Stronger

Black blood dripped from the sword. The hand that held on to that sword was shaking. The soldier was trying to overcome fatigue even as the battle continued to rage on around him. All around him were the bodies of some of his comrades as well as the carcasses of the slain orcs and demons that have been attacking relentlessly all through the night. Flames were burning around him. The noise of the battle resonated within his helmet as his eardrums continued to tremble.

The soldier tried to summon his strength and courage but he found himself running on reserves. Despite that, the blade of his sword continued to bite into the orcs and demons that charged at him. He had to keep at it if he was to survive the attack on the city. He had to keep at it if he was to protect his own life, the life of his comrades, the life of his loved ones, and the lives of the citizens.

"You." A demon called out to the soldier when they met. "I remember you! You're the one that gave me my scar!"
"I remember you too." the soldier muttered under his breath. "I got you during your ambush on my unit."
"Eruadan of Indilwen... for giving me this scar... I will kill you!" The demon let out a shriek and charged head on at Eruadan.

The demon collides with the human. Unearthly body meets steel armour. The sound was loud and sickening. Eruadan and the demon fell as a result. The demon got up first and tried to kill Eruadan. However, Eruadan managed to put his shield up to defend himself, only to have his shield wrested away. He soon found himself pinned down by the demon.
"It's your end!" The demon hissed, raising its claws.
Eruadan grimaced and prepared himself to recieve the blow which would mean certain death to him.

"Wait, this is too long." Eruadan thought as he opened his eyes again. To his surprise, another arm was holding the claws of the demon back. "Earath!"
"Thank the Almighty that I managed to reach you in time." Earath said, his relief apparent even though his helmet concealed his expression. In a twinkling of an eye, Earath ripped the demon's hand off, leaving the demon shrieking in agony.
"Eruadan! Earath! I will remember this!" shouted the demon as it ran away cursing Eruadan and Earath.

* * *

Dawn brought a new day, but also a grim day. The surprise attack by the Abyssal Kingdom took many lives. Many were also missing - captured by the Abyssal Kingdom. The Falcon Guards would have to mobilise in order to rescue the captives as soon as they possibly could.

Eruadan sat watching the Falcon Guards march off. "I suppose I still have a long way to go." he said to Earath, who was standing behind him.
"In due time, Eruadan." Earath replied. "Don't be discouraged by your close brush with death. We will protect each other."
"I'm already drawing on my reserves though. I'm not strong enough, Earath. I need to be stronger." Eruadan mused, staring at the ground.