by Lance Wilson
“This, this is Unagi’s crest, are you, are you going to help us” Byrdi asks his voice once again hopeful and full of life.
Attonnan doesn’t answer, he wants his brother to make up his mind without influence, if Byrdi changes just cause he is joining them then what is to stop him for falling into the same rut the next time he looses a battle, No, he must see to it that Byrdi becomes stronger then that. He must make the decision to retreat without any others to look to. That is the test of a leader, can you make the hard choices.
“Prepare to withdraw, abandon the castle and quickly. Break through Griffin’s forces and scatter, we will meet again. I thank you for reminding me what is important, I must survive I vow to do what it takes to rebuild Unagi clan” Byrdi says and bows to Attonnan. He had almost forgotten why he was in all this.
The two of them charge down Griffins forces using all their skill and might to make it to the back gates. Once outside they only nod to one another and dash off in there separate ways. Attonnan goes right for the village. The sensation he has been feeling all this time has finally come to a head, the storm is now. He is sure of it and he is sure that it will strike the Village next.
When Attonnan gets close enough he can see that Griffins forces have surrounded the farm that Vulge and Maeraer stay. He stands at the outskirts fighting against him. So much of him wants to go down, battle his way in and get them out. But this is not a time for that; this is a time for stealth. Carefully and slowly he uses his skill to dart here and there and soon get into the farm without anyone seeing him enter. Once inside he sees that not only are Vulge and Maeraer inside, but her son and Mellyruna.
“Sister, we don’t have a moment to waist. It is time for you to call upon the Oda clan so that we may reclaim what is rightfully ours” Mellyruna says glancing out of the window, Griffins forces do not know he is there and he would much rather keep that a secret for now.
“I abandoned that life, I abandoned it when I decided to live as a simple villager” Maeraer says looking down at the floor
“But that is our only chance. This is the time to exact our revenge, revenge for our brother, our late father” Mellyruna says trying to talk sense into her.
“That life is behind me now, I’ve had enough fighting. Please understand, I just want to live in peace with the land. Working in the fields. Quietly with Lucius, that’s all I really want” Maeraer says looking up at Mellyruna pleading that he will understand finally.
“You cannot, please say something to her,” Mellyruna says looking around the room for help.
“I don’t want to rebuild Unagi clan,” Attonnan says shaking his head. He only wants peace for his family and if rebuilding the clan is going to cause this much damage to them, then maybe the Unagi clan should stay dead.
“What are you talking about, why don’t you agree with me” Mellyruna says shocked that the stranger has turned on him. He said he would join him in this, that he would lend him his strength, but now he is here lending him nothing.
“There is no use in hiding, surrender. If you refuse me we shall do as Griffin has ordered we’ll torch the village. What will it be” Millardo’s voice comes from outside and they hear the sound of the soldiers chanting about fire and burning.
“Their here” Mellyruna says lowering his head, it is too late
“What do we do?” Maeraer says in fear.
“I shall face them,” Attonnan says looking calmly at them. He is dead already to them, what would it matter if some stranger dies in this battle.
“No” Maeraer says her eyes filled with tears, if he goes he will surly are killed.
“You must believe in him,” Mellyruna says looking hard into Attonnan’s eyes trying to get an idea of his plan.
Attonnan walks out calmly. Millardo is shocked at when he sees it is Attonnan that walks out to them. The army moves in to him and Millardo smiles.
“Are you here to fight us, or just give up and find your fate?” He asks calmly as the soldiers lower their spears and move toward him.
“I am here to give myself up,” He said knowing this was the only way to find out what it is that they were looking for at the farm.
“So your the one Vulge is training to be the rise of the Unagi” Millardo says cocking his head not sure weather or not to believe him.
Attonnan only shrugged but answered nothing, Millardo only waved his hand and the guards closed in and quickly pulled Attonnan’s arms behind him and tied him up.
“We will take him to Griffin, let him decide his fate” Millardo says moving forward the guards now dragging Attonnan with them.
Inside the farm Mellyruna watches making sure not to be seen by anyone. Watching this man, this man who as far as he can tell has nothing to gain by this act, sacrifice himself, it brings back the hope that he had thought he had lost for humanity.
“I must get back to the castle, we must avoid any suspicions, he will have to die for you to live” Mellyruna says and takes a long deep breath. This isn’t over, not by a long shot. The man has only bought him some time.
“No, but why” Maeraer asks her voice like that of a small child now.
“That’s his fate, the path he has chosen, understand” Mellyruna says and with that slips out of the back door of the farm making sure not to be seen by Millardo.
For Attonnan there is no trial, no one meets to see if he is innocent or guilty. He has given himself up and claimed that the crimes are real and that he is the source behind it. For the day he is kept in a cell, stripped of his weapon and all his clothing, given only a loincloth to wear. The cell is not so bad, a single room of stone with nothing in it, a small window just out of reach with bars, the sun shinning down laying a small square pattern on the floor. Attonnan sits in the middle of the room, right where the light hits the floor, his legs folded, his hands resting on his knees, his eyes closed. This is not how he thought it would end, but it’s not so bad. They will call for his excitation, he is sure that it will be public, he has been convicted as a rebel to the forces of Mecmed, they will want to show others what happens when you challenge the lord of the lands. It might be painful, but what do they know of pain. Fuma has taught him more about pain then they could ever know. He will not shout for them, he will not cry out. He has only two regrets now. One, that he hasn’t been able to fulfill Kenshi’s dream, and unite the elflands under one banner. And the second, that he was not able to avenge Kenshi and kill Fuma. But life is full of regrets, to leave it with only two, well, that’s not so bad.
Time passes as Attonnan meditates on his life and soon the light leaves the room and he can feel the chill of the night air. It is then that he hears a click on the door. He doesn’t open his eyes. Soon a man walks in, it is Millardo. Smiling he looks at Attonnan, he is smiling cause he has mistaken the simple calm of Attonnan’s meditation with the fear of so many others he has seen locked up.
“Get up” He growls at Attonnan a smirk still on his face.
Attonnan opens his eyes and with a nod of simple politeness does as he is told. Millardo then walks over and pulling Attonnan’s arms behind himself ties him up so that he cannot make a break for freedom, all the while he is mumbling under his breath, Attonnan only catches a few words of what is spoken, scum, death, deserved. By this he can tell that they will be going to his exaction. Attonnan is then pushed forward and as he walks out he find all of the Wolfpride standing outside the cell, all but Mellyruna. He smiles wondering what his brother is doing now, this was not part of his plan. They all shove him forward and begin their march to where he is to be killed. It takes them a while to get there and when they arrive at the same battlefield where all this began Attonnan cannot help but let out a small chuckle. In the center of the battlefield is a huge post raised and sunk into the ground, the kind of stake you normally see people burned at. Sitting in front of it is Mecmed, to his right is Griffin and th
en a woman he has never seen before, but by the armor he would assume she is a member of the Wolfpride. To his left is Mellyruna and then Millardo takes his place next to Mellyruna. The guard grabs Attonnan and forces his back to the post then begins to lash him to it. All those watching are shocked at the simple fact that Attonnan doesn’t even seem to struggle against this; he just accepts it with a kind of peace. Once tied to the post his and Mecmed’s eyes lock for a second or two and there is a kind of recognition. He is the brother that he let get away, the brother he probably should have taken in and trained. But nothing is said between the two and Mecmed only waves his hand letting the guards know that it is time. The two guards on either side take up there spears and slowly measure where they will need to hit his body so that they can perform a proper kill, slowly they pull back for a great thrust into his body, but before they can give that final blow, arrows flash out of the darkness and the guards fall, arrows through there throat. Everyone is in shock and looks of the opposite said of the field to see what has happened and who would dare do this. Attonnan is in shock as he watches figures come out of the darkness, First he sees his brother Byrdi, holding a bow wearing his bright red armor, around him are the men he has trained to fight the Denerith elves. But soon he sees that Byrdi is not alone, From beside him walks Nagamasa, his garb no longer that of a pit fighter but that of a noble, the colors are black and purple, the colors of the Oda clan. And all around him Attonnan can see Oda banners beginning to fly. He has brought the Oda clan with him, soon around in the crowd he also begins to see other banners begin to fly, the red and gold of the Hitori clan. Two of the elf clans have been forged together. Mecmed sees this and a fury flashes in his eyes, He had made a deal with both of these clans, they shall pay for their insolence. Attonnan’s eyes grow huge; he cannot believe that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for him. This was his choice and he will not allow it.
“No, stay back” Attonnan says his voice breaking the silence, his words stunning everyone.
For a moment everyone stops dead in there tracks, then Attonnan sees it, a ripple in the crowd, Making his way all the way to the front of the soldiers and villagers is Lucius. He stares at Attonnan with tears in his eyes. Maeraer stands beside him, she gently places a hand on his shoulder but he shrugs it away.
“No, you can’t die, not like this” Lucius shouts at him and goes to run to Attonnan, but is stopped by Nagamasa’s strong hands. Nagamasa nods to one of his men and then gently pull Lucius back into the crowd.
Attonnan in touched by the child’s words. He only talked to him for a moment or two and yet here he is ready to run to him like a father or an uncle about ready to be put to death. He expects great epic deaths for those he cares about, but that isn’t always how like goes. Sometimes you just get what they give you.
“Your courage, your actions, we’ve learned so much from them. I now know what it is we really need to protect the peaceful lives of all people, and that includes your life as well” Maeraer her eyes blazing with the fire of the warrior she always was.
“Destroy them” Mecmed says and with that his army takes charge, all but the Wolfpride he stay at his side watching.
The two armies clash in the heat of battle and it is like nothing this field has seen. The great and powerful force of the Kainith elves against the forces of the last remaining tribes of Denerith elves. When the two forces hit each other it is like thunder from the gods. Spears swords and clubs flash in the moonlight; the ground soon becomes soaked in the blood of soldiers. Mecmed sees that the battle will quickly sway in the favor of the Rebels and takes a quick retreat, taking with him the Wolfpride. Before He makes flight though Mellyruna using all the stealth of a shadow uses his knife to cut the bounds to Attonnan. Attonnan is soon dropped to the ground and rolls, picking up a sword of a fallen soldier along the way. He is like the swordsman of legends in battle, every stoke of his blade is death, but he is not the only one on the field that fights with such conviction and skill, Byrdi in is red armor is surrounded almost constantly, like Attonnan his blade deals death with surgical precision, but as one falls another takes there place, but it makes no difference to him. He isn’t even breaking a sweat yet. Maeraer stands near the cliffs of the field, Lucius kept behind her, in her hands are her two knives, She is as fierce as a tigress as she protects her child, in front of here a small pile of bodies who dared challenger her. Nagamasa fights like the great gladiator he was, sword and shield in hand he slams into them with force and pride roaring out his convictions. His blade dealing death as if he were in the great arena once again. His shield slamming foes back just hard enough to stun them so he can slam his blade into them, taking limbs and crushing skulls. Above all this, at the shrine overlooking the battle stands Neckity, she smiles looking at all this, the four of them are some of the greatest she has ever seen, and she prays it is enough, what is to come is something they may not be ready for. For it will not be just a simple soldier, but something far worse.
It doesn’t take long for the rebels to make short work of the soldiers, looking around at the corpses Attonnan sees that none of the Wolfpride is there, not one took to the fight. He also saw that his brother Mellyruna did not join the fight either. He can only guess that he wanted to stay near Griffin in case the battle went for the Kainith elves favor, then he could still attack another day.
“I can’t find any of the Wolfpride, or Mecmed, Mellyruna that bastered slipped through my grasp once more” Byrdi says snarling like a wolf.
“They must have gone back to the fortress, they plan to hide there. Head for the castle” Nagamasa says letting out a whistle to gather the men and check for losses.
As Byrdi and Nagamasa check the looses of there men and the wounds, telling some that they may not continue the fight, Neckity comes down from the hill. Her presence has a kind of haunting effect to it. She is no longer dressed in the common cloths that she had in the Vulkoori, now she is dressed as she was with Mecmed, as the apprentice to Skorm. Slowly she walks up to Byrdi and leans in giving him a deep passionate kiss. She then walks over To Attonnan and from inside her cloak pulls his blade, the blade given to him by Fuma.
“I trust you Attonnan, I trust you to do what is right, and when it all comes to a head, I trust you to walk deep in the gates of hell, and walk out unscathed.” She says allowing everyone to hear his name.
Byrdi and Maeraer stand staring at him in shock, could it be, could this man be their long lost brother.
“Maeraer, allow me to take Lucius back home” She says and gently takes Lucius hand and begins to walk off the battlefield.
Before anyone can say anything Attonnan turns and begins the march to the castle, there will be time for this reunion another time. Shaking off the shock the others take to his example and make there way to the Ronin castle. It is time to end the rule of the Kainith elves.
It doesn’t take much time for the rebel army to reach the fortress of Ronin, Attonnan stares at his former home as the sun begins to rise behind it, painting the sky a blood red. He never thought he would make his way back here, he never thought he would have reason, let alone to be the one raiding it to kill the king. He knows that Mellyruna is fighting for the rebels; he can only hope that he is smart enough to stay out of the main fight. With a shout of fury from Nagamasa the rebels charge the fortress and again the two armies clash. The courtyard is soon full of battles, but time is running short, if Mecmed secures himself in the fortress then there will be not getting him out.
“There is no time for this, we must find Mecmed and kill him, lets end this here and now” Byrdi says as if reading Attonnan’s mind.
“We get in, split up, let our force stay out here keeping them busy, Are you with us Attonnan” Nagamasa says looking at his new brother in law.
Attonnan only nods and watches as Maeraer begin to fight off her own group.
“She will stay out here, she will lead the Oda” Na
gamasa says following Attonnan’s gaze.
And just like that Nagamasa, Byrdi and Attonnan break away from the fighting and dash into the fortress, killing the guards that stand in their way. Once inside they see that the fortress seems to be abandoned, all the forcers are outside. This will mean a quick and easy search for they’re prey.
“Split up, who ever finds him gets the kill, strength and honor” Nagamasa says looking at his brother Byrdi
“Strength and honor” Byrdi replies and they both turn to Attonnan, but it is too late, he has already begun to dash down the hall.
Nagamasa dashes down the hall checking the doors, most of them are locked but those that aren’t are empty. He goes down one hall, to another, to another and soon finds himself in what appears to be the Ronin training room. Standing in the center of it is Mellyruna, his blade drawn. The two lock eyes with each other and instantly there is a hate. He is the brother that betrayed the clan, Nagamasa has heard Byrdi talk of him, he was the greater of the two older brothers, more skilled and more loved, He will kill him for Byrdi and bring back the sword as a trophy.
“I challenge you” Mellyruna says his voice cool and calm, He will wound Nagamasa, but not kill him, he is essential for the rebellion.
“Silence you” Nagamasa says almost chocking on his own rage
“There was a time that lords waited in the castles as the men died, when wars are dehumanized both victory and defeat become miserable and god no longer lends a helping hand.” Mellyruna says his breath slow calm, merely reflecting on what he is watching now. Mecmed hiding in his hole as others decide his victory or defeat.
“Enough with the fancy speeches, too many people have died because of you and the battles you have fought, if your going to fight someone, then fight me and no one else” Nagamasa says slapping his sword against his shield in defiance.