Colonel Alexander Stormcrest and his patrol of five soldiers slowly rode up towards Calanhelm. For three days, Alexander had been leading this group on patrol south of the Capitol City, meeting with Noble dignitaries, listening to the complaints of several petty squabbles from citizens both noble and common, and speaking with agents of the King at each locale to gather more news from the Eastern territories.
In the distance a horse and rider came bursting from the city's south gate like a blast of fire, angling down the road and making a beeline for the Home Guard Patrol.
"Methinks there's dire news, Colonel," his second remarked, to which the Colonel nodded his agreement and spurred his horse forward at a trot.
The messenger arrived quickly, and within moments the entire group was racing to the city, a trumpet blaring a clear path in front of them.
Arriving at the main Barracks, the Colonel did not wait for his horse to come to a complete stop before he was off and running towards the steps. A young page took the reins from each rider and led the horses to the barracks fountain for a drink.
Alexander took a few minutes to speak with Commander Duncan, getting filled in on all the news coming from Parson's Breach. He turned to the barracks parade ground and bellowed for all to hear. Most of the Guard were still, at attention, waiting for the news to spread to the lower ranks, and wondering what their next set of orders would be.
Alexander seemed angry as he shouted. "Home Guard! Scramble to each corner of the City. Have all members of the Guard report to the parade grounds in full combat readiness in thirty minutes! I don't care what they are doing, get them here. All Leaves of Absence are hereby cancelled, and all troops are to be recalled immediately.
"Many of you may already know this....a veil of darkness rises in the East, and we are needed there. But what you may not know, is that four days previous, the King fell when we lost Parson's Breach."
Alexander looked around the crowd, seeing shock and concern on their faces. He didn't have time for this.
"Move! That is an order! About your business!"
The courtyard burst into activity, as everyone scrambled. Alexander knew that his bold announcement would cause ripples in the Nobility to stir, and the rumour mill in every household and tavern to buzz brightly. He didn't care. Politics, rumour and conjecture were someone else's game: he was a man of action.
"Duncan!" he called, and the Commander quickly ran close. "Take Theerin and Kilroy, get your gear then have your horses to the Mage Quarter to have the March of the Untiring ritual cast on you all. The Guard will cover the costs. Get to the Breach, scout it out, and report back. Do not engage, but scout only, understand? You have six days, before which time I expect a full report. Go!"
Commander Duncan saluted, then sped off on his assigned duty.
The Colonel found a young recruit standing idly nearby. "You! Get off your butt and do something useful for me. Find every member of the Home Guard that survived the retreat from Parson's Breach, and have them find me here at the central Barracks. Double time, soldier!"
The green recruit sped away with wide eyes to give the announcement to a nearby Crier, and then ran to the Portal to seek out the refugees from Parson's Breach.
Alexander growled, wanting to slay something. A name kept rolling around in his mind...Kara Vale. "A gold coin to the one who brings that bitches head to me." He stormed off, barking more orders throughout the Barracks.