Author's Corner:
At the beginning of this chapter, I was hit by a severe bout of writer's block. Fortunately, since you're reading this new chapter, you can reasonably infer that I've overcome this nasty obstacle at least for now.
For reference, the location names in Bern are fictional representations presented by myself and not based from the actual FE7. (Since there are no locations in Bern shown on the map besides the actual 'Bern' anyways.)
Lao Who Mai – (gives cookie) Well done, and I hate cliffhangers too, but they need to be done to promote readership.
Dude – Lyn's reaction will be split across two varying standpoints. The former being the part when she's in the transition of understanding the equality between Drake and Mark, the latter being when she learns the complete truth. Certain elements of the Terrascar campaign, such as the Eradication of the Lorca, were never brought to light.
Shadow Rave – (lol) There is a reason why I have two tacticians running around, and part of the reason is precisely so that I can 'ditch' one of them for a short time while the other hogs the spotlight.
DotDotDotMan – Again, Lyn's reaction will charge over time, but you'll have to read on to figure that out. Remember, Lyn was the first 'lord' to meet Drake, so she'd be the hardest to win over. (Well, until the Lorca situation comes up, but that can wait.) Yes, I did pull a fast one, since I took great pains in previous chapters to ensure that Drake never said that HE wasn't the Hammer.
Phantom Kensai – Actually, I did allude to what Pent found in this desert, something regards to a historical chronicle. (Hey, history is worth a lot of money, especially if you're the only one writing about it!) In regards to magic tomes, I say… Bleh.
GM Ace – That's the entire point of it all, since I have slowly revealed a little piece of Drake at a time, so you'll have to keep reading to find out the relationship between Drake and Mark.
Dias of All Final – (is guilty as charged due to the uberly-scary glare of death) Work and writer's block got in the way, but here's your chapter.
Justhere2 – Alter ego? Maaaaaaybe. I couldn't give away too much in the prologue, but given that the soldiers in Chapter 1 weren't actually part of the Silver Vanguard, their information would be sketchy at best. As you may have guessed, the Terrascar incident wasn't a high point in Etrurian military affairs, and these ugly spots tend to be covered up.
Reis Nailo – I have read your fiction, and I'm very interested. Keep up the good work!
Phoenixfire1389 – Well, here's the chapter! (lol)
Tiger Dauthi – Yeah, certain 'key' elements of the game should be kept the same. I don't think you were here when I received a flood of complaints when the tactician's name wasn't Mark. (Happened in like chapter 2-3)
Paladin2007 – The plot DOES seem broken, but that's primarily because I made so many different interpretations. Keep reading!
Rookie – Killing hundreds in battle and hunting down rebel insurgents is quite another story from burning people alive, buddy. In the former two, death is a swift stroke of the blade. In the latter, the slayer must listen to the howls of agony as death comes slowly and torturously.
Without further ado, I give you…
Hammer of Terrascars – Chapter 17
History and Myths
Excerpt from Histories of Etrurian Legends
When the state of Etruria was in its infant stages shortly after the Scouring, a single death shook the new nation to its core. Specifically, it was the death of St. Elimine, one of the Heroes responsible for mankind's victory over the dragons, that shattered the culturally sophisticated country. Squabbling nobles that once united behind a common figure turned upon one another, each eager to fill the shoes of leadership that the great Heroine had left empty. In the decade long struggle of power, the ancestor of the present day King of Etruria defeated his rivals and re-established a peaceful reign. However, even the Kings of Etruria would not be sitting on the throne this day had it not been for the tireless efforts of four individuals…
"Mark Valshannar," Drake, no, Mark said, "I haven't heard that name in years."
The grim faces of his once faithful allies shifted slightly when Mark spoke. The Curse of Caledonia was a legend that existed ten years ago, a name that, while staggering veteran soldiers, still did not command the dominating fear in the hearts of the youthful. On the other hand, the mercilessness of the Hammer of Terrascars was a well-known fact ever since the gruesome ending of the Terrascar incident spread like wild fire amongst the populace. All across Elibe, despots and tyrants heaved a sigh of relief and wished for such a remorseless lieutenant, but the common folk and righteous alike down cried such wanton savagery.
"Not surprising," Pent replied, "Considering that your aliases during the Subjugation Wars and the Terrascar campaign were all forged."
The atmosphere of the room was still chilling, with everyone save for Mark and Athos straining to keep their composure. If not for Pent's words, Cecilia and the lords would never dream that their valued compatriot was such a zealous destroyer. Yet everyone here knew that no matter how incredible a soldier, no matter how incredible a tactician Mark was, the ring of swords around him sealed his fate.
"How did you find out it was I?"
"Who but the Mad Genius of the Valshannars could command such ruthlessness and brutality?" Pent shot back, "You are a danger to Etruria and to all Elibe, and it is high time that you have been dealt with once and for all."
Mad Genius? What the heck is that supposed to mean? Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector thought. Cecilia did not react visibly to the name, signifying that little tidbit was not common knowledge.
As Pent advanced forward, Lyn unsheathed the Mani Katti and stepped forward between the Mage General and Mark. As Pent looked down at his open spell tome to trace a spell, Lyn abruptly sent the sword ripping through the fragile leafs, sending the remnants of the book to the ground. Startled by the sudden interruption, Pent leapt away from the seeking sword and fell back a few steps. Afraid for her husband's safety, Louise took her aim off the tactician and trained her arrow upon Lyn.
"Lyn?" Hector asked, "What is the meaning of this?"
"You ask me what is the meaning of this?" Lyn said incredulously, "Neither Eliwood nor you considered for even half a second before taking sides against Drake."
"Mark," Hector corrected.
"Drake," Lyn bit back, "Mark is nothing but a name to me, as are the Curse and the Hammer, but I know and respect Drake. I've fought alongside Drake long before either of you! Wherever we go, my faith will not waver in the slightest! Now look at the two of you! Before we came to Nabata, didn't the two of you say to Lord Uther that you'd trust him with your lives?"
While all of Elibe from the Western Isles to Bern, from Ilia to Lycia had heard of the names of the Curse of Caledonia and the Hammer of Terrascars, Sacae was a relatively secluded territory, where nomads wouldn't give a damn what happened outside of the plains. Others may have shuddered at the Mark's résumé, but Lyn, who has never heard of those two terms in her life, did not flinch at the accusation.
Eliwood looked down guiltily, unable to meet Lyn's furious gaze, "But Lyn, that was before we found out…"
"Found out what?" Lyn retorted, "He is still Drake! He is still the person we count upon to lead us through battle, safe and unharmed! What is the difference?"
"The difference," Eliwood replied, "Is that he is no longer Drake, but the Hammer of Terrascars. He is a murderer, Lyn, and he must pay for the blood on his hands."
"So you have never killed someone in your life?" Lyn said steely, "How quick you are to press charges against someone else, hypocrite!"
Hector swore, "Damn it all, Lyn, I killed in combat to save my life and the lives of others! That beast over there killed for the pleasure of slaughter!"
Mark's eyes flashed for a brief moment, but his gaze did not soften.
"Your point?" Lyn said, "That still doesn't change the fact that we are here solely because of his guidance! If you harm a single hair on his head, you'll have me to deal with!" I will never again let someone I care about die before my eyes, Lyn vowed.
At that, Eliwood hesitated even more, "Lyn…"
"Cecilia!" Lyn shouted, "Where do you stand in regards to this matter?"
Shaking, Cecilia drew in a ragged breath, but did not move from where she stood. Casting her gaze left and right, she was torn between her former teacher and her mentor. Following one is betraying the other, though Cecilia knew now that Drake was indeed the darkness that Pent identified him as. I cannot make this choice, she thought in despair, which one of them failed to guide me to the best of their abilities? Oh, if the decision were only this simple…
"Well," Cecilia tried to comprise, "I understand what both of you are saying, but…"
"Out with it," Hector roared, "Which side are you on?"
Resolve weakening, Cecilia stammered, "I understand that he used to be a terrible warlord, but don't we need his strength more than ever? So far in our battles, we have been able to survive with more or less our full strength, leaving none of our comrades on the field of battle. Shouldn't we value our survival more than we question our past? Surely everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, so why should we begrudge Mark?"
"He has more than a few skeletons in his," Hector said bitterly.
It was not surprising that Hector and Eliwood sided so readily against their tactician's accusers. Born and raised in the idealistic, knightly environment of Lycia's most prominent states, both were taught from an early age not to break their vows of chivalry. The callous slaughter of the Terrascar insurgents came as a rude shock to the neighboring Lycian states, which publicly denounced such unwholesome and wanton slaughter. Though the Etrurian government quickly hushed up the exact details, innumerous loose-tongued Etrurian merchants 'accidentally' leaked the tale to foreign lands. Perhaps it was fortunate that the illusive Hammer of Terrascars had vanished, since Etruria would never be able to face the nations of Elibe had they sheltered such a war criminal.
"Lady Lyndis," Pent said calmly, "I fully understand your stance towards Mark, but…"
"You know nothing!" Lyn shouted.
"Wrong," Pent shook his head, "I am more acquainted with House Valshannar than you believe. Nevertheless, you must realize that the man that stands behind you is no longer the same Drake that you love and admire. Tear off his mask and the monster is revealed! He is Mark, a bane upon mankind! Justice demands his head as recompense for the wretchedness he has inflicted upon innocent blood! Had he been the valiant Valshannar heir and remained a loyal servant of Etruria, I'd be the first to defend him. However…"
"However?"
"However," Pent continued, a fire in his eyes that dared anyone to dowse, "As a true friend, I must also be the one to condemn his fall to the abyss, as well as the adjudicator who removes such a pestilence from Elibe! Whether you aid or hinder me is of little consequence, but this man must die."
Lyn remained defiant, but jumped when she felt Mark's hand touch her shoulder. Turning slightly, she saw Mark shake his head, the glint in his eye never fading in the slightest. Shoulders sagging, Lyn stepped aside in defeat, never able to go against the wishes of her mentor and most valued friend even if he wished to walk into the jaws of death.
"Kill him, and you will raise a more fearsome foe than any of you have ever conceived possible."
Everyone in the cavern turned in shock at Athos' words. The great Archsage merely stood calmly by, holding each in his gaze for a brief moment, before settling his eyes upon Mark.
"Lord Athos?" Pent asked.
"I repeat, slay him and ye shall face a more terrible destroyer than any of you have dreamt in your darkest nightmares," Athos replied, "Do any of you know what the servants of Nergal truly are?"
"What?" Eliwood asked, "Don't you mean who?"
"I meant what I said, Son of Roland," Athos said darkly, "Nergal has created abominations of nature, fused with the energies of the nether plane, and calling back the souls of the dead to do his bidding. In other words…"
"If we kill Drake," Cecilia said horrified, "We may be facing him on the battlefield!"
Pent, Eliwood, Hector, and Lyn paled at that thought. They knew as well as anyone else that facing Mark would be the equivalent of utter annihilation. Already, their chief tactician had achieved legendary victories working with limited forces against overwhelming numbers. How could they win with their small army against his genius when he had innumerous cannon fodder at his disposal?
"So we can't kill him," Eliwood reasoned, "Instead, we have to keep him alive at all costs. At least until Nergal is no longer any threat to Elibe."
"Quite so, Son of Roland," Athos said.
Mark smiled thinly, Truly an unexpected way of lengthening my lifespan, but naturally this will only last until the day Nergal is defeated. Bah, who cares? I fully intend to die upon the completion of this quest anyways.
"That doesn't mean we will trust him," Hector growled, "Hear me, Hammer of Terrascars! You're merely living on borrowed time until Nergal is cold and buried! Once his head hits the ground, yours will follow soon after!"
Mark chuckled as he turned swiftly on his heel, "Be my guest, Hector of Ostia! I highly doubt that you are willing to trust me as a tactician, and Cecilia is fully groomed to fly on her own. Perhaps I'll be able to enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet for a change."
"Don't count on it," Hector said angrily, "Remember, once Nergal is gone, so are you!"
Mark stopped, then turned slightly to fix Hector with an evil glare, "That is, assuming you are able to pull it off."
Mark's chilling laughter echoed continued to echo down the halls long after he passed along the halls.
June 21st, within Bern's borders,
By St. Elimine, I never imagined that Drake would be the vaunted Hammer of Terrascars! Interestingly enough, because of Lord Pent's revelation, there appears to be a gigantic rift developing within the army. We are, after all, a rather closely-knit group of comrades, of which no secrets are kept between commanders and commanded. I suppose the most apparent schism is the difference between the lords. Lords Eliwood and Hector are quite suspicious of Mark's purposes, while Lady Lyndis is firmly in support of Mark.
Naturally, this fractures the army between the three of them, with retainers following their liege lord. The mercenaries are split evenly upon this issue as well, with Fiora, Legault, Raven, Lucius, and Rath siding with Lyn. The others, such as Priscilla, Erk, Canas, Guy, Heath, and Dart favor the other lords. I do believe that the relationships between members of our war band have greatly affected this situation. Fiora and Lucius are both upright people, but because their respective sister and friend are in one camp, they'd follow as well. What amazes me is that Priscilla has shown uncharacteristic independence in moving away from Raven! Those two were inseparable early in our campaign! I suppose having multiple men seeking her hand in the Lords' camp contributes heavily towards that. Yet, one person I have not mentioned is unable to make up her mind… Me. I am now the chief consultant and tactical advisor for Lords Eliwood and Hector, but I can't help but feeling that we're making a grave mistake in ostracizing Mark…
"What are you writing about, Cecilia?"
Cecilia hurriedly snapped her book shut and stammered, "I-It is nothing, Lord Pent! Just a few thought…"
Louise giggled, "Come now, Cecilia, I remember you were quite the composed advisor in Etruria. Why are you so flustered?"
"Well," Cecilia began, "It is very difficult, having our primary military advisor ousted so suddenly. I have a large pair of shoes to fill…"
"I'm sorry we must place such a burden upon you," Pent sighed, "It must be aggravating to see a respected counselor chained down by such a bloody past. In truth, if not for his unpredictable nature, I'd give both arms to have Mark in command."
"Unpredictable nature?"
"Yes," Pent replied, "The Curse of Caledonia you know from history books, the Hammer of Terrascars is but a recent event, but few know the true face of the Lords of House Valshannar."
"Are they part of the Etrurian nobility?" Cecilia asked.
"Nobility?" Pent chuckled, "House Valshannar dates back nearly two dozen generations as a pillar of the Etrurian Court. Why, without them, I daresay that the present day King of Etruria might very well be a different person!"
Cecilia gaped, "What?"
"Indeed," Louise said, "I've read some of the manuscripts Lord Pent has shown me, and Mark does come from an illustrious line of famous Etrurian statesmen."
"But," Cecilia stammered, "Then why…?"
"I'd answer your question right this instant if Louise and I are not urgently needed at the palace," Pent replied, "We must seek out the Queen and ascertain the location of the Shrine of Seals."
"Oh," Cecilia replied, "Don't let me delay you any further then. Please be careful, Lord Pent, Lady Louise."
After Pent and Louise departed, Legault appeared around the corner, "Cecilia, Lord Eliwood wishes to speak with you immediately."
"Of course, lead the way," she replied, "And by the way, Legault?"
"Yes?"
"You were once part of the Black Fang," Cecilia pressed on when she saw Legault stiffen, "Do you know the true identity of the Hammer of Terrascars?"
"Not quite," Legault replied, relaxing when she didn't ask him of his own involvement, "I was more of a 'house-cleaner.' My role was to eradicate traitors and cowards within the Black Fang. However, it is a well sung fact that only one person has ever eluded the Fang's justice, and that is our friendly tactician, Mark."
"I see…"
"If you wish to know more," Legault suggested, "I'd advise you speak with the man himself."
"What?" Cecilia said aghast, "How… How could I…?"
"Simple," Legault said nonchalantly, "He's standing over there, after all."
Cecilia craned her head to look, and sure enough, Mark with Lyn and Raven atop a small hill that overlooked Lake Chanta. The riverside boasted of many native products that were highly prized throughout Bern's rugged landscape. Bern, though a land famous for its military, was not well known for its fertile agriculture. The rough soil did not produce bountiful yields that were seen throughout Lycia and Etruria. Instead, Bern's farmers cultivated large fields of coarse wheat, corn, and barley, using crop rotation to keep the limited productivity at a maximum. In light of this, fish and other foodstuffs produced from Lake Chanta were a welcome addition to the average meal, which naturally caused the once rural towns such as Macrene to grow rapidly. Thanks to these popular but common goods, Macrene blossomed into one of the largest cities in Bern, with a wealth of citizens and a large market that dominated most of the town square.
Cecilia sighed, "I must speak with Lord Eliwood first, I'll speak with Mark later."
Legault, on the other hand, crept closer to the three speaking atop Werkan Hill. Seeing that Mark was deep in conversation with Lyn and Raven, Legault hesitated for a brief moment. Taking advantage of the situation, Legault and Cecilia quickly dashed behind several trees, hoping to eavesdrop upon their conversation. Never too proud to scavenge for information, Legault nestled himself inside the branches, trying to catch the words below.
"So you wish to know more about my history?" Mark asked.
Lyn nodded, "I'm more intrigued as to the meaning of the name Valshannar."
Mark fixed Raven with a piercing glance, "I believe Raven can shed some light on that matter."
Said mercenary cocked an eyebrow, "I've never heard of House Valshannar in my life!"
"Oh yes you have," Mark replied, "Everything Etrurian child has heard of my family, its just that no one comprehends what they've heard."
Raven racked his memory for what Mark was alluding to, "I don't understand…"
"You know the Tale of the Founding?" Mark asked with a smirk.
"Of course," Raven scoffed, "Everyone in Etruria knows that."
"Please," Mark said, "Relate it for Lyn's benefit."
Continued from Histories of Etrurian Legends,
When a new, unified Etruria was first founded, the first king succeeded largely due to the tireless efforts of four men. In light of their accomplishments, the king decreed that these four servants would receive honors unparalleled in Etruria. When asked what they wished for, these answers the four gave:
The first said: I will be Honor, the chivalry and flower of knighthood. I shall become justice and righteousness, the Knight General of Etruria. Let my sword and steed bring light to every corner of our country.
The second said: I will be Wisdom, the law and magic of truth. I shall become knowledge and conjuring, the Mage General of Etruria. Let my staff and scales bring prosperity to every citizen of our country.
The third said: I will be Might, the valor and fame of eternal glory. I shall become strength and perseverance, the Great General of Etruria. Let my halberd and helm bring safety to every royal of our country.
The fourth remained silent, but the king asked nonetheless. Finally, after much hesitation, he spoke.
I will be Death, the hatred and wrath of vengeance. I shall become the darkness and mystery, the Nameless General of Etruria. Let my hammer and spear bring despair to every enemy of our country.
These four houses stood vigil over Etruria from generation to generation, striving to meet the standard set by their forefathers. Unfortunately, over time the valor and loyalty of men waned, and several of these descendants strayed from the path of their ancestors. In time, the Knight Gerneral, the Mage General, and the Great General lost their exalted privileges. Stripped of their family title, these positions were appointed by the king, never more to be held by the same filial line.
After Raven finished, he leveled another stare at Mark, who was smirking quietly, "So what's your point?"
"House Valshannar," Lyn said.
"What?"
"Of the four Generals," Lyn said, "Only one Generalship remains in the hands of a family line. Passed down from generation to generation, would I be correct in guessing that…"
"Yes," Mark replied, "I was the Nameless General of Etruria, one of the Four, but the one name that will never make its way onto the history books."
"But what I just recounted was recorded," Raven argued, "And why is that?"
"The title can be recorded," Mark replied, "But never in the archives of Etruria will you find anything that ties House Valshannar with the General of Death. The secret is survived by the royal line and of course, the heirs of Valshannar themselves."
"So what difference does that make?" Lyn asked.
"It makes all the difference in the world," Legault said, dropping out of the trees, "I heard your entire narrative, and I can sympathize with the reason."
"And why is that?" Mark asked with a small grin.
"Because you operate in the darkness," Legault answered, "Much like the Black Fang, you are the scourge that decimates all enemies. While the Black Fang serves to root out corrupted and evil lords, you are responsible for the elimination of all who oppose the will of Etruria. This would include the Terrascars and the pirates of the Western Isles."
"In pursuit of total victory," Mark finished, "The Valshannar line answers only to the Etrurian Kings. Ever since the founding of my line years after the Scouring, the mandate has always been the complete obliteration of anything or anyone that poses a threat to Etruria. However we chose to approach this task was up to our discretion."
"Hence where the name of the Mad Genius comes from, correct?" Lyn asked.
"Precisely," Mark answered, "The Valshannar dedication to the slaughter of the foes of Etruria proved to be a dangerous element. Many times in my family history, the Mad Genius did not have to be a public figure. More often than not, they were assassins of some sort, using the shadows to remove enemies…"
Mark was interrupted by the sound of a shrill whistle being blown in the town square. Down below, the square was rapidly losing people as merchants and vendors hurriedly closed shop and hid their wares. Shoppers and peasants were scrambling willy-nilly across town, shutting doors and barring gates. Fishermen towed in their boats and sprinted home to their wives and children. All in all, it was the telltale signs of an upcoming battle.
"Has Bern's troops discovered our presence?" Lyn asked.
"That would be quite a hassle," Raven said, "With the recent border problems between Lycia and Bern, it would be quite the international powder keg if three Lycian lords were discovered infiltrating Bern with their retainers and a pack of mercenaries."
"It is too early for Bern to direct soldiers into such a remote location," Mark reasoned before glancing at Legault, "I'd think they were…"
Legault peered down, "Yeah, it's the Black Fang."
"When a common foe appears, the army bands together," Mark laughed mirthlessly, "However, when removing a traitor in their midst, the daggers come out."
"You're not going to assist?" Legault asked.
"Do you want me to?" Mark asked back.
"Hey, don't look at me," Legault said, "I'm neither for nor against you, merely looking out for myself. As long as it keeps my skin intact, I don't care who the hell you are."
Mark sighed, "I highly doubt the majority of the army will welcome me back with open arms in light of recent events. I'd probably present more of an obstacle than provide any assistance. No, it'd be best that I sit and watch from afar."
"Do you think Cecilia will be able to handle it?" Lyn asked.
"Most likely," Mark shrugged, "Though from their vantage point, they can't see the ballista platforms deployed just off the coast. Someone should warn before Florina, Fiora, or Heath gets knocked out of the sky by a ballista bolt." He looked pointedly at Lyn.
"Does it have to be me?" Lyn pleaded, "I wish to stay here."
"Yet you are one of the primary leaders of this army," Mark pointed out, "You simply must be at the battle scene."
Lyn's shoulders sagged, "Very well."
As she turned to go, Mark's voice stopped her, "Be careful, Lyn. And thank you, thank you for everything."
Lyn rewarded him with a smile, "No need to thank me." I should be the one thanking you.
After Lyn had left, Legault also excused himself, saying that he had urgent business in town. Noting that they were alone, Raven asked, "So why did you leave your command in Etruria?"
"Hm… Maybe because I'd be dead in a few weeks if I hadn't left?"
"What are you talking about?" Raven said, "We found out that the Black Fang was after you quite recently!"
"If the Black Fang didn't complete the task, someone else might have."
"Like who?"
"Think back to the Mage General's reaction when the lords broke the news to the army."
Raven grimaced at that memory. When Lord Hector had shouted out Mark's identity to the army, the tactician would've been hacked into pieces had not several steadfast and quick-witted members of the army, mostly under Lyn's command, surrounded him in a defensive ring. Pent had gave a broad hint that Mark would have to be removed sooner or later.
"So you are insinuating that our army will terminate your existence?" Raven asked.
"No," Mark replied as he watched Rebecca and Wil shoot a hostile wyvern out of the sky.
"Then who…?" Raven sucked in a breath, "Etruria…"
"Exactly," Mark said, "I am a black dot on the spotless slate that represents Etruria's dignity and honor. After besmirching it once in the Western Isles, I'm sure they'd have been extremely pleased that I burned those poor devils to death."
"Point taken."
I'm glad the abbreviated version spared me the details, Mark thought, these people do not need to know the horrors that I must limp through day after day. The memories of the damned and the recollection of the piteous wailing of the doomed shall hound me to the end of my days. I am a coward, a coward unable to stand his ground and accept the just reward for my deeds.
Below, the tide was turning the Black Fang littered the town with their dead and dying. Pressing the attack, Cecilia skillfully led the war group through the teeth of the enemy defenses and engaged the enemy leader.
I could claim that I served Etruria to the best of my abilities, but what has that sacrifice brought me? For one millennia, the Valshannar line has toiled in service of Etruria, damning ourselves to hellgates so that others may live in peace and harmony. We have earned eternal infamy and disgrace in the eyes of others and soiled our hands in blood. I, for one, am sick and tired of bloodshed. I wish for nothing more than to live a 'peaceful' and 'normal' life, away from warfare, politics, and death. I suppose that I ill-deserve a peaceful ending, but perhaps in my death, I will ensure that the Generals of Death will never plague humanity again.
"Let this madness end," Mark muttered.
Sorry, everyone, there wasn't a lot of fighting in this chapter. Occassionally, even I hope to take a break from writing about combat. This chapter turned out way more angsty than I imagined, so I hope it was all right! Thank you for reading and please review!