[Soldier]

“I spoke with sarcasm,” Colin said bluntly, not bothering with details like anyone else’s feelings. “While your troops may have the better discipline and equipment, it takes a true heart to be a proper Warrior!” He stood proudly before moving on to their other business. “You will follow me. Your own soldiers will wait out here.” He turned and walked into the compound, not looking behind but expecting the aristocrat to follow him. A Warrior in the silver and blue kilt of the clan held Riconus’ horse while the man was brought to Colin’s own private tent.

Once inside, Colin got straight to business. “My Warriors number less than 200 at this time. Many were killed in the fire and explosion, and the Crimson Lions are all but destroyed. I will have to send a letter to the Imperial forces explaining why we can not garrison the Northern Cross anymore, and why their keep is in ruins. While my Warriors can handle guarding the city, we are not comfortable in large, populated areas… And as well, our patrols are neglected. To top it off, some of our construction crews in the charred areas turned up dead, along with my Warriors sent to guard them. We found evidence of the Undead in our city, but lack the manpower to send troops into the fray. In short, Magistrate, we are stretched too thin for business that we are unable to handle.” There was a brief pause as the Barbarian Chieftain took a swallow from a waterskin strapped to his belt. Riconus had to admit, Colin didn’t beat around the bush. After strapping the skin back to his belt, he crossed his burly arms across his chest. “And what will you require in return for your aid?”