Bellator
HIGHWAY TO HELL - AC/DC ?
“Hold the line!” I bellow. My men are poised, waiting for my next command to unleash upon the enemy of the West. A civilisation not unlike our own, but one that has waged a war which threatens our very existence. A war I have fought in since I won my first battle in the Imperian colosseum.
I was gifted my destiny the moment my mother birthed my brother and I. Bellator,warrior, a strength given to protect those who can not protect themselves. Quickly, I worked my way through each military rank until the highest honour was placed upon my shoulders. Commander of the Emperor's Army. A position I have held for the past century, and one that has earned me the respect of my legion as I fight alongside them.
My stallion rears back, excitement high as the first horns blow from the West.
It's almost time.
The wind picks up, its chill filtering through the camp as smoke blows past, the last of the forest set alight and with it, the last of the enemy cover. What the West doesn't know is we have planned this for months. Diligently digging into the ground directly behind the front line. Dugouts, tunnels, and shelters all below eye level and out of sight as we methodically destroy the forest around us.
The illuminating sky orb does not venture this far out in the Realm, but we have enough of her light to see what we need. Fire pits and torches give us the rest. The outer Realm is covered in a dim hue, a bitter coldness, while the city of Imperia basks in the bright intensity of her glow. Here at the fringes of the Realm, we walk a fine line between survival from the elements and destruction from the war.
My second incommand races toward me in the distance, narrowly avoiding the different trenches as her horse darts among the soldiers.
“Commander,” she pants, her brow dipped in fear. “A messenger has arrived.”
Tilting my head, I look down at her as I dismount my stallion. It is not unusual for messengers to arrive,in fact, we are somewhat overdue. I sent word of our plan months ago and had yet to hear a response. The Emperor, while spiteful, needs to keep the men on side, or he will have no army to fight in his name. Out here at the front, there is no higher order other than my word. That, and a promise that if you stray from my command, you will meet the end of my sword or my fist. They respect the position I hold because I am fair with the power I wield. The same can not be said for our Emperor. His reputation is one of pain and control. While I do not always agree with his methods, I believe in an Imperia in which our impish thrive. Despite the years since I've set foot inside the city, I can still feel the warmth of the illuminating orb in the sky and the fresh bread wafting through the streets. The impish laughed, danced, and honoured me with song as I departed.
The valiant warrior.
The Gladiator.
I fight knowing the impish are free and well looked after. And the enemy to the west will never destroy the city I call home.
“Have we new orders?” Grunting, I take a knee, placing my hand gently, resting it atop the broken dirt, my warmth melting the newly formed ice crystals. The ground hums as our soldiers prepare for their next battle. My fingers stretch, lifting a fist full of frozen dirt to my other hand, rubbing my palmstogether, feeling the Gods, the essence of the Realm, centring, bracing for this new change in circumstance.
There are only two reasons my second would behave like this. First, she has a new babe growing, and while I wish her this fortune, we’ve fought side by side for too long to know this is not the case. Which leaves the only other option being whatever message is clasped in her hand, is not welcome. Judging by the sweat forming at the edge of her brow, I would go so far as to call it bad.
“Second?” I question as she stands there looking at me, her throat bobbing as she swallows.
“We have new orders, Commander. I do not know what to make of them.”
I barely hear her words, distracted as my third steps out from behind my second.
This is not good news at all.
His sword is unsheathed, hanging braced at his side.
“I'm sure it's a misunderstanding, but our orders… our orders…”
She holds the battered parchment out, choosing to look past me as I take it from her hand.
No exceptions.My heart races, the beat so loud I can hear its pulse as it rushes around my body.Treason. What has happened while I've been away? Several orcs fight within the army. We are a species found scattered among the Realms, known for our strength and agility, but treason? We are loyal, not conniving. There must be an error because I do not believe the orcs that stand beside me in battle are guilty of this crime.
“The soldiers grow restless. You will need to take the fourth row and flank the West on the other side of the fire. Remember, once the forest has burned, you will have no cover when you return to the front. There is no option for failure.”
“Sir, the message. We must escort you.”
Looking out over the harsh lands, I can already taste the victory of the upcoming battle. “Gather the orcs, I will return with them. You have my word.” She nods her head, standing straight-backed, accepting her new orders.
“Third, you answer to Second now. Her word is law, and should anyone fall out of line, I expect you to put them in place.”
I see the moment the other orcs are given the order to come to my side. Heads raised in confusion as they trudge toward me. Pulling myself atop my stallion, he rears back, garnering the attention of those nearby.
“Soldiers of Imperia!” I thunder, my voice echoing across the many thousands. “Today, we march upon our enemy. You have trained hard for this moment. Protect the brother who stands to your left, defend the sister to your right, and if you choose to die today, know you have sacrificed for the one true nation of our Realm.”
