Returning his attention to the ground he scanned the soldiers lined up in ranks behind the wall. There were over a thousand foot and cavalry present. Discipline in the archers was far more lax than that of the foot soldiers. Serious expressions filled every face. Veterans could be distinguished by the cold and hard lines accompanying the seriousness. Silver armor shined over every inch of the gathered soldiers. Seth felt that he could relate to the men and women in the Army more than he could relate to any of the other branches of the military. There was something concerning them that he admired and respected, but he could not place what that was exactly. A drum roll sounded bringing attention back to why he was there. The first of the horde reached the top of a hill a league away. The drums died out and the horde stopped.
What are they doing? One of the Privates asked.
Trying to intimidate us with numbers. Blare said offhandedly, covering his earlier nervousness.
Theyre doing a good job of it. There must be five thousand of them out there. A second Private added.
Therell be considerably fewer than that if they are foolish enough to attack us head on. Seth recognized the voice that came from behind Blare. Scroll stood looking up at Blare as if the horde did not exist. Seth had not believed it until that moment, but Scroll really was a part of the war. Walking up to meet Scroll, Drake noticed him move and followed.
Hows it going Scroll? Seth called.
Blare turned around with a furious expression. WHO DARES? Anger disappeared as Blare realized whom he was about to yell at. Forgive me, I thought you were one of my Privates.
Why would you have been so mad because of that? Seth asked confused.
Drake leaned forward and put a hand on Seths shoulder. Alchemist.
Oh, right. Seth realized how the greeting must have sounded. Alchemists Guild members were as good as Alchemists to many people and as such were due all respect, including being addressed by title and last name. Had it been any of the Privates, they would have been punished severely.
Good to see you up and around Seth. Drake. Scroll said with a grin. There was something different about him, but Seth could not place it. He seemed somehow older, more mature.
Congrats on the Alchemist thing. Ummm Anything you can tell us about this, uh, surprise youve been working on? Seth asked.
Not Alchemist yet. Afraid I cant tell you anything, but I can show you. Scroll said, his grin widening.
Seth gave Drake a look and received a raised eyebrow in return.
Drake, would you like to do the honors? Scroll held out the arrow in his hand to Drake.
Sure. Drake took the arrow. What do I have to do?
When I tell you to, light the arrowhead and shoot it out into the field.
Thats it? Drake asked.
Thats it.
Major Blare, who had been standing in silence a stride away, stepped near them. Why has the order been given to hold? They are within range of the archers. We could be picking them off while they wait.
You will see why soon enough. Scroll said authoritatively. Blare lowered his head in acquiesce and took a step back. Seth was surprised at the profound change in Scroll. Drums started up again. Everyones attention turned to the slowly advancing horde. The only sound was that of the drums. Both hosts were silent.
Foolishness. Blare mumbled. Scroll ignored the comment so Seth let it pass as well.
Drake. Scroll nodded to the arrow. Drake hefted his bow and notched the arrow. He pulled the string back and aimed it high into the air.
Scroll counted down slowly in a low voice. 3 2 1 Now.
Drake braced and the arrowhead caught fire. He loosed the arrow and it flew high into the air. Seth could feel that every eye was on the arrow. The purpose of the arrow was a mystery, but it was important in some way. Slowly the arrow reached its peak and started falling. A Magus screamed and the horde charged with a thunderous battle cry. The arrow fell to the ground. There was a bright flash and then a bang. Seth threw his hands in front of him to protect himself as he was knocked to the ground. His ears rang and an afterglow blurred his eyes. Vision returned after a few seconds of blinking. The ringing was still in his ears. He stood and shook his head in an attempt to straighten his sight. A large smoking trench was all that remained where the horde had stood only seconds earlier. Beyond the trench what was left of the horde retreated. The order to fire came and hundreds of arrows cut through the sky. Goblins fell with arrows in the back. Now that their greatest advantage of sheer numbers was gone their only thoughts had to be saving their own skins. The military training inside of Seth regarded the retreat with disdain. Should they manage to come together and fight many of them might have escaped alive. Spread out as they were Riders would ensure that not a one of them would survive. As he knew would happen thirty Eagle Riders and twenty Air Riders dropped from the sky, appearing from behind the cloudbanks. Three minutes after the blast every member of the horde was dead.
Seth turned to Scroll. What just happened?
Victory. Scroll grinned sadly.
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