The Search for Power

[Strazio Rockwell]

Strazio's meeting with Dobson was underwhelming to say the least. Rumford led the fresh prime to the Darkshire headquarters and after a few minute of waiting the two were ushered in to meet with Dobson. He was an unassuming man, standing as tall as Strazio but much more lanky. Strazio smirked slightly and kept his face hidden under the shadow of his hood. Rumford stepped forward and spoke, motioning towards Strazio as he did

"This is Strazio, the prime that saved my men and me from that patchwork giant. He wishes to help defend Darkshire."

"Oh... uhm ok, one second" Dobson shuffled a stack of papers around, in front of his desk was a large diorama of Darkshire. Strazio stepped forward and took his time studying the lay of the land and tried to commit landmarks to memory. The entire room was one large battle station, maps and battle plans covered almost every inch of the walls. So this is it. This is why he's the commander, all of these maps and tactical documents are impeccable. This guy must be some kind of tactical genius. Dobson pointed at a spot on the map and spoke quickly

"Ok, so far east right here we've established a watchtower, sort of a hard defensive point against any small forces trying to flank Darkshire. You'll report to Dmitri, understand?"

Strazio raised his eyebrow and lowered his hood. A slight spark jumped through the tips of his fingers. "You're putting me on guard duty? Sorry, but I think that's squandering my talents a bit, I'm more suited to knocking down doors and cracking heads." Rumford looked at Strazio with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. Dobson looked away and then back at the prime.

"Sorry, but we need your talents there... you're strong, but you've only been here for two days. You'll have to trust me, you're most needed with Dmitri"

Strazio scowled and tried to speak, but Rumford grabbed his shoulder. Strazio didn't want to admit it, but Dobson was probably right. He clenched his fist and quieted the white sparks jumping across his skin. Dejected he turned his back on Dobson and raised his hood. He raised his hand and with a flick of his wrist he left with Rumford in tow.

"I'll take you to the armory so you can get weapons and armor"

"No thank you, I don't know how to use a blade or bow and armor just slows me down."

"Very well, suit yourself. But unfortunately this is where we must part ways Strazio. Stay safe, stay strong" Rumford extended his hand and a smile. Strazio paused for a second, it had been a while since someone had been so courteous to him. After a bit of trepidation he gripped Rumford's hand and shook it. He smiled and gave Rumford a cheesy thumbs up.

"Will do, just remember I won't be around to save you next time you get in trouble. You stay safe as well friend"

Several hours and one boring trip later.

The watchtower wasn't very large, a small stone and iron spire perched atop a hill. Strazio frowned 'what a shitshow, forcing me to play watchdog' he lowered his hood and walked up to the iron door. Strazio knocked several times, sending an echo of metal throughout the building. Above him a voice, gentle and soft asked

"Who are you?" Strazio looked up and say a man in tactical combat armor. His hair was short and brown and his face was coated in stubble. Strazio kicked the door softly and spit at the ground

"I am Strazio Rockwell, Dobson sent me here. Are you Dmitri?"

"I am, how do I know you were sent from Dobson?"

Dobson gave Strazio no charter and since he didn't visit the armory he had no Darkshire isignia. Strazio scratched his head and shrugged "You don't, I guess you'll just have to trust me" The two stared at each other for a long time. Dmitri frowned and then shouted to someone behind him.

"Well I am a gambler, come on up we need more men."

The door unlocked and swung open, Strazio was greeted by a large bear of a man. The inside of the tower was much smaller than it appeared on the outside. It had a small cooking area and an even smaller sleeping area. The only way up was a worn wooden ladder, strapped to the stone walls with iron brackets.Without skipping a second Strazio climbed the ladder. Even with Strazio and Dmitri being the only people upstairs Strazio felt cramped and restrained. Dmitri greeted him with a soft smile and a warm handshake. Strazio looked around and noticed several very large ballista mounted onto the top of the tower, obviously this place was meant to do some damage.

"The view is pretty impressive yeah? It was much better in the early days, before everything went to hell." Dmitri smiled and motion out towards the moors.

"This place used to be something other than despair incarnate?"

"Yeah, used to be beautiful man, picturesque even. Much better than the hell hole I came from"