Sadly I had no training in battle tactics, yet. Then again, I did not have enough experience to properly manage my undead in the heat of battle anyway. So I just ordered my zombies to charge. Giving the enemy time to form up and prepare seemed like a bad idea.

Helena had covered her armour in ice and started shooting her ice knives at the enemy. Skadi was taking a defensive position in front of us, together with Frank. Cassie threw a vial which resulted in an explosion, followed by screams.

While most of the enemies were in front of us, a few emerged from the woods. Skadi was ready for them with her axe. I also saw Nyx in the trees hunting for archers. Maybe they were lookouts from the other side of the camp trying to flank us.

While I did not know who exactly our opponents were, it became clear that they had some fighting experience. They mostly wore chain mail and used a variety of weapons. Spears, swords, axes, maces,...

They did have some archers too. I saw them forming up in the rear. Once they started shooting I had to use my water shield. Helena was switching to more defensive magic as well.

“Can you do something about those archers?” She asked.

So far the Iron Beaks had not engaged but I directed five of them to go for the archers. The great thing about chickens was, they were small and did not look threatening. So they were not seen as an important target. Also, they were surprisingly fast. The undead chickens raced through the field, their beaks shining in the setting sun.

A series of explosions followed. The Iron Beaks were a great success. They caused quite a bit of panic in the enemy ranks. Which was good, since my zombies were struggling. They were outnumbered and faced people who knew how to use a weapon. I sent five Iron Beaks into the melee during the confusion.

My own troops took a hit but the result was worth it. Since the battle had started we must have taken out about thirty enemies already. But there were quite a few left. And they started advancing. So far they had failed to take down Frank but he was getting surrounded. A lot of the corpses were too damaged, because of the explosions, but I started raising the viable ones.

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While I concentrated on my necromancy I relied on my team to keep me safe. And so far they were doing an excellent job. I was feeling pretty confident until I heard Skadi shout: “Mage!”

It was followed by a bolt of lightning coming straight at me. I still had a water shield up but it was not enough. I screamed as electricity coursed through my body. I fell to the ground.

“Koyuki!” Someone shouted.

Pain. I knew pain. My mind went back to my childhood. The cursed collar I wore. The shocks I had received for disobedience. But that part of my life was over. I was free. And I would not fall here. I gathered my magic and called the dead. I called for anything to rise and fight. I called for the Iron Beaks to kill.

Explosions filled the area as the remaining chickens charged into the fray. Undead rose as enemies fell. Some of them were missing pieces. But they still heeded my call.

The enemy mage tried another bolt of lightning but it was intercepted by Nyx. She roared and unleashed a stream of black smoke from her mouth. It hit one of the fighters who screamed as his hand turned black. The mage summoned wind and blew away the smoke.

Ice started to cover Nyx’ bones and she charged. Her claws hit a barrier. But while the mage was fighting her, he could not attack us. Helena had given up on her bolts and was using her spear. She was right next to Frank decimating the enemy. All they slayed rose again, on our side.

Meanwhile a group of three enemies were on fire. They desperately tried to stop it, rolling in the dirt. They failed. Whatever Cassie threw on them kept burning.

Skadi was backing up Nyx. She had broken through the enemy line and was attacking the mage. The enemy was now fully focused on defence. But he made a mistake. He ignored the ground.

An earth spike formed under his feet, inside his barrier. And it pierced his foot. Skadi was breathing heavily, the magic must have taken a lot out of her. But Nyx seized the opportunity. While the mage screamed his shield weakened. The strike of a claw shattered it.

A smaller shield formed in the mage’s hand. It blocked the next claw coming for his face. But it did not block Nyx’ breath. A stream of black smoke was directly blown into his face. He did not even have time to scream as his body started to rot.

With the fall of the enemy mage the battle was decided. The enemy's morale broke. All who were left tried to flee. I was not sure if any of them made it but my undead horde was growing. I was exhausted. Somehow I had managed to animate even severed limbs. Not as permanent undead but they briefly became active, trying to grab the living.

I was still on the floor. It felt like my whole body had suffered cramps. I winced as I stood up. Helena was running towards me.

“Are you alright?” She asked. She was covered in blood herself. I suspected most of it was not hers though. It actually looked beautiful on the white ice still covering her armour. What a weird thought. She also looked really concerned. I should probably say something.

“Ow.” I replied.

“You had me worried when you went down!” She said, then she hugged me.

“Water does not seem like the best defence against electricity.” I commented. “Also, electrocution sucks. I think I prefer getting burned.”

“Have you considered not getting hurt?” She asked.

“I will take it under advisement.” I assured her.