Kellan reached the top of the tower, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His heart sank at the sight before him. The two men stationed there lay dead, their bodies pierced by arrows. Blood pooled around them, staining the stone floor. Kellan quickly checked the dragon slayer, his fingers trembling. He found it loaded with a bolt, concluding that the men had been shot before they could fire a single shot. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on him; he had to act fast.
He crept down and surveyed the area where the arrows had come from, scanning the enemy lines for any sign of the archers. His mind raced, trying to think of a way to block the arrows. Hardening his heart, he picked up the dead bodies, their weight and the horror of the act pressing on his conscience. Binding them together, he fashioned a makeshift shield. Holding them toward the enemy line, he used the bodies to protect his back.
Kellan then stood up and, with all his might, turned the large crossbow inward, the massive weapon creaking under the strain. He struggled to mark the giant, the beast's movements erratic and powerful. His hands trembled, and sweat dripped from his forehead. This was his only shot, and the pressure was immense. He could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears, drowning out the chaos below.
Below, the battle raged on. Hundreds of elite troops were engaged with the giant, barely keeping it at bay. The sounds of clashing metal and cries of pain filled the air. Kellan feared the possibility of missing or hitting a comrade, but without trying, defeat was imminent. He focused on his target, recalling the advice he had received during training: "If you are not confident in your skills, aim for the heart. It may hit something."
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly looked at his target. Adjusting his aim from the head to the heart, and took the shot. "Thwack." The massive recoil, unexpected by Kellan, threw him against the wall. The bolt cut through the air at express speed, reaching its target in just a moment.
Unfortunately, just in time, the giant leaped to tackle the continuous assault on its legs. The bolt, initially aimed at its chest, missed the mark and hit the giant's thigh. The creature roared in pain, the force of the impact causing it to stagger. The bolt had not killed it, but it had immobilized the giant, slowing its destructive rampage.
Kellan picked himself up and checked if he had succeeded. "Fuck," he cursed under his breath, already going for the last backup bolt. The weight of the bolt and the strain of the lever made it difficult for one man to reload quickly. He used his legs, pulling down the lever with all his might, his muscles straining with the effort. By the time he had finished loading the bolt, a footstep echoed from the stone steps.
Startled, Kellan drew his sword and waited, his heart pounding in his chest. When he saw the head of a person coming into view, he slashed at it instinctively. His fears came true it was a Galdorian soldier. Thankfully, the soldier was unprepared, and Kellan's sword cut through his head, splitting it in half. The sudden encounter left him huffing, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He pushed the enemy soldier down the stairs and checked for any more threats.
Satisfied that he was safe for the moment, Kellan returned to the dragon slayer for one final shot. He aimed carefully, his body tensed with determination. The fate of Fort Arkhaven rested on this one final act. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he focused on the giant, which was now struggling to regain its footing. The tension was palpable as he prepared to fire, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring. He knew he had to make this shot count.
With a final prayer, Kellan pulled the trigger, sending the bolt hurtling toward the giant. The weapon's recoil jolted him, but this time he was prepared, he kept his eyes fixed on the target. The bolt flew true, but instead of piercing the giant's heart, it struck its shoulder. The beast let out another roar of pain, the force of the impact causing it to stagger and ultimately drop its massive club. The loss of its primary weapon significantly hindered its ability to fight.
Kellan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his entire body shaking from the exertion and the stress. He hadn't killed the giant, but he had achieved something. The giant was now wounded and weaponless, its threat diminished. He turned his attention back to the chaos below, ready to rejoin the fight and do his duty.