Arn understood Leo’s sentiment.  His was not due to a thirst for battle but at feeling useless.  He was a weapon that would be left at home and not even have the privilege of seeing the battle.   Many of his junior mages would participate, who knows how many would die.  

He pursed his lips knowing full well that their Captain, a mage called Evander Alessan, would try to seek glory at the expense of the lives of his men.  The only qualification the man held was being of noble birth.  The man hated Arn because though not being openly rebellious, the senior mage was basically untouchable being short of a war hero.  

He had been punished many times by serving extra time cleaning the barracks  etc. but nothing that would seriously affect Arn.  Indeed, many of the junior mages felt it was Arn who was truly the leader in the Shooting Stars.  They would often follow his direction in battle and looked to Tobi as a sort of older brother.  

The apprentice mage of course did not dissuade this sort of thinking riding on the coat tails of Arn.  Yet none, not even Arn, could reject the fact that many of the young men were still alive due to his experience in battle and his ability to make decisions that were practical and not the book version tactics of Evander. 

The battlemage’s eyes shifted to Tobi.  While he held not sort of deep connection with the lad he still felt responsible for him.  The young man caught a glance of the other’s gaze and nodded understanding.  The younger man knew that Arn was entrusting the squad to him.  In the heat of battle when all the fancy plans that Evander came up with would shatter on first impact, it would be the quick thinking of the lad that would save as many as possible. 

As if taking his cue from Leo, Tobi gave a smart ass salute to Arn [color=00aeef]“Well, if this is to be my last meal, I guess radioative fish sounds just as good as any.”[/color]  He gave the senior mage a smirk.  [color=00aeef]“Besides, I think you are in better company that I could provide huh boss?”[/color]  The irreverent little guy turned and left ignoring a pircing glace from his senior. 

Arn turned to Eilis as she pulled his robe but before he could answer her question, Tyrhallan answered for him.  It surprised the battlemage that she did not know.  However, from what he had gathered her education probably centered on magical literature and anything that could enhance her gift.  He wondered if such one track minded education was true of all the Viemese military.  If that was the case, then they face fanatics who had been breed to believe in their own superiority and cuse.  This made them  extremely dangerous. 

The senior mage nodded at Tyrhallan’s request/order.  Arn still felt bad about not being completely honest with a man who had been nothing but open with him but still his word was a bond he could not break.  He turned to Eilis.  [color=0054a6]“That was the Knight Captain I was talking to you about.  I hope that you can come to trust him and reveal your secret to him.  He would be a great ally to have.”[/color]

Arn sighed as he sat back down.  [color=0054a6]“Although if what he said was true, the future is riding on this upcoming battle” 
[/color]