The snort of a horse jolted me awake as I blindly reached for my sword; ready to fight if needed. I must've slept... somehow.

“Easy recruit.” A soft feminine voice soothed as her cool hand pressed against my forehead. She clucked her tongue disapprovingly but said nothing further. I rapidly blinked away the sleep so that I could see better.

The woman kneeling in front of me had blonde hair slightly covering her thin, friendly face. Piercing brown eyes, watch me for a short time. An old tattoo resembling a small dragon is subtly placed on the side of her left cheekbone and leaves a tormenting burden of forbidden adventures. This is the face of Sasha Evatt, a true defender among humans. She stands gracefully among others, despite her subtle frame. The familiar Horned Sun insignia rested on her left breast left me weak and laying back down.

Not enemies.. A choked sob nearly escaped me before I clamped down on the feeling. Opening my eyes again I look at the woman who went over my rough bandages as quietly and gently as possible.

“When did you arrive? How did you know to look for... me?” I swallowed past the lump in my throat, wishing that I wasn’t the center of attention and that I didn’t have to deliver grim news.

A jingle of mail pulled my eyes from hers to look up at the Knight standing behind her. Brown, shoulder-length hair clumsily hangs over a chiseled, worried face. Darting silver eyes, watch vigilantly over the country they’ve felt at home at for so long. A mustache and goatee beautifully compliments his hair and cheekbones and leaves a fascinating memory of his adventurous life. This was Andri Lindbergh, A true Knight among humans. He stands tall among others; despite his brawny frame, his hand resting on his sword and he cleared his throat.

“We just arrived not even five minutes past, young one. We had seen the last vestiges of your fire and Sasha had insisted on charging here at fast as her horse could carry her. The rest of the mounted patrol will be here within the hour.” His eyes glanced at the burial mound next to me. “It disturbs me that you are alone. Were you not with more experienced scouts?”

I flinched though I knew that question would arise on numerous occasions. I merely nodded as my throat seemed to tighten around the words I needed to say. Sasha helped me ease into a sitting position, and handed me a cup.

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“Drink it all,” was all she said before turning to a small bag she had opened beside her.

Ugh Healer potions.. Oh well. Duty is all about sacrifices. I tipped the cup back and felt the burning bitter brew ravage the inside of my mouth as I tried not to choke on it. As friendly as Sasha was; her brews left little of a want to become sick or injured when she was around. “Well, you’ll survive. Can you ride or should we make a litter?”

“I can ride just fine, but our... my horse was killed.” The other two horses had fled during the fight and didn’t make it back to the camp; my own horse was laying on the ground. An arrow had pierced his lungs and I had to put the precious animal down.

Knight Andri didn’t press for answers but his silver eyes hardened briefly. Sasha brushed her hands off and looked at me with a stern motherly look.

“You are going to be bedridden for at least a week. I can hardly understand how you are even able to move in the state you’re in but I figure I’ll count my blessings while I have some.” She turned to the Knight “Andri, go to the patrol; they’re just beyond the hill. Get a spare horse and a blanket. Oh and a fresh flask of water for our recruit. Go! Quickly!” He saluted smartly as he leapt on the grey charger beside him, spurring the horse into a sprint.

I leaned against the sapling while I tried not to think of what happened but as I struggled against closing my eyes; flashes of memories seemed to press against me. They swirled in my head, dragging me down into blessed darkness.

Sleep. Heal. Rest.

I couldn’t disobey.

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“I will not force him awake. He needed to heal, badly I might add; not just his physical but mental too!” A shuffle of feet and a muttered curse followed the soft steeled voice. “He should awaken within the hour, I’ll send a page when he does.”

I groaned as I raised a hand to my head, feeling as though I had gone through a stampede. My eyes felt gritty but the cotton feeling in my mouth that I also sported seemed to demand most of my attention. A cup was thrust into my hand, the coolness of the contents made me gulp it down energetically. Cool hands placed themselves on my temple as gentle thumbs peeled back my eyelids. My blurred vision could hardly see the figure in front of me but the person had brown, short hair clumsily hanging over a round, worried face.

Bright green eyes watch the way my eyes try to focus on them. The healer or apprentice, was methodical and brisk in their work; making sure to jot down every observation after touching an area of my limbs or face. After what seemed like an hour; I was finally allowed to sit up and my vision had cleared enough to make out the man who had taken care of me. He smiled before looking over to the end of the hospital bed.

There stood Commander Harlem with his stony face; and much like a stone wall, he didn't show emotion. His black armor encased him like a form fitting glove.

"Well, recruit." He rumbled like a old lion, gruff and stoic.