Champion: A Songs Of War Fanfiction

Chapter Three

"We march to the nearest prison, Eterden," Thalleous said to his troops. "The Voltaris must be contained while the masters debate their next course of action. For those of you who brought weapons, clean your blades."

"Yes, sir!" His remaining troops shouted. He had only twelve soldiers left. The lack of troops made their shout seem hollow, disjointed, incomplete.

As they marched to Eterden Jail, Thalleous observed the small size of his battalion compared to the size of their group before. He bowed his head to the ground, and recited prayers for their relatives. Just then, a young soldier ran up to him.

"Sir, we have a party on horseback approaching us."

"How many are there?" Thalleous inquired.

"Three, sir. They don't look too good."

Thalleous straightened his back. "Alert Ky-Sarrettus at once."

"Yes, sir." The soldier ran off to his captain, and Thalleous scanned the horizon. He caught the riders in his eye, coming from the north.

"Are you peaceful?" Sarrettus shouted.

"As long as you do not harm us," the rider in front shouted. There were two humans and a felina, with tattered clothes and worn looks in their eyes.

"Why do you approach us?" Sarrettus shouted.

"We come to you in need of aid," another rider yelled. "Our village has been attacked."

"By whom?"

"Voltaris," they responded. "Can you help us?"

"We've been attacked as well. We're in no position to help you right now." Thalleous stiffened. Were they really going to abandon these weary survivors?
"Come back with us to Sendaria," Sarrettus added. "We can restock there and then perhaps reclaim your village."

"As you wish," they said.

And so three joined their party.

When they reached Eterden, the riders dismounted and sat down on a nearby bench.

"Into the prison, men!" Sarrettus shouted. "These scum need to be incarcerated."

Thalleous entered the fortress, and proceeded to a small, quiet room. Osivian was in the hall, and bowed his head to him.

"I know of what happened to our brothers," he said. "Condolences."

"Thank you, Osivian," Thalleous muttered before closing the door to the small study.

Thalleous took out his song. His song. He had forgotten to bring it with him to Ontrethea. If only he had had it on him when the fighting began, he could have done more, saved more lives. Its red, pulsing glow was hypnotic. He struggled not to lose himself in its crystal-like glory. He sat in his room, mourning the dead.

Sarrettus entered Thalleous' room a few minutes later.

"Hello, captain." Thalleous said.

"Lieutenant," Sarrettus said, nodding. "Good job at the tournament today. You fought well."

"Thank you, sir." Thalleous blinked rapidly.

"I know the pain of losing men to Voltaris," Sarrettus said. "It gives you drive, an unquenchable desire for vengeance."
Thalleous nodded.

"The Voltaris will pay. I doubt they will be put in prison or let free."

"You think they will be executed?" Thalleous asked.

"I hope so. It is nothing more than what they deserve."

Thalleous sighed. "I will confess that I am angry at them, but I doubt that the masters are willing to give the death penalty."
"We have been giving them the death penalty for nine hundred years. Nothing will be different now."

Thalleous nodded. Sarrettus stood up. "I am working on prisoner transfer for their trial. Expect to be summoned a few hours."

"Yes, sir," Thalleous sighed. Sarrettus executed a perfect about-face and walked out the door.