Darkspur

Chapter 34 - Darkspur Lost

Darkspur's gates were open, all of them, the Darnach making it their primary goal, readying the way for their advancing army. What they were not aware of was the 100 strong Elven Cavalry in the main square outside walls, that, when the main gate opened, came tearing in to join the Castle Guard. Egrinlast and his men had forced their way through to inner courtyard and most were now dismounted, in fierce hand to hand with the Darnach. The Elven leader was in the thick of the fighting, he and his men frantically trying to gain entry to the Keep and ultimately access to the walls. But the Darnach had made this courtyard a priority, Gorothan sending a large portion of his men to hold the area, effectively cutting off those on the ground.

Ordwin came galloping in, sliding from his saddle before the animal even had time to stop. The huge man, his war-hammer already drawn, started swinging almost immediately, bludgeoning anyone that got in his way. The large two handed weapon, with a shaft almost the size of on an ordinary man, somehow looked small in the Master of the Guard's hands, and he swung it with such ease and expertise, it looked almost an extension to his arm. He rived a path through the enemy, crunching skulls and shattering bone with every stroke.

"Ordwin, the stair," Egrinlast shouted, but he needed no encouragement, he was already well on his way.

Egrinlast and several of his Guard fell in behind, protecting his back or firing arrows past his head at the Darnach advancing down the stone steps. The group made swift progress, many of the enemy electing to get out of the way of the flailing hammer rather than try and fight Ordwin head on. An arrow from the battlements thumped into his upper arm, piercing all of the way through; but he seemed not to notice, the protruding shaft snapping as he swung the hammer again.

Now, they were nearly at the entrance, the remaining Darnach retreating back inside, trying to close the heavy door; but Ordwin was never going to let that happen. He thrust the hammer head into the gap as they slammed it shut, jamming the thick set door open, giving him time to smash his broad shoulder into the carved wood. Those behind were propelled back as Ordwin's full force met the door, driving him inside. But the large man's momentum put him off balance, sending him crashing to the floor at the feet of his enemy. A sword slashed down at his unprotected head but Egrinlast was there, stopping the blow inches from Ordwin's face. The Elf pushed the blade up and away, thrusting forward into the Darnach's chest, the figure crumpling forward. The Elves pushed on, scrambling over the top of Ordwin lying prone on the flagstones, struggling to rise. Egrinlast was at the fore, parrying and blocking frantically as blow after blow rained down on him from countless blades; but he couldn't stop them all. A sword tore into his side, splitting his chain mail and he dropped to his knees. His men swarmed over their leader, protecting him, but they were outnumbered and there was no way they could keep up the defence forever.

From behind the Darnach the clash of more swords reverberated around the hall, screams coming from the back of the enemy line. Panic spread quickly across there crimson eyed faces as they realised they were now the ones trapped between two advancing foes. The Darnach tried desperately to flee but as they turned, they ran headlong into the blur of blades swung by The Fifteen. Hanian and his men mowed them down, giving no quarter.

One of the Elven Guard slammed the door behind then, throwing the heavy bolt, blocking any more Darnach from entering, giving time to take a welcomed breath. Egrinlast grimaced as Ordwin help him to his feet, crimson running down his side.

"Where the hell did you come from?" Ordwin demanded.

Hanian shook his head. "We'll explain later. What's the situation?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Hanian. It's a mess out there," he replied. "I don't know how the hell they got in the city but I'm guessing the same you did."