The Men Of Flay Mobilize...

[Coaster 2086]

It was a beautiful day. One where even a man like August Flay could appreciate the wonders of nature. In the field he stood in, he could hear the distant chirping of birds and feel the warmth of the sun overhead. The flat grassland was unblemished with the exception of the large graveyard that occupied the center, marked by flying standards of the former House Flay.

"My lord, we waste our time here."

The voice was gruff, uncaring. August turned and looked to his former squire John Lefthand, pressed into service by force on threat of his life by the head Flay; now the young man's loyalty was genuine and unquestioned. Behind stood almost twenty men of Lord Flay's household guard, shuffling restlessly. The inverted skinned figure that marked the Flay banner waved over them, held by Thrive the dwarven traitor. It was strange to August how the three foot tall dwarf was able to carry the huge standard, but the thought was pushed out quickly.

"When a man goes into battle, he knows not if he will live or die, just as these men did not. We must acknowledge their bravery so when we go into the fray, we do good on their sacrifice."

John nodded understanding, but was all too aware of the way August had contradicted himself. Many times he had been known for telling the men that they were all expendable and worth little in the end. He shrugged away the dissent that came with the memory of the lack of appreciation and stepped back with the other soldiers.

August walked slowly through the home of the fallen men of Flay, his heavy armor clanking as he did so. He stopped at almost every grave, patting gravestones, muttering a few words, or just staring at the patches of dirt. "Here lies, Rio Coconuts" "This grave marks the resting place of Cabadath" "Tom is in here, dead" the graves went on and on. He looked at the places where his comrades rested but could not feel sympathy. There was no deep sadness that brought his stomach into his feet, no thought of regret for the lives lost fighting in his name. If anything August had come to the grim site to appease his men. In this way, August Flay may ironically be the saddest man in Asulon. He turned to leave, suddenly feeling disinterested, but stopped himself. A slow turn, off the heel of his foot and a few steps forward brought him to two more graves, similar to all the others except for the text written upon them.

'Tiberius Flay 14-41. Succumbed to wounds obtained in honorable battle.'

'Gawyn Flay 17-40. Succumbed to wounds obtained in honorable battle.'

August blinked, and read the tombstones again. His two brothers, his only family. His prodigies and successors. A pang of regret filled August, so powerful that he was brought to his knees before the graves. The soldiers standing several dozen meters away watched with interest, never had August shown such emotion. August could feel the eyes on him, but did not care and instead continued thinking of his brothers. He had never given Tiberius the proper training he needed, and never gave Gawyn the respect and positions he deserved. Why had he so forsaken the only family he had in the world? The only two people who he could have been close to and trusted? At that moment August realized how lonely he was. He trusted none of his own soldiers fully and obviously felt only disdain for those outside his household.

Two patches of resplendent flowers grew near the graves. Seeing them, August plucked two, one red, the other yellow, and placed them on the graves respectively.

"Watch over me brothers, although I did not do the same for you."

With these words August rose, the expression of grief on his face gone, replaced with his usual stone faced look. There was yet a war to be fought. The dwarves had dared to steal from him and in response he would bring about his full strength to punish them. More men would die, ones he had fought with for decades but would never really accept as true friend. Yet it was a worthy cause to die for, because it was his cause they put their lives on the line for. He approached his men who averted their eyes and pretended not to have seen the weakness displayed moments ago. With a single nod that they all understood, the men of Flay marched off towards the mighty Dwarven Empire, intent on fighting as they always have.

[no longer active 734]

*Mili watches and as they walk towards the Dwarven empire he knows Flay's aggression was sparked by them stealing all of his equipment and supplies*

[steelersfan1221 300]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.