[url=https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/246624086/0/0]Table of Contents[/url] Derik watched the Warlord's back as she led him down the hall. Her cape swayed slightly with the gait of her strides. Both of her guards were close behind him, and he didn't look back to avoid arousing their suspicion. There were no words to describe the relief he had felt when the Warlord didn't go through with the torture, but now he wondered what she was going to do with him. She'd barely said a word since having him freed. He was under the impression that she had finally decided to help him, but he couldn't be sure. Maybe she was only going to kick him out of town. There was only one way to find out... "I don't understand," he probed carefully, "Does this mean you'll help me?" "YOU are going to help ME," the Exo corrected. "But we're going to do it?" Derik persisted, "We're going to fight the Fallen?" "Maybe," she answered cryptically. Derik couldn't help but smile, though he didn’t relax. He didn’t know what the Exo was thinking, and had to be careful not to upset her. They passed through a door and into the outside air. The town stretched out around them, bathed in the light of the afternoon sun. Passerby stopped to watch them as they marched uphill, but none made any attempt to greet them. They all seemed as nervous around the Warlord as he was. "There's much for you to do, Mr. Magnate," the Warlord advised, "You'll help me recruit. I’m sure you can inspire people with your story." The Warlord glanced at him over her shoulder, "Can you fight? Use a firearm?" "Um-no," he admitted, "Never touched a gun." "Then you’ll need to learn," the Warlord said, "No one survives out here if they can't kill." "I-" Derik tried to piece together a response, "I'm no killer, m’Lady." The Exo whirled on him in a sudden display of blistering anger, and he stumbled back as she hissed, "Then I'll kill you now, like I should have the second I laid eyes on you!" Her guards caught him and held him in place. The Warlord's glare stabbed through him like a thousand knives and she rested a hand on the sidearm at her waist, partially hidden by her cape. Civilians gathered at the edge of sight -peering through windows, out doorways, and around walls- to see what had caused the commotion, though none were close enough to hear what was being said. "Alright," Derik agreed. The Warlord removed her hand from her weapon and the guards released him, but her eyes remained locked on him. "The Fallen don’t care if you’re not a killer," she berated, "They’ll kill you anyway. Most humans would do the same. If you’re going to stay here and stay alive, you’re going to obey every order I give you. Don't think you've been given freedom. You will be kept on a short leash. Understood?" "Yes, my Lady," Derik replied quickly, bowing slightly at the waist. He didn't know if the stiff gesture would please her, but it didn't seem to upset her any further. Her menacing stare never left him, boring into his skull. "Your role will be to preach to the people," she commanded, "To convince them to fight. And when it’s time, you’ll fight with them." "Yes, my Lady," Derik repeated, holding back his objections and averting his eyes meekly. The Warlord stared at him long and hard, her unwavering gaze seeming to burn through every fiber of his being. Finally she turned away, speaking softly as she strode ahead, "If you’re going to start a war, you’d best be ready to fight it." • • • “Tomorrow you will be escorted around the town to spread the word. I don't care how you do it, as long as it gets done and I get recruits. My men will report to me, so I'll know everything you do." Derik nodded in response, though the Warlord was walking in front of him and couldn’t see it. They came to a door and the Warlord opened it. Derik stopped next to her and peered inside. It was a small room, furnished with a bed, a desk, and a chair. "You will sleep here," the Exo disclosed, "If you attempt to leave the building, you will be shot." Derik entered the room and stood at its center, turning slowly to take it in. The Warlord lingered in the doorframe and continued, "I'll have new clothes brought to you." Derik looked down at his threadbare clothes, filthy and pocketed with holes, then back to her and smiled gratefully, "Thank you. For all of this." The Warlord showed no sign of hearing him, "You are on a tight schedule, Magnate. Get me recruits. We don’t have much time left." "Why?" Derik inquired. The Warlord tilted her head irritably, "Do you think Wehwalt was the only place the Fallen attacked? They are invading, Mr. Magnate. And I don't intend to be conquered." She gripped the doorknob and began to close the door, but Derik called to her, "My Lady?" The door stopped and the Exo watched him expectantly. Derik stepped closer, "May I ask you your name, m’Lady?" The Warlord said nothing as he rose from his bow. She studied him for a moment, then answered, “Avery.” Derik tried another awkward bow, “Thank you, Avery.” "Address me as Lady Avery," she scolded, "And stop bowing. You look like a fool." Derik nodded, blushing slightly in his embarrassment. The Exo looked him over a moment longer, then departed. The door shut with a muffled thud, leaving Derik alone in his new home.