“It seems that we’ll all roll the dice on this gamble, then,” Tyr sighed. “I had hoped to stop you, but it seems you’re all as set as I am.”
“Sire,” Alburet said, “are the guards alone going to be able to hold?”
“The nonaffiliated Two-souled and the smaller Guilds have agreed to help hold the line,” Roberto answered. “They’ll be doing much of the heavy lifting for us. With that said, the longer it takes for Stein to die, the more losses we will suffer.”
“Which is why we’ll be leaving in five minutes,” Tyr said. “Gather your people, restock potions with my quartermaster, and be ready to march on my order.”
Blaze snagged Gerald once the meeting was over, “What do you think happened? We were up here helping defend the front when word came that Benedict had taken his Guild into the next wing.”
“Competitive raider,” Gerald said. “I think Benedict wanted to be the first to drop Stein, so he went early.”
Blaze frowned, “That’s why he wanted to be ‘guarding’ that gate. Son of a bitch.”
“I could be wrong,” Gerald said. “That’s just my first thought on the matter. We’re going to have to work together for the next big raid, so we need to keep that in mind. If we play it right, he’ll owe us for his failed attempt.”
Blaze ground his teeth, “Fine. I’ll let you take the lead, but I want him to pay for that underhanded bullshit.”
“We’ll bleed him, but we’ll do it correctly,” Gerald agreed. “There’s an option under the Guild tab for alliances. We should discuss that after this raid is over. If we’re united with an alliance, we can apply even more pressure.”
“Cool,” Blaze nodded. “Talk after the raid. I’ve got to go get my people ready.”
Watching Blaze walk away, Alburet chuckled, “So glad you are the Guild’s leader.”
“It’s an easier job than what I used to do,” Gerald grinned. “Let’s go get our own things prepared.”
Chapter Fifty-two
Once they had gathered the things they needed, Alpha Company, Delvers, and most of the command staff had come to stand just in front of the gate to the final wing.
“Roberto, hold as long as you can,” Tyr said.
“Sire, I still disagree with this course of action, but I will do all I can to carry out your orders.”
“We’ll keep him as safe as we can,” Gerald told the Commander.
“His Majesty will have both of us focusing solely on him,” Justice’s High Priest said as he motioned to Peace’s High Priest.
“Even so, I find myself fearing what will happen if he falls,” Roberto sighed. “Justice go with you all,” Coming to rigid attention, Roberto bowed at the waist to Tyr. “By your leave, Sire.”
“Go with Justice, Commander. We will put the long blight of Stein to rest.”
Standing back upright, Roberto turned on his heel and marched away, a small cadre of guards following him. Tyr watched Roberto go for a long moment before tilting his head fractionally to the man’s back. “Most loyal man in my guard... May Justice keep him safe.”
“Young Lord Theron is just as loyal,” Ioaniss pointed out. “I would recommend putting him under Roberto when we get back to the city.”
“Nothing to stop me from doing so now,” Tyr agreed. “With the fractious nobles gone, it is time for the guard to become a stronger force. But that is for later. For now, we have a big mission ahead of us.”
“Alpha Company is ready, Sire.”
“Delvers is ready, Sire.”
“We be ready, too,” Hammerhand added.
All the leaders of the various units agreed they were ready one-by-one.
“Very well,” Tyr said, summoning his golden sword to hand. “This day will expunge a long-standing blemish on my line. It will also free the world from the clutches of a madman. For Justice and the world!” A loud cheer rose up from the gathered raid team. “Alpha Company, lead us in.”
Nodding, Gerald stepped toward the open gates. A black barrier shimmered just inside of them. “For Stormguard and the world!” With that, Gerald marched right at the barrier, the Guild following and cheering.
Delvers were next, and the smaller units came in right behind them. Above the raid team, Imps, Cherubim, Succubi, and Seraphim flew forward, ready for battle. The sound of booted feet marching in unison filled the raid with a sense of pride.
The darkness swallowed them as the groups moved forward. Sound became muffled as they passed through the barrier, like the darkness was attempting to silence them. Once the last person passed through the gates, the deep boom of them closing echoed throughout the darkness, which began to lift away from them.
Stretching out ahead of them lay the ruins of a structure that had been destroyed. At the far side of the courtyard, a throne made of bones sat on a platform. A black robed figure sat on it, and at the foot of the platform stood a mass of undead. The recognizable figure of Benedict was at the front of the horde, his helm smashed in on one side.
“You came,” the robed figure said, the strong male voice sounding surprised. Touching the dark goatee on his pale chin, the figure nodded slowly, “I guess it was fated to be.”
“Of course I’ve come, Stein,” Tyr said, moving to the front beside Gerald. “Your long reign of terror is over.”
Laughing softly, Stein shook his head, “Foolish king. You might have lived another few weeks if you had stayed safely inside your castle. You even brought me the current rulers of the Lunari and Dwarves? How nice. Maybe I should make your death quick for bringing me such generous gifts.”
“Ye and what army?” Hammerhand said as he stepped forward.
“My new acquisitions shall do nicely,” Stein laughed a little crazily. “They came in here spouting about how Justice demanded my death. Once my toys killed them, I thought it only appropriate to use them as replacements for the ones they killed.”
“You’ve caused my mate pain,” Wildmane growled as his skin flushed red. “The Pride will pull you down for that.”
“Silence, animal,” Stein snapped. Wildmane’s growl cut off immediately, and the Lunari grabbed at his neck. “There, that is how animals should behave.”
“Justice, I beseech you to help our ally,” Justice’s High Priest called out.
Wildmane slumped to the ground, gasping as he was able to breathe again.
Stein gritted his teeth, “Meddling gods. Fine, if you think you can trust your gods to help topple me, come and try.” He spread his arms wide, the silver filigree of the robe catching the light and flashing. Stein was separated from them by a barrier of oily blackness.
“Forward!” Tyr shouted.
“Alpha Company, forward!” Gerald called out. He moved forward and met Benedict, who was leading the undead.
Alburet joined the Angels and Infernals in the air, trying to see if any surprises waited for the raid. Summoning his first Fire Blast to hand, Alburet had to drop to the ground when beams of energy shot toward him.
“We won’t be letting those things stay around,” Stein said as members of Heart’s Light used the rods that banished minions.
Kean Bloodfire was not able to avoid the beams aimed at him. Crying out in pain, the Demon Lord’s body began to shrivel. Numerous other Angels and Infernals were caught in the energy beams also, all of them screaming in agony before they vanished. The rest of the airborne minions dropped to the ground, so as not to become targets themselves.
“Ah, the sound of anguish... it warms my heart,” Stein taunted.
“Damn you,” Cal Darkfeet snarled as he summoned an Imp Storm, then looted his fallen friend. Pytor Flameeyes summoned his own Imp Storm, and together, they covered the sky in Imps.
A number of Faceless became apparent amid the oncoming mobs as they stopped and spewed energy at the Imps who, in turn, rained Fire Bursts down on them. While those two sides traded damage, Heart’s Light met Alpha Company’s charge with their own.
The chaos of combat swallowed both sides as spel
ls, traps, arrows and more flew. Gerald and Benedict slammed into each other like freight trains, stunning each other and suddenly at the mercy of the enemies closest to them. Tiny, TJ, and TW were there first to help Gerald, pushing into the fight and taunting any nearby enemies to help mitigate his damage.
Alburet tossed his first Fire Blast, but the spell did no damage. Frowning, he caught sight of a necklace on the healer’s neck. “They’re wearing the necklaces that make them immune to fire damage,” Alburet told Gerald over the Raidstone.
“Can we get them off?” Karen asked as she appeared next to Tiny, her blades cutting into the Berserker he was fighting.
“Try,” Marysue said.
Shaking the stun off, Gerald relayed Alburet’s observation over the command Raidstone. He Ground Stomped, stunning all the enemies near him. “If you can’t use spells, Al, wade in with your axe.”
“Stealthers, target the leaders of Heart’s Light and get the necklaces off them and their healers,” Tyr announced, his voice coming across every Raidstone the raid was using.
“I’ll be back,” Karen said as she Vanished.
“I really hate PvP fights in my raids,” Fluff muttered.
“Right?” Karen laughed as she appeared behind Benedict, cutting his necklace free from his neck.
Igniting his axe, Alburet stepped up beside Gerald. “I’ll join on this one.”
“Al, wait! He’s a Paladin of Light,” Marysue said.
Her warning was a little late: Benedict shook off the stun and an aura of black-streaked gold washed out from him in a thirty-foot circle. Every member of Alpha Company inside the circle took damage, while the undead members of Heart’s Light started to heal.
“Fucking Paladins,” Alburet hissed as he backed away, his and the Infernals’ life dropping faster than anyone else’s. “Tiny, pull back.”
“I’ll step in,” Jaxton said, his own Circle of Devotion coming up around him when he took over Tiny’s spot.
“Fall back! Protect Marysue,” Alburet told Tiny as his life began to replenish rapidly.
Tiny did as ordered, falling back to Marysue just in time to Bash and taunt the Assassins that appeared beside her. Marysue fell to one knee, her life almost gone from the three Assassins’ attacks.
“I got you,” Alburet said, applying Infernal Vitality and Demonic Haze to return some health to her.
Cleansing the poisons off, Marysue got back to her feet, her normally happy mask replaced by anger. “I’ll handle this, thank you.” Her life jumped up when she cast a spell on herself, and then cast Halo so that it covered her and Gerald.
“Bob, I need Fire Bursts on top of the healers to make sure no more Assassins get to them,” Alburet yelled for the Imp.
“Got it,” Bob said, ducking through the crowd to appear beside Marysue. “I’ll get my Copies over to the other healer’s groups.”
“Violet and other Infernal Summoners, get your Imps to our healers. Have them do Fire Bursts to keep them clear of stealthers,” Gerald ordered over the Raidstone.
“Sorry for the delay. I’m supposed to be up front,” Tyr said as he pushed forward. “I must put the Champion of Justice to rest.”
“Aye tha’ be a good plan,” Hammerhand said, continuing to clear the path for Tyr.
Karen appeared next to Marysue, her knives in the back of one of the Assassins. “I got two necklaces off. I’ll go back once my cooldowns finish.” Her diminished health rose quickly with Marysue’s Halo.
“Stay safe,” Alburet told her. “I’m going to go help Fluff.”
“I’ll stay here to spot Assassins until I can go again.”
“Thank you,” Marysue said, her friendly face back on. “Can you help him with these, please?”
“Gladly,” Karen replied as she kept attacking her chosen target.
Alburet went to join Fluff near the edge of Jaxton’s aura, where she was currently fighting a Trapsmith. “Mind if I cut in?” Alburet laughed as his axe took a chunk of health off the undead.
“Horrible,” Fluff grinned as her claws dug into the unbleeding flesh. “Is Marysue okay?”
“She’ll live this time, and now she has protection,” Alburet replied. The undead they were attacking began to heal again. “I understand the hate for PvP in raids.”
“It’s so asinine,” Fluff growled. “The two contents are different mindsets.”
“I’m not arguing,” Alburet said as he deflected one of the daggers the Trapsmith was using. “Then again, I don’t think this was the original raid fight.”
“Fair enough,” Fluff agreed. “Stupid idiots wanting to be first to down the boss. Now we have an even tougher fight.”
“I think we should make this more entertaining,” Stein said over the sounds of combat. “I’ll give you ten seconds to prepare for death.”
“Oh fucking hell, come on,” Alburet grumbled, “a raid mechanic during this clusterfuck?”
“Pull back?” Fluff asked.
“To Marysue, at least,” Alburet nodded, and triggered his Raidstone. “Gerald, be ready to use mitigation and have the dps break off. Be ready for something bad.”
“Alpha Company, prepare to heal and assist our allies,” Gerald said when Stein began counting down from five.
When Stein got to one, a pulse of energy washed over the room. The undead were unaffected by it, but every member of the raid was suddenly reduced to ten percent of their health. Alpha Company members downed potions and healers used area heals to bring as many back up as quickly as they could. Some of the raid participants weren’t as lucky: they were hit by multiple spells or attacks before they could be healed, claiming their remaining life almost instantly.
“Heal, heal, heal!” Tyr shouted over the Raidstones. “Help your fellows, then get back into the fight.”
“We have a problem,” Blaze shouted and transmitted. “The dead are getting back up and fighting against us.”
Chapter Fifty-three
Their dead getting back up and joining the opposite side was hard for some to accept. No one really wanted to, but they had to put down their friends again to stop them from doing more harm. With the fight already being a massive PvP slugfest, something was going to have to give.
The first thing that happened was that the Faceless fell before the Imp Storms faded. With the threat of the energy beams gone, the flying minions reclaimed the air.
“Pathetic. I’d have to chastise Dimitry if you hadn’t killed him,” Stein sighed. “Not that it matters much; you have ten minutes before my plan is fulfilled.”
“Stein is gathering a massive amount of energy,” Cal advised over the Raidstone. “We need to find a way to bring his shield down.”
“All fliers, do what you can to bring that shield down,” Tyr said as he traded blows with Benedict’s corpse. “Summoners, bring the Imps on and focus the healers with your area of effect spells. We need to spread the damage around as much as possible. Stealthers, you have a few more seconds to remove those necklaces.”
“Al, you’re with the minions. Do what you can… but try to stay safe,” Gerald told him.
Fluff gave him a kiss before she rushed forward to help Gerald. “We need you to survive.”
“I know,” Alburet replied softly and took to the air, met by BJ and BB. “Stay on duty, Bob.”
“I’ll keep Marysue safe,” Bob replied.
Alburet used Demonic Inspiration and Imp Storm in quick succession. Over a hundred and fifty Imps joined the normal minions. All of his Imps focused on a single healer, bombarding the area with Fire Bursts. More Imps Storms appeared, focusing on the same healer and melting not only their original target but those right next to them as well. When the first set of healers went down, they shifted to the next one. Heart’s Light responded to the threat by changing target to the Imps; area spells and arrows flew upward, creating mass confusion. Alburet backed away because he was on the edge of the damage.
The shift of attention and some of the enemy healers dying gave t
he raid renewed energy against the undead. Tyr’s sword cut down hard, sending Benedict’s head flying. “I hope you rest in peace,” Tyr muttered as he pushed on to the next target.
Gerald paused when he saw a coin bounce from Benedict’s hand right before the body vanished. “Fluff, the coin. Grab it,” Gerald said, motioning to the metal disc spinning on the ground.
Fluff darted forward, snatching the coin before one of the undead could. “Karen,” Fluff called out, flipping the coin over her shoulder, her claws coming back to hit the undead who had tried to claim it.
Karen snapped the coin out of the air, looking at it. “Justice’s favor? Benedict didn’t use it?”
Gamer for Love (Alpha World Book 8) Page 47
