"How long have you watched over these walls Kiran?"

"I'd say I must be pushing thirty years now." Says the scarred, old rae.

"But why?" Lami asks, "Why here? For so long...are you being punished?"

"No Lami, I'm not being punished." Kiran thinks for a second, "I suppose...I suppose it's like a sense of duty, it's hard to explain...You'll know what I mean if you're unlucky enough to have to do your job."

Lami nods and the pair look solemnly over the parapet.

"What are they like?" Lami asks nervously.

"You don't want to know."

"I think I do, all I've ever seen is anatomical diagrams and heard outrageous stories but nobody seems to say anything about what it's actually like to fight them. I feel I deserve to know exactly what I'm up against."

"Just leave it be, serve your two years and be done with this place, return over the mountains and live the rest of your life how you see fit. Trust me, nothing can prepare you to face them."

Lami looks to argue but can see Kiran's frustrations begin to surface. Instead Lami gives Kiran a firm pat on the shoulder, picks up his rifle and walks off to patrol the rest of the wall. Kiran remains and continues to watch over the vast desert laid before him. The moon shines high and bright, casting a dull blue hue over the flat sands. A gentle breeze blows which sends ripples through the landscape.

Castle Eden, the bastion of Everett, sits atop the entrance to a vast network of caves and passages which wind through the Minari mountain range and out to the heartlands of the Rae Empire. Eden has stood at this complex and has maintained vigil over the Eastern Wastes for centuries. What was once a mongrel amalgamation of wooden palisades defended by local militia, Eden has grown into the stone titan it is now, walls one hundred meters high, war machines littering the towers and parapets, and a keep which houses the finest men and women of the Imperial Armed Forces. What separates Eden from other large fortresses in the world is that it has no front gate whatsoever. Long ago a wise leader made the decision that there was nothing beyond the Wastes worth the lives it would take to exploit, as such Eden became a seal, a barrier to protect the peoples of Everett from the menace that lurks beneath the sand. This decision has held true throughout all of Eden's history, the castle always fully manned, no expeditions beyond the wall lest it wish to meet a terrible end.

A hand lands on Kiran's shoulder. Another guard, freshly woken, yawns and stretches using Kiran to keep stable.

"C'mon old man, your shifts up, time for bed." The guard says.

"I'm alright Cal, you head back and I'll take your shift." Kiran says with a weak smile.

"We're not doing this again, you're going to go get some rest, you can't keep staring at sand all night."

"No really, I don't mind, please, just go ahead and enjoy your night." 

"I'd enjoy it if you'd let me do my job. If Captain Axen finds out you're taking any more shifts he'll be right down both our throats."

Kiran appears disheartened.

"Axen? Has he been saying something about me?"

Cal lets out a sigh.

"Captain Axen has talked to the rest of the company, he wants us to stop you from ruining yourself through this eternal vigil you've adopted."

Kiran says nothing, deep in thought, staring at the moon.

"He also wants you to start seeing the priest." Cal adds.

"That's not going to happen." Kiran snaps.

"I know Kiran, I'm telling you this as your friend, a friend that is worried about you."

"You're not going to leave me alone are you?"

"Nope, not until you're back in your room, prepped for a kiss goodnight."

"No need." Kiran says, exasperated, "I'll go, maybe tonight I'll get a decent rest."

"I hope so Kiran, for all our sake."

Kiran takes a final longing look out to the Wastes.

"Alright...goodnight Cal."

"Goodnight Kiran, I'll see you in the morning."

Kiran slings his rifle and heads for the keep; other soldiers that he passes-by appear relieved to see the grizzled veteran coming off the wall. Kiran pays these soldiers no mind as he makes his way to his room at the top of the keep. Normally soldiers reside in the barracks on the lower levels however Kiran's service to Eden has earned him a private room among the officers and other select senior soldiers. Kiran likes to keep his room distinctly bare. No decorations, no knick-knacks, just a small bed, a desk, a chair, a stand for his armour and a small rack for his sword and rifle.

Kiran shuts his door and lights the candle on his desk. He then places away his weapons and begins to strip off his armour. Slowly but methodically he transfers his armour over to the stand. The armour is of magnificent design. Quite different to many of his comrades as it was issued during a far more prosperous age of the Empire. The plate armour is crafted from a fine steel, covering his body head-to-toe. The master craftsmanship balances protection and manoeuvrability. Kiran's helm is particularly ornate. A full-helm in the guise of a great eagle with etchings of the names of former loved ones added by Kiran himself. While beautiful his armour also speaks to its own history. Signs of slashing, biting, puncturing and bashing all mar the suit. It has taken many blacksmiths many days of work to keep this single set of armour patched up.

In deep contrast to the armour is Kiran himself. A horrific display of deep scars litter his body. The feathers on his back are haggard, many of them missing. Even the feathers on his scalp have been largely removed, instead replaced by a large scar that runs from the top of his head, down the inside of his right eye and ending just below his lips. His chest shows the most signs of battle. What was once an impressive, tanned physique is now a mural of old battle wounds; a deep puncture in the right shoulder, another just below the heart, a wide slash across the gut and a smaller one just above the left hip. Between those and a collection of smaller lacerations and abrasions, the doctors of Eden claim it's a miracle that he is still able, let alone willing to continue serving on the wall.

With all of his gear stowed away Kiran lays bare on top of his bed. Despite a decent mattress and a think, warm blanket Kiran has never been able to find comfort here, preferring to prop against a tree or rock, or even just lying on the cold earth. Kiran closes his eyes and begins to breathe deep. He begins to feel himself drift between reality and imagination. Then the screaming starts. He hears his friends yelling, a call to arms for the whole castle. The bells start to ring and the clamour of metal on stone as soldiers rush to the wall. There's a loud banging on Kiran's door.

"They're here! Get to the wall! Quick!" Someone yells.

Kiran does nothing, he lays still and silent. The solders pass by and the bells stop ringing, all that is left is the deafening silence. Kiran's heartbeat races, sweat seeping into his bed, yet he remains still, frozen like a corpse. Seconds tick by, each an eternity, until he feels a gentle rumble. The rumble grows stronger and stronger, commanders on the wall shout out their orders but Kiran can't hear what they say, instead fixated solely on the rumble. Growing and growing, stronger and stronger, until silence, unbearable silence.

An eruption of shrieking and wailing overwhelms the senses. Kiran covers his ears with his hands but it does nothing to drown out the horror. He shuts his eyes tight which only amplifies the sound. A symphony of clanging metal, stone sundering, flesh tearing and soldiers bellowing courses deep into Kiran's core, leading him to madness. Tears fall down his face. He screams out for it all to stop.

Kiran opens his eyes, daylight peaks through the window onto his face. He takes a moment to breathe. He gets up and takes a quick shower. A simple bucket and pulley mechanism with a drain beneath. While definitely an archaic method of bathing for the time he appreciates the privacy of showering in his own room. Captain Axen arranged it for him as a gift for twenty years of service at Eden. Once clean he moves his mattress into the sunlight to dry off all the sweat and urine. As he continues his morning routine there is a sudden knocking on his door.

"It's unlocked." Kiran says calmly.

A young soldier opens the door, nervous and panting from having just run up from down below.

"Sorry to bother you Sarge, Captain Axen was chasing after you, he wants to talk over breakfast."

"At the mess?"

"I believe so."

"Fine, tell him I'll see him shortly."

The young soldier nods, closes Kiran's door and is heard moving quickly back downstairs.

Kiran leisurely dresses himself in a purple and black tunic, the proud colours of the Thorns of Eden, the knighthood to which all serving soldiers of Eden pledge themselves to. He leaves his room, locking it behind him and heads down into the heart of the Keep.  The spacious stone halls are a-buzz with activity. Officers in ornate surcoats chat as they head towards the meeting room. Recruits fresh from the Heartland jog in a neatly formed line while fully kitted in their armour, their faces all a mixture of pain, fear and intensity, all of them unsure if they've been sent here as a punishment or a reward. Finally there are the seasoned soldiers moving stoically to their posts, each of them counting their days until leaving Eden or until the next attack.

For those that know Kiran they give him a knowing nod and an awkward smile. Kiran does nothing in reply, he hasn't for years but he quietly appreciates it. The doors to the mess are thick, wooden and heavily reinforced with steel, designed as the last barrier before Eden would be declared overrun. The mess itself is completely wooden, floors, walls, ceilings and tables. It's lit by large oil lamps which can be quickly lowered, raised or dropped to fit the occasion. As usual for breakfast the mess is brimming with life. Unlike most other outposts in the empire everyone at this mess eats together, rank relations being heavily relaxed within its confines. A large seat with purple velvet accents sits on the far side opposite the doors, it belongs to Colonel Farriot, the Commanding Officer. Often left empty as they busy themselves with planning and administration.

Captain Axen is seated in the centre of the mess, cheerfully chatting with other soldiers. A seat is left empty beside him. Kiran takes the hint, he grabs himself a plate and fills it with an assortment of fresh fruits and salads from the buffet, a welcome addition to the menu thanks to improved trade with the forest-folk to the West. He passes by the remainder of the buffet offering cereals, bread, sausages, and eggs, and takes a seat beside Captain Axen.

"Excuse me sir."

"Good morning Sarge, how'd you sleep?" Captain Axen asks cheerfully.

"Same as usual sir...deep and comforting." Kiran replies with a sly smile.

"I hope so." Captain Axen takes a big bite of a sausage, "you mush be wondering why you're here." He says as he chews his food.

"I'm ready to be enlightened sir."

The other soldiers around the table listen-in intently, pretending to be heavily invested in their near-empty plates. Kiran and Captain Axen have had a mixed relationship since an assault on Eden three years ago. Their bickering lead to a breach of the North tower, the wall was compromised and many soldiers lost their lives. Captain Axen fled, Kiran barely survived.

"How long have we known each other Sarge?"

"Hmm, should be nigh on fourteen years now sir."

"So you'd be in a good position to say you're more experienced than me, correct?"

The nearby soldiers all look to Kiran who appears focused on playing with his salad.

"Sir I can't say that one of us is more experienced than the other, we've both served here and long time and-"

"Don't bullshit me Kiran." Captain Axen says sternly.

Kiran places down his cutlery and turns towards Captain Axen, despite his long service at Eden the good captain remains a handsome, middle-aged rae. Dark skin, amber eyes and feathers of a deep crimson, so well-groomed that they flutter with his every movement.

"I'd say I have more practical experience as a senior soldier of Eden...sir." Kiran remarks, meeting Captain Axen's amber with his own pale brown.

"Of course you do, which is why I'll be transferring you to the recruit wing to provide good, practical training."

The tension in the air grows thick, the other soldiers excuse themselves from the table.

"Recruit wing? I can't do anything for them, I'm not a trained instructor."

"Thirty years Kiran, you know how this place works better than anyone, you know the enemy better than anyone, a trained instructor is exactly what you are."

"No, I won't do it, my place is on the wall, just as it has been since I arrived."

"So you're still counting your 'bravery' during your first contact as being 'on the wall'?"

Kiran's heart sinks and his blood seethes. The mess begins to empty.

"I will not leave my post." Kiran says with great restraint.

"This is not up for debate, I'd hoped you'd see this as an opportunity but I will move you through executive means if need be."

"Why me? Why now?"

"I need to improve the standard of our new recruits and I identified you as the best soldier fo-"

"This is because I called you out as a coward isn't it!?" Kiran barks.

Anyone left in the mess quickly scurries away.

"Watch your tone sergeant."

Kiran rises to his feet, fists clenched.

"The last time I listened to you, good people died! My friends died!" Kiran yells.

"I'm warning you, stand down." Captain Axen responds firmly, remaining seated.

"I stand by what I said, you fled like a fucking child that day, yet you had the audacity to claim victory at its end. You're a disgrace of an officer and a disgrace to this Keep."

Captain Axen smiles.

"Thank you Kiran."

Captain Axen stands up and makes his way to the mess doors. He stops in-front of them and pulls out a small document.

"You are hereby cautioned on charges to be brought upon you on the grounds of insubordination and failure to comply with a lawful order."

"No..." Kiran mutters softly.

"You are not obliged to, but you may if you wish, answer any questions, or do anything, asked of you by an investigating officer, and anything said or done by you may be used as evidence."

"You piece of-"

"You may communicate with a legal aid and have the assistance of a legal aid while you are being questioned."

"I'll kill you!" Kiran yells.

Kiran launches forward and scrambles over the tables to reach Captain Axen, meanwhile the good captain pushes the mess door open allowing the eavesdropping soldiers to see Kiran mid-attack. Swiftly they move to defend their captain while others restrain Kiran, holding him down against the hard wooden floor.

"Take him to the hold." Captain Axen orders.

Kiran struggles as he's brought up to his feet.

"Get him moving, and the rest of you if you could clean up the mess I'd appreciate it."

"Yes sir." The group of soldiers say collectively.

Two soldiers grab onto Kiran tightly and lead him down to the hold with another pair as escorts.

The Hold, deep within the bowels of Eden, is cold, dark and devoid of any defining features. If anything the one remarkable feature of it is how clean and well maintained it is, especially compared to other imperial prisons. The Hold was once the barracks back when Eden was only a small fort. Over time the rooms were stripped bare and walls reinforced making way for a storeroom, finally as Eden grew too tall to keep ferrying goods up and down it was re-purposed into what it is today. The Warden lives here alongside his guards, they too have been twisted by the dark, dank underbelly of Eden, losing many of their finer social skills. The prisoners themselves are treated quite fairly, as they are almost always regular soldiers who may have lost their way. Three solid meals a day, access to personal effects and technically more opportunity to rest than anyone else in the castle. Kiran is brought to the Warden's office where his escorts hand him over to the prison guard. The warden is seated in a comically small chair compared to his size, the warden himself is a tremendous unit, barrel-chested with arms thick as tree trunks and a head that would make iron quiver. As Kiran is brought before him he pulls off his very small glasses and tucks them in his desk drawer.

"Sergeant Perin Kiran of Greytip, master-sentry of Castle Eden, Far-east imperial brigade. You are hereby to be incarcerated within temporary holdings until such a time that your charges have been heard and all responses to the hearing have been submitted and finalised. You are hereby entitled to yadda yadda yadda, you know what's going on. How've you been Kiran?"

"Living the dream Jax."

"That bad huh? Welp, let's get this over with and I'll leave you be." Warden Jax opens the drawer of his desk and pulls out a large ledger. He opens it up revealing the case files of all soldiers that have passed through this office of malevolence.

"Gents, would you please prepare Sergeant Kiran's cell?" Warden Jax gestures to the guards in the room, they nod and leave Kiran and the Warden to themselves.

"Can we skip all the proceedings this time Jax? Just show me where to sign and I'll leave you to your work." Kiran says kindly yet impatiently.

Warden Jax chuckles.

"You know for a fact this is what I live for, the shock of capture, a beleaguered soldier seated before me, believing their lives are held within my hands. That look they give me as I read them their rights, I can only imagine it is the look a lowly soul would have unto a god." Jax's face twists into a wicked smile.

"Yikes Jax...When was the last time you got some quality time upstairs?"

"Too long my friend, it's easy to forget about the dungeon dwellers, especially with this current streak of good behaviour. I haven't had any fresh meat for a couple months now, just repeat offenders like yourself, no offence."

"None taken." Kiran smiles.

"I'm starting to get worried, some of these guys are getting pretty close to exec-..." Jax stops mid-sentence and tenses up. Kiran notices and sits up straight and alert.

"Is there something you need to tell me Jax?"

"No, nothing, I just...it's nothing. Where was I?" Jax stumbles over his words.

"Jax, twenty-six years I've known you, you can't hide anything from me." Kiran says, concerned.

"Now you listen here, you are the prisoner here and I am the warden, I dictate how this conversation is to be conducted and I now declare this meeting adjourned. Guards!"

Kiran sighs. "You're better than this Jax..."

A pair of guards march into the room and stand at attention. One with a hand tightly holding his sword, the other carrying a pair of shackles.

"Please show Sergeant Kiran to his cell."

Before the guards lay their hands on him, Kiran stands up and offers his arms to the guards, they respect his compliance and lock the shackles onto his wrists.

"Begone." Warden Jax waves them away. The guards nod and direct Kiran out of the office, Kiran gives a lingering look of disapproval to Jax before he leaves.

Kiran finds The Hold to be almost a second home with how often he has come here, most visits for less than a week over minor incidents, his longest stretch was after the incident with Captain Axen, six months down here in the depths, one of them within The Bladder, the darkest, smallest, most wretched cell Eden operates, built from the skeleton of Eden's very first well. Whereas others quickly lose their sanity in The Well, Kiran came away from those six months fit and refreshed, much to the concern of those around him. Kiran confirms which cell is his with the guards and leads the way. The guards themselves are dressed modestly compared to the steel-clad soldiers on the wall. Their uniform consists of a tight studded leather jerkin emblazoned with the image of an owl worn over loose-cloth clothing with a red and white colour scheme, the exalted colours of the Imperial Office of Detention and Corrections. They wear large black boots and thick leather pants, the uniform as a whole designed to be easily identifiable and to provide a robust defence against the various threats found throughout the imperial prison system. All IODC members below Warden are required to wear a full-face mask that is specific to their location, the mask for Eden being a silver vulture. In lieu of the negative perception of the IODC, Kiran has always held a profound respect for its members, in particular those that serve at Eden. Jax has often remarked that Eden is the very worst place that you could be sent to as a prison guard, with many at the end of their tour lodging complaints that they receive worse conditions than most of the prisoners; they eat the same food as the prisoners, they get less sleep and they have little-to-no interaction with the remainder of the castle, however that last point is deliberate to reduce the risk of confrontation between IODC members and previous felons who have found themselves on the wall. Despite all of this Kiran has observed nothing but professionalism from the prison guards of Eden to which Kiran will always honour with absolute compliance.

At last Kiran is brought to his cell. This one he hasn't stayed in before, although each cell is meant to be identical they all carry their own unique charm. One might leak a bit more during the rain, another might have piping running through its walls providing some more warmth. This one appears exceptionally ordinary and Kiran is perfectly happy with it. Kiran walks into the cell and offers his arms to the escorts. Without much fuss they unshackle Kiran and leave him alone in his cell.

"Thank you gentlemen." Kiran says as he waves off the guards. They don't react to him, sticking to their training. Kiran now finds himself in familiar surroundings. A cold, featureless, stone box with a big metal door as the only way in or out. There is a single bed, the mattress thin atop an iron frame, just as Kiran prefers. A small countertop with a cup, candle, a box of matches and a drawer which contains a small but thick book which details a number of prayers and mantras for the many religions of Everett. Finally there is the latrine, a simple wooden seat built around a hole, no more needs to be said. With nothing to do but wait Kiran lays down on the bed, he quickly finds himself slipping away, still tired from his short and troubled sleep during the night. No dreams for the moment, just well-deserved rest.

Sometime later Kiran is roused by a tapping on his door. Through the metal grate on the door he can see a guard on the other side. The guard taps again, slightly harder this time.

"I'm awake, how can I help you?" Kiran responds.

"The warden has reviewed your case and wishes to speak with you."

"That was quick." Kiran mutters to himself, "Let's go then."

The door opens and a pair of guards march in, one with sword at the ready, the other with Kiran's shackles. Once secure Kiran is escorted back to the Warden's office. Kiran is brought into the office however the guards do not follow him inside. Warden Jax is stood towards the back of his room, arms crossed behind his back.

"What's your end-game?" Jax says, his back still turned to Kiran.

"End-game? What do you mean?"

"What is your ultimate goal here? What is it that keeps you here?"

"I've told you, it's just a sens-"

Jax whips around and slams his fist on his desk.

"Cut the 'sense of duty' bullshit. We've been through it all together. I've tended to your wounds, supported you through your discipline issues, I've even nurtured you when you hit rock bottom. We have fought and bled together and I feel that gets me at least a bit of truth out of you."

Kiran, unstartled, struggles to find his words.

"Please Kiran, give me something, anything. Every time you come back here it becomes harder to defend you, I can't do it by myself anymore I need your help. I need to know what you want!" Jax pleads, fighting against his emotions.

"I just...I...I can't..."

Jax moves over to Kiran's side and takes a knee, he places a hand on Kiran's shoulder and looks him dead in the eye.

"Have you ever had a pet Kiran? One that you knew when you were young, you played with it, taught it tricks, took it exploring. You and that pet became kindred spirits, linked by an unbreakable bond. As time goes by however the poor fella starts to grow old, and with age he starts to go a bit funny. He doesn't move around as much, not interested in exploring or learning new tricks, instead it seems more and more content in just waking up, eating, watching the clouds and going back to sleep. While a little upsetting he's still your beloved companion so you leave him be and do your best by him. Then one day you go to feed him and he bites you, he bites you hard and the look in his eyes...it's not anger or hate driving him...its fear, he knows he's coming to the end of his rope and he's terrified, he doesn't know what to do, how could he? Unfortunately some people can't empathise when an animal has hit this stage, all they see is a beast that's lost its mind so there is only one thing left to do."

"They want to-"

"It hasn't been decided yet, but the way I look at it...unless you show a change in your ways I don't see a reason why they wouldn't put down a sick animal. You attacked Captain Axen. Sure he might deserve it but he is a guardian of Eden and your commander. I've seen people executed for less and this isn't even your first offence against him."

Kiran is in shock, although he doesn't wear it on his face. He has been threatened with execution before however this is different. He has never seen Jax this way, this serious. Kiran has come close to death many times in his career but for the first time he fears for his mortality.

"Did Captain Axen come talk to you?" Kiran asks, vulnerability seeping into his voice.

"No, Captain Morton came to me. She witnessed most of your squabble as well as Captain Axen's report to Colonel Farriot. She shares the same concerns I do. She believes however that if you come forward with an open-mind and accept Captain Axen's original terms then there may be hope for you yet."

"You know I can't do that, I'd lose any respect that the other soldiers have for me."

"It's that or death Kiran!" Jax barks as he rises back up to his feet, towering over Kiran. "These aren't simple threats anymore, this is serious, and if you refuse you are going to die!"

A wave of adrenaline begins to surge through Kiran, he starts to feel hot and begins to sweat. His body is telling him to fight, to bear down on all before him and strike out into the desert. Let the gods have judgement over him, not a mortal. Jax grabs onto Kiran's shoulders and forces him to look into his eyes.

"Kiran! Snap out of it and think for once! Let's look at this from your fanatical sense of duty. What good will you be to the defence of this castle if you're dead. All thirty years of your knowledge and experience gone! You've done too much for this place to gi-"

As Jax keeps talking his voice begins to fade. Kiran finds it difficult to focus on him. His skin begins to crawl. He begins to feel a rumble beneath his feet. Jax's loud, bombastic lecturing is reduced to nothing, instead, an ever-growing skittering, just beyond the walls of the office, grows louder and louder. Kiran's heart begins to race, he becomes severely restless and anxious.

"-elp me here Kiran, please! Are you even listening to me?" Jax says, his voice finally getting through.

"Jax, there's something in the walls." Kiran says, confused and frightened.

Jax sighs and lets go of Kiran. He walks back over behind his desk, his back turned towards Kiran.

"Jax what are you doing? There's something in the walls. They're coming."

"I tried Kiran, I really did. I'm so sorry." Jax says quietly to himself, turning his head towards Kiran, his eyes welling up with tears.

"We need to leave! Raise the alarm!" Kiran pleads. His head and eyes darting around the room.

"Guards!" Jax yells, his voice breaking slightly.

Kiran's escorts march in however on seeing Kiran they keep a safe distance.

"Please take Sergeant Kiran back to his cell, and be careful with him."

The guards nod and try to gently guide Kiran to his feet. Kiran is much less compliant in his manic state, forcing the guards to get physical.

"What are you doing? Jax! What are they doing?! Help me! Are you crazy? They're here!" Kiran says, panicked.

"Get him out of here!" Jax yells.

The guards manhandle Kiran out of the office, another pair of guards come to assist, they hold Kiran still and shackle his ankles together, one pair grab him by the arms and drag him back to his cell, the other pair escorting. Kiran struggles but his efforts are futile, he is brought back into his cell where the guards unshackle his legs but leave his arms bound. Now alone in his cell once more he begins to calm down, the adrenaline begins to wear off however the gravity of the situation now dawns on the embattled soldier. He lost his last chance at redemption. This is the end.

A week passes by, judging by his meals, without any word from Warden Jax. Kiran hasn't had any episodes since his last meeting with Jax, even his nightmares have been mostly benign. Despite this he has at no point been at ease, constantly asking the guards for information, every time receiving the same answer.

"Sorry Sarge, I haven't heard anything."

Liars. Kiran thinks to himself, but he doesn't push the subject. They're just doing their job. One evening however, at dinner time, Kiran asks the question and finally gets an answer.

"Your trial is to being held tomorrow before Colonel Farriot. Warden Jax will be speaking on your behalf. Captain Morton will be speaking on behalf of Captain Axen."

"Why am I not involved with this? Is this a joke?" Kiran scoffs.

"I'm sorry Sarge, I don't know the details but from what I've heard all parties agreed that you are not of sound mind to represent yourself."

"That bastard!" Kiran yells as he smashes his fist against the cell door. He picks up his tray of food and launches it against the wall, spilling green beans and mashed potatoes all over his cell.

"I'm sorry Sarge." The guard says, leaving Kiran to himself.

Kiran is engulfed by a wave of rage. He flips his bed onto its side, throws his side-table hard against the wall smashing it to bits. He falls to his knees, his breathing heavy. He lets out a guttural scream towards the heavens, cursing Jax, cursing Captain Axen and cursing Colonel Farriot. He starts to hear what sounds like a chattering of teeth behind him, a large presence fills his cell but he doesn't care to look. A hand is rested on his cheek, its touch is soft and gentle. Kiran finds himself strangely comforted. The hand brushes down the side of his neck and back up to his chin. Kiran looks up and is greeted by a very beautiful woman. Her body richly tanned and eyes a deep, mystical grey. Her skin is weathered yet still remarkably smooth. She speaks to him, her voice echoing throughout the cell. He can't understand what she says but is nonetheless enthralled by her. She rises slightly to allow the large spider-like beast connected to her waist to wrap its pincers around him. Kiran closes his eyes and embraces the rapture of her embrace.

Once more Kiran is woken by the tapping on his cell. He has lost track of time, refusing his meals.

"No..." Kiran says weakly.

The cell doors open, two guards march in with torches in their hands bringing much needed light into the cell. Kiran winces as Warden Jax walks into the cell. He sees the mess that Kiran has caused, broken furniture, rotten food all over the floor, the latrine horrifically abused.

"Lords above and below...its really come to this." Jax mumbles.

"Is it time?" Kiran asks softly.

Jax sighs deeply, "I'm so so sorry, I tried my best I really did, if you'd only taken the deal then-"

"Is it time?" Kiran asks again.

"Yeah...yeah mate its time."

Kiran meekly offers up his shackled arms. The guards come to him and help him to his feet.

"He's all yours." Jax says, speaking towards the cell door.

Captain Axen walks in with a pair of soldiers. The good captain has a somber yet stern expression.

"I'm sorry it had to come to this, but actions have consequences."

Axen gestures to his soldiers and they grab Kiran by the arms. Together the four make their way out of The Hold and up to the courtyard, followed by Warden Jax and a small group of guards. On their way they pass many soldiers, all of whom stop and offer silent condolences to Kiran. The courtyard, which stands high above the wall overlooking the desert, is packed with soldiers and officers, as is tradition all attending an execution are to wear their full ceremonial armour, as such Kiran is greeted by a great flock of resplendent warriors who all bow their heads in respect towards him. Kiran is brought out onto an outcrop of the courtyard which peeks over the wall below, the executioners post, designed so that a soldier may look out onto the empty desert and know that Castle Eden has been kept safe during their service. Kiran is brought down to his knees, sunlight kissing his body with a warmth he has not felt for a long time. Captain Axen unfurls a scroll and begins to read aloud.

"Sergeant Perin Kiran of Greytip, Master Sentry of Eden, Far-east Imperial Brigade. Enlisting on the 9th day of the 5th month, 681CE, you have served the Empire proudly, you have served the Thorns of Eden proudly, and most importantly you have served your friends and comrades proudly. You bravely defended this fortress on a great many occasion, for that the Emperor, his excellency Vadrian of Everett, gives you his personal thank you, as well as the thanks of all people of Everett. It is with a heavy heart then that you have been tried and found guilty of an undisputable crime."

A disapproving murmur ripples through the crowd.

"On the 17th day of the 6th month, 711CE, you threatened and attempted to murder your commander. For this crime you have been guilty, and the punishment for this offence is death. Sergeant Kiran, please look out onto the desert and find your peace."

Captain Axen gestures towards the crowd and a soldier walks forward with Kiran's sword.

"Live by the sword, die by the sword." Captain Axen says loudly.

"Live by the sword, die by the sword." The crowd replied in unison.

Kiran takes in a deep breath and looks out at the desert. It glistens in the sunlight, almost blindingly so. He looks over the castle, the parapet is empty, the towers are empty, everyone has come to farewell Kiran. The flags of Eden lay still, as if also bowing in respect. The sand ripples like an untamed sea. On the horizon Kiran spots his muse, the beautiful woman from his cell. Kiran closes his eyes, having found his peace. A rumble beneath him, clattering of metal on stone, raucous yelling and commotion, alarm bells ringing and finally, that unbearable shrieking.