by Eden Redd
The scream blasted out as a shockwave ripped through the enemy. Bodies shattered instantly and continued to shatter as the wave ripped through them like houses in a hurricane. The voice flattened troll and undead alike as Juna screeched into the heavens. When the power subsided and she fell to her knees, Juna’s dark eyes looked from side to side to witness no enemy standing for about a mile in every direction.
Jinn stayed on his knees, blood trickling from the side of his mouth. “That’s my girl.”
Juna crawled forward, catching Jinn as he slumped forward. “Don’t leave,” she cried.
Jinn reached up and touched her cheek, wiping away a tear. “I…I didn’t want you to fight…Friends are coming.”
Juna stared down with wet eyes.
“Get back to your friends…I like that Edric guy…,” Jinn coughed.
Juna let out a long, soulful moan.
“Don’t worry…I’ll be back in a few days...We can…” Jinn stopped talking as lines of light ran along his body.
Juna held him close as his body cracked and shattered in her arms. The half-troll let out a wail as the last bits of light faded away and she was alone.
Fifteen
Edric turned and pressed his back to the city wall. Above him, explosions rattled the city’s defense. Scorpions and catapults were blasted to pieces, debris raining down. Leeta put an arm over Faye to shield her from pieces of stone and wood. Ten feet further in, naliks, trolls and everyday citizens looked on the lord and lady of Elora. They stood stoic, waiting for their rulers to regain their breath and ready for orders.
Edric looked to them, his gaze distant as the pain of watching Elora die whispered into his mind. The fighting had delayed the emotional turmoil but now it reared its ugly head at the worst possible moment. The player wanted to focus on what needed to be done but as debris fell, his logical mind took over, and telling him it was over.
Edric stood up and walked forward. Vanya and her bodyguard broke from the gathered citizens. All met next to Faye and Leeta. Faye drank in Edric’s lost expression, her own resolve ready to take over if he couldn’t fight any more. Leeta stood; ready to follow Edric wherever he may lead.
“We have to abandon Elora,” Edric stated simply.
“We can keep fighting,” Faye said with stern eyes.
Edric looked away, “Elora.”
The image of Elora appeared, “Yes Edric?”
“How much of the enemy legions remain,” the summoner asked.
“There are 69,237 trolls remaining and 53,201 undead remaining,” the city core stated.
“Our defenses?”
“The city has lost most of our southern wall defenses and enemy mages have cracked several sections of the wall. The main gate will not last much longer.”
Edric turned his attention to Faye. “Everyone will be killed if we stay. We must evacuate and get the people to safety. We can pick up the pieces when it’s over.”
Vanya stepped closer, kind eyes on the summoner. “No need to give up Lord Temple.”
Edric looked to the elder nalik, eyes sagging. “We tried our best. The city wall won’t hold much longer. I’m…sorry.”
Vanya lifted a scaled hand and touched the summoner’s cheek. “You’re pain clouds your judgment.”
Edric sighed. “Time is running out. The wall I repaired won’t last. The city will fall. We have to run.”
Vanya’s bodyguard stepped closer. The nalik’s eyes held a kind strength. Faye and Leeta watched as the female bodyguard stood before Edric, Vanya taking a step back.
“Vanya, I thought perhaps you were being misled but I can see the truth in his eyes. Despite their questionable dealings with the trolls, they truly wish to protect all who dwell here.”
Edric and Faye looked to the nalik, brows rising.
Vanya bowed her head. “Mistress, they continue to fight even when they know they will lose. Lord Temple, Lady Riverwood, Lady Discord and Lady Pearl have all looked out for their people’s best interest. Because of them, we have moved several hundred young to safe locations. The rulers of Elora are on the side of justice.”
Edric looked the nalik bodyguard in the eyes, “We only want to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Ralis stepped forward from the crowd and bowed slightly. “They have proven their kindness and fortitude, taking even the enemy, such as myself, in and showing mercy where none would. I’m proud to be part of Elora, even if she does not survive.”
The bodyguard nodded and a small smile bloomed. “There are several dozen dragon eggs being held here. Duty and honor demands that we fight to keep them and all of Elora’s citizens safe.”
Power vibrated into the area as Edric kept his gaze connected to the bodyguard. The summoner remembered this feeling before in Lythor when dragons were close. Even in a shape shifted form, if you paid enough attention, you could feel it singing to your spirit.
The nalik reached over and pressed her hand to Edric’s shoulder. “We will not let them win.”
Eyes widened as the bodyguard’s form began to grow larger. Boots took a step back and another as the nalik’s body shifted and grew. The robe melted away but the sword across her back stayed, growing larger along the scaled body. Vanya looked up with a grin as the bodyguard’s neck lengthened. Features sharpened and snout extended. Wings burst from her back as a scaled and clawed hand took hold of the sword and drew it. A tail unfurled and hit the ground with a thunderous rumble. Legs bent as silver gray scales burst along her skin, growing thicker and fitting together like sharp puzzle pieces.
Edric’s back touched the wall, Faye and Leeta at his side. All three looked up to see a majestic silver dragon standing on two legs, a sword as long as it’s body in a scaled hand.
“I am Skalor Gray-Thorn,” the silver dragon said in perfect common tongue. “I was there when the dragon capitol fell and felt lost just as you are now. Even with my power, I could not protect all my people from the undead carnage.”
The dragon looked up as explosions rocked the entire kingdom. “Many of my people are dead or in hiding. Let tonight be the moment we band together against evil and restore hope to Lukken once again. Elora will be a beacon to those to come out of hiding and take back our homes.”
The dragon flexed her wings. Edric stared up in awe, unable to speak as the dragon bent powerful legs and thrust her body into the sky. Wings stretched out, catching the wind and gliding up higher and higher, a massive sword in her delicate scaled hand.
The fighting slowed as eyes turned to the night sky, fear and wonder washing over the enemy. The giant silver dragon flapped higher, sword pointed down and serpent eyes containing an unholy rage. The sight sent a chill into the living while the dead knew fear from the power of dragon fire.
Maggar looked up at the dragon reaching her zenith and the dread lord’s dead heart beat once in fear. “No…” he whispered as his hand reached into his robe and pulled out a potion.
Skalor took in a deep breath and dived down toward the enemy legions. Shields, arms and weapons rose up just as a gout of flame surged. Trolls and undead shattered instantly as the dragon flew down, laying waste to anything in her path. Arrows flew and magical blasts filled the sky. Skalor spit another stream of dragon fire, continuing to annihilate everything. Arrows and magic bounced off her mana shield as she finished her attack and turned; ready to circle around for another run.
Trolls readied rune covered spears. Anger and rage took hold as they readied their spears, knowing they had taken down dragons with them before. Squads lined up, pulling their arms back and focusing on the dragon as she circled back to the city. Skalor watched with a keen eye, her vision a thousand times better than any other creature on Lukken. She gripped her sword as arms launched runic spears into the air.
The troll’s spears burst into energy and they blasted by the hundreds at the flying dragon. Skalor whispered arcane words, stopped her flight and faced the incoming mystical spears. Sword up, the dragon finished her i
ncantation. Energy flowed into already powerful muscles and when they reached their apex, time slowed down.
Rayna played her lute; eyes filled with manic pleasure as she witnessed the dragon explode with pure power. With a front row seat, she cheered the dragon as her sword became a blur. The spears reached their target and shattered away with sword swipes so quick, they could not be seen. A gray orb surrounded the dragon as her sword canceled the magical attacks and shattered them to dust. Where her brethren were to slow to come up with a counter attack to the troll’s weapons, Skalor studied the enemy and made use of her knowledge.
The bard stared in abject wonder of the dragon’s power and deep down knew she wanted to be her friend.
When the volleys were exhausted, Skalor’s sword was at her side. She stared down at the trolls as fear took root. Body diving down once again, her maw opened as a stream of fire burst forth, incinerating all in her way.
Edric, Faye and Leeta rushed to stone steps, ready to meet with the bard and watch the spectacle. When they were half way up, the wall exploded, sending the three falling to street below.
The summoner hit the stone street, senses reeling as the world around him became silent. Blinking, Edric could see the huge gaping cracks in the wall and as he blinked again, another explosion burst forth.
You have taken 34 Falling Damage! HP: 106/140
Edric looked over to Faye and Leeta as they struggled to stand up. Beyond them, the crack had reached ground level. Trolls and undead poured in, weapons ready to slay all who dwell in the city.
***
Dumadin heaved as he stood his ground. Cuts crisscrossed his body and blood dripped from a wound on his brow. The dwarf’s limbs ached as he looked around at the trolls surrounding him and Sekka. The succubus stood; her back to the dwarf, claws covered in troll blood. Wings bent in odd angles. On the floor around the pair, weapons, coins and gems littered the ground from the two dozen trolls killed by their hands.
The trolls watched like hungry wolves. They had rushed in and underestimated the dwarf and demon’s strength. They sent in their weak and simple minded to wear them down and the strategy began to show. Dumadin and Sekka’s body bore the marks of battle but they could barely stand.
“Mistress will save us,” Sekka whispered in a heated breath.
“No offense but your mistress has always looked out for herself,” Dumadin huffed.
The trolls moved in closer.
“You must have faith,” Sekka said as a crazy grin formed.
“Sekka, I understand you love her but I think that love blinds you…” The dwarf trailed off.
The ground shuddered before a scream pierced the night. Heads turned to see the area flash with shattered light. Trolls looked on, confused as a portion of the nearby legions became no more. Black eyes turned back to the dwarf and succubus.
“What was that,” Dumadin growled.
Sekka licked her lips, “The changing of the tides.”
Trolls raised their weapons, ready to pounce at once.
“Lass, stay close and don’t let these bastards get the satisfaction!”
Dumadin and Sekka readied themselves before the very earth around them shifted and split. Chaos bloomed as trolls slipped through widening cracks. Some scrambled to get a hold as dirt and rock fell away. Bodies fell into pits. Eyes caught glimpses of sharp pointed stones before they were impaled. Light filled the area as Dumadin and Sekka looked down, the patch of earth they stood upon untouched.
Ground fell away underneath large swaths of trolls. Sharp points penetrated armor and flesh underneath. Moans and screams sang into the night as bodies shattered into shards of glass. Those that fell through and only took some damage, cried out before crossbow points appeared from shadowed tunnels, firing bolts into the wounded.
Dumadin stared down with wide eyes as bolts slaughtered survivors. From dark tunnels, kobolds raced out to stab at survivors while dark elves peaked out and fired upwards into trolls gathered at pit edges. The ground continued to fall way, revealing a snake-like patchwork of deadly pits and tunnels.
A dark elf melted from the shadows and beckoned to the dwarf and succubus.
Dumadin let out a laugh. “Sorry I said anything.”
Sekka patted him on the head. “I only heard the praise you have for Mistress Spire.”
The two jumped down into the pit, landing by the dark elf and the tunnel. Several dark elves and kobolds surrounded the dwarf and succubus, pulling them in and to safety as many more of Lyndra’s minions continued to fire at the trolls above.
***
A large group of trolls turned when they heard a scream. Black eyes watched as swaths of trolls behind them shattered instantly. Looking in every direction, an entire mile of the battlefield was empty when before, trolls stood by the thousands. Those along the edge felt like they escaped death by their teeth and a haunting tremble curled into digital muscles.
Trolls moved into the new open space, quickly trying to recover ground they seemed to have lost in the blink of an eye. Long moments passed before a figure walked through the nearly empty field, white armor glowing in the night.
Juna marched along, swords at her sides. A pink stripe flowed through her tousled black hair and a blank expression filled her features. The streams of trolls turned their attention to the lone half-troll. Grunts and roars filled the area as they charged, ready to put her down.
Juna stared as dozens of trolls ran toward her, howling for her blood. The half-troll raised her blades slowly, drinking in the enemy as they came at her. The emptiness in her heart filled with molten rage. As it bubbled, her muscles tensed and her brow pointed into a determined V. Marshalling her strength, she planned out her attacks as soon as the first troll spotted her. The poor ignorant enemy didn’t know she had the endurance to fight for a long time. Juna smirked as she prepared to educate them.
When the first troll reached her, her body barely dipped and a white sword cut across. The troll’s eyes widened before he shattered. Another rushed with a mace. She never made a sound as a sword sliced up and separated her head from her body. Small groups rushed her and Juna continued to march forward, her blades separating arms from shoulders and stabbing into beating digital hearts.
The awakened half-troll watched dispassionately as her body began to move like a practiced dancer every move filled with grace, poise and death. The half-troll conserved her strength and will power as she sliced through the enemy with defined skill. She knew her powers were used up but it didn’t take away from her natural strength. Images of Jinn shattering sent her mind into a cold, calculating logic, making sure every troll she put down felt every inch of her mystical blades. As long as the enemy came at her in disorganized groups, she could fight like this all night.
The groups grew larger and Juna cut them down. Eyes on Elora, she didn’t have far left to go. The city walls cracked and the enemy was slipping in. The defenses were smoldering ruins and a bard played on as fires began to rise.
The half-troll kept her steady pace, killing trolls and undead with a flick of her wrist. When a dragon flew above, casting a stream of flames at the enemy, Juna glanced at the majestic creature and understood she was a friend.
The trolls and undead fought on with a near desperate edge. Their numbers were vast but even they could see that the fight would be harder than they once thought. Juna continued, slicing off heads.
“I’m coming,” the half-troll whispered her promise as she cut through the enemy like a scythe through wheat during the harvest.
***
Edric stumbled to his feet, whip in hand. Leeta roared like an unchained beast, her maces smashing the enemy to light. Faye fought by her side, fists cracking armor and knuckles breaking the enemy’s bones. Elora’s citizens joined the carnage, fighting with weapons, fists and kicks.
The summoner tried to pull his wits together as the enemy spilled into Elora’s streets. Several cracks along the wall opened and enemy forces fought their way in. The simple tid
e of Elora’s people pushed back but the enemy’s numbers grew with each passing moment. Some of the enemy turned on their fellow brothers and sisters in battle, Rayna’s music guiding their madness. Others pushed on, engaging Elora’s people, cutting them down like butchers on a pig farm.
Edric prepared a summoning spell, hoping to call aid to assist. The moment he uttered a phrase from the incantation, a blade stabbed into his back.
You have taken 49 Critical Damage! HP: 57/140
Edric looked down at the blade point sticking out of his chest. Eyes looked back up at the fighting around him, lost in a haze. Faye fought, blades cutting her before she smashed the enemy to bits of light. Leeta charged through the enemy, knocking them away and stomping on them without mercy. Several trolls engaged the enemy trolls, protecting Vanya as she drew a long dagger.
In the middle of the chaos, the image of Elora stood, eyes cast down in sadness. Edric’s heart beat filled his ears. Despite their valiant effort, he could see the city falling in flames. They would crack Elora’s core and the city would truly become nothing but ruins and dust. He would see Elora die again and no matter what he did, he couldn’t stop the wave of evil on their lands.
For a brief instant, the player accepted his fate. The siren call of defeat flowed with his blood spilling from his chest. It was just a game. He could return and rebuild again. He could fight another day for a new kingdom, building it stronger than before. He just had to let go, let the enemy kill him. Starting again wouldn’t be so bad if he just gave up.
Elora’s head bent forward, shadows covering her eyes while Vanya let out a small screech, a blade slicing into her arm. Leeta cried out, fighting against the enemy and Faye grunted as a blade sliced across her back.
When the shadow’s covered Elora’s face completely, hope died.
