Well I suppose I should conglomerate my newest addition to this, though no more Aicanor! I will not be tricked a second time ... hahah at least not for awhile ..
A Land Scorched in Fire
“Like it or not, you are still a prince of Caledor...which has seceded from the Phoenix Throne. You must decide.” Althran blatantly stated, and looked at those standing on either side of him before continuing. “Imriks' messenger is awaiting a formal response, will you sign the letter?”
Kendrik sighed and scratched his neck, feeling the long scar that ran up over his jaw and to his right ear. His straight white hair was long and rested past his shoulders, contrasting brightly upon the dark red robe he wore during these formal meetings in the hall of his ancestors.
The scar had never truly healed properly and felt lumpy with scar-tissue; a mere half an inch more and the Druchii blade would have taken his head.
His mind flashed to the deck of the Dragon ship 'Sunblade', one of the two that had been in the center of the Asur formation. The other carrying Tyrion himself... part of an assembled fleet to hunt a Druchii Ark: the fortress barges that roamed the sea and raided as it pleased.
Though that day had been its last to which it found its way to the ocean floor. And would rest there for eternity.
Tyrion had saved him that day cutting his way through countless Druchii warriors, and allowed for his fellow Asur to carry Kendrik to the safety of the healers
Now, over fifty years later... his liege lord asked, no commanded to know where his banner stood, if he would stand with Caledor, or with the Phoenix.
His head started to spin.
How could he turn his back upon the reagent of Ulthuan, the dragon of Cothique... the greatest warrior the Asur have ever had... Prince Tyrion.
Kendriks eyes roamed in the lingering silence and rested upon the red banner hanging from the high arched ceiling of the 'Thalui' fortress.
A black crescent moon with one attached and matching dragon wing, rested upon a golden shield overlaying a red field... the sigil of the Draconis line.
It had been over a hundred and seventy years since that day, that glorious day where his house was reclaimed and Ulthuan saved from a dark power.
A power that could have maybe joined the Druchii and Asur with minimal blood shed... Something that could have perhaps saved them from the impending civil war.
'Follow your heart... that feeling in your gut.'
“Mother...” He said softly to himself.
Ten years after her passing and her voice still found its way into his head... She had lived for close to three hundred years, still a small amount in the eyes of the Asur yet significant in the eyes of her human side. As for him, no one knew... perhaps he would live to see five hundred, maybe longer since it was mostly Asur blood running through him.
The future seemed impossibly uncertain.
“Has there been any word from Dethadrin?” Kendrik queried and returned his attention to the hall.
Althran, whom stood before him in shining golden armor with a regal blue cloak and his helm held beneath his arm; showed an expressed look of brief confusion as his eyes squinted behind his long dark hair. He then sighed and looked over to Velnos.
The dark haired Nagarathi was still garbed in his black scale armor and cloak, an exact image from Kendriks youth. Though he now carried a few more scars beneath it, as his faithful protector had been at the Princes' side during every battle.
Velnos gave a slow shake of his head in response.
“Still in the damned cave with the sleeping dragon then... a stubborn beast given that many end their eternal slumber.” Kendrik said and began to pace around his chair near the end of the hall.
“Kendrik...” Came his wife's soft voice, and in her usual manner of reminding him to take care of the matters at hand.
She smiled in his direction with her dark brown eyes, her blonde hair was braided to the right side in one long strand that reached her waist. Which was common in Ellyrion, Caledor's northern neighbor and known as masters of horse.
Lisiel was no exception, taught to ride and wield a bow at a very young age. The marriage had been arranged after Kendrik heeded her family's call for help. A Druchii raiding party had come for some of the renowned steeds in the area, and so he rode out in force and caught their dark kin in the midst of their attempted escape into the mountains.
The only daughter of a prominent and rather wealthy noble on the kingdoms southern border. Now one of their closest allies in the courts, and a rather excellent source of horses.
Lisiels' long gown was a dark violet that reached her ankles and surely irked her the longer she was forced to wear it. As she would jump at the opportunity to change into her riding leathers as soon as this meeting was over.
“Imrik will receive no such letter from me, my duty is to the throne that returned my family to its rightful place. This damned kingdom of pompous dragon lords have scorned my house since the very first day I stepped upon these stones and sat in this chair. They go down a road I will not follow.”
The room was silent, but their eyes showed resolve... passion even.
Althran gave a silent nod and turned to relay the message to the emissary waiting in the outer chamber.
“Get word to our Commodore, Soretu must prepare the fleet immediately... as I fear we will no longer be welcome in these ancient halls.” Kendrik turned and rested his hand upon one of the mighty stone pillars in the room, their ancient engravings were almost a lost art.
“Lisiel... I suggest you get dressed, we go to join Tyrion.” He finished and returned her the warm smile she sent in his direction.
* * *
The dark red armor stood before him with an aura about it... somehow it cast a long shadow over his mind. Each time he looked at it, different visions of his father would appear. Though never the same one, always different. Calehir had passed before he was born, yet his fame... the fame of the entire Draconis line rested within this very armor. Its gold scales shining in bright contrast to the red and accenting the emerald eyes of the dragon head shoulder plates.
Kendrik knew the armor fit him well, and over the years it had saved him countless times. And yet he could not reach high enough for the respect he desired, to prove himself worthy of his title in the eyes of the Asur.
A gentle touch on his shoulder caught his attention.
Lisiel...
“He would be proud of you. Your mother always spoke of how the intrigue of the courts were but a burden on his mind, a disgusting game he was forced to play. Now you have chosen your path, now all of Caledor knows where you stand... All of Ulthuan.” She said in a praising tone and joined his gaze upon the armor rack.
“Ulthuan died with Finubar... the land will be scorched in fire by the end of this. Our lands will burn and our people will suffer.” Kendrik returned and even surprised himself with his dark thoughts.
“Is this truly what Asuryan would have of us? Are we but his puppets in the grand scheme of things. The Druchii invade our lands, a reagent stands to oppose them and my own kingdom turns its back on its oath... Everything I believed in, everything I was taught... This... This is not it!”
His fists were clenched and his jaw tightened in anger, he could feel his veins pulsing with the rage he felt inside.
“Damn them all!” He shouted midst a knock to his chamber door.
No a banging, an urgent thump from a closed fist.
“My lord!” Came the voice from behind the oak barrier.
“Come in. Quickly!” Lisiel commanded, to which the sentinel opened the door in haste.
“A force approaches! A few thousand at least...”
“And?” Kendrik returned and waited for more, he could sense it on the tip of the sentinels tongue.
“Dragons... three of them my lord!”
* *
The spectacle outside the 'Thalui' fortress was small but impressive... only one day since he had sent the emissary on his way, and now a token force was here to challenge him. On their own it would be perhaps a fourth of what would be needed to lay siege, however three dragons... well now he had a problem.
The clouds were low and passed overhead in a gray mist like fashion, only allowing sporadic rays of sunlight to pass at random intervals. The lack of light gave the armored Asur a dull silver sheen compared to the golden warriors upon the parapets. The 'Royal Company' had been rebuilt, and its experienced warriors were not to be taken lightly.
The layered fortress was made of dark stones from the mountains, and the golden armour littered its battlements. Its peaked towers were shorter then most seen throughout Ulthuan, they were wider... stronger. Made to hold off an invading force for years if need be, and to watch over the inner road.
Kendrik sat upon Khaine, his mystical griffon and faithful companion. They were on the forward battlements, above the southern gate, its flat roof provided a perfect platform for observing the field before them.
A field that now contained Asur formations being led by three dragons, the green was the larger of the group, while the two blue were smaller. Yet still dwarfed the size of his griffon with a considerable advantage.
The larger had a rider he recognized, Telador. A prince of Caledor who had once owned the 'Thalui' fortress, it had been given to Telador Fuerak's family before Kendriks' return. The prince had not been fond of the “slight” from king Finubar when the fortress was returned to the Draconis line.
Ironically that same prince now seemed to want it back, a task from Prince Imrik no doubt.
“Kendrik! I have come to reclaim what is mine... I will cleanse your traitorous blood in dragon fire!” Telador shouted as he shifted in his silver plate armor, his dragon rear'd up anxiously and seemed more eager then the very prince that rode it.
“I will burn this place to the ground if I must!” Telador continued and awaited a response.
Khaine slowly approached the edge of the battlements, allowing his foe to see Kendrik clearly.
Over the years he had mastered the silent communication with his griffon, the many battles had ironed their minds together.
“You dare call me traitor when it is you who seceded from the very Throne you swore to protect! Where will Caledor stand!? On its own? As the Druchii burn our lands? You are lost Telador, and your grievance to my family will cost you your life!” Kendrik shouted in defiance and did his best to keep his composure.
Even if the eagle claw bolt throwers upon his walls were able to take down the dragons, it would not be before the fortress burned in dragon fire. Three of the mighty besdts made it even worse.
Laughter erupted from his foe, an irritable shrieking laughter.
“I have waited a long time for this you damned half blood! Each step you take curses the sacred land on which you stand. I will end this blasphemy here!” Telador shouted and made to rein his dragon into the air.
Yet before he could do so, a streak of white broke through the low clouds with a thunderous roar and a magical shock wave of luminescent gold.
It was a mighty dragon!
Its size... near the three below it combined!
And though the mighty beast streaked with the speed of a hurricane, those below it seemed to move as though they were made of stone.
The white dragon landed where the two blue were standing, though one was unfortunate enough to have its head beneath one of its large front claw. To which it was crushed beneath the enormous weight and momentum of the beast.
Dust errupted into the air as the other front claw had targeted the rider upon the second blue dragon, crushing him as though he were a fly. The dragons back caved in with the force of the impact and sent its head reeling high into the air in pain... elongating its neck to which the white dragon wasted no time with a powerful snap of its jaws. The razor sharp teeth tore through the softer blue scales and ripped a hole that poured dark blood like a river in the mountains.
Within a flash the two smaller dragons were limp carcasses beneath the white dragon whom had a rider!
It took a moment yet Kendrik recognized him immediately... the one and only.
Dethadrin.
The Archmage wore his silver plates over the dark blue and white robes, his curved blade held casually in one hand. While a small smile could be seen beneath the silver plated circlet upon his brow.
No words could describe the shock written across Teladors face, to which he reared his dragon into the air to gain distance from his new foe.
Khaine leaped off the parapets in pursuit.
Kendrik gave a reassuring nod to Dethadrin as the agile griffon gained speed and height.
Telador would not escape.
The two broke through the low lying clouds and rose into the sky bathed in golden sunlight.
Though once Telador realized it was only Kendrik, his mood of panic'd fear turned to overconfident delight.
“You dare to face me alone!” He roared with laughter at his own words and slowed his dragon's climb.
“Your courage is surprising... But foolish!” He exclaimed ad his green dragon raised its head and bellowed a burst of fire in their direction.
Which harmlessly flashed behind them... it was not their first time facing a dragon and Khaine's speed would not be matched.
Kendrik circled his foe from on high as the dragon struggled to keep up. To which Telador tried to gain more height.
Khaine swooped low and on the dragons flank, Kendriks great sword was ready to strike. Yet the dragon brought its maw low and snapped its razor teeth in their direction. The griffon turned hard and below the dragons wing towards its tail.
Kendriks blade flashed striking the dragons rear leg, but its scales were tough and the blade tore only a fraction it should have.
Fire erupted in their wake as the dragon attempted to burn them in its anger. Yet Khaines' speed saved them once again.
The dragon beat its powerful wings and followed in pursuit.
The griffon swooped and so did the dragon, then Kendrik had Khaine climb... almost straight vertical
The dragon followed.
Kendrik waited for his moment, the precise time where they lost all their momentum and his griffon would be forced to break.
Khaine broke left, and Kendrik jumped.
The dragons head instinctively followed the griffon left and failed to see Kendrik streaking through the air towards it.
But Telador saw it, his eyes wide in shock.
Kendrik flashed his blade as the dragon neared its peak in momentum, the sword sliced through the muscled tendons of the wing followed by its leathery membrane afterward.
Then Kendrik was falling.
The clouds below were fast approaching with the wind howling inside his helm. Then he looked to his right and smiled.
Khaine was diving beside him, to which the griffon slowly passed underneath him and swooped as soon as Kendrik grabbed the handle on the saddle.
He tried to calm his breathing, then smiled triumphantly as his foe tumbled through the sky in a spiraling motion, its one wing attached by a small strip of membrane that ripped more and more with each spin. Until it finally tore off completely just before the one wing'd dragon disappeared through the clouds with Telador still in its saddle... shrieking madly in fear.
Kendrik returned to his fortress below, to see that Telador and his dragon had landed upon the outer most tower overlooking the sea and city port. The dragon... pierced by the peaked spire like a mighty spear... and Telador suffering the same fate though had stopped half way down its spike.
His foes skewered upon the very fortress they wished to take from him.
Further on, the white dragon known as Teraskonarr, stood menacingly before the fortress gates with its two blue vanquished foes nearby.
The Asur formations, now in a full and panic'd retreat.
Unwelcome indeed.
* * *
“That... is rather tragic.” Dethadrin muttered quietly as he continued to gaze upon the tower with the slain dragon.
The archmage had accompanied Kendrik to the central keep, and now stood on a balcony overlooking the main courtyard.
“Telador left me no choice... and has never been a friend to our family.”Kendrik added while handing the mage a glass of wine.
“Yes... but he still was an Asur, a noble of Caledor. It is always troubling to spill our kins blood.” Dethadrin replied in a sour mood.
Kendrik nodded his head in agreement.
“You know I do it with a heavy heart... and that what I crave are Druchii heads, at every opportunity. I... I will never forget.” His memories flashed before his eyes with images of Eilesa. “Now I would hear how you managed to pry that dragon from its warm cavern?”
Dethadrin hummed in thought to the question and he drank from the cup.
“It was thanks to an old friend... someone I lost long ago. Her memory rests heavy on both our minds... I suppose there is a sort of comfort between the two of us.” The mage continued in a reminiscing tone before turning with a troubled look upon his brow.
“Prince Imrik leads a host North... towards the Eagle Gate.” His tone turned serious.
“To what end?” Kendrik queried and shook his head.
“I would like to think... that the prince would lift the siege and destroy the Druchii, yet they have seceded ... and sent dragons to kill you.”
Kendrik furrowed his brow... anger coursed through him, disbelief really. But there was a truth to Dethadrins words.
“Madness!” He said finally and threw his wine glass against the nearby stone wall. Shattering it to pieces.
“Are you certain?” Interjected a voice from inside Kendriks formal chambers. To which he turned to see Althran walking towards them with Velnos in tow; both still garbed in their respective armor. As were they all frankly.
“Why would Caledor go to aid Ulthaun... after seceding from its throne?” Dethadrin returned and looked in his direction. “Something is amiss... If Imrik would seek to destroy the Royal Company, the famed battalions loyal to the Phoenix throne... why would he stop there?”
Kendrik continued to shake his head in disbelief...
“ Even so... Why would Imrik aid the Druchii... Chaos daemons march from the Northern wastes and he would have us fall into civil war? How many Asur will such recklessness cost... thousands upon thousands that would stand before the damned legions, would die by the blades of their fellow kin and the Druchii!” Kendrik exclaimed and brought silence to the room.
“The battalions of Caledor are on the move through the inner mountain pass... If Imrik does such an act... Ellyrion will burn once the Eagle Gate falls.” Dethadrin finally added, breaking the lingering silence.
“Then we must act quickly!” Kendrik returned and walked past the two dark sofa's in the center of the room; shouting to the sentinel standing outside.
“Yulias!”
“My lord?” Answered his faithful guardian, while opening the oak door.
“Send word to the port immediately, warn Soretu that the fleet leaves early... by dawn... we head North.”
The sentinel nodded and gave a quick bow before exiting the room.
“Are we not joining with Prince Tyrions' forces?” Questioned Althran, and moved to the balcony near Dethadrin while pouring himself a glass of wine.
“I will not let my wife's' family, nor their people burn. We gather who and what we can... before the Eagle gate falls.” Kendrik returned with a strong passion in his voice.
He had failed someone once... it would not happen again
“Kendrik, there is more.” Velnos added and placed a parchment upon the red oak desk.
“A letter, from Lucinia... there are whispers at the White Tower, plots over the reports that Eltharions' mission has failed... his host destroyed.
Kendrik quickly snatched the letter and read the details himself before speaking.
“How are we so weak at such a time, our Eastern warden... fallen. The west... falters. The North... is still rather silent. The White Tower... shrouded in mystery and the South... grieves over the loss of the Phoenix. You are right Dethadrin, something is amiss... someone is dividing us.”
“A divided enemy is easily conquered...” Velnos wisely added.
“Or it is Asuryans' will.” Althran stated and received a scolding look from the Nagarathi.
“Asuryan cannot plot or control the warriors of Ulthuan on his own.” Dethadrin interjected and grasped the letter from Kendrik.
“Lucinia states that she is also leaving Saphery... which would imply it has become too dangerous at the White Tower of Hoeth.” Kendrik said plainly and looked up towards Velnos, then rested his gaze upon Althran... who seemed worried to say the least.
“She will take the hidden Sloop near Whitemoon Manor... it is her contingency for such events.” Althran answered in a low tone.
“Very well, send word for her to meet us in Ellyrion.” Kendrik stated and put a comforting hand on Althrans' shoulder. “ She will be alright... we all know we've been through worse.”
* * *
“By dawn!?” Soretu shouted in disbelief. Then grasped his dark cloak and clasped it over his golden breast-plate.
“Aye he can slay a dragon and defeat beings of unforeseen power... but that boy has not the slightest inclination of what it takes to prepare this fleet!”
Arleni stifled her laughter as she walked to where he stood and adjusted the cuffs of his white silk shirt. She then flick'd her long golden hair and winked one of her scarlet eyes at the messenger standing nearby.
“Thank you, that will be all.” She said to the sentinel who returned a quick nod and left the commodores quarters.
“Even as my sister... that does not give you the right to speak for me.” Soretu returned with a scolding look.
“Oh my apologies Commodore, I will ensure it never happens again.” She said sarcastically and mock'd him with a quick bow. Her garb was rather close to his with a similar golden chest plate, a white blouse beneath and dark sailing leathers, though her cloak was the regal blue of the Royal Company.
Arleni even had a similar long sword, as they both had trained together in their youth, and learned to navigate the same oceans of the colonies.
She was his second in command and the only family he had left. To which he smiled at her antics.
“Well as soon as you are finished undermining my command, perhaps you can help with the logistics regarding this ridiculous request.” Soretu continued and made his way to the white wood desk at the center of the cabin.
Arleni came up beside him and covered the parchments under the palm of her hand.
“Our three Eagle class are stocked and ready, the two barges are being loaded by the battalions as we speak, so are our five Hawk class ships.” A sly smile appeared as she realized his surprise.
“And our four support sloops are already anchored in the bay and awaiting our mighty 'Sunblade' dragon ship.” Arleni continued and lifted her hand off the parchments.
“I will find out how you do that one day.” Soretu said dryly and sifted through the parchments. He finally stopped upon one of the many maps, though particularly on one of the inner sea.
“North...” He muttered quietly.
“But to where?” Arleni added and joined his gaze.
“That's another thing... a more specific heading would be nice, you know... so I could brief my damn fleet!” Soretu sighed and shook his head.
“ I miss having to deal with only one ship.”
* * *
The walk with her trio of sword-masters had been long, but necessary to leave unseen. Too many eyes were watching at the White Tower... so much so that Lucinia still had doubts of whether someone had seen them. Yet she needed to press on, they were almost at the inlet of the small fishing village beneath the cliffs of the Whitemoon Manor. There, a small sloop awaited them.
She tightened her dark cloak to keep out the chills from the rather cold breeze, the night sky was littered with clouds which blocked out the light of the moon and stars.
“Almost there.” Denathy whispered reassuringly and walked on ahead in the dark scale armor.
Itheil and Tylsei also wore the similar dark plate & scales, which made the three sword-masters appear as shadows in the night.
Lucinia smiled at the irony of the secret orders name... Shadow Knights skulking in the night like shadows...
“There it is.” Itheil stated... rather loudly actually and stared in her direction. Though it was dark, there was something off about his eyes. Lucinia had seen it before.
Then it hit her as she watched his hand grip the great-sword upon his back. She took a quick step to distance herself and instinctively drew the long dagger at her waist. Lucinia brought up her blade as she took two quick steps back, but Itheil was fast, too fast.
The great-sword streaked through the air and glanced off the dagger, catching her shoulder with its edged tip. Hot excruciating pain coursed through her as she shouted out and tripped over a boulder at her feet.
Her backward momentum sent her reeling to the ground and caused her to strike the base of a tree with the back of her head.
The image of the sword-master seemed to vibrate and stretch as the world seemed to spin about her.
Lucinia raised her hand in desperation against the next impending swing... which was stopped with a loud clang of metal on metal.
“Etheil have you lost your mind!” Shouted Denathy as she blocked his strike with her own sword and sent him flying with a strong kick to his waist.
Then a second clang, though this time from the other shadow in the night. Tylsei? What was happening?
Lucinia's thoughts jumbled through her head as she desperately tried to regain her composure.
Acrobatic swordplay flashed before her blurred vision as she attempted to watch Denathy hold off her two fellow sword-masters. Skillfully parrying one while ducking to avoid the other. Yet how long she could fend off two skilled warriors...
She no longer saw doubles... which was an improvement. So Lucinia sat her self up and grasped the dagger at her side...dropping it immediately from the horrendous pain of moving her arm.
“What is this madness!” She exclaimed and brought herself up to one knee.
Denathy was a remarkable acrobat, she proceeded to catch Etheils sword at the hilt and rotated his momentum with her to enhance her horizontal jump that avoided a cleaving strike from Tylsei, and struck her in the face with the heel of her boot shortly after.
Tylsei stumbled from the kick and spit blood on the ground, while Etheil stood dumbstruck as his sword had been skillfully thrown with the rotation of Denathys' body.
Lucinias' guardian landed with her sword at the ready, and jumped forward with a strait thrust to Etheils' chest.
Tylsei quickly recovered and advanced upon Denathy from behind. To which Lucinia gathered the energy around her and unleashed a torrent of purple death magic towards her new enemy. Though the magic seemed to hit an invisible barrier that caused it to circle about the sword-master and disappear into an amulet hanging from her neck.
She turned her gaze towards Lucinia with a sad and almost regretful smile. Though this provided time for Denathy to withdraw her great-sword from Etheils' chest and flash towards Tylsei with a wide strike.
“Tylsei! Why!?” Lucinia shouted and looked at the dagger on the ground. “Stop!” She shouted once more and picked up the knife.
However the sword-master continued on against Denathy. And gained the upper hand from a quick parry and a slicing strike to the guardians leg. She cried out in pain and shuffled in retreat.
“It will be over soon Lucinia.” Tylsei stated coldly and brought her sword up high.
A fury coursed through her veins, to which Lucinia flipped the long dagger in the air and caught it at its tip.
Then with all the strength of her uninjured arm, she threw the knife straight and true.
It caught Tylseis' side and entered beneath the arm pit, an unavoidable weak point in any armor... She cried out in pain.
Denathy took the opportunity and advanced with a swing that cleaved Tylsei at the wrist, rending the great-sword to the ground and only adding to the screaming pain she was in.
The traitorous Shadow Knight fell to the ground a midst heavy and bloody breathing.
Lucinia looked over to the still Etheil, then back to Tylsei.
“What ... why Tylsei after all these years, after everything we have been through!?” Shouted Denathy in a cry of passion.
“The high lore-master... has been watching you for some time Lucinia, having us look into Eltharions' mission... was a mistake.” Tylsei answered and coughed more blood while wheezing for air.
“Kendrik... is now a problem...” She continued briefly before coughing once more and becoming still.
Denathy looked in her direction with pain ridden eyes. “Lucinia... we need to leave.”
* * *
An attack on Lothern? Damned Druchii... this seemed to be like no invasion of the past. Their numbers too great. The force attacking the Eagle Gate was reported to be countless legions, yet to siege Lothern would take an army double its size, at the very least!
And now Kendrik sailed with half his force...
He shook his head as he observed his diminished fleet from the enclosed bridge deck of the 'Sunblade', the mighty Dragon class ship... one of the handful remaining in Ulthuan's navy.
Althran had been insistent on heeding the call of the Capital. To protect the Phoenix Throne and to project its will, was the Royal Company's sole mandate. And so how could Kendrik protest it? Even though the seat was now empty...
Well he did not, he only protested the notion to have the entire fleet sail south... he could not forsake Lisiel's family. Something inside him would not allow it.
Althrans' fury still resonated deep within him, the scolding glare from the bridge off one of the two Eagle class vessels taken south.
As far as command within the Royal Company went, they both were equals. Though being the elder prince, Althran naturally carried more weight... which showed as it was actually more then half that sailed south when they left port.
Yet this would not keep Kendrik from doing what he believed in. He still had many with him, Dethadrin for one, had followed him and continued to circle the fleet high above them... upon the mighty white dragon. Even Velnos had scoffed at the notion, 'Ellyrion would burn in the time it would take to sail south' he had said.
Lines were being drawn and friends were becoming scarce. He still had not received word from Gidras... Could more be flocking to Prince Imriks' banner? Even outside Caledor? Could the Brakist family have forsaken them as well? His ally in Lothern now joined with Imrik?
Nothing was certain, nor impossible. Especially with Ulthauns' kingdoms splintering with an enemy at their gates!
“Ah the plains of Ellyrion.” Stated Soretu from the helm of the ship. The wheel he stood next to was magnificent, made entirely of white oak and carved to depict a mighty Leviathan coiled about the sphere (representing the Sun) shaped brace attached to the wheel.
“Tylas, bring us two points to port... let us get a bit closer to shore.” The Commodore continued and turned to Kendrik.
“How about you join me upon the prow and see what we have thrown ourselves into.”
Kendrik returned a simple and agreeing nod in Soretu's direction. To which his friend turned with a whip of his dark cloak and made his way towards the spiral staircase.
They both descended and passed by the multiple floors in silence, the size of the 'tower bridge' never ceased to amaze Kendrik. No matter how often or frequent he visited it.
“Soretu.” He said finally and broke the lingering silence, the commodore slowed his pace and casually turned his head in acknowledgement.
“You were rather quiet during Althrans departure, I am rather curious over where you stand on all of this?”
Soretu smiled and pushed his golden hair back.
“Well I am standing right here Kendrik.” He replied with a wink.
“But as far as this nonsense with splitting our forces goes... I am but a noble of the colonies with a fancy title. This is your ship, with a crew hand picked from the colonies. Our duty is with you, and the captains who have remained with us are loyal to your command and of course one is my sister.” They both stopped upon the staircase as Soretu seemed to think on his next words.
“Our enemy attacks us on two fronts and one of the ten... our own kingdom seems to have turned traitor. There is no wrong decision here, we go to save those who would be swept away in this confusion and most of our strength has sailed to defend Lothern.”... “We should concentrate on what we will find in Ellyrion.” Soretu changed to a more serious tone upon his final words and then placed a reassuring hand upon his shoulder.
Kendrik smiled over the comforting words to which they both continued on.
* *
Kendrik now stood upon the prow of the 'Sunblade', and leaned over the dark brown and intricately carved star-wood guard rail to peer into the distance. The plains of Ellyrion were vast and beautiful with a backdrop of the white peaked Anulii mountains, this is what caught his attention. As the sky was clear with the sun nearing its apex of mid day, and allowed them to see what seemed to be... trails of black smoke rising among the mountain peaks.
“Fire...” He said softly, to which Lisiel quickly responded. “That must be the Eagle Gate, there could be no other source.”
Her words validated what he feared... she had spent her youth on these plains, and the location of the Eagle Gate would be certain.
They needed to move quickly.
“I will go.” Kendrik stated and turned to leave the group that had gathered.
“Not alone!” Came a shout from behind him, his wife had a natural stubborn and rather wild side to her.
“I will be faster alone.” He answered and turned back towards her.
Lisiel had her sly smirk across her face which was always accompanied by a wicked glare in her brown eyes. She would not be dissuaded, nor would he be able to win this argument... yet he protested regardless.
“It is my family, and if not with you then I will go with Dethadrin... either way we will not reach Ellis until night fall.” She continued and crossed her arms. She was already garbed in her dark leather armor with silver shoulder-plates, armed with a black tipped spear across her back and a short bow & quiver upon her waist.
He sighed as she flicked her blonde single strand of braided hair over her shoulder.
Kendrik then looked into the sky to where Dethadrin seemed to be already descending in anticipation.
“Follow me if you must.” He returned with a growl and made his way to the mid deck where his griffon awaited.
Kendrik approached a smiling Soretu who gave a slight shake of his head.
“I will anchor the fleet at port Ellion and will have them send word to their capital Tor Elyr.” His friend said and pointed along the coast. “Velnos will surely march with the battalions to meet your evacuation half way... I have a feeling you may be in a hurry.”
“Our message should have reached them by now, and should be reaching all of Ulthuan soon enough.” Kendrik stated with hesitation and stopped his pace beside Soretu.
“Aye, yet did it make it in time? Will it be enough to rouse the other kingdoms? Many things can happen, be careful.”
* * *
The orange hue of dusk turned the plains of Ellyrion into a dark golden sea that shifted with the imposing wind, giving it a life of its own. And further on, the small city of Ellis stood like a small island defying a surrounding ocean. Its light green peaked towers and homestead roofs rising above the white stone walls. Which were much smaller then any of the great cities or fortresses of Ulthuan; but clearly built with the sole purpose of resisting raids.
As Kendrik drew closer, black figures could be seen harrying the city's outer walls, or more so; a caravan attempting to flee.
His griffon tucked its wings into a dive to gain momentum and speed.
The black figures turned out to be Druchii outriders, dressed in black and loosing deadly hand held crossbow bolts upon the Asur caravan.
Archers from the city walls attempted to dissuade the dark armor'd scouts, yet there were many and the distance to the caravan was far.
He craned his head back and gazed behind him, the dragon was slow, and as such Kendrik would have to go it alone.
And so, he readied his blade.
Shouting and screams of pain could now be heard, the Druchii bolts finding their marks. Though the Asur were famed archers and had punished any who drew too near to the walls, even the defenders of the caravan managed to drop a few with arrows of their own.
Kendrik gritted his teeth in anticipation as Khaine swooped directly for an unsuspecting Druchii rider. The eagle talons dug deep into the horses muscles and pierced through the elf's armor, and with their momentum, smashed the enemy into the ground with an eruption of dirt and grass.
He then nimbly jumped from the saddle and swung his blade in mid air, cleaving through a nearby rider across the chest with a spray of blood.
Upon landing, Kendrik quickly picked up a spear from a fallen Asur nearby. He shifted his weight with a spin, avoiding a rider seeking to run him down. Then dropped to one knee while thrusting the spear into the ground. As it met the earth, his eyes flared pure white and blessed the weapon in a golden light, blinding anyone nearby. As well as drawing any Druchii bolts to its location and away from the remaining Asur.
His griffon had found another victim in the circling fury of the dark riders. Their bolts now useless, causing them to draw swords and close the distance.
He brought his great-sword in line with his waist and awaited three charging Druchii galloping in his direction. Then to Kendriks amazement, the riders were brought down by a flurry of arrows which streaked over his shoulders, finding their marks upon the horses and riders alike.
An Asur war horn pierced through the air as the dark riders tumbled to the ground before him, one gaining their feet quickly yet to only meet Kendriks great-sword soon after.
Ellyrian reavers streaked past him with spears lowered and bows drawn, creating chaos among the Druchii riders.
Seeing the commotion, Kendrik quickly sheathed his sword upon his back and gathered the winds of magic. Its energy coursed through him bringing white fire from his eyes, then from his positioned hands; a golden symbol appeared depicting a glowing triangle with a white phoenix within. Then it flashed and released the energy.
Deadly white flames erupted behind the Druchii scouts keeping them from escaping and cleansing any who passed through it in Asuryans fire.
Asur and Druchii met with sword and spear, arrow and bolt, but now the Asur contained the advantage, no; the victory. As Kendrik looked up into the sky and saw the dragon with Dethadrin, Lisiel, and his sentinel Yulias on its back.
His griffon jumped up beside him, dismounting a dark rider with its claws and tearing through the armor with its razor sharp beak.
Then with a triumphant screech, it circled him in a fierce and protective manner.
This was echoed by the dragons roar as it landed with a strong gust of wind, knocking Druchii off their horses.
Kendrik then paced to the caravan of carriages, horses, maidens and even children. All surrounded by a staggered line of Asur warriors fighting off a hand full of Druchii. Khaine followed and then dashed forward, taking yet another Druchii unaware. As did Kendrik with a quick strike of his blade across the back.
“Well met my lord.” Huffed an exhausted sentinel as he dug the butt of his spear in the ground to hold his weight. Then dropped his shield which was littered with bolts.
Kendrik returned a quick nod of acknowledgement and gazed upon the Asur and the overlooking city walls.
The skirmish was all but over, as Dethadrin could be seen unleashing his fury with multiple streaks of white-ish red energy, which found the remaining and fleeing Druchii.
Though this was only a small victory... but a drop in the bucket. As it was now certain, the Eagle Gate had fallen and no longer protected the mountain pass. The armies of their dark kin were on the march, along with the might of Caledor... led by Prince Imrik, the traitor.