana urged her horse to ride faster. At this speed, she would reach Ormelli before sunset, but it was not fast enough. A whole day trip from Joven, her dad would march around one and a half week with his army before he could ever reach the city. Lucky, Ormelli was much closer than their last hide-out. It was sad that she now only had three Mord Sith by her side, she did not understand why Mistress Elize had to send her Mord Sith away, she always left save when in company of Terza.

[Cara]

Elize rode fast and hard, her horse snorting with the effort. She would not let Lord Rahl down. She wondered, though, what purpose he had for Joan. The boy obviously didn't know very much about anything. Much less Mord-Sith. Evana had probably told him all that she knew. That girl was dangerous. She knew too much, as far as Elize was concerned. But no, Lord Rahl had bigger plans. She smiled to herself. She would reach the People's Palace in a two full day ride if at this pace, but she didn't feel like running their horses into the ground.
Perhaps Lord Rahl would really let her have some fun. She did have a trainee, Claire, but that girl could be given to another. She did have the fighting spirit, but it still wouldn't be as good.
Suddenly out of nowhere her horse stumbled forward with a scream. Only Elize's training prevented her from falling and breaking her neck. She was thrown forward, off her horse. She rolled with the impact, which jarred her entire body, and onto her feet, a knife out.
She looked back at Joan, who's horse had reared and stopped. Joan was holding on for dear life. His horse had been tied to her's, which was lying dead on the ground.
Elize listened for the twing of a bow being drawn. She moved, just as the arrow shot out of the trees, missing her but a few inches. How many attacker's were there? She wasn't even dressed in her red leather! How had she been recognized then?
She ran over to her horse, arrows shooting at her from the trees, and snatched up her bow and quiver. With a flick of her wrist, she grabbed Joan from the saddle, cutting his bindings. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along. "Move!" she cried, nearly dragging him into the small space of cover available. She gave a grunt of pain, as she felt an arrow pierce her lower side. "Shit," she swore, looking at the blooming spot of red that was spreading across her dress. Damned civilian clothes...


Luchin didn't feel like doing much. The events of the last few days had taken a toll on him. He fell into her bed, staring at the ceiling. Who's room had this been? And his sisters? How were they? He needed to speak with them. The Mother Confessor had said that she was going to hurt them. Was that a bluff? No, this was war. That wasn't a bluff.
"General Coladar?"
"Yes?" he asked, sitting up. One of his men knocked and came in.
"I am sorry to disturb you," he said, looking down. "I know it is late."
"That's alright... I...wasn't doing anything anyway," Luchin lied. He stretched and stood, pulling a jacket on. That was one of the reasons he was so well liked by his men. They respected him, but also saw him differently than other ranking officials. "Well let's go."
This was Carl, one of his best men. Always laughing, and a great soldier. He followed him aways. It wasn't unusual for the men to request his presence for a small audience or just talk. That's how he knew that they weren't liking the plan about Aydindril.
"Carl...where are you taking me," Luchin asked, stopping. He drew his sword.
Carl looked at him and his sword. "Some of the men have a few problems..."
"What...?" Suddenly Luchin felt two men behind him. He swung around, and felt his sword connect with one, but there were other hands that grabbed him, holding him down. His face hit the dirt.


"Duck!" Elize snarled, as two arrows shot over Joan's head. Elize expertly loaded her arrow and fired. There was a grunt from within the stand of trees.
"Why are they attacking us? Who are they?" Joan said, trying to cover his head with his tied hands.
Elize just fired another arrow. Good questions though. Red washes over her vision. She ignored the pain. It was welcomed. But it still was an injury. She needed to take out her attackers first...
"Look out!"
She swiveled and fired, taking out a man who was trying to come up from behind. Elize gasped as she felt a second arrow catch her shoulder. Her arm went slack. "Fuck!" she said, standing to her feet. She swung around with her knife, and slammed it into one man. He screamed and dropped to the ground, dead.
"Elize..."
Five men were standing, bows drawn, aimed at her.
Elize glared back at them, spitting blood. "You would attack travelers?" she demanded.
"You are no common traveler," the man spat as they all glared at them. No at her.
"Damned right," Elize said, whipping out her agile. The men took a few steps back, but kept their bows aimed at her.
"Mord-Sith are not welcomed in Melidis," another man hissed. "Especially one such as you, trying to hide amongst us. You will pay for what you have done." Elize laughed. "You have done many crimes, but you will also pay for what you did to our village's family. To Shina."
Elize raised an eyebrow. She seemed unpeturbed by the four arrows pointed at her, too close to miss. "What, the child? I did nothing to her and her silly family. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am a Mord-Sith, and proud of it."
"All Mord-Sith have blood on their hands."
Elize grinned. "I'll have your blood on my hands..." She swallowed, hiding the pain. She was good at that. Expert. But even a fully trained Mord-Sith couldn't withstand two arrow wounds. She could feel herself weakening. And alone, without any aid, especially trying to watch Joan, she wouldn't succeed.
"Mistress Elize..." Joan said, confused and worried.
The men looked at Joan for the first time. "And who the hell is this?"

[Galadas]

Unlike the past two days, Reemus woke without anything waking him. No nightmares, no fights, no trouble. He stretched his muscles and rolled around in his bed. When he finally opened his eyes, he sat up and stared through the stuff in his room. There wasn't much, but he didn't need much. All his things were in place where he could easily find them. He still wore the clothes from last night, they would fit a day longer, he thought. He stood, opening the curtains and gazing out over the city, where some guards passed through the streets, and others slept in their beds, regaining strength after what happened.
The sun was high in the sky, reaching to the west. It was a few hours beyond midday.
He ran through his belongings, searching for a new scarf. He found it between his clean shirts and bound it around his neck.
With his sword trusted in his hand, he left the room and walked through the many halls on his way to the main hall, or common room. Whatever it was called.


Joan stood, feeling like he should be heroic. He knew but a small amount of this part of the world, but he would not let the intelligence he had gained go to waste, even if it might not apply here. He had learned of manners and honor.
"My name is Joan Chibnall, I'm from Westend," he said, as he moved between Elize and the man he thought might be the leader, an older and tougher man. "And I won't allow you to execute this woman, she, like everyone else, at least deserves a fare trail. You might not agree, but Mistress Elize is the only one I have right now that isn't beyond the wall." He hoped to at least win them on the trail part. It was a learning experience. In his mind he had no clue where he wanted to belong; no idea who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Right now, Elize was his friend, just like Evana, and these men were his enemy. Sadly he had nothing to protect him. He was lost without Ease and Aur, his sword and his horse. They would probably be lost forever.
"Please," he added.


Ademai kept watch by the entrance of the bigger inner castle, she stared out through the gates onto the streets. The day was quiet, but most of the soldiers were sleeping after a night without it. She would sleep herself when night would fall, no earlier.
A young woman, dressed in the outfit of the Sisters of Dark, entered her view. She glared at her and commanded the gates to be opened.
Ademai greeted the visitor and stopped her at the gates. "Ademai Tervill," she said. She liked the Sisters of Dark, they were traitorous and loved dark arts. They were corrupt and strong. That's why she had a meeting with one of them once in a while. But this was not her contact.
"Eleni Rilan," said the Sister of Dark, "and I need to speak with Reemus."
Ademai shook her head. "Reemus isn't able to see you right now, he's resting. I can give him the message, if you want?" she asked.
Eleni nodded. "I'm here to represent the Sisters of Dark on the request from Reemus Shorshall."
"Request?"
The Sister of Dark looked confused at the Mord Sith. "You know nothing of his plans, then I don't know if I'm allowed to tell you that," she said, proudly.
"Reemus has a way of making plans and only sharing them with his most trusted men when he had completed it to every detail. You can tell me what you were to tell him, but you can also choose to do it yourself. In that case, I'll keep you company until he's awake."
Eleni nodded grateful and followed Ademai into the halls. "I know little of what Reemus asked my superiors, only that he needed our help to take Aydindril. I'm here to tell him we have accepted the request, but only on a few conditions," she explained.
"You can tell Reemus the conditions, that's his problem."
"Of course."
"This plan of his, did he tell your superiors when it would take place?" Ademai asked, she felt kinda angry for having to ask it an outsider instead of hearing it from Reemus himself.
"Soon, I guess," Eleni answered, not sure what to think of the question.
"Well, soon won't be it. Reemus has to learn that his army won't follow him everywhere he goes," Ademai snapped, she wanted to say it to the man himself, but he was no where close.

Reemus entered the hall, greeting General Ky'ur and Lyra, who were sitting around the table, talking personally. He sat down at the head. He watched with worry as they returned back to themselves as they always showed to him. He could never have normal conversations with anyone below him, unless it was Luchin. Only Lord Rahl and Marshall Tora listened to his personal stories and he listened to them. It was true; it was lonely at the top.
"Every soldier is within the walls, sir," said Ky'ur. "Every weapon is stored in one of the house close to the square, and the Catapults are protected by a few of our soldiers outside. Men are working on taking down the whole wall so we can drive them in."
Reemus nodded.
"Sir, When do you plan on taking Aydindril?" Lyra asked, she sounded worried.
Marshall Shorshall sighed. "No too soon," he admitted. Luchin's words had kept his mind thinking through his sleep and he had come to the conclusion that his friend was right. He needed his soldiers to follow him, and not to hate him. "Marshall Tora's armies will arrive anywhere between next week and the week after that. We'll take two weeks more to arrange the plans, and I hope that it will be enough time for the soldiers to get some rest and their blood lust back."
"A good plan, sir," said Ky'ur. But Reemus could not hear whether it was his professional opinion or just kissing his ass.
"How may died during the night?" Reemus asked next.
"424, sir, we'll hold a ceremony for them in the evening, and also for the Generals and soldiers that died during battle. Luchin had arranged most of it," Lyra said.
Reemus wanted to reply on that, to congratulate them with their work for today, but a knock on the door grabbed his attention. A young woman had appeared in the doorway, her dark blond hair wavy from the wind, her face calm and friendly.
"Evana!" Reemus called in surprise, he stood and walked over to his childhood friend.
"Reemus, it has been long," the daughter of Marshall Tora said. She smiled at him and grabbed his arm as they walked away from the common room.
"It has," he whispered. The last time they saw each other he had been 24 years old, and she had been 18 years old. That was eight years ago.
"You're Marshall now, congratulations, Reemus," she said, "dad always said you could do it," she added.
"When did you arrive?" Reemus asked, he couldn't help staring at her. She was such a beauty, so independent and fierce.
Evana held her eyes straight in front of her, granting him only a look when she thought it was needed. "About an hour ago, maybe two, but the guards told me you were sleeping. My soldiers are still on their way, I just had to see you. I heard what happened," she said, sounding still like she had sounded when they were friends. Sweet and innocent, while she was a skilled fighter and had killed more than Reemus had.
"Yeah," Reemus said, not sure how to react. He felt sorry for everything that had happened, especially with his Generals. He had to admit that he even missed them. It had only been a day ago, yet it seemed so much longer.

[Cara]

The men laughed at Joan. Elize looked back at him, her emotions tightly controlled. He had no clue what she was thinking.
“Take them both.”
Elize leapt forward with amazing speed, despite her injuries. The agile whistled through the air like a knife. As she touched the first man, he dropped like a rock, screaming and writing before falling still. She ducked the other arrow that whistled over her head.
Joan put his hands up, looking for some weapon. Nothing. Before he could move, two men grabbed him. He felt one kick the back of his knees. He felt forward with a grunt, as hard hands roped his hands together – again.
Elize froze when she saw Joan captured. Her expression was one of fury, not fear. She slid her agile back into her belt, holding her hands up. “Very well,” she said, glaring at the men.
“Kneel.”
Elize hesitated before kneeling down. Joan could tell she loathed the very act of it.
“Hand over your weapons.”
“You sure you can handle it?” Elize said with a sneer.
The man put his hand out as Elize reached for her agile. All the other men had a weapon on her to make sure she didn’t try anything. The man grabbed the agile. The moment his skin came in contact with it, he fell to the ground, screaming.
Before Elize could move two men had kicked her, grabbing her arms behind her. She was shoved forward – much rougher than Joan had been treated – and bound tightly with rope.
“You god-damned bitch!” the man swore, holding his injured hand. It was bloody and swollen. He gave Elize a solid kick in the stomach. Elize closed her eyes in pain, but did not make a sound.
“I warned you,” Elize laughed, her face shoved to the dirt. “Only a Mord-Sith can bear the pain of an agile...” she hissed. She spat a wod of blood on the ground. Some dripped down her chin. The men pulled her to her feet, holding her tightly. She glared at the men around her and laughed. Joan watched as another man swung around and punched Elize in the face, his other fist swinging around to cut under her into her ribs. Elize's legs caved, only standing by the men that held her. She let out a small gasp.
“Mistress Elize!” Joan said, looking at her. How much blood had she lost? Her dress was soaked through with blood.
Elize only laughed, before collapsing to the ground.
"Move it, men. Get her on the horses. We don't want her to die on us yet."


Luchin felt so betrayed. “Why?”
“Shut up.”
“You are traitors to Lord Rahl!” Luchin cried.
The man looked at Luchin, and laughed. “No, Lord Rahl ordered this, personally.” Luchin shook his head. No, a lie! “You think I lie?” the man asked. “I’m sorry, general, but you were getting too powerful. And besides, your gift is needed.” Gift? What gift? “Of course, you don’t know about what I am talking about." The man stepped closer. In this light, Luchin couldn't tell who he was, but he thought he recognized the voice. "Lord Rahl does checks on all his major generals. He had special interest in you for a while. Originally he was going to promote you first, but your recent interactions with the Mother Confessor--"
"What?! How...?"
"Lord Rahl has his ways. You will still serve him though. In other ways. Your loyalty will be paid in full." He nodded to another man.
Luchin struggled, as he felt someone tipping his head back. It was hard to see, but he knew they were trying to make him swallow something. He clamped his mouth shut, but they plugged his nose. 1, 2, 3, 4... He couldn't hold his breath any longer, and as his mouth opened for a gasp of air, they shoved a boiling liquid down his throat.
His screams were silent, as he struggled harder and harder. The liquid seared down him, and he felt like he was being set afire from the inside. He felt the men release him, but that hardly mattered. He was going to die. And the pain!
After what seemed like an eternity, he fell still. The pain died away, leaving an emptiness. He was laying on the forest floor. Carl was standing besides him. Luchin swallowed, waiting for the pain to return. It didn't.
"Carl," he gasped, feeling weak.
"General, that was a potion given by Lord Rahl. The next time you see the Mother Confessor, you are to let yourself be Confessed."

[Galadas]

Evana sat down beside Reemus on a bench in a little garden they had found be coincidence. She gazed through the two trees and witnessed the slow sunset. The winter was going to be cold and long, if her father would take longer than two weeks on his journey, they might never be ready in time. During a cold winter the soldiers would always be less happy to fight for their cause, most Marshall knew that. Five solid weeks more of practice and planning. Reemus and her father would hate that, but she would be quit glad to know that they wouldn't risk the lives of their men to get Lord Rahl to love one more than the other. They were like children, they were always like children. Kissing up and wanting the attention from their... like dogs, they were like dogs, asking attention from their master, yes that sounded right.
"I heard you've been hit," Evana said, she waited for Reemus to answer.
"My shoulder, twice," Marshall Shorshall informed her.
"Badguys must really like your shoulder then," she joked, but he didn't laugh. "You lost your humor apparently."
Reemus didn't know how to answer. When they were young they had been close friends, even though the big difference in age, Evana had always acted way older than she was. But now... as if she hadn't aged a bit. "Certainly not," he said, trying to sound funny, though it was hard for him. Luchin had been his only real friend, the only he could be himself with. Just Reemus, and not Marshall Shorshall. Real human connections were scarce.
"Ah, you'll get it back," she joked, and patted him on his shoulder.
They fell silent, listening to a city waking up when it was almost time for small children to go to sleep. The sky around the sun was turning red and behind them it was dark blue and filled with high clouds. Reemus had learned that when the clouds stood high, they were light and carried no water. It would be a dry night then, just like the past few days, even at the end of the autumn.
"So, I heard you promoted Lyra. Salesia was so happy when I saw her," Evana said, trying to start the conversation again. It was so weird that after all those years, they didn't seem to want to talk about what happened between now and the time they last saw each other. She had heard enough from her father, about the kidnapping and about the promotion. Mikial and Reemus kept much contact over the years, letters arrived once a week and copies were always sent to Lord Rahl.
Reemus nodded.
"That gives you a total of three Generals now, Hy'ur, Salesia and Luchin. I would love to meet Luchin soon, heard great things about him. One of the most skilled warriors around," she said.
"I can..." Reemus paused a bit, he had not seen Luchin since he went to sleep, "take you to him, if you like? He'll okay with meeting Marshall Tora's daughter."
"Ah, you men and your ranks," Evana laughed, and she stood, urging Reemus to take her right that moment.

Ademai entered the hall, followed by Eleni. She nodded at General Hy'ur and General Lyra. "Generals, do you know if Marshall Shorshall is awake yet?" she asked.
"He just left," said Hy'ur.
"With Evana Tora," General Lyra added.
"I'm sure he'll be back," Hy'ur informed her, "who's with you?" he asked, having recognized the dress the woman with Ademai wore.
Ademai moved one step to her left and introduced her guest, well, Reemus' guest. "This is Eleni, member of the Sisters of Dark," she said.
The two Generals nodded.
The Mord Sith nodded at Eleni to follow her and she sat down at the table, one seat away from General Lyra. She was still curious about the plan Reemus had for the Sisters of Dark, but she guessed he would have to explain it to all of them, because their guest had already begun explaining her reason of visiting to one third of the army's second ranks.


Joan kept his mouth shut for the next couple of minutes. He tried to figure out what kind of men these kidnappers were. They seemed normal, dressed in commoners clothing and only carrying a bow, arrows and a knife, each. They all seemed a little older than thirty, maybe forty. But nonetheless, they were strong men and seemed experienced.
Two men carried Elize, two were on his back. Twenty minutes after his final word, they reached a small camp, which was placed in front of a very poor looking town.
Small children were only half dressed, or sometimes completely naked. Horses, chickens, cows, stumbled through the streets like they were actual human beings. Houses had been completely destroyed or missed roofs and windows. They were greeted with angry faces and victorious laughs.
A young boy ran towards them and spit in Elize's face, then ran off again.
Joan wondered why these people were living like outlaws, he wondered many things at the same time. But especially: How the hell was he going to get out of this mess?

[Cara]

"Tie her in the square," one of the men ordered. Joan watched as three men went off with Elize, dragged behind them, through the dirt.
"And the boy?" another asked, looking at Joan.
They all glared at him. "I bet she has him trained well," he said. His attention was now on Joan. "You been trained, boy?"
Joan frowned. "Trained?"
"You called her 'Mistress' Elize. And you wanted us to spare her life," the man said, through gritted teeth.
"She wants me to call her that," Joan said, thinking each word over slowly. "And I believe all humans should receive a fair trial. Even the most murderous, wicked people would always get one in my home town," Joan said.
The man laughed. "Human? That woman is hardly human," he said. "And sorry, but this is nothing like your pretty little home town," he said, mockingly.
"I know," Joan whispered to himself. The man didn't seem to hear as he went to the other man. Joan could hear the two of them talking quietly, looking every now and then back at Joan. He guessed that they didn't think him a very large threat. He was no longer tied up, so he just stood there, looking around him. What had happened to this town? It obviously, the more he looked, was once a thriving, fairly wealthy town. It was larger than he had originally thought.
"You," someone snapped. Joan looked up at one of the men approaching him. "Come with me. We have a few questions."
"Um, alright," Joan said.


"Confessed!?" Luchin said, wide-eyed.
"Yes. You will be seeing her again. We do not doubt it."
"What will happen?" Luchin said, pale. "Why me? I have always been loyal to Lord Rahl..."
"It has nothing to do with loyalty. As we said, your loyalties will be paid in full. As for what will happen... Well you will just have to find out."
Luchin staggered to his feet. "And if I refuse to?"
"The potion will kill you." The man stepped closer. "You have one week."


Joan was lead through the town. Everyone turned to watch. As he looked down, he could see the blood trail from where Elize was dragged through the dirt. No normal human could survive such blood loss. He froze as they made their way into the town center.
Elize was hanging in large iron manacles, from her wrists, that were attached to a large wooden beam overhead. Her ankles were attacked to the stone floor.
She had been stripped, and hung limp there, her head hanging over her chest. She was no longer bleeding though. A woman was pressing a salve to the arrow wounds. Joan watched with fascination as the skin melded shut. Elize gave a cry of pain, the chains rattling.
"How can you do this!" Joan gasped, looking at the two men.
"She deserves much worse," one man hissed, not caring to avert his eyes. "Much worse." He grabbed Joan's arm. "Now, let's move."