Darkness Bound

-8-

Kieran, Dana and an army general gathered with a tent's confines. The fabric of the walls and ceiling were plain with visible wrinkles and creases from its hasty setup. The ground was covered with a simple carpet and the chair, upon which Kieran sat, was made of plain wood with a few hastily added cushions.

The tent was dimly lit with only a few candles and lanterns, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

"I don't know how much longer the troops will hold," the general said, "Our soldiers are tired, hungry. They can't keep going, my lord,"

"We cannot yield just yet,"

"My lord, we are outnumbered, outsupplied. It'll take a miracle to survive the night,"

"It's a good thing I'm here then," they looked up as Tieran entered the tent.

"Tieran," Dana said softly. She quickly stepped to the side and bowed her head, like a child who was about to be punished.

Kieran stood from his seat. He marvelled at his brother before coming back this senses, "It's been a while, brother," he said.

"It has. I see you're still as reckless as ever,"

"Reckless?" he scoffed, "You're the one who ran off to fight an already losing battle and never returned,"

"And you've done any better?,"

"I've done what is right. I've protected our family's legacy,"

"Legacy? Brother, you've stained our legacy. And you," he looked to Dana who bowed her head once more, "You waste the blood of our people on silly feuds. You disgust me the most,"

"My lord," the general stepped in, "our situation is very dire. We're down to the last of our soldiers, my lord. Lord Kô is advancing with Lady Ivelle at his side. Our soldiers are holding off as best they can, but, it won't be long now,"

Tieran sighed and looked at his brother and ashamed sister, "As such as when we were children, I shall go and clean up your mess," he turned and left. Kieran and Dana quickly followed after him.