*An Early Dawn*

[Vortex]

Vortex grumbled as the sun shone through the window of the Keep. He rolled out of his pallet bed and walked out the door to the nearby stream. After washing his body in the cold water, he dried himself in the early morning sun and then dressed. After stretching, he began a series of exercises. At first the motions seemed stiff and jagged. As he warmed up and his muscles loosed, he began to flow smoothly and the speed increased. Vortex launched into a series of increasingly difficult manuvers, his mace arcing and carving colored paths throough the morning light. His body was glistening with sweat by the time he finished the final exercise. As he came to a sudden stop, he heard the sound of clapping. Vortex quickly spun around as saw Toth Ur'Zrethi leaning on a nearby tree.

"Not bad for an old man." Toth said as he halted his clapping.

"I must be older than I thought to not hear you sneak up on me." Vortex stated as he moved forward to greet Toth with a warriors' handshake.

"Nah, I'm just that good." replied Toth with a smile dawning on his face.

"Humble, too." Vortex replied.

The two warriors sat down near the tree for a few moments while Vortex caught his breath.

"I'm sorry to call you out of retirement like this." Vortex finally stated.

Toth shrugged that off saying, "Pah, a Knight is never truly retired. You of all people should know that." Toth paused. "What do you know of our Commander?"

Vortex thought for a minute. "He is a man to be admired. He has instructed me to select two lieutenants to lead the soldiers. Thank you for agreeing to be one of them."

Toth grinned at the subtle hint from his old friend Vortex. "Fine. But this time I don't wanna hear it when I rush into battle with my men."

"Hah, like you ever followed any of my commands anyway." Vortex retorted.

"What of the other lieutenant?" Toth inquired.

Vortex had been dreading this moment for a while. He knew Toth's distaste of mages, especially ones who dabble in the dark arts. He had no choice left to him. The people they opposed in this war were formidable warriors and mages. He could not afford to step around Toth's prejudices.

"I know how you feel about Necromancers, Toth. You are not going to like this. I have recruited a lieutenant from among their ranks."

Toth's face darkened, but he said nothing.

"She will be along in a minute. I have asked her to join us this morning..."

"She???" Toth interrupted Vortex's speech.

"Yes, do you doubt my abilities to select able leaders?" Vortex replied with a flash of irritation.

"Of couse not, Vortex. You have always be able to surround yourself with people better than you." Toth teased.

Vortex laughed heartly and relaxed. If Toth was able to joke about the situation, then he has already accepted it and moved on.

"I assure you, Toth, she is skilled beyond your imagination. We are facing some very difficult enemies in this war, we will need the Arcanes to assist us. I expect you to work with the warriors and for her to work with the Arcanes."

"So be it." Toth replied.

Both men came to their feet as a stunningly beautiful women approached. Her slim elven body was athletic and slightly muscular, but it was her eyes that captured the attention of anyone falling under their gaze. They were a clear blue, and she had died her hair to match the color of them. They held great power, yet much compassion. Toth was stunned, he had never seen an Arcane that he found attractive. Until now.

"Toth, meet Lady Ji. She will be the other lieutenant."

...

[Troop]

Outstanding!

*Polishes purple shoes and gets ready for war*

[Durzo]

Awsome *claps* That was fantastic cant wait to read more...

[Hoffs]

*applauds*