And fire came down from the heaven
The warlords, gathered at the top of a small hill, watched the town. It was still too early and the light was weak.
“We have no idea now many demons will join the fight.” Wolfbode spoke first. “My people barely began to recover from the last war and you already drag us into another. I saw the demons myself and I do believe, that they are real, but I`m not convinced that we can`t reason with them. Perhaps they are too few to threat us.”
The tribesman responds with tired voice with the same irritating expressionless face. Wolfbode wasn`t able to recall him to change his expression in any occasion.
“You aren`t chained here, warlord Bejatir. You and your people are free to stay or to leave at your leisure.”
The even voice, devoid from any feeling was enough to boil Wolfbode`s anger.
“And then you`ll retreat and then you`ll let them to invade my lands! I can see your plots, you stinking tribesman!”
The bodyguards around the tribesman tensed. Hands reached for the weapons. Rambulhwa waive at them to calm them.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. No one knows what will happen even today, so your guess is as good as any. I`ll take my decision when it is necessary. If you have better idea than fight them here with all of our strength and to repel them from Pendor I`ll listen to you carefully. But don`t forget that only two of their armies, and mainly consisted from humans, were enough to disperse Valdis`s main army and to take the Fiersdvain capitol. If you want to take your chances alone into your lands, just go on.”
Wolfbode wrinkles savagely, but he was smart enough not to fight against the obvious truth into his opponent`s words. The tribesman continue.
“All warlords here came not by my command, but because each one of them alone decides to came. I have no power over them. D`Shar Khans came, for they know me as a man of my word. Syla Usas came, for he knows that the strength lies in our number, when we face an overwhelming adversary. Bejatir came, for he knows that his people are the most vulnerable, due to lack of serious training and equipment. K`Juda came, for he is always up for a good battle. My companions, who now rule the former Sarleon towns came, for our long friendship and they trust my judgement to choose well my battles. The Noldor came, for they knows that they can`t hide from flying enemies and when the demons finish with us, it is their turn. The Snakes …”
The warlord look at them for a moment and then spoke right to Wolfbode.
“… came for our love. Something that you misunderstood completely, Bejatir.”
Wolfbode`s face froze. Many men would have stop because of the sheer threat, emanating from his entire being. Yet the smaller tribesman continue.
“And because of that, you lost your wife.”
“I lost my son and you dare to …” Wolfbode squeezes through his teeth.
“Your son doesn`t matter Bejatir.” Rambulhwa spoke with voice, heavy with despise. “You lost your wife because you don`t value your wife. A man who doesn`t put his wives in front of everything else deserve to lost them. A man who takes a wife only to have a child is lower than a worm`s shadow. Be grateful, that she did not kill you in your sleep for such humiliation.”
K`Juda clears his throat.
“The enemy will come to us soon. Who will lead the army?”
Rambulhwa look at each of them one by one. Savage, strong, skilled with weapons and tactics alike, they were the best in Pendor and they knew it.
“The enemy had the time to spy on us for a long time. We are famous and strong, our names are known trough the lands far and wide. Even a half-brain will take it into consideration. They have a lot of humans into their ranks and I expect that they will know our strength and weakness both. But there is a place, untouchable even for the most skilled spy.”
Ithilrandir step forward.
“So it can be only me.”
“Yes. No one could expect a Noldor to lead our combined host. They may know us, but surely they don`t know you. It will surprise them for sure. Maybe enough to have a chance against them.”
“What about you?”
“My warriors will follow me even if I ride against the gods themselves. And for that … I must be in front of them. I will lead the attack.”
“Very well.” Ithilrandir wasn`t sure how to accept that but concentrate over the battlefield. “The land is hard and dry, it will be good for heavy cavalry. The Order of Eventide joined forces with the demons so their cavalry will be the largest thread along with the Heretic Magni.”
Ser Alistair interfere.
“I can lure them to follow your cavalry. Just let them chase you long enough for a good distance from the battlefield and they will surrender. But do expect a visit from flying enemies at your command position.”
“I will keep that in mind.” Ithilrandir nod at him. “What about the enemy armies that follow us?”
“They will not interfere.” Rambulhwa spoke with unshakable confidence. “Everything is arranged. They will “stay in ambush” in the remaining of the forests north and north-east from Javiksholm. It will boost the enemy confidence to attack is.”
“What if they decide to hold the town?”
“Not enough food. Even their flying demons can not supply a town and two armies inside.”
“Fine then. The most suitable rout for them will be here …” Ithilrandir pointed at the map. “… and here. I will leave you my cavalry, ser Alistair, and I will keep a thousand archers with me. The rest will be behind the main force by blocks of a hundred each, so wherever the demons appear, there will be enough archers to shoot them from the sky. The main attack will be from north. We shall let the enemy cavalry to exit north-east. The D`Shar will follow Rambulhwa with the main attack. The enemy has real magic, so you must enter in close combat as soon as possible. Without any possibility for hidden reserves or surprise attack we must rely on quickness and sheer number to overwhelm them. Otherwise their magic may be enough to break our ranks. Rank your cavalry in ranks, not into your usual horde. So the fireballs will not kill that much warriors at once. Bejatir, K`Juda and Syla Uzaz will hold the right flank. The reserves …”
With the light of the morning sun came noise from thousands and thousands feet and the dry plain darkened from the incoming army. Thousands Bladesmen with spread between them Blademasters, the pride and the glory of the D`Shar Principalities walked in tight rows, followed from spearmen and flanked by Windriders and mounted Dervishes. Behind them came the mercenary infantry mixed with blocks of Noldor archers. The warlord came in front and raise his long weapon high.
"AFTER ME!"
The large drums began to beat for batlle. Horns loudly gave the signal: "Attack". The horde issued furious roar, dashing their weapons over their shields, bringing themselves to frenzy. From their place the first ranks could have see the long row of horned beasts, bigger than any horse, mounted from tall and also horned riders. Then the warlord race forward, his bodyguards at his heels, the companies from the center went after them. Kassim and Riva led the left and the right wings of the cavalry. Kaverra, Donavan and Sigismund led the infantry behind them.
Eyegrim the Devourer spreads his powerful wings and notice the enemy army arrangement. They didn`t even tried to cover their movements or to put some ambushes, which fills him with deep despise toward the lesser creatures of these lands. His armies were already on the field, waiting for his orders. He saw the signals from the hidden forces of the Three Seers and his agents at Nearga-Reun`s army and issued his battle cry.
Under him, the enemy centre – a whirlwind of savages dressed in leather and metal, screamed an unknown war cry and ride toward his forces.
“Good, good. Come to me, lesser creature! Come to meet me!” Eyegrim look at his Baatetsu, counting almost two hundreds, and nearly eight hundreds of Tenari, waiting for his orders. He shouted.
“FIRE!”
The mages amongst Baatetsu throw the first fireballs at the incoming savages. Magical fire swallow warriors and horses together, some continue to ride, embroiled in flames, until they fell dead. Against his expectations, the lesser creatures do not turn into a chaotic mob, nor did they run in panic. Their ranks continue to ride with full speed forward. He gave a new order. A firewall, at least forty meters long and five meters high, erupted amidst the enemy, killing everyone into it and nearby. The next ranks just splits left and ride and continue to ride against his forces. He gave third order and a huge flaming rock fell right from the sky over the horde. The impact was deafening, men and horses were torn apart, crushed and burned to dead. Pieces from still warm flesh and parts from weapons and armours flew around. The grass around burned too shortly before the next ranks to trample it over.
The mages began to deplete their internal reserves, but despite the numerous losses the enemy continues to ride forward, more and more warriors were sending after them, while the first ranks met his vanguard with deafening roar.
Rambulhwa manage to point his horse in the slight crack between two huge horned beasts, lower himself under the sabre, hold from one tall horned rider and swing his glaive back. The blade hit the Tenari warrior right under the lower end of his armor and sliced at his spine. He roars in pain, lost his balance and fell from his beast. Rambulhwa strike at the next one.
Over the hill, Ithilrandir saw that Rambulhwa manages to reach the enemy and gave orders. Lethaldiran gave signals to the standard-bearers. Horns roar the necessary command and Boadice Veccavia led her female knights in detour to strike at the enemy`s flank. She personaly trained them and even purchased armors for them from her homeland, after she was rewarded with the town of Sarleon for her merits. Ser Joselen Naimar led another cavalry force to hit the other flank. The Heretic minions came against them to protect their demonic masters’ flanks and hold their warriors into a bloody hand-to-hand combat. But when they were completely engaged in battle, Sara and ser Ralad Baluent led their warriors to flank them.
The demonic warriors were powerful and really skilled in battle. Corpses began to raise on piles at their way. Yet the same piles began to slow their advance, the huge beasts stumbled over the bodies and the advances nearly halt. After the cavalry came numerous infantry. By three-four infantrymen began to climb over every horned beasts, poking and slicing at every piece of flesh, not covered in armor. While many died in the attempt, another manages to dragged down some riders from their horses and cut into pieces on the ground.
The Heretic Worshippers were well equipped, but they weren`t especially skilled and they began to fell under the frenzied enemy horde. The infantry was pathetic, just as he expected, and Eyegrim promise to himself to sacrifice all survivors, looking the enemy cavalry tramples over them, shooting them at point blank distance with their short bows.
The black mass at the Heretic`s right flank began to ride against the two thousands from the Noldor cavalry. They took their short cavalry bows and rain of arrows fell upon the black armoured knights. But the well-crafted armours and the thick shield protect them well and they began to close them. The lances lower for attack. Suddenly, the cowardly pointy-ears lost their courage when the battle came close and personal. They turn their horses and run away from the main force, leading their human allies alone. Eyegrim forget about them for a moment and send fifty Baatetsu to kill the enemy commander, taking position at the top of a small hill, and led the rest to his left flank, where another mass of dirty savages began their advance.
The two-tons heavy horned beasts ridded from Tenari warriors continue to decimate the first enemy ranks but more and more continue to flood the battlefield. Although each of them kills no less that thirty enemies alone, their ranks began to dwindle under the constant attacks from fresh forces. The enemy not only didn`t run, but they even press forward and began to encircle them. Their support from infantry and cavalry were massacred, trampled and shoot down and only the unhuman strength and skill of the Tenari still hold the enemy on the battlefield. Thick columns of smoke disperse again the smell of burning flesh in result of the mage`s efforts, yet it wasn`t enough. From the height of his saddle, Amoralion saw tens of thousands infantry, coming at him while their cavalry continue to encircle them. On his right flank the mass of black armoured knights was gone chasing the enemy and none of them came back. He turn his gaze on the left where Eyegrim himself and his Baatetsu tears apart men and horses with savage joy, but he also saw that nearly half of them lied immobile, fenestrated with arrows and spears.
A shout from behind made him to turn back while the enemy bardice hit him in the face. The helmet bends inside and the blood blind him for a few moment. When he was able to see with his right eye he saw the new wave of enemies behind his Tenari, wearing green plate armours and riding black horses almost as large and heavy as his own. One of them throws a javelin at him with such strength that the blade pierces his armour and burrow slightly in his flesh. He turns his horse and shouts for retreat when another firewall erupted right next to him, killing both enemy and allies. His left side busted in flames too yet he manage to suppress the pain and roared for retreat. But it was too late.
On the north-east side of the battlefield ser Jael Kerdom led the knights of Eventide against the pointy-ears who flew like rabbits from their lances. After short chase, when it seems that he could reach the non-human filth any moment he notices that the enemy`s horses doesn`t give any sign of weariness, while his armoured steeds began to slow their gallop. He thought to cut off the chase but could he do it without danger to be hit in the back?
He order a halt and his men stopped their sweated warhorses. The non-human scum also halt to their places and a lone rider in pitch-black armour came closer, holding a standard.
“Who is the senior officer here?”
“It is me – Jael Kerdom, count of Tesem.” Strangely enough, the man`s voice sounds somewhat familiar.
“I thought that your voice is familiar to me, ser Jael.”
The enemy remove his horned helmet and Jael`s jaws dropped in surprise.
“Ser Alistair Aloniel?”
“The one and only!” The light-haired man against him smiles. “I see that you`ve got yourself a nice promotion in my absence. Congratulations!”
“I … thank you, ser. Long time no see. You`ve been away from us for a long time indeed.”
“The Grand Master is well informed for my actions from my regular reports.” Ser Alistair came closer. “I do expect a good explanation for your actions here, ser!”
Jael Kerdom lost his ability to speak for a moment of pure shock.
“But … but … but …”
“No “but”s! I serve directly to Qaggoth-Jeag herself, which means that I`m the senior Eventide officer here, and I do like to hear your explanation how our Order suddenly fell under the command of a lesser scion of the Benazi family!”
“Eh … I have my orders …”
“WHO`S orders are you follow? Qaggoth-Jeag`s ones or Benazi-Mreedvaardu`s?”
Jael suddenly began to swell under his armour. His voice came as a tensed whisper.
“Qaggoth-Jeag`s, of course, ser! I`ve never …”
“Then for fuc.`s sake why are you here? Do you wish so much to be sacrificed as a participant of an attempt for assassination of our Lady?”
“NO! No, I`ve never ever thought …”
“What happened then! Speak! I demand an explanation for your actions here!”
“I … ser, Eyegrim … I mean Mreedvaardu call the Grand Master into his chambers, and after that he fulfill his every order as if given from our Lady herself!”
“And you didn`t found that even a little bit suspicious? Not enough to request a confirmation from her? ARE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?”
“I …”
“Do you want to be executed at the moment, ser Jael!”
“NO!”
“For Erida`s sake, you are in deep troubles, ser! But you are my friend, so I think that we can settle this little problem together. For the old times and for our good friendship. What do you think?”
Jael Kerdom saw the tiny spark of hope into the dungeon of his troubled mind. If their Grand Master was under some spell and his actions were … questioned, he had not the slightest intention to be on the wrong side of the heated iron.
“I … I do think, that we can settle this … problem as old friends. Right?”
Ser Alistair pushes his horse closer and began to whisper something into his ear.
Eyegrim cut off the next horseman`s right arm with skilled slash of his sabre, kick the next horse, instantly breaking his front legs and sending the rider flying over the horse head. The next one got lucky and his spear hit Eyegrim`s thigh just above the knee. The spear tip found a place damaged a bit earlier from two-handed axe and along with the speed of the horse it was enough to pierce into his flesh. Eyegrim roars in fury and hit the rider with such strength that the upper part of his body flew aside, his arm still holding the weapon in dead grip. Another spear got him in the right wing, adding another hole into the already torn and bleeding leather. He turn back to kill the insolent creature just in time to see Shrakktaar-Alitor`s head falling from his shoulders after a strike with heavy sabre of a creature, riding a horse covered with armour. He looks around and command for attack with thunderous voice. The Baatetsu roared with him and pressed forward and then he finally realized how few of them still fighting. Amongst the piles of the lesser creature`s bodies less that seventy from his Baatetsu were still on their feet. Despite the thousands victims the small creatures of this land continue to fight with wild determination, cavalry archers shoot down Baatetsu from the sky where lancers finished them quickly, attacking them simultaneously from all sides.
Another rider wearing helmet covering his entire face throw himself forward and Eyegrim drag him from his saddle with sideward strike that spill his innards. The body fall almost at his feet and Eyegrim just overstep him while he felt sudden sharp pain at the backside of his left knee. A quick look down reveals that the gutted creature got him behind his left knee with his curved sabre. Eyegrim roars in fury and crushes the creature`s head with his boot. He spreads his wings and took height choosing the place for his next attack. Roar from tens of thousands roars follow his flight and he saw that all of his Baatetsu were completely surround from lesser creatures. New creatures, done in heavy grey-gold armours came on their help and all of them redouble their effort.
“We have no idea now many demons will join the fight.” Wolfbode spoke first. “My people barely began to recover from the last war and you already drag us into another. I saw the demons myself and I do believe, that they are real, but I`m not convinced that we can`t reason with them. Perhaps they are too few to threat us.”
The tribesman responds with tired voice with the same irritating expressionless face. Wolfbode wasn`t able to recall him to change his expression in any occasion.
“You aren`t chained here, warlord Bejatir. You and your people are free to stay or to leave at your leisure.”
The even voice, devoid from any feeling was enough to boil Wolfbode`s anger.
“And then you`ll retreat and then you`ll let them to invade my lands! I can see your plots, you stinking tribesman!”
The bodyguards around the tribesman tensed. Hands reached for the weapons. Rambulhwa waive at them to calm them.
“Perhaps. Perhaps not. No one knows what will happen even today, so your guess is as good as any. I`ll take my decision when it is necessary. If you have better idea than fight them here with all of our strength and to repel them from Pendor I`ll listen to you carefully. But don`t forget that only two of their armies, and mainly consisted from humans, were enough to disperse Valdis`s main army and to take the Fiersdvain capitol. If you want to take your chances alone into your lands, just go on.”
Wolfbode wrinkles savagely, but he was smart enough not to fight against the obvious truth into his opponent`s words. The tribesman continue.
“All warlords here came not by my command, but because each one of them alone decides to came. I have no power over them. D`Shar Khans came, for they know me as a man of my word. Syla Usas came, for he knows that the strength lies in our number, when we face an overwhelming adversary. Bejatir came, for he knows that his people are the most vulnerable, due to lack of serious training and equipment. K`Juda came, for he is always up for a good battle. My companions, who now rule the former Sarleon towns came, for our long friendship and they trust my judgement to choose well my battles. The Noldor came, for they knows that they can`t hide from flying enemies and when the demons finish with us, it is their turn. The Snakes …”
The warlord look at them for a moment and then spoke right to Wolfbode.
“… came for our love. Something that you misunderstood completely, Bejatir.”
Wolfbode`s face froze. Many men would have stop because of the sheer threat, emanating from his entire being. Yet the smaller tribesman continue.
“And because of that, you lost your wife.”
“I lost my son and you dare to …” Wolfbode squeezes through his teeth.
“Your son doesn`t matter Bejatir.” Rambulhwa spoke with voice, heavy with despise. “You lost your wife because you don`t value your wife. A man who doesn`t put his wives in front of everything else deserve to lost them. A man who takes a wife only to have a child is lower than a worm`s shadow. Be grateful, that she did not kill you in your sleep for such humiliation.”
K`Juda clears his throat.
“The enemy will come to us soon. Who will lead the army?”
Rambulhwa look at each of them one by one. Savage, strong, skilled with weapons and tactics alike, they were the best in Pendor and they knew it.
“The enemy had the time to spy on us for a long time. We are famous and strong, our names are known trough the lands far and wide. Even a half-brain will take it into consideration. They have a lot of humans into their ranks and I expect that they will know our strength and weakness both. But there is a place, untouchable even for the most skilled spy.”
Ithilrandir step forward.
“So it can be only me.”
“Yes. No one could expect a Noldor to lead our combined host. They may know us, but surely they don`t know you. It will surprise them for sure. Maybe enough to have a chance against them.”
“What about you?”
“My warriors will follow me even if I ride against the gods themselves. And for that … I must be in front of them. I will lead the attack.”
“Very well.” Ithilrandir wasn`t sure how to accept that but concentrate over the battlefield. “The land is hard and dry, it will be good for heavy cavalry. The Order of Eventide joined forces with the demons so their cavalry will be the largest thread along with the Heretic Magni.”
Ser Alistair interfere.
“I can lure them to follow your cavalry. Just let them chase you long enough for a good distance from the battlefield and they will surrender. But do expect a visit from flying enemies at your command position.”
“I will keep that in mind.” Ithilrandir nod at him. “What about the enemy armies that follow us?”
“They will not interfere.” Rambulhwa spoke with unshakable confidence. “Everything is arranged. They will “stay in ambush” in the remaining of the forests north and north-east from Javiksholm. It will boost the enemy confidence to attack is.”
“What if they decide to hold the town?”
“Not enough food. Even their flying demons can not supply a town and two armies inside.”
“Fine then. The most suitable rout for them will be here …” Ithilrandir pointed at the map. “… and here. I will leave you my cavalry, ser Alistair, and I will keep a thousand archers with me. The rest will be behind the main force by blocks of a hundred each, so wherever the demons appear, there will be enough archers to shoot them from the sky. The main attack will be from north. We shall let the enemy cavalry to exit north-east. The D`Shar will follow Rambulhwa with the main attack. The enemy has real magic, so you must enter in close combat as soon as possible. Without any possibility for hidden reserves or surprise attack we must rely on quickness and sheer number to overwhelm them. Otherwise their magic may be enough to break our ranks. Rank your cavalry in ranks, not into your usual horde. So the fireballs will not kill that much warriors at once. Bejatir, K`Juda and Syla Uzaz will hold the right flank. The reserves …”
With the light of the morning sun came noise from thousands and thousands feet and the dry plain darkened from the incoming army. Thousands Bladesmen with spread between them Blademasters, the pride and the glory of the D`Shar Principalities walked in tight rows, followed from spearmen and flanked by Windriders and mounted Dervishes. Behind them came the mercenary infantry mixed with blocks of Noldor archers. The warlord came in front and raise his long weapon high.
"AFTER ME!"
The large drums began to beat for batlle. Horns loudly gave the signal: "Attack". The horde issued furious roar, dashing their weapons over their shields, bringing themselves to frenzy. From their place the first ranks could have see the long row of horned beasts, bigger than any horse, mounted from tall and also horned riders. Then the warlord race forward, his bodyguards at his heels, the companies from the center went after them. Kassim and Riva led the left and the right wings of the cavalry. Kaverra, Donavan and Sigismund led the infantry behind them.
Eyegrim the Devourer spreads his powerful wings and notice the enemy army arrangement. They didn`t even tried to cover their movements or to put some ambushes, which fills him with deep despise toward the lesser creatures of these lands. His armies were already on the field, waiting for his orders. He saw the signals from the hidden forces of the Three Seers and his agents at Nearga-Reun`s army and issued his battle cry.
Under him, the enemy centre – a whirlwind of savages dressed in leather and metal, screamed an unknown war cry and ride toward his forces.
“Good, good. Come to me, lesser creature! Come to meet me!” Eyegrim look at his Baatetsu, counting almost two hundreds, and nearly eight hundreds of Tenari, waiting for his orders. He shouted.
“FIRE!”
The mages amongst Baatetsu throw the first fireballs at the incoming savages. Magical fire swallow warriors and horses together, some continue to ride, embroiled in flames, until they fell dead. Against his expectations, the lesser creatures do not turn into a chaotic mob, nor did they run in panic. Their ranks continue to ride with full speed forward. He gave a new order. A firewall, at least forty meters long and five meters high, erupted amidst the enemy, killing everyone into it and nearby. The next ranks just splits left and ride and continue to ride against his forces. He gave third order and a huge flaming rock fell right from the sky over the horde. The impact was deafening, men and horses were torn apart, crushed and burned to dead. Pieces from still warm flesh and parts from weapons and armours flew around. The grass around burned too shortly before the next ranks to trample it over.
The mages began to deplete their internal reserves, but despite the numerous losses the enemy continues to ride forward, more and more warriors were sending after them, while the first ranks met his vanguard with deafening roar.
Rambulhwa manage to point his horse in the slight crack between two huge horned beasts, lower himself under the sabre, hold from one tall horned rider and swing his glaive back. The blade hit the Tenari warrior right under the lower end of his armor and sliced at his spine. He roars in pain, lost his balance and fell from his beast. Rambulhwa strike at the next one.
Over the hill, Ithilrandir saw that Rambulhwa manages to reach the enemy and gave orders. Lethaldiran gave signals to the standard-bearers. Horns roar the necessary command and Boadice Veccavia led her female knights in detour to strike at the enemy`s flank. She personaly trained them and even purchased armors for them from her homeland, after she was rewarded with the town of Sarleon for her merits. Ser Joselen Naimar led another cavalry force to hit the other flank. The Heretic minions came against them to protect their demonic masters’ flanks and hold their warriors into a bloody hand-to-hand combat. But when they were completely engaged in battle, Sara and ser Ralad Baluent led their warriors to flank them.
The demonic warriors were powerful and really skilled in battle. Corpses began to raise on piles at their way. Yet the same piles began to slow their advance, the huge beasts stumbled over the bodies and the advances nearly halt. After the cavalry came numerous infantry. By three-four infantrymen began to climb over every horned beasts, poking and slicing at every piece of flesh, not covered in armor. While many died in the attempt, another manages to dragged down some riders from their horses and cut into pieces on the ground.
The Heretic Worshippers were well equipped, but they weren`t especially skilled and they began to fell under the frenzied enemy horde. The infantry was pathetic, just as he expected, and Eyegrim promise to himself to sacrifice all survivors, looking the enemy cavalry tramples over them, shooting them at point blank distance with their short bows.
The black mass at the Heretic`s right flank began to ride against the two thousands from the Noldor cavalry. They took their short cavalry bows and rain of arrows fell upon the black armoured knights. But the well-crafted armours and the thick shield protect them well and they began to close them. The lances lower for attack. Suddenly, the cowardly pointy-ears lost their courage when the battle came close and personal. They turn their horses and run away from the main force, leading their human allies alone. Eyegrim forget about them for a moment and send fifty Baatetsu to kill the enemy commander, taking position at the top of a small hill, and led the rest to his left flank, where another mass of dirty savages began their advance.
The two-tons heavy horned beasts ridded from Tenari warriors continue to decimate the first enemy ranks but more and more continue to flood the battlefield. Although each of them kills no less that thirty enemies alone, their ranks began to dwindle under the constant attacks from fresh forces. The enemy not only didn`t run, but they even press forward and began to encircle them. Their support from infantry and cavalry were massacred, trampled and shoot down and only the unhuman strength and skill of the Tenari still hold the enemy on the battlefield. Thick columns of smoke disperse again the smell of burning flesh in result of the mage`s efforts, yet it wasn`t enough. From the height of his saddle, Amoralion saw tens of thousands infantry, coming at him while their cavalry continue to encircle them. On his right flank the mass of black armoured knights was gone chasing the enemy and none of them came back. He turn his gaze on the left where Eyegrim himself and his Baatetsu tears apart men and horses with savage joy, but he also saw that nearly half of them lied immobile, fenestrated with arrows and spears.
A shout from behind made him to turn back while the enemy bardice hit him in the face. The helmet bends inside and the blood blind him for a few moment. When he was able to see with his right eye he saw the new wave of enemies behind his Tenari, wearing green plate armours and riding black horses almost as large and heavy as his own. One of them throws a javelin at him with such strength that the blade pierces his armour and burrow slightly in his flesh. He turns his horse and shouts for retreat when another firewall erupted right next to him, killing both enemy and allies. His left side busted in flames too yet he manage to suppress the pain and roared for retreat. But it was too late.
On the north-east side of the battlefield ser Jael Kerdom led the knights of Eventide against the pointy-ears who flew like rabbits from their lances. After short chase, when it seems that he could reach the non-human filth any moment he notices that the enemy`s horses doesn`t give any sign of weariness, while his armoured steeds began to slow their gallop. He thought to cut off the chase but could he do it without danger to be hit in the back?
He order a halt and his men stopped their sweated warhorses. The non-human scum also halt to their places and a lone rider in pitch-black armour came closer, holding a standard.
“Who is the senior officer here?”
“It is me – Jael Kerdom, count of Tesem.” Strangely enough, the man`s voice sounds somewhat familiar.
“I thought that your voice is familiar to me, ser Jael.”
The enemy remove his horned helmet and Jael`s jaws dropped in surprise.
“Ser Alistair Aloniel?”
“The one and only!” The light-haired man against him smiles. “I see that you`ve got yourself a nice promotion in my absence. Congratulations!”
“I … thank you, ser. Long time no see. You`ve been away from us for a long time indeed.”
“The Grand Master is well informed for my actions from my regular reports.” Ser Alistair came closer. “I do expect a good explanation for your actions here, ser!”
Jael Kerdom lost his ability to speak for a moment of pure shock.
“But … but … but …”
“No “but”s! I serve directly to Qaggoth-Jeag herself, which means that I`m the senior Eventide officer here, and I do like to hear your explanation how our Order suddenly fell under the command of a lesser scion of the Benazi family!”
“Eh … I have my orders …”
“WHO`S orders are you follow? Qaggoth-Jeag`s ones or Benazi-Mreedvaardu`s?”
Jael suddenly began to swell under his armour. His voice came as a tensed whisper.
“Qaggoth-Jeag`s, of course, ser! I`ve never …”
“Then for fuc.`s sake why are you here? Do you wish so much to be sacrificed as a participant of an attempt for assassination of our Lady?”
“NO! No, I`ve never ever thought …”
“What happened then! Speak! I demand an explanation for your actions here!”
“I … ser, Eyegrim … I mean Mreedvaardu call the Grand Master into his chambers, and after that he fulfill his every order as if given from our Lady herself!”
“And you didn`t found that even a little bit suspicious? Not enough to request a confirmation from her? ARE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?”
“I …”
“Do you want to be executed at the moment, ser Jael!”
“NO!”
“For Erida`s sake, you are in deep troubles, ser! But you are my friend, so I think that we can settle this little problem together. For the old times and for our good friendship. What do you think?”
Jael Kerdom saw the tiny spark of hope into the dungeon of his troubled mind. If their Grand Master was under some spell and his actions were … questioned, he had not the slightest intention to be on the wrong side of the heated iron.
“I … I do think, that we can settle this … problem as old friends. Right?”
Ser Alistair pushes his horse closer and began to whisper something into his ear.
Eyegrim cut off the next horseman`s right arm with skilled slash of his sabre, kick the next horse, instantly breaking his front legs and sending the rider flying over the horse head. The next one got lucky and his spear hit Eyegrim`s thigh just above the knee. The spear tip found a place damaged a bit earlier from two-handed axe and along with the speed of the horse it was enough to pierce into his flesh. Eyegrim roars in fury and hit the rider with such strength that the upper part of his body flew aside, his arm still holding the weapon in dead grip. Another spear got him in the right wing, adding another hole into the already torn and bleeding leather. He turn back to kill the insolent creature just in time to see Shrakktaar-Alitor`s head falling from his shoulders after a strike with heavy sabre of a creature, riding a horse covered with armour. He looks around and command for attack with thunderous voice. The Baatetsu roared with him and pressed forward and then he finally realized how few of them still fighting. Amongst the piles of the lesser creature`s bodies less that seventy from his Baatetsu were still on their feet. Despite the thousands victims the small creatures of this land continue to fight with wild determination, cavalry archers shoot down Baatetsu from the sky where lancers finished them quickly, attacking them simultaneously from all sides.
Another rider wearing helmet covering his entire face throw himself forward and Eyegrim drag him from his saddle with sideward strike that spill his innards. The body fall almost at his feet and Eyegrim just overstep him while he felt sudden sharp pain at the backside of his left knee. A quick look down reveals that the gutted creature got him behind his left knee with his curved sabre. Eyegrim roars in fury and crushes the creature`s head with his boot. He spreads his wings and took height choosing the place for his next attack. Roar from tens of thousands roars follow his flight and he saw that all of his Baatetsu were completely surround from lesser creatures. New creatures, done in heavy grey-gold armours came on their help and all of them redouble their effort.
