The man didn't hesitate. His words spilled out in a frantic torrent, as if he feared that any delay would result in Mika unleashing another horror upon him.
"My name is Garrick." He began, his voice trembling. "I was born in a small village called Thornhaven, in the southern reaches of our realm."
"I joined the army at nineteen—enlisted as a technician, because I had a knack for machinery and magical devices."
"I served in Battalion Number 21, 36th Regiment, under the rule of the White Lord."
He paused, swallowing hard.
"I earned six exemplary medals during my service. Two other honors as well, for distinguished duty on the battlefield."
Anya's brow furrowed deeply as she listened, her initial assessment wavering.
She had been certain that this man was some common criminal, perhaps a murderer or thief sent here with a death sentence hanging over his head like a executioner's ax.
But these credentials, this service record...it painted a different picture entirely.
