Of Armor And Bone

by Sean Clark

  Danus turned to the mage. “You are with the order? Or with Xiandol?”

  “The Order.” Chin stated, arms folded inside his sleeves. Edrian glared at him, his tongue held silent. “Where is the Arcanus?”

  Kiaren and the others approached. “I saw her… at the bottom of the ridge… killed.” She declared.

  Danus looked towards her with a weak smile, carefully placing his free hand upon her shoulder. “I am happy to see you well, my dear daughter, Kiaren.”

  “I am well, father.” She held at her ribs, forcing a smile.

  Scarborough approached cautiously, his arms at his sides. Silvus pulled himself away from Kiaren and placed himself in the path. Kiaren grabbed at him. “It is okay, Silvus. This man played a part in aiding me.”

  “Kiaren is your name, then?” The thin man spoke up, removing his helmet and gloves. Bently approached as well.

  “And you, Scarborough.” She moved beside her ally along with Shiloh. ”Bently, as well.”

  The hefty man hid his face. “I must apologize for my previous actions.”

  “You have more than reconciled.” Kiaren shook her head.

  Kensley approached the group, his armor stripped, as Edrian was being marched off by the Tuleforian forces. Scarborough and Bently looked back to him. “Boughlin is-?” Bently spoke up.

  “Run off.” The lieutenant pointed back with his chin.

  Danus marched up before the three men, who bowed their heads. “Xiandolans. Take your leave as well.”

  Kensley was the first to dare speaking back. “What will you do with these men who have fallen? Our men?”

  “Do not worry yourselves with such matters.” The bearded man looked on through the darkness.

  Chin took a place beside the Tuleforians, his familiar pipe sitting in his mouth. “That dark armor… I wish for it to be brought to Arkyan for the Order to examine. Everything else may be kept by your forces.

  Danus nodded in agreement.

  Kensley took a step forward, his hand raised in question. “Chin, you-”

  “No more questions are required.” Danus stomped his foot. “Begone.”

  Kensley and the others bowed their heads, glancing at Kiaren one last time.