Silver, Gold, and Iron

Marz sat alone in his command tent overlooking the map that had been placed in front of him by his lieutenant two days previous. This battle was taking longer then it should have. These rebels were not fools by any standards. They had dug themselves in deep and had claimed the high ground to their advantage. The first day Marz had underestimated them and had sent his men to face them head on, not realizing that they had drenched the grass in oil. When they set it alight Marz had lost a great many of his men. Thank the gods that was an attack they could only perform once. The second day he had been wiser. He had sent crossbow men ahead to clear a path for the others. It had almost worked. They had cleared the crest of the hill and faced their enemy in a long and taxing confrontation. But taxing only for Marz and his men for the rebels switched out their men, replacing tired swords with strong ones, effectively preventing their enemy from advancing any farther then the front lines. On this the third day Marz had finally formulated a plan.

In order to avoid wasting manpower to protect their rear the rebels had backed them selves up against the beach and the ocean. There they were completely defenseless. That half thought out plan would be their downfall. The night previous Marz had sent half of his men under cover of darkness around to the beach. When he and the men that had remained with him moved in to attack from the front those upon the beach would make their way up from behind. If the element of surprise remained on their side then the rebels would be caught between two battalions of Imperial forces. The day would be won with in a matter of hours.

With the plan already laid out and ready to be put into action Marz remained in the command tent only for the sake of the quiet that it afforded him. Absent of the sounds of battle and the concentration that was demanded for planning effective strategies his mind was free to think of Mara, not that she had ever really left his mind to begin with. In the quiet hours she always pushed her way to his for most thoughts. He thought of her smile, the way she fit so neatly in his arms, the way her body felt against his, and the sweetness of her lips. He thought of how much he loved her and how much he wished he were anywhere but here, how he wished he were with her.

He thought also of his men who had died. Married men like he was soon to be. He had personally written the letters that would be sent home to their wives and children. He imagined the stunned silence that would follow the reading of the letter, a silence that would be replaced at first by a shaking of heads and a feeble attempt at denial and then by another silence of acceptance and then at last by quiet tears that would evolve into weeping, loud, keening, and heart broken. He had seen it many times before, first with his own mother and in times after that when he had been the unfortunate soul charged with delivering the sad news, to young wives with new born in arms or older with young or teen aged children.

He never wanted Mara to have to go though that. That was why he had decided to quit the army. Why could the Generals not understand? They had families did they not? He never wanted to be the cause of such pain to the woman he loved. Damn them for being so stubborn. If they would not grant his request he would force them, one way or another, to see his side of things and his uncle would not be able to stop him.

With only a half hour left till day light Marz stood and sent for his lieutenant to assist him with his uniform and his armor. This done he took up his war scythe and walked out into what remained the pale chill night. Fall was already in the air, its chill winds finding their way beneath skin and flesh to bone. Mara had wanted their wedding to be on the last day of summer, that had been yesterday. The ride here and the battle had robbed them of their plans but they could make new ones. The sooner this battle was ended the better.

His man sat battle ready around cooking fires, talking low amongst themselves. At their captain's approach they made to raise, Marz shook his head and motioned for them all to remain seated. He walked through them to where his sergeant sat.

"What news?" the sergeant rose to his feet.

"They made it safely to the beach and are ready to move when we are"

"Good, tell the men they may finish their meals and then form up. It's almost time, and I want the crossbow men out front same as before"

"Yes sir!" Marz smiled slightly and clapped the sergeant on the shoulder before continuing on to the font lines to wait.

"Would you like some coffee sir?" asked his lieutenant. Marz nodded.

"Might as well, thank you"

"Sir" he walked away and returned moments later with two mugs of hot coffee, one for his captain and one for himself.

"Thank you" said Marz as he raised the mug to his lips and drank.

"Do you think that we will be victorious this day?"

"I don't think it lieutenant, I know it" the lieutenant smiled slightly and drank his coffee.

As the sun appeared at last over the eastern horizon Marz's men formed ranks, crossbow men making up the front lines just as their captain had commanded. With in the passing of twenty minuets the word came to Marz that all was set. The black Minotaur tossed his coffee mug aside and lifted his war scythe high with one hand.

"Crossbow's ready!" the air was filled with the sound of strings being drawn tight. "Aim!" a few moments silent for the bowmen to pick their targets. "Fire!" Marz's scythe came down and the crossbows loosed their bolts. Sharp cries told of those who had met their marks, almost all. Marz ordered another volley that was answered by the enemy's archers. Marz and his men lifted shields, one, and two, perhaps five losses in all, Marz ordered another volley. This continued for ten minuets, at which point Marz called a seize fire and hefted his war scythe in both hands.

"Alright men this is it! Today we finish this. In the name of his imperial majesty and Mithas this day will be ours!" roared Marz before charging toward the hill, his men close behind him. Rebel archers fired at random, missing a good many of their targets. Startled and slightly panicked shouts told Marz that the other half of his men had successfully taken their enemies poor, almost non existent, rear defense and were now making their way toward the front lines to meet up with their comrades.

Marz roared again as he crested the hill, swinging his war scythe and taking the head of the first rebel soldier he came upon. The rebel force was far smaller then he had thought it would be. Their moral was also significantly less then it had been before, it made them weak fighters. Marz could almost see the rest of his men pressing in, this battle was all but won. He heard his lieutenant cry out and turned to see a tall dark Minotaur swordsman, taller even it seemed then Marz himself, bearing down upon him and prepared to deal the deathblow. Marz growled and charged in to catch the blow upon the blade of his war scythe. Now face to face with the rebel Marz's eyes focused upon his opponents milky white right eye. Recognition flashed upon the faces of both men and both weapons lowered slightly.

"Darius?" asked Marz. The taller Minotaur snarled and lunged forward taking Marz by surprise and forcing his scythe from his hands. He then used the opportunity to bring his broad sword up right, cutting clean across Marz's torso. As he fell Marz could hear his lieutenant call out to him but only faintly. Darius, for Marz was certain it could be no other, turned and swiftly fled. Arms that were not nearly strong enough to bare his great weight caught hold of him and did their best to settle him gently down. Before loosing consciousness, Marz could hear cries of victory; he did not have to guess from whom they came.

"Damn them, damn them all" cursed General Orin into the wind that stung his eyes and shot between his teeth to freeze his lungs, forcing him to close his lips tight against it, as he rode for his nephews house. News of his injury and his near brush with death had pushed aside all thoughts of the victory that he and his men had won for the Imperial army. He wondered if any news had been sent to Mara. He doubted it, since not many outside of Marz's closest friends knew where she lived in order to send any. If such were the case he would send the news himself.

Arriving at the house Orin did not bother to knock and strode in to be met by Ronda, the young maid he recognized from his last visit.

"General Orin, we've been expecting you sir"

"Where is my, where is your master?"

"In his chamber sir, the doctor is with him now and waiting to see you"

"Thank you" Orin spared her the briefest of nods before continuing on to Marz's room. Upon his entrance the doctor, slight of build and sable colored, stood to greet him.

"Thank you for coming so swiftly general" Orin nodded and approached his nephew's bedside. Marz was unconscious and covered in sweat. His breath whistled faintly between his lips and with every breath he quivered. The covers hid effectively the terrible wound that had been inflicted upon him.

"How is he?"

"No closer nor farther from death then he was before I am sorry to say. That wound…he was almost gutted. If he had fallen forward…there would have been nothing I could do for him. Except maybe to push all of his insides back roughly where they belonged and sew him up for the funeral"

"But since that did not happen, will he live?"

"I can't say for sure. It all depends on him now and how strong his will is"

"Then he will live. He's far too strong and stubborn to give up. Besides that he wont leave her, not now"

"I admire your faith in him General"

"You should have some too doctor" Orin held a hand out to the doctor. "Thank you"

"Your welcome. You may stay with him if you wish. I will take my leave. Good day"

"To you as well" the doctor smiled faintly and let go of the Generals hand before departing. Orin listened to the doctor's footsteps as they faded before taking the chair from the writing desk to sit next to his nephew. "Wake up Marz. Don't you dare die, you hear me? Don't you dare betray the faith I have in you. If you love her as much as I know you do, you'll come back" Orin felt tears in his eyes and bowed his head. "Sargonnas please don't take him. I pray thee, let him go"

Marz stood at the foot of a massive volcano overlooking a valley of black jagged rock and bubbling pools of lava. For a few moments he was alone staring out over the valley. Then down from the summit of the volcano came a massive Minotaur, the color of the sky at midnight and dressed in full battle armor. His horns seemed to glimmer in comparison to the darkness of him. Upon his back he carried a battleaxe that none but he could have possibly born the weight of. Marz did not have to think a moment to know who he was.

"Sargonnas" breathed Marz as he fell to his knees in reverence of his lord.

"Rise Marz Stonesheild" Marz did so, not taking his eyes from the god.

"Am I dead?"

"No not yet. As I am sure you know, you have someone who cares for you very much and would be most begrived if you were to die"

"Mara?"

"Her yes but I was referring to your uncle"

"My uncle?"

"Yes he is sitting at your bedside now pleading with me for your life. Now usually I would scorn such a weakness in a general of his caliber but I know that Orin is not a weak man. It would take a great deal to move him so. So I shall give you a choice. You may enter into my service now or you may return to the world. What is your decision?" Marz bowed his head as if considering his situation but in truth there was nothing to consider. When he raised his head again to regard his god it was with certainty and strength.

"To serve you my lord Sargonnas would be an honor to surpass all others but I love Mara very much and I promised her that I would return. And my uncle has done so much for me I could not leave him now and let his work be for nothing. So, by your leave my lord, I shall return to the world" Sargonnas nodded his great head.

"I expected that would be your choice and I honor it. Go then Marz Stonesheild and live" Marz bowed low and waited for Sargonnas to depart before turning on his heel and walking toward the light that had suddenly appeared at his back.

Marz felt the bed beneath him first and the pillow beneath his head. The faint humming in his ears, the lightheadedness, and the slight numbness around his midsection told him of the strong amount of whatever drug he had been given to null the pain. His eyes blinked open and he recognized the bed and the room it was in as his own. Orin sat at his bedside, head bowed, hands on his knees. Marz could see tears glistening on his cheeks and knew that his uncle would not like to be seen so. Knowing this Marz quickly closed his eyes again before saying faintly.

"Uncle?" Orin looked up, Marz could hear him as he whipped hurriedly at his eyes and face before answering.

"Yes, its me Marz. Can you hear me?" Marz nodded slowly and opened his eyes again.

"Yes I can" Orin sighed and shook his head.

"You ever scare me like that again and I'll have you hanged you understand?" Marz smiled and nodded.

"Yes sir" his eyes wandered the room briefly. "Is Mara here?" Orin shook his head.

"No but now that you are awake I can have word sent to her if you wish"

"Please do"

"Very well" Orin stood to do as his nephew bade. Just as he reached the door Marz spoke again.

"I saw him" Orin turned

"Saw who?"

"Lord Sargonnas" Marz turned his head to look at his uncle. "He told me that you were here and that you were pleading for my life. Where you?" Orin nodded.

"Yes I was and why not? You're my only nephew. I needed have done it though. I knew you would not die and leave her here alone" Marz nodded.

"Your right I wouldn't have but I thank you for being here and doing what you did anyway. I owe a lot to you uncle, I hope that one day I can repay you" Orin smiled.

"You already have and more nephew. Now rest, I will send for her" he departed then and Marz closed his eyes knowing that when next he opened them Mara would be at his side.

Mara sat awake in her old bedroom in her brother's house. She had returned here on Marz's request for he did not wished for her to be alone in that great big house. She had protested at first but found her self-grateful for the company of her brothers and the comfort of her old room. A week had passed and with it the end of the summer. Though this was a disappointment it had not been unexpected. It would have been illogical of her to expect Marz to be home in time for the date that they had agreed upon. But still she could not help thinking that things were taking longer then they should have been and that made her worry. She thought of Marz day and night, he was never gone from her thoughts. Kalas and Khurn both did their best to cheer and comfort her and their efforts never went un rewarded but when ever they were not with her, her thoughts would find their way back to Marz.

And as of late Kalas and Khurn were not all that cheerful them selves. Not long after Marz's departure they appeared to be distracted by something, but it was so slight that she did not always notice it and by the time she did they were back to their old selves. This distractedness had grown however to the point where they could not so easily hide it and she found her self wondering what could be troubling them so. When she had asked them about it they had said that Darius had disappeared, no one had seen him for the past few days nor knew where he could possibly be. It was not that he was not free to go where he pleased when he pleased but it was unusual for him not to tell anyone, especially considering his devotion to duty, at least as far as military matters were concerned. First Marz, now Darius, next thing they would know Magdar would be off someplace too.

A knock at the front door of the house broke Mara out of her thoughts; she stood up from where she had been sitting on her bed and pulled on her robe before going to answer it. A young man stood upon the doorstep, white coat blotched with black Mara recognized him as Marz's lieutenant. She felt her blood run cold.

"Oh dear gods. By Kiri Jolith do not tell me that he is…" she could not bring her self to say it. The lieutenant shook his head.

"No my lady he is not dead but he was grievously wounded. He is at his house now and wishes to see you. General Orin is with him and it was he who sent me" the man bowed his head. "Forgive me my lady. It was because of me that this happened. Had the captain not saved my life he would not have nearly lost his. Its my fault, forgive me" at the news that he was wounded but alive Mara felt relief flood through her. She smiled slightly at the lieutenant and placed a hand upon his shoulder.

"There is nothing to forgive. Marz did what he did because he thought your life worth saving and I agree with him" he looked up and smiled at her appreciatively. Mara returned his smile.

"Would you mind if I woke my brothers? I should tell them where I'm going so as not to worry them and they might want to see him as well" the lieutenant nodded.

"I shall wait here for you my lady" Mara removed her hand and turned to walk down the hall to the door of the room that her brothers shared. She knocked smartly upon the door.

"Kalas? Khurn? Wake up" when no one answered she knocked again, "Please wake up its Marz" whether it was the sound of his name or the tone of her voice she could not be sure but they were both up and moving in less time then it would have taken for her to say it again. Kalas was the first to the door, wearing his kilt with his tunic still held in his hand.

"What has happened?"

"He was wounded. He's at his house now, his uncle is with him"

"Has the doctor seen to him yet?"

"I don't know I didn't ask. I'm going to him. I wondered if you two might want to come along" Kalas nodded.

"Of course we will just give us a moment to finish dressing" while saying this Kalas pulled his tunic on. Mara nodded and walked back to her room, remembering only then that she her self was not yet properly dressed. She hastily pulled on the simple cut green dress that she had been wearing the day previous and her shoes before going to the door again and stepping out into the night air.

"Their coming"

"Alright I brought along two extra horses just in case" Kalas and Khurn joined them a few moments later, the later closing up the house before mounting up with the others. With out a word the lieutenant turned his mount and rode toward town with Mara, Kalas, and Khurn close at his heels.

Orin sat in the main room of his nephew's house with a glass of whiskey in his hands. Half asleep as he was the knock at the door startled him so that he nearly dropped the glass. With a curse he set it down upon the table before going to the door. Seeing Mara standing there with the Lieutenant and her brothers the General smiled.

"Praises be to Sargonnas, good work Lieutenant"

"Where is he?" asked Mara as she stepped inside.

"He's upstairs, sleeping I think but go right on up and see him. He'd kill me if he ever found out I told you not to" he chuckled. Mara smiled, nodded, and hurried past him to reach the stairs.

"Has the doctor been in to see him then?" asked Kalas as he and Khurn followed the Lieutenant inside and turned to face Orin as he shut the door. Orin nodded.

"Yes"

"And?"

"He couldn't say for sure whether he would live or die. Said it would all depend on him and how strong his will to live is. That being said it's my belief that he will live"

"Course he will. If he knows what's good for him," said Khurn, a smile suddenly appearing on his face.

"What makes you say that?"

"You've never seen Mara when she's angry have you? Its hard enough putting up with her now and I tell you she can hold a grudge. I'd hate to be Marz and have to put up with it for the rest of eternity rather than just for a day or so" this prompted laughter from Kalas, the lieutenant and soon from Orin as well.

"In that case he will most definitely live," said Orin once his laughter had subsided. He saw the three younger Minotaurs to a set of chairs. "Can I interest any of you in a drink?" he held up his whiskey glass.

"That sounds perfect, thank you General," said Kalas as he leaned back in his chair, Khurn and the lieutenant nodded their agreement. Orin nodded and sent for three more glasses.

"Mara?" asked Marz sleepily as Mara took hold of one of his hands and kissed it. She nodded and smiled at him, placing her other hand upon his cheek.

"Yes, its me, that is unless you know someone else who could be sitting here in my place" his eyes opened slightly and he smiled at her.

"There has never been and never will be anyone else my dear" she kissed him then and he returned it as best as he was able. When their lips parted she smiled at him again.

"You weren't thinking of dieing on me were you?" Marz shook his head.

"Never, I love you far too much. Besides that I made a promise to you and as soon as I am well our wedding will go a head as planed with out further delay" she kissed him again and again he returned it.

"Kalas and Khurn are here too if you would like to see them" Marz thought a moment, then remembering who it was that had cut him down, he nodded.

"Alright tell them to come up" Mara nodded and kissed his hand before standing up and walking out of Marz's room. She returned a little while later with her brothers and Orin, who stood a little farther away near the bedside table.

"Hello Marz how do you feel?" asked Khurn a bright smile on his face, which Marz could not help but return.

"Not great but I have no plans for dieing"

"Glad to hear it"

"Do you remember what happened at all?" asked Kalas. Marz made to answer then hesitated his eyes going first to his uncle and then to Mara.

"Mara, could you do me a favor?"

"Of course Marz what would you like?"

"Could you go fetch me a glass of water, please?"

"Alright I'll be right back" as soon as Marz was sure she was out of an ear shot Marz looked to Kalas again.

"It was Darius"

"What?"

"During the battle I saw a tall swordsman about to kill my lieutenant so I jumped in to save him. I got a good look at the swordsman's face before he took advantage of my hesitation and did this to me and I tell you it was Darius" the brothers side glanced at one another. Khurn sighed and shook his head.

"Well that would explain his absence and why no one has seen nor heard hide nor tail of him"

"But why would he do this?" asked Kalas, a look of complete befuddlement upon his face. Khurn shrugged.

"Who knows? But you know Magdar has had is suspicions about him for a while now and we all know how some times it seems he enjoys the soldiers life too much or at least certain aspects of it. It could be the League hasn't been active enough for him so he's looking for his enjoyment else where"

"By siding with those who would see the war started up all over again?" asked Marz.

"If that happened it would mean more time in the field and that could be exactly what he wants" it was Kalas's turn to sigh.

"Damn it"

"So what do we do?" asked Khurn.

"I'll draw up papers for his arrest at once" said Orin who had up till this point been very quietly listening to everything that was said. Kalas shook his head.

"Thank you General but with all respect this is a matter for the League. We can handle it our selves" Orin shrugged.

"As you wish" just then Mara returned with the water that Marz had asked for, which all but her now knew had just been a ploy to get her out of the room.

"Thank you my dear" said Marz taking the glass from her and then propping him self up on one elbow to drink some of it. He handed the glass back to her and watched as she set it down upon the bedside table before lying back down again.

"Well as I know that you are in good hands now nephew I shall take my leave. You get some rest you hear me?" Marz smiled at his uncle.

"Yes sir" Orin chuckled and squeezed Marz's shoulder before departing.

"Guess we had best be on our way too right Kalas?"

"Right Khurn, you coming Mara?" he already knew the answer to that but he figured he would ask anyway. Mara shook her head, just as he thought she would.

"No, I'll stay her with him"

"Alright, we'll have your things sent over"

"Thank you" Kalas nodded and looked to Marz.

"Take care of your self"

"Mara will see to that for me" Marz chuckled and Kalas smiled. Khurn gave his sister a hug and shook Marz's hand before following his brother out. Mara retook her seat at Marz's bedside and took hold of his hand.

"You could have gone with them you know. You didn't have to stay with me"

"I know but I wanted to. Your going to be my husband soon aren't you? So I'm going to have to get used to this if ever you get sick right?" Marz smiled at her.

"I love you" she returned his smile.

"I love you too" she leaned down and kissed him again.

"To my sister Mara, the most beautiful bride Taladas has ever seen, and to my brother in law Marz Stonesheild may Kiri Jolith have mercy on his soul" said Khurn as he raised his glass of wine in a toast to the bride and groom. All laughed as Kalas stepped forward, elbowing his younger brother in the ribs as he did so and raising his own glass to make a second toast.

"To Marz and Mara may they have a long and happy life together"

" Here, here!" all drank and the band began to play. The service had taken place at noon, Marz decked handsomely in full military uniform and Mara radiant in her white wedding gown, the vows and rings, both of which Marz had made himself once he was well enough to stand the heat of the forge without fainting, had been exchanged and now all stood in the grand hall of the Imperial League's citadel. Kalas, Khurn, and Magdar as well as the other members of the League were also in uniform, the only one absent from among their number being Darius who had been apprehended and dishonorably discharged from the League. Orin was also in attendance along with his fellow Generals, the Major and even the Commander General himself, whom had all, to Orin's amazement, accepted Marz's invitations.

When the bride and groom dance was announced all cleared the floor and stood aside to watch as Marz and Mara walked to its center to enjoy their first dance as husband and wife. In those few moments, that seemed more like a few hours, there was no one that existed in the entire world to Marz except for Mara. She was so beautiful it took his breath away and she was his at last. When the song reached its end he kissed her to enthusiastic applause.

"May I have every ones attention please?" this from the Commander General once the applause had died down. He walked forward to stand before Marz, with the Generals, including Orin, and the Major behind him. "Sir Marz Stonesheild it was brought to my attention by General Orin that you wish to leave the army so that you might become a silver smith and give a better life, that is one with you in it, to your wife and your future children. Nothing like this has ever been brought before me or my comrades before and I had fully intended to refuse your request but taking into consideration recent events and the council that I held with the other Generals and the Major, we have decided to grant your request" at this point he reached behind him to retrieve something wrapped in blue cloth from the Major. He held it out to Marz. "So take this with all of our blessings. I here by relieve you from all of your responsibilities and obligations as captain and state your honorable discharge from the Emperors Imperial Army" while the Commander General was saying this Marz unwrapped the gift. When he beheld what it was he could hardly believe his eyes. It was a dagger with a golden hilt and sheath engraved with the symbol of Sargonnas. When he had at last gathered his wits Marz straightened and bowed.

"I thank you from the very bottom of my heart sir. You have given me two great and wonderful gifts this day, both of which I shall cherish till the end of my days" the Commander General nodded.

"See that you do and the best of luck to the both of you" he held out his hand then and Marz took it firmly. The band resumed their playing then and Marz shook hands with the Major and the other two Generals, one of which requested the honor of a dance with the bride, which Marz respectfully granted.

The party continued long past midnight and when at last it was over and Marz and Mara had returned to Mithas, Mara turned to her husband and placed her arms around his neck.

"So how does it feel to be a normal citizen at last?"

"Humm…no different actually my dear"

"Oh? Well give it time you'll notice a difference soon" she kissed him then and he returned it happily. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him.

"Oh my love I can hardly believe it. I love you so much, you're so beautiful and you're my wife. I wish this night could last forever"

"As do I but time being what it is it cannot but its not over yet is it?" she smiled at him and he returned it before lifting her into his arms and kissing her again.

"Your right, its not" with this he started up the stairs to their bedroom so that they might spend their first night as husband and wife, the night they had waited so long for, and that they now praised the gods for. The rest of their lives together began this night.