Spring of Discovery (Celestia Chronicles Book 1/Seasons Arc: Book 1)

Chapter 27: Battle of Kred: Defending the Town

"Attention people of Kred!" Arda's voice rang in the air over the city. "The town is under attack. I, Arda of the Krystal, along with my companions will defend it from destruction. I urge all civilians to seek refuge immediately! If there are any trained fighters, be it magic or otherwise, we ask that you come forward and join us."

As Arda finished her message, the townspeople began scurrying into their houses. A select few, armed with swords and shields, came to join the front lines.

"How much magic have you used so far?" asked Gremdar.

"Between the shield around the village and the message to the people I think I've used about ten percent," calculated Arda. "I'm going to have to drop the shield in a minute. Get ready."

As the shield dissipated, a horde of Shadow soldiers ran into the town. However, Syvix and Galof were nowhere to be seen.

Four soldiers charged toward Serenity, who was busy picking off the soldiers farthest away. Talon jumped in their way, killing them with a single sword stroke. As one rounded on Talon, Serenity shot an arrow at it, freezing it in its tracks. Surprised by this sudden realization of power, she was knocked to the ground by another soldier who readied a killing strike. The soldier was thrown into the air as Serenity saw Hendok leap in front of her. Using his psychic powers he threw the soldier into a crowd of four more.

Meanwhile, Gremdar was locked in combat with seven soldiers. They had him surrounded on all sides as two on each side charged at him. He ducked, stabbing one as its swing missed him by mere inches. The falling soldier in turn tripped the nearest two into one another. Gremdar stabbed them both at the same time as the other four rounded on him. He kicked the one in front of him, grabbing the arm of the one to used its sword to stab another. He then dropped his sword to the ground and grabbed the soldier behind him, throwing forward into the remaining soldier. He grabbed his sword and stabbed both at the same time. He then moved on the the next cluster of soldiers.

Arda shot spells at soldiers on every side of her. She threw up a barrier to knock one back into another and then conjured an energy spear, which she used to impale them each along with a third. She then generated a rope and wrapped it around one, slamming him into three others. She continued shooting spell after spell at these shadow soldiers, holding them at a distance.

The battle raged well into the night, but it seemed for every soldier they killed another was ready to take its place. With only a few hours left before dawn, the mountain near the town collapsed in upon itself, forcing the soldiers to retreat from the village.

"What happened"? asked a shocked Gremdar.

"I don't know," Arda replied with equal surprise.

"They regrouped outside town," explained Hendok, nursing a wounded arm. "Something's happening with Syvix."

"Is it over?" asked Talon, blood dripping from his forehead.

"Syvix has left. And—" Hendok took a breath.

"And what?" demanded Talon.

"He just summoned more shadow soldiers."

The others realized the fight was still far from over.