The Realm War:Chronicles of Illirian Book 1

Chapter 6:Xoer Aerial Bases

Gelvan, Caltren, Jorna and Eruma waited, staring off into the teal sky. At last, a green window materialized, and a fleet exited it, before the window disappeared in a dark flash. "We'd best get moving" said Jorna. The fleet neared theirs, and a transmission came through. "The Xoer defenses on all six bases have been severely weakened. Even now, Paellor, Hiarna and Atrea are attacking the first. Kilor, Kelja and Xalas have just captured Hellion. Leor, Skalyr, Aerza and Iltera destroyed a few of their armies and with the remaining Lidaeri forces, are en route to Angver. We have to destroy or capture the aerial bases while we have the chance" said Teolara. "Then let's get this over with."

...

Teolara and Valaeon watched as their fleet exited the portal over the Xoer city of Falaer, and flew to the aerial base that floated to the north. "There are a few Xoer Knights there. We will deal with them. Admiral, you handle their fleet" said Valaeon. "Good luck" the admiral replied. Teolara and Valaeon boarded a shuttle, and, along with a squad of Kveaita soldiers, five of whom were Rumaenors, headed to the base.

They flew past the battling ships, shooting down several Xoer fighters and landed in the base's hangar. As they exited, they were immediately fired on by the Xoer soldiers in the vicinity. Teolara, Valaeon and the five Rumaenoria wielding soldiers protected the rest from the Xoer magicians. One of the Kveaita magicians was hit with a stray sunbeam to the neck, and his fire and lightning power faded away. Valaeon and Teolara retaliated with bursts of light and dark magic, and their Rumaenors aided them with powers of their own. The other six soldiers scored hits on a few enemy magicians. Slowly, however, the group was being overwhelmed. "Hold them off" said Teolara, as she leapt back to safety. "Teotaires algre" she said, drawing on the life force of the Xoer soldiers. They cried out in alarm, before all collapsed.

Teolara divided the energy between herself, Valaeon and the remaining eight soldiers. "Let's go." They rushed out of the hangar, and headed for the command center.

Valaeon and Teolara tensed, as did the three Rumaenoria wielding soldiers.

Suddenly, Eikyra, Ateros, Ulzen, Kinta and two squads of Rumaenor soldiers surrounded them. "Great" Valaeon cursed, as he and Teolara twirled their green battle staffs. A purple, orange and two yellow staffs were drawn, as the Xoer and Kveaita soldiers opened fire. Each of the Xoer soldiers was a Rumaenor, and more powerful than their Kveaita counterparts. Of the Xoer Knights, however, only Eikyra presented a credible threat.

"Two Kveaita Knights, and eight good-for-nothing Kveaita soldiers. Away from your pathetic fleet. Prepare to meet your end" said Eikyra, as she launched a blast of purple lightning. Valaeon said "Lyran algre!", releasing his own green bolts. The attacks met, creating an explosion. Valaeon's attack had a broader range, however, and several bolts slipped past, taking down three of the Xoer soldiers. He attacked with his staff, deflecting their sunbeams and their magic.

"Kressureo" he said, tearing off pieces of metal from the walls and the floor, slitting the soldiers' throats, leaving Eikyra and Ulzen by themselves. He attacked, swinging with his staff. Eikyra was able to defend with moderate difficulty, but Ulzen was clearly outmatched; even with her help, he was constantly forced back, never able to mount a lasting assault. While a powerful fighter in his own right, next to Eikyra and Valaeon, his skills looked basic, his attacks simplistic. He unintentionally slowed Eikyra down, making it easier for Valaeon to defend against their attacks. He knew he could easily take Ulzen out either with a spell or his staff, but he kept him alive, holding off a deathblow, both to humiliate him, to show him he was merely toying with him, and to keep Eikyra distracted. If Ulzen were to fall, she would be able to attack with full force. And thus, Valaeon merely taunted Ulzen, sometimes casually evading his attacks outright.