Chapter 143
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Chapter 143
The sound of clashing arms, explosions of magic, and the screams of the dying echoed through the cavern. The elves had seen us coming and sallied out to meet us along the shores of the underground lake. The smooth waters now reflected the flashes of magic and rippled from explosions.
Vito and Raven had both disappeared as the fighting headed deep behind enemy lines. Raven to hunt down valuable targets and Vito to clash with the priest.
Maxwell was as near to the front as he could get buffing our troops with his music. I could see his nodes floating in the surrounding air. The area affected by him was clear, as my troops were holding their ground and even pushing back in other places. Unfortunately, that was not the case across the entire front. The elves were no slouches and they had warriors on par with my undead if not slightly stronger.
I stood with my two necromancers. Our job was protecting and healing my army, which was a big job for three casters. That was the other major advantage the elves held. They had dozens of priests and other magic users. A litany of spells pummeled our magical defenses even as we had to balance healing our forces. Although, the barriers I raised would stop even the elves most powerful attacks dead. Admittedly none of them were holy, their priests used some kind of darkness or blood magic which wasnt great at breaking barriers. Blood magic might be weak to death magic, but that didnt mean that death magic was weak to blood magic.
From my rise, I saw Othniel cast out a ball of purple lightning that slammed into the elven left flank along the water. His eldritch power was mighty. Then, the life thieves floated over the water flanking the elves. I couldnt see Ehud with them but knew the affliction ghost was there some place causing havoc.
What had kept us ahead of their magical prowess was the twenty-five eldritch death elementals. They poured power into my spells as quickly as I could form them. I was working in conjunction with Tola and Izban on every spell, and even working together, with my mastery of the magic, we still struggled to harness the raw power pouring out from the elemental zombies.
With power at my command like Ive never had, I was able to cast regeneration spells on my entire army that not just repaired damage but would bring the fallen back into service. We would win the battle, but at this rate it was going to be a Pyrrhic victory. While that was acceptable, this being an undead army, I wanted better.
Tola, Izban, be careful not to disrupt the blood magic in his next spell, I ordered as I pulled a red crystal out of my bag and crushed it.
The spell I wove together was complex. The two necromancers focused on protecting the blood magic inside of the spell as I wove it together. Blood mana was the only one I could provide myself, but other trace types of magic were going in the spell as well.
As I approached finishing, I noticed the protective dome of death magic over my army was beginning to crack. I didnt let myself get distracted, the spell could backfire at this point.
When the dome began to fail, I slammed Mercy into the stone I was standing on. The black skull with a spiked crown at the top pulsed with power and a wave of energy spread out over the battle.
I sagged slightly, leaning on Mercy. It was not the power of the spell, but the concentration it took to cast it that left me drained. The dome shattered, times up. Already magical attacks hammered down. A flight of arrows clearly targeted at me arched over the field. Pointing with a clenched fist, I released one of my stored spells. Kinetic force wave hammered out, scattering the volley.
Some of the arrows hit me, my precognition warning me they would, so the pain did not surprise me.
Eldritch power crackled around me. Death magic from the two necromancers supported the structure of my next spell. It was complex, but powerful.
An eldritch arrow from Elon broke a bloodred barrier over the center of the elven formation, a volley of black arrows a moment behind. The meter-and-a-half long arrows punched through the elves rear rank.
I winced as an explosion tore into my ranged battalion in response. The crackling purple light around me was drawing attention. More magical attacks soared towards us. Jair, who had initially advanced with Othniel, fell back to provide cover with his own barriers as Izban quit helping me and did the same.
I caught up with Maxwell, who was still atop Snappy. What do you think of our first battle?
I think I need a band, Maxwell grumbled. I guess its technically called an orchestra but thats stupid.
I think you need one as well. Youre going to be terrifying when you can buff an entire army.
Oh, it doesnt just increase my range, Maxwell assured me, it will also amplify the power of my songs.
We were approaching the outskirts of the city. Abimelech had reformed my army. We had taken losses, but not as many as Id thought. The zombies created both by the zombie plague and by raise undead spell during the fight were still swarming in front of us. Screams radiated from the city.
Abimelech, I said. We need to stop the slaughter of the civilians. Just because I dont want them running, doesnt mean I want them dead.
One of Ravens primary objectives had been to infiltrate the city, and using explosives from Vito, collapse the tunnels on the other side. They wouldnt be collapsed enough that they couldnt be reopened, but they would stop anyone from fleeing quickly.
I will take the Dread Thirteen forward to take control, Abimelech said. None of the other officers can do so, and even we are not suited for it.
I understand, bringing them within range of me and I can take over, I agreed.
Abimelech was just starting to move forward when Vito was suddenly there among us. I can do that. I didnt realize you do not want the civilians killed, my apologies. Vito closed his eyes, made a face, and opened them again.
All the uncontrolled zombies are now under my control and are coming this way, Vito said. An explosion of magic deeper within the city grabbed his attention. Well, that bastard will not stay down, he snarled. Just like that, he was gone again.
Where is Raven? Maxwell asked. I didnt see her during the fight, nor the mayor and his succubus. I feel like they wouldve been noticeable on the battlefield.
Damn her, I snarled. I told her to leave them alone if they werent in the battle. I knew where she had to be. Abi, I said.
We are already coming, Abimelech assured me, spurring her mount forward to match my pace as I was already charging into the city.
Hey! I heard Maxwell exclaim behind me.
I glanced around briefly to see Othniel pluck the barred off Snappy and toss him on his mount behind him. Snappy was going to be too slow.
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Chapter 143
The sound of clashing arms, explosions of magic, and the screams of the dying echoed through the cavern. The elves had seen us coming and sallied out to meet us along the shores of the underground lake. The smooth waters now reflected the flashes of magic and rippled from explosions.
Vito and Raven had both disappeared as the fighting headed deep behind enemy lines. Raven to hunt down valuable targets and Vito to clash with the priest.
Maxwell was as near to the front as he could get buffing our troops with his music. I could see his nodes floating in the surrounding air. The area affected by him was clear, as my troops were holding their ground and even pushing back in other places. Unfortunately, that was not the case across the entire front. The elves were no slouches and they had warriors on par with my undead if not slightly stronger.
I stood with my two necromancers. Our job was protecting and healing my army, which was a big job for three casters. That was the other major advantage the elves held. They had dozens of priests and other magic users. A litany of spells pummeled our magical defenses even as we had to balance healing our forces. Although, the barriers I raised would stop even the elves most powerful attacks dead. Admittedly none of them were holy, their priests used some kind of darkness or blood magic which wasnt great at breaking barriers. Blood magic might be weak to death magic, but that didnt mean that death magic was weak to blood magic.
From my rise, I saw Othniel cast out a ball of purple lightning that slammed into the elven left flank along the water. His eldritch power was mighty. Then, the life thieves floated over the water flanking the elves. I couldnt see Ehud with them but knew the affliction ghost was there some place causing havoc.
What had kept us ahead of their magical prowess was the twenty-five eldritch death elementals. They poured power into my spells as quickly as I could form them. I was working in conjunction with Tola and Izban on every spell, and even working together, with my mastery of the magic, we still struggled to harness the raw power pouring out from the elemental zombies.
With power at my command like Ive never had, I was able to cast regeneration spells on my entire army that not just repaired damage but would bring the fallen back into service. We would win the battle, but at this rate it was going to be a Pyrrhic victory. While that was acceptable, this being an undead army, I wanted better.
Tola, Izban, be careful not to disrupt the blood magic in his next spell, I ordered as I pulled a red crystal out of my bag and crushed it.
The spell I wove together was complex. The two necromancers focused on protecting the blood magic inside of the spell as I wove it together. Blood mana was the only one I could provide myself, but other trace types of magic were going in the spell as well.
As I approached finishing, I noticed the protective dome of death magic over my army was beginning to crack. I didnt let myself get distracted, the spell could backfire at this point.
When the dome began to fail, I slammed Mercy into the stone I was standing on. The black skull with a spiked crown at the top pulsed with power and a wave of energy spread out over the battle.
I sagged slightly, leaning on Mercy. It was not the power of the spell, but the concentration it took to cast it that left me drained. The dome shattered, times up. Already magical attacks hammered down. A flight of arrows clearly targeted at me arched over the field. Pointing with a clenched fist, I released one of my stored spells. Kinetic force wave hammered out, scattering the volley.
Some of the arrows hit me, my precognition warning me they would, so the pain did not surprise me.
Eldritch power crackled around me. Death magic from the two necromancers supported the structure of my next spell. It was complex, but powerful.
An eldritch arrow from Elon broke a bloodred barrier over the center of the elven formation, a volley of black arrows a moment behind. The meter-and-a-half long arrows punched through the elves rear rank.
I winced as an explosion tore into my ranged battalion in response. The crackling purple light around me was drawing attention. More magical attacks soared towards us. Jair, who had initially advanced with Othniel, fell back to provide cover with his own barriers as Izban quit helping me and did the same.
I caught up with Maxwell, who was still atop Snappy. What do you think of our first battle?
I think I need a band, Maxwell grumbled. I guess its technically called an orchestra but thats stupid.
I think you need one as well. Youre going to be terrifying when you can buff an entire army.
Oh, it doesnt just increase my range, Maxwell assured me, it will also amplify the power of my songs.
We were approaching the outskirts of the city. Abimelech had reformed my army. We had taken losses, but not as many as Id thought. The zombies created both by the zombie plague and by raise undead spell during the fight were still swarming in front of us. Screams radiated from the city.
Abimelech, I said. We need to stop the slaughter of the civilians. Just because I dont want them running, doesnt mean I want them dead.
One of Ravens primary objectives had been to infiltrate the city, and using explosives from Vito, collapse the tunnels on the other side. They wouldnt be collapsed enough that they couldnt be reopened, but they would stop anyone from fleeing quickly.
I will take the Dread Thirteen forward to take control, Abimelech said. None of the other officers can do so, and even we are not suited for it.
I understand, bringing them within range of me and I can take over, I agreed.
Abimelech was just starting to move forward when Vito was suddenly there among us. I can do that. I didnt realize you do not want the civilians killed, my apologies. Vito closed his eyes, made a face, and opened them again.
All the uncontrolled zombies are now under my control and are coming this way, Vito said. An explosion of magic deeper within the city grabbed his attention. Well, that bastard will not stay down, he snarled. Just like that, he was gone again.
Where is Raven? Maxwell asked. I didnt see her during the fight, nor the mayor and his succubus. I feel like they wouldve been noticeable on the battlefield.
Damn her, I snarled. I told her to leave them alone if they werent in the battle. I knew where she had to be. Abi, I said.
We are already coming, Abimelech assured me, spurring her mount forward to match my pace as I was already charging into the city.
Hey! I heard Maxwell exclaim behind me.
I glanced around briefly to see Othniel pluck the barred off Snappy and toss him on his mount behind him. Snappy was going to be too slow.
Chapter 143The sound of clashing arms, explosions of magic, and the screams of the dying echoed through the cavern. The elves had seen us coming and sallied out to meet us along the shores of the underground lake. The smooth waters now reflected the flashes of magic and rippled from explosions.Vito and Raven had both disappeared as the fighting headed deep behind enemy lines. Raven to hunt down valuable targets and Vito to clash with the priest.Maxwell was as near to the front as he could get buffing our troops with his music. I could see his nodes floating in the surrounding air. The area affected by him was clear, as my troops were holding their ground and even pushing back in other places. Unfortunately, that was not the case across the entire front. The elves were no slouches and they had warriors on par with my undead if not slightly stronger.I stood with my two necromancers. Our job was protecting and healing my army, which was a big job for three casters. That was the other major advantage the elves held. They had dozens of priests and other magic users. A litany of spells pummeled our magical defenses even as we had to balance healing our forces. Although, the barriers I raised would stop even the elves most powerful attacks dead. Admittedly none of them were holy, their priests used some kind of darkness or blood magic which wasnt great at breaking barriers. Blood magic might be weak to death magic, but that didnt mean that death magic was weak to blood magic.From my rise, I saw Othniel cast out a ball of purple lightning that slammed into the elven left flank along the water. His eldritch power was mighty. Then, the life thieves floated over the water flanking the elves. I couldnt see Ehud with them but knew the affliction ghost was there some place causing havoc.What had kept us ahead of their magical prowess was the twenty-five eldritch death elementals. They poured power into my spells as quickly as I could form them. I was working in conjunction with Tola and Izban on every spell, and even working together, with my mastery of the magic, we still struggled to harness the raw power pouring out from the elemental zombies.With power at my command like Ive never had, I was able to cast regeneration spells on my entire army that not just repaired damage but would bring the fallen back into service. We would win the battle, but at this rate it was going to be a Pyrrhic victory. While that was acceptable, this being an undead army, I wanted better.Tola, Izban, be careful not to disrupt the blood magic in his next spell, I ordered as I pulled a red crystal out of my bag and crushed it.The spell I wove together was complex. The two necromancers focused on protecting the blood magic inside of the spell as I wove it together. Blood mana was the only one I could provide myself, but other trace types of magic were going in the spell as well.As I approached finishing, I noticed the protective dome of death magic over my army was beginning to crack. I didnt let myself get distracted, the spell could backfire at this point.When the dome began to fail, I slammed Mercy into the stone I was standing on. The black skull with a spiked crown at the top pulsed with power and a wave of energy spread out over the battle.I sagged slightly, leaning on Mercy. It was not the power of the spell, but the concentration it took to cast it that left me drained. The dome shattered, times up. Already magical attacks hammered down. A flight of arrows clearly targeted at me arched over the field. Pointing with a clenched fist, I released one of my stored spells. Kinetic force wave hammered out, scattering the volley.Some of the arrows hit me, my precognition warning me they would, so the pain did not surprise me.Eldritch power crackled around me. Death magic from the two necromancers supported the structure of my next spell. It was complex, but powerful.An eldritch arrow from Elon broke a bloodred barrier over the center of the elven formation, a volley of black arrows a moment behind. The meter-and-a-half long arrows punched through the elves rear rank.I winced as an explosion tore into my ranged battalion in response. The crackling purple light around me was drawing attention. More magical attacks soared towards us. Jair, who had initially advanced with Othniel, fell back to provide cover with his own barriers as Izban quit helping me and did the same.I caught up with Maxwell, who was still atop Snappy. What do you think of our first battle?I think I need a band, Maxwell grumbled. I guess its technically called an orchestra but thats stupid.I think you need one as well. Youre going to be terrifying when you can buff an entire army.Oh, it doesnt just increase my range, Maxwell assured me, it will also amplify the power of my songs.We were approaching the outskirts of the city. Abimelech had reformed my army. We had taken losses, but not as many as Id thought. The zombies created both by the zombie plague and by raise undead spell during the fight were still swarming in front of us. Screams radiated from the city.Abimelech, I said. We need to stop the slaughter of the civilians. Just because I dont want them running, doesnt mean I want them dead.One of Ravens primary objectives had been to infiltrate the city, and using explosives from Vito, collapse the tunnels on the other side. They wouldnt be collapsed enough that they couldnt be reopened, but they would stop anyone from fleeing quickly.I will take the Dread Thirteen forward to take control, Abimelech said. None of the other officers can do so, and even we are not suited for it.I understand, bringing them within range of me and I can take over, I agreed.Abimelech was just starting to move forward when Vito was suddenly there among us. I can do that. I didnt realize you do not want the civilians killed, my apologies. Vito closed his eyes, made a face, and opened them again.All the uncontrolled zombies are now under my control and are coming this way, Vito said. An explosion of magic deeper within the city grabbed his attention. Well, that bastard will not stay down, he snarled. Just like that, he was gone again.Where is Raven? Maxwell asked. I didnt see her during the fight, nor the mayor and his succubus. I feel like they wouldve been noticeable on the battlefield.Damn her, I snarled. I told her to leave them alone if they werent in the battle. I knew where she had to be. Abi, I said.We are already coming, Abimelech assured me, spurring her mount forward to match my pace as I was already charging into the city.Hey! I heard Maxwell exclaim behind me.I glanced around briefly to see Othniel pluck the barred off Snappy and toss him on his mount behind him. Snappy was going to be too slow.
