The Warden | A For Honor Fanfiction

A Legion Reborn

"It was a complete hogwash Stone, no one beats someone that many times in a row if they're playing fair. She had to be cheating, I'm sure of it." I ran a hand through my hair and rubbed my head as I sighed. As I had expected, Master Jotham had summoned me back to duty, but not before Deborah had bested me seven times in our chess games. I hadn't expected to claim victory in every match, but I did think I would beat her at least once. The summons came before I could request another, much to my frustration. Deborah's taunting wave was still playing in my mind...

"Have you ever considered that you're just terrible at chess?" Stone joked, taking off a pot from the fire. I glared at him as he set the pot on the table beside us, before quickly adjusting two cups before us. Stone and I had been assigned to night watch, one of many tasks we'd been given since our agreement with the Lords and Ladies. I was happy to complete their tasks, though their frequency was wearing on me, especially when stationed in a barracks with no proper door.

"I'm not terrible at chess. I've bested you before, haven't I?" I replied. Stone laughed as he began pouring the drink, a strange brown liquid flowing out of the pot. Supposedly, it was something that would help us get through the night as alert and able as though we'd had a good night's sleep. I was skeptical of such a claim.

"And I can't play to save my life! What does that prove, Liam?" He retorted. I certainly didn't think Stone was awful at the game, though I admit I struggled to recall a time he ever won. Thinking even further, I realized he'd never initiated play, only accepted offers. I shook my head and sloshed around the brown liquid, a trail of steam rising gently from it as Stone poured himself a cup of it.

"What did you say this was called, again?" I asked. I hoped he would accept my non-answer and be done with the previous conversation. I was glad to see he had complied.

"The guy who taught me about it says it's called coffee. I'm telling you, it's a miracle worker, Liam." Stone said. Enthusiasm practically dripped from every word he spoke, and an eager grin had spread across his lips. I only hoped it was at least half as good as he claimed. I raised the cup to my mouth, only to feel Stone dragging my hands back down to the table.

"Woah, hey, give it a second, brother! It just came off the pot, let it cool a bit first." He urged. I simply nodded and set the cup aside for the time being. Leaning forward, I clasped my hands together and observed my friend, trying to read his expression. He seemed amused, and somewhat thoughtful.

"So, a brand new Iron Legion, eh?" He mused, setting aside his own cup. I'd made no secret of my eagerness to press on once Deborah had recovered, but this was the first time I'd revealed my most recent oath to Stone. I'd expected him to laugh or try to talk me out of it. Instead, he'd prepared the coffee, and asked me to explain how this happened. Even after that, he hadn't outright dismissed it. I shook my head and relaxed a bit.

"Not brand new, reborn. The Iron Legion once inspired hope within Ashfeld. They were a beacon of protection and devotion, I would see that restored." I explained. Stone nodded along with my explanation, periodically tapping the table as I spoke. He sat quietly and pursed his lips as he seemed to think. It didn't surprise me that he wasn't immediately convinced, I was well aware of how outrageous it was at first glance. Blackstone's influence was vast, second only to its manpower. Taking them on in any capacity would be risky, if not outright hazardous.

"It's bold, Liam, very bold." He began, pausing a bit to sigh before continuing; "But it's also a fool's errand. Without any authority, you wouldn't be recognized as the real thing." He pointed out. I had suspected such an argument.

"That's why I need your help. You held leadership within the Legion, you could serve as the new Warlord. All you would need is followers, and you already have one." I explained. Stone and I first met during the defense of an Iron Legion stronghold, of which he'd held command. True, the position fell onto him rather than being gifted to him, but he proved his bravery and his dedication as its commander, I knew he had it in him. Stone, unfortunately, disagreed.