Chapter 052:

They moved quickly to the eastern gate of Maxill. The soldiers and guardsmen that they passed straightened up and looked less tired as Duchess Belinda walked past. He was utterly shocked when he saw her gave a small, but polite, nod to them as she passed. Had she actually changed that much? Or was it a cynical attempt to make them fight harder? Ultimately it did not matter. They would fight harder and increase the possibility of her surviving either way.

“Hemiskr said something about mercenaries.” Anton said, turning to Alfred who remained very close to Duchess Belinda. “Are they equipped with the Kingdom's armour?”

Alfred shook his head. “Some of them are, but most don't wear such bright and vibrant colours. If they weren't pointed out you probably wouldn't notice them.”

He pointed to a congregation of dull white and green coloured soldiers. They were sitting around a small fire, pieces of roasting meat sizzling of the fire while they worked on their weapons. Amongst them were some far darker armoured soldiers, mainly browns and greys. Each had mismatched but sturdy pieces of weapons and armour. They were worn but had been through combat.

“I just hoped that they didn't decide to flee this morning.” Belinda said quietly. “But they've been paid well.”

A few of the mercenaries glanced up but continued their work, paying them little mind. Anton could hear the sound of the whetstone grinding on the iron of their swords.

“Is there any part of the wall that's we can still walk on?” Belinda asked.

Most of the wall was not in the best state when he last arrived. But there had not been giant rocks pelted at them. On the collapsed and damaged sections soldiers laid low and peered out at the still burning and smoking forest. How much longer was that fire going to continue?

“The gatehouse is still intact.” Alfred said. “But, I don't think you should stand on the edge of the wall.”

She turned and threw up a quizzical brow.

“You are far more noticeable than any of us.” He said.

She looked at her bright red and white clothes, sighing when she finally realised what he was alluding to.

“Then just do your job and protect me.” she said offhandedly. It seemed she had returned to her previous behaviour, judging by the loud sigh that Alfred let out.

Next to the large gate was a small wooden door that led them up a set of stairs to the top. A guard moved to stop her but was waved away by Alfred. A small wooden staircase led them to the top. By the end Belinda was panting a little, seemingly not that physically fit.

As the light and sun graced them again he saw the devastation that he had unleashed. Even Kal gasped in surprise while Verona simply whistled in surprise. Nearly a third of the forest that they could see was on fire. The center, where they ran through, had already burnt down and only wisps of smoke rose into the sky. All around was another matter. Those trees were still burning in a growing and spreading inferno. Great volumes of smoke belowed out of the spreading fire and settled back into the forest. A slight breeze came from behind and kept it there.

He was about to ask Kal if she could see how many people were moving in the forest but stopped himself. The reason was obvious.

“The smoke.” Kal began. “Is settling throughout the forest. There's no way they can breath in there. They don't have a lot of time before they choke to death or they'll need to break out and attack.”

“Just like with the Goblins in the mountain.” Verona added with a smile.

“Doesn't matter how they die, so long as it inflicts casualties on the enemy.” Alfred said dryly.

“Sir!” a voice shouted from below.

Anton looked down and saw a Qaiviel guardsmen yelling up to them.

“What?” Alfred barked back.

“There's a lot of people coming out of the forest to the north. I've never seen so many before.”

“Guess that's the main force then.” Anton said dryly.

Everyone looked north. The forest continued in almost a straight line to the horizon, only expanding to the west near the very edge of his vision. A small sea of green and blacks, oranges and greys moved north west from the forest. It was more people in one place than he had ever seen in his entire life.

“By the...Are they going to attack from the north?” Belinda asked, sounding very worried. “Most of the soldiers have been brought away from there.”

Alfred said nothing, reaching underneath the side of his uniform. He pulled out something that Anton had not expected to see in this world. A telescope. Without explaining Alfred expanded the telescope and looked towards the north. He stood motionless for some time watching the moving mass of people.

“That must be the main assault.” he said, keeping watch through the telescope. “It has to be. The Clans and Orcs couldn't just throw away so many people on a campaign.”

“They heading for those forts?” Verona asked, leaning close to the edge of the wall and looking over. “Are we going to go after them?”

Anton glanced at her, Verona just shrugged. “I'm just anxious to have another fight. To properly test out my power.”

Anton hummed. Verona had kept herself under control when she had fought, but against so many, so many sources of blood and carnage, he wondered if she could keep herself from going mad.

“Are they just going to pass us by?” Verona asked again, half pouting that nobody had answered her question.

Kal squeaked, pointing towards the forest infront of them. Out of the burning forest thousands of Orcs and hundreds of Clansmen poured out. Between every dozen there was a crude wooden ladder. Not large enough to breach the walls at their full height, but more than enough to climb the damaged sections.

“They're going to try to take the city before we can dig in. Or give chase.” Alfred began to usher the Duchess back down.

As soon as she had started to descend Alfred turned his attention to Anton.

“Anton.” he began. “As part of the mercenary contract that you agreed to with Duchess Belinda, I ask you to help us fend off this attack and drive them from our lands.”

“I will.” Anton replied. “I've used quite a bit of mana to set fire to the forest but I should be able to slow them down, if not wipe them out, with what I've got left. You've got archers, right?”

Alfred nodded.

“Good. Make sure they're in position and tell them to attack the moment they can. Don't wait for an order.”

Alfred nodded again and hurried down to the ground. Anton heard orders yelled and rapid movement of armoured soldiers and guardsmen followed. He turned his attention to the Orc and Clansmen force approaching.

“There's about three thousand Orcs, and eight hundred Clansmen.” Kal said, lowering the thin cloth so her eyes were not impeded.

Verona chuckled and activated her power. The blood swirled up and into a small sphere. She leant over the short parapet and looked towards the ground.

“I'll head down and wait on the inside of the city. The range of my power isn't that good, so I'll kill anyone of them that manage to get through.”

She chuckled, lightly kissing Anton and then turning to Kal, giving her a quick hug.

“Keep him safe.” she said with a wide smile. “You did pretty good last time."

Kal furiously nodded, taking off her bow and nocking an arrow. The iron end glinted green. He pitied the enemy that was going to receive that shot. Verona gave him a final quick kiss before running down the stairs.

“So....” Kal trailed off.

“Whenever you think you can hit them.” Anton said. “I'll let loose my magic as well.”

Kal grumbled something, he was sure that she was pouting.

“I feel so weak compared to the two of you. A bow and two daggers...All I have are the weapons that I stole."

He patted her gently on the head, careful to not let the cloth slip.

“Kal, you are one of the strongest and bravest people I know. Never beat yourself up over something like that. I wouldn't want to be fighting you without my magic. I know I would loose against you in an instant."

She turned to face him. Underneath the cloth wrappings he was sure that she was smiling. She shook her head and let out a laugh.

“Okay. Here we go.” She pulled back on the bow and loosed her first arrow.

Anton readied the magic in his mind as the sprawling mass of Orcs and Clansmen came towards them. They roared and swung their weapons over their heads as they readied their ladders. The few siege towers that remained standing were left abandoned. They knew that he could destroy the lumbering contraptions with seeming ease. Perhaps they thought they could nullify that advantage by spreading out and attacking at once. Had they forgotten what he had been able to create the pillars of flame? Or did they think that mages were not capable of launching another attack so soon?

Perhaps they were just ordered to delay them from pursuing the main force.

The twang of Kal's second arrow being refocused him back to reality. It sailed through the air and struck an Orc in the face, the lumbering Orc slumping down and quickly trampled into paste by those coming after him.

“Shame they didn't hear him scream.” Anton mumbled offhandedly, forming a few small lightning magic rings in his mind. He received a quick glance from Kal, her posture quite defensive and annoyed, before readying another arrow.

As he readied to throw his magic forward he heard more twangs of arrows and bolts being fired from the Maxill soldiers. More Orcs and Clansmen fell to the ground. Now they screamed in pain before being trampled, though not as much if one had been struck with the poison. The defenders ranged forces had hidden themselves well amongst the broken sections of the wall. None of the charging enemy seemed to know where the attack were coming from and could not direct their shields to block.

Anton stopped admiring the defenders and released the magic over where the enemy would be in a few seconds, almost a third of the distance between the forest and the city walls. This time he had not tethered the magic but he had made four to compensate. Making that many seperate rings took some concentration but used considerably less mana. He wanted to make sure that he had some mana left over. Just in case.

Also a good time to show them that I am more capable than just fire magic. That could also help the Duchess too...A extremely powerful and versatile mage in her employ that nobody's heard or seen before. It would get me talking about her, at the very least.

The air rumbled and crackled above the enemy, lightning erupting in the air in a twisting and writhing circle of purple lightning. They did not stop to gaze and wonder at the sight and continued to charge. Hundreds of pinpoints of blueish-purple light grew within the lightning rings, no more than twenty points in each ring.

Kal loosed another arrow, glancing at him, then back to the lightning. There was no doubt in her mind as to who created it. Though she had yet to see what it could do.

“Kal, you might want to cover your ears for this next bit.” he said. Kal immediately followed his words.

Murmurs of surprise and confusion came from the soldiers on the wall. Thankfully, their training had not failed them as they continued to fire their bows.

Kal breathed in to speak as the first points of light pulsed bright, then collapsed. Hundreds of lightning bolts erupted from the former points and arced towards the Orcs and Clansmen. With the crack of the lightning they glanced up as they were struck in the head, quickly consumed by the bolt of light. He saw an Orc struck in the head, it's stunned and stupefied face illuminated by the lightning, before exploding in a mass of blood, bone and brains.

Each lightning bolt found it's target, showering everyone with parts of their dead comrades. Seeing this they looked up and saw the sheer number of lightning rings and pulsing points over their heads.

Their offensive descended into chaos as the lightning bolts and arrows continued to rain on them. A brave few continued their charge towards the wall but most started to run back to the relative safety of the burning forest.

The few that continued, only a few hundred of the original thousands, soon found themselves alone and peppered with arrows. Yet they continued. Anton let loose a few lightning bolts as the archers continued to fire. Kal had gotten quite a few as they made their final charge though he was not quite sure how many. Nearly twenty at the very least. He was extremely impressed at her marksmanship.

Two hundred Orcs, and only a few Clansmen, crashed into the lowest and most damaged section of the wall. Quite a few soldiers had waited there for this exact scenario. The wooden ladders fell onto the wooden splintered wall, the Orcs making a desperate climb. Their sides were exposed as archers continued to fire at them. Even they soon realised how hopeless the struggle was.

As the few Orcs, arrows sticking from their sides, made it to the top they were greeted by a dozen swords and spears. The run, magic, arrow assault and climb had taken its toll. They had no energy left to fight.

One Orc lunged at a Maxill soldier, only to receive a blood crystal shard to the face. Anton looked over and saw Verona holding out her hand towards the Orc. He saw the wild look on her face and the looks of terror and shock on those around her. They kept their distance but did not point their weapons at her.

How many Blood Berserker’s could you actually seen in your lives?...That clansmen sounded like he had fought some before. I'm sure that the stories of such potentially terrifying people would spread really fast.

Half a minute later every attacker was either dead or captured. No clansmen had been caught alive but four Orcs were now in their custody. Anton looked back out over the grasslands. Hundreds upon hundreds of dead bodies, charred and damaged beyond recognition, were strewn across it. The fire in the forest had finally began to subside, though this was releasing even more smoke than before. A gentle breeze from the west kept the smoke from smothering Maxill. For that he was grateful.

Though that did give him another thought about his powers.

I haven't tried out to see if a smoke version of the fire magic is possible. Could something else be done with lightning...Maybe. It might be able to magnetise something, though it would be easier for me to just blast something to death. I'll need to find another lightning magician to talk that with.

“They aren't coming back.” Kal said loudly. “They trying to head north through the forest.”

She pointed north of where they came through. Through the haze of the smoke and the forest he could just make out movement heading towards the north. Quite a few had survived, perhaps a little under half, and were running as fast as they could. Some were on horseback and were not waiting for the rest. One was leading the charge, an Orc in bright yellow, orange and blue clothing. He was definately some sort of leader. None looked like him.

“Could they be heading to join the others?” Kal said offhandedly. “It looks like they are.”

Their forces continued north and began to slowly turn west, towards the other barely visible stream of soldiers. He wondered what the mood of their forces would be when they found that they were so resolutely defeated.

“How many did you think we managed to get?” Anton tried to count the dead bodies but it was quite hard.

Kal was silent, leaning against the wall.

“A few hundred....” she looked down at her bow, letting out a sigh. “Far more than I can.”

“Don't talk like that.” Anton held her gently by the shoulder.

She did not try and flinch away as her clothed face looked right at him. He leaned in close so nobody else could hear.

“Besides. I don't think any human here could have done it quite as well as you.” he whispered to her. "Nobody."

Kal squeaked, patting down her tail and her ears that were desperately trying to escape their confines. It was so cute to see her so flustered. Anton could not help but smile, which only seemed to increase her embarrassment. She had to fight harder to keep herself from bursting free. Finally she let out a grunt, turning her head away in a pout.

“You said that on purpose.” she said quietly. “Complimented me just to see me do that.”

“Perhaps.” Anton shrugged, patting her on the head to which she let out another squeak of delight. “But I meant every word.”

Kal groaned again and turned away from him. He could see the base of her tail moving underneath her cloak. She turned back, holding both her hands behind her as she kicked at the wooden floor.

“Well....Maybe. But I don't think the Duchess will be rewarding us for just standing up here.”

“Right.” Anton waved Kal towards the stairs. “Let's go see what we need to do next.”

As they started down the wooden staircase Anton brought them to a halt. Kal cocked her head in response.

“What's wrong?”

“Are you alright fighting for a human kingdom?”

Kal breathed deeply before she answered.

“Honestly...No. I don't like working with these humans. Mainly because they'll hurt me if they see who I am. And just about everything they say, says that I should be killed for existing. But...” She gripped tightly on her bow. “I made a promise to you. That if you would see my mother and other Beast-kin free, which you seem to be truly working towards, that I would follow you forever."

She let out a sigh.

“We might actually be heading that way if it weren't for these Clansmen and Orcs...So, I will follow you no matter what.”

Anton smiled, turning down the stairs. “Thank you Kal. I just wanted to check.”

Kal gave a little chuckle as she nodded, following him closely behind.

The soldiers cheered as they emerged, even those that had not seen the magical destruction. Those on the walls were the most joyous. Cheer after cheer was let out as they passed through. All joyous that they survived.

Verona made her way through a gap in the crowd. The soldiers regarded her with no small amount of fear and respect and parted quickly. Being a Blood Berserker was certainly no small thing.

“That was fun.” Verona said loudly, the cries of victory starting to die down.

“You feeling okay?” he asked.

Verona took a moment before nodding. “Yeah. I only had to fight one Orcnot that that was much of a fight. I feel fine.”

She turned to Kal. “How about you?”

Kal shrugged. “Okay. They didn't have any bows with them, which is a little strange, but I did manage to hit about twenty Orcs and a few Clansmen.”

Verona whistled. “More than I did.”

“Well done, Anton.” he turned and saw Duchess Belinda, with Alfred and Hemiskr in tow, arriving at the gathering of soldiers. They immediately parted as they saw who it was, letting them get to Anton.

“I did not expect you to have that much power.” Belinda said, a hint of awe and respect in her voice as she eyed him over. Like he was on display to be bought. “Or that you could do something like that so soon after the burning down my forest.”

“Were you watching?” Anton asked.

Belinda nodded towards one of the taller buildings nearby. If one was one to stand on top of the roof it would be possible to see over the wall.

“That was very satisfying to watch. To see those Orcs and Clansmen getting hit by that lightning.” She let out a warm sigh, along with a smile as she looked at the dead Orcs sprawled over the wall.

“I'm glad to hear it.” Anton replied.

“Amazing that you could keep control of yourself.” Alfred said to Verona, who shrugged and smiled. “The Blood Berserker’s I've seen would have just lept forward and straight into the enemy.”

“We had to tell the men to watch out for that.” Hemiskr added.

“Do they normally behave like that?” Anton asked, Alfred nodding.

“Well...I'm not like that.” Verona said smugly, twirling her spear in her hands. “I can keep myself under control.”

I sure hope so. No. I know you can.

“So, what's happening now?” Anton asked.

“What's-” Alfred began.

“The survivors are heading to join the main group.” Kal interrupted him, holding her ground when she attracted their gaze. “The smoke is too thick in the forest. They'll choke to death if they stay there.”

“You don't think there will be any more attacks here?” Alfred asked.

Kal gave a very light and non-committal shrug. “I can't say if they have other forces hidden in the forest but I don't think they'll be able to attack Maxill again. Not with what they've just seen. They'll be in chaos as they try to understand what happened to them.”

The soldiers listening cried out in victory yet again. They thought they were safe. For now at least. Belinda smiled at Kal, but a frown slowly drew on her face.

“How many are heading towards the border forts?” She asked Kal.

“Everyone that wasn't killed. Fifty, fifty five thousand soldiers.”

The cries of victory quickly died down. Nearly fifty five thousand soldiers were about to attack a potentially unaware force. The rest of the Kingdom might fall if they did not do something to help. A grim resolution formed on the soldiers face's. They would be fighting again if they were to save their kingdom.

“That's still too many for the forts to fight off if there's another attack from the north.” Alfred lamented. “Doubly so if they attack the supporting cities."

“Anton.” Belinda turned to him. “As part of our unwritten contract, I ask you to accompany a force to defeat the Orc and Clansmen before they can destroy our defences.”

“What?” Hemiskr asked.

Belinda's face was flat as she looked at him.

“You and Alfred will be leading as many soldiers we can spare, as well as all of the mercenaries, and march on the enemy. Destroy them. Completely and utterly.”

“We could spare two and a half thousand of our total force here.” Alfred spoke softly to Belinda. “But that would leave the weakest and poorly trained to defend Maxill if there's any further attacks.”

She took this information seriously, and was silent for some time.

“I trust Kal's assessment of the situation. I think they've abandoned their attack on Maxill. They won't be coming back, and if they did they would run into two very powerful mages and an expert archer. I'm sure that they could crush us...but they would loose so many that they couldn't complete their invasion.”

She smiled at all three of them. “So, Anton, will you join us?”

He glance at Verona and Kal, receiving nods from both. “Yes. We will help in whatever way we can.”

An honest smile graced her face.

“I am glad to hear that.” she turned to Alfred and Hemiskr. “Assemble every soldier you deem acceptable to march immediately and have them gather at the northern gate. Take whatever you need in supplies and weapons. Don't be cheap with anything that we might need. Don't fail me, Alfred. Please...”

Alfred smiled and gave a bow, everyone gasping when she returned the bow. He was utterly stunned until Belinda coughed lightly. Alfred and Hemiskr both gave a salute before everyone exploded in a flurry of movement. Belinda remained stationary and looked at Anton, unfettered by the shouting and bustling surrounding her.

“I heard that we actually managed to capture some Orcs. That's something very rare.” she began. “While Alfred and Hemiskr assemble the soldiers, can you perform an interrogation on them?”

“Why me?”

Belinda shrugged. “You're available for some time, since you're not organising the soldiers. And they will know how they are dealing with.”

A slight smirk drew up from her lips. “And you are also in my employ.”

“Not yet we're not.” Verona said back, taking a step forward and infront of Anton, a deep frown on her face.

Belinda chuckled. “Not yet. Not yet. But, I think they might have some useful information.”

Anton shrugged. “I guess so.”

---[]---

Anton scratched the back of his head as he walked away from the fourth Orc. Despite their size and intimidating stature,they folded nearly instantly when they realised that he was the one that unleashed the lightning and fire magic upon their army. His brief encounter with Lazgar, and the remains of the Black Fist clan, did not give him the impression that they would fold this easily. Verona also added to the speed of their collapse. Briefly showing off that she was a powerful Blood Berserker had broken any lingering hint of defiance.

Duchess Belinda stood some paces away, looking disinterested in the proceedings as she watched the soldiers running towards the north of Maxill.

“Did you find anything out?” she asked. She started picking at a few flecks of dirt on her gloves.

Anton shrugged as he made his way to her. A wave of relief washing over the bound Orcs faces as he left. Both Verona and Kal followed him closely.

“Not anything about their campaign that we couldn't have been able to figure out before.” he said. “They were going to take out Maxill so any reinforcements from the south would not have anywhere to base themselves. Also to resupply with everything they could steal from you. Sounds like there aren't many larger cities to the north of here.”

Belinda nodded. “Not in the far north east. There are quite a few small villages and hamlets, nothing as large as Maxill. It's heartening to know that they don't have enough resources for their campaign. Our hunters are doing a fantastic job then.”

“It might make them desperate. Although.” he continued, catching a glance from Belinda. “They did say something interesting about how well the two forces are working together.”

“Interesting. How so?”

“Very badly, it seems.” Anton replied, looking back to the Orcs. They caught his eye and immediately looked away, not caring how obvious it was.

“The Orcs are being led by an Orc called Zig. He seems to be the son of the new leader of the unified Orc clans. It seems that they and the Clansmen disagree on how the war should be fought. The Orcs seem to want to pillage and burn their way through while the Clansmen want to head straight for the Border Forts. Zig was commanding the assault on Maxill and wanted all the spoils. It seemed he didn't follow the advice of the Clansmen leader and commit all his forces...That would have killed you before we arrived.”

He smiled as he looked back at the Orcs.

“It seems that he was one of the Orcs that was running away to the north on horseback. The brightly coloured one.”

“What about the leader of the Clansmen?”

“Didn't say much about him. But he certainly won't be happy to find out what has just happened and that he didn't leave a force to keep us bogged down. Now we're free to attack.”

“So now we can head straight after them?” Belinda asked lightly.

Anton nodded. “I'm not a real military man but I would think they are going to continue with their mission, and we should do what we can to stop them.”

“Well...I suppose that is good news.” she continued. “Knowing that our enemy is openly hostile to one another.”

She looked at the Orcs with utter disdain. “Anyway, can we use this?”

“Perhaps. If we can irritate the two leaders to such a point where they begin to actively blame and undermine each other, then that could be good for us. How, I don't know.”

Belinda smiled and nodded, waving over a few soldiers. "That's very good to hear.” she pointed to the Orcs. “Kill them.”

Before Anton could say anything the men lunged forward and stabbed the Orcs in the throat. They did not take their deaths willingly, thrashing and begging in their gruff voice in the few moments they had. He looked confusingly at Belinda, who only shrugged in return.

“Orcs do not ransom their soldiers back. Anything they would pay is of little worth compared to the damage they've already done. They intend to destroy us so there's no bad feelings on our part." Belinda shook her head. "And we could not even sell them to Seocuria for a profit.”

Anton heard Kal's hands grip tightly on the hilts of her daggers at the mere mention of that place.

“I'm not going to keep something that large as a prisoner indefinitely.”

“I suppose...” Anton trailed off.

He was not sure about killing prisoners that had been captured, but this was a war. A war where he did not have to worry about logistics, resources, manpower or political ramifications of keeping the Orcs alive for ransom. He decided to let it go.

Belinda began walking away and to the north without emitting a sound. He was expected to follow.

“Alfred and Hemiskr should have finished by now.” she said, not waiting to see if they actually followed. “We'll give as much food as we can spare for the chase. I can't imagine that it'll be too long, not with someone of your magical strength.”

“I hope not. I've heard that you are a mage yourself.” Anton said as he walked alongside her.

A twitch formed on her face.

“Well, that's not much of a secret. I do know how how use some basic fire magic. Nothing compared to what the court mages can do. Or you. Mainly I just use it to show off that I am one of the few in the Qaiviel Kingdom that can actually use magic.” She flashed him a warm smile. “I did ask you to show off your magic without...When you get back...I'll show you mine."

Anton gave a light nod in return, feeling a very hard pinch on his side. He did not need to guess to whom it belonged to.

“My lord.” came a voice from behind. “Your horses.”

Two soldiers quickly came up from behind with their horses in tow. They seemed nervous as they handled their horses very gingerly. They caught the eye of Belinda and shied away.

“Thank you.” Anton gave a nod to the soldiers as he took the reins.

They seemed quite surprised at his respectful attitude, returning the bow before running off. Belinda gave a light huff as continued to walk towards the north. Anton handed the reins of the second horse to Verona and followed closely. The rest of the journey they made in silence, with only the shouts of disorganised soldiers to fill the void. Soldiers ran about carrying sets of armour and even some sort of javelins. Everything was being brought out for this offensive.

The north of Maxill looked the same as the western entrance, barring the signs of destruction. There was very little room for the two thousand soldiers on the streets so they had to squeeze in where they could. Even then they spilled out for some distance but remained quite eager for what they were about to do. Despite what they knew was coming, a battle against a massively numerically superior foe, they were in high spirits. Perhaps due to the knowledge that they were not going to be facing this army head on, though that was a possibility if the Clansmen and Orcs decided to turn around.

Anton, Verona and Kal mounted their horses and remained at the side of the force. A detachment of horses, nearly two hundred, moved through the tightly bunched horses and settled next to Anton. Each were heavily armoured and draped in the colours of the Qaiviel Kingdom. It seemed that none of the mercenaries were on horse back. At the front of the rode Alfred and Hemiskr. They both wore a full set of white and green iron armour, far better than what the others had.

“I take it you three don't need armour?” Alfred asked, bringing his horse next to Anton and opposite Verona and Kal's.

“I've got some.” Verona peered her head around. She pointed to the thick armour on her arms and chest.

“That's a good start.” Hemiskr took a quick glance. “But it leaves a lot of open spaces where you can get hit.”

Verona shrugged. “I trust the armour that I was given...Are you offering more?”

“Yes.” Alfred replied. “Mages tend to get torn to pieces by arrows, javelins or well placed spear. Their chances of survival would be so much higher if they bothered to wear some leather armour.”

“Have you seen many?” Anton asked. If he was completely honest he did feel a little vulnerable in just his villager clothes. However his magical power always compensated for that. Now was a chance to get a decent set for free, perhaps even spares once the campaign was done.

“A few. There once was this Ice Mage, very powerful, but got hit with an arrow in the chest. A good set of armour might have stopped it from being fatal. Bloody fool.” Alfred shook his head. “It doesn't interfere with their magic either.”

“I think we'll take some light armour.” Anton said, Verona nodding. “Something that doesn't slow us down. We'll be needing to move quickly. And our magic should keep us safe.”

“What about you Kal?” Verona asked, turning to look at Kal.

“I need to be as light and nimble as possible.” Kal said quietly. “But, I'll take a set if there's one available. It's...It's been ages since I've had some.”

Alfred waved over a mercenary and whispered in his ear. The dull coloured mercenary quickly ran off into the crowd. He returned with sets of leather armour, passing the pieces to Alfred.

“Here you go.” he said. “Consider it a gift as part of your contract.”

The armour was in pretty good condition, a few scuffs and marks from age but otherwise a fine set. It took a bit of time to get it on properly. Verona had to help him, receiving a giggle of embaressment in response to his difficulty. He now started to better appreciated how tricky it was to do it by herself. Even Alfred had to help.

When he was finished he looked like a militia soldier rather than just a peasant. He had a hardened leather chest piece, leather and iron reinforced helm, arm and shoulder sets. He appreciated how good it fitted and the sense of protection it gave him. Verona added the few extra pieces to her current set and was now even more armoured than before. Kal had no trouble fixing a complete set, her hidden Beast-kin fingers were incredibly nimble and quickly fastened it to herself. She looked quite good with the armour on top of her cloth wrappings.

It was basic, but it would save them from a rogue hit.

“We look like soldiers now.” Verona mumbled, Kal hummed in agreement.

“On another note." Anton began. "Why-”

Anton's words were halted by a loud trumpet coming from the gate. Duchess Belinda stood to the side of the gate on a large platform, a Qaiviel soldier at her side wielding the trumpet.

“Why aren't you up there?” Anton asked Alfred.

Alfred shrugged. “She needs to be able to do these sort of things completely by herself. Especially if she wishes to rule an even larger territory.”

Anton hummed. He could see something like pride in his face, like a father letting their child out on their own for the first time. Pride, but also a hint of worry.

Perhaps he's worried since he protected and inadvertently helped to make her into the person she was before. Though, she has seemed to change for the better under your steward, once pushed in the right direction. Perhaps it's a bit too much loyalty, not that many could claim to have a person as loyal as you.

Belinda straightened herself up and looked out across the waiting soldiers.

“Soldiers of Qaiviel.” her voice was loud, every syllable full of authority. “I will be brief. Today you will be taking the fight to the Orcs and Clansmen that seek to destroy our lands, our way of life, and your very lives.”

Everyone remained still, in complete silence and soaking up her words.

“I ask that every one of you to fight with every part of your body and soul, and to make sure that you return alive.” A thin smile formed on her face. “May the Holy Father grant you victory.”

Belinda bowed deeply before walking down from the platform. The Qaiviel soldiers were filled with a sense of pride while the mercenaries kept a blank face. Speeches did not pay in gold or fill their pockets.

“Open the gate!” Hemiskr yelled. The gate slowly started to groan open.

Slowly the force began to pass through the gate. Belinda stopped them as they came close.

“I hope to see you all soon.” she said. “Be safe.”

“We will.” Alfred bowed as deeply as he could. Belinda let out an honest smile and took a step back, letting them continue.

Hemiskr and Alfred moved around the force and rode at the front of the departing army as soon as they were through, waving for Anton, Verona and Kal to join them. Together they rode out of Maxill to begin the chase.

---[]---

Late in the afternoon they had already begun to catch up with the remains of the Maxill attack force. These Orcs struggled to catch up with the main force. Unfortunately they caught up to them after they had already moved through a small hamlet.

Anton felt his stomach turn as he looked at what little remained. The hamlet was only a fraction the size of Atros, a dozen or so buildings, some of which were built into the ground to save on wood for building materials. A few large plots of grains and pens for animals surrounded the hamlet.

Everything was broken and on fire.

Sixty Orcs rummaged dispassionately through the desolate remains. They would pick something up, shake it, then toss it aside. Every so often it was a dead body. From what little Anton could see they had died brutally and horribly.

“Bastards.” Hemiskr grumbled, holding back his anger as he looked back at the Maxill soldiers.

The moment the Qaiviel soldiers saw the devastation their tired hearts and bodies were instantly refreshed. Both Hemiskr and Alfred were hissing orders at them to keep them in formation. The mercenaries looked on indifferently but retained their formations. Their commanders did not need to fight to keep order.

These Maxill soldiers seem like a very well armed, and angry, mob, rather than a group of soldiers. Though, they have been through a lot. Perhaps the Knights will be different.

Anton looked towards the small hamlet. Some of the Orcs had seen them and were trying to rouse the rest.

“What's this place's name?” he asked.

Alfred brought his horse infront of Anton. “It doesn't have one. There are barely ten families here.”

A bitter smile formed on his face as he looked towards the small hamlet.

“Less now.”

“Do we attack?” Verona asked. She looked like she was just as eager to fight as the Maxill soldiers.

“Kal? Do you see the rest of the army?”

Kal raised her hand to shield her eyes from view, and removed the cloth just enough to clear her eyes. A second later she readjusted it back.

“I cannot see anyone.” she looked towards Anton. “It looks like they've continued and left these behind. I don't see anyone towards the horizon.”

"Why are they here?" Anton asked aloud.

"To slow us down." Alfred replied. "So that we take time to clear out this hamlet."

"Shame."

“Kal.” Alfred turned to her. “After we've secured the hamlet, can you scout ahead and see what you find?” His elderly face softened. “You seem to be the best tracker here...Even better than my hunters.”

Kal refused to answer, keeping her face steady with Alfred. She looked to Anton, who nodded, and Kal agreed. Alfred chuckled and turned towards the village.

“We heard there were meant to be some hunters through the forest.” Anton said to Alfred. “But we didn't see any. Were they there?”

Alfred shrugged. “They were told to attack Orcs and Clansmen.” He looked all three of them over. “And you don't look like them. Either that, or they're dead. Hemiskr?”

“Yes, Alfred?”

“Send some soldiers and retake the hamlet. Around two hundred should be more than sufficient, bring archers with you. Also include some of the mercenaries to back them up in case they run into trouble with the Orcs.”

“What about us?” Verona asked, leaning forward.

“We will be advancing behind them in case there are more enemies than we expected.”

“We're just going to leave them to fight by themselves?” she asked again. “We have magic you know?”

“Most of these soldiers have not seem true combat before. They've been behind the safety of a wall while it was pelted with rocks. If we rely completely on Anton, Verona....and Kal to fight they will not be even lightly blooded when we have to fight hundreds or thousands of Orcs and Clansmen. Better to get it over with now when they're fighting a small group rather than an army.”

“I'm not sure that's how it works.” Anton mumbled.

“Have you ever had to fight someone with a sword?” Alfred asked angrily, “Only a thin piece of iron between you and someone that wants you dead? Their breath and spit on your face as they hack at you with every ounce of their strength? A single mistake costing your life?”

Anton paused. He was sure he had not, but he knew that parts of his memories were blanks and scored out. He kept his mouth shut as it was not something that he could answer. Or even should.

“I don't think so.” Anton replied.

Alfred's face scrunched up in a form of controlled anger.

“It's very easy for someone that can use terrifying magical powers to think that it's easy to fight for someone like me, or anyone else here. I have been in more battles than you can imagine. In the best and worst conditions. Against things that you could never even imagine. And the last thing you want, for your first fight, is to be going against thousands of screaming Orcs and Clansmen. Better to let them feel combat now.”

Anton nodded.

I could ask about what sort of monsters and beasts there are, he sounds like he knows what he's talking about. Right now though it feels the same with Kal and when we were talking about slavery. If I try any 'smart' quip...

After his nod he lowered his head. That was enough for Alfred to take it as an apology. A sigh escaped him.

“Whatever. Hemiskr?” he asked again.

“Ready for your order.”

Alfred gave him a quick nod. Hemiskr raised his sword, pointed towards the hamlet and cried out. With Hemiskr at the lead two hundred soldiers and thirty mercenaries followed behind him as they advanced. The ground shook as the armoured soldiers raced past, roaring battle cries with every step. If the enemy did not know they were coming, they certainly would now. Everyone else followed closely behind, setting a brisk pace. Those at the front kept their shields raised and formed a shield wall as they advanced.

The Orcs that had seen them had roused the others to fight. Unlike the human soldiers they did not form a cohesive line. Each pushed the other away, like they were going to fight as an individual.

“Against a wall of spears, shields and swords...” Anton mumbled aloud. “Why aren't they running?”

“Look at them.” Kal replied, he saw Alfred nod as well.

They were tired, breathing heavily and trying their best to keep their weapons raised. Many were injured in some way. Quite badly enough that they had trouble standing upright. They were shattered.

“How hard did they march?”

“Too hard.” Alfred answered. “That and the magic they saw...”

“See if we can capture any and what they have to say.” Anton spoke offhandedly.

Hemiskr brought his horse back down to a trot as the soldiers neared the Orcs. The Orcs had not retreated further into the hamlet, for cover from the burning and smouldering buildings, but where waiting outside. None of the buildings looked like they could hide more Orcs or Clansmen anyway. At least a surprise attack seemed rather unlikely.

Archers moved forward and loosed a volley arrows at the Orcs. Their shields caught some, but not all. Arrows stuck out of the strangely positioned gaps in their armour. Blood spattered over the charred ground. A few Orcs fell, only serving to enrage the others. They let out a mighty roar and charged.

Hemiskr retreated behind the safety of the soldiers who readied their shields. These were large shields, more than just the round personal shields that most soldiers carried. These were nearly the full length of the person. Just like those that they had found in Mount Aspire. These could easily cover most of a body. Lining up behind them spearmen and archers took their position, the spears lowering through the gaps of the shields and forming a wall of blades. Another volley of arrows streamed at the Orcs, felling a few more, but they continued their charge. They smashed into the wall of shields, some already skewered by the spears, and screams errupted. More spears and swords burst out from the shield wall.

A few seconds of shouts and screams and the Orcs were dead. Anton was a little surprised at how quickly it happened. Even the soldiers seemed just as surprised. They cried out in victory, thrusting their weapons into the air.

“That was quick.” Verona said, Kal nodding from behind.

“They acted like it was going to be a duel between two people.” Anton said aloud. “Not against a unified force.”

“Check the hamlet.” Alfred shouted towards Hemiskr. “See if there's anyone still alive in there. They might have something we can learn.”

Hemiskr turned to the soldiers and waved them forward. They broke into small groups and spread out through the ruined hamlet. Each of the houses and buildings were kicked in and searched thoroughly. The soldiers exited with grim faces, the only response was a shake of the head.

“Nothing.” Hemiskr said as they entered the Hamlet. “Nothing alive, at least.”

Most of the soldiers spread out around the Hamlet, Alfred quickly ordering them to search the surrounds for Orc or human survivors. Those seemed glad to be away from the sights and smells of the Hamlet.

All Anton could smell at first was the burnt wood. An undercurrent of blood and faeces wafted through to his senses a few breaths later. Then burnt meat.

Anton looked at one of the houses, now burnt to the ground. It was more of a shanty rather than one of the wooden buildings of Atros. Before it had been burnt he was sure that it was made from whatever pieces of wood they could find and built haphazardly. These people, despite their destitution, still tried the best they could to make a go of it. Until the Orcs and Clansmen moved through.

Another soldier came out, caught Anton's eye, and looked away. He moved a few steps towards it and saw the dead and burnt people inside. Five charred bodies, some very small, were huddling together in the center. They had been locked inside while the building had torched.

“Terrible.” Kal mumbled as she came next to him.

He could not disagree.

“Nobody survived?” Anton looked around for somewhere somebody could hide, like a forest or even a hole, but he could see nothing. Some could have ran and lied down in the grass. But not with several thousand Orcs moving through.

“None.” Hemiskr said. “There would have been about forty or fifty people here. We've found the bodies of those that tried to run. They didn't get far.”

Anton shook his head.

“We shouldn't delay.” Alfred said, motioning for the soldiers to keep moving. “Kal, could you and Verona go forward and see if you can find where they're going.”

“Okay.” Verona and Kal rode forth.

“Do you bury the dead?” Anton asked.

Hemiskr shrugged. “The teachings of the Holy Father says they should be buried with their families. But...” he sighed. “They'll just have to do with a shallow grave. I hope they can understand.”

He waved some soldiers over and detailed what he wanted done with the bodies. “It's all we can do for them now.”

---[]---

They passed through another two small ruined hamlets before they caught up to the remains of the Maxill attackers just as it was starting to turn dark. Each small hamlet only had a few Orcs in each, quickly dispatched by the Qaiviel soldiers and mercenaries. Anton noted that they were being slowed down considerably each time. Part of him was glad they had caught with them. Verona and Kal remained at the front of the force, Kal relaying back that they were closing in on the attackers. Alfred and Hemiskr kept the soldiers marching at a brisk pace but never tried to push them beyond their limits. It seemed the Orc Commander was doing just that. If he was actually leading them anymore. They had not captured anyone so far.

Instead of a hamlet they came across a large village, about half the size of Atros. What was surprising was that the village was still being in the process of being looted. Anton counted three to four hundred Orcs moving about the burning village.

To the east of the village of was an extension of the forest between their Qaiviel and the former Kar Kingdom, to the west lay a small pond surrounded by thick rushes. The water was red with blood and bodies lay still and lifeless on the shoreline. Occasionally they would chase out a villager before decapitating them, laughing all the while. Theses were not the Black Fist Orcs that he had met before at the lake. These were the dregs of society, given a weapon and cause, and now unleashing their rage and anger on whatever they were pointed at.

Again the Orcs, upon seeing them approaching, stopped their carnage and formed a vague line. Anton could see the anger and confusion on their faces. At least they were not able to get a message out from the previous hamlets.

“Why isn't it burned to ground yet?” Anton asked aloud.

The soldiers marched around the leaders and continued towards the village. Hemiskr led them from the front. Nearly all of the soldiers and mercenaries were involve in this attack. Any hint of hesitation had been washed away by the scenes of carnage. Already they were more determined and ordered.

Alfred remained nearby, while Verona and Kal remained close as well. Kal was doing very well surrounded by so many potentially dangerous and violent humans. He was wondering how she would handle dinner and sleeping.

“They have only just started.” Alfred answered, nodding towards the burning buildings.

The wood was not burned black yet despite the intense flames.

They might have only just started to loot and burn. What about the Clansmen and Or, army that came through before? A difference of opinion of the leaders to just leave it behind intact? But not anymore it seems.

“The Clansmen army would have already passed through here, but they didn't burn it.” Anton hummed. “There's certainly interesting.”

“Do you want our help for this next part?” Verona asked. “There are quite a few of them this time.” She chuckled, brining her horse closer to his. “We've just been standing back for the most part.”

Alfred shook his head. “You'll be needed when we come up on the main force. We've only fought about three hundred Orcs so far.” An honest smile formed on his face. “And with no losses so far.”

Anton looked at the Orcs, forming up infront of the village. Again they forced some distance between each other. Very little about them spoke that they would, or even could, work as a cohesive force. Though there were far more of them this time than before. Their numbers alone would compensate somewhat for their lack of cooperation.

“That might not be the case in this battle.”

“True.”

“Make sure that anyone that's wounded is rotated out.” Anton said, getting an odd look from Alfred. “I can heal someone that's wounded, but I can't bring them back from the dead.”

Alfred sighed. “Of course you can heal them. That....That's...You don't know anything about The Holy Father, do you?”

Anton hesitated before shaking his head.

“Well, you wouldn't know about their healers.” Alfred continued. “So...that means you are a follower of Tethra, the old goddess of prayer.”

“Indeed.” Anton replied flatly.

Alfred smiled. “That's good. Something that can actually work.” He voice started grinding at the end.

“What are those healers like?”

Alfred smiled bitterly, looking down at his legs.

“They're the reason that I can walk, but it took many winters before I could do it properly. If they had that power...”

Anton held his hand out and touched Alfred's shoulder, chanting a light healing prayer in his head. The magic left him and his Alfred's eyes softened. He flexed his feet and knees, letting out a chuckle, slowly shaking his head.

“It seems, in this case, the old ways were better.” A frown formed on his face. “I wouldn't do that to anyone that's devout. They won't take kindly to it.”

Anton looked towards the village. The soldiers were forming up, a few arrows flying forward.

“Is Hemiskr a devout man?”

Alfred shrugged. “I don't think so. But better be safe. At the moment they might just think you're just hiding your charm somewhere, but do be careful.”

“Right, Thanks.” Anton said.

He had no idea of what a 'charm' was. Belinda had mentioned it when they first met but had not elaborated on it. He presumed it was something that allowed a normal person to use magic, like a amulet or staff.

“What about me?” Verona asked. “I don't think that my powers are...”

Alfred smiled. “They aren't. But very few people would be stupid enough to confront one openly.”

“A clansmen did.” Verona mumbled. “Said he had fought Blood Berserker’s before.”

“He probably did. In such a brutal society like theirs, there's going to be a greater chance for the more violent old magics to come through. Doesn't mean they were strong.”

Verona opened her mouth to retort but quickly shut it. Her magic couldn't be described as anything other than brutal.

The Orcs let out a terrifying howl, far moreso than anything before, and charged. The sheer volume made the soldiers tremble. Hemiskr shouted to regain order and control. It seemed to work. The Orcs smashed into the shields, after volleys of arrows cut down many, and into the spears and sowrds jutting out. Both sides buckled as they fought a desperate struggle. He saw Hemiskr, still on his horse, direct the more heavily armed mercenaries into the struggling sections.

“Do you want us to attack?” Anton asked.

Alfred shook his head. “If they break and fall here, how will they fare against fifty thousand Orcs and Clansmen? We cannot coddle them forever.”

Some of that emotion seemed to come from deep within. Anton remained quiet and turned back to the battle.

Blood flew from the lines as the Orcs began to fall under the strain of the shields and thrusts of spears and swords. Coordination between the soldiers was winning out. The Orc's mighty axes struck down onto the shields and helms, quickly replied with by a flurry of spears and swords flying out of the gaps in the iron shield wall. Archers fired volleys through the gaps in the shields to the Orcs increasing terror and despair.

Anton could see the fear growing in their faces as they fell in ever increasing numbers. Another shout and charge from the Orcs did them no good as the soldiers weathered their attacks.

A moment later and the battle was over. The Orcs did not last long. They broke and ran, quickly mowed down by a volley of arrows loosed by the angry soldiers. None made it back to the village, the furthest making a few meters away from the burning buildings.

“Why are the Orcs so feared?” Anton asked. “Is it just because we outnumber them right now?”

Alfred nodded.

“We outnumber these Orcs four to one.” he began. “We have formations and ranged weapons. And these Orcs are not that well equipped. Facing the same number of Orcs, charging at you in full armour and screaming at the top of their lungs...That's a terrifying thing.”

“I can imagine.”

Hemiskr rode back to them as the soldiers began to spread out through the village.

“We got them all.” he said proudly. “But, we did loose a few soldiers. I think about eight or nine. Amazing losses that is. They are just as strong as they look. I've sent out some soldiers to scour the surrounds. If the Orcs stripped naked, I'm sure that they could hide in this long grass.”

They chuckled, though Anton knew it was probably in bad form.

“Nevertheless, you held against some terrifying opponents.” Anton added, getting a smile from Hemiskr. “Where are the wounded? I can help them.”

Hemiskr opened his mouth to speak but decided against it.

The wounded were laid out on the ground. Many had crushed limbs and copious amounts of blood leaking from them. Anton took what he believed to be the most wounded and healed them so they could walk and fight. While he could have healed them completely he doubted whether he had enough mana to do so for all of them. He also only had four and a half of the Karak fruit with him and he doubted that anyone in their army would have any more. Out in these villages and hamlets, in the wilds of this Kingdom, it was doubtful that there would be any more.

Verona and Kal stood close by, making sure that nobody got too close. A quick flash of red from Verona was more than enough to keep everyone at bay. Anton carried on with his work in silence, taking the desperate thanks of the saved with every soldier he brought back from the brink.

---[]---

The light was beginning to fade completely by the time Anton had finished healing the soldiers. There were far less wounded than he imagined. He let out a sigh as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

A full set of iron armour and weapons would do that. Keep you alive when an axe would have ripped you apart. Everyone should have some sort of armour when they go into battle...

Anton stood up from healing the last soldier that was critically wounded.

Most of the villagers that died in Atros with the final battle with the Yellow Goblins were the ones without the most basic armour. If the fought us now we might even be able to get away with it completely. I wonder how they would feel about that?

Alfred had announced they would stay in the destroyed village for the night. He had no intention on marching further. Tiredness and fears of an ambush weighed heavily on his mind. Anton agreed with those but wondered why he was not allowed to use his magic yet. He guessed that they did not want to reveal such a powerful hand.

Verona and Kal walked silently with him as they headed towards Alfred and Hemiskr. They had taken position near a small fire outside a burnt down building, the whole area secured by the mercenaries. Alfred and Hemiskr were taking rapidly amongst themselves. They stopped talking when they saw Anton approach.

“How are they?” Hemiskr asked.

“Those that weren't dead will live on.” he replied, a wave of relief overcoming Hemiskr's face. “They won't be good soldiers for a while, but a few more days of healing and they will be able to fight like the best of them.”

“I'm glad to hear it.” Alfred said.

Hemiskr frowned lightly. “I didn't hear any chants when you were healing the men.”

“No.” Anton replied honestly.

“But they're healed.”

“That's right."

Hemiskr looked between the soldiers and Anton. He could see the relief that they were able to walk, one soldier even offered a bow to Anton, one that had almost lost an arm to an axe blow. Hemiskr shrugged, looking over at the soldiers hobbling away.

“They were about to meet the Holy Father...I suppose it doesn't matter. They are alive, and that's what matters.”

Anton smiled, though he made a mental note to keep an eye on him.

“What's-”

Anton was interrupted by a shout from the distance, towards the small pond.

“Sir!” A soldier came running at them.

“What?” Alfred asked loudly.

Any noise from the camp vanished as the man ran towards them.

“We've found something.” he said through panted breaths, stopping a few meters away from them.

All waited in silence for the explanation. The man shook his head to focus himself.

“We've found survivors. Quite a few of them.”

“Orcs or humans?” Alfred asked.

“Humans. They were hiding in the rushes. Seems like they've been there a while.”

“We-”

“Sir!” Alfred was interrupted by another shout, coming from the forest.

“What now?” he grumbled, turning to the newly approaching soldier.

“There are people coming out of the forest. They claim to be the villagers that lived here.”

“Well...That's a surprise.” Alfred said aloud. “I thought the Orcs would have killed them all by now. Bring them here so we can hear their story.”

“Yes Sir!” both soldiers cried out before running off.

“This should be interesting.” Alfred hummed.

---[]---

There were many more survivors than Anton had expected. Well over three hundred, tired and ragged, Qaiviel villagers were now sitting infront of them. They stared at their former village with tired and sunken eyes, they barely had the energy to stand. Thankfully Alfred and Hemiskr let them sit.

Verona and Kal said they would be going to sleep. Terrified villagers did not need a Blood Berseker or a mummified archer to terrify the survivors so they excused themselves. They didn't want to be tired for any battle either. Anton told them he would be joining them shortly. He wanted to see what the villagers had to say for themselves.

“How did you survive?” Alfred asked the villagers.

He did not direct his questions at anyone in particular. Anton could not make out anyone that seemed to be a leader. Alfred asked again, finally eliciting a response from the villagers.

“We hid, my lord.” one villager at the front answered.

Alfred's face softened.

“I did not think the Duchess would send so many people to save us.” the villager spoke far more softly, binding his hands in prayer. Many of the other villagers did so as well.

Alfred hesitated before speaking. “What happened here?”

The villager wiped away a sniffle. “An army, Deweth Clansmen and some Orcs came through. We thought that we would be killed, but they left us alone. I...I...I don't understand why, but they did.”

“They didn't do this?” Alfred looked to the still lightly smouldering village.

“No. That came later.” he looked around at his fellow villagers. None had the will to speak. Most were quietly sobbing. “A smaller group, only Orcs, came later. They were tired and angry. There was one infront, he looked a little different to the others. Bright clothes like the sun. He was angry. Very angry. And told the Orcs to kill everyone.”

“I think that's cleared up.” Alfred spoke with the softest voice he could muster. “But, how did you survive?”

The villager began to cry, nearly uncontrollably.

“I was a coward.” he said through powerful sobs. “When the Orcs battered down our doors, I ran through a window, leaving my wife and children to die. I didn't think...I just ran.”

Anton remained silent, just like everyone else.

“I ran as fast as I could into the forest. I...I don't know how long I ran for, but I found others that had done the same thing. So, we hid and waited. Waited as we heard our families being killed. ” He looked at the others. “I'm sorry, my lord. I know that Duchess Belinda does not tolerate failing like this...”

He continued to sob quietly, unable to raise his head. Alfred rested his hand on the man's head. His body tensed but slowly relaxed when Alfred did nothing.

“Hemiskr, can we spare any food for these people?”

“Are you still following that army?” the man asked.

“Yes.” Alfred replied. “Duchess Belinda has decreed that the army will be crushed by whatever means necessary.”

Any chance to throw in a bit about the Duchess being good....

The man scrunched his eyes tight. He took a deep breath.

“I...Yes. I would like to join.”

“What skills do you have?” Hemiskr asked.

“I...I can use a bow to hunt game in the forest. Most of the men, and quite a few of the women, can use a bow well. I can hit a beast in the eye in the shadows of the forest. It doesn't matter what happens to me now. I've already betrayed my family and those that I love. I might be able to use my death to do some good.”

“That could be very useful.” Anton said quietly. “Perhaps sending them forward and having them pick off any loners. The loners of the army that did so much harm to these people. At the very least bulk up our archers.”

The man's anger, and those of several around him, began to rise. Anton hoped it was not at him. Alfred nodded slowly before coughing loudly to get the attention of the villagers. There was no conversation or disturbance for him to stop.

“The Duchess has not sent this army to rescue you.” Alfred began. “We are here to kill those that have destroyed your lives. You can stay here, and try to rebuild you lives, or you can join us and fight and kill those that took it from you.”

The crowd was silent. Anton could not tell if what he said was for better or worse.

“We will be departing at dawn. Make your decision before then and talk to one of the captains.”

He walked away without waiting for any reaction. Anton saw a few that seemed to be in agreement, but most just seemed lost.

“Do you think they'll join?” Anton asked.

Alfred look at Hemiskr.

“Who knows. But they now can be given a purpose.” He looked back. “Or, they can always wonder what it would be like if they stood up for themselves. And took their revenge.”

Very strange words to come from Belinda's most loyal butler.

“Let's see how many have decided to join by the morning.” Anton said, turning to their camp fire.

What would anyone do in this situation?

He kicked at the burnt dirt as he turned away. He tried his best to put himself in their positions, but could not. He found Verona and Kal near the small fire outside the burnt down building. Verona waved him over. She was still awake while Kal had curled up next to her. She raised her finger to her lips, telling him to be quiet, as she watched her sleeping form. There was almost a giddy smile on her face as she watched. Kal was very still, only moving the minutest amount with every breath. Anton smiled and sat next to Verona, who rested her head on his lap. She quickly started to drift off to sleep.

Leaving Anton alone to ponder the plight of the villagers.

What would I do if I was here? Without any magic and broken like them...I have no idea.

--------------

Hello!

Maxill is saved from the attack, Zig has fled, and they have given chase.

Alfred wants his soldiers to be ready to fight, and not hide behind magic. Bloody them and get used to the roar of the battlefield. I'm guessing that this happened/happens in reality...

A whole bunch of peasant villagers might be joining, bolstering their army. The same sort that Ivano was worried about. They won't be the same as fully armed soldiers but they will add up. And, if used correctly, their ferocity and rage will be unmatched.

Religious issues, with the Church of the Holy Father, are only just starting to bubble. How will the truly devout react to seeing two walking heretical mages?

Also got them sleeping in a secure area. Don't want anything bad happening to them while they sleep.