Not a single member of the Vethyean army was unscathed. Healers only closed wounds in order to conserve mana. Thousands of demons had fallen but they remained overwhelming. This wasn’t like Dawncaster where more spawned where others fell. Rather their sheer numbers couldn’t be matched by the allied troops. A single soldier could defeat a dozen troops while being wounded half as many times. It wasn’t enough. They were thankful not to crumble from blood loss and pressed forward the moment healing was complete.
The fact that they weren’t broken mentally spoke volumes of the driving forces within the army. Small signs of effort sent ripples through the crowd. Another soldier would do something unexpected that in turn inspired someone else. But the effects of such inspiration diminished based on who took action. Vofric was well aware of this fact and commanded his more powerful allies to split up within the army. It seemingly worked as larger groups of demons were eradicated in multiple areas. Captains of different factions showed why they were revered. Amateur adventurers quickly learned from experienced counterparts to equalize the battle against powerful foes.
Spreading the troops did have unforeseen circumstances. The person who understood the need to inspire more than anyone was Prince Dicoris. A group of soldiers found themselves completely detached from the rest of the army. During the heat of battle they’d push deep into enemy territory. Each was wounded and fighting tooth and nail in hopes of somehow retreating. Without a second thought, Makani teleported into the group and sprayed rays of light from within. Powerful winds whipped around him and pushed away enemies. It provided just enough room for the fighters to put strength into their attacks. Within seconds they were pushed back again.
“Albert! Makani needs you!” Vofric bellowed.
The sheer panic in his voice was evident. Without any signal, he ran to Avant and mounted the beast before they charged through the battlefield. Exhaustion weighed on their shoulders while focused on their young friend in the distance. Avant readily took attacks that tore his hide but allowed him to move quickly past the enemy. It got noticeably easier the further they ran as a rain of quills flew past them. Spike was fighting on pure instinct as dozens of blades erupted off his back and pierced the demons. The instant one slowed down he plunged his claws and teeth into them. Wild movements tore the creatures apart and created room for Avant to maneuver. As Vofric and his animal companions continued to press into the enemy, a silver blur arrived near Makani.
Massive werewolf claws covered in slick blood flashed briefly as they tore into the nearest demons. They hadn’t fallen off the jagged bone before Albert targeted another. His ferocity frightened even the creatures summoned from the hells. Gruff roars echoed as he searched inwardly for more power. No one else knew how glad Albert was for his years of vigilantism and training. If not for the ill-advised venture he would have succumbed to the beast in such a stressful situation. Instead he could focus on protecting the soldiers nearby with his large frame. Blood and grime stuck to his fur but he ignored his own monstrous facade.
The path to the young adventurers grew perilous as monsters realized what the owlbear was racing towards. Thankfully, familiar shadows stalled the distracted creatures. Freckle’s quills had grown in length and rigidity as she used her whole body as a weapon. Two smooth blades rested in her hands that only grew in length upon being plunged into her targets. Horrified gurgles were all they could muster as the mutant swords slowly pushed through their organs. With each movement she manipulated smoke into the vision of demons. Even her allies wouldn’t see the short woman if not for the fact she was in front of them. With their united efforts, the path became more navigable.
Efforts shifted in the demonic army as they grew more aware of the mage, werewolf, and soldiers. For a member of the heroes’ party to make such a grand attempt at saving them meant they were important. Waves of monsters raced toward them and attacked wildly. Albert’s defense could only handle so much. Wounds spread rapidly as he wheezed while throwing out random attacks. Blasts of moonlight burned monsters apart but another would immediately take their place. A powerful gust of wind persistently pushed back against the enemy. Within the monstrous troops, some collectively gathered mana to counteract the wind. But it was unnecessary.
Fatigue was quickly overtaking Makani. Sweat dripped from his brow as he struggled to concentrate. Teleportation was no longer an option and he cursed himself for foolishly diving into the enemy. Even if he could leave, he wouldn’t dare abandon the troops. He wouldn’t abandon his best friend.
“Prince Dicoris!” a soldier yelled out and leapt in front of him as a demon’s claw plunged forward. Her body was pierced in an instant then dropped to the floor. The color quickly drained from her face as she lay at Makani’s feet.
“No…”
The quiet mutter steeled the resolve of the remaining soldiers. They surrounded Makani and Albert while retaliating against any oncoming threat. Slowly they fell as their wounds became too much.
“Makani, we go down fighting, right?” Albert spat a wad of blood at the nearest enemy before tearing into them.
A slow breath came from the prince’s lips and he nodded. “It is what Victor would want.”
He mustered all his strength and summoned a beam of moonlight from his palm. The darkness grew thicker around them but they refused to falter. A large fist got within inches of Makani’s face but was stopped by Albert cutting it apart. It was clear to them the others wouldn’t arrive in time. Not the ones they saw at least. Prayers could not be mustered nor a miracle summoned. The young adventurers needed only to keep stalling until something changed.
It came in the form of bloody spikes erupting from the ground. Drills of crimson eclipsed the monsters they tore apart. Within seconds, the demonic encircling was replaced with grotesque structures of violence. They splashed to the ground as Rusty rose to his feet from behind the corpses of his fallen comrades.
“Victor wouldn’t want you to die. He’d just want you to never give up,” the captain said.
Rage burned in his eyes as he began sundering monsters with no remorse. Makani and Albert kept up their guard but quickly realized it was safer for them not to engage the enemy. Wild strikes from Rusty were unlikely to hurt them but would be hindered if the younger men acted incorrectly. They couldn’t help but smile seeing the mighty captain to one side of them and Vofric, Avant, and their group approaching the other. That was until they saw the uncharacteristic fear on the paladin’s face. Avant picked up speed as the dwarf roared.
“Protect yourselves!”
The demons never stopped gathering mana and molded earth into refined stone. Hundreds of hardened daggers empowered by a myriad of elements rained from the sky. Makani tried to manipulate the wind but failed. Albert stepped in front of his friend as a shield, unsure of what else to do. Their gazes turned towards a mighty Rusty as he barrelled through enemies to reach them. The sky fell faster than he could travel. Only saving his young comrades mattered in that moment. Without hesitation he threw his bloody sword towards them and gathered every ounce of blood he could control.
A disk of crystalized ichor sprouted from the blade the instant it landed near Albert. Any demon near the edge met with a violent spinning edge. Monstrous remains sprayed outward as the hail of daggers collided with the wall. Not a single projectile bypassed the structure. Vofric and his followers arrived as the shower ended. Healers rushed to the aid of the two remaining fighters as they stared in shock at Rusty’s sword. As mana recovered and wounds healed, they scoured the crowd for the captain. The magic form turned back to liquid and drenched anyone nearby. Kneeling on the ground a few feet away was Rusty, staring blankly at the demon clutching his amputated arm.
He barely looked back before collapsing onto his back. Avant leapt to his side and created a wall of gravity that pushed everyone but his allies away. Vofric leapt off the beast and lifted the dying captain with the intention to heal him. With a slow and deliberate motion, Rusty stopped the paladin. Weak movements tilted his head towards a stunned Albert and Makani. They hesitantly walked towards the captain they had grown up respecting.
“This is how Victor would’ve felt if it’d been you,” Rusty said and forced a smile.
Celebratory barks surrounded the group as demons continued to fight nearby. But nothing could drown out the words forced out by the captain.
“Let me heal you,” Vofric insisted.
“Won’t work. Not after I threw away a blessed weapon,” Rusty said while looking for his sword.
Albert dashed to it and grabbed it without a second thought. The spiked hilt dug into his palm but the werewolf ignored the pain. Even in his bestial form it was troublesome to carry. To wield it so easily spoke volumes of the Dawncaster Captain.
“You’re cursed…” Albert whined as he placed the sword down next to Rusty.
“To lose friends, yeah.” Rusty’s voice grew softer with every word. “Accepted the sword to protect people. Think it did a good job?”
Makani shook his head. “You did a good job. The sword is but a tool. It would be worthless in the hands of someone less virtuous than you.”
Rusty shut his eyes as tears flowed from them. “Then take it. Protect our people.”
Makani and Albert stared at Rusty then each other. The prince planted a heavy hand on his best friend’s shoulder. Claws clanged with metal as Albert placed his claw on the sword.
“We will fight on in your stead,” Makani replied.
“Let me take your blade,” Albert added.
Rusty slowly tilted his head down. In reaction the sword liquified and crawled up Albert’s claws. At first all he could do was scream as pain overwhelmed him. Finally he let out an ear piercing howl as his claws changed color. Bone white instruments were replaced with the metallic red of the sword that rested on the ground moments ago.
“At least I’ll see Julian,” Rusty said as he shut his eyes.
Vofric looked at his nephew then back to the captain who lay lifeless in his arms. An inkling of fear settled in the chests of every soldier nearby. Vofric refused to let Rusty’s sacrifice result in more losses. A quiet prayer was recited while placing the captain on the ground.
As Vofric rose to his feet he rested a hand on Avant’s head. Large tears welled in the beast’s eyes as he wailed. Blue energy swirled around him like a torrent. Without a word or command Vofric stepped forward and unhooked his light hammer. Golden light made it appear as a shining silhouette in his hand. Freckle and Spike stood by his side. Makani rose to his feet and placed a hand on Albert’s back. Both concentrated on the demon toying with Rusty’s arm.
“Captain Telos did not yield!” Vofric barked. “He wished to protect Vethyea so badly that he sacrificed himself. That wish has been bequeathed to us! Will we deny it?”
No one was sure if it was the shining light or soothing voice of their leader. Maybe it was the calming spell emanating from the owlbear. The cause didn’t matter though. Every soldier who saw the ordeal had reignited vigor as they roared denial at Vofric’s question.
“Let us give his spirit a proper send off! Eradicate the enemy!” the dwarf yelled.
The soldiers roared. Vofric pulled back his light hammer and faced forward.
“Glory to Vethyea!”
The impact of his hammer with his larger warhammer created a shockwave of light that vanquished dozens of surrounding enemies instantly. Golden light wreathed around every allied weapon it came in contact with. An unprecedented animalistic roar came from the owlbear that sent his mana in every direction. Blue light burned brightly in the eyes of the raging soldiers. Gravity shifted forward and pushed the army forward. For the first time since the beginning of the war, the demons hesitated. Watching droves vanish in holy light frightened them. Magically empowered soldiers had no mercy to show the frozen monsters. It was the first signal that Vethyea would overcome their adversaries.
Not a single member of the Vethyean army was unscathed. Healers only closed wounds in order to conserve mana. Thousands of demons had fallen but they remained overwhelming. This wasn’t like Dawncaster where more spawned where others fell. Rather their sheer numbers couldn’t be matched by the allied troops. A single soldier could defeat a dozen troops while being wounded half as many times. It wasn’t enough. They were thankful not to crumble from blood loss and pressed forward the moment healing was complete.
The fact that they weren’t broken mentally spoke volumes of the driving forces within the army. Small signs of effort sent ripples through the crowd. Another soldier would do something unexpected that in turn inspired someone else. But the effects of such inspiration diminished based on who took action. Vofric was well aware of this fact and commanded his more powerful allies to split up within the army. It seemingly worked as larger groups of demons were eradicated in multiple areas. Captains of different factions showed why they were revered. Amateur adventurers quickly learned from experienced counterparts to equalize the battle against powerful foes.
Spreading the troops did have unforeseen circumstances. The person who understood the need to inspire more than anyone was Prince Dicoris. A group of soldiers found themselves completely detached from the rest of the army. During the heat of battle they’d push deep into enemy territory. Each was wounded and fighting tooth and nail in hopes of somehow retreating. Without a second thought, Makani teleported into the group and sprayed rays of light from within. Powerful winds whipped around him and pushed away enemies. It provided just enough room for the fighters to put strength into their attacks. Within seconds they were pushed back again.
“Albert! Makani needs you!” Vofric bellowed.
The sheer panic in his voice was evident. Without any signal, he ran to Avant and mounted the beast before they charged through the battlefield. Exhaustion weighed on their shoulders while focused on their young friend in the distance. Avant readily took attacks that tore his hide but allowed him to move quickly past the enemy. It got noticeably easier the further they ran as a rain of quills flew past them. Spike was fighting on pure instinct as dozens of blades erupted off his back and pierced the demons. The instant one slowed down he plunged his claws and teeth into them. Wild movements tore the creatures apart and created room for Avant to maneuver. As Vofric and his animal companions continued to press into the enemy, a silver blur arrived near Makani.
Massive werewolf claws covered in slick blood flashed briefly as they tore into the nearest demons. They hadn’t fallen off the jagged bone before Albert targeted another. His ferocity frightened even the creatures summoned from the hells. Gruff roars echoed as he searched inwardly for more power. No one else knew how glad Albert was for his years of vigilantism and training. If not for the ill-advised venture he would have succumbed to the beast in such a stressful situation. Instead he could focus on protecting the soldiers nearby with his large frame. Blood and grime stuck to his fur but he ignored his own monstrous facade.
The path to the young adventurers grew perilous as monsters realized what the owlbear was racing towards. Thankfully, familiar shadows stalled the distracted creatures. Freckle’s quills had grown in length and rigidity as she used her whole body as a weapon. Two smooth blades rested in her hands that only grew in length upon being plunged into her targets. Horrified gurgles were all they could muster as the mutant swords slowly pushed through their organs. With each movement she manipulated smoke into the vision of demons. Even her allies wouldn’t see the short woman if not for the fact she was in front of them. With their united efforts, the path became more navigable.
Efforts shifted in the demonic army as they grew more aware of the mage, werewolf, and soldiers. For a member of the heroes’ party to make such a grand attempt at saving them meant they were important. Waves of monsters raced toward them and attacked wildly. Albert’s defense could only handle so much. Wounds spread rapidly as he wheezed while throwing out random attacks. Blasts of moonlight burned monsters apart but another would immediately take their place. A powerful gust of wind persistently pushed back against the enemy. Within the monstrous troops, some collectively gathered mana to counteract the wind. But it was unnecessary.
Fatigue was quickly overtaking Makani. Sweat dripped from his brow as he struggled to concentrate. Teleportation was no longer an option and he cursed himself for foolishly diving into the enemy. Even if he could leave, he wouldn’t dare abandon the troops. He wouldn’t abandon his best friend.
“Prince Dicoris!” a soldier yelled out and leapt in front of him as a demon’s claw plunged forward. Her body was pierced in an instant then dropped to the floor. The color quickly drained from her face as she lay at Makani’s feet.
“No…”
The quiet mutter steeled the resolve of the remaining soldiers. They surrounded Makani and Albert while retaliating against any oncoming threat. Slowly they fell as their wounds became too much.
“Makani, we go down fighting, right?” Albert spat a wad of blood at the nearest enemy before tearing into them.
A slow breath came from the prince’s lips and he nodded. “It is what Victor would want.”
He mustered all his strength and summoned a beam of moonlight from his palm. The darkness grew thicker around them but they refused to falter. A large fist got within inches of Makani’s face but was stopped by Albert cutting it apart. It was clear to them the others wouldn’t arrive in time. Not the ones they saw at least. Prayers could not be mustered nor a miracle summoned. The young adventurers needed only to keep stalling until something changed.
It came in the form of bloody spikes erupting from the ground. Drills of crimson eclipsed the monsters they tore apart. Within seconds, the demonic encircling was replaced with grotesque structures of violence. They splashed to the ground as Rusty rose to his feet from behind the corpses of his fallen comrades.
“Victor wouldn’t want you to die. He’d just want you to never give up,” the captain said.
Rage burned in his eyes as he began sundering monsters with no remorse. Makani and Albert kept up their guard but quickly realized it was safer for them not to engage the enemy. Wild strikes from Rusty were unlikely to hurt them but would be hindered if the younger men acted incorrectly. They couldn’t help but smile seeing the mighty captain to one side of them and Vofric, Avant, and their group approaching the other. That was until they saw the uncharacteristic fear on the paladin’s face. Avant picked up speed as the dwarf roared.
“Protect yourselves!”
The demons never stopped gathering mana and molded earth into refined stone. Hundreds of hardened daggers empowered by a myriad of elements rained from the sky. Makani tried to manipulate the wind but failed. Albert stepped in front of his friend as a shield, unsure of what else to do. Their gazes turned towards a mighty Rusty as he barrelled through enemies to reach them. The sky fell faster than he could travel. Only saving his young comrades mattered in that moment. Without hesitation he threw his bloody sword towards them and gathered every ounce of blood he could control.
A disk of crystalized ichor sprouted from the blade the instant it landed near Albert. Any demon near the edge met with a violent spinning edge. Monstrous remains sprayed outward as the hail of daggers collided with the wall. Not a single projectile bypassed the structure. Vofric and his followers arrived as the shower ended. Healers rushed to the aid of the two remaining fighters as they stared in shock at Rusty’s sword. As mana recovered and wounds healed, they scoured the crowd for the captain. The magic form turned back to liquid and drenched anyone nearby. Kneeling on the ground a few feet away was Rusty, staring blankly at the demon clutching his amputated arm.
He barely looked back before collapsing onto his back. Avant leapt to his side and created a wall of gravity that pushed everyone but his allies away. Vofric leapt off the beast and lifted the dying captain with the intention to heal him. With a slow and deliberate motion, Rusty stopped the paladin. Weak movements tilted his head towards a stunned Albert and Makani. They hesitantly walked towards the captain they had grown up respecting.
“This is how Victor would’ve felt if it’d been you,” Rusty said and forced a smile.
Celebratory barks surrounded the group as demons continued to fight nearby. But nothing could drown out the words forced out by the captain.
“Let me heal you,” Vofric insisted.
“Won’t work. Not after I threw away a blessed weapon,” Rusty said while looking for his sword.
Albert dashed to it and grabbed it without a second thought. The spiked hilt dug into his palm but the werewolf ignored the pain. Even in his bestial form it was troublesome to carry. To wield it so easily spoke volumes of the Dawncaster Captain.
“You’re cursed…” Albert whined as he placed the sword down next to Rusty.
“To lose friends, yeah.” Rusty’s voice grew softer with every word. “Accepted the sword to protect people. Think it did a good job?”
Makani shook his head. “You did a good job. The sword is but a tool. It would be worthless in the hands of someone less virtuous than you.”
Rusty shut his eyes as tears flowed from them. “Then take it. Protect our people.”
Makani and Albert stared at Rusty then each other. The prince planted a heavy hand on his best friend’s shoulder. Claws clanged with metal as Albert placed his claw on the sword.
“We will fight on in your stead,” Makani replied.
“Let me take your blade,” Albert added.
Rusty slowly tilted his head down. In reaction the sword liquified and crawled up Albert’s claws. At first all he could do was scream as pain overwhelmed him. Finally he let out an ear piercing howl as his claws changed color. Bone white instruments were replaced with the metallic red of the sword that rested on the ground moments ago.
“At least I’ll see Julian,” Rusty said as he shut his eyes.
Vofric looked at his nephew then back to the captain who lay lifeless in his arms. An inkling of fear settled in the chests of every soldier nearby. Vofric refused to let Rusty’s sacrifice result in more losses. A quiet prayer was recited while placing the captain on the ground.
As Vofric rose to his feet he rested a hand on Avant’s head. Large tears welled in the beast’s eyes as he wailed. Blue energy swirled around him like a torrent. Without a word or command Vofric stepped forward and unhooked his light hammer. Golden light made it appear as a shining silhouette in his hand. Freckle and Spike stood by his side. Makani rose to his feet and placed a hand on Albert’s back. Both concentrated on the demon toying with Rusty’s arm.
“Captain Telos did not yield!” Vofric barked. “He wished to protect Vethyea so badly that he sacrificed himself. That wish has been bequeathed to us! Will we deny it?”
No one was sure if it was the shining light or soothing voice of their leader. Maybe it was the calming spell emanating from the owlbear. The cause didn’t matter though. Every soldier who saw the ordeal had reignited vigor as they roared denial at Vofric’s question.
“Let us give his spirit a proper send off! Eradicate the enemy!” the dwarf yelled.
The soldiers roared. Vofric pulled back his light hammer and faced forward.
“Glory to Vethyea!”
The impact of his hammer with his larger warhammer created a shockwave of light that vanquished dozens of surrounding enemies instantly. Golden light wreathed around every allied weapon it came in contact with. An unprecedented animalistic roar came from the owlbear that sent his mana in every direction. Blue light burned brightly in the eyes of the raging soldiers. Gravity shifted forward and pushed the army forward. For the first time since the beginning of the war, the demons hesitated. Watching droves vanish in holy light frightened them. Magically empowered soldiers had no mercy to show the frozen monsters. It was the first signal that Vethyea would overcome their adversaries.
