Second Born

by Lance Wilson

  “Come now this must be important, catch your breath, have a drink.” Attonnan says and holds out a hand with a cup of water to the messenger.

  The messenger takes the cup of water and drinks it like he will never see another drop in his life.

  “Sir, the battle is over” The messenger says deep sorrow in his eyes.

  “The battle is over when I say it is over” Attonnan says with a cocky smile.

  “Not this time sir. They have surrounded us. They line the walls as we speak, the hell gates will fall,” he says lowering his head.

  “Toph, wake the men” Attonnan says and gets up from the fire walking back to his place back at the cliff.

  It takes her almost no time to wake the men and get them to fall into ranks.

  “Deliver your message once more, loudly so my men can hear you” Attonnan says looking out at the see.

  “We are doomed. The moon elf kingdom has surrounded us, they have found away around us and have set the trap even as we speak.” the messenger says and watches as the men all gasp and look at one another in shock.

  “MEN, PREPARE FOR GLORY” Attonnan says now turning to his men.

  His words now resonating the canyon filling it with his pride an honor bring the men to a halt.

  “Glory, have you gone mad, there is no glory here. Only retreat, surrender or death” the messenger says looking at the unit as they all stare at the captain. His pale white visage giving him the look of a ghost in the night.

  “Well that is an easy choice for us then. We do not retreat and we do not surrender” Attonnan says and lets his words sink into the unit, he has just commanded their death.

  Slowly he makes his way back to the fire so that he may stand with his men. What he must tell them he cannot tell them separate from them but rather as one of them.

  “Brothers, Brothers gather around. No retreat, no surrender that is our law. By our laws we will stand, we will fight, and we will die. A new age has begun, an age of freedom, and all will know that this unit gave it’s last breath to defend it” Attonnan says now looking at all the men meeting each one of there eyes. They must know his conviction, and he must know that their conviction meets his own.

  The men shout and cheer there pride in being here and now. They will be the ones to show that the gray elves will bow to no man. “Toph. Walk with me” Attonnan says and begins to walk away from the hell gates.

  She isn’t sure what he might want but she quickly follows. They walk for a bit of time and soon when he is sure that they are away from hearing range of the men he looks at her then smiles at her.

  “I am fit, I am able for battle” Toph says almost sure that he is going to question her condition

  “That you are my friend. But you have another talent, one unlike any of us. I want you to go to the elven council and give my final orders. Warn the other clans of what is to come, tell our tale, tell of victory” Attonnan says and whistles,

  From nowhere a horse seems to gallop at his side and Attonnan takes it’s rains and then hands them to Toph

  “Victory? Yes my captain” She says and holds her head high. She will do as he asks even if she doesn’t know how victory can come now.

  Quickly she mounts the horse and rides like a bat out of hell the men are shocked to see her go but smile just the same. They will die, they will leave their mark, but she will be safe. Perhaps it is her job to ready the next group. Continue the fight when they cannot.

  “Men prepare your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in hell” Attonnan says as he watches the first rays of dawn break through the sky.

  It is in midday when the moon elf army finally marches on the unit of gray elves. He smiles to see that their are so few of them. He is shocked to see that each of them stand side by side, there shields at there sides, each one gripping a spear, a sword at there side. There faces undaunted and one of stone ferocity. In front of them all stands Attonnan, his eyes blazing with the same fire that he saw when there first spoke. Radu smiles at the back of his army, gnolls, orcs, beasts, mages and archers alike surround them; there is no escape for them. All along the cliff archers ready there bows pointing down at the unit.

  “Attonnan, my complements. You surly have turned calamity into victory. Despite your insufferable arrogance I have begun to admire your valor. You would make a mighty ally. Despair all you have done I will still reward you. You fight for land, keep them, you fight for your people, they shall be richer and more wealthy then all in the elf lands. You fight for title, you shall be made warlord of all the elflands. Your victory will be complete if you but lay down your arms and kneel before me.” Radu says and watches Attonnan closely

  Attonnan looks high into the sky, facing all this he feels a bit of shock. For it is not fear that grips him, only a heightened sense of things. The sea breeze coolly kissing his sweat covered neck and face. The steady breathing of the men at his back ready to die for him without a moments pause. Every one of them, ready to die. His shield is heavy. Letting go the men watch as his shield and spear fall to the ground. Slowly he drops to his knees then lowers his hands to the ground. Radu is astonished and smiles raising his arms as a greeting much like a hug.

  “Kill them my brothers, take as many with you to the gates of hell as you can.” Attonnan says giving his order of attack.

  The men shout is pride and attack the moon elf men. Before most of them even get three steps the archers let loose with there arrows cutting most of them down. The orcs, gnolls and other creatures easily make work of the rest of the unit; each man outnumbered at least twenty maybe thirty to one. Watching he men get cut down Attonnan quickly grips his spear and smiles. With a masters skill he launches the spear and then as it stays in flight he pulls his blade and fights for his men. He knows he cannot save them, but he shall avenge each and all of them. The spear soars through the air as if locked into a set path that nothing can change. Just as it was planned, the spear slams home inside Radu’s chest slamming him back into his thrown and pinning him there. The men fight valiantly some take down ten others before they fall, some fall to arrows, some to blades. To Attonnan it doesn’t matter, he shall cut down the rest. His mind focused his heart and soul knowing only the thirst of he blade he moves through the battlefield; each stroke of his blade is death to one of his enemies. Arrows pierce his skin, but nothing slows his movements, nothing detours his mind. The fight lasts only seconds before two gnolls quickly throw a set of chains over the mad elf dropping him to the ground. Quickly he is subdued and a troll walks up to give him the deathblow when a whistle is heard from the distance. Attonnan snarls to see that it is lord Hitori walking up.

  “No, he is to live. Release him” Musashi says smiling

  “My lord” The troll says in a growl of a voice.

  “You heard me,” He says to the troll and his eyes blaze with fire.

  The troll does as he is told and as soon as Attonnan is up he quickly rolls to his blade and gets into his fighting stance.

  “I do not know your name warrior” Musashi says smiling.

  “The ghost will do” Attonnan says glaring

  “Well then ghost, I will ask you to take me to Kenshi. If the Hitori clan is to surrender to the Takunen then I wish to do so in person” Musashi says dropping to one knee and holding out his spear as a gift.

  Attonnan is shocked, they had won yet here it was, and the Hitori clan was surrendering to him.

  “I shall take you, but only you to my lord and master.” Attonnan says placing his hand on Musashi’s shoulder.

  “I understand” Musashi says and snaps his fingers.

  Quickly two orcs bring up a set of horses.

  Musashi and Attonnan ride slowly to the capital of Omashu. There is so much that Attonnan wants to question him. Why did he side with Radu, why did he surrender when they had won the war? But for
some reason he cannot think of how to ask it and Musashi himself seems distant as they ride. As they enter the city gates the crowd cheers for his victory and how he has slain the son of Mecmed bringing pace in this part of the lands. Musashi keeps his head down the whole time. At the courtyard Attonnan dismounts the horse and has Musashi do the same. Together the two of them walk shoulder to shoulder to the main council room where Kenshi is waiting. Kenshi walks over and nods to his guards. Quickly the guards disarm Musashi and lay the weapons on the war table behind Kenshi. The two stare at each other not saying a word for the longest time. Then slowly Musashi drops to his knees and places one hand on the ground. Attonnan smiles knowing that this is the beginning. With the Hitori behind them, they can challenge the Oda next, and then the Hojo. With lightening reflexes Musashi quickly snatches the blade and Attonnan’s side and brings the tip to Kenshi’s heart. Kenshi however seems unfazed by it all.

  “If you’re going to kill me then do it.” Kenshi says in a voice that only suggests that he is bored.

  Attonnan stands there in shock, not sure what to do, but soon Musashi spins the blade so the tip is pointed at himself, then like a true warrior he slams the blade deep into his side and slashes across his gut, disembroiling himself. Kenshi only shakes his head at this, such a waist. He watches as Attonnan stares at the body lying at his feet. Slowly Attonnan picks his blade up and looks at it as if seeing it for the first time.

  “Tell me, what do you see in his death” Kenshi asks his voice cold. He must keep himself hidden. This is an important question, but Attonnan cannot know that.

  “The pride of a warrior” Attonnan says slowly, gently wiping the blood off the blade.

  “The only reason he has his pride and honor is I allowed him to. However, for him to take his own life… what is it you want of me warrior” Kenshi asks looking deep into Attonnan’s eyes.

  “I want to see you as ruler of the gray elves, to see you put an end to these wars” Attonnan says now looking at Kenshi with pride and purpose.

  Kenshi only smiles, it has begun. Attonnan has seen something today that he will not soon forget, something that will burn itself into his mind and heart for all eternity. And it is that vary image that will drive him further then any other elf before him.

  Chapter 12

  Crossroads

  It is late in the evening in the city of Omashu; the sun is setting painting the sky with pinks and reds. The clouds turn a golden color, then to a soft bronze. The bulk of the city has gone to rest for the evening but not everyone. In the courtyard a group of soldiers are still practicing under the watchful eye of their commander, Sun Wukong. He stands on a small mound watching them. They are not his unit, they are the unit of Attonnan, but Attonnan no longer trains wit them, he has put Sun in charge of the whole unit only asking that he get word on how they progress every now and then. Kenshi watches over from the balcony of the war room. The room is filled with deep rich woods and the setting sun gives it an even more inviting look. But one step into it and the air would change your mind. The room is tense and filled with hostility. There are three generals and two mystics in the room. All of which are advisors to Kenshi.

  “Kenshi I do not believe this is the right form of action,” Zhuge says slamming his hand on the table.

  “For the first time Zhuge and I agree.” Zhang says looking over at Kenshi; they can’t even tell if he is listening.

  “Kenshi, are you even listening.” Zhuge says shaking his head.

  “Of course I am. And I have told you what must happen and who must do it. Now summon my brother, I want to talk to him” Kenshi says taking a deep breath.

  All the generals look at each other Kenshi has become more and more distant since the fall of the Hitori clan. His plans have become secretive and he has become more and more focused what really is beginning to bother them though is that he has become less like the man they started to follow and more like a ruling tyrant, the odd thing about it is, they can see the sadness in his eyes when he does these things. It’s like he hates them but for some reason he has not told them, he must do them. Like it is all part of some greater plans that he has not informed anyone of.

  “Of cause Kenshi” Zhang says and they all leave the room.

  Kenshi looks at the door as they all leave. Why can’t they just understand that this has to happen? No matter what they think of how much they may not like it, this is the way it has to be. Things have to fall into place in an exact way, or it won’t come together as they should. Once they are gone he shakes his head and looks back at the window, this time he can see that the men have gone to there tents for the evening, he is sure that his brother will be at the door in a moment. And just at the end of that thought there is a knock at the door.

  “Come in Sun” Kenshi says smiling

  Sun walks into the room and sits at the end of the table and puts his feet up and smiles.

  “I heard your going to make a run at the last of the Hitori clan. Which dragon you going after” Sun says shaking his head.

  “Nagamasa, we’re going after Nagamasa” Kenshi says taking a deep beep breath.

  “You know, this isn’t right, Musashi gave up the clan and surrendered peacefully. We have no reason to go after the son.” Sun says taking a deep breath.

  “You know as well as I do that sooner or later the son will come for us, he blames us for Musashi and he will come for us. But we’re going for him first. He’s on the islands just south of where the Hitori clan’s main camp was. I want you and Attonnan to lead the your unit there” Kenshi says calmly he knows the next question and what his answers are.

  “Kenshi, I… I don’t think Attonnan is ready” sun says taking his feet off the table and taking a deep breath.

  “Why do you think that, please tell me” Kenshi says turning to sun. He knows all the reasons sun would think that. And he is probably right, Attonnan isn’t ready. That is exactly why he must push him now.

  “He has never once practiced with this unit. They don’t even know what he looks like. No one has seen him leave that tent of his. I’m not even sure his skills are up to par” Sun says lowering his head. He knew Attonnan, he knew that Attonnan was a skilled swordsman, but that was before Musashi something in Musashi’s death stung, cut him deeply.

  “Oh he practices, daily, in the moonlight when no one is watching. He wants to be forgotten. As for the unit, he doesn’t want to know them. He has lost every man in the last two units he has lead. He knows he will have to lead them. He doesn’t want to know them. Listen to me Sun, and listen well. Attonnan has to do this, he has to lead you, he has to be the one to take Nagamasa’s head,” He says looking Sun dead in the eyes.

  “You going a little nuts on me brother” Sun says and gets out of the chair slowly.” Sun, this is more important then you know. Swear to me, Attonnan will finish Nagamasa” Kenshi says laying his hand on Sun’s shoulder.

  “I, I swear” Sun says and lowers his head.

  “I know you don’t understand this and why I’m asking all this of you. But one day you will” Kenshi says smiling at him.

  Sun only nods and taking a deep breath he makes his way to the campground. The sun has set and the night is a deep blue. He sits admiring when the tent flap opens on Attonnan’s tent and out walks Attonnan. His dress has changed a bit. Sun sees that all he is wearing is his white pants and his yellow and blue sash, leaving his chest and arms bare. The only thing that never changes with him is his blade, the same blade at his side that he has seen since he came here. Walking up he watches as Attonnan turns and gives his a fierce glare. Sun can only assume that he just likes his solitude but at this point it really doesn’t matter. These are orders from Kenshi and this is the only time he can catch him.

  “Attonnan, can I speak with you.” Sun says taking a deep breath.

  “Make it quick please, I have a great deal of practi
ce to do.” He says his voice like a wind from the north, cold and piercing.

  “Kenshi has new orders. He wants to attack the son of Musashi, the eldest son Nagamasa.” he says and waits for the reply.

  “But the Hitori clan are finished. Musashi surrendered” Attonnan says calmly and watches sun look down. He clearly made this same argument but to no use.

  “I thought the same thing, but these are his orders. He said something about them being in some kind of island. You know where that is” Sun says calmly

  “I do, if you don’t mind there is a lot I need to get done. I guess practice will have to wait. Make sure the men are ready to march by dawn.” Attonnan says starting to walk to the tent.

  “That is something else I wanted to talk to you about. About you and the men. They don’t know you, and they may not follow you. I’m sure you understand what I’m talking about” He says turning his head slightly.

  “I don’t expect the men to follow me, they know you, and they will follow you. I have only one question, do you trust me,” He asked calmly but with a slight edge to his voice.

  “As a leader, I used to, as a warrior there is no one I would trust more” he says speaking the truth, ever since the last battle, where he lost his men, something has been off with him.

  “Trust me in this, the men trust you, together we will not lead them wrong, have them ready to sail in the mourning.” Attonnan says and with that makes his way back to the tent.