“He should have been here by now. I don’t like waiting.” The king let out a heavy sigh and clenched his teeth. His dark eyes focused into the trees, hoping to catch any sign of movement. Wild Elves are masters of stealth within the forests, and he wondered if he was already being watched.
From behind, he heard a horse approaching. He turned his head to see Mi’tal coming up from the rear of his company. The young, black-haired man hurried past the soldiers and went straight to the king.
“Majesty,” he said, “Aelryk and his men are in position and are awaiting your lead.”
“Finally,” the king said. He raised an arm and motioned his troops to follow. Drawing their weapons, they charged into the thick forest. The Silver Birch Clan was about to experience the king’s wrath.
As they entered the village, they showed no signs of slowing. The surprised elves were sent fleeing in all directions. Many were trampled by the horses and several others were cut down as they ran. Women and children were not spared, nor were elderly clansmen who could not possibly offer a fight. The warriors rushed to their huts to retrieve their weapons. They had been given no sign their village would be attacked, and they had not been prepared for battle.
Mages at the rear of the company began firing off spells. Most of them cast fireballs at the huts, while others fired energy blasts to knock the fleeing elves off balance. Those who managed to get to a weapon were quickly dispatched by the energy blasts, dropping their weapons as they fell. The elves who did not find their feet quickly were trampled by the horses as they charged. Within minutes, the first village lay in ruins.
Domren’s troops rode on toward the second village. It was larger, but with Aelryk’s company charging from the opposite end, there was little chance of encountering any significant resistance. The elves had been alerted by the cries coming from the neighboring village, but that had also signaled Aelryk to begin the attack. He was young and had little experience in battle, but he was obedient and very capable of following the orders his father had given him.
Arrows whizzed from the highest branches, shot by the few elves who had managed to make it to the trees. Their swordswomen dodged the horses as they charged past at full speed. Foot soldiers were no match for mounted cavalry. Many of them began to run into the woods as well. Domren smiled to himself to see the bravest among the elves fleeing. He hoped to continue the attacks until every Wild Elf was driven to the far side of the Blue River or killed. He did not care whether they had to be annihilated or left willingly. His mission was to expand his kingdom, and the elves were in his way.
The mages began setting fire to the huts in this village as well. They tossed their fireballs casually and sipped at their potions as if they hadn’t a care in the world. Human mages do not regenerate their power naturally. Instead, they rely on a steady supply of potions to continue being useful in combat. The mages enjoyed testing their prowess in battle, as they normally sat around discussing magical theory and practicing little tricks to amuse the nobles. Today, they were proving their worth to their king, and they were making it look like child’s play.
Once the second village lay in ruins, Aelryk came riding up to his father. The two men were similar in appearance, both with dark hair and eyes. Aelryk, however, stood half a foot taller and had a far more pleasing countenance than his father.
“Good morning, Father,” he said. “It seems everything has gone to plan.”
“It has,” Domren replied. “You have done well for your first true battle. Gather your men and we’ll head back to the palace.”
Aelryk did as he was commanded, and the company set off eastward, leaving the smoking villages behind them. Mi’tal rode next to Aelryk at the front of the company. Before his death, Mi’tal’s father had been charged with the personal safety of King Domren. Mi’tal had taken it upon himself to act as a protector for the young prince. He could be impulsive at times, and Mi’tal had always been there to pull the prince back in his anger. Usually it was just a petty argument over some minor insult. Today, however, marked a new chapter in the prince’s future. He would be riding into battle regularly, and Mi’tal planned to be there to protect him, even if it cost him his life.
“Well done today, my lord,” Mi’tal said, his brown eyes sincere.
Aelryk nodded. “Father had everything set up very well. I would have been an idiot to mess it up. Nonetheless, I thank you for the compliment.” Aelryk grinned at his friend, and the two of them laughed.
“Soon you will be planning your own strategies,” Mi’tal commented. “You will make a fine war leader. Your men love you, and they will fight for you no matter the cost.”