Strict Loyalty
Jowl Breden calmly looked over his forces as they went at work preparing an old Rullenfay fortress for their liking. They had come upon the long abandoned building as they ventured across the land searching for new recruits. Jowl was the commander of these soldiers, and he expected nothing other than full loyalty.
Though there were very few void adepts in all of Liteo, with the enhanced power given to Draven’s void magic due to the Adept’s Stone, he was able to imbue such magic into badges and had them sent to every one of his void disciples to distribute among the common troops so that they, too, could have void powers. It was Jowl’s advisor, Horan Toph, to teach these soldiers how to use the powers.
Jowl nodded with content as he noticed every man working hard at something. He made a fierce leader not only by his strict attitude, but his appearance alone gave him the command he expected. He stood about 7’ high and had was all muscle. His black hair was cut short, making his sharp gray eyes visible to everyone. He was the best fighter in all of Draven’s army, and the only reason he wasn’t the void leader’s right hand man was because what he gained in physical fighting, he lacked in magical prowess. He was a formidable foe nonetheless, but without the magic to back him up, he was stuck as 3rd in command, just below Lyx, who really had no last name. This hardly mattered to the large man, for he was quite satisfied with his commanding position. Besides, he enjoyed being out on the field instead of a personal body-guard and advisor to the leader.
“Jowl, sir, I have just finished with the recent trainees.” a lanky dark man with a heavy cloak said as he approached the commander. The man was quite a curious one with his completely black eyes and long, pointed nose that was ever noticeable even with his hood covering his head.
“I see. Good work Horan. How well did the results come?” Jowl asked, not even looking down at the man.
“Quite well. There were a total of 26 soldiers who have learned to control the most simple of void magic available to them with the badge. I was most surprised at the willingness of the two giants we converted. They will be of much help to us, especially with the void badge at their command.” Horan explained.
“Only two?” Jowl asked, finally turning to regard the man with a scowl.
“Well…yes, sir. It is hard to find giants that are willing to assist us. Most are simply intent on crushing us.” Horan said hesitantly, seeming shrinking under his commander’s gaze.
“Good enough, I suppose. We will need more if we intend to make any use of this force.” the commander said, returning his attention to the processes at the fortress.
“Yes, I understand. I shall take the new recruits out in search of more giants.” the advisor said, turning to walk away. Before he could go, a mighty hand fell on his shoulder, stopping his pace.
“Take the two giants along as well. They may prove useful in converting their kin.” Jowl said. Slowly, he released his grip of the lanky man, who rubbed at his now soar shoulder as he skittered away.
**********
“If we don’t find some town or something soon, we’ll have to resort to hunting if we want to eat.” Faux grumbled as he clutched his aching stomach.
The group had been traveling for days without stopping to restock their supply of food, and it was beginning to wear on the rogue. Ezekiel had assured them that they’d be fine without getting more food. Their food was running low now, and they were forced to ration it off, one meal a day. This was too much for Faux, who was used to three square meals a day, to handle. Still they marched on, and no one other than the rogue complained.
“If we must hunt, then we shall hunt.” Kara said in her usual care-free tone and customary smile. He tapped her bow strapped to her pack to emphasize the point. “I have never hunted game before, but I’m sure Ezekiel could give me a few pointers.”
Ezekiel grinned slightly. “I used to be an expert hunter.” He assured his two companions. “My tracking skills couldn’t have dwindled that much in my years of retirement.”
“Yeah, well you better find some huge dear, because my stomach expects a full day’s worth of food, no excuses.” Faux said, tapping his stomach.
“You don’t want to eat too much, or you’ll be too fat to take advantage of your heritage’s agility.” Kara said with a chuckle.
“Oh please! I am not going to get fat! I am good at taking care of my figure.” Faux said with a laugh.
Ezekiel suddenly stopped, holding up a hand for silence. The other two turned around to regard him. He responded by tapping his ear, signaling them to listen around. They did just that, and it didn’t take long for them to understand. Every so often they’d hear a thunderous footstep residing from somewhere nearby.
“A giant…” Faux gasped, barely whispering the words as his hands went to his weapons.
“Two of them…” Ezekiel corrected, readying his scythe.
Before any of them could move, they found themselves surrounded by a hoard of soldiers, all of them wearing a peculiar black badge on the shoulder of their armor. The heavy stomping continued until not one, but two giants came into from behind a nearby ridge. A single man, short and lanky, and hidden under a heavy cloak, climbed up onto a rock and held his hands high to command silence.
“What do you want in this area?!” the little man demanded.
Kara slipped off of her horse, readying her spear as she did so. “We are mere travelers passing by. I wouldn’t suppose this is private territory? If so, do accept our apologies.”
“Er…Yes! This is territory of the Bladenheart army! However, we accept no apologies. Either you join our ranks or you fall in a puddle of blood.” the little man threatened.
“Uh, Mr. Toph, we don’t really own th-” one soldier began to question, but found himself falling to the ground, numb. The little man lowered his hands and glared at the crippled man for speaking.
“The only way I’m falling in a puddle of blood is if I slip in your own.” Faux grumbled, already in a bad mood because of his hunger. He openly presented his kama and short sword.
“Please, sir. We mean no conflict, but we are prepared to defend ourselves if so be it.” Kara warned, readying her spear in front of herself.
“So be it! Men, get them!” Horan shrieked, waving his hands in the air.