The tension broke for a moment as he hailed the call of an approaching ally, the formality between ranks unneeded as they were part of a much small group of survivors. His hand held the young girl's tightly as she attempted to escape, issuing with his other hand to sheath his sword.<br/>"Please brother...I tire of watching weapons brandished against me."<br/>He did best to make light of their dire situation, a hidden strength that displeased certain types.<br/><br/>"The girl, I found her walking through the forest...no supplies no evidence of following an army."<br/>His blood streaked face looked her over, hazel eyes muddied with exhaustion and sorrow did their best to conceal his own fear and lack of concentration.<br/>"I am Marcus of the former 17th..."<br/>Purposely he did not feel to reveal his rank as the banner he fought to protect lay trampled back in the forest.<br/>"I can not communicate with her, but she left a trail for me to follow...you can join me and possibly walk into a trap or starve in these woods as the rest of those filthy barbarians hunt us down...one thing for certain...last time we split up...3 legions died..."<br/>Marcus cynicism was boring its head, his eyes looked down on the forest path below, tugging at the girl as he picked out her small tracks in the soggy earth.<br/><br/><br/><br/>