Chapter 66: Fierce Assault
The werewolves, in their humanoid forms, ran with blistering speed, armed with gladiator blades forged in the dark forges of Etrakios.
Their tenacity and rage were evident in every leap as they charged toward the gaping breach in the fortress of Elunezor.
Usalk, standing on the still-intact ramparts, watched the enemy approach though fear gripped his heart, he clenched his fists and shouted resolutely:
"Archers, take your positions! We must stop them at all costs!"
The archers obeyed without hesitation.
Their arrows, imbued with light magic, were loosed toward the enemy army.
Each arrow shone in the sky like a shooting star before striking the werewolves.
Some creatures fell, their flesh consumed by the enchantments, but it wasn't enough.
The unrelenting tide of invaders surged through the breach, crushing everything in its path.
Amidst the chaos, a towering warrior emerged from the ranks of the werewolves.
It was Zoltov, a hulking figure with a muscular chest and dark gray hair cascading over his face.A savage grin twisted his features as he glared disdainfully at the defenders.
Godeb, the goblin warrior, stepped forward, axe in hand, to confront the giant.
"Vile beast dog!" Godeb shouted. "You will not lay waste to Azulferia!"
He charged with determination but Zoltov leapt into the air with astonishing agility for his size.
His strength was overwhelming, and he felled the goblin with a single blow.
The werewolf let out a sinister laugh that echoed like a death knell.
"WAHAHAHA! Foolish inferior race! you cannot match us, the proud and mighty werewolf warriors of Etrakios!"
On a tower, a grim-faced dwarf blew into an elven trumpet, a rare and sacred instrument whose sound reverberated throughout the kingdom.
This signal warned the inhabitants of Azulferia of an invasion.
Go back to present capital, Iselhein...
In the Elsihore Castle, tension filled the air.
A guard rushed in, breathless, to deliver his report:
"We've received news from Usalk and his group, my lord the werewolves have breached the Confederation after creating a gap in the fortress of Elunezor.
While some civilians have been evacuated, the creatures are advancing rapidly."
The members of the Council of Sages debated heatedly, their voices merging into a cacophony of diverging opinions.
The chaos was interrupted by Thaloria, who slowly opened her eyes after a long silence. All turned toward her, awaiting her instructions.
"Brother Kodort," she said calmly, "I want you to go to the front and assist our soldiers."
Kodort nodded without a word, accepting the task gravely.
"Lanny" she continued, "you will help evacuate the non-combatants."
The small fairy Poltyx her wings fluttering anxiously, flew in front of Thaloria, a worried expression on her face.
"Shouldn't we send envoys to the land of the centaurs to request their help?" she asked nervously.
Thaloria shook her head, rejecting the idea.
"No, it's a trap our enemies hope we'll do that so their army can ambush us," she replied.
"They've planned their attack to block the kingdom's entrance and control our southern flank making communication with neighboring nations impossible."
She then turned to her younger sister, Sylena, and said firmly:
"Sylena, you will take a ship from Azulferia and head to the kingdom of Ednia with Geolt and Geilor they won't expect us to reach out to Ednia."
Sylena her eyes filled with anxiety, wanted to protest.
She wanted to stay and fight alongside her sister.
But before she could object, Thaloria embraced her in her arms.
"I'm sorry, little Syl" Thaloria whispered."But I'm counting on you."
Tears welling in her eyes, Sylena hugged her sister tightly and eventually accepted her mission.
She left the room with a heavy heart.
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Once Sylena had departed, Thaloria turned to the other members of the Council.
"I'm going to use Even Garden."
A group of twenty elven women in the room exchanged grave looks. One of them, Alseha, stepped forward.
"We will assist you, Lady Thaloria," she said with determination.
The elven women formed a circle around Thaloria and closed their eyes.
They began chanting an ancient elven incantation.
Thaloria clasped her hands together, and a golden light radiated from her body, growing brighter as she chanted.
The light rose into the sky, forming a magical shield that enveloped the entire Confederation of Azulferia, temporarily halting the enemy's advance.
Kodort approached and placed a reassuring hand on Thaloria's shoulder.
"You made the right choice, little sister."
Exhausted but smiling, Thaloria replied softly:
"This shield will hold for six days. That's the time we need to secure reinforcements. The rest depends on Sylena. I have faith in her."
The group then dispersed to carry out their respective tasks.
In the present time in the kingdom of Ednia...
Sylena stood before the monarch of Ednia, having delivered a detailed report on Azulferia's situation. The throne room buzzed with murmurs.
Kaylen, known for his pragmatism, reflected aloud:
"The werewolves' attack was masterfully orchestrated. Their plan was clear from the start."
Raelia turned to Jonady, who had yet to speak since the report began.
"What should we do?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Jonady closed his eyes, deep in thought.
The entire room awaited his decision with bated breath.
After a minute that felt like an eternity, he reopened them and declared firmly:
"We will aid the great Confederation of Azulferia."
All his subordinates nodded in agreement, ready to mobilize and answer the call for help.