The Forsaken Hero

The training fields were spaced between two of the encampments, resting directly underneath the shadow of the colossal stone monolith. Young, bright-eyed soldiers marched in neat files or ran through combat drills on the frosty fields. Orion strode confidently into their midst, nodding his approval as they snapped to attention.

"Ranks!" he shouted, crossing his arms and glaring at the youth sternly.

They reacted instantly with the discipline that came from long hours of dedication and practice, falling into three distinct companies. Each group held several dozen men, with a few women sprinkled throughout, all between second and third levels. When the last soldier fell into place, they pressed their gauntlets to their breastplates, filling the brisk morning air with the ring of steel.

I stood on the outside with my hands clasped together, my tail flicking back and forth. My crimson hair and dress, not to mention my demonic characteristics, stood out like a fire on the frosty white field. The soldiers remained in formation, their eyes locked forward, but I could feel their curiosity intently upon me. Among the three companies, I found the familiar faces of the group camped around my tent. Their faces lit up ever so slightly as they found me watching, though only Solim risked a small wave. I offered a small smile in return and my tail relaxed, the tension leaving my body.

Orion cleared his throat and raised a hand, sharply gesturing toward me. "I bring with me today a living legend, the Final Star of the Last Light Company itself, Lady Xiviyah. Many of you have heard rumors of her heroic feats amongst your predecessors and those battling the demons on the front lines, and I am here to assure you they are all true. While you are a member of this company, you will treat her with the utmost respect. Any who dare act inappropriately in her presence shall be assigned latrine duty for the rest of their term."

"P-pleased to meet you," I said timidly, giving a shallow curtsey. It had been long since I’d executed the formal gesture, yet it came naturally to me, ingrained through countless long hours of training at the Divine Throne and High Valley.

I flushed under their attentive gaze, looking helplessly at Orion. He nodded slightly and winked. His face hardened as he turned back to the soldiers, and he folded his arms.

"Lady Xiviyah will be overseeing your training today. She is as delicate as she is beautiful, so I expect you to keep yourselves under control and be aware when she is near. There are to be no training accidents. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir!" they shouted in unison.