Legends Lost: Amborese

Chapter X -- Caught in the Middle

The Blu-bon Army marched their prisoners down the hill and into the clearing below. Sweltering heat from the blacksmiths' fires greeted them. Thick, black smoke surrounded the prisoners. "Move along," barked one of the guards as he shoved Malak.

Captain Neathil paraded his prisoners through his army's encampment. Few soldiers glanced at the ragged group, only giving them a moment's notice from their duties. The grinding of metal filled the air as swords were sharpened in preparation for battle. Hammers beat on shields in an effort to straighten any dents. Apart from a few murmurs, only the clinking of metal upon metal could be heard. Consumed by thoughts of what lay ahead, the men took little notice of the bedraggled prisoners.

"Halt," said Captain Neathil. They stopped in front of a tent with shields hanging outside of it. The shields' crest portrayed a dragon breathing fire.

"General Lynar," Captain Neathil said as he entered the tent.

General Lynar looked up from the map he pondered over with his officers. "Yes, Captain," he replied.

"I have four prisoners. Possible spies from Taliny."

"Very well. Put them under guard."

"But General, these prisoners may have information."

General Lynar ceased what he was doing. "Captain, I haven't time to question any prisoners. The forces of Taliny will be here any minute."

"Yes, General." Captain Neathil crossed his right fist over his heart in salute to the general before leaving.

"This way," he commanded the prisoners. He led them to the edge of the encampment. "Bind them," Captain Neathil ordered.

His guards obeyed. Scypher, Malak, Zolo, and Amborese were each seated next to a stake while their arms were wrapped around the wood and their hands bound. Captain Neathil paused when he noticed something glinting from around Amborese's neck. He knelt down before her and cupped his hands around the necklace for a closer look. A shadowed expression covered his face.

"Do not remove it unless you wish to die a most horrible death," came Zolo's voice as Captain Neathil's grip tightened around the necklace.

"Where did you get this," Captain Neathil demanded.

Amborese remained silent.

"Answer me," said Captain Neathil.

"Why do you ask," Amborese replied.

Captain Neathil rose to his feet and prepared to leave. A rolled up banner escaped his leather pouch as he did so. It unfolded in the wind displaying it's majesty before Amborese. Embroidered in gold thread on the silken white material was the same crest of the dragon as on the shields in front of the general's tent. Yet, there was a stark contrast. Within the dragons mouth was the Horn of Selexia. Amborese recognized the engraving of the horn immediately.

"The crest does not match your shield," said Amborese.

Captain Neathil snatched the banner and shoved it back into his pouch. "It was once the crest of Belyndril. It was said to have been magnificent back in the days when men followed the gold and white flag." Pride and longing filled his voice.

"And so you could again," said Zolo.

"Things have changed since then," replied Captain Neathil.

"Apparently little has changed," said Scypher, "We are travelers passing through these lands. It is the truth whether you choose to believe it or not."

Captain Neathil laughed. "Truth. There is no truth left in this land. Only blood." He took one last glance at Amborese's necklace before stalking off. He had seen that pendant before. If only he could remember where.