Crimson Twilight: Dusk
Chapter 21: Hasty preparations
"Move faster!" Eliarainne shouted her orders atop Bristle. The sudden arrival of the orc tribes had plunged the city of Prontera into a state of panic. Civilians locked themselves in their homes. A few of the braver citizens watched as the army scrambled to get ready. The few eager ones who got in the way were faced with a glare from Knight Commander Sialsanderin. The First Knight Division quickly fell into well-ordered lines in front of the main south gate.
Sir Althamas, the division's second-in-command, saluted his commander. "Ma'am, First Knight Division ready for duty, ma'am!" He sounded off.
Eliarainne gave a curt nod. The First Knight Commander was an impressive sight to her men. An imposing bone helm rested on her head; its horns jutted from both sides, giving her the fearsome look of a horned demon. A pair of metal fins and a neck guard that extended from her breastplate modified to serve as a mouth protector hid almost all of her face. Her full plate gleamed in the late morning sun, revealing battle-tested elunium plates that promised protection against enemy axes or arrows. The armor was scratched in several places; marks that proved that it had done its duty before. More impressive were her shield and lance. The shield was strapped to her left forearm. Notches and scratches from countless battles did not detract from its hardness and efficiency nor did it lessen the beauty of the engraved two-headed eagle; the symbol of Prontera on its front. The lance was sharpened to a fine, wicked point. Its plain oridecon shaft shone brightly, as if boasting its power to easily punch through armor and flesh. Even Bristle, her pecopeco, wore a type of light chain barding. Sharpened oridecon tips were fitted on his claws and a metal horn was attached on his forehead.
One knight whispered to his friend beside him. "It looks like our war goddess is all set."
The other knight hushed his companion before staring nervously at his knight commander. No one wanted to annoy her with any sort of breach of discipline right now. Those who did were severely punished, sometimes personally, by being beaten up if their commander was in a particularly bad mood. "Keep talking and you'll be the first one she'll stick on that damn lance." He answered harshly.
The First Knight Division often referred to their commander as their "war goddess"; with good reason too. There has never been a situation when First Knight Commander Sialsanderin led them to a battle they could not win. Unlike some knight commanders who issued orders from desks or behind rows of guards, she was always at the front where she was usually the first one to break the enemy formation. She had, as the knights agreed on calling it, a military appeal. To those who had never seen her fight, she would look plain especially when compared to the radiance that surrounded Silmeia Cafilence like some sort of aura or the quiet and graceful beauty that was Seihanine Xalascent.
Most of the knights knew differently, though. Whenever they saw their knight commander fight, they had to fight the urge to watch in fascination. There was something in her lancing technique, her raw fighting power and the way she carried herself atop a charging pecopeco that somehow put her on equal footing with Silmeia and Seihanine. After witnessing her fight, they believed that anyone would never look at her as plain again. Riding victoriously from battle, with the pronteran army standard raised proudly and a fierce grin of satisfaction on her face, Dame Eliarainne Sialsanderin really did resemble a goddess of war and it was that appeal that attracted her knights to her like moths to a flame. Not that anyone was willing to get close enough to get burned. She was also violent with her men and no one, not even the veterans among them, was foolish enough to test her limits.
"First Knight Commander!"
The entire division of knights stared straight ahead of them, although out of the corner of their eyes they watched as a heavily-armored crusader walked towards their commander. Of all the soldiers of Prontera, only Light bearer Makaelthos Solcry was capable of dealing with their knight commander when it came to personal matters and they were glad for it. They were intrigued about it as well. Their war goddess seemed to trust him more than anyone else, other than Head Priestess Silmeia Cafilence who used to be her partner. He had a way to calm her down without ending up being carried away and he knew her behavior the most. In every way, Makaelthos Solcry was the perfect partner for the commander, although, the knights suspected a lot more than that.
Eliarainne turned to face her partner. He was accompanied by Khaesilya this time. The sohee bowed respectfully at her and stayed behind her master. "What is it, Lightbearer Solcry?" She asked.
Eliarainne and Makaelthos addressed each other by rank. Makaelthos was the First Knight Division's crusader specialist. During missions involving demons or the undead, he would advise the knight commander or even take over if necessary. Outside that situation, his task was to serve as the Church representative and to be the Knight Commander's healer. Eliarainne extended those duties, however. Makaelthos advised her against any opponent and she was usually better for it. They addressed each other formally at work. Although Eliarainne basically outranked Makaelthos, she always listened to what he had to say.
"The Grand Knight Commander has assigned this division to lead the spearhead against the expected initial orc attacks." Makaelthos reported. "We are to wait here until the Second Priest, Wizard and Hunter divisions arrive."
Eliarainne nodded and smiled underneath her mouth protector. She always took great pride in spearheading any attack. It was for their powerful lead charge that earned her division some of the highest honors in the army, including a commendation from Grand Knight Commander Quai Hune, and the King of Prontera himself, King Aelthorius I. "Silmeia and Seihanine's divisions, eh?" She commented. "What are the chances of Trenzein coming with the Second Wizard Division?"
Never one for small talk, Makaelthos gave a salute and removed his helm. "The orcs are facing the wrong direction. The wind will prove to be an advantage to our hunters. Keep your knights out of their archer's reach until the orcs are forced to move forward."
Eliarainne watched as the priests from Silmeia's division arrived. A few minutes later, the Second Wizard and Hunter Divisions lined up as well. Makaelthos hid a smile as Trenzein approached them. "I didn't know you were part of the Second Wizard Division, Generalist Zaisen." He told the wizard.
The wizard grinned and took off the tall, pointed hat he wore. Trenzein wore a magic instructor's hat with a casual carelessness that infuriated many of the lower-ranked wizards, who considered it an honor to wear one. "Just found out myself, Lightbearer Solcry. I heard about my transfer when I found out that the Second Hunter Division was assigned here."
Makaelthos nodded and turned his attention to Silmeia. That may or may not be true. Trenzein had a bad habit of ignoring army protocol to suit his whims. He seemed to instinctively know what Grand Wizard Commander Hakien Hyou would let pass or not. A generalist would useful anyway, in case the orcs had a surprise prepared. As for Silmeia, to his curiosity, the priestess was talking to the black-armored knight he had seen earlier. 'That Sir Agranias…there's something familiar about him.' He thought. Makaelthos approached the two slowly, his trained hearing immediately picked up bits of their conversation.
"Will you fight for Prontera, Sir Agranias?" Silmeia's voice was tinged with hope when she asked the question. She wanted the knight to say yes. Someone so strong could do so much for Prontera. Agranias, didn't look like he noticed the apprehension in her tone.
"I will fight by your side, priestess, to protect you of course." He answered.
Silmeia's eyes widened. "Protect…me?"
Agranias lowered his gaze. From behind them, Makaelthos realized that the dark-armored knight was oblivious to how his simple statement affected the priestess. Silmeia hated the idea of allowing someone to get hurt for her. Each time a soldier under the support of the Second Priest Division fell, she took it as her own fault. He stopped at a distance from them. 'Now won't be a good time to interrupt.'
Silmeia spoke once again. Makaelthos could sense the determination beneath her words. "Sir Agranias, I don't want you to-"
The dark-armored knight's fists clenched. "Please, priestess. I've already allowed-"
Agranias stopped. Whatever he was about to say, he decided against it. Silmeia guessed it though, her own hands clenched as she realized it. "You were there when Lystra was killed weren't you?" She asked the question but she already knew the answer.
Agranias turned away. "She died in front of me… I could never forget that expression on her face as she-" Agranias fell silent for a while before continuing. "It must be fate when I met you so near her grave…I can't allow the same fate to befall you!"
Silmeia's expression softened. She had been too forceful perhaps. She hadn't considered that Lystra's loss would mean much to Agranias as well. She tried to apologize. She knew what it was like to be always reminded of the loss. "Agranias, I-"
The knight's face grew determined. There was something in his black irises that hinted terrible regret. The feeling was so familiar that Silmeia had to look away. Every time she looked at those regretful, black irises, she was reminded of her own pain. It was often accompanied by the strange feeling that made her heart race.
"Let me guard you with my life, priestess." Agranias insisted. "It will not atone for past mistakes but I can't bear the thought of failing you both!"
Silmeia was taken aback. What did happen between Agranias and Lystra? What did her sister do to inspire such concern? Now was not the time to ponder on such matters, though. She noticed Makaelthos waiting behind Agranias. "I am grateful for your protection then, Sir Agranias." She replied. "But, please…take care of yourself."
The dark-armored knight smiled slightly before walking away to take care of his pecopeco. Makaelthos finally approached the priestess. "Everything alright, Second Head Priestess Cafilence?" He asked.
The radiant mustered a smile and a nod. "My division is ready, Lightbearer Solcry." She answered.
Makaelthos nodded as well turned to stare at Agranias. "You have a strange guardian. I heard that he defeated Gardzen in the arena without so much as taking a scratch."
Silmeia watched the black-armored knight with undisguised concern. "I saw him fight. Gardzen mentioned something to him before he struck back. I think it was something about me."
The crusader shifted his attention to the priestess. "I also heard that Gardzen challenged him to a duel because he was spreading rumors about you." He mentioned.
Silmeia's expression turned serious. "He was lying. Sir Agranias would never-"
Makaelthos looked at the priestess with concern. Silmeia believed in people much more than he did but it didn't seem her to make such an assumption about a man she had only known for a few days at most. "You sound so sure of a man who keeps so many secrets from you."
Silmeia lowered her gaze. As usual, Makaelthos was right; how could she be so sure? "A feeling I guess." She answered knowing that it wasn't the sort of answer to satisfy the light bearer. "Feelings" just didn't do it for Makaelthos.
Makaelthos watched as the Second Hunter Division arrived. This was Seihanine's division; Kreizen's as well as he accompanied them as their auxiliary blacksmith. Before going over to see how they were, he left Silmeia with some parting words. "Be careful, priestess. I may not be sure of his loyalty to Prontera but, somehow, I can be sure of his loyalty to you."
Khaesilya, trailing behind Makaelthos, watched as the priestess directed her division. 'Master Makaelthos?' The sohee's thoughts flowed towards Makaelthos.
'Yes, Khaesilya?' Makaelthos thought out his answer. He had gotten used to these mental conversations with the sohee. It was the perfect means to keep the discussion private and Khaesilya preferred over talking. She was never comfortable talking with other people or even just letting them overhear what she had to say.
'I sense a strange darkness in that knight. He hides more than just his past in those dark eyes of his.'
Makaelthos's eyes narrowed in thought. 'As much as I worry for Silmeia, we don't really have much of a say in these matters. She'll have to deal with him as she's the only one he seems to really respond to. If he means her harm, I will protect my friend, if he is a danger to this city then we will do as soldiers of Prontera do.'
The sohee agreed telepathically and spoke no more about the subject. The dark-armored knight worried her nonetheless. While her master cautioned her about probing into the surface thoughts of strangers for no apparent reason, she did peer into Agranias's mind. The resulting images and words rose in conflict with each other until they turned into a garbled mass of confusion. Images of killing and trampling helpless foes abounded in Agranias's mind but a new stream of thought, strong and unwavering was trying to cut through them. Khaesilya withdrew before she could see more. 'Evil by nature but not by choice, such a dangerous dichotomy you have, Sir Agranias.' She thought to herself.
Seihanine Xalascent tested her gakkung's string while her division manned the walls of the main south gate along with the First Hunter Division. Prontera's outer walls rose well over a hundred feet in height with ramparts able to accommodate several divisions of hunters like her. It would be her job to rain arrows on the invading orcs, focusing on their rear lines where the enemy archers would be. The wizards of Trenzein's division and the other wizard divisions had similar jobs but they were more suited on the ground and closer to the front lines. Since they were able to create powerful magical effects that affected large areas, they aimed their spells against massed front line troops of the enemy to create holes that the skirmishers could use. At the sight of the orcish invaders and their allies, her eyes narrowed as she remembered how the orcs burned the colony down. Orcville was hardly a colony. It was just some place her brother had been temporarily exiled to along with other trouble-makers. But seeing it burn wasn't something she was going to let pass. The place had been assigned her protection and the attack could have claimed her brother's life.
Kreizen Xalascent watched the preparations beside his younger sister. He was eager for battle; his two-handed axe was newly sharpened and tempered. He had several bags of gold zenny coins to use as boosts for his attacks. Once the attack began though, he would be far from her and close to the frontlines near the First Knight Division. While he was the Second Hunter Division's auxiliary blacksmith, he had no place along the walls. "Orc hero, it'll be payback time today for what you did to the colony!" He growled under his breath. He grinned as he saw Makaelthos walking towards them.
"I see you two are ready." Makaelthos started. By rights, he should be speaking with the Second Hunter Commander but he knew he could get a better assessment from Seihanine. "How about your division?"
Seihanine began inspecting her arrows, making sure that none of them were cracked or blunt. She had become used to Makaelthos's habit of inspecting every division that he was working with. He had an analytical mind, always considering options whenever they arrived. That was where she differed with him. Her thoughts on tactics extended only to the right sort of arrows to use against what foe and making sure she was in the right place to shoot without being closed in on. Coordinating with others didn't extend beyond shooting their enemies down. Makaelthos saw otherwise so she relied on his calls for such occasions when her tactics weren't enough. "Everyone's in position, Lightbearer Solcry. How long do you think before the orcs attack?"
Makaelthos thought for a while before answering. "If the orc leaders had their way, the attack would have started already. But force marching your troops causes fatigue. I think we have an hour or so."
Both Xalascents tensed. One more hour until their payback.
While the Prontera army readied itself, a bandaged figure stared at the orc tribes. From an unmanned portion of the southern walls. "That foolish orc hero…did he actually think that the Lord of Death would just hand him Prontera so easily?" Osiris spoke as he shook his head, already partly disgusted at the unnecessary slaughter that was soon to happen.
The doppelganger stared questioningly at Osiris. "Why did the Lord of Death allow the orc tribes to surround the city?" He asked.
Osiris' eyes gleamed from his hood. "There can only be two reasons, doppelganger." He answered. "The Lord of Death surrounds Prontera to keep his army ready to invade as well as to keep a look out on us immortals inside. With the orc tribes doing that for him, he can concentrate on slaying other immortals."
The doppelganger nodded in agreement. "What's the other reason?" He asked.
Osiris' fists shook. "The other reason will be our reason to be the ones to slay the orc leaders! Ready yourself, doppelganger! As soon as the tribes falter, we will take the orc hero's head!"
The doppelganger grinned and rubbed his hands together. "You got it, Osiris! Or should I say, Seiros?"
Osiris ignored the last comment and turned to face the city.
'What about you, Moonlight? How will you take to this situation?' He wondered.
The orc hero snarled as he watched the walls of Prontera slowly bristle with hunters. He had hoped that his tribes could break down the gates without going through a hail of arrows.
"Relax, hero. Our warriors can overwhelm whatever defense Prontera can offer!" The short but brawny figure of the Orc Lord stood behind the Orc Hero. With him were the ferocious looking Werewolf and the strange looking Panzer goblin.
"Do not underestimate the humans, Lord. I have seen how the best of them can fight." The Orc Hero answered.
The Orc Lord snorted. "Not all humans are like that blacksmith you fought in the colony, Hero."
The Orc Hero watched as his warriors regained their strength. "We shall see. Our warriors are ready! Sound the horns, we march for Prontera!" He roared.
Within the city, Eliarainne Sialsanderin tightened her grip on her lance.
"It's already begun! Move out, we'll engage them outside the gates!"
The horns of war sounded inside the city. Immediately, the civilians locked themselves inside their homes. A grim determination spread among the knights as they marched outside the city. The orc tribes began to mass at several hundred feet from the city.
'Several hundred…a mounted knight can cross that in a few seconds. An arrow could do it even faster.' Eliarainne took a good look at her enemies. A vicious look was on the face of every high orc that stood up from. Her gaze fell upon the daunting figures of the enemy leaders.
Makaelthos stood beside his partner. "The immortals are ones holding their armies together. Nonetheless, focus on beating back their troops first, knight commander. Force them to regroup so we can buy more time."
Eliarainne nodded absently. Her attention was focused on the orc hero as the immortal raised a hand.
'Here it comes.'
The hand came down. In that instant, a roar issued from the throat of every orc warrior. The orcs charged; their axes glinting in the noon sun. Eliarainne yelled back and raised her lance. In response, the knights lowered their weapons. Lances ready to kill upon impact, the First Knight Division stood ready to receive the enemy.
"Arrows, ready!"
Seihanine raised her gakkung and fired. The lone arrow was immediately joined by hundreds of others. Simultaneously, a flock of falcons descended upon the battlefield like a cloud of claws and feathers.
Silmeia directed her division's supportive spells. Further behind her, Trenzein's unit unleashed their first barrage of icy death. The priestess whispered a swift prayer as the orcs collided with Eliarainne's unit.
"God help us…it's begun."
World notes
Auxiliary Blacksmiths – Every division has at least one blacksmith among them called an auxiliary blacksmith. An auxiliary blacksmith is responsible for the crafting and maintenance of his/her division's arms, armor and ammunition. Besides being auxiliaries, small groups of blacksmiths form for the creation of siege engines and structures.