The Realmsic Conquest: The Hero of Legend - Book 1 [2015 Watty Award Winner]

Chapter Eight

Kelm surveyed the battle from atop the castle's command tower. Standing at the highest point in the kingdom, he too felt the ground tremors as the Legion rapidly approached. He witnessed the invading horde ashen the distant hillsides. Now, from what he could tell, the first perimeter around Centre Pointe had dissolved, and what remained of their force had dispersed. The second-perimeter soldiers stood in position around the castle, each anticipating, bravely awaiting their turn to engage such a monstrous enemy.

Kelm, knowing this moment would come, awaited Maebus' retreat. Emotionless, he watched the progression of the battle. For some time, he'd possessed the full knowledge of the Legion's ruthlessness. But it still wasn't enough to prepare him for the reality he now witnessed. He struggled to school his features, to show no dismay.

He quickly ran all aspects of their elaborate plan through his mind. "So many moving pieces," he muttered to himself, remembering the conversation he shared with Maebus just last night. Everyone—the army, the two young brothers, the Council, even the Legion—had a role to play. Events had proceeded beyond Kelm's control. Being a meticulous man, he was unsettled at having to remain passive.

A few miles just beyond the castle, he spotted an explosion. A yellowish streak hit the ground and crackled into black smoke. Through it, Kelm saw Maebus and Khroy riding full speed towards the castle. Legionaries pursued them, separated by an unnervingly short distance.

It's time.

Attached to the ledge of the command tower sat a massive ram horn. After inhaling a deep breath, Kelm blew into it. When those protecting the Realmsic Castle heard its deep bass note, they would spring into action. As its sound resonated and faded, he retreated into the tower and quickly descended the spiral staircase.

• • • • •

Maebus' body overheated as Khroy clenched onto him upon Nightly. He could feel his own sweat steaming beneath his armor. As he galloped over an incline, the Realmsic Castle and the waiting second combat battalion came into view. Reining in Nightly at the first rank of commanding officers, Maebus quickly dismounted. Khroy, too, slid down.

Nightly neighed as Maebus rubbed her muzzle one last time. "Be free," he whispered to her. Smacking her rear, Nightly galloped off towards the Centre Forest. He watched her disappear into the distance.

"It's better this way," he said to Khroy. "She wasn't needed for the next stage of my plan, and there's no telling what the Legion would do to her if caught."

Khroy nodded his agreement.

The officers saluted as the two approached their lines of defense. The blood-curdling, demented shrieks of the Legion could be heard in the distance, growing louder as they neared the castle's perimeter.

"Officers," Maebus said, "Move your ranks forward and engage."

"Aye, Commandant!" they all acknowledged in unison.

As the lines of the army began pressing forward, Khroy readied himself for his second round of battle. Maebus turned toward him.

"Khroy, you need to go, now!"

"What?" His eyes widened in astonishment.

"Get out of here," Maebus commanded. "There's not much time!"

"But ... this will be our last stand against Damian's Legion. I won't leave you!"

Maebus steadied his gaze on Khroy. Harshly, he stated, "Is this not what I told you, Commander? Did I not say I'd ask the impossible?" He grabbed hold of Khroy's uniform and then shoved him away hard.