Beneath the Heart of Winter

There were five other soldiers, one sixth-level, the other four all third-level, standing in the intersection where the path turned to ascend the chasm. They jumped at the first's words, shock flashing across their faces, before standing at attention and snapping a salute.

"You've returned!" the sixth-level woman said. Her short brown hair was streaked with gray, and she seemed familiar, though I couldn't place where I'd met her. She caught me staring and smiled faintly, giving a little bow. "The name's Annette; we fought together in Bluegate Keep. I was assigned to guard this portion of the chasm in case the demons tried anything funny. The rest of these young-uns were displaced when their squad leader was slain clearing the cavern of the remaining demon forces, so I took them under my wing and let them stand guard. I hope you don't mind."