Ambush

After the crown prince explained the plan to me, we travelled for two more days. Having my beloved by my side the days were never dull. During rest I either talked to Lady Somme or tried to get to know the soldiers of the second centhura.

I deem it necessary to forge a strong bond between commander and soldiers, ensuring that everyone is willing to follow the commander into battle.

I think I did a good job. Especially since I sparred with some of the more stubborn soldiers, I can feel everyone's respect for me has increased.

Now that we are closing in on Waving Orc Mountain the tension in the air slowly becomes palpable. Even the most battle-hardened veterans don't dare to approach a fight with the wrong mindset.

The crown prince knows this as well. He stops at the foot of the mountain, turning around to give the soldiers a reminder:

"Brothers and sisters! We have reached Waving Orc Mountain. It is this place where infernals have managed to slip out of our grasp multiple times.

Our scouts have revealed that the neighbouring Twenstar Kingdom assists the creatures of chaos in escaping!

Such a grave skin is condemned by the whole continent, condemned by the gods!

We must never forget what infernals are! Minions of devils, bringers of chaos, enemies of all races! In their short presence at our borders, they have killed dozens honest, innocent citizens. Men, women, and children alike. Infernals don't stop at anything!

Thus, it is our righteous, yes, even sacred, mission to kill the infernals and punish those traitors of humanity!"

"Kill the infernals, punish the traitors!"

"Kill the infernals, punish the traitors!"

I fervently join in the soldiers' deafening shouts. Our voices echo through plains and hills, giving us as well as the surrounding villages the necessary courage.

It is important for the citizens to know that we, the royal family, care!

Our coming has been propagated for a few days now, causing the citizens to see hope and the infernals to flee in fear.

It doesn't matter that the infernals might escape as long as the citizens are safe. After our punishment mission the infernals won't have anywhere to go.

This is the conviction we hold as the crown prince begins to lead us up the mountain.

The paths are rugged, but no one complains. Our well-trained soldiers advance in an orderly manner, heavy metal boots digging into the rocky floor, resounding through the mountains like a giant.

We pass by multiple checkpoints, receiving the salute of the stationed soldiers. Despite them trying to remain indifferent I can read on their faces that everyone hopes we will be successful, so that peace can return to the border.

Soon we pass a massive gate officially leaving the empire. From now on we are in enemy territory. The crown prince signals us to slow down, sending out scouts.

Even Lady Somme, wishing to participate, summons some magical figures to scour the surroundings. I smile at my beloved. There is no need to speak words of praise. She knows how much I admire her magical abilities.

And we have more powerful assistance. The basilisks accompanying us take to the air, spreading their leathern wings wide. In flight they are ethereal and mystical, nearly impossible to discover. They are natural born hunters with a high affinity for magic. Although the basilisks travelling with us as are still young, each one of them might be able to dismantle a group of 50 enemy soldiers under the right circumstances.

We continue, moving slow and steady, trekking the mountain for days. Sometimes we encounter fierce beasts but even the most daring ones flee in horror when laying eyes on us. If they are too slow our basilisks will swoop from the skies, enjoying a feast.

For a while I guessed the infernals wouldn't dare to get in our path until one day I feel a strange movement at my waist. Reaching out with my hand I feel Flame of the South trembling.

I am startled for a moment before remembering one of the abilities of this magical artifact. This sacred sword forged to eliminate evil was extremely sensitive to dark magic.

A strong shock freezes my body for a moment. I immediately push my dragonhorse to speed up, close the distance to the crown prince, and warn him:

"Brother, there might be infernals nearby!"

The crown prince frowns. He instantly relays orders to put the soldiers on high alert. I feel gratified by the trust he shows me vowing to assist him to the best of my abilities.

A few seconds later more warning signs appear. The basilisks signal approaching enemies, Lady Somme agrees, and the scouts return reporting movements. Even if someone doubted my judgement, they would definitely be convinced now.

Our troop slows down, carefully scanning our immediate surroundings. Not far ahead begins a valley with steep cliffs. The perfect place for an ambush.

Yet the crown prince remains sceptical, and rightfully so. The valley is too obvious. Thus, we come to a stop outside, pondering our next move.

An oppressive air spreads. The wind rustling the trees suddenly sounds ominous. Were insects always this quiet? Why would a cloud hide the sun right now? Coincidence?

Breathing heavily, I slowly draw my weapon. Flame of the South glows faintly, radiating a comfortable warmth, shielding me from evil. I immediately feel relieved.

I look around tentatively, fearing I might have overreacted. But glancing at the crown prince I notice his stern expression. Obviously, he feels a bad premonition as well, as he orders the troops to prepare.

The crown prince doesn't shirk a possible ambush. This is in line with the feelings of our soldiers. A few infernals, only able to scurry like rats are not to be feared! If they dare to attack, they won't return alive!

Our soldiers take formation. Shield bearers enclose the rest for protection, building a moving wall. In the second row stand fierce soldiers wielding murderous, silver spears, their tips gleaming dangerously under the sun.

A few elites with various equipment and abilities are scattered throughout, defending against special skills and sinister methods.

And at the very centre stand dozens of experienced mages. These aren't scholars single-mindedly searching for the biggest spell, but trained battle mages, disciplined and adept at working together.

On the crown prince's order, they begin to chant, their voices fusing together to unleash a single spell.

Suddenly the leader of our basilisks, Tumbly, whom I was close to since I was a child, let out a warning shout. I understand that he discovered movement. Obviously the infernals grow restless but they don't dare to attack.

After a few seconds the mages finish their cast. A powerful blueish barrier engulfs us all rippling like waves. The crown prince waves his hand, and we begin moving accompanied by the barrier, fearless yet not unprepared.

The tension in the air almost solidifies as we enter the valley. We don't know where the infernals will appear from. The surrounding walls are steep but not unassailable.

A faint breeze pushes from our backs. Basilisks circle above our heads. Everyone knows that a fight is imminent.

But nothing happens.

A couple of minutes later we leave the valley through the other end. A common army might let their guard down at this point. But not the empire's elite!

Suddenly a large, black magic circle activates below our feet! Silent and oppressive like a pouncing predator. The infernals finally start their ambush. I grip my sword tightly as it erupts in flames. My heart threatens to jump out of my chest. But glancing at the soldiers I only meet hardened eyes without any panic, which helps me to adjust my mind.

My tumultuous emotions give me the illusion as if a long time had passed, but in reality, everything happens in a flash. The dark magic circle suddenly erupts with an immense amount of mana.

A black hell engulfs our troop. Winds rise towards heaven carrying all kinds of ghostly monsters. Their wails attempt to sow a seed of terror in our hearts. All light gets devoured ruthlessly.

Only the barrier illuminates our faces, painting them in a magical blue. The barrier ripples and billows as the ghosts slam into it, gnawing with ugly maws, and scratching with monstrous claws. Yet the spell counters hardness with softness, cushioning the blows without showing any signs of faltering.

For a few seconds we keep defending against the dark magic until it slowly fizzles out. The trap ends in failure. I would have expected the infernals to give up but my still burning sword tells me otherwise.

When the darkness recedes, a different world reveals itself. The fresh mountain grass has withered and greyed. Even the rocks are permeated with cracks as if hundreds of ghosts clawed at them.

And surrounding us are more than two hundred fierce infernals. Skeleton soldiers, zombies, and various demons gather. Their eyes are brimming with malice, their bodies engulfed by dark magic. I take a deep breath and adjust my mind. The fight is about to begin.