Scourge Fifty - Brave

Scourge Fifty - Brave

Scourge Fifty - Brave

Commander Nunez looks over the Templars behind him, then he points to one of them. Lieutenant Ciado, youre in charge while Im absent. Keep the men here. Guards up. Remember the teachings of our lord with regards to vigilance. Lieutenant Obrero, youre with me. You too, Initiate Schild.

Commander, one of the Templars says. Its the guy Nunez called Lieutenant Ciado. He sits up straighter on his horse and glances at my friends and I quickly. Is that wise?

The commander works his jaw before answering. Ive risen through the ranks by doing three things. Listening to our lord, using common sense, and following my instincts. Our lord loathes the Dark Goddess, but he respects her as well. If I die today, it will be because the Dark Goddess has violated a truce. But Im not so easy to take down. The initiate will come with me. That is all. You will respect the truce so long as they respect it.

Yes, sir, the lieutenant says with a snap.

I dont know much about this Commander Nunez guy, but I have the impression hes a pretty well-respected fellow. I dont know exactly what the rank structure for the Templars is, but I dont think there are many commanders. I do know that promotion in the Templars is handed out sparsely and only after someone has worked hard for it. Heroe is big on meritocracy.

The commander turns to me and my friends. Lady Malvada, if you would, he says while climbing off his horse.

One of the lieutenants does the same, as does a random Templar who grabs a hold of the horses reins. Then, with a disdainful sniff, Lily climbs off her horse and lands on the ground with a slight bend to her knees. Dont you dare hurt the commander, she warns.

I blink. I have no intention of hurting the old guy, I dont think she needs to worry. Come, we have tea.

Poisoned, I bet, Lily mutters.

I sigh. If I was going to poison you, Id use a bug-monster to inject it into your bloodstream directly. You have no idea how ineffective ingested poisons are compared to those injected intravenously.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

The Templars who can overhear me start to shift on their horses. I bet Ive got them all worried about mosquitos now.

My friends and I turn back and start across the field towards our pavilion, Commander Nunez, Lieutenant Obrero, and Lily following us. Once there, I sit on my seat, put my hand on the head of one of my wolf-armrests, and start scritching its head while the others sit down across from us.

The Templars all have swords still, but theyre sheathed. I think thats the best I can expect. So, should we go over introductions again while the tea warms up? I ask.

Certainly, Commander Nunez says. I am Santiago Nunez, Commander of this company of Templars. This is Second Lieutenant Obrero, my third in command, and Initiate Lily Schild, whom I have gathered you know already.

We met, but just the once, I say. At least, I think so. Something about Lily is always... strangely familiar. The way her lips tighten at me saying that tells me that she might feel the same way. Or something. I dont really know whats wrong with her.

My name is Valeria Maldava, I suppose Im a Princess of some sort or another. I never really cared much for that kind of thing. This is Felix, one of my best friends and confidants, and also my bodyguard. Felix waves and gives the group a big goofy grin.

The Commander hesitates for a moment before replying. Not with them, no. But weve encountered two large groups of monsters in a row. Acting in a way that is unusual. They were almost being herded. Did you have anything to do with that?

I shake my head. No. Nor did Mom. I ignore the way the Lieutenant and Lily both mouth-* mom. We were in Vizeda when the city was attacked maybe a week ago. The monsters there were herded as well. The next day, Altums people started to arrive in the city. I think theyve found a way to trick younger, less intelligent monsters to do what they want. Did you encounter any undead?

Plenty, the Commander says. Altums people have been busy. Weve encountered two small villages and an outpost empty of people. No signs of a monster attack, but plenty of the passing of people. Monsters dont use pitchforks and swords, last I reckoned.

And the books? Esme asks. Thats part of the reason why were here. Sempers vault was broken into. Books were stolen. Books about necromancy.

The Commanders lips tighten. We might be in possession of those. Late the night before last we encountered a necromancer and a large group of the undead. He was... practising with them, turning innocents into macabre creatures. We put him to the sword. Among his possessions were some books on the undead arts.

I nod. So, youre here for the same reason we are. And you happened to run across some of the books were looking to return to Semper. I sigh.

Bianca rises up and places some cups down for everyone before she starts pouring with careful, dainty motions.

I take a cup first and sip from it loudly before the others can take some for themselves. A show of trust, of sorts. The Commander nods and takes one for himself and does likewise.

We have sent scouts to Algecante, the Commander says. The city is lost.

Lost? Bianca asks.

He nods. To the undead. They roam the walls and the surrounding city by the thousands. Not only mere zombies and ghouls, but creatures far more foul as well.

What were you going to do about it? I ask.

We are Templars. For every one of us, we can assure the death of a hundred of those. But we are outnumbered by far more. Honestly, I believe that thinning their ranks with small raids is the best we can do for now. No doubt Altums cultists have plans for such a grand army of the undead. We will do what we can to gain the lords and ladies of Caselfella the time they need to prepare.

Brave. A bit stupid, in my opinion, but brave.

What would you need to take them all out? I ask.

An army. he says.

I consider that for just a moment. What if I can get you an army?

***