Ardgal paused for a second longer, hand and arm held taut in place, bowstring pulled back just below his jaw. He released. The Milesian soldier, his chosen target, was driven back by the force of the impact as the arrow embedded itself in his chest. Within seconds the sky was ablaze once more with flaming arrows as Druaidíi stepped swiftly through Belvoir’s high reaching branches. Ardgal had chosen the three hundred of their best climbers for the attack with strict instructions to remain moving throughout the attack. The animals were already crashing through the men’s camp causing consternation in the Men’s ranks, even as they closed formation the integrity of their shield walls were being undone by the suddenness of the animals attack. To the Druaidíi perched high in their treetops they made for easy targets, the light from their already burning victims guiding them to their next.
The animals rampaged through, all played their part working to completely disrupt the men and bring down many in the process. Ardgal had devised his plan realising that the Elks would not be of much use in the defense of Dún Na Rí’s walls. That however did not mean that they would not be of use. It had been a long time since the Elks had been truly used in a charge but here trapped within the tight confines of the forest was a prime opportunity. Each elk had grown up in Belvoir’s embrace, so much so that they scarce needed guiding when wandering through its undergrowth. The connection between Druaidíi and Elk was long since firmly established, having them stampede through the men’s camp therefore, was not an overly complicated proposition.
After them came the packs of wolves of Belvoir’s forest, the hidden defenders, they had required a summoning but had been easily pressed into attacking the men as they faltered after the Elks charge.
By the time the Men had realised the attack and its source the animals were already past darting in and out amongst them. All the while the Druaidíi rained down on them safely from above with no man wise to their position.
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Ardgal waited patiently until the animal's charge had been quelled and they began to pass back into the shadowy depths of Belvoir before he whistled and the sound passed along their lines with immediate effect. The whole assault had taken place before most of the men had even realised from whence the attack came. The animals charge had been a varied arsenal of attack, a quick and deadly strike which had devastated through the camp. The thunder and lightning created by those back at Dún na Rí had served them well too, the men have heard the stories and tales of the Druaidíi, let them imagine even more after tonight, fear has destroyed more men than any blade. It is fear that can lead a man to doubt and destruction, of himself and those around him. A direct frontal attack may have caused as many if not more casualties but attacks such as this created more, much more. It created an illusion of invisibility and full control over animals and nature that fuelled the Druaidíi’s strength, and took from the men’s own.
As the last of the animals vanished and the attack relented the men at last found their lines once more. Ardgal waited until the last gap was filled before ordering a stop to the attack. He paused safe in the oak’s shelter until all the others had turned homewards before he joined them in their flight back. The attack had been a success. A timely reminder to the men that the Druaidíi would not fall so easily.
However the men lacked not for numbers, it would take far more to bring about their defeat, and now they would be ever more weary and ever more watchful. An Elk charge would not work again and the wolves were not Faeres’, they would not be brought under control again, Druaidíi or not they had spent enough pulling them together for the charge, another such undertaking was beyond their powers.
They kept a strong pace until they came at last in sight of Dún na Rí’s walls, for those of generation four this had been their first true taste of up and close combat with the enemy. Though they tried in vain to remain stoic and poised Ardgal recognised their subtle smiles and eager praise to others that expressed their youthful adrenaline. Dagda was chief amongst them, he let him be. For now he should converse with his peers. In any case there was the next attack to plan and Ardgal and the others had much to discuss before sleep. Quickly he Michaél and a few of the Elders slipped away to make plans and ideas anew.