The stone hammer fell down upon the ground, giving off a mighty cracking sound as the line-breaker gave out a bellow. Maro had dodged the attack, by rolling out of the way at the last minute, but in no way was he out of danger yet. The brute of a creature brought up his hammer again and swung down upon where he stood. Maro in turn jumped backwards, loosing his balance on a fresh corpse and fell down on his buttocks. The line-breaker, having lifted his hammer again, brought it down once more. This time the hit pulverized the fresh corpse, sending blood in every direction and subsequently splattering Maro in gore. It roared as it was brought up its hammer for the fourth time, Maro quickly got on his feet, and lunged at the thing. His first strike landed on the creatures waist, where there was no armor. Blood oozed from the wound, he had hit his mark. There was no time to celebrate as he was then slapped aside, its hand hitting him square in the chest. He tumbled back and eventually slid to a stop upon his hands, the wind knocked out of him. Maro breathed, and his chest jolted in pain. Everything seemed to slow as the line-breaker brought up his hammer for the final time. It was his doom, Maro thought as he exploded from where he was, this time evading the oncoming swing that cracked the ground beside him. He jumped, using the shock-wave as boost sent his blade straight into the creatures eye-hole. Black blood spurted out and it tumbled backwards with Maro on top. 

Not a day earlier Maro had found himself at Castle First Reach, the gateway to the last great bastion in the land, Castle Salvano. It was the only place left to go and he needed to know if anyone else from Feer la Den had made it besides the ones he was with. If his master was there then surely he would find him, after all the guardians were a stern bunch and if anyone could make it then it would have been them. Many refugees were still pouring in from their ransacked towns and villages. Those that had managed to make it, were beyond lucky, as many would never see the light of day again and it made him shudder. Looking upon the battlements, all manner of soldiers were preparing for the inevitable. Night would soon be upon them and with it, the darkness and its all consuming army. He had made a vow to stop the darkness, and now it was destroying everything that this world knew. He shook his head in disgust. These monsters would pay for what they have done. he would stand proud when they came knocking at those gates.

Eventually he had found some food being distributed by some local guards. They were surrounded by every manner of hungry folk, most being civilians who had nothing except the clothes on their backs. He pitied them, but knew that they would not be the ones fighting, and after all he would need his strength for the upcoming battle. Maro began to push his way through the crowd, but shortly after some shouts were made and other non-desirable things were said, people began to make a path. After all, he was a Templar Knight, and needed to protect these people by staying strong. Upon reaching the top he stood on a box and began to shout, "Remember that the Goddess gives strength to all who ask for it! Upon walking through these fine streets I prayed to the goddess for such strength, and when I rounded the corner I saw which could keep me well for the fight ahead! You are all doing a service by letting those who choose to fight for you, a little extra in return. I thank you for your services, may the Goddess always watch over you." With his speech done and the crowd's threats dulled for now, he got his share of the food and went somewhere quite to eat.

Night fell quickly, and the area became hushed. The might of the garrison posted here was being summoned to the gate in earnest. The defense of this area was key in allowing civilians to flee and time for Salvano to bolster its defenses. Maro held little hope that this castle would outlast the siege that was before them. Regardless of that fact, he would press on with the soldiers that were now surrounding him. Some gave him looks of appreciation, others of fear but it mattered not to him as he was a Templar and the Goddess had is back. His stern expression started to relax when the Lord, Bali was his name, started to give a moral boost in the way of a speech. His heart was even lifted more when Guardian Fenris Laski could be gazed upon. It also filled him with sadness, for something told him he was the last Guardian now. His thoughts turned to battle when the gate was finally breached and the sight of the line=breakers sent a shiver down his spine, but he was ready.

He stood up from the corpse, covered in fresh blood. Looking around the destruction he saw corpses everywhere, and the last of the line-breakers falling down. A new horn was played, and gazing from where he stood, he could barely see, but he did manage to catch a glimpse of a shield wall and the raining of arrows down upon them. So this new enemy knew tactics then, something that could be even more costly to them. Maro took up his sword from the brute's eye and stepped off onto the blood soaked ground, as he rejoined the ranks. Quickly the front lines were besieged and many of the creatures broke through with quickness that seemed unnatural. This new test was on its way.