Fraeya met the familiar open field at the boundary of the forest with open arms. The comfort she used to feel standing in this spot so near her home lay tattered on the ground weighed down by the truth.
“How can we fight an enemy that can’t be hit?”
I will do what I can to hold back the dark god. The rest is up to you.
Fraeya stepped in front of Silvertree, held the buck’s head in her hands, and kissed her god’s forehead.
“I will put my faith in you and my trust in Elwin.”
Go, my child.
She rushed towards Unn Thalor and the Captain of the Guard welcomed her. “I’m glad you made it back but what happened to the wolf?”
“He is facing off against the monster that’s been killing our people for years.”
A chill shot down Fraeya’s spine, she peered up at the sky, and despair filled her bones at the mysterious mass moving to block the light. With a stomp of her foot into the dirt, she shoved away her fear and glanced at the Captain.
“The entity that has been lurking in the shadows is done hiding and it's coming after us. Its strength lies in the shadows.” She pointed up and declared, “We are running out of time. Take me to the elders.”
Once inside she found them huddled together in the courtyard surrounded by guards with Ciyadyl tied up and gagged nearby.
Did the Captain hold them captive here waiting for me to return?
Fraeya shook her head and concentrated on the task in front of her. Ignoring Ciyadyl’s glare, she spun to the rest and stated, “Our village is on the brink of ruin. Now is your chance to make a difference. You can no longer hide behind Ciyadyl and her desperate desire to cling to a past clouded in deception and ignorance.”
One of them asked, "What would you have us do?"
Frustrated, she pointed to the sky and shouted, "Do you not see the threatening darkness with your own eyes? Do you not realize we are on the brink of ruin? We must unite and fight as one to defeat this threat or we will be consumed by it and perish!"
Lowering her gaze, she met each person’s eyes and asked, “Are you with me?”
The old crone started struggling against her bonds. She glared at the group she used to have control over and tried to shout through her gag. Ignoring the spectacle, Tanila was the first to nod, and the others followed.
Fraeya smiled and nodded to each one before she walked over and slapped Ciyadyl across the cheek, leaned in, and whispered, “If we survive the impending battle, you’re going to step down and enjoy a peaceful retirement. So, don’t make this harder than it needs to be. It would be horrible if they banished you just like Elwin and his father. You know? The ones who warned you about the threat that is preparing to slaughter us all?”
The Captain and his men began chanting, “Fraeya! Fraeya! Fraeya!”
The last of the light from above vanished, silencing the town and sending the entire valley into twilight. The ground began to shake and tremble.
Knowing what was at stake, Fraeya shouted, “Captain! We need volunteers to guard the wall and all other able bodies behind the gate in case it’s breached. Send a detachment to round up all noncombatants and dispatch them to the great hall.”
Every one of her comrades saluted and acknowledged, “Yes Ma’am!”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Why am I giving the orders and not the Captain?
Oh well.
Fraeya ran up to the top of the wall and joined Keerla and Beluar. Next to them, she felt empowered.
They all stared out as the ground came asunder, unleashing a horde of monsters shrouded in darkness. Upon closer inspection, Fraeya noticed that the dark god's power must be spread thin. The darkness protecting his minions flickered now and then revealing the beast within, giving her an idea.
She called out to her comrades, “They are supported by an evil deity born by our very own ancestors when they spun away from our values. Do not fear them! His powers are weak. When you can see the animal sheltered in the shadows, that is when you must fire. For Unn Thalor!”
Every elf beside her and far below cried out, “For Unn Thalor!”
The opposition forces rushed towards the walls, and on Fraeya’s command, the elven soldiers let loose their projectiles. Some got lucky and scored a hit, but most passed through missing completely.
Our only hope rests on Elwin’s shoulders. We must hold out until then.
Dozens of creatures smash into the barrier only to fall back when a flash of light knocked them back at each attempt.
Keerla looked at her, puzzled, and asked, “What’s happening, Fraeya?”
“The forest god who has preserved our lands for generations didn’t turn his back on us even though we have forgotten him. He is the one who sent the wolf, our protector so that we might get through today. Every moment we patrolled the forest and cared for those that needed it, we were honoring him, regardless if we didn’t recognize it.”
Beluar reached out and grabbed her shoulder and added, “But I don’t see the wolf anywhere.”
Fraeya put on her most reassuring smile, and said, “The only way we make it out of this alive is if he makes it back here. Now would be an excellent occasion to pray.”
The Captain of the guard ran over and announced, “There aren’t sufficient numbers to keep them at bay. If that protection fails, we will be overrun within minutes. What should we do?”
Who’s supposed to be in charge of the town's defense again?
She sighed and pointed to the elves in reserve down below. “Use them to open fire over our heads and into the horde.”
After a quick salute, the man rushed off. A wave of arrows arched over the wall and rained death on those unfortunate to be in its path. She raised her bow and rejoined the fray picking off targets. It became clear that they were momentarily stunned after contacting the light barrier. Perfect sitting targets. Her companions noticed too and passed the information down the row till everybody knew to wait for the right moment before firing.
Out of the blue, she informed her partners, “When the wolf shows up, I’m going out there.” Fraeya met Beluar’s gaze and stated, “Elwin didn't kill your father.” She pointed to the monsters assaulting the walls and continued, “The evil that controls them is responsible. Will you join me?”
The pain in his eyes turned to resolve, and he nodded. She started to turn when Keerla slapped her on the shoulder and said, “You can count on me, Fraeya. I always have your back.”
The onslaught of monsters must have been too much for Silvertree to hold back. The magical barrier cracked and fizzled out exposing the walls to the dark god’s wrath. They crawled over the dead sunk their claws into the wood and started to climb.
“Draw your swords and step back! Be ready for your strikes to fade through them!”
Despite Fraeya’s request, several elves were dragged over the side and she was forced to listen to their screams until that too was forgotten under the roar of the enemy horde.
Several dozen creatures started smashing into the gate, but she could do nothing to stop them.
It must hold out a little bit longer.
It didn't take long for her to notice a giant ball of black fur running straight towards the entrance. Fraeya shrieked and pointed at the beast before she drew out her bow and fired down on it, despite being surrounded.
Keerla pulled out her bow and matched her shot for shot with Beluar guarding their flank. Right before it collided, she recognized it.
Shit! It’s the dead mother bear. How is this possible?
Without Silvertree’s protection, the entrance buckled under the bear’s momentum and the hinges snapped. Acting on instinct, Fraeya slung her bow around her shoulder and yelled, “Escape to the great hall!”
She flung herself over the fortification into the main courtyard. Mid-air and falling towards the bear, Fraeya drew her blade and drove it into the back of its neck before it could react.
Using her momentum, she launched into the air with a forward spin and twist. Landing on her feet as surely as a cat, arm outstretched, she cut the bear's head off.
Several elves joined her at the ruined gate, but they could do little against the horde spilling into the courtyard. Inspiration struck her and she ordered, “Grab the torches nearby and follow my lead!”
Flame in one hand and her weapon in the other, they formed a defensive circle and retreated. The enemy advanced on them, but the flames held the beasts at bay long enough for them to reach their loved ones. “Form a line around the hall! Use the torches!”
She reached her place at the door and glanced up at the sky.
Please hurry, Elwin. I don’t know how much longer we can last.