Not So Easily Broken

It was nearly impossible to see as I held my hand over my eyes to block out the winds. The storm had only grown more intense during my long march, so much so that I had long lost sight of my pursuers. Instead, my vision was assaulted by a blanket of white that covered everything before me, even the dead trunks of the trees had shifted to a sickly pale color, as though wrapped in a frozen cocoon. The roaring winds drowned out anything that wasn't its own incessant howling, even the clanking of my armor fell silent.

The wind even disrupted the snow itself, sending its assaults sidelong rather than from above. Even the simple act of balancing was proving a challenge, as my body constantly shifted to the left, as though being pulled by the hand of the devil. My arms ached, my legs somehow felt on fire and completely absent all at once, and my whole body shivered with an intensity that frightened me. The only thing keeping me going was the knowledge that somewhere out there, Blackstone was still following me. Worse still was that I couldn't see or hear them, but I knew they were there, they had to be.

Focus, I told myself, I needed to focus. I knew the best thing to do was to find shelter, and ride out this storm before pressing on. Unfortunately, that wasn't an option now, I was mostly unfamiliar with the land around me, only having two treks to the fort to call upon for reference, both of which were using different paths. I knew I was running blind into the grey, changing my destination would do nothing to resolve that. Staying put was a death sentence, for I had no insight into how long this blizzard would remain, be it mere minutes, or agonizing hours. Freezing to death was an all too possible, and terrifying possibility. And as I said, Blackstone was still out here, potentially lurking and hunting me even as I tried to push on. Building a small cave of my own would take far too long, and was much too perilous with them on the prowl.

I had to keep going, ill advised as I knew that was. My sight was much too limited to keep proper track of my progress, or to ensure I had not doubled back by mistake. However, the task was not impossible. Every few minutes the haze would clear ever so slightly, the land becoming visible with the wind slowing enough for me to hasten my steps. These windows lasted only briefly, but they were enough for me to keep my bearings and not lose my way. One such window came now, quickly fading tracks coming to my attention almost immediately.

The tracks were not mine, they were much too large for that. My first thought was one of the rangers, but a closer glance led me to see how deep these steps were, even as they faded away. A Ranger would never step so intensely, and risk leaving hints of their travel. Had Cross somehow passed me in the storm and not noticed? No, that couldn't be right, Cross had been traveling with his own team of soldiers, these tracks were solitary. These had to belong to someone else. Still, these could not belong to any ally of mine, and they were traveling ever forward, along the same path I was advancing down. I prayed our paths did not cross.

Again the storm intensified, blocking out any forward vision. The torrential winds once more began to sting my eyes, forcing me to bring my hand just over them. Onward I marched, shifting through the deep snow in awkward dragging motions more than actual steps. In truth, it was more akin to trudging through a long frozen bog than it was a well treaded path. Even my head was beginning to ache from the intensity of these conditions. I worried just how detrimental that would soon become, how long before navigation became impossible? Before forwards and backwards lost any meaning? Before blind stumbling was progress enough for a delirious mind? I had to reach my destination before I deteriorated that far.

Step by step I went as minute after minute passed with no change in my surroundings. Even the passing trees seemed completely similar, when I was even able to perceive them. I thanked God that my armor had so many layers, the layers of gambeson and chain keeping the worst of the cold off my body, the thin layers of plate, unfortunately, did little. My fingers felt as though hundreds of insects were biting and clawing, tearing at their flesh. I longed for it to stop, yet at the same time, I feared the loss of that pain. Without it, I knew they would be lost, too far gone to save. A cruel dilemma, make no mistake.

I don't know how much time had passed before the weather cleared again, but what I saw when it did rendered the situation even more dire. As the mist receded, I came to notice a figure standing by one of the trees and holding his head down, not far from me. The figure was massive, looking almost like it was made of pure stone and metal. Snow clung to its armor like moss, thick layers practically masking it from sight. In its hands was a frightening looking poleaxe, also caked in white powder. A Lawbringer had managed to break away from the rest of the Blackstone Legion, and I was directly in his sight.

Before I could urge my aching bones to move, the Lawbringer lifted his head to gain his bearings, and set his sights on me. The very weight in the air seemed to shift, growing heavier as the Lawbringer slowly stood up straight, menacingly shifting his weapon to hold it with both hands. I could hear faint traces of speech, but the distance and the weather prevented me from hearing it properly. This was not Cross, I could tell by the silhouette. Still, a Lawbringer of any kind would have me at a disadvantage, their weapon had far greater reach than mine, and their armor was thicker, more durable. My sword, save for a perfect strike, would be unable to pierce it with a slashing blow. I wasn't even sure how reliable a stab would be, my arms ached to even hold my sword in this state.

Still, I knew running wasn't an option, not now. Those same aches radiated in my legs as well. Even if they hadn't been, running headlong and blind into an enigma was more of a death sentence than any duel could ever be. And so, with a deep breath, I lifted my sword, resolute in my choice to fight. All sound seemed to drain from my surroundings as the Lawbringer took a slow step forward, then shifted into a full out sprint. Snow flew in all directions as he charged, his weapon held at his side. The speed of his charge startled me, and I took a tentative step back, a move that likely saved my life.

Just as fast as he'd charged, he'd closed the distance and thrust his weapon forward. I was only just able to bat away the tip of his weapon, only for my adversary to swing the pommel of his weapon towards my face. I was forced to take another step back as I raised my sword, catching the poleaxe's shaft just in time to prevent its blow. A mighty shove came next as the Lawbringer used his large frame, then swung again with his weapon. I raised my sword again to block, but felt my arms give slightly as our blades collided. My feet slid on the frozen earth, throwing off my balance as he thrust forward again.

Shouting in alarm I threw my sword up, only just connecting with the poleaxe and sending it skyward. Stumbling back, I tried to regain my balance, clutching my sword as tightly as I scrambled not to fall. Planting my feet firmly, I brought myself to a halt as I shook my head, shakily bringing my weapon back to ready as the Lawbringer rested his weapon comfortably in his hands. I knew Lawbringers were paragons of strength, but this man had gone beyond that. Somehow, the man had swung as though he'd wound up before attacking, rather than striking from a ready position. Just what sheer power was this man hiding?

Taking a closer look, I realized that I recognized this Lawbringer. His helm carried five slits on either side, with both pauldrons likewise adorned by five steel studs. This wasn't just any Lawbringer, this man was none other than Belial. I didn't understand, how had he pressed so far beyond his fellows? I couldn't even remember seeing him at the initial battle, had he charged beyond his allies? If he had, was it possible that they already knew about the fortress? No, there was no way for them to know, was there?

I scarcely had a chance to worry about such things, for Belial went on the offensive once more. His first strike came quickly from his left side, giving me no time to dodge and forcing me to block. The force again pushed me back, and Belial stepped in tandem to swing again from his right. The attack was slower than the first, allowing me to regain my footing and parry the blow, redirecting the attack over my head. His side was now open to me, and I brought down my blade in a half sworded strike. I had expected the attack to catch him off guard, connect, and force him back. But I instead found my stomach leaping into my throat as he adjusted his weapon in a near instantaneous shift, blocking my strike in its tracks.

Belial simply held me there for a time in the bind, despite my trembling and burning arms pushing with all their might against him. Despite my efforts, he was able to easily cast me aside with a powerful shove, sending me stumbling back once again. This time, however, he launched the shaft of his weapon forward, slamming it into my chest. The wind left my lungs as I fell back, nearly falling over completely as I tried to catch myself. My enemy was quick to take this opening, as he swung his weapon at my side, a swing I could neither block nor avoid. The strike slammed into my side, the same side that had been assaulted by the Conqueror earlier, sending fresh waves of fire flaring through my whole body as I cried out in pain. My armor, thank God, held against the blow, but the force of the hit was enough to shatter my already fragile balance, sending me to the ground.

Even as I fell, my mind erupted with thoughts. I knew that as soon as I landed, Belial would try to finish me off with a stab from his weapon. If I was to survive, I couldn't lie dormant for even a second. So even as I collided with the ground, and felt the hilt of my weapon jam painfully into my side, I forced myself to roll. Surely as I had thought, I just saw the point of the weapon jam into the earth, directly where I had initially landed. I rolled for a moment longer before I pressed my hands along the ground, still clutching my sword as tightly as I could manage. My legs shook as I forced myself to stand, gritting my teeth as every inch of me seemed to burn or ache.

I tried to raise my sword to ready once more, but was instead forced to cover my eyes as a fresh wave of freezing cold air rammed into me, a sheet of white blocking any sight of my opponent. I had scarcely realized that the storm had started back up again, let alone seen where Belial had gone in the midst of it. I groaned a bit as the wind seemed to pick up, nearly forcing me back to my knees with its strength. I knew I couldn't keep up this fight, I could barely stand against this storm, let alone the onslaught that was Belial. Every part of me hurt in some fashion, and I was exhausted. I knew that the same had to be true of my adversary.

"Belial!" I called out into the nothing before me, drudging through the thick powder and frozen earth. "We can't keep this up! This storm will kill us! We must cease our aggressions!" I yelled, turning every way I could to try and find him. Not even a shape was visible to me, and a sudden gust of wind nearly threw me back to the ground. I only just managed to catch myself against a nearby tree, leaning into it as I grit my teeth and groaned against the biting pain in my hands and chest. Even the bark was somehow cold to the touch, just what was this storm?

Trying to block out these thoughts, I lifted my head and listened for any indication that Belial had heard me. For a time, only the howling of the tempest was my companion, punctuated by my heavy breaths. Slowly, I came to realize another sound, a much more sinister sound. Ever so faintly, I could make out the hints of clanking armor, and what I can only describe as a deep, guttural growl that was more akin to a beast than a man. Looking to my right, I could see the faint outlines of a man, whom I was sure was Belial. The shape shifted as it wound back with weapon in hand, preparing for a monstrous swing.

Panic flooded my mind as I yelled out and ducked just in time, hearing a deep and resounding thunk above my head. Backing away and drawing my sword, I could just see the head of the axe, embedded several inches into the cold wood. Belial glared at me as he yanked his weapon free, stepping steadily and easily through the snow and winds, even as I was forced to drag my feet. It was as if the storm had no effect on him…

"You will be rewarded as a traitor deserves…" He growled menacingly, his fingers tightening around his weapon. I tried to force my own grip to tighten, but my hands seemed incapable of reacting. My entire body was shaking now, and I couldn't be certain that the cold was the only culprit. I still didn't understand why he was so offended by my walking away, Stone had even confirmed he'd only joined after I'd left. Was he some sort of zealot? Some obsessive devotee of Apollyon? Focus, I told myself, I needed to focus, I was tired, and at a severe disadvantage, I had to focus if I was to live…

No sooner than I'd thrown out my questions did Belial begin his assault. Before I'd even had a chance to process what had happened, an overhead swing was caressing towards me. A sloppy leap to the right was enough to keep me from being struck, but Belial was quick to adjust. It was a thrust that pierced my guard, plunging towards my gut. The weapon pierced the chain, and was only just caught by the gambeson. Even with the blade stopped, the momentum from the attack was enough for Belial to gain just enough of a foothold to begin charging, carrying me with him.

My heart was racing as I was forced to back pedal with my aggressor, his stride far outpacing my own. I racked my brain for any idea to break free of this attack, but I could think of nothing as my breath grew even more haggard. After what felt like far too many steps, I felt my back slam into one of the trees, but worse, felt the cold steel pierce into my flesh, tearing into me I yelled out. In a desperate attempt to escape I thrust my weapon forward, only for Belial to dodge it, pulling away his own weapon as he did. The fire in me roared as my gut erupted in agony, but even still, I knew I couldn't surrender. I had to survive… I had to survive…

From my stab I drove my sword up, a move I don't think Belial expected, for he backed away without attempting to block it. My follow up was a slashing move to the left, an easy to see, easy to avoid strike. Belial dodged to avoid the move easily, but then moved to shove me again, leaving himself wide open. Quickly adjusting my hands, I carefully grabbed the blade as I half sworded once more, then swung with all my might, the handle of my blade slamming hard against Belial's helm, the loud metal thunk actually drowning out the sound of the storm, even if only for a moment.

Belial let out a startled yell of pain as he now stumbled, grasping at his head as he keeled over slightly. I knew I should press this advantage, but the pain flaring in midsection had grown unbearable, and I was forced to take a step back, instinctively reaching towards my stab wound. Even without inspecting it, I had expected to pull my hand back wet, and surely enough, there was a wet and warm sensation when I covered the wound. I was practically wheezing at this point, and even with my balance I was beginning to stumble as my head felt lighter and lighter. Just how grevious was this wound? Was it to blame for this sudden onset of exhaustion, or was I finally running out of what little energy I had remaining?

Pulling my hand away from the wound and observing it, I could see the entirety of my palm was covered with the viscous fluid, the suffocating darkness revealing it as nothing more than an imposing dark mass on my hand. Everything hurt so badly, I could scarcely even stand, my vision was blurring with what I could only assume, and prayed, were tears. I was so exhausted…

"Not bad, Warden… not bad…" Beliel hissed, breaking me free of my thoughts. Looking back up towards him, I forced my hands back to the handle of my weapon, the hilt becoming slick with my own blood as I swayed weakly from side to side. Belial showed no such sign of strain, pulling his hand slowly from his head and taking his weapon in both hands, just barely visible in the crawling dark and raging winds. I found myself coughing once as I nearly fell over, but held as steady as I could. Belial seemed to realize my state, and I swear I could hear him scoff.

"Let's end this." He said before launching into another set of attacks. He was quick, too quick, as he swung to my left. I raised my sword but was practically dragged along with his weapon as I yelled in alarm, before he slammed the pommel of his weapon into the side of my head. Everything went white for a brief second as I felt a tearing pain in my head, but I was never even given a chance to yell, for Belial had brought the weapon back down, this time slashing across my torso. My armor managed to hold true, but I was too weak to hold strong, stumbling as I was taken to my hands and knees, coughing several times as I practically crawled back up using the trees as support.

My vision was still blurry when I managed to get back on my feet, and I tried shaking my head as I turned back towards Belial, just in time to see another attack. Ducking behind the tree, I was able to just avoid the strike, feeling the air rush by as I heard the axe imbed itself into the tree, felt bits of chipped wood smack into my gauntlet… I hoped my armor was the reason I couldn't feel it. With a grunt I pushed off the tree and lunged at my opponent with a stab, only for it to be batted away. Again I felt the pommel of the poleaxe slam into the side of my head, and the world began spinning.

My head was pounding as I backed away and reached to hold it, all sounds replaced by a ringing that I could not discern. I could only just look up in time to see Belial winding up for a big swing, putting all of his weight behind it. It almost seemed like there were two of him, each ebbing and flowing into each other before separating once again. I should have kept fighting, I should have held strong, but I was just so tired… I was barely able to lift my sword in a feeble attempt to block the attack. It wasn't until the blade connected just below my chest that I realized I had blocked the wrong one.

Belial's strike knocked me off of my feet, and sent me flying through the air for several feet, before crashing into the ground below, and rolling for several feet after as my breath once again fled my body. I didn't try to fight the momentum, I didn't have the strength to anymore. At least not until I felt myself sliding, abs realized that I was beginning to fall down one of the massive hills. I groaned as I reached out for anything to grab onto desperately clawing at the snow, only for it to form useless clumps in my hands. I tried standing, but my foot caught a patch of ice below the layers of powder, sending me tumbling as I screamed and fell back.

Flash after flash of agony pulsed through me as I slammed into the hillside countless times, banging my head, shoulder, back. What little breath I had left abandoned me as I fell on something hard, jabbing hard into my back before crashing at the bottom of the hill, face down as snow melted inside my helmet and stung my eyes. Everything was pain, and I could just make out the metallic taste of blood on my lips, mixed with the saltiness of what I knew now were tears. I was just so tired, and felt my eyelids grow heavy…

I'm not sure how long it was before I realized what was happening around me again. Even now the storm persisted, with the darkness blocking out what little the blizzard allowed me to see. Belial was nowhere to be seen, and yet I was still alive? Why had he spared me? My realization came when my mind flashed back to Deborah's story, had Belial done the same to me? Decided that a slow, painful death was the better path? If I'd had the breath, I might have cursed his name, but I could say a word, my very speech had been stolen from me. Only a feeble cough gave any indication of life in me, blind and alone as I was. My head was still ringing, would this be the last sound I'd ever hear perhaps? Yes… I suppose so… I was going to die here. I suspect there was no running from that now. I'd never thought I'd be afraid of death, but as I laid there, the reality of what had happened settled in, I felt a deep sorrow well up in me. Before I'd realized, I'd begun drifting to those I'd come to care for…

I'd tried so hard to bring back the Iron Legion, restore the good name we knights had once been proud of. I'd failed, and now Herongale would be forced to pay for the magnitude of my mistakes. Stone… my best friend… was he still out there? Alive? Well? If God was as good as I knew He was, I hoped that he at least would make it through this. Maybe the Iron Legion could last with him at the helm. I was too weak, not ready… just as I'd feared. I could feel my breath getting weaker, and I knew my time was close. That sorrow welled up again as I realized just how afraid I was… I was leaving behind everything, into the next life I hoped, begged was there…

My mind slowly flashed from memory to memory as I closed my eyes, waiting for my last gasp. My first sword, the first time I'd been sworn in as a knight, as a Warden, light pouring in through the stained glass of the church, my master looking so proud, father applauding as hard as he could manage, despite the frailty of his arms. I'd been so proud that day… my meeting with Stone insisting he'd have been fine… the stubborn prick… I'd miss him. My last… talk with…

"…so make sure you come back, alright? You make sure I can write it that way." Deborah. Her words echoed in my mind, repeating over, and over again. I had promised her I'd see her again, hadn't I? I'd sworn it, even. And I'd failed. For a moment, I wondered how she would react when I failed to return. Would she cry for me, scream to Heaven? Would she even be able to speak at all? Tears began to flow again as guilt began to wash over me… She had already been through so much, lost the family that made her feel safe, the home that had done the same. And now…No.

No, I wouldn't let it end this way. Not with what I'd promised. I swore an oath… had I not? Had I let my word go? I swore an oath as a Warden, hold true to my word, to fight for peace, protect those who could not protect themselves. To hold true to these oaths, and any others I would swear. I had already failed once, would I allow myself to fail again? No… No… NO. Even in this battered, barely living state, I was a Warden, and our oaths are not easily broken.

I fought my body to move, forcing my eyes open as a pained grunt escaped my lips, the ringing and roaring fading as Deborah repeated over and over. Make sure you come back, alright? That's what she said. I knew I had to. For her, for Stone, for Herongale, and all of Ashfeld. I could not fall, not yet. Through the pain I forced my hands to clench, then open, then clench again. In time, I moved my head, looked up, and saw my sword, covered in snow and blood, just beyond me. With a groan, I reached for it weakly. Breathing heavy, I inched it closer to me, gently shaking bits of snow as I pulled it bit by bit.

Finally, I took hold of the handle, even this simple action sending waves of fire through my arm, then my chest, then my head. Make sure you come back, alright? Said Deborah again. I would. Clenching my teeth, I growled as I shakily adjusted my legs, bringing one just under me as I forced myself to my knees. Every part of me screamed and raged against me, begging for me to stop, to just lie back down. For a moment I was tempted, even as I planted my sword in the ground and pushed against it to stand, struggling to push off the ground. I whimpered a bit as I held there, my hand shaking against the sword, my knees trembling. It would be so much easier…perhaps I should just give up…

Make sure you come back, alright? No. I was getting back. Even if it killed me, even if I could never walk or fight after, I would return. For her. With vigor in my heart and one goal in sight, I grit my teeth, yelled through the agony…

…And rose.