Kratz

38

It was a warm day. The morning dew had dried up by the time the meeting took place. Kratz watched the sun through the foliage as they neared the spot. He loved the warmth and was glad winter was almost over. As they walked through the last few lines of trees they came to a clearing. The top of the hill. Kratz continued to lead them as they walked onto the top of the hill and looked down. Facing the grassy hill they stood upon was a near identical hill. Between them the hills dipped to a massive wooden bridge. On the opposing side the commoners had brought some men as well. Only much more than Kratz had. Wallens and the strong men gasped at the sight.

Kratz's army of twelve strong men were nothing compared to their enemies. The Commoners themselves gathered on the edge of the top of the hill with roughly fifty of them. Below their army was a Diamond Guard battalion of two hundred men that lined the hills. Over five Patrol Commanders and a single Patrol Captain leading over the extremely lethal army. Their black uniforms painted the hill. It appeared to be far more soldiers any of them had ever seen in one spot.

"Are they..." Wallens pointed at the soldiers dressed in black and lost his train of thought.

"Diamond Guards. Near two hundred it appears," Kratz explained. The Leponese leader continued walking down the hill. Wallens walked closely behind. His strong men started forward but Kratz looked back at them and gestured they remained at the top.

"What is your plan now?" whispered Wallens, as they neared the beginning of the bridge. The bridge itself was void of any soldiers, and their enemies watched from the other side in complete silence. The lack of noise put Kratz off more than the amount of enemies present. It was apparent to him a deal was not going to happen. Still he believed the prisoners were worth at least a few words with their enemies before a battle could happen. Added that Kratz had wisely fortified the prisoners in the forest, far from the commoners view.

"We will speak with their leaders," Kratz explained. They stepped onto the bridge and walked together to the middle before stopping. Lines of Diamond Guards stood ahead on the hill, watching them intently. Their black uniforms and golden buttons sticking out amongst their lesser companions. In front of each Diamond Guard was their assigned weapon. Kratz shuddered at the massive pointed chunks of metal. All two hundred hovered in front of their corresponding soldier with ease. Only moving slightly when the wind pushed at their powers.

After waiting on the bridge for several moments there was some shuffling from the other end. Some Diamond Guards stepped out of the way to reveal their leader. A fairly large man with tan skin and shoulder length curly black hair. He appeared middle aged but quite weathered. His uniform was also that of the Diamond Guards. Their black jackets and pants. He also had a black robe complimenting his uniform. His sheath contained a longsword with an emerald on the hilt. Kratz immediately recognized the man.

"It has been quite a time mud," he chuckled, walking to the middle of the bridge. The man stopped only a few paces from Wallens and Kratz.

"Ellis," Kratz said shocked.

"Captain Ellis," he corrected, smiling mischievously.

"Indeed it has been quite a time," Kratz admitted.

"Yes. Before we were only training, now it appears we are enemies," Ellis chuckled. Wallens looked at Kratz confused.

"Do you command these men?" Wallens asked Ellis. Ellis turned to him and frowned before reluctantly nodding.

"It is quite an honor, I say. A leponese as myself, commanding fifty commoners and two hundred Diamond Guards. An impressive army. Say Bas you should command a similar army," Ellis grinned.

"Call me Kratz, Bas lives no more," he corrected.

"No matter your title, you still have killed our master. You are the betrayer, for this I will end your short reign over the Leponese," Ellis said before exaggerating a yawn. Kratz pursed his lips and eyed Wallens concerned. The army on the hill facing them was massive. They covered the big space with ease.

"Shall we make a deal then Ellis?" asked Kratz, suddenly smiling.

"A deal?" laughed Ellis,"A deal for such a small army? They are not needed. Liam himself gave me orders to kill your own army upon sight."

"That does not follow battleground rules, dear friend," Kratz responded calmly.

"Battleground rules? The rules you hath forgotten when you slayed Jarin?" glared Ellis.

"A duel then?" asked Kratz, tilting his head at his old rival. Ellis held his glare for a moment, even after Kratz spoke. It was true Ellis wanted a duel, but Kratz oddly did not. Despite suggesting it he wished instead to retreat. He felt retreat was not an option against such a force of men. Instead he proposed a duel, something Ellis would likely agree to. Just as Kratz predicted Ellis' glare lightened and he nodded.

"A duel. We fight at dawn, on the bridge. Whoever may win, claims only the glory. No matter the outcome our armies shall fight," Ellis explained. Wallens looked at Kratz in horror.

"Fine. The man who wins claims only glory," nodded Kratz. They turned and walked back up their hill, leaving Ellis alone on the bridge.