Deksen was in every way the model soldier. Tall, handsome, strong, he inspired confidence in those he protected. He followed the letter of the law and he believed in his god explicitly. After all, he had met him several a few times now. In fact, Deks was one of only five people who had Era’s gift. He took great pride in that fact.

“Sir!” A soldier saluted Deks, his fist against his shoulder.

“Report, Bertrand.” Deks nodded at the young man. Bertrand was a new recruit to his army, a nice young man. Since Deks was a senior captain, he got to choose who he wanted to join his squad. Bertrand was a bit scrawny, but sharp. They could fix scrawny.

“We’ve found the trail of the rebels in the woods ahead. We believe they’ve passed through there and have set up camp on the other side.”

“Good! Thank you soldier. We may make it home before supper.” Deks nodded at the soldier, dismissing him.

Deks scanned the horizon. The forest was only a few hours march away, they had a good view of it from the hill they had camped the night on. The sun was already climbing. They’d have to leave soon. He caught the eyes of his lieutenant’s and waved him over.

Hagan and Alantriel jogged over. Hagan was a tough man to his core, he had fought his way up the ranks. He had earned the respect of every man in his squad, and they would have done anything for him. He was of middling height with a sturdy build, a military haircut and the cauliflower ears that showed him as a consummate wrestler. Alantriel on the other hand, while tough, was not a man who had found that on the battlefield. He was the son of a prince, given to the military as a sign of good faith. He was young and still good looking, yet in him Deks had found a natural leader. He had yet to establish his confidence entirely, but Deks had complete faith in the young man.

“Bertrand reports signs of the enemy in the forest. I want to march in and flush them out.” Deks said, keeping his eyes on the forest.

Hagan and Alantriel both saluted, “Yes sir.”

“Any ideas? Concerns?” Asked Deks.

Alantriel looked to his more experienced colleague.

“It’s easy to set up a trap in a forest. We need to keep our eyes on the treetops, sir.” Said Hagan, falling into at ease as he spoke.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“We’ll divide and conquer then. Hagan, you’ll take the vanguard. Keep your eyes on the trees. Alantriel, you’ll take the rear. A trap can spring on us at any time, so be vigilant”

Both lieutenants saluted and jogged off. Deks hummed a nameless tune to himself, the song that was his. He never could place where he had heard it first, but it comforted him. It was his secret weapon. It allowed him to face fear head on where other men would turn.

Within minutes, camp was broken and the squads were marching in formation. Deks couldn’t help but feel the pang of pride. Even months ago, this drill took an hour for them to complete to his standards. Preparedness was the difference between a dead soldier and another few days under Era’s beautiful sun.

Deks led them into the forest, and the tension hit like a wall, challenging them to turn back. The dense foliage overhead made it hard to see anything, so the soldiers kept their eyes squinted looking up for the traitorous rebels. They approached step by careful step, Hagan himself in the front, checking to ensure no traps had been placed in their direct path.

It continued like this for almost a half hour, the tension laying heavily on their backs. Bearing that pressure for even 30 minutes exhausted them, yet not a single person thought to pause.

Without a call, or perceivable sign, dozens of arrows spiked through the men. Six were launched at Deks himself and he caught one in the shoulder. He ripped out the arrow and raised his arm, shouting “Attack!” as he absently tossed the arrow toward the trees. Then he charged into the darkness. He made it another five steps, before an ax swung from behind a tree striking him in the chest. He fell to the ground, blood oozing from around the wound.

—-

Somehow, despite the exhaustion and the cuts across his legs, Alantriel had managed to drag his captain’s corpse out of the forest. He had first placed him on his shoulders and when Deks fell he dragged him by a foot. The ax sticking out of his chest didn’t imply that he’d mind much. As soon they cleared the forest, Alantriel dropped to the ground and wept. He wept for all the great men in his squad, and for Hagan who had sacrificed himself so that Alantriel could escape. Hagan’s last words were save the captain, so Alantriel did just that.

After the tears dried, Alantriel stood and inspected his captain’s very dead body. There was something so heartbreaking about seeing him impaled on the ax that had taken his life. He set his foot against his captains stomach and yanked. With a sickening crunch, the ax ripped clean of ribs and organs and left a bloody hole in its wake. The noise alone was too much for him, turning his head to vomit the past day on the plant life edging the forest.

With all the food and tears out of him, Alantriel felt empty. He had nobody, they had all left without them. A wave of sadness hit, threatening to knock him down. He wiped his face, it was going to be a long trek back home with the captain’s body.

“Where am I?” a voice came from behind.

Alantriel spun around to find the captain sitting up, with only a hole in his shirt where the enormous gash once was.

“Alantriel! You’ll have to help me out, what’s going on? Where am I?” Deks smiled broadly.

Alantriel promptly passed out.