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The Rise of Zakarian

By Frederick N. Marais

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They had a small party that night. Zakarian and Shallen were looking at the stars while Kortein continued his studies. Doera, Boetane and Gelson were having some fun of their own. The night was open and you could see the grass bowing to the wind.

“Ten. I can’t believe this, nobody could ever take that amount. Not even to mention five” Gelson through some Elfven wine into his mug.

“I told you all. He could become my drinking buddy. Doera you know how to handle your Dwarven ale.” Boetane razed his glass to Doera as they cheered the night away.

“Doera likes Dwarven ale.” Doera threw in another mug of Dwarven ale, for him and Boetane.

“Can you three try to keep it down? I am trying to learn this spell.” Green light walked over to them as Kortein stepped out of the darkness.

“Or what? You turn yourself back into a worm.” The three started laughing and patting each other on the back. Kortein went back were he came from waving his one hand in a circular movement.

Boetane and Doera took a sip from their mug. Boetane cheeks started to lit up like red candles as he spat out the Dwarven ale.

“Doera are you sure you through in Dwarven ale.” Boetane walked over to his last barrel. He removed the cork and took a bug gulp.

“Water it’s all … KORTEIN! Come back here. Nobody messes with Dwarven ale.” Boetane rushed of into Kortein direction grabbing his battle-axe. “Come back here.”

“Those two will never get along.” Zakarian lifted his head and looked at the back of Shallen eyes.

“Well who could blame Kortein he was only trying to learn his spells.” Leaning back onto Zakarian shoulder.

“What is your next plan?” Shallen rubbed Zakarian chest.

“Well I am going to help with the design of the fort that will stand here before the main town is going to be build. Lot of people are going to come over here. After the fort is complete I am going to give Kortein command over the fort.” Zakarian stood up kneeling before her.

“After I gave Kortein command of the fort. These stars as my witnesses e.” He took out a small box that was wrapped in rags. “Will you then be my bride?” Zakarian took out a silver ring with Shallen engraved on the out side between two little Elfish leaves. The language was done in Elf.

She held out her hand. “I will with you and no other.” Zakarian put the ring on her finger. It almost looked like if the ring was giving of a silver moonlight as the ring went on Shallen finger.

They just held each other. For time was standing still for them. After awhile they went back to the campsite. The rest looked at the two sitting down.

“He asked. Didn’t he?” Gelson eyes saw the ring.

“And you helped him making the ring?” Shallen walked over two Gelson giving him a hug.

“Now I will turn the alcohol back. Now we have time to celebrate something pure … Love.” Kortein waved his hands over the barrel. Everybody celebrated to mark this event of two binding souls.

The night did not end for them. But you could not stop time. Only movement. It was later in the afternoon that they woke up. Celebrating does pay in time.

“Here you two birds. Doera and I woke up earlier to cook you a special breakfast.” Boetane handed them a plates with a roasted rabbit on it.

“No worms?” Zakarian looked at the roasted rabbit.

“No I made sure of that I am not a worm fan myself.” Boetane walked of to cut of some more of the rabbit.

“Listen here I hate to spoil our fun but we need to do a couple of things before the wagons arrive tonight.” Zakarian putted down his plate.

“Kortein see if the near by stream is alright to drink out of. We will look at land fertile enough to use as farming grounds. Boetane you and Doera survey the area for any game that may be near by. Gelson look at the forest and see if there is enough of the right trees to use. We do not want to get on the wrong side of the Woodelfs.” Zakarian eyes pulled down like a real generals eye.

“Well. See you all here tonight. I am going to send a message back to the beach camp, so they can spread out in these directions to start the sub towns.” He took out the cage and a little inkpot with pieces of paper.

“I will go with Gelson. It will be interesting to find out about the type of trees.” Shallen gave Zakarian a kiss and walked of with Gelson.

The day went pass as everybody was busy collecting information about there new surroundings. The wagons came late that afternoon. People started making small little huts, considering that they are home now. A great feast was being repaired for tonight. Zakarian sat with the rest of the commanders that were there. Explaining his and Kortein plans for the fort. Where each wall and the center will be. The wanted a circular front where all the people will be shielded if battle was ever to come their way. Kortein designed the back where the trading and keeping of the law will be happening. At the center of this the mansion would stand.

The rest of the plans showed how step by step this fort would be upgraded to the center of all.

The night started with the celebration. Everybody were feasting on the food that has been provided by the kooks. It was a good night. It almost looked like if the fort was done. But that still needed to be build.

“Could I have everybody’s attention!?” Zakarian climbed onto the table looking at the people. All the people stopped in there tracks looking at Zakarian while silence filled the plain.

“I have a small announcement to make. I got you all across the sea o start a new life here in Balren. Hopefully we will be better than the world we came from. People will travel to us and say that we have the best empire.” Everybody cheered and shouted yes to his statement. “But first we need to get a small fort up and running to trade. We have already decided that Boetane will be responsible for arms.”

Boetane razed his glass as the people shouted his name. His wife gave him a real Dwarf kiss. “Gelson will be handling the building of the fort. After the fort is up he will also start the trade lain.” Gelson stood up as the people cheered his name.

“Then finally the minister shall be.” Zakarian halted a while. The people shouted Zakarians name here and there hoping it would be him. He was the one leaded the most of the journey.

“Kortein.” The people looked surprised at this decision. Kortein stood up.

“I accept this title with pride. I hope to live up to your expectation. To Zakarian as this fort shall be called.” Kortein lifted his glass at the people. The cheering could be heard from miles away. “To Zakarian!” They all cheered.

“I will under see that the fort gets up. Then I will live a life among you.” The people looked confused but accepted his decision.

The next morning everybody was busy like little ants. Farmers were busy looking for land to be used for harvesting. Builders went to cut the trees that Gelson marked, to be used for the buildings and the wall. Zakarian was walking around under seeing the building of the fort. Boetane was talking to some of the blacksmiths to start making armor and weapons for the guards.

“Zakarian.” Zakarian turned around to see Kortein.

“I will be gone for two days. I’m just going to take some ground samples. Could you please under see that everything keeps up as plan.” Zakarian walked with him to his horse, helping him up.

“Sure I will. Just don’t get killed out there. Till two days then.” Kortein road out to the plain and leaved Zakarian in charge.

“I see you got most of the houses planed out. But where are we to spend our lives.” Shallen hugged him from the back. Zakarian gave her hand a light kiss.

“Not here on the plans.” Zakarian gave a slight smile. “Gelson found the location I described to him. It is in the forest where we can spend time by our self.”

“When will you show me this place?” She looked a little bit worried in her eyes.

“As soon as Gelson and his workers are done with the house.” He just gave a light smile. She gave him a kiss on the cheek rubbing his shoulders.

“Sorry to leave you for now but I need to help with the cooking. Hoe knows if Doera added something else.” As she trotted of to where the hall was being constructed. Zakarian looked at the wall that is current being placed with the wood that has already been cut.

“Yes I will start an easy life and the demons will not haunt me here.” Zakarian stood up and went of helping.

“Gelson. How is the wood and rock supplies looking?” Zakarian looked at the list of Gelson.

“Well at the rate the supplies are coming in. We should have the first part of the fort in two to three weeks done.” Showing the amount of wood needed at each section.

“How is that possible?” Zakarian eyes opened up in questions. 

“Let’s just say the Elves showed me how to bring wood in a lot faster.” Gelson smile reached cheek to cheek as he rolled up the building cost scroll. “And the foundation of your humble is done. It should be finished after the first section of the fort.”

“I am glad to hear. Then I will leave you to do your career. Are you sure you don’t want to live there by us?” Eyes of concern opened up to Gelson.

“Brother I need to start my own life. Just like you. What am I going to date in the forest? Deer.” He placed the scroll back into the case.

“Point taken. Then we will make lots of visits, and not disappear. Let’s go join the lunch crowed.” They walked with there arms around each other shoulder to the hall.

“Doera come over here.” Boetane stood there with his battle-axe out and in the ground.

“Ya Boetane?” Doera ran to Boetane.

“I have not forgotten you.” Grabbing Doera by the waist and walking with him.

“We are going to work on your speech and your attacks with the battle – axe. You will become my right hand man in battle. What do you say?” Stopping Doera holding out his had.

“Don’t know meaning but except.” Scratching his head while shaking his hand.

“Then it is done. Come join me and the misses we are celebrating your soon to be title. Commander Doera.” They walked to the training grounds. “Me like Commander Doera.”

Four weeks passed and the construction of the fort was going as planned. The walls and the buildings were almost completely built. Flowers surrounded the unicorn stone. Showing that it would be the hart of Zakarian. Corrion ships found a place to put up a dock to the north east of Zakarian. Zach ships went down east in a river and started to build a dock there. Just north of Zakarian. Two smaller towns started rising as well Dall and Greikorion. Dall was placed between Corrions dock and Zakarian while Greikorion bound Zakarian and Kalmendor. Birds carried messages over the sea that they have settled here. The first trade ship also left to get more supplies that will be needed. Kortein planned to trade in silk, woodcraft and in magic.

Gelson was really handling his job well. As Kortein and Boetane. Boetane taught Doera well how to use an axe and his speech became a whole lot better.

Red and white strips of material was wrapped around four pillars. With a white piece of cloth connecting the corners. Gelson and Kortein were standing under a arch of white roses. Zakarian as well dressed in a white silk shirt and with black long pants. Gelson was dressed in his black rogue gear. Holding a little red pillow. Kortein was dressed in a black and red striped silk robe.

The people stood up as Shallen walked up with her blue silk dress. It had a long tale about two meters long. Around her shoulders were these white and red silk flowers. She walked slowly to be were Zakarian was standing. They smiled at each other kneeling before Kortein. Kortein looked at them and just smiled. He raised his hand and people sat down. He cleared his thought.

“People of Zakarian we are here today to see the first marriage taking place here in Zakarian. If any body think this should not go on let them speak now.” There was just silence for three seconds. “Then we shall continue you may exchange your promises.” Gelson brought the pillow to them where two rings lie. The rings had two little doves on. The two doves were in flight and looking at each other. Next to the doves in writing was Zakarian and on the other Shallen also done in elf. Zakarian took the ring with his name and Shallen took the ring with her name on. They both took a deep breath and started at the same time.

“Just like this ring that you are going to give me with your name. I will always fly back to you’re name.” They exchange the rings and looked at Kortein again. “Well by the witnesses sitting here I pronouns that your souls have been bounded by each other. And no other man or woman shall interfere. Go on your journey and may your love grow as a garden would.” Kortein showed them to stand up.

As they stood up the people cheered and even Boetane started to cry. He held onto his wife harder than usually. Zakarian took of Shallen ankle ring and all the bachelors gathered into one group and the single woman in one group. Zakarian through the ankle ring into the air as a young farmer boy caught it.

“Well let’s see who you might be bounded to.” Shallen turned around and completely through the flowers into the wrong direction. All the men gave way and Gelson stood there with the flowers.

“Gelson I never knew you were female.”  Every body started to laugh.

“Well. I will give the honor to somebody else, more suitable to the task.” He through the flowers were the females were gathered. Finally the flowers went to the right person.

The night was filled with music. People were dancing around the couple that had just been bounded. Others were reliving their bondage to each other. Even the guards were excuse from duty that night to join the celebration. Children were running and playing.

“Zakarian. Me and the wife have been thinking.” Boetane squeezed between Zakarian and Shallen.

“What may that be?” Looking down at the Boetane with little smiles on their faces.

“How about giving your first born a Dwarven name. Like, like Boetane.” Boetane looked twice at them waiting for an answer.

“And if it is a girl.” Shallen razing her eyebrows tilting her head back.

“Boetana.” Teeth were starting to show as the three laughed.

“Thanks for the offer Boetane but we have settled our names.” Eyes of Zakarian turned back to see what is in Shallen eyes.

“Well tell if your going to use. Excuse me. Doera and I need to drink the other drinkers under the table. Enjoy the rest of the night. Unfortunately I can’t tell you to do anything I would.”

Boetane disappeared from the table. “No, Doera do not start without me.”

A rider entered the gates all dressed in black.  He came nearer to the party. The people stopped and looked as the rider continued to ride closer to the party. Music also stopped to play. Blood dripped from the rains. As he entered the light, a staff was revealed from his back. Gelson quickly ran up to the rider.

“Message for Kortein.” He gave the scroll to Gelson. He fell off the horse hitting the ground. As he hit the ground a spear point shoved right through his chest. Blood come out of his mouth.

“Get this man a healer.” Gelson rushed to Kortein with the scroll covered in blood.

Kortein opened the scroll by the light.

“Kortein what is happening?” Zakarian rushed to Kortein. Eyes fell onto the scroll.

“Boetane, Doera! Get over here.” Kortein went to sit by a nearby table. Throwing his hair back.

“How fast can you set this fort for an attack?” Eyes looked serious into Boetane direction.

“By the end of the night.” Sat him down by the table next to Kortein.

“Well we aren’t alone and Ogers know that we are here. A large troop force is heading to here.” Kortein rubbed his chin as if he had a long beard. Zakarians eyes lit up. It almost became a red colour.

“I will get the men ready Boetane.” Doera rushed of to the nearest set of troops.

“How long?” Zakarian eyes rage with white fire.

“At the sign of that mans horse two days.” Gelson tapped his bows string.

“Well I am not letting the night go to waist.” Boetane walked of with Kortein and Gelson.

“What is happening?” Shallen sat down next to Zakarian. She started to rub his arm. Fire could be seen in Zakarian eyes.

 “I promised you that I will take you to our house as soon as we got married.” Taking her hands looking at the ring. He lifted his head and looked at her soul again.

“But in a matter of days Ogers are going to attack us and I must help fight.” He took a deep breath of air as he hugged her.

“I understand. We will be ok.” She whispered into his ear.

“We will be I promise you that. Our love will not end like this.” The two just held onto each other while people around them where running to get things ready.

The sun revealed two guards standing with bows patrolling the gate. People were rushing to finish the back part of the fort. Men old and young were handed armor and weapons. Boetane and Doera were getting soldier ready for when they breach in. Gelson helped along giving the archers a couple of pointers. Kortein looked like a real commander of war as he pointed out were to protect the fort.

“Do you think they will get in?” Zakarian was busy sharpening his sword.

“I can’t tell you that Zakarian. But if they do get in here … Let’s just say it would be a long battle.” Kortein looked at the sky. Eyes looked for answers to questions.

 “Strange that we were fleeing from this. But it seems we will have to stand and fight.” Zakarians sword reflected in the sun. It displayed the sharpness of the sword, as if it could cut through the air.

“I will make sure their race will die.” With his left eyebrow lifted he gave a little smile to Zakarian. “You will live happily. I will make sure of that old friend.” Kortein continued walking of.

A glass of water appeared in front of Zakarians face.

“Here is some water my love.” With his right hand he grabbed her waist and pulled her closer.

“We will make it. Don’t you worry. Just like this situation I will fight for our love.”

She gave him a long kiss and carried on to give the rest of the people water.

Zakarian stood up to take a walk around the fort. Looking how the fort is being closed up.

“Doera. How are you holding up?” Doera turned around. He had a breastplate armor on and bigger version of a Dwarven battle – axe.

“Ready to smash in some Oger heads. I will not let them touch my friends.” He displays his strength with the axe.

“As long as the anger doesn’t take over you.” Zakarian continued to walk as Doera stops him.

“I will make sure they do not touch Shallen, Boetane, Gelson, Kortein and you. You are the only friends I have here.” His lower teeth showing as his mouth touched his ears.

“We will make sure nothing happens to you.” Hitting Doera breastplate.

“Let’s make our self ready to kill some Ogers.” The two grabbed each other wrists having a small tug of war.

“I will see you later Doera. I’m going to see how Boetane and Gelson are doing.” The two walked of into different direction.

“Make sure that you can see them clearly before firing. We only have a small amount of arrows so make every shot count. Return to practice. Make your arrows fly for a reason.” Gelson looked at the arrows flying of to the target boards.

“How are things looking on your side?” A hand crept over Gelson shoulder.

“They will do fine. Luckily the Ogers will not be wearing plate armor. Else we needed to make a run for it.” Gelson gave Zakarian a pat on the back as they sat down.

“So are you going to tell us soon what was haunting you?” Handing a cup of water to Zakarian.

“Not yet. But the time is near. Do I need to watch your back?” He placed his glass down onto a nearby barrel and rubbed it slowly.

“Don’t worry about me Zakarian. You know I can look after myself.” A hand rested on Zakarian shoulder. His brother was smiling at him.

“I know. But you are still my little brother and I need to show you my children one day. So that they can look up to you and say uncle.” Returning the smile.

“That day will come. But be dammed if they call me uncle. I will come to kill you.” The two sat and laughed as they stood up again finishing their water.

“See you brother I need to check on Boetane.” Zakarian walked of as Gelson instructed the archers even further.

 People were standing in a circle as dust was coming from the center. Boetane and another soldier was standing and hitting it out. The soldier brought his sword up above his head and down at Boetane. Boetane stepped out of the way. When the soldier turned his head to the right. He was looking at the cutting edge of Boetane axe.

“Never go for a strong attack unless you are sure, that your target will not get out of the way. Take a brake. Zakarian.” Boetane took of his helmet and put it down on the ground with his axe.

“You forgot they must not do it against a small target like you.” Handing Boetane a cloth.

“Yes but any opponent can crouch on the ground and do a stab upwards.” Boetane wiped his face of.

“How is it looking here?” Zakarian kneeled him self to look Boetane in the face.

“Let me put it this way. I hope those archers are going to get those Ogers down in number. These kids are going to die if they come through.” Losing this battle could be seen in Boetane eyes.

“Well I am sure you will make them warriors over night.” Zakarian stood up looking down on Boetane.

“Zakarian be with your wife. You two are new. My wife and me had lots of happy moments. Just for incase try to make a happy moment. See you later I have kids to make soldiers of.” Boetane walked of putting his helmet back on and grabbing his axe.

The night came as the fort lighted up with watch torches. Every body joined there loved one and spent the time as if they were going to die. Doera and Gelson helped with the patrol that night. While Kortein was busy looking continuously were the Ogers might brake in. Boetane and his wife went into a hut not to be seen for the rest of the night. Zakarian and Shallen also went into a hut. Lying under a bearskin sheet. Just looking where they could find each other souls.

“Zakarian. What does our house look like?” Shallen rubbed his chest hair.

“There are five blossom trees surrounding the house. Currently the dead blossom flowers are lying on the ground. It covers the ground so much that you would think we have blossom flowers for grass. There is a porch looking out to the most beautiful rock formation that you have ever scene. The five rooms that are in there have been made out of pine. One room is painted blue with little stars on it. On the other side is a rainbow coming out of a glass object that Kortein gave us. That is for our child. The other is just a kitchen and so on. But one room has a mattress bed. With curtains made of silk surrounding the bed. Rose leaves are waiting on the ground for our return.” Shallen just looked at Zakarian.

“Well won’t disappoint them then.” They continued watching every movement they made.

“Why don’t you have a partner?” Doera sharpened his axe. Gelson was busy getting some coffee for them.

“Well you see Doera I chose to be loner.”  Doera dropped the wedge stone and took his mug from Gelson.

“Why spend your life alone. Look at me I have a reason to spend my life alone. Not to many Half – Orc walking around here.” Doera slurped away his coffee.

“I committed my life to another cause.” Looking inside of his glove. A ring was tied down in his glove. “The love where time can stand still and I will die.” Closing his glove.

“What do you mean?” Doera picked up the wedge stone continuing to sharpen the axe.

“Let’s just say we did talk about this but we didn’t.” Putting his hood over his head.

“Ok. I am going to continue my patrol. I will wake you when it is your turn.” Doera walked of with his head up. Gelson laid his head down onto the ground holding his own hand near him. As if it was not his hand.

“I will see you again.” Gelson closed his eyes and went to sleep.

Fire is rising as a village is burning. Parents were running with there children. Ogers were everywhere, cutting heads of men and woman. Biting of infant’s heads. There was a big figure walking with black metal armor.

He walked to a man that is protecting a woman and child with a short sword. The man charged with the short sword at the big figure but the big figure cut of the man leg. He was defending a woman and baby. The Black figure threw the infant down onto the ground as he grabbed the woman, holding her face in front of mans face. Twisting her neck back and slit her neck slowly. Taking her head off completely.

The man tried to stop the figure but got his fingers cut off. The infant that she was holding was screaming louder now as the man tries to get to the infant. The Black figure stepped onto peasant’s hand, with his spike on his shoe going trough the hand of the peasant. He brought the peasants face closer to see how he crushes the infant skull with the other foot. The Black figure just turned around and walked deeper into the flaming village leaving the man to die slowly between the remains of those he tried to protect.

Zakarian woke up in a cold sweat grabbing his sword. He just looked at the shadows around him. He put the sword down and climbed out of the bed slowly, not to disturbed Shallen. He walked outside to take breath of air. He saw Gelson sitting and crying. He went over.

“I forgot the day.” Zakarian seated himself next to Gelson giving him a cloth. Gelson took the cloth wiping the tears from his face.

“I shouldn’t have gone on patrol that day.” Tears looked at Zakarian. They ran down Gelson face.

“Yes, but I should have also been there that day.” Zakarian held his brothers head nearer to him.

“I could have stopped him. But when I came back from the long patrol they were gone. All slaughtered by the figure in black.”  Zakarian eyes started to look into the sky. Eyes that seek a answer to calm down his brother.

“Yes, but now he is dead.” Stroking the hair of his brother.

“No one can say that. He could still be out there. No one ever found his body or a trace of him. He just disappeared with all the evil that he carried.” Zakarian lifted his brother’s head.

“He is gone. You know we searched hi and low for him and we could even find a whisper about him. Only what he did in the past.” Eyes started to water.

The two sat there for a long time. Silence crept up to the two brothers. Zakarian did not know what to say to his brother.

“I will need to go back. Do not let that ring kill your spirit in living. You shall find another to replace her. Not the love that you shared. And I am sure that she would want the same.” Zakarian walked of as his eyes filled with sadness as well. Leaving Gelson alone to watch the ring on his glove.

Zakarian walked back into the hut. Shallen sat there watching him as he came in.

“Were have you been?” Opening the other side of the bed sheet.

“Just went to catch a breath of fresh air. Do you know what we forgot?” Zakarian covered himself in the sheets. Looking at her. Shallen closed her mouth with her hand.

“Your brother. Is he … “ “Yes he took it a lot better this year.” Taking away a strain of hair that fell in front of her face.

“I hope that will not happen when the attack comes.” Shallen eyes started to tremble.

“I believe we can take them on. Boetane trained the fighters before. He is could at that. Kortein laid out the soldiers well enough. Let’s get some sleep the day is going to be long.”

They both settled in. The night passed with only the sounds of the fire waving in the air. Soldiers walked on the wooden plank around the wall. Spears, swords, axes and bows lied there ready for any thing to come.

The sun revealed guards standing strong. Exchanging watches and looked out onto the horizon. Kortein stood in front of the hall.

“People of Zakarian listen to me. I know most of you are tired. But this might be the day of the attack or tomorrow. But I suggest that all woman, children and old men enter the shelter. Only those able to fight should stay. By high noon I want this done. So take the time and spend it with people close to you. That is all. Good luck” Kortein went up to the guard at the gates.

“Soldier by high noon I want the gate barricaded no one must leave or come in.” The soldier saluted. “Yes sir. Get the barricade beam ready.” Kortein walked to the back part of the wall to see that it has been build.

“Good job. They shouldn’t be able to get over that.” Kortein walked of ignoring the rest.

“Kortein is really busy. No more time for us.” Doera turned to Gelson and Boetane.

“Well you would be as well Doera. If leaded a whole town.” Gelson looked at the archers standing on the walls. Boetane sipped his coffee.

“I shall make him proud of me. With thanks to you Boetane I will.” Smiles arose out of Doera’s face.

“Let’s get to our post.”  Gelson and Doera walked of two their little troupes to command.

Boetane went over to his wife.

“Here keep my lucky dread lock it will keep you safe and insure my return.” Boetanes wife took the dreadlock of Boetane beard.

“You better. You are the only Dwarf that could tame me.” As they hugged tears came raining down.

“Now get out there and kill some Ogers so that we can be together again. I will hang the donkey up the wall so long.” Boetane went of. Eyes where keeping a close watch on him.

“I will see you after the battle Shallen. That I promise.” Shallen wrapped her self around Zakarian.

“You better. Else I will haunt you beyond the graves Zakarian.” They gave each other a long kiss as Shallen move slowly away with Boetanes wife.

Boetane and Zakarian rushed of to their places. Hours passed and the sun was starting to eat them. The sun was hanging a quarter of the way to sun down.

“Why do these blasted Ogers always take there time.” Boetane washed of the sweat from his face.

“Do not wish so hard. Most of these people don’t want them to charge over those hills.” Zakarian eyes followed looking if they might just come up from that hill.

Archer’s hands were getting itchier to line up there arrows.

“After this Boetane and I are going to drink out two barrels of Dwarven ale.” Resting his axe on the ground.

“Good to hear that son but first we need to win this battle before we can drink Dwarven ale again.” Boetane went closer to stand in Doera’s shadow. Zakarian climbed on the ladder. Standing next to Gelson.

“Are you ready my brother?” Looking out on the horizon.

“I am. And you?” “As ready as I could be.” The sun came down to the horizon as the fort of Zakarian kept looking in directions. Torches were being light for the nighttime.