Revenge

Chapter 1

"The Diamond Raiders have struck again. You know as well as I do that the chance of survivors is bleak. We must do our duty as rescuers and investigate for survivors."

"Yes, sir."

The three people who made up the team all nodded in agreement and walked outside of the house for a quick discussion.

Holland was the first to speak. As the newest team member, he got first dibs to speak his mind. Also, as the youngest, he had a bouncy type of energy around him. He wouldn't stop talking or asking questions, but his teammates were okay with that.

"So where exactly did they strike?"

Jacob, a medium height and medium built male, answered him. "The Diamond Raiders are relentless, as you should remember from the academy. If you aren't careful you'll go right into their trap, and then bye bye Holland. Hello Holland Sandwich."

"Jacob don't scare him like that."

Lauren was the middle teammate. A very pretty and fair woman, she knew that Jacob has had his eye on her for a long time. She even suspected that he had arranged for her to be on his team rather than anyone else's.

"Holland, this is your first mission. During this field time, you'll be trained by, regrettably saying this, one of the best leaders in the village. We will discuss more later, but right now we must get provisions and equipment right away. Holland, you're in charge of water. We'll be gone for almost a week so get enough water for then. I'll go and get spices and enough meat and vegetables to last for meals. Jacob, since you're the leader you must approve this, and pack everything we'll need. Mainly bed rolls and making sure everything is under control. I'm hoping to leave at noon so we can cover as much ground as possible."

"Yeah, I approve. Now, get your tails in high gear and get everything together. We leave at 13:00 sharp."

The two nodded and ran off, leaving Jacob behind to focus on the travel plans. Another villager dashed up to him.

"Jacob! New mission huh? Be careful out there. Where is the Elder sending you this time?"

"Out by the sea. The old Castle that imported and exported vegetables and livestock? The Diamond Raiders attacked and tore the place to pieces. It's a two day journey over there, not to mention the three days that we're going to explore and rescue. Then we head back with refugees who find a home here. You know the process."

"That must suck. You got the newbie fresh out of the academy didn't you?"

"Brother, as much as I wish to agree. I can't. Holland is actually intellectual and bright. He's not as stupid as your team and the others think."

"Of course. I just didn't think he was that good already."

"He graduated top of his class. I was there to oversee his progress a couple of times. He's got the highest grade in fencing and the second highest in mathematics. He's got what it takes, he just needs very careful channeling. That's why the Junior assigned him to be with me and Lauren."

"Oh, yes.. the lovely Lauren. I heard her talking about you the other day."

"Really? What about?"

"I quote: He's obnoxious and mean, but he does have a way with the newbies that makes me think about at least what it would be like with him. End quote."