Lord Nesh stood there dumbfounded. Had the romours been true? Had Lord Phillip and the MoonGLades not fallen at the gates of their own castle back at the south? No... there was something wrong about them.
He stepped forward, a safe distance away from the nearest Moonglade.
'Phillip? Is that you?' he asked.
Lord Phillip just stared blankly at him, emotionless.
'Phillip? Are you alright? I heard that your men perished at the South castle! How did ... How did you survive?'
Phillip remained motionless. This irritated Lord Nesh.
'Look, Phillip, I know we started out on the wrong foot. How about we form an alliance? Didn't you see the demons that just attacked us? I need your help, Phillip.' He was right. The men he had left were less than a fraction of the twenty thousand he had brought from the orth County. He needed all the help he can muster. Even if it was from Phillip.
Phillip continued to just stand there. Gazing at Lord Nesh. Then, he moved. Slowly at first, then with a quick jerk, reached for his revolver, aimed it at Lord Nesh, and fired.
Lord Nesh avoided the shot in time for another. His men drew thier swords.
'So you choose to attack us instead huh? I knew you were a traitor! What have the demons ofered you, you knave!'
'WRETCHED MORTAL!'
The voice that emerged from within Lord Phillip freaked Lord Nesh out. It was Lord Phillip's egoistic signature of a voice, that harsh, rough, unkind attribute only the Lord of the South possesed. But, there was another voice speaking as well, and... it sounded... feminine.
'I SERVE NO ONE BUT THE HIGHBOURNE! NOW MORTAL, KNEEL OR YOU SHALL PAY THE PRICE OF ETERNAL SUFFERING!'
'Your mad! Your Lord Phillip, are you not! You're dead, man! Dead! Who are you! What have you done with Phillip!'
This time, Lord Phillip smiled. This creeped Nesh out.
'LORD PHILLIP IS NO MORE! ONLY THE HIGHBOURNE IS OUR MASTER! NOW... KNEEL BEFORE HIS WRATH!'
General Siow stood forward, sabre in hand. 'We kneel to no one, demon. Human or wretched ghouls alike.' Chern Chiang, Olaf and Major Karth did the same.
In an instance, the entire army of MoonGlades drew thier blades in coherence. Lord Phillip remained standing before Lord Nesh, who was clearly mystified. But, he got himself together.
'Its obvious now, eh? You're not Phillip! I do not care what you tranform into demon! Prepare yourselves! The House of Nesh is not a force to be reckoned with!' with that, drew his sword as well.
'Lord Phillip taunted 'LET'S SEE... FIVE HUNDRED OF YOUR MEN, AGAINST A THOUSAND MOONGLADES... INTERESTING...'
Genral Siow had never fought a MoonGlade before, but legend has it that they were the most skilled in the whole of the Middle Kingdom. He had to be cautious. Besides, they were outnumbered two to one. He tried to identify some weakness within the MoonGlades formation, but the effort was in vain.
Lord Nesh did not let his gaze off Lord Phillip. This was impossible. He had heard that he was dead. But now... He and his entire army was before him, and they seemed to be on the demon's side. Willingly or unwillingly, he hadn't time to find out. He knew there was no escape. They had to fight on.
Suddenly, a MoonGlade dashed forward. His agility was ferocious, and within a fraction of a second was already beside one of the soldiers in front of Lord Nesh. The soldier raised his sword, but in one slash, the MoonGlade slashed the poor soldier to the ground. His sword had not even reached the ground before he struck again, and again, and again. Within seconds, The guards surrounding Lord Nesh had fallen. The MoonGLade pointed his sword at Lord Nesh's throat. He was fast..... too fast..... They didn't even had time to react. So this must be skill of the MoonGlades. Three MoonGlade archers climbed up the castle walls, and had thier bowed aimed at the Lord.
'NOW, SURRENDER, OR YOUR DEAR LORD GETS IT!'
General Siow raised his hammer, but Major Karth stopped him.
Lord Phillip smiled, and his voice change to human. 'Just as I thought. Now, bring him to...'
There was a thunderous clap, and the three archers were burnt to bits. The MoonGlade had turned to look for only a second, before the sword in his hand was disarmed, and then, without warning, penetrated through his own chest. Blood oozed out. The MoonGlade was wide eyed, the last thing he saw was Lord Nesh standing perfectly still, purple lightning charging out of his palms.
Lord Phillip cursed. 'How'd....'
Major Karth raised his hammer this time. 'Don't ever underestimate his lordship!' Then, with one heavy slam, smashed it into the ground. The groundbeneath them shook violently, and several MoonGlades fell, thier swords and shields disarmed. Before they could recover from the fall, the Old Major shouted, 'To arms! Charge!'
Nesh's soldiers marched forward, fighting gallantly against the skilled MoonGlades. Lord Phillip remained where he was, unmoving still, then disspaeared into the shaows. His gaze was still upon Lord Nesh, who tossed two MoonGlades up with his barehands, and crushed thier skulls as they hit the ground. The fabled strength of Lord Nesh was all to true. The massive Lord pummeled through dozens of MoonGlades, sending them flying in all directions. Those who came too close, Chern Chiang took out, each shot hititing between the eyes, killing the MoonGlades on the spot. The young sniper reloaded quickly, firing almost three shots in a second, and with accuracy that was too impressive. But the MoonGlades's armour proved to be strong, and within seconds, what was left of the sniper battalion were wasted, leaving only three sipers and the Seargent to fend for themselves. Just as the MoonGlades killed the last sniper, thunderbolts struck them from the back.
Chern Chiang looked up, and Olaf stood towering before him.
'Thank you,' he said.
The general smiled, and gave the young seargent a hand. Just then, the seargent spotted an archer, from a distnace, his bow aimed directly at Olaf's heart.
'Get down!' he shouted, pushing the massive general down on the ground, Gondar flying off his grip. The arrow caught Chern Chiang right between his chest, and he groaned in pain, clutching his chest with both hands before falling to the ground.
Major Karth screamed 'Nooo!' The Old Major raised his hammer again, and this time, threw it towards the archer, who had the bow aimed at Olaf the second time, knocking him square off the castle wall with a huge explosion of white and yellow sparks. The MoonGlades saw the unarmed Major, and turned thier attention towards him, only to see purple lightning charring their comrades. Lord Nesh pummled the ground again and again, pruple thunder casting its bolts in every direction, releasing its wrath unto the MoonGlades.
Chern Chiang laid there, and looked at Olaf one last time, before his emotions went blank. Olaf was furious at the death of his friend. he tried to reach for his hammer, but a MoonGlade kicked it aside, eager to continue this game of cat and mouse. he was completely surrounded by at least twelve of them now. Without Gondar, he had to rely on what he knew best. Breaking bones. The General was exhausted, but his spirit was not faultering. Not yet at least. Around him, battlecries filled the air, as Nesh's forces engaged the MoonGlades, blood spilling in all directions.
Lord Phillip viewed the escapade from the safety of the towers. He was worried now. The Nesh's footsoldiers were a breeze, but the heroes that were protecting the Lord of the North proved to be a little more than he had bargained for. One had fallen, but there was still the old one, the strong one, and one... especially that one...
General Siow swirled his sword, his calm air and amazingly cooled aura seemingly impossible, especailly for one who was supposedly outnumber. He ready to engage more of the MoonGlades. Beside the general, countless bodies of the knights that were fabled for thier swordmenship lay death before his feet. Even those in front of him were backing towards the wall. Two MoonGlades went for another strike. Siow dodged the attacks with ease, then sliced them flawlessly, one in the knees and the other through his stomach. He raised sword again, and painlessly finsihed off the fallen soldiers. He was ready for more, when the sound of galloping caught his attention. The galloping was so faint, that through experience, the horses had to be far away. But when he turned around, three MoonGlades on horseback were seconds away from where he stood, pike in hand. The horses that brought them were dark, their hooves barely touching the ground. The Dark Nights.
Olaf fought the first two MoonGlades, barehand, crushing thier skulls and then arming himself with their blades. The MoonGlades surrounded him, and continously struck from all directions. That tired the General, but he managed to kill another and dodged another attack, before he slammed his fist into the ground, causing the other MoonGlades to tumble. He raced towards his hammer, dodging more attacks. One of the MoonGlades managed to slice his left arm, but he forced his way through the sea of soldiers, finally reaching his hammer. He picked it up, and turned his back to face the other soldiers. What he didn't hear were the faint galloping of horses, and then, the sharp pain as a pike was thrusted straight into his chest, the sharp tip coming out the other end. Blood streamed from his mouth. He struggled to stay on his feet, but soon, he was kneeling, his hammer on the ground for support. The MoonGlades edged forward, raising thier swords to finish him off, when the general mustered the rest of his strength, and with all his might, snapped the pike in two, and tugged the rider off the horse. He raised his hammer, and smahed the riders face like a pancake. Then, he raised his hammer high in the air again. The MoonGlades had seen that stance before, and with one swift move, ten blades were thrusted through Olaf's flesh. The general was stoned. He tried desperately to slam the ground, but the pain was too excruciating. The last thing he saw were two more horses coming his way, and the feeling of two more pikes into his body.
General Siow stooped low, managing to dodge the pikes. But then, he heard a loud scream. A scream of agony. Major Karth had a spear run through him, its tip barely reaching a stunned Lord Nesh, who had his back turned. General Siow's world came crashing down, just as the three riders came back for another strike. The General clenched his fists, and as the pikes neared him, he caught hold of all three without turning his back, and tugged them off the horses. Once on the ground, he raised his sword, and sliced the riders' neck with one clean slash. He ran across the field to get to the fallen Major and the struggling Lord Nesh, who was outnumbered. They both were. He slashed furiously at the coming MoonGlades, but there were too many of them. He tried to see, but the sea of soldiers in front of him made it impossible. For that moment, time seemed to freeze. One moment, he saw the Lord trashing his way, sending MoonGlades into the air. Then, one of the MoonGlades caught hold of him, then another, and another, before he was immobile. Then, the worst happened. The faint galloping of the horses was audible. General Siow fought violently now, desperate to get to the Lord, He thrust his blade across and swirled it at any coming MoonGlade. He was in a frenzy, killing three to four at a time. His heart was thumping, hoping that Lord Nesh could hang in a little longer. Those he did not have time to kill with his word, he killed his his fists, then he sliced again, slashing his way through. He could see the Lord ahead now, pinned down by the MoonGlades. Lord Nesh finally powered through, tossing the MoonGlades that held him away. General Siow managed to kill a couple more, before he was just two men away from the Lord. He raised his sword for the final blows, eager to reach Lord Nesh in time, only to see Lord Nesh too busy keeping the soldiers at his front, he did not notice the three pikes from his back, stabbing him all the way through. He winced, but managed to pull them out, only to feel another three more, then five, then ten more spears through him. The mighty Lord flinched with each spear, fresh blood oozed out of the wounds, but the massive Lord still managed to toss his assailants a distance away. General Siow powered forward, and saved his Lord and Master from another further strike in the nick of time. The Lord raised his fists in all the havoc and confusion, and slammed the ground hard, this time causing it to tremour and shake, and finally creating a huge crack. The MoonGlades fell right in, and Lord Nesh, accompanied by General Siow took the opportunity and made a run for it, deep within the safety of the shadows of Norshire Forest.
He stepped forward, a safe distance away from the nearest Moonglade.
'Phillip? Is that you?' he asked.
Lord Phillip just stared blankly at him, emotionless.
'Phillip? Are you alright? I heard that your men perished at the South castle! How did ... How did you survive?'
Phillip remained motionless. This irritated Lord Nesh.
'Look, Phillip, I know we started out on the wrong foot. How about we form an alliance? Didn't you see the demons that just attacked us? I need your help, Phillip.' He was right. The men he had left were less than a fraction of the twenty thousand he had brought from the orth County. He needed all the help he can muster. Even if it was from Phillip.
Phillip continued to just stand there. Gazing at Lord Nesh. Then, he moved. Slowly at first, then with a quick jerk, reached for his revolver, aimed it at Lord Nesh, and fired.
Lord Nesh avoided the shot in time for another. His men drew thier swords.
'So you choose to attack us instead huh? I knew you were a traitor! What have the demons ofered you, you knave!'
'WRETCHED MORTAL!'
The voice that emerged from within Lord Phillip freaked Lord Nesh out. It was Lord Phillip's egoistic signature of a voice, that harsh, rough, unkind attribute only the Lord of the South possesed. But, there was another voice speaking as well, and... it sounded... feminine.
'I SERVE NO ONE BUT THE HIGHBOURNE! NOW MORTAL, KNEEL OR YOU SHALL PAY THE PRICE OF ETERNAL SUFFERING!'
'Your mad! Your Lord Phillip, are you not! You're dead, man! Dead! Who are you! What have you done with Phillip!'
This time, Lord Phillip smiled. This creeped Nesh out.
'LORD PHILLIP IS NO MORE! ONLY THE HIGHBOURNE IS OUR MASTER! NOW... KNEEL BEFORE HIS WRATH!'
General Siow stood forward, sabre in hand. 'We kneel to no one, demon. Human or wretched ghouls alike.' Chern Chiang, Olaf and Major Karth did the same.
In an instance, the entire army of MoonGlades drew thier blades in coherence. Lord Phillip remained standing before Lord Nesh, who was clearly mystified. But, he got himself together.
'Its obvious now, eh? You're not Phillip! I do not care what you tranform into demon! Prepare yourselves! The House of Nesh is not a force to be reckoned with!' with that, drew his sword as well.
'Lord Phillip taunted 'LET'S SEE... FIVE HUNDRED OF YOUR MEN, AGAINST A THOUSAND MOONGLADES... INTERESTING...'
Genral Siow had never fought a MoonGlade before, but legend has it that they were the most skilled in the whole of the Middle Kingdom. He had to be cautious. Besides, they were outnumbered two to one. He tried to identify some weakness within the MoonGlades formation, but the effort was in vain.
Lord Nesh did not let his gaze off Lord Phillip. This was impossible. He had heard that he was dead. But now... He and his entire army was before him, and they seemed to be on the demon's side. Willingly or unwillingly, he hadn't time to find out. He knew there was no escape. They had to fight on.
Suddenly, a MoonGlade dashed forward. His agility was ferocious, and within a fraction of a second was already beside one of the soldiers in front of Lord Nesh. The soldier raised his sword, but in one slash, the MoonGlade slashed the poor soldier to the ground. His sword had not even reached the ground before he struck again, and again, and again. Within seconds, The guards surrounding Lord Nesh had fallen. The MoonGLade pointed his sword at Lord Nesh's throat. He was fast..... too fast..... They didn't even had time to react. So this must be skill of the MoonGlades. Three MoonGlade archers climbed up the castle walls, and had thier bowed aimed at the Lord.
'NOW, SURRENDER, OR YOUR DEAR LORD GETS IT!'
General Siow raised his hammer, but Major Karth stopped him.
Lord Phillip smiled, and his voice change to human. 'Just as I thought. Now, bring him to...'
There was a thunderous clap, and the three archers were burnt to bits. The MoonGlade had turned to look for only a second, before the sword in his hand was disarmed, and then, without warning, penetrated through his own chest. Blood oozed out. The MoonGlade was wide eyed, the last thing he saw was Lord Nesh standing perfectly still, purple lightning charging out of his palms.
Lord Phillip cursed. 'How'd....'
Major Karth raised his hammer this time. 'Don't ever underestimate his lordship!' Then, with one heavy slam, smashed it into the ground. The groundbeneath them shook violently, and several MoonGlades fell, thier swords and shields disarmed. Before they could recover from the fall, the Old Major shouted, 'To arms! Charge!'
Nesh's soldiers marched forward, fighting gallantly against the skilled MoonGlades. Lord Phillip remained where he was, unmoving still, then disspaeared into the shaows. His gaze was still upon Lord Nesh, who tossed two MoonGlades up with his barehands, and crushed thier skulls as they hit the ground. The fabled strength of Lord Nesh was all to true. The massive Lord pummeled through dozens of MoonGlades, sending them flying in all directions. Those who came too close, Chern Chiang took out, each shot hititing between the eyes, killing the MoonGlades on the spot. The young sniper reloaded quickly, firing almost three shots in a second, and with accuracy that was too impressive. But the MoonGlades's armour proved to be strong, and within seconds, what was left of the sniper battalion were wasted, leaving only three sipers and the Seargent to fend for themselves. Just as the MoonGlades killed the last sniper, thunderbolts struck them from the back.
Chern Chiang looked up, and Olaf stood towering before him.
'Thank you,' he said.
The general smiled, and gave the young seargent a hand. Just then, the seargent spotted an archer, from a distnace, his bow aimed directly at Olaf's heart.
'Get down!' he shouted, pushing the massive general down on the ground, Gondar flying off his grip. The arrow caught Chern Chiang right between his chest, and he groaned in pain, clutching his chest with both hands before falling to the ground.
Major Karth screamed 'Nooo!' The Old Major raised his hammer again, and this time, threw it towards the archer, who had the bow aimed at Olaf the second time, knocking him square off the castle wall with a huge explosion of white and yellow sparks. The MoonGlades saw the unarmed Major, and turned thier attention towards him, only to see purple lightning charring their comrades. Lord Nesh pummled the ground again and again, pruple thunder casting its bolts in every direction, releasing its wrath unto the MoonGlades.
Chern Chiang laid there, and looked at Olaf one last time, before his emotions went blank. Olaf was furious at the death of his friend. he tried to reach for his hammer, but a MoonGlade kicked it aside, eager to continue this game of cat and mouse. he was completely surrounded by at least twelve of them now. Without Gondar, he had to rely on what he knew best. Breaking bones. The General was exhausted, but his spirit was not faultering. Not yet at least. Around him, battlecries filled the air, as Nesh's forces engaged the MoonGlades, blood spilling in all directions.
Lord Phillip viewed the escapade from the safety of the towers. He was worried now. The Nesh's footsoldiers were a breeze, but the heroes that were protecting the Lord of the North proved to be a little more than he had bargained for. One had fallen, but there was still the old one, the strong one, and one... especially that one...
General Siow swirled his sword, his calm air and amazingly cooled aura seemingly impossible, especailly for one who was supposedly outnumber. He ready to engage more of the MoonGlades. Beside the general, countless bodies of the knights that were fabled for thier swordmenship lay death before his feet. Even those in front of him were backing towards the wall. Two MoonGlades went for another strike. Siow dodged the attacks with ease, then sliced them flawlessly, one in the knees and the other through his stomach. He raised sword again, and painlessly finsihed off the fallen soldiers. He was ready for more, when the sound of galloping caught his attention. The galloping was so faint, that through experience, the horses had to be far away. But when he turned around, three MoonGlades on horseback were seconds away from where he stood, pike in hand. The horses that brought them were dark, their hooves barely touching the ground. The Dark Nights.
Olaf fought the first two MoonGlades, barehand, crushing thier skulls and then arming himself with their blades. The MoonGlades surrounded him, and continously struck from all directions. That tired the General, but he managed to kill another and dodged another attack, before he slammed his fist into the ground, causing the other MoonGlades to tumble. He raced towards his hammer, dodging more attacks. One of the MoonGlades managed to slice his left arm, but he forced his way through the sea of soldiers, finally reaching his hammer. He picked it up, and turned his back to face the other soldiers. What he didn't hear were the faint galloping of horses, and then, the sharp pain as a pike was thrusted straight into his chest, the sharp tip coming out the other end. Blood streamed from his mouth. He struggled to stay on his feet, but soon, he was kneeling, his hammer on the ground for support. The MoonGlades edged forward, raising thier swords to finish him off, when the general mustered the rest of his strength, and with all his might, snapped the pike in two, and tugged the rider off the horse. He raised his hammer, and smahed the riders face like a pancake. Then, he raised his hammer high in the air again. The MoonGlades had seen that stance before, and with one swift move, ten blades were thrusted through Olaf's flesh. The general was stoned. He tried desperately to slam the ground, but the pain was too excruciating. The last thing he saw were two more horses coming his way, and the feeling of two more pikes into his body.
General Siow stooped low, managing to dodge the pikes. But then, he heard a loud scream. A scream of agony. Major Karth had a spear run through him, its tip barely reaching a stunned Lord Nesh, who had his back turned. General Siow's world came crashing down, just as the three riders came back for another strike. The General clenched his fists, and as the pikes neared him, he caught hold of all three without turning his back, and tugged them off the horses. Once on the ground, he raised his sword, and sliced the riders' neck with one clean slash. He ran across the field to get to the fallen Major and the struggling Lord Nesh, who was outnumbered. They both were. He slashed furiously at the coming MoonGlades, but there were too many of them. He tried to see, but the sea of soldiers in front of him made it impossible. For that moment, time seemed to freeze. One moment, he saw the Lord trashing his way, sending MoonGlades into the air. Then, one of the MoonGlades caught hold of him, then another, and another, before he was immobile. Then, the worst happened. The faint galloping of the horses was audible. General Siow fought violently now, desperate to get to the Lord, He thrust his blade across and swirled it at any coming MoonGlade. He was in a frenzy, killing three to four at a time. His heart was thumping, hoping that Lord Nesh could hang in a little longer. Those he did not have time to kill with his word, he killed his his fists, then he sliced again, slashing his way through. He could see the Lord ahead now, pinned down by the MoonGlades. Lord Nesh finally powered through, tossing the MoonGlades that held him away. General Siow managed to kill a couple more, before he was just two men away from the Lord. He raised his sword for the final blows, eager to reach Lord Nesh in time, only to see Lord Nesh too busy keeping the soldiers at his front, he did not notice the three pikes from his back, stabbing him all the way through. He winced, but managed to pull them out, only to feel another three more, then five, then ten more spears through him. The mighty Lord flinched with each spear, fresh blood oozed out of the wounds, but the massive Lord still managed to toss his assailants a distance away. General Siow powered forward, and saved his Lord and Master from another further strike in the nick of time. The Lord raised his fists in all the havoc and confusion, and slammed the ground hard, this time causing it to tremour and shake, and finally creating a huge crack. The MoonGlades fell right in, and Lord Nesh, accompanied by General Siow took the opportunity and made a run for it, deep within the safety of the shadows of Norshire Forest.
**********************************************************************************
The Prince could not believe what he just heard.
'Then let us make haste! I believe I can make it to the River Macedona in three days, if I leave by sunset.....'
Halo shook his head. 'No. I came here to let you know that you are not to follow your uncle's orders any longer.'
Prince Wai Kit stared at the general. In an instant, he drew his sword and pointed its tip at the old general.
'Is this trechery, old friend!? I will never turn my back against my own country, even if it were you who...'
The general merely smiled. 'Keep that away, young Prince, and hear me out. If I had wanted to rebel against my own country, I not have wasted my time and galloped halfway across the Middle Kingdom alone just to talk to the South's young Prince.'
Wai Kit stood there, then, widrew his sword.
'I'm sorry, old friend. Its... its just.. I've longed to go back to the South County for so long....'
'I know that pain, my Prince. Trust me on that.'
His expression became glum.
'Listen, young lad... There's something about your uncle you ought to know...'
Just as he was about to utter his words, there was a loud tumble, as if something huge had crashed unto the ground. The Temple's alarm was immediately struck. Everyone in the inn ran for cover, others closed thier windows and barred the doors. Halo and hte young rpince grabbed thier swords, and ran out so see what was going on. There, outside the inn, they could see a group of soldiers stand in front of the fallen Tree Gate of the Temple, forcing thier way in with the guards of the Temple of Light. The monks were heated over thier intrusion into such a holy and sacred place. One of the soldiers drew his sword, and killed one of the monks in cold blood. The young prince drew his sword. So did Halo. Both men raced to engage the soldiers, but froze in their tracks. The soldier's sword, still dripping in the monk's blood, had the crest of the moon on it, just like the one Halo was holding.
No comments:
Post a Comment