William chased after Shakur, watching him grow farther away. No matter how hard he tried, his legs refused to go faster. Eventually they stopped working all together, his breath coming out frantic.

He froze.

A fury filled snarl brought him back as he snapped his head in its direction. A Beast-Warrior lumbered towards him, blood oozing from a wound on its inner thigh. Its sights locked on William. He hurriedly back pedaled, tripping over his own feet and falling backwards. He frantically scrambled back to his feet and continued his backwards movement. In a panic he drew back his bow and fired an arrow towards the beast, which flew harmlessly past its shoulder and into nothing. Still it continued its awkward march towards him. Baring its teeth as it approached.

A battle cry to its left diverted its attention. A spear inserted itself into the beast's sternum. A second soldier, who too screamed furiously, ran up behind it and brought the blade of his massive axe down into its back. A third let loose an arrow, which plunged into its upper chest, before drawing his sword and charging it as well. The beast latched onto the arm of the spearmen, squeezing tightly. So tight it cracked the man’s bones. With all the strength it could muster, it pulled fiercely, ripping the man's arm from his body. It swung its sword behind him, striking the axeman’s torso. It turned back in the direction of the third, who lept up at the beast and drove his sword into its heart. The beast too, drove its sword, threw the man’s as he had it. They both collapsed.

William watched the whole scene unfold before him in horror. Turning, he ran back to his horse. He quickly climbed into the saddle and within moments was at a full gallop away from the battle. He had no destination in mind save for one, as far away as possible.

He rode to the North, where he knew more Command posts were, and in turn safety.

“I’m a coward.” he thought to himself.

The sounds of battle growing ever fainter behind him. Yet still he rode, for what felt like eternity.

“I’m a coward.” he kept repeating.

The terrain to his front began shifting as he closed in on a line of sand dunes, running far into the East. It would be harder riding through them, the sand rapidly sapping the already heavily fatigued horse.

He mounted its summit and his horse reared in a panic, spinning in a circle and throwing William off, sending him tumbling down the opposite side of the hill. A large desert rattlesnake spooked his horse, which ran back the way it had come. William continued rolling down all the way to the base of the hill. Once at the bottom he screamed out in frustration, at the situation and more so himself.

“I hate myself.” he thought as his eyes filled with tears.

He laid there undisturbed for a few minutes, until finally the sound of distant hoofbeats sparked his attention. He sat up and saw a group of six riders in the distance to the North East riding in the direction of the path he’d been following. He fumbled trying to remove his quiver of arrows, most of which had snapped when he fell. He breathed a sigh of relief when he finally found the one he was looking for, still intact. Frantically he patted his pockets until he found the other thing he needed. Crawling on all fours to where his bow had landed he hurriedly began striking his flint fire starter in an attempt to light his oil soaked arrow. His window was small, if he wasn’t fast the riders would miss his single.

“Come on, come on, please.” he pleaded with the arrow over and over until finally it lit.

“At least let me do this much.” he thought.

He sat the arrow on the string of his bow, drawing it back and aiming up in the air so that it would be seen by those on horseback.

He released the string, sending a trail of fire into the sky and began screaming.

Shakur awoke in the medical tent. He sat up gingerly, much to his surprise there was no pain in his back.

“The healing Mage paid you a visit.” said a soldier sitting next to his bed.

“When did we get one of those?” he asked, having not seen the unit’s normal one when everyone had been rallied by the horn.

“He came in with the Dragon Knights.”

Shakur nodded, “How long was I out?”

“A few hours. The Commander told me to tell you he wants to see you when you wake up.”

“I guess that would be now then.” Shakur said, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed.

The medical tent was easily over maximum capacity. Many were forced to use the ground as a bed. The healing Mage was at the far end, obviously at the end of their mana pool. Sweat beat vigorously down his face and his skin was deathly pale. Yet still he continued tending to those wounded.

Shakur made his way to the entrance of the tent, drawing it open to pass through. Two guards were stationed outside, one on either side. Shakur nodded to them and asked where he could find the Commander.

“He’s in the command tent.”

Shakur thanked them and was on his way. The sun was beginning to fall under the horizon, casting long across the ruined camp, bathing everything in orange and red. A group of men were working on piling up the bodies of all the Beast-Warriors for burning, another lining up the dead so they could be identified. It was a somber sight. He looked up at the guard tower from which the Psychic had rained arrows down from. A Dragon Knight stood watch there, and another in the only other standing tower. Shakur reasoned there was probably one stationed at the hole in the wall as well.

The guard posted in front of the command tent’s entrance held out his hand to stop Shakur.

“State name, rank, and business. Commander Margrat is very busy right now as I’m sure you can expect.”

He nodded, “I’m Sergeant Shakur Hassan. I was told he wanted to see me as soon as I woke up from my injuries.”

The guard lowered his arm, “Go in.”

He thanked the guard and continued passed. Like before he went to remove his sword and place it on the rack in the first room, finding nothing on his hip when he did.

“It’s probably still over there.” he thought back about where he dropped it.

Unlike before, there was no receptionist to greet him. Another saddening sight. He followed the hall to the entrance of the conference room, another set of guards posted like before.

They repeated the same line as guard out front, to which Shakur did the same.

“One moment.” said the guard, entering the conference room.

There was a brief break in the conversation being had, followed by the guards voice and a response.

The guard returned moments later holding the flap open, “Enter.”

He quickly walked through the opening, the guard disappearing back outside behind him. In the room were three men. The Commander and Belthron, familiar faces, and one of the Dragon Knights, helmet removed. He was taller than the other two, younger as well. On his face was a full, yet neatly groomed beard, and a large scar running vertically down his face.

Shakur stood at attention and saluted, “You wanted to see me Sir.” he said, not quite as either a statement or question.

“Yes, it’s only right of me to thank the man that saved my life.” Commander Margrat responded.

Shakur paused awkwardly, “I was only doing my duty Sir.” he finally responded.

“Duty or not, thanks were still in order. It was a very admirable thing you did, along with charging through the line to chase after him. Outside of not listening when I told you to wait, but I’ll let it slide this time.”

‘Foolish is another word to describe it.” interjected the Dragon Knight.

Shakur looked at him and paused for a moment, the voice was familiar along with his verbiage.

“Are you the one who saved me Sir?” he asked

The Dragon Knight nodded but said nothing.

Shakur bowed his head deeply to him, “I owe you my life.”

The Dragon Knight waved him off, “Please don’t, I save regulars all the time.” he paused, “You’ve got guts though I’ll give you that.”

Shakur thanked him again. He glanced in either direction around the room and finally made the connection that someone was missing.

“Is Major Nelson still recovering from his wounds?” he asked, remembering the Major had been wounded.

Grief washed across Commander Margrat’s face and Shakur instantly wished he could take his question back.

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“I’m afraid he succumbed to his wounds before the battle closed.”

Shakur bowed his head slightly, “My condolences and apologies, I should’ve thought before speaking.”

He waved it off, “No no, it’s quite alright. It’s a reality we have to face. He was shot clean through, saving my life much the same way you did. Which is another reason I felt so strongly that I should thank you.”

The room was quiet.

“Can we return to discussing the matters at hand Margrat?” asked Belthorn somberly.

He nodded.

“I’ll take my leave then.” Shakur excused himself.

“Not yet Sergeant, there’s another thing I’ll need you for shortly. Take a seat over there.” the Commander said, pointing to a set of chairs in the corner.

“Are you sure it’s really okay for him to be here while we continue?” Belthorn snarked.

“There’s no harm in it Mage.” said the Dragon Knight.

Belthorn was obviously displeased but pushed the matter no further. The three of them resumed their discussion, paying Shakur no mind. The primary topic of discussion that Shakur had interrupted was the purpose for the attack and how a party of Beast-Warriors that size remained undetected, however this was now coming to a close and the logistics of returning the bodies of the deceased back to their hometowns took center stage.

“We’ll need an accurate count of the casualties before we can contact anyone.” Commander Margrat said, “I’ll see to it that a messenger is ready and waiting for when the time comes.”

“If the one that alerted us declines your offer you could always send him. One of my men can deliver it if not, along with why we haven’t arrived yet.”

“So you’ll be staying here then?” Margrat asked.

“At least until we receive word back, there were two Psychics and we only have the body for one. Which means another attack is a possibility. We can’t afford to allow an opening for them to funnel troops through.”

Conversation continued, switching amongst various topics, until the guard once again entered the room.

“Sir, the messenger is here.” said the guard.

“Send him in.”

The word messenger sent an alert through Shakur’s mind, he’d completely forgotten about William in all the commotion.

The guard nodded, holding the flap open just as he had done previously for Shakur.

“Enter.”

The setting of the sun was casting shadows perfectly on that portion of the room so that Shakur couldn’t make out who was about to enter until they already had.

“You wanted to see me Sir.” said William.

Shakur shot to his feet, “You’re all right!” he exclaimed, relief washing over him.

William nodded awkwardly, unable to make eye contact with Shakur.

“Yes I did.” answered Commander Margrat, “There’s something I wish to discuss with both of you.”

Shakur moved over to William’s side and they both stood at attention, as was customary.

“Firstly, Sergeant Shakur Hassan. For your actions during today’s battle, both in saving my life, chasing down and engaging on your own accord and without regard for your own life, the Psychic responsible for Injuring Grand Frost Mage Belthorn, who attempted to take my life twice, and who killed Major Nelson. Along with your ability to inspire others and lead by example. You are hereby promoted one rank.”

He walked up to Shakur, removing the rank on his upper chest, and replacing it with his new one.

“Congratulations.” he said, saluting.

Shakur returned it, “Thank you Sir.”

He turned to William, “Secondly, Messenger William Salah. For your actions of quick thinking to ride out North in search of possible reinforcements, resulting in victory when there was no other hope of one. Every soldier here that still draws breath does so thanks to you. You are also hereby promoted one rank.”

Commander Margrat preformed the same ceremony he had just done, before returning back to his position by Belthorn and the Dragon Knight.

Expecting that to be the end of it, Shakur prepared to thank him one last time before leaving them to their discussion, but instead Commander Margrat spoke once more.

“Lastly, as someone given the rank of Commander, I am granted the right to send up to twelve of my soldiers per year to Class Selection. Two of my remaining slots belong to the two of you, should you accept.”

The room was quiet. Shakur was surprised to say the least. He hadn’t been expecting to even get promoted, let alone a slot to attend Class Selection. If he passed that would mean he could become a Mage, Beast Tamer, or Dragon Knight. There were no Elemental Swordsman spots open last he heard, seeing as there were only five plus their Paladin, and it wasn’t often one of them met an end.

He looked over at William. He was extremely pale, almost sickly. He glanced in Shakur’s direction but failed to meet his gaze once more.

Shakur nudged him softly, “What do you think William?” he asked in a hushed tone, but got no response.

William just continued staring straight, looking forward but seeing nothing.

Shakur nudged him again, harder this time and repeated his question. He already knew his answer.

‘I-I don’t know.” William responded.

“What do you mean you don’t know?” Shakur asked, still hushed.

“I mean that I don’t know.” William said louder than he had intended.

Commander Margrat cleared his throat loudly, “If you two need a moment to discuss your answer in the room out front you may do so.”

“Thank you Sir. It will only take a moment.” Shakur saluted.

He hooked William by the arm and drug him out to the next room, catching a glimpse of Belthorn’s eyes as they rolled. The guards jumped slightly as the two of them burst through the door.

“You can’t seriously not know.”

“I don’t”

“You can’t pass this up, it's a once in a lifetime chance.” Shakur pleaded, “You could end up just like that Dragon Knight in there.”

“Could.” responded William.

Shakur let out an exasperated sigh.

“You’ll never know unless you go.”

“And if I fail?”

“Then at least you tried.”

He still seemed unconvinced.

“This is how we keep making a difference, like we did today. You deserve this opportunity just as much as I do. It’s all thanks to your actions that we won today.”

William was quiet but Shakur could tell he was swaying him. All he needed was one last push.

“If you refuse then so will I.”

“What are you saying! Are you mad?” William spat back.

“You’ll regret not going for the rest of your life.”

“So let me regret it alone.”

“No.”

He was quiet once more, only now thinking as opposed to doing nothing.

“One more should do it.” Shakur thought.

“I guess I’ll just go back in and tell him we decline his generous offer.” he said, turning back towards the room.

William reached out and grabbed his wrist, “No don’t.” he paused, “Fine, I’ll do it.”

Shakur smiled, “I had a feeling you might.”

He looked at the guard from before, “May we go back in or do you have to ask?”

“Go ahead.” he said, tilting his head towards the opening.

They entered the room once more, standing silent at attention waiting to be acknowledged. The three were discussing once more.

“They’re back.” said Sir Eerebus pointing at the two.

Commander Margrat turned around, “So then, what did we decide?”

Shakur spoke first, “I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity Sir. I accept.”

He didn’t speak for William. He had only pressured him so hard because he didn’t want him to make a decision he’d regret out of fear or self doubt, but Sakur couldn’t force him to agree to it with the Commander, William would have to make that commitment on his own.

“What about you Messenger Salah?”

William didn’t speak at first. Instead he looked at the ground, just in front of Commander Margrat’s feet.

“We’re all waiting on you.” said Belthorn.

“R-right.” he fumbled, “I… also accept.”

Commander Magrat clapped once, “Splendid.” he began, “There’s another couple individuals I also want to speak to regarding their actions today like I did the two of you. I’ll send word out to all of you later. That’ll be all for the time being.”

They both saluted, “Roger Sir.”

The two men turned to leave.

“1st Sergeant Hassan,” the Dragon Knight began, “If you pass, and end up a Dragon Knight, tell assignments that Sir Erebus has requested you get sent to his squad.” he paused, “ I like fools.”

“Understood Sir.”

With that they left the room, making their way through the remainder of the tent until they found themselves outside. A sliver of the sun was still visible over the horizon, soon to vanish. Nightly chill beginning to set in. Flames from a large fire could be seen poking over a group of tents.

“I take it that means they finished collecting the Beast-Warriors bodies.” Shakur said.

It was the first time either of them had spoken since exiting the conference room. The awkwardness of the silence had become too much for Shakur.

“I owe you an apology.” he said.

“For what?” William asked.

“What I said to you back there. I had no right to force you into anything.”

“It’s alright, I needed it. You were gonna accept my decision, regardless of what I said weren’t you?”

“Yes, I just wanted you to come with me.”

William allowed a soft laugh to pass through his lips.

They walked a little farther away from the tent, once they were away from any possible eavesdroppers Shakur spoke once more.

“I should also thank you,” he said.

“Why?” William asked, puzzled, unsure of what he possibly could’ve done to earn the other man’s thanks.

“I would’ve died at the hands of that Psychic, had you not thought to go search for help.”

William’s stomach sank, not liking the turn their conversation was taking.

Shakur continued, “I was worried, I didn’t see you at all after I attempted to knock some sense into you, which I’m glad worked. Today’s victory belongs to you.”

William wanted to vomit. All color washed from his face, his hands felt deathly cold.

“Be quiet!.” he wanted to scream, unable to find the voice.

“I owe you my life.” Shakur said with a deep bow of his head, “Now come on, let’s go find out where we’re sleeping and if we have watch tonight.”

With that he turned and walked off.

“If only you knew the truth.” William thought.