6I don't know if I'd call this chapter two. Its more of an in between, but it does happen right after the end of the first chapter. Refer to chapter 1 for summaries and ratings. I decided to post this on the same day because two readers (Lianoid and ItswhatIdobest) made me extremely happy with their prompt reviews! Thanks guys! This is posted for u! Sorry about the editing guys. This chapter is...er...shaky. Reviews are awesome!
~Essense
Chapter Two
In the Face of Uncertainty
Important!: "Dagon" is the "bad guy", so when you see his name, don't get confused :-)
The dread returned when Amirroan say the massive army heading toward his city. His heart nearly stopped as he took in just how many had been sent to the gates of his home.
And they were not men.
Men were nothing to fear. Corveca's walls were near on impenetrable; no craft of men could break through. What now came towards the capital were monsters; dark beast long cursed to a dark fate…or so the legends told. What now came were Lybane, a formidable foe.
Roan could hear his brother swallow thickly behind him, unable to form words. He himself was in no better condition. Both of their hands went instinctively to their swords, having a need to feel the hilt in their grasp. It would be a long night.
"I've a feeling we should've listened to that report," Neal said dryly. Roan nodded grimly, still unable to form words. He had dealt with Lybane before, and they were just as skilled in combat as men, but they were different…cursed.
The Lybane were shape shifters. Both princes had heard tales as children, all of them horrific, about the formless being. They could not stay as one body, and thus they had to change from one to the next. The curse was an advantage in combat, thus making them the fear of many men.
"General," Roan finally managed to say. Treilom stood as grim as ever atop Corveca's walls beside the princes, surveying the threat.
"Aye, Amirroan?"
"What of our defenses?" Roan's mind strayed back to the woman he'd left at the palace. He'd promised himself that he would not look back when he'd left, but now he desperately wished that he had. He shook himself mentally. He was a warrior. Warriors did not look back.
"We have warriors on all levels of the city. The wall will be of no use but to the archers. Worry not, my prince. We will prevail." Both princes shared wary glances. Neither were excellent optimists.
"I should hope so," Neal breathed. The army of Lybane was nearing as a black mass. Some were in human form. Others were fearsome beasts; many could fly.
"General, this doesn't make sense to me," Roan declared. "They come as a massive army to accomplish what? They were send by Dagon, that much is certain, but what are his plans; his goal? Corveca will not fall from this attack. He will gain nothing in our own victory or defeat."
General Treilom grimaced. The cries of the Lybane could be heard now. "Do not be so sure, young prince. I've observed this war since it began. Dagon's plans are not so easily revealed. I do not know what he means by this attack, but no good can come of it. I have learned that it is not wise to underestimate a sorcerer."
The princes agreed silently. There was a secret behind the attack that was not keen on revealing itself. Yet still, the brothers had a sinking feeling that sooner or later, they would have to find out.
Suddenly, the shape shifters cries blended together in one, horrific note and ended abruptly, leaving deafening silence. The men atop the wall grimaced as they drew their sword and knocked arrows to their bows. The Lybane had by then closed the gap between themselves and the walls. As one giant mass they leap, as though jump over the very gates, but at the last second, they morphed.
The cursed men entered the city on wings.
Roan took a deep breath and drew his own sword as he watched the spectacle. He felt his brother's hand reassuringly on his shoulder. He and Neal grasped forearms before they went their separate ways. Before the eldest prince met his first adversary, an image of his love flashed through his mind. His thoughts strayed to their last kiss, the feel of her lips beneath his. And to his family his thoughts extended. His father, the King, would not be part of the battle, of that he was certain. King Jekel would survive this attack if he were the only one. Neal's combat skills were worthy of praise, as were his own, but battle were unpredictable; anyone could fall. Lastly, his thoughts reached out to the only other woman that he would do anything for. Princess Rayna was away in the palace, most likely with Anye. There was hardly a person whom he loved more than his precious sister. She was the greatest friend he could ask for. Silently, he sent out his love to all of them. He whispered under his breath, hoping against the impossible that Anye would somehow sense his words.
I keep my promises, my love. I will come home.
That night, much blood was spilled.
I know: if-y. It'll get worse before it gets better ;-) lol review please! The next chapter is the introduction to my fave character! Stay tuned!