Keys of Time (ON HOLD)

Keys of Time Chapter One

Chapter 1

Six hours of sleep, this is all I get to dream about. Every moment wasted put our very home at risk. For months Alas had been under attack, the Zalron forces pressed on relentlessly. Our military efforts have been tested and pushed each and everyday. The cycles have been sinking in, becoming part of our daily routine. First we wake up, eat a quick meal which usually contained a type of porridge, as well as a glass of milk. Time was of the essence so meals were rushed, from there we made straight for the armory, to be suited to our needs. From there we reported to our respectful positions. As for me, it was atop the fortified walls of our noble city. I was one of the many wizards of Alas, we used the height of the walls as vantage points for our spells. Wizards as a collective shared our space with the cities archers, though they also occupied various other places, mainly murder holes, closer to ground level for precision strikes.  

My sister Taisa was also part of the cities military efforts, she was an archer and was assigned to the lower levels as she was a member of the precision strike force. I will have to concede that she fires with remarkable aim, much better suited at her trade than I am at mine. Magic has always been drawn to me, but it feels as if something is missing when I am casting. 

After you are drained of all your effort, any soldier in any field reports to their Superior for direction. From here, one of three things will happen, you can be sent to rest for an eight hour leave, in which you must eat, bath and sleep. The second of which would be to be sent to a healer to be alieved of your pains and wounds acquired through battle, I must admit that being a wizard puts you least likely in this category. The last of which would be the most common, you would be sent for consoling. To bare witness to the horror of battle is not uncommon recently, but war has not been common. Many people are not used to seeing the brutality of battle, to watch their loved ones killed sometimes right before their eyes. Make no mistake, no matter how tough or how trained you are, the loss of a loved one is devastating. Our city has recruited and trained my citizens very quickly to be trained to ease the suffering of our brave warriors.  

Today was just like every other day, filled with unknown dangers, not knowing if this was going to be your last day. My sister and I were currently on differen't cycles, she tends to last longer in battle than I, so we cannot expect to see each other during our resting cycle. I began my morning routines, getting dressed, filling up on yet another bland meal, and reporting for my duties. I can easily skip the armory step as I am a wizard and require no armor. 

"Elwin! Come." Captain Braunch was one of the Directors, all who are involved in combat must report to a director for instructions. I jogged over to report for my duties, " The east wall is in danger of failing, we must protect it at all costs, we have other imminent dangers but this is suited best for you, play to your strenghts, use area spells. You know as good as anybody, if one wall falls, they all fall!" 

"Yes sir!" Seems as though another setback for us. Everyday was another setback, we haven't gained ground in over a week, morale was low, as were resources, "Any news of my sister Taisa?" 

"She is still on the third level, she has quite the spirit that one does! Less talking and more results!" Braunch wasn't ever much for small talk, but I understand that now isn't the time for it either.  

From there I made my way to the supply carts to gather my spell components, looks like essence of Sint, a vial of Guarett's blood, a pouch of phoenix feathers and last but certainly not least, a Bog Goblins tooth. They might not posses magic themselves but a Bog Goblins tooth is a wizards best friend. After retrieving my supplies I made my way to the East wall. As I approached I could hear the enemy ramming against the gates, civilians helping any way they could, something about war unites the people in a strong way.