Vaehandre: Where The Stars Fall [Under Revision]

Chapter 22: Rage Against Darkness

[Photo: About The Stormlight]
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The army was awoken two hours before dawn. The dark mist was now within view. Watchers by the light towers sounded their horns.

Aiden rose from his sleep; the sense of fear prickled in his skin.

Lôra sat up next to him. Swaying her head from side to side.

Shadowy figures of men running about could be seen all around the tent.

Aiden hastily placed his boots and made for the door. Before he could reach the tent's exit, Lôra grabbed his hand. He twisted backwards to see her. Examining her face, he looked upon her with expectant eyes.

With a quick glance at his lips, Lôra kissed him.

He pressed his lips against hers. Lôra had her hands on Aiden's cheeks. At that moment, everything had halted as if to make time for them. When the moment passed, the urgent need for their presence on the battlefield dawned on them. They pulled away, looking at each other with unspoken words. Aiden sprinted out of the tent.

The camp was in such unrest, soldiers were scrambling to fasten their armor and ready the artillery. Aiden could hear the sound of metallic boots marching, men screaming orders and horses neighing.

Aiden got to his tent and placed his white armor on. He tightened his belt with shaky hands. He called for the men under his order. "First infantry charge!"

"Here, Sire." A swordsman answered as five others joined him.

"Hurry now," Aiden said as he led them downhill.

Fastening his helm, he glimpsed Henry, saying goodbye to Ingrid. "Henry!" he called out. "C'mon."

Both Ingrid and Henry glanced back at Aiden. Henry gave his sister one last nod, then they parted ways.

As Henry was walking away, Ingrid looked at Aiden. She smiled at him encouragingly.

Aiden turned away once Henry had reached their group and sprinted into position with the other Elite Knights behind them.

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Owen was already at the front, sizing up the enemy. The cavalry had already formed their lines.

Raising to one of the lookout posts, Alistair set a light crystal on his staff and casted a spell. "Dilliah". He directed it to the belt of trees.

The other three towers focused their light to where Alistair had his. It revealed the dark creatures waiting in the line of trees with their red eyes peering out.

The gathered armies looked past the plains and were visibly shaken. Horses neighed and moved to gallop away, but their riders held them steady.

"Men, on me! They may look like our brothers, but I assure you. They are no longer with us. Do not be afraid to strike them down. Our path is true!" Owen cried out as he sensed the fear in his men.