The call for retreat sounded and the defenders on the wall rushed to the stairs leading into the city. Some ran so suddenly that they were carved up from behind by the attackers that they had left unattended. On the bottom of the wall those running down the stairs were met with vigorous resistance. Most of those fleeing did not even reach the city streets before being assaulted by the horde of enemies storming through the open gate.
Guthrum watched as his fellow soldiers broke the thin line of defence, allowing the Dargonians free access to the wall, and felt like lying down to die. Never had he thought it possible for Precedin, the City of War, to fall so quickly into enemy hands. He had done all that was in his power to try to stop them, but it had not been enough. Now that he saw his own men being slaughtered by the attackers that covered the wall, he had come to understand that this was the end. But he would die fighting.
He turned and charged into a group of footmen who were beating a dying defender and fought them off his body. Facing overwhelming odds, he was quickly struck across the back and fell to the floor. He felt the blood drain from his body and knew he would not recover from this wound. An attacker moved over him with an evil smile upon his face and raised a spiked mace above his head. The mace came down directed at the General's head, but struck a bloodied sword instead.
Hanlit pushed the attacker's mace back with his own weapon and punched the man in the face breaking his nose. "Get away from him!" screamed Hanlit violently as two other soldiers ran at him. He fought them back, unleashing a flurry of blows fuelled by his rage. The few remaining defenders rallied to him and helped to hold back the attackers. Hanlit fell back and moved to the dying General to kneel beside him.
"Come on General, I'll get you out of here."
Guthrum who could feel the life leaving his body reached up and placed his hand upon Hanlit's head. "I have one final request of you," he spoke softly. Hanlit moved closer and the General said, "Get on the fastest horse that you can find and ride for the Citadel. Tell the King that Baldoroff must make peace. You must relay this message for me."
Hanlit's eyes widened. "What about you?" he asked.
"Hand me my sword and leave," commanded Guthrum.
Hanlit nodded and placed the General's sword in his hand. He then stood up and ran from the wall, fighting his way through the throng of enemies. Guthrum managed to sit up and saw a group of enemies heading his way. He stared defiantly into their hate filled eyes and spat on the ground. Then it came to pass that Guthrum de Lamina, General of the armies of Feldom, left Fellarrnur and began his journey to the Third Plane.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TROUBLED TIMES
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 73