Library: The Vigilant Guard

The Vigilant Guard By Nomiculious I was in the middle of the wilderness, surrounded by lush forestry and wild animals. It was hot, damp, and the middle of the day. How I had arrived in such a place was beyond me as the last thing I remember was being on guard at "the wall." Glancing around, I took notice that this was no simple forest, but a labyrinth of branches, trees, and rotting wood. The familiar sounds of the forest around my home were gone, replaced with the wild cackle of some misshapen airborne calamity. As I struggled to regain my composer, the bones and sinews in my right calf seemed to be in a state of some distress. Peering up through the trees and vines, I see smoke. Listening closely for any sign that my presence here was detected, I hastily decide to find some type of shelter. What exactly I need shelter from I do not know, but I easily reassure myself that the unknown pursuers will most definitely be more than capable of ending my existence. I began at this point to weigh my options. To head directly towards the source of smoke would be foolish as it would most definitely put me in direct view of anyone sitting around that flame, but to stagger off into an unknown wilderness, crippled as I currently am and without any knowledge of my enemies, seems to be as foolish as sitting here. Reluctantly I crawl through the forest's dark brush, attempting to be as stealthy as a leopard, and quite naturally I make more noise than a stampeding elephant and disturb more than one forest inhabitant. Eager to view whomever or whatever caused the smoke in the sky, I make my way towards the source. Once I reach the edge of the forest and a small clearing, the fire becomes visible. Carefully I remain somewhat hidden in my protective and now appreciated natural camouflage. The fire, mightily burning a meter high flame, was situated directly in the middle of a circle of blackened stones. "Ah, a fire-pit" I sigh to myself, knowing that intelligence had created such a thing. At this moment I notice that the individual warming on the other side of the large flame, billowing black smoke and soot at an alarming rate. I will have to reposition myself at a better angle to attempt to identify our mysterious host. Slowly I crawl back into the dense forestry. As I crawl through vines, brambles, and other assorted branches the though occurs to me that possibly this situation may not be as dangerous as I once had assessed. Perhaps I should have called out to this stranger and he would have helped me to rest by the fire. Instead I have to crawl around, through this thorny nightmare of a jungle. Too late I suppose, I might as well finish my reconnaissance. Rounding a corner around the clearing, I find another position where I may lie motionless and watch the mysterious individual and his super-sized fire. Looking forward, I notice I am much closer this time. Apparently the clearing was misshapen and not a complete circle or the brush has been reclaiming the land. Either way, this was a favorable development. I was almost trembling with excitement, as I had not snuck up and spied on anyone ever in my life, well at least not since I was a child. At that exact moment, he stood. Now clearly a male human, only discernable by his body shape because of his black helmet, he was standing completely upright towering over the flame. He seemed to be several feet tall and armed for battle. His black armor and cloak seemed to emit darkness, and just looking at him sent shivers down my back. Now I understand exactly why I had not called out for help. At this time I decide to retreat back into the wooded unknown. I must have shaken a tree where a bird had perched, because as I moved the bird shot skyward at quite an astounding rate. While amazed with the speed, it occurred to me that this was a very visible sign to our inhospitable host and decided to chance a look towards him. Much to my dismay his eyes, a burn hue of red, stared directly back at me. This man was no man but the true incarnation of the childhood tale: A death knight. He began walking rapidly towards me, and knowing my own injuries, I was quite aware that escape was out of the question. The only thing I knew to do at this point was fight, and hope that I remember my training as a soldier. He drew his weapon; a wickedly shaped scimitar etched with runes that glowed as he held it, and began advancing towards me at a faster pace. I stood there, fumbling for my sword as he got within striking distance. The sword arched high above my head and instinctively I prepared for a strong blow to my helmet. Hoping to deflect his hit I turned my head to the side and drew my blade. CLANG Clang! Clang! Finally I was able to free my blade as the world spun around me, I was dazed from the blow but still able to move, now unrestricted by my injured leg. "Whoa, down boy." Rolaren the guardsmaster said to me. I stood there with my sword half drawn, in full armorment, on top "The Wall." "You know your not supposed to fall asleep on duty, next time you do I'll give you more than a little tap on the helmet, now sheath that sword and finish your patrol." With that he walked away. "Heh, I'd rather do rounds than face off against a crazy death knight." I joked to myself, reassuring myself that dreams were dreams and death knights were things of fancy. Still, I watched carefully for those red eyes in distance and kept a vigilant watch from that day on.

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Library: The Vigilant Guard