2009-03-12, 02:14 AM
(This post was last modified: 2009-03-24, 01:57 PM by KajitiSouls.)
Once upon a time (no, really), a young boy had a series of dreams at a young age of 12. Or was it 13? Anyways, they were all linked together in series of episodes. This gave birth to the little imagination world inside of his mind. Day in and day out, he would think about the little world of his, and create many scenarios that may play out from time to time. The world was full of wonder: some stories involved magic, some did not, some were stories of epic proportions, some were humble peasants trying to solve their woes, and some stories were outright alien.
Now that boy has grown into a young man, and the world has evolved. His imagination also got much more active. The imagination was a great asset when it came to studying math and science, as well as thinking about art and sometimes computer logic. But his world became so interwoven into his life, that he thought about it whenever things didn't go his way in reality.
Eventually, it was starting to drive him insane. At least someone should be able to witness some of these fascinating (to him at least) events before he dies! So he decided to start with a post on the forums of southperry.net, and see what other people thought.
He is starting with short stories for now. Bigger, longer stuff may come later =P Also, most of the stories come more or less directly from the mind as he writes, and have little formal editing. He would like to apologize if it is more confusing somewhere when he didn't intend it to be. Criticism is appreciated =)
Now that boy has grown into a young man, and the world has evolved. His imagination also got much more active. The imagination was a great asset when it came to studying math and science, as well as thinking about art and sometimes computer logic. But his world became so interwoven into his life, that he thought about it whenever things didn't go his way in reality.
Eventually, it was starting to drive him insane. At least someone should be able to witness some of these fascinating (to him at least) events before he dies! So he decided to start with a post on the forums of southperry.net, and see what other people thought.
He is starting with short stories for now. Bigger, longer stuff may come later =P Also, most of the stories come more or less directly from the mind as he writes, and have little formal editing. He would like to apologize if it is more confusing somewhere when he didn't intend it to be. Criticism is appreciated =)
The Battle of Tallow Mountains (in progress)
I
_____“When you're leading your men against the enemy, it's much different leading them on a map than leading them on the field. For one, you don't necessarily know what's going on with your men all the time. But it's a good thing that you don't know, for if you asked, both you and your men would be distracted.”
__________--Brom Heide, Dwarven ex-general of the Ultrean Kingdom
_____“So it seems we're out of options on this regard. Playing the king's game, I'd say we'll have to take a loss on this situation and press our advantage against the enemy.”
_____Merelius sighed. “That would depend on how fast we can eat away at their resources before they raze ours.” She took a quill and made a sweeping stroke across the strategic map, marking arrows on both sides pointing to both forts, making a continuous loop. “I personally don't like how this is going to play out. If the enemy has reserve forces from elsewhere, we cannot hold out on a second attack. Did you even consider this Sizemore?”
_____Sizemore made a piercing glare and spoke intensely, “Ever the conservative aren't you. If you're forgetting, I'd like to remind you that one of the reasons why this attack should work is because we have the element of surprise, thanks to our mole. Since the troops are already enroute to the trade route, it's too late to recall them without alerting enemy scouts. Believe me, I didn't like the surprise we got on our side just now, but if we were to go with your plan, then we would have to expend considerable amount of men just to hold onto our resource assets. Granted, we can sustain ourselves for much longer instead of having to rely on our stores – which is an ample amount I might add – but the time we waste defending ourselves now will allow the enemy to fortify their weakness, thus making this battle a battle of attrition. We can't win a battle of attrition.”
_____“I respect your views on this issue Sizemore,” Darmen interjected, “but I like the original plan of duping the traders at the enemy fort and taking whatever supplies their convoys can offer. We also need some information on the enemy cities as well. Otherwise...” Darmen took a few miniatures and placed them in various spots on the map. “Otherwise, our local region could be swarming with enemy reinforcements in a matter of weeks, and our mole could play a double agent. He is an independent afterall. Not to mention those druids in the forest could decide that the enemy is right.” He placed a few different miniatures around the rim of the Coven Forest near the mountain slopes, behind the Alliance's fort.
_____“And I suppose our illusionist is up for that challenge?” Sizemore snapped. “We're better off sending runners to Dakoth Mir and hope one of them makes it to enlist Kajiti's aid--”
_____“Shut up about Kajiti!” Merelius exploded. “That's all you ever think about whenever magic is involved! There is absolutely no way we're going to get his or her help, and this Alliance doesn't have anything we can offer him or the city--”
_____Sizemore held up his hand. “We can serve him a lie, that's always an option.”
_____“He's not stupid without his magic if that's what you're thinking.” said Darmen.
_____“Exactly.” The woman got up and started pacing around the table. Sizemore and Darmen kept on staring at the map, or at each other. “Sizemore, you'll have to learn that plans fail, and sometimes you have to abandon them. You have to know your limits, and you can't let hubris control you. Any classical tactician knows this!” Merelius made a small sigh. “Jane Silvermoon is counting on us to do whatever we can to stall the crazed Graashmn worshippers, and we're much more likely to get what we're looking for if those merchants believe we follow Graashmn and that we're not part of the Alliance.”
_____“I agree with Merelius.”
_____Sizemore gave a loud huff. “Fine. The only reason why I'm standing down is because we're wasting time and it is two nuts versus one man.”
_____Darmen scooped up the miniatures representing the druids and shook them in his hand for a bit. “So we're back to plan A. Actually, a modified plan A.” He cracked a grin and placed one miniature on the arrow going from the Alliance fort to the Graashmn fort, and placed a couple facing off the first miniature. He proceeded to sprinkle a few regular miniatures accompanying the spellcaster miniatures. “Those guys will have learned about this little route by the time our plan gets into motion. We make a feint here with one of our aces, the illusionist, and stage a frustrating skirmish while minimizing our losses. Our little mole should show up, and I will give him what he needs to complete the mission. In the meantime, we shore up our forces near our resource assets.”
_____“Provided no other surprises show up.” Sizemore said.
_____“We can't guarantee that,” Merelius came back to the edge of the table, “and that's how it always is in subterfuge. As I've said before, plans can fail. However, if this works, we'll be able to spare our men's lives as well as save our moral for now. Darmen, how soon can you prepare the items?”
_____Darmen whipped out a bag and drew out a pinch of dusty brown powder. “It is already prepared.”
_____“Put that back into the bag.” Sizemore's eyes widened in alarm.
_____Darmen contemplated the powder on his fingers for a bit, then licked it off. He smacked his lips around for a bit. “It doesn't taste very good. But it's not meant for eating anyways.” The gruff man pulled the drawstrings on the pouch and set it back into his pack. “This session is concluded. Anyone of you two need review on what the rest of the plan will be?”
_____“Explain to me how this magic trick will work again.”
_____Merelius shook her head, “So predictable....”
_____“The mole will cast the enemy fort under a two-fold illusion spell and throw them into chaos, pitting the soldiers against each other. At the same time, specialists from our troop will finish off the remainders including any mages they have, and hopefully I and the heavies will be able to dispatch the fort commander and his lieutenants. The other part of the spell will kick in when the merchants arrive on schedule, and hopefully they will have brought something we can use.” Darmen explained.
_____“Interesting. From there on we can use Graashmn uniforms to dupe the rest of the caravans. I don't like it.”
_____“Is there anything you do like for a strategy?” Merelius spoke in a sarcastic manner.
_____“Solid chances and things I do understand thoroughly, through and through, inside and out. This is magic from a third-rate caster we're using, for crying out loud.”
_____“Go retire to your chamber, old man.”
__________--Brom Heide, Dwarven ex-general of the Ultrean Kingdom
_____“So it seems we're out of options on this regard. Playing the king's game, I'd say we'll have to take a loss on this situation and press our advantage against the enemy.”
_____Merelius sighed. “That would depend on how fast we can eat away at their resources before they raze ours.” She took a quill and made a sweeping stroke across the strategic map, marking arrows on both sides pointing to both forts, making a continuous loop. “I personally don't like how this is going to play out. If the enemy has reserve forces from elsewhere, we cannot hold out on a second attack. Did you even consider this Sizemore?”
_____Sizemore made a piercing glare and spoke intensely, “Ever the conservative aren't you. If you're forgetting, I'd like to remind you that one of the reasons why this attack should work is because we have the element of surprise, thanks to our mole. Since the troops are already enroute to the trade route, it's too late to recall them without alerting enemy scouts. Believe me, I didn't like the surprise we got on our side just now, but if we were to go with your plan, then we would have to expend considerable amount of men just to hold onto our resource assets. Granted, we can sustain ourselves for much longer instead of having to rely on our stores – which is an ample amount I might add – but the time we waste defending ourselves now will allow the enemy to fortify their weakness, thus making this battle a battle of attrition. We can't win a battle of attrition.”
_____“I respect your views on this issue Sizemore,” Darmen interjected, “but I like the original plan of duping the traders at the enemy fort and taking whatever supplies their convoys can offer. We also need some information on the enemy cities as well. Otherwise...” Darmen took a few miniatures and placed them in various spots on the map. “Otherwise, our local region could be swarming with enemy reinforcements in a matter of weeks, and our mole could play a double agent. He is an independent afterall. Not to mention those druids in the forest could decide that the enemy is right.” He placed a few different miniatures around the rim of the Coven Forest near the mountain slopes, behind the Alliance's fort.
_____“And I suppose our illusionist is up for that challenge?” Sizemore snapped. “We're better off sending runners to Dakoth Mir and hope one of them makes it to enlist Kajiti's aid--”
_____“Shut up about Kajiti!” Merelius exploded. “That's all you ever think about whenever magic is involved! There is absolutely no way we're going to get his or her help, and this Alliance doesn't have anything we can offer him or the city--”
_____Sizemore held up his hand. “We can serve him a lie, that's always an option.”
_____“He's not stupid without his magic if that's what you're thinking.” said Darmen.
_____“Exactly.” The woman got up and started pacing around the table. Sizemore and Darmen kept on staring at the map, or at each other. “Sizemore, you'll have to learn that plans fail, and sometimes you have to abandon them. You have to know your limits, and you can't let hubris control you. Any classical tactician knows this!” Merelius made a small sigh. “Jane Silvermoon is counting on us to do whatever we can to stall the crazed Graashmn worshippers, and we're much more likely to get what we're looking for if those merchants believe we follow Graashmn and that we're not part of the Alliance.”
_____“I agree with Merelius.”
_____Sizemore gave a loud huff. “Fine. The only reason why I'm standing down is because we're wasting time and it is two nuts versus one man.”
_____Darmen scooped up the miniatures representing the druids and shook them in his hand for a bit. “So we're back to plan A. Actually, a modified plan A.” He cracked a grin and placed one miniature on the arrow going from the Alliance fort to the Graashmn fort, and placed a couple facing off the first miniature. He proceeded to sprinkle a few regular miniatures accompanying the spellcaster miniatures. “Those guys will have learned about this little route by the time our plan gets into motion. We make a feint here with one of our aces, the illusionist, and stage a frustrating skirmish while minimizing our losses. Our little mole should show up, and I will give him what he needs to complete the mission. In the meantime, we shore up our forces near our resource assets.”
_____“Provided no other surprises show up.” Sizemore said.
_____“We can't guarantee that,” Merelius came back to the edge of the table, “and that's how it always is in subterfuge. As I've said before, plans can fail. However, if this works, we'll be able to spare our men's lives as well as save our moral for now. Darmen, how soon can you prepare the items?”
_____Darmen whipped out a bag and drew out a pinch of dusty brown powder. “It is already prepared.”
_____“Put that back into the bag.” Sizemore's eyes widened in alarm.
_____Darmen contemplated the powder on his fingers for a bit, then licked it off. He smacked his lips around for a bit. “It doesn't taste very good. But it's not meant for eating anyways.” The gruff man pulled the drawstrings on the pouch and set it back into his pack. “This session is concluded. Anyone of you two need review on what the rest of the plan will be?”
_____“Explain to me how this magic trick will work again.”
_____Merelius shook her head, “So predictable....”
_____“The mole will cast the enemy fort under a two-fold illusion spell and throw them into chaos, pitting the soldiers against each other. At the same time, specialists from our troop will finish off the remainders including any mages they have, and hopefully I and the heavies will be able to dispatch the fort commander and his lieutenants. The other part of the spell will kick in when the merchants arrive on schedule, and hopefully they will have brought something we can use.” Darmen explained.
_____“Interesting. From there on we can use Graashmn uniforms to dupe the rest of the caravans. I don't like it.”
_____“Is there anything you do like for a strategy?” Merelius spoke in a sarcastic manner.
_____“Solid chances and things I do understand thoroughly, through and through, inside and out. This is magic from a third-rate caster we're using, for crying out loud.”
_____“Go retire to your chamber, old man.”
II
_____“Magic lets you do many impossible things ... and yet, we still can't solve this problem. Isn't that ironic?”
__________--Daedera, Wisened Great Wyrm of the Golden Duo
_____Step one, step two, step three, step four. The soldiers regularly patrolled along the parapets, observing any possible danger. Or the midday sun, the birds, trees, and anything else that they weren't suppose to look at. The view was good however, and it brought Ralph a profound respect for nature. The Alliance's fort was situated on top of a bluff overlooking a valley. A fair scattering of thin tree covering lay before the walls, but nothing that could hide a small group of soldiers. Beyond lay a line of random scree, boulders, and forest nestled within the folds of the valley. In the distance, the wooden Graashmn fort looked to be sitting in the middle of the mountain pass, bathing with a healthy dose of sunlight and showing off its strange flag, which was red with a single swamp-green eye in the middle. “I don't understand how people can get use to that flag,” Ralph once commented to a fellow patrolman.
_____Step one, step two, step three, step four. It was just going to be another day; he could feel it. The general and his advisors decided to bunker into their position and not attack, or so they've been told. “There's also going to be additional patrols posted along the route to the mines” Darmen stated, adding that they should be safe from any impending assaults the enemy might stage, and that they intended to hold out in the fort for as long as possible. The feeling of impending doom was not something Ralph or the other soldiers wanted to think about, and everyone already knows that if they stayed where they are, the worshippers of Graashmn would overrun the Alliance fort eventually. Darmen and his advisors are up to something, but he just didn't know what. All Ralph could do was count his steps as he went from one turret to another. He even counted the crenelations (“There's a hundred gaps and a hundred and one stones from here to there.”
and drew imaginary maps of the surrounding land in his mind. How nice it would be to have the role of a scout and explore the land at his own leisure. He decided he wouldn't mind dying out there if he could experience true beauty in person.
_____“So,” Stephen pepped up, “how much do you want to bet that The Nidhogg is going to win this whole confrontation?”
_____That's an interesting proposition, Ralph thought. Step, step, step.
_____“They'd have to promise him something that would prevent him from just leaving us to die, that's for sure.”
_____“I'm willing to bet Darmen did just that. I mean, The Nidhogg hasn't engaged in serious confrontation with us yet. I've heard he's pretty scary with his glaive.”
_____“If he did, he probably wouldn't tell us. You know, just in case one of us gets captured, tortured by those sadists, or anything else that happens in all of those crazy horror stories.”
_____Step, step, step....
_____“What exactly did the commander expect when defending this spot? We're definitely better off holding out in a bottleneck, like that pass those Graashmn freaks are in.”
_____“Stephen, how many times have you said that?”
_____“Countless times. Hey, it's just something to talk about okay?”
_____Step, step. A bird landed between the fourtieth and fiftieth block of the crenelations. How close can we get to that bird before it flies away?
_____Ralph took a deep breath. “Why not talk about something philosophical? Maybe how everybody is so afraid of Zetaine? I don't see what's so bad about him; you just have to put trust in him just like you put trust in everyone else.”
_____“How about those goblins and orcs? I don't understand why they enjoy attacking villages. And why they attack each other for no apparent reason is really puzzling.”
_____“Um, I don't know.”
_____Step, step, step. The bird was still singing its song, hopping around on the crenelations.
_____“You know, I think the only reason why everyone's afraid of Zetaine is because Sizemore Valian slanders about anything magical.” Stephen mused, muttering a few curses afterwards.
_____Ralph stopped thinking about the crenelations. “You know, why does Darmen keep that old man around anyways?”
_____“I've heard that Sizemore is brilliant in his strategies when the right pieces are in play,” elated Stephen, “but Merelius keeps complaining that he is blinded by his pride. She says that Sizemore becomes paralyzed whenever magic is involved. Not sure how much of that is true. Other than that, he's a fearsome general when he served for his kingdom, which regrettably fell to an enclave of wizards.”
_____“No surprise there.” Ralph remarked.
_____“Mhmm. Word is, he's also a friend of Darmen's. Both discuss tactics and such, and whenever they play the king's game, they get holed up in their chambers for hours on end. It's a bit silly I think.”
_____“You seem to know a lot about Darmen.”
_____“He was the one who personally promoted me to soldier. In a sense, he is my father figure, even though he probably doesn't see me as a son. All of my family has perished from previous disputes.”
_____“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that....”
_____Both of the soldiers reached the turret overlooking the path to the mines. Far down below, there were several other soldiers toiling to erect a stockade facing towards the enemy fort direction. Further up the road were a few miners and a moderate escort of footmen carting iron ore to the fort, as well as many other men of various professions twining new rope, overseeing the foundation of the stockade, and other construction duties. One soldier looked up and gave a salute. Ralph and Stephen returned the salute.
_____“So we're on the defensive.” Ralph sighed. “Seems like our days could be numbered.”
_____“It isn't over yet.” Stephen gave a pat on Ralph's back, and gave him a solemn look. “I know Darmen. He has thought things through, and if he believes this is the best course of action, then it must mean help is on the way. Jane Silvermoon wouldn't just abandon us here either. All we need to do is hope for the best.”
_____“If you say so. How do you deal with slow agony?”
_____“You mean this waiting?”
_____“Yeah.”
_____“Pretend it isn't there. Well, that's my best answer to be honest.”
_____“Do you have any regrets if you were to die right here and now? You know, hypothetically.”
_____“Could we not talk about this?”
_____A thunderous crack sounded from behind the two. Stephen swung around just in time to catch the sight of a tree falling down a slope and disappearing among the rustling green.
_____“Looks like a skirmish.”
_____“Let's hope Darmen anticipated this, if he's as great as you make him out to be.”
_____“Let's hope.”
__________--Daedera, Wisened Great Wyrm of the Golden Duo
_____Step one, step two, step three, step four. The soldiers regularly patrolled along the parapets, observing any possible danger. Or the midday sun, the birds, trees, and anything else that they weren't suppose to look at. The view was good however, and it brought Ralph a profound respect for nature. The Alliance's fort was situated on top of a bluff overlooking a valley. A fair scattering of thin tree covering lay before the walls, but nothing that could hide a small group of soldiers. Beyond lay a line of random scree, boulders, and forest nestled within the folds of the valley. In the distance, the wooden Graashmn fort looked to be sitting in the middle of the mountain pass, bathing with a healthy dose of sunlight and showing off its strange flag, which was red with a single swamp-green eye in the middle. “I don't understand how people can get use to that flag,” Ralph once commented to a fellow patrolman.
_____Step one, step two, step three, step four. It was just going to be another day; he could feel it. The general and his advisors decided to bunker into their position and not attack, or so they've been told. “There's also going to be additional patrols posted along the route to the mines” Darmen stated, adding that they should be safe from any impending assaults the enemy might stage, and that they intended to hold out in the fort for as long as possible. The feeling of impending doom was not something Ralph or the other soldiers wanted to think about, and everyone already knows that if they stayed where they are, the worshippers of Graashmn would overrun the Alliance fort eventually. Darmen and his advisors are up to something, but he just didn't know what. All Ralph could do was count his steps as he went from one turret to another. He even counted the crenelations (“There's a hundred gaps and a hundred and one stones from here to there.”
and drew imaginary maps of the surrounding land in his mind. How nice it would be to have the role of a scout and explore the land at his own leisure. He decided he wouldn't mind dying out there if he could experience true beauty in person._____“So,” Stephen pepped up, “how much do you want to bet that The Nidhogg is going to win this whole confrontation?”
_____That's an interesting proposition, Ralph thought. Step, step, step.
_____“They'd have to promise him something that would prevent him from just leaving us to die, that's for sure.”
_____“I'm willing to bet Darmen did just that. I mean, The Nidhogg hasn't engaged in serious confrontation with us yet. I've heard he's pretty scary with his glaive.”
_____“If he did, he probably wouldn't tell us. You know, just in case one of us gets captured, tortured by those sadists, or anything else that happens in all of those crazy horror stories.”
_____Step, step, step....
_____“What exactly did the commander expect when defending this spot? We're definitely better off holding out in a bottleneck, like that pass those Graashmn freaks are in.”
_____“Stephen, how many times have you said that?”
_____“Countless times. Hey, it's just something to talk about okay?”
_____Step, step. A bird landed between the fourtieth and fiftieth block of the crenelations. How close can we get to that bird before it flies away?
_____Ralph took a deep breath. “Why not talk about something philosophical? Maybe how everybody is so afraid of Zetaine? I don't see what's so bad about him; you just have to put trust in him just like you put trust in everyone else.”
_____“How about those goblins and orcs? I don't understand why they enjoy attacking villages. And why they attack each other for no apparent reason is really puzzling.”
_____“Um, I don't know.”
_____Step, step, step. The bird was still singing its song, hopping around on the crenelations.
_____“You know, I think the only reason why everyone's afraid of Zetaine is because Sizemore Valian slanders about anything magical.” Stephen mused, muttering a few curses afterwards.
_____Ralph stopped thinking about the crenelations. “You know, why does Darmen keep that old man around anyways?”
_____“I've heard that Sizemore is brilliant in his strategies when the right pieces are in play,” elated Stephen, “but Merelius keeps complaining that he is blinded by his pride. She says that Sizemore becomes paralyzed whenever magic is involved. Not sure how much of that is true. Other than that, he's a fearsome general when he served for his kingdom, which regrettably fell to an enclave of wizards.”
_____“No surprise there.” Ralph remarked.
_____“Mhmm. Word is, he's also a friend of Darmen's. Both discuss tactics and such, and whenever they play the king's game, they get holed up in their chambers for hours on end. It's a bit silly I think.”
_____“You seem to know a lot about Darmen.”
_____“He was the one who personally promoted me to soldier. In a sense, he is my father figure, even though he probably doesn't see me as a son. All of my family has perished from previous disputes.”
_____“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that....”
_____Both of the soldiers reached the turret overlooking the path to the mines. Far down below, there were several other soldiers toiling to erect a stockade facing towards the enemy fort direction. Further up the road were a few miners and a moderate escort of footmen carting iron ore to the fort, as well as many other men of various professions twining new rope, overseeing the foundation of the stockade, and other construction duties. One soldier looked up and gave a salute. Ralph and Stephen returned the salute.
_____“So we're on the defensive.” Ralph sighed. “Seems like our days could be numbered.”
_____“It isn't over yet.” Stephen gave a pat on Ralph's back, and gave him a solemn look. “I know Darmen. He has thought things through, and if he believes this is the best course of action, then it must mean help is on the way. Jane Silvermoon wouldn't just abandon us here either. All we need to do is hope for the best.”
_____“If you say so. How do you deal with slow agony?”
_____“You mean this waiting?”
_____“Yeah.”
_____“Pretend it isn't there. Well, that's my best answer to be honest.”
_____“Do you have any regrets if you were to die right here and now? You know, hypothetically.”
_____“Could we not talk about this?”
_____A thunderous crack sounded from behind the two. Stephen swung around just in time to catch the sight of a tree falling down a slope and disappearing among the rustling green.
_____“Looks like a skirmish.”
_____“Let's hope Darmen anticipated this, if he's as great as you make him out to be.”
_____“Let's hope.”
III
_____ “How can you possibly even live your life after stealing that poor farmer's crops? Have you no shame!?”
_____“The world's a stage, and only after you've rehearsed the part and done it many times can you do it flawlessly and without regret.”
_____“What are you saying?”
_____“I'm saying I've had my share of problems, angst, betrayal and most of all unfairness. In other words, after having stolen enough, the guilt goes away after a while.”
_____“You truly are despicable!”
_____“I would be careful of what you say, Kajiti. You may regret your noble and do-goody attitude once uncaring reality comes to bear.”
_____Dozens of men fell to the ground, with blood sprayed all over the ground and each other's leather armor. The ranks behind the fallen men saw the horror, looked up at the war mage, and then assumed confidence after a few stepped forward. The war mage threw his spear into the ground, then began reciting another magic chant, arching his body into a brace posture as he did so. In a mere few seconds, his hands flicked into a large cup, and a blaze of vanilla magic energy suddenly coagulated out of thin air into the cup. The war mage fired the magical sphere into the crowd of soldiers. Some jumped out of way, a few crashing into other men and falling onto the ground. A few men who didn't react in time got hit by the sphere and were immediately grounded onto the scree, throwing up a cloud of dirt and dust and blood. A large impression was left where the sphere hit them. They laid motionless. The cries and yells continued in a chaotic din.
_____Darmen huddled behind a thick screen of shrubs near where another man was laying, and took one last glance at the battlefield. “So, have you considered my offer, Nidhogg?”
_____The Nidhogg grunted, “I am intrigued by your anonymous ... treasure that you speak of. Though keep in mind that the people who you seek to reign victorious over may outbid you at any time.”
_____Darmen chuckled. “Of course they could. But I know you won't be swayed, since you're looking at the possibility of obtaining one of Kajiti's artifacts. I'm sure it doesn't need explaining how powerful they can be.”
_____“It takes more than words to justify payment, my good captain.” The Nidhogg squinted his eyes a little, as to imply that Darmen was lying.
_____“I'm aware of that. The Alliance isn't stupid enough to leave it somewhere vulnerable unless they really need to use it. But what say you to a hilarious show of confusion?”
_____“Other than your false army out there?”
_____“Sharp.”
_____“You're here, and you're obviously not concerned. You also don't seem to be the type to march your troops into death's jaws. That's a very good illusion you have playing out there.”
_____A sharp cry of pain was heard, followed by a chorus of gasps. Darmen peeked through the shrubbery to see that the war mage was wounded.
_____“That's a very, very good illusion.”
_____Darmen nodded his head. “They're not all fake. Our illusionist has a lot of battlefield experience, and she's also a very quick study with the ways of the warrior. That's a rare combination of talent you won't find for miles anywhere else.”
_____“Intriguing.”
_____“But enough of this, here's what you need to do.” Darmen took out the bag of powder and took a deep breath. “When you're back into the base of your contractors, you'll throw this around in the air where their soldiers sleep. Preferably you do this when they are all away for the day. Make sure you cover all of their quarters, and I mean all of it. And be sure that you're out of there when the soldiers return. Don't say I didn't warn you.”
_____Sounds of clashing, ringing swords and spears could be heard, echoing off of boulders, creating a cacophony reminiscent of a storm of blades. The Nidhogg swiped the bag from the captain, and made a sinister chuckle. “Ho hum, more trickery with magic is it? This show you're promising me better be good. And don't forget your end of the bargain.”
_____The muscle man picked up his glaive off the forest floor and started to turn. “Oh, just one more thing...” he turned his head slowly, brandishing his weapon in front of the captain, “What is this artifact capable of?”
_____Darmen regarded his question for moment. “Those details are not to be disclosed until my men can be considered safe. That is, either my superior supplies us with reinforcements, or the enemy is routed from here and we have enough resources to make us feel comfortable.”
_____“Tch. 'Comfortable' is an open ended condition in my vocabulary. I understand that you are strapped for cold hard money at the moment, but alluring promises such as yours seems too grand, and you most likely intend to get away with it.” The Nidhogg swung around and faced Darmen.
_____“Why would I lie to you?”
_____“What's stopping you from doing so later on? The reason why I believe your former condition will not happen is because your commanding officer was either short-sighted enough to send you here with an insufficient rag-tag bunch – with exception to your few spell casters – or he can't really afford to do so in the first place.”
_____“She.”
_____“Either way, I know that you don't have a goblin's chance of getting out of here alive if I don't do what you want me to do. Time is your enemy. Right now, and tomorrow. And in case you didn't get an implication, the druids in their own copses on your flank won't allow you to tread through their grounds, and the creepers themselves will attempt to eat your men alive should you send any runners the way you came. Not to mention some of Graashmn's policies are right up my alley, mostly the killing. Not that I enjoy blood baths, but that I am just so darn good at it.”
_____A scowl flashed across Darmen's face. “So you're looking for an extortion.”
_____“I just want to have the assurance I am going to get paid.”
_____“You don't leave me with much choice. What do you want?”
_____An invigorated roar of men could be heard. Darmen peeked through the shrubs again to find that the enemy soldiers were aggressively shoving back the illusory soldiers, which were actually puppets given substance with shadow stuff. The barrier of Darmen's shadow soldiers were quickly disintegrating as the opposing faction charged.
_____“Damn! There goes one of our trumps.”
_____“And a good one too. Captain, you can either give me coin from the coffers, tell me what the artifact is, or you can commit to the third option, which the price is very high.”
_____“What's the third option?”
_____“Ah, glad you asked. I want complete ownership of your fort, right after I do my task. Good?”
_____“Aargh! You really want me to go for broke don't you!”
_____“Depends. Those guys over there can pay me hard money.”
_____Darmen looked furiously at the battlefield, then at The Nidhogg. After some moments of agony, he finally said, “Telling you about the artifact would be the cheapest thing for us at this point.”
_____“Good to hear you're a man of your word.” The Nidhogg set his glaive down onto the ground again, then folded his arms. “Let's hear it. And don't think lying to me will work.” He pointed to the diamond affixed to his helmet.
_____“Very well.” Darmen took a deep breath. “This artifact... it is a portable demiplane device.”
_____“A demiplane...?” The Nidhogg's normally gruff complex turned into confusion. “Isn't that normally an alternate reality created only by the most ridiculous wizards?”
_____“I've been told a new one appears only every few years. But its basic purpose is to negate the need for planar portals and allow for interdimensional travel regardless of where you are.”
_____“Now that is real gold.” Cracking a smile, he added, “I'll see you later tomorrow evening.”
_____“You had better do your job well.”
_____The Nidhogg had already disappeared from sight as Darmen began to crawl through the shrubs back towards his men. He took a small look above the bushes, and saw that the Graashmn soldiers were facing heavy resistance from real Alliance swordsmen. Archers from behind the defensive line attempted to pick off additional soldiers rushing in to the fray. Zetaine, the illusionist, was nowhere to be seen.
_____The captain was actually behind the frontward enemy line, but he decided that it would be unwise to come up from behind, should a soldier attack him from behind, or one of his own soldiers mistakes him for an enemy, he would be grievously wounded. Further down the path, he could see additional enemy reinforcements trudging down the slopes and splashing across a small creek. He knew that they would join the battle in a matter of minutes. Worse was the fact that this contingent included some longbow men, which spelled serious disaster for his own men if an orderly retreat wasn't underway in time. He had to act fast, he had to act now, whether or not he would be able to bring back Zetaine or not. He would regret losing him, but he would lose many more men if he didn't hasten to retreat.
_____"Took you long enough, captain Darmen."
_____Darmen jumped and spun around. There was no one nearby; just a bunch of trees. "Zetaine that wasn't funny."
_____"I did not want those guys targeting me when they finally saw through the ruse." Darmen could feel the breath on his left cheek. "Shall we go now?"
_____"Yes. Give the signal! Once you've made your way back to the fort, I want you to meet me in the war room. Today went from tentative to exceedingly bad. We might have to kill our mole." With that, Darmen immediately dashed up the hill towards his men, making loud rustling sounds distinct from skirmish white noise. Graashmn soldiers started pouring towards Darmen, as he pulled out his bastard sword and gave a mighty cry.
_____“The world's a stage, and only after you've rehearsed the part and done it many times can you do it flawlessly and without regret.”
_____“What are you saying?”
_____“I'm saying I've had my share of problems, angst, betrayal and most of all unfairness. In other words, after having stolen enough, the guilt goes away after a while.”
_____“You truly are despicable!”
_____“I would be careful of what you say, Kajiti. You may regret your noble and do-goody attitude once uncaring reality comes to bear.”
_____Dozens of men fell to the ground, with blood sprayed all over the ground and each other's leather armor. The ranks behind the fallen men saw the horror, looked up at the war mage, and then assumed confidence after a few stepped forward. The war mage threw his spear into the ground, then began reciting another magic chant, arching his body into a brace posture as he did so. In a mere few seconds, his hands flicked into a large cup, and a blaze of vanilla magic energy suddenly coagulated out of thin air into the cup. The war mage fired the magical sphere into the crowd of soldiers. Some jumped out of way, a few crashing into other men and falling onto the ground. A few men who didn't react in time got hit by the sphere and were immediately grounded onto the scree, throwing up a cloud of dirt and dust and blood. A large impression was left where the sphere hit them. They laid motionless. The cries and yells continued in a chaotic din.
_____Darmen huddled behind a thick screen of shrubs near where another man was laying, and took one last glance at the battlefield. “So, have you considered my offer, Nidhogg?”
_____The Nidhogg grunted, “I am intrigued by your anonymous ... treasure that you speak of. Though keep in mind that the people who you seek to reign victorious over may outbid you at any time.”
_____Darmen chuckled. “Of course they could. But I know you won't be swayed, since you're looking at the possibility of obtaining one of Kajiti's artifacts. I'm sure it doesn't need explaining how powerful they can be.”
_____“It takes more than words to justify payment, my good captain.” The Nidhogg squinted his eyes a little, as to imply that Darmen was lying.
_____“I'm aware of that. The Alliance isn't stupid enough to leave it somewhere vulnerable unless they really need to use it. But what say you to a hilarious show of confusion?”
_____“Other than your false army out there?”
_____“Sharp.”
_____“You're here, and you're obviously not concerned. You also don't seem to be the type to march your troops into death's jaws. That's a very good illusion you have playing out there.”
_____A sharp cry of pain was heard, followed by a chorus of gasps. Darmen peeked through the shrubbery to see that the war mage was wounded.
_____“That's a very, very good illusion.”
_____Darmen nodded his head. “They're not all fake. Our illusionist has a lot of battlefield experience, and she's also a very quick study with the ways of the warrior. That's a rare combination of talent you won't find for miles anywhere else.”
_____“Intriguing.”
_____“But enough of this, here's what you need to do.” Darmen took out the bag of powder and took a deep breath. “When you're back into the base of your contractors, you'll throw this around in the air where their soldiers sleep. Preferably you do this when they are all away for the day. Make sure you cover all of their quarters, and I mean all of it. And be sure that you're out of there when the soldiers return. Don't say I didn't warn you.”
_____Sounds of clashing, ringing swords and spears could be heard, echoing off of boulders, creating a cacophony reminiscent of a storm of blades. The Nidhogg swiped the bag from the captain, and made a sinister chuckle. “Ho hum, more trickery with magic is it? This show you're promising me better be good. And don't forget your end of the bargain.”
_____The muscle man picked up his glaive off the forest floor and started to turn. “Oh, just one more thing...” he turned his head slowly, brandishing his weapon in front of the captain, “What is this artifact capable of?”
_____Darmen regarded his question for moment. “Those details are not to be disclosed until my men can be considered safe. That is, either my superior supplies us with reinforcements, or the enemy is routed from here and we have enough resources to make us feel comfortable.”
_____“Tch. 'Comfortable' is an open ended condition in my vocabulary. I understand that you are strapped for cold hard money at the moment, but alluring promises such as yours seems too grand, and you most likely intend to get away with it.” The Nidhogg swung around and faced Darmen.
_____“Why would I lie to you?”
_____“What's stopping you from doing so later on? The reason why I believe your former condition will not happen is because your commanding officer was either short-sighted enough to send you here with an insufficient rag-tag bunch – with exception to your few spell casters – or he can't really afford to do so in the first place.”
_____“She.”
_____“Either way, I know that you don't have a goblin's chance of getting out of here alive if I don't do what you want me to do. Time is your enemy. Right now, and tomorrow. And in case you didn't get an implication, the druids in their own copses on your flank won't allow you to tread through their grounds, and the creepers themselves will attempt to eat your men alive should you send any runners the way you came. Not to mention some of Graashmn's policies are right up my alley, mostly the killing. Not that I enjoy blood baths, but that I am just so darn good at it.”
_____A scowl flashed across Darmen's face. “So you're looking for an extortion.”
_____“I just want to have the assurance I am going to get paid.”
_____“You don't leave me with much choice. What do you want?”
_____An invigorated roar of men could be heard. Darmen peeked through the shrubs again to find that the enemy soldiers were aggressively shoving back the illusory soldiers, which were actually puppets given substance with shadow stuff. The barrier of Darmen's shadow soldiers were quickly disintegrating as the opposing faction charged.
_____“Damn! There goes one of our trumps.”
_____“And a good one too. Captain, you can either give me coin from the coffers, tell me what the artifact is, or you can commit to the third option, which the price is very high.”
_____“What's the third option?”
_____“Ah, glad you asked. I want complete ownership of your fort, right after I do my task. Good?”
_____“Aargh! You really want me to go for broke don't you!”
_____“Depends. Those guys over there can pay me hard money.”
_____Darmen looked furiously at the battlefield, then at The Nidhogg. After some moments of agony, he finally said, “Telling you about the artifact would be the cheapest thing for us at this point.”
_____“Good to hear you're a man of your word.” The Nidhogg set his glaive down onto the ground again, then folded his arms. “Let's hear it. And don't think lying to me will work.” He pointed to the diamond affixed to his helmet.
_____“Very well.” Darmen took a deep breath. “This artifact... it is a portable demiplane device.”
_____“A demiplane...?” The Nidhogg's normally gruff complex turned into confusion. “Isn't that normally an alternate reality created only by the most ridiculous wizards?”
_____“I've been told a new one appears only every few years. But its basic purpose is to negate the need for planar portals and allow for interdimensional travel regardless of where you are.”
_____“Now that is real gold.” Cracking a smile, he added, “I'll see you later tomorrow evening.”
_____“You had better do your job well.”
_____The Nidhogg had already disappeared from sight as Darmen began to crawl through the shrubs back towards his men. He took a small look above the bushes, and saw that the Graashmn soldiers were facing heavy resistance from real Alliance swordsmen. Archers from behind the defensive line attempted to pick off additional soldiers rushing in to the fray. Zetaine, the illusionist, was nowhere to be seen.
_____The captain was actually behind the frontward enemy line, but he decided that it would be unwise to come up from behind, should a soldier attack him from behind, or one of his own soldiers mistakes him for an enemy, he would be grievously wounded. Further down the path, he could see additional enemy reinforcements trudging down the slopes and splashing across a small creek. He knew that they would join the battle in a matter of minutes. Worse was the fact that this contingent included some longbow men, which spelled serious disaster for his own men if an orderly retreat wasn't underway in time. He had to act fast, he had to act now, whether or not he would be able to bring back Zetaine or not. He would regret losing him, but he would lose many more men if he didn't hasten to retreat.
_____"Took you long enough, captain Darmen."
_____Darmen jumped and spun around. There was no one nearby; just a bunch of trees. "Zetaine that wasn't funny."
_____"I did not want those guys targeting me when they finally saw through the ruse." Darmen could feel the breath on his left cheek. "Shall we go now?"
_____"Yes. Give the signal! Once you've made your way back to the fort, I want you to meet me in the war room. Today went from tentative to exceedingly bad. We might have to kill our mole." With that, Darmen immediately dashed up the hill towards his men, making loud rustling sounds distinct from skirmish white noise. Graashmn soldiers started pouring towards Darmen, as he pulled out his bastard sword and gave a mighty cry.
IV
_____“How much is life worth to you if nothing bad ever happened? Life has no purpose and thus no value if nothing bad ever happened to you.”
__________--Proverb from The Middle Road
_____Darmen marched into the war room, swept aside the marked map from the previous night and hastily rolled it up to put it away. He took a stand at the far end of the chubby, rectangular table and awaited the rest of his subordinates. In came eight other men and women of varying degrees in importance, most of whom were dressed formally, while the rest were still in armor. They all took sitting positions around the table.
_____“Thank you all for coming,” Darmen began, “I'll need status reports from each of you.”
_____“Keep Lieutenant Merelius, how goes operations from the mines?”
_____Merelius stood. “Stockades were erected in time to repel enemy skirmishers. Unless they use a full force to attack our supply lines, we should be safe for now.”
_____“Good, good.” Darmen waved for Merelius to sit down. “Wizard Habermickle, spells ready?”
_____Merelius sat down, while the rather inconspicuously garbed wizard got up. “I have prepared for the day, captain.”
_____“What's the general arsenal?”
_____“Fireballs, missiles, spells for holding people, fogs, magic armor, lots of dispel magic, and some mind reading.”
_____“Scratch off fireballs, we don't want to burn down the enemy fort.”
_____“I see, you're not expecting open field skirmishes.”
_____“Not to the extent of needing fireballs. Patrol Captain Stephens, reports?”
_____Stephens saluted. “A few random groups attempted to disrupt the mining operations just as Merelius has reported, and the stockade looks to be in good order the last time I saw it. There was also a battle on our right side, on the small path that master Sizemore had previously discovered, and a few trees were torn down. Is everything okay?”
_____“That fight was planned. We didn't lose many men, thanks to Zetaine. Anything else?”
_____“A soldier on the rear parapets reported to have seen a few bears watching the fort, observing it as if they were humans.”
_____“Hmm. Thank you Stephens. First Lieutenant Sizemore.” Sizemore stood up without saying anything. “Cut the cynicism. Status report on soldier preparations.”
_____“Thanks to stable mine operations today, we should be able to have the weapons and shields necessary for the raid tomorrow if the smithies work through the whole night. I don't approve of what happened today however.”
_____“I don't like it either, but for different reasons than you might think.” Sizemore sat down without being waved. “Scout Master Rashasalia.”
_____“Nothing new to report today, captain.” The elf spoke eloquently. “Were you expecting any messages?”
_____“I want you to be wary for any messages from outside this region.”
_____The doors were thrown open, and Zetaine walked in without much regard to the other members at the table. The thin man looked ragged and dirty, but relatively unharmed otherwise. “Reporting, captain.”
_____“Just in time, too.” Darmen waved for Rashasalia to sit down. “How much do you think you can help us tomorrow?”
_____“Aside from offering my expertise on the stage, I'm afraid I have exhausted nearly all of my spells on your little meeting today. I will not be at my full complement for tomorrow's takeover.”
_____“You've earned your rest.” The captain took a deep breath, looked at all of the people in the room, then closed his eyes for a little bit. Then he spoke, “Gentlemen and women, I have bad news. The mole agreed to set up the enemy fort like I asked, but in order to persuade him to do so, I had to prematurely reveal to him the artifact that the Alliance has. This very knowledge of what it can do can cause the whole war to change, and we must not let this knowledge leak out further than it needs to. I am not depending on our mole to keep his mouth shut. I am sorry to say this, but we might have to take extra losses in order to spare the Alliance some major grief, and possibly Kajiti's as well. We will still carry out the illusion plan and take what we can from the Graashmn trade routes, but we also have to slay The Nidhogg if the secret hasn't broke out yet.”
_____Several groans could be heard. Sizemore was the only one who remained silent.
_____After all the noise subsided, Darmen continued, “I will take personal responsibility in dealing with him. The original deal was that The Nidhogg could acquire the artifact as payment for fighting for our cause after the war is over. But for now, it is probably appropriate for me to reveal the full extent of our situation. Our options here are limited. If we try to press forward, we will be running straight into Graashmn territory on the other side of the Tallow Mountain Range, and our chances of surviving in enemy country, especially an enemy with several doctrines for slaughter, can be considered to be very slim. If we try to retreat, the druids of the Coven Forest will not cooperate, and will make retreat a miserable hell, if they don't kill us outright. We have ample supplies for the coming weeks, thanks to scout master Rashasalia's expertise in forest foraging, however in viewing our time, we don't have much longer to live if the situation does not change soon, since it is believed that Graashmn regiments may come cascading through here in a short amount of time.
_____“I have chosen to stay put where we are and hope that help comes in some form. General Silvermoon may not address this particular region until it is too late, but if we somehow survive for a few weeks, help may come. The Graashmn merchants may carry some valuable wares that we may be able to use. If they have some power magic that can help get us out of here, then that's great. Or maybe even some form of magic that will allow us to communicate with General Silvermoon. That is where our greatest hope lies. If we can't even depend on the trade routes, we could try diplomacy on the druids to let us out of here. If all else fails, then we make our last stand. Whether it's at the enemy fort or here, I am undecided, since I do not have a good description of the land surrounding the enemy fort.
_____“So here are your orders. Scout Master Rashasalia, keep watch on the enemy fort and report any unusual activity. Otherwise, give the sign if things are going according to plan. Also, try to find some passage in the mountains and see if there's a hidden path we have not noticed before. And as before, be on the lookout for outside messages in case reinforcements come. Sizemore, make preparations to raid the enemy fort. The key situation you'll be facing – since you are absolutely ignorant about magic – is confused opponents, and some bunkered lieutenants. Keep Lieutenant Merelius, shut down mining operations once Sizemore is satisfied we have enough metal to keep us going throughout the weeks, and turn over your workers to him as well. It isn't profitable to keep running such a stretched supply line, and we'll need all the help we can get. Habermickle, start thinking about ways to worm out confessions from the enemy, just so we know whether The Nidhogg has spilled the beans. Zetaine, take it easy, but do as much as you can and get a good night's rest. Delores, prepare the carts in case we need to relocate to the Graashmn fort. And Stephens, keep a good eye on the druids, but don't neglect the vanguard either. Company, dismissed!”
_____Eight of the nine people began filing out of the war room through the oak doors, flooding in some light as the doors were opened. It was starting to get dark outside. The light still casted a pale shadow over Sizemore's face as he continued to sit in his chair at the table. The aged man stood up slowly.
_____“So, you committed a dangerous act.”
_____“I'm sorry, I thought I did what was best.”
_____“You do realize how fearsome that man is. He isn't a mercenary for nothing, and I wouldn't be surprised if his skills matched those of the General herself.”
_____“How do you propose we take him down?”
_____“Actually, I do not know myself. It highly depends on where he is at the moment we are ready to deal with him. If he's in either fort, we might not be able to take him out.”
_____“Then we will need to make plans for that situation. The Nidhogg is a devilishly smart man.”
_____“You sure? We can play the king's game with him?”
_____“Definitely. He figured out the illusory shadow army in today's fight alarmingly fast, and he figured out all of our chips in our deals with him. He may know a lot more than he's let on.”
_____Sizemore slapped the tabletop. “Then we'll need to make two plans for him.”
_____Darmen grew concerned. “Do we have the resources to do that?”
_____The old man smiled, “Of course. One rule of thumb in closed quarter encounters is that only a few men can fight at one time. That is because men are all funneled together in tight spots. We only need to have a small number of men in case he holes up in one of the forts, and by the time he dispatches of those men, the rest of the men should be able to arrive in time.”
_____“But where's the other place you expect The Nidhogg to be if he suspects we're on to him?”
_____“Out in the forest, where we probably won't find him for days. We'll be in a much better position to kill him, assuming he's surrounded, but he won't let that happen. Sheer numbers of soldiers is a general idea that strikes me, but if you can find something from the merchants to help us, then that's better.”
_____“What about the druids?”
_____“Don't ask me. I'm hoping he would think that's too obvious a spot to find him.”
_____“I'm thinking he'll go exactly there because he might assume we have magic to locate him.”
_____Sizemore grumbled.
_____“Sizemore. I know you have an extreme aversion for magic, but I don't think it's really possible for you to ignore it anymore.”
_____“I'm not going to bring myself to study a world where anything can happen for no reason whatsoever.” The old man's tone became increasingly aggitated.
_____“I don't like having to face infinite possibilities either when it comes to formulating strategies, but the matter of fact is that the world we live in has many mages and wizard, least of all to say of the creatures that can employ supernatural power similar to magic. But it's not beyond reckoning.”
_____“Just leave an old man alone. I've lived the good majority of my years without having to deal with this nonsense.”
_____“I am teaching you about magic now so we won't get croaked by some necromancer.”
_____“You just won't drop it will you!”
_____“Sizemore!”
_____The captain and the old man glared at each other for a while. “At least tell me this: have you even tried to learn about how magic works?”
_____“Yes. All I have to say to that, is magic doesn't work like you'd expect it to.”
_____“I see.” Darmen started walking towards the door. “Do you remember that time we played a blind version of the king's game?”
_____“I do. Good times. I also remember the cheater that ruined the whole fun of the game.”
_____“It reminds me a lot about real battle situations. Sometimes the enemy shows up with something you could have never anticipated, such as when you struck me with the pair of knights.”
_____“The king's game is meant to be a lesson in real warfare tactics, as far as I understand it.”
_____“Magic is a lot like that.”
_____Sizemore shot a piercing gaze at the captain, but then quickly grew complacent, and sighed. “For you to be so dishonest about our friendship... you really believe I need to move on?”
_____“Yes. For the life of me, and between experienced generals, I can't see why you can't adapt to situations involving magic. If you think about it, there are a lot of phenomena out there which we can only see the results to, and not explain why, such as why taking in certain herbs neutralizes certain poisons. We just take it for granted.”
_____Sizemore sighed again. “Very well. Do your worst.”
_____Darmen sat down in the chair closest to the door. “I shall.”
__________--Proverb from The Middle Road
_____Darmen marched into the war room, swept aside the marked map from the previous night and hastily rolled it up to put it away. He took a stand at the far end of the chubby, rectangular table and awaited the rest of his subordinates. In came eight other men and women of varying degrees in importance, most of whom were dressed formally, while the rest were still in armor. They all took sitting positions around the table.
_____“Thank you all for coming,” Darmen began, “I'll need status reports from each of you.”
_____“Keep Lieutenant Merelius, how goes operations from the mines?”
_____Merelius stood. “Stockades were erected in time to repel enemy skirmishers. Unless they use a full force to attack our supply lines, we should be safe for now.”
_____“Good, good.” Darmen waved for Merelius to sit down. “Wizard Habermickle, spells ready?”
_____Merelius sat down, while the rather inconspicuously garbed wizard got up. “I have prepared for the day, captain.”
_____“What's the general arsenal?”
_____“Fireballs, missiles, spells for holding people, fogs, magic armor, lots of dispel magic, and some mind reading.”
_____“Scratch off fireballs, we don't want to burn down the enemy fort.”
_____“I see, you're not expecting open field skirmishes.”
_____“Not to the extent of needing fireballs. Patrol Captain Stephens, reports?”
_____Stephens saluted. “A few random groups attempted to disrupt the mining operations just as Merelius has reported, and the stockade looks to be in good order the last time I saw it. There was also a battle on our right side, on the small path that master Sizemore had previously discovered, and a few trees were torn down. Is everything okay?”
_____“That fight was planned. We didn't lose many men, thanks to Zetaine. Anything else?”
_____“A soldier on the rear parapets reported to have seen a few bears watching the fort, observing it as if they were humans.”
_____“Hmm. Thank you Stephens. First Lieutenant Sizemore.” Sizemore stood up without saying anything. “Cut the cynicism. Status report on soldier preparations.”
_____“Thanks to stable mine operations today, we should be able to have the weapons and shields necessary for the raid tomorrow if the smithies work through the whole night. I don't approve of what happened today however.”
_____“I don't like it either, but for different reasons than you might think.” Sizemore sat down without being waved. “Scout Master Rashasalia.”
_____“Nothing new to report today, captain.” The elf spoke eloquently. “Were you expecting any messages?”
_____“I want you to be wary for any messages from outside this region.”
_____The doors were thrown open, and Zetaine walked in without much regard to the other members at the table. The thin man looked ragged and dirty, but relatively unharmed otherwise. “Reporting, captain.”
_____“Just in time, too.” Darmen waved for Rashasalia to sit down. “How much do you think you can help us tomorrow?”
_____“Aside from offering my expertise on the stage, I'm afraid I have exhausted nearly all of my spells on your little meeting today. I will not be at my full complement for tomorrow's takeover.”
_____“You've earned your rest.” The captain took a deep breath, looked at all of the people in the room, then closed his eyes for a little bit. Then he spoke, “Gentlemen and women, I have bad news. The mole agreed to set up the enemy fort like I asked, but in order to persuade him to do so, I had to prematurely reveal to him the artifact that the Alliance has. This very knowledge of what it can do can cause the whole war to change, and we must not let this knowledge leak out further than it needs to. I am not depending on our mole to keep his mouth shut. I am sorry to say this, but we might have to take extra losses in order to spare the Alliance some major grief, and possibly Kajiti's as well. We will still carry out the illusion plan and take what we can from the Graashmn trade routes, but we also have to slay The Nidhogg if the secret hasn't broke out yet.”
_____Several groans could be heard. Sizemore was the only one who remained silent.
_____After all the noise subsided, Darmen continued, “I will take personal responsibility in dealing with him. The original deal was that The Nidhogg could acquire the artifact as payment for fighting for our cause after the war is over. But for now, it is probably appropriate for me to reveal the full extent of our situation. Our options here are limited. If we try to press forward, we will be running straight into Graashmn territory on the other side of the Tallow Mountain Range, and our chances of surviving in enemy country, especially an enemy with several doctrines for slaughter, can be considered to be very slim. If we try to retreat, the druids of the Coven Forest will not cooperate, and will make retreat a miserable hell, if they don't kill us outright. We have ample supplies for the coming weeks, thanks to scout master Rashasalia's expertise in forest foraging, however in viewing our time, we don't have much longer to live if the situation does not change soon, since it is believed that Graashmn regiments may come cascading through here in a short amount of time.
_____“I have chosen to stay put where we are and hope that help comes in some form. General Silvermoon may not address this particular region until it is too late, but if we somehow survive for a few weeks, help may come. The Graashmn merchants may carry some valuable wares that we may be able to use. If they have some power magic that can help get us out of here, then that's great. Or maybe even some form of magic that will allow us to communicate with General Silvermoon. That is where our greatest hope lies. If we can't even depend on the trade routes, we could try diplomacy on the druids to let us out of here. If all else fails, then we make our last stand. Whether it's at the enemy fort or here, I am undecided, since I do not have a good description of the land surrounding the enemy fort.
_____“So here are your orders. Scout Master Rashasalia, keep watch on the enemy fort and report any unusual activity. Otherwise, give the sign if things are going according to plan. Also, try to find some passage in the mountains and see if there's a hidden path we have not noticed before. And as before, be on the lookout for outside messages in case reinforcements come. Sizemore, make preparations to raid the enemy fort. The key situation you'll be facing – since you are absolutely ignorant about magic – is confused opponents, and some bunkered lieutenants. Keep Lieutenant Merelius, shut down mining operations once Sizemore is satisfied we have enough metal to keep us going throughout the weeks, and turn over your workers to him as well. It isn't profitable to keep running such a stretched supply line, and we'll need all the help we can get. Habermickle, start thinking about ways to worm out confessions from the enemy, just so we know whether The Nidhogg has spilled the beans. Zetaine, take it easy, but do as much as you can and get a good night's rest. Delores, prepare the carts in case we need to relocate to the Graashmn fort. And Stephens, keep a good eye on the druids, but don't neglect the vanguard either. Company, dismissed!”
_____Eight of the nine people began filing out of the war room through the oak doors, flooding in some light as the doors were opened. It was starting to get dark outside. The light still casted a pale shadow over Sizemore's face as he continued to sit in his chair at the table. The aged man stood up slowly.
_____“So, you committed a dangerous act.”
_____“I'm sorry, I thought I did what was best.”
_____“You do realize how fearsome that man is. He isn't a mercenary for nothing, and I wouldn't be surprised if his skills matched those of the General herself.”
_____“How do you propose we take him down?”
_____“Actually, I do not know myself. It highly depends on where he is at the moment we are ready to deal with him. If he's in either fort, we might not be able to take him out.”
_____“Then we will need to make plans for that situation. The Nidhogg is a devilishly smart man.”
_____“You sure? We can play the king's game with him?”
_____“Definitely. He figured out the illusory shadow army in today's fight alarmingly fast, and he figured out all of our chips in our deals with him. He may know a lot more than he's let on.”
_____Sizemore slapped the tabletop. “Then we'll need to make two plans for him.”
_____Darmen grew concerned. “Do we have the resources to do that?”
_____The old man smiled, “Of course. One rule of thumb in closed quarter encounters is that only a few men can fight at one time. That is because men are all funneled together in tight spots. We only need to have a small number of men in case he holes up in one of the forts, and by the time he dispatches of those men, the rest of the men should be able to arrive in time.”
_____“But where's the other place you expect The Nidhogg to be if he suspects we're on to him?”
_____“Out in the forest, where we probably won't find him for days. We'll be in a much better position to kill him, assuming he's surrounded, but he won't let that happen. Sheer numbers of soldiers is a general idea that strikes me, but if you can find something from the merchants to help us, then that's better.”
_____“What about the druids?”
_____“Don't ask me. I'm hoping he would think that's too obvious a spot to find him.”
_____“I'm thinking he'll go exactly there because he might assume we have magic to locate him.”
_____Sizemore grumbled.
_____“Sizemore. I know you have an extreme aversion for magic, but I don't think it's really possible for you to ignore it anymore.”
_____“I'm not going to bring myself to study a world where anything can happen for no reason whatsoever.” The old man's tone became increasingly aggitated.
_____“I don't like having to face infinite possibilities either when it comes to formulating strategies, but the matter of fact is that the world we live in has many mages and wizard, least of all to say of the creatures that can employ supernatural power similar to magic. But it's not beyond reckoning.”
_____“Just leave an old man alone. I've lived the good majority of my years without having to deal with this nonsense.”
_____“I am teaching you about magic now so we won't get croaked by some necromancer.”
_____“You just won't drop it will you!”
_____“Sizemore!”
_____The captain and the old man glared at each other for a while. “At least tell me this: have you even tried to learn about how magic works?”
_____“Yes. All I have to say to that, is magic doesn't work like you'd expect it to.”
_____“I see.” Darmen started walking towards the door. “Do you remember that time we played a blind version of the king's game?”
_____“I do. Good times. I also remember the cheater that ruined the whole fun of the game.”
_____“It reminds me a lot about real battle situations. Sometimes the enemy shows up with something you could have never anticipated, such as when you struck me with the pair of knights.”
_____“The king's game is meant to be a lesson in real warfare tactics, as far as I understand it.”
_____“Magic is a lot like that.”
_____Sizemore shot a piercing gaze at the captain, but then quickly grew complacent, and sighed. “For you to be so dishonest about our friendship... you really believe I need to move on?”
_____“Yes. For the life of me, and between experienced generals, I can't see why you can't adapt to situations involving magic. If you think about it, there are a lot of phenomena out there which we can only see the results to, and not explain why, such as why taking in certain herbs neutralizes certain poisons. We just take it for granted.”
_____Sizemore sighed again. “Very well. Do your worst.”
_____Darmen sat down in the chair closest to the door. “I shall.”
V
_____“Since when have you ever heard of war being fair? The enemy has more troops; that's not fair. They have better officers; that's not fair. They have more materials and resources; that's not fair. They have spellcasters; that's not fair. People die; that's not fair.”
__________--Sole survivor of the Illithid Conquest.
_____The wooden fort is basked in light amongst the mountains' shadows, sitting in the middle of the pass. Dozens of patrols could be seen on the ramparts, keeping a careful eye out for any possible invasions, bows at ready with an arrow nocked for a quick first shot. The Alliance army was situated in a niche near the hilly slopes surrounding the Graashmn fort. Most of the troops were hidden out of sight in the shadows, but some of them betrayed the presence of the army by spilling out into the open fields surrounding the wooden fort, looking onwards at the anticipated battle site. Darmen intended for this appearance in order to give the enemy something to worry about, in order to amplify the plan's effectiveness. Soldiers repeatedly went over the plan on how the raid was to be carried out. Since the fort was going to be rife with illusory dust, Darmen's men had to adhere strictly to the plans being made, or else they would fall victim to the illusions as well. Each squad of soldiers had their own signals and passwords to ensure that they didn't accidentally attack each other, and the sergeants of each squad in turn responded to Darmen with a different set of signals. The sweep of the fort was to be conducted in a systematic fashion, such that there would be minimal room for error.
_____Zetaine approached the captain, who was peering over an outcropping of rocks. “It seems you understand the effects of the spell very well,” the illusionist commented, “though maybe my magic could work... too well. What do you think would happen if the worse case scenario were to come through?”
_____“Even in spite of all the signals and tactics we're employing? I've thought this day through thoroughly, and I've turned up a number of strategies we can use in case one fails. Have you ever heard of the secret cave scenario?”
_____Zetaine mused for a moment. “I'm afraid I haven't, captain.”
_____Darmen chuckled, “Well, the original scenario is based on proving that you know a secret without actually telling it. There are two people, and one of them is a skeptic. This cave we are talking about branches into two paths that run into dead ends. The person who knows the secret to access either path without returning to the branch can come out from either direction, according to how the skeptic asks the person to come out from the left path or the right path. Being able to pass the skeptic's test repeatedly without error proves that you do know the secret in question.”
_____“That seems like a very specific scenario.”
_____“It is. But if an idea such as proving a secret without having to tell it can exist, then so do strategic raids which have circular fail-safes. Familiarity with each of the men's signals and passwords will help them recognize each other. As an additional precaution, the men should only engage in subduel tactics. They should always be cautious and evaluate the situation before attempting any actions. Men who aren't exhibiting such behavior or attack aggressively are presumed to be the enemy.”
_____Zetaine's face slowly grew into a wicked smile. “You certainly do have a taste for strategy. Just hope you don't require more of my services today, as I don't believe I can really defend us without jeopardizing the plan.”
_____Darmen turned to face Zetaine. “What do you mean?”
_____“Well, captain, you might want to know that, since you decided to strike at a peculiar time of the day, some of the people still sleeping in their bunks may do precisely what your soldiers are doing.”
_____“That's a good catch. I actually anticipated this too, and ordered my men to move in tight formations. After we clean out the inside, we all take headcount as we come out, and if there happens to be an enemy in our midst, we flush him out. There should be forty-six squads of twenty men each, not including their officer.”
_____Zetaine nodded. “You sure your men's incompetence – pardon my views – won't get in the way of your vast security measures?”
_____“I'm hoping not.” The captain took a deep breath, then craned his head to look around at his army.
_____“Soldiers! Attention!”
_____All of the soldiers picked up their weapons – an assortment of small swords, daggers, and saps instead of the usual armaments – and stood stalk still as they gave the captain their full face, pounding a fist over their hearts as a salute.
_____“Do you all understand the instructions you were given?”
_____The men echoed in unison, “Yes, sir!”
_____“That is not how you address your captain out in this field. I repeat, do you all understand?”
_____“Sesh!”
_____“Good, good. Once Scout Master Rashasalia gives us the signal, the new discipline takes place over our old standard. Do not forget the differences between us and them, for it will mean your life from your own comrades if you make a mistake! Strike at the time when a flaming arrow appears over the hills.”
_____Darmen stepped down from the slopes of the mountain and sought a nearby officer. “Sergeant, have you seen Habermickle?”
_____“Yes captain. He's near the forest line yonder way.”
_____“I see him, thank you. Take good care out there, soldier.”
_____“Will do.” The officer smiled.
_____Darmen weaved between the groups of soldiers, making his way towards the prominent figure that is the wizard leaning next to a moderately sized tree. He took the time to inspect some of the men. Most were wearing leather armor, and some had wooden shields, no doubt the people assigned to vanguard duty. Some of the men had daggers tucked somewhere onto their person. Darmen knew that small weapons made great assets in close quarter combat. He didn't know exactly how the inside of the Graashmn fort looked like, but he hoped they had common sense and made good use of their construction time, which meant the halls should be small and cramped. This makes frontal defense a great asset, and the captain hoped it he could spare as many men as he could, in case the Graashmn disciples decided to come through the Tallow Mountains with a larger force. Resources and cunning make a great force in any army, but a good count of able men was also important, and shouldn't be neglected.
_____Habermickle seemed to be mulling over his spellbook. The book was made out of a copper frame and bound by scales from some sort of reptile, probably a snake, but there were no other distinguishing marks on it. As Darmen approached, Habermickle looked up, and spoke, “Captain, are we ready?”
_____“Preparations are complete,” the captain returned. “Assuming Rashasalia can meet up with us, we should be able to storm the commanding headquarters of the fort and dispatch of all the higher intelligence, including any wizards and the fort's commander.”
_____“You'll need to be plenty aggressive to catch those wizards,” Habermickle cautioned, “or they could sting you very badly with their first spell. It's very easy to lose a life based on a single bad decision. Trust me, the experience from wizard dueling tournaments shows many turns of favor for either side.”
_____“That is why the seasoned fighters are doing this job.”
_____The wizard closed his spellbook and replaced it in his pack. “I've been puzzling over why Sizemore didn't come with you, and now I know why. That batty old man never learns.”
_____A sudden series of gasps and yells erupted from the congregation of soldiers. A flaming arrow could be seen leaping over the Graashmn fort in a majestic arch. The very air itself became much more alert, and the familiar feelings of trying battles overcame the captain.
_____“We should get going. Habermickle, do you have the ram spells prepared?”
_____“Many bullrush spells are at my disposal, captain.”
_____Both the captain and the wizard began to hustle towards the front of the line as the troops marched in an orderly fashion towards the fort. The patrolmen previously seen are nowhere to be found, and waves of shouts and screams could be heard from within the stout logs which composed the walls. Darmen and the troops stopped just short of the gate, while Habermickle stepped out front, made a few gestures, then threw a fist in the air towards the direction of the gate.
_____A resounding thump reverberated off the mountainsides, coupled with lots of splintering and wooden explosions as the gate caved into a dent. It looked as though a large boulder was thrown incredibly hard at the gate, but there was no boulder. The wizard made the same gestures, ending with another fist in the air, and the gate was blown back with a gaping hole in a few places, none of which could serve to get an army through. Another spell, and the beaten section of the gate fell inward, leaving a wide open maw with splintered wood for teeth on top.
_____The men immediately began to hustle inwards in filed ranks, and were greeted with a comical sight. Dozens of soldiers within the confines of the fortress were rushing about everywhere, clashing at each other with all they have, while yelling out at each other for help or in protest that they were friends. All of them bore the emblem of Graashmn: a single swamp-green eye surrounded by red. Men from inside the buildings were huddling together, fending off anything or anyone that tried to get in with them. Any of the faces which could be clearly seen expressed severe confusion and panic. Darmen's men showed just as much confusion as they looked at each other, demanding an explanation as to what was going on. The madness only increased as the Alliance hastily penetrated the fort, as the soldiers dispatched anyone that tried to attack them, and as men began to cower in fear. Files of men began to march through the halls, killing anything that got in their way or became aggressive.
_____A terrible transformation began. Alliance members suddenly became startled and disorganized as they realized that the people in their front, sides, or behind were really soldiers of Graashmn. Most of them were, but not all. How or when they sneaked into the formations was a mystery. A few of the men hesitantly went for their daggers, but did not draw their weapons. They remembered that if they struck others first, they would be targeted for slaughter. Entire columns were frozen, and the soldiers were starting to panic. The officers for their own squads started giving signals and yelling out phrases to their soldiers. Gradually, the ranks assembled and became organized again, although their assigned routines did not operate as quickly or efficiently as before. Skirmishes broke out here and there as people collided into each other and drew their weapons. Blood flowed through the crack on the floor; some pooled up in shallow areas on the ground floor of the fort. The stench and decay of death soon began to fill the hallways, nauseating some of the men who weren't fully accustomed to battle. Gradually the din of yelling died down as the Alliance army began to finish sweeping the last areas of the fort, although Graashmn soldiers still remained among the ranks of many squadrons.
_____Darmen, Zetaine, Habermickle, and Rashasalia were holding hands and making their way to the upper floors of the keep. Darmen was armed with his trusty bastard sword and a dagger, while Rashasalia had a short sword and two bows, one short and one long, as well as a complement of arrows. The two magic users had daggers secreted somewhere in their clothing, but they otherwise looked like strange nobles. As they peered into the quiet hallways and stairs of the upper complex, they observed the silence that began to claim the fort. Windows offered views of many Graashmn men standing outside, looking at each other, and some even quarreled with each other, while a few others were trying to maintain order.
_____“I think it is time.” Zetaine began to utter a few words of an incantation under his breath, then calmly looked at the others.
_____Darmen looked out the windows once more, and saw that his men were standing in place of the Graashmn soldiers. The men were looking at each other, still confused as ever, but then everyone settled down. A racket of chatter began to fill the air and drifted upwards to create a noisy atmosphere. “This is scary magic. Really scary.”
_____“Myess. What will you do when you can't trust your senses?”
_____“Personally I would keep my distance and find out what on earth is going on.” Rashasalia replied.
_____“Let's go.” The captain motioned for the company to move through the halls, checking the chambers as they went.
_____Most of the rooms did not have anyone inside. A few books, some furniture, a desk and a bed were the usual dressings for each room. One room had a peculiar set of keys hanging on a rack; Rashasalia took them and stuffed it into a bag full of cotton. As the three men and the elf approached the double doors at the end of the hallways, they gathered around at the sides of the doors, and pressed against the walls. Darmen grasped one of the knockers, and gave a gentle push. He figured it would open fairly easily, so he gave a nod to Zetaine on the opposite side of the hall, took hold of his bastard sword with his right hand, stood away from the center of the doors and shoved one of the doors inwards with all the might his spare hand could afford.
_____A human figure winked into existence at the same moment the door opened. Darmen could tell it was really just an illusion, for he could somehow tell what the human was really made of, and it was also somewhat transparent. A few arrows flew out through the open door, causing the illusion to fuzz as the apparition made the appearance of dodging. Darmen wasn't convinced that it fooled the attackers, but at least it drew away fire. Habermickle stepped out a little bit, and began to make the act of drawing on thin air. Sigils began to glow as he completed the arcane gestures. Then Habermickle unleashed a sphere of fizzling magic from the mess of sigils. The sphere flew straight through the closed half of the double doors, then a flash of light was emitted, shortly accompanied by many screams. Darmen burst into the room to find many men in chainmail fallen over from the magical attack; their faces were scarred with some indescribable lacerations. Three men at the far end of the room were still standing an odd forty feet or so away behind a desk, looking as though they were untouched. One of the men beside the enemy leader looked to be a wizard, due to his flamboyant green and red dressings. The other two men looked like ordinary officers. A funny smell pervaded throughout the room, combining the odor of sweat and wafts of flowery perfumes.
_____“So, this is how you come to claim our fortress,” the man in the middle said.
_____Darmen kept one eye on the wizard at all times, just in case he attempted to use magic. He replied, “I'm not exactly a man known for chivalry, if that's what you are thinking.”
_____“No. Not after today's battle. While Graashmn does enjoy battle and bloodshed, he would rather prefer that such destructive effort be focused on his enemies, and anything less than worthy of fighting. You, are not worthy of fighting if you have to resort to a cheap trick such as this.”
_____Rashasalia and Habermickle came up to either side of Darmen. The elf said, “I don't believe Graashmn has anything about honor on his divine agendas. Who's to say you didn't employ a cheap trick of your own?”
_____The man burst out laughing. “A cheap trick of our own you say? Trust me when I say we don't have to resort to cheap tricks. We, the disciples of Graashmn, are skilled in the art of war. No one in these mountains, and certainly no one in your Alliance will be able to stop the advance of the red tide. You may have won this battle. You may even be able to survive for a week or two. But trust me when I say this: you won't survive for much longer than that.”
_____“And why is that?” The captain retorted.
_____“As I've said before, more disciples will be coming. And they will come in stronger numbers. You cannot stop them. There are dozens of those in a higher station than mine whose capabilities go well beyond yours. Take The Nidhogg for example. While he isn't a member of our fold, his skills are supreme, and can take out dozens of your men in a few strokes of his glaive. Being the free agent that he is, I'm sure we can continue to entice him for his services with coin from our coffers.”
_____He began to laugh again. “You, on the other hand, are hemmed in with no escape. I'm sure you already know what I am talking about, being the wily devilish man you are. In other words, I don't believe you can hold out on hope to enlist his aid in the near future,” he paused for effect, then spoke in a lower tone, “let alone hold off ... the rest ... of the generals that are coming this way, if even one.”
_____Darmen remained silent.
_____“Oh? Not speaking to me?”
_____“I don't find much reason to believe your claim.”
_____The man started to walk out, and took hold of something hidden – a curved sword – from the side of the desk. He slowly approached Darmen. “How much experience do you have with exterminating monsters worthy of stories?”
_____“Not much I'm afraid. Probably the only monster which I can proudly proclaim to have killed is a bennish troll.”
_____“How sad. Have you heard of wyverns?” Darmen nodded. “I can surmise that you haven't had the chance to kill one. What about umber hulks, horrors of the deep caverns? A bulette, an armored land shark? Or even a dragon whose standing height is about ours? Do you think you can even kill a single one of those monsters I described?”
_____“In earnest, I might be able to slay a wyvern or a dragon.”
_____“A wyvern, maybe, but not the dragon I described.” The man began to step a little closer. “They aren't stupid. In fact, trying to even sneak up on one proves to be futile. Legends speak of them being the epitome of a perfect creature, and if a little wyrmling gives you enough trouble, imagine what the larger dragons can do.”
_____“What's your point?”
_____“The Warriors of Graashmn can all slay these monsters, while those who have found great favor in his eye can fell adult dragons single-handedly. I don't believe you stand a chance. So I'm going to help you end your miserable, pathetic life early!”
_____The Graashmn fighter lunged at Darmen with his curved blade, aiming straight for the captain's heart. Darmen leaped out of the way into a roll and turned to face the Graashmn fighter. Both locked gazes into each other's eyes, while Habermickle, Rashalia and the other two Graashmn men stood off to one side of the room. Darmen assumed stance, while the Graashmn fighter simply stood there.
_____“That isn't all you have, I hope.”
_____“Just playing. You're clearly no novice. That is good, since that means I'll enjoy our fight.”
_____They engaged once more, blades clashing against each other as one swordsman tried to best the other in a series of bouts. Darmen noticed that his adversary was employing thrust motions much more often in contrast to the captain's large, sweeping bastard sword, which was causing Darmen to go on the defensive more often than he'd hope. His opponent was quick, Darmen had to give him that.
_____“Tell me, what is your name?” The man took another stabbing attempt after ducking under the captain's lateral stroke.
_____“Gatrie Darmen, captain from the Mabil settlements of the Alliance.” Darmen attempted an overhead swing.
_____“And I am Hasslen Drokar the Second, an initiate of Graashmn's order.” The man replied, as he made a great sidestep to avoid Darmen's attack. He responded with a sweep of his waving blade.
_____“Only an initiate?” Darmen raised his hilt and deflected Drokar's swing. “What does that make the rest of your men then?” He grasped his sword with both hands, then made an aggressive rush at Drokar.
_____The Graashmn fighter brought his sword up to defend himself, and both men locked weapons. “Grunts. They must excel in combat in order to gain favor in our deity's eye, or else they will remain underlings and slaves to those with power. It is a rule that everyone, even you, even the wild animals follow, whether or not you believe in the deity's doctrines.”
_____The captain managed to overcome Drokar's strength, and the man was forced to step back several paces. Another moment of staring. Darmen assumed a different stance, with his right hand on the sword placed directly across his front, while his left hand was positioned just below the blade. His back was slightly hunched. Drokar poised himself in a similar manner.
_____Drokar rushed to meet with Darmen. He made another stabbing motion, which Darmen anticipated. But at the last second, Drokar dipped his weapon and made an upward swing. The captain quickly adjusted his sword, backed off a little, and clashed with Drokar's blade in an attempt to deflect the blow. Using momentum from the hit, Darmen spun around in a tight radius, then unleashed power into his strike, cutting a large gash into Drokar's right thigh in spite of his fine chainmail. Blood was quickly spilling out from the fresh wound as the Graashmn fighter yelled out in pain, but then Darmen noticed some blood dripping from his left arm. He didn't remember feeling anything.
_____Suddenly, a metal object whizzed passed his face. The captain quickly inspected the projectile and found that Rashaslia threw it at the Graashmn wizard in the opposite corner of the room. Worse still, the other Graashmn officer was leaping over the desk and charging at the captain with twin swords, both of which shined with a sinister color. The bastard sword clashed with the twin swords briefly, then the unknown fighter sidestepped and attempted to hit Darmen. The captain tried to evade, but the sword still grazed his leather armor. Unexpectedly, his assailant and Drokar flew towards the back of the room with such violent force. Drokar hit the wall with the flat of his back, driving the wind out of him, while the other Graashmn fighter tumbled over the desk and apparently landed straight on his head against the floor.
_____Wasting no time, Darmen charged at the Graashmn wizard, who was already midway in casting another spell. The wizard pointed a finger at him. An icy bolt of energy flew out and struck the captain square in the chest. Darmen felt a severe stinging sensation where the spell hit, and he barely maintained focus as he attacked the wizard, missing him by the thread of his robes. The chills Darmen felt were much worse than simply touching ice; he felt as though his torso had been in a void, the spirit of the northerly winds grasping at his mind, and an overall sensation that he was slowing down while everything else around him somehow got faster. Was this what it felt like to be stranded in a blizzard? Or to die in an icy tomb? It didn't matter, as the wizard was making more hand motions, his lips moving as he calmly moved away from the captain. Darmen figured he had to make his next strike count, or he could be done for.
_____He felt a surge of strength as he raised his blade, the will and desire to cleave his opponent; time slowed down. Everything was moving in beats for all but a moment. He could trace the arc the tip of his sword made, as he began to make its descent onto the wizard. He could feel the deep, penetrating sting of the ice, the hot blood that flowed down his left arm, and he was aware of all sounds in the room. Rustling of armor. Nocking of an arrow. Chants of magic. Heavy breathing. Darmen's war cry.
_____The captain felt his blade being pulled forward just as he was about to bring down his bastard sword onto the wizard. The metal went straight through the hapless man's skull and all the way down through the chest and belly. Magical energy from Darmen's body escaped as the he finished his stroke; it had been clear that Habermickle assisted just in time. Blood flew out onto the captain and stained his armor as his sword let out his insides. The wizard's body fell over backwards, giving Darmen a view of the two Graashmn fighters behind the desk. The fighter with the twin swords had an arrow stuck in his left side, and was distracted by the pain, but nevertheless he immediately jumped at Darmen. The captain fell over backwards and brought up his sword to meet the fighter. It was normally a silly thing to do in combat, but he figured there wasn't much of an alternative. The move worked however, as the attacker attempted to roll in mid-air to avoid impaling himself on Darmen's sword. Both the captain and the assailant tumbled into a jumbled heap and hit a wall, with three blades sticking out in random directions.
_____Darmen dropped his sword and began to struggle against the Graashmn officer, who was attempting to bring his swords against the captain. They locked arms with each other and struggled to get the upper hand. It was only after a while that Darmen realized that the man wasn't moving. When or how it happened escaped his understanding, but he wasted no time to get up and recollect himself. Habermickle gave the captain a nod, made a downward stroke with his arm to indicate a death-dealing blow to the stiff man, then began to cast another spell pointing towards Drokar. Rashasalia was currently engaged with Drokar, using a dagger to deflect and stave off the weathered Graashmn fighter. The elf looked as though he was having a tough time keeping up, and the few knicks and wounds he already received stood as testament to his inferior melee abilities. Darmen made the gut reaction of running across the room and swung his heavy boot around as he approached Drokar, knocking out his legs from underneath and sent him falling down. The Graashmn initiate backed off and immediately leaped to his feet, but then a flash of purple magic touched him and he stopped moving completely, as though he were a statue.
_____“Thanks, captain.” The elf panted, as he wiped sweat from his brow.
_____“Captain,” Habermickle said, almost shouting, “Kill the other man quickly. The spells don't last forever.”
_____“That was a quick fight.” Darmen commented, walking over to the man with the twin blade. Darmen picked up his bastard sword, then made a fine, but conserved swing down the hapless man's middle.
_____The captain inspected the whole room. Blood ran down most of the sword's length, and more blood spilled out from the fatal wound the captain inflicted on the Graashmn officer. The icy cold pain was still robbing him of vitality, but at least he could shrug it off and ignore it like a tough guy would. Speckles of blood could be seen in the middle of the floor, where Darmen and Drokar first dueled, then more blood could be seen dripping from Rashasalia. A total of seven bodies littered the floor, most of which were near the door. Zetaine came into the room a little later and scanned the scene without making a sound.
_____The captain took a deep breath, then announced, “Rashasalia, give orders to the men to clean up the dead and try to wipe up as much of the blood as they can. Save as many whole Graashmn outfits as possible, as well as their weaponry. Clean up the fort: make no signs of battle here and get ready for the next phase of the plan. We are going to garrison this fort until further notice. Zetaine, cast a permanent illusion over the gate and cover up the hole.”
_____“I can try, captain, but a permanent fabrication is beyond me.” The illusionist replied.
_____“Habermickle, you and I will secure this man and we will bring him back with us to the Alliance keep. I'm thinking he knows much more than what he's told us here today.”
_____“Yes, captain.” Habermickle proudly pounded a fist over his chest. “What about The Nidhogg?”
_____“I'm sure he's nearby. Do not engage him if you see him.”
__________--Sole survivor of the Illithid Conquest.
_____The wooden fort is basked in light amongst the mountains' shadows, sitting in the middle of the pass. Dozens of patrols could be seen on the ramparts, keeping a careful eye out for any possible invasions, bows at ready with an arrow nocked for a quick first shot. The Alliance army was situated in a niche near the hilly slopes surrounding the Graashmn fort. Most of the troops were hidden out of sight in the shadows, but some of them betrayed the presence of the army by spilling out into the open fields surrounding the wooden fort, looking onwards at the anticipated battle site. Darmen intended for this appearance in order to give the enemy something to worry about, in order to amplify the plan's effectiveness. Soldiers repeatedly went over the plan on how the raid was to be carried out. Since the fort was going to be rife with illusory dust, Darmen's men had to adhere strictly to the plans being made, or else they would fall victim to the illusions as well. Each squad of soldiers had their own signals and passwords to ensure that they didn't accidentally attack each other, and the sergeants of each squad in turn responded to Darmen with a different set of signals. The sweep of the fort was to be conducted in a systematic fashion, such that there would be minimal room for error.
_____Zetaine approached the captain, who was peering over an outcropping of rocks. “It seems you understand the effects of the spell very well,” the illusionist commented, “though maybe my magic could work... too well. What do you think would happen if the worse case scenario were to come through?”
_____“Even in spite of all the signals and tactics we're employing? I've thought this day through thoroughly, and I've turned up a number of strategies we can use in case one fails. Have you ever heard of the secret cave scenario?”
_____Zetaine mused for a moment. “I'm afraid I haven't, captain.”
_____Darmen chuckled, “Well, the original scenario is based on proving that you know a secret without actually telling it. There are two people, and one of them is a skeptic. This cave we are talking about branches into two paths that run into dead ends. The person who knows the secret to access either path without returning to the branch can come out from either direction, according to how the skeptic asks the person to come out from the left path or the right path. Being able to pass the skeptic's test repeatedly without error proves that you do know the secret in question.”
_____“That seems like a very specific scenario.”
_____“It is. But if an idea such as proving a secret without having to tell it can exist, then so do strategic raids which have circular fail-safes. Familiarity with each of the men's signals and passwords will help them recognize each other. As an additional precaution, the men should only engage in subduel tactics. They should always be cautious and evaluate the situation before attempting any actions. Men who aren't exhibiting such behavior or attack aggressively are presumed to be the enemy.”
_____Zetaine's face slowly grew into a wicked smile. “You certainly do have a taste for strategy. Just hope you don't require more of my services today, as I don't believe I can really defend us without jeopardizing the plan.”
_____Darmen turned to face Zetaine. “What do you mean?”
_____“Well, captain, you might want to know that, since you decided to strike at a peculiar time of the day, some of the people still sleeping in their bunks may do precisely what your soldiers are doing.”
_____“That's a good catch. I actually anticipated this too, and ordered my men to move in tight formations. After we clean out the inside, we all take headcount as we come out, and if there happens to be an enemy in our midst, we flush him out. There should be forty-six squads of twenty men each, not including their officer.”
_____Zetaine nodded. “You sure your men's incompetence – pardon my views – won't get in the way of your vast security measures?”
_____“I'm hoping not.” The captain took a deep breath, then craned his head to look around at his army.
_____“Soldiers! Attention!”
_____All of the soldiers picked up their weapons – an assortment of small swords, daggers, and saps instead of the usual armaments – and stood stalk still as they gave the captain their full face, pounding a fist over their hearts as a salute.
_____“Do you all understand the instructions you were given?”
_____The men echoed in unison, “Yes, sir!”
_____“That is not how you address your captain out in this field. I repeat, do you all understand?”
_____“Sesh!”
_____“Good, good. Once Scout Master Rashasalia gives us the signal, the new discipline takes place over our old standard. Do not forget the differences between us and them, for it will mean your life from your own comrades if you make a mistake! Strike at the time when a flaming arrow appears over the hills.”
_____Darmen stepped down from the slopes of the mountain and sought a nearby officer. “Sergeant, have you seen Habermickle?”
_____“Yes captain. He's near the forest line yonder way.”
_____“I see him, thank you. Take good care out there, soldier.”
_____“Will do.” The officer smiled.
_____Darmen weaved between the groups of soldiers, making his way towards the prominent figure that is the wizard leaning next to a moderately sized tree. He took the time to inspect some of the men. Most were wearing leather armor, and some had wooden shields, no doubt the people assigned to vanguard duty. Some of the men had daggers tucked somewhere onto their person. Darmen knew that small weapons made great assets in close quarter combat. He didn't know exactly how the inside of the Graashmn fort looked like, but he hoped they had common sense and made good use of their construction time, which meant the halls should be small and cramped. This makes frontal defense a great asset, and the captain hoped it he could spare as many men as he could, in case the Graashmn disciples decided to come through the Tallow Mountains with a larger force. Resources and cunning make a great force in any army, but a good count of able men was also important, and shouldn't be neglected.
_____Habermickle seemed to be mulling over his spellbook. The book was made out of a copper frame and bound by scales from some sort of reptile, probably a snake, but there were no other distinguishing marks on it. As Darmen approached, Habermickle looked up, and spoke, “Captain, are we ready?”
_____“Preparations are complete,” the captain returned. “Assuming Rashasalia can meet up with us, we should be able to storm the commanding headquarters of the fort and dispatch of all the higher intelligence, including any wizards and the fort's commander.”
_____“You'll need to be plenty aggressive to catch those wizards,” Habermickle cautioned, “or they could sting you very badly with their first spell. It's very easy to lose a life based on a single bad decision. Trust me, the experience from wizard dueling tournaments shows many turns of favor for either side.”
_____“That is why the seasoned fighters are doing this job.”
_____The wizard closed his spellbook and replaced it in his pack. “I've been puzzling over why Sizemore didn't come with you, and now I know why. That batty old man never learns.”
_____A sudden series of gasps and yells erupted from the congregation of soldiers. A flaming arrow could be seen leaping over the Graashmn fort in a majestic arch. The very air itself became much more alert, and the familiar feelings of trying battles overcame the captain.
_____“We should get going. Habermickle, do you have the ram spells prepared?”
_____“Many bullrush spells are at my disposal, captain.”
_____Both the captain and the wizard began to hustle towards the front of the line as the troops marched in an orderly fashion towards the fort. The patrolmen previously seen are nowhere to be found, and waves of shouts and screams could be heard from within the stout logs which composed the walls. Darmen and the troops stopped just short of the gate, while Habermickle stepped out front, made a few gestures, then threw a fist in the air towards the direction of the gate.
_____A resounding thump reverberated off the mountainsides, coupled with lots of splintering and wooden explosions as the gate caved into a dent. It looked as though a large boulder was thrown incredibly hard at the gate, but there was no boulder. The wizard made the same gestures, ending with another fist in the air, and the gate was blown back with a gaping hole in a few places, none of which could serve to get an army through. Another spell, and the beaten section of the gate fell inward, leaving a wide open maw with splintered wood for teeth on top.
_____The men immediately began to hustle inwards in filed ranks, and were greeted with a comical sight. Dozens of soldiers within the confines of the fortress were rushing about everywhere, clashing at each other with all they have, while yelling out at each other for help or in protest that they were friends. All of them bore the emblem of Graashmn: a single swamp-green eye surrounded by red. Men from inside the buildings were huddling together, fending off anything or anyone that tried to get in with them. Any of the faces which could be clearly seen expressed severe confusion and panic. Darmen's men showed just as much confusion as they looked at each other, demanding an explanation as to what was going on. The madness only increased as the Alliance hastily penetrated the fort, as the soldiers dispatched anyone that tried to attack them, and as men began to cower in fear. Files of men began to march through the halls, killing anything that got in their way or became aggressive.
_____A terrible transformation began. Alliance members suddenly became startled and disorganized as they realized that the people in their front, sides, or behind were really soldiers of Graashmn. Most of them were, but not all. How or when they sneaked into the formations was a mystery. A few of the men hesitantly went for their daggers, but did not draw their weapons. They remembered that if they struck others first, they would be targeted for slaughter. Entire columns were frozen, and the soldiers were starting to panic. The officers for their own squads started giving signals and yelling out phrases to their soldiers. Gradually, the ranks assembled and became organized again, although their assigned routines did not operate as quickly or efficiently as before. Skirmishes broke out here and there as people collided into each other and drew their weapons. Blood flowed through the crack on the floor; some pooled up in shallow areas on the ground floor of the fort. The stench and decay of death soon began to fill the hallways, nauseating some of the men who weren't fully accustomed to battle. Gradually the din of yelling died down as the Alliance army began to finish sweeping the last areas of the fort, although Graashmn soldiers still remained among the ranks of many squadrons.
_____Darmen, Zetaine, Habermickle, and Rashasalia were holding hands and making their way to the upper floors of the keep. Darmen was armed with his trusty bastard sword and a dagger, while Rashasalia had a short sword and two bows, one short and one long, as well as a complement of arrows. The two magic users had daggers secreted somewhere in their clothing, but they otherwise looked like strange nobles. As they peered into the quiet hallways and stairs of the upper complex, they observed the silence that began to claim the fort. Windows offered views of many Graashmn men standing outside, looking at each other, and some even quarreled with each other, while a few others were trying to maintain order.
_____“I think it is time.” Zetaine began to utter a few words of an incantation under his breath, then calmly looked at the others.
_____Darmen looked out the windows once more, and saw that his men were standing in place of the Graashmn soldiers. The men were looking at each other, still confused as ever, but then everyone settled down. A racket of chatter began to fill the air and drifted upwards to create a noisy atmosphere. “This is scary magic. Really scary.”
_____“Myess. What will you do when you can't trust your senses?”
_____“Personally I would keep my distance and find out what on earth is going on.” Rashasalia replied.
_____“Let's go.” The captain motioned for the company to move through the halls, checking the chambers as they went.
_____Most of the rooms did not have anyone inside. A few books, some furniture, a desk and a bed were the usual dressings for each room. One room had a peculiar set of keys hanging on a rack; Rashasalia took them and stuffed it into a bag full of cotton. As the three men and the elf approached the double doors at the end of the hallways, they gathered around at the sides of the doors, and pressed against the walls. Darmen grasped one of the knockers, and gave a gentle push. He figured it would open fairly easily, so he gave a nod to Zetaine on the opposite side of the hall, took hold of his bastard sword with his right hand, stood away from the center of the doors and shoved one of the doors inwards with all the might his spare hand could afford.
_____A human figure winked into existence at the same moment the door opened. Darmen could tell it was really just an illusion, for he could somehow tell what the human was really made of, and it was also somewhat transparent. A few arrows flew out through the open door, causing the illusion to fuzz as the apparition made the appearance of dodging. Darmen wasn't convinced that it fooled the attackers, but at least it drew away fire. Habermickle stepped out a little bit, and began to make the act of drawing on thin air. Sigils began to glow as he completed the arcane gestures. Then Habermickle unleashed a sphere of fizzling magic from the mess of sigils. The sphere flew straight through the closed half of the double doors, then a flash of light was emitted, shortly accompanied by many screams. Darmen burst into the room to find many men in chainmail fallen over from the magical attack; their faces were scarred with some indescribable lacerations. Three men at the far end of the room were still standing an odd forty feet or so away behind a desk, looking as though they were untouched. One of the men beside the enemy leader looked to be a wizard, due to his flamboyant green and red dressings. The other two men looked like ordinary officers. A funny smell pervaded throughout the room, combining the odor of sweat and wafts of flowery perfumes.
_____“So, this is how you come to claim our fortress,” the man in the middle said.
_____Darmen kept one eye on the wizard at all times, just in case he attempted to use magic. He replied, “I'm not exactly a man known for chivalry, if that's what you are thinking.”
_____“No. Not after today's battle. While Graashmn does enjoy battle and bloodshed, he would rather prefer that such destructive effort be focused on his enemies, and anything less than worthy of fighting. You, are not worthy of fighting if you have to resort to a cheap trick such as this.”
_____Rashasalia and Habermickle came up to either side of Darmen. The elf said, “I don't believe Graashmn has anything about honor on his divine agendas. Who's to say you didn't employ a cheap trick of your own?”
_____The man burst out laughing. “A cheap trick of our own you say? Trust me when I say we don't have to resort to cheap tricks. We, the disciples of Graashmn, are skilled in the art of war. No one in these mountains, and certainly no one in your Alliance will be able to stop the advance of the red tide. You may have won this battle. You may even be able to survive for a week or two. But trust me when I say this: you won't survive for much longer than that.”
_____“And why is that?” The captain retorted.
_____“As I've said before, more disciples will be coming. And they will come in stronger numbers. You cannot stop them. There are dozens of those in a higher station than mine whose capabilities go well beyond yours. Take The Nidhogg for example. While he isn't a member of our fold, his skills are supreme, and can take out dozens of your men in a few strokes of his glaive. Being the free agent that he is, I'm sure we can continue to entice him for his services with coin from our coffers.”
_____He began to laugh again. “You, on the other hand, are hemmed in with no escape. I'm sure you already know what I am talking about, being the wily devilish man you are. In other words, I don't believe you can hold out on hope to enlist his aid in the near future,” he paused for effect, then spoke in a lower tone, “let alone hold off ... the rest ... of the generals that are coming this way, if even one.”
_____Darmen remained silent.
_____“Oh? Not speaking to me?”
_____“I don't find much reason to believe your claim.”
_____The man started to walk out, and took hold of something hidden – a curved sword – from the side of the desk. He slowly approached Darmen. “How much experience do you have with exterminating monsters worthy of stories?”
_____“Not much I'm afraid. Probably the only monster which I can proudly proclaim to have killed is a bennish troll.”
_____“How sad. Have you heard of wyverns?” Darmen nodded. “I can surmise that you haven't had the chance to kill one. What about umber hulks, horrors of the deep caverns? A bulette, an armored land shark? Or even a dragon whose standing height is about ours? Do you think you can even kill a single one of those monsters I described?”
_____“In earnest, I might be able to slay a wyvern or a dragon.”
_____“A wyvern, maybe, but not the dragon I described.” The man began to step a little closer. “They aren't stupid. In fact, trying to even sneak up on one proves to be futile. Legends speak of them being the epitome of a perfect creature, and if a little wyrmling gives you enough trouble, imagine what the larger dragons can do.”
_____“What's your point?”
_____“The Warriors of Graashmn can all slay these monsters, while those who have found great favor in his eye can fell adult dragons single-handedly. I don't believe you stand a chance. So I'm going to help you end your miserable, pathetic life early!”
_____The Graashmn fighter lunged at Darmen with his curved blade, aiming straight for the captain's heart. Darmen leaped out of the way into a roll and turned to face the Graashmn fighter. Both locked gazes into each other's eyes, while Habermickle, Rashalia and the other two Graashmn men stood off to one side of the room. Darmen assumed stance, while the Graashmn fighter simply stood there.
_____“That isn't all you have, I hope.”
_____“Just playing. You're clearly no novice. That is good, since that means I'll enjoy our fight.”
_____They engaged once more, blades clashing against each other as one swordsman tried to best the other in a series of bouts. Darmen noticed that his adversary was employing thrust motions much more often in contrast to the captain's large, sweeping bastard sword, which was causing Darmen to go on the defensive more often than he'd hope. His opponent was quick, Darmen had to give him that.
_____“Tell me, what is your name?” The man took another stabbing attempt after ducking under the captain's lateral stroke.
_____“Gatrie Darmen, captain from the Mabil settlements of the Alliance.” Darmen attempted an overhead swing.
_____“And I am Hasslen Drokar the Second, an initiate of Graashmn's order.” The man replied, as he made a great sidestep to avoid Darmen's attack. He responded with a sweep of his waving blade.
_____“Only an initiate?” Darmen raised his hilt and deflected Drokar's swing. “What does that make the rest of your men then?” He grasped his sword with both hands, then made an aggressive rush at Drokar.
_____The Graashmn fighter brought his sword up to defend himself, and both men locked weapons. “Grunts. They must excel in combat in order to gain favor in our deity's eye, or else they will remain underlings and slaves to those with power. It is a rule that everyone, even you, even the wild animals follow, whether or not you believe in the deity's doctrines.”
_____The captain managed to overcome Drokar's strength, and the man was forced to step back several paces. Another moment of staring. Darmen assumed a different stance, with his right hand on the sword placed directly across his front, while his left hand was positioned just below the blade. His back was slightly hunched. Drokar poised himself in a similar manner.
_____Drokar rushed to meet with Darmen. He made another stabbing motion, which Darmen anticipated. But at the last second, Drokar dipped his weapon and made an upward swing. The captain quickly adjusted his sword, backed off a little, and clashed with Drokar's blade in an attempt to deflect the blow. Using momentum from the hit, Darmen spun around in a tight radius, then unleashed power into his strike, cutting a large gash into Drokar's right thigh in spite of his fine chainmail. Blood was quickly spilling out from the fresh wound as the Graashmn fighter yelled out in pain, but then Darmen noticed some blood dripping from his left arm. He didn't remember feeling anything.
_____Suddenly, a metal object whizzed passed his face. The captain quickly inspected the projectile and found that Rashaslia threw it at the Graashmn wizard in the opposite corner of the room. Worse still, the other Graashmn officer was leaping over the desk and charging at the captain with twin swords, both of which shined with a sinister color. The bastard sword clashed with the twin swords briefly, then the unknown fighter sidestepped and attempted to hit Darmen. The captain tried to evade, but the sword still grazed his leather armor. Unexpectedly, his assailant and Drokar flew towards the back of the room with such violent force. Drokar hit the wall with the flat of his back, driving the wind out of him, while the other Graashmn fighter tumbled over the desk and apparently landed straight on his head against the floor.
_____Wasting no time, Darmen charged at the Graashmn wizard, who was already midway in casting another spell. The wizard pointed a finger at him. An icy bolt of energy flew out and struck the captain square in the chest. Darmen felt a severe stinging sensation where the spell hit, and he barely maintained focus as he attacked the wizard, missing him by the thread of his robes. The chills Darmen felt were much worse than simply touching ice; he felt as though his torso had been in a void, the spirit of the northerly winds grasping at his mind, and an overall sensation that he was slowing down while everything else around him somehow got faster. Was this what it felt like to be stranded in a blizzard? Or to die in an icy tomb? It didn't matter, as the wizard was making more hand motions, his lips moving as he calmly moved away from the captain. Darmen figured he had to make his next strike count, or he could be done for.
_____He felt a surge of strength as he raised his blade, the will and desire to cleave his opponent; time slowed down. Everything was moving in beats for all but a moment. He could trace the arc the tip of his sword made, as he began to make its descent onto the wizard. He could feel the deep, penetrating sting of the ice, the hot blood that flowed down his left arm, and he was aware of all sounds in the room. Rustling of armor. Nocking of an arrow. Chants of magic. Heavy breathing. Darmen's war cry.
_____The captain felt his blade being pulled forward just as he was about to bring down his bastard sword onto the wizard. The metal went straight through the hapless man's skull and all the way down through the chest and belly. Magical energy from Darmen's body escaped as the he finished his stroke; it had been clear that Habermickle assisted just in time. Blood flew out onto the captain and stained his armor as his sword let out his insides. The wizard's body fell over backwards, giving Darmen a view of the two Graashmn fighters behind the desk. The fighter with the twin swords had an arrow stuck in his left side, and was distracted by the pain, but nevertheless he immediately jumped at Darmen. The captain fell over backwards and brought up his sword to meet the fighter. It was normally a silly thing to do in combat, but he figured there wasn't much of an alternative. The move worked however, as the attacker attempted to roll in mid-air to avoid impaling himself on Darmen's sword. Both the captain and the assailant tumbled into a jumbled heap and hit a wall, with three blades sticking out in random directions.
_____Darmen dropped his sword and began to struggle against the Graashmn officer, who was attempting to bring his swords against the captain. They locked arms with each other and struggled to get the upper hand. It was only after a while that Darmen realized that the man wasn't moving. When or how it happened escaped his understanding, but he wasted no time to get up and recollect himself. Habermickle gave the captain a nod, made a downward stroke with his arm to indicate a death-dealing blow to the stiff man, then began to cast another spell pointing towards Drokar. Rashasalia was currently engaged with Drokar, using a dagger to deflect and stave off the weathered Graashmn fighter. The elf looked as though he was having a tough time keeping up, and the few knicks and wounds he already received stood as testament to his inferior melee abilities. Darmen made the gut reaction of running across the room and swung his heavy boot around as he approached Drokar, knocking out his legs from underneath and sent him falling down. The Graashmn initiate backed off and immediately leaped to his feet, but then a flash of purple magic touched him and he stopped moving completely, as though he were a statue.
_____“Thanks, captain.” The elf panted, as he wiped sweat from his brow.
_____“Captain,” Habermickle said, almost shouting, “Kill the other man quickly. The spells don't last forever.”
_____“That was a quick fight.” Darmen commented, walking over to the man with the twin blade. Darmen picked up his bastard sword, then made a fine, but conserved swing down the hapless man's middle.
_____The captain inspected the whole room. Blood ran down most of the sword's length, and more blood spilled out from the fatal wound the captain inflicted on the Graashmn officer. The icy cold pain was still robbing him of vitality, but at least he could shrug it off and ignore it like a tough guy would. Speckles of blood could be seen in the middle of the floor, where Darmen and Drokar first dueled, then more blood could be seen dripping from Rashasalia. A total of seven bodies littered the floor, most of which were near the door. Zetaine came into the room a little later and scanned the scene without making a sound.
_____The captain took a deep breath, then announced, “Rashasalia, give orders to the men to clean up the dead and try to wipe up as much of the blood as they can. Save as many whole Graashmn outfits as possible, as well as their weaponry. Clean up the fort: make no signs of battle here and get ready for the next phase of the plan. We are going to garrison this fort until further notice. Zetaine, cast a permanent illusion over the gate and cover up the hole.”
_____“I can try, captain, but a permanent fabrication is beyond me.” The illusionist replied.
_____“Habermickle, you and I will secure this man and we will bring him back with us to the Alliance keep. I'm thinking he knows much more than what he's told us here today.”
_____“Yes, captain.” Habermickle proudly pounded a fist over his chest. “What about The Nidhogg?”
_____“I'm sure he's nearby. Do not engage him if you see him.”