Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 1

The blade came swiftly down upon the enemy as the middle aged man drew a quick breath. The light brown hair on his head fell down with the weight of his sweat. His beard was stained with the blood from the battle, both his own, and his enemies. The bronze colored steel he wore tired him, but it was a small price to pay for protection. This was the home he fought for, and it was the only thought running through his mind.

The dark steel on their enemies' armor seemed almost as impenetrable as their own. It made the general drop his shield to use half-swording. The men that fought were armed with bows, maces, halberds and heart shields. The soldiers against Helm's army were quit skilled almost more than the general's, but in this battle, Helm showed its superiority once more against their aggressors.

Off in the distance the riders came through the gates of Helm, and leading them was General Nerus's old squire, Cladius. Cladius had a nice physic and strong will. He was one of the best men Nerus had. His helmet sat on his face as he rode his mount to deliver the attack with his spear in hand and sword by his side. The charging horses converged into the enemies' lines, breaking their formation causing chaos in their ranks. The lances and spears hit the armor, piercing through the cracks and crevices, leading to death among the enemy. Helm had just secured their victory.

General Nerus swung his sword behind him, hitting an incoming man in the ribs with his blade. The blade made a dent into the armor as he thrust his blade through his target using half-swording. General Nerus breathed heavily as he stood back on his feet, watching as Helm's archers repelled the enemy with a volley of arrows. The steel shafts pierced through the enemies' chain mail.

Cladius tossed his spear in the air catching it in throwing formation, as he launched the spear into the man next to General Nerus. Cladius quickly turned back to be greeted by a mace hitting him square in the chest, knocking him down to the ground, as another enemy came around to attack him with his long sword. Cladius quickly rolled to the side, with his damaged torso, and countered with a jab from his sword. The blood oozed down from off his blade hitting Cladius in the mouth and eye, blurring his vision. He spat to his right getting rid of the warm substance covering his lip.

General Nerus ran forward, grabbing a dead enemy's heater shield before kneeling beside Cladius for support. He quickly handed the fallen man his arm, aiding him to his feet.

"Cladius, you need to watch yourself soldier!" General Nerus demanded, his light brown hair brushing his brow.

Cladius blinked twice, before nodding his head. It took him a moment to realize he had lost his helmet as the man with the mace came around the frightened horse. Nerus acted quickly slamming his long sword through the man's abdomen with a lighting quick stroke. Cladius hurriedly grabbed his helmet nearby slamming it back on his head.

"It's been short and sweet general!" Cladius replied with urgency.

Cladius had long blade like hair, with a true black color. His eyes had a deep warm brown color, making his eyes a dark complexion nearly black. His skin was tan and his face clean shaven. He was fit and ready for a fight. Nerus watched as he slammed his sword through another man's armor. The two men fought side by side, as their army started pushing the attackers back.

The knights of Helm shouted aloud with their courage and intimidation, as they forced the assailants into a retreat. The formation had been broken, and their will. This was not the first battle to be fought in the Valley of Kings, and it certainly wasn't the last.

Dawn was breaking, from the long battle. It had taken ten hours, lasting through the night. The enemy wasn't afraid to attack in the confusion of the dark. Who was this king who dare challenge Helm? And what strength could he possible hold? Cladius thought about these things as Nerus approached him, laying his hand on his shoulder.