-Chapter Thirty Nine-
Lana stood with Casavir, Bishop and the other soldiers atop the battlements. The sight before them was grim under the moonlit sky. The King of Shadows' army crawled through the night, the clanging of armor and the creaking of siege engines' wheels ringing ominously through the night. They carried no torches but flickers of red eyes could be seen through the distance.
As the soldiers atop the wall and in the towers gained their posts, Lana stepped to the edge of the battlement overlooking the keep courtyard. She silently assessed the organized chaos as the men and women in her army prepared for the long battle ahead. The Captain sighed, her shoulders slumping before hastily straightening again.
Bishop was barking commands at his battalion of rangers while Casavir did final checking on the melee fighters and mages. Lana walked through the formations, mentally noting the details and shouting orders when necessary.
After finally coming to a point where all was ready, the rogue again resumed her position overlooking the battlements. This time Lana called for attention. The din of men and women in armor and shuffling of gear slowly ceased as the order was carried out.
Her face was grim and determined. "We stand to fight today in memory of our Gods, freedom, and our peace, our families, and our children! We accept the obligation set before us for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression! The battle before us will be long and arduous; of this you can be certain. But of another truth you can also be certain, before this night is through there will be a victory… and it will be OURS!" At her final words Lana thrust one hand above her head brandishing her red crackling sword high into the air. The soldiers below shouted in one accord their agreement. The courtyard rang with the sound echoing and bouncing off the stone walls.
All moved to their duties, faces grim in the torchlight. Men and women ran to finalize last minute preparations while others resettled into their positions. The moon hung enormous and pale overhead lighting their way while the King of Shadow's army shuffled ever closer. The night air rang with the sounds of metal and shuffling armor all around. Lana paced from her spot atop the battlements, occasionally calling an order or answering an inquiry. Her lips pressed tightly together in a thin white line, eyes narrowing in concentration as she surveyed all those around her. The dark menace crept ever closer.
Lana again turned to address the keep as a whole. Knuckles clenching white over the stone merlon before her, she held her breath momentarily as the movement below ceased. An uneasy quite fell over the soldiers.
"The enemy draws near. The time has come to show the King of Shadows our true cores! We will not falter! I want no one to fire until my signal. We must wait until they are in range, and then we hit them with everything we have! Stand you ground, be firm and be resolute, this is OUR day. Are we ready?!
The air rang with shouts. Lana hastily surveyed those before her. "I said ARE WE READY?!" A battle cry reverberated loudly across the night sky. The knight captain pursed her lips in a tight smile before turning glumly to the oncoming enemy.
Lana found Bishop in the throng of archers. "Are your men ready Bishop?" The ranger curled his lips before snarling, "Ya, we're ready to take as many of those things down as we can before we die if that's what you're asking." Lana sighed deeply but only nodded.
Bishop caught her arm growling huskily into her ear low enough only she could hear. His breath was hot against her neck. A slight shiver raced down her spine at his unexpected nearness.
"It's not to late you know. We could run into that forest and no one would ever find us. We'd live through this, I guarantee it. There's still time." He looked almost pleadingly into her eyes. Lana cast her eyes downward after probing his.
"Bishop, you know that's not possible. I belong here; this is my home… with my husband. I will die here if that is what's required. You have my permission to go if that's what you need to do…" she whispered softly. Lana gently laid one hand on the ranger's crossed forearm, earnestly searching his face for understanding.
"Then you are a bigger fool than I thought," the ranger snarled shrugging from under her touch, stalking off toward his post. The rogue's shoulders sagged as if a huge weight had been set there. Casavir had seen the exchange but had kept his distance until the ranger's retreat.
"Is all well Lana?" he queried leaning close to her so none could hear. Casavir struggled to keep his emotions to those of concern, not the seething anger that burned his center.
"As well as can be expected. Are you and your men ready Casavir?" Her expression was guarded. The paladin nodded, "Yes Lana. They are as ready as possible, but that's not what I asked."
"Casavir, now is not the time or place. Are you ready?"
Again the beast in his core writhed, twisting wicked claws into his innards at the emphasis on her words. "Yes Lana, you know I'm ready and will be at your side always. Nothing will part us, not now, not ever." He leaned over and kissed her softly on the lips.
Lana sighed, "And I love you more than anything, remember that." A glimpse of a smile grazed her lips. Casavir gently took one of her hands into his own giving them a squeeze, leaning over to place a gentle kiss upon her forehead before releasing her. She exhaled before turning her attentions to the men gathered across the crenellation.
"Alright, the time has come. Ready fire arrows!" The sound of leather pulling against wood echoed down the line as a multitude of archers drew, pinpoints of flames flickering down the parapet. Lana held one hand aloft in signal.
"Take aim at those seize towers!" she called, pausing then throwing her hand forward.
"LOOSE!" A rain of fire flew into the distance with the echoing thwack of leather hitting leather bracers. Several seconds ticked away before the sounds of screaming could be heard in the night. Flames erupted and sometimes danced in the night.
Without looking at the archers, Lana again called "LOOSE" causing another hailstorm of flame to light the night sky. Again and again the archers launched but the surging enemy continued to shuffle forward even as flames licked into their flanks. Two battle towers flared like giant bonfires before toppling into the screaming mass of flesh beneath. The enemy army surged over their fallen, returning fire from their front ranks.
The Knight Captain called for the mages to join the now not so distant battle, calling for fireblasts and any other long range destructive spells. The battle intensified as the enemy drew into range, the onslaught was inevitable. Volley after volley of arrows flew through the night sky with soldiers trying to take whatever cover was available. The night rang with the screams of those hit on both sides.
Another tower fell in a burst of flame from a Greycloak mage, screams of those trapped inside piercing the sky. The enemy continued forward unhindered as if nothing had happened. The tromping of their feet shook the ground beneath, hammering into the unconsciousness.
In what seemed an eternity and a blink of an eye to Casavir, the enemy was at the wall. Lana screamed for reinforcements to cover the newly arrived siege tower against the Keep wall. Melee fighters ran behind her, surging as one with weapons flashing. Casavir called for a second group to follow as another siege tower slammed against the wall. Men hastily poured boiling oil down the murder holes which was immediately followed by screams of those trapped below. Casavir lost sight of Lana in the uproar but could pause to seek her as wraiths and vampires swarmed around him and his soldiers. They hacked and slashed their way through to the wooden tower, quickly setting torches while others continued fighting against the onslaught. As the one tower crumbled with its humanoid contents screaming, another crashed into place.
Casavir and those around him ran to meet the newcomers head on. The collision of metal against metal rang, roiling against the sounds of grunts and screams as flesh gave way against weapon. The air singed Casavir's lungs as mages blasted fireballs and firebrands into the wooden conveyances until they crumpled in flaming heaps. The paladin whirled in time to catch a crashing battleaxe aimed for the back of his head against his shield. With a grunt of effort, he pushed the snarling demon from the shield while slamming his sword deeply into the enemy's exposed side. The monster squealed in pain as it struggled to free itself from the offending blade. With a quick twist and yank Casavir liberated his blame to impale it into another oncoming wraith. Time lost all meaning as body after body fell around him, some the enemy and others of his companions. Blood made the stone underfoot slick under their boots.
As the paladin surged, parrying and thrusting he lost all awareness of his surroundings. He saw only the battle around him and couldn't understand why everything seemed to grow dim and faint. The paladin's sword clattered to the ground as his knees buckled beneath him, no longer able to hold his weight. Casavir's shield banged hard against the stone as he collapsed over it. He could dimly make out the shape of Greycloaks hovering over him while noticing the sudden burning sting under his right underarm. The stinging spread under his skin like wild fire slowly across his chest, causing him to gasp involuntarily at the pain. Each breath caused a new burst of pain to flare fiery webs though his body.
Casavir felt several pairs of hands pull him, dragging him behind a protected battlement. He couldn't see Lana but felt her lift his shoulders cradling his head against her chest. Casavir felt her shift as she yelled, "Quick find Sand and Khelgar! Have them find me immediately… and watch yourself!" Shifting once again he could feel her hand stroking his hair while shuffling unseen with her other. The pain blossomed, sending streaks of heat through his limbs with searing agony. The paladin sucked air through his teeth against the pain emitting a low moan. He closed his eyes, wanting to surrender to the overwhelming desire to sleep. Sleep would allow him to escape the pain.
"Casavir, hang on. Don't you leave me, don't you dare!" She rubbed his cheek roughly with her hand, bringing him back to awareness. The paladin groaned loudly in frustration and pain.
"Just let me sleep…" he tried to tell her but no words came. Why won't she just let me sleep? It hurts so much. Everything burns. If I could just… Just leave me alo… His thoughts were unfocused and fuzzy as he tried to let the darkness envelop him.
"You need to drink this," Lana said in a clipped tone. Foul liquid poured down his throat. Casavir tried to not gag against the taste and the invasion against his wishes. He looked into her eyes as she leaned over him, vial still aloft in her hand. He tried to close his eyes again but Lana barked angrily, "No you don't. You stay with me!" while patting his cheek. He groaned in frustration and agony.
Seconds later the air snapped and Casavir saw Sand and Khelgar flash beside him. "The soldier said it was… Oh, I see. Is that…?" Lana cut the wizard short with a grimace.
"Khelgar, take my position. The last siege tower should be down but…"
"Aye lass, I've got it. You see to him and I'll take care of the rest." The dwarf ran out of Casavir's site with a scowl.
Sand knelt before Casavir's side, concern edged across the wizard's usually smooth features. "Sand, I need you to move him if you can. Let's take him down to the bailey under the trees. I gave him an antidote but nothing seems to be happening. I need your help." Her voice caught slightly.
"They are removing the wounded to the church…"
Again Lana interrupted, "I know but I want him within my sight… in case… The battle still rages although I think that's the last of the siege towers. I still have my duty… " Her voice dropped. Casavir saw Sand nod slightly in agreement.
What are they talking about? How bad am I? Why can't I move? Just let me sleep, I'm sure I'll be fine. He again tried to close his eyes. Lana clenched his cheeks with one hand, shaking him. "Don't you go to sleep on me. Fight this Casavir."
Fight what? Why does it hurt to breathe? Why can't she just let me sleep? Everything burns.
Sand leaned over to speak gently to Casavir. "You've taken an arrow in your chest. It's very close to your heart and my guess is the point was poisoned beyond the garden variety poison." The wizard changed his gaze to meet Lana's. "You know I'll do everything I can Lana. I will see him safely under the cleric's care and find out what is in his system."
The wizard stood and after a quickly muttered incantation, Casavir felt himself transported to the soft grass of the inner courtyard. Medics were called and the paladin was moved among other wounded with Sand and Lana following closely behind. He could Lana's voice mingled with those around him but couldn't make out details. Several hands lifted the paladin onto a low table. Once Casavir was laid out, the cleric looked to Lana.
"The arrow will have to be removed immediately," the cleric stated. Lana stood within Casavir's eyeline and saw her nod acquiescence. The rogue and cleric removed his breastplate and other armor as gently and quickly as possible. Lana used Bishop's hunting knife to hastily slice through his arming doublet and tunic beneath.
"Casavir, we have to remove the arrow. I promise we will do all we can. I'm sorry to have to do this but…" Scowling, Lana looked to the cleric with a quick bob.
"Okay, on my count…" Lana grimaced while clutching the arrow close to the wound with one hand, the other bracing against his chest. The cleric and wizard pined Casavir's shoulders. The Knight Captain did a quick three count before removing the offending arrow. Pain ripped through his body, tearing a scream of distress from his lips. The paladin's body buckled involuntarily against the pain but Sand and the medic held him firm. Cotton strips were hastily pushed into the wound cavity to staunch the bleeding. His wife leaned over kissing him gently while stroking his hair. Casavir lay panting against the pain in his shoulder and heat ripping through his veins. Sweat glistened on his face and agony contorted his features.
"It's done Casavir. The worst is over I promise. Just… hang on beloved," she crooned gently. Tears ran down her cheeks while she tried to comfort him. With Lana's assistance, the cleric carefully helped Casavir to drink another potion then gently pressing soft bundles under his head easing him onto them.
The rogue gingerly picked up the arrow from beside her husband. Lana glared at the point of the arrow as if she could see the poison. She carefully wrapped the sharp tip in fabric before handing it to Sand.
"Isn't that…" Sand queried. Lana only nodded but said nothing. "I see, well that actually might give me a clue where to begin. I will make all possible haste," and the wizard disappeared with a slight popping sound.
"It appears this was a slow acting poison. I've given him a mixture of a stronger antidote and healing potion. The wound should heal quickly now and he will be safe as long as Sand makes haste. With the paralysis, I know the antidote I gave him won't be enough but it will slow the poison's properties. I'm not sure what this is without further study. I've not come against anything this resistant. It seems to be immune to even my spells. Casavir can rest, we will watch him closely."
Gently stroking Casavir's chest Lana addressed the cleric. "Then I must return to the men. I know you are more than capable and have my utmost trust. Please watch over my husband. Send word should there be any change immediately." The cleric nodded returning to her work.
The rogue looked deeply into Casavir's eyes. "I must return to the battle. While I am loathe to leave you, the battle is not over. You must fight this thing Casavir, whatever it is and I swear to you…" She cut herself off looking away from him, frustration etched across her features. "I will return quickly and Sand is doing all he can. I wish you could answer me…" Tears brimmed in her eyes and she hastily wiped them away with the back of her hand. Grime and sweat streaked her face. Lana leaned over to kiss him softly on the lips. He fought to move his hand to stroke her hair or caress her cheek and the words caught in his throat, refusing to be spoken.
She stroked his cheek gently. "I love you and don't you ever forget that. Hang onto that please Casavir." With a final searching gaze, she looked to the cleric and with a nod ran off into the clash of battle.