The Orb of Azcera

“Let's go over this one more time to make sure we are all clear,” Agostine began with an authoritative voice.

As he spoke, Agostine stood from a crouched position, his face bearing a look of determination. His men stood at attention almost instinctively as they heard their leader addressing them. Agostine was a man of his early thirties, tall in stature, and in peak physical condition. He wore his sandy brown hair at shoulder length, and bore a clean-cut beard and mustache. His face carried the scars of battle, which made him appear older than he actually was. Despite that, Agostine was considered a handsome man. His face was stern and rugged in appearance, yet his deep blue eyes somehow seemed to soften his face just enough to give him what could be described as an approachable quality. As he adjusted the metal breastplate that was strapped over his shoulders, he continued his instruction.

"The corridor just inside the entrance to the cave will provide us the best means of attack. Everyone will file in, hide in the crevices along the walls of the long narrow passageway, and wait. Do nothing to give up the element of surprise, or we will quickly lose our advantage.”

The men encircled their leader as he went over the plan one last time. Agostine clearly saw the fatigue on the men's faces as he spoke, but he did not waiver. The King's knights were weary from the long journey that brought them to this point. It was Agostine's task to ensure that the soldiers stayed focused, and were ready for what was about to transpire.

“As the dragon enters,” Agostine said, pointing to the cave entrance in front of the men, “and it makes its way down the path to its lair, we will strike from both sides. Wait until its head is past you and you have a clear shot at its underbelly. The narrow pathway will not allow it to turn its head to strike, so it will only be able to back up or charge forward.”

The men listened intently as Agostine spoke. Faces that previously appeared tired and battered began to show signs of energy and confidence.

"Group two!” Agostine pointed toward four of the men circled around him. “Since you are in the middle of the corridor, you will strike first. If it backs up, then group one…” he paused briefly, pointing to four different men, “…will strike next trying to keep it from returning to the outside. If it moves forward, my group, group three, will strike, hopefully finishing it before it can enter its lair and have room to maneuver. Are we all clear so far?”

Agostine paused to ensure understanding. The men all nodded and responded in the affirmative.

"Good. If it gets to its lair, or back to the outside, we lose the advantage, but we must continue. The creature will be wounded regardless, so this will still be our best chance to finish it off. If our attacks in the corridor don't kill it, at least do whatever you can to force it to move forward into its lair instead of backwards to the outside. We don't want it to be able to fly if it reaches the open air.”

Agostine looked up to monitor the dragon's approach. There was still a little time left before they would be visible to the beast.

He continued, “Now, if we have to fight in the open, do not try to take it head on. Its mouth is its strongest weapon. Keep spread out and continue to flank to either side of the creature. Its jaws are incredibly powerful and could easily snap you in two. It can also shoot a venom from its mouth that will burn your skin like acid. We would be best to keep it disoriented by attacking from as many angles as possible. Just stay away from its front.”

The command in his voice was clear. There was no room for error. No hesitation allowed. The men gathered in every word. While fear was still prevalent, the clarity that Agostine provided them seemed to help the men overcome any of their previous apprehensions.

Agostine's voice shifted. He spoke a little softer and more empathetic, but still clearly maintained his authority. “Remember what you volunteered for here. This creature has caused enough destruction and loss for us already. Our friends, our families, and our Kingdom are all counting on us. I know you are tired. I know you are nervous. You would be foolish not to be. We need to stay clear-headed on what we must do however. This creature will continue to reign havoc on our Kingdom if we don't destroy it. Let's get this done, and we can all go home as heroes.”