[RamDez]

Chapter 18: Rage of the Unearned Respite
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Throughout the lands word spread quickly. The Legion had met defeat in the den of an opponent that none thought could challenge the mighty SpiralHorns. On this day, the Young Captain faltered and departed the field of battle wounded. The Great Captain took the lead of the charge, to no avail. Perhaps, he joined the battle to close to its dusk. Perhaps, no leader could prevail on this day. None knew for certain.

So it came to pass that the Legion had buffered its borders from all challengers, and no army was less than a fortnight's ride from the Homeland. Yet, on this day, none felt secure.

Shame is the first stone borne upon the backs of the defeated. But soon, this turns to anger. On this day, the transformation came to pass in little more than an instant.

The followers of the traditions of the Great Captain were vocal in their pronouncements of fear, doom and vindication. They saw this day as paradoxical new dawn rising as the final battles approached.

The loyalists, though not able to champion their Young Captain for his leadership in this battle... they would not cast the blame of this defeat at his feet alone. But, alas, these thoughts brought no comfort.

And so the Legion prepared to bear a new stone. The stone of anticipation. Waiting for the attack... knowing it would not come soon, but would come surely, and from what direction, none knew.

The fires of the camp of the Clan of SpiralHorns were lit. And in the days to come their flames would burn, but not with the heat of the rage building within the Legion. Pride would be restored on the field of battle. The Homeland would be fortified and defended. The quest for the ultimate prize had not ended.

Indeed, it had only begun.