There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-J] - The Last Stand
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-J] - The Last Stand
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 16:34:55 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-J] - The Last Stand
[SNIP]
"You go back about a mile on this road to where it narrows. Unjoined
start
making a barricade, rock falls, anythin' t' keep anythin' from goin'
up the
road. I want Mely and Jonas to stay and help with the barricade
itself.
You."she spun and pointed to the last ten unjoined. "Will stay right
here
and make like yer holdin' the road right here - but if they come up
and it
gets t' real fightin' then pull back and lead 'em into the others. We
can
hold 'em there a lot longer'n on the main road.
[END SNIP]
Mely heard the orders and looked over to Jonas. He appeared to have a
look
of envy on his face as he watched his wing mates ****t into the more
glorious
positions than building just a mere barricade. Mely caught the look
on his
face and glared at him. He looked away and once they had their
orders, they
gathered their team and ****ted to the place that Gus wanted that
barricade
set up.
Mely and Jonas conferred quickly at what needed to be done, and got
down to
work. The dragons helped fell the trees, and dragged them across the
narrowest part of the road that was behind a curve so that the enemy
could
not see them, not at first, not until it was too late and they could
not
turn around or back out.
Jonas came up with an idea to make a false barricade further down the
road,
to give them the lure they would need to hurry to breach it, only to
find
themselves within a trap. Mely smiled and nodded and Jonas went to
supervise that part while Mely worked fast and furious on the main
barricade, hoping against hope it would be able to hold.
Mely swallowed her fear, as bits and pieces of her childhood flashed
in
front of her eyes, and she had to push the bitter bile that rose
slowly up
her throat burning her as it inched up. She swallowed it and pushed
it back
down as closed her eyes for a moment as her eyes teared up with the
discomfort.
Slowly they made ready to hold the position like Gus had asked. Aggie
kept
in contact with Loki so that command center was aware of what was
going on
and how things progressed.
With the riders in the sky, and those calling from their hidden spots
Mely
knew that the Kataani army still pushed forward. Mely listened to some
of
the chatter from some of those who had grown up here, and all did not
understand why the push for this road, and could not figure out what
their
plans were. Unless this was a true invasion force and the brunt of
the army
was going to attempt to destroy some of the inland towns, and make an
attempt to take Cabral.
Jonas returned and let her know all the little things they found to
make the
road less easy to travel. Mely nodded and Jonas sensing her fear and
noticed
the strange look on her face gave her arm a squeeze and smiled at her.
"It will be alright, you will see." He reassured her. "Isn't this
like that
canyon you use to talk about?" he asked her, trying to get her to
focus on
anything but the oncoming army.
Jonas was no fool, and altho he did not mind should he die trying to
protect
the warren and those he cared for, he did not want Mely or some of the
others to. He and Eryr had spoken of this moment many times since
their
loss. Eryr grieved Tia as deeply as he did Tanys. But, he did not
like the
odds of them being on the ground during the battle, if something
should
happen, he wanted what all dragonriders wanted. The last ride.
Mely heard Jonas' words and smiled suddenly with her own idea. She
looked
up at the rock cliffs and knew that if they could get some of those
rocks
and boulders down to take out some of the enemy, it might slow them
down.
But, with second thought, realized they too would get them as well,
altho
the closer they came to the actual barricade the more of a chance to
hurt
those who were fighting to defend it.
She heard the cry go up and the dragons gave into the death keen.
<*MAGNUS*> cried Aggie and Mely felt the anguish rush through her.
Mely looked up startled and knew that the time was now at hand; gone
was the
time to plan, now was the time to do what they had been ordered. Hold
the
road.
"Mely, where's your bow?" Jonas called to her over the din of the
fighting
and the roar of the dragons; as the first skirmish could be heard down
the
road.
Mely ran to Aggie and fetched it. "Here!" she called and showed him.
He
nodded and took his sword.
"Ok, all of you with bows, follow Mely!" he called and soon they were
divided up into 3 groups. Those who could shoot with a bow, those who
knew
how to use the swords, and those that held what ever they had found or
made
into weapons.
One of the workers of the warren handed out blunt pointed poles that
could
be used when the first wave would try to work it's way over the
barricade.
Mely helped position everyone so they could take out those who got
through
the lines. She and her group were the last line. IF they got
through, then
that meant everyone else had perished.
Jonas spoke with Mely and told her his idea and she nodded, there was
nothing else to do but give it their all. Mely stayed to the rear and
up a
bit so she could get a better look and try to help the others. Aggie
stayed
by her side, in constant contact with the other dragons, and with
Loki, so
that all knew what was going on.
Jonas took his group and a few volunteers and went down to the false
barricade full of nasty little surprises and made ready. The loudness
of
the battle that raged on ahead of them caused many to swallow hard and
try
not to quake in their boots.
Most of these people where Warren born and bred. They did not know
this
kind of battle or fighting. Not with these numbers, and Jonas hoped
that
perhaps his group could give Mely the time she needed to pull out a
miracle.
When the call to retreat and fall back came, suddenly the air was full
of
strange energy as dragons and riders popped in to join them. Eryr
sent his
re****t to Loki and Aggie and let them know just what kind of damage
they
were looking at.
Jonas briefed the survivors with their plan and those that were
wounded
slightly or more so were taken to Mely's group.
Mely watched as Jonas organized his little band of followers and she
turned
her attentions on making those wounded as comfortable as she could.
She
wished she had the power and knowledge to heal and tend to those who
needed
it.
She heard Jonas call go up and she turned her attention back to the
battle
at hand, and she made sure her group was ready. She hoped against
hope that
someway, somehow they would be able to hold this last line, and the
enemy
would leave. She chuckled to herself and shook those silly thoughts
out
of her head; this was just like the raids back home as a child. They
were
not going to just up and leave, they were here to take what they
wanted and
destroy the rest.
Suddenly she heard a rumbling sound and saw from the distance what
looked
like smoke, but she smiled when she realized it was dust from the
boulders
and stones that rumbled down into the narrowing pass.
They had done what she had thought of, but not able to do because of
the
close quarters they were in. The shouts and cries of those being hit
from
the raining stones and boulders were not a pleasant noise, and she
could
only imagine what it must look like.
<*They keep coming, they are not retreating*> Aggie shared with her
rider.
<*Loki says to keep them from passing us, we are the last stand*>
Mely nodded and felt her eyes burn with tears. *I ..* She was flooded
with
love and comfort and Mely leaned into Aggie and took what strength she
could
and then after a moments time straightened herself and was ready.
Aggie
then sent a personal message to Loki and hoped that her rider would
heed the
suggestion. Aggie knew from the other re****ts that it would take a
miracle
for any of their riders to survive this,
* * * * *
Down below the main barricade Jonas held his group in a tight
formation and
waited for the oncoming Kataani to make their appearance. They could
hear
the cries and the roar of Dragons and what appeared to be the rumbling
of
the walls of the narrowing pass come down on them.
<*Loki re****ts they are still coming*> Eryr commented evenly <*It
appears
we are making a slight dent in the numbers*> he offered as a way to
try to
help and relieve his rider. Eryr had been worried about him since the
loss
of Tia and Tanys, and felt somewhat at a loss that he had not been
able to
help him through the darkness.
*Let me know anything that will help us prevent them from reaching
Mely and
the others* Jonas patted Eryr and went back to watching the road for
the
first signs, and then they would unleash what they could to help stop
their
forward movement.
Eryr kept up his vigil and watched over the other dragons near him, so
that
they too could help when the need arose. Then they saw the tops of
the
raised long spears of the Kataani and Jonas shouted his command for
"ready!".
As they drew closer up the slight inclining narrowing path sudden
bursts of
flames and screams could be heard as riders popped in and out sending
a rain
of fire down on the army as it continued to march.
Jonas was stunned to the marrow of his bones. They did not flinch, nor
stray, those that fell cried out and the rest of the line marched over
the
fallen enemy. Jonas had never witnessed anything like it in his life.
His
mind darted to some of the odd tales and stories of their very unusual
Jr.
Queenrider, and now he wondered if she had spoken the truth.
He had always had a hard time with some of the tales that went around.
But,
then after that assassin had breached their security, and he had
witnessed
that battle, some things made more sense.
He pulled himself from the woolgathering and readied for the onslaught
that
was to begin. *Eryr, tell Loki and then Aggie was is up and we begin*
Eryr relayed the messages, and sent a few of his own, and they all
waited
until the line of soldiers drew closer and closer. Suddenly with a
cry and
call for Kali and the two sides met in a horrible sounding clash.
Jonas stepped forward and was met with another with a sword and the
dance of
the blades began. Everything had stopped for him, he suddenly could
hear
nothing but the sound of the 2 blades as they clanged, and danced with
one
another. Parry, Clang, Miss, Miss, Parry Clang, True-Strike. It
appeared
endless, for as one fell, another rose to take his place.
Jonas heard the hit against him rather than felt it, and altho this
arm
tired, and it burned, and then weakened, he did not stop. The noise
from
all those who stopped to take part of the combat rose up the canyon
and Mely
could hear it as though she stood next to it.
As the roar of dragons, and screams of men, Mely saw the line of
soldiers
continue up the path. They were unstoppable. They were like those
fire
warrior ants she had seen as a child as they marched through
everything in
their path not stopping. A few were directed to stop and fight, some
to
gather what they could find to help furnish them later, but the main
body
just kept moving.
Soon Mely and those with bows added to the strange mixture and a
volley of
arrows flew arched into the sky and fell down on those not prepared
for this
new assault. Aggie kept in contact with the dragons so they were
aware
where the enemy was and how well they were doing with the fire
attacks.
Some were dropping boulders and stones on those below, but as the main
line
now approached the last barricade those closest were now safe from the
attacks from above, the risk too much to warrant a possible injury to
those
below trying to hold the last line.
Somehow Jonas and his group with minimal damage and only 2 lost had
managed
to kill those left behind to fight while the main assault group
continued up
the canyon. Those that were injured lightly or only suffered from
minor
scratches helped those that were more severely wounded, and they also
removed the two lost companions to a place where they could return to
pay
homage to them.
With his group about half down, he took those willing and able to
begin to
attack the rear of the line and hope to pick them off while Mely and
her
group picked at the front. If they could continue to squeeze them
perhaps
they could hold the line. Even if it meant getting their attention to
turn
and begin to fight them, leaving Mely and the barricade safe.
* * * *
BACK AT THE BARRICADE
Mely and the others let lose their arrows and watched as they did
their
damage. It was not much, and some just pulled them out like they were
swatting a stinging gnat. As they grew closer she could see them.
She had
never seen anything like it before. IF someone had told her a few
months
ago, she would be living by the sea and coming face to face with
people who
looked green she would have laughed.
Now, sadly she would end her life here, and she hoped it would make
some
kind of difference. As the line of warriors reached within 5 feet of
the
barricade the one in the front called out in a strange tongue and some
lowered their spears, and others pulled out nets, and swords, and a
few held
a strange looking 3 pronged spear.
The line advanced and a yell from behind the barricade came and as
those in
the front of the line began to crawl up and over the barricade E'mon
stood
with his line of blunted sticks. The sound of impaling flesh and the
groans
mixed with the yells from the men, made Mely swallow hard and then
tune out
the best she could and continue to fire her arrows. The targets now
closer
made sure she could hit with better aim, and do more damage.
The cries of both sides, the smell of the blood, and other battle
smells
nearly overwhelmed her. She did everything she could to push the
pressing
memories of her childhood and the raiders far behind her.
And, yet on they came, like the waves on the shore. She could not see
the
end of the line, and yet she heard the sound of ferocious fighting
down
behind the troops. She even saw some of those in the lines, turn and
try to
push their way back down the canyon path.
Luckily there were still some riders who were able to pick off some of
the
enemy with either their fire or rocks. She did not know what was going
on,
and still she fired, slower now, partly from fatigue, but partly due
have
better accuracy.
<*Jonas brings up the rear, they are trapped between you*> Aggie sent
to her
rider.
Mely nodded. "We have them pinned!" she called out and hoped someone
would
hear.
It appeared someone had heard it, for the men rose up and began to
fight
harder. She watched in horror as some were quickly cut down, and she
marveled they did not make a sound.
The fighting raged and raged and Mely now out of arrows, began to
pitch
rocks smacking the enemy in the head. She grinned with glee, that she
had
not lost her knack.
Jonas on the other hand had worked his way up to the rear and to the
side
and began to pick them off one by one. When suddenly a call went up
and the
line turned around and without warning did a quick step pace and moved
back
down the canyon to the road.
Jonas at first was stunned and sent word to Aggie to ask what was
going on,
and if there was orders to follow?
[SNIP]
<My rider, Aggie says the Kataani are retreating, do they follow? >
<NO! Tell Mely to hold them back, Um, I think we just won. >
[END SNIP]
<*Tell your rider and the others to try to hold off. Gus thinks.. We
won?
*> Aggie shared with Eryr. <*I will tell you if I hear more*>
<*My rider! *> Eryr called to his bond mate <*We need to let them
pass*>
Eryr shared the information he had just received.
Jonas nodded and wondered just what he needed to do. He grinned and
shared
with Eryr what he needed and hopped on his back. The swish of air and
a gut
wrenching moment and they were up at the barricade.
Soon many of the other riders joined him and they began to help the
wounded,
and count the dead, and some even worked on the damaged barricade to
make it
strong, just in case this was some sort of trick.
Jonas sent word to Gus and began to pitch in to help the others. Mely
still
under the shock of such carnage and watching the retreating backs of
their
enemies took a deep breath and sank to her knees. She was glad no one
saw
her being sick and she remained there for a time trying to gather
herself,
so she could get up off her shaky knees and go help those that needed
it.
[SNIP]
A little bewildered by how fast things had changed, Gus sheathed her
sword
and swung aboard Loki. "If they're leavin'" she suggested to Jerram.
"We
should get outta the way."
[END SNIP]
Mely looked up at the strange displacement she felt in the air near
her and
the next minute Gus was appeared and landed with Loki. Mely let out
a soft
cry of alarm at seeing Gus all bloody.
"GUS!"
[TAG-KK - ready for more?]
[SUMMARY]
Mely and Jonas are ordered to hold the road and not allow the Kataani
through the pass that would led inland. Jonas takes one group and
builds a
small false barricade to help to detract them from the real one that
Mely
and the others are building.
They can hear the sounds of battle down the road, and slowly the
Kataani
make their way up the path into the pass, and nothing seems to stop
them.
Mely watches in horror as the line of soldiers keep coming.
Suddenly they stop, and then begin defeat, altho the Kataani could
have
certainly wiped them all out. They are ordered by Gus to let them
leave and
they begin the clean up.
Gus arrives bloodied.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka
Mely Rider of Aggie
&
Jonas Rider of Eryr
_________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Thu, 21 Oct 2004 14:41:51 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-J] - The Last Stand
The Last Stand
[SNIP]
"You go back about a mile on this road to where it narrows. Unjoined
start
making a barricade, rock falls, anythin' t' keep anythin' from goin'
up the
road. I want Mely and Jonas to stay and help with the barricade
itself.
You."she spun and pointed to the last ten unjoined. "Will stay right
here
and make like yer holdin' the road right here - but if they come up
and it
gets t' real fightin' then pull back and lead 'em into the others. We
can
hold 'em there a lot longer'n on the main road.
[END SNIP]
Mely heard the orders and looked over to Jonas. He appeared to have a
look
of envy on his face as he watched his wing mates ****t into the more
glorious
positions than building just a mere barricade. Mely caught the look
on his
face and glared at him. He looked away and once they had their
orders, they
gathered their team and ****ted to the place that Gus wanted that
barricade
set up.
Mely and Jonas conferred quickly at what needed to be done, and got
down to
work. The dragons helped fell the trees, and dragged them across the
narrowest part of the road that was behind a curve so that the enemy
could
not see them, not at first, not until it was too late and they could
not
turn around or back out.
Jonas came up with an idea to make a false barricade further down the
road,
to give them the lure they would need to hurry to breach it, only to
find
themselves within a trap. Mely smiled and nodded and Jonas went to
supervise that part while Mely worked fast and furious on the main
barricade, hoping against hope it would be able to hold.
Mely swallowed her fear, as bits and pieces of her childhood flashed
in
front of her eyes, and she had to push the bitter bile that rose
slowly up
her throat burning her as it inched up. She swallowed it and pushed
it back
down as closed her eyes for a moment as her eyes teared up with the
discomfort.
Slowly they made ready to hold the position like Gus had asked. Aggie
kept
in contact with Loki so that command center was aware of what was
going on
and how things progressed.
With the riders in the sky, and those calling from their hidden spots
Mely
knew that the Kataani army still pushed forward. Mely listened to some
of
the chatter from some of those who had grown up here, and all did not
understand why the push for this road, and could not figure out what
their
plans were. Unless this was a true invasion force and the brunt of
the army
was going to attempt to destroy some of the inland towns, and make an
attempt to take Cabral.
Jonas returned and let her know all the little things they found to
make the
road less easy to travel. Mely nodded and Jonas sensing her fear and
noticed
the strange look on her face gave her arm a squeeze and smiled at her.
"It will be alright, you will see." He reassured her. "Isn't this
like that
canyon you use to talk about?" he asked her, trying to get her to
focus on
anything but the oncoming army.
Jonas was no fool, and altho he did not mind should he die trying to
protect
the warren and those he cared for, he did not want Mely or some of the
others to. He and Eryr had spoken of this moment many times since
their
loss. Eryr grieved Tia as deeply as he did Tanys. But, he did not
like the
odds of them being on the ground during the battle, if something
should
happen, he wanted what all dragonriders wanted. The last ride.
Mely heard Jonas' words and smiled suddenly with her own idea. She
looked
up at the rock cliffs and knew that if they could get some of those
rocks
and boulders down to take out some of the enemy, it might slow them
down.
But, with second thought, realized they too would get them as well,
altho
the closer they came to the actual barricade the more of a chance to
hurt
those who were fighting to defend it.
She heard the cry go up and the dragons gave into the death keen.
<*MAGNUS*> cried Aggie and Mely felt the anguish rush through her.
Mely looked up startled and knew that the time was now at hand; gone
was the
time to plan, now was the time to do what they had been ordered. Hold
the
road.
"Mely, where's your bow?" Jonas called to her over the din of the
fighting
and the roar of the dragons; as the first skirmish could be heard down
the
road.
Mely ran to Aggie and fetched it. "Here!" she called and showed him.
He
nodded and took his sword.
"Ok, all of you with bows, follow Mely!" he called and soon they were
divided up into 3 groups. Those who could shoot with a bow, those who
knew
how to use the swords, and those that held what ever they had found or
made
into weapons.
One of the workers of the warren handed out blunt pointed poles that
could
be used when the first wave would try to work it's way over the
barricade.
Mely helped position everyone so they could take out those who got
through
the lines. She and her group were the last line. IF they got
through, then
that meant everyone else had perished.
Jonas spoke with Mely and told her his idea and she nodded, there was
nothing else to do but give it their all. Mely stayed to the rear and
up a
bit so she could get a better look and try to help the others. Aggie
stayed
by her side, in constant contact with the other dragons, and with
Loki, so
that all knew what was going on.
Jonas took his group and a few volunteers and went down to the false
barricade full of nasty little surprises and made ready. The loudness
of
the battle that raged on ahead of them caused many to swallow hard and
try
not to quake in their boots.
Most of these people where Warren born and bred. They did not know
this
kind of battle or fighting. Not with these numbers, and Jonas hoped
that
perhaps his group could give Mely the time she needed to pull out a
miracle.
When the call to retreat and fall back came, suddenly the air was full
of
strange energy as dragons and riders popped in to join them. Eryr
sent his
re****t to Loki and Aggie and let them know just what kind of damage
they
were looking at.
Jonas briefed the survivors with their plan and those that were
wounded
slightly or more so were taken to Mely's group.
Mely watched as Jonas organized his little band of followers and she
turned
her attentions on making those wounded as comfortable as she could.
She
wished she had the power and knowledge to heal and tend to those who
needed
it.
She heard Jonas call go up and she turned her attention back to the
battle
at hand, and she made sure her group was ready. She hoped against
hope that
someway, somehow they would be able to hold this last line, and the
enemy
would leave. She chuckled to herself and shook those silly thoughts
out
of her head; this was just like the raids back home as a child. They
were
not going to just up and leave, they were here to take what they
wanted and
destroy the rest.
Suddenly she heard a rumbling sound and saw from the distance what
looked
like smoke, but she smiled when she realized it was dust from the
boulders
and stones that rumbled down into the narrowing pass.
They had done what she had thought of, but not able to do because of
the
close quarters they were in. The shouts and cries of those being hit
from
the raining stones and boulders were not a pleasant noise, and she
could
only imagine what it must look like.
<*They keep coming, they are not retreating*> Aggie shared with her
rider.
<*Loki says to keep them from passing us, we are the last stand*>
Mely nodded and felt her eyes burn with tears. *I ..* She was flooded
with
love and comfort and Mely leaned into Aggie and took what strength she
could
and then after a moments time straightened herself and was ready.
Aggie
then sent a personal message to Loki and hoped that her rider would
heed the
suggestion. Aggie knew from the other re****ts that it would take a
miracle
for any of their riders to survive this,
* * * * *
Down below the main barricade Jonas held his group in a tight
formation and
waited for the oncoming Kataani to make their appearance. They could
hear
the cries and the roar of Dragons and what appeared to be the rumbling
of
the walls of the narrowing pass come down on them.
<*Loki re****ts they are still coming*> Eryr commented evenly <*It
appears
we are making a slight dent in the numbers*> he offered as a way to
try to
help and relieve his rider. Eryr had been worried about him since the
loss
of Tia and Tanys, and felt somewhat at a loss that he had not been
able to
help him through the darkness.
*Let me know anything that will help us prevent them from reaching
Mely and
the others* Jonas patted Eryr and went back to watching the road for
the
first signs, and then they would unleash what they could to help stop
their
forward movement.
Eryr kept up his vigil and watched over the other dragons near him, so
that
they too could help when the need arose. Then they saw the tops of
the
raised long spears of the Kataani and Jonas shouted his command for
"ready!".
As they drew closer up the slight inclining narrowing path sudden
bursts of
flames and screams could be heard as riders popped in and out sending
a rain
of fire down on the army as it continued to march.
Jonas was stunned to the marrow of his bones. They did not flinch, nor
stray, those that fell cried out and the rest of the line marched over
the
fallen enemy. Jonas had never witnessed anything like it in his life.
His
mind darted to some of the odd tales and stories of their very unusual
Jr.
Queenrider, and now he wondered if she had spoken the truth.
He had always had a hard time with some of the tales that went around.
But,
then after that assassin had breached their security, and he had
witnessed
that battle, some things made more sense.
He pulled himself from the woolgathering and readied for the onslaught
that
was to begin. *Eryr, tell Loki and then Aggie was is up and we begin*
Eryr relayed the messages, and sent a few of his own, and they all
waited
until the line of soldiers drew closer and closer. Suddenly with a
cry and
call for Kali and the two sides met in a horrible sounding clash.
Jonas stepped forward and was met with another with a sword and the
dance of
the blades began. Everything had stopped for him, he suddenly could
hear
nothing but the sound of the 2 blades as they clanged, and danced with
one
another. Parry, Clang, Miss, Miss, Parry Clang, True-Strike. It
appeared
endless, for as one fell, another rose to take his place.
Jonas heard the hit against him rather than felt it, and altho this
arm
tired, and it burned, and then weakened, he did not stop. The noise
from
all those who stopped to take part of the combat rose up the canyon
and Mely
could hear it as though she stood next to it.
As the roar of dragons, and screams of men, Mely saw the line of
soldiers
continue up the path. They were unstoppable. They were like those
fire
warrior ants she had seen as a child as they marched through
everything in
their path not stopping. A few were directed to stop and fight, some
to
gather what they could find to help furnish them later, but the main
body
just kept moving.
Soon Mely and those with bows added to the strange mixture and a
volley of
arrows flew arched into the sky and fell down on those not prepared
for this
new assault. Aggie kept in contact with the dragons so they were
aware
where the enemy was and how well they were doing with the fire
attacks.
Some were dropping boulders and stones on those below, but as the main
line
now approached the last barricade those closest were now safe from the
attacks from above, the risk too much to warrant a possible injury to
those
below trying to hold the last line.
Somehow Jonas and his group with minimal damage and only 2 lost had
managed
to kill those left behind to fight while the main assault group
continued up
the canyon. Those that were injured lightly or only suffered from
minor
scratches helped those that were more severely wounded, and they also
removed the two lost companions to a place where they could return to
pay
homage to them.
With his group about half down, he took those willing and able to
begin to
attack the rear of the line and hope to pick them off while Mely and
her
group picked at the front. If they could continue to squeeze them
perhaps
they could hold the line. Even if it meant getting their attention to
turn
and begin to fight them, leaving Mely and the barricade safe.
* * * *
BACK AT THE BARRICADE
Mely and the others let lose their arrows and watched as they did
their
damage. It was not much, and some just pulled them out like they were
swatting a stinging gnat. As they grew closer she could see them.
She had
never seen anything like it before. IF someone had told her a few
months
ago, she would be living by the sea and coming face to face with
people who
looked green she would have laughed.
Now, sadly she would end her life here, and she hoped it would make
some
kind of difference. As the line of warriors reached within 5 feet of
the
barricade the one in the front called out in a strange tongue and some
lowered their spears, and others pulled out nets, and swords, and a
few held
a strange looking 3 pronged spear.
The line advanced and a yell from behind the barricade came and as
those in
the front of the line began to crawl up and over the barricade E'mon
stood
with his line of blunted sticks. The sound of impaling flesh and the
groans
mixed with the yells from the men, made Mely swallow hard and then
tune out
the best she could and continue to fire her arrows. The targets now
closer
made sure she could hit with better aim, and do more damage.
The cries of both sides, the smell of the blood, and other battle
smells
nearly overwhelmed her. She did everything she could to push the
pressing
memories of her childhood and the raiders far behind her.
And, yet on they came, like the waves on the shore. She could not see
the
end of the line, and yet she heard the sound of ferocious fighting
down
behind the troops. She even saw some of those in the lines, turn and
try to
push their way back down the canyon path.
Luckily there were still some riders who were able to pick off some of
the
enemy with either their fire or rocks. She did not know what was going
on,
and still she fired, slower now, partly from fatigue, but partly due
have
better accuracy.
<*Jonas brings up the rear, they are trapped between you*> Aggie sent
to her
rider.
Mely nodded. "We have them pinned!" she called out and hoped someone
would
hear.
It appeared someone had heard it, for the men rose up and began to
fight
harder. She watched in horror as some were quickly cut down, and she
marveled they did not make a sound.
The fighting raged and raged and Mely now out of arrows, began to
pitch
rocks smacking the enemy in the head. She grinned with glee, that she
had
not lost her knack.
Jonas on the other hand had worked his way up to the rear and to the
side
and began to pick them off one by one. When suddenly a call went up
and the
line turned around and without warning did a quick step pace and moved
back
down the canyon to the road.
Jonas at first was stunned and sent word to Aggie to ask what was
going on,
and if there was orders to follow?
[SNIP]
<My rider, Aggie says the Kataani are retreating, do they follow? >
<NO! Tell Mely to hold them back, Um, I think we just won. >
[END SNIP]
<*Tell your rider and the others to try to hold off. Gus thinks.. We
won?
*> Aggie shared with Eryr. <*I will tell you if I hear more*>
<*My rider! *> Eryr called to his bond mate <*We need to let them
pass*>
Eryr shared the information he had just received.
Jonas nodded and wondered just what he needed to do. He grinned and
shared
with Eryr what he needed and hopped on his back. The swish of air and
a gut
wrenching moment and they were up at the barricade.
Soon many of the other riders joined him and they began to help the
wounded,
and count the dead, and some even worked on the damaged barricade to
make it
strong, just in case this was some sort of trick.
Jonas sent word to Gus and began to pitch in to help the others. Mely
still
under the shock of such carnage and watching the retreating backs of
their
enemies took a deep breath and sank to her knees. She was glad no one
saw
her being sick and she remained there for a time trying to gather
herself,
so she could get up off her shaky knees and go help those that needed
it.
[SNIP]
A little bewildered by how fast things had changed, Gus sheathed her
sword
and swung aboard Loki. "If they're leavin'" she suggested to Jerram.
"We
should get outta the way."
[END SNIP]
Mely looked up at the strange displacement she felt in the air near
her and
the next minute Gus was appeared and landed with Loki. Mely let out
a soft
cry of alarm at seeing Gus all bloody.
"GUS!"
[TAG-KK - ready for more?]
[SUMMARY]
Mely and Jonas are ordered to hold the road and not allow the Kataani
through the pass that would led inland. Jonas takes one group and
builds a
small false barricade to help to detract them from the real one that
Mely
and the others are building.
They can hear the sounds of battle down the road, and slowly the
Kataani
make their way up the path into the pass, and nothing seems to stop
them.
Mely watches in horror as the line of soldiers keep coming.
Suddenly they stop, and then begin defeat, altho the Kataani could
have
certainly wiped them all out. They are ordered by Gus to let them
leave and
they begin the clean up.
Gus arrives bloodied.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka
Mely Rider of Aggie
&
Jonas Rider of Eryr
________________________________________________________________________
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