The Legend of Saironelloistya [COMPLETED]

Chapter 18: Wars Are Fought With People...

Swords, fire, arrows, blood, smoke, and death,
So much death.

Two days later, Aranellevanima and I left Meneltarma, with a force of 50,000 troops at our back. We were slowly marching to Helkaluksor, but slowly, because we needed our troops to have energy when they arrived. We also had to take a longer route that Saironellotoron, Aranellevanima and I had to, because we could not effectively cut cross country with a force of this size. On the way, the rangers in our host hunted, bringing in meat, and vegetables from all across the land we were crossing, and supplying our food, so that we could maintain our reserves for as long as possible. The entire journey to Helkaluksor was not very climatic, and we arrived in a little over six days, with our troops growing restless, from a lack of combat. This infuriated me, but I was prepared to ignore it. However, Aranellevanima had other plans, and asked me to cast an illusion of her face, floating above the army, and to make it speak when she spoke. After some thought, I cast it, and set up a portal, similar to the one I had cast from my Necromancy challenge, but bigger.

She spoke to them and said, "My brethren of Meneltarma, where do I begin? A few months ago, we were in a time of peace within our world, full of joy, magic, and love. We flourished, and helped others to flourish, whether it be through magic, knowledge, or protection. However, now this world is being cast into a war that will lead to death and destruction, and praying for it to end rapidly. We are their one hope. We represent the long honoured traditions, passed down by our ancestors, that have kept this world in peace and harmony, for the last 10,000 years. Indeed, this peace has lasted for centuries more than Saironelloistya and I have lived, but now it is being thrown into the wells of anarchy in a Maelstrom of fire, Destruction, and death, by a foe who once per our people. She betrayed many of us, not excluding Saironelloistya, who had only ever shown her kindness and respect, even referring to her knowledge in many issues. She claims to cling to morality, saying the other leaders have become corrupt, but what other leader has ever raised up an militia, and tried to conquer all of the land? People may cry for peace, peace, but there is no peace. Indeed, the war has already begun. The next news from the west will bring the clash of resounding marks and weeping women and children, who are being forced to deal with the consequences of Nimloth's actions. I bid you now, fight, but do not look forward to it. For whatever reason, over a hundred thousand citizens have chosen to side with her, and fight in her army. Let us not forget, however, that they are people too, and we fight to preserve the rights and safety of the people of this world. Should we seek to execute over one hundred thousand men, just to show that we are the victors? Nay, I pray to the God of Salvation not. Life, no matter where you are from, what race you are, how much money you have, or what you believe, is precious, and it is far above any of us to attempt to determine its value. Do not seek to kill based on division, but instead fight for unity. Only if we are on the side of what is right, can we succeed." She signalled me to cut the feed, and I dropped the spell, and gave her a hug. We all rested for the night after that.

. . .

At eight in the evening the next day, we arrived at the Castle of Chameleons, and began to form ranks. Each division was 100 men strong, and included a Lieutenant, three officers, and a captain. We had 500 divisions outside of the Castle of Chameleons, and we had to make a circle, so I met with Aranellevanima, and all brigade commanders, in charge of the control of ten divisions each, so there were 52 people at the meeting. It began with me, and I went to the front of the group and called for order.

I began, saying: "Ten thousand years, we have lived in peace, but now this must start on our affair, in this bloody and unnecessary civil war, fought by a maiden awaiting power that we must prevent her from gaining. I suspect you made all awaiting your orders, so I will be brief, and give you all them. The terrain here is uncertain, so that will be an advantage, and a disadvantage. The strategy we will be holding to will be a form of Seige craft, and will be liable to take a long time. General Nardil (Fire Lover), I want you and General Laicaroquen(green knight), to place your divisions in front of the Main Gate. You are our primary defense this battle. I want 100 non-magic divisions, placed all around the city, surrounded by 50 wizardry divisions, who if they attack, will be our primary offense. Remember, do not attack the Temple, for it is a holy place, and it is illegal for us to invade it. I want the other Generals to keep their forces back, and if a group calls for reinforcements, first send the non-magic users, then the rangers, and then the Wizards and Sorcerers. We will be using the first 12,000 soldiers, in this battle, so keep them safe, but do not retreat. We must take this fort, so unless I give the main order for retreat, we will hold our ground. We are fighting in a fight, for the unity of this land, that may, bring us together stronger than before. However, our opponent once told me that this is the path to our salvation, but it will be salvation paved with the blood of the land. Thank you, and you may go to you duties." I stepped down, and Aranellevanima walked up to me.