The still evening was broken by a cry, then the clash of metal. The sound of voices grew louder and louder, and the din slowly gained momento into one great crescendo. Lord Azure looked grim. The invaders from the north, the barbaric tribes of Nag’gatoth had entered his province of Asherguard. This was the third time this moon, and he was beginning to tire. His army was dwindling, and morale was low. King Jerome had not yet sent any fresh troops as requested. Lord Azure often wondered how much King Jerome really wanted Asherguard. The province was a good three days journey from the capital Craag, making it the most outlying post in the Kingdom of Rathsbane. The only other province that came close was Tiishbath, and that was two to three days ride from Craag, but it was on the coast and had no other nations nearby. He realised that King Jerome would sit up and take notice if Lord Azure ceeded the province from Rathsbane, but he could not do that. He knew that they would not stand a chance against the barbarians and the combined armies of Rathsbane, especially now that the Grimmpeaks provence had nabbed most of his best archers and cavalrymen to fight the orcish hordes to their east. Lord Graeth had always been at competition with Lord Azure for King Jerome’s favour, and was often winning. He was awarded Gimmpeaks, right next to the Capitol City of Craag, while Azure was forced to be contented with Asherguard, a then-backwater outpost full of thieves and marauders. In time he had succeeded to making the province one of Rathsbane’s jewels, second only to Craag and Ithmzz, in Tiishbath. Yet still Azure was playing second fiddle to that weasle Graeth. King Jerome still appointed Graeth as his second in command, still granted every request Graeth made. Even after Azure had beaten Graeth in 5 consecutive mock battles, Graeth was still one of the King’s head generals, along with Squael of Tiisbath and Thymas of Jeleth. Squael and Thymas had beaten Azure as often as he has beaten them, but to have Graeth there instead of him! Azure burnt at the very thought of Graeth, and with each passing moment became more and more furious. He unsheathed his heavy broadsword and bellowed out the signal to charge. He lumbered forward, thinking it was his unorthodox method of leading his troops that earned him disfavour. He never rode into battle, but preffered to go on foot like his regular troops. This was because his swordsmanship was always of the highest quality, while he had fallen in love with the broadsword from a very young age.