The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 77: Jailbreak (Part 1)

Chapter 77: Jailbreak

Ardent Friend:

"Let's go over the plan one more time," I looked at the people around me. Ratansi, the Old Man, Ria, Articus and some of Crysis' finest knights and mages. Despite the powerhouse of people we had brought in I had my doubts. The Wyvern King was an apex creature, something capable of defeating a Witch. In the greater Areithia, before Crysis and the other nations were split, there were less than a dozen other creatures in the world that could stand against it. They were ancient for a reason. In ordinary times, they weren't things to fight but run from.

I took a breath and continued, gesturing as needed upon the large map we stood around, "The Wyvern King has been confined to the Sky Caller Mountains but we need to restrict and draw its attention to the Claw Cliffs on the west end of its territory. There we'll set up a restrictive net not to restrain it but to deter it from leaving. Remember, do not, under any circumstances draw its attention to you more than necessary. We are to escort our Dwarven aid to the valley between the cliffs where the Shield will be set. When the battle begins, maintain defence as your top priority. Remember, with the Merge so close we can't lose anyone here. You're all needed for the future. Leave the brunt of the fight to the headliners. Meet in your teams and go over your individual formations. Everyone dismissed."

The knights and mages broke apart as they began to go over their own final details. We stood at the edge of the Wyvern Kings territory, the Sky Caller Mountains. It was only through Poppy's sacrifice that the Wyvern King had been sealed within the mountain range and now it was time to free her. Instead of having weeks to plan and shore up our strategy, we had hours, combining into a hodge podge team.

"You look nervous," the Old Man slapped my shoulder.

"Really?" I laughed wryly. "I don't feel it."

Articus smiled to me in knowing wisdom, "It's alright Ardent. Everyone faces nervousness. It's what we do in the face of it that counts. I'll look after Ria, you have my word I'll keep her safe."

"Thank you, your highness," I bowed my head to him. "I'm going to check up on Shin. We pushed him hard to get everything done in time. Hopefully he's finished the final touches."

Ria raised her hand and skipped next to me, "I'll come to!"

We headed away from the large caravan and to the side where a heavy plated metal truck rumbled. Several dwarves moved around it, carrying supplies, and checking their own instruments.

"Yo Shin," I knocked against the external wall.

Immediately a panel blew open releasing a plume of black smoke and Shin poked his head out covered in grime, "Yeah what?"

"How's it going?" I asked smiling.

"Tch," he scowled. "You're a bloody slave driver that's what! I make guns, not shields!"

"We both know you're more than that."

He grumbled, "I always knew you felt far too familiar. With all that shiet you threw at me and those blueprints.... I'll be done in about halfa.... Hey, Ardent, are you sure you want to do this? I talked it over with the others, we could shore up the seal instead."

"We have to act quickly," I looked at him with confidence.

"Yeah, I know," he wiped the grime from his face. "It's just.... Since I met you in real life. I've been having dreams. I feel like you're my brother, and I don't want my brother to die."