As he moved through the crowds, the priest found himself among the other brave men and women of the Fifth Crusade. Some were soldiers, some were knights, some were priests, and some were simple farmers and fishermen who had acquired the Gift. Three hundred souls made up the first wave, and if things were as they seemed, they would be the ones to lead the charge. Their chances of survival were, quite frankly, slim at best. Walking into unknown enemy territory was a dangerous prospect, even for three hundred warriors with God's Gift.
While Alistair was thinking silently to himself, the announcer had made himself known and had begun his spiel. The priest noticed that the announcer's eyes briefly flared blue, gazing at him and several others. Strange. The proclaimer then introduced the Ten Generals to everyone. The priest took note of their weapons, armor, and demeanor- they certainly looked capable enough.
"This is quite the spectacle." Alistair said to nobody in particular. He wondered if this city was truly under as much duress as he was told. Still, he figured that the period between Crusades was the calm before the storm.
Soon, the announcer began listing the names of the crusaders, and the commander that they would be assigned under. The priest wondered what his commanding officer would be like; and if they would have the strength to lead their battalion to victory. As time passed, a group of three hundred souls became ten groups of thirty. All seemed well.
Barring, of course, the fact that this group of three hundred seemed to have eight extras, himself included.
Before anything could be said, Alistair looked around at the remnants. It was certainly quite a varied array of individuals. Five women and three men- including himself. As he wondered what situations had brought them to the front lines, the Eleventh Sergeant had arrived. Virgil Maro, his name was. There was something strange about him, though the priest figured that all of these sergeants had something about them that made them special. They wouldn't be commanding the Fifth Crusade if they didn't, after all.
They entered the castle proper, which prompted Virgil to begin speaking. As it turned out, these eight people would serve the scouting party and vanguard, to enter the Abyss before any of the other groups did. This whole act was strange, and more than a little bit suspicious. Why hasn't anyone else descended into the Abyss yet? Why would you only send eight newly-inducted crusaders as scouts? Who was this mysterious Eleventh Sergeant?
If marching into enemy territory with three hundred was dangerous, then doing so with eight would be suicide.
...And yet, Alistair felt no fear. He had faith that the Lord would grant him the strength needed to do his duty. Even if he were to die, he would find some solace knowing that had taken down some demons with him.
He opened his mouth to speak, but a woman with strawberry-blonde hair and red-white armor spoke first, declaring her intentions. It seems she's found her strength. Alistair nodded, impressed.
"I accept as well." The priest said, a gentle smile on his face.
"I've pledged to give my life in service of the Lord, and if this is what is being asked of me, then so be it.""...I must ask, however. Why the secrecy?" He asks, his smiling face presenting just a hint of wariness.
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