Twisted Jackal Scene

“Valoa, the energy of life, filling all living things, large and small. Both the essence of life and a tool for death... why o’ why, would the Gods make our lives fuel for magic” -- Aurith Kiv-way

A single torchlight lit the camp, casting a glow over two sleeping soldiers and a dozen tents. Easton crouched in the bushes, his friend Vahn beside him.

“It’s simple,” Vahn whispered. “Shield stab the big one, and I’ll spear the other.”

Easton eyed him. It wasn’t a bad plan, if they were quiet about it, but these were trained soldiers. Quick fix tactics weren’t bound to work on them.

“Two spears,” Easton said. “Mine first, at the base of the torch, then yours to spin it.”

Vahn grinned. “I see you’ve come to rely on my aim too much. Hoping to set the camp aflame? What about the crystals?”

“We can’t carry the whole wagonload. I don’t care what happens to the rest.”

“You’d say differently if they were flesh-fed.”

Easton glared at Vahn.

He shrugged. “Just saying. It’s still a waste, even if they are plant-fed crystals.”

“Like you’re one to talk. You’re no earth-hugger.”

Vahn chuckled. “Maybe I could be, given time. People been changing faith ever since the Fissure. Who’s to say what I believe?”

Easton rolled his eyes, turning back to the camp. The guards were still asleep. Reaching under his shirt, he slipped out a glowing crystal that dangled from a chain necklace. Placing a single finger atop, he it slid across the crystal’s glassy surface . A stream of dark, forest colored energy followed, collecting and building as it emptied from the crystal. It filled the space Easton gave for it, forming a handle of energy that extended further out as he pulled at it, even when his finger left the surface of the small crystal.

When finished, he held up a glowing spear. It felt lightweight, yet solid, and Valoa flowed inside the invisible container, with small bits of the green energy rising from the surface like smoke from a fire.

After appraising his work, Easton glanced at Vahn, who already held his own spear at the ready. His weapon, though smaller, was sleek and confined, leaking enough energy to show it was packed tight with Valoa.

Vahn took a gander at Easton’s work as well. First looking at his weapon, and then at the crystal he’d used, now dangling over his cloak.

“Your crystal’s dimming, Easton. You’d better fill it soon.”

Easton tucked the necklace under his shirt. “We’ll have plenty of crystal to spare after this; besides, we don’t have time to fill it.”

Focusing on the camp, Easton stared at the base of the torch. Rising from the bush, he pulled back the spear. Simple enough, he thought, and let it fly. Vahn stood right beside him, taking aim and losing his own spear. They both came to impact at nearly the same time. Easton’s spear hit its mark, piercing the foundation of the torch. Following after, Vahn’s hit the top, sending the flaming torch spiraling towards the sleeping guards.

Easton and Vahn took cover in the bush, watching the flame pass by the men and collide with the first tent. Soon, smoke poured from the tent flap, and flames licked the ground, snaking through the grass to the surrounding tents.

Whether it was the sound of the breaking torch stand, the heat of the fire, or the sounds of others in alarm, the guards woke from their slumber to an inferno. Hysteria had broken through the camp, soldiers running to and fro in an effort to control the flames

Easton and Vahn crawled across the foliage, keeping their eyes on the frantic soldiers. Circling to the far side of the camp, they crept over to the supply stash. The soldiers had a number of carts filled with provisions. They searched through the carts, lifting tarp coverings until Vahn found their target. The cart had a few barrels of crystal, along with a collection of weapons, blunted swords and otherwise.

“Look at this stash.” Vahn grinned at Easton. “With this cart alone, we could supply the federation with all it needs.”

Easton snatched a handful of crystals and shoved them in a light knapsack. “I doubt it would last long, given the milita crackdowns lately. A huge stash would only make it easier for them to sniff out. Fill your sack and we’ll split.”

Vahn ignored Easton, sneaking away. Easton cursed. Enough of your games, come on… If they hadn’t grown up together, Easton would’ve ditched, but he was compelled to stay.

After filling his pouch, he started to search for Vahn. The shouts about the fire were starting to die down. They had to get off before the soldiers figured out the source of the fire.

The sounds of a horse startled Easton, and he dove beneath one of the carts.

“Easton,” came a whisper from near the cart of crystal.

He slid out and climbed to his feet. Vahn had secured a horse and was in the process of lashing it to the cart.

“Are you crazy!” Easton whispered. “We don’t have time to take the cart. The horse can’t run with a full load. What if they spot us?”

Vahn grinned. That same twist of a smile that irked Easton with a feeling of hopelessness. The man was so stubborn.

“Don’t fret,” he said, “I’ve already loosed their horses and set them off. They won’t keep up with us.”

“What if they have a Sniffer?”

“Then we’ll deal with him. Besides, we haven’t drained any plants nearby. They’ll have no scent.”

“Except for the barrels of crystal loaded with Valoa. Who knows where they filled them. They could’ve hit up anything in this pissing forest! That’ll give them a potent scent.”

“Only taking a few handfuls doesn’t change that.”

“They won’t be the wiser with a few missing, but they will, with the whole cart gone.”

Vahn huffed and climbed atop the horse. “I’ll meet you in town then.”

Easton groaned. “I hate you sometimes.” He climbed into the back of the cart. “Let’s get going already.”

Vahn slapped down the reigns and the horse pulled forward. Easton slumped in the cart, resting his hands and head down on the back lip. Watching the camp fade away, he prayed that they’d make it back to the federation.