Twenty years....

Twenty full years since you walked us up to the Cathedral of the Lady... 

We were only five then,Myra. Or atleast I was, you were already seven.

No one would look after us I remember it well... I remember exactly what had happened...

"Everything is going to be oke, Marky," I heared you say, as i grasped you with my small hands, and I felt you kiss my forhead and hold me tight as the Armored man approached us with a  pleasantly warm smile.

"Hello you two, are you alright?" he asked us.

Somehow, we had ended up on Cathedral plaza, infront of the Massive Cathedral to her majesty, the one we serve, The Lady.

"W-We are oke sir, we're lost and hungry." Myra answered. I was holding her hand tightly, afraid, biting my thumb.  The man was what, two Meters tall? And there I was, still a little kid. Funny, now I think back at it.

"Is that so?" He asked, care in his voice, he bend through his knees with ease, even with the heavy armor, which was ornamented wth gold and silver, and was extremely impossing, ofcourse now i know it was just standard issue.

" Did you know, the Lady takes care of everyone, even you boy. You hungry too, boy?" He asked  me at eye level and I nodded hearing nothing bu my stomach growling. He smiled friendly.

"We.. We dont have any parents."  heard you say, almost innocently.

As I think back, I  think you knew exactly what you were doing. You were saving us. Or making your best attempt to.

The man nodded and lifted me up, he smelled like pineneedles, come to think of it, now that I know what those smell like.. At that time, a woman approached you with a smile as warm as her features, doned in somewhat lighter armor then the man, and took your hand. Your Amatyst gemmed ring shone in the light for a second as you watched the man walk off with me.

"W-Whats going to happen to my brother?" Was the last thing I heard you ask the women.

"He'll be oke. You'll both be, and you'll be reunited soon." She answered you. I could hear the pleasantness in her voice, the understanding of your question.

"We will look after you both."

I screamed for you, I was scared and I didnt see you for a week. But we were both fed and clothed in good clothes. uusally, our shirts were blue, white or red, with silver tread, the Silver Shirts, the mark of the Lady's order.

The next time I saw you I was happy. Having the oppertunity to be a kid, aswell as finding purpose with the Church.

It was probably one of the last moments I was actually truly.. Happy. Becasue The Training was rigorous... Everyday, non stop. Running laps around the massive cathedral, swordsplay, macefighting,Polearms, Axes, learning to read,ha! Writing, Spells, Faith. Topograpghy and other academics, first aid, diplomacy and ettiquet, and more. The years passed and we both got stronger, we both got better. Some of the others would claim even; we excelled.

I sighed and  turned around one more time in my cot in the sleeping barracks in the rear of the cathedral, as I continued to reminise.

But just like most of the others... Its not like we had a choice, huh?The Church and the Faith  became our lives. As the years passed it sometimes even came between us.

I remember when you had just turned eighteen, i was sixteen and you approached my cotroom.

You didnt even knock...

The room to my cotroom swinged open as you basiclly kicked it in.

"hey, Knucklehead, up." You almost commanded me, I shot up straight in my bed, half asleep still, we are used to getting up early but this was too much.

"By the Grace, Mie.. This.. What?"

 Your voice changed."Good morning sleepyhead." she chuckled stting down on the cot, I rose a leg for her to sit as I layed back down my hands bhidn my head, she wore a green shirt today, her favorite, and the silver threads clean. her long red hair flowed as she smiled, I growled. "Why this early.."

"Can a long lost orphaned girl not come and say hello to her  equally long lost brother before his long day begins?" She teased, squeezing my raised knee. I growled again, hardly awake.

"Marky, I have to leave... They are sending me North." She said softy.

I looked at you confused, silent, my hands staying firmly behind my head, out of disbelieve mostly, the tempeture in the barren room seemed to drop several degrees, the torces almsot seemed to dim, and the small tabel adn charis seemed to creak as did the wardrobe. I got up and walked to the small window overlooking the barracks inner yard. You were tall for a women but I was atleast a head taller then you still. I felt you walk up behind me and wrap your arms around my chest and res your head on my back. "You should take me with you!" I called out.

You smiled and shook your head, your hands on mine, as you turned me around. "Your not ready, Mark, Your not good to go yet." She said, sweetly soft, it was almost sickening, thats how angry i was.  I growled at her answer, "We started at the same time!" I remarked "How can they send you and keep me here?"  I tried to turn around again, but you stopped me, your green eyes looking at me seriously.

"Markus... The rules are simple, No outside church ground missions before your eighteened year."

"Its not fair." I stuttered, weakly.

"I know you feel that way.." I still hate the softness in your voice, it felt almost practiced and I know thats normal for a Warpriestess... But it made my skin crawl that morning.

"Myra..."

"The General made a choice. Markus." The tone of your voice had become serious out of nowhere, nearly scary. It silenced me instantly. "Im going to be back in a few months. I'll be oke, Im accompanying some Frontier regiments to the North, the At'Akis are being themselves and have begun raiding again and the Frontiers have come to the Church for help..."

I sighed looknig at my hands, balled fists, i forced them to relax. I didnt want to be alone here for 'a few months' I got along with the other Paladins and Warpriestesses just fine, but...

"Just be careful, sister."

I felt the kiss on my cheek, felt you step outside and heard you close the door.

You did come back after a few months, you were fine, but changed, you had seen first combat, you had helped people, provided the Mercy of the Lady, Halleluja. But your eyes had darkened slightly and you felt different. You were still my sister and the way you acted around me did not change. But the other Warpriestesses, the older ones, they looked at you as an equal now, it was something you wanted. And me? Well... I deeply respected my warrior sister.

With a sigh, I got out of bed, washed my face and left my cotroom. Walking through the halls of the Cathedral to the breakfast tables, there was laughing, male and female laughter, Paladins, Warpriestesses, clerics, cardenals, Seraheen, everything and everyone was here from all the walks of the Lady there was Merry making and praying. I found a table and sat down, which in turn, turned a lot of eyes my way, and I heared the whispering, the silent prayers, I looked at the bread and porridge on my plate and focussed on that. Nothing mattered to me right now. I felt empty, and I know very well why. 

I kept eating, ignoring the looks, or atleast most of them,  I met several gazes who smply looked at me kindly in passing, passing remorse, passing cammeraderie, I felt the gaze of Sabiri and Arnold most. I tried to ignore them even as they sat down at the same table as me, but these are two who dont allow themselves to be ignored. Even if they scouted me out first, and let me eat in peace. 

I was stuck in my head.

I remembered my first mission out, like you I was send North. I was  nineteen at the time and you actually came to accompany me.. I remember everything very vividly..

Me and four others were carrying a wounded man into the small church of Liliathville, he was groaning and dripping blood on my armor, the same as the man who had taken me into the church all those years ago, full plate, ornamented with silver and gold. We were in Liliathville, a small new village on the northren frontier into the lands of the At'Akas, just like a few years prior, the church had send aid to the beleagered people, this time it was my turn and wisely, they had send you with me. as well as three Seraheen to protect the church. the elite non magical warriors of the Church.

The man was bleeding, profusely. A spear, the size of my whole body, stuck from his side. The village was under attack and I had the full intend to save this man. the focus on my brow, I believe one could see it from the other side of the village.

'Hold him down!" I commanded, putting the wounded man down on church bench, I eyed to my left where you were caring for another wounded, in the exact same situation.

 'How's your patient, Markus?" You asked, not even looking my way. Your voice as neutral as it should be, since you were using a Mending spell, and couldnt move or be emotional. The flashing of warm light from your hands combined with the silver glare in your eyes made you weirdly pretty in the churchlight.

"I-I think this one will make it.." I lied to the mans face, but mostly to myself in an attempt to keep both him and myself caIm I noticed the broken,  sticking out bone on his left leg and decided to set it first.\. I swallowed and got ready. Holding both ends of the leg and i looked at two of the men accompanying me. "Hold him."

They did. "one,two..." With a krack and a massive roar from the victim I set the bone. "bandages!" I yelled to one of the men infront of me, and soon, i was bussy bandaging the leg, keeping my eyes on my casualty.

"What are you doing back there brother?" You called out again.

"I'm setting a bone, Myra, I.. I think this man needs a healing spell, or a serious potion." I stuttered.

"Mark, mend him!" I heard you say and  dropped everything and prepared, my hands began to glow, when I noticed the man's grip on me began to falter. Like an Idiot, I stopped mending to grab him. I panicked."Hey, stay awake, stay with us!" I shook him, but I already was too late. He had passed. 

I felt helpless... I looked at him the lifeless form of what was only a minute ago a breathing, if shallow,human being and now, hes dead My eyes darkened and I got up, my hand went to my longsword and three spiked mace, my weapons of choice, and the mace, ofcoure, the weapon we are forced to bring.

"Mark?" I heard you, but I choose too ignore you.

I walked towards the church door where militia soldiers were positioned,  resting and looking up at me.Taking a short rest before returning to the pallaside Their expressions, were grim, or determend, depending on who you looked at.I was younger then nearly all of them, but my Steel plated armor, and heavy weapons surely made an impression. "Follow me." I commanded. The men nodded and grabbed their stuff, from improvised farming gear to short spears and clubs and axes.

"Where to mi'Lord?" One of them asked, and I responded "Outside. were going to kill those wild Animals in the Lady's holy name."

I had hardly stepped outside, where the Seraheen were positioned, or you stopped me, your armored glove in mine you prevented me from continueing.

"Markus!"

"What, Myra?!" I looked at you, your eyes were serious, but.. Understanding. The men continued on towards the pallaside on the far end of the village. Even from were we stood, we could hear the shouting and see the fighting from the small wall. I met your eyes with my determined yet dark look. "Markus, we cant save everyone." You began, softy. I looked away, but shook my head. "We are here to save the people!" I retorted.

"Think, Mark! We're healers, let the fighting be done by the soldiers."

"We are the soldiers, Sister!" I raised my arms as if to make a point waving around me at the pallasade, the Seraheen in their heavy scale chain armor. "I think you and me and these three are the only real soldiers here..." I faced you again, I spoke softer calming down a little.

"Are you certain about that? Because if I look around, all I see are fighters." You said as you let go of my hand."If you want to go lead the defense, I wont stop you. But without your help, I wont be able to help everyone in the church." You said plainly.

I went silent, hearing the cries of the fighters on the wall, knowing that on the other side, the large hairy monstrous humanoids, with their crude weapons stood, attacking and killing the inhabitants of this peacefull village.

"These people are going to die, Myra..." I began, "Unless we do something..."

I saw you cross your arms. "If you really want to go,go. But remember, the Lady frowns on needless death. Especially from Her own agents. Dont kill what you dont have to, and dont die needlessly, Markus. We protect life, we hate to take it, remember that." She turned around as she finished her sentences, i watched the long hair walk back into the church closing the door. I met eyes with a young Seraheen, I sighed as she shrugged and then her focus returned to the pallaside, in her eyes I saw that she wanted to go fight, but she wasnt allowed.  I was in doubt, I didnt know what to do anymore, I was angry.. If I went there.. The People my sister was protecting in the Church, those who needed protecting most.  More would die... I looked over my shoulder. And then decided to head for the Wall, if I could just stop the attack...

When I reached the wall I had my first glimps of the large hairy humanoids, Long tusk pointed up from the corners of their mouths and they had short pointy noses, they were taller then even me, I am sure. They were roaring and attacking the pallaside, the soldiers on the wall were shooting at them with short and Longbows, the monsters stood no chance, the primitive weapons they had brought had no way of breaching the wall! I evaded a thrown spear as long as the one that had killed the man i tried to save

"Hold your ground! The Lady guides you all, shoot them all! "I commanded and the men roared. I deflected strike up fro one of the monsters as it tried to strike me from the ground. I tried to hit it with my sword but it was out of reach. Eventually, giving up, or regrouping, it did not matter,  The attackers retreated back into their camps, and the men and I rejoiced, we had won.

With a grin I returned to the Church, eager to gloat to my sister about our victory. my fists were balled and i had my jaw tight, I would show her my point, my point of vieuw! And she would understand and be proud of me!

When I walked through the door though,  I was met with the stench of dead and dying. I looked around, on my left a pile of dead bodies, the church cleric and bishop were now activly assisting my sister with first aid and corpse disposal.. On the benches a group of many dying men, infront of me, the death stare of my, very dissapointed, sister. her eyes were wet the sivler glema from mending as she needed a short break.

"Myra... What.." I began, but she interrupted me. "Many of these we could have saved. If you had listend to me..." She began, her eyes glowing with healing magic once more as she returned to her mending  "...And kept your overeager head where it belongs." She growled, sharply. before going neutral to apply her mending spell bettter. I looked around slowly, my victorious thoughts changed to thoughts of helplessness and decay.. my grin had already faded, but this was worse then I expected to find.. This wasnt what I wanted. 

"Myra can I..."

"Right now? Hold this man." She said, emotionless as she tried to save a man,as she was casting a mending spell, she could not move away from her target nor show too much emotion to keep effect. I still was looking around as I kneeled next to her to hold down the victim. I went quiet, looking for words to speak.

I heard my sister sigh softly. "You know Mending takes time, Markus, I had no time to help the others who were brought in. If you had stayed, you could have helped me, you could have Mended some yourself. Set bones, stopped some bleeding..."

"I'm.. I'm Sorry, Myra..." I said softly as I held down her twitching victim.. "Lets save these people. In Her name"

I saw the small grin...

Yes, you thaught me to think that day,. Didn't you? I wish I had just listened to you immediatly instead of having rushing headlong into a battle where I wasnt actually even needed. I could have saved more people if I had stayed with you.

I sighed as I looked into the eyes of Arnold, my friend, the paladin that had brought me in. His eyes stood neutral, like mine, hiding all emotions, . Like him, I had grown up over the years and with each passing day I got better at staying neutral, the way of the Paladin.The middle aged Paladin Slammed his hand into my shoulder.

"Wanna talk?" He began.  Nuetral face, but there was sincerity in his voice. I shook my head.I felt a softer hand on my shoulder, it was Sabiri, the Middle aged Warpriestess whom had brought you in. she looked at me with honest concern but remained quiet, for now. She simply waited.

"Thank you, both" I said. Neutral.

"Do you guys remember Ferdwood? What was it, four years ago?" I asked watching Arnold nod slowly "Yeah, it was our first run out together, wasn't it?" He answered,looking at Sabiri who nodded and Looked at me with a slight smile "It was your second mission wasn't it,  you were like, what twenty, at most twenty one?'

I sighed, it was. And it had been to the same region as last time. This time, Myra and I had been assigned to Arnold's command, the At'Akis attacks had been getting worse, likely because the region had finally been assigned a House. and the Local Count,  Eleric Beller Of House Gassemer,  under whose authority we were serving, was looking to wipe out the At'Akis local to secure his position and young townships.

It was our first time even meeting Arnold and Sabiri, ofcourse, we had seen them around, But this was the first time it was more then hello and  goodbye. We sat in our tent in the camp. We were laughing and having fun,getting to know eachother as a young soldier walked in. We went silent and looked up. Ofcourse it was Myra who stood up first.

"Excuse me, servants of Her Majesty? I am bottering you. I... I am looking for someone to talk to.." I watched the young footman scratch his arm and both Myra and Sabiri stood up and approached.

In armies, it was our sworn duty to protect, heal, and listen to our fellow man, we served as pastors and confessors, friends and brother, Doctors to the sick. And this young man needed us.

"Ofcourse, you are not bottering any of us." Myra had started softly, the caring side of a well trained and groomed Warpriestess, the soft undertone when talking to a fellow Believer. She put an arm on his shoulder as she coaxed him further into the well ornamented tent. The young soldier smiled at her kindness.

"I think, Markus, you should handle this one." Sabiri noted.

My eyes went big. "Me?" I asked in suprise.

"Well, he is more of your age, perhaps he would find you easiest to talk too?" Sabiri looked at me with a questioning face.

"But I.."

"I agree.."Arnold jumped in. I looked at the Paladin, my superior. And sighed, there was no way I would go against my betters, not after Lillithville.

"I think the same." Myra her free hand was on my  shoulder as i was still seated. I looked at the young soldier who was awaiting my response I read him easily. He wasnt hiding his feelings at all, his eyes stood weak.

There was no way I was going to say no, with or without the eyes of my collegues on me this Kid needed to talk. This is one of the purposes the Lady had given me, and I would accept this convession.

"Alright. Wanna head outside?" I got up and smiled shaking his hand "I'm Markus." 

With a tap on our backs from my sister we left the tent into the evening dark. Slowly we walked around camp.

'So whats your name, Footman?"

"I'm Allaric" Allaric answerd.

"Oh, your from the eastren parts then, huh? Past River Felledwenh?" I said, excitedly, trying to ease the conversation, I was sadly mistaken for his eyes went darker.

"Yeah.. Your right. I'm from Eastren Greanil."

"Pretty place! I've never been to Greanil before myself but..."

"Hey, Markus.." He interrupted me.

Here it comes..

"Yes, Allaric, what troubles you Brother in Her Name?

He looked troubled, almost shy, which is weird for a human man, a soldier, I guessed his age around nineteen year old. He spoke up, "Is it a sin as a soldier to be homesick?"

"Homesick?" I repeated. Homesick, atleast this guy has a real home to feel homesick about. I thought to myself. I took a second to think, I bet this guy has a loving home waiting.

"Allaric, did you know that most Paladins are orphans?"

Allaric nodded "Yes and you are raised by the Cathedral. The Lady looks after you, as She does us all."

"True, but it's not a home, right? My parents died when I was three, and my sister tried to look after me as much as she could. Being only five. And now we are both here."

Allaric looked over his shoulder and pointed at the tent, I knew he meant Myra so I nodded.

"But you, my friend, you have a family, parents, a home waiting when you get back, when you succesfully protect this place. I think you should be proud that you have something to be homesick about. And it's oke. The Lady is reminding you about what you are here for. Being homesick is not a sin, I think its a reminder."

Allaric seemed a little lost in thought.

"Anything else on your mind ,Brother in Her Name?"

Allaric twiddled his thumbs, " Markus, Im afraid to die... Ive heard the tales. Of the At'Akis,   I'm a soldier. But Im not brave."

I nodded. I could understand that, relate to it. Most young men were trained to fight from a young age but we Paladins ,Seraheens and Warpriestesses are kinda extreem in that. I didnt waste time at all as I stomped his shoulder.

"Stay close if something happens. And we'll get through. Alright? The Lady protects her fatefull."

Allaric chuckled. "Thanks, Markus, it feels nice to vent."

I had a massive grin on my face, I was enjoying this. I was helping calm this man his nerves. Atleast I was having some kind of positive effect on him.

We talked for another twenty minutes before he had to report back to his sargeant, we had a laugh, he had shared a tear, he even talked about his baby brother who he has not even seen yet.

"Allaric, Your family will love to see you again when the Lady finally sends you home. I am sure. But till then, serve, serve well Her, and our lord, Count Gassemer"

He kneeled his sword infront of him. "Yes my Lord. I shall."

I held my roseary, the Sun with Moon pendant, and spoke over him.

"May the Lady of Light protect you, you have confessed on me your feelings, you have confessed on me, your Faith. May the Lady lisen to your prayers and Forgive you in the Beyond, as I do today, Alleric of Greanil." I blessed him. And we parted ways.

My attention snapped back to the present .

I looked at Arnold as he sighed. We were both thinking about the same situation. "I remember Gallemer, I remember him being an Oaf, a tactical  dimwitt. Do you remember what happened?'

I growled, yes I did...

I remember we marched alongside a battlion, the four of us, we marched alongside the son of Count Elric Beller of Gassemer, Gallamer Beller of Gasemer, Yeah for us it was confusing too, but hey, Sabiri, me, Myra and Arnold ,we were far from nobles. Gallamer had his eight knights with him,  all the cavalry we had. Becides the obvious powerhouse that was the Byrathallian Knights there were  the four of us.  The rest was rank and file mostly. We were a forward detachment, a Vanguard, to scout the river. 

I was having fun talking to the Gnomish lieuteant, Yelick, Who was likely one of the more experienced soldiers on the field at the time.And thats saying something. Gnomes are amazing soldiers, called themselves Jannisars, as long as they could bring those guns of theirs to bare on a target they could bring down anything if given enough time.

Man, were we in for a suprise. We approached the open clearing, all at once, no backup, no plan. Clearly Gallamer wanted to get the scouting over with and back to his warm tent as soon as possible. The "Oaf".  We heared the Warhorns first, before the first  At'Akis were spotted on the far side of the field.

" Contact to the front!" Yelick began commanding " Rifles! Forward, skirmish formation!"  The few gnomes we had ran front and center, even as most of the inexperienced Footman and archers looked in awe at the At'Akis coming at us in force,the specs on the horizon becoming bigger as they closed in. I could feel the tension in the air, the men were unsteady and there wasnt much we could do about that right now becides speak some kind words or prayer.

I noticed some men take a step back, we had no battleline and the more experienced men among us knew "Stand. Dont falther, the Lady will protect us." I tried to calm them down, trying ot hide the slight tremble in   in my own tone of voice, it worked seemed to work for now. 

Behind me,Gallamer give the command to form ranks. The Longbowmen sprang into action their colorfull tunics in the wind as they lined up. Footmen took position infront of them best they could. I startled as i heard the firt shots from the Gnomish rifles, Yelick had taken a spaced out position with his gnomes.  Keeping several paces between themselves. The loud banging  did nothing to deter the ever determined hairy monsters coming at us. I felt cold sweat noticing how the Barbaric beasts simply didnt fear our rifles anymore, having come to a terrifying conclusion, the quicker they closed the distance, the less shots the Gnomes could fire, resulting in less casualties.

They only picked up speed. I felt the eyes of the Levies, simple farmers, simple militia men with their crude weapons looking at me. Atleast Count Elric  had given them shields. More he could not afford with his lands still developing.

We would have to sell our lives dearly.

"Disperse!"I heard Yelick and wondered at the command, why would he... Then I noticed the At'Akis approaching out of the riverwater on our right. Very close, very fast.

Our first volley of arrows, the length of a mans arm, began flying past and over us, Felling a few off the monsters but far from enough to stop the charge, I witnessed Yelic get hit by a spear like I had seen in Lillithville, the poor soul, there was nothing left of him he twitched and gurgled and went quiet. No way for me to save him. I was snapped out of watching the gory scene of the half cleaved gnome as the At'Akis hit our line, me included. I was pushed onto the ground by a bodycheck,  twirling twice, flying several feet back and  in between the few levies that had decided to stay with me. I shook my head and crawled up to my feet. My expresion serious. Wiping some blood from my mouth, that was a good hit.

"Fight for your very lives men! Sell them for a steep pricetag!" I roared and charged, sword pulled.

I would give no mercy to these monsters. Behind me I heard the roaring of men and the footsteps of brave souls following me into the fray "If we can keep them off the gnomes they can keep the fire up!" I commanded. Behind me a militia sergeant nodded, he may have lacked formal training and dicipline but by the Lady did his men follow him no question. To my right, I noticed two gnomes in a situation, a Single Ata, a giant to them, tried his best to slam its crude hammer into them, they deftly ducked, fast that they are, even  in their leather armors. the Jannisaries turned and shot it in its face. Gnomes carried advanced 5 shot bolt riffles, they didnt need to reload every shot, a boon in this situation, I saw another gnome calmly put his bayonet on his rifle and then charge along side me.

The battle had now truly begun for me aswell. Around me the roaring of the Ata and the clashing of steel on bone and stone I met my first Ata, I didn’t remember them being this large back at the Walls of Lillithville.  But back then I was looking down at them from high above. But now I was eye to chest with them and close enough to feel their breath.The creature roared at me as it slammed it massive hammer into my shieldarm. I flinched and was pushed back by the force, but unlike the suprise bodycheck, I kept my footing steady this time.  Dirt moved under my feet as I stepped forward sword raised, flanked by two spear armed levymen, with a grunt i plnated my sword into the beasts shoulder, the lieveis roared and joined me and the monsterous humanoid gurgled and went down, where I quickly planted my sword in its head.  On my right I withnessed Myra, as she singlehandedly took down her first Ata of the day with such easy, that it could never have been her first. Her favoring of the threeSpiked Mace made her a master of it, a weapon meant to spare not to kill, but the spikes made it deadly if she wanted it to be.  She didnt stop smahing at its head, though, even when it stopped moving. I wonder why. Our eyes met

'Markus! Focus! Pay attention... Look out!"

I reacted to my sisters call, but even if she hadnt given it, my levy would have warned me. They roared to block a second Ata trying to get to me, I had the feeling we were recognized as targets, me, my sister, Arnold and Sabiri stood out as a sore thumb in this mess, our armor a giveaway. I dodged the At'Akis his first blow, one of my men was less lucky and I heard bone break and a gurgling, Instantly and instinticvly, I knew that was atleast 4 ribs going into the mans lungs. He would be dead by the time he hit the ground. I got back up and roared as I charged the monster, I felt rage, and I called upon the lady in prayer allowing holy power to flow through me, and my i unleashed a strike of my blade filled with holy wrath, and the At'Akis, powerfull as they are, saw my blade simply slip through his, and then cut his abdomen open and he fell to the ground. My sister slapped my shoulder and walked past me, looking around. I did too.

I saw a single Ata take down three men as if walking through reeds.

Another, smashed two Gnomes together with ease. 

A Third  took down a Footmen, more experienced then your average levy, with a smash from a bone club  that broke through the mans shield and chest. 

This situation was not ideal.

The second volley of Arrows hit their marks, felling more monsters. But i saw them, in the woodsedge, more of them were coming.

I turned to Gallemer "Sound the retreat!" I roared.

The overconfident young Count's son scoffed and ordered another volley.

While we all appreciated the support, we would have saved lives perhaps if we retreated.

Then the third wave of Ata hit us in the other flank, forrest side.

I first though hope was lost, but then the hoofs, Gallamer had spurred his knights into charge, a devestating sight, thundering hooves of Byrathallian Knights charging, nothing could stand in their way. not even the Atas trying to get to them, the Ata were not exactly trampled into the dirt, but the might warsteeds and their experienced riders did make short work of the more suprised Ata. The footmen had now broken formation and had joined our fray, Their captain likely thinking the Longbowmen more secure if thhey could keep the Ata of them at a distance. I still heard gnomish gunfire, and the few longbowmen we had had switched to a "fire at will" rate of fire. piercing more At'Akis, especially at this shorter range. We would have been dead already had it not been for them.

It would not matter though, not unless we run. We were being pulled apart and torn to pieces man after man, the situation changed drastically as the Knights began loosing their momentum after their second charge. One by one the men were being simply pushed off their steeds. only from horseback could you look these monsters straight in the eye. So large. I got into a melee with another one of the beasts, this one more armored, even if with just  bone, wearing the skulls and bones of giant monsters from the Frontier lands, pehaps even An'Mal, or the Dragon Lands? His face painted in several colors, a leader? I had no real time to wonder, nor did I really care, since this thing was actively trying to smash its obsidian axe into my side. He shoulderchecked me and I cursed under my breath for falling for the same type of trick twice in the same battle.I tried to get back up, but to no afail, At'Akis are hunters, and I was prey down for the count,  it was on me in a second, I couldn't move. I roared at it ready to meet death by staring it in the eyes,  when out of seemingly nowhere, Sabiri smashed the feinds  head in with a roar like a gryhpon mother protecting a welp. I looked at the three spiked mace she held, and I still felt the holy magic from the strike. The monster stopped moving instantly at the impact force. Her warm hand extended to me.

"Get up, Markus. We have to find Myra and Arnold in this mess."

"Remind me not to get on your badside." I joked, elliciting a chuckle out of the middle aged Warpriestess. her armor, much ,ike Myra's, was lighter then mine, less ful plate and more halfplated, her shield, was round with a metal sun and moon motief, not unlike my kiteshield, She beghan  Pulling me along side her, we searched for my sister and Arnold. And it was not hard to find Arnold.
Around him were wounded and dying men, Arnold was leaning on his grathammer in prayer, as he got up and turned towards the Ata attackers, I saw the sparkles coming from his armor and weapon, the shimmering,it was  a Bless. A Prayer,  answered by the Lady, his holy Aura had  been manifested, rarely does this happen to a Paladin or Priestess. A powerfull Faith Spell surounded him. We probaly all felt it. Arnold inhernent magic got  the wounded men got back up, their wound closing as if Mended by Myra one by one, but they all stood up at once fully healed. I stood in awe.

"Stand tall in Her Service, Stand tall in service of Byrathalia. the Lady protects you! And we shall honor this blessing by killing these monsters!" Arnold raised his greathammer, and charged, his hammer cracled with holy Faith magic. Closely followed by the men with renewed Morale, Sabiri and I joined him. Shouting warprayers,  we soon found Myra surrounded by corpses of deadmen, her eyes were wet, she must have tried to save one or two of them likely to no avail. 
We hit the Ata'kis once more, And the battle coninued until we heard the thundering of hooves, it was count Eleric and his knights, Behind him, his eighthundred men were rushing over the hill, the At'Akis were never big in number in this battle, but one was enough to kill ten men if let to it. But they were not stupid. This fight was turning to our advantage.
The thirty knights of the Kingdom charged in, lances first, the At'Akis had no other choice then to make for the woods. And they did.

A short respite, out of breath, i sat on Arnolds Hammer as we looked at Eleric scold Gallamer, Even hitting him over the head. Arnold and I chuckled and our focus turned to Myra and Sabiri healing wounds, soon we would join them in this, as is duty.

We looked up at more warhorns, there they were, a full warhost under the leadership of Adagar. the Freshly crowned Chief of Ata. and he had brought his army..

I snapped back to reality and got up.Followed by Arnold and Sabiri I walked through the ornated messhall back to the Cathedral Hall.

"I dont know what happened to her, Mark, but know it wasnt your fault..." Sabiri's warm voice from behind me, i felt her hand on my shoulder and I simply nodded. The battle of Read River was four years ago, and I had come to the conclusion then, that my sister would never fall in battle. she was to amazing to invincible and well trained to fall...

But today. we were going to burry her.

I tried to fight back tears as I stepped out into Cathedral square. Where her burial cart stood, Surrounded by Warpreistesses and he occasional paladin saying goodbye.