Ashes of the Fallen

I didn't have to babysit him anymore, the death and destruction took care of his penchant for flirting on the job. He was now a fine working man and kept his flirtatious habits to after hours, though none would have it nowadays.

Everyone was stressed, even if they didn't show it.

"Ah, right on time," I mumbled to myself while staring at the village's square.

Friday had finally given way to Saturday.

Night had turned to day as the rising sun brought light and warmth into the world. Only to be followed, by numerous beams of golden-white light that shined down on the center of the village. Engulfing the small area with its radiance, the beams of light faded and then returned an instant later.

Alternating between golden glows and fading whites, every instance spawned a singular NPC. One after another, they filed out from the light. Fourteen warriors and ten casters, ready and willing to serve their leader.

Dare say, their master.

They were free men in theory and they believed that to be the case. I even treated all of the NPCs as if that were the truth. The reality though, was that an NPC was essentially a slave. Disguised partially by their free will, I had learned through forums that it would take extremely sadistic behavior for an NPC to leave their player.

If you recruited them and treated them at least like you would a pet, they would do as you say. They might not perform to their utmost though, if one treated them poorly.

I didn't have to worry about that.

Every NPC that lived in my area that had been recruited by me, had been treated kindly. I had earned their respect and now they worked hard for me. They didn't complain, didn't argue, nor did they disobey.

Now it was time to get things started.

"Welcome to Dragon's Breach," I stated to the twenty-four NPCs that had gathered at the village square. Pacing back and forth, I looked at each and every one of them as I walked by. Satisfied with what I saw, I decided to give a welcoming speech.

"I go by Sigurd around here, and you'll find that I run a tight unit."

They listened intently and silently.

Not even a whisper escaped their lips.

Yeah, they were moldable, alright.

"You'll be free to live your lives as you see fit, so long as you devote half of that life to the cause. You’ve been brought here to one of the best locations on this forsaken continent, far from the greedy hands and eyes of the central kingdoms.

"You will live in relative safety here in this paradise. Though… occasionally, you will have the right to defend yourselves when attacked. And we will be attacked, make no mistake… but remember this, we grow through trials and evolve with tribulation. Every encounter strengthens us, and nothing will break our will.

"This is your home, this will be your land, and when the time comes, you will defend it. You won't be ill-prepared, as every day is an opportunity to improve yourself and your worth. They say when we leave this world, only our names will be left.

"I intend to make all of your names, worthy of remembrance."

Standing still, I continued to look around at the men and women gathered before me. Most, didn't seem to have an opinion. At least, not an opinion visible on their faces. Happy with my spur of the moment speech and having run out of things to say, I decided to call it quits there.

It was time to start the drills.

"Katherine here is my number one, and thus your number two," I said while pointing to the girl at my side. "She will be in command when I am not around."

Katherine nodded but remained silent.

"Havardr and Sigsteinn are your senior warriors, they will lead you in the training exercises and hunting parties, and will prepare you for the raids," I explained while nodding and pointing to my two strongest NPCs. "They are battle-hardened and tested warriors, and are men to be looked to, when one is in need."

Clasping my hands together with a grin, it was time to start.

"All you casters, come with me," I said with my best drill instructor voice, rough and deep but without the hoarseness of a man accustomed to yelling.

Turning my back to the fresh recruits, I began walking towards the forest with ten casters in tow. Katherine followed, as she had yet to leave my side since Selene's death, but I allowed it for now. She was my only Companion… and I wasn't going to lose her.

"Havardr, Sigsteinn, I leave the rest to you," I yelled out with a wave.

"It'll be a pleasure Sigurd," laughed out Sigsteinn.

"Hah, we'll turn these lads into men," bellowed Havardr after.

Yeah, I believed it.

They lived through the battle against [FWB] and killed numerous players. Havardr was actually fighting by my side for the majority of the battle, only separating near the end. Sigsteinn was keeping the priests protected, and did some marvelous work.

I could trust them.

"Excuse me, Sir Sigurd," asked a female caster after some time had passed.

"Yes mi' lady, what can I do for you?" I replied kindly.