O Saga: Part One: Book of Origins
Chapter Twenty Four: Ice

Evergreens and enemy soldiers surrounded Vuenqa Lake. Black Legion infantry divisions were spread out with swords and spears in hand. At the East end of the lake were cavalry divisions, Generals, and ten Sorors.

Malum recognized one of the Sorors from the first battle of Teodor, the one who stormed the front gate by herself and decided the battle.

“Well shit,” Gaia said with his usual sarcasm.

“About sums it up,” Elisapie said.

“Does anybody have an idea?” Apollyon hoped.

“Mine is not to die. I’d highly recommend that as a plan.” Gaia said.

“Are you and Elisapie well enough to even fight?” Flaero asked.

“I’m on a horse and can lift my sword. I’ll have enough fight in me.”

Malum turned to Thea, “Stay close to me; I’ve only just found you again.”

Thea huffed, “Or you can stay close to me if you can keep up.”

“Rovan and Olafur, if you focus on the left flank. Malum and Thea watch the right flank. Ichante and Apollyon set up to block attacks from ahead. Malaika and Chaska are on the rear flank. Elisapie, Gaia, and I will remain central in reserve as we are the weakest right now. We will help where we can.” Flaero said taken on the role of leader. No one argued his commands. “Keep a tight defensive circle. The cavalry and Sorors will wait until we’re worn down to attack. If we try to run, the cavalry will move to cut us down. Use energy shields and focus on defense first. Save your strength for the inevitable charge. Once they charge us, it will be free for all.”

Everyone was silent as they waited for the enemy to move. Drums began to beat, and the Black Legion soldiers started to clash their swords together in rhythm.

Malum held the reigns tight as the noise made his horse restless. Malum and the others surrounded Flaero and kept a circle as tight as possible. The ice covering the lake made traction an issue for their horses. They wouldn’t have a lot of mobility as the hooves might slip, and the horses lose their balance.

A horn blew, and the black armored soldiers began to step forward in unison. In all directions, the enemy moved in. Malum kept his nerve and concentration focused. He had to be ready to defend and hold out as long as they could.

The Black Legion soldiers let out a war cry and ran at Malum and company. It would be the biggest test of Malum’s skill. He looked at Thea and mouthed, “I love you,” Thea gave him a wink as she raised her sword at the attacking Army. Malum raised his in unity.

Thea joined him in sending a wave of energy at the running soldiers. Gaping holes and severed limbs befell some of their soldiers. It did little to stop the mad dash coming at them.

Some attackers hurled spears at them, but Thea and Malum efficiently used their swords to create a gust to redirect them. Thea sent a bone-shattering blast of energy through their ranks, killing many instantly. Blood, snow, and armor had flung into the air. Malum managed to kill a few more with a volley, but the right flank would reach them. They would have to change tactics.

“Elisapie. Gaia. Cover us.” Thea shouted. She kicked her horse into action. She rode at the attackers in a swift action. Malum wouldn’t let her go alone. He kicked his horse, and they galloped hard at the running soldiers.

Malum used his skill with a blade to parry swords and take a few heads. A fast horse is difficult to defend against from a standing position. Thea had even used her horse to run through some of the soldiers. Swinging a sword at a horse rider in full gallop can be like trying to hit the wind.

Thea saw the right flank reserve forces still waiting by the trees and rode to engage them. Malum followed, but they encountered deep snow on the lake’s edge. Thea dismounted and charged with her sword. Malum, an ever-constant follower, joined.

Malum caught a high thrust with his sword, pushing the enemy’s sword to his left. He raised his left elbow quickly and slid quickly into a reverse thrust that landed in his enemy’s lower throat. Blood spurt, and the soldier hurled before falling to his death.

Thea took on three soldiers but used a tree to contain the fight. She blocked one sword, spun, and thrust into a second. Thea had killed three soldiers in five moves. She looked to be in her element. Malum was replaceing his rhythm and worried about how he was enjoying it.

——-

Olafur was surprised when Thea and Malum charged out with their horses. He didn’t have long to think about it, as thirty soldiers were rushing to kill him from the left flank.

“Should we try something similar?” Rovan asked him.

“Are you serious?” Olafur asked, very confused. He wasn’t sure he was a good enough horseman for the job.

“You ride the horse; I’ll run beside you,” Rovan said excitedly.

“I think you’re crazy, but you’re the Master,” Olafur said.

Olafur decided to go with it and took off with the horse at full gallop. His horse knocked several soldiers down, and he dodged several attacks. He survived the first run.

Rovan was running and firing energy blasts, killing many soldiers. Olafur saw the Ichante and Apollyon copy what they had just done. It only left five in the center of their group.

Olafur ran at the soldiers from behind and met Rovan in the middle. As always, Rovan was more effective. Every stroke of his thrusts and stabs was purposeful. It didn’t matter how outnumbered he was; he was slaughtering the enemy.

Olafur’s run was less successful. He wasn’t injured but wasn’t used to fighting from a horse, so he mostly blocked attacks. Olafur’s horse had killed more than him.

Olafur saw that Ichante and Apollyon had also dismounted and fought back-to-back. They were skilled fighters, and Olafur decided he was better off on foot.

He jumped down and ran hard at a group of soldiers. He blocked a sword and pushed it high to give the opponent a big kick to the stomach. He sent the opponent to the ground and finished him with a stab.

Olafur watched Rovan use his cross guard to hold his opponent’s sword. Rovan used his strength to push the sword left and down. Then, a quick wrist rotation by Rovan and he had sliced the enemy soldier’s arm off at the elbow. He followed it with a thrust through the side of the abdomen.

Olafur found five opponents rushing him. He ran at the lead, blocked his attack, and moved him into a controlled headlock. He would use him as a shield to fight the others. He turned his human shield left and right, rendering the next two attackers’ attempts useless. He threw his human shield at them and engaged the last two.

Olafur used the ice and slid low to avoid a high slash but managed to slice off the attacker’s leg. He stood up in time to parry a stroke, turned his wrist, and slashed downward at the neck of the next opponent. Two enemies were dispatched.

The first three regrouped, but he didn’t wait for them to get an idea; he rushed them. Olafur blocked the center attackers’ strike, used his hilt to bludgeon him in the face, and swung hard at the attack on the right, killing him. A reverse thrust killed the center attacker, and two moves later, all five were dead.

———-

Flaero had said to stick together, but that plan didn’t last long. Malaika and Chaska had stayed near Flaero and the others the longest. They were holding the rear charge off.

Elisapie and Gaia did their best to use energy shields to protect Flaero but weren’t at full strength yet. When Thea led the fight to the enemy and encouraged the others to fight independently, it confused the enemy soldiers.

Malaika and Chaska had been alternating energy blasts to suspend the rear charge, but due to the large numbers, it only partially worked. The enemies had slipped through, and Flaero was dispatching them. Flaero was on foot while they were still on horseback.

Flaero was a masterful and graceful swordsman, capable of handling a large number. Malaika was shocked at first at his skill; most politicians she knew were not fighters. Malaika wondered who had taught him to be so skillful.

The fight had been dispersed throughout the lake, but the Sorors and enemy cavalry had not joined.

“Too many are still getting through,” Flaero yelled. Malaika, Chaska, charge out and try to draw soldiers to you. Elisapie, Gaia, dismount and come with me. We must focus on the rear charge first and get an advantage,” Flaero ordered.

Malaika patted her horse and gave her words of encouragement. Chaska gave her a nod, and they rode out. Malaika rode to the left, and Chaska rode parallel to her right. They both were expert riders and had no trouble cutting and slashing through the enemy ranks. Their speed and skill overwhelmed their opponent.

The soldiers didn’t have sound footing due to the ice. The enemy may have counted on the open lake to help their superior numbers, but the ice and snow made it difficult for everyone.

Flaero, Elisapie, and Gaia were fighting back to back—Elisapie and Gaia’s ability to fire energy made up for Flaero’s inability. Flaero’s dominant swordsmanship made up for the other’s weakened state.

Malaika and Chaska made another run together, this time cutting diagonally through the enemy. Again, they overwhelmed the enemy soldiers.

Some of the enemy soldiers’ helms had fallen off the dead soldiers, and Malaika could see that Ishvarans had integrated into the Black Legion. That explained to Malaika why Tsar Miro’s Army seemed absent in these parts. They didn’t leave; they were just absorbed into the Black Legion. It also explained the varying skill levels, as the Black Legion had seemed better trained last time.

Malaika knew they were being successful so far because of their superior skill, but they would eventually get tired; this couldn’t last.

For reasons she was still trying to work out for herself, Malaika was concerned about how Princess Ichante was doing. It wasn’t just because she was a new friend or Hanwi royalty. She instantly reacted to Ichante when they met, one she had never felt before. Malaika needed to clear that from her mind.

Ichante and Apollyon looked to be doing fine. They were the closest to the enemy’s command and cavalry. Ichante would have to retreat at some point. Malaika must trust that she knows what to do.

Chaska gave Malaika the sign for them to make another charge. This time, they would head in opposite directions, meet in the middle, spin, and retreat to Flaero and the others. No matter how many they cut down, they had endless supplies in reserve.

———-

Malum was feeling the effects of a long battle. He could tell that Thea’s enthusiasm was waning as well. The well is never truly dry when fighting for survival for you and your friends.

“Get back to your horses.” Flaero cried to all who could hear.

Malum immediately understood this was an intelligent way to regroup and recover. They whistled, and somehow, her horse understood. She fought off several attacks and was riding back to Flaero’s position.

Malum searched the battlefield, looking for his horse. The coward has run off, Malum thought. He was about to run to the others when he spotted the horse. It was nibbling on pine needles at the edge of the lake—the fool.

Malum made a mad dash for the horse. He sent a couple of energy blasts to clear a path, but it didn’t kill as many as he had hoped. Malum blocked and countered as fast as he could, but he was a little slow this time and got cut on the left shoulder. He recovered himself quickly to dispatch his opponent.

Malum reached his horse and had to kick hard to get the horse to move from nibbling. They rode hard back to the others.

The opposing force saw this as a time to regroup and reform lines.

“Back to the start. It’s like a bad dream repeating itself.” Elisapie said.

“My dreams are much better than this.” Gaia offered.

“Let me guess, in your dreams, all the women love you, and you are an invincible warrior?” Elisapie mocked.

“No, that’s just my reality and burden. In my dreams, the weather isn’t so cold.” Gaia joked.

“Do you two always joke in serious times?” Flaero asked incredulously.

“Who’s joking,” Gaia said. Flaero just rolled his eyes.

“Any new plans, or do we repeat the same strategies?” Ichante said, changing subjects.

“The question is, do we run for the hills at some point or fight on?” Flaero asked everyone.

The battle had started at midday, but the sun would be setting soon. The temperature would drop, and seeing soldiers in black armor would be difficult.

Judging by nobody answering Flaero’s question, Malum assumed they all wanted to fight on.

Loud chanting could be heard from behind them, and Malum assumed the enemy was starting to warm themselves up for battle. But Malum couldn’t see any of the soldiers doing anything but resting.

Malum saw vast numbers of torches from behind the soldiers facing Teodor’s direction. The Black Legion soldiers were facing away from them and at the new threat.

Loud screaming and shouting rang out as the new group rushed at the soldiers and attacked. Everyone was staring at the latest developments, even the other soldiers around the lake. Everyone was curious about who this was.

“It’s the people from Teodor. It’s the Qamatan people who come to fight for their land,” Flaero yelled. We must go to join them.”

They all rode to the West side of the lake and joined the fight.

Malum saw women and old men. It was Qamatans from young to old and from all the cities they liberated earlier. They had sticks, knives, shovels, axes, and anything else that could be made a weapon. With Malum and the company’s aid, the Black Legion soldiers retreated. They now had a rear guard, thanks to the people of Qamata. Things were looking up.

———

Flaero organized the new lines. Olafur and Rovan would take a group of Qamatan citizens to charge the left flank. Elisapie and Gaia would follow in reserve. Thea and Malum would do the same with citizens on the right flank, with Ichante and Apollyon in reserve.

Flaero would remain with a rear guard at the back. Malaika and Chaska were to be center wedges and force any opposing charges to the left or right.

Olafur felt invigorated by the arrival of the Qamatans. They might finally break the enemy’s lines.

The Qamatans roared forward, and Rovan rode at their side as they remained at the back. Olafur and Rovan gave the Qamatans cover fire as they were about to reach the soldiers, which allowed them to gain a slight advantage at the restart.

The opposition leader must have sensed a change in momentum as the enemy’s cavalry rolled into battle for the first time.

Olafur heard the cavalry before he saw them. They had a mix of horseback riders and chariots. The chariots made an intimidating roar as their wheels ground on the ice, attacking both flanks. Arrows flew from the chariots into the crowd of soldiers and Qamatans, hitting foe and ally alike.

Flaero sent Malaika and Chaska to ride out and try to drive the chariots wide. Rovan instructed Olafur to focus on the calvary; they needed to protect the Qamatans from arrow fire. Elisapie and Gaia tried to provide cover for the Qamatans but had to hold back out of true range.

The calvary was making a difference. Olafur and Rovan used energy blasts to target the chariots, but they were quick. Olafur could only parry the lances of the horse riders as his sword wasn’t long enough to make a difference. Rovan was having similar trouble.

Olafur heeled his horse into a full gallop and was in direct line with opposing horse riders who had his lance ready. Olafur failed to knock his lance far enough, and his shoulder flared in pain as Olafur fell hard off his horse.

He gathered himself quickly and crouched low, making it difficult for a lance to hit him. As a horseman rode by, he flopped to the ground to dodge the horse about to run him over.

Rovan came riding fast over to him and helped him onto his horse. They both retreat to Elisapie and Gaia’s position.

“That was interesting,” Gaia said in whimsy as they returned.

Olafur’s shoulder hurt too much, and he wasn’t in the mood for jokes. Olafur hopped off the horse and looked at Rovan. “Now what?”

“We are too ineffective against the lances. You and I should join the Qamatans in clashing swords. We are far better with the sword than the horse.” Rovan said.

“We’ll cover you.” Elisapie offered.

“Just keep the chariots and horsemen from charging our rear guard,” Rovan instructed the two Ijani Knights.

The sunlight was almost gone now, and the temperature was dropping noticeably. Olafur was starting to question if he even wanted to survive this battle.

———-

They were losing the battle even with the help of Malaika’s people. The Qamatans had a purpose to fight but lacked real skill. The cavalry and chariots were proving a decisive tactic.

Malaika had watched Rovan and Olafur retreat to the left flank. It was up to Malaika and her Master Chaska to deal with them now. Chaska instructed her to ride to the left flank as he would go wide right. They would make X-pattern runs, crossing each other and trying to use energy blasts on the chariots.

Moving continually diagonally would make it harder for the horse riders with lances to engage them. Chaska had his long spear and was the only one able to handle the lances.

Malaika made a hard diagonal ride to the right and tried to send an energy blast at full gallop, but accuracy proved difficult at that speed. If she slowed up, she wouldn’t be able to catch the chariots.

Malaika saw Chaska spear a rider and then follow it with an energy burst that shattered a chariot’s wheel. The Chariot flipped over and sent the rider flying.

Now that she saw how Chaska approached the chariots, she tried a similar strategy and found equal success. However, she was still outmatched against Lance.

Before Malaika could realize it, a horseman had caught her from the side, and his lance hit just under her armpit. She flew off the horse and landed awkwardly. She didn’t see her sword as the horseman returned for the kill.

He rode hard at her with his lance, ready to run her through, when Chaska and his horse slammed into the rider. The rider fell to the ground, and Chaska was off his horse quickly to dispatch him with his spear.

“What are you waiting for? Get your sword.” Chaska admonished.

Malaika almost laughed but saw a blast of energy coming from the back of the enemy’s lines. It was targeting the flanks. The Sorors had entered the battle.

Malaika knew things were about to escalate; she could see the concern in her Master’s eyes. Many of Malaika’s people were about to die.