Main Alliance Base South

Situated between two rocky ridges, the expanding metropolis spilled through the tiny opening, essentially separating the city into two. On the surface, it was just a secluded colony on the boarders of lycanthropes and werewolves. Underneath, it was the mainstay of the El Nath resistance. Usually the inhabitants would be doing miscellaneous duties, just like any other thriving population. Usually there would be nothing to arouse suspicion. Then again, usually there would not be a large detachment of Dark Apostles laying siege to the city.

Fourth Avenue – Main Alliance Base

A flaming arrow streaked overhead. Indistinct voiced wafted through the smoke filled air, shouts of orders and desperation. Rune scuttled through the smouldering remains of a house and dropped next to Chemdiya. The veteran sniper glanced at him momentarily before returning her attention to the streets, Gold Raven raised. Rune slid an arrow into his crossbow, panting audibly.
“Elijah’s holding the market street but west entrance has fallen.” Reported Chemdiya, squinting through the smoke. Rune sighed and huddled closer to the foundation remains. Figures swirled ominously through the haze and Rune tightened his grip on his Marine Raven. Two pages were trying – and failing – to sneak around the resistance’s flank. With twin cracks, Rune and Chemdiya fired, dropping the surprised pages.

Market Street – Main Alliance Base

Nazeera cringed as she huddled over the convulsing bowman, blood pooling at her knees. The junior cleric was surrounded by resistance members and the bodies of her friends. Splinters of masonry shower her as something heavy impacted the roof above her. Paki placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Concentrate, calm down.” He instructed, flexing his hands on his composite bow, his eyes bloodshot. Nazeera relaxed her mind and levelled her hands over the shuddering body and whispered. A glow emanated from her palms and seeped into the wounds, sealing them. Ladan stopped twitching and his eyes focused on the cleric, smiling his thanks. The ground shook again as something buried itself into the earth.

Crossroads on Eighth – Main Alliance Base

Alexia rolled back as a massive tobi skirted past his head. Jenkins loosed an arrow from his composite bow before ducking to reload. With a cry, Cyrus staggered back into the wall, involuntarily dropping his Vaulter 2000. Scrambling on the debris, Alexia reached the stricken hunter, whom was struggling to prop himself up. There was a steely lodged in shoulder plus one more in his arm. Grimacing, Cyrus took off his quiver, the arrows broken from the impact. Suddenly, a crossbowman leapt over the barricade but was brilliantly brought down by Jenkins. Alexia scowled, as he rummaged in his satchel for a pain reliever. This was going to be a long day.

West Gate – Dark Apostle Base

Shrouded in darkness, she glided through the base camp of the Dark Apostles, the piercing cries of artillery and orders coming from every direction. The red livery of the Dark Apostles dotted the ridges surrounding the city, a ring of red smothering a block of grey. These fickle matters were of no concern to her. She managed what one might consider a smile though there was nothing cheerful in it. She was a void in the land of the living, a abyss in the emotional world, a hole in humanity. Folding away her Dragon Kris, she released herself from the shadows and entered the commander’s briefing tent.

Central Courtyard – Main Alliance Base

Laelius winced as a shard of marble sliced his cheek. The courtyard had become a battleground in the first few minutes, testament by all the bodies littered around, blood mixing with water. The peasant waited breathlessly as he heard footsteps approaching, no doubt to confirm its kill. Judging it correctly, Laelius swung his chief axe, blood spray flying up like the fountain itself. A kumbi cut through the air, embedding itself in a warrior. Laelius charged forward, screaming. Screaming for his friends, for his wife, for his family, for El Nath. Ducking a swing he cleaved a spearman in half, using his momentum to dodge an oncoming bandit. Geir stumbled past besides him, tears running down his face as he thrust out with his bamboo spear, the peasant’s wounds crying with him.

Fourth Avenue – Main Alliance Base

Like wraiths, the warriors emerged from the smoke, arms raised and determined. Chemdiya placed an arrow in the forehead of one as Rune struck another in the chest. Behind the two resistance members, Ladan appeared, his face still pale from his injuries. There were others with him and they merged parallel to Rune’s position.
“Three from the west, group of mages to the east!” Chemdiya roared, bringing down another warrior. Archers materialized from the left and took cover as Rune blindly fired in their direction. A few bowmen in Ladan’s location started firing volleys, pinning the hostiles down. There was a scream from above and Rune raised his head to witness a massive meteor part the clouds, like divine judgement from the heavens. Chemdiya watched in awe and fear as it thundered down, impacting into a house several streets away, the concussion knocking her over.

Commander’s Briefing Tent – Dark Apostle Base

Falon frowned slightly, tapping the data slate on the table. His advisors stood obediently around him. Reviewing the slate again, he sighed and glanced reproachfully at the people around him. On the data slate showed the positions of the combatants and the advisors knew that they were not advancing far enough, that they were behind schedule.
“Why is progress so slow?” The dragon knight mused, pushing the slate to the centre of the table.
“The resistance is more determined than we thought.” One advisor answered hesitantly. Falon sighed again before raising his mythril husk clad hand.
“Then we must fight harder, double the offensive, commit all reserves now!” He ordered, the advisors bowing respectfully.

As they all exited the tent, the figure step out from behind the pole arm cabinet, her ludibrium cape swirling noiselessly as she did so. Brushing a strand of amber hair to the side of her face he expression was blank. But on the inside, her mind was working in overdrive. With a hint of distaste, she fitted her Dragon Purple Sleve and with dark sight, headed towards the smothered city.

__________________________________________________
Last of the Shadow Foxes: 17 Illusionist
Last of the Shadow Foxes: 15 Affliction