Chapter 1: Charon
Charon’s eyes widened as orange orbs rained from the heavens
’More missiles? Already?’
He dove to the ground, hoping none would land near him.
The screams of other citizens far away were drowned out as dozens of explosions erupted, sending dirt and rocks in every direction.
A wave of heat blasted his face as he tried desperately to cover himself, praying to all the gods to help him survive the attack.
Charon took deep gulps of air as the seconds passed. With each moment, the temperature dropped, slowly returning to normal.
Looking up, he saw the mushroom clouds dissipate into the wind. The staccato rhythm of laser fire returned, the Elvish and Human forces having begun their clash only a few miles behind Charon.
’If I was any slower, I might’ve been caught in the crossfire.’
Once he felt his strength return, he threw himself to his feet and continued running, hoping to get to the village outskirts before the infantry pushed in.
The concrete street wound towards the village center, street lamps and glass buildings flanking him to either side. Dust and debris dotted the path, slowing him down and causing his worries to mount.
’Why did I choose today of all days to explore outside the town? I would’ve had more time to escape!’
He knew it wasn’t really his fault. The Elves had cloaked their approach for days, using advanced magic and equally advanced technology to hide from their radars.