Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 37

Almorah looked back, at Revar, "You say there is a way we can cross the mountains?"

Revar smiled his fake smile, "Yeah, we made a tunnel there a while ago, but with these demonic portals opening, it may not be safe anymore."

"Sounds like a shot we need to take, Almorah." Agular replied, "It would be nice to see are trusted adviser, General Nerus once more."

"Agreed, he was a great friend of dads, and visited us often, he always made me feel safe as a little girl. Though I must say my thought was turned more towards war, he has the most experience, and if we can find a pathway through the mountains, we can buy Helm more time." Almorah turned back towards Revar, "You say the trip will take how long again?"

"Oh, a week's travel without interruptions," Revar stated.

"That's considerably not too bad, if they can hold on for just a month longer, we can escort them through the mountains to this temple. If Inger will not aid us, we can at least buy more time."

"Again, I agree." Agular looked towards Revar, "Is it possible we could bunker down here at this temple?"

"No, sorry, we have women and children, it wouldn't be safe for us, but perhaps the mountains north west of us, there is an abandoned ruin."

"We need a secure positioned, the ruins could be a risk, with no funds and little left from our city, it could be a total disaster." Almorah replied.

"I rather risk it than die." Agular replied.

"I think that would be your best choice." Revar smiled.

"Very well, I suppose we have little left but to take it." Almorah replied.

Nerus looked off as he spotted figures off in the distance. He yelled up to the towers, "Who approaches?"

"Two men, and a woman, she appears to have bright blue hair!" the man yelled down.

"Open the gates, Open the gates now!" Nerus replied, rushing out into the field.

The men tried to hold him back, but they were too late he had already charged out into the field. Almorah rushed forward as well, meeting the general in an embrace. Revar smiled awkwardly as Agular gave the man a nod and a hand shake.

Nerus's eyes scanned the group multiple times as his smile slowly faded, "What of Cladius?"

Almorah's eyes fell to the ground, as Agular replied, "He was taken by bandits, but we have high reason to believe he lives. Circumstances permitted his inability to return to us."

"Ah, I see." Nerus replied, masking his worried and remorseful face with a smile, "It's lovely to see you kids again!"

Revar turned his head to the side, "Kids? The woman slayed three demons by herself! She's quite impressive, these are no children!"

Nerus nodded, "It's an expression, and you are?"

"Sorry," Revar replied, "I'm Revar, a Templar."

"Have you come to aid us in our efforts?"

"No I was simply escorting these kids to you." He said with a fake smile.

"Well, you wouldn't mind so much as to, spend the night here with us at the fort?" Nerus questioned.

"It would be my pleasure sir."

"Lovely." Nerus smiled.

Horses quickly came to their sides, as idle talk was made. They each mounted their beast, as they road safely back to the fort. Almorah was glad to finally be re-united with the remnant of Helm. The week long journey through the tunnel had been worth it, even with the dark light, and musky air. She was most annoyed by the constant dripping of water, and its sound.

The two parties slowly shared information of their travels and experiences. Leaving out no detail, but what could be forgotten. The Quails even expressed their love of the scenery they had experienced. It seemed though they were doomed, they found comfort with their friendship. It was as much a debriefing as a simple, and much enjoyed conversation with an old friend.

Revar was mostly quiet as the stories, tales, and experiences were exchanged, only sipping on his hot cup of warm water. Though quiet, he seemed to enjoy the tales told. Each part rested peacefully that night, the good news settling their apatite of grim on that given day.

Within the next given morning, Revar had departed, leaving the Quails with their trusted general. And though Nerus had tried to convince him to stay, Revar, had no option but to refuse. He had family, not by blood, waiting for him at the Temple.

When he had approached the Temple, his eyes grew wide, Revar, could see the blood stains on the granite stairs. Pale white men stood aloft, their blades still wet with blood. He had just missed the massacre of his own people, before his own life was taken by ten of these fine warriors. The Ommart had been watching, they had discovered the secret tunnel. And, now, the Temple had been desecrated with the worshippers' own blood.

Almorah and Agular had been helping with the preparations for war as they watched the armies march from the same direction as the tunnel, and from the valley. Hundreds of thousands of men and Ommart approached the Fort as Nerus ran to the wall, they would meet the in battle because they had no other choice, but this would be their end.

Almorah looked at Nerus, "They saw us, they saw us leave and enter the tunnel. It was our only hope!"

"Calm yourself! This may very well be our end, but I would like to reach my death with some dignity and honor." Nerus replied.

Agular rushed up the walls, breathing heavily, "I suppose I can't say this is simply a dream even if I desire to."

"Indeed, our situation is grave."

"What should we do?" Almorah questioned.

"We retreat, let them take the fort, we will need every man we can get, and that will be at Fort Crown. This is our best and perhaps only option besides death. Almorah, tell the men to gather their things while I devise a plan. Agular, help them in any way needs be. We have less than twelve hours to leave."