Terik started to speak but a noise from the opposite end of the hall froze him. The farthest door clunked and creaked with enemy laughter echoing from beyond.
Terik hid within the nearest cage and pulled the door, careful not to let it latch.
The footsteps marched through the hall toward the cell in which Terik waited. The voices told him there were three guards. One look at the frail men in the cell and he knew he was on his own.
He crouched with his back to the bars and his chin tucked to his chest. The footsteps stopped behind him.
“What is this?” one of the guards asked.
Terik slid his knife from his waistband.
“You! Where did you get those clothes?” The guard’s pocket jingled as he fished for his keys.
Terik spun toward him, flinging the cell door open against all three of the guards. He drove the gate along with the guards back against the neighboring cell, pinning them. They weakly pushed back as they stumbled to get their footing. He plunged his blade between the bars into one of their chests. That guard stopped pushing.
The other two guards heaved against the gate, pushing Terik backward. Terik ripped his knife free. Before the startled guards could completely regain their balance, a set of puny arms reached through the cold bars and grabbed one of them by his neck. Then another set of arms reached through, and another, until both flailing tormentors were held tight against the bars. The prisoners cheered while Terik ended the guards’ suffering with well-placed stabs of his blade.
Terik picked up the key from the floor, opened the rest of the packed cells, and shouted orders to flee to Epertase. One of the captives from the first cell handed him a fallen guard’s sword and Terik tied it around his waist. Two of the stronger-looking men picked up the other swords with vengeful grins. They led the others toward freedom.
Terik turned his attention toward the next door.
“Sir?” someone called out. “Sir?” Terik turned to find a teenage boy fighting against the rush of fleeing prisoners.
“What is it, boy? I’m in a hurry.”
“Was it my mom? I mean the one who sent you. Was it her who saved us?”
Terik nodded that it must have been.
“They didn’t hurt her, did they?” His face had innocence and hope behind its bruising. Terik hesitated, not sure how to answer.
“She is safe,” he finally said.
The kid sighed while trying to hide his smile in a failed attempt to appear tougher than he was. “She said she would free us.”
Terik patted his shoulder. “That she did. That she did. Now get to high ground, you haven’t much time.”
The kid turned to join the crowd but Terik halted him with a holler. “What’s your name, son?”
He spun around with a new sense of purpose on his face. “Dillon,” he said. “My name’s Dillon.”
“Nice to meet you, Dillon.”
The kid bounced, unable to control his excitement, and merged back into the crowd.
Terik headed down the hall. Though none of the guards he came across had actually wronged him personally, he continued to kill them with vengeance and glee. The prison was immense. When he circled back to the front he couldn’t help but fear he had missed some of the Lowlander victims, but he had done his best.
The brightness of the outside suns constricted his pupils, temporarily blinding him. His first step splashed water against his ankles, sending a rush of dread through his gut. He squinted.
Oh no. It has begun.
The trail of rescued prisoners was visible in the distance as they fled the town. They’re not going to make it. I’m not going to make it.
He sloshed through the rising floodwaters until he came to his horse. Once upon his steed, he ripped the horse’s reins from the post and grunted, “Yah.”
With the Lowlanders moving away from the dam, he galloped northeast and toward it. He needed to get back to his men and hadn’t time to go around. The frigid water splashed his ankles, drenching his pants, and though shivering, he pushed faster.
Far in the distance, massive boulders soared through the air, obviously from the catapults in Terik’s brigade. They represented a brilliant plan taking shape, but they also represented Terik’s failure to make it to safety in time. He whipped his steed’s thick neck. “We’re out of time, boy. We have to move faster.” But the rising water touched his feet, slowing his steed greatly.
As he moved closer to the dam, he saw the boulders striking their marks. Water poured from fresh breaks in the dam’s face, telling him it wouldn’t be long before the tidal wave of the Infinite Sea swept him away. The cracks grew bigger with each boulder’s collision. He rode faster, more east than north, toward the miniature outlines of his elevated men.
He smacked his steed’s hindquarters. “Come on, boy.”
More boulders launched into the air and struck their targets true. The dam rumbled. Large chunks of concrete crashed to the ground, letting the roaring water of the sea break through.
Terik drove his heels into his steed’s sides. The tidal wave built speed and power and devastation, ravaging all in its path. He was closer to his men, close enough that he could make out their faces. They saw him as well but there was nothing they could do to stop the flood. They raced along the elevated edge, flailing their arms above their heads. “Hurry,” they seemed to shout, though he couldn’t hear them over the roar. He wanted to scream back that he was trying.
Terik glanced down. His steed’s hooves struck dry ground for the first time since he’d left the prison. Though his stallion’s hooves were free, the steep grade slowed him even more. Terik leaped from his back and led his horse, pulling on his reins to help him ascend the hill.
The wall of water raged toward him. His horse fought but crumbled on the rocky terrain. This was the end.
He looked toward the wall of wet death and it stared back at him with fury. Massive oaks snapped like brittle twigs. Small abandoned cottages exploded and disappeared beneath its wrath.
Terik closed his eyes. He had almost made it. He thought about the lives he had possibly saved, though he couldn’t be certain that the Lowlanders had actually made it to higher ground. But he had given them a chance and for that he was proud. Then he pictured his wife and he smiled.
With all hope lost, something slapped against his leg. He looked down to find a rope laying on the ground at his side. He looked up at his men, dumbfounded, like his mind wasn’t working. They tied an imaginary rope around their waists telling him what to do. He would have laughed at his own incompetence if only he had the time.
He grabbed the hemp and tied it below his pits.
The roar of the water hurt his ears as it neared. Mist from the wave spit against his face and he cringed, waiting for the blow. The rope tightened. His body slammed against the ground, almost breaking his neck. He dragged along the dirty, jagged hill with incredible speed. The terrain dug gouges into his back and side and he bit his lip to keep from screaming.
He tucked his head to his chest and tried unsuccessfully to protect it from the beating of the ground. The water slammed against his horse and his own legs with the power and unforgiving might of a dragon’s whipping tail. He flipped over the ridge as the water barreled past. The horses that dragged him slowed to shouts from his men until he came to a rest in the grass.
He felt a cold breeze between his legs and glanced down. He was pant-less for the world to see. His soldiers surrounded him with uncomfortable snickering. Terik stood up in all of his naked glory, not about to give merit to their laughter.
“We’ll have you some new drawers in a moment, sir,” his red-faced lieutenant said.
“Sorry ’bout your horse,” one of his soldiers said.
“Um-hm,” Terik answered.
“You think we got the Teks?” the soldier said.
“Um-hm.”
The soldier looked back at him. “You cold?”
“Um-hm.”
CHAPTER 62
; HAVENS RAVINE
As the night skies began to glow orange, Rasi got his first look at the mighty Epertasian army amassing throughout the Great Plains. The grass, so alive and vibrant just a few days before, was now brown straw. In the distance, he saw the northern edge of Concore Forest and the faint outline of Shadows Peak beyond. Even as the suns started to illuminate the lands, Thasula somehow remained mostly in darkness. Rasi understood how his mountain home had gotten its name.
He peered into the ravine. Though he couldn’t see the belke slug, he knew from his earlier encounter the beast laid in wait.
Throughout the ranks, the older soldiers shared their wisdom with the younger ones, some of whom were no older than thirteen. Men kneeled and prayed to their gods while others tried to portray strength in front of their sons or fathers. Some of the men vomited into the dead grass and just as quickly straightened up and wiped the remnants away with their shirts. A few men – the minority – stood ready for the bloodshed ahead.
Rasi climbed back onto his steed. He stared across Havens Ravine at an almost endless sea of armor-clad foreigners who prepared to distribute death to all that he knew. In the faint light of dawn, across the distant span of the ravine, he saw the enemies’ battle-hardened faces and knew the fight would be long and hard.
To his right sat his Queen, his lover, upon her beautiful mare. On one hand, he was sad that she insisted on being there. The atrocities and violence she was about to witness would be more than she could possibly fathom and yet she would have it no other way.
On the other hand, he admired her strength. He knew her will was to die for her people, with her people, if she must. He also knew she would test the curse of The Light if that was to be her fate and there was nothing he could do to stop her. Before they traveled to the ravine, when he had asked her to stay behind, she made it clear that she was determined to lead Epertasian bodies to victory or lead their souls to purgatory.
Her legs trembled in her stirrups. Rasi tried not to look but she caught his glance and moved away. She could act tough but she couldn’t fool him. No matter how strong she pretended to be, Rasi knew. If he was nervous, which he was, she must be petrified.
Dru rode to the front with a smile as big as the ravine. “Good news,” he said. “Word has arrived. The northern Tek army has been obliterated by the floods. Your plan has worked.”
Rasi nodded, knowing the floods were only the opening salvo and that the real battle would soon begin. He looked past Dru to the incredible Epertasian army standing in wait. With Alina in tow, he rode out to address them. Their nervous chatter faded and the battlefield went silent.
Rasi made eye contact with Dru and nodded once.
Dru’s horse pranced excitedly, as even he seemed to know what approached. Dru shouted, “Epertasians! As you stand here and wait for war, you must know the opening battle has already been won. The northern Teks are no more.” He paused to let his men erupt in cheers and waited for them to settle before continuing. “We have come here this day to face a conquering army – an army that has traveled many moons with a single, violent purpose. We have done them no wrong, yet these animals are here to bring us death. We are facing the gravest threat we have ever known.” He pointed to the invaders. “Look across that ravine.” His voice cracked. “Each of you, look at our enemies’ faces and see their hatred. When you look at these creatures and deliver the cold death of your blades, do not have pity, as they are merely animals that deserve your vengeance. Drive your swords deep into their rotten hearts and twist with the pleasure of knowing you are on the side of the gods. Know they want to kill your wives and children and it is up to you to stop these murdering swine. Each one you kill is a blessing. Do not mourn them anymore than you would mourn squashing a lowly frost beetle.”
He stopped to catch his wind. “These creatures are not invincible; they are not to be feared. They bleed like all animals. This battle we face will not be the end of Epertase, but the beginning of a new world. You must have faith in the soldier at your side, as he will put his faith into you. You must believe in Commander Rasi’s strategy, as it is strong and true. I am eager for this fight, I am not afraid. We have been free for many generations and when we awaken after this war has ended, we will be free again. And we will have sent a message to any invading armies across the mighty oceans. We will not be conquered.”
The soldiers broke into deafening cheers again. Dru spun his horse away from them and toward the enemy. Rasi looked over his shoulder and nodded again.
Dru raised his sword into the air. His voice echoed. “For Queen Alina and all of Epertase.”
The hair rose on Rasi’s neck.
The army roared its approval. Rasi turned his head toward Alina. She stared back with fearful eyes.
My Queen, it begins.
The natural prewar instinct of doubt seemed to settle into Alina as she asked, Should we send peacemakers first? Or something?
He didn’t answer. A slight breeze ruffled against his cheek as the battlefield went eerily silent. Even the birds and rodents seemed to have fled.
He heard the rickety creak of wood followed by a jarring thump.
Whoosh!
A single ball of fire soared over his head like a comet streaking across the sky. He pointed to it.
This is our peacemaker.
The calm across the battlefield was suddenly and violently shattered by a single explosion of fire behind the Tek front line. A handful of enemy soldiers scrambled and rolled on the ground to smother the flames.
And then on cue, thousands of fireballs lit up the dawn sky like a third sun rising. Alina covered her ears. The fireballs engulfed the enemy and the kindling-like grass along the entire front line.
That wave of explosions was followed by another wave, and another. Pounding fireball after fireball crashed into their targets without remorse. Rasi watched, in awe of the might of the Epertasians, a magnificent sight unseen for many, many years.
Tek soldiers scrambled in what appeared to be chaos. Cries of the wounded could be heard over the attacking explosions. Their dead lay in the burned grass with smoke trickling from gaps in their armor. Other Teks shoved their charred comrades into the ravine before taking their places at the front.
The pungent odor of burned flesh rode a cool breeze past Rasi’s nostrils. He let a guilty smile dance across his face. The birds returned, at least the vultures, and circled above.
While the catapults rained death, Rasi sent a new signal to the rear. The men cut through ropes that held back giant, twisted arms on springs. The springs snapped and whipped the arms forward, sending iron balls as large as human heads from their arms. The iron orbs twirled through the air in pairs attached by thick chains. The Teks couldn’t clear paths fast enough as the chained balls ripped through their masses, shredding a pathway of death.
The onslaught continued throughout the day and into the night.
Alina turned back to Rasi, her fingers still plugging her ears. There is no end to them. Every one we kill is replaced by two more. We cannot maintain this offensive for much longer.
Rasi assured her, This is only the beginning of our attack.
The Teks’ tortured shadows scrambled, appearing to dance in the fiery light of the inferno. Rasi studied them intently. Their armor was strong, stronger than he had imagined and their continued vitality sent a small bit of despair into his gut. He had hoped his opening offensive would have done more damage. He made an effort to shield his concern from Alina.
The second morning’s dawn was dulled by dark clouds. The muted sunslight gave Rasi his first look at the damage they’d inflicted and continued to inflict. Right away, he realized they hadn’t done enough. He saw the horror on Alina’s face, which told him she realized it as well. She shouldn’t have been there.
The Tek numbers across the ravine were as thick and plentiful as they were at the beginning. The battle was about to get messy.
“Rasi, our attack has done nothing,” Alina screamed over t
he explosions.
Our attack has done fine, he lied to her. You must trust me now. What I am going to say, you will not like.
She stared at him, void of any words to respond.
He let her examine his stoic face for a moment to leave little doubt of his seriousness. Then he told her, I need you to order an end to our attack.
She froze. Her mouth dropped open. “What? That’s it?” she shouted. “There are still too many of them. We will be overrun.”
Order the ceasefire and trust me.
She hesitated. He stared through her, making sure his eyes told her there was no room for arguing. She reluctantly turned to Dru. With frustration etched in her face, she called the ceasefire.
Rasi nodded that she’d done well. She sneered back.
Dru raised a hollow mammoth tusk and pressed it against his lips. The horn’s blare reached deep into the catapult line. The explosions slowed until they ceased. The almost-peaceful silence was only broken by the moans of enemy casualties and the squawks of scavenger birds as they readied for breakfast. Rasi rode to the ravine’s edge to watch their next move.
The Teks were disciplined. They had stood firm during the onslaught. Their only movements were rolling the dead and mortally wounded into the ravine before falling back in line. Others seemed to fight back urges to attack.
Rasi sat on his steed, his stomach having its own war with itself. The brisk day dragged on yet no retaliation came. Alina shifted back and forth on Allusia’s saddle. She rubbed her hands together as though she washed blood from them, unable to get them clean. Her lower eyelids were puffy, revealing her need for sleep. She nervously asked Rasi what the enemy was waiting for.
Calm down, Alina. They’re waiting to see if we’re finished.
“Then let’s show them we are not.”
Patience. It is still early. There is a lot of blood yet to be shed. Maybe you should fall back and get some rest …
“No! I have told you, I’m staying with my people.”
Light of Epertase 01: Legends Reborn Page 28
