Elucard inspected the large New Estinian land map carefully. He scanned the proposed route that his new mission would bring him, studying the various biomes and ‘X’s’ that marked villages, and the large red ‘X’ that indicated the location of Aric City. He turned to Wiccer who he learned now commanded the war effort as a whole, as well as his own unit.

Within the large tent, Elucard noted King Dallin of Varis, King Greyblade of Southtail, and Mave Silvertail. Wiccer continued his briefing.

“Your mission is straightforward, but dangerous. You will need to secure the path to Aric City ahead of our forces. You will be expected to neutralize any possible threats and weaken points of interest for us to capture,” explained Wiccer. He pointed to an area with small lakes and trees. “First, you are to explore the wetlands known as the Blood Bog.”

“Wetland, Major?” questioned Elucard.

“A large area of marshes and swamps. Generally difficult terrain to navigate,” said Wiccer.

“We'll take to the trees.”

Mave nudged Elucard. “Afraid to get your feet wet?”

“It would be wise to follow Elucard’s lead, Captain. Avoid the water at all costs. We don’t want you to be devoured by an alligator,” warned Wiccer.

Mave raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Alligators?”

“Large reptiles with sharp rows of teeth and powerful jaws that can snap a harekin or an elf in half without a thought. They roam the rivers of the swamps lurking in the murky waters for a chance to strike. Even in knee deep water they can be troublesome,” answered Wiccer.

Elucard folded his arms and nodded. “What other threats can we expect in these wetlands?”

“Venomous snakes, and orcs. Word on the wind says they are aligned with Tashna. Which is why we want you in Blood Bog in the first place.”

Elucard stroked his chin recalling his history lessons with his master, Legion. “Ah yes, orcs. Like their cousins the dwarves, they were descended from the giants of old, who walked amongst the draconians before the first elf.”

“Stone-smashing barbarians, the lot of them. We dealt with them in Southtail in the early days. Right chief?” Mave asked her king. Greyblade nodded in agreement.

“In any case, can they be bartered with? Coin for safe passage?” asked Elucard.

“We do not know, but if the opportunity arises, then take your chance. We do not want a war with the orcs as well.” Wiccer pointed to the prominent red ‘X’. “And when you reach Aric City, do as you must to rescue the king. If we can end this little adventure without sacrificing thousands more Cypress lives, we will.”

Elucard stole a glance from Mave. They both nodded.

“Gather your needed supplies, you are to leave at once.”

***

Wiccer knelt on the beaches of Ghostoc Port. It had been three days since the capturing of the city. With any civilian rebellions quelled and his soldiers having a well deserved rest, tomorrow would begin the march to Aric City.

The horizon of another dawn painted the skies with fire. It was the beauty of nature he cherished most in times of war. For with every life that was taken and blood that was spilt. Beauty always brought him serenity.

He picked up a clump of sand and jostled it slowly in his hand, allowing the grains to slip out between his fingers like the slowly trickling sands of an hourglass. Time. He did not know how much he had left before Tashna would grow impatient with Koda and execute the elf. For now he needed to take it slow. Slow enough to move an entire army through unknown land with as few casualties as possible. It was one thing to command a company or a unit, but to take the reins of every living soul that trekked across the ocean? This was another responsibility entirely and he was not ready for it.

Wiccer sat down. He watched as a hermit crab scuttled across the beach to find home in a new shell. He removed his boots and aired out his toes. He needed to relax and enjoy the one moment of peace he would have for this entire campaign.

“May I join you?” a voice came from behind Wiccer.

Wiccer twisted around to find Legion standing behind him. He nodded and the red eyed elf drove his sword into the ground so hard that Wiccer was sure he heard it grunt in pain.

The assassin plopped down beside the White Cloak. He had a red and yellow apple in his hand and pulled out a small dagger from a sheath attached to his arm, giving it an absent-minded twirl before slicing into the apple. He carved a thin slice and offered it to Wiccer.

Wiccer raised his hand. “No, I’m not hungry.”

Legion narrowed his eyes and murmured a hrm before eating the piece.

“Elucard is leaving for a dangerous mission soon, perhaps you should say your goodbyes,” suggested Wiccer.

“Elucard has been raised since he was ten to deal with missions of the deadliest of natures. I am not concerned for him.” Legion chewed on another apple slice. “You on the other hand…”

“I am not in any danger out here, you may go re—”

“Elucard assigned me to watch over you,” said Legion. His voice was gruff and more stern than Wiccer’s own father. He found it strangely comforting.

“Fine, but as you can see…” Wiccer swept his hand across the beach showcasing the amount of danger that they were in. “Behold: the enemy.”

Legion ignored Wiccer’s attempts to be sarcastic. “You needn't be afraid.”

“I’m not—”

Legion cut off his commanding officer. “You have just been handed the fates and lives of every single man and woman on this beach.”

“I—” Wiccer paused. Once again the weight of his newly appointed responsibilities reared its ugly head and began to crush him like his boot upon a snail. “I—”

“I may be a fool at times, believing in the rhetoric of the Black Rabbits for so long. But know that I have witnessed true leadership in my time with them.” he rested his hand on Wiccer’s shoulder. “You, Wiccer, are a true leader.”

“You barely know me,” spoke Wiccer under his breath.

“Elucard speaks highly of you. As do the other Red Rabbits.”

Wiccer raised a brow in doubt. “Elucard speaks highly of me?”

“He does.” Legion offered his last apple slice to Wiccer.

Wiccer gently took the apple and pawed at it. “We no longer see eye to eye, Elucard and myself. I am surprised he still mentions me.”

Legion let out a heavy sigh. “Elucard’s history with friendship is a tainted one. Decrepit, crooked, and gnarled. Anyone he gets close to turns to ash…” Legion lowered his head and gripped Wiccer’s shoulder tighter. “That is my fault.”

Wiccer shook his head. “Elucard is his own man now, you shouldn’t take the blame for his mistakes.”

Legion rose to his feet and retrieved his claymore. “I am his father, Elucard’s mistakes are also my own.”

Wiccer nodded in respect more than understanding. He watched as Legion hiked back to the encampment, then looked back down at the apple slice. He smirked and ate it.