Chapter 16 The Shadow War Part 3
Captain Ellis and his team have reached the gates with their shield wall thanks to the battle prowess of Merlin who lead the charge. The battle is far from over though as the army of orc is still trying to push them back. The last time he saw Merlin is on the top of the wall assisting a group of defenders and leading them to reinforce the fortress.
I think there's around five thousand orcs that is still besieging this part of the Gallan Wall. Thankfully we were able to retake and reinforce the gates. I left Captain Ellis and his team since they can hold up on their own down there. The critical part where we have to defend now is the top wall. The orcs have mounted several ladders and climbing fast to overwhelm us. I found a good shield from a fallen Elven Knight and used it to cover my self from flying arrows while battling the Orcs who manage to climb the walls. Then suddenly the outer fields of the Gallan wall started to explode. I braced my self and check my senses for any magical attack directed to us but It only targets the orcs. I looked up to the eastern sky where the firebolt is coming from and saw a large eagle flying in our direction with a rider raining down fires to the orcs who started retreating.
The Elves cheered as the orcs retreated to the northern woodlands. By the time the Eagle the siege has ended. I watched as the eagle landed on its four legs running to a stop. I saw that the eagle is actually a Griffon, half eagle half lion. The rider is an old bearded man holding a black staff.
Captain Ellis called me to come down from the wall. He waited for me and we walked to meet the bearded fellow.
He is tall and masculine, despite his old grandpa figure with his long mustache and white gray white beard. He hunch like an old man leaning through his staff as he walked, but I sense that he is very strong in power and strength. "Greetings Grand Wizard, I'm Captain Ellis of the Elven reserved Army. We are very thankful for the your help. We were hard pressed by the orcs."
"Greetings to you too brave Elf, I'm Grand Wizard Caled." He eyed the the Captain still hunching. "I hope I came on time, the other fortress have been besieged by orcs too."
You're right on time Grand Wizard, my fellow Elf here helped us gain back the gates and defend the top wall." Captain Ellis patted me on the shoulder proudly as he introduced me to the Wizard.
"What do they call you master Elf?" The Grand Wizard asked which made the Captain snickered.
"I go by the name Merlin of House Sylvestrus, Grand Wizard." I replied uncomfortably since I can't just changed my sudo name since the Captain already knew me by that name.
The Wizard's eye twinkled, and he laughed. "Do you have Callandor with you?" The Grand Wizard asked then laughed again.
My face went red by their jest and laughed with them. "Sorry the Lady of the Lake took it from me." Then I laughed some more, haha! the joke is on you! Take that! if you can understand that reference haha!
"I see that you've studied the history of Merlin" asked by the Grand Wizard.
"Oh, professor Dumbledore mentored me on the subject." Take that muggles!
"Captain Ellis!" An Elven Knight came running. "The wagons carrying out trainees has been attacked along their way to the fortress. The young trainees were taken by the orcs!"
"How did that happened? they where far away from the battle?" Asked by the Captain looking worried.
"It seems that some orcs managed to break away from our blockade unnoticed Captain."
"Maia! where is she?" I asked worriedly.
"I'm afraid she is one of those who have been taken master Merlin." answered by the Knight.
"We need to send a search and retrieve party Captain. We can't abandon them." I told the Captain.
"I'm sorry Merlin, there are thousands of orcs hiding in the northern forest. Sending a rescue party will be a suicide." The Captain replied with anguish helplessness.
"The child have lost too much in her life already Captain, we can't abandon them." I pleaded.
"I'm sorry Merlin, I can't order anyone in my team to a certain death. No one has entered the northern forest and returned to tell their tale."
"Then I'll try Captain, I'll bring them back." I said making up my mind. I turned around and left them.
"You will be killed out there lad!" The Captain called back, I can hear him torn between wanting to send a rescue team and worrying about the life of anyone who will attempt rescue.
"Let him go and try Captain. One Elf can be stealthy enough to get them back." The Grand Wizard turn around to go back to his griffon.