by A Uscila
“Have faith, dear sister. All will be well” – xXxArchangelxXx replied from behind his visor, the distorted voice echoing almost in a comical tune.
“Good one” – She laughed in reply, only to brandish her claymore at a stumbling ogre that got in her way – the cut strong enough to decapitate the dying creature with relative ease – “Well, how are we going to breach the walls, without any siege equipment, then?”
“Pedro is compassionate and welcoming. His eyes reach far and so does his embrace. All are welcome to work in his fields and many come willingly to toil in his name…” – The High Sweeper declared, the steed beneath keeping an even pace adjacently to Joana, who, instead of replying, giggled girlishly and lifted up her claymore.
“In the name of Pedro!” – She proclaimed both triumphantly and somehow, comically, only to urge her steed into a sprint once the chant was taken up by everyone else, xXxArchangelxXx included.
******
The last of the goblins and ogres - singed, bloodied and exhausted, fell lifelessly on the stone pavement in a heap. Large piles of their kin strewn in the shape of a drop of water that seemed to penetrate the defenses, yet each one was surrounded by tight formations of shield and spear. Their figures motionless and silent, while their shadows, painted red and orange by the crimson light, danced a mad dance upon the stone road. The heat seemed almost unbearable, as the all-consuming fire finally reached the corpse-filled ditch that ran along the road. With an almost mesmerizing ferocity, the fire assaulted the abandoned habitual zone and with mournful groans – the wooden buildings collapsed in a flaming heap, spraying sparks and ash in every direction. No living creature should have survived that and thus, with a grunt – Macrosh allowed the defenders to back of a bit from the heat and gain what little rest they could.
“They seem to be riding straight for us, right through that hell” – The towering orc explained, index finger pointing towards the world of fire.
“Riding?” – Willow verified skeptically, to which the orc simply grunted in confirmation.
“They’ll probably use the road to simply ride to the gates of the keep” – Wail contemplated aloud, after glancing back for a brief moment – the sight of tightly clustered wooden structures with alley-ways narrow enough to fit no more than two humans side by side coming into view – “Prepare a force to intercept just in case, while the rest should retreat towards the keep. Willow” – He called out the lithe ranger in a serious tone.
Willow inclined her head at the mention of her name, eyes set speculatively upon the magician.
“Array a part of your rangers along the road on both sides and pepper them with arrows” – He then instructed.
“Aye aye” – Surprisingly, the vixen didn’t argue, though clearly couldn’t help mocking Wail’s authority with a comical salute. She quickly retreated towards the back, a group of bow-wielding individuals soon gathering in clusters around her at the mere wave of a delicate hand.
“Macrosh. Order Bob to retreat as well. I want all of our heavy troops in the keep, while some of our light ones can remain hidden throughout the outskirts. Maybe we’ll need them to spring an ambush if they have any siege equipment” – Wail continued.
“They don’t lord. Just horses.” – The orc boomed in reply.
“Oh good lord. I have a bad feeling they’re the same jackasses that mow everything down like they’re some bulldozer” – The magician moaned in reply, a palm rubbing at his forehead.
“Bulldozer?” – Head tilting to the side, the orc repeated in puzzlement.
“Never mind, Macrosh. Meet you in the keep” – Wail waved a hand dismissively, instead of trying to explain about the reality outside the game to an npc. Quite the conversation that would have been.
With that, Wail hastily retreated towards the safe confines of his keep – most of his forces trailing behind and some above, since the Soulfiend was still diligently floating overhead. Always an arrow’s shot away. Heck, even Sorro joined up as the demon emerged from the billowing flames in a happy cackle, clawed feet scraping over the pavement in a suspiciously hasty beeline to the keep. Wail couldn’t help but notice a freshly cut wound on the side of the demon, yet couldn’t care less to inquire about its’ story.
******
Just as predicted, the invading force indeed chose the comfortable stone road, instead of the narrow alley-ways, as the white riders advanced along it in an almost relaxed canter. That first impression cast aside upon closer look over their tightly-put formations and readied shields, as the riders seemed prepared for any ambushes on their flanks. A transparent light covering their figures as if some physical manifestation of their vindication. Willow couldn’t help but scowl in disgust at the sight of it. Arrow readied, she carefully pulled the bowstring of her weapon as far as she could manage, aiming the shot directly at the one riding in the very lead. She breathed in, held her breath and loosed. The projectile flew true, a silent whistle lingering in its’ wake. Yet just as it was about to pierce into a small opening between the target’s body armor and helm, the arrow passed through the transparent light and seemed to slow down, somewhat. Not enough to render it harmless, though – that was done by the shield that the damn rider raised in time to block the shot. Lightning reflexes on that one, she could give him that. Yet just as she was about to try again, only harder this time, she noticed movement from a nearby rider that wielded a claymore. A female with golden curls and a wicked look to her eyes, her helm hanging from the saddle. Oh, she didn’t like that one. The feeling emphasized when the bitch sliced at the air with that big sword of hers, releasing a crescent shaped wave of light that flew at Willow with tremendous speed.
“Shit!” – The ranger exclaimed as she quickly darted to the side, barely in time to dodge as the ranged attack sliced through wood with destructive power. Enough to destroy a large part of the roof. Luckily – it wasn’t enough to crumble the house completely. Though, enough to severely vex the ranger.
“Oh it’s on now” – She whispered and waved a hand to no one in particular, preparing an arrow once again moments later. She glared at the golden haired knight, pulled the bowstring and once a transparent red covered the tip of the arrow – released. Only this time, she wasn’t the only one. Like rain, arrows fell from both sides of the road, falling upon the advancing force without relent and with surprising precision.
With a smirk, the female knight intercepted Willow’s shot with the flat of her blade, only to be momentarily stunned and almost knocked out of her saddle once the arrow exploded on contact – the claymore recoiling back and striking the wielder.
“Yeah, that sure whipped the smirk off that bitch” – The ranger whispered with a smile, eyes darting to observe the relatively successful start for the ambush – as the riders were clearly somewhat perturbed by it – shields rising in an attempt to defend themselves, yet to limited effect. Even though the riders seemed to have ridden in pairs, with the probable intent of having a shield protecting each side, the gap between them due to the horses they rode was too big to assure perfect protection. Thus her rangers exploited that fact and plenty of projectiles flew in through the gaps – most of them bouncing harmlessly off heavy armor and only the barest few managing to find a softer spot to lodge themselves into.
Yet Willow’s smile was inevitably forced to hide away once again as she darted towards the walkway and onto the adjacent roof, a crescent slash cutting apart her previous position and a few follow-up ones following after her retreat. As humiliating as that was, it wasn’t as bad as witnessing the counterattack those damn knights unleashed upon her rangers. Pillars of light descended from the heavens, striking the surrounding roofs with righteous light that seemed to sear away everything it came in contact with, numerous screams of agony echoing about as many of the ambushers were hit. While in other places, the roof would collapse under the assault – taking with it anyone that was present on it.
“Well, we’re fucked…” – Willow grumbled at the
sight, only to continue her escape from the cascade of crescent slashes.
******
With a furrowed brow, Wail observed the lightshow from atop the stone walls of his keep, trusted aides and comrades present all around, while the forces inside mulled about in preparation for the siege.
“This doesn’t look good, boss” – Bob muttered from under his helm, the visor directed at the sight below.
“Yeah, no shit” – Wail commented mean-spiritedly – “Prepare the siege engines! Load up the boulders!” – He then shouted at the busy underlings, the ones responsible for the task rushing away with purpose after the command was given – “Let’s see how long they’ll last” – The delusional bandit overlord commented with a sinister grin, while Sorro, who was perched atop the parapet, cackled. The warlock couldn’t help but find it somewhat disturbing since he didn’t mean for it to be funny.
“There doesn’t seem to be any other forces around to strike us from the back, I had men scout out the area. But bad news have arrived from the mine” – Macrosh approached with heavy strides, his report provided before any greeting or salute, while Scruff followed with Vivian in hand - barely a few steps behind. His chest was heaving, while the little girl giggled occasionally at the sight.
Wail turned to the orc with a grumpy stare, lips kept shut. Clearly, he wasn’t much in the mood for any bad news.
“Apparently, a swarm of goblins overran our mining operation. Doesn’t seem like there’s much left, but they couldn’t come close enough to inspect since the area was still littered with stragglers” - Fearlessly, the orc reported the grim news, regardless of Wail’s mood-swings.
Everyone tensed up at the sound of that, which was when Scruff mercilessly released the beast. With a happy giggle, the innocent creature of affection and incorruptible purity rushed at the grumpy magician and attached herself onto his leg with the usual persistency.
“God damn it child, can’t you see I’m not in the mood to play now!” – An instant reaction. With a burst of energy, the warlock raged about, trying to shake off the pest as hard as he could, until, like any obnoxious child, he tired himself out and leaned against the parapet. Defeated. Mocked even, since Vivian was giggling away happily. Unbeknownst to the magician, Sorro cast an understanding look at him from behind. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was from the front, though – since discernable emotions from those two swirling spheres of molten fury weren’t exactly easy to detect.
“Scuff” – Wail exhaled, a palm resting over his eyes.
“Yes!” - Like a soldier called to attendance by his superior, Scruff straightened up with a shout. Hell, he even ignored the mispronunciation of his name.
“Put a notice that we are placing goblins and ogres as the prioritized workforce for the mine, when we renew activity there…” – He mumbled tiredly.
“Of…course?” – Scruff replied with clear doubt. But seemed to refrain from further clarifications – “But if I may be so bold, could I suggest a tactful retreat to fight another day? The foes we are facing today seem a little more than we can handle” – He added carefully, eyes shifting to inspect the magician’s reaction.
“Macrosh” – And was left sorely disappointed, since Wail didn’t even twitch at the suggestion. Heck, he even openly ignored it and instead – called upon the orc.
“Yes, Lord?” – The orc inquired after leaning forward somewhat.
“Are they close enough, yet?”
Macrosh turned his head over the parapet, beady eyes observing the still ongoing light-show beyond the walls, which seemed to be taking place much closer now.
“Seems like it, Lord” – He then said with confidence.
Wail exposed his teeth in a feral smile – “Fire!” – Only to shoot up from his resting position with a deafening bellow, the order echoed by the people present on the walls, till it reached the furthest corners – large towers present on each one. Sounds of wood creaking reached their ears and a rain of boulders flew out of the towers in a wide arc, falling towards the approaching force with barely satisfactory precision – a few hitting the structures nearby. Hopefully, it didn’t hurt any of their own forces, though judging by the renewed smirk Wail was displaying – it didn’t matter that much to him.
The keep itself was built upon a slight rise in terrain, a hill even. Thus, the stone road that lead to its’ main gateway, seemed to angle upwards slightly, while at the same time – providing a pleasant slope for those in the castle. Wail didn’t waste time at using that feature for defensive purposes. Once the first riders emerged from around a sharp turn and started a more-hasty advance upwards, Wail bellowed another command soon after.
“Let it roll!” – This one slightly weirder than the previous one.
Stone seemed to vibrate and groan under their feet and soon enough, two perfectly round boulders seemed to pop out from inside the walls, falling down onto the pavement in front of the gates with loud thuds, only to proceed rolling downhill soon after.
“Oh, so that’s why you told them to carve funnels into the pavement…” – Bob commented as his visor followed the sight of the boulders. The rocky spheres beautifully rolled downhill with ever increasing speed, yet studiously keeping to the road. Rock fell from the sky and rolled from up-hill relentlessly towards the attackers, while an occasional arrow joining the attack from the sides. Finally, the advancing force was showing signs of disorder. Their formation, forced by circumstance, seemed to dissolve as even their favored shield of light failed to defend against such a persistent assault. And just as they did so, the sounds of whining horses, like sweet music to his ears, reached Wail. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach at the sight of a few riders being pummeled or swept aside by the rock tide.
“Yes yes yes!” – He kept on repeating excitedly, a palm slapping the cold parapet against which he was leaning. They say that a child’s excitement is an infectious thing, especially to those of similar age. Which was probably why Vivian joined in on the fun as she peaked over the parapet – her loud giggles echoing in tandem with Wail’s own. Sorro didn’t fall behind, as he joined in with his signature cackles.
The joy at the sight of their foes suffering quickly spread to everyone. Some cheered, while others observed the sight with a smile, with one exception - who, instead of staying to marvel at the sight, slowly retreated. Scruff. His feet slowly taking him away and off the wall. Apparently, the bandit accountant didn’t much fancy violence. No wonder he was stuck with the current profession.
Nobody noticed Scruff’s departure, nor did they care even if they did. For the merriment was going in full swing, as the boulders rolled down the slope like bowling balls - the riders serving as tricky kegs, that dodged about with increasing difficulty the more boulders descended. With the constant barrage, their numbers seemed to lessen, a few already presumed dead or dying. Blood was spilled and Wail hasn’t looked so happy in a long, long while.
All good things have to come to an end eventually, though and joy doesn’t last in the face of life’s grinding difficulties. And so, Wail’s smile faded and the cheering stopped – the merriment muted by the groaning sound of the gates opening below their feet.
******
xXxArchangelxXx urged his steed into a sprint, his brooms following in suit, accompanied by the silent curses of Joana, that rode in line. A tension lingered in the air, so thick that it was almost corporeal – as the unit advanced with clenched teeth, the clamor of their armor accompanied by a chorus of grinding teeth. It was a miracle that they didn’t shift into a crazed charge, which was a testament to their training. To their unfaltering discipline and faith in their leader.
The High Sweeper grinned maniacally under his visor, the thought of the upcoming carnage that was about to be unleashed by his fanatical brethren sending goosebumps along his sweaty back. Grip tightening around the holy mace that hung from his waist. A perfect tool to deal with this annoying scum. He trembled with anticipation, steed darting to the side as another bou
lder rolled past, the cry of a horse echoing from behind as someone failed to dodge in time, yet their leader didn’t even offer a glance. No such privilege would be spared for those weak enough to be inconvenienced by an obstacle of this magnitude.
In a steady pace, they continued up with only moderate difficulty – the barrage of rocks from above and the front only serving to slow them down, while the arrows that shot from the sides were no more than mosquito bites. Yet a few were unlucky enough to be felled. Not enough to matter – the fact more of a wound to their pride, than to their morale.
Retribution was close, though. And oh how bloody it would be. As soon as…
With a groan, the metal gates of the keep in front opened up and with it, the barrage of boulders seemed to lessen.
“An inside job?” – Joana grumbled a question from nearby, her narrowed gaze inspecting the gaping entrance to the keep.
“Did I not tell you, dearest sister? Pedro’s reach is long” – xXxArchangelxXx replied with obvious satisfaction, all the while rising his hammer-wielding arm into the air – “To battle, brothers and sisters! For Pedro!” – He roared and the canter soon turned into a headlong charge, followed closely by Joana. The roar was soon taken up by everyone else and with weapons raised and steeds urged, the whole formation charged up with blinding speed, weapons swinging at any that got in the way, as the shadows looming beneath the gateway were made darker yet as the blood of heretics was spilled in righteous fury. Holy work would be done this day and xXxArchangelxXx was beside himself with joy.
******
Chaos spread inside the keep, while Wail rushed down the stairs and into the inner workings of the stone wall – followed closely by Bob, Macrosh and Vivian, while Sorro loomed close enough. Close enough to see flashes of light as Sorro was already busy discharging fire at the invaders through slits in the wall. Their destination? The gate controls.