Not a bad response to the first chapter, oddly enough I am surprised myself with how many stories are popping up now that are within the Kuroinu universe. Never really heard of it until the 'Night Unfurls' came along, but it is a surprise none the less to see such positive feedback.

Now I will be updating this sporadically because it is not my main focus, it is just something I did on the side for fun. But truthfully it is starting to grow on me, mainly because I have good plans for my main character in this and what he is going to be doing. Nothing else to report, enjoy the chapter.


The Hand of Suffering

Chapter 01: Three out of Four

Hudjanan Fief, Summer, 547 AF

Alicia looked from the battlements, she could see the village in the distance as it burned. One of several that had been lost in the last two weeks from the advancing orc army. They had been forced to retreat only two days march from Feoh, their last lines of defence, and her home. A place she dearly hoped she would not be forced to defend.

It had to come to this, with no choice left but to draw their forces here so that they could gather the needed numbers to break the enemy ranks. A decision made by her mentor, Shield Knight Claudia Levantine, to fall back and buy themselves as much time as they could to raise the forces to fight back. Alicia had the entirety of her Knights of Iris with her, a mighty two hundred strong, that alongside with groups of Black Dog Mercenaries and conscripted soldiers.

They stood close to a thousand three hundred strong, not the greatest of hosts, and certainly nowhere near as large and formidable as the four thousand strong host of demons. Their only saving grace was that they were inside a very formidable Fief, high walls and well stocked with supplies. They could hold for days here, long enough for reinforcements, or even to fight off their attackers.

She intended to do the latter.

The demonic army was never one to take things slow, she had little doubt that they would not hold back on an assault simply because it was difficult. They were not the smartest bunch, more than likely it would be easy to goad them into attacking. Although it was best not to underestimate the beasts, they had destroyed Markolf near the borders of the Badlands.

But after the cities fall what remained of Markolf's forces, along with hasty conscripts from the region were able to launch attacks against the enemy army several times as they advanced west towards the neighbouring city of Markward. The once twelve thousand strong army had been split in half, one continuing to Markward and the other was drawn south and on a collision course with Feoh.

The actions of those brave soldiers had bought them time, as well as given them an better chance of wiping out the enemy. In fact, those same soldiers had managed to destroyed a third of the enemy force as it moved southwards. Alicia felt emboldened, if a bunch of untrained farmers led by a few decent soldiers could do so much damage she had little doubt that her Knights leading the charge could wipe out what remains.

"My Lady, refugees are pouring in, there may still be time for them to escape. But they must go now."

"No, we arm them, give them swords and bows, they can fight beside us." Alicia ordered, they were short of hands and she would need every abled bodied man and woman to protect this Fief.

She had no doubt that they could destroy this rabble of demons, it would be child play really to best these daft beings. But she would need more soldiers, she was going to face this enemy head on and she was going to stop the carnage here and now. No more villages would be destroyed, no more innocent people would die, this would be where she broke the enemy and saved the nation.

Her decision had been met with some contention from her officers, and their mercenary allies. They doubted they could win, but she had no doubts what so ever. This enemy would never be able to take this fief or defeat the forces she was marshalling.

Aid was meant to be coming from Ansur, some two hundred and fifty miles away, they would not be here soon enough. It was expected they would not arrive for several more day, by then Feoh would be under attack and repelling the enemy. But in turn every village between this Fief and Feoh would be razed, she couldn't let that happen.

"This will a glorious day, let them share in that glory." Alicia said, she would drive back these beasts, and ensure nothing threatened her home and people ever again.

"But my Lady, is it wise to bring the refugees into the Fief when there is still a chance for them to escape, they will be trapped here with us." Doretha asked, Alicia turned to regard the Knight, the short woman looked genuinely worried.

"It is the only way to lure the orcs here, besides, they would not make it back to Feoh on foot. It is their only chance to survive by staying inside these fortifications." Alicia replied, looking out towards the Village once more and waiting for those orcs to come.

"I will see to it that they are armed." She replied.

Alicia could sense she was nervous, about the people or their odds she was uncertain, but battle would be a good way for her to find her nerves. Although such a large battle, one that even she herself had never been forced to face, was daunting. Rare was it that she would face large armies on the battlefield, often she was forced to let the mercenaries fight off these beasts while her Knights rounded up the commonfolk to guide them to safety.

Not this time, they would be fighting on the front and finally getting to earn some much-needed glory. Something her Knights of Iris had been unable to obtain since she created them six years ago, but now it was her chance to prove herself and the order.

"Orcs advancing!"

Alicia looked to the sentry, following his arm and towards the treeline, she could see the orcs. A good number of them, likely a few that had split off from the warband to chase after the villagers. There were only a few, three dozen or so, more were turning up but they were still manageable numbers.

"Get the archers ready!"

"Belay that order!" Alicia barked. "Me and my Knights will clear them out, do not waste ammunition on a few, when they are packed in shoulder to shoulder, we won't have to worry about missing."

They would be here until the enemy was destroyed, best to keep what munitions they had on a tight leash. Besides, if her Knights rode into the field and slaughtered them at a manageable levels, they would deal a crippling blow to the enemy. If the orcs see a fight they will be drawn to it like moths to a flame, as more come they would be wiped out.

"Whatever you say My Lady." The man was clearly a mercenary, if his attire did not make it obvious his manners made it clear. He didn't have the tact to know battle strategy nor how to properly address a Knight or Noble.

But she ignored it, instead turning to gather her Knights and issuing the command to mount up. They were quick to prepare, their horses ready and lined up at the gate, her own steed at the head of the column. Quickly mounting she drew her sword and raised it up, her action mimicked by her Knights.

"Open the gates!" Alicia barked, just as the large wooden barricades began to creak open she urged her horse forward. "Forward! For Feoh! For the King!"

They charged out of the Fief, down the ramp and onto the grassy field that surround the small fort. Her forced arced around, following her as she led them towards the orcs. With a single gesture of her sword the Knights broke off into small groups, spreading out into several lines.

Meeting the orcs in melee they carved the demons apart with hit and run attacks, cutting them down effortlessly. Her Knights circled the area several times, clearing up the orcs as they came and giving the people more time to reach the Fief. If the dumb beasts continued this mad charge than she could kill a good chunk of the army before they arrived on mass.

"Keep clear of the treeline!" Alicia barked, watching as Rebecca led her detachment a little too closely to the forest.

Her warning came to late, dozens of orcs charged from the trees. Rebecca and her squad of Knights were overwhelmed nearly instantly, some killed on their horses while others were dragged from them. Several were still alive, being pulled into the dark woods, she knew what was about to befall them. With a hiss of disgust Alicia ordered a charge, she would not allow a single one of her soldiers be taken by those beasts.

"We can't charge into the wood! It's too dense for the horses to run through!" Tabetha called out.

"Then do so on foot! We are not leaving anyone of our own to those foul beasts!" Alicia spurred her horse forward, calling for her Knights to follow her in.

She knew that they could not charge into those woods, but they were still Knight's of Iris and they would not leave one of their comrades behind. Not to be defiled or killed by those monsters, that was a fate none deserved, especially a brave knight. Her white stallion burst through the treeline, weaving left and right as it moved between the trees and tried to keep up its stride.

Alicia swung left and right, striking at any orc that came into range of her blade. It was hard to do so, her stead was a brave one but even it grew anxious in such cramped woodlands. With a final swing she forced her horse to a halt, dismounting she took her blade in both hands and attacked. Spearing an orc through the heart, killing it before it could even swing its crude club, and as she ripped her blade free she leaped back.

An orc had tried to carve her head apart with an axe, stepping forward she slashed open its throat. Dumb creatures, they didn't know how to fight, large and strong they may be but they lacked any skill aside from which end of a weapon to hold. It made it almost too easy for her to win.

"Lady Alicia!" A horse smashed into the orc as it clenched at its throat, throwing it off its feet. "We have to leave! Look! More orcs are coming!"

True to the Knight's words she could see through the forest a massive pack of them approaching. With a growl she readied her blade, she was not leaving until she found her stolen comrades, be they dead or alive she would not leave unless she was certain they could not be saved.

"Search from Rebecca and her squad! We are not leaving without them!" Alicia barked, she chose to ignore the look of discontent that creased the Knight's face. "Go!"

She obeyed, rushing off to follow her order and relay it to the rest of her troops. Alicia stood her ground and waited for the enemy to reach her, she could see and hear her warriors fighting through the woods, it was fierce and they had only so long before they would be overwhelmed. She was no fool, she knew the danger they were in, but they would remain so long as there was a chance to rescue Rebecca and her squad.

The first orc to meet her died quickly, she struck as it raised its hatchet, as it grasped at its belly she moved past and slashed open the chest of another orc. Her blade digging deep into the creatures chest, their skin may be thick but the steel of her blade was made in the forges of Rad. The Half-ling forged weapon was of a higher quality, and easily carved through the thick hide of any beast she came across.

But it was her skill and speed that allowed her to use it. She had been trained by the best Knight in all of Eostia. Claudia Levantine, the Shield Knight of Ur and protector of the Goddess Reborn herself. She was a legend, having been trained by a hero of the Great War, and she, Alicia Arcturus of the Feoh Royal Family, had the privilege to serve as her squire and become a full fledge Knight herself.

She was proving her worth now, already two more orcs had fallen, one missing an arm and having a deep cut in its neck, the other with her blade through its breast. With a heave Alicia pulled her blade free, quickly parring a sword stroke before slashing open her attacker's chest. She stepped back, they were starting to overwhelm her, she may be a good knight but even the best could be defeated through numbers.

"For Feoh! For the Seven Shields!" The battle cry was a welcome sound, a dozen of her knights charged in.

The Orcs were pushed back, if only momentarily, and giving her a chance to catch her breath. She was ready to jump back in when a hand landed on her shoulder, Tabetha was holding her back.

"We couldn't find Rebecca! But two others are still alive, they are being carried back to the Fief!" She told her, that was good news. "But we must leave! The orcs are getting too numerous! We must retreat or be overrun!"

Alicia did not wish to flee, to turn back while one of her own was possibly still out here, injured or worse. She would have argued but she could see her Knights being pushed back by the orcs, they struggled to keep their ground.

"Fall back!" Tabetha yelled, waving her sword high. "Get to the horses and back to the Fief!"

"I gave no order!" Alicia barked.

"We have no choice! Look!" Tabetha said, pointing her sword forward and behind the orc line.

Alicia knew now it was a good choice, she could make out nothing but a wave of black moving towards them. Even in the low light of the setting sun she could make out the orcs, hundreds of them were rushing to them, it would only be seconds before they were consumed by the wave of monsters.

"Move! We are falling back to the Fief!" Alicia called out.

She held her ground, giving her fellow Knights the chance to retreat back as they disengaged from the orcs. Lunging forward she killed an orc, plunging her blade through his mouth, before she slashed the belly open of another. Turning she rushed back to her horse, mounting quickly and trailed after her Knights.

As she cleared the trees she could see them up ahead, spurring her horse harder she made to catch up to them. Turning she saw some who had lagged behind just a little, they were being chased by orcs. Too close for comfort. Several were on foot, running from the danger.

She pulled the reigns to reach them, there was no way they would be left to die on the field. Her blade swung and an orcs head came off, it flew through the air and Alicia made sure it was not the last one she sent flying.

"Form up on me! Come to me! We withdraw back to the fort!" Alicia barked.

Her mounted Knights came to her side, keeping their comrades on foot from being touched. They had to keep them protected long enough so that they could retreat back to the Fief, over a dozen lives were in her hands now and she was not going to let them die. Not when she was here, not when she could make a difference.

"Keep those orcs back!" Alicia yelled. "Keep together! Do not stop running!"

They were doing well, at first, and then two of her Knights were forced from their horses. They were pulled down, this time she witnessed their ends, bludged to death by dozens of different weapons. It was a horrifying sight, one that gave Alicia pause. Only broken when a hail of arrows slammed into the orcs from on high.

Her eyes darted to the Fief, seeing a line of archers firing barrage after barrage of arrows at the orcs that were assailing her forces. It bought them some time, with some breathing room they charged for the gate. Just as she crossed the threshold, hearing the massive wooden doors slam shut behind her, did she allow herself to breath.

"Dame Alicia." Tabetha said, relief plastered on her face. "Thank the Goddess you are alright, when you hung back, I feared that you would be overwhelmed."

"Yes, had that mercenary not disobeyed my order I may have fallen with my comrades." Alicia said.

"Do not cast blame on him, I called for his assistance." Tabetha said.

Alicia gave a little scoff, it was always like that with Tabetha. She was someone that often was concerned with all actions taken, some would think her craven, but Alicia knew better. The Knight was smart, weighing every action that was made by herself or others and ensuring the consequences did not damn them.

Always there to look out for those around her, often it also involved stopping Alicia from reprimanding others. Often at times Tabetha would remark that her standards were too high, that she would cause grievances with others. If this was so than it was best to have someone here that could help her see to it that she didn't alienate herself from others. Feoh's armies were composed of more than just the Knights of Iris, and her mentor had warned her to temper her humor around others.

"Then you have my thanks." Alicia said, nodding her head and smiling ever so slightly, it was a passing courtesy before she schooled her features. "Now we must look to the defences. Doretha! Are the people ready to fight?"

Only a few of her Knights had remained behind, they were equipping whatever men and woman could fight. Most did not look ready to wield a weapon, with how limp their grip of said weapons were and how noticeable they trembled in their hands.

"They are armed but their hearts are not ready to face these monsters. Perhaps we should give them time to recover." Doretha said, coming in close to whisper to her. "They have lost their homes, some their families, sending them to fight might not be the best idea."

Alicia looked at the men and woman, some were young, others were not, but the fear and despair in their eyes was easily noticed. Sending them to fight would be a fools choice, they would likely flee or remain motionless on the ground unable to lift their swords or notch an arrow. They would need to be motivated to fight, they needed to have the courage to face what is coming and not shy away.

"Try and get them prepared, they will do what they must to protect this land. For they are people of Feoh and if they wish to honor their nation and king they will fight with what strength they can muster." Alicia said, pushing this off to a subordinate was not something she could do. "Get them ready, I shall speak to them when the time is right."

Alicia knew the common people respected her, they were often in awe of her Knights and herself, but she had to lead this Fief as the orcs attacked. Perhaps seeing her doing so would inspire them to heroism, even a temporary bout of bravery would be useful in defending this small fortification. But she had to concern herself with the defences for the moment, and once they were secured she would rally them.

Scaling the walls she looked out to the field that surrounded the fief, hundreds of orcs could be seen between the base of the walls and the edge of the treeline. More would be coming, for this was just a taste of the army that was ravaging the lands between Markolf and Feoh. It would take weeks to track down the entire horde and purge them from her home, but it was a duty she would be happy to perform.

"Archers! Loose!"

She watched as a huddle of orcs fell to the barrage, that that survived trampled their own kin as they tried to escape. Disgusting creatures, no respect in life and certainly not in death, it would be a better world if they were all gone from it. For now she observed the beasts, as they came close and hollered up to the walls, dying in droves as they fruitlessly tried to coax them out of the safety of their walls.

Alicia smirked, this would not be as difficult as she first thought. They may he able to whittle down their numbers with arrows alone, time would tell. For the moment she would plan their next move against these beasts.


The fighting died down within an hour, many of the demons having fallen to arrows before they fled into the woods. Beaten but not broken, they would be coming back, it was not in their way to simply be repelled, not when their numbers were still strong. This was something Alicia had never fully faced before, only ever facing down small warbands and tribes of orcs along the countryside that journeyed to close to Feoh.

Over the last six years the Knights of Iris have only ever patrolled the inner borders of Feoh, never venturing further west than Geoff or beyond Karl to the east. Beyond her own borders she had only ever visited one place, Ken, the capital and heart of Eostia. That was the scope of how much of Eostia and the world at large she knew of and has explored. Not that she would venture into the cesspit that was Ansur, nothing but degradation there and the worst this nation had to offer.

Most of it was lawless and controlled by criminals and mercenaries.

In a way it was good she was limited to roaming the lands around Feoh, patrolling the forests and destroying small orc warbands. Protecting her nation and people from the encroaching shadow that was Garan, one that would swallow up her land and all others if it was not stopped. Her actions and those of her Knights were of great service to this nation.

She could be proud of that, knowing that her actions save lives and that she was doing good work. That for every sacrifice she and her Knights made the people would be safe, that they would need not fear for anything. It was never an easy thing though, for they could not always be there to save those in need. But she strove to make sure that she saved everyone she could, it was only natural for a Knight to do so.

Night was beginning to fall, the sun was starting to sink over the western horizon. She could make out the feint peaks of the Wídlastbeorg Mountains, or the Long Mountains, named for stretching from one side of Eostia to the other and splitting it into the North and South. She was a long way from home, but not that far, and she was fighting to make sure that she returned to her city instead of these beasts.

Hours had passed and the orcs had yet to make their move, at least not yet, the battle was far from over. She had sent out riders to lure back orcs to kill, forcing them to remain close and to spur them into fighting again. She would receive complaints from the soldiers that spurring the orcs could lead them to attacking prematurely. Was that not the point? To force them to attack when the orcs were still preparing? So it forced them to attack when they were not ready?

The man must be a craven, Mercenaries were like that, uncivilised and no better than street thugs.

"Those orcs think they can breach these walls, scale them. Pushing them back should not be so difficult, especially if we break their ladders and cut down any who set foot on these stone ramparts." Alicia Arcturus remarked.

"We need more archers up here, there are a lot of orcs and I would rather I kill more of them down there than up here." Darren stated, the Black Dog Mercenary Captain, she had finally bothered to remember his name.

She disliked Mercenaries, less disciplined and quite vulgar, might as well give a weapon to a peasant and stroke their ego. This man was shaping up to be difficult for her to work besides, he was cocksure and did not play well with others, often attempting to criticise every order she gave.

"We stop them getting up here we can win this easy, the walls are easy to defend, that I will not argue with you on. But the gate, it is that damn gate that is going to be a problem." Darren replied, turning to look at said barricade.

"There are hundreds of common men below that should be suitable to use a bow, I will be speaking with them soon enough. Once they are motivated I shall send them up here to be put to task." Alicia stated, scanning the treeline in the distance, she noted that the orcs seem to be moving beyond its edge with purpose, just out of range for their arrows. "This fief is built upon a hill, and there are places that the ladders simply wouldn't be stable or tall enough to reach."

"I just said the walls are not the problem, it is the gate, the walls along the gate are angled wrong, the archers can't get a good shot in of the orcs as they come up to the gate. It is pointless to post men there, they won't do any good." Darren said, crossing his arm.

On that they could agree, the gate had been built near a part of the wall that turned at a very sharp angle. You could stand twenty meters from the very front of the gate and not be afraid to have arrows raining down on you. If the orcs were able to bring a siege engine up the ramp leading to the gate the fiefs defenders would be unable to repel them.

"We should set something up on the outside of the fief, maybe something to scuttle any siege engines they might be building." Darren stated.

Had they the time and resources to do so she would have accepted the proposal, but they do not. The orcs were already moving and preparing, she would not risk sending out anyone to dig trenches or set up obstacles outside these walls. They had to do something else.

"We have no time to set up proper defences, and no way to hold against them outside the walls. If they seek to bring down the gate, I will stop them from getting within the Fief, me and my knights will hold the gatehouse from any incursions." Alicia proclaimed.

Orcs were strong, but they were quite stupid, lack of skill with any weapon made them easy to dispatch. Her Knights could protect the gatehouse with ease, their tight formation and training could easily hold back the orcs. It should not be a long battle, not with their numbers and the sheer overwhelming might they possessed. Over a thousand orcs were already confirmed dead, the next assault will be the crushing blow that sees them all to the hell that they were born from.

"That's insane, you can't go against them head on like that, it will get you killed, and then the entire fief will be overrun." Darren said. "Get some archers along the gates walls, if we can't fire outwards, we can fire inwards, we do that maybe…"

"My Knights will do what they are trained to do, they are the pride of Feoh and its people. I only doubt the skill you have to do your part. I want you to keep these ramparts secure and ensure nothing breaches these walls, I will look to the defence of the gate." Alicia said, narrowing her eyes at the man, she had given him his orders and he best follow them.

Darren bristled at the order he had been given, he turned and skulked away. As he moved off Alicia did the same, she would need to get her Knights ready to protect the gate, following her were two subordinate Knights. Doretha and Ursula, both of whom had been serving as her personal body guards since the formation of the Knights of Iris.

"My lady, is it wise to ignore his advice, he has fought orcs before, and against the armies of Garan, his insight would be useful." Doretha spoke up.

"He is a mercenary, an ill-experienced warrior that believes himself more than he should be." Alicia replied, waving off the concern of her lieutenant.

"I would agree with you on this, but the man is a Black Dog, those boys have been fighting orcs for the last thirty years now. To be part of their company is not something to underestimate." Ursula stated, the strawberry blonde almost sounded respectful.

Alicia had little respect for most mercenaries, although the Black Dogs had proven themselves to be better than the run of the mill sellswords that spew from Ansur. They were organized and had proven to be an invaluable asset to Eostia and the Alliance, without them there was no doubt that the Alliance would have crumbled decades ago.

However Vault was a pig of a man, many rumours circulated that he took multiple woman to his bed and lorded himself as a saviour of the Alliance. His forces had fought for the last thirty years and done great things, they had secured and protected from as far as Geoff and all the way down to Thorn. They were heroes, but that man was an insufferable brute who thought too highly of himself.

"Yet we must not rely only on them, we are Knights, the proud defenders of Feoh and the Alliance. We must be the new bulwark that will defend our home from the encroachment of Garan." Alicia instructed, they must not fall the way of devotion, especially towards those who value money over honor.

They would prove themselves here, at the cusp of their greatest victory they would prove themselves to be the best force to defend Feoh. Her father and mentor desired for Feoh and Ken to stand on its own two feet, to finally have the strength of arms to protect their lands.

"Now we will prove ourselves, through show of arms we will make ourselves known and we will become the heroes this nation deserves and needs." Alicia stated, looking to her two lieutenants who schooled themselves and nodded.

"Also my Lady, the people have been armed, they are waiting for you." Doretha said, just as they stepped onto the barren patch of earth that was the fiefs inner grounds.

Turning she found the assortment of villagers and conscripts lined up before her, most of them still looked nervous. Doretha had done well getting them together. Aside from their obvious fear they were lined up properly and seemed to have been armed adequately.

"My people, I know you have suffered greatly, your homes, families and neighbours have been taken from you. Life will never be the same again. But do not despair, for where you have had something taken from you, something you love and cherish, fill that void with hate for the enemy." Alicia knew she had to start out strong, they were afraid, if she was gentle they would seek comfort and safety rather than be ready to charge into battle.

"Take up those swords and bows, take those weapons we have given you and they will be the tools for you to avenge those that have been lost. You shall be the makers of your own retribution and take solace in knowing that those that have been lost will find peace in the Beyond knowing that you fought and ended those that had robbed them of life." Alicia drew her sword. "You should not be afraid, but content to know that this horror will end and you will be paying back those orcs the same pain they have delivered onto you. Raise your swords, hold them high and firmly, the retribution you seek is at hand."

The men and woman cheered, letting out a loud bellow, they were motivated now, ready for whatever was about to come their way. There was no more that needed to be done, they would charge into the very bowls of hell if they had the chance. It amazed her how far someone can rise up, how they can become strong in spite of fear, that no matter their standing they can find the courage to fight.

"Go to the walls, and prepare for battle!" Alicia said.

As they rushed past her, their once neat columns falling apart instantly, she moved for her own soldiers. Alicia stood at the head of her platoon of knights, planting her sword into the ground she organised them into combat lines. Lances and swords were distributed, and she had her force line the entrance of the gatehouse, as soon as the gates came crashing down her forces would engage.

Twice Darren attempted to persuade her to another course, his imploring made him sound cowardly. She reframed from saying anything, at first, although her patience began to grow thin as he continued to try and pressure her to do as he wished. His plans involved actually allowing the enemy to attack the interior of the fief and hold them back with flimsy barricades and a hail of arrows.

She had dismissed it, and she make it clear his opinions meant little to her.

Every rebuff seemed to make him redouble his effort to try and change her mind. Soon it turned to insults, he had accused her of being a fool and inept commander, that her hit and run tactics have made the orcs prone to attacking. Had she not done so they could have set up proper defences outside the Fief with little difficulty.

But as the orcs began to move his prattling ceased, instead he turned his eyes to where they should be. But where his attention shifted hers did not, she would remember his words, and make him remember never to insult her honour or ability again. She was a Shield Knight for a reason and she would prove it now. He would apologise on his knees later.

That was for another time, for now she must gather her knights at the gate. With practiced precision they were ready and waiting only a few minutes after they were mustered, lined up and ready to fight. The main gate was sealed, everlasting planks and stoppers in place to try and keep it from falling too quickly. She could hear the battle cries of the orcs over the walls, along with the shouts from the warriors upon it. Battle was joined, and now she would have to wait to defend their most vulnerable position.

It took many minutes before something had finally began to thump against the gate, dislodging any dust and dirt along the old hard wood barricade. The next series of hits began to splinter the wood, slowly it began to crack open.

"At the ready! We defend this Fief and all within with our lives!" Alicia called out, drawing her sword and waiting.

Ahead of her was a line of spearwoman, she noticed the tension in their arms and the nervousness of the less experienced of her cadre. This would be their first series battle, veterans and novices alike, but she had faith in their abilities to stand strong against this horde. They may be afraid, but they are standing their ground against this rabble, that was courage in her eyes.

The barricade soon fell, it proved its strength in the end, for it was the stone channels that held it in place that crumbled before the old wood. But as it fell a wave of green and grey beasts descended upon them, the orcs charged forwards without a thought. The spears slowed them to a halt, and like one would hunt boar in the forest the orcs were forced to a standstill as the spears pierced their thick hides.

Alicia had expected this, the first wave would come in blindly and not care for their casualties. When they did she would meet them with pikes, forcing their front line to a halt and doing the same to the rest behind them.

"Attack! Cut them down!" Alicia called out, charging forward and slashing open the throat of an orc.

Her Knights followed after her, forming an impenetrable wall that hacked its way through a line of thick skinned beasts. They were holding well, the orcs unable to match the skill of her knights as they were packed too close together. She had killed seven of the beasts in quick succession, they had not even been able to retaliate, at least not at first.

She did not give them enough credit it seemed, they were quick to counter their stalwart defence. The orcs were no challenge, even as her knights took on wounded they fought on and those that were too hurt to continue were dragged away by her comrades. Some fell, unavoidable she knew, but they held the line.

"Ogre!" The cry took Alicia's attention.

She had only just enough time to shout in surprise as the massive beast pushed through its smaller orcish kin and attack her lines. Two knights fell, crusted under its fist and another hacked apart with a massive hatchet.

Ogres were larger, nearly twice the size of a normal orc and five times as harder to kill. The only real vital spot it had was its neck and from behind, reaching there was not easy when it stood at a staggering twelve feet in height and behind it was hundreds of orcs. It's massive gut has more fat in it than muscle, and it was just as difficult to cut through as a whale carcass.

Many of her knights fell before she could reach the beast, she was the only one with the skill to take such a creature down. But it would prove difficult in such a narrow corridor and with so many bodied packed together. She may need to rely on her knights to help her.

"Doretha! I need your aid!" Alicia called, drawing back he blade and swinging at an ogre that had seized one of her knights.

Her sword cut deep into its belly, painful but far from a mortal wound, the creature let out a snarling roar before tossing its captive away. Alicia did not have time to look to the fallen Knights safety, for she had earned the ire of the beast and could only prepare herself for when it struck.

It's attack came from the right, its hatchet swinging around to cleave her in twain. She ducked low, falling to a knee to avoid death, as she raised her head back up she saw the axe overhead, ready to slam down onto her. Leaping forward she narrowly avoided a gruesome death, but now she lay flat on her stomach and with not way to flee or escape.

Looking up she saw the beast raised its weapon again, a downward swing that would surely be the end of her. But the Goddess was watching over her, Doretha had charged in and stabbed the beast through the side, up to the hilt.

As it roared out and swatted her lieutenant away it had turned from Alicia, she saw her chance. With her blade in hand she swung to the side, aiming for the back of its massive foot. The Halfling Steel carved through the limb with ease, bone and muscle did little to stop it, and the beast toppled forward and down to its knees.

Her Knights rushed forward, blades stabbing downwards into the beast, skewering it dozens of times. It may be a large hulking creature, but all its fat and blubber lay in its front. With the beast dealt with they could turn back to the orcs, she did so with the intent to continue the fight from the front. However she turned too slowly, an orc's blade slashed her across the stomach before she could react.

Stumbling back in terror, her hand reaching to her exposed midriff and feeling the warm fluid that was her lifeblood soak into her leather gloves. She was taken by the arm and pulled away, she felt something slam into her shoulder as the screech of metal filled her ears.

"My Lady, get back, you are wounded." Ursula said, standing in front of her and fighting in her place.

Alicia tried to compose herself, ignore the shock and pain and try to rally her warriors and keep fighting. But she couldn't do it quickly enough, she could already see the line begin to crumble. She worried that if they faltered completely that the entire Fief would be overrun, they couldn't handle a force like this. She had to do something, rally the Knights and keep fighting.

"Rear Guard! Defensive positions! Get ready to relieve the forward guard!" Alicia barked out, they had to fall back.

The rear guard was still fresh and could take over for their more fatigued front fighters. Retreating would be messy, but if they were faltering this quickly she had no choice or risk losing her entire company.

As they fell back she moved with them, she was wounded there was no choice but for her to fall back to be treated, after that she intended to get back into the fight. Her warriors began to falter the moment that ogre showed up and when she was wounded. Seeing a good number of their warriors brought down and their leader wounded would demoralise anyone. But the fault lay with her, had she a better sense of mind she would have not allowed herself to be hurt and with the ogres defeat would have rallied her warriors to a valiant defence.

Her carelessness would cost them, she had to do better, set an example.

The rear guard moved up, relieving her tired Knights. She took a seat near a series of barricades set up near the gate. Pointless really, those orcs would never get through to here, even with this setback they would hold.

Irene stepped up to her, she was the healer in her cadre, a personal attendant who tended to any injury she had. They had worked together for several years now, Alicia could always rely on her to be there if she needed some council or patching up. Rare it may be when she was hurt, but in a world as dangerous as this any injury could not be taken lightly.

"Deep, right into the muscle, surprised you are walking with that. Most wouldn't be able to handle the pain." Irene said, pulling out her medical pouch and setting out the stitching kit and some salve.

"After the adrenaline wears off the pain truly will become debilitating." Alicia replied, truthfully she was on the verge of collapsed when she had took a seat on the crate.

"I will close the wound, stay still, this is going to be painful. I have a lot to put back together." Irene said.

Alicia fought back a whimper, she wasn't lying that it would be painful, the cut had been deep and it certain felt that way. The next few minutes were agony, rare was if for her to be hurt and yet when she was it always stung. How easy it is to say you have never been struck, yet when you are that is the only thing you can focus on. This certainly took all her attention, so much that her own head was starting to spin.

Then it was over, the balm place over her side was thick and sticky. But it did its job well, already she could feel the wound going numb and the tension through her body alleviating. Irene may be a good field medic but she was not a true healer of the Church. It was said that the Goddess herself had taught the priestesses and healers there the art of magical healing.

The salve that spread across her stomach was a creation of the church, a magical pulpous derived from planets and herbs had been magically enchanted to heal. Without it, debilitating wounds such as hers would have seen to the painful recovery of thousands of soldiers, or possibly hundreds of deaths.

"Well done Irene." Alicia said, feeling quite chilly as the wind blew across her sweaty shoulders.

"Anytime Lady Alicia." Irene replied.

"Ogres!" The cry came from the gate, her knights had scurried into the open.

"What are you doing? Do not let the orcs in!" Alicia barked, rising to her feet and wincing slightly, the wound had not closed yet.

It was too late now to reinforce the gate, the orcs had started to pour in, at their head were three ogres. This was bad, why had her Knights abandoned their position so easily? They had to protect the gate, if they didn't they would lose everything.

"Keep to the Gate! Do not let them any further into the Fief!" Alicia barked, raising her sword and skewering an orc through the neck as she lunged forward to lead the charge. "To me!"

Her warriors came charging to her aid, running forward to meet the orcs and ogres. It was a perilous battle, they were on open ground and soon the orcs would overrun them, if the ogres were not dealt with quickly.

She was about to rally a group of Knights to engage when she watched as the ogres fell under a barrage of arrows. The orcs followed after them, many succumbing to carefully placed shots that thinned their numbers. She looked to the ramparts where lines of archers fired down onto the orcs.

"Told you that was a good idea." Duran called out, charging in with a group of Black Dog soldiers. "Next time listen to me!"

Alicia did not have a chance to retort, he had already charged in and was leading a valiant push to break the orcs hold over the small part of the fiefs courtyard. She growled, that man was too arrogant for his own good. Best make sure he does not make too much of a dent in the enemy, it was her Knight's job to hold the line, and she would not fail to a pack of mercenaries.

"Forward! Push them out of the gate!" Alicia barked.

They did so, their combined might had been enough to actually forces the orcs back through the gate and across the natural ramp that led up to it. Duran had taken the initiative and used the very siege engine that had breached the gate to repel the rest of the orcs. He had sent it rolling back down the ramp and crushing the orcs as they tried to fight their way back up.

Efficient, but she was not about to inflate his ego.

"That handles that. Nice work men, we pushed them back!" A cheer erupted from his words, but Alicia was not going to allow them to becoming overconfident.

"Do not celebrate, a battle is still being waged and you are meant to be on the wall! Why did you leave your post?" Alicia barked.

"Because the battle is over, reinforcements are here." Duran said, raising his sword and pointing off into the distance.

Alicia turned and to her surprise saw a cavalry formation charging across the flats below and crashing into the orcs. She recognised three banners amongst the riders. One was the Black Dogs, the canine head on a field of white easily seen. But the other two caught her attention more, the Blue Rose of Ansur on a field of red, that was the Mercenary Queen's personal banner.

But the one that caught her attention was the Purple banner, used by the armies of Ken. On it was emblazoned the personal sigil of the Levantine Family, a trio of swords over a rising sun, flanked by the patron gods Milios and Kherdohr. That could only mean that Lady Claudia Levantine had come to her aid, her mentor was here leading the charge.

"Bring the horses, we will not wait behind the walls while our comrades fight!" Alicia called out, excitement in her words as she called for the declaration.

She had spurred her horse to the heart of the fighting the moment she mounted, not even willing to wait for her Knights. Her mentor was here and she would not be found lolling about doing nothing. In a few strides she was able to locate her mentor, her light brown hair standing out in the crowd.

"Lady Levantine!" Alicia called, riding up to meet her mentor.

"Lady Arcturus, good to see you, I see you have held the orcs at bay." Claudia said, a slight smile on her face as she offered the greeting.

Alicia felt some pride swell in her chest at the praise.

"Of course, me and the militia present held back the beasts, and push them from the Fief." Alicia replied.

"Excellent work, with them so focused on the walls they had no chance to stop us riding in to trampling them under two thousand horses." Claudia said, looking around briefly. "A quick battle, I doubt we were truly needed here."

Again satisfaction welled in her chest, it was rare to receive praise from her teacher, she was strict but fair. It was truly a good day for her, already the rewards for the labour of herself and her Knights was being shown.

"Hey Claudia, what are you doing standing around doing nothing, without you this entire army falls apart." The joke came from behind, and Alicia turned to see the Red haired mercenary Queen herself.

Maia, no family name, born amongst the common folk and risen up by the Goddess. Not many could say the same, especially for herself, the only common born woman amongst the Shield Knights of Ken. Something that had sparked some contention amongst the upper class of Ken, even herself, when this unknown woman was raised to the rank of Knight. And a member of the Shield Knights.

"The battle has ended, all that remains now is to clear out the stragglers." Claudia replied, her professional tone returning as she spoke with Maia.

"Vault is doing that now, he has men combing the woods and looking for any orcs." Maia replied, and finally the Mercenary Queen turned to regard her. "Hey Alicia, you look well, have fun while you waited for us to show up?"

Alicia schooled her features, trying to show the same stoicism as her mentor, she doubted it was as perfect as hers. But she did not wish to appear so lax, there was a level of etiquette when on the battlefield and surrounded by soldiers. She did not wish to be as loose and flamboyant as the Mercenary Queen or that brute Vault.

Although she reframed from causing her any grief, as much as she disliked mercenaries she knew that antagonising an ally needlessly was disrespectful. Her mentor had told her as such when she had traded barb with the Mercenary Queen when she had joined the Seven Shield Alliance. She had proven herself as a capable soldiers and leader, and while she lacked the Knightly virtues that they stood for she made up for it with results.

"I suffered only a minor injury, truth be told I had not expected you to come here, especially this soon. The Goddess must have smiled upon us if you are here so quickly." Alicia stated, but she became concerned when she noticed how Maia's face went sullen for a moment.

Turning she noticed that there was a grim frown on her mentor's face as well.

"What is wrong?" Alicia asked.

"There is a reason we are here so soon." Claudia said, spurring her horse forward. "Come, we can discuss it in the Fief, from there we will rest and then march to Feoh."


There you have it, also to let you know the first few chapters are going to focus heavily on the Shield Knights and their personalities. I thought it best to give them a solid basis of what their characters are like and how they react to certain situations. Enjoy.