Chapter 60: Hot and cold
Irwin rushed down the stairs, still tightening the straps of his new armor, his grappling gauntlets under an arm. As he finished the last bit, he ran into the hall together with dozens of sleepy guards and rangers. A full-armored guard stood by the entrance to the mess, shouting and pointing at the door leading to the square.
"Outside and get ready to fight," he shouted, constantly pointing at the door.
So much for regrouping, Irwin thought as he followed the mass through the hall and outside.
A cold wind gushed around him while the dull explosions from before came from all around. Screams and shouts from people in pain echoed from the streets and alleyways. Guards were blocking those entrances, only stepping aside to let people through. A small melee of fighting was happening on the road leading to the main gate.
Those are Frozir? Irwin thought as he saw blue-white beings surge forward.
Most were shorter than the guards, but some towered over them. Though they looked nothing alike, they reminded him of the Galubs. A dozen of older, wizened guards that had just exited the tower sprinted towards the fighting, drawing swords and axes.
Irwin hesitated, not sure what to do. He saw the same looks of fear and trepidation on the faces of the rangers and guards.
The cold wind and lack of sun were making him shiver already, and he knew he would need to be careful. Still, he didn't turn Coperion Body on yet.
"Jamel, take that group and lead them to the east gate! Clear it and then head around the side," a familiar and booming voice roared.
Irwin looked up to see Hutch nearby, waving at him and the group that came with him. Another grizzled guard with a massive two-handed sword ran towards them.
"Follow me, ladies!" he roared as he began shoving people away from the door and towards one of the blocks of roads. Within moments the guards began showing their training, falling in line, and Irwin did his best to follow them. From what he could see, they were almost thirty-strong.
Jamel ran to the front of their group, then stopped and looked at them. His eyes were darting across everyone as if he were looking for something. When he reached the end, he shook his head and muttered something. Then he pointed at two guards and a ranger. "You three will act as squad leaders! You-" and he waved a section of the group. "Split off and follow him. You-"