The old man hobbled down the road...

"The day I’d been waiting for, the confrontation between the oppressor and the people, has finally come, and yet this will not be the last of the battles. Fate was on our side today and the casualties have been kept to a minimum, but I fear for the men in the coming battles.

How do you think they will fare against the elite troops, the Imperials, of Meilo’s army? These I can tell were mediocre combatants, even I slew many of them. How, Aurelius, do you think these men will go against the Imperials of Meilo?" Pelias asked in earnest.

Aurelius gazed out towards the horizon, sun already reaching its peak in the sky. "They will fare very well against the elite combatants of Meilo, how long we can hold out against his superior numbers and calmer, more experienced soldiers, however, remains to be seen"

He turned to face the column, now back in formation as the battle had already been waged, as was taught by Aurelius. "Men! You have shown me your skill and effectiveness in this battle just waged. It is clear to me that you will have no trouble in our future campaigns fighting off this hated oppressor. However, I have noticed that a few of you are more nervous in handling their weapons then others. If it is so with you, please step out of the ranks. In no way shall I punish you, I simply want to identify you, and give you some intensive training so that we would be better able to face the Imperials.

Yes, men, this barrier will come, although how far into our expedition I do not know, and before it comes I want you to be prepared to face these Imperials, the most feared battalions of Meilo." Slowly, men moved from their positions and stood out of the ranks, standing perfectly upright and still.

He surveyed the men one by one, and said.

"Those of you who have admitted that you cannot openly kill so easily, do not believe for one moment that you are any weaker than those who can. Clemency often goes much further than violence ever can, and I want this to be a rule in our army. We must show clemency wherever possible and only kill if it is necessary. If we slaughter opponents without giving them a chance then were are no better than those which we seek to destroy, no less oppressive. Slaughter is futile, men."

The column advanced slowly, marching perfectly in tune. The clangour of weapons and armour slowly rose as it advanced at a faster rate, following the excited trot of Umbricius. Slowly, the column made its way up the hill, lead by Aurelius who surveyed the landscape like a hawk, seeking for the weakest and most advantageous area to lead an assault against the fort from.

With his eyes downcast, Aurelius realised that the only way to secure the fort was to take it from the front. And there was almost no advantage to his troops from this area; instead, if he led his men out the archers and incendiary artillery from above would massacre them.

He realised that the only way to win this fort was to do something that he would rather not do. But it was the only way. He muttered an incantation under his breath and glowing out of the ethers in a blue-white light, his staff appeared in his hand.

Elements of fire and earth,

I seek your aid.

Work in unison and show your worth

With thy strength I shall win this raid

And mercy be given to those pure.