“All mounted and ready.” Gregory roared and then sounded the horn. “Ride out, men.”
Rogan kicked his great black charger and galloped to the front of the tightly packed cavalry. He took his place at the head of the charge, riding alongside Gregory and Belen.
“On to Orenden.” The young archer bellowed. “May we rescue every fair lass there this day.”
“And drive the enemy back to the nether whence they came.” Niles, the bladesman, gave more volume to the young man’s cry.
The thundering hooves of over a thousand horses shook the land, kicking up a cloud of dust into the early dawn. Six hundred riders, well armed and ready for battle and over four hundred spare mounts moved with the precision of a well trained cavalry unit, cresting hills and splashing through streams until the farming settlement of Orenden loomed into view.
Smoke from fires already lit in several places rose to darken the pale light of dawn as the army of the enemy dug into position to hold back the inevitable charge. A thousand paces out, the Duke’s men kicked their mounts into a furious gallop, following the man who led them in the many battles over the last few days. Rogan’s heart pounded against his chest, filling his mind as the bloodlust for battle pumped through his veins.
“Onward, men.” He roared. “Take no prisoners; give no quarter.”
The clash of metal on metal echoed deafeningly all around, mingled with the screams of dying and maimed men. Lethal shafts loosed from recurved bows made from yew whizzed around them, finding their victims with sickening thuds. Rogan moved through the enemy ranks like a demon possessed.Only one thought filled his mind: to rid of all this evil and get back to Alicia. The pendant began to glow brightly against his chest.
“We have them on the run… give chase, kill them… kill them all.” Gregory’s frenzied cry soared over the raucous din all around.
“Show them that the sons of Kirk Falls are not to be trifled with.” Niles roared alongside the veteran warrior.
The enemy, what was left of their vast numbers, retreated back in droves, driven back through the pass where they had invaded from. The tower was in sight and Rogan knew that their leader, Nostrazcus, was holding out in the keep of the tower. The prospect of a long siege aggravated him. He wanted to end this now.
“We cannot breach the walls of the tower, at least not yet.” Gregory panted, riding up beside Rogan. “They have all retreated beyond the walls and their catapults and trebuchets, which were once ours, can make this siege last for days.”
“We don’t have days, Gregory.” Rogan almost snarled. “We have to break through those walls by tonight. Have our own catapults and siege towers arrived?”
“They will, by afternoon.” Gregory scratched his balding head, a trickle of blood running over his gnarled fingers. “We must hold position and wait here.”
“We have them on the run.Damn them to Hell.” The tall battle wearied warrior spat. “They will have time enough to reinforce themselves from the other side.”
“This is the same tower we had rescued Lady Gwendolyn from.” Draco rode up to join Rogan and Gregory.
“Aye, it is, but we are not fighting drunken bandits this time.” Gregory said with a grunt.
“But we know our way around here and they don’t.” Rogan dismounted swiftly. “I have a plan. I know the wizard lurks in there; that coward prefers to remain hidden.”
“What is your plan, Captain?” Belen inquired, dismounting beside the tall knight.
“I will infiltrate the tower through the weaker western gate. find the wizard and end this once and for all.”
“A brave plan… but foolish.” Gregory smirked. “So when do we get going?”
“Immediately.” Rogan said. “Draco and Belen, come with me, and Harald. You, Gregory, must lead the army in my stead out here. The enemy must not see our forces without a captain.”
“Agreed.” The veteran said. “Godspeed, my brave friends.”
“And to you as well.” Belen nodded and fell in step behind the other three highly experienced warriors as they made their way through the dense forests that surrounded the western wall of the tower.
Most of the enemy forces manned the top of the wall, with many clustered at the huge gates. The four men stealthily made their way to the narrow corner of the wall and swiftly scaled the creeper covered stonework. Belen’s silent arrows found their mark, felling six of the ten guards, before Rogan and the other two disposed of the remaining four.
“Ten down, another few hundred to go.” The young archer grinned.
Draco motioned for silence and gestured that they move along the southern part of the inner wall. Rogan nodded his consent and led the way in, ducking through a small opening that led to the drainage system. A few minutes through the dark, dreary tunnels and they found themselves in the middle of a large underground hallway. Suddenly, the stone slab shut behind them and the rapid rush of a hundred footfalls sounded all around them. The four men stood up straight, finding themselves in the middle of a tight circle of heavily armed men with spear points lowered and trained on them.
“Ah, the great and gallant protector of Kirk Falls, we meet at last.” A shrill, sneering voice drifted over them.
“Show yourself, wizard.” Rogan shouted defiantly.
“Oh, I will and more.” The voice went on. “I will show you the folly of your ways.”
A section of the spearmen parted and a tall, gaunt man dressed in pale white robes and a hood seemingly floated towards them. His eyes were covered by the hood and only his hawk-beak like nose and twisted grin were visible. He was taller than Rogan, and his thin reed like arms were spread out as if in welcome. He stopped a good length away from the four warriors, laughing softly.
“You break a treaty that was set in stone three years ago.” Rogan snarled. “You shall may for your effrontery.”
“You poor fools, brave and daring to a fault.” The skeletal figure’s narrow shoulders shook. “You barge in headlong into plans that have been in motion for years without a thought.”
“What has become of Norton, Duke of Avangalus?” Rogan demanded, his fists tightening on the hilt of his twin broadswords.
“He served his purpose well,” Nostrazcus shook his head. “And is of no further use to me now. He was easy to play with, his dreams of grandeur were easily to manipulate. But not so with the Duke of Kirk Falls, not when he has such fine champions to hide behind.”
“What do you want, coward?” Belen yelled.
“Why, this bountiful land, of course.” Nostrazcus replied to the young archer, eyeing him with interest...
“Not with an army of useless cowards like yourself.” Rogan shook with rage. “You will pay tenfold for all the misery you have brought upon fair Kirk Falls.”
“And who will make me pay?You?” The wizard countered. “You who are as much an outlander to this place as I?”
“I have proved myself and have earned my place here.” The tall knight seethed. “Your scheming head will adorn a spike long after the people have forgotten your name.”
“Heavy words, knight.” Nostrazcus laughed. “They will weigh down on you hard, soon enough. You have thwarted my plans long enough, Northman. With whatever gods protecting you, you have been a thorn in my side long enough. And though I have tried, it seems I cannot kill you, but I have for you a fate much worse than death.”
“Do your worst, wizard.” Rogan snarled. “My faith and love will prevail.”
“As it so far has, I see.” The wizard eyed the glowing talisman on the warrior’s neck. “But are your men as gifted as you?”
Rogan narrowed his eyes as the wizard drew his hands together and made a few strange signs with sparks emitting from his skeletal fingers. Six naked women, more beautiful and alluring than any he had seen, appeared out of nowhere. Their radiant eyes and warm luscious smiles indicated the prospect of bawdy pleasures the war-weary men had not enjoyed for days.
Belen stood with mouth open, his eyes darting from o
ne naked beauty to the next as they displayed their voluptuous virtues with uninhibited acquiescence. His hands shook and he gripped his recurved bow tighter.
“Pleasures such as these beauties and much treasure await you, brave warriors, if you all but surrender to me.”Nostrazcus’ voice suddenly sounded warm and seductive, and he waved his hands again making three large treasure chests overflowing with gold and jewels appear out of thin air just as the women had done. “Kirk Falls will prosper more than it ever has under my benevolence.”
“These are mere illusions, wizard.” Draco laughed. “Fit to enthrall the minds of the weak.”
“So think you, master scout.” Nostrazcus sneered and waved his hands, gesturing at the women. “What more does any man want, but riches and wealth, and the love of a warm, willing woman or three? Why fight you for land when everything that you really desire is here at your disposal?”
The six women walked up languorously toward Belen and Harald, pressing their warm, naked flesh against the hardened warriors. The two men staggered, and their grim faces softened. Nostrazcus laughed triumphantly as they stepped up toward the wizard and then turned around to face Rogan with malevolent gleams in their eyes, and their arms around the accommodating curves of the clinging women.
“He has them ensnared. They are bewitched by those whores and gold.” Draco said sharply. “Be wary, Captain. We may have to fight our own brothers-in-arms.”
Rogan instinctively drew his twin broadswords as did Draco. The two men braced themselves for the wizard’s next move.
“Well said, master scout.” Nostrazcus hissed, snapping his fingers. “But your fight is over.”
Before Rogan could move, Draco jerked backward with two of Belen’s lethal arrows embedded deep in his broad chest. The loyal scout looked at his captain with dying eyes, his lips curled in a silent smile affirming the honor he had felt in his service under Rogan.
“Coward, you gave him no fighting chance.” Rogan roared at the wizard, taking a step toward him.
“Yes, but you have more than a fighting chance, outlander.” Nostrazcus sneered, waving at Harald to attack. “The amulet of love you wear keeps you safe from evil, but will it protect you from your own man.”
Rogan took a step back as the huge warrior he had fought alongside as brothers-in-arms for years now squared off against him. He did not wish to kill Harald, but knew it in his heart that he must. He forced himself to think that Harald was already lost and the one he faced now was just another minion of the wizard. He offered a silent prayer for Harald’s soul and deftly sidestepped the huge man’s killing axe blow. His own sword swiftly slit the giant’s throat, granting him a rapid, near painless death.
“Your skills are beyond your own legend.” Nostrazcus laughed, and grasped Belen by his neck. “I will spare this one from your wrath. He will be of service to me when I take over Kirk Falls.”
“You will do that only when my cold body hits the ground.” Rogan roared and lunged for the grinning wizard.
Nostrazcus took a step back and waved his hands, incanting strange words. A flash of red and yellow light exploded before him forming an orb of pale orange. In his headlong lunge, Rogan dived right into the glowing orb. His body went stiff and his face contorted in pain, his swords fell out of his twisted hands and he felt like he was inside a raging water spout.
“Your amulet protects you from death by my hand, Rogan of Vindarland.” He heard the wizard shout as if from far away. “But I have other ways to rid of you… forever.”
Everything began to spin around him. He felt his insides twist and stretch. The urge to throw up overcame him. He could see the wizard and Belen, and all the wizard’s spearmen whipping around the room as if they were in an endless carousel. His head pounded furiously and his heart felt like bursting. A sharp pain filled his mind, making him almost scream and then everything stopped spinning and went pitch black and deathly silent.
~ ~ ~
“Just another drunken bum, Harry.” The lilting nasal voice brought him to his senses.“You think this jerk’s got any greenbacks on ‘im?”
“It don’t matter if he’s got no money.” Another raspy voice cut in. “His fine leather boots and that shiny gold necklace gotta be worth something.”
Rogan’s eyes shot wide open. The stench and decadence around him hit his senses hard. He scrambled up rapidly to his feet trying to get his bearings. He looked around frantically, feeling disoriented. He was unarmed and his armor was gone as well. All he wore was his tunic, leggings and boots. He clasped at the amulet on his neck, trying to calm his ragged nerves. It was dark and cold; and the vile stench of refuse filled him with nausea. He stood upright and stared right at the two other men in the dismal surroundings. They were unlike any other men he had ever seen, dressed in strange garb and brandishing what looked like work tools as weapons. He opened his mouth to warn them, but his feet gave in from under him and his head spun wildly. He went down in a heap, hitting his head on something hard and cold.
“Whoa!” The first voice sounded excited. “This one’s really high on something, Harry. I gotta get me some of what he’s been drinking.”
“Quit wasting time, Marv.” The second voice was impatient. “Let’s get his boots and that jewel off him before he wakes up again. He’s a real big feller and he looks mean.”
“Who are… you?” Rogan slurred, pushing himself up. “Where in the name of Heaven…”
“Holy shit, he’s getting up after that smack on the head from the pavement.” Marv shrieked. “His head must be harder than concrete.”
“Shut it, Marv.” Harry growled. “Hit ‘im with your crowbar. We gotta have those boots and the gem.”
“Away, foul beasts.” Rogan pushed himself up, staggering around on unsure feet. “Where the Hell am I?”
“Foul beasts?” Harry grunted. “Who the ‘ell you think youse is, fella?”
“He ain’t from around here, that’s for sure.” Marv grinned. “He talks funny.”
“I hear you speak, and yet your tongue is most foul.” The tall knight exhaled deeply, towering over both the would-be muggers. “Once again I ask you, where am I?”
“Man, he must’ve really drunk his head off, this one.” Marv laughed.
“You’re in Hell, big guy.” Harry sneered. “And we’re the Devil’s repo-men. You owe us big.”
“I know not what you speak of.” Rogan looked around dazedly. “Yet, if you say this is Hell, then I am dead.”
“We all are, soon enough.” Marv nodded. “Now hand over your boots and necklace and we’ll let you live.”
“Surely you jest.” Rogan groaned, grasping at his throbbing head.
“Just what?” Marv looked around him.
“Hit him, Marv.” The shorter of the two muggers yelled. “Let’s get on with it.”
Marv nodded and swung his crowbar in a wide arc toward the crouching man’s head. His eyes popped wide as a huge hand grabbed the crowbar inches before its intended target and excruciating pain exploded in Marv’s brain. He staggered back, blood and several broken teeth spilling out of his open mouth. His eyes rolled in his head and he went down in a heap.
Rogan glared at the other mugger, his bloodied fist pulled back for another killing blow and the crowbar held high in his other hand. Harry had seen enough. No one in his many years as a mugger had ever moved so fast, and he instinctively knew he was up against something out of the ordinary. He did what served him best. Turning on his heels he ran as fast as his short legs could carry him, hoping that the huge man was not as fast a sprinter as he was a fighter.
“What is this place?” Rogan looked around, ignoring the fleeing mugger. “Am I truly dead?”
He remembered fighting Harald in the tower and then the wizard struck him with some kind of arcane spell. It was night now, wherever he was. He realized that the wizard had not slain him, but sent him away to some other place. He had to find his way back to Kirk Falls and to Alicia.
The dark alley he s
tood in was strewn with filth and refuse. It looked like some kind of large town or even a city. Strange lights and the sharp sound of horns kept coming from all directions, not helping with the throbbing pain in his head. He was not dead, he felt sure and this was some sort of illusion the wizard had managed to imprison him in, he told himself. That helped him from going insane, at least for the moment. He looked up at the dimly lit doorway in the far corner of the dark alley and strode towards it. He was sure that he would find some answers on the other side of that door.
Choosing Hearts - The Fighter's Passion (Gritty, Explicit Romance Novel) (A Lusty Stand Alone Story) Page 5