Just as the orcs were about to reach him, Gabriel shouted, "NATALLIA!"
He gripped his sword and plunged it into the ground sending out a shockwave, completely disorienting all the orcs. He pulled the blade from the ground, and in one circular motion, he beheaded all that stood around him. As the bodies hit the ground, he was already focused on his next target.
Kegan laughed. "I never knew you humans were so much fun laddie!" He crushed the chest of an oncoming orc.
One by one, the orcs fell. All but one and Gabriel grabbed him by the throat and lifted him high in the air, "Run, tell your master we are coming! Tell your green-skinned kinsmen they will also fall this day. The Light will outshine any and all that oppose it." He slammed the orc to the ground with a thud.
As he stood up, Kegan gave him a swift kick to the backside, "Run laddie! An' hope we don' catch up to ya!"
Gabriel looked around to assess the damage to their men.
Kegan came over to him. "I didn' know you had that kinda power lad. It was truly amazin'!"
Gabriel looked at his hands holding the Fuascailte blade. "Neither did I, Kegan. I do not how I did it."
Kegan slapped him on the back. "Eh! Doesn't matter, just keep doin' it!"
The small battle was not an attempt to stop them, it was merely to slow them down. Gabriel worried that the other groups would be hit hard also.
Gabriel called for two of his men. "Samuel, I need you and Justin to find the fastest horses we have and warn the others of possible ambush. Explain all plans stay the same, just be on alert for orcs. God’s speed men." The men mounted their steeds and raced off for the others. "As for us, we march for Castle Whitehold. I have a demon I need to see."
To the East, George and Antoine rode side by side now. No words were spoken as the two stayed focused on the day. Zachery and Barrok landed right in front of them.
"My Gods, Son, you have to give us warning before you do that!" George exclaimed.
"I am sorry father, but a rider is headed our way fast. He is one of ours."
As Antoine rode toward the rider, he could hear Samuel call to him, "King Gabriel sent me My Lord, orcs staged an ambush!" As he said the last word, an arrow found its mark in the man's chest, then another. Before the poor soul fell from his horse, five arrows were lodged through him and orcs poured from over the hills.
"For the master! Leave no one alive!" The orc's battle cry was heard.
Antoine pulled his sword and shouted to Zachery, "Give us some cover! I want to smell burning orc flesh!"
Zachery and Barrok pushed to the skies and straight for the oncoming horde. Arrows bounced off the scales of the mighty dragon. "They tickle? Really? I love you even more Barrok." Zachery pointed to the front line and instantly an inferno of dragon fire engulfed the orcs in their tracks.
Shrieks and cries rang out as the green-skinned assassins fell into ash, which bought the two men enough time to ready themselves. Antoine took Launa to the side and told her to stay out of sight. She knelt behind a large tree and watched as Antoine quickly sliced and diced an oncoming orc. The orc fell to his death right in front of her.
Launa saw the orc wielding two finely crafted swords. "I can't rely on father and Antoine to come to my rescue every time. I am not some helpless little girl," she mumbled to herself. Launa crawled on her hands and knees to avoid being seen. Carefully, she went to pick up one of the swords, when the shiny gem in the handle of the other one caught her eye. She picked up the blade and returned to her tree. Once there, a strange feeling overcame her, visions of wars she had not been a part of poured into her mind. She held the blade to her chest and waited as the visions began to fade.
Out on the battlefield, George, who started out as a farmer, had learned to be one of the best fighters in the realm, with Gabriel and Antoine's help. He twirled his two-handed broadsword like it was made of straw.
Two orcs confronted him. "That's a nice blade for such a pitiful little human."
George smiled, "I'm glad you like it, you are about to see it up close." George dodged, moving toward the orc on the right, but slicing at the unsuspecting one on the left. As his blade narrowly missed the orc's face, he kicked the mouthy orc in the stomach. He bent over as the breath rushed out of him. George connected the hilt to the back of the orc's massive skull sending him to the ground. "Did you get a good enough look? No? Do not worry, you will get another chance."
He delivered a swift kick to the orc's side as the second lunged for him. George turned and blocked the strike with his blade. The orc's delivered a flurry of attacks as both were now on their feet. Sparks flew as the blades clashed together. Another kick to the stomach by George sent one stumbling backward and to the ground providing an opening.
George swung his sword upward and connected with the exposed midsection of the standing orc, opening a gash that resulted in his seeing his own insides flow out. George thrust the end of the blade up and under his chin. As the blade entered through, he sneered, "Take a long look. Feel free to admire the craftsmanship." George dug the sword in all the way to the hilt and looked the orc directly in the eyes, "I told you that you would get a closer look." He retracted the blade and spun to block an oncoming strike.
George pressed forward, driving the orc back. Swing after swing, George countered every strike. Finally, he found an opening. As the orc swung high, George went low and through the massive legs of the orc, springing up behind him. With a quick thrust, the blade found its mark between his shoulders. The orc howled in pain and leaped forward. As he turned to face George, he found the blade pressed into his chest. A quick twist of the blade sent the orc to the dark afterlife.
Zachery and Barrok took a swipe through the middle of the group. "I never knew father could do those things! But he and Antoine can't handle them all, let's show them what we can do." Barrok rolled right, unleashing a horrific roar. Some of the orcs froze in their tracks, terrified of the mighty dragon.
Zachery concentrated on a single orc in the center of a group. He raised his hand and summoned a pillar of flame to fall on the poor bastard, filling him with a holy fire. The flames consumed him, making him a living bomb. As the flames burned out of his body, the fire spread from orc to orc dropping each to ash. "Head toward Antoine, he may need our help," Zachery said.
Antoine was not lacking in skill. "Flank them from all sides! Contain them to one spot and leave none alive!" he called to the dwarves.
A massive orc stood at the edge of the chaos, just staring at Antoine. "Angelic one! Come to Kodar, I will send you to your afterlife to meet your Gods."
Kodar the Clanslayer was one of the generals in the orc clan named Firefist. Kodar walked methodically toward Antoine, smashing everything in his path, even his own men.
"Kodar! You want me, you got me!" Antoine rushed through the field straight for the orc.
When they met, Kodar raised his war mace above his head and sent it flying down. Antoine slid with his shield held up. The mace connected with the shield, sending sparks flying everywhere. Antoine made it to Kodar's feet with the shield still up. Another massive strike was on its way when Antoine pulled his dagger and planted it through one of the orc's feet. Kodar shrieked and Antoine discarded his damaged shield, pulling two short swords from their sheaths. As Kodar bent to release the dagger, Antoine met him with a dual swipe gashing across his face, two deep lines.
"I thought you were better than this, great Clanslayer! I have heard stories of your power and might, all I see is a weak child." Antoine mocked him.
"It is now my time, little human!" Kodar pulled the dagger from his foot and sent it hurling through a dwarf standing to the side.
He picked up the mace and charged. The swing went low and Antoine jumped, avoiding the spiked head of the weapon. As he was airborne, Kodar connected with a fist to the chest, sending Antoine flying back knocking orcs and dwarves to the ground.
"One hit and you break? Now who is the child?" Kodar bellowed.
Slowly, Antoine
stood to his feet. "I am just getting started, you will leave this life today."
He picked up a broadsword dropped by a fallen orc and headed back to the fight. As they met again, Antoine blocked the mace with the sword and spun away from the force of the blow. He leaped again, this time landing a kick Kodar's head. The kick sent the orc's helmet flying off his head exposing a gnarled, knotted head lined with Clan Firefist tribal tattoos.
Kodar turned his eyes to Antoine. "A valiant death awaits one of us this day. It will be my honor to kill you, you are a worthy human."
Antoine lowered his sword in front of him and placed his arm across his chest in a salute, "You are truly the Clanslayer and a worthy adversary. May our Gods welcome us home."
A quick bow of their heads and the battle waged again. Blow after blow each warrior seemingly knew what move the other would make before they moved. Antoine rolled left picking up a small dwarf shield. When he leapt to his feet, he sent the shield flying. Kodar swatted it away, leaving himself exposed to the dagger flying behind it. The dagger found its mark in the center of Kodar's massive chest. He let out a deep growl as he grasped the dagger's handle.
"It will take more than that tiny blade, angelic one!"
Antoine used that as a distraction and made his way behind Kodar.
He thrust the point of his sword into the leg of the orc. "That's why I kept this one."
Kodar dropped to one knee, Antoine delivered a strong kick to Kodar's back forcing him to the ground. Another kick to the side and Kodar found himself struggling for breath. Antoine leaped on Kodar's back as if he were a horse, reaching toward his own sides and pulled out two more daggers. Reminiscent of his battle with Stolos, he plunged the blades into the neck of Kodar, over and over, blood filling the orc’s mouth. The orc stood and threw Antoine over his shoulder hard to the ground.
Kodar spat out a mouth full of blood. "You make me taste my own blood? Not many have done that."
Antoine looked up in amazement, what did he have to do to defeat the creature? He stood and gripped the hilt of the broadsword so hard his hands ached. Back and forth they fought, each one trying to find an opening. As the battle waged between these two epic warriors, Antoine grasped at any advantage. The wounds around his neck still poured blood and the blood loss was starting to take its toll on the orc. His swings slowed, and Antoine felt fatigued but still took his chance. As Kodar swung his mace, Antoine stepped back and the mace missed completely, knocking Kodar off-balance. Antoine stepped forward and swung upward catching him directly under the chin opening up a gash in the orc's throat. Kodar dropped his weapon and fell to his knees holding his wound.
Antoine readied his blade. "You are truly a master warrior, and the best I have faced. May you find rest." With a slice of his blade, he took the head of Kodar and fell to his knees exhausted.
Zachery saw Antoine fall and told Barrok to get close enough to grab him. Just as they made it to the fallen warrior, a group of orcs tried to claim a prize that was not theirs. In one swoop, Barrok glided in, picked Antoine up gently in his massive talons, and a nice snack of orcs crunched in his mouth. "That is just disgusting Barrok, you do not know where they have been," Zachery chuckled. The remaining orcs turned and retreated toward the castle.
"Don't allow them to escape!” George shouted to Zachery. “Take them down!"
Zachery motioned for Barrok to head them off. In a blast, the mighty beast ignited a line of fire, stopping the gross creatures in their tracks. The dwarves came in behind them and ended the skirmish quickly.
George found Launa still behind the tree grasping her sword. "We need to go, sweetheart, follow me." George looked at the blade in her hands, "Are you alright? Are you harmed?"
Launa looked to her father, "No sir, I feel great." She showed him the sword and he placed his arm around her and agreed to let her keep the blade as they rejoined the group.
As they walked from the tree line, he saw several dead orcs, "I'm glad to see you were protected in my absence."
On the other side of the castle, Justin rode to find Tradan, Andrea, and the others.
As his horse galloped into their sight, Tradan flew to meet him. "Sir Justin, you bring news?"
"Orcs laid an ambush for the King's company, we survived with minor loss. His Majesty sent word that all was to plan, just stay alert and safe."
Andrea had made her way out to them and heard the news. "What of Antoine and George's group? How do they fare?"
Justin answered, "I do not know, my lady. King Gabriel sent Samuel to warn them and myself in your direction. I am to stay with you and aid you in any way needed."
Andrea had a look of concern come across her face, worried that Antoine and his men were also ambushed and could not overcome them.
She looked to Tradan. "How fast can those wings take you? I need to know Antoine's fate."
The Champion knew she would be filled with concern and her mind would not be as sharp. "Get the men into position and wait for the signal. I will return in time to meet you as you head to the walls."
Andrea thanked him and took Justin to fall in with the others. Tradan hoped to find all was well. The demons must be worried, that is why they sent the ambush. Andrea led the group to a well-hidden area just outside the southern wall. Antoine had told them of an area that was the weakest in the castle. He told them how an army that came through the wall would be noticed, but a small group of warriors could be unseen, especially when the attention was drawn to the two armies to the front and east.
44
Redemption Comes
The past eighteen years had brought heartache and pain. War had plagued Amundiss and threatened all of its citizens. Now, the time had come for the people to reclaim their world, or all would be lost to Craotonus and the demon brethren. Aliz'Ra and Benzoete still had not returned, and the time had come to storm Castle Whitehold. Fueled by their survival of the two earlier attacks with the orc armies, the refugee’s focus burned even hotter than before. They knew they had Malonox worried, they had more than a chance in defeating the evil.
When the king's company of soldiers marched to the top of the hill overlooking Castle Whitehold, a bright light flashed before them. When their eyes cleared, Akadius stood before them, the Lord of the Heavens. The God of Light blessed each and every one and vowed to be with them through the end. Akadius could not take up arms against the mortal orcs fighting for Malonox, but he could bestow upon these good people his guidance.
"I know it has seemed that the Light has deserted you. The world has grown into a dark and evil place, overrun with weeds of darkness. Thank you, good people, for your continued faithfulness, you will be rewarded."
Gabriel dismounted, walked toward him, and fell to his knees, "My father I beg you, protect my people. They fight in your name and the Light, do not let the ones who have passed to the afterlife go in vain."
Akadius motioned him to rise. "This is why you are the leader you have become. Let the Light guide you all, trust your instincts for I will be with you." He unsheathed his sword, pointed toward the crowd of soldiers, and a warm glowing light washed over them. Akadius nodded at Gabriel and vanished in bright flash.
Zachery and the second group had made their way to the eastern side of the castle. Antoine came around after his hard-fought battle with Kodar.
"Careful, Antoine, you don't want to roll off a dragon while in flight," Cassy told Antoine.
He shook his head and looked around, "Feels like a mountain fell on me. Is everyone alright?"
Zachery turned around, "We had a few casualties, but once they saw Kodar fall, the orcs turned and ran. You were an inspiration, even to the Iron Army! Plans are still the same, we wait for Gabriel's signal."
Antoine glanced down at the castle below. "Are the men in position? If so, let's land and get to work."
Barrok circled high above, swooping down and landing light as a feather behind a line of trees where the men waited to storm the walls. The Iron Army dwarves were ready
to bring the wrath of a thousand years of exile. They were a legion of warriors very few had walked away from.
"Thank the Gods you are alright. When we got the news of the ambush, we were worried," said Tradan as he landed beside them.
Zachery pointed to Antoine. "We are all right, a few lost, but you should have seen Antoine and my father! I did not know the ancient ones had it in them!"
The two laughed as Antoine made a face at him. Tradan told Antoine of Andrea's concern, "Take care of her please, and tell her I will see her soon."
Tradan smiled and took to the skies to join Andrea and the small group. He flew high above the clouds avoiding detection from the orcs patrolling the walls of the castle. Quietly, he landed and made his way to Andrea's position. He told her Antoine is safe and he sent his love.
Andrea smiled. "Let's make this fast. I need to kiss that man." Tradan shook his head, smiling.
Gabriel and Kegan rode their horses to the main gate of Castle Whitehold and called out for the demons to show themselves. A loud boom filled the air and black and purple smoke formed in front of them.
As it disappeared, Malonox appeared before them. "Son of Akadius, and the noble King of the Iron Army dwarves. You can't possibly be foolish enough to believe you can defeat me. Darkness is eternal. The shadows will prevail when nothing else can. I will have your heads this day, and my dark kingdom will be whole."
Kegan laughed. "I was hopin' you would say dat! The Iron Army does not know defeat!" The dwarf made a slight motion with his left hand and an archer from the middle sent an arrow soaring right for Malonox's head.
In a calm and effortless motion, the demon caught the arrow inches from his face, and broke it in half. "You will see glorious death this day. Tell your Gods the darkness is coming, and no one can stop us." In a cloud of smoke, he was gone.
Atop the towers, flags arose. Blood red with a black tree in the center. A horn sounded from inside the castle and the gates dropped. A thousand orcs stood at the ready with blades flashing in the light.
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