The War of Gods

Chapter 1 - Part 2

The rain wasn't as bad in Kor. It never really went beyond a slight drizzle here in the countryside. Jordan liked to complain about his home country, but Joel remembered his days in the Etryan cliffs filled with windy storms. Wondering aimlessly through the cobblestone streets of Candeeiros, filled with whatever new stone tech they had managed to cook up in the College. Days long past, thankfully.

He quickly shook the memory off, at the thought. He didn't think about his past often, if he could avoid it. He instinctively reached for his pipe, but stopped himself halfway through. A wet pipe would be no use. So, he decided to focus on the raging captain instead.

Captain Briggs was a tall woman, even for human standards. A big scar crossed her dark-skinned face from forehead to chin and her long black hair fell across her muscled back, damp from the rain. Most people advised against long hair in a fight but the captain wore hers proudly. Joel respected that. He too had refused to cut his own.

Briggs wore padded leather armour today, instead of her usual metal heavy armour. So, they would probably be doing a stealth drill in the woods then. Pity the soldiers against each other. Builds teamwork, they said. The environment he once thought of as sacred, used as a hunting ground.

But a job is a job.

Korfez's Army usually set up their tents in a circular pattern, facing the centre which they called the Courtyard. During warmer days, you would see all kinds of things happening here. A section reserved for merchants passing through, should they be interested in setting up shop for a day or two. Craftsmen and smithies would setup their workshops outside, and more lenient captains enjoyed dragging trusted bartenders with their crew to setup makeshift taverns in the middle of the Courtyard. Fun days those were.

But now, the cold and the rain had come. Today was the first day of the year, which greeted them with a grey sky, cold rain and a muddy Courtyard, devoid of any sign of life besides the soldiers. They stood in the middle of the fighting pit, which was always setup, regardless of weather conditions.

This time, they had a group of new recruits, two hundred strong, divided into four squads of fifty. Joel could see the other three squads spread out through the camp, in formation, much like his own. Captain Briggs was a good captain, stern but understanding.

"Alright, maggots, listen up. Today we will be doing something a bit different. It will be hard and, if I'm honest, potentially scarring for some of you. This is possibly the only time you will ever hear me say this: if you want to walk away, do it now."

Uncomfortable stirs and glances quickly spread through the squad. That was indeed a strange, and concerning, offer. Korfez's Army was extremely proud of its' soldiers' loyalty and courage. Backing out was not a common option.

Chief Ghuil, the head of Mages, looked at his small group of four, waiting for a reaction. Joel half-expected Jordan to say something, but the young Korfezian lad stood proud with his chest puffed out. How old had he said he was? Nineteen? Barely old enough to share a pipe, and yet ready to do anything for his country. Joel often scoffed at blind loyalty, but he could respect the kid's eagerness and dedication.

Nerith and Mavar showed no intention of staying behind, so Joel sighed and remained quiet as well. The group of casters nodded affirmatively. Chief Ghuil smiled fondly and nodded back. The old man had warmed up quickly to his new set of fresh meat. A dangerous game to play in the army, even if there was no immediate threat.

"Very well," Briggs said. "Follow me."