Chapter 25

Ian walked his horse briskly, bringing up the rear of the troops. The air was chilly, but the sun shone brightly. The dirt road was dusty from lack of rain, but the green hillsides and valleys they passed were dotted with blue, red, and yellow spring flowers.

The trees were budding with small leaves a flutter, showing that spring was here. The birds were busy singing and building nests, and some critters were chattering in the nearby woods. The old trees stood proud and tall interspersed along their ride.

He thought how Elspeth would love it. He would bring her down this road one day if he lived long enough. He enjoyed what he could of the ride, but his thoughts kept straying from the battle to Elspeth.

He turned his mind back to the present, they could maybe make the campsite on the King’s land before nightfall. They needed tomorrow to get ready. He hoped Conall made it and they were now evacuating the people who lived in the kingdom. He had faith in Conall and the rest of his brothers.

He prayed their plan worked and the dragons would provide the force they needed. Hopefully they would do the trick. Lysanthir slowed his horse and pulled up next to Ian. The squadrons had quieted down but talking between them remained.

They seemed to understand the severity of the situation. He looked at his men and knew some wouldn’t survive. It was just the nature of battle. He hoped they got more of the Kearals and Asurads than they did of them.

Demons can’t burn alive, but fire from the dragons could make them wish they were dead. Lightning can kill. Lightning had killed some kearals when they tried to get Arthur the first time. But one sure way to kill demons was by removing their head. Or a blood sword, which Ian always carried. All his men carried them. They were forged by mages with a spell and blood from demon, fae, and vampire. Merlin had made sure that the swords were forged and ready when he first told Ian of the plans for the Army.

He thought he should have asked the werewolves for support, but it wasn’t their war, his kind weren’t involved, so he didn’t. However, a werewolf bite would kill a vampire, demon, or fae. A bite would kill him. He thought maybe he should have gone to the wolf king, Larc, of the Bhak tribe of the Ogourax weres.

The largest tribe of Ogourax, and the largest of the werewolves. Turned, they were as large as a pony, double set of teeth, meaner than hell when they wanted to be, and the only thing lethal to all species.

They mostly stayed alone, lived in the woods and forests, hunting at night. No one messed with the werewolves, no one. Mixing with other species was forbidden to them. So, he didn’t go to them for help. They wouldn’t fight their war anyway. He was almost positive.

He’d had dealings with Larc before with Merlin. When Merlin introduced him to Larc he was very cordial. All the species would do anything for Merlin. He had a funny feeling he should have asked for that help. Too late now.

“The men have calmed down.” He nodded to Lysanthir. “I think it’s finally settling in the dangers that they face.”

“They’ll get quieter as we get closer. Each man is thinking about fighting and possibly dying. It’s hard to do battle, it’s harder to fight a war. If one has never been in a war, they don’t understand it. They glamorize it. But men that live through it, lose a piece of themselves every time they take a life. They are basically going in to kill their own. It will be hard on them.”

“Och, I wish when I found the ether that I had ken all I had tae do was remove the caps. I could have at least saved a few. I dinna have time tae really do anythin’ afore they captured me.” He laughed. “You should’ve seen the crowds when Ator and the dragons bowed down afore me. And when I flew over the crowd on his back, they cheered. Baws, if it was nae a sight tae see. I think Ator is a ham at heart.”

“I wish I could’ve been there to see it. I really would have enjoyed that spectacle. That will probably never happen again.”

“Ator told me there hasn’t been one tae carry the mark in over a thousand years. Now there is two of us.”

“Do you know who the other is?”

“Yes, Elspeth, she saved Ator’s mate Saphira’s life and her bairns. So, my Elspeth carries the dragon above her heart as weel. It is a complete replica of Saphira, just as mine is of Ator.”

“May I see it? I find it fascinating.”

“Sure.” He pulled his tartan off his shoulder baring the mark.

“It looks so real, like the sun is shining off his scales like tiny rainbows. It’s incredible, how did you get it?”

He laughed. “I thought he was goin’ tae fry me. He leaned back like they do tae blow fire, and aye, he blew fire all right, but the flames were blue. It seared my chest, but didn’t hurt, and the result is this. You can only get it if you save a dragon’s life.”

“Perhaps we may be saving some at the battle, but more likely they will be saving us. I’d like to have my very own dragon and fly on one.”

“I can arrange you a flight for sure, but I’m stuck on savin’ one for you. You’ll have tae do that yourself.”

“Well with that, I’m going to ride ahead and check the men. If you need me shout. I’ll be up ahead a bit. I think I should keep up with the front while your back here. Nothing will probably happen, but with this crazy bunch you never know.”

“Agreed.” When he left, his thoughts went once again to Elspeth. He couldn’t keep her out of his mind. He tried to think about the men and battle, but the next thing he knew his thoughts were of his fire haired beauty. Sometimes with clothes on and sometimes with them off. Mostly with them off. He kicked his horse and caught up with the men.

“We’ll camp and eat here,” he said a few hours later. There’s a creek over beyond those trees for those who wish to freshen up. Tie the horses tae the trees and bring down several packs of food. We’ll build a fire and camp. We’ll be up and leaving at day break. Enjoy yourselves now, tomorrow will be hectic. You’re released for the night.” He went upstream to bathe. He couldn’t help thinking of Elspeth in the river the first time he saw her, or in the tub bent over pretending to look for that damn cloth, or their swim in the ocean.

“Och, I have it bad for this woman,” he said shaking his head and chuckling. He heard other men swimming and talking down river. Good to enjoy themselves now, he thought, then shuddered at what they were going to face tomorrow or the next day.

When he joined the rest of the men the fire was already blazing and rows of men surrounded it. Cheerfully sharing battle stories. They’d eaten and it was dark. Clouds covered the sky bringing the possibility of rain. The ground needed it, but Ian didn’t.

He lay looking up at the black sky overhead hoping it wasn’t a bad omen for the near future. He put his arms behind his head and sighed. He wasn’t tired and didn’t think he would get much sleep. He closed his eyes, at least he could rest, his mind filled with the image of finding Elspeth with the king. The memory of her sad smile broke his heart.

He wanted desperately to protect her, to be there for her. He wanted a family, a large one like he came from. In his eight hundred years, he’d wanted that, but never found the right woman, until now. He couldn’t quit thinking of her, although he knew without a doubt when the battle commenced he’d be there in body and mind.

He had a switch he could push and become all business. He was sharp and on his toes, always fighting a good fight. He was an excellent warrior, but he wasn’t conceited, he knew his limitations and the fact he could be killed.

But he figured since he was fighting for good, for the people he protected, that the gods…the universe…protected him. It was those thoughts that got him though the worst times.

Now he just wanted to be with Elspeth. He missed her. Her laughing, humming, singing, and simply being made his heart sing. This must be what it felt like to be in love because he sure was feeling it. He was sure he wouldn’t sleep this night. His mind wandered over many intimate moments with Elspeth. It was during one of these thoughts he somehow fell asleep, he wasn’t sure which thought it was, when he did, but he did, and deeply.

Morning came and everyone was up at dawn, it was windy and chilly. It hadn’t rained but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t. The sky was heavy with dark clouds and it was gloomy. The men were all quiet. The only sound was that of packing up camp and readying the horses. They had about a quarter to a half day’s journey yet. Lysanthir came up to him while he was saddling his horse.

“Looks like we are in for a downpour. The men aren’t looking forward to this trip. Their energy level is low.”

“They will be all right once we get goin’. They have a lot on their minds. Best tae let them think aboot what’s ahead and how they are goin’ tae deal with it individually. It willna hurt for them tae do a little soul searching this late in the game. I do it myself before battle. Lysanthir are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I expect. I’m packed and ready to go and so are the men. So, at your ready we’ll be on our way.”

“Mount up men!” he shouted, “we still have some ridin’ tae do. Let’s head oot!”

About two thirds of the way to their destination for the day, the skies opened and drenched the men, it was a veritable deluge. It was windy and the rain icy. Even the horses were sluggish as they traipsed through the mud. The only sounds were the sucking noises their hoofs made every time they came up from the road. Lys was right, the energy level was low.

After another hour of travel, they reached the point of where the Kearals and Asurads might veer off. Ian halted everyone. “Taryn divide your men up, three in each group, hide around the trees and watch for the dark demons to approach. Do not be seen unless they leave this road. We will continue tae our destinations.”

“I’ve sent the messages tae Ator via thought that we’re here and tae send a dragon. Watch for him. Remember if they continue the road you need tae come tae Finn and me. If you continue tae the road near the river split your men in half and each group tae each side of the road inside the forest. We’ll begin our attack there. Then we’ll move them from the forest toward the river, where Lauren’s squad will also attack, heading them toward the cliffs, where Connor and the dragons await.

“I need a volunteer tae go tae the castle and let Conall and King Arthur ken we are here. Tell him tae join us at the cliffs with his army. I doona want him earlier than that for fear of his capture. Who wants tae go?” A tall fae with blonde hair and blue eyes came forward. “Your name?”

“Marth, sir.”

“Weel Marth, follow this road. You’ll see the castle. Go there, tell them I sent you. You need tae see King Arthur and Conall. Tell the King we are here. Tell him tae hold their army until they see the dragons fly from the cliffs. Make sure Conall kens tae wait for the dragons. Kenning King Arthur, he’d leave right away. It’s imperative he hold back until they see the dragons. You got that?”

“Yes sir. I will be quick.”

“After you get there you can ride with King Arthur’s army. Doona double back, you could get yourself killed. Understand?”

“Yes sir. I’ll be on my way.”

“Good luck soldier.” Marth tilted his head, and after kneeing his horse, he took off in a run.

“Let’s continue on,” he said. Pretty soon they came to the forest. “Finn and I stay here. Lauren, you ken where the river is. Go ahead and find your spot.” He looked up and saw Ator. The dragon flew to the woods taking his place in a clearing. He waited there for the other groups to get settled. Good, he thought, the watch dragons are showing up. “Connor get your men tae the cliffs. Good luck men.” Then he whispered, “We’re goin’ tae need it.”

He and Finn divided the men in to two groups. Each group finding hiding spots in the woods that lined both sides of the road. They settled in despite their nerves. Despite waiting the rest of the day there was no sign of anyone.

He had thought this might happen. It would probably be tomorrow before they encountered anyone. There would be no fire tonight, food yes, fire no. Ian was glad it had stopped raining. The breeze picked up and his clothing dried.

His men felt better. It was going to be a long night. He and Finn would take turns on the watch. Ian first. He sat against a tree where he could see a sliver of road, but no one could see him.

Just before the sun was to come up, Finn woke him. Riders could be heard in the distance. They went to the edge of the forest and watched. They couldn’t tell who it was until the group split up. He heard an owl cry. When it repeated two more times he knew it was Taryn. He turned to Finn. “Wake the men, the Kearals and Asurads must be on the road.” He went to Taryn. “Split your men, either side of the road and make ready. How far are they?”

“About twenty minutes,” answered Taryn, “barely enough time.” He looked at his men. “Take your places. Half tae one side and half tae the other. Let’s move!” Thirty minutes later the soldiers came trotting toward the ambush. “Hold it…hold it… Now!” He gave the McGregor war cry followed by Finn and Taryn. The two squadrons mimicked their cries and came out from both sides of the road.

At first the Kearals and Asurads were surprised, but quickly pulled together. Horses reared and some riders were dumped to the ground. He wasted no time, before they could collect themselves, he severed four heads.

Suddenly the ground beneath them moved. He wasn’t sure which side was causing it, but it was spooking everyone’s horses. The movement quickly stopped before horses were lost. The demons threw fire balls. Luckily it had rained and the forest didn’t go up in flames.

The demons nearest him pulled swords and charged. He was doing a lot of damage. He hoped his men were too. “Press on!” He shouted, meaning to push them toward the river. Together, his men surrounded the Kearals and Asurads and managed to drive them in the desired direction.

But he was losing men. Kearals were ripping out throats. The Asurad’s fireballs were taking out others. Suddenly the earth cracked open releasing a horde of deadly insects. They hovered over his men. “Ator!”

The dragon rose over the tops of the trees and blew a straight line of fire over the insects, while attempting to destroy the enemy demons.

Ator used his fire to push them back toward the river. Ian glanced at the demon army. They needed them on the ground so they had better control of forcing them in the direction they wanted them to go. He made the earth roll and the horses spooked, rearing, whinnying and prancing. This time it had the affect he wanted. Almost all were unseated. The horses fled heading toward the forest.

Swords clashed around him and he smelled the scent of blood. The fae demons brought wind so harsh they had to fight to even walk. He put up his hand and shouted, stopping the wind.

Lysanthir was fighting alongside him and doing a good amount of damage. They were heading in the right direction, but not fast enough. “Push harder!” he yelled, and the men fought harder. Soon they were close to the river and Lauren gave the war cry, as he and his men moved in to join the fight.

They were pushing the enemy faster now, but their own men were dropping. Vampires could heal, but it could take time depending on their wounds. Fae didn’t have that luxury. They were stabbed and could die from their wounds. All they had were their power to conjure elements.

The kearal leader shouted something he didn’t understand. Suddenly there was a ring of fire around them and the demons quickly approached. He called rain to put out the fire. “Onward!” Somehow the men got a second wind and attacked full force. Ator flew around in circles overhead roaring his frustration at not being able to help for fear of harming those he was charged with protecting.

Finally, they had the enemy backed toward the cliffs. Realizing their mistake, the Asurads and Kearals changed tactics and tried to flee. As soon as they hit the clearing in front of the cliffs the dragons flew out. Suddenly bows and arrows appeared in the Kearals hands. “Och…my Gods, they are going to kill the dragons. Ator tell your dragons to retreat. Now!”

A resounding, “No!” Roared through his mind.

The dragons caught a group of Kearals together and one by one took turns blowing fire on them. They were down and crispy but not dead. His men were dropping yet the Kearals and Asurads didn’t seem to tire. He was even tiring. A few dragons dropped.

Suddenly King Arthur and his army appeared. Coming in fresh, they had the energy to gain ground and take heads. The king’s archers slowed down the enemy archers and bought the dragons some time. It seemed the tables were turning in their favor.

Then the skies flashed brightly, and lightning rained down on his and Arthur’s men. He turned from the fight to use his powers to stop the lightning. He saw more arrows take flight and hit Ator. The dragon lost control and landed some distance away. His heart was in his throat and screamed, “Nae!” His anger gave him an increased sense of energy and he attacked with fervor.

He was severing heads left and right parrying along the way. Still he was afraid for the dragons and his falling men. “What the hell do you doaty dobbers take? Something that never tires you oot? Pansy waisted sissies!” He tried to bait them, but they didn’t respond. “Bloody hell,” he mumbled. They were like zombies and just kept coming. Some were missing arms and others were covered in embedded arrows.

If things weren’t so serious Ian would laugh at the sight. The dragons were trying to individually blow fire at the dark demons, picking them off one by one.

He had to do something. He paused his fighting to call upon animals to come help him. He was concentrating so strongly he blocked out the sounds of the battle. Suddenly he felt someone or something grab both sides of his head from behind.

Instantly his mind was transported to a dark space. It was if his eyes were open but he could only see blackness. Then he heard the rumbling voice.

“You are terrible Ian McGregor. You have failed your men. They are dying all around you and it is your fault.”

“My fault,” he mumbled.

“You must let your life go because of your failure. You aren’t fit to live. If you are mated you no longer care. You will die and let her go to suffer the consequences you created,” said the melodic voice taking over his mind.

“I must die,” stated Ian, stoically.

“You will not try to heal. You will not take blood. You will shun your men and work to turn them away from us. You must do this to save future men. Tell me what you must do.”

“I must turn my men away to save them. I must die,” he said.

“Good,” said the voice. “In that you will become the hero.” He was suddenly free and confused, not able to stop the Kearal from slashing his side. Ian’s head felt like fireworks had gone off in it. He grabbed it, not feeling the deep puncture wound to his side, and he fell to his knees. His thoughts cleared to the point he knew he was calling all animals. He had to hang on to bring them to help. What was wrong with him? He fought to think clearly.

He was passing out, but just before he closed his eyes he heard the growls. The werewolves! He felt pain in his side and grabbed it as he slowly pulled himself upright. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Hundreds of Ogourax came snarling into the mix. Biting Asurads and Kearals alike, killing them immediately. In twenty minutes, it was over. He looked around in a daze. The weres transformed back to men. Larc stood in front of him.

“You should have called us sooner. In fact, you should have come to me a long time ago. Merlin visited with me and explained what was happening. I knew it was only a matter of time before they came for Arthur. Why didn’t you seek me out and include me in your army? I have men who would gladly join your army.”

He shook his head, trying to get rid of the fog. “Larc, it wasn’t your fight. Didn’t think you’d want tae joi…” Ian felt himself slipping and everything went black. Larc grabbed him before he fell. King Arthur came running up as well as Lauren, Connor, Finn and Taryn. They all had cuts and burns but were already healing. He opened his eyes remembering Ator. “Ator…hit…find him…please.” He felt things beginning to go dark again. He needed blood and soon.

King Arthur started shouting orders. He was still mounted as were most of his men. “Get Ian to the castle, put him in the room next to mine. General Alexander get your men to take care of the fallen dragons. Get a few of the healers from the castle to help them. Find the injured and bring them to the castle. I think the Kearals and Asurads are all dead thanks to Larc and his pack. Larc join me at the castle with your men. Lauren, you, your brothers, and men to the castle. My army will search for wounded and bring them in.”

“King, the fight started at the woods, there’s Kearals and Asurads maybe still alive, the river too,” explained Lauren.

“Alexander have your men search the woods and river for survivors. Larc can you send some of your men to kill any remaining Kearals and Asurads?”

Larc turned to his men. “Berric see to the men, have them clear the woods and river of those dark demons. Take wolf form and sniff out any hidden danger. Make sure the dark ones are dead. Then meet us at the castle.”

King Arthur had Ian laid over a horse he led himself. His brothers following close behind. Soldiers were pulling the wounded on the horses with them and leaving the dead demons to turn to ash.

Larc rode up beside the King. “I heard Ian’s call. He should have come to me earlier, to hell it isn’t my problem. Those things are trying to take both earths thanks to Merlin’s brother. And that damn Drakkor always has hands dripping in evil. He’s a damn sore in my side. I know Ian will eventually heal, I just don’t know how long it will take. Do you think we got them all?”

“The ones that came, probably, but Athdar and Drakkor only sent half of the Kearals, with equal Asurads. Asurads are plentiful, those we’ve dealt with before, but these Kearals. They have no conscience, they have incredible power and stamina.

“We need you and your pack, Larc. Ian needs you on his team, in his army. He lost quite a few men today. Good men. And I know him, he’s going to beat himself up over it. I watched him and his men fight, they’re good, damn good, but I fear they can’t beat these new creatures.”