It was about midday when the army was assembled in full. Their banners were praised, and spears were glinting in the sun. Of course, the landscape had changed from frozen windswept to sweltering. Kreshlak had decided on a change of scenery. However, their equipment was equally effective by his will. The army that had been assembled was more significant than that of the Calishans. More mercenaries had arrived, swelling the number of Harlenorians to almost seven thousand. And many more were behind, gathering in hopes of a long war. The auxiliaries of Artarqian spearmen were swelled by new blood. Many had finished their training and were now considered ready.

Once they had been two thousand, they were four times that at eight thousand. Each one had been given winter clothing that had now been cast off. They bore spears and large shields and were on the flanks, having paid for their equipment. William wondered if they would be of any use to justify their pay. Father had to supply them and provide them wages for each week of service. The additional profits from selling to Calisha would help here.

But would it be enough? It would take some time to establish things.

There were also Dust Elves, in the same numbers and equipment as before. Dust Elves never committed their entire force to a battle. Elves preferred to avoid large-scale wars because replacing them would take so long. And wars of attrition were right out; especially if they were in foreign lands, they did not know. Rusara had sent merchants to learn the lay of the ground many decades ago so they were not blind. Yet, by and large, their guides were satyrs, which was worrying.

These archers had been supplemented by skirmishers drawn up from Artarq's population. Men clad in light armor at best, with small shields and bearing slings for the most part. They needed to be better able to afford the equipment necessary for the spear ranks. William had spent time healing some among them and talked to them. Most had little chance of glory or profit in Artarq and sought adventure and power. Even so, they had been trained, and slings could be as deadly as any sword. They numbered three thousand, which meant the army numbered about nineteen thousand.

Which was then enhanced by the warbands that Relg had drawn up, nearly nine thousand. Though that was a guess, Tanith made it based on campfires. So, twenty-eight thousand in total, and caravans of supplies would have to feed them. With the disease threats, William had spent much time working with priests to keep the army alive. Laevian was a constant companion on the road, in one way or another.

Getting water was difficult here, and men were being sent out to fetch from wells for miles. Barrels were being brought in as well, filled with supplies. But many of them were eaten almost as soon as they arrived.

William only prayed that Barden would likewise be beside their caravans. A few days of hunger would turn this rescuing army into a menace.

"This is what Kreshlak does," said Raynald in irritation. He looked up reports on logistics. "He's never let continuity get in the way of a given battlefield. I just pray he isn't going to have ice spirits make fun of our caravans."

"How do they raise crops here?" asked William.

"There are designated fertile areas that are exempt from change. It is forbidden to fight there," said Raynald. "Fighting on his terrain is always a miserable experience. He prefers appearances over convenience."

Raynald had ordered them to take a position on a hill, pitching their camps. The location overlooked a barren and rocky pass that came in from the north. With the army arrayed down before them, the leaders began discussing plans.

"Lord Raynald," said Tanith, "why here?"

"This area is of strategic importance, Tanith," said Raynald. "This is the pass of the Sacred, where the worshippers of Elranor stopped an invasion. If not for the ambush that Relg's ancestor set, the faith of Elranor could have been wiped away overnight.

"That was back when the Calishans controlled Artarq and were a menace to the people here. They have a holiday here to mark the day."

"What is a holiday?" asked William.

"It's a stupid waste of time that inferior cultures use as an excuse not to work," said Tanith. "You pick a major victory and declare no one has to work on that day."

"That is the most foolish thing I've ever heard," said William. "You can slack off any time if you want to pay the price."

"Some peoples are just different," said Raynald. "Elranor has no holidays, and neither does Baltoth. We celebrate victory and nothing else.

"But it doesn't matter.

"If the worshippers of Kreshlak decide to invade, they must go through here. Either that or journey a long way to the west or east and go around. That will take them through Calishan territory. They may be able to keep their supplies up that long anyway.

"No, they will come through here.

"When they do, we'll break their army. From there, we can begin our invasion."

"Yes, I know that," said Tanith, "I meant, why did we set up our camp here when there are some good trees over there? We'll use a lot more water this way."

"We have a clear view of the battlefield here," said Raynald. "So the sorcerers will just have to work at drawing water a bit harder than usual. A quick response time is essential. If the men can see the enemy coming through, they'll be in more of a hurry."

"So is conserving supplies," said Tanith.

"Raynald, Tanith dear, I think you're missing the point," said Rusara. "We weren't ordered to invade the worshippers of Kreshlak."

"We're not going to try and hold any ground," said Raynald. "Once we break their army, we'll press our advantage and ransack the countryside. We'll enslave people, steal everything we can get our hands on, and burn the rest."

"I doubt I'll find any worthwhile slaves in Khasmir," muttered Tanith. "Satyr women aren't much to look at." There were murmurs of agreement from the other officers.

"Cheer up," said Raynald, "there must be something worth looting in this place. You can usually turn a profit from war; you need to look in the right place."

"Unfortunately, you'll have to be content with your pay, Tanith," said Rusara. "We can't afford to go around looting Khasmir."

"Rusara," said Raynald, "most of the soldiers in this army joined because they wanted to loot and pillage. I can't exactly tell them they aren't allowed to do it. They'll make a run for it."

"You'll have to," said Rusara. "The Calishans aren't willing to invade Khasmir for one reason. They know that all the neutral factions will unite against a common enemy. If we earn their hatred, they may put aside self-preservation for revenge."

"Yes, yes," said Raynald. "I suppose we'll just have to stick to looting the bodies of our fallen enemies." Disappointed murmurs.

There was a flash at that moment, and Kiyora appeared, rushing up to him. "Hey William, I had this great-" She paused as she saw the army. "Um... I'm guessing you're busy."

William looked up in surprise. How was it that she always showed up when he least expected it? "Not at the moment. This is more the calm before the storm than a time of any pressing need."

"Right," said Kiyora, "so what is going on?"

"Raynald has taken the high ground here with our satyr allies," said William. "The worshippers of Kreshlak should be coming by this road soon enough. They'll have to engage us or go around when they get here.

"If they go around, we can move ourselves to block them again, and they'll exhaust themselves. We'll hold the advantage if they attack, which I think is more likely."

"Okay, I have no idea what any of that means," said Kiyora.

William explained things quickly again. Kiyora listened and nodded, pretending to understand. "Right, okay, so what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be down there with the army?"

"Rusara wants me to observe and learn. If the battle gets desperate, involve me," admitted William. "Otherwise, I'll spend time healing the wounded they drag back here. She doesn't want me in action just yet."

"Well, that sucks," said Kiyora.

Relg came into view at that moment, followed by a shorter satyr with ruddy gray fur, wearing a large axe on his back. "I do not agree with this course of action, Relg," the gray satyr said. "A warrior should meet the enemy on the battlefield and slaughter them all to the last."

"Yes, Kusher and he would be badly weakened in the process," said Relg. "I expect the worshippers of Baltoth would be keen to attack next. And even if we were victorious, the better part of our fighting strength would be destroyed.

"Do not be too eager to leap into battle, brother."

"And you would instead hide behind these humans?" snarled Kusher.

"Not hide," said Relg. "Work with. We'll let the enemy exhaust themselves coming to us. Then we'll stop them here. Elranor smiles at those who choose their battles wisely."

"So what's all this about Kreshlak and Baltoth," asked Kiyora.

"That is a bit complicated," said William. "You see, most of the satyr clans in this region have been converted. To the worship of Elranor and Kreshlak, I mean—those allied with Calisha worship Baltoth. The neutral satyr clans pay homage only Kreshlak and their ancestral deities.

"Tamar the Goddess of Eastern winds, for one. Though I gather her domain is empty, they worship only her memory.

"There is some overlap, of course."

Felix got back at this point. Or rather, he had gotten back five minutes ago, but no one had noticed him except William. He was standing directly behind Tanith and kneeling. Though Rusara had been looking at him before anyone else, perhaps she'd noticed.

"Felix, you've returned," said Rusara.

"Yes," said Felix. "It is as Lord Relg said, Lady Rusara. The worshippers of Kreshlak are making their way here en masse. They number far fewer than half our forces. If they had met Relg in battle, they might have been evenly matched. Against our combined might, it would be a massacre."

"Perfect," said Raynald, pointing to the map. "We'll arrange the spearmen in the front here and here. Rusara, your archers and slingers, will fire into their ranks as soon as they come within range. After that, they fall behind the line as they approach. Relg, place your berserkers on the left flank. Tanith, you'll lead the swordsmen and mercenaries on the right here. We'll let them come to us and shred them to pieces."

"There is something else, sir," said Felix.

"What is it?" asked Raynald, looking annoyed.

"This isn't just an army," said Felix. "They have women and children with them on wagons along with all their possessions. While watching them, I heard them talking about strange creatures. Things that had driven them out. Monsters. They are running from something."

"I didn't know you spoke satyr," said Tanith.

"I don't," said Felix. "They spoke Harlenorian. The languages have bled together a bit. Why do you think you can talk with Lord Relg?"

"This is perfect!" said Tanith, ignoring the point. "We can get all the benefits of sacking their villages without actually doing it!"

"Tanith is right," mused Raynald. "We'll make a tidy profit selling the survivors into slavery. And we can loot their valuables. The Sornian sugar plantations always look for new bodies to work in the fields. Anything else?"

William had to do something about this. "Raynald, if I may?" he said.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"Yes, of course," said Raynald.

"If they come here with women and children, they are desperate. Desperate people fight harder," said William. "And they remember people who help them far longer than those for whom the sun shines."

"What do you suggest?" asked Raynald with a raised eyebrow. "That we give them food and water and let them take over our ally's lands?"

Since when did Raynald start giving a damn about their allies? The question held a certain degree of resentment, which surprised William. However, he controlled himself. "I merely wish to speak with them before we commit to slaughtering desperate men. These creatures Felix speaks of may be of concern to us as well."

"Relg, what is your view on this?" asked Raynald.

"We had heard rumors of these creatures before," admitted Relg. "Monsters with the bodies of snakes and arms like scythes. However, we had not known them to be so formidable.

"Anything which can drive the worshippers of Kreshlak to flee is a dangerous foe. What if we ally with them and help them regain their homeland? They might well be willing to accept Elranor's authority."

"Well, that is what Vanion would do," mused Raynald. "Fine, we'll try things your way, William. However, I doubt the army will be pleased."

The army was arrayed, and soon enough, they saw their enemy approaching. True to Felix's words, it was far smaller than their own and soon drew to a halt. Many wagons drawn by oxen came with them, stuffed with people. The two armies were arrayed, and Kiyora looked at them curiously.

"They don't look very enthusiastic, do they?" asked Kiyora.

"Would you be enthusiastic about these odds?" asked William. "They're not soldiers; they're refugees."

"Brother, we should attack!" said Kusher. "They're exhausted and fewer than us! We can crush them now!"

"The time for battle has not yet come, Kusher," said Relg.

"Not yet, come?" asked Kusher. "Are you a chieftain or the human's lapdog-"

It was remarkable how quickly Relg acted. His hand was around Kusher's throat, and the other satyr was smashed on the ground, being choked. A blade was set to his belly, and Relg looked at his brother with a deadly calm expression. "The next time you wish to disagree with me, brother, you will demonstrate due respect. Or I'll kill you. Understand?"

Kusher nodded. The blade was removed, and Relg stood. "Good. Now, let's go to meet with the enemy."

"Tanith," said Raynald, "put forward the flag of parley."

"Why me?" asked Tanith incredulously.

"Consider it a compliment," said William, clapping her on the shoulder. "A show of our faith in your abilities."

"Funny how every time someone shows faith in my abilities, I get a volley of arrows shot at me," muttered Tanith.

To William's relief, nobody launched a volley of arrows at Tanith. This time, the satyr chieftain came forward with his honor guard to meet Raynald and Relg with theirs. The chieftain was a giant of a satyr with bulging muscles. Yet as he approached Relg, he looked at the smaller satyr with obvious terror.

Just what was it that made everyone so afraid of Relg? He had threatened to kill his brother, of course. Perhaps he was considered ruthless, even by satyr standards.

"I am Relg of the Fireeyes clan," said Relg. "Why have you intruded on my domain?"

"I am Chieftain Atrain of the Swordarm clan." said the Chieftain. "We... we are seeking shelter. Terrible monsters have driven us from our homes and even now ravage the lands of the people of Kreshlak. Kreshlak's priests bade us to seek the aid of the worshippers of Elranor. We beg of you to provide us with the land; in return, our swords and the swords of your descendants shall be yours. We will pay homage to Elranor as well as Kreshlak."

It was an unfortunate play. Offering concessions to start with. Even if the Chieftain was desperate, he should have pretended to be confident. If only to make them think he might have something up his sleeve.

Kusher looked at him with obvious contempt. "Miserable wretch, why should we-"

He stopped as Relg raised a hand. "You ask us to aid you," said Relg. "However, we have little land to spare ourselves. Yet in the spirit of brotherhood between all satyrs, we shall consider your request."

"I thank you," said Atrain.

"Now, tell me everything that has occurred," said Relg.

Atrain nodded. "Some weeks ago, a comet shot across the sky and landed in our lands. From it spewed forth many monsters, the likes of which we have never seen. They killed without mercy, but they ignored wildlife. All their focus was on our people.

"At first, it was only a few raids. They would attack a village and drag the dead away. Yet soon, they multiplied. Within a week, they were everywhere, and we could hardly hold our own."

"Why did you not go to the other clans of Kreshlak for help?" asked Relg.

"We sought aid at the nearby clan of Krishiv. Yet our messengers found them under siege by great armies of the monsters," said Atrain. "We choose to flee before we can become encircled. I fear it is only a matter of time before they are overwhelmed."

"Then we will go to their aid," said Relg. "Raynald, I will ensure these monsters do not spread further. Chieftain Atrain, you and your warriors will refresh yourselves in our wells. Then you will go to Krishiv's aid and relieve the siege under the command of Raynald. I will remain here and ensure that your families are cared for."

It was as much a threat as it was an act of generosity. Relg was taking hostages in case Atrain attempted treachery. However, Raynald narrowed his eyes. He didn't like being given orders."

"Well, of course," said Raynald. "Your brother should come with us. He seems eager for war." Relg turned, and his gaze met Raynald. After a moment, he shrugged and relented. "The experience will do him good."

Then there was a roar. Over their heads shot six blurs of flaming rock. William could feel the heat of it on his face as they soared overhead. The ground shook as they crashed into the distance, throwing them from their feet. William felt his helmet clang against a rock, and it took a moment for him to arise. As he composed himself, he heard the shrieks.

They were ungodly, horrible shrieks of agony. William stood unsteadily and saw two fallen meteors looming in the distance. Then, holes were broken in their base from within. Out of those holes poured many snake-like creatures with scythe arms. They had the mandibles of insects and slithered quickly toward them.

"What the hell?" said Raynald.

"More of them," cried Atrain. "More of them have come!"

Raynald drew his sword. "Get your people behind the lines. Form up your warriors with us and prepare to repel the attack! Shields up!"

A hand fell on William's shoulder. "William, stay behind the lines."

What! No, he was going to fight! He didn't want to, but he had to. "Let me-" he began.

"Not this time!" snarled Rusara. "You have another task! Now come on!"

William hurried behind Rusara, feeling a twinge of resentment. He wanted to prove himself in battle, but Rusara wouldn't let him. This was the second battle William had been forced to sit out. Then, as he reached the top of the hill, he noticed that Kiyora was looking distant. As if he was seeing her through mist.

"What are those things," asked Kiyora, voice oddly faint.

"Raishans," said Rusara. "I didn't know there were any areas they could enter this world through. Quickly, William, play your harp."

"But-" began William.

"Now!" snapped Rusara.

William drew out his harp and watched as the armies were assembled into a defensive position. The Harlenorians were in the center, facing the brunt of the assault. To their left were the assembled satyrs, howling war cries and revving themselves into a fury. To their right were the troops raised from Artarq. And further up the hill were the Dust Elves and slingers, ready for war. But the shrieking monstrosities slithered after them. No sooner had the defense been prepared than the monsters were in arrow range. The twang of bows resounded through the valley. A rain of arrows killed many. Yet even as they fell, more took their place as the creatures rushed forward faster than any man could run.

"Play the harp, William!" cried Rusara. "Now!"

William obeyed. He strummed the strings, and as he did so, the front ranks of the raishans slowed and recoiled. They fled backward as more arrows flew into their ranks. Yet soon, they rallied and returned, only to break again. William played on, pouring the power of Elranor into his music. Some of the creatures fell, screaming to the ground.

"They're falling into disorder," said William.

"These creatures hate the divine like a plague," said Rusara. "Keep playing until I tell you to stop, understand?"

"Yes," said William.

On and on, the creatures came as arrow after the arrow was launched into their midsts. The stones fell afterward in a rain of projectiles. When one died, it would shriek horribly and fall. Its body would melt into nothingness on the ground before its eyes. Yet why were there bodies of the creatures in the distance?

More creatures broke out of the rock, and a second wave advanced. Something set its will against William, and he found his hands hurt. It was getting hard to keep playing. What was he doing here? All the music in the world was of no use against such hosts. He should take his sword and join the others in battle.

No, that wasn't right. His music was helping.

The second wave arrived, and the raishans rushed to the front line. Yet before they could reach it, Raynald walked out ten feet ahead of the army. His sword was in his hand, and as the creatures drew near, his sword flashed in the sunlight. In mere moments, dozens of the animals fell into pieces around him, and more soon followed.

For a moment, Raynald held back the tide, hacking them down around him with absolute ease. He fought in a godlike fashion, lunging and slashing, and raishans fell like wheat. Yet though not one raishan could get by him, they could go around him and soon reached the front lines. Thus, the battle was joined.

The spearmen had locked their shields and stabbed with their weapons, holding them at bay. Yet the tide came against the flanks. Soon, the swordsman and axemen were fighting in melee and not doing as well. William saw a man beheaded by a scythe, another wrapped up and crushed to death by the raishans tail.

A full-on melee began. The flanks buckled as more and more of the monsters came onward. The soldiers of Artarq were stabbing and fighting in terror. Many of them were bowled over and torn apart, screaming before their friends. Yet others rushed to their aid with spears readied to thrust into the hearts of the creatures. The line was holding, and the Harlenorians had never been as pressured. The satyrs fought with glee and savagery. Yet such were their numbers that they defied comprehension. William realized that his hands were slowing and played harder.

At the same time, Raynald moved to the front of the ranks, driving off the raishans singlehanded. It bought them precious time, and the men reformed. He saw Tanith cut the head from a raishan, parry a scythe with her shield, and cut another in half. Beside her, he could see Kusher lying about him with his axe, slaying many.

Between the two of them, they compared to Raynald, who was always where the fighting was thickest. His blade slew unending tides of demons, and they shrieked in horror at his coming. Tanith became more and more relentless. She was killing demon after demon with a smile, and Kusher fought to keep pace and succeeded.

Relg stood behind the battle, firing a bow. He launched arrow after arrow. With each shot, a raishan fell dead.

Then Rusara snapped her fingers, and a high flame pillar rose. She did it again, and another pillar scattered the raishans. Then again. The tide was repulsed, yet it came back, again and again, no matter how it was defeated.

He didn't know how long he stood there, playing, but every inch was pained with the effort. There was a roar, and into the fray leaped Massacre. The beast poured flame into the ranks of the raishans. She tore them apart wherever they walked. Where had she been all this time? Her paws ripped raishans in half, while her lion head tore into the monsters.

Wherever she went, the raishans died. It proved the last straw. The raishans could not pierce the ranks of Harlenor. Whenever they came too close, Raynald would come with his sword. Or Massacre with her claws. Or Rusara with her fire, and they would be repulsed.

The tide slackened and fled. And left behind was a field of blood. Every inch of the barren ground was soaked with red. The retreating raishans grabbed the bodies of the fallen and dragged them with them. Back they went toward the rock like insects fleeing a flame. William felt like throwing up as he watched it.

He looked down at his harp. He wondered why the strings had not broken or frayed when using them with a gauntlet. Then he fell to his knees in exhaustion. His every inch hurt. How long had he been channeling the power of the divine?

He didn't know, but he couldn't afford to collapse.

William looked at Felix and shook his head. "I'm going to go heal the injured."

He stood up and descended the hill, nearly falling several times. In a daze, he began to search among the fallen for wounded. He healed who he could, but it seemed futile. So many had been injured or killed, and he knew he couldn't treat them all. Casualties had been terrible among the men of Artarq, who had the least training. Their ranks had been thicker than the others, and many had been slain or wounded. The Harlenorians, armored and more experienced, faired the best. They had taken defensive positions and locked shields. Last, the satyrs had met fury with fury and lost many.

He could try, however. He healed broken bones and ripped flesh despite a blurry vision. Eventually, when he could go on no longer, he collapsed to his knees. Vaguely, he saw Tanith approaching him, looking in the best mood he'd ever seen her. How was it that she always ended up soaked in blood every time she went into battle?

"William," she said, "did you fight?"

"No," said William. "My harp, I... I played it to disrupt the raishans power. Rusara's orders."

"A shame," said Tanith. "It's been great sport here. Look at that field out there! We must have killed at least ten thousand! Probably four or five times that, actually!" She paused. "Of course, Raynald killed the most, as usual. Something to work for, I guess."

"Tanith," said William, "I'd love to talk about this, but I need to meet with Raynald."

"You need to rest," said Felix. "You are at your limit."

William realized he was right and sank to his knees. "Fine," said William, "I'll rest for a bit."

Raynald showed up on his own, congratulating various soldiers on their work. William could hear several cheers of victory, but it was all halfhearted. Relg walked among his men, doing the same. Kusher could be seen sitting upon a stone and staring into space. William began trying to estimate how many they had lost. There were at least a few thousand Artarqians and a couple hundred Haldrenians. The satyrs were already devouring their dead in some places, but he guessed about a thousand.

The next battle would be lower. All those here were now soldiers and would be better prepared for next time.

And then came the messenger. He rushed breathlessly up to Relg and fell to one knee. "Chieftain! Kynn is under siege! Strange monsters we have never seen even now assail our walls!"

"Damn," said Relg. "We must have missed the horn calls in the chaos."

"Ready yourselves, my warriors!" cried Kusher, standing tall. "We must aid our brethren!"

"We can't go anywhere until our men have had a chance to rest," said Relg. "We're in no state to travel, let alone fight. Kynn once held for twenty years against a Calishan army. Gather the men and give them an hour's rest. Then we move."

"What about Krishiv?" asked William.

"We'll see to ourselves first," said Relg.

"Relg is right," said Raynald. "A man must see to his allies first."

"There is one other thing we must do," said Rusara, appearing with Massacre. "William, come with me. We have work to do, you and I. Tanith pick some men. You will accompany us into that meteor."

'Why?" asked Tanith. "We've already routed them."

"There is a nest within that thing," said Rusara. "I am sure of it. And I do not want to have it at our backs."

"I will go as well," said Kusher with an appearance of confidence. "My axe craves more blood."

"As you wish," said Rusara.

"Why are we going in there?" asked William.

"To finish the beast," said Rusara. So, more demon slaying.