Interlude Hectval (Pt. 1)

Interlude Hectval (Pt. 1)

Crusader 51, [Crusader]

There was a place in The Wandering Inn few people knew existed. Few people went there, even if they did know it was there.

Down the hallways that led up to the second floor, past the game rooms, the rec room, and yes, Erin had decided she needed both, the weights room, and even the bathing room, the wooden hallway branched right. If you kept going, you got to one of the private rooms, one of several entrances to the basement, and a closet, which held brooms and an emergency knife Numbtongue had placed on one of the shelves.

Walk a bit further, and youd come to a suspiciously blank patch of wall that extended further than it should, with tiny ventilation holes. But there was no door, not even a hidden one, and there was only one room at the far, far end.

Even the drunk patrons of The Wandering Inn didnt bother trying to explore that door, because it was locked and only a few people had the key. The door had a simple, chalkboard nameplate, which someone had neatly written an odd pair of words onto.

Altar Room.

Inside, the wood flooring had been covered by a carpet which trailed up to a little platform, upon which was placed a pair of candlesticks. A few dressers had been installed to the walls of the room, but the main ornamentation were the chairs, filling the room for a congregation to sit in.

Of course, the imagery it evoked in layout had been changed for the true owners. The Antinium, when asked if they wanted a nice red carpet, had instead elected for a green one with little flowers sewn onto the fabric. Also, since giant, long-but-not-too-wide carpets werent in huge market demand, someone had bought three of the same color and put them together.

The altar was a coffee table. Someone had added a longer set of legs such that it was waist-high. That someone was actually the owner of the room, the very Antinium who it had been created for.

Pawn was no great [Carpenter], but he could do something as simple as add longer legs to an existing table. In other times, he would come here after a meal with the patrol he led up to the room. After they had taken in the common room, they would come here to sit, and he would tell them stories.

True stories. Parables. Complete and utter fiction. It varied from tales of actual eventsembellished as Pawn saw themto tales from another religion, or simply childrens stories. The Antinium who came with the [Priest] would listen, and then they would pray.

The Soldier who knelt in front of Pawn today understood all of what was normal. He had heard tales, though Antinium did not often speak, of how it happened.

You would likely be lucky enough to join the Painted Antinium after that. A meal of something other than the mushed paste that every Antinium ate, a chance to see the skyand meet someone called Erin. Why this was a good thing, the Soldier had never known.

Yet he had wanted it. He had never wanted anything in his life of just over a year, but the day he had seen the first Painted Antiniumhe had learned what want was. What it was like to be jealous. And when he had seen the Painted Antinium walking behind the Individual holding the censer that wafted sweet incense through the dark Hive, seen the light of more than mere flame or magic

He had felt something he could not name. It had no words. Nor was it even a good feeling, like sleep. It pushed at him. It was uncomfortable, even. A strange yearning, a sense of something that chilled and even scared him, like his first glimpse of the sky.

A void so vast and open he thought he would fall upwards into the fading orange beyond.

The Soldier beheld the Altar Room, and it was just as hed known it would be. Yetnot the same.

There was no good food. No smiling young woman. The inn was dark. A Terrible Thing had happened.

Someone had hurt the [Innkeeper]. The person who made Painted Antinium possible, who had made this place.

The Soldier had never known her. But for all that he didnt haveall that he had never known he wantedhe had volunteered for this.

The Soldier was the fifty-first Antinium to kneel in front of Pawn. When he looked up, he didnt see much to set the [Priest] apart from another Worker. Oh, he had clothing instead of a loincloth and a few more scars on his chitin than a new Worker. The Soldier was almost disappointeduntil he heard Pawn speak.

Will you take up arms to defend the Hive? To do battle against our enemies? To become more than a Soldier? We are all bound to fight and die for the Free Hive of the Antinium. This is something else. When you march, you will march away from these walls. You may never return. But you will fight, and struggle, and die for something that belongs to you and all of us. Heaven. In this life and beyond. If you do not have that will, if you do not believe, go.

It was the same line he had heard for the last fifty Soldiers and Workers in front of him, word for word. But when he looked up, the [Priest] looked at him.

No one had ever looked at him like that. The Soldier looked at Pawn and remembered the word.

Heaven.

Somewhere without fighting. Without dying or pain. Where food was good and everywhere. Where the little fuzzy things roamed about and no one would order you again. Incomprehensible, but what he had understoodcalled to him. As well as the rules.

You could not enter Heaven by dying alone. It was something Pawn had found, and it came to Antiniumbut you had to wait. Wait in the darkness, fighting things, eating the same foodall for the reward that arrived only when you died. That was intolerable.

That was why you dreamed of joining a patrol, seeing the sky, and eating a bowl of soup.

Someone had shot the sky with six poisoned arrows. Someone had stolen the Soldiers bowl of soup. He had not known Erin Solstice. But for a bowl of soup he never had, for the first moment of anger, the feeling that someone had taken something good from him, the Soldier looked up at Pawn.

For a dream of Heaven, a Soldier of the Free Antinium knelt.

A [Crusader] rose in his place. He turned and walked past the line of waiting Antinium, feelingodd. The Workers and Soldiers looked at him as if he were different, and he was.

He was a [Crusader] now. A warrior of faith.

He had no paint.

He had no name.

But since he was a [Crusader], the Soldier decided he was Crusader 51. It would do, like Archer B12 or the other not-quite-named Antinium.

51. It was not 1, or 5, or 10, or even 50, which were bold, round numbers. Iconic. 1 was the first. 2 was second, which was almost as good. 3? Three was a trinity. Four was a quadruple number. Five? Five was half of ten and quintuple of one.

You could do that for a lot of numbers, incidentally. Fifty-one? The Soldier had no notion of its intrinsic value. But he decided it was the number to have. Fifty was good, but he was one after that.

Fifty one. He liked it. Then he realized seventeen went into 51 three times and felt special.

Crusader 51 returned to the Free Hive through their secret tunnel in the basement, walking past lines of Antinium waiting for their vow. Pawn had asked for volunteers, and he had gotten more than enough.

The rest of his day was a blur after that. Crusader 51 got his armor from a Prognugator, but not Bird or Klbkch or Ksmvr. Rather, it was an Antinium wearing armor, who showed a room of a hundred how to put the armor on and gave them weapons of steel.

Prognugator Tersk. There was also Dekass, two of the Armored Antiniums Prognugators. They were like the Free Antiniumbut also vastly different. For one thing, they wore armor. The Free Antinium had thought it was strange, wearing a second skin.

Now Crusader 51 wore armor, and it was heavy. He was given a sword, a shield, and a bow and quiver of arrows.

You have thirty. Dont lose them. You will participate in training cycles along with Liscors army. Follow your squad, which will be assigned to a battalion and serve under the Antinium division fighting in Liscors army.

Prognugator Dekass was making sure the Antinium receiving weapons understood their role and how to holster their gear. This was far more complex than mere armor; the Armored Queen had sent many suits of armor, but the Free Antinium had provided a number of the armaments.

Sofor oncewhen Crusader 51 looked around, he didnt see identical Antinium. They were given shields, most of them, but they werent the same shields! Some were round, others kite-shaped, and they didnt get the same weapons. One Antinium to his left was holding a big iron mace with beveled metal making odd raised hexagon patterns across the head of the round weapon.

The Antinium to Crusader 51s right? He had a spear.

The oddity of weapons had Crusader 51 nervousand that was before Dekass told him he was assigned to new duties. The Soldier froze.

Squad? He didnt go with his regular Soldier grouping? Did that mean he had to wake up differently? He didnt know these Soldiers and Workers! Andandbattalion? Division?

Crusader 51 didnt know these terms. They sort of made sense, but if someone asked him what they meant? He began to panic.

The way Crusader 51 panicked was to freeze up. He locked into place, looking for something to hit in case that solved his problems. And he realizedthe other new [Crusaders] looked much like him.

Uncertain. Which was dangerous. One, the one with the mace, was even trembling. Was he becoming Aberration? Crusader 51 had seen an Aberration, once. It had spoken, and it had been shaking and

Dekass seemed to notice the Antiniums uncertainty, because the Armored Prognugator spoke, and his tone was laden with impatient authority. The Armored Antiniumwhose armor was painted, far nicer-looking than the armor Crusader 51 had gotten, and possibly even enchanted from the way it glittered mesmerizingly if you stared at it long enoughsnapped his mandibles together.

You are Squad 5 of Battalion 1! Bow-armed. Battalion 1 will carry bows and a one or two-armed weapon along with a shield. Keep moving. You will follow Pawn to the surface.

The world righted itself. The Antinium in the room, all ten of them, looked around at each other. Squad 5 of Battalion 1?

Crusader 51 realized that was his name. 51. It was special! He straightened and, stowing his weapons as hed been shown, began to walk after the first Antinium closest to the door.

Heavy. But not impossible to walk or even run in! The Armored Antinium had balanced the armor for Antinium, and while the weapons were heavy, the armor was sturdy, and Crusader 51 found himself liking it. If the angry suits of enchanted armor fought him, they wouldnt tear his arms off as easily!

Squad 5, Battalion 1. That was who he belonged to. That was who he was. Crusader 51 of Squad 5, Battalion 1.

His entire identity had changed. But now he knew what it was. It was all the new warrior of faith knew. He didnt entirely know what he had signed up for. He didnt know what his enemy was or what it looked like, only that it was called Hectval. He didnt know what Liscors army was, or his new role.

But he had a name, an assignment, and that was enough for now. He followed the other Antinium in his squad as they lined up behind Pawn. When they marched into the streets of Liscor to line up in a plaza and swear to go to war against Hectval, Crusader 51 was there. When they trained, he was there. When they marched out of the gates past a crowd that cheered and shoutedeven at him

He was there. When they marched out of the Floodplains, down a long road, and towards the hills where Hectval lay

Well, by that time, Crusader 51 had learned there was a lot more to the world than his small little Hive.

By the time news broke that Archmage Nailihuaile was slain, and the Archmage of Chandrar, Amerys, was freed, the war against the Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem Alliance had gone on for over three months. At the start, it had seemed simpler, even to non-Antinium.

Olesm, [Strategist]

Do youno, I suppose you think you have to do this. Sorry, thats a stupid thing to say. So you think you can win? Are you ready?

The question caught Olesm Swifttail off-guard. He looked up from his last meal in Liscor.

Which, as it turned out, was a drink. Nor was it the lavish meal with Lism, his uncle, set with all his relatives in the city and friends in Wishdrinks, one of the fanciest club-bars, and all comped by the owner.

It was at an open-seating spot at The Drunken Gnoll with Selys Shivertail, and his last meal was a drink.

With little pieces of something odd at the bottom. Olesm took a sip and nearly choked on the strange, squishy stuff.

Gah. What is this?

Something tea. Its experimental. What did Imani? Palt. Palt, what did Imani call it?

A passing Centaur serving more drinks to the new clientele of mostly Gnolls stopped and turned. He was wearing a matching apron with the [Chef], who was hard at work at Timbor Parithads new inn.

Boba tea. Well, experimental boba.

Olesm stopped trying to suck another object out of his sweet-tea, and Selys stopped with her own wooden straw in her mouth. Both hadassociationswith experimental drinks from Erins inn. Palt saw their looks and hastily clarified.

All entirely healthy! Its a sweeter flavorful tea, milk, and frozen fruits. Its not quite there yet, though, hence the discount.

He waved at the sign which had Boba Tea carefully marked for nine coppers a drink. A bit pricy for a drinkand Olesm put that down to Timbor actually knowing how to price a menubut it was nice and sweet.

Its not bad. I like the idea of having little bits of fruit in my drink.

Selys chomped down on the cold square of what Olesm now realized was fruit. He took another sip and found he had strawberry? Palt grimaced.

Yesits not bad if you have it quick. But Imani wont stop complaining.

About something youve done or the drink?

Palt looked highly offended and swished his tail as he trotted over to argue with Selys.

Ive done nothing wrong! I even freeze the fruits, and believe me, you need some finesse to freeze them right without making them too hard or too soft. The problem is that Imani needs more of a jello-like bubble, rather than just fruit. It goes mushy, so we have to prepare them specially, even with preservation or cooling spells

Ah. So it requires more effort. Whats jello? Ive heard Erin talking about it.

Olesm stiffened up at his table. Selys noted it and hesitated, but Palt was engrossed in the culinary issue.

Some kind of gelatin. Think pudding, but morejiggly? Water in a semi-solid state.

Like slimes?

Yep.

And people eat that?

Selys shuddered. Palt shook his head.

Im assured it would be a huge hit. There are gelatins in other dishestheyre just not what Imani wants, and shes searching for a jello-expert. Anyways, enjoy your tea. Olesm, are you heading out today? I saw the army moving, and I thought

Olesm looked up and caught the position of the sun in the sky. He straightened, and the scalemail armor he was wearing flashed in the light.

It had Liscors symbol, the city over water, emblazoned onto a badge hed attached to a clasp around his neck. The clasp was connected to a crimson cloak, dark, enchanted, and covering his sidearm; a wand on his left, and a strange artifact on his right.

A Kaalblade. One of the House of Els inventions, and a gift from a dead woman.

Selys looked at Olesm as he nodded.

Im heading out with 4th Company in under an hour. I was just saying goodbye to Selys.

I see. WellI wish you the best. Stay safe out there. Dont do anything stupid. If its alright, I think Imani would like to say goodbye.

Ohof course. I can

Olesm began to rise, but Palt bade him sit.

Afterwards. Enjoy your meal. Anything else? No? Just dont run off.

He trotted backwards a few steps and nearly bumped into a Gnoll server. Olesm realized Palt hadnt been at his farewell party, which Lism had determinedly called a Prelude to Victory party, and that he hadnt seen Imani, Kevin, or many of the other inns regulars either.

Well, some were gone, and Olesm hadnt seen Kevin anywherehe was probably at Esthelm. Even so, he felt that if someone were here, he would have seen all of the inns guests. Been there, rather than sitting with Selys at the outdoor cafe-section of Timbors inn.

But Erin was dead. And that was why he was going.

Erin Solstice and Maviola El. Selys frowned at Olesm.

Are you ready? Youre leading the army. Listen, Olesm. Im not one to put bugs in anyones earholes, and the only one I could do it with is my grandmotherand shes not going to listenor Elirr. But Zel was my uncle. He always said [Strategists] leading armies was a risk. Not impossiblebut have you rushed it? You can always call it off.

Olesm looked at her. He felt a flush of anger creep into his face at her suggestion.

Call it off? Weve been training for weeks. Weve mustered supply lines, sent the army aheadwere at war, and youre wondering if we should call it off if I dont feel ready?

Selys, the [Heiress], gave Olesm a flat look like he was an idiot Bronze-rank and she were still tending the front desk of the Adventurers Guild.

Yes. If it matters, you can call it off. Itll take time, money, and be embarrassing, but Id rather you do that than lose a battle or be dead, Olesm. Whats my answer?

Olesms flash of anger turned to chagrin. Selys could do that, of course, but he realized hed snapped because he wasnervous. Stressed.

Afraid.

He took his time replying.

Wereas ready as we can be, given how much time weve had to prepare. We put all the new [Soldiers] through the Watch and Embrias crash training, and it works for the army. The Antinium arent integrated into our forces, but Belgrades leading them and theyre armed. Three thousand Antinium plus our five thousand regular soldiers.

Seems like a small army.

Selys couldnt hide her worry. Olesm frowned.

Its huge! For a city of Liscors size of a year or two ago? It would be massive. But youre rightwe are up against three cities. Hectval, Luldem, Drisshia.

And you convinced the Council to let you go to war because?

Olesm took a gulp of his tea and chewed furiously. The fruit was going a bit mushy, so Selys sucked on her straw.

I dont like this tea. I dont eat soup with a straw.

Eh, its not cookies for me either. The war?

Olesm curled up his tail around a chair leg. He tried to be impartial, but he kept thinking of their last battle. All the mistakes hed made.

The fire as Maviola El burnt away. He knew he wasnt thinking clearly, buthe looked up and met Selys pale yellow gaze. Olesms own blue raindrop irises, which matched his sky-blue cobalt scales, were collected.

They wont stop. Twice now, theyve attacked. First with a raiding party. Second with an army.

We did march on them.

Selys pointed out. Olesm growled.

Yes, and we retreated before we even got within sniffing one of their cities. They put an army at Liscors gates with the express intent of bombarding us. They wont stop. Ive studied inter-city conflicts. I never thought Id need to use that knowledge in Liscor, but Hectval will keep raiding caravans, harassing our new villagesnow is the time to attack. Theyve lost chunks of two armies. Theyre weak. Normally, it would be three cities versus one. We could beat Hectval one-on-one, Im sure of it, but without the Free Antinium or this momentso its now.

He expected Selys to argue longer, but she nodded.

If only uncle Zel were here. Hedwell, hed probably try to stop the war, but I doubt hed take their side. And he could have won the war fast. How long do you think thisll take?

Olesm cleared his throat. The cold tea was making it a bit sore.

I didnt put a time limit on it. Nor am I set on any one goal. It seems like a bad idea. I hope to reach Hectval and have their alliance sign a formal magical treaty within four months.

Selys raised her brows.

Thats fast. Uncle always said it took half a year even with the fastest campaigns.

Well, were close, and theyve taken losses already. Dontdont keep bringing up the dead.

Selys brows snapped together. She looked at Olesm.

Why? Hes my uncle. Zel, Erin, Maviolawe say their names to honor them.

Erins not completely dead.

Olesm muttered, but the last of the three names struck him the most. Selys glanced at Olesm, and her face fell.

Here I am making it worse. Argh. Ancestors! I should have just done it the way Uncle says to do it. Fast and quick. Here.

She slid something across the table. Olesm blinked as he picked it up. A strange, metallic cube dangled from it with a symbol emblazoned on each side. They looked like stylized versions of elements. Fire, a bolt of lightning, an arrowhe raised his brows. It didnt seem cheap, but it was made of bronze as far as he could tell. And it was clearly magical.

Whats this?

Selys huffed as she fished for her purse of holding.

A going-to-war gift. Ive got two potions in here tooone second. I have beavers in my home, and they keep messing up everything.

Beavers? WaitSelys, I have potions.

The [Heiress] rolled her eyes at him.

I know, and its cute that you think I buy the same quality as the citys paying for. The cube-thing is from Hedault. Each symbol is one attack itll eat or block. Here.

She pushed two bottles at him, and Olesm blinked at the colors within. He could recognize high-grade healing potions, and he looked at the Drake.

Selys

Just come back, alright? Dont let those Creler-kissing monsters go easy. But dont die.

She reached across the table and gave him a one-armed hug. Olesm hesitated, but before he could return it, Palt and Imani came out to say farewell, and Timbor himself.

The [Innkeeper] shook Olesms claw, and Olesm recalled the man had marched on Hectval the first time, in the angry mob-army.

Best of luck, Strategist Olesm. Heres hoping it goes better now youve planned it out, eh?

Olesm nodded slowly. Good people had died in that first group. He met Timbors gaze and looked towards the city, where people were cheering and waving goodbye to the [Soldiers] marching out. He looked for his horse and gave Selys, Imani, Palt, and Timbor a last look. He wanted to be reassuring, to say something like fire and wrath, that would be written down and underlined by [Historians] in years to come, even the unbiased ones.

All Olesm managed was a nod and a croak.

Weve prepared a bit more. Well see what we see. Ill report back and see if our strategys viable. If not, Ill reconsider.

He mounted up, and the words burned in his headand earholes as he rode off. They watched him go, not cheering, and with a kind of silence that weighed on him as he left. Olesm was glad they didnt see his blushing face.

Selys rubbed at the side of her head with one claw and turned to the others as Olesm rode off.

He fights better than he talks. I think.

It was such a strange feeling leaving Liscor. Olesm didnt join the procession to hear the cheering. He just caught up with Embrias 4th Company, who were riding and singing a soldiers song, My Broomstickll Level Faster Than Me, as they headed out. The cavalry and mobile forces were catching up with the infantry, hence the delay. 4th Company led the way.

Veteran [Soldiers] from Liscors famed mercenary army. Wing Commander Embria was still under Olesms command, though. She hadnt argued hard, perhaps because Olesm was Liscors [Strategist].

Even so, as Olesm rode up and caught his breath, he felt a surreal feeling like the last time theyd done this.

Off to war.

It wasnt far to Hectvals borders, just past the Bloodfields, but the Drake city and alliance of three city-states were up a lot of rugged terrainor some roads that Olesm was sure were fortified. This was no month-long campaign just to get there, and their forces could be anywhere from hiding in the Floodplains to waiting at their city for a siege.

His nerves hummed, and he turned to Embria.

Ready for the fight, Wing Commander?

The crimson-scaled Drake blinked one eye as she turned from watching the Antinium marching out of the gates with a frown.

Itll be a while before that, I think, Strategist.

Olesm wavered. He looked across the Floodplains, towards where the High Passes began to shrink into hills and Izrils south beyond.

You think so?

That was the problem, for all he assured Selys he knew what he was doing. Olesm had been in battles, led defenses, seen fighting close up, and arguably encountered more high-level threats than most [Strategists] twice his age.

Howeverhe had never been on campaign before. It took Liscors army eleven days before they even heard of the enemy.

Embria, [Wing Commander]

Dear Father,

We have embarked on our campaign against Hectval. It feels odd to be on the campaign again. Ive missed it. I know you wont like to hear it, so I guess this letter is a failure.

Ill keep writing even if I dont send this because I have to tell someone. I cant tell Wikir or Vell, Pielt, or Igissi, even if they are [Captains]. Wikir wouldnt talk, but Vells a hothead, and its just not something you do.

Not that you were an officer, but you get it. The old guard always said you could lead a squad as well as any [Captain] and you didjust that you were too good at being a headhunter.

I wish you were here. We need someone like you against Hectval. Its not just that we dont have Liscors officers or the Antiniumand the Antinium are one thing. Its

This is a new army, Dad. You know what that means? I look around and wonder whos going to die, because theyre so green it hurts. Even Olesm. Hes got the levels, but hes not experienced. I almost wish I were in charge, but I dont have experience in command either. I dont think we should let Hectval be. I just wish either High Command or Liscors Council could have approved the army coming back, even a portion of it, and doing it right. But then the Antinium wouldnt have joined.

Its been three days and were climbing into the foothills around the Blood Fields. Rocky terrain. You know? The worst part, though, is that were still getting used to our chain-of-command, and Im solid in 4th Company, but I think Olesms sub-commanders just arent good enough. Theyre sharp, eager to fightand not high-level enough. Former [Guards], mostly. Only a few Manus graduates, and theyre young.

So Im a bit worried, Dad. Just a bit. The new [Soldiers] cant even hike up hills at good speed. But I guess theyre levelling. Ill write you something else instead, if we can send letters back to the army. Hope you got out of Cellidel.

Embria

She rolled up the bit of parchment and wished she could breathe fire so she could set it alight. Instead, she put it back in her pouch and rubbed her shoulder.

Olesm wasnt that bad. For one thing, he might not have had the field experience

But he could move an army from A to B. And that was a talent even graduates of Manus war schools messed up.

Columns of [Soldiers] were climbing up the first series of steep, rocky terrain that was Hectvals territoryor the border along the Bloodfields. They struggled up the hard, slightly reddish soil, swearing, carrying packs along with their armor and weapons, and generally trying not to slip and crash into the [Soldiers] behind them.

Liscors army had marched past the Blood Fields with no incidents, much to everyones relief, and had decided to take a route like the first armyclimbing into Hectvals territory.

It was that or take the known roads, and Olesms maps of Hectval along with knowledge from 4th Company told them there were enchanted towers emplaced there. Real pain-in-your-tail towers that some [Archers] would lounge in, taking long-range shots at you from behind magical barriers.

You could knock them down. Embria knew Liscors army could take one down, especially with the Antinium. She hated to admit it, but lacking any siege weapons, the Antinium were their best sappers.

However, breaking one of those towers would be hard, because an army would doubtless be dug in around them, just hoping you broke all your teeth on their fortifications, fighting uphill with enchanted towers and all the lovely traps they had to have placed waiting for you.

Slightly better to take a route Hectval couldnt predict. Theyd be waiting up in the hills, but assuming Liscors army got up there, there were too many ways to maneuver, and while the area had its share of narrow passages, there were entire plateaus; perfect for styming any defenders hopes of choking an advance.

The trouble was just what Embria had written. Liscors army was green. She rode her horse past the struggling infantry and sighed. Her war-trained horse carried her up the slope with ease, but 4th Companys patrol past the [Soldiers] wasnt just due to that.

Embria was the only member of Liscors 4th who had a horse. Wikir of 1st Squad, Vell, the other officers and [Soldiers]? No horses. Skywalkers Company, as they were nicknamed for their use of the [Light Bridge] spell, were foot-sloggers, and Embria often fought on foot as well.

They looked like they were strolling uphill compared to the [Soldiers]. Vell stopped as a Drake windmilled his arms, cursing. She reached out, grabbed the [Soldier], and shoved him forwards.

Put your pack lower down, idiot. Center of gravity! Youre so back-heavy no wonder youre falling over. Dig your claws into the soil! You look like youve never climbed a hill in your life!

I have! Iwell, the hills around the Floodplains arent this bad!

The [Soldier] caught himself and tried to climb faster, but Vell snorted, and her squad marched past the [Soldiers], jeeringand giving out advice like that.

Its not just equipment, Commander. They dont know anything. Its like looking at babies. They cant even adjust their armor, they cant march, they get blisters

Theyll learn. Faster, with us giving them tips.

Embria had been writing in the saddle. Now, she addressed Pielts complaint out of the corner of her mouth. 3rd Squads [Captain] grunted.

Fair, Commander. I just wish those bastards had more. Mind you, its hilarious when they fall down. So much for Antinium being good on any ground.

He jerked his head, and Embria turned to look. She saw a tumbling shape rolling downhill, a flash of armor and a lot of clicking, and smirked.

The Antinium were having trouble too. The new, armored soldiers, which had chilled her to the core, were imposing with all their gearbut they rattled when they walked, and, like Liscors [Soldiers], they had trouble going uphill with all this new weight changing how they moved. She saw another Antinium racing downhill after the fallen [Crusader].

Heard weve got a [Strategist] in their group.

Really?

Embria saw Pielt and the [Soldiers] around him tune in with interest. Embria had already written her report, of course, and she nodded to the Antinium waving all four arms in distress.

That one. Belgrade. Some kind of [Trapsetter Strategist]. Never heard ofwell, I suppose his name came up. In the inn.

4th Company looked at her, but no one brought up her father. They noddedcautiously.

The inn was a sore point with them, as the soldiers of Liscors real army hadnt liked what their city had become, and many had pointed to that [Innkeeper], as shed been known, as one of the culprits.

However, shed been killed by Hectval, and even the rowdiest member of 4th Company didnt feel like insulting the dead. Especially when the commander of all these forces and a lot of Liscors citizens might overhear.

At least they have a [Strategist]. What are we, a Baleros-led company? They should have put you in charge, Wing Commander.

Stow it. And shove your compliments back up your tailhole, Barkus. You all know Im not about to take charge of an army. When I want pandering commentsIll go to Salazsar.

Barkhus, whose name was adjusted for obvious reasons, laughed with the rest. They watched as another Antinium turned into a pillbug and rolled down the hilland winced as a Gnoll did likewise.

Hoi there! Commander says were breaking after the next hill! Get a move on and stop falling over!

A voice from above. Embria saw an Oldblood Drake floating downwards.

Huh. Hey, Maksie! You might be [Scout Leader] for an entire army, but give me lip again and Ill poke holes in your wings!

The Wing Commander shouted at one of 4th Companys former members appointed to a larger role. The Oldblood Drake cheerfully made a gesture to the Wing Commander and flew on. She had wingsbut no breath.

Stopping after only? Embria saw it wasnt past midday. Then again, the maddening hike uphill with all the falls and injuries must have been driving Olesm insane. She nodded to 4th Company.

Double time up the hill. Lets talk to Commander Olesm. And show these idiots how its done.

A group of tired Drakes and Gnolls sat around on top of the steep hill they were climbing. Some were stretching or drinking water, but most were just sitting around. A few had even pulled off pieces of their armoruntil one of the officers snapped at them to put them back on.

Its hot.

Yeah? The skys blue. Eat my tail.

One of the Drakes snapped at a Gnoll. They were both young, below twenty, and the Gnoll growled back.

Its hot. Youre not wearing fur under your armor!

Yeah, wellIyouve never had to shed dry scales!

Oh, and thats worse than split hair? Shedding fur? Lice? Why do Drakes have to always suffer worse? Just admit it, its hot for everyone.

Yeah, but its hotter for me because my scales are dark, and the sun

A helmet flew through the air, and the Drake ducked. It bounced along the ground and struck the feet of a [Soldier] who was bending over, inspecting something. She jumped and whirled.

Gah! I nearly stepped on a fortune! Dont do that!

The other [Soldiers] looked up.

What? Fortune?

Back off, I found it!

The Drake waved her claw at the others. She plucked something from the ground and showed it to them.

Look! I found a rare mushroom!

She showed them all a mushroom with giant, vivid, rounded spots on it. It was purple, and each spot was a bright tan color. The Drake [Soldier] was delighted.

Ive never seen anything like it. I bet its a rare mushroom!

Could be worth something!

Instantly, the other Drakes, Gnolls, and two Humans had gathered around. One of the Humans opined, backing away.

Dont touch it with your bare claws! Put some gloves on! It could be poisonous!

Yeah, but thats still worth something to [Alchemists]. You know what? Dont sell it. If its worth something, get it appraised and then culture more mushrooms.

The squad of [Soldiers] stared at the purple shroom. One of them, a Gnoll without a helmet, pointed.

Do we get a cut if its super valuable?

Hey! Its mine!

Were all in the same squad. Uell, dont be stingy

Howll you even get it appraised?

The Drake peered around furtively as she protectively held the mushroom to her chest.

We have [Mages]. Maybe one of them knows how it works? Or Ill put it in a bag of holding. Look, no one takes it from me, agreed? Ill give you something if its worth itdoes anyone have a container? It might be poisonous; look at those spots!

You can use my helmet. Well put something over it.

The Gnoll eagerly offered. The squad was just about to look for more mushrooms when Wing Commander Embria rode past them.

Thats not a rare mushroom.

The [Soldiers] froze, and the one holding it tried to hide it behind her back. Embria sighed as she dismounted and looked around for Olesm.

What, officer? What mushroom? We were just talking about, uh, a mushroom we dreamed about! A

An amused Captain Wikir cut the protesting [Soldier] off.

Thats not a valuable mushroom. Its just an ordinary purple one, yes?

Ah, but this one has spots!

Wikir and Embria exchanged a weary, weary look. Embria sighed, and Wikirs entire squad began laughing themselves sick. The new recruits looked uncertainly at the mushroom, and Wikir broke it to them.

Those are insect eggs, you idiots. Havent you ever seen?

Embria saw the mushroom go sailing over the side of the cliff and rolled her eyes. But she had to confessshed done the exact same thing back in the day.

Everyone thought a mushroom with dust on it was the next big alchemical ingredient.

Commander Olesm! Sir!

She saluted and came to a stop as a Drake jumped and stopped arguing with two newly-instated [Division Leaders].

[Division Leaders]. Not [Division Captains] or [Marshals] or any combination of any military rank. This was derived from the [Leader] class and it meant

Well, it meant the army wasnt in the right shape to field a [General], much less most officer ranks. Liscor had an army, and they had countless officers. However, in lieu of such classes, or to make room, you had the [Leader] line.

[Wing Commander] Embria saw the Gnoll and Drake turn to her, and Olesm raised his head.

You dont need to stand on formality, Wing Commander. Youre second-in-command if need arises; speak to me.

Embria glanced at the sub-officers and tried to be as diplomatic as possible.

With respect, sir, is a halt a good idea now? Were three days into our climb, and we were hoping to reach the fighting highlands yesterday.

She glanced up towards a summit yet higher overhead, which marked more flat ground to maneuver around. To fight here, with an enemy occupying the high ground, was a nightmare, and her company would have already been lounging at the top.

But Liscors army was having trouble even getting into position. Olesm gave Embria a grimace that said he knew it too.

The [Soldiers] are having difficulty climbing. Not yourscan I hope its due to a Skill? Do you have a terrain Skill, Wing Commander?

She coughed into one claw.

Er, [Mudgrip Boots] is the only one I have. I know one of my officers has [Climbing Expertise] as a unit-based Skill, but we have not had to use it, sir.

Because its not hard to climb a hill. Olesm read between the words.

Could he or sheuse it to move a large body of soldiers?

The limit is forty, unfortunately, commander.

Olesm rubbed at his temples.

We may still need that. Im debating having someone cut stairs or some easier way of climbing up. Could we use your [Light Bridge] spell to?

Embria didnt feel like wasting a scroll on getting [Soldiers] uphill. She looked around and raised a claw.

A quiet word, Commander Olesm?

He looked up, nodded, and abandoned his map to step closer. Embria whispered to him.

Its not bad for the [Soldiers] to learn climbing, sir. However, if were caught out

The Drake looked up at the summit and nodded, his face one of frustration as he observed the [Soldiers] arguing whether insect eggs were valuable to [Alchemists].

Thats my thinking too. Id send 4th Company to hold the top of the plateau, but 4th Company is an asset, and if they have to fight an entire squadron

Embria was glad to hear Olesm was thinking of their wellbeingand a bit insulted by the suggestion they couldnt hold the ground alone. Then again, one [Fireball] landing before they could dodge and Olesm lost his best [Soldiers].

We could drag up some other recruits, Commander. Frankly, theyre wet Amentus fruits, but Ive seen worse.

Olesm brightened up a bit.

You have?

Embria felt the need to encourage him.

Theyre not worse thanwell, a lot of rookies we get in Liscors main army. The difference is, we seperate ours, make sure theyre trained under a squad with enough veterans. They wash out or train upand we fight with large numbers of green soldiers all the time. Were famous for it, as you know.

Liscors army used their officer-classes to turn even a Level 5 [Soldier] into a fighting whirlwind. Olesm rubbed at his chin.

Thats true. Frankly, I was wondering if they were all somehow poisoned. Even Bronze-rank adventurers do better.

He looked at the [Soldiers], and Embria murmured.

A week ago, they were [Cobbler Apprentices], [Thugs], [Hunters], or any other civilian class. Theyve gone through training and can swing a sword, but itll be a bad first battle, too. However, theyll level after tonight.

Olesm nodded again. The first ten [Soldier] levels, or so they said in the army, were practically free. In that you could march, eat, dig latrines, use latrines, and complain about your pay and food and get to Level 10 without so much as sneezing at a battle.

When they went back to the table, Olesm took a breath.

I think we need to restructure. Wing Commander, youve met our two [Division Leaders]? Bepol and Ramia, one from the Watch[Guardsman], almost at her Senior Guardsman rankand the other studied in Pallass academy.

The Drake and Gnoll saluted Embria, and she saluted back.

Oh dead gods, a former [Guard] and an officer from Pallass academy. She knew Pallass graduated their officers at least Level 15, so they had a Level 15 [Trainee Officer] and a [Guard] who might be used to large-scale brawls or fighting since she had seen Liscors battles, but not a war.

Olesm read her look. So did the officers, unfortunately. Bepols tail twitched.

Ive served with Pallass 5th Army, Wing Commander, and you can rely on me to keep my formations in order. Frankly, I think we have more expertise than some Drake border cities.

Embria opened her mouth to address the officer, bit her tongue on her words, then snapped back because she couldnt help it.

More experience than a border city? Liscor is the most border-city of them all. Hectval, Luldem, and Drisshia might not be individually as large as Liscor, but they fight other cities constantly! The officers might not be Level 30 veterans all, but they will tear your tail off and feed it to you if you underestimate them!

She regretted the outburst the moment it happened. Not because everyone had heard; the other [Soldiers] were too far away to hear, mostly. Mainly because it was unprofessional, and this army had to have discipline.

Bepols scales turned pale, but he threw a salute that said that he had been taught enough of when to shut up. Olesm was looking between Embria and Bepol, searching for something to say. He eventually snapped.

Wing Commander Embria. A bit too frank. Division Leader Bepol and your company will serve together. Liscors army is inexperienced, but Im sure you trust them as much as I, if youre willing to fight alongside them.

Embrias cheeks darkened and she saluted, staring at the sky.

Yes, Commander. I apologize for the outburst.

Olesm exhaled. Then he heard a confusion of voices, and Embria was relieved to look sideways and see

Commander Olesm. Commander Embria, and Division Leaders Bepol and Ramia. I apologize, but my Antinium division has summited the hill and we are out-of-place. I apologize for preceding the other [Soldiers], but I did not realize we had moved ahead of them. Should we go back down and wait?

Belgrade, the Antinium [Trapsetter Strategist], hurried over, looking distraught and embarrassed. Embria turned and saw his two fellow commanders, the Armored Antiniums Prognugators, Tersk and Dekass, ordering the Antinium into neat ranks as they stood, some a bit dusty, but on the summit.

All of them. Well, most, and the rest were appearing so fast 4th Company looked startled at their speed.

How did you? Er, Strategist Belgrade? Youre not out of place. If anythinghow did you do that? Did you dig your way up?

The shorter Worker was wearing chainmail, and he had a sword, but he was a [Strategist] to his core. He was confused for a moment, then moved his mandibles up.

Ah, Olesm. I apologize, Commander Olesm. That is a funny joke, ha-ha. Antinium cannot dig as fast as that. I saw that the Antinium were performing below-average in climbing the hill due to the weight of their armor. So I remedied the problem.

Olesm, Embria, and the two [Division Leaders] all exchanged glances. There were a handful of [Tacticians] and other lower-level officers, and everyone trooped over to see what Belgrade meant.

What they saw was simple, known to Embriaand still impressed her.

In the short time since she had lost sight of the Free Antiniums group, a simple structure had appeared in its place. The Antinium climbing the hill and passing the other [Soldiers], who looked enviously onwards, were all climbing, securely anchoring themselves to

Ropes. Someone had hammered pitons and anchored ropes from the top downwards, letting the [Crusaders] balance and climb up. Not more than four per rope, and only the sturdiest lines at that, but it made it exponentially fasterespecially because a slip was far less likely with Antinium holding the ropes.

We do that all the time with tough terrain.

Vell muttered, folding her arms as if the Antinium were doing nothing new. Embria bit her lip. They did do that in Liscors armybut she hadnt thought of it. Nor was it her go-to idea.

She was a Wing Commander and had looked at her wing and seen they had no problem and stopped there.

Belgrade? Olesms eyes lit up. Belgrade was a [Strategist]. The Antinium stood there humbly as Olesm turned to him. He looked at Embria, and the Drake saw Olesm come to a rapid decision.

Its quite clear that the Antinium work well under you, wouldnt you say, Belgrade?

They do not need much help, Commander Olesm. The Antinium will fight and are good at fighting. Tersk and Dekass have led armies before.

Olesm was nodding.

And your 4th Company is an exemplar, Wing Commander. I imagine they stack up with any one of our armys other companies?

Any one of them, Commander!

Embria didnt bristle at the suggestion her company would be worse, although rivalries were real. She knew Olesm was onto something, and she was curious. Belgrade tilted his head left and right as Olesm nodded.

Thenin light of the need for officers with experience to take the field, I am changing the structure of our forces. I will draw from our two main Gnoll-Drake-Human battalions. Belgrade, you will take charge of a third of our non-Antinium forces. Wing Commander Embria? I would like you to take three hundred recruits as whole squads and fold them into 4th Company as our shock force. Alsohowever you did it, Belgrade, please deploy ropes for all of our army.

The other officers stared at Olesm, and then they began to arguenone faster or louder than Belgrade. However, Olesm looked straight at Embria and realized the same thing she did, however reluctantly.

Of the people leading or part of the army, the officers with the most experience in battle were Olesm, Embria, and Belgrade.

And Calruz.

Calruz, [Honorbound Prisoner]

Though he was a prisoner, it was an odd thing. He had requested death, honorable or not, many times. If not death, he would settle for freedom because he would have the freedom to choose.

But it was not possible for him to be found guilty or innocentat least as Watch Captain Zevara ruled it. His crimes were indisputable. The reasons behind them?

So instead, she had come up with a solution based on his homeland. Trials. Calruz had eliminated Shield Spider nests with his bare hand. He had waded through Liscors sewers and slain everything that moved.

And he trained Liscors [Soldiers].

At first, the Council had argued, but Olesm had demanded Calruzs help in no uncertain terms. Calruz had even heard him bluntly addressing the Councilmembers and people gathered to protest.

I am aware Calruz of Hammerad is a convicted criminal. However, Watch Captain Zevara has engaged him as an asset to the city before, and this is no different.

You want a murderer to train our troops?

Olesms lower left eyelid twitched.

Frankly, Ive heard worse ideas.

What if he trains them wrong? Teaches them to

To what? Stab wrong?

Olesms sarcasm provoked a furore, and, in truththere were lots of poor ways to train someone. However, the Drake overruled the arguments with a simple one of his own:

We need weapon experts. We have a few adventurers who we have paid to demonstrate their abilities. Guildmistress Tekshia is a [Spearmaster].

So why cant we use them, Nephewer, Commander Olesm?

Lism was frowning at Calruz. The Minotaur waited. With one arm missing, he was hardly a good example of fighting acumen compared to, say, the four-armed Antinium, but that was only if you were armist.

Put another way, Calruz had more muscle mass than three of Liscors citizens put together thanks to the weight set in his room. He had more scars than any six. He was high-level, but if that were all, Tekshia would have been a better pick.

The truth was simply that Calruz was best because Tekshia Shivertail was a terrible teacher.

So were most adventurers. They were self-taught, or impatient, or they couldnt explain what they intuited, or they didnt know how to fight in groups compared to one-on-one, or all of the above and more.

Calruz? Calruz had trained in Minos. That was how he ended up giving lessons to Drakes, Gnolls, and Humans, but even if they hadnt seen him directly or been in Liscor when he had attacked them with the Raskghar, most of the [Soldiers] knew what Calruz was.

They did not like him. So Olesm had Calruz teach a few classes, made sure Embria and her 4th Company took what lessons they could, and put him with the one group who wouldnt complain.

Antinium.

They were a curious lot. Calruz had to admit, he had never known Antinium well. He had known Pawn and a few others, but he had never interacted with them closely.

Let alone seriously considered how they fought with four arms, much less how to improve them. He learned what The Crimson Soldier already knew within the first day of watching and training them.

Antinium couldnt coordinate all four arms perfectly. At leastit was like someone who picked up a sword and shield trying to use them for the first time, only multiplied.

Everyone thought they would become a swordmaster within a moment of holding a sword. That they could just copy what they saw. They could not, and Calruz saw the same problem with the Antiniums four arms.

They got in the way. They were, in fact, cumbersome, especially if an Antinium tried to chop, block, or reach for something and tangled two arms together. So Calruz improvised.

You will move two arms together! Left side! Right side! Stab with your left! Block with your right! On my mark, stab! Block! Stab! Block!

He had them in lines, performing a basic stab with a dagger and spear in their left hands, and a shield or even two shields in the others. The Antinium moved in sync with one another, learning how to alternate arms.

In theory, they could use all four arms independently, but Calruz was more worried about making them functional in combat. So he strode along their ranks, eying them as they stabbed, blocked, and progressed into a set of attacks. Even if they moved either side of their bodies in tandem, an Antinium could stab high and low at the same time. Terrifying for a regular [Soldier].

However, the Minotaur realized something else and began picking out Soldiers one-by-one. Strange. He hadnt realized this earlier, though it was obvious now he saw them together. The moment he had seen Pawn, it should have been obvious. It threw the idea of the Black Tide into the gutter.

The Antinium were not all equally talented. Somewere gifted.

Crusader 51, [Crusader]

He wasnt sure why the Minotaur made him stand away from the rest of his squad and three thousand practicing Antinium. Had he done something wrong?

If he had, the trembling, mace-carrying Soldier had also done something wrong, as had two of the Worker-archers and a [Crusader] with a shield and sword, like Crusader 51.

By now, Crusader 51 knew the names of Squad 5. Each Soldier in the group was Crusaders 50 to 59.

The one carrying the mace was Crusader 53. Calruz, the Minotaur with one arm, stopped in front of their group and spoke.

All of you are different from your peers. Youdo not have the same awkwardness, or you have some quality I have identified. It may not be customary among the Antinium to do this, but I have selected you for training. Do you understand?

Silence. The [Crusaders] looked at Calruz, and he exhaled slowly.

I will take that as affirmation. YouWorker. What is your n

He hesitated. Calruz had been told not to ask an Antiniums name, but the Worker volunteered it.

I am Archer B12. I am a [Crusader]. [Archer]. Archer B12, Squad 1, Battalion 4.

Like Crusader 51, he knew who he was. Calruz grunted.

You speak as if you are one of at least twelve.

The Worker hesitated, unsure of what to say. He replied slowly.

I am one of ten in my squad. I am one of five hundred in my battalion. I am an [Archer]. I was one of Archer Group B in the Free Hive.

Archer B12 stared at Calruz as he snorted and glared down at him.

That is not what I meant. Youyou are not like the others.

I am Archer B12.

Yes, but you are not like the other [Archers]. I have seen you shooting. There.

Calruz pointed at a target. Every Antinium turned and saw a neat cluster of arrows in the center of a bullseye.

The other Antinium didnt have a spread nearly as good. Archer B12 looked at Calruz as if he had done something wrong.

I will copy the others.

Calruz stopped him as he raised his bow.

No. You are extraordinary. Do not aspire to copying your peers. You stand out. You

He pointed at Crusader 51, and the Soldier felt a jolt run through him. Calruz pointed at the other two Antinium.

You have a coordination about you. You understand posture. You handle your sword like a master. For some reason, you use that mace as if you were born with it in your hand. Though you picked it upwhat, yesterday?

He pointed at Crusaders 51 and 53, who looked at each other in silent shock. They did? Crusader 51 had to admitit was easy, copying the Minotaur. You just held the sword like he showed you.

He didnt know why the other Soldiers held it crookedly. Calruz addressed his trainees.

It is a lesson I am not sure you will understand, but I will repeat it to you. In the House of Minos, warriors are told to understand their strengths. If they are higher-levelled, more skillful, better than other warriors, they should know it and apply their strengths. Obeying orders is a virtue, but there is a time when every warrior must decide how to act. It is not arrogance or bravado, but understanding ones strengths and limitations. You all have a gift. So you will train with me and show your peers how to fight.

Crusader 51 had two weeks of training with Calruz directly. In that time, he learned Calruz was right.

The sword was simple. He held a dagger in his off-hand, a long dagger he could stab with, but he only did simple poking motions to threaten an opponents face. The same with the two shields on his right, both light and overlapping.

He didntunderstand how to use all four arms independently. The arm that moved, swung, and changed with his body was his sword-arm.

And that arm slashed down and flicked up and nearly tapped the Minotaur as he leaned back. Calruz grunted.

You cut well, but your footwork is lacking! There!

He spun, kicked, and Crusader 51 staggered back, despite trying to cut the Minotaurs leg. He was good.

The other Antinium? Less.

The five hatchet blows were all easy to parry. Crusader 51 saw each one, and the shield bash coming at his face, and deflected them all, just as he was supposed to do. Then, since he was allowed to attack, he feinted at the face and let his sword swish lower. The shield rose as if his opponent didnt see it was such an obvious feint.

Crusader 51 poked the tip of his sword gently through another [Crusader]s armor, in a weak spot under their elbow, and the Antinium froze. In the other duel, Crusader 53 sounded like he was making music.

The metallic thud of metal on metal was like drums. Crusader 51 looked over and saw the Antinium with the mace swinging two in both arms while his shields cheerfully blocked the spear jabbing at him. Three shields were not enough, and Crusader 53 brought down his foe with less aplomb, but almost as quickly as Crusader 51.

A gift. Mace and sword. You two are skilledbut do not mistake that for being superior. A warrior harnesses their talent, but it does not define their ability. Even soyou two have a rare gift. More than mine.

For some reason, the Minotaur smiled oddly as he faced them and the rest of his special trainees. Archer B12, Crusaders 51 and 53, and a dozen others were rare talents among the Antinium. It made them feelodd.

Wrong, that they should find this easier than some of their brethren. In fact, one of the Workers assigned to archery was staring at his target. He had initially been given a spear, but he had been unable to coordinate all four arms enough to make Calruz happy. So the Minotaur had given him a bow.

Then a crossbow. Calruz looked over, and Crusader 51 stared at the most pristine target he had ever seen.

Every single bolt had missed. Calruz stared at the trembling Worker.

That is, in its way, extraordinary too. What do I do with?

He scratched at his head, genuinely perplexed. Tersk marched over with a row of pike-wielding Antinium.

Is there a problem, Trainer Calruz?

That Worker, there. Hewould be an unwise [Archer] to position near your back lines. I thought it was a fluke or deliberate, but if it is not? The same with spear and shield. He would die in the first clash.

Tersk looked blankly at Calruz as Crusader 51 listened. He couldnt help but watch the poor Worker. Was he going to die?

Is that a problem, Trainer Calruz?

The Minotaur gave him a sharp look.

Not if you consider the Antinium expendable. Is that the case?

Tersk thought about it. He opened and closed his mandibles, then replied happily.

I do. Therefore, I have little issue with changing the Worker to spear and sh

Calruz slapped Tersk. Crusader 51 saw the hand come up and slap the Prognugator across the face so hard the crack sent Tersk sprawling. Instantly, Dekass whirled.

Attack! Attack!

He drew his sword, and some of the watching [Guards] surged to their feet, reaching for their weapons. But Calruz did not move.

Tersk rose, shortswords drawn, but eyed Calruz as the Minotaur stared down at him. He had two hatchets, two shortswords, and Calruz had one arm. Tersklowered the shortswords.

Why did you hit me, Trainer Calruz? I do not think this was a friendly blow.

The Minotaur snorted.

It was not. You will not say that again, in my presence or on the battlefield.

Tersks mandibles opened and closed.

Is that an order, Trainer Calruz? The Armored Antinium do not listen to orders.

Calruz shook his head. He looked at Tersk, and Crusader 51 saw him glance at the Antinium who had gone still. Calruz raised his voice and addressed them all.

You will not. Not because I say it, but because a leader who speaks in that way deserves no loyalty from those he commands. If you ever wish to levelunderstand why you were wrong. I am not in the House of Minos, but if I heard that from any superior officer, be it [General] or anyone else, I would strike them or resign from my post. If you do not respect those who will fight and die for your words, you do not deserve to speak them.

Tersks antennae were not visible under his helmet, but the Antinium backed up a step and stared at Calruz.

I willtake that under advisement. What about that Worker, then?

The Prognugator pointed at the trembling Worker, and Calruz frowned mightily.

He should not be fighting. Sometimes there are those who cannot, by birthor sheertalent

He hesitated.

It is not their fault. Can that Worker not return to the Hive?

Tersk shook his head instantly.

He is aspecial class. We have already allotted him to the war effort. What then?

Calruz scratched at his head. He looked around and then had it. He snapped his fingers, and a little rat poked her head around his horns to see what he was pointing at. So did all the Antinium.

That was how, as Crusader 51 pitched camp on the fourth night, after climbing the hills, the Antinium making camp around himwhich was really just them sitting down and leaning against their packs since they had no need for bedrolls or the likewere marked by a single flag.

An Antinium Worker holding the flag aloft nervously held it with all four arms. He had a simple job.

Do not drop the flag. It was one of Liscors, the only one attached to their division. The Worker, incidentally, was a Painted Worker who had volunteered for the army, but had been woefully unable to hit a target. His name was Artur, one of the ones taken from famous chess players. Crusader 51 was, by now, a Level 4 [Crusader]. The Soldier went to sleep since no one had orders and heard a voice.

[Swordsman Level 8!]

[Skill Feint Slash obtained!]

[Crusader Level 5!]

[Skill Lesser Endurance obtained!]

He started and awoke. Across from him, Crusader 53, who was holding the mace in his lap, raised it, but Crusader 51 waved a hand to show him all was well. He sat back, amazed.

He never leveled before this. But now he was. So strange.

In the distance, the Worker holding the flag aloft sat there, with it drifting in the nights breeze. Someone marched by, inspecting his soldiers, and paused as he came to the hapless Worker.

You are aware that you may remove the flag when not marching?

Prognugator Dekass stared down at Artur. The Worker stared up at him and kept holding the flag as straight as an arrow. Dekass stared at the flag. He stared at the Worker.

Very good. Hold that flag.

He marched off. The Worker lowered his head. After a while, he fell asleep, still holding the flag.

[Flag Bearer Level 7!]

[Skill Repair Fabric (Minor) Obtained!]

The Worker was just a bit pleased by that. He was a poor [Crusader]. So he did not level up as one. But the Minotaur, Calruz, had told him that a flag was important.

It meant something.

She had held the flag. A white one. This one was different and had a different sign, but it meant home, or so the blue Drake told him. Belgrade had told Artur that the flag was important too. So the Worker held the flag because that was what he could do. He held it as he marched. He held it as he ate.

He did not hold it when he excreted, but he made someone else hold it and washed his hands because that was what Miss Erin had told them to do.

He missed Miss Erin.

For her, he held the flag when battle was joined. When arrows fell, when swords clashed on metalthe flag flew overhead. That alone was what Artur could do.

Olesm, [Strategist]

The first fighting occurred eleven days in, and it was brief. By then, Olesm had already gained an unwelcome notification.

[Leader Level 6!]

Oh no. Ancestors damn it. Its [Strategist]! Get it right!

He emerged from his tent shaking his fist at the sky. But the class remained. Worse, Olesm couldnt find it in his heart to deny itnot that it was fitting.

Was he being a [Strategist] or a [Leader]? Well, it seemed to him like the answer was obvious. Olesm had drawn up the supply lists himself. He had plotted their course, checked for traps, briefed officers, done everything a [Strategist] might.

But he also settled disputes, or rather, found solutions to problems. Or just told people when to shut up. And one of the biggest problems he had?

Squad Leader Holls, you are relieved of duty in Belgrades division.

The angry Drake and small cluster of protesting officers relaxed slightly. Olesm looked up as he pulled a roster out.

Thank you for understanding, Commander. To whom am I reporting now?

That would beI will place you under Squad Leader Joit.

Holls face went slack for a moment.

Joit? But Im a Squad Leader. Sir?

Olesm looked up. His stare wasnt hostile; he had learned hostile meant they thought they had something on him. His was cold. Flat. Maviola had told him to do that.

Which was ironic, given that Maviola and cold or collected were oxymorons when put together, but the [Lady] of the House of El had taught Olesm that there was a time for fire and a time for authority, and while the two could mix

Not now.

You are relieved of command, Squad Leader Holls. If you cannot obey a superior officer and insist on protesting to the commander of your army, you will get your wish.

The Drake went pale. He began to protest, and in Olesms experience, getting to protest was also something he didnt have to deal with. Maviola had saidoh, what had she said?

When I lay down orders for the House of El, do the [Lords] and [Ladies] protest? Surely they do! They always do, because they are [Lords] and [Ladies] and I am not better, simply the matriarch. What they learn is that they may protest anywhere but to my face, for I amwasthe law of El. I do not have to listen to them. So I do not.

You are dismissed, Holls.

Wait for it. Please argue, please argue

Holls did. He began to splutter, and Olesm cleared his throat. A pair of [Soldiers] from 4th Company appeared, and the Drake found himself unkindly picked up. Then tossed.

Olesm looked up at the rest of the officers who had come to support, but not join, Holls.

If you would like to resign your commission, please let me know now or privately if you wish. This is an army, not a nursery. I expect you to obey orders. Dismissed.

They left fast, and Olesm sat back, glaring at nothing. Belgrade hadnt even done anything wrong, but some people had a problem with him.

More than I thought. Did Erin not show them? No, the issue wasnt that the Antinium were fighting. Even 4th Company seemed to be grudgingly at peace with the Antinium fighting alongside them in this war. Every hand needed and all that, and Antinium had four.

The problem was that Belgrade was in charge of them.

Olesm happened to know how good Belgrade wasnot from chess alone, but simply from seeing him direct Antinium during Liscors all-too-frequent battles. He had heard from Pawn, Garry, and Bird how Belgrade had cut down the Free Antiniums casualty rate by an unbelievable number.

Did that mean he was ready for pitched battles with soldiers outside of his species? Olesm hated the niggling thought in his head, but the officers doubts put it there.

During the practice simulations, Belgrade moved each piece of his command adeptly. He had his own command Skills, so even with all the shouting, individual groups could maneuver. The question was

Howd an Ant get so good at strategy?

Division Leader Bepol couldnt hide his clear unease, watching Belgrade outflank Ramia. The former [Guardswoman] knew small-unit tactics, and her face said how flabbergasted she was as two lines of [Soldiers] neatly folded up her advance from both sides.

Olesm was impressed. He turned to Embria. The Wing Commander was scowling as she watched Belgrades [Soldiers] beat on their opponents.

Only a handful of troops were taking part in these exercises because of the clear danger of a Hectval attack, but Olesm had authorized it to prove Belgrade was good enough. Besides, they had time; they were approaching the first network of ridgelines.

If Olesm gazed across the hills in the shadow of the High Passes, he could see a pass in the plateau they had entered. Not up, but more like through a network of twined tunnels, like fingers on some overly-digited hand.

No way to go around, not without going down a lot of cliff faces and up more. However, the passes were wide enough for a huge column of [Soldiers] to pass through.

If they collapsed the passes, that would be a huge danger and problem, but Scout Leader Maksie had done several passes and hadnt seen any magical traps or hiding figures up there. If there were lurking forces, they were in underhangs or within the ridgeline she couldnt spot.

Olesm bet there were. He half-hoped Hectval would attack during the simulations, so they could bring all their forces to bear. 4th Company was slyly positioned on the outside, just waiting to greet any surprise attack.

None came. Olesm watched as Belgrade trounced Ramia and Bepol. The Pallassian-trained officer was better, but he ended up being flanked as well.

How is he doing that?

Ramia growled, dismayed. Embria broke in with a sour note in her voice.

Harassing fire. My guess is its [Harassing Fire: Arrows of Slow]. Hes one-Skilling you both.

It was lucky Bepol was still conceding defeat to Belgrade, because that might have started another fight. Olesm winced.

Ramia eyed him and Embria.

I take it thats a term Im unfamiliar with?

Manus expression. It means he can hold down his opponent with one Skill. [Strategists] or [Generals] will do it in battle topreserve Skills for the real opponent later on. Its not necessarily an insult.

Olesm saw Ramia bristle a bit, but Embria was looking pointedly at him and watching the Antiniumwho was good. Olesm murmured as he scratched at his helmet.

Ive heard of General Shivertail one-Skilling [Strategists] like that. The same with Chaldion. [Steelscale Advance], you know? How does a Level 20 [Tactician] beat that? Belgrades using it to buy time to get his formations around you.

Like chess pieces. There was something oddly static about the way Belgrade fought that Olesm thought was a weakness, but on the other handhe issued orders so fast that it seemed like he wouldnt ever flounder with a hundred things to watch.

Ramia ruefully shook her head.

He should be commanding a larger share of the forces. No onell argue after today, I think, yes?

Olesm nodded. If there were dissenters, well. They could grumble about the defeat, but then they had to call Bepol or Ramias talents into question. Which was another problem

And that was why Olesm was leveling as a [Leader]. His first Skill?

As Bepol stomped back, Olesm gestured to him.

Fine work, Bepol. Belgrades wrapped me up in chess games quite a lot. Id give him a shot, but I think that proves hes on-par with you two. Lets move out. Well crack open a bottle from Liscor. Officers tents; Wing Commander, youre on night duty. But Ill, uh, send you a goats milk?

Laughter. Embria rolled her eyes.

Either spike it with Firebreath or Ill go thirsty, Commander.

However, there was no rancor in her tone, and she gave him an approving look. Just a flashand Bepol relaxed almost magically.

OrSkillfully.

[Soothe Ego]. Olesm didnt have to touch him, but it was still a deft touch. The Drake sighed and Belgrade came over. At least he was levelling.

The rest of the day was spent marching towards the ridgeline. That first scouting party proved there were Hectval-Drisshia-Luldem [Soldiers] about, so everyone had their guard up. Contact came at dawn as the [Soldiers] were moving into the pass, and it was there that Olesm got to see the Antiniums strength in battle again.

Crusader 51, [Crusader]

The lowly insects looked up one day and beheld the sky. It was the first time they had looked up since leaving their home.

The first notion they had was that the world was vast beyond the cramped darkness. They gazed upwards and beheld

Giants. The ants quavered. They froze. Look up! Look up and see a face like theirs, hovering in the sky!

___s! For even the ants couldnt articulate it. Giant effigies in their image! Titans walked among the heavens! It was a sign! It was

The [Crusaders] of Squad 5 were squatting around, staring down in awe at the busy anthill. They were so still that only their twitching antennae gave them away as being alive.

What was this? Ants?

Yes, big, black ants, the kind that most other species would stay away from because they were big. Longer than a Humans toe, if not all Drake claws. Step in that anthill and theyd be all over you.

However, the Antinium were fascinated. So these were ants. How strange.

Obviously, they occasionally found actual ants when tunneling around in the dirt of Liscor, but they were instantly destroyed or harvested by Workers. This was justan anthill.

Crusader 51 stared at a little ant scrambling around near his foot. It bit his armor, decided he was actually inedible, and scurried away. Unlike other people or objects, the little ants seemed to know the Antinium [Crusaders] were real, and they were wavering between terror, awe, and a desire to defend their colony.

Now, how did he know that? Oddly, Crusader 51 thought he understood something about the little ant he was staring at. It had one mangled leg, still navigating the terrain nimbly. And itwas a she.

Female. Were all these little Worker ants female?

So odd. Crusader 51 had always vaguely assumed he was he, mainly because something told him that. He was based off of someone who had been male; ergo, he was.

However, it seemed like actual ant colonies had a lot of female ants. Crusader 51 debated what to do.

Destroy the Hive? They were by way of spoilage to foodstuffs, and one of the things a Soldier or Worker might do. Howevernone of the Antinium in Squad 5 moved.

Crusader 53, with his mace, kept raising it overhead to smash the opening and hesitating as the other Soldiers looked at him. He was clearly thinking the same thing.

They had to remove pests. Shield Spiders? Theyd be paste in a second. Crelers? Sound the alarm!

But this wasnt the Hive. Crusader 51 kept staring at the anthill. Sowhat did they do?

It never occurred to him that nothing was an option. The Crusaders squatted around the anthill during breakfast for over an hour, until Tersk spoke.

Squads, assemble. March! Battalion 3, to the front!

The [Crusaders] shot to their feet and strode away. Yet the petrified little ants realized not one had been stepped on or squished. The Titanomachy was over. Were they saved or spared?

They might never know. Crusader 51 marched smoothly into his squads position in Battalion 1. His squad of ten was boxed into a battalion of five hundred in an odd pattern, at least to Crusader 51.

The Antinium Soldiers were used to moving in a tightly-packed wave of bodies that surrounded foes and dragged them down. However, under Tersk and Dekass, the Antinium moved and fought in the Armored Antiniums style.

In ranks. Spaced out to give each warrior room to swing a weapon, with a second rank buried behind the first.

In that way, Squads 1-5 might face the foe while Squads 6-10, armed with longer weapons like pikes or halberds, would thrust and stab through the gap or move in.

It was neat, orderlyand odd to Crusader 51. However, as part of Battalion 1, he was ready to fight. Which was why he was entirely confused when Batallion 3 marched ahead of the others into the first ridgeline pass as Liscors army cautiously advanced.

Why Battalion 3? Crusader 51 didnt feel unhappy. Just confused. The battalion in front might get hurt. Die. It wasnt that he pitied them either; he just didnt understand the logic.

Some battalions in the Antinium division were armed with bows, or different assortments of weapons, but Battalion 1 and 3 were functionally similar. The main differencewas that Battalion 3 had crossbows instead of bows on their backs.

Crusader 51 had been issued with a Soldier-bow, which meant it was designed so even he could put an arrow on the string with his clumsy digits. The crossbows of Battalion 3 were in even shorter supply; they had oversized triggers so a Soldier could pull them. They were so cumbersome to reload you got one shot unless you had a break from the fighting.

One shot, as Dekass would happily point out, was more than zero. Math.

It was he who led Battalion 3 into battle. From the rear, but still ahead of the others. Crusader 51 had mixed feelings on that, too.

If Tersk and Dekass were new, they were still Prognugators and to be obeyed. Yet if Tersk, for all Calruz had struck him, was more like Pawn, then Dekass was the Ksmvr or Klbkch. Why, exactly, Crusader 51 couldnt say. It was hisreputation?

These things spread through the Antinium without much verbal exchange. In Crusader 51s mind, it simply was that Tersk was probably better to lead than Dekass. Dekass ate too much food. Dekass was greedy. Dekass was less intelligent. And Dekass was still better than Pivr, who Crusader 51 had never met and didnt want to.

The Antinium advance ran into an attack in the first hour of marching. The [Crusaders] came to a stop as Dekass spotted movement down the pass. Then a line of Drakes and Gnolls advanced, and the first [Fireball] spell exploded among their ranks.

Contact! Battalion 3 was engaged!

Tersk to Commander Olesm. One [Mage] capable of [Fireball]. Dekass is holding ground. Battalions 1 and 2, advance! Cover Battalion 3s flank! That position! [Precise Orders]!

Tersk was booming, and Crusader 51 marched forwardsnot to join Battalion 3, which was fighting the Drakes and Gnolls, but to their left flank.

They had been attacked in a V-shaped intersection, and while fighting had engulfed the right, Tersk clearly thought another attack was coming on their left. Crusader 51 had his sword drawn, his long thrusting dagger, and two shields on his right raised.

You do not have the room to maneuver. Do not disrupt the fighting line if possible! Make economical strikes! Defense is paramount to offense; the enemy will tire and give you a weakness!

Calruzs words bellowed in his mind. Crusader 51 was ready. Stab through the gap, raise the shield to cover his face like so, angled such that only an arrow from dead ahead would even find the narrow gap between helmet and shield cover.

He waited.

However, Belgrades tone was toopersonable. He was cheerful, but there was a kind of edge to it that would have made Embria eye someone who said it at a bar. Or under her command.

We were there at the beginning. We should have died before she did. Failing thatwe will take revenge. Even if she comes back, someone will suffer.

Why Erin Solstice?

Belgrade gave Embria a look like she was a [Recruit] and he was a [Veteran Lineholder] being asked why he held his spear like that.

Because she fed us. Because she played chess with us. Because these things have never happened to us. You do not like Hectvals food? You find it disgusting?

Ier, yes. Revolting.

Belgrade nodded peaceably.

It is the finest food I would have ever tasted had I not known Erin.

Do you mean you eat that paste every day?

Embria was revolted by it. Belgrade looked her dead in the eyes.

Of course.

But you dont like it.

The Drake tried again. Belgrade gave her another one of those looks.

Why would we enjoy it? Do you wish to have some?

She raised her claws defensively.

No, absolutely not!

The [Strategist] nodded.

Then why would we want to eat it?

Erbecause youre Antinium. I just thought

Well, that was it. Belgrade raised his mandibles, and Embria wondered if that meant he was angry.

You are very funny, Wing Commander Embria. Do you think Antinium arehappy? That we are, on average, happy? Or that we do not feel?

If I had to guess? I wouldnt assume you were feeling much. Or that youre happy in your Hive.

A strange fluttering sound emerged from Belgrades mouth, like some vast moth making a weird noise. Embria jumped and put a hand on her sword, but Belgrade just shook his head.

So funny. You are wrong, Wing Commander. Even about us not feeling anything. I did not know I was sad until I learned what happy was. Have a good night. If you find any bed bugs, give them to me, please.

He turned and walked off, leaving Embria alone with mixed feelings in the night.

The Hectval army came at them an hour later. There was plenty of warning. Horns had Embria out of her tent and swearing. She had her armor on in a trice and saw Vell stumbling towards her, yanking a boot on as she cursed out Hectval.

Those idiots want a night attack? Do they think the Antinium dont see in the dark?

Do they?

I bet they do! Im wiping my tail with a hundred of those [Soldiers]! 2nd Squad, with me!

Angry 4th Company [Soldiers] formed up. They werent nervousjust pissed they had to fight sleepy. Even the regular Liscorian [Soldiers] looked more grumpy than nervous.

Morale was high, and Embria saw Olesm forming up a broad defensive line. Like always, the Antinium were on the left, and Embria saw Belgrade on the right while Bepol and Ramia, under Olesm, took center.

4th Company! Were maneuvering! Maksie, you see why Hectvals in the air?

The [Scout Leader]s voice took a moment as Embria called into her speaking stone. Embria was marching her five hundred briskly, ready to hit targets of opportunity. Wikir had command of the other half of her forces and began to split off so they could hit more areas.

II see a new group in the middle. Not big. I cant tell anything from this high up. Imhold on. I feel like Im being watched. Is there something up here with me?

The uncertain note in Maksies voice made Embria hesitate. Olesm tuned in instantly too.

Oldbloods? Watch for enemy [Scouts].

Yes, sir. Its not that. I feelno, I cant see anything and cloud cover is nonexistent. Theres something off about this, though. Wing Commander, you feel that?

Embria did. Whether it was Maksie provoking it or intuitionsomething like [Dangersense] stole over her. And in factVell grunted.

Wing Commander. My [Dangersense] just pinged me. Hard.

Embria twisted in her saddle. She looked at Vell, then called out to Olesm.

Commander, were gettingwarning signs. Be advised, Im expecting an ambush or something new.

Understood, Wing Commander. Were braced. It looks like Hectval has called in reinforcements.

It did indeed. Embria scanned the forces in the darkness for that odd group Maksie had spotted, but all she saw were [Light] spells, torches, and a lot of [Soldiers].

Major push. Itll be tight fighting.

Im putting in a request to Liscor for our door and emergency forces. Just in case.

Olesms voice was tight. Did he sense it? Embria sat up in her saddle, though she was watching for arrows. They were out of range as of yet, but

What was that uneasy feeling? She shifted her grip on her enchanted spear. Something was out there.

Charge! For Hectval!

Luldems walls

In Drisshias

They didnt even shout the same thing. Embria saw dull glints of metal as figures raced downhill, their armored tails skating across the ground. Looser formations, trying to keep pace. Scared faces behind the helmets.

Boys and girls. Gnolls in the front. They slammed into Liscors shields, and then she saw a line of figures, flailing, struggling to heave each other forwards, shouting

Blood in the darkness. But once more, the attackers lost.

It was on the left side where their charge was forced back a step almost before it had come. The spectral arrows that landed among their ranks; the right side where screaming figures were tripping up their comrades, shouting about traps. Bear traps?

Wing Commander Embria wasnt searching for a point to tear the charge to shreds, though. She was looking up at the hill.

The entire damn armys coming down.

Theyre going in for a full attack. Commander, you seeing this?

They cant even bring that to bear! Theyll be massed up!

Bepol shouted in confusion. Olesm replied tersely.

I see it. [Mages] will begin throwing [Fireballs]. Watch out.

The army was clustering up, beginning to try to spread left and right around Liscors entrenched lines, but they were all heading down, save for their archers and mages. Embrias eyes narrowed.

These are Antinium tactics. It was ludicrous, too. Their front ranks could fight Liscors forces, but everyone else would be bunched up, not fighting, and at risk of one [Fireball] exacting devastating losses.

Where is that group Maksie mentioned?

Wikir! Take your side past the attackers and chop up their rear lines! Wipe out everything, including their command.

Aye, Wing Commander.

He peeled off. In another battle, Embria would have elected to follow him and do as much damage, possibly even take out their commander.

However, she was growing more worried by the second. Where was it? It was out there. She had an instinct.

Relc, the Gecko of Liscor, had never talked about being a [Soldier] to his daughter when they went back to Liscor. Only as a girl while they traveled with the army did he tell her stories. One of the things that had kept her up at night was his comment about headhunters beside himself. Ambush teams.

Its like a feeling on your scales. Theyre out there. They could be an innocent [Archer] or a green-as-grass Drake kid. Then they turn, and you see that youre dead. Theyre waiting for you. So you have to wait for them, even when youre fighting.

Embria had felt that a few times in battle. She waited, riding back and forth, as 4th Company watched her uncertainly.

Wing Commander. We going in or?

Lieutenant Kesa began, but Captain Vell snapped at her.

Shut up. Theres something in the air.

She felt it too. Embria saw the [Soldiers] fighting the Antinium moving backwards. Once more, the massed voices of the [Crusaders] hummed in the air. Embria heard it.

the sky. The

Wrath and righteous fury. It made her scales tingle uncomfortably.

Hectval was pressed up against Liscors army, and Liscor was refusing to flinch. The alliances forces looked like they were going to break. Embria, watching the [Crusaders] fight, saw a strange group emerging from the retreating [Soldiers], disobeying their officers orders to keep fighting.

A panicked Drake was stumbling backwards when another [Soldier] knocked them aside. This Gnoll was bent over, hunched, and knocked another [Soldier] out of the way with his free arm.

He didnt break stride. He was moving through Hectvals ranks with a number of other [Soldiers], all of whom had a certain glitter about their armor that made Embria focus on them with alarm.

Wing Commander! The left flank!

I see it, Maksie. 4th, on me!

Embria began to ride towards that spot. Olesm was speaking into her earpiece.

What have you seen? Scout Leader?

How could either one describe it? It was something about the way those [Soldiers] moved. Too confidently. People were dying around them, and they were just alert, not panicking. They didnt break formation, even with other [Soldiers] shoving them.

They had enchanted gear. Then, Embria saw their leader.

She picked him out like any other officer could have picked her out. He wasnt at the front of the formation, but he led them. A Gnoll in black armor, stalking along with a spear held low.

Thats a [Spearmaster].

The [Spear Hunter] realized it in a flash. He had nearly reached the Antiniums front lines. About three ranks separated his group of strange [Soldiers] from theirs, and the Antinium were calmly fighting. They had no idea

Tersk! Dekass! Elites incoming! [Spearmaster]!

Embria shouted into her speaking stone. She saw the Antinium lines changing, maneuvering to bring their veterans to bear, angling their bows and crossbows down.

Too late. The [Spearmaster] saw the movement. He raised his paw and shouted something. Around him, the [Soldiers] charged. They knocked down the alliances forces in front of them. The Antinium in the front ranks looked up and saw the new threat coming.

The Gnoll shot past the others. Embria saw his spear raised, aiming at the first rank of [Crusaders] who pivoted, steel armor and shields gleaming.

Wrath. Perish.

Embria rode at the Gnoll, 4th Company accelerating.

Skills! Now!

Vell, Pielt, and Embria all began using their Skills to make the [Soldiers] following them as strong as could be. They were going to miss the first attack, but Embria was galloping now, racing ahead of the others.

[Daring Charge]! [Piercing Arms]!

[First Strikes]! [Formation: Accelerate]!

[Blades of Glory]!

The Gnoll reached the Antinium lines. Embria saw him jump.Jump? Why

She saw his spear twist in the air. The glittering red tip of metal and dark shaft of ashwood twisted in the air. Curving impossibly, the spears tip striking down.

For a second, Embria saw something like a giant beasts fang slice through the air. Leftright. So fast she nearly missed it.

Like a flash of lightning, it went through the Antinium in front of the Gnoll. One rank, two

An Antinium Worker in the third rank lowered the bow he was carrying. He stared ahead, confused, at the collapsing Antinium in front of him and then at his third arm. He only saw green blood leaking from his torn armor. Where had his arm gone?

The Gnoll landed. Embrias blood chilled. She pointed at him.

Kill that

The [Spearmaster] raised his spear as the Antinium turned incredulously towards him. The wavering lines of Hectval-Drisshia-Luldems alliance clashing against Liscor looked up as something dark filled the night sky. Drenching torches and the light spells. Embria looked up as the Gnoll raised his spear overhead. She felt a dread creeping up inside of her.

[Fear].

Then everything went dark.

Lulv, [Spearmaster]

The Antinium looked like they always had.

Armored Antinium. He had fought them in the Second Antinium Wars, and after that in quiet skirmishes.

These ones were different. Not in arms. Lulv heard a voice.

Suffer. Perish.

Some kind of intimidation Skill? The Gnoll didnt stop his advance, though it made his fur stand on end. A voice was still just a voice. He had seen far more terrifying things.

So these are Free Antinium. He caught a glimpse of their front rank. This was the battalion that had done so much damage to Hectvals alliance? He could see why.

Heavy armor. Tight formation.

No gaps to exploit. The [Spearmaster] hadnt expected any.

Sokkel was waiting for his signal. Lulv chose a spot. Someone had seen Manus advance. He felt a prickling in his mind. Threat incoming.

However, Manus forces needed a hole. So the [Spearmaster] leapt. His legs crouched on the rocky ground and then the Gnoll flew.

He saw the Antinium in the front rank raising their heads to stare at him. An armored Antinium calling orders.

Antinium on the right flank. Belgrade the [Strategist]?

[Covert Target Mark]. Both glowed in the split-second Lulv saw them. Then he used his Skill.

[Spear Art: Fangs of the Dire Wolf]!

His enchanted spear struck twice, twin flashes through the Antiniums lines. Lulv landed and saw bodies collapsing. The Antinium recoiled, looking right and left.

Dead? Just like?

The spear had gone through armor and bodies without stopping. Unenchanted steel couldnt stop Lulvs spear. Nor low-level [Soldiers].

Charge!

An officer of Manus roared. [Soldiers] streamed around Lulv, and he raised his spear overhead in one paw.

The signal. The flash of surprise in the Antiniums ranks wouldnt last. The enemy commander had eyes on him.

So Sokkel closed the eyes. The sky began to turn dark. The clouds gathered at an impossible speedbut not regular grey ones, or even dark thunderclouds. Pitch black mist streamed down from the heavens, engulfing both armies. Liscor and the Hectval alliance were thrown into darkness, but one side had been expecting it.

[Storm of Clouded Darkness]. Now was the time. Lulv shouted as his spear rose.

[Intimidation: Spear of a Thousand Graves]!

And fear ran through Liscors army. Lulv pointed his spear straight ahead.

Forwards!

Manus veterans ran past him, towards the Antinium whod held their ground. Lulv saw a Soldier swinging a sword and hatchet with decent coordination at one of Manus [Soldiers]. The Gnoll swept his own sword up and took one of the Antiniums arms off. The Soldier staggered, brought up a shield, and the Gnoll whirled. The slash took off the Antiniums head, armor or not.

Split their lines.

[Lance Formation]! [Steelsundering Blades]! Go, go!

One of the officers roared, and Hectvals forces created a wedge along Liscors lines, through the Antinium gap. Surprised Drakes and Gnolls found themselves flanked.

Not his job to win this battle. However, it kept Liscors army off them. Sokkel had advised Hectval-Drisshia-Luldems command to split Liscors army in a charge. He had promised the Antinium wouldnt stymie them.

Of all the groups fighting in the darkness, the Antinium were the most cohesive. They pivoted and foughtbut they had no idea what they were fighting. They had never met high-level enemies.

Lulv ran forwards, his job done, as he heard screams of panic, chaos in Liscors ranks. He saw an Antinium Worker with three arms raising a shield to block him. He stabbed through the shield and the Antinium with the adamantium-tipped spear, drew it out, and turned.

[Hurricane Stabs]. [Ten-foot Reach]. His spear shot out, six, twelve, fourteen times, ramming through Antinium, creating another gap that Manus [Soldiers] streamed into. Enchanted blades cut through armor. They didnt panic under the darkness cloud; they could see each other, so each soldier followed the other forwards, listening for orders in the chaos. Lulv was looking around.

Wheres that Prognugator?

Spearmaster! Enemy charging!

Lulv whirled and saw a single [Rider] leading a group of infantry straight at Manus forces. He growled.

Liscors 4th! Anti-Liscor tactics! First Assault, turn and repel with me!

Manus had met Liscor in combat. Drakes and Gnolls turned and set themselves as 4th Company rode in. Fast. Hard. Each [Soldier] must have had a dozen Skills boosting them.

One of Manus [Soldiers] raised his axe calmly. He looked at the first [Soldier] of Liscors 4th coming at him and spoke.

[Im As Good As You Are].

He brought down the axe on the shield, knocked the charging [Soldier] flat, and another of Manus soldiers speared the downed warrior in an instant. Lulv murmured.

[Spear Art: Scythe of the Field].

This time his spear was a horizontal crescent sweeping across the [Soldiers]. It would have decapitated the front rankbut then Lulv saw the pinpoint of death and twisted out of the spear art. He flicked his spear up, deflected the thrust at his head, and aimed a killing thrust at the horse.

[Superior Parry]!

His spear bounced as the Drake holding it knocked his thrust astray. She turned, riding her mount left, and Lulv saw another expert with the spear.

No [Spearmaster], though. Liscors army used to have a famous one. Lulv advanced.

[Ricochet Stabs]his spear tip shot towards the ground and then seemed to bounce upwards, aiming at the riders legs and the horses unarmored belly. She cursed, deflecting them, then leapt from her saddle.

Lulv could have killed the horse. He did not. The Drake landed, wise enough to know that the horse was dead weight.

She was not prepared for his charge, a single leap like a [Duelist], that carried him across the two dozen paces to ram his spear through her chest.

Almost. Lulv turned as a sword threatened to cut across his chest. He took a slash against his armor. A Drake [Captain] had saved her Wing Commander.

[Spearmaster]! [Captains], on me!

She was roaring. The Drake Wing Commander hesitated, but then the red-scaled Drake advanced with her [Captain]. Lulv saw more figures coming his way.

They didnt need to fight Liscors 4th. He blocked the slash from the [Captain] with his spear, whirled it, and knocked the [Spear Hunter]s stab away. She tried to cut low; he stomped the tip of her spear into the mud as she swept it towards his legs. The Drake with the sword was waiting, though, and lunged.

Lulvs spear knocked the sword aside, so hard it would have gone flying but for her claw locking it into place with a Skill. The [Captain] stared up incredulously at Lulv as he whirled, parrying a crossbow bolt at close-range. An Antinium Soldier tried to reload as one of Manus officers ran him through with another spear.

The Drake [Captain] looked at Lulv, and her eyes focused on his spear. She gasped.

Oh shit! Man

Lulv ran through her stomach with a grimace. The Drake fell backwards, holding at her guts as the Wing Commander slashed her spear up in a flurry of strikes.

Vell! On me! Fall back! Fall

Someone lunged at Lulv, and he choked up on his spear, slashed across a throat, and fell back as well. Liscors 4th was retreating from Manus blades. Lulv whistled, and the soldiers around him retreated.

On me. Take out those Antinium.

He turned back to his target. The cover of darkness wouldnt lift all night or until it was dispelled. In that timeLulv saw the Antinium retreating, disorganized. He nodded.

[Each Death, Another Breath].

The [Spearmaster] formed a wedge with the soldiers under his command and advanced.

Crusader 51, [Crusader]

The strange soldiers were killing them. Battalion 1, Acid Jars, had been ready to fight. Not eager for a commendation, but ready.

Then Dekass had said elites, the sky had gone dark, and

Theyd begun dying.

The first [Crusader] who died took an arrow through the chest. It went through their armor, and five of the other Crusaders tried applying healing potions, because it wasnt a fatal wound.

But it was poisoned, and the Worker stopped twitching as the Antinium waited for orders.

ReformBattalion 3

Tersk was out there, but his voice was distorted. Battalion 1 waited for their name, but they didnt hear anything. Only shouting, howlsand a kind of eerie lack of noise.

The clash of metal-on-metal was normal to Crusader 51, by now. He didnt hear it. Were they not fighting Drisshias heavies? He looked at Crusader 53, who had raised both his maces, confused, waiting.

The Antinium of Battalion 1 saw nothing through the darkness. Nothing, nothinga hint of movement?

Then the Drakes and Gnolls were on top of them. One swung a sword through one of Squad 4s pikemen without a sound. The blade cut through armor, left a green trailthe [Crusader] died as Crusader 51 jerked. He began to advance and saw a blade coming straight at his face.

Parry! Calruzs roar was an echo of Crusader 51s desperate instincts. He parried the blade and felt his swordtear?

The steel was cut from the contact with the enemy blade, but it missed his face. The Drake cursed; he had a buckler in one hand, and Crusader 51s stab with his shortsword bounced off it.

And Crusader 51s arm went numb. The shortsword dropped from his arm as the enchanted shield rose. His sword jerked back from a slash, and the Drake raised his arm for a thrust. Crusader 51 raised his own shield and realized

It wouldnt stop that enchanted blade.

Inexperience. The Drake thrust his sword forwards, and Crusader 53 brought his mace down on the arm and snapped the bone.

It was an armored arm, with some thin scaled armor, but the descending mace caught the arm on the downswingat the same time as Crusader 53s other mace caught it on the upswing from the bottom.

With nowhere to go, the arm snapped, and the Drake screamed.

Aaah!

He leapt backwards. Crusader 51 ran forwards to stab him through the face, and his blade vanished as a Gnoll parried the blade off the sword. She whirled her own shortswords around.

Injury! Fall back!

Watch out! Those two are better!

The Gnoll woman turned, and two more of the strange soldiers moved to face Crusader 51 and Crusader 53. But by now, the rest of Squad 5 had seen them.

Multiple squads were engaged, and one of Squad 5 turned to thrust a spear forwards. One of the strange soldiers knocked the spear aside, lunged with a spear, and tried to stab Crusader 58 through the chest!

Crusader 51 and Crusader 53 saw it and reacted instinctively. Crusader 58 hadnt realized they were enchanted blades, but the two Antinium knocked the blade down and stabbed forwardsonly to nearly dissect themselves on the other two [Soldiers] blades.

Huh. They are better.

The spear-wielding Drake commented. The strange [Soldiers] pulled back, counted the nine Antinium, and, to Crusader 51s surprise, backed up. They joined another group of their own, cutting into Squad 2.

Did they attack? Squad 5 didnt know. Tersk wasnt here. They had to attack. Did they fire arrows? Crusader 51 stared at his severed sword tip. He had no sword.

Continue fighting! Assist other squads! Do not retreat!

A voice broke through the stifling darkness. Dekass! Crusader 51 had never been more relieved to hear his voice.

Squad 5 instantly advanced. The enemy turned to face them, dividing themselves up, and Crusader 51 swung his shortsword in place of his regular one.

Strikeparried. Shield blockone of the Drakes took a piece out of it. Slash at an arm and a wince, but no blood because the armor was too tough

Then Squad 5 was backing up. Crusader 53 was bleeding. Crusader 58 was dead.

Their weapons. One of the Drakes whirled his sword through an Antiniums arm. He severed Crusader 51s shortsword as their blades met and turned to stab Crusader 53 in the stomach. The Antinium wavered, falling back, and Crusader 51 planted the jagged end of his sword in the Drakes eye.

The soldier dropped, and the others spun. Crusader 51 backed up, grabbing for something, and Squad 5 fell back.

Soldier down.

One of the Drakes announced with a calm bite to his tone. The others checked the fallen Drake, but the sword hilt was buried in his skull.

Crusader 53. Was he alright? Crusader 51 kept his guard upand saw the other [Crusader] pouring his healing potion onto his stomach. The wound closed. He would live.

Do not retreat! I demand reinforcements. Tersk, to me! I must have ranged support! They have enchanted weapons.

Somewhere, Dekass was shouting at the top of his lungs. Squad 5, in the chaos of it all, found themselves holding with Squads 2, 4, and 9what remained of them. The enemy advanced, confidently sundering blades and armor. A Drake used a Skill that made his blade set one of the Antinium on fire.

Another drew an arrow and loosed it through a shield. A third raised his shield, blocking a barrage of strikes from three Soldiers, including Crusader 53! A fourth drew his sword in a glittering arc, and Crusader 51s [Quick Slash] took off his arm.

The Gnoll blinked at his arm, and Crusader 51 ran him through. The other soldiers looked at Crusader 51 and spotted what he was holding.

The enchanted sword. One of them cursed, and Squad 5 backed up, leaving their dead behindand another one of theirs.

Three casualties. Back it up.

One of the officers spoke quietly. The enemy glared at Squad 5, but they didnt advance. Squad 5 let Squad 2 go for their bows, and the soldiersretreated.

Crusader 51 hesitated, but Dekass had said to hold their ground. And besidesbut for Crusader 53 saving him and the enchanted sword, they wouldnt have had a chance.

Squad 5 looked at one another. One of them, Crusader 52, broke from 53 and 51 to see if any of the others were alive. Crusader 51 and 53 decided to help turn over the still bodies.

Crusader 51s hands were green with blood. He stared at them and then the sword hed picked up. Magic. He had never seen a magic sword. Did he put it back? It wasnt his.

No. I need it.

The [Crusader] realized it was the only thing that could help him kill the enemy. How many were there? Where was the rest of Battalion 1?

Something whispered over his head, and Crusaders 51, 52, and 53 flinched. They looked upand then around. Crusader 51 froze.

Where was Squad 5? Where was Squad 2, 9? He saw a few figures staggeringand then the Gnoll appeared.

He had a spear. Just a spear, but the tip glittered. He thrust once, such a simple move that looked so easy.

It was beautiful. Concise, economical.

He killed one of the [Crusaders] with it, turned, stabbed another, and looked around.

Every other Antinium was dead. Something had cut through them at chest-height. The spear?

Crusaders 51, 52, and 53 rose as the [Spearmaster] spotted them. He said nothing, but the Gnoll raised his spear. Crusader 51 lunged, sword slashing low, as Crusader 52 fumbled to stab with his spear, and Crusader 53 darted left, maces swinging hard.

The [Spearmaster] parried Crusader 51s sword, ran the Antinium through the belly, tore it left, took one of Crusader 53s arms on his right, then the other, and beheaded Crusader 52. He looked at Crusader 51 as the Antinium fell, and turned to the staggering Crusader 53. He frowned, raised his head, and blurred away as a hail of arrows struck Crusader 53s back and armor and the ground around him.

Volley! Volley on my target! Advance!

Dekass led more squads forwards as Crusader 53 sat down, staring at his arm. The [Spearmaster] blocked more arrows, leapt forwards, stabbed three Antinium in a moment, and then went for Dekass.

Crusader 51 didnt see what happened next. He was curled up in pain. It hurt. It really hurt. He wanted his potion. Where was his potion?

It was broken. The shards broke against his hand. Crusader 51 didnt know what to do. It was going dark. He

He didnt want to die. He lay there, and the world grew fuzzy

Something wet poured over his stomach. Someone yanked his hands away, and it hurt, so Crusader 51 fought to put them backbut then the pain went away!

The Soldier uncurled as he felt the hole in his stomach closing. He felt the world focus and realized someone was kneeling over him.

Crusader 53. Hed found Crusader 52s potion and was pouring it onto Crusader 51. The two Soldiers looked around. Squad 5 was gone.

Crusader 53 fell over onto his back. Crusader 51 saw his two severed arms bleeding weakly and scrambled to his feet. He ran over to the bodies, searching for a potion, and ran back to him. He knelt over Crusader 53, who didnt rise, even when his wounds closed. But his antennae twitched when Crusader 51 tore off his helmet.

He was alive. Crusader 51 knelt by him, the enchanted sword raised, terrified the Gnoll would come back. Antinium ran around him. Drakes and Gnolls shouted, ran past himsome looked like enemies, but neither paid attention to the two still Antinium.

Crusader 51 knelt for a long time, holding Crusader 53. By the time his friend woke up, the cloud of darkness was thinning, and light was rising.

They had survived. But neither [Crusader] felt anything like warmth or happiness, though every squad who survived was commended that day.

Squad 5 was gone. Crusader 51

Who was he now? He looked around at the dead Soldiers and wondered how this was fair.

[Crusader Level 13!]

[Skill Blinding Flash (Sword) obtained!]

[Skill Faith is My Strength obtained!]

Crusader 51 clenched and unclenched his hands.

He felt as weak as a bug.

Belgrade, [Strategist]

The instant the darkness descended, Belgrade knew they were in grave danger.

His first hint was the speaking stones.

Commander Olesm. Please come in. What are your directives?

He heard nothing. Belgrade tried again.

Commander Olesm?

Nothing.

Then the [Fear] effect struck. Belgrade felt a terrible terror seize him. Something was coming to kill him! He was going to die!

The Antinium waveredbut wait. He had felt like that many times.

The Antinium resisted the fear. The same could not be said for his forces.

Run! Run! Theyre everywhere!

Theyve broken through our ranks! Fall back!

Hold! Hold your ground!

Some of the officers tried to stop the panic, but Belgrade raised his voice.

No. Retreat. Fall back!

He had seen Hectval piercing Liscors lines. The enemy might be flanking them. The [Soldiers] began retreating as Belgrade tried to raise Olesm. They had a backup system if the [Messages] and speaking stones went down.

Get me our runners. I need to speak to Olesm.

The problem wasthey had never needed to use it. And either the designated messengers were dead or theyd fled.

All Belgrade could do was fall back and try to rally his forces. So the Antinium retreated and felt it was

Familiar.

Kerone, [Squad Leader]

The officers were on the verge of running. Squad Leader Kerone was no hero; he didnt even have a true military class, just [Squad Leader] rather than [Captain] or [Sergeant] because this wasnt Liscors army. If he held and told the others to do the same and listen to the Antinium, it was because he knew they had no chance if they scattered.

However, their leader wasnt Commander Olesmit was Belgrade.

Kerone hadnt been one of the officers whod vocally objected to an Antinium leading them, but he had held his doubts. Now? He heard a babble of arguments as the Antinium surveyed the fighting in the darkness.

Where were they? They could barely read mapsand this was surely not the time to try! Hectval was everywhere, and they were fighting aroundwhat? Caves? One of the hilltops?

Belgrade seemed to know. He was trying to give orders.

Squad Leader Messk, move your forces to hold that position, there. I require a runner to the embattled squadsthere.

He pointed at fighting and shouting down the hill.

They must retreat to this location.

You want to send us into that?

Yes. I must.

A panicking Drake shook her head rapidly.

No! No! I wont let you send me to my death like some Antinium! Were people, not

Belgrade clicked his mandibles together.

We must fight or die. You will not be safer hiding here. Order. I must have more Skills to tell them from afar. These are not Antinium.

No, were not!

The [Strategist] turned to the officers. He twitched visibly.

That is not an insult. If you were Antinium, I could save your lives. Our forces cannot hear me. If we lose our cohesion, we will be routed.

That brought some sense back into everyone, Kerone included. He stepped forwards.

Messk, you heard the commander. Get down there! I can divide my squad up into runners.

Messk hesitated, but then she obeyed. It was that oror what? Belgrade at least had a plan.

Kerone had to admitit was cowardly, because dividing up his squad meant he would stay here, coordinating them. Belgrade glanced at the Drake.

Good. You are Kerone.

Yes, sir. Theyre pushing.

Yes. But Hectval is equally uncoordinated.

Are you sure?

The Drake could see virtually nothing in the darkness, but either Belgrade had Skills or simply vision he didntor he understood more in the flurry of shapes below. The Antinium pointed.

I see multiple squads engaging each other, not battalions. Hectval has scattered its troops as much as we. This was an intelligent planpoorly executed. We must draw together.

Absolutely, sir.

Strength in numbers. Belgrade wasnt saying anything Kerone disagreed with. The [Strategist] pointed down.

Get me those squads. We will reform a defensive line around the hill. Deploy traps and wait for Olesm to contact us or find a point from which to strike.

He was a defensive, organized leader. Kerone sent his [Soldiers] down into that darkness to pull back the squads.

And they never came back.

Some tried. He saw groups heading towards him, but many ran into the enemyor even attacked each other. Belgrade kept giving rapid-fire orders.

Reinforce those squads, there. Squad Leader Itr, direct your [Archers]there.

However, he was trying to yank his command together and struggling. Kerone shifted from foot to foot. He saw Belgrade standing and looking down into the fighting. He didnt know how long had passed. Thirty minutes? An hour? Belgrade seemed to be coming to a decision.

We must go down there ourselves.

The other officers gaped at Belgrade in shock.

Down? Are you mad? We have a position!

The [Strategist] calmly glanced around.

We cannot inspire and unite the squads. Either we risk ourselves orits familiar. Theyre scattered. Someone used a [Fear] spell.

Familiar? Kerone frowned at him. The Drake had heard of Belgrade. One of the Antinium, whatever that meant. Like the Yellow Splatters who was in the Watch. He knew there was a story there.

It revolved aroundthe inn. The [Innkeeper], who, depending on who you heard it from, was a menace, a strange miracle-worker, a blood-spewing maniac who went around stabbing people.

A martyr.

A friend to Goblins and Antinium.

He didnt know which, but one of the reasons people would follow an Antinium at all was because Belgrade was part of that story. The [Strategist] drew an enchanted shortsword.

We will go down. Squad Leader Kerone, form a bodyguard with me. Our app

Kerone saw Belgrade stumble as he walked towards them. The Squad Leader waited.

Sir? Our approach?

The Antinium felt at his side. He grasped something and turned. Kerone saw, in the magical darkness, the [Strategist] grasping at a feathered shaft.

I have been sniped. Take cover.

Everyone dove as Belgrade stumbled forwards. Kerone reached for him, and the Antinium collapsed behind a boulder. They looked for more arrows, but none fell. It was as if someone had aimed for Belgrade, through the darkness.

Kerone fumbled for his potion.

Well get you on your feet. Just onewhy isnt it

He poured the glowing liquid onto Belgrades side. The arrow was buried deep, and the Antinium caught his arm as Kerone went to yank it out.

It is barbed. My wound is not healing.

He looked up at Kerones terrified face as the Drake shook his head. The Antinium clicked his mandibles. So softly.

Poison. Of course.

Belgrade, [Strategist]

Familiar.

That was all he said. It was hot.

He was dying. The poison was trying to kill him, but he was Antinium. He had been engineered to resist poisons.

However, it also stopped him from healing, so in that sense, the poison had done enough.

The arrow had hit him in the guts. Not the chest or head. In that sense, it was apoor shot. Belgrade was in no position to feel fortunate.

The churning pain in his stomach had already turned into a feverish haze. That was a bad sign. He was lying propped at the top of the hill, as the officers panicked.

Hold the line. [Deploy Trap: Bear Trap]. I needed more traps.

He was speaking to Kerone and the others, trying to keep them from running. They would die, running about in the dungeon.

Were not in a dungeon, sir. Were at war in Hectvals foothills.

The Drake addressed him. Belgrades mandibles opened and closed.

Did I say that? Similar. You will die uncoordinated, alone. The squads must reform. Form a fighting line. Hold choke points. It is easy. If I die. You do it.

The Drake paled at the thought.

We cant get the squads. Theyre lost out there. Belgrade, commander. Dont die on us. OlesmCommander Olesm. Someone try to raise him!

You will not. They have jammed our spells. We are cut off. Surrounded. A fear-Skill was used. Or spell. Thatthat is familiar.

Belgrade could see the fighting from where he was propped up. Someone had tried to compress the arrow to slow the bleeding. The bandage was already green with his blood.

There. Wipeout.

Belgrade wanted to point, but his arm was made of lead. He ordered Kerone to save that squad, but the Drake refused.

He knew what to dobut his limbs, his command, were unwilling to listen. Or unable?

They were not Antinium. Olesm had made a mistake. If you could not have your commands obeyed, your level was meaningless.

They were afraid. Which was fair. Everyone was afraid. Thisthis reminded Belgrade of the past. Yes. The day they had all died.

Youre alive, sir. Keep awake. Where do we go? What do we do?

Belgrades mandibles clicked together.

Hm? Theretheyre coming up the hill. Just like last time. Theres one of them out there.

Who?

Skinner.

A gasp. They knew that name, too. That monster. Belgrade mumbled.

I was there. I saw him die.

It felt like he was dozing off. He would say something, then snap back to dreaming. Remembering? The [Strategist] heard something talking.

The inn? You were at

The officers were around him. More or less? Were others listening too? Belgrade nodded. Poor little soldiers, dying out there.

I was there. Very familiar. There werent many of us. Barely a few squads. Workers. Low-level. We fought. Knight. Bishop. Good names. Garry. Bird. Magnus. Belgrade

Yes. There he was, standing, fighting with the others. Around an inn with undead swarming at the windows. Leaping ghouls.

Stand and fight together. Dying. Until the end, until the end, he said. Then I was still there, but they were all dead. I regretted it.

Youre alive. Youre still alive. BelgradeBelgradestay with us.

Someone was shaking him. Belgrade wanted to sleepand knew he couldnt.

If I could go back. I could kill Skinner myself. With traps. With Skills. You can never go back. I should have been there. Six crossbow bolts. I could have taken one.

Something was calling to him. A warm fire. A quiet inn. A smiling [Innkeeper]but if he slept, he would never see it.

Perhaps in heaven?

I do not believe in Pawns Heaven. I cannot see it. I want it. But I was there. We are all Knight.

They were like him, in the end. They panicked, and they couldnt think together, in that rare, wonderful moment. They had lived under the sky and ate good food and took it for granted, and they did not like him, but that was what he saw.

Squads of Antinium. Standing and dying together.

Yes. Do that.

Do what? Sir? Sir?

Stand. All you can do is

Belgrade tried to move. He could not, so he spoke. Below him, each squad, fightinghis voice could not pull them past their foes. But perhaps

Stand. Back-to-back, in a ring. Around an inn. They didnt have the number for grand strategy. They were not pieces on a chessboard, even if they named themselves after the game.

Stand, until the last one fell. A little chess club, fighting for each other. They did not have to be there. But they had to. And each one fought so the other wouldnt fall. For one more second.

A hundred little chess clubs appeared in Belgrades vision. He smiled.

Yes. Someday they would kill Skinner. Thenthen came Goblins. The [Innkeeper]. Join together. Reform the [Archers]. Send a light upwards.

We are here. Until Klbkch came from the Hive.

Were doing it. Sir? Sir!

Belgrade murmured.

Hm? Im awake. Im awake. Im

His voice trailed off. His side truly hurt, but it was a receding ache. Belgrade clung to something. As if he had eyes weary to close. He wanted to drift off, but not yet.

One after the other. But not yet. We will be with you until the end. Which is now.

His waving antennae slowly stopped moving. ThenBelgrade sighed.

Yes. Bird was right.

Kerone, [Squad Leader]

Delirious. The Antinium was delirious. He was alternating between strategy, telling them where an attack was coming. Promote the pawn. Bishop coming.

The inn. He kept talking about the inn. Below him, the squads had adopted a strange formation. The Hectval soldiers fighting with them saw them forming rings, slowly trying to link up with each other.

Squad fighting. Slowly drawing together. It was working.

But the [Strategist] was fading away. The officers were kneeling, listening. Almosthypnotized by the story. They would get up and go, but the [Soldiers] healing, restingheard the Antinium murmuring that oldest tale.

It is such a strange thing, fear. I was afraid. She was afraid. But there are things worse than dying. Skinner was scary. When I woke up and everyone was gone but Pawn, Garry, Anand, and Birdworse.

This was Belgrade? The [Strategist] didnt see the [Soldiers] listening. Norhe was feverish. He spat out the water they gave him. He trailed off.

One after the other. But not yet. We will be with you until the end. Which is now.

Not now. Stay with us. Belgrade? Strategist?

He heard nothing. The Antinium looked around, and the sodden arrow in his side leaked more blood despite the claws, hands, and paws on it.

Yes. Bird was right.

He went still. For one second, his antennae dropped. Then Belgrade stood. He pushed himself up and stood.

Swaying, bleeding, heedless of everything else. The Antinium hunched with the effort. But he moved his feet, angled his bodyhow? Where?

I was right here. I was always here.

There was no context to it. None at all, unless you had listened to his story. After all, he was one. Alone, he was a single statue in a ring.

Right here. Below him, squads looked up and formed their own rings of bodies. They pointed. There. The [Strategist] stood on the hill as the clouds of darkness began to break, so Liscors forces fought towards it.

I was always right here. Squad Leader Kerone had never thought to ask for an Antiniums past. He had never cared, though he wouldnt throw stones at Workers, and regarded them as strange but not necessarily evil.

He stood, propping Belgrade up, and looked at the [Strategist]. He knew his story, now. At least, one part.

Silently, Kerone promised himself one thing: if he should survive this day and this war, he would go back to Liscor. Walk out the gates and head up that hill. Go visit that ruined place where the inn had burned before being rebuilt elsewhere and see

Where Belgrade had stood.

The Antinium was cold. He was always cold to the touch, but as the sun shone down on his armor and headas Olesms banners came to view and they saw Hectval retreating, and the losses.

The officers were silent, but Kerone looked at Belgrade.

Strategist Belgrade?

The Antinium said nothing. Kerones grip loosened. The other Gnolls, Drakes, and Humans slowly looked around, and began to lower Belgrade down. They gathered around him, and Kerone went to unclasp Belgrades arm from the arrow and fold them across his chest.

The Antinium slapped Kerones claw away.

The [Squad Leader] jerked back. He saw Belgrades head move. The Antinium clicked his mandibles.

Every time I try to sleep, the voice speaks to me. It is annoying.

Strategist!

Kerone shouted. He turned and waved his arms.

[Healer]! Get a [Healer]!

Belgrade, [Strategist]

Belgrade sighed as Kerone grabbed at him. But he listened to the voice that told him he wasnt dead. If he were, he would hear Erin saying something about popcorn with yeast.

All he heard was

[Trapsetter Strategist Level 33!]

[Conditions Met: Trapsetter Strategist Combined Arms Strategist Class!]

[Skill Antinium-Expertise Command obtained!]

[Skill Prepared Battleground: One Hour obtained!]

[Skill Army: Springwood Supplies obtained!]

[Skill Squad: The Chess Clubs Stand learned.]

Elirr, [Councilmember]

There was no celebrating the day after the new element entered the Hectval War. Every other time Olesm had sent a report throughhe declined to waste the doors precious manaLism had brought a bottle of something to pop, drink, and toast with.

The bottle of Amentus wine sat unopened on the table. Elirr could have used it, to be honest.

Anything to tell him the world wasnt as it was, and he wasnt reading the casualty numbers right. The rest of the army had taken terrible losses, but it was the Antiniums numbers that made him read it again and again.

Antinium killed, estimated: 938.

Antinium wounded, estimated

That one number.

A third of the Antinium division. How? This is more than theyve lost in the entire

The Council sat in a state of shock. Lism was hunched over, staring at the numbers. All of the forces had bled. Belgrades division had been cut off, in particular trouble, but the [Strategist] had apparently inspired them to keep fighting rather than be wiped out.

That number. Wounded lists were far, far higher. But the wounded tended to walk away because a potion was so powerful. So the real loss was the damage to armor, morale, or the loss of the potion.

The Antinium had been issued with potions and still. Elirr rubbed at his brows. It didnt seem quitehe didnt believe it, but he had seen the wounded being escorted through the magic door until it was shut down to be resupplied.

We cannot move reinforcements through. We must advise Olesm that we dont have the mana to do that. Potions? They need potions.

How many? I thought they had plenty, even

Guildmistress Alonna looked up. Elirr pointed.

Down the page. Hectval went for their supply lines. We now have a shortage of potions.

The council stirred. Tismel sat up.

We can replenish them, though. Right?

Lism glared, directing his vacant stare onto a familiar target for wrath.

Oh, naturally. We can suddenly produce thousands of healing potions. A shortage iswe will issue an order to all [Alchemists]. Send for Celum, Invrisils stocks. Someone find our budget. Butwe should make an announcement.

Surely not. That would be admitting we lost.

Zalaiss spoke up. Elirr muttered.

It will spread, regardless. Everyone talks.

We could order them not to

Lism closed his eyes.

Zalaiss. Please dont say anything stupid for one moment. Please.

A terrible silence fell over the room. And they were not the ones fighting. Elirr looked at the lists. The army remained. The Antinium had lost a third of their forces, but it was mercifullyno, incredibly lighter on casualties, even though the loss of many supplies was a terrible thing. The rest of the army had taken a tenth of the losses per division.

Why was that? Olesm hadnt written out anything definitive. But he had suspicions, and Elirrs hair rose as he read them.

Embria, [Wing Commander]

She knew exactly who and how it had happened. It wasnt hard. Embria had almost known, but Vell, lying in the [Healer]s tent, had croaked confirmation to her.

Its Manus, Wing Commander. Its Ancestors-damned Manus. That was their veterans. Ill bet my tail on it. And I think that [Spearmaster]that mightve been him.

Spearmaster Lulv.

Vells eyes flickered as she held her stomach. The enchanted spears wounds were noteasy to heal.

You know him?

Reputation. His Skill made me suspect.

How many Ants did they kill?

Nearly a thousand.

Vell put her head back. Embria didnt know what to think. She had heard Belgrade had saved his entire division. And even if she bore the Antinium no good will

Even she had trouble watching the remnants form up. Embria needed to talk to Olesm, though. Manus was in this war. They would probably deny it; that was their standard operating procedure, and there was no proof. But they had sent some of their best to kill the Antinium. She walked out of the tent and avoided looking at Tersk and Dekass. Both had survived, although someone had tried to snipe both with enchanted arrows.

Their armor had protected them, so the Prognugators were counting their forces.

Artur, [Flag Bearer]

Artur had been jealous of Crab Battalion. He was assigned to Battalion 4, Razorbeaks, and everyone had been envious of Crab Battalion, with their four commendations.

It felt sowrong. Artur felt dirty, though his armor was still pristine. He had hung back in the fighting, holding the flag.

Doing nothing as Crab Battalion and the others died.

Crab Battalionwas gone. Tersk and Dekass looked at four squads, each with less than half their original number.

And that was it. The unknown soldiers with their enchanted blades had targeted Crab Battalion. Battalions 1, 3, and 5 had endured the worst fighting.

There were only two [Crusaders] left in Squad 5, Battalion 1. One had two arms missing. The other? The other had an enchanted blade, which Tersk inspected.

There was no counting how many of the enemy had died, but it was a low, low number. In fact, Tersk had reported to Olesm in Arturs earshot that he could confirm six dead. And that had been with Dekass calling in volleys of arrows onto the [Crusaders]. In fact, that was the only thing that had made the enemy retreat. They had healed all wounds, retreated rather than stay and risk losses.

Artur could see other [Crusaders] looking at him and his flag. Perhaps it made them feel better. He hoped it did.

Artur felt so useless. He had been in the darkness, and if onlyif only his flag could have done more. But he had seen Crab Battalion fighting against [Soldiers] three times their level at least. The difference was just that.

Levels.

Elirr, [Councilmember]

The Council of Liscor drafted a somber announcement to go out across the city. From their rooms, Elirr had a view of it from the windows. He heard the howls of Gnolls fearing their loved ones were lost as well.

So what happens next? Do we retreat?

Alonna sat wearily at the table. The first hour of their day had exhausted her, and Elirr just wanted to go to Jeckle, the Ice Wyvern he was training, and pet him and feed him.

However, Lism shook his head.

Olesm hasnt written that.

They all looked at him. The purple-scaled Drake glanced around.

Im not being his uncle. Im being realistic. You dont surrender and roll over after one bad battle. He thinks theres a chance. Maybe they retreat and fortify. Hectval is still out there.

But if Manus is in it

Jeiss had come back from delivering the news to Watch Captain Zevara. He had also run the news to the Free Hive. He closed the door to the Councils chambers.

Thats our job. If they are in it, we scream it as loud as possible and throw every accusation. Manus is interfering in other citys battles. No Drake city likes that. I just told the Watch Captain; she got a copy anyways.

Smart of Olesm. What did she say?

Shell take a muster of volunteers, make sure were ready for any Hectval groups sneaking around the Floodplains. Ohand shes answering one of his requests. But alsoI have this. The Free Queen has written us a letter.

The entire Council looked up sharply. Tismel blurted out.

The Free Queen can write?

Jeiss laid the letter on the table. It was unsealed, and he offered it to Alonna, who hesitated.

Dictate, I think. Want to read it out loud, Alonna?

The Guildmistress cleared her throat.

The Free Queenis she speaking in third person? Its like a royal announcement. Er, let meThe Free Queen has been apprised of the casualty reports in Engagement #11. She congratulates Liscors army on its survival.

Congratulates?

Lism mouthed, but Alonna went on.

The numbers of Antinium deceased are acceptable, the Free Queen feels, for a wartime scenario. She is prepared to resupply Workers and Soldiers in the same quantities, provided Liscor will authorize transit and aid in rearmament. She suggests the Antinium dead may have weapons or armor that can be repurposed fordoes she not care?

Alonna nearly tore up the paper. She whirled.

Nearly a thousand Antinium die and shes ready to send another thousand in!

Theyve seen worse battles. She might think its acceptable. But check the signature.

Jeiss murmured. Hed already read the letter, then. Elirr saw Alonna go down the letter and blanch.

What?

The [Mage] pursed her lips.

Its signedXrn.

The Council looked at each other, and Elirr felt that familiar prickling on his skin and fur. Well, that was one person who might not look at a thousand dead as a problem. But a thousand

Was Belgrade alive? Elirr thought of Pawn, or Silveran, who cleaned his shop and would have done it for free just to pet the cats. The Gnoll put his head in his paws.

Yet the war will continue. We cant move the Soldiers and Workers through the door. On foot, then. And that replenishes the Antiniums losses completely, doesnt it?

Tismel broke the silence, sounding almost cheerful. Even Zalaiss slapped his arm, but the Council began to break from its stasis.

We need to send supplies. That damned door sucks more mana than a [Sailor] sucks down seawater. How did Erin ever make it work properly?

Jeiss muttered. Alonna sighed.

Her inn is a leyline. We could move the door

Lism interrupted.

Its disrespectful. And we cant ship everyone through it.

Alonna threw up her hands.

Well, lets prioritize! Send the [Healers] and any specialists. We have a few Olesm wants.

Anything. How many?

Just the [Healers] who were shuttling through. A poison-expert for Belgrade. Umone from Zevara, and it looks likethree Antinium specialists from the Free Hive. Huh?

Alonna caught sight of the names on the list and stared down. Jeiss sat up, and Elirr leaned over. His face turned dark, and Jeiss looked at him.

You okay with it, Elirr?

The Gnoll hesitated, then nodded.

Better Hectval than us. I wont object. Who are the specialists from the Antinium?

No clue.

Olesm, [Leader]

Olesm had leveled after that night. As a [Leader]. He had heard that you did, even if you lost a battle, but he felt disgraced.

He waited for the reinforcements. The Antinium had to march, but Belgrade needed the poison-specialist, even though hed survived the worst of it.

However, Olesm had written to Zevara the instant hed learned Manus was on the attack. They were now low on potions, but more would come, and theyd have to make do.

Strangely, when hed told Belgrade that, the Antinium had begged for him to write a request to Pawn. The [Strategist] had insisted on being carried to greet the visitors as well.

It did move Olesm, seeing that the Antinium had some volunteers from his division to do it. The maligned [Strategist] had won over his command in a single night. Olesm wanted to ask him how.

Who are we expecting?

Help forhealing. They did not come with the other Antinium. But if they are needed, they will come. They are anasset. I am not allowed to say their classes.

I see. But they can help heal?

Yes. And the Antinium will benefit from them in other ways. They are like Pawn.

Olesms brows sharpened, but he saw the door open.

Crates coming through! Stand clear!

The first supplies of potions were shoved through the door, and the most wounded, who needed to get to Liscor, went through next. However, Olesm and Belgrade were waiting for a few people.

Antidote specialist? Who am I treating?

A cautious Human came through the door, spotted Belgrade, and hesitated. Olesm waved him over.

Check with our [Healers], please.

I am allergic to wheat.

Belgrade called out as the toxin-expert hurried past him. However, the two were waiting for the last specialists.

There were four of them. Three came in a group. Olesm frowned.

They were like Pawn indeed. He had never particularly noticed them, mainly because Pawn was odd enough. Nor did he know their names.

Howeverthe Antinium who walked forwards, three of them, all had robes over their chitin. They were Workers, not Soldiers. They carried simple clubsbut that was not their weapon.

At first, Olesm thought they were like Jelaqua. Until he realized what they held was not a flail, butthat object Pawn held.

A censer, Erin called it. Something meant to hold and burn incense. The three Antinium looked at Belgrade, and one stepped forwards.

Strategist Belgrade. I am [Acolyte] Jerimy

Shh! Shh! No classes!

Belgrade waved his arms and winced. The [Acolyte] fell silent as Olesm stared. A what? However, another of the Antinium saw Belgrades bandaged side.

You are hurt.

Yes. There will be fighting. You might need armor. I will speak with you

The [Acolyte] didnt listen. He walked over, touched Belgrades side, and whispered. Olesm saw Belgrade stiffenthen relax. He didnt understand what had happened until Belgrade slowly sat up and, to the amazement of all, hopped out of his stretcher.

You should not do that openly. There is secrecy to discuss.

His wounds were healed! Olesm had seenhe gritted his teeth, trying to piece it together. And wondering, more importantly, how to use that.

Despite their unique classes and abilities, Pawns disciples entered the Hectval war with little notice or fanfare at first.

Mainly because you could not [Appraise] what they had. Also, because the last specialist Olesm had called for made a larger impression. Olesm watched as they undid the specially-made bindings. He stepped through, and some of the Gnolls growled and the Drakes glared, but Olesm was certain.

He had written to Watch Captain Zevara only one thing when he had learned Manus had sent their best. If they wanted to enter the warhe would send someone right back at them. Manus was the Walled City of War. Perhaps, at last, the prisoner would get his wish. Either way, Manus and Hectval would regret it first.

Olesm had written to Zevara simply:

Send forth the Minotaur.

Calruz of Hammerad stretched his arm out as he looked at Olesm. The [Strategist] glanced back, towards his forces.

Crusader 51. Artur. Embria. Belgradethe fighting Antinium, Drakes, Gnolls, and Humans of Liscors army.

The entrance of Manus into the Hectval war took place nearly twenty days into the fighting. Liscors advance would stalemate in the foothills for the next two months, and see the bloodiest fighting by far in that time.

Authors Note: Its 3 chapters. I think. And they might be big.

But thats timelines for you. I am still heading towards the end of Volume 8, but it turns out that rather than the goalposts being moved, I just cant tell how long a mile is.

However, theres also danger in rushing. Taking a break is so importantI cant write this chapter nearly as long, nor as well without rest.

I think you can see that its improved? I can always do better, however! And I will continue to do so. But you have voted, and I am writing our Hectval arc. Look forwards to the next part or not. It is a genre, and I think people familiar with it know enough of what might be coming.

Always in The Wandering Inns style, though. Thanks for reading! Ill see you next chapter. Pray for Hectval. Not necessarily good things, but prayer abounds.

Oteslia, the City of Growth by Enuryn the [Naturalist]!

Portfolio: /Enuryn_Nat