Chapter 18

Thanatos stared out over the city of Entralis from the map room’s balcony in the Kings castle. He watched the populace preparing for a siege, all working together, all hoping for the Draconians to do what they had come for and protect them. He knew what to do in a siege and how to properly defend against invaders, but why had his father ordered he stay behind and lead? Was he thinking to test him in an easier battle? If so does that mean he doesn’t believe in my skills? Or thinks me not ready yet? But then why place me in charge at all?

With a grunt of agitation he slammed his fist down on the stone railing, which chipped beneath it.

He turned and glared without realizing he was as the door to the balcony opened and Garis stepped out. His maroon colored scales flashing in the afternoon sun as his storm gray eyes looked questioningly at Thanatos.

“Something wrong?” Asked Garis raising his eye ridges as he smiled slightly.

“I’m sorry, just frustrated.” Said Thanatos as he turned towards the city again.

“Wanna talk about it? Before you work yourself up and knock the whole railing apart.”

“Saw that did you?” Thanatos glanced at Garis sideways to judge his reaction.

“Felt is more like, the table inside shook.” Garis said as he laughed.

“I just can’t decide if being left here is a good thing or a bad one.”

Garis rubbed the back of his neck as he stepped forward to stand next to Thanatos.

“Father always says you can’t know the end, only guide the now.”

“Your father maybe…”

“Well that is true. Valankar does know, so then it comes down to trust. Do you trust Valankar?” He said as he stared straight at him with those piercing storm gray eyes, just like his father’s.

“Of course I trust my father Garis, but sometimes it is hard to know why he is doing the things he does. And what your part will be in his plans.”

“I thought you would know this already Thanatos. You can’t know, period. There is no way to predict chaos, you must flow with it and be prepared.”

“I know that, it’s just. Sometimes I want more control over my life. Perhaps I just want more power, I don’t know…I feel like I am missing something. Like my place in history is waiting for me and I have yet to step the right direction. And then I get left out of the main fight…why?”

“No one said we had to stay here.”

“What?”

“No one said we had to stay here, our orders are to defend the people of Entralis, what we do after this army outside is gone is up to us right?”

Thanatos smiled then laughed out loud as he smacked the rail with his palm.

“That is what we will do, we shall send these beasts to their graves, then quick march it to the next fight. You’re a good friend to have around Garis.” Said Thanatos, laying his hand on Garis’ shoulder with a genuine smile on his face.

“Glad to help…” Garis stopped speaking as the door opened and a Delesetti stepped out.

“The stone is down my Prince, they have sealed us in.” Said the green Draconian in a matter of fact way as another Drac came out behind him.

“Samundai reinforcements have arrived, they are up to six thousand troops out there.”

Thanatos just looked at Garis and shrugged.

“I guess getting out of here will be a bit harder then we expected. Lets go have a look.”

As they reached the wall the first thing Thanatos noticed was the fear in the human soldiers eyes.

“They must have heard the enemy head count.” Said Garis.

“You’re reading my mind.”

But as they climbed the stairs to the wall they both shared a smile as the Dracs were showing no signs of fear at being outnumbered, in fact they had started taking bets on who would kill the most. Which in

turn lessened the fear of the humans among them.

Looking out over the wall Thanatos studied his enemies with a well tutored eye. He could hear Malinku’s voice in his head as he watched the Samundai.

‘ The strengths and weaknesses of the enemy general can be seen in how his camp is ordered, where the sentries are placed, and the disposition of the warriors in camp.’

He could see the command tent in the center of the camp with the Tendali guild flag flying outside, from here the different guilds were set up with the Kendrakan at the front with tents in ordered rows. To the left and right of them the Vrik’Tai had been split. Behind the Vrik’Tai were squads of Seddereme with their bows close at hand and in the back the Ohmaran and Delesetti waited. He had set up his camp so that if called to the field they would fall into their places in the formation easily. The sentries were well spaced and heavy near the supply line into the forest.

“Seems to know what he’s doing.” Said Garis quietly, coming to the same conclusion as Thanatos.

“In that formation he’ll hit the walls hardest with the Vrik’Tai spear points on the left and right with the archers raining down hard on those points. The Ohmaran will hit the wall with fire first then send in the Kendrakan. If the first and second attacks are repulsed he will turn to the Delesetti to bring the walls down. We’ll be hard pressed to hold them at that point.”

“How long do you think they will wait?”

“Depends on his orders. If he is supposed to hold us here he would be wisest to wait to attack. But if his objective is to kill us all, well, then he will attack tonight, just before the sun goes down.”

“What, you think he read fathers book?” Garis said as he chuckled.

“No, I think he is Tendali and therefore trained by your uncle Kaysar. Who probably knows all the same tricks.” Said Thanatos with a smile.

“What tricks might those be?” Asked Duke Atrius as he walked up.

“Your walls face the setting sun, so the best time to attack them is when it sets.”

“You think they will attack rather then just hold us in here then?”

“We shall know in four hours. But we shall be ready either way. Garis, I want the Kendrakan to turtle the left and right with Ohmaran amid the shields to hit the archers. Get the Delesetti to reinforcing the wall,let them get a head start on the blasts to come. I want Vrik’Tai to hold the center and be ready to fall back if the mages fire the tops of the walls. I want the archers in the courtyard behind the Vrik’Tai, firing over the walls, and the Tendali in roving squads shoring up any weak spots on the line.”

“I’ll get everyone to their places.” Garis said as he saluted fist to heart and left.

“So what do you think Atrius?” Asked Thanatos as he looked over at the scarred duke.

“Sounds like a good strategy, but those only last so long. I think this fight will come down to something else entirely though.” Said Atrius as he placed his hands on the wall and stared out at the enemy.

“What do you mean?” Thanatos asked looking down at the smaller human.

“I’ve seen enough great warriors to know when destiny is calling one lad. Your time is coming, sooner then later I would think.”

“I suppose we shall know if I am ready soon enough, or if I am even up to the challenge.”

A large smile creased Atrius’ face as he turned towards Thanatos.

“If you aren’t ready and up to it, then I don’t think anyone would be, I can see the hunger in your eyes. The need for it reflected from your very soul. When the time comes you will not stand and wait, you shall charge and take your destiny in your own hands. That is the difference between great warriors and true legends.”

“I hope you are not mistaken in your confidence.” Said Thanatos as he turned back to the enemy.

“Time will tell.” Then with another large smile Atrius turned and headed back towards the castle just as Garis reappeared.

“The soldiers are spread out as you wanted.”

“Very good, I will be in the map room, inform me of any changes.”

“Yes Sir.” Said Garis as he saluted.

Thanatos stared down at the maps in front of him as he pictured the formations that the six thousand Samundai outside the walls would take and how much help the humans would be when making up thedifference between the forces. There were two thousand more Samundai then there were Dracs. The benefit of being behind walls made little difference in this kind of warfare. The Samundai would scale thewalls easily, although having the high ground did give advantages, but would they be enough?

With a frustrated sigh he slumped down on a bench that sat beside the wall and leaned back against the cool stone. Every warrior he had ever talked to said this was the worst thing about war, the waiting. Malinku said that time can be your ally or your enemy in any engagement. It was up to the participants to either use it or be hurt by it. Here the Samundai had the advantage, as would any army laying siege, unless the defenders had reinforcements coming. But again his enemies had the advantage, no reinforcements would be coming to aid the defenders. He had to take this advantage out of their hands, but how to do that without massive losses to his forces eluded him. He did not want to use the human forces, as many of them would die even if they won. Their cavalry was useless against the Samundai infantry. They might as well charge them into a wall, for that is exactly what a charge against a line of them with their six foot long square shields would be like. And the human infantry would fare even worse. No, if he could help it they would stay safely out of this fight. This line of thought just lead inexorably back to the same problem. How to beat six thousand with four? He would have to hold the walls and use careful maneuvering of his forces to counter what they sent. Perhaps he could feign weakness and lure them into a trap by spreading their forces out? But then he would need to use the homes people were still in. He had no choice, he had to stay strong on the walls.

With a large yawn he felt a great weariness settle upon him like mist over the ground. His eyelids felt heavy and slowly began to close. A part of his mind tried to scream that something was wrong. But the rest of it didn’t listen and the warnings grew fainter until they were gone.

Like vapor from a bottle his soul slid free of its prison of flesh and floated above his body. For a moment he hung there, staring down on himself sitting on the bench, head fallen forward to rest on his chest. For a moment only, then what felt like a hand grasped him like a kitten being grabbed by the scruff, and he was yanked away as the world around him blurred with the speed of his travel. Colors warped and twisted around him like a giant kaleidoscope until with a gentle thump he was standing in front of a golden bowl that was so large his father could use it for a tub. Both the bowl and himself stood on a raised dais made of polished white marble with golden veins running through it. Raising his eyes from the bowl he looked at his surroundings. The dais rested in a deep dimple in the land, if land it could be called, a bowl within a bowl. No vegetation grew here and the ground looked like gray ash. Overhead clouds of ash thundered and twisted in the sky with a sound like titans playing dice.

Where the hell was he?

“Hello my son.”

At the sound of his mothers voice he turned back to find her standing on the dais with him. Her white feathered wings folded against her back and her long golden hair in its usual braid and a delicate gold circlet upon her brow. She wore her white and gold armor and her weapons, sword and whip, hung from her belt. He looked down at her white chiseled features, like alabaster made flesh, and into her deep blue eyes.

“Did you bring me here mother? Wherever here is…” He said glancing again at the surrounding ash. The white and gold of the dais and bowl stood out in stark contrast to the shifting gray that surrounded it.

“Here is the testing ground. This is the realm of the Kahravi.” His sky blue eyes shifted back to her as they narrowed.

“What are the Kahravi?”

“Cousin to the Phoenix, children of the many suns, and servants of Chaos. They are the Chaos beasts of war. They have never known a master except Argos himself and none before were strong enough of spirit to control them. Your father believes that you are and the Kahravi will be needed in the wars to come.” She said glancing off into the sky.

“What wars to come? Why are the Draconians not enough? What has father seen?” A tense feeling flowed its way through his body, if the Dracs were not enough…

“Your father will tell you when you need to know, it is not my place son.”

“If I am to fight, where is my armor and sword? Am I to fight naked?” He did feel naked, not a day in the last year had passed without the weight of his sword upon his back.

“This is a battle of the spirit, you will fight as you came into this world.” As she said the last Li’airre drew her sword.

“By my position as Avatar of Chaos and bearer of the Sword of the Sacred Gates I call the challenge.” Lowering her sword into the golden bowl a flame came to life twisting around the hand that held the sword then down the blade and off into the bowl where it burst into a brilliant fire that shot straight into the sky, piercing the clouds of ash and lighting them from the inside sending a flash of color across the land. Then it settled back into a ten foot flame in the center of the bowl, its light glaring across the gray landscape.

“Even though this a fight of the spirit, you can still die here son…be careful.” A harsh orange red light played across her left side, weaving as the fire did, throwing her right side into shadow. “Chaos is watching.”

Looking up he saw a pair of sky blue eyes stretched across the clouds, twin to his own, staring back him.

Thanatos almost flinched when a great roar reverberated around the bowl and seemed to echo off the hanging clouds of ash as dark shapes appeared all the way around the rim of the crater. Black hides dusted with ash, skin that seemed similar to drying lava, even with the reddish-orange glow that shown through small cracks that veined across their bodies. Glowing fiery eyes sat beneath jaggedly pointed horns, long muzzles that glistened with fierce looking fangs. The shoulders that stood around seven to eight feet tall were wide and well muscled while the narrower and shorter hips looked equally powerful. Thick long legs like the crisping trunks of burnt trees were tipped with giant flaming paws where wickedly sharp talons dug into the ash.

“ By Chaos they are big. Any last words of advice Mother?” He said, tearing his eyes away from them to look back at her.

“Remember whose spirit you come from and make us proud. Destiny and glory call you. If you are strong enough.”

As he looked back a Kahravi stepped through the circle that was even bigger then the others, standing ten feet tall at the shoulders, which made a wriggling hint of doubt enter Thanato‘s mind. With a slow gate it made it’s way down into the bowl towards them, looking larger as it came. He almost jumped when a deep voice like boulder upon boulder or the deep grating of continents sounded in his mind.

“Who has called this challenge?”

“By the will of Argos and on behalf of his son I have called.” Li’airre said with great formality.

“As the strongest clan we have come. I will answer the challenge, Mistress of Chaos.” As he spoke the creature glanced at Thanatos and eyed him appraisingly. What he saw Thanatos didn’t know but he felt dwarfed by this massive creature.

“I stand ready.” It said as it turned and walked a ways away from them before turning back.

“Remember who you are, spirit is the key.” So saying she sheathed her sword and stood watching him.

Then with an overly lighthearted, “Destiny calls.” He strode out to meet his foe.

Even though Thanatos had been growing, and would continue to grow until he reached his full height, he couldn’t help feeling tiny as he approached and looked up into the large glowing eyes. With a supreme effort of will he pulled his mind back from the brink it had been trying to fall off and forced his mind into action. Against one so large he had few if any advantages. First off he would have to ascertain if the creature’s size could be used against it, this depended on its agility.

“I stand ready Kahravi, begin when you are.” He said boldly

“We are always ready for battle. By the will of Chaos let it begin.”

With a great roar and kicking up a cloud of ash behind it the creature lowered its head and charged with a speed like a boulder hurled by a catapult. Thanatos stood his ground till the very last instance then dove into a roll to the right, thinking to use its momentum against it and attack from behind or at least from the side. Instead, as he came out of the roll, it was to find two great jagged horns bearing down on him. In desperation Thanatos grabbed onto them as the Kahravi swept his head up, seeking to impale him on their wickedly sharp tips, and he was flung high into the air. Controlling his body as he flew upwards he allowed himself to flip over once in the air before snapping his wings open to hover twenty feet off the ground.

“Damn it is fast…” He said to himself.

With a tilt of his wings Thanatos circled back down seeking to get behind and away from those savage horns, but the creature tracked his glide, keeping Thanatos always in front.

“So be it then.” With a sudden turn Thanatos closed his wings and dove straight down at the Kahravi’s head, twisting his body to avoid the horns, and landed a punch to the beast’s eye with the full force of his fall behind it. Instead of slowing it, or making it step back, the punch seemed like a minor irritation to the Kahravi who stepped into it and having Thanatos between its horns twisted quickly and flung him this time rolling across the ground. Thanatos came out of the roll on all fours facing the cloud of ash generated by their struggle to see it charging out at him again, almost right on top of him. With no time to think Thanatos sprang forward into a roll, seeking to go between the great forelimbs and underneath it. With a great crack, in mid-roll, Thanatos went spinning and rolling across the ground again, feeling like he had just been hit with one of the Efeylarin’s great trees. Getting to his feet as fast as possible, despite the pain, again he barely had time to take a breath before in came the Kahravi and he went spinning and rolling across the ground.

He was going to die here, his mind whispered to him in the blackness of despair. He was being flung about like a toy and the Kahravi wasn’t even using all its natural weapons. All his hopes for the future, all his dreams of glory serving his father, all the wishes of a lost young Draconian seeking to find his place among the titanic reputations of his family and teachers. They all died here, dashed to nothing in this land of shifting ash. He would join it and be nothing more then a memory, ashes sifting through the minds of those he once knew.

“Enough of this, it is time to finish this charade.”

As Thanatos again tried to pick him self up he felt his body grasped around the middle by the creatures fangs and looked sideways into the glowing eyes of death as the Kahravi bit down hard, piercing his flesh. He felt the heat of it’s breath upon the raw broken flesh of his wounds as again he was flung out into the mounds of ash, this time his passage was marked by a great spray of his blood. Dragging himself up to hands and knees he gasped for breath as again the Kahravi came down upon the sound of ripping flesh the beasts claws left gaping slashes across his frame as he spun through the ash.

This time he did not rise, but lay there, his mouth tasting of the ashes he would soon become. What little was left of his will was drawn down into the black depths of surrender. Why fight what cannot be fought? Why struggle against this indomitable opponent I cannot beat? Why?…

But somewhere, deep inside him, a flame ignited. A flame born of anger. A burning desire and refusal to yield. And the blackness retreated before its rage as he stood.

This time as the Kahravi charge him he stumbled out to meet it. But by the halfway point of his run he himself was charging as his feet were fed by his will. With a great gout of ash they came together and grabbing the horns of the beast Thanatos brought his forehead down in a great slam in-between the eyes of his foe. His own blood dripped down from his mouth as he roared at the creature, a roar of anger and rage the likes of which he had never thought possible. As the roar reached its loudest point Thanatos realized somewhere within this towering inferno, that he had become, that he was screaming words.

“I AM THE SON OF ARGOS. I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED!”

As he screamed his fury the molten flame of his soul burned from his eyes and flames of white hot fire sprang into being, coursing across his flesh. With a great heave of strength he never knew he had Thanatos sent the beast rolling across the ground.

“Come to me Kahravi and know the truth, your master calls.”

A rumbling roar filled the crater and echoed across the land. A roar like the sun screaming its rage, and the Kahravi’s eyes glowed like twin pits of hell out of the ash as it charged in with all its might. Like a comet Thanatos charged and with every blow of his fists great detonations could be heard like astral bodies colliding to meet their fiery deaths. Again and again they crashed together and the great clouds of ash arose around them until all those watching could see was the glowing outline of Thanatos’s body. And finally nothing could be heard and the ash began to settle slowly.

As Li’airre looked on, with tears of pride in her eyes, Thanatos stepped out of the grey, still with white fire playing across his black scales, and mounted the dais once more. Turning he faced the mound laying silent in the bowl before him.

“What say you, Kahravi?”

With a great heave the creature climbed to its feet and made its slow way toward him. When it reached the foot of the dais it bowed its head.

“Truly you are a son of Argos, you have earned the right for you and those you chose to follow you to call yourselves Dal’Kahravi. Riders of the chaos beasts of war. But know this young master. We will not be lead by a whelp, know the power of the Kahravi.” So saying a great flame formed between its horns and shot into Thanatos who screamed as the hot flames penetrated his soul. Within moments it was done and he looked down at himself, but saw no changes.

“What did you do?”

“You shall see my master.” Reaching into its mouth the beast snapped off a jagged tooth and handed it to Thanatos. “When you call us forth we shall come. Know there are five-hundred in my clan. When word of our glories reaches the other clans, more will come to fight beside us. Prepare the way my master.” Turning the great Kahravi leader disappeared over the rim of the crater.

“It is time to return my son. Know that no time has passed while you were here.”

“Thank you mother…did I make father proud do you think?” He said, looking like a young Draconian for one more time.

“You have done as we knew you would. Your father had no doubts about your ability I think. And yes, my son, we are very proud of you.”

Thanatos felt himself drawn up stretched and swirled along back towards his body where it waited in the map room of Entralis.

With a gasp Thanatos sat up and opened his eyes. For a moment delirium hit him and he struggled to comprehend the world around him.

“Was it just a dream?” He asked himself, then felt something jagged in his right hand. Opening it slowly he looked down to see a black tooth resting there.

“Real then.” And a smile played across his mouth as he stood up, and promptly stumbled and almost fell, just stopping it by grabbing the edge of the table which seemed very small for some reason. Then it came to him as he looked around, it was smaller, the whole room was smaller in fact.

“What the hell is going on?” He stood in rapt confusion for long moments as he stared around dumbfounded.

With a creak the door opened behind him and he turned to see Garis enter the room.

“Thanatos, we decided to vacate the homes nearest the walls and…” He trailed off as he looked up, his mouth hanging open as he stared. “By Chaos, What the hell happened to you?”

Thanatos realized that where Garis had been around a foot and a half taller then him earlier, he now looked to be four feet shorter then him.

“I’m bigger!” Thanatos said stupidly.

“Not just bigger, you’re the size of your brothers…but how? You shouldn’t have reached your full growth for another year or so…and what happened to your eyes?” Asked Garis with a wide-eyed look.

Thanatos stumbled over to a mirror hanging on the wall and ducked down to look at his reflection. Where his eyes had been pure sky blue before, now the rims were a reddish-orange that swept like fire into the blue.

“It really happened…not by a whelp indeed.” Thanatos stood in rapt amazement at his own reflection.

“What really happened? What’s going on Thanatos?” Asked Garis, his eyes begging the question.

“My Father…the Kahravi…hmm…” Thanatos stood there contemplative as Garis walked forward and grabbed his arm.

“What the hell are you talking about? Who are the Kahravi? What about your father?”

Thanatos just stared back at him with a serious expression as he thought.

“Say something damn you, what’s going on?”

With a piercing stare Thanatos turned to fully face Garis.

“I have a proposition for you Garis, if you will honor me.”

“What is it?” He said with his usual stoic manner.

“I want you to be my second in command, my lieutenant.”

“Make some sense Thanatos, you know I’m not to be promoted yet.”

“I’m promoting you, if you want the position, to a new force in the Draconian army. The Dal’Kahravi.”

“I don’t know that word, what does it mean?” He said in confusion.

“Riders of the chaos beast of war is what it means. You and I shall lead this new force and none shall stand before us.” Thanatos said as he turned and looked out the window like he was looking into the future.

“We would need mounts to be riders Thanatos. I don’t see us riding horses…”

“I will need four hundred and ninety eight volunteers from the force we have here. Tell them that I am forming a new branch of the army and gather them in the central square.”

“But, what are we to ride Thanatos.”

“Do you trust me Garis?”

“Of course I do, as I trust your father.”

“Will you be my second and ride to glory by my side?” Garis could feel the solid belief radiating off Thanatos as he spoke. The power of his words and vision left no room for question.

“I will have them there as soon as possible my Prince.” Garis said as he saluted.

“Come get me when they are ready, I will be here. And see if you can find me some new armor, I‘m afraid mine will never fit.” He said looking down at the pile of armor by the door.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Garis said with a small laugh.

Thanatos walked out onto the balcony as Garis left the room, eyes firmly focus on the near and far future before him, firmly gripping the tooth that signified his right.

As the day neared its close nearly five hundred Draconians stood waiting in the central courtyard. All wondering why they had been asked, all confused but trusting those they followed. An audible gasp swept through their ranks as Thanatos and Garis walked into the courtyard. Not only did they notice the obvious physical changes in their young leader, but the air of confidence and power that surrounded him now. Something momentous had happened here and they could sense themselves on the eve of something great. All fell silent as Thanatos stopped before them and held up his hand for silence. The anticipation was palpable in the energized air.

“Garis, do the Samundai ready for attack?”

“No my Prince, they hold their positions.”

“They mean to hold us here then, perfect.” Thanatos smiled as he studied all the faces staring rapt and attentive in his direction. “Tonight I am forming a new force in the Draconian army. You, my brave volunteers, will be the heart of this force. Tonight we stand here, each a member of his or her own guild, but tomorrow we shall no longer be members of these guilds. We shall be forming a new guild to rival all the others in might and glory. In the morning, with the coming of the dawn, we attack our enemies. They seek to pen us here like rats in a cage. They think their superior number will protect them from our wrath. They think we will cow down and thank Chaos for each day they don’t attack. We will show them the truth of the situation with the coming dawn. For as the night gives birth to the new day, it shall also give birth to the soon to be most feared force ever witnessed in warfare, this I swear. You are no longer merely warriors of Draconia. As of tonight you are Dal’Kahravi, riders of the chaos beast of war. And the fires of our rage shall sweep all before us like dry grass before the flame. We shall show them what fear really is as we bring nightmares yet undreamt to haunt their sleep and waking hours. We shall be the death of them.” Thanatos spoke the last words with quiet assurance to be greeted by a deafening roar from five hundred throats as all there were swept up in this vision of their future.

Holding his balled fist high he waited till they fell silent.

“I give you, the Kahravi.” So saying his fist burst into flame and a matching circle of flame formed in the center of the courtyard and out stepped the Kahravi one by one until five hundred stood before them in all their fiery glory as a hush filled the air. Then from every fiery throat a roar sounded to be met with the resounding chant of the new Dal’Kahravi.

“Thanatos, Thanatos, ThaNATOS, THANATOS!”

Then each Kahravi strode forward each to their own rider as the greatest of them came and stood beside their master.

“You have called my master, when do we make war?”

“With the dawn my friend. Take this night to become accustomed each to the other, for tomorrow we ride forth as one.”

“Thanatos, may I ask a question?” Asked Garis quietly.

“Speak Garis, what’s on your mind?” Said Thanatos as he walked over to him.

“I see that we can ride here, between these ridges. But I think holding on when swinging a weapon might cause some difficulties.”

“You want a saddle?”

“Well, something to put your feet on would give more leverage for attacking and…”

“We will not wear saddles like a horse.” Thanatos’s mount said, almost indignantly.

“I do not think it will be necessary Garis.” Thanatos said.

“What do you mean?”

“Get on your mount and sink your claws into it’s hide at the sides. Trust me, you won’t hurt it or penetrate its hide.”

“If you think so.” Garis said as he climbed onto the creature’s back and situated himself. “Ah, I see. Damn they are big.”

“What in the name of the light are those…those…what are those? And by the gods what happened to you? You're huge…”

Thanatos turned to see Atrius standing at the edge of the courtyard staring in something close to horror at what now filled the center of his city.

“Do not worry Atrius, they are under my command.” Thanatos said with a small laugh. “And I have been forced to grow up, all in one night.”

“You’re going to ride them?” He said with wide eyes.

“Indeed. We attack the Samundai with the dawn.” With that Atrius started laughing till he doubled over with mirth.

“What’s so funny?” Thanatos said a little defensively.

“I wish I could see their faces when you ride out at them on these…umm. What are they exactly?”

“They are the Kahravi. The chaos beasts of war.” He said, joining Atrius in laughter.

“Aptly named I think.” He said looking up into the glowing eyes. “You know, I think I might be able to help here.” He said looking thoughtful.

“How so?”

“We have been at war for a long time you see. We have had to try many things to get the upper hand. One of the things we have made is a long bladed polearm made entirely of metal.”

“Used for?”

“Used by infantry. They are meant to stop a mounted charge. They are fifteen feet long with a three foot blade starting a foot back down the pole and coming up to form the two foot point. They are heavy monstrosities that really were unrealistic to carry as a cut tree works just as well. But for your purposes…”

“Lances, I like it. How many do you have?”

“Enough to outfit your group here.”

“Dal’Kahravi. Dal means rider or riders.”

“Nice name. Now you said you were attacking at dawn. Why bring the war to them?”

“Because this is just a battle. The war is happening at the volcano site and we mean to be there.” Thanatos said with fire in his eyes.

“I see. So you will defeat this army and head out then?”

“Yes, that is the plan.”

“I know we will be of little use here in this battle. After what happened at the border I am well aware of how well we fare against your enemies. But at the site there will be more then just Samundai. The armies of Casilon shall be there as well.”

“And probably Vemon’s army as well.”

“Just so. I think that we, the army of Entralis, need to come with you.”

“We were ordered to protect your people Atrius. We aren't doing that very well taking you to a bigger battle.”

“Our Prince married one of the Sheshallan guardians. That made their fights ours. We owe it to his memory to help liberate them and their sacred site. If I know the Sheshalla, they are attacking already.” Said Atrius staring straight into Thanatos’ eyes. “We will not fail them by not coming. Will not!”

A smile played across Thanatos’ face.

“I like you Atrius. Very well, we shall ride to war as one force.”

“Good, I shall prepare my army. And get your lances…ha-ha. I can’t wait to see the havoc these demons wreck.” Turning Atrius strode away laughing.

“Was that wise Thanatos?” Asked Garis.

“Would you be left out? Would Malinku?” They both just smiled at each other and turned to prepare for the coming battle.

As had been his custom since his first campaign, Zaus woke before the dawn to walk among his soldiers and check his sentries. General Kaysar had always taught that this was the time when most sentries, most armies in fact, became complacent. The long night had passed without incident and the tension of the night would fade for certainly an attacking force would not want to lose the advantage of night while they were engaged. This made this time the most dangerous.

“Anything to report Cadius?” He asked as he strode up to the Sergeant in charge for the night sentries, using another bit of wisdom from his master. Kaysar taught that you should always know the names of your warriors. It bonded them to you, made them think you knew them personally and would ultimately make them fight harder for you.

“Nothing has moved outside the walls, although…” Cadius hesitated and glanced sideways at Zaus, not wanting to trouble him with minor information.

“Speak Sergeant, what did you notice?”

“Well, sometime after midnight the Dracs left the walls and were replaced by human soldiers. I’ve watched but they haven’t come back. I passed the word to watch for anyone trying to leave but since then we haven’t seen much of anything going on. Also there were some strange noises echoing around their walls sometime before that, but they went away quickly. Perhaps it’s nothing.”

“Never underestimate your enemies Cadius, especially Draconians. They are up to something, you can be certain. Tell Dormath when he replaces you what you told me, and keep your eyes sharp.”

“Yes Commander.” Cadius said as he saluted. “Sir.”

“Something else Cadius?”

“I was wondering if you had any word from the main force? Are we missing out being here?”

Zaus smiled slightly as he answered. “All they have had to deal with is some annoying tribals who have been making stinging attacks against their outer forces.”

“That’s to bad.” Cadius said with a grunt.

Zaus again turned to walk back to his tent. He still needed to check the rear sentries, and it was almost dawn.

“Sir!”

“What now Cadius?” Zaus said as he turned back, his good nature only went so far.

“Sir the gates are opening.”

“What?” Zaus hurried back to Cadius’ side as he stared out at the front gate, which indeed was opening.

“By the first shell, what the hell are they sir?” Cadius said with wide eyes.

“I have no idea, but they are charging.” Turning Zaus ran back into camp yelling. “TO ARMS, TO ARMS. GET TO YOUR PLACES AND PREPARE FOR ATTACK, TO ARMS!”

Thanatos sat his mount inside of the gate as he spoke to his officers. The Dal’Kahravi were lined up behind him and the rest of his force was gathered to either side. A sense of anticipation filled the air. Where they had thought they would be defending a city under siege, now they were instead taking the battle to their most hated of enemies. Not one among them doubted in the outcome for all could see that their Prince had awoken to his heritage, and fire and blood would flow in his wake.

“The Dal’Kahravi will plow a path clean through the middle of their force. When we hit the other side we will split and charge into their ranged forces. When we have taken out the Ohmaran and Seddereme we will sweep back into the rear. Follow in the wake of our initial charge with the Kendrakan . Wedge yourselves in Kadis and stand fast, you will be the rock this army is broken upon. The rest of the force split left and right. Intersperse yourselves, but give the Vrik’Tai room to swing those big lumps of metal they call swords. Push them back upon the Kendrakans shield’s. We want them bunched up and close so the ranged can have it easy, like fish in a barrel.”

“Yes Sir!” The officers said as they saluted.

“Back to your forces now, it is nearing dawn.” Thanatos said as he looked back over his shoulder.

“No stirring speech for the soldiers?” Garis said as he smiled a wicked grin.

“We are Draconians, we need nothing to fire our blood for battle. And don’t think for a moment that I find you funny…” Thanatos could only hold a straight face for a moment before he burst into laughter. “Seriously though Garis, I’m honored to have you beside me. I could think of only one or two who would be better suited…maybe seven. Yes only seven better suited.” A large sly smile slid over his face.

“Don’t build me up to much my Prince, I’ll get a big head.” He said chuckling.

“In real seriousness I am honored Garis, I will not fail you. We shall take glory by the throat and throttle it till we have had our fill, then ride down through the ages as legends. None shall forget our names.”

“And our enemies shall wish they had never heard them.” Garis whispered as his eyes grew sharp with battle lust.

Raising his lance up high Thanatos looked to where Atrius stood on the wall atop the gates and nodded his head. With quick words Atrius ordered the gates opened and turned back to give Thanatos a knowing nod in return.

“TO BATTLE!” Thanatos thundered as he led his forces out.

First at a trot then speeding up he took the point position as the rest flared out beside him to form a spear point. With unnatural swiftness they charged as great roars and gouts of flame issued forth from the mouths of the Kahravi like hell unleashed upon the unwary. A great crash resounded around the field as they hit the quickly formed front line of their enemies, and plowed right over top of them to the clash of metal upon metal and the screams of the burning and the dying, their charge continued. Samundai were flung into the air by the horns of the Kahravi as they swung their great heads from side to side and it seemed nothing could slow them.

Thanatos found that he didn’t need to kill an enemy before him, merely to knock it down with his lance as the claws of his mount did the rest as they tore through armor and flesh, and before the momentum of the charge could be slowed they were through and into the back lines where the spear split into two with Thanatos going left and Garis leading to the right. Arrows rained down upon them to bounce from their armor and the solid Kahravi hide. The Ohmaran tried to slow them with magic, only to find it ineffectual against the Kahravi, and their riders who were somehow protected by the Kahravi’s immunity.

Almost faster then he thought possible Thanatos had no one left in front of him to fight. Raising his lance he signaled his force as they swept around in an arc and charged back down upon the enemy force which had turned to face the Draconians afoot. With a scream of primal rage The Dal’Kahravi charged back down, this time in a line meant to pin them in. As the embattled warriors heard them come they turned and readied their weapons by the orders of their commander who stood among them, trying to salvage what he could and turn the tide back in his favor, but there was no hope to be found. The Kahravi had so overwhelmed them in the initial charge that the fickle fingers of doubt had entered the hearts of these Samundai. They did not fear, never that, but they doubted their ability to stand against this foe. It was their death knell.

With the smell of scorched flesh in his nostrils and the taste of his enemies blood in his mouth Thanatos tore through their lines again, this time ordering lances dropped, they drew their swords as he drew the great black Vrik’Tai sword from his back, which didn’t seem as great as it had the day before, and set to bloody work. Never had he felt as powerful as he did at this moment. With great sweeps of his sword he delivered death to those who came before him. Never had he imagined the unity he felt with his mount as they moved and weaved through the enemy like the wind of death.

“We are one, as it should be. Blood and death shall mark our passage through the land.” Thanatos could almost detect a hint of joy in the voice of his mount as it sounded in his head.

“As it should be.”

So lost did he become in this bloody dance that in what seemed a short time, but was actually hours, the battle was finished and not one enemy still stood upon the field. He knew it would be this way, for even if alone a Samundai would fight to it’s last breath. With a great roar that was answered by all there he screamed his triumph to the heavens as he brandished his sword high. He could almost detect the hint of laughter on the wind, his father’s laughter.

“By Chaos I have never seen the like. What a victory!” Said Garis as he rode up, a great grin splitting his blood smeared face.

“Have the Dal gather their lances and form the army up out here. We will let the humans clean up, we have a war to get to.”

“As you command my Prince.” Garis said, his grin turning into a large smile.

“I have no words to describe that slaughter Thanatos.” Atrius said as he rode his horse up close.

“We are moving out as soon as we are formed up General Atrius.”

“I figured as much, I had my army mounted and ready inside the gates as soon as they closed, just in case.” He said with a laugh.

“Did you doubt us then?” Thanatos asked as he smiled.

“A good general hopes for the best, but prepares for the worst.”

Thanatos just smiled wider and winked.

“We ride to war my friend.”

“Pah, we’ll be lucky if you Draconians leave anything for us to kill.”

Their laughter boomed out across the blood soaked field as they turned to ready their perspective armies for the coming travel.