Chapter 30: Vol.1 Part. 30: Into the city below

Half the city was already in the claws of the monsters. At least, that's how it looked to her. The nightmares were hard to spot in the streets as dust and ash besieged the cathedral's stairs. She was confused. Something inside her cried as if a part was missing. Was the book connected to her in some way? Jannet tugged at her sleeve several times, but she ignored it. What was wrong with her? Something affected her, and it was heavy.

"Sighsten." Luna put her head to the side. Jannet stood before the downcast people, her eyes confident. "Is now the time to mourn the loss of your citizens, soldiers, and priests? Your city is in flames, your citizens trapped in the pits of hell, and yet you sit, mourning your fallen comrades. What would they think of you if they could see the once proud soldier Athylias sitting on the ground."

Kanah had laid the bishop's body carefully on the ground. With blood-red eyes and a distorted face, she walked up to Jannet. "How dare you besmirch the deeds of our citizens with your foul mouth?" Her face crackled with anger that rushed through her veins into the flame now sparkling on her hand. The devilish red flames caused the shadows on her face to grow.

A white-bluish vapor emanated from Luna's Crystal Clear Arrow, causing her hair to stand on end. "How dare I ask?" Jannet, who had placed herself behind Luna's shoulder, didn't shrink back. "Especially as an outsider, I have the right to judge. The souls of all fallen warriors are on the battlefield, still encourage your knights who fight for the kingdom's lives."

Kanah's hands trembled. Her flame, now yellow, danced restlessly over her hand. "Your bishop has left the safe halls of the cathedral. Surely he knew his life was in danger, yet he set out to do the duty everyone expected from him. He put the kingdom above his own. I never participated in any war, but I can still see the light that burns in their hearts. Could you say the same about yourself? Could you look him in the eyes? Could you say you are proud of yourself?" She had never seen Jannet like this, blooming like a flower in the blizzard.

Kanah fell to the ground, the flame smothered in a faint blue. Smoke trembled over her pale hands while her empty gaze fixed on Jannet. "What can we do?" Tears ran down her cheeks. "The Beholder broke through the wall, corrupted people, and killed our Holy Father." It was silent, likely because nobody knew what to say. Luna clenched her fist. Why did she have to hesitate now of all times? Was it the slowly hugging energy that resonated with hers?

She shook her body, "we have an idea. If you give us hearing and support, there may still be a way to avert the crisis."

Sighsten slowly raised his head. A last flame glimmered in Kanah's eyes. Jannet put her hand on Luna's shoulder and pushed forward.

"Which is?" asked Sighsten.

"This will probably be difficult for you, but Jannet and I were planning to recover the remains of the crystals at the gate and use them as a Divine Projectile."

"Impossible!" cried Sighsten. "Only our Bishop could use the Divine Power without side effects. Anyone else who does not have permission or has Divine Power in their veins in any form would burn up before the arrow can reach its full strength." She felt Jannet gently tugging on her sleeve. Her breath quickened.

"Time is running out, and no permit holder lives in this city anymore. Do you think the gods will abandon your city? Is your faith that small?" His teeth gritted, but his face forced a wry smile. Jannet's cramped hand loosened and fell to the side.

"You're tired of living," Sighsten replied. "What exactly is it that you need from us? How do you plan to get to the gate without the monsters tearing you apart?"

"We need something that draws the monsters' attention from the river. The mountain on which the cathedral stands provides a natural barrier. When we can attract the monsters to the main road, a small team could push to the gate."

Sighsten shook his head, "your suggestion would mean countless dead."

"Then suggest something better." Silence fell. Neither Kanah nor Sighsten answered. "The way I see it, we're all in the same boat."

"You're sure you can shoot that arrow?" asked Kanah. Luna nodded; she was sure she could fire the arrow, but something inside her told her she could. A silent voice she couldn't identify. The only thing that worried her was the backlash that would follow.

"Then I'll go with you." Kanah rose from her crouch and walked confidently toward Luna. "You'll need an extra hand." She put her hand on Luna's shoulder and didn't see how Jannet hung her head.

"Sighsten, can I count on the attention drawn from us?"

He took a deep breath, "I think it's time for you to go." The runes on his clothes glowed in the blowing wind. He bowed and headed for the stairs, shoulders tight. His head grew smaller with each step he took.

"Here's what we're going to do; we're going to take the Right Flank and avoid the main road at all costs. The river will give us cover. Be quiet and avoid any monsters." Spoke Kanah with a clear voice and straightened shoulders.

"Kanah, you lead the way. I'll take care of the recon. Pay special attention to Jannet; she will carry the crystal later while we specialize in defense."

"We communicate with hand signals. An outstretched hand means stop. A fist means monsters are near, hand movement forward means advance, and circling the index finger means to gather. Any questions?" asked Kanah. No one said anything. "Good, then we should gradually move into position."

Shadows crept up her legs and wrapped around her entire body. Slightly displaced from reality, she was immersed in the river of darkness. Jannet's large eyes almost fell out of her face, probably surprised that she was barely perceptible. She turned around and looked at the city. In the distance, Sighsten was waving his arms around and giving orders. She frowned at the sight.

"Not bad; I'll see you later then." The footsteps died away behind her, and the murmurs faded into the cruel wind. The slope looked deeper and steeper than initially thought. The cathedral, after all, stood on a mountain. Now that she thought about it, the hill didn't fit into the landscape. Perhaps it had been deposited on the earth with the city? She sighed another mystery.

Unfortunately, she could not take the stairs because they led only to the main street. Her hand was on the bare, cold, and by the shock waves vibrating stone.

To the right was a large rocky outcrop that she could use to break her fall. Grabbing both hands on the railing, she took a deep breath and swung herself under the bar. Her hair fluttered in the wind while she was in free fall. After a short time, she got the hold. She slid her hands and feet on the sloping wall to the right side, protected by shadows.

She coughed under the swirling dust, tears blurring her vision. As she reached the rocky ledge, her shadows clawed into the stone. The sudden braking jolted her body. She rubbed the dust from her face. The Beholder's presence alone let her blood tremble. Fortunately, it was occupied with soldiers. If she had to guess, it was 400-500 meters away. Kanah and Jannet took a side path.

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Both of them waited, but still, the monsters were not distracted. Finally, she heard soldiers' screams. It was probably time. Luna waved her hand, her eyes purple, and she saw Kanah nod. Could she even see her? Without further worries, she jumped off the rock with one leap and slithered toward the rooftops. They came closer and closer. Suddenly Orcs, wolves, and other vile creatures ran along the streets. She screwed up her face as she realized her action was too early.

The rooftop was within reach as the darkness raged wildly, excited for the battle that would soon begin. Shadows pushed her off the wall, which cracked under the force. Her fingers clawed into the roof tiles, tearing them apart, as her body thundered against the wall at full power.

Her lips locked tight, threatening to burst under the weight of the pain. Pebbles rustled to the ground and fell on the masses of monsters. 'Damn.' Her feet panicked, searching for a foothold. The stomping of the monsters slowed. The presence made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

Shadows dug into the masonry, and she braced herself against the stones with both feet. Before the monsters could look up, she pushed off and pulled herself onto the roof. The snuffling grew quieter and finally faded away.

Kanah and Jannet had already reached the foot of the mountain. The streets ahead of them were empty, with scattered monsters patrolling. She watched the advance of the two; like foxes, they crept across the battlefield. She raised her fist into the dark smoke of the Devouring Fire. Protected from view in the center of the battle.

She grabbed her nose, which was almost numb from the smoke. No wonder the wolves could not pick up her scent.

Suddenly trumpets sounded from a distance. The battlefield seemed to freeze. Sighsten stood among the rubble and fire. His body lit up with runes of various colors. His voice thundered across the battlefield. Only the Beholder's cry competed for dominance.

With renewed vigor, the knights marched out of the battlefield. Luna looked up at the sky, but contrary to her expectations, no white light pulsed across the city. Had it already fired all its lethal shots? What was the maximum number? Unfortunately, she could not remember. She shook her head; there were more important things to do. All the monsters left their posts and rushed to the center.

She waved at the sky. It was time to move forward. Roof tiles broke under the shadows that catapulted her forward. In one leap, she crossed the alley. The shadows pulsed around her. Like an inferno, they crackled as she landed. Wrapped in the smoke, her presence disappeared again. Only the purple eyes launch into the distance. The gate was still 300 meters away. Again she pushed off and flew over the rooftops.

Stone chips accumulated the closer she got to the gate. 'Great.' Countless amount of monsters were still pouring through the gate. It's getting risky to look for a shard there.
She raised her finger and circled it three times in the air. Then she grabbed the roof's edge and swung down to the ground. Jannet and Kanah lingered a block away. It wouldn't take her long as Jannet stood out to her like a beacon.

 

***

 

They walked down the cold stairs. The Dark River lay before them. The lights of battle slightly illuminated the white mist from her mouth. She was glad the steps were dry. But she was slow. Slow when she watched Kanah almost apply down the stairs. Why did Luna insist on taking her with her? She was only a burden on this mission.

Finally, they reached the end. The houses and streets were mostly untouched, and Kanah was already waiting. Her hand was always stretched towards the sky. Was she communicating with Luna? She turned her head, but nothing. Smoke, fire, and ash clouded the air.
She couldn't even smell something. Could Kanah really see in these conditions? Her eyes weren't purple, and she wasn't focusing on her surroundings.

"The surroundings are mostly clear," Kanah whispered, strolling forward. How did she know about the surroundings? Could she see it, or did she sense it? They were right on the river. Ships cut the sea in the distance, bidding farewell to the battles. They had been waiting for quite a while. Why she didn't know, Kanah had forbidden to make any noise.

Her ears pricked up as a crowd of trumpets sang. Was that the sign? A scream followed, making her ear field tremble. She tried to protect herself, but Kanah grabbed her by the sleeve and dragged her through the streets.

"We have to go." She was in complete disorientation. Only the sound of the river remained her companion. The wind tattered her hair and glued it to her face.

The gate was already rising in front of her. They had to be there soon. The murmur of the sea also became quieter. Suddenly Kanah stopped. And Jannet almost ran into her.

"Luna will be here soon." Jannet widened her eyes. Were they that close to their destination already? A few moments later, she felt a presence next to her. It was faint yet familiar. She was visibly surprised; she could hardly take Luna in. She had actually become one with the shadows.

"What's the situation?" asked Kanah.

"It's getting difficult. The monsters are still storming into the city like an avalanche. To get to a shard, I don't think we'll be able to get around the area by the gate."

"I see," Kanah muttered. Her brow furrowed deeply.

"I suggest we split up. I'll investigate the area closest to the monsters, Kanah on the middle ring and Jannet on the outside. And avoid any monsters. If they spot us, it will be unpleasant."

"For you, Jannet," she looked up and just saw Luna throwing her dagger belt at her, "Ahh." Slightly startled, she caught it and tied it around her waist.

"If everyone is ready, then we're ready to go."

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