In the heart of the sky blazed the sun, bare of its constant shield of clouds. Etched black metal of elaborate armors glinted under its might, its heat insatiably absorbed by the ravenous skin underneath. Dust particles danced within its rays as it gradually settled around the two men standing in the midst of it, colossal and fearsome, glaring at one another through thin slits in the visor of their helms, their hands eager to swing the swords it clutched. Surrounding them, beyond the circular fenced arena, soldiers gathered, their breaths healed as the blades clashed in a magnificent display of skill.

The opponents showed equal skill, successfully dodging each other's strikes. But as time passed, one excelled, forcing the other to kneel under the force of his hammering blows, and with a skillful twist of his wrist, his opponent's sword was sent spinning before slamming to the ground.  

A heavy silence fell upon the spectating soldiers, the final clang lingering in their ears. 

'Damned!' one proudly cried, initiating an endless ripple of rhythmic calls mixed with the thunderous clanking of metal.

The victorious picked his opponent's sword, advancing towards him. He paused a few steps away, his arms extended. Without hesitation the latter grabbed it, rising, accepting the sword handed to him. Then, in steady steps, he existed the arena through the path the parted soldiers created. Several steps away, he paused and turned to face them. The soldiers without a verbal order, simultaneously aligned, standing in salute, gazing forward at him. His hands traveled to his head, taking off his helmet. Sweat beads glided from the crown of his black hair, forking down his forehead and thick brows, disappearing into the hairs of his beard. His kohl smudged ebony eyes burned, looking at his men. A fearsome mountain of a man he was, their commander, Thaddeus.

'This... today,' he said, hand pointing at the empty ring, 'was not a mere display of skill, nor a game. This could've been the end for you in a real battle.' His head turned from one side to the other. 'Blades of new swords you are. Hardened with every hammering. Sharpened with every slice. That spark of enthusiasm and unmistakable bravery along with wits and strength will indeed make you the greatest of warriors.' His head moved, gazing upon the younger soldiers in the back. 'In you, young damned, I see fearsome monsters. Soldiers capable of burning cities, as well as protecting them. Fighters able of executing the hardest of tasks.' His arm crossed his chest in salute. 'To no flag, we belong. Our allegiance to the creed, and for the creed, we shall die. It is what united our races. Bounding us as free bothers. Slaves to no man. Reborn as the Damned, soldiers of the greatest army this realm has ever seen.' 

Thaddeus's eyes glinted with unmeasurable pride. 'Born to die for the cause!' he cried. 

The soldiers hooted, their fisted hands bashing their breastplates. 

'BORN TO DIE FOR THE CAUSE, BORN TO DIE FOR THE CAUSE, BORN TO DIE FOR THE CAUSE,' they thundered in excitement, devotion in them reignited. 

Thaddeus studied their young faces, wondering how many would survive the rebirth. 

'Soldiers,' he uttered, grabbing their attention, 'To the rings!' 

Mechanically, the men split, regrouping as they marched each to their assigned arena. Thaddeus followed in their tail, taking a turn in the direction of the open pavilion across from the rings, under the shade of which comfortably sat a venerable man on a leather chair, observant. He was no less than six decades of age, but his firm body built gave the impression he was younger. He rested his arms on the armrest of his chair, a hint of a smile arching his lips. Entering the shade, Thaddeus kneeled. His arm crossed his chest as he lowered his gaze.

'What a great speech that was, Commander.'

'It's not but what you've taught us, Father.'

'And you've almost got carried away with Edminus,' he said, amusement lacing his words. He turned to the table next to him, reaching for the fruit platter.

Thaddeus lifted his head in response to his father's entertained tone, 'I knew he could handle it.'

'Indeed, he could,' he said, letting go of the orangey peach, shifting to the wine-filled chalice next to the platter. 'What is it you wished to speak of?' he asked, taking a sip.

'I want your approval to assign a troop to swipe and guard the Redwoods and its borders.'

His father squinted. 'Swiping the woods?'

'Yes.  An unexpected encounter with a trespasser last night left me feeling uneasy and bewildered of its cause.'

'I agree. Trespassing to our territory is punishable by death. What would push anyone to risk their lives if not desperate?'

'Yes, vigilant we must be as more might come. Things might not be as smooth as it seems in the capital.'

The father agreed with a hum. 'How many were they?'

'One.'

The old man's silence seemed to test Thaddeus's truth. His sharp gaze upon him shifted towards an approaching silhouette.

'Do as you see fit, Commander,' he finally said, thirstily gulping his wine.

'Father, Lord commander,' greeted the tall armored man walking into the pavilion, kneeling by Thaddeus's side.

'Herlus, isn't it too soon for you to have returned from Nazz, or is it true what I've heard?'

Herlus lifted his head and with one hand, he took off his helmet, allowing his silky black hair to fall to the sides of his sheen-shaved face. A charming grin lifted the corners of his thin lips. 'What you were informed of Father is true, I did not pass by Nazz on my way back. I've seen that it is fit to postpone the mission under the light of some unexpected matters I faced with my men. I had no choice but to delay the trip a day or two until it is sorted.'

'A day or two...' Muttered their father, squinting, his half-emptied chalice returned on the table. 'Time is a crucial element in this life of ours. It makes the difference between victory and defeat,  life and death.' 

Herlus dodged his father's piercing glare.

'Get a hold of your men. Discipline them, as does your brother. Observe and learn from him how leadership is managed.'

Herlus's jaw clenched, glancing at his brother before addressing his father, 'I will do as advised, Father. There isn't a better leader to look up to. Nevertheless, I assure you that I'll carry on with this mission as planned, and you will be pleased.'

'I certainly hope so, Herlus. I will not accept any further delays. Finish with the matters you have in hand with haste. The governor of Nazz expects our services. His request needs to be carried out without any mistakes, nor delays,' said their father standing. 'Thaddeus, report to me of any updates regarding the matter we discussed.'

'Yes, Father.'

Both sons lowered their heads as their father passed through the space between them to the rings, the sound of his footsteps mixing with the overwhelming clamor of training soldiers. The siblings relaxed, lifting their heads. Their eyes met and with much discomfort and haste, rose Herlus, saluting his eldest brother with a dip of his head before marching out of the shade.

Rising to his feet, Thaddeus followed his brother with his eyes, noticing the transformation of his stoned face as it rapidly thawed to a grin with the meeting of a friend.

'Commander!' The sudden call from behind forced Thaddeus to turn.

'Lieutenant Edminus.' 

The helmeted soldier's arm crossed his chest. His head lowered in salute.

'Relax, Lieutenant.'

Edminus lifted his helm, revealing the old scar across his face and his greyish sightless left eye. 'You almost killed me!'

'I knew you could handle it, Lieutenant,' jokingly replied the commander, walking towards the leather-coated chair, sitting. He reached for the largest peach, throwing it at Edminus, who skillfully clasped it.

Thaddeus plucked a grape, popping it in between his teeth, suckling its sweetness while watching his friend munch on the moist fruit, incoming question anticipated.

'Anything interesting?' he asked, chewing.

'What do you mean? With father?'

'You know what I mean, from your little venture last night.'

The back of his forefinger brushed his untamed mustache. A faint smile arched his partially hidden lips. He left the question hanging unanswered for a little longer, reaching for another grape, challenging his friend's eagerness.

Edminus lifted his brows, urging an answer.

'Nothing of importance. A lone trespasser.' His mind contemplated the words he spoke.

'A trespasser?'

'Yes, strange, right?'

'Yes, it is unusual, but how on earth did you sense it?' said Edminus, wind rustling his grey hair, too grey for his age.

The commander shrugged. 'I can't explain it. A sensation came over me, and I had to leave.'

The memory of the blue-eyed woman flashed in his head.

Playfully, Edminus placed his arm on Thaddeus's shoulder, leaning over, whispering, 'Was it, truly? Or was it an urge for something else, Lord Commander?'

A sudden panic surprised him. 'What do you mean?' he asked, burying his unexplained feelings deeper.

'Well, a woman perhaps?'

'What nonsense is this, Edminus!' he huffed, standing.

'Come on, Thaddeus. I know you enough to know there is more to the story you are saying!'

'There is no woman.'

'Alright, I'll pretend to believe what you claim, although,' Edminus took a step closer whispering in Thaddeus's ear, 'I can smell her scent all over you.'

Thaddeus's heart raced. Could he? He wondered, masking his tension with a smile. He leaned forward. 'Be sure not to expose your commander,' he murmured in the space between them.

Edminus's eyes glittered for a moment before bursting in triumphal laughter.

'She is long gone anyway,' he mumbled to himself, fidgeting with his helmet. 

'What a woman she must be to have you hide her existence from your best friend.'

Thaddeus's eyes darted the arenas, not answering. A stolen moment needed to arrange his scattered thoughts. 'How're the recruits training so far?' he asked, changing the subject.

'Going as planned. I sense that we will have a handsome number at the rebirth,' said Edminus, reaching for the chalice, gulping what is left of its contents. 'Won't allow good wine to be wasted,' he explained, licking his lips, returning the emptied chalice on the table. 'I still can't stop thinking how heartbroken Wanaus will be finally sharing you with another!'

'Ah...Edminus, at times I wish I could be your commander and nothing else!' said Thaddeus putting on his helmet.

Edminus cackled, patting his commander's back. 'Thaddeus, my friend, the bond we share comes before any rank.'

Thaddeus chuckled, grip tightened over Edminus's shoulder. 'The rings await, my friend.' 

Edmius picked the fullest of the grapes, dropping it into his mouth before wearing his helm, joining his commander in his march towards the arenas, cutting through the barren land they knew as The Demon's Eye.