Chapter 5. Fomorians. Part 3.
As armies trudged through Ash Valley’s unforgiving expanse, Adamus could sense growing unrest amongst gathered forces here. The lack of water weighed heavy upon weary soldiers, both human and demon straining under relentless march without respite.
The mercenary leader scanned horizon ahead, searching for any sign of relief amidst barren wastes stretching far beyond limits of his sight. Suddenly, inspiration struck him like bolt of lightning, tearing through dark skies above.
– Lilith, – he called out, voice carrying above murmurs of concern, already rising through ranks of Hawk band, while they were awaiting orders to march onwards, into unknown lands awaiting just beyond horizon: – I have an idea that may help us find water source, we so desperately need, – skull-masked mage turned towards him questioningly, listening attentively as Adamus continued: – Your men are skilled at navigating this harsh terrain. Perhaps together our scouts could locate spring, hidden amongst these blasted hillsides.
Lilith nodded slowly, considering words spoken by Hawk’s leader.
– As you wish, But I have never visited Ash valley before. Neither have my men.
– I have, – shrugged Adamus: – Gather your men. I will accompany you, alongside my scouts.
Lilith nodded and soon dozen figures left the main force and went to scout surrounding lands. As they climbed the jagged hillsides looming above head, amidst ashes blowing on winds, Lilith noticed strange patterns etched upon weathered rock faces surrounding them.
– Look, – she called out, pointing towards intricate designs, carved long ago by hands forgotten in ages past: – These markings may be clues, left behind by ancestors, who once traversed this land.
Adamus moved closer, inspecting symbols more carefully, his eyes narrowing as if seeing something that Lilith did not.
– Indeed, – he said slowly, voice heavy with awe reverence alike: – I have seen such writings deep within dungeons, where relics lost to ages lie waiting discovery.
Mercenary leader turned towards gathered companions, awaiting his orders.
– We must decipher meaning behind these ancient symbols, perhaps they hold key of unlocking secrets that Ash Valley keeps so closely guarded, against all who dare tread upon its grounds.
Adamus studied the ancient markings, piecing together their meaning with growing excitement. He turned to Lilith and the other scouts gathered around.
– I think these symbols point to a hidden spring up in those mountains, – he said, gesturing towards the jagged peaks looming on the horizon: – It looks like there’s a pass we can use to reach it, but we’ll need to be careful of any enemies lying in wait.
The mercenary leader set off with purposeful strides, leading their small group higher into Ash Valley’s unforgiving terrain. The air grew thin and cold as they climbed, forcing everyone to pace themselves.
After hours of treacherous hiking over rocky slopes, Adamus called for a brief rest. They huddled together amidst the craggy outcroppings, while he studied his surroundings closely.
– There, – he declared suddenly, pointing towards a narrow crevice barely visible in the fading light: – That’s the way up to the pass. We’ll have to go single file and watch our footing – one wrong step could mean disaster at these heights.
With renewed determination, Adamus led them onwards into the heart of Ash Valley. The path grew steeper with each passing moment, as they ascended higher still towards promise of water awaiting beyond next ridge.
Adamus looked from beyond a rock, and signaled to them to keep low.
– There is a small pond, but it is guarded. Pack of hellhounds. We will need to get past them, to get to the water.
– What’s a hellhound? – asked Lilith.
– They are fire breathing mastiffs, bigger than dire wolves and fast as hell. Can tear apart a tiger within minutes.
Adamus looked out once more. Massive beasts paced back and forth around their territory – muscles rippling beneath mottled fur, with each step.
– We’ll need to take them out if we want that water, – he said quietly, already formulating a plan: – But rushing in headfirst, will only get us torn apart.
The mercenary leader gestured towards Lilith’s men.
– You there, grab some stones – anything you can use for distraction. We’re gonna need to draw those bastards away from the pond, before making our move.
As everyone readied themselves according to Adamus’ instructions, he unsheathed his sword with a whisper of steel against leather sheath.
– Keep sharp, – he warned grimly, meeting each gaze in turn: – One wrong move and we’re hound chow.
With that, Adamus led their small party forward, cautiously towards awaiting pack lying in wait, just beyond next ridge, where pond sparkled invitingly. His stomach rumbled and he smiled to himself. “Water first, then food,” reminded himself Adamus.
As the scouts crept closer to the pond, Adamus gave a silent signal for his men to begin pelting rocks into the undergrowth. The clattering noise echoed through Ash Valley’s unforgiving embrace, drawing the hellhounds’ attention away from their prized water source.
The massive beasts snarled and howled as they charged towards the distractions, giving Adamus and Lilith’s group just enough time to make a dash for cover near pond’s edge. With swords drawn and eyes narrowed against swirling mists hanging heavy above head, gathered forces prepared their stand. Adamus leapt forward with preternatural speed and agility, his blade flashing like lightning amidst gloom – carving through hellhound’s thick hide before beast could even register threat.
All around him men roared battle cries, as they threw themselves into fray – blades clashing against fangs.
Lilith sighed and casted Slow. Hellhound movements slowed down and Adamus laughed. He glanced back to Lilith and nodded. He was hoping that this mysterious mage will knew what to do, and she passed his test.
Lilith casted another spell. This time it was Haste, which increased movements of all human mercenaries.
Adamus sword danced in the air cutting down Hellhounds, like puppies. Kragor roared battle cry and attacked closest Hellhound. Minotaur’s axe hit beast’s skull, but only cut through his skin and stunned the hound. Cian joined him, and his sword pierced hounds neck. As soon as tutha took out his sword, a stream of blood came out of the wound and hound fell on earth, dying from a mortal wound.
Thanks to Lilith’s spells Adamus men were able to move around Hellhounds, slowly weakening them, by inflicting wounds. Unlike their leader, they could not kill beasts with a single strike, but they could inflict wounds, which slowly weakened monsters and once they were weak enough, they could finish them off.
Lilith also joined the battle. Adamus glanced towards her. She was just as skilled with a sword as he. And from what he could tell, just as strong as he. Soon they disposed of huge mastiffs, and Adamus cleaned his sword against hounds fur.
– Good work. Anyone wounded?
Few men had some bite wounds, and one was burned by fire that hellhound breathed on him. Adamus used Cure spell and healed all wounded men.
– Fill all the water skins that you got, – ordered Adamus: – We will send our men here later, to fill all barrels which we got. The water will last us for at least few weeks. Good work everyone.
Adamus looked at the water. It would last them for a few weeks, but finding another source of water will be hard, and their supply was not unlimited.
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