The two warships docked almost simultaneously and when the ramps were lowered both Kings Skylar and Tate stopped as they were surrounded in blackness and turned around when Cage said “One Sec, Guys.” They were isolated in his magic and turned to each other for a moment before nodding. “I just need to say…”
“No need, Sir Cage.” King Tate said first. “Two months. We already agreed we can hold the bastards off that long. Your plan is risky, but we would never have dreamed of something like that. You just focus on completing your objectives while we keep most eyes on us.”
“Yes, and even if you showed up before then your power won’t make too much a difference on the battlefield. We have dragons now who can take up all that slack and then some.” King Skylar threw in.
“Actually I was going to say don’t hesitate to whittle down their numbers before they get to Emroc. Even slaves. The fewer in their forces the less advantage they have over you. It might not be pretty, but war is not pleasant. This isn’t a fight for fun. This is going to be a bloodbath with no quarter. I would personally target their slaves to force those higher up to work for a change, but it is your choice. Give them hell, before I initiate my plans and send them there.”
The two kings grinned along with the warlock as the surrounding darkness faded and sunlight took its place. Meeka hugged her parents and wished them well as they left. Other friendships were likewise sent with well wishes. Hands were shook before the guests quickly boarded and sailed off.
As soon as they were on their way Cage turned to his people and said “We all know what must be done. Get to it.” They nodded and hurried back inside to ready for the hunt of their lives.
Chapter 11
Zikon teleported directly inside the command tent forty nine days after news spread of the latest empire invasion. His greater than natural hearing picked up the sounds of magical fire detonating less than a mile away. The command tent was spacious, but lacked ostentatious luxury. It was made to be taken down and assembled quickly as the alliance army marched. The only furniture was wooden chairs along with a single table holding up a dozen crystals magically displaying a battlefield despite the blinding darkness of the night. In the three dimensional view showed two massive barriers being bombarded from different angles at all times of the day out on the eastern outskirts of Kidi where the empire’s forces had finally been stopped, after the battle two weeks ago at Soloro’s complete annihilation. Luckily few good men from either Emroc of Vlara’s forces were caught in the blast, but the empire lost more than a thousand from their front lines. After the Soloro incident the Laqura Empire was more cautious and frightened by reports from spies telling how they couldn’t figure out how so many of the alliance’s men had escaped when theirs could not. Most of the men who had died weren’t bonded properly and could not contact their partner mentally fast enough under such a sudden call to retreat.
But what stopped their movement entirely today was when all dragon bonded knights were unleashed and slew more than a hundred of the empire’s to one. Over eight thousand inhumanly, strong fast and deadly soldiers devastated morale in the enemy, especially when no mage on their side could magically defeat them, forcing most opposing mages to teleport away or were killed when targeted by an unstoppable squad. Only mobile magical defenses are what is keeping the enemy army from being routed out.
More than forty highly polished mirrors revealed different faces in the tent, five being designated and currently used by five dragon advisors in the place of their leaders. The only advisor Zikon recognized was Mox, the black and ancient dragon. But around the table were two kings, generals and war advisors. Each one studied the display closely while twelve first class sorcerers in the room verified Zikon, even though he wouldn’t have been able to transport himself instantly into the room if he weren’t allowed.
“I take it you heard we’ve finally stopped them?” King Tate said as he wiped blood from his cheek. The blood was dry and not his when he led his men into battle with mostly very angry wives all throwing devastating magic to aid their husbands. The alliance was still greatly outnumbered, but quality trumped quantity this day.
“Who hadn’t? I could practically feel the men running all the way back in Twilight and the thousands of new witches roasting mages left and right all the way down the lines. How did our forces fare though?” Zikon said as he took an available seat.
“We lost a hundred and seventy one men and forty two women in today’s battle, but we killed around nineteen thousand. If we hadn’t unleashed, such a daunting number would have torn us apart and left Kidi defenseless a year ago. The loss of Soloro cannot be allowed to happen again.” King Skylar said tensely, turning away from the battle view. “We severely underestimated them twice already, losing the old magics when also Wayward Way was completely destroyed. Without both ports maintained, it allowed these bastards to walk freely into my kingdom. You know well that King Skylar’s ships were not a moment too late in saving Dragon’s Port, but with that army sweeping at it we were forced to abandon it and take the crystals far away. And we all agree today’s victory won’t last long.”
General Kurk pulled a blood speckled gauntlet off his hands and then said “We had no other choice, Good King. If we hadn’t destroyed them here, we would still face the fact we’ve been baiting them as they would soon realize we’ve still been killing more of them than they us.” The Emrocan king couldn’t deny that logic.
Mox’s voice filled the room, coming from the hanging mirror above General Corbin’s head. “Nevertheless, this rotation has also changed our own battles with the Division Mountain colony. Humans using the Utala harness killed fifty nine opponents with no fatalities, but some managed to escape our claws and will warn Rex Shakka. My mate’s spies in that colony and in the forces you have faced these rotations, who have been slowly undermining efforts, but in this rotation’s conflict stratagems will change to discover our true strengths and likely the beasts will be released. Especially upon your ground force. We are ready to truly reveal our alliance’s full capabilities. Ahead of schedule this is, but efforts of the alliance has progressed further than original predictions. Spies of my mate’s verify Taxim are in containment within the enemy numbers you face. The numbers they have brought will be crushed once loosed and their treachery shown to the world. We are ready and waiting to destroy our foe.”
“Good to know. Our men are eager to be close to their partners again and fight as one.” King Tate said. “Our supplies are set, ground space cleared and all our reserve knights are already armored and have their harnesses ready with spare, pressurized canisters for any extensive battles to come.”
“Pleased we are about this, but beware, tomorrow’s battle will have heavy losses as it is with great probability many enemies of my people will try to stop us from killing the Tiaxm coming for you. Prepare the hardening wards to activate at any moment… for space will tear with so much concentrated power. The sky will be crowded.”
Heads nodded from all around.
“Any further reports while we have all finally gathered?” King Tate tiredly inquired.
“What of the warlock? Why hasn’t he come?” One advisor at a mirror wondered. “I thought he couldn’t pass up a fight. Is he actually a spineless…”
“Watch your tongue.” King Skylar glared and the man’s image paled at the rage of his king’s expression. “It is not yet time for him to act. Quit trying to ferret information out that could cost us this war. Even if he fails it could give us the opportunity we need. He’s not going to fight our war. Be thankful he has done anything, for without him this alliance wouldn’t have happened. Right now we must focus on this battle and the Tiaxm. They are our only immediate concern.” He snapped his fingers and the man’s image vanished and took on a natural mirror’s aspect.
“Any further questions?” Skylar looked around the entire tent. “None? Good. Better rest while we can because in a few hours we’ll be besieged by real demons.”
As mirror
s lost their magical images and many began leaving the tent Zikon said “Tell my wife I’ll return to her tent after I speak with Theresa over on the vacant hill to the west where some of our other dragons hide in waiting.”
“Very well, Lord Zikon.” One sorcerer said before leaving.
Instead of teleporting, Zikon decided to use his own two legs and enjoy a good walk.
He lifted the tent’s wool flap, greased to repel rain. But as he stepped out he caught sight of four sorcerers with huge wolf Familiars standing guard. Each one gave a small bow to Zikon and he smiled. His hazel eyes looked up as a large blue and red fireball made contact over a hundred feet in the air against the barrier, which was actually a sphere so even underground nothing could surprise the alliance’s forces. The explosion was bright, but made no sound to frighten, especially as the siege would not stop by magical means. The constructed siege weapons were well out of range for both sides.
Over a mile away to the east was the opposition and evil enemy bent on destruction and slavery. Magics prevented any view on what lay within as all around it blasts of light was returned in kind. Just as Zikon couldn’t see the enemy, nor could they see inside the alliance’s. He shook his head and thought in the silence of his mind So much unneeded death and destruction. Mother, does your insanity know no limits? Just when will your bloodlust be satisfied? Four thousand years of war. Hundreds of millions dead, and for what? So much unneeded conflict. I feel sorry for all those blinded by your untruths, but I truly pity you and your blighted existence. I should have killed you when I had the chance. Only now do I see the depths of your desire to conquer without any possible solution to find a peaceful solution and work together for mutual benefit for all life. Under you, freedom will not exist, nor hoped for. You must be killed.
Zikon withdrew from his thoughts and began walking. His gaze swept across the rolling hills where about ten thousand tents has been erected, each able to hold about six to eight individuals at any time. In the recesses of the hills were all the horses. The hills acted like a natural fence to keep them together. All the tents were arranged in near perfect military order to maintain peak efficiency. It had to be, as magical battles could appear at any place at any time. Reacting needed to be available at all times so that any forces trying to gain entry could be crushed.
To the west was the town of Kidi under complete lockdown. It was more than a day’s ride on horseback, but they tended the wounded and secretly sent them back to the front lines. With so many new witches, healing wounds allowed for a near instant recovery so one could fight again. And again. And again.
Fresh streams ran alongside the alliance, but was cut off from feeding into the enemy. It didn’t matter much since they had created wells to keep their men and creatures well watered.
As Zikon moved he had the sensation of being watched and turned around. All he found were two people, a man in armor relaxing with a rather buxom young looking woman on his lap enjoying the magical attacks in safety. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood up still, but he sent certain detection spells to discover the source of the unease. Nothing revealed itself. It wasn’t anything new for him to be looked at due to how he is and his position as head of the First Council, but whatever was looking upon him wasn’t kind. Malevolence radiated so strongly he could taste it. “Theresa?”
Her mind was right there as always. “Feel it through you I do. Strange… eludes my efforts. Cannot tell if origins are near or far, but anger towards your person is clear. Hasten to my side. It is too crowded there for me to come, but do not rouse suspicion.”
Zikon turned around casually, readying dozens of spells to be released at a moment’s notice, but keeping power at a minimum to remain oblivious to the threat.
Heads snapped around and mouths parted to gawk in his passing. It was a natural reaction he elicited due to his overflowing power which resulted in a body that glowed like dawn before the sun peeked over the horizon. Even without the bright flashes impacting the barrier, under the new moon and thick clouds promising rain, Zikon didn’t need to create light or carry a torch. His head and hands gave off plenty of light to navigate. Even his immaculate white robe dimly allowed light through. To some he appeared almost like a spirit from afar.
In his travels through the rows and rows of tents he neared one of the eight designated healer areas and came upon two women working over a bloody man riddled with deep gashes outside and a tent over. The man’s face had a horseshoe mark while his chest was cut to ribbons. Just by his color and weakening expression, something was not right. The new witches were having a rather difficult time and even Zikon who just came up upon the scene could see the man’s strength leaving him. In a few minutes it would be too late. “Allow me to help.”
The women jumped in surprise at his voice and watched as the man’s wounds began frothing and bubbling. Zikon said “He was cut by an enchanted blade quenched in foul poisons. Not many these days know how to heal a wound such as this. You’ve done well keeping him alive this long. Most would have died within the hour. It is no wonder you ladies had difficulty helping your…”
“Husband.” “Father.” The two young women said at the same time. It was clear who the daughter was as she had a combination of genetic parts of the mother and father. The wife said “The healers couldn’t find what was wrong with my husband and said we should say our last words. We couldn’t give up and my dragon wasn’t allowed to come to my aid and help him.” Tears spilled in emotional relief as her husband’s wounds closed and he looked around when the blinding pain eased. “Thank you, Lord Zikon! Bless you!” she hugged him and then her husband who was touching the dark mass of poison that destroyed his cells.
“You are most welcome, Young Lady.”
“Young? I’m seventy two… oh, I forget how I look now.” The woman laughed.
Zikon smiled. “To me you are still just a child. I’m over a thousand.” He left with a chuckle as the family looked like fish on land, trying to form words in their stunned minds. To himself, once alone, he chuckled “She thinks she’s old? How sad is that?”
He passed the last tent and walked up a wooded hill. Not twenty feet up it he heard “Too bad you won’t be saying such for long, Brother.”
Zikon spun to the dark voice dripping with scorn and went to cast his held spells, but was suddenly blasted down to the ground by a powerful invisible force. Zikon’s wards flared in response and blocked it, but physics dictated the force had to be released and although Zikon was saved by his barrier, it still sunk him four feet down in the rocky soil. Zikon looked up and released the spells at the attacker while thinking loudly “Theresa! I’m under attack! He’s as powerful as me!” he added as he watched his spells get halted at the man’s barrier. Each one had enough power to destroy any normal first class sorcerer’s defenses, but they were stopped.
Zikon fired dozens more, his staff glowing bright with power. Each spell was countered. At first Zikon thought his eyes were playing tricks. The man was large in many aspects and seemed to be standing in front of a light of some sort, but in the few seconds of their battle that destroyed over fifty yards surrounding them, Zikon watched as a simple camouflage spell lifted to reveal the man also had a natural glow of power. Zikon wasn’t anywhere near to be considered a pushover, neither in body or magic. He jumped out of the hole and filled himself to his maximum till his body brimmed and he did look like the sun if stared at. He knew his limits and fought at it. But as he fought, so too did the man in front of him glow brighter.
A bright violet flash announced Theresa’s arrival above them. She made a fist surrounded with amethyst mist, a standard shield breaking spell, but with her strength, once she broke through she’d squash the one daring to harm her Summoner.
But just as she was about to deliver her punch there was a sickly green flash of light and a pop. In its place was a thickly muscled male dragon who grabbed her wrist and jerked it around so fast and overextended the joint till she roared in pain as her a
rm broke in several places, one sharp bone as thick as a human. Theresa took a breath and went to breathe her flames and roast her attacker, but he was faster an chomped down on her muzzle. Fire jutted from her nostrils and between her teeth as the green male’s curved teeth dug deeply in her flesh and bone, one even puncturing her eye. He then put both feet on her chest and grabbed her throat at the back of her skull and pulled for all he was worth. The pain was too much for her to launch magic and he was stronger and faster.
With a mighty pull, Theresa’s screams were cut short as her head was severed violently from her body. The green dragon dropped her carcass, let it crash to the ground and spat her head aside.
“Theresa!” Zikon screamed and lost his concentration for just a split second.
It was more than enough for the other burly sorcerer to capitalize and cracked through Zikon’s wards with a fist surrounded in pale green mist. He clutched his head from feedback and felt a kick plant on his chest, knocking the wind out of him. Before he could draw on his staff, the man kicked away the oak and stomped on Zikon’s hand, breaking every bone.
“Pathetic!” The man yelled as he sneered and had such a look of disgust that showed hatred poisoned even the soul. “How easily you fall. Mother said you would be more of a challenge. How wrong she was.”
“Finish this, Braxas.” The green dragon hissed. “The fools come!”
Braxas drew a huge dagger from his pocket and grinned in complete madness. It was bathed in a slimy poison Zikon sensed to be the empire’s trademark for assassination, Zeether Venom of the concentrate variety. Braxas, Zikon knew when he got a closer look of the man, was indeed his half brother. Not only could he sense a bit of similar blood, but they shared their mother’s pert nose. Hazel eyes and thick honey bronze hair they shared though, but not by her. Braxas had been a guarded secret of the empress for over fifty years, a weapon molded specifically to kill Zikon when he was most vulnerable and away from Twilight’s protection.
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 36
