The Phoenix Order

Dark Figures

The sun hung low over the village of Cassaport, casting long shadows that stretched across the cobblestone streets. Life continued on as the bustling village was still busy and everyone was unaware of what was to happen next. Afleck, spent the last few months training the first One Hundred soldiers of his army, The Phoenix Order to prepare in case of another invasion that may happen, these were not just any new rookies, they were now trained in combat, ready to lay down their life to save multiple, and this may be their battle, to prove to Afleck that his training had paid off.

But as they all were in their barracks, just finishing off their training and, beside him stood Lyra, his trusted engineer, a woman of sharp intellect and unwavering loyalty. Her hands were stained with oil and soot, the result of hours spent in perfecting the armor was what stood in front of her, the hundred soldiers training together as precise as can be, "I have to say Afleck," Lyra said as she sipped her coffee, "You know well how to train these men for whatever situation, even to cooking! I have to say I am impressed with what you did." "These men will need it, Lyra." Afleck said, glancing at Lyra, "One day these men, they will need to be away from Cassaport for very long times, and I want to ensure that they have what it take to survive, even when they are the only one standing." the two of them looked at the men training, they were satisfied with what they did, but Afleck felt, something wasn't right, and his suspicions were coming to fruition.

Just on the other part of town, Draven was wondering around when he his attention was caught by a strange man "Hey, I know your face," Draven said, "Sir Trotsid, the famous card player, and the best there is," The man introduced himself, "The name's Draven sir, I heard about your other gig," Draven shook the mans hand as he came closer, "Ah yes, who knew knowing the future could prove handy for playing cards?" Both of them laughed as they both sat down, "So do you wanna see the future my friend?" Trotsid asked as he pulled out his glass ball, Draven nodded as he looked at the glass ball, curious about what the future may hold. 

"Behold!, look into the glass and see what this week shall give you!" Trotsid said as Draven locked his eyes on the ball,  "This night, darkness shall be the one who hold. A grasp tight, none can control." Draven said as he read what is in the glass ball, but suddenly Trotsid had disappeared and he heard screams coming from the town, and he knew that he had been fooled. "I was played as a fool!" Draven said as he rushed towards the sound of the noise and was shocked to see what was happening.

"Shadow people?" He asked to himself as he witnessed a man transformed into a figure of black, darkness consuming the man as the soldier got up and hid in the shadows, he knew one thing; never trust the darkness, so doing what he knew best, he sounded the horn on his belt, letting the entire town know that they were now under siege.

The alams were raised and everyone in the town locked their homes and turned all the lights on as Afleck knew this attack. "Everyone get to work!" Afleck commanded as he also ran, quick on his feet to help the others prepare the defenses in their town and Draven took down the lone shadow warrior and he knows that if there is  one, there are many. Soldiers came out of the barracks to check on the citizens if they are safe and takin gthe opportunity, Draven bolted towards their barracks to inform Afleck, "Sir there are-" "Shadow people, I know Draven. Kanok told me of these once. And I prepared all of you for a moment like this, so prove your might and let's defend out homes." Afleck said as he fortified the position he was in.

"We've fortified the eastern wall as best as we can," Lyra reported, wiping her brow with the back of her hand. "But if the reports are true, and the Shadow Fighters are coming, we might need more than just walls to hold them back Afleck." "I know, but we have to trust in the walls, and our men has to trust on us to lead them."

Afleck nodded, his jaw clenched. The Shadow Fighters, were nothing new to Afleck, hearing tales of them being ture, and on this night, his prejudices had came true.