Emerali: A War Song Tapestry

Chapter 18

Aethereal Radiance set up camp in the Western Eracus Desert of Eltnen. The Technists worked tirelessly to dismantle the bombs and separate the Vile Death component from the rest of the unit. When this delicate task had been completed, the Assassins, who were the experts on poisons, got to work on their assignment of returning the aerosol version of the poison to its original liquid form. The liquefied Vile Death was then bottled and distributed to the rangers to dip their arrowheads into the poison. Assassins also coated their throwing daggers.

Everyone worked as quickly as they could: time was of the essence. Emerali's eyes were ever on the gems on Leiva's hairpin. Even as the legion worked, the last gem was beginning to darken.

"This is it. Bakren's army is almost in place," Emerali told Devaen and Thori. "The last gem's almost out. Devaen, Leiva said that Bakren was going to be on the western end of the upper layer of Reshanta; I want you to take two other Scouts ahead and look for any signs of this army. Report back as quickly as you can.

"Once we've ascertained the enemy's location, we'll know the best place to strike from. By the time we've set up our strike point out there, it's going to be time to detonate those bombs. We're gonna drop them into the void from the Abyss' lower layer to make sure no one is hurt, then the legion's going to split up. Devaen, this is you again: you're going to take all the Scouts and find a safe point for your team. On your signal, I want Bakren's army showered with arrows. I know he outnumbers us severely, but with the Vile Death at our disposal, it should turn the tide of battle in our favor.

"You Assassins are to keep back. If, by Aion's grace, you've succeeded in launching that first assault, you're to send up a signal, and the second wave--which is the rest of us--will head out. While the second wave is en route, Assassins are to move in carefully, but the Rangers are to remain in reserve until we converge. That's the plan. May Aion bless all of our efforts."

"It's dangerous, but a sound plan. This'll be the biggest battle since the Catalclysm," said Thori. "What should we use for a signal?"

"How about fireworks?" suggested Devaen.

"Be serious," Emerali said, shaking her head.

"Why not? We need something that would get our attention--especially from the distance we're likely to be at," Thori reasoned.

"Yeah, but it'll get the enemy's attention, too," Emerali disputed.

"Uh, with all the arrows we're gonna be showering them with, I think we're gonna have their undivided attention, fireworks or no," Devaen said, coolly.

Emerali considered. "Heh. Can't argue with that. Okay, go." She scoffed. "Asmodian poison, bombs, fireworks...this will be a very bizarre battle," she remarked.

"Yep, so let's make it one for the books," Thori said, winking.

"Yeah, let's give my old friend Irgon some new reading material," Devaen said.

The trio shared a brief laugh, but quickly resumed their somber demeanor.

Devaen gathered his scouting team and set out for Eltnen's Abyss Gate while Emerali discussed the battle plan with the rest of the legion. She informed them that she was delegating authority to Thori as second in command, and ordered them to prepare to set out very soon--as soon as the scouting party had returned.

While everyone waited and prepared, Emerali withdrew into her private pavilion to pray. Once more, fear and self-doubt laid hold of her heart. She was about to lead a small band of warriors into war with an alliance of powerful Asmodian legions. Could they really win, even with the Vile Death in their hands?