A warrior’s choice… from the Dawn of Magick

The supplies from the south dwindled over time, and no reinforcements came to Roc’s Nest. Nonetheless, Vorran doggedly defended the strategic post. The few messengers who did come brought little of import, but late in the second year of the siege of Roc’s Nest by the Light Knights, a ragged rider arrived with vellum, which he carried to Vorran Klarje Jhundi.
Vorran read the epistle and smiled. The High Captain of Koorlost summoned the grizzled veteran Addams.
“Take the men to the Lovills River, Addams. All have served well and have done their families, Koorlost, and me proud. It’s time for them to stand down,” Vorran answered.
“What word could have come from the south to lead you to abandon the fort?” Addams pleaded.
“Let’s just say I now know the fate of our glorious leader. A fitting end, indeed, I must say. But, I have unfinished business with our enemies from the Laurels,” Vorran answered.
“My Captain, please allow me to stand with you,” the old veteran asked.
“Addams, I thank you, but I have, in the end, always had to stand alone. If what this naysayer says is true, there should be one man with some backbone to aid the withdrawal of our men to defend their homes and families. You are that man. It’s my command that every man fend for himself once he crosses the Lovills River. Once you cross the river, how you end your days is your decision. Open the gates before you leave. I will say no more,” Vorran answered.
Addams saluted sharply, bowed, and exited the Captain’s quarters. Vorran placed the parchment to his chest, removed his jewelry, kissed a portrait of Amica, picked up two swords, left his quarters, and stood quietly for a moment in the battered quadrangle of the Roc’s Nest. Addams gathered the remaining soldiers and ushered them through the south gate. As their last act, the retreating Centurions drew open the gate facing the north.