literature

War Part I

Deviation Actions

Published: Jan 26, 2009

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Literature Text

And so the journey begins. This road is fraught with peril but we partake it with stoic vigilance. This is the path I must take; For me.
-Arkoth
“Commander!” A scout saluted Arkoth, shaking him from his thoughts, “The orcs are encroaching from the east; they head for our barricades. The men are restless, sir.” The scout finished reporting with a nervous glance at his commander. Arkoth was an intimidating figure by all standards with battle prowess well renowned through out his ranks, it was ill permitted to upset him.
“Tell the officers to prepare their troops and be ready to fight at dawn...Dismissed!” He spoke suddenly with a booming voice. He turned and walked toward his tent; a lanterns glow resonated from the inside. The scout looked around nervously then ran off when he saw Arkoth fully disappear into his tent. He walked into the tent, the flap slide back as he entered. A figure shifted underneath the covers of his bed and a lithe figure rose up, an elf, with long ears and short blond hair. She clung to the cover with one hand and stretched out with the other causing the sheet to drape down revealing her curvaceous body; then proceeded to release a large yawn. After she rubbed her eyes she looked over at Arkoth with an innocent smile, “Good morning,” her elven voice sang. Arkoth looked over at her, he was already putting on his battle regalia, “Orcs approach, we need to prepare.” He moved to the bed and sat down next to her. Her face was serious then, her brilliant blue eyes piercing his cold gray ones. She leaned forward embracing him in a kiss, “We shall hold it. We have to,” she said with determination. Arkoth sat there for a few moments as she rose up out of the bed, her skin gleamed in the light as she slipped on her clothing. She put on her black silken battle dress, a long sleeveless dress with a high tight neck and slits in the legs up to her hips. She slipped on her breastplate, boots, and slung her swords on her back. Arkoth stood and put his chest piece on over his head, then proceeded to secure the straps. Only two items were left for him to put on; his large spiked shoulders pieces, which required the help of his companion, and his immense gauntlets also spiked, with many razor-like edges capable of shredding flesh. “Arith, help me with these shoulders.” He knelt down before her so she could strap them on. Arith'anas was the name of his elven companion. An ex-assassin, Arith had been given Arkoth as her target but could not find the heart to attack him. Tracking him for many weeks before attempting, she had found out much about him and had actually found an interest in him. In stupidity, or bravery, she confronted him and told him everything. Arkoth in turn ordered her to work for him, in exchange for her life, but their relation flourished; they soon became lovers and put the past aside.
“All finished,” Arith said with a smile. Arkoth rose up in front of her, smiling through the darkness of his great helm. He slipped on his massive gauntlets and let them hang down to his side. His armor was infamous. Plate armor laden with spikes, sharp edges, and blood stains prominent. A banner protruded from the back of his chest piece which held trophies and skulls, many with crowns. The gauntlets at his side were the most well known piece of armor he owned. They functioned as his primary weapon on the battlefield, crushing his enemies underneath and tearing the flesh from their skulls. His armor was a dark blue, painted with a white skull on his left shoulder. A black cape draped around his neck and down his back, partly shredded at the bottom. His helm completed the look with two large horns curving down toward his face. His body was a weapon, and this was well known by all of the troops which witnessed him in battle.
“Shall we go?” he asked Arith, who nodded and led the way out of the tent. Arkoth stepped through the tent after her. He could see the sun start its ascent over the valley below, and his troops had already set up. Battle would soon be joined.