Tagaern - A war sonnet dedicated to Qinnah echoed in my mind…the same one that called to me during the war — to finish what one has started. Changed to my own calling as a warrior to Her call. Once more unto the breach. Ne’er shall our courage be forgotten. I am Tagaern Ünser, son of Stott Ünser, of the Red Shields of Materune. Dedicated to the Seven Shield Maidens of Qinnah. I shall not falter. I shall not fail. Else close the wall up with my body. The blast of war blows in our ears. Let it blow and conjure up the courage, conjure up the rage. Be strong as the shield and o’erwhelm it. Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.
To this calling, I fought alongside Hakaar, Danin and Bromm. With Sig’s magical talents and Floki’s well placed arrows, atop our tactical surprise, we turned the tide quickly with a glorious exchange. My only regret was not being more of a target to shield my comrades. A shield wall of one, sometimes two, with Hakaar made too many openings for flanking. Still, all of us fought with courage and skill, moving forward and back as the conditions of the battle changed, and the adaptability given both Sig and Danin to fly gave excellent ability to withdraw in a blink. A moment’s peace, orc bodies scattered across the ground. We recovered ourselves and I recognized that though my comrades were not veterans of war, they had the grit to determine this day, so long as their courage did not falter.
My fallen brother in arms, Duncan, today I fight side by side with your war son, Hakaar. I shall not fail him. Nor shall I fail his Silah. I wish I had followed my instinct when I knew the signs of that reconnaissance in force. Maybe there was little I could have done then, had I acted on that instinct to remain at Kella’s House, for I am a shadow of the man I once was back on the line. But you delivered as many of your family as you could. And I swear to you, we shall lay your soul to rest and make amends, my friend. Today, our line is small but it is strong with magic, arrow, axe, rifle and blade. We shall hold this line, like the finest Red Shields before. We shall seal this breach between worlds. I swear to Qinnah — I shall not fail my comrades. Though I be less the warrior than I was, I call for your blessing to win this day. Truly these Titans come to end our world and this battle is in line to expel the formless gods once more. It is your fight. You saved me once and pulled me from the abyss. You are why I am not dead and buried. If this be the day I shall die, then it be a good day in your name. But the day is not yet be over and there is much tide yet to be swayed, my Goddess. By the Shield Maidens, guide my hands…
Once the loot had been gone through and a falchion strapped to my back, we travelled further into the caves. The one orc who’d gotten away surely would have defenses ready.
Up ahead, the environment changed. There was fresh air and the sound of birds, of the outside. Yet this was still in the cavern. The great tree. We gathered silently at the entrance to the enormous opening and Floki scouted stealthily ahead with Bromm. Some half dozen orcs with their composite bows waiting in the distance, alerted by the runner. Unseen above the massive trunk to the left, the ledges could also have orcs waiting. So too another runner could have been sent off to bring back more rear guard from the main force. After all, this was the breachhead, the point assumed to be safe entry for their forces. Without it, they would be cut off and destroyed in disarray. If their commander knew it was in jeopardy, all would have to be committed that wasn’t engaged with the princess’ army. The tide could fall either way still. From the description Floki gave from inside the great tree, the muddy ascent on the other side to the banners was far enough to make it a possible killing field. The giant far above seemed on guard but not alerted, so perhaps the orcs were forbidden from entering their masters’ realm even under dire circumstances. That being said, surprise still could be on our side.
