Solex walked through the garden. The sun warmed him. It seemed at peace
here. Away from the misery in which he lived on the road. He continued,
marveling at the roses and violets. It seemed all too familiar to him. At
the end of the garden stood a magnificent marble arch hung with the banners
of past heroes. At the arch stood someone. She was sorter and he and was
dressed in armor and cloak. Her back was to him. As he approached, she
turned to him and giggled slightly. Her beautiful sapphire stared straight
into his with the gentlest gaze. His heart filled with joy as he
approached closer to her. His face broke into a smile. They starred into
each other's eyes reading the other's feeling. She closed the distance
between them so their eyes were mere inches from each other. All time
seemed to strop and only this moment existed with his heart filled with
joy, Solex wished this last for eternity.....
Solex woke from his memory only for his body to thrown back flat by a strong hand. In a panic he looked around, he was in a cave but not the one were he fought the fire solder. He glanced up to see who mending him. One his back was a great bow and a holster with many arrows. His hair was sort and his complexion very white. He was dressed like any wild man with, a dark colored cloak with several layers of clothes made of animal hide. By his appearance he was a ranger. "I have just finished sealing your wound and I advise you to sit up slowly, or face it reopening itself." He spoke to Solex in a very professional tone. "Do you understand me?"
Solex nodded in reply. He sat very slowly and found that he was with out shirt or staff which made him nervous. But even if he had such accommodations he would have little chance of defending himself to any creature. "Who are you?"
"I am the one that saved your unconscious self from being consumed by a hungry pack of wolves. If you are concerned why, I was curious. What is doing a wizard traveling alone in the wild? Alas you were not in the best of health when II found you."
His answer made Solex irritable. All he had done was state obvious state of affairs. "Who are you? Are you a ranger? What is your name?"
"Yes I am a ranger Solex. I have been tracking you. I picked up your trail less than a few days ago."
"Why?"
"I am not just a ranger Solex. I am a spy, one of General Turgon's elite reconisense agents. I have been out here for many years watching the eastern lands. For some time now I have been unable to deliver my news to the General. I understand you were resident wizard at the City. I ask you what has taken place?"
"It is a long tale. One I don't time to tell."
"My friend, you too wounded to travel, darkness approaches, and we will be in this cave at least another day. What ever the story, whatever the circumstances, and even if you appreciate it or not, I will help find what you are looking for.
"What happened? I have been in the wild too long to know of any tragedies or happenings in the test of the world. I can see it in your eyes. That despair, something has happened that has scared you deep." The ranger moved to sit on a rock parallel of Solex. "Mage, what are your troubles?"
Solex sighed. The memory of it was all to clear. The grief was still to near for him. It haunted him. "You know of my order. Correct? Sometime ago I was at the Tower of the Moon. It was a glorious day. I walked through the garden how wonderful it looked at that day. I had recently finished the trials. Six long years of those tests."
"I know of those. I have seen the seen the tower as well and the garden you speak of."
"It had been a mouth since I completed the last test. The council was reviewing me, my records my performance. When they were completed the title Dark Magician was bestowed upon me. With an entire life ahead of me, I felt I was unstoppable. Until it happened. I don't who they were and I don't know why. Within seconds the fortress was stormed. We didn't even see them coming. They seemed to just appear out of the shadows."
"Your descriptions are very vague."
"I am sorry. I will begin at the beginning................."
Solex closed his eyes and laughed as they rested their foreheads against one another. She did as well. They paused in this situation for a few moments until she spoke. "I missed you. I missed not having you around to blame for my troubles." She said as her embraced tightened.
"Is that all? What happened to your man at arms? The tears of joy rolling down your cheeks. Where's the love?" Solex replied.
She laughed and pushed away and stared into his eyes. They began to walk down the garden holding his arm. "I am just glad to be done with these tests. To long have I been away."
Solex held her hand and starred into her eyes. "No amount of travel could wear down your beauty."
She laughed. "I didn't realize how much I missed those corny compliments of yours." They continued to walk in this fashion in the garden as the looked at the all what has changed since their departure.
"You know Andromeda, after all the punishment you and I took in this place and all the rewards I swore I wouldn't miss it. Then again," he put his arm round her waist, "I can't figure out if it was this place I missed or if it was you."
She was touched by this statement. To her it was more pure than any other romantic he had spoken in their long years together. She smiled, "You've been practicing that....."
"Was it all right? Did I rush...did rush it?"
"No. No. It was great." She leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "It was more heartwarming to her than anything else you've said." She closed her eyes and tears began forming in here eyes.
"You're crying."
She locked him in a powerful embrace and buried her face into his shoulder. "You asked were the tears where. It has been to long for the both of us."
He pulled her off and held Andromeda in front of him. "We our entire lives ahead of us. All we have to do is keep our eyes open and watch the road and keep or feet." He began fiddling in his satchel. "I have something for you." She pulled out and small box with the engraving of a dragon it and handed it to Andromeda. "It is a gift from the Mystical Elf."
She opened it to reveal an amulet of a dragon. From the body of the dragon there were two small holes between the wings. "What is it?"
"She called it Talisman of Protection. Supposedly once activated, it will protect the love of the two that posses it. As long as they're alive..." Andromeda began to examine it curiously.
"How do you activate it?"
"I don't know. She said there was some trick to it. Well the two who have must be present and....I don't know."
"I think I do...."
"How..."
"Like this." Hold in the talisman is Solex's hand, she kissed him. The amulet glowed with a red radiant light. The two holes were replaced by two red gems. The eyes glowed as they continued the kiss and dimmed when they broke it.
"Well...that is one way to have a first kiss."
She laughed and kissed him again. "It's beautiful. Thank you." He helped her place around her neck. They continued to kiss in the sun. Time seemed to stand still again for Solex. He had never expected this. He had known Andromeda for a long time. Nine years ago he would have sworn they would become bitter rivals by then. The same was true for Andromeda. She had resented him early on and then he seemed different and they grew closer and closer till that day. Then their hearts bet as one. They began to deepen their kisses as enjoyed the presence of each other after six years of wondering alone in the world. They remained this way in the garden until Andromeda spoke, "We can't stay like this here."
"What? It is not forbidden to be with each other."
"No but it is embarrassing." She began to move toward the center of the garden. "If you really are lonely then come with me to my room." Solex was again surprised by this and began to follow her.
She stopped upon hearing a whistling in the air. She looked around to find the source of the noise. "What is that that?"
Solex turned his head around franticly. He looked up to see the storm of lit arrows above them, falling down into the garden and other areas of the Tower of the Moon. His eyes widened. They were under siege. But how? How could any army come within range of the city with out the knowledge of the council? Solex screamed, "ANDROMEDA!" It was too late the arrow landed in front of her. The explosive powered packed into sent her falling into Solex's arms. He caught and held her in his left arm and raised his staff. A protective shield surrounded them and blocked the explosive arrows. Through the dust he could see missiles flying in the air. As the garden was bombarded the roses were flung high in to their and the petals separated and rained down for hundreds of meters. This would lead to this battle being named the Siege of Roses.
Outside the great walls of the tower, great masses of solders marched toward the White Gate. At a distance great spider like machines launched missiles into the city. At the gate troops of men and wizard locked their shields in a phalanx to block the onslaught. But before their strength could be tested their hopes were shattered. A massive white dragon with blue eyes rose over the horizon. Its gigantic wings bet slowly as it hovered over the horded of invaders. Its jaw opened and white lighting fired from it. The once mighty ranks of defenders of the gate were destroyed. The gate was torn down by the dragon's second strike. As the army of monsters and men poured into the city winged creatures and machines fly overhead. Some bombed the city while others tried to fend of the invaders. One dragon ridded by a knight few down over the scores of monsters taking the city. From its mouth came great spouts of fire that set the land before the gate burning blocking them temporarily.
The Winged Dragon Guardian of the Tower appeared at last with scores of his kind with him. They descended upon the usurpers scattering their great hordes. This did not last for long. Another Blue Eyes White Dragon appeared and killed many of the Winged Dragons. Still they fought on.
At the edge of the city a young swordsman was fighting. His name was Neo. Known as the Magic Swordsman for his skill with a blade and ability to use sorcery he tried fought to prevent the monsters from reaching the inner part of the Tower. He was in a hall protecting a passageway that strange creature attempted to break.
Many times he was attacked by machines with cannon mounted upon their backs. He called these machines Cannon Soldiers. He was intrigued to tell the truth by these machines. Machines were not new to him, but the kind he was used to where vehicles. Something piloted by a person. These were not they acted on their own. When they appeared they immediately opened fire upon him. His skill in the magical arts allowed him to shield himself from the blast and cut them down with his blade when close enough. A Stone Ogre Grotto appeared. He pondered when he saw the creature that was controlling him. These creatures were simply enchanted rocks that did what ever they were bided to. The ogre charged, Neo slightly stepped to the side and sliced the Grotto in half.
After this he did not encounter another soldier. As a few minutes pasted he considered moving to support other areas. Then out of the shadows came another beast. "Another Ogre," Neo said.
"An Ogre of the Black Shadow." those where its words as it charged with Neo with great speed. He knocked the young swordsman back and gave an eerie laugh. Neo rose and his finger cumulated with a small blue aura. The light shot out of his finger and pierced the beast's heart. Neo breathed heavily as he stood there bleeding from the beast's charge. He stood silently and starred down the hall confused. If they wanted the hall they could just send scores of those creatures he thought. The room grew dense. The light from the torches dimmed. Something was near. He backed slowly believing it the best the time to retreat and regroup. He nearly made to the door, when he was attacked from behind. Claws slashed his back. Neo screamed. And turned round but found nothing there. He turned again and was confronted by a hideous monster. Standing on four legs, with twelve eyes running down the face of his body, green skin with tow long arms topped off with three claws for each.
As Neo starred down the monster he began to dread its meaning. "A Shadow Ghoul," he mumbled. With no further delay the creature launched a strike at him. Narrow ducking Neo retaliated with an energy ball. He attack hit the wall. The Ghoul was no were in sight. Backing further considering making a run for the door Neo felt claws rip through the armor on his back. He hit the ground and got up as quickly as he could to see no Ghoul again. I cannot fight this way; he thought and turned in a full charge for the door. Halfway there with blood dripping from his wounds the Ghoul rose from a shadow in the ground blocking his retreat. He swiped at the creature but hit nothing. The creature then appeared out of the wall and landed a slash to Neo's head.
Neo sight went red. Everything was the color of blood. The wall, the door before him, even his sword which had been knocked four feet from his reach. He struggled to reach it. Claws gripped his legs from behind and began to pull relentless on him, pulling Neo towards the shadow of the wall. With all his strength he tried to reach his sword but was only to witness it moving father from him. It was this last moment when all hope of survival faded from his mind when he came to a chilling conclusion, they were never trying to break this perimeter, he thought, they were after me. This stayed in his mind unto his entire body being trapped in the shadow.
"How? It is impossible. How could an army of the size manage to march on the city without being spotted? No magic in the world can do that."
Solex lifted his head. "That is a question I have been pondering for a long time."
"How long..."
"Two years, two hundred sixty-four days, and this morning..."
"Continue......"
Solex held Andromeda more tightly as the salvo of explosive arrows and missiles intensified. He fell to his knees. Every blow he received became harder and harder. Soon he would not have been able to hold back the volley. As small burns and cuts began to appear on his hands and face it seemed a miracle as the bombardment of the garden began to stop till it ceased and the rain of arrows laid waste to another section of the Tower of the Moon. With great pain he rose to see a tragedy.
The garden of the White Tower, famous for its titanic size and beauty was decimated. He was grieved; he had achieved a bitter sweat victory. He had saved Andromeda but the garden which he long remembered from all his years in the Tower. Held pulled Andromeda to her feet. She stood with a tremble. "Are you well?" He asked.
"Yes, my head is stunned from the blast. I can barely hear." She pulled some suit from her burned ears.
"We have to move. Since they stopped the attack their troops must be near to overrunning this area too."
"How is this possible no one person can approach the gate without being seen by the council?"
"I don't have any answers. Bu regrettably this fortress has fallen we must make haste." Solex pushed for forward toward the Tower but he was cut off from the Tower by a large warrior.
He was tall and wielded club in each hand. He had a long grey beard and a strange helmet. He stood before Andromeda. She stopped and tried to block. But he warrior was too strange he swat her into the ground. Solex saw this and his heart raced. His blood began to boil and he charged the soldier. Ducking a swing of a club Solex hit the warrior in the head with the edge of his staff. The warrior fell back a few steps and brought his clubs into ready. Solex, using his magic, cast him into the wall.
His breath stuttering in fear and his eyes wet with tears of terror, He picked up the unconscious Andromeda. He dropped his staff and using his right hand checked for her pulse. It was faint but steady.
His began to calm when a club hit him hard in the head. His head began to bleed. He dropped Andromeda. Another blow greeted him in the gut. Fell to his knees, spitting blood onto the ground. The warrior then hit him in the back knocking him flat and began to hit again and again. He grasped Solex by the throat and brought off the ground. He began to tighten his hold making breathing impossible for Solex.
In an act of desperation Solex gathered all the power reserved in his damaged body. He sent a wave of energy in all directions throwing the warrior of him. Struggling to his feet he witnessed invaders picking up Andromeda's body and taking her away. He screamed and ran to her but was seized in each arm by soldiers. Still he persisted. I can not lose her, he thought, not now, not ever! He continued his futile conflict until the hilt of a sword hit him in the head and all went black.
-------I will continue the Siege of Roses in the next chapter.-------
Solex woke from his memory only for his body to thrown back flat by a strong hand. In a panic he looked around, he was in a cave but not the one were he fought the fire solder. He glanced up to see who mending him. One his back was a great bow and a holster with many arrows. His hair was sort and his complexion very white. He was dressed like any wild man with, a dark colored cloak with several layers of clothes made of animal hide. By his appearance he was a ranger. "I have just finished sealing your wound and I advise you to sit up slowly, or face it reopening itself." He spoke to Solex in a very professional tone. "Do you understand me?"
Solex nodded in reply. He sat very slowly and found that he was with out shirt or staff which made him nervous. But even if he had such accommodations he would have little chance of defending himself to any creature. "Who are you?"
"I am the one that saved your unconscious self from being consumed by a hungry pack of wolves. If you are concerned why, I was curious. What is doing a wizard traveling alone in the wild? Alas you were not in the best of health when II found you."
His answer made Solex irritable. All he had done was state obvious state of affairs. "Who are you? Are you a ranger? What is your name?"
"Yes I am a ranger Solex. I have been tracking you. I picked up your trail less than a few days ago."
"Why?"
"I am not just a ranger Solex. I am a spy, one of General Turgon's elite reconisense agents. I have been out here for many years watching the eastern lands. For some time now I have been unable to deliver my news to the General. I understand you were resident wizard at the City. I ask you what has taken place?"
"It is a long tale. One I don't time to tell."
"My friend, you too wounded to travel, darkness approaches, and we will be in this cave at least another day. What ever the story, whatever the circumstances, and even if you appreciate it or not, I will help find what you are looking for.
"What happened? I have been in the wild too long to know of any tragedies or happenings in the test of the world. I can see it in your eyes. That despair, something has happened that has scared you deep." The ranger moved to sit on a rock parallel of Solex. "Mage, what are your troubles?"
Solex sighed. The memory of it was all to clear. The grief was still to near for him. It haunted him. "You know of my order. Correct? Sometime ago I was at the Tower of the Moon. It was a glorious day. I walked through the garden how wonderful it looked at that day. I had recently finished the trials. Six long years of those tests."
"I know of those. I have seen the seen the tower as well and the garden you speak of."
"It had been a mouth since I completed the last test. The council was reviewing me, my records my performance. When they were completed the title Dark Magician was bestowed upon me. With an entire life ahead of me, I felt I was unstoppable. Until it happened. I don't who they were and I don't know why. Within seconds the fortress was stormed. We didn't even see them coming. They seemed to just appear out of the shadows."
"Your descriptions are very vague."
"I am sorry. I will begin at the beginning................."
Solex closed his eyes and laughed as they rested their foreheads against one another. She did as well. They paused in this situation for a few moments until she spoke. "I missed you. I missed not having you around to blame for my troubles." She said as her embraced tightened.
"Is that all? What happened to your man at arms? The tears of joy rolling down your cheeks. Where's the love?" Solex replied.
She laughed and pushed away and stared into his eyes. They began to walk down the garden holding his arm. "I am just glad to be done with these tests. To long have I been away."
Solex held her hand and starred into her eyes. "No amount of travel could wear down your beauty."
She laughed. "I didn't realize how much I missed those corny compliments of yours." They continued to walk in this fashion in the garden as the looked at the all what has changed since their departure.
"You know Andromeda, after all the punishment you and I took in this place and all the rewards I swore I wouldn't miss it. Then again," he put his arm round her waist, "I can't figure out if it was this place I missed or if it was you."
She was touched by this statement. To her it was more pure than any other romantic he had spoken in their long years together. She smiled, "You've been practicing that....."
"Was it all right? Did I rush...did rush it?"
"No. No. It was great." She leaned in and placed a kiss on his cheek. "It was more heartwarming to her than anything else you've said." She closed her eyes and tears began forming in here eyes.
"You're crying."
She locked him in a powerful embrace and buried her face into his shoulder. "You asked were the tears where. It has been to long for the both of us."
He pulled her off and held Andromeda in front of him. "We our entire lives ahead of us. All we have to do is keep our eyes open and watch the road and keep or feet." He began fiddling in his satchel. "I have something for you." She pulled out and small box with the engraving of a dragon it and handed it to Andromeda. "It is a gift from the Mystical Elf."
She opened it to reveal an amulet of a dragon. From the body of the dragon there were two small holes between the wings. "What is it?"
"She called it Talisman of Protection. Supposedly once activated, it will protect the love of the two that posses it. As long as they're alive..." Andromeda began to examine it curiously.
"How do you activate it?"
"I don't know. She said there was some trick to it. Well the two who have must be present and....I don't know."
"I think I do...."
"How..."
"Like this." Hold in the talisman is Solex's hand, she kissed him. The amulet glowed with a red radiant light. The two holes were replaced by two red gems. The eyes glowed as they continued the kiss and dimmed when they broke it.
"Well...that is one way to have a first kiss."
She laughed and kissed him again. "It's beautiful. Thank you." He helped her place around her neck. They continued to kiss in the sun. Time seemed to stand still again for Solex. He had never expected this. He had known Andromeda for a long time. Nine years ago he would have sworn they would become bitter rivals by then. The same was true for Andromeda. She had resented him early on and then he seemed different and they grew closer and closer till that day. Then their hearts bet as one. They began to deepen their kisses as enjoyed the presence of each other after six years of wondering alone in the world. They remained this way in the garden until Andromeda spoke, "We can't stay like this here."
"What? It is not forbidden to be with each other."
"No but it is embarrassing." She began to move toward the center of the garden. "If you really are lonely then come with me to my room." Solex was again surprised by this and began to follow her.
She stopped upon hearing a whistling in the air. She looked around to find the source of the noise. "What is that that?"
Solex turned his head around franticly. He looked up to see the storm of lit arrows above them, falling down into the garden and other areas of the Tower of the Moon. His eyes widened. They were under siege. But how? How could any army come within range of the city with out the knowledge of the council? Solex screamed, "ANDROMEDA!" It was too late the arrow landed in front of her. The explosive powered packed into sent her falling into Solex's arms. He caught and held her in his left arm and raised his staff. A protective shield surrounded them and blocked the explosive arrows. Through the dust he could see missiles flying in the air. As the garden was bombarded the roses were flung high in to their and the petals separated and rained down for hundreds of meters. This would lead to this battle being named the Siege of Roses.
Outside the great walls of the tower, great masses of solders marched toward the White Gate. At a distance great spider like machines launched missiles into the city. At the gate troops of men and wizard locked their shields in a phalanx to block the onslaught. But before their strength could be tested their hopes were shattered. A massive white dragon with blue eyes rose over the horizon. Its gigantic wings bet slowly as it hovered over the horded of invaders. Its jaw opened and white lighting fired from it. The once mighty ranks of defenders of the gate were destroyed. The gate was torn down by the dragon's second strike. As the army of monsters and men poured into the city winged creatures and machines fly overhead. Some bombed the city while others tried to fend of the invaders. One dragon ridded by a knight few down over the scores of monsters taking the city. From its mouth came great spouts of fire that set the land before the gate burning blocking them temporarily.
The Winged Dragon Guardian of the Tower appeared at last with scores of his kind with him. They descended upon the usurpers scattering their great hordes. This did not last for long. Another Blue Eyes White Dragon appeared and killed many of the Winged Dragons. Still they fought on.
At the edge of the city a young swordsman was fighting. His name was Neo. Known as the Magic Swordsman for his skill with a blade and ability to use sorcery he tried fought to prevent the monsters from reaching the inner part of the Tower. He was in a hall protecting a passageway that strange creature attempted to break.
Many times he was attacked by machines with cannon mounted upon their backs. He called these machines Cannon Soldiers. He was intrigued to tell the truth by these machines. Machines were not new to him, but the kind he was used to where vehicles. Something piloted by a person. These were not they acted on their own. When they appeared they immediately opened fire upon him. His skill in the magical arts allowed him to shield himself from the blast and cut them down with his blade when close enough. A Stone Ogre Grotto appeared. He pondered when he saw the creature that was controlling him. These creatures were simply enchanted rocks that did what ever they were bided to. The ogre charged, Neo slightly stepped to the side and sliced the Grotto in half.
After this he did not encounter another soldier. As a few minutes pasted he considered moving to support other areas. Then out of the shadows came another beast. "Another Ogre," Neo said.
"An Ogre of the Black Shadow." those where its words as it charged with Neo with great speed. He knocked the young swordsman back and gave an eerie laugh. Neo rose and his finger cumulated with a small blue aura. The light shot out of his finger and pierced the beast's heart. Neo breathed heavily as he stood there bleeding from the beast's charge. He stood silently and starred down the hall confused. If they wanted the hall they could just send scores of those creatures he thought. The room grew dense. The light from the torches dimmed. Something was near. He backed slowly believing it the best the time to retreat and regroup. He nearly made to the door, when he was attacked from behind. Claws slashed his back. Neo screamed. And turned round but found nothing there. He turned again and was confronted by a hideous monster. Standing on four legs, with twelve eyes running down the face of his body, green skin with tow long arms topped off with three claws for each.
As Neo starred down the monster he began to dread its meaning. "A Shadow Ghoul," he mumbled. With no further delay the creature launched a strike at him. Narrow ducking Neo retaliated with an energy ball. He attack hit the wall. The Ghoul was no were in sight. Backing further considering making a run for the door Neo felt claws rip through the armor on his back. He hit the ground and got up as quickly as he could to see no Ghoul again. I cannot fight this way; he thought and turned in a full charge for the door. Halfway there with blood dripping from his wounds the Ghoul rose from a shadow in the ground blocking his retreat. He swiped at the creature but hit nothing. The creature then appeared out of the wall and landed a slash to Neo's head.
Neo sight went red. Everything was the color of blood. The wall, the door before him, even his sword which had been knocked four feet from his reach. He struggled to reach it. Claws gripped his legs from behind and began to pull relentless on him, pulling Neo towards the shadow of the wall. With all his strength he tried to reach his sword but was only to witness it moving father from him. It was this last moment when all hope of survival faded from his mind when he came to a chilling conclusion, they were never trying to break this perimeter, he thought, they were after me. This stayed in his mind unto his entire body being trapped in the shadow.
"How? It is impossible. How could an army of the size manage to march on the city without being spotted? No magic in the world can do that."
Solex lifted his head. "That is a question I have been pondering for a long time."
"How long..."
"Two years, two hundred sixty-four days, and this morning..."
"Continue......"
Solex held Andromeda more tightly as the salvo of explosive arrows and missiles intensified. He fell to his knees. Every blow he received became harder and harder. Soon he would not have been able to hold back the volley. As small burns and cuts began to appear on his hands and face it seemed a miracle as the bombardment of the garden began to stop till it ceased and the rain of arrows laid waste to another section of the Tower of the Moon. With great pain he rose to see a tragedy.
The garden of the White Tower, famous for its titanic size and beauty was decimated. He was grieved; he had achieved a bitter sweat victory. He had saved Andromeda but the garden which he long remembered from all his years in the Tower. Held pulled Andromeda to her feet. She stood with a tremble. "Are you well?" He asked.
"Yes, my head is stunned from the blast. I can barely hear." She pulled some suit from her burned ears.
"We have to move. Since they stopped the attack their troops must be near to overrunning this area too."
"How is this possible no one person can approach the gate without being seen by the council?"
"I don't have any answers. Bu regrettably this fortress has fallen we must make haste." Solex pushed for forward toward the Tower but he was cut off from the Tower by a large warrior.
He was tall and wielded club in each hand. He had a long grey beard and a strange helmet. He stood before Andromeda. She stopped and tried to block. But he warrior was too strange he swat her into the ground. Solex saw this and his heart raced. His blood began to boil and he charged the soldier. Ducking a swing of a club Solex hit the warrior in the head with the edge of his staff. The warrior fell back a few steps and brought his clubs into ready. Solex, using his magic, cast him into the wall.
His breath stuttering in fear and his eyes wet with tears of terror, He picked up the unconscious Andromeda. He dropped his staff and using his right hand checked for her pulse. It was faint but steady.
His began to calm when a club hit him hard in the head. His head began to bleed. He dropped Andromeda. Another blow greeted him in the gut. Fell to his knees, spitting blood onto the ground. The warrior then hit him in the back knocking him flat and began to hit again and again. He grasped Solex by the throat and brought off the ground. He began to tighten his hold making breathing impossible for Solex.
In an act of desperation Solex gathered all the power reserved in his damaged body. He sent a wave of energy in all directions throwing the warrior of him. Struggling to his feet he witnessed invaders picking up Andromeda's body and taking her away. He screamed and ran to her but was seized in each arm by soldiers. Still he persisted. I can not lose her, he thought, not now, not ever! He continued his futile conflict until the hilt of a sword hit him in the head and all went black.
-------I will continue the Siege of Roses in the next chapter.-------