Thunder rolled as the dark clouds gathered above the shining city of the
Moon. As the fierce storm grew the sky was lit with a clash of dragons and
flying demons. Below the turmoil the dark army approached the second gate
of the Tower. Horns blew and drums beat as a ram was moved through the
city. While the demon prepared the siege weapon they were descended upon
by the Winged Dragons that defended the White Fortress. Cries of the
burning soldiers could be heard all the way to the peak of the Tower. But
the ranks reformed as the army advanced further.
The ram was great in size. Its body was long made of iron and suspended by four great poles and chains. Its head was that of a dragon and its mouth was lit fire. Long had had this weapon of terror been forged in the underworld? Riding behind the ram was a man dropped in black armor and cloaks. Hs entire face and head was concealed by a great terrifying helmet with a crown of spikes upon it. He rode behind the ram and all the demons and goblins catered in fear at his coming. They dared not be his path he would lay waste to all that opposed him. The Black Captain he was called. Great were the legends of his malice in ancient times. He brought death to even the mightiest. He rode rear to the ram until it reached the gate he then dismounted and proceeded up a staircase to a watch tower taken in the battle. Many goblins threw themselves off the stairs to avoid getting his way. He reached the top and shouted orders in some ancient tongue at the soldiers that occupied it.
There the Black Captain stood and he watched the great ram slowing paced into play.
"Sir the second gate is besieged we have reports that they binging forth a giant ram," the young legionnaire shouted as he reached the peak. "Sir, their numbers are too many most of the legions are leagues away." A pain of despair came over his face, "General there is no hope of victory."
General Turgon stood in silence as he watched the city which he had sworn to protect burn before him. The enemy began to muster at the gate. "How did this happen. How could we have been so blind as to miss an entire army march upon the city?"
"Sir, we have reports that the enemy has made great efforts to capture the wizards. We don't know exactly why sir. But it must be related to all the storms coming from the North." The young soldier spoke. "Sir..."
"Yes."
"I think this army came from the Blacklands."
Turgon nodded. He turned and faced his subordinate. "Hide a force in barren wasteland were no dwells and no spy will dare traverse." He stepped down from his the balcony and stood by the young legionnaire. "I fear that the answer to the cause of this lies among us." He walked down the stairs then paused, "It may come that we will have to stand against them to buy time for the women and children to escape. Bring word to Gaia all the wings of the tower are to retreat to Constantinople in the West."
"Yes sir."
"Send messengers to all of the captains that the fortress is taken, and all troops must disband and regroup in pass of Libra to the southwest. And inform the counsel that they must go into hiding immediately. We will need them before the end. And I want all riders all Cataphracts left of the Mark (the White City) to protect the women and children." They reached the bottom of the stair. "Make sure all mages hidden as refugees make haste."
Bang
The sound of axes and maces hitting the door was heard.
"They've broken through," the young man said with great fear in his eyes.
"GO. FLY.... FLY." Turgon screamed and drew his sword. The door was hit several times. Again and again it was struck. In the distance, horns and drums rain. The enemy had indeed broken the second gate. Turgon's men were stormed with With a thousand goblins and beats of worse description. The door continued to hold as the enemy rammed and pushed against it.
At once the door fell and a goblin with ax raised charged Turgon. With a swing of his blade Turgon slew the fowl creature with ease. A dozen came from the entrance and one by one they perished. As Turgon knocked down and finished the last a clamor of metal clashing and horse cries he herd approached. He sheathed his sword and ran down the hall.
Many lay dead in fields surrounding the Tower of the Moon. Whether goblin, demon, or man, in mattered not. The ground was stained with blood of mixed races. The stench was more fowl than any soldier of the enemy. Werewolves prowled through the endless heaps of corpses eating the dead, and slaying any survivor of both sides. They fought one-another for meat and dominance.
It was this desolate field that the women and children must cross.
Unknown to the enemy and most of the citizens there laid a secret gate hidden in the wall at the Southwest corner of the city. Cast in stone and enchanted to open outward it lied there in the hopes of never being opened. The gate was sealed by invulnerable magic, and would only open if the words be spoken. General Turgon knew it. The Captains of the Mark knew it. It is at this gate that the remaining legionnaires made ready the final defense against the onslaught of the Black Captain.
"Captain, all of the refugees are set. And all the men weary." So poke a Cataphract to his Captain.
"Well done." He mounted his horse and rode to the head of the column. Augustus, Captain of the Cataphracts was fair man. Young and strong. The best horseman in the entire world. And still in his youth he rose to the highest honor a horseman could achieve. "As the General ordered we will clear a path for the refugees to escape. Ride hard. Hold the line. Once the women and children are clear and safe return to the column and escort the refugees to Thebes. Understood?"
His orders were met with cheers from his men. Proud were the Cataphracts of the Mark. Upon there stallions they won many wars. They were an army that no force of man or nature could stifle. Augustus approached the hidden gate. "For the sons of the Mark.....now for wrath.....now for ruin and red dawn!" A low roar echoed through the halls of the Tower. The seems of the wall burst into light and the hidden gate moved with great speed.
With sound of a thousand hoofs the Cataphracts charged into the plain. The werewolves turned their attention from each other to the new meat racing towards them. The wolves ran to meet the horsemen. Upon his horse Augustus could see them coming. He pulled forth his bow and knocked one arrow. He drew and paused. Wolves out numbered the Cavalry greatly. And they had little time to quell this threat before the refugees set out.
Lining his sight he fired striking a beast in the breast. He fired again killing one more. He knocked again and saw a wolf charging him. It was but yards away and made a great leap to bring him down. His shot struck the beast in the neck while it was just feet from completing. He looked round. The wolves were upon them. He watched men unhorsed and torn to ribbons by the hounds. He fired an arrow and saved a fellow horseman's hide. He picked up a spear and launched it slaying a werewolf feasting on the carcass of one of the Mark's steeds.
His arrows were spent. He drew his sword and began hacking at the beasts. The Augustus on his horse could see. Thousands of horses and chariots ran south away from the battle. Others escaped on winged dragons. It was working the wolves were ignoring the refugees and concentrating on the Cataphracts. A great relief of burden fell upon his face. He had fulfilled his orders commanded by his general. He had done his duty to the Mark. He raised his arm and killed another werewolf. He was thrown from his saddle when a wolf struck from behind. He scrambled to feet and saw the hound starring, drool dripping from his mouth. The wolf roared and charged. His claws ripped into the Captain's armor. The blow pushed to the side. He rose again and slew the wolf. Another beast charged him. His slashed upwards slitting its throat and lunged his blade into the heart of another.
Into the desolate courtyard the Black Captain rode his mighty black steed. He unhorsed and faced the man.
He was not a demon nor wraith, but a mortal man of flesh and blood. He stood before the Black Captain without fear. For fear was something he had been taught from childhood to master. He was a knight of the tempest, a knight of the dark powers. He was not as ancient as the Black Captain, but no less cruel and terrible. His name was Talon.
"What is it?" the Black Captain hissed coldly
"The fortress is taken and Turgon has fled. All of the spell casters and witches we found have been taken." He spoke with shuttle resentment for his superior. He had no love for any of his comrades or any loyalty to the power he served. "There is something you should know, the enemy is attempting to escape through a secret gate on the southwest side of the city. They are on horseback while others fly to safety. Their great efforts though are folly. Werewolves prowl that area they will be cut down."
"Thou do not know that Cataphracts ride with them. It will require than thy wolves to annihilate them." Talon looked above to see dragons flying to the battle. "Make sure of their fate." He ordered to Talon. With a grunt Talon departed. His steed was a great black dragon with claws as long as spears and protruding from his mouth were two great tusks and two fangs which curved down like swords. Its enormous wings were a third size greater than the length of the dragon itself. The dragon beat its wings and raised high into the air. Talon drew his sword as he headed to destroy the people of the Mark.
The Captain of the Mark fought hard on the ground. It seemed some hope was left for the people of the city. With a swift cut of his sword another wolf fell slain to the blood covered ground. He held high his blade and gave a cry. He was joined by many of his fellow Cataphracts. Victory in this small battle was near. But as the Captain cried the storm over the Tower grew denser and a dark shadow loomed over the stout hearts of the Cavalry. He sighted them; a great host of winged beasts came to finish the task the werewolves had failed at.
He shouted ordering spears at the ready and arrows knocked. The dragons approached closer and the young Captains heart pace quickened. He shouted once more telling them to hold. When the dragons were but some yards away he ordered them to fire. A great volley of missiles slew the unfortunate creatures to close to the ground. But the arrows were to no avail. The Beasts descended upon the riders.
Augustus' eyes grew wide with fear. He saw the dragons picked up four horsemen at once in there claws. Anther dragon caught a rider with his and thrashed about wildly. The cracking of bones could be heard at this sight. "Hold that spear soldier," he screamed at the unhorsed rider. "Don't fire until you see the whites of its teeth. And so the soldier listened to his Captain. He was more afraid than ever for the lives of the Cataphracts. How could any escape from this doom?
"Hold strong son's of the Mark," he shouted, giving hope to his men, but he himself kept none. Not a moment latter a dragon lashed at him. He was knocked fifty feet and the creature charged him for the kill. Like a bolt of lightening a spear pieced the dragon's heart. The soldier gave a cheer of triumph as the dragon life left him. But another dragon of greater malice appeared behind him. Its sword like tusks and fangs impaled the Cataphract. Then it threw the body to the ground and began to feast. The Captain looked up to see the creature. On its backed rode a black figure with sword in hand. Augustus knew this to have to be the commander of the dragons saying the Cataphracts of the Mark. He rose to his feet and charged. He leaped upon the figure catching him off guard and knocking him from his steed. The dragon paid no attention to this and continued to feast.
Talon was shocked. He did not see this man, this horseman. He rolled upon the ground and fiercely swung up his blade. He examined his assailant seeing the armor and symbols on the breast plate; he knew this to be a Captain of the Mark. He raised his left arm. A fiery light surrounded it and took form of a shield. He lunged with his blade. Augustus parried the strike. Then their swords met a fierce array of strikes. Augustus took back and hit his enemy's shield. Talon was knocked back but still had enough strength to counter with his blade. They slashed again and again at each other. Then Talon raised high his sword and flame ran down the blade and the tang was light with a red aura. Augustus dashed to the side as the stroke fell. Leaving the earth beneath it cracked and burnt. Seeing his foe's vulnerability Augustus brought back his weapon once again and the blade began to glow. A faint blue at first, but the color brightened to a blinding white light. He struck and hit. Talon's shield shattered into pieces causing it wielder to fall onto his back. Augustus wasted no time and readied to finish him. But the Dark Knight was neither fool nor normal soldier. Rolled quickly to the side and kicked The Captain of the Mark in the chest. He rose and attacked.
The duel would continue this way, neither soldier gaining an edge over the other. They continued to fight. But Augustus knew that it had to end soon. Even if he won it is likely that the dragon would then devour him. He lunged at his foe again but Talon was still as quick and sharp witted as he. While battling he could see that the Cataphracts were suffering many casualties by the teeth and claws of the dragons of the enemy. But then a beacon of hope arrived.
With their air power weakened so they could pursue the refugees. The dragons of the enemy lost the battle over the skies of the Tower of the Moon. The Mark's Dragons lead by the fierce knight Gaia, pounced on the wicked beasts. Most of the dragons had taken to ground combat and were easy prey for the marks air force. Both Talon and Augustus watched. The wicked dragons would surly be driven away or defeated by Gaia's host. Talon became enraged at this embarrassment and fought ever the fiercer. He knocked Augustus to the ground and raised his blade to kill. The Cures of Dragon, Gaia's steed came down and seized Talon hurling him into a wolf carcass. He rose and watched his dragons flee.
Augustus leaped upon the Curse of Dragon. "My thanks old friend. I would dead by now if you had not come."
To this Gaia answered, "How dare you call me old friend when you are so young?" He smiled for a moment but it then turned to a frown. I suggest we take out leave. He motioned to the north. Augustus saw a great black horde of wolves and horseman riding toward them. At the head rode a great black shape covered with dark armor and wore an iron crown. The Captain agreed and called all forces into retreat. The mission was a success.
Talon stood motionless as the Mark's armies fell back. He sighed as he knew how frustrated the Black Captain will be with him. The horde stopped but the Black Captain rode to Talon and watched. He gave a hoarse cry a hit Talon across the head with his fist sending flying dozens of yards away. For Talon being hit by him was as being hit by a huge troll. He hit the ground hard and all went black.
The ram was great in size. Its body was long made of iron and suspended by four great poles and chains. Its head was that of a dragon and its mouth was lit fire. Long had had this weapon of terror been forged in the underworld? Riding behind the ram was a man dropped in black armor and cloaks. Hs entire face and head was concealed by a great terrifying helmet with a crown of spikes upon it. He rode behind the ram and all the demons and goblins catered in fear at his coming. They dared not be his path he would lay waste to all that opposed him. The Black Captain he was called. Great were the legends of his malice in ancient times. He brought death to even the mightiest. He rode rear to the ram until it reached the gate he then dismounted and proceeded up a staircase to a watch tower taken in the battle. Many goblins threw themselves off the stairs to avoid getting his way. He reached the top and shouted orders in some ancient tongue at the soldiers that occupied it.
There the Black Captain stood and he watched the great ram slowing paced into play.
"Sir the second gate is besieged we have reports that they binging forth a giant ram," the young legionnaire shouted as he reached the peak. "Sir, their numbers are too many most of the legions are leagues away." A pain of despair came over his face, "General there is no hope of victory."
General Turgon stood in silence as he watched the city which he had sworn to protect burn before him. The enemy began to muster at the gate. "How did this happen. How could we have been so blind as to miss an entire army march upon the city?"
"Sir, we have reports that the enemy has made great efforts to capture the wizards. We don't know exactly why sir. But it must be related to all the storms coming from the North." The young soldier spoke. "Sir..."
"Yes."
"I think this army came from the Blacklands."
Turgon nodded. He turned and faced his subordinate. "Hide a force in barren wasteland were no dwells and no spy will dare traverse." He stepped down from his the balcony and stood by the young legionnaire. "I fear that the answer to the cause of this lies among us." He walked down the stairs then paused, "It may come that we will have to stand against them to buy time for the women and children to escape. Bring word to Gaia all the wings of the tower are to retreat to Constantinople in the West."
"Yes sir."
"Send messengers to all of the captains that the fortress is taken, and all troops must disband and regroup in pass of Libra to the southwest. And inform the counsel that they must go into hiding immediately. We will need them before the end. And I want all riders all Cataphracts left of the Mark (the White City) to protect the women and children." They reached the bottom of the stair. "Make sure all mages hidden as refugees make haste."
Bang
The sound of axes and maces hitting the door was heard.
"They've broken through," the young man said with great fear in his eyes.
"GO. FLY.... FLY." Turgon screamed and drew his sword. The door was hit several times. Again and again it was struck. In the distance, horns and drums rain. The enemy had indeed broken the second gate. Turgon's men were stormed with With a thousand goblins and beats of worse description. The door continued to hold as the enemy rammed and pushed against it.
At once the door fell and a goblin with ax raised charged Turgon. With a swing of his blade Turgon slew the fowl creature with ease. A dozen came from the entrance and one by one they perished. As Turgon knocked down and finished the last a clamor of metal clashing and horse cries he herd approached. He sheathed his sword and ran down the hall.
Many lay dead in fields surrounding the Tower of the Moon. Whether goblin, demon, or man, in mattered not. The ground was stained with blood of mixed races. The stench was more fowl than any soldier of the enemy. Werewolves prowled through the endless heaps of corpses eating the dead, and slaying any survivor of both sides. They fought one-another for meat and dominance.
It was this desolate field that the women and children must cross.
Unknown to the enemy and most of the citizens there laid a secret gate hidden in the wall at the Southwest corner of the city. Cast in stone and enchanted to open outward it lied there in the hopes of never being opened. The gate was sealed by invulnerable magic, and would only open if the words be spoken. General Turgon knew it. The Captains of the Mark knew it. It is at this gate that the remaining legionnaires made ready the final defense against the onslaught of the Black Captain.
"Captain, all of the refugees are set. And all the men weary." So poke a Cataphract to his Captain.
"Well done." He mounted his horse and rode to the head of the column. Augustus, Captain of the Cataphracts was fair man. Young and strong. The best horseman in the entire world. And still in his youth he rose to the highest honor a horseman could achieve. "As the General ordered we will clear a path for the refugees to escape. Ride hard. Hold the line. Once the women and children are clear and safe return to the column and escort the refugees to Thebes. Understood?"
His orders were met with cheers from his men. Proud were the Cataphracts of the Mark. Upon there stallions they won many wars. They were an army that no force of man or nature could stifle. Augustus approached the hidden gate. "For the sons of the Mark.....now for wrath.....now for ruin and red dawn!" A low roar echoed through the halls of the Tower. The seems of the wall burst into light and the hidden gate moved with great speed.
With sound of a thousand hoofs the Cataphracts charged into the plain. The werewolves turned their attention from each other to the new meat racing towards them. The wolves ran to meet the horsemen. Upon his horse Augustus could see them coming. He pulled forth his bow and knocked one arrow. He drew and paused. Wolves out numbered the Cavalry greatly. And they had little time to quell this threat before the refugees set out.
Lining his sight he fired striking a beast in the breast. He fired again killing one more. He knocked again and saw a wolf charging him. It was but yards away and made a great leap to bring him down. His shot struck the beast in the neck while it was just feet from completing. He looked round. The wolves were upon them. He watched men unhorsed and torn to ribbons by the hounds. He fired an arrow and saved a fellow horseman's hide. He picked up a spear and launched it slaying a werewolf feasting on the carcass of one of the Mark's steeds.
His arrows were spent. He drew his sword and began hacking at the beasts. The Augustus on his horse could see. Thousands of horses and chariots ran south away from the battle. Others escaped on winged dragons. It was working the wolves were ignoring the refugees and concentrating on the Cataphracts. A great relief of burden fell upon his face. He had fulfilled his orders commanded by his general. He had done his duty to the Mark. He raised his arm and killed another werewolf. He was thrown from his saddle when a wolf struck from behind. He scrambled to feet and saw the hound starring, drool dripping from his mouth. The wolf roared and charged. His claws ripped into the Captain's armor. The blow pushed to the side. He rose again and slew the wolf. Another beast charged him. His slashed upwards slitting its throat and lunged his blade into the heart of another.
Into the desolate courtyard the Black Captain rode his mighty black steed. He unhorsed and faced the man.
He was not a demon nor wraith, but a mortal man of flesh and blood. He stood before the Black Captain without fear. For fear was something he had been taught from childhood to master. He was a knight of the tempest, a knight of the dark powers. He was not as ancient as the Black Captain, but no less cruel and terrible. His name was Talon.
"What is it?" the Black Captain hissed coldly
"The fortress is taken and Turgon has fled. All of the spell casters and witches we found have been taken." He spoke with shuttle resentment for his superior. He had no love for any of his comrades or any loyalty to the power he served. "There is something you should know, the enemy is attempting to escape through a secret gate on the southwest side of the city. They are on horseback while others fly to safety. Their great efforts though are folly. Werewolves prowl that area they will be cut down."
"Thou do not know that Cataphracts ride with them. It will require than thy wolves to annihilate them." Talon looked above to see dragons flying to the battle. "Make sure of their fate." He ordered to Talon. With a grunt Talon departed. His steed was a great black dragon with claws as long as spears and protruding from his mouth were two great tusks and two fangs which curved down like swords. Its enormous wings were a third size greater than the length of the dragon itself. The dragon beat its wings and raised high into the air. Talon drew his sword as he headed to destroy the people of the Mark.
The Captain of the Mark fought hard on the ground. It seemed some hope was left for the people of the city. With a swift cut of his sword another wolf fell slain to the blood covered ground. He held high his blade and gave a cry. He was joined by many of his fellow Cataphracts. Victory in this small battle was near. But as the Captain cried the storm over the Tower grew denser and a dark shadow loomed over the stout hearts of the Cavalry. He sighted them; a great host of winged beasts came to finish the task the werewolves had failed at.
He shouted ordering spears at the ready and arrows knocked. The dragons approached closer and the young Captains heart pace quickened. He shouted once more telling them to hold. When the dragons were but some yards away he ordered them to fire. A great volley of missiles slew the unfortunate creatures to close to the ground. But the arrows were to no avail. The Beasts descended upon the riders.
Augustus' eyes grew wide with fear. He saw the dragons picked up four horsemen at once in there claws. Anther dragon caught a rider with his and thrashed about wildly. The cracking of bones could be heard at this sight. "Hold that spear soldier," he screamed at the unhorsed rider. "Don't fire until you see the whites of its teeth. And so the soldier listened to his Captain. He was more afraid than ever for the lives of the Cataphracts. How could any escape from this doom?
"Hold strong son's of the Mark," he shouted, giving hope to his men, but he himself kept none. Not a moment latter a dragon lashed at him. He was knocked fifty feet and the creature charged him for the kill. Like a bolt of lightening a spear pieced the dragon's heart. The soldier gave a cheer of triumph as the dragon life left him. But another dragon of greater malice appeared behind him. Its sword like tusks and fangs impaled the Cataphract. Then it threw the body to the ground and began to feast. The Captain looked up to see the creature. On its backed rode a black figure with sword in hand. Augustus knew this to have to be the commander of the dragons saying the Cataphracts of the Mark. He rose to his feet and charged. He leaped upon the figure catching him off guard and knocking him from his steed. The dragon paid no attention to this and continued to feast.
Talon was shocked. He did not see this man, this horseman. He rolled upon the ground and fiercely swung up his blade. He examined his assailant seeing the armor and symbols on the breast plate; he knew this to be a Captain of the Mark. He raised his left arm. A fiery light surrounded it and took form of a shield. He lunged with his blade. Augustus parried the strike. Then their swords met a fierce array of strikes. Augustus took back and hit his enemy's shield. Talon was knocked back but still had enough strength to counter with his blade. They slashed again and again at each other. Then Talon raised high his sword and flame ran down the blade and the tang was light with a red aura. Augustus dashed to the side as the stroke fell. Leaving the earth beneath it cracked and burnt. Seeing his foe's vulnerability Augustus brought back his weapon once again and the blade began to glow. A faint blue at first, but the color brightened to a blinding white light. He struck and hit. Talon's shield shattered into pieces causing it wielder to fall onto his back. Augustus wasted no time and readied to finish him. But the Dark Knight was neither fool nor normal soldier. Rolled quickly to the side and kicked The Captain of the Mark in the chest. He rose and attacked.
The duel would continue this way, neither soldier gaining an edge over the other. They continued to fight. But Augustus knew that it had to end soon. Even if he won it is likely that the dragon would then devour him. He lunged at his foe again but Talon was still as quick and sharp witted as he. While battling he could see that the Cataphracts were suffering many casualties by the teeth and claws of the dragons of the enemy. But then a beacon of hope arrived.
With their air power weakened so they could pursue the refugees. The dragons of the enemy lost the battle over the skies of the Tower of the Moon. The Mark's Dragons lead by the fierce knight Gaia, pounced on the wicked beasts. Most of the dragons had taken to ground combat and were easy prey for the marks air force. Both Talon and Augustus watched. The wicked dragons would surly be driven away or defeated by Gaia's host. Talon became enraged at this embarrassment and fought ever the fiercer. He knocked Augustus to the ground and raised his blade to kill. The Cures of Dragon, Gaia's steed came down and seized Talon hurling him into a wolf carcass. He rose and watched his dragons flee.
Augustus leaped upon the Curse of Dragon. "My thanks old friend. I would dead by now if you had not come."
To this Gaia answered, "How dare you call me old friend when you are so young?" He smiled for a moment but it then turned to a frown. I suggest we take out leave. He motioned to the north. Augustus saw a great black horde of wolves and horseman riding toward them. At the head rode a great black shape covered with dark armor and wore an iron crown. The Captain agreed and called all forces into retreat. The mission was a success.
Talon stood motionless as the Mark's armies fell back. He sighed as he knew how frustrated the Black Captain will be with him. The horde stopped but the Black Captain rode to Talon and watched. He gave a hoarse cry a hit Talon across the head with his fist sending flying dozens of yards away. For Talon being hit by him was as being hit by a huge troll. He hit the ground hard and all went black.