The Cold Light Fades - Book 1 of the Crystal Chronicles

Chapter Twenty - The War of Blood and Snow

Rakk's black armour and burning hawk made the young man stand out like a sore thumb, as he stood amongst the white knights of the Antar army. He marched down the hill to the foot of the slope, and then he raised his arm and six hundred pairs of feet abruptly stopped behind him.

The events of the past day, since the grey and red warriors of Inemi had arrived, had left Rakk feeling a bit bewildered. It had been suggested that, because Rakk was the only one in the city that had fought against Inemi's troops, that he visit the various barracks around the city and brief all the captains on how to fight the dull-witted grey soldiers. However, many of the more pompous Captains refused to accept advice from a lowly lieutenant, so King Bhell had granted Rakk a temporary commendation to Major, which had made Rakk feel very uncomfortable, but it had at least allowed him to do his job.

The problem was however that the promotion had just seemed to stick and here he was now, leading troops out onto the field of battle. He was extremely apprehensive about leading men into combat, one of the main reasons he had run away from Neg Eineth when he was younger, was to try and escape from his responsibilities. Rakk did not want to get any of these men killed or worse, separated from their beastly companions.

The red-haired soldier was glad that the big thick snowflakes were still falling, because this meant that when he turned to face his men, their visors would be down, and he would not have to look into their scared eyes. When Rakk had been visiting the barracks the day before, he'd noticed that most of the warriors were a lot older than he was, probably because the city of Antar very rarely had unwanted visitors. Most of the younger, stronger men went to work in the fields in the miracle cave under the city. This also caused Rakk a problem, because the troops in front of him saw his youth and inexperience as a weakness, which made them even more afraid. Rakk just did not know what to say to them and in truth, he was just as scared as they were.

Rakk lifted his jet-black visor and was about to speak, when the ground began to rumble as hundreds of hooves pounded into the soft snowy ground. Out from the curtain of snow to Rakk's left, rode a line of Asoua Cavalry. Asoua was the name the people of Antar had given to the bright blue frozen deer that Rakk had encountered back in the ice gorge. The azure cavalry was extremely well trained, and their hooves thudded down to the ground simultaneously as the larger armoured deer pranced forward.

"Ho, Major Rakk," shouted the rider of a dark blue glassy stag whose antlers jutted forwards menacingly. The rider lifted his visor and Rakk breathed a relieved sigh when he saw that it was Major Kank.

"Ho, Major," Rakk said as loudly as he could through his chattering teeth. The stag came nearer and Rakk noticed that there was a second passenger upon the giant stag. The stranger also wore the white furred battle armour, but instead he wore a tall black helm, which had a crimson feather adorning it to show his rank of captain. The captain dropped quickly to the ground and saluted smartly in front of Rakk.

"This is Captain Targair, a late volunteer, who has come to aid you with the ground troops." Major Kank said as a snowy white owl with frozen blue eyes landed softly on the captains outstretched arm.

"Captain, please inspect the men, while Rakk and I talk in private," Major Kank ordered the other officer.

"Yessir" said the captain in a flat voice that sounded strangely hollow. Then he walked towards the scared warriors of Antar and began to give them a thorough dress down.

Rakk stepped closer to Major Kank and spoke quietly to the elder warrior. "I'm not ready to lead men to their graves Major. Please can you return me to my previous rank so I may fight without responsibility?"

"Nay," replied the Major. "Your commander thinks that this is best, so I do not have the authority to countermand him. However, he recognises that you have no command experience, which is why I've brought you Captain Targair of the Deathwing. His reputation should help to keep your men in line and inspire them to fight well or die trying."