Dark Shores of Salvation by Brian S. Pratt

Author:Brian S. Pratt [Pratt, Brian S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-09T08:23:52+00:00

Azhan reached the top of the wall and another cheer went up.

“Azhan!” came the cries.

“We are saved,” others joined in.

The air was still thick with hot steam, but quickly dissipated. Azhan would have given nearly anything to have seen how his master had stopped the priestly weapons. But for now, he had to be the master.

Spying a brace of spears propped against an inner crenellation, he ordered a soldier to bring him two.

The soldier complied and handed Azhan the first spear.

“Crossbowmen,” he said, “prepare to fire.”

“But they are too far away,” the one in charge of the crossbowmen said.

Azhan gave him a look that could freeze blood, “Do it.”

The man gulped. Turning to his men he said, “Ready crossbows.”

Dozens raised their weapons and took aim at the attackers.

“Fire!” Azhan commanded.

As one, a flight of bolts flew toward the attackers.

Magic took charge of their flight, speed and trajectory.

Azhan raised his spear high, focused on a priest down below, and with magic propelling it, launched it. Just his first spear impaled the priest to the ground, the second one was on its way. Another priest joined the fate of the first.

Then the bolts fell among the priests.

Men cried as they found their mark. Priests, their attendants, and soldiers fell.

The defenders erupted in cheers.

“Another spear!” Azhan shouted. Then to the archers, “Fire!”

The third spear shot forth as did the volley of bolts. Yet this time the deadly barrage ricocheted off a defensive shield to land harmlessly a short distance away. The priests would not be caught twice by the same attack.

Azhan stood above the gates, his robe billowing in the early morning breeze. The enemy priest glared at him with barely restrained hatred.

“If looks could kill,” Miko said.

“Indeed.”

“Great Azhan, what shall we do now?”

Azhan turned to the captain of the guard. “Prepare your defenses.”

“Can you not just kill them like last time?” one defender asked.

Azhan turned upon the man. It was obvious the man was one of those recently dragooned into service; looking out of place and with fear clearly etched upon his face.

“Such magic is not without cost,” he said. “I dare not do so again.”

Men nodded.

“He’ll know what to do,” came from the defenders.

Azhan wished he did know what to do. He knew partly his master’s plan, but with the enemy catching them unawares… He glanced to Miko.

“We wait,” the high priest said.

Miko turned back toward the defenders while the sounds of battle raged along the length of the wall.

Trumpets sounded and all along the beleaguered city, the enemy halted their attack and pulled back. Ragged cheers could be heard from all quarters.

“They will have to deal with me,” Azhan said in a quiet aside to Miko, “before they resume their attack.”

Miko nodded. “I am afraid so. When they strike, it will be sudden and hard.”

“I hope I am up to the task.”

Miko laid a hand on his shoulder.

Azhan turned to see Miko’s reassuring smile.

“You are. Have faith in yourself.”

Turning back to the enemy, they waited.

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