The lizards didn't take long with their draconian riders to search the few scattered buildings behind the walls. Foundations had been laid for several new buildings, but further construction had been paused, with the focus on the wall after the basic accommodation had been completed.
SJ had watched the last of the guard force disappear over its lip, out of sight, and only hoped they were making their way back to Killic, and that Cristy had reached Lorna and the others approaching. She knew there was no way the force could combat the lizards in the open. They may fell one or two, but their sheer size and level variance were too much. The lizards hadn't followed them up the trail, and SJ had felt a surge of relief.
After reading through her identification findings, her stomach had lurched, nausea sweeping over her at the realisation of what they faced.
The riders had corralled their lizards. Thirty or more were now over the wall. The rest had spaced out around the outside. The gnolls who had initially fought had stopped since the lizards had trampled their lines. A tall and imposing draconian climbed down from the back of a lizard. Their scales were a mottled yellow with green tints. They shouted orders to the draconians that had formed up. They had to be their commander, or leader, or whatever title they went by. SJ didn't know.
The draconians were settling in. Now that they were through the wall, they didn't appear in a hurry to advance or in a need to rush. One of the enormous beetles moved forward and used its mandibles to brush aside the fallen portcullis timber as though it were kindling. The trunks splintering under its massive form, which almost filled the expanse of the gate. SJ was sure that if they had wanted, the beetles could have ploughed down the wall. The strategy they had used, though, didn't appear to indicate they had experience in the type of battles where walls were a usual obstruction.
"They are settling in," SJ said from where they hovered high above the scene below. She needn't worry about communicating through thought.
"It does seem that way," Dave replied.
SJ was glad she had Dave to talk to. If she had been truly alone, looking down at the formidable force below her, then she doubted she would have kept her nerve. The lizards alone were terrifying; the ease with which she had watched them clear the wall had been a sight to behold. The ferocity and sheer power of them were bewildering.
The lizard Ballentine had struck was dead. Its remains still lay where they had fallen as it crashed through the wall of the building. As SJ watched, several draconians moved to it and, with help from other lizards, dragged the remains from the debris. Once it was clear, the draconians set to work butchering it. These draconians were unlike any SJ had witnessed. They were almost feral compared to the cultured manner of many she had met—Lythonian with his tempered justice and Wystria with her stalwart authority. Even the draconians in the town, council members and the like, moved around with an air of clarity. These, though, no, they were different. Tribal, powerful and used to living off the meagre resources that a desert region offered them. They would leave nothing to waste.
The gnolls moved forward under their various commanders. It was now apparent that there were three distinct and very separate groups. The beetles, the scorpoid controllers, and the rest. As though hierarchical. The scorpoid leader stepped forward first from his group, walking towards the now-controlled draconian gate. The leader of the draconians met him, and SJ watched a conversation unfold. The others soon joined them from their respective groups until the four beings stood. The body language didn't seem friendly. They had their arms crossed as they spoke to the draconian. It was clear that they had overall control over them.
The scorpoid leader raised his arms in protest, turning and stalking away back to his line of gnolls. Their armoured forms gleamed with the red of the exoskeletal remains they wore.
The beetle leader nodded with understanding before turning and walking back, while the third gnoll leader turned, shouting to his beings. They started to move forward and enter the gate, lining up along the sides of the track leading towards the path.
"It looks like they are going to be the advance guard," SJ said. Unsure if her military terminology was apt, she had only watched war films in passing and wasn't experienced.
"Vanguard's a more apt term," Dave chirped in.
SJ couldn't help but roll her eyes.
"At least they haven't advanced yet," SJ said.
"It doesn't look like it will be long," Dave replied.
SJ could see the lead gnoll of the group that had entered the gate walking up and down the lines that had formed up. A draconian rider and his lizard walked between them, and SJ watched as the gnolls backed away as it passed. This group of beings was not trusting of each other in any way. That was obvious. The way the lizards had trampled through the gnolls' ranks, not even considering the damage they may do to what were supposed to be allies, informed SJ that they controlled them. Not through respect, not followership, but control through fear.
As the time slowly ticked by, feeling like an age after the recent battle's hectic chaos, SJ watched as all the parties involved began to settle in. Packs were unloaded from the beasts, and tents or awnings were being placed outside the walls for each party. The bulk of the draconians inside the wall were moving their lizards to one area near the river's edge.
The group of gnolls, numbering forty or so, that had entered the gate started to move in two lines of single file towards the trail leading to the plateau. If that were the only number they would be sending initially, then SJ was sure even with their higher levels, the town could defend against them. No, it was wrong of her to think of them as the town. Her friends could protect the town. Killic was her home, after all. It had become the centre of her new life. Her friendships and reputation exceeded all hope of many legionnaires.
"It's going to sound stupid, but with the experience you got from that beetle kill, if you take out the injured one, it will seriously help," Dave said.
The beetle that had had its legs snapped by the ammunition boulders still lay where it had fallen. SJ could see several gnolls nearby, and she was sure that light was emanating from one of them. They may be a druid or similar, in which case, they could attempt to heal it. SJ had seen Alice heal the wolves before and knew the process wasn't as straightforward as a healing spell from a cleric or paladin. It took longer and time, and with the injuries the beetle had suffered, with three out of its six legs shattered, and because of its immense size, it would take a lot to get it back on its feet.
"You are right. If I can do it, I should, but first I need to free my wings; this ichor still prevents me from flying properly, and I don't want to get caught in a void. I can't rely on Kibble to save me every time I flounder," SJ said, stroking Kibble's neck lovingly. The little wyvern chirped in response. They had been hovering for a long time now as the scene unfolded beneath them, and SJ became concerned that Kibble might tire from carrying her for so long.
"Are you okay?" she asked him.
Again, Kibble squeaked, turning and looking back at her. She was sure he smiled.
"For the love of kobold snot," Dave spouted.
"What?" SJ asked.
"If only you could hear his replies. Urgh," Dave said.
"Well, I can't, so you are going to have to tell me what he said."
Dave sighed before replying. "Yes, SJ. I'm fine; I could carry you all day. I love you, SJ."
SJ couldn't help but smirk. "At least someone loves me."
Dave gasped. "I feel wounded. You know I care for you, but do I really love you? How can I ever love a fae who isn't even a 10/10," he replied sarcastically.
The brevity of their situation wasn't lost on either of them, but the light-heartedness of their banter eased SJ's tension slightly.
"Right, I have seen enough for now. I am going to catch up to the others, get cleaned up, and then head back out."
As SJ turned Kibble to head towards the plateau, she saw a bird high above, its black form slowly circling. It didn't approach keeping its distance, and it was only when SJ focused that she recognised him. It was Rex, Alice's familiar. That Alice now had eyes over the area gave her some comfort as she urged Kibble back to the forest.
It didn't take long for SJ to find them. The guards were spaced approximately a thousand feet back from the plateau. The track here is much too narrow for the lizards to traverse, at least not with ease. As she neared and lowered herself, she could see Lorna, along with Cristy and Jay. Gently, Kibble came into land before she jumped down and grew as she approached them.
"SJ," Cristy said, seeing her. "Thank the gods you're okay."
"I'm fine, all thanks to Kibble," she replied, Kibble squeaking as he flew up to her shoulder and landed. The switch in roles was now evident as he curled his tail around her neck and settled. SJ called some rations to her hand and fed him.
"I saw Rex over the area. Is Alice with you?"
"No. She is back in Killic. Before I left with the guard, she was calling the druids together to send out their familiars."
"Has anyone been back to tell them what is coming?"
"I sent a runner," Lorna said.
SJ looked at Lorna, her shoulders feeling the weight of what she was about to say. Lorna caught her eyes.
"I know. You don't need to say anything," Lorna said, her eyes clouding, but no tears formed.
"I'm sorry," SJ said.
"Don't be. The old fool would have enjoyed a last stand. He always bragged that when it was his time to go, he would make sure it was epic."
"It most certainly was," SJ smiled weakly. "And another time, I will tell you about it."
Lorna just nodded. Cristy had teared up, and Jay looked impassive. His face was one of stone. He may not have been in Killic long, but it had become clear that he had held great respect for Ballentine.
"So, what are we facing?" Lorna asked.
SJ's face creased. "I'm sure that Cristy and Jay have told you what was there. I do have level details I can share and also some further intel."
"Right then, first you need to eat yourself," Lorna said, watching SJ feed another strip of meat to Kibble. "We can talk as you do. The guards are positioned out in the forest. No one is clustered together, and there are scouts positioned further out, along with the druid familiars. We have seen nothing as yet come to the plateau."
"No. They are bedding in. I watched as they began to set up tents and shelters outside the walls. The gnolls also don't appear as though they are there willingly, and there is definitely some animosity between them. The draconians are in charge. I at least know who the four leaders are now for each of the groups."
Lorna sat heavily on a fallen trunk, and SJ joined her. Lorna called a roll from her inventory and handed it to SJ. SJ took it willingly as her stomach growled.
"Thanks," SJ said, biting into the roll. It was one of the ones that had been piled high on the tables outside the inn for the festivities.
"Their forces total six hundred. Four hundred and fifty of these are gnolls. The remainder are draconians. Two giant beetles remain, and one was injured, although it appeared to be healing. Twenty-one scorpoids remain, and then there are the lizards. They total thirty-nine. Levels of the beasts vary; the beetles are between 32 and 37. The scorpoids 23 to 35. The lizards, though, are all over level 35, and one is level 40. The gnoll forces also vary dramatically, with levels ranging from 17 to 38. The draconians are levels 21 to 39, their leader being their highest."
Lorna let out a sharp breath at the details SJ shared. "Damn. We are nowhere near their levels. What classes are they?"
"Various. Their classes are unusual, though; they don't follow what I have seen before."
"In what way?" Lorna said, frowning.
"The gnolls with the beetles are all classed as herders. They carry weapons, but I don't think they are fighters in the truest sense of the word. The other two gnoll groups were listed as a mix of fighters, rangers, and spearmen, although there are five shamans. The draconians are the concern, though. They have several mages, clerics, fighters, and archers. Several appear to be dual-classed, although they are also listed as riders. Not all, but obviously enough to control the number of lizards they have with them."
"Jay said the scorpoids aren't controlled?"
"They aren't in the truest sense. They will attack anything basically that gets in their way, or if they feel threatened. They were the epitome of chaos when released from their bindings. I believe the shamans are the ones who control them, as best as they are able. The leader of that group is definitely a shaman. I saw him stop them when they attacked their lines."
"Umm. Well, it appears that we have some targets to prioritise."
"Also, as I left the area. At least forty of the gnolls were starting to make their way to the trail. I would expect them to reach the top soon."
"I have eyes there. We will receive a message when they do."
"The lizards have all stayed behind for now, but the fact they are settling in means they aren't going anywhere or in a hurry."
"No. I hope we can hold out long enough for the town to get organised."
"What was Zigferd's plan?"
"All those unable to fight were to prepare defences. That was the last I heard before I departed."
"I think I will fly back and inform him what we are facing. I am not sure keeping the townsfolk in Killic is the best option. It may be worth considering heading through the crags. At least there would be another wall and gate between them if they reached the town."
A hooting sound, like that of an owl, carried through the forest. An unearthly silence had taken hold of their surroundings, and it pierced the unnerving quiet. SJ hadn't realised just how quiet it was.
"They have reached the plateau," Lorna said, standing and rolling her shoulders. Jay stood from where he had been leaning against a tree, and Cristy from where she had been crouched.
"Have you heard from Patch?" SJ asked, looking at Cristy.
Cristy smiled, but only briefly. "He is fine, although one of the pack died from the scorpoid strike. Three of the pack have injuries, but they will recover."
"Where are they now?"
"Making their way back. The valley side is no deterrent to them. They should arrive and return here within the hour. They left the river on the far side."
"I'm sorry for the loss, but at least most of them are well. We wouldn't have held them off as well as we did if it weren't for what they had done."
Cristy managed a smile at that comment and nodded in response.
Lorna had moved to one side and was talking to a guard. It was a kobold, SJ knew, as Felan, and he was one of the senior town guard. He listened to Lorna before nodding and then disappeared into the forest towards the plateau.
"What's the plan?" SJ asked.
"We know these forests like the back of our hands, and we are going to use them to our advantage. The dense underbrush will hamper most if you don't know where the animal trails are."
SJ nodded in response. "Cristy, can you help me for a moment?"
Cristy walked over. "What do you need?"
"Can you rub my wings with my cloak, where any of that beetle ichor remains. I can't fly properly with it still on them."
Cristy took the edge of the short, cowled cloak and cautiously rubbed at her wings.
It was the first time anyone had ever touched her wings, and SJ had to stifle a giggle. "Damn, that tickles."
"Sorry," Cristy said. "I was trying to be gentle."
"They are much stronger than they look," SJ said, as Cristy applied more pressure.
It took Cristy a few minutes to clean the remainder of the ichor, and as soon as she did, SJ could immediately feel the difference in them. The cloak part of her dress, which she had transformed into, would self-clean, disposing of the gloop.
"Thanks. Right, I'm going to head back out and check on what they're doing."
'I really wish I had picked up more communication stones,' SJ thought as she placed Kibble down and shrank. Kibble squeaked excitedly and flapped his wings, lowering one for her.
"Cristy, do you have your stone?" SJ asked.
"Yes."
"Okay. Let's connect and leave the connection open, if you wish."
Cristy called her stone to her palm and pressed the gem. SJ felt hers vibrate, and she did the same. SJ didn't wish to carry it in her hand permanently, so she quickly created a small pouch at the top of her chest in her dress and dropped it inside.
'I should be good for now,' she thought.
Kibble squeaked again and flapped, lifting off the ground, and SJ followed him.
"Can you hear me okay?" SJ asked as they left the small clearing beneath them.
"I can hear you fine," Cristy's voice came through. "Although I may have to stop it when I am near the enemy."
"Understood," SJ said. The last thing Cristy would need was for her to start speaking just as she was about to lose an arrow.
SJ didn't hear or see anything until they got closer to the trail to the valley. As they neared, SJ saw the group that had climbed the valley side. The group of gnolls had reached the summit and were huddled together, with some looking out into the vast expanse of the forest ahead. Their expressions and actions were indifferent. A large gnoll stood in the centre and started to bark orders. The gnolls split into eight groups, each consisting of five, and spread out across the wall of trees. It appeared they would be coming through separately rather than as a mass. That would hopefully benefit the guards.
As the first group approached the edge of the forest, SJ watched as an arrow flew toward them. One of the gnolls took the arrow in its shoulder and growled. Grabbing the shaft and pulling it free. It didn't even seem to hinder it as it snarled and looked ahead.
'That group is all over level 24,' SJ thought.
"Yep. Looks like they are going to set off independently in small hunting packs," Dave replied.
'Yeah.'
SJ watched as another two groups started towards the main trail itself. One leading the other and leaving a distance between them. They were being cautious in their actions, even if they were higher level than their targets. Their numbers, after all, weren't vast.
'I'm heading over to the wall,' SJ thought. She only hoped that the guards could deal with these trespassers.
