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Part 28

Teela groaned with effort as she fought to drag Alwyn away from the battle. The air was thick with smoke and sparks, but Teela didn't pay any attention. All around her, the fighting continued to rage. The Chariot soldiers were exhausted but refused to give up,even as the Thirteenth Company and General Silver's troops, along with the furious warriors of the Hearth, pushed them further and further back.

Unable to drag Alwyn any further, Teela collapsed against the wall, gasping for air. She knelt on the floor and rested Alwyn's head in her lap.

"L-love?"

"I'm here."

"I... I can't see you." Alwyn replied weakly, blood trickling down her face from her destroyed eyes.

"I know." Teela replied, gently stroking Alwyn's ears and she bent over and placed her forehead against Alwyn's.

Alwyn sighed, Teela's touch offering comfort against the growing weakness in her body. She could no longer feel her legs, and the pain from her wounds had started to grow dull and cold.

It took all of Alwyn's strength to raise her arm, feeling for Teela's face. Teela caught her hand and nuzzled against it.

"Don't cry." Alwyn whispered, feeling the wetness of tears on Teela's cheeks. "I'm so happy... To protect you..."

"I can't do it." Teela whimpered, holding Alwyns hand tightly, "I can't do this without you. Please, please don't leave me."

"I... don't want to..."

"Then don't! Fight it! Please..."

For a moment, Alwyn felt a rush of strength, her heart and mind pushing her to fight. But Alwyn, who had seen death in all of its many forms, could feel that her life was coming to an end.

"I'll never forgive them!" Teela growled, "I'll never forgive the spirits if they take you from me!"

"I know... But... being a high priestess.... isn't loving... the spirits...it's just... listening. You must.. protect them now... our people..."

"Please, please I-" Teela froze as, with the very last of her strength, Alwyn moved her hand to touch Teela's belly.

"Our baby... is going to be... so... so..."

Alwyn's voice faded and her eyelids fluttered closed over her sightless eyes. A few seconds later her hand went limp.

"She will." Teela whispered as tears flowed freely down her face as she bent over and kissed Alwyn's forehead "Go... rest well... and when I see you again, I'll tell you all about her."

A contented smile crossed Alwyn's face for a moment, before she finally went still.

As Alwyn's life left her body, Teela threw back her head and let out a howl, a cry of rage and pain, of love and of loss.

The cry was echoed by each and every hearth warrior who heard it. The wail triggered something old, something primal, within the soldiers of the Thirteenth. They too threw their heads back and howled. The entire manor shook with a chorus of haunting wails that sent shivers of fear through the hearts of all who heard it.

For the Chariot Soldiers, it was the final straw. Their Basitin resolve and stubbornness shattered like glass. Some dropped their weapons and raised their hands, but most simply turned and fled without so much as a backwards glance.

With a roar, the Thirteenth and the Hearth Warriors charged, chasing down the fleeing Chariot warriors, and engaging the few that remained to fight.

In the days and years that would follow, it was that ghostly wail that would be remembered as the moment the Chariot rebellion finally failed. Not one man or woman who heard it would ever forget it.

===

Sara Silver and two other soldiers stood a few paces back from the main entrance of the grand dining room. They had erected a barricade of chairs at the door, and all had their weapons drawn and aimed at the entrance.

In a northwest corner of the room the three wolven ambassadors sat, being watched over by another soldier.

Despite her best efforts, the sword that Sara held quivered slightly in her grip. All around her the manor groaned and creaked as the fire devoured it. The fire had yet to reach the dining hall, but the smoke and the heat told her it could not be far off.

"This is madness!" Ambassador Shrike called out, ignoring the guard as he raised his spear in warning. "When the Chariots come through that door, what good will come from the three of you throwing away your lives!"

"Will you shut him up?" Sara snapped.

"If you surrender, I will see to it that you and your friends are spared! I have great influence, the Chariots will-"

Shrike's voice was cut off by a chorus of echoing, ghostly wails that rang through the entire manor.

Sara's eyes widened. "But that..." With a heavy sigh she closed her eyes, raised her head and howled, her voice joining the chorus.

As the howls died down, Sara bowed her head. "Rest well, high priestess."

"Wh-what the hell was that?" One of the other guards asked.

"It means... something very precious has passed from this world."

"Need I remind you that this place is burning to the ground?!" Shrike yelled. "We need to get out of here!"

With an infuriated growl, Sara marched over and stood in front of Shrike.

"For the last time. Shut. Up."

"I don't take orders from you, woman!" Shrike spat back. "I am an ambassador for-"

Shrike paused as Sara raised her sword and aimed it's point at his crotch.

"One more word. ONE, and I will cut off whatever it is you have down there!" She turned her glare to the other two ambassadors. "That goes for you two as well."

Shrike opened his mouth, taking in a breath to unleash a torrent of abuse, but one of his comrades desperately leaned forwards and clamped his muzzle shut.

"We understand ma'am." he nodded quickly as Shrike glared at him.

All of a sudden the sound of a fist pounding on the dining room door froze the blood of all inside. But just as Sara started to raise her sword again, a familiar voice called out from the other side.

"Lady Silver! Please open the door!"

"Bruik!"

Sara rushed over to the barricade and started throwing the chairs aside. After a few moments she was able to open the door and allow Bruik inside.

Bruik stumbled into the dining room, a thick cloud of smoke following behind him.

Sara hurried over to Bruik as he dropped to one knee and coughed. "Bruik are you alright?"

"I'm alright." He managed, his voice rasping. "But you need to leave!"

"Leave?"

"The battle has turned." Bruik explained, trying to rub the smoke from his eyes. "The Chariot troops are in full retreat, but the manor won't last much longer! Our troops are assembling on the front lawn. You must take the ambassadors and go!"

"What about Kent?"

"No one has seen him since he went in pursuit of Sliver."

Sara breath caught in her chest. "No..."

Bruik placed a hand on Sara's shoulder, "Do not worry, I'm going to find him. Just get yourself to safety. Do not try to go through the Manor, use the windows instead!"

"Very well." And Bruik!" Sara called out a Bruik turned to leave. "Kent would never forgive himself if you died!"

"I understand." Bruik bowed. "Good luck, Lady Silver."

===

It had taken far longer than Sieg had expected to get inside the Manor, despite his Chariot uniform. Even once he had gotten up a ladder and through one of the windows, the hallway was choked with wounded, and soldiers moving in all directions.

But even as he drew close to the front, Sieg had no idea how he was going to get through the fighting and get to Marien.

"Think of that when the time comes." Sieg told himself as he pressed himself against the wall to allow two soldiers carrying a third between them to pass by.

At that moment, the Hearth Warriors wail erupted from the hall ahead. Sieg's fur stood on end, and he froze in fear, along with all those around him.

Seconds later, Sieg found himself up against a crush of retreating soldiers. He had to fight desperately to keep from being pushed over and trampled. He stumbled as the butt of a spear crashed into the side of his head.

Sieg tried to catch his footing. But no sooner had he steadied himself, another soldier crashed into him and shoved him aside as she fled.

The female soldier's mad retreat knocked Sieg directly into the path of yet another soldier. In a panic, the man swung the shaft of his spear to push Sieg out of the way.

The wooden shaft crashed into Sieg's head and sent him tumbling to the ground.

Instantly, Sieg felt as if the life was being squeezed out of him.

Sieg tried to call out, but dozens of pairs of feet pounded the breath from his lungs. He tried to crawl towards the wall, but the crush of soldiers held him down. He fought desperately, biting and scratching, but that only tired him more. Quickly, the world went dark.

===

On the second level balcony that overlooked the main hall, Marien and Shani continued to tear at each other. The battle below, the fire, the fate of Basidian, all were merely discarded afterthoughts.

Tahl's sword cleaved through the air just above Marien's head, smashing the legs of a statue that overlooked the hall into shards. As the statue cracked and tumbled to the floor, Marien lunged at Shani, her claws scrabbling on the tiles.

The tip of Marien's blade sliced into Shani's left ankle. Shani was unfazed, thrusting her right knee up at Marien's jaw. Marien rolled to the side to avoid Shani's kick and brought herself up on one knee, bracing the flat of her blade against her arm as she met a powerful downward blow from Shani.

Tahl's sword bit deep into Volfen's sword, carving out a sliver of metal. Volfen's blade was mangled and torn, while Tahl's blade didn't have a single mark on it.

Much like her weapon, Marien too was battered and very nearly broken. Her body was screaming at her, and her reserves of strength were all but spent. Her helmet and armour were stifling, the sweat pouring down from her forehead kept getting in her eyes, and she bled from over a dozen painful wounds.

But she refused to give up. Stubbornness, rage, adrenaline, she neither knew nor cared what it was that fueled her.

Leaping back to her feet, Marien pressed her attack, aiming a flurry of blows at Shani. Sparks flew as Shani's sword bit into hers again and again.

Shani replied with equal ferocity, whirling her blade around her body as she tested Marien's defenses, searching for a weakness. With each blow, each repulsed attack, Shani's frustration at being unable to deal a killing stroke grew increasingly obvious.

For years, Shani had carved a bloody streak through anyone who might have proven to be a threat to her plans. Nobles trained by masters, soldiers who had fought on battlefield after battlefield, men and women said to have been gifted by the fates themselves, she had torn them all apart. And now, here she was, wielding a masterwork sword of old, fighting against a mere Captain of the Basikal defense forces, and she was nearing her limit!

"I don't get it!" Shani screamed internally as Marien leapt forward again and attacked her. "Why won't she just die!"

"You've already lost!" Marien yelled, evading a thrust and countering with her own. "Your army is broken!"

"Who cares!" Shani barked back, countering Marien's thrust and forcing her blade upwards. She swung hard at Marien's exposed midsection, but Marien stepped back, staying just out of range, the tip of Shani's blade just barely carving into her armour.

"Once I've killed you, I'll tear your entire Company to pieces on my own if I have to!"

Shani twisted her body as she aimed a thrust at Marien's neck. Marien blocked the blow, but Shani was already following up, aiming a wide sweep at Marien's legs. Marien refused to retreat, deflecting Shani's blade with her own, and lashing out with a fist. The blow struck Shani hard, her bloodstained teeth flashing as she pushed against Marien's fis..

Marien pulled back, aiming a wide swing. Shani caught her wrist and spun around, placing her back to Marien's chest and slamming her elbow into Marien's gut and then nose. Spinning Tahl's sword around in her hand, Shani thrust the balde under her arm.

Marien threw herself backwards, Shani's blade catching the brim of her helmet and sending it flying. Marien rolled as she hit the ground while Shani lunged forward, raising her sword over her head. The stone tile shattered beneath Tahl's sword as the blade came within a hair of cutting Marien in two.

As Marien scrambled back to her feet, Shani gripped her sword with both hands and poured every scrap of strength she possessed into a wild, powerful swing.

With a loud clang, Tahl's sword cleaved through Marien's weapon a hand's breadth above the hilt. Tahel blade also tore a gash in Marien's armour and the flesh beneath.

In sheer desperation, Marien threw what was left of her sword at Shani and leapt forward. Shani deflected the thrown blade just as Marien slammed into her, opened wide, and sank her teeth deep into Shani's wrist.

Shani howled in agony, Tahl's sword flying free of her hand and spiralling over the edge of the balcony. A loud keening noise rang out as the blade embedded itself in the stone below.

Marien and Shani drew their heads back and tried to headbut the other at the same time. Their skulls crashed against one another with a sickening thud. Despite the ringing in their ears, the dizziness and the pain, both refused to retreat.

"Just die!" Shani snarled, glaring into Marien's eyes as blood ran down her face.

Marien didn't respond, merely returning Shani's hate filled glare and furious snarl.

Lashing out with a foot, Marien tried to catch Shani with her claws.

Shani dodged to the side, but Marien's foot grazed against her wounded side. Despite her mental control and the adrenaline flooding her body, Shani gasped in agony and nearly fell as her right leg gave out beneath her.

Marien's eyes flashed. "She's vulnerable on her right side!"

Drawing a dagger from her belt, Marien leapt forward to take advantage of Shani's weakness. In a flash, Shani drew her own dagger from a sheath on her back and swung at Marien, while at the same time stepped back to evade Marien's blow.

Marien's blade sliced through Shani's tunic, but missed her skin. Shani's blade cut deep into Marien's cheek, only barely missing her eye.

As Marien straightened, she noted the bandages wrapped around Shani's midsection through the hole in her tunic.

"Managed to hurt yourself?" Marien sneered, flipping the dagger around in her hand. "You should really get that looked at."

"I'd worry less about my wounds and more about the ones I'm going to carve into you." Shani shot back.

Immediately the two warriors leapt forward and attacked each other again.

===

As Shani and Marien fought, the manor continued to fall apart. Though the rain and the storm had slowed the blaze, fire had consumed most of the upper floors. There was little doubt that the Chariot Manor was on the verge of final collapse.

Outside the Manor there was complete pandemonium. The Chariot forces had scattered, vanishing into the rain swept night. Even if they had the numbers to launch a pursuit, the soldiers of the Thirteenth were too exhausted to do anything but let them go. Most of the Thirteenth and the Hearth Warriors sought what shelter they could find from the rain and the wind, while others simply dropped where they stood.

The few prisoners the Thirteenth had managed to take had their hands and feet bound and were quickly stripped of their weapons and armour. A small crowd of them huddled beneath their own cloaks under a tree, surrounded by soldiers of the Thirteenth. Though they had been foes mere moments before, neither the Chariot Soldiers, nor the troops of the Thirteenth, had the energy to summon up any anger at one another.

Those soldiers that still had strength remaining were working quickly to see that the wounded were carried to the stables for emergency care.

"You and you, get buckets of water for the wounded!" Sara called out, trying to add some order to the chaos. "You, Lieutenant, get some more men to watch the prisoners! Make sure any wounded Chariot Soldiers get taken to the stables as well!"

"Ma'am!"

"We need to establish a perimeter to make certain that the Chariot forces don't come back!"

"Yes ma'am!"

"You, has anyone seen my husband or Bruik?" Sara demanded, grabbing a passing sergeant.

"I'm sorry lady Silver, I don't think so."

As the sergeant hurried off, Sara turned back to the burning Manor.

"Kent... please... please be alive."

===

Sieg groaned as he rolled over, a combination of heat and smoke burning his lungs and rousing him from unconsciousness. Every part of him hurt as picked himself up off the floor and onto his knees.

The hallway around him was deserted of all but the fallen. The air was thick with smoke and sparks, bright plumes of flame licking the walls and ceiling. It was hot, so hot that it made it hard to think straight, and made his mouth feel desperately dry.

"Marien..."

As Sieg picked himself up, a large chunk of the ceiling collapsed just behind him, a rush of sparks rolling over him, singeing his fur.

Forcing himself to put one foot in front of the other, Sieg staggered towards the main hall. As he drew closer, he noticed another figure moving amongst the fallen. Judging by the uniform the man was a Chariot soldier.

"Come on." Sieg knelt down to help the soldier up. "Let's get you up."

As the soldier raised his head, Sieg's mouth dropped open. "L-Lyon?"

Lyon's fur was all but burned away, his fingers raw and torn from crawling. His legs were blackened, the fur gone and the flesh seared and smoking. Half of his tail was just blackened bone. He was a complete wreck, and for a moment Sieg had the terrifying thought that he was a ghoul rather than a living man.

Blearily, Lyon raised his head, "G-gaurdsman? W-what are you doing here?"

"Me? What are you doing here?"

"I have... to stop... my sister."

"You expect me to believe that you are against her?" Sieg's eyes narrowed as he backed away. "She's your sister."

"She killed me." Lyon gasped, "And she will kill... all of Basidian... if she isn't stopped."

Groaning in agony, Lyon twisted so that Sieg could see his chest. The bandage had torn loose and Sieg could see the sickened, blackened flesh beneath, as well as a flash of white from exposed bone. Sieg wretched as the smell hit him.

As Sieg fought to keep from being sick, Lyon fumbled in his cloak. The pain was such that his fingers refused to follow his direction.

"In my cloak," he gasped. "Poppy nectar... Syringe... Please...."

Cautiously, Sieg leaned forwards and searched the pockets of Lyon's cloak. He hissed and pulled back as he felt a piece of broken glass cut his finger.

"What.... what is..."

"It's broken." Sieg replied, carefully withdrawing the tip of the shattered syringe.

"No..." Lyon slumped, anguish etched on his face.

"I'm... I'm sorry."

"I have... to stop..." Lyon tried and failed to continue crawling. "It's... my job.

"She's after Marien. It's OUR job." Sieg turned so that Lyon could get onto his back. "Come on."

"G-gaurdsman..."

"Just get up here, you Chariot bastard."

With effort, Sieg was able to pull Lyon onto his back and get back to his feet. Lyon's legs dragged uselessly on the ground, he no longer had the strength to move them on his own.

"Thank you..." Lyon gasped as Sieg took a few shuddering steps forward.

"Don't... mention... it." Sieg groaned, straining against Lyon's weight.

As they drew closer to the main hall, Lyon caught sight of a crossbow lying discarded on the floor.

"Guardsman, that crossbow..."

""My name... is Sieg."

"Just... pick up... the damn crossbow."

"Great... more weight."

Sieg took a moment to say a quick prayer to whomever might be listening as he bent down to pick up the crossbow. Whether by providence or good fortune, the weapon was already loaded.

Handing the crossbow back to Lyon, Sieg continued down the hallway. Sparks and coals fell from the ceiling like rain and his path was littered with bodies and fallen weapons. The sickly sweet smell of burning flesh hung in the air, along with the foul stench of burning fur.

"This must be hell." Sieg thought. "I've actually died... I'm in hell."

But still he forced himself forward.

Finally, Sieg and Lyon arrived in the main hall.

Sieg's eyes grew wide as he caught sight of Marien and Shani on the balcony.

Their swords discarded, Marien and Shani fought with daggers. Both appeared to be utterly exhausted, their movements sluggish and their blows wild and desperate. But even from a distance, Sieg could see the deadly intent in their eyes.

Sieg stepped forward, but Lyon pulled on his ear.

"Wait... If we get... too close... the distraction could... end the battle."

"You won't hit anything from here." Sieg hissed.

"Not... without help."

"But I'm terrible at archery!"

"I just need you... to hold me... steady."

"You sure?"

"Yes..."

As carefully as he could, Sieg set Lyon down on the ground and knelt in front of him. Lyon braced the crossbow on Sieg's shoulder, squeezing one eye shut as he flipped up the small metal sight and took aim.

"I should tell you, if you hit Marien, I'll strangle the life out of you."

"Noted. Now... raise your shoulder a bit... and turn to the left."

Up on the balcony, neither Shani or Marien noticed the presence of Lyon and Seig.

Marien was more exhausted than she had ever been. Her vision was blurry, her aim was wobbly and her movements slow as she took another swipe, trying to catch Shani's wounded side.

Shani deflected the dagger and struck back, but she too had trouble steadying her aim. Her blade bounced off of Marien's badly damaged armour.

Shani's face was pale, almost grey, her eyes surrounded by sickly dark rings. Each breath was torture.

Gathering up what energy she could, Shani rushed at Marien, slamming into her and driving her back towards the stairs. Their blades ground against one another, the metal creaking as they fought with what little strength remained.

Marien nearly lost her balance as Shani pushed her over the edge of the top stair. She dug in her claws, but Shani had just a little more remaining.

"You're done!" Shani hissed.

Lyon's eyes narrowed. Finally, Shani and Marien were mostly still. With a quick exhale, he squeezed the trigger.

With a powerful "TWANG", the bolt flew free, arching upwards, sailing past Marien's ear and burying itself in Shani's right shoulder.

Shani cried out as the bolt slammed into her. In Shani's brief moment of distraction, Marien drove her knee into Shani's wounded side as hard as she could.

The sudden rush of pain shattered Shani's mental control. In an instant she was completely paralyzed, her vision going white as her mind exploded. Her legs gave out and she collapsed against Marien.

Unable to keep her balance, Marien tumbled backwards. Both she and Shani rolled limply down the stairs, their weapons flying from their hands.

Sieg leapt to his feet and rushed over as Marien landed in a heap at the foot of the stairs, Shani collapsing a meter away.

"Marien!"

With a low groan Marien started to get up just as Seig threw himself to his knees and pulled her into his arms.

"I thought I'd never see you again." He whispered, digging his nose into her neck. "I love you. Marien, I love you so much."

Marien hissed in pain as Sieg squeezed her, but she returned his embrace.

"Oh Sieg... thank the king you're alright." She muttered, clutching Sieg's fur and inhaling his scent. "I love you too. "

Both of them sighed, their heartbeats slowing as they held each other, their tails twisting around each other. The pain and exhaustion faded, neither Sieg nor Marien had any thought but each other. Had the world ended right then and there, they would not have noticed.

"Glad to see that both Kolvests are alive and well."

Sieg and Marien looked up as Kent approached, supported by Bruik and Teela.

"General." Marien tried to stand, but Kent waved his hand.

"Is she alive?" Teela asked, glaring at Shani.

Marien shook her head, "I don't know."

A loud clang from behind drew everyone's attention. Using his sword as a cane, Lyon had managed to get to his feet once more. He took a single step forward before he collapsed again, his sword spinning out of his grip.

"Lyon!" Kent turned to Teela. "Go, help him!"

Releasing Kent, Teela rushed over to Lyon's side. She gasped as she got a look at his wound. "Spirits..."

Teela turned to meet Lyon's gaze. "I'm sorry but... There's nothing..."

"I know..." Lyon gasped. "Please... take me... to my sister."

Sieg released Marien and hurried over to help Teela carry Lyon. As they drew closer, Shani groaned weakly.

Teela and Seig set Lyon down beside his sister. Teela noticed a pool of dark blood forming around Shani's side, her nose wrinkling at the smell of it. As Sieg helped Lyon sit up against the banister, Teela stepped over to Shani and rolled her on her back.

"What are you doing? She-" Marien froze as Teela pushed up Shani's shirt, revealing furless, angry red flesh on her right side.

Acting more on instinct than anything else, Teela leaned forward and examined Shani. "Her wound is infected and her blood is poisoned."

"Will... she live?" Lyon gasped.

Teela frowned. "I... I don't know. If I can get her to the Hearth, then maybe."

"Leave her." Marien growled. "Let her burn down with this whole wretched place."

"Can't say I disagree." Kent added. "Even if she lives, she'll be executed for certain."

"Wait!"

All eyes turned to Sieg.

Sieg swallowed hard and spoke. "She... She isn't... I've talked with her, I've seen who she is. Naomi... Shani.... She isn't a bad person."

Marien, Kent, and Teela looked at Sieg as if he were insane. "Isn't a bad person?!"

"She... never had... a choice."

This time all eyes turned to Lyon.

"My sister... was manipulated... by my father... by Jabarian..." Lyon coughed up a mouthful of blood, but forced himself to keep speaking. "She... is... wrong, but... still my sister. She's been... a victim... all her life..."

"Be that as it may, she is still responsible for all this!" Kent gestured around the burning house. "The blood, the death, the chaos she caused!"

Lyon's hand shook as he placed it on Shani's head. "Then put it... on me. Lyon... Chariot... was the mastermind... of the coup. He tricked his sister... and it... killed them both."

Lyon raised his eyes, to meet Kent's. "I failed... to stop my father... and my mother... Please, general... I am begging... let me protect her... this one final time."

"No..." Shani croaked, her voice weak. "Please... kill me. "

Marien drew a final short dagger from beneath her cloak. Before she could move, Sieg put his hand on hers.

"You've never been a killer Marien," he whispered. "Don't start now, not like this."

Marien met Sieg's gaze for a moment, before with a heavy sigh letting her dagger fall to the ground.

A low groan rang out and the whole mansion shifted as the foundations crumbled.

"We have to go!" Bruik shouted as more sparks and embers rained down from the ceiling.

"Bruik, you get Shani! Take her and Teela and go out one of the side entrances!"

"Yes master!"

Picking a weakly protesting Shani up in his arms, Bruik and Teela sprinted from the main hall, dodging a huge piece of beam as it tore free from the roof.

Sieg hauled Marien to her feet."I got you! General!"

"I'm coming!" Kent bent down to help Lyon. "Come on, let's go."

Lyon shook his head. "Leave me."

"Don't be stupid! Hold on and-"

"Leave me!" Lyon yelled with what was left of his strength. "I'm done... Let me burn... with what's left of my family."

"You always were too prideful for your own good." Kent replied, bowing his head. "It was an honour, lord Chariot."

Slinging Marien between them, Sieg and Kent moved as quickly as they could towards the main doors.

"Guardsman!" Lyon called after Sieg. "You... look after that female! She's better... than you deserve! And... Captain Kolvest... live well!"

Marien looked over her shoulder and nodded at Lyon.

Without the soldiers holding them closed, the Manor doors were bound shut only by a hastily erected barrier and a bundle of spears shoved through the handles.

Kent and Sieg started pulling at the spears, but the bundle was so tight that they barely budged.

"Hold on!" Sieg called. Turning round he rushed back down the hall and grabbed hold of Tahl's sword. With a shout he raised the blade and swung it hard at the bundle of spears. The blade sliced through more than a dozen of the spears on the first blow, and then the rest of the bundle on the second.

Smashing the doors open with a kick, Sieg grabbed hold of Marien again. Together, he and Kent dragged her outside.

===

Lyon sighed as he leaned back against the staircase. He didn't even feel the heat or smell the smoke anymore. As the manor collapsed around him, he simply stared up at the ceiling.

"We are... the Chariot family." he muttered, watching the flames swirling around the ceiling as he repeated the words his father had recited to him his whole life. "As shields we guard... as swords we avenge..." His eyelids began to grow heavy.

"We... shall not... rest... until all the world... is our... dominion."

Lyon's eyes closed as he slid from the banister and collapsed to the floor.

"Am...ber..."

===

The fury of the typhoon had largely passed, the howling wind and rain replaced with a stiff breeze and frigid drizzle as Sieg, Marien and Kent made their way down the front steps of the Chariots manor as fast as they could.

As they reached the front path, a call went up among the soldiers on the front lawn, announcing their arrival.

"Where is my wife?" Kent called out as one of his Lieutenants rushed up to meet him.

"She's at the stables sir, caring for the wounded! We've called for other doctors, they should arrive soon."

"General!"

Kent, Marien and Sieg turned as a loud, grinding crash rang out. The Chariot manor sagged one final time, and then collapsed. As the rear wall gave way, the whole manor collapsed and tumbled down the slope. Trees, a large gazebo, and the few army tents that had survived the storm, were burned away in an avalanche of red hot debris. From a distance it looked as if a volcano had erupted, with magma spilling down the slope.

"Goodbye Lyon." Marien said quietly, watching as the rain created a billowing cloud of steam rising up from the debris.

Sieg bowed his head as well. "Rest well, Chariot bastard."

As Kent, Marien and Sieg resumed their hobbling down the path, Sara emerged from the nearby stables.

"Kent!" Sara cried out, rushing forwards with a handful of soldiers.

"Have you got her?" Kent asked, turning to Sieg.

Sieg nodded, "Always."

Releasing his grip on Marien, Kent limped forwards and swept Sara up into a hug.

Tears ran down Sara's face as she brushed Kent's hair from his eyes. "You foolish, foolish man."

"Hey Sieg."

Sieg turned to meet Marien's gaze. "Yeah?"

"You... you came for me. Even after everything I said."

"Of course."

"But... why?"

Sieg smiled and nuzzled Marien's cheek. "I love you, and I will never, ever let you go."

"I..." Marien looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry Sieg... I've been so selfish. I've ignored you, lied to you..."

"Marien..."

"No, really... I was willing to fight for the approval of strangers, when all along I had the love of someone who would fight for me."

"It's okay." Sieg said, gently stroking Marien's ears. "You are who you are, and I love you for it."

"Sieg..." Marien's face turned a little red as she noticed some of her soldiers staring at her and Sieg as he stroked her ears. "Sieg... we're in public."

"I don't care."

Marien was quiet for a moment, before smiling and gently stroking Sieg's ears back. "Neither do I."

"Now that's what I wanted to see." Kent smiled as he and Sara watched Marien and Sieg.

"They are a good couple." Sara leaned closer to Kent, wrapping her tail around his waist.

"Yeah, they are."

As Kent held Sara close, a frantic soldier sprinted towards them. "General! We have a problem!"

"What is it?" Kent demanded.

"General Kolvest is coming! And his army is with him."

"Well..." Kent turned to Marien. "Captain Kolvest! Get your troops ready! This isn't over yet!"

===

Being careful not to slip on the flooded, muddy road, Conrad made his way towards the Chariot estate.

Behind him marched roughly half of his troops, the rest of whom were still laying siege to Dauntless fortress. What was supposed to have been an easy fight had swiftly become a disaster. The fortress defenders had put up a staggeringly good fight. Even raw recruits no more than ten years old, had faced down his own veteran troops. Conrad's own armour was scratched and dented, and his left leg ached from the painful impact of a thrown rock.

Of course, had Conrad been allowed to finish the battle, he was certain that the Fortress would now be his. But the news that the Chariot manor was under attack, the explosion, and resulting fire that had been visible from the fortress, had drawn him away.

"General."

Conrad turned, "Colonel Meyer, report."

"Our scouts report that the troops attacking the Chariot manor are from the Thirteenth company."

"The Westerner," Conrad snarled.

"Yes Sir. We've also received word that there has been a rebellion by the guards down at docks. The Goliath fleet is burning!"

"What!" Conrad spun around. His eyes widened as he saw a half dozen pillars of orange flame, visible even through the rain and the gloom, rising up from the waters of Basikal bay.

"What about Schraften?" Conrad demanded.

"No one has seen him sir!"

"What about General Silver and Lieutenant Braum?"

"The troops we sent to go and recon his estate have not returned!"

Conrad felt the dark and cold fingers of icy fear gripping his heart.

"What should we do, General?"

"We advance!" Conrad barked, drawing his sword. "We'll link up with the Chariot forces at the Manor and proceed back to the fortress."

"Assuming the Chariots forces have been victorious."

Conrad shot the Colonel a deadly glare. "There is no way that the Chariot family will have fallen to the Deviant General and the Western Captain."

===

Marien, Kent and Seig stood side by side a few dozen paces away from the Chariot Manor's main gate, perhaps a dozen other soldiers around them with their swords drawn. The Hearth Warriors stood with them as well, tired but ready to fight. The rest of what remained of the Thirteenth knelt in front of them, their spears raised.

"Here we go." Kent muttered as the sound of marching feet drew closer and closer.

Flanked on both sides by heavily armoured soldiers carrying shields, Conrad emerged from behind the estate wall.

He instantly froze at the sight that greeted him.

"Conrad," Kent called out. "We really should stop meeting like this."

"General Silver... Where are the Chariots?"

"Lyon Chariot, Shani Chariot, and Sliver are all dead.

Kent's words sent a shockwave through the second legion troops.

"Their officers are either dead, or have made a run for it," Kent continued. "Your fleet is burning, and I take it from your appearance that the fortress is still holding out. Your coup has failed."

"And is this all you have left to threaten me with?" Conrad demanded. "The tattered remnants of a traitorous company?"

"Fuck you!" Marien roared, stepping through the line of spears and aiming the point of Tahl's sword at Conrad. "You want to talk about treason? You're trying to start a war and overthrow the king! You have no right to judge anyones loyalty, ever!"

"She's right." Sieg snapped, stepping forward and taking a position beside Marien, his own sword drawn and raised. "You disowned me, attacked General Silver, and betrayed the King! You talk about loyalty only when it suits you." Seig's eyes narrowed. "I am ashamed of you, Father."

Sieg's words shot through Conrad's heart like a bolt.

"You have enough troops to keep this going." Kent called out joining Marien and Sieg. "You could probably take Basikal, you might even be able to hold it. But beyond that, your dream is dead. You will never be the arms general, you will never be king."

"And I will die before I surrender." Sieg added.

"And if Sieg dies, I'll kill every last one of you." Marien barked.

"So what's it to be Conrad?" Kent asked.

Conrad was silent, his expression stoney and unreadable.

"The humans attacked us once," he said at last."They will do it again."

"Maybe."

"No, not maybe!" Conrad erupted. "War is coming! Tomorrow, next year, next century, it doesn't matter! Unless we are willing to become the hunters, we will be the hunted! You know it's true! "

Kent started to speak, but it was Seig who stepped forward. "You may be right, father." he said, ignoring the soldiers behind Conrad as they drew their weapons.

"Then you see why we have to do this." Conrad demanded, stepping forward to meet his son. "To protect you, and your mother, and all the rest!"

"You're doing this because of Renner."

Conrad froze as a sad smile crossed Sieg's face. "If I had died instead of him... you would never have done this. And it's not that you don't love me, or mother, but Renner was special. "

"S-Sieg."

"He never cared about rank, or glory. He just wanted to serve his people, no matter what. You taught him that father, not me, not mother, you. He was good because of you, he was strong because of you, he gave his life for his people because of you. And you... you blame yourself, because in the end those things killed him."

Conrad's breath shuddered as his eyes stung. "I... I..."

"When he died, those parts of you died as well."

"I..." Conrad's sword arm dropped, his blade loose in his fingers. "I... I killed my boy..."

"Get away from him!" Colonel Meyer bellowed as Sieg stepped forward,

Conrad held out an arm, blocking Meyer. "Stop!"

Turning back to Sieg, Conrad bowed his head. "I... understand." Slowly he tossed his sword to the ground. "Second Legion... lay down your weapons and stand down. this battle... is over."

The air was filled with the sounds of swords, shields, spears and more clattering to the ground as, slowly at first, the Second Legion began tossing down their weapons.

"General, what are you doing?" Meyer hissed. "We can crush them! We believe in you!"

"I know," Conrad nodded. "But we had our shot... and we lost."

Raising his sword, Sieg stepped forwards. "Conrad Kolvest, under charges of treason, sedition, and rebellion, I, Sieg Kolvest, hereby place you under arrest."

Meyer's eyes bulged, "General! Please!"

"Franz... it's over."

Meyer's mouth moved, but no words came out. He looked down at his sword for a moment, before letting it fall from his fingers.

"I'm sorry, General." Meyer whispered, dropping to his knees. "We failed you."

A loud clatter behind him drew Conrad's attention. As he turned around, Sieg rushed forward and pulled his father into a hug, shi sword lying forgotten behind him.

"I love you father." Sieg whispered, holding his father tightly.

"Conrad returned the embrace. "I love you too, my son."

As Kent stepped forward he bowed his head. "Thank you, Conrad."

"Please see to it that my men do not suffer for my foolishness." Conrad replied, releasing his grip on his son and saluting Kent. "I alone am responsible."

"I'll do all I can. Your actions here should-"

As Kent spoke, Colonel Meyer leapt to his feet, dagger in hand.

"Never surrender!" He shrieked, lunging at Kent.

There was a flurry of movement, a flash of silver and Meyer stumbled back. A deep slash ran from Meyer's shoulder to his waist, Marien standing before him with Tahl's sword. With a wheezing gasp, Meyer collapsed.

"Are you alright?" She demanded, looking back at Kent. Her blood froze and her eyes went wide as she saw Sieg standing in front of Kent, his arms spread wide. Sticking out of his chest was the handle of Meyers dagger, a large red stain growing quickly on his shirt.

Kent blinked in surprise, "Sieg? Sieg?!"

With a single cough, Sieg stumbled forward, reaching out a hand towards Marien, before collapsing to the ground.

"Sieg!"

"Son!"

"SIEG!"

End of Part 28

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