Chapter 63 - The Battle For Chateau Meso Part 1 (1/2)

Ben finally opened his eyes as the light from the explosion started to fade. The sky above was filled with streaks and waves of golden magic where small speckles glistened like the northern lights. His chest thumped like a machine gun, and his muscles ached with unbearable pain. It took a few moments for him to muster the strength to stumble to his feet. Glancing around, he noticed the others were also in the same flabbergasted state.

Alfred patted Ben on the back. “That wasn’t bad for a plan you devised on the spot. Looks like it did the job and saved everyone’s hide.”

Ben scratched his head. “Hey, be careful, mate. My back still hurts from that magic overload. Honestly, these last-minute plans are becoming the norm with me these days.”

Le’Vieux scoffed. “The battles for Robynhill may be over, but the danger at the Chateau remains. Hauxwell, over there, looks like he’s seen better days, so let’s focus on getting him back to good health before anything else.”

Hauxwell was lying on the ground, making small, slow movements and croakily breathing. Upon close inspection, it was revealed he was still conscious.

“Are you alright there?” Le’Vieux asked, kneeling beside his old friend.

Hauxwell groaned a scoff before struggling to clear his throat of whatever phlegm had gathered there. After a few weak coughs, he gave a broken reply. “Barely hanging on here, skipper. My entire body feels like it fell off a cliff and rolled through endless thorns. I don't think I’ll be able to move like this.”

Le’Vieux nodded with a grin. “Guess what? It’s your lucky day. And you know what I’m known for.” He removed a couple of health potions from his inventory and used his teeth to remove the corks. Slowly, he poured them down Hauxwell’s throat.

It had taken some time for the potions to do their thing, and before long, Hauxwell was back to his feet. His back was bent, stumbling over with each step, and he walked like a dog with three legs. “it’ll take more than a couple of potions to recover from that one.”

Le’Vieux was glancing at the sky. “You’re in even more luck then. All of us are in a bit of a state from all this, so I will order everyone to return to Robynhill and rest tonight. It’ll give us a chance to rest, recover, and prepare for the upcoming battle for the Chateau.”

It was safe to say everyone agreed with that before they returned to Robynhill.

Most of the evening had been spent mostly sleeping and restoring their energy levels. Ben had taken some time to regenerate, which felt harder and took longer due to the strain he had suffered boosting Hauxwell. Finally, he repaired and refueled his van before hitting the sack.

***

Ben was abruptly awoken before the first light and was ordered to make way for the command tent.

Once there, Ben noticed the others of high rank were present, and Le’Vieux patiently waited for the stragglers to arrive.

Le’Vieux glanced around, ensuring all were present before clearing his throat and speaking. “Last night, Quicksilver sent a few of his warriors on a scouting quest to the Chateau. While under the cover of darkness and camouflage, using their fairy magic, they gathered some details about what we would face today.” He then motioned to the fairy commander.

Quicksilver stepped forward. “Most of the enemy were defeated at this fortification. However, they kept a few of their forces back to protect the castle. Those forces no longer resemble humans as the infection in their bodies has evolved to take a new, much stronger force to protect their master, who is getting larger and consumes more energy.”

“Did you’re scouts manage to figure out how strong those creatures are while they were there?” Le’Vieux asked.

“Stronger than the infected knights but weaker than the crazy one your man Hauxwell fought on the main road. The big one’s power is overwhelming and difficult to overcome.” Quicksilver explained.

Le’Vieux nodded. “We appreciate the bravery of your warriors. Will you and your people join us in the Chateau battle? This battle will be hard; we could do it with all the available hands.”

Quicksilver put his hand to his chest and bowed. “These monstrosities have reined terror upon my people and subjected them to an almost near miss with extinction. For the good of all living peoples of Great Malle, myself and my warriors are at your command.”

“Once this is over, you have my word that compared to the past, relations between our two peoples will be in a more positive light,” Le’Vieux explained before glancing around the others. “This is the final battle against the enemy here in Meso. If we take the Chateau, we will win. I want the soldiers to stay here and keep this village guarded. All knights and mages must prepare themselves and form into elite battle formations within the hour. Quicksilver will lead his warriors the way he sees fit. The siege of Chateau Meso will begin shortly. Is that understood?”

There were no disagreements, and everyone nodded before things got hectic in the camp. Within the hour, Le’Vieux was mounted upon his horse at the front, with Ben sitting in the driver's seat nearby. Behind him were the other commanders and knights of high rank, Alfred, Hauxwell, and Jerry included. The fairies were all airborne, with Quicksilver leading them.

Le’Vieux pointed his sword at the gate, “Raise it! Knights of the Hollow Moon, Elite warriors of the fairy clans, advance!”

Note from author

Hey everyone, Thanks for reading and supporting the story. You're the best :) Please note that I will post the second half of this chapter tomorrow and will be taking a day off from posting on Saturday. I'm trying not to rush the ending of the story to maintain quality.

For members who are paying for advanced chapters please don't pay for another month as Book 1 will be finished in a couple of weeks before I take a break. Instead use the link below to claim a free month for tier 1.

Thanks,

Ali'Creed :)

https://www.patreon.com/AliCreed/redeem/B3551