laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

After passing through the small fortress town of Borge', the unit soon surveyed the ruin of Carbost, chasing off some would-be looters within the town and then made their way northwest into the foothills of the Black Mountains. Templar rode on their flanks within the forest as they pushed to the first objective, the Hill Dwarven city that had nearly as much colorful history as the Frontier itself.
One night from the battle, they encamped in a large, protective circle and built traps on their perimeter, not only physical but also magical.

"Stay armed and armored tonight," Stephen instructed as Alexander tossed two short logs on the fire. "I have a feeling that the enemy isn't going to allow us to join this fight unmolested."

"Yes, sir. Any idea what is attacking the city?"

"Orcs, goblins, grey dwarves and something else that we haven't been able to identify yet. They're as tall as an orc but stronger. Sir Godfrey stated that these had been borne in a witch's laboratory and have been key in the wars that this demon king has waged."

Alex nodded apprehensively. He hoped that they were prepared enough to help the dwarves the way they had done for Carbost and Navan in the last war. As firelight brightened the darkened trees from various points within their camp, Alex tended to their weapons and finally got a chance to rest. As he lay within his blanket, he strained his ears to hear the slightest hint that their enemy was sneaking up on them at that very moment, but found nothing out of the ordinary. Finally he fell asleep,

Trumpets blared as explosions of fire and lightning awoke Alexander to the yelling commands of the night watch. He jumped up and ran into the pavilion, nearly knocking Sir Stephen over as he was exiting.

"Grab my shield, Alex," he directed as Alex squeezed between them and ran to the magical protection, grabbed it and ran back out to see their benefactor raising his eyes and hands to the sky. He looked up just as the piercing shriek of many attackers in the sky swooped down on their camp. Spears suddenly burst on the protective, blue shield that Stephen concentrated on, sending the missiles off into different directions.

His blue eyes frantically searched for an enemy that he could assist in defeating to see the female unit that had ridden with them to his far left. They assembled together within a loose circle also, some casting firebolts into the night sky, hitting demons. Some burst into flame while others laughed and cast another spear at their assailants. As bird-like bodies crashed into the higher branches, the fire lit their leaves and Alex noticed two of the women caught the missiles, then spun and threw them back with all their might. He smiled at their prowess and strength as another spear bounced from the magical shield over his own head and ricocheted into a nearby tent.
Soon, battle erupted with the sounds of clashing steel and battle cries and he realized that Sir Stephen was right, the enemy had brought the fight to them instead.

"Kenneth, we have to move to assist the Ordaveece, there," he pointed to the female unit and they ran to their assistance as Alex handed his lord the shield and unshouldered his own and drew his longsword.

One of the female clerics noticed their approach, "Here," she motioned a location near three mages within their ranks who continued firing magical bolts into the aerial assault. Alexander watched in wonder as they soon cleared the sky above them as several bodies of these flying demons lay in burning heaps around them or within the wreckage of several tents.

"We should assist the perimeter," Stephen suggested as they all quickly ran to the distant sound of battle that raged within the forest. As they arrived, Stephen turned to him, "Stay in the rear with the mages, they're under your protection now," he smiled, then moved up with Sir Kenneth as Alex stepped in front of the three lightly armored women who chanted and motioned with their hands, firing more spells into their enemy.

Trees divided their ranks and he soon got the opportunity to see the tall, dark grey skinned enemy as one vaulted over the shoulders and heads of the knights in front of him. He braced with his shield, sword pointed forward as the beast growled, then charged him, raising his axe into the air as Alex countercharged. Blocking the axe with his shield that nearly broke his own shoulder, adrenaline pumped as he stabbed the beast in the midsection then feinted left as he twisted his wrist and fired another stroke into the unprotected armpit. Growling in pain, the hot breath, fangs and long stringy black hair sent shivers down his spine as he struck again to the back of the thigh, spinning around as he ducked another mighty swing of the axe, feeling the air rush over his head. Swinging for his life, he cut into both sides of the thighs, then upward into the groin, stunning the beast who shrieked and allowed him to stab upward into the tall attackers throat, silencing the growl into a gurgling as it dropped.

He stood over it and quickly turned to wait for the next one, sweat pouring off of his forehead and underneath his breast piece. Panting from the exertion, he felt his strength and desire for another encounter quickly overtake him as the long line pushed the enemy back and soon won the day.

"You've been well trained," one of the female mages stated as he dropped his sword to stand next to him.

He turned to eye her directly. "Thank you. Are you and your sisters alright?"

Nodding, she smiled and he finally noticed the necklace hanging on the black surcoat sporting the symbol of Arhus. The trio moved into the disassembling line to gather their other sisters as Alex straightened and began looking for his knights to see them soon emerge from the mass, dark blood splattered on their armor.

Sir Kenneth smiled and nodded in acknowledgement. "You did well. We should be back to the camp and gather our things."

"Yes, sir," Alex sheathed his sword and followed them back through burning trees and smoldering tents to find their own guarded by the horses as the stink of the dead wafted through the boughs on the breeze.

After packing their remaining gear, they mounted up and joined the remaining of their Order as several clerics stayed with the wounded. Pushing through the rocky, forested hills, they finally reached the treeline where Alex noted the battle raging in the distance against the walls of Nosur Aerdorn. Siege towers and engines assaulted the stone towers and curtain wall as the dwarves returned each missile and stone that was thrown at them.

"Ahorse," the command went through the ranks as Stephen turned to Alex.

"Stay in the rear with the other squires, form up and await further orders."

"Yes, sir." He watched the paladins and templar form up in five ranks of cavalry, then charge the rear of the enemy as he rode up to align with the remaining squires and watched. The long black line rolled through siege equipement and their crews who vainly tried to protect themselves against the sudden attack. Soon, the Order's knights rolled into the infantry assaulting the gatehouse and the southern flank of their men consisting of grey dwarves who met the challenge with fervor. As the fight ensued, the gates opened and he watched as the city's defenders rushed out to assist and as the morning's sun rose, the glint of steel overshadowed the bodies of the dead and dying as well as several horses.

As they sat and watched, approaching riders alerted them to the rear. Turning their horses, they noticed the wounded now ready to fight.

"Make way, young brothers," one of the templar directed as they rode between them and joined the fight while the unit's clerics rode behind and into the fray.

"Come with us and assist bringing ours to safety," one of the elder priests stated as they spurred their mounts to follow. Alex jumped down from his saddle after reaching several wounded knights and helped lift them onto makeshift litters, then tied one end to their saddle and led the steed to drag the soldier away from the battle. After several trips, he noticed the battle swing around to the western wall as more of the resident dwarves rode out through the gate on ponies. He stood in amazement as they thundered over the bodies of the fallen grey dwarves and sprinted to catch the others, lances soon lowered as they charged into a shield wall and broke it. Lightning bolts exploded along with the clash onto the enemy's wall which sent most backward into those behind. They continued their assault of the enemy, yelling at those who had entered their lands as insults flew along with their axes and hammers.

As the evening sun fell behind distant hills, Alex found himself along with the other squires assembled with those who had survived the fight, mustered near the gate as the dwarven king approached Sir Godfrey. Alex stood beside Sir Stephen, now limping from the wound to his right thigh, and Sir Kenneth.

"I was honored to fight alongside you, my lord," Godfrey stated, bowing.

"We were about to destroy them ourselves, but are glad that you arrived to quicken their defeat. It's good to know that the king of Davos hasn't forgotten the pledge that he made to our cousins to the north who need our help now. Thank you."

"I offer the swords of the Order of the Golden Scepter to help in that endeavor,sir. Demons and such are our specialty."

Alex noticed the dwarven leader skeptically scan the humans assembled nearby, then nod. "We'd be glad to have you along. Your wounded can stay near the walls and encamp within the inner bailey until they're able to join us."

"Thank you for your hospitality, sire."

Formalities complete, they began setting up their camp for the night and Alex helped Sir Stephen with his armor and did his normal chores as night again overtook them. It had been a long day.