Dragon Alliance: Rise Against Shadow Read Online Free PDF Page A

flanks to allow him and Mkel to concentrate on the most powerful enemies and perform strafing runs against opposing armies.
    Lupek personally led the strike and recon teams in most missions and major campaigns, for they were the Weir’s eyes and ears, especially with the aid of Deless and his magical abilities. This combination made the ranger platoon a powerful force in its own right. Lupek was also a highly trained battle healer, with a mastery of herbal medicines.
    Lupek and Mkel attended the Alliance’s Military Leader’s Guild together, receiving their commissions as Alliance Army officers. They served in the Weir’s infantry company together as platoon leaders before Mkel dedicated most of his time with Gallanth and command of the garrison and Weir. Lupek then specialized in ranger training with the elves. They remained best friends and relied on each other, both militarily and for mutual support, considering themselves as brothers.
    Lupek himself had a strong constitution, being a tireless runner and hiker while also possessing a great deal of wisdom. He was as tall as Mkel with a very similar build, but he had been very hardened by his life as a ranger; however, he still had a kind heart. His green-gray eyes and short brown hair (it was customary for rangers to shave their heads), along with several scars, gave him a rugged look, but still maintaining a hint of gentleness.
    Lupek and Deless gave a quick nod to Mkel and headed to their griffons’ stables, to ensure their mounts were settled in, as well as storing away the mithril point extensions on each of their talons. These additions allowed their mounts to inflict a great deal of damage in attacks. They then headed to their quarters and the families’ housing area. The rest of the ranger section that had accompanied them had already stowed their gear and put their griffons in their stables to rest and feed.
    They all parted but would meet back at the large dining hall in the rear of the Weir interior, followed by a couple of ales at the Weir’s tavern. Mkel wanted to get a quick breakfast, for he knew Annan would be waking about this time, and he wanted to see Michen before he became too busy.
    He walked into the dining hall and went over to the serving tables to pick up a breakfast cake, fruit mixture, cereal, and milk. Philjen smiled at him in her usual alluring, if not mischievous, way. He had known the tavern keep for years; her smile was always friendly. Philjen was a unique product of a dwarf and a human. She stood about five feet tall and had a very solid build, but she still had a human female’s shape. Her large bright blue eyes and short light brown hair added to her appeal. He smiled back and walked over to where Toderan was already sitting.
    Mkel sat down beside his tall friend; the paladin was the senior enlisted soldier in the Weir. “Good morning, Senior Weir Sergeant, my friend. You know the rangers are back, and it looks like there is a little trouble brewing from the southeast,” Mkel said.
    “You talked to Lupek already sir?” Toderan asked.
    “Just for a few minutes this morning before I made him go to his family and get cleaned up,” Mkel returned. “We will get the full report after lunch. I wanted him to rest before then.”
    “No problem, I will be looking forward to it sir,” Toderan said. “The preparations for the exercise will be finished this afternoon, and the leaders’ meeting is on schedule for tonight. Jodem and I already informed Dekeen, Ordin, and Pekram. Is Lawrent supposed to be here for this or not sir?”
    “He was supposed to, but I received a short message from him that there was a little trouble in getting to Sauric Bay. He ran into a saragwin raiding party, which he had to take care of,” replied Mkel. “I expect him in a few weeks.”
    “He’ll make it up, I’m sure,” Toderan replied. Toderan, being a paladin, did not like Lawrent’s chaotic ways and the Freilanders in general because of their