The Sins of the God King

Chapter 17: Lyferia

The tension in the air was apparent as the Xeldorians took their position outside the north fort. They barely rest and eaten on the long travel from Xeldoria. The young conjurers, visibly anxious, wore expressions of fear on their faces. It was understandable; without participating in the Gathering, their abilities were limited to conjuring only small mammals, insects, and small reptiles.

Lyferia, her fiery auborn hair rustling in the cold breeze, surveyed the horizon with concern.

As the fleet of approaching ships grew in number, Lyferia's voice rang out, commanding the young Xeldorians to take their positions at the rear. However, her instructions were met with disapproving glances from the adult Xeldorians. Phelm, one of the adult women,her hair as dark as the night, her auborn skin refecting the moon light,  stepped forward to confront Lyferia.

"What's your plan, or do you have none?" Phelm's voice carried a hint of skepticism as she challenged Lyferia 's leadership. Undeterred, Lyferia met her gaze and replied with unwavering confidence, "Just listen to my orders when the fleet arrives."

The forgers swiftly maneuvered their catapults to the rear, ready to provide support when needed. While the rest of the forgers positioned themselves at the front, their faces reflecting excitement. It felt as though they were preparing for a grand celebration. With Gyn injured from the previous battle, only two of the forger brothers remained to face the mounting challenges ahead. Fernan, the eldest and bearer of the flaming blade known as Summer, stood tall with unwavering determination. Tarik, the silent and skilled crossbowman armed with the frost-quiver "Ice Queen," prepared himself for the upcoming skirmishes.

In a display of solidarity, the Torryn army, comprising the Wildaronians, Dhul'arians, and Ughrenians, eventually joined. Their numbers swelled to roughly fifteen thousand men and women, united in their determination to defend their homeland against the impending threat.

As the fleet drew nearer, the Xeldorians stood firm, their eyes fixed upon the oncoming ships. Waves crashed against the rocks, a stark contrast to the intensity of emotions that surged within their hearts. 

Without Helias's sea monsters, they lost the advantage of ceasing the ships before they reach the shores. Lyferia and the others already know that. She often found herself marveling at the incredible creatures her husband possessed. How had he managed to acquire such magnificent sea creatures? It was a question that lingered in her mind, shrouded in mystery and fascination.

She could feel her pulse quicken, her mind racing with strategic calculations. She took a deep breath, channeling her focus and harnessing the collective strength of her people. The weight of responsibility rested upon her shoulders, but she embraced it willingly, knowing that the lives of her fellow Xeldorians hang in the balance.

As the battleborns forces gazed upon the horizon, a dense cloud-like mist enveloped the ships, gradually spreading until it nearly blanketed the vast expanse of the sea. Tarik swiftly issued commands to his men, directing them to prepare the catapults for what lay ahead. In the midst of the eerie silence, uncertainty pervaded the air, as they anxiously awaited the enemy's next move.

A resounding horn blast pierced the stillness, reverberating through the mist. Like specters emerging from the depths, multiple boats swiftly materialized, propelled by the synchronized paddling of their occupants.  General Fendel's voice boomed, "Archers!" prompting the Ughren men to draw their bows and imbued arrows. Simultaneously, the Xeldorians readied their wisks, pointed upon the jotter attached to their wrists, prepared to conjure at any moment.

As the enemy boats approached within range, the General Rhawyn's voice rang out , signaling the release of the arrows. A torrential downpour of projectiles rained down upon the enemy vessels, finding their marks and felling foes one by one.