It was early morning in Salquedor plains, the sound of troops preparing for war rang throughout the battlefield. A camp only visible by the dim fire lights that broke through the mist that enshrouded it. A voice was clearly noticible as the sound died down. Attention please. the voice said calmly. Everyone in the camp turned towards the man who was speaking to them, he was a fairly tall man with multi-colored eyes.

A grin just barely touched his lips as he noticed that everyones attention was directly facing him. My name is Will Onslaught, I have been assigned as your ranking seargent as of today. Will sighed as he thought about what had happened to the previous seargent, whom had been killed brutally by the enemy.

The soldiers began whispering among one another, discussing whether Will would be worthy of the position. Why have you been assigned as our seargent and not another ranking member such as Tulkus, a worthy knight of Arda.

Will pursed his lips in distaste at this mans suggestion of treason. Brave words you have there, I would hate to have to send you to the most unfriendly prison on the face of Arda. Will said with a contempt grin as the man suddenly stepped back in defeat.

Will looked towards a group that was huddled together, speaking quietly so no one could hear their conversation. Will quietly walked over towards the men and stood right behind the closest of the five. What do we have here, a conspiracy I hope not. Will smiled as the men turned towards him. No sir, not at all. Will walked off towards the command tent and his quarters. He sat down at a chair that was near a table in the command tent and closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen.

Terion Blackwind was not normally drawn into conflicts of a large scale but today it seemed that fate had thrown him into a tender situation. He had been wandering ever northward from his home near the Alulanta Falls towards Estolad. There was a man there he was supposed to meet. Timing was not with him however as he stumbled upon a large military camp with pavillions and tents and many hard-faced men. He was watched warily as he walked through the ranks listening to the conversation of the soliders. He heard a few men uncertainly discussing thier new commander, apparently he was a ranger named Will. This interested Terion greatly for he himself was a man of the wilds.

He stopped a burly man with a braided beard.

"Where can I find the ranger in command here sir?"

The man replied with a grunt and a pointed his arm at a large, somewhat ornate tent towards one end of the field. Terion nodded his thanks and walked towards the tent, his intense silver eyes scanned the encampment. He reached the tent and told the guard he wished to offer his services to the commander. The guard glanced him up and down with narrowed eyes before taking his sword and opening the tent. He walked in slowly trying not to startle the man, who looked at him with strange eyes that were two seperate hues.

"Greetings, fellow ranger, I am Terion Blackwind. There seems to be some dissention and uncertainty among your ranks. What battle is this that you are here fighting? Is there any way I can help you?"

Fellow Ranger eh? Will said questioningly, That must mean that you are a Ranger as well. Will thought about all the other Rangers he knew that served in his ranks of the Rangers' Corp, a very secretive society, only known of when a fellow Ranger contacts you.

Will stood up and walked over to a map that clung to the tent wall, suspended by a thread of string and a few knots. He pointed to a position on a map, about 10 kilometers away from where he stood now. Over that ridge, he warned, is the enemy of all the law enforcers of Arda. A group of bandits and raiders and all the other things that torment our lands.

He turned towards a jug of wine and poured some into a mug that sat nearby, one of three. He took a sip from the sweet blood colored liquid, licking his lips as a stream of the pale magenta dripped down his cheek and eventually into his scruffy facial hair. This force is the only army capable of taking the territory that these infutal miscreants have so much as massacred, killing every thing that gets in there way. He said quietly, a scowl began to form on his face.

He took another sip then turned back towards the map and pointed out the camps position they were in and once again the enemies camp. He then walked about the room, thinking about what there next move would be. An idea struck his mind and he realized that there was a tower not but 1 kilometer from the enemies encampment. If they could take this tower they would be able to hold a key control point of the war.

He quickly rushed over to the map and circled the tower, See this area here, this is the enemies scouting tower. I have a force of Rangers who I think I can put you into, you will then go with those Rangers and take the tower. But caution be upon you, be stealthy. All my Rangers know about stealth when it comes to taking a strategical point. You will go at night, two weeks from now.

"Come men, the Light beckons for us!" Niryain was in front of a column of around 30 Zealots, the basic military arm for the Holy Order. They were below the Crusaders in both rank and power. Typically, only one Crusader was to command these men. Niryain got chose for the job. The Zealots themselves were of ordinary military or a City Guard. They were only dressed in simple chain armor with basic weaponry. Niryain was dressed in simply leather clothing. Might deflect a few blows, might not. He had the white Crusader cloak on. It was more of a robe, actually, fastened at the neck with a pin in the shape of a sun. It had no hood, and just wrapped around Niryain's body. Niryain also carried his simple longsword with him, in a back sheath. Niryain was ready for combat, as that was what he was directed to do.

As the Order said, there was tension between a law abiding group and a group of raiders and bandits in Salquedor. It was about to come to a head, and the Order wanted a small group of Zealots as reinforcement. Niryain was chosen to command them in this battle. Small skirmishes were small for Niryain's potential, but from what he heard in the briefing before being dispatched, this had potential to escalate into a full time war. Niryain's job was to prevent that.

"My lord! We are within distance of the camp. We should be there any minute. What are our orders?"

"Stay outside of the borders. I only want four Zealots to accompany me to the command tent. Don't want to look too imposing. Set up your own lodgings while you wait. We're going to be here for awhile."

Niryain chose his four best to accompany him. Of course, they were Zealots, so they weren't that intimidating. But, if things got ugly, they could hold there own for Niryain to escape. The rest of the soldiers started unpacking their belongings.

As Niryain approached the outskirts of the camp, a few soldiers noticed him. They then noticed his Crusader cloak. That was enough for them. As he passed, they gave him a small salute. Simple enough. They knew he came in peace, at least. It would be a shame to have to cut one down just to convince them. It was simple enough to find the command tent, but the guards for this one weren't as simple to convince.

"I am the Light-Captain Niryain Gwindosa of the Holy Order. I come in peace. I only wish to speak to your ranking officer."

"What purpose does the Order have with this skirmish? Aren't you too busy fighting demons and heretics to worry about a small country battle?"

Niryain allowed his sword to show a little through his cloak. He had it drawn, mostly for intimidation. "Fool. You know not the visions of our Order. This small skirmish has the potential to escalate into full scale war. Do you want that? Have you ever experienced war? Your villages will burn, your people slaughtered! Is that what you want? I have the manpower to support you, and I guarantee that each one of my men is worth three of yours! Let me through, or you will know the consequences!" Niryain may have gone too dramatic, but the effect worked.

"F...Forgive me... Enter...." The guards stepped aside.

Niryain and his cadre entered the tent to find two men discussing something. "Hail. I am the Light Captain Niryain Gwindosa. I have come with a cadre of Zealots from the Order. I can support you in this coming battle. I need only know strategic areas and points, as well as general composition of your army. I will help all that I can."

Will turned to notice what appeared to be a soldier of the holy order, but Will thought less of men who served in that purpose. They may fight demons for a living but they would not be accustomed to the surroundings of a full on battle. How dare you barge into my tent with such authority, I have the right mind to decline your offer and send you back to where ever the hell it is you came from. Will said angrily, making sure that this man would know that he needed to address Will with respect and with no assumption that he had any rank of an officer in this battle.

You will not recieve any information or composition, as far as I am concerned you are no better than the rest of my men if not less. Will waved his hand for the man to sit down before sitting down himself. I will let you join, but you will be stripped of your commanding rank and set under control by one of my trusted officers. Will said with a soft tone, trying to make this man understand that he had little expierence as being an officer.

Now... this is Terion, he stumbled upon my ordanance and offered his services. His hand gesturing in the direction of Terion. Will hoped that these two could follow orders and understand his intentions. As seargent it was his duty to be the tough brute and use brute force and anger to make a point.

Will stood up and walked over towards the map and told the same thing he had told Terion, then he beckoned to Terion for his attention. What do you say to that my friend.

Niryain was somewhat annoyed. Wherever he had traveled to in the past, the people there had always treated him with respect and half of the time bowed before him. But this man.... This man had the inscolence to defy him. After the man had finished speaking, Niryain's bodyguard raised their swords. "At ease... There will be no bloodshed here today."

"But lord.. This man had the disrespect to defy a direct order. Surely he must be possessed, or a heretic."

"He obviously knows little of the Order's customs, let alone being a commanding officer. I hope fully well he will learn in time." Niryain said this in a light enough volume to hopefully not be heard by the men. "Now then... As to you." Niryain took the seat he had been motioned to. "I will fully accept your conditions, on one of my own. As you probably noticed, my men are not used to serving under anyone but me. This might be a problem for you or any other of your officers. If I were to command them to you, they would cautiously listen to you, but wouldn't trust you with their lives. I, however, have the power with my Zealots to command them to their deaths if need be. Allow me to retain some command over my force, and I will serve. I will in no way take any command of soldiers that do not display the Zealot emblem. Refuse my offers, and I will withdrawl my forces to my camp. I may still fight when you do, but I will not order my men to distinguish friend from foe with you." Niryain was pushing his luck. He knew full well that the man could order his soldiers to attack Niryain and his bodyguard. He hoped the man had some sense in him. If not, Niryain would have to make a hasty retreat, and pull his forces back some ways.

"As for your tactics themselves, they seem sound enough. The tower would make an excellent vantage point to see the enemy's doings. Most of what you told me I heard in the Cathedral. From what the farseers said, this has the potential to escaleate. I reccomend merely crushing the enemy. If we kill them all, we will be secure in the fact they can't come back to haunt us. But, as you are the ranking officer, the final decision is yours." Niryain waited to see what the other men would respond to this. All the while, his bodyguard stood at the ready to die for him.

Will thought about the man's proposal, it sounded safe enough to say that this would be acceptable; but will still wanted to make sure this crusader was in Will's sight at every moment, whether it be through his eyes or his officers eyes. Agreed, I will let you retain your command over your men, but I will have my most trusted advisor at your door step every waking moment of this war.

Will turned away from the man and sat down at his table where a few dishes had been set, in the center of the table a feast. By the while they had been talking the personal chefs had finished making Will's and his ranking officers meals. Will beckoned them to sit.

Will watched as the rest of his officers entered the tent and sat down in their respective spots. Welcome, we have two new men fighting for us today, one of whom stumbled upon our camp. His name is Terion. Will beckoned him to stand up. Everyone began greeting him and when the room had quieted, he beckoned for Niryain to stand up. And this is Niryain, he in command of a small camp of crusaders and has decided to join our cause. The same was bestowed upon Niryain, his officers greeting him.

When everyone had finished eating their meal Will stood up and brought a larger map to the table and alligned it on the center of the table top. It was time for their War Council, a meeting where all the officers spoke about the upcoming battle and gave their suggestions to Will.

Will began speaking to the council and told the whole story he had already told twice today. Now, who has any suggestions or questions.

From his place at the table Terion regarded the commanders present with scrutiny. He found himself glancing more than once at the crusader who had stormed into the tent earlier, Niryain. He didn't really like the man but, that was nothing that could be helped. He certainly agreed that his forces should be called Zealots, for that is what they were. Being a ranger Terion was used to battle but also stealth. The mission to take the tower, which he had been assigned to was perfect for his abilities. He also silently applauded this Will's forceful reclaimation of utter command in the situation.

"You have chosen the right man to take that tower, sir. I will sweep over it like an emerald shadow and it shall be yours within the hour. How many men will be on this foray? I wouldn't send too many or we may only draw the attention of the enemy and start an all out conflict within the vicinity."

He sat back sipping lightly from his cup. He stroked the brassy pommel of his longsword lovingly. It was an unconcious habit of his. It had been quite awhile since he'd been involved in any large scale conflict. He was rather enthusiastic about it, he hungered for a challenge. He hoped he wouldn't have to deal too directly with the Crusader. He didn't like the man's righteous arrogance.

"What will our next move be after the taking of the tower. How many men do these brigands command? Do we have the force to overrun them in one charge, like the Crusader suggests?"

He settled back waiting for Will's reply. He glanced around at the sobered faces around the table. He wanted to smile, battles had always been fun for him, but these others were stony faced. He hoped he'd be able to enjoy this...

Will smiled at Terions enthusiasm, he was glad he had chosen him for the job. I want you to take only half a dozen men, the tower should only have about twenty-four enemies in it. I think you can sufise and take that tower. Will closed his eyes and began humming a tune, one that he had learned in the village of estolad when he was only a young boy.

The words were clear in his mind and the tune chimed like church bells, a beutiful tune, but a forgoten one at that. He opened his eyes and smiled at the sight of his officers faces lightening up as they listened.

Will closed his eyes once more only to drift into a shallow dream, a glorious sight. They had taken the tower and thousands of bandits lay dead, but as he looked across the battlefield he could also see a couple thousand of his own men dead.

Will woke up only to here the last question that Terion had asked. Calm down, we have more soldiers than the enemy has. But that doesn't mean that they won't fight with ferocity. he frowned as he thought about the dream.

Will called for his officers to leave the tent, and waved his hand downward for Terion and the crusader to stay where they were. Niryain, I would like for you to keep your men seperate from mine at the time being. I wouldn't want any soldiers without heads. He waved his hand for Niryain to leave.

He then turned to Terion. Terion, I think I will permit you to stay in the extra cot that I have been supplied. Will pointed to a cot that sat not but five feet from his own.

Terion gave a wide grin at Will's hospitality. This was certainly more than he bargained for as he had stumbled into the camp on his way northward. He wasn't sure how he had earned the right to lead a company of men(even a miniscule one), but he wouldn't disappoint. That tower would be taken. He hefted his elven shield onto his back and glanced over at the cot.

"You do me great honor sir, and I will happily comply with your offer. However, I would walk beneath the stars for a few minutes before I settle in for the night."

So saying, Terion gave Will a short bow and stepped out under the stars. The sky was large and it always gave Terion a good measure of hope. He closed his eyes, sensing the electricity of approaching battle in the air. He saw his lost mother's face floating there in the back of his mind, her beautiful almond shaped eyes looked upon him with love.

"Wherever you are now mother, look down on your son with luck and grace. Perhaps someday we will meet again beyond the western seas. Protect me in the trials to come and help me to be brave."

A bout of ruckus laghter erupted from a campfire to his left. The disturbance lifted him out of his reverie. A little half-grin spread on his face as he watched one of the drunken soliders attempt a daredevil leap over a roaring fire. He chuckled when the man landed successfully, then fell back catching the bottom of his cloak on fire. His fellows tackled him and began beating him profusely in a wasted attempt to extingiush the fire, probably hurting him more than helping him. Terion shook his head and taking one last deep breath of the spring air he plunged back into the tent. Within, Will was sitting at the table intently studying some maps.

"I don't know if I can wait two weeks sir, my blade is eager to embrace a brigand."

He gave Will a cocky sort of grin before stalking over to the cot and, laying his shield and blade underneath, he lay back with his hands behind. He closed his eyes dreaming quietly of the bubbling falls near his home.

Will looked up from his maps and greeted Terion with a smile. I see you had a good time on your walk. Will listened to Terions eager exclamation. Reminds me of my boy, always eager to move on to his task. Will stood up and walked over to his cot, he sat on the edge then layed down, folding his hands across his chest.

Will silently slipped into the subcontious of his dreams, his fingers twitching in anticipation. When he woke up the sun was staring down through the top of the tent. He looked around cautiously then stood up and left the tent. He noticed only a faint trace of the fires from the night before. Only a whisper of smoke showed that they were recent.

He walked down the center of the camp until he reached the edge, looking back he could see his tent only the size of a rock. It stood on the top of a hilly lump that gave away the commanding tents position.

Will sighed then started heading back to the tent, he could hear his troops laughing and belowing on about how many miscreants they were going to kill. Will walked up to one of the small parties. Goodevenin commander, are you as excited as I be. I cant wait to swing my axe into one of those bandits tiny skulls. Will smiled and replied with a nod.

Will walked away and listened to them laugh. He thought that these men would be scared of the fight but they showed full support and actually looked forward to the fight. That was a good sign, men who were fearless.

Will entered the tent and sat down at the table, an aroma filled the room as one of the personal chefs brought in his morning meal.

"My lord, the fool knows little about war. Why are we even here?" Niryain was already back in his camp, after being excused from the meeting. Niryain was now in his command tent, and having council with his advisors.

"Hah. Idiot. We are here for our own reasons. The eradication of the law breakers is just a secondary objective. Our own reasons will become clear to you all in time. Just know that both sides of this war are at blame, and we are to purge them both." Niryain had sent his mages to make seals around the tent, blocking any noise from coming out. It was always good to be prepared with the Rangers about in the night.

"My lord, forgive me again, but both sides greatly outnumber us. Even if we pull our treason after the battle is over and both sides are weakened, I am sure we will lose."

"Ah, but that is the point. As I can tell, the Order is planning on sending us another 100 men in the late future. From their predictions, it should be as soon as the main fighting is over with. We will crush both factions at once."

"How will they know when the battle is almost over, and why are we even planning to betray the Ranger's army?"

"They will be stationed a far ways away, but within earshot of hearing battle. As soon as the battle dies down, they will mobilize. They should arrive within a fortnight or so. As for the reason we are planning this... The Order does not exactly look highly to Rangers. They see them as schemers, wildmen, raised by savages. No place among civilized men. And as the top of civilized man, it is our duty to wipe them out. Of course, we will merely set this up as the Rangers betraying us. With no one left to speak for either side, they will have to believe us."

"Yes, Lord Niryain..."

"Very well. You are dismissed! And remember, if I here any news about the plan being told to the Rangers, I will personally execute the traitor. Go!"

That night, Niryain had many strange dreams. Ones he did not usually have. Those of death, battle, war. And to think, the fighting was weeks away. He saw men slaying rouges, bandits, the forces of evil. Then, he saw his own army, ranks of shining knights, charge in to remove what was left. He awoke with a start. It was already morning. "Hah... Another day... One less day until it begins..."

The morning light brought some measure of peace to the mind of the ranger, Terion. The sky wasn't perfectly clear but his father had always said that imperfection was what made things perfect. Crows wheeled in the morning light spilling out thier harsh cries. There was an air of sobriety to the camp for all the previous nights indulgence. Terion walked through the camp quietly as was his nature. There was much less akward tension among the soliders. Save for those that were camped near to the religious fanatics. He wondered why the church's mercenaries had really been sent here. These crusader types were very unlikely to offer any help without requiring some sort of payment. This confused Terion greatly, he wondered if there was some unseen motive beneath thier prescence. It could only be the unspoken dislike that Terion held for the crusader. Maybe he was just letting his judgement be affected by his personal intuition, which had been known to be false in the past. He was now walking past the Zealots' campground. There were a few guards cloaked in white standing outside of the crusader's command tent and there was a smell of extinguished magic in the air. It was a scent that Terion's mother had shown him years ago in the woodlands around Alulanta.

"What's this? I wonder what spells our pious predator is working in his spare time?", he said quietly to himself.

He sighed and shook his head. Whatever he might suspect, he could not hold it as proof of anything. The crusader had offered them assistance and he seemed to be a fierce fighter, they could use his help. He needed to try and see past his bias, just because the man was cocky didn't mean he meant any ill will. Still as he walked away a nagging feeling tugged at him. As always when he was deep in thought his hand dropped to the hilt of his longsword to rub it in an unconcious loving gesture. He decided it would be best to voice his suspicion to Will. So he wandered slowly back to the main command tent and called in before he opened the flap and ducked inside. Will was tucked over a table bolting down his breakfast.

"What do you think about the Crusader sir? Can we trust him? I get a bad vibe from his prescence here. I feel there must be some alterior motive. It could just be my imagination, but I'm worried. What are your feelings on the matter?"