-Alexis Lycan, 18 Years Old-
It has been two months since the massacre in the cathedral. There had been no word of the Oracle nor any of her Knights. Alexis isn't sure what to make of this fact. He had been certain that there would have been more direct action on their part.
To further complicate matters, Jessica Anaxia, his magic instructor, had postponed their lessons for the foreseeable future. So he had not seen nor heard from her in quite a while. This was certainly something to do with the fact that she had been called to assist the Oracle Knights in their ongoing investigation. Needless to say, he is fairly worried.
He shakes his head and focuses his attention ahead. Alexis stands before Ryan, and the dozens of new recruits he had acquired. They are each outfitted in form fitting, silver-colored armor. Each set of armor is emblazoned with the twin wolves of the Lycan Dukedom. On their hips are long swords and in their hands they hold a spear with a sturdy haft and cross guard. Strapped on their backs are fairly large shields which could cover most of their bodies in a fight.
The Lycan Dukedom had been receiving substantial payments from Riven City each month in return for lumber. Alexis had immediately set about investing a large amount of this money into outfitting his soldiers.
Alexis turns towards Ryan and gives a slight smile. He opens his mouth and speaks elegantly, in a voice fit for a lord.
"You have done well Ryan. You have certainly surpassed my expectations."
Ryan bows to his liege. He is grateful for his words. Words he would have never heard from the past Dukes. Patriotism surged throughout his body once again.
"Of course, my Lord. I am here to serve."
Alexis nods and glances at his own sword at his waist. He is half tempted to draw his blade to test the mettle of the men and women before him. His hand is itching to pull the blade out, but he suppresses the urge. He would have to test them after they have first tasted blood.
On the note of women in his ranks, it was an almost unprecedented move. Most Lords did not allow women to enlist. But Alexis thinks this is nonsense. They make up almost half of any given population. That is a large chunk of people that the usual Lords pass over. Alexis on the other hand could create a larger standing army by utilizing their numbers.
Alexis once again gazes at the assembled guard. He is impressed by their rigid attentiveness and evident discipline. It is plain to see that Ryan Tymer trained them to the best of his abilities. As he is pondering this, a scout who was stationed on the edges of the territory came running over, with a frantic look on their face.
"My Lord! I have an urgent report!" The scout shouts when he sees Alexis.
He comes to a skidding stop when he reaches the Duke and sinks to one knee, kicking up dirt in his wake. Alexis places a hand on the man's shoulder and speaks gently.
"Take a breath." The scout nods and breathes in deeply. After three more breaths Alexis continues. "Good. Now, what is this urgent report you speak of?" Alexis asks, prodding the man gently for answers.
Ryan watches on with a look of concern on his face.
"Yes, my Lord. Our scouts have seen an approaching force of roughly 25 men strong. They were not flying a banner."
Alexis shoots a quick look towards Ryan who swears softly under his breath. Alexis looks towards the scout again.
"How far away are they?" He asks with a hint of concern in his voice.
As he speaks, Ryan walks towards the gathered soldiers and gives them a quick rundown of the situation. He is preparing them for battle.
"They had just reached the outskirts of the border when I left."
Alexis quickly dismisses the scout and walks briskly after Ryan.
"Ryan, prepare to intercept the force." Alexis commands.
He then puts his fingers to his mouth and whistles loudly. He is calling for his personal steed.
Ryan bows to his Lord. He then shouts at his men, who look visibly nervous.
"The time has come to wet your blades! Anyone who returns with a clean blade will be given extra training!" Ryan booms loudly, giving his troops resolve for the coming battle.
-
Alexis is mounted on his black horse, Erana, on top of a hill overseeing the approaching force. There is exactly 25 troops, the scout had seen correctly. On his side there is Ryan and the six original men at arms, plus the twenty new recruits. They are evenly matched in numbers.
Alexis draws his sword and lays it across his lap.
He will be directly participating in this battle. He does not want to see any of his subjects slain in such a random fight. Sabrina had staunchly protested, but he eventually persuaded her. She is inside of his house and guarded by Claire. He had given Claire orders to protect her no matter what and do what was needed. She is a feral opponent.
Ryan has just finished giving a rousing speech to the assembled troops when he pulls his horse next to Alexis and speaks.
"My Lord, the troops are ready. Just give the command."
Alexis nods and surveys the force who are rushing towards them. Their armor and equipment are mismatched and worn. They look more like common bandits than anything else. They are also charging towards them without any order.
Nowadays, it is extremely common for the armies of minor lords to meet in an open field and just begin wailing on each other. There was little organization or tactics involved in these fights and each soldier fought independently. Only the large armies of individual nations operated like a well oiled machine. Alexis' own troops on the other hand were drilled in the art of the phalanx. They would create a wall of locked together shields, the first row would use their swords to stab outward, while the second row uses their spears. It was an effective tactic that mitigated the risk of death.
Alexis stands up in the stirrups of his horse and points his sword towards the enemy. His blade gathers shadows and becomes black, swallowing the surrounding light.
"Forward!" He screams as he spurs his horse into a gallop, meaning to dive headlong into the enemy.
Ryan sets off after his Duke. "Follow your Lord! Protect your land from these savages!" He yells. The soldiers let loose a wild war cry and rush forward to meet them in battle.
-
As the two sides close towards each other, a cloaked figure watches the coming battle from the tree line. They wear a fanatical grin.