The Kingdom of the Emerald Hills

The Encroachment
By: Fog


The quietness of the morning was broken by the heavy galloping of a sinewy steed. No sound came from the woods as even the wildlife did not
wish to stir from their warm dens. The cold itself pierced to the bone in an unnatural way. Rumor had spread that the lands were being cursed
by a dark magic from the north by a powerful source that wished to invade the southern kingdoms. The horse galloped on nearing its
destination.

The last several months had been busy for Fog. After his arrival home he was called upon to assist the defenders of the Barony in hunting down several outlaws. The effort to help rebuild his homelands had begun but just as things are looking up, a messenger arrives.

The doors to the great hall burst open and a young boy fell to the floor. The minstrels abruptly ended their melody and the dinner chatter
grew silent. A page helped the boy to his feet and assisted him to the center of the room.

"What is the purpose of this intrusion!" the baron bellowed.

The young messenger boy panting through his words, "Goblins are attacking my home, my parents and brother are dead.", gasps were heard around the room and a maiden wrapped the boy in a blanket.

The Champion whom was seated beside the Baron stood and leaned upon the feasting table, "Where are you from boy? I don't recognize you from our populace."

"uhh Artus Pass sir.", he said with a quiver in his voice.

Just saying the name of his home stirred an emotion in the boy and tears streamed his cheeks. A worried look quickly spread across the room as the news sunk in. Artus Pass was a newer shire on the eastern border of the kingdom. The location of the shire was a vital entry point to the kingdom's lowlands. If goblins were invading, the risk was to all of the kingdom.

***

Smoke billowed into the sky and the smell of death was thick in the icy breeze. The trees alongside the road became sparse and Fog could see
the shire ahead. Assessing the scene before him, Fog could see that the surrounding woods were teeming with goblins. Parts of the shire were
smoldering embers and corpses littered the ground. The muddy battlefield was tinged red and what looked to be the last of the shire's
defenses were holed up in a partially built stone building.

Fog spoke into his steed's ear and his gallop quickened. A small skirmish was taking place at the entrance to the building. Breaking through
the line he felled two with his sword before dismounting to join the defenders.

"You picked a fine day to visit my Lord", a particularly cheerful defender piped.

"I'm surprised to see you in such good spirits under the circumstances." Fog replied as he slashed at the exposed arm of a nearby goblin. It
shrieked in pain but an arrow from above silenced him.

The cheerful defender took a spear in his right side and dropped to the ground in agony. The other defenders surged forward to defend their
fallen. Fog kneel beside him placing a hand over the wound and it began to close as he spoke softly over the fallen. The pain subsided and
the defender stood up.

"You can heal wounds?", he said.

Fog nodded his head and the cheerful defender clapped him on the back and said, "Well this is no place for you sir, please come inside and
tend our wounded!".

Fog followed him into the stone building and could hear the the moans of the dying. The building looked to be in the process of being built with scaffolding by the walls that were being utilized by bowmen and what seemed to be a wizard.

He quickly moved to a nearby person and began to heal their wounds. Upon their healing the defenders took up arms again and went to help
their friends and family. Fog could hear the battle outside raging on as the goblin numbers dwindled. There was a terrible wail from the
defenders and Fog dashes to the entryway.

It was a sight to behold, it had been a great number of years since Fog had seen an Artificer. The looming Artificer stretched out his hand
and lightning ripped through the air and struck several defenders. Fog rushed to the front line to help, he knew he wasn't powerful enough to
raise the dead yet but perhaps he could buy some time for the defenders. Reaching out he let loose a spell so quick and fiercely that no one understood the language or meaning. Amazingly the Artificer turned and slowly ambled back into the woods.

"What just happened?" A nearby defender questioned.

Speaking quickly Fog replied, "It will be back soon, hold this line and bolster defenses! I need to confer with your wizard." and moved inside at a quick pace.

Soon Fog and the wizard were outside. After having explained his knowledge of the Artificer to the populace the wizard began placing several enchantments to aid in the battle. The wounded were being tended to when shouting began.

"It's coming back!", several said in unison.

This time they were prepared to face the magic of the Artificer. Lightning broke with a thunderous booming and struck a nearby defender with no effect. The line surged forward and decimated the group of goblins in front of the Artificer. Several arrows protruded from his torso and the shire defenses closed in around him hacking and bringing him down.

Upon seeing the mighty Artificer fall the remaining goblin horde retreated to the trees. Several slumped to the ground for failing to get out of range of the archers on the wall. A rousing cheer came from the defenders and the clanging of metal as they beat their shields.

***

The fires in the stone building fought their own battle against the unnatural chill in the air. Night had come and the living gathered around
them and were in good spirits as they had lived through the day. Fog learned that this battle had been fought over four days and was
surprised to hear that the remaining handful of people were only an eighth of the populace. During the many stories there would be some
silences as people were remembered for their actions these past few days.

New friendships were formed out of the ashes of a bittersweet day. Fog was not the only person to answer the call for help as people from the
northern shire of Red Storm, Midnight Sun, and even some from the great Dutchy of Eagleshire lent help. Some old friends were reunited over
mead. While many things had burned there was still food to eat and for this everyone was grateful. Throughout the night commoners that lived
outside the shire wandered in seeking protection from the evils that crawled the lands. They were all graciously welcomed with food to eat
and a place to sleep near a fire.

Fog spoke to the local Sheriff and his closest subordinates about the situation. A scout had tracked the goblins east out of kingdom lands
stating that they did not seem to slow. Even with the good news of their hasty retreat each knew that they would be back. They would have to
rebuild of course and prepare for even harder times. With commoners coming to the shire the populace numbers would soon be replenished. With hard work and preparation they were sure to always have a home here.

***

Smoke drifted lazily up from the white ashes of the night fires. Swirling and engulfing itself in a manner that was symbolic of the turmoil these days had been. Long shadows were cast upon the ground by the remaining buildings. The ground frosted in an icy grip everywhere the
light did not touch. Some day the land will be free of this chill. The warmth of the sun wrapped itself around Fog as he stood watch over the
wall. Some birds were chirping in the distance, the woods were coming alive. Movement below began as people added wood to the hot embers to
get a morning fire burning. Children huddled near their kin, the hope and future of the shire clinging to what they hold dear. Fog would stay the week and help where he could before returning home. Home, the word hung on his mind. The things we do for our homes.

The sun rose higher yet and a cooking fire was hard at work. It beckoned more would and its hungry servants obliged while tending breakfast. A warm oatmeal with a dash of cinnamon and sweet milk. The comforting smell drifted into the dreams of the sleeping bringing them awake. The
day had been won.

PART 1
---------------

"I SAID PUT OUT THAT FIRE!" shouted the behemoth figure in the early morning raid, day two of the attack on the small settlement.

Outlined figures rushed back and forth with sloshing buckets and clanging bits of battle-worn armor. Sutra could taste the panicked fatigue that tainted the shire's bitterly cold morning air.

His plead for help had been sent out to farthest corners of the kingdom. Silence had been it's response. The leather bow grip creaked under his tightening fist. His new found home and family would not be lost in this raid. Not today. Not now, not ever.

Eniad howled incantations after incantations towards the sky, as Grunk took bloodthirsty pleasure in keeping track of the number of goblin skulls he had managed to burst with his bare hands. Last count was fourteen. Sutra could make out the shire's newest scout stalking rogue goblins with useful accuracy. His bow had come in handy.

A shriek pierced the battle silence Sutra had come to experience as the breeze of an arrow flicked tendrils of hair into his face. The gurgle was a mere couple feet in front of him. The veteran sheriff focused on the thrashing and found a gasping mass of twitching goblin at his feet. The familiar arrow quivered in it's dying target.

Sutra spun on his heel and caught a glimpse of the archer. He nodded and could make out the confidant smirk of the black skinned Drow lurking in the shadows. Ghosttiger.

Lily Rose, Lucinda, and Tigerhawke were busy in the small make shift tavern turned healer quarters. The ladies feverishly tended to the wounded, having easily lost count of the dead and dying.

Sutra roared as he made yet another call to arms. With a wave of newly gathered farmers, merchants, and novice war makers - the defiant sheriff lead the rush towards the town gates. Sutra's vision began to blur and suddenly felt his legs give out from under him. He's was falling. She beckoned to him again. How warm and welcoming she was to lay with. Oh what delights she had in store for him, had become as numerous as the stars in the receding night sky. Sutra smiled. The slamming hand gripped the back of his black tabard could not go unnoticed.

"Sutra, tis time you let another take the lead.", spoke the familiar voice. Sutra took a knee and inhaled deeply, a shivering pain rocking his left side. Broken ribs. He managed to make out the face. TuK of Sable Pride had joined the fight. The Uziel's message of their arrival had been received days before. And now this.

Sutra thankfully nodded to his war-mate and stubbornly stood.

"I don't know about you, but I came to sate my blade!" TuK encouragingly shouted. The weary fighters joined in the war cry and left a confident Sutra behind. He knew they were in good hands. They would all fight and die with honor.

Sutra gripped his left side and began to rush towards the West gate. A cold chill rushed over him causing him to slow down. He slowly scanned his immediate surroundings and thought he saw a black shade. A shadow even in the early morning light. The name was almost a whisper carried on the winter wind. Only an ancient could cast that kind of darkness.

Nevron.

The young shade continued to struggle towards his saddled steed. He had received word that settlers outside of the shire walls had not all entered the shire proper. He planned on guiding as many survivors into town.

The sheriff angrily mounted the palomino and spurred her into the forest line. If finding one survivor was his reward, that enough would be enough for him.

S
[con't]

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

In the cool and drafty tavern, TigerHawke finished healing another patient. Exhaustion always followed each time she extended her power, but there was no time for rest as she moved to yet another villager lying blood soaked on a pallet. Gently assessing the numerous wounds, and realizing there was nothing she could do, she pulled her dirk and sent the soul onward to it's rest. A year on the battle field in her home, had given her many skills she needed, and she wanted to be fighting. Deep in her heart she knew that her healing was better used here so she had mentally assessed the defenses of the tavern and blocked all entry except one. Let them come here and they would die on her blades. No one was going to disturb the hurt or dead.
"Get the children over to the other side of the tavern away from the dead. Too many are in shock. Hang something to shield them from viewing what is going on here and bring some more soup, " she called to the elders of the village.
"We're running low on bandages and wood to keep them warm. If the wounds don't kill them the cold will," said Lily Rose as she rinsed her bloody hands in a bucket of water before moving on to the next pallet.
"There's some in my saddle packs over there on the bar and I'll put someone onto breaking up the furniture for wood, " TigerHawke replied.
"Soup is done and we've enough liquor to use for pain. I'll start tending the ones we have worked on so far, curse these goblin vermin! Today was supposed to be a day of celebration. You came all this way to be here, " said Lucinda softly.
TigerHawke gave her slight smile and nod of her head. Her new friends had been so boisterous and welcoming as she and Ghosttiger had arrived unexpectedly the day before the attack. Yet in such a short time they worked together as if they had been together for years.
Her gaze drifted over the pile of dead in the corner by the door, most could not be covered decently, respectfully, they needed the blankets for the living. The small bodies brought a wave of weakness to her limbs, a trembling that she knew she could not give in to. Gritting her teeth and drawing on her inner resolve she went back to work feeling more and more like the bringer of death than the bringer of healing.
The goblins were too organized, too exact in their attack and not content to stab once or twice, but were rending the wounded and dead.
Something was terribly wrong here, but she was too tired to think long on this. First things first, then perhaps she could find Sutra or Ghosttiger to tell them, if she didn't drop from exhaustion first.

Hiding in the shadows came easily enough for one of his race. Ghosttiger was glad that he had grabbed Tigerhawke's quiver just to give him more arrows. He repositioned himself behind the small shield wall created buy Tuk and Dame Nightengael. Firing arrows around and between them.

It wasn't until Nightengael's sword was stuck in a goblin's skull, that Ghosttiger moved out of the shadows. Launching an arrow into a goblin who thought it had found an easy kill in the preoccupied Knight. Ghosttiger slipped one of his adamantine blades into her hand, she only nodded and continued fighting side by side with Tuk.

Ghosttiger knowing that he was running low on arrows decided to change his tactic. If this goblin hoard wanted to continue this assault maybe he could forceably persuade them to reconsider. He decided to see if he could break their morale, by targeting their groins. If any survived his new tactic replenishing their numbers would be a bit harder.

_________________
Would somebody kill that Fuc#ing Archer--Sir Gavvin

The lightning crackled from his right hand sending another goblin to the Afterlife. Eniad looked over the mass of goblins from his post on the defensive wall. Shouts and cries of the dying filled his ears. He conjured up more magic from deep within and sent a bolt of magic into the face of another goblin trying to scramble over the makeshift walls. Eniad looked out over the battlefield and tried to make out the details of his friends and family through the chaos. He could see the hulking figure of Grunk picking up goblins in each hand and bashing them together until they went limp. He spotted the Dark Elf Ghosttiger draw his bow and put an arrow through goblin that drew in to close to the Shire's monarch Sutra. Eniad barely caught the glimpse of Shadowhawk talking yet another goblin making his shots precise. He could hear the sounds of incantations from below and noticed Fog of the Mourningwood Glen had joined the fray as well as members of Sable Pride that had answered Sutra's call. Knowing that their was a member of the Royal Court of the Emerald Hills in his protection did nothing to ease his worry to say the least. He wondered where the Lady Carmony had run off to. Hopefully she was with the others in the Tavern.
Eniad's thoughts of Lucinda, Tigerhawke, Lady Carmony and Lily were broken by the presence of an Artificer approaching the walls. He had heard rumors of them being brought back from the Dreaming but only took it as hearsay. Eniad felt the magic begin to pulse in his veins. The lightning began to crackle around his hands and eyes as he watch the being approach. Suddenly he saw the Artificer turn and begin to wander off. He watched as Fog commanded the being to wander away. Nodding his approval Eniad released the lightning into a couple of oncoming goblins. Summoning the dark magic within, Eniad sent a part of his soul to sever the head of another goblin. Minutes turned into hours as the sun began to settle into the western horizon.
He could hear the Artificer marching back towards the defenses. Preparing all of his magic he Called to Sutra and the Others to focus on the Artificer. Eniad threw bolts of lightning as fast as the magic would let him while Shadowhawk, Sutra, and Ghosttiger released flight after flight of arrows. Fog, Grunk and the Sable Pride met the monstrosity head on with the support of song coming from somewhere in the chaos. Eniad spotted Luminos of Eagleshire casting down a blizzard of ice magic picking off the smaller goblins while causing the weapons of others to burn with the might of the setting sun. The death sounds of the Artificer shook the air as the attempts of the defenders were finally successful. Hearing their champion fall the rest of the goblins turned and fled to the East. Eniad noticed members of his band give chase as he began to assess the damages and conjuring up repairs for the worst of the walls damages as well as repairs to critical structures. Knowing that this was just the beginning of what is to come Eniad allowed the magic to seep through him and meditated on how best to prepare for the next attempt on the Borders to his new home.

_________________
Squire Eniad Norreh
Justicar -
Guardsman of Luna Lobos

Part 2

----------

The sounds of galloping horse hooves was a welcome distraction as he rushed away from the burning shire. The sounds of war slowly faded away, the chanting of the majick-weavers being the last thing to go silent. The wet grunting of the steed masked Sutra's own painful moans. It had been may a seasons since he'd experienced broken bones. He had taken these lax couple years for granted.

It was the sound of buzzing that snapped him back to reality. Or was it the crystal clear minuscule voice giving him directions, he wasn't sure anymore.

"Save the boy and tell him..."

Sutra swatted at the air near next to his left air. He had grown tired of the voices and visions that had assailed him these past couple months. He had grown worried knowing that a populace would not easily tolerate a mad sheriff.

A sharp pain ripped though his left earlobe. Sutra let out a surprised yelp.

"I'M TRYING TO HELP YOU! YOU UNGREAT..."

The twinkle became perceivable. Sutra's gaze snapped slightly to his right and saw it. Or her. There fluttering a few inches away from his nose was a full fledged fairy. Encapsulated in majicks beyond his comprehension, she effortlessly followed. Her mere presence was comforting. She noticed his bewildered stare tinged with humble apology.

Her smile was like a ray of light.

"Sutra, I'll explain when you've saved the boy! He's just over this hill..."

The racing sheriff quickly ducked under a low branch and realized the fairy never skipped a beat in her guidance. He quickly scanned the horizon and could only see the incline he was rising on.

"Tell him his sister will be safe. Can you do that for us?"
"US?"
"PLEASE SUTRA!? You're not listening, can you help us!?"
"YES! Yes, but where are they!?"
"You deaf elf-kin, weren't you listening!?"

A dark shape whizzed between the confused brown and the frustrated fairy.

"QUICKLY! They've found you!"
"WHOSE FOUN..."

He received his answer in the response of a high pitched scream, a goblin war call to them.

The shade pressed his mount even harder. He had to break over the hill. What boy? Instantly, the two citizens of the shire came over the hill and came to a skidding stop. Sutra traced the straight pass leading back up to his position. There! Midway up the hill. He saw them.

"You said the girl was safe!?" Sutra questioned the silent air.

He could see the older brother, barely nine pulling his sister by her right hand. She must have been no older than eight. Then he saw their pursuers. They had taken to all fours, like leprous dogs they tracked their prey.

Sutra roared as the palomino neighed wildly. Instantly, Sutra leaned forward into his saddle and begged his companion to hurry. She had never failed him. Especially today.

He counted down in seconds as he knocked his bow and counted his targets. Three. Easy pickings. He rose in his saddle and pulled on the taught bow string. The excruciating pain wracked his flesh, causing him to clumsily release a precious arrow just a few feet to his left.

Helpless tears of rage began to stream down his face.

Sutra knocked a second arrow and stilled his mind. He had to save the children. What's a few broken ribs. Right? The pain became unbearable as his side began to burn. Nausea washed over him. Something was wrong. The agonized sheriff quickly glanced to his left side as the sensation of paralyzing pain almost won him over. A bright star had settled upon his side. A bright star with wings. Not again!

This one was different, she was surrounded in an orb of reddish light, but her emphatic gaze comforted him. She was gone.

Sutra finished knocking the arrow and rose up again, his vision was clear. An exposed throat. Quick release. A ball of dust and leaves. Only two targets left. His was whole again. Sutra knocked his third and last arrow. Make it count. Center breast plate. Right. Inhale. Hold breath. Aim small. Release. The quick yelp was his reward. One goblin left. One more.

Time was of the essence as the last target was almost in snapping distance of the children. 'You said she was safe!' he angrily murmured.'

"She is..." said the intrusive voice. Sutra was better prepared for the random voices.

The small figure materialized and speed off before him in effortless flight. He could barely make out the contact, the bright flash of light was wondrous to behold. Standing there was a defeated child, motionless. Dead.

He was dead inside. Sutra could not calculate what the child was thinking that very second. The shade could not fathom the child's loses. Sutra leaned to his right and reached out to the child. The snarling scum sucker closed in on it's fleshy prey. The tiring steed leaned to the right, aiming her armored breast plate into a head on collision with the attacker.

The boy stood there with glossed over eyes. Sutra recognized the signs of emptiness all too well. The child was a husk now. A vessel that still needed deliverance.

His arm collided with the boys chest and waist as Sutra strained to reel the child closer. The warm spray of green sinew and entrails splashed across the road, horse, and riders.

She had not failed him now.

In the distance, yipping and howls could be heard. The woods had become tainted with their presence. He remembered the anxious retelling of Eniad's dream sights the previous weeks. Had it not been for that, there would be no Artus Pass today.

The boy was still breathing, his gaze focused on something just beyond Sutra's battered face.

"You're safe now little one. And so is your sister." Sutra had grown exasperated. The child made no indication of living. "You will see her again, I swear it, but I need your help boy..."

The panting horse nervously neighed as she felt the encroaching enemies close nearer all around them.

Sutra covered the childs eyes with his right hand as he cradled him in his lap.

"Remember..."

Darkness, nothing but darkness filled his mind. There. A flicker of light. Slowly the visions began to take life. The echoing sounds of children's laughter and a singing mother filled his mind. A screaming father and screeching yells drowned out any sense of safety. "MAMA!". He could see the corpses shimmer next to the burning building. Home. Father. Mother. Brother. Dead. All dead. Their panting and sobbing made for tracking much more easier. He could make out the very road they were on. The dark shape riding towards them. A bright flash of light. His empty hand. A loneliness that ripped through his being. A wave of black hair. Pale skin. Her name was on his lips. Alicia. Then nothing.

Nothing.

Sutra recoiled at the child's memories. He peered down at the child and found him blinking up at him.

"I need your help Isak."

The child weakly nodded.

"Listen very closely child..."

The howling grew closer as the sound of thundering footsteps echoed from just beyond the hill. Something big was coming. Something not friendly. Something out for blood.

S
[con't]

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

Part 3

----------

Sutra pressed his palm to the child’s forehead. He could feel the strength ebbing away from the youth's fragile frame. The veteran archer began to chant a small prayer and whispered in the boy’s ear.

"Tell them what you saw here today. Tell them that we need them. That Sutra is collecting on their promised oaths in times of trouble. Tell them."

The sheriff ripped the official seal from his neck and pressed it into the Isak's hand. He knew this was proof enough to convince those at the glen of Mourningwood to heed his plea for help.

Samara neighed wildly now, she could smell the walking filth that approached.

Sutra slapped her neck and spurred her on towards the thundering footsteps hidden by the hill peak. They were quickly surrounded by whooping and wailing, goblins flanking them in all directions. His beloved steed drove on. Her nostrils flared with anxious excitement. The treacherous expeditions she had accompanied her humanoid companion were countless. Their heart beat as one. Their dreams the same. To one day be free of this fleshy tomb and to roam free like before.

Sutra leaned forward and began an inaudible chant again. His right hand gripping the child, his left - a leather reign. He pressed his cheek against Samara's sweaty coat and smiled.

"I'll see you on the other side love..." the rider promised. Samara's whined response was well understood. She pressed on up the hill as Sutra released her reign and gripped his blade. The boy wearily watched with confused horror as the hill top ahead began to shamble towards them.

Sutra traced the mechanical tubing and whirring gears. An artificed machine in these parts of the kingdom lands!? Sutra's mind reeled with possibilities.

No matter, his plan had been set in motion. Sutra pressed his hands on the child and horse and focused. He focused on the door to his newly built shack near the stream back at Artus Pass. He focused on the potato field of the one man he trusted most back at the glen. The kindred archer had a fond place in Sutra's thoughts.

The machine ground to a halt as raised spears lifted in preparation of a skewered meal of horse and man. Their mad cries were instantly drowned out by the bellowing exhaust of metallic grit. The animated golem raised his arms in eager anticipation of crushing its victims.

Sutra smirked.

Samara leapt into the air, chest level to the pointy spears and glossy bloodshot eyes. The bright flash was blinding. The shockwave knocked the smaller goblins and assisting ouphes unto their haunches. Gone.

The horse and riders were...gone?

Their simple minds failed to wrap around the concept that their guaranteed meal had instantly and inexplicably vanished.

A grunt drew their attention. A single spear point focused on a filtering object. About the size of a ripe apple. A ripe green apple. Only it was black as pitch. Almost void. Their curiosity could not be contained. The giant golem reached out to touch the pulsating black sphere.

Instantly, the thieving hands of an overzealous goblin hungrily grasped at the floating object; launching itself off of the golems massive metal clamps.

They had never seen majick like this. The victim slowly floated to the ground. The floating ember of a husk lazily drifted and crumbled away in the cold afternoon air.

Shrieks of angry confusion emanated from the forest masking the sound of breaking twigs and leaves. The dark shade slowly crawled on his sore stomach, away from the main road and back into the welcome recesses of the forest.

Sutra rolled over on his back and inhaled deeply. The billowing smoke stacks had tainted the still blue sky these past couple of days. But in his heart, he was satisfied knowing that soon reinforcements from Mourningwood Glen would come to his aide.

Soon, they would repel their ungrateful 'guests' one green skinned goblin limb at a time.

S
[con't]

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

Luminos watched over the walls of the stone building as the goblin horde advanced. He had no desire to be in this battle, he had no stake in the survival of this village. He had hardly even known of its existence until a short time ago, when his scouting trip for the Blackwatch had accidentally led him to it. Luminos would have left as soon as he realized that there was an impending attack, but his intuition warned him that this battle was important. "An balance must be maintained," he whispered under his breath.

Luminos stood behind the huddled defenders, occasionally hurling bolts of arcane power at the goblins. Though only a few of the villagers seemed to have any military training, they all fought with an amazing tenacity. Only a few goblins were willing to attack at any one time, and all were quickly cut down when they did. Regardless of how well the defenders seemed to be doing, the goblin horde still seemed to be unending.

A new group of goblins surged towards the western entrance that Luminos was helping guard. Luminos gathered up the coldness stored deep in the ground beneath him and unleashed a blast of ice and hail on the attackers. "An balance must be maintained."

***

Things were beginning to look grim by the fourth day of fighting. Luminos had nearly run out of the arcane energy necessary to give power to his spells, and was now spending some time holding a crudely fashioned sword in the front line of defenses with other exhausted villagers. Another goblin blade barely missed his flesh, and Luminos moved back to rest as another took his place.

He had briefly seen the monster that was being called an artificer and continually watched the horizon to see if it would return. Suddenly, Luminos heard a shout of "It's coming back!" while the entire horde of goblins seemed to surge forward to all attack at once. Many defenders left there posts to take up positions on the eastern entrance, and Luminos realized that the artificer was attacking from that direction. The few men left on the western entrance to the fortifications were barely withstanding the renewed assault by the horde. Luminos stood back, reluctant to throw out the last of his power at the goblins. He watched as man by man fell to the blades of the goblins. Suddenly, a retreat was sounded by the goblins and a triumphant shout went up amongst the villagers throughout the fortifications. The artificer was dead. Only one man still stood to amongst those who had fought the assault on the western entrance. Luminos had counted 15 goblins that he had slain throughout the seige, but now he saw that because of his inaction, 14 men had been killed by goblins.

"We, we won?" the last defender asked. Luminos nodded his head numbly. The villager dropped his weapon and ran towards Luminos with his arms spread for an embrace. When the man reached him, Luminos drove his sword into the man's gut and pushed him to the floor.

As the dying villager looked at him in confusion and horror, Luminos whispered, "An balance must be maintained."

Part 4

----------

He stalked the forest line and watched. A momentary lapse in the goblin lines attention gave him the opportunity to rejoin the resting fray. The dark morning chill caused him to slightly shiver. He couldn't separate being cold from the thrill of dying. It had been too long.

Sutra pressed his back against a toppled log and inhaled. He quickly glimpsed over his right shoulder and surveyed the open field. He was less than one hundred feet from the barricade that was once the southern entrance. The usual sight of lit pipes by the gate entrances were missing, allowing the villagers an extra bit of cover from goblin rock throwers. A split head was one of many concerns they had come to live with the past couple days.

The third day of the siege was in its pre-dawn hours when Sutra managed to skulk his way back to the shire walls.

The sudden snap of a twig to his left caused him to freeze. The shade pressed hard into the group and strained for breath. His elven sight made out shapes and shadows along the dark forest line. The figure was watching him. Sutra waited.

With squinting eyes, he could see the fading moon's reflection in the figures eyes. They lacked the dull sheen of a cave dweller. They traced the shire walls beyond the motionless sheriff.

Then it spoke. "The boy is safe...teleported back behind your shire walls."

Sutra waited. Then spoke.

"You're from Mourningwood?" Sutra posed anxiously. "I can speak for Artus Pass when I say thank you."

The shades eyes pierced the night.

"Where’s the rest of your detachment?" Sutra whispered.

The figure remained motionless.

Sutra slowly nodded with the painful understanding that this stranger had come alone.

"Well then sir..." the battered sin swallowed. "I'm Sutra, sheriff of this small spit of earth and I'm honored to meet you."

"Fog of Mourningwood." replied the newcomer.

"You up for a run then Fog? Figured they could use us right about now, before the engine finds his way back."

"Like that little trick?" asked the mage.

"That was you? Not bad...not bad at all. Lost was it?"

Fog grinned wide. Sutra knew he liked the magic slinger already.

"Last one in is goblin meat!" Sutra made a mad dash for the almost overrun position. He could hear himself whooping and laughing as he raced his new warmate towards the shire walls. The musical galloping caused Sutra to look back as he noticed Fog easily rush past him and into the fray.

He joyously watched as the battlemage swiped at goblin heads with precise abandon. Sutra roared as he pulled out two short swords from behind the enemy line.

Maybe today, Sutra could wrangle up a bowl of soup and a warm straw bed. Maybe today, he'd see the sun rise one more time.

Maybe today.

S
[con't]

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

The war party picked up the scent of blood and magic. Their numbers had been split in two by two by two and yet they grew stronger. The trail would only lead them to the homelands of those who had lent a hand in the staunch defense of the nascent shire of Artus Pass.

Squeals and hissing communicated primitive concepts, but it was their mob mentality that made them such an onverwhelming threat.

They would track the scent back to the banks of River Midnight, to the very walls of the once grand duchy. They would find themselves in the depths of the entagling woods of Mourningwood soon as well. The war path had split into three now.

Reports would slowly trickle in of multiple sightings of a rampaging wave of goblins heading into the outskirts of the northern territories as well.

The blood tide was coming. The golden army would march again. There would be big trouble in little shires.

S

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu

TigerHawke and Ghosttiger had done all that they could for the small settlement of Artus Pass. The hurt had been patched and the dead were still being buried. She admired the resiliency of those who had survived, as they still worked to do all they could in the face of such a violent, mindless assault. She remembered only too well how they had fared when the Romans wiped out their winter headquarters over a year ago. Under such leadership as Duke Sutra provided, and with the help of his staunch friends, this community would survive. She finished tightening the packs onto her horse and then looked around for someone to do an errand for her.

"You, child," she called and waved over a young girl of ten or so summers,"Take this to the Duke or to Eniad and one of them only, please."
As TigerHawke put the folded velum into the girl's grubby hands she noticed the thinness of the child's clothes. "One moment before you run off, little one," she said as she unclasped her fur lined winter cloak and knelt to fasten it around the child's shoulders. "May the Kami watch over you and protect you always. Now off you go."
She looked up at Ghosttiger as he sat upon his fretting horse, impatient to be heading back home to build up their defenses and spread the word of what had happened here to the settlements along the way. "Now I'm ready to go home, " she said as she gathered the horses reins and mounted.


The letter.

My dear Duke Sutra and company,

Ghosttiger and I are going back to Red Storm. Along the way we will raise the alarm and spread the news of all that has happened. Hopefully there will be some hearty souls that will come to your defense or to help you rebuild. We will urge that the remaining settlements move within your walls for safety. These will be ordered to bring all their stock, food supplies and goods. I do not wish to burden you with more mouths to feed and this should solve that problem. Plus I will order it so in your name. A bit of a stretch, for which I hope you will forgive our impertinence for playing your 'official messengers." I also ask your forgiveness for borrowing your banner to complete the ruse. On my oath, it will be returned.

Being a trader's daughter, I have tried to evaluate what you will need to make it through the harsh remainder of winter, and will pay or barter for food to be sent to you from settlements outside your domain. You will receive these goods soon. From our home, Ghosttiger and I will be able to send more, however these supplies will be slower in getting to you. Before you shake your head no, or worry about the state of your coffers, and fear that you will not be able to pay; rest assured that for now your friendship secures what you need. We will talk restitution when your settlement is thriving once more and your people well fed. It is the least that we can do for our brothers and sisters in peace or war.

In Service,

TigerHawke

Sutra's drowsiness sloughed off of him in seconds. The trickling turned into a torrential downpour. He had slept for what seemed weeks. Sutra lay on his back as he gazed up to the heavens. The snowmelt gave way to thunderous storms. The rejuvenated sheriff smiled.

Another day in paradise.

Storm clouds rolled away as Sutra nailed the last bit of tar paper to the hole in the taverns roof. He had been given quarter in a small corner of the 4 roomed inn by the graciousness of Lily Rose. For that he was thankful. His own quarters had been burned and looted in the goblin raids. A small prize to pay for being granted another day.

Sweat beaded down his back as he pressed his sore stomach against the side of the wooden ladder. His rolled up sleeve served as a temporary towel, wiping away soot and ash from his brow.

The small town had been awake for a couple hours now as the morning sun began to break into mid sky. The night watch had traded shifts with the day watch a few stones back. Artus Pass continued with its rebuilding of itself.

The small girl shouted up as she cupped her hand over her small eyes, shielding the warm sun from her cherub visage. "Sheriff Sutra! A missive for you or Eniad!" Sutra traced the small but confident voice back to a small child shrouded in a fur lined cloak. It draped over her amusingly, out of place in the war torn town. Sutra could see the small child bear the cloak well in a couple more seasons. She would grow up strong, will forged by the troubled times ahead. She would lead his people alongside others of her generation when he and his peers were gone.

Sutra read down the rough piece of parchment, scanning the words written by their newly made allies. "I also ask your forgiveness for borrowing your banner to complete the ruse. On my oath, it will be retur..." Sutra's brow shifted. Turning on his heel, he had to do a double take to realize his banner indeed had gone astray. Sutra blinked.

"Eniad!" Sutra bellowed.

"Yes'um!" echoed the mammoth mage as he practiced his developing craft on heated irons.

"We head for Red Storm tonight!" exclaimed the concerned shadow.

"Red Storm? Tonight?"
"You're right. We leave in an hour!"

Eniad sighed and nodded. "I'll rally the caravan."

Within the hour, Eniad and Lucinda headed up the decent sized caravan destined for Red Storm. Torgas strapped in the last of his array of weapons into the over laden wagon. Shadowhawk checked his bow for any inconsistencies. Flint polished and packed the last piece of plate armor he had borrowed. Julius readied the horse team with a last handful of oats.

Sutra inspected the tie downs and volunteers one last time. Joyson stood at attention. "You know the drill, get the people inside the ramparts if attacked." The young man nodded eagerly. Though young, Joyson and O were his first choice in ensuring the town and her people were kept safe, and that if all else failed, they’d give it their all dying to defend it.

The cracking of whips and neighing of horses marked the group’s long trip North. Sutra straddled his own steed and galloped alongside the caravan.

He knew if Tigerhawke and Ghostiger had indeed borrowed his banner, that the Artus Pass caravan would be on the heels of the goblin war party.

Wanting to avoid the similar fate his small settlement had faced, he hoped they could cut the enemy off at the path giving them the opportunity to thank his visitors personally.

S
[con't]

_________________
The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu