The Reborn King (Book Six) by Brian D. Anderson

Author:Brian D. Anderson [Anderson, Brian D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Longfire Press
Published: 2014-09-09T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

King Lousis wiped away the blood dribbling down his face and steeled himself to face a fresh wave of attackers. Never before had he seen the armies of Angrääl moving with such alacrity and precision. The enemy’s constantly repeated battle cry of “Never to Kratis” rolled across the field like ominous claps of thunder.

Their first battle had gone well. Mohanisi had been absolutely correct about the enemy's location, also their relatively few numbers. In less than a day they'd had them on their heels and in full retreat. This new and unexpected engagement however, was something completely different.

Whereas before they had easily outnumbered the enemy, this time it appeared as if the Reborn King had sent every soldier he had out to fight. Even so, with the elves easily able to navigate such obstacles, the rocky terrain should have given an advantage to Lousis' men. Only it wasn't working out that way. The positioning and adjustments of the enemy was uncanny.

“Fall back, Your Highness,” shouted one of his guards. “They’re coming again.”

But Lousis knew there could be no retreat. He could hear the clashing of steel close behind him. Their right side had collapsed and they had been flanked. To go back would only put him in greater danger.

“Then let them come!” he yelled.

It was almost with a feeling of relief when he saw that the soldiers bearing down on them were clad in the typical armor of Angrääl. The native barbarians also fighting for the Reborn King wore animal skins and carried giant axes or swords as long as a man. Their savagery had already gained them a fearsome reputation.

His guard took the brunt of the assault. The sound of steel clashing on steel, together with the crazed shouting of the combatants, combined to create a deafening demonic symphony. Hard as Lousis' guard fought, it wasn't long before two enemy soldiers slipped through the line and ran straight for the king.

He gripped his sword and broadened his stance. The first attacker to reach him swung his blade in a high arc, threatening to split him in twain. But it was a clumsy movement. Lousis had time to step aside and ram his shoulder into the man, sending him stumbling to the ground. Without hesitation, the king then crouched low and was just in time to thrust his sword straight into the second onrushing attacker’s gullet.

He spun to finish off the first soldier, but one of his own men had already stepped back and plunged a knife into his neck. The king gave the guard a quick nod of thanks, but there was no time for him to return the gesture. Inch by inch they were losing ground. Three more Angrääl soldiers forced their way through and came after Lousis.

Furiously, the king fought to keep them at bay. The flashing of blades and loud grunting of men straining every sinew to gain an advantage was growing ever more intense. Again and again the enemy pressed Lousis back, several times finding his flesh and opening shallow wounds.

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