Swords, spears, and other implements of destruction surrounded me on all sides as the kiddies glared at me with, what I suppose they think is, a scary expression. I held up my hands in the universal gesture that says 'I am unarmed' and raised my eyebrows as though they were doing something completely unexpected and utterly unusual. It is only natural that they would want to protect their commander.

Well, well. What do you know, speak, and she shall appear, striding towards me with an air that I thought only royalty could assume. Of course, I suppose a military officer could imitate it but it takes quite a lot of practice, hell, I can do it. Still, she looks really pissed off, I hope she doesn't hurt me, heh heh.

"Smith, Dorre, Jank! Put your weapons away, we outnumber him, not the other way around! You there, state your name, rank and purpose." She said, staring imperiously up at me.

I swallowed a smile, and a laugh, slouched and tipped a two-fingered salute.

"Aani ve Rojinul, umm, let's go with…General, and my purpose, well, I can't really say. Perhaps, if you told me why you're out here in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of untrained kiddies, I could come up with a reason that does not involve the higher powers."

One of the men, a brown-haired chap with a striking nose, looked about ready to hit me when I referred to 'em as kiddies. He started to say something but his commander beat him to it. Eyes flashing, hair flying, and a general air of 'I'm going to kill you', she said,

"General? You are a General? Impossible. And what do you mean, higher powers? Also, my soldiers are not, as you say, 'kiddies' they are the best this militia has to offer. As to what we are doing here, if you do not know then why did you sneak into this camp? Hmm?"

I swallowed a frown and put on my 'emotionless soldier face' but before I could open my mouth the crowd parted and Corporal Victore came striding up looking quite determined. So, I decided to shut up and see what happened next.

Jeri whirled around, sharply, when someone tapped her on the shoulder. Young Victore was standing there looking extremely nervous and holding that cute little creature whom had just claimed this man as his owner. She raised her eyebrow, quietly questioning, and asked, deadly quiet, "Yes?"

Corporal Raphael Victore licked his lips nervously. "Sir, I think we should believe him."

Jeri raised her eyebrows and looked sharply at the creature, who seemed to be smirking, before turning back to Victore.

"Give me one reason why, Corporal. Why?"

Victore swallowed and looked around nervously. Seeing no supporters, he coughed, and said, "Because Maurie said if we didn't Aani would get really mad and start a brawl. Maurie doesn't like brawls. Oh, and Maurie is a deity who has been given the punishment of taking care of this pathetic human, so we shouldn't make him mad…"

Victore trailed off, uncertainly, when he saw the look on his Commanders face.

She looked like she wanted to scream but quickly got her expression under control. Talking slowly, as though to a stupid person, she addressed the poor corporal.

"Do you expect me to believe all this bullshit? And who, exactly, is 'Maurie'?"

The creature raised his paw, smirking, and said, "Hey, Aani, if you let this tough bitch get away from you, I'm leaving. God, I love a tough woman." He frowned, "What a pity you're such a wuss. This punk's a wuss, too. I can tell." He glared up at Victore and sighed.

The beautiful commander wheeled on me, looking like a warrior about to kill, then looked back at poor Victore. Her nostrils flared and her eyes, what beautiful eyes, flashed. I smiled helpfully and she looked exasperated as she turned her gaze on Maurie who just stared past her at me. I stared back with my coldest look and got caught by the commander. I blinked as she gazed at me, assessing me, so I assessed back.

Taking in her simple uniform, hidden weapons and the standard soldiers weapons: sword, boot knife, long knife, and brass knuckles, hanging from her belt, marking her as a accomplished fighter; not many people can fight while using brass knuckles, they usually end up breaking a few fingers. It also says that she is willing to take risks, something that not very commanders are good at; you have to be good to take risks and live as long as she obviously has. I'd say she is about 24 or so, and all woman.

She seemed to have finished her assessment of me for she straightened up and looked me in the eye. Her face was soldierly straight as she stared into my eyes.

"Mr. Rojinul, you seem to be telling the truth however unbelievable it may be. You say you are ignorant of the events which have made me commander of these soldiers which I find quite incredible. However, you have professed a desire to know so, I shall tell you but be warned it is a long, wearisome, tale."

I grinned and said, "Well, then, I suppose I should sit down and get comfortable."

So I did, much to the discomfort of the kiddies around me, and smiled up at her expectantly. She looked quite as uncomfortable as her kiddies, I guess she expected a different answer, and sighed, rubbing a hand across her face.

Maurie made it easier for her by jumping down on my lap and saying, "Oh, get on with it, he won't be happy until you spill the goods, and while you're at it tell everyone to sit down, they look tired."

She glared at him and signaled to everyone to sit down before clearing her throat.

And this is the tale she told.