The Crimson Claymore

The Crimson Claymore: Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Starlyn stood on a grassy hilltop that looked over most of the land. Only she, Andron, Sh'on, and the human captain, Etherond, stood on the hill. Behind them, a force of nearly eight thousand men camped. She was surprised that young Etherond was able to mass such a large force in only a few weeks, yet at the same time she could sense the aura of leadership about him. Most of the men were barely warriors, as nearly half were holding pitchforks, but there still were a large amount of pikesmen and maces. The cities to the north weren't wealthy in any way, and so there were few swordsmen, less than a thousand in the army. She only hoped their determination and heart could replace what they lacked in skill. While their task had been successful in bringing numbers and heart to their cause, Starlyn still didn't feel it would be enough. She hoped that Searon had been more successful when he met his brother in the south.

There was an elderly gentleman with a sword that invented a concept weapon called a protosword. It was a wooden club shaped like a sword with sharp edges fastened with chunks of glass and obsidian. They were easy enough to make and were given to the new recruits or those without weapons. Every day there were people outside practicing with wooden swords, preparing for war.

She stared at the lavender-and-scarlet sunset of the third day they waited for Searon's return. It was true that they had expected him days ago, but she didn't fret the delay. After all, it had been years since he had seen his brother, and she was sure Karceoles was doing all he could to hasten things up. She smiled at the memory of the bitter old man and his sarcastic remarks. Being so long without seeing the two of them, she actually missed some of his bitter remarks.

As the last light dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky in twilight, Starlyn sighed. Another day had come and passed without sight of Searon. She hoped that he was all right and nothing had gone amiss. The men were growing impatient for battle despite their readiness. Etherond being the worst as his blade almost seemed to twitch for battle. Out of all the men, he was the most capable, as she noticed his skill not only from battling him once firsthand, but also from the many spars that both he and Andron engaged in each day. Both seemed matched in skill, although Etherond came out ahead more often than not.

She walked down the hill unsteadily to the company of men. Etherond and Andron had already gone back to the games and activities while Sh'on accompanied her back to camp. He seemed as anxious as her to get things moving, but she was unsure if it was to be in battle or to see his old cousin the wizard. The mage had always been much of a mystery to her, and even after the years of knowing him, she still didn't fully understand him. It had been decades since she'd even seen him, but from what she could tell he hadn't changed in the slightest.

"If he doesn't appear tomorrow, we'll have to send scouts," she whispered.

"Yes, I believe we should have sent a few today."

"Sorry, I have been going by his word when he should return...I should have realized that things could have come up. I will send scouts in the morning."

"Do not fault yourself, Starlyn, you have trust in this young man...a human. How are you fairing with the likes of them?"

"At first, I wasn't sure what to think with the rumors through Sudegam about the hastiness, hatefulness, and stupidity of them. However, after meeting both Searon and Andron, I have also found compassion, love, and wit. They are more intelligent than kheshlars give them credit for, and their compassion and love is something that the kheshlars could do with."

Sh'on flashed a smile. "I am glad you have chosen not to discriminate against them as so many of your kin have done."

"Discrimination is only for those who choose not to take the time to get to know someone. I have a friend who is discriminated against only because of what she is, when she has no choice in the matter. I protect her, and if need be, I will protect Searon and the others from the discrimination of the rest of the kheshlars."