Chapter 44

Morning arrived with a loud knock at the door. The rather sudden noise woke Lilith with a start, her tail extending straight swinging through the bed post knocking it across the room with a clatter. Kevin flinched with the second noise his hand still firmly affixed to her left breast as she sat up her eyes glowing brightly. Now wide wake, Lilith heard another knock and a call from beyond the door.

“Muster call! All combatants assemble at the Farmer’s Gate!” a young voice shouted.

Lilith pushed Kevin’s arm aside as she stood “We’re up!” she shouted before she began to put on her arming jacket, pulling it out from under the bed. She then put on her Holy Symbol of Lathander and her armor. Kevin was up too standing on the opposite side of the bed searching for his pants. Seeing them in the middle of the floor, Lilith pushed them across the room with her tail so he could begin getting dressed as well. Next Lilith strapped on her sword and went to the closet. She checked her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was a bit messy and her eyes were still glowing red. She shook out her hair before running her fingers through it until it at least looked wind blown and not like bed head. Lastly she put on her signet ring and nearly jumped when she saw the two snakes moving in her closet. ‘almost forgot about them… heh’ she mused.

“Noodles, I am heading out. Stay in this room and try not to be seen by anyone.” She said to both of them out loud.

“Yes Ms. Devine.” and “Yes beautiful one.” came the replies at almost the same their heads bobbing in unison.

Closing the door, Lilith looked at her reflection again. A few rays of the morning sun illuminated the room quite well. Even so her tail seemed to be a darker shade of green, now more of a forest green than grass green. It also felt stronger and she swore it looked longer too but she had no way to tell for sure. Looking down at her hands she noticed both her thumbs matched. Her thumbnails were black their surface having a glossy scale like texture. ‘Whose got two snakes and two thumbs’ Lilith thought to herself as smiled at her own reflection before turning around with a start.

Kevin was dressed but wasn’t fit for battle like Lilith was. He only had his clothes and not much else “I am heading to my old room where my armor is stored. I left my sword there yesterday. Don’t wait up I will see you at the gate.”

Lilith nodded as the two of them left her room together. They soon split up, Kevin going up stairs while she headed to the entryway. There were only two guards on duty at the moment as it seemed the outer walls were being given a higher priority. Once she was past them she started jumping 150’ at a time reaching the Farmers gate in less than a minute.

There she saw militia members arriving in full gear just as she had seen them the day before, shiny new shields and long spears held high. About half of them were assembled with more in the distance still approaching. Looking at the entrance to the Gate Tower she could see Sir Tanel and Sharl standing there, talking to one another. They were fully armored and armed as well their conversation seeming to be serious but also calm. Before moving she checked her surroundings making sure her tail was clear before she went over to join them.

Sharl extended a hand as she approached “Lils glad you could make it so soon.” with a tired smile she shook his hand before Sir Tanel did the same.

“I trust you are well rested?” The regent asked.

“Yes. I …. think I slept better last night than I ever have since arriving here.” she confirmed her mind wondering if Kevin was the reason for that. Her eyes drifting before they shot back focusing on him.

“Good because our scouts report that the Orcs are on the move again and will likely arrive in two hours or so. The bastards camped at my property it seems, likely eating all the food and cattle I couldn’t get moved yesterday.” Sir Tanel said with a pained expression.

“We should have all the men mobilized in the next 30 minutes. I that’s the last of the infantry lining up now, so we are just waiting on the Cavalry.” Sharl said as eight more men joined the impressive formation, their spears held vertical the tips perhaps 20’ in the air. “In fact had better clear the way for the cavalry. If you will excuse me.”

With that Sharl walked away to go inspect the four abreast line of men. When he counted off all 25 rows he called out to them issuing orders. “Alright you men, spears pointed back when you go through the gate. Tilt em back but don’t let em fall past 45 degrees.”

Sharl gave the signal for the gate to open followed by the call to advance. Soon all 100 of the militia’s heavy infantry were marching four at a time out the gate and into the grass fields beyond.

Lilith and Sir Tanel continued to wait and talk as the men filed out. Then another scout came in to report before he headed back out. After a few more minutes Kevin came up to join Lilith and Sir Tanel at the gate. He had on a full set of half plate that looked like it had seen some use. The odd scratch or ding standing out on the otherwise polished surfaces. On his hip there was a thick leather belt over the armor in which his sword was tucked. It seemed he really didn’t have a proper scabbard for it after all. This made Lilith wonder as to the swords origin. ‘Was it something he found or purchased…. There is no way it was a gift from his mom or dad. They would have had a new scabbard commissioned for such an occasion.’ She wondered as Sir Tanel brought Kevin up to speed.

“How much time do we have?” Kevin asked as he watched the last of the Militia leave the gate to cross the bridge out.

“At least an hour and a half. But their forces number 800 now. We got a better count this morning, and it does seem to be a new Warchief. This one has bigger feathers on his head.”

As they talked some more Lilith began to look over Sir Tanel’ armor, noticing that he had his full armor on today as well. His helmet had a Blue Frill at the top making him stand out even from a distance.

“Are you nervous?” Sir Tanel asked surprising Lilith as her attention had wondered down to his armored greaves.

“No… I... I am just a bit overwhelmed. This all reminds me of the day I got here.” Lilith said as the farmers gate swung shut.

“It has been an eventful seven days hasn’t it?” Sir Tanel asked placing an armored hand on her shoulder.

“Ya. I have had to get used to a lot. I still can’t believe all this is real. Especially this stupid tail. At least I can club a few orcs with it... maybe.”

Both Kevin and Sir Tanel laughed at that before Sir Tanel’s face became more serious again.

“Well won’t be one to turn away help but what exactly do you plan to do out there Kevin?”

“Lil insisted I help guard Sharl and make sure the big lug doesn’t try and do something to heroic.” Kevin said while looking between Lilith and Sir Tanel.

“That's not a bad idea actually. He does find his way into trouble often enough.” he admitted.

“It also makes it easier to protect them If I know the two of them will be close together.” Lilith said giving Kevin a wry smile.

“Who said I need your protection. Just do your job and I will meet you next to the mangled corpse of the Warchief when this is all over.” he said with a confidence in his voice that made her smile for some reason.

Looking to her right Lilith could see two friendly faces approaching. Celeste and Wendel were walking in from the direction of the tower. As they got closer she could see they each had on a practical set of wizards robes as well as a satchel to their side which held five scrolls each along with a few potions.

“Good morning.” Wendel said as they walked up to join them at the Farmer’s Gate tower.

“Morning” Lilith and Kevin said back at the same time.

“I am going to place these up on the wall for when we need them.” Celeste said as she took Wendel’s satchel and headed for the Tower’s heavy oak door.

“Are the militia outside already? Where is the Cavalry?” Wendel asked his eyes scanning the road and the market square.

“They will be here shortly. They just have a lot of gear to put on, both them and the horses.”

Celeste could be seen walking a ways down the wall before she tasked a guard with watching the two satchels. She then skipped back before she came back out Tower door to join the group once again.

This time when she walked up she put her arms around Lilith for her usual hug attack. Barely budging, Lilith looked down at Celeste casually sniffing her hair as she was squeezed by two delicate arms. Oddly she found the sweet scent was comforting, it reminded her of a thanksgiving dinner she once had many years ago. The memory of that other world collided with the noise and sights around her made her feel a bit off as she stood motionless her eyes half closed.

“So what did you two get up to last night? Was Kevin on his best behavior?” Celeste asked giving her friend a slight jolt as if to try and shake a response out of her.

“What? So someone saw us? Damn. We didn’t do anything. Nothing happened.

Kevin let out a couple of sharp coughs.

“Ok! Something happened but its not what you think. Besides don’t we have a better things to worry about. Like preparing for a battle?” Lilith managed as she pretended to struggle to get out of Celeste's grasp eventually prying her hands away pushing them and her friend back to arms length.

Celeste gave her friend a knowing look. Indicating that she still wanted to hear more but it was the knight from Neverwinter that came to her rescue this time.

Sir Tanel cleared his throat before speaking loud enough for some of the guards on the walls to overhear “We have gone over this before but in any case here are your assignments again. Our Militia will be defending the gate here in the center. Lilith will be defending their left flank from the field. I want Celeste and Wendel up on the walls to lend a hand to either Lilith or the militia as needed. Meanwhile the Cavalry will be defending the right flank. As long as they don’t surround and isolate any of our units we should win this within an hour. The enemy starts to route and flee the battlefield the cavalry will pursue. The commander revels in chasing down bandits and the like. Their gear and horses are well suited for it. Is there anything I missed?

“Perhaps” Lilith called out raising her hand.

“What is it Lils?”

“We may have used some pact magic to effectively turn Celeste into a fire breathing dragon for the next 36 hours.” She said while steeling her expression in hopes that she wouldn’t get yelled at by someone for doing pact magic without permission. Almost against her will, her two eyes darted between the master wizard and the Regent hoping to avoid the worst.

“Well that will be a sight to see.” Sir Tanel replied as he seemed to consider the notion.

“I still want you up on the wall with me using those scrolls. You can fly about however you want after they are used up.”

“Yes Master Wendel.” Celeste replied giving him a nod.

Then there was a loud commotion of hooves as the war horses approached, riders on their backs spears still slung to their sides. Unlike the militia, the cavalry arrived as one cohesive unit. They were wearing splint mail armor that only had padding on the back. Their arms and legs were fully armored by comparison. They didn’t have shields but their horses were armored on their front quarters and heads in a complementary style. They looked like they were made for charging into an enemy formation and nothing else. Lilith could appreciate the specialized equipment, it would go well with the tactics they had planned. The Cavalry Commander was at the front of the unit clearly visible as he had a Blue Pony tail coming out the top of his helmet setting him apart from the other men. The unique shaped plume couldn’t be mistaken for Tany’s even though they served the same purpose.

They paused for a moment as the gates were opened. Lilith then watched as they rode out taking a right to go to the far side of the militia. As the last of them went out the gate she could see something stir inside her friend.

“I think I need to go train with the cavalry some. I don’t want to spook the horses during the battle.” Celeste said as she fidgeted with her hands.

“That's probably a good idea. Once they are in position why don’t you go talk to the commander about that.” Wendel said patting his apprentice on the shoulder.

“I had better get going too” Kevin said as he hugged Lilith with one arm while giving the top of her tail a good squeeze with his other hand.

Lilith gave him a kiss on the cheek as he turned away shouting. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

“I promise nothing.” he yelled over his shoulder as he trotted off towards the closing gates passing Celeste along the way.

With the two of them departing it was just Sir Tanel, Wendel and Lilith left standing outside the Farmer’s Gate tower. With the gate now closed again and the rest of their combatants already on the field the thick oak door of the tower seemed to be calling them as each of them looked at it with different expressions on their faces. The regent more thoughtful, the wizard’s mostly bored and tired this early in the morning after a long day of writing spell scrolls. Lilith however still seemed frozen as if something was bothering her.

“Lets head up to the wall and get a better view. Wendel stay close to me in case I need to give any orders.” the regent suggested pulling open the thick metal banded door to enter the tower.

As they entered the tower to head up the stairs Lilith stopped to look around the others pausing at the bottom of the stairs noticing her hesitancy.

Finally she knew what was bothering her. This was the room where she was first summoned seven days ago. Furthermore she was there with the same two men who were so nervous upon her arrival. Now it seemed as if their roles were reversed. She was the nervous one. This would be her first taste of large scale combat and it was likely to start as soon as she left that room. Just like… before “Heh, isn’t this where this whole thing started?.” She managed the words finally working their way out.

“Yes but viewed another way this whole thing started a year ago when that succubus took the throne unbeknownst to any of us.” Sir Tanel said shaking his head in shame.

“Is that what gives you pause? Hmm I think its something different. I think this is where we started setting things right. That day, when you were sent to us. We needed you. Just like we need you today.” Wendel said with a smile.

Sir Tanel smiled to reaching out a hand to invite her up the stairs. Giving him a nod the reluctant demon took a deep breath before following up the stairs her eyes still looking down at the stones where an intricate set of runes were still burnt into the floor shaped in a circle. Once at the top they bumped into Lady Morwen who was standing in the sun looking at the armored men arrayed in the fields below.

Seeing Wendel first she turned to him to ask a question as Lilith was still coming up the stairs. “What is Celeste doing standing in front of the Cavalry? Shouldn’t she be up here on the wall?”

“No I sent her down there. She wanted to try something.” Wendel said as he nodded in the direction of the cavalry causing the Duchess to look that way as well.

Below they could see Celeste speaking to the cavalry commander. The sight being so mismatched. The diminutive young wizard dwarfed by the armored man atop his steed. Then, after the two of them seemed to come to an agreement she backed off some distance before raising her right hand to her mouth. In a rush of motion and feathers she began to grow and shift in shape. Now their roles were reversed she was standing over him about 14 feet high at the head with a wingspan some fifty feet wide as she was about three times the size of a horse even if she probably weighed less than one. Slowly and cautiously she turned and began to walk in front of the line of Cavalry. Most of the horses stood firm while a few backed away.

Seeing this the Duchess was speachless for a moment. “That never gets old.” she commented as she began to notice the distinctly golden hue of giant eagle in front of her men. She was somehow different more regal than she had been on the night of her rescue.

Back on the field Celeste paced too and fro, her golden feathers almost seeming to glow in the morning light peaked over the hills. Then she moved farther away from the horses picking up speed as she extended her wings. With just 3 beats she was in the air and flying. The golden eagle made a few passes over the militia causing them to let out a cheer each time. Their spears were lying in the grass their arms shooting towards the sky or pointing as she went past. Celeste gradually moved her circles closer to the Cavalry until her shadow passed directly over them a few times. Then she began going lower in increments until she was at the same elevation as the city wall.

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

Celeste then picked up altitude and flying to the North East beyond the hills ‘she is looking for the orcs’ Lilith thought as she lost sight of her friend in the morning sun.

“Hey Tany, why don’t you let Celeste and I go out and drop some fire balls on their army while they are still marching?” she asked looking back at him her hand still over her eyes like a visor.

“No. I don’t want them scattered across our lands. I want them here, on this battlefield so we can kill the lot of them.” He said with a great deal of conviction.

“Well I can’t argue with that. I just hope Celeste knows that too.”

They didn’t have to wait too long as five minutes later Celeste was back in sight flying returning to land on the wall not far from them. With a few mighty wing beats she landed, perching on the wall her talons gripping it as if it was a tree branch. Then she started to nibble at her right wing before there was a small explosion and a cloud of golden feathers that rained down over a small Wizard standing in the middle of it all. Walking back over she could hardly contain her joy, her smile beaming going from ear to ear.

“That went well. The horses seemed to be getting used to me.” Celeste said brimming with pride.

“Did you see the orcs?” Sir Tanel asked cautiously.

“Oh ya. They are only 40 minutes away now.” She confirmed as she stepped closer to Lilith.

“Wendel would you call that out for me.”

At his request, Wendel used Thaumaturgy to call out “Forty Minutes” in each direction. He then went over and picked up his satchel with the scrolls still inside. He then shuffled through them picking out a fancy one with blue runes before he held it up for Celeste to see. “I think we had better start with the big scroll first, before they know whats coming.”

Celeste nodded at him giving a reluctant look at her own satchel wondering what would happen to it when she took on her eagle form. Her attention was soon focused on Sir Tanel as he barked new orders at her.

“Celeste, if they start to flee I want you to get the Warchief first, then whittle down any troops that split off from the larger group. The cavalry also has orders to pursue as well so try not to get in their way. The militia will stay here and guard the gate.”

Lilith still felt uneasy about the battle. In some ways she wondered why they couldn’t just fight them from the walls. But then she remembered his words about not wanting them spread all over the lands where it would be difficult to track them down. No they wanted the orcs to come here and there was no better way to get them to fully commit to an engagement than putting an army on the field to fight them. Slowly she was coming to grips with her role. The militia was the bait while she was the trump card there to protect them. ‘You can do this’ she said internally trying to psych herself up.

“This looks pretty good. I think we stand a good chance to win this handily. You have done a great job putting this all together while I recuperate.” Lady Morwen said placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a smile.

“I am glad to hear you say that but we still don’t know what the enemy has in store for us. I am surprised they could increase the size of their army by a fourth in just a week. Who knows what else they might draw upon.”

Below them the militia, the cavalry and the town continued to wait. No wagons or travelers were going in nor out. The gates were sealed to prevent enemy infiltration. There were scouts out in the fields and guards upon the walls in case the orcs decided to attack from a different direction. But they seemed to like their odds against the Farmer’s Gate. It had the smallest and least defended towers and the longest section of straight wall even if it was protected by a rather deep trentch.

After about 30 minutes the sound of the orc army could be heard. Their heavy footsteps being audible from a mile. They were wearing a mix of light and medium armor of various designs and colors. Most of it consisted of crude Iron and leather hides likely made in several different villages or even stolen from unfortunate travelers. The first company of orcs took to the field still over half a mile away their loose formation moving as a group following a set of banners at its corners. Then it was followed by another and another and yet another. Four companies consisting of two hundred orcs each were arrayed against the 100 militia and 40 cavalry fielded by the town of Daggerford. Behind the four companies of orcs was an honor guard and a wagon carrying the Warchief. Behind him was a motley assortment of other supply wagons and slaves.

In front of the Warchief was a black flag with a red cross. The symbol of war and it warned that no bargaining was sought or desired. They were there to kill.

It wasn’t long. Perhaps a minute as the wagons behind them came to a stop and some supplies were brought out. That was the only delay as a canopy was erected for the Warchief to stand under. With its completion the sound of a horn called out in a long rising tone. The deep bellow seemed to echo off the distant hills and trees. The militia reacted by picking up their spears and holding them aloft even as the sound continued. When the horn finally stopped the orcs began moving towards the militia at a jog. They still had a half mile to cover but that might only take a few minutes.

The cavalry too were readying their weapons holding them high as some of the horses stirred at the sudden activity. Taking the cue, Lilith jumped down to the field standing on their left flank about 100’ away from the militia.

After giving a quick wave to Sharl and Kevin she looked back at the wall to her friends still standing behind the crenelations. Half expecting to see them wave as well she was surprised to instead see them transfixed by something else. On the wall all eyes were on Wendel, who was in the process of casting a spell from one of the scrolls. Lilith watched even as the orcs drew closer as the weave bent and pulled from the page returning to its master producing a glowing blue orb as the paper disappeared in a spark blue flames. The wizard held the orb in his hand momentarily as a dense fog fell from it. Meanwhile Celeste placed her mouth on her right wrist, again growing to take on the form of a Giant Golden Eagle. Wendel then handed her the orb which she took in her beak, flying away she headed towards the field. With a trail of blue fog emanating from her mouth Celeste made a hard turn flying parallel to the town wall. She then turned left heading for the company of orcs furthest to the right. As she approached them she dived briefly dropping the orb in their midst. A streak of blue fog descended landing amongst the green skins a sea of Ice expanding from their center, encasing 3/4ths of that company of orcs along with much of the area around them in thick prismatic blocks of blue ice. Celeste circled over the honor guard of the Warchief letting out a stream of fire aimed at his sun shade and half his retinue. Then with a few rapid beats of her wings she was heading back to the wall when a purple bolt of lightning erupted from the ground.

Lilith could hear the crack of thunder as she watched Celeste helplessly as she stopped flapping her wings, her head going limp and she started to glide west, away from the battlefield. Just before she hit the ground Lilith saw her head turn straight her wings going out wider before she landed and tumbled losing sight over her behind a slight rise in the field.

But she couldn’t rush off to help her friend. She had to stay in position to defend that side of the militia. So it was with anger that she gritted her teeth and focused on the company of orcs that was jogging directly at her.

All along the battlefield the orcs now approaching their targets started to sprint and yell at the top of their lungs. The sound of “WAAAAAAAA!” could be heard from the remaining orc battle line. Seeing the range closing Lilith prepared a spell. [Fa] [Va] [Wa] she held it for a second waiting for the right moment before she released it and then cast [Wall of Fire] just in front of the charging horde approaching her. Almost half the company of orcs disappeared briefly before they re-emerged as flaming charred shapes. They had ran into the wall and were burned beyond recognition for their efforts their flaming corpses coming through and falling in a disorganized heap.

The orcs had set up their companies 3 abreast with one in reserve behind the middle company. In only the opening minute of the battle the company on the right had been annihilated by Wendel and Celeste while the company on the left had just cut in half by a wall of flames. The remainder of that group that had managed to stop in time was having to change direction to go around it with what troops they had left.

Meanwhile the company of orcs in the center met with the militia at full charge. The sheer force of the orcs hitting the wall of spears knocked some men off their feet. A few of the spears even broke from the impacts. However the line held and the militia were dealing grave damage to the company of green skins trying to kill them with ax and hammer. The weapons were putting in work the orcs couldn’t get close to them and were taking heavy losses as they struggled to get closer. Soon some of the orcs began throwing their weapons while picking up replacements from their fallen brethren. Most of the weapons bounced off the shields but a few found their mark, hitting men in the head injuring some killing others. The injured men retreated to the back of the formation if they could. Sadly there was no time to pick up those that fell under foot. Still the formation held even advancing behind their long spears. Without anyone attacking their flanks their spears could focus forward doing terrible things to the orcs at the sharp end of their lengths.

Then from what remained of the honor guard a horn sounded out in two sharp chirps before the reserve unit of orcs began to advance. They moved to the right to try and flank the militia coming to a jog covering the ground quickly.

Then the unthinkable happened. The wall of fire disappeared. Lilith could see a splash of unstable magical energy in its wake as the wall unzipped from the center and faded. ‘That bastard dispelled my wall!’ Lilith thought. Now faced with a hundred angry orcs all on her own. Lilith had no time to cast anything else. They were only 30’ away. Some had been moving around the edge of the wall when it disappeared while some had stayed in formation waiting for this very thing. With the barrier gone they charged at her screaming again. With no alternative on such short notice, Lilith drew her sword preparing for what was to come.

As they clashed, Lilith spun and cut several of them in half. Then she jumped and slashed again. This time when she spun her tail tripped several of them bringing her momentum to a stop. Even so she had sent a couple of them flying their legs broken as they went tumbling into the grass. She then pulled her sword into guard blocking an attack before she retaliated, taking swings at the closest orc and then the next. Even as she fought the enemy seemed to have plans of their own. She was doing damage but she was also taking hits from all sides from the mass of orcs around her. Blow after blow fell upon her as she found she couldn’t jump away. Regrettably she couldn’t spin either as the orcs had grabbed her tail using it to pull her backwards.

Lilith grappled one of the orcs with her coils swinging him like a club into her enemies knocking three more orcs to the ground on her right. But it was too little too late. She was set upon by still more of the seven foot tall densely muscled creatures. With a concentrated effort they dragged her to the ground and began pounding her with ax and hammer alike. Lilith felt pain in her arms and legs for the first time as she used them to guard her head and body. In a fit of rage she grabbed one orc with her tail crushing him to a bloody pulp hearing ribs and armor crack as he fell still. But she still could not stand. She couldn’t find her footing as she was hit from all sides. Worse still she lost track of her sword as it was knocked away in the scrum.

Then everything went white. Lilith could feel a surge of heat. The scent of burned flesh entered her nostrils but the rain of axe blows stopped. When she regained her vision half the orcs that had been over here were blown away. The rest were charred and in no conditions to fight. Even still, more of the angry warriors took their place. Once again she was set upon with another axe striking her back onto her side before she could properly get to her feet. Then there was a second explosion. Her ears rang from the sheer force. If both she and her armor weren’t completely fire proof she would be worried but even still it was disorienting being hit by such a blast. However it was even worse for the orcs. Once again they went flying or were burned to ashes. A few of them screamed in pain but most were silent the distant sounds of battle could be heard as her ears recovered from the shock. Standing back up, Lilith found her sword and hefted it to her shoulder. Looking back at the wall she could see Wendel holding yet another scroll as he watched her regain her composure, a wave of relief going over his face replacing concern.

There were now only 30 orcs left in front of her. Many were hurt and scattered but most still had weapons and seemed ready to fight despite the overwhelming onslaught of magic that had been rallied against them. With the pain of being beaten and grappled still fresh in her mind Lilith briefly looked at the dents and cuts in her armor as she flexed her legs, arms and tail confirming that she was still in fight shape. So with renewed determination she clenching her teeth and began by jumping to the closest orc slicing through him with a powerful swing. Learning from her earlier mistake she didn’t even bother trying to run or spin she just kept jumping coming at them from unexpected angles. She would get in a good swing then jump away. None of the orcs daring to run as escape seemed impossible given her speed. Instead some of them paired up going back to back but it mattered little In only a minute Lilith had torn through what remained of the orcs on her side of the battlefield. Around her all she could see was the green grass and the dark bodies that had fallen earlier. With that settled she began to look for that spellcaster that was causing her so much trouble. ‘It must be the necromancer, I need to find him quick I can’t believe he shot her again!’ she thought as she looked over the battlefield.

To her right, the militia were faced with the prospect of being flanked from the right side. The first company of orcs was still fighting them while the reserve company was swinging around on the far side. Even as they drew closer the militia moved extra men to that side. Still it didn’t look good. Even with Kevin and Sharl to help secure their flank there were more than enough orcs to swing around and roll them up from the rear. Then just as the first of the reserve company met their side a trumpet sounded from the wall. Then like rolling thunder the warhorses started running. At full gallop the wall of beasts, men and metal was a terrifying sight. Hearing this the orcs stopped their advance on the militia turning to face the charging cavalry. They had some time to form up however they lacked the right weapons. With only clubs hammers and axes the spears of the cavalry pierced the orcs formation well before they could land any meaningful blows. There was a massive crunch and ping as the charge landed. Spears killed the first line while in the second line many orcs were trampled bouncing off the armored fronts of the horses that still had a great amount of momentum to lose. In the aftermath around 40 orcs lie injured or dead as the Cavalry turned off to gain some distance and separation.

The bravest of the orcs tried to chase them but soon fell behind finding themselves spread out and stuck useless in the middle of a field before they inevitably turned back to go form up with their company all the more tired for their efforts. The rest of that company of orcs now clashed with the militia from the flank causing the Cavalry to charge a second time.

Sharl and Kevin now fighting side by side swords in hand prevented the orcs from turning the corner and rolling up the formation from the rear. Sharl using his strength and luck to redirect an orc’s warhammer to the ground where it lodged in too deep to be lifted from the slightly damp soil. With the orc still struggling to retrieve his hammer Sharl chopped off both his arms kicking him back at the horde behind him.

Meanwhile, Kevin moved like lightning, slipping by the orcs only to slicing them at the torso or legs. One orc tried to grab Kevin’s armor but only grasp air as he stepped to the side cutting down on the orc slicing off the front half of the orc’s head from crown to chin.

Then the cavalry’s second charge struck the back of the orc formation. Their spears doing terrible things to their ranks as leather and mail were pierced by the speed and accuracy of the riders. The orcs were so surprised by the second charge that many of the men could pull their spears and stab a second time before any counter attacks were made. Soon the formation turned away again, galloping off only taking two losses in the process. With the first company of orcs now completely defeated the left side of the militia began to swing around to flank the remaining orcs. Even so there were fewer and fewer green skins to fight as their efforts and the efforts of the cavalry had reduced them to half strength. With one more push the Militia shattered their morale and the remaining 80 or so orcs broke and ran. It wasn’t long before the cavalry took off at a trot in pursuit as the militia reformed their ranks letting out a triumphant cheer to send them off. Sharl called out orders getting the wounded and dead gathered so that they could be brought back to the gate if needed. It only took a minute for him to figure out they had taken ten casualties in total but only had five dead among them.

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In the distance off to the west, Celeste regained consciousness waking to a familiar but still debilitating pain. Her right side had been hit by some type of negative energy spell and it had atrophied and seized up becoming almost useless. Worse still she couldn’t bring her wing up to her mouth to end the spell nor was able to stand. One of her legs, the painful one, just wouldn’t move at all.

She had started crawl back to the gate, pushing with her one good leg when she realized that if her wing wouldn’t come to her she could go to her wing. She pressed further putting more weight on her right wing pushing it into the ground in an effort to get her beak closer. For her efforts she was rewarded with intense pain but not without some results As the wing folded up it got close enough that she could just get her mouth on the leading joint where she bit it softly. Then in a puff of large golden feathers Celeste was herself again. But even better she was no longer in any pain and could move freely in her wizards robes. Not knowing what to do she started jogging across the field towards the sounds of battle.

She spotted the first orc body almost completely cut in half. Next she started to find piles of them then a giant collection of charred bodies and a long scorched line of earth. Following that line her eyes soon found the formation of cheering militia as the cavalry rode off to chase down what she guessed were fleeing orcs to the east. Feeling a spring of joy well up in her she cheered along too. She had survived the battle and in the distance she saw Sharl cheering too.

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To the north, Lilith teleported forward scanning the battlefield looking for the enemy wizard that had shot Celeste…… again….. and nearly gotten her killed. In the distance at the top of a slight rise in the field, a familiar sight stepped forward out from behind what was left of the honor guard that was protecting the Warchief. It was the necromancer in all his resplendent horror. The white bones adorning his head and staff seemed to be glowing a dull purple as if enchanted by some foul power. Then from his cloak he pulled something out holding it at shoulder level. It was an odd thing that moved and wiggled as if it was alive. Looking closer she could see he held aloft a pink worm of some kind that writhed in his grasp. Then with a dagger that apparated in his right hand he cut it with a swift motion the strangely human like face of the worm cried out in pain for a second before it was silenced by the loss of so much blood the contents falling to the ground in red streams.

Not knowing what else he had planned Lilith jumped forward closing the distance before she jumped a second time landing behind him. Swiftly she struck out with her sword trying to impale him from behind. Instead he stepped aside turning on her with his staff held up as if he was ready to cast. Stepping forward she swung at him again trying to bisect both his chest and his arm with her sword’s arc. Still he shifted, blocking her blow with his staff that was torn asunder from her blow. As the bones fell he stepped back trying to get some distance as she continued to press forward. As she advanced a strange sound emanated from all around her but Lilith was focused on ending this abominations life. Bringing her sword back the other way Lilith severed his leg causing the dark wizard to fall cursing as she brought her sword up to guard preparing for another swing.

With him on the ground she leaned down driving her sword through his chest until her blade met soil on the other side. Even so he just laughed at her through gritted teeth now stained with blood. His sickening voice echoed across the field as he laughed without a care. The laugh was unnerving, stopping her from making further attacks as she didn’t understand how he was laughing with a sword through his chest nor did she perceive the impaled man as an immediate threat. Then his hand shot out grabbing her sword by the blade and with an unholy strength he pulled it out forcing Lilith back. His whole body began to glow the same sickly purple as his armor but worse the wound began to close as she noticed dark shadows begin to gather in his left hand. “I am a servant death! You cannot slay me! My god will see you dead, your family dead, your town, dead and he…."

Seeing as he was busy talking Lilith brought her hand up casting [Disintegrate] on him. The beam struck him in the face his form shifting into dust before some of it blew away on a steady wind. Now looking up at the honor guard she found that their attention was not on her. Instead she heard sounds of metal clashing from their ranks. Noticing their backs towards her she jumped forward to attack them from the rear. Despite their more robust armor her sword cut through them like butter. Arms, heads even complete torsos were cut falling to the ground in pieces as she tore into them. Hearing their brethren scream and fall Four of the orcs now turned to face her bringing their swords to bare. Taking a more defensive stance, she started to parry their blows before stabbing out when she found an opening. The first of the four fell back holding his shoulder while the other 3 continued their attack. These orcs from the Warchief's honor guard had purpose made armor and swords rather than the crude axes and clubs that the other orcs had. They also seemed to have some fort of group training as they fought as a unit. Even so their mundane weapons couldn’t piece her armor and could only slightly cut her skin even if they did find an opening. But then again Lilith didn’t fight fair. Not wanting the wounded orc to recover she jumped behind her opponents. Appearing in a cloud of mist she grabbed the rather surprised orc pulling him back, throwing him into the other three with one arm while her other still clung to her sword. Three of the four of them now lie in a pile struggling to untangle themselves as she cut the fourth’s sword in half with her own. Beyond his blade the orc was sliced shoulder to stomach a spray of red blood going everywhere. She then crushed one unfortunate orc’s head beneath her armored boot before she finished the last two of them with a quick waist level swing of her sword which caught both of their heads at the neck. Turning around she could finally see the reason for their initial distraction. It was a group three men in full plate. And if she wasn’t mistaken it looked like two paladins and a cleric. They were wearing matching armor trimmed in gold while each of them had a Holy Symbol of Lathander around their necks. It wasn’t long before the three of them finished off the last two members of the honor guard and then the Warchief as Lilith watched in amazement. Even in the midst of battle their armor seemed shiny and new. Their blades had a distinct glow that she could tell was no mere enchantment. The glow pulsing brighter as the older of the two paladins struck down the orc leader. Meanwhile Lilith realized she was a bloody mess in comparison almost feeling ashamed of the gory work she had just finished. Seeing the paladin pulled his sword out of the Warchief’s chest she gave him a tentative friendly wave before she cast prestidigitation on herself a couple times. ‘I wouldn’t want to dirty their armor’ she thought as a sudden look of recognition came over the man’s face.

“Oh its you, glad you could make it.” he said keeping his sword out but shifting it to his left hand holding it in a reverse grip at his side.

“Ummm. Hi. You got the Warchief.” Lilith half asked half stated the obvious.

“Yes.. sorry we’re a bit late no time for pleasantries we have a rather bad situation brewing.” The older paladin said pointing a finger over Lilith’s shoulder back towards the town.

Turning around Lilith saw movement in the grassy field black charred corpses rising from where they had fallen. Green corpses shambling to life and looking around for a reason to exist. Inevitably they all started walking towards the nearest living person and for most of them that was the Militia unit still guarding the bridge and the town behind it.

In silent unison the paladins and the cleric mounted their horses and began to ride past her picking up speed. Soon they were charging off heading for the Militia which seemed to be surrounded by an undead horde made of their fallen enemies.

Watching them go Lilith noticed a familiar sight in the distance just to the right of the militia. Drawing in a worried breath she quickly began to jump towards it hoping she would arrive in time.

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Minutes Earlier.

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Celeste was only 100 feet from the militia when she heard a scream from the direction of the honor guard across the field. Even as the unearthly scream faded she felt a twisting sensation in her gut, it was wrong. The world was wrong. It was as if the world around her had been turned inside out and she was upside down inside of it. Luckily the feeling of dizziness soon faded her equilibrium restored as she took a step to brace herself and regain her wits. Even so, somehow, the world still seemed wrong. Around her she began to hear a moaning noise and the sick, twisting and snapping of flesh. Low gurgling sounds came from every corpse around her as they all began to move and stand back upright looking at the world around them with dark glowing dead eyes. The closest of them was only 10 feet away an orc coming to his senses staring directly at her. Thinking quickly Celeste grabbed her symbol and cast bless on herself. She then placed her mouth on her right arm growing into the form of a Giant Golden Eagle. Taking in a breath of air she opened her mouth in the direction of the nearest group of zombies. With her exhalation came a cone of fire like a red and orange river of heat.

Soon they were burned to ash as she turned to face the next set. Once her had was clear of the flames Celeste realized full gravity of her situation. She was surrounded and needed to take flight. Then as she crouched down to leap clear of the approaching horde she felt a distinct pain in her left side as a large orc zombie had already grabbed her leg biting into its meat. Instantly she felt pain and then nothing as he talon and leg went numb. She didn’t know or understand what was going on she just knew the sluggish feeling wasn’t good especially in the midst of a battle. Even with the numbness she kicked the zombie away. The pain was bearable but only compared to what she had been through earlier. Wanting to get clear she beat her wings a few times getting some distance also knocking a few zombies down as she hobbled back into an open part of the field, her left leg feeling weaker by the second. Breathing fire once again she mowed down twenty more of the undead orcs. Some staying alight as they shambled forward, others turning to ash almost immediately. Then, before she could catch her breath, another group of zombies attacked her from the side. She hadn’t noticed them her wings partially blocking her view. Instead she felt them as they bit into the meaty part of her right leg and wing as they too began to go numb and fall limp. Now completely immobile she tried to think of her training and what spell to use before she realized she couldn’t cast any of them in this form. Unable to move she tried to take in another breath but felt it catch in her throat as she coughed up some kind of mucus. Not knowing what else to do she panicked feeling the faint tearing of more bites being taken out of her. She was calm for the moment knowing that this wasn’t her real body but then panic set in as she realized her real body would soon meet the same fate. Even as she coughed and gagged a tear formed in her large yellow eye as more zombies bit into her wing and tore off feathers.

Then she felt a hand on her neck and saw a flash of red hair. For a second she stopped coughing her head turning further to get a better view. To confirm her last hope. Then she saw her red eyes both of them looking into her one before she heard something new. It was Lilith’s voice…. In her head speaking to her.

“Some dragon you turned out to be.”