Thomas Killian rolled across the ground, dust rising into the cool morning air. Nicholas thrust again and again, slashed and hacked. Thomas, still prone upon the dueling yard floor, parried each well-struck blow masterfully. “Damn it!� Nicholas swore in rage, as Thomas flipped t

The mud sucked at Nicholas’ boots. The thick stew of the Black Marshes stank of rotten wood and dead plant life mixed with a hint of diseased animal. Nicholas wrapped a handkerchief about his face to block out the more offensive scents. He heaved at

The sun rose in the east, bringing light to the garden of Hiro Yokotoma. He sat with his legs crossed, his hands folded, eyes closed in meditation. He felt the rays of the sun strike his face, slowly moving from his cheek to his forehead. He could smell the flowers as they bloomed, the lig

Battle Honor

By Ben W Dunbar

     Kiyoto Yokotoma Ducked beneath the slashing blade of the templar knight, the sword cutting the air inches from the samurai's head.  Kiyoto countered with a low thrust, his k

     A dark storm was gathering in the eastern lands of the eastern empire, the realm ruled by Ashikage. The prophets had emerged a week ago, bringing with them the tidings of war. Ashikage had declared war against the kingdom of Avalon and all those who would oppose his claim to rule the hundred

Brothers III

Nicholas took long, measured strides as he inspected his newest recruits. Most of the men were vagabonds from God knew where. One man was missing an ear, and most of his face. From Nicholas guess, the mutilated man had once been a gladiator from some minor kingdom. Another misfit was a tall and

The Huikido Mountains were a wonderful sight to see, jutting like spears at the sky.  Even though still distant,  Kai Akimoto knew he was finally home.  After his long journey he could finally rest well, put his sword arm into a lover's embrace.  He could put away the samurai armor that had grown too comfortable on hi

Darren opened his eyes and saw only darkness.  His chest felt compressed and something was pinning his left leg.  By moving he felt that the leg was broken, along with a couple ribs.  In his right hand he still felt the cold steel of his sword and in his left he felt the once smooth surface of his shield.  Slowly he t

Garus Vicilius, Gorla Praetorian Guard of Delunn, and current commanding watchstander at the main gate, paced the battlements as he eyed the terrain before him.  The trail could be seen devoid of life for a couple hundred feet before curving out of view behind a mountain.  Not that anything would actually travel down the Silver