Fortress - Chapter One

Fortress
Chapter One – An Ill Omen

Trumpets blared unexpectedly from the ramparts; heads in the great hall began turning this way and that, eyes wide with a mixture of bewilderment and later fear. Bewilderment because not three days ago had the armies of the vile tyrant Eltariun been routed in the most bloody battle of the war. The feast which had only just been interrupted was the reward our most gracious king called for. Celebrations were being held in every town and city in the kingdom. The fear came after the trumpets sounded not a second time, but a third time. This clearly wasn’t a drill.

“Men and Women of Halsdorm. It is apparent that we are under attack. I assure you this is no combat drill. I bid you all to get ready to defend the castle, and when you return we shall continue with the festivities. I am confident that it can be no more than a splinter of Eltariun’s force, one that hasn’t had the news of his death. Go now, slay them and rejoice, for tomorrow we all wake in a land free of war and bloodshed!” The king said from his throne, his voice growing louder with each word. With that came the din of chairs scraping over the cold stone floor and the loud talking of men and women fighting amongst one another to be heard by their comrades, and the rhythmic marching out of the hall. I however stalked to the side entrance, and exited through the slave’s quarters. It would be much faster to get to my room this way, and i would also be able to catch a glimpse of our attackers.

The view afforded to me by the steep stone steps used by maids to ferry things around the castle was a disturbing one. Archers and Crossbowmen frantically fired into the massive horde outside the walls. I was amazed at how many there were down there. This was no splinter group i realised. We had been duped and i was the fool that caused it. This wasn’t the time for this though i thought, and i rushed to get suited for battle. It was just outside my room I almost ran straight into Philip Grelson, The Lion of Halsdorm. He was one of the most valiant heroes that returned from the last battle, and I considered him as my brother.

“Have you seen what we are up against?” I asked after regaining my composure.

“Aye, and it doesn’t bode well for us i fear. There are simply too many of them” He replied with a sombre tone. “I have already sent carrier pigeons to the surrounding townships but reinforcements will not arrive quick enough.”

“Not nearly quick enough from the looks of that crowd” I muttered.

“Come meet me at the north gate when you are ready, we shall compete for the most kills!” He chuckled, before disappearing down the steps, leaving his loud steel booted footsteps echoing in the passageway.

My room was a mess. I had prohibited the servants from entering, for I liked to know where I left everything. I quickly slipped off my formal clothing and into something more practical, before donning my armour. I hated wearing it, but in a situation like this it couldn’t be helped. I moved my pillow and retrieved my sword, a gift from the Elven king in the southern mountains after we aided them in fending off a nearby band of Kul’Ermayne warriors, seeking to capture all they could in the name of Eltariun. The blade, named Ashrender had been with me ever since. It wasn’t a particularly large blade, it was a couple of inches smaller than a standard long sword. But that suited my battle style. It was perfect for quick strikes and parries, and often threw opponents off guard. I sheathed it at my waist and picked my shield up from the foot of my bed, and left the castle in the direction of the north gate to join battle alongside Philip.