by K. F. Breene
“If it wasn’t Graygual, this would feel wrong,” Xavier said as he brought his sword down on a man cowering on the ground.
“They outnumber us five to one,” Sanders said in a string of grunts. “And they planned to do to us what we are now doing to them. This is the way the game is played, boy. New rules.”
“Wait… until—” Leilius stabbed someone in the eye, gagged, and slit someone’s throat. “—S’am and the Captain come through.” He stabbed again, grimaced, jabbed, gagged, and kept moving forward.
The gagging didn’t appear to slow him down.
“There’re no officers,” Rohnan yelled as they worked to the back of the crowd, leaving a large pile of writhing bodies in their wake. “This is just to thin the Shadow numbers.”
“Didn’t work,” Sanders grunted as he stabbed down before stepped over the last body. Ahead of him lay Inkna, many on the ground with their backs to the sky, having tried to run when Burson cut off their power. They didn’t make it far. A stronger power came calling.
“Do we have enough horses?” the Shadow Lord said as they jogged around the side of the building.
“Yes, with a couple to spare. I thought the Graygual might try to get into the city stables and take down our mounts,” Sonson answered, turning left at the back of the building.
“Yes, I wonder why they did not…” The Shadow Lord glanced back the way she’d come, her eyes distant.
“The officers must have organized this group, and left them to it. Their chief concern was not the city,” Rohnan ventured.
Ten minutes saw them all mounted and ready, riding fierce-eyed animals of decent breeding. Sanders’ horse pranced until given the command to trot forward, doing so with vigor.
They rode out of the city, ignoring the bodies littering the ground or dragging themselves along the cobblestone. Once in the wood, they branched off into three groups, riding fast along well-used roads and trails wide enough for two horses to ride abreast through the trees. They wound around north, climbing in elevation. The salty air whipped by their faces as the sound of hooves thundered along the path.
At the top of a hill, the trees started to clear. As they did, Sanders saw other men on horseback alongside others on foot. Some wore reds, some purple, and only Sonson and Portolmous were dressed in blue. Their colors denoted their rank with their leathers providing some protection.
It’d be nice if it also kept them alive.
There were at least a couple of hundred people gathered, but the only sounds were animals. No murmur of voices rose to meet them. No jittery laughter or harsh growls. They stood and waited for their leaders to take them to battle.
“Oh… shit…” Rachie said as they crested the top of the hill on the outskirts of the gathered Shadow.
Sanders’ men weren’t so disciplined but when Sanders learned the reason for the outburst, he didn’t blame the kid.
In the valley below them, nestled between the trees, were many specks of black. Like ants around a leftover picnic, the Graygual gathered en masse.
“They know where the Chosen will emerge, and they are in prime position to take her,” Rohnan said in a flat voice.
Sonson walked his horse alongside Sanders. He pointed to the east where the blue of the sea glittered in the distance. “They have ships stationed over there. They took a fishing harbor last night. By the time we suspected what their plans were, we were too late. They plan to grab her and ferret her off to the ships.”
“Are these all the men we have?” Sanders asked, glancing back at the Shadow who would not be nearly enough.
Thankfully, Sonson shook his head. “These are all those with Therma. I believe we might at least match the Inkna. And then, with the older man—Burson?”
Sanders nodded in confirmation.
“He will tip things in our favor. The rest of our people with non-fighting Therma, or no Therma at all, are stationed in those trees to the west of their force. We are about two hundred strong there. We are outnumbered.”
“Why did you let them bring in so many men?” Sanders asked with a mystified voice.
“In the beginning, most arrived as tourists. With all the talk of this Inkna-Chosen, that made sense and we did not suspect foul play. We’ve always been neutral to all as long as our rules were upheld. By the time we realized…”
“They were always ahead of you,” Daniels said from behind, plotting on his map. “They have been ahead of us too. Their leader lured Shanti here. He thought he held the upper hand. And he would have, if not for the Captain’s power. Surely he will not expect their… Joining, or whatever you call it. It is too late for him to make drastic alterations to his plans now. The Captain has tipped our hand.”
“What do you suggest?” the Shadow Lord asked Daniels.
“There are not many options, but the only problem will be their escape. We will apply pressure from this side and your other forces must come in from the west. We should be engaged in battle by the time the Captain and Shanti descend from that hill. We need their people engaged. Thoroughly engaged. Otherwise, they can simply put up a barrier for us, grab their prize, and head to their ship.”
“My thought was to wait for the larger power to join us, but that is sound planning,” Portolmous said, glancing at the valley below.
“We are sure the hopeful-Chosen has the power of legends?” the Shadow Lord asked. “If not, we waste lives on a battle that is not our concern.”
“It is our concern, mother,” Sonson said with steel in his voice. “They came to our home, flouted our laws, killed our people. This is our fight, with or without a Chosen.”
“You are right. Forgive me. But without additional help, we will not succeed,” the Shadow Lord responded.
“The man alone has enough Therma,” Portolmous said. “If they Joined…”
“Let’s get this show on the road,” Sanders said. “The day is wasting, and I want to be in bed by dark.” He twisted in his saddle and glanced back at his men. They were ready.
“I sure hope that leader presents himself—I wouldn’t mind being the one to kill him. Think of all the girls I’ll get!” Gracas blurted.
Sanders just shook his head. There was nothing to say.
“Alert the others,” the Shadow Lord commanded. “Merge!”
Burson glanced behind them, “I have never seen so many with power merge.”
Rohnan shook his head. “Not even my people attempted a merge this large. After twenty, it isn’t needed.”
“We have a special way of linking which builds the power higher,” the Shadow Lord said, voice grim. “You do not have the type of power to see that. Your sister will tell you, if we ever meet her.”
“You will, and she’ll wreak havoc,” Sanders growled, feeling the anticipation. Feeling the build of adrenaline. Feeling the sword in his hand. “Let me know when, ma’am. I’m ready to unleash Hell.”
“Good luck to you all,” the Shadow Lord said in a loud voice. “May you defend your home with steadfastness. With heart. May you find glory on the battlefield!”
A loud “Huah,” went up. Swords raised. “Huah!” Weapons pulsed in the air. “Huah!”
Expectation rose. Sanders’ heart thumped in his chest. His horse stamped and pulled in expectation.
And the Shadow Lord’s sword fell. “Huah!” she yelled.
Sanders kicked his animal and raced down the hill. The others were right beside him. Hooves thundered on the ground. The first sprinkle of rain whipped in Sanders’ face. Thunder boomed overhead.
From the west horses launched from the trees, running at the Graygual full speed. Sanders urged his horse faster, mad grin on his face from the speed, the first line of Graygual crystalizing in his vision as he neared them.
He raised his sword, ready. Rohnan’s staff whirled beside him. Fifty strides now, and the standing Graygual started to shift from side to side.
Thirty. Men began to scramble, but there was nowhere to run.
Fifteen. Graygual eye
s rounded. Jaws fell slack. Badly cared-for steel rose.
Sanders’ horse slammed into the front row of the enemy, trampling ten men before the horse started to wade through. Sanders hacked down, using the height to his advantage.
“Strike the mind-workers, not the Graygual,” the Shadow Lord yelled above the clanking of steel, the thrum of bows and the screaming of men. “Take down the Inkna!”
Chapter Eighteen
Shanti heard the roar as she came down the hill. Like a wave of energy blasting her, she recognized the distinct sounds of a large battle in progress. Her adrenaline spiked, kept at bay for the last couple of hours, and now unleashed.
“We need to store these packs,” she said to Cayan, tension rising in her voice.
Cayan started to jog.
“Cayan!”
“I know, I’m looking for a sheltered place along the way,” he said.
Their Gift, fueled with anxiety, and answering the call of their combined distress, rose like a beast from the depths. Surges of power spiraled outwards, whipping around her and flowing through her body. Bliss and pleasure, as well as aching joy, pumped out of nowhere, filling her and heightening her mind. Their power spread, pushed to heights neither were expecting, flowing down the hill and reaching toward the battlefield.
“I feel great,” came Cayan’s startled surprise.
The spicy feeling singed up Shanti’s limbs, bringing the comfort and mix of Gifts from her and Cayan. A shot of pure courage rose under it, making her feel invincible. Making her want to take on five armies.
“Careful with this feeling, Cayan,” Shanti warned as they jogged. “It’s the effect of what we did a few days ago. Our Gift has changed, but we can’t hide within these feelings. We have to stay cautious.”
“I know, Shanti. I know.”
His voice sounded wary, almost fearful. They were dealing with a lot of power, a deceptive power to his relatively untrained mind. But she could help control his power as she worked with hers. Whatever they had done, it had been the best possible outcome for the amount of power they were dealing with.
“There!” Cayan pointed, but didn’t slow as he veered toward a large tree with an extensive root system, some of which was above ground. He knelt by the trunk and carefully slid his pack into a large hole protected by the roots. He peeled back the top, revealing the awakening cubs. One yawned before nosing the other.
Shanti knelt beside him, the call of battle pulling at her. She slid her pack in beside his, also peeling back the cover. Her little cub gave a tiny roar, and made her smile. “I always seem to attract the ornery bastards.”
“Fitting.” With hurried movements, Cayan took out the bit of meaty gruel they’d made with a varmint kill along the way. It wasn’t milk, but it would keep them alive for now.
If they were able to come back to fetch them.
“Okay.” Shanti stood in a rush of adrenaline. Her heart was beating faster, anxious to get down to that battle. Cayan’s men and the boys would be stuck in the thick of it.
Flashbacks flickered through her head. Her own people rushing toward the enemy, hopeless but determined. Blood and screaming filled her ears; her people defending their home.
“We must go,” she nearly yelled, jogging away from the tree and beckoning Cayan on.
Together they took up a fast jog, the roar growing. Filling their ears. Drowning out their thought.
“We stick together,” Cayan shouted above the sound. “We are stronger together.”
“Don’t weaken yourself by trying to protect me, Cayan,” Shanti said.
“Don’t get into a tight spot.”
All there would be was tight spots, but Shanti didn’t say anything. The battle came in sight.
Her mouth dried up. Her steps faltered for one brief moment.
A sea of black spread out before them, immersed in the speckles of green trees. From the north and west descended a variety of colors crashing through the black. Even from this distance, Shanti could see they out-fought their opponent. But they were few, and the Graygual were many.
A few horses charged away from the mayhem, running scared.
On their side there was only black extending out as far as the sea. They’d still left themselves an “out” for a few to make their escape, or to ferret away their prize.
“They mean to capture me,” Shanti said in a distant voice. Rage welled up, overtaking any fear. “And they’ll die trying.”
“See how they are shifting?” Cayan said, pointing to those at the bottom of the hill. As a whole they were pushing forward, knowing the fighting was coming their way and anxious to meet it. Or afraid and wanting to get it over with. It was hard to tell. “They aren’t watching for us. Most of them aren’t, anyway.”
“We’ll get close before we hit them with power. Remember,” Shanti turned to Cayan and leveled him with a serious stare. “In terms of using the power, this is a long jog, not a short sprint. We have to make our power last—have to use our energy sparingly. We can’t go down and kill all at once, and then pass out from fatigue. That loses battles.”
“I’ll follow your lead with the power,” Cayan answered, just as seriously.
She nodded and turned toward the battle. “Let’s unleash Death upon this day.”
Chapter Nineteen
Sanders grunted as a knife swipe dug into his thigh. The horse reared as an enemy slashed its flank. Sanders slid off the rump, jarring when he landed. He shoved the enemy away and plunged his sword through soft flesh. With his shoulder, he battered two men, creating room, before blocking a sword, getting in a quick lunge, and blocking again. He turned his body and slashed with his knife, opening up a gash. When the Graygual flinched, Sanders finished him off with his sword.
A Shadow woman in red ran by, taking on two with the skill and mastery Sanders had only seen in Shanti and Rohnan, and few of the Captain’s men. Unlike the Captain’s men though, their movements were lithe and agile, seamless and efficient. Like a butcher with a razor-sharp knife, the Shadow sliced through the meat of their opponent in a way that made Sanders envious.
Three more Graygual pushed toward the Shadow. They faltered in their step due to whatever mind-power the Shadow employed, but they kept coming.
Sanders rushed to the defense, slashing through one and punching the other before knocking him down and stabbing him. The Shadow took out her man and had time enough for a quick grunt before she moved on.
Sanders did the same.
* * *
Fear overwhelming him at every step, blood splattered all over his chest, Marc worked his knife and sword both, trying to cut through the black shirts. He was on the periphery, fighting the dirty, stinky enemy and leaving the clean, crisp ones for someone else. Marc wasn’t good at this, so he figured killing those who were equally inadequate was a smart idea.
He gave a squeak as a sword came swinging at his head. He dodged out of reflex and stabbed upward with his knife. Blade went in body. Marc spun, clipped by a body running by.
Xavier barreled into two Graygual, taking one quickly before feinting and stabbing to get the other. Gracas appeared behind him, only using one knife, and more deadly for it. He moved with precision as he dodged a sword, then stepped in with punches and stabs. The Graygual fell while Gracas moved on to the next, face determined, eyes focused and sharp, movements lethal.
Ruisa jogged towards them, blood splattered across her face and her hair. She blocked a sword with a flash of teeth, roared, twisted, and dove her blade into the man’s face. She turned to the next, angry and vengeful, killing like Sanders might.
Rachie was limping and holding a staff. It whirled in his hands, cracking out, breaking limbs and overcoming with a larger reach. He’d found a new weapon he liked, it seemed.
“Get to work!” Xavier shouted as he flipped a man over his shoulder before turning to stab him in the chest.
“Why are you here?” Marc asked as someone came at him with a terrifying expression. Marc’s breath
caught as he dodged a strike, battered the sword farther away, and stuck his blade into the man.
He took a breath as the next came.
“Work together. Fight as a team. Stay alive longer.” Xavier said just as S’am always did.
Marc stepped forward into the reach of the next attacker, taking him by surprise. He jabbed and rent with his blade before stepping back out again. They’d been at this for two hours. Marc’s limbs ached but he had no choice other than to keep going. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep it up.
* * *
Sanders pushed through three Graygual to meet the back of Sonson and two other high-leveled Shadow with mind-power. They worked as one, spinning and dipping like dancers, leaving blood and limbs in their wake.
Sanders ran on, cutting through another Graygual to get to that far hill. But there were too many. They were too dense. Not as good, but as Sanders pushed on they got better, harder to kill. Requiring more energy.
Sanders didn’t have much energy left.
He slashed and struck, growling at the weakness in his limbs to keep going. Begging his body not to give out on him.
A low-level blast came from the south and a crack of lightning illuminated the dark grey sky above. A huge boom shook the ground before another blast echoed out, riding the thunder. Sanders’ middle shook and his legs quivered.
He slowed, not sure what was happening. Two Graygual in front of him had stopped, and turned. Sanders stabbed one in the back, saw that the other didn’t turn despite the scream of the first, and stabbed him too. As they fell, he saw that everyone, including the Shadow, had slowed. Everyone was turning.