27 The Queens Journey, pt. 7 (1/2)

Ker'Tallen's POV

The cart pulled to a sudden stop and the enlisted didn't miss a step.

Ker'Tallen quickly got off the cart and looked forward only to wish he hadn't.

Three large monsters with skin as black as coal and glowing red eyes appeared in the middle of the plains.

And Nova was lying just ahead of them.

The fact that they'd have to fight these things to continue slowly made its way into his mind. He nearly fainted.

Then, he looked back and realized that running wasn't an option, as hordes of Griffins began appearing from the mountainside road, gaining on them.

”Hahahaha!” A laugh sounded out. It took him a moment to realize that laugh came from him. Turning to look at his allies, he smiled, revealing vicious fangs ready to maul any who approached. ”If this is how my life ends, I welcome it.”

Years of whippings, beatings and other humiliating, cruel acts flashed before his eyes. He would not surrender to these people. To his dying breath, he would not show them mercy.

Without another word, he unsheathed his sword.

”Wait.” Theresa said, approaching him. ”We…” She was looking back and forth frantically, as if choosing to engage the beasts ahead, or the Griffins behind them. ”We have to form some sort of plan.”

”Plan?” Ker'Tallen replied. ”It's simple. Whoever comes here first is who will die by my hand.”

Theresa tilted her head, shocked at the sudden bloodlust emerging from within Ker'Tallen. Truth be told, he didn't know he had this in him either.

After a moment, she nodded.

”Our mission is to protect the queen.” A voice said from behind him. He turned to find Olyneces, with his sword already in the air. ”Circle her cart. We are her final line of defense.” He approached Ker'Tallen. ”You haven't betrayed us yet.” He whispered. ”This is the moment of truth. Will you stand with us?”

Ker'Tallen spat on the ground. What was Olyneces implying? That he should turn and see if the Griffins welcome him with open arms?

”Ridiculous.” Ker'Tallen said. ”I haven't wavered yet. And I don't plan to.”

For the first time, he saw Olyneces smile.

”Then follow me!” The Savior ordered, and Ker'Tallen nodded.

Goran and Floren both emerged from the queen's cart as well.

”Jess…” Floren muttered. ”I wasn't there for you before, I'll make it up to you here and now.”

”… Let's just get this over with.” Goran said. The normally brash looking warrior looked as uncomfortable as Ker'Tallen had ever seen him.

With the Griffins descending upon them, there was no more preparation to be done.

Risking one more glance, he analyzed each of the beasts ahead. The Yargoth, as Jin called them.

One was shaped like a bird that had spawned a pair of legs. A beak as long as Ker'Tallen's arms, feathers that moved by themselves covering its torso.

The second simply looked like a large elven man, covered in black paint. Only, his red eyes had a particular symbol acting as pupils.

The third was the most perplexing and by far the most intimidating.

A head shaped like a dragon's, the torso of a man with scales to match Ker'Tallen's own, and the legs of an overgrown wolf.

He knew he should have felt some form of fear, but in its place, Ker'Tallen's heart was laced with desire. A desire to kill these challengers.

Even if he'd changed sides, he was still a beastman to his core.

But he could not make his way to them, he'd have to wait for them to attack.

If they even would. Right now, they looked content to stay where they were. They were just sitting there, as though they intended to just watch the coming battle, instead of participating in it,.

Unlike the Griffins, who were starting to arrive at their makeshift battlefield.

And like that, as Ker'Tallen ducked under a black arrow, the fight began.

”Take this!” Just as Ker'Tallen was about to charge, he saw a golden shield extended towards him on his right. ”You'll need it.”

”Thank you.” Ker'Tallen replied, taking the shield and placing it on his left.

Immediately, he blocked a small volley of arrows headed towards him.

Growling, he ran towards the pack of approaching Griffins.

Their numbers didn't matter, he simply wished to kill as many as he could before they killed him.

He approached his first enemy, blocking his half-moon sword with his shield and stabbing him in the chest. One down.

Another tried to swipe at him, he ducked underneath and slashed his gut open. Two down.

On and on, he persisted. Blood spurted in his direction with each swing of his sword, staining his shirt beyond recognition.

Before long though, a voice called out to him.

He turned to see Olyneces nearly flying through the field, taking out various Griffins at a time.

”The queen!” He yelled. ”I'll hold them off!”

Ker'Tallen's feet moved before his mind had even internalized the order.

Having not been too far away, he arrived at the queen's unmistakable cart, just in time to see two Griffins trying to get inside.

With a cry, he tore them apart in rapid succession.

The side door was opened just slightly enough to where he could see the queen's face. She looked surprised.

With a sly smile, Ker'Tallen nodded, and turned towards the attackers.