Chapter Eleven: Under Seige
"You know if you're still bothered by this, I recommend seeing Master Yen Sid," Merlin advised. "I promise it will do you some good."
Riku had just finished some intense training under the watchful eye of the blue dressed magician and now was sitting on a chair with a sweat rag in his hand. A cup of cold water was next to him and he was breathing heavily, fully feeling the strain take its toll. He was still unsatisfied with his progress and he demanded more and more practice. It had just about exhausted the old man but he could never turn away a student of the magical arts. Merlin walked over to the wooden table and lit the wax candle on fire. It had been several hours and the afternoon had passed like a blur. The sun had just set and the stars were now beginning to make their presence known. Riku gazed outside the window as lights began to flicker on in the city. The four great pyres that stood on the ends of the city gates were illuminated and one by one the palace centuries had begun to take their stations.
It seemed that Riku's injuries had gotten better and his body was teetering close to full strength. He didn't have any problems moving, yet he still wore the manila colored sleeve Alexis gave him. His arm didn't feel quite right without it on. In a sense, he felt naked without it. He had taken the bandages off, finding no more use for them. His muscles hadn't atrophy, which was a good thing.
"Master Yen Sid?" Riku asked. "Who's that?"
"He's the leading authority on all things magic," Merlin answered. "In fact, he's the one who taught me everything I know."
"So you really think he can help me?"
Merlin smiled as he thought back to the days when he but a young apprentice. The days of igniting everything on fire and creating disastrous spells were long behind him yet he still had pride at how far he had come. There was no such thing as performing unauthorized spells. Unsurprisingly, he was Yen Sid's worst student as far as conduct. Back in the day, Merlin was as crafty as a fox and as devilish as a hyena. He was uncontrollable, wiry, and unbelievably wild. Somehow, Yen Sid had weathered that storm and tamed the childish magician into a royal court official. If anyone can teach Riku how to control his dark magic, Yen Sid surely could do it.
"I'm quite positive he can," Merlin told him. There was a tiny twinkle in his eye as he said this as if a tear was clouding his vision.
-KH-
A lone sentry patrolled high above the gates with a flaming torch in hand to light his steps. A long, sharp, tipped spear armed him as well as a sword that hung form his waistband. It was his solemn duty to protect this city and its inhabitants. For five years, he had walked this same path every night feeling no sense of boredom. His eyes were rigid and sharp – not a single movement had slipped past him. The dogs in the street, the birds in the air, even the sleeping guards that were on patrol with him went noticed. He saluted as he came across one of his comrades who stood erect at his post. It became very lonely on patrol and sometimes making contact with another being calmed some of the anxiousness and concern that was hidden by the surrounding darkness. The fall air was undeniably cold and the man shivered underneath his armor. Chain mail and a peasants shirt tucked into trousers was all he had. He had a few hours until he was relived of his post and another sentry would take his place.
Closer and closer they moved. Six hundred yards until impact. No noise. No fear.
The rectangular city had four solid walls with four lookout posts which each housed two guards, a giant beacon for light, and a bronze bell for alarm. The sentry removed his helmet briefly as he wiped the sweat off his forehead. He took a deep breath as he rested for a moment. However, his eyes were still pinpointed out to the horizon. This was his job every night and he did his duty without fail. His senses were acute as knives.
He arched his eyebrows sensing a disturbance in the calm, still night. The darkness hid what he couldn't see and this uncertainty plagued him. He could feel something in his blood and the air around him smelled different. It wasn't clean and clear. An iron curtain blocked him off and his fear heightened. He grew restless and he nervously retied his armor and boots. Whatever was out there clearly was out of place and it was evidently unwanted.
Close the gap. The kingdom is in full sight.
The sentry backed up slowly as he heard the low rumble come from the plains. It struck his heart like thunder and left him momentarily paralyzed. He swallowed his spit as he grabbed his spear that was leaning next to him and he raced towards the nearest lookout post.
The moon in the sky was covered by thick, dark blankets of clouds that also created a dense, thick, demonic fog. It cloaked the heartless in it and hid their bright yellow eyes.
"Sound the alarm!" he cried waking up a few sleeping/snoring soldiers. They immediately jumped to their feet and turned their attention to the running sentry.
"Ring the bell, I said," the soldier commanded. "Don't hesitate, you fools!"
In a sense of reckless urgency, the soldiers staggered to their feet and bent down to pick up a small, wooden battering ram. They slammed it mightily into the bronze bell. It produced a long baritone sound that could deafen even the hard of hearing. They hit the bell again and, immediately, lights flickered on within the city.
"The Heartless are coming!" a soldier yelled from the top of his lungs as he grabbed hold of a passing soldier who was riding a horse. "Get this word to the king and hurry." The swift horse let out a shrilling neigh as its owner pulled fast on the reigns. With a slap to its backside, it bolted for the castle.
The dark shroud peeled away as the Heartless drew closer. Their eyes blinked sinisterly and they fastened their pace. The sentry looked out from the carved out window and strained his eyes to get a good look at the approaching enemy. He did a quick head count but he soon found it useless. Instead, he shouted over his shoulder an estimated number of 700.
-KH-
"My king!" a messenger yelled as he tore open the door that lead into the throne room. He was indeed in a frenzy. The words he spoke clogged his lungs, choking him until he first released his breath. Almost forgetting to bow, the messenger quickly lowered his head ripping his gaze onto the floor. "A report from the watchtower."
"Speak."
"A wave of Heartless was seen just outside the castle walls, sire. We're under attack!"
Rising from his seat, the king turned to one of his servants. "Ready my horse."
The armory stormed with noise was soldiers hustled to get dressed. With the screaming alarm being sounded and men rushing for their weapons and armor, the scene was far from organized. The wooden doors were thrown aside letting ballistas through. They weren't armed with arrows yet and it took three men to wheel the weapon out. Chariots were rolled out clumsily as drivers fought to maneuver through the thick crowd. The horses were just as restless and jockeys struggled taming them as they attached on the reins. Soldiers raced for chainmail, strapping it on carelessly over their shoulders. Whether it fit or not wouldn't matter. They would rely on their shields most of the time for protection. Speaking of shields, it awaited them at the end of the line. The circular shields were marked with the kingdom's ensignia and were fashioned in a way so the soldiers could peer over them as they crouched. They were extremely lightweight and easy to carry. The emphasis was placed on maneuverability and not so much on defense. As they reached for their spears, they received their helmets as well.
The soldiers rushed towards the gates with swords and spears ready for disposal as messengers knocked on every home to tell the citizens to stay indoors and bar the doors. Their warnings echoed throughout the markpetplace and people ducked into buildings and out of sight. Quivering mothers held their young close to them as fathers clenched their teeth and made a decisive move towards their armor. Outside, the sound of thunderous horse hooves and barking commanders filled the night as soldiers were being sent to the walls to fortify it. Their armor clanked as they stepped into formation.
"We need more men here," one of the generals yelled over the bustling noise.
More soldiers poured from the narrow alleys and quickly filled in rank. Covering their flanks was the cavalry. Their powerful horses snorted and panted with anticipation. They had a reputation of being a well-disciplined force. Horses were engines of destruction and their riders were deliverers of death. They struck fast and hard. Metal hooves shook the ground and their paths were lined with blood. The Extraordinarii, as they were called, were the most advanced cavalry in the all the land. Without a doubt, Radiant Garden had the most advanced military power and the unyielding pride of their soldiers would not succumb to defeat.
Archers grabbed their bows and quivers as hot coals were carried out. The smoking embers signalled that they would no doubt ignite the tips and rain fire from the heavens. Carefully regulating the flame, they strung their bow and turned their attention to the head offical. The archers breathed silently as they focused on the approaching enemy. They had the first attack and they wanted to make it count. Their eyes zoned in on their target, locked and loaded.
Muttering a final prayer, the captain at the top of the gate raised a stiff arm into the sky which was met by a blusterous roar from the soldiers below him.
"ARCHERS!" he roared. "GIVE THEM HELL!"
-KH-
"PRINCESS!" a servant girl yelled as she burst into the hallway which lead into Kairi's bedroom. A look of fear dressed her face and she picked up her long flowing dress as she ran. Knocking frantically on Kairi's door, the girl moved her head from left to right in anxiousness.
Kairi opened the door calmly unknowing of the dire situation. Her questioning eyes were surprised to find the young servant girl in such a mess. For starters, the poor girl was out of breath. She was panting frantically as she inhaled precious air. Her face was flushed and she trembled and shook.
"Come quickly, princess," the servant told her. "We're being attacked. We must go to the cellar."
Kairi's eyes widened in sudden realization as she hurriedly stepped out of her room and closed her door. The servant girl immediately took off and Kairi followed behind.
"Who is attacking us?" Kairi asked between gasps for air. They were running at such a fast, frenzied pace, using their adrenaline to will them forward. Her heart beat like a drum but she dare not stop running even for a short moment.
"Heartless, my lady. They are coming for the gates! We must hurry now."
Kairi felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as she worried for the people in the city. Images of Heartless ripping into the flesh of humans flooded her mind and the shrieks and screams that would follow made her weak.
"Where are my parents? Are they safe?"
The servant reached for air as he huffed out the answer. "They're already there. The other servants notified them already."
She came to a slow stop and pulled the heavy door open with all her might. Kairi followed her inside the dark room. The princess hadn't been in this room as much since only wine and alcoholic spirits were stored in here. Probably the last time she stepped foot in here was many years ago. Even then, she didn't quite remember the area being like this. Ironically, this was one of Merlin's favorite stops. Alcohol made the best elixirs! It had a soothing effect, not that Kairi would know. She didn't drink alcohol.
The servant picked up a lantern that was hanging by the door. Taking Kairi's hand, the girl took her to the middle of the room; then she bent down to the floor. Knocking twice, the underground cellar door opened with a creak revealing the face of Kairi's mother. She had a candle in her hand as she looked past the servant and found her daughter.
"Kairi! Come here quickly."
Kairi bent down as she lowered herself underground.
"Where's dad?" Kairi concernedly asked.
Queen Leda looked away as her husband entered the room accompanied by numerous guards- the praefectus. They were the king's royal guards, the best fighters in the kingdom. Incidentally, Leon and Cloud were both given posts as praetorians but turned down the position. The soldiers had spears resting in their hands, no doubt ready to fight. The king was dressed in his armor and his sword was tied around his waist. There was a serious, solemn look in his eyes and Kairi felt unwavering confidence in each step he took.
The king looked into his lovely daughter's eyes, and a smile made its way on his face.
"I'll see you when this is done," he calmly said. "Stay here until it's over. Don't open this cellar until morning."
Kairi shook her head in distraught and tears formed in her eyes. She held on to her father's strong arm pleading him to stay with her. However his mind was made up as he took her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. He gave Kairi a small kiss on the forehead then he gently closed the cellar door. Kairi could hear his father's horse neigh as he took off for battle. Tears fell down her face.
-KH-
The whistling arrows rained down on the Heartless as they staggered onward towards the city gates and ballistas fired flaming rocks that crushed anything it landed on. It looked like hell had opened with fire and brimstone exploding in the sky. The scene looked like a bloody massacre as heartless fell in bunches. Still, many remained on their feet refusing to die. They pounded on the city gates with tremendous force causing the stronghold to quake.
"Hold, men!" one of the captains commanded. He could sense the men getting restless as the enemy continued to pound away at their only protection. The wooden beams that ran along the gate creaked and cracked as they fell apart. God knows how long that gate would last.
Archers continued firing from atop the tiers and mixed with the black tar that was spilled, it created a raging wildfire. The flames burned the Heartless but scorched the ground and produced a foul stench and a grey fog.
The gate began to weaken and with a final thrust the barrier toppled. Heartless filed in but met the sharp spears and shields that were awaiting them. The clashing of weapons filled the night as wave after wave of Heartless poured into the city. Men at the front of the line met their death first as sharp claws tore through their flesh. Dead bodies fell and black Heartless goo dripped over them. Large body Heartless barreled in front, knocking horses away and swatting aside men like flies. A retreat was called for and soldiers bounced on their heels to get back. They bunched up together making a near impenetrable wall. All they could do was stuff the entryways into the city.
The Heartless had taken the gates.
-KH-
Alexis barred her door the best she could but her fear made the task nearly impossible. She had received news of the invasion last and now she was struggling to quickly defend herself. Her heart was beating uncontrollably and she was shaking as if the temperature was dropped significantly. Dragging her wooden table she forcefully pushed it to block the door and threw the four chairs next to it. Lastly, she pushed her cupboard, boxes, and chests. Hopefully that would be enough to protect her. It wasn't much, but it was all she had. It was everything except her bed. She couldn't move it. Alexis was alone now since her father stupidly went out. He grabbed his armor and his sword, planted a kiss on her forehead, and went out. Alexis, stiffled a cry knowing that tears wouldn't do any good. Instead she retreated into the bedroom and took shelter in the corner.
-KH-
Merlin's head shot up as he turned his attention to Riku. The silver haired boy was resting on a chair quite dazed and tired.
"Go, get out of here now," he abruptly told the teen.
Riku sat up and stood to feet just as Leon and Sora came crashing into the room.
"Riku, we have to go. The Heartless are storming into the kingdom," Leon said.
"Where do we go to?" Sora asked. "They have already breached the gates!"
"There's a hidden stairwell here," Merlin said as he lifted the red rug to reveal a trap door. "This will lead underneath the castle and take you to the river Acheron. Follow the river until you meet Master Yen Sid."
Riku, Leon, and Sora each thanked the old magician as they left.
-KH-
Alexis buried her head in the arms as she rocked back and forth in the dark corner of the bedroom. She silently hummed an inaudible tune hoping it would relax her. It didn't drown out the sound of screams and yells that were coming from the outside, though, but at least it reminded her that she was still alive. She shut her eyes tightly as she thought back on her life. Thoughts of running through the marketplace and playing in the fields were, by far, her favorite memory. She didn't remember much about her mother but she could still recall the lullaby she sang. Maybe that was the song she was humming. It didn't sound like it admist the sobs. It had been a happy tune, light, and cheery. How could she have forgotten it all of a sudden?
A loud bang shot Alexis out of her thoughts and she immediately lifted her head towards the direction of the door. Could that have been a Heartless she thought to herself. God, she hoped not. Her surroundings fell into total silence and all Alexis could hear was her deep breathing. She didn't know whether to check it out or remain. Alexis muttered a short prayer mumbling "please don't let me die, please don't let me die" between every broken sentence. She squeezed her hands together hoping death would pass on by. It was dead silent for a few short moments that felt like they could have gone on for eternity. The girl felt trapped as if time had stopped and she would be forever encased in her room as Heartless ran amuck around her.
However, her prayer fell on deaf ears as another loud crash could be heard. This time it sounded closer as if someone or something crashed into the wall just outside her door. Fear still gripped her and she couldn't move. She could hear the footsteps as the floorboards creaked. No doubt it was coming closer. Alexis squeaked, accidentally, and she slapped a hand over her mouth. Hopefully no one heard that. Her heart was in her throat and she found it hard to breathe.
The bedroom door suddenly fell down opening a gap into the darkness. Alexis couldn't scream and her fear paralyzed her. It was her time to die and the reaper was coming for her. She could literally see the silver scythe that would take her and 39,999 others. Alexis peered into the darkness again but she found it impossible to see anything. The darkness cloaked the messenger of death and Alexis closed her eyes, waiting silently.
Yellow eyes looked down at her as if they were floating in the air. They glistened at the excitement to shed blood and it immediately jumped in the air. Alexis screamed as the yellow eyes came towards her. She fell on her back expecting the heartless to rip into her flesh and leave her for the vultures. However, that never happened. Instead, she heard a voice scream her name. Alexis shot her eyes open and found a pool of black goo all around her and there was Riku with a tiny candle in hand.
"RIKU!" she cried exhuberantly.
"Are you alright?" the silver haired teen asked. He extended his hand to help her up. "It's alright. I'm here."
Alexis nodded her head as she fell into Riku's chest. She felt blood rise to her face and she instantly turned away. Thankfully it was too dark to see the pink steaks on her face.
"Riku, come on. We have to get out of here," Sora said as he watched the door for any incoming Heartless.
Riku led Alexis by the hand and took her outside.
"There's a wagon that's coming around to evacuate people. Make sure you get on and get out of here," Leon told the girl. "And whatever you do, don't stop moving."
Alexis nodded as the three fighters walked away.
***Alexis' POV***
I panted as I watched him walk away from me. My heart still hammered at the thought of what I'd just been through. A swift wind blew across the path, blowing his hair out behind him, as well as sending strands of mine own over my eyes. He looked back at me, and thought it was dark, I swore he looked god-like. My heart hammered faster as I saw a smile grace his lips before he started to disappear into the chaos. Against my better will, I raised on my tiptoes, to see him one last time. I knew I should have been going now, but I wanted to see him once more. His hands were deep in his pockets, his head high as he walked away from me. And also out of my life.
Sighing, I ran a hand through my wind-touseled hair, and set off in the other direction. My thoughts were on the one who'd just saved my life. He was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen, with his shining silver hair and clear aqua eyes.
I didn't even know much about him. But I'd never forget him.
"Stay safe," I whispered into the wind as the final traces of him vanished.
-KH-
Screams of townsfolk were unbearable as mothers cried uncontrollably for their dead. The Heartless had broken through the main line of soldiers and were creating havoc all over the place. Soldiers were scattered, seperated from their units. Worse, their inexperience began to show and with no orders to follow, they were lost. The king was nowhere in sight and commanders tried their best to rally the troops. Some panicked and dropped their weapons and ran hoping to live to see one more day. In the heat of the battle, it was impossible to keep cool. Chariots were thrown aside and broken weapons littered the floors. They were getting beat and their numbers dwindled. A military genius couldn't win this battle; the odds were too high.
Heartless broke into homes, using their destructive behavior to destroy everything in sight. Structures fell and alongside them, civilian bodies. The soldiers were clearly baffled as their enemies danced around them. Their yellow eyes were overwhelming and spread terror like a plague. They roamed like ants and were merciless in their killing. They barged, as if drunk, and more and more soldiers met their end. Buildings were unsafe from their carelessness and dust and smoke rose to the heavens.
"Not even the walls of Priam could withstand this," Nestor muttered as he finished prying his sword into a heartless. His blade was black as coal and his armor and face was covered in debris.
Around him, more screams of agony and fear could be heard. Dead bodies littered the dusty streets. Countless soldiers, civilians, pets, women, and children had died tonight. The soldiers fought bravely and stubbornly but were no match for the wrath of the minions of darkness. They were being pushed back to the center of the city.
"WE MUST KEEP THEM FROM REACHING THE CASTLE!" Nestor roared mightly. "PUT YOUR BACKS INTO IT, BOYS!"
I'd like to thank BlacAngel for helping me in this chapter. I owe you one.
Rock out, party hard, live hardcore