The tactic of burning Ikai Nor had worked to slow down Kittisek Khan's forces. The battle had become a stalemate as both sides waited for the free to burn out. It left Malum wondering what would be left to fight over when the fighting started again.
Some good came of it. It had allowed time for all the citizens who were now refugees to escape and for the wounded to be attended to. The soldiers were resting and new strategies could be formed.
Even without being able to recover the city, they couldn't allow Hanwi to fall to the Great Khan. A counterattack and retaking the lost lands were priorities.
Of the five regions of Hanwi, four now belonged to Kittisek Khan. All of the Hanwi forces had fallen back to the region of Gauman near the banks of the Sungai River.
The Ishvaran blockade had been broken, and the fleet was forced to sail to Spall, the capital of Gauman. The massive warships of Nanook proved able to outlast their foes.
Malum didn't see how the outcome would be any different until they got more reinforcement. Kittisek Khan had superior numbers and weapons. They fired arrows at them, and Khan's forces slung stones. Something had to change.
Malum's unit had success. Some might say that he used more ruthless tactics and allowed Veneno and Baal a free hand in violence, but that didn't bother Malum. He only wanted to be judged on the results. It was a war, after all.
Chancellor Flaero approved of his tactics; in fact, at his suggestion, Malum felt free to use any means.
"More victories, I hear. We might have to put you in charge of the whole campaign." Flaero said to Malum with a smile.
"Yes, but we keep losing the overall battle," Malum said, not hiding his displeasure.
"Oh, but things are about to change," Flaero said
"You know something?" Malum probed.
"Call it a feeling. Like those you tell me you experience when you connect to the O element."
"Good, because I don't have much more stomach for this."
"You hate to lose. I like that. It's often when things look their darkest when the light appears. Keep your faith in me, my friend." Flaero grinned.
Malum's feelings for Flaero had been waving, but Malum had to admit that Flaero had always been there to encourage him.
"I have another suggestion." Flaero started.
"What is it?" Malum asked with his curiosity peeked.
"When you were describing your duels, I wonder if a new technique might help you end them quicker."
"What do you suggest?"
"Lower your sword so that the dull side is exposed to your enemy, and lean your head towards your opponent."
"Are you joking? That would leave me exposed." Malum said, annoyed.
"No, not exposed. Inviting." Flaero corrected.
"You mean to use it as bait? Lure them into an attack."
"Exactly."
"That is very aggressive, but it might work," Malum said, thinking it over.
"It is only something for the most skilled warrior, someone like you," Flaero flattered. "Allow me to demonstrate."
Malum was a bit surprised that he was receiving a lesson in the middle of this and by the Chancellor himself. Flaero had Malum's sword and went over the positioning.
"It will force you to choose the correct counter every time, or it will be instant death. You think you are skillful enough yet?" Flaero challenged.
"Definitely," Malum said proudly.
After the Chancellor had left, Malum began practicing the new technique over and over. He rapidly took a liking to it.
"Practicing? Lady Veneno queried.
"New technique," Malum responded.
"Looks like instant death technique to me." She criticized.
"Only for my opponents." Malum scoffed.
Malum put down his sword and wiped away some sweat.
"I know this whole affair isn't easy for you as your circumstances changed quickly. I'm glad that you are fighting with us." Malum said with genuine affection.
"Thanks." She said standoffish.
"I mean, your kind of a nuisance, and you talk back a lot. But you're also kind of handy to have in a battle."
"Almost sounds like compliments. Does your girlfriend approve?"
"Thea? There's nothing for her to worry about." Malum said a little callously.
"Oh." Lady Veneno seems to be hurt by his words.
Luckily, Atoc Baal rescued Malum from having to discuss this further.
"What is it, Atoc?" Malum asked, hoping to avoid the awkward tension between him and Veneno.
"Black Legion soldiers on the march towards our camp. Thousands of them." Baal informed him.
"We have to let Chancellor Flaero know. We can't fight the Black Legion and Kittisek Khan. We'll be annihilated." Malum said in a slight panic.
Malum rushed to find Flaero.
"Chancellor, Black Legion soldiers are coming from the East." Malum interrupted.
Chancellor Flaero turned to him, "Good, it's about time they arrived."
"You knew they were coming?" Malum said, frustrated.
"Not until very recently. They have come to fulfill their agreement."
"You mean they will fight alongside us? And the Witches?" Malum said in disgust.
"The Sorors will fight with us as well. This is our best chance to force Kittisek Khan back to his hole." Flaero said, with a hint of anger.
Malum was torn. He had been hoping for these reinforcements, but he hated the Witches. Soror Dominus killed his brother Kai, and Malum didn't fully trust any of them.
Not to mention that it was a Black Legion soldier that Thea said had a crush on her. Flaero had told him it went further than that, but Malum trusted Thea more.
Malum stood watching like the rest of the soldiers, and the black armored soldiers poured into their camp. At the very back, Malum saw the red robes of the Sorors. His blood began to boil at the very sight of them.
Malum didn't know how Thea would react to seeing them. Thea blamed them for her parent's death. She also was held captive on their island for a time. Malum knew Thea was somewhere in one of the medic tents; he didn't have time to seek her.
——
Smoke still lingered in the air, and Malum could see the remnants of the charred city of Ikai Nor as they marched toward it. Malum would lead the same unit with Baal and Veneno, but some Black Legion soldiers had joined their ranks.
The Sorors would lead their own forces to keep some separation in command. Many of the Ishavarans, Qamatans, and Hanwiians wanted nothing to do with them after what they had tried with Tsar Miro. Everything could change with a victory today.
What remained of the Ishvaran fleet had combined with those of the Shadow Coven to make sail across the Bay of Altifir to try once more to sink Kittisek Khan's warships.
The fact that the city still burned in places and the structure of many of the walls were not sound, meant the war would move to battlefields. Noyon Altar Gatmaa and his Green Horde were waiting for them. Countless Ijani Knights were amongst the ranks. Malum saw Adama Sardar had recovered but was shy one hand thanks to him. Malum could admire his resilience.
As the players took their positions on the battlefield, it was apparent for the first time that they had superior numbers over the Great Khan. It was entirely due to the Shadow Coven. Even Malum could admit that.
The terrain was poor for chariots and cavalry, so both sides had a large infantry. Archers were brought forth on the Nanook right flank and kicked off the battle with an array of volleys.
The Black Legion soldiers were able to use their thick shields to protect them from the projectiles. The Sorors hadn't wasted any time by asserting their commitment as they pushed their troops to the front lines.
Both sides exchanged arrows and stones until it became clear that their tactics were ineffective. They were forced to draw swords.
Noyon Altar Gatmaa sent his right flank to attack the left flank of Black Legion soldiers. The two armies came running in a mad dash for each other and collided in a thunderous rapture. Many soldiers were instantly killed on both sides as swords took heads and limbs. Blood flowed and spurted onto soldiers fighting next to fallen comrades.
Prince Hotah wasn't going to let others fight his battle, so he led a charge on the center of the Green Horde. Ijani Knights mixed with the infantry of the Green Horde. Princess Ichante, Maliaka, Chaska, Ellisapie, Gaia, Apollyon, and Sequoia all followed the Prince into the charge.
Malum was waiting on the right flank, waiting in reserve. A contingent of Sorors formed the rear guard, and it didn't fill Malum with confidence to know they were behind him. He didn't want to fight on two fronts.
Malum's left flank was taking heavy casualties. He wanted to help them, but he couldn't leave his position, as it would create an opportunity for the enemy to exploit.
Prince Hotah and his unit were dueling with Ijani Knights and having success in pushing them back. Ichante fought back-to-back with Malaika. Chaska was overpowering his foe. Sequoia and Apollyon used their athleticism to their advantage and moved swiftly through multiple attackers.
Elisapie and Gaia used to be Ijani Knights and had a greater stake in their duels. They both fought with an intensity that Malum had never seen from them. They usually never took anything seriously, but they were all business today.
Malum's friends had cut down many Green Horde soldiers, but they had yet to take out any of the Ijani Knights. Elisapie was the first. Malum watched as Elisapie screamed in anger, then used her sword to smash her opponent's hand, forcing them to drop it. Elisapie didn't show any mercy as she ran her blade through her enemy's stomach. When Elisapie withdrew her sword, it was covered in blood.
Seeing one of the Ijani fall sparked new vigor in the fight of the Green Horde. It was now getting to be a personal fight for both sides. Strategy and tactics started to fall apart as individuals took things into their own hands.
Malaika was injured when a sword caught her by the shoulder. Princess Ichante came to her rescue and quickly dispatched the Knight who inflicted the wound. Malaika didn't retreat to seek medical attention; she stayed by Ichante's side. Malaika's right arm was too weak to carry her sword, so she switched to her left. It would make her vulnerable. Ichante wouldn't let more harm come to her, Malum suspected.
Prince Hotah was leaving himself exposed as he was engaging in battle rather than at the command post with Flaero. Malum respected his bravery but questioned the decision. It made him a prime target. Three Ijani Knights had come for the Prince.
Apollyon, Sequoia, and Chaska saw this as well, and all three came running to help their future King. The three warriors were unstoppable at the moment. The threat to Hotah's life had pushed them to their best. In spectacular form, they pushed the Ijani Knights back.
The Centerline was now in full retreat. The right flank didn't want to be exposed, so they also began to retreat. But Malum remembered something Malaika had told him about Noyon Altar Gatmaa: that he used feigned retreats as a tactic. Malum instinctively knew that this was one as well.
Malum ran forward and was shouting, "It's a trap! Don't follow them."
Luckily, Malaika saw him, and she knew exactly what he was saying. She began repeating what Malum shouted. Chaska, Sequoia, and Apollyon heard her at the last minute and ceased their chase.
Malum pointed to archers in the woods, and Gatmaa's tactic was now fully exposed. All three lines were now forward, with Malum's unit now engaged. They had followed him forward as he charged.
Seeing that they didn't fall for the trap, Gatmaa ordered his forces to charge once more.
All three lines on both sides charged for each other and came together in a mighty clashing of armor and swords.
Malum led his forces from the front, but he had a new mission for himself. He was going to cut the head off the dragon. He was going to go for Noyon Altar Gatmaa.
Malum left over a number of Green Horde soldiers and let himself be surrounded. The enemy encircled him, but he wasn't panicked. He thought of trying out the new technique Flaero showed him. He lowered his sword and leaned in.
Green Horde soldiers began attacking him on all sides, but Malum only needed one precise movement to cut them down one by one. The new technique was working brilliantly. Malum was perhaps getting too cocky with it as one of the soldiers nearly made contact with their sword.
Malum was cutting a swath of death and chopped limbs. This allowed the rest of his unit to join the attack and overrun many of the Green Horde.
The Shadow Coven and Sorors must have seen this as the opportune moment to get involved as they all joined in. Malum could see them fighting everywhere on the battlefield. Dozens of Sorors were sending energy blasts in all directions. Green Horde soldiers and Ijani Knights were falling like trees in a wind storm.
Some of the enemy tried to flee the battle, but they were cut down by Sorors or Black Legion soldiers.
Malum was blocked from Noyon Altar Gatmaa by three of his guards. They must have been elite Ijani Knights. Malum lowered his sword and leaned in to invite an attack.
Malum's reactions were sharp and precise. A quick flick of his wrist and a thrust of his sword had killed the first guard to fall for his trap. Malum held his sword to the left to entice the next one, but these two were not as persuaded.
So Malum once again lowered his sword and leaned. When he had no takers, he forced their hands by moving at them. The Guard on the left lunged at him, but he easily parried it away. The other guard tried a sneak attack, but Malum quickly dodged his blade.
Repeating the same form, Malum lowered his blade. This time, when the opponents moved to attack, Malum knew what to expect. He had the counter move in mind before they had even started.
One guard lost his head for the mistake, and the other earned a diagonal slicing from waist to sternum. It was clinically fatal.
Noyon Gatmaa was now in his sights, and the Great General was no match for Malum in a fight. The General sat atop his horse but didn't try to run. Malum wasn't going to waste time, so he sent an energy blast that fatally wounded Gatmaa. The general fell off the horse and hit the ground with a big thump.
Malum felt pain, though. He was confused. Malum looked at his right arm to see that it was gone below his elbow. The General hadn't done it. How did someone manage to slice off his arm?
Malum fell to his knees as blood rushed out of his wound. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adama Sardar making his way to him. Then, it was obvious. Sardar had managed to get the best of him.
It was only fitting as Malum had taken Sardar's Hand. Malum was virtually helpless. He prepared himself for death. Sardar killing him would be honorable. It would be the second time Sardar had the chance to kill him. Veneno wouldn't save him now.
But someone did. The last thing Malum saw before passing out was Sardar being bombarded with energy blasts and retreating.
——
Malum woke up to Thea's beautiful face. He thought he must be in heaven and had died. She looked more angelic than ever.
"Am I dead? Is this heaven?" Malum asked her genuinely.
"No, I'm afraid you'll live," Thea said.
"What happened? Is the battle over?" Malum probed.
"You were injured. Soror Modron used her, "medicine", to save you."
Malum looked at his arm and was surprised to see a metal version of his hand. The metal connected to his flesh at the elbow. He was even more surprised that he could move his metal hand like a normal one.
"How is this possible?" Malum asked Thea.
"You tell me. I guess it's just dark magic secrets." Thea said. "You know you're pushing your luck. Always risking your life to save everyone is a really bad habit. I won't always be around to save you."
"Yes, you will," Malum said cheekily. "Who chased away Sardar? Was it Lady Veneno again?"
"No. It was two Sorors who did that. They're the ones who brought you to me." Thea informed him.
Malum was conflicted; although he hated the Sorors for their past deeds, it was hard to justify his hate if they just saved him. He didn't know how to feel about it.
"Which ones?" Malum inquired.
"Soror Agravane and Cadorim."
Malum didn't really know much about those two. He guessed he could give them the benefit of the doubt and thank them.
Chancellor Flaero and the two Sorors came into his medical tent just then.
"Is it alright to see the patient? His saviors want to see how he's doing." Flaero said.
Malum knew that Thea didn't like Flaero nor the Sorors, and he didn't mind when she excused herself.
"I guess I have you two to thank. My sincere gratitude." Malum said to the two red robes.
"We are always willing to save such a brave Knight." One of the Sorors said.
"Some might call what you did as reckless. Charging after Noyon Gatmaa like that and taking on the whole of the enemy's forces." Flaero added.
It looked as if the Sorors wanted to say more, but Flaero gave them a look to leave them.
"Once more, you have proven yourself, my boy. I couldn't be prouder." Flaero continued.
"What happened? Did we win?" Malum queried.
"Hard to say if we won, but Kittisek Khan was soundly defeated with the help of the Shadow Coven's fleet. He and his warships sailed back to Nanook. Hanwi is safe for now."
"But it is mostly destroyed now. It will take some time to recover." Malum pointed out.
"Yes, this is true. The Green Horde has been left in tatters, and Khan's best General is dead, all thanks to you."
Malum blushed, "It wasn't just me."
"Don't be so modest. All types of medals and honors are coming your way. Children's stories are being written about you as we speak."
"You're just teasing me. I'm just happy to be alive." Malum said honestly.
"We can speak on all of this later. You need your rest. Kittisek Khan isn't fully defeated. I'm afraid there will be more battles in the future. When that happens, I can't think of a single person I want to be there by my side." Chancellor Flaero said as he left.
Malum laid back down, exhausted. He didn't look forward to such a future.
Before Malum could rest his eyes, he had one more visitor.
"Can I come in?" Lady Veneno said quietly.
Malum sat up, "Yes, that's fine. He was pleased to see her, which surprised him.
"I tried to see you earlier, but so many people wanted to do the same."
"It's fine. You're here now. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you're OK." She said sheepishly.
"I'm fine, or at least that's what they tell me."
"Oh."
An awkward silence filled the air. Malum felt as if there was something Veneno wanted to tell him, but she just didn't have the nerve. She turned and almost walked out of the tent when Malum stopped her.
"Veneno," Malum shouted, and she paused. "I'm glad that you came by."
She gave him a smile and was gone.