Ruler of the Skies

Pinemarsh

Cargan had led the group to the entrance near Pinemarsh. Ambrose and Commander Roxy had assembled everyone outside the cave entrance. Heavy clouds hung low over the mountains and valleys.

“Is this cloud cover natural?” Asked Roxy.

“I doubt it. I’m feeling a lot of Elemental power.” Ambrose replied.

“Are the Dark Ones still out searching for us or have they turned their attention on the Gap?” Asked Fineen.

“Let’s hope it’s the Gap.” Ambrose observed. He turned to Jalen. “Jalen, my friend. I think this will be too dangerous for you. I would like you to once again return to Pukavan. This time go with Cargan through the maze. Tell Jaymar’s parents that he is okay. Help Raum any way you can.”

“Aark. I hope to hear from you soon. By the Elements. Bring Jaymar back safely.” Jalen said his goodbyes to all and then walked back into the Maze.

“What are your plans?” Commander Roxy was eager to move.

“We should cut across the valley to just Southeast of Bundamook. If the attack is in full swing, we will need to climb up behind Bundamook. We may be able to enter the city, or we might have to climb back down again on the other side of the Gap. Let’s make that decision when we get there.”

Roxy turned to her troops and issued the order to move out. Fineen and Udolf set out in front to scout ahead. Ambrose and the others joined Roxy’s troops.

Aerie

Once Solana had landed in the Wind House of Worship she mentally called to Prince Levan. It wasn’t long before he came hurrying towards the waiting group.

“May an eagle always soar above your head, Your Highness.” Solana greeted Prince Levan as he approached. Levan, a little out of breath replied. “May there always be wind under your wings. My Lady. Welcome back Lord Jaymar. I had not expected you back so soon.” Levan was surprised.

“Your Highness, where are Master Ambrose and my friends?” Jaymar was a little anxious that they might have left him.

“They decided to go to the Gap and aid in the defence. I have sent a platoon of troops with them.”

“I must find them.” Jaymar looked at Solana. “Did they go via the Maze?” He then asked Levan.

“Yes. I believe they intend to come out near Pinemarsh.” Levan commented.

“We will fly.” Solana then turned to Ella. “Return to the eagles. Maintain your watch over the city and surrounds. I will get word to you if I need you.”

Ella squawked and then took to the air, flying back into the mountains.

“Lord Jaymar, we are at your service. It will be dangerous as we don’t know where the Dark devils are. We must stay high above the main mountain range.” Solana offered her advice

“I’m ready.” Jaymar turned to Prince Levan. “Thank you, Your Highness. By the Elements. May an eagle always soar above your head.”

“Keep safe. May there always be wind under your wings. Lord Jaymar.” Levan bowed his head.

Jaymar signalled to the others and then whistled up some wind. The three took to the air. Their large wings lifting them easily.

Bundamook

The fighting was fierce. The Dark Terror had gained control of the lower parts of the city. Prince Tolgarn’s troops had broken through the outer city gate and were moving through the streets pillaging whatever they could. The defenders had withdrawn back into the next level and were barricading the gate and streets as best they could. Spot fires were everywhere.

Mayor Alexia and Elemental Gloria had moved all the remaining civilians into an area closer to the back wall and the mountains. There was a concealed gate that led through a hidden gorge out into the valley on the other side of the Gap. This was their escape route. If the next level of defences were breached, then the Mayor would signal for everyone to evacuate.

Archers on the highest walls of the inner part of the city were still taking a toll on the attacking Dark Ones. Calzar could see that his forces needed to clear the walls of those archers. He was standing on a section of the wall in the lower part of the city. A couple of his lieutenants were with him.

One of them knelt at his side and commented. “My Lord. Our forces are tiring.”

Calzar snarled. “We will concentrate our attack on that wall.” He pointed at the highest section. “Once we have it, the city will fall, you can rest then.” He roared, and his lieutenants took off to coordinate their forces. Calzar blew on his horn and launched once more into the sky.

Captain Diego and his defenders were also feeling the pressure. Animoids had scaled the bulwarks in several places. Hand to hand combat was raging in those sections. The one advantage the Captain had was his couple of Elementals. They had been very effective in plugging holes wherever the Animoids looked to breakthrough. He knew things would change if Bundamook fell.

Mountains behind Bundamook

Centurion Santos and his Elementals had been controlling the thunderstorm for many hours. He felt that they would be able to continue until nightfall, which was not far away.

From his position, he had a good view of Bundamook and he now watched as Calzar’s Dark Ones started their coordinated attack on a section of the wall. He also kept an eye on Elbert who was soaring high above his position.

Between Pinemarsh and Bundamook

Fineen and Udolf had circled back to the main group.

“Ambrose, I can confirm that Bundamook is burning. I can see the glow.” Fineen reported.

“Commander, how are your troops coping?” Ambrose was surveying the platoon.

“They are fine.” Roxy replied.

“Good, we must double our efforts. Bundamook may fall before we can help.” Ambrose signalled for his friends to keep going. Fineen and Udolf set out in front again.

Sweetsprings

Prince Melville had joined Princess Isabella in their room. She was packing.

“I’ve been patient. We have been delayed too long. We will barely have time to get to Daarook, collect Ava and be home before the Dark winter sets in and I’m sure you don’t want to be travelling then.” She was determined to leave as soon as possible.

“Isabella, I am sorry, but Anastas has been very insistent that I remain at his side.”

“Which you have done. But we must think of our daughter. I will not be swayed. I’m going with or without you.”

“I will ask again. Please wait until I get his reply.” He walked over to try and console his wife, but she shrank away from him. An awkward silence fell between them. Melville was about to say something but, in the end he just turned and strode out of the room.

Prince Anastas was in his command tent still sifting through reports and issuing orders. Prince Melville entered with little fanfare.

“Ah, there you are Melville. The lower defences of Bundamook have fallen. But the good thing is the Gap is holding.” Anastas didn’t even look up from his reports.

“You seem to have everything in hand.” Melville stepped closer. “Anastas, I must ask again if I can go to Daarook and collect Ava.”

Anastas put down a report and looked at Melville. “You know my thoughts on this. I have only been preventing you from receiving a major disappointment. The High Centurion will not let her go.”

“We must try. Isabella is insistent.” Melville stood firm. “Together we will have more of the chance than Isabella going on her own.”

“Then go. I imagine you will be back here in a couple of days, whichever way it goes.” Anastas turned back to his reports. Melville paused for a moment and then turned a marched out of the tent.

In another tent not far away, Centurion Santina and Centurion Riley were meeting.

“My understanding is that Princess Isabella is preparing to leave for Daarook.” Santina commented. “Yes, Your Eminence.” Riley replied.

“I want you to be part of her escort. I want you to take this report back to Centurion Graguut.” Santina handed Riley a scroll and continued. “Do we know if Prince Melville will also be going?”

“I believe that Prince Melville has just been to ask the High Prince Anastas for his permission to leave.”

“Go and find out. Then report to Isabella and offer your assistance on the journey to Daarook.”

“Yes, Your Eminence.” Riley bowed and walked out of the tent.

Bundamook

It was not easy, and the Dark Ones suffered many casualties, but they now had control over the highest walls of the city. Calzar stood triumphantly looking down over the city. Pockets of resistance were still holding and the Animoids had not broken through the second level gates. It was only a matter of time.

Mayor Alexia came to the same conclusion and signalled for the evacuation. Bells and horns sounded all over the city. The defenders knew what they meant. It was now a desperate rear-guard action as defenders all started fighting their way to the concealed gate. Many would not make it.

Captain Diego saw the congregation of dark figures on the topmost wall. He knew that soon the Gap would be under extra pressure. He issued orders to send what men could be spared to the end of the Gap closest to Bundamook. Hoping to delay the inevitable.

Between Pinemarsh and Bundamook

Fineen and Udolf were waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. They had found a suitable place to begin the climb back into the mountains. Ambrose and Roxy were out in front as the group arrived. Many were exhausted. It had been a gruelling dash across the valleys. A bit out of breath Ambrose commanded a halt to rest.

“I wish we had an Earth Elemental with us.” He commented to no one in particular.

“I’m sorry, Master Ambrose. I hope my skills will be of some value later on.” Elemental Lorretta had taken it personally.

“Don’t apologise. I was not being critical. Unfortunately, my own Earth powers are limited.” He replied.

“What are your plans?” Roxy approached after seeing to some of her troops.

“Let’s get above Bundamook first and get a bearing on the situation. We also need to keep a lookout for the Elementals working on the cloud cover. If we can stop anyone of them it could prove very helpful in reducing the clouds. Fineen, Udolf and Rafeeq will fan out as we go on, but I need a couple of your troops to also scout ahead.”

“I can arrange that.” She replied.

“Pick your best archers. They could be the difference.” Ambrose called out as Roxy walked away.

“Eeek. Nightfall is not far away. It will be hard to find them in the dark.” Rafeeq observed.

“So, get going.” Ambrose issued the command. “By the Elements. Be careful.” He added.

Roxy’s handpicked troops headed off after Fineen, Udolf and Rafeeq. They would struggle to keep up. Ambrose let the remaining group rest for a while longer. The climb would test all of them.

Between Sweetsprings and the Gap

Commander Grant and his squad had made good ground. They could see the Gap in the dwindling light. To the South, there was a ridgeline that would take them up behind Bundamook. Commander Grant had sent a couple of scouts ahead. He wasn’t waiting for their return. He urged his troops on as they started the ascent.

Bundamook

Calzar was directing his Dark Ones to attack the last pocket of resistance. The Animoids had broken through the second level gate and were streaming into the remaining parts of the city. A Dark One came gliding in from above and landed next to his leader.

“My Lord. A report has come in that a squad of troops have come from Sweetsprings and they are climbing into the mountains.” He pointed back to the South.

This was a distraction that Calzar didn’t want. “Take ten with you and deal with them. Circle across to Sweetsprings and report on any more troop movements.”

Ragari didn’t wait. He bowed low to his leader then sprang into the air. He blew on his horn and gathered some of the circling Dark Ones before flying off in search of the enemy troops.

Sweetsprings

Melville returned to find Centurion Riley talking to his wife.

“Centurion, what are you doing here?” Melville was blunt.

“Your Highness. I have offered to escort you and the lady Princess Isabella to Daarook.”

“Your spies keep you well informed. We don’t need an escort.” Melville was about to dismiss the Centurion.

“I have already agreed.” Isabella interrupted.

“Your Highness Prince Melville. It is nearly dark and in the current circumstances the road to Daarook could be dangerous.” Riley observed.

“Of course, it’s dangerous. We can take care of ourselves. We are not going alone.”

“Melville, please. I want to go now. We can be in Daarook by morning. The added security of a Centurion is welcome.” Isabella was half pleading with her husband.

“Alright, I agree. Now leave us. We will leave within the hour.” Melville eventually conceded.

“Thank you.” Isabella half-smiled at Riley before he bowed and then left to prepare.

“You know my feeling towards Centurions. Yet you go behind my back and allow them to interfere.” Melville was angry with his wife.

“I will do anything I can to get our daughter back. Getting a few Centurions on side may help.” Isabella tried to justify her reasoning.

Melville didn’t respond he just collecting some of his things and started packing.

High over Pinemarsh

Jaymar, Solana and Anita were flying just below the clouds. Anita’s keen eyesight was a bonus. She picked out things below and kept updating Jaymar as they travelled over the land. No sign yet of Ambrose and the Aerie troops. They could however, see the glow from the fires burning in Bundamook.

“It will be night soon. Spotting your friends will not be easy.” Solana mind spoke to Jaymar.

Jaymar was reluctant to use his mind. Eventually, he responded. “We must keep going. I need to find Ambrose.”

Solana just squawked.

Behind Bundamook

Commander Grant and his troops were taken by surprise. The Dark Ones came in low over the ridge. They flew overhead sending lava jars and arrows down on the ground troops. Then they circled back and landed. Hand to hand combat ensued. The Dark Ones were too strong and Commander Grant issued the order to retreat. Only a few managed to escape. They raced away down the mountainside. Ragari ordered his followers to pursue them, once they had dispatched the remaining troops.

Just over another ridge, Fineen had reached a high point. She surveyed the area below. Bundamook was alight and the enemy everywhere. They were too late for the city. Udolf and a couple of Aerie Eagles were close behind. He growled once he saw the city.

Ambrose and Roxy came next with Rafeeq. The troops were struggling up the slope behind them. Loretta was amongst the troops. Ambrose surveyed the city while he caught his breath.

He then looked around the surrounding slopes. There was no sign of the Elementals.

“They must be here somewhere.” Ambrose started to stretch out his Elemental powers to find them. Then it came to him. Two Centurions it must have been.

“Udolf take Rafeeq. Up over there. You should find at least one Centurion. Hurry.” He urged them to go.

“What about me?” Fineen asked.

“I need your keen eyes with me.” Ambrose squinted at a gorge running behind Bundamook.

“What’s that?” He pointed and asked Fineen.

She saw what Ambrose had seen. “It looks like people escaping the city.”

“We must help them.” Ambrose signalled for Roxy and her troops to follow as he set off down the slope.

Bundamook

Mayor Alexia, Elemental Gloria and a small number of defenders were adding whatever they could to barricade the Gate. Everybody that had managed to make it to the Gate was now through and heading along the narrow gorge.

“We must stop them from getting through.” The Mayor turned to a lieutenant. “Can you hold it for the rest of us?” It was a grim question.

“Yes, Lord Mayor. We’ll do our best.”

The Mayor signalled to Gloria that they should go. “By the Elements. You have my greatest admiration. I hope to see you later.” Mayor Alexia gave them her last encouraging words before turning away.

Ambrose and the others were now within arrow range. Roxy ordered her troops to form up and ready themselves. Ambrose called to Elemental Loretta. “How good is your throwing arm?” He pointed down towards the concealed Gate and wall. “Can you lob a fireball over the wall? Let’s move down a bit further.”

Loretta smiled. “I’ll give it a go.” Both she and Ambrose called for fire and together threw their fireballs in a high arc over the defenders below desperately holding the Gate. Loretta’s hit the top of the wall spraying sparks everywhere. Ambrose’s fireball just cleared the wall.

Roxy gave the order to her archers. They let the first volley fly in the same direction as Ambrose’s fireball. Their arrows easily cleared the wall. Whoever was behind the wall would have paid heavily.

The defenders had noticed the fireball and saw the arrows. They looked up in surprise. Ambrose waved to them and signalled that they should leave. The lieutenant didn’t need much convincing. He immediately gave the order and the defenders retreated.

Ambrose and Loretta both then lobbed fireballs over the wall again. Flames could be seen licking up from the other side of the wall. Roxy kept her archers firing volleys.

“That should stop any attempt to break through the gate for some time.” Ambrose called out to Roxy.

“What now?” She asked.

Ambrose pointed to another ridge across the gorge. “Over there, we will have a better view over the Gap. Take your troops down into the valley below and make your way to the Gap. They will need your help. Also, you can help protect those fleeing.”

Roxy signalled her understanding and issued orders to her troops. Soon they were on their way down towards the end of the gorge. Ambrose signalled for Loretta and Fineen to follow him.

The action of Ambrose and Roxy had not gone unnoticed by some of Calzar’s Dark Ones. The militia and Animoids trying to break through the Gate had suffered badly and now the fire was making impossible to follow. They had to fall back.

Calzar had given the order for his Dark Ones to settle on the walls and rest until further notice. He had collected his lieutenants to him. Nightfall was nearly upon them. They would need all their strength to continue the attack through the night.

Prince Tolgarn’s command post

Things were progressing well. Bundamook had essentially fallen. While progress in breaking through the Gap had been slow. Tolgarn knew he now had the upper hand.

“Get more archers into the city. I want those high walls lined with archers.” He issued another command.

General Loktah was standing nearby. “By morning we will be through.” He snarled.

Tolgarn turned to the general. “Move more of your Animoids to the Bundamook end of the Gap. Once the archers are in place. I want a full attack on that section. Don’t disappoint me.” He waved his hand dismissing Loktah. The Animoid general gave a small bow as he turned to carry out Tolgarn’s orders.

Between Sweetsprings and the Gap

Commander Grant and what was left of his troops were running and fighting at the same time. Ragari and his Dark Ones were harassing them all the way. As soon as one of the troops dropped off the group, they were attacked and despatched. Nightfall was upon them and the lights of Sweetsprings were still along way off.

Sweetsprings

Prince Melville, Princess Isabella and their escort were just leaving the outskirts of the city. Centurion Riley had one Elemental with him and the rest of the escort were militiamen. All up there were fifteen in the group and they were all on horseback. The journey to the Citadel would take about five hours depending on their progress.

The Gap

Ambrose, Loretta and Fineen had to leap over the gorge. At the top, it was narrow enough and they all made it easily. They found themselves on a narrow ridge which ran parallel to the bulwarks that butted up against the wall of Bundamook. It was a section of the defence which was being heavily targeted by the attackers.

Captain Diego had joined the defenders with some extra troops and the fighting was fierce. Tolgarn’s archers were now in place on the wall and causing havoc below. Ambrose signalled to Fineen and she immediately knew what to do. She started picking off archers from the wall, one by one.

Loretta and Ambrose started throwing fireballs onto the attacking Animoids. Calzar was still stationed on the highest section of the wall. He noticed the new arrivals and barked an order at his closest lieutenant. “Attack them.” He pointed at the target.

The lieutenant blew a signal on his horn and launched into the air. Several Dark Ones immediately joined him. They flew directly toward Ambrose and Loretta.

“I’ll handle them. You keep sending fire into those below.” Ambrose yelled out. He climbed a little way back toward Fineen and together they prepared for the attack.

Ambrose had his sword and cudgel ready. Fineen had already shot two out of the sky. Three Dark ones landed and advanced on the pair. Ambrose rushed to meet them. A couple of Dark Once circled above waiting for an opportunity to strike. Fineen was quick to pick them off.

Ambrose was in hand to hand combat with Dark Ones. He took out the first one in the initial engagement, but the other two were working well together and Ambrose was being seriously challenged. His cudgel was knocked from his hand and he immediately called for wind and knocked one of the Dark Ones over. He pressed forward against the other. Eventually killing it with a heavy sword blow. Fineen saw the other was down and put an arrow through its neck. Ambrose just nodded his head in appreciation.

Loretta was tiering. She was not used to using so much Elemental power at once. Ambrose rushed to her side. “Rest for a moment. I’ll send some fireballs down.”

She nodded and stepped aside.

Bundamook

Jaymar, Solana and Anita had arrived over Bundamook. What a disastrous scene they saw below. Fire was everywhere in the city. Dark Ones were circling over the city like vultures and down in the Gap, the Animoid army was smashing itself against the defences.

Suddenly out of nowhere, Jaymar was hit from behind by Elbert. The vulture had been high above watching everything unfold below. Elbert was unable to grab hold of Jaymar with his talons. The blow caused Jaymar to spin out of control. Solana was the first to react and flew down after Jaymar. She managed to grab one of his arms and slow his fall. They both landed awkwardly on the ground. Together they quickly checked his wings. Luckily they were not damaged.

Above them, Anita attacked Elbert. The two locked talons, both trying to land a bite on the other.

“Come, we must go and help her.” Jaymar called to Solana and the two sprang back into the air.

On the Road to Daarook

The royals and their escort were making good progress. They had just ridden to the top of a crest, which gave them a clear view out towards the Gap. The fires from Bundamook were casting an eerie glow on the horizon.

One of the escorts suddenly called out in alarm. “Dark Ones.” He pointed to the dark shapes coming out of the glow.

“Defend yourselves.” Prince Melville called out.

Riley ordered. “Form a protective ring around the Princess.”

Ragari saw the escort on the road and decided to let the fleeing troops on the ground escape. There were only Commander Grant and three others left. So, he signalled for his Dark Ones to follow him. He still had nine Dark ones with him.

They raced in over the top of the royals and their escort. There were no archers in the escort, so the Dark Ones had a clear advantage. They stayed in the air initially picking off a few below with their arrows. Then Ragari ordered them to swoop the defenders. Several troops were knocked off their horses in the first attack. The Dark Ones using their short swords to deadly effect.

Prince Melville managed to cut down one of the attackers with his long sword. Riley knocked a Dark One out of the sky using air. Once on the ground, two troops charged in and killed it.

The Fire Elemental in his group and Riley managed to throw a few fireballs at the attackers. However, the Dark Ones were agile flyers and they had little effect. Unfortunately, the Elemental was quickly set upon by two Dark Ones and killed.

Melville was staying as close to Isabella as he could. He would not be drawn away. Ragari, noticed the two royals holding back from the fight and decided to attack them. He blew his horn and immediately three other Dark Ones joined him.

Many of the troops were now off their horses and engaged in hand to hand combat. The royals were isolated. Four Dark Ones now surrounded Prince Melville and Princess Isabella. Centurion Riley was fighting his own grim battle.

Melville handed Isabella a short sword from his saddle. “Here take this. Try and stay on your horse. We have a height advantage.” He yelled as he then charged his horse into two of the Dark Ones. One was knocked over and trampled by the horse. The other Melville dispatched with a single blow of his sword. One of the Dark Ones attacked Isabella trying to unseat her.

As Melville swung his horse around to help Isabella, Ragari landed on the back of Melville’s horse and bit down into Melville’s shoulder. The horse reared, and both fell to the ground. Ragari was the first to recover. He sprang on top of Melville and plunged his sword into his side. Melville managed to knock Ragari off him and slashed his arm with his sword, but Ragari knew he had landed a fatal blow.

Riley came running to Isabella’s aid. First knocking the Dark One over with a gust of wind and then plunging his sword into the creature on the ground. Many of the escort, was dead and so to was many Dark Ones. Ragari noticed that he and only one other Dark One remained. He blew on his horn and the two of them sprang into the air, climbing quickly into the sky and heading back to Bundamook.