"ShapeShifter" by Omri Gottlib

As I think back unto the day I was given my hateful life. It was so nice to live a good life. The elves always were so kind to me, even though I was the most hated breed, but that’s cause most of us became master assassins. Everything was good until that one day.

It was a cool summer day. All was the same; the kids wouldn’t play with me out of fear, so as always I stayed home with father. We would play sword fighting and learn about magic and we would practice reading several languages. That was exactly how every day was, but this was one day I would never forget. At night there was a birthday party and surprisingly I was invited. Sitting around the fire my father and all played. I went to a tree to sit down by myself. Father came and I joined in on the playing for the first time. Playing was so fun and I never thought it would be so enjoying. Then from the darkness crawled an elf soaked in blood.

“Dark Elves, Dark Elves! Run, hide, take up arms! They are coming from the mountains,” shouted the elf.

Then from within the darkness came out elves with dark skin and white hair. Father had once told me about them. How horrifying they were. Father quickly grabbed my arm, and screamed, “ Run Rune!” Everything was in havoc as elves were being killed ruthlessly. Then one of the dark skinned elves noticed us and charged after us. We ran until we reached the Alter of Wreapion. Father drew the gleaming blade and shouted as he killed the dark-skinned elf. Somewhere within the forest there were more. There was a moment of silence as we heard scattering in the forest. Then I heard the click of a crossbow. The bolt flew through the air into fathers’ leg. The poison was powerful, too powerful. Father fell to the ground, weakened by the poison. Out of the darkness came out a dark-skinned elf. He appeared to be the leader. He walked up to father and sliced his head off right in front of my eyes. I screamed at rage with the loss and horror I had witnessed. Then with no will or effort I began to glow a bright white light. Then I transformed into a creature I knew would be sufficient to slay the dark-skinned elves. Rising and changing, I became a huge dragon. In their native language, I cursed them as I cast the greatest spell I knew.

In seconds everything was aflame. The rocks had melted and everything, once beautiful, was now desolate. Under me was my father. I went back to my normal size and shape. Falling to my knees I cried myself to sleep and the next morning nothing was the same again. I rose to my feet and took fathers mighty weapon, walking away from fathers lifeless corpse. That day and on I lived a cruel life. I learned to shun my emotions and I became a mighty warrior in sword and magic alike. One day I was paid to do a quick job and I attempted to fire a bolt of ice. It didn’t work and I slayed the Orcish leader with my blade. It didn’t know what was going on, but a New World began to emerge. Only some of us survived it. I was too young to remember well what happened to stop the flow of magic. Only some survived what I would call Armageddon. Tis the year 1000 and I have become that hated one. I have become a Phantom, the most skilled warrior known to modern men. There were better, but that was in the time of Myth and magic. Now all I know is that I must survive through the ages. What rare friends I come by, die with time. I must never die, sadly I must live on for some reason. I must find my purpose in life, but that will not come without me doing something. Welcome to my world…

336 B.C.E Macedonian kingdom

It was a dark night, and the king had arranged a massive banquet for his departure for Asia. It was a grand banquet, the likes that had not been seen for a long time. There were great delicacies and enough food and drink for all.

" Let him show off his might for now. He will soon be no more. The pay for this job is highly needed. I will not fail.

The next day…

 King Philip walks into the theater proud and full of joy.

  "Tis a good day. I feel that none can harm me… none. Keep back as I walk down the isle. Do not worry. None can come to harm me. I am the greatest king of all the lands."

As he strolled down the isle he put on a smile and walked with pride. He did not see it coming. Out of the crowd I jumped and charged at him in dark hooded cloak, which concealed my identity. Pulling out a short dagger, I ran at the king. Running at the king, I jabbed through his armor and into his gut.

Falling to his knees the king whispered, " Why?" Answering him I said, "Persia has sent me. Rest in piece."

As I pulled out the blade, the last life had left the king. Running and dodging arrows and tossed blades I fled the castle. As I ran away I dropped a body of a dead man in order to trick them into thinking that I had died and continued until Persia.

****

When I had arrived at the Persian capital, I continued to get my pay. Approaching the towering castle, I could not deny that it was beautiful even by the standards of the time of myth and magic. As I entered the building in a slow pace I observing all of my surroundings, as I had learned from experience that none could be trusted. Everything seemed normal to the normal man. Continuing with caution I went and approached the main chamber. Looking around once more something definitely seemed wrong. Thinking to myself I noticed shadows moving around, positioning themselves for an assault. I reached for my blade, which has served me so well, but I knew that I shouldn’t attack just yet.

Looking up at the man that had paid me half I said, " I have done what you have wished of me. They will not know that you were involved in this. Where is the rest of my payment." " We can take no chance of us getting mixed up in this Rune. You will be… disposed of. "

Throwing the dagger at the man, I jumped in the air just as the bolts were launched from their crossbows. As I ran away I jumped through the glass window and plummeted to the ground. Thinking I was dead they slowly walked to the window stepping on the shattered glass. Looking they saw me run away into the alley.

  "Run after him! He must not get away under any circumstances. Do you understand me general." "Yes sir! Let’s go soldiers move it out. Search every alley and home. This man must be found."

  Out in the streets I tossed my clothes onto the ground and walked away. Walking away I changed my skin. By the time I had left the alley, I had finished shapeshifting himself into one of the guards looking for me on the streets. Walking away from Persia, I whispered to myself, "You will pay for this act. It may go unnoticed in your history books, but you will know who brought you to your downfall. You will pay."

September 333 B.C.E

“Sir, sorry to disturb you but we have received reports that Arsames was evacuating the city of Tarsus. He intends to loot the city of its treasures, then burn it, Sir.

“What should we do… hum. Bucephlas, do you have any ideas?”

“Sir, I believe we should send Parmenio ahead with the cavalry and the light armed troops and I would like to go along with him. You need not worry my friend. I had promised myself something a few years back and I remember it like I had just said it a moment ago... You will pay for this act... you will pay. I remember it over and over. They fear me now, but they do not see through my mask. I have a new name and new looks. Now my name is Bucephalas and I am now known as him and not as Rune no more.”

“Yes, you have already told me of your mission of revenge. You still have never told me how you came to hate the Persia so much, but that does not matter. All that matters is that I am here for you and that with my help you will be able to bring them to their down fall. Not just them but we can rule the world together.”

“I’ve no such joy in ruling the world. It is too much work. I do not enjoy the life of the rich. I prefer to live the life of a warrior. Honor is my only true friend it has always been there for me.”

“Very well then, off to your quarters. You will set off tomorrow at sunrise.”

****

“Sir, Alexander has found out about our evacuation of Tarsus. He is sending troops down here."

“How many troops are there, asked Arames. “Somewhere around fifteen hundred troops, sir… they are led by Bucephalas.” “All right ready our troops. Inform them about everything and tell them to be ready to fight as soon as possible.” “Sir,” the man responded.

“Everyone, ready for a massive battle. We are soon going to engage in battle with Bucephalas.

"Ye know, I heard that Alexander sent here this mighty warrior he found while going in the streets. Heard he was able to defeat the guards... all twenty three of them."

"I heard this guy got dark skinned and his eyes look like bloody red balls. It hell scared a few to death."

"Tis I hear his unkillable. Also hear he is ever-living...ye think he's a vampire of some sort?"

"What’s all this babbling get to work," shouted the general.

Minutes later the watchman rang the bell frantically.

"Their here, their here! Get ready for battle. Arm the walls, archers lets go!

Looking out unto where their battle would take place. They saw the enemy coming over the hill. Leading them was Bucephalas, lord of terror. Legends in the back streets of many cities were mainly of his might in battle. As he and his troops climbed towards them they could see details. His hair was dark brown and it flowed down to his chest. His eyes seemed to glow blue. He looked slim and agile and so he was.

Riding my Black Stallion, I raced towards the city of Tarsus. Unsheathing my blade, I gripped my sword and then stood upon the horse. Charging I jumped off my horse and made a backflip, landing on the wall of Tarsus. As the archers fired in horror they missed. As I ran spreading havoc throughout Arsames troops, I was cornered. Looking around as more and more came at me, I smiled. Spinning my blade round and round I deflected their weapons. I then sprang up into the air and with a loud scream took out five brute warriors. Spinning around, I sliced the enemies apart. As I soon began to tire I called for Parmenio and his troops to storm the city. Thanks to me they were easily dispatched and the city fell under my command.

September 3^rd 333B.C.E.

“It is good to see you again my friend,” I shouted as I raced to greet the king.

“Sweating, hot and exhausted after a rapid-forced march from the foothills of the Tarsus,” he laughed aloud. “That’s exactly how I am.”

“Through this city itself runs the river Cydnus, clear, fast flowing, and ice-cold with melted mountain snows. You can try to go in, but it is mighty cold and I dare say you might turn into a block of ice.”

I saw Alexander reached its bank and at once strip off and plunged in. I went to proceed to my work, when I heard screaming. Almost immediately he suffered an attack of cramp, one of the men watching had told me as I came to his aid. The rest of his aids rushed into the water and pulled him out half-conscious. He was ashy-white, chilled to the bone. When I had visited him he was more dead than alive. Hoping to keep him alive I used some magic I had remembered from the days of Myth and Magic. The flow of magic had drained most of the effects of the spell, but was enough to revive him from near death. Soon only one doctor would treat him because the others feared that they would be blamed for his death. Philip of Arcarania gave the king some quick-acting drugs, which he said would do the job. Several days passed and then I saw it.

“Alexander,” I shouted to my surprise as he came out from the tent.

“My warriors all is well. I won’t die that easily,” shouted the king.

Everyone exhaled in relief and then in unison we all shouted, “Long live the king!”

“Sir we have done nothing while you were sick any orders, sir?”

“Yes, send Parmenio, the Allied infantry, the Greek mercenaries, and the Thracian and Thessalian horse cavalry, to report about Darius’ movements and to block the passes. The rest of us shall go and win the peoples support.”

We first visited Anchialus, a day’s march west of Tarsus, then the nearby town of Soli, and then we returned to Tarsus. Two days later we arrived in Castabala, where Parmenio met us with the latest news.

“Sir, Darius has pitched camp at Sochi, which is somewhere east of the Syrian Gates. Sir, I believe we should move our forces to Issus and wait there, ya know, so they bring the war to us.”

“What do you think Bucephalas? Do you agree with Parmenio? Do you have any ideas?”

“Sorry sir. I am not a good strategist. I will leave it too you. My place is in battle where I have been paid to be.”

“I believe that if Darius is to come to us he will surely come through the Syrian Gates. We shall head south through the Pillar of Jonah to Myriandrus opposite the pass and wait there.”

****

“Sir, They have set camp at the Syrian gates.”

“Perfect, it’s just as I had planned. Soldiers make preparations. We will head north for the Amanic Gates, Once through the gates we shall swoop down from Castabala on Issus.”

“Very well sir we shall make preparations.”

At Issus…

“Sir!”

“What is it?”

“We have spotted Alexander’s hospital cases near by. What shall we do sir?”

“Take me to them.”

“Sir!”

We marched to the massive tent and then I dismounted. In a slow pace I entered, looking at every one of them thinking, what should I do with this scum. Waving my hand in the air I shouted,

“Do you know who I am. Of course you do. Every one of you have assaulted one of my officers and killed them in battle. That in accordance is just as bad as assaulting the king himself. Therefore… you will all have your hands cut off. You will then take a tour of my magnificent army and I will turn you all loose. You will go to Alexander and you will tell him who has done this. Tell him I am waiting for him. Soldier! You heard what I said right? So get a move on it. Take their hands off.”

After that we went as far as the Pinarus River and took a defensive position on its northern banks.

****

“Sir, Alexander wants you to come to his tent. It is urgent. Several hundred men have come handless to our camp. They are in bad condition sir.”

“Yes I understand. Tell them I am coming. You are dismissed soldier.”

“Sir!”

As I walked towards Alexanders’ tent right around the corner, I saw it. What seemed like thousands of men I had fought side by side with were now handless and bloody. I was not sure if they would live much longer. I began to run to Alexander, who was in shock at the cruelty of Darius. Once we had gotten all the news we immediately rushed to meet Darius.

****

At Parmenio river…

“As we all know our weakness lays in our infantry. Therefore our Asiatic levies will be put in the rear. In the very center I will place my Royal Bodyguards of 2,000 soldiers. I will be stationed right behind them. Flanking my Bodyguards on either side will be our 30,000 Greek mercenaries. Then on the wings we will place two divisions of light-armed Persian infantry, Cardaces. That will be our battle plan. Plus, we will add a few quick changes in the battle. This will put a lot of pressure on Alexander when he sees that his weaker side is about to be invaded by our troops. It will be a great battle. So do you agree with it brother?”

“ O’ yes. I think it will be wonderful to see it at work,” Oxathres answered to me with a bright glow in his green eyes. With that we went to our tents, awaiting our foe.

****

We marched for many days and miles. As we walked up the hill everything came into sight. Their army was massive and the many spear butts decorated with golden quinces could be seen glimmering in the sunlight. Immediately we moved into action.

“All right, lets move it. Infantry battalions keep our left flank close by the shore and push our right up into the foothills. Let’s go now! Move into line. Cavalry squadrons Hum… all right the Thessalians and most of our cavalry mass on the right wing under my command and Bucephalas’. Parmenio, you shall have to make do with our Greek allies, for the time, my friend. All right you shall keep watch on Darius’ movements. Inform me if any changing occurs immediately.”

“Sir, I’ll watch his movements like an eagle.”

Then riding on his horse at full speed he ran to Alexander.

“Sir! Sir! The Persian cavalry squadrons have changed locations. Instead of massing his cavalry opposite our right, where we thought it would be. Sir, he has moved all of his best down to the seashore against Parmenio.”

“All right. Send the Thessalians back across my left as reinforcements. Tell them to ride behind our phalanx so their movement will not be seen. Make”-

“Sir, I have urgent news. The Persians up on the ridge have occupied a projecting spur of the mountain. If I am correct sir that means that they are behind our right wing.”

“God damn it! All right. Let me think a second… All right I got it. Send a force of light-armed troops to deal with them. I am much more concerned by the possibility of a frontal outflanking movement. Hmm… Just incase send across two more squadrons from the center to strengthen the right wing. Leave 300 cavalry to watch their movement and… recall the archers and Agrianians as extra protection for my flank. On my mark we will go at a steady advance towards the archers bow shot range. Then once the horn is blown you will follow my charge. That is it soldier. You are dismissed.”

With the commands set into motion, we began to lead on. As we came within range of the Persian Archers, they fired off a huge volley, and there was so many that some collided in flight. Then the trumpet rang out and Alexander, at the head of the companions, charged at full speed across the river, scattering Darius’ archers and driving them back among the light infantry.

“Look Bucephalas! Over there. Look what we have done! Our rush has left a dangerous gap now leaving the right flank of the Phalanx open. No! Ptlomey, so of Selucus, has been killed. Go my friend. Avenge him with their blood!”

I gave a nod and charged into battle. Charging into battle I unsheathed my mighty blade as in glimmered in the mid-day sunlight. Then as I was charging a spear came up and knocked me off my stallion. My arm had been dislocated. Dropping to one knee and facing off my enemy as I recovered from the deep gash in my arm. Never had I been hit this badly in all my life. With pure rage I cut down the enemies around me and called my Black Stallion, Black Thunder, and I jumped high and on to his back. Then with all my rage I rode around the battlefield and as I passed enemy after enemy I sliced their heads off. I could feel the fear as those who saw me in pure rage ran, but they were not fast enough. When I looked back I saw many dead lying on the ground. I still was not satisfied. I charged In with my now black, bloody arm and I continued to kill.

****

  Meanwhile I (Alexander), having rolled up the Persian left wing, now swung my wedge of cavalry inward against the rear files of the mercenaries and royal bodyguards. From this moment my men and I strained every nerve to kill or capture Darius. The great king offered the best focal point for any further resistance involving all the provinces of the empire. His loss would cripple the Persian cause. Besides, the vast majority of his subjects cared little who ruled them as long as their own local interests were left intact. I would rain supreme over Persia.

“Brother sand back. I will not let you fall in battle. I shall defend you till the end. Long live the king!”

Oxathres, Darius’ brother, leading the Royal Household Cavalry, fought desperately to protect him. Dying men and horses lay piled in wild confusion. As my men and I charged through his bodyguards, we cut them down. I received a wound in my thigh, but I still pressed on my chase with all the power I could muster. I could see the fear in his eyes as death could be tasted on his lips. He looked around desperately he found a new chariot and he boarded it, running away at such speeds that the chariot almost flipped over. Looking around I noticed that my other troops needed help. I screamed out, “Turn the whole right wing round in a wedge into the center,” as I cut down another enemy soldier from up on my horse. With great effectiveness against the mercenaries’ flank, we drove them out of the river with heavy casualties.

****

“ We have lost,” Nabarzane, general of Darius, whispered to himself.

“Sir! Darius has fled the battlefield.”

“I think we should do the same. Soldiers, move out! Retreat!”

As they began to retreat they were encumbered by their heavy scale-armor and my Thessalians harried them relentlessly. They soon became rout. We went searching for Darius and only found his royal mantel and his insignia’s which would identify him. Along with this was his shield and bow. In my opinion the battle of Issus was a magnificent victory, even though Ptlomey was killed along with many other officers.