The village turned out to be small and built on a hill. There were houses made of stone with grass roofs and little signs of luxury. There were also boats moored at piers built on the river. William looked across it and saw distantly the Calishan villages. In the distance, he saw the city of Cowcal, which had been founded long ago. It had been after Ruscow's victory over Valranor, and it had been named for the herdsman who dwelled here. A formidable, walled outpost, the banners of the Calishans were arrayed beyond it. You could see them distantly, preparing to march out. Many were already along the roads. Cowcal had long been the base of operations from which sieges of Artarq were carried out.

Several times in history, it was destroyed and rebuilt later. This one was, William thought, the third city of Cowcal. It was named as it had been with new colonists to replace those killed. Once, King Andoa II of Antion crossed the river and laid siege to it for almost a year. It had not fallen. Yet he had been called away by Viokin raids and could never renew the attack. So it was that Calisha and Harlenor stood at a perpetual stalemate.

As usual.

It was a bitter irony that William was here to maintain that stalemate. William wished that he could face the enemy on their ground. And for a moment, he felt he understood Tanith. To strike down the Calishans, to move beyond the river, and conquer Ruscow. Such a thing would be a glorious venture if appropriately made.

But his place was here, for now, running down a pier with Rusara.

In them, he saw a dark-skinned man mending his nets. He looked up, cowering as Massacre came to a halt before him. There was a large fishing boat, large enough to transport some goods there. Many local people did business moving goods across Savior's Run. Some of them, the smugglers, could be seen hanging from a post by the entrance to the village.

At the sight of such armed figures, they moved to leap into the river to escape. Yet Rusara raised a hand, and the shadows lengthened to wrap around him. She dismounted Massacre and approached. William didn't blame him for this. They were terrifying, and their haste was likely seen for murderous intent. He looked afraid, and William raised his hands in a gesture of peace.

"You, who are you?" he gasped.

"I am the sorceress, Rusara," said Rusara. "And I need your boat at once. Move quickly. The fate of Artarq rests on your speed."

"How am I to know you are the real Rusara?" asked the man.

Rusara raised her fingers and put them into a position to snap. The man shuddered. "Yes, milady. Climb aboard. Erm, will you be taking the thing?"

"She's a chimera," said William. "Massacre, could you stay behind? I don't think you'll fit."

"Bah," said Massacre.

"No, I won't forget the music," said William.

They got onto the boat, and the fisherman began untying the rope. Soon, they were loose, and he looked to Rusara for direction. He was terrified of her. Dust Elves had a reputation, and Rusara was their leader.

"Take us downriver," said Rusara.

"But milady, we've seen Calishans on the far bank," said the man.

"Yes, and now they are crossing," said Rusara. "We'll need to stop them."

"But how can even a sorceress stop such a host?" asked the man as he complied.

"With surprising ease," said Rusara. "Night is falling. That is good. Stay quiet and keep your sword sheathed."

Soon enough, they came within sight of the bridge. In the darkness, they could see the forces of Calisha making the crossing. They marched in great columns over the long bridge, forming ranks on the far bank. As of this moment, a third of the army was across. The rest was clustered against the side of the bridge. They numbered in thousands already, with more coming.

"So that is the bridge," mused the man. "Looks like they have finally completed it."

"Lower the sail, and we'll row right up next to the bridge," said Rusara. "I'll need to be up close for this."

"Won't they have watchers?" asked William.

"They don't have any, I can see," mused Rusara. "But I have already conjured the shadows to protect us from them. In any case, Banir hasn't sent any advance scouts ahead of the bridge, either. His deployment has been very clumsy."

Soon enough, they were right up alongside the bridge. William dared not make a sound as he saw spear-wielding soldiers marching above them. Rusara reached into the folds of her cloak and drew out some paint. She began to apply it with her fingers into the shape of runes.

"How long until we move?" asked William.

"Patience, William," said Rusara. "Keep watch for the flaming arrow while I paint the runes."

"Why do you need runes?" asked the man.

"Oh, runes are a channeling force," said William. "You put part of one's magic into them. Then, they channel your power into something else with various effects. Blood runes, for instance, sap life force and send it to someone else. Meanwhile, flame runes take magic and channel it into an explosion."

"What is your name?" asked Rusara.

"Sarif, Lady Rusara." said the man.

"Well, you may have a story to tell your children when this is over," said Rusara. "Move the boat a little ways down. Quickly, we need to be swift."

By now, nearly half the army was across or on the bridge. As Rusara began painting yet another rune on the bridge, William looked up at the sky. Suddenly, he saw a spark of light surging high in the sky. There was a murmur of surprise from the Calishans.

"Rusara, look," said William. "The arrow."

"For Harlenor Reunited!!" came Raynald's cry.

"FOR HARLENOR REUNITED!!" came the reply.

William peered into the darkness as the Calishans formed. He heard the twang of bowstrings. One couldn't see the arrows at night, but one could see their effect. Hundreds of Calishans were caught off-guard, dying from the barrage in moments. Another volley fell, and still more were killed. Orders were shouted, and the Calishans formed their shields together. The arrows did not find their mark the next time.

As the arrows slackened, the army of House Gabriel crashed into the Calishans. William thought he saw Raynald at the head, hacking and slashing like a berserker with his one good arm. With every stroke, a Calishan died, and their shield wall broke beneath his onslaught. Soon it was a melee, and Raynald was lost from sight.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Looking up, William saw the Calishans hurrying faster across the bridge. Some stumbled in the darkness and fell into the river, splashing into the cold water. There they were, floundering and grasping for the bridge. They couldn't swim. Soon, arrows began to fall upon the Calishans crossing the bridge. Dust Elves, indeed, were amazing archers. No human regiment could have been so precise in their shots at them. Yet the elves concentrated most of their fire on a narrow bridge.

Of course, when an arrow landed in the boat near him, his admiration turned to worry. "We need to move, Rusara. Or we'll get caught in the arrows."

Rusara finished. "Move us away. We can't afford to be too close to this bridge when it goes up."

The boat was rowed a bit away from the ship. The assault was continuing in earnest. Calishans were being driven back against the bridge, but among them, one stood out. It was a very tall woman wielding two scimitars. Harlenorians died around her as she rallied her forces against the onslaught. Her long red hair flowed around her as she cut down all who came against her.

The battle turned against them; the Calishans knew it, but they asked no quarter. They were clad only in leather and padding and faced men in steel armor. Yet they continued to fight. It was magnificent in its way.

Then again, if the battle continued like this, Raynald's momentum would fail. Inevitably, the Calishans would overwhelm them. William saw more heavily armored Calishan troops crossing over the bridge. At their head was the banner of the King. King Banir was clad in shining mail, which was remarkable since it was night.

They were out of time. "We have to destroy the bridge."

Rusara said nothing. "Raynald seems to be enjoying himself. The De Chevlons always did have a taste for blood."

"Rusara!" said William.

Rusara sighed and drew out a small tube of leather. Opening it, she revealed malas. Bringing it to her nose, she sniffed it. Her eyes went blank white as an unnerving smile came to her face as she raised a hand. "Now."

Rusara snapped her fingers.

The world went green and white. The force of the explosion threw William back in the boat. Support beams and bits of flaming wood fell around them in the water. Screams and cries of distress could be heard as he staggered up and saw the bridge. Or what was left of it?

Which was nothing? Nothing but the beginning and end. The thing was just gone. In its place were many soldiers floundering to try and stay afloat in their armor. Some grabbed onto bits of wood and tried to swim for the shore.

And on the shore, the Calishans were being driven in by Raynald. It was becoming a massacre now. This combat was hardly fair. William heard the screams of the dying, saw the blood pouring out to soak the ground, and felt sick.

"Well, that was quite spectacular," said Rusara with a smile. "It has been long since I could create so large a fire."

Cries for help soon came from the men clinging to life in the river. William felt a sense of pity.

"The Calishans," said William, "they are drowning."

"Leave them be," said Rusara. "We can't afford to risk getting taken as hostages."

"But we can't just leave them," said William.

"You are far too soft-hearted," said Rusara. "This is a war, and they are the enemy. Look over there; the Calishans are putting up some resistance against Raynald. Their leader is rallying them. I'm somewhat impressed." She seemed amused.

William stared at her. He'd never seen this side of her before. "Rusara..."

"Sarif, take us upriver and then to shore," said Rusara.

"Yes, Lady Rusara," said Sarif.

"Help me!" cried a voice. "Help us, please!"

Something in William snapped. He drew himself up and drew out his sword. "Belay that order! We're going to save as many as we can! Now move!"

"William-" began Rusara.

"I am the son of Duke Vanion! That means I outrank you!" snapped William. "Now, go and help me save that man!"

Rusara looked at him coldly. "So be it. If they try anything, I am setting them on fire."

Sarif turned the boat back toward the cries for help, and William saw the screaming man. He was clad in heavy armor but had grabbed ahold of driftwood. William leaned out over the side of the boat and reached out for him. "Give me your hand. Come on."

The man struggled and finally managed to catch William's hand. Almost at once, his heavy armor drew him downwards. William hauled on him with all his might and pulled him onto the boat. He got a look at the man. He was tan-skinned and brown-bearded with a look around him. Then he turned his attention to the others.

The next was clad in leather and swimming for his life. William pulled him aboard with greater ease, then moved on to the next and the next. Very soon, the boat was nearly packed, and William realized they could carry no more.

"Sarif," said William, "take us to shore." Everyone else in the water was going to die. He couldn't heed their cries for help.

Then his senses screamed at him. Glancing back, he saw the glint of a knife. He ducked aside as it passed his throat. Then there was the sound of snapping fingers, and the man started screaming as he burst into green flame. William grabbed him by the collar and hurled him overboard into the river.

"Anyone else!" he roared, picking up his sword. "Good, now come on! We'll find someone to take his place!"

One more person was saved. No one else tried to take control of the boat after that. Rusara kept a careful eye on everyone there. William looked at the first man he had saved and realized his armor had started to shine again. It might have been awe-inspiring in other circumstances. It seemed out of place with the sound of weapons and the screams of horror.

"You... are you King Banir?" he asked.

"Yes," said the man.

"Tell your men that if they attempt to defy us, Rusara will burn them to ashes," said William.

"As you wish," said Banir before speaking in Calishan. His soldiers murmured among themselves. Then Banir looked back. "They know."

"Good," said William. What else could be said?

Banir didn't seem interested. He was pointing to where the Calishans were making a final stand. They were surrounded and hemmed in but defiant. "The battle is ongoing still. My daughter is fighting well."

"Your daughter?" asked William.

"Yes," said Banir. "Kaja desired to lead the vanguard. How is it that you are here to stand against us?"

"With great difficulty," said William.

"I will remember tonight," said Banir. "What is your name?"

"I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel," said William. "My father wishes to negotiate with you." He looked to Sarif. "The battle seems to be calming now. Come, let's go ashore." As they approached the shore, William looked to Sarif. "I'll arrange for you to be paid well for your services if you'll wait here on the banks for a time."

"I have pay right here," said Rusara, drawing out a pouch of silver. "Take it."

"I am in your debt, sir," said Sarif.

William didn't disagree openly, though he didn't believe Sarif meant it for a moment. They had more or less forced him at sword point into danger. He was entitled to both pay and an apology. By the time they got to shore, the battle was mostly over. The surviving Calishans were being captured and led away. A force of soldiers approached with Tanith at their head.

She smiled broadly, and her sword and armor were soaked in blood. She motioned with her sword at them, looking almost drunk. "Hold! Stand and deliver!"

"It's me, Tanith," said William.

"William," she blinked before looking at the remnants of the bridge. "You and Rusara did your work well. But you missed all the fun. Who are these?"

"This is King Banir," said William. "And several others we rescued from the wreckage. I'll escort the King to my Father personally. Take the rest of them with the other prisoners."

"We have quite a few as it is," said Tanith. "More than I'd like. I haven't taken any prisoners until now. I prefer putting a sword through throats rather than to them."

"Don't kill any of them," said William. "They are under my protection."

"Alright, alright," said Tanith, "which one is the King?"

William looked to the men. Banir's armor was still shining and gilded. The others were clad in drab leather or had a breast place at best. He looked back at Tanith. "Truly, it is a mystery for the ages."

Tanith laughed, then looked to her men. "Take all of them except Banir. Go, move. If anyone resists, kill them and bring me their stuff."

No one resisted, and the rest were bound and led away. As Tanith turned to go, William put a hand to her shoulder. "One more thing," he said. "I am told that King Banir's daughter was involved in the fighting. Is there any news of her fate?"

"Raynald took her prisoner," said Tanith. "Well, technically, I did. I beat her in a sword fight. She was decent. Anyway, she'd be a decent sport. But Raynald got all preachy.

"Something about her being worth a ransom and the rules of war. She is in Duke Vanion's pavilion over there." She motioned without looking. "I think it's a wasted opportunity, but I'm not in charge."

William was more grateful for that fact by the moment. "Good," he looked to Banir. "Come, my father awaits."

"I will not be ransomed," said Banir.

"Be at ease," said William. "You are here as our guest."

William was doing his best to reassure Banir. His best needed to be more. Father had a use for him, so he would likely leave this place alive. Perhaps even with some part of his forces. William looked at the corpses and the dying. Then he looked to the bloodstained victors. He could not help but feel like throwing up.

He didn't, of course. That was beneath the dignity of the son of a Duke.