“Don't “sir” me during missions,” Orcris rebuked, suppressing a grin, “We don't have time for niceties. More importantly, you are to head back to Senntisten and make a report of our findings to the Great Lord.” Seeing Catullus open his mouth to argue, Orcris frowned and added, “Catullus, I know you want to accompany us into the valley, however, we do not know the number of troops that the enemy has. There is a slight possibility that we will not survive this mission. As such, one of us has to go back and inform the Great Lord about our findings.
You have shown great promise as a warrior and as a servant of Zaros, hence your inclusion in our ranks. However, among us you are the least experienced, as such, the most likely to die if we are attacked, and the one who would do the least damage in a fight. Unless you feel you would be more useful here than any of us?”
Catullus frowned. Orcris' rebuttal had stung, but even so the young man knew Orcris was correct. With a final, reluctant salute, he teleported back to Senntisten.
Satisfied, Orcris turned back to the rest of his troops, noting in satisfaction that Nocis, the group's mage, had reduced the knight's corpse and armor to liquids, which he was currently sending trickling down the mountainside.
As he was facing his troops, a soft voice whispered, “My lord.”
“What have you found, Zamin?” asked Orcris.
“Three archer groups in ambush positions, and several magical circles meant to detect intruders.” replied the voice.
“Can you handle those?” asked Orcris.
“Three minutes. Give me a minute's head start, then head down.”
Orcris nodded. Then walked over to his troops.
"He appears in the Form of a Man with many Countenances; and he hath a Book in his right hand. His Office is to teach all Arts and Sciences unto any; and to declare the Secret Counsel of any one."
14-Mar-2012 10:55:20