The days after the news of the ambushed patrol were busier than normal.
Again, messages were sent across the Border Forts. Chances were, of course, that similar situations happened, but procedure asked for caution in these matters.
Hobgoblin tacticians were infamously clever.
And if they can guide the chaos of goblins and brutality of bugbears…
Special scout squadrons were assembled to go and search for the Warcamps in the Wilds Lands and forward posts in the forest itself.
Information, after all, was the most important asset in these matters.
Sergeant Gael-Ra, transparent as always, shared this information in the Fort.
It was important to her that those under her command didn't go blind into battle.
Sure, this did rattle the most fearful of them. But it also allowed them to build up their courage.
One of the things Kaelen had learned in the year he had been here.
Everybody is afraid when conflict happens. Even corporal Ricord, but the wise don't say that to his face.
But it did forge them together into a coherent force. Everybody looked out for each other.
And every loss was felt.
By now, everyone in the fort knew that Kaelen wasn't a dabbler in the Schools.
He was the real thing, capable of things most of them knew shouldn't be possible.
The fort veterans took great pride in having a hand in forging him, even if; at the end; they were having trouble defeating him.
But, in the military it was said that one School-Taught is worth a dozen regular troops.
High Command also went to great expense in keeping them, because most joined the Guild of Glaives.
Especially those that cared about fame and fortune.
So, in general, the School-Taught that stayed in the military were admired by common soldiers and had higher functions.
Because of his rapid relocation, Kaelen realizes that his particular situation is slightly different.
By now, he also knew that Bennet did send a message to the Capital, but the distance; even by wing; is great.
And since Bennet was but a non-Blessed priest in a Border Fort.
Well, as he himself states "Bottom of the pile".
One morning Kaelen got the message that Master Granitehorn asked for him at the forge.
Since it was suspected that a large assault would take place, all weapons and armour needed checking.
And Kaelen was his 'favourite' attendant.
When he entered the Forge, Kaelen did feel a pang of homesickness. Some things don't fade over time after all.
The familiarity and the difference made it all the more jarring. The workshop was almost identical in its functionality, but the heights of certain tools were a bit off. Given its smith, that was to be expected of course.
During his time here, he'd learned that while his father was considered a mastersmith amongst the Human race, he held no candle to Dwarven smiths.
The sword he came here with, the one he still used, was crafted by his father.
Every scratch on it he had mended, every nick he had sharpened out.
Master Granitehorn, when he had warmed up to Kaelen a bit, did state that it was acceptable work for an apprentice Smith…
The Elder Races see time differently. An apprentice smith for them was closer to Kaelen's grandparents in age.
Kaelen now had a better understanding in how to search for flaws in the metal because of his time with the dwarf.
And that was precisely why he was here now.
All weapons entered on rotation, to have them checked for flaws. All leathers and mail got the same treatment.
Arduous, but necessary work.
He wasn't the only attendant, but he was the only one present for the entirety of the time.
One evening, as Kaelen was finishing up, master Granitehorn came to his workstation.
He had a blade with him. Kaelen had never seen its like before.
"You forgot to check this one, boy."
Kaelen frowned but took the blade in hand.
Strange, much broader at the crossguard than normal. One large fuller across the spine and several smaller ones at the base. Good weight and balance, as well.
Kaelen took a few swings.
Shorter than an arming sword. Maybe 60 cm in length. I suspect some dwarvencraft here, because Dad would struggle to make this.
"It is a fine blade, Master. But this one looks new. I haven't seen it before."
"Is it for the Sergeant?"
Khaldgan Granitehorn gave Kaelen a long and hard stare.
"No, boy. She is yours. Her name is Brish-tar. Breaker in your tongue."
Kaelen was dumbstruck. He started to stammer but Khaldgan cut him off.
"Spare me, boy. You're not a common soldier. You're School-Taught, even if un-official."
"She can take a beating, and since you're so fond of sundering blades instead of, you know, disarming people." "She can do that as well. It is, indeed, a 'fine' blade."
"Take care of her and she will take care of you. Now, get going."
***
Khaldgan watched the boy go. He snorted and muttered to himself
"You'll have to use her before long, boy."
He sighed and reflected. How long has he been here? Long enough to remember when the girl Gael-Ra arrived as a fresh recruit. Her kind was ostracized most of the time, but she had done well for herself.
Some centuries ago, the Clanchief of Ruriksdall had made a pact with the Royal House of Duratril.
We wouldn't fight in the wars of the humans topside. But we could offer aid in other ways.
Khaldgan, when he was younger, had asked for a commission at a frontier post.
To make sure the forgotten soldiers were properly armed.
His own time in the Deep Below had hammered that lesson home.
A soldier is as good as his weapons.
And now, so many years later, still smithing at the frontier…
Suddenly this boy, a Pure Iron vein if he ever saw one, shows up.
Dwarven legends tell of great Warriors of Ancient times, fighting against monstrosities in the Deep Below, that could call upon multiple Anam Cogaidh.
Or Martial Spirits, in the human tongue.
He shook his head and went to bank his Forge.
"Interesting times, damn it all…"
***
Kaelen left the forge in a daze.
Brish-tar…she'll need a proper scabbard… tomorrow, yes. I'll pay a visit to the leatherworker.
But why? She must cost a fortune…
He wobbled towards his bunkhouse.
***
Gael-Ra watched the boy walk off, rather unsteady.
She smiled to herself. Apparently, the little gift had more of an effect than she realized.
Upon entering the workshop, she noticed Khaldgan had begun banking his Forge.
"Kannut took it well, I see." She said with a soft smile.
Khaldgan glanced at her and barked a laugh.
"You'd think the boy never got a gift before in his life."
"Then again, she is a fine blade. He'll have need of her before long."
"You know a champion of Bruchtaigh has joined the Red Chant regiment in our area."
Gael-Ra sighed. All signs pointed to it. A Red Chant champion of Primeval Roar was indeed present.
Kaelen would be the only one that even had a chance against him.
"Listen, girl…I know you dabble in Bruchtaigh yerself. You know it's a powerful Anam Cogaidh."
Damn you, dwarf, for being so damn smart…
"I won't even ask, Khaldgan. And stop calling me girl."
"But you're right, damn you. Primeval Roar IS powerful. And that champion will grind us into paste."
Khaldgan had lit his pipe with a leftover coal. How the dwarf didn't feel the pain of holding that in his bare hands was beyond her.
"We can only hope he isn't present when the assault comes, girl."
She sighed.
"Yes, we can only hope…"
***
Kaelen's respite was short lived as the following days he was allowed in the sandpit again.
Having secured an adequate sheath for Brish-tar he naturally brought her along to the training.
Ricord, upon seeing Kaelen, gave him a friendly pat on his back.
"Good to have you back, Kael. And I see you brought your new toy." He winked.
"Better you break her in, true. Swords are meant to be used, regardless of how pretty they are."
Brish-tar moved like an extension of my arm. Longer than I was used to, yet perfectly balanced.
She also deserved her name. At least one other blade got ruined beyond repair. And some others got chipped.
Nobody cared much, they knew who would get an earful from Master Granitehorn.
And who would have to fix them.
Still, Master Granitehorn had a point.
The strike I use to sunder a blade… I think if I adjust my aim a bit I can go for a disarm instead.
Something to consider, at least.
The rest of the week was painstakingly coaxing what I knew, to something I could call upon and use.
Bennet proved a treasure in this regard. He was a scholar-priest and from his studies he knew a lot of the Martial Spirits. The man may grumble a bit but he could, like no other, identify what I was using.
And once I could name it, it was easier to call upon it.
"Kaelen." He had said during a lull in the training. "I do not question sergeant Gael-Ra's methods."
"Yet, after having observed your bouts, I can say that at least three Martial Spirits have taken root in your Soul."
Some muffled laughter came from the others upon hearing his formal, yet slightly disapproving tone.
"I can, and indeed I should, aid in at least making sure that you can identify your techniques."
I gave him a stare, but when I was forming the words to dismiss him, the strangest thing happened.
A picture of my mother, looking disapprovingly at me. Followed by little Alyssa, equally disappointed.
And beyond them the silhouette of the Blessed Matron back at Glimmerdeep.
I sighed… Might as well hear him out.
"I will gladly accept any aid you can give me, Brother Bennet."
He raised an eyebrow at me, and I swore I heard him mutter something along the lines of that this one had some modicum of education…
We went to the area of repose…the "Watering Hole" as the vets called it.
One barrel with spring water, one with rainwater. To drink and clean yourself off.
Whilst I did both, Bennet had taken a seat at a nearby table.
As he saw that I finished cleaning up a bit, he motioned for me to join him.
"So far, I have seen you use the Noble Spirit of Azur Blade. You have utilized some basic strikes, like the one you seem so fond of using. Incidentally, you can use that to disarm as well as to sunder."
I knew it!
"Then you have the technique to attack two opponents at once, which is indeed best used together with the Azur Blade defensive stance 'Oblique', for fighting multiple opponents. Protecting your flanks in combat is always a good thing."
A vivid image of that first combat, so long ago…or so it seems. The goblins that tried to gang up on me.
"Lastly, Single Azur style. The apprentice offensive stance. One even Aspirants still use in combat due to its reliability… I do, however, seem to remember having seen an Azur counter in your repertoire. Web of Azur, I believe they call it."
I smile at the memory of the battle with the Spirit. That one was truly earned.
"Regardless of your proficiency in Azur Blade, I do have to tell you that more formal training is reserved for Nobles or those that have Nobles as their benefactor. The Lazoral Disciples, after all, train members of the Royal Guard."
I considered his words at that revelation.
"Brother Bennet, you mean to say that the Military has no Azur Blade School-Taught in the Lazoral Disciples' academy?"
"No, boy. I mean that Azur Blade School-Taught, or at least the ones that have deeper roots either become Royal Guard or formal duellists. The Martial Spirit these days has largely become ceremonial. But I do seem to recall that the Academy's own Grandmaster had a fearsome battlefield reputation in his younger years."
"But to be a fly on the wall when they see you using Azur Blade with that beast of a sword you have…"
Humour? From Bennet? How odd…
Brother Bennet motioned at one of the younger recruits to bring him some water as well.
No sooner than his cup was empty, he immediately started talking again.
It seems he has been mulling this over for a bit.
"Then we have Ashen Lancer. From Corporal Ricord's ancestral country. The Hoplar Guard are indeed its foremost users. Fearsome spear-fighters, I'm told. I believe the capital is host to a small training complex. Though I believe that it is also used to scout for potentials that have the Spirit of Ashen Lancer take root in them."
"I believe that Corporal Ricord told you about the basic techniques? How the Hoplar Guard accepts only those that know how to charge with momentum and how to deliver that charge without opening?"
"Well, it would seem that with both the Invest and strike you have indeed what is required."
Right, finally, something that has been burning in my head for too long.
But before I could ask, Corporal Ricord's calloused hand appeared on my shoulder.
I swear that man has a sixth sense for when someone mentions him.
"Hear now, Benny. Don't fill this one's head with too many grand tales. Wouldn't want him to become too big for his breeches."
I could hear the humour in his voice, but I still felt my cheeks flushing over.
"Don't worry, Ricky, I won't. Incidentally, how is the bruise on your ribs? Ointment helping?"
Damn… I gave him that…
Corporal Ricord's hand tightened on my shoulder. But only for a moment.
He tousled my hair and said, "No worries, Benny."
"Kael, listen to Benny. He knows what's what. And Val wants to see you tonight, something about a humming bow?"
Ricord turned back to the sandpit, thundered at someone and went off.
Bennet smiled a small smile as he watched him go.
"Brother Bennet, if I may. I have heard the term Invest before and have read about it back home. But its meaning I never came across. It seems most writings assume that the reader knows and understands the term."
Bennet considered his words.
"Sometimes I forget that you didn't have formal training. An Invest calls upon the Spirit to invest a portion of its power into your body. Invests can be considered magic, for want of a better term. But they aren't magic in the strictest of sense. More a temporary strengthening of your form and arms."
"Wait? A temporary strength? That explains a lot, actually…"
Bennet gave a questioning look.
"The event that brought me here. I managed to floor a Baronial Guard. I elbowed him in the face and tripped him in the process."
Bennet got that slightly disapproving tone again.
"Yes, well…That would be the spirit of Decisive Fist."
"A spirit more suited for fighting pits and back-alley brawlers. Yet, some swear by it. And I can't rightly deny its effectiveness. I believe some of its School-Taught are prize-fighters. And Glaives, of course."
"You also seem to have a Decisive Fist counter at your disposal. Your first duel with the Sergeant. That clever counter step."
Bennet shook his head.
"Child, the fact that you can even do this is so staggering, I can't even begin to comprehend it."
"The Sanctuary's own Lady Lyriel, blessed with both Ardea Auria and the magical ability of a Blessed priestess, is considered this Age's prodigy."
"Yet I fear that your blending of the Martial Spirits can reach such outlandish heights…"
"You use the sword and spear and even unarmed combat in techniques that shouldn't allow for it."
He frowned suddenly.
"What was that about a humming bow Rick-… corporal Ricord mentioned?"
Thinking nothing of it, I mentioned the evening at the archery stands with Valery.
"Strange… There are no mentions in the Sanctuary writings that mention a Martial Spirit bound to archery. Which is why archery is confined to support squads."
He seemed to be thinking something over.
"Well… there are the Elves. But they aren't talking."
This, however, didn't seem to be addressed to me so I asked him if I was excused.
He waved me away, telling me I could always visit him if I had more questions.
I did… but my head was spinning with the information I just got.
I needed to hit something.
Corporal Ricord always said nothing clears the head better.
Later that evening, Valery found me outside my bunkhouse.
I was busy maintaining Brish-tar when she came sitting next to me.
She was silent. I didn't mind. Whatever she wanted to ask, she'd do in her own time.
"I had a strange dream, Kael…"
I glanced over at her whilst oiling the blade.
"I was surrounded by powerful gales. A voice was on them. Telling me how to make my bow sing."
I had a good idea of what was reaching out to her. She was a practical woman, however, so she seemed to be struggling with it.
"Did it show you something, Val?"
She gave a small grunt of surprise.
"No, but it did talk about that day at the range. And that I can do it again, should I want to."
"I went back the following day. I made the shots again. This time I was more in control."
"I made an arrow curve, Kael. Dead centre. Never have I seen, or made, such a shot."
I looked up at that. She was smiling and sounded positively giddy.
Well now, that is rare.
"I decided, on a whim really, to move amongst the Support squads. To find if there were other archers that could do it."
"Five were considered by most of them to be 'pretty good shots'. I think one of those five, by his reaction, might be like me. I'll keep an eye on him."
She stood up from the bench and dusted some specks off.
"Val, I am not a conventional School-Taught, as they call it. So, I can't say if that dream is normal. But you're not alone in this, at least."
"Thanks, Kael. Good talk."
And she glided away.
***
Kaelen looks around him at the sandpit, or at least, what looked like the sandpit. As he saw the fog walls he chuckled.
Not conventional indeed.
The floating shapes of the Spirits are still present above him. He recognizes Azur Blade and he thinks he spots the one that called itself Squall Song.
What's that sound? Like someone is breaking something?
He looks around him. There it is. It seems to be a wooden dummy. It also appears to have two arms and a leg?
A Spirit, he assumed, was pounding on it. It was distinct, like Azur Blade was the first time he was here.
Every strike that landed made the dummy groan more and more.
Suddenly, the Spirit leapt into the air and came crashing down with a mighty axe kick, shattering the wooden dummy into fragments.
Kaelen swallowed. He remembered the fight with Azur Blade.
He had a pretty good idea what this Spirit represented.
…Hey there, kid, remember us…
Kaelen froze.
A little over a year ago now. The fight that got him here.
When he had knocked down the guard, he had heard a voice, but he dismissed it as some sort of minor battle trance.
"Excessive violence is what these…"
…thugs understand best, kid…
…well done. Now, let's talk…
They raised their forearms and knee, which struck me as strange.
Normally you don't open conversation with a combat stance.
But it was already too late for me. They rushed forward and before I knew it their knee hit me in my stomach.
It hurt like hells…I doubled over, and his elbow crashed down on my head.
I hit the floor like a wet rag.
…come now, kid. You had a lot more in you when fighting Azur…
…let me guess. You weren't ready?...
…tough break, kid. Fighting fair is for stories…
The damn thing was mocking me. I shook my head to clear the ringing.
It was looming over me and since it was presenting itself so beautifully, I did the only thing I could do.
I kicked it in the knee. Hard.
It buckled and started laughing.
…now you're talking, kid…
…bring it…
We went back and forth. It was a very different experience from my fight with Azur Blade.
This was a brawl, not a duel.
And they fought dirty. I am pretty sure a fight like this in the waking world would have floored me long ago.
It was pushing me back. It was all I could do to dodge its blows. I had to find an edge.
Suddenly, it struck me. I HAD that edge. On my world, so I had learned, each School stood alone.
But, somehow, I was an outlier.
I went through the movements of my 'Web of Azur' counter-parry…and it worked.
I caught their fist on my elbow.
It suddenly disengaged.
…finally, kid. We thought we knocked you too hard on the head…
…use anything you have with everything you have…
…you are the weapon, not your tools…
…don't fall into the habit to only use what others think is right…
I realized it was right. I have been limiting myself lately. The mock combats I had always used the traditional weapons that the Schools I could access allowed for.
This had been a very painful reminder that these rules didn't apply to me…
…now. A gift. All in all, you did well enough…
…I grant you Decisive Fist Triple Surge strike…
Roaring with laughter it suddenly struck at me. I realized, too late again, that it fought dirty.
So, I took the brunt of the attack. Three hits like a battering ram.
As I fell, I could feel myself waking up and the last thing I heard was the spirit saying
…remember kid. Anything and everything…
***
When I woke up, I realized just how much this 'dream' had taken out of me. My body felt like a huge bruise.
Looking at the beating I had taken, I considered myself lucky.
I dropped out of my bunk to the sound of gasps.
Derrick, who had claimed the bottom bunk, touched my arm.
"Kaelen, what the hells happened to you? You look like a fright."
Not understanding what he meant I looked myself over in the morning light streaming in.
Aah. I didn't just feel like a bruise… I also looked like one.
Great.
"I don't remember those being there yesterday, Kael. And some are already healing… better pay Brother Bennet a visit."
I looked at Derrick and the others and nodded.
Inside I could still feel that roar of laughter Decisive Fist had ended the dream with.
Probably some parting gift of the bastard.
After we had broken our fast and we each went our way I decided that a quick visit to the hospice was in order.
Brother Bennet was checking up on the few that were still bedridden.
Other patrols, much like Val's temporary one, had encountered similar ambushes.
My last patrol as well, was a lot more eventful than normal.
We had suffered a few losses and there was a distinct feeling of growing dread in the fort.
Most of the veterans were saying that it won't be long now.
I took a seat and waited for Brother Bennet to finish.
"Kaelen. How may I be of assistance?"
I shook myself. Must have dozed off for a spell.
"Brother Bennet, good morning. I seem to have caught something overnight. My bunk mates were worried and asked to pay you a visit. Best if I show you."
I took off my shirt to show him the bruises.
It seemed that between this early morning and now more bruising had faded to yellow. Odd…
"Good gods, boy?!? Whatever has happened? You weren't trashed that thoroughly yesterday."
Should I tell him?
"Do the Scriptures tell if interaction between the Martial Spirits and humans is possible, Brother?"
He pinched his nose bridge and gave me a troubled look.
"It is said that in the early days there was communion. When humankind was still in its early days of civilization."
"The School Founders were said to draw techniques directly from their Spirit."
"But in the centuries following as it became more formalized, communion lessened. Why?"
Here goes…
"Last night, I had a dream. It wasn't the first time. It began soon after my first training in the sandpit."
"Azur Blade spoke to me, and we duelled. They are the reason I know the Web of Azur counter."
"But the night past… I met Decisive Fist... It wasn't a duel. They seem to know each other too… but this one is a right bastard."
I reflected. "Still, it did teach me a couple of things during our brawl. Some things I will have to try out. If I can, that is."
During my explanation the Brother had already begun his examination. He was muttering under his breath about old bruising.
"The things you say, child, I honestly have no answer to them. Maybe in the Prime Sanctuary in the Capital, amongst the senior scholar-priests."
"As to the bruising. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that these are old and well into healing."
"Maybe it's because of the way you obtained them. Part of this lesson the Spirit wanted to instil?"
I thought on this. It would be very much in character, as far as I could tell, for the Spirit to do something like this. As a reminder. And it didn't hurt as much as it should.
"Am I allowed to train today?"
He waved me away as he gestured at the ones in the hospice.
"Yes, yes. Do take care, however. These need my attention more."
Right. Let's see. Triple Surge he called it? And the flow of combat is clearer now, as well.
Most of Kaelen's morning was spent honing his techniques in the sandpit.
Anything and everything. They weren't wrong.
"Easy now, Kael. You're eating us up."
Corporal Ricord was sweating. I had pressed him thoroughly.
Everything came easier now. The battle trance was more fluid. And I really started to understand why they say that a School-Taught is worth a dozen regulars.
I had decided to use Decisive Fist at first. And unarmed I could indeed call upon the other techniques.
Since Azur Blade favoured single sword combat, this was immensely handy.
And yet… there was always that feeling. Why?
Brother Bennet already stated that Lady Lyriel was considered a prodigy. Because she could call upon the Martial Spirit bound to the Sanctuary, Ardea Auria. And because she had magical abilities like the Blessed.
Then why this? Sure. I could see the benefit of combining the Schools.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement.
Blast…too late.
Derrick his blade, luckily padded, took me neatly on the head.
My bells were thoroughly rung.
Already Corporal Ricord was looming over me and thundering at the others.
"Now, boyos. As you can see, talent can only get you so far. Any sort of inattention can be your end."
I shook my head to clear it. Derrick was looking sheepishly at me.
"Good blow, Derrick. That'll teach me."
Ricord laughed "A good blow indeed, Derrick. Wouldn't want wonderboy here to think he's invincible."
"Very well, boyos. Noon approaches. Let's get something hot in us, and then we can get back to beating the tar out of Kael here."
He laughed, they laughed…I laughed, but it felt a bit forced.
However, beating the tar out of me was to be postponed.
No sooner than midday passed, the signal horn resounded over the fort.
A signal all of us knew too well.
Enemy approaching.
We saw Sergeant Gael-Ra and Corpora Ricord hustle to the battlements, the side overlooking the Forest.
***
Gael-Ra looked at where the lookouts were pointing. She was offered a viewing lens.
The figure sprung closer as she looked through it.
A hobgoblin soldier, carrying a banner. He planted it firmly in the ground and walked back into the forest.
She cursed. She knew the meaning of it.
"Ricord. We have been marked. Get the fort ready. The attack will come within two days."
Ricord snorted "I don't understand these creatures. Why do this? They can just rush us."
Gael-Ra reflected on his remark.
Hobgoblins were, for lack of a better term, honourable.
"It's their way, Ricord. We can consider ourselves lucky. After all, in defeating an unprepared opponent lies no honour."
Ricord scoffed at this "Well, at least their sense of honour gives us time to prepare."
Gael-Ra had already started preparations months ago. When they had encountered the first forward camp.
These extra two days would allow them to plan for a tactical retreat.
She would do her very best to make them bleed for every inch, but she was no fool.
Her troops were fine warriors…but against a hobgoblin Phalanx?
Better have Bennet check the Pyre cartridges as well.
And for her, to address her boys and girls.
The signal was blown for general muster and as everyone gathered Gael–Ra took a good look at what she had under her command.
The more seasoned ones stood out. The fresh recruits as well.
Then, the in-betweens… She glanced over at Ricord his squad. Kaelen seemed to be present as well.
Bennet had informed her earlier that the kid had some weird bruising.
"Allright, boys and girls. You all know by now that the Red Chant is forming in the Wild Lands. You have all had encounters in the Forest with their forward troops, mostly gobbe maniacs and bugge muscle."
"This afternoon a hobgoblin issued a challenge to Fort Stonehold. Within two days we will come under assault."
"For those that haven't faced a hobgoblin before, go to your squad veterans."
"We have prepared for this, but you all know the chaos of battle by now."
"Those of you without assignments are to aid the fletchers. The roster will be out on the notice board soon."
"Now. Let's earn our keep. Dismissed."
***
As I saw the sergeant leave, corporal Ricord began issuing orders.
This place has become a second home for me. Together with all the troops here. And now it was to be under siege?
I felt… anger. Anger at this intrusion. Anger at the helplessness.
On one hand, it was a Border Fort, so this was expected.
But I didn't expect it to happen in my lifetime.
Some of the veterans, the ones a bit older than my own father, remembered when they were raw recruits and a Red Chant Horde managed to push deep inland.
A name kept coming up in their conversations.
General Iron Storm.
Apparently, he was pivotal the last time.
As we continued our tasks for final preparations I noticed Valery and Ricord having a heated conversation.
Well… Ricord was heated. Valery was as stoic as ever.
They parted and Valery walked in my general direction.
What was that about?
"Hey Val. The corporal seemed less than pleased about something."
She sighed. "I told him I would take the Pyre together with Eadric."
"You mean, you won't fight on the ground with us? And who is Eadric?"
"An archer from the Support squads. I suspect he can hear the song as well."
"The one you told me about? And why the Pyre? Aren't you sort of trapped there when push comes shoving?"
"True, but the Sergeant and Bennet had an idea of installing a ropeway, connected to the inland gate."
So, that's what master Granitehorn was working on.
"In any case. I will provide fire support from the tower. Together with Support. Ricky wasn't thrilled."
Yeah, the corporal wouldn't like that. Scouts were trained for flanking and exploiting. But if she felt she'd be more useful from above, who am I to judge.
"Okay. Be careful then."
She waved and went on towards her own tasks.
Tension was thick. The day the sergeant said the assault would come was upon us.
Each of us knew what to do.
Let us hope the plans don't fall apart when the battle commences.
Sergeant Gael-Ra had said that she, Master Granitehorn and Brother Bennet would fight where needed the most.
I was surprised at this, at first. But seeing master Granitehorn in his dwarven armour and casually holding his warhammer and shield… I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that…
Brother Bennet was armoured in light mail and seemed to favour a mace and shield.
How curious.
I asked one of our squad veterans, Yvain.
"Don't you worry about Benny, Kael. He knows how to wield that. And he dabbles in that Spirit of the Sanctuary. I saw, years ago, how he created a small flash with his bludgeon as he was smacking down some critter."
"Huh. Imagine that. He never told me."
Yvain chuckled "Benny isn't one to toot his own horn, Kael. Of course he didn't tell you."
Any further conversation was halted when we saw the Sergeant on the battlements.
"Alright, boys and girls…it won't be long now. They are nothing if not punctual. And dangerous. Remember that. Look out for each other. You each have your section of the wall to defend."
Suddenly a cry from the Pyre. A male voice shouting.
"Sergeant! Both neighbour Forts! Red smoke!"
We could hear Gael-Ra swear loudly in the sudden silence.
"Prepare our own red cartridge, Eadric!"
Then, she further addressed us "I have a feeling we will need it before long."
***
I can't really say how long after the horn blew that enemies were approaching.
Could have been minutes, could have been hours.
Some of my squad mates were uttering prayers.
Most of us were breathing heavily.
That quiet dread just before battle hung thick in the air.
"Support squads, check distance markers. Let no arrow go to waste."
The sergeant's voice shook us out of our stupor.
We saw the hobgoblin phalanx march out of the forest line.
So many…
They have made a shield wall. That would mean trouble. Our first volley, a probing one really, shattered against the great shields.
Again Gael-Ra uttered some curse.
She really has a number of those…
***
Suddenly the front of the shield wall opened and strangely dressed goblins came out.
Brother Bennet uttered an expletive.
"Gael-Ra, they brought Cinders! May the Powers have mercy…"
Khaldgan, stoic as only a dwarf can be, nodded.
"Aye. This changes a lot. We won't hold the walls or the Forest Gate, girl."
Gael-Ra was already counting how many Cinders they brought through her viewing lens when suddenly two sprouted arrows from an eye and dropped like stones.
What the hells? Those were impossible shots?!?
She turned her lens to the Pyre to see Valery and Eadric grinning like mad. Valery looked down, saw her looking up and simply gave a thumbs-up.
Later. Too much going on now…
Regardless of those shots, she could already spot the other Cinders, their red aura increasing.
"Unless they can repeat those shots, it won't be long now. The phalanx is protecting them and will probably open once the energies are primed."
She looked over at Bennet. How this man could even now be so analytical was beyond her.
She could see the Cinders flaring, fire licking over their shape. Already some were burnt up.
And the energy waves kept feeding into that ball of fire that was very noticeable now.
She gave a quick glance at her troops. Most had never seen this form of magic before and didn't know what would happen. She took a deep breath.
"Troops! That ball will hurl itself at our wall and front gate. Start evacuating your posts here and fall back to the yard. They have too many Cinders with them. Take cover!"
"Khaldgan, Bennet. Best we follow this advice as well."
A quick look up and she could see that Valery and Eadric had already thrown the red cartridge in the Pyre.
Three forts, as far as I know, assaulted on the same day.
Hopefully the messages have already stirred High Command into action.
***
Valery and Eadric saw the ball of fire increasing in size. They already tried to send more arrows, but the sheer heat was working against them.
"Never knew we could make shots like that, Val. Too bad we couldn't take them all before…well… that."
Eadric gestured at the massive ball of fire.
"True. Remind me to introduce you to Kaelen when this is over."
Valery went to the cartridges and prepared the black one.
"Isn't it a bit too soon for that?"
She gave Eadric a look.
"Sorry. You're right. It doesn't look good. Being this high up alters your perspective a bit, you know."
Suddenly, with a shrill noise the ball was hurled at the gate.
Even from this distance they could spot the Cinders flare suddenly.
They quickly braced themselves.
With an enormous crash the gate was splintered and parts of the wall reduced to rubble.
The phalanx opened and they could see bugges, heavily armed, run to the gate. Behind them the phalanx began marching.
Eadric had already taken the horn to blow the signal for 'Assault'.
***
Kaelen had never in his life heard a sound so loud as the gate exploding.
A quick glance around and he saw that some of them were knocked prone from the shockwave that had followed.
The destruction did seem to be, strangely enough, localized to the gate.
The squads that were furthest from the gate were already trying to move some barricades to fortify the breach when they could hear the sound of the horn above them.
They could hear the warcries through the smoke and not soon after a small troop of bugbears, heavily armoured and armed with great flails came rushing in.
"Allright, boyos!" Ricord roared "Bugbear shock troopers. Take 'em down!"
We charged into them. In my mind I could hear the words of Decisive Fist echoing.
Anything and Everything.
So, I took the Invest from Ashen Lancer to strengthen my charge together with the follow-up strike.
Brish-tar pierced clean through the mail of bugge I had chosen, but it didn't go down.
These seemed to be of different stock than those we had encountered in the forest.
Seeing as I still held the advantage, I shifted my stance to more clearly see the flow of battle and continue to press the beast.
The flail came close, too close, to smash me aside but the beast had overextended itself now and I struck once, twice and it came down in a heap.
Already the smells were worming their way into my nose. I looked around and saw that while half the bugbear troop was down, they had taken a number of us with them.
Another sound came to my ears, goblin cackling.
Blast. Those little maniacs have joined.
They were already using their swarming tactics to good effect. It would be hell for our archers to target in this melee.
***
Eadric swore.
"Our boys with Support are having a bad day. See that mess down there, Val. Those little blighters are crawling all over."
He took aim and to his satisfaction saw that his arrow struck true.
"That's why you are here with me, Eadric. To thread the needle. To read the winds."
He gave her a sideway glance.
"Never knew you'd be so fervent in this. It's like you want there to be a School for people like us."
He took aim and took out a goblin that was about to jump someone's back.
"Still…I can't deny it. I have never been this accurate. It's like…"
…The arrow knows the way…
Both of them were silent for a moment.
"Please tell me you just heard that…"
Valery simply smiled and nodded.
***
Gael-Ra was already mid-shout when she saw the goblin about to jump Bennet's back.
An arrow struck the little beast, plucking it clean out of midair.
What the hells? Again?
Still, no time to waste now. To many aggressors surrounding them. Bennet, Khaldgan and herself were fighting back to back, with just enough space to not hit each other. Or for a goblin to slip past.
Her great sword was already more red in colour than its normal matte steel.
The same could be said for Bennet's mace.
She was glad to notice that his combat skills hadn't rust over. It had been a while for the man.
Deceptively accurate and when facing a bugbear the occasional flash of light that dazzled his opponent, Bennet fought like he lectured.
And the dwarf was a shield wall all by himself. She could hear the skulls cracking beneath his warhammer at her back. Not a pleasant sound at all.
Then she could feel a sudden shift in the melee.
A hobgoblin warrior appeared before her, rectangular shield at the ready, sword positioned to strike at her.
Damn… the phalanx is entering the fort.
She only dabbled in Primeval Roar, but what she could do, she used to good effect.
Already she went through the technique to cause an imbalance in the hobgoblin's form, allowing for her next strike to connect with a satisfying slash.
As the hobgoblin collapsed, she hoped her troops were faring well.
***
Blast these little shitters…
Kaelen was surrounded by goblins.
Only one thing I can do now.
He entered the Azur Blade stance 'Oblique' to guard from flanking attacks and readied the technique for facing two opponents.
More were surrounding him, but this way, at least, he wasn't too disadvantaged.
Why are they suddenly focusing on me, damn it all!
Fighting like a whirlwind, Kaelen couldn't guard against everything, so he felt some of the daggers bite into him.
But respite came in the form of Corporal Ricord, spearing one of the goblins that jumped at Kaelen in the back.
"You're marked, wonderboy! The phalanx has entered. See that one standing on the rubble, overlooking?"
I did indeed spot a helmeted hobgoblin looking over the melee.
"That's their Strike Chief. He saw you mowing down the vanguard troops. They aren't idiots, these mongrels."
"First Squad, to me!" He shouted, as he pierced another goblin.
I took care of the rest of them. But I could also see that some hobgoblins were focusing their attention on us now.
A shout came from the hobgoblin the corporal had identified as their Strike Chief.
It was repeated by the other hobgoblins.
Sjalkrigare…
"Oh boy… Kael… We need to go. Fast. We are already making movements to retreat. But now, they'll come at you."
Multiple hobgoblins were already advancing to our location.
Single Azur Style came easy now. And I could feel my muscles readying themselves for the triple surge strike.
The first hobgoblin took the full force of my attack and went down quicker than expected.
The others stopped their advance and brought their weapons to their heads, again using that word they shouted earlier.
Sjalkrigare.
Ricord yelled at me. "Kaelen! Even if they acknowledge you, they will still try to kill you! Now move!"
His shout brought me out of the battle trance.
We made for the inland gate, trying to gather as many as we could that could still walk.
***
Gael-Ra, Bennet and Khaldgan heard the shout from the hobgoblin phalanx.
"Damn, girl. They spotted the boy. Even if the Fort wasn't already halfway lost, it certainly is now. They'll come at him unless the retreat is sound."
"I agree with master Granitehorn's assessment, Gael-Ra. Especially now, speed can save us. To remain here would be foolhardy. And we don't know if other Cinders are present."
Gael-Ra looked at both of them.
"Damn it, but you are right. Bennet, signal the Pyre…"
Both of them saw that it cost her to utter the words.
"Fort lost…"
***
Valery and Eadric noticed that their supply of arrows was running out.
Already both of them had to replace the string of their longbows.
Luckily, it was pretty easy for them to defend themselves. They just had to destroy the ladder.
And hope the ropeway holds when they need it.
"Our spot here has already made a difference for those below." Valery said.
Eadric grunted as he took down an enemy below.
"Too true. But… we are being overwhelmed. And the hobgoblins seem to be focused on a group at the west wall. See."
Valery used a viewing lens to look where he pointed, and her breath stalled.
Kaelen. Ricord. Some others of her squad.
She saw how Kaelen used that sword of his to down a hobgoblin, three quick strikes, faster than anything.
And how Ricord was almost roaring in his ear afterwards.
"Eadric. Cover their retreat with me, please."
"Euh, Val. I'm afraid your boys will have to fend for themselves. Bennet just tossed a black flare."
Hearing no reply Eadric looked at Valery only to see her shoot like a demon at those below.
He sighed, readied the cartridge and went to her.
"Val, we need to go. They will be fine." He touched her on the shoulder.
Only then he noticed. Their neighbour Forts their smoke clouds had also shifted from red to black.
"Bloody hells…"
Valery was still shooting. He shook her shoulder this time and shouted at her.
"Valery! Snap out of it! Look at the horizon! This section of the border is lost! We need to retreat!"
Finally, Valery came to her senses. She saw the clouds. And their own cloud slowly taking on the billowing coal-black colour.
"Yes. Yes. You're right. I'm sorry. Ropeway ready?"
"Ready and waiting. Hopefully Master Granitehorn his contraption works."
Only one way to find out.
***
They were in full tactical retreat to the inland gate now.
Ricord, Kaelen and the others noticed that their pursuers were under heavy arrow fire.
"Come on, boyos. Some angel from above is looking over us. Be sure to thank her when she descends."
Even now, Corporal Ricord his levity was what kept them from panicking in their retreat.
They were nearing the gate. Sergeant Gael-Ra was already holding it with Brother Bennet, master Granitehorn and the squad held in reserve.
The Pyre was slowly becoming an ominous black cloud, Kaelen could see.
"Come on, Val. Don't stay up there."
Ricord was muttering under his breath.
Suddenly, two forms were starting a controlled descent along the ropeway, aided by something master Granitehorn had forged.
When Kaelen had asked him what he was making, he simply said it was something that was used in the Deep Below. And that seemed to be that.
The ones first out of the gate had already prepared the carts.
Yet another thing the sergeant had foreseen they would need.
Already some were speeding along the road deeper inland, towards the chokepoint at the river Micel Aedre.
Ricord and Kaelen took flanking positions together with Gael-Ra to cover the final stragglers, but the troop of hobgoblins was simply too large.
"Right. That's the last of 'em. Now, Sergeant. Our turn…"
Ricord took her by the arm.
Kaelen could see that it was a difficult moment for the both of them.
She turned around, a furious look on her face.
We quickly joined the last of the carts.
As we made our way inland, I could see that besides our own fort, the other two were lost as well.
Three billowing black smoke pillars rose to the sky.
The lookouts from the watchtowers more inland would definitely see it as well.
The Horde of the Red Chant had struck a blow, with almost uncanny precision.
Kaelen looked around. Valery and the man she had called Eadric were driving their cart.
Corporal Ricord, Sergeant Gael-Ra, Brother Bennet and master Granitehorn had been the Rearguard.
Some from Support were present, some from the Combat squads.
Some were gazing at nothing, some withdrawn... Some were furious.
A little over a year. The fort had slowly become his home. The people in it, his family.
He could feel wetness on his cheek and quickly rubbed his eyes.
"No use in bottling it up, Kaelen..." Corporal Ricord was looking at him.
"I'd be more worried if you didn't feel something..."
So, as Fort Stonehold diminished, I simply let it come.