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Mideon was exhausted. He had made it into Karadon. Even though he missed his companions at Midaroch, he secretly enjoyed the opportunity to visit the last holding of conquered Karabor. It stood high on the plains, like a beacon to all the lands for those against the dark army. The city looked like it was still in a peaceful time; the drums of war were only distant echoes for the people here. When war had first broken out in the kingdom, the Karadon lord governor had rode hard to the frontiers.

He was a brave man and led the men under him to many victories, until he too eventually died like many of the Legionnaire hierarchy back then.

Mideon sighed.

I hope this was really worth it...

He ordered his mount into a light trot when he came up to the gates of the city.

It was on a forth night after his arrival that Mideon decided to switch inns and bedded down in the famous Cutthroat Pride. Legends said that after fighting in a long and vicious campaign, Galen had settled into the Pride where he was ambushed by a party of cutthroats. After he had killed them all, Galen was asked how he had beaten a good many skilled men, his reply was simple, "I asked them whoever was the best to face me first; after they killed one another over pride, the last one was easy to finish off."

Mideon really needed some pride right now.

He had informed the high council of the city about the eastern legion's eventual downfall and they had declined to offer any aid. Worse, they had laughed at him and thought themselves safe from the dark armies of the north.

"They haven't waged war in years," the council spokesman had said. "If you all would quit trying to take back your lands and move on, we all would be in better shape these days. The Legion has cost us untold numbers of men and sons of the city from this senseless war."

Mideon had cursed all their mothers and elders that day and been thrown out of the council hall. He just wished he had left a few more bruises on a few politicians’ heads.

A low gasp was heard at the door then. He turned and saw a woman far more beautiful than any he had seen in a long time.

She looked at him then with her blue eyes.

He sat up, smiled and laughed weakly. Mideon forgot about the teeth he had knocked out in his brawl with the council and was such a pitiful sight, the woman walked over to him.

"Are you alright?" She asked with concern. The smell of her hair caused the Legionnaire to smile even further.

"Never better," he lied. "I've just had me a minor scuffle earlier in the week that's taking longer to heal that's all."

She placed the palm of her left hand against the man's cheek. He immediately felt a warmth creep through his body, and the minor aches and pains from earlier, slowly faded away and became no more.

"Ah, a cleric of Galen!" He remarked, "It has been a while since I've seen one of your kinds."

She smiled at him now, "I've been busy as of late." Anaea sat down across from the man and they introduced one another.

"Perhaps you can help me?"

The priestess related how they were searching for a man named Garrot said to be in Karadon and have been unable to find him. She became real sad when she learned he had been killed a month ago in Midaroch. After Mideon told of the Legion's plight in eastern Karabor, Anaea jumped from her chair and desired to go there and help them immediately.

"Easy lady, you'd only get yourself killed if you journeyed there," he said. "We've been picked off one by one and it's no place for a woman, even if she be a cleric of Galen."

"Perhaps, perhaps not," she laughed. "I think I need to introduce you to my friends now Mideon."

Anaea pointed to a table behind him.

The Legionnaire turned then to a table where a young man, brooding warrior, and old mage sat. The three were deep in discussion but smiled and waved to Anaea when they noticed her looking at them.

They look tough but can they do much against a monster?

As Mideon eyed the party, the brooding warrior struck him as someone who he had seen before years ago. He dismissed the thought after a few rounds of drinks and the groups' shared tales of laughter amid the troubles of today.