The door opened and Echo-Seras stepped inside, her blue eyes taking in the scene, a brow slowly rising.
“Can you not put on your own armor, Kaidia?” she asked with a chuckle.
“I can, but they seemed rather adamant about helping so I let them,” the god retorted lightly.
“You still put your armor on one piece at a time?” Echo asked.
“Yes, why?” Kai answered with a question.
“Because there's an easier way,” Echo responded.
“Do tell,” Kai said with an arched brow.
Echo raised her arms to her sides. She was adorned with a dull, light plate armor that appeared deep grey in the morning light that streamed in through the open windows of Kai's chambers. Nothing fancy, but more than most kyrian warriors tended to wear. She winked at Kaidia and her armor drifted off of her like smoke in a strong breeze. It simply dissolved into nothing. A moment later, Echo's body was enveloped in that same grey smoke. When it drifted away moments later, she was wearing her armor again.
“Well now... that's interesting,” Kaidia remarked. The three kyrian women who had been tugging on the straps of her armor were staring.
“It's an enchantment on my armor. It's complicated, but worth it. You can invoke it with a thought, which means you can summon your armor onto yourself at a moment's notice and engage in a battle with a bit more peace of mind,” Echo explained.
“For all my power, I'm not one with a knack for enchantments, Echo,” Kaidia admitted with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Tell you what, Kai, as an acknowledgment of your importance to this world, to your people and the people of other races; I will do it for you. Just give me your armor tonight when we stop to make camp and I'll work the necessary magic,” Echo offered.
“Powerful, beautiful, and silver-tongued. I accept,” Kaidia replied with a smirk.
“I'm silver-tongued?” the kyrian general responded with a smirk that was a twin of Kai's.
Kaidia simply winked, then gained the attention of the three kyrian women who were listening without adjusting her armor by flicking each of them gently on the ear in turn.
“Ahem. Ladies, if you'd please,” Kai said with a little smile and a gesture to herself. They all seemed to blink and stare for a moment before coming back to themselves and setting back to work adjusting the god's armor.
* * *
Echo and Kai walked down one of the side streets, side-by-side, saddle bags and packs slung over their shoulders.
“I took the liberty of having our mounts readied,” the kyrian general said, giving Kai a glance.
“That's fine. The quicker we start out the faster we get to the rendezvous point,” Kaidia responded.
The pair turned a corner and started for the main gate. Kaidia arched a brow as she spotted a pair of kyrians standing next to and petting a pair of massive cats that were roughly the same size as a horse, though far more heavily muscled.
“I take it I'm not riding my horse,” Kaidia ventured.
“You would be correct. Those cats can easily outrun a horse, both in speed and duration,” Echo explained.
“And what of my horse?” Kai asked, a brow arched.
“It will be cared for like the mount of a god that it is,” Echo answered.
“Good,” Kai said with a nod.
The pair approached the large felines and the two kyrians holding them in place by virtue of hands placed gently on their softly furred necks. One of the kyrians was Tian-Vere. The other was a woman that apparently knew Echo, judging by the friendly nuzzle the two exchanged.
“Mistress Kaidia, how does the morning find you?” Tian asked with a pleasant smile.
“Just fine. I've been well taken care of here. The hospitality of your city has been wonderful,” Kaidia responded with a faint smile of her own.
“Good. It's not often that we have such an illustrious visitor. Now, I assume you've not ridden a panther before,” Tian said.
“You assume correctly. These are even bigger than the one that woke me up the other morning,” Kai answered.
“These are full grown adults. The one that woke you was young,” Tian explained.
“Right. So, I'm sure there is some special technique to riding one of these that keeps one from meeting the ground with alarming abruptness,” Kai said, looking for a saddle and not seeing one.
“Indeed but it is rather simple. Just keep a strong grip on the scruff of their neck,” Tian said with a shrug.
“That's it?” Kai asked quizzically, a brow arched high.
“That's it,” Tian-Vere confirmed.
“Lovely. And to make them go and stop?” Kaidia asked.
“Same as a horse. They understand tugs on the scruff of their neck, heels in their sides. You'll be a natural, I assure you,” Tian answered.
“Thank you. For everything the past couple of days,” Kai said, grasping Tian's shoulder for a moment.
“My pleasure, Mistress Kaidia,” Tian said with a nod of his head before stepping away from the large panther. Kaidia eyed the panther for a moment before extending her hand to it, letting it sniff at her hand. It stepped closer and sniffed up her arm, at her face, and finally nudged her cheek with its head. Kai smiled at that and stroked her hand down the side of its neck.
“She likes you,” Echo said from beside her own mount.
“I have a way with animals. Most seem to like me. Except dogs. Which is odd since wolves seem to adore me,” Kaidia replied, giving a shrug.
“That is strange,” Echo agreed.
“Are we ready?” Kai asked.
“Yeah. Let's get out of here,” Echo said, jumping up onto her panther. Kai followed suit, climbing up on her own, stroking the creature's fur before taking a firm grip on the scruff of its neck. Together, Echo and Kaidia turned their mounts and rode out of the city before digging in their heels and bounding off into the woods. As Kai leaned down low against the big cat's neck, a grin of pleasure curved her lips. The speed of the feline was exhilarating, as was its ability to bound between the trees without slowing. This was going to be a fun ride.
* * *
Rykar and Malcade arrived at the fork in the road as the sun was setting. It only took them a moment to spot the fire a few paces into the forest beside the road. The pair dismounted and guided their horses through the trees and into the clearing they had used before they had gone their separate ways a few days ago. Rykar arched a brow at the sight before him. In front of the fire, lying on her back, with her head resting against a very large feline, was Kaidia. To the other side of the fire, with another large feline wrapped around her, was a kyrian woman, chanting softly over Kai's armor. He could only assume she was the general of which Kai had spoken.
“Well now, this is an interesting sight,” he said. Kai looked up to him, the kyrian didn't acknowledge him.
“I know. That's General Echo-Seras, the Tiger of Malkasha, apparently,” Kai gestured to her.
“Oh my, more fun names. Tiger of Malkasha, Reaper of Kulvost...” Rykar trailed off.
“Lord of Scorpions,” Malcade finished.
“Hm. You need a name,” Rykar said, giving Malcade a look.
“I am sure, if I'm to gain one, it'll come naturally,” the bigger man said before leading his horse to a nearby tree, tying it off, and going about making sure the animal was comfortable. Rykar did the same before stepping back over to Kaidia.
“So what's she doing with your armor?” he asked.
“Enchanting it,” Kai replied.
“To what effect?” the king pressed.
“So I can summon and dismiss it with a thought,” Kai answered with a smile.
“Oh, that sounds rather nifty,” Rykar commented.
“I thought so,” Kaidia responded.
“Traded in your horse, I see,” Rykar said.
“Yes, it wouldn't have kept up with Echo's panther anyway. Besides, you know how I like cats,” Kai said, reaching to scratch the large feline behind an ear.
“Beautiful creature. The panther isn't half bad either,” Rykar complimented with a smirk. Kaidia simply winked at him in response, then closed her eyes and relaxed further, if that were possible, against her new feline friend.
* * *
After Echo finished the enchantments on Kaidia's armor, greetings were exchanged, and meals were eaten, the group of four sat around the fire and talked. Not just about the upcoming battle but a plethora of topics. It was during a discussion of traditional dwarven dances that involved a hammer that the small group was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger that wore light leather armor, the shoulders of which were stamped with the Scorpion Company crest. Both Rykar and Malcade rose to meet the young man.
“King, First Commander,” the man said, nodding to Rykar and Malcade in turn.
“Welcome to our luxurious camp, lad,” Rykar said, gesturing around with a joking smirk.
“Looks comfortable enough to me, Sire,” the young man said with a chuckle.
“Indeed. What news do you bring us?” Rykar asked, eyes fixed on the messenger. Malcade was eyeing him as well. Kaidia had shifted her gaze from where she lay with her panther and while Echo hadn't looked his way, her ears were perked and turned toward the man.
“We have received reports of this ransacking army heading southeast, toward Silver Lake,” the messenger reported.
“Silver Lake? What the hell is in Silver Lake beyond a lot of coin and fancily clothed snobs?” Malcade asked, confused.
“A temple to the Dragon God, Sir,” the messenger answered.
“She's getting more and more of those,” Rykar muttered, half to himself.
“If it's in Silver Lake, it's bound to be grand. That would draw the attention of these raiders,” Malcade said, tone thoughtful.
“That's the general consensus,” the messenger confirmed.
“Have we given them a name?” Rykar asked aloud. Malcade and the messenger gave the king a pair of odd looks.
“Excuse me, Sire?” the messenger asked.
“This rampaging army, have we given them a name or learned of any sort of title they have?” Rykar clarified.
“Khamora's Army, last I heard. Not sure if that's official,” Malcade said with a shrug. The messenger nodded.
“I see. Who the hell is Khamora?” Rykar asked.
“Some little known deity, that's all I've heard,” Malcade replied.
“For a little known deity, he's got one hell of an army. What's your name, lad?” Rykar questioned, looking to the messenger.
“Luka, Sire,” the young man answered.
“I hate to send you back out so quickly, Luka. But we need to redirect incoming troops to Silver Lake, as well as sending the Scorpions there,” Rykar said, tone sympathetic. He knew Luka was tired but there really was no time to waste.
“Of course, Sire. I'll notify other messengers and we'll get all the proper people informed,” Luka said, giving a firm nod.
“Good man,” Rykar said and clapped Luka on the shoulder. “We'll meet the troops there.”
“Of course, Sire. One question though,” Luka ventured.
“What's that?” Rykar asked.
“Where's the nearest stream or river?” the messenger asked as he held up his nearly empty water flask.
“Ah, yes, that should be full. That way,” Rykar said, pointing in the direction of a nearby stream.
“Thank you, Sire. I look forward to seeing you in Silver Lake,” Luka said before walking off into the trees, disappearing into the shadows of the darkened forest. Rykar turned to Kaidia.
“Did you know you have a temple in Silver Lake?” he asked.
“No, I've never even been to Silver Lake,” she replied.
“Well, we're about to change that,” Rykar said with a slight smile.
“Oh boy,” Kai responded with a healthy dose of sarcasm.
“That is a response that seems more fit to your sister than yourself. Speaking of which, where is your sister?” Rykar asked.
“In a coma in Vortha,” Kai answered flatly.
“What? What the hell happened?” Rykar's brows rose.
“She faced down a brigade from this army that seems intent on godly genocide. She killed around five thousand soldiers, but she was using so much power to do so that her magic overwhelmed and engulfed her. We're waiting to see if she'll wake up,” Kaidia explained.
“Oh shit. That's simultaneously bad ass and tragic,” Rykar commented
“Yes, it is. It's Nadia though, she'll pull through,” Kai said, the confidence in her voice genuine.
“Agreed. Now, we should probably get some sleep, we're going to need to leave early in the morning. Once we get to Silver Lake, we're going to have a lot of work on our hands,” Rykar said as he sat down on his bedroll.
“Who's taking first watch?” Malcade asked.
“No need. The panthers will hear or smell someone coming before we can hear or see them,” Echo said while fondly stroking her panther's back.
“I am growing fonder of cats all the time,” Rykar said with a soft smile before flopping back onto his bedroll with a sigh.
* * *
The next morning, the group of four started out before the sun rose above the horizon. Rykar admired the large cats that the women rode. The creatures were sleek, powerful, and beautiful. They were almost as dangerous as the women they carried. Rykar suddenly felt a momentary rush of extra confidence. With allies like Kaidia and Echo-Seras, how could he lose this war? Not to mention his company. The Scorpions were loyal to Rykar through everything. They'd proven themselves time and again in the war with Adathir and his army. If the soldiers from the kyrian, elven, dwarven, and orc nations proved to be half as reliable, Rykar felt they could take down anything this mysterious army threw their way. However, in the next moment, the king's logical mind took hold, reminding him that even with the armies of other nations united under his command, they were easily out-numbered, and there were any number of unknowns. The army they would face had somehow managed to retain an air of enigmatic mystery. Little was known about them and it was likely they'd not find out any new information until the battle had begun.
The king was pulled from his thoughts when Kaidia spoke from beside him, again making him appreciate the full size of the panther the god rode. It was very nearly the same height as his horse and visibly the more powerful creature.
“We are being followed,” she stated casually.
“I thought I had seen someone in the trees a little while back,” Rykar replied, also casual as could be, even chuckling.
“The cats picked up on them ages ago. Echo says she's heard at least five different sets of footsteps,” Kai informed him.
“Any idea when they might choose to make themselves known?” Rykar asked, assuming the stalkers weren't just there to keep tabs on his little group.
“If they are smart, never. However, we're assuming up the road a bit where the forest gets thicker and is on both sides of the road,” Kaidia said.
“They may have support waiting up there too,” Rykar commented.
“It's a distinct possibility,” Kai agreed.
Malcade, riding alongside Rykar, heard everything. However, he was as much a veteran of the battlefield as the rest in the small group and just kept riding, relaxed and quiet. He paid attention to his peripheral vision, watching for movement out of the corners of his eyes. The group continued forward, Kaidia urging her panther forward to ride alongside Echo once more, the pair engaging in conversation. Behind them, Rykar and Malcade did the same. The group rode on, talking, giving all the appearance of a group on a casual ride. The armor that Rykar and Malcade wore damaged the illusion just a little.
“Not that I'm complaining, but why are neither of them wearing armor?” Malcade asked Rykar.
“Echo has enchanted armor that she can summon to herself at a thought and she recently enchanted Kai's armor to do the same. Just last night, in fact,” the king replied.
“Ah, that makes
sense,” Malcade acknowledged. The women, without their armor, wore simple leather boots, leather pants, and sleeveless tunics that hugged their torsos. It struck Malcade just how similar the two women were. Both were obvious warriors, both rough around the edges, tougher than most people, stronger than most, and utterly aware of it. They were both easy enough on the eyes as well. Both Rykar and Malcade were admiring the two women when Echo's ears twitched, she turned and shouted.
“Arrows!”
Malcade jerked backward at the shout, just in time to see an arrow fly by in front of his face. Rykar turned in his saddle and an arrow glanced off the armor protecting his shoulder. Echo, whose reflexes were quicker than those of a human, batted an arrow out of the air that had been aimed for her chest. Kaidia caught the arrow aimed at her, surprising herself as well as Echo, and likely whoever fired it. Echo spoke a word before sliding from her mount. Kai mimicked the motion after tossing aside the arrow she had caught. Rykar and Malcade dismounted and stepped forward. The panthers stepped backward, guarding the horses.
“Come forward, cowards. Meet your death with some shred of dignity and pride!” Kai shouted into the forest surrounding her. It took several long moments before the four could hear some rustling in the trees and spotted several soldiers stepping onto the road from both sides. Men and women, clad in dark leather armor and otherwise soft clothing, all meant to aid in their stealth. Though they carried swords, they were scouts and archers, not meant to be in the front lines of combat. They were all humans and Sorku elves.
“There they are,” Echo purred, slitted pupils studying the revealed enemy.
“Looks like about twenty,” Rykar said quietly.
“If they all came out of the woods,” Malcade commented.
“Doesn't matter,” Kaidia stated.
“Why do you say that?” Malcade asked, a brow raised.
“Because when we start killing their friends, they'll either come to help or run like hell, if they're out there to begin with,” Kai explained.
“Fair enough,” Malcade responded.
“What are they talking about?” Rykar asked, gesturing to the soldiers.
The soldiers were talking amongst themselves, gesturing at the group, a few wearing sinister grins, others appearing rather confident.
Realms of Valen - Blasphemous Crusade (War of the Gods Book 2) Page 10