Convoy

Location: Gloria's Temple / Courtyard

Time: Y1503 - 43rd day of the Harvest Moon

The carriages and carts are ready, waiting in the courtyard, awaiting only for my command. They have been loaded with the personal and the supplies needed to jump start the temple of Alba.

The Gifted One and the Head Healer simply HAVE to survive. Failure is not an option. I'm prepared to sacrifice everything else to ensure their survival.

I spent quite some time preparing, and we are as ready as we are ever going to be. No. At my behest I have a force that surpasses even the force I commanded during the War. Fifty regular soldiers. Ten knights. Two Mage Knights. Three magi. And twenty sisters capable of weaving magic to various degree.

My magi unit is especially potent. The Gifted One passed on a new Collimating Technique to my magi. They can weave spell on a scale incomparable from before.

And if the Gifted one herself were to intervene and weave barriers...

*raise hand* (Steffen)

The signal is given, the front guard go first. one after the others, the carriages follow, and soldiers and knights on horses stand by the side of the carts. In the middle, my most valuable unit. A specially modified chariot that carry the Gifted One and the Head Healer.

Finally, the rear guard closes the column.

I mount on my horse, and by my side I have mage knight Stella and two veteran Knights, Joren and Maree.

I don't expect any trouble inside the city. This will just be a glorious parade.

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

Location: Royal Road / North of Victoria

A young man on a horse closes to me. Feldris, my trusted scout.

"Nothing to report, Leader. Just travellers, merchant and farmers, so far." (Feldris)

"Stella. News? " (Steffen)

Stella hold her medallion on her hand, and weave a long distance communication magic. She swaps to another medallion, and weave again. I patiently wait for her magic to finish.

"Both Alba and Victoria report nothing out of the ordinary." (Stella)

It would be nice if this journey could go without anything happening. But my instinct tells me that our enemies will make a move on us. We are a two hours ride from Alba, but we move slowly, and will have to stop along the way. An ambush there is a possibility. Then there is the Pass of Alba. A small passage surrounded by tall cliffs. And on top of the cliff, a quarry and a canopy. Perfect for an ambush.

"Don't let your guard down. Our enemies might strike either at the crossroad or at the Pass. Or surprise us along the way. make sure to keep our men on the lookout. And Feldris, keep your Crow in the air. if someone approaches, I want to know." (Steffen)

"Yes, Leader!"" (Feldris, Stella)

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

Location: Royal Road / Crossroad

A group of soldiers prepared a small fire and was eating simple stew. Alba was two hours away by horse, but the column moved slowly, it would take all day to reach the temple of Alba. There was no need for a forced march, so near the crossroad, the carts left the road, and were parked in a circular formation. One special cart stood out in the middle of the formation.

"What a fancy carriage those two have. It seems they won't come out." (Soldier A)

"Serina is a real beauty. One day I will take her for myself!" (Soldier B)

"Keep dreaming! She is the Head Healer now!" (Soldier C)

**laugh** (Soldiers)

"Do you believe the stories about the Gifted one?" (Soldier A)

"You have moved in only recently to Victoria, have you?" (Soldier D)

"I have seen her draw an image of Gloria taller than the royal castle!" (Soldier B)

"Bullshit!" (Soldier A)

"It's true! I have seen that too!" (Soldier E)

"That's impossible!" (Soldier C)

"I have seen that as well! I was on my knees prying to her. I'll never forget it for as long as I live." (Soldier D)

"I'm friend with a guard that survived the assassins from The Silence. He saw one of the assassin cleaved in two. The Gifted One killed him while he was invisible." (Soldier F)

"II guess the stories are true then. Just who in the world is that girl?" (Soldier A)

"The Gifted One is the True Daughter of Gloria. A gift from Gloria herself. When I saw her magic, I knew that i was born to serve her." (Soldier D)

"Rest time is over! Line up! Back in formation!" (Joren)

Half an hour later, the column was slowly moving toward Alba again. At this pace they will arrive before the sunset.

Alba's Pass

Location: Royal Road / Alba's Pass

Time: Y1503 - 43rd day of the Harvest Moon

Garlic, my trusty Crow is flying back toward me. I had him scout the Pass.

I have been here many times before, and I just come recently to study the road and it's dangers. This is it. The best place for an ambush. Two vertical cliffs, almost thirty metres tall. The Royal Road here is only wide enough to let a carriage through. Rocks falling are a danger in by themselves, and there is no shortage of them on top of the cliff.

The pass stretch for almost one kilometre before it opens up.

I extend my arm, and Garlic touch down and grab on it. Without my leather protection, he would tear my skin.

*caw!* *caw!*

I instinctively understand Garlic, and he understands me. I always had a way with animals.

It seems garlic didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

I turn to Bone, my hound. He is a large dog, I found him as a wild dog, wandering the Silent Forest. He helped us greatly, and has become a trusty companion of mine. I lick my finger, and guess the direction of the wind. Good, we are down stream. if there were strangers there, Bone would have noticed.

Time to go back, and inform Steffen. There will be no ambush it seems.

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

Our column is stretched thin. In the tightest spot there isn't enough space to walk by the side of the carts. The tall walls surrounding us are making me claustrophobic

*whisper* "How long until we get out of here?" (Soldier A)

*whisper* "I think we are halfway through." (Soldier B)

I'm not sure why we are whispering. It's silly, but I guess I'm afraid to warn others of our presence. If there really are people waiting in ambush, they couldn't have possibly missed us.

"NOW!" (Enemy)

An order. But not from one of our leaders. I look up.

Boulders!

*crash* (Boulders)

*pling* *ripples* (Barrier)

...

The sight before me is unbelievable. I'm dumbfounded. In the blink of an eye, luminous lines emerged from the cliff-side and formed into a net. They are holding back the boulders that are still falling down like rain.

We are saved.

The Gifted One saved us! I thank Gloria with all my heart.

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

I'm not sure how they eluded our scouting parties and Feldris, but they did it.

Good thing we came prepared. This is the best place for an ambush, but also the most obvious. A roof like barrier is holding the boulders about five meters above our heads. They are accumulating, and will soon form a thick wall to protect us from above.

"Reana! Execute manoeuvrer ." (Steffen)

The magi unit was captivated by the barrier, but quickly snapped out of it.

The three of them are now dancing in a circle and are collimating a large amount of magic.

The enemy might have realized that we are survived the first strike, but it won't matter. By the time they come up with a new strategy, our counter attack will be ready.

...

No more than one minute has passed, and the magi are ready. A thick tangle, about half a metre wide of magic threads shrink until it disappears as the spell activate.

(Magi)

*far away screams* (Enemies)

*heavy breath* "It's done, Leader. The area above us is cleansed~ (Reana)

"Well done, Reana. Soldiers! Help the Magi inside a carriage!" (Steffen)

""Yes, leader!"" (Soldiers)

The Magi are exhausted. They overexerted themselves. I wonder how destructive that magic was. Hopefully it inflicted heavy losses.

"Stella! Inform Alba!" (Steffen)

First priority is to inform Alba. I can't expect a force greater than ours, but seeing movements might force the enemy leader to retreat. This is an escort mission. I'm not here to annihilate the enemy.

Now for my next move. If the enemy has any sense for battle, there will be a unit awaiting for us at the exit, and one that is coming at us from the rear.

The safest option would be to stay put, hopefully they have no way to flush us out. The Gifted One barriers are unbreachable. Not even my magi could put a dent in them. They tried.

... No. They could collapse the walls of the cliff around us. Bury us alive.

So I either retreat or go forward. But retreating doesn't solve the problem. We would be cut off from Alba, and we are too far from Victoria.

"Everyone! March forward! We are pushing through!" (Steffen)

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

"Feldris! Report!" (Steffen)

"The barrier extends quite a bit even after the landslide of boulders. I couldn't send Garlic out because of the barrier, but I could see that the top is charred black. I doubt we'll encounter much resistance." (Feldris)

The enemy slipped past him before, but this is not the time to bring his failure up. For now I'll trust his report.

*glare* **groan** (Soldiers)

Our sight adapted to the darkness blow the boulders. The light is painful.

We move forward carefully.

The boulders that make up for the makeshift ceiling end, but the barrier continues for a while. No attack can threat us from above. There is no sign of enemies.

Another ten minutes after we reach the mouth of the pass.

As expected, they are laying in wait for us. The walls of the cliff parts, leaving a large open space. A grassy field is sloping upward. Up there, about one hundred meters from us, there are fifty soldiers. Undoubtedly there are more, hidden behind the top of the hill. I suspect there are more than two hundred in total.

The pass forced our convoy to spread in a thin line, we are outnumbered, and are facing cavalry and archers. On top of that, he enemy has the high ground. We are at a significant disadvantage here.

Had this been the war, we would have been doomed. But the Gifted One is giving me a monumental advantage over my enemies. The fact that the enemy commander is using conventional tactics, means that he doesn't know the true strength of Liara's techniques. How could he? Liara's potential is beyond imagination.

I can't see us losing this battle. The enemy commander has lost. He just doesn't know this yet.

Speaking of the devil. A knight on an armored horse move out of the formation. He has a large physique, he is even more imposing then mine. He is at least two meters tall, and if his body matches the armor, he probably weigh around one hundred kilograms. His armor is enriched in fine golden details. Probably enchanted. He must own considerable wealth to afford those gears.

"Hand over to us and we will let you live!" (Enemy Leader)

"There is no beast amongst us. Maybe it hides amongst your own, and you can't find it because there are too many monsters around you!" (Steffen)

*take off helmet* "Steffen. Do the right thing." (Leonora)

... A dark skin woman with long black hairs. She wears an eyepatch. She lost that eye the same day Lord Teoren lost his leg. Leonora. She was a comrade and a friend. She fought alongside me during The War.

"Leader Leonora. I see time has been kind to you. That's an expensive looking armor." (Steffen)

"Steffen! I swear upon my life that I will let you and your unit live! Just hand the beast over, and we'll be on our way! I do not wish to harm you!" (Leonora)

"We shared life and death on the battlefield, once. But it looks like we are on opposite sides this time. I'll give you a warning in the name of our bond. Leave now, And I will spare you. But your men die here. I can't compromise on that." (Steffen)

"Did they brainwash you?!? Look around!!! You can't win this!!!" (Leonora)

"No, Leonora. This is not the War. Times have changed. I know you can't accept this, but a new era is upon us. The moment you attack, you life will be forfeit." (Steffen)

My old comrade pauses. She must understand that my words are no mere boast, but I can see in her eyes that she cannot just walk away. The two of us are bound by our past decisions. It pains me, but if I have to choose between my faith and my bond with her, I choose Gloria.

"So be it, Steffen. The Beast cannot be allowed to live. I really hoped I could reason with you." *put helmet back* (Leonora)

*whisper* "Me too, Leonora. Me too." (Steffen)

The collimating technique of the Gifted One allows to collimate aether while moving, and allows to retain magic threads for longer. My Magi have been ready to weave magic at full power from the start.

Buying time was to the enemy's advantage as there was the chance that the magi would lose focus and let the magic threads disperse. But with Liara's technique that is not an issue.

"Archers!" (Leonora)

*swish* (Arrows)

Many arrows are flying toward us. My men are restless. I'm not. This only ends one way.

(Stella)

The arrows unceremoniously fall to the ground. They might as well have been throwing them with their arms. Now that Gloria's Domain is active, arrows cannot reach us.

"Archers! Again!" (Leonora)

Another salvo. The arrows come at us in an arc, then slow down to a crawl and fall to the ground It's like a thief robbed them of their speed.

Leonora is going to order a cavalry charge in a moment. I look at Stella, she is overexerting herself, but unlike last time, she is not in anguish. She might be able to sustain for several minutes.

But I don't need minutes. You have run out of time, Leonora. In another life, the two of us might have been together. Farewell.

"Light them up." (Steffen)

(Mage Knight Sera)

**scream** (Enemies)

A towering wall of flames engulfs the top of the hill. It only lasts a second or so. Charred soldiers fall to their knees and die. Horses run for a moment before tripping and dying, succumbing to the flames engulfing them. An area one hundred meters wide is charred black, the grass reduced to cinders.

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

*cough* (Leonora)

Leonora is still alive. Her enchanted armor is not just for show. She survived the . Just barely.

*take off Leonora's helmet* (Steffen)

Her face is charred, her good eye is now blind as well. She is coughing. Flames must have burned the inside of her mouth. I have seen this before. it's a painful way to go.

"I'll take you as prisoner. My healer can probably keep you alive." (Steffen)

*rough voice* "No." *cough* "Let me. Die. Quickly." *cough* (Leonora)

As a Knight of Gloria, I should heal her. Take her prisoner. Give her to the Inquisition. But I owe her. If her last demand is to die quickly... I don't want her to needlessly suffer the torture.

"With this, my debt to you is paid, Leonora. May Gloria welcome you in her warm embrace." *unsheathe sword* (Steffen)

She smiles as I swing down my sword. A moment after, her head rolls away amongst the charred remains of a hundred soldiers.

Clean Up

Location: Royal Road / Alba's Pass

Time: Y1503 - 43rd day of the Harvest Moon

No survivors. There might have been reserves hiding in the canopy near the hill, but they must have run away. I would like to collect the corpses, but my priority is to reach Alba before the sunset.

"Take the corpse of the enemy leader! Leave the rest! We are moving out!" (Steffen)

""Yes, Leader!!!" (Soldiers)

My men are high spirited. This victory has lifted their morale. When we departed there was an air of doom and apathy. Even foot soldier could see that the Church was in a tight spot.

This overwhelming victory was much needed.

"Stella! Inform Alba and Victoria. Have the reinforcement go back! The enemies might attack the temple while the soldiers are out. We cannot allow that to happen!" (Steffen)

(Stella)

Stella looks tired, but considering she just weaved she is surprisingly energetic. I don't think the enemy will attack Alba, as their target was Obviously the Gifted One, but there is no point in taking the risk. We defeated their main force without sustaining losses. We don't need the reinforcements anyway.

*caw* *caw* (Garlic)

"Leader! An enemy unit is closing in from behind! They are below the landslide!" (Feldris)

The barrier is still up? Remarkable. I wonder if...

*hit horse* *run* (Steffen)

I go toward the reinforced carriage.

*knock* "Gifted One! Can you unravel the barrier in the pass? We might bury an enemy unit if you do it quickly!" (Steffen)

(Liara)

"Done." (Liara)

This is a chance. There might be survivors, there. I already let a prisoner die, if I can bring a live one...

"Feldris! Stella! Take five men and go to the pass! Your mission is to find a survivor! If you can't find one quickly, or if you sense danger, return! Go by horse! Make sure you return alive!" (Steffen)

"Yes, Leader!" (Stella, Feldris)

I see Feldris unit off, while the column reforms.

Uhm... It's weird that the enemy did not weave any spell. We would have won anyway, but it looks like the enemy had no Magi in their ranks. Either they escaped or...

There is only one organization that would give up on enrolling Magi. Why did Leonora join in with the likes of the Cult of Fertility? The moniker probably refers to the Gifted One. What lies was she fed? Was she behind the attacks on the Church?

The answer to those questions might as well have died with her. I can only hope she died with no regrets.

Alba

Location: Temple of Alba

Time: Y1503 - 43rd day of the Harvest Moon

Here in the mountains it gets dark sooner. We are well past sundown. Yet, we are here. The temple of Alba.

The temple is built on top of a cliff. A formidable vanguard point, and there is only one way in. It pales in comparison to the temple in Victoria, but here, we are alone. No city nor citizen. No royal guard-post. Nobody can slip in undetected.

"Leader Steffen. We are glad to see you are alright." (Priestess Mera)

The Priestess of the temple is awaiting for us in front of the main gate. A tall, Fair Skin woman about thirty-five years in age. She is thin, and has long flowing blonde hairs and green eyes. Truly beautiful.

"Glad to be here, Priestess Mera." (Steffen)

The priestess and I move aside, near the border of the cliff, while the caravan enters the gate.

"Do you have news from my pursuit unit?" (Steffen)

"Yes. Mage Knight Stella reported using communication magic. They found a survivor amongst the enemies buried below the pass. They'll be here in a few hours if everything goes well." (Mera)

*exhale* (Steffen)

Good. I had faith in them, but it's reassuring to have favourable news from them.

"You must be tired. My aide will show you to your room." (Mera)

"No. I must see this through. Call for a scribe. And for an Inquisitor, if you have one." (Steffen)

There is much to be done. Rest is for the dead.

Pursuit Unit

Location: Temple of Alba

Time: Y1503 - 43rd day of the Harvest Moon

"Open the Gate!" (Guard)

So this will be my new home from now on. It's like a solitary fortress, towering from the top of the cliff. The only way in is a steep narrow path. It dominates the valley. It's dark, magical lights litters the top of the walls like jewels. The sky is clear, and many stars can be seen. It's a beautiful sight.

"I think I'll like it here. I always hated crowded places." (Feldris)

Feldris was raised in the woods, of course he would feel this way. Being here sounds lonely to me.

The gate opens. It's a two meters wide wooden door. It's thick and look very tough. There is a second wall and gate beyond it. It was almost abandoned, but it was recently restaffed, and it's going to become the main training facility for the Church.

"Mage Knight Stella, Scout Feldris. I see you have accomplished your mission. Well done." (Steffen)

"The prisoner is in bad shape." (Stella)

We found this soldier near the landslide. His leg was crushed by a boulder. We cut the stub, and medicated him, but he lost lots of blood. His suffering has just begun.

"Very well. I'll take it from here, the seven of you go to the dormitory. You earned some rest. I'll take your detailed report tomorrow." (Steffen)

We get down from our horses. Some soldiers take them to the barn, others take the prisoner away, and a soldier guide us to the dormitory in the barracks.

The enemies were annihilated, and no one died amongst our ranks. Today was a good day.