Solace and Nox: A New Light

Chapter 1

"They're here!"

Thunder boomed, and Raiden was immediately on his feet.

"They're here? Already?" one guard asked incredulously.

"I knew the Kresallis were a hasty bunch, but I didn't think they'd actually have the guts to attack the main city this early in the war," another guard replied to the announcement.

Raiden pushed through the barracks. As he made his way towards the messenger, the guards finally started clearing a path for their Captain. "Your service is greatly appreciated. Find a safe place to take cover; this could get ugly real fast," Raiden whispered into the ear of the trembling boy.

The boy didn't question Raiden's command. No one did. The messenger bolted out the door.

"Alright men, we all knew this day would come. Be prepared. We don't know what those monsters are truly capable of," Raiden began.

"I can't believe that day is already here," one guard muttered.

"With all due respect, Captain," Sergeant Markis Pazeth, Raiden's second in command, replied. "None of us thought this day would come so soon."

"The Kresallis have always been unpredictable," Raiden replied. "We never knew they would declare war if asked for a peace treaty. But that doesn't matter. We have trained for this moment, and it is time that we stand strong against them. Their hasty decision can be used to our advantage. Our strong defenses can be a powerful offense."

Markis nodded at Raiden's response. Most of the guards seemed to agree with Raiden's argument.

Raiden continued by saying, "Shodon's defenses have never been stronger. No one has ever gotten past our walls, and even if they did, we, on the inside, would be ready for them. Come on, men! This is what we've been trained for!"

This seemed to lift their spirits. The barracks was a sea of dark green uniforms. Raiden and Markis were some of the only soldiers among the barracks with several patches on the uniform. They were also gifted with more powerful weapons, such as swords and axes. The standard weapons for a Shodoni Guard was the spear and bow. On occasion, they'd have maces if they were higher ranked. Those were the easiest weapons to train with. Raiden and Markis both had to be trained by a professional swordsman to receive the skills they had.

Raiden drew his bronze sword, which glimmered in the crystal-lit room, and hefted his shield, which had an engraving of a Ciamas in the metal. The Ciamas was a creature of great power, but also known for its peaceful nature. Although it was just a myth, King Lotharius believed that it perfectly represented the kingdom of Shodon. Strong, yet peaceful.

"Remember men," Raiden said. "Bravery means finding something more important that fear. Whatever fears you may have, there's something greater to hold onto. When you grasp that bravery inside, never let it go."

He saw several nods among the frightened soldiers. Markis, although he was shorter than most, stood strong beside his captain. Captain Raiden gave him a nod of approval, then lifted his sword.

"For Shodon!" he bellowed.

The Shodoni guards repeated the war cry, and they all charged into battle.

The powerful storm didn't make the battle any easier.

Raiden led his men through the pouring rain as the thundering sky brewed a greater and greater storm. Each squad began forming ranks and heading to their own sections of the city. Raiden, being captain of the guard, had the most important task; protect the king.

"Markis!" Raiden shouted over the storm. "Send the more experienced squad to the outer wall. Make sure the new recruits are at the castle gates, and then meet the rest of the squad and me in the throne room."