Completed The Battle of the Banicks

[Kristen Pirian]

And with that came the parting between the two men.

Those who had been sworn to Walter's cause standing atop the earthen ramparts of the camp watched with hopeful anticipation as well as dread as Alistair made his way back. All their fates were carried with this one man, he who the overwhelming majority of the men did not even know was the lord of House Krixus. In a sense, it was upon Alistair's words that their futures, in this unknown moment, rested. Soon these futures would be spoken aloud, breathed into life upon the winds of Arethil, and thus, for good or for ill, would their fates be sealed.

Though this anticipation was riveting and pervasive among the men, the equal and opposite dread kept any man from boldly approaching and asking that question which was common to them all. They stood transfixed, Walter's men, as if the weight of the moment had made of their feet immovable stones.

And for this reason, before any general announcement could be made, it was Kristen who first spoke to Alistair as he crossed back through the narrow gate into the camp. Her face was neutral, stolid, as if in this moment taking very much after Alistair himself: she had not succumbed to dread, but nor had she dared to hope.

"How did it go?" she asked simply.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

As Alistair made his way back to the camp, his mind was a mess of thoughts, so much so that he was only removed from his daydreaming when Kristen's voice brought him out of it. Had he already made it all the way back?

Quickly composing himself, he offered her an assured nod. "Everything went well."

Turning to face the soldiers his voice boomed out.

"We are going home. All soldiers, collect and place your weaponry on the designated wagons. All officers will keep their weapons and will begin to organize the men into marching formations. Let's move."

Not waiting to see if the men followed those orders, Alistair turned back to Kristen and slid off his horse.

"It was...simple. Easier than I expected, but I suspect that Garron did not want to kill his potential manpower...The soldiers will be disarmed while we march, and Garron will send two of his Dreadlords to ensure a peaceful return journey."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

The release of tension, that collective release of bated breath, was almost palpable amongst those gathered men who heard clearly Alistair's declaration. Word spread quickly back through the throng of soldiers to those furthest away, and the relief soon became general. The men were in motion then, and what sergeants yet lived began to take charge to ensure that all was done according to Alistair's instructions. The work of breaking camp commenced.

Kristen listened to the rest of what transpired between Alistair and Garron. Garron did not want to kill his potential manpower; yes, this made sense, and at least such a motive precluded some awful last stand here in the camp and a relentless slaughter of men on both sides. The note about the soldiery being disarmed was to be expected. The part of the Dreadlords, however, was of the most concern.

"I shall have to make sure I conceal my face," Kristen said. "A cloak's hood, a traveling cap, even this awful enclosed helm if need be."

She took in a breath.

"And...I believe we will have to keep a watchful eye on Logan."

Though Garron had the motive to spare the greater mass of men, such that they might continue to serve House Banick and therefore him, gods...Logan was to Garron nothing but a liability now. It seemed to Kristen merely a question of when and how brazen Garron's attempt to remove him would be.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair was already nodding his head in agreement at Kristen's analysis. Yes, he had thought about that. Kristen would not only have to be cloaked but hidden just far enough to not draw attention but close enough that she could help if needed.

"I'll set up some defenses on Logan, and I'll try to keep my eyes on the Dreadlords. Can you focus on Logan? Wherever he goes, follow. Let's not give him a chance to do anything dumb...In fact..."

Satisfied with the movement from the army. Alistair quickly made his way to find Logan's tent and speak with the man. Not only did they have to be on the same page, but they needed to organize Logan's protection.

He looked back to Kristen and tried to force a smile, "We are almost through this."

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

As they walked, Kristen listened. Saw Alistair's forced smile and wished that she herself had the wherewithal to even force one in return.

"If only that were so," she said. "I fear that this is but the beginning."

Garron, from all Walter had alluded to and stated outright, was still very much a staunch opponent of House Pirian, given wholly over to the old bitter rivalry between the two Houses. Indeed, where House Virak and House Luana had their enmities, so too did House Banick and House Pirian over the centuries. And though she wasn't present to witness the interaction between Garron and Alistair, would he be as spiteful and callous toward him and House Krixus too, if it suited him? Certainly it did not stop him from orchestrating the capture of a nine-year-old girl and the needless deaths of scores of Guardsmen.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

He knew she was right, but he did not have the heart to agree. His mind instantly turned to the offer he had been given from Garron. Whether he knew it or not, Garron had set up Alistair and House Krixus to be stuck right in the middle of this fight that would inevitably break out between Banick and Pirian. As much as he thought Kristen would try to look out for him and his family, neither of the great houses would be destroyed by their fighting, but Krixus could get wiped off the map if he was not careful.

Thankfully, he did not have to sit on these thoughts for long, as they finally arrived in the tent that Logan was inside. Alistair stepped through, not waiting for anyone to let him in. Thanks to his negotiations and Logan's absence, he was serving as the top official in the camp.

"Logan, prepare yourself. We will be riding out when the soldiers are ready...keep your armor on."

Not wanting to waste time, Alistair was taking out tools that he kept in his equipment. He was going to drop every defensive rune that he could think of on this man, in the hopes that he would survive this trip home.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Inside the tent were the two most knowledgeable men on the subject of treating wounds (one of said foot soldiers actually an alchemist's apprentice), and of course Logan Banick himself. His breastplate had been taken off, bandages wrapped over a good portion of his torso, but the rest of his armor was still on. He lay on the center table of the tent, and he looked exhausted: physically, mentally, spiritually.

"May you give us the tent?" Kristen said to the two men. And they, what work they could do for the most part done, each assented and nodded and departed from the tent.

Alistair gave him what he needed on a practical level, and this was indeed a necessary thing that had to be said. Kristen, in her turn then, stepped close to Logan and crouched down some; where Alistair had given him the dose of sober reality, Kristen sought to tend to Logan's emotional needs. A small recognition here: Alistair and Kristen made a good team in this regard, complementing one another's strengths.

"I am so sorry for you, Logan..." she said gently, "...for the loss of your brother."

Logan rolled his head over ever so slightly. His gaze seemed to merely fall sidelong upon hers.

"We...Alistair and I...we could have done something better. Mayhap if we had only—"

"Don't," Logan said weakly.

Kristen paused. Let him speak.

"Don't blame yourselves."

She nodded and gave him some time.

Then came to say, "Walter, in all truthfulness, was a man with his flaws. But though I had my own grievances with him, he in more recent times strived to make of himself a better man. And I know that you, Logan, loved him despite all of these flaws, and this is truly admirable of you. I...I shall say it again: I am so sorry."

A small look of acknowledgement from Logan, but for the moment he said no more.

Kristen stood. Looked to Alistair. "Saydor Vinn can help us keep watch as well. Thus will the burden of constant vigilance be lessened, shared amongst the three of us."

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair chose to focus on his last-minute work, not wanting to listen to Kristen speak with Logan. The emotion of it all threatened to bring up his own rage at the failure that the battle had become.

The runes he was quickly placing on pieces of the armor were shoddy, in fact, they might even hurt Logan when then activated, but they would keep him alive and that would do for now.

Turning his head back to the others, concern crossed his face.

"That would be helpful, but where is Saydor? Can he get out from under the watchful eye of his brother?"

Alistair had not seen much of that battle, but he had seen the final results, and how Saydor had been carried away. Was he in any position to protect someone else?

"Kristen, maybe we just get a really thick helmet for you and put you as Logan's nameless bodyguard. That might keep some suspicion off of you."

His eyes turned to look over Logan for a moment, and he truly became thankful for Kristen's presence. He should have been able to say something, even the smallest thing to comfort the man, but when he tried his mind just came up blank.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Can he get out from under the watchful eye of his brother?

This gave Kristen some pause. Alistair did say that one of Garron's terms was to have two of his Dreadlords amongst Walter's former forces. And Halcor, from what Kristen had gathering in passing by hearing the man's eager and wild cries during the duel and from seeing the peculiar sight of him escorting his brother safely back to the camp amidst the rout, was...an odd yet intense Dreadlord to be sure. There was almost no telling what he might get up to with Saydor.

"I am...unsure," was all Kristen could come up with in response to Alistair's pondering question. And all this didn't even take into account Saydor's own recovery. Gods, maybe she was a bit premature and presumptuous in thinking Saydor would be available to help. Time, as always, would tell.

She nodded to Alistair's suggestion concerning the helmet. Seemed like, for the sake of diligence and prudence, she would be stuck inside her visored helm for the journey back.

"Yes, it will have to be so. The common Banick-sworn man and woman like the soldiery about the camp are unlikely to recognize me, but Cadoc and Halcor, the Dreadlords who still have their hands—"

Kristen smiled some. A pitiful notion of victory, Alistair's grievous injuring of the brute Bellona, but however small this was a day when any good, any victory, ought be cherished. She was presumably not going to be one of the two assigned by Garron to watch duty. He was a cruel man, Garron, but Kristen didn't think him an imbecile or incompetent.

"—yes, they would know my likeness."

She went ahead and donned her helmet, bringing her visor down. And then to Logan she said, "We must see you loaded onto one of the wagons. Will you...be alright?"

"Yes," Logan said. Then, as if to take his mind off of other, more painful things, he commented, "What you will do will be nothing compared to the ride itself. I do not...look forward to it."

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair's work was largely muscle memory at this point as he was just stuck looking at Logan. Like he was trying to see past all the surface images, but he couldn't. This was something that Alistair just sucked at. All these emotions and he was just supposed to figure out which one this guy was feeling. No, that was too much for him.

He looked back down at his work and sighed. It all looked like a child had made these runes, it was almost insulting that he had put in this work, but it would have to do.

Carrying the armor over to Logan, he dropped it off next to him.

"The armor will hold up enough under an attack, but most importantly..." He shifted his gaze over Kristen.

"Don't use magic around the armor. It will start to make bright light and noise, it should let us know if Cadoc gets to close to him without us knowing."

If Logan stayed on the wagon with Kristen nearby then that would provide the best defense they could hope to while they made it home. Meanwhile, Alistair would ride with Garron's Dreadlords and try and keep his eye on them.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Together they carried Logan's litter, replete with his rune-inscribed armor, out from the tent and to the nearest available empty wagon. The soldier who had taken it upon himself to be the driver of said wagon was told just who it was in the bed, and, aghast and incredulous at the same time, he glanced back and saw that it was indeed the younger brother of Walter himself. Nervous, looking forward again, the soldier nevertheless resolved himself to carrying out the duty which by chance had been entrusted in him.

The work around the camp continued with all the haste of men eager to get home. Soon would the force be ready to be move.

Kristen, by Logan's wagon, took a moment to confer with Alistair.

"When the column nears the Academy, I shall of course need to break off and return there." She looked vaguely off to the side and ruefully shook her head. "Gods, it seems such a small and trifling matter now, compared to this...and what is now at stake."

Yet despite her misgivings she knew that Initiate Kristen Pirian was in no position at all to whether the storm of Garron Banick. But, mayhap, Dreadlord Kristen Pirian could. Joining with Dreadlord Alistair Krixus, yes, together...together they just might be able to endure.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair had been silent since they left the tent with an increasingly sour look on his face. It wasn't that he was mad at anyone specifically, it was more about this situation. The closer they moved to this end, the more his thoughts swirled with potential outcomes of the future. Kristen was in danger. His family was in danger. It felt like everyone was in danger.

His face lightened up as he zoned back into Kristen with a nod, "Yes, of course...I'll try and visit...or write to you as soon as I get the chance."

It might be best to stay clear of Kristen for a few weeks, as Alistair was worried that Garron would have someone following him for a time...Not to mention, the man would be expecting an answer from him soon.

"You also may want to speak with your father. House Pirian will likely face...subversive attacks that are more Garron's style."

The more he voiced these ideas, the more his worry grew.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

"I shall look forward to any letters, and receive them with much joy," Kristen said. This, so she reckoned, would be all the two of them could manage. But she did not yet know of a grand opportunity for a visitation, the Dance to celebrate the end of academic examinations, which would come to provide her more than she could have ever hoped for in these busy and trying times.

You also may want to speak with your father...

Behind her visor, Kristen's face paled. Gods, he was right! No stranger to the rivalry between House Pirian and House Banick was her father Neil, no, but...

"Goodness," Kristen said, balling up an anxious fist and holding it beneath her chin, "I have yet to have had occasion to tell my father all that I learned of Walter and Garron, of their culpability in my kidnapping; and swearing to secrecy our roles in Ostia Anir as per Councilor Berenger's request played its part as well. But...but the time has come for me to do what I must. My father, my Uncle Tobias, they must know the true extent of the danger posed by Garron against House Pirian."

She looked to Alistair beseechingly.

"If I write my father Neil a letter, could you see it delivered into his hands? There is no one else whom I trust more for this than you."

Alistair Krixus Tobias Pirian

 

[Alistair Krixus]

Alistair hesitated for a moment. He had been hoping to keep some space for long enough to prepare his own house, but his chances of survival were directly tied to House Pirian.

"Yeah, I get it to him."

He would need to make sure he wasn't being trailed when he delivered it, but he should be able to do that...There was one other problem. That would be the first instance that he had ever really talked to Kristen's father, in person.

The only time the man had seen him was when his daughter was in trouble. He was going to start thinking that Alistair was a bad omen.

While he was worried for his own safety, Kristen should be safe while in the Academy. Garron had a far reach, but meddling in Academy affairs would bring with it closer scrutiny.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

"Thank you, Alistair."

She glanced around at all the men at work, the vigorous effort to tear down the camp and to begin the long trek home. Much like earlier when she and Alistair were preparing to mount their horses for the cavalry, what men could even see them were far too engaged in their own work to truly notice.

So Kristen lifted her left hand, that one hand in which the power of touch and of being touched resided, and gently placed it upon Alistair's chest.

"Stay safe...in these trying days to come," she said quietly. Her eyes, even from behind her visor, were large and full of worry.

Garron, she believed without any doubt, was such a man that if he knew of the precious bond between herself and Alistair, he would gleefully and cruelly exploit it for his own ends.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

The soft touch that came from Kristen's armored hand brought with it all the strength that Alistair would need for this final ride. A gentle smile was pushed onto his face as he reached up and gripped her hand.

"I will...Stay strong."

Not wishing to delay to evitable, or draw any more attention from the soldiers that might begin looking for him, Alistair departed to mount his horse and lead the men home unlike the beginning of the day when he hid his appearance, he now walked with a confidence and bravado that demanded the soldiers nearby looked to him. They needed to know there was a lord who would look after them.

Afraid of what would happen if he had any more weakness during this day, Alistair largely blocked out any emotions whatsoever as the men of the former Walter Banick began their exit of the camp.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

THE CAMPFIRE AT EVENING​

Entering back into Anirian territory from the wilds of the Savannah did not take long at all. When passing Vel Numera, only some tens of miles off to the east during the march of the two armies, Kristen had longed then and there to make a detour, to return to some semblance of home and perhaps, if she were so lucky, to wake in a bed there to discover that the Battle of the Banicks had not taken place but had occurred only in the province of nightmare. It would not be so. No such comfort, be it that detour or some waking relief, would be hers.

But what comfort she did have was Alistair. Though the future looked terribly uncertain and fraught with peril, with him she—they—surely had the means to overcome it.

Southward did the two armies march, toward the greater sphere of Banick controlled lands around Ostia Anir. There were still days yet of travel ahead. But one night at camp stood out.

Fires in the clearing selected by Alistair and Garron, the relative authorities over both forces, dotted the darkened night—the moons and the stars were blotted out by an overcast sky. No need was there for fortifications now, so deep were they in Anirian lands. The soldiers were all at ease, eating and conversing, their watch duties light. Kristen, Alistair, Logan, and Saydor Vinn were all about a campfire themselves; Logan's wounds were doing marginally better, and Saydor, at least, could walk under his own power.

Kristen felt a light tap on her shoulder. It was Saydor, and he made a quick mimed motion for her to drop her visor; she had it lifted enough for her to eat, of course. And only a moment later did she find out why Saydor had done this.

His brother Halcor appeared and squatted opposite the campfire from the four of them. He let out a luxurious, "Ahhhhhhh..." as he did, as if he'd finally a moment's rest after a long patrol. Halcor looked over the four of them, not even interested in Logan or Kristen (who to him was just a faceless soldier with her helm). He looked squarely and with keen interest to his brother Saydor and to Alistair.

"Just like the wars of old," Halcor said, shivering with delight. "Beautiful."

And then with his attention fixed upon Alistair he asked, "You're young. How did you like it? This little war of ours?"

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

For much of the ride, Alistair had remained stone-faced, not wanting to speak with the opposing Dreadlords. Thankfully, most of them allowed it as the simple brooding of a loser. Halcor had been one of the few vocal ones but remained largely stuck close to his brother.

Now that they had stopped for a rest, then it would seem his luck had run out. He had wanted to get a few moments to speak with Kristen and Logan, mainly Kristen, but those chances were dashed as the man sat across from him.

Alistair was nursing some water as he stared into the fire before his gaze finally rose to meet Halcor's own.

"I've had better...It was no war. Just another petty battle from Houses that seem dead set on destroying one another from within." He said flatly.

He could only assume this was Halcor trying to goad a response out of him. There was nothing to enjoy about the day. Hundreds of lives lost. A madman sat atop House Banick, and most importantly...he had lost.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Halcor actually nodded in agreement with him. "I've had better too. It's a shame that this is what it's come to, that this is what passes as a good war these days. A tiny scrap of meat, thrown to the dogs, at the foot of a grand feast. Ahhhh, that's what we used to have. Feasts."

"Have you been spending your time nose-deep in the history books again?" Saydor said coolly, seemingly quite used to his brother broaching this subject.

Halcor let out a good-natured laugh. "You don't even need to go that far back, brother! Things were just so much more conducive to war before the Revolution. Sure the Republic has plenty of rebellions to crush and lands to reconquer, but what then, when all that's done? Ah, I talk and talk, but I still have faith."

And here Halcor looked right back at Alistair, smiling greatly. "I have faith in the Anirian people. We're born and bred for war, aren't we? It's in our blood." He nodded as if pre-empting Alistair's unequivocal agreement with him, as if to Halcor Alistair could have no other answer. "You've had better. You crave better, don't you? Yeah. You won't let peace defeat you. Oh, no, no, no. We, the Dreadlords of Vel Anir, the finest weapons Arethil has ever seen? We'd sooner die than let that happen."

Kristen sat in silence, not drawing any attention to herself. Gladly, it seemed Halcor was more interested in speaking with the Dreadlords among them, leaving herself and Logan out.

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

For a moment it would seem Alistair had ignored Halcor's question as his eyes returned to the fire. He let the question hang there, while he did his own internal thinking. It was true, in part. Dreadlords were made for war. Without war, many of them became useless...but that wasn't him.

"I fight in war to win. That ultimately will mean peace...but these battles...these wars, they will not bring peace."

That's right. Alistair was not just made for war. He was made for victory, the ultimate victory. His eyes finally looked back up to lock with Halcor.

"What do you fight for? Is it simply pleasure? No end in sight?"

Was that even war then? If there was no goal of victory then it wasn't really war, it was just mindless slaughter. That did not make them Dreadlords. That made them barbarians.

Alistair was one of many initiates who had fought for the revolution. He had had his own doubts after the fact, but he still did not like the subtle swipes that Halcor was taking.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

"The love of the craft, my friend, the love of the craft," Halcor said, this with a sort of pure and effervescent joy. "I'm a potter whose clay is the battlefield, a sculptor whose stone is enemy formations, a painter whose canvas is the dirt. Heh, I'm no pansy playwright, thinking war is 'art' or some nonsense like that. But who doesn't respect a well-executed flank, a well-planned ambush? Who doesn't respect the deadly hands of a swordmaster wielding the weapon for which he is famed? But moreover: War, battle, violence, my friend, they're necessities of life. You don't love anything you aren't willing to fight over."

"Or fight with," Saydor said wryly, playing into and entertaining his brother's musing with an easy air as if they'd done this all before.

"Ahaha! I'll fight with you and I'll fight with you, brother! I don't know which one I like better! But maybe next time we'll be on the same side." He gestured toward Logan then, and this made Kristen hold her breath for a second. "But I guess that depends a lot on what he decides to do."

Logan narrowed his brow warily. "What do I have to do with that?"

Halcor shrugged as if it what he was poised to say was patently obvious. "You're inconvenient to Garron. Simple as that. Might take you a while, but you could build up support against him, and then challenge him. And then we're right back to this, aren't we? You want my advice?"

"No."

Halcor gave it anyway. "You should probably find a place with nice weather and exile yourself." Halcor looked Alistair's way. "You know any places with nice weather? I don't get out from Vel Anir much myself."

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"They don't send me to vacation destinations," Alistair replied dryly, while he thought more on Halcor's earlier comments.

He wasn't wrong which irritated Alistair to no end. There was something amazing about a perfect strategy or a perfect soldier. Except that instead of wasting pain or clay, it was blood. However, the wonder came when someone was able to assert their dominance over the battlefield while spilling as little blood as possible...that was perfect warfare...which is what Garron had done to them.

Alistair's knuckles whitened as he balled his hands into fists.

His eyes slowly trailed over to Logan before nodding.

"Unfortunately, he is right. No matter what your plans for the future are. It would be best to leave Vel Anir for some time...Otherwise, Garron will be seeking to remove you as quickly as possible."

Although he did not mention them, there were some places that Al maybe could suggest to Logan. Places far away, but they would keep Logan safe and give him time to build himself back up. He had some connections in Tyr and the Empire.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

Halcor threw his head back and belted out laughter, thoroughly enjoying Alistair's answer.

Logan, naturally, was not in so jovial a mood as Halcor. He sighed soberly after Alistair gave his own assessment on the matter, his gaze trailing down from him as he relented what opposition may have surfaced in his mind. "I've...given thought to this all during the journey back. And I think, though I loathe it, that this is the smart move. Even among my fellow knights in the Army of the North, I do not think even there I will be safe."

"Well," Halcor said, shoving himself up from his seat to stand again. "That's my cue to leave. I sure as hell don't want to know where you're actually going. Heh, what I don't know, I can't tell, and assassinations are more to Cadoc's liking. And even if it comes to war again, I prefer to fight open battles against elves." He stopped and did a quick reconsideration. "No, orcs. Orcs are great fun. But both are better than fellow Banicks." And as Halcor was walking away, still he was musing, "There was that one battle against the Cortosans, though. Ahh, such a masterful..."

And eventually he carried himself away to elsewhere in the camp.

Kristen glanced over to Alistair. Then over to Saydor. "Has your brother's demeanor always been that way?"

Saydor just smiled thinly and confirmed, "Always been that way, yes."

Kristen looked back over to Alistair. "I suppose Halcor's brief company could have been worse."

Alistair Krixus

 

[Alistair Krixus]

"He is certainly...something."

Alistair mumbled to himself as he watched the lackadaisical man leave. He supposed he would be relaxed if he had just-handedly won a battle as well.

He looked to Kristen and then to Logan before returning to the previous topic. Understanding the awkwardness of asking this man of high status to abandon everything he has ever known, he let the silence hang for a moment.

"Lord Logan, you will have the assistance of House Krixus to help ensure your safety and travel to any location you desire. I have connections in Tyr and the Empire, but I will assist you wherever you wish to go."

It was the least he could do. Alistair still felt largely responsible for the loss of his brother, and by extension, his house. There would be no easy living, but he would help any way he could.

Kristen Pirian

 

[Kristen Pirian]

"I thank you, Alistair," Logan said. And again that heavy spirit of resignation gave him some pause. "For the sake of appearances—and my wounds—I will have to maintain an air of normalcy for a short while...until the time is right for me to slip away some black night." He clucked his tongue against his teeth. "It'll give me time to think of where I ought to go."

The Empire was massive, easy to get lost in, but adjacent to Vel Anir; by contrast Tyr was smaller, but a whole world away; other options were viable, but would see no help from Alistair. He'd have to choose well.

Kristen, enamored by Alistair's willingness to help, his initiative in offering it without being so much as asked, couldn't help but to smile behind her visor. To him she said, "In this dark hour, you, Alistair, are the first light of dawn."

Alistair Krixus