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Post by reylan on Jul 20, 2010 17:11:19 GMT -6
The moon had fully risen and was now vibrantly shining on the city of Ostia. The stone walls, built for heightened defense, enclosed the once-great city. Reylan, mounted on his horse, was given the task of patrolling the main perimeter, along with four other soldiers in his division, each of them carrying a torch in one hand and their lances in the other.
I remember when this city before it was destroyed. Father used to bring me here as a kid... but now... Reylan's thoughts trailed off as he refocused on his mission.
Several yards in front of him, he heard the sound of running. As the sound came closer, he let out a shout:
"Halt, just for one second. What business do you have wandering around at this hour? It's unsafe. Ever since this city was ravaged, there have been more thieves around here. You better leave before anything happens to you."
The figure stopped a few feet away from Reylan's horse. From what Reylan could make out, it was a young man who looked like an ordinary citizen. However, that assuption was proved false. Without a word, the young man pulled an iron dagger out of his pocket and lunged at the soldier to Reylan's left. Reylan's horse let out a terrified neigh, then jumped, almost throwing Reylan off.
Damn it... I'm still a beginner at riding this beast...
The soldier lunged back with his lance in retaliation, but his armor clearly weighed him down. The young man, who was wearing little more than a brown tunic, was surprisingly fast. Reylan did not want to harm a seemingly innocent person, but since the man provoked a fight, he knew he had to intervene. He reached over and grabbed his own lance, then lunged forward with all his might, while still clinging onto his horse. His lance struck the man in the side, knocking him off balance and causing him to bleed. Reylan then jumped off his horse and looked at the young man intently.
"Now, what was that about? I demand some answers." Reylan did not mean to be imposing, but he didn't treat enemies with any mercy.
The man simply stared at Reylan, then fainted. He then turned to one of his soldier companions. "Get him back to the camp. Make sure he's still alive. I don't believe he's a threat to us, but he needs to give us some answers. No normal man would attack a soldier..."
Reylan then mounted his horse. He sighed as he looked at the night sky above him.
I'm worn out... I guess it'll take time for me to be of any use on the battlefield... and this lance is a nuisance... once I get my hands on some gold, I'm buying a better lance. Five gold pieces won't even buy me any food... Maybe I'll even find some companions if I'm lucky enough.
He then cursed himself.
I shouldn't have stabbed that man... he seemed like a threat... but Father would never have done this. I guess it's all part of being a soldier.
Quietly, he led his small group back towards their camp.
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Post by reylan on Jul 21, 2010 6:50:26 GMT -6
The sun was already rising by the time Reylan pulled into camp. The man he had stabbed was still unconscious, but as far as Reylan could tell, he didn't look critically injured. As soon as he entered the camp's boundaries, several soldiers eyed the unconscious man warily. Reylan took no notice of them and continued towards the captain's tent. Jumping off his horse, he headed inside. The captain, a young halberdier, suddenly stirred.
"Reylan? What business could you have here at this time? Or did you return from patrol?"
Reylan brought the still-unconscious man into the tent and placed him in front of the captain. After explaining the patrol's encounter and skirmish with him, the captain suddenly tensed up.
"Hm... I see. Bring him to the cleric's tent. Once he awakens, he'll be questioned, but not punished unless I say otherwise."
Reylan nodded and carried the man out of the tent towards the infirmary. Once there, the clerics assured Reylan that the man would be fine, but it would be awhile until he would awaken. That suited Reylan just fine. After all, he needed some time to himself. Grabbing a practice lance, he headed towards the training area of the camp. Halfway there, however, a familiar voice stopped him.
"Reylan! Wait for me!"
Turning his head, Reylan realized it was none other than Blain, a fellow cavalier.
"Ah, Blain. Good to see you. Have you been training as hard as I have?"
Blain scoffed. "You know I'll always be one step ahead of you."
Reylan never took those words to heart, especially since they were evenly matched at best. They had sparred several times before, and every time the brawl ended in a draw. But Blain was always arrogant and careless. Nevertheless, Reylan shared a close friendship with him.
"We'll have to see about that," Reylan responded. "There's an open spot in the field right over there. Bring your horse, we'll be doing it the same way we've always have done it. First one to fall off his horse loses." He then guided his horse towards the field.
Blain wasted no time in formulating a verbal response and immediately bolted back towards the main camp. A few moments later, he was back, with his own horse. Practice lances in hand, the comrades began their spar without hesitation.
Reylan had analyzed Blain's fighting style ever since they first sparred together. He knew that he would probably make the first strike. Sure enough, Blain charged at Reylan head on. With a quick flick of the reins, Reylan trotted towards him. At the last second, he motioned for the horse to slowly swerve to the left, dodging Blain's move. As Blain rechambered, Reylan flicked the reins again and attempted to turn around. However, the horse turned the other direction instead.
Ugh... I really need to learn to control this thing,he thought.
Blain's first strike had missed completely. His comrade had swerved to the left, leaving Blain wide open for a counter strike. Since he was also a beginner, like Reylan, he also had trouble controlling which direction his horse would go next. He tried another frontal attack, but Reylan's horse had suddenly jolted to the right. He seized this opportunity and tried an attack from the back, this time connecting.
"Hah! I knew you couldn't avoid that," he shouted boastfully.
As Reylan tried to turn his horse around, he suddenly felt the blunted tip of Blain's practice lance strike him painfully in the back. As Blain began boasting about how perfect that hit was, Reylan was able to counter strike him. Because Blain hadn't bothered to keep his distance after the strike, Reylan could finish him off. He lunged forward, clutching the reins of his horse. His lance struck Blain in the side, knocking him completely off balance. Reylan couldn't help but chuckle as Blain frantically attempted to stay on his horse. As Reylan delivered the final blow, Blain sweeped his lance up from below, striking Reylan's horse. The attacks met their enemies at the same time.
As Blain attempted to strike Reylan's horse, he was suddenly met with Reylan's lance. Although Blain's lunge had made contact, the recoil from Reylan's strike was too much for his balance. He toppled off his horse, landing in the grass.
Reylan had the full intention of winning this match. However, Blain's last attack had completely surprised him. He attempted to control his startled horse, but to no avail. His horse bucked him, sending him flying out of the saddle and into the grass a few feet away.
The two comrades looked at each other, dazed but satisfied. They had tied once again.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 21, 2010 13:52:46 GMT -6
OoC: I hope you don't mind me joining you. If you do, just ignore this and I'll delete it..
IC:
It was dawn when Cebrail approached a camp. He held his lance ready, he wasn't sure if it was friendly or not. He had heard rumors that Ostian citizens were being held by the Etrurians. He could see soldiers already rummaging about as the sun slowly rose through the sky. He had escaped Ostia after the attack only to return once again. Only days ago he fled the once great city. Only days ago he was in debt to a vile man. Only days ago, his sister died.
The soldiers standing guard noticed him as he came closer to them, brandishing his lance. They have Ostian armor. He slowly lowered his weapon and spoke to the guards.
"By your armor, I'm assuming this is the Ostian camp." He gripped the lance tightly. If they were not allies, he wouldn't be caught off guard.
"Who are you?" One held his blade's hilt and was ready to slice. The other, pointed the lance and held it at Cebrail's face.
"I was a guard at the wall. I've traveled from Caelin. At least let me rest before you interrogate me." The guards looked at each other for a moment and let him through. One led him past the maze of tents into an empty one. There was a small bed and a chair.
"Stay here. I'll get the captain." Cebrail opened the tent flaps and stared as two men finished what appeared to be a duel. They handled themselves well. They had strong forms and were quite skilled. He should ask to practice after he speaks to the captain.
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Post by reylan on Jul 21, 2010 16:57:42 GMT -6
OoC: Not at all. I was hoping for a comrade, anyway.
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Post by reylan on Jul 21, 2010 17:15:13 GMT -6
IC:
Reylan slowly began walking back towards the camp, guiding his horse along side him. Blain bid him farewell and began walking towards his tent. Reylan started to his own tent, but a strange sight stopped him. In the center of the encampment stood a young man wearing armor. However, Reylan did not recognize him or his affinity. As several of his fellow soldiers assumed a combat stance, Reylan simply walked past them, stopping a few feet in front of the newcomer.
"And who might you be?" he asked confidently. "You seem to be a common soldier, but your armor gives you away. It's obvious that you're not an Ostian."
The young man said that his name was Cebrail and that he traveled here from Caelin. As Cebrail explained his purpose, a surge of pity swept over Reylan.
He lost someone close to him... like myself...
Reylan's thoughts were halted as he was asked his name.
"My name is Reylan, and I'm a cavalier in the Ostian army. After hearing your background and purpose for coming, I can't see why you can't stay here. Head over to the captain's tent and explain why you've come. He's very honorable, so he shouldn't mind. But I'm only equal to a common soldier. I'd love to let you stay, but you'd have to see him first."
Reylan pointed towards the large tent that housed the captain.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 22, 2010 5:21:54 GMT -6
Cebrail nodded in appreciation. It appeared that the guard that left him was nowhere near. It was still early and he had been traveling all night. He would get some rest first. "Thank you kindly. I think I'll get some rest first." He entered the tent and sat on the makeshift bed. He felt exhausted. From his bag he pulled out a piece of parchment. He began to write. Endless Sunlight, When will you set Upon my endless plight?
Your eyes torment me so, As I held you close, And they loss their glow. He scribbled out what he had written and started again with something different.. I was trapped in a little world, A world that wasn't mine, Secluded from everyone else, Imprisoned behind the high walls, Blind in their darkness, Blind behind a veil, Away from the everlasting sun.
I was free in the open space, Yet confined in a crowded prison, Lost in the lurid jungle, Marooned on a desert island.
The cool breeze blew above me, Pushing past the falling leaves, Falling through an endless chasm, Where no one but I would see it's final moments, It's separation from life.
Everyone is but another leaf on a tree, We each fall at some point, Replaced by another, We're all alone, Another leaf on a tree. She used to love my poetry.. He thought. His thoughts continued to drift to his sister. To her laugh, her cries. The night she died, he held her close but she never said a word. But her eyes, her eyes said everything. Cebrail soon drifted off to sleep, gripping the poem he had just written. OoC: Yes I wrote those poems. Sorry about that. I didn't really know what else to put so uh.. yeah..
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Post by reylan on Jul 22, 2010 10:59:19 GMT -6
OoC: No worries. It's good poetry.
IC:
Reylan took a seat on a tree stump. He contemplated the benefits of having a foreign soldier in camp.
He might know the geography of the land... I've never really ventured outsaide of Ostia... and yet I have this dream of going everywhere... and he seemed strong...
Reylan decided that he needed to get some rest as well, since he had been on patrol all night. After all, the day had just begun. He walked into his tent and collapsed onto his primative bed, which consisted of little more than a cloth sheet, still wearing his armor. Exhausted, he fell asleep almost immediately.
Until he was awoken by the pounding drums outside, which signified an attack.
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Post by reylan on Jul 23, 2010 11:20:03 GMT -6
In response to the drums, Reylan briskly walked over to his tent, where his horse was tied to a small tree. He quickly undid the knot and mounted his horse, lance in hand. Signaling the horse to move forward, he headed over to the center of the encampment and waited for further instructions.
It's probably just a drill... I don't see anything in the distance.
However, Reylan's assumption would shortly be proved false. Out the corner of his eye, he saw Blain trotting towards him.
"What the hell is going on?" Blain asked absentmindedly.
"I'm guessing that we're having another drill", Reylan replied.
As the final group of soldiers poured into the encampment's center, the captain emerged from his tent, wearing full armor. A sinister chill ran down Reylan's spine. He noticed that Cebrail wasn't present. Reylan was half-pressed to go search for him, but it was against the code to wander off during a drill or command. As the captain approached, Reylan noticed that his face was unusually pale. The captain halted several feet away from where Reylan was standing. After bowing slightly, he began to speak. His voice quivered slightly as he spoke, signifying that he was nervous and unsure of his words.
"My soldiers, lend me your ears. The patrol I sent out this morning has been slain by a group of sellswords. This group mostly consists of mercenaries and myrmidons. They've been causing trouble around Ostia ever since it was attacked. They claim that our camp is in their territory. One member of the patrol managed to flee. He reported back here, but sadly it might be too late. You may not see anything in the distance now, but before sunset tonight, I can confirm that we're going to be ambushed. It's almost inevitable. Therefore, we must tighten our defenses. They could strike at any given moment. There is no running away. We either fight valiantly and win, or fall at the hands of defeat."
Reylan paused for moment to realize what the captain had just said. His nerves were tingling with excitement, but at the same time, they were teeming with anxiety.
Aside from that skirmish near the city, this will be my first major battle...
Reylan was relatively inexperienced, much like the other soldiers at the camp. However, he had learned previously that sellswords weren't formally trained in the art of fighting. Also, since they only wielded swords, he knew he had the advantage with his lance. It was only a flimsy slim lance, but he knew he could put it to good use.
Blain turned to Reylan. "Sellswords? Isn't that the craziest thing you've ever heard? Even if we are attacked, we'll screw these so-called sellswords over so badly, they won't even know what hit 'em!"
Reylan was tempted to punch Blain in the face. "This is serious, you moron. Did you not see the captain's expression? He was beside himself with anxiety. He's clearly nervous about the outcome of this battle. We're all inexperienced, and we're likely to get our heads chopped off if we're not careful."
"That captain is a joke. He's not confident in our abilites. He just thinks we're merely pawns of war."
"Blain, shut your mouth. You wouldn't know better, anyway. You joined this division not long after I did. We're both beginners at combat. The captain is counting on every single one of us, and..."
Reylan's tirade was cut short by the captain's voice.
"Reylan, I need to speak with you for a moment. It's about the man you found last night. He escaped."
"What?!" Reylan was surprised. "Did he leave any evidence?"
"No. He disappeared without a trace. But I don't think we need to worry about it. You should get your equipment ready. I expect they'll strike at sunset."
The sun was already past its apex.
It won't be long now, he thought. Cebrail, fight with us. We all need your help.
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Cebrail
Soldier
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Posts: 64
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Post by Cebrail on Jul 23, 2010 14:26:37 GMT -6
Cebrail had woken up earlier to the sound of drums. He knew what it meant. He heard it before Ostia fell. He knew what it meant then. He left the tent and saw the numerous soldiers rushing towards the center of the encampment. The captain had stepped out of his tent wearing his armor. This is definitely not good... He thought. Cebrail had missed most of the speech but he can tell by everyone's expressions that nothing good was happening. He quickly grabbed his slim lance and began to look for the cavalier.
What was his name..Reylan. Right. He combed through the crowd as it dispersed throughout the camp. Many soldiers began to don their helmets and their own armor. But the green haired cavalier was who he searched for now. "Bah. You, what's going on?" He asked a passing archer. He was a young boy, younger then Cebrail.
"Swords-for-hire. Captain says they're going to attack at dusk." The archer quickly dashed off. Sellswords.. The sun was already setting. The guards had began yell from the outskirts of the camp. Wielding his lance, Cebrail ran towards the screams. The battle had started.
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Post by reylan on Jul 23, 2010 17:03:53 GMT -6
As the first group of sellswords appeared at the entrance, Reylan knew that his group was severely outnumbered. Not many of the soldiers were going to get out alive. Still, it was Reylan's first major battle, and he was ready for anything.
The captain's words echoed all across the encampment: "All troops to arms! For the glory of Ostia!"
Reylan gripped his slim lance tightly. If a sellsword managed to disarm him, it would spell his doom. Manuevering his horse near the entrance, he decided to slowly trot towards the enemies rather than charge at them head-on. A few brave soldiers ahead of him decided to attack the sellswords directly. This was perfect for Reylan, since they would be distracted long enough for him to get in a good stab or two. He needed as much experience as he could get.
Reylan turned his head just in time to see a sellsword charging towards his horse. Pulling his lance back, he lunged deeply, almost throwing himself off balance. However, he was able to stab the sellsword squarely in the chest, apparently killing him. Reylan took no pity in killing this miscreant, especially since he was part of an organization that was ruining the land he grew up in. Flicking his horse's reins, he began charging towards the sellswords that were outside. Although they were fast, they were very inexperienced, like Reylan. But at least Reylan knew how to wield his weapon.
Reylan struck another sellsword beside him, again almost falling off his horse. His mind was racing furiously. I didn't think it would be so hard to wield a weapon and control the horse at the same time, he thought. But I'm actually having some trouble...
Behind him, Reylan saw Cebrail and Blain fending off two other sellswords. He quickly witnessed the way Cebrail wielded his lance. He was quite powerful for such an inexperienced soldier. Reylan swerved to avoid hitting a bush, then tried something new. He adjusted his grip so that his hand was closer to the middle of the lance. He then swung it a couple times, then charged head-on at an incoming sellsword. Before the sellsword could even raise his blade, Reylan's lance went clean through his chest, killing him instantly. I didn't even know I had that in me... and I'm not losing my balance like I did before... maybe I am getting stronger. But it's too early to make assumptions.
Reylan motioned for his horse to turn around, then flicked the reins once again. As he trotted back up towards the entrance, a chill ran down his spine. Several soldiers were laying dead on the ground. But how? Reylan thought. There were only a few of these sell- Reylan's train of thought was cut short when his horse suddenly cried out in pain. The horse flailed around madly, causing Reylan to almost fly out of the saddle. With his free hand, he pulled on the reins with all his might, eventually leading the horse to a halt. Reylan noticed that one of the horse's back legs was bleeding. Groaning, he slowly directed the horse forward, trying not to force the horse to use its injured leg.
Tightly gripping his lance, Reylan entered the camp. As soon as he entered, a feeling of fear overtook him. Tents were smashed, flags were torn, and many soldiers were laying dead on the ground. He then became worried about how Cebrail and Blain were holding up. To his relief, he saw Cebrail attacking a sellsword nearby. Where is that reckless moron... Reylan thought to himself, referring to Blain.
As he thought about the possible places Blain could've gone, Reylan suddenly felt cold iron grinding across his left shoulder, then a burning sensation. He realized he had been struck. "Ugh...!!" he shouted. Lance raised, he attempted to lunge at the sellsword who had attacked him, but the sellsword swiftly dodged and aimed another attack. Reylan raised his shield immediately. The sellsword's blade bounced off the shield, sending vibrations up Reylan's left arm. This pained his shoulder more, and Reylan found it hard to hold his shield. Adjusting his balance, he attempted another lunge, which was again dodged and countered. The sellsword then raised his blade above his head. This gave Reylan a split second to react. In one quick move, he swung his lance like a longsword, splitting open the sellsword's side and disarming him. Reylan's muscles ached. I didn't think wielding a lance would be so arduous...
Satisfied with his mini-victory, Reylan signaled his horse to gallop back towards the entrance, where more sellswords awaited their defeat.
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Post by reylan on Jul 24, 2010 18:34:53 GMT -6
As the battle raged on, Reylan steadily grew more and more fatigued. His inexperience at combat was the main reason. He began to realize that sparring alone wouldn't help. He needed experience on the actual battlefield if he had any hopes of getting stronger.
Reylan took aim at another sellsword, then lunged deeply, stabbing him squarely in the back. He had no time to finish the sellsword off, since he had to keep moving. Because he was a cavalier, he was somewhat of a big target for enemy infantry units. Motioning for his horse to trot back into the camp, Reylan attacked yet another sellsword, striking him in the right shoulder without much resistance. His own left shoulder still pained him, and he still had trouble holding his shield correctly. Nevertheless, he pressed onward.
As he turned around, he noticed a strange sensation come over him. The man he had saved the previous night was standing behind him, clothed in sellsword attire and carrying a steel sword. Reylan wasted no time in asking for a reason and instead waited for the man's attack. There was no forgiveness in what the sellswords were doing to Ostia.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 24, 2010 22:08:25 GMT -6
OoC: If this is no longer an open thread, ignore this... Otherwise, I told Cebrail I wanted to join in a thread with him. xD
IC: Balthier drew a wry smile across his lips as he held tight to his book under his cape. He barely let his head gaze beyond the tree he was taking cover behind. He was not a part of the mercenary group, nor was he a part of this encampment. He was simply a nomand, traveling for knowledge.
However, it looked almost as if the Ostians could use another sword-arm. Or, in his case, tome user. Balthier silently stepped across from the tree, into visibility.
"Hello, my friends!" He called and smiled briefly, a glimmer in his eye. From his long cape, a hand emerged, revealed a fire tome. He cast his other arm out forward, and gave a soft "hmph" towards one of the sellswords.
Almost immediately, 2 small orbs of bright yellow flame made circles around each other, flying into one of the mercs. They hit him instantly, knocking him back, and incinerating his garb and skin.
He looked over the knight, and his mounted friend. "Help is here, if it need be." He smiled cleverly.
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Post by reylan on Jul 24, 2010 23:38:34 GMT -6
OoC: Worry not, this thread is open. I hope to make this into an active thread, so I need all the support I can get. xD
IC: To Reylan's surprise, the man he had saved turned away, instead attempting to flee. Reylan decided not to pursue him, as his he had to help with the onslaught here.
Night had fallen. The camp turned battlefield was dark enough to hide anyone. Reylan knew he had to heighten his senses. He faintly heard a ruffling inside the bushes behind him. He immediately turned, his lance out in front of him. To his surprise, two fireballs seemingly erupted behind the bush, nearly knocking the young cavalier off his horse. As he struggled to recover, he noticed a garbed man emerge from the firing point of the two fireballs. He had pink hair and a smirk on his face.
The pink haired man introduced himself as Balthier and indicated that he was on the soldiers' side. Reylan guessed that he was the one who shot the fireballs, judging from his clothing and the tome in his hand.
"Hm... you came at a good time. We need some ranged attacks. If it's not too much of a burden, please help us. I have friends here, and their blood doesn't deserve to be shed. My name is Reylan, and I'm a cavalier from Ostia. I'd be grateful if you'd assist us." Reylan ended his introduction with a small nod.
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Balthier
The "Before" years
[M:0]
Everything you think you are that puts you above others is a lie.
Posts: 68
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Post by Balthier on Jul 25, 2010 6:09:31 GMT -6
As a seemingly quick answer, Balthier nodded, bringing his hands around in and arc. Without words exchanged, he summoned a smile column of fire to smite one of the sellswords.
"Ah, Reylan. I see. Well, being that my time here is unlimited, I'll assist you as I can. What say we dispose of these filthy mercs, eh?" He laughed a bit, smiling in his direction, and fell another sellsword with two small fireballs.
In the midst of the battle, he looked over to the soldier who was seemingly closer to Reylan. Balthier then nodded to Reylan, asking "And there, your friend? What of him?" He looked back at Cebrail.
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Post by reylan on Jul 25, 2010 10:03:25 GMT -6
Reylan's gaze rested on Balthier. "He's a soldier from Caelin. He wandered into our camp this morning. Its safe to say he's one of us."
Reylan couldn't waste time with explanations, since the battle was still raging. A sellsword attempted to blindside him with a side strike, but Reylan somehow found the strength to block the blow with the handle of his lance. With all his might, he pushed his full weight forward, knock his attacker off his feet. Reylan then proceeded to stab the mercenary in the chest.
Once again turning to Balthier, he uttered something that had been on his mind ever since the battle started. "We're severely outnumbered. Many of our soldiers have already been killed. It pains me to see such a thing. This is one of my first major battles, so I'd like to stay and fight, but we might have to flee if things get too serious."
He refocused his attention on the battlefield, only to be struck with the realization of defeat drawing closer and closer.
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