Battle of lindly, p.24
Battle of Lindly, page 24
The people in the crowd felt at ease and a peace washed over them as they listened. As the elf continued her prayer to Lestar, the towers began to hum and glow. The purple and black colors in the towers were dark, and springing from the towers they were ascending upwards. As each of the crystals rose slowly, drifting towards the center of town, they began to project a barrier around the area it passed. They gradually pushed to their destination– the center of the town and the barrier would then encompass the city completely. Most of those entranced by the priestess were not able to see the barrier trapping them. If one did see it, a blink later and it would be gone. The dark purple-black translucent coagulating flame formed before their eyes and vanished.
The priestess saw her work was well on its way and began to actually speak to the crowd. "Today is a great day, not just a day to mourn the betrayal of your first citizen." The subtle wordplay was lost on the crowd, indicating Victus as the first citizen instead of Nibarn was clearly a slight. The priestess made certain Nibarn knew her disdain for him and she also realized the evil in what she was construing– that Victus was actually innocent and that the stories of this man were actually somewhat admirable.
She continued to an eager audience, "Today we, the Inquisition, offer you a blessing of long years, better health. Today we will quite literally rain down the warmth of power, joy, and healing. It will open your eyes to another realm of possibilities. Nibarn failed to share with you the blessing your city will be given. You will be the most advanced, highest-ranking humans in Asmolor's kingdom. You will be given access to change your station and field of work. You will be respected as equals to us elves.” She lifted her hands high but out wide as if embracing them as family. "We are UNITED!" The crowd erupted with glee and screaming.
Titus and Marcella were the next to be waved over with what Titus saw was a dwarf and an elven guard. Titus looked the dwarf up and down, wondering if he would be able to recognize him even though he did not know many dwarves, the ones he knew he could easily identify. He asked Marcella, "You recognize him?"
She whispered back, "No, you?"
Titus shook his head no. Before the conversation could continue the citizens before them were turned away and they were called forward. His words were so deep and long, yet somehow sounded so quick, his accent did not sound remotely like the common tongue. "Yooouuuuwwhhhhz!"
Marcella and Titus stepped forward steady but not overly confident. Titus reached out his hand to the black-haired, black-braided bearded dwarf and greeted him. "Well met Master Dwarf." He began pulling his hand back when the dwarf crossed his arms indifferently. Titus nodded, "Straight to business. I need entrance for some well, business." He leaned in and looked back towards Marcella, he whispered to the dwarf, "This woman is a mistress of Nibarn's son Brandan. I was sent to bring her back from her travels and would like her to have time to clean and ready herself before he knows she is back." Glancing back at her again, "I promise to make sure you are rewarded handsomely." His gaze turned to watch the unmoving forward-staring elven guards around him. He waited for a reply but the dwarf before him just stared.
Titus finally asked, "What is with these elves? They are just staring straight forward?"
The dwarf shook his head slowly and grunted, "Not ya business. Off wit ya! Gate closseeedd!"
Titus began to protest but another voice from the side spoke from beside the guard’s hut. "Titus Oxenilis, legionnaire under Victus Andreas. I have one word for you."
Titus turned to face the voice approaching– a sturdy, tall dwarf wearing wolf pelts and owl feathers over chain mail was smiling. Two war-hammers sat on his sides, swaying slightly as he moved towards Marcella and Titus. Both of the legionnaires closed the small distance between each other and pulled out their weapons, allowing their cloaks to fall to the ground. The dwarf laughed and continued to close the distance, his hands positioned non-threateningly. "One word and ye can come at me if ya want– Bear."
Titus looked quizzically at him and then Marcella. "What?"
Thormhammer shook his head, "Nah that ain't being the right response."
It dawned on Marcella that “Bear” was the code to verify the identity of those loyal to Victus. She blurted the correct response, "Falcon!"
Thorm smiled broadly again, "Aye lass that be it. Come on in. Me and me boys have secured the River Gate."
Titus chuckled softly, dumbfounded. His mind whirled with the possibilities and how these dwarves had known to aid in this way. He smiled and said, "There are more of our side spread out behind us."
The tall dwarf who stood nearly as tall as Titus nodded, "Not gunna be a problem." He looked down to a black-haired dwarf. "Ye being a following them a long time? Be the bear and gather up the rest of thee little falcons."
The younger dwarf nodded with a yelp of "Yeps!" And with that, he ran off down the line, finding and gathering the rest of the legionnaires. Thorm motioned for another of his kin to come over and guard the entrance while he beckoned Titus and Marcella through the gate into the city. He led them into a makeshift animal-skinned tent, attempting to catch them up to speed on the way. "We ain't got a lot of time to be talkin'. So here bee da shorts of it. Me en de boys got wind through Biddy that your boys be needin’ some helpin’. We showed up knowin’ de plan and helping with the same plan as you all. Questions?"
Titus and Marcella both had questions but believed every word the powerful dwarf had said, starting with their lack for time. Titus did have one question that needed an answer, "What of the elves here guarding the gate entrance and gate towers? How long will...the whatever you’ve done, last?"
Thorm roared with laughter, "Aye, good! Yer on board. They ain't doing nothin’ till we need ‘em." He paused looking directly into Titus’ eyes, grinning. "Needin’ dees dark elves to be dying." Thorm's confidence in his display of power and the assuredness that he knew who they were dealing with, filled Titus and Marcella both with the certitude, self-confidence, and conviction to this valiant quest to save the city of Lindly. Thorm had paid a terrible price to be here in the city of Lindly, but he paid that price without a flinch.
26
Victus sat atop his majestically muscled warhorse halted at the back of the caravan lines into the city of Lindly. Janus slowed his horse too, with Jess, Aris, and Serin moving to the front of the two mounted men. Brandon slunk in the back behind the horses. Victus smiled at the three standing before him and turned back to look upon Brandan. “Be brave, young noble. Your actions today will be remembered. Do what is right and stand firm with me.”
The young noble, stripped of his house, was nothing more than a citizen of Lindly. However, Victus offered him the opportunity to redeem House Neske and restore himself to a position of influence. He walked towards Victus and stuck his hand up to help him off his horse. “I will.” His eyes were low to the ground as he kept his hand up to Victus.
Victus, the patron of House Andreas, took his hand and slid down the horse easily. “Look at me, Brandan. I have known you for a long time. You are ashamed.” Brandan looked down and Victus continued, “You are ashamed. But look at me because what I am going to tell you will be good for your heart.” Brandan looked up and met his gaze, remaining silent. Victus gave him a warm, fatherly smile, making him feel comforted. “You are ashamed,” he repeated. “And this is good. It means you still understand what is right and wrong. It shows a willingness to repent and alter your life.” He clasped the hands of the young noble in his own. “Seize this opportunity! Seize your new life! Be the noble I believe you can be! Stand against your father!”
Brandan nodded, offering a quiet response, “I will.” He paused, forcing himself to stare into Victus' piercing blue eyes. “And thank you, Victus. For believing in me all these years.”
Victus nodded, “A poor teacher I would be if I did not correct an error and did not continue to believe in your growth as a student.” With that, he turned to Janus and nodded. Janus hopped down from his mount and gave hand commands to the horses to follow behind them. Victus turned away and began walking away from Brandan. As he passed Aris and Serin, he patted them both on the head. “Family, Duty.” The young ones both nodded up to him as he passed them.
Jess reached to touch his shoulder, and he paused. Turning to her, he pulled her close. “I love you and always will.” He kissed her forehead and then her lips softly.
Jess spoke softly, a quiver in her voice. “And I love you Victus. Move fast and hit hard.”
He said nothing else and continued to make his way up through the crowd. Janus kept pace to his right, and the others trailed close behind. As the citizens and caravan people turned to scold the line cutters, they soon realized who it was. Victus was with Nibarn’s son and none dared speak to either disrespectfully so they moved aside without complaint. Janus employed his spear to remove from the line the few who did not move. He steered them out of the way gently and respectfully, making certain they knew he meant them no harm. Soon the word that Victus and Nibarn’s son were moving down the line spread so that the crowd split, clearing an even path clear for them to approach the gate.
Upon reaching the gate, the guards took little notice of them as they were ushering people in with no recourse. However, as they passed through the gates, one guard recognized Brandan and then in a moment, noticed Victus as well. He yelled at them, but the noise of the crowd was roaring and cheering so loud in all the chaos that the effort was in vain. The elven guard shrugged and had concluded it did not matter as the city was doomed anyway. The crowd had heard that Victus was a traitor, an evil cultist who worshiped the dark goddess Lestar. But when those in the back realized he was making his way with a few others through the crowd, they too let him through. Though he was a wanted man, and it was each of their citizen’s duty to kill him, none touched him. Too many still did not believe he was corrupted as if the bearing of Victus pushed aside the lies, showing him to be above reproach.
Aris and Serin were talking amongst themselves as they trailed Victus, Janus and Jess. “Do you see that?” asked Aris.
Serin, with her mouth wide as she stared up at the dome barrier around the city. “Yes, I do. This is evil. I can feel it. Do they not see?”
Brandan, who was eavesdropping, answered. “They have been magically blinded to it. And those beyond these walls obviously cannot see it. If these are dark-elves...” He corrected himself after the brief pause. “Because they are dark-elves, everything is cloaked in a web of lies. Illusion and deception is their forte.”
Aris reached over and squeezed Serin’s hand. “We are here to stop it all. Right?” She nodded and squeezed back.
They made it halfway to the platform in the center of Lindly when someone in the crowd not only recognized Victus but also began yelling that he was there. Others began yelling too, and eventually it grew loud enough for the priestess and Nibarn to take notice. Nibarn yelled into the crowd, “Where is he? He is here? Kill him!”
The priestess waved her hand at him in a not-so-subtle, quiet down motion. She looked into the crowd and saw where the citizens were parting. “He is there. Bring him to me.”
Her elven captains started issuing commands, and soon a path lined with elven warriors led from the platform to Victus and his quarry. One elven captain marched straight for Victus and upon reaching him spoke coldly, “Lay down your arms.”
Victus shook his head, “I will not. I claim my right to defend my name and this city.”
The arrogant elf laughed. “Can you not see that you and your people are defeated?”
Victus asked the elf a question in turn, “Would you see yourself as defeated, dark-elf? That’s the difference between you and us. We will never willingly be pawns to our own destruction. While you accept defeat daily in the way you live and the gods you serve.”
The elven captain blushed in rancor, and he reached to unsheathe his sword. The crowd awed and let out a collective, “Woooh!” But before the elf could get his sword out, he saw the city upside down, spinning and then the dirt on the ground before losing consciousness. Janus had let go of his spear and ripped his sword from his belt, cleanly chopping underneath the elf’s armored chest and helmet, removing his head. It happened so fast that the spear he had let go barely began to drop before his sword was back in its scabbard and spear back in his hand.
All the elves lining a path from the platform to Victus stared in disbelief from their dead captain to the priestess, waiting for the command to kill. The priestess took a moment before she responded. “Let them forward. I would hear his words.” The elves listened to their priestess and stayed in their positions as Victus and his quarry made their way to the platform, the two warhorses making up the rear.
Serin, Jess and Aris stood at the bottom of the platform and watched Victus ascend the few marble steps towards the Priestess and Nibarn. His sandy blonde hair had accumulated many gray hairs since his youth, but his age had never affected his charisma nor his vigor. Victus stepped towards the podium. The priestess feigned politeness as she stepped back and to the side. Through her wicked grin, she said sardonically, “Your last words before we execute you for your crimes?”
Victus turned his back to her and pulled out the Rod of Lindly, placing it on the podium. “I have the symbolic power of this city.” Janus slid himself in between Victus' back and that of Nibarn and the Priestess. Victus spoke loudly and the magic surrounding the podium enhanced his voice. “We are deceived. This is not the Inquisition. They are dark elves disguised as high elves. Above you, in the sky, is the creation of a new weapon that will harvest your very souls.” The crowd did not react, just looked confused. However, a few started to see the dome forming, snapping out of the enthralling enchantment of the priestess. “Citizens of Lindly, we are under siege. The River Gate is your escape. Stand, fight, and get you and your loved ones out of the city.”
A few from the crowd listened and moved to leave but the elves kept them from leaving the center of town, blocking them quickly.
Nibarn laughed, “They don’t believe you, Victus. You are a traitor, a liar, and a cultist. We will have your death this day.”
Victus spun around, his hand reaching back, grabbing and tossing the Rod of Lindly at Nibarn’s feet. “I demand trial and vindication by combat. Not just for myself, but for all present. Your darkness will come to light this day, Nibarn.” Victus turned back to the crowd, “I have claimed my right to a duel. Heed my words when the moment comes– River Gate!”
Nibarn looked pale as the blood drained from his face. “You have no citizen of note to second your claim to the city, and I decline your right to vindication through combat. Your death sentence stands.” He looked to the priestess, whose eyes watched Nibarn’s son stepping up to the platform. “I said, he does not get a chance. Kill him.” Nibarn’s eyes narrowed as he saw his son, almost unrecognizable from his night outside.
His mouth opened in a gasp but before he could scold his son, the priestess spoke to him sharply, “I do not take orders from you, Nibarn.”
Brandan walked up to Victus, patted his shoulder, and turned to the crowd. “I am Brandan of House Neske. My father has sold our fair city to the dark elves. They are before you, even now, disguised as high elves. I saw him murder helpless children with all the council members sitting behind him.” The councilors shook their heads and yelled slurs towards the young noble. Brandan was determined and ignored them. “I beg your forgiveness, citizens of Lindly. I have failed to protect you, as was my duty. But I am here to help fix what I have done.”
The priestess watched, astounded at the tenaciousness these humans were showing for their city, for their countrymen– she hadn’t expected push back, much- if at all. She hid her admiration under a smug grin, but she was impressed.
Brandan continued facing sidelong towards his father and the crowd. “I defy you!” He pointed at his father. His flamboyant gestures and tone of voice drew the crowd in. No magic, no tricks. The young man had a talent and flair for public speaking, and he was winning the crowd over. He brought weight to what Victus was saying. Two of the city’s highest-ranking nobles were standing against all the changes, all the promises. Brandon sighed as he continued, “For whatever honor our House still has, I defy you. I deject you! You have lied and betrayed us all. I second Victus and will share his fate in the vindication trial and for the right to claim this city under his House’s protection.”
Nibarn swore under his breath, “You wretched welp! We have the confession of Victus' second, Calder! We have proof!”
Brandan waved his hand firmly down, cutting his father’s words off. “More than likely he was forced to sign the confession. It does not matter. I have seconded Victus. Choose your champion, Father.”
Serin and Aris watched in amazement at the events unfolding. They had never seen Brandan like this. It was truly marvelous, and they shared a grin. Jess was facing the crowd, watching for any attempts by the elves to attack. Nibarn spun and marched angrily to his throne. Seated on the throne and readjusting his crown, he spoke with a strained composure. “I choose the Inquisition’s priestess as my champion. The duel will be to the death.”
The crowd roared, cheering. Some booed Victus and others booed Nibarn, it seemed to be divided on who they wished to see win.
Victus walked over to where Nibarn had been standing and leaned down to pick up the Rod of Lindly. Holding it high in the air, he walked over to Brandan. Victus gave a small nod, placed it into Brandan’s hand, and lifted it together with his. “A TRUE SON TO HIS HOUSE!” The crowd went wild, cheering for Brandan. The young noble looked into Victus' eyes. Quickly, he wiped the swelling of tears and thanked him in a hoarse whisper. “I will never forget this, Victus. Thank you!”
