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*See chapter 00. Intro and chapter descriptions*
We tried, but could not cut a straight line path back to the camp. First one, then another royal patrol forced us to remain close to the long over-shadowed border of the swamp; it's great trees towering, long branches hanging low, we used them for cover. Perhaps it would have been better to risk being seen and even engage in a skirmish, brief it would have been, but it was too late for that.
Hemmed in by the royal patrols hoping we remained unseen we made our way along, both Gilead and Melee seeking one of the field shelters Cyllian's guard often used in these border lands; as I said we should have risked open battle, but we felt it best to avoid if possible.
Reaching the shelter we dismounted, our mounts tired, legs quaking from long riding with little rest, food or water, we had no choice but to stop though I wish we hadn't.
No sooner had we quickly and quietly as possible shut the gate, Broge and another set on barring it, an arrow flew thru the shutting gate, then another. A third then, lit with fire in the dark and overcast night; rough hewn shafts, probably brigands hired as mercenaries. The shouts rose up from the swamp, only a hundred yards from the gate, I knew then we had been herded and trapped here, my rage rose, the heat within me burning, but for how long? The sun had not shone for a week or more.
"Bah! Mercenaries, kidnappers... I say we go out, head on, they always run from a real fight!"
I eyed Gilead and Melee; Broge I thought was being hasty at best, had he forgotten the royal patrols already?
"Aye Broge, but what of the royal guard? This could be a trap for my mistress. There are too few of us to face two patrols, sixty of them there may be, and then the mercenaries, and we have no wolves."
"Aghhhh! Chief, let me and a few others test it. You and Melee on the rampart with bows, we'll flush them out and see. Otherwise what? They burn and crash down these flimsy wooden walls around us."
"Gilead...."
"Aye Mistress, he has a point. Send some out, let's see what we are dealing with. If it's worse than we hope we let slip one more out the back and at least the horde will avenge us when they arrive."
Gilead was stealy eyed like I haven't seen him before, battle fury filling him. Indeed every orc around me was growling, snarling, breathing heavy. The orc was made for this, for war.
"Ha! Mistress look! I knew it, Lord Cyllian's men always hide a cache of arrows if you know where to look. Tho I would rather go out that gate, you and I upon the rampart with our bows, we now have plenty."
"Very well, but if whatever out there in the swamp are too many you fall back and we all make our stand here. Melee, to the rampart. Broge, do not leave that gate until my word."
"Aye chief. Now you bastards! Prove your worth! For the chief! For the horde!"
Melee and I quickly took our post upon the rampart, each one side of the gate. Broge and a few others gathered in a cluster, while Gilead and one other readied to open the gate. I notched an arrow and drew, scanning the dark tree line and released.
A thud, a shout and yelling, Melee next, another thud, a second from me, a third body dropped. Then they came. Blades high, charging with fire brands in one hand.
"Now Gilead!"
The gate opened and Broge first threw his iron blade, dropping the leader, he leapt, throwing himself upon the band. Melee and I released our deadly arrows at will, striking a body with every draw.
Broge and the others were lashing out, smashing any in reach, quickly ending these unskilled attackers, but they were not alone. A loud shout rose from the swamp and more came rushing out from the trees, along with arrows from within.
"Melee! Focus on those attacking, I will aim into the trees!"
She did not reply, nor was there need. Quickly she turned her attention, firing as quickly as she could; one to my two.
As well as this was going for our small band, we all knew it was just beginning, and chances were we would be overwhelmed; I am certain our enemy was only sizing up our strength and our numbers.
There were soon too many for Broge and the few with him to handle, no matter the amount of arrows we released, and Gilead and the others soon left the gate as they were being flanked and surrounded. Gilead released a huge roar and the others followed, splitting themselves this way and that without command, so well trained was Zyres' band and the small field was soon theirs as the attackers retreated back into the swamp.
Our men finished off those who remained and a few still trying to escape when I first caught the sound, a long high pitched shriek, then another and another. Goblins.
Our band formed an arch so as not to be out flanked, weapons at the ready, waiting. My sharp eyes pierced into the darkness and saw those beady eyes shining in the dark. I released a number of quickly shot arrows into the trees; Melee followed suit and we quickened their rage as they streamed out of the trees.
The first wave was easily fought off by our band before the gates, but the chaos it created was effective as the half arching circle was broken up as our orcs left the line to destroy those who fled back into the swamp. This was not over; the glowing eyes were everywhere peering out, and the hissing and screeching grew louder and louder.
"Melee stay up here and take cover, I am going out there."
"Mistress is that wise-"
I did not stay or hesitate to answer but lept from the rampart and sprinted to the others.
"Gilead, Broge! Get everyone inside the shelter, close the gate. We are in danger of being overwhelmed."
"What other plan is there chief but to fall in battle killing as many as we can?"
"Just do as I command! Fall back, now. I will hold off as many as I can."
Gilead peered at me, staring.
"I like it not, mistress."
"I do not ask, now go. I alone can take out more than all of you, but you must get in the shelter. There is no time to argue Gilead, they are coming."
Indeed they were. The trees themselves seemed to come to life; branches shaking and snapping, already hundreds of goblins were gathering at the treeline edge, amassing thier numbers. I am certain I was the only thing in their sight, not only because the others were retreating as I commanded, but goblins hone in on the scent of a woman; it over powers all their other instincts which is why it rarely matters how many of them are destroyed in a fight; they simply are driven to a woman and never stop, relentless in the pursuit of rape and breeding.
I stood my ground as they gathered in force at the edge of the swamp, water splashing, eyes narrowed, hissing and screeching, I was only waiting to hear the gates behind me closing. My only fear was how many times this night I would be able to do this; the sun had been blocked from the sky for weeks now by dark heavy clouds. The words of the witch in my ears 'so goes the goddess within you'; would I be weakened to the point where this was my one chance? If so this would be a problem but I felt I had no choice, perhaps this would frighten off our enemies and we could make our escape.
My body began to heat, I felt my eyes glow amber, they came, scrambling quickly on all fours attempting to encircle me. The time was now.
Raising my arms above my head my translucent wings sprung bright behind me lighting the darkness, I could feel the heat surrounding me, pulsing in waves from me; I lifted from the ground, my entire body now surrounded by light as my wings folded around encasing me.
I heard them, saw them get closer and closer. The goblins hesitated not knowing at first what to do, but the hesitation was short lived. They threw themselves up into the air at me, I could hear their short claw like nails dig at and slide down my protective wings, some sprung backwards when they felt the heat, but my intensity was still growing, others held on trying to pry my wings apart; all attempts failed, but still they leapt at me, clinging to each other, their collective weight dropping my height.
I heard the yelling from behind, I made out Melee's voice, Gilead telling her no, she cannot help me now. With greater effort I focused myself more, my heat growing; bodies pressed against my wings burned and sizzled but could not escape for the others pressed against them. They screeched in agonizing pain as my heat and fire consumed them and with the intensity of my power growing my descent stopped and upward my body rose higher.
Not being capable of flight nor rising higher than thirty feet, I hesitated a few moments knowing more of them would be swarming around me, or even approaching the walls perhaps sensing Melee, before unleashing my power.
When I felt the time right with extreme focus and all my might I flung my arms and my wings spread out behind me with a mighty war cry. The goblin bodies were flung from me, the light and heat exploded from my body and spread out all around me, radiating outward in all directions. The waves and pulses of light and heat propelling everything away; the goblins closest were incinerated, the light like hardened steel shredded the others further off, including those retreating trying to find shelter in the swamp, but there was no shelter to be had. I was close enough that many of the first trees burst into flames, or were shredded by my weaponized light. The shrieks were loud and echoed thru the dark night, along with the cries and screams of those mercenaries still in hiding. For two hundred yards before me, nothing was left living, and I hoped that would be enough and our enemies would flee.
My body cooled, but was still glowing and radiating heat when my wings vanished and my feet touched the ground. Immediately I drew my blade sheathed upon my back, took stock of my surroundings, it is hard to see when I unleash my power tho I am aware of some things, but not all; the brightness I unleash partially blinds even me.
The bodies lay burnt upon the ground, those that my heat did not entirely consume; the ground burned yet in patches here and there, as did the trees still yet standing; my fire so hot even the waters edge steamed. The gate to the shelter behind me burst open as my band rushed out, weapons drawn, Melee the first to reach me. I took a moment to look behind and saw flames licking the thick wood posts of the walls and gate, but the structure was largely in tact as I intended and would not burn to the ground.
Melee was first at my side her cloak discarded, long knives out; Gilead with his short iron blade, Broge with a cudgel, a few others with battle axes, we were at the ready but were met with only silence.
"Perhaps Mistress your demonstration has frightened them off."
"Perhaps-"
But no. Once again the screeching and hissing, but louder and more. We heard them coming, the water at the swamps edge moved like a small wave, an indication of how many were coming. We braced ourselves; Gilead and the orcs let out a mighty war cry and were answered back by a similar one; rogue orc mercenaries, likely a band with elf and human as well, if not half bloods.
The first of the goblins came flooding out, a straight charge typical of a goblin attack.
"Mistress if this is a swarm perhaps another power burst?"
"Aye Melee, I would, but I do not know how much in me I have left, I have told you-"(hack, slash, hack hack).
We were set upon and met our enemy head on, blades flashing; the real battle now having begun.
"-my power goes with that of the sun!"
Back to back we spun around in a circle, slashing and hacking without pause.
"Pity that! Not that I have not been itching for a fight! I guess we'll have to cut our way out of this!"
As we were surrounded the realization sunk in that this was a swarm, there would be thousands but I could not, would not accept this as our Fate. I felt I had to take a risk, either myself and my companions would be overwhelmed or I take the chance and use my power in limited ways; quick short focused bursts to drive them back and give us respite and hope I could stay focused enough not to harm those fighting with me, as well as not using up what power I had, not knowing if that was actually a danger but I feared it so.
Step by step they pushed us back as we lost ground but the discipline remained, our half arc remained intact so far but it would not be long before our backs would be against the shelter behind us. Melee remained by my side as we continued to be the main focus of the assault. Sometimes fighting side by side, sometimes back to back continually circling around. I was about to knife a goblin that had gotten a grip on her arm from behind when from nowhere a feathered shaft pierced the goblins head.
We both looked up startled and I heard and saw at the same moment a band of dark cloaked riders making a full charge on horse back, arrows firing at will, then blades flashing bright as they trampled into the thick of it. Several lept from their mounts and began fighting towards us, collapsing that wing of the goblin attack while others remained horsed, circling about continuing the assault, firing arrow after arrow, charging in and out blades drawn and flashing.
"Lady Analea! What is this, why are you here?!"
"Sirach! A pleasant surprise indeed! but we haven't time to explain-"
Those with him, myself and Melee cut ourselves and our companions a brief respite. Tho Gilead and Broge lead the others in a pressing charge taking advantage of the surprise from our aide.
"A good question would be how is it you are here when Lord Cyllian called all his ranging troops north?"
"Melee it is fortunate he and his band have arrived, let us be courteous."
"Haha Melee, long has it been. Yes we should be far to north already but we were delayed and then saw the signs of this swarm and the many mercenaries that are still hiding in the swamp. Lady Analea, if you have mounts it would be best to make a run for it, their numbers are too many."
I knew this to be true and it was on my mind but I was unsure our steeds would out pace a swarm, with mercenaries as well.
"Our mounts are exhausted Captain Sirach from days of avoiding at least two royal patrols and carrying full blooded orc warriors, I do not think they can out run this. We would be too exposed on the open plains and hill country. Are there no others coming?"
"There is not Lady Analea. We are the last loyal to Lord Cyllian in these lands. Then we must fight our way out. They are regrouping and coming again!"
He blew on his horn, a signal to the others scattered about while Melee regrouped our own. Sirach, half elf, human had taken Melee's place when Cyllian placed her with me. His soldiers still mounted circled about behind us, 15 strong and waited behind us upon our left flank, those on foot joined us in the center, while my own gathered on the right. It was then I caught the scent, those on foot were women.
"Is it wise Sirach to have these women on foot, so many, among a goblin swarm?"
"Aye I know your fear lady, but with so few warriors against so many it is better to funnel these foul things to the center, besides these are warriors of Lord Cyllian, chosen by him alone."
"So be it, but listen all. When I command you to retreat do not hesitate, for I will exterminate all."
They were coming, regrouped they now took a more cautious approach, but still yet head on, the scent of so many women out in the open. I wondered how long I could actually wait before I would need to use my power.
In the chaos of battle that ensued, onward they rushed, the horse stood back releasing arrows but briefly before a headlong charge; the orc to our right wrecking havoc as orcs do, and our center was holding strong, a few behind us with short bows and hip quivers shot over us into the thick of them, and some to those who managed to get too close.
It was within this carnage, backing again step by short step, the horses bogging down as some of the swarm began directly attacking them, that I thought the time had come.
"Melee, you others! Fight me free a brief space and withdraw... Gilead! Broge! Fight yourselves free!"
I hacked and cleaved my way to Sirach, near his mounted soldiers, fighting side by side we were able to speak.
"Sirach get your people free, get inside the shelter and hold the gate!"
"What? We will be trapped with no way out!"
"No Sirach, I will use what power I have left, and perhaps before more can come we can break away on horse back, our options are running out. This is a true swarm, they will be relentless in this assault!"
He did not answer but blew his horn signaling his people; I saw Gilead in the thick of them destroying anything he touched, Broge and the others as well. The woman soldiers in the center tightened their formation and slowly withdrew, Melee had made her way to Gilead and Broge. Gilead let loose a war cry and signaled his own. I took back to the center, staying a little behind as the orcs came back forming a wall in front of us as we withdrew. I would wait as the others made their way, then Gilead and the rest would leave me out, I only hoped there were enough arrows left for them to hold off our enemy while my power surged.
So this was the only plan I had left, our only recourse in the face of this goblin swarm; I had heard tales but never seen a true swarm. A different Fate than the one imagined was playing out in my mind as I steeled myself for what was to come when something glimmered in the distance, catching my eye.
Off in the distance to the north, the direction from which we had come, thru the trees of the swamp a bright flash of white light; screeches and screams in the distance could be heard, then nothing. For a moment everything on our battle field froze as all looked about. I felt a faint breeze of cold air, then a strong wind blew, the clouds opened revealing a bright moon waxing, then I heard it.
The howling of a wolf, then another, another, then too many to count. From all directions it echoed thru the night, even over the din of our battle field, Zyre was coming with the horde; how I knew not and it did not matter.
"Gilead, now! We charge! Sirach, your troops!"
I shouted my war cry and we charged straight on into the swarm. The trees behind the goblins suddenly came to life as those yet hidden came rushing forward, but they were not attacking. The blast of an iron horn somewhere within the trees, an answering blast from the south, another from the north.
With the onrush of the goblins came spilling out the mercenaries, more than we anticipated; human, elf, orc, half bloods of all, paid blades with no recourse but to fight. They came straight for us, but it was too late for them.
As the battle joined myself, Melee, and the other women soldiers still had to beware the goblins attacking as they would not relent, but soon we heard the roaring and snarling of the wolves, the horde had arrived. As I and the others cut thru these vile creatures, pressing forward as best we could, a giant black wolf with yellow eyes burst from the darkness of the trees, two goblins in her maw. She landed on all fours, threw the mangled bodies from her teeth, she came barrelling towards us, throwing and trampling anything in her path.
We were being surrounded as the men were trying to hold off the mercenaries, but Tiamat easily made a path to us, and soon four more joined her, her cubs, tho not pups any longer, and the slaughter began. Others quickly joined, and the roars and war cries of orcs was now heard everywhere as mounted they drove thru killing all in their path, and the ground was slick and red.
They charged in from all directions at once effectively cutting off all escape. Tho I could not see into the swamp I could hear the chaos; the roars of orc and wolf, the screeching of goblins, and the yelling, briefly, of elf and human, tho the main of them were in a mass forming ranks, holding pikes to fend off the horde and the wolves.
What saved us from immediately being overcome by the mercenary force ironically was the goblin swarm. There never was a plan, just an onrush of hundreds, if not thousands, creating chaos and confusion and now they were in the way of the mercenaries trying to break thru to our small group clustered in the center of all this.
We held firm, now unmovable, when I felt a familiar feeling, something between hearing and feeling; a deep low rumble in the earth, an air splitting roar, then a giant grey wolf bounded out from the swamp. Upon his back two figures rode, one bearing and swinging low his granite war hammer the other two short blades behind him, slashing to either side.
Cyllian lept from Gorlung's back landing on his feet, blades never stopping, hacking thru the goblins. Gorlung made one more bound as Zyre threw himself off shaking the ground beneath his feet.
The two of them glanced briefly our way before Zyre spun himself and released his hammer, casting it at the front line of the mercenaries; five dropped at it's blow. He charged, Cyllian at his side as he cast and the mercenaries never had a chance.
From what I could see, panic followed. They were simply now trying to survive, escape if possible. But Cyllian was as I had never seen him before, like a blurred shadow, a whirlwind that could barely be seen. Spinning, slashing, cutting, blades a bright blur, his own figure as I said, like a dark whirling shadow.
Zyre with his loud war cry was answered by his horde and with renewed vigour they pressed, wrecking havok everywhere. He had recovered his hammer and swung with wild abandon. The carnage of those two alone was unlike anything any had seen, even the goblin swarm was now seeking an escape; there was none, except behind us to the open plain and hill country, but that too would not last.
As our enemies tried to flee in the night from behind a flight of arrows passed over our heads, whizzing by our ears; in shock I turned to look. An elf woman mounted upon a pale white steed, flanked by what were clearly true blood elf, unhooded, with long red gold hair flowing, came at full gallop arrows flying until the battle was joined and bright blades and spears were brandished trampling and pursuing any attempting to flee. I recognized her face and her scent, Deniera, even if I had never seen her hair before; an odd realization in the midst of battle perhaps.
She and her warriors galloped right by us as she fought her way to Cyllian, but her cohort split in two groups, some following her, the others joining the horse of Sirach.
Victory was at hand, we all felt it. The horde had trapped the swarm in three directions, Deniera and hers, and now Sirach's mounted troops closed the last avenue of escape. I now took the moment to seek out my own; Melee was perhaps twenty yards away still doing what she does, allowing herself to be surrounded before unleashing her battle fury. I never liked it and I was concerned, I whistled to Tiamat and sent her on her way; in two bounds Melee had a new ally by her side. I finally spotted Broge and a few of the others on the very edge of the swamp finishing off any survivors and those fleeing back. It was then when we all heard a roar louder than any other, drowning out all other battle cries and shouts.
The trees shook, we heard the water splashing, we felt the footfalls vibrate the ground, they burst forth from the trees, splitting trunks and using them as giant clubs. Swamp trolls, three in all, surrounded by goblins with whips and tiny knives goding them on.
The one closest to me, 14 feet tall swung the trunk of tree wildly while goblins scurried about it's feet, others upon its shoulders jabbing their knives into the thick skin, spurring it on. The trunk it swung brutally took two of my band and nearly Broge as well who barely dodged the blow and was seeking a weapon to use against the beast; an iron blade would do no good against such an enemy.
I rushed on as others did, but they were stopped and intercepted by large number of goblins. I looked about to Zyre and Cyllian but they were still occupied with the mercenary force.
I tried to formulate a plan, a way to defeat this troll in it's rampage. Thankfully most of the orcs upon the field were able to dodge it's blows, but some succumbed. I too in a rush tumbled and dodged, deflecting the trolls hands and feet with my blade when I noticed.
Trolls never allied to any; in the past they were known to fight with the orcs, but out of self interest. Like the orc they only wanted to roam where they will and be subject to none but themselves. So why were they fighting with the goblins? There could only be one answer.
Thick shackles clasped the trolls' wrists with a long heavy chain; indeed it used this chain as a weapon making long sweeping strokes with it's arms. Broge had found a discarded iron pike huge and heavy and was, so far, keeping the troll at bay and focused on him alone when I made my way to him.
"BROGE! THE GOBLINS, FOCUS ON THE GOBLINS!"
"AYE CHIEF! ARE YOU GOING TAKE A TROLL BY YOURSELF?!"
"NO, I AM GOING TO FREE IT! JUST KILL THE GOBLINS!"
He did as I asked and one or two at a time the goblins fell while I maneuvered myself awaiting my moment.
Dodging here and there, rolling, tumbling, diving I avoided the roaring beast, exciting it's rage until finally I was able to bring my unbreakable blade down with all my strength and cut the chains in two.
A bright white light flashed, knocking me back and the troll reeled back in shock, Broge, like me and the goblins, was thrown back.
I recovered my feet, but my blade was lax at my side as I regained my sight from the moment of blindness, still stunned I did not realize what was happening. I felt hands, sharp nails on my leg, then more. Another leapt on my back trying to pull me backwards and down. Another grasped my other leg, one clung to my waist, more grabbing and clinging to my hips, tearing my breeches from every which way, trying to force me down, drag me to my back and shredding my clothing to rags.
I was in shock, caught off guard and before I could react two more had my arms. Already my thighs were exposed, the leather covering my chest was being ripped and shredded. I struggled, tried to shake them off but they had my arms and legs encumbered. A loud screech and one jumped and it's feet planted on my chest, it's tiny hands with sharp claws on my shoulders, it's long and hard obsidian black cock in my face as he tried over and over to get in my mouth, hitting my face, cheeks, slapping my lips, I turned my face this way and that avoiding the insertion while the one clinging to my waist tried repeatedly to enter me, trying to force my thighs apart. Another moment I would be on the ground upon my back and lost as I felt my leather breeches ripped from my thighs and hips downward.
I heard a roar and from the corner of my eye I saw Broge charging to me, but I could not wait, I hoped the best for Broge but had no choice. As I began to tumble backward falling, the goblins screeching in what I can only think was delight my fear, panic, and rage burst forth in blinding heat, fire, and fury. Those screeches quickly changed from delight and victory to pain, then silence. Their little bodies were ejected from me in fire and light like steel. I remained on my feet with eight scorched and burned goblins around me. A quick look and I saw Broge on the ground.
"BROGE! BROGE!"
"Aghhh... ummpfff... I.. I.. am well chief.. ahhh... burned, but well. Go, fight.. leave the troll to me..."
I could not answer but turned to face the troll, blade drawn, but needlessly. My enemy a moment ago turned it's wrath upon the goblins, smashing and stomping upon any it found, casting bodies against trees, roaring loud. Seeing me it lunged, but missed. I heated myself, wings and all and rose to it's height. In shock it hesitated as I held there, lit like a glowing torch.
"FREE. YOU ARE FREE. FIGHT WITH US!"
We stared upon each other for a moment and I watched it's body relax.
"YOU WERE FORCED TO THIS! I FREE YOU! FREE YOUR KINDRED AND JOIN ME!"
Looking about at the other trolls it roared and rushed headlong at the nearest one, throwing itself into them knocking it down. They fought and rolled on the ground, I rushed to call off the horde from attacking them waving my blade in the air.
"BACK! BACK! ATTACK THE GOBLINS! LEAVE THE TROLLS!"
Thankfully they heeded my command and as one we made a slaughter of the goblins still there, most of which were coming for me, my scent stronger being exposed, but at least it made me the rallying point and we had a place of strength.
Another few moments and a second blast of white light as the first troll broke the bonds of the second. They seemed to roar and shout, communicating in their way, when they rose they both finished the goblins remaining.
I turned to the third, but saw Deniera with a host of her elfin warriors surrounding it, and she did as I had done, with her blade she shattered the chains, a third blast of light. Now finally perhaps this night battle could end.
The horde was finishing off those who were yet trying to flee, the horse troops and now wolf riders, tracking and hunting those beyond the limits of the foot soldiers.
Zyre and Cyllian, with others, finishing off the mercenary battalion.
As the fighting wound down and the soldiers pursued those trying to flee, I approached Zyre and Cyllian, surrounded by the bodies of the mercenaries; Deniera came, as did Melee, who also had joined in the fight against the hired blades. She ran to me with a cloak in her hand, wrapping it around my nearly stripped body.
"Mistress! Mistress! Are you well?! I saw and tried to get to you, I never should have left your side..."
Distraught over what she saw and my current condition; clothes shredded, hips and thighs exposed, breasts out, scratches and claw marks upon my body, some bleeding.
"I am well Melee, I do not expect you ever at my heel. You are a warrior, and warriors fight. You proved yourself as always, and besides I handled the situation as you see."
"Analea-"
Zyre stopped, words failed him when he saw me like this, his eyes burned a brighter red.
"Zyre, I am well. They caught me off guard for a moment, I am unharmed and.. unentered."
"GILEAD!"
"Lord Zyre, I-"
"Give the command, gather the horde! Send out the wolves and riders to hunt, let none survive! Find the nest, destroy them all!"
Gilead blew his iron horn and shouted his orders, in a short time bands of riders with spears were off into the heart of the swamp. Zyre turned his attention back to me, Cyllian and Deniera with us.
"We are fortunate you returned when you did, but how?"
"Cyllian saught me out, we were returning-"
The trees of the swamp were moving as if alive, the upper most branches swaying without wind, screeching, howling, the stars between the branches blocked out by leathery wings, beedy glowing eyes everywhere, as far back as elfin eyes can see.
The horde roared, the trolls followed suite, elfin bows lifted, arrows notched, wolves growled and snarled. They came, onward rushing, a wind blew with so many wings in flight. Orcs thrust spears and threw, arrows were released, trolls reached and grabbed, wolves leapt snatching them from the air, but it was too little; Deniera eyed me, her horse nearby.
"Lady Analea, we can stop this, come with me!"
She mounted her steed and I jumped behind her, she spurred her mount towards the wooden shelter which stood gates open.
"Queen Deniera, I cannot achieve the height we will need and I am unsure of my power (the words of the witch echoed in my mind, 'so goes the goddess within me')."
"I know Cyllian well and his little shelters. There is a rampart is there not?"
We had reached the inside, and the hobgoblins were firing short darts and arrows, now using weapons, a new tactic for that foul species.
"As for your power, yes we wax and wane, but ever is it in us. Now we must use all we have!"
As we mounted the rampart there were shouts from Zyre, Cyllian, Melee for the others to take cover, get low and hunker down, knowing already what was going to happen. From our vantage point above there was great confusion at the orders being shouted as the ariel attack continued.
Looking at each other for our timing we raised our hands above our heads, my own tilted back, my heat took me and it was not long after I felt my eyes go amber that I felt myself glowing while not twenty feet away I felt a coldness I never knew before but I did not look. From the time Cyllian told me days ago about Deniera I knew what was happening.
We rose from the rampart, my golden glowing wings outspread, hers a blinding shimmering white. I looked briefly at her and she at me, her eyes a cold silver. Our timing together, the hobgoblins not attacking, perhaps fear took them, the unexpected, or my demonstrations already this night; they broke and circled, perhaps fleeing, perhaps regrouping for another assault, I knew not as my wings enfolded me.
Building heat within me with my rage and battle fury, so long I waited until the pressure of my power within was too great for me to contain, I only hoped my timing would match Denieras'.
I flung my arms and wings wide, shouting a war cry, not a moment later followed by her. I held nothing back. In all directions I ejected my heat and light, a burning wrath. My eyes open I saw the darkness of the deepest part of the night lit like noon on the solstice. Those of ours on the ground threw themselves down, arms and hands over eyes, as our light flashed forth blinding all.
The hobgoblins shrieked and howled in pain, bodies fell from the sky, some in flames, some frozen solid in ice. All were shredded as our weaponized light shredded anything and everything in our path.
We both lowered ourselves to the ground outside the shelter our light fading, wings disappearing. Zyre and Cyllian were the first to rise and look, Zyre raised his hammer high over his head.
"VICTORY!"
As the others rose and roared, hobgoblin bodies fell from the air; some frozen broken off from their trunks, others smouldering, glowing red like embers from a fire caught on a breeze. Not one of our enemies remained standing.
"And the two future Queens of the realms end the battle."
"It is fortunate for all that the three of you arrived with the horde. But how?"
"After I found Zyre returning two days after our parting- it would have been three days for others- we were intent on his camp when we found the signs of the swarm."
"And the royal guard we chased off, three patrols there were."
"Yes, they hemmed us in, trapping us here but would not engage us."
"Bah! The king plays cautious, not wanting to declare open war yet."
"But Zyre he now knows what to fear. He certainly knows Cyllian and Deniera are with us, or will shortly."
"It matters not; the horde is united, we have our allies, and the orc will soon have their queen and our hegemony established."
Your journey was successful then? You return far sooner than expected."
"Aye my consort, there was little resistance, most were waiting to see if I would come. Without me they could not resist Skyros, now they know they can. My only failure was not being able to utterly destroy Syrte's clan, as they fled into the northern mountains to Skyros."
"There will be time for vengeance, and I will be able to take mine with you, at your side."
"Time enough to plan our revenge, now there are other things to tend to. Gilead, Melee!"
"Aye Lord Zyre?"
"Get our wounded settled, and put the others to work building pyre's for our fallen. For the rest, our enemies, let the wolves feast."
Looking about for the first time as the darkness turned into a grey dawn. I saw orcs everywhere with spears seeking out the wounded enemy and ending them, the trolls milling about the swamps edge and I approached the one I freed, heating myself, wings spread, I rose to the trolls' height.
"Thank you for fighting with us! May we ever be at peace. We leave your swamp to you and yours, your home."
"FIIIIIRRRREE WOOOOOMMMMANNNN.. FREE.... FFFRIIEEENND."
The voice of the troll was deep, gutteral, and rumbling, I simply bowed my head with hands folded before me in respect.
The trolls entered the swamp lumbering away, having no love of daylight. I lowered myself and returned to Zyre and the others, only now realizing the devastation caused by Zyre and Cyllian; hundreds of fallen mercenaries lay about, broken and ruined by only two.
"Cyllian, never before have I seen you rage so in battle, always quick and never stopping, but you- blurred."
"My gift, my power manifesting like yours. It is rare for one to see Death coming. I usually control it, not letting it manifest, but now I want our enemies to know with whom they contend. But you sister, I believe you could have single handedly ended this if need be, if you only trusted your power and ability as Deniera trusts in hers."
She had stood mostly silent by, except to quietly give orders to her own; only now I realized her captain was a true blood elf woman.
"Cyllian I have had my whole life to know my power and it's limitations, from what you have told me Lady Analea was only taught to fear and mistrust her own."
"True Queen Deniera, so it was but of late have I been learning but I still fear it's limits and my ability to control it especially in the thick of battle. What tho brought you with Cyllian here? I thought he had to return to the northern realm?"
"And so we were after he met with you in the hills, but we received word that all is well, so we sought out Zyre who was not hard to find, then the trail of the mercenaries and signs of the swarm and hence we came. Besides we would not miss your claiming, and the proclamation of a new orc queen."
"Not to mention to convince the the chiefs and clans to ally with us against our common enemies."
"Aye Cyllian I promise it will be done. As hegemon, and now Analea's victory here, her deeds on this field, it is all but done. It is well that yourself and Queen Deniera joined us in this fight and return with us."
"Deeds indeed Analea. How did you know to free the trolls rather than fight them?"
"Trolls never ally to any, except the orc; I saw the chains and remembered my own plight not long ago. I trusted my instinct and freed them."
"It was well done and now we have a new and powerful ally. I am certain they will remember the fire woman."
"It was well done, as Lord Zyre says. For my own guard and I were trying to battle the one when I saw your actions at work, and I having the sister blade to yours followed your example, freeing and saving a life rather than taking one and gained an ally."
"We are fortunate you came. I assume it was your display of power from the north I saw and felt, and of course to aide in ending the hobgoblin attack, I had not thought of the rampart."
At that her personal guard approached.
"Queen Deniera what orders? For a mile round the enemy has been hunted thru the hill country surrounding us."
"Lynxcia you fought well as always-"
"Zyre, let me go into the swamp with my band, I'll hunt out those that survived, I know the secret paths and caves, we will destroy them all."
"Zogreb do as you will. Including any mercenaries or elfin soldiers from the central kingdom. If it isn't troll or part of the horde, destroy it."
"Ah the mighty Zogreb, we have heard of you in the north. A feared orc indeed."
"And who are you elf? I don't know your scent."
"I am Lynxcia, captain of Queen Denieras' guard, hunter of goblin and demon orc."
"Hmm. We'll see how you hunt. Gather your troop and join us in the butchering."
"Queen?"
"Go, but return by sunset this night."
Lynxcia, nor Zogreb responded. Immediately she called for her mount, a strong war horse and I do not mean one meant for speed or swiftness, but meant to shatter thru lines, stout and strong, while Zogreb mounted his wolf, roared out a command with twenty orc answering, and Lynxcia summoning fifteen of her own and they were off.
"A bold one she is."
"Yes, she is to me what Melee is to you. A fine warrior, nobly born and my most trusted friend."
"I see many resemblances actually."
I could not help the comment for I saw the look upon her face when she saw him, and his as well. Deniera gave me a look, sly, almost smiling.
"You would be right Queen Analea." Was her only response.
I turned my attention back to Zyre still giving orders to others as the horde began gathering the bodies to be burned.
"Zyre how many of the horde have you gathered here? There are so many."
"Ha! This is but a small number, less than I left the camp with. Most I sent to the camp with Kryzig to take command until our return. There will be many, you will not recognize the camp or the plain when we return."
"Was he not disappointed not to fight? Agneze I imagine must be in a rage."
"Haha! No he knows I need someone I can trust, with Gilead here he knows my mind best, besides he had his fill of battle on our journey. As for your friend Agneze, she is about on this field or in the swamp somewhere, she would in no way miss this fight."
"When do you think we shall return? Is it wise now to be away so long?"
"Worry not; there are more than five thousand orc at the camp, no force is so brave, or stupid, to attempt it. We will remain for days here, hunting our enemies, burning our dead, letting our wounded heal."
"Five thousand?! So many!"
"Ha! Yes, so many. A fearsome force indeed, to fill the arena to witness your claiming hehe, and your claiming the queenship over them. Unless you wish to do so elsewhere, without so many. It can be just the council and clan leaders, Analea."
I was stunned, shocked. Five thousand will witness him taking me? My first time having a man inside me, not just a man, but Zyre, hegemon, orc, five thousand to witness me being fucked by an orc, witness him taking me, seeding me... with, I think, just cause, I hesitated.
"No. The arena it will be it front of them all. Xeela once accused me of trying to do away with orc ways, I would still prove her wrong, and prove to the rest my willingness to be one of them."
"So be it. Only a week yet remains until the moon waxes full, we will soon begin organizing the ritual. Until then there is much to do here."
"Zyre I would speak to you about Melee and Broge, and the others of my band. I would reward them for loyalty, to me, you, and the horde if indeed the council pronounces me Queen."
"They shall, they must after this battle. Your worth was proven in blood. But come, we must gather with the chiefs and bring order to all this chaos."
And so we did, gathering the chiefs Zyre gave commands, hunting parties and scouts went out in pursuit of our enemies, our dead were sent to their ancestors in the traditional way, while our enemies were either devoured by the wolves, or piled and burned without ceremony.
Zogreb and Lynxcia and their troop hunted for days in the far hidden reaches of the swamp, and as far as I know there was nothing but hunting and battle between them, at least until the night of my claiming.
Cyllian and Deniera stayed with us working out how our alliance would work in light of all we now knew, as it was obvious my father, the elf king, was behind this all fighting a shadow war with minions; soon he would know it was indeed open war.
When after four days of the night battle had passed Zyre sent Gilead ahead with his band to prepare the camp for our return, and as Zyre had said, I barely recognized it there were so many orc there. We were greeted with great excitement, as the roars and shouts rose as our approach was first seen from a distance; shouts of hegemon, mostly, but a few of queen as well, as Zyre and I rode ahead of the horde mounted upon our wolves.
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