Chapter 1: The Final Chapter of the Cure

Section 1: The Haze of War

The wilderness was covered with dark clouds, heralding the coming storm. The thunder in the sky was like ancient war drums, echoing in every soldier's taut heart. The bitter wind, carrying the smoke and blood of war, blew through the lonely villages and desolate grasslands.

Alison stood on a small hill, her eyes gazing at the horizon through the heavy mist. She wore a simple white battle robe with shimmering healing runes embroidered on it. The robes hunted in the gusty wind, as if whispering of impending doom.

Despite being a healer and highly respected in peacetime, when war came, she became the most needed person on the front lines. The children of the village surrounded her, and though they were all too young to feel the tension in the air, they looked at her with admiration in their eyes. She was their guardian, the last barrier against the darkness.

She was well aware of her mission, and each soldier who was about to go to war had a healing and protective rune bestowed upon them by her. These runes were created by Alison with sleepless nights and dedication, they were given to all and cherished by all. Alison knew that once war broke out, she would have to heal more than just physical wounds.

As the horn of battle was about to blow, Alison closed her eyes and prayed silently in her heart. She asked the gods to bless every soldier, every civilian, and more than that, she prayed that her strength would be enough to dispel the shadow of death.

As the first drops of rain fell from the storm, the heavy pounding of war drums sounded in the distance. Alison opened her eyes, her hands gently placed in front of her heart, a golden glow escaping from her palms, the source of her healing magic. She knew that this could be the last battle of her life, but she didn't hesitate, even if the battle required everything she had.

'Alison!' A call broke her musings; it was her dear friend and fellow warrior, a brave knight who was riding up. Alison turned and smiled bashfully, a subdued smile that belonged to a warrior-soldier about to go to war, 'It is time to go and witness our destiny.'

On her way to the camp, she kissed each child lightly on the forehead, leaving a golden mark of blessing - her truest protection. She set off on her journey to the battlefield, leaving behind her the longing and worried eyes of the children. In the vicious battle that followed, Alison knew that her blessing would guard not only flesh, but their fragile hopes.