Battle Log #2 • AQW Wiki Afianf

In the middle of battle, there is no time to think. Just react. Block, strike, parry, shield. But once the battle is over, I think about the men - and creatures - I've faced. Who they were, before they put on their armor… sworn allegiance to their rulers… where they came from. If they had family, or children. Who they trained with.

A good leader knows the warriors they command, and strives to ensure they are well-trained and well-fed. But the soldiers here look almost eager to escape. Are they so ready to defect? And if so… perhaps we may not find the way to Dethrix's throne more easily accessible, if his guards are less than enthusiastic!

I worry for them, Alden and Valen both. But my fears for Alden, I understand. He wants so much, and goes after it so methodically and steadily. But Valen… He is so driven. Always pushing harder, racing faster. It's like something is pulling him, and I don't know what it is. I don't think he does, either. Sometimes I see something out of the corner of my eye, a flicker of… what… I don't know. Power, perhaps? But he's never claimed any special talent or skill, except with a blade.

They sing of his heroics, and call him Valen Pureheart in the songs. It makes him laugh, but he shouldn't. His heart IS pure… or at least, his motives and actions are. I can't see into the hearts of men; if I could, I would be much wiser, but also quite mad.