12. Return Home

Following the incident earlier that day, Kelsic already knew she was in for bad news when the voice of one of her contacts, Bleu Elling, approached her in the air. Kelsic had been waiting to find out what may have pushed a large army of goblenites so far north. More so than any movements the Demon Lord, Lucrece, might be making.

Kelsic sat alone in her study. The desk in front of her was piled high with dusty old books many that were too big to carry. The floor around her was also piled up with books; most of these were centuries old. Kelsic was reading a scroll, it was an ancient letter written by one of Lizac’s protectors, Morgan Storbri. The scroll contained very little information of use to Kelsic. It was no more than a love letter from a man that had lived and died through just a hundredth of her own lifetime.

“Still pondering the greatest of mysteries?” Bleu’s voice was sudden and very quick. It did not startle Kelsic at all, even though she was not expecting her voice to come so soon.

“Do you come with news? If not, I am in no mood to talk,” responded Kelsic.

“That’s not a very nice way to talk to me, after everything I do for you,” replied Bleu’s voice.

“Yes, I know you already have done too much to help my fight. Today however, will not bring a friendly conversation unless you can tell me why my friend and a young man was ambushed in broad daylight.”

“It seems the darkness is invading you as well as the war to your south.”

“Don’t give me that nonsense, have you got answers or not?” Fumed Kelsic.

“It appears the Imphatus were forced from their homes. Many were taken as slaves to do the War Lord’s bidding. The goblenites as you know them, attacked on pure desperation. They fear a lot more than what your swords offer them.”

“A War Lord? Are you sure of this?” Asked Kelsic.

“I am quite certain, Imphatus are not usually scared out of their homes,” replied the voice.

“Who? Is it one of Lucrece’s?”

“I have no name. You must be cautious. Only Scenrio knows the path set out by the Demon Lord.”

“Can you send aid? We may need it. There are many here who are not ready to face a War Lord’s wrath. Others I fear will join as well as fight off the darkness.”

“Relax dear friend,” said Bleu’s voice calmly, “Souvanence is in no immediate danger. I have foreseen many possible futures. Earthelle as you know it, will pay kindly to the magic of Scenrio’s homeland.”

“You mean there is not going to be a full on attack?” Asked Kelsic sceptically.

“No army is that reckless. Your defences may be weaker than most, but the fear of Scenrio’s power still keeps the darkness at bay.”

“I know one who is that reckless, and he’ll have half the city at his feet before death takes him.”

“The one you speak of could not possibly make it this far to your north without being stopped. Not even with the thousands at his command,” replied Bleu’s voice.

“So you do not know what threatens the goblenites?” Asked Kelsic, she was beginning to get annoyed with the lack of information.

“If you need to know more, try asking someone a bit closer to home. I am sure the Lord of the woods would be experiencing troubles like yours since he dwells between you and your Dekra.”

“He is unavailable at the present time. Woodland fires again I presume. I do not think they are connected.”

“Perhaps,” replied Bleu’s voice coolly.

“What advice can you give then?”

“Expect the unexpected. If all lies in the face of danger then use the gift of fire.”

“Is that it?” Asked Kelsic only half listening.

“Your decisions will affect the outcome of your city’s future,” replied Bleu’s voice.

“You’re asking me to expect the city to rely on a boy with a clouded future.”

“The boy’s birth did not happen by mistake. Use his abilities well.”

“I’ll see what I can do but I will not throw him into the deep end of a battle!” Kelsic raised her voice.

“That is your call. I for one take advantage of my surroundings, maybe you humans should too,” it went silent then. Kelsic did not reply, she knew that the voice had gone. Bleu would not talk again for some time now. It was up to her to sort out the troubles that faced Souvanence.

* * *

On the borderline of Souvanence sat Rolshire, a small region north of Uprin. The lands here were green and usually full of life. The largest woodland in Jerova sat to the west, and the east was blocked by vast mountains that stretched as far as Dekra. hhhhhhh

Major Darren Britton led the remaining of his troops over fields of freshly cut grass. He could feel home was less than two days away, yet there was no sign of Sergeant Mori or Privates Riley or Murray. Corporal Turner, the woman he intended to marry, was distant from him. Only speaking when something had to be reported. There were however, very few tracks to follow. It was almost as if the invading orc army disappeared completely on the edge of Uprin. Private Maldon escorted Brown, who still did not make any sense of what happened, as quickly as possible. Maldon grumbled feebly at having to baby-sit. Private Claudio renamed the remaining troops the Xuri unit, she was the only one willing to talk, but quickly learnt that no one else was prepared to listen.

“Are you sure there is nothing? We’re almost on Souvanence,” asked Britton for the hundredth time since the day before.

“I am sure… Sir. I would have told you if there was anything,” replied Turner. It annoyed her that he did not trust her at her own job, “I’m telling you there are no tracks.”

“Perhaps they went a different way. Towards the mountains maybe,” said Claudio, hope filled her voice.

“What shall we do then? I do not want to go back without them, but if they have gone towards the mountains it will be too late before we find any of them,” Britton sighed, he wished more than anything that their Captain was there. He knew that he was not though and the decision was down to him.

“I do not think they changed course, a lot of early signs have pointed us in this direction. Those orcs travel fast and light. It is possible they covered their tracks far beyond my tracking skills,” replied Turner. She was down on her knees examining the muddy grass.

“It will be getting dark in a few hours. I suggest we keep moving. We are among friends in this region. Let us respect their peaceful ways,” said Britton, “Stay away from the woods. I do not wish to find out if childhood stories are real, not today.”

“As you wish… Sir,” replied Turner, Maldon and Claudio. Turner felt uneasy about calling her boyfriend sir.

“How is Private Brown doing?” Britton asked Maldon.

“Still shook up I’m afraid. Keeps repeating they were in their thousands,” replied Maldon, “Must have took a knock to the head.”

“Question him as soon as he comes to,” said Britton ignoring Maldon’s sarcastic comment.

“What in Scenrio is that?” Called Claudio, she pointed to the hills they had left behind them.

“I can’t make it out,” replied Turner turning to see.

A large silvery white spot appeared. It grew larger and larger as it made its way over the hill some miles away. The unit gradually made out riders on horses. A squad possibly from the war, none could make out what regiment they were from.

“How many are there?” Asked Britton.

Turner tried to count; she had the best eyesight of the group, “At least fifty. Possibly eighty, no more than a hundred,” she replied as the rear came into view over the hill.

“Can you confirm friendlies?” Asked Britton.

“Definitely Souvana. Can’t understand why they are in such a rush though,” Turner looked at Britton expectantly, waiting for orders.

Darren Britton wondered for a moment. Perhaps the riders could escort them to Souvanence quicker. Maybe some would be willing to join him in a hunt for the orcs that kidnapped his Sergeant, “No one do or say anything without my authority. I will find out what regiment they are and hopefully get us a faster route home,” commanded Britton.

One of the distant soldiers shouted something. Britton could not make out what the order was but he knew it was because they had just been spotted.

“Is that Veeko?” Asked Maldon.

“Veeko?” Replied Brown perking up a bit.

“He’s right, that is Veeko. We are in luck… Sir,” responded Turner. She was unsure whether to address Major Britton as sir or Darren.

Within seconds Veeko’s golden brown locks came into clear view leading the Elites. Turner had forgotten how gorgeous he looked with his lightning blue eyes, strong stern face and muscular build. Claudio was thinking the same; both had not seen him in a long time.

Britton noticed his girlfriend’s look of awe and interrupted, “Stand to attention everyone please. Let’s show some discipline.”

The five beaten soldiers stood stiffly as best as they could, except for Brown who still used Maldon for support.

“Halt!” Ordered Veeko as they closed in on Xuri’s unit. The riders all slowed down and stopped in perfect formation.

Veeko stepped down off his horse, perfect white teeth smiled at the worn soldiers. Veeko’s second in command, Commander Thomas, followed him to Britton.

“Major,” greeted Veeko, his voice was like a dream.

“General,” replied Britton.

“Your team looks a little run down. Looks like you’ve seen the worse for wear.” That was Thomas’ way of a welcome. The stiff, shaven head and lanky frame made him appear to have a spear stuck up somewhere unpleasant.

“We’re just trying to get home,” said Britton, “We’re also tracking orcs down as we move.”

“Orcs?” Replied Veeko surprised.

“What do four and a half soldiers intend to do when they find over five thousand orcs?” Asked Thomas curiously.

“Five thousand? How do you know?” Turner swallowed, “Sir.”

“We’ve been chasing their filth ever since we learnt of their destination,” replied Thomas.

“They’re heading for Souvanence?” Asked Britton.

“We believe so yes,” responded Veeko, “What is your business with the orcs?”

“Three of our squad are missing… One we know is being held prisoner. I intend to find them and break them free,” said Britton.

“How do you intend on doing that?” Mused Thomas.

“Sneak in, kill any necessary, sneak out,” said Turner matter-of-factly.

“Thought I recognised the dark green robes. You are the famous hunters,” said Veeko, “Are you not?”

“As you can see, we do not go by that reference anymore,” replied Britton dryly.

“You guys were great in Maesou,” praised Veeko, “Xuri was a strong warrior, one of our best. My heart is with you now.”

“Sir, may I remind you we have blood to track down,” called an Elite from the front rank. They all looked over. The riders did not like to hide their impatience to chase down the orcs.

Veeko nodded, “Alright men, supply horses for our tired comrades!” He turned to Britton and spoke quietly, “We will help find your friends, but our methods are far from sneaking around like hunters. Are you ready?”

Britton nodded and climbed onto a strong, well groomed brown horse.

“His name is Silver, treat him as a loved one,” said Veeko riding back along the ranks.

Britton noticed the odd silvery stripe down the horses rear right leg, “Silver,” he whispered.

Turner rode a beautiful white horse called Kiera while Claudio climbed onto Cloud, a grey stallion. Maldon and Brown shared a large brown horse, which had the odd name, Biff. All had been well groomed and treated by their previous owners.

“Ride forward!” Called Veeko galloping back to the front, “We have a lot of ground to cover!”

They started a slow trot. Major Britton rode alongside Veeko. He was extremely grateful for the extra help and the spare horses. His feet had never ached so much.

“You guys are the best there is. Why aren’t you still fighting in the south?” Asked Britton curiously.

Veeko glanced back at him, considering his question, “We have fought many battles in this war. Most we won, some we lost. We caught wind of a plan that only the most stubborn of orcs would attempt. We have tried to communicate with Mayor Crucillo, even his odd advisor, but we could not get word out. The city could be hit hard if they get past the scouts and we do not reach there in time. These are no ordinary orcs, some have strange powers we did not realise were possible. They have found a way of moving faster than our own horses can gallop. We must not let them reach the walls of our beloved city.”

“That’s impossible. Their darkest shamans are no match for our power,” replied Britton.

“It appears the world’s resources are turning in favour of the Demon Lord. We must have really angered Scenrio for something unknown.”

“Are your soldiers going to be enough to stop them?”

“We are well balanced in each form of magic as well as skilled in swordplay. I have enough soldiers with different strengths in each magical element. I think we and Souvanence’s defences should be enough.”

“I hope you are right. There are a lot of innocent people there.”

“Do you have family Major?” Asked Veeko suddenly, “I’m guessing you do.”

“Yes… Yes I do. Three sisters younger than me and many more cousins. Why?”

“I do not have a family. I am the last in our family tree. Friends however, I have more than plenty of. Unlike you I do not fight for love or respect. My view on life is that we are all waiting to meet our ends. In fighting for my friends, I am giving them the choice on how to meet their passage to Scenrio’s Kingdom, rather than fate lying upon this Demon Lord creature,” replied Veeko.

“I do not understand. Do you not believe in life?” Asked Britton.

“We all have different opinions and beliefs. You will understand that before this war is over. Now if you excuse me, we must pick up our pace.”

“Yes sir,” replied Britton.

Veeko nodded to Thomas and started galloping faster on his horse Garlos. He had given his horse that name out of respect for the mage whose challenge was the only one he could not complete.

“Soldiers!” Called Thomas, “We ride!”

Veeko’s squad immediately pursued their General in perfect formation. Britton smiled to himself, they were finally heading home and he would rescue his captured friends.

* * *

Newly promoted Corporal Greenway ran faster than he himself believed possible. He carried urgent news that he desperately had to tell the Mayor. Corporal Greenway was young and already felt the pressure of this job was more than he could handle.

He ran towards the city hall dodging and narrowly missing passers-by.

“Must hurry, must be quick,” he kept repeating to himself. He avoided the eyes of other soldiers and ignored it when someone shouted, “Hey Greenway!”

The Corporal was met at the city hall’s door by Kelsic.

“What is the matter boy?” She asked as he fell to the floor panting hard.

He tried to catch his breath, “Ma’am… They’re coming… They’ve… Reached Sou… Souvanence ma’am…” Replied Corporal Greenway. He was terrified, Kelsic knew.

“You better come inside,” said Kelsic. She helped him to his feet and pulled him inside.

Once inside, the Corporal took several deep breaths before talking, “An army has entered our region,” he said quickly.

“What kind of army? Tell me boy.”

“An orc… Army. Definitely… Hostile,” the Corporal struggled to control his breathing.

“Are you sure? How many?” Asked Kelsic worryingly.

“Thousands, I’m not sure of the exact number. We must tell the Mayor at once.”

“Indeed, we must. How long till they reach the city?”

“They have only just… Reached the borders… They’ll be here by tomorrow afternoon!” The Corporal started to cry; he was not ready for a war just yet.

“Pull yourself together soldier! Follow me, I will take you to the Mayor.”

“Th-thank you,” muttered Corporal Greenway.

“Did you see them?” Asked Kelsic; although she knew he had not.

“Our scout party in Rolshire sent the signal. I don’t know if they’ve been found…”

“What is your name Corporal?” Asked Kelsic.

“Greenway ma’am.”

“It’s ok Greenway. The team down there know what to do in this situation. Now hurry, this is important. I can’t believe I ignored the signs.”

Corporal Greenway gave Kelsic an unusual look, Did she know this was going to happen? He thought.

Sergeant Stephran stood at the door leading to the Mayor’s office, “What’s the rush wise advisor?” He asked as they hastily approached him.

“This is important Sergeant, let us pass,” said Kelsic as calmly as possible.

“Ok, but the Mayor is busy with his escort, I do not think he wants visitors.”

“Mayor Crucillo in all his years has never turned down my presence, and I would think he needs to know what we have to tell him.”

“What’s that?” Asked Sergeant Stephran curiously.

“The war maybe on our door step. I suggest you run along and get all of your troops ready for the battle,” replied Kelsic.

“A battle? Here?” The Sergeant knew she was not lying.

“Yes Sergeant, now go,” said Kelsic as she pushed Greenway through the door.

“Yes ma’am,” said Sergeant Stephran nervously and ran off down the corridor.

Kelsic and the Corporal caught the last bit of Mayor Crucillo’s talk to Captain Fishrual and two other senior officers as they scrambled through the door.

“… May Scenrio help guide us as we make haste for the South.”

“You might want to put that haste on hold Mayor,” said Kelsic making one of the officers’ jump as he turned around to face the visitors.

“What do you mean?” Asked Captain Fishrual at once.

“Can I ask what is going on Kelsic?” Asked the Mayor.

Kelsic took a deep breath, “Corporal Greenway here has informed me that a large army of orcs have entered the Souvana region.”

“What? That’s impossible,” said Captain Fishrual and the two officers together. Corporal Greenway blushed under their glaring eyes.

“Enough,” said Mayor Crucillo, “Let them speak.”

“Scouts in Rolshire have fired the signal. The Corporal here estimates sixteen hours from now before they reach the walls.”

“Sixteen hours? What in Scenrio can we do? Are you sure of this?” Asked the Mayor nervously.

“Yes I am sure. There is no time for questions. We must act quickly,” said Kelsic seriously.

“We must ride out to meet them. Away from the city,” said the Captain, “I can organise a big enough army to meet them far from the walls.”

“How many are there?” Asked Mayor Crucillo.

“Thousands,” replied Corporal Greenway, “At least four or five.”

“Five thousand,” said the Mayor quietly, “Thank you Corporal, you may leave.”

“Yes sir,” said Corporal Greenway as he turned to leave. He was glad to get out of there.

“Assemble a squad Corporal!” Called the Captain as he left shaking.

“Mayor, I have reason to believe it’s the army that disappeared in Dekra,” said Kelsic.

“Not Revlic’s army, how could that be?” Asked Mayor Crucillo.

“I have heard rumours Mayor. Shamans were spotted on the borders of Uprin,” replied Kelsic.

“Contacts again?” Said Captain Fishrual sarcastically.

“Yes Captain,” replied Kelsic dryly.

“What do you suggest Kelsic?” Asked the Mayor.

“We must do what your Captain said. Meet them away from the city. I’m not sure if we have enough soldiers left in the city to fight an even match.”

“We will use whatever resources we have. My men will not go down easily,” said Captain Fishrual proudly.

“There is enough magic left in this city to defend the innocent,” said Mayor Crucillo, mainly to himself, “Where is Sergeant Stephran?”

“Already gathering his men,” replied Kelsic.

“Major Rascho, I want you to prepare the Calvary, we will need to hit them hard and fast. Sergeant Brown, sound the alarm in the northern sectors. I want all able soldiers down here and ready to march,” said Captain Fishrual. The two officers nodded to the Captain.

“Looks like I won’t be needing that escort now. Have them ready to march for war as soon as possible,” said the Mayor.

“Sir, what will you be doing?” Asked the Captain nervously.

“Me, Kelsic and the other advisors will remain here in the city hall with a light guard.”

“You should be thinking about evacuating sir.”

“Evacuate where Captain? We won’t make it as far as the sea before the city is crushed and the survivors hunted down. My place is here with the people.”

“Captain, how about you go to the Elite quarters and inform them. They will be best at organising those able and unable to fight,” said Kelsic coolly.

“Mayor?” Said Captain Fishrual expectantly.

“Go on Captain, we will need everybody’s help on this one,” said the Mayor without looking at the Captain again.

“Yes sir,” replied the Captain. He left the room without another word.

Kelsic knew what the man was thinking; she was thinking the same thing. The only difference was that she had not blamed anyone, and she knew whom he blamed.

“How did we not see this one coming?” Asked Mayor Crucillo after hearing Captain Fishrual close the door down the hall.

“We did see. We just ignored the signs,” the last bit was to herself, “That’s not important now. We must organise our defences at once.”

“We have little more than twenty thousand inhabitants. Those not already in service are either too young or too old.”

“Sed, we will find bodies,” replied Kelsic.

Mayor Crucillo watched Kelsic closely, hoping for a sign, anything, “I can call down a hurricane to kill my foe when needed, but time has caused me to be of no use against a group.”

“We have citizens, good strong fighters. Just earlier today, two strong warriors took on the might of a goblenite horde.”

“That is true, we will have to send a cry out to all those of age able to fight.”

Kelsic knew the Mayor wanted to be alone now, she could tell by the lost expression that appeared on his face. She had other business to attend to anyway, “I will alert the city and prepare the citizens for the worse,” she began to evaporate.

“Thank you Kelsic,” replied the Mayor. He slumped back in his chair, “How did it get so out of hand?” He asked himself.

* * *