Steven Burke - The Fallen Guardian

As Kana flew toward the southern edge of the Black Forest, she could see a massive group of orcs below her. They were bustling about, making preparations for their impending assault on their woodland neighbors. She could feel the hate and animosity growing within the ranks as they prepared for their attack. They would be her most faithful servants; she did not doubt this. As she continued to fly toward her quarry, the shadow that her winged beast cast grew larger as they descended. She was now riding an enormous dragon with fiery-red eyes and black-as-night scales that appeared to be tougher than the finest plated armor. The beast glimmered oddly in the first rays of morning, which put fear into the hearts of the soldiers as they caught sight of it. As the guardian looked down again at her minions, she could see that they were ready to move out. She smiled savagely at the sight and yearned to begin the first open battle on Tuwa since the days of the Eldar.

She knew that this day would mark the end of the elves reign in the land. She guided her beast toward an opening at the head of the armies and landed with a commanding thud. She quickly dismounted the black dragon that had carefully tucked its wings against his body and sat there like an obedient pet. Kana called the five generals of the different armies to come forward. She needed to divide up the army and then devise a strategy for the attacks they would make on the elves and the dwarves who lived in Mount Adem. The orcs knew nothing of this plan to divide the armies, but they would trust her reasoning once they had heard it. General Akuji Tadok KK arrived first and stood silently as they waited for the others to show up. Generals Maurizio GDang, Nero Oggoamak, Synan Thrudak, and Tomo Bruguk Tak appeared from the crowd of orcs at the same time. Kana motioned for them to follow her to one side of the dragon so that they could speak in private.

Generals, thank you for preparing your armies so quickly and thoroughly. It appears that you are ready to go, so let us get our plans in order without further delay. We will implement our designs right after we are done here, she explained intently to the mute generals. Anyone who knew an orc general would have known that this stony silence was unheard of. They had a healthy respect for the witchs powers and knew that she would provide them with an opportunity to exact their revenge on their immortal enemies.

We are ready, replied General Akuji with a slight nod. The other four generals bowed slightly to indicate they were ready to listen. This was exactly what she was hoping for.

General Tadok KK and General GDang, you will lead your armies to lay siege to King Kasim in his red mountain, began Kana. They will do what I want, or I will make examples of these two!

What? Why are we attacking those stunted hole dwellers? I thought we were going to wipe out the elves? asked General GDang incredulously.

Because, my good general, we need to capture the entire southland for a reason that will become apparent as we continue our discussion. As we speak, the goblins and rock trolls are attacking King Jarvis at Mount Carrick. If you attack the other southern dwarves, we would have control of the majority of the dwarven nations. King Edric will not leave his island fortress, so we will really have full control over one of the most powerful races. While you are securing the hole dwellers, the elves will be under attack by the remaining orc armies from the south while the high elves attack from the north. We would then have control over the two most troublesome races in Tuwa. Men will fall much easier than the rest. Remember, the high elves are laying siege already to the men of Nairi, so we would only have two kingdoms of men to contend with. By that time, we will have a combined army of high elves, orcs, goblins, rock trolls, and several creatures under my command. They will not be able to stand against us, Kana declared boldly.

Your explanation makes sense, General Tadok KK said with a look of disgust at General GDang.

Thank you, General Akuji. As I was saying, we will need to divide the armies and lay siege to the elves and dwarves so that they do not have time to unite against us, began the guardian. Generals Akuji and Maurizio, you will need to leave immediately to make your march on Mount Adem. Beware of dwarven traps, and be prepared for a long siege. Those bearded folk will dig in and try to outlast you. Be persistent and do not let any of them live. I leave the tactics of your assault to you two. I trust in your abilities and know that you will succeed.

We will rain down on them like fire from above! General Akuji said with a hurried bow. He and General Maurizio did an about-face and ran to their respective armies. Within minutes, their armies were marching in a southwestern course toward the red mountain.

Generals Nero, Synan, and Tomo, we will attack the elves within the hour. We need a much more strategic battle plan than what Akuji and Maurizio will use on the dwarves. We must try to use the cover of the trees to our advantage. Does anyone have a suggestion about how this could be accomplished? Kana asked coolly.

My witch, we could try setting ambushes using the trees as cover, offered Tomo.

We could do that, but they would probably hear us waiting for them. Those pointed-eared freaks can hear a fly breathing a mile away, countered Synan aggressively.

Burn it down! exclaimed General Nero. He had a look of great distain on his face as he said this.

Why should we burn it down, General? asked Kana patiently.

It would get the attention of those wicked elves and would rid us of the accursed Seda at the same time, Nero explained. He did not like to mince words and got to the point right away. Kana appreciated this in her lead general.

That is why you are my first in command, General Nero. We will burn the forest, and we will avoid the Seda altogether. They are too dangerous to trifle with and cannot be killed by any means you have at your disposal, Kana explained smoothly.

Wont the fire attract the Seda to our presence? asked General Tomo.

Not if we set the fire northeast of their home. They will think that the elves are trying to push them out of the forest, explained the Elemental.

How will we accomplish this? asked General Synan.

I will take care of the burning while you approach from your positions here. I will fly to where the Seda are purported to reside and set the fire. Then, I will head north over the elven capital, Tarisdell. I will try to get their attention and lead them to the high elves, which are waiting for the signal to attack. As soon as I leave here, you will begin your march into the forest. Take a northeastern approach so that the size of your armies remains hidden for the time being. When you reach the capital city, you should find the elves in disarray. They should be relatively easy to capture at that point. Be careful. They do possess formidable magic and could fight against us with great efficiency if you are not cautious. Surprise will be your greatest weapon, Kana said pointedly.

How exactly should we conceal our approach? Surely our massive armies will not be able to hide from their farseeing eyes, said Tomo doubtfully.

I will cause the winds to move a mist into your path making it impossible to see. I will have my bats accompany you with instructions to guide you to where the elven outposts are positioned. You can take out the sentry units before they could report back to the king that you are coming, explained the guardian.

How big is the army of the elves? asked General Nero.