Crusader

As the knights departed, Steve glanced back toward the destroyed gate. He knew that he was lucky to have survived the previous day's battle; otherwise he might have lost everything in the process. He shook his head and sighed heavily as he headed back inside the village. As he entered the village, he spotted two familiar faces. "Hey, John. Where's the rest of the scouting group?" Steve asked as he entered the village square.

"They've gone out to search around the perimeter. Everyone's fine, though. Just exhausted." John informed him as he stretched his stiff body. "How did the scouting go?" he asked. "Did you find anything?"

Steve nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, actually. Some of our scouts found tracks leading away into the forest, and they followed them. Those tracks lead back to that big metal thingy that was attacking us yesterday. I'm not sure what its function is, but it seems to be able to travel pretty far."

"Aha," John said in understanding. "That's what we were thinking when we first met that monster."

"Also gather our finest warriors, John. We're heading out to scout the area tomorrow morning. We need to establish contact with whatever organization these invaders have and warn them about what they are facing," Steve commanded.

John smiled and began issuing instructions to his followers while Steve continued to make his rounds throughout the village. By the time Steve returned to his hut, it was already light outside.

With a yawn, he took off his armour and put it back into its wooden case before lying down comfortably on his bed of straw. However, sleep evaded him as images of his comrades fighting their way through a large crowd of enemy soldiers flashed across his mind. It was clear to him that the situation was getting worse. They weren't equipped to defend themselves against such an onslaught. In fact, it seemed highly likely that they would fail.

"There you are, John." Steve exclaimed happily as he entered the room. "Where have you been? I was starting to worry that you forgot about me." He laughed merrily, completely oblivious to John's nervous expression.

John shifted uncomfortably under the stare that Steve directed at him.

"Steve do you have any name for your army? it's been year now since the last battle and still we are unable to defend the city from the enemies. I guess we need a new name, don't you think?" he asked anxiously. His hands nervously wrung around the strap holding his weapons.

"Hmm," Steve muttered thoughtfully, trying to decide which name to choose.

John stared at Steve's face, "let's call it the crusader, we will crusade this land!" He declared excitedly. "You've been talking about it lately, right? That's what we should do!"

"Oh. I hadn't really thought about it like that." Steve admitted. He looked thoughtful for a few moments longer, before nodding slowly. "Ok. Let's call it that." Then, realizing what his actions might imply - or rather, who - Steve cleared his throat, "well, anyways, it's almost dawn. We should probably prepare ourselves, yes? I suggest gathering everyone in the square. There might be more of those creatures lurking about. I also plan on making a quick trip to get some food so that we can keep our strength up for the next few days."