Chapter 4: Lets get it started in here
It was only an hour before midday when the giants were spotted on the move to Thurgadin. Berit put out a call for everyone to get up and get ready. All guild members donned their armor and grabbed their weapons before meeting at the waterfall entrance to Thurgadin. The snow entrance was crowded with fighters and casters spread out down the river that flowed from the entrance. Each one had on them a single badge or marking with the name Ring of Destiny on it. Ckorik and the other officers finally stepped out and began giving instructions.
"Ok folks move into the groups we assigned you to last night," ordered Ckorik.
Arclight joined Velocia, Stickyfingas, Tinkwell, Speedi, and Loyosh. The first part of the plan was to place everyone in groups of six and move them to strategic areas to guard the entrance. Ckorik, Berit, and Daye would be at the top of the waterfall to over see the battle with Chielings and Voltamor acting as forward scout.
"The giants are forming several lines in front of the shardwurm caves," reported Chielings. "They're getting ready to attack."
Once again Sheahay called upon the called upon the spirit of nature to give everyone an easier time traveling over the snow. Arclight heard the cry of an eagle as he suddenly hovered off the grounds. Toein and the other shaman's followed calling upon the spirits of the earth as well to aid the Ring. Arclight felt all his concerns and worries banished as spirits entered him giving him the power to focus on the task at hand. Magic weaved out of Wickedbrat strengthening the minds of the spell casters and adding her magic to their own. Berit and the other clerics called forth a divine blessing that surrounded everyone in a gold aura protecting them from harm. The paladins and Arclight added their own blessing as well strengthening the protection. Uudy and Yaman summoned a translucent shield of fire around everyone to protect them further. The valley was filled flashes and explosions of raw magical power. The dwarven defenders that had joined them shielded their eyes from the brilliance and the giants paused as they took measure this new obstacle in their path.
As everyone's vision cleared and the magic roared within everyone's bodies Berit called out, "Alright everyone move into position, Maecbeth and Arclight I want you paladins and your groups to stay near to the entrance incase of emergency or if we need to add support to one section of the lines. Everyone else move up."
As everyone formed the defensive line Ckorik telepathically called out Remember not to get to spread out. We can't afford multiple giants to slip through the lines
The giants are advancing but only a few of them, looks like just their infantry, reported Chielings.
"Their nervous," Ckorik told Berit. "They weren't expecting us here and they want test us to see how much of a threat we are."
Remember the plan folks, get ready. We've got incoming, ordered Berit. A line of frost giants marched into view. As the frost giants neared they broke into a run, charging the Ring's defensive line. The Ring's ranger and druid forces began to call on their magic to stop them. Icy vines and roots began ripped from the snow snaring and stopping many of the giants. As the frost giants struggled against their shackles, fire and lightning bombarded them from the Ring's spell casters as well as a hail of arrows from the Ring's archers. Those few giants that were able to break their shackles and escape the slaughter were cut down by the Ring's fighters the moment they reached the guild. When the fighting was done the ring stood untouched and the field was littered with dead giants.
"First round goes to us," said Arclight.
"It's the last round that counts Arc," reminded Maecbeth.
Reform and get ready for the next attack ordered Ckorik. Everyone reassumed their positions in the defensive line.
That's odd, observed Chielings. A large part of the giant forces seems to be withdrawing.
I don't buy that they are giving up this soon stated Berit.
Watch it folks, they're gonna try something sneaky, ordered Aenau.
I see them! Voltamor called out. They are trying to use the hills to slip around the lines to the east!
Strengthen the east line! ordered Berit. Get over there folks, that's an ambush we don't need. The defensive line moved to intercept the frost giants sneak attack. It was little trickier fighting among the hills but since must of the Ring's spell casters could still get a clear shot, the Ring was able to hold off the giants advance. Unfortunately that was not the only sneak attack the frost giants were making.
We have a problem folks! Several frost giants used the caves to sneak up on our west side where our lines are now thin, reported Chielings.
Here they come! said Bloodwolfe. The west line is holding but too many giants are slipping through!
East line can't give any support we're still hard pressed in the hills! reported Arnwolf.
"They are trying to take advantage of their numbers and hit us at both sides," observed Ckorik.
Maec take your group and move up. Kill any giants that slip past the lines, Berit ordered.
I don't think Maecbeth's group can do it alone, too many slipped through! Bloodwolfe objected.
I can't send Arclight's group in as well. I need one group to stay and guard if east line gets a few runners. Maec go kill and injure as many giants as you can. Arclight have your group mop up what's left over, instructed Berit.
"Come on Maec its not like we planned on living for every anyway," laughed Nusbak as he started towards the west line.
"Damn it all!" cursed Arclight. "Hey Maec!" Arclight threw the dwarf knight a final salute with his lance. Maecbeth returned the salute and continued toward the west line. "Velocia, Tinkwell, burn down anything that comes through that line!" instructed Arclight.
"Count on it Arc," Tinkwell replied. After a few minutes of waiting several Frost giants came into view. They looked battered and bloody but they were still continuing forward.
"Kill em," said Arclight as fire began to pour from Tinkwell's hand. Velocia and Loyosh began to work their own spells and the giants began dropping from disease and pestilence. Those that survived the deadly spells were cut down by Stickyfingas and Arclight before they could do any harm.
"I don't sense any more of them. I think we got them all," Speedi reported.
Ok folks the giants are pulling the survivors back and reforming for another strike. Bloodwolfe pull your group back to entrance to heal and restore. Arclight move your group to take Bloodwolfe's place. Victorine take over heals for Aenau's group. Aen see if you can find what's left of Maec's group and restore them, Ckorik ordered. Arclight's group complied taking up a position on the west defensive line. There they waited for the giants next attack.
Here comes the next wave…it's a hell of a lot larger then the previous ones they aren't holding back much this time. They mean business, reported Voltamor.
"Here they come guys get ready!" shouted Arclight. Arclight and the fighters from the west line slammed into the advancing giants. The fighters tried to buy the shamans and enchanters what time they could to weaken the approaching army. Once that was done the other spell casters used their offensive magic to cause havoc among the frost giants ranks. But more giants kept coming.
They're hitting the west side pretty heavy! At this rate a few are bound to slip through! Vdaan telepathically shouted.
East line has almost finished with the frost giants that attacked there. Both lines pull back to where Chielings is standing by the river and counter attack there. ordered Berit.
Ilyeana sent in the wolf pack she and Victorine had called to distract the frost giants. The angry wolves pounced on the advancing giants giving the west line some extra time. Arclight jerked his lance out of a frost giants gut and turned to fall back when he saw a giant standing over Speedi and Loyosh's bodies. Enraged Arclight slashed at the giant scoring a hit but the frost giant swung his club back at Arclight staggering him. As Arclight shook off the effects of giants attack, the frost giant burst into flame from one of Velocia's spells. Just then a sword slash to his back knocked Arclight off his feet. Fighting viciously to stand again and fight Arclight looked up in time to a frost giant's velium sword descend and Arclight's world went dark.
Someone called out to Arclight across the darkness, allowing him to return to a body racked with pain and agony. Forcing his eyes open despite his misery he saw Aenau standing by him. Struggling, he attempted to stand as he noticed heavy snow and wind had begun since he had fallen.
"Easy Arclight you haven't recovered yet from the spell I cast to resurrect you," Aenau pointed out as she helped Arclight stand. Half choking and half gagging Arclight spat a bloody gob into the white snow.
"Oh man I feel as bad as that time we were all getting drunk in the bazaar arena. Was the last time I ever let Meiera choose what type of drinks to pass around." Moaned Arclight. Then Arclight saw the corpses of his group around him.
"Don't worry Arc I'll have them restored in a moment. I was able to slip passed the giants line and find your group. When I left it was a stalemate both sides were evenly matched. " Aenau spoke as her weapon began to glow. As Arclight shook his head to clear it he saw a frost giant had caught sight of them despite snowstorm and was heading for them. Calling on one of the few magic's he had left, Arclight healed himself completely and snatched up his lance from the snow.
"Get the others healed up and out of here Aen I'll play tag with this one," snarled Arclight.
"Careful Arc after that last beating you took, you're not at your best," replied Aenau as she continued to work her spells. Arclight was not as good with his bow as he was with his lance but a few shots were enough to get the frost giant's attention. Using his innate speed Arclight continued to let the giant chase him, firing arrows when ever he could. As the giant finally caught up to him, Arclight threw his bow aside and pulled his lance from the back draw on his pack.
Still exhausted from the strain of Aenau's spell, Arclight could barely defend himself against the giants attacks. The knight was able to score a few hits with his lance but was slowly being beaten down by giant's massive fists. Finally one of the giant's punches knocked Arclight off his feet. Unable to get to his feet, he could only watch the frost giant walked over to finish him. As the giant raised his fist a healing glow filled Arclight allowing him to seize his lance. The frost giant's fist met the tip of Arclight's lance driving its blade deep into the giant's hand. Ripping his lance out Arclight slashed at the frost giant's right leg causing the giant to fall on the blood stained ice. Squinting through the falling snow Arclight saw Aenau standing a few paces away.
"You were supposed to get the others to safety Aen." Arclight said smiling.
"I told them to get to Berit to be healed. They should be able slip past the battle. I had to go chase 'The Lost Pally' down through a blizzard," Aenau replied sarcastically as she raised her glowing hands. A massive force bolt ripped out of her hands, streaking by Arclight head and slamming into the bloodied giant behind the knight. After healing Arclight's wounds, the knight and the dark cleric made their way through the blizzard back to the battle.
As they neared the fight Aenau noticed a small group of frost giants moving toward the battle and cursed when she recognized them. "Priests of Zek! They'll blast our line with their spells while they stay a safe distance. If we don't do something they'll devastate the Ring with their spells! Hurry Arc we need to get our casters here FAST to counter them." Aenau turned and ran back towards the lines. Instead of running Arclight began to fire force bolts at the giants. "Arc what are you doing!" Aenau demanded as the giants began to weave their own magic.
"Just getting their attention. Hurry get the spell casters!" Arclight called back. The ground where Arclight was standing suddenly erupted into an explosion of fire and ice consuming him.
"ARCLIGHT!" Aenau shouted out as she ran toward the explosion trying to shield her eyes from the shrapnel. Arclight stepped out of the raging fire unharmed and glowing with a blue light.
"Forget that a paladin may make himself untouchable by magic for a time Aen? Though I truly appreciate the concern," Arclight explained grinning.
"Crazy Knight!" Aenau swore as seized Arc's arm and dragged him away from the approaching giants.
Aen, get them close to the line our casters are ready. instructed Ckorik.
Do me a favor hun, have them nuke the nutty pally while they are at it. Aenau sarcastically replied.
"Some days Aen your humor really escapes me you know that?" Arclight asked. Both Arclight and Aenau dropped to the snow as a barrage of magic shot out from the Ring's spell casters. Flying right over Aen and Arc's head, the destructive magic decimated the giant spell casters. Picking themselves off the snow the cleric and the paladin rejoined their groups as the Ring started to beat back the frost giant army.
Narandi is coming with his personal guards guys, warned Voltamor.
If we can kill Narandi I bet you a k in platinum the giant army will flee, said Aenau.
Rangers break off from the main fight and distract Narandi's body guards. Wizards and Mages break off from the main fight and join Berit and I on the hill at the entrance. Janlail have your group accompany the casters, ordered Ckorik. Hey Arclight you up for playing the bait one last time?
Sure CK what did you have in mind? replied Arclight.
Once the ranger's have gotten rid of his body guards get Narandi's attention and bring him around the battle behind our lines. Once you've done that, BRING THAT SON OF BITCH TO ME! ordered Ckorik.
Heh its as good as done, said Arclight. Just as in the beginning of the war, roots and vines tore forth from the snow ensnaring and entangling Narandi's body guards. As Narandi the Wretched turned to aid his companions against the rangers, a force bolt struck him.
Turning he saw a single paladin with a lance in one hand and a middle finger extended in the other. Roaring in rage at the audacity of the knight, Narandi charged towards him. Casually firing another force bolt, the knight turned and ran with the frost giant close behind him. Weaving around the battle the knight let the giant chase him till he suddenly turned around and faced the giant. Enraged beyond words Narandi stomped up to the knight and drew a velium lance as long as the giant was tall. Bringing the lance back Narandi swung the massive velium lance downward attempting to squash Arclight like a fly. The lance rebounded off of a golden aura that suddenly surrounded Arclight making him invulnerable. Looking past the knight, Narandi saw a line of spell casters on the hill that was the entrance to Thurgadin. Each of those spell casters were in the process of casting spells aimed at him.
Arclight saw the giant's sudden look of panic and only had time to snicker, "Heh dumb ass." A second later Arclight and Narandi disappeared under a sea of fire and lightning. Force bolts and magic blades were hurled into raging mana storm. Arclight quickly ran through the explosions escaping the magic calamity before his own protection spell wore off.
When the snow settled and air cleared, Arclight and Janlail's group peered over the newly formed crater at Thurgadin's entrance. Narandi's skin and armor had been burned black from the spells cast at him but still the giant moved. As he began to run back toward what was left of his army, Moorg the shadow knight troll tackled him. Struggling to throw of the heavy troll, Narandi suddenly screamed and writhed in agony at Moorg's dark magic touch. Janlail jumped Narandi as well dragging the giant to the ground. Vixenne began using her daggers to carve up Narandi's legs to keep him from standing. Narandi grabbed Moorg by the throat and started to squeeze, but Arclight ran over and slashed the giant's wrist freeing Moorg. Finally Vdaan got a clean shot and struck off Narandi's head.
Exhausted and battered the fighters looked up to see the last of the frost giant army break and flee the battle. The war was over, and the Ring of Destiny stood tall as the victor.