Chapter 52: The Anvil of Free Borough

Central Furyondy, 3 days later…

The army had quickly set off after the clarion call echoed across the city and its surrounds. Prometheus had immediately ordered Aurelius to remain with the army and provide what assistance he could. The kingdom's chivalrous order, the Knights of the Hart, as well as off duty soldiers had quickly poured in from the various small towns as the army passed, adding to their ranks. All told, the last three days had seen the army swell to around 13,000 men in total, including the 5,000 terminators Prometheus had sent previously to aid them. Commander Flynt had elected not to travel with them as he would be continuing to try and raise more men to fill the capital's barracks in the meantime. General Covington, a thirty-something wiry man with swept-back brown hair and sharp blue eyes had been chosen to lead the army and had taken something of a shine to the disguised Dragon as they travelled.

"I was a Commander in the coalition army at the time Iuz and Ivid were rampaging across the continent." He was telling Aurelius one evening as they sat in the General's command tent. "I remember Radigast like it was yesterday. Hell, who wouldn't?"

"Do tell on." Aurelius prompted, curious to hear the man's recollection of the battle.

The man smiled then, reminiscing. "When that mad Lich started shouting across the battlefield I don't mind telling you I was shaking in my boots. I thought we were all going to die there for nothing. And then he stepped forward. I never saw a braver man than the Knight Errant and his squire! Walked right out there in between the two armies like it was nothing to face the damn thing! That fight!...It was like watching two arch mages face off in some kind of climatic battle like you read about in those adventure books! Heh, I guess in a way it was." He reflected with an ironic smile. "I've no doubt they'll be writing about that war for decades to come, if not centuries."

"I wonder if they will remember you." Aurelius suggested in amusement.

The man snorted. "Please! Only the biggest and brightest get remembered. The rest of us are just footnotes. I'll be lucky if I'm even mentioned in those history books."

"But you're a General now." Aurelius pointed out. "They will be making history books about this war as well."

"That's assuming anyone lives to tell about it." The man muttered softly.

Aurelius moved a bit closer and clapped the man on the shoulder. "Have faith in your men and the Dragon Emperor." He said quietly. "And have faith in me."

Covington smiled quietly at this before one of the guards stuck his head in. "Forgive me sir but there's a messenger wanting to speak with you from the perimeter."

Covington nodded and a slim soldier slipped through the flap, saluting the two of them which the General returned.

"What is it?" He asked.

"Man from Libernen sir." The man stated. "Apparently, he's one of the court wizards. He was riding a horse full tilt until he got close to our perimeter. We halted him of course but he said he needed to speak to you immediately."

"You confirmed his identity?" The General asked.

The soldier nodded. "He bore the heraldry of the city on his robes and he permitted himself to be bound as a precaution."

"Bring him in then." Covington stated.

The soldier left leaving the two of them alone.

"You do know that there are some spells that do not require hand gestures." Aurelius reminded him with a hint of caution.

"I know." The General stated. "Normally I'd have a pair of guards standing ready to gut the man if he started speaking in another language. But since I have a Dragon at my disposal…"

He smiled at Aurelius meaningfully who rolled his eyes in response. "Splendid." The Dragon sighed. "I always wanted to be someone's shield."

A few minutes later a pair of guards entered the tent bearing between them a slim older man in a dark blue robe with lavender trim. The man appeared to be on the verge of exhaustion, his eyes wide and haunted as he stumbled forward.

"You are one of the mages at Libernen's court?" Covington asked.

The man nodded twitchily. "Yes. Or…I-I was." He amended.

Covington frowned. "You mean you deserted your post?" He asked forebodingly.

The man shook his head frantically. "Libernen is gone! I-I have no post anymore!" He cried.

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" Covington asked indignantly. "It's several days' march from Verbobonc to Libernen!"

The man shook his head despairingly. "Libernen has already fallen sir! You must believe me! I-I risked m-my life to—"

"Calm yourself." Aurelius interrupted quietly. "We wish to believe you but we must verify what you say." Aurelius stood and moved to the man. "You are conversant in the arcane arts, as am I." He said carefully, trying to keep the man calm. "You know spells that can read a man's mind and memory. Will you permit me to do so that I might know what happened there?"

"May I have a chair first?" The mage asked meekly.

"Of course." Covington said. "My apologies. Unbind his hands and bring him something to sit on. Water and food as well."

One of the guards nodded and left while the other quickly unbound the ropes around the man's hands. The other guard quickly returned with a stool and a plate of food along with a cup of water. The man sat, quickly finishing the small meal before setting them aside and nodding up at Aurelius. Tilting the man's head up Aurelius gazed into his eyes and quietly murmured arcane words. Suddenly a flood of consciousness filled his vision as the mage placed his most recent memories in the forefront of his mind…

"Get to the wall!" Lord Jasper, the Governor of the city, shouted to him frantically. "Hold those monsters back as long as you can!"

Explosions rocked the castle that served as city's main defense and residence of the Lord Governor. Racing down hallways filled with frantic servants he emerged onto one of the parapets to a scene out of nightmare. Overhead, Dragons of various colors roared furiously as fire, acid, and lightning flared from their mouths. Men burned with horrifying screams as others choked to death from the green mists that flooded a section of the wall while still others writhed about jerkily as powerful electric charges made their bodies dance grotesquely. Before him the city burned in hellish flames. Massive iron golems as tall as buildings screeched hatefully like metal grinding together as they spewing out white hot fire from their mouths, immolating entire structures. Through the streets ran a multitude of various Demons from imp-like slim creatures with claws to grotesquely obese monsters wielding cleavers, to gargoyle-like flyers that rained down diabolic magic on the people below. Shaking himself from his dread stupor the man rolled back his sleeves, quickly calling to mind the offensive magics he had memorized just that morning from one of the tomes in the library. With the formula in his head he sought out one of the Demons that seemed to hold relatively still as it hovered in the air, beating its wings. Arcane words spilled from his mouth as his hands waved about in precise gestures designed to take hold of the magical weave that surrounded the planet and mold it to his will. Pointing his finger as the incantation ended a burst of fire erupted from his hand and flew forward in an arc he hoped would hit the creature. Seeing he was going to miss his target he mentally commanded the fireball to erupt near the creature, hoping to at least damage it. The fireball exploded furiously near the Demon, knocking it a few feet away from its original position but seemingly doing no damage. The creature's head snapped to look in his direction and the man staggered back in horror at the inhuman anger in the creature's jaundice-colored eyes. Screeching angrily the monster began to fly towards him furiously. Stumbling backwards in blind panic the man managed to wrench the door open and race through it before the creature landed on the parapet outside. Turning, the mage quickly slammed the door shut, barring it with a stout wooden beam. As he raced down the hallway his mind frantically tried to recall another spell that might hurt the creature. Behind him the barred door shuddered and then burst asunder with a crash of ruptured wood on stone. Spinning around the mage nearly tripped on his own feet before he planted himself firmly and began to cast again. The creature began to stalk towards him, a black mace of iron gripped in its claws as its eyes seemed to pierce his soul. Finishing the spell, blue lightning shot from his fingertips to slam against the creature's chest, making it stumble back a foot or two. The Demon glared at its slightly charred and smoking chest before marching forward once more, its mace ready to brain the mage that dared assault it. Nearly gibbering in fear the mage was able to recall a final spell…

The scene ended and Aurelius withdrew his probe, gazing at the man with sympathy.

"I used a teleport spell to get out of the city!" The man explained hurriedly. "I managed to…a-acquire a horse and a divination spell allowed me to find out where you were! I've been riding for a solid day at least!"

Covington nodded. "Get some rest. You've been through hell, literally."

Nodding the man was led away by the remaining soldier. As Covington looked at Aurelius the Paladin drew close to the desk, his face fuming before he smashed his fist against it in anger, cracking it.

"We have been played for fools!" The Dragon hissed furiously, his eyes blazing before he focused on Covington. "When the Demons attacked from Fellreev Forest in the north they moved at the same speed as a human army! They tricked us into believing their armies move as ours do!"

"If they can march without pause they can cover double the distance we can." Covington agreed gloomily. "If they attacked Verbobonc first they probably emerged from that dratted temple to the south of them. It's always been a source of evil as long as anyone can remember. Verbobonc is maybe a day's march from there. Those Demons probably pillaged the city within a day and then moved to Libernen."

"If they can move so quickly," Aurelius muttered heavily, "we must know where they plan to attack next."

Covington nodded. "Did you see what the size of the army was?"

"Thousands from the brief glimpse I was given." Aurelius replied unenthusiastically. "There were a number of Dragons as well. I fear we may need reinforcements before this is done. Fortunately the Emperor has a few tricks up his sleeve that have been helpful before. I pray they will be so this time as well."

"Let's hope so." Covington said. "The other major cities are Littleberg to the west and Willip to the east near the coast of the Nyr Dyv. Free Borough is a day or two southeast of us. The Demons could be heading for any of them."

"How far away are Littleberg and Willip?" Aurelius asked.

"About 3 days march." Covington stated before his eyes widened in realization. "Which would mean…"

"Another of the cities may well be under siege right now with us 2 days away even at full march." Aurelius said, finishing the man's thought. "Perhaps I can discern our best course of action."

"I already tried that with my mages." Covington grumbled. "Some foul magic prevents them from scrying anything about the Demons or their plans. A few of them got terrible headaches from attempting it and one nearly died."

Aurelius smiled quietly. "I believe my patron can shed some light in this darkness."

Closing his eyes Aurelius focused inward, calling forth the connection between himself and the Platinum Dragon. "Oh great Lord of the North Winds your servant Aurelius calls upon you for aid."

Speak, my servant. Bahamut's voice came to him a moment later.

"Great Lord, our enemy hides their plans and movements from the sight of mortal magic. I pray that you grant me wisdom and insight into what should be done to bring victory against the army to the south." Aurelius said softly.

The Dragon god was silent for a moment before he spoke. Only in Free Borough can you achieve victory against the army you face.

"Thank you My Lord." Aurelius murmured before closing the connection and looking over to Covington.

"Free Borough." Aurelius stated.

The General nodded. "We march at first light." He stated firmly.


Horns blared as the false dawn lit up the early morning sky. Soldiers blearily packed their belongings and broke camp before organizing into formation. Commanders shouted orders and the army began to move. The day passed drudgingly and the miles wore on as the men wore out their boots with their brisk march. That evening Aurelius held planning councils with the General and his Commanders to hash out various tactics. Finally as the morning sun rose in the sky they came to Free Borough. The city itself sat on a wide plain next to the small river that ran east and west across the kingdom, its fortified walls bearing the city's pennants. On the wind came the sound of horns as off in the distance Aurelius could see a massive tide of black misshapen silhouettes. Above them all, flying in circles above the army were three large chromatic Dragons of red, blue, and green.

"Gods above!" The General murmured in astonishment. "It's like Radigast all over again!"

"Take heart!" Aurelius told him sternly. "The Knight Errant may not be here but I doubt even he could have slain a Dragon in single combat, much less three. You, on the other hand, have one of the Platinum Lord's greatest warriors by your side as well as the finest soldiers on the continent. We cannot fail!"

"Alert the men, we must encircle the city before the army can get into position!" The General ordered his Commanders.

The men quickly moved forward and the army seemed to part like a wave around the city, encircling it like a ring with the thicker side facing the dark army as it approached in a thick column, the General and Aurelius nearer to the wall.

"How many, do you think?" The General muttered to him.

"The numbers appear to be about equal." Aurelius muttered back. "If I can take out the Dragons their air superiority will be greatly diminished though they will still have flying Demons at their disposal. I may need the help of the Emperor's soldiers and your mages to take down the Dragons. My men are spread throughout the ranks. If one of them gives a mage an order have them follow it."

"You have a way of communicating with your men individually while in battle?" The General asked in surprise.

Aurelius smirked. "As my Lord's aide is wont to say, great is the power of the Dragon Emperor."

"Apparently." Covington remarked with a hint of esteem.

Suddenly one of the Demons from the front line strode forward several feet and began to shout across the distance between them in its dark and craggy voice.

"Your precious Willip has fallen!" The Demon shouted. "As has Verbobonc! As has Libernen! As has Littleberg! What chance do you think you have of stopping us?! Surrender to the horde and we may show mercy!"

Covington blanched at the Demon's claim. "Both cities?!" He exclaimed softly. "By the gods!..."

"Do not listen!" Aurelius replied in a quiet firm voice. "Demons will say anything to gain an advantage. Have you forgotten? The enemy seeks to demoralize us, nothing more."

Covington nodded.

"May I?" Aurelius asked the General who muttered an affirmative.

Using a spell to enhance his voice the Dragon shouted over the heads of the men across the plain.

"You know nothing of mercy, foul spawn of Baator and we will not listen to your obvious lies! We will not bear our necks to your blades! This is no common rabble you fight but the combined might of Furyondy and the Dragon Emperor! It is you who should surrender while you can!"

The Demon let out a barking laugh at this. "What is this foolish babble?! Should we, the eternal soldiers of the Nine Hells, who have fought a million wars, be frightened by a bunch of mortals who quake in their armor and the boasts of a puny Paladin?! Your bodies will feed the vultures before this day is over and by nightfall your souls will be ours to twist and ravage as we see fit! Even death will not save you from our savagery!"

"Then we have no reason to hold back!" Aurelius shouted. "These men's souls are bound to the gods of light! They are not for you and you shall not have them! Fight us if you have the courage for we have enough for all of you and more besides!"

"Such pretty words!" The Demon called back mockingly. "A pity they mean nothing! Dragons!" The creature bellowed. "Destroy them!"

"I believe that is my cue." Aurelius stated with black humor.

Focusing his arcane powers Aurelius cast a spell to teleport himself. Rematerializing hundreds of feet above the city he transformed himself into his natural form. Snapping out his wings he quickly flew forward as the three Dragons began to fly towards the army. Murmuring a blessing spell upon himself he quickly dove towards the red Dragon. The blue and the green hurdled bolts of lightning and chlorine gas from their mouths only for Aurelius to twist and dodge out of the way before slamming into the red with furious speed.

They've grown sloppy! Aurelius realized as he grappled with his foe while the two of them tumbled towards the ground. They haven't had a serious challenger in gods know how long! Perfect!

Baring his fangs in a dark smile Aurelius punched his fist into the red's snout as they slammed into the ground with terrific force off to the side of the two armies with Aurelius on top. The Dragon gasped in pain from the dual impact allowing Aurelius to jam his fist into the creature's mouth and down its throat. Barking arcane words a globe of solid ice materialized in the red's throat before it exploded, driving spikes of ice in every direction with several of them piercing his foe's throat. The red screamed as blood began to pour from its neck wounds around the spikes of ice, turning them the color of the Dragon's scales. Overhead the other two Dragons roared furiously before letting loose their breath weapons, hoping to hit Aurelius in the back. The gold quickly rolled to the side allowing the lightning strike and the gas to explode against the wounded red, aggravating its injuries further. The now enraged mortally wounded Dragon stumbled to its feet and loosed a blast of fire from its mouth at the two Dragons, making them swerve out of the way. Aurelius immediately took advantage of the Dragon's distraction by tackling it to the ground. The red began flailing furiously beneath him, hoping to dislodge his attacker as blood poured from its throat. Holding on tightly Aurelius bit down on the back of his foe's neck with tremendous pressure. With a terrible crack the Dragon's scales and spine fractured making the red scream before its body went limp.

Nearby the Demon army began its assault as the front line charged forward with a cacophony of harrowing roars and bellows. The terminators in the defending army's front line quickly launched a salvo of rockets, aiming for the charging fiends. The small missiles quickly streaked across the interim space, slamming into the Demons with incredible force, slamming them back against their comrades and slowing the charge before exploding violently. Fireballs and red hot shrapnel erupted furiously across the front line, blowing holes in the Demons' ranks. A barrage of missiles arced across the sky to slam against the Demons behind the front lines in staggered rows. The charge faltered as hundreds of Demons were outright destroyed or thrown into the air, the force from the blasts knocking many of their still standing comrades back; those that still ran were forced to jump over the wounded and dead lest they trip over them. The crack of automatic rifles filled the air as armor piercing rounds slammed into the Demons' heads and chests with precise accuracy, making them stumble and fall. Taking advantage of the failed charge the General ordered his own men forward. The line quickly charged across the battlefield slamming their shields into the monstrous fiends before them as Paladins from the Order of the Knights of the Hart shouted prayers which sent blazes of white holy light into the fray, burning the Demons' skins and blinding them. Seeing the army was holding its own for the moment Aurelius once again took to the sky, chasing after the green Dragon as it wheeled around to begin a strafing run against the city itself. Lightning shot from Aurelius's claws only to have the green dodge at the last moment before exhaling on the soldiers attempting to attack the Dragon on the walls. Aurelius quickly used his wings to try and blow away the gas before it harmed them badly, allowing the blue Dragon to swoop in from behind. Unable to turn swiftly the cerulean beast was able to slam into Aurelius's back, spitting a lightning bolt from its mouth. Aurelius slammed into the stone wall as lightning surged across his back making him cry out in pain. Magic flared as the blessing he had cast upon himself mitigated the worst of the damage before fizzling out, its power spent. Roaring furiously but unable to dislodge his attacker for fear of it crushing the men below, the gold Dragon rolled forward over the top of the wall into the city itself, praying no one was stupid enough to be standing below on the other side. Slamming against the ground he quickly cast a fireball spell before slamming his paw against the Dragon's face. Fire exploded around them and the blue's grip loosened just enough for him to roll free. A moment later more fire erupted from his mouth and the blue barely had enough time to block the flames with his forearms, charring his scales in order to save his eyes, his face already badly carbonized from the fireball. The green quickly flew overhead exhaling more gas on top of both of them.

"You stupid wyrmling! Get down here!" The blue shouted furiously at the green, its eyes watering badly while Aurelius squeezed his eyes shut, holding his breath. "You're hitting me with that wretched breath of yours!"

"Ask me if I care!" The green taunted him with a laugh before letting loose more of the gas.

"Idiot reptile!" The blue shouted angrily before he was hit with a coughing fit, his vision blurry from his watering eyes. Aurelius quickly took advantage of the distraction by charging forward and slamming into the other Dragon, grabbing his neck in a choke hold. Using the last of his breath to mutter another fire spell, the powerful flames hit the Dragon full in the face. The blue roared as the flames seared his eyes, boiling the vitreous fluid inside them and turning them into burnt husks. The blinded blue tried desperately to pull away as it roared in pain but Aurelius held him fast, increasing the pressure until the Dragon began to gasp and choke. The Dragon's movements became frantic as he clawed and slashed at Aurelius's arms, gouging his scales and scoring them badly, drawing blood. Aurelius clenched his teeth against the pain, his brain becoming foggy from lack of oxygen as he squeezed the writhing Dragon's neck with all his strength until its struggles finally slowed. As the gas began to disperse he quickly took in a much needed breath as the blue finally slumped beneath him. Taking no chances he quickly clamped his fangs around the Dragon's neck and bit down furiously, shattering the vertebrae underneath. Rising, he spat the taste of the Dragons' scales out of his mouth. Turning about he saw the green sitting on a nearby wall, watching with a smug smile on his face and pointedly ignoring the few soldiers who dared to try and shoot arrows at him from across the wall, their arrows plinking ineffectually off his scales.

"You have my rather reluctant thanks for dispatching that fool." He said with amusement, "We happened to be rivals for quite a while now. Now that he's gone I'll add his territory and treasure to mine."

"That's assuming you make it out of here alive." Aurelius growled. "And I have no intention of that happening!"

The other Dragon snorted in disdain. "You aren't the only one who knows magic and I, for one, have no more interest in this fight, Tiamet and her lofty promises be damned."

Aurelius ran towards the wall the Dragon sat upon. Sneering the Dragon touched a gem imbedded in its scales, causing it to vanish in a flash of arcane light a moment later. Cursing quietly but relieved the green was no longer a part of the fight he scrambled up the city's wall to view the battle going on. The General's front line was still holding and the other half of the army had begun to encircle the Demons by moving the men from their circular position around the city to two wide arms, both of which were charging towards the opposing army's flanks. Men roared and hooves thundered across the plain as a mixture of pikemen and spearmen on armored war horses raced towards both sides of the demonic army with the rest of the forces moving forward to reinforce the front. With a horrible crash the two armies slammed into each other. Thick wooden spears splintered, their heads barely piercing the Demons' supernaturally strong flesh as the men began to flail and stab at the vile creatures. Another volley of rockets slammed into the center of the mass sending Demons flying into the air as blasts of concussive force erupted in their midst, the hypersonic shrapnel cutting apart even the Demons' hide. Near the rear of the army, Aurelius quickly rejoined the General, temporarily morphing back into his human form.

"We've been able to box them in on three sides!" Covington cried over the din. "If we can hold them I hope your men can thin their ranks but we need to keep the sky clear! Can you ensure that?" He asked as dozens of winged Demons began to take flight from various locations within the trapped army's ranks.

Aurelius nodded grimly. "I shall do my utmost!"

Transforming back he quickly took to the air once again. Flying quickly over the battlefield he headed towards the mass of creatures now well over 50 strong. Realizing his breath would be useless against the Demons he began muttering a spell. Arcane words tumbled from his lips as he focused his will upon himself. Suddenly a surge of arcane power flooded through him causing the magical formulas in his mind to manifest more clearly and swiftly.

That should speed up my casting time rather nicely. The Dragon smirked to himself. Now to deal with this cloud of pests!

Casting another spell, a large ball of blue energy flew through the air, shooting into the mass of Demons before erupting in their midst, sending out a blast of freezing ice in all directions. The Demons in the center of the group howled in fury as the energy flash froze dozens of them, transforming them into glittering frozen statues before they fell to the ground below, shattering into a thousand pieces. Roars of vengeance issued from scores of throats as the remaining Demons flew furiously towards the Dragon that had dared to injure their compatriots. Fire blasts flew from their clawed hands in a torrent of small fireballs that splashed harmlessly against the Dragon's scales, making Aurelius chuckle inwardly at their stupidity.

Just as they are immune to heat and fire, so am I. These must be the dregs of their army if these Demons are this stupid!

With a harrowing roar the Dragon slammed into their midst sending a dozen smaller Demons flying away as his claws and wings slashed and beat at them. Aurelius muttered a quick flight spell as multiple Demons grabbed onto his wings, attempting to make him fall as others quickly grabbed onto his flanks and arms, attempting to overwhelm him with sheer numbers.

Now that I have their undivided attention…Aurelius thought with dark amusement.

"Let the Justice of the Wyrm King be your bane!" Aurelius shouted, his voice echoing with arcane power as he unleashed another spell.

An instant later at multitude of golden spikes burst from his body in all directions, seemingly transforming him into a draconic version of a porcupine. Screams of pain and fury echoed across the sky as the spikes impaled the Demons that dared to try and cling to him with many of the spikes stabbing through multiple bodies at once.

"See the true power of Bahamut's champion and despair you foul abominations!" Aurelius shouted.

At his mental command the spikes shot outward in an explosion of golden rays that skewered scores more. The sky seemed to rain Demon bodies and blood for several moments as the men below cheered in encouragement.

As he beat his wings towards the remaining flying Demons he cast another spell upon himself. The creatures began to be pushed back violently by the powerful gusts of near hurricane force winds as Aurelius flapped quickly. "You will not defeat me and you will not defeat us!"

As the Demons strained against the powerful winds Aurelius created he reached out to the troops below. ~~Take them out!~~

A second later supersonic rockets shot from the ground below, streaking into the sky to slam against the remaining Demons, dismembering them and turning their bodies into lacerated meat as they fell until the sky was finally clear. Letting out a roar of victory Aurelius flew over the center of the army, letting loose a torrent of fire before flying back towards the army and General Covington. Emboldened by the Dragon's heroics the men fought back with even greater ferocity, a thousand battle cries echoing across the field as they stabbed and slashes furiously. Plasma fire erupted across the front line as the terminators burned holes in their foes. Aurelius landed near the General, resuming his human form once again.

"A brilliant attack!" The General shouted with a smile. "Never have I seen spells such as those!"

Aurelius smiled in reply. "I doubt any have seen such spells! We created some very special ones of our own during the ancient Dragon wars thousands of years ago to fight our enemies! Naturally as a front liner I learned a great many of them, not to mention how to cast swiftly even in combat! My skills were honed by decades of almost non-stop combat! A short amount of time by my own people's reckoning but they serve well enough here!"

The General nodded. "So we have air superiority again! What now? My men are still keeping the Demons boxed in but it is a losing proposition! Even now some areas of the flanking lines are beginning to buckle! Your men are simply not killing them quick enough!"

"It seems that I will have to shore them up and give them a target to attack!" Aurelius replied unhappily.

Suddenly the blare of vile horns resounded across battlefield.

The General and Aurelius quickly turned at the sound to see a dark tide of creatures marching inevitably towards them from the west.

"Impossible!" The General gasped faintly with dismay. "How could they…?"

"The forces that apparently overran Littleberg!" Aurelius realized with growing consternation. "We have played right into our hands! This entire battle was nothing but a ploy to pin us between the hammer and the anvil of their forces!"

The General's mind froze before the terrible implications slowly sank in, making him deflate. "Is there nothing we can do?!" He asked anxiously.

"We do what we must!" Aurelius replied with grim finality. "We fight to the last and pray that the gods are merciful!"


Wow, work and school has been a right pain lately. I was lucky to get this out. Hopefully I'll be able to get out more chapters faster than this but since August and September tend to be pretty busy I can't guarantee that. Review please? It seems like only one or two people ever review these days!