Fenadorn put his hand agains the wound. The bolt had hit clean, though thankfully nothing vital had came out when he pulled it. Still, the pain was something fierce. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. All around him were the bodies of those who had fallen beside him. Grend, Sarvth, Lear, his recruits, his boys. He had trained each one of them personally and they had not let him down. Around them lay a circle of Atlantian men from lord Asral’s own force. Fenadorn supposed the Lord of such a powerful House would have no trouble replacing them, but he was glad all the same. Fenadorn rose slowly to his feet as a fresh chorus of shouts rang out in the corridor behind him. The palace was overrun, the tunnels compromised. Everything was in ruins.

Fenadorn sighed and cleaned his sword off of a passing garb of one of the fallen soldiers.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

The last he’d seen of Sandorn and Averan was them retreating back to the throne room. He didn’t suppose there was any hope for either of them surviving now.

More Chimeras had begun to arrive into the palace from the Inner City when last Fenadorn had been outside. They were led by Lord Laer of House Larren and Lady Mirinda of House Fortan on horseback.

It was all over now. Every moment in his life had been building up to this day. And now it was almost through.

Fenadorn heard the calls as his position was revealed. He walked towards them as a unit of men came around the corner. Fenadorn swirled his sword around and readied himself in a defensive position. He waited but the men did not move. Instead, they stopped before separating. From behind them came a Chimera. It roared down at him.

Fenadorn smiled and took up an offensive position. He charged first.

The boys will like that.

“AUREATTTTTTEEEEEEEE”