9 Deaths. The most in any one chapter which by the way, the chapters continue to get longer, I can't even believe how long the longest one is!

Just a small note. The two assassins ordered to kill Queen Talia. Taer'Vix is a Hunter and Org'Eeris is a Trickster, your gonna need that info

Chapter Fifty Seven

Midnight Bastion: Impenetrable Wall

The false night continued as the armies of Sarhara, Pozem and Anondye began to face an even greater threat.

The soldiers of the armies that fell in battle were standing again as members of the Midnight's Undead Horde.

Now they not only faced the massive numbers of Undead and Midnight soldiers but their own fallen comrades.

In the western end of the fight Helena found her lance coming to a stop as a soldier of Anondye approached her. "Dawson? Is that you?"

The man pushed her weapon aside and brought his up. Eyes widening she fell back as his weapon clipped her shoulder.

"This can't be."

Stopping the lance with her shield she screamed "Damn you Midnight!"

Pushing the weapon away she stuck hers through Dawson's chest. As the man fell dead again she heard confused cries from her troops all around her.

"Focus! The dead are coming back against us! We have to stay together! Stand strong!"

With Fee'Tal and her water sages on her side, Helena was confident but also incredibly anxious. Nothing was bending in their favor anytime soon.

To the north Istequil, Krey and Gill's forces continued ripping through the enemy, successfully joining with a powerful Pozem brigade.

The added protection lessened the number of casualties but Istequil continued to keep his guard up.

The east found Vargas, Opstun and Teyron's magic forces engaged with large numbers of Midnight but also closely tied to Sarharan Troops.

Back with Talia the armored knight Dent led the protection unit around her into battle as a horde of undead Anondye soldiers began their rapid approach.

The congestion of all the armies and enemies made the cannons and artillery much less convenient options. They ran an extremely high risk of friendly fire and with the current odds; the armies needed every body they could get.

The skies were the only part of the battle that was doing well. Ro'Hozak and Eyre's forces held the aerial majority as the flying knights that reanimated were stuck on land.

Eyre narrowed her eyes "Apparently the mounts can't come back. Good for us, bad for our allies below."

Ro'Hozak nodded "Once we clear the skies we can provide the best support, we will win this."

Eyre nodded back before charging towards a group of enemies.

All the while, Taer'Vix and Org'Eeris killed knights of Sarhara, Pozem and Anondye as they made a beeline for Talia's caravan.

"G-general Orkra! Thank you! Thank you greatly!"

The troops bowed in respect as Orkra sheathed her blade. She and Zihark routed the enemies threatening the Regalshin line swiftly but they were more focused on the Wyvern Lord approaching them.

"Orkra…it's been a long time."

Orkra nodded "Gorm."

He remained silent and focused on her face, trying to read her and find what exactly it was she knew about him. "I know you are focused on wiping out the Midnight threat Gorm but there is a much bigger and more invisible threat here."

The wyvern lord nodded slowly "Do tell."

Zihark narrowed his eyes, hand tightening on his blade's hilt as Orkra spoke "A group called the Altar has infiltrated the field and is most likely planning to kill the Kings and Queens of each nation."

"All for anarchy?"

At Gorm's question Orkra shrugged before the Wyvern Lord spoke again "I believe I heard you and those…other people talking about them in the Regalshin Stronghold many months ago."

"Soren and Mia." Zihark stated with a small twinge of anger.

Gorm nodded "Indeed."

"What do you know of the battle? Anything out of place?" Orkra asked quickly.

Gorm scratched his chin "No…we have been under constant cannon barrage making any movement difficult but the King and Queen insist we push forward until the enemy cannons can no longer reach us. We are trying to destroy as many of them as possible but it isn't easy…so, if you are going to wander about I suggest you be careful."

With that Gorm mounted his wyvern and took off while the other wyvern knights began securing the aerial perimeter.

Zihark sighed "I couldn't tell what he truly knew or not."

"Doesn't matter, the King and Queen are our concern."

Orkra turned and ran after the retreating soldiers followed by Zihark who looked back to see Gorm was headed for the Bastion all by himself.

"You think that-"

"I know!" Re'Zin interjected before realizing where he was and apologizing.

"Queen Gemma, I know for a fact that someone is headed this way to kill you and your husband, I'm here to protect you to the best of my ability."

Before Gemma could speak Deshler walked in "What can you do that our personal convoy can't? If this assassin is such a threat how can you hope to stop him on your own?"

"I can buy time!" Re'Zin yelled back "I can keep him busy as you escape to the Anondye Brigade we have a powerful security detail already in place…it's safer."

Deshler laughed "Moving across a battlefield? That is not going to happen."

"Every second you spend arguing with me is another second death comes closer! And something tells me that when he gets here he'll be slitting your throat as well!"

Deshler was about to yell back when Gemma stood and turned to a guard "Please go get my husband, I'm not leaving him behind."

Deshler clenched his fist as the guards departed "Damn it."

"Leena! Mikel! Get down!" The pair moved aside as Soren brought a powerful air whip down on a group of soldiers. With a massive swing of his arm the troops were thrown out of the gaping hole in the building.

Any enemies that tried to get Soren from behind were quickly met by Mia and Wayu while Eien and Janie continued blasting holes through the enemy lines.

"We really aren't in a good place." Mia commented before slashing another man dead.

Soren nodded "They needed us here and we came. The only solace we have is that Yewfelle is in Anondye."

"Now they're trying to keep us here. We've got to keep moving." Just as Mia said that a group of enemies were taken out but not by any of the immediate Emissaries.

Soren smiled as Ike and Mertre entered through the hole in the Bastion and began ripping through the enemy forces.

"Need help old friend?" Ike asked as he approached the Archsage and Trueblade.

Mia sighed "I'm so glad to see you made it here in one piece. Though I never did doubt it…"

Ike nodded his head slowly before reaching back and grabbing Alondite.

"Norad Jyuugo." Soren whispered.

Ike thought of the man again before shaking his head "He's dead…but more importantly. Mia."

The Legend held the sword before her and nodded, taking the blade in her hand "Ike."

"I can't wield anything other than Dyeshein with my dominant arm. You on the other hand…hell, I know you're capable."

As Mia looked at Alondite and Ein'Tosen before her she bowed to Ike "Thanks, boss."

With quick nods to each other the three broke apart and engaged the Midnight forces again.

An advance troop from Regalshin cheered as Gorm flew about the rear of the Bastion. With Gungnir in hand he was easily slashing through enemy cannon after enemy cannon.

All the while that strange voice constantly returned to him "I'm going to cut you down…"

"Then stop hiding and show yourself!" Gorm yelled furiously as he killed a Midnight soldier.

"Gorm…if you don't mind…"

At the Apothecary's voice Gorm nodded "Then I suppose it's my turn."

"Look out!" Nephenee, Heather, Rhogam and Ranulf jumped back as the ground before them exploded.

Rhogam stood and prepared his axe as a man shot out of the smoke roaring "Die!"

The axes clashed together and Rhogam narrowed his eyes "You…you are Gashuuka Anondye!"

As Nephenee, Heather and Ranulf prepared to aid Rhogam several arrows landed around them. Once again the group fell back as the bolts exploded.

A man fell to the ground near Gashuuka with his bow at the ready "I am Telray Sarhara…"

As he fired more arrows magic from Rhys and Mist destroyed the bolts midflight.

Oscar rode towards the man only for a shield to materialize in his way and stop his lance. A heavily armored man jumped and struck Oscar's back as the Silver Knight rode away.

"Meltraitis Regalshin here…I trust you all know this is the worst possible news for you."

Leah brought his blade up as Rhogam crashed into the ground next to him. Gashuuka, Meltraitis and Telray armed with Helswath, Gungnir and Yewfelle smiled at the Emissaries.

"How are we going to deal with these guys?" Tyse muttered as he landed next to Shinon.

The marksman notched an arrow "The same way we deal with everything else."

Gashuuka laughed "You're going to fight us? I was hoping you'd do that but at the same time it's sad to see you all believe that you can beat us!"

"We've beat men just as despicable as you lot." Teiaya stated as he joined Shinon and Ranulf.

Meltraitis grinned "I doubt that…but the Fell Lord did assign us to kill as many of you as possible…and that is exactly what we intend to do."

Telray and Shinon fired on each other as Gashuuka, Meltraits, Teiaya and Ranulf charged forward.

"Have at you!"

Far to the east, on his own the fireman proceeded through the armies and combat like a ghost. No enemy saw him before or after his knife struck them down and no soldier of the united armies noticed him as he passed them by.

"I have one target...I will fufill this contract like every single one I've done before…nothing has changed."

"A path is clear! Let's move!" Mikel called out. Soren nodded but before the group could proceed towards the spiral staircase it exploded along with a large section of the neighboring wall.

As the rubble cleared a wyvern landed and a man with a red cape dismounted. "There you are."

Mia looked up and gripped her blades tighter "Gorm."

The Wyvern Lord laughed as he spun Gungnir about "I've arrived just in time…you see…I am the Impenetrable Wall. None of you are proceeding past this point."

Mikel, Leena and Wayu charged forward first as Janie, Soren and Eien's magic shot past them. Gorm slammed his feet into the ground and faced forward as the spells crashed into him. Blade, lance and axe came down on him only to be met by Gungnir. Unfazed by the magic display Gorm spun about, ripping the weapons away from the three Emissaries before striking them each with his lance.

Mia and Ike leapt into the air, Alondite and Ein'Tosen reached Gorm first, both encased in purple flames.

Ike landed behind Gorm and with a quick spin he lashed through Gorm's cape and back. Once again unfazed Gorm push forward, loosening Mia's hold enough to spin about and attempt a stab towards Ike only for the Legend to jump away and curse "You're much faster that one would guess."

Gorm smirked "Nothing you do can harm me."

Mertre joined Mia and the pair's weapons crashed into the ground as Gorm leapt back onto his wyvern.

Mia looked up at him "We've dealt with someone like you before."

Gorm smiled "You mean Murawk? True he has a high level of pain resistance…unimaginably high but I do not, you see, I have a much more simple power…I am invincible."

Ike scoffed as he brought Ragnell to bear and aimed it at Gorm "No one is invincible."

"Try me." With that Gorm's wyvern roared and charged forward, shoving Ike and Mia aside as Mertre and her Pegasus flew out of the beast's range. Gorm held up Gungnir and hurled it towards Eien, Janie and Soren. The three moved aside as it struck the ground only to tear out and return to Gorm's hands.

The wyvern's mighty claw crashed into Eien and Janie before the beast turned around and broadsided Soren with its tail.

"Where is the challenge!?"

Gorm turned to see Mia in the air, heading his way again. He held up Gungnir "Die!"

The weapon missed but Mia didn't as both blades dug into Gorm's wyvern that roared in pain. "You may be invincible but your mount isn't!"

Mia struggled to hold on as the wyvern began tossing about and slamming into walls. Ike took this chance to unleash blue shockwaves on Gorm who despite the frantically moving wyvern was countering his blows or simply ignoring them.

"We're going to need to hit him with everything." Soren stated as he brought out his Rexcalibur tome followed by Eien's Verrine.

Giant shards of ice began piercing the ground around Gorm and his mount. The wyvern proceeded to slam against the ice only for Mia to dislodge and jump away. The wyvern then flapped its wings only for mighty black slashes of Verrine to cut through its wings.

The beast fell to the ground again as Gorm laughed "Is this supposed to affect me?"

Gorm stabbed his wyvern with Gungnir causing it to roar loudly and all the color in its eyes to fade to black. An odorous and burning black breath shot out of its mouth and began burning through the walls.

"Move!" Eien screamed as she helped Janie up and leapt out of the way. Soren tried to use his magic on it but it faded away as it came into contact "What the hell?"

Ike cursed and stuck Ragnell into the ground before pulling out Dyeshein and clearing the distance between him and Gorm.

Turning Gorm stopped Dyeshein with Gungnir "Oh? Trying something new are we?"

Ike lit his blade up, the gray flames traveled across Gungnir and onto Gorm's body. Breaking the hold Ike spun and slashed Gorm across his chest. Even now the Wyvern Lord only tilted his head before ramming the round end of Gungnir into Ike's stomach.

Gorm's wyvern then leapt up high and spun about, the force threw Ike to the ground.

Mikel sat back watching this and cursed "A wyvern with a breath of decay and a dude who doesn't acknowledge pain in any way. How are we supposed to kill this guy?"

Leena spun her blade "No one can live without a head."

Wayu turned "Did you guys hear that?"

"What?" Mikel asked as he looked back as well.

"Move!" Mia yelled at them as the ruined wall behind them shattered, throwing Mikel, Leena and Wayu aside.

Gorm and his wyvern turned to face the intrusion with the Wyvern Lord raising an eyebrow "What is this?"

A bright yellow wave tore out of the smoke Gorm quickly swung his weapon destroying the energy wave.

"Who are you?"

"I told you…I am the man who wants to end your life."

Gurgurant flashed as brilliantly as ever in Ashnard's hand. The wyvern below him roared even louder than Gorm's causing the room to shudder.

"Ashnard." Soren whispered.

The man grinned "I'm back again…for battle."

Ike approached the Mad King "Why?"

Not even turning Ashnard spoke "You all can go on ahead…I came to face this man."

Ashnard trailed off as he spotted Mia and the blade she carried "Well, the Black Knight's weapon continues to travel. It must hold quite a story."

"Answer me! Ashnard!" Ike yelled.

"Whatever hate you feel towards the Mad King Ashnard is of no relevance to me…we are not the same man. I'm ordering all of you to leave Gorm to me. Isn't that good for what it is you are all attempting to do right now?"

Mertre landed next to Ike "He's right."

"Mertre."

Soren and Mia joined them with the tactician speaking "We're going."

Eien, Janie, Mikel, Leena and Wayu rounded out the team near Ashnard as Gorm laughed across the way.

"I'm not letting them advance."

"Well that's alright because you don't have a choice!"

Screaming Ashnard held his blade forward and his wyvern charged, ramming into Gorm and his beast. Both men and beasts crashed through the wall and into another chamber leaving the current one in disastrous state.

"Is this it?" Ike asked to which Soren nodded.

"I've always thought of Ashnard…after I learned he was my father I couldn't stop thinking about it."

Soren sighed "After I learned that the Midnight could bring people like Kanahana back from the dead my thoughts of Ashnard grew stronger and I began to meet with him in my subconscious."

"That is who he is." Mia finished "A representation of Soren's memories."

"So the real Ashnard we fought…is still dead…" Ike commented.

Mikel sighed "I know the Ashnard you guys knew was a bad dude. But this one gave us the chance to proceed. We've got to take it and if you don't mind me saying, wish him the best."

Janie nodded "I'd rather Ashnard take out Gorm for us, if he succeeds its all the better for us." Soren looked up at the holes in the ceiling "I'll prepare a wind spell to lift us up, everyone ready?"

As the group nodded and Mertre mounted her Pegasus, Soren turned towards the hole that Ashnard and Gorm vanished through.

"Our front lines are beginning to buckle. Soon all of our forces will have to stop pushing forward. The casualties will not be worth the progression."

Talia nodded to Dent before turning to Wilt "Send word to all divisions. We begin moving back in ten minutes."

Wilt turned to speak to a guard as Dent sighed. Talia smiled "You've gone through so much young man. We had no desire to drag you into this conflict."

"Maybe not…but after what happened in Euto, after Krayvon, Telm and even Orgoth I'm all that's left. Someone has to represent our valor and secure our desire for Ymarkteg's future."

Talia smiled and nodded as Wilt returned "All divisions will be notified within five minutes, so in fifteen the retreat begins."

All the while Vassaan continued scanning the horizons, Wilt took a step forward and joined the senator in scanning as Dent wiped his forehead and examined his axe. "Well, the battle calls me."

Something flashed in Wilt's view "Vassaan did you-"

Everything seemed to slow as Vassaan turned his head to the right to look in Wilt's direction, while doing so he noticed someone, definitely not of Anondye run to the left.

Realization hit Vassaan "Two. They knew Wilt would never see them, they are highly trained assassins no normal man could see them even keeping the most vigilant watch but they allowed Wilt to see them. He questioned it. I investigated. Why did I only believe there would be one?"

Vassaan opened his mouth and yelled "My Queen!" As he and Wilt moved towards her.

Turning his head back to the left Vassaan saw three arrows headed their way. Wilt with his slower reaction time did not even start moving back as three arrows headed towards him.

"Wilt!"

The six arrows crossed them, all three on Vassaan's path missed him on purpose and he cursed while Wilt barely managed to block one with his shield while the other two sank into his armor.

Time resumed normally as Vassaan spun about to see Dent standing with his shield blocking the three arrows from reaching Talia.

The Queen nodded to Vassaan as Wilt called the guard to form up, two assassins were on sight.

Vassaan opened his mouth to thank Dent but noticed a dreadful expression forming on Dent's face.

Before he could ask what was wrong Dent moved forward and pushed Talia to the ground. A massive spear shot towards them, piercing through Dent's shield and body as if he wasn't even there.

As blood shot out of Dent's mouth he fell to his knees. The edge of the spear was slowed by his shield and body and stopped right in front of Talia's face.

Wilt moved towards the fallen knight as Vassan approached Talia and helped her up. The two turned upon hearing yells erupting from around the caravan.

Vassaan looked down as a powerful ring grew in his ears. He saw Dent's spasms cease and his body fall limp. Wilt looked up to Vassaan and mouthed some words he couldn't make out.

Wilt then stood and pulled out his blade, a stranger landed before them his blade flashed and clashed with Wilt as another man landed nearby, this one had a bow and arrow at the ready.

The bowstring was tight and Vassaan could barely detect himself swallow "Talia…I've let you down…they got us…Orkra, I wish-"

Wilt stepped in front of Vassaan and took the arrow to the stomach before stepping forward and hitting the archer with his shield. The other assassin swung and sliced through Wilt's armor, drawing blood.

The Great Knight ignored the pain and whipped around, blade slicing the trickster's hat in half.

Rolling to his feet the hunter brought out a savage knife and leapt at Wilt, reaching around his shield and impaling his arm rendering it and his shield, useless.

Wilt swung his blade fiercely, slicing across the Hunter's chest as the Trickster moved in again and stabbed him in the shoulder.

The Great Knight groaned and took a few steps back to better cover Vassaan and Talia.

While the Trickster kept Wilt's blade occupied the Hunter moved around him, Vassaan saw him coming and extended his arms to cover Talia. Using his size, Wilt threw himself back and slammed the Hunter against the caravan wall, crushing his hand, causing him to drop his knife.

Yelling the Hunter shoved Wilt away and leapt aside, as Wilt moved forward Vassaan screamed for him to look out as the Trickster's blade pierced Wilt's body from behind. The Great Knight looked at the blood soaked end of the blade sticking out of his chest and coughed up blood. Vassaan covered Talia, holding the knife out as Wilt stumbled forward. The Trickster and Hunter nodded to each other before turning to face the Senator.

As the pair approached Vassaan and Talia they each pulled out knives and Vassaan couldn't help but realize that this was the end of the line. Despite their preparation they were simply outmatched.

Screaming Wilt grabbed the Trickster and pulled him into a hug, the end of the blade sticking out of Wilt's chest pierced the Trickster causing him to scream. Turning the Hunter grabbed Wilt's throat and began crushing it.

The Trickster pulled himself off the blade and fell to the ground gagging, unable to speak coherently.

Everything in Wilt's field of vision was extremely fuzzy and only getting worse as the grip on his throat strengthened. The Hunter was yelling at him but in his dazed, near death state he could not make any words out.

The Hunter cried out shortly as Vassaan, armed with the Hunter's own dagger sunk it into the back of the vile man's neck. Releasing Wilt, the Hunter fell to the ground and gagged on his blood as Vassaan stabbed him to death.

Talia was frozen as the mortally wounded Trickster continued to crawl towards her, anger burned in his eyes as he drew closer only for him to release an inhuman scream as Wilt's blade sunk into his back.

Seeing the Trickster fall limp, Talia looked up to Wilt, blood stained his armor and face, yet the man smiled. Reality seemed to return to the caravan as Wilt fell to the ground. He could barely make out Vassaan and Talia coming to his side as everything went dark.

Screeching, Gorm's wyvern rolled over giving the rider a chance to swing Gungnir. A wave of decay headed for Daein and Ashnard but the pair easily avoided it by launching through the ceiling.

Gorm looked up as Daein smashed through the wall again, this time Gurgurant swung for him with a mighty force behind it. Gorm sneered and brought Gungnir up to stop the mighty blade.

Facing across their weapons the riders kept their eyes on each other. Gorm growled as he ripped Gungnir away giving his wyvern a chance to flip around and scratch Daein's side.

Roaring furiously Daein seized Gorm's beast with its massive jaw and began biting fiercely. Standing Ashnard jumped from his wyvern and slashed at Gorm. The man from Regalshin got up as well and moved aside only for Ashnard's follow up strike to catch him.

"I was hoping for more of a challenge!" Ashnard called out as Gorm spun Gungnir "Don't mock me!"

The Wyvern Lord hurled his lance which Ashnard easily avoided. However the lance reversed in midflight catching Ashnard by surprise as it pierced his back with one edge jutting out of his chest.

Groaning Ashnard leapt back onto Daein, the massive wyvern released Gorm's beast and jumped away. Gorm held his hand out causing Ashnard to stumble forward until the lance ripped itself out of him and returned to Gorm's hand.

Clutching his wound Ashnard laughed "Such a mystical weapon…"

"Compared to Gungnir your blade is just an extravagant piece of metal. Nothing special…"

At Gorm's statement Ashnard grinned "You could say that…but you'd be sorely mistaken!"

Daein launched forward, tackling Gorm's wyvern both beasts roared as they smashed through several Bastion walls.

"Hold the line! Hold the line!" A man yelled as his allies were overwhelmed by the Midnight forces.

Seeing this Krey cursed "Pull back! Regroup!"

A guard ran up to the man from Numengate "Sir! Istequil has received orders from the Queen to begin mass retreat in 10 minutes. The Midnight are pushing back almost all our fronts. Our connections with the Sarharan and Pozem armies are on the verge of breaking."

Krey nodded "Gill! Ten minutes! Can we do it?"

Hearing this Gill killed a man and roared back "We're going to have to!"

A furious Arcfire explosion went off near the right end of the Halberd line causing several men to loose focus and fall under the force of dozens of approaching Undead soldiers.

Holding his hand up Krey called for another rally to hold back the Midnight. They needed to survive for as long as possible, no matter the cost.

"We're going to need to focus our forces!" Titania yelled as she swung her axe, destroying an oncoming arrow bolt from Telray.

Ranulf nodded "We'd all fair better if we can push the Students away from each other."

At that yells came from Teiaya, Tyse and Leah as Gashuuka slammed into the ground near them causing a shockwave that threw the three warriors away.

As Gashuuka began approaching a torrent of light magic from Cadeera struck him in the chest, pushing him back. Roaring the Berserker Lord swung Helswath, leaving a blood trail that shot towards the White Valkyrie.

The attack exploded harmlessly against a transparent shield from Rhys. Nodding towards him Cadeera turned and used her Rescue staff to warp Teiaya, Tyse and Leah away from Gashuuka as his axe hit the ground again.

Meltraitis flipped over as Oscar's lance flew by, however in doing so he was struck by several arrows fired from Rolf. Landing the man spun and released Gungnir which continued following Rolf even after the young man avoided it the first time.

Boyd took that chance to bury his axe in Meltraitis' back. As the Spear Lord turned his lance returned to him causing Boyd to curse and move away. Meltraitis launched forward quickly and stabbed Boyd just as arrows from Rhogam struck him in the side.

Cursing Meltraitis tore his weapon out of Boyd and turned, spinning his lance fiercely to deflect attacks from Tyazaer and Oscar. As the mounted knights rode away Meltraitis shot into the air "This is the enjoyment I've been missing!"

As the Spear Lord crashed into the ground Telray pulled back on Yewfelle, releasing several arrows towards Shinon's group. Uhnie and Heather took the lead, dashing towards the man while avoiding his attacks.

Nephenee followed them with her shield up, the attacks bouncing off of her and giving Shinon time to focus as he fired on Telray's position.

The Snipe Master ceased firing and began swinging his bow to deflect Uhnie and Heather's swift attacks. Seeing the opportunity he leapt away from their blades only for Michalis to slam into him.

As he skidded across the ground Zey'Yu chased after him, after a few seconds of counters he ripped her weapon away from her and laughed "What now!?"

Nephenee threw her spear and at the very last second Zey'Yu leapt out of the way, allowing the weapon to pierce Telray. Cursing he ripped it out and snapped it in half.

Zey'Yu landed near Nephenee who smiled nervously "I still didn't think that was a good idea."

"Relax, you did great." Zey'Yu stated "Looks like you'll have to pick up a stray weapon though."

Nephenee glanced over at Heather and shook her head "I've got that covered."

As Telray launched forward Uhnie and Kay'Shera landed near him, lance and blade swinging while Mist shot forward a ball of light magic.

As it exploded Heather held up a case and threw it "Neph!"

The Sentinel launched into the air and ripped a new weapon out of the case.

As the smoke cleared Telray kicked Uhnie and Kay'Shera away before shooting an arrow at Mist that exploded, flooring her.

Looking up quickly he brought up Yewfelle to stop an oncoming spear. He noticed the magnificent design of the weapon and grinned "Meltraitis would like this."

He looked at Nephenee who wore an intense expression as she held the weapon on his bow "Wishblade is mine."

"My King, my Queen, you have…visitors."

The King and Queen of Regalshin glanced at each other before facing the messenger with Iseil speaking "Who?"

"General Orkra and Zihark of Tellius…they've come to speak with you."

"Orkra! Oh, yes, let her in!" Iseil stated quickly, as the messenger left Gaelon sighed.

"I apologized to you already my Queen…"

Iseil let out a frustrated groan "Yes but it was Orkra that our armies nearly killed do to a misunderstanding, not me. You owe her a sincere apology and a lot more."

"I am a King; I should not have to justify my desire to protect Regalshin to any general of mine!"

Gaelon and Iseil stared at each other angrily as Orkra and Zihark entered the caravan with the General bowing. Her expression quickly changed as Iseil embraced her; she glanced over to Zihark who just shrugged.

As Iseil released Orkra she spoke "I can't imagine what it must have felt like to be a criminal to your own nation…I have to apologize."

Orkra smiled "My Queen it…it was nothing…I was safe with friends."

"Surely you can't just dismiss all of it that easily?"

Zihark noticed Orkra's expression change and recalled the situation in the Stronghold, coughing he took a step forward "Queen Iseil, King Gaelon, we've come out of concern for your safety."

The King raised an eyebrow "From what? We have our best soldiers surrounding us at all times, nothing can harm us here."

Zihark nodded "It might seem that way but you have to remember that the Midnight is not the only threat. Right now the Altar has agents hiding within your army. Soon they will attack with only one goal: to kill the both of you."

As Iseil sat back down Gaelon sighed "We know of the Altar but I've vetted these men myself…not to mention Gorm and he is an extremely skilled judge of character. I am safe here from the Altar."

Zihark glanced at Orkra who nodded "Queen Talia of Anondye thought so as well…"

Iseil gasped and shook her head "You can't mean! No!"

The King remained silent as Orkra approached Iseil "We came as an envoy from Anondye to share the news…they could not spend any of their own soldiers…to be frank the army is no doubt falling apart…"

"This is…truly terrible." Gaelon commented while scratching his chin.

As Zihark began to explain some details Orkra got really close to Iseil and whispered in her ear "My Queen…I beg of you…leave the caravan…please…"

The woman looked at her, tears still in her eyes "What?"

Orkra stared deeply into Iseil's eyes "Please."

The Queen stood "I…I need to…"

Orkra put an arm on her shoulder and turned to Gaelon "I think she might need to see a medic…a panic attack now would not be a boon for your army's morale."

Gaelon saw the worried look on Iseil's face and nodded slowly before turning to Zihark before him "I can call a medic here…as you said…I don't want anyone seeing her like this…morale…"

The room was silent as Orkra and Zihark's eyes met.

"What are you doing!?" Iseil screamed as Orkra ran with her out of the caravan, at the same second Zihark brought both blades out and cleared the distance between him and Duke.

The man's arms came up and stopped the blades, as they drew blood Zihark clenched his teeth "End of the line…Duke…"

The Duke laughed and stood pushing Zihark's blades away "You brainless dog."

As Zihark swung his blades, Duke avoided them and delivered an open palm strike to Zihark's stomach. Eyes narrowing in pain Zihark kept attacking but found Duke to be much quicker than he would've guessed. A fist struck his chin while a swift kick brought him down to one knee. Duke grabbed Zihark and spun him around before hurling him out of the caravan.

The guards turned in shock as Zihark crashed into the ground. Duke emerged and cracked his neck as the Regalshin guards surrounded Zihark "Are you alright my King?"

At the question Duke spat "Move." A torrent of snow whirled around Zihark and the guards, Duke shot forward and stabbed each guard in the throat with two fingers. As the snow died down the men fell dead and Duke launched at Zihark again.

Orkra pulled out her weapons and turned to Iseil "Stay back!"

"What is going on!?" The Queen screamed as Orkra shot at Duke, the man now dealt with three blades and an axe being swung at him furiously. With quick hand movements he controls Orkra and Zihark's arms, the weapons flew by him harmlessly until he jumped and kicked both warriors to the ground.

Holding his hand up another torrent of snow whirled around them, this one was larger and stronger. The land around them began to turn white as layers of snow formed. Several Regalshin guards approached as Duke shot at Zihark and Orkra again.

"My King! Attention, soldiers of Regalshin! Protect King Gaelon!"

As the men shot forward Zihark cursed "What do we do, Orkra?"

The woman stood up slowly and wiped the blood of her lip as the guards drew closer. "I'm not sure."

Duke held one hand up causing the Regalshin soldiers to cease their charge. "Do not interfere."

"But…my King!" The captain yelled only for Duke to charge Zihark who once again found both of his blades being held by Duke who just smiled despite the blood being drawn from his hands. "You didn't think your strategy through…"

Zihark clenched his teeth and tried to push forward but couldn't break Duke's guard. "My men will kill you both for attempting to murder their King…nothing you say can prove what you say is the truth."

At that the three and the guards turned as a massive explosion came from the rear of the Bastion. A large section of the castle's outer wall fell to the ground in pieces as two wyverns wrestled in mid air with their riders clashing.

"Gorm?" Duke stated, Zihark quickly moved one hand down to his side and stabbed Duke in the chest with a concealed knife before jumping away.

Helping Orkra up the pair watched as a golden flash caused Gorm and his wyvern to crash into the snow. "Who is that?" Orkra asked.

Zihark shook his head "It looks like…Ashnard…"

The two were now surrounded by Regalshin guards as Duke approached clutching his wound.

"My King! What should we do with them?"

Duke smiled as Zihark and Orkra faced him "They tried to kill me…imprisoning them during this war would be troublesome for us. While it is a rather hasty call I think an execution is in order."

Just as finished speaking a massive wyvern crashed into the ground causing the guards to fall to the newly formed snow.

"Can your King do this?" Ashnard yelled as his wyvern unleashed a burning blue breath all over Gaelon.

The attack burned away the King's robes revealing an armed suit below that caught Zihark's knife. Standing in midst of the blue fire, Duke shot forward and kicked Daein, knocking the wyvern to the ground.

As the guards stood up one shook his head "My King…how are you still alive?"

"That's not King Gaelon!" Zihark yelled "There was probably never a King Gaelon! He is Duke of the Royal Ring, a terrorist seeking control of Ymarkteg!"

The guards looked at each other questioningly as Duke turned towards them "You know…I thought ruling as a benevolent leader unknown to the public would be the way to go…but I think ruling as a dictator and god among men would suit me better."

Raising his arm the guards scream as their bodies froze, with a quick wave of his arm the guards around Duke shattered.

Zihark glanced at Ashnard who turned away as Gorm and his wyvern slammed into him.

Duke pointed at Zihark and Orkra "I'm doing things my way now. I'll start with killing both of you."

As Orkra shot forward with her shield up Zihark gave one last look at Ashnard before charging forward as well.

Ignoring the battle behind him Ashnard continued swinging his blade, the bright yellow waves slicing cleanly through everything around him be it Regalshin weapons, tents, carts or even the unfortunate soldier.

Daein lunged forward and began grappling with Gorm's wyvern again as Gungnir and Gurgurant struck one another. Several guards approached aimed their arrows at Ashnard and Daein.

Gorm grinned "What now?"

As Daein leapt away Ashnard swung Gurgurant, unleashing a bright yellow wave that killed all the archers around him.

"I'm not a hero…I'm only here to kill you regardless of the cost."

Sneering Gorm roared causing his wyvern to unleash a decaying breath. As Daein took to the skies the breath ate through Regalshin soldiers approaching to aid Gorm.

As they died screaming in pain or asking Gorm why he would do that the Midnight Wyvern Lord shot into the air after Ashnard, weapons colliding again with Gurgurant slicing through Gorm's chest only to draw some kind of black aura as opposed to blood prompting Ashnard to ask "What exactly is the secret to your…invincibility?"

As Gungnir stabbed Ashnard again the Wyvern Lord laughed "The Midnight is the answer to all…the truth they seek is for everyone."

Ashnard rolled his eyes before running his weapon through Gorm's chest "As I thought…you aren't worth the effort."

Ripping their weapons out of each other the pair continued to clash above the Regalshin army.

"Hrodath!" The King fell to one knee as another detachment of his troops charged Peltzm'Jakq. The vile man had draw blood from the King several times and the bodies of Pozem soldiers littered the battleground.

This time one broke away from the others and approached from behind. As Peltzm'Jakq killed another guard he glanced behind him to see Re'Zin stab him in the side with a long dagger.

"Oh? Who are you?"

As Re'Zin looked up Peltzm'Jakq grabbed his face and lifted him into the air. Using his free hand he tore the knife out of his side and stabbed Re'Zin with it "Who." Stab "Are." Stab. "You?"

Swinging the nomad around he slammed him into the ground, looking up just in time to catch an axe to the face.

As he stumbled away Re'Zin turned over and vomited blood "King Hrodath…you must return to your Queen…I'll hold him…"

Hrodath looked to Peltzm'Jakq who wiped the blood from his face only for more to trail down it.

"You'll hold me? That's rich."

Hrodath picked up another axe "I can't just-"

Re'Zin stood and pulled out another dagger "You have to…"

Peltzm'Jakq spun his black blade and began walking towards the pair "Good bye."

"Shields up! Shields-" Unable to relay the order quick enough the man fell to the ground filled with arrows as several other Halberds around him dropped dead.

Krey brought his shield up in time but felt a sharp pain. "Krey! The line is to move back! Istequil's brigade has given us enough space to do so!"

Krey nodded "I heard you Gill, go! My division will be right behind you!"

Gill nodded as Krey stood and began running back screaming the order to the Halberds. As Krey relayed it to his team he glanced down at the arrow in his leg "I'll just slow everyone down."

One guard approached him "Sir, are you coming?"

Krey smiled "No soldier…I'm not…keep moving, make sure everyone goes."

The guard was unable to respond as Krey moved forward and stabbed another enemy to death.

The guard turned to see all of his allies growing farther then turned to see Krey down another soldier before taking an arrow to the shoulder.

"For Numengate!" The guard yelled running past Krey and into a horde of Undead, swinging his weapon around fiercely.

Krey ran his spear into another man and upon pulling it out saw it fall apart and cursed. The nameless guard's fury came to an end as he fell to the ground and the Undead descended on him.

Falling to one knee Krey couldn't help but smile "It's so clear to me now…we're going to win…"

Noticing a strange feeling the man looked down to see the end of a blade sticking out of his chest. The sounds of battle faded as he closed his eyes and fell over.

"The retreat begins now!" Helena screamed as she killed a Midnight "Move back! Move back!"

The majority of the forces near her turned and began a full speed retreat while the advance lines dealt with the approaching foes that slipped through the Halberd's defense line.

Istequil joined her "My men aren't getting out of there…are they?"

Helena glanced at him "It was not supposed to be a suicide regiment. Suffice to say the Midnight's army is just too big for us to handle. If this doesn't stop soon we'll all be dead."

Noticing Vargas, Helena nodded at him and he waved his mage divisions to move back. A line of cannons rolled forward as the advance lines passed them.

"We can cut down any of them that attempt to follow us…we need to buy time to build up our forces and assess where we stand."

Istequil nodded "The more time you have…the better…"

Helena turned to see the cannons coming and began walking past them "Indeed…the Halberd line's sacrifice is sad and I don't justify it but…"

Feeling something was off the Sentinel turned to see Istequil running towards the front lines. She began charging towards him and screaming "Istequil! Stop!"

The man ran straight into the enemy horde and began swinging his blade fiercely. Helena watched as he ripped through them and vanished.

Closing her eyes she thought of following him, dying next to her countryman for the sake of the joint armies. However, her thoughts then changed to a certain orange haired trueblade and she shook her head "I…have something…to live for…someone…to live for. Did you, Istequil?"

Looking to the advancing horde the Sentinel heard the order for the cannons to fire and began moving away, the Undead roaring behind her as cannon fire obliterated them.

Men screamed as Gorm's wyvern crushed them to death. Black aura rose out of the man's armor like smoke as he clutched Gungnir tightly. Looking up he saw Ashnard descending on him and roared at the foreigner "I'll not fall to you!"

Gungnir, Gurgurant and Wyverns crashed together again. Both men were gravely injured with several arrows stuck in Ashnard's back. The Regalshin army was now divided amongst those still charging the Bastion and being wiped out by the cannons to those trying to interfere with his fight or the Duke Fight in the rear.

"You feel nothing for your countrymen, do you? They are all going to die here…unable to focus, the chain of command deteriorating all around them…sad…"

Gorm pushed against Gurgurant "I don't care about Regalshin! I care about the world! I fight for the pure world the Midnight will obtain!"

"Pure? I was within one of them for a short time but I know they do not desire anything a normal man would call…pure…misguided or not you are a fool for believing in any part of their promise."

Gorm narrowed his eyes and pushed harder only for Ashnard to break the man's guard and stab him in the chest again.

Daein grabbed Gorm's wyvern's neck in its powerful jaw and began twisting. With a massive swing, Gorm was thrown off of his mount and to the snow below.

Ashnard jumped off Daein as the beast savagely swung its head, snapping the other wyvern's neck.

Ashnard approached Gorm as he stood up slowly "From one corpse to another-"

Ashnard swung, slashing through Gorm's face and causing the man to fall to his knees.

"No final words from you…you don't deserve that honor." Ashnard spat as he raised his blade above him and stabbed it through Gorm's spine.

Taking a few steps back to stare at the man on the ground Ashnard smiled "That is a much better place for Gurgurant."

The Mad King then noticed countless Regalshin soldiers around him, all kept at bay by Daein's roaring.

Ashnard then glanced at the Bastion "However…there is one more thing I must do…"

Approaching Gorm's body Ashnard ripped Gurgurant out and began walking towards the Bastion, the soldiers moved aside allowing him and his wyvern to pass through.

Coming to a stop Ashnard sighed, Gurgurant began glowing fiercely. Quickly the Mad King spun about, unleashing a bright golden wave that cut right through Gungnir, the lance evaporated.

Gorm's eyes widened as the wave cut through him.

The wyvern lord looked down as his upper torso fell onto the snow before his legs bent forward and fell as well.

"Invincible?"

Ashnard turned and continued walking, spitting on the snow that became scarcer the closer he got to the bastion.

"As if…"

"Istequil…did I…do good?"

Istequil smiled as Gill closed his eyes, laying the man on the ground Istequil stood. The Halberd Line was gone and he now faced the Horde. Taking out his blade and axe he aimed both weapons forward only for the ground below a group of enemies to explode.

Istequil turned as Opstun landed near him.

"What are you-"

Narrowing his eyes the Braver shook his head "Master, I'm not retreating."

Opstun nodded "Neither am I. Numengate is my home and I am its Elder Sage. I will give everything I have and more for my home."

Istequil nodded "I feel the same way…but I guess you knew that."

Opstun watched the Horde near them and smiled "The retreat is nearly complete, let's give our allies as much time as we possibly can…with their renewed energy they will carry the battle."

Istequil laughed "Here I am…at the end of the line and I can't think of anything meaningful to say…not that anyone would be around to hear my last words anyway."

Opstun held his hands up causing the ground to shake "We've no need for last words…our actions will speak for us."

Yelling the Elder Sage swung his arms causing the land before him to explode and scatter the Midnight. Istequil roared and charged forward, blade and axe flashing as they ripped through the flesh of man and the undead.

Inside the Bastion the Emissaries came to a stop upon entering a large round room.

In front of them a series of large steps led to a raised platform. Around the platform were massive structures that were adorned with images of swordsmen and women. Behind the images and continuing around the main platform were at least a dozen pillars. Finally in the middle of the main platform was a throne, on which sat a very familiar man.

"Soren…Mia…"

The two took a few steps forward with Soren clenching his teeth "Kino."