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Chapter 1: The Fifth Company

A gust of wind blew past the small boy, allowing his dark brown locks to brush the sides of his cheeks with the wind. His big, brown orbs stared at the sky line, watching a jet black raven fly past. The bird called out, "Caw!! Caw!!" to signal a message was coming their way. The corner's of the child's mouth stretched into an excited grin as he grasped his shirt near his chest area. The khaki colored dress shirt wrinkled in place.

"C'mon, Lecci! We're going to be late!" called out a shorter girl, her hair bleached so blonde that it was almost white.
"R-Right.."
He nodded in her direction while racing towards her. She began to run as well but Lecci quickly caught up with her.
"First one to Master Faendal's hallway wins!!"
"That's not fair! Your legs are longer than mine AND you're taller!"
"Maybe you should train harder or I'll leave you in the dust, Sadia!~"
Of course, this response made Sadia slow down to fold her arms and pout. Her cheeks puffed out angrily while her red eyes darted towards his back, watching him run.

Lecci was already rushing upstairs with less speed than he was before, panting heavily. He was out of breath in the matter of minutes but this didn't stop his excitement and enthusiasm. "That has to be a message from father." he thought to himself as he leaned on the railing of the staircase and slowed his movements to catch his breath. "What if he's hurt? Or maybe he is just checking in..? What if he needs reinforcements?" His short, pointed ears flattened at the thought of his father being in trouble. "No time to waste here! I have to see what's going on!" Lecci began to pick up speed again, rushing this time.

By the time he had reached the long corridor, Sadia had already beat him there. Confused, he approached her,
"Hey! How'd you get here first?"
She smirked and simply pointed to the window. Dark green vines crowded the window leading all the way down to the ground. He sighed and looked down at her red dress. A gold color lined the bottom of it with designs all over.
"That isn't very lady-like."
Sadia pulled a leaf from her long, braided hair and scoffed sassily. The two children's eyes focused on the giant door in front of them. Their backs straightened. Sadia folded her hands neatly in front of her and Lecci put one hand on his hip in an attempt to look cool. Footsteps could be heard from behind the door, making Sadia nervously swallow her saliva. As the footsteps grew louder, they started to sound like they were coming from the right side and in front of them. Lecci turned his head to look who was coming from the right.

A tall man dressed in silver and gold armor was approaching. At his side, he held a helmet with opening for his eyes and breathing holes. A dark red cape followed in his path.
"Good morning, Sadia and Lecci."
He stood right behind the two as the large door began to open. Before the children could greet the man, their eyes had locked onto the older gentleman who stepped out from behind the door. His skin was extremely pale, almost sickly. His skin was wrinkled, making him look around 70 and he crouched over with a cane while walking. The older man wore robes colored grey and navy blue with a pendant hanging from his neck to show the house he belonged to. His eyes were so wrinkled, they looked almost closed.

"Master Faendal"
"Master Faendal"
The children spoke. Sadia curtsied her dress and Lecci kneeled before him respectfully. The man in armor stepped forward and reached out his hand at the old man.
"Faendal, I am general Colbalt. I believe we have met before to discuss battle plans."
"Ahahaha!! Yes! Good to see you general. Children, General, come on in."
Faendal stepped aside with one hand leaning on his cane and the other stretched out as an invitation into his quarters. Lecci and Sadia made their way past the two with their heads low to avoid eye contact with such respectable men. General Colbalt smiled, bowed his head, and stepped inside past Faendal.

Faendal quickly stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The children stood by his desk, watching the general and their master. General Colbalt set his helmet down on the desk, sighing deeply. His facial expression showed deep sorrow. Lecci tilted his head to the side questioningly.
"Terrible news, sir. The entire fifth company has been wiped out."
"Yes, I am well aware."
The brunette boy's eyes widened slowly. He clenched his fists at his sides tightly.
"My father's there!"
Colbalt turned to him. He extended his arm onto Lecci's shoulder, crouching down so he was small.
"I apologize, son. There... There were no survivors."
Lecci swallowed his saliva, feeling the painful lump in his throat rise.
"Your father was a brave man indeed. Isn't that right, general?" Faendal spoke up.
"Keanorin was the most honorable man I have ever met before."
"And he would've been proud to see your combat growth."
"Tch..." the boy spat, "don't talk like you knew him! I didn't even get to know him! I haven't seen my father in 4 years!"
Sadia flinched at his yelling, understanding that he was angry. Lecci swipped the general's arm off his shoulder and looked up at Faendal, tears welling up in his eyes.
"How could you let this happen...?"
"Lecci, keep your mouth shut, boy!"
"The fourth and fifth company were lead under my rule, general. I take full responsibility for it. Now.." Faendal closed his wrinkled eyes tightly, turning away to approach the window. The sky had a dark tone to it. In the distance, a swirl in the clouds slowly formed.
"The enemy approaches."