It wasn’t until midway through the next day that all the festivities could be considered over. Almost everyone had sobered up and rested, allowing themselves to feel some nerves regarding the looming clash. Weapons were sharpened and armor modified for even the slightest edge against the enemy. Word had gotten around that the Vethyean allied forces numbered around 7,000. While it was larger than any army of this realm, it was vastly outnumbered by the demon king’s forces.
Master Avant had arrived and was slowly preparing the teleportation circle. During this time, he shared any information possible. The most obvious was the ravine between where his group were hidden and the demon king’s castle. The vast flatland was at least a mile long between the peaks and stretched to the side twice as far. At a glance the Owlkinn could count around 50,000 monstrous shadows meandering in the area. They didn’t look towards the bird but across the canyon, on the cliff, stood three individuals. The massive castle towered over them even while being a few hundred feet behind them.
It was obvious they saw the monks readying a spell yet they didn’t move to stop it. In fact, the central one seemed to invite it. Master Avant was sure it was the demon king based on observations he’d heard. He stood unmoving with his subordinates the entire time the teleportation circle was being created. It was almost like he wanted it to happen. Only Aisha was absolutely sure that was the case.
The allied troops were gathered as close to the five gates of the base camp. Originally, Kargon, Freckle, and three commanders held the Traveler’s Sand. Freckle handed hers off to another captain so all of the Hero’s allies were by her side. Even those not around them sought her guidance at this time. As the sands slowly spread around the city, she pushed past her nerves.
“Kargon, Sariel, Vofric, Avant. Can you guys come here?” she asked her dispersed party members. Once they approached she said, “You’ve all been with me for the entirety of three years working towards this fight. Even if I face the demon king alone, I wouldn’t have gotten here without you. I don’t know if Kharim felt that way about his allies but I know the world didn’t honor them well enough. It hasn’t sat well with me since Dawncaster and I think I can articulate it now.” Aisha took a deep breath and continued. “I may be called the Hero but I don’t think that’s fair. I am the chosen one but hero isn’t a title like that. It isn’t given to you because of some prophecy. It’s earned through deeds and actions.”
A huff of frustration escaped her. Words were flooding out but she couldn’t reach the exact words she wanted. True to form, she simply blurted them out.
“What I’m trying to say is that you’re all heroes. I’m only one of five in this party.”
“It’s not the Hero’s party but the heroes’ party,” Kargon said with a smirk.
Aisha excitedly pointed at the monk and exclaimed, “Exactly! This whole thing isn’t just my quest. When the demon king falls, it’ll be the end of our quest.”
Kargon couldn’t help but smile recalling the last time he heard Aisha say those words. The others shared a similar reaction for various reasons.
“Well said,” Sariel complimented.
“Though it does not exempt you from rallying the troops,” Vofric added while nodding to the giant teleportation circle.
As the last of the sands were dispersed elsewhere, a glowing silver light encompassed the camp. Walking into it pulled people to Master Avant’s location. There was no doubt he’d set it up a safe distance from the canyon so the army could be properly set before engaging in battle. Warriors pushed aside fear and doubt as they stepped into the veil. Makani, Albert, Rusty, Freckle and Spike gathered together as their own group who planned to assist Aisha in reaching the castle. They waited with the heroes for as many troops to go through as possible. The slow trickle of footsteps grew faster as their safe arrival on the other side was confirmed.
It wasn’t long before only the heroes and their friends remained near the base camp. Aisha nodded to signal them forward. The secondary group went through first, walking with confidence and assertiveness that drew the attention of nearby allies on the other side. Makani immediately prepared a spell that would send his voice in every direction. If he’d learned anything from his upbringing it was when to show an enemy you weren’t scared. It didn’t need to be the truth. A king simply needed to present a form that others could stand behind. But Makani’s role was minor. The true face of the Vethyean forces stepped through with her party at her sides.
Seeing all the troops, looking back at her with expectant eyes, was daunting. Years of silence had made others think Aisha had more answers than she really did. No part of her liked being seen as mightier or more important than others. The duty thrust upon her shoulders had simply forced everyone into a position they believed necessary. But speaking as a girl from some small village wouldn’t help right now. This may be the last time some of the fighters ever faced an enemy. Their eyes looked towards her not only out of respect but fear of the massive forces down the large hill they stood on. Hateful eyes from the opposite cliff only made the situation worse.
Aisha needed to be the person everyone assumed she was but wasn’t sure how. In front of her stood the secondary party with Makani’s glow encompassing them. A short look to her left was met by Sariel and Vofric’s stoic glances. To her right was a fierce Avant and a calm Kargon. His eyes always saw the truth about her. She needed to be the person he put his faith in. Aisha shut her eyes, faced forward, and let out a long breath. Her back arched ever slightly as she stood tall and opened her eyes. The distinct purple glow of her prosthetic shined so brightly that no one could miss it. Without hesitation she stared at the trio of demons standing on the other cliff. The overwhelming aura of darkness pouring off Aeraza may scare others but she’d show it meant nothing to her.
“For over a millenia an obsessive demon has terrorized our realm!” she announced. “Obsessively, he chased after the first hero, Kharim, and demanded his attention. Many warriors were killed without a second thought and their struggles were forgotten. We will not allow that to happen again! Each of you has taken up arms against a daunting foe. Your actions will shape the future and create legends! We do not fight in hopes of driving back this threat but destroying it!”
Grips tightened on weapons and gazes became focused. An army of seven thousand breathed in harmony as they took in the words of their leader. Electricity carried on the wind driven by Prince Dicoris. Killing intent permeated from the crowd with such intensity as to make even demons pause.
“We will carve a path through the shadows and cleave apart their very source! We will tear apart their monument of darkness and bask in light!” Aisha yelled.
The crowd roared as they turned towards the enemy. Scattered sounds spread through the army as weapons were drawn and spells chanted.
“We do not fight for our cities!” With the declaration, Aisha drew her sword and pointed it towards the sky. “We do not fight for our factions or lands!” Electricity crackled as it grew in intensity. “We fight for Vethyea!” Lightning streaked down from the sky and collided with Valefor. As the hero swung it in front of her, she roared, “With! Me!”
Thousands of soldiers charged forward with ferocity they thought impossible moments ago. Blades cut through unprepared demons as they scrambled to retaliate. Modified projectiles rained over monsters and slowed their movements. Violent blasts of magic tore apart sturdier beasts leaving areas for Vethyean forces to push through. While Makani and his group pushed forward, Aisha took her stance with intention to pierce through the crowd. Thinning the herd would be enough as long as she reached Aeraza with minimal wounds. Watching Kargon tighten his wraps confirmed he was on the same wavelength. As each prepared to rush, a bestial roar hindered them.
A powerful weight kept them in place and Avant marched in front of them. Sturdy vines wrapped around their whole bodies, encompassing them in two large spheres which connected back to Sariel’s arms. Her magic had advanced to the point that flora bloomed from the magical creations. Colorful flowers and leaves tightly clung to their source.
“What are you doing?” Aisha asked aggressively.
“Do not worry about carving a path,” Sariel replied. “Allowing you to waste time on lower tier demons would be unbecoming of our allies.”
Kargon groaned. “So, you’re just going to keep us here?”
“Of course not,” Vofric replied. “We spent quite some time concocting a way to send you towards your goal. It may not be perfect as I did not have the measurements of this canyon. However, it will put you close to your… our final target.”
“I see,” Aisha said and stared out at the lattice pattern of the orb. She sheathed her blade and nodded. “Let’s do it.”
Vofric placed his warhammer with one side of the head against the ground. The orbs were released as Sariel stepped on top of the surprisingly large platform. With focus she not only summoned her wings but sprouted large branches from them. They threaded tightly over other vines until the dragon’s wingspan tripled. Only when they were fully produced did she retrieve the orbs carrying her friends.
“Avant, please lighten my load,” Vofric requested.
The owlbear obliged and reduced gravity’s sway enough where the dwarf felt like he could float away. Following that, both used magic to bolster Vofric’s strength. A gruff exertion accompanied his wide stance as both hands gripped the warhammer’s shaft. He bellowed while swinging as forcefully as he could muster. Even knowing the plan, Sariel was shocked by the speed of her launch. Keeping her wings still sent her soaring deep over the demonic forces. Winged creatures occupying the space were kept at bay by ranged attacks from Vethyeans.
“We will all plummet if I continue forward,” Sariel said as she slowed. “This is all I can do to lessen your load.”
With a controlled spin she hurled the orbs towards the cliff housing the leader of the demons. As they left Sariel’s grasp, the orbs splintered. Massive shards passed around Kargon and Aisha before raining down directly on Veil. He barely moved as the blades passed him. Only one left a minor cut on his cheek that he quickly healed before sprouting wings and leaping off the cliff. The soaring blademaster and monk weren’t worth his attention. With little interference they would plummet to the bottom of the ravine into a crowd of demons.
“Aisha, I’ve got an idea,” Kargon yelled over the rushing wind.
“Just say it!” his counterpart demanded.
“Plant your feet against mine!” With swaths of fire he angled himself to be underneath Aisha. Once their feet were firmly in contact he instructed, “Use me as a launching platform! I can give you a boost too!”
Both crouched, though it took more effort for Kargon to do so against gravity. However there wasn’t a spec of concern in him. The adrenaline coursing through his veins was more soothing than the days of nervous anxiety that recently passed. As he focused on the remaining demons on the cliff, he noticed Elmud’s focused stare. Every insult and demeaning comment the Dragonborn made flashed in the monk’s mind. His only reaction was a smug grin as he extended a hand out and flicked his fingers back.
Moments later he felt a shock at his feet. Kargon’s idea hinged on the fact that Aisha could calculate a distance so quickly. Pressure intensified between them as Valefor rested tightly in her grasp. She prepared to lunge, fully intending on striking her opponent first. A burst of fire and electricity exploded between the adventurers. One propelled forward like a beam of light directly on a crash course with the demon king. The other plummeted into a crowd of demons wreathed in a violent ball of flames.
It wasn’t until midway through the next day that all the festivities could be considered over. Almost everyone had sobered up and rested, allowing themselves to feel some nerves regarding the looming clash. Weapons were sharpened and armor modified for even the slightest edge against the enemy. Word had gotten around that the Vethyean allied forces numbered around 7,000. While it was larger than any army of this realm, it was vastly outnumbered by the demon king’s forces.
Master Avant had arrived and was slowly preparing the teleportation circle. During this time, he shared any information possible. The most obvious was the ravine between where his group were hidden and the demon king’s castle. The vast flatland was at least a mile long between the peaks and stretched to the side twice as far. At a glance the Owlkinn could count around 50,000 monstrous shadows meandering in the area. They didn’t look towards the bird but across the canyon, on the cliff, stood three individuals. The massive castle towered over them even while being a few hundred feet behind them.
It was obvious they saw the monks readying a spell yet they didn’t move to stop it. In fact, the central one seemed to invite it. Master Avant was sure it was the demon king based on observations he’d heard. He stood unmoving with his subordinates the entire time the teleportation circle was being created. It was almost like he wanted it to happen. Only Aisha was absolutely sure that was the case.
The allied troops were gathered as close to the five gates of the base camp. Originally, Kargon, Freckle, and three commanders held the Traveler’s Sand. Freckle handed hers off to another captain so all of the Hero’s allies were by her side. Even those not around them sought her guidance at this time. As the sands slowly spread around the city, she pushed past her nerves.
“Kargon, Sariel, Vofric, Avant. Can you guys come here?” she asked her dispersed party members. Once they approached she said, “You’ve all been with me for the entirety of three years working towards this fight. Even if I face the demon king alone, I wouldn’t have gotten here without you. I don’t know if Kharim felt that way about his allies but I know the world didn’t honor them well enough. It hasn’t sat well with me since Dawncaster and I think I can articulate it now.” Aisha took a deep breath and continued. “I may be called the Hero but I don’t think that’s fair. I am the chosen one but hero isn’t a title like that. It isn’t given to you because of some prophecy. It’s earned through deeds and actions.”
A huff of frustration escaped her. Words were flooding out but she couldn’t reach the exact words she wanted. True to form, she simply blurted them out.
“What I’m trying to say is that you’re all heroes. I’m only one of five in this party.”
“It’s not the Hero’s party but the heroes’ party,” Kargon said with a smirk.
Aisha excitedly pointed at the monk and exclaimed, “Exactly! This whole thing isn’t just my quest. When the demon king falls, it’ll be the end of our quest.”
Kargon couldn’t help but smile recalling the last time he heard Aisha say those words. The others shared a similar reaction for various reasons.
“Well said,” Sariel complimented.
“Though it does not exempt you from rallying the troops,” Vofric added while nodding to the giant teleportation circle.
As the last of the sands were dispersed elsewhere, a glowing silver light encompassed the camp. Walking into it pulled people to Master Avant’s location. There was no doubt he’d set it up a safe distance from the canyon so the army could be properly set before engaging in battle. Warriors pushed aside fear and doubt as they stepped into the veil. Makani, Albert, Rusty, Freckle and Spike gathered together as their own group who planned to assist Aisha in reaching the castle. They waited with the heroes for as many troops to go through as possible. The slow trickle of footsteps grew faster as their safe arrival on the other side was confirmed.
It wasn’t long before only the heroes and their friends remained near the base camp. Aisha nodded to signal them forward. The secondary group went through first, walking with confidence and assertiveness that drew the attention of nearby allies on the other side. Makani immediately prepared a spell that would send his voice in every direction. If he’d learned anything from his upbringing it was when to show an enemy you weren’t scared. It didn’t need to be the truth. A king simply needed to present a form that others could stand behind. But Makani’s role was minor. The true face of the Vethyean forces stepped through with her party at her sides.
Seeing all the troops, looking back at her with expectant eyes, was daunting. Years of silence had made others think Aisha had more answers than she really did. No part of her liked being seen as mightier or more important than others. The duty thrust upon her shoulders had simply forced everyone into a position they believed necessary. But speaking as a girl from some small village wouldn’t help right now. This may be the last time some of the fighters ever faced an enemy. Their eyes looked towards her not only out of respect but fear of the massive forces down the large hill they stood on. Hateful eyes from the opposite cliff only made the situation worse.
Aisha needed to be the person everyone assumed she was but wasn’t sure how. In front of her stood the secondary party with Makani’s glow encompassing them. A short look to her left was met by Sariel and Vofric’s stoic glances. To her right was a fierce Avant and a calm Kargon. His eyes always saw the truth about her. She needed to be the person he put his faith in. Aisha shut her eyes, faced forward, and let out a long breath. Her back arched ever slightly as she stood tall and opened her eyes. The distinct purple glow of her prosthetic shined so brightly that no one could miss it. Without hesitation she stared at the trio of demons standing on the other cliff. The overwhelming aura of darkness pouring off Aeraza may scare others but she’d show it meant nothing to her.
“For over a millenia an obsessive demon has terrorized our realm!” she announced. “Obsessively, he chased after the first hero, Kharim, and demanded his attention. Many warriors were killed without a second thought and their struggles were forgotten. We will not allow that to happen again! Each of you has taken up arms against a daunting foe. Your actions will shape the future and create legends! We do not fight in hopes of driving back this threat but destroying it!”
Grips tightened on weapons and gazes became focused. An army of seven thousand breathed in harmony as they took in the words of their leader. Electricity carried on the wind driven by Prince Dicoris. Killing intent permeated from the crowd with such intensity as to make even demons pause.
“We will carve a path through the shadows and cleave apart their very source! We will tear apart their monument of darkness and bask in light!” Aisha yelled.
The crowd roared as they turned towards the enemy. Scattered sounds spread through the army as weapons were drawn and spells chanted.
“We do not fight for our cities!” With the declaration, Aisha drew her sword and pointed it towards the sky. “We do not fight for our factions or lands!” Electricity crackled as it grew in intensity. “We fight for Vethyea!” Lightning streaked down from the sky and collided with Valefor. As the hero swung it in front of her, she roared, “With! Me!”
Thousands of soldiers charged forward with ferocity they thought impossible moments ago. Blades cut through unprepared demons as they scrambled to retaliate. Modified projectiles rained over monsters and slowed their movements. Violent blasts of magic tore apart sturdier beasts leaving areas for Vethyean forces to push through. While Makani and his group pushed forward, Aisha took her stance with intention to pierce through the crowd. Thinning the herd would be enough as long as she reached Aeraza with minimal wounds. Watching Kargon tighten his wraps confirmed he was on the same wavelength. As each prepared to rush, a bestial roar hindered them.
A powerful weight kept them in place and Avant marched in front of them. Sturdy vines wrapped around their whole bodies, encompassing them in two large spheres which connected back to Sariel’s arms. Her magic had advanced to the point that flora bloomed from the magical creations. Colorful flowers and leaves tightly clung to their source.
“What are you doing?” Aisha asked aggressively.
“Do not worry about carving a path,” Sariel replied. “Allowing you to waste time on lower tier demons would be unbecoming of our allies.”
Kargon groaned. “So, you’re just going to keep us here?”
“Of course not,” Vofric replied. “We spent quite some time concocting a way to send you towards your goal. It may not be perfect as I did not have the measurements of this canyon. However, it will put you close to your… our final target.”
“I see,” Aisha said and stared out at the lattice pattern of the orb. She sheathed her blade and nodded. “Let’s do it.”
Vofric placed his warhammer with one side of the head against the ground. The orbs were released as Sariel stepped on top of the surprisingly large platform. With focus she not only summoned her wings but sprouted large branches from them. They threaded tightly over other vines until the dragon’s wingspan tripled. Only when they were fully produced did she retrieve the orbs carrying her friends.
“Avant, please lighten my load,” Vofric requested.
The owlbear obliged and reduced gravity’s sway enough where the dwarf felt like he could float away. Following that, both used magic to bolster Vofric’s strength. A gruff exertion accompanied his wide stance as both hands gripped the warhammer’s shaft. He bellowed while swinging as forcefully as he could muster. Even knowing the plan, Sariel was shocked by the speed of her launch. Keeping her wings still sent her soaring deep over the demonic forces. Winged creatures occupying the space were kept at bay by ranged attacks from Vethyeans.
“We will all plummet if I continue forward,” Sariel said as she slowed. “This is all I can do to lessen your load.”
With a controlled spin she hurled the orbs towards the cliff housing the leader of the demons. As they left Sariel’s grasp, the orbs splintered. Massive shards passed around Kargon and Aisha before raining down directly on Veil. He barely moved as the blades passed him. Only one left a minor cut on his cheek that he quickly healed before sprouting wings and leaping off the cliff. The soaring blademaster and monk weren’t worth his attention. With little interference they would plummet to the bottom of the ravine into a crowd of demons.
“Aisha, I’ve got an idea,” Kargon yelled over the rushing wind.
“Just say it!” his counterpart demanded.
“Plant your feet against mine!” With swaths of fire he angled himself to be underneath Aisha. Once their feet were firmly in contact he instructed, “Use me as a launching platform! I can give you a boost too!”
Both crouched, though it took more effort for Kargon to do so against gravity. However there wasn’t a spec of concern in him. The adrenaline coursing through his veins was more soothing than the days of nervous anxiety that recently passed. As he focused on the remaining demons on the cliff, he noticed Elmud’s focused stare. Every insult and demeaning comment the Dragonborn made flashed in the monk’s mind. His only reaction was a smug grin as he extended a hand out and flicked his fingers back.
Moments later he felt a shock at his feet. Kargon’s idea hinged on the fact that Aisha could calculate a distance so quickly. Pressure intensified between them as Valefor rested tightly in her grasp. She prepared to lunge, fully intending on striking her opponent first. A burst of fire and electricity exploded between the adventurers. One propelled forward like a beam of light directly on a crash course with the demon king. The other plummeted into a crowd of demons wreathed in a violent ball of flames.
