Page 5 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

"My thanks," he said quietly, "but nay."

She searched his face, expecting him to change his mind.

He never did.

With an understanding smile, she gave a small shrug and drifted back toward the celebration, already setting her sights on another victorious warrior.

Legion watched her go.

Beauty had become as common to him as battle. Pleasure as fleeting as the cheers that followed every victory. Neither stirred him any longer.

Legion watched the last light fade beyond the hills.

Another battle won. Another field of fathers, sons, brothers, and friends left to the silence.

Victory had long since lost its taste.

He had walked battlefields for longer than most men lived.

Once, he had believed there would come a final war. Now he knew better. War would always find him.

Until the day it no longer could.

Chapter Three

Legion

The moon had climbed high before Legion reached home.

Nestled in the forest surrounded by ancient oaks, stood a weathered stone cottage much like other cottages. It had stood for centuries. Few knew who had built it. Fewer still knew the man who lived there.

Legion removed the saddle from his black stallion and brushed the horse until its dark coat shone in the moonlight.

“You earned your rest, Falcon”"

The stallion nudged his shoulder.

A faint smile touched Legion's lips.

He filled the water trough, spread fresh hay, then gathered his few belongings before climbing the worn stone steps.

The familiar groan of the heavy oak door welcomed him.

Silence followed.

It was a welcome sound.

Inside, the cottage was as unpretentious as the man who occupied it. A stone hearth dominated the large room. A sturdy table stood near the fire with several plain chairs. Shelves held well-used books and rolled maps. Along one wall rested carefully tended weapons collected over a lifetime that had seen too many battles.

Everything had its place here. Unlike war that was complete chaos.

He was where he found peace and he was glad to be home.

Dawn came quietly and Legion welcomed it.

He pushed open the weathered shutters, cool mountain air rushing into the keep. Wisps of mist drifted through the valley below, clinging to the pines before slowly surrendering to the rising sun.

The silence pleased him. There was no clash of steel or cries of the dying, only birds’ songs greeting a new day.