The soldier wore a finely pressed shirt which, at the moment, was a dark green. His trousers were dark brown and his shoes had yet another shade of green. He wore a dark green overcoat, buttoned early, over his shoulders and all the way down to his wrists and ankles. You could easily spot the soldier, even in the night’s darkness. He had the gift of light, one of the first that Captain Falthe kept its secret. He received this gift at a young age, when he could not speak, but could see with the Light of sorts. In the quiet night, this soldier was like a nocturnal animal. He knew his place and knew no fear.
The captain had chosen his personal guard well. The soldier saw the leader of this pack in this way. He remembered only a very short time ago from his own past, and how the captain treated him like a nightmare. He was not used to that kind of freedom, but the decisions made by the Captain were for the best; no one was allowed to know the secrets his pack kept. It was a simple secret to keep, something mysterious and unexplainable, nothing to bring much of confusion to anyone, least of all his indoctrinated brothers and sisters: the Kobolds.
The captain sat in his great tent, its ceiling lined with scarlet silk to ward off the rains and sun. Candles flickered atop the low tables, revealing his throne in all its splendor. On the right sat the herald, his long nose always sniffing the air for evil. Last to enter was the captain, who sat before the fire. He sat with his back to the servant.
The soldier watched and observed the captain as he had for a long, long time. He was only surprised at his appearance, and did not like the idea of anyone seeing him this way. The soldier knew the hated captain would come to him to ask questions.
“Fang, I need to speak with you.”
Captain Falthe looked back towards the huge kobold. The roar of his voice caused the others to jump in fright.
“Fang, you are to stay away from this.”
“Only asking questions about the High Lady of the Woods,” the captain said, and thought no more of his request. “You have heard the rumors, and you felt the winds this past week?”
“Aye, I did.”
“You tell me, is it change?”
“It is,” the kobold’s voice boomed.
“I believe it to be,” said the captain. “With these beliefs, I must have you go in search of the truth.”
Fang listened, but did not respond. He did not want to waste his captain’s time with such trivial matters, but such a command bore no diversion. His sword at his side, the kobold stood and turned to face the captain. The captain only laughed, and said:
“You may go, Fang.”
Fang nodded, and walked out of the tent. Just outside, he sighed and turned to face the rain, his shoulders bent with anger. He would always do as told, and this time would be no different. He had tried to talk to the kobolds about this High Lady of the Woods, but no one would tell him of Fearne.
