The paladin narrowed her eyes, scanning the battlement above. Ser Tournes was standing next to giant spear wielding dragonkillers on the eastern side of the aetheryte crystal, still shouting orders to the formation of knights surrounding the aevis. Her jaw set, she gave a quick nod to Khadai. “Follow me.â€
Roen ran up the ramp, breaths coming quick. Idristan scowled when he saw her approach, but she could see that he was looking not at her, but rather the massive Xaela behind her. “Captain,†she said breathlessly. “We need to break the aevis’ barricade. This is a standoff and as more time passes, the more damage they can do to the aetheryte, if that is their intent.â€
The Elezen’s sharp gaze returned back to her, his eyes narrowed. “They are using their size and the limited landing to their great advantage. What do you suggest, Deneith?â€
The paladin looked from the temple knight to the dragonkiller next to him. “We need a moment’s distraction. We only need one opening.â€
Ser Tournes arched a thin grey eyebrow. “We?†He glanced from her to the Au Ra once more, and this time she followed his gaze to the blue-steeled sword in the Xaela’s hands.
“He is a warrior in his own right, and we need all help we can get.†Roen said before the temple knight could object about needing a foreigner’s aid. “His sword has greater reach, and if the aevis are as unfamiliar with his kind as most are, perhaps it would serve as an element of surprise. Even if it just buys us a fraction of an opportunity…â€
“Eugennoix!†Idristan drew the attention of the knight on the dragonkiller next to him. The knight answered with as stiff salute. “I trust your aim is one of the best.â€
“Aye, ser!â€
“Shoot one of the small spears down the rampart. Do not hit the aetheryte.â€
“But… captain..?!â€
“Can you do it, Eugennoix?†Ser Tournes held up a hand to cease all questions. “Aye or nay.â€
“Aye, ser!†came the nervous answer, and the knight shouted to those around him, who ran forth to begin turning the giant ballista about. Soon the metal gears were creaking and turning as the deadly points of the imposing spears were lowered to parallel the stony battlement.
“All clear the way!†Idristan shouted into the biting wind. When the soldiers turned at his command, Roen could see their surprise in their sudden shift in stance. The phalanx quickly dispersed on the north side of the rampart to allow a path for the dragonkiller lance.
The paladin could also see stirring within the encirclement of the aevis as they too spotted the massive weapon pointed their way. They shifted a little, as if they were anticipating a possible fire, although they were more daring than the soldiers--as if they doubted that such a thing would be fired upon so close to the aetheryte.
They are frighteningly intelligent, Roen came to an alarming realization. They would recognize a ruse if this was one.
But it was not.
“Fire.â€
As the temple knight gave the command, the dragonkiller answered with a powerful blast, one that tossed Roen’s hair to the side even though she was standing a few fulms away from it. One of the smaller spears shot out from its barrel and flew like lightning through the air. But the trajectory was slightly slanted downward, and wisely so, sending the missile skittering across the ground halfway down its path. Its metallic edges sparked and screeched against the stones, sending a few aevis along that side lurching away on instinct. Soldiers too quickly leaped away on both sides of the aetheryte, even though they had already safely moved well out of its path.
Eugennoix was true in his aim; the lance skidded along the narrow path between the edge of the parapet and the brass base of the aetheryte.
This was the moment’s distraction that Khadai had asked for. Roen glanced to where the Xaela was, to already find him gone.
Roen ran up the ramp, breaths coming quick. Idristan scowled when he saw her approach, but she could see that he was looking not at her, but rather the massive Xaela behind her. “Captain,†she said breathlessly. “We need to break the aevis’ barricade. This is a standoff and as more time passes, the more damage they can do to the aetheryte, if that is their intent.â€
The Elezen’s sharp gaze returned back to her, his eyes narrowed. “They are using their size and the limited landing to their great advantage. What do you suggest, Deneith?â€
The paladin looked from the temple knight to the dragonkiller next to him. “We need a moment’s distraction. We only need one opening.â€
Ser Tournes arched a thin grey eyebrow. “We?†He glanced from her to the Au Ra once more, and this time she followed his gaze to the blue-steeled sword in the Xaela’s hands.
“He is a warrior in his own right, and we need all help we can get.†Roen said before the temple knight could object about needing a foreigner’s aid. “His sword has greater reach, and if the aevis are as unfamiliar with his kind as most are, perhaps it would serve as an element of surprise. Even if it just buys us a fraction of an opportunity…â€
“Eugennoix!†Idristan drew the attention of the knight on the dragonkiller next to him. The knight answered with as stiff salute. “I trust your aim is one of the best.â€
“Aye, ser!â€
“Shoot one of the small spears down the rampart. Do not hit the aetheryte.â€
“But… captain..?!â€
“Can you do it, Eugennoix?†Ser Tournes held up a hand to cease all questions. “Aye or nay.â€
“Aye, ser!†came the nervous answer, and the knight shouted to those around him, who ran forth to begin turning the giant ballista about. Soon the metal gears were creaking and turning as the deadly points of the imposing spears were lowered to parallel the stony battlement.
“All clear the way!†Idristan shouted into the biting wind. When the soldiers turned at his command, Roen could see their surprise in their sudden shift in stance. The phalanx quickly dispersed on the north side of the rampart to allow a path for the dragonkiller lance.
The paladin could also see stirring within the encirclement of the aevis as they too spotted the massive weapon pointed their way. They shifted a little, as if they were anticipating a possible fire, although they were more daring than the soldiers--as if they doubted that such a thing would be fired upon so close to the aetheryte.
They are frighteningly intelligent, Roen came to an alarming realization. They would recognize a ruse if this was one.
But it was not.
“Fire.â€
As the temple knight gave the command, the dragonkiller answered with a powerful blast, one that tossed Roen’s hair to the side even though she was standing a few fulms away from it. One of the smaller spears shot out from its barrel and flew like lightning through the air. But the trajectory was slightly slanted downward, and wisely so, sending the missile skittering across the ground halfway down its path. Its metallic edges sparked and screeched against the stones, sending a few aevis along that side lurching away on instinct. Soldiers too quickly leaped away on both sides of the aetheryte, even though they had already safely moved well out of its path.
Eugennoix was true in his aim; the lance skidded along the narrow path between the edge of the parapet and the brass base of the aetheryte.
This was the moment’s distraction that Khadai had asked for. Roen glanced to where the Xaela was, to already find him gone.
