The soldier nodded, and within an instant Tigo was whisked from the dusty stone bed chamber and lead down endless sandy streets lined with shabby terracotta buildings whose architecture was somewhat haphazard and yet endearing. Tigo was filled with a nostalgic glow as he and the seemingly mute Corporal walked down the streets, as a boy he had often come to visit his grandparents in this rustic town, and it seemed little had changed in those two long decades. Even the cursed drought remained. At last they reached a nondescript building Tigo presumed was the barracks. Upon entering he found it was indeed the case, and soon found himself ignored by the men who busied themselves with the necessary supplies; camels, anti-poison potions, waterskins and combat equipment were all ready and waiting at the north border before midday. This town had, it seemed, a good 20 soldiers. The Dusk Family in the Temple had to guard the town with their 3 soldiers whilst the Dawn Family went to war, which mildly amused Tigo. As they waited, Corporal Xent attempted to make conversation with Tigo to break the silence as they sat waiting with the others.
“So,” said Xent, as he lit the logs of polite conversation, “Where are you from?”
“Around here.”
“And you’re a mercenary?”
“Yes.”
The conversation continued in the same polite manner. Eventually Captain Tenes appeared and rallied his men, seemingly far more awake and alert than he’d been that morning. After much commotion and shouting, the men rode off into the scorching sun, wearing what they had. Xent was nervous, he had a wife and small daughters, and hoped he did not have to leave them. Tigo, apathetic to the world, rode off with Xent at his side, gazing dreamily at the sun, smiling, lost in his own world. For one hazy moment, Tigo could have sworn, he saw a smile upon the suns golden face.
30-Apr-2010 20:08:39
