[ WP ] Two veterans meet . They fought on different sides .

Laurence eyed the newcomer closely as he stumbled toward the bar. Old, fat, unshaven and scarred, the stranger was already drunk. Laurence eyes narrowed seeing that the man wore a sword pommel of an officer of the Golden Swarm, the most renown of the Kingdom ’ s forces. It was late and the tavern was empty save for the two. Laurence checked the underside of the counter for his dagger with his left hand while watching the man sit. 
 
 “ A cup of alembic now! ” slurred the veteran. The veteran, Colm, had fought in a hundred battles against the dark elves during which he earned his scars. Of that he was proud, and his service had earned him a generous retirement. The pension however was now nearly spent on drink, on women, and on forgetting. This night he thought would be an end to all that, a night for old scores to be settled. 
 
 “ You ’ ll get no service, flashing that around here, ” Laurence gestured at Colm ’ s sword. 
 
 Colm straightened his back and asked in clear speech, “ Let me see your hand. ” After a pause he added, “ Please ”. 
 
 Laurence knew what he was looking for. In his youth, when elves were just a children ’ s tale, his province rebelled against the Kingdom ’ s rule. The Golden Swarm was sent to put down the revolt. They were merciless their campaign to reunite the Kingdom. In a reprisal for some alleged treachery, the Swarm removed the forefingers of all the boys in Laurence ’ s village. His village was known for its archers and Laurence was not spared. Nevertheless, he joined the rebels when he came of age and fought until the elves came. The elves cared not for human politics and attacked all sides. This ended the rebellion and the Kingdom united to fight the greater threat. 
 
 Laurence clenched his left hand and displayed his crippled right. 
 
 Colm sighed, “ You were there. I ’ ve never forgotten any of the boys I cut. My sword was the spring for rivers of elven blood but I can ’ t picture any of their faces. I saw their foul magics desecrate the earth itself. Still, I can ’ t forget is this damn village and what I had to do here all those years ago. ” 
 
 “ So reach under that counter and grab that knife you keep feeling for and end it. Just give me a drink before you do. ” 
 
 Laurence studied the old man across from him. He examined his sallow complexion and yellowing eyes. He looked nothing like his memories of the terrifying soldier with the knife who took his finger years ago. Slowly he turned away and poured a cup of alembic. 
 
 “ Here. This will kill you soon enough. ” 

