The Spirit of BaN: A Battle to Remember

Jackdaws could still hear the echoes of the Arena of Honor when he approached Lady Vhaera with a bright look on his face. He felt the energy of the battle and he could not contain himself as he beckoned her over. “You should have seen it, Vhaera!” he said. There was a masterpiece out there. Tolking was right beside me, composed and accurate as always, and timing the shots just right. Meridianos? That guy is a fortress. Nothing seems to rattle him and he defended our positions as if his very existence depended on it.”

He waved his hands around and his smile grew even bigger. “But Ana, she is like storm, very fast and sudden and very destructive.” B3nni was also all over the field, quick and aggressive. I felt like watching Allis was like watching poetry in motion; each movement strategically planned to perfection. Next we have Elfynox, who hardly says anything but emerges as the volatile character the team needs at any time. And Candy? He may be called sweet name but he is a nightmare to the opponents.”

Jackdaws caught his breath, and then began to tell the story of the match. “We began well,” he said with a lot of pride in his voice. The first row of strongholds was taken by us before the enemy even had a chance to react. From there, we went near the Watch Tower and observed their formation of troops. It was apparent that we had to concentrate on spears and to counter their cavalry, we changed the first rank into spear camps.

He moved closer to her, lowering his voice and she felt that he was engaging her in the present. “When we advanced to the second row of the strongholds we changed our tactics again. Those were converted into cavalry camps, in anticipation of any infantry that they might bring our way. Each of them was calculated, Vhaera and that was the reason for success. Our control was flawless.”

He laughed, the sound was triumphant. “Then came the altars. That fight was pure chaos. Our team spread out on the map and took altar after altar except for yellow. That one was of our allies especially Problemki. We did not dare to intervene and instead we assisted them to maintain it each time they encountered a problem. In fact, by the end of the match, we had grown even closer to them. It felt good, you know? They said they were working like that, building trust on the battlefield.”

Jackdaws’ eyes gleamed as he went on, his arms flailing around as he retold the fight. ‘One by one we took the Watch Towers’ They believed they could contain them but we showed them otherwise. Next were the Dragon Pits and the catapults. Each time they attempted to reinforce, we were always one step ahead of them. It was like a dance, Vhaera. Each rally was executed to the last second, each movement looked natural. We were unstoppable.”

He then paused for a few seconds, switching from grinning to smirking. “And then it happened. A chance came that none could have expected. The Lannister team, too relaxed or too focused, left their clan castle unattended, and our House Tyrell dealt a blow. We attacked their clan castle before they even realized that something was wrong. They attempted to reclaim it but they could not do so. From there, we dislodged them, taking over all the buildings they had vacated. It became impenetrable."

Jackdaws’ voice became softer and more thoughtful when he came to the final part of the story. “Then came the City of Glory. You know what that means. It is possible to lose everything in a blink of an eye. They could have recovered and win the game if they continue to attack but it seemed they have accepted defeat . We simply moved in and captured it with very little resistance. And that’s how we won the Arena of Honor I suppose.

He looked away for a second, as if he was seeing it all over again in his mind’s eye. It can be heard the cheers of the team, the energy that was felt. Tolking’s focus, Meridianos’ unbreakable resistance, Ana non-stop tempo… It is all properly orchestrated. Everyone understood their position and function even when they were under pressure. And it was not just skill, it was trust.”

Jackdaws’ eyes softened when he turned back to Vhaera. ‘And Candy…’, he laughed; ‘he became the unexpected card that is wanted.’ His attacks demoralized them more than once. It was at the same time, thrilling and motivating to watch him fight.

He drew in a deep breath, his shoulders dropping as the memory seemed to sink in. As we captured the City of Glory it seemed to be the end of the fight. Each step brought us to that point. And it wasn’t just about the victory, it was about showing ourselves and everyone else what we are capable of as a team.

Jackdaws stopped dead in his tracks, his voice dropping as he looked back at Vhaera. I’m sure you would have enjoyed it Vhaera. It was a fight to remember one that depicted the spirit of BaN. The words depict that every day, every hour, every minute, and every second, it was all important.”

Jackdaws’ face became serious when he said with a hint of laughter, “To think that at my age, I am still out there rallying and standing my ground with the best. At times I know it in my marrow, Vhaera, but days such as this make me recall the purpose of my existence.”

He looked at her and his face relaxed a little. I wish you could have been there” Tension, camaraderie, the mere thrill of the thing: these galvanized it made it special. I don’t believe I have ever been more proud of this team than I am right now. We fought like champions and we made sure that every person in that arena knows who we are.”

Jackdaws clapped her shoulder lightly, his grin transforming into a nod of approval. “Now it is your turn. Go and let them know the best part of BaN is yet to be seen. We have prepared it; now, it remains your turn to shine the stage.”