Ilumin relayed what she saw while flying high above the Torpin Stronghold. As the centaur chieftain feared, his scouts on the ground merely spotted a fraction of the human’s total forces. From above, his Cloud Hawk could discern a more accurate picture of what they were facing and the picture wasn’t pretty. The human forces rivaled the coalition numbers while also possessing the defensive advantage. According to reliable intel, the defenders were also led by some of the most veteran officers within the human kingdom. Colet was deep in thought when Ilumin spoke up.
Are you afraid?
It doesn’t matter if I’m afraid or not. As the chieftain of the centaurs, I have to lead from the front.
Colet was reminded of his first encounter with Ilumin. He was a young centaur with hardly any responsibilities. His father was the chieftain and his siblings were all ahead of him in terms of succession. As the youngest son of the chieftain, he had the luxury to travel the continent. One journey brought him to the Cloud Peak. As a centaur, he lacked the ability to scale the peak. Yet, his encounter with Ilumin was predestined when the two of them met at the base of Cloud peak. During that first encounter, they discovered they had lots in common including their love of exploring new lands despite the many uncertainties. Ilumin agreed to become his partner as long as they traveled together. Ten years later, they found themselves facing overwhelming odds as they looked to break through a stronghold against a determined foe. They had their backs against the wall and their chance of victory was still very low, if not nonexistent.
Once he got a more complete picture of the situation, Colet returned back to his camp. He told the other centaurs to prepare for battle and suspected that their preparations should be completed. As the most mobile race on land within the coalition, they were expected to fulfill many roles like support and logistics. Some centaurs expressed dissatisfaction in serving as beasts of burden but none had refused to do their tasks outright. With the future of their race at risk, a lowly task was a small price to pay.
“Ides,” called out Colet as he neared the main tent.
A centaur with a slightly smaller stature than Colet turned to greet the centaur chief. Unlike the other centaur archers, Ides had a recurve bow over one shoulder and a blue pauldron on the other. Centaurs possessed incredible speed which, combined with a bow, made them a menace on flat terrain. Pauldrons were worn by the centaur spellcasters, each color representing the rank achieved by the centaur. Possessing both meant Ides could use his bow and spells interchangeably at his whim.
“How did the preparations go?” Colet asked.
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As the centaur chief, Colet never figured out how to speak to his close friends. Despite customs dictating all centaurs must be formal around the chief, Colet was never a big fan of those customs. He missed the days when he and Ides could simply speak what was on their mind.
“Preparations went well, chief.” Ides pointed at one of the tents nearby. “We stored our food and ammunition in multiple locations. The centaurs responsible for logistics are familiarizing themselves right now. We can engage in combat as soon as you give the order.”
With no further words, Colet entered the main tent where the others were waiting. His council consisted of the seven most powerful centaurs at his command. Eupoos held the title of Centaur Magus, the one who represented the centaur sorcerers of the army. Colet had to appease the Magus due to Eupoos’ authority over the spellcasters was unquestionable. In return for the appeasement of the Magus, Colet gained incredible firepower in the form of powerful spells and magic to aid his war.
Colet approached the Magus who wore a violet pauldron on his shoulder. Eupoos was among the smaller centaurs as he didn’t possess the height to intimidate enemies on the battlefield. Yet, his enemies would regret underestimating him due to his vast knowledge and experience in spells and magic. Eupoos was considered a genius spellcaster who came around once every millennium.
“I heard about the dangerous human you sensed. Will this human pose a threat to our advances?”
“I lack an answer now.” Eupoos summoned a magical projection of the human. “If we encounter this human, I will personally enter combat.”
The statement caused a stir in the tent because Eupoos openly declared his participation amidst the actual combat. Many centaurs wondered if the Magus would play a support role in the rear. Given the Magus’ large repertoire of spells, he would still contribute greatly to the war effort. While there was no reason for Eupoos to personally enter actual combat, no one could deny his presence could turn the tide. Colet wasn’t opposed to Eupoos’ participation. Ilumin provided him with enough intel to know how desperately they needed all the firepower they could get. Not only would Eupoo’s presence boost the morale of the centaurs but his personal guards, all very capable spellcasters, would be there with him.
“I appreciate your willingness to join the other centaurs.” Colet gestured to the magical projection. “If this human does show up, do you suspect we have forced the humans to use their final trump card?”
“I sincerely hope so, chieftain. If this human isn’t their final trump card, I fear our campaign is doomed.”
“Could this human be the Right Arm of Xemir?”
The mentioned of the title caused a bigger stir in the tent. The Right Arm of Xemir was a legendary being said to have single handedly won the Battle of Chilsor Plains. The epic battle was a clash between the followers of Xemir and an anti-Xemir coalition formed mostly of demons and Emperor Gavienus Tobias’ soldiers. The feats of the Right Arm of Xemir not only struck fear in non-human races but also established the dominant position of the human kingdom. The presence of such a figure at Torpin Stronghold would no doubt guarantee the humans their victory. Even Colet was aware that, despite being a genius, Eupoos didn’t come close to an immortal being blessed by a god.