Dark Forces Approach
~ Twin Rivers ~
General Lannister; our scouts report that the enemy it seems has erected a sort of earth works, they spotted it from the peeks overlooking the river. “Very well have them try and get a closer look, what manner of earth works; I doubt they had time to construct anything more than a few berms. Still we should be weary.” the General said looking over to his officers gathered. “Where are the columns at this point” the General asked as he focused once more upon the detailed map laid out on his table. “They are nearly to the trident fork General, I have instructed 45 legion to continue on and 5 are to take the fork and raise the Cliffs, we have robes in the lead so any magic's will be dealt with before the troops engage whatever remains. “How many robes, I want at least 50 on point there at the cliffs, I do not wish a single caster, witch or warlock left alive.. burn it all to rubble, I do not want anything left at our rear.” “Where are the wagons of dragon-breath?” We have them separated out General, we have 6 with the lead group 6 with the second and 2 will follow the group to the Cliffs. “Excellent insure the robes guard those wagons well, if I hear of any enemy getting sight of them I will put those responsible to the stake and leave them for the buzzards.” “Good remember we want scouts with the camouflage abilities in the lead, I want no surprises, we are near his home-grounds now.” “Excellent report back when we engage the Cliffs.” he said dismissing two of the officers. “Ok lets get all this torn down and loaded, we will remain close to the troops going forward until we are finished with this Twin rivers location and have raised River-Bend to ash. My next camp should be set upon this ridge just west of River-Bend Perhaps near this stone bridge in 2 days time. “Yes General we will see to it.” a young officer snapped hitting his chest with his gloved fist before turning to exit. The General turned and removed his cloak and hat from the ribbed holder. Testing the fit of it he then exited the tents with his sword and long glass in hand.
Raising the cliffs
Cliffs
“Drake, they are raising the Cliffs as you said they would. The soldiers had no chance there were robes everywhere, I myself barely escaped but I was able to get Yatstina out with most of her coven, some remained to cover our escape. I can bring them to the mountain or to the deep pools?
“Tillis excellent great work, you have my thanks, take them to the deep pools so Yatstina can have a reunion of sorts with Yatsanna, she is looking much better, much stronger.” “It will be done Drake.” Tillis replied to me.
“The Black are hitting the Cliffs, raising it to ash. Tillis said there were robes everywhere.” Keri-sha glanced over with this revelation. “This is as we expected, we will need to watch and alert us once the robes have left. Then I can go with some of your camo-rangers and begin hitting their rear lines to slow and confuse them.” Keri-sha said looking around the map room. They will most likely think they missed something and either stop to send more troops or burn their trail behind them to ensure no major force can sneak up on them. “If this is a seasoned general he will opt for burning everything behind them so a limited number of scouts can be deployed to gain sight and detail of any enemy approaching his rear.” He will know that we now know of his forces approach, he will need to move at pace to try and catch us unprepared, One of Alewin's old col's replied. “
“I doubt they are ready to face what we have constructed.” Demtis scoffed. “Seasoned or not he'll be shit-in his pants when he sees what he's facin;” Demtis chuckled as he slid from his high seat making his way to the breakfast danish. “Good Morning Papi, Gteri said spotting her father as she cheerfully entered the map room. “Hey der, how's our little mama doin der.” He said giving her a smooch and a hug before stepping back to look at her bump with a smile. “Stop all dat, gib me a danish, naw, make it two.” she said popping his shoulder to break his focus on her belly and get to the business she was about namely breakfast. I chuckled with them for a moment before returning my attentions to the map where pieces were now being moved.
“One of our Rangers in the hunting party reports three scouts trying to get a closer look at the earth works.
“Cut them down!” Demtis barked and I nodded over to the man. “Let us know when they begin down the slope, we will pull everyone back and trigger the wards and all Uteri's surprises. The man nodded back to me with a smirk forming on his face. He was one of Seris's supremely talented robes, an expert with communications. Seris told me he could directly communicate with each and every leader in the field. Seris new position had yielded us nearly 150 additional robes along with 15 legion of experienced armor and archers. With several shadow knight troops as well. These groups were going to be deployed tonight in the rear of the black force. I knew well that at night they would be invisible, nearly impossible for any to track unless the robe was nearly upon them. If a foolish robe ventured that close I would wager they would be cut down pretty fast. The bend in the river at twin rivers was perhaps the biggest asset we had on our side. Over a millennia the river had cut the bank into sheer cliffs nearly 100 feet tall with few places an elf could get a hand hold or use a robe to scale it. They could not possibly use the cliff to assess the wood near enough to get any close inspection of the earth works. Even then they would have to navigate countless wards and poison traps placed by a high Shaman, I would not wish to wager on any success they might think to have against my wife's skill. “Lord Drake, one of our scouts at the Cliffs has fallen victim to the dragon-fire, I have instructed the other two to remain but find better positioning.”I nodded back to him shaking my head uneasy to begin to lose people this early in the day. “Good morning handsome” Gteri said walking over with a bright cheerful smile. “Our son is an early riser like his father,” She said rubbing her belly. I glanced down and smiled before taking my beauty into my arms kissing her lips and her neck thanking her for last night. “Are you certain you are off rotation tonight my love, I know of several who would wish your company.” Gteri asked flashing me a sultry look. “Forgive me ladies, but I doubt I will feel giddy or anything but somber when this day is threw,” I replied to all sensing many were hanging on Gteri's words.
“Lord Drake, we have spotted the first columns, I am recalling our hunting parties.” “Excellent let Uteri know when they are clear of the woods.” I snapped. “The towers can see the dust clouds from their lines, they should be nearing the wood now.” he said to us. “Are our rangers clear?” “No, not just yet.” he replied holding up a finger as he closed his eyes and focused. “Now?” Uteri popped up. “No my love wait a few minutes more.” “Drake I can sense them, they are very near my wards now.” “Uteri can you trigger the wards then the traps some point later? “No Drake, the wards will confuse and cause the army to wish to be in the wood, that is what will make them effective.” Uteri responded. I motioned to the man that I needed answers. “Clear!” he popped and I repeated it to Uteri. I hear her begin to chant in her old speech. “father is laughing, he says the armor and Calvary are running for the woods.”
Twin rivers
Dark Forces command group
“Four Elvin commanders of the Elite Dark forces sat upon great steeds atop a mound at the rear of the columns. Threw the dust and debris the General saw his front lines acting oddly breaking off toward the woods. Quickly he moved his long glass here and there until at last he saw several fall to a green fog. “Sound the retreat!, For group 1” have everyone retreat! He barked. Soon signal horns were being blown all up and down the lines of his forces. One of his leaders rode up, we got the horns off General but we have taken heavy losses to the poison clouds. Apparently they were strung all about the wood, one of my robes says he has found a ward of unknown origin, he said it speaks of home. “Fuckin Shaman juju.” the General yelled, Get orders updated. NONE but seasoned robes are to enter the wood.” he yelled, General our battle plans were to use the wood for cover, without it we will be... “Alive!” the general yelled. The woods are full of traps!, I am sure they have the tall grasses trapped as well. “Prepare for heavy losses, get the medical wagons up here with every healer in the force,” he barked as he jerked his mount back then turned and began riding at speed down the hillside with his leaders following close behind. When the general reached the front line he brought his horse to an easy trot as he skirted the lines of the injured and the dead. “Look at their faces, there skin, shaman magic, it hits open skin and enters the body attacking the organs. He rode up on two soldiers still screaming and writhing in pain. “Bring their suffering to an end, you there, take that spear and show them mercy.” he yelled. The young soldier turned his spear around and stabbed at the two silencing their screams. “Today, will be painful General.” one of his leaders said glancing up to see the sun peering over the Cliffs. He could see the smoke now from the dragon-fire set upon the dwellings and city structures. “well we have alerted them to us, that much is sure.” he added turning back to his General. “Yes, ok lets get our scouts up here, I want them to crawl this valley and mark each and every trap they encounter. Have my robes skirt the wood, disarm whatever traps they find and dig out any of these wards. We need these woods to shelter in.” the General added as he turned and headed back to his Calvary officers.
“Find a path around the wood, lets try and flank them. I want information, do not engage, if you face anything escape it and report back.”
“As you command General, the soldier said giving a shrill whistle to his men as he bolted off up into the hillside woods. The general jerked his horse to the next; ”Have some of your men deploy fire sleds, I want a burn zone at least 100 feet wide running the width of our front lines. If they have major forces in place I will set them ablaze!” “These poor bastards know not what we are capable of; today they will find out.” the General said pulling his mount back allowing the other Calvary assigned to group 1 to see to their orders. “When the General reached the hilltop a rider approached.
“General our robes are having difficulty with their task. We have lost ten now the wards are not the half of it there are powerful totems set about the trees, the rocks even the dirt bares markings to confuse and zap energy and cloud the mind.”
“Pull them back if you can, I do not wish to lose talent this soon.”
“Are we certain these were not in place when our other forces fought here?
“Yes General, they had to have been placed since then, our scouts and armor combed this valley prior to engagement and found nothing, “Then the sky's opened up with Elvin arrows.” Yes that's what I mean, the elves of these lands are known for their stealth and cunning but I had no idea they had shaman among them.” The general replied combing the wood with his gaze. “I received a communication a week past informing me that Seris had abandoned their dwellings, he had several talented Shaman under his banner. Not just any shaman either, these were high shaman. If they had a hand in this business, we will be lucky to escape with our lives,” his seasoned col said softly. “We are 50 legions of the queen's finest; do not speak to me of the actions of treasonous no-accounts. We will win the day and make them pay for their actions taken against us, I will line this valley with bodies when I am done.” the general spouted as he dismounted. The generals guards dismounted and stood guard about him as he unsnapped and began to relieve himself. The general looked down the hillside and saw the fire break being done with many lines of horses all pulling sleds setting the long grasses on fire. Mounting up once more the general leaned forward looking over the length of the fire break as he positioned himself in his saddle. Pulling his long glass from a saddle pouch he began combing the valley looking for the flags that were sure to begin to appear when each scout encountered a trap. The more time he spend surveying their work the more frustrated he became. True they had found and marked many traps but The men were not staying on course they were crawling at all different angles, one he noticed had actually turned around and was crawling back to his front line still stabbing at the ground searching diligently for hidden traps. “Get me group 2 robe commander.” he said lowering his glass collapsing it and sitting back in his saddle exhaling deeply in frustration.
“General you sent for me?”
“Yes, I want you and your men to control those scouts, keep them on a straight path, we all will depend on those flags. “Sir, I have but three with such skills, perhaps the other units can assist?” “Enlist what you can but you are responsible for 3 straight lines from the center, am I clear.” “Yes sir.” the man popped as he turned and rode at speed toward the other group of commanders.
“General we have a count on our wounded and the dead.” “Very well then give me your report.” “Sir, we have lost 2200 spear-men, 400 archers, 1500 armor and 200 Calvary. We have over 500 men being treated in the tents now, staff tells me most will be fit for service within a day.” “Nearly a full legion in what was it less than 30 minutes.” the General finished glancing over shaking his head to the man. “Go, get back to your unit son.”
Tense frustrating hours passed as the scouts slowly continued marking the valley with the control and oversight of eight robes who were straining against the powerful wards.
“Where are my Calvary scouts; I should like a report.”
General we have not had any communications since they entered the forest.
Twin rivers
Demtis fortifications
I have activated the traps and totems, the army will flee into the woods. They should then be extremely confused, when the first glass bottle is broken they will be blinded and attack anything moving near them, that will break another and so on. They will be killing one another before they fall to the poisons, ”Uteri told her father. “Lord Seris , we placed our best wards upon everything, they will never find them all. The valley grasses are full of them as well. It may be nightfall before we catch sign of them the valley is a long one. The man snickered. “Ni, we will see der Dragon fire first, I doubt any will even approach the works till the valley is set ablaze. We'll wait fer em to clear it all fer us den me boys el have clean shots on em when dey do show.” Demtis said as a young man handed him a cup of coffee, quickly reaching into his breast pocket to add the final touch for his King. “Good on ye lad.” the King said with a wink before turning back over the wall.
“Sire, they have sent a Calvary unit to scout and flank. We have ended their task.” Excellent keep a sharp eye out, they will send more, they will want to know what they can, if they flank us were all dead boys. Demtis told the robe leader standing nearest Seris. “Get another four of my robes to protect our flank, grab some dwarven armor for close in protection. On this Demtis smiled to himself but said nothing. Seris had insisted on leading this fight but both men knew Demtis would be needed when the guns were needed. Seris had long felt large guns would be ineffective against their magic but at Black-Wood he had gained a new respect for them and had insisted on them for this battle. Demtis had promised 2 and delivered 4, 2 had been removed from a war barge he had been constructing but was not yet finished. Demtis had another gift for Seris as well, that same battle barge had many smaller guns already fitted to her sides and they were protected with iron plating. The massive barge had arrived in the last hour, it now lay anchored behind the wall, if the situation warranted it he would lift it above the fight and rain down dragon breath on whatever forces were nearest. It would also be used as a last resort for the last of the forces to escape and float off over the river out of range of any Ballistic-a or archers. Demtis was learning much of the talents of the robes as well. It would take a supremely skilled robe to build a storm with downdrafts sufficient to down the barge, even so they would still be safe if they were downed across the river. The river at the bend was deep and swift, no man nor hoarse was capable of crossing it anywhere up or down for miles. Not even the sailing vessels ventured into these bends. Demtis saw young Prince Braeun, “The man who shall be King.” Demtis said smiling as he greeted the young Prince. “How are ye doin lad.”
“Mostly nervous I think Sire, much depends on the outcome of the day and I am unable to do much to sway it one way or another,” He told the King.
“Naw, you'll learn lad, sad but I doubt dis here will be our last battle wit the black. But yer a young one, get ye a good woman under you now and again, she'll sort you out make yer days worth live-n!”; Aye Demtis scoffed over to Seris. Seris was silent on the topic, he was focused as he scanned the valley, the forest and the battlements scanning the hilltop between his position and that of his enemy, still out of sight. Seris was in constant contact with his leaders. The enemy only out numbered their forces 3 to 1, Demtis had brought ten legion of Dwarven archers, spear-men and armor. The Prince had brought 20 legion of mixed archers and armor, this would be the first battle for many of them, they were raw recruits and Seris did not plan to assign them any strategic part in the battle. Seris had brought 10 legion of seasoned men to the battle and had the last 5 remain in Black-Wood. Seris knew there would be no reinforcing his position, Twin Rivers was a 2 day trip using the barge and over a weeks march threw high pass and around the high-peaks to the inlet trade roads from the northern sea. No they would win or lose with what they had. Control was the key, Seris knew he had to control the enemies movement to keep them centered within the valley. Layers of traps were strung within the forest, rangers had even hung poison traps high into the tree tops. He knew his daughters skill and those of his own shamans were superior to anything the enemy would have hastily sent with this group. The wards and traps within the valley would push them to the forests initially. Once they progressed past the first group the second group would push them in tight, confusing their minds making them wish to cluster together before the battlements. This he knew would allow the big guns to be most effective. If the enemy tried to flank the battlements Seris knew the Dwarven King would set the pools to either side a blaze. Demtis had told him the fires would ignite the ditch before the last berm and set the forest ablaze on both sides. If they could keep them contained Seris knew they would win the day, his enemy would not get sight of the battlements wall and gun emplacements until they were being bombarded by them. Without scaling equipment the enemy would have no means of quickly scaling the walls to get to the defenders. Everything rested on controlling their movement. The river was as a wall, the enemy could not maneuver to cross the river to flank them, if they had come this far they were now bottle necked. Dense Forrest lay to either side of the low land grassy valley, the far sides of the forest on one side was the river and on the other a hilly area leading up another mountain range. This was the only flanking path and Demtis had positioned many of his most seasoned armor with Seris in this area. With many of his robes in support the two felt confident they could prevent them flanking on that side. Seris looked down the battlements to the Black-Wood archer groups, they were most skilled at defending a fixed position. He watched proudly as he saw them checking and rechecking their balastic-a and field catapults. Demtis had given them the tiny bottles of Dragon-Breath, what remained of the tossers from the Siege of black-wood. They would add them to their shot when they began raining it down on the enemy. Seris took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We will do well this day Demtis, very well I think.” he said turning and seeing the Dwarven king looking up to him with a broad smile.
Seris face took on a puzzled look as he turned to face the valley. Raising his long glass he scanned the ridge-line. “Smoke” he said aloud for Demtis benefit. “Aye they will set a burn line then set the tall grasses to burn.
“How far will the fires come, will they reach us?” “Naw lad, remember we dug out low ground it's mostly water by now but have yern use the hankies about their nose and mouth, the wind's are with them, we don't want anytin they got mixed with it getting us sick. Seris looked stoic for a moment then whistles began to sound all up and down the battlements as his men began covering their faces. The young Prince, gave his officers a crude gesture; showing them to cover their faces with his own neckerchief. “Ye be needin to work on signals Braeum when times are dire ye don't want yer men look-in at you they need to be watch-in the battle.” Damtis told him in a calm passing thought manner so he would not offend. “Ye got all yern men in place now?” Demtis asked him. Braeum turned and looked off toward each flank. “Yes I see my banners flying high.” he responded turning back. The Young Prince had requested to allow them to retreat back to River Bend should the battle begin to go badly. Both Seris and Demtis had agreed and reassured the young Prince he was going to be a good leader. He had simply responded with thanks, telling them that he would wish to stand with them in defense of River-Bend rather than simply watch it burnt to ash.
Twin rivers
Dark Forces command group
General lannis looked out over the valley grasses and saw the many flags marking the traps now appearing. “It's obvious The enemy plans to make a stand here; they beat us once on this same ground, it's now stained with our blood. Find me their flanks, we need to avoid this kill box they seem to have rigged for us.” “Yes sir!” The officer said pulling his horse away to see to the task. “General sir do you wish to review the maps?” The general looked over to the young man with his many tubes strung about his mount. “I know the map son, if I need to reference something I will request it, do not interrupt my thinking with more foolish questions.” the General said sternly turning once more to look off to the forest at the base of the mountains. He shook his head, The river to one side hold's us fast, the enemy knows those Forest foothills, they will be expecting us to try and flank them. No doubt there are layers of traps awaiting us, they can defend without wasting men and machine to do it. The general turned toward his second, “How many men did River-Bend have at last count?” “They had 10 legion General with another 10 held by the Temple. The city guard has never seen battle General, the man added. The Temple was to send all seasoned groups home to the White City.” “Does this look like unseasoned prep-work to you?” the General asked pointing off to toward the many flags appearing in the grasses. “No Sir.” “No, no it does not, the general said glancing back to the field. “That fuckin Dwarf outlaw King Demtis, perhaps Seris himself. If were facing Seris we're in for a long day, this looks like his work or at least he had a hand in it. “Robes and shaman with Dwarven armor, yep we're in for a day.” The general said softly to himself. The general looked back toward the Cliffs and saw the smoke raising high. “Send a message to the towers, Enemy at Twin Rivers blocks our forces from reaching the gateway to the planes. Cliffs raised, River-Bend appears to be defending the valley pass.” The general said to another young scribe. “Get that to the signal-men at the cages.” The general's attentions were pulled toward an approaching rider coming in fast. “General Yarl sends word; his men have spotted hunting parties in the wood! The enemy is having to forage for food sir.”
“Idiot, look about you, Tell Yarl I will gut him if he pursues any of those so called hunting parties, they are trying to bait us!” the general yelled to the messenger. “They want us to flank them,” the General said aloud. “Tell Yarl to move his men along the tree-line but stay clear of it, move them down into the valley. Have him insure he sends scouts ahead of his lines, we need to know what we're facing.” The general then turned toward another signal officer; Signal Jeris, move up the treeline send scouts ahead. Both forces are to halt and retreat once they gain sight of the enemy. We need to bait them out onto open ground.” “Bring up my wagon, have that witch brought to me.” the general barked.
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The General rode to his wagon as he drew up at the rear. Dismounting the General nodded toward the man guards now taking up station about it. The general opened the door stepping up into the large wagon which served as his home away from home. “Senika, you will tell me what I am facing here today.” he said stepping over to a large covered crate. The general reached out and removed the cover revealing a woman in tattered cloth coverings shielding her eyes from the sudden change in lighting. “Ah, you deprive me of food and water and any comforts for days and now come crawling in need of me.” she said slowly turning her head up toward him. “Senika, I have no time for your banter. I seek information, give it to me now or I shall end your days here and now.” he told her reaching down to the dagger that lay at her waste scabbard. “Cut me then fool, you will soon join me beyond the veil, then it will be I who deals out the pain,” the old witch told him. “Tell me, tell me what I must do and I will reward you.” the general told her trying to take a different tact. “I require you let me lose from this cage, I require clothes and a warm meal.” Senika, you think me a fool? The moment I release you from this cell you will be free of the wards and enchantments, you would strike out at my men and I. No I think not; The general responded stepping over to a small basket. Retrieving a few pieces of bread he tossed them to the woman. She eagerly snapped them up shoving them into her mouth with filthy fingers. “I have food and drink but only if I get the information I seek.” he told her sternly as he shown her the plate of cheese. The old man licked her lips and gripped the bars of the cage in anticipation.
“Bring me an eye and a bowl of iron and blood.” She said twisting her head strangely as she spoke. The general turned to the lone female stationed in the wagon, “Send word to quickly bring that which she seeks.”
“For the general, a young man said handing a small pouch to the female guard. The general opened the bag and glanced in there was indeed an eye, most likely cut from one of his own fallen men, a small piece of parchment containing shavings of Iron and a corked bottle which he assumed would contain the blood. “Here Senika, here is what you requested.” he told the old witch. He watched as she slowly began looking at the contents glancing back to him now and again as she placed the bowl and added the eye. “Quickly now, time is short Senika.” the General said growing impatient with her actions. “Ease yourself Lannis, you may not like the news, what then?” she asked. “If I think you false then you have not kept faith with the agreement, I will withhold from you again until you are truthful.” he responded motioning with his hand for her to hurry up. “I can see this battle makes you uneasy, perhaps you are ill suited to lead it,” the witch snickered over to him. “You speak yourself to the grave Senika, I would advise you to focus yourself on what I require.” the general snapped. “Very well then Lannis, we will see what we can.” Senika said nearly in a whisper as she added the blood and the shavings to the bowl. Senika began to chant in a tongue unfamiliar to the general causing the bowel to began to smolder. The witch then lowered her head and wafted the vapors up into her nostrils as she continued. When she glanced back to the General her eyes had rolled back as an erie grin formed upon her face.
“I see a vast network of traps set before you. The grass is alive, it seeks to confuse and focus the mind of many to seek the wood.” The wood to has eyes, it wishes to silence the heartbeat of many. “The waters of the river are as a wall that none shall pass.” The hills beyond the wood grow impatient they seek the blood that will surely be spilled this day.” She said in a low whisper while she continued her odd chanting
“Where are their men, what numbers do they have, what am I facing.” he asked impatient to here more detail. I see the young among them, I see their fear as they fidget with their frail armor and weapons. They stand just over a ridge-line, behind the battlements. To their rear a lone ship that sails the wind's. Its crew prepares their small cannons and makes ready. “Numbers?” “The eager youth are many but not as many as thee.” the witch said continuing. “I see a tall man in robes, he sends his men to the hills, he awaits you there.” she said.
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Deep within Black-Wood; Yatsanna suddenly awakens, a frightened Keri-sha gets up from her seat nearby. Yatsanna's eyes roll and go white, something Keri-sha had never seen her do before.
“Mistress?” Keri-sha asked in a whisper as she wearily stepped to her. “Yes, child I hear an ancient voice far away, she calls to me, she tells me of a vast army poised to attack. “Yes at Twin-Rivers, we face many this day mistress.” Keri-sha told her. “They fear the forests, the many traps which have already taken many of those who ventured in. “Yes mistress, we laid them in many layers.” Keri reported confirming what Yatsanna had said. “She wishes to aid us, she gives report of half truths.” Yatsanna said aloud. “Have her tell them to strike up the middle, attack our center.” Keri-sha said “Ah, you have my thanks friend, I will soon join you in the veil my friend, what high times we will have then.” Yatsanna said aloud causing Keri-sha to look nervously to her once more. “Child we are needed at the Cliffs, we need to close them off, none shall retreat from the battle this day.” Yatsanna said lowering her palm toward the staff.
Twin rivers
Dark Forces command group
“I see a short man with beard who stands with many. He argues with the tall over placement of men and machine. The tall one sends his men to the foothills, they lay in wait for you there. The other has his men scattered about hastily crafted battlements. “Excellent!” “Give the bitch the plate of food and cover her once more, remember not to allow any young men to enter, she has a great power over the young.” the General told the soldier as he quickly exited his wagon. Eagerly he mounted his steed and jerking on the raines he sped off toward the front line and his commanders.
“Get a message over to Yarl and Jeris, they are to proceed at pace, focus their forces in the middle. The enemy await us at the forest flanks, we will combine our strength and smash into their poorly defended center!” the General spouted to his signal-men.
Twin rivers
Demtis fortifications
“Father!”, Uteri called out as she walked at pace past her fathers many men. “Father Keri-sha tells me General Lannis is leading the forces against us, he has solicited an ancient one he holds prisoner. She has messaged Yatsanna; She seeks to aid us. We have told her to have the enemy attack our poorly defended center.
On this news Seris face formed a broad smile; “Girl you have made my day!” Seris said aloud as he snatched his daughter in his arms giving her a very surprising hug which stunned Uteri. At first Uteri did not know how to respond, this was all new to her, he had never acted this way with her. Then she wrapped her arms about her father and hugged him with an eager child like exuberance. “Father Yatsanna takes Keri-sha to the cliffs, she will block any lines of retreat.” “Thank the gods, thank your goddess mother, he said smiling down to her. I was hoping Yatsanna would join with us.” “Demtis!, yatsanna goes to the cliffs, we should hear their screams from here!” Seris yelled over to the King. Demtis raised his cup with a smile, then pointed to both sides of the forest. Seris raised his long glass, he could see the dust now raising from the movement of and army moving up at pace. “Girl are you certain she is with us?” Seris asked nervously as he studied the approaching dust cloud. “They may still be at the first traps, they will be pulling them to the wood.” Uteri responded taking a glass from one of his robes to look for herself.
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“General our scouts have gained sight of the enemy. “Numbers?” the General snapped. “We can not tell yet General, they are behind some sort of battlements, some sort of wall,” the man said looking out at the signal flags being raised. “Yes, yes they have no doubt built a parapet of some sort, perhaps a small wall of posts from the forest. Combine and Hit them hard!” the General said taking the reins of his steed as his face took on an eager anticipation of their advance rolling over the enemy defenses. “Come!, we will direct the attack near the front!” the general snapped as he bolted off riding down into the valley. General Lannis and twenty of his officers and signal-man rode hard down into he valley to take up positions near the front lines.
“It's working, they are moving out away from the wood, they appear to be combining their force at our center!”; One of Seris robes said with a confident smile as he gazed back to his commander. “The day is not done yet, let us see what they do when they reach the hilltop there ahead of the earthworks.
“Seris give me boys a horn when they reach our flag jess der.” Demtis told him pointing to the artillery flag placed by his men. A stoic expression came over Seris once more as whistles sounded an all quiet along the lines. Prince Braeun looked out from the battlements and gave the King a smile. “You were right sire.” “Tank ye lad, ok now take me guard and see yourself to yern men. Keep em sharp lad, if any begin to slip past us ye got to take em down fast like ye her me? “Yes sire” the Prince said handing his long glass off before exiting the battlements to join with his men. The king watched as his dwarven guard stomped then turned and followed the Prince close as he descended the wall fortifications.
“Demtis you should not encourage the boy, you'll get him killed,” Seris said in a calm tone glancing off watching as the young man continued on.
“Aye, he's a fine lad jus wanted to encourage him and make em feel part of dis.” I tink he feels useless, he be a needin more experience.
“I agree, he is useless, but I think he would have learned more up here with us then sitting atop a horse going nowhere,” Seris said turning back to face his enemy.
Both men now stood looking out with long glasses watching to see the first shimmering glints of armor approaching in the noon-day sun. Demtis began chuckling. “Ah der it is, woo wat in seven hells is dis her-in!” Demtis chuckled narrating the thinking of the soldiers that had now reached the ridge-line overlooking the earthin-works and the stone wall fortifications standing tall just beyond them. “Holy shit wats dis shit hern!” demtis scoffed as he saw many of the soldiers at the front try and turn back causing chaos within the front line.
“Come on boys, lets get dis nasty business done!” Demtis said aloud as he lowered his glass, looking over to his men at the guns' “Demtis, delay them for a moment or two longer please, I would like more to pile up first.” Seris said not turning away. Demtis nodded and began walking down the battlements toward the nearest guns watching as the armies of the black reluctantly continued approaching with many heaped and tangled up with one another from those who had wished to retreat. “Demtis then heard a set of sharp horns from the enemy lines.” “Hell fire, dont let em retreat Lads, raise 3 clicks, FIRE!” Demtis told his men flipping his fingers toward the signal-man so he would pass it on to the other guns.
###
“General, Hold up Sir! there is something wrong!”, an officer yelled over to him as he watched the chaos at the ridge-line. General Lannis face took on a confused expression as he to now saw the front lines bunching up looking as if they wanted to turn back. “What the hell Is wrong with them!” the General yelled at his commanders as he urged his mount to move faster. His anger was building as his steed closed the distance to his men. “Lannis could now hear his men screaming at one another, at the signal-men. The general's head snapped to the right as he heard the horn signal a general retreat. “Turn and fight!”; he yelled at his men as his mount rudely pushed threw them. Then he was silent, he could now see what it was that had caused the panic among his seasoned warriors. I looked down the hill, it was not a hill it was the first of several large earthen-works. Those that had proceeded were now trapped, they could not retreat out of it and the spikes and foul smelling waters told him they were filled with some sort of oils of noxious substance. Beyond the first there were pathways up and over to the next, he knew there would be more of the same awaiting those that made it that far. The worst of it was what lay beyond the earthen-works, A well fortified strong looking wall of stone housing what looked like some sort of gun emplacements along with many small field trebuchet's
General Lannis began screaming for retreat as he tried to turn his mount. His mount began to trample his own men in the panic. It was then he heard the big guns begin to over fire on their positions. Lannis swung his head as the first of many explosions occurred at their rear. The shots exploded spewing dragon fire over his men, those still surging forward were being decimated by the fires and whatever the shot had been constructed with. Lannis watched in horror as one blast hit killing a wide swath of armor as it spewed the metal bits and liquid forth all about them. A second later as if their air itself had lit the match everything exploded with fire so intense if melted both men and animal to bone instantly. The blasts drowned out any hope of verbal commands, his own ears now fell silent with a loud ringing. He looked back toward the wall and saw the Tall dark robe standing proud with a glass leveled out toward his position. Lannis got himself free of the chaos bolting toward the forest yelling for his men to get to the trees. “Lannis had nearly reached the cover of the trees as a shot landed very near him. His horse was instantly blown out from under him. Time slowed as he was propelled forward toward the ground. Then there was a bright light and a heat he had never felt before, then his world went black and he was no more.
Cutting off the Black Armies retreat.
The Cliffs
Yatsanna arrived with Keri-sha near the peaks overlooking the cliffs. The many fires still raged burning what remained of the dwellings and store houses burning themselves out. Keri looked down onto the streets and pathways. “Most were able to port away mistress, only those unpracticed in the arts were left behind.” “Yes, they looked to have been easy cannon fodder for the Black. Look there, they appear to be heading out.” Yatsanna said to her softly as she pointed to a group of soldiers hitching up their wagons prepping for departure.
“Keri, position yourself on that ridge, careful child they will have some robes still about.”
“Keri bowed and disappeared exiting to the location her mistress had indicated. She arrived in shadow, crouching down she was frozen and silent as she surveyed her surroundings. There were indeed robes about, they were closely watching the roadway, perhaps they were expecting some sort of attack she thought to herself. They would indeed be wise to do so; wiser still if they had employed a capable witch here and there to sense any who would seek to spy on them. Just then Keri felt the hairs on the back of her neck stiffen, someone was approaching, someone who could sense her magic. She remained frozen but shifted her eyes to a nearby rock that would shelter her from whatever was behind her. Closing her eyes, she quickly made the shift freezing in place once more without a sound. Keri saw two robes looking about as if they sensed something or someone. Glimpsing into the faces Keri swallowed uneasily; these were no youthful inexperienced robes, no these each bore the scars of battle. Her twisted wand slowly moved in their direction, slow imperceptible movement that seemed to take her hours to accomplish. Just as she leveled it to them one of them suddenly turned toward her. The killing words spoken, the wand jerked in her palm as the invisible force bolted forth enveloping the two. Silenced the two slowly suffocated falling where they stood without making a sound. “Yatsanna was far less subtle with her attacks, she cared not for the staff's shield was indeed strong. Her first spell silenced those within her radius making it nearly impossible for them to move more than a few feet in any direction. They would also be unable to speak, none would be able to get a warning to their companions. Yatsanna then signaled Keri and let her staff loose upon the many troops that had begun down the roadway. There were no screams among those within her area but as the staff moved off shrill screams of utter panic and horror began to be heard all up and down the roadway that led down the canyon. Keri watched as Yatsanna began floating off following her staff as it continued feasting on the troops along it's path. Keri's head jerked to another robe as she appeared leveling her staff to Yatsanna's back Keri leveled her wand and uttered the words that ended the woman. Yatsanna turned to see the robe falling off the hillside in silence. Yatsanna looked back to Keri and nodded before turning back to her task to eliminate any troops on the march.
Uteri glanced over to her Father; “Keri-sha reports she and Yatsanna have begun clearing the Cliffs and any possible retreat up the canyon roadway. Seris nodded but quickly turned back watching as his enemy was destroyed by dragon-breath and archers positioned all along the stone wall battlements. “They are in utter chaos now,” Seris said leaning over to Demtis. “Aye lad, they in it now,” Demtis said feeling sorry for the men now screaming to try and get clear of them and see themselves to what they believed to be the safety of the trees. Demtis watched then lowered his head as he saw the first of many greenish clouds coming out from under the canopy of the tree-line. “They have found the rangers poison now,” Seris said sounding almost enthusiastic over the event. Demtis then saw a few men had been able to skirt the earthen-works and were now working their way up the pond embankments toward the Prince's lines.
“Signal dem back!” the King yelled to one of his men pointing down toward the Prince and his men now beginning to engage those trying to scale the embankment. “Pull them back boy!” the King yelled but his voice was drowned out with more gun fire and heavy blasts now being walked closer to the battlements. Demtis began running toward his gunnery Sargent. The man turned to see his King yelling something he was unable to hear. Demtis snatched his horn from him and began blowing the signal to cluster as he began jumping down the stone stairs two at a time. When he finally got the attention of his dwarven guard about the boy, Demtis made a rude gesture and watched smiling as the guard turned and hit the Prince soundly knocking him from his feet. Demtis grinned as his men wrapped him up tight and hauled him and his eager soldiers back away from the pool. The dwarven King looked over to the torch-man, gesturing for him to touch off the pools. An ear piercing shrill horn signaled threw the blasts and those engaged in battle. Every soldier no matter their rank quickly began shrinking back from the wall; the ponds, the earthen-works. All now seemed to be about a hasty retreat as the torches were set to the bows and fired out over the pools. The torches never hit the surface of the pool, the vapor rising up was enough to set them off. The wall shook violently sending men to the stone floor as the very foundations rumbled and shook with the powerful blast. A moment later, no screams could be heard, only the intense groaning and snapping of the very ground beneath them melting forming rock where they had not been before.
Seris snapped to the signal-man; “Begin loading the injured now!”
“Seris, ye want to survey the grounds before her begin pullin back?” Demtis asked pointing toward the barge still anchored below.
“No, let us load the wounded and secure the area, send patrols out. If we are clear of the trees light them off River Bend will need as much farm land as we can give them.
Demtis glanced off then back to Seris, “Don't forget, they need to remove 2 feet of dis here nasty before plantin.” Seris nodded and looked back as the fires now began to subside. Seris did not envy the young Prince and his people, they would be toiling about in the valley for many months now. He doubted if they would see a single crop in the year to come; he himself knew of wide swaths of land gone a fowl, devoid of all nutrients after battles such as they had executed this day. Seris looked out toward the valley once more before handing his glass off to one of his officers. “Uteri”, come, let me see you home child;” he said taking her hand lovingly as they disappeared from atop the wall.