STICKWAR(On Hold)

3: Battle at Fern Crest

Citizens in Fern Crest watched as Skodik and over 200 Order soldiers marched through the town, some cheering as they passed. Skodik continued out of the village, finding an area covered in large boulders, and pulled a lieutenant aside. "Have the troops dispersed through the rocks. If we make it too hard for the Archidon's to hit their shots, we might just have a shot at victory."

The lieutenant nodded, immediately ordering the troops to their positions. Skodik walked through the troops, providing motivation and barking out orders. In an hour, the men were ready and in position. As Skodik made a last round about to make sure his forces were ready to repel the Archidon's, a soldier came up to him and saluted.

"General Skodik, a scout has come in and wishes to speak with you." Skodik nodded, and said, "Very well, have them directed to me immediately." The soldier nodded and quickly dashed away. A few moments later, the Scout came and did a bow to him. "Pleasure sir." Skodik smirked. "The pleasure is mine. What is the news?" The scout grimaced. "The Archidon's are only  a few minutes from our position now. They will be here any moment."

Skodik nodded. "Thank you for the information. What's your name?" The scout raised an eyebrow. "Slank, sir." Skodik nodded again. "You've done well. Find a good place to hide, and be ready to inform my father if we lose this battle." Slank nodded, and ran off. Skodik yelled, "Be ready! The Archidon's approach! This is what you've trained for, so make this stand count, and let us destroy these invaders!" There was a cheer from the soldiers, which quickly died down as they waited for the Archidon's.

A few moments later, they all heard the sound of marching, some peeking out to get a glimpse of the force. There were a few hundred, marching calmly and easily towards FernCrest, chatting amongst themselves. There was a caped Archidon in front, who most surely was the commander. Even he smirked, clearly believing that this would be an easy victory.

On the ridge, Adicai and his force watched as the Archidons marched. One Order soldier grumbled, "Look at those cocky fucks. I can't wait to see their faces when we beat them over the head with clubs." Adicai put a hand out to steady the soldier, then addressed all his soldiers. "We will play our role, but we must have patience. If we do not perform our task to perfection, we very well may lose this battle."

The soldiers nodded, and Adicai motioned them to follow his lead. They began a trek across the ridge, where they would come down about a quarter mile from where Skodik and his men hid. Hopefully, they'd get there in time to support their fellow soldiers.

Skodik watched the Archidons marching forward, and got an idea. He motioned lieutenant to his side. "Split the force, have them on either side of the Archidons. I want to attack them before they get too close to Fern Crest." The lieutenant nodded, and began to organize the forces. Skodik grinned. Now came the fun part. He got up, and walked out towards the Archidons. His soldiers looked at him incredulously, but a quick glance told them he was going to buy them some time.

The Archidons stopped as they saw Skodik approach, the commander yelling, "Bows ready!" All the Archidons drew back their bows, pointing them directly at Skodik. Skodik kept walking forward. "Hey Archidons, fine day is it not?" The commander scowled at Skodik, and looked at his sword which hung on his belt. "Lay down your weapon, and we shall spare you a death of a hundred arrows!"

Skodik smirked. "Not if a hundred clubs batter in your heads first." Suddenly, Skodik's forces charged from both sides of the Archidon's forces, emitting battle cries. An Archidon cried out, "IT'S AN AMBUSH!" Right before an Order soldier clubbed him in the head, killing him instantly. Completely taken by surprise, it took the Archidons a few moments to even act. When they did, they all ran as fast as they could.

Skodik ran after them, his men charging behind, chasing the Archidons from Fern Crest. The Archidons began to kite, turning back and shooting an arrow randomly into the Order's lines, then running until they reloaded. Skodik and his men caught some who were too slow to run, killing them without hesitation. Skodik silently pleaded, 'Come on brother, please be there...' The Archidons were growing confident, believing they were slowly gaining the advantage.

Until they ran straight into Adicai's men, who charged at them, shouting out battle cries. Caught between two forces, the Archidon's commander yelled, ""Shoot down as many as you can! Make the Archidon's proud!" The Archidons lined up, and began releasing waves of arrows into the Order forces.

Skodik had never partaken in an actual battle, and he could say he did not enjoy the experience. He watched comrades beside him fall in a shriek of death, their bodies pierced by arrows. He had to ignore them, weaving the arrows fired at him and slashing at any Archidon close enough. He couldn't think, simply trying to stay alive. He watched Archidons getting bashed by Order soldiers, their bodies bleeding and bruised where the spiked clubs made contact.

As Skodik continued across the battle, stabbing an Archidon who'd made an attempt to hit him with their bow, he saw his brother Adicai, expertly twirling his shield to deflect arrows, his sword a whirlwind of death as he swiftly killed two Archidons. Skodik deflected a sudden arrow off his sword, quickly leaping and slashing the Archidon across the throat, making him fall down and gargle his own blood before he went still.

But suddenly Archidons began to break from the battle, running madly. The ones who didn't run dropped their bows and held their hands up, clearly surrendering. Adicai took command, having those Archidons who surrendered tied up and taken to Fern Crest. Skodik barked out orders as well, having his men form a defensive line in case there were surprise reinforcements. But none came, the Archidon's simply fleeing from the battle.

The battle of Fern Crest had only lasted a few minutes.

Skodik raised his blade as he shouted, "Victory to Order!" The soldiers cheered, shaking their clubs at the retreating Archidons. They clapped each other on the back, some fist bumping, and some throwing their arms around each other. Skodik grinned. He knew they would need to inspect the battle eventually, and plan their next move, but he wanted his men to enjoy this moment.

For today, the Order nation had achieved victory over the Archidons.

This was a lot shorter than I expected it to be. 

But this is chapter 3! The name of the town was inspired by the Aceplayer Chaos Empire mod, but this entire battle is my original creation. The next steps in the invasion process will come soon.

Enjoy!