BATTLE FOR ASTOLAT

A CONFLICT OF THE HAUNTED CITY

I

The city of Astolat stood tall amongst its neighboring regions. Astolat is the city of Elaine and her father, Bernard. The city was ravaged by an army. An unseen army, who appeared from the air. The Astolat army combated the strange and ghostly force. The ghostly army overtook the soldiers, killing them within an instant. Bernard took Elaine and they both went into hiding. Having no other choice, but to escape the city as the ghostly army sacked their home and their leader appeared before them. Dressed in a dark violet cloak with his face rarely seen, although his eyes appeared to reveal themselves. The eyes looked dead, but there was another force living through them.

Residing at a secondary home, far into the wilderness, away from Astolat. Elaine writes a letter, detailing the event of Astolat’s invasion and sacking by the unknown force. Bernard entered the room, seeing her writing the letter. He’s intrigued.

“What are you up to, my daughter?”

“I’m sending word for help.”

“Help?”

“Yes. I know of some men who can aid us in taking back Astolat.”

“What kind of men are these that are capable of doing such a matter?”

“A set-apart kind.” Elaine said. “They know justice.”

She finished writing the letter. Walking outside toward the pigeon cage. Placing the letter, the bird flew in the air with Elaine watching. Bernard approached Elaine from the side, also seeing the pigeon flying away.

“Hope you’re right on this cause.”

The pigeon flew several miles, until it reached the city of Old Jerusalem. The city was the home base to the Warslingers of the Heptad. The pigeon reached the Temple of the Heptad. Sitting outside the temple was Joshua of Ephraim. The pigeon flew to him, landing in front of him. Joshua sees the rolled letter. He grabbed the letter and the pigeon flies off, returning to Elaine. Joshua entered the temple, seeing the other Warslingers.

“Brothers, this was just delivered to us.” Joshua said, handing them the letter.

Moses The Leader grabbed the letter. He opened it and read. The Warslingers stood around him, waiting for him to speak. Moses read the letter to himself and rolled it back up. Nodding, he turned to his brethren.

“It appears we have work to do. First, we make way for Old Camelot. Inform Knight Arthur Pendragon of these details. He must come along with us. For he is also our brother in this walk.”

“Moses.” Joshua said. “What did the letter inform?”

“It informed of some danger that has been committed. Now, it is our task to rid this malevolency from this place.”

The Warslingers make ready to travel to Old Camelot, leaving Old Jerusalem on horseback. In the matter of time, Elaine awaits an answer from the Warslingers as does her father, who worries for Astolat’s remains. Believing the ghostly army will turn their city into rubble and ashes.

Entering Old Camelot, Knight Arthur Pendragon was there at the gate to greet his brothers-in-arms. Standing by his sides were Maiden Guinevere and Knight Lancelot. Moses stepped from his horse and walked towards the king of Old Camelot. Extending arms, the two hugged.

“Wasn’t expecting to see you this soon.” Arthur said.

“Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t of importance.”

“What’s happened?”

“We can talk inside.”

“Of course.”

Walking inside the castle, they reached the Great Hall, where the Spherical Table sat. the Warslingers all sat at the table while Lancelot guarded the doors. Guinevere left their presence as they started to discuss their matters.

“Now, what’s taken place?”

“We’ve received a letter of distress from the land of Astolat. It appears something has been ongoing in the land for a while and under our sight.”

“Invasion from Old Egypt?”

“We won’t know until we reach Astolat. We came because we’ll need you with us.”

Arthur nodded.

“I’ll go along. Of course, being a Warslinger myself, it is my duty.”

“Believe me, I can see you have plenty to deal with. Ruling a kingdom and being a Warslinger. Only few souls can achieve both titles and become a master at them.”

“Speaking of such, how’s Old Jerusalem?”

“Peaceful. El is there with us. Always.”

Arthur nodded with a smile as they headed out of Old Camelot, traveling toward Astolat.

II

Making their entrance in Astolat, the common folk watched in awe and fear as the Warslingers came in on their horses. They made their presence known. Moses turned to Joshua, Daniel, Henrich, and Charlton as they settled their horses near the station.

“The four of you will remain here.” Moses commanded. “Keep this place guarded and the people safe.”

“Where are you heading?” Charlton asked.

“Myself, Noah, and Arthur will be speaking to King Bernard at their second estate. They refuse to return here until the task is done.”

Moses, Noah, and Arthur rode off, leaving the other four Warslingers to settle into the city. They looked toward one another before going separate ways throughout the city, finding a spot and keeping guard. Due to the lack of protection from the Astolatians.

“They carry no weapons.” Charlton observed.

“They leave the fighting to the soldiers.” Daniel replied. “They don’t join in on the battles.”

“But, we’re supposed to protect them?”

“I know it irks you, Darrain. But, just this once, don’t let it bother you.”

Far from Astolat, the three Warslingers arrived at the second estate.  Seeing two Astolat Knights keeping guard. They approached the door and it opened with Elaine standing in their presence. She ran out and hugged each of them with tears in her eyes. Relieved they received the letter and took the call. Bernard stepped foot outside, seeing the Warslingers. He nodded with great respect.

“It’s an honor to have you here, Moses.”

“We’ll do anything to rid your city of the malevolency which circles it. May we come in and discuss this?”

“Of course.”

They entered the home, sitting at the table near the kitchen. Elaine brought them some hot tea, due to the wintry weather occurring. Bernard sat with them while Elaine stood back.

“Tell us what’s been happening.”

“They appeared out of nowhere.” Bernard said. “They showed up and started ransacking the city. Killing some of the people.”

“What did they look like?” Arthur asked. “Were they possible adversaries to Old Camelot?”

“No. They didn’t seem to be from our world. Nor any of the Worlds.”

“You’re saying they possessed some mystical power?”

“They must have. To do the things they’ve done. Levitation, portal binding, teleportation. They had to have been very precise in their arts.”

Moses nodded. He looked over to Noah, who also nodded.

‘This sounds eerily familiar.”

“Do tell.” Arthur noted.

“Myself and Noah in the early days dealt with a small army which did such feats. This was when the Heptad was yet to be formed and the Warslingers were few in number. This was during the early stages of the Eastern World War. Those who didn’t possess weapons of any kind chose magic as their arsenal. Some we trusted, turned on us, doing the same as Bernard spoke.”

“So, will you help us in taking back our city?” Bernard asked.

“I must ask.” Noah said. “We just came from your city and only the people are present. No signs of any threats.”

“You mean they left?”

“Did they leave after the ambush?”

“Me and Elaine left before we could tell.”

Moses stood up from the table. Noah and Arthur followed his movement. A Warslinger custom. Elaine walked to the table and Bernard stood up.

“We will aid you in finding the source of this mystic power. Once it is done, you may return to your city.”

“Thank you.” Elaine said.

“We’re just doing what we must.”

The Warslingers exited the home with Bernard behind them. As they sat atop their horses, Bernard approached them.

“You can stay here for the night. We have plenty of room.”

“Much thanks is obliged.” Moses said. “However, it is best we return to Astolat. To keep guard. We already have four Warslingers present. I will return to you once the job is done.”

“I wish you the best.” Elaine said.

“Take care of yourselves.” Arthur said.

The Warslingers rode off.

Later in Astolat, the four Warslingers have received accommodations in the castle chambers. One to each of them. Henrich sat in his chamber, counting the hours. A knock came from the door, catching the young Warslinger’s attention.

“Door’s open.” Henrich said.

The door opened and Charlton entered. He shut the door behind him and approached Henrich, sitting across from him at the table.

“What is it?” Henrich asked.

“You know me. You know how this all goes. What do you think’s happening here?”

“Some magic wielders probably causing a ruckus. We’ve dealt with such before.”

“Indeed.” Charlton nodded. “But, have you ever considered the cost of us doing the work of another? I mean, this King Bernard has knights of his own. Why are we here doing their bidding?”

“I’m not getting what you’re speaking.”

Charlton sighed.

“We’re supposed to protect the ones from evil. Those who can’t protect themselves.”

“Yes.”

“This city already has protection in the form of these knights. We’re not needed here. For all El knows, we could be needed in Old Egypt or Old Rome.”

“I get your point.”

“Do you? Because from what I’ve seen today, you’ve been blindly obeying every command given.”

“I’m not in authority, Charlton.” Henrich proclaimed. “Neither are you. We all have our place in the Heptad. In El.”

“Yes, we do.” Charlton nodded in agreement.

He stood up and walked toward the door. Henrich watched him.

“Just remember.” Charlton said. “Think about why we’re here and not elsewhere. They’re something going on and we need to be careful.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Henrich replied.

Charlton left the room and Henrich laid down on the bed, falling asleep.

Later in the night, Moses, Noah, and Arthur returned to the city and entered their own chambers. All the Warslingers were asleep for the night.

III

The following morning, the Warslingers gathered the Astolatian Knights to the court of the castle. Moses sat before them, giving them instructions on how to prepare for the returning army and the attacks in which will be operated. As Moses continued giving the instructions, a fellow soldier bolted through the doors, his face showing minor scars compared to his damaged armor.

“They’re back!” The soldier yelled before falling on the floor.

The soldiers all stood up and ran outside. Moses and the Warslingers held back as the remaining soldiers left the room. Joshua took a step forward, yet stopped by Moses.

“We need to help them.”

“And we will.” Moses said. “Give it a second.”

“A second?”

“This army doesn’t know of our presence. Therefore, we have the alterative surprise.”

Moses turned to the other Warslingers and nodded.

“You know what to do. Go now.”

The Warslingers went their ways outside the castle. Moses walked on and Joshua followed him. Eventually heading outside to see the battle in front of the city and on the castle grounds. They saw the army clearly. Dark armor, scaly and sharp. Their faces covered by their burnt helmets. Moses recognized such a garment.

“This isn’t new.” Moses said.

“What do you mean, my Leader?” Joshua asked.

“I know who’s leading them. And he’s close.”

The Warslingers appeared from their corners around the castle, catching the army off guard. Henrich and Charlton used their arkshooters, firing rounds in the heads and chests of the mystical soldiers. The rounds from the shooters piercing through their armor like a nail through a leaf. Daniel, Noah, and Arthur swiping through the battlefield. Arthur wielding Excalibur while Daniel held the Faithsword and Noah carried the Arkaxe. The army was quickly being defeated with the Astolat knights cheering on the skills and fighting styles of the Heptad. Through their cheering, Moses and Joshua stepped out into the field as Henrich fired another round at the mystic soldier. The battleground set still with only the cheers of the Astolat knights. The Warslingers came over, standing next to their leader.

“This is not over.” Moses uttered.

“Then, where is their leader?” Charlton asked.

“Right there.” Henrich said, pointing toward the east, near the entry point of the castle grounds.

Standing before them was indeed a man, covered in scaly armor. Appeared burned, but with a violet and reddish hue. His face was with a helmet, giving him the appearance of having six eyes with a hood and cloak. The Astolat knights attempted to rush him, however, he raised his arms, lifting them off the ground and tossing them across the grounds of Astolat. He was strong in the mystic arts. Moses stepped forward.

“I know him.”

“You do?” Arthur said. “How?”

“Because, he was once one of us.”

“Mosheh.” The figure spoke. “We have met once more.”

“Yes, we have, Azotus Vorr.”

IV

Moses and Azotus stood facing each other. Moses held his staff tightly as the sapphire began to glow.

“It has been some time.” Azotus said.

“Not long enough.” Moses replied. “You’re the leader of this army.”

“I am. They came to me after our last encounter.”

“Those who sided with you became endowed with mystical abilities?”

“As did I.”

Azotus held his arm out and from the thin air appeared a staff. Similar to Moses’ own, yet darker, burnt, and glowing wih a violet and reddish hue of energy. The staff was endowed with the same mystical power as Azotus.

“Why don’t we settle this like warriors.” Azotus said.

“So be it.”

The two staves collided, giving off a shockwave of energy. From there, the Warslingers aided the remaining Astolat knights against Azotus’ army. The entire area of Astolat was now a battleground with Moses and Azotus standing in the middle, staves colliding and blasting energy. Henrich and Charlton stayed together, firing rounds toward the soldiers.

“What about Moses?” Charlton asked.

“He can take care of himself.” Henrich replied. “We need to deal with these soldiers.”

The Warslingers take the fight to the soldiers, wiping them out with some of the Astolat knights finishing them off. Moses and Azotus continued their bout, with Moses swiping the staff against Azotus’ chest, knocking him across the field. Azotus arose and slammed the ground with his staff, causing a minor tremor. Stumbling Moses.

“Never did like the ground quake.” Azotus said.

Azotus rushed toward Moses with staff in hand. In came closer, yet, Moses turned to him with the sapphire staff facing him. Once Azotus was in touching distance, the staff emitted a bright flash of light. The light pushed Azotus from Moses and in doing so, the soldiers of Vorr vanished due to the light.

“What kind of power is this?” Azotus questioned.

“The power you walked away from.” Moses replied. “Now, go and never return.”

Azotus took steps forward, trying to breach the light’s power. But he could not, for the light was far stronger than the mystic power he possessed. The light did come from the staff, but its source was not in the staff nor was it the staff itself. Azotus knew this and vanished before their eyes. The Warslingers looked around and the knights appeared with them. The battle was over. Astolat had won.

Some days later, Bernard and Elaine returned to Astolat and started the reconstruction of the city. Bernard had thanked Moses and the Warslingers for their aid and effort. However, Moses did inform Bernard Azotus would not be returning to his city anymore, but he will return one day to exact payment on the lost battle. Bernard understood the Warslinger’s words and chose to assist the Heptad against Vorr once the time arises. Elaine hugged Moses and thanked the Warslingers for their help. They had left the city, returning to Old Jerusalem.

On the path back, Arthur turned to Moses, thinking of Vorr and the battle. He knew the answer to his question and Moses knew it as well.

“Was he who I think he was?” Arthur said.

“He was.” Moses replied. “A man once one of us. A Warslinger gone to the malevolency.”