Part 19
The moon hung high above the town, casting a ghostly glow on the chaos below. Iron Harbour, once a serene haven nestled between hills and sea, now lay engulfed in the flames of war. The night air, thick with the scent of burning buildings, carried echoes of clashing steel and distant screams.
Fires danced amidst the rooftops, sending tendrils of smoke into the moonlit sky. The cobbled streets, once witness to the comings and goings of a peaceful populace, now bore the scars of conflict. Debris littered the ground, and the occasional burst of explosions illuminated the ruins of what had been homes and shops.
The distant sounds of cannon fire echoed, a grim reminder that the battle extended beyond the narrow streets and into the very heart of Iron Harbour. The warship anchored far from the docks had become an instrument of destruction, its cannons turning the once quaint town into a battleground.
The defenders, a ragtag group of townsmen, city watch, and silver knights, fought valiantly against the encroaching forces of the Eternal Flame. The clash of steel, the crackle of magic, and the occasional roar of a Fade filled the air. The defenders, despite their resolve, were slowly being pushed back, forced to retreat through the burning streets.
From a distance, Iron Harbour appeared to be a city on the brink of oblivion. Yet, within its fiery embrace, the resilience of its people and the desperate fight for survival painted a tale of defiance against an overwhelming force. The outcome of this nocturnal conflict would shape the destiny of Iron Harbour, for better or for worse.
Lord Davos, resolute and determined, stood as a bastion on the steps of his manor. The night had draped his lands in shadows, the fires of the town reflecting in his eyes. The steps, once a symbol of welcome and grandeur, now served as a vantage point from which he could oversee the turmoil engulfing his home.
His people, huddled within the sturdy stone walls, sought refuge from the storm that raged outside. The clamour of battle echoed in the distance, a stark contrast to the relative calm within the manor. Families clung to each other, their faces etched with fear, but beneath that fear was a glimmer of hope—hope that their lord would stand against the tide.
Davos's voice, strong and unwavering, cut through the night. His rallying cries reached the ears of every defender scattered across Iron Harbour. The silver knights, city watch, and common folk alike drew strength from his words. It was a beacon in the darkness, a reminder that their fight was not in vain.
As Lord Davos stood on the steps, his silhouette framed by the flickering fires, he embodied the spirit of Iron Harbour—a spirit unyielding in the face of adversity. The defenders, though scattered, took heart in his leadership. The battle for Iron Harbour was far from over, and the humble lord would stand as a symbol of resilience until the very end.
“MY LORD!” yelled Markus. "It's getting too dangerous, we cannot hold them back for long!” Only a few feet away were the relentless soldiers of the Eternal Flame, charging up the steps. Davos knew he had the advantage with the high ground. Any soldier worth their training knew the advantage of an uphill defence in a siege. With any attacking force, it would be a hard battle to win.
Markus and his remaining soldiers who could still fight, those not killed or too wounded to continue, held the line. The silver knights, scattered around the city, stood atop the hillside, battling side by side with Markus and his men.
“Hold the line!” Davos bellowed, his voice a clarion call over the din of battle. “For Iron Harbour! For your families!”
The defenders, galvanised by his command, dug in their heels. Swords clashed and arrows flew, the defenders pushing back against the relentless tide. Despite the exhaustion, despite the overwhelming odds, the spirit of Iron Harbour shone through each defender.
The Eternal Flame soldiers, fierce and unrelenting, pressed forward with an almost fanatical determination. Their battle cries mingled with the sounds of the wounded and dying, creating a cacophony that seemed to echo the town's desperation.
Roland stood next to Markus, deep within the battle, fighting and kicking the soldiers back down the steps. Thomas, though wounded, directed the remaining crossbowmen from the rear, his tactical mind guiding the ranged assault. Every bolt loose found its mark, thinning the ranks of the oncoming forces.
“Lord Davos, I cannot guarantee your safety if you stay out here. We cannot hold them off for much longer,” said Sir Cedric, cleaning the blood from his face, his breathing heavy.
“What kind of lord would I be to my people if I did not stand and fight?”
“A man who is still alive to lead his people.” Sir Cedric's words cut deep. Davos understood what he was saying, but he could not bear to leave the front line,
knowing only a few feet away his beloved family hid behind the stone walls, waiting, not knowing what would happen.
A loud yell filled the air. “GET DOWN!!” There was a deafening crash as explosions erupted within the front line, sending both defenders and attackers flying down the steps. The Divine Crusader had opened fire atop the hillside, shattering the defence line. This was an unexpected turn of events; the ship had previously only fired upon the town itself, leaving the attackers atop the hill alone. But with this new order, things looked grim.
Davos scrambled to his feet, blood and dirt covering his face, his vision blurry, ears ringing with an eerie sound. He could hear the screams of soldiers. Looking down at what was left of the stone steps, he saw more soldiers mounting a charge attack, followed by two Fades rushing up the hill. Fear struck Davos' heart; this was it, this was the end.
Drawing a deep breath, Davos steadied himself. “We hold the line,” he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. “For Iron Harbour, for our families, we hold!”
“ALL ARCHERS, FIRE!!” yelled Thomas, giving the order. A volley of arrows washed over them like a crashing wave. Most of the arrows focused on the Fades. One Fade fell before reaching the top, its body littered with arrows. Thomas yelled once more. “BRING IT DOWN!!!”
But it was too late. The second Fade, faster than the rest, had already made its way to the top. Despite the arrows lodged in its body, it pushed forward. Many soldiers jumped in its path, creating a human shield to protect Davos, but it was not enough. The Fade tore through the men with terrifying ease.
Time seemed to freeze for everyone. Fear and helplessness gripped the defenders as they watched their beloved lord face imminent death. Just as the Fade leaped into the air, aiming for a deadly blow on Davos, a large ball of kinetic energy shot past the soldiers, striking the Fade mid-air and sending it crashing back to the ground.
The soldiers stood in confusion, not understanding what had just happened. Davos, equally shocked, wondered who had saved him and how. Turning around, he saw two female sorcerers standing next to him, their hands raised. Both had short ashen hair and wore purple and black robes.
The two sorcerers, their eyes ablaze with determination, quickly descended the steps to join the frontline. Their presence added a new dimension to the battle, their hands conjuring arcane energies. The remaining soldiers, inspired by this unexpected reinforcement, regained their focus.
One of the sorcerers, her voice resonating with power, addressed Davos, "Lord Davos, we are here to help.”
Davos, still processing the sudden turn of events, nodded in gratitude. "Thank you. But who are you, and where did you come from?"
“They are the Arcane Sisters,” Sir Cedric said as he made his way towards Davos, helping him up from the ground.
The Arcane Sisters, renowned for their mastery of mystical arts, were a rare sight in Iron Harbour. Their presence was known to few, but their reputation echoed through the realms. In unison, the sisters spoke, their voices harmonising in a melodic cadence.
“I don't understand what they are doing here. Why are they helping us?” Davos asked, more confused than ever.
“After Alucard told us of his plan, I thought things could turn drastic, so I sent word to the sisters. We’ve had a few run-ins with them in the past, and they owed me a favour or two,” Sir Cedric explained.
“Now we are even," said Jade, the older sister.
“You are lucky we came when we did. It was hard to track your location with all the magical disruption in the area. A few moments later, and you would have met your maker,” Jasper said as she sent a bolt of lightning at an oncoming soldier.
The battlefield crackled with magical energies as the sisters unleashed their arcane prowess. Bolts of lightning danced across the sky, striking down the oncoming forces of the Eternal Flame. The soldiers, now facing not only the physical might of Iron Harbour's defenders but also the mystical might of the Arcane Sisters, found themselves at a severe disadvantage.
Davos, still grappling with the sudden turn of events, nodded in gratitude. "Thank you for your timely arrival. We're in your debt."
Jade smiled, her eyes shimmering with a calming aura. The battle raged on, and with the added magical support, the defenders began to regain control of the streets. The Arcane Sisters moved with grace, their spells weaving a protective barrier around the defenders, deflecting arrows and magical attacks.
As the chaos unfolded, Sir Cedric approached Davos, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where the Divine Crusader loomed. "My lord, what of Alucard? Do you think he can handle Maxwell?"
Davos, his eyes still reflecting a mix of concern and determination, replied, "Knowing Alucard, he won't back down. We have to trust that he can handle Maxwell and put an end to this once and for all."
Cannon fire rained down on them, the explosions disrupting the counter offence, the Fade that was wounded before got back to its feet and rushed up the hillside once more with even greater speed, roaring with a sound that could strike fear in the heart and any man. Within seconds it had made its way back to the top, it jumped with great speed cutting down both friend and foe, it had turned into a blood frenzy, he had lost complete control, and attacked anyone who moved.
Jade took the lead and confronted the ramped Fade. The Fade had cort her sent, and came charging at her, she smiled and as it lashed it sharp talons at her, a large shock wave erupted from her hand, and the beast was torn apart from the shear force of the spell, blood and internal organs splattered and littered the ground.
Everyone was shocked at what happened. “Not to sound ungrateful, lady Jade, but could you not have started with that?” asked Sir Cedric, as he could not believe what just happened.
Jade, her expression calm despite the gruesome display, replied, “Where’s the fun in that, Cedric?”
Cannon fire rained down on them, disrupting the counteroffensive. The wounded Fade, now back on its feet, rushed up the hillside with even greater speed. Its roar struck fear into the hearts of men. Within seconds, it had reached the top again, cutting down both friend and foe in a blood frenzy. It had lost complete control, attacking anyone who moved.
Jade confronted the rampaging Fade. As it charged at her, she smiled. When it lashed out with its sharp talons, a shockwave erupted from her hand, tearing the beast apart. Blood and internal organs splattered the ground.
Everyone was shocked. “Not to sound ungrateful, Lady Jade, but could you not have started with that?” Sir Cedric asked, unable to believe what had just happened.
Jade, her expression calm despite the gruesome display, replied, “Where’s the fun in that, Cedric?”
Cannon fire rained down atop the hill once more, not just aiming for the soldiers but the manor itself. The stone walls erupted, pieces of stone flew across the battlefield, killing many instantly. Davos stood in horror at the destruction.
The once-formidable Lord's Manor, now battered and burning, stood as a testament to the ruthless assault from the Divine Crusader. Panic swept through the defenders as they desperately tried to rescue those trapped within the wreckage.
Jade walked towards the hillside overlooking the harbour, the ship in plain view. She raised her hands into the sky, glowing with magical arcane energy. Thin spikes appeared above her hands, radiating energy. With a flick of her wrists, they shot towards the ship, tearing into its bulkhead.
The arcane projectiles sailed through the night sky, guided by Jade's precise control. They struck the Divine Crusader with devastating force, tearing into its hull like fiery arrows. Explosions erupted on the ship, sending debris and flames into the air. Crew members on the deck were thrown about, some fatally wounded, while others desperately tried to extinguish the fires.
The impact shattered the ship's cannons, rendering some useless and causing others to explode. The once-mighty Divine Crusader now bore the scars of a magical assault, its imposing presence diminished.
As Jade continued her assault, the ship's defensive capabilities dwindled, leaving it vulnerable. The chaos on the ship mirrored the tumultuous events on the ground, a symphony of destruction echoing through the night. Just when things seemed to turn in their favour, more soldiers followed by the last two remaining Fades rushed the hillside once more, their charge echoing over the battlefield.
“We can't hold this position any longer,” relayed Markus as most of the soldiers had been killed or were too wounded to continue. “We need to retreat inside.”
Even with the combined magical power of Jade and Jasper, they too could not help but be overwhelmed by the sheer willpower of the Eternal Flames enforcers.
“WE MUST FALL BACK!” yelled Thomas as he pulled an arrow from his leg. “We cannot hold the ground—retreat!”
Davos gave the order, and everyone retreated into the manor, closing the doors behind them. As the doors shut, the Fades leaped at them with great speed and strength. The thick wooden doors started to splinter under the assault. Panic struck the civilians inside, their screams echoing through the hallways.
Jade and Jasper moved quickly, casting a spell in perfect sync. Their movements mirrored each other as they chanted, creating a large, transparent shield around the manor, protecting it from all forms of attack.
The soldiers outside, fueled by their fanaticism, struck the magical shield with all their might. Their weapons clashed against the invisible barrier, but the shield held strong, deflecting each blow with an ethereal glow. Frustration and anger painted the faces of the Eternal Flames enforcers as they relentlessly attacked.
Inside the manor, the civilians huddled together, their fear palpable. The defenders prepared for the next wave of the assault, knowing the shield wouldn't hold forever against such relentless aggression.
Jade and Jasper, their brows furrowed in concentration, maintained the magical shield, pouring their energy into the protective barrier. They were the last line of defence, their powers the only thing keeping the enemy at bay.
Within the confines of the manor, an air of tension mingled with determination. Wounded soldiers, their faces etched with pain, leaned against walls, clutching their weapons with grim resolve. Each one was ready to stand and fight if the shield faltered.
Davos moved through the makeshift infirmary, checking on the wounded and offering words of encouragement where he could. His eyes revealed both concern for his people and a glimmer of hope. Eugene, rushed from person to person, tending to injuries with practised hands. He handed out supplies and food to the children, trying to bring a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.
The atmosphere was a paradox of fear and resilience. Whispers of prayers and hushed conversations filled the air, punctuated by the occasional clash of weapons against the magical shield outside. The defenders inside the manor, though battered and worn, stood united, ready to face whatever came next.
“Eugene, how are you holding up?” asked Davos as he checked in on his dear friend.
Eugene looked up from binding a soldier's wound, weariness etched on his face. "It's a tough day, my lord. But we'll get through this. These people are resilient."
Davos nodded, his expression grave yet determined. "We've faced hardships before, but this... this is different. I never thought our town would be at the centre of such a conflict. Have you seen Ezrin and Lyla? How are they doing?”
“They are both fine, my lord. We took the ones with the most severe injuries upstairs. They are both exceptional healers, their magical skills are wonderful.”
Relief washed over Davos' face. "Good, good. We'll need them in top shape. Eugene, make sure everyone is ready for whatever comes next. If that shield fails, we'll have to fight our way out of this."
Eugene nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of concern and determination. "We'll be ready, my lord. Just give the word."
Davos smiled at Eugene's response. He looked around and saw the determination in everyone's faces, their eyes reflecting a collective spirit, a resolve to protect their home. He took a moment to observe the defenders—some leaning against the walls, catching their breath; others checking their weapons, eyes sharp with focus.
Markus was lying on the floor next to Thomas and Roland. Sir Cedric was talking to them, and they all smiled and laughed at something he said. True soldiers, Davos thought, he could not ask for better friends.
“My Lord, where is Alucard? I don't see him here. Is he alright?” Eugene asked, concern evident in his voice.
“I don’t know, Eugene. I have not seen him and Brok for some time. When the Fades began to make their way toward the manor, I gave chase, but when the cannons started firing on the town, everything was chaos. I haven't seen them since.”
Eugene's expression shifted, a mixture of worry and contemplation. "Alucard is a formidable fighter, my lord. If anyone can navigate through this chaos, it's him. But we need to be prepared for any outcome."
Just as Davos was about to respond, a sudden change in the atmosphere within the manor caught their attention. The Arcane Sisters, Jade and Jasper, were at the forefront of this change. Their hands glowed with arcane energy as they began to chant in unison, their voices weaving a spell that resonated throughout the manor.
The magical shield that protected the manor shimmered with increased intensity, repelling the relentless assaults. The sisters poured more energy into the spell, and the shield responded, pushing back the attackers with a renewed force.
Davos, Eugene, and the defenders watched in awe as the arcane display unfolded. It was as if the very essence of magic was harnessed to fortify their defences. The sisters, their eyes focused and determined, held the shield against the onslaught.
"What are they doing?" whispered Eugene.
Davos could only marvel at the unexpected turn of events. "Whatever it is, let's hope it holds."
Jade gave Jasper a concerned look, her breathing heavy. "I don't know how much longer I can hold this for. I used a lot of power before taking out the ship and that Fade."
"Hold it a little longer, sis," Jasper nodded, determination etched on her face. "We can't afford to let the shield falter. Not now."
Jade nodded in agreement, pushing her magical powers past her limit.
Davos turned to face the door, the sounds of battle still echoing from outside. The shield shimmered under the relentless assault. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, but there was a fire in his eyes—a fire that refused to be extinguished.
"Prepare yourselves," he declared, his voice carrying across the room. "This is our home, and we will defend it with everything we have."
As the defenders readied themselves for the imminent clash, Davos couldn't help but think of Alucard and wonder how the confrontation with Maxwell was unfolding. The fate of Iron Harbour hung in the balance, and in the heart of the storm, each individual played a role in determining the town's destiny.
The story hasn't got far to go now! To enjoy part 20 of Luke's engaging online novel please click here.
