Chapter 32

Bryan shouted up the hill, "Colonel, something's happening in the East!"

Nicolas turned his attention to the east, obscured by the hill and the tree line. He could hear the sounds of battle, but there should be nothing happening there. Looking back down, he saw the Empire's army in full rout, with his own cavalry chasing it down and causing slaughter. The cavalry from other Cincinnati divisions was doing the same.

Nicolas said, "What the hell is happening over there? The battle is all but wrapped up. If the Empire has reserves brought in from the east, it could be devastating. We deployed to take advantage of the rout, and I can't see Lord Brightforge."

Bryan replied, worried, "It sounds like a lot of men, sir."

Nicolas, with a cold sense of dread, instructed, "Send scout riders quickly and get our horses."

Bryan ran off, shouting orders. Nicolas surveyed the scene, noticing Hunter and Haldor striking around the battlefield. Each Griidlord was dealing as much damage as a whole troop of cavalry, with the Empire's army retreating in chaos, utterly broken. He had witnessed several of the Empire Griidlords retreating already.

The Empire's great weakness in its current drowning state was that none of the vassal armies or vassal Griidlords had any stake in the outcome. They were here to serve Boston, not their own cities, whereas the Cincinnati Griidlords and soldiers were fighting for their home, their families, and their own prosperity.

Nicolas watched two riders disappear over the hill, knowing they would have information soon. Bryan returned with Nicolas's horse and his own. Nicolas said, "I want to see what's happening as well. You mount up, but stay here with the infantry. I'll signal you."

Bryan seemed unsure, "Colonel, don't take risks; the 3rd needs you."

Nicolas explained, "I've long learned to trust my own eyes over others. Scouts can gather important details, but I need to get a sense of what's happening to the east. Our whole army is very vulnerable, deployed like this."

Bryan considered this before suggesting, "I don't see Brightforge or Arcstone."

"Last I saw, Underbough was moving to where they should be positioned," Nicolas replied, "but only him. Arcstone should be able to handle him, even without Brightforge."

Bryan nodded to the carnage below and said, "Hunter and Haldor don't seem to be boosted by Brightforge."

Nicolas, mounting his horse, responded, "Send riders to them, tell them there may be trouble to the East, and suggest it may be a good idea if one of them goes for Flameheart. But only suggest; we know what they're like if they think regulars are giving them orders!"

Nicolas turned his horse toward the east, and Bryan added, "You want them to bring Flameheart out from the tower again, exposing himself?"

Nicolas said, "There's a possibility we may need to beat a hasty exit. Fire from our Scepter is a huge advantage in covering a withdrawal, but it's not my decision. Just get the riders to plant the seed."

Nicolas rode on, over hillocks and through trees, his heart thudding with trepidation. He finally crested a hill, and the view that greeted him left him reeling - a terrible sight, unfurling before his very eyes.

Thousands of soldiers clad in black and purple uniforms poured down the hills like a tidal wave, engaging Cincinnati units and devastating them in a merciless onslaught. The black and purple banners of Baltimore weaved above the chaos, a sinister dance mocking the despair below. The battlefield turned into a macabre spectacle, a combination of combat cries, the clashing of steel, the whinnying of horses, and the agonized screams of the fallen.

Even as Nicolas watched, another black and purple Griidlord appeared, his footfield dissipating to reveal a horde of heavy cavalry behind him. The newcomers charged into the fray, riding at breakneck speeds and trampling anyone caught in their path. Spears pierced hearts, and swords cut through flesh like butter, painting the ground a nauseating mix of red and brown.

The Baltimore troops, battle-hardened and merciless, were laying waste to the thousands of Cincinnati formations, their efficiency and brutality striking terror into the hearts of the latter. The once-proud Cincinnati army was being decimated, and the tide of the battle was rapidly turning against them.

In the epicenter of this horrific scene, Nicolas spotted Brightforge, Cincinnati's Sword Griidlord, locked in a deadly duel with none other than Jadeslash, the Baltimore Sword. Jadeslash carried a terrifying renown, a legend that preceded him, sending shivers down the spines of his enemies. Their blades clashed in heated combat, like two dragons battling for dominance – but it was clear that Brightforge was struggling. Tired and caught unprepared, his renowned skills were faltering under the relentless assault from Jadeslash.

Nearby, Underbough, the Boston Axe, kept Arcstone fully engaged with a series of powerful blows. The Cincinnati Shield Griidlord was not under grave threat, but the distraction prevented him from lending aid to Brightforge or the beleaguered troops. Desperate gasps and guttural grunts punctuated the elaborate duel between Brightforge and Jadeslash, each of the Griidlords seeking any possible openings in their opponent's defenses.

Nicolas's heart clenched as he took in the devastation unfolding before him. He had arrived too late, and now the Cincinnati forces were paying the price for their complacency. As he watched the Baltimore forces continue their merciless slaughter, a cold realization dawned on him: the entire campaign, their city, and perhaps their very survival – everything hung in the balance, with catastrophic stakes.

Nicolas turned his horse around, his chest tightening with the urgent need to act. He galloped back, racing against time as he approached the last rise, where Bryan and the rest of the Cincinnati troops not yet engaged in the carnage awaited his return. The importance of spreading the word was paramount; should the Baltimore heavy cavalry enter the valley and charge the Cincinnati army, who were preoccupied with pursuing the routing Empire troops, the consequences would be disastrous.

Reaching Bryan's position, Nicolas waved his signals frantically, not daring to lose a single precious second. Bryan's eyes widened in alarm as he caught sight of Nicolas's desperateness, sensing the urgency of the unspoken danger that now threatened not just their victory but their very lives.

The well-practiced Cincinnati infantry sprung into action at Nicolas's command, abandoning their position in order to brace themselves for the impending Baltimore assault. They scrambled to reform their ranks and solidify their lines, preparing to defend their hard-earned gains at whatever the cost.

Nicolas knew that they were fighting the clock as much as the enemy; if they did not act swiftly and share the information about the Baltimore reinforcements, the Cincinnati army would be caught in a deadly trap — a maelstrom of steel and blood from which there was no hope of survival.

* * *

The duel that followed between Jadeslash and Brightforge was a whirlwind of steel, their swords clashing in a rhythm as fast and deadly as a striking viper. Brightforge, a seasoned combatant, was not without grace and skill, but the weight of battle took its toll on his movements, making him visibly struggle.

Taking a step back from a parry, Brightforge tried to reason with his adversary. "Why are you here, Jadeslash? Baltimore deserves better than serving the Empire. Your people should be too proud to be vassals."

"I know it wounds your delicate sensibilities," replied Jadeslash with all the derision he could muster, "but we do what is necessary. It's been quite... profitable." He quickly lunged forward, forcing Brightforge to step back in defense.

With each attack, Brightforge felt his strength wane. Yet he persisted, parrying blow after blow while attempting to sway his opponent. "You could turn on the Empire, ally with us. With our combined strength, we could forge a new future, free from tyranny."

Jadeslash grinned mockingly as he easily deflected Brightforge's desperate swing. "Ah, the brave and noble Cincinnati speaks of hope. Unfortunately, my dear Brightforge, our ideals don't align. Profit and power drive us – a cause I'm certain you simply wouldn't understand."

Each passage of dialogue was punctuated by the cruel, relentless movements of Jadeslash's sword, each swing and thrust designed to torment his exhausted foe. Brightforge was a whirling tempest of defense, the metallic clash resonating as their swords struck once more.

"Can you not see the futility in supporting the Empire?" Brightforge gasped, his words tinged with desperation. "We could change the world for the better. Let go of this violence and greed. There's still a chance to fight for a noble cause."

Pausing in his onslaught, Jadeslash sneered. "It's touching how much you believe in those childish notions, Brightforge. But we have our way, and we value different things."

With a surge of renewed effort, Jadeslash attacked relentlessly, exploiting openings that Brightforge's fatigue could no longer conceal. The Cincinnati Sword, though tired and unprepared, summoned the last vestiges of his dwindling strength to keep the looming specter of defeat at bay.

Arcstone continued to press his advantage against Underbough, the metallic ring of his gigantic shield resounding as he hammered against the Axe suit. Underbough fought to hold his ground, knowing that if Arcstone joined Brightforge against Jadeslash, the battle might be lost for the Empire. Yet the determination of the Shield suit only increased, and it was clear that, sooner or later, Underbough would be forced to retreat or face defeat.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

With gritted teeth, Brightforge, still locked in combat with Jadeslash, cursed at his foe. "For all your wealth and power, you're nothing more than a coward, serving the Empire out of greed and gluttony."

Jadeslash snarled back. "Our wealth benefits our people. Baltimore citizens live a life of luxury that you can't possibly understand."

"But without freedom, always under the yoke of the Emperor!" retorted Brightforge, barely parrying a vicious strike from Jadeslash.

As the Baltimore Sword landed a devastating blow, he revealed his true intentions. "Perhaps there will be a new Emperor soon. A reinvigorated Empire could be greater than ever before."

With a surge of anger and resolve, Brightforge executed a skillful riposte, creating an unexpected opening in Jadeslash's assault. Seizing the opportunity, he struck Jadeslash with all his remaining strength. Sparks flew at the point of impact, the sword cleaving through armor, leaving an undeniable impression.

Jadeslash, caught off guard, reeled from the force of the unexpected blow. His footing faltered, the shock of pain and damage on his armor evident in his reaction.

* * *

Nicolas and Bryan rode their mounts hard, their faces etched with determination and desperation as the two men neared each other. The Cincinnati infantry moved and churned rapidly around them, a sea of steel and determination forming ranks with military precision. The air filled with the rattle of armor and sharp jangle of weapons being brandished for the oncoming fight.

"We're spread too thin, Bryan. Our forces are scattered below, pursuing the routing Empire soldiers," Nicolas shouted, his voice laden with urgency. "If the Baltimore cavalry manages to descend upon them, there will be a heavy toll. They'll wreak havoc and do irreparable damage to our ability to continue this war."

Bryan surveyed the terrain, his eyes narrowing as he quickly assessed the situation. "We can block them here," he declared with steely resolve. "Spears to the front!"

Nicolas nodded, his brow furrowed with concern. "We'll have to spread our lines thinner than we'd like to cover the gap, but it's our only chance. I doubt the Baltimore cavalry will charge spears outright, and I don't think they're here to take significant risks on behalf of the Empire."

"The riders have returned," Bryan informed him, briefly glancing at the exhausted and worn-out scout party. "Haldor is on his way, while Hunter has left for the tower."

"Good," Nicolas breathed with palpable relief, even as he mentally prepared for the grim reality ahead. "We hold as long as we can, giving the rest of the army time to form up and withdraw. We might find ourselves trapped and in serious trouble, with no way to escape as the Baltimore army bears down on us. We can only hope that Flameheart arrives in time to intervene."

With a roar, Nicolas addressed the ranks of men around him. "Spearmen, form a wall of iron! Solidify your ranks, every man shoulder-to-shoulder! Archers, position yourselves behind the spears, ready to rain destruction upon the enemy! Swordsmen, be ready to rush in and bolster our defenses – stand in reserve until called upon!"

As Nicolas barked orders, Bryan rode up and down the line, offering individual instructions to the soldiers. "You there, hold your spear with both hands, make it a lethal extension of your arm! Archers, watch for my signal, and loose a volley when I give the command! Swordsmen, take a deep breath now, for when your time comes, you must be ready to strike with every ounce of strength you can muster!"

The Cincinnati forces assumed their terrifying formation, their tightened ranks resembled an unbreakable bulwark. Nicolas and Bryan locked eyes for a moment, acknowledging the dire nature of the situation, but also the courage and camaraderie that linked them. With barely perceptible nods, they mentally steeled themselves and prepared for the onslaught.

As the sounds of the approaching Baltimore cavalry drew nearer, Bryan turned to Nicolas, his face grim. "Hold them here," he urged, his voice tense but steady. "Buy as much time as you can... and pray that Flameheart arrives before it's too late."

***

With a heart full of burning resolve, Brightforge seized the opportunity to finish Jadeslash. His energy sword sang as it cleaved down through the turmoil of battle, a deadly arc aimed unwaveringly at his foe.

Jadeslash, however, wasn't defeated so easily. With a calculated roll, he evaded the furious attack. The explosive collision of Brightforge's sword meeting the earth erupted in a shower of dirt and debris, gouging a destructive gash across the battlefield.

Still grimacing, Jadeslash managed to recover and continue the attack, seemingly unfazed by the damage to his suit and the searing pain of his wound. The fight raged on with unprecedented ferocity, the two Swords locked in a swirling tempest of metallic fury.

"What a disappointment," Jadeslash sneered with contempt, his voice dripping with derision. "Is this the best that Cincinnati has to offer? I expected more from the so-called 'shining light of hope'. You're proving to be quite lackluster, Brightforge."

Brightforge, his spirit undeterred by Jadeslash's mockery, found renewed strength to battle back, gaining ground step by step. "You'll see soon enough," he retorted with gritted teeth, "when the vassal cities break free and the Empire crumbles into dust. Your precious Baltimore will be remembered for its shameful alliance with the dying Empire instead of bolstering the fight for freedom!"

Jadeslash just smirked in response, finding the audacity in Brightforge's words mildly amusing. "Naive as always. The Empire hasn't been such a terrible mistress to Baltimore. We've flourished in her shadow."

Brightforge countered, his voice filled with conviction, "Your city was never a true vassal like the rest, never truly contributed like the others. All you did was bask in the security of the Empire's borders and plunder its resources."

As they continued their deadly dance of steel, Jadeslash's gaze flicked momentarily toward Underbough, who was visibly struggling under the relentless assault of Arcstone. The Empire Axe was nearing the breaking point. Stepping up the ferocity of his attacks, Jadeslash declared, "Your Shield will be joining us soon. It's time to end this little skirmish before we get interrupted, Brightforge."

Breathless and battered, Brightforge flushed with rage and determination. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he spat defiantly, bitter defiance shining in his eyes. "I will bury you right here."

***

Bryan's face briefly lit up with relief as he watched the Baltimore cavalry pull back, abandoning their hope of sweeping through the valley. "It's working, they're backing up," he exclaimed, catching Nicolas's attention.

Nicolas scanned the battlefield, spotting Haldor arriving on the right flank of the Cincinnati lines, clearly discouraging the enemy cavalry from attempting a flanking maneuver. "It worked, but it might not be good news for us," he cautioned, as the reality of the situation sank in.

As they spoke, rows of heavy Baltimore infantry began their fast march toward the Cincinnati lines. Nicolas's brow furrowed in concern. "No Griidlords on Baltimore's side, save for Jadeslash. They must be busy using their Footfields to ferry troops."

Bryan nodded in agreement. "Just as well. The cavalry could likely get around our lines if Haldor was occupied with their Griidlords."

The thunderous footsteps of the charging heavy Baltimore infantry sent tremors through the ground, their frightening advance matched only by the sight of the enemy archers forming up in the distance. Realizing the imminent danger, Bryan roared orders to the Cincinnati soldiers, preparing them for the new threat that lay before them.

"Spearmen, hold your ground and brace for impact! Archers, be ready to thin their ranks with volleys of deadly arrows! Swordsmen, steel yourselves for the bloody melee to come – this is no longer a battle for the field, but a desperate struggle for our lives!"

The Cincinnati lines, ever-disciplined and adaptive, responded immediately to Bryan's instructions, adjusting their stances to prepare for the oncoming storm of Baltimore steel. Each warrior steadied their nerves, the weight of the impending battle heavy on their shoulders. In this crucial moment, every action, every decision would be the difference between victory and disaster for not only their forces but the very future of their city.

***

The Cincinnati archers unleashed deadly volleys of arrows upon the advancing Baltimore infantry, the sky darkening as the rain of merciless death whistled through the air. Yet, even as their lethal shafts found their targets among the relentless enemy, the effect was limited against the heavy armor of the Baltimore forces.

The lines of opposing armies clashed with a resounding cacophony of steel meeting steel, bodies crushed beneath the relentless pressure of the battlefield. Men fought with all their might, knowing full well that their lives and the fate of their beloved Cincinnati hung in the balance.

Nicolas couldn't help but glance in the direction of the duels between Jadeslash and Brightforge, and Underbough battling Arcstone. Each gripping confrontation seemed to sway the ebb and flow of the wider conflict; if Brightforge and Arcstone could prevail, they could join the fight here, turning the tide of battle – or at least aid in a strategic withdrawal.

Over the din of battle, Bryan shouted to Nicolas. "Look! The rest of our army got the message! They've abandoned their pursuit of the Empire forces!" He pointed out Hunter below, effortlessly whisking away a division of their troops using his Footfield.

A surge of relief washed over Nicolas, but he kept his attention fiercely focused on the bloody carnage that unfolded before him. His men, valiant and tenacious, fought tooth and nail to hold off the Baltimore advance. Every parry and strike, every scream of pain and defiance, echoed with the intensity of their unwavering determination.

The balance of power teetered on a knife's edge, as the Cincinnati forces dug deep, hoping the tide would turn before all was lost.

***

As the battle raged around them, Brightforge and Jadeslash continued their titanic clash, each ferocious swing and strike seeming to hold the future of Cincinnati in the balance.

"You know," Jadeslash taunted, his voice cold and calculating, "once I've bested you, I could become the lord of both Baltimore and Cincinnati. I wouldn't make your city a vassal, no. Instead, I'd simply purge it of its current leadership and establish it as a second home – a glorious extension of Baltimore's wealth and might."

Brightforge gritted his teeth, unwilling to allow Jadeslash's insidious words to weaken him. With a defiant snarl, he responded, "You underestimate the spirit and resilience of our people. Your boasts amount to nothing. Cincinnati will remain a beacon of freedom in a world ruled by darkness, and we will defeat you and all others who seek to undermine us!"

However, Brightforge felt the weight of exhaustion bearing down on him. He knew that in his current state, Jadeslash's strength was all but insurmountable. Desperate for some respite, he silently prayed for Arcstone to finish off Underbough and join him in his struggle.

***

The violent clash between the Cincinnati lines and the Baltimore heavy infantry had managed thus far to keep the enemies from overrunning their position, but the cost was growing more and more unbearable with each passing moment. Screams of agony and the sickening crunch of shattered armor filled the air, a grim cacophony that mocked the desperate struggle of the Cincinnati warriors who fought with all their might.

The Baltimore troops were fresh, their spirits bolstered by the promise of a swift victory, while their adversaries dug deep into reserves of strength and determination they never knew they had. The Cincinnati soldiers fought valiantly, each giving everything they had, even as their brothers-in-arms fell around them. Despite their courage and tenacity, the lines began to buckle and fold under the relentless assault, their chances of survival growing progressively slimmer.

In the midst of this brutal landscape, Nicolas's attention was torn from the grim melee at hand as his gaze caught sight of the ongoing duel between Jadeslash and Brightforge. With his heart caught in his throat, he watched in abject horror as Jadeslash's energy sword impaled Brightforge, the merciless steel tearing through the Cincinnati Sword with a bone-chilling efficiency – a visceral reminder of the life-or-death struggle the soldiers were all embroiled in.

Nicolas's attentions were drawn back to the Cincinnati lines, which were now starting to fold. Despair clawed at his heart, threatening to consume him. He had given everything he had to this fight, yet all seemed lost.

Then, just as hope seemed all but extinguished, a searing beam of energy lanced from above, streaking over the heads of the beleaguered Cincinnati troops. It struck the Baltimore soldiers with the force of a divine judgment, instantly melting dozens of them in a blaze of unmitigated destruction.

Flameheart had arrived, his potent energy rays forcing the Baltimore troops back and buying precious time for the Cincinnati soldiers. The reprieve allowed them a moment to catch their breath, the shocked survivors scrambling to reform their lines.

Miraculous as this intervention seemed, it had also arrived late. The Cincinnati soldiers were too bloodied, too weak, and too beaten to muster any hope of striking back. The specter of defeat loomed heavier than ever, and what they faced seemed an impossible task – a herculean struggle for survival, where even the hard-won victory would be bitter and hollow.

***

Jadeslash, his grotesque expression of triumph slicing through the air like his deadly blade, flung the impaled Brightforge from his sword. Raising the weapon overhead, he prepared to deliver the final, fatal blow – a beheading that would seal Cincinnati's fate.

Brightforge, gasping and choking on his own blood, could only watch through a haze of pain and hopelessness, his suit sparking with the intensity of his fading life force. This was defeat, and he felt like a fool for ever believing he could stand against the might of the Empire. In his final moments, he could only brace for the end he desperately wished to evade.

Jadeslash reveled in his victory, his voice dripping with venomous satisfaction. "Oh, what a sad, pathetic end for the great Cincinnati Sword. I'll enjoy recounting this tale of your utter failure." With these chilling words, Jadeslash swung his sword at Brightforge's exposed neck.

Before the cruel edge could bite into flesh, however, Jadeslash was suddenly sent flying twenty feet through the air. Arcstone, the steely bulwark of Cincinnati's defense, had struck him with an earth-shattering blow from his shield. Brightforge, delirious and struggling to comprehend the sudden intervention, realized with a dawning epiphany that Underbough must have been forced to retreat.

Arcstone scooped his leader from the ground, keenly observing the rapidly changing situation on the battlefield. The Cincinnati lines, though bloodied and in disarray, had been afforded a temporary reprieve by Flameheart's timely arrival. Gravity weighed heavily on Arcstone's brow, as he turned to his fading comrade, offering words of desperate reassurance. "We'll get you to a pod, Brightforge. We'll get you through this."

But as Jadeslash struggled back to his feet, his eyes burning with murderous intent, Arcstone had no choice but to take a risky gamble. With a deft movement, he activated his Footfield, whisking both himself and Brightforge away from the enemy's wrath, and transporting them to the safety of the Cincinnati lines.

Moments later, the 3rd Division rallied around their fallen hero, forming a protective shield around Brightforge even as Arcstone deployed his Footfield once more and whisked them far from the battlefield. They escaped – for now – to the uncertain safety that awaited them within their city's walls.

Yet with their Sword on the brink of death, the grim reality was clear- their survival may have been little more than a temporary reprieve. What hope could there be for a city with their champion dead or dying, and the shadow of defeat hanging over them like a shroud?