After seeing Cherise's pouting face, Theo decided to answer her seriously.
Theo: "You know what, Cherise, I wasn't intending on going at first, but...-" And releasing his grip from Ira's handshake, he continued, "-The Aelaan Empire is heading towards another innocent town." He paused, as if trying to lighten the weight of his next words, he let out a nervous chuckle before continuing.
Theo: "They're probably intending to raze it to the ground, like those monsters did with our own village. And there’s no doubt, they intend to massacre even more innocent lives. I can’t just stand idly by anymore, and let this continue." Before Cherise could get a word in, Theo held out his hand to her, so he could finish speaking earnestly.
Theo: “For too long, I’ve been preoccupied with my own troubles. I think it’s about time, that I at least proved to myself that I care.” He said with a hint a shame and a firm determination.
Ira was clearly impressed by Theo’s words. While on the other hand, Cherise was caught off guard after hearing what he had said in the utmost seriousness. Even still, she wanted desperately for him to be convinced out of the idea.
Just how much thought has he been putting into this? It almost feels wrong to stop him.
Cherise: "Theo…" She said only, unable to find the words she was looking for.
Firmly resolved in his decision, he confidently replied back.
Theo: "I now know what I need to do. I’m going to help those people." He proclaimed with a bright smile on his face, that Cherise hadn't seen him wear for a long, long time.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Theo like this. I can hardly even recognize him. Even with the peril involved, maybe this really for the best?... But looking at the both of them, I’m pretty certain neither of them would even listen to my warnings at this point.
Letting out a defeated sigh, she said assertively.
Cherise: "Fine! But if you both think you're going by yourselves, you have another thing coming!" She said with a defiant determination.
Her proclamation didn't surprise anyone in the slightest, as Ira drew closer to her.
Ira: "Cherise, I knew you were never going to let us leave on our own. But at the very least, I want you to promise me that you’ll keep a safe distance from the fighting. When the time comes, I know you'll be able to heal the injured and the wounded." As Ira was saying this, he pulled out a sheathed dagger before presenting it to her.
Ira: "Just in case I’m not there to help you, I want you to have this." The expression on her face was telling enough, before she answered.
Cherise: "Absolutely not! I don't want to hurt anyone!" Concerned but insistently, Ira pleaded his case.
Ira: "Please Cherise! If I'm not beside you, knowing you're unarmed, I'll worry like crazy." As he said this, he firmly grabbed ahold of her hand before placing the sheathed dagger in her palm.
Nervously looking down at the dagger and back to Ira's pleading face, Cherise finally gave in as she responded.
Cherise: "Alright, I’ll hold on to it so neither of you have to worry. But I still don't intend on using it!" Just knowing she’d have it was enough for Ira, who smiled back.
Ira: "And I'm hoping, you won't have to."
With the matter finally settled, the three then proceeded to wait a little over a week in preparation. All of it was to give Ira’s wounds the time they needed to heal well enough, so he could once again be in a condition to fight.
None of them told anyone else of their intentions, not even Obi, before they started packing some provisions and left the temple grounds in the dark of night. Starting on their journey, they headed on their way towards the town of Kings Height. Having no other styles of clothing readily available at their disposal, the three remained dressed in the attire of the Order.
CHAPTER 26 – BRICK AND WOOD
Early one morning, after descending from the mountains, and safely avoiding the wilds, the three continued on their new journey to Kings Height. Using her map on this venture, Cherise reluctantly guided their way forward. Having wanting them all to have nothing to do with this plan, she couldn’t help feeling like an accomplice in crime at this point.
Walking in the vast fields of the grasslands of the Great Plains while only a few hours out from Kings Height, the three noticed a long line of refuges coming from the town’s direction. It was easily presumable that the large mass of townsfolk were fleeing their homes, which would soon be a warzone. As their small group walked by the refuges, they noticed many of them seemed to be carrying as much as they could manage on their backs. Greedily, they were holding onto many of their worldly possessions of no practical value. All of the refugees still desperately clung on to trinkets, and unnecessary baubles to serve as a distraction from their new harsh reality. The sight was an unsettling reminder to the three, and rekindled memories of the horrors of war they were all too familiar with.
With Obi not present, Cherise appeared to be the only one in their small band who seemed concerned about their own safety as their small group pressed forward. After seeing so many flee, she couldn’t help but think that it was perhaps an absurd notion to think that only them three could make a difference.
What are we doing here?... I know Ira, and Theo are excellent swordsman, they may even be counted among the best, but this is crazy!
────────
Keeping her doubts to herself as they continued forward, eventually an imposing structure of stone was coming into sight. Popping out from besides the rising hills of the mountains, the stone architecture stood at the northernmost part of the town of Kings Height. Although now in ruins, the impressive sight caught Cherise's full attention. Once a great castle of an even greater empire that has long since passed, the ruins still stood as proudly as ever, overlooking the town and vast landscape of open plains below.
────────
Once the three finally made their way to the outskirts of the town, they were surprised to see that its houses, and businesses had been built on top the ruins of this once ancient empire’s city. The structures and even the walls of the town were falling apart, as many of the groundwork of the buildings not only were built atop of, but alongside the crumbling ruins. The slowly disintegrating walls of the town had a makeshift gate, which was opened wide for the constant stream of refugees still fleeing. The town’s structural condition along with the fleeing residents’ spirits both surprisingly shared one thing in common, they were in shambles.
────────
Entering through the towns undefended gate, they soon noticed there was only a single guard stationed here inside the walls. Only one person defending this entrance, and to make matters worse, by both his attire and demeanor, he seemed to be a newly enlisted militia. Standing and keeping a watchful eye over nothing in particular, the guard seemed to take issue to the three armed newcomers entering into his town. While trying to present a brave face, the man nervously approached the three. By his timid demeanor alone he’d be lucky to scare a bunny. Ira almost laughed.
The guard straightened himself enough to ask the three demandingly, "What business do you have here in Kings Height? Fully armed at that.-" And gesturing to the refuges, he spoke further, "-In case you hadn't noticed, an evacuation has been ordered in Kings Height. One of the Empire's armies will soon be set upon this town."
And now finding his courage, he made his stance on the situation abundantly clear, as he demanded of them, "You need to leave now!"
His demands didn't deter Ira in the slightest, as he walked closer to the guard, grasping onto the hilts of his black fangs. Responding confidently as he gestured towards his sheathed blades.
Ira: "Don't you worry, we can handle ourselves just fine. Besides, we have some unfinished business with the Aelaans." He said, grinning, and tapping the hilt of a black fang.
The guard was notably surprised after hearing that someone actually wanted to get involved in all this mess.
And looking further at Ira specifical
ly, the guard then said, "Wait… You're from the Toride clan, aren't you?"
Having his fair share of negative reactions to this before, Ira had a serious yet stern expression, as he gave a slight nod in return.
Seeming convinced into something, the guard’s nervousness immediately left him.
The guard then smiled as he continued saying to the newcomers, "Well that settles it! I guess we can trust you… After all, there's no way someone from the Toride clan would be helping the Empire. -" And looking at them further, the man continued to ask, "-What exactly brings you out here? Are you three really intending on fighting the Aelaans?"
Theo: "Yes..." He said simply in his answer, as his voice trailed off.
As Theo was saying this, he was distracted. His attention was elsewhere, as he looked at the refuges the entire time, all of whom were fleeing the town. The more he looked on, the more it only encouraged his resolve.
Theo: "We're here to help...-" And turning to face the guard, he said determinedly, "-Any way we can!"
The guard was pleasantly surprised to see such courage from strangers to his home no less, who seemingly came out of the blue to help in their time of need. Now assured in himself that the three came under good intentions, the guard started pointing down a road in the town.
The road the guard pointed to lead into to the heart of Kings Height, and explaining himself he said to them, "Take this road all the way to the other side of town. It will lead you to the eastern sector, where we're expecting the Empire to attack us head on. Our acting commander will be there defending the wall with the militia. And I know he’ll be glad to see you came to help.-" And turning back to the three, the guard said his parting words, "-The Light be with you!" Giving a brief thanks to the guard for his directions, the three left.
────────
Proceeding down the road, Cherise couldn’t help but find the town unusual. In her eyes, she thought it was quite peculiar that this supposed main road would be considered anything more than a path, as it seemed far too small and cramped to ever deserve the title of a road. Not that she had any particular fondness of roads, but imagining the town’s main road during a busy day, she couldn’t help but think that a little personal space would go a long way. But there was certainly many more oddities she found of interest in this strange place.
As they continued making their way through the town, the three couldn't help but notice that every other path from this main road were all even closer knit alleyways. As ridiculous the notion, the alleys small width would likely do their fair share in keeping every resident from putting on too much weight. Along the road, and alleys were a mixture of tall ancient structures combined with new buildings, which made up the businesses and houses. All of the structures were tightly squeezed together in this cramped town. The architecture was unlike anything the three had ever seen, which Cherise had to excitedly comment on.
Cherise: "It’s like this place is straight out of a fairytale!" She said in awe, bringing the other two out of their silent concentration.
Likely considering the coming fight beforehand, now all three of them appreciated the unique scenery in their own way. All of them were surprised by the fact that all of the buildings were made up of ruins and new materials. The structures were flimsy at best, it was easy to tell that they weren’t exactly stable or sturdy for at least one reason or another. Having a good look around, Theo noticed something else entirely.
Theo: "Until you mentioned it, Cherise, that wasn't what I was focusing on. Do you hear that?...” She listened intently for a few seconds, until he felt obliged to reveal what it was he’d found.
Theo: “What I thought was out of place while we've been walking all this time, is that we haven't heard anyone, haven't seen anyone. Not a soul…-“ He grimaced at the thought of it, before he said further, “-Who in the world are we even protecting by coming here? Is the defense stationed here simply intending to defend brick and wood? We’ll be risking our lives to defend homes and buildings alone?" Looking seriously at Theo, Ira answered him.
Ira: "This is going to be the frontlines, Theo. This is how it should be. Soldiers fighting while their loved ones are far away from the battle, safe from harm." He casually looked over to Cherise, hoping his last attempt would dissuade her.
Nice try, Ira.
Judging by her playful expression, Ira smiled back, knowing he’d failed. And seeing that Ira’s point had merit, Theo decided to drop the subject. But Ira then felt the need to say something, which seemed to come out of nowhere.
Ira: "All these years we’ve been by each other’s sides, I can’t help but think that we've been through a whole lot together, haven't we?" At a loss for words, both Cherise and Theo were temporally caught off guard by his question.
It was almost like Ira said this, as if he wouldn't have another chance to. Which to say the least, was an unsettling surprise to the others. The more serious turn in the conversation was quickly undone as Cherise ran over towards Ira. Jumping on his back, she squeezed him tightly while exclaiming with a smile.
Cherise: "And the three of us are going to go through a lot more together!” She said before smiling mischievously.
Cherise: “And I wonder what trouble you two are planning to get me into tomorrow! And the day after that, and the day after that…” She said before laughing, and the others joined her in a guilty laughter of their own.
────────
Her optimism did the trick, brightening the gloomy mood as they made their way through the town. Eventually, they found their way in the eastern sector before noticing the acting commander. Being the only man in uniform, he was easy to spot. Up till this point, the commander was besides the shabby walls giving orders to his men, before he saw the three newcomers.
The tough looking veteran grinned at the sight of some extra helping hands, before he spoke to the three directly, "Didn’t expect anyone to come! You here to help?" Which Ira, promptly answered.
Ira: "That’s right. I'm sure you'll find our assistance here invaluable." He said as typical as ever of him, boasting with a confident grin.
The commander was certainly amused by how assured the newcomer was in his abilities. Gesturing towards his militia, he spoke.
Commander: "I like you're spirit young man, but I can guarantee you one thing for damn sure! We're in for one helluva fight!"
His words appeared true, as the militia was not only lightly manned, but lightly armored. To make matters worse, just by sight one could tell they were all on edge, inexperienced, undisciplined, untrained. To add to an already bad situation, the town’s eastern gate they were defending looked as if it could be destroyed with minimal effort from any real attacking force. Realizing the morale was already low enough, the commander deterred from his overly loud negative outlook on the situation to speak to the newcomers further in a much more hushed voice.
Commander: "We have reports that the Empire's northern regiment is headed for Kings Height. I'll be honest with you strangers. You are not bound to help us, but your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Even if we’re lucky, the facts are that we simply don't have the men needed to hold the Aelaans off for more than an hour." Clearly shaken himself, the commander continued with slightly more optimism, as he started looking into the distance.
Commander: "There is however some good news. There’s word that an equally sized force of the Free Peoples of the West is coming to assist us. But I must admit, these same reports also show that they're expected to arrive a few hours late into the fighting. With any luck, they'll make it here in time to intercept the Aelaan forces." And looking back at the three, he said further.
Commander: "In any case, knowing all this, if you all intend to still stay then you have my sincere thanks.” And Ira gestured back to his question, implying of course.
The man gave a wide grin before he continued speaking.
Commander: “I suggest you prepare yourselves accordingly.-" He said while gesturing tow
ards the makeshift militia encampment before he spoke further, “-Oh, and if anyone mentions it in passing, the name’s Calbrick. But while you’re here under my command, I expect to be called commander.” He said with authority.
Ira: “I’m not really one for formality.” He said casually, which prompted an immediate response back.
Calbrick: “Well you best get used to the idea! If you want to live to see the sunrise, than you have to become a soldier. And the first part is acting like it, and following orders from your commanding officer.” He said with a flippant hand gesture, shooing them away, expecting them to fall in line.
CHAPTER 27 – ON THE RAMPARTS
Not far from the town of Kings Height, Razkaul was atop his horse, leading roughly a hundred thousand soldiers in the direction of the once ancient city. The majority of his men were fully armored to the teeth, and brimming with confidence. As the Chosen’s army was slowly making their way forward, the captain of his scouts arrived before him. The scout saluted and stated.
Ephir: "Chosen one, I bring news from the front!" Keenly interested in his scout’s sudden intrusion, Razkaul gruffly demanded back.
Razkaul: "What is it?!" Promptly replying, the captain continued speaking.
Ephir: "Sir, I've confirmed the reports of my men... An army of the West numbering eighty thousand strong are making their way to intercept us at Kings Height. By the time we arrive at the town, their forces may likely already be set upon us."
Giving the recent news a moments consideration, Razkaul grinned as he began whispering a reminder to himself of the promise made.
Razkaul: "Six years..." He said, almost under his breathe.
And seeming to embolden himself with the promise, he then confidently replied to his scout.
Razkaul: "It matters little. We'll just have to destroy both the army, and the town separately. We have a very strict time table to keep after all.-" He said while looking out at his vast army, and continuing to say, "-They have no idea what power we now control!" He said grinning, and specifically looking back at a select few hundred of his warriors.
The Shadow of Death Page 19