The Journey, Warrior

Chapter 14, Fool's You Say?

The sun was now fading behind the forest, enemy fires were lit. "No fires!" Ordered Nekonata, "They will attack soon! For this we must trust in our instincts, myself and Master Vivi will guide you when we can." Nekonata dismounted.

"Convel thank you for coming to our aid." Nekonata bowed. "You will have to forgive me, I am unfamiliar with your military formations. I have a line of short lances with shields, followed by archers, and then by swords, and lastly more archers, our mounted cavalry will split into three forming formations to attack from left to right and behind."

Convel bowed his head to Vivi and nodded slightly towards Nekonata. "I smell Ingmars" He growled, "How many?"

"700 men we are unsure about the amount of Ingmar's, I would hazard a guess to around 200," Vivi replied.

The white wolf growled again, as did the rest of his kind. Vivi put his hand in the air stopping them from making too much noise.

"Convel we need the element of surprise, I know you are fast, and I mean not to offend. Would it possible for you to leave some of your packs here to help on the front line and have the rest of your packs split into three to follow the mounted cavalry from behind?"

"Hmm, Master Vivi is still a sound tactician I see... Nonsk, Keal, and Malk you know what to do, get on with it. Pelk and Drac you're with me!" The wolves bowed and obeyed.

Nekonata looked out, "There is a lone rider coming forward."

"They want to negotiate?" Growled Convel.

"It is customary for humans to make an attempt at a peace treaty. Their demands will not be welcomed." Vivi commented quietly.

"I did not think about this, our lance stakes and trench are too far and deep for us to walk through or jump over," Nekonata looked around. "How are we to go to them to find out what they want?"

"Take Malhela." Vivi waved his hand over, and the stable boy came forward with the black horse. "He will let you ride him. As long as he has a good enough run-up he can clear that."

Nekonata took the reins and mounted the horse, they trotted back a distance, "Malhela start off slowly and build up your speed, I trust you, I believe in you!" Nekonata patted the horse on its neck. The horse reared up on his back legs and charged forward, his speed gaining faster and faster, Nekonata was holding on for his dear life. Everything whizzed past him like a blur, next thing he knew they were in the air hurtling forward over the trench. Malhela's body tensed up as his front legs touched the floor carrying forward he skidded to a stop in front of the messenger.

The messenger was tall, black hair, dark coloured eyes, and a long beard.

"Our treaty is you will surrender. You will lay down your arms and let us pass. The village be ours to do what we please with. Your women will serve us and please us!"

"The answer is no, not now and not ever. I will give you two options." Nekonata paused. "The first is you will turn around and go back hence where you are from... The second is if you don't you will die and those that surrender will be taken prisoner, to do with what I please."

The messenger scowled and spat at the floor. "You dare to insult us? You really have no idea who I am?"

"Oh please do tell me whom you are? I am very eager to know!"

"YOU FOOL!" He shook his head. "I pity you! For it is you who will die!"

A trumpet and a whistle was heard in the distance. Nekonata looked around, From the North there came the Dwarves and in amongst them the Elves.

Nekonata smiled and laughed dryly in front of the messenger. "I speak for Master Vivi, I speak for King Althor of the Dwarves, and I speak for Gabija of Clan Panther... It is you who I pity! Your last chance lay down your weapons and walk away, I promise you will not be harmed! The... choice... is... yours!"

Nekonata had Malhela slowly walk backwards without taking his eyes of the messenger, once he felt a safe distance away he had the black horse gallop back around the trench to meet Vivi at the edge of the camp.

"That was the horn of the Dwarf King, please tell me they are ok?" Vivi called out.

Nekonata jumped from the horse, "They are fine, I can see them from a few leagues away, but now they have made their presence known I am worried that enemy will attack them first."

"Not if I can help it." Growled the white wolf. "Jesser, daughter run forth at speed to meet and greet the Dwarves and Elves!" His daughter turned to run, "And Jesser do NOT forget your manners!"

Jesser nodded and ran off to do as she was asked.

Jesser stopped a distance in front of the oncoming army. Once closer, she stood and bowed her head gracefully.

"Saluton, I am Jesser, daughter of Chief Convel from the mountains. I am here with message, we are preparing for battle. Humans and Ingmars hide in the forest. Master Vivi and Nekonata asked to me warn you, should the enemy make a surprise attack on you."

King Althor dismounted, he was just taller than the mountain wolf. He had long ginger hair, with a ginger beard tied in a plait the bottom tucked into his belt. He had dark knowing eyes. An axe and hammer were strapped to his back. "Hmm, a mountain wolf you be?" He walked around Jesser sizing her up. "You be big, yes big indeed. Hmm, first time I see mountain wolf, you be strange and beautiful!"

"Saluton Jesser." Said Gabija, her voice soft as velvet. "Are we to join you in amongst your ranks?"

Jesser bowed again, "Nekonata is leading us in the battle, he felt he should leave it to you to decide on your course of action."

Close by a horn sounded, strange growls pierced through the falling darkness.

"Ingmar!" Grumbled King Althor "I say we split half be half, your Majesty. Look they be advancing, it seems be that there cavalry going from round and back attack. Me that I like those odds. Good night for battle!"

The enemy marched through the forest, finally revealing themselves. There were a lot of gasps. The Ingmars were tall, taller than the mountain wolves. They had huge sabre-like fangs, big menacing orange eyes. They had dark scruffy long manes around their heads leading into a thin line going down their spine into their tails.

Nekonata's mounted cavalry had disappeared into the low hills, the mountain wolves following close behind at 100 paces.

The enemy charged forward. The Ingmars were fast, they leapt into the air, some misjudged and fell to their deaths on the lance stakes on the edge of the trench, The soldiers threw their short lances at the enemy some hit the human riders on the back of the Ingmars, the other short lances bounced of the hides of the ferocious beasts. The archers lined up and took aim, and shot. Screams and shouts, pierced through the darkness. The short lancers moved back allowing the archers a little bit more freedom to move. They picked up their swords and shields.

The enemy now in full attack, did not see the mounted cavalry come from behind.

"FULL ATTACK, CHARGE!" Shouted Nekonata. The mounted cavalry moved in so fast the enemy didn't know what to do.

An arrow flew out of nowhere straight for Nekonata, another arrow flecked with green feathers, whizzed past his face knocking the arrow away.

A small man stepped forward picking up the arrow. "Blood red feathers Gabija. The Crelden is here."

"Who is Crelden?" Asked Vivi.

"The Crelden is what they call the enemy king's right hand." Replied Gabija. "Now we know exactly who is responsible for this, I must say loosing an arrow like that is very premature."

"Althor take your clan into the forest and flush out the rest." She looked at Nekonata, "Shall we dance and let our blades sing?"

The small man beat his fist against chest. Raised his hand and threw back down in the direction of the forest. His clan quickly grouped up in formation, and marched for the forest.

Nekonata smiled, "Well met Gabija, I must say I agree," He kicked Kimbo into a gallop. "LET'S DANCE!"

Gabija and Nekonata led the cavalry on. The mountain wolves caught up and swiftly joined in the charge.

White Wolf howled, the rest of his kind followed suit.

Steel clashed against steel, wood against wood. People screamed in agony as their lives ebbed away.

Suddenly something crashed into Nekonata knocking him off his mount. Nekonata rolled over, quickly recovering to his feet. Not the Ingmar. It growled low and deep the sound reverberated in his chest and hurt his ears, saliva spattered on his face the smell assaulted his nostrils it was putrid like carrion, its teeth a frightening sight they curved down out of its huge maw like mouth the size of Nekonata' forearm, he stepped back it was easily 3 times the size of the brown bear, its eyes were large filling up most of its face if it could be called a face they were yellow with slit-like pupils the size of a clenched fist, its furry mane like mass was matted and filthy.

Nekonata slowly stepped back, slowly unsheathed his trusty sword. He gripped hold of it preparing himself for he didn't know what. The creature leapt forward for Nekonata. Nekonata ducked and rolled underneath the beast, only just clearing it. He slashed his at the beast's hide just missing. It turned around, yellow eyes flashing dangerously. Again it leapt forward, Nekonata stood his ground, taking one large step to the side he pivoted on his heel and slashed at the Ingmar this time leaving a large deep cut on its front left leg. Crashing to the floor in a howling rage. It stood up growling and panting heavily. Nekonata gulped. The beast charged for him raising its enormous paw last-second knocking Nekonata back. He felt like the wind had been knocked out of him as he flew backwards landing in the mud and then sliding more.

Nekonata grabbed his bow and pulled an arrow out of his quiver. He looked up the beast was getting ready to charge again. He knelt up in the mud, the right side of his body covered in mud and struggled to notch his arrow, the arrow flew for the beast just grazing the top of its head. He quickly notched another arrow panicking. He let it loose and this time it flew true striking the beast straight in its right eye. The animal dropped onto its front paws, sliding in the mud. The Ingmar slowly got back to its feet, it let out a high pitched squeal of pain. Rearing up on to its back legs the beast started to throw its front paws around furiously trying to hit Nekonata.

Nekonata ducked and dodged, he rolled to the left of the beast. The beast seeing him took a huge swipe at Nekonata' face just catching him with the tip of its claw, as the beast pulled its paw down it left a deep scratch going from just under Nekonata right eye down to almost his lip. Nekonata reeled back in pain. Now staying on the right-hand side of the beast Nekonata continued to duck and dodge, The beast threw its paws up in the air letting out a huge angry growl and Nekonata plunged his sword upward straight into the beast's chest and into its heart. As the monstrous beast crashed to the floor it took one last swipe at him, making Nekonata's back crash into a rock that had been hidden under the mud, he blacked out.

Santaya and Kristolia had joined the ranks of the mountain wolves. They ran forward relishing every kill. White Wolf howled in excitement.

King Althor and his clan had marched to the outskirts the forest. He raised his fist and they all stopped, he touched his left shoulder raised 2 fingers and pointed to the left. Some of his clan moved silently to the left, Althor repeated the same motions this time on his right, and again some of his clan moved silently to the right, the rest of them stayed in the middle moving forward.

The Crelden, a dark coloured man with blood-red eyes, was tall and slim. Was hiding high in the trees watching the fight. The fight was not going in his favour. He was beating himself inside for being stupidly premature for shooting his arrow to early. He had not anticipated that the Elves or the wretched Dwarves would show. The Dwarves rejected an alliance with his master, the King. The one true almighty powerful king in his eyes. Anyone who dared not follow his King were traitors. He cursed to himself and spat into the branches. He looked down below his feet noticing movement. "Oh for fuck sake!" He muttered to himself. The Dwarves had broken away from the main army to infiltrate the camp. He had sent his main forces into the battle all that was left was a small number of guards protecting the camp.

It was futile for the camp guards to fight and they threw down their weapons. Althor stepped forward into a small clearing near one of the campfires. "CRELDEN!" He called out. "I know you are here! Come out of your hiding place!" He waited. "Are you a coward?"

Crelden looked down. His King had specifically told him not to engage in a fight with the Dwarves, he had plans for them later. Crelden wanted nothing more than to kill Althor just as he did Althor's father. But it would have to wait for another day. Crelden pulled out a small grey sphere from inside his pocket. "Take me home!" He whispered. There was a crack, followed by a loud boom. Crelden disappeared.

Gabija charged through the enemy, swinging her blades in arches, pivoting and dodging, parrying and attacking, she moved swiftly and elegantly, she listened to her heartbeat and moved in sync with it. Her blades whistled with every swing and parry, there were no metallic clashes from her weapons.

A loud whoosh followed by a boom came from the forest, a dark figure shot up into the air and disappeared in bright light.

"RETREAT, RETREAT, RETREAT!!!" The humans shouted. The Ingmars growled loudly. The remaining humans clambered onto the backs of the Ingmars as they ran for their lives.

Nekonata could feel someone licking his face, the breath coming from it was awful, smelt of the combination of blood, dirt and sweat. Nekonata slowly opened his eyes rubbing his temples. His vision was blurry and slowly came into focus. He noticed it was Kristolia licking him.

"Okay baby girl, I'm Okay. Stop licking me now will you!" Nekonata groaned as he tried to sit up.

Both sides the protectors and the enemy had suffered serious losses. The remaining of the army were now doing mercy kills to end the suffering of the enemy who was seriously injured. Their own they carried on horses back to Edena to be cured and mended by the healers.

A small man with ginger hair and a long ginger beard walked up to Nekonata slowly. He beat his fist against his chest. "Ingmar Slayer!" He said gruffly offering a hand to help Nekonata back to his feet.

Nekonata gladly took it. " I guess I am right in assuming you are King Althor then?"

The Dwarf looked up smiling, "That I be, that I be."

They both stood looking around. "Were any of your kin hurt?" Nekonata asked

"I lost 8 men, one of which be mine cousin, Soltz. Also, 18 be injured."

"There has to be a better way to kill those beasts, we lost way too many to those alone."

"Be not I know, I know of them no more than you." Althor noticed Gabija helping those that had minor injuries. "Come let's see what use we be."

Gabija looked up. "Are you okay?" She asked Nekonata.

Nekonata nodded rubbing his back.

"Vivi said you are needed back at Edena, Nekonata," Gabija said without looking up.

"Okay." Nekonata nodded to Althor and wandered off looking for Kimbo. He whistled, "Kimbo, come on boy!"

He saw Pat walking up to him. "I'm sorry Nekonata, Kimbo didn't make it. An Ingmar got him."

Pat took Nekonata to where Kimbo lay. The poor horse was covered in mud, blood and guts from the dead that lay around him. Kneeling down beside the horse Nekonata took a deep breath his heart aching.

"I didn't know you for long Kimbo, you saved my life in the swamps. I am so sorry this happened to you." Nekonata stroked the dead horse's mane.

Pat touched Nekonata on the shoulder. "We will bury him here."

Nekonata nodded. "Burn the enemies body, away from the forest."

Nekonata took one last look at his horse and walked away.

"The Crelden is the one responsible for this attack," Vivi said speaking to Gabija and Althor.

"Who is the Crelden?"

"Rubian Blackthorn. He is the right hand, the Crelden of the King's. Some say he is the reason the king is the way he is. Others say the King was never of the right mind, to begin with." Replied Gabija.

Nekonata nodded in thought. He slowly started to walk back to Edena, his girls by his side.