Chapter 234: Unstoppable Charge (2/2)
-----------------------------------
The Almiran cavalry hit the enemy orcs with a terrifying crash, the shock of which was felt throughout the battlefield. Morris could actually see a wave of motion pass through the massed troops in front of him as the unstoppable onslaught shattered any hint of a formation the enemy might of held. Faced with the devastating charge, it didn't take long for the first orcs to start running.
In a matter of minutes, the enemies were swept away by a tide of Almiran horsemen. General Holmes, likely understanding the situation with a glance, apparently separated his troops into two wedges, which he then directed in curving paths around the surrounded Ashborn, neatly scything away the rest of the orcs and scattering them out into the plain.
[I'd forgotten how overwhelming those can be when your right in the middle of them.] Morris thought as he watched the carnage while feeling a little queasy. Even though he knew it was necessary, it was hard for him to feel comfortable with that amount of death.
”I think I'll avoid fighting you humans on the open plain in the future.” Talgratha commented mildly as she moved over to stand next to him. While she was still as calm as before, he thought her voice sounded a little subdued. Not that he could blame her, considering the circumstances.
”Hopefully, there won't be any fighting between us in the future.” He replied absently, before shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts. ”Anyway, General Holmes should be chasing down the scattered remnants of the enemy army, we should take this opportunity to move your troops to a safer location and let them rest.”
Talgratha glanced at him and laughed. ”And let you Almirans take all the spoils? I think not. If it hadn't been for us...”
She trailed off while staring up at something behind him.
”What? What is...” Morris started to say while turning, but stopped when he caught sight of the creature hovering in the air over the battlefield. ”Is...is that a drag-”
A thunderous roar split the sky with its fury, causing the air to tremble and buzz with its ferocity. The whole world seemed to vibrate, and even covering his ears did little to lessen the sheer magnitude of the creature's voice.
The sound went on for several seconds before gradually trailing off. In its place only silence followed, as every living thing on the plain, even the Almirans' horses, stood stock still, too terrified to even move.
It was at this time that Morris, who for some reason felt no danger from the crimson dragon, noticed a barely perceptible figure on the creature's back. One that seemed to be sitting on its back.
[This must be the Dragonknight that was mentioned in the reports from Almirn. I can see why he made such an impact on the defense of the city.]
The figure straightened, and a youthful, male, and magically augmented voice rolled out across the battlefield. ”Cease this conflict at once! You are playing into the hands of the real enemy.”
Their was a pause as the speaker jerked suddenly. Morris thought he saw another humanoid figure pulling on the first, as if to stop him from speaking.
After a few moments, the Dragonknight continued. ”I will be descending soon. Bring me the leaders of your respective armies so that I can explain the situation.”
With that, the dragon began a slow descent, giving the soldiers and orcs underneath it sufficient time to get out of the way. Whatever effect that had locked them into place had evidently faded, as that entire region of the battlefield quickly descended into chaos with troops from both sides fleeing in every direction.
Morris straightened and glanced over at Talgratha. ”Come on, let's go meet him.”
She stared at him like he was crazy. ”Do you really want to get closer to that beast? What if it decides to turn on us?”
”Its rider won't let that happen.” He replied with a smile. ”At least, I think so. I'm assuming he hasn't changed too much since the last time I saw him.”
”What? You know the master of that monster?”
Morris laughed. ”Of course, don't you recognize the voice? You know him too. Now, come on.”