The Shift
There were so many questions running through my head as everything fell apart in a matter of seconds. How had Liam contacted his allies in such a short time? Who were these allies, and how had they managed to evade our detection until now? How long had Helia been in league with our enemies? Could I have stopped it? Why hadn't Mercy discovered them, was she not keeping an eye on our surroundings or our soldiers? How had I now been betrayed three times by warriors I had come to trust? And as I struggled briefly against my former captain's hold, falling still when her lieutenants placed their blades at my chest and throat, I could add another question into that onslaught of inquiries. Was this to be my end?
"Captain, what is this?!" I demanded, doing what little I could to glare back at my attackers. I could not focus on any one thing happening around me, for there were too many troubling sights to linger on any one thing. On the ground below were dead or soon to be dead soldiers, in front of me was a wall of shield bearers blocking any path forward, half of my forces ramming and knocking against them in a desperate bid to move forward. Beyond even that, the other half of my army haphazardly shifted to my right, frantically trying to prepare a last second defense against a quickly approaching row of riders, with even more foot soldiers charging behind them.
"Sorry Cross, my brothers and sisters broke bread with the warriors behind that wall. We couldn't let you kill them." Helia said. Her tone was not at all what I had expected. Oftentimes after a successful ploy, a mole would be boastful or proud, even dismissive and insulting of their former companions. Helia was none of those things, instead there was a tenderness in her voice, a somberness as though she hoped to cushion the blow. I could not tell if I found such pity insulting, or relieving.
"You bled beside us! Sang songs in camp with our soldiers! Does that mean nothing to you?!" I yelled in a fury. I struggled again against Helia's grip, and may well have broken free had it not been for her lieutenants. The first slammed the hilt of his sword into my chest, briefly knocking the wind from my lungs. The other was quick to press his blade firmly against my neck. For a moment I could not breathe, and gasped as the first replaced his sword, pointing directly towards my heart.
"Of course it does, why do you think we refuse to strike you down? There's still a way out of this for you, for all of you." Helia replied. A way out? After all of this, did she really think I could trust her? Then again, what choice did I have? In the distance, the first wall of attackers struck, the cavalry slamming into, then riding through the assembled Blackstone. Already I could see the resolve of my men breaking, with the survivors of the charge being knocked aside and thrown to the ground, all while another, larger force of infantry continued to approach. With half of my army trying to reach me, how long could those men last?
"Listen to me Cross, I wasn't lying to you when I said you were a good man, trying to call for peace proved that." Said Helia. As she spoke, I felt her grip on my arms loosen, and I briefly considered trying again to fight against her. The continued threat of her lieutenants, however, was enough to dissuade me from my efforts. My heart continued to race as I watched the front half of my forces slowly realize what was happening, their driven fury devolving into panic. As if sensing this, the shield wall slowly began to push them back, each of my soldiers scrambling as they stumbled over one another.
"You would have me surrender?" I asked fidgeting against the blade at my chest, trying to ever so gently shift it away from my heart. The lieutenant, however, anticipated such a thing, and quickly grabbed me by the shoulder, forcing me back into place.
"You care about your men. Take them home." Helia replied. Her grip loosened again, though I still found myself unable to move due to her lieutenants. I did not wish to surrender this fight, but I was at a loss of what else to do. Restrained as I was, I could not break free without serious injury, even if I could somehow avoid a killing blow. Worse, my soldiers were being slaughtered. Even from a distance, I could see a number of them tripping over what I could only assume were dead bodies. The enemy cavalry rode in and out of the assembled warriors, skillfully avoiding their own ground troops as they stabbed at my comrades, both standing and those that had fallen over. I had a responsibility to Blackstone, to Apollyon… But so too did I have a responsibility to my men, and in this moment, they had to be my priority.
"What promise do I have you'll not chase after us? Kill us as we try to flee?" I asked. If I was to fall back, I had to know we would not be double crossed yet again.
"I cannot give you one, but I can assure you of my master's character. If he has deemed this Warden worthy of rescue, he will care more for his safety than the destruction of his enemies." Helia replied. To say I was skeptical of such an answer would be to severely understate it. I had never met this 'master' Helia spoke of, and if he were willing to use tactics such as this, there was no telling what other underhanded tricks he would be capable of. Again, however, what was my alternative? Refuse? Then I would almost certainly be slain, and my soldiers annihilated. Helia's offer carried incredible risk, but was that not better than certain doom? Only one of my choices offered a chance, slim as it may be.
Perhaps it was the fool's choice to make, I will not deny it. A proven traitor's word was near impossible to take at its face, and there was no reason to trust it. But if it offered the opportunity for my brothers and sisters to live, then I had to take it. Retribution could come later.
"Release me, then." I started to say, clenching my fist tightly around my weapon as Helia's continued to loosen. "And let us pray this 'master' is as righteous as you claim." The lieutenants, seeming to sense this shift in the encounter, slowly began to withdraw. The cold steel of the second left my neck, allowing me to breathe in deep. The first did not drop his readied stance, only pulling away from me enough to stand just to the side, blade still poised to strike if needed.
"You're doing the right thing, Cross." Said Helia as I readied myself. Beyond us, I could see my men continuing to struggle, with some even forcing themselves in front of others, taking blows that almost certainly would have killed those they protected. Just a little longer, I thought. Just a little longer, and I could get them out.
"You're a good man, Cross. Let that guide you." With those words, I felt Helia's grip release, and I rushed forward. In an instant I saw the lieutenants clear away, stepping to the side as I brought my weapon forward. I did not turn to face them, even as their blades remained focused on me. The shifting and colliding plates of my armor gave away my position behind the wall of warriors, one of whom even turned his head to see me.
"Clear!" The soldier yelled. The two warriors immediately beside him performed a mighty shove in unison, forcing back the Blackstone warriors as the forefront of them stumbled back, nearly falling before being held by their companions. Just as quickly as our adversaries had forced them back, I saw the three of them part, leaving a gap between the wall of shields. In any other fight, I may have tried to press this advantage. But with the arrival of this new force, even this advantage would be but a fleeting one, retreat remained our only option.
"All retreat! Fall back, Blackstone! Fall back!" I yelled as I rushed past the wall of shields. With one hand I grabbed onto the arm of a fallen soldier, shock and disbelief written across his features. Turning back to the wall, I could see that the gap in the enemy's defense had already reformed, a single attentive formation all that remained. We were done here.
"Fall back! All Blackstone fall back to the camp!" I yelled again, holding out my arm and pushing back the soldiers. It was not long before I heard my orders echo across our company lines.
"Retreat! Everyone get out of here!"
"Full retreat! Fall back!" Cried the voices. In what I could only describe as a mess of hasted steps, my soldiers turned and nearly ran one another over as they scrambled back, clawing and shoving their way through. A part of me felt disgusted to see them so enthusiastically push aside they brothers and sisters in arms, the other barely held myself back from doing the same. With what little will I could maintain, I instead slowly backed away, keeping my attention focused on the shield wall before me. To my surprise, they seemed to understand what was happening, and took a unified step back of their own as the lieutenants moved to stand behind them.
The former captain Helia had placed the tip of her sword in the dirt as she held a hand on the pommel of her weapon, observing us. I could not discern her face, the combined distance and hood masking it from my sight. Even so, I could see a sort of resignation in her stance, devoid of authority or victory as she more slumped and leaned on the sword than she did stand beside it. Was she feeling remorse? Regret for turning on us? I could not be sure, and in truth it hardly mattered. Without a word I turned and ran, following after my soldiers.
The enemy cavalry almost acted as some form of violent shepherds, running at the sides of our formation and stabbing at any soldier who dared step too far out line. More than once I saw one of my men try to take out one of their riders, only to be penetrated by two or more spears before falling dead. Warriors to the end. As the first of our forces reached the tree line, the cavalry began to divert away from them, circling back around and moving to close in behind us. Among them, I could see what looked to be another Warden, his helm a mix of cast iron and chain, leaving only his eyes visible. Helia's master, perhaps?
"Lord Cross…" Said a voice, hoarse and weak. Despite my instincts telling me to ignore it, the pitiable tone forced me to turn behind me. There, amidst a horrifying mass of blood and contorted bodies, was a single soldier, face up on her back, weakly reaching towards me. The soldier had lost her helm, revealing short blond hair, and a young face that had a massive gash along the tip of her right eye, pouring blood down her face and blinding her in one eye. I recognized this soldier, it was the same one I'd taken the platter from at castle Blackstone… She had followed us here?
"Elaina!" I yelled, turning and rushing towards her. I would not lose another soldier, not if I could stop it. For a moment, I expected a volley of arrows, or a loud jeering and clambering of hooves as soldiers came for me. But they never came. Not as I fell to my knees, not as I grabbed hold of her hands and hoisted her over my shoulder, and not as I clamored back up, holding my poleaxe in one hand, and holding her firmly with the other.
No, I only saw the cavalry slowly give way as foot soldiers stood at the edge of the forest, weapons ready as the cavalry began patrolling the edges of the wood, no doubt watching for stragglers or ill-conceived notions of counterattack. All save for the Warden, who slowly trotted away from them, towards the fortress. I did not turn to see where he went. I only moved quick as I could towards the treeline, seeing a small group of four warriors that remained, waving me towards the treeline.
"I'm sorry sir… I'm so sorry…" Said Elaina, her voice betraying her as on the edge of tears. What was she apologizing for? Being forced to retreat? Being injured? Our loss? Her own perceived weakness? No, I would not have it. She had done nothing wrong, nor had any of my soldiers. I had failed them.
"Do not be sorry, soldier, you fought well, that is all I can ask for." I said back. As I rested the soldiers waiting for us, one of them seemed to notice me carrying Elaina, and quickly sheathed his sword as his eyes widened. With a careful lean, I knelt forward and loosened my grip on my injured sister, allowing her to gently slide into the arms of this soldier. With careful positioning, he held her underneath her knees, and placed his other hand on the flat of her back as he hoisted her up.
"Get her back to camp and prepare for travel back to castle Blackstone." I ordered, turning slowly towards the fortress once more. A field of bodies laid before me, my stomach churning as I observed the carnage before me. Blackstone and Herongale bodies mangled amongst one another, the once pure snow stained in a darkening crimson, peppered with splintered wood and shattered steel. Beyond that field stood the new army, cavalry still patrolling the outskirts of the forest, foot soldiers forming a protective line around it as the riders moved past them. Something about their movements seemed… almost familiar with this place. Had they been here before?
Helia stood beside four riders, the Warden from before, and what looked to be two Conquerors and a Peacekeeper. Even from here I could feel their gazes, watching for whatever move I would make. In my mind, I wondered how they had arrived so quickly, how Mercy or our scouts had missed them, why they seemed so comfortable moving around. Most of all I wondered just how many times I would face such betrayals, if I was simply cursed to watch my allies turn against me time and time again. But those were questions for another time. Taking one last look towards the fortress walls, I could just make out O'Carrick's form, watching us. Without turning away from him, I spoke again to my soldiers.
"We're finished here."
—-
It was not until Cross himself had passed into the woods that our allies lowered their guard. It took longer still for them to turn their attention away from the trees. Beside me, each of our warriors stood deathly still as they observed the now quiet field before us. The dead laid strewn far and wide, so much so that discerning identity and loyalty from here felt near impossible. The silence itself felt distinctly unnatural, having come so suddenly from a scene of such chaos.
"Is… is it over?" Asked Adelaide, surely asking what was on the minds of every soul here. Forcing my gaze away from the lost, I looked towards the Midnight Howls, carefully observing each of them. Surely enough, Lord Jotham stood front and center, turning his horse as he sheathed his blade, patiently waiting for the gate to open. Beside him were the two Conquerors, flails tied tightly to their sides, instead wielding heavy looking spears in their place. Lastly was Lady Claire, no weapons drawn and sitting upon a familiar looking horse, a quickly made bandage thrown over his flank. Though she had no horse of her own, I noticed that Captain Helia stood side by side with them, her lieutenants falling in line behind her with the rest of their force. Was she always secretly one of them?
"Who are these fighters?" I heard another of the rangers ask. A fair question, I thought. To them, these were random strangers who ambushed Blackstone for seemingly no reason. They had every reason to be concerned.
"They are a band known as the Midnight Howls, leaders and protectorates of a town called Nov Domas and a castle sharing its name, they are friends." I explained, turning to face Adelaide and the others. Behind me, I could hear Stone grunting with effort.
"The Warden and I were staying there after we left the first time. Tried asking for help, and they said no." He clarified. Looking back over the Howls, I still wondered just what had changed their mind.
"It seems their stance has shifted, and not a moment too soon." I concluded, turning back to the rangers. Adelaide seemed to furrow her brow, keeping an arrow loose, but still ready on her bow. For a moment I wondered if our word had been enough to convince her as her fingers seemed to clench around the arrow. My concerns were eased when she pulled the arrow away from the weapon, and slid it back into the quiver at her waist.
"I suppose someone should go and meet them, then." She said, her voice calm, but still carrying a hint of skepticism. It was plain to see she was not referring to herself, and I hardly would have asked her to. In truth, it would only be right for myself or Stone to approach them, after all, they'd come here at our request, strange as that seemed at the moment.
"I will speak with them. With any luck, they will continue to aid us." I said, turning towards Stone. My friend was still holding his shoulder injury, but had already begun making his way towards the stairs.
"Stone, if you are in too much pain, you can-"
"Liam, you already know what I'm going to say, so for both our sakes, just shut up." He grumbled, cutting me off. For a moment I stood there in silence as he made his way down the stairs. Looking to Adelaide, I could see she had something of a surprised look on her face, and was attempting, poorly, to hide a smirk. I'll give my friend this, even after being shot, he was just as flippant as ever.
"Alright then." I said with a sigh before following him down. Even among the numerous injured, I was glad to see Berrat at the bottom of the stairs, leaning against the wooden structure as he hobbled on his good leg, wincing with every step. Seeing his injury again seemed to make my own body ache worse than it already did, and I groaned a bit as I stepped onto the cold ground.
"I heard some sort of commotion before the fighting stopped, what has happened?" Berrat asked, his voice still low and somber. The man sounded as if he were still trying to hold back tears, and my heart broke for him.
"Some old acquaintances of the Warden and I decided to show up late." Stone said bluntly. Berrat grit his teeth as he nodded, almost sliding down the wall before I caught him, and held him up by his arms.
"Well, a fine thing they did. I'd much like to thank them, if you boys could help me." He said, groaning again as he hobbled forward. I shared a quick glance with Stone, and without a word, I knew we were thinking the same thing. Turning to Berrat, I gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Berrat, you've just suffered a grievous injury, and a terrible loss. Perhaps you should let us handle this." I recommended, but Berrat was already shaking his head before I had finished speaking.
"No, I owe it to Kharion and his father to lead these people to safety. I couldn't save them, at least let me do this, Warden. Please." He replied. I know not whether it was how genuine he seemed, or the continued tone indicating a near inevitable set of weeping, but I was moved by his request. With a simple nod, I shifted his arm over my shoulder. Looking up to Stone, I could see him begrudgingly shaking his head as he walked next to him.
"A man with no leg, one with no arm, and one with a hole in his side. Aren't we an interesting gathering?" Stone said, half bitterly, half jokingly as he let his injured arm hang loosely at his side. I wasn't sure I appreciated that particular joke, but I was hardly in any state to disagree, let alone contest. Even now my very core seemed to shake with how exhausted I felt. Beside us, I could hear the soft approach of footsteps, seeing another of the injured standing and holding his head before moving to the gate controls.
Once again, the ear piercing screeching and grinding of the gate filled the air as he half walked, half limped towards the opening. Through the expanding sliver we could see one of the Howls moving beyond the rest, carefully approaching as the others fell in behind them. I had no doubt in my mind that Jotham was leading the way. Before long, we could see each and every one of them, dutifully falling in line behind their commander, and the now partially open gate revealing the line of them.
"Hail, Warden." I heard him say, his voice just as booming and commanding as I remembered. In any other case, I may have given a soft bow, but I knew none of us were in any shape for that. Instead, I simply bowed my head, and stood as straight as I could manage.
"Lord Jotham, your aid could not have come at a better time." I said. To my surprise, Jotham did not seem grateful for my thanks, nor did he even seem to accept it.
"I suspect we all know that's not true, lord Warden. But at the least, I am glad we arrived before it was too late." He said.
"Arguably." Stone said begrudgingly.
"Stone, enough." I said just firmly enough to dissuade any further comments. It would be dishonest to say I did not understand his frustrations, but now was hardly the time to air them. For now, it was best to show gratitude to our allies, and be thankful that we were still standing. Behind him, the other members of the Howls slowly began to move forward, both of the conquerors to the right, with Lady Claire and Helia to the left. Even knowing they were on our side, the sight of such a fearsome looking band mere feet from us was somewhat unnerving.
"Our people would have likely perished without you, master Jotham. You have mine, and Herongale's deepest gratitude." Said Berrat, bowing his head gently between Stone and I. Almost immediately, I could see Jotham's demeanor shift. Where once there had been a regal air about him, he now appeared less so. Authoritative, and in command of the situation, make no mistake. However, a softness seemed to emanate from him now, as if offering condolences to an old friend.
"I only regret that we did not choose to come to your aid sooner, Elder." He said politely. Berrat actually managed a half chuckle. A sad, almost forced sounding thing that seemed to contort his face for a moment.
"Oh no, master Jotham. I am not this hamlet's elder, only a humble Ranger." He corrected, his tone making it clear he took no pleasure in admitting as much. For a moment, Jotham seemed puzzled, turning his attention towards me.
"Elder Kharion fell in battle, no less than some minutes ago. He had no kin that I am aware of." I explained, hoping to spare Berrat from needing to do so. I could hear one of the Conquerors, the male, yell a curse as Jotham nodded solemnly, turning his gaze back to Berrat.
"I see. My condolences for your loss, I cannot imagine what you must be feeling." He said. Berrat did not respond immediately, only inhaling deeply as he fought to keep composed. Seeing him struggle so deeply shook me to my very core. I was unsure what to say, or how to proceed. Unsurprisingly, this was not a problem for my second.
"Not to disrespect the elder's grief, but I was under the assumption you had no interest in helping us. What changed?" He asked, his tone less than respectful. It was a boon that Jotham had proven so patient, I suspect we'd have angered him by now had he not been. Jotham did not respond to him, and simply turned his gaze towards one of his companions. Without a word, Lady Claire trotted forward on Lefer. Stepping beside him, the Lady presented herself with just as much authority and power as her lord.
"That can be discussed at a later time. For now, know that your lord's actions, and the actions of his fellows proved your character." Her inflection carried only a hint of dismissal, otherwise sounding just as void of any inflection as Mercy. I could tell Stone was dissatisfied with her response, but I urged him to remain composed with a hand gesture. He did not seem pleased, but nevertheless backed down. A sudden spasm in my leg caused me to tense, and I grit my teeth as I tried to press through it and speak once more.
"Your aid is welcome, in any case. But there is still the matter of Herongale's people." I said, motioning behind me with a gentle nudge of my head.
"Indeed. May the Ranger speak for his hamlet in place of an elder?" Jotham asked. Berrat groaned as he tried to stand, grimacing as he forced his bad leg to move. I wasn't sure what he hoped to accomplish on his own, but thankfully, I still had hold of him. It took some effort, but with only minimal issue, I held him by the pit of his arm, lifting him to his full height as resolution filled Berrat's face.
"That I can. In the absence of an elder or any kin to replace them, the deceased's closest adviser may speak on behalf of our people. I am he, and I will speak for them." He declared. Though there were still hints of grief in his voice, much of it had been replaced with steel. It did my heart well to hear that fire back in his voice, even if only for a moment.
"Very well then." Jotham said, carefully adjusting himself to stand before Berrat. It was a surprise to see him so respectful of Berrat, one who by most knight's standards would be far below him. It seemed he, like myself, was one of the few to remember we were servants to the people.
"Nov Domas is prepared to offer shelter and modest accommodation for Herongale and her people. You will be shepherded into a barracks near castle grounds, and will be provided clean blankets to sleep with and warm stew to eat. If you've any wounded, you will have to bring them yourselves. Is this acceptable to you?" He offered. There was not a hint of superiority or smugness in his voice, and he carried an air of humility I had not heard from a knight in many years. In truth, the offer seemed too good to be true.
It seemed that Berrat agreed. Though he still seemed just as somber as he had been, there was a reinvigoration in his stance as he breathed in deep, looked Jotham in the eye…
…And accepted.