Death Knight Box Set Books 1-5: A humorous power fantasy series

by Michael Chatfield

  He let out a roar that filled the air. Other clan spirits that had been waiting took this opportunity to take on a champion. Those champions who had already been picked were taught by their clan spirits how to improve their fighting abilities. They offered pointers and observations to others around them.

  The beast kin of Skalafell worked together, improving and strengthening their techniques and abilities, all of it in dire need to win and survive.

  Chapter: In Hidden Corners and Foreign Lands

  Tamarra looked at the map table in the middle of the room. There were scenes of battle from across Dena. Epan and Ilsal had been cleared and there were roving patrol units looking for doorways and those that were marking their positions.

  Their trading navies had come under the control of the alliance and were shipping supplies back and forth between the main conti- nent and the islands.

  They had deployed the first army into the Deepwood and were now pushing up to the north, sweeping through Selenus, searching for and destroying doorways.

  The United Army from the Deepwood had cleared out the for- est and were now moving up north, taking on military units from Radal and Selenus, using them as auxiliaries.

  “Information from the human lands is still slow. Where is that Army of Light?” Tamarra asked.

  “We had reports of them heading into the city Reemus, but then the Guardian Flame activated there and punished those who came into the city. They attacked and the barrier protected the city. We have had possible sightings, but it looks like they are moving toward Ascen,” an aide supplied.

  “Having them wander around the wilderness doesn’t put me at ease.” Tamarra’s eyes fell on her real worry. She looked at the navy markers that were headed toward Cheon. The abandoned tundra lay to the north. It was cold year-round, covered in ice and snow. People had lived there in the past, but few remained there.

  With our divination spells, there has to be a lot of doorways on Cheon. Tamarra felt uneasy. They didn’t have any information and she had sent the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Fleets with the

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  Second and Third Army to go scout Cheon and engage the Drafeng there.

  “We have received a message from the Selenus leadership. They have granted us the right to enter their lands and request aid from our people. Their units will support us as desired. There has been an apparent change in leadership. The message is sent by Guardian Damien. He requests judges and Guardians of Selenus to return.”

  “Took over an entire country.” Tamarra shook her head, think- ing of the lovable and also dense death knight. “Send the informa- tion to our people in the Deepwood. Have them advance with all speed and reach out to the different beast kin legion camps as soon as possible. Send word to the Guardians and judges who are with- in Selenus to report to the leadership and start working out in the open if they feel it is safe. How are the Guardian Flames doing?”

  “They have been seeded into most of the harbors and sea-facing cities. The progress is slow with everything having to be done in the dark. Now that our people can operate freely, they should be able to increase their speed,” the aide said.

  Tamarra opened her mouth to speak.

  “We have a report from Admiral Raye. They’ve sighted Cheon. He says that they will make landfall early morning tomorrow.”

  ***

  Khurok stood in the middle of the conversion tower, drawing in more power to himself. He could feel that he was getting closer to an evolution.

  This land’s power is so bountiful. How strong were the older gener- ations if they were freely able to consume like this?

  There was a noise from the entrance of the conversion tower. He rose to his feet, revealing his large mass. He snorted in annoy- ance at being disturbed.

  “Leader Khurok, our ranged Drafeng have spotted a group of trees that cross the water.” Commander Oru lowered his head.

  Khurok let out a noise of acknowledgement. Oru had been his second for centuries now.

  “How many?”

  “There are three groups of fifty or so floating trees.”

  “Prepare the chaotic beasts to fend them off. It is time they had an evolution to Drafeng. Have Drafeng erect conversion towers in the direction that they are coming from and create defensive walls. Have the Drafeng attack as the enemy reaches the shore. Make sure the scouts remain alert in other locations in case there is a second at- tack.”

  “Yes, Leader,” Oru said.

  “How many of the beast have evolved in the pits?”

  “We have had several emerge from the evolution pits,” Oru said. “Good. A Drafeng is much more important than a chaotic beast.” Khurok stepped out from his personal conversion tower and tasted the air, moving his jaw side to side. The air felt

  stale—palatable but stale. It would take more time to consume the power here.

  The camp was a scar upon the clear white snow and blue ice plains that surrounded them.

  The conversion towers created a ring around a large black open pit. Drafeng and chaotic beasts broke the ground. The chaotic beasts consumed the broken stone and then carried it out to the plains. There were several areas filled with Drafeng. They were us- ing the ma- terials from the pit mine with their crystals to create large platforms that held conversion towers upon them.

  Three of these conversion tower platforms were being built around the main camp.

  Crystal walls grew from the ground, with mounds of the mine’s leftovers creating successive walls.

  The conversion towers’ roots drew in power and then released a greenish-brown fog that rolled out and filled the stronghold.

  From four of the conversion towers, Drafeng removed chaotic beasts that were herded out of the stronghold.

  “The queen’s output?” Khurok asked.

  “Optimal. Moving the chaotic beasts to the secondary fortress- es has left more power for us to consume in the area. Do you wish for me to send out more of the Drafeng on patrol to erect conver- sion towers?”

  “Do it. The more power that we can convert, the larger the area we can move in and recover quickly,” Khurok said. “Have Enya lead the force toward the south to assist our forces holding off the float- ing trees.”

  “Yes, Commander.” Oru lowered his head. Wings sprouted from his horse-like body and he flew over to the evolution pits. To become Drafeng the Chaotic beasts required massive amounts of chaotic power, the fastest way was for them to fight one another. They would gain talents in battle before they evolved into true Drafeng.

  ***

  Bryce Woods looked at Ascen. The Army of Light looked all the worse for wear as they left the road and spread out.

  Once we have reclaimed our place, we will bring down righteous judgement upon those in Reemus and the other towns that dare to fol- low the path of the defilers. Their purple barriers and flames are enough to prove their guilt.

  He looked at the Army of Light behind him.

  Being treated like beasts—having to supply our own food and wa- ter, march for hours a day. It is upon the people to fill our needs. We are looking to save their souls—can they not see? Their willingness to turn away from the Lord of Light, hoarding their supplies—giving to

  the Church of Light only increases the rewards they will gain in the af- terlife.

  He shifted in his saddle, feeling the sores on his legs, this is pre- posterous.

  He had always been able to get a bath and plenty of food to fuel him for the Lord of Light’s work. Now he had been riding for near- ly a week, sleeping with only his tent and supplies he had brought along with him.

  “Set up the tents. We will see how they react, knowing that we have come to reclaim our church!” Bryce said.

  The servants quickly moved to unpack the supplies and tents were thrown up.

  Bryce waited impatiently as his tent was completed.

  It was big enough to fit three carriages inside. There was an of- fice area, a place to socialize and eat, and
his sleeping quarters. He raised up his arms; his servants took off his armor.

  He took a seat as a servant arrived with teas and some meager fruits. “What is this? Only an apple!” Bryce yelled, throwing his fork at the woman.

  It struck her in the head and she dropped to her knees. “I am sor- ry, your benevolence. The defilers have stripped the land clear!” She whimpered.

  Bryce snarled and then looked out of his tent in the direction of Ascen. “We shall show them, cleansing this world of their evil!” Bryce snarled.

  ***

  Claire sat next to the purple flames. She stared into the flames as scenes appeared in front of her.

  She saw different cities, towns, and villages with Guardian Flames.

  It created a network across Dena, information, control, the flames were more powerful than a hundred swords. They coordi- nate the attacks of thousands. Claire couldn’t operate the flames herself. They were created from the combined power of Dena, the power of the Guardians.

  Thankfully they could test those that dared to become a Guardian. It had been a great way to get a few minions.

  “How can you organize so many people? I’m here sending the messages but I can’t keep track of everything,” Gnock, a gnome Guardian, asked.

  “The last Guardian leader was out of the office most of the time. Kept sneaking around acting like a damn adventurer. He was a good leader, but he was a terrible administrator.” Claire shrugged. “Well I also don’t need to sleep anymore and I ran two countries for several centuries. It gets easier.”

  “Just running two countries over here, no biggie,” Gnock opened and closed his hands trying to pull the words he wanted out of the air. “That’s a very big deal!”

  The flame flickered and a face appeared.

  “Guardian Clem,” Claire said as she looked at the former beast kin slave.

  “The Church of Light have appeared at the outskirts of Ascen. We have pulled all of the people into the city. There have been some issues but we settled them. What should we do now?” Clem asked Claire.

  “What do you think you should do?” Claire looked at Clem.

  The panda kin scratched his head awkwardly. “We should de- fend, let the barriers take the attacks, wear them out.” “Then?”

  Claire pressed.

  “We, uh, drive them off ?”

  “Drive them off. And what will a broken army of fanatics do if loosed upon Dena?” Claire asked.

  Clem deflated as he saw where her words were leading him. “Summon Guardian Braxus,” Claire said.

  A large dwarf appeared as Clem did as he was told.

  “I was having a nice nap. What is it?” Braxus demanded. He stroked his fine red beard that had been braided and barely tamed with iron bands.

  “War,” Claire said.

  Braxus’s angry expression turned solemn. “Tell him what you told me,” Claire said. Clem repeated his plan to Braxus.

  “Them fanatic types. Bunch of rabble thrown together. I’ll have a look.”

  “Teach them, Braxus,” Claire said. Braxus pouted and dropped his arms. Claire raised an eyebrow.

  “Yes ma’am. Come on, you moving tie-dye shirt,” Braxus said to Clem.

  “Should we be concerned?” Gnock asked.

  “We should have some reinforcements soon,” Claire said. A face appeared in the fires.

  “Damien?” Claire asked.

  “I have reports from across Selenus.” Damien pulled out a piece of paper. “Most of the doorways are reported to come from the southeast. A number of towns and villages were destroyed in the

  area. The legions that were training in the north I have been sweep- ing west. The forces in the Deepwood are pushing through to the north and pivoting east to clear through. We have information com- ing from some of the larger cities. The returning clan spirits has al- lowed them to regain some of their footing. I have passed word to them. Skalafell is at the center of it all.

  “There are doorways all around them. They are going to try to destroy the doorways closest to them in coordinated strikes to re- duce

  the pressure. Their second targets are the conversion towers that have appeared.”

  “Pressure them from the inside and outside.” Claire nodded.

  Damien put down the paper. “That isn’t all. I found out about the forces deployed to the north. I have sent them orders telling them to cooperate with you. They told me that a legion was de- ployed to scout and attack Shivernsin.”

  “Is there any way to contact them?”

  “Not reliably. I had the fortresses send out runners. Also, I re- ally want to get some Guardians out to the fortresses to organize them and clean up the ranks. I’ve started to clean up the units down here and it doesn’t look good. I have been doing Guardian’s Judgements and trials everywhere to try to cleanse Selenus and raise Guardians to keep people on the right path.”

  “We can just do our best. Send the fortresses orders to not at- tack our people. I’ll see if I can get some of our Guardians to sneak in and plant Guardian Flames. We still need to do the same on the human side and there are a lot more of them stuck in there.”

  “Anthony?” Damien asked.

  “He is moving through the different villages and towns that are harder to reach, creating Guardian Flames.” Claire couldn’t keep the worry out of her voice.

  “Something wrong?”

  “He might be undead, but he’s burning himself out, trying to do everything possible to try to help the people. I can’t blame him, but seeing him like that...” Claire felt guilty.

  If I raise the Guardians, will he be able to do his duty? Will losing me shatter him as it nearly did me? We need the old generation of Guardians if we want to win. We have secured a number of victories, but we are overwhelmed. For now we are holding. If the Drafeng se- cure their positions then everything will change.

  “Claire, when has Anthony ever been normal?” Damien asked.

  “Hmm? Uhh, no I don’t think so,” Claire said distract- edly. “What are you planning?”

  “Why do you think I’m planning something?”

  “We have worked together for centuries. I’ve learned a few things.”

  “I have to make a decision, it won’t be easy. Though I have to think of Dena. I can’t be selfish.”

  “Don’t forget that you have friends to help you out.”

  “I know, but this is something I need to decide myself.”

  Chapter: A Foothold in the Sand

  Admiral Raye looked out at the land of ice and stone in front of him. Waves crashed against black stone shores with bays of black sand in between.

  Through his telescope, he could see the chaotic beasts waiting on the sandy shores and the crystal lines that had grown from the ground.

  “The other admirals are ready,” a signal officer said.

  “Then let’s begin. Captain.” Raye looked at Captain Devra. “Roll out the cannons. Prepare acceleration spells. Power the

  movement enchantments!”

  “Pass the order, Signal Officer,” Raye said. The signal officer sent up the prepared flags.

  The lead ship cut inward, pulling in their sails.

  It rocked violently from being thrown to the side. Its maw opened as cannons were pushed out into the salt water spray. One could see the glow from the enchanted cannons as the ship stead- ied.

  Rumbling thunder and smoke shook the ship.

  Even hundreds of meters away, the barrage sounded deep in Raye’s chest.

  Cannon balls smashed through the crystal lines, tearing gaps in the Chaotic beasts.

  They went off in powerful explosions, scouring the beach, leav- ing nothing of the enemy.

  The Second ship cut in firing its own barrage.

  The gods of destruction had revealed their might and the war- ships were their instruments.

  “Cutting in!” Captain Devra yelled, he grabbed the wheel us- ing all his strength he turned it, the ship lurched as it changed its heading suddenly.<
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  “Fire!” The cannons were activated, glowing with power before the powder was ignited, sending the cannon ball across the sea and the beach, into the enemy’s teeth. The cannons shot backwards one after another, along the length of the ship, smoke covered and stained everything as the lower deck fired.

  Raye felt their raw power through the wooden decks of the ship. Smoke covered his sight; the powder burned his eyes as he watched the rain of cannonballs strike the crystal defenses. The first ship fired their reloaded cannons.

  In series the different ships fired, rolling thunder from their bow to stern as they altered the beaches landscape.

  The Drafeng shot out chaotic beams at the ships.

  Mages in the different casting nests fired out spells to interrupt the Drafeng’s attacks and create mana barriers to defend against those they couldn’t hit.

  The sky above the fleet bloomed with new suns to light the field of battle.

  The Second Fleet started to move, unfurling their sails. They formed up a line, a large space between their lead ship and the trail- ing ship from the First Fleet.

  There were four or five ship spaces between each ship as they un- leashed rolling thunder and cannonballs upon the Drafeng de- fenses. “Signal the Second Fleet to use anti-personnel cannon-