Arcane: Red Sands

---------8 years ago--------

The banners of the Third Company hung limp in the still air of the camp as word spread through the ranks. The war in Ionia was not going well. Soldiers whispered of the defeat of General Jericho Swain, his forces driven into retreat by the disciplined resistance of the Ionian people. Emperor Darkwill's patience was wearing thin, and his wrath could already be felt in the orders sent from the Immortal Bastion.

In the officer's tent, the tension was palpable. Captain Rictus, standing tall and unmoving, read through the orders with a grim expression. His broad shoulders were hunched slightly, and the scarred lines of his face seemed deeper under the dim light of the oil lamps.

"They're pulling us from the east," Rictus said, his voice low but commanding. "The Third Company is to reinforce the expeditionary efforts in Shurima."

The officers exchanged glances. Su'Rhaal, now a Lieutenant, frowned deeply. "What about the eastern plains?"

"It doesn't matter," Rictus replied, folding the orders with deliberate care. "The Emperor wants every available blade in Shurima. Captain Onren's forces can finish the job without us."

An officer near the back muttered, "But why Shurima? Darius is in the Freljord—surely he needs the reinforcements more."

Rictus' sharp gaze cut through the room, silencing the murmurs. "We follow orders. That's the Noxian way."

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That evening, the camp bustled with activity as the Third Company prepared to leave for Shurima. Captain Rictus stood outside his tent, overseeing the preparations with his usual stoic demeanor.

Su approached, his footsteps steady and purposeful. He stopped a few paces away, his posture rigid. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Rictus turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Su. "Come inside."

The tent was dimly lit, the oil lamp casting flickering shadows across the maps and papers scattered on the table. Rictus gestured for Su to sit, but the young lieutenant remained standing.

"I'll be leaving tomorrow," Rictus began. "General Medarda has called me back to the Immortal Bastion. She needs me by her side."

Su nodded, his expression calm. "And the Third Company?"

"That's your duty now," Rictus said. "Captain Varros will take command, The third company will be under General Acheran in Shurima. Varros... isn't like me. He's ambitious, and ambition can be dangerous when it's not tempered by loyalty."

Su frowned slightly but said nothing.

"Listen carefully, Su," Rictus continued. "Noxus is changing. Something strange is happening in the capital—decisions are being made that go against everything we've fought for. General Ambessa sees it. I see it. And I need you to see it too."

"What do you want me to do?" Su asked.

"Stand firm," Rictus said. "Remember why you're here. Not for glory, not for power, but for the people under your command. Lead them, protect them, and never forget that loyalty goes both ways."

Rictus moved to the table and picked up a long bundle wrapped in black cloth. "And you'll need these."

Su took the bundle, unwrapping it carefully. Inside were twin curved blades, their edges etched with faint crimson runes. They were heavier than his current swords, but perfectly balanced. A faint hum of energy pulsed through them, resonating with his own strength.

"They're yours now," Rictus said. "Use them wisely. They're not just weapons—they're a responsibility."

Su's scarlet eyes met Rictus'. "Thank you, sir."

Rictus nodded, placing a hand on Su's shoulder. "You're a good soldier, Su. And you'll be an even better leader. Just remember—strength means nothing without purpose."

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By midday, the Third Company gathered to hear the announcement of their new commanding officer. Captain Rictus' departure was met with a mix of unease and resignation—his presence had been a pillar of strength, and his absence left a void that would not be easily filled.

Standing in his place was Captain Varros, a wiry man with sharp features and a perpetual sneer. His armor was pristine, his voice clipped and impatient.

"Under my command," Varros began, his tone condescending, "the Third Company will achieve greatness. There will be no room for failure, no room for weakness. If you fall behind, you'll be left behind."

The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. Su remained silent, his grip tightening on the hilts of his new blades.

Zanaiya leaned in slightly, her voice low. "This isn't good."

"He's not Rictus," Su said, his tone grim.

"No," Zanaiya replied. "He's not."

The next morning, the Third Company began their march south, their banners fluttering in the dry wind. The soldiers moved with discipline, but the absence of Rictus was keenly felt.

Su walked at the head of the column, his new blades strapped to his back. He felt their weight, not just as weapons, but as a symbol of the responsibility he now carried.

Beside him, Zanaiya walked in silence, her trident glinting in the morning light. Finally, she spoke. "What did Rictus say?"

Su's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "To stand firm. And to lead."

Zanaiya smiled faintly. "Then we'll do just that."

The road to Shurima stretched out before them, long and uncertain. But Su knew one thing for certain: this was only the beginning.