Snippet #2409977

Novikov sat back in his seat on the train. It was a small cargo train from the Motherland to the borders of her lands. Across from him sat his "mentor" Oleg Strakhov who seemed a little displeased. Since being put under Strakhov's care he had trained Novikov little the young warcaster being more of a burden then a happy gift from Irusk. The Supreme Kommandant had done this on purpose to try and tame the wild spirit that was Strakhov. Fjorn, the kodiak that saved Novikov's life was chained securely to a car behind them. The train was heading to the edge of Thornwood forest and then it would only be a short trip to Corvis, the train was not just for them. Khador liked to show their martial prowess at the Steam and Steel event bringing many warjacks and parts of their army in order to try and intimidate the other kingdoms. The whole event seemed a little odd to Adrik, it was just a chance for each nation to flex their resources at one another, not to avoid war as it was originally designed for.

"I'm not really looking forward to this either. I can't tell you how many Cygnar assassins will want an attempt at the bounty on my head. I will probably be laying low and have you escorted by an officer to the arena, you understand why yes?" Oleg stood up and looked as though he was about to walk away.

"Da kommander," Adrik nodded sitting up a little. The heavy thuds of Strakhov's boots prompted Adrik to put his elbow on the window leaning his cheek on his own fist. The trees seemed to fly past as Adrik steeled himself mentally for the events ahead.

---

The sound of fireworks could not hide the thundering sound of warjack feet and the boots of winterguard as the Khador presence in Corvis let itself be known. A female officer carried the banner of Khador and walked at Adrik's side as they lead the single force of winter guard and two spriggans into the arena. The paperwork had all been taken care of ever since the process got streamlined in the second games so it was directly on to the festivities.

The first night was always a huge feast before the games where the warcasters were able to meet for the first time and get settled in. Adrik let out a breath he didn't know he was holding until the doors were opened. Khador's force arrived in one of the doors at the same time as the other kingdoms. Looking across Adrik saw the flags of nations he had only previously been attacking. Menoth, Cygnar, Rhul, even the slavering dogs of circle and the drums and pipes of trollbloods could be heard.

Adrik took in the sight to see until it was time for the forces to dissapate and the festivities to begin. A large hall in the arena was being used as a party palace for the guests invited to make them feel welcome in a foreign land. Novikov sat alone now and couldn't help but look at his competition: most notably a quiet figure in a black cloak, a trollblood holding two kegs of beer, and the Cygnaran with lion like hair nearby. When they made eye contact Novikov was not afraid to shoot an icey glance his way before standing up and moving closer. The Khadoran assumed he would do likewise to shake hands and greet, the food hadn't been brought out yet so there was still time to socialize.