 A horrific day for the House of Fury The archers stood in silent discipline in a row against the insurgents. It was only this morning that they had, along with the Madinan forces decimated a horde of those beasts. Now, somehow, somewhere, the creatures had called for reinforcements from the deep forests of Rettlewood. It was unthinkable that they had the intelligence to do so. It was almost as if they cheated.
"Sir, our men are in position but the Madinan forces.." the aide-de-camp rushed up. "...they are not in their position."
General Arden turned to look and it was true. They looked confused, disorganized, and disarrayed as if they didn't know what to do. Where was Lord Admiral Vallyn? Why had he not given the order?
Bellows of rage came from the front lines. The insurgent beast creatures were charging! It was too late. The archers lined up in perfection as they had this morning. Only, this time the sunset cast terrifying shadows of fur and tusks and galloping hooves.
"Fire! Fire!" he cried but in his heart he knew. He knew. It was too late to retreat. The onrushing horde crashed into the line. Savege jaws tore into flesh as bows and arrows snapped. The screams of terror rended his heart.
"FUCCANT!" Arden bellowed.
When it was all over, Arden surveyed the scene. Out of 73 men only three remained. The Madinan forces stood uneasily by, as well as they should. They had watched the scene - and they had not helped. Their word was not as good as their bond. A paperless alliance was something to be spat on. Arden would remember this. He would remember this day for life.
The survivors dragged themselves back to the capital. Even Arden's horse was not spared. "Excuse me, Sir?" his aide-de-camp cleared his throat uneasily but was stopped with a cold glare. "Uh, the three men, Sir? They're asking for their wages... including those of the dead men."
Without breaking a stride Arden turned back towards the startled men and in a flourish drew his sword and swung it in one quick motion. Three feathered helmets fell to the ground with a thud and rolled into the dirt. The aide-de-camp stood motionless in shock with terror in his eyes and said nothing as the General strode on by. Then, "Pick them up you fools!" he whispered from the side of his mouth as the three stragglers hurried to retrieve them.
In the distance, "I'll cry when I'm done killing", Arden said through gritted teeth. | 
