31. General Hodolo Valnu
31
GENERAL HODOLO VALNU
“ W hat is that saying?” I wave my hand in the air. “Where there are rodans, there must be a nest.” I grin, eyes sweeping to my Lieutenant. “I can’t wait to destroy that nest.”
Dhanone smiles back at me. “The scum will finally learn where their rightful place is.”
I clap him on the shoulder with a laugh as I turn to stare at the bastards. They are still scurrying about, mostly humans as the light breaches through the trees. Which suits us well.
I’ll slaughter the creatures and grab a few fresh pussies for my men. They’ll need some way to celebrate tonight.
I watch with disgust as the pathetic inhabitants below go about their day, utterly oblivious to the danger that lurks nearby.
The humans till soil and harvest crops, laughter carrying on the breeze as they work. Further away, a group of vrakken train in a dusty arena, sparring and honing their combat skills. Fools. It will not save them.
They chose the losing side by aligning themselves with the winged abominations. And now they will face the consequences.
"Look at them, scurrying about without a care," I sneer to Dhanone. "Oblivious lambs fattening themselves for the slaughter."
He grins, hand tightening on the hilt of his blade in anticipation. "It's past time they learn their rightful place beneath your boot, General."
I nod, a cruel smile twisting my lips as I observe the peaceful scenes below. Mere moments remain before chaos and death erupt on the pastoral calm. These pathetic rodents and their winged masters will regret ever defying the will of the dark elves.
Vengeance burns hotly in my chest. I cannot wait to raze this settlement to ash and advance our glorious conquest. The wretched vrakken's days are numbered. Today we strike the first bloody blow.
"Ready the battalions," I order Dhanone, eyes alight with malice. "The time has come to teach these peasants that nowhere is beyond the reach of the dark elf empire."
Soon screams of terror will replace their carefree laughter. I intend to relish every moment.
At my signal, battalions of dark elf warriors emerge from concealment in the trees, unleashing shrieking chaos upon the unsuspecting settlement below.
The winged – though most are wingless now – abominations react swiftly, grabbing weapons and rallying defenses with valor. But they are vastly overwhelmed by our surprise assault.
The peaceful valley erupts into shrieking chaos as battalions of dark elves swarm from the forest, weapons glinting in the morning light.
"Defensive positions!" shouts a vrakken commander. His enormous wings snap open as he draws his broadsword. "Put an end to them!”
Around him, winged warriors scramble to obey, and at first, they do cut easily through my men. But with the work of magic, the sun quickly becomes their greatest enemy. The clash and scrape of metal rings out as the dark tide crashes against them.
"Hold fast!" someone bellows, whirling to cut down two of my warriors. Blood sprays as he whips around to decapitate another. But more dark elves rush to replace the fallen.
The vrakken commander is forced back step by step, his face a grim mask. Beside him, a young winged archer takes a spear through the throat and collapses with a bubbling wail.
I smile, savoring the desperation and futility dawning in my enemies' eyes. We will paint this valley crimson by day's end.
"Surrender, abominations!" I call out to the vrakken mockingly. "Lay down your arms and we will grant you quick deaths!"
There’s rumors that the vrakken can’t die, but I’m sure I can get creative enough.
The vrakken commander responds by surging forward and disemboweling the dark elf who dared approach. "We will never yield to you, dark elf filth!" he roars.
Laughing, I turn my attention elsewhere. Then I see a huddle of humans standing together, caught amongst the fighting. I stalk closer, my sword hungry for soft flesh.
One whirls at my approach, hazel eyes blazing as she takes me in. She throws out a hand, light erupting from her palm. I hiss as purifying fire sears my skin.
With a snarl, I thrust my blade through her heart, not bothering to wonder how the fuck the vrakken have humans with magic. The others scream as she slides off my sword, their wailing cut short as my warriors descend upon them.
The battle rages on, my forces pressing the vrakken ever back. I raise my crimson blade high, surveying the delightful carnage. This is only the beginning. All who stand against us shall fall.
A thunderous chorus of wingbeats fills the air as vrakken warriors descend from the cloud-streaked skies, their unexpected arrival shifting the tide. Snarling, I raise my sword to meet the charge of a broad-shouldered vrakken, our blades clashing in a ringing screech of metal.
I grit my teeth, muscles burning as I'm slowly forced back by his brute strength. All around me, my battalions give ground, step by step, as the vengeful vrakken press their counterattack.
With a roar, the vrakken warrior opposing me slashes his broadsword in a wide arc, nearly wrenching my own weapon from my grip. I stumble, barely dodging the follow-up strike meant to cleave me in two.
The vrakken are relentless, their wings spread wide and eyes aflame with fury as they claw back the blood-soaked ground we had seized. Caught off guard by their skyborne reinforcements, my warriors yield territory grudgingly.
At the center of the vrakken counter charge is a strong commander, his wings stained with gore. With a two-handed overhead swing, he cleaves the helmet and skull of an unfortunate dark elf who strayed too close.
"Forward, my brethren!" His voice rings out over the din. "For honor and justice!" He lifts his crimson blade high, rallying his soldiers.
Scowling, I signal the feigned retreat. As one, my battalions turn and flee for the shadowed tree line, the vrakken's jeering cries at our backs.
The vrakken’s voice thunders after us, "Cowards! You will pay for this bloodshed!"
I join the chaotic scramble, baring my teeth in a savage smile. The ignorant fool believes victory is at hand, but I have prepared a very different outcome.
Under the dark boughs, I raise a closed fist. My warriors grind to a sudden halt, their heaving breaths and pounding hearts loud in the abrupt stillness. As one, they turn to me, eyes gleaming with anticipation for the slaughter still to come.
"Well done," I praise them. "The bait is taken. Now we prepare our trap."
This minor loss means nothing. Several vrakken – and humans – have already been dragged away to equu pulled wagons, captured to torture and use for information and leverage over the vrakken.
They may not be able to die, but they’ll wish they could.