Hellion's Reckoning

“He took the bait,” Inias murmured under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper, as he and their small army observed the Magistrate’s thousands-strong force making their way across the undulating hills towards the Ravenmoon forest. Ailog’s men stood out starkly against the landscape, adorned in gleaming red armor that sparkled in the setting sun’s light, their march punctuated by the clanking of metal. The carriage in which the man perched stood out like a gaudy monstrosity, carrying him aloft above his soldiers like a grotesque king surveying his domain. He sat within a giant dragon carriage, painted red bolts coming out of its mouth.

As they drew closer to the dark shadows of the forest, Keira couldn’t help but remark, “Surprised it doesn’t collapse under all that weight,” earning a round of subdued chuckling from their comrades. “His ego adds another thirty pounds,” Inias added on as they moved towards the city. The plan seemed too perfect, but Inias pushed that thought deep into shadows of his mind. Last time something felt too easy, he walked into a trap.

Styx stepped up beside Inias, throwing him a wink. “All clear?” Inias asked, brushing his fur as he knelt to meet the fox. The two caught each other’s eyes and remained locked. Keira watched as they appeared to stare at each other for several minutes.

Inias felt the pads of Styx’s paw press against his chest, and he reached out, letting his hand do the same. He brushed his fingers through his raven black fur, curling a gentle grip as images flashed in his mind. Styx was sent to scout the fields and Inias saw them through his memories. The hellion slaves being herded back to their little cabins after a day of forced labor. They had left a small troop to guard them, likely assuming the hellions wouldn’t split their already small force.

Once the images faded, Inias stood, and someone passed him a couple strips of bacon. In a flash of speed Styx grabbed them from Inias hand. “Good work buddy,” He said, reaching down to pet the fox as he chewed, “Ready for a fight?” Styx nodded and licked his lips.

The last of Ailog’s force disappeared into the trees and they broke into a run as they crossed the fields. A shroud of shadow surrounded them, keeping them hidden as darkness crept over the hills. The moon’s light showed off their eyes, causing them to glow as they neared the empty fields. With a silent command, they split into smaller groups, each moving stealthily towards the cabins where the hellion slaves were being held captive. Styx moved like a shadow at Inias’ side, his keen senses alert for any sign of danger.

Inias, Vestin, Keira, and Styx remained together as they crossed the field. They remained ahead of the others, waiting for any wards around the cabins. Inias drew a sword and slashed through the air. His blade hit an invisible wall. Growling, he slashed several more times, but to no avail. Vestin clapped a hand on his shoulder and smiled, “Allow me, your highness,” He spoke as he flexed his massive arms. His knuckles cracked, and they watched with wide eyes as he delivered a punch to the wards, then another. The spelled steel upon his knuckles shimmered as the wards came down like shattered glass.

Their troops had moved to key positions, encircling the small encampment, charging in with mighty howls as the wards came crashing down. “Hellions!” Someone cried out in terror as the horde of hellions came charging down the hills upon them. The guards scrambled to pull their weapons, two of them running towards the city walls. Many of them began calling out backup, ringing bells, but no answer came from within the city. “Captain! Generals Tamil and Hector have revolted, they’re taking the city!” A man cried before Inias decapitated him with his claws. The captain fared no better, lifted by his skull in Vestin’s mighty grip. He cried out as the Hellion squeezed his head. A mix of blood and brain coated Vestin’s fingers as the captain’s skull shattered.

In the chaos, screams and clashes of metal filled the air as Inias and his companions pushed the guards back. Vestin’s fists pounded through the ranks of Ailog’s guards, his sheer strength creating a path for the others to follow. Keira’s daggers flew with deadly accuracy, finding their marks in the enemy lines.

Styx darted through the battle, his lightning speed and sharp teeth leaving a trail of blood and corpses in his wake. They seemed to turn the tide of battle in their favor as they pushed closer and closer to the cabins where the hellions were held captive. “We must hold out!” One defender shouted, trying to rally the others, “We can’t let these devils overwhelm us! For Dusk Haven!” It had little effect, as many of them dropped their weapons and ran for the fields, cursing the city.

From within the cabins, the slaves stirred when they heard all the fighting outside. Suddenly, someone flung open a door and threw iron chains around an overseer’s neck. A large hellion with mighty horns strangled the man beneath the chains holding him captive. They finally reached the cabins. The hellions inside caught sight of their would-be saviors and a spark of hope ignited in their eyes. Keira broke through their lines, and the Knight’s Shade was first to shatter chains and burning cabins.

The ground shook beneath the thundering charge of the liberated hellions. They wasted no time in helping their liberators break the remaining lines. The few dozen who remained had no option but to die or flee as their attackers pushed them on all sides. Some ran only to be pursued and cut down.

A flash of red cut through the darkness, and Styx’s yelp rang out over the battle. “Styx!” Inias cried, running as a bolt of lightning came crashing down on the little fox. Keira ran ahead of him and threw herself in front of Styx. She cried out as the bolt struck her, sending her flying across the field. Vestin caught her and fell to the ground.

Inias ran across the field only to be stopped by another bolt raining down on him. He rolled beneath it and stood again, pointing a sword at Sylvis as he approached. The other hellions gathered around him. In his father’s absence, the remaining troops were busy taking the palace. Seeing the situation he was in, Sylvis pointed his spear at Inias. “The rest of you are free,” He said to the slaves, balling their fists, “I’m after him.”

Vestin came charging at Sylvis, but Inias extended an arm to stop him. “Lead them back,” Inias commanded him, taking a step towards Sylvis. They couldn’t let him die, that’s what Thaddeus had told them. The mob would tear him to pieces. They exchanged glances and turned to Inias, who nodded. “I won’t be far behind.” He promised. Whatever happened, he would trust Vestin and Keira to lead them. His life was the least he could give to see his people freed.

Keira rose, throwing a tonic bottle to the ground. “I’m not going!” she said, glaring at Sylvis. Styx whimpered as she poured another bottle down his throat. “Not after that cheap shot!”

Vestin heaved a sigh and ran to his sister’s side as Styx began growling. “All four of us,” Vestin said, but Keira pressed a hand to his chest. “Someone has to lead them north,” she said as Sylvis tapped his foot impatiently. Vestin wrapped her in a hug and nodded. He let out a loud whistle and called for everyone to follow him north. The crowd looked to Inias but turned and followed behind Vestin. “We’ll catch up!” Keira promised as she drew her daggers.

“This takes me back,” Sylvis purred as he looked between the three closing in on him.