The Last Mage

Chapter 37- A Faraway Dream

The camps grew still as darkness engulfed the land. The stars gave little light and as Sherman Natale walked from the fire, his eyes could make out nothing. He hated it here. He hated the noise, he hated the food. Most of all he hated the smell. The armies had been at each other on this field for days- maybe weeks, time ran together here- neither side had gained ground. Those who fell were left to rot and be trampled and tripped over the next day. He dumped himself into his blanket, more tired than he'd been in his entire life. He hated a lot of things here but more than that he hated himself. He had killed men on the battlefield who were only defending their homes and families. He had just as surly killed the parents of the woman he thought he loved. Eryn would never forgive him for that. If she were still alive. He had abandoned them. He might have been able to help but instead he had run off to war. Hadn't even tried. He should have tried to break out their parents at least. The Questioners would never have believed someone would try and he might have succeeded. He pulled the blanket over his head and tried to clear his mind. He knew he'd only dream of more death but his eyes drooped anyway and he drifted through the fog expecting anytime an enemy to come at him.

The sun chased away the fog and he got to his feet confused as he looked around. He was alone. Alone and the air smelt fresh and clean. In the distance he could hear people talking and laughing. He walked toward the sound, drawn by the happiness of it. A little town was spread in the valley beyond the hill and he watched the people move about their day with smiles and greeting patting each others backs in comradery. Sherman walked through the town receiving smiles and welcomes from many. He stopped fro a drink and a well watching the happy villagers. The men and women went about their tasks without a grumble or unhappy face. Normal people living normal lives. This was the way it was supposed to be. There were children too. Most were not working but chasing each other around or swinging on ropes hung from trees. A few seemed to be reading or discussing something fro the books in front of them. Everyone seemed so happy. There were no task masters forcing them to work, no monsters lurking around corners. No one was afraid. He heard horses and looked up the street. He knew his mouth hung open as he saw... a dream. History.

Helmets shining, the crisp green uniforms were something he knew in his heart. He'd heard a story a long time ago from an old woman about the Guardians. These were them. He knew it. People didn't scatter at their approach, didn't give suspicious looks. Instead they were greeted and a crowd of men and women grew around them talking news and learning what was happening elsewhere. Sherman leaned against a tree just breathing in the fresh air and listening to the happiness around him. The fog drifted back in and other sounds reached him.

The camp was waking and all he wanted was to sink back into the dream. It was the first time in months he hadn't had a nightmare. He force d himself up, knowing someone would be around shortly with punishment for anyone still napping. Another stressful day was ahead of him. He felt much better for the good sleep but it also had the unpleasant effect of leaving him wanting. Not sleep but to live like those people. The people he had to kill for no other reason than his commanders say. No. that wasn't quite right. He couldn't live that way because of Zarlo. It was the reason all this was happening, the reason his people were unhappy and overworked and underfed. Punishments for no good reason. Just to get out the frustration of the hopeless situations. There were those who made the best of it but those were few and far between. Everyone was broken in the end.

Breakfast was less than enjoyable though this morning everyone seemed more relaxed or lost in their own thoughts. If only all could be fixed. Perhaps it could if they could only escape, break free of Zarlo's control. He sighed. It was all impossible. No one would fight against the demons. Those who could were all gone. The Guardians HAD fought and they failed. You something had changed. Those four girls had escaped and lived right under his nose. The day he had taken Brielle to the red wing- or tried anyway- and the demon had chased him... it hadn't even bothered the girl. Maybe that was all they needed. Courage not to run. Was that what had gone wrong in the past?