Early in the morning army has departed to the west - in Urke kingdom. Thousands of warriors were stepping down the road. Blizzards have stopped. Everything was peaceful under silver snow cover. It was like nature was anticipating incoming slaughter, same as warriors. Forces of king Kashavinraj were marching in front since the army was passing through their land. Ulans were first to follow them, Lord Aenead was aware of the connection made between Subito and king Kashavinraj. He planned to use it in incoming battle. Also Urke and Ulans were the only ones in the whole army that had nowhere to retreat, Urke because it was their land that was under attack. Ulans because they were too far away from homeland, they were strangers in this land. At the road army was encountering small groups of refugees, but further west they were going, number of refugees had grown. They were talking about the atrocities of Lorantides and growing fear in Urke kingdom. When Lorantides had taken first villages, nobody was spared. Now children and weak were retreating southwards. Late in the afternoon they made camp on the banks of the river Gvara. Scouts that were sent by king Kashavinraj came back with reports that there is a group of around three thousand Lorantides fortified on top of the strategically important hill north of them. Fortification was made out of carts pulled by rain deer positioned in a circle and connected with chains. Most of Lorantides were on human hosts and rest was on rain deer. Human Lorantides were under the hill, digging trenches and positioning sharpened poles as obstacles against cavalry attack. Across the river was at least ten thousand more Lorantides, scattered they were attacking on nearby Talasu villages. It seems they had orders to destroy and kill in order to create fear and confusion amongst the population. Kashavinraj immediately summoned commanders of Urke and Ulan army for consultations. Other armies were still on the road. Blond haired man, tall and thin suggested “We should make fortification and wait for others to come, before we attempt to storm the hill. The moment they see us they will retreat in their fort made of carts and pretty soon we will have them in front of us and others that would attack us from behind crossing the river.” It was one of tribe chieftains. “But master Lashal they could bring even more warriors. We don’t know how many of them are across the river, there could be a fifty or hundred thousand of them hour of walk away. Or even a whole army. We should build fortifications on river crossings. That way we would cut off these three thousands.” “Surely master Bubikol” Lashal was talking to somewhat shorter and sturdier dark haired chief that addressed him a moment ago “you must see that if we do as you suggest our forces will be stretched and weakened. There are three crossings on the river that are nearby. And we will have those three thousands behind our backs. We should wait for all seven kings come before we take those crossings.” Several commanders approved. Bubikol continued not paying attention to them “By the time our allies arrive, they will transfer whole army over the river and they are already keeping higher grounds” several other commanders were agreeing with him. “We are weaker in numbers, our only chance is surprise” Subito stood up. He was greeted with laughter, he patiently stood in silence till they were quiet again. “I am not suggesting we all should attack. As a captain I command three hundred people, so is Lillium. We will take our dog ridders and attack immediately. Meanwhile the rest of you will make ice blocks for fortification. If we succeed you will block crossings on the river, if we fail you will make walls here.” Bubikol shouted “I agree! This is foolish move same as it is brave one, you are our only hope! I hope you will be alive to receive my thanks.” Lashal had to agree to. Kashavinraj supported him to, it was decided. Lord Aenead had some objections against such a foolish move, but had to agree with the majority. And the majority was happy to send strangers in battle, avoiding taking responsibility and risk for themselves. Miratur pulled Subito aside, she had to stay since she was archer not a dog rider “Let my love guards you.” He hugged her, feeling her shaking “I love you.” Kissing her he had to make an effort to free himself from her grip. He walked away not turning back, because he knew if he turns back he wouldn’t be able to go away. Schnew tapped him on the shoulders appreciating his bravery. Subito jumped on the dog and lead away his riders. He won in battle against himself. Easier battles were in front of him. One rider was catching up with his pace, it was king Kashavinraj “Lead away commander, this king is your soldier today.” Subito nodded in sign of appreciation. King had to take part in this brave act. Outcome of whole battle could be decided in this skirmish and he didn’t want to leave these warriors to fight it alone.

They were moving north for about a mile, and they could hear noises Lorantides in front of them were making. Subito positioned his host in the woods that were stretching east of the fortified hill. They were moving in dead silence, till they arrived at the edge of the woods, still unnoticed by Lorantides. Subito saw them digging at the foot of the hill, they were thousand feet or so away. He felt his stomach was nervously clutching, he ordered, “We will charge.” Lorantides were totally unprepared for battle cry, which suddenly tore the silence. Terrifyingly howling Subito was a dozen feet in front of others. As close as he was getting to pale Lorantides that were pointing their axes toward him, more of some strange joy was flooding him. He swung his scythe cutting Lorantid in half. Next one fell on the ground with broken head under the impact of back side of scythe blade.

charge

Another howl echoed on the battle field. At first even Ulan warriors were flinching, but soon they got used to his howls, happy that this warrior is on their side. With some of his battle fury spreading on his comrades, soon many of them were howling too. Skillfully wielding his scythe Subito mowed Lorantides down like sheaves. Soon he was entirely covered in blood. He suppressed dozen of Lorantides in front of him. They were backing up in front of terrifying enemy. There was expression among Lorantides for such warriors and it was “those who fed the death.” He saw Lillium riding Sukenar, all around her were entangled Lorantides. She had a sword in one hand and torch in another one. Using a torch to heat sword she pressed it on skulls of those entangled thus removing Lorantides. Sukenar reared on the battle field. Some of Lorantides were trying to resist, but most of them had run away. Seeing that they were left alone and were dying out quickly, even those that were resisting joined their friends in running toward the security of the fort on the hill top. Subito ordered his units to move sideways and block passage toward the top of the hill, surrounding Lorantides as shepherd dogs do with a flock of sheep. Lorantides had to turn around and run towards the river crossing. Then he ordered Lillium to go dispose fortified rain deer Lorantides on the top of the hill, while he kept on chasing the rest across the river. Instantly king Kashavinraj was sent to camp as a messenger to inform the others, they should also move toward the river crossings. They didn’t get there in time to block river crossings and trap Lorantides, but they got a chance to attack on the back lines of a retreating enemy. Lord Aenead was riding in the front lines. He came to Subito who was just cutting off the legs of the running enemy. Lord Aenead almost got his hand cut of trying to stop him. Finally when Subito stopped, he hanged large round golden medal on a thick golden necklace around his neck. There was knight’s crown engraved on it, Subito was just knighted and didn’t know what to say. Seeing his confusion, Lord Aenead said “Keep on good fight knight Subito” and joined him in killing Lorantides. Later Subito engraved Miratur portrait on the back of the medallion, same as his father had engraved his mother’s portrait. That was one of many proves of his love for her. Winning shout passed over the field. It was ordered not to chase Lorantides over the river. Instead they transported carts from the top of the hill and blocked river passages. The triumph was even more magnificent, when Schnew managed to capture Lorantid general. He clad himself up in clothes of dead Lorantides and mixed with running crowd. Few times he was almost killed by Ulans who were pursuing them. When he got to the general, he simply jumped on his backs and pulled him in a ditch, body guards just kept on running not paying any attention on cries coming from their captured general. During interrogation of high officer Ulans retrieved more information about Lorantides. Generals work at council that has a role in ruling of the country and are also military leaders. Each general has five thousand soldiers under his command. Head of the state is High general. He is one of three hundred generals that make state council. Officially High general is elected. Unofficially he comes to position depending on numerous political interests and his activity in btari club, which includes lots of intrigue. Btari club is an exclusive club which recruits best Lorantides and those most devoted to ideas of club. Amongst members of btari club generals are elected. This form of rule was unfamiliar and really strange to Ulans. It was something like rule in Hul Term, where anybody could become state official regardless his family backgrounds. It was like achievements of one man during his lifetime are more important than all deeds of generations in centuries before him. In such government system best way to progress was to just step over everyone, since you are not building something that would last after your lifetime and don’t have to worry about your family name which you would leave to your sons and daughters. Ulans seriously doubted if these creatures are really intelligent or just more capable form of animals.

During the night our company gathered again next to the fire. Miratur told about attacks Lorantides made on blockades on river crossings she was guarding with other archers. Judging by Schnew's stories he killed somewhere between hundred and two hundred bodyguards in order to capture general. Finally Subito stood up and hung the knight medal around his neck, everybody was laughing, even Schnew, well aware that he had put too much salt in his story. Lillium was looking at him with a gaze full of love. He crossed his fingers over her cheek and called Alma to accompany him to gamble. Lillium frowned “You two don’t get yourself killed. People of this land are proud and really sensitive if someone tries to cheat them out of their hardly earned money.” “Don’t worry my hand is quicker than their eyes are. I am magician same as you my love” Lillium shaken her head, muffled smile was dancing on her lips. He was so charmingly annoying in his total lack of power to consider consequences before any action. Just walk in and see what will happen was his motto, tactic was his weaker side, but improvisation was developed to the highest level. Miratur was cackling in Subito’s lap. Lillium made snowballs and threw it at them “shut up you two!” Both of them stood up and each kissed one of her cheeks, “you know we love you. Don’t be jealous Schnew will be back to kiss you really soon.” She lowered head in her lap covering it with hands, not wanting to feel jealous, but she still was. Miratur added “yes he will be back before dawn for sure.” “Get lost you two before I turn you into frogs.” They were laughing and going away from the camp in order to spend some time watching the stars and dreaming about the future.

Till the end of the night last of human hosts had arrived. Top of the hill was surrounded by the round wall of ice blocks which were shining in the morning sun. On the foot of the hill they ended up digging the tranches Lorantides had started. Lillium and tribesmen shamans formed a sacred circle on the hill top preventing any magic use in circle of ten miles around the hill. They have done that after receiving reports Lorantides are using some form of evil incantation which makes things and creatures combust. According to reports at first smoke starts to come out of the object or creature and then it just burst into flames, leaving nothing but a pile of ashes. First wave of Lorantid invasion was successfully halted, but new ones were coming. You could almost hear them menacingly humming behind the horizon.

Behind the blockades on river crossings, another wall of ice blocks was made in order to stop Lorantides from surrounding defenders on other two blockades if one of them falls. Behind that wall was Subito, commanding over six hundred Ulan riders, if needed, they will stop advancing Lorantides till the archers safely retreat behind the wall. Other soldiers called them unit for quick interventions, half as a joke, and half in admiration. Seven Kings of Land of Moving Hills came to visit famous hero who defeated three thousands Lorantides, under whose command one king fought as a common soldier and who was knighted on a battlefield which was greatest recognition someone could receive. There was of course Kashavinraj king of Urke, next to him was Kasuy king of Beni wearing chest armor over his clothes, armor was made of wooden strips decorated with golden wire that was connecting them and making figures of flowers and running rain deer. He has been just a couple of years younger than king Kashavinraj. King of Ang Talkvir was a short sturdy man with a red nose, which was indicating his love for alcohol. Holding him under hand was king of Basteri, those two kingdoms were all that is left of old Aenead’s kingdom in southern Land of Moving Hills, and they were the closest relatives to Ulans. Askadar of Basteri was pretty much typical Ulan with his pale skin, dark hair and strong and tall body. But he was head lower than a Pandaroik king of Toleni who was a over seven feet high. There was also Akal king of Talasu in clothes made of vulpine fur, with a red scarf around his neck, those were signs of knight order of Bloody scarf, which helped the creation of modern Talasu. He had quite many gray hairs and a freckled face. Masata king Ulhiyahar was the youngest, merely fourteen years old. He was king since last year when his father died during bear hunt. His big blue eyes were fearless, and he was eager to get in a fight as soon as possible. His face was painted black since warriors from Masata kingdom were always painting their faces in black when in war. The tradition had its roots in the times before the fog, and nobody knew how to explain it. The most reliable legend was that part of Masata tribe’s ancestors were from a nation who often applied the tactic of night attacks, thus they were painting their faces black to hide better in the dark. Kings were wearing a specific type of crown. It was made out of the top half of elk’s head with horns, they would put elks skull on the head. Skin was still on it, neck skin was cut open covering their ears and hanging down their backs. Instead of eyes there were rubies and horns were covered in gold. Kashavinraj was once again talking in the name of them all “I would like to greet dear guests, but you are not guests anymore you had become one of us. You are residents of Land of Moving Hills, because everybody who shed blood, for the land has a right to call it his own. Take these arm bands carried by the bravest amongst us.” He attached bands made of wolf fur embroidered with running deer on hands of Lillium, Schnew and Subito. Young king Ulhiyahar squeezed Subito’s hand “I heard about your extraordinary group and your brave deeds. I can say I had the luck to see true descendants of real, old heroes about whom I have listened in stories and songs.” Subito was touched by the honest admiring in young man’s voice. Lillium was quick to ask them about coat of arms each kingdom had, since it was part of her research. Kashavinraj nodded “I will try to explain it in the shortest possible way. After king Ulan took Surs and Hozs on Ulan isle, as it was later named after him, part of the tribes remained in old lands happy to live on hunting of smaller prey. In northern parts of Land of Moving Hills under influence of Aenead state, another state was created under kings from Militah dynasty and was named Talasu. Since tribes in the old territories of Hozs and Surs were innumerous, king Usor III easily took east part of their land, roughly what is today known as kingdom of Talasu."

"I know about Talasu, my husband was of family Fronter. He was executed as a traitor," Lillium said.

King Akal turned red. "I will do everything to clear his name. Those were times of disturbances and many good men have lost their lifes. My father was never known for his patience."

After a moment of silence Kashanviraj decided to proceed, "Shortly after, assembly of leftover clans of Hozs and Surs was held, it was decided for the whole nation to move in the western part of former kingdom and make new kingdom around city Bolki. Lands in the central part of Aenead’s kingdom they have sold to a rich fur trader from Talasu named Beni. He formed a new kingdom, naming it after him and settling colonizers from Talasu. So we are finally getting to the first coat of arms which belongs to Beni, it represents a number of black cats on a golden shield. Cat is the spirit protector of trade and contracts. But colonization was not over and a great number of Talasu crossed in Bolki and mixed with the population there. Time was passing and the Voice from the Crowd came from Ulan isle to invite new settlers. The old king of Bolki divided nation in three parts. His oldest son led part of the nation on Ulan isle and remaining groups divided lands and people. Games of chess were played to decide which son will get what lands. They made two new kingdoms named after them Ang and Basteri. Ang was losing more games and got significantly less land. He contributed it to his bad luck. You see he was born with a birth mark on his eyelid, according to legend, it meant he was touched by a demon called “dream stealer”, humanlike with goat tail, legs and horns. This demon is stealing dreams, luck and sometimes even killing people. He was also known to leave marks on his victims, sometimes wrinkles caused by pillow, or tiny scratches that would disappear after a few days. Other times permanent scars, warts or moles. To protect him, Ang’s mother “washed” him in smoke above the hearth. She catched a smoke with her hands and rubbed his face and other parts of his body. That is the reason he depicted hart carrying the crown on his backs on his shield in order to protect him and his luck, since hart is the fire spirit protector of the home. As you can see the fire is burning under the harts legs. His brother Basteri took chess for his arms. Last king of the old Talasu kingdom died without a male heir. There were multiple pretenders, who soon started the war. At some point there were as many as nine new states, but at the end number decreased to four. Masata kingdom was ruled by Ang prince married to the younger daughter of last Militah king. He took “dream stealer” demon for his arms. The demon is surrounded by four white eagles. White eagles represent spirits who punish those who offend the gods, by leaving them on a rock so steep, that it is impossible to get off. This coat of arms symbolizes victory over the demon. In his way to the crown he had military support of Ang and Basteri kingdoms. King’s older daughter formed modern Talasu supported by knights of red scarf. This order of knights was formed by king Usor III. He selected the best warriors to enter this order and man forts in newly conquered west parts of Aenead’s kingdom, nowadays known as Talasu. Knights are easily recognized by red scarfs and suits of vulpine fur they wear. Later older princess married Beni prince in order to get support from this state. Their arms show fox, spirit of family and blood ties. Red is a symbol of blood, both purity of their blood, and readiness to shed blood for glory and honor, blood of the enemies same as their own. Baron Tomisert formed kingdom of Toleni, his father was captain of king’s guards. King married him to his former mistress and granted him the title of baron of Toleni. There were numerous rumors claiming Tomisert was actually king’s illegitimate son. What is certain is that he significantly expanded his holdings wisely choosing his alliances and when to break them for the best deal. At the end of the war he became the king. He took the arms of his father, the first baron, which were modeled on the arms of king’s night guards containing single bat on a silver shield. Baron of Toleni placed three bats upon his shield. And finally arms of my kingdom snow flake between two crowns on the pale blue shield. Kingdom of Urke was formed by the shaman Beral leader of wolf cult. He was the younger brother of the late king, who was sent in a monastery after the rebellion. Wolf god is a spirit protector of warriors, both dead and alive, thus two crowns. One of his symbols is snow flake. In the old days only proper burial for the warrior was considered for his body to be eaten by wolves and ravens. That is all about arms I could say at the moment, my memory is under the fog of the years. Sorry if I missed something.”

Lillium

Lillium was satisfied: “I will tell you about Ulan arms.” She was so happy with interested look king Ulhiyahar gave her that it was not too difficult for her to overlook king Talkvir’s behavior, who was paying more attention to bottle of suind he was about to finish than on her tale. “Sur arms are blue wolf on silver shield bordered red. Blue wolf was also on the arms of Tilbad, land from before the fog. Following her wish, this sign was carved on the tombstone of Aenea of Tielbad, mother of king Aenead. Hozs shield is golden and contains phoenix that is born again from the flames. Those were arms of Aenead signifying his struggle to create a new state for refuges, giving new life to humankind after the disaster. Bolki arms are black bull head on the red shield. Town Bolki, after which nation and kingdom were named, got his name from an old word for bull. Town was erected around the tomb of the hero from the time before the fog. Unarmed he managed to subdue and kill the giant black bull, which was terrorizing the area. For two days he was wrestling gigantic animal holding bull’s horns in his hands. When exhausted bull fell on the ground, hero finished him up with a fist punch in his forehead. Few moments later hero also died out of exhaustion. Arms of Ulan were made by king Ulan himself - he took round red shield with two Ulan swords behind it. He was well known fighter with two swords, and red was the color of blood. You see he was the one who reunited blood of Aenead – Hozs and Surs. Inside the shield he put white wolf’s head and coronet of oak leaves. He changed color of wolf in white – color signifying new beginning and oak coronet was “crown” his people made for him, proclaiming him for the king of new island. Utrikat arms contain a green shield with the white strap across it. In the upper left corner is the blue dragon, which is one of the forms of goddess Tyrana when she descends on earth. Dragon is in front of the white circle - legendary fortress of Tyrana, where all Utrikats are going when they die. Our religious leader Voice from the Crowd used a black shield with golden comet on it. While broken mirror on gray shield represents Singularity.” Ulhiyahar eyes were shining. His whole face was revealing state of shallow trance, he was in: “Can you speak more about arms, it is so interesting!” “I can tell you about arms of Hull Term?” “Please!” “Hull Termian coat of arms is a blue shield with two red oak branches representing the woods they dwell in. Wind Wizards have a green shield since green is the color of their goddess Morau and all over it are her animal representations - lady bugs. I noticed our enemies also have coats of arms. Lorantides have a red shield bordered black with four, six pointed stars inside of it. I suppose the stars represent their body shape. There are also arms of Lumos nation they enslaved: red shield, which contains a yellow shield with an owl on it. Owl is a symbol of wisdom. That’s about all I could say about heraldry.” “Thank you for the interesting story. I will certainly demand from my teachers to learn me more about the art of heraldry.”

During a day and next night attacks on crossing blockades were getting more frequent. A couple of times new arrows and barbed ball supplies had to be delivered to archers that were there. At dawn whole left bank of the river was covered with arriving Lorantid army. They haven’t waited for too long. As soon as the sun had fully appeared they started to blow big ten feet long horns. They desired to be seen, to frighten Land of Moving Hills with their numbers. In the meantime Lillium and shamans made fetun stone and positioned it on the top of the hill, illuminating the near area, and ruling out a surprise night attack. Twenty or so giant animals same as the one which attacked our party in Basteri kingdom were sent across the river. Archers were able to kill several of them, but rest breached blockade made out of carts connected with chains. Following previous agreement archers burned carts, quickly retreating. Seeing fire archers on other two crossings burned their blockades too, and were also retreating. Subito saw the fire too and launched a cavalry attack. Catching Lorantides in the bottle neck, he killed so many of them that the river was blocked with their bodies and was pouring over her banks.

But soon Subito’s riders were pushed away with the simple pressure of a multitude of attackers. They turned around and run, hiding behind the second wall, archers were already there. Not a quarter of an hour later the right river bank was covered with Lorantides and they were blowing those big horns again. Seeing their numbers Subito ordered his soldiers to tear down the wall, so the enemy couldn’t use it and to retreat. He said “One last goodbye for our friends.” Dog riders took archers on dogs behind them and charged toward Lorantid army. They could see the enemy is laughing at them “Shut their laughing holes!” Riders came to a stop, archers jumped on the ground firing arrows toward enemy. Immediately after that riders picked them up and were running away, evading arrows fired from the other side. When they were at the foot of the hill all human armies were already lined up. Archers were sent in the second line where all slingers also were, and riders assumed positions on the right wing with the rest of Ulans.

Armies were maneuvering for a long time. Somewhere in the middle unit of knights of Bloody Scarf had noticed a group of Lorantid archers that had carelessly entered one big ditch and was now having trouble moving through the deep snow. They launched immediate attack, killing them all, but before they were able to retreat strong unit of Lorantides engaged them in battle. Enforcements were sent to both sides several times, new and new units entered ditch till commanders had no choice, but to engage in a full scale battle. King Kashavinraj ordered others to hold advancement of Lorantides, while he with his army from the left side and king Kasuy of Beni from the right side take the edges of fifteen feet deep ditch. Humans used the bodies of dead Lorantid hosts to make wall reinforcing it with felled trees and snow. Whenever Lorantides would fire their arrows they would cover the sun and darkness would rule in narrow ditch. In one of those moments of darkness, messengers from both king Kashavinraj and king Kasuy informed those in ditch that they have attained control over ditch sides. Humans quickly retreated out of the ditch and Lorantides poured in just to be greeted by falling stones, trees and big snowballs that were hurled down the ditch sides by Kashavinraj’s and Kasuy’s forces. Lorantides were dying at the pace of hundreds per moment. Those who haven’t died in ditch were running away under the hits of human forces that were now attacking them from both sides of the ditch. Delighted by the prospect of swift victory, humans were chasing and killing Lorantides all the way to the river. But there Lorantid generals have made fortification by connecting carts together with chains, and were organizing panicking Lorantides, killing some of them for example to others. In first lines that were greeted by reorganizing Lorantides hiding behind carts, died king Kasuy pierced with five arrows. King Kashavinraj organized quick attack to retrieve his ally’s bodies and ordered a retreat to the hill. By the quick counting they determined they had around three thousand of dead and wounded and Lorantides had lost about thirty thousand soldiers, some dead, some wounded and some captured. It was really good start of the battle, but the battle was not finished yet.

At the dusk when fetun stone was already erected on the pole in the ice fortress on top of the hill, horns from the Lorantid army were blown again. Two armies lined in the foot of the hill. Lorantides brought in the animals, those big beasts that had attacked on our heroes in Basteri, pack squirrels, deer, rain deer, elks, wolfs, bears, snow tigers, and other beasts. Pack squirrels were coming first to distract fighters till other beasts reach them, but this time humans were ready. Miratur distributed arrows made of electrit that was charged when they were carried by storm. When those arrows have been fired beasts were caught in chain lightning. Field was filled with the smell of roasted meat and burned fur. Subito saw Schnew rubbing his stomach and licking his lips, making all warriors around him to burst into laughter. Then the archers connected their arrows using rope and fired them that way, incoming big beasts fell over rope and were impaled on spears and scythes of charging warriors. Rests of pack squirrels were captured in nets that were modeled on Hul Termian nets. Instantly they were burned in big fires that were growing all along human front lines. Ulans quickly surrounded remaining big beasts and cut of their tendons like they were used to do in their hunts on matasarts. While Sabator was carrying a net full of pack squirrels to throw it in the fire, animals bit through the net and attacked old man. Covered in squirrels waving his hands trying to free himself, he climbed dead body of big beast and instead to cry, he yelled the prayer from “Book of Voice”. All Ulans soldiers were listening to his prayer, and they were fighting even harder.

He finished and yelled again “Come on my sons make a slaughter house of this cursed place.” After that he fell down and died without a scream. His brave action boosted the morale of humans and they cut their way through the beasts like through the cheese, shortly after human Lorantides entered the fight again. Humans were forced to retreat to the top of the hill charging every foot up the hill with Lorantid lives. It was already morning when humans entered the ice fortress on the top of the hill. Three times Lorantides were attacking on the fortress and three times their attacks were discarded. Holes in the walls were filled with heaps of their host’s bodies. And all they were accomplishing with every attack was to add more bodies on ever growing heaps.

At the noon in the space between the armies went famous Lorantid hero and one of three hundred generals Tul Sangu riding rain deer Lorantid. He was clad in a dark red robe bordered with golden lines. On his head was an iron helmet with a feather made of gold, feather was attached to the device on the top of the helmet and was turning in the wind. In his hands was owl axe made of silver, and another, smaller one one-handed owl axe hanging from his belt. Around his neck hanging on iron chain were braids made of the beards of enemies he defeated in battle. He was riding in front of the fortress, and called for a duel. Subito jumped on Scar and rode out. Tul Sangu suggested first to throw javelins at each other and then to fight using one handed weapons. Subito accepted despite those wouldn’t be his weapons of choice. They measured fifty steps – distance from where they will throw javelins. Leaving two handed weapons aside, they were ready to start a duel. Throwing the btari they decided Tul Sangu will be the first to throw. Schnew brought two bone javelins to Subito and oak shield bordered with silver, weapons which used to hang on wall of Lillium’s clan house. Tul Sangu runs his rain deer, throwing the javelin, Scar practiced to bend on the sound of scythe whiz done the same for javelin bending his fore legs and letting weapon fly above him and his master. Now it was Subito’s turn, he hurled his javelin with as much strength as he could. Tul Sangu waited it positioned sideways and deflected it with his shield made of tortoise shells. But javelin bounced off the edge of the shield cutting ear of the Lorantid general. Blood was barely noticeable on his red robes. They were obviously colored that way for dueling purposes. Subito was cheered with his lucky shoot. Tul Sangu throw second time, his javelin hit the Subito’s shield with immense power piercing it through and stopping a few inches away from Subito’s hip. Subito threw away his shield that was rendered useless with javelin sticking out of it. Schnew will repair it later anyway. Second Subito’s javelin flew harmlessly past Tul Sangu, after he made a skillful maneuver to the left. He drew out his small owl axe attacking Subito, who greeted him with his Ulan sword. Tul Sangu shield was sparkling on impact with Subito’s sword. Subito unlocked his sword clasping Tul Sangu’s owl axe and pulling it out of his hands. Now he fell upon the enemy to smite him, while Tul Sangu was hiding behind the shield and backing up. Apparently he had a plan, since he backed up to Subito’s javelin that was stuck in the snow and pulled it out. Subito had to defend now using broad sword movement. He was waiting for the opening in Subito’s defense and trusted with all of his force, but Subito twisted in the saddle letting javelin pass harmlessly next to him. Tul Sangu staggered and dangerously tilted forward. That was enough for Subito. He slashed him in the middle of the forehead. Tul Sangu’s head split in half, one half falling on one and second half on the other shoulder. Subito took his weapon and clothes and walked away in fortress greeted with ovations. Urehiza grand master of knight order of Bloody Scarf knighted him on the battlefield for the second time making him the first man in history, at least in remembered history, who was knighted twice in the same battle. He was given pants and tunic made of vulpine furs and bloody red neck scarf, signs of his new knightly order. When he did on his new raiment, lord Aenead ordered Ulans to get out of the fortress and attack. Others were following them. Lorantides just pulled their dead general of the battlefield and were under heavy impression of fear. Their lines were breached and they started to back up. Young and inexperienced Talltan went too much ahead of others and was surrounded. Lord Aenead seeing him in trouble made his dog jump over those that surrounded Talltan and cut down a couple of them. But there was too many of enemies and both old lord and young warlord were swiftly cut down. Seeing what just happened Subito signalized Lillium and she sent in five clan houses filled with wood, wool, and oils. Brig masters burned houses just before they had hit in throngs of Lorantides, sacrificing themselves and their Brigs, but taking hundreds of Lorantides with them. That was the end of Lorantid courage. They turned their backs and run away. Ulans took the sword of the old Lord Aenead and gave it to Subito insisting to make him warlord, commander over all Ulan forces. Not having time for modesty, he took the sword and ordered them to pursue Lorantides and kill all they can. At the river banks Lorantides surrendered, seventy thousands of them. Sixty thousands were already dead which indicates only twenty thousand managed to escape across the river, all human fallen counted around six thousand over the course of the entire battle. This was a glorious victory for humans. Prisoners were freed from Lorantides attached to their skulls, big fire was made and all of the parasites were burned in it. Freed Lumos were invited to settle on the Ulan Isle by envoys of Ulan kings who delivered requested food for refuges. They used clan houses, food was brought in, and clan houses that were used to transport volunteers to transport Lumos to Ulan in little groups. Subito was appointed for lord of new Lumos tribe on Ulan, with a mission to build up an army for freeing all of Lumos lands from the Lorantid rule. But he had an unfinished job in Land of Moving Hills. Twenty thousand of Lorantides were escaping through Urke kingdom and he didn’t plan to let them. Same night he ordered Ulans to go after them.

Over a week passed and they were still on a mission to destruct last one of the Lorantides. Subito was sitting on his dog and looked above from a high hill at the movement of the great column of the Lorantid army. He was interested in smaller unit consisted of about hundred fighters that had separated from others in order to find some food in a small forest couple of miles away from the main army. Throngs of refugees swarming all of Land of Moving Hills threatened with big hunger. Although the food was transported from Ulan it was not enough and was too slow. Food rations were enforced in all kingdoms. Even retreating Lorantides attempted to exploit this situation, leaving pamphlets in burned villages calling tribesmen to surrender and offering all food they want. Subito was often laughing reading those desperate messages. In reality retreating Lorantides were also dying out of hunger. Subito already destroyed road out of Urke by removing warmth stones, so they had to push through the snow and seek for the way out. He has also sent messengers to villagers to stay in the mountains and forests away from villages and divided his army into smaller units with a mission to attack on separated units of the Lorantid army. Lorantid army would occasionally encounter some misfortunate groups of refugees.

They would immediately kill them and cook their corpses in order to eat them and save their army from starvation. He looked down again as unit of Lorantides entered the woods. Everything happened really quickly, Schnew and his hundred warriors jumped out from their hiding spots under the shields covered by snow. Half of Lorantides had their throat cut before they had even seen the attackers. When the main army came to check on hunters all they have found was blood on the snow, since the bodies were taken away and Ulan dogs had special brooms attached to their tails in order to cover their tracks. Same brooms tribesmen used for centuries. Then he continued to follow the main army, which was searching the surrounding area in vain.

A couple of hours later two Lorantides approached the main army. They asked the guards to take them to generals. When guards did as they were asked, two newcomers explained something to generals in a rush, who made the decision to immediately stop the army. Two arrivals were claiming they were part of a larger group sent to hunt few days ago. But their group was attacked by humans and they were the only survivors. What saved their lives was that they were able to successfully hide in bushes and later to follow humans to their camp. After that they found their way to Lorantid army, leaving parts of their equipment in the snow to mark the path to the camp. Wave of enthusiasm spread in the circle of generals, and they have richly rewarded two spies. Soon after that a whole army was following them, finding pieces of clothing in the snow or pieces of belt or wood from owl axe handle. When they have arrived at the spot where one dagger was left in the snow, two spies called for one of the generals, so he hastily approached them. One of them picked up a dagger and stabbed him in the stomach. General fell with blood flowing out of his mouths. Two spies were in no time down, next to him, hiding beneath two big shields hidden in snow. Rain of arrows was already falling on the Lorantid army. Surrounding hills came to life, emerging behind every tree was charging Ulan rider. Lorantides turned to run, but were cut down by another rain of arrows. They were surrounded from every side. Hoop tightened, most of them just threw the weapons away and circled running around like a fly captured in the bottle. Battle was not long, but it was bloody. Carrying bloody scythes Ulan warriors sat around fires. Next to central and largest fire was Subito with his company. He ordered guards to bring him two spies, when they came he gave them promised reward and freedom under condition that they would cross on animals and leave their human hosts. Lorantides were very fond of btaris and it was easy to buy two of them for his purpose, especially when he promised them to spare their lives, which was a rare case. It was the perfect bait for Lorantid generals who were eager to give at least some results to their commander and btari club. Then he ordered that those captured Lorantides, which have eaten people, finish the same way. Ulans removed them from the hosts and boiled in big cauldrons. He killed all except one whom he has sent to high general Kadabili with a message in which he thanked him for the food he is offering in his pamphlets but they are happy with the food he already sent. He also pointed he is sending him to taste some of this delightful food. Next to the message, messenger was carrying a plate full of boiled Lorantides.

***

They have told him journey will be over till the end of the day. And he was happy for that. Old Brig master Bulki and his Utrikats servants were good but simple people. He wouldn’t know what to speak with them. In the first half of an hour of the journey Brig master already explained him where this new land is and that he have not seen much of it. He just delivered merchandize. When he made sure he has done his job, he was happy to go home at once. He doesn’t like those strangers. They were weird sort of folks. Melessar wasn’t quite sure was he counted amongst those weird strangers from old man’s perspective. He didn’t have much to say even about a big southern storm which was surrounding the city. Except one remark, that he avoided south because of that storm for years and that he would like if he could keep on doing that. Obviously any kind of change was somewhere on the top of his list of evils. Bulki had really bad sight and was squinting all the time. Whether that was a reason behind his extremely dirty clothes is anyone’s guess. It was obvious he rarely washed by his smell and by his hair, which was thin and greasy. He was spitting all over his clan house, leaving big green smudges on the floor. His closest friend was his Brig, every day he spent hours up there speaking to the animal. Brig was also old, his skin was cracked, and his tail was broken off at the half of his length. Bulki didn’t tell him what happened with the animal's tail, but he managed to repeat several times what seems to be his favorite story. It was going something like this: some pompous baron used to live close to Bulki. And of course he irked him, especially his custom to eat outside, in the nature. “I mean,” Bulki would add “who with any sense would eat outside?” Once when he was sitting behind his table under some tree, Bulki was preparing to land and was hovering over the general area. In this moment his Brig decided to take a dump, and products of his digestion landed on the table, braking it in half and spraying all over the baron. This was of course best day in Bulki’s life, and he rewarded Brig with biggest candy he could find. Every time he remembers this he just has to smile. Melessar also had to smile first time, but around eleventh time, even a courteous smile was too much of an effort, so he decided to avoid Bulki. Pretty soon he was bored out by endless games of hiding and finding rock under the one of three cups, Utrikat servants played all the time. So he excused himself that he needs to continue his researches and withdraw in his quarters. Actually travel was a nice change after all that time in a small space with Red and Hremo. He felt like he has left the dungeon after long time, and he can finally feel the warmth of the light on his face after years in darkness. Sudden dizziness interrupted his thoughts. It was like the house was moving in huge circles. He peeked out of his room, but Utrikat servants were showing no signs of fear. Instead they were preparing crates for unloading. Something was definitely going on. He decided to descend down the rope and to join Bulki on Command Bridge. He found him in one of the side rooms.

“Oh you’re up! Don’t worry, they will lead us through the twister and slowly lower us down on the ground. Of course first they will turn us couple of times.” He gave him such a pleasant smile, which warmed up Melessar at once. That childish smile looked even more beautiful in this ugly face, totally out of place. Bulki was a good man after all. Melessar patted him on the backs, while big forest below them surrounded by a narrow ring of meadows was getting closer. Work of gods is truly beautiful, especially when you look at it from far away. He decided to pray:

“…Magic

Magic can’t exist without a secret. Magic is a lie, but so is the world. We are just shadows and mirrors, water that evaporates in fog and the fog that reflects in water.”

“Pray to the Voice from the Crowd to save us from those godless savages and their trickery and witchcrafts.” Bulki added turning his eyes toward the skies. And skies were so beautiful in color of sapphire.