The sounds of neighing and hoof-beats trampling the ground echoed as a small group of riders galloped urgently through Morte Mountain. Leading this group was Johann and Lia Moonweaver, searching for their friend Matthias Alston. Once fresh horses were given as well as a dozen of White Crusaders, Johann and Lia rode out from Eagle Hold: hoping to find Matthias before anything happened to him.
'Damn it all!' Johann swore, only Lia could hear him. 'Let's just pray that fool didn't get himself hurt or capture!'
Despite the situation and her own worries, Lia smiled bleakly. 'He's Matthias, I'm sure he can handle himself. He is the best swordsman of Canaleodon they all say.'
Johann nodded as he and Lia focussed back to finding him. They rode on until they saw Blackrock Spire, Avencus Tendenhaul's attack base and the tallest tower of the land. However, it was not the tower that made them stopped in horror.
They reigned in their horses as Johann and Lia gazed with dread at the monument before them. It was a metallic cross made out of the purest iron and with chains hanging down from it. It looked like it sprouted out from the ground and only the minerals available could contract something so horrifying.
It was not the monument that frightened them but what was hanging onto the cross. It was a young man their age with messy brown hair and his dead blue eyes stared lifelessly at them. He wore the Canaleodon's Royal Army uniform and the golden shoulder pads shaped like eagles marked him as a Brigadier General. Blood flowed from his mouth and the two wounds at his sides.
Lia gasped and closed her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears at the sight of Matthias Alston's corpse. Johann cursed loudly and turned to the White Crusaders who followed them, his voice grated and laced with grief.
'What the hell are you all standing there for?' he snapped. 'Take him down at once!'
The White Crusaders quickly recovered from their shock and obeyed, dismounting and hurried to Matthias' body. As they slowly unchained him from the crucifix, Johann and Lia dismounted. Johann had to support Lia as she was on the verge of fainting. The White Crusaders laid Matthias onto his back and allowed Johann and Lia to kneel before him. Tears freely flowed from Lia's eyes as Johann closed Matthias eyes.
'Rest in peace you fool.' He whispered sadly. 'We will avenge your death. As well as Daniel and Eric's.'
Lia wiped the tears away and looked at the cross sticking out from the ground. Slowly, she walked towards it and touched the monument. She shivered as not only can she feel the coldness but also the demonic magic in it.
This cross is fill with demonic energy. She thought as she walked around it. But this isn't Avencus' doing. So who did this?
She looked down onto the ground and noticed an emptied wineskin lying at the base of the crucifix, a pool of red wine soaking into the ground. She smiled sadly as Johann joined her.
'Looks like Matthias had his last drink before his death.' She whispered softly.
Johann nodded as he looked around. 'Damn it all. Avencus is just before us and we can't do anything about! Damn it!'
In anger, he kicked the cross: making it shakes slightly. Lia shook her head.
'What do you want us to do, Johann?' she whispered softly but sternly. 'Do you want to march towards Blackrock Spire and challenge Avencus with just the few of us? You will only meet your death and we won't be able to avenge our friends' deaths.'
'But we can't just do nothing!' He snarled, looking at Lia.
'And we won't!' Lia looked at Johann, anger burning in her eyes. 'I want to kill Avencus as badly as you do but the first thing we have to do is bring back Matthias' body back to Canaleodon.' she choked. 'Back to his family… And friends.'
Johann's anger subsided and he became somber. 'You're right. Matthias maybe an idiot but he is still our friend. He deserved a decent burial.' He looked around and found Matthias' swords, Strength & Loyalty. 'Grabbed his swords and put Brigadier General Matthias' body on a stretcher. We are going to bring him back to Canaleodon!'
'Yes sir!' One of the White Crusader saluted and they got to work.
After a few minutes, they managed to place Matthias' body onto a stretcher and one of the crusaders collected his swords. They surrounded Lia and with a few words, all of them disappeared as they were teleported back to Canaleodon.
______________________________________________________________________________
One week after finding Matthias' body, they were gathered once again at Clarity Hill and as if it was convenient, it rained heavily. Lia closed her eyes as rain wet her face, watching as Matthias' parents, Marcus and Loren Alston, standing soberly in front of their son's coffin. She listened to King Arald's words.
'Despite his drunkenness and recklessness, Matthias Alston was one of Canaleodon greatest swordsman as well as a role model to all of the warriors. No matter how many times he was outnumbered, he will always emerged victorious at the end of the fight. Furthermore, he has protected my daughter, the Princess Charlotte, on a diplomatic visit. For that, he will be regarded as a true hero to all who knows him. May his name echoed throughout posterity!'
He bowed to Matthias' parents and stood aside as the coffin was lowered into the burial hole, next to Eric's grave. Loren burst into tears and Marcus comforted his wife as the grave was covered in earth, the rain making it soft and soggy. He had to gently pull his grieving wife away so that Lia could step forward. Raising her hands, she muttered the same spell and the earth rumbled softly.
A marble tombstone formed on top of Matthias' body and carved on it were:
Here Lies Matthias Alston
Son of Marcus and Loren Alston
Greatest Swordsman of Canaleodon
Vanquisher of Enemies
Loyal Friend to All
Died in an Attempt of Rescuing a Friend in Need
May his name live in Glory
Lia sighed once she finished her spell and placed her hand on the newly erected tomb. She whispered softly.
'Rest in peace Matthias. Even though I won't miss your stupidity but I will miss your company. Thank you… For being a good friend.'
She stood up and stepped back, allowing Loren to mourn in front of Matthias' tombstone. All she could hear were the pouring rain and the cries of those who knew Matthias Alston.
______________________________________________________________________________
Argus Ward raised a mug of ale before Lia, Johann and Kara. 'To Matthias Alston!'
'To Matthias Alston!' The others chorussed and downed their ale.
They were at the Three Kegs, more crowded as usual but the atmosphere more somber. The innkeeper was giving out free ale, as Matthias was a popular regular in his establishment. Every person who Matthias knew, friends in the army or drinking buddies, were downing ale or mead as they regaled in Matthias' heroism. In some consolation, it was what Matthias would have wanted.
Argus was the first one to finish his drink and with a satisfied belch, he beckoned the waitress for another round. He looked down the mug and sighed.
'Rest in peace old friend.' Argus said. 'I hope you have all the ale and girls waiting in heaven for you.'
Kara wrapped her arms around Argus right forearm and placed her head on his shoulder. 'Remember the time he caused a ruckus in Canaleodon when he bedded Lord Derrick's daughter?'
Argus smiled. 'How can I forget that? Daniel and me had to save his ass when Lord Derrick came demanding justice. He even tried to get his way with you.'
Kara blushed but smiled fondly. 'Well… He was kind of flirty… But you and my brother ended up kicking his ass before dragging him to King Arald.'
Argus chuckled, his mood lightened up. 'And instead of punishing him, he ended escorting Princess Charlotte on that diplomatic mission.'
'With you and brother helping him to boot!' Kara giggled.
Their table erupted with laughter, their mood brightening up in remembrance of Matthias' antics. More ale came and clinking mugs again, they drank heartily. After their ale was done, they were about to order another round when the crashing off the wooden doors rang in the slightly noisy tavern. Their attention turn to a soldier who just burst into the tavern, out of breath as he looked around the crowd.
'Battle Commander! Grand Crusader! I have urgent report!'
The inn became silent as Johann and Kara rose from their seats, meeting the messenger.
'What's going on at the front?' Johann asked. 'Which stronghold is being attacked?'
The messenger's answer surprised them. 'None my lord. According to the scouts, a small army of Avencus' troops teleported near Heroes' Light Chapel but we do not know what they're doing there.'
'No matter.' Kara said. 'Whatever they doing there is definitely nothing good. Inform the king and the army right away. We will form a small expedition to investigate.'
'Yes my lady!' The soldier saluted and ran out the inn. Lia and Argus joined their friends.
'What do you think they're doing in the chapel?' Lia asked.
'I don't know.' Kara admitted, turning back to her friends. 'It's a religious building with no military or strategic values to it. I can't imagine why Avencus would want to do with a place like that.'
'One way to find out.' Johann said. 'We're going to assemble the army. We're going to Heroes Light Chapel. And we're going to put a stop to Avencus and his Night Wolves once and for all!'
_______________________________________________________________________________
A small army of both the White Crusader and the Tanelician soldiers marched out from a portal, standing on top of a hill. Leading the five hundred men and women were Johann, Argus and Kara. Lia was the last one to walked out from the portal, closing it with a wave of a hand. The hill they were standing on was overlooking a chapel made from the whitest marbles and surrounded by tombstone. The cool Autumn air blew pass them and the sky was sky blue. It was a perfect picture of the norm.
Except for the black banners with what looked like a rotting hand holding up a sword held in front of the cemetery.
An army of warriors blocked the entrance of the chapel, covered in black armour from head to toe. Each one of them had a black rectangle shield on their left arm while in their right hands were iron spears or pikes. They stood in silent formation, obviously some activities occurring in the cemetery. They were only two hundred of them.
Argus frowned. 'Strange… I don't recall the Night Wolves wearing armour or standing in perfect formation.'
Lia frowned as she too surveyed the enemy before her. 'Are you saying that Avencus has trained and equipped the Night Wolves like a proper army?'
'I pray that is not the case…' Kara started but shook her head. 'Trained or not, they're still Night Wolves! They're enemies of Tanelic and will be dealt with!' She raised her sword and brought it down. 'White Crusaders! For Canaleodon! For the king! For all of our fallen brothers and sisters! Charge!'
'Charge!' Johann repeated as he too brought down his sword.
The soldiers behind them yelled and followed their leaders down the hill, charging towards this strange army. Their commotion alerted the armoured figures to their presence, some of them turning to face them. By instinct, the black armoured soldiers arranged themselves in position, their shield before them and facing the charging invaders.
Kara suddenly raised her hands, signalling a halt in their charge. As they reigned in their horses, Kara cried out an order.
'Archers! Take position!'
Immediately archers ran in front of them and nocked their arrows, raising their bows towards the armoured soldiers. Kara issued another order.
'Take aim… Fire!'
The archers released their bowstring and the arrows flew towards the armoured soldiers. Then they heard another voice, sounded very hoarse or grated.
'Raise shields!'
The armoured soldiers standing behind the first line covered their top with their own shields followed by the ones behind them. Soon, their shields covered them all up and the arrows just bounced or impaled into them: harming not a single soldier. Johann cursed and pointed his sword at the armoured soldiers.
'They're now in position to open up! Cavalry, charge!'
Calvary units from both the White Crusade and the Tanelician army charged from the ranks, giving their battle cries as they headed towards the armoured formation. They raised their spears and swords, ready to bring it down on the shield wall. They were nearing the formation when the same hoarse voice shouted.
'Thrust spears!'
Spears shot out from the cracks of the shield formation, making it look like some metallic porcupine. The horses neighed and stood on their rear legs, frightened by the spears and avoiding death. Those horses that were too slow to react impaled themselves on the spears, making their riders fly forward into the iron formation. No doubt being slaughtered by the iron armoured soldiers. As the cavalry tried to regroup, the hoarse voice boomed again.
'Disperse formation and slaughter them all!'
The armoured soldiers broke from their formation and jumped on the disoriented horsemen, stabbing and slicing them without any mercy. The sky was filled with the neighs and screams of the dying. Lia gave a cry and pushed both her palms forward. Wind blasted from her palms and slammed into the armoured soldiers, pushing them away from the helpless horsemen.
Johann raised his shield and roared. 'Do not despair soldiers of Canaleodon! Forward and take them down!'
The soldiers roared and charged towards the armoured soldiers. The armoured soldiers, now broken from their formation, were scattered as the main army crashed into them. Johann and Kara fought on their horses, swinging down their swords on any enemies that were too close to them, while Argus dismounted and swung his ax in deadly arcs. Lia fired arrows after arrows at the armoured soldiers as the brave men and women of Canaleodon fought head-to-head with the enemy, despite the failed cavalry charge.
However, their spirits were lowered as the fight drew longer. No matter how many times they slashed or stabbed, the armoured soldiers did not even flinch or weakened but continued the onslaught with renewed ferocity. The White Crusade and the Tanelician have to retreat, bewildered at this turn of event.
'What the hell?' Johann cried as he blocked a spear thrust towards him. 'Why won't they die?'
'This must be Avencus' doing!' Kara screamed as she kicked an armoured soldier in the helm, knocking him back. 'They must be impervious to pain or something!'
'But they're not immune to magic!' Lia replied and waved her hand.
Ice fell from the skies and towards the armoured soldiers, freezing them or impaling them to the ground. To their horror, those who were impaled to the ground were still moving their limbs. Argus gritted his teeth and swung his ax, slamming the back of the ax into one of the armoured soldier's helm and knocking the soldier sideway. The helm flew into the air and dropped onto the ground as the soldier turned to face Argus. Argus jumped back and gave a yelp, horror written all over his face. Those who heard him, including Kara, Johann and Lia, turned to what was wrong. When they looked at the armoured soldier's face, they wanted to scream in disgust.
The armoured soldier's face was rotted with pieces of skin and flesh peeling off. Maggots were seen crawling on its' face and bloodied teeth gnashed rabidly at them. Its' eyes were bright yellow with no pupils in them. Clearly, the soldier was no longer alive.
'What the hell is that thing?' Argus whispered, his face drained. 'It… It's not human!'
Lia face was paled too when she saw the soldier's face. 'I-it can't be!' she stammered. 'I only… Read about them in tomes and stories… T-they… They're supposed to be myths!'
'What are they Lia?' Johann demanded, trying to hide his disbelief.
Lia turned to her friends, answering shakily. 'They're… The undead…'
The "undead" sent chills to all their spines, their minds and eyes trying to get accustom to what was before them. To their knowledge, necromancy was banned for three decades and the existence of the undead was non-existence. Even Avencus was not powerful enough to raise the dead. And yet, an army of the dead stood before them.
Before they could allow the idea of the undead settle into their minds, the hoarse voice was heard ringing in the air.
'Legion of the Damned, our enemies are faltering! Slaughter them all! For our Master and for Lord Avencus!'
The Legionnaires of the Damned gave an inhuman growl and marched forward. Their heavy boots slightly shook the ground as they lowered their spears and swords, taking their time in their approach. Their slow march actually took an effect on the White Crusaders and Tanelician. The thoughts of fighting something that was dead and cannot be killed easily unnerved many of them. They were losing their wills to fight as the undead slowly came upon them, some of them were even backing away.
Kara quickly rallied the troops. 'Take heart men! We're the White Crusaders! We're the warriors of the Light and the defenders of the people! These Undead are the scourge of the land and to humankind. Vanquish them and send them back to the dust!'
The White Crusaders' morale rose and they followed Kara back into the fray, crashing into the undead army. Following their examples, Johann led the Tanelician back into the fight. With renewed vigour, they hammered the Legionnaires back. The sounds of steel meeting steel echoed loudly as the living and the dead fought fiercely. Even though they were losing soldiers, the White Crusade fought desperately and courageously. The Legion of the Damned had not suffered a single casualty yet.
Argus swung his ax wildly, slamming it onto the shield of one of the Legionnaire. He roared and with a powerful swing, he knocked the shield away. Defenceless, the Undead could not defend itself as Argus chopped off its sword arm before decapitating it. The headless corpse fell backwards, landing onto the ground. Argus pointed his ax at the body, waiting for it to rise again. It did not.
Realising the creature was truly dead; Argus raised his voice for all to hear. 'Their heads! Take off their heads and they're will stay dead!'
Now knowing they have a weakness, the White Crusaders and the Tanelician now swung their swords and thrust their spears at the undead heads. It was slow but they were thinning the Legion of the Damned's lines. Lia reloaded her mounted crossbow and fired arrows fused with either arcane or elemental magic, taking down many of the legionnaires.
It was not long for the Legion of the Damned to retreat, although they did kill scores of men and women. Kara, Argus, Johann and Lia led their troops forward, with intention of wiping the dark army from the face of the earth. They did no go far when a figure stepped forward. It was Undead like the legionnaires but instead of black armour, it wore a golden cuirass with gold plating covering it rotten limbs. It wore golden heavy boots and helm that showed its' rotting face. Draped behind it was a red cape and a sword was sheathed in its left waist and a golden round shield strapped to its left arm.
'Hold!' It was the same hoarse that was given the orders earlier. The Legionnaires stood like statues as the undead glared at the humans . 'I am Derek Darkfingers, Commander of the Second Legion! By orders of my master, I will not allow you interfere with his plans…'
Something big pushed him aside and towering all over them, interrupting the undead commander. The giant was about Eric's height with white bandages covering what looked like a charred face and with only one eye glaring down at them. He wore dirty pants and a dirty butcher's apron, covering his charred black body. In his hand was a spiked club.
This was no doubt Goregrine the Mauler, the younger brother of Chargrine the Butcher and the one Daniel had burnt in his final moments.
His black pupil looked down at Blackfingers, giving it a look of disregard. 'Move aside dead man! I will deal with these puny humans!'
Blackfingers looked up defiantly at Goregrine. 'With all due respect Master Goregrine, I would not recommend such action. The master ordered us to stop anyone from entering the cemetery until…'
Goregrine snorted loudly. 'Bah! Enough! I said I will deal with this! Stand aside!'
Blackfingers scowled but obeyed. He raised his hand and the legionnaires stepped backwards, allowing Goregrine to step forward. His black pupil bore down on Kara. Kara's friends stood closed to her protectively.
'You!' Goregrine growled. 'You smell like a Cavalier! Your brother burnt me to a crisp! It's a pity he died before I can kill him but looks like I can kill the sister! I will enjoy tearing you limb from limb and feast on your flesh!'
Kara, who was not intimidated by the ogre, answered back tartly. 'You have to get me first monster! I advise you to be careful or you will end burnt to cinders a second time!'
As Goregrine snarled, Kara turned to her friends. 'Stay back. This one is mine. Argus, Johann, tell the troops to stand down.'
Argus wanted to protest but then he knew what Kara wanted. She was not doing this for vengeance nor to show her soldiers she was a capable leader. She needed to prove to herself that she can fight against such an opponent like her brother and grandfather did. Argus nodded and signalled for his men to standby. But he whispered for Kara's ears only.
'He's all yours. Get him and put your brother and grandfather to shame.'
Kara smiled and walked towards Goregrine, her sword swinging by her side. 'Come monster! Face me if you dare or run back like a dog between his legs to your scum master!'
Goregrine roared and charged, his steps making the earth shake. He raised his club and swung it down at Kara who dodged sideway, the club sending shards of earth flying everywhere. Avoiding the missiles, Kara ducked under Goregrine arm and plunged her sword into his stomach. Goregrine screamed and made the mistake of pulling up, Kara's sword cutting down his stomach.
Kara pulled out her sword from the ogre's stomach and stepped back, watching large intestines and a red liver spilling out from Goregrine's stomach. Goregrine howled in pain and tried to close the gap, black blood gushing through his fingers. Kara smiled as she pointed her sword towards the ground.
'What's wrong monster?' she taunted. 'I thought you wanted to eat me! Your brother made the same comments and he ended up having his innards spilled onto the ground!'
'I will kill you, bitch!' Goregrine roared and reached for her with his left hand.
Kara raised her sword and swung them hard, cutting through the fingers' bones. Goregrine's fingers fell like giant logs, creating pools of blood. Goregrine howled and pulled back his left arm as the White Crusaders and the Tanelician cheered loudly, banging the swords onto their shields. Lia, Johann and Argus were looking intently at the fight: ready to jump to Kara's defence if she needs it. Blackfingers and the Legion of the Damned just stood still, nonchalant as they watched Goregrine being pushed around by Kara.
Goregrine snarled and swung his club sideway, attempting to knock off Kara's head. Kara, the lightest among them, jumped as the club swung below her. She landed on top of the club, pushing it down to the ground, and plunged her sword downwards into Goregrine's right wrist. The ogre screamed and tried to pull his arm away but it was pinned to the ground by the sword.
Kara finally pulled out her sword; the blade covered in blood, and ran up Goregrine's arm. Before the ogre could do anything, she jumped off it and with a yell, drove her sword into Goregrine's chest. Goregrine roared in agony as Kara jumped off him, pulling her sword out too. Blood spilled out from his chest as Goregrine fell onto his knees, shaking the earth. He was breathing heavily as he failed to cover his wounds. His eyes were closing as he tried to look up, catching sight of Kara standing like an angel of vengeance.
'This is it monster.' Kara said calmly, raising her sword. 'You will never torment anymore victims!'
Kara yelled and charged towards the kneeling Goregrine, aiming to drive her sword into his head. She screamed and thrust her sword forward…
… Only to knock into something metallic. Kara quickly jumped back as something erupted from the ground between her and Goregrine. Kara was unhurt as she landed on her feet, looking up. She saw the same black giant cross that Matthias was chained to. It stood between her and Goregrine, an obstacle to Kara and a shield to Goregrine.
'That was pathetic Goregrine…'
Blackfingers and the Legion of the Damned, even Goregrine, straightened as another figure joined them. He stopped at Goregrine's side, in between the ogre and Kara. He wore black armour with a black cape attached on his back. His black pauldron were rounded and his armoured boots were pointed. Covering his head was a black helm with two metallic horns at the sides and pointing downwards, his face completely covered by the black metal. The only thing that was not covered was his left eye, his dark brown pupil glaring at Goregrine.
'You allowed a girl to push you around like that?' He spoke in a dark, grating voice. 'And you call yourself a champion of Lord Avencus.'
Goregrine grunted painfully as he turned to look at the new figure. 'Necromancer… The girl… She's…'
'Enough with your excuses.' The necromancer cut him coldly. 'I would kill you myself but because you are Avencus' loyal retainer, I will spare your miserable life. I will even heal your wounds.'
The necromancer raised his left hand and it glowed with a green light. He then directed the green light towards Goregrine, enveloping him. The ogre grunted pleasantly as his wounds slowly closed up, surprising the White Crusade and the Tanelician before him. When the cut on his body healed, Goregrine stood up straight and gnashed his teeth: grinning at Kara.
'Time for round two, little girl!'
The necromancer looked at the dead bodies of the White Crusaders and the Tanelician lying on the ground. 'Ah good… More bodies. This will boost our forces.' He raised both hands, glowing with the green light. 'Olezy boddyf afyz! Lezy ofk zyljy uail tozsyl!'
To Lia, Johann, Argus and Kara's horror, the corpses of their fallen comrades moved and rose gradually onto their feet. Their skin were wrinkled and paled and they turned their yellow-glowing eyes towards them, snarls and growls escaping from their mouths. Then black smoke shrouded around them and when it dissipated, they were covered in the same armour and armed with the same weapons as the Legion of the Damned. They slowly back away as the necromancer turned back to Goregrine.
'We're almost done with our mission in the cemetery. Buy us as much time as possible. I will also give you this gift.'
Muttering, the necromancer's hands glowed again as he poured more of his power towards Goregrine. Goregrine grunted and roared as his body swelled. He grew taller and bigger as he towered over all of them. His muscles bulged bigger as veins popped out on the surface. His fangs became sharper and red veins appeared in his eyes. Even his club has transformed, it was metallic and more spikes were added to it. He roared and stomped on the earth, causing a small crack onto the ground.
'Use this gift well.' The necromancer told him. 'Crush you enemies! Do not fail Lord Avencus.'
Goregrine only grunted, getting use to his new power. Satisfied, the necromancer turned to face Blackfingers.
'We will leave Goregrine to our… Visitors. You and your men follow me.'
Blackfingers thumped his fist on his chest in a salute. 'Yes milord.'
He made a gesture and the legionnaires followed him and the mysterious figure into the cemetery, closing the black gate behind them. All that was left was Goregrine and the White Crusaders and the Tanelician. He gave Kara a malicious grin, showing off his new fangs.
'Come little girl!' His voice now louder and stronger than his normal voice. 'Let's finish this fight!'
He roared and swung his club towards Kara, prompting the Grand Crusader to jump to her side. It was not enough. The blow of Goregrine's club caused such a force that it sent a powerful shockwave, sending Kara off balance. She gasped and fell onto her sides, almost dislocating her shoulders. She rolled sideway, avoiding getting smashed by Goregrine's club. She quickly got up onto her feet and with a yell, slashed Goregrine on the arm.
Goregrine's reaction shocked her as he only grinned. The cut on his arm quickly closed again, as if nothing had happened to him. He laughed and swung his club again, forcing Kara to fall onto her stomach. Kara gasped when she hit the ground and tried to get up. She gasped loudly as Goregrine pinned her down to the ground with his left palm.
He smiled evilly. 'I will crush puny human! Make you into pulp and eat you!'
He asserted more force into his palm, pushing Kara into the ground. The Grand Crusader screamed as her face was pressed into the ground and the overwhelming force slowly crushed her bones. She tried to stab Goregrine with her sword but she was getting weaker and weaker, her screams were getting softer and softer.
Then something slammed into Goregrine's hand, forcing the ogre to pull back his arm as the cut closed quickly. Argus had ran out from the rank and with a roar, slammed his ax onto the ogre's wrist. He stood protectively in front of Kara, glaring at the ogre.
'No one is eating anyone! Especially not Kara! You will pay for this monster!'
Goregrine grinned as he looked down at Argus. 'More fresh meat! I will enjoy eating you and the girl!'
Argus stood there defiantly. 'You're not facing me alone monster! You have incur the wrath of the White Crusade!' He turned to face his soldiers. 'Archers! Open fire!'
The archers nocked their bows and unleashed their arrows, letting them fly towards Goregrine. Goregrine raised his left arm to protect himself, allowing the arrows to stick into his flesh. Goregrine only grunted and flung his arm downwards, making some of the arrows slid out from his arm. The archers nocked their bows once again and their infantry readied their weapons. Argus was on his knees helping Kara up onto her feet. Blood was flowing from her mouth and she was breathing heavily, due to the some of her broken ribs. This left Johann to take charge of the attack.
'White Crusaders and soldiers of Canaleodon, the Grand Crusader is wounded and our sanctuary have been invaded! Forward and take down Goregrine the Mauler! For Canaleodon! For the King! For Tanelic!'
The troops roared and charged towards Goregrine, weapons raised and arrows flying towards the ogre.