The smoke billowed artfully in the morning’s air. Averan smiled admiringly thinking of how it must have looked to any onlookers. He and his brother striding in all the glamor and magnificence of their Arronian armor, emerging from amidst the ruined Gates unscratched and unharmed. Though in truth it had not been difficult. They had begun the morning coming off their ships. The Docks Barrack had been opened and waiting for their arrival. Wendon had led the Twins inside with their men as they were met with the fort’s superiors. Both of them had bowed immediately and cries of Aureate had rained down on them from all sides. Even now the cries echoed in his ears. The feeling it had given him something which he never knew he craved until that moment.
Today was not one for celebrating or delay however. With that done and the men they needed readied they’d made for the Lower Barracks. Though the gates had been barred a struggle had taken place within the walls. Enough of a struggle to eventually force the doors open.
The two superiors of the Barracks were standing in the middle of the courtyard by the time they entered.
“They know your coming Aureate Bastards. The other Barracks will not be so easy. Mark my words. They’re waiting for you. Eagerly.”
Sandorn put out a hand to stop Wendon who had drawn his sword and was about to head for the captive Barrack overseers.
Averan rested his hand on his axe and waited for his brother.
Sandorn came forward to stand in front of the two resistors.
“You don’t agree with the rest of your fellows then? You wish to remain as mindless dogs to the New Order is that it?”
Sandorn spoke loud enough for all to hear.
One of the men, the one who had been quiet until now raised his head just enough to spit at Sandorn, the result of which landed on his boot.
The sound of a hundred blades being drawn reverberated around the courtyard. Averan left his own weapons sheathed. Such moments as this were made for Sandorn. He needed no help.
“I would have offered you a chance of redemption, to join and swear oaths to me and my Brother. And yet you spit on me.”
Sandorn turned to the other bound man.
“You do the same?”
“Yes, now and forever. I don’t care about what your old ancestors did or didn’t do. Whatever this is, I want no part of it or you. You’ll be dead by the end of the day. Fools and traitors all of you.”
“You’ll die then? Execution?”
Averan shook his head at the two captives exaggeratedly gesturing for them to heed his brother’s words. Both of the men only laughed.
“Fuck you and your execution.” The man who’d spat roared.
His comrade burst out in riotous laughter at that.
Sandorn turned and walked back five steps. Averan took a step back and warned the others to follow suit. He knew what was coming next, though he doubted most of the others did.
Sandorn made no announcement, no proclamation. One moment he stood tall and handsome, the next he was the Beast. The Chimera.
Averan waited a moment, savoring the looks on the men around him, all in awe and shock. Most would have seen the Forty and their Beasts when they paraded the streets during Gorias festivals of the Origin and the Blood Rite. But none so close nor impressive as Sandorn was now.
Averan finally let his eyes rest on the two men cowering before Sandorn. The one who’d spat at him moments before now almost foamed at the mouth from the speed at which he mumbled. The other stood open mouth frozen in terror. Facing the axeman or noose was no easy thing. Facing a Chimera however was another matter entirely.
Sandorn roared before rearing up onto his hind legs pausing to allow all witness his size and strength before suddenly lunging out and grabbing the first man and tearing him in half with his teeth. Blood, skin and much more sprayed all over the still bound and kneeling man.
Sandorn casually whipped his tail around to expertly send the man flying until he landed at the feet of Averan. Glancing at Sandorn Averan nodded, it was time for the twins to show their true power. Together.
Almost as swiftly as Sandorn had he too transformed. His Beast sending all around him scrambling for cover. If Sandorn’s roar had shook the foundations of the Barracks Averan’s own shook the foundations of the city itself. He looked down to the see the man before him begging for mercy even as he was being pushed back by the force of his roar. Averan allowed him whimper for a few more moments before he whipped around his tail to pierce the man through the stomach. Hoisting him into the air Averan caught the man in his mouth and began feasting.
Not letting things settle Sandorn pounced, using the Barracks walls as a springboard he leapt off to land gracefully atop the battlements. Averan thought about joining him up there, he could have easily managed it. But he was not near as agile as his brother and he was worried that if he used the Barracks as a springboard he would take some of it with him as he leaped. It was better not to ruin the barracks the moment they’d acquired it.
Instead he responded to Sandorn’s roar from above and joined him back out on the street. Together they led the men loyal to their cause, the Chimera twins leading followed by Fenadorn and the others of their clan, then Wendon and the other Captains and then the rank and file of the City Guard who’d came to their side. Whatever doubts or fears about the power of the Twins quite conclusively removed with the display at the lower Barracks.
Now however came the real test. As they came within sight of the Gates of the New Barracks Sandorn raised up a paw to call a halt. A makeshift barricade of carts and stakes had been erected blocking their path. Fenadorn came forward to stand beside them.
“Gates barred and walls manned. Blood will spill for this one.”
Averan nodded at his Brother’s words, he settled for growling in agreement, he was still hesitant to try speaking in this form around so many others.
Fenadorn scratched idly at his beard.
“A charge then? You break we follow? It has always worked before. Though we might not have faced so many we never had so many behind us neither.”
Sandorn glanced at Averan, his huge eyes looked at him questioningly,
“I like it.” Sandorn would understand him. To hell with the rest.
“Then so do I. Fenadorn, ready the others.”
Fenadorn clicked his fingers and turned sharpyly back to the waiting Wendon and Captains.
Averan heard the orders relayed, they waited a moment to let the message pass through.
Sandorn waved a huge paw towards the Barracks.
“After you Brother. After you.”
Averan didn’t even bother with a response. He burst forward, he had already reached the barricades before the first arrows whistled past him, way past him. He smashed into the blockade, using his four horns to barrel straight down the center of it. By the time he had come out the other side the hastily assembled barrier was in ruins, Sandorn could clear the rest. Averan was directly in front of the Barracks when a Ballistae fired the first of the projectiles at him. This he had to be careful to avoid, but at the speed he was moving there was little hope of any striking him.
He didn’t slow down on seeing the gate before him, he sped up. Hauling his full weight he slammed into the Gates, once more making full use of his horns. They splintered the wood before the rest of his body’s considerable weight shattered them.
The impact was enough to momentarily stun him. But Sandorn was there immediately to cover him, he came in tail first lashing out in a wide circle to completely wipe out the first lines of the Barracks defenders. They were amongst them then. Sandorn quickly leaping up to wreak havoc amongst the archers and ballistae above and Averan down below, using horns, tail and paws to destory everything in sight. Armor folded, steel bent and bodies crumbled under his attacks. Averan could hardly keep his excitement contained, it was rare and seldom that he was able to use the Beast so freely. He relished it.
He was almost annoyed then when their men charged into the breach and began engaging with the guards inside the barracks. Now Averan had to take care not to be too reckless or zealous in his attacks lest he kill those who were there to help him.
The Barracks didn’t hold out long. Soon there were a horde of prisoners who’d laid down their weapons in search of mercy. They decided to give it to them. Only those considered ringleaders by Wendon and the others were killed, and even they only if they refused to swear fealty and oaths to the Twins. Of the ten officers rounded up only three refused to do so. Only three heads to be placed atop the battlements. This time there were no theatrics. Not with the Upper Barracks still remaining. All of them knew it would prove the most difficult to take. The greatest hold out of the New Order in the Outer City. Once the men chosen to accompany them were in line Sandorn and Averan returned to their human forms. The Chimeras would be needed soon enough. But it was better to conserve their energy for when they would need. Back out on the streets they led the way once more.
The Upper Barracks was distinct from the others. It came into view clearly at its point atop Breakers Hill. More a citadel than a barracks, a renovated remnant from the city’s origins and one of its earliest fortifications. It had been given as a gift to the city guard by their Ancestor, King Grenar I. That fact made its capture all the more important for Averan.
This time there would be no doubt that the defenders would be waiting and well prepared for any attack.
Before they had ever stepped foot in any of the barracks they’d considered a surprise attack on the Upper Barracks first. To take out its strongest defence first made sense. But even Wendon had been unable to guarantee that any man within the two barracks holding out could be trusted with their plan. Instead they’d decided to take what they could before they brought the full might of what was available against those who would resist. And now as they marched forward Averan saw that their decision had been a wise one. When they had set out that morning they’d only 1200 men at their back. The first two barracks had swelled their numbers greatly and even the New Barracks had added some more to their force. Now they had 2000 men at their backs. In comparison to the estimated 1000 inside the citadel.
Besides it was not just a military attack. They needed to reveal themselves now not just to their enemies but to their allies also. The people of Gorias needed to see their Kings. Needed to see them marching through the streets with an army behind them. Liberators come to tear down the oppressive regime which held them down. Sandorn had already ordered for the Amata’s private treasures to be flung out into the crowd as they passed. By the end of the day every man woman and child would hold Aureate in their hearts. Some men of the city guard might have been of the new way. But they were people of the outer city first. They could not fail to see what was before them now.
“Averan to the roofs, watch and wait,” Sandorn never looked away from the Barracks. “We’ll need to be aware of ballistae this time. Fenadorn bring forward the Battle Ram. As soon as a single ballistae directs their attention from us we’ll attack. They’ll be forced to eventally, if not they’ll be left exposed from our lads attacking below them.”
Averan nodded and Fenadorn drew his sword once more.
Sandorn took the left side and Averan the right. This time he transformed mid air as he leaped upon the nearest building, unnecessary but certainly impressive.
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There on the roofs he and his brother prowled as in tight formation and shields raised their men came forward, with battle ram to the front.
Sandorn was right. A few archers launched scattered outbursts of arrows down on their men marching but almost all stayed locked on he and Sandorn, equally divided between the two of them.
Averan counted 8 ballistae upon the walls. 4 each. It was unlikely any could land a clean hit, and even if they did one was unlikely to kill them outright. But it would slow them, exposing them to more ballistae. Averan knew what they could do, even to a Chimera. As fast as they were it was always a risk, especially so close and with only two targets for the Ballistae to aim for.
Still, he thought Sandorn was being a bit cautious, but he supposed they had to be, if one of them was injured it would be disastrous for any future plans they had. He had to wait.
Time seemed to move very slowly as they waited. Their soldier’s progress was slow, the hill and tight formation combining to hamper their advance.
Averan’s eyes and ears were keen, the world took on a golden hue in his Beast’s form but he saw everything, and heard more.
Focused as he was on the Barracks battlements he saw the movement of a Captain as he waved one of the Ballistae forward to ‘take out that Ram’.
Averan noticed the same being said to one of the Ballistae on Sandorn’s side. He was going to inform his brother when he picked up a low growl. Sandorn didn’t need to be informed.
They moved at once, knowing instinctively the other’s motive. Averan switched to Sandorn’s side and he switched to his. The sudden movement was fast, the Ballistae were prepared but as Averan soared back and forth between the roofs he felt no danger, saw no threat. It would take more than a few Ballistae to take them down. One, whirred past him, then another. They tried to read their movement but just as it seemed there was a pattern to their interchanging they changed again, now charging head first for the Gates and battlements. Within a matter of seconds they were streaming past the Ram and front lines, spurred on by a thunderous roar from their men behind.
Sandorn moved ahead of him at the last moment and was first to scale the walls, Averan switched one final time and leapt upon the other side. He only needed one push off the wall to reach its ramparts. Just as he came up however a tail lashed out before him. Stunned Averan only barely managed to avoid the full tip of the spiked tail, instead it raked along his side. Averan fell, only managing to catch himself at the last second. Blood steamed and poured generously from the red line streaked across his side. Averan had never been cut in his Chimera form. But he didn’t feel pain from its blow, he only felt anger. And surprise. That too.
The tail which struck him could only have came from one Beast, a chimera. Averan didn’t have time to hesitate, he charged to the side and over to where Sandorn was atop the walls. He was engaged in his own Battle with another Chimera.
Somehow Sandorn had not only managed to avoid the blow which he guessed had been similar to the one he’d face but also kept his position on the battlements.
They were waiting, ready, Averan realised.
Now down below Averan had to fully concentrate on his jump this time, expending a great deal of energy clambering onto the wall’s top.
He saw a blur over to his right and it was enough. This time it was no tail which came lashing over the wall but horns. The Chimera which had followed his path clearly wishing to put a conclusive end to him. This time however, Averan was ready. Instead of climbing up over the wall and into the waiting Chimera’s path he only pushed upwards into the air. As he hung above he was given a moment to see all around him.
He was instantly drawn to the courtyard where a chimera was busy repeatedly lashing its tail as Sandorn circled running along walls before leaping in and out with attacks. The men around could do little but avoid the two, there was no where or possibility of them intervening in such a Battle.
He pushed his brother’s duel out of his own mind to focus on his own.
His blood dripped onto the wall, the other Chimera had built up quite a speed for its charge and had crashed into a number of unfortunate guards not quick enough to flee from the danger.
Reckless. The Chimera either didn’t care or was more than willing to sacrifice the guards upon the wall if it meant getting to Averan.
Averan didn’t chase. He wanted the chimera to turn and face him. With an almost casual whip of his tail he knocked a few brave soldiers who’d thought to attack him from behind.
Averan felt fury, excitement and a nervous energy building inside of him. It was his first proper fight against a Chimera, his training and fights with Sandorn all building up to this. He relished it.
He waited for the other Chimera to attack, but it only stalked, wanting to see what Averan did. Hesitant. As if it had not expected for things to get this far. Its hesitancy was a mistake. Whenever Sandorn allowed Averan attack first he always lost. A chimera of his size should never be given the initiative. He took it now.
Averan charged, horns down as if he was aiming to gore. The other chimera waited, raising his tail early clearly signalling how he would ruin the charge. Averan gave the impression he saw nothing, having long ago mastered the art of seeing without appearing to do so. When the tail came lashing out Averan flicked up his head, catching the tail between his horns in the most protected area of his skull.
The force of the impact sent him spinning backwards. Quickly steadying himself Averan allowed himself to be spun before using its momentum to whip around his own tail and firing it out to land on the ribs of his enemy. The screech of pain echoed beautifully in his ears. Without stopping Averan spun once more this time ending up almost atop his foe. He brought his paw crashing into the other’s face, smashing into the jaw and savouring the sound of teeth and bone as they cracked. The battle was already over but Averan wasn’t finished. Pushing the other Chimera off the wall back into the courtyard he dug his horns into the side embedding them in deep as they fell. The other chimera did struggle to free itself even as it fell but the impact as it landed with Averan atop it would have been enough to kill. The horns protruding from its side only hastened the defeat. Averan roared in delirious victory, he felt invincible now. Above him Sandorn was faring similarly well, Averan saw the Chimera which faced his brother fall to its knees as Sandorn drove his tail expertly between horns into the beasts eye. When it came out the eye came with it. Sandorn was fast, so fast. Before the other chimera had even finished its roar of anger and pain Sandorn had fallen onto its back and instantly sunk his teeth into the other’s neck. In a desperate attempt to free itself the enemy chimera fell with Sandorn still on him. Averan wasn’t worried.
Sandorn didn’t release until the last second, pushing himself off his foe’s back and away to safety. The other Chimera did try to right itself. But the hole which had been left gaping on its neck had weakened it. Weakened it significantly. It did manage to twist itself upright, but still landed awkwardly before almost immediately collapsing, exhausted and severely injured.
Both of the defenders Chimeras now lay dead or close enough to make no difference on the courtyard’s ground. Averan could feel the sense of dread seep inside the walls, he doubted their plans had considered both Sandorn and Averan avoiding the trap set for them whilst simultaneously defeating their own Beasts. The sound of a ram slamming into the Citadel’s gates broke him from this thoughts. Averan turned sharply, Sandorn had a similar idea to him and they both made for the gates. Sandorn got their first, clearing the way of defenders and their meagre attempts to reinforce the gates. That gave Averan a clear shot. He smashed into the wood with horns first, so forceful that one went straight through the gate and into the battering ram beyond. For an awkward moment he felt stuck, and imagined himself swinging back and forth as the gates opened and closed. But that nightmarish image only lasted a moment before he broke fee again. The door creaked and all it took was one final heave of the ram to utterly destroy it. With that they were in. Furious fighting broke out immediately, even without he and Sandorn busy crushing any pockets of the defenders he knew they would be victorious. The defenders had expected a prolonged attack on their walls, counted on it. Things had gone wrong for them and they knew it. Now inside and with two Chimeras at their back their own men fought with a fury, flooding inside to overwhelm those still standing.
A loud horn signalled a retreat further back into the citadel. But it was far too late for it now. Averan and Sandorn together stood in front of the gates to the inner Keep. No one was getting past them. Soon the defenders caught between them and their men were left with only two options. Fall trying to get back with the lucky few already inside the Gates to the Inner keep, or die against the hordes pouring inside the main gates. Faced with such options Averan was not surprised to see many dropping their weapons as they came to face he and his Brother.
They were seeking mercy. Averan roared. He didn’t want to give it to them now. They had dropped their weapons, was that all it took? If one man dropped his weapon he was a coward and instantly killed. If an army does it then its a surrender and all of them survive.
Sandorn stepped across him.
“Averan. Calm.” He whispered just loud enough for Averan to hear.
“We can’t kill them all.”
Averan shook his head and growled but took a step back.
Sandorn waited until all the defenders had been safely rounded up, finally satisfied he transformed back to his human form. Averan remained the same.
“FENADORN. Bring forward what remains of the pitch and oil. The men inside the Keep chose to abandon the fight and worse their own comrades. Men such as that are not to be trusted. Nor valued. They will receive no mercy. Burn them out. Archers to the windows, crossbows to the gates anyone thinks to pop their head out I want it taken off. ”
To their credit those inside held out as long as they could. But the constant flow of flaming arrows streaming inside the few arrow slits visible and the veritable bonfire now aflame outside their only door left them little option but to attempt a last desperate charge out. It didn’t last long. There was little over a hundred still remaining inside. Those who managed to pass through the flames were decimated by the rows of crossbowmen waiting for them. Averan did not even need to stir.
Once they were all dealt with Sandorn gestured for Averan to change back. He did so reluctantly, he’d never felt so alive within the Beast as he did then. It felt good to finally begin to realise its potential. Part of him wished to continue as the Beast. Indefinitely. Thankfully a larger part of him recognised the problem of such a wish.
Transforming back he followed Sandorn who was waiting for him, together they climbed the stairs leading up to the Wall’s ramparts. They stopped at the top to look back down on those gathered beneath, Fenadorn, Wendon, Lear, Savrth and the man they called Cap stood behind them.
“How many prisoners?” Sandorn spoke softly, loud enough only for those up with them to hear.
“441.” Fenadorn stated.
“Have them kneel.” Sandorn scratched his beard, Averan examined his Brother carefully, he was staring blankly down at the men beneath him.
“Kill them all.” Averan shrugged, “They stood against us? I do not see why not.”
He spat down heavily, congealed blood mixed with his salvia to create a red mess. The wound across his side was already healing, but he still felt its sting.
Wendon shook his head, “You can’t kill all of them Prince Averan.. Some of them, no not some, many, are good men who just need directions. Being a guard here they were bound to followed the ideas of Grevus and his Masters more than the rest. But give them time and they’ll be strong loyal men, willing to live and die for you.”
“Kill every man in four.”
Sandorn’s words hung in the air, Averan would have killed more, but he supposed one of four was enough.
“Are you sure?” Wendon asked.
“I am.”
“My King, perhaps one in ten would suffice, I think that it is a little-”
“They weren’t willing to die for this cause. Why would it be any different if they were fighting for ours?” Sandorn’s question hung in the air.
“I cannot, nor do I want such men in my City Wendon. They should have died with honor, if they don’t stand for something then they’ll fall for anything. One in four is lenient. You know that as well as I.”
That was it. There was a brief moment of confusion. Their own men, archers and crossbowmen had completely surrounded what was left of the defenders but either they hadn’t understood, or more likely didn’t expect such an order so there was an extended moment where no one moved. It was broken by the sound of pleading before the first eager bolts went flying into the kneeling mass of prisoners. Some struggled to rise and defend themselves. But there was no hope of that.
Averan kept his gaze on Wendon and the Cap. Both looked annoyed at the decision to kill so many but did not hide it. That at least was a relief, better that than hiding behind a formal mask.
“Bring it up Fenadorn, it is time.”
Fenadorn nodded at Sandorn’s words and immediately strode away.
Averan turned to face out to the city. Below more of the men who now stood with them were celebrating a victory. Averan was eager to join in, though with Sandorn alongside him he wasn’t sure. He knew his Brother would already be thinking about the next challenge, the next task.
We are getting closer. Day by day. Our time is coming. Soon we will have what we always wanted. Soon.
The sound of Fenadorn marching back up the steps took Averan from his thoughts.
Fenadorn bowed low before him and Sandorn before he handed it to them. Nodding at his brother Averan took one half and Sandorn the other. Carefully they hoisted the banner upon their shoulders and moved to where the old Banner of the Forty had been. Where it had been for the past 87 years. Together they placed it carefully on the pole and slowly, steadily unfurled the Banner in all its glory. It had been another gift left to them, one they had never had cause to use before now. Reserved only at times when both needed something to inspire them, lift them from whatever it was at the time causing their struggles. Now it fluttered majestically in the summer’s breeze, it looked new, fresh. Averan smiled and Sandorn smiled with him as more than 2000 Voices rose up in cheer.
For the first time in 87 years the twin Chimeras of House Aureate looked out over the city it once dominated. For the first time in 87 years the city Guard was led by the line of Kings. And for the first time in his life Averan truly believed that it was possible Gorias would soon be similarly led. How could he not, when it was already appearing before him.