Chapter 64 – Comrades

In his dream, Flik stood over the shadowy form once again, the driving rain obscuring all vision, his sword in hand. He peered forward, looking for the damaged leg. Instead, he found that the figure wasn't his horse, but human. The man rolled over, revealing Viktor's pale face, streaked with blood.

"You killed me," Viktor accused. "You left me to die. You turned your back on your friend and lived."

Flik bolted upright in his bed, shivering in the dim morning light. He tried to shake off the dream. He knew there was no point in trying to get any more rest. All of his dreams had been troubled, filled with images of violence and dying. Sliding out of bed, he dressed quickly and exited the room.

The halls of Dunan Castle were quiet, both because of the early hour and the dire situation. Flik was struck that there were no kids running down the corridors, as was usual. So much was missing because of the war. He was further reminded of that when he stepped into the bar and didn't hear Viktor's laughter. Out of habit, he sat at their usual table, and Leona brought a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage along with a mug of beer.

Not much later, Humphrey entered and took the seat next to Flik. The two men ate and drank in silence, not looking at each other, until Humphrey finally glanced at him and said, "It's tough, worrying about those you love. It's harder if you shut yourself off from everyone."

"I know." After all, he wasn't the only one suffering over Viktor's absence. Leona was clearly shaken, and Barbara had to be hurting too. Humphrey would be feeling pain as well. Who knew how many others were also touched?

"Things'll get better," Humphrey added.

"I know."

Flik found that the plate in front of him was empty. Feeling the need to be doing something, he got up from his chair. Humphrey nodded and gave him a little smile as Flik walked past. Outside, there was still a chill in the morning air, and a mist driving in off the lake. He made his way along the streets, glancing around at the city. He'd seen it growing up from the outside, but he'd never looked at the individual buildings before. On the right was the nearly finished library, a project that had been initiated by Emilia when she arrived from Greenhill. On the left, nestled up against the old city walls, was a church, consecrated to the True Earth Rune. Further down the street were another half dozen shops and residences, all in the process of being built.

As the sun rose, Flik began to feel more invigorated. People began to come out onto the streets, setting about their daily tasks. For some reason, his blue cape was instantly recognizable. He was greeted with well wishes by complete strangers. No one appeared dispirited by the coming trial. No one blamed him for the defeats of the army.

Arriving at the barracks, he rousted his men out, running an inspection of their equipment. Flik knew the results wouldn't be good, not after the disastrous retreat, but he went ahead anyway. His mind was still full of emotions - worrying about Viktor, anticipating the next battle - that he had to do something to distract himself. When the inspection was over, he led the men out on a patrol.

He led his column through the south gate, unsure of his destination. All he knew was that he wanted to do something, that he couldn't wait in the castle and not strike a blow against the enemy. Shu would probably chastise him when he returned.

At first, Flik found nothing of note. For all that he knew the Highland Army was out there somewhere, everything was quiet. Then a pair of Wingers swooped out of the sky to politely inform him that he was blundering around in a war zone.

"What are you doing, you damn idiot?" One of them shouted, circling overhead. "We were just about to drop a whole mountain-load of rocks on your ass, but you lucked out, 'cause one of our guys recognized that cape of yours."

Flik reined his horse in, bringing his column to a halt. "Sorry. Actually, we were looking to help you, if we could."

The first Winger slapped his forehead. "You might try informing someone before you run out into the middle of a battle." He pulled a lazy loop in the air before adding, "Fine. I'll go inform the others. You wait here for instructions. Don't move, unless you like rocks flying at your head." The two Wingers ascended, gliding out of sight over a line of distant trees.

While waiting, Flik caught sight of a few more flights of the Winghordes, some heading south to join the fighting, others returning north to pick up more projectiles. Before noon, another Winger glided down to face Flik, a young woman with her long, brown hair tied in a braid. "Follow me," she ordered tersely. She flapped her wings, heading in a southwesterly direction, off the road. Flik got his men moving after her.

In a half-hour, they were riding through light woodlands, and Flik could hear the sound of battle - metal clanging and the shouts of people. He drew his sword, glad to have found combat at last. As if this were a cue, the Winghorde woman glanced back and said, "Wait a moment," before disappearing up into the canopy.

Flik reluctantly brought his men to a halt, but detailed a pair to go forward and find out what was happening. Before those scouts could return, an older, scarred Winghorde man descended from the trees. He studied Flik and his men appraisingly before saying, "So, you are the troublemakers that have trespassed onto the battlefield."

"We're here to help," Flik answered. His horse, feeling his emotion, shifted a little before he brought it under control.

The Winger laughed, tucking his wings against his back. "Then you are in luck, we have need of you. Some of those Highland bastards have trapped a group of refugees against the shoreline. We've been trying to help the refugees, but the enemy brought in archers to drive us back. Take care of those archers and we'll take care of the refugees."

"Got it." Flik kicked his horse into motion, waving for his men to follow. The two scouts arrived shortly and gave him a quick rundown of the field and numbers. The forest gave way to sand more than a hundred yards from the beach, where at least five hundred Highlanders had cornered a similar number of refugees. Using the Fire Spears would be problematic because of the confused situation. Flik didn't want to kill the innocents he was trying to save. Of course, five-to-one were terrible odds. He had to get to those archers so that the Winghorde could help him.

There was a brilliant flash of light off the lake, and Flik realized that he was at the edge of the tree line. In a moment, Jerrim's men had fanned out to the left, Danel's men to the right. Below, the sand was already littered with corpses - civilians, Highlanders, and Winghorde. The refugees had been backed down into the surf, faced by a semicircle of enemy cavalry. The archers were further up the beach, covering their compatriots. Even as Flik watched, a boulder thudded harmlessly into the sand, followed by a Winger with an arrow in his wing. He twitched feebly before several Highlanders got to him with their swords.

"Charge!" Flik shouted. His horse lurched forward onto the sand, stepping carefully on the loose soil. He knew that this wasn't going to be a full-on gallop, but he rode onwards, his men streaming out behind him on both flanks.

They were spotted a quarter-way down the beach, and the Highland archers began to turn. Flik gritted his teeth and reached for his shield, only to remember that it had been ripped from him in the last battle. He felt a pang of vulnerability race through him, but suppressed it. The first arrows were flashing towards his men. In quick succession, two men to his right were hit; one knocked out of the saddle by a killing shot in the forehead.

"Forward! Forward!" More arrows whipped by Flik. He flinched as one buzzed angrily past his right ear. He'd covered only half the ground to the archers. Several more of his men were wounded and killed, men that he couldn't afford to lose. This was going to be ugly.

Suddenly a rock as large as a horse crunched into the center of the archers' line, crushing men into the sand. Winghordes followed after, diving out of the sky, stabbing at the Highlanders with spears, or pelting the archers with slung rocks. As Flik drew into range, he cast a sheet of lightning into the confusion, then covered the remaining distance to press the attack with his sword.

Even caught as they were, the archers proved resilient. Some discarded their bows and drew swords to meet Flik's attack, while others turned to try and drive off the Winghordes. Flik parried aside several sword thrusts, slashed the plume of an officer, and connected into one opponent's shoulder. Several of Flik's mercenaries joined him, pushing the center of the Highland line back. He could feel the enemy's will wavering.

Then a cavalryman in blue and white challenged Flik. He could see more of them riding up from the surf to reinforce their comrades, while others were moving to cut off Flik's retreat. Flik met the first rush, twisting his sword inside of his enemy's and disarming the Highlander, following that with a stab that crunched into collarbone. The Highlander nearly fell into Flik's saddle as he slid off his horse.

More enemies swirled around Flik. He could see Wingers fighting too, with their spears and their talons. He found himself fighting another cavalry officer, matching him stroke for stroke, before ending the duel with a bolt of lightning. Using the rune made Flik waver momentarily, and he had trouble parrying the next attacker. The flat of the oncoming blade smacked hard into Flik's knuckles, but he kept his grip and thrust at the Highlander, opening up some space.

A fletched blur that passed right in front of him made Flik pull up. He saw the archer peripherally, pulling another arrow from his quiver, but wasn't able to do anything about it, as his first attacker was riding forward. Flik parried the blade, then turned and tried to fling a spear of lightning at the archer. It missed, scorching sand instead, though the noise rattled the archer. Flik turned back to block another attack with his sword, countering with a desperate lunge. His sword drove into the Highlander's throat, ending that threat. He yanked his horse around in time to see the archer lining him up again, an arrow knocked on his bow.

A black sword cleaved through the wooden bow and the arm that held it. A muscular man in a yellow shirt stepped between Flik and the archer, his black hair matted with sweat. A second sword stroke served to finish the archer, but Flik was beyond caring at that point.

"Viktor!" he shouted, and urged his horse towards his friend.

Viktor appeared not to hear, and Flik momentarily lost him as another Highlander approached to fight. Flik met the attack without mercy, aiming more lightning into his enemy's face. He caught sight of Viktor again, chopping at the legs of a mounted cavalryman.

Flik entered the fray, stabbing the back of the Highlander's neck. The soldier immediately collapsed off his horse, and Flik met Viktor's eyes. "You're alive!" Flik cried, his voice breaking with relief.

Viktor's expression was mock aggrieved. "You took my kill!"

Jumping down from his horse, Flik rushed over to clasp Viktor in a hug. "You're alive! You're alive!"

"Um…yeah, but there is still a battle going on. I'd like to be alive at the end of it, too."

Flik finally let go. He could feel tears sliding down his cheeks. "I'm sorry. It's just that I thought you were dead." He glanced around the field. Despite Viktor's warning, the Highlanders were pulling back, clearly having had enough of this fight.

Viktor shrugged, giving a goofy grin. "Yeah. I didn't mean to go down like that. Some of your guys pulled me to safety, and we fell in with these refugees."

Flik was tempted to hug him again, but was aware that they were being watched by his men and the Wingers. Instead, he said, "There're a lot of people back at the castle that were worried about you."

"Well, we shouldn't make them worry any longer than necessary. Besides, I'm really looking forward to some of Leona's beer."

It turned out that Viktor wasn't the only missing soldier among the refugees, which was why they'd been able to hold out against the Highlanders until Flik's help had arrived. Rossgard was there, missing his helmet, but otherwise unharmed. Tengaar and Hix also rejoined Flik, and they all began the march back to Dunan Castle.

When they regained the road, Flik looked back. A vast cloud of dust filled the horizon, and under it he could make out the shadowy forms of flags and marching men. There was the main body of the Highland Army, tens of thousands of soldiers, heading towards Flik, heading towards the final battle at Dunan Castle. Flik turned and rode for home.

They arrived to find the city bells ringing, calling the generals to council. Viktor shrugged again and said, "I guess there isn't going to be any time for beer."

Flik ordered Rossgard to see to the men, then he and Viktor ran for the keep. Together they burst through the main doors, charging down the entrance hall. Meg and Millie had to jump to one side to avoid getting run down. Beyond them, Flik could see that the Tablet of Stars stood empty. He sighed, knowing that they would be last to the meeting.

And so they were, when they finally dashed by Oulan and into the great hall. Flik was aware that this was probably not his best entrance, panting from the long run and covered in dust, sweat, and blood. Luckily, he wasn't the center of attention.

"Viktor!" Nanami cried from the dais, and ran down to hug him. He managed to extract her only to be embraced by Riou. Several others, including Freed, Camus, and Miklotov came over to express their relief. Shu, still on the dais, smirked and remarked, "It seems that my wayward generals have finally returned home. If you would all settle down, I have some more good news to share with you." He nodded toward the entrance. "Oulan, if you would bring them in, please."

Flik felt a moment of nervous anticipation before several shadowy figures appeared in that portal. The first to step into the sunlight was Kasumi, who bowed slightly and said, "I am pleased to report that the operation was a success."

"What operation is this?" Freed asked, but then all eyes were drawn to the second person entering the room.

Viktor's exclamation served to cover for all. "Ridley! You're not dead! How the hell did you escape from the enemy?"

It was always difficult to read the kobold's expression, but Flik thought he detected amusement on his face as he strode into the room and faced the dais. "Lord Shu, as usual, planned ahead and sent help to free me." Ridley's face suddenly turned troubled and he hesitated before adding, "However, I also received key aid from another, unexpected, person."

Flik resisted the urge to shout, "Just tell us who, already!" Instead Klaus, in a more sedate manner, asked, "Of whom do you speak, Lord Ridley?"

Ridley paused another moment, stared intently at Shu, then answered, "It was the strategist of the Highland Army, Lord Leon Silverberg, who helped me to flee. Without his help, I wouldn't be here."

The meeting room filled with the babble of half-formed questions. Flik distinctly heard Apple as she turned to Shu and asked, "Are you in communication with him?"

Shu waited out the questions, maintaining a tight-lipped expression that hovered on becoming a smirk. Only when the room was silent did he speak, addressing a question to Ridley. "Did the Highland strategist give you any messages while you were escaping?"

Now Ridley looked decidedly uncomfortable under Shu's stare. "He did, Lord Shu, but…I'm not sure whether to trust his word on this. I can't believe he'd betray such critical information without some sort of plan."

"Out with it," Shu commanded, making a cutting motion with this arm and closed fist.

Ridley bowed his head. "Yes, Lord Shu. I was told that Luca Blight will make a night raid the first night his army is encamped around our castle. He intends to take our positions with one swift strike through the forest to the southeast."

Voices rose in clamor. Viktor shouted, "Let's fight him then! Deploy the whole army and we'll smash them."

Gilbert muttered, "Can we really trust this information?" An argument began, some of the generals in favor of immediate action, others wanting to take a more cautious view. Flik didn't join in the discussion, but watched Riou and Shu on the dais. Both of them seemed content to let the combatants spend their energy yelling at each other.

Eventually the arguing wound down. Valeria, who had also remained silent during the quarrelling, said, "Some of us had the chance to see Leon Silverberg in action during the Liberation War. He is cunning and devious, in both war and politics. His goals are often difficult to fathom. However, if his intention and ours coincide, I think we should trust him, at least in this. The question is, does he really desire to betray Highland?"

"I am certain that we are both aiming at the same goal," Shu answered. He turned to face Riou, a move that signaled the end of any debate. "Lord Riou, I cannot deny the possibility that this is a trap designed by the enemy. Still, any move that we make now will entail severe risks, and the rewards for making this move are potentially huge. The choice is yours; we can respond to Luca Blight's night raid by attempting to ambush him on the field, or we can stand ready behind the city walls and try to repel him there."

Thoughts flitted through Flik's head in the moments that Riou pondered. The ambush would be incredibly risky. There'd be little time to devise a plan and no time to practice it. Even if it were sprung perfectly, Luca Blight might manage to escape or he might prove too powerful to subdue. But waiting behind the walls would change little. They might repel the attack, but in the morning, the situation would still be hopeless.

Riou showed no hesitation despite having to make such a momentous choice. "I pledged to take any chance to defeat Luca Blight and end the war. Now is our chance. Shu, draw up a plan for us.

Shu nodded. "I understand. While I have not worked out all the details just yet, allow me to offer you the outline of what I think will work. It will involve small units because of the need for secrecy. Several units will be placed around the edge of the forest, and, when Luca Blight enters, they will move to cut off all of the escape paths. Meanwhile, three assault squads will attack Luca Blight directly, two to harry him and whittle down his protectors, the third to go for the capture or kill."

"I will lead that squad," Riou asserted.

"Of course," Shu confirmed. "I think the other two ought to be led by-"

"I'll do it," Flik interrupted, at the same time that Viktor shouted, "I want to pay Luca back for roughing me up."

The two of them glanced at each other. It was no surprise to Flik that Viktor would voice the same thought on this matter. As much as he wanted Viktor at his side for the coming battle, the idea of him leading the other strike unit felt correct. Together, they turned to hear Riou's opinion.

"Yes, Viktor, Flik, and I shall lead the assault against Luca Blight."

"So be it," Shu said. "Each of you should select trustworthy comrades for your teams. We shall deploy at sundown!"