I sit here in an old wooden chair, staring out over a lake that’s as calm and clear as glass, the gentle warm evening sun warming my aged and scarred face. My thoughts fall upon that day, that day when we stood , staring into the distant faces of an enemy who stood ready to advance. Advance they did. And due to the lack of training that the younger warriors of our ranks had, our ranks folded, the end result being a great number of fallen good men.

The true heroes never leave the battle field…ever. Forever to be there like whispering memories that ever remind us of our failings and hurried rash stand to arms, of the sacrifice of so many to prove that we were not ready.

I am a warrior, a templar of the Knights of the Rose. We have fought for many years under the impression that it was all in the name of greatness and god, all of us trying to atone for some sin or to regain some favour of the gods.

So many years of war, so much death, so many I have killed or crippled. For what. So that my mistakes could become my lessons, I have never forgotten. All these years.

Not so long ago I stood on a hill and watched as two factions of soldiers advanced upon one another, and entered into the chaos and confusion of battle. I know the symbol of this realm, this Thunder-Guard, the place I wished to make my resting place until death came gently whispering into my ear as I slept or sat staring off into the distance. They have come together to defend this realm, eager to fight, eager to kill, eager to feel the power of the sword and axe, eager to die.

I am over whelmed by the thought of that day so long ago with my brethren of the Rose. I cannot let it happen again… so my sitting and waiting for death to come to me and my old bones will have to be put away. I will go to them and try to help, I will offer and may they refuse, then I will not feel obligated to help. But for now I will pick up Wind-Soar again and step upon the field of battle. If nothing more than to train them, or to fight along side them and find a warriors death if necessary.

I am Lucifron of the Order of the Rose and I will help…God knows I have experience and my scars bear witness…