by Shawn Sodman
Kristieana enters the tent and says, “I just heard that a group of orcneas are on their way, and we are planning to attack them before they reach Sheathelm.”
Yentroc says, “I guess that means we’re not going to be safe behind the walls after all.”
“No one is required to go,” says Kristieana. “They are asking for volunteers.”
Rehma speaks up. “I'll go.”
“I will, too,” says Gelana.
Kristieana says, “They really need casters and archers.”
“I'll go,” says Kel'ana.
“Me, too,” says Ja'noa.
Yentroc says, “I’d better go, too, in case any of you need to be healed.”
“I would go,” says Lyra. “But I’m supposed to help Grunwalt protect books in the library by putting them into the Infinitus Libellus. A'ranah and King Arioch asked me personally to help him.”
Evelena says, “I suppose that means we’re all going except for Lyra.”
“I'll tell the elders,” says Kristieana, heading back out of the tent.
Yentroc says, “I'll be lucky if can get any sleep at all tonight.”
Day 22
Chapter 58
The Fifth Dawn
Just to the north of Sheathelm, atop one of the few hills of the eastern plains, a stone tower stands alone. It is a place that is referred to as Watchtower Hill. The southern portion of the hill that faces the castle is not very steep. In fact, most wouldn't consider it a hill at all if not for the steep drop along the north face that leads down into shallow valley where the land flattens once again. The hill is high enough for those in the tower to see farther to the north than from any tower within Sheathelm.
King Arioch surveys the land from inside the tower. With him are Chance, A'ranah, and several archers. A mix of mounted forces, archers, and spell casters of both human and elves wait on the southern hillside. The eastern sky is red as the sun prepares to rise while, to the north, the enemy approaches.
The shaman general, Carr Vork, rides on horseback as the orcnea raiding party follows on foot. Carr stops his horse and dismounts. He looks up the hill to the watchtower that is less than one hundred paces away.
One of his men asks, “What is it, sir?”
“Something’s not right,” says Carr.
The soldier replies, “I’m sure there are guards in the tower. Would you like me to order the men to attack it?”
“No,” says Carr. “The sun has not yet broken the horizon, and it’s not the people in the tower that concern me. Send a spine drake up so the beastmasters can see beyond the hill. I want to know what’s ahead.”
“Yes, sir,” replies the soldier.
In the tower, Chance says to the others, “They stopped. This is it.”
Arioch watches as roughly four hundred orcneas begin to spread out. He says, “Get ready to give the signal.”
Chance moves to a window at the back of the tower that overlooks the forces of Sheathelm. He waits for Arioch to give the order. The king instead looks to sky above the orcneas as a spine drake ascends. The drake flies high enough that those waiting on the south side of the hill can also see it.
Arioch says, “We've been discovered.”
He looks back down at the line of orcneas and watches as many of them begin to draw back on their bow strings. Arioch rushes to the window next to Chance. Just as the sun's light hits the top of the tower, General Vork gives the order and the arrows are released. Arioch yells, “Take cover!”
Gelana looks up as the arrows reach their apex and glint with the morning’s light. She activates Infragilis, and the magic shield protects her as the arrows descend upon them.
Most of the troops either protect themselves or are never threatened by the attack. Only a few are struck, Yentroc being one of them. Her right arm is pierced by an arrow. Arioch commands the men and women to attack, and the battle at Watchtower Hill begins.
The troops begin to charge over the hill as Evelena stays back with Yentroc. She looks around for help when she spies Namos helping another injured soldier. The young man, who was raised by the monks at Sapphire Lake, pulls an arrow from a man's leg and proceeds to heal him. Namos gives the man a pat on the shoulder and a nod before the man joins in the charge.
“I need your help over here!” calls Evelena.
Namos rushes over and looks at the arrow that has impaled Yentroc's upper arm. Half of the arrow protrudes out the other side. Namos says, “We have to pull it out, but first we must break off the end so that the arrowhead does not cause more damage.”
In pain, Yentroc says, “Just get it out.”
Evelena says to her, “Hold onto my hand and try not to move.” She gives Namos a nod.
“I’m sorry, this is going to hurt,” says Namos. He grasps the arrow tightly and snaps the arrowhead off. He then pulls the arrow out and casts a healing spell on the wound.
Yentroc says, “Thank you.”
“Are you a healer?” he asks.
“Yes,” answers Yentroc. “How did you know?”
“The silver beads on your necklace,” says Namos.
“Oh, of course,” says Yentroc.
“It looks like we’re going to have a lot of work to do,” he says.
On the other side of the hill, General Vork says to his men, “Hold this position until I return.”
One of the orcneas says, “We’re outnumbered, we cannot hold them for long.”
“If you fail,” says Carr, “Take as many of them with you as you can.” Carr casts a spell and becomes invisible. Then he casts another and teleports himself to an empty spot at the top of the hill. Looking south, he can see the walls of Sheathelm. He smiles and teleports once again.
King Arioch comes out from the tower as his armies begin to shoot their arrows and spells at the orcneas below. A'ranah exits the tower, as well, and says, “I wonder why they haven't opened any gates yet?”
Arioch says, “Perhaps their shamans are too distracted by the battle.”
Not far away, Kel'ana fires her bow, Glacies, at one of the orcneas. The icy arrow flies toward its target when it is deflected out of the air. Kel'ana says to the others, “They have a spell protecting them. I can't hit them.”
“Are you sure that you aren't just missing them?” asks Gelana.
“Not three shots in a row,” Kel'ana replies.
Gelana looks at the battlefield and studies the formations of the two sides. She can see that behind the orcnea shield-bearers are two rows of archers. After every tenth orcnea is a shaman. Gelana watches as the shamans channel a spell. The shamans cease their spell-casting momentarily while the archers fire their arrows, then resume.
“It’s the shamans with the archers,” says Gelana. “I think they’re protecting them.”
“Then let’s get them,” says Rehma. Before Gelana can agree to do so, Rehma begins to sprint down the hill toward the front of the battle, where many of the Amazons from the house of La'harn and swordsmen of Sheathelm are now clashing with the orcnea shield bearers.
“Wait!” calls Gelana, but Rehma continues to charge into battle. “Kel'ana, make sure you cover us.”
“I’ll try,” replies Kel'ana. “But if you don't take out their protection, I won’t be much help.”
“I understand,” says Gelana before following her friend.
Back at the city of Sheathelm, General Vork stands undetected before the moat that protects the walls. Still invisible, he opens a pouch on his belt and takes out two stones that are carved with runic markings. He pushes one of them into the ground before walking several paces over and doing the same with the other. He looks up at the five air ships of the goblins that circle above the city. Then he changes into an eagle and takes flight.
Back at Watchtower Hill, Evelena joins Kel'ana and Ja'noa. Evelena asks, “Where are Rehma and Gelana?”
Ja'noa points. “They went down there.”
Evelena looks at the base of the hill just as Rehma reaches the battle. Rehma, u
sing both of her Vallo swords, strikes down an orcnea that is out of position due to the chaos. Instead of staying with the rest of the Amazons and soldiers, Rehma sees an opening and runs towards the archers and shamans. Gelana tries to follow her, but has to stop and defend herself against an orcnea fighter.
The orcnea swings a sword at Gelana, but she blocks it with Infragilis. She tries to counterattack, but the orcnea parries her attempt. They trade blows several more times before Gelana remembers the magical properties of her shield. When the orcnea tries to strike her again, Gelana swings her shield aggressively at the sword instead of just blocking. With the added magical force, the orcnea's weapon is sent flying from his hand. Gelana steps forward and thrusts her sword into the chest of the enemy. The orcnea falls, and Gelana continues to try to push her way through to her friend.
Not far away, Rehma pushes the attack. She slashes down two archers and swings at a nearby shaman. This breaks the shaman's concentration and gives Kel'ana an opportunity to shoot one of the archers that is now targeting Rehma.
Concerned, Kel'ana says to Ja'noa, “There are too many of them.”
Ja'noa releases a bolt of lightning and takes down another threat to Rehma. She says, “I hope she has her armor spell active.”
Continuing to fight her way through to the archers, Gelana impales another orcnea. She steps over the lifeless body and finds herself on the other side of the front line. She sees Rehma and starts to head in her direction when the shaman Rehma is after casts a flash of light that blinds both of the young women.
Near the top of the hill, Kel'ana and Ja'noa are far enough away that the flash of light does not affect them. Kel'ana fires her bow, but the shaman raises his protection spell once again, and the icy arrow is deflected harmlessly away.
“Oh, no!” exclaims Ja'noa. “We can't help them.”
Kel'ana, Evelena, and Ja'noa watch helplessly as down below, Gelana is struck by a mace on the back of her right leg. She falls to the ground and instinctively rolls onto her back, covering herself with her shield. Rehma, unable to see clearly, is struck by two arrows. One strikes her in the shoulder, and the other in her gut. She falls to her knees and grabs the arrow that is stuck in her belly. She pulls it free and looks up as one of the orcneas draws back his sword to finish her off.
Rehma reaches down to find her sword, but before she can bring it up to parry she finds herself surrounded by flames.
“Look!” says Kel'ana, as they continue to watch from the hill. “It's Chance.”
Standing next to Gelana, Chance summons another ring of fire to surround them. The nearby orcneas flee as Gelana looks up at him and says, “I am certainly glad to see you.”
“Come on, we have to get to Rehma,” he says. He extends his hand and helps Gelana to her feet. With one leg injured she hobbles, and Chance asks, “Can you make it?”
“Yes,” she answers. “We can heal it later.”
Chance turns his attention to Rehma, who is still in trouble as two archers draw back their bowstrings and target her through the flames. Chance motions with his right hand, and the fire surrounding Rehma moves outward from her and engulfs the two orcneas. Chance makes another motion with his hand, and a section of the fire that surrounds him and Gelana disappears, opening a pathway to Rehma.
Chance targets the shaman and throws a fireball at his feet. The shaman drops his protection spell, allowing Kel'ana and the others to assist them once again. Gelana stays close to Chance and watches out for any threats, but with the fire almost everywhere, most of the orcneas are now fleeing from the nearby area.
They reach Rehma and Chance says, “Get the other arrow out and I'll heal you.”
Rehma pulls the other arrow from her shoulder. “I don't require your assistance. I had my armor spell up.”
“Rehma,” Gelana says. “You’re still bleeding. Let Chance heal you.”
“Fine,” Rehma relents as she tosses the bloody arrow to the side.
Chance channels the healing spell, and soon Rehma's wounds disappear. He turns to Gelana. “Let's fix that leg of yours.”
He casts the healing spell on Gelana, who puts her full weight back on the leg to test it. She says, “Thank you.”
“Now we have to get out of here,” says Chance.
“We're not done yet,” says Rehma.
“Yes, we are,” replies Chance. “We have to get back to our allies.”
At the top of the hill, Kel'ana continues to shoot at any threat she can see near Chance and the others. She says to Evelena, “Are they arguing right now?”
“It looks like it,” says Evelena.
Ja'noa says, “At least she's not fighting him.”
Rehma begins to walk away from Chance, but he follows her along with Gelana. With the battle still going on all around them, Rehma says to Chance, “I thought you were the fabled orcnea slayer. Why aren't you slaying them now?”
“Because I have exhausted myself casting these flames and healing you,” he says.
“I told you that you didn't need to heal me,” says Rehma.
An orcnea charges at them only to be cut down by Rehma's two swords. They come into view of another line of archers. The orcnea on the end turns towards Rehma and fires his bow. Rehma dodges the arrow and it flies past her and toward Gelana, who barely manages to get her shield up in time.
Chance says to Gelana, “Can you give me some of your strength so I can end this?”
“Sure, anything I can do to help,” replies Gelana. She closes her eyes and casts a spell that allows her to share her vigor with Chance.
With new found strength, Chance casts another wall of fire and sends it forth in front of Rehma. The archers flee and the shaman among them turns his attention to Chance. The flames have no effect on the orcnea spell-caster. He steps from the blaze and casts a bolt of lightning. He hurls it at Chance, but Gelana puts herself in the way of the spell and blocks it with Infragilis. The shaman begins to cast another spell, but Rehma closes in before he finishes the incantation and impales him with both her swords.
The sound of a horn is heard blowing off in the distance and the orcneas begin to fall back quickly in an organized fashion.
At the top of the hill, King Arioch asks, “Where are they going?”
“I have no idea,” says A’ranah.
Just over one hundred paces to the north, beyond the battle, General Vork sounds the horn again. The orcnea troops rush towards his position and as they do, the shamans leave behind fires of their own to slow the pursuit of Arioch's men.
As the orcneas get closer to General Vork, he activates a gate stone and a magical gate appears. “They’re bringing in reinforcements,” says Arioch.
“No, they're not,” says A'ranah. “Look.”
They watch as Carr steps through the gate, and soon other orcneas follow. Arioch says, “Are they retreating already?”
“It would appear so,” says A'ranah. “Maybe our presence has ruined their plans.”
More orcneas are picked off by the archers during the retreat, and soon the battle is over. King Arioch is left wondering what is coming next.
Chapter 59
The Deepest Wounds
An hour later in the throne room, King Arioch is finishing a discussion with his four generals and representatives from the Amazons and goblins about what to do next. Arioch says, “So for now, all we can do is wait. If the orcneas try to come through a gate to the north, Lord Damion will be waiting for them with two hundred of our best archers.”
Captain Belron enters the room. “Your Majesty, another storm has arrived over the sea, but so far there is no sign of any orcnea ships.”
Arioch says, “We will need to make sure the storm does not reach Sheathelm, otherwise the goblin air ships would be forced to retreat.”
A'ranah says, “The Amazons are prepared to push it back if necessary.”
The King asks Belron, “Is there any word as to what the orcneas are doing in the north?”
“It seems
they are all still gathered at their camp,” Belron replies.
“Maybe they are waiting for nightfall,” says Chance.
“Perhaps,” says Arioch. Evelena and the other young Amazons—with the exception of Lyra—enter the throne room. Arioch says, “Thank you, gentlemen, that will be all.” The generals and goblins begin to leave as Chance stays with Arioch and the Amazons.
Evelena says to A'ranah, “You sent for us, Mother Elder?”
“Yes,” replies the Amazon queen. “I wanted to talk with you about what happened earlier this morning. This was the first time I got to witness you young ones in battle. I must say that while most of you performed with honor, I do have my concerns.” The six women look down as A'ranah approaches them. She stands before Rehma. “Chance tells me that you were almost killed while rushing into battle.”
“I beg your pardon, Mother Elder, but Chance is mistaken,” says Rehma. “I had my armor spell active and was protected.”
A'ranah says, “I was not there, of course, so I cannot say for certain.” She looks at Chance and adds, “Would you care to say anything?”
“Yes, I would,” says Chance. A'ranah steps back next to Serena and Leanara as Chance stands before Rehma. She clenches her fists and looks up at him. With neither of them looking away, Chance says, “You may have had extra protection from your spell, but that would not have protected you from that orcnea's sword while you were on your knees.”
“I was going to parry it,” replies Rehma angrily. “But your flames got in the way.”
Chance asks Kel'ana, “How many orcneas did you kill that were a threat to Rehma?”
“Four or five, I think,” says Kel'ana quietly.
Rehma says, “That’s what she was supposed to do. We look out for each other.”
“I know,” says Chance. “But what about after you were blinded and the shaman had his protection spell up? Who was going to look out for you then?”
“Gelana was there,” says Rehma.
