Drake awoke startled and sweaty, his hands clenched onto the too warm blanket over himself like he did when he was a child, scared of the imagining his little head was capable of creating out of the dark corners of his room. The course wool blanket Drake had and the tough uncomfortable matt he was on were both unfamiliar to Drake and annoyed him last night as he tried to sleep. Drake paid them no mind now though, as instead he fought a panic the followed him out of his dreams. Even after a decade of these consistent nightmares Drake was still unable to shrug off the feeling of intense horror and gut wrenching fear that always accompanied him when he awoke. His father claimed that his dreams were in some way prophetic and meaningful. He interpreted their consistent nature due to a possible amount of seer blood in Drake rather than any traumatic experience haunting his son’s unconscious mind. Drake’s father bragged to his peers that perhaps his late wife had been distantly related to the prophets of the past and that the talents had coalesced into his third son.

Drake didn’t care what caused the horrible dreams, seer blood or not. He just wished they would go away. No amount of praise from his father changed that...

Drake took several deep breaths and resisted the urge to empty his stomach up next to him, as he often did on these sporadic mornings. This morning though, he would be defiling his own tent space. Drake tried to calm down. He used several meditative techniques he had been taught long ago from his tutor, forcing steady breaths, relaxing his muscles, and eventually slowing down the beating of his heart. He worked quickly too. iIt wouldn’t do to be seen by anyone this way.

Drake stared at the ceiling of his tent, the morning dew laying sweetly on its underside threatening to drip down on him. The tent was a simple, practical tent, bereft of many of the luxuries Drake usually had in his abode. To many of the men outside though, he was already privileged enough to have his quarters to himself. It was standard in their camp for the soldiers to share their space but, as a son of the noble lord in this place, it would have been intolerable to accept that. Through the thin material of his tent he could hear the men already awake and working in this morning, packing, cooking, bathing, and all around preparing themselves for the day. Although Drake was technically a part of the regiment of men, anybody who knew anything would allow Drake the right to sleep in as much as he wanted to. Such was the nature of their standings.

After calming down and cursing his own weakness and shame, Drake threw off the blanket on top of him, revealing his somewhat flabby body to the cool morning air, the sweat evaporating off him giving him slight chills. The biggest giveaway of Drake’s noble status was in fact his body, it showed off the ability to eat well without working hard. He stretched disgracefully with a soft groan, pushing the dream forcibly from his mind, before standing up in the cozy complete tent. Drake donned his clothing quickly, putting on his leggings and rare red tunic that belonged as a symbol of his family. He hesitated a moment, then decided to don the light chest armor he had been provided with before exiting the tent and greeting the low morning sun.

“Good morning, Sir.” A man stated when Drake exited the tent.

“Good Morning,” Drake replied carelessly, acknowledging the suited soldier standing guard outside his tent, fully equipped out in chain mail, helm, shield and spear. The guards position here was mostly ceremonial, but important nonetheless. Any harm that could have possibly come to the Lord’s son would undoubtedly be avenged on the encampment. Drake took the man’s position for granted, but cheeks flushed slightly, thinking that the guard had probably heard his thrashing in the nightmare from his point here.

Drake nodded at the man, dismissing him and the guard then moved away without another word. No tiredness showed on his face, but Drake knew he was up all night protecting him. Now that Drake was up his job was done and he disappeared, presumably to his own bed. Drake did not care.

Drake took a second and looked down upon the sprawling encampment of tents, men, horses and wagon that were displayed before and around him. He had been told by the captain here that never before had such a large group of soldiers gathered for any purpose other than war. It had in fact been over 50 years since any last meaningful skirmish with other noble neighboring lands. After squinting in the early sun, Drake moved forward. Smells and sounds of the morning grew stronger, as if the encampment was a beast slowing rising from its stupor. Sentries switched positions and perimeters shifted over, and Drake could hear the light clanging of the metal ringing in the air. Drake walked down the spiral aisles of the camp seeing men washing, cleaning, and shaving over their small fires. Drake made his way towards to officers tent, near the center of the camp, ignoring all others that passed by.

The Officer tent was large and open with a patterns and shapes sewn into the fabric of the walls. A couple men stood outside to bar the way of unwanted personal andt he looked up as Drake approached but then looked away quickly, neither affirming nor condemning his presence. Drake likewise ignored them as well, thinking of only the food he knew he would be able to obtain there.

In the mornings, the tent was set up with tables and seats for the food provided from the mess, but at all other times of the table those were cleared away and the makeshift tables returned to their original purpose of desks and offices. The large tent was mostly empty now, except for three men sat closely with each and conversed as if there was important matters that needed attending to. They looked up as Drake came in and immediately their gazes turned cold. Two returned to their conversation, but the third let a sneer stay on his face for a few seconds before returning as well. After that they did not pay Drake any mind.

Without hesitation Drake attended to his own stomach, snatching the biscuits and hot gravy from the food line. Soon after he filled his plate though, another character entered the tent and scowled as he saw Drake finishing up his collection. Unlike the others though, he strode forward and said theatrically, “How could the guards let in this common soldier into the officer’s tent? Have they fallen asleep at their posts? And even more so, look at how shamelessly he partakes! One would think that he must have worked hard all night to have such boldness!” At the newcomer’s words the three men sitting together looked up, finally giving their attention to Drake. They let their irritation show on their faces.

Drake scowled, looking back at the man towering over him. The man had long dirty blond hair that was clean and well kept along with a clean face, strong chin, and overall an aesthetically pleasing countenance. It was clear though that the man had been up all night from the dark shadows under his eyes and the grimy nature of his face. Drake replied back stoically, “I have as much right to eat from the food my Father provided as you do, Lieutenant Arent.”

Arent showed mock surprise. “Why, if it isn’t our young master, Drake! I almost did not recognize you with that armor over your red stained clothes! I must apologize for my behavior then, I did not in any way mean to suggest that you were not worthy of eating from the same table as us officers who had to work hard and earn our keep. Your status alone is enough for all to bow low to you and offer up our own shares.” Arent dropped his mockery and asked slyly, “Allow me to be the first to offer then, Young Master, can I give you my portion of my meal this morning? I may have been awake all night attending to my duties, but I know that a full belly for your nobleness is far more important than my empty one.” Arnet held out his hand earnestly, as if to give away his position.

Drake hesitated for a moment, unsure, before replying, “That will not be necessary, eat your own food.”

Arent snorted with laughter, “My merciful master, how kind you are. Your benevolence will be worshipped throughout the history, I tell you.”

Drake scowled at Arent, then turned away, taking a table far away from the others. Arent continued to chuckle as he got himself his own food and then languidly moved up to the other three officers, they too smiled and chuckled with him. Drake ate alone, trying to ignore the actions that Arent had displayed.

Soon, others entered the tent as well and it became bustling as they moved about in the still soft morning. Half of them were actually getting a meal before they were to go to bed while the rest were also breaking their fast in the morning. All of them though ignored and avoided Drake, leaving him unattended to at his table.

Arent soon finished his plate as we off to go find his own bed, but he stole one more tight glance at Drake at he got up. His eyes narrowed as he witnessed the kid slowly eating his fill without a care. He glanced around quickly before winking at his three companies and then strode up to Drake proudly, sitting down in front of him.

“Young Master,” Arent said, “How has your first week with the troupe been? I imagine it must be very different from your usual Hall with your Father?”

Drake didn’t answer at first, wondering if there was a way out of this without engaging Arent. But after seeing Arent’s attentive gaze, Drake replied shortly, “It fine.”

“I am pleased to hear that,” Arent replied mockingly, “I was afraid the shock of such a change would prove too difficult for a man of your stature. While the rest of us are used to clothing and feeding ourselves, since you had never had to do that I had thought you would have starved to death in the first few days.”

Drake’s face flushed and he put his half eaten biscuit down quickly, “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” He snapped.

“You have a good ability to adapt then,” Arent nodded, “It is important for a noble to adapt to new environments, ones other than lordly halls, high ceilings, fancy dresses, and fine wine. Being able to adapt to a commoner life is high praise for you.”

Drake’s face turned ugly. “Watch your tongue, it would not do well for you to continue to mock me.”

“Or what?” Arent sneered, his face finally turning aggressive, “We both know you were sent out here as punishment. The only benefits you receive now is the ability to eat with the other officers.”

“That’s not true,” Drake denied forcefully, “My father sent me here to supervise his men a this work on this historic discovery, this has nothing to do with any punishment!”

“Supervise??” Arent replied maddeningly, “Supervise us? The only thing you supervise is your own needs and desires. Do you know, we broke through the final layer of the barrier early this morning, that is why many of us stayed up, but what were you doing? Sleeping, no doubt, in your personal tent with your nice warm blanket and comforters. Let me ask you, what tasks have your father given to you in your role here, what reports have you written on your progress to him? You’re not here to supervise, you’re here because your Father needed a babysitter!”

Drake stood quickly, his hands clenched in fury, “You dare insult me! I don’t need my father here to put you in your place. Myself alone will be enough, I’ll have you lashed for this disrespect!”

Arent only laughed, “Did I hit a sore spot? What did you do to embarrass your father so much that he exiled you out here? Oh wait, if i recall correctly there was a certain rumor I heard regarding an event that took place recently at your Father’s estate…”

“SILENCE!” Drake roared, pointing his hand out at Arent forcefully, “You are forbidden from speaking to me from this point forward, neither are you to be in my presence!”

Arent rolled his eyes, “What kind of arrogant fool are you to be saying such things now??”

Drake swelled up in rage, but another man, older and more exhausted looking than Arent, stepped forward and put a hand on Arent’s shoulder. “Do not bully our Lord’s son, so, Lieutenant. It isn’t proper.”

Aren’t looked back at the man and immediately cooled. “Yes, Captain,” he replied without hesitation. He got up and and moved away, not before giving out one last scowl at Drake before exiting the tent.

The captain sighed, and then said to the still smoldering, “Please forgive the lieutenant, young master.”

“He is to be punished for his disrespect,” Drake replied still standing straight, arrogant and angry.

“He has had a long and tiring night,” the Captain replied soothingly, “pay it no mind. I will give him proper disciplinary action when he wakes up.” Drake grumbled but said nothing and took his seat back. He glowered at the table, still red faced and did not touch his food.

The Captain sighed again and took the same seat Arent had just vacated. “How are you adjusting to life here in the camp?”

Drake’s eyes flashed, “I am not in the mood for bantering, Captain. The sooner I get out of here, the happier you and I will both be. We both know I am to suited for this type of work. It was a mistake for Father to send me here.”

The Captain paused, before continuing, “I do not know, not to contradict you, young master, but i think you should give you and your Father more credit. Your Father is a great man, he does mean the best for you. It would be wrong to think of this as punishment to be out here with us, but rather it would be his encouragement for you to learn and grow with us. He too, had spent time with us as a young kid, and so did both your older brothers. It is a common thing to have happen.”

“My brothers wanted to come out here,” Drake responded quickly, “I did not. Only fools believe that value only comes out from being a military officer, fools like my brothers. What they lack, I already have.”

The Captain nodded, “I am sure. However, there are potential benefits to be had, all the same, if you are willing.”

Drake pecked at his food and said, “I don’t have any intention to playing into my father's ploy. I plan on finishing out my time here without bothering anybody.”

The Captain said suddenly, “Don’t say that, come with me today to the excavation site, you can’t spend your whole time here at your tent or wandering the camp. At least, I can’t have you do that, what would I say to your father if I was so irresponsible to you?”

“Tell him what you want, I don’t care.” Drake replied, aggressively, “Tell him that I was weak and cowardly and that I’m not fit to be a soldier. Maybe he’ll stop pushing this on me.”

“Put that is not true,” the Captain replied, “You are neither weak nor cowardly.” he paused, considering his words carefully before continuing, “you just have different priorities.”

Drake didn't reply, but stared down at his plate instead, wistfully poking at the biscuit with his utensil.

The Captain looked arguing with himself for a few moments, before saying quickly, “Lieutenant Arent may have mentioned it, but after three months the mages have finally broken through the last barrier and we are able to get at the main site early this morning. It should be beyond anything we’ve ever seen in our lifetimes, we haven’t had a true excavation in this region for over 50 years, and I know your Father meant for you to bear witness to it, otherwise he would not have sent you to this specific company of men.”

“I do not want to go.” Drake said shortly.

“Don’t be so hasty,” the Captain quickly said, “Like i said, this is a once in a lifetime event, you shouldn’t let your stubbornness with your Father stop you from experiencing this.”

Drake replied cooly, “My father does not really have any expectation of me here.”

The Captain remained silent for a moment, the busy men in the background eating and drinking and talking filled the space. The Captain finally spoke, his voice low, “I know what it is like to be young and to search for your meaning in life. Of course, all of us were young at some point. As a noble though the pressure on you is very great, i know that to be true. Your brothers had found their place much easier that you have, but that does not mean that you will not find your place. You are here for a reason Drake, and not just because your Father sent you here. For such a historic event such as this, i do not believe that any of us are here for no reason. I feel certain something extraordinary will happen for us when we finally get our hands in the ruins.”

Drake looked stoically at the Captain, and the Captain coughed lightly into his hand before pulling out his trump card. “It would be an honor for a representative of the house of Foendell to be present when we enter.” He added with strain.

Drake gave the Captain a knowing look, but, after a moment, Drake reluctantly nodded. “Wonderful,” the Captain said dryly. He got up with a smile, “When you are done eating head back to your tent and grab some supplies for the day, I’ll send someone to escort you to the premise. You should find this as an enlightening experience, as we all are expecting to have.”

The Captain saluted the young master and then walked away shaking his head, wondering how Drake could be so different from the rest of his kin whom he had also known personally. After the Captain left no one came to bother Drake anymore as if his bad mood seemed to create a distinct miasma to be avoided. He finished his meal in peace before dumping his plate and exiting the tent. The camp was fully awake now, accept for the men who had gone to bed. Drake thought about what Arent and the Captain had said to him as he walked slowly back to his tent.

Despite everything, Drake truly did not understand why his Father had sent him out here. It was true that his brothers had done the same, but they wanted it, and relished it as they looked forward to the accomplishments they would be willing to make inside the military. As for Drake, he knew he was not cut out for such a life and he always prefered indoor activities, mostly involving nobody else. He had also made his preferences clear to his Father, telling him there was more to being a man of their house than simply martial prowess. Surely it was fine for Drake, his two older brothers had more than enough ambition to cover him as well.

But here he was, relegated to a dirty, smelly, and cramped platoon of men his father controlled as if a turn of the moon in the camp would suddenly change Drake into the fit, fiery young man his father wanted him to be. If for no other reason, Drake wanted to resist his Father’s plans for him. Drake’s stubbornness was the only value he shared with his kin.

Drake reached his tent and hoped that the man the Captain had sent to escort him would never come, but a minute later after Drake relieved himself outside in the disgusting public lavatories, a crisp and eager young soldier stood right next to his tent waiting patiently for him.

“Young Master!” he cried out after seeing him, his eyes so sparkly Drake wondered what was wrong with him. “I am Growan, I was sent to escort you to the ruins!”

Drake eyed him coldly. Grown looked to be about the same age as Drake, but was bright and energetic. Drake begrudgingly picking up the last of his necessities and resigned himself the request the Captain gave him. “What are you so happy about?” Drake grumbled softly.

Not softly enough apparently, because the young man replied, “Because I have been assigned an escort for you I now have a chance to see the ruins first hand!” He continued excitedly, “I can hardly believe it, I am just a common militia soldier you see, I am usually assigned to perimeter duty. But luck is with me today, I am actually going to be able to witness the first viewing of the ruins. Do not worry, I will fiercely and properly guide you the entire way.”

Drake snorted, but didn’t reply. He had been escorted places his entire life so it was nothing new. Unlike the normal escorts though, this one was particularly noisome…

“Young master, my family have been farmers on your lands for generations,” Growan chatted gaily as he strode ahead of drake evenly among the aisles of the camp. “So it is also a double honor to be with our benefactors. Your father is a great man to have given me in particular the opportunity to join his soldiers, even if only as a common milita. The pay is good and will with the progress the mages have made on the ancient ruins, I will no doubt be released back to our land in time for the harvesting in a few weeks.”

“I certainly hope this will be over quickly.” Drake replied with double meaning. He was not convinced of his Father’s generosity, but understood what Growan was saying. This discovery of the ruins on this edge of the his father’s land was monumental as such ruins as these were bound to have priceless treasures inside of them. But the value needed to be protected until the resources from the ruins could be secured so his father had gathered up a local militia to help support his main troops as they excavated. No outside interference was expected, but with the reinforcement of the militia, such thoughts from his Noble neighbors would be deterred. Growan was undoubtedly one of these men.

“What do you think awaits us down in the ruins?” Growan whispered conspiratorially to Drake as they continued to pass by rows of tents, circling towards the center of the camp where the excavation was taking place. “Divine artifacts, maybe?” Growan hawed. Drake didn’t answer. As it was, the young commoner was breaking social norm to speak directly to Drake in the first place and in the end, so Drake didn’t feel the need anway. Growan answered himself. “Maybe, yeah! Or instead, ancient scrolls, or awesome spells for our magicians? Other ruins have revealed such wondrous things, right?”

“Yes they have.” Drake could not help but reply. Such information was standard and the excavation of ruins was the stuff of legends. Most, if not all, of the powerful artifacts held within the royal treasuries or private noble storehouses had come from the ruins left behind by the ancient dwellers of this land. That being said Drake hadn’t given as much hope to the expected exploration and was not nearly as excited as Growan, nor as any other resident of the camp. The last significant discovery was already in the far past from Drake’s perspective and although small discoveries had been made since, he doubted a legendary discover would happen here. He only hoped that what was gotten out of it merely covered the expenses his father was taking in order to excavate it in the first place. Besides the hiring of the additional militia, the magicians he had gotten to break through the barriers would have not come cheaply. In the first place, they do not take kindly to being ordered around by humans in the first place. No doubt, Drake surmised that his Father must have promised them a portion of the artifacts, if any, that were to be discovered down below.

At length, they reached the center of the camp, which also served as the entrance to the ruins. several guards stood out front with menacing eyes, and they glared down at Growan as he approached. Growan, immediately stopped chatted and cowered slightly as the guards raised their weapons defensively to block their entrance. Their intentions were clear.

Growan looked back nervously at Drake for a second before reaching inside his sleeves and pulling out a piece of light parchment. He spoke as he handed it over to the nearest guard, “These are my orders to escort the young master down to the excavation.”

The guard looked that orders belligerently and then slowly handed it back. He eyed Drake before he made a gesture towards the men behind him. They lighted up their stances. “You’ll need this amulet for protection,” the guard replied professionally. He beckoned a subordinate forward who handed him a rough necklace. He looked at it and handed it over to Growan who touched it gingerly. “The Caverns are full of minor enhancements, the annoying kind that will entrap young soldiers like you. These amulets were made for our troop to protect us from them when we work in the ruins. You will give it back to us when you leave.”

“Yeah,” another guard said with a mischievous smile, “we wouldn’t want you falling for an illusionary woman in the cave, only to have your life juices sucked out of you, would you?”

Growan paled and quickly put on the necklace over his head, letting it hang openly on his chest. He then looked over at Drake and said, “What about one for the Young Master?”

The first guard laughed loudly. “The Young Master already has the best protection possible, a gift from his father, no doubt.”

With a faint smile, Drake held up his right hand for Growan to see. On it was a small delicate ring made of silver. The house crest was stamped on it and intricate details and characters were carved on it as well. Drake said casually, “Father had to hire Mages from another territory to perform the spell work on this, there were none here who were powerful enough. It can even offer some protection to those near me too, so if we get into any trouble down there, be sure to stick close to me.”

Growan nodded up and down earnestly in a mixture of awe and dread. Drake only laughed to himself.

“You may proceed,” the first guard said, gesturing them forward and Grown hurriedly passed them by, looked back anxiously to see Drake leisurely walk forward. Together, the two descended into the dark mysterious cave.