Espex The Demon Mage. (1)

Chapter 16: Mage Vs Knight.

Marching in the mud of the harrow. The knights of One prepare themselves for what awaited them a little ahead. They had seen the mage fly from the sky and new full well that a battle was about to happen. Continuing on like they hadn't seen it Jaq and Kruem remained calm. This helped keep their men's morale up.

"Listen up men it looks like the mage are here to save their fellow magic user. This cannot be allowed. As the king has ordered this man will be taken back to him and that's exactly what will happen." Jaq's voice inspiring his men with each gentle word. "

Standing in the muddy harrow Samth watched mage chant and form large walls of dirt. The other three guards of Tate spread out barking orders to their fellow comrades. Whilst Tate and Isis with Mehuk stood with Samth. Clenching her fists tight she could feel an uncertain dreadfulness fill her fragile being. Trying to calm herself she melded some mana around her hands in a small ball and swirled it around her fingers. She had taught herself this whilst waiting for Espex in the old shack.

Tate looked at Samth doing this "That is some fine mana control. How long have you been practicing?"

Snapping out her trance she was pulled back into reality and the mana faded. "About a month maybe more."

Glaring at the small women Tate gave a small smile before he could talk more a mage informed them that the carriage and knights had arrived. Approaching the magic made wall the knights braced their weapons. As Jaq and Kruem got closer to the very front of the legion.

"This doesn't need to end in bloodshed. Allow us to pass and we will forget this ever happened. He is after all a wanted man." Jaq shouted.

Atop the wall a burst of light appeared and Haya emerged. Pointing down towards the knights he spoke. "This madness of mage stealing has gone on for far too long and this is where we say no more. Do you really think we haven't noticed mage disappearing. The king has gone mad. Release Espex and you may go unharmed."

"Then a fight it is." Jaq said before ordering his men to charge.

Inside the cage Espex listened to the goings on. The mage had assembled and came to free him. He couldn't believe his luck but also considered the consequences of the mage actions. This would no doubt mark every mage as a criminal and cause civil war within the country. Then looking up at the wall, seeing Haya shouting at the knights and them retorting really confirmed the entire situation. Still he couldn't help but smile a little.

"Don't you worry Espex I will get you out!" with his words spoken he vanished in a ball of light. Before Espex could react Haya was in the cage. "You idiot this is an anti-magic cage. He can't get out." Haya just stared at his friend with large dead white eyes full of shock. "Haya I hate you."

The first wave of knights smashed into the wall with great force. Mage began to channel their mana and fire spells at the attackers. The battle raged brutally. On top of the earth wall mage threw fireballs at the knights, Mage right, left and centre being stabbed and sliced with knights being set on fire, stabbed or pushed back with mini-earth walls and air. Screams from everyone some to boost confidence others caused fear. Blood coloured the white knights weapons and armour, the ground had small puddles of blood and limbs. Truly this was a horror scene. The mage had to put staying alive and saving Espex over what has happening to their friends. A group of mage that came from the right of the dead woods charged and stood in line before all chanting. "Illusione Di Tutto! Mente Manipolazione!" All knights that looked at and heard the chant suddenly become unable to move their own bodies and started turning on each other. Knight attacking knight, friend verses friend. The true horror of magic, if not used for good it can be for evil. The knights with runed shields could block off magic. Making mage that fought them one on one useless. Small fires started and died out on the muddy ground, some bodies burned on the ground while others just stayed on the ground unmoving. The fight was still evening out. Kruem next to the cage just looked on at wonder wishing he could join in but his sword hand was taken by Espex. His tanned face looked on as he rubbed his scar on his face, cheek to cheek.

On his large brown stead Jaq hoped off. His white runed armour splatted in the mud and he turned to Kruem. "Stay here and guard no matter what, I shall end this!" His gentle voice in a threatening tone.

Espex and Haya just looked on at the burning, screaming battlefield. Watching the horror of true battle, both had known what this was like but you could see the ones who weren't. An unready soul for battle is doomed for death unless luck is their ally. Wrapping mana around his hands Jaq's armour glowed with blue runes and he charged forward avoiding all attacks. Punching forward his fist made the earth wall explode sending the mage on top crumbling down. Samth looked at the armoured knight push forward with waves of other knights. Isis stood in front of Samth readying herself for battle. Tate and his assistant did the same. Refusing to be protected any further Samth charged forth. Collecting mana has she held her hands in prayer. A knight launched at her side but was quickly taken out by a fireball from Isis.

Holding out her small fragile right hand mana began to form and warped into the shape of a ball. Tate watched in anticipation as to what this small woman could achieve. Espex and Haya fixed their eyes on her. Launching forward she threw the orb with all her might chanting the words as she did. "Ventus Explosivae Bomb!"

Jaq detecting it come his way dodged out the way. The men behind him weren't so lucky. On impact a sudden whoosh hit their eardrums before the ball condensed into a small pea before exploding out with the might of a volcano. Knights flew back as did mage. Great debris was left in its wake and a large crater took hold in the centre of the attack. Fearing her strength Jaq rushed forward deeming Samth a threat. Espex couldn't believe what he witnessed. When did she create such a powerful move and the fact it resembled the one he used all that time ago outside Samths bar. Truly this girl was loved my magic. Before Jaq could even get close to Samth he was surrounded by other mage ready to fight, drawing his attention away from young Samth. Huffing Samth tried her best to catch what little breath she could muster. Looking around at the chaos she felt fear but also her small body filled with determination to free Espex and be off use.

Clutching his large staff Tate straightened his back before speaking to his assistant. "This has gone on long enough."