We marched back south after that, enjoying the warmth that accompanied it. The troopers were happy that the battles we finished, and as we continued south, those who had survived the campaign went to their homes. As a gift for fighting so well, Death allowed them to keep their armour and weapons, which they accepted. They all returned home to their families and farms, and us Horsemen continued to ride south. Death led us back to the fiery realm from which we had come, and our boss met us with glee. The other Horsemen rode off into the wasteland, but the black suited man who had sent me with them asked me to stay behind. "What'd you think?" he asked me. "Wasn't any different than any other campaigns I had been on in the past." I said honestly, and the man looked offended. "Fine. I was thinking about offering you a place on the Horsemen of the Apocalypse." he said, arching an eyebrow at me. I shook my head. "The Four Horsemen have always been the Four Horsemen. It would seem odd with five." I said. He nodded. "Well, now what? You've completed your tests for me. Want to go to where everybody else's soul is? An extension on life? More work?" he asked. I shook my head again. "Freedom." I said. "Freedom?" he asked. "Yes. I wish to be a Horsemen yes, but not associate myself with the Four Horsemen. I used to think that all I wanted was to die after I killed all of the enemies that needed to be defeated, but I have seen what my true purpose is in my time with them." I said. The man looked confused. "And that is?" he asked. "I am the defender of the innocent. I have been sinde the beginning of my career as a general. I've always defended my land or my people, and I've even died for them. I do not wish for my soul to go with the others, I wish for me to ride as the Horseman of Life. The defender of the innocent and the enforcer of justice." I explained. The man nodded slowly. "You're giving up eternal peace to protect a group of evil civilians?" the man asked. "Yes." I said sternly. The man looked up for a second, and then looked at me. "It is done. From this moment henceforth, you shall be known as the Horseman of Life, the defender of the innocent and the enforcer of justice." he said, a smirk coming to his face. I turned and prepared to ride from this fiery wasteland, but he called my name. "What if, in your defending of the innocent, you happen to oppose my Four Horsemen?" he asked. I smirked back at him. "Then that'll be an interesting day." I said, and began riding. I came across the vast plain before the king's castle, where I had fought my final battle as a living being. I saw Inekwar and his mother still standing on the almost fixed ramparts, staring out at the dark horizon. I suddenly felt the urge to let my soul be at peace so I could be with Kathleen for eternity, but I shook my head, clearing it of those thoughts. I had chosen this life, and I would see it through. As the Horseman of Life, I would ride. Cursed, and blessed, for all time.