Guard Duty

Ayden is a villager of Citarel and after the great battle he was positioned on an outpost with several others as a guard. Mostly he wore chain-mail that covered his torso and biceps and then he wore iron gauntlets as well as matching boots. Over both he had thick brown cloth sewn with bear fur to keep him warm as well as a similar style cloak with the hood up over his thin jaw and dirty red hair. He scratched at the scruff forming on his face and then checked his shield and war-axe which he acquired instead of a simple blade. He liked being able to smash in skulls apposed to having to slash several times over.

The place he was stationed was several miles from the city to the south just before the river running across the province. He spent his time at the window within the tall stone tower looking over across the tall oval leafed trees that were shedding read leafs due to the arrival of winter. Snow was starting to fall from the gray sky in small white patches and in the distance to the west he could see some darker clouds and unfortunately couldn't even see the mountains in the distance due to the thick wall of falling snow miles away. Climbing to the top of the tower he opened the hatch and pulled himself up with a quick glance to the archer positioned up there to watch. Ayden felt sorry for him having to stand in such a place so he often visited. "The wind picked up..."

"Aye. Looks like the storm is getting worse as well, there is going to be a blizzard by the look of it. Can you tell the captain for me?" He said as he continued to shiver and rub his cold limbs.

Ayden nodded, "Yah, I can do that for you. Come on down. No one will attack in this kind of weather..." The two of them went back down the hatch and locked it to make sure the wind wouldn't pull it open suddenly. Other than the two of them were three more archers and about five regular soldiers equipped with basic swords or other weapons for close combat. Then there was the captain who often just kept to himself in a room near the barracks.

The fort itself consisted of two full towers, one crumbling, and the other just a pile of rubble that was replaced by thick wooden logs to replace any openings in the fort. There was an open courtyard within the confines of the yard with a wooden platform for archers to stand on and look over the wall and then a hang over area for people to keep out of the rain or in this case snow. Other than this there was a few tables and some training dummies. On the inside of the fort between the two towers was a large stone building with a mess hall, armory, barracks, captain's quarters, and a few other storage room that a few of the soldiers used as gambling rooms or other wards did things to pass the time.

After Ayden told the captain of the incoming blizzard he was ordered to retrieve all the men from the outside and bring them in. A few men were scattered inside the fort to now count the supplies and make sure the doors and windows would withstand the storm. A few men came back with news of low food and now it was decided that someone needed to go hunting. The captain then requested two archers and two infantry men to protect them. Ayden and two archers volunteered but one more man was still needed.

He marched forward and smiled at Ayden as he raised his right gloved hand with one finger extended. "I volunteer sir. " He wore leather armor suited for more of a rouge than a soldier. He had a shield on his back and a longsword at his waist. His short brown hair was pushed under a leather cap. His gloves were fingerless and extended up to his elbow. He wore leather boots as well. He had a slim figure and wasn't too tall either. "I am Osric Bealcrest. And I volunteer. "

The captain accepted the small unit and then sent them out into the cold tundra of Talera's cold winter.

About an hour later they had taken out two deer and were now searching for another to kill. Ayden sighed and looked to the swordsman, "So, You are a bit new here too? I've only just arrived about a week ago. You got here yesterday if I'm not mistaken." He said this as he placed a hand on the flat head of his axe.

He nodded. "I must say, I am not completely used to the cold weather but it is a refreshing change to the mountain outpost I was staying at before here. " He let his eyes scan the area as he continued to walk.

"Isn't that close to the dragons? I hate those bloody things..." Before he could say anymore one of the archers decided it was time to head back. The wind was picking up and the snow was getting thicker. They quickly started to sprint back. Ayden carried one of the deer while Osric would carry the other. It took them around thirty minuets to return and upon arrival they slumped off the deer to be prepared and stored. "Now we wait I guess, I'll head back up to my post and make sure everything is clear..." He pointed to one of the archers. "I'll check on yours as well, seeing as you took one of the deer down I owe yah."

He headed up to the tower and on the third floor tidied up his station and secured some blockage in the window to prevent snow from getting in. Then he check back out on top of the tower to make sure it was clear then reassured that the hatch was properly locked. When he was satisfied with the surroundings he headed back down to the main hall and sat on one of the long tables to eat a small portion of bread.

Osric returned to the barracks and found the appropriate armor laying on his bed. A note from the captain. "next time don't leave without suiting up. " He sighed and slowly dressed the nearest rack with his newly gifted armor. With this, he laid down and let his eyes drift asleep into the realm of dreams.

Ayden was now sitting with his archer friend and joking around while they both drank some ale. "You were really posted near the mountains?" Asked the archer with astounded enthusiasm.

"Yah." Replied Ayden, "It was a rough experience...mostly due to fear..."

His friend placed the mug down, "What do you mean?"

"Well, we saw a few dragons fly in the distance every now and then and that was horrifying. They never attacked but the thought of it...we wouldn't stand a chance." He thought for a moment, "Actually, the only battle we had was when a stray wolf attacked our fortress...we lost three men."

The archer blinked, "A wolf did that!? How in Talera is that possible?"

Ayden looked to him, "Pray you never see the creatures that dwell within the Elvish forest...they are gigantic creatures of pure evil, just like the elves!" He took another swig of the ale.

HE woke a few hours after going to sleep, feeling restless. It was dark. He walked outside and took a deep breath, taking in the fresh cool fresh air. He wondered how long he would be here before some one shipped him out to another place. All he wore now was a gray tunic and a pair of dark colored trousers. He saw a few fires lit along the outpost but other than that the camp was lifeless.

Ayden pulled his cloak off the side of the table and tied it around his neck before pulling the hood up. He pushed his way through the door and kept close to the wall to avoid as much wind as possible until he got to the wooden stand and then walked up the planks to look as far as he could. The snow was falling faster and in bigger clumps now. "Wow, this blizzard is going to be bad." He sighed and noticed the other standing outside as well. He approached him and shivered, "This weather is crazy aye?"

He was shocked to see this man. He blinked the sleep away before he spoke. "I am sorry. I didn't see you standing there. This is very strange weather indeed. This must be normal for you though right?"

"Only in the winter I think. Although I did not grow up here. I was raised in a village to the East of here and snow rarely reached that far. The wind over the mountains always pushed it away but that is aside the point." He shivered again and shook some of the gathering snow from his roughly sewn cloak and then watched as the crumpling white patches broke upon contact with the ground. "And what of you my friend? Are you from this region or from the East as I?" Before he could get a response from his friend the wind suddenly picked up causing his balance to shift. Quickly he reacted and grabbed his friend, trying to lead both of them back to the sanctum of the fortress. Ayden couldn't see three feet in front of him and the aimless walking was getting rather irritating but his efforts prevailed once the flat of his hand met the rough wood of the duel doors tinged with tin. Now he pushed them open and allowed himself entrance before shutting the door after his friend could also make it in. Then he picked up a large plank of wood and mounted it on two bent steel latches on the inside of the door to keep the wind from knocking it open.

After he was safely inside he grinned at the man and said " I was originally stationed more south than here. Not too far from here actually but I guess just far enough that I didn't see snow. "

Many of the men grew silent and gave him startled expressions. Ayden shared in their discomfort and when no one would speak only he could do so, "You are from South of here? What was it like living so close to the mountains? I think we have all heard tales of Spirits and foul beasts in that region. That is why most of us living here in the center of Talera are so eager to remain up North. As well as staying away from the accursed mountain to the West, many of the Dragon kind are to be there."

He felt himself grow embarrassed by the attention. "It actually wasn't too bad. A spirit here and there and they were always very distant. I suppose I just got lucky. " He gave a light, uncaring shrug. "Who knows but life was basically just standing around and looking noble. "

"I see, interesting sights though. Few get the chance to witness such a being and continue living." Ayden glanced at another soldier as he spoke.

"I heard that merely looking at one could drive a man mad..." He said this with silent enthusiasm.

Ayden shook his head and made a click with his gums, "A creature that could drive a man mad? Preposterous, If any creature could do such a thing it would be a Cholka. Monstrous beasts of Luicien..." A few men shivered at the sheer idea of the Demon Hound. Few ever saw a Cholka and those who did usually ended up arriving in the Underworld shortly after.

The other soldier took a sip of ale as Ayden took a seat across the wooden table, "But what of the Dragons? Would one of them drive a man mad?"

He gave a chuckle. "I doubt it. At first, fear would take you with any strange creature but in the end, you would become quite used to seeing such bizarre sights. " He felt himself speaking out of turn and stepped back a bit.

Ayden nodded, "Sounds reasonable. Dragons may be fearsome but when you think about it they rarely come from their stoop in the mountains. Attacking someone is even more rare." He thought for a moment and raised a brow. "What of the tales of Sand Dragons off in the desert? Some say they lay in the sand and eat anyone who ventures too close. Only ones brave enough to even live in such a place is those damn Weirchils." He shook his head as one of the other men spoke.
"Aye! They must have gone mad from the heat!" Many of the men chuckled while some were simply irrelevant to the conversation. "Oh, any hear the legends of Sky Dragons?"
Ayden and a about two more nodded. "I believe...they are another race more prone to live with the Elves...but tis just a rumor."

He listened quietly to the conversation, enthused by the rumors and legends. It was the most lively thing he had seen in a while.

The men's conversation continued but at some point Ayden stood up. He casually walked over to one of the boarded windows and peeked through a crack in the wood. "It is really coming down out there."

He nodded. "Sure is"

Suddenly something crossed Ayden's field of vision and left him shaking. "What in the..." He slowly stepped back away from the window and kept a very serious expression of pure dread. Then he silently whispered, "Dragon..."

He shot a glance to the man. "Excuse me. You wanna run that by me again?"

"There is a bloody dragon out there...It's just walking around." He glared a bit and began to watch. "I bet he can't fly in this kind of weather..." Ayden gripped the hilt of his weapon and looked back at the other soldiers. "We are not equipped to deal with a Dragon...any ideas?" Most of the men just shook their heads, too confused of what to do.

He raised his hand slowly and looked about the room. "Why not just try talking with it? I mean it hasn't hurt anything yet." he figured it could be treated as an animal would be treated. Soft kind words usually are nicer than hostility and anger.

"I suppose I could try that. There is no way that we could beat a creature such as that anyway..." With this Ayden robed in warm clothing and started to take some cover away from the door. Once it was clear he stepped out and tracked through the snow. It was thicker than anticipated and before too long he became lost. He could only see about five yards ahead of him. He sword and gripped his axe's hilt. "I'm lost...I can't see anything..." Just as he said this he heard a heavy breathing and a low rumbling sound. He turned to see a large blue scaled dragon with soft eyes that leered at him as if looking through his soul. At first he was slightly fearful but then felt a bit of comfort.

The two stared at each other for the longest time before the dragon abruptly spoke, "Are you lost little one?" The voice of the dragon was soft yet loud and wise. It had a feminine tone to it which mostly soothed the man's ears.

Ayden could only respond with a surprised expression and a slow nod. Everything he had learned of Dragons had just been torn asunder. "You are much...different than I expected..."

With a chuckle the she-dragon lowered her head to Ayden, "What were you expecting, human?"

He rubbed the back of his head, "Well...more ferocious. Your kind have been made out to be like demons...but I can see how wrong we were."

She flicked her tail and seemed a bit annoyed by his words. "Demons...our kind hate the Demons. They stole our Father World and then banished us to here, the plains of Talera."

"Truly? You were run from your homes?" Ayden actually felt a bit of sympathy for the mighty dragon. He had no idea what they had been through, he was only concerned of the they had been portrayed.

The dragon nodded and looked off into the distance, "I can lead you back to your castle, is there anyway you can convince your friends to not attack me? This weather is annoying for my kind."

"Yes, although I can promise nothing." He began to walk as she lead the way through the blizzard. "So, how did you get trapped in this storm?"

The blue dragon spoke softly, "I was flying from my home in the mountains for a little adventure, but now I thing that we dragons should avoid such weather as this. Hard to fly when Elessana is about in the sky."

"Elessana?" He asked.

With a smirk and a chuckle she nodded. "Elessana is the Dragon of wind. She is a god of our kind, an immortal. Elessana is the one whom gave us the freedom of flight. Many of my race ended up leaving to follow her teachings after our civil war."

Their conversation of religion and history continued a bit longer but halted when they reached the crumbling fort which he was stationed at. "I'm not sure that there is an area large enough to fit you..." Ayden said with a bit of resentment for the statement.

"That is fine, I shall burrow a tunnel if allowed." He claws clacked against some of the rubble and was crushed under her weight. An impressive sight to Ayden.

He stepped up the steps to the front entrance, "I shall return shortly."