The Miracle of The Darkest Hour

Raquel was not one to retreat. So close to ending all of it and he now found himself trying to round up and collect the scatterred soliders. Boys left home because he asked them to, died by the thousands to execute the will of the Light. His heart both ached for the tradgic ending of it all and was inspired by their nobel example of faith and self sacrifice.

Having been driven back from with in striking distance of the Sphere of Annhilation he had stopped two days south of it and had been camped for two days while scouts gatherred the scatterred men. The starving, dehydrated and beaten men could not charge against the new energized lkarmy of Darkfriends now holding the heart of Darkness. The 501st and IMperial airships were holding with the Advents on the border of where magic became too unpredicatble to rely on. They were to hold a fortress to allow any reinforcements which could be gatherred a secure road to the fighting. It was a gamble, he had not heard any word from them in weeks. Its possible the golemns overran them, or forced them to retreat.

The possibility of reinforcements was too much to turn aways. Raquel gave the orders and the army made ready to march. Revieiwing the ranks he did not see the disciplined ranks he was once accustom to. Tired men who had given all the could and even standing remained a struggle was all he saw. He realized with out help the army wouldn't make it to the 501st with or with out resistance.

Straightening his armor and cape he walked to the middle of the camp kneeled down and began to pray.

Oh Fearless One. My beloved companions have inspired me. They have walked to the edge of their faith, and to the edge of their abilities. They have faced fear and stand brave to follow whatever orders the light gives them. I am grateful for their companionship, their brotherhood, and their faith. How great their hearts! They have done all they can and as is our conditional we mortals have found our strength insufficent. We know our true strength is not in our arm or our wisdom but our courage that begets faith. We stretch forth our faith to THEE and the gods of the light asking to make whole where we fall short. Give us the power to execute thine will. Heal our wounded, strengthen our backs. We ask only to be helped for those things we could not do ourselves. We stand fully committed, we will return to the fortress General Galan established and regather our strength and with renewed comittment we will take the Heart of Darkness. We thank THEE for the oppertunity to see the miracles of this crusaded and for the honor of being chosen to stop the Forsaken and Dark ONe and keep your kingdom defended.

AMEN.

Light pierced through the ash filled sky. Cool warmth rose from the dust of the ground. They could feel the faith fight against the choas warding the and eminating from the Heart of Darkness. The soliders having nothing left to do but hope fell to the earth adding their prayers the Vanquiser of Shadows. The Ash cleared, men felt health and strength and nourishment fill their bodies. Torn flesh healled and tired eyes brightenned. The water bags filled with clean water and the grain wagons filled when they were empty before.

Smiling Raquel embraced General Kendal, "The gods have saved us, we march." Lifting his voice to be heard by all those close, "We see now miracles among us even hear next to the heart of Darkness, no hatred greed or even choas can block the faith of such nobel souls. How can we fail, let us go forward not backward and the gods pave the way before."