mÅdness
03-08-2011, 11:15 AM
Oh, To Be a Soldier
His mind would not be summoned as the blasts of wind and rain splashed upon a barren face. The memories of his old village were among the few comforts that still remained. Though they made his current reality seem almost more painful, they were worth it. It had been three years to the day since war broke out between the two Greek cities states, Akrai and Poseidonia. Xander had joined the Akrian infantry with Kalliades, his childhood companion, generally out of respect for their family and village council. Xander and Kalliades shared slightly different traits. Xander, just seventeen with thin sideburns and hair barley visible on his chin. He was slightly taller than Kalliades with lighter hair and a more distinguished face. He was the intellectual; he kept to his self a lot and always relied on logic and reason to guide his decisions. Kalliades on the other hand was a year younger than Xander. He was beardless and though being slightly shorter, had broader shoulders and a fairer face. Xander had been more reserved then his friend Kalliades, who enjoyed the company of others and was well known in the village for his pranks and childish humor.
Xander’s thoughts of his village began to drift away as the sting of the elements began taking their toll on his vulnerable face. Using his arms as a shield and with a mild stagger, he made his way through the camp and into the soldier’s barracks. There he was pleased to see Kalliades lying by a new fire. “ Get lost did yuh?’ Asked Kalliades. Xander, responding with a slight smirk to acknowledge his humor, joined his friend by the fire. “You know Argurios came by a couple minuets ago.” Said Kalliades as he began to sit up. Xander, already being fairly certain of the purpose behind the corporal’s visit asked with a fearful tongue. “Well what did he say?” Kalliades seemed to light up. “We’re finally going on another assignment! Helikaon ordered a bunch of the scout patrols to leave at dawn.” Xander didn’t share his friend’s same enthusiasm, but he had to admit he was a little bored and could certainly do without drills for a few days. “Hmm, well where the hell is Scar!” Chuckled Kalliades for a few seconds, being interrupted by a bronze helmet that had gone whizzing past his head. Xander stood up cautiously and saluted Sergeant Banokles who coincidentally was without a helmet. “If you ever call me that again, I’ll take your head off.” Said Banokles grinning as usual. Sergeant Banokles was well known by many in their legion. A true veteran and an astounding soldier, he had seen combat all his life and his rank rewarded it, just as his scarred body proved it. He was in his mid thirties but had the emotional characteristics of a child. He was quick to anger, quick to laugh, quick to forgive, but above all quick to love. He was as merry as the day is long. Though he had many scars along his body, there was one in particular that made him recognizable to all the men. He had one scar that traveled from his hairline, past his brow, down his cheek, and ending just shy of his chin. Kalliades' heart dropped as he rose to greet the sergeant’s eyes with his own. Kalliades noticed the grin on Banokles face, and attempted to force a grin himself. “How’s the weather looking?” Said Xander, attempting to change the subject. “It’s quieting down now actually. I think it’ll be over with by time we leave tomorrow.” Replied Banokles, just as Argurios walked in. Argurios was 24 years of age, sharp as a fox and swift as a shadow. He was incredibly skilled with a bow and unmatched in agility. He had served along side Banokles longer than anyone and was referred to as his right hand. “You lads better pack up your supplies and grab some shut eye. Scar, can I speak to you for a minute?”
Xander woke to find himself covered in sweat. With his forearm, he cleared his brow and rose to find the barracks absent of Kalliades. As he began making last minuet preparations for the mission Argurios entered anxiously. “Oh good, your up. When you finish what you’re doing make your way to the south gate. I need to go get Scar, he’s working out our route with Helikaon and Captain Kolanos.” Just as Argurios turned and started walking, Xander interrupted him. “Hey, wait, where’s Kalliades gone?” Argurious, without even turning around, but with speed, replied, “He’s preparing the horses, now haul *** recruit!”
They left the confines of their fort and began what seemed, to be a routine scouting mission. They had all been on several scouting missions in the past and all knew how rare it was for an actual conflict to occur. It was more likely to run into a dangerous, wild animal than the actual enemy. The original plan was to set up camp 20 miles into their 45-mile venture. However, there was still a little light left when they reached their marker. “I don’t know boys, I feel like we could go a few more miles. We could scrape off a few miles of tomorrow’s expedition.” Encouraged Banokles. “Lets do it! We can sleep in tomorrow.” Agreed Kalliades. “Banokles, you know were not suppose to scout at night. We wont be able to see anything!” Discouraged Argurios, even though he was only have serious. “If you think we can find and set up camp before it gets dark, then I say we should go for it.” Concluded Xander. “HAHAHA! Don’t you worry ladies, we’ll get there!”
Their horses continued trudging another 3 miles, and then darkness fell on them like a hammer on an anvil. They got off their horses to attempt to make a quick camp. “Xander and Kalliades, don’t just stand there god damnit! Get a fire going.” Commanded Banokles. “I’m going to take a piss I’ll be right back.” Said Argurios, as bushes and darkness slowly consumed him. “Bastard better not take long.” Threatened Scar. Just as Xander and Kalliades began gathering wood, all three of them were stunned by a horrifying yell. “Argurios!” Cried Banokles as he grabbed his sword. He had taken three steps towards Argurios’ direction already, just as the recruits had found their weapons. Their Sergeant had now vanished into the bushes, followed by the clashing of bronze and swearing. They attempted to follow him but just then, two men emerged from the bushes. Although it was dark, Xander could tell the two men were around their own age. “I’m going to kill you boy.” Said one of the men. Kalliades struck first, he slashed madly at the first man, nicking his left forearm enough to drive him backwards. The second enemy soldier charged at Xander so fast he almost lost it. He stumbled backwards while blocking the man’s hacks and slashes. Kalliades realizing Xander was in need of help, jumped in and stabbed the man through the chest. The chaos was only interrupted by the thunderous clashing of swords, and hysterical screams coming from less then fifteen feet away. Kalliades, distracted by one mans deafening screams, looked to the bushes, when the previous man he injured charged his side and drove his dagger into Kalliades upper thigh. Xander ran toward his friend thrusting his sword more in sorrow than in anger, into the already wounded enemy and killing him. Kalliades struggle to get up seemed almost hopeless, but managing to do so, followed Xander who ran after their other comrades.
They entered the bushes where the fighting had almost seized; Banokles was wounded and was struggling to stay kneeling over Argurios who was dead as a doornail. “You bastard, I’ll cut your head off.” Said Scar, almost as if to impress his two recruits. His weary voice was still intimidating as he held sword in hand, flailing it like a madman, ready to fight till the last gasp. The last living soldier of the enemy patrol ran off as soon as Xander approached him. Around Banokles were five dead enemy soldiers as well as Argurios’ lifeless body. Xander and Kalliades ran to him, but as they got closer they realized just how bad their team leader's wounds were. There was a dagger that was still half way in his shoulder, his arms and legs were slashed multiple times, but the worst, was a sword wound to his gut. He fell over as he attempted to hold himself together. “I’m dying boys.” He said grinning, his eyes were watered up, and his moaning made it obvious that he was in pain. “Listen now boys. Those bastards were patrolling, which means that the Poseidonian legions can’t be far behind. You need to make it back to camp and warn the unit of an ambush.” There was a seriousness in his eyes that Xander had never seen before. He was speechless. Just as Xander and Kalliades considered leaving, Scar concluded, “Oh boy, one more thing, go grab the wine from my pack. If I’m going to cross over, there is no way in hell I’m doing it sober.” He was truly a piece of work but, with that last remark, he became part of the darkness forever.
The Horses had run away, because of the fight. Xander and Kalliades both knew what was at stake, they had twenty-three miles to travel, and less than two days to do it, if they wanted to out run the enemy forces and save their unit. They began with a subtle jog. Xander knew Kalliades was in severe pain, but his friend would not admit to it. They pushed on until they had gone just shy of ten miles. “Come on Kall, we can do it, you can do it!” Kalliades was now stopping to take breaks frequently, and was yelling out of frustration and pain. Kalliades wanted to keep going and Xander knew it. He just didn’t have it in him. The enemy’s entire forces were now less then a day behind and they still needed to go 10 miles. Both friends looked into the other ones eyes. There was no need for words. If he left Kall behind, while he went on, his friend would be as good as dead. Yet if he stayed, their entire unit of 100 men could be ambushed, and either their lives or their blood would fall upon his hands with this ultimatum. Logic was no longer his deciding factor, for still his friend’s eyes were of a more desperate nature, and as he began to sob, He began begging Xander not to leave him. Thoughts of madness swirling in his head, Friendship, Loyalty, Duty, Betrayal, Death, War. Oh, To Be a Soldier.
His mind would not be summoned as the blasts of wind and rain splashed upon a barren face. The memories of his old village were among the few comforts that still remained. Though they made his current reality seem almost more painful, they were worth it. It had been three years to the day since war broke out between the two Greek cities states, Akrai and Poseidonia. Xander had joined the Akrian infantry with Kalliades, his childhood companion, generally out of respect for their family and village council. Xander and Kalliades shared slightly different traits. Xander, just seventeen with thin sideburns and hair barley visible on his chin. He was slightly taller than Kalliades with lighter hair and a more distinguished face. He was the intellectual; he kept to his self a lot and always relied on logic and reason to guide his decisions. Kalliades on the other hand was a year younger than Xander. He was beardless and though being slightly shorter, had broader shoulders and a fairer face. Xander had been more reserved then his friend Kalliades, who enjoyed the company of others and was well known in the village for his pranks and childish humor.
Xander’s thoughts of his village began to drift away as the sting of the elements began taking their toll on his vulnerable face. Using his arms as a shield and with a mild stagger, he made his way through the camp and into the soldier’s barracks. There he was pleased to see Kalliades lying by a new fire. “ Get lost did yuh?’ Asked Kalliades. Xander, responding with a slight smirk to acknowledge his humor, joined his friend by the fire. “You know Argurios came by a couple minuets ago.” Said Kalliades as he began to sit up. Xander, already being fairly certain of the purpose behind the corporal’s visit asked with a fearful tongue. “Well what did he say?” Kalliades seemed to light up. “We’re finally going on another assignment! Helikaon ordered a bunch of the scout patrols to leave at dawn.” Xander didn’t share his friend’s same enthusiasm, but he had to admit he was a little bored and could certainly do without drills for a few days. “Hmm, well where the hell is Scar!” Chuckled Kalliades for a few seconds, being interrupted by a bronze helmet that had gone whizzing past his head. Xander stood up cautiously and saluted Sergeant Banokles who coincidentally was without a helmet. “If you ever call me that again, I’ll take your head off.” Said Banokles grinning as usual. Sergeant Banokles was well known by many in their legion. A true veteran and an astounding soldier, he had seen combat all his life and his rank rewarded it, just as his scarred body proved it. He was in his mid thirties but had the emotional characteristics of a child. He was quick to anger, quick to laugh, quick to forgive, but above all quick to love. He was as merry as the day is long. Though he had many scars along his body, there was one in particular that made him recognizable to all the men. He had one scar that traveled from his hairline, past his brow, down his cheek, and ending just shy of his chin. Kalliades' heart dropped as he rose to greet the sergeant’s eyes with his own. Kalliades noticed the grin on Banokles face, and attempted to force a grin himself. “How’s the weather looking?” Said Xander, attempting to change the subject. “It’s quieting down now actually. I think it’ll be over with by time we leave tomorrow.” Replied Banokles, just as Argurios walked in. Argurios was 24 years of age, sharp as a fox and swift as a shadow. He was incredibly skilled with a bow and unmatched in agility. He had served along side Banokles longer than anyone and was referred to as his right hand. “You lads better pack up your supplies and grab some shut eye. Scar, can I speak to you for a minute?”
Xander woke to find himself covered in sweat. With his forearm, he cleared his brow and rose to find the barracks absent of Kalliades. As he began making last minuet preparations for the mission Argurios entered anxiously. “Oh good, your up. When you finish what you’re doing make your way to the south gate. I need to go get Scar, he’s working out our route with Helikaon and Captain Kolanos.” Just as Argurios turned and started walking, Xander interrupted him. “Hey, wait, where’s Kalliades gone?” Argurious, without even turning around, but with speed, replied, “He’s preparing the horses, now haul *** recruit!”
They left the confines of their fort and began what seemed, to be a routine scouting mission. They had all been on several scouting missions in the past and all knew how rare it was for an actual conflict to occur. It was more likely to run into a dangerous, wild animal than the actual enemy. The original plan was to set up camp 20 miles into their 45-mile venture. However, there was still a little light left when they reached their marker. “I don’t know boys, I feel like we could go a few more miles. We could scrape off a few miles of tomorrow’s expedition.” Encouraged Banokles. “Lets do it! We can sleep in tomorrow.” Agreed Kalliades. “Banokles, you know were not suppose to scout at night. We wont be able to see anything!” Discouraged Argurios, even though he was only have serious. “If you think we can find and set up camp before it gets dark, then I say we should go for it.” Concluded Xander. “HAHAHA! Don’t you worry ladies, we’ll get there!”
Their horses continued trudging another 3 miles, and then darkness fell on them like a hammer on an anvil. They got off their horses to attempt to make a quick camp. “Xander and Kalliades, don’t just stand there god damnit! Get a fire going.” Commanded Banokles. “I’m going to take a piss I’ll be right back.” Said Argurios, as bushes and darkness slowly consumed him. “Bastard better not take long.” Threatened Scar. Just as Xander and Kalliades began gathering wood, all three of them were stunned by a horrifying yell. “Argurios!” Cried Banokles as he grabbed his sword. He had taken three steps towards Argurios’ direction already, just as the recruits had found their weapons. Their Sergeant had now vanished into the bushes, followed by the clashing of bronze and swearing. They attempted to follow him but just then, two men emerged from the bushes. Although it was dark, Xander could tell the two men were around their own age. “I’m going to kill you boy.” Said one of the men. Kalliades struck first, he slashed madly at the first man, nicking his left forearm enough to drive him backwards. The second enemy soldier charged at Xander so fast he almost lost it. He stumbled backwards while blocking the man’s hacks and slashes. Kalliades realizing Xander was in need of help, jumped in and stabbed the man through the chest. The chaos was only interrupted by the thunderous clashing of swords, and hysterical screams coming from less then fifteen feet away. Kalliades, distracted by one mans deafening screams, looked to the bushes, when the previous man he injured charged his side and drove his dagger into Kalliades upper thigh. Xander ran toward his friend thrusting his sword more in sorrow than in anger, into the already wounded enemy and killing him. Kalliades struggle to get up seemed almost hopeless, but managing to do so, followed Xander who ran after their other comrades.
They entered the bushes where the fighting had almost seized; Banokles was wounded and was struggling to stay kneeling over Argurios who was dead as a doornail. “You bastard, I’ll cut your head off.” Said Scar, almost as if to impress his two recruits. His weary voice was still intimidating as he held sword in hand, flailing it like a madman, ready to fight till the last gasp. The last living soldier of the enemy patrol ran off as soon as Xander approached him. Around Banokles were five dead enemy soldiers as well as Argurios’ lifeless body. Xander and Kalliades ran to him, but as they got closer they realized just how bad their team leader's wounds were. There was a dagger that was still half way in his shoulder, his arms and legs were slashed multiple times, but the worst, was a sword wound to his gut. He fell over as he attempted to hold himself together. “I’m dying boys.” He said grinning, his eyes were watered up, and his moaning made it obvious that he was in pain. “Listen now boys. Those bastards were patrolling, which means that the Poseidonian legions can’t be far behind. You need to make it back to camp and warn the unit of an ambush.” There was a seriousness in his eyes that Xander had never seen before. He was speechless. Just as Xander and Kalliades considered leaving, Scar concluded, “Oh boy, one more thing, go grab the wine from my pack. If I’m going to cross over, there is no way in hell I’m doing it sober.” He was truly a piece of work but, with that last remark, he became part of the darkness forever.
The Horses had run away, because of the fight. Xander and Kalliades both knew what was at stake, they had twenty-three miles to travel, and less than two days to do it, if they wanted to out run the enemy forces and save their unit. They began with a subtle jog. Xander knew Kalliades was in severe pain, but his friend would not admit to it. They pushed on until they had gone just shy of ten miles. “Come on Kall, we can do it, you can do it!” Kalliades was now stopping to take breaks frequently, and was yelling out of frustration and pain. Kalliades wanted to keep going and Xander knew it. He just didn’t have it in him. The enemy’s entire forces were now less then a day behind and they still needed to go 10 miles. Both friends looked into the other ones eyes. There was no need for words. If he left Kall behind, while he went on, his friend would be as good as dead. Yet if he stayed, their entire unit of 100 men could be ambushed, and either their lives or their blood would fall upon his hands with this ultimatum. Logic was no longer his deciding factor, for still his friend’s eyes were of a more desperate nature, and as he began to sob, He began begging Xander not to leave him. Thoughts of madness swirling in his head, Friendship, Loyalty, Duty, Betrayal, Death, War. Oh, To Be a Soldier.