We're back with another chapter. Sorry, that there were no chapters by last few weeks, but it's mainly because first weeks after end of a school year were…a bit too relaxing and I just could not bring myself to write. But well, I'm finally back.
So, where were we? Last time we visited our heroes, they were preparing for the invasion of Kingdoms of West. A plan appeared in Ester's head to kidnap BEO's prince, which came with the army. Meanwhile, on the upper levels of command, a battle plan is prepared for the battle in the White Pass of Krest Mountains. But before the battle starts, there are the last cuts that need to be made.
So, without extending, let's get down to it.
Chapter 27
,,Approaching storm Pt.2"
October 6, 2150
00:54
BEO's army camp
Night covered the landscape around the camp holding three hundred thousand strong army of the Blessed Empire of Orisia. Around the camp, a number of torches were lit to ensure, that in case someone wanted to leave the tent at night, they would have a light to guide their way. Nobody was guarding the camp, as there was no need for this. In the radius of several hundred kilometers, there were no enemies, that could endanger them.
Or at least, that's what they were thinking.
Seven dark silhouettes slowly made their way towards the unprotected camp. With perfectly trained moves, they moved without making any sound, that could alert people in the camp. All of that, to perform one task: capture prince of the Blessed Empire.
"We're entering the camp."commander of the group said.
Captain Duncan O'Marin of US Army Rangers led his squad between the test of the camp. The descendant of Irish settlers in America, Duncan grew up with the stories of his grandfather, veteran on First Tertan War. These stories made him join the army, more precisely, the Rangers. After years of service, he was promoted to captain. And when the Holy Order appeared and the Great Galactic War started, he and his squad were assigned to the Task Force 03 as a recon unit, scouting the area for the mission.
Seven Rangers moved from tent to tent, at the same time scanning the area with muzzles of their automatics. For now, they met no other Humans in the camp, giving them a hope, that mission will be easier than expected.
"Mitchel, Adler."Duncan turned to two of his soldiers."Go place the surprises for them. After that, go to the extraction point. We will meet there."
The two nodded and parted from the group to place bombs, which had to stop enemy troops from pursuing them. Remaining five continued to move towards the center of the camp, where enemy prince had to reside. Just snatch him out of the tent and it's done.
Suddenly, Duncan stopped and ordered everyone else to do the same.
"What is it, boss?"one of Rangers asked.
"Two contacts in the front."Duncan replied."You and me. Quietly."
"You know me, I always…"
Both of them slowly came up to the two figures in the dark. They were looking around, like they didn't know what to do. In fact, they simply couldn't sleep, as they had nightmares of their great army loosing the battle. They knew, that this couldn't happen, but the dreams showing fire from the sky and devilish armies facing them forced them to go out and take some fresh air breath to calm down the nerves.
Little did they know, that this will be the last time they ever take a breath. Two Rangers quickly grabbed them and two knives easily pierced the bodies of two BEO soldiers. They were fighting for few seconds, before they simply stopped moving and the Rangers hid their dead bodies behind the tents. After that, Duncan gave a sign to the rest of the Rangers and they continued to move.
Finally, after some time, they reached the center of the camp, with the biggest tent of all in the middle of it. Well, it should be described more like a full sized, one family house, because the tent was as big. It was colored with royal crimson and had a canopy over the entrance. It was guarded by two soldiers in full battle equipment.
"Well, I think we got it."one of Rangers said.
"I think so too."Duncan replied.
"How are we gonna take care of these two?"second Ranger asked.
"Quietly."was Duncan's simple answer.
He aimed his weapon at one of the two guards at the entrance. Special, holographic sigh outlined the shape of the enemy in the dark and Duncan aimed at the part, that resembled head in the helmet. Next, he pulled the trigger and soon, sound of falling metal came to his ears.
Second guard quickly looked in the direction of his companion and was pretty surprised to see him just laying on the ground. He fell without any reason, just like that. Second guard slowly started coming up to him.
"Dragonius? Are you…?"He never finished his sentence.
Another bullet hit his head and made it explode. Blood spilled on the tent, but because of it's color, it was not noticeable.
"Clear."Rangers said.
They ran through the open field between them and the royal tent and quickly secured the entrance, making the perimeter. They looked around and after stating, that they are safe, Duncan and another Ranger entered the tent and quickly searched it with muzzles of their weapons. It was clear.
Second Ranger then showed Duncan to stay quite, then pointed towards one of the walls of the tent. There, they could see some kind of bed with a person laying on it. Duncan and Ranger looked at each other. Their target was easier to take, that previously thought.
The two came up to the bed and looked at the man they had to kidnap. He didn't even knew, what was coming. Duncan put his hand on his mouth, to stop the prince from screaming. When he did it, the prince opened his eyes, feeling something touch his face. Fear suddenly appeared in his eyes. Who were they? Some kind of demons? Why were they here? What they wanted? These were questions going through Alexios' mind.
"Stay quiet, or you're gonna end badly."Duncan said in Greek. It was one of several languages he knew from Ranger training. He never saw it as something needed in the army. Until now.
Alexios just looked from one to another. They sounded Human, true. But shapes of their heads did not look like that. He didn't knew, that these were just helmets.
Duncan pulled out a piece of material and quickly tied it around Alexios' head, gagging him. With that, the prince could not call for any sort of help.
"Let's go."
Captain pulled the prince up and put him on his feet. Next, the three made their way out of the tent, to the rest of the Rangers. Duncan nodded and the five soldiers quickly started making their way out.
However, there was one thing they did not take into consideration. That Alexios was really persistent…and that he had strong teeth. Right after the piece of material was put in his mouth, he started fiercely munching on it, in hope to simply bite through it. And after around five minutes, he managed to do it. Piece of material fell out of his mouth and he turned his head, screaming at the top of his lungs:
"SOLDIERS! YOUR PRINCE IS BEING KIDNAPPED! HELP ME!"
Rangers looked at the prince in surprise. One of them quickly went to work, hitting Alexios in the head with butt of his riffle. But it couldn't be stopped now.
All around them, soldiers started coming out of their tent after hearing the cry for help from their prince. Seeing five intruders, they quickly grabbed weapons and charged at them.
Response from the Rangers was imminent. First series from their riffles mowed down ten enemies, startling the others for few seconds, but they soon resumed their charge, only to join their dead comrades. Most of the attackers were in their clothes they wore to sleep, but some decided to put on at least single piece of armor, like helmet or breastplate. However, thin metal made to withstand the swing of a sword was not enough to save them from fast-flying lead. Bullets flew in all directions, piercing bodies and tents around.
"Okay, let's get out of here."Duncan ordered.
He grabbed the unconscious prince and put him over his arm. Rangers quickly made an opening in charging enemies and the five men squad started running towards the edge of the camp. Duncan, fortunately, had enough strength to carry the prince without any trouble and still could run with him.
"Boss, what the hell is going on out there?"a voice said in the radio. It was Adler, one of Rangers who had to set up the 'surprise' for the enemy.
"You probably heard that bastard screaming on top of his lungs?"Duncan replied.
"We heard some Greek screaming, but we did not know what that meant."Mitchel, second Ranger, said.
"Surprise set up?"Duncan got straight to the point.
"Both, actually."Adler said."We're also already outside of the camp and approaching the evac point."
"Great. Wait there and blow up."
"On it."Mitchel said and the two disconnected.
Five Rangers were being chased by furious soldiers for several more meters, before night became a day, accompanied by thunderous explosion. All chasing soldiers lost interest in whoever they chased and looked at two fireballs over their camps. For them, even the smallest fuel-air bomb was terrifying to see.
With the enemy distracted, Rangers and their hostage left the camp and made their way towards the evacuation point. There, Adler and Mitchel were securing the perimeter.
"Eventful night, eh?"Adler asked with smirk.
"Shut up."Duncan replied, putting the prince down and tying him up."Short mission, without much action. Man, these guys back there looked like if they worked only on instinct when they wanted to save this guy."
"Understandable."Mitchel said."If there would be one thing I would say about empires, is that their soldiers are as fanatic and throne-loyal as machines without free will."
"Can't argue with that."Duncan said and used his radio."This is Dark Horse 3-Actual. VIP secured and we wait for extraction."
"Copy that, Dark Horse. Approaching you right now."a voice on the other end said.
Soon, the familiar shape of Stealth dropship came into view and slowly touched down on the ground. It's back ramp opened and Rangers dragged their still unconscious prisoner inside. Soon, machine flew up and disappeared over the Krest Mountains.
Eight hours later…
BEO's army camp
General Xoniades looked at the sad sight in front of him. Piles of bodies of his own soldiers, laying in front of him. He might have had the reputation of 'simple bastard', but he had the habit to shed a tear for every soldier he lost. But what happened last night, was something else. None of these men died in honorable fight. Many of them had numerous, circular holes in their bodies. Some's heads were torn apart. Others missed limbs and other parts of the bodies. Not to metion the ones, which disappeared in the fire that lighted the sky. Everything what was within fire's range was simply torn apart, with bodies reduced to pieces of burned flesh and skin. Until now, general had thrills at the very thought of that.
Notaros, standing beside him, was praying for all the dead, killed by the demons, which also took the prince and were probably torturing him in the most horrible ways.
"What a sad day for our Empire."Notaros said.
"Indeed."Xoniades said.
"But what could do all of this? Were these…Easterners?"the scholar asked.
Xoniades looked once more at the bodies in front of him and the holes most of them had. A soldiers just came up to the piles and lit them on fire.
"If so, then they needed to learn a powerful magic."Xoniades said.
"Or probably made a deal with some of their savage gods or demons."Notaros added.
"Whichever the case, this changes nothing."general stated firmly."Easterners are still lower in numbers. Our army will easily crush them. And avenge the prince, if needed."
Scholar Notaros narrowed his eyes.
"Do you really care about the prince so much?"he asked."Or maybe it's your ambition of embarrassing Sadera?"
Xoniades looked at the scholar, but said nothing. Since both Sadera and Akropolis started to expand in goal of creating their own empires, there was open rivalry between them, although being on two completely different continents. However, in modern times, Sadera was the one, which came out on top, creating the biggest empire of the modern time, while BEO was too focused on conquering the Helladin Peninsula. It took way too long than it should. On every party held in Akropolis for the diplomats from other countries, the ambassador of Sadera was always bringing the inability to conquer the savages, that inhabited the peninsula. Bot now, with peninsula conquered and Sadera occupied by mysterious 'Other Worlders' from beyond the Gate, it was time for the Blessed Empire of Orisia to shine and become the dominant power of the world. Enough of sharing the title of continental power with Soutland and Kubliatan Empire. And Xionades had to be the one, who leads the armies of BEO to conquer what should be theirs.
Suddenly, a soldier approached the two and quickly knelt in front of them.
"What is it, soldier?"Xoniades asked.
"My lord…HE…arrived…"soldier said between breaths.
Xoniades and Notaros looked at each other. They were both well aware, who HE was.
"Lead."Notaros said.
Soldier nodded and led the two with him. They reached the main entrance of the camp, where they could see five men dismounting from their horses. Four were dressed in the same, deep blue armor and had two-handed swords holstered on their backs, under blue capes. The one in front, whore fully golden armor, with crimson decorations and cape. His helmet resembled the one carried by Xoniades, but it had even bigger crest on top of it.
Xoniades and Notaros quickly knelt in front of the fifth man, as he approached them.
"Your Imperial Highness."they both said.
Emperor Antid III took off his helmet and looked at his two most loyal servants. His Imperial Guards flanked him on both sides, with their hands close to the handles of their swords. Next, he looked at the piles of smoke from burning bodies. Additionally, the smell of burning meat reached his nose.
"Rise."emperor said to the two and they did."I have heard, what happened last night."
"Your Imperial Highness."Notaros said."We could not do anything. From what our men were saying, the 'things' that attacked the camp were…"
"…demons."soldier which led them here said.
"Monsters."another said,
"Creatures from the Tratnasus."third said, referring to the underworld in Helladin mythology.
Antid lifted his hand, quieting everyone around. He returned his gaze at the two in front of him. He knew, that they didn't tell him the whole truth and were hiding something.
"Where is my son?"he asked firmly.
General and scholar looked at each other and started to sweat. They couldn't possibly lie to the emperor himself. He would know, if they did. So they had no other option, but to tell the truth. Xoniades lowered his head more.
"Prince Alexios…"he stopped.
"Yes?"emperor asked.
"…was…"
"Yes?"
"…taken by the ones that attacked the camp."
Silence hung in the air. Even horses in the distance and soldiers sharpening their weapons seemed to stop what they were doing, so the information delivered to Antid and wait for his reaction.
Finally, emperor's eyes looked towards Notaros. Before the scholar could say anything, Antid's hand in armor glove hit his face, with true fury lighting up in emperor's eyes. The hit left a large bruise on scholar's face. Next, Antid's armor boot stepped on the same bruised cheek and caused him to scream from pain.
"You imbecile!"Antid shouted, loosing all his temper."You had to guard my son with your own life! And what I hear now, old man?! That Alexios was taken by nobody-knows-who! I should just step on your face here and simply crush your gray head!"
"Please…my lord…I'm sorry…"Notaros said, with pain causing pauses.
Emperor stepped harder once more time and took his foot away.
"But because of what we been through, I still will keep you."Antid spitted on the scholar."Take him to the healers."
Two soldiers came up to Notaros and picked the moaning scholar, carrying him away. Emperor then looked at Xoniades.
"General."Antid said."When we defeat these savages from beyond the Krest Mountains, kill everyone responsible for taking my son."
"As you wish, Your Imperial Majesty."Xoniades said.
"Now come. We have a war to win."
With these words, the two headed to the command tent.
09:43
Kingdoms of West camp
If people looked at the camp yesterday, they would clearly say that it's simple medieval camp, full of soldiers from various kingdoms. Tents, palisade, horses and spears. Nothing unusual for the times.
But now, all of this changed, considering, that entire formations of dropships or fighters were flying overhead or landing on makeshift land pads, tanks were parked on the side, soldiers with riffles were performing training at makeshift firing ranges and soldiers from completely different times and places were chatting. Mainly Resistance soldiers, explaining the way of how their weapons work.
For many of the Kingdoms of West soldiers, seeing soldiers with weapons powerful as strongest magic was both terrifying and surprising. Even more was, that they could manufacture them in millions, without stopping. Flying machines and ground vehicles were giving the same impression.
"No matter how long I look at it, I can't stop to be impressed."High King Casir said, looking at dropships flying overhead.
"Technology, Your Highness."Ester said."Hundreds of thousands of years of technological advancement."
"Indeed."Casir agreed."We shall come back to the meeting, don't you think?"
"Yes."White Squadron leader agreed.
The two turned around and returned back to the tent. Inside was also drastically changed in comparison with yesterday. Screens on special consoles, analysts of Resistance, both Humans and aliens alike, checking all incoming news and one, big holo-table in the middle. It was all set up in just hours. The speed of Resistance was also impressive for Casir and everyone else. And all these non-human creatures…Just amazing.
"Ester. King Casir."Arlan said.
"Is everyone here?"Casir asked.
Ester looked around. Except her, Casir, Arlan and Harlen, several kings from other kingdoms were taking part in the meeting. But among them, were also two other Resistance officers from Task Force 03 and UNSA Army elements that were brought here.
First of them, was general Maxim Ivanovich Jergolov. A Russian from Petersburg, graduate of Russian artillery academy in Moscow. After that, he joined Russian Federation Armed Forces and was sent to one of more distant Russian colonies near the border with USK. When war with Shakayans broke out in 2123, he became famous for covering the retreat of Russian troops from advancing Shakayans after they landed on the planet. Later he became POW of Shakayans, released after the war. He was promoted for his deeds and left the Russian military to join the UNSA Army. Since then, he fought in several battles against Holy Order.
Second officer, was a Nigerian, lieutenant Nihanudu Budi, officer of UNSA Drop Pods Corps. A native to Abuja, he was born in a family of eleven. At the age of 17, he joined African Union basic training and soon, he was directed to serving in AU military, which he left with the start of Great Galactic War to join UNSA DPC. He had many missions behind enemy lines on his account and as many scars on his face.
Ester nodded.
"Yep. Everyone."she said.
"Good."High King said."Before we start, I would like to greet our new allies from the Resistance Alliance. They will help us in the upcoming battle."
Other kings taking part in this meeting looked at Resistance officers and nodded.
"As you know, we will soon the army of Blessed Empire of Orisia. They reside just beyond the Krest Mountains, with over three hundred thousand strong army."Casir said.
"Not exactly."Ester said."In last night's infiltration mission performed by our soldiers, they managed to kill around five thousand of them, using two low-power fuel-air bombs. I know it's not much, but it's still something."
Casir nodded.
"Thank you, major."High King said."And about that mission…Have you got anything from the prince?"
"Not much."Budi said."He actually knew almost nothing. But there was one thing, that interested us."
"What could that be?"king Vlodir of Kingdom of Hovgorod asked.
Resistance officers looked at each other.
"From what he says, emperor Antid III is supposed to lead the army to battle."general Jergolov said.
Hearing this, Arlan, Harlen, Casir and other kings fell silent. This could actually be something big. If they managed to strike down the emperor himself, they could easily end everything in one swoop.
"Anything else?"duke Stief of Khorosch Duchy asked.
"Unfortunately, he passed out. After telling about the emperor, he tried to resist our methods and…well."Ester said.
Everyone nodded.
"Well then. Now, we should go to the middle of this."Harlen said."How are we going to defeat their army?"
"Good that you're asking."Ester said, looking at Jergolov and Budi."This plan was prepared by our headquarters currently residing at Alnus Hill on Falmart."
Saying this, she activated the holo-table. Hologram of the White Pass appeared in the air, so everyone could see. One of kings, seeing this, tried to reach and grab the hologram, but his hand went through it, much to his surprise.
"Holograms are a neat tech."Ester said with a wink."Anyway. Our plan includes a bit of deception and surprise attack."
"Surprise attack? Does that mean, that we have to attack first?"king Frennis of Kingdom of Malkovo asked.
Ester shook her head.
"No."she replied."By this, I mean, that we will keep our presence here a secret as long as possible."
"But don't they know about you already?"Harlen asked."I mean, you did some stuff in their camp last night."
"Possible."Jergolov said."But I think that they are still not fully aware of who or what we are and don't know our full military potential."
"Well then. What exactly is this plan?"Arlan asked.
Ester pressed some things on the table and more things appeared on the hologram. A large red shape moving through the White Pass to face the smaller blue shape. There were also smaller dots on the sides of the slopes surrounding the Pass.
"The plan is pretty simple. We want you to work as a decoy."Ester said."But don't understand me wrong. After the decoy works, you will have the ability to join the fight."
"So, what exactly is our role?"Casir asked.
"You have to go to the White Pass and face them. Or, more precisely, make them believe, that you are going to fight them, while in reality you will be luring them into the Pass. And when they get into the Pass, the next phase of our plan."saying this, Ester pointed at Jergolov.
General cleared his throat.
"As we speak, we're setting up positions on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the pass. Artillery, mortars and machine guns. The goal of this is to rain fire on the enemy army as they will march through the White Pass and inflict as much damage as possible."he explained.
"Will this be enough?"another king asked.
"Should be."Jergolov replied.
Everyone looked at the hologram.
"As the artillery will land between them, the tanks will also get into the battle, simply bashing through them, while dropships and fighters will drop bombs and missiles at them. And as everything will move on, you will get into battle to clear whatever remained."Ester said to Casir."However, I want to point out, that if any of enemy soldiers will be surrendering, he has to be taken prisoner."
Kings, Arlan and Harlen nodded.
"I hope we could get the emperor. He is the one, that ties the Empire together. Without him, everything will fall apart."Arlan said.
"Also, it would be good, if we could put someone in his place."Frennis stated.
"But who?"Stief asked.
Everyone started thinking, until Casir got it.
"We have prince Alexios."he said.
"But I don' think he will cooperate."Vlodir said.
"I think he would."Budi said.
Vlodir risen his eyebrow.
"Why do you think so?"
"As we interrogated him, he was not actually talking about his father with kindness."DPC officer stated.
"You think, that he actually could work with us?"Arlan asked.
"If we propose him the place of his father, he probably will agree."Jergolov supported the idea.
"Okay then. We will try and bring the prince on our side."Casir said.
Meanwhile, Harlen looked at Budi.
"I have a question."he said."What is his task?"
Everyone looked at Budi.
"Task of the Drop Corps is simple."Ester said."While we fight them in White Pass, one hundred of our soldiers will drop into their capital of Akropolis and take the city."
Hearing this, everyone widened their eyes. Akropolis, capital city of the BEO, could be described as 'Sadera of Orisia', considering it's size and importance as a capital of the empire. Taking it could very easily break the BEO and render it unable to endanger any of the neighboring countries.
"But how can they hope to do it?"Frennis asked."The city is enormous, with probably large garrison. What one hundred soldiers can do about that?"
"Hey, maybe you don't see one hundred soldiers as a big force"Ester reasoned"but in our standards, it's force that needs to be reckoned with."
"If you say said."Frennis said.
"We will have support from mortars and dropships. We will do it."Budi provided.
"Oh, shit."one of analysts said.
All eyes immediately turned in his direction.
"What is it?"Ester asked.
"We just got a new photo from Ike."analyst said.
He printed the photo and handed it to Ester. She took a look at it and frowned. On it, she could see a river. But it was not the river itself, that took her interest, but rather the things on her. More precisely, a group of longboats filled to it's limits with men. She showed the photo to Orisians.
"What is this?"she asked.
"These look like longboats used by Nordians."Casir said."But what would they be doing here?"
"I think there is one possibility."Jergolov said."Imperials probably got themselves some help."
Silence hung in the air, as general said those words.
"So that means, that Nordians allied themselves with Empire?"Stief asked.
"That would explain some things."High King stated.
"What things exactly?"Arlan asked.
"I was getting reports about Nordian vessels scouting the coastline of northern kingdoms. Like if they were looking for something."Casir explained.
"And you did not saw it as something strange?"Budi asked.
"Nordians are raiders."Harlen said."I guess, that their appearance near coast was not something as big."
"But why would they ally themselves with the Empire?"Stief repeated.
"I don't think they did."Ester said.
Everyone looked at her, waiting for what she had to say further.
"What do you mean?"Casir asked.
"I think, that these are mercenaries paid to fight against us."she explained."We could send someone to stop them. Just tell us, where this river could be."
"If they want to get close to our camp, then they probably took the route down the Mikla River. It's the closest one from here."Vlodir replied.
"Okay. We will prepare troops and sent them to stop them."Ester provided.
"Is there anything else we need to talk through?"High King asked.
Silence.
"If so, I see the meeting as over. Go and prepare your troops for the battle to come."Casir ordered.
All kings quickly obliged and left the tent. Resistance soldiers followed them leaving High King alone.
10:32
West side of the camp
Imri observed the Kingdoms of West's healers preparing the various medicines, that could be needed after the battle. She showed them how to make them herself, showing how to make the medicines as effective as possible. Her mother's teachings were not for nothing.
"Working hard."she heard a voice from behind her.
She turned around and saw one of these girls, that they met yesterday. What was her name again? Something on F…F, f, f…Fatima, right! That was her name.
"Well…yes."Imri replied."We need a lot of medical herbs to make the medicines and there are not always enough of them. This is why I wanted to thank you for your medical support."
"That's not a big deal."Fatima replied."We have large amounts of various medical equipment and it's not a problem for us. By the way, how do you know, how to make medicines from herbs?"
"Simple."Imri said."I'm a herbalist. And everything I know about it, I learned from my mother."
Fatima nodded.
"Let me guess. Your mother is still living in Soutland?"White Squadron's Medic asked.
"Yes."the girl said."And this is why I'm worried for her. Who knows, what Zander might come up with, just because he wants us to stop what we are doing."
"Understandable."Fatima said, patting Imri's back.
The two stood there in silence for few minutes, looking at the healers preparing the medicines.
"I have a question…"Fatima finally said.
"Yes?"
"It's about the BEO. Why are they even call themselves Blessed Empire of Orisia?"
"It's because of continent's history."Imri replied and started explaining."Over six hundred years ago, king of Soutland, Zander, did something, that everybody thought was impossible to do. He united the entire continent under his single rule, declaring Orisian Empire."
Fatima nodded and narrowed her eyes.
"Wait, Zander? Like the one, that this current one?"she asked.
"Yes."the herbalist confirmed."But…that previous Zander ultimately went mad. His rule became inept and not long after, the Orisian Empire fell apart. Since then, it was said, that all people with the name Zander are carrying a curse."
"Okay…"
"From many states that came out of the Orisian Empire, one of them, city-state of Akropolis, for some unknown reason saw itself as the true successor to the empire. After years of conquests and after naming itself Blessed Empire of Orisia, they started a campaign with the goal to recreate the Orisian Empire."the girl ended."This is how it led to this situation."
Fatima nodded and rubbed her chin.
"You know, that reminds me of the Roman Empire and Holy Roman Empire from where we come from."the Israeli-Lebanese said."Although, HRE was simple confederation of smaller countries, unlike BEO, as I suppose."
Imri nodded in agreement.
"I think I should learn more about your world."she stated.
"Maybe in the future."Fatima said.
"Hey, stop!"someone shouted.
The two quickly turned around and saw two Kingdoms of West's soldiers running after something with swords in hand. It was resembling a lizard, but had long spiked tail and was pretty fast as for it's size. Soldiers had trouble with keeping up with it.
Suddenly, Imri put two fingers to her mouth and whistled. The creature turned it's attention to her and quickly approached her. Imri extended her arm, allowing the creature to climb on top of it, then to her shoulder, where it sat, hiding it's tail spikes and wrapping the tail around Imri's neck.
Soldiers chasing the creature reached them.
"You! You had to keep this thing away from the food supplies!"one of them exclaimed.
In response, the creature unwrapped it's tail and again showed the spikes on it. Few more seconds and it would simply jump on the man, tearing him to shreds, but Imri calmed the situation.
"Spike, behave, we are the guests here."Imri said to the creature.
It made a face resembling a sad expression and again hid the spikes on his tail, wrapping it once again around Imri's neck. The girl then turned to the soldier.
"And you. Could understand, that he also is a living creature, that needs food to survive?"she said to the soldier.
"But this beast was simply tearing the bags open and eating what fell out of them!"another soldier joined.
"It does not mean, that you have to scare him with like that. He gets stressed."she stated.
"But…!"soldiers tried to protest.
"Should I tell the High King?"the girls said.
Immediately, the expression on soldiers' faces changed. They started shaking their heads.
"No! Sorry for troubling you!"the two bowed.
"You should apologize to Spike."Imri pointed out.
"Sorry, Spike!"the two said and left.
Spike made a triumphant smile, but it quickly disappeared, when he looked at Imri.
"I will talk with you about it later."Imri said with a cold voice.
Right then, she reminded herself, that Fatima was still there. She turned to the Medic, which had confused, curious and surprised expression.
"Sorry for this little outburst…"Imri said.
"Don't worry, happens to everyone."Fatima replied."But…what was it all about?"
Imri and Spike looked at each other.
"First of, please meet Spike, our companion dragon."she said.
"You have dragon as your companion?"Fatima asked, surprised and scared.
Spike gave out a few squeaks.
"You don't like dragons?"Imri asked.
"We met two back in Falmart."Fatima said, recalling the Flame Dragon and Elecdraco."Bad memories."
"Oh."was the only thing Imri could say."But don't worry, Spike is not dangerous. Southern Spiketails are pretty intelligent, so they will know, who is the bad guy. Of course, they also work as normal animals, trying to survive."
Fatima nodded.
"And how did you got him?"she asked.
Imri looked at Spike and saddened.
"Well…It's a pretty sad story. We found him with large wound on his body, courtesy of some dragon hunters."she started."I managed to heal him and promised to find his mother, so he decided to stick with me. But…"
"But…?"
"But when we found her, she was already dead, with ten spears in her. We could do nothing to help her and Spike's siblings. Spike knew that too, so he decided to stay with me and protect me for helping him."
Hearing these words, Spike also seemed to sadden. Somehow, Fatima could see, that if dragons could cry, he would shed some tears.
"He might be a bit unruly, but he still is one of my dear friends."Imri said, patting the dragon's head, which immediately brightened his face.
Fatima smiled warmly.
"So, should we get back to work?"Imri said.
"Yes."Fatima agreed.
Next, she, Imri and Spike returned to preparing the medical necessities.
October 9
10:48
White Pass
After three days of preparations, Resistance operatives got the information, that it was starting. In the early morning, BEO's army left the camp and started marching through the White Pass. Immediately, Kingdoms of West's troops grabbed their weapons and marched out of their camp. They set up at the exit from the Pass, waiting for the incoming enemy army. Resistance soldiers were accompanying them the whole time. Among marching soldiers, armed with spears and shields, one could see tanks and armored cars.
With soldiers set up in the Pass, they waited. Many of them trembled from fear, awaiting the battle that was ought to happen. Nobody had full idea what will happen, but Resistance soldiers were assuring them, that whatever happens, they will manage to win the battle. Not everyone believed, but this was the only option they had.
High King Casir sat on his horse in the middle of his army, surrounded by bodyguards. He was accompanied by Ester, Arlan and Imri. They all were stressed about what was going to happen.
"Are you sure you want to be here?"Arlan asked Imri.
The girl tightened the grip on her bag with herbs.
"Yes."she said."I want to help them on the run, you know."
"Just stay in the back, please?"Arlan said.
"Okay."
Exiled prince then looked at Ester, standing on his other side. She was constantly looking at the slopes and walls of mountains surrounding the Pass. Arlan knew, that Resistance had to place their artillery and other weapons there to rain fire on the enemy army. But how did it had to look, nobody knew.
"Are you sure, that your plan will work?"he asked.
"It will. Imagine, that you march slowly through the narrow pass and suddenly, mountains start spitting fire at you."Ester replied.
Prince got chills from the thought.
"Yeah…"Arlan sighed.
"Worried about something?"White Squadron leader asked.
"Maybe. I don't know, but I still can't bring myself to trust that BEO's prince."he explained.
Ester nodded. As it turned out, the plan with bringing Alexios to their side turned out to be a quick success, as prince immediately agreed to take place of his father and cooperate with them, if emperor dies in the battle. Pretty suspicious behavior, but he said, that it's mainly because he really hated his father. Mainly because he often took something Alexios had as his own.
"Still, if he really is on our side, he will cooperate with us."Ester said."It's not like he have much to say in case he isn't…"
"True."Imri joined the conversation."And you think, that Harlen will manage with his task?"
That was a good question. Harlen's task was a bit different that the battle itself. More precisely, it had something to do with the Nordian mercenaries swimming down the Mikla River. By the three days of observation, it was deduced, that Nordian force consisted of around ten thousand men at arms, all packed to tens of longboats. This is why, Resistance dispatched a force to deal with them. Harlen, God only knows why, decided to tag along and went to set up and ambush for the Nordians.
"He should be alright."Arlan said."He came out of more dangerous situations in his life."
"I hope you're right."Ester said.
"Wait, do you hear that?"one of King's bodyguards said.
Everyone immediately went silent and listened. And sure enough, they heard something. A regular sound, bouncing from the walls of the Pass. It was getting closer and it became even louder. Everyone looked at each other.
"They're here."Casir said.
Soon, the source of the sound appeared from behind the turn of the Pass. Orisian army was marching towards them, making loud sound with every feet hitting the ground. And as they marched towards them, there were still more and more of them, looking like there was no end to them.
"There are so many…"one of nearby soldiers said.
"H-h-h-how are w-w-w-we supposed to…"another said.
"By anything that's holy…"third said.
"Clam down, men."High King said."Don't show them, that you're scared."
Orisian army was still growing and growing, like if it had no intention of stopping. Finally, soldiers stopped several kilometers away from the Kingdoms of West's armies. Two sides were standing on opposite sides, watching each other.
Finally, there was a move on BEO's side. A single raider was making his way towards them. Casir decided, that it would be the best option to go there personally and meet the rider, whoever he was.
"Wait for me."High King said.
He grabbed the lashes of his horse and made his way towards the approaching rider. Soon, enough, he put his eyes on the rider and was surprised to see, that the rider was no one else, like Emperor Antid III himself. Emperor also noticed him and slowed down. The two slowly rode to each other and met in the middle of the field.
Two men jumped off of their horses and walked up to each other.
"Emperor Antid."Casir said.
"High King Casir."Antid said.
For few seconds, both men were silent.
"So."High King finally broke the silence."It's a shame, that we have to meet in such circumstances Your Imperial Majesty."
"Indeed."Antid replied."If only you and your Kingdoms did not stand in our way…"
"Exactly. They stand here, because this is our land. Nobody else's."Casir pointed out.
Emperor just smirked under his helmet.
"Sure. Whatever you say. But allow me to ask you something."Antid said.
"Ask."
"What about my son?"
"Prince Alexios? We hold him in our camp. Don't worry, he is still alive."
Antid nodded his head and walked closer to the High King.
"Listen, Casir."he said."I have a proposition for you."
"What proposition?"High King asked.
"A deal to satisfy both of us."Antid was talking in really convincing tone."You give me back my son and in return, I will allow you to rule over the new province we plan to set up in place of your Kingdoms as my vassal. We will also allow all your soldiers to go home to their families. What will you say?"
Casir looked at the emperor with suspicious look. There had to be something more about this. But High King knew, that this offer is not for him.
"Very generous of you, but I must decline."Casir said."As a High King, it is my duty to protect the lands of other Kingdoms. I cannot simply sell them out for the promise of power."
To say that Antid was surprised by this response would be an understatement. His offers were never declined before. That's how he managed to vassalate a number of countries on Helladin Peninsula.
"Haw dare you…"Antid said through tightened teeth."I promise, that soon, your Kingdoms will be turned to ashes!"
"I will like to see you try."Casir said confidently.
Emperor simply sat on his horse and returned to his army. High King did the same. Once he stood between his bodyguards, he got question from Ester:
"How did the negotiations go?"
Casir looked at her and with serious tone, he replied:
"Prepare for battle."
Not long enough, hundreds of arrows flew from the Orisian army towards Kingdoms of West's troops.
XXX
And here, we end for now. In the next chapter, there finally be the battle between Blessed Empire of Orisia and Kingdoms of West with Resistance. What will happen in the battle? Who will win? Well, I guess that this is easy to answer, but still, stay tuned for the that one, coming soon.
Until then, see you!