Chapter 73: For Runewood!
The battle cry ripped through the night air as Elarya led her band of warriors charging out from the protective barrier of Aetherthorn. Every step pounded with purpose. Their goal was simple but deadly- draw the attention of the two rampaging beasts long enough for the rest of their kin to escape westward toward the distant Thunga Desert.
Elarya’s emerald hair streamed behind her like a banner. Her voice was sharp, resolute. "Make them see us! Keep them away from the children!"
The elves roared in unison, their voices echoing through the forest. Magic-laced arrows hissed past their shoulders, lighting the air with streaks of silver. The sound should have been enough to turn any predator’s head.
But the monsters ignored them.
Neither the Nighthral nor Vulkris shifted their murderous focus. Their claws remained locked, their fangs snapping inches from each other’s throats. Every strike shook the ground like an earthquake. The air itself quivered with the raw malice radiating from the two Primordial Beasts. It was as if nothing- no arrow, no cry, no plea- could tear them from their battle.
Elarya’s jaw tightened. We don’t have time for this...
"Everyone- spread out! Gain elevation and prepare a united ranged volley!" she barked. She angled toward a jagged hill rising not far ahead. If they could reach that high ground, maybe a concentrated strike would break the beasts’ tunnel vision.
"Yes, Queen Mother!" dozens of voices responded as one. Despite the chaos surrounding them, discipline held. Warriors sprinted uphill. Mixed among the elite fighters were younger, untested combatants from the three tribes- Leon’do, Micha’el, Anast’cia, even Gondar- all determined to lay their lives on the line.
Behind them, another group struggled to keep pace. Mathes, still weak and pale, lay on a levitating platform pushed forward by mages. Children clung to each other, wide-eyed, while non-combatants ran alongside, trying to stay quiet despite their terror. Among them, Jeis carried her daughter Jaira close to her chest. Her mind wasn’t on herself- she couldn’t stop worrying about Auren. He hadn’t returned. Neither had his family. Please be safe... please...
Then the earth split with a roar.
ROOOAAAAR!
The Nighthral struck with unnatural speed, its shadow-coated claws raking across Vulkris’ blazing hide. The massive dragon-beast staggered backward, slammed to the ground with a thunderous crash. Splintered trees flew in all directions like twigs. A flash of panic darted across Vulkris’ molten eyes- then the Nighthral’s body began to pulse with an ominous light.