HROT: Spawn of War

Chapter 14: Assault on the Castle

The group of ragtag warriors lined up on a hill in the vast field.  Pore's Castle was only a couple miles away, but they knew the journey to get there would be unforgiving.  The rising sun shined through the castle ramparts, establishing an even more dramatic setting.

"This is it," Crunk said, his heart pounding with anticipation.  "The destiny of us all lies before us."

"No pressure," TF remarked sarcastically.

Scott and Tony stepped ahead and turned to face their followers.  These brave men and women had honored their call, and now they were willing to lay down their lives for the cause.  The overwhelming sense of responsibility for these people's lives weighed heavily on Doctor Potty and the Deacon.

"The time has come," Tony announced.  "We charge into battle with glory in our hearts and weapons at the ready.  This is your last chance to back down."  No one moved a muscle.

"Alright then," Scott said.  "Here's the plan: I'll summon Skincrawlers to operate the cannons while the rest of you push forward.  You'll fight your way through the mercenary ranks until you reach the castle.  Hopefully Rob's cannons will blow a sizable hole in the walls.  Then, you'll leave Pore to Tony, Shannon, TF, Crunk, and me.  We can't afford to send everyone in there, and we're the ones best equipped to stop her."

"Anything else?" Leon asked.

"It's been a pleasure serving with all of you," Crunk stated.  "I hope to make you proud."

"If we don't all make it, I just want to say that I love all of you guys, and you're the greatest warriors any man could ever ask for," Scott said tearfully.

"Well then, shall we begin?" Tony asked.

Rob excitedly cried, "Summon tha Doctees!  Let's get this show on the road!"

With that, Scott crossed his arms and summoned his counterparts.  Some of them manned their stations at the cannons while the others prepared to follow the group into battle.

Everyone looked to Tony, who raised his arm to prepare to launch the assault.  "Say the word, friend," TF said.

Tony grinned, and swung his arm down.  "FIRE!"

The Skincrawler Doctees unleashed a hellfire of cannonballs, which launched at breakneck speeds toward the castle.  The structure was instantly pummeled with punishing blows, and a couple of towers collapsed at the first round of cannonfire.

Pore was knocked off of her throne by the blasts.  The entire castle shook relentlessly.  "God fucking dammit!" she roared.  "They were stupid enough to strike again!"

She turned to Alex Tuberty and Dylan Knight.  "Lead the defense of the castle!"  She pointed at Jhonny.  "You stay here and demolish anyone who manages to get inside!"  Jhonny beamed with pride.

Tuberty was indignant.  "With all due respect, my queen, I am your closest friend and most trusted warrior.  Should I not be the one to remain behind with you?"

"You know how to lead on the field," Pore replied.  "The mercenaries will follow you better than Jhonny.  Now go!" 

Tuberty and Knight obediently charged out of the castle with an army of mercenaries behind them.  They rushed to answer the onslaught of cannonfire.

"Charge!" Tony hollered.  The others followed him as he sprinted down the hill and across the field toward the castle far ahead.  Their ears were constantly blasted with the sounds of the cannons, and their hearts pounded as they saw the army approaching to engage them.  "Don't back down!" Tony ordered.  "Fight!!!"