Chapter 195
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Chapter 195
As his soldiers retreated from the burning barricades, Chu Tongzu stood firm while they formed up around him. Turning green with regret, he cursed his failures beneath his breath, determined to never repeat them. A life of decadence was not worth this moment of defeat, better to live moderately and be remembered well than have his name firmly etched in history as the Magistrate who lost Sanshu. If only hed kept to the Martial Path, if only hed not handed off his duties to Mao Jianghong, if only hed retaken the gates, if only hed not been so grievously injured... So many regrets and no pill to cure it.
Through the dense smoke and fiery flames, the Defiled onslaught marched, weathering the storm of stones and arrows as they screamed of murder and bloodshed. A horde driven into frenzy, despite the flickering light and blazing heat of the fire, they seemed little more than things of shadow and darkness. Packed shoulder to shoulder, their unholy black armour shrouded their forms, blending them together as they moved in fluid coordination, neither aiding nor hindering each others progress. Their weapons of power glinted in the darkness, their teeth sharpened and bellies craving flesh, these bandits turned Defiled were a terrifying sight to behold. An unending stream of cutthroats and murderers here to burn and raze Sanshu to ashes and dust.
For these vagabonds and miscreants to dare step foot inside the city, how could its Magistrate lay idly in bed? Hefting Stoneshaper above his head, Tongzus stitches pulled as he raised his voice in heated challenge, his wordless bellow drowning out the Enemys war-cries. At his side, his soldiers stood tall and drew courage from his presence, joining their voices to his in a thunderous din, brandishing their common weapons in anticipation of the battle ahead.
Though backed by the Bekhai elites, the citys fate was firmly in the hands of its most common soldiers, good men and women of Sanshu. Though without significant power to call their own, neither the Fire-Tainted Champions harrowing display nor the terrorizing horde advancing towards them were enough to break their spirits. These soldiers were no warriors of renown, no noble scions or wealthy heirs, but each one present was no stranger to adversity, raising themselves up through hard work and merits. Perhaps one in thirty held a Spiritual Weapon and not a single Runic item would be found among them, yet still they stood with him against this heavily-armed Enemy, ready and willing to die for their families, for their city, for their Empire.
It would be an honour to die alongside them.
Enough waiting, he said, unleashing the might of his Aura to crash against the Enemys. The Enemy moves too slowly for my tastes. With me my soldiers, tonight we end Butcher Bays stranglehold over us and throw back the Defiled from our fair city. Leading the counter-charge into the scorching heat, he opened the battle with a smash, hammering a Defiled warrior into meat paste with a two-handed swing. The metal clang was lost amidst his laughter, echoing off the plaza walls as his soldiers scrambled and fought to fill the ground he seized for them, holding it with bitter determination. Striding through the Enemy, every step left nothing but the corpses of soldiers and Defiled alike in his wake. Warm, salty blood splashed across his lips as he opened his mouth, shouting his war cry to the heavens. Victory or Death!
His soldiers echoed the sentiment as they struggled to keep pace, killing and dying as they held back the tide. His forward progress halted by the press of Enemies, Stoneshaper claimed Defiled lives with every swing, clearing out the area around him for a heartbeat before another Enemy moved into place. Metal cracked, bones broke, flesh squelched, and warriors screamed as he fought, thriving amidst the discordant cadence of battle accompanied by the pungent scent of death. Blood singing through his veins, he succumbed to his lust for battle, hammering his enemies into oblivion while the city burned around him.
Come you heathens and heretics, he roared, his voice rising above the din of battle. Meet your doom at the hands of Chu Tongzu, the Unstoppable. None could stand before him as he advanced deep into the Enemy lines, though none could match him either, his soldiers falling further and further behind as he sent one Defiled after another into the Fathers Maw. No matter that his elites were out of the city, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers of Sanshu. Together, they would see the city to safety.
They had to.
Despite the danger, death, and despair, Tongzu couldnt keep the smile from his face, rediscovering the lost passion of his youth. This was how he first made his mark in the world, climbing over the dead to reign supreme. For too long had he indulged in the succulent luxuries and splendours of wealth, forgetting how it all paled when compared to the heady rush of combat. The Council knew nothing of strength of arms, seeking only a puppet to do their bidding and hed fallen in line at a snap of their fingers. All for the fleeting pleasures of wine and women, so empty and unfulfilling.
Yet it was not too late to change. Truly the Mother provided, this grave trial forcing him to open his eyes to the truth hed cast aside so many years ago. Strength of arm mattered more than weight of purse. As he fought to hold back the Defiled, his mind wandered, fixating on the tales of Magistrate Tong Da Hai and his valiant defence of Shen Huo. Would they speak of Chu Tongzu in the same light or would his tale end in utter defeat and humiliation?
His distraction cost him greatly.
Stepping back to avoid a thrust, his foot slipped on a blood-soaked tile. Time seemed to pause as he struggled to keep steady, the noise of battle fading away to leave nothing but the thunderous crash of his armour against the stone, followed by the rush of air vacating his lungs. Laid out across the cool tiles, he stared out into the heavens and took in the sight, panting as he rested his aching head and weary arms, a lump forming on the back of his skull. A sliver of moon hanging in a sea of stars, twinkling so high above him, this vision of beauty and harmony was marred by the dark-iron axe descending to claim his life.
A damn shame for it to end like this.
A resounding clang brought the world back into focus, the axe deflected by a single strike. Stepping past him, Vichear fought with sword and shield, slashing and smashing with careful precision. In jarring contrast to his massive form, the soldier-turned-tribesman seemed weightless as he pranced about the battlefield, his feet never still for more than a heartbeat, gliding about as if standing on a dance floor instead of a field of the dead. Following an unheard rhythm, he moved through the Defiled lines, stepping and twirling in a dance of death, holding the Defiled back long enough for the soldiers to move up and support him.
So why then were these Butchers so hesitant to cross the gap? As a sergeant in the Guard, she had plenty practice reading body language, and if she didnt know any better, shed have thought these Defiled were scared. Nerves too frayed for a Sending, Sovanna shouldered through her bullies and made her way down to where the Bekkies sat waiting on their roosequins. Gingerly stepping through their lines, she sidled up beside Gerel, the bald fanatic sitting straight-backed and relaxed, or as relaxed as he ever was. The man walked like he had a spear stuck up his ass. Coughing to clear her throat, she whispered quietly, Whats happening here?
Nothing to be concerned about, Gerel answered without looking away from the Defiled, grinning in anticipation. The fun will begin soon enough.
The man was loopy as a drunk sparrow flitting through the air, and so were the Bekkies who chuckled with him. Then again, anyone who saw an army of 20,000 Defiled as a gift was missing more than a few marbles. All she could do was close her eyes and pray Gerels confidence was well founded and that the stories of the Bekkies prowess were only slightly exaggerated. While asking for miracles, she also begged the Mother to split the earth and swallow the Defiled army whole, or to rain lightning down from above to save Sanshu and her people.
The minutes dragged on while the Butchers stood in place, their agitation growing by the second. Teeth gnashing and hackles rising, they chafed at their unseen reins, a jittery bunch eager for blood and death yet too cautious to proceed. Heart hammering in her chest, a ravenous howl in the distance sent a chill down her spine, while across the plaza, the flames leaped higher into the night sky, a growing inferno which gave no warmth or comfort.
Blasted Defiled, what are they waiting for?
As if in answer to her unspoken question, a massive creature bounded from the shadows, landing heavily between the battle lines. Bald and misshapen, the Demon was three horses wide and a full span taller, its tiny white eyes full of hatred and anger as it stared at Sovanna. No, not staring at her, it glared at Gerel beside her, though the realization brought little relief. Thick, yellow spittle dripped from its maw, revealing four massive incisors as it emitted a chittering cry of challenge. It took every scrap of courage for her not to edge away from Gerel, her throat closing in panic as the beast pawed at the ground, its claws churning through stone like butter.
A small snort drew her attention as she glanced at Gerel, his lip curled in a sneer. The Father must truly be desperate to choose a mole-rat as one of His harbingers. A chuckle rose from among the Bekhai and her bullies nervously joined, backing away from the Demon all the while. Shaking his head, Gerel lifted his colossal glaive in one hand, twirling the thick weapon effortlessly, the metal ringing as it cut through the air. Remember, try not to scare them off, we need them to stay until Yuzhen arrives to cut off their escape.
Without further preamble, the Bekkies charged, their roosequins closing the distance with a hop and a skip. Dozens assaulting hundreds and it was the hundreds who faltered, the Defiled falling back before the ferocious onslaught. Riding headlong into the Demon, Gerel struck once before moving past and diving into the Defiled lines, the Demon seemingly frozen in place. Several heartbeats passed before the creature lurched to the ground, half its head shorn clean off.
Gaping in disbelief, she blinked foolishly and glanced at her bullies, her incredulity reflected in their eyes. Shivering with excitement, she came out of her fugue and hefted her mace. Attack, my bullies! Give em hell! She bellowed, her legs exploding into action. For Sanshu! Her bullies followed suit as she led them into battle, coming across a wounded Butcher staggering from the Bekkie charge. Hammering it square in the head, her weapon bounced off the Butchers sturdy helm, its inhabitant reeling but unharmed. Cursing loudly, she lifted her mace and stuck again to the same result. Never one to give up, it took her five more strikes before her persistence was rewarded with the muffled crack of bone, the Butcher flopping to the paved road in death.
Wiping her brow with one hand, she watched as Gerel scythed through the Butchers with ease, his mount moving unhindered through the mass of bodies. Glancing at her first and only kill, she chuckled ruefully at her lack of skill before stepping forward to hammer another helpless Butcher. With Gerel and his Bekkies here to hold up the sky, the least she could do was aid in the cleanup.
After scant minutes of battle, Gerel gave the order to retreat and Sovanna jumped to obey, moving to jog alongside his ambling mount. Glancing behind them, she asked, What happened? Did they send more Demons?
No, Gerel answered, his face covered in blood. The other barricades are falling back so we must follow suit. Wouldnt want to get caught alone and surrounded. Giving her a roguish wink, he almost seemed giddy from the battle, the whites of his teeth in sharp contrast to the dark, sticky blood around them. It went well as could be expected, though the others took quite a beating. Well harass them through the night, force them to climb mountains of their dead to take every choke point. Once Yuzhen arrives, their escape and fates will be sealed, their lives offered as tribute to the fallen.
Nodding sagely as Gerel continued to give orders, Sovannas shoulders sagged with relief. For the first time since learning of the Defiled army led by Yo Ling, she felt Sanshu had a chance. Thank the Mother for Gerel and his Bekkies, Sanshu would have been doomed without them.
Two days, just two more days.
Chapter Meme
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Chapter 195
As his soldiers retreated from the burning barricades, Chu Tongzu stood firm while they formed up around him. Turning green with regret, he cursed his failures beneath his breath, determined to never repeat them. A life of decadence was not worth this moment of defeat, better to live moderately and be remembered well than have his name firmly etched in history as the Magistrate who lost Sanshu. If only hed kept to the Martial Path, if only hed not handed off his duties to Mao Jianghong, if only hed retaken the gates, if only hed not been so grievously injured... So many regrets and no pill to cure it.
Through the dense smoke and fiery flames, the Defiled onslaught marched, weathering the storm of stones and arrows as they screamed of murder and bloodshed. A horde driven into frenzy, despite the flickering light and blazing heat of the fire, they seemed little more than things of shadow and darkness. Packed shoulder to shoulder, their unholy black armour shrouded their forms, blending them together as they moved in fluid coordination, neither aiding nor hindering each others progress. Their weapons of power glinted in the darkness, their teeth sharpened and bellies craving flesh, these bandits turned Defiled were a terrifying sight to behold. An unending stream of cutthroats and murderers here to burn and raze Sanshu to ashes and dust.
For these vagabonds and miscreants to dare step foot inside the city, how could its Magistrate lay idly in bed? Hefting Stoneshaper above his head, Tongzus stitches pulled as he raised his voice in heated challenge, his wordless bellow drowning out the Enemys war-cries. At his side, his soldiers stood tall and drew courage from his presence, joining their voices to his in a thunderous din, brandishing their common weapons in anticipation of the battle ahead.
Though backed by the Bekhai elites, the citys fate was firmly in the hands of its most common soldiers, good men and women of Sanshu. Though without significant power to call their own, neither the Fire-Tainted Champions harrowing display nor the terrorizing horde advancing towards them were enough to break their spirits. These soldiers were no warriors of renown, no noble scions or wealthy heirs, but each one present was no stranger to adversity, raising themselves up through hard work and merits. Perhaps one in thirty held a Spiritual Weapon and not a single Runic item would be found among them, yet still they stood with him against this heavily-armed Enemy, ready and willing to die for their families, for their city, for their Empire.
It would be an honour to die alongside them.
Enough waiting, he said, unleashing the might of his Aura to crash against the Enemys. The Enemy moves too slowly for my tastes. With me my soldiers, tonight we end Butcher Bays stranglehold over us and throw back the Defiled from our fair city. Leading the counter-charge into the scorching heat, he opened the battle with a smash, hammering a Defiled warrior into meat paste with a two-handed swing. The metal clang was lost amidst his laughter, echoing off the plaza walls as his soldiers scrambled and fought to fill the ground he seized for them, holding it with bitter determination. Striding through the Enemy, every step left nothing but the corpses of soldiers and Defiled alike in his wake. Warm, salty blood splashed across his lips as he opened his mouth, shouting his war cry to the heavens. Victory or Death!
His soldiers echoed the sentiment as they struggled to keep pace, killing and dying as they held back the tide. His forward progress halted by the press of Enemies, Stoneshaper claimed Defiled lives with every swing, clearing out the area around him for a heartbeat before another Enemy moved into place. Metal cracked, bones broke, flesh squelched, and warriors screamed as he fought, thriving amidst the discordant cadence of battle accompanied by the pungent scent of death. Blood singing through his veins, he succumbed to his lust for battle, hammering his enemies into oblivion while the city burned around him.
Come you heathens and heretics, he roared, his voice rising above the din of battle. Meet your doom at the hands of Chu Tongzu, the Unstoppable. None could stand before him as he advanced deep into the Enemy lines, though none could match him either, his soldiers falling further and further behind as he sent one Defiled after another into the Fathers Maw. No matter that his elites were out of the city, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers of Sanshu. Together, they would see the city to safety.
They had to.
Despite the danger, death, and despair, Tongzu couldnt keep the smile from his face, rediscovering the lost passion of his youth. This was how he first made his mark in the world, climbing over the dead to reign supreme. For too long had he indulged in the succulent luxuries and splendours of wealth, forgetting how it all paled when compared to the heady rush of combat. The Council knew nothing of strength of arms, seeking only a puppet to do their bidding and hed fallen in line at a snap of their fingers. All for the fleeting pleasures of wine and women, so empty and unfulfilling.
Yet it was not too late to change. Truly the Mother provided, this grave trial forcing him to open his eyes to the truth hed cast aside so many years ago. Strength of arm mattered more than weight of purse. As he fought to hold back the Defiled, his mind wandered, fixating on the tales of Magistrate Tong Da Hai and his valiant defence of Shen Huo. Would they speak of Chu Tongzu in the same light or would his tale end in utter defeat and humiliation?
His distraction cost him greatly.
Stepping back to avoid a thrust, his foot slipped on a blood-soaked tile. Time seemed to pause as he struggled to keep steady, the noise of battle fading away to leave nothing but the thunderous crash of his armour against the stone, followed by the rush of air vacating his lungs. Laid out across the cool tiles, he stared out into the heavens and took in the sight, panting as he rested his aching head and weary arms, a lump forming on the back of his skull. A sliver of moon hanging in a sea of stars, twinkling so high above him, this vision of beauty and harmony was marred by the dark-iron axe descending to claim his life.
A damn shame for it to end like this.
A resounding clang brought the world back into focus, the axe deflected by a single strike. Stepping past him, Vichear fought with sword and shield, slashing and smashing with careful precision. In jarring contrast to his massive form, the soldier-turned-tribesman seemed weightless as he pranced about the battlefield, his feet never still for more than a heartbeat, gliding about as if standing on a dance floor instead of a field of the dead. Following an unheard rhythm, he moved through the Defiled lines, stepping and twirling in a dance of death, holding the Defiled back long enough for the soldiers to move up and support him.
So why then were these Butchers so hesitant to cross the gap? As a sergeant in the Guard, she had plenty practice reading body language, and if she didnt know any better, shed have thought these Defiled were scared. Nerves too frayed for a Sending, Sovanna shouldered through her bullies and made her way down to where the Bekkies sat waiting on their roosequins. Gingerly stepping through their lines, she sidled up beside Gerel, the bald fanatic sitting straight-backed and relaxed, or as relaxed as he ever was. The man walked like he had a spear stuck up his ass. Coughing to clear her throat, she whispered quietly, Whats happening here?
Nothing to be concerned about, Gerel answered without looking away from the Defiled, grinning in anticipation. The fun will begin soon enough.
The man was loopy as a drunk sparrow flitting through the air, and so were the Bekkies who chuckled with him. Then again, anyone who saw an army of 20,000 Defiled as a gift was missing more than a few marbles. All she could do was close her eyes and pray Gerels confidence was well founded and that the stories of the Bekkies prowess were only slightly exaggerated. While asking for miracles, she also begged the Mother to split the earth and swallow the Defiled army whole, or to rain lightning down from above to save Sanshu and her people.
The minutes dragged on while the Butchers stood in place, their agitation growing by the second. Teeth gnashing and hackles rising, they chafed at their unseen reins, a jittery bunch eager for blood and death yet too cautious to proceed. Heart hammering in her chest, a ravenous howl in the distance sent a chill down her spine, while across the plaza, the flames leaped higher into the night sky, a growing inferno which gave no warmth or comfort.
Blasted Defiled, what are they waiting for?
As if in answer to her unspoken question, a massive creature bounded from the shadows, landing heavily between the battle lines. Bald and misshapen, the Demon was three horses wide and a full span taller, its tiny white eyes full of hatred and anger as it stared at Sovanna. No, not staring at her, it glared at Gerel beside her, though the realization brought little relief. Thick, yellow spittle dripped from its maw, revealing four massive incisors as it emitted a chittering cry of challenge. It took every scrap of courage for her not to edge away from Gerel, her throat closing in panic as the beast pawed at the ground, its claws churning through stone like butter.
A small snort drew her attention as she glanced at Gerel, his lip curled in a sneer. The Father must truly be desperate to choose a mole-rat as one of His harbingers. A chuckle rose from among the Bekhai and her bullies nervously joined, backing away from the Demon all the while. Shaking his head, Gerel lifted his colossal glaive in one hand, twirling the thick weapon effortlessly, the metal ringing as it cut through the air. Remember, try not to scare them off, we need them to stay until Yuzhen arrives to cut off their escape.
Without further preamble, the Bekkies charged, their roosequins closing the distance with a hop and a skip. Dozens assaulting hundreds and it was the hundreds who faltered, the Defiled falling back before the ferocious onslaught. Riding headlong into the Demon, Gerel struck once before moving past and diving into the Defiled lines, the Demon seemingly frozen in place. Several heartbeats passed before the creature lurched to the ground, half its head shorn clean off.
Gaping in disbelief, she blinked foolishly and glanced at her bullies, her incredulity reflected in their eyes. Shivering with excitement, she came out of her fugue and hefted her mace. Attack, my bullies! Give em hell! She bellowed, her legs exploding into action. For Sanshu! Her bullies followed suit as she led them into battle, coming across a wounded Butcher staggering from the Bekkie charge. Hammering it square in the head, her weapon bounced off the Butchers sturdy helm, its inhabitant reeling but unharmed. Cursing loudly, she lifted her mace and stuck again to the same result. Never one to give up, it took her five more strikes before her persistence was rewarded with the muffled crack of bone, the Butcher flopping to the paved road in death.
Wiping her brow with one hand, she watched as Gerel scythed through the Butchers with ease, his mount moving unhindered through the mass of bodies. Glancing at her first and only kill, she chuckled ruefully at her lack of skill before stepping forward to hammer another helpless Butcher. With Gerel and his Bekkies here to hold up the sky, the least she could do was aid in the cleanup.
After scant minutes of battle, Gerel gave the order to retreat and Sovanna jumped to obey, moving to jog alongside his ambling mount. Glancing behind them, she asked, What happened? Did they send more Demons?
No, Gerel answered, his face covered in blood. The other barricades are falling back so we must follow suit. Wouldnt want to get caught alone and surrounded. Giving her a roguish wink, he almost seemed giddy from the battle, the whites of his teeth in sharp contrast to the dark, sticky blood around them. It went well as could be expected, though the others took quite a beating. Well harass them through the night, force them to climb mountains of their dead to take every choke point. Once Yuzhen arrives, their escape and fates will be sealed, their lives offered as tribute to the fallen.
Nodding sagely as Gerel continued to give orders, Sovannas shoulders sagged with relief. For the first time since learning of the Defiled army led by Yo Ling, she felt Sanshu had a chance. Thank the Mother for Gerel and his Bekkies, Sanshu would have been doomed without them.
Two days, just two more days.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 195As his soldiers retreated from the burning barricades, Chu Tongzu stood firm while they formed up around him. Turning green with regret, he cursed his failures beneath his breath, determined to never repeat them. A life of decadence was not worth this moment of defeat, better to live moderately and be remembered well than have his name firmly etched in history as the Magistrate who lost Sanshu. If only hed kept to the Martial Path, if only hed not handed off his duties to Mao Jianghong, if only hed retaken the gates, if only hed not been so grievously injured... So many regrets and no pill to cure it.Through the dense smoke and fiery flames, the Defiled onslaught marched, weathering the storm of stones and arrows as they screamed of murder and bloodshed. A horde driven into frenzy, despite the flickering light and blazing heat of the fire, they seemed little more than things of shadow and darkness. Packed shoulder to shoulder, their unholy black armour shrouded their forms, blending them together as they moved in fluid coordination, neither aiding nor hindering each others progress. Their weapons of power glinted in the darkness, their teeth sharpened and bellies craving flesh, these bandits turned Defiled were a terrifying sight to behold. An unending stream of cutthroats and murderers here to burn and raze Sanshu to ashes and dust.For these vagabonds and miscreants to dare step foot inside the city, how could its Magistrate lay idly in bed? Hefting Stoneshaper above his head, Tongzus stitches pulled as he raised his voice in heated challenge, his wordless bellow drowning out the Enemys war-cries. At his side, his soldiers stood tall and drew courage from his presence, joining their voices to his in a thunderous din, brandishing their common weapons in anticipation of the battle ahead.Though backed by the Bekhai elites, the citys fate was firmly in the hands of its most common soldiers, good men and women of Sanshu. Though without significant power to call their own, neither the Fire-Tainted Champions harrowing display nor the terrorizing horde advancing towards them were enough to break their spirits. These soldiers were no warriors of renown, no noble scions or wealthy heirs, but each one present was no stranger to adversity, raising themselves up through hard work and merits. Perhaps one in thirty held a Spiritual Weapon and not a single Runic item would be found among them, yet still they stood with him against this heavily-armed Enemy, ready and willing to die for their families, for their city, for their Empire.It would be an honour to die alongside them.Enough waiting, he said, unleashing the might of his Aura to crash against the Enemys. The Enemy moves too slowly for my tastes. With me my soldiers, tonight we end Butcher Bays stranglehold over us and throw back the Defiled from our fair city. Leading the counter-charge into the scorching heat, he opened the battle with a smash, hammering a Defiled warrior into meat paste with a two-handed swing. The metal clang was lost amidst his laughter, echoing off the plaza walls as his soldiers scrambled and fought to fill the ground he seized for them, holding it with bitter determination. Striding through the Enemy, every step left nothing but the corpses of soldiers and Defiled alike in his wake. Warm, salty blood splashed across his lips as he opened his mouth, shouting his war cry to the heavens. Victory or Death!His soldiers echoed the sentiment as they struggled to keep pace, killing and dying as they held back the tide. His forward progress halted by the press of Enemies, Stoneshaper claimed Defiled lives with every swing, clearing out the area around him for a heartbeat before another Enemy moved into place. Metal cracked, bones broke, flesh squelched, and warriors screamed as he fought, thriving amidst the discordant cadence of battle accompanied by the pungent scent of death. Blood singing through his veins, he succumbed to his lust for battle, hammering his enemies into oblivion while the city burned around him.Come you heathens and heretics, he roared, his voice rising above the din of battle. Meet your doom at the hands of Chu Tongzu, the Unstoppable. None could stand before him as he advanced deep into the Enemy lines, though none could match him either, his soldiers falling further and further behind as he sent one Defiled after another into the Fathers Maw. No matter that his elites were out of the city, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers of Sanshu. Together, they would see the city to safety.They had to.Despite the danger, death, and despair, Tongzu couldnt keep the smile from his face, rediscovering the lost passion of his youth. This was how he first made his mark in the world, climbing over the dead to reign supreme. For too long had he indulged in the succulent luxuries and splendours of wealth, forgetting how it all paled when compared to the heady rush of combat. The Council knew nothing of strength of arms, seeking only a puppet to do their bidding and hed fallen in line at a snap of their fingers. All for the fleeting pleasures of wine and women, so empty and unfulfilling.Yet it was not too late to change. Truly the Mother provided, this grave trial forcing him to open his eyes to the truth hed cast aside so many years ago. Strength of arm mattered more than weight of purse. As he fought to hold back the Defiled, his mind wandered, fixating on the tales of Magistrate Tong Da Hai and his valiant defence of Shen Huo. Would they speak of Chu Tongzu in the same light or would his tale end in utter defeat and humiliation?His distraction cost him greatly.Stepping back to avoid a thrust, his foot slipped on a blood-soaked tile. Time seemed to pause as he struggled to keep steady, the noise of battle fading away to leave nothing but the thunderous crash of his armour against the stone, followed by the rush of air vacating his lungs. Laid out across the cool tiles, he stared out into the heavens and took in the sight, panting as he rested his aching head and weary arms, a lump forming on the back of his skull. A sliver of moon hanging in a sea of stars, twinkling so high above him, this vision of beauty and harmony was marred by the dark-iron axe descending to claim his life.A damn shame for it to end like this.A resounding clang brought the world back into focus, the axe deflected by a single strike. Stepping past him, Vichear fought with sword and shield, slashing and smashing with careful precision. In jarring contrast to his massive form, the soldier-turned-tribesman seemed weightless as he pranced about the battlefield, his feet never still for more than a heartbeat, gliding about as if standing on a dance floor instead of a field of the dead. Following an unheard rhythm, he moved through the Defiled lines, stepping and twirling in a dance of death, holding the Defiled back long enough for the soldiers to move up and support him.So why then were these Butchers so hesitant to cross the gap? As a sergeant in the Guard, she had plenty practice reading body language, and if she didnt know any better, shed have thought these Defiled were scared. Nerves too frayed for a Sending, Sovanna shouldered through her bullies and made her way down to where the Bekkies sat waiting on their roosequins. Gingerly stepping through their lines, she sidled up beside Gerel, the bald fanatic sitting straight-backed and relaxed, or as relaxed as he ever was. The man walked like he had a spear stuck up his ass. Coughing to clear her throat, she whispered quietly, Whats happening here?Nothing to be concerned about, Gerel answered without looking away from the Defiled, grinning in anticipation. The fun will begin soon enough.The man was loopy as a drunk sparrow flitting through the air, and so were the Bekkies who chuckled with him. Then again, anyone who saw an army of 20,000 Defiled as a gift was missing more than a few marbles. All she could do was close her eyes and pray Gerels confidence was well founded and that the stories of the Bekkies prowess were only slightly exaggerated. While asking for miracles, she also begged the Mother to split the earth and swallow the Defiled army whole, or to rain lightning down from above to save Sanshu and her people.The minutes dragged on while the Butchers stood in place, their agitation growing by the second. Teeth gnashing and hackles rising, they chafed at their unseen reins, a jittery bunch eager for blood and death yet too cautious to proceed. Heart hammering in her chest, a ravenous howl in the distance sent a chill down her spine, while across the plaza, the flames leaped higher into the night sky, a growing inferno which gave no warmth or comfort.Blasted Defiled, what are they waiting for?As if in answer to her unspoken question, a massive creature bounded from the shadows, landing heavily between the battle lines. Bald and misshapen, the Demon was three horses wide and a full span taller, its tiny white eyes full of hatred and anger as it stared at Sovanna. No, not staring at her, it glared at Gerel beside her, though the realization brought little relief. Thick, yellow spittle dripped from its maw, revealing four massive incisors as it emitted a chittering cry of challenge. It took every scrap of courage for her not to edge away from Gerel, her throat closing in panic as the beast pawed at the ground, its claws churning through stone like butter.A small snort drew her attention as she glanced at Gerel, his lip curled in a sneer. The Father must truly be desperate to choose a mole-rat as one of His harbingers. A chuckle rose from among the Bekhai and her bullies nervously joined, backing away from the Demon all the while. Shaking his head, Gerel lifted his colossal glaive in one hand, twirling the thick weapon effortlessly, the metal ringing as it cut through the air. Remember, try not to scare them off, we need them to stay until Yuzhen arrives to cut off their escape.Without further preamble, the Bekkies charged, their roosequins closing the distance with a hop and a skip. Dozens assaulting hundreds and it was the hundreds who faltered, the Defiled falling back before the ferocious onslaught. Riding headlong into the Demon, Gerel struck once before moving past and diving into the Defiled lines, the Demon seemingly frozen in place. Several heartbeats passed before the creature lurched to the ground, half its head shorn clean off.Gaping in disbelief, she blinked foolishly and glanced at her bullies, her incredulity reflected in their eyes. Shivering with excitement, she came out of her fugue and hefted her mace. Attack, my bullies! Give em hell! She bellowed, her legs exploding into action. For Sanshu! Her bullies followed suit as she led them into battle, coming across a wounded Butcher staggering from the Bekkie charge. Hammering it square in the head, her weapon bounced off the Butchers sturdy helm, its inhabitant reeling but unharmed. Cursing loudly, she lifted her mace and stuck again to the same result. Never one to give up, it took her five more strikes before her persistence was rewarded with the muffled crack of bone, the Butcher flopping to the paved road in death.Wiping her brow with one hand, she watched as Gerel scythed through the Butchers with ease, his mount moving unhindered through the mass of bodies. Glancing at her first and only kill, she chuckled ruefully at her lack of skill before stepping forward to hammer another helpless Butcher. With Gerel and his Bekkies here to hold up the sky, the least she could do was aid in the cleanup.After scant minutes of battle, Gerel gave the order to retreat and Sovanna jumped to obey, moving to jog alongside his ambling mount. Glancing behind them, she asked, What happened? Did they send more Demons?No, Gerel answered, his face covered in blood. The other barricades are falling back so we must follow suit. Wouldnt want to get caught alone and surrounded. Giving her a roguish wink, he almost seemed giddy from the battle, the whites of his teeth in sharp contrast to the dark, sticky blood around them. It went well as could be expected, though the others took quite a beating. Well harass them through the night, force them to climb mountains of their dead to take every choke point. Once Yuzhen arrives, their escape and fates will be sealed, their lives offered as tribute to the fallen.Nodding sagely as Gerel continued to give orders, Sovannas shoulders sagged with relief. For the first time since learning of the Defiled army led by Yo Ling, she felt Sanshu had a chance. Thank the Mother for Gerel and his Bekkies, Sanshu would have been doomed without them.Two days, just two more days.Chapter Meme
