"I feel odd in saying this is a welcome experience..." I commented quietly as I keep a gentle hand within the confines of an embrasure. Letting the shudder and the quakes our guns let out travel through my body before I turned my head. Looking at my superior as she surveyed our situation with the other officers.
"That will be all, report back to me on the same interval." she told them as she joined me at the edge of the wall. And as her eyes looked out over the battlefield, I joined her. Watching carefully as fireballs of many different varieties appeared and disappeared. Some lingered longer than others, some were brighter.
But their purpose remained the same.
"The Union is wasting little time in forcing themselves against us."
"I am concerned that we will not be able to hold the lower fortifications." I tell her as my eyes once again catch sight of the fearless, shadow-masked men that assailed us. Fear was foreign to the army that besieged us. But so was a willingness to preserve the lives of their men. This lack of fear was as reckless as it was terrifying.
"For the sake of those who would rally to us, we must keep it open." she reminds me just before a cluster of guns on our far left opened up. A sudden burst of loud pops, almost.
"We barely have enough men to man the guns up here..." I point out despite what the current ferocity of our fire might've suggested.
"We don't. Many of them are silent and have not even felt the black soot burning their bronze or iron skin. But, as we see more into our arms. We shall unveil more of our teeth."
"The Battcomm is handling this well, then." I say with a shrug as I try to focus on something more positive. Like how we were able to keep them corralled into the valley from which they came. Even if they insisted on pushing out with a monstrous fort. In that, it was almost a corpse of one.
The guns here were all marked for covering as far out as the valley exits. The plains before us were our domain. If there was a God of Artillery, then this was his realm. A land which saw all made equal to even the smallest of guns.
"He is, but we need to be handling ourselves better." she tells me as she briefly touches my shoulder to make me follow her.
"In what way, Wing-Head Allyoceer?" I ask as I personally couldn't see it. Or, perhaps, I was too inexperienced to even know about it or consider it. The sieges I once oversaw were much different to this... Giant's Victory was a seemingly impenetrable wall with little fronts to worry about.
The Long Battery Fort was potentially surrounded on all sides.
"We must sally out, harass the enemy while ensuring our own defence stays healthy."
"There are only two of us!" I remind her needlessly.
"Not for long, I have received words from the informals we have managed to slip out under the cover of darkness and the crack of guns that there are other forces on their way. Forces containing Valkinvar."
My eyes widened with hope upon hearing that, "That's wonderful!"
She smiles at my words, "It is, but the orders I am about to give you cannot be accepted with confidence lacking." she tells me as we find ourselves heading to the officer's tower.
"I am to head out on my own?" I assume, fearing the worst is just what we had to endure at the moment.
"I am afraid so, but, Wing-Tip Vapooliar... I know you can do this." she tells me as her hand firmly grasps one of my pauldrons.
"Tell me the way I must head, then."
"The pass in which our enemy have spilled out of, to the right is a smaller, narrower passage, not one suited for an army to pass through."
"We left someone behind...?" I questioned fearfully, my worries coming to the front as my incompetence became clear.
"No, no!"
"Sorry..."
"There is a small monastery in that direction. It belongs to the Ordoar Ammimpaurst, and we believe it rang back when I sounded the bells."
"And of the informals?" I ask, predicting that this was not the way they went. It was too dangerous for the far more mortal soldiers under us.
"They report a force towards our east. Find and save the Ammimpaurst there, and head towards the east with them to bring in the reinforcements."
"And when we return?" I ask, choosing not to put forward any dire mindsets. I would not belittle the courage of the men here by making them believe we had no chance of support.
"The guns of this fort shall guard you, now go, we have little time to waste." she orders me. To which I respond with a slight, sharp nod and a fist against the chest. One hand soon grasped my sword and I dashed out of the fort. All the way back to the roof.
From where I waited a brief moment for the puff of smoke and roar of a cannon. Then, I dashed forward and leapt over the battlements. Falling through the brief blindspot on our side before shooting ahead towards the enemy lines. And with my blade ready, I cut down any who I got near.
I was not instructed to, but I felt that it was best to make them believe I was attempting to gash them open. An attempt to outflank them was what I wanted it to appear as. So I went past the passage Wing-Head Allyoceer spoke of and made a quick detour through the enemy. Smashing their works in a way the guns could not and leaving many dead before I did as I was asked.
But, until I could confirm that the skies were an able route for us. I withheld myself from slashing at the rocks of the tunnel this pass started in. Yet, once the light of day reached out to me from the far end. I forced my blade through the stone and left it collapsing behind me.
Crashing into the ground with a crouch so I could inspect the damage before I went off again. Desperately looking around for any signs of a landmark before I came to a halt in the sky. A frown on my face as I struggled to sense anything as well. The combined magic of all the machines and soldiers a mere mountain range over made it hard to sense for another Valkinvar.
Thankfully, however, I seemed to find what appeared to be a road. And I dropped down to check if it indeed was one. To my delight, it was. Though, it was not paved so much as well-travelled.
It was a hint towards the monastery, though, so I followed it until something else came up. And that something else was a river. One that flowed down from a mountain top. Yet, near its origin of it, there was an isolated building.
"Unreachable by foot..." I commented as I realised that this must've been it. A place that could only be reached through flight? It had to have been a Valkinvar monastery! Yet the smell it was belching out was concerning.
But, regardless of it, I landed by the entrance and tried to open the door. However, I was met with stubborn resistance by the lock and its reinforcement. The desperation of my mission here made me want to break it down... But what this place was withheld me from any violent action at the moment.
"Hello!?" I called out to the hopefully alive occupants of the monastery.
"Wha- Who!?" a man called out from the inside as the sound of furniture falling and scraping suddenly came out of the building.
"Valkinvar-Ammimpaurst, open this door!" I demanded, recalling what Wing-Head Allyoceer had told me as I bashed away at the door.
"Stop that..." he groaned before the sound of a heavy bar being thrown filled my ears. And within moments, a giant of a man came stumbling out of the building. To avoid being shoved to the ground, I hovered away. But I was left somewhat in despair as I looked at them.
They wore no armour and I saw no weapon at their side. Their clothes were filthy and they were unclean. A mess of a beard was present and blood-red lines decorated the white of his eyes. His focus was lacking too...
"Alcohol..." I remark quietly in disgust as I realised what the smell was. And I suppose that explained the river is connected to the monastery. It had a built-in brewery for economic reasons. Not that it clearly mattered to this man.
I wanted to believe that they weren't a Valkinvar, but... There was no way they could be here if they were not one. Was it better for me to just head out on my own? To try and save the reinforcements without this embarrassing drunkard?
"Who are you, Valkinvar-Imdvarce?" he asked with a groan as he rubbed his head. With his fingers lingering so he could scratch his messy beard.
"I have been ordered to retrieve you to both save you from encirclement and to get your help in supporting arriving reinforcements."
"On whose authority? The Valkinvar-Bordeon's?"
"It doesn't matter, you are to come with me." I tell him as he went back inside.
"Whatever." he dismissively said before I followed him in.
"You are to come with me now! So we might have a fighting chance of saving our country and the men who fight for it!" I tell him, nearly brought to a fit of rage by the dismissive comment.
"I never said no." he told me as the air suddenly trembled as if a horn had gone off near us. The building then shook suddenly as a heavy weight was suddenly dropped onto the ground. His hammer...
"Good..." I meekly commented as I felt the power of this man ripple through his muscles. Despite the seemingly undisciplined attitude he gave me, this man clearly looked after himself. Or most of himself, anyway.
"If I can remember where my armour is, we could go but..."
"Fine, I'll help you look for it." I groan as I put my sword down and inspect the monastery. And although I wanted to give it the respect it deserved. Not even its keeper seemed to care that much. As it was a mess covered by both spilt downslope and noxious bile.
Thankfully, I was able to get my hands on it. Though, I had to pull it from a pile of bottles and ruined shattered tablets. I didn't even have a moment to at least dust it off for him. As he just snatched it up and began to pat me out of the monastery.
"H-Hey!" I complained before the door was slammed shut in my face. And as if one of the gods had come to laugh at me, an unwelcome noise filled my ears. The distinct sensation of magic as well... A small airship had flown over the mountains and was now staring me down.
My sword wasn't even in my grip either, it had been locked inside the monastery by that drunkard. So even though I could not guarantee the safety of this monastery. I at least ensured it would survive for the moment by not calling on my sword. Such a force likely ruining the building long before we took back what was ours.
"I suppose it doesn't matter." I remarked I jumped down to the valley floor to meet the soldier disembarking to face me. To my displeasure, though, they were greatswords. And I had just willingly refused to summon my weapon. So I was to be on my own for the moment with no weapon.
Yet, just as the greatswords wasted no time in exploiting my lack of a blade. I wasted none in displaying that I was more than just a sword. I weaved past and under their swings and shaky thrusts. Jabbing and slamming my limbs against their armour with mixed success.
With so many to worry about, I could not get the fatal blows I desired. Their numbers as well along with the supporting airship also complicated things. They did not allow me to exploit their individual weakness for long and they kept forcing me back. Either with a honed steel edge brimming with internal-magic or those strange bolts of magic fire.
Thankfully, it was clear that they could not hold up against me and more openings were becoming apparent. But the sudden appearance of a war-witch ruined everything. And a spell from her sent me into and through the soil. Though, only by surprise did that happen.
"Great..." I remarked lowly as I stared down the gathering force. None of it was particularly strong on its own but together it was a small problem.
"KEEP IT DOWN!" a voice then boomed from the monastery as it suddenly exploded outwards.
"NO!" I screamed as I watched the holy site turn into a shower of rubble. Yet, as the dust settled, we were all left beholden to an armoured giant. One whose weapon reached out for more than the length of an equal-sized giant. And its spherical end pulsed with magic as they all turned to face him.
"Oh, you lot." he remarked before he suddenly spun in the air. The winds which he wrangled from the sky then seeped into the ground. And as he finished one rotation of his spin. The rock spiked out with veins of bright emerald.
Smashing apart the small airship and scattering the rest as he suddenly dropped with a boom. And within a blink of an eye, a greatsword-wielding soldier of the Union became mist. Small, torn-up pieces of bloodied metal rained on the others and the air exploded. Another great explosion then washed out onto the other side of the valley.
With only the war-witch safe in the sky surviving. Before she could run away, though, I shot up to meet her. Snatching up my sword and bisecting her from behind with my blade. Yet, instead of meeting up with the Ammimpaurst, I shot straight into him.
Angrily thrashing him against the mountain with one hand, "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?"
"Saving your backside..." he answers as he tries to swat me away as if I was a simple bug.
"YOU DESTROYED A MONASTERY OF THE ORDOAR AMMIMPAURST!" I roared as I gestured my sword back to the thornbush-like mess he had left. Sharp, jagged stone filled the gap and blood pooled out of it. And worst of all, the value of that holy site lay shattered about the place.
"It was a mess anyway." he commented as he shoved me off with a single clean move.
"Try anything like that again and I'll trial you like the blasphemer you are..." I threatened as I spun my blade around. Situating it past the gaps of his neck guard. All it would take would be a single downward burst to decapitate him.
"Oh, Shining Armour." he remarked with a shake of his head. And he made it still, despite the state my armour was in. Which only infuriated me.
"Excuse me!?" I demanded to know as I applied pressure to his covered-up neck.
"You are freshly anointed, aren't you?" he questioned with a mocking laugh as he flicked the blade out of the gap precisely.
"And what of it?" I asked back. My current anger ensured that I fell for his provocation.
"A lack of willingness to let go." he answers as he walks away.
"We're fighting for the very survival of our faith against an army of heretics! Bloody men who wish to wipe us out!" I remind him.
"This is just one land."
"From which it may spread!" I hiss before I back away with a shake of my head. I wasn't here to debate. We had to fight. There were men south of here fighting for their lives, waiting for us to rescue them.
Thankfully, he took note of this and readied himself, "So, where do we head?"
"Just follow me." I tell him before I shoot into the sky.
"Tsk, tsk. You Imdvarce and your need to rush ahead." he comments once he catches up to me in the sky. Though, his eyes wandered towards the Long Battery Fort as we flew past it.
"We'll be guiding them there." I answer before he gets the wrong idea.
"A relief army?"
"Reinforcements."
"The plan is to hold them at the fortress?"
"It is the best option available to us."
"I wouldn't be so sure."
"Well, we have time, give me some ideas so I might give them in turn to Wing-Head Allyoceer!" I demand to know. My patience reaching its limit.
.
.
.
"Valkinvar, the lines have been shored up, but we need your help to prevent further breaks!" an officer cried out to me as he came to an abrupt halt.
"Valkinvar-Staguiffmani!" I correct him with an erratic twist and jump. Smashing the base of my staff against the ground as I faced him.
"We need your help, the guns can only do so much and our reserves are gone!"
"I ordered you to leave me be!" I remind him as my magic gathered at the peak of my staff. And, with fear in his eyes, he backed away and rejoined the men. Though, I had to remind him of what he was commenting about as he walked away. Yet, as soon as he left, my anger went away and my worry came back.
This wasn't meant to be... I had assurances from the Zephadron-Valkinvar herself that I was to be safe. That I would not be put at risk. So why was I out here on the frontlines with a collapsing force!?
I should've been back at Thurn's Forge helping the others prepare... So why had their promises fallen short? Why was I out here? We did not lack useful bodies to take the place I currently filled...
"Dammit... There's no way out of this..." I nearly cried in frustration as I stared at what was the most recently developed map. I was holding one force off with these lot. Yet, the way out of here was right on the advance path of another army. I would be killed just trying to cross the distance.
And in a fit of anger, I struck my staff to the ground and blew away the maps.
"You dare leave me..." I growl tearfully before I flicked my arm up to intercept an incoming round shot. Hiding my face briefly so I could clear it of tears before I surveyed the moment. Holes were all over our trenches, dig outs and barricades. We would not last out here.
Or, rather, they would not. I had to head back so I could be there for the Ordoar Staguiffmani. My sisters needed me far more than this force here. So perhaps I should take the moment to break away?
I at least had a chance if I fell back. Here I was just on my own to die. But I did not want to die... I couldn't die here or now.
"WE GOT INCOMING!" one of the surveyors from their post shouted down to us.
"Incoming from wh..." I began to comment before I suddenly turned around when I felt it. A massive force of magic was heading this way... The army that was going down beside our rear... Was this them?
No, wait, I needed to focus.
"Two bodies." I quickly concluded as their figures became clear despite the auras that surrounded them. And the way the sky ruptured around one of them only confirmed it. Valkinvar were on their way... Of the other Ordoar but still!
"WE GOT HELP!" a man screamed with all he had. And with it came a fresh wave of determination as morale started to come back to the men.
"Why're you two out here...?" I let out in confusion as they flew overhead and crashed into the army. At the head of their advance was a giant of the Ordoar Ammimpaurst. And as he reached the ground, the winds wormed their way through gravel and soil. Vicious spikes erupted soon after and blocked off the valley.
And from high above, a member of the Valkinvar-Imdvarce dove down. From beyond the freshly made defences did she fight. So I could only assume what she was up to. But I could feel it as well as hear it.
They were being torn apart beyond that wall by that Valkinvar.
Though, I was still shocked by this development. So I rushed ahead to meet with the Valkinvar-Ammimpaurst who kept watch on his creation at the front of one of our trenches. And with a gladdened hand, he took someone up on an offer of a beverage. This meant I had to wait for him to finish with his greedy guzzling.
Though while the ironcoats did not mine, I did, "Why're you here!?"
"To help." he answered quickly as he chucked away the empty container.
"Why...?" I asked as there was meant to be no one out here to save us. I saw the maps and had been given a grander insight into how it was destined to go. I should've been on my own.
"What a stupid question." he rebuffs as he charges up his magic again. And with a single wide swing, he made his prior work a shower of rubble. With the Valkinvar-Imdvarce flying out just in time to avoid the rain of spikes and grape-shot aspiring debris.
"Maybe you can answer what your companion doesn't, then. Why are you here!?" I demanded to know just after she crashed into the soil. Interrupting whatever comment she likely had for the Ordoar-Ammimpaurst.
"Ordoar-Staguiffmani? This will be useful." she remarks with what must've been a smile under that helmet of hers.
"Answer me!" I demanded as I leaned the tip of my staff towards her. A spell in the works so that she could pick up on my intent a little easier.
"We're here to pull these men out of here and get them to the Long Battery Fort." she answers with a flat, but still clearly on-edge tone.
"Long Battery!? That place has been abandoned and bypassed in its entirety!" I tell them as I recall the maps which I had tossed aside only moments before.
"No, we have refilled the fortifications with men and worked guns, it is a safe haven. Though, it is under siege. Wing-Head Allyoceer intends for you lot to join us."
"Wing-Head Allyoceer? She should've been wiped out at her post!" I point out as I remembered who was to hold the pass where the main army was coming.
"No, we pulled out safely. And I intend to ensure the same fate for this force."
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"You would have me holed up in some thundering grave?" I ask her as I use my magic to bring my tablets back to me. Holding one of them closely as I tried to consider what she was suggesting. I suppose it was better than dying out here at least... And if the army was being held up by the fortress, I could slip on by back to Thurn's Forge.
"To stand there is better than to stand here." the Valkinvar-Imdvarce tells me as I overlooked the state her armour was in. A rather odd amount was even missing in the lower half... There was no way she should've taken a blow like that and lived. Unless...?
"You heard her men! Pull out!" one of the officers ordered without my blessing.
"HOLD STILL!" I roared as I used my magic to create a barrier through which none of them could pass.
"I outrank you, Ordoar-Staguiffmani." the Valkinvar-Imdvarce points out to me as she shows me the ornamental wing she had strapped around her chest piece.
"This is my force..." I weakly mutter as my magic disappears.
"Leave the guns, we have plenty at the fort! Bring only what you need to move the wounded and essentials! Whatever you can carry! Ammunition, of course, should be a priority." she orders before she mutters the last part at the end with a shrug. It seemed that she was prepared for a long siege. But I was not.
"And how do you intend to have us get back to the fort when an army advances on it?"
"Wing-Head Allyoceer holds the fort, for now, the guns will rain protection over us as we advance to the gates." she explains before the Valkinvar-Ammimpaurst began to move as if he had something to say.
"We'll probably be expected to join in that, no?"
"I'd imagine so, yes. So, conserve your magic for the moment. There's much fighting to be done."
"And what about our flank which is now unguarded?" I demanded to know as I saw our old lines disappear into an eager mass of retreating men and beasts.
"You are most familiar with the battle that occurred here. You will serve as the rearguard while me and him ensure the safety of the column as its vanguard."
"Of course..." I bitterly acknowledge as I walked the pair walk away before they then went into the sky.
"Maybe now you will actually fight." one of the ironcoats remarked as he rushed by with a stack of small crates.
"Why you..." I growled as magic gathered in my palm. But, under the watchful eyes of so many, I did nothing with it. And instead, I just waved it out of my hand. Flexing my fingers about as if I had just let go of a heavy burden.
But, my orders were clear and I had no room to argue it. So I rose up into the sky like the others had and began my watch of the rear. Slowly moving in the opposite direction of our force until I reached the ruins of the enemy force. And with hesitation, I stared down at the few men still alive.
Watching their small, prick-like eyes stare back at me as they tried to reach for a weapon. But I stopped them each time with a simple flick of my wrist. I killed none of them but I made sure they could not attack me. And I looked down at one of the rifles which I had knocked away.
Picking it up with my magic and holding it by the front end. Sighing as I did so before I dropped it back down. This was not the plan. I should have not been here.
None of them was meant to die by my hands and I put myself at needless risk in the future by being here. But what had I done wrong to warrant this? I kept to my oaths and stayed loyal. Ever since Zaphadren-Valkinvar Gemorli's rise to power since the incident...
I struggled to fathom it but for my own survival right now, I had to avoid worrying about it. Suspicions would arise if I showed reluctance in fighting. After all, I was a Valkinvar still. War was what I had been raised to enact...
So, after a few shaky breaths, I brought a wave of wind after me. Killing those I had previously spared before I was left watching as another wave marched forward. And as I suspected, they fired upon me with the same intent to kill as they would show to any other Valkinvar. But, it was not enough.
No bolt of magic, piece of round shot or hurried ahead blade could pierce the barrier I brought up. The power I put into sustaining it was far to great for them to surpass. And I quickly forced the grand power towards them just as casually. Though, it did not maintain its slow advance like they did.
And I watched from behind an opaque wall as they died. Washed aside by a horrific tide of razor winds and a solid wall that should've been passable. Through all the wrenching of steel and flesh and machine, I heard no screams. But their lost lives marked the soil regardless.
With my task done, I then began to head back to the army. Watching carefully as the last of the men pulled out with the supplies they could manage to take. Not a second glance came from either of us. And I returned to watching the old front.
"Destroy the guns before you leave." one of them relayed to me just as I considered what to do with the batteries we had left behind.
"Very well." I let out quietly as I turned my focus to the mountain on my right. And as both of my hands gripped my staff, I focused my power into its tip. Swinging the built-up potential in a wide arc along the mountainside. Blasting out tons of rock which quickly avalanched towards our old position.
And quickly, I dashed down to the ground and slammed my staff down. Putting more power into creating a wide, valley-bridging shield which held back the falling rock and snow. Then, as the wounded mountain ceased its groaning and retaliation. I let the barrier fall, with many pieces of rock spilling out towards me as I floated backwards.
With our rear then secured fully, I went over the army and made my way to the other two. Joining up with them, much to their surprise. Though neither commented on it directly. I still felt like they had something to say.
"I wiped out the oncoming enemy further down the valley and tore asunder a mountainside to destroy and cover up our old defensive lines." I explain to them as the sound of the fortress guns became ever clearer.
"The Ordoar-Staguiffmani continues to impress me."
"It was nothing grand." I tell the Imdvarce dismissively as I recalled a power that shamed us all.
"To handle something in so little time is impressive, Valkinvar-Staguiffmani. You will be a great help in the siege as it develops."
"Ha, I'm on the wrong side of it." the Ammimpaurst comments as he makes a few mock swings.
"The Ordoar-Ammimpaurst have not seen much action in their ancient, traditional roles for some time now." I remind him to which he just shrugs and guffaws.
"Remember, the besieger does not fight in the open. He two is open for being besieged." the Wing-Tip comments as she turns around slightly to see us.
"All the better for me! I have been dying to make use of this swinging arm of mine!" the Ammimpaurst cheers.
"Shouldn't you have been making use of it?" I inquire as the way he said it suggested something odd.
"Guarding a monastery doesn't offer much time for battle."
"And what a fine job of that you did." the Valkinvar-Imdvarce comments sarcastically. And, the topic went no further when she suddenly gestured her arm up for us to halt. A wide field before us as she did so.
"We are here." I comment just in time for the burst of fire and smoke to erupt from our left. The roars and screams of the fortress guns filled our ears in but a single flash.
"Valkinvar-Staguiffmani, prepare some kind of signal. When I return, I want you to fire it off so that the fort knows we are coming." the Wing-Tip tells me as she dashes down the length of our troops. I could only assume she was ensuring all were grouped together so we could make a single push. We'd not want to be out here for long if the frequency of the guns was anything to go by.
"Must be quite the army waiting for us around one of these edges." the Ammimpaurst commented eagerly as his war maul suddenly dropped down. Were it not for trained reflexes as well, he probably would've dropped it. But, I suppose he had plenty of time to practice tricks in his isolation.
"So why were you guarding a monastery as our nation crumbled all about us?"
"Wasn't aware it was."
"Hard to believe."
"Monasteries are isolated places, staff-holder." he comments as he brushes his beard with his armoured and gloved fingers.
"Valkinvar-Staguiffmani." I correct out of annoyance as he huffs in bemusement.
"Oh, hurry up." he then said with thinning patience as he looked towards where the Imdvarce had gone. And, as if his words were magical too, she came speeding back towards us. The wind washed over us as she came to her abrupt halt.
"Are you ready, Valkinvar-Staguiffmani?" she asked immediately. And I answered her without a word by raising my glowing staff to the sky. With a spell that then sent recoil into my wrist, the sky lit up with a bright emerald light.
"Let's go!" the Ammimpaurst cheered eagerly as he shot ahead of us and bulldozed his way through the earth.
"COMING UP ON YOUR LEFT!" the Wing-Tip seemingly reminds the men before she jolts her head in the direction for me to head. It then wasn't long before I joined the pair on the ground. A vast army before us at the far end of the plains.
Seeing it didn't do it justice... I could sense far beyond what my eyes could see and it was an eternal stalk. A horde of fearless steel and strange power. And we had to hold the line against it so that our troops could pull back.
It fitted perfectly with the idea we were given of the Valkinvar of when we were younger. Witches of such calibre that they made other stories feel shameful. Stories of brave armies facing a lone, arrogant witch became omens. And what we did today would become the example of triumph.
"Do not get lost in the killing! Do not push in too deep! Head back to the fort when Wing-Head Allyoceer makes the call for it!" the Imdvarce orders us before she shoots ahead to meet the enemy. And, just overhead, another Imdvarce rockets into the battle on an erratic path.
"ABOUT TIME!" the Ammimpaurst roars as he charges ahead, his maul filling with magic as he did so. The ground even trembled and cracked as if a barrage of guns had matched him stride for stride. All that was left was me. Hesitant and passive.
"I'll have to think about it later..." I tell myself as I shake away the ideas of what I was involved with back at the capital. A wave of my hands then covered the sky in a net of barriers. Impassable to what came at us but permeable to the guns from behind. And although there was merit to keeping the barriers over the troops.
I saw a greater cause to push them closer to my sisters and brother. So I did so, with the strength and potency of my senses being directed elsewhere so I could predict where our guns would fire. In those gaps, I then formed my own arcane munitions. And with great swings, I sent them out towards the halted army.
Tearing them apart with whistling missiles of pure arcane winds. A line of firey explosions and steel-shearing vortexes opened up before me. I even took inspiration from the Ammimpaurst's prior actions and I sent projectiles through his spikes. Breaking them apart and turning them into vicious, blood-drawing rain.
The army was being butchered yet they still kept it up. The strange darkness that enveloped them ensured no fear would come. Even the few who did show their faces roared in defiance of our combined power. But the sudden shock of one of their guns firing back at me made me jolt.
An entire barrier had been enveloped and had just vanished...
"Such esoteric power..." I commented as I felt the magic fill the space that shot had left. Nine halfmans wide, nine halfmans high. A perfect sphere. Yet, its power did not enamour me for long, and I was quick to drop my own power right on top of it.
For a moment after, I then halted my attacks and returned to defensive measures. All so I could glance back at my force as it filled the lower keep of the fortress. A fine, shining line soon appeared along the dangerous road up to the main structure. They were moving fast but it was clear they needed more time.
"I suppose we have their guns silent enough." I remarked as I put an end to the barricades. Ascending into the sky in a moment and looking down on the battlefield below. A knowing glint in my eyes as I watched the enemy pour out from their narrow pass. War-witches flew, leapt and sprinted out to meet us.
But it was clear they did not have the numbers to spare on everyone. And I was left with the complete freedom to cast armageddon upon them. Not one to waste the opportunity either, I gathered up a great deal of my magic into a single, levelled vortex. Then, without the modesty expected of me given my status.
I sent it straight towards the enemy army. Relaxing slightly as the tremendous burden left my grasp. With some amusement, I then watched as my sisters forced my brother out of the danger zone. Its grand power already tearing up the far side of the plains before it burst out into the valley.
Like the waves that once drowned our ancestors did my magic move. Nowhere within that narrow pass was safe and an army found itself tossed high into the sky. Men, beast and machine went into the sky whole or lacerated into a fine mist. Yet, it was also clear that a move had been made to halt it.
So many pairs of hands with their own power clashed against mine. They struggled at first, but they proved strong enough and I watched as my power was sent back our way. Though, it had been heavily diminished. And it just went on to destroy their old fortifications even more so.
"TOWARDS THE FORT!" the Wing-Head called up to me as she and the other two raced back to the fort. And, not one for being left behind after exhausting myself like that. I made a point of staying ahead of them. Coming to a graceful stop atop the fortress while they nearly crashed into it.
"I feel so limber now!" the Ammimpaurst laughed as he carefully set his weapon down. Before he then took a seat by the exit of a flight of stairs.
"You've done well, Wing-Tip Vapooliar. Reinforcements of two types. Both of which, can be considered decisive." Wing-Head Allyoceer complimented as she turned to us to.
"Valkinvar-Staguiffmani Dannatili." I told her, assuming her silence was her way of asking for our name.
"Lavauroas." the Ammimpaurst answers shortly after I stated my name.
"Well, then, Valkinvar-Staguiffmani Dannatili. Valkinvar-Ammimpaurst Lavauroas. I am glad you can be here with us during this important moment. I am, for the moment, your new commanding officer. Wing-Head Allyoceer."
"The pleasure is mine." I tell her as I look back towards the active battlefield.
"I am sorry I cannot come to grasp yourselves better, but, I too must head out now. And as we just did, I expect the same for me." she tells us before she dives off the building and shoots off towards one of the passes on the far side.
"Take the moment to rest, we've done enough damage for the moment. They won't be making any grand advances any time soon." Wing-Tip Vappoliar comments as she takes off her helmet and sets down her blade.
"Ha, we? Staff-holder here did all the work." Lavauroas laughed out as he motioned himself back to his feet.
"Only because of the opportunity you gave me." I point out as I start to head inside.
"Yes, that is something we will need to bear in mind from now on." Vapooliar comments as she follows me.
"As always." I point out, having been assigned to mixed-Ordoar wings before. I suppose that was experience I could relay to Wing-Head Allyoceer when she returned. If nothing else, that experience should see me take up the role of Wing-Joint.
"Will... Will you want a tour of the fort as you find relief?"
"Showing me the way to our general quarters will be enough."
"Yes, of course." she says without the confidence I would've expected from a wing-tip. She was jittery and clearly unused to the position. But I suppose the answer was clear when one focused on the crude amulet she had on. This was an unceremonious field promotion.
It would not stick, clearly, but, I had to hope all the best to her. An officer with lacking confidence was a danger to their soldiers. The superiors in my Ordoar knew that well. And they made a point of keeping their graces about them regardless of how the war might've affected them.
"Hm, the officer's tower. Fitting enough." I say as I placed my staff on a rack meant for something else. But, with shortages came adaptability. Though nothing would ever replace my love of a good lounge chair and a tablet to read. Maybe even a paper book if I felt particularly stuffy.
"We haven't assigned any of the rooms, so, I guess now is a better time than any..." she nervously chuckles as she puts her sword down on a rack they had clearly moved in from the armoury.
"I suspect we won't be making much use of them anyway."
"I suppose that is true... The men have been talking about how they are as restless here as they were out there."
"That problem should solve itself over time. As more troops arrive to aid us from the many failed fronts about here. They will bring with them the flexibility that comes with all vast teams."
"Let us hope they don't bring about those who will stand idle."
"The situation is too dire for something like that..." I tell her despite the hypocrisy that I sent out with it. So, with a sigh, I tapped a nearby set of draws before I moved towards the stairs.
"I'll leave you to it, then, I'll check up on Valkinvar-Ammimpaurst Lavauroas." she told me with a nervous nod before she turned to leave.
"Vapooliar..." I informally started with.
"Y-Yes?"
"You're doing fine, loosen up." I tell her before I carry on going up the stairs. Keeping my expression straight as I caught a mutter following me up the stairwell. And with a curious hand moving about the place, I used my fragile reserves of magic to look about the tower. Getting an idea for how many rooms there were and where they were.
And, given the severity of the siege, I felt it fitting to take up a room near the top of the tower. Though it also came with the benefit of allowing me a quick departure. No one had reason to suspect my willingness to leave. But we would see how things unfurled before I made any choices as dangerous as that.
"Hm, who knows, maybe I'll even find the lost orders meant for me requesting that I pull back." I laughed miserably as I considered my situation once again. I shouldn't have been here. This was not where I was supposed to be. It was not an earned punishment at all...
It would all have to wait, though. Maybe when the siege dragged on longer I would get my moment. But for now, I had to play along with it all. Fight alongside my sisters and brother.
"At least with this window I will not have to step outside to watch developments." I remarked as I walked about the room I had chosen. Placing a palm at the edge of the window and looking out it apathetically. It wasn't a good view, but enough to tell when something was going wrong or right. Whatever came first for us.
Though, as I had no way to mark out that I had chosen this room. I called on my staff and had it return to my grip. And I popped it down right in plain view so everyone understood. Leaving it as is before I ascended higher to the viewing platform at the very top.
And once there, I pulled down my hood and undid the armoured battle mask I had on. Exposing my features to the windy elevation as I watched my prior work become undone. A truly vast force was marching against us. And I worried we'd be falling dead from exhaustion rather than wounds.
There were no elders here either to pass on their magic so we could rejuvenate either. This was it. What we had was all we would be allowed to work with. So, I stepped a little closer to the edge and let my senses feel out the world around me.
Much magic travelled through the skies but was left untouched. No one was calling on it and it was left to enjoy its freedom. But I had need of its strength, we all did. So, I made my plea with strength and dignity.
Smiling slightly as the power grew before me and gained colour as its density became ever clearer. From there, it was just a simple case of breathing it in and letting it breeze past me. My muscles became energised and my grogginess left me. My exhaustion from before became a thing of the past and what I didn't gobble up I let flow down the tower.
From there, it would spread out until it then vented out whatever hole it could find. Hopefully, my sister and brother would make use of it before it made its escape. I could trust them in that regard. Much in the same way I could trust them with so many other things.
Even if they could not say the same for me.
.
.
.
"Battcomm Rohlant, how goes everything?" I asked our chief of artillery as I joined him at the centre of his opposition. The beating heart of our fort's defiance. Ropes and all kinds of wires were about the place. Linking him to alarms and other signals while one side was dominated by an unimpeded view of the field.
"Since your little foray ahead of us, we've been able to lighten up the load on the gun crews. They can get some much needed rest now, thank you."
"Are the reinforcements fitting in fine?"
"I have a feeling there'll be a lil' head clashing with their artillery officers, so it may be important for you to step in."
"Shouldn't they respect your age well enough?" I ask him, not sure why they'd be quick to dismiss an aged soldier. Given the profession and the severity of the situation. I would've thought his veterency would be well respected. And that it would silence any complaints by its mere presence.
"They'll make a jab at my eyesight as many often do. But, regardless. With all these new lads coming in. You'll need to make a point of straightening out the pecking order. The lads trust what a Valkinva' has to say."
"I will take that into account, thank you." I tell him with a nod as I moved closer to see what he was dealing with. I wasn't sure about how advanced and modern the fort was, by our nation's standards anyway. So I did not know if he was working on a handicap. But, he had performed more than well enough so far.
I would go as far as to say that he was doing an exceptional job, covering so many guns. With a stretched-out batch of crews to man them as well! I can't imagine it was an easy job. But, again, no one was to expect an easy time given what we faced.
"So, do you believe that we should make a habit of this?"
"Talking? Na."
I nearly smiled, but I held up my stoic reserve, "No, going out there and beating them back far enough to ensure the gun crews can rest."
"That is something you will have to judge for yourself. I'm no witch, thankfully." he tells me before he starts to tug on some of the ropes. A sharp rattle then filled the air when he pushed down on some small levers.
"We will need to be able to work together far better than we ever have in the past. We won't make it through this siege otherwise."
"I admit I don't share the optimism."
"Then," I sigh, "at least keep quiet about those thoughts?"
"Can do."
"So... Has everything been alright for you... Since we parted ways at the aelenvari flower?"
"As alright as alright can be right now. We've been pushed back from our centuries-held fronts and are facing a new kind of war. One these Unionists have held in reserve intentionally to catch us off balance."
"The airships..."
"Monsters we have no answer for." he remarks before he looked towards a large steel door on one end of the room.
"Do you think the mountain cracker has a chance?"
"It was designed for the largest of monsters we were aware of the enemy having. But, with how tough those mountain-shelled beasts are, I can say with confidence that it could bring one down."
"Everything is in order with the mountain cracker, then?"
"No..."
"Then it is urgent you elaborate." I tell him as I come over and plant my hands on his vast table.
"This is a very specialist gun, we need to train the strongest lads how to operate it."
"We can give you that time."
"It's not just that, Valkinva', the munitions store for it have been emptied."
"What...?" I let out in shock.
"You and me both. Largest of the guns here, hardest to move, yet, when the fort was left abandoned. They emptied the stores only for that gun."
"I was under the impression our stores were sufficient..."
"Well, someone has made a fool of us all, then. A saboteur likely made their way to the gun before hand."
"One soldier can't empty out such a grand weapon store on his own, surely?"
"I'd rather not think on the idea of more than a man being involved with this." he let out distastefully as I wandered closer to the steel door.
"Someone had tried to seal it shut?" I ask him as I noted the distorted metal in some spots. Even the thick, solid bars it used for locks had been snapped off.
"Yes, we assumed it was some half-implemented plan to deny the fort to the Unionists. But, no, clearly not."
"Any idea where we can even find more munitions for this gun?"
"This is my first time ever working with a mountain cracker, so no. If I was the Orchestrator of the Artillery for this place, maybe, but, you know."
"We'll have to fashion our own, I guess..." I comment with a shrug. Not putting much thought into it when I made the comment.
"That may work, actually."
"It might?"
"Yes, that hammer-ball using one of you. I saw his work out there. An impressive display of making solid rock mould itself into what he wants it to be."
"I've only ever seen him make spikes of it. And I doubt they'd survive the trip through the barrel."
"Well, I implore you then to test if he can make the largest round shot we've ever seen."
"I'll make a point of it, we can even mix the two together to give your men the training time they need!"
"Best not keep us waiting, then, Valkinva'." he tells me with a grin as he starts to bring out more items onto the table.
"Of course, until we meet again."
"See you soon, then." he tells me as I leave the room. And, as I did so, I let my magic run loose so I could find my Ammimpaurst brethren. It seems he was still out on the roof of the fortress. So I went up there to meet him.
Glancing about the lightly manned rooftop before I found him talking with some of the men. Whatever it was about, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. But this problem I had been made aware of was more important. Besides, we needed the gun crews at the ready to handle the enemy when Wing-Head Allyoceer came back.
"Oh, watch out. Tip of the wing is here with a stern expression on the other side of the narrow slit." Lavauroas remarked as I approached.
"Unless Battcomm Rohlant has relieved you of your posts, I suggest you get back to them." I tell the idle men before turning my attention to the largest among them. The giant I met covered in stale alcohol in a now-gone monastery.
"So, whatchu want?" he asked as he began to lean over the thin defences. While the weight of his weapon anchored him to the ground as he tempted fate with a wide lean.
"To enquire about your abilities."
"You saw them, what's to ask about?"
"I need to see to what degree you can manipulate the earth you apply your magic to."
"Not following, get to the point."
"Can you make a perfectly round orb that can fit tightly within the barrel of that?" I ask him as I gesture towards the vast weapon on my left. He then looked over it and whistled before he seemed to ponder it.
"Can give it a go, never had much reason to practice the shape of my attacks. Just swing and watch it all go." he explained before he dramatised his speech a little at the end.
And I stared at him hopelessly, "You've been in that monastery for how long?"
"Long enough to make use of the downslope brewery for meself." he laughed as he patted his armoured gut.
"And not one moment was spent refining our craft? That which you exist solely for?"
"Oh, stuff it, Shining Armour. All I ever did for years and years was train and fight. I am sure I have earned the right to learn new crafts."
"Drinking yourself into an irrational stupor is hardly a new craft..." I sneer out at him.
"No, but brewing is." he chuckled as he swung himself forward back to his feet.
"Well, now you can find a new craft. Making artillery rounds." I tell him as I turn to walk away.
"Best make a tactical effort with it, then, no? Take stone and earth from their side of the plains?"
"As long as you are not endangering this fortress I could not care where you practised it. So long as you ensure you report for duty when called upon."
"As expected." he told me with a nod.
"But, as you have spoken of it." I started to say, catching his wandering attention once again.
"Listening."
"Can you make a point of creating obstructions ahead of the fortress' lower half? Something to break apart the enemy as they advance on us."
"Can do, I know the ironcoats like their ducking-out-of manoeuvres."
"I was mostly just thinking in regard to breaking the enemy lines and funnelling them into a tighter, larger mass."
"Whatever leads to more of them dead." he comments with a shrug as I nod and take my leave. My point having been made to him.
Then, I came to a stop by the edge of the main fortress, on the side closest to the mountain cracker. And I turned my gaze towards where the Wing-Head had last been seen. She had been gone for some time now. But I had no idea what she was working with.
I at least had Valkinvar-Staguiffmani Dannatili to create a signal. Allyoceer was not likely to be as lucky. But it was too dangerous to send someone out there just to scout. Even from up here, I could spot juperse riders prowling about.
It was clear they had caught on to our efforts and were making a point of ensuring we stayed isolated. Though, they were pretty foolish if they thought only a few isolated riders would stop us. But with how reckless they were, there was no telling what they were capable of. Our devastating strike against them had only stifled them.
And like the student, freshly beaten down by their teacher, they had gotten up again. More experienced and more prepared than before. They had war-witches at the ready last time, but now they formed a great defensive screen. It would be stress tested again and again and it would break over and over.
But it was worrying to see this kind of endurance... I had grown used to seeing their armies routed. But now, I watched as they stood firm even in the face of such an invincible fortress. It really was all that this part of our country needed. With so many guns facing down at all points...
Yet, they stood their ground and crept ahead slowly in spite of it. They brought forward machines and artillery so they could fight us on equal terms. Field engineers and war materials to build with. And an endless line of men to throw at us as they did so.
Many would need Waionr's help today and in the future, despite their collective heresy. He was going to be watching us carefully. And we had to make sure we kept to our oaths. Lest we damn ourselves as Grand-Thoucomm Pathort had all that time ago...
Thankfully, my conscience was not disturbed right now. Our fire was indiscriminate. So it stayed within the rules of my Lord's domain. But, I also worried about the plans of the enemy.
The first time I saw those shadow-faced men. They marched forward at us with their pride held high. They kept us in a state of paralysis that we were not prepared for. Yet, now we might be...
We might be ready for them...
"GUNS ON THE LEFT PASS! GUNS ON THE LEFT PASS! COMMENCE FIRING!" someone shouted as he rushed out onto the roof. His voice and actions urging on the crews to get to work.
"Left pass?" I repeated quietly as I reached out for my blade. Summoning it into my grip as carefully as I could in the circumstances while I turned my gaze. Then, I saw it, a Valkinvar had shot out of the pass and scared off the riders.
Then another and another until an army followed!
"The Wing-Head!" I let out in surprise before I leapt off of the building to join them. She may have come with a new army and more Valkinvar than I thought possible. But I still needed to help her. She needed me to help escort the formals back to the fortress!
"WARD OFF THEIR RIDERS! THEN SPREAD OUT AND COVER THE EXPOSED FLANK!" Allyoceer roared to our sisters before she turned to me just as I arrived.
"Should I join them?" I asked her before she began to slap me away.
"Take position at the front, watch over from the first gatehouse." she told me, and I shot away to my objective the moment she finished. With a loud bang I landed on the attached wall and I rushed into the gatehouse.
"Get this gate open! And you lot, defensive line ahead of it!"
"YES, VALKINVAR!" a detachment of already prepared ironcoats roared back to me as they rushed out onto the plains. And while my sisters screened the far distance as the fortress guns came alive. I found myself ushering in another exhausted force into the safety of our stone walls. Like last time as well, along with whatever they could carry.
"Our army has gathered, Heretics. Where are your chances now?" I taunted as I smirked at all the new troops we had. But, more so, I was glad that we seemed to have lucked out in acquiring a whole wing of Valkinvar! We could win this!
With so many of us gathered here, we were guaranteed victory!