With the break of dawn, Xenahort awakes in his royal chamber, eagerly anticipating his breakfast prepared by the royal cook. The old king was by no means aware of the struggles happening some 50 miles away.
Back at Laccnia, blades were flying everywhere as Spartans clashed with barbarians.Raphael had initiated the command to battle, and so now every soldier were fighting with all their might, if not to bring glory to Sparta then to avoid being killed. The barbarians fought using huge war axes which would break the Spartans' swords the moment it made contact at full impact. At the very back of the enemy frontlines stood the enemy commander, Zroma. He was a huge man wearing a horned helmet. He had grizzly hair and his eyes were red with bloodlust. Zroma stood at a menacing 7 feet tall.He held a huge pole axe in his right palm.He was big-boned and wore very little armor. In fact, all of the barbarians wore little to no armor at all. All they did was wrap some fur cloth around their bodies.The cold weather seems to have no effect on them. They swiped the Spartan soldiers away as thought they were flies.
The situation looked beyond repair. Parts of the city walls were broken down and the barbarians were trying to get in. Inside, women and children were running for their lives. The atmosphere was chaotic. The little soldiers remaining of Kratos' unit were doing their best to fend off the barbarians within the city. The Spartans' line of defense was declining at an alarming rate. Their frontlines were thinning with every heartbeat. They suffered many casualties. Bodies lay strewn everywhere. Cracked skulls and severed limbs could be seen all over the battlefield.Raphael and Mikel fought very hard. Although barbarian after barbarian fell to the two friends, the seemingly endless wave of the barbarian frontlines has taken its toll on the two friends as they started to tire.
Axel and Tristan were still nowhere to be found. The soldiers' morale dropped dramatically. Even Raphael and Mikel had started to lose hope.
"Do what you must, but don't get overconfident"Axel told him.Does this include the ability to command a retreat?Raphael seriously considered commanding a retreat.The thought of losing his first battle in war, where he was commander was not something Raphael liked.However, his soldiers, fine young Spartan brothers were falling like flies before him. The city was about to fall! What more could a 23 year old soldier with limited experience do? Just as he was about to give the order, cheers erupted from the city. Raphael and Mikel turned to look and saw Axel bursting through the gates on his horse, followed closely by Tristan and a number of soldiers.
Axel raised his sword.
"FOR SPARTA!"
Axel impaled a nearby barbarian and forcefully drew his sword out, ripping out the barbarian's heart. Seeing this made the barbarians shudder a bit. A problem Zroma quickly adressed.He charged through the army like a mad man and soon was at the heart of the battle. Zroma hacked down Axel's horse, forcing him to battle on foot.However, it was not a problem for Axel, who continued to fell more barbarians. There was no wonder that he was a general in the Spartan army, he was an inspiration to all the soldiers. He showed extraordinary leadership. His valor was elevated when he moved to challenge Zroma to a duel. Tristan had fought his way to Raphael and Mikel's side. The three of them were now slashing away at every barbarian that got in their way. They were so strong, it was as though Ares himself had come down to battle for them.
Axel and Zroma were involved in a heated battle with each other. Axel was quite the swordsman. Zroma was finding Axel to be a very hard opponent. Everytime he tried to smash or slash Axel, Axel would evade perfectly and attack. Zroma had been slit a few times already as he was bleeding. But the smell and taste of his own blood only infuriated Zroma more as he started to attack with more venom. Once or twice, Axel came perilously close to having his head severed. With a strong swing, Zroma knocked Axel off balance to the ground. Zroma towered over Axel and raised his pole axe high above his head.
What happened next was instinct. Raphael grabbed a hand axe from a nearby barbarian and threw it, not at Zroma, but at the handle of the pole axe he was holding, the handle made of wood.The hand axe hit it perfectly.By the time he realised what had happened, the pole axe came crashing down upon his head, splitting his skull. Zroma fell backwards unto the ground, his eyes expressionless, dead.
Axel looked over at Raphael who nodded. To his bewilderment, Axel got up and charged full speed at him. Axel leaped high into the air and jabbed his sword deep into the barbarian who had sneaked up on Raphael.
"Thanks, commander."
"No, we are even."
The four warriors were like a light on the battlefield, inspiring all those who saw them. Despite losing their commander, the barbarians pressed the attack and soon had the upper hand again.
Axel slayed the last of the barbarians attacking the group, looked around and shouted.
"RETREAT INTO THE FOREST!RETREAT!"
He knocked a nearby barbarian off his horse, took it and rode towards the forest, screaming "RETREAT" all the more louder.
The soldiers slowly stopped fighting and followed suit. Raphael refused to accept defeat and was about to launch himself deep into the battlefield when Tristan pulled him back.
"Get to the forest, Raphael!"
"No, Tristan, I'm not a coward! I don't run!"
"No one says you're a coward, Raphael, but you are an idiot!"
Enlisting the help of Mikel, Tristan hauled Raphael into the forest. Upon entering the forest, Raphael felt something wrong. They haven't gone far and the city was still in sight. Why then, was Axel holding his sword gazing at the city behind a tree on his horse? All the other soldiers held their swords too.
"It's a feigned retreat, Raphael."explained Tristan."Axel's military command is not just limited to his fighting abilities. He is well versed in the art of strategic warfare as well. Numerous holes have been dug in the city, each filled with long spears that will kill its victim."
Sure enough, as the barbarians entered the city, they started to scream. Axel turned his head.
"NOW, LAUNCH THE COUNTER ATTACK!"
The Spartans rushed out of the forest and quickly killed off many of the stunned barbarians. Inside, Raphael saw the barbarians in the ground, pierced by spears the length of men.
Suddenly, a horn sounded from the northern forest, from Hispanic. The barbarians stopped fighting and immediately retreated.It was now evening, and the moon had already revealed itself.
The soldiers rejoiced at the sight and started to celebrate when Axel turned around to greet them with a very dark face.
"It's too early to celebrate. That was Beowoulf. He's calling them back to prepare for a full scale assault."
"Full scale assault, what was THAT then?A welcoming party?"
"Aye, Raphael. I'm afraid Beowoulf's army is much larger than what we've seen so far."
Raphael's expression darkened. Mikel spoke,
"Then, what do we do, commander?"
"We attack them before they reach us. I will personally lead an elite cavalry unit including you, Raphael and Tristan through the mountain pass and strike the rear of their vanguard. Hopefully, we will be able to find Beowoulf's son, Heracles, and capture him. We can exchange him for Beowoulf's surrender."
"Sounds like a plan, when do we act?"
"Before the break of a new dawn."
Monday, August 17, 2009
Chapter 2:Arrival
And so there they were, three friends, in the midst of a massive Spartan Army.Though they were young and inexperienced, they were high in spirits.Mikel in particular.Raphael,Mikel and Tristan led the massive army,just behind General Axel,who was riding a magnificent white horse.It looked battle-hardened.Its legs were strong and its body was seemingly built of muscles.It had an air of grace and valor around it, as though it was the king of horses.
From the moment they set foot out of the room till they marched out of the city, Sparta celebrated their bravery.They cheered and threw plants at the soldiers feet.Some however, most of them parents, were seen sobbing silently amidst the send off.Even as they were half a mile away from the city walls, they could still hear the distant sounds of carnival-like music.
They were now moving towards the south on a well-trodden path along some hills.The carnage the war had brought upon the land was evident as broken villages,burnt fields and animal carcasses could be seen everywhere.Once or twice Raphael spotted fear and disgust flash in Mikel's eyes.He quickly took his shoulder.
"Relax, friend.We're not going to end up like them."
"It's...not like this in Athens,we....."
"Athenians are peace-lovers who fear the cry of battle."interrupted Axel as the army marched on.
"Commander, please, show respect to my homeland."
"I cannot be dishonest,I despise Athens, but,"he turned to look at Mikel,"I admire the great warriors that come from her.Athena has trained you well."
"But, you've never seen him fight before, have you commander?"asked Tristan.
"How are you sure?I remember that his father posted a reward for his safe return when he ran away.I also remember seeing him fighting against the many people who tried to return him home.He handles a sword very well.Perhaps, not as well as you though."He turned to smile at Raphael and turned back.
The Spartan army were now marching through the forest,barely 5 miles away from the Spartan fort in the south. A gentle, welcoming wind breezed through the trees, rustling the leaves which had turned orange in accordance with Autumn.The atmosphere had started to become tense when they went pass the southern border of Sparta.
Suddenly, Axel broke into a gallop.Thinking their commander had seen an enemy, the soldiers drew their swords and readied themselves for battle.
"AT EASE, SOLDIERS!"
Raphael,Mikel and Tristan rushed to their commander's side.
Axel was tending to an old man,who was resting by a tree.He seemed wounded very badly.The old man died in Axel's arms.His last words,clearly heard by the four.
"Stop the war,lest Sparta becomes more barbaric than Germania."
Axel laid the man to rest and got up.
"I will end this war.I swear it."He turned to look at the three friends."Let us go."
Ever since the old man was found, the Spartan army quickened its pace,led by Axel who seemed more content to end the war than ever.Within minutes, they were passing the gate of Laccnia, the last remaining Greek outpost in the south.
Axel commanded his troops to take a quick rest and to meet up at sunset.As he dismounted, the gates opened again, and this time in came a number of wounded soldiers, carrying a man on a stretcher.
"Di immortalis, by the Gods, General Kratos!"
Axel rushed to the wounded general's side.
"How are you, general?"
"Axel, the G..Gods h..have aban...abandoned us.Ares has....abandoned me!"
"Hush, friend, rest. You there."said Axel, pointing to a soldier carrying Kratos."Tell me, what has happened?"
"Report!Under the command of General Kratos, we led the vanguard of a 5000 strong unit to attack the barbaric outpost of Hispanic.However, along the way, we were ambushed.We broke through the ambush after a short struggle without any casualties as there were only a few of them.We advanced towards Hispanic where we met heavy resistance from the enemy commander, Zroma.Just when it seemed our assault would succeed, Beowoulf himself brought unexpected reinforcements into battle.The reinforcements badly defeated us.Beowoulf himself was a monster, killing countless Spartans and crushing the skulls of more.General Kratos commanded a full retreat and fought Beowoulf himself.Somehow he escaped and rejoined us in the forest where he collapsed."
"Casualty report?"
At this, the soldier hesitated.
"Casualty report, soldier."
"Report!Of the 5000 Spartan soldier sent out, only we are left.Less than 300 soldiers."
At that,Axel's face turned solemn with grim expressions.He looked very troubled. Strangely however, his expression suggests he wasn't worried about the number of troops lost, but something else. As to what it was, Raphael, Mikel and Tristan were left guessing themselves.
A soldier came running into the camp.
"GENERAL KRATOS!GENERAL KRATOS!"
Axel spoke up.
"Can't you see General Kratos is injured.I, Axel am the acting commander of this fort."
"G...General Axel, permission to speak."
"Permission granted."
"General, our scouts have spotted a huge barbarian army approaching this way at an alarming speed!The enemy commander is Zroma."
Axel drew his sword.
"SOLDIERS!INTO FORMATION!"
The soldiers went into their positions earlier, behind Axel.
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to rest as promised."
Axel turned to the army and spoke at large.
"WE ARE IN A DIRE SITUATION!THE ENEMY HAS BOTH STRENGTH AND NUMBERS!BUT DO NOT FRET, AND DO NOT FORGET!WE ARE SPARTANS, THE GREATEST WARRIORS UNDER MOUNT OLYMPUS! OUR BATTLE SLOGAN!"
At this, the soldiers replied.
"WE WILL RETURN WITH OUR SHIELDS, OR UPON THEM!"
"FOR THIS BATTLE,I APPOINT RAPHAEL AS THE ACTING COMMANDER AND MIKEL AS THE SUPPORTING GENERAL!LISTEN TO THEM IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"
Axel mounted his horse and looked at Tristan.
"Of the three of you, it is you that I know least about.What's your name?"
"Tristan, sir"
"Well, Tristan, grab a few soldiers and follow me."Axel then turned to Raphael."Commander, I leave these men to you. Act as you must, but do not get overconfident. You may be the champion swordsman in your town, but this is a real war. Good luck, and may the Gods be with you."
Axel rode towards the blacksmith's cabin.
"TRISTAN!"
"Well, see you later guys.Don't die out there."Tristan bade farewell to Raphael and Mikel and ordered some soldiers to follow him to the blacksmith cabin.
Raphael marched his troops out of the gate and unto the battlefield where the distant war cries of the barbarians could be clearly heard.
The time of battle was close at hand.
From the moment they set foot out of the room till they marched out of the city, Sparta celebrated their bravery.They cheered and threw plants at the soldiers feet.Some however, most of them parents, were seen sobbing silently amidst the send off.Even as they were half a mile away from the city walls, they could still hear the distant sounds of carnival-like music.
They were now moving towards the south on a well-trodden path along some hills.The carnage the war had brought upon the land was evident as broken villages,burnt fields and animal carcasses could be seen everywhere.Once or twice Raphael spotted fear and disgust flash in Mikel's eyes.He quickly took his shoulder.
"Relax, friend.We're not going to end up like them."
"It's...not like this in Athens,we....."
"Athenians are peace-lovers who fear the cry of battle."interrupted Axel as the army marched on.
"Commander, please, show respect to my homeland."
"I cannot be dishonest,I despise Athens, but,"he turned to look at Mikel,"I admire the great warriors that come from her.Athena has trained you well."
"But, you've never seen him fight before, have you commander?"asked Tristan.
"How are you sure?I remember that his father posted a reward for his safe return when he ran away.I also remember seeing him fighting against the many people who tried to return him home.He handles a sword very well.Perhaps, not as well as you though."He turned to smile at Raphael and turned back.
The Spartan army were now marching through the forest,barely 5 miles away from the Spartan fort in the south. A gentle, welcoming wind breezed through the trees, rustling the leaves which had turned orange in accordance with Autumn.The atmosphere had started to become tense when they went pass the southern border of Sparta.
Suddenly, Axel broke into a gallop.Thinking their commander had seen an enemy, the soldiers drew their swords and readied themselves for battle.
"AT EASE, SOLDIERS!"
Raphael,Mikel and Tristan rushed to their commander's side.
Axel was tending to an old man,who was resting by a tree.He seemed wounded very badly.The old man died in Axel's arms.His last words,clearly heard by the four.
"Stop the war,lest Sparta becomes more barbaric than Germania."
Axel laid the man to rest and got up.
"I will end this war.I swear it."He turned to look at the three friends."Let us go."
Ever since the old man was found, the Spartan army quickened its pace,led by Axel who seemed more content to end the war than ever.Within minutes, they were passing the gate of Laccnia, the last remaining Greek outpost in the south.
Axel commanded his troops to take a quick rest and to meet up at sunset.As he dismounted, the gates opened again, and this time in came a number of wounded soldiers, carrying a man on a stretcher.
"Di immortalis, by the Gods, General Kratos!"
Axel rushed to the wounded general's side.
"How are you, general?"
"Axel, the G..Gods h..have aban...abandoned us.Ares has....abandoned me!"
"Hush, friend, rest. You there."said Axel, pointing to a soldier carrying Kratos."Tell me, what has happened?"
"Report!Under the command of General Kratos, we led the vanguard of a 5000 strong unit to attack the barbaric outpost of Hispanic.However, along the way, we were ambushed.We broke through the ambush after a short struggle without any casualties as there were only a few of them.We advanced towards Hispanic where we met heavy resistance from the enemy commander, Zroma.Just when it seemed our assault would succeed, Beowoulf himself brought unexpected reinforcements into battle.The reinforcements badly defeated us.Beowoulf himself was a monster, killing countless Spartans and crushing the skulls of more.General Kratos commanded a full retreat and fought Beowoulf himself.Somehow he escaped and rejoined us in the forest where he collapsed."
"Casualty report?"
At this, the soldier hesitated.
"Casualty report, soldier."
"Report!Of the 5000 Spartan soldier sent out, only we are left.Less than 300 soldiers."
At that,Axel's face turned solemn with grim expressions.He looked very troubled. Strangely however, his expression suggests he wasn't worried about the number of troops lost, but something else. As to what it was, Raphael, Mikel and Tristan were left guessing themselves.
A soldier came running into the camp.
"GENERAL KRATOS!GENERAL KRATOS!"
Axel spoke up.
"Can't you see General Kratos is injured.I, Axel am the acting commander of this fort."
"G...General Axel, permission to speak."
"Permission granted."
"General, our scouts have spotted a huge barbarian army approaching this way at an alarming speed!The enemy commander is Zroma."
Axel drew his sword.
"SOLDIERS!INTO FORMATION!"
The soldiers went into their positions earlier, behind Axel.
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to rest as promised."
Axel turned to the army and spoke at large.
"WE ARE IN A DIRE SITUATION!THE ENEMY HAS BOTH STRENGTH AND NUMBERS!BUT DO NOT FRET, AND DO NOT FORGET!WE ARE SPARTANS, THE GREATEST WARRIORS UNDER MOUNT OLYMPUS! OUR BATTLE SLOGAN!"
At this, the soldiers replied.
"WE WILL RETURN WITH OUR SHIELDS, OR UPON THEM!"
"FOR THIS BATTLE,I APPOINT RAPHAEL AS THE ACTING COMMANDER AND MIKEL AS THE SUPPORTING GENERAL!LISTEN TO THEM IF YOU WANT TO LIVE!"
Axel mounted his horse and looked at Tristan.
"Of the three of you, it is you that I know least about.What's your name?"
"Tristan, sir"
"Well, Tristan, grab a few soldiers and follow me."Axel then turned to Raphael."Commander, I leave these men to you. Act as you must, but do not get overconfident. You may be the champion swordsman in your town, but this is a real war. Good luck, and may the Gods be with you."
Axel rode towards the blacksmith's cabin.
"TRISTAN!"
"Well, see you later guys.Don't die out there."Tristan bade farewell to Raphael and Mikel and ordered some soldiers to follow him to the blacksmith cabin.
Raphael marched his troops out of the gate and unto the battlefield where the distant war cries of the barbarians could be clearly heard.
The time of battle was close at hand.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Chapter 1:Axel
The room was hot and humid.The sound of metal swords being drawn and replaced in their scabbards echoed softly.Nervous whispers could be heard in the chamber where the soldiers awaited their commander.The year was 309 B.C.,and Sparta was at war with the barbarians from the south.Two days ago, the Spartan army was badly defeated,suffering many casualties.As a result, the king of Sparta had decided to draft a representative from every family to serve in the Spartan army aimed at pacifying the south.Among those drafted was a young boy who was no older than 23,he had dark brown hair, deep, blue eyes and a smooth face.He was a well built young man of common height.In his palm, the handle of his sword was drench with sweat.His name was Raphael.
Raphael was an orphan who lived his life off public sword-fighting displays and tournaments.He had never lost a fight before.Despite his reputation, he was still mistreated by his caretaker.He was often beaten up by D'Artangan, the bartender who took him in.In truth, D'Artangan was at that time short of hands and took Raphael in so he could have extra help.Raphael made more enemies than friends. The only two people who Raphael truly considered friends were unfortunately sitting beside him on either side.
On Raphael's right was Mikel, the heirloom to a fairly rich family estate in Athens.Mikel was slightly shorter than Raphael, but he too was well built.He was 21.He had long silver hair and brown eyes.His nose was rather pointy.Due to his family background, Mikel was well-trained in fencing, his master being an expensive teacher from Rome.One day, while being lectured by his father while inspecting the estate, Mikel sneaked off while his father was not looking. As Mikel was the only son, his father put up posters all over the city, offering a reward of 30 gold pieces to anyone who could bring his son back. It was said Mikel did not try to hide himself but instead stood in the center of the temple, holding a sword and offering to follow whoever defeats him back to the estate.Many tried and failed.Finally,Raphael stood forward.Despite being a great swordsman, Mikel was no match for Raphael who had more experience in real fights.Mikel accepted defeat within 5 rounds and followed Raphael home.Raphael earned the reward, and became friends with Mikel, who has since been training hard in hopes of one day outshining Raphael.
And then there was Tristan, a skinny young man who towered over both Raphael and Mikel.He had black hair and black eyes, the heritage he inherited from his mother, who was from Asia.Tristan and his single mother lived in poverty and Tristan had to steal to make ends meet.Once, he went to the market to steal an exotic jewel which had just come in from India.In the midst of his escape, he met Raphael.As Raphael did nothing to stop him,Tristan sped off but was soon cornered by the city guards who threatened to kill Tristan.Tristan held on to the jewel even more, screaming,'PLEASE!MY MOTHER IS SICK!"Deeply moved by Tristan's fidelity, Raphael immediately drew his sword and fought back the guards,helping Tristan to escape.Ever since, Tristan and Raphael have been constantly seen together acting suspiciously in the market.
"Raphael, what do you reckon the battlefields in the south is like?"asked Tristan.
"I don't know, I've never left Sparta before but you know what?I'm looking forward to fighting the barbarians."
"You sure like to fight Raphael,"said Mikel.
"Haha, of course.I have to keep improving. I need to test myself against stronger opponents.I have to become stronger."
"But, you're already very strong!"exclaimed Tristan.
"Not strong enough, my friend.I want to be the strongest in all of Greece."
"You sound like you want to be an Olympian."teased Tristan.
"Whatever you two, I'm just glad to be out of that estate."said Mikel matter-of-factly.
"Oh yeah,I almost forgot.How did your father react to the news that you were drafted?"asked Raphael.
"The old man nearly blew his head off, I bet!But then, isn't this what you always wanted?"To see the world?"said Tristan.
"Aye, but unfortunately, there isn't much to see where we're going."replied Mikel."At least I can be free, even if it is only because of this war.Being pent up in the estate is not the life for me."
"Why don't you tell your father?"asked Raphael.
"Because, if I did so, he'd have a heart attack."replied Mikel with a grin."I can see him now, "you ungrateful son of a mule..."HA!"
The three friends burst into silent fits of laughter.
"I wonder,"Raphael began, "what will our commander be like?"
"By the Gods, Raphael, you don't plan to duel with our commander do you?"asked Tristan worriedly.
"Of course not!I just...I just have the feeling that our fates will soon be decided, and it will be tied to our commander."
"Raphael, I think, you might have had a little too much wine for supper last night."
As Raphael was about to retort, the wooden door swung open to reveal a tall man wearing full Spartan armor with a lioncloth wrapped around his waist.He wore a Spartan war helmet with blue feathers signifying his status as one of the top commanders in the Spartan army.When he spoke, he spoke with the oomph of a true Spartan warrior.
"My name is Axel, and I will be your commander in the coming battles. I tell you solemnly to forget all your thoughts about returning home because we will not return home. When you step on to the battlefield in the coming days, THAT is your home. We might DIE out there, so I want you,"he stopped talking and walked over to the far corner of the room where a young man stood, stroking a fur coat which he brought from home.Axel took it and tore it up. "I cannot have you reminiscing about home, soldier.We will return with our shields, or upon them.That is the Spartan Coat of Arms.Now, I will need volunteers to lead the vanguard."
Axel started to pace the room, sizing up every soldier.Soon, his eyes fell on Raphael, Mikel and Tristan.
"Alright, you three will lead the vanguard."
"I thought he just said volunteer..."whispered Mikel.
"What was that,soldier?Did you just say something about me?"asked Axel menacingly as he took a step toward Mikel and grabbed him by the collar."Ah, the scent of Lavender's Kiss.You must be very rich to be able to afford this perfume.Tell me, what is your name?"
"M..Mikel."
"Well,Mikel, do not expect any special treatment in this army.And next time when you have something to say, you will ask my permission first, understood?"
"Y...Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good."Axel turned to eye the rest of the room."Our orders are simple.Anihilate the barbarians and return with the head of their leader, Beowoulf or die trying.Time waits for no one, make haste, let us be off.For Sparta!Long Live Emperor Xenahort!"
Raphael,Mikel and Tristan exchanged sharp looks with each other. It's going to be a long war.
"VANGUARD!MARCH!"
Raphael was an orphan who lived his life off public sword-fighting displays and tournaments.He had never lost a fight before.Despite his reputation, he was still mistreated by his caretaker.He was often beaten up by D'Artangan, the bartender who took him in.In truth, D'Artangan was at that time short of hands and took Raphael in so he could have extra help.Raphael made more enemies than friends. The only two people who Raphael truly considered friends were unfortunately sitting beside him on either side.
On Raphael's right was Mikel, the heirloom to a fairly rich family estate in Athens.Mikel was slightly shorter than Raphael, but he too was well built.He was 21.He had long silver hair and brown eyes.His nose was rather pointy.Due to his family background, Mikel was well-trained in fencing, his master being an expensive teacher from Rome.One day, while being lectured by his father while inspecting the estate, Mikel sneaked off while his father was not looking. As Mikel was the only son, his father put up posters all over the city, offering a reward of 30 gold pieces to anyone who could bring his son back. It was said Mikel did not try to hide himself but instead stood in the center of the temple, holding a sword and offering to follow whoever defeats him back to the estate.Many tried and failed.Finally,Raphael stood forward.Despite being a great swordsman, Mikel was no match for Raphael who had more experience in real fights.Mikel accepted defeat within 5 rounds and followed Raphael home.Raphael earned the reward, and became friends with Mikel, who has since been training hard in hopes of one day outshining Raphael.
And then there was Tristan, a skinny young man who towered over both Raphael and Mikel.He had black hair and black eyes, the heritage he inherited from his mother, who was from Asia.Tristan and his single mother lived in poverty and Tristan had to steal to make ends meet.Once, he went to the market to steal an exotic jewel which had just come in from India.In the midst of his escape, he met Raphael.As Raphael did nothing to stop him,Tristan sped off but was soon cornered by the city guards who threatened to kill Tristan.Tristan held on to the jewel even more, screaming,'PLEASE!MY MOTHER IS SICK!"Deeply moved by Tristan's fidelity, Raphael immediately drew his sword and fought back the guards,helping Tristan to escape.Ever since, Tristan and Raphael have been constantly seen together acting suspiciously in the market.
"Raphael, what do you reckon the battlefields in the south is like?"asked Tristan.
"I don't know, I've never left Sparta before but you know what?I'm looking forward to fighting the barbarians."
"You sure like to fight Raphael,"said Mikel.
"Haha, of course.I have to keep improving. I need to test myself against stronger opponents.I have to become stronger."
"But, you're already very strong!"exclaimed Tristan.
"Not strong enough, my friend.I want to be the strongest in all of Greece."
"You sound like you want to be an Olympian."teased Tristan.
"Whatever you two, I'm just glad to be out of that estate."said Mikel matter-of-factly.
"Oh yeah,I almost forgot.How did your father react to the news that you were drafted?"asked Raphael.
"The old man nearly blew his head off, I bet!But then, isn't this what you always wanted?"To see the world?"said Tristan.
"Aye, but unfortunately, there isn't much to see where we're going."replied Mikel."At least I can be free, even if it is only because of this war.Being pent up in the estate is not the life for me."
"Why don't you tell your father?"asked Raphael.
"Because, if I did so, he'd have a heart attack."replied Mikel with a grin."I can see him now, "you ungrateful son of a mule..."HA!"
The three friends burst into silent fits of laughter.
"I wonder,"Raphael began, "what will our commander be like?"
"By the Gods, Raphael, you don't plan to duel with our commander do you?"asked Tristan worriedly.
"Of course not!I just...I just have the feeling that our fates will soon be decided, and it will be tied to our commander."
"Raphael, I think, you might have had a little too much wine for supper last night."
As Raphael was about to retort, the wooden door swung open to reveal a tall man wearing full Spartan armor with a lioncloth wrapped around his waist.He wore a Spartan war helmet with blue feathers signifying his status as one of the top commanders in the Spartan army.When he spoke, he spoke with the oomph of a true Spartan warrior.
"My name is Axel, and I will be your commander in the coming battles. I tell you solemnly to forget all your thoughts about returning home because we will not return home. When you step on to the battlefield in the coming days, THAT is your home. We might DIE out there, so I want you,"he stopped talking and walked over to the far corner of the room where a young man stood, stroking a fur coat which he brought from home.Axel took it and tore it up. "I cannot have you reminiscing about home, soldier.We will return with our shields, or upon them.That is the Spartan Coat of Arms.Now, I will need volunteers to lead the vanguard."
Axel started to pace the room, sizing up every soldier.Soon, his eyes fell on Raphael, Mikel and Tristan.
"Alright, you three will lead the vanguard."
"I thought he just said volunteer..."whispered Mikel.
"What was that,soldier?Did you just say something about me?"asked Axel menacingly as he took a step toward Mikel and grabbed him by the collar."Ah, the scent of Lavender's Kiss.You must be very rich to be able to afford this perfume.Tell me, what is your name?"
"M..Mikel."
"Well,Mikel, do not expect any special treatment in this army.And next time when you have something to say, you will ask my permission first, understood?"
"Y...Yes."
"Yes what?"
"Yes sir!"
"Good."Axel turned to eye the rest of the room."Our orders are simple.Anihilate the barbarians and return with the head of their leader, Beowoulf or die trying.Time waits for no one, make haste, let us be off.For Sparta!Long Live Emperor Xenahort!"
Raphael,Mikel and Tristan exchanged sharp looks with each other. It's going to be a long war.
"VANGUARD!MARCH!"
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