"General Tybalt."

The general grunted to return the greeting to Prince Wilhelm.

"Any chance we can end this on peaceful terms?"

"Well, your country attempted a hero's summoning. Yours is responsible for the act of war. How do you plan to make up for it?"

The prince choked out a chuckle, laden with disbelief. "Are you not aware Camp Bear fell? I apologize for the treaty violation, but, entertain no illusions, Rangville lacks an advantage here."

"My scouts report you abandoned the camp. You lack the soldiers to hold it and protect Camp Wolf. If anyone lacks an advantage, it's Wilmand Kingdom."

Prince Wilhelm shrugged, "Call it an act of good faith. It's best to maintain the status quo and prevent further loss of life."

"Since when," General Tybalt spit, "did Wilmand nobility care about their citizens?"

The two leaders stared at each other over the midpoint of the battlefield. An entourage for both the prince and the general stood beside their respective parties.

Elin glanced over the three closest to General Tybalt. Each one carried an enchanted item. The biggest man bore a shield, the tallest archer held a bow, and the leanest and dirtiest carried a pair of daggers. Undoubtedly, the three were selected to fight Elin head-on, should battle commence. Her fingers curled on the handle of her sword, and the dagger-wielding soldier smiled.

She could feel Walter's hand tighten on her waist, and she realized he could feel their bloodlust as well.

"Can you guarantee no hero arrived? Swear a pact you'll surrender the wheatlands around the Necropolis, should you prove a liar," General Tybalt said, "Give me your word, and I'll order this army home this instant."

"Investigations are still underway--"

The general demonstrated his impatience by shaking his head, "Of course. They always will be until you start another crusade. Your silence, your running, tells me more than anything you would promise, anyway. It's him, isn't it?" General Tybalt pointed at Walter.

Elin felt Walter twitch behind her.

"Would knowing the truth change your course of action?" Prince Wilhelm asked.

"Perhaps. It would depend on the hero, would it not?"

Prince Wilhelm glanced at Walter.

Walter shrugged, "Yeah, it's me."

The general examined Walter as if he stared at a child claiming to be a threat. However, the archer at General Tybalt's side dropped his hand to his quiver. Elin's thumb flicked against the guard of her sword, and it dislodged an inch from its sheath.

"Why did you hide your presence?" the general asked.

"Why did you declare a war?" Walter said.

"Don't answer a question with a question."

"Don't ask rhetorical questions."

The anger from the general translated to his horse, and it clopped in place. "You lack the proper respect I'm due!"

Walter shrugged. "Maybe. You seem like the type that jumps to a conclusion then finds his answers."

"Is this the hero?" General Tybalt raised his arms and raised his voice, "This man is unstable. He lacks respect, and he's a tyrant in the making! Is this who we put our hopes on?"

"Well," Prince Wilhelm released a single laugh, "Like he said: rhetorical. Sir Walter's actions proved he is not out to undermine the kingdom. Furthermore, he acted peacefully and improved conditions in a dangerous area. Surely, he'll benefit the kingdom in the future."

General Tybalt stilled. Elin recognized that Prince Wilhelm taunted the general with the citation of improvement. Both men behaved in a manner to improve their political interests: the general wanted land or the hero removed, and the prince wanted to corner Elin and Walter into dealing with the general. Elin seethed, she didn't care for it, but both plotted against Walter's safety.

"Now," General Tybalt said.

Thwack!

Elin flinched and ripped the sword free of her sheath in an arc. The archer's movements were so quick and so precise she nearly missed them, even as enhanced as her speed was. Whatever bow he used supercharged the arrow, glowing blue like Walter's Magic Missile, and it streaked directly to him. Her reflexes revved into overdrive. For a brief moment, she could see the arrow before she heard the spring of the bow.

The muscles in her arm strained, forcing the arc of her swing to complete in time. The empowering magic gave the arrow weight, and her sword dislodged from her hand when it collided with it. The arrow splintered. The arrowhead, flying at a tilted trajectory, tore through Walter's shoulder and caused his arm to wiggle from the force.

"Fall back!" Prince Wilhelm cried out.

"¡ƃɹǝqɯɐlℲ"