Chapter Two: The Auran.

Location: (will fill it in soon, some HQ of Sudao)
Period: Four days past the battle of Azrian.

It was now four days since the battle of Azrian, and still Soraya had the hardest time dealing with the disgrace of their retreat. Their men outnumbered Vasilios’s three to every one Yeidin soldier… but what had happened was not expected.

Soraya was born and raised into the ancient magic of the Surda. Her family had made sure to keep the legacy of Surdan magic going, despite how hard the rest of the world tried to eliminate it. She understood well what a blessing it was to be apart of it, and how rare indeed one would come across another warlock of the same origins. Till this day Soraya had known only a handful of Surdan worshippers, two being her mother and father, so they did not count. And she had never fought against one save for her uncle when he would train her.

She was both excited and intrigued when she had come face to face with the scarred Surdan at Azrian, and she was also terrified. It was a forgotten magic, much of its ways and possibilities a mystery, and she could never know what to expect to be tossed her way what from a complete stranger who was fighting against her.

Deep down, she hoped that her blow did not kill him. She had a feeling she was not powerful enough… but his loss would be a tragedy. It was never too late to make him see their plight, the truth and justice of Sudao fighting against the relentless, prejudicial Lumerians, and finally gain him as one more powerful ally to their side.

She heard a rap at the door and bid the person entry into the great hall that was her study.
She smiled as the man entered. “Ah! Katharsys! What news do you bring…?” she gestured him to come closer.

It was disappointing, but disappointments came along in life just as much as appointments did... well... sort of. Kath wasn't one to let himself wallow in self-pity, group pity, or just plain mope about the place as much of the rest of them did. He understood much about the people he worked with, the same air of oppression and old dignity in their heritage and he could respect that, but mope? Nah. That would just be too easy. No one under his command suffered a fatality which was probably why he preferred a small command, but the injuries had been major in some cases. Loss of an eye, limb, serious limp, possible brain damage... well... that might have been normal to begin with...

But he had a report to make and, as much as he hated and loved being a message runner, he knew his superior was going to be upset with the news he carried in his belt pouch. So with a sigh, he marched himself to the office belonging to Soraya with a quiet dignity and very quiet steps. Softly he knocked on her door, almost wishing that she wouldn't answer.

The door creaked open, the hinges needing some oil desperately. Kath winced, his blue-green eyes near closing in the pain of that solitary noise. He hated to hear the way her voice still held a note of 'I am still positive that the damage wasn't that bad'. Unfortunately, he was going to have to crush that.

He came closer to her, closing the door behind himself as he didn't want to demoralize the rest of the troop just outside. With a sigh, he began.

"My Lady Soraya, the news is not good, I'm afraid. The battle was a crushing blow to us all. They recognized that the Abaddon that rose up before us was not of Lumerian make and that in itself is quite... well... demoralizing as you can imagine. Much of our forces have passed from this life into the next and some suffer from grave injuries. It will take much time to recover and recruit more replacements. Those that can still fight are... shaken at best. My own contingent suffered but remains in near fight-worthy condition."

He brushed his sandy golden hair from his sweaty forehead. There was still some grime smudged across his cheek from the battle, but he held himself tall, his eyes looking at that of his superior. Of course, she was quite beautiful too... even after a battle.

Soraya’s eyes went wide as Kath came closer and into the light; his face and armor still dirty… as if he had not had the chance as of yet to cleanse after the battle of four days ago! What that boar of a captain running down his officers again by overworking them, him being much too fat and lazy to do his own tasks?

She would see to it to demote the captain, and place someone worthier in his stead.

Kath handed her the report, and she read it while he provided her with a short summary. Lines former between her brows, the corner of her lips dipping into a frown. She knew this would be the outcome. She expected it. Refused to face it, believe it… but sure enough…

She would NOT hear the end of this from the General back in Udaro, also being her uncle. He would not take her retreat as an excuse… Abaddon or not. He could probably kill off the demon… but Soraya had never seen it with her own eyes before, but only knew of tales. What’s worse, probably the surviving men would now be too frightened to follow her into the next battle.

“Thank you… Katharsys…” she said, her voice low and unhappy as she gently folded away the papers, eyes downcast as if Kath himself was her uncle standing before her. “What of the Yeidin army of Azrian now… activities?”

Aside from throwing a wild victory bash, she thought bitterly.

Kath knew that her morale had taken a big drop at that moment. He had succeeded in crushing her despite the fact that he had been trying to couch it nicely. Sure, there had been massive monster-eaten casualties. He had fortunately been on the fringes at the time, picking out those knots of troops that were for the taking, flanks undefended. Basic pinsor manuever, but... His mind had wandered on a tangent while his superior officer had her eyes downcast, hooded and dark. It was a predictable outcome of this encounter.

The man's eyes turned in sympathy for the burden placed on Soraya's almost fragile looking shoulders. She seemed as just a woman in his eyes now instead of a high ranking officer. He wanted to console her suddenly, but that in itself would probably land him in hot water, demoted, or on jacks duty for a long while if not get him killed in some nasty "accident". Women were temperamental after all. He really started longing to itch his dirt smeared cheek and then he realized that he was still dirty.

His eyes widened for a moment due to his uncleanliness, but he had been hauling wood for fires. They needed hot sterile water for injuries or just to heat up some metal to cauterize the still open wounds. Four days... It had been long, but the wounded were still out there, near death, bleeding out their lives moment by moment, calling on the names of their wives and husbands and children and, in the final moments, on their Gods to save them from this fate. He had only done what he could to comfort them.

The sandy haired captain suddenly realized that he had heard a question and that he had been drifting in his own thoughts for a few moments longer than what was considered a pause.

"Uh...! Um, my apologies. I... well, no matter, that I... Ahem." He cleared his throat quickly and began with the secondary report. "From what our remaining serveillance networks can tell me, is that they are licking their wounds just as much as our people though their numbers are now greater than ours. They appear to be trying to regroup under a new commander though we haven't been able to discern the adjusted hierarchy within their system. I did not want to risk more of my men to... We did not have the necessary abilities to infiltrate their temporary command centers or even their peripheral camps for more detailed information."

Stupid! Stupid! He thought as he recalled his stumbling beginning. How could he be so absolutely in his own mind as to not fully hear a question directed his way?! He was going to be stuck demoted, cleaning out jacks for the rest of the war without being able to act out any vengeance on those who persecuted and executed his family! Stupid boy!

"What... what are your orders, ma'am?" Kath gulped slightly, his adam's apple bobbing a little.

New Leader? High casualties? Soraya began to wonder if what had happened on the field of Azrian was a planned attack at all… Hadn’t the Lumerians been warned prior the battle that one of theirs was to practically open a gate looking into the dark heart of the Abaddon? Did even one of their leaders perish?

Soraya’s eyes widened once more. Was the Surdan warlock that leader? He did not sport the armor of a Yeidin or Azerian General or captain… or was she wrong? And if so… did this mean she did kill him after all? Or was it Vasilios they were talking about...

Questions zoomed through her mind, followed with images of consequence. Soraya did not fear nor hate her overly harsh and strict uncle… but it was her need to please him that made her tuck away her otherwise overly proud demeanor. Her Uncle would not like this news either… he would rather have ALL his men killed, then to see the life of a rare surdan perish… for from one highly skilled Surdan would they posses an army of demons, doubled in strength and number than any mortal army.

“None, Katharsys… thank you.” She said thoughtfully, dismissing the man.

But she needed to find out. “Hold on!” She called, just before Kath reached the door. She bolted out of the chair, crossing the hall to where her sword lay aside. “Actually, yes. Prepare the horses, grab a few men… we’re going for a ride!”

She must have been distracted to not notice his rather gigantic blunder of totally being in his own little world while she was awaiting him to report further. He was happy that it had been completely disregarded and that Soraya didn't just say 'Off to the jacks with you, you complete moron!' Kath had to admit that her dismissal of him was a relief and so he turned on his heels to head out. His hand, clammy, was surrounding the doorknob when, 'Actually, yes. Prepare the horses, grab a few men… we’re going for a ride!'

His hair swished around his head as he peered at her, her chair clattering to the floor as she stood up so abruptly. He turned the knob and opened the door for her.

"As you wish, ma'am. Right away," he replied quickly. He headed out after her, closing the door behind them both. "I shall await you with my men in front of the main tent."

Kath headed out quickly, light-headed and giddy that he hadn't been demoted just yet. His footsteps were brisk, almost in a running cadence as he raced, with decorum, back to his small contingent. They were sitting quietly, resting in the moment's peace. They turned to watch Kath's approach, his gangly limbs near flailing in agitation about their newest assignment.

"Okay! Men... We've... I've... Okay! Um..."

"Lemme guess, Cap'n. You've got us on another mission deep inna heart of danger and possible death fer the lot o' us," Cordeau replied, a wry grin like a black cut across his pale face covered in fine stubble like a baby's first hair. Kath could only sigh and nod while he caught his breath.

"The boss lady, yeah, Kath?" That was Henrick, his red hair a flame atop his lean, boney face.

"Yes, I need the lot of you for Soraya's mission. Saddled horses to the main tent in... well... now! Let's go!" Kath had finally managed to get a hold of his lazy tongue.

"To destruction!"

"To danger!"

"To the death!"

His group of seven chanted in unison, their fists raised in the air as they moved to grab their animals to join Soraya before the main tent. Then men were rested enough, tough, and ready to go. Kath, leading them, approached the tent with a salute to the woman who remained lovely and superior as always, even in times of crisis. To Soraya, our superior, he thought. We will prevail.

"We are ready, ma'am."

Thoughts whirred through Veldrin's mind like some unrelenting, harping banshee. Failure? Was that really a word in his vocabulary? How…

Standing atop a hill that overlooked the better of the Sudao campsite, the cambion crossed his arms against his chest and observed. His bewilderment at the news seethed within him, causing his skin to lurch underneath its bandages. The man rubbed at one of his forearms, cursing the pain for taking rise at such an inconvenient moment. Such weakness—it was almost hilarious how the Sudao higher-ups seemed to welcome any potential army-fodder, even if they were meek farm boys just barely plucked from their mothers’ wombs. The army needed warriors, not enthusiastic, but ultimately inept patriots. The makeshift nature of this rebellious dark cadre was beginning to show, Veldrin knew. This failure would be but one of many, if action wasn’t taken soon.

The Sudao lieutenant looked towards one of the permanent buildings stationed within the vale—a headquarters of sorts where he knew Soraya resided. No doubt she knew of the loss that occurred just days before. He watched as what looked like a young soldier come exiting the structure, and in somewhat of a hurry as well. Eyes narrowed, Veldrin followed the young man with his eyes to a large commanding tent. So the warrior was a captain, he could tell now. Judging by his clothing, and how the other men regarded him, Veldrin knew, and with quiet bemusement. Something was about to happen.

Scaling the hill in a quiet, careful pace, the robed figure made his way towards the lower tents. He weaved his way through the men and women, silently regarding how some of them averted their gazes, or at least their noses, from his presence. The man’s icy, bloodshot eyes stared straight ahead, never giving his steps a second thought. He was approaching the large tent with the other men, curious as to what Soraya had in plan after the abysmal letdown of before.

((Ha! Cute, kath! I like his enthusaic comrades))

Soraya sped out of the main hall, old Hivaro struggling to keep up, a flurry of angry protests at her choosing to leave for the Azrian battle field. “My lady, let me go. I will lead the men… it is much too dangerous fo…” Soraya suddenly stopped in her tracks, Hivaro nearly crashing into her. She turend her head to face him, steel eyes cold and angry held his own, dark ones. “You doubt my competence, Lieutenant?” She barked angrily.

If there was one thing Soraya could not take, it was anyone’s lack of faith in her as a capable warrior and leader. And she seemed to get a lot of that, being yound and a woman. Even her dear old Hivaro still feared for her well being, when really she could take care of herself.

The old warrior’s great shoulder slumped down. There was no winning here. “Alright. But I will go with you…”

“The more the merrier.” She sad bitterly… then on a more forgiving note, she tried to releive him. “Come Hivaro. We are only going to take a little peek!” She turned, and with a kind smile at katharsys took the reins he offered, and mounted the horse. “Thank you Captain.” She sad softly. Looking up, she caught the calculating stare of the Second lt in command. “Do u wish to join us too, Lieutenant?” she asked, a slight threat in the tone of her voice if should Veldrin also protest against her departure.

The beating of great wings flurried the lightly falling snow, as Vasquiri landed not far from the entry way into the infirmary, where his brother sat, preening his newly mended wings.

Hello Brother, the elder said, lifting himself from his sitting position. His eyes looked even more shadowed than before. He was sinking fast. The shadowing orbs darted from his face ot his arm and back.

Vasquiri shifted on his feet, swiftly removing the Alliance sash from his arm and stuffing it away.

Brother, Olorafien began, Everyone is on edge here. The lasses have begun to miss your company.

Vasquiri chuckled nervously .He'd been missing for many a night, and surely it hadn't gone unnoticed. That could be troublesome, especially if one suspected either he or his brother of dissent, that was the end of them.

Olorafien stood smoothly to his feet, turning to run his hand over one of the young medic's hair. She smiled and wandered off into the infirmary, swaying her hips exagerratedly.

Vasquiri raised a brow to his brother, and Olorafien shrugged.

One can only resist the scent for so long, he murmured, I had to find a substitute.Come, we must tell Soraya of our findings, so that this wretched company will move closer to her position.
Vasquiri nodded and returned to the air, casting a glance over their campgrounds in search of their pretty general. Olorafien followed, with a fraction of the pace, his wings were still not back in shape.

You will not enjoy the news my Brother. But you shall wait until we find them. I shall not have you falling from the sky, Vasquiri said, lazily flapping his wings in the direction of a small contingent of horses.

((Glad you liked it! Lots of bonding in this group. ))

Kath was starting to get the jitters about this unexplained mission. He figured that Soraya was going to just run them all into a heap of trouble, perhaps that was somewhat preferable than just nursing the sick and comforting the dying as they went to their respective underworlds. Sure there had been several runs to the hills to spy down upon their enemies to figure out their formations, tactics, and the next step in their plans. Ah, the guess work.

It was good for his men to be able to do something too. Cordeau, dependable as his second, trustworthy and enthusiastic in everything he did. The accent still through him off however, but what could one do? Henrick, hot tempered and blunt, a fact that seemed quite self evident with his shock of red hair sticking up every which way. Felix, the youngest of the party, swift and agile though not one for being talkative. Castor, stout and strong-armed with a thick beard and his newly won badge of honor, a patch covering the ruin of his left eye after the battle. He was not one to be left behind being "infirm". Then there was Seven, named that after being born seventh in his family. Perhaps it was the name that made him quite lost in the head, but his scythe was sharp and he took orders well. Grevor was as black as night with only his white eyes and teeth shining out of his head, his long hair sometimes obscuring both as well as disguising his fang-quick daggers. And there, the last, was Penny. A man of secrets and quiet without ever telling anyone his true name, he carried his claymore with pride even with his newly acquired limping gait. Yes it was these men who made Kath proud to be a member of the army. They were brave men willing to die for their beliefs, willing to perish for freedom from the oppressive Lumerians! They would march on to victory or die trying!

Kath held onto the reins of Soraya's horse while he remained saddled, awaiting her presence. It was hard not to hear her coming the way she stumbled over Lieutenant Hivaro. The man swiftly handed over the reins to his beautiful General in an attempt to say 'I agree with your decisions and am not going to argue that you should not go headfirst into danger, but I'll do what I can to make sure you get back safely even though you probably have no idea what I'm thinking, but yeah...'

Her statement to old Hivaro only confirmed the truth of the mission and everyone knew that 'having a little peek' meant having one's head shoved up as far as it could go in the horse's behind. He could only nod at her thanks and then turned his attention to the other whom Soraya addressed. It was Lieutenant Veldrin. And he was one of the people that could give most people the willies without even trying. In fact, just looking at him made Kath's skin crawl uncomfortably, but as they were on the same side, Kath wasn't too concerned about catching whatever heinous disease the man had.

"We should head out soon, General, before the moment is less opportune than now. My men are well enough rested to go as you command. We are eight in total, counting myself, ma'am. Your safety in this venture is rest assured. At your command," he replied as eloquently as possible, trying not to screw it up. He bowed slightly while in the saddle and was eager to move out.

Veldrin watched as Soraya approached, her authoritative air apparent as she faced the old Hivaro’s protest. No doubt that irritation would carry over, should Veldrin choose the wrong words. But it was not as if he had anything to lose. Ever.

When the woman mounted the steed and turned towards him, Veldrin merely eyed her silently. His eyes were that same, bloodshot and glossed-over shade, as if death itself had settled in his sight. If someone looked closely enough, perhaps they could see the uplift in Veldrin’s cheeks as he smiled slightly under the concealment of his facial bandage. Amusing how people tried to read what wasn’t really there, especially upon his rotting canvas of a face.

“Merely wondering what all the fuss is about, my lady,” Veldrin’s soft voice carried with the chill breeze. “If it’s company you want, however, I’ll gladly oblige. Traveling is of more use to me than festering here, anyway.” He eyed the others with a side glance. His masked face drifted from soldier to soldier, identifying each and every one of them. He recognized the captain—Katharsys Veda, and recalled seeing the faces of some of his men before. The man was competent, though Veldrin obviously brought this notion into question once more, considering the mishap four days ago.

The man gently reached out his bandaged arm and flagged down a nearby stable hand. He spoke quietly to the approaching boy, who was smart enough to keep his distance. The hand nodded and ran off, returning hardly a minute later with the horse that was unofficially Veldrin’s favorite. The creature stood a massive fifteen hands tall, heavily muscled, and covered in a coat of pale white and grey. Her black eyes stared dully, but she sniffed and grunted with a challenging air as the stable hand gave the reigns to her master. The horse was the only one of her kin that had grown accustomed to the unpleasant smell and feeling of having Veldrin as her rider. Unlike other steeds, she wasn’t sickened by having the man on her back. Veldrin knew he was lucky, seeing as lacking a horse in these matters could prove inconvenient.

One of Veldrin’s sloppily bandaged hands reached out to stroke the beast’s head. The horse stepped in place briefly, but settled at last, comforted in the nauseating presence of her rider. Satisfied, the cambion turned towards the others. “If you feel that matters are more pressing elsewhere, Soraya, then I will accompany your band. Otherwise, it might be better if I remain here to serve as some semblance of order in the camp. Morale isn’t very high, at the moment, and I do believe we may have some company.” The man’s covered head jerked slightly towards the path leading into the camp, at a figure making its way towards the group on what appeared to be wings.

Vasquiri and Olorafien alighted only moments apart. instanly their wings disapeared back into their bodies and they stood erect.

Olorafien hung back as Vasquiri advanced, his position one of deference to the Lady, "General Soraya," he began, "I have infiltrated the enemy camp, and gleaned some choice information that I believe will be of service to you."

Lyavitt looked up, she can sense people ahead. A gathering, perhaps?

She had only spent three days on the surface, but she knew something was up. Many souls were pouring into hell when she left, and this really sparked her interest.

She let her curiosity take over her and continued to walk on ahead.She was being careful, she had to make sure that these beings weren't those blasted Lumerians. AS she approached she knew and felt what they were ... she could feel the dark pulses of magic surge from them. She giggled. Exciting, she thought.

“Very good then join us for the ride, it will do you good…” Soraya chirped, practically inviting Veldrin on her little private expedition. Hivaro rolled his eyes, and Soraya’s great uncle would do more than just grumble at her rather undignified manner with her servants. They had raised her to be a leader in the same manner of which they practice – cold, severe and authoritarian as if no other power existed. It was not necessary to be neither cruel nor hatful to your men… but true leaders certainly did not go about befriending every soul who served them, such as did Soraya. “This is not some massive public tea party, Soraya!” Hivaro would scold again and again, but to no avail.

She knew each by name, and Veldrin was one she was intrigued by. At the first moment they had met, she assumed he was a mortal stricken with leprosy, but her senses told her otherwise – a cambion, sounding much like an abbreviation for ‘cambiatis’… meaning ‘change’… it intrigued her that she might never be able to place a fixed face for this man. Apart from this, Veldrin was a proficient ally…

“Right then. Lets move, I’ll explain on th…” Veldrin’s words caught her attention, as she turned her steed towards the approaching men, recognizing the two brothers. “Well then do tell, Vasquiri.” She smiled at the sly git. What was he doing running off like that without orders? But did not care- his ‘information’ fare more interesting for the moment, while the soldier’s unacceptable absence would have sent Hivaro into a rage… and nearly did though now Soraya was there he remained silent, eyeing the Elisette with promise that he would rebuke him later.

This expedition seemed that it was growing from a small raid into a rather large force. Kath was surprised that so many people were recuperated enough to join them. Of course, Veldrin never looked like he was quite ready for anything due to the fact that it looked like gobbets of flesh were randomly detaching themselves in a most uncouth or perhaps there was some other movement beneath those always dirtied bandages that was just plain terrifying. He must have been an effective leader to attain such a position despite his possible permanent infirmity. But if Soraya was to include this strange ally, it was not worth whining about. Just because the sight of his inflicted form turned his stomach slightly everytime he so much as looked in his direction, did not mean that he was someone that was to be completely avoided. The mighty Lorven must have had some plan for such a one as Veldrin. Perhaps even Kath himself fit into some deeply figured out scheme to wound the hearts of the Lumerians who had taught him that blood for blood was the only way to exact payment for wrongs rendered.

Kath could tell his men were getting antsy, but then again, who wouldn't? Soraya had said soon and now... interruptions! At least there was news in hand with the infiltrators before them. Vasquiri and Olorafien, no doubt that they would offer some enlightenment for the journey towards and possibly into the enemy camp. Ah, but could they get moving sooner?! He was just itching for something to do.

The General sat in his tent awaiting the arrival of the commander of his troops, his ever present companion Ylva seated next to him. Her dark silver eyes watching the opening to the tent as her fur changed to smoke, then shadow, and back to the lycan fur as her master stroked it rhythmically. Her mouth watered, sensing that possibly she would feed soon.
Penthar spoke softly " Patience, my pet. Unrealistic expectations will cause you failure every time." He knew that to be all too true. Another fool with a mind of his own had cost them the battle-his battle. Victory was a surety over the lumerians and their misguided allies. Penthar did not tolerate ineptness, or deviation of his battle plans. He waited, not angry, but decided on what would be done next.
Soon the tent flap was opened by his guards, and the dirty and embattled commander entered, and kneeld before his general. He kept his head down, and did not make eye contact with either the warlock before him, or his pet.
"My lord, I have come as you requested. I apologize for the loss on the battlefield this day."
Penthar stopped stroking Ylva, and rose, standing in front of the soldier kneeling before him " Tell me commander, were my orders unclear as to the action you were to take?"
The commander controlled his fear, knowing his general already knew the blunder he had made. " They were, my lord" he said shakily, the fear beginning to rise in him." It looked as though the cursed alliance was trying out flank us, so I ordered the men to split up and to cover the right."
Penthar veiled his contempt for the fool. A simple order, a brilliant plan, and this waste of skin cowering before him had brought it to ruin. " I see" Penthar replied, " So, judging by the amount of casualties we incurred, It would be a safe bet to say that you were wrong. And in hindsight, if you had stayed the course, it would be the birds feasting on the alliance's corpses, and not our now dead Umbrian brothers and sisters. Correct?" He said in a direct monotone, neither reflecting anger or contempt in his voice as he turned away from the pathetic excuse before him. He looked at his pet, giving her a quick nod as he awaited the fool's reply.
The commander swallowed hard. He knew the general's reputation for disobedience and failure. He controlled his fear, and spoke shakily." Forgive this unworthy one , my lord. I am sorry. I can assure you, it will never happen again."
Penthar turned, his silver eyes flashing as he looked down at the fool. "Rise, commander" He said. He watched without emotion as the man slowly rose before him, the fear in his eyes betraying him.
Ylva smelled the delicious fear on the man. Her mouth watered, and she seemed to smile as she watched her master continue on.
Penthar looked the failed commander straight in the eye as he spoke in a direct unemotional tone." Do not worry, commander. You are forgiven. I am sure from this moment on you will never fail me again."
The commander breathed a sigh of relief for a split second before he saw the evil smile cross the face of the general. Within moments his chest was on fire, and everything dimmed as he saw his own heart in hand of Penthar.
Penthar struck quickly, using his dark magic to reach into the fool's chest, and separate his still beating heart from the rest of the body that it had pumped life through. As the man fell to the ground, Penthar nonchalantly tossed the organ to Ylva, who caught it and snapped it down in two bites.
" I know now you will not fail me again, commander. Guards! It seems our comrade's heart has given out! Remove his corpse from my presence, and bury it quickly before the coward's stench infects the rest of the troops!"
Penthar turned as his guards quickly entered and dragged the dead commander out of the tent.
Penthar stooped down and spoke to Ylva who looked on at the guards as they exited his domain.
" I know my pet, an unworthy snack. If it weren't for his disobedience, you would be feasting on the flesh of the Lumerians now."
He scratched her head as she licked her chops, looking out the tent and whining to hunt. "Go Ylva, go feast on what you find in the forest. Just do not spook the men-too much." He said, the same evil grin flashing across his face as he saw her perk up.
Ylva licked his hand before bounding out, shimmering like smoke as she howled in announcement to all that she was searching for prey.
Penthar wiped his hands, and went to a nearby table with a map of the nearby lands layed out upon it. He looked over the dots and markings signifying the troops and their approximate locations.
"Too many variables" He thought."Too many on our side with their own delusions of grandeur. I must consolidate power over the army if we are to win this war, and crush these Lumerian busybodies once and for all."
He studied the map, formulating his next moves and strategies for the battles ahead....

Lyavitt stumbled as she approached, still keeping keen to their actions and words. They did not make any sense to her... a war? She moved on, straining her ears to listen in more. There was a large man with dark brown hair, he seemed important. He kept talking too loud, especially to his dog.
"Too many on our side..." she heard him say. "...we are to win this war, and crush these Lumerian busybodies once and for all."
Lyavitt couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. A war against the Lumerians. She must be part of this.
She dropped her stealth, and quickened her pace towards this gathering.
"Greetings!" She yelled. The flame around her body glowed brightly than before. "I heard there was a war... a war that I would like to participate in."

Penthar

He moved to the outside of the tent when he heard the brief commotion and sensed the presence of the creature. He stood, calmly, looking over the female Sati, and the scars on her face. He thought over her statement. He could use her and her powers, if she could follow orders.
"So, you wish to join us in our fight? I may have use for you....."

Vasquiri met the look with something akin to fury. He was not acclimated to army standards, and after a long life as a wandering assasin, he had no patience for discipline.

He reached into his pocket and tossed around his half-filled coinpurse. his information did not come without a price.

"I take it that you remember my brother and I are mercenaries, not lackeys."

Lyavitt was stopped dead in her tracks as soon as man talked to her. She was surprised, this large imposing figure didn't even show signs of fear. He just asked her something if she could be of aid. A rather blunt person, she assumed, he didn't even ask of her of her own intentions in the war. She knew better than to trust someone so straightforward.

She narrowed her eye at the large man, he seemed like the only person who took notice of her in the group since everyone else seemed too busy to bother, save for some young foot soldiers who are wide-eyed in fear.

"Of course," she answered him in a low whisper. She bowed her head, and let her lips curl into a smile. "anything to help, Sir..." she let her voice trail away.

There was a large chance that she would die in this war long before she would turn into a White Sati, but the thought did not cross her mind. All that mattered to her now was to kill as much Lumerians as she could possibly can.

Veldrin nodded in recognition to Soraya and mounted the horse. He prevented himself from a sardonic remark after the offhanded demands of the elven brood. Of course, it was not like he could expect anything more from mercenaries of their lot. Elves were either too self-righteous to tolerate by anyone or as hazardous and greedy as these two. And they still would probably be paid for their efforts, regardless of there being any number of others in the Sudao that would be willing to do the same spying for free. For the sake of their heads, of course.

The cambion coughed up a gout of blood and pardoned himself quietly, turning his heard away from the others. Not but a few yards away, Veldrin could see General Penthar regarding what looked to be an elemental in his midst. That Penthar, Veldrin wasn’t too sure about. The way he cavorted with that Surdan mutt of a beast, Ylva, was unseemly for a man of his stature. Why Lorven had accepted the man into such a high rank was beyond Veldrin, but he accepted the choice nonetheless. Penthar seemed competent, unlike many of the ham-fisted juveniles that Veldrin was forced to deal with everyday.

It was then that Veldrin eyed that new fire-bearer next. He had never seen her before, and this troubled the man a little, though he would never deign to admit it. Wasn’t it the acceptance of too many new recruits too soon that was contributing to the lack of success for the Sudao? Veldrin believed it to be a large causative factor, and he could only hope that some others felt the same. Leaving Soraya to tend to the Ousslyl twins for a moment, Veldrin quietly guided his horse towards the general and his newest subject of attention.

As Veldrin’s steed made the several long steps towards the others, he looked towards a group of young soldiers practicing with their weapons against each other. His voice was soft, as usual, but held a tone of ice and heavy authority. ”You’d best hold those swords up higher, men, or you’ll lose your precious heads.” The remark seemed playful, at first, but smart men knew that the cambion was never kidding in the matters of survival. Veldrin had stopped his horse but a few feet away from the others, still looking upon the practicing soldiers while at the same time taking notice of the fiery stranger. Not one to be rude to his superiors, Veldrin nodded his head slowly in respect of Penthar. ”General,” his bloodshot eyes lingered upon Penthar for a few moments before returning to the soldiers.

Hivaro raised a brow at the soldier swinging his purse before them. He was not familiar with the winged man, but had seen him among their soldiers before. He served in their army, fought their battles, and therefore might be named as one of the Sudao… Sudao’s soldiers were of course all rewarded for their services with monthly pay, food, aids and all their needs… but still they fought for honor and the freedom of their kind. This creature, however, seemed to care more for the weight of his purse that their goals.

A moment of silence, then the old general was pleasantly surprised by his young mistress, fully expecting her to eagerly pay the man to regain a word or two. Her heels nudging the sides of her black horse, she moved forward to come closer to the man, she reached into one of the pouches of her belt to retrieve some silver coins. She placed them in the palm of the waiting man, and before he could utter a word, she spoke to him calmly, regarding him with civility and without wrath. “I wish that my men serve this army with one heart and one goal, dear Vasquiri; to free our kind of the harsh and cruel hold of the Lumerians. I wish to see us stand as one, to fight honorably, for each to do all that one can without limits nor restrictions to make us grow stronger and come closer to that freedom, and nothing more. Honor, loyalty and honesty… that’s what my soldiers are made of, and so we will prove to our prosecutors that we of the dark are not the demons they claim us to be.”

She signaled, and the men moved forth, Hivaro proudly smiling at the young leader as he passed her. The information that the man might have had could have indeed been valuable and time-saving, but he preferred her choice of honorable soldier over a selfish one any day. “One thing the Lumerians refuse to acknowledge is that there is no place in this world where even the tiniest shadow does not exist…” she continued, now her horse too following the others. “Whatever your secrets may be, Vasquiri, and where ever you have been… we will find it through that tiny shadow.” And with that she rode off without remorse; she would find out for herself.

She was just about to ride off… but noticed that Veldrin was no longer there. She looked about, and spotted him. ‘Veldrin?” she called out, wondering what was wrong as it was unlike the man to suddenly storm off.

”Grip the handle tighter, soldier. You, less swinging blindly like that and more concentration as to where you want that blade to go!” Veldrin was willing to show these men a thing or two here and now if it weren’t for the sudden shout of Soraya behind him. His horse trotted nervously in place, hungering for a mad dash to a new destination. ”You all can do better than this, I’m sure. I will return and make sure not one of you so much as stumbles when you strike.” The cambion’s words were a promise, but also a phrase laced with poison, it seemed. Veldrin wasn’t one to accept insufficient jobs, especially in the cases of fighting, since that was what these men were here for.

Nodding curtly to the men, Veldrin guided his horse to turn around and made his way back to Soraya. ”My apologies, my lady. Just some standard…educating.” His head tilted slightly to the side as he looked at the woman atop her horse. Once again those faint hints of a smile played across the scant features that Veldrin provided of his face. ”Shall we?”

“Yes. A lot of verbal bullshit back there to try and make a point to those two brothers… we’re losing enough time as is.” She kicked her heels again, sending the horse into a fast dash as she and her company passed the gates of their camp.

A short distance ahead, Soraya spoke to the Cambion again. “I meant what I said you know…” She continued, as the small group rode fast beyond the bordeds of their camp. “I want my soldiers to fight for our rights… no strings attached. If they are not here for the love of their kind and for the freedom and rights, then why fight at all?” She smiled sheepishly as she thought of her last sentence. “And yes, there is no part of our world where shadows do not reach, but those are an awful lot of shadows to scan through to find out what it might have been that those two thought was so important for us to know…” She smiled, feeling foolish… but not regretful. Hivaro’s lack of a frown proved he agreed with her actions. She gestured to a thick grove of trees, casting a large, dark shadow below on the wet soil, void of snow. “That’s a shadow large enough for us to use. I want to return to Azrian, and see what has changed… who is this ‘new leader’ Kath spoke of”.

As Soraya began the pace to their next destination, Veldrin followed suit. The fast, wide stride of his horse was smooth enough to allow the man a steady seating for his otherwise delicate condition. Other horses just made it hard for the ailed cambion to feel comfortable. As they galloped, the half-demon eyed Soraya. ”There will always be people out there looking to exploit a situation to the best of their abilities. It’s the same way as in exploiting people.” Veldrin would know, having spent a good part of his youth being used as a sort of demon-for hire. In the past, people saw his youthful uncertainty at life and pain as far too valuable to resist.

”Regardless, Soraya, people like you exist to make sure those kinds of urchins do not succeed. And hopefully learn. But perhaps that may be asking too much, knowing this world.” At that, a sort of low, gargling laugh emitted from Veldrin’s hidden lips. Blood and phlegm rattled in the man’s throat as he chuckled, and he looked back at his comrade-in-arms. ”Justice is needed in this sanctimonious, arrogant cesspool. I do not doubt your capabilities. You shouldn’t either.” The cambion nodded at her, and then turned his head to the shadows that the woman pointed to. He gave her a look of recognition, quietly comprehending her plan.