[RamDez]

Chapter 2: Dissent of the Loyalists
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It is a restless time throughout the lands, as armies venture from their proving grounds and engage one another, testing their strength for the true battles that lie ahead. The Legion prepares as well, merging warriors young and old into a fighting unit.

And as the SpiralHorns prepared to seek out rivals, it came to pass that Dez Urbanos called for AvengerRam, and spoke. "The Legion gathers, but is not one," he said, "a great champion does not fight at our sides."

"I know of whom you speak," the Bard replied, "the Giant, Orlandos, is indeed most conspicuous in his absence."

"Indeed," Urbanos exclaimed, "and so you must seek him out and implore him to return."

AvengerRam asked "this task, I would accept, of course, but am I the one this task should choose?"

"Have faith, my friend. Orlandos' pride matches his mountainous stature, it is true. But you know that bonds of pride can severed with the blade of loyalty," Dez assured, "convey this, and he will yield."

AvengerRam knew at once...

Three mountains challenge, each born of pride, one must yield, two must subside.

...this task was, indeed, his.

* * * *

As AvengerRam departed on his quest, the Legion marched forth from the homeland to test itself in battle. Near the sea of the setting sun, the obsidian clad marauders were met. The Great Captain lead the initial charge, but twice was thwarted and pushed back. The marauders could not penetrate the Legion's front line, though, and the SpiralHorns struck back. This time, lead by Marcalger, the young brigade leader. And while defeat of the marauders evaded the young leader as well, his charges cut more deeply into the battle lines of the enemy. Upon the day's end, no clear victor emerged.

And so the Legion marched back to the homeland. Within the ranks, a discussion both ominous and hopeful could be heard.

"The time draws near." Elackles stated.

"Yes" Thoeylos agreed, "but to some these words would be deemed treason."

"That cannot be!" Ramnatorax interjected, "How can it be treason to place the Legion above its singular leaders."

"Agreed" Theoylos said, "we must seek out others to support him - there are those who believe that there are those among the Great Council, Texramaes even, who are on the side of change."

"We must not underestimate the support of the Great Captain" Elakles added "but how many times will triumph evade us behind his lead before others will embrace our dissent?"

This question went unanswered among the Loyalists, and the Legion marched forward toward the homeland.