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[b]“Hrmm.”[/b]

A roar. A Chirotoraptor. Due west, within the forest.

She brushed her hand against her sword, before ignoring it, projecting an aura of confidence and indifference for her men to emulate. That rapturous monster may be a fearsome foe, but considering its eating habits, it would not choose to go after the crusaders themselves. No, such a creature is naught but a trial sent by the Goddess On High to examine the veracity of the heroes she called. A squadron of crusaders was enough to strip the flesh from the beast’s bones. It wouldn’t be a challenge for the heroes.

The Templar rode on, the Bishop beside her. As the sun dipped lower, the village of Tiki came into view. A Skalan village it may have been, but the modesty of the settlement was pleasant, at least. Wheat fields spread over the sunrise, and comforting cottages bore not the ostentatious embellishments of normal Dwema buildings. Through the visor, she could see the forms of a few Bestia finishing up a day’s labor, and the sight brought a smile upon her face, hidden as it was. She nodded slightly at their retreating forms, as the platoon entered the vague borders of the village. As customary, the town bell rang thrice, and as customary, the village-folk gathered outside, a few of them already dragging out bags of grain.

[b]“Stand down,”[/b] she spoke, her voice echoing out of her helm, [b]“The Order has not come to collect the Goddess’s generosities this time. Where is the elder of this village? We require food and drink for the night, as well as housing for Our Venerable Bishop.”[/b]

[i]"WHAT IN THE FUCKING HELL IS THIS SHIT!?"[/i]

…

[b]“And who is that within your well?”[/b]

But, of course, such things were to be left unanswered, when a beam of light pierced the night skies, the tremor of ancient mana felt even at such a distance. The Glade. The heroes.

The Templar found her hand wrapped around her sword.

This, this she could not ignore.