Sub-Plot update, the aftermath

Location: unknown

The remaining soldiers congregated at the edge of the path

The jungle ground was littered with dead bodies, some Lenfel, others Loreesi

The battle had taken a heavy toll on both sides, many of the crossbows that had left the large ship along with Harold's men now lay in a heap, overrun by the ranger infantry.

Many of the prized Naval crossbow carts had been damaged, but even worse, they had proved ineffective in this style of combat, a they were not as mobile or accurate as had been promised.
Most of the hand-held crossbows had been lost too, as they launched out of their owner's hands after a volley.

All in all the battle was a military disaster,
Harold's military career had not gotten off to a good start.
But they lucky few had survived.



It was not long after when the received more bad news,
The Ship that had taken them to this island was lost in a fog, and there was no way help could be sent to them.

"Cheer up lads, someone will come looking for us, as soon as our ship is free of the fog it shall return!"

"I hear of foul beasts in these lands," responded the captain of the crossbow unit, which was now only a mere remnant, a shadow of its former glory, "That ship is as good as lost, we need to carry on going."

"I hear you," responded Harold, "we must act as if the ship is gone, if it returns we shall merely be more fortunate.

"Now then," spoke up one of the archers, "We Must begin digging graves for the dead, It is the only respectful thing to do."
They agreed and set to their melancholy work.


"This way!" The halberd wielding soldier shouted.
The troops rushed off into the forest.

The crossbow captain looked sorrowful,
"What is the matter my good man," inquired Harold, "This is not the time to mourn, for I hurt just as deeply as you, but we must all go if we wish to survive."
"Yes," replied the captain, "But this landscape is a death trap, I already lost far too many of my soldiers, they were like brothers to me, I don't want to loose the few we have left."
"I understand you," answered Harold, "But we have to keep moving if we wish to survive."
The captain nodded as the two joined the column of weary men, "I fear we are heading into a trap."

Update Part Two:

"Stick to the water's edge men!" called Harold

Their horn gave a mighty blast.


Another call returned,
"It's an answer," someone said.
"Yes," said Harold,
"That's the call of the Brown Stallion!"

"Stay where you are men," called the captain, "Help is coming."

"What on Roawia is the Brown stallion doing here?" wondered Harold, "It's supposed to be patrolling port Ethos."

"Port Ethos?" chuckled the captain, "There's no such thing."
"Yes there is," responded Harold defensively.
"I founded it Just recently, it's small yes, but it will become a great city in time."
"With all due respect I doubt you." said the captain.

After some time the small Brown Stallion gently brushed against the shore, the ship looked as if it had been through a lot, there was only one soldier steering the ship, and no others on board.

"Harold," called the soldier, "I have been sent by Sir Edvin, there has been increased Lenfel activity in the area near port Ethos! We think that they are preparing a siege."

Harold looked upon his men, there were far fewer of them remaining than had left, but there still were too many to fit aboard the Stallion.


"I shall take a few of the men with me to Port Ethos, the rest of you, stay with the captain and continue looking for the prince. If you cannot find him, I shall send a boat back for you in two days. Until then my soldiers, I wish you the best of luck."

Harold and a few of the soldiers climbed aboard the small boat, and set off for the port.

"By the way," called the crossbow captain to the soldier steering the ship, "What is port Ethos like?"

"It's nothing but a boardwalk and five buildings," the soldier called back with a sly smile, "Most of them are barracks."

The soldier turned the steering wheel and the ship turned away from the islands, leaving the soldiers alone in their quest for survival.

Harold looked as the swirling mist sea, they were a small boat in a ruthless ocean, desperately trying to stay afloat on the endless waves...