• Kitan woke groggily as the sun's rays were coming over the tops of the buildings on the other side of the street. He sat up carefully, so as to not tear his stitches. It had been a couple days since the tournament ended. He spent his time relaxing, keeping his weapons sharp, sightseeing, greeting the people that cheered for him and ignoring the comments of the people who were disgusted with him winning. Kitan methodically went through a routine while he was resting. He would wake up, sharpen his weapons, stretch and push his body some by doing muscle strengthening workouts. The other two protested at first the day after the tournament when Jade found him doing angled push ups with his feet on the bed and his arms on the floor. When he ignored them they just asked that he let them know when he was doing this, so they could watch over him if he needed medical treatment. Kitan agreed to the terms. After his workout he would eat, replace his bandages and sight see around Dralgo. He intended to follow through on his promise. By the fifth day Kitan felt like he had returned to his old self. About noon, when the others were eating, Kitan came into the common area with a smile.

    "What are you so happy about? You beat up some old lady and took her purse?" Axel said in between mouthfuls. Jade just stomped on his foot, causing Axel to flinch, and then added, "You feeling alright?"

    Kitan took out a paper he had been handed and slammed it on the table, a bt harder then he had intended. "We are leaving, tonight. If we are going to get there before the caravan leaves. They are traveling the path M'kael and the Band took. If I want to know why that man has any interest in me, let alone the people I am with this is the path to get some information. After all, I can't ask M'kael himself."

    Jade and Axel shared a look between them and looked at the paper. In big italicized letters were the words "The guiding Band of History" and on the bottom in smaller words, "relive the times of the Great Divide, revisit the past to make our future more exciting"

    Axel crumpled it up and resumed his eating, and Jade stomped on his foot again. She looked up at Kitan and spoke. "Are you sure traveling in a larger group will keep him from attacking? He has already bested you, and Axel.. and nearly killed me."

    Kitan's gaze did not waver. He looked into her eyes and simply replied. "I promised. I was merely informing you of my plans, whether you come with me or not is up to you. Though... I would gladly welcome it."

    Jade took a deep breath and nodded. "I guess if I am to learn more about Alyssa and the Band, then I have no choice." she said with a smile slowly blooming on her face.

    Axel simply slammed his plate down, reached into his pocket, pulled out a single coin and looked Kitan in the eyes. "Heads I come, tails we go our separate ways, I take my winnings, head to Zocun by myself, and no remorse between us." Kitan nodded. Axel without moving his gaze flipped the coin. It reached its height and Axel reached up and caught it. He slammed it on the table and slowly moved his gaze to the coin. He didn't uncover it from his hand but exhaled deeply.

    "Damn, I guess my luck isn't what it used to be. We better get to Zocun fast. These people better help educate your idiocy out of you." He said sarcastically.

    Jade smiled and came over to his side and kissed his cheek. "I think your luck is just fine." She stood and left to get her things. Axel was still rubbing his cheek where she kissed him when Kitan left to do the same. The three of them were all ready to leave and join the traveling band within an hour. They were silent while walking through the streets to reach their destination. They knew they were coming closer to them when the sound of a man's voice, with the enthusiasm of a storyteller was beginning to get louder and more boisterous as they grew nearer.

    "Then with one fell swoop, M'kael thrust his blade upward and thus ended the final battle and in actuality ended the Great Divide."

    Cheers erupted and the man who was standing on the fountain wall hopped down to give plenty of bows. One man shouted boo, and the cheering stopped.

    "Nobody knows what happened in the Dolyon capital, hell if you think YOU know it, then tell us, what happened to M'kael? Why aren't they here keeping the peace among the surviving territories, why aren't they residing in positions of power to grant us working men and women a decent, simple life?"

    The man simply nodded and held a hand up. "A fine couple questions, and one that I would gladly answer if you would only do one thing: Travel the road he took. Live the path and imagine what you see through his eyes. Try to understand the thoughts of a genius tactician... and you'll understand the answer to your questions." He waved his hands towards the caravan wagon and waited. The man shook his head and walked away.

    Axel leaned closer to Kitan and whispered "this guy is off his rocker, you really want to spend the next couple weeks traveling with a nut job? I think--"

    Then Jade elbowed him in the gut stopping his train of speech, and added also in a whisper "I think its a fine choice, and one you would see as well if you would only get your mind off money and on the bigger picture." She finished and moved forward to join the couple people getting into the wagon. Axel shook his head, rubbing his gut and muttering under his breath but joined her in the wagon. Kitan smiled. He felt for the first time, like he was back home, listening to the others in his village bicker back and forth. He took a deep breath and joined the others.

    * * *

    Are you sure about this Leader?"

    "Yes. If he is to know the truth, about everything. He must be allowed to do this. And do this unharmed." He said tilting his head to his left.

    The man at his left, in his crimson cloak, shook his head. "Why did we do all that only to have it repeat. I say we should--" he stopped when he noticed the other man looking at him. "Fine, unharmed. But, what if the others decide to inform him. You let them live because like myself to Kitan, you grew close to them. Will you be able to act this time or will you repeat your actions?"

    "I have chosen my path. He will soon choose his." And with that the two turned, to find the waiting lady, also wearing a crimson cloak.

    "All is arranged Leader. One of them is in Kushu, two are waiting for orders from you. One in Zocun guarding the thief's things, and a general even is considering joining your cause. With these key people under your command.. you could finish what the seven of you were fighting so hard to end. And bring about a better era." She said as she went to a knee, moving an arm over her chest.

    "Good Abidona. Now you have your orders. Leave me, I must tend to some unfinished business north of here. Return and await my return at the place I showed you." Both replied with a 'yes Leader' and were off. The man they called Leader stood there for a moment before setting off north as he had said. His scarred face from that tragic fire made it nearly impossible to show any emotion other than a cold stare and a murderous smile. His face showed only the murderous smile.

    * * *

    "Now we all know that M'kael started out as nothing more than a peasant. Hailing from the capital of Dralgo, he had dreams of grandeur. We don't know what made him leave the comfort of his homeland, but he did. And we are thankful. thanks to historians of his time we know he left Dralgo down this road. This..." the man who had introduced himself as Dedric Iboulle, turned to point down the road. "This road though considered the longest unguarded stretch of road in his time, is now stationed with guard shacks every two miles. Each one houses fifty to seventy trained men at one time and patrol within a mile from where they are stationed. Imagine what life was like in those times, walking this long stretch of dirt at night, not knowing if you would be ambushed at night by raiders or thieves.. or worse."

    A woman squeaked at that thought.

    "Do not fear my good lady, we are fine and perfectly safe. The road is guarded, and this time we have traveling warriors, in search of knowledge and a way to put their own names into the history books." He said reassuringly to her and motioning to the three of them. Kitan noticed that Axel was already "calming" the agitated woman, as did he notice when Jade punched him rather hard in his side. He couldn't figure those two out. They acted like an old married couple but, at the same time spent hardly any time together.

    "This path on foot would take almost two weeks and three days, if the pace was a speedy one. Now thankfully, we have this wagon, which will cut the time in almost in half. Which means we can stop at the small trading town of Palm Mellows. It is known for its wide assortment of tropical trees, though nowhere near the coast."

    The man went on for hours talking about things he pointed out to them, which he had obviously done many times before on his many trips. Such enthusiasm about small things like a rare bug, or a birds migration pattern, or even telling a story about how feeling the wind at just the right time in the day can send chills through your body and make you sweat at the same time. Kitan was exhausted when they reached the guard station.

    "Here we are folks, thanks to the regular stops of other merchants trading with these fine folks this particular guard station is also a rest area for weary travelers. If you must stock up on something, now is the time. There wont be any other place like this until we are at least a good four days out from Dralgo." Dedric instructed as he hopped out of the wagon and went over to one of the guards.

    Kitan noticed the two talking very intently but paid it no more mind, for he was just glad to get out and stretch his legs. Kitan looked around at what he saw. The station seemed to be in good condition, no holes in the walls, the doors seemed to be made of a sturdy, thick wood, and a man watching the land outside around the station. Kitan figured that if every station was as orderly and well manned as this then he could feel a bit more relaxed knowing men like this have his back. Dedric had finished talking and returned to the group.

    "It seems as if there was a commotion about a mile or so down the road. There is nothing to fear, but the captain has instructed us to take an alternative route to our destination of Kushu. So we will take the route through Palm Mellows after all." Kitan was about to ask how much time they were losing but Dedric beat him to the punch. "Do not worry, we aren't losing that much time. Instead of getting there in two weeks THREE days, we will be there in two weeks SIX days."

    Kitan once again was about to ask something, but one of the others traveling spoke up and asked it for him. He had broad shoulders, only wore a vest and very tight work pants, and carried what seemed to be a blacksmith bag. His voice was a deep, demanding, yet gentle voice. "So then what tis the plan for the people of this merry band of people seeking knowledge of our past?"

    "For our own safety and until tomorrow, the captain has instructed us to stay on this side of either hill on both sides of the road. There have been a few attacks from meaningless bandit brigades who just want something to satiate their hunger." The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves and began to do their own thing. Before the group was too far out of ear shot Dedric shouted "If you would like to hear my many tales of the Band of Seven, I will be over here double checking our route with the captain. Please feel free to come to me, I am always happy to educate the uneducated, teach the unruly, and help those who desire to want to help themselves but are unable."

    Kitan turned to Axel and Jade. "Well what do you want to do until tomorrow?"

    "I plan on taking this chance to draw, Since the tournament I haven't had a chance. It would be very relaxing to draw a few of the things on our little adventure." Jade said smiling already waving and turning to do as she said.

    Axel yawned and turned saying over his shoulder "I can't win much money from the group we are in so I'm gonna hit the bed. If you need help call for someone else. Oh and if you find out how long its gonna be till we pass through Kushu to Zocun tell me."

    Kitan shook his head but said that he would. Dedric's offer was too good to pass up. Kitan gathered his things and headed straight to Dedric. Dedric saw him and while he spoke to the captain, he held up a finger to Kitan. Kitan nodded and waited a few feet away.

    "If we are to leave safely tomorrow I must ask if we may borrow a few soldiers. It would ease both my mind and some of the others."

    "I can't. Word from Dralgo says that we must ship half my men to the front lines on the south south eastern borders." The captain replied in an almost whisper. "War is coming... while citizens live in ignorance we soldiers must ready ourselves and wait, wait for the spark to ignite this hellfire waiting to swallow us all once again."

    "You believe we will repeat the events of the Great Divide?"

    "I pray we wont, but... like historians preach... it has a way of repeating itself. Good day good sir."

    Kitan nodded to the captain as he passed. Kitan's thoughts surrounded what he overheard. War. Fighting. He shook his head and put that in the back of his mind. He had things to learn about a certain someone. Kitan went to Dedric and spoke.

    "Dedric, you mentioned earlier that you had stories about the Band of Seven and of M'kael. I would greatly appreciate it if you shared what you know with me."

    Dedric smiled and gave a soft chuckle, "A future storyteller... or maybe a soon to be ruler wishing to know how to be remembered?"

    Kitan shook his head, holding his hands up and added with a smile, "No I, I am just interested in them that's all."

    Dedric nodded and replied "Forgive me for teasing the young, sometimes I wonder if they still have a sense of humor. Anyways, come I will tell you anything about them that you would ask of me. My brain is yours to pick."

    Dedric and Kitan found a quiet place under the shade of a tree. "Well where would you like me to begin child?"

    Kitan thought only a moment before speaking. "Where it all began. When M'kael changed the world."

    Dedric took a deep breath, closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. Dedric nodded and then reopened them. "A fine place to begin, a fine place indeed. Well then we shall start from his birth. M'kael was born in the poorest district in Dralgo. A poor family, but an honest living selling himself as a worker for hire for whoever would buy his skills, like his father did before him. He learned many skills, from woodworking, to steelwork, to cooking to farming. By his fifteenth year, he was a somewhat muscular boy. His father was drafted by the military when the Great Divide erupted, leaving M'kael to take care of his sickly mother. We presume that when his mother passed, when we don't know, M'kael set out leaving all he had grown up and embarked for the unknown. He left down the same path as our merry band and when he arrived in Kushu he worked under a weapon-smith. He learned how to work the steel and when he had learned all he could half a decade later, was given his sword by his master." Dedric pulled out a picture of M'kael atop a hill, holding his sword above his head as he claimed victory. The hilt looked to have a charm attached to it in the shape of a wolf head. The blade was a long slightly curved blade and to Kitan's eyes appeared to be double edged. Along the blades middle words were etched into it but Kitan couldn't see them clearly. Dedric returned it to its place, folded up inside a book in Dedric's bag. "M'kael was there for a few months. But like any war it has a way of enveloping everything. M'kael entered into the Kushunan military as a mercenary. He worked his way up the ranks of the mercenary band known as the Wolf Pack. Known for there fierce, swift, and deadly attacking tactics. There numbers were never more than the size of a wolfs pack, hence their name. He fought in the civil uprising of Sumhazael, located on the other side of Kushu just a week south. He fought in the river battle of the Yilken crossing. Oh! that was a marvelous battle indeed, it was also where M'kael took over the Wolf Pack. They were outnumbered on a vessel sent to ignite the other sides ships who had anchored so close to each other that the winds carried the flames from one to the next. A brilliant tactic that would have been perfect, had the Leader of the Wolf Pack at the time, not have sold his sword to the enemy and began to kill his own men. Others.. others disagree but I believe it was then and there M'kael's eyes were finally open to the hearts of men, how a man you can fight alongside one day can be trying to gut you the next, all for the cost of a bag of gold. M'kael disbanded the Wolf Pack but, his name would be harder still to get rid of. A year had passed from the battle of Yilken crossing when he was traveling through Thirsh. He had joined a traveling circus band, as the daring and fearless sword master. He would have any and every volunteer wherever they went come and fight him. Well one day in Thirsh during his routine, a man volunteered to fight him. Now if, if memory serves me correctly the volunteer could use anything he wanted against M'kael. This challenger only used a quarterstaff hollowed out and filled with a metal center. Yes Jonathan Zomas, and the aid of his hawk. Yes it is said that that is the only moment in M'kael's life to have ever lost but you know," Dedric looked around, leaned closer to Kitan and in a soft voice barely heard over the wind blowing, "I believe that he lost not just once but six times. I believe that the Band was formed because they all bested M'kael in a fight. The two became comrades and traveled together, selling their swords for whatever, whether it be assassinations, or a simple guarding of a caravan from one side of town to the other. As long as the price was right. It was on a job that sent them to Zocun that their ideals began to develop. When the two were sent in to spark the Zocunan coupe De tat, for they were sent to kill the ambassador of Sumhazael wearing Zocunan armor of the imperial guard. One of the guards on duty was F'lorin. He valued his honor and when he cornered the two as there attempt at their objective failed, he asked them why they would sully their good names, why two skilled warriors would choose to use their blades to kill instead of protecting. As a warrior, a man's heart is truly seen on the battlefield when chaos is ensuing around them. Something he said hit home with M'kael, and I don't know how but the two were joined by F'lorin the next morning who promised to keep them honest as long as M'kael would let him fight him on even ground. One on One. It was another six months before the loud mouthed woman who was like the reaper herself joined them, Sasha Gorlin. As the three were passing through the aftermath of a battle somewhere not far off from the borders of the old Dolyon Empire. She was in shock, staring at a man impaled to a door, still clutching to life. She saw them and attacked. I believe that when she was fighting on par with all three of them, what kept her alive that day was her tears. M'kael I presume saw her frightened self and once again in battle saw this woman not as she was but what she used to be before the tragic event. The four were inseparable. The four traveled together, grew as close as a family, shared good times and bad times and even worse times.. It wasn't till two years later that he ran into J'son that the last three of the Band were located. J'son had traveled the lands following word of M'kael. When he finally found him he asked to join, M'kael said no. J'son insisted and got his answer. When he was at hi wits end he fell to the ground and asked why. M'kael came to him and asked him why he was so eager to follow in the footsteps of blood shed by them. J'son simply said, "So others may see you as saviors, and not bloodthirsty animals. So the world may see that there is still light in such chaos. M'kael and J'son fought and he joined the band. The last two joined rather quickly. Thanks to J'son and his information gathering over the years he had heard of a woman with the strength of a hundred men and the speed of a jaguar and how she was seen near the northern borders of Dralgo.. I forget the name of the village but the five went and she joined after a very hearty fight between all five. I believe I heard somewhere that the waters after that battle had seen such purity in men's hearts that once drank could heal the wounded,... and for the life of me cannot remember anything other than her name, Pamela." Dedric leaned back and pulled out a mahogany pipe and began stuffing it with tobacco. Kitan took that in as Dedric went about lighting it. Dedric's words ignited a memory from his childhood. Something his master had told him one day when she had been training him and Gnal. "Be wary of a man on the streets, who would greet you with an open hand, because that same man could one day close his hand around a blade against you. A man's heart is truly honest in the heat of battle. I know you don't understand, but one day you two idiots will and, hey! Are you two listening to..."

    Kitan was brought back when Jade sat next to him, smiling and offering him an apple. He graciously shook his head.

    I apologize for intruding, but I was wondering what you knew of the others. The rest of the Band of Seven. I have spent a good amount of years trying to follow in the footsteps and the teachings of Alyssa." She turned to Kitan and continued "She was a philosophizer before she joined the Band. She traveled to many towns speaking to them about peace, and how even surrounded by darkness a light will always shine. She traveled to all over the world. From every corner of Thuron to the Island Nations of Unfa'ilil. She was a wise woman in training in her own home but when the Great Divide erupted instead of taking up the sword she took up the needle. She never took a life. Alyssa was a rare woman. She somehow was given access to travel with every military force without it being known until just recently. When the army marched, so did she, when they went to battle to kill, she went to save. Though she carried a sword it was hardly withdrawn." Jade looked to Dedric and continued "It was said that when the band disappeared, her sword, still in its sheath was there alongside the note, to give it meaning. Is that true?"

    Dedric shook his head. "No sadly her sword was not there. That is just another storyteller trying to one up some other man telling the same story. Kids... so eager to believe the first, yet unknowing the second is half true and the third is an eighth true and the fourth is true with every other word." Kitan and Jade exchanged a look, making Dedric laugh. "Too deep for ones so young? I thought so, when you understand that you will understand what it is to siphon through the veil of deception. Many have tried, few have succeeded. As to how she joined it was actually she who sought them out. When she found them she insisted that they stop what they were doing, that the lives they were taking were innocent ones and if they must take a life that they take only two more, hers and the leader of the Dolyon Empire. None of them could take it so M'kael asked her to come with them, to stop the bloodshed and to help the six of them find something to be, other than tools of war. She told them something that I will pass onto you. Don't be your surroundings. She joined them to help end the suffering, not cause more... nothing more nobler than a cause like that I would think." He glanced up above the wall at the sun setting slowly. Dedric rose to his feet. "Ah but alas, our time is at an end for I am exhausted, happily of course but exhausted all the same. Tomorrow if you still wish to know what an old storyteller has to offer about the Band, then I will gladly answer any questions you may have and weave such a tale even M'kael himself would clap for me to continue. I bid you good night." And with that left towards the room set aside by the captain for the travelers. Kitan sat there next to Jade looking at the apple core on the ground. He seemed to be lost in thought.

    "Something on your mind Kitan?"

    "Huh? Oh not really... I was just thinking about something, Dedric's words made me remember something, that's all. What about you? Did you get what you wanted?" Kitan asked getting up.

    She nodded and with a smile replied "Yes, I believe I did. Hearing that story only makes me want to be more like her. She was such a strong, yet at the same time gentle woman. She gave herself to everything she put her mind to and ended up being apart of something that changed all of Thuron..."

    Jade?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Do you think... do you think that we will change the world?"

    "I don't know but like she said, while we are here, don't be our surroundings. Live our lives and do what comes from our hearts." She said, gently laying a hand on his. The two stood like that until she began to blush. She stepped back and with another smile rushed off to get food.

    Kitan just stood there looking up at a hawk soaring overhead. "Don't... be my surroundings.."