Book of Brother Algar
Second Deed
As the Lions swept through the village, descending upon the Penitent and undead within with a righteous fury, Brother Algar waited. 1
Though he knew his duty, something did not feel right. 2
A rustle nearby, barely perceptible through his helm, was enough to prove his caution justified. 3
Shield presented and mace raised, Brother Algar advanced toward the source of the sound, a large shrub beside a small hut. 4
Alone, as the other Lions had pushed forward, Brother Algar approached cautiously, prepared to strike. 5
His mind raced at the possibilities: a penitent archer, some recently animated corpse, or worse. 6
Yet as he drew near, his mace did not fall. 7
Again, something did not feel right. 8
The rustling stopped, though the presence remained. 9
Brother Algar lowered his mace to the ground, and slowly removed his shield. 10
Unbuckling his helmet, he exposed his face to the shrub, then he smiled and he waited. 11
Again the shrub rustled, and his heart began to race, for he knew that his choice could be his end, though he did not ready himself for combat, nor allow the soft smile to leave his face. 12
Slowly, a small child emerged from the shrub in which she had hidden from the commotion around her. 13
In that moment, Brother Algar forgot the battle around him. He forgot his armor, his shield, and his mace. 14
All he knew was himself and this child, and he was glad. 15
He extended his hand to her, and though she shied away at first, she soon ran to him as he embraced her. 16
He carried her with him away from the fighting until they had reached the safety of the Lions’ camp. 17
When stopped at the perimeter, an Eagle demanded to know who this child was, where she had been found, if she could be trusted. 18
Brother Algar roared back to him, gathering the attention of the entire camp, 19
“This child is an innocent in this war. 20
“It was Arnath’s mercy that spared her life, and it is for her that we must fight.” 21