There comes a time when the strong must prove their strength. When the mighty must prove their mightiness. When the worthy must prove their worthiness.
Asmund was strong, they were mighty, they were worthy. The fury of countless warriors stood behind them, each with a burning desire to cut down their enemies. Each with a desire to protect their homelands from the foreign invaders. They were strong- But so was The Covenant.
It was time for Auru, Arvik, and Kaldrsvell to fight. Lord Skuhoo and the army of Eldritch was approaching from the west, attempting to claim a chunk of land belonging to Arvik. To counter the invaders, the people of Asmund were ready to fight, be it with sword, bow, potion, or anything else. Jedoi had wolves.
She wasn't the only one. An estimated 350 wolves stood at attention, a little under a third of them belonged to her own pack. The others were led by Bambi and Falksi, two woman Jedoi had begun affectionately referring to as the Wolf Sisters. The “Wolf Girls” were assigned to defense. Their wolves would push away the attackers so others would be able to focus the inhib.
“Is everyone ready?” High King Xovious yelled over the sound of growling wolves. A loud “aye!” replied, forged from many voices. The Beacon in Auru shook and in a clap of lightning, they found themselves at the Arvik generator. A stone wall surrounded it, keeping the invaders out.
“Let's do this.” Jedoi whispered to Falk and Bambi, who grinned in reply. The three whistled a command to their wolves, who formed a thick barrier around the generator. The warriors of Arvik arrived as Auru did, led by their mighty High General, Nokiaman. The people of Fang Creek’s northern base, Kaldrsvell, followed Arvik.
General Nokiaman positioned his fighters just outside the wall, standing guard as the forces of Eldritch and Hilo marched forth to meet them. Xovious was explaining battle tactics to Auru and Kaldrsvell. Several Aurulian archers climbed the wall and aimed their bows at the coming enemies. The fight had begun.
Hiloans who made it past Arvik’s line lit explosives, blowing holes in the wall. Jedoi sent her wolves to fight off whoever got through. She turned when she saw the Hiloan archer Kallious fighting with a member of Kaldsvell. He landed arrow after arrow on her ally. Jedoi pointed at the archer and yelled, “Entelechy, go!” The trusted beta sped off to distract Kallious from the injured fighter.
Turning back to the wall, Jedoi recognised an enemy leaping through the hole in the wall, Bat, one of Opyc’s commanders. She scowled as she saw him, and aimed Autumn at the invader. Bat easily dodged her arrow and started towards her. Jedoi whistled again and several of her pack turned their heads, and upon noticing her being attacked, snarled at the Hiloan commander as they leapt at him.
Bat looked down at them, quickly swinging his sword to cut the throat of the wolf closest to him, a young, dark brown male with hazel eyes. Jedoi’s heart ached as he collapsed, his blood spilled into the white snow. She had always been impressed with his quick instinct and firm loyalty. Six nearby wolves came to a halt as their companion died, and without stopping to howl in mourning, they whipped their attention to Commander Bat and raced at him.
He took a few steps back, raising his blood-stained blade in defense, when a figure promptly appeared before him and swung his blade with incredible strength, pushing back all six wolves. Two lost their lives almost instantly, one collapsed in pain, bleeding heavily, and three managed to pull back before his sword killed them. They retreated to where Jedoi stood, protecting her rather than attacking the new invader. The wolves didn't know who they were now facing, but the Wolf Mother did. Lord Skuhoo himself.
Jedoi gave a low whistle and turned, running toward the Arvik generator as fast as she could. She glanced back to see Bat chasing her, but the Lord of Eldritch could not be seen.
She turned and whistled, and two wolves attacked the Hiloan commander from behind. He whipped around to fight them, but they raced away, and Jedoi was able to hit his armor once before he landed a blow on her. As they fought, the Wolf Mother noticed a flash of recognisable grey fur, behind the enemy warrior, followed by a small light brown figure.
“Halcyon!” Jedoi cried, and Bat glanced behind him to see whether this Halcyon was a fighter or a wolf. Halcyon and Ataraxy turned their attention to Jedoi and her opponent, and raced to help her. Bat barely responded, he ignored the wolves and stared at Jedoi, and she thought she could see the trace of a smile…
“ATARAXY! NO!” She howled, leaping forward as Bat spun around. The Wolf Mother raced around him, and without thinking, leapt in front of his weapon. The sword left a thin trail of blood on Ataraxy’s coat, but the majority of his blade cut Jedoi’s chest. She collapsed into the snow as the Hiloan Commander lifted his sword for another swing- And was stabbed in the stomach by an unseen figure.
“What the hell were you thinking?” A voice asked. Jedoi was barely able to glance up as a figure clad in armor turned to face her. Quazister shook his head and kneeled to pour a glass bottle of pink liquid into her mouth. She felt the healing subsistence spread throughout her body, patching her wounds quickly.
“Atara-” She whispered as the potion did its work. Quazister looked up at the battle and back down to her.
“The brown wolf? She's fine. That was really stupid, Jed.” The Arvik warrior said, helping her up. She shook her head.
“You need to get back to defending.” Jedoi responded instead. She glanced at the hole in the wall, now wider, where several of her wolves still stood guard. “Thanks.” She said, grabbing her sword and heading back to her post. She arrived just in time to meet Lord Opyc as he entered, as he looked up and met her eyes, the two just stared at each other for a brief moment before their hands grasped the hilts of their swords.
Her wolves had already begun attacking the man, who struggled to push them off, but she gave a low whistle and they stopped, looking up at her in confusion. “I hate fighting you.” Jedoi said, loud enough to be heard over the noise.
“It's not my fault you joined Auru.” He replied, glancing uneasily at the wolves watching him with careful eyes.
“It is your fault Hilo betrayed Vanaheimr.” She retorted.
“They betrayed me first.” He answered. He lifted his sword and took a few steps toward Jedoi. The wolves snarled, but she whistled softly again.
“You helped teach me how to fight.” She recalled, lifting her own blade in preparation. “Maybe that's why I'm so bad at it.”
He grinned. “Nah, it's because your other teacher was Artagan.”
Jedoi shook her head with a smile. “Leasaur taught me more about combat, actually. Art taught me books.”
“Heh, then I don't know why.”
“Nor do I.” She replied, and struck the side of his sword with her blade. Their weapons clashed for a few minutes as the wolves watched uneasily. Jedoi saw a figure approached from behind the Lord of Hilo. She met his eyes, gave a high whistle and backed off. Nokiaman struck him from behind just as the wolves leapt on him. Opyc’s body vanished after just moments of fighting the General of Arvik.
“Do you know where Skuhoo is?” Nokia asked her as he scanned the inside of the wall. She shook her head, to which he cursed and went off to fight someone else. Jedoi waited once again by the wall, watching invaders fight the Warriors of Arvik.
A figure far behind Hilo’s lines caught her attention. It wore little armor, and only an average-looking sword hung from his side. It begun walking towards her, and Jedoi was able to see a man as he got closer. She watched him curiously, she was able to make out his face but didn't recognise him. There was something faintly familiar about the way he walked, confident yet carefully. By the time he was only a few feet away, he drew his sword and approached her. He waved his blade in a few quick circles, as if testing how fast he could move it. There was only one person Jedoi has ever seen do that before…
He was close enough now that she could see his eyes, and her theory was confirmed.
Thieflord.
Once the most feared warrior in all of Loka, a man who had brought pain, death, sadness, and despair to his enemies and riches to his friends. Every city she had ever lived in, save Auru and Cerulean, had been victim of his attacks. Jedoi wasn't even sure how long it had been since she saw him. How could he be here…
Jedoi glanced behind her and let out a high whistle. “Apricity!” She called, and moments later a dark grey wolf with piercing yellow eyes was at her side. “Apricity.” She whispered. “We are going to kill that man.”
The Wolf Mother leapt through the hole in the wall and charged toward the hated thief. He only wore a breastplate, so Jedoi planned to somehow cut his legs to distract him, and then his neck. She closed the distance between them, sword drawn and pointed at his heart. He didn't move as she took another step which let the tip of her sword gently rest on his breastplate, just over his heart.
“It's been awhile.” She said softly, looking over at him. She had a flash of memory from the first time she remembered Asgard being raided. She and her brother Hall had tried to stop Thief, and he promptly killed the both of them.
“Aye.” He replied, glancing at the dozen wolves that followed her. “Still like wolves?”
“Aye.” She repeated, and gave a low whistle. “Apricity, go.” Every wolf backed off, except the beta who stood beside her. Thieflord gave a small smile as he stepped back, pushed his sword in between them, and knocked Jedoi’s blade away from him.
Thief charged forward and Jedoi parried his blow and circled him, attempting to strike him, but he turned and deflected her attack. He lunged forward then, but she blocked his blade and feinted an attack to his left side. He went to parry her, but she had already moved her weapon to his right. He retreated back, but not before Jedoi managed to graze his leg. A little blood was visible beneath the tear her blade made in the thick fabric his leggings were made of.
Thief winced, but kept his guard. He advanced again, this time faster, and was able to hit Jedoi’s breastplate. Her armor was strong, though, and it only knocked her back. Apricity growled and nipped at her enemy’s feet, Thief looked down to shake her off, resulting in Jedoi leaping up to strike his armor.
He used his sword to knock away her blade, and repositioned himself in a familiar aggressive stance. He rushed forward, taking her by surprise as he landed two consecutive blows on her, one on her breastplate, and one on her arm. It stung with pain, but she tried to ignore it. She lunged forward, but Thief parried and counter-attacked. The blow caused her to take a few steps back, and in that time let out a high whistle.
The wolves who had been watching leapt into action, scratching and biting the attacker. He scowled and moved his sword to push off a light grey wolf who had her teeth on his leg. His blade pierced her stomach, and blood rushed out to stain the snow red. Her companions howled and fought harder, but they all quickly fell. Apricity, standing beside Jedoi, whimpered softly.
With no more wolves to hamper him, Thief started forward, raising a blade dripping blood on the snow. Jedoi took a shaky breath and prepared to fight once more, when a voice startled them both.
“Jed! What are you doing out here?! You should be defending!” The High King of Auru marched in front of her. “Ignore Landoriel, I'll take care of him.” Xovious turned to face Thief. Jedoi’s expression became confused.
“Landoriel?”
“That's me.” Thief said with a grin.
“No?” She replied questioningly. “You're Thief.”
“Jed, just get back to defense.” Xovious interrupted, raising his sword to meet the invader’s.
“But… I have to kill Thief.”
“Why are you calling him Thief? You know what, nevermind. Just defend. Go, Jed!” Xovious returned his attention to Thief, who struggled against the High King’s strength and skill. Jedoi turned and raced back toward the wall, where she stopped two Aurulian Lords from leaving through the hole.
“Aurulians are on defense.” Jedoi said, gazing at Thanatos and Nollo. Thanatos shook his head.
“We’re to take the inhib. Xovious’ orders.” He explained. Nollo nodded in agreement.
“Alright, be careful.” She let them pass as she entered. Jedoi was dismayed to see how many enemies were within the wall. Nokiaman, Quazister, and a few other members of Arvik and Kaldrsvell were fighting with Lord Skuhoo, Calixx, and an unrecognised Hiloan.
The archer Kallious was fighting Benged, who was wearing thin but very movable armor which allowed him to be far more agile than most on the battlefield. This let him avoid most of Kallious’ arrows, but those that hit him were injuring.
Borne, a Hiloan and former Aurulian, was losing in battle against Rhogar, likely because Rhogar still resented him for abandoning Asmund. Jedoi’s fellow Guardian, Lady Lottaine of Hilo, was fighting off Bambi, Falksi, and their wolves. The Hiloan Guardian seemed to resent fighting the wolves, instead focusing on those the Artifact could rescue.
A Hiloan Jedoi couldn't quite remember the name of was fighting the Arvik Protecters, who Kaldrsvell’s Companion and Arvik's Shocker were defending. Bork of Arvik and Kakashi and Tyrriel of Auru were fighting the resurrected Bat, who managed to slay the Aurulians quickly. Opyc was back as well, and he joined the fight between Nokia, Skuhoo, and their people. Xovious reentered through the wall and joined Nokia.
The bodies of wolves littered the ground, the blood of both Asmund and the Covenant spattered the pristine white snow. Jedoi looked across the scene when a whimper behind her made her turn around.
Ataraxy was laying on the ground beside the body of a strong, golden brown wolf. Halcyon stood beside her, attempting to comfort her. Jedoi felt sadness rush over her.
“Aureate…” She whispered as she kneeled beside the dead wolf. Ataraxy’s father, the former leader of the first wild pack who had joined her, Apricity, Entelechy, and Halcyon. “I'm sorry…” She said, gently placing a hand on Ataraxy’s coat. She whined in agony. “Ataraxy, I'm sorry…” The Wolf Mother murmured, stroking Aureate’s warm golden fur with her other hand. When she lifted it, his blood had stained her hand red. She placed it her in the snow, wiping most of it off, and stood.
She whistled loudly. “Halcyon, Ataraxy!” The two wolves looked up at her. “Apricity, Entelechy!” A moment later the two grey wolves appeared at her side. “We are going to win this battle for Aureate.” She said. “Apricity, Entelechy, go find Thanatos and Nollo and help them fight the Protectors.” They sped off. “Halcyon, Ataraxy, who killed Aureate?” The light grey wolf turned to face the Hiloan fighting Companion and the Arvik Protectors. “Let's go get him.”
Ataraxy let out a howl, grabbing the attention of Falksi’s nearby wolves. She sped forward past Companion and leapt at the Hiloan. Halcyon and Jedoi followed, who let out a short low whistle. Ataraxy reluctantly stopped attacking him.
“Who are you?” She asked and the wolves surrounded the enemy. He glanced around at them.
“Hypnotic.” He replied, and with a quick move lunged forward to slice through two wolves. Jedoi immediately gave a high whistle and the wolves attacked, biting into the man. Ataraxy managed to get her teeth on his throat when the Generator shook. It was open.
The invaders rushed into the Core and the fight continued there. On his way, Quazister stopped to stab Hypnotic, who managed to barely strike the Arvik fighter, but not hard enough. Quaz simply downed a potion of healing as the enemy vanished.
Eldritchmen and Hiloans drove swords and arrows into the heart of the Core, trying to weaken it so they could capture it. Lord Skuhoo furiously fought with Nokia and Xovious, who tried to delay him for as long as possible. Quaz fought with Opyc and Lottaine, managing to kill them both, but not seconds later an arrow fired from Kallious behind him pierced his armor and he vanished.
With Asmund’s third best warrior gone, the Covedent surged forward. Xovious was able to kill Calixx, but Sku avenged him. Nokia fought relentlessly against the Lord of Eldritch, but even Arvik’s High General fell.
Jedoi found Bambi and Falksi and quickly instructed them to have their wolves retreat. The Asmund wolves raced out of the walls, and Eldritchmen pushed forward, cutting down members of Kaldrsvell and Auru. In a last desperate attempt to buy the Aurulians on offense time, Jedoi pushed into the Core and stood in front of it’s heart.
Only a second was bought as Commander Bat’s blade was driven through her chestplate and into her heart. She collapsed as the Artifact took hold of her, whisking her away to Aladra. The calm, dark, familiar sensation of the Unbound swirling around her being, but once again delivered her back into the arms of life.
When she opened her eyes, the others were there. She took a deep breath and faced Xovious, who was glaring anxiously at the Aladra square. Nollo appeared, and seconds later Thanatos. The High King cursed as Nollo shook her head.
“My betas?” Jedoi asked them quietly.
“The two you sent us retreated, on their way to Auru. Many others followed them.” Thanatos replied. Jedoi breathed a sigh of relief.
A few hours later, once Xovious had taken in the results of the battle, he called all the Aurulians into the Spire. He stood on the stairwell with the Prophet Ajaxan, who waited behind him. Jedoi and the others stood at attention. The High King looked out over them with a sense of pride before he spoke.
“I do not see this as a failure.” He started, raising his head high. “We have proved to Eldritch that we are far from weak. That if they are to defeat us, they must fight harder than they ever have. Which is what we're going to do. Fight.” The Aurulians clapped and yelled out their support, but Xovious continued.
“We have a secret weapon waiting in Ascalon, and together they will fall. It's time we showed the Covenant who Asmund is. Strong.”
“May the Artifact protect you!” Jedoi shouted from the crowd. Xovious smiled.
“May the Ancients guide you!” Ajaxan replied from behind Xovious.
“And may the North shelter you.” Falksi’s voice answered, unseen to Jedoi through the crowd.
“For Auru!” Neo cried happily. All the gathered Aurulians joined together.
"For Auru!"
Asmund was strong, they were mighty, they were worthy. The fury of countless warriors stood behind them, each with a burning desire to cut down their enemies. Each with a desire to protect their homelands from the foreign invaders. They were strong- But so was The Covenant.
It was time for Auru, Arvik, and Kaldrsvell to fight. Lord Skuhoo and the army of Eldritch was approaching from the west, attempting to claim a chunk of land belonging to Arvik. To counter the invaders, the people of Asmund were ready to fight, be it with sword, bow, potion, or anything else. Jedoi had wolves.
She wasn't the only one. An estimated 350 wolves stood at attention, a little under a third of them belonged to her own pack. The others were led by Bambi and Falksi, two woman Jedoi had begun affectionately referring to as the Wolf Sisters. The “Wolf Girls” were assigned to defense. Their wolves would push away the attackers so others would be able to focus the inhib.
“Is everyone ready?” High King Xovious yelled over the sound of growling wolves. A loud “aye!” replied, forged from many voices. The Beacon in Auru shook and in a clap of lightning, they found themselves at the Arvik generator. A stone wall surrounded it, keeping the invaders out.
“Let's do this.” Jedoi whispered to Falk and Bambi, who grinned in reply. The three whistled a command to their wolves, who formed a thick barrier around the generator. The warriors of Arvik arrived as Auru did, led by their mighty High General, Nokiaman. The people of Fang Creek’s northern base, Kaldrsvell, followed Arvik.
General Nokiaman positioned his fighters just outside the wall, standing guard as the forces of Eldritch and Hilo marched forth to meet them. Xovious was explaining battle tactics to Auru and Kaldrsvell. Several Aurulian archers climbed the wall and aimed their bows at the coming enemies. The fight had begun.
Hiloans who made it past Arvik’s line lit explosives, blowing holes in the wall. Jedoi sent her wolves to fight off whoever got through. She turned when she saw the Hiloan archer Kallious fighting with a member of Kaldsvell. He landed arrow after arrow on her ally. Jedoi pointed at the archer and yelled, “Entelechy, go!” The trusted beta sped off to distract Kallious from the injured fighter.
Turning back to the wall, Jedoi recognised an enemy leaping through the hole in the wall, Bat, one of Opyc’s commanders. She scowled as she saw him, and aimed Autumn at the invader. Bat easily dodged her arrow and started towards her. Jedoi whistled again and several of her pack turned their heads, and upon noticing her being attacked, snarled at the Hiloan commander as they leapt at him.
Bat looked down at them, quickly swinging his sword to cut the throat of the wolf closest to him, a young, dark brown male with hazel eyes. Jedoi’s heart ached as he collapsed, his blood spilled into the white snow. She had always been impressed with his quick instinct and firm loyalty. Six nearby wolves came to a halt as their companion died, and without stopping to howl in mourning, they whipped their attention to Commander Bat and raced at him.
He took a few steps back, raising his blood-stained blade in defense, when a figure promptly appeared before him and swung his blade with incredible strength, pushing back all six wolves. Two lost their lives almost instantly, one collapsed in pain, bleeding heavily, and three managed to pull back before his sword killed them. They retreated to where Jedoi stood, protecting her rather than attacking the new invader. The wolves didn't know who they were now facing, but the Wolf Mother did. Lord Skuhoo himself.
Jedoi gave a low whistle and turned, running toward the Arvik generator as fast as she could. She glanced back to see Bat chasing her, but the Lord of Eldritch could not be seen.
She turned and whistled, and two wolves attacked the Hiloan commander from behind. He whipped around to fight them, but they raced away, and Jedoi was able to hit his armor once before he landed a blow on her. As they fought, the Wolf Mother noticed a flash of recognisable grey fur, behind the enemy warrior, followed by a small light brown figure.
“Halcyon!” Jedoi cried, and Bat glanced behind him to see whether this Halcyon was a fighter or a wolf. Halcyon and Ataraxy turned their attention to Jedoi and her opponent, and raced to help her. Bat barely responded, he ignored the wolves and stared at Jedoi, and she thought she could see the trace of a smile…
“ATARAXY! NO!” She howled, leaping forward as Bat spun around. The Wolf Mother raced around him, and without thinking, leapt in front of his weapon. The sword left a thin trail of blood on Ataraxy’s coat, but the majority of his blade cut Jedoi’s chest. She collapsed into the snow as the Hiloan Commander lifted his sword for another swing- And was stabbed in the stomach by an unseen figure.
“What the hell were you thinking?” A voice asked. Jedoi was barely able to glance up as a figure clad in armor turned to face her. Quazister shook his head and kneeled to pour a glass bottle of pink liquid into her mouth. She felt the healing subsistence spread throughout her body, patching her wounds quickly.
“Atara-” She whispered as the potion did its work. Quazister looked up at the battle and back down to her.
“The brown wolf? She's fine. That was really stupid, Jed.” The Arvik warrior said, helping her up. She shook her head.
“You need to get back to defending.” Jedoi responded instead. She glanced at the hole in the wall, now wider, where several of her wolves still stood guard. “Thanks.” She said, grabbing her sword and heading back to her post. She arrived just in time to meet Lord Opyc as he entered, as he looked up and met her eyes, the two just stared at each other for a brief moment before their hands grasped the hilts of their swords.
Her wolves had already begun attacking the man, who struggled to push them off, but she gave a low whistle and they stopped, looking up at her in confusion. “I hate fighting you.” Jedoi said, loud enough to be heard over the noise.
“It's not my fault you joined Auru.” He replied, glancing uneasily at the wolves watching him with careful eyes.
“It is your fault Hilo betrayed Vanaheimr.” She retorted.
“They betrayed me first.” He answered. He lifted his sword and took a few steps toward Jedoi. The wolves snarled, but she whistled softly again.
“You helped teach me how to fight.” She recalled, lifting her own blade in preparation. “Maybe that's why I'm so bad at it.”
He grinned. “Nah, it's because your other teacher was Artagan.”
Jedoi shook her head with a smile. “Leasaur taught me more about combat, actually. Art taught me books.”
“Heh, then I don't know why.”
“Nor do I.” She replied, and struck the side of his sword with her blade. Their weapons clashed for a few minutes as the wolves watched uneasily. Jedoi saw a figure approached from behind the Lord of Hilo. She met his eyes, gave a high whistle and backed off. Nokiaman struck him from behind just as the wolves leapt on him. Opyc’s body vanished after just moments of fighting the General of Arvik.
“Do you know where Skuhoo is?” Nokia asked her as he scanned the inside of the wall. She shook her head, to which he cursed and went off to fight someone else. Jedoi waited once again by the wall, watching invaders fight the Warriors of Arvik.
A figure far behind Hilo’s lines caught her attention. It wore little armor, and only an average-looking sword hung from his side. It begun walking towards her, and Jedoi was able to see a man as he got closer. She watched him curiously, she was able to make out his face but didn't recognise him. There was something faintly familiar about the way he walked, confident yet carefully. By the time he was only a few feet away, he drew his sword and approached her. He waved his blade in a few quick circles, as if testing how fast he could move it. There was only one person Jedoi has ever seen do that before…
He was close enough now that she could see his eyes, and her theory was confirmed.
Thieflord.
Once the most feared warrior in all of Loka, a man who had brought pain, death, sadness, and despair to his enemies and riches to his friends. Every city she had ever lived in, save Auru and Cerulean, had been victim of his attacks. Jedoi wasn't even sure how long it had been since she saw him. How could he be here…
Jedoi glanced behind her and let out a high whistle. “Apricity!” She called, and moments later a dark grey wolf with piercing yellow eyes was at her side. “Apricity.” She whispered. “We are going to kill that man.”
The Wolf Mother leapt through the hole in the wall and charged toward the hated thief. He only wore a breastplate, so Jedoi planned to somehow cut his legs to distract him, and then his neck. She closed the distance between them, sword drawn and pointed at his heart. He didn't move as she took another step which let the tip of her sword gently rest on his breastplate, just over his heart.
“It's been awhile.” She said softly, looking over at him. She had a flash of memory from the first time she remembered Asgard being raided. She and her brother Hall had tried to stop Thief, and he promptly killed the both of them.
“Aye.” He replied, glancing at the dozen wolves that followed her. “Still like wolves?”
“Aye.” She repeated, and gave a low whistle. “Apricity, go.” Every wolf backed off, except the beta who stood beside her. Thieflord gave a small smile as he stepped back, pushed his sword in between them, and knocked Jedoi’s blade away from him.
Thief charged forward and Jedoi parried his blow and circled him, attempting to strike him, but he turned and deflected her attack. He lunged forward then, but she blocked his blade and feinted an attack to his left side. He went to parry her, but she had already moved her weapon to his right. He retreated back, but not before Jedoi managed to graze his leg. A little blood was visible beneath the tear her blade made in the thick fabric his leggings were made of.
Thief winced, but kept his guard. He advanced again, this time faster, and was able to hit Jedoi’s breastplate. Her armor was strong, though, and it only knocked her back. Apricity growled and nipped at her enemy’s feet, Thief looked down to shake her off, resulting in Jedoi leaping up to strike his armor.
He used his sword to knock away her blade, and repositioned himself in a familiar aggressive stance. He rushed forward, taking her by surprise as he landed two consecutive blows on her, one on her breastplate, and one on her arm. It stung with pain, but she tried to ignore it. She lunged forward, but Thief parried and counter-attacked. The blow caused her to take a few steps back, and in that time let out a high whistle.
The wolves who had been watching leapt into action, scratching and biting the attacker. He scowled and moved his sword to push off a light grey wolf who had her teeth on his leg. His blade pierced her stomach, and blood rushed out to stain the snow red. Her companions howled and fought harder, but they all quickly fell. Apricity, standing beside Jedoi, whimpered softly.
With no more wolves to hamper him, Thief started forward, raising a blade dripping blood on the snow. Jedoi took a shaky breath and prepared to fight once more, when a voice startled them both.
“Jed! What are you doing out here?! You should be defending!” The High King of Auru marched in front of her. “Ignore Landoriel, I'll take care of him.” Xovious turned to face Thief. Jedoi’s expression became confused.
“Landoriel?”
“That's me.” Thief said with a grin.
“No?” She replied questioningly. “You're Thief.”
“Jed, just get back to defense.” Xovious interrupted, raising his sword to meet the invader’s.
“But… I have to kill Thief.”
“Why are you calling him Thief? You know what, nevermind. Just defend. Go, Jed!” Xovious returned his attention to Thief, who struggled against the High King’s strength and skill. Jedoi turned and raced back toward the wall, where she stopped two Aurulian Lords from leaving through the hole.
“Aurulians are on defense.” Jedoi said, gazing at Thanatos and Nollo. Thanatos shook his head.
“We’re to take the inhib. Xovious’ orders.” He explained. Nollo nodded in agreement.
“Alright, be careful.” She let them pass as she entered. Jedoi was dismayed to see how many enemies were within the wall. Nokiaman, Quazister, and a few other members of Arvik and Kaldrsvell were fighting with Lord Skuhoo, Calixx, and an unrecognised Hiloan.
The archer Kallious was fighting Benged, who was wearing thin but very movable armor which allowed him to be far more agile than most on the battlefield. This let him avoid most of Kallious’ arrows, but those that hit him were injuring.
Borne, a Hiloan and former Aurulian, was losing in battle against Rhogar, likely because Rhogar still resented him for abandoning Asmund. Jedoi’s fellow Guardian, Lady Lottaine of Hilo, was fighting off Bambi, Falksi, and their wolves. The Hiloan Guardian seemed to resent fighting the wolves, instead focusing on those the Artifact could rescue.
A Hiloan Jedoi couldn't quite remember the name of was fighting the Arvik Protecters, who Kaldrsvell’s Companion and Arvik's Shocker were defending. Bork of Arvik and Kakashi and Tyrriel of Auru were fighting the resurrected Bat, who managed to slay the Aurulians quickly. Opyc was back as well, and he joined the fight between Nokia, Skuhoo, and their people. Xovious reentered through the wall and joined Nokia.
The bodies of wolves littered the ground, the blood of both Asmund and the Covenant spattered the pristine white snow. Jedoi looked across the scene when a whimper behind her made her turn around.
Ataraxy was laying on the ground beside the body of a strong, golden brown wolf. Halcyon stood beside her, attempting to comfort her. Jedoi felt sadness rush over her.
“Aureate…” She whispered as she kneeled beside the dead wolf. Ataraxy’s father, the former leader of the first wild pack who had joined her, Apricity, Entelechy, and Halcyon. “I'm sorry…” She said, gently placing a hand on Ataraxy’s coat. She whined in agony. “Ataraxy, I'm sorry…” The Wolf Mother murmured, stroking Aureate’s warm golden fur with her other hand. When she lifted it, his blood had stained her hand red. She placed it her in the snow, wiping most of it off, and stood.
She whistled loudly. “Halcyon, Ataraxy!” The two wolves looked up at her. “Apricity, Entelechy!” A moment later the two grey wolves appeared at her side. “We are going to win this battle for Aureate.” She said. “Apricity, Entelechy, go find Thanatos and Nollo and help them fight the Protectors.” They sped off. “Halcyon, Ataraxy, who killed Aureate?” The light grey wolf turned to face the Hiloan fighting Companion and the Arvik Protectors. “Let's go get him.”
Ataraxy let out a howl, grabbing the attention of Falksi’s nearby wolves. She sped forward past Companion and leapt at the Hiloan. Halcyon and Jedoi followed, who let out a short low whistle. Ataraxy reluctantly stopped attacking him.
“Who are you?” She asked and the wolves surrounded the enemy. He glanced around at them.
“Hypnotic.” He replied, and with a quick move lunged forward to slice through two wolves. Jedoi immediately gave a high whistle and the wolves attacked, biting into the man. Ataraxy managed to get her teeth on his throat when the Generator shook. It was open.
The invaders rushed into the Core and the fight continued there. On his way, Quazister stopped to stab Hypnotic, who managed to barely strike the Arvik fighter, but not hard enough. Quaz simply downed a potion of healing as the enemy vanished.
Eldritchmen and Hiloans drove swords and arrows into the heart of the Core, trying to weaken it so they could capture it. Lord Skuhoo furiously fought with Nokia and Xovious, who tried to delay him for as long as possible. Quaz fought with Opyc and Lottaine, managing to kill them both, but not seconds later an arrow fired from Kallious behind him pierced his armor and he vanished.
With Asmund’s third best warrior gone, the Covedent surged forward. Xovious was able to kill Calixx, but Sku avenged him. Nokia fought relentlessly against the Lord of Eldritch, but even Arvik’s High General fell.
Jedoi found Bambi and Falksi and quickly instructed them to have their wolves retreat. The Asmund wolves raced out of the walls, and Eldritchmen pushed forward, cutting down members of Kaldrsvell and Auru. In a last desperate attempt to buy the Aurulians on offense time, Jedoi pushed into the Core and stood in front of it’s heart.
Only a second was bought as Commander Bat’s blade was driven through her chestplate and into her heart. She collapsed as the Artifact took hold of her, whisking her away to Aladra. The calm, dark, familiar sensation of the Unbound swirling around her being, but once again delivered her back into the arms of life.
When she opened her eyes, the others were there. She took a deep breath and faced Xovious, who was glaring anxiously at the Aladra square. Nollo appeared, and seconds later Thanatos. The High King cursed as Nollo shook her head.
“My betas?” Jedoi asked them quietly.
“The two you sent us retreated, on their way to Auru. Many others followed them.” Thanatos replied. Jedoi breathed a sigh of relief.
A few hours later, once Xovious had taken in the results of the battle, he called all the Aurulians into the Spire. He stood on the stairwell with the Prophet Ajaxan, who waited behind him. Jedoi and the others stood at attention. The High King looked out over them with a sense of pride before he spoke.
“I do not see this as a failure.” He started, raising his head high. “We have proved to Eldritch that we are far from weak. That if they are to defeat us, they must fight harder than they ever have. Which is what we're going to do. Fight.” The Aurulians clapped and yelled out their support, but Xovious continued.
“We have a secret weapon waiting in Ascalon, and together they will fall. It's time we showed the Covenant who Asmund is. Strong.”
“May the Artifact protect you!” Jedoi shouted from the crowd. Xovious smiled.
“May the Ancients guide you!” Ajaxan replied from behind Xovious.
“And may the North shelter you.” Falksi’s voice answered, unseen to Jedoi through the crowd.
“For Auru!” Neo cried happily. All the gathered Aurulians joined together.
"For Auru!"