The War of the Gilded Beasts Read online

  Above the battle, Brom could see Kemrin and Daegar with their dragons clashing with the chimera and its unidentified rider. Still, even though Kemrin and Daegar outnumbered their mysterious foe two to one, a disturbing thought crept into Brom’s mind. The outcome of the battle would be decided on which would survive, the dragons or the chimera.

  ______

  High above the colossal battle, Kemrin and Daegar circled the sky on their dragons along with the chimera and its rider. Kemrin did not know who their opponent was, but he did have an idea. In the few glimpses he got of him, Kemrin could see that their enemy was clad in gold and Ferruman plate armor, a gaudy helm encased his head, and a purple cloak displaying the gilded gryphon of House Sylva. Clearly, this individual was either Emperor Autem Sylva himself or one of his triplet sons. Kemrin’s list of suspects was narrowed down when he noticed something interesting about their opponent’s right arm. Instead of a hand or sword, the mysterious Imperial possessed a Ferruman pata strapped to his right forearm and there was no indication that there was even a hand under the gauntlet. In addition, his chimera had familiar burns and scars engraved on its pale flesh.

  Through his Druid magic, Kemrin established a telepathic link with Daegar and said, Brother, I think this is the Imperial Prince who killed father!

  Daegar exhibited malignant exhilaration when he said, This is our chance at vengeance!

  Mirthlessly laughing, Kemrin countered, Forget about father! He can rot in hell for all I care! I am more interested in avenging the honor and name of House Magnus! This man dishonored our family and desecrated our kingdom and allies! Those are slights punishable by death! Let’s do this!

  After that exchange, Kemrin and Daegar swooped towards the chimera on their dragons and unleashed blasts of golden flame. The chimera managed to dodge the worst of the attack, but had some parts of its skin singed. As the grotesque beast flew away, Kemrin and Daegar called upon their Druid magic and fired bolts of lightning with their free hands at the chimera. One bolt seared through one of the chimera’s wings while the other struck its left thigh.

  The chimera turned around and launched its own electrical blast from its mouth at Kemrin while its rider cast a fire ball at Daegar. Razos had the side of his throat seared by the chimera’s attack while the fire ball hit Mendryg in the shoulder. Mendryg and Daegar started to descend rapidly from the dragon’s shoulder wound, but they adjusted their course so that they would bodyslam the chimera. Meanwhile, Kemrin and Razos latched onto the chimera’s back. Razos bit down on the back of the chimera’s neck and the chimera released a chilling shriek of pain.

  Drawing Gramfyre, Kemrin dismounted Razos and climbed onto the chimera’s back to face his father’s murderer. Gripping the Sword of Power with both hands, Kemrin felt empowered when the black blade burst into flame. At first, Kemrin found his footing unstable as he approached his foe, who noticed him. With the three great beasts surrounding them, Kemrin faced off with the Imperial High Prince, who brandished his pata in an aggressive fashion. The High Prince snarled as he attempted to thrust at Kemrin’s sternum, but Kemrin dodged at the last moment and sliced off his foe’s arm at the elbow along with the pata. The High Prince screamed in anguish as he looked at his maimed arm before being kicked off of his chimera and plummeted to the ground below. As he watched his enemy fall, Kemrin picked up the High Prince’s severed arm and started to climb back onto Razos. A loud crunch filled the air as Razos snapped the chimera’s neck with his jaws.

  Once he was back on Razos’s back, Kemrin telepathically reached out to Daegar and said, The High Prince is dead and so is his beast! Break off now!

  Mendryg’s shoulder is badly hurt. We will try to stay aloft and finish the battle, Daegar answered.

  After that exchange, Kemrin and Daegar broke off from the now-dead chimera and took to the skies once more.

  ______

  Gyran gazed up at the clouds as he fell from his chimera, which shrank from his sight. Droplets of blood from his maimed elbow caught the corner of his eye. The wind blowing against his ears and helm drowned out all other sounds. There was no escaping the fact that he was about to die. Even so, Gyran did not scream nor feel fear. Instead, his mind drifted to all of his attempts to impress his father. At first, Gyran saw Autem’s disappointed face, but as he drew closer to the ground Autem slowly began to smile on Gyran.

  Reaching out with his remaining hand, Gyran murmured, “Father . . . mother . . . brothers . . . I leave the rest to you. Farewell!”

  Then Gyran struck the ground a few hundred yards from Sylva Harbor and the world vanished from his sight.

  ______

  Brom and the Magnus forces fought vigorously against the Sylva forces. For what seemed like forever they held the Imperial Army in place and prevented them from overrunning them or conquering the hill. Overall, both hosts had reached a stalemate. However, the balance of the scales were about to change as Kemrin and Daegar descended upon the Sylva forces from behind on their dragons. In the distance, the chimera had crashed a few hundred yards away from Sylva Harbor.

  In a series of strafing strikes, both dragons unleashed one blast of fire after another, incinerating thousands of Imperial troops with each swoop. These devastating attacks threw the Sylva army into chaos as they desperately tried to escape the onslaught. Seizing the opportunity, the Magnus forces pushed forward and the boost in their morale showed. With every Magnus soldier who died ten Sylvas were killed. The Sylvas’ casualties rose even faster with the bombardment of dragon fire. It was a hammer and anvil formation that trapped the Imperial Army with the Magnus host on one side and the two dragons on the other. With their will broken, the Imperial Army started to flee down the hill and through the wall of flame that encircled them. Victory in sight, the Magnus armies chased after their defeated foes. The Battle of Titan’s Slope was over!

  ______

  Later that night, Kemrin, Daegar, and their forces celebrated their victory inside of Sylva Harbor. With the chimera dead and the Imperial Army shattered, the mayor of Sylva Harbor threw open his gates in surrender. Outside of the city’s walls, Razos and Mendryg gorged themselves on the dead that littered the battlefield. Inside the mayor’s castle, Kemrin, Daegar, and their generals feasted in the great hall. It was a gaudy and extravagant chamber with tapestries, gilded guards, and countless works of art on display. Among the tapestries were the banners of the mayor’s family, House Turrgal, a silver rampant lion on a blue field. The food was also excessively lavish with a wide range of roasted meat, tremendous salads decorated with edible flowers, and towering sculptures of icing sugar. Scattered throughout the great hall were acrobats, jesters, and mummers entertaining the mayor’s guests.

  At the lord’s table, Kemrin and his commanders enjoyed the company of the mayor and his family. The mayor’s name was Baron Urgyn Turrgal and he was an obese man with balding brown hair and glassy blue eyes. Beside Urgyn was his wife, Nyma Muur, sister of the Lord Chancellor Peter Muur and ten years Urgyn’s junior. They were also accompanied by their two young sons Gymbyn and Derik as well as their teenage daughter Merra. House Turrgal displayed several conflicting reactions to their unexpected guests ranging from afraid to warm. At first, Kemrin and Daegar conversed amongst themselves before socializing with their hosts.

  “How many men did we lose, Daegar?” Kemrin asked intently.

  “It took us a couple of hours to make a final count, but we did it. Out of the one hundred thousand men who fought, about half of them survived. Fortunately, most of the casualties were the Sylvas’. We still have thirty-five thousand men while the remaining fifteen thousand Imperial troops have fled back to Chrysos. Razos and Mendryg sustained some wounds, but they’ll recover soon. We have captured King Gandell and three of his sons as well as dozens of other noble hostages. We are currently using them to ensure the surrender and fealty of their kin. With any luck, we may replenish our losses considerably. Overall, we have won ourselves our first major victory against the Sylvas! I hope Vaeron
and Caelum will be as lucky as us,” Daegar explained.

  Grinning, Kemrin said, “That is pleasant to hear, brother!”

  After that debrief, Kemrin and Daegar returned their attention to the Turrgals.

  Even though his ego was swelling in his mind, Kemrin politely said, “We thank you for welcoming us into your city, Baron Turrgal. The festivities here are unlike anything we have in the northern kingdoms.”

  Shrugging his broad shoulders, Urgyn said, “What can I say? When the Imperial Army was defeated, further resistance was futile. I was not going to endanger my citizens over a lost cause.”

  Nodding in approval, Kemrin agreed, “Aye. It is good to see that you care about the well-being of your subjects. So what happens now?”

  This time it was Nyma who answered, “In exchange for sparing our city, we will provide our three thousand knights and men-at-arms as well as all the wealth to your resources. Meanwhile, you will station two thousand men in the city to maintain order. We may be related to the Sylvas and the Baens, but we fear the consequences of testing you more than testing them. Therefore, we will meet whatever terms you ask.”

  Smiling, Daegar commented, “We are pleased to have your cooperation. You are most gracious.”

  Kemrin cleared his throat and added, “Those terms are all well and good, but I feel that some additional concessions will be required to ensure your loyalty.”

  Nervously, Urgyn asked, “And what concessions are you referring to?”

  “Your army and resources will be accepted, but you will also have your daughter marry our cousin Robin Letum while your sons will be surrendered to our custody as hostages. Besides, my brother and I will each need a new cupbearer,” Kemrin elaborated further.

  Baffled, Daegar asked, “Kemrin, isn’t that a little . . . much?”

  Merra broke down crying while her brothers hid behind their mother for protection.

  Shocked by Kemrin’s new demands, Nyma jumped from her seat and protested, “You can’t do that! Our children are not some tools you can use as you wish!”

  Joining his wife, Urgyn asked, “My Lord, is that not going a bit too far?”

  At first, Kemrin did not answer. Instead he glared at the Turrgals as menacingly as he could, but the Turrgals still stood defiantly. Changing tactics, Kemrin turned his attention to a trio of nearby minstrels and motioned them to come closer.

  When the minstrels reached the table, Kemrin ordered, “Play ‘The Gold Phoenix Rises.’”

  As the minstrels played the infamously iconic song, Kemrin watched as the Turrgals’ faces became pale and they trembled with fear. Kemrin could not hold back a grim smile as he savored the Turrgals’ terror. When the song ended, the Turrgals quietly sat back in their seats.

  Empowered by the vigor of the song, Kemrin firmly explained, “Now do you understand? You are beaten! As such, I can do whatever I want to you! Any defiance will be rewarded with the extinction of your House and the destruction of your city! There will be no ruins and no ashes that prove you existed! Do you understand?”

  The Turrgals softly nodded their heads, shaking and teary-eyed.

  Satisfied, Kemrin adopted a more pleasant demeanor, saying, “Good. Now let’s feast and drink like there is no tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER 17

  Meanwhile, after a week’s march, Vaeron, Nergal, and their ten thousand men finally reached the legendary stronghold of Veiporran. Veiporran was unlike any castle built by human hands. Instead of stone and mortar, it was a colossal stronghold made from pure crystal with no seams or angles that hammers and chisels would make. The sunlight reflected through its towers and walls like a towering prism, illuminating the surrounding landscape with multiple colors. Tall mountains and hills as well as dense woodlands protected Veiporran’s flanks.

  While riding Nergal, Vaeron declared, “There it is! Veiporran! The only thing standing between the north and the south on this side of the continent. Here, we will make our stand and shield our territory from the forces in Gaena and eastern Raevor.”

  “It does not look like any humans made it. Why?” Nergal asked, curious.

  “According to legend, it was built by the elves centuries before their extinction. They were said to utilize sorcery to melt diamonds and reshape them into whatever shape they wanted. Because of the durability of diamonds, combined with ancient magic, the walls of Veiporran and other strongholds like it were virtually indestructible. This made them the ideal defense against sieges, which is the advantage we will use against the Imperial forces. At its height, they say Veiporran could withstand a siege for two years until its garrison starved to death,” Vaeron explained.

  “Are you sure we have enough men? I hear the southern kingdoms have larger armies than us. Also, if they bring a chimera, then the chances of us winning will be considerably lower,” Nergal pointed out.

  “Your logic is sound, but every army that has ever held Veiporran could hold off a host five times their numbers. Plus, a dragon is just as strong as any chimera. Due to these facts, I say it will be an even fight,” Vaeron elaborated further.

  “Then let’s set up camp and prepare for the fight we have longed for!” Nergal declared as he descended towards the crystal fortress.

  ______

  For the next three days, Vaeron and his army consolidated their hold on Veiporran. Engineers finished establishing trebuchets and catapults on top of the towers and in the courtyard. On the other side of the castle was a road that led to a bridge that was wide enough to allow twenty horsemen to walk side by side. There were no gates or portcullises but a gaping threshold that led straight into Veiporran and the northern kingdoms beyond. To compensate for the lack of a gate, the Magnus men-at-arms dug trenches along the edges of the threshold that were fortified by stakes covered in offal and excrement. However, there was still enough space between the trenches and threshold to house an army. On top of the tallest tower perched Nergal, who was surveying the horizon like a hawk in its nest.

  In the colossal great hall, Vaeron met with his generals to formulate their plan of attack. To Vaeron’s right was his second-in-command Baron Harald Drada, who was a foot taller and had a large claymore strapped to his back. To Vaeron’s left was his brother-in-law King Marek Donard, who was wearing his mother’s antler crown and had a war hammer and battle axe hanging from his belt. Before the group was an old map that displayed the layout of Veiporran.

  Leaning forward, Vaeron asked, “So, my lords, how shall we proceed? We already fortified this ruin as much as we could, but is there something else we must do?”

  “We will assign archers and crossbowmen along the battlements as well as engineers with the trebuchets and catapults. We will then move our entire infantry in the space between the trenches and the front gate. The combined strength of our infantry and trenches will hold the Imperial Army in place while our archers, crossbowmen, and engines wipe them out one rank at a time. We will leave you in charge of the chimera if they bring one,” Marek explained.

  Raising an eyebrow, Vaeron said, “You seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to warfare. Why is that?”

  “Storuuk is not just a kingdom of hunters. It is also a kingdom of warriors. We train our entire lives for situations like these. You can trust my judgment,” Marek assured, smiling confidently.

  “Where will I be?” Harald asked sheepishly.

  “You will lead the infantry outside of the threshold. From what I hear you are one of the fiercest warriors in Umbran with a natural talent for chopping off men’s heads. If anyone can lead the vanguard, it’s you,” Marek elaborated further.

  Grinning, Harald said, “Good. Fighting and killing have always been my forte. I haven’t had a good challenge since helping King Numen quell rebellions during his early reign.”

  “How many provisions do we have?” Vaeron asked.

  “We have control over the most direct route to Storuuk and Valai. For now, we have enough food to last us for two years, but we can order more from Storuuk an
d Valai if we need to,” Martek replied.

  “What do we do now?” Vaeron asked further.

  “We have scouts surveying the south for signs of the Imperial Army is coming. For the moment, we sit tight, maintain discipline amongst the garrison, and wait for the enemy to arrive,” Marek said.

  Sighing, Vaeron complained, “Sounds like a boring job. If I knew all I was going to do is wait for the Sylvas, I would have taken Caelum’s job or join Kemrin and Daegar. I guess as the runt of the Magnus litter, I can’t be trusted with a task that has a lot of action!”

  “This is an important task, Vaeron! If we defend this side of the continent, we can prevent an Imperial invasion to the north!” Marek firmly assured him.

  Scowling, Vaeron countered, “If you need me, I will be up with Nergal.”

  Standing up, Vaeron stormed out of the great hall before snatching a wineskin from a passing soldier, who protested.

  ______

  On top of the highest tower of Veiporran, Vaeron sat with Nergal and enjoyed the wineskin. The wine Vaeron was drinking was initially smooth and sweet before striking him in the jaw with a hammer of spiciness. With each sip, Vaeron’s teeth were left tingling from the tangy aftertaste. He turned his attention to Nergal, whose black scales shimmered like marble in the fading sunlight.

  Growling, Nergal chided, “I can feel you getting drunk through our bond. Are you sure that is wise? What if the Sylvas arrived today?”

  Smacking against Nergal’s scaly ankle, Vaeron complained, “Get off my case! My brothers sent me on a rubbish mission! They’ve always done this ever since we were children! Whenever we played with toys, they would always leave me with the lesser ones! All of us reached manhood, yet nothing’s changed! I’m sick of it!”