CHAPTER VIII

The sun beat down brutally on a Hyuran Flame Lieutenant, a small group of mercenaries, and a tiny wolf pup, as they escorted a caravan of mourners from Little Ala Mhigo to Camp Dry Bone. Amalj'aa in the area had become particularly violent, and travelers had been disappearing.

Growing up an orphan in the underbelly of Ul'dahn society, the Lieutenant had seen much and more of corruption; and the abuse of the poor by the age of 18. Marcus "The Bull" Godfried had joined the Immortal Flames at the age of 21, in hopes of making a difference in Ul'dah.

Now, after several years of honorable service, Marcus had reached the rank of Flame Lieutenant, and had earned the nickname "The Bull" for his stubborn, unwavering dedication to his people.

Marcus would never turn down a job or request, no matter how simple, or how little the pay, if it would benefit his people. Thus, Marcus had taken the request from a family of mourners who had been turned away by the Brass Blades.

The mercenary leader, a graying Hyuran Midlander, caught up to Marcus from the rear of the Caravan. "Not much longer friend." He told the Lieutenant. "Keep an eye out, hereabouts is where the most recent attacks were reported."

Siegmund Highbourne, a retired Sultan Sworn, was the leader of a small Free Company in Ul'dah, The Lightbringers. He had become a steadfast friend and ally to Marcus at the age of 18. The Flame looked up to the older Hyuran more than anyone in the world, seeing him as a father figure, after so many years on his own. Siegmund had taught Marcus the ways of the Paladin, in swordsmanship and in justice. Now, he called upon the Company often in his work as an Immortal Flame.

Marcus removed his helmet, and wiped his brow as a cool breeze blew across the sun-baked desert. He looked back over the Caravan as they slowly filed passed him, and nodded to the mercenary.

The caravan slowly passed Sandgate and approached a split in the road. As they approached, the young wolf pup seemed to become uneasy.

"What is it Fen?" Marcus asked, crouching down to scratch behind the ears of his little companion.

The sharp whistling of an arrow pierced the air, and all at once the air came alive with war cries as a small band of Amalj'aa came screaming down from the hills towards the Caravan.

"Siegmund, to the front, it's show time!" Marcus called back to his companion.

"Alexander, Smithy, guard the rear, take care of any of these bastards if they make it passed us." Siegmund called as he made his way through the terrified caravaners and took his place beside Marcus, sword and shield at the ready.

There were five of the hulking lizard men. One of them was much larger than his companions, obviously the leader of the hunting pack.

"I'll take care of the big one, Lightbringer, you can handle the easy work." Marcus said with a grin.

Marcus clanged his sword against his shield, provoking the attention of the leader while Siegmund charged into the remaining, catching the blade of one with his shield as it rushed to meet him. With a swift counter stroke, the beast fell at his feet.

The Lieutenant and the Alpha circled slowly, sizing the other up. Finally, the Amalj'aa charged Marcus with a snarl, lunging forward with his giant Guisarme. The Hyur ducked under the blade, bracing his shield, and met the beast in a fearsome shoulder rush, sending the lizard-man staggering back.

Wasting no time, Marcus moved forward slashing in blinding patterns at the creatures scaly stomach as it scrabbled to regain its footing. The beast howled in anger, and swung its weapon blindly at the Hyur,

Marcus caught a horizontal swing on his shield, and stepped away from the creature, allowing it to regaining its balance. They once again circled.

This time, Marcus took the initiative, feinting forward with a thrust, then whipping the blade around in a back hand slash, aimed at the Lizard-mans throat. The sands were painted red as the defeated Amalj'aa fell to its knees, gurgling gruesomely as it died.

Looking up, Marcus saw Siegmund dispatch the last of the smaller Amalj'aa. Removing his sword from the creatures heart, he turned and nodded to Marcus.

Marcus scanned the surrounding desert slowly, looking for any further danger. Once he was satisfied, he set about cleaning his blade on the sand, before sheathing it and turning back to the caravan.

"We're almost there." Marcus called to the Caravan, "Let's get moving so we can reach warm beds tonight.