Warrior Priest of Dmon-Li - Brian Pratt [140]
“Just wait,” says Jiron with a smile, “and watch.”
The squad leader looks to James as he closes his eyes. A cry erupts back at the bridge, he turns his attention to the river and sees that the attackers have reached this side and more are pouring across the bridge.
The defenders are being mowed down by the bolts sailing through the air and the swords of the men. What’s left of the order and discipline the defenders had is now gone as they turn and begin to flee the battlefield.
Crumph!
Suddenly, the bridge explodes. A mass of men and stones sail through the air before landing among the soldiers on both sides.
The fighting halts momentarily as both sides stare in startled shock at what remains of the bridge. Then, the defenders who had been in a complete, panicked rout, erupt in a cheer as they see the enemy’s route cut off. The once routed defenders turn on the enemy who’d made it to this side of the river and begin attacking them with renewed determination.
Jiron looks to James and is glad to see him not slumping over or passing out as he usually does after such a display.
The squad next to them stares at James in awe and Jiron can hear “A mage!” being whispered among them.
Eyes still closed, James again concentrates…
Crumph! Crumph! Crumph!
…three consecutive explosions on the other side of the river rip through the ranks of crossbowmen as their deadly hail of bolts comes to a stop.
This time, he does begin to slump over. The past days of hard riding and little sleep is really taking its toll.
Calls to fall back can be heard from the other side of the river and the defending army begins to move back. An officer rides over to Jiron and the others, the squad leader salutes as he approaches. “What the hell happened?” the officer asks.
The squad leader points to James who’s sitting crooked in the saddle and replies, “He just showed up sir, and well, he blew up the bridge. He’s a mage!”
“A mage? And he just happened by when we needed one the most?” the officer asks.
“Yes sir,” the squad leader replies.
Another rider comes up and salutes the officer as he reports, “The enemy is falling back, sir. They’re regrouping west of the river and aren’t showing any signs of leaving.”
“Pull our men away from the river and have them rest,” he tells him. “With the bridge gone, there’s no reason for all the men to stay here. Have half go to Colton to aid in the evacuation, I’ll stay here with the rest and keep an eye on our friends over there.”
“Yes, sir,” the rider says as he salutes and turns back to the men as he carries out his commander’s orders.
“You might want to keep all your men here, sir,” Fifer says to him.
“Why?” replies the commander as he turns to him. “And just who are you?”
“Fifer sir, with Miller’s band,” he explains.
“Miller you say?” he says, thinking.
“Yes sir. We were with the alliance forces near Lythylla when Lord Pytherian had been taken,” he adds.
Understanding suddenly dawns on him and he states, “So, you are those guys.”
“Sir?” asks Fifer.
“Aren’t you the ones who helped Lord Pytherian to escape from the enemy?” he asks.
“Well, yes sir,” he replies.
“He said you might be coming through the lines,” he replies. “Also said to aid you in any way I could.” Breaking into a laugh, he says, “Though it seems it turned out the other way around.”
“Sir,” a man says from behind him.
Turning around, he says, “Yes?”
“All the wounded have been loaded onto wagons and are making for Colton,” the soldier explains.
“Good,” replies the commander. “Send an escort with them.”
Saluting, the man turns and begins to arrange for the escort.
“Now, why should I keep the men here?” he asks.
“To the south a force is coming around the forest, where Captain Alerin is defending,” Fifer explains. “He is currently harassing them, delaying their march. But they should be here soon.”
Nodding, he signals another soldier who comes over. “Send a rider to Captain Alerin, tell him the bridge has been taken out and the enemy will likely be coming his way. May be unable to send reinforcements,