Chapter Eight - "Withdraw from Kreyf"

Stratos soaked in the air as he curved downward from the clouds. Behind him, four other Avions did as he did. They had just crossed into the realm of Eternos and still had a little longer to go. But within these boarders, it was safer to fly this low. The Horde was on the prowl and it wasn't safe to fly low in the Mystic Mountains nor in portions outside of Eternos.

"Stratos!"

The Avion warrior looked over and saw the newly minted General Buzz-Off come right next to him with his small contingent of five Insectoids. It had only been three days since the Insectoids and the Avions had driven off the Horde from Insectia and there was already talk of a new offensive.

"Buzz-Off! Good to see you again!"

"Same here. I was wondering if we'd end up meeting on our way to Eternos."

"As did I. Glad to see we did. Better to fly in groups."

"Of course."

The group soared over the patches of hills and mountains until at last, the great city of Eternos came into view atop it's plateau. Both parties came to a landing in the center of the city, right in front of the Palace doors. As soon as they landed, the doors came open and King Randor stepped out.

"Stratos! Buzz-Off! Glad you could come! All of you, come on in," Randor greeted.

The entire group entered into the first hall of the Royal Palace. "I'm quite happy our three peoples agreed to this alliance, King Randor," Stratos said.

"The same here. Hopefully, with the three of us together, we can show a united front to the Horde. Make them thing twice about invading here," Buzz-Off followed.

"My thoughts exactly," Randor replied. "By the way, Buzz-Off, congratulations. I only wish your promotion had come under better circumstances."

The two shook hands. "I understand and thank you. Stingrad wanted me to be the new general . . . so here I am."

"Well, you were a good choice."

"Thank you, your highness."

They all walked into the Situation Room, where Marlena and Rohad were waiting. Both stood as soon as the group entered.

"Queen Marlena, Man-At-Arms," Stratos said.

"Hello Stratos," Marlena replied.

As soon as the pleasantries were out of the way, they all sat down at the table, ready to get on with business. Randor laid out a map of the Mystic Mountains.

"With the Horde driven away from Insectia and Avion, they have massed themselves here, at Kreyf, and here, along this portion of the eastern seaboard," Randor pointed out. "If we are able to take down Kreyf, then we can hold them along the coast until we're able to regroup our resources enough to push them out of the Mystic Mountains for good."

Buzz-Off nodded. "You've been attacking Kreyf for weeks now. Do you believe that one final blow will destroy their forces there?"

"If we work together, yes."

Stratos pointed to the Desert. "What about the skirmishes that have been going on out here?"

"That's where we believe Hordak will open up a second line of attack," Rohad explained. "If we can't destroy Kreyf and Hordak is able to divert enough of his forces into the Desert, the Fertile Plains will be fighting a battle on two fronts and I doubt we can survive that."

"That's why Mystic Mountains need to be a priority," Randor went on. "We're planning on bringing up troops from North Eternos along with back-up from here. If you could both bring in your own warriors, we should be able to eliminate the threat of Kreyf."

Stratos looked to Buzz-Off. Buzz-Off then pointed to the coastline. "What's to keep these Horde legions from attacking?"

"We have learned the Horde has a supply route going between the Santalucia Mountains to the coast. Its key point is a small island in the Sea of Rakash. We take out that island and the coastline is completely cut off."

"When are we to do that?" asked one of the Insectoids.

"As we're attacking Kreyf, King Stephan is going to be leading Battle-Hawks to the island eliminating," Randor responded.

Buzz-Off and Stratos looked at the map for a long moment, considering it.

"All right. I'm in. I will speak with the Senate upon my return to Avion and make the arrangements," Stratos answered.

"I will do the same. The wrath of the Insectoids will fall swiftly upon the Horde."

Randor smiled grimly. "Then I shall see you both on the battlefield."

"What did you mean when said that?"

Randor looked at his wife and sighed. "I meant exactly what I said. I am going to see them both on the battlefield."

Marlena frowned, her forehead ruffling. "Randor, are you really . . ."

He put his hands on her arms. "My love, the kingdom is in danger. The world is in danger. My people - my soldiers - are dying out there. I need to be with them. I need to fight this war. This battle. I don't know how things are done on Earth, but . . ."

"Okay, okay," she replied, frustrated. "Alright."

"We've had this discussion before," Randor noted. "With the supply line attacks . . ."

"That was different, all right? That was just different. This is a bigger scale. A bigger battle. That was only the supply line for that place. Now you're going to be fighting in there? I don't know if I can handle it."

"You will."

"Randor - you're a walking target!"

He took a deep breath, purposely puffing out his chest. "I am a warrior."

"Yeah. And it's not like I forgot about that." Marlena put her head on his chest and started to cry. "I love you, damn it. I don't want you to die."

He kissed the top of her head and held her close. "I'm not going to die."

She looked directly up at him, eyes full of tears. "How can you even say that? How do you even know?"

His tough hand ran across her soft cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "Because I won't let myself."

Eyes closed, she held him close to her. "Oh Randor . . ."

Randor sighed heavily and hugged her. "War. Huh."

"Good God, all," she said in return.

Seriously, he replied: "What is it good for?"

Marlena laughed a little, despite the tears. "I love that song."

"What song?"

"Shhhh," she said and kissed. "You just make sure you come back, okay?"

"I will. I promise you."

"You just . . . you better."

"King Randor must die."

Hordak perked an eyebrow. Briefly, he turned to Keldor, whose eyes were wide with some emotion that Hordak was unable to tell.

"And just why is that?" asked Hordak.

The Three, in holographic form, transmitting from Kreyf, continued speaking in unison over the comm-line. "We are sensing a strength unbridled within him. He is a very worrisome threat. King Randor must be destroyed."

Hordak snorted. "I am . . . reluctant. Randor maybe brilliant, but he's also very predictable."

"Not as predictable as you can imagine. We are also concerned about this union with the alien woman. We have reason to suspect that any children they may bare could be very powerful."

With a passing glance at Keldor, Hordak nodded. "Hmmm. Do what you must."

"He rides into battle at Kreyf. We shall confront him there."

"Then do so."

The holographic Three faded away, leaving Keldor and Hordak alone in the throne room. Keldor grunted and stood up.

"I wanted a shot at Randor, Hordak. I wanted my revenge."

Hordak walked to the window. "I know. But you still have two other siblings to play with and your father, who is most certainly out there somewhere."

Keldor, apparently, didn't share this point of view. His face turned a shade of red as he stomped over to Hordak. "Allowing the Three to kill Randor was unjustifiable. We talked about this."

Hordak snarled, baring his sharp teeth. "Would you rather reveal yourself to the entire damned world, then! Brother killing his own brother in front of the three biggest powers in the Light Hemisphere! That will rouse Eternos in a way we have never seen! They will rally and they will destroy us! And most of all, they will destroy YOU! You honestly believe that Stephan and Johanna would just sit by when they hear their youngest brother killed their oldest! Ha! Oh, Keldor, how can you have learned so much, but still know so little?"

"Enough! Fine!"

Keldor stomped out of the room. Hordak watched him and found himself questioning Keldor's full motives here.

Snow swirled around Randor as he led the royal soldiers into the campsite near Kreyf. It was a little before dawn and the mass legion of soldiers from Eternos and North Eternos felt their hearts race a little bit more as they camp upon the campsite where so many of their comrades had been fighting harshly.

Immediately, Captain Dekker and Commander Duncan were there to greet Randor as soon as he entered the camp.

"Your highness, welcome!" Dekker shouted.

"Randor!" Duncan cried and strongly shook Randor's hand.

"Good to see you both. We will be attacking at nightfall. I've been in contact with Avion and Insectia. Both are committed four hundred soldiers and they will be here by noon. Do you think it will be enough?"

Dekker nodded. "Should be."

"Excellent. We have supplies. Make sure all of the men get some rest and a full meal. I want them to be fighting with eyes wide open and stomachs full of food, understood?"

Dekker smiled and patted Randor on the shoulder. "Yes, sire. I'll fetch Commander Stark and start to unload those Battle-Hawks."

The Captain of the Royal Guard walked off to do his duties, leaving Duncan and Randor alone.

"It's really good to see you again, Randor," Duncan said honestly.

"You too, old friend. In fact, I have a little something for you."

Duncan's eyebrow perked. "Oh?"

Randor pulled out an envelope. Duncan took it and opened it. Inside was a letter . . . and a lock of red hair.

"Teelana," Duncan whispered, fingers rubbing the red hair. Tears welled up in his eyes.

"She misses you, Duncan. I spoke to her before I left."

Duncan nodded, then hugged Randor firmly. Randor paused, then hugged back.

"You watch my back, right? You make sure I get back to her and my little baby."

"I will, Duncan. I swear on all my ancestors, I shall."

"I will bring you home, too, then. I won't make Marlena a widow."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate that."

With stunning speed, the day moved quickly. As promised, the Avions and Insectoids arrived at noon, eight hundred strong. As the sun began to set reach the point where the shadows were long, King Randor, King Stratos, General Buzz-Off, and Captain Dekker led the massive military force out of the camp and towards the edge of the large valley that separated them from the fortress at Kreyf.

"Looks like they were ready for this," Stratos observed.

"Indeed."

Despite being 1,600 soldiers, there was a feeling of being outnumbered as Horde Troopers marched and marched out of the huge black base. Gray clouds covered what was left the dusk sky. It would be a dark night - not a good one to be fighting a battle during. Randor gripped the hilt of his Honor Sword and strode to the very edge of the valley.

Clear across it, the Horde minion known as Prahvus took the same position.

"Evil Horde!" shouted King Randor. "By the authority invested in me by my forefathers and the people of Eternos, I hereby demand that you remove yourselves from this world! Depart and know peace! Remain and you shall know only death!"

Prahvus said nothing. Instead, a massive hologram appeared in the valley. Hordak, though transparent, his visage sent chills throughout the army assembled before Kreyf.

"Such bold words, King Randor. I offer this one last chance to surrender. Give your lands to me and you shall all be free to live!"

"Live as slaves, you mean!" yelled Stratos. "We will stand against you, Hordak. This is beginning of your downfall."

"We shall see. If you wish to fight and die, so be it."

The hologram vanished. Randor turned to the great army assembled behind him and he lifted his sword. With an amused smile, he said to his fellow leaders: "Like the guy said - so be it."

The cliff side emptied. Royal Soldiers went rushing down into the valley, lasers and swords ready. The Battle Tanks and Attack Jeeps jumped forward. Avions and Insectoids took to the skies. Battle-Hawks roared to life, launching above the Avions and Insectoids.

From the others, Horde Troopers went down into the valley, their numbers perhaps mightier than even this great assemblage of Light Hemisphere empires. Bats went sailing into the air, screaming and screeching. Bat-Mechs shot in behind them, weapons on-line and firing. Ilkorts came rushing along, throwing heavy objects nearby at their enemies.

The armies crashed together in a burst of violence and death.

In those first few moments of battle, no one side could be decided if they were winning or not. The collision of astounding strength resonated throughout the valley. In the sky, the forces of the air swirled and smashed.

Stratos made a low dive, issuing out a strafing run of rockets. Too low, however. A grappling hook came sailing up and wrapped around his leg. He was suddenly pulled down, crashing onto a part of the ground that was blessedly free of battle.

"Stratos of Avion!" came a shout.

"Oh no . . ."

"'I am Haramesh, leader of the Ilkorts!"

Haramesh's huge hand came smashing on the ground. Stratos luckily rolled away right in time. But his luck ran out as soon as he realized that Haramesh was holding the end of the grappling hook's rope. One strong tug of that and Stratos was now dangling in front of Haramesh like a worm on a fishing rod.

"You are mine now! When I'm done with you, I'm coming for your sky city next!"

Stratos shook his head. "No you're not."

The Avion pressed a pair of buttons on his wrists, sending a pair of small rockets barreling right into Haramesh. The small explosions rocked the Ilkorts backward, causing him to spill over and ultimately dropping Stratos. The Avion King untied the grappling hook and took the skies again, making sure that didn't happen again.

Buzz-Off criss-crossed with Stratos on his way to dealing with Batros. He delivered a mid-air kick to his back, sending Batros into a mild free-fall. But as Batros worked to recover, his sonic scream threw off Buzz-Off's equilibrium. He nearly dropped his axe, but was able to recover at the last moment. So, was, unfortunately, Batros, who rode right to Buzz-Off and tried to claw at his face.

The Insectoid dodged and ducked, trying to avoid those long claws of his. Batros shoved the axe into Batros' arm. Batros shouted and screamed, blood dripping from the wound. The Bat leader dropped off his attack and seemed to retreat to a much more hospitable location.

On the ground, Dekker rode the Spitbull forward, smashing into Horde Troopers all before him. Horde Troopers were demolished . . . until a beam of energy bashed right into the front of the Spitbull, turning it into slag. Dekker rolled off it and landed on his feet . . . only to face Prahvus.

Dekker immediately opened fire, but Prahvus merely shrugged the weapons energy blasts off like nothing. He threw a fist at Dekker, which nearly killed him. Dekker crumbled a little, but maintained himself. Dekker pulled out a dagger and tried to stab Prahvus, but Prahvus far too strong and his skin was too tough.

"You will die now," Prahvus growled and unleashed a blast of energy -

That never touched Dekker. Duncan deflected the blast with his shield. Prahvus grunted and made for Duncan - only to be blocked by King Randor now. The three of them stood up and faced Prahvus.

Each one drew a weapon and opened fire on Prahvus. While he could shrug off one laser blast, three he could not. Staggered and weakened, he was forced back into retreat.

"Well done, gentlemen," Dekker thanked.

"Save your praises," Randor returned. "We're not done yet. We still have - "

Before he could even finish that sentence, there was the howl again. The Three, the Shadow Weavers the Horde, came flowing out from the top of the tower. The swirled through the air, releasing a strong chill than what was already in the winter air. Their black, tattered robe bodies soared through the skyway battlefield and Randor, Dekker, and Duncan saw the immediate result.

The Avions and Insectoids in their way, bewitched by some spell, stopped fighting, fled, or simply fell to the ground. In the meantime, the Bats and the Bat-Mechs picked up their attack, launching into an even stronger offensive than before.

The Three dove down, hovering above the lines of Horde Troopers. As they did, the Horde Troopers picked up their attack and the battle became far more vicious for the Royal Soldiers. But the Three did not stop there.

They came right up to Randor, Dekker and Duncan. It was here, immediately before them, that Dekker and Duncan both fell due to the intense cold that the Three were giving off. Randor only stood there, emotionless, slack, Honor Sword dangling from the fingers of his right hand.

"Randor . . ." hissed and whispered the center Shadow Weaver. "Give up . . ." The air around Randor grew even colder and the middle of the Three raised his hand to Randor. "Give in . . . die . . . die . . die. . ."

Randor stood there unblinking as the Shadow Weaver floated even closer.

"Die . . . give up . . . die . . ."

The Honor Sword - passed down and reforged for generations - did nothing in Randor's loose fingers. The Shadow Weaver on got closer, mist forming around them both.

"Die . . . die . . . die . . ."

Randor nodded slowly, eyes empty. "No."

Before the Shadow Weaver could even react, the Honor Sword was stabbed right into its ghostly abdomen. A brief burst of smoke and light issued from all of the Three in that exact spot. The center Shadow Weaver pulled away from Randor.

They shrieked and screamed in agony as the wound burned within all three of them. He swung his sword at them again, but missed.

"That's no way to fight a war, Hordak!" shouted Randor. He then turned to his soldiers. "ONWARD! PRESS ONWARD AND KNOW NO FEAR! VICTORY SHALL BE OURS!"

The Royal Soldiers shouted out and rushed right into the Horde Troopers. The Avions and Insectoids gathered themselves up and struck at their assailants once more.

"I can not believe this," Hordak grumbled. "They've broken through the first line. Both Prahvus AND the Three have been hurt. Haramesh and Batros are out of the battle. We're losing this battle, Keldor. We're losing it badly."

Keldor looked up from a monitor across the room. "It gets worse, Hordak. We've lost all contact with the supply island in the Sea of Rakash."

"WHAT?"

"The sensors reported a squadron of ships flying near the surface of the water, but it was believed to be the Mer-People on a random patrol. It turns out it was a battalion of Battle-Hawks. They've obliterated the base."

Hordak turned back to the battle. Explosions were now echoing forth, raging against the fortress of Kreyf. He snarled and slammed his fist against the table.

"Order our withdrawal from Kreyf. Have Horde forces reposition themselves along the coast."

"But Hordak - why?"

"Because that's exactly what Randor expects us to do. And if . . . if we do what he expects to do, then he won't see what the next move will be."

"And just what is the next move?"

Hordak smiled. "It's a surprise."

As Battle-Hawks, Avions, and Bashing Beetles blasted the fortress of Kreyf into fireballs and debris, the Horde Troopers were providing cover fire for themselves, the Ilkorts, and the Bats. With the fortress roaring into destruction with massive explosion, Randor raised his Honor Sword and a sound of unequalled happiness and joy was issued from the soldiers of Avion, Insectia, and Eternos.

The siege of Kreyf was over. But the danger still lingered. As the Horde Troopers marched toward the coastline, all knew one true fact: despite the victory, the war was still not over.