Axtrica page 2
	About six months later when Axtrica was called into the conference room the commander remained silent studying the dwarf with a blank stare devoid of any sign of emotion or life. When he blinked Axtrica strode proudly but not pretentiously toward the commander. “Axtrica, son of Garoshtar, your father should be proud of his work, both with metal and blood. You have demonstrated great strength and resolve during your trials, and I am almost ashamed to admit you could best a few of my men already in an arm wrestling match. You still need to focus on your intangible attributes, hand-eye coordination for example. You remember seeing Mhordamis right? That boy sleeps with his sword, it's represents an extension of his own arm. Your other friend Latrell, had a rough upbringing but as you have witnessed his discipline is unmatched in this academy. You will hear many labels being attached to Latrell and Mhordamis, but if you haven't noticed yet those two will rise to the top no doubt, mark my words. Don't assume you can best an elf in combat because ninety percent of them wield magic or play with instruments between their toes. As for your friends, they may appear more skilled than you are now, but one can only guess where you three will end up in the not so distant future. I honestly feel I must apologize to your father though because you someday will make a great and honorable knight, but you must either stay within the academy for a few more years or try and learn on your own to master your technique. You cannot beat every foe just by being stronger or tougher, why do you think none of us chose the mercenary careers? Sure, some mercenaries out there are completely seasoned and wouldn't back down from a slayer. However, a disciplined unit will tear through any rank unless that discipline is matched. Please do not feel like you let your father down, just attune yourself to your studies and you will be along side your fellow squires. Becoming a knight is more mental than you squires first assume.” The commander bowed and Axtrica did likewise. “By the way Ax, Mhordamis and Latrell spoke highly of you, I think you should pay them a visit before they leave for their initial training.” Walking out of the compound he expected to almost break down and cry, but there was a warm ember of pride inside Axtrica that kept him upbeat. Maybe, he thought to himself, I could join an adventuring party and make my name known and then later become a knight without having to go through the academy. Seemed that way would be just a little bit more dangerous, but hell, Axtrica had seen enough Altdorf. Garoshtar's reaction was somewhat surprising. He shrugged and asked Axtrica what he will do now. Axtrica proposed the idea of starting out a freelance knight with an adventuring party to make a name for him. His father didn't say a word, but gathered his son in his arms and embraced him knowing it would be easier to say goodbye now instead of having Axtrica linger around the shop for another year or so. “Your mother's reaction may bring about a bit more emotion, but she'll be ok. Promise me though you will not become on of those blood-thirsty mercenaries who only wish to profit from death, for Moor will be upset with you. You know our family and our religion comes first, and if you forsake either of them we'll want no part of you in our lives anymore. I know this sounds harsh but it is the way of the true and just.” Axtrica stayed with his family that night and prepared to set out the next morning to the warrior's guild. Most of the men and women there didn't bother looking twice at him, but he felt he belonged here. He forgot all about Mhordamis and Latrell and frantically searched around the guild for them, but could never locate them before he was introduced with his first chance of real combat. That day Axtrica promised himself never to look down upon any elf, dwarf, halfling, or human upon first impression in respect to his friends Mhordamis and Latrell. When Axtrica met Paul he wanted to accept before Paul even described to him what their mission was. Along with Vincent and Esche, the four were contracted to exterminate some green-skins who were posing a threat to the local citizens. It wasn't a monumental task to accomplish but Axtrica never fought in live combat. Paul explained to him the difference. You can't start over when you lose here, your lesson ends then and there. When Paul elaborated on the near future of their conquests, Axtrica may not have ever joined, considering the fact Axtrica would be fighting for his own life while trying to protect others. How can I protect others if I cannot even rely on myself he worried. After completing the mission with the other three horsemen, (Paul, Vincent, and Esche), they met up with Paul's company. Most of these adventurers were already hardened to the field of battle and their mental instability served as such evidence. From watching the Elven lass go berserk in battle, to watching the mage and cleric launch hellfire from their fingers, this group didn't seem to lack any firepower. Throw in a rabid outlaw chief, another mercenary with the stature of Axtrica to follow in the wake of death the female elf produced, and an archer with the eyes of an eagle, and Axtrica felt he wasn't even near ready to adventure with these psychotic, sociopathic do-gooders. Maybe I'll just keep quiet and not upset anyone and they'll accept me he thought. Then again maybe I'm glad I am on their side so when all hell breaks loose they'll be swinging at someone else and not me. Axtrica laced up his boots and prepared himself to travel to Kislev with the company, hoping he could just stay on two feet until the conclusion of his probation. Along with the three other horsemen, Axtrica began his quest to become what his father had hoped for, a Knight of Moor extinguishing chaos, undead, and any other evil foolish enough to threaten the children and of the just and true gods.
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