"Defenders of the Realm Chapter 3" by Derek ´Wiseman´ Bangay

The sounds of the ongoing battle rang in their ears as Miles and Felix sprinted behind the lines. Finding what he was looking for, Miles pulled to a stop behind a larger group of his fellow soldiers. Recognizing one of them as Billy, a new recruit who had trained with him, Miles started towards him. Pulling him back from the line, Miles spoke swiftly to the wide-eyed recruit. “Billy listen carefully. The right flank has been overrun and we need as many troops as we can spare to push them back.” Nodding Billy hurried back to his troupe and spoke to a few troops that had formed a second line. Looking back at him, Miles waved his sword at the troops Billy had spoken to and continued up the line of troops.

            Further along Felix had found a handful of extra troops to join them. So the two of them continued pulling away whatever troops weren’t necessary, eventually forming a full troupe to support the flank. Led by Miles and Felix the twenty soldiers approached their destination, the end of the line. As Miles neared he was awestruck at the mass numbers that had assembled here. The trolls had a troupe surrounded entirely and were closing in as the support troupe arrived.

            Without slowing Miles raised his sword, letting out a cry, and led the rag-tag troupe into the backs of the trolls. Miles could see Felix off his left side as they sliced their way through the enemy. Within a few moments they reached the newly free troupe, a wave of death in their path. With the new found victory the two troupes joined together in a counterattack.

            As Miles started forward, to join his troupe, a strong hand pulled him back. Turning Miles found himself looking into the gloomy face of the crowned prince, Prince Lee. Clad in his golden-coloured armour, the prince was a welcomed sight for Miles. For Lee was supposed to have been leading the first line of defence, which by their estimation, had been eliminated.

            Looking over at the tabard of the soldiers he and his makeshift troupe had saved, he now saw the additional crest on them. The crest, a golden stag, marked this troupe as the Prince’s Personal Guards, which was the most elite troupe in the country, Miles realized in awe. Some even went as far as saying they were even better than the legendary Dwarven Brigade or the deadly Elven Shadows.

            “Thank you for your assistance captain” the Prince said; looking straight at Miles. “But now we must push there monstrosities back to where they belong.” Dumbfounded by the rank that had been assumed of him, Miles replied, “But… but I’m not a captain, sir.” Looking at the stammering recruit Lee said with a smile, “I beg to differ” before hurrying back to the line.

            Recovering from the shock of the honour bestowed upon him Miles hurried to find Felix. Looking amongst the many soldiers that now filled the area, he caught the faint glimpse of a spear flashing through the air. That must be him thought Miles as he fought his way to where he had last seen the weapon.

            Now as he approached the area, before him stood an extra-ordinarily tall troll. The beast had at least two feet of height on Miles and must have weighed double that of the new captain. Luckily though it was facing another enemy and had its back turned to Miles. Drawing back his sword Miles put all his strength into the arc of his attack. The strike hit the troll first across the back of its left knee, then its right, cutting through flesh and muscle alike. Without the support of its legs the troll dropped to its knees howling in pain. Taking advantage of the reduced size and mobility of the troll Miles struck a decisive blow to the back of its head causing it to fall forward and hit the ground with a loud thud. Looking up Miles found himself looking into the surprised face of his friend and said “Guess we’re even now.” Felix had quick laugh before the two of them joined the fray once again.

            Fighting with renewed hope the two troupes pressed on, the battle lasting late into the day. As dusk was beginning to settle on the path, Miles could see that the enemy lines were weakening. As quickly as the battle at began so many hours ago did it end with the breaking of the troll’s lines. Within an hour there were only a few small pockets of resistance left of the menacing army that had threatened their homeland of Melante.

            Miles now stood on an empty battlefield surrounded by dead bodies of friend and foe alike. The remaining members of his own army drudged back to the camp but he stood waiting. For during the last counterattack he had thought he had seen Felix go down from the blow of a troll.

            As the returning soldiers lessened, so did the hope of seeing his friend. Anger filled Miles and he kicked the dead body of a troll lying on the ground in front of him. From further down the pass came a voice in response, “That one’s already dead you moron.” Surprised Miles squinted in the fleeting light, trying to find the source of the voice. “Well don’t just stand there. Come here and give me a hand.” called the voice again. Now Miles could make out two figures coming towards him. The shorter of the two figures was supporting the other with the help of his spear. Smiling Miles made his way towards the figures. It had been a good day, he thought, a good day indeed.