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Dennis
Along with his two companions, he was standing in front of the Lion Forest. The dense woodlands were covering a vast area in the western regions of Coastlands and eastern lands of Rocklands. The forest was known to be treacherous, no smart general would ever want to face their enemy inside the woods. Seven years ago, after successfully negotiating an alliance pact with Frostlands, the Coastlands army invaded Rocklands on the northern side, across the Great Fields. Just in case, they did leave a part of the army in front of the forest, but the Empire did not want to risk as well, which prompted the armies to meet on the Fields.
“We’ll camp on the first clearance we reach,” Dennis informed his two friends “it’s getting dark.”
Clearances were the best places travelers could camp on, since the interior of the forest was dangerous at night. Bigger ones were sometimes populated: the town of Fallentree was the biggest of woodland settlements. It was still a long way to Fallentree though and until then, the trio would have to sleep outdoors.
They agreed that they would stay together until the last crossroads, since it was safer to travel in bigger numbers. Lone travelers were easy prey for scavengers, and nobody wanted to have any business with them. If we have to fight sooner or later, I choose later. He disliked war, as opposed to eight years ago, when all three joined the army. Back then, they were eager to prove themselves, and Coastlands’ propaganda contributed to their ideals. They convinced the trio that the Empire was evil, having no regard for human life and capable of committing all kinds of atrocities. On the other hand, Coastlands’ goals were noble, benevolent and peace-bringing. Things, said about the imperial army turned out to be true, but Dennis learned that his side isn’t any better. He shall never forget the siege of Stonewall, the last obstacle between joint Coastlands and Frostlands army and the heart of the Empire: Queen’s Island. After weeks of besieging, the army was finally able to successfully storm the fortress. But instead of liberating the inhabitants from the autocratic regime, the city was sacked immediately. Dennis remembered helplessly watching soldiers loot and slay the unarmed men and women. Until the command to stand down came out, the city was almost completely plundered. This act finally convinced Dennis that there is nothing honorable in war, and since that day, he despised everything connected to it. But here I am once again…protecting the homeland. I just hope we can save the world before the history repeats itself.
By nightfall, they had reached a clearance, suitable for camping. They hurried to set up tents and a fireplace. Athough fire was likely to lure scavengers, it kept away the beasts on the other hand. After chatting a bit over the fire, eating some roasted meat and bread, Davis and Woody went to get some sleep, while Dennis had the first watch. He took a walk around the camp in order to stay awake. While walking, he thought he heard a strange noise coming from the trees, but it turned out to be just a squirrel. He remembered hearing all the stories about the Lion Forest, how people misteriously disappeared, how dismembered bodies were found lying under the trees and about seeing creatures and beasts that supposedly never existed. Dennis had already traveled through the forest some years ago and nothing happened to him, but one could never be too careful. Escpecially now, after hearing that man’s story. If Justin were still in the woods, then it might get messy. The Justin were humanoid creatures, who used to be humans, but got possessed by dark magic. Being the Empire’s most dangerous weapon, legions of Justin were used in the battles against the allied forces. They had the speed and strength, but were also mindless slaves, lacking the human intelligence and survival instinct.
Strange noises distracted Dennis from thinking any further. Squirrels again? He listened again. Sounds like…footsteps. He silently sneaked near a bush and crouched. The footsteps were getting louder. He peaked between the branches of the bush and noticed shady figures moving between the trees. At the same moment, he heard a noise coming from behind. When he turned around, he saw Davis coming from the tent.
“Hey,” he called to Dennis “I need to take a piss.”
sh*t. “Get down!!” he shouted. Davis reflexively threw himself on the ground, dodging an arrow that hit the tent instead.