The crackling of shifting chains sounded off as the massive gate to the city was lowered to meet the ground ahead of it, crushing a demon below in which was once clawing at the aged wood. The outside land allowed a scent of rot and sulfur into the city's wall, a firm grasp of intimidation and fear wrapped it's hand around my cavalry. Coming endlessly from the horizon, demons were making their way across the shredded ground and over towards the new opening the gate left, and so I picked up arms. As I raised my fist to the sky, sword in hand, so did the others. And a cry of hope was let out as we charged in demand of our salvation. Instantly, a pair of the vile beasts pounced upon a comrade, tossing damaged armor scraps and blood across the ground. I quickly turned my sprinting force towards my friend, who now lay in pieces, the dirt beneath my feet being dug out by the friction. I swung my blade clean across the two and as they dropped I shiftily gripped a silk embroidered cloth from his belt, - The embroidery listing his name and rank - and taking back off into the fiery field where more bodies were laid down to eternal rest. The sensation of blood fluctuating to my skull was accompanied by hollowed hearing and l heavy feeling in heart. Swords and claws cut into flesh and metal, screams of vanquished foe and comrade filled the ever silent air. As one lunged towards me I dipped down, taking the grip of my blade firmly and swinging it above my head, the beast returning from once it leaped, but with one leg less. And another frenzied monster came down upon me, this time much larger, I raised my greatsword across myself and aimed the flat of it towards the head of the push. And as expected I was tossed back, but the beast did not wait for me to get back up instead it ran once more in an attempt to end its' prey. I rolled away from its' path, gaining way onto my feet, then jumping onto its' back. Taking hold of the nape, I raised my edge once more and lopped the creatures head off, both me and the corpse tumbling to the ground. As soon as my eyes could open and observe my surrounding a pack of smaller demons were circling me. Quickly looking over towards the corpse from which I fell, I got to my feet and hastily made my way upon it, catapulting myself off the body and landing on top of one of them. I took hold of the blade of my sword, using the hilt as a hammer of some sort against the prowling teeth. After wards I took stand to evaluate the battlefield. Three of my men were tossed into the air by a far larger beast than the ones I've seen. I was burdened by grief for a short time before heavily making my way over to the beast, in which the fight was seemingly encased around now. Another man was tossed, landing on his arm in which sounded off in a distressed snap, the demons instantaneously taking the injured mans' life. As I grew a stones throw closer, it seemed as if the corpses on the ground lay more frequently. I cleared my way through the crowd, sliding underneath the hulking monster and swiping away at its' ankle, curving the swing upwards its' leg. It winced in pain, stumbling and falling to its' knees. The beast attempted to get back onto its' feet but could not, and in this moment I got up, and took a leap onto its' back, jumping once more into the air, spinning myself in the air with harsh power and throwing my blade straight through the beasts' neck, the blade landing and piercing the earth below as I landed. I looked up slowly and reached for the grip, clenching my fist around it, I took stand once more, the demons receding into the burning horizon, and my few, injured men looking at the retreat with relief.
A taller silhouette was seen standing far off, staring me and my men down. But this figure was no demon. In our questionable gaze the hazy shadow disappeared from the lining of the world. For a moment, the air grew stale in silence. Then suddenly laughter, cheer and tears broke out among the few who survived, and as I turned to see these men limping towards each other in pack, and I felt a guilt rise. Among these men and demons I was only capable of saving so many. But I will recognize them in death, just as I did in life. We gathered our Mares, mounting them and collectively I led them back into the city walls. The drawbridge was lowered, allowing us in. Our Nightmares steadily delivered us back into the safety of the city walls, but not without that of judgement and speculation. The gate lay behind us, and on the sides of our paths were large stone benches, in which the people of our city watched our sorrowful return of only nine men. Our belts and satchels were full of embroideries. And through the silent air none was heard but the weeping of widows, sons and daughters. The next set of large doors were opened to us as families began to withdraw themselves from the distressing and painful return of only so few. And as the colossus stone gates opened, we were once more greeted by lamenting kinsfolk. Subject to the pains of no return or deliverance of their loved ones. We slowed pace, taking out embroideries from our belts and handing them to their families, reassuring that they were honored and fought well. And as the few men dwindled into their families, I was greeted by my lovely Venia at the end. She held her hands together with a convincing smile that she was happy of my return. I dismounted my Nightmare and walked slowly towards her. An angel, bright white wings, radiating skin, and a smile that could make a man forget all bad in life. I stood nearly two feet above her, as Angels and my kind do not share the same height. I was at seven feet, her a few below six. I looked down and held her hand, lifting it and nodding to her, then turning and grabbing the reigns to my Nightmare, we made our way to our homestead. The doors of the city closing behind us, and the bright light of our sun shining down into the city, piercing the dark clouds that surrounded us.
Venia was looking down at the cobblestone, and slightly to the side where my armored feet were clanking on the ground, then she looked up at me with care while I remained looking forward. "How was it..?"
I looked down slowly and with a swallow turned my head towards her, and I could see she was concerned. She placed her hand on the cold armor that was on my arm. The swing of chain mail and armor clanking together filled the temporary silence. "I..." I took a deep breath and sighed, looking back down at my feet then slowly up the road where our house lay. I tied the Nightmare to a column outside and led my dear Venia inside, shutting the door behind us and walking up into our room, where she gracefully followed. She brushed her golden hair behind her ear and leaned against the door frame as I disassembled my armor, and hung the pieces onto a iron stand. I took a step back and stared at the blood and ash that had been slung across it, then blinked and fell back onto the bed, where I exhaled a large breath and closed my eyes. Shortly after I felt feathers graze upon my scars, and soft hands clasping in a caring tone under my jaw, then over my arms. She was knelt on the bed just above my resting head, staring down at my face with a certain warmth that comforted me. "You've yet another on your body," She said in a giggly manner "And not only another scar, but my dear you are horribly dirty. You should bathe, swing your bones over and breath."
I opened my eyes and gazed up into the stars that were her eyes. "I've no intent to be alone after today, join me?" I smiled at her as she rolled her eyes and pushed against my chest playfully.
"I suppose, Just for you."
"How kind." I turned myself right side up, onto my knees and leaned over to kiss her forehead, grab her hand and lead her to our bath, in which we undressed and descended into together. I pressed my back against the wooden rimming of our bath and let out a breath of relaxation, as she sat upon me, head against my chest. I embraced her, and had one hand cradling the back of her head, using it to toy with her hair. And soon after beginning, my eyes were heavy, and all went black.
