(Rob Stone)

It was a dismal day. The rain poured across the Lonely River. Rob Stone stood under the eave of the command center on the lead barge. His arms were crossed. He peered to the east bank and then looked up. The weather had turned stormy a few hours ago. He stroked his beard and considered the impact of the weather on their plans. They were nearing Stoneridge.

He rolled his right shoulder. It occasionally nagged him when the weather changed. He sighed. He was getting irritable after spending so much time on the barge. He had been cooped up in the cramped space for far too long. He needed to get out and move. A nice run, a swordfight, or a wild boar hunt would bolster his spirits.

He walked back into the command center and nodded to the Old Fox, Commander Clay. Rob yawned and stretched his arms over his head. He picked up the daily scouting reports and started reviewing them. On occasion, he leaned over the map to verify the change of enemy positions. They had dispatched most casters and stealth units to the eastern shore with orders to locate and capture all enemies. Commander Clay was especially helpful in that regard because of his contacts in the local resistance. The old man was well connected and knew all the notables in the region.

The door opened and Commander Craw and Greg Tinbury hurried in. Greg closed the door and stomped his feet on the mat. He put his raingear on a wooden peg. Commander Craw grabbed a couple of towels and tossed one of them to Greg.

“Cursed rainstorms,” Commander Craw grumbled.

“Quite unusual for this time of the year,” Greg remarked.

“A few of our soldiers are superstitious and they’re taking this as a bad omen.” Commander Craw rolled his eyes. “It was indeed a bad omen for the ones that complained. They have privy duty for the rest of the week.”

Greg snickered.

“Well, our original plan relied on stealth,” Rob stated.

“Right, this accursed rainstorm might sabotage our plans,” Commander Craw agreed.

“The casters have confirmed that the Mirror Image is almost useless in the rain,” Greg reported. “The raindrops are making the illusion shimmer.”

Commander Clay pointed to an area on the map. “A well-positioned company of enemy archers, here, on the east bank, could wreak havoc on any attempts to disembark.”

“If that happened, we’d suffer high losses,” Rob agreed. “I’ll send Drake to scout the area.”

Commander Clay pulled a blanket over his shoulders and leaned over the map. “Yesterday’s report indicated that the city’s defenses were fair, at best. Many of the catapults were only partially assembled and others were still covered from the long winter. Several of the fletchers’ shops were still closed. All of this is a good indication that an assault on the city isn’t expected.”

“If they don’t know we’re coming, they’ll know soon enough,” Greg said.

“Where is Rose anyway? She should’ve been back by now,” Commander Craw griped.

“Yes,” Greg agreed. “She should have been back about an hour ago.”

“While we wait for her, let’s hammer out the details of the plan for landing and troop movement.” Rob pointed to the map.

“Very well,” Clay replied. “We’ll disembark my division, here, at the northern side of Horn Bend.” He placed a stone marker on the map. “The rest of the fleet will continue going around the bend, while my men secure the high ground. Our main force will disembark here.” He placed a second marker on the map.

“As long as we secure the high ground, we can hold off a push and protect the rafts if needed,” Rob concurred and continued to study the map.

The cabin door flung open. Rose stood under the awning, right outside the door. She winked at Rob and then started to squeeze the water out of her soaked hair. She walked into the room, her bare feet making wet sloppy sounds on the wooden deck. She snagged a towel, threw it over her shoulders, and shuffled toward the table.

“Out with it, Rose. What did you find out?” Commander Craw blurted.

“Well, what do you want to hear first? The bad news or the good news?”

Greg sighed. “Give us the bad news first.”

“The bells of war are ringing in Stoneridge,” she said flatly. “They know we’re coming.”

Commander Craw cursed under his breath. “Wretched weather!”

Rob leaned forward. “Well, if we reach the hillside before the rain stops that might work to our advantage.”

“Hmm, that’s true.” Command Clay nodded. “If the downpour continues for the rest of the day, there will be no need to redirect the river for the Splash Mountain plan.”

“Yeah, but maneuvering troops through this slogging weather is gonna be a pain,” Commander Craw grumbled.

Rob looked at Rose. “So, what’s the good news?”

She looked down at her clothing and smiled. “The rain washed the bloodstains out of my dress.”

Commander Craw guffawed. “Rot and ruin lass, how did you get the bloodstains?”

“I found a Shadowcloak in the forest and then he ran into my knife.”

(Toby)

Apart from a single scout, Clay’s soldiers encountered no other enemies while securing the high ground. Toby had seen the Shadowcloak darting between the trees before he had shot her in the thigh.

Zuzu, the healer’s apprentice assigned to his division, was preparing an herbal concoction to loosen the scout’s lips.

Toby and a few dozen archers huddled under one of the redwoods. The wide canopy provided some cover against the rain, while still allowing excellent visibility below. The rest of the fleet was disembarking on the southern end of Horn Bend. Hundreds of barges lined the riverbank. Thousands of soldiers poured out of the flotilla and clambered up the hillock.

An impressive sight, Toby mused.

His eyes darted in different directions, scanning the area. He clenched his hand around his loaded bow and moved restlessly. There was a reason that he had been assigned as a lookout to the Old Fox. His eyes allowed him to see things that even the shifters could not. The rain did little to obscure his sight.

He had continued to notice improvements in his vision over time. The magical mishap that had occurred so long ago was still changing him. He never discussed these things with anyone. The last thing Claire needed was another reminder of her mistake. Besides, he was not really worried about his vision, because it just kept getting better.

He could track multiple targets at the same time and see far into the distance. The other archers probably saw tiny figures near the river. From here, he could clearly see Rob Stone. Raindrops rolled down the Lord Commander’s helmet and he was shouting orders. The disembarking soldiers ascended the hillock, slogged through the rain-drenched terrain, and clambered over gnarly tree roots.

Toby shivered. The wind howled from the west, and rain continued to drench the advancing Nature Kingdom’s army. They steadily moved toward Stoneridge. A bolt of lightning struck one of the redwoods causing an explosion of wooden debris. Several tree limbs shattered and plummeted toward the ground. The nearby men scattered to get out of the way.

The soldiers regrouped and maneuvered along the northern slope, heading toward the city. The plan was to backtrack toward the northern gate after reaching the flats. It was going to take extra time to descend but even if the weather had been good, it would have been foolhardy to move the whole army down that slope.

Toby saw the owl long before it reached Commander Clay. He recognized Mary’s shift. The girl had the ugliest shifts he had ever seen. Not that he would ever tell her that to her face. The frightful looking bird transformed, and Mary spoke with the commander. He nodded and waved over one of his soldiers. Toby observed them as they talked for a bit before Mary shifted and flew toward him. She relayed the orders that they were being reassigned to Hark Bolt and were needed at the front line. She had no time for idle chit-chat and flew away after delivering the message.

Heading toward the frontline with the other archers, Toby saw the extensive preparations that were underway. A group of guilders were pulling a fallen redwood to the edge of the northern slope which overlooked the city of Stoneridge. Ropes were lashed around the massive tree as it rolled over dozens of logs. Another fallen redwood was being prepared nearby. Things were chaotic. Groups of soldiers were running to and fro, supplies were being transported, and newly assembled tents dotted the edge of the forest.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

(William)

Mary rushed into the war tent and announced, “Commanders Stone, Craw, and Snow are in position. Commander Bolt’s archery division is moving into place.”

William looked at her and smiled. Mary smiled back.

Greg Tinbury turned to Mary and asked, “Have the reinforcement archers caught up with Bolt’s division?”

“Not yet.” Mary shook her head. “They’re descending the western slope and heading in that direction.”

“Very good,” said Greg. “Go to Guild Master Dune and check on the progress of the second redwood. Tell him that we’ll need it soon. Next, check in with Commander Clay and see if he has secured any useful information from the captured scout. Also, keep an eye on the reinforcement archers.”

“I’m on it!” Mary replied and raced out of the tent.

William looked around the room. His aunt sat on a chair. Rose, Drake, and Commander Tinbury leaned over the battle map.

Greg looked up. “Let’s go over the plan one more time. The bulk of our forces are already in position.”

They went over the plan and discussed the timing and objectives. William knew his part by heart, so he tuned out some of the discussion.

Instead, he thought of Ivan. He was so proud of his brother for coming up with the Splash Mountain plan after reading a century-old petition from the Scaran Botanical Fellowship. That petition had been an attempt to stop the destruction of thousands of giant redwood trees around Stoneridge after inclement weather had toppled many of them and sent them sliding down the hillside toward the city.

If I had read that petition, I would’ve fallen asleep by the end of the first paragraph.

William’s mind continued to wander, until his aunt stood up and coughed.

Greg nodded at each caster. “It’s time to drive the Shadowcloaks into the ground and make them rue the day that they decided to invade our homelands. Today, we fight to free our kin!”

Drake’s eyes lit up. “Well said, Commander Tinbury.” The librarian saluted.

“Very well. You have your assignments. It’s time. Go forth and uproot the pestilence that plagues our land!”

#

William stood on a large rock near the edge of the slope that overlooked Stoneridge. Rainwater streamed down the hillside. The stony surface of the hillock was surprisingly smooth.

Ivan had explained to him that about a century ago the Lonely River had been wider. It had run down this slope, polishing the once craggy terrain.

The wind pushed the hood of William’s coat back and rain pelted his face. He reached up and pulled his hood forward. Unfortunately, this allowed cold water to fall into his sleeve and drip down his arm. He groaned.

Cold rainy days are only good if you’re inside, in front of the fire with a hot cup of cocamon and a warm blanket. He shook his head. Ugh, stop daydreaming about cozy cocamon and creature comforts.

He crossed his arms and peered into the distance. His eyes swept across the vast fortifications of Stoneridge. The massive walls looked impenetrable. They were lined with hundreds of towers. Catapults and bolt throwers dotted some of the bastions. He adjusted his eye shift and saw men moving behind some of the arrow loops. He swallowed hard. He had to agree with Ivan. If the Splash Mountain plan failed, they really did not stand a chance of quickly capturing the city.

A shout caught his attention. “We’re ready!” He recognized the gravelly voice of Guild Master Dune. His stomach clenched and he looked at Rose.

“Gate-crashers don’t need an invitation to get into the city,” she said and winked at him. She shifted into a barn swallow and flew in circles around him.

William laughed. His tension disappeared as quickly as freshly sliced pie amidst a horde of hungry kids.

He shifted and flew up. He hovered in the air and watched the advancing Nature Kingdom’s army in the valley below. It had taken hours to move into position, but the soldiers were finally ready to launch the offensive.

“Get ready,” Guild Master Dune bellowed.

Dozens of guilders shoved the massive redwood over the ledge. The giant tree plummeted down the slope and the two birds raced after it as it barreled toward the northern gate.

(Ivan)

Ivan had been promoted to Sub-commander by Rob Stone after the Spirit Competition. He was leading the Wolf division. Lord Commander Stone oversaw the bulk of their forces and personally led the Bear unit. Commander Craw’s Fox division was feigning an attack toward the eastern wall, and Commander Bolt led the archers of the Eagle division. They advanced toward Stoneridge and would soon be within range of the enemy archers.

The weather was far from ideal for waging a war, but both parties had to endure the elements. Maneuvering troops in the rainstorm was challenging. The soggy ground was a formidable foe. Ivan and the soldiers around him grappled with the pulpy earth and the slippery, stony terrain.

“Wall Formation,” Ivan shouted, raising his shield. A barrage of arrows rained down on them. The clanking sounds of arrows slamming against the shields resonated throughout the battlefield.

Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!

Ivan’s forearm quivered from the impact. The familiar cries of battle were muted by the roaring tempest.

“To the gate,” he bellowed as a large redwood hurtled past them.

(William)

The tree shot down the stony slope. Its momentum continued to propel it forward after it reached the valley. William saw the advancing army to his left. The soldiers surged forth. He knew that Ivan was in the frontlines and his stomach knotted in fear.

It’s time for Rose and me to do our part. We need to bust through that stupid gate!

He and Rose nudged the tree with Levitation, driving it forward. Water sprayed out from the log as it thundered ahead. The redwood flew over the moat and smashed through the gate.

Whoosh!

Bam!

The walls shook and drawbridge had been obliterated.

(Ivan)

Ivan raised his sword and bellowed a battle cry. His voice was echoed by thousands of others as the assault on Stoneridge began.

The redwood ram had worked perfectly, and the moat was now the only obstacle between them and the city.

Galvanized, the bridge crews hustled forward. As usual, Bridge Four was in the lead.

Lines of tower shieldsmen hastened along in a protective formation. From above, bolt throwers pelted the advancing army. A boulder crashed directly into one of the bridges, destroying a support wheel and blasting soldiers aside. The wooden platform fell, crushing some of the men.

“We need healers,” Ivan’s Grid Commander, Felk Col, shouted behind him.

Ivan wanted to stop and help, but the best way to help was to breach the walls and engage the defenders.

His division was on the heels of Bridge Four.

The moat was just ahead of them!

(William)

William watched as the redwood punched through the archway and tore through the courtyard. It sideswiped an ammunition cart and crashed into a building, causing its external wall to collapse. A kerfuffle ensued on the second floor. Hundreds of chickens panicked after the wall collapsed. Some flew out of the opening, others raced to and fro, squawking and flapping their wings. Feathers flew everywhere. Some of the chickens landed on top of the enemy soldiers below. It was poultry pandemonium!

Why are there chickens on the second floor?

Anyone standing near the gate might have heard the clicking sounds of two beetles. Rose and William had shifted into stag beetles and were clacking with mirth at what they had just seen.

The concealed bugs remained under the archway, waiting for the main force to reach them. The plan was to stay hidden using a small and inconspicuous shift. The coloring of the stag beetles made them virtually invisible against the stone blocks.

An unexpected metallic grating sound startled William. He was shocked to see that the portcullis was only now being lowered. The incompetence of the defending northern gate commander was a stroke of luck for the Shadowcloaks. William shook his head. Even he knew that a portcullis was always supposed to be down when a drawbridge gate was up, especially during an attack. It was in chapter one of Defense for Dimwits. The portcullis was supposed to have been demolished along with the drawbridge when the redwood rammed through.

Rose leaped off the wall and shifted into a large tree. She slammed her wooden limbs against the descending metal gate. The grating sounds of the straining metal gears screamed in protest.

Screeeeeeech!

A spike protruding from the bottom of the gate pierced Rose’s thick bark. There was a sickening crack as one of her tree limbs was almost severed. Rose creaked in agony but did not let go of the gate.

Halfway down, the portcullis finally came to a grinding halt.

“Rose!” William shouted. Fear flashed in his eyes. Sap oozed from the mangled tree. However, he had no time to help her. A bolt of lightning struck the ground and an explosion of debris shot everywhere.

He whirled just in time to see a Shadow caster disappear midstride. An enemy squad charged toward them.

The sounds of stomping boots down the inner-wall stairway caught William’s attention. A group of soldiers brandishing spears were nearly upon him. He stepped protectively in front of Rose and launched chunks of wood as fast as he could Levitate them. The maelstrom of flying objects battered the soldiers. Some were knocked off their feet and many tumbled down the slippery steps. A few plummeted over the edge and hit the cobblestone street with a splashing thud.

A Lightning Strike slammed against William’s Light Shield, causing it to briefly wink out. He knew that he would need a booster bar soon. He had cast too many spells. Driving the massive redwood with Levitation had been draining.

Nearby, a shadow vortex materialized. A rotating funnel of crackling lightning pulsated around the inky void portal. A demon hound stalked out of the abyss.

(Ivan)

Ivan saw the falling portcullis as their bridge was being extended over the moat.

“Push on,” he bellowed urgently. “Faster!”

He drew his Giant Steel blade and vaulted onto the bridge as soon as the locking gears clicked into place. He rushed across, followed by the Wolf division. A bounder smashed a few feet away from him and shook the ground, but he kept running.

Just ahead of him, Rose braced the portcullis in tree-form and William wildly Levitated objects.

“Secure the portcullis,” Ivan bellowed. “Target the demon hound.” Arrows flew over his head, but most of them bounced off the thick scales of the beast.

Ivan zeroed in on the hound and ran through the archway. He raced past William. The beast growled and whipped its tail from side to side.

A Lightning Strike crackled through the air and struck Ivan’s sword. Har’esh Ser’on emitted a shower of sparks before it was set ablaze.

A stream of images flashed through Ivan’s mind.

That bolt of lightning should’ve killed me…

There was no time to consider what had just happened. The demon hound vaulted toward him with a bone-chilling howl. Ivan narrowly avoided its jaws by rolling to one side before thrusting his blade into the belly of the beast. The legendary sword of Alaras easily pierced the thick scaly armor of the creature. A dark viscous fluid poured out of its wound and the hound yowled, collapsing to the ground. The summoned beast was sucked back into the void.

Where’s the Shadow caster?

Ivan dove into the fray. The vanguard of the Nature Kingdom’s army poured through the open gate behind him. The two forces clashed like a hammer striking an anvil. Naturelanders rushed into the streets and joined the battle. They were armed with the tools of their trade. Some wielded pitchforks, blacksmith hammers, and kitchen knives. Others brandished massive cast-iron pans as clubs.

The sky raged and the storm pelted the armies. The frigid wind and rain clawed at Ivan’s face as his sword crashed and clanked, slashed and sliced. Arrows zoomed and zipped from all directions. The cobblestone streets were covered in mud and pools of blood. The battle was fierce, but the fate of the defending force had been sealed the moment that the northern gate had been breached.