TALES FROM THE RENGE: THE PROPHECY FULFILLRD

WARRIORS OF THE DARK RING: THE LOTHAR

“Sisters,” a voice shouted in the din of confusion that had ensued after the declaration of war had been read to the Sisterhood of the Lothar, “behold. Your army assembles and you are about to do proud battle.”

All eyes turned to behold the speaker of those words. To their great surprise, it had not been their revered leader, but rather, her youngest daughter–who, at thirteen, was not yet of age to join in the battle to come. Yet, her words held them to their nature and they roared in approval. Age seemed to matter little now, as even the youngest of the girls who were strong enough to lift a sword and throw a spear-at eight years of age-began to do so. And as they did, they joined the ranks of their elders who had already begun to take their places in the courtyard of their great temple.

Though they began their weapons training at the age of five, with swords and shields made of balsawood so as to not harm anyone with careless parries and thrusts, they were not considered old enough to join in battle until they had reached the age of fifteen. And even then, their roles were limited to standard bearer or armor bearer. Some never made it past the stage of medic. Yet, now, it seemed as if those days of segregation were gone. There was no time now.

There was a war to fight. Classes meant nothing. Experience would come soon enough through the battles to come. The weak would be culled from their ranks, and the cowards would flee from their midst. Yes, war was hell. And that hell had descended upon them without warning. Now, they had to live by the fight or flight philosophy. The strong would fight, the weak would take flight.

Even Willemat was taken by surprise by her daughter’s outburst. The thirteen year old sprite of a girl was usually quiet and reserved. But now, she seemed to take an uncharacteristic glee in the upcoming battle. Yet, it did her proud to have one daughter who so willingly took a keen interest in such matters. It no longer mattered to her that the youth, by custom, still too young to do battle. She had shown a spark of bravery not found in many of the older girls.