Into The Rift

Cradled in Uncertainty (8)

The dreaded sounds of inferno spells exploding from beyond the walls prompted the alarms to be sounded.

Euralian warriors and mages now awakened by the sudden disruption, swiftly responded to the call to arms, enchanting their shield and sword thinking the Yhunian assault has begun.

Punctuating the explosions were thunderous cracks, echoing throughout the night. It is clear something is happening to our western perimeter.

The western gate is open, the command garrison marches out with a clear sense of urgency, whilst maintaining the stern discipline that all Euralian warriors are known to have.

Our life wards have picked up the life essence of the accursed Yhunian Scouts, in addition to another more... unfamiliar source.

Curiosity demands that I venture forth despite the hidden danger it may entail. I am willing to endure the exhaustion brought forth by the mind melding, if only to see the cause of those ominous cracks that sounded so much like thunder.

Walking amidst my fellow Euralian bretheren, I amble through the safety of the gate, and into the shadowed woodlands. The few perceptive mages in the formation cast luminary flares to combat the darkness, as the lights of the Encampment dims with each step taken.

Soft tones of yellow flows out from the faithful orbs above, reaching out into the darkness and beyond. Long shadows were cast between trees and warriors alike as the passing winds relent to the drumming of footsteps.

"Two Yhunian scouts, they seem to be one with the spirits now." An Aegis Knight comments, hatred firmly imbued in his tone.

They are dead....?

Through squinted eyes, I follow the gaze of the Aegis Knight. The unmistakable colours of the Yhunian Military sent a brief chill to my bones. I could not discern vitality from within those bodies, they are but mere corpses now.

Unmoving and face down into the dirt. Such an unsightly way to leave the realm of the living.

Despite my contempt for Yhunian soldiers, I can't help but utter a silent prayer to the two dead warriors, in the hopes their souls would find peace in the spirit realm.

My hatred towards the enemy extends only to the living, as such it is only in death do I show them my courtesy.

"These sounds, I remember them," a quivering voice murmurs, gracing the mild winds with certainty.

====Inora's POV====

These sounds, the thunderous cracks...

Why are they here?

Cold fear settles within, taking root in heart and soul. The unpleasant memories sail out the murk, filling me regrets. Mistakes they were, but also lessons to learn from. They will not hinder me. I trudge ahead, tempered by an eagerness pure as a still lake.

With help from luminary flares casted by my fellow mages, I see the grey beings. There are only four of them, not the eight I expected.

They hold their ground, meeting the eyes of my fellow brethren with unflinching gazes. We prevail in numbers. Yet, they remain fearless, their deadly weapons poised to deliver yet more death.

A fight does not bode well for either side, nor is it welcomed. We must not do anything rash lest we provoke their wrath. Whilst occupied with that train of thought, a glint in the distance catches my ire.

I peer past their grey shoulder... pauldrons, and onto the blue and yellow forms of Yhunian soldiers.

'Dead Yhunian Rangers...' I internally correct myself.