The Wizard's Council by Cody J. Sherer Read Free Book Online Page A

was always eager to strike against those whom he saw as a threat to the peace and prosperity of his people.
    “We don’t think it wise to involve ourselves at this point. You can be sure to stand ready when we next receive news. If we act too soon, we may serve only to aggravate the problem. The Conclaves need to make the next move, not us,” Miriel spoke with a voice that solidified the knowledge in her response.
    “I am willing and ready to serve the Council.” Sev bowed low before turning to leave.
    *
                  The Dorensted guard lit the signal fire as soon as he saw the small pack of riders on the horizon. They were wearing full plate armor with the tabard of Galimdor draped over their breastplates. One of the lead knights flew the brown and turquoise Galimdor flag. The small town of Dorensted was just south of the Galimdor border, and they were the first line of defense against invasion from the north. Guards and soldiers ran to and from their positions as the alarm sounded. Captain Jerek was interrupted from his morning report by the sound of the alarm. He climbed to the top of the wooden walls as fast as his splinted left leg would allow him. The battle-hardened captain looked out at the approaching force. He estimated it to be at least three hundred strong, all on horses.
    “Soldiers at the ready! This could be their advance force. We need to be prepared in case they have a full army.” Jerek held up the truce flag to see what reply he would get.
                  The Galimdorians ignored the flag and continued to ride toward the town. Not far behind, a large troop of foot soldiers followed with siege engines. The archers scrambled up the walls as Jerek ordered them to ready their arrows for the charging knights. Captain Jerek knew that the makeshift wooden walls would hold back the knights only for so long. He grabbed a nearby crossbow and ordered the men to wait for his signal. The knights stopped just short of the range of the bowmen and waited for the siege engines.
    “Alert the c avalry, we need to take down those catapults!” Captain Jerek yelled as he dropped his crossbow and ran down the stairs of the rampart.
    “The c avalry is out on patrol, sir!” One of the soldiers yelled.
    “We need to save the people. I need two groups of volunteers, one group to attack them head on with me and another to guard the people while they retreat to the capital.” The Captain unsheathed his sword and held it high above his head as he spoke.
    “Thirty of us stand at the ready. It is all we can spare and still hold the fort while we evacuate the town,” Sergeant Davis said as he joined the Captain near the entrance to the town.
    “With me, lads! Today we fight for the lives of our countrymen! Today we make our families proud! Today we show the Galimdorians that we won’t go down without a fight!” A roar erupted from the Carmalian soldiers as they followed their captain into battle.
    The Galimdorian Knight-Commander, Kreagor, laughed when he saw the small group charging out of the castle toward his men. He unsheathed his sword and spurred his horse forward to intercept the charging troops. His knights quickly followed suit , and they were bearing down on the Carmalians within moments. Captain Jerek, slowed by his injured leg, attempted to dive to the side as Kreagor sliced at him with his sword. The blade cut through Jerek’s leather jerkin and left a small wound on his ribs. Davis bounded forward to Jerek’s side and unleashed an assault with his morning star. The blow took Kreagor in the gut and knocked him off his horse.
    Several Galimdorians rushed in to defend their Knight-Commander. Davis knocked two more of the knights off their horses before being hit in the left arm with an arrow. He dropped the morning star and fell to his knees as another arrow struck him in the chest. The Carmalians surged forward and broke the circle surrounding the Galimdorian Knight-Commander.