by JD Cole
“Bartley Ja’Hellet, General,” the Paladin shook his arm. “It is an honor.” Second-Mark Ennis also introduced himself, and briefly gave a description of how his Paladins could best be used in the coming battles.
“Do you mind if I get a look at the field?” Sean asked.
“By all means,” Khun gestured forward. The camp was just over a mile from Matari on a gently sloped hill, far enough away to avoid any arrows or magic spells from reaching them.
Sean held his hand out and one of his soldiers, going by the alias “Popper”, gave him a set of binox. Holding them up to his eyes, Sean scanned the battlefield, in awe of the weirdness of it all. It looked like a medieval LARP fest, except that nothing on the field looked remotely human save for the occasional fully-armored vampyre. There were huge dogs and tigers standing upright and wielding swords and spears, and piles upon piles of little elves as far as the eye could see. There were about a dozen sprite sorcerers spread out behind the front line, acting primarily as healers and magic support.
The metahuman next took stock of Matari itself, which looked like a formidable fortress city, indeed. The stone and brick of the walls, easily eighty feet in height, were colored a dull yellow, which he’d been told was due to an enchantment that helped against metal instruments biting into the stone, like hooks for ropes or ladders.
“What do you think, General?” Khun Rhee asked.
“You say there’s no internal reinforcement, it’s just stone fortified with… magic?”
“Stone that thick would be enough on its own, but yes, their sorcerers enchanted large segments of the wall against penetration by climbing tools.”
“In my world,” Sean said, continuing to scan the wall, “armies used to use siege engines to launch heavy stones at castle walls. Do you not have such catapults?”
“I am familiar with those weapons, but no, we do not use them. They are easily destroyed by sorcery.”
“I see. I’d like to test how enchanted that wall is, if I may.”
“Be my guest. What did you have in mind?”
“We’ll just reach out with a little love tap.” Sean turned to Popper. “Tell Dez to break out the fifty and put a hole in the left side of the wall where I laze it with the binox, on my mark. Let’s see how strong that brick really is before we start lobbing rockets at it. I don’t want any surprises.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And have Boss get us some eyes in the sky.”
“I believe they are already on it, sir. The drones should be up momentarily.”
“Excellent.”
A moment later, Popper looked up at Sean. “Sir, I have Dez online. He says he’s already set up inside the treeline, he just needs a few minutes to get the big gun situated.”
“Understood.” Sean looked at Khun. “When my sniper fires that thing, there’s a good chance everyone will hear it. Your troops are ready for a counterattack in the trees?”
“Yes,” Khun nodded. “We have a full battleprok covering that area of the woods, with two mages.”
“And three of my ValianTs,” Sean agreed. “Okay. We’re just getting an idea of how tough the wall is. If it reacts like I expect, we can proceed with opening a hole in that northern wall you were talking about.”
“That would be most welcome, my friend. Once my troops can get inside, we will torch the refineries and smithies first. That alone will be a great victory, but should also cause enough distraction that we can start to liberate at least some of the slaves. Eventually the shadowlanders will manage to reinforce the breach…”
“Then we gradually make things more painful until this Goblin King shows up.”
When Dez radioed that he was ready, Sean lifted the binox again and switched on its infrared laser. The binox themselves could not see in infrared, but the lenses generated a red dot to show Sean where the laser was pointed. All of the sniper rifles had scopes that could detect infrared. The scopes also fed their video directly the MIRK suits so that the snipers didn’t need to take off their helmets.
“What is that dot?” Sean looked down and saw Meshra had joined him. The pembruh had a scope of his own, but it was only made of glass.
“You can see that?”
“Is it supposed to be unseen? I am sorry, friend, but it is plainly visible to vampyre eyes.”
“Well, that’s not comforting at all.” Sean returned his attention to the wall. “I’m using it to give my troop a target to hit. Tell Dez to fire at will.”
Sean’s hands were not holding the dot perfectly still, but it didn’t matter. A loud explosion from the distant woods off to his right was followed by the shattering impact of a .50 caliber bullet striking the wall and leaving a shallow, volleyball-sized crater in the stone.
Meshra was shocked at what he saw, and handed his scope to Khun Rhee, who was also amazed at the sight.
“Right then, I’m impressed,” Sean admitted, switching off the laser. “A normal brick would have completely come apart. I think our rockets will still do the job, though.”
“What kind of a weapon was that?” Khun asked, staring at the woods, then back into the scope to look at the hole in the wall. “You can generate that much power without a spell?”
“Just math and chemistry, friend,” Sean replied. “Once I get my surveillance up, you can tell me the most effective place to open a hole for you, and we’ll go from there.”
~
Boss –Colonel Marc Tritt— and his fire team were situated far away from the main camp, behind another set of rolling hills that hid them from Matari’s walls. A sprite wizard was with them, along with twenty vyzen soldiers to help with security in case the shadowlanders discovered them. Most of the ValianTs were here as well, and the team had just finished putting together a pair of spy drones and configuring them to broadcast video to all the human soldiers. Five Paladins were also along for the ride, and Boss was pleased to see that this comically diverse group was actually getting along really well.
“Okay, let’s take a peek at the bad guys,” Boss said. The two soldiers assigned to the drones stood and moved away from everyone. The drones were small, just over a foot long at 33 centimeters. They were shaped like toy airplanes, but heavy with electronic optics that included multiple cameras, targeting lasers, laser microphones and batteries. The weight helped it combat wind gusts and rain in less than ideal weather, but in turn required a sturdier motor to keep it aloft.
The soldiers tossed the drones skyward like paper airplanes, and the motors immediately kicked in to push them to a decent spying altitude, in this case about six hundred feet. Little LED lights along the underside of the drones lit up, surprisingly making them harder to see during the day.
The live video from each drone opened in little windows on Boss’s visor. He used the control pad on his forearm to cycle through various camera angles. “Those are some thick effing walls,” he remarked. They reminded him of China’s Great Wall.
“What were those mechanical birds for?” the sprite asked.
“We can see what they see,” Boss replied, tapping his helmet’s glazed visor. He reached over to the quadruped mule drone that was carrying their weapons and gear, pulling a ruggedized tablet computer from one of the packs. He switched it on and brought up video from the drones. “Here, take a look.”
The sprite’s eyes widened, and he got down on his knees to allow the elves to witness the humans’ sorcery on display. The Paladins also came over to look. They could see the entire layout of Matari within the walls, the placement of all its soldiers.
“This is incredible!” one of the elves said. “Can General Khun Rhee see this?”
“I just started the broadcast now, so yeah, he should have access to it.”
“I cannot see an easy way past those walls,” another elf observed. He pointed to a cluster of decrepit buildings near the center of Matari. “Those would be the slave pens, I’d wager.”
Boss walked over to look at where he was pointing on the pad, then used h
is control to digitally zoom and enhance one of the cameras in his visor. The slave area looked like a slum, the only part of the city that had visible piles of garbage; the slum was surrounded by refuse and dead soil, despite the rest of the city being rich with grass, trees, and farmland.
“Boss, do you read?”
The name “Popper” overlaid the corner of Boss’s visor. “Go for Boss, Popper.”
“We’re getting the recon video now. The General is in conference with our new faery friends to fine-tune their strategy.”
“Any assessment on what those walls are made of?”
“Just rocks and unicorn piss is what we’re being told.”
“Good grief.”
“I know. I’m still not convinced I wasn’t drugged at dinner last night. Anyway, General Vox just wanted me to relay for your group to sit tight. We should have some targets for you shortly, and your Paladins and faeries will probably be in play, too.”
“They’ll be happy to hear that. These guys are itching for a fight.”
« CHAPTER 24 »
Now It’s Gettin’ Real
“You realize this sounds crazy, right? Our ancestor was a Dragon who started our family just to keep an eye on Kelli’s family?”
“I have no idea what Daknanyx was thinking,” Zaiyensa answered Christian. Once a quick look around confirmed Erica wasn’t home, Devon had convinced his older brother to take a shower –”You smell pilau!”— and after cleaning up and shaving for the first time in a month, it had taken only about thirty minutes for Zaiyensa to delve into the origins of the Kunali’i and Ingram families, going back to Taromus Ja’Hassin and Arii Moniscii. “That doesn’t change that it is the truth,” she finished.
The entire time she was speaking, Devon was casting minor spells and shapeshifting to help prove it.
“So, I can do all the magic stuff Devon is doing right now. And where is Ben, anyway?”
“No.” Zaiyensa pushed her glasses up the ridge of her nose. “Something about human blood has altered Daknanyx’ magic. There was only ever supposed to be one Dragon in your family, the immortality and magic passing from parent to child. Obviously, there are now three of you. For whatever reason, Bennett inherited most of the power. I am sorry to say… you, Christian, are the weakest of your brothers.”
Christian looked at Devon, who offered a look of sympathy. “Sorry, brah.”
Christian shook his head and stood. “Look, I don’t care, I just… where’s Erica? Where’s Ben?”
Devon walked into the kitchen where he could see the driveway from the window. Erica’s car was still gone. “I dunno where she went, but she going be back soon, probably-” He then noticed the note on the counter, and took it to Christian. “Looks like she went to Kelli’s house. We go!”
“Yeah, but how long ago was this?”
“I dunno.” Devon looked at Zaiyensa, who closed her eyes in thought.
“It was about four days ago when you and I first met in Strenovia.”
“Four days!”
“Call Erica,” Christian said.
“I tried, no answer. I left two voicemails,” Devon assured him.
“Call Kelli, then.”
“She stay inside the Faery Realm!”
“Call her parents then! See if Erica’s there.”
Devon called both Tom and Vanessa’s numbers. After getting no response, he looked at Zaiyensa. “Sorry… you can do us one favor again?”
“Kelli’s house?” the beautiful Dragon smirked.
“I can try myself,” Devon said, “but would probably be faster for you, yeah?”
“Very well,” she sighed, allowing an amused smile to mix with her mild irritation.
Devon waved Christian over, and Zaiyensa opened yet another ethergate. Christian was in awe, looking at the Ingram ranch from his living room, but he was hesitant to follow the other two through.
“Brah, c’mon!” Devon waved him over. Christian moved to the edge of the ethergate, peering from side to side in disbelief. Finally, he took a quick step through and found himself standing outside on the grass. The ethergate disappeared behind him. “No more getting stuck on Kam Highway for 45 minutes!” Devon grinned. “Traffic is for the little people, not us Dragons!”
Christian closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sun. Just an hour ago, he was an escaped POW on the run from some of the most vicious soldiers of the modern era. Now he stood in paradise, a fresh shave and a haircut, wearing board shorts and a t-shirt that had been comforts he could only dream of over the last few weeks. His bare feet reveled in the feel of the dry grass and soil under him.
“There is no one here,” Zaiyensa announced. “I sense only animals nearby, no humans.”
“Yeah, something ain’t right,” Devon agreed. “I wonder if Kelli came and got her parents, and Erica too? But then, she wouldn’t have left Orion out here like this.”
Kelli’s horse was at the far end of his pen. The side of the pen closest to the Dragons had a wagon full of straw and a trough of water fed by a pipe, but normally when the Ingrams weren’t home, Orion was kept in the stable.
Devon looked at Zaiyensa again. “You sure nobody stay home…?” his question trailed off at the look of exasperation on her face. “Sorry, sorry, of course you know better than me. I keep asking stupid questions, my bad.”
“I suppose next you’ll want me to take you to Windham to talk to the Queen directly?” she crossed her arms.
Devon’s eyes darted to and from her gaze sheepishly, his mouth obviously straining to keep from making the request.
Christian stepped up beside them both. “You think Erica would be in that faery place? With Kelli?”
Zaiyensa’s look softened, and she nodded for Christian, then turned to his brother. “It is fine. After all, I am the one who offered to help you bring your brother home. I supposed that’s not technically happened yet, not until he is reunited with his wife.”
“I really appreciate everything you’re doing,” Devon said meekly.
“Your company has been a vast improvement from that miserable T’rsing,” she lifted a hand, this time using a gesture to create another ethergate as she probed Windham, seeking the presence of humans. She glanced at Devon from the corner of her eye, deciding he was ready for another lighthearted push away from his trauma. “You and I should have a child together.”
“Mm hm,” Devon nodded, waiting for the gate to open. “Wait, what?” His eyes widened comically. “I have a girlfriend!” he protested, though his eyes were obviously checking her out anew.
Zaiyensa belted out a hearty laugh. “Not right now! In a few thousand years, when you’ve matured. Your heart very much matches my own. I think we’d make splendid parents. There are not enough level-headed Dragons like us.”
“Um, yeah, okay,” Devon stuttered.
“Alright, playboy,” Christian broke in, “you already have a girl, cool your jets and quit looking at her like that, you’re too young to even think about kids-”
“Brah!” Devon was flushed with embarrassment at his brother’s intrusion. “I got this!”
“You not getting nothing!” Christian replied, his pidgin taking hold as it usually did when he argued with his brothers. “I no care what you say about Dragons or whatever, doesn’t change da fact that I da one who stay responsible for you, and if you no listen to me, I going slap your head!”
Zaiyensa stifled more laughter at the way Devon endured his scolding, obviously cowed by his big brother. She finished opening her gate completely, revealing a hallway within Windham castle on the other side. “Well then, lads,” she said. “Shall we see what your women are up to in the Faery Realm?”
~ ~ ~ ~
The rescue team sat together in the cramped cargo bay of the Ripwinger as it flew them to their destination. “Mae, how are you doing?”
Undine/Lady Mae’s upper form appeared suddenly like a disembodied ghost, spooking some of the team members.
“Oh, sorry, guys,” De
rek said. “She has other names, but you can call her Lady Mae from now on.”
“Mae for short,” Mae grinned through her mask. “Or The Lady.”
“Hello, Lady Mae,” Lumina greeted for everyone. “Thank you again for dispatching those goblins for me.”
The shimmering elemental nodded pleasantly, then turned to her master. “I am ready to cast your concealment as soon as you order it, Hood.”
“Would now be good?” Derek asked Lumina.
“I would say so. We should be reaching the Badlands soon.”
Derek looked at Mae. “Let’s go ahead and do it.”
She closed her eyes and vanished. “We are now concealed,” she told him silently.
“Okay, we’re invisible. I really hope this last-minute change works,” the Hood said.
“Which change would that be?” Taryn asked. “I don’t recall there being a firm plan that wasn’t immediately changed by you or one of the other planners.”
“That’s fair,” the Hood nodded. “I’m talking about our destination. I’m hoping we aren’t dooming ourselves to failure right at the start.”
“You’re worried that using the waygate I mentioned will give us away to the Goblin King,” Jezrimeli offered. She still hadn’t donned her armor, leaving it in a pile at her feet with her gifted sword and the rugged pack she’d brought from home. “That’s understandable. But trust me, it is less of a risk than going directly to the castle itself. There are eyes and ears all over those walls and towers.”
“But not at this waygate?” the Hood asked.
“It will definitely be guarded, but not by goblins or any kind of powerful mages. Guard duty is the absolute lowest of assignments for Shadowlanders. Worst case, it’ll be a minotaur or two. But we can kill them without alerting anyone in the castle-”
“You make that sound so easy,” Nim grumbled.
“I never said it would be easy,” she frowned at him, “just that we could do it without jeopardizing our chance to sneak into Gedaschen. Security inside the gate once we pass through should be even lighter, and if we’re lucky, they won’t even have guards posted there.”
