Prepare For War

I appeared outside the house and went inside where Aurora and Felicia were waiting. Felicia jumped onto me then hugged and kissed me.

"I am glad to see you to." I smiled. "But right now I need both of you?"

"What's wrong?" Aurora asked.

"There is an army heading for hunters rest. Aurora I need you to go to the west gate and let everyone know an army of dark elves are coming this way. Felicia you go to widows hills. I will ride for Hunters Rest. I will ride for Hunters Rest and warn everyone there."

"Got it." Felicia nodded.

"Stay safe." Aurora gave me a hug

"I will try." I nodded. We each left the house and headed or separate ways. I toke the horse Aurora had road back on and road for the fort.

"My lord." The Captain bowed.

"Captain. We have an army of ten thousand strong coming this way from the empire. Wake every man and get word to every citizen to make for the city."

"You heard the man" The captain looked at one of the men who nodded and ran toward the tents across the river.

"Do we have a plan?" The Captain asked.

"I intended to hold this fort as long as we can to allow as many people as possible and reinforcements to reach the city. Reinforcements are coming from Riversend to support us.

"We can't hold them here my lord." One of the soldiers said.

"Yes we can. We will fall as many trees as possible on the south side of the fort. Make it impossible for them to take the left shore. Cover it with pitch. On the right shore we will need as many stakes as possible."

"You heard the man. Move it." The Captian ordered. I want anyone good with a sword on the flanks when the battle starts and armed with a crossbow. Archers will be on the walls. Move ever arrow we have up there." The Captain ordered what men were here already. "Send a look out at the tower on top of Widows hill."

"When the battle starts I will command the left flank my lord." The Captain looked at me.

"Right, I will take the battlements. If we make it through this I am buying." I smiled. The Fort soon looked like a ant hill as people hurried about doing different jobs. Both portcullises worked so we had two barriers for them to go through. We managed to drop enough trees to cover the left. It wasn't unpassable but it would slow anyone who tried to climb over them. There was less cover on the north flank but we built a small wall of loose stones from the fort construction. Granted it could be knocked down easily it would provide some cover.

"My lord we wish to join the fight." I turned to see the town carpenter and several other residents of Hunterrest.

"I can't ask you to do that."

"Where not asking either. This is our home." Elsa stepped forward.

"Very well. You will be on south flank with the captain. Until then we need as many spikes as you can make." I said and they went to work. The Reinforcements from Riversend showed up adding even more men who quickly got to work. A horn blew and I went to the gate to see Willow leading a large group. Her riders and a host of centaurs.

"Willow. I am glad to see you." I smiled.

"Looks like you have been busy?" She grinned hopping off.

"Very." I nodded. "You bring the entire Centaur army?"

"Not yet but a hundred strong plus us. They want payback for the attack on the Eldergrove."

"Thank you." I nodded as I looked to the centaur who seemed to be in charge.

"Were can you use us?" He asked.

"We are weak on the north side." I pointed.

"Not anymore." He shook his head and his men followed him through the fort.

"What about us?" Willow asked

"I need some of your men on the hill..." I pointed

"Encase they try and flank you." Willow nodded and looked to another elf who nodded and took a group.

"We will get it done." He nodded and took a group.

"And me?" Willow asked.

"I need you to do what you do best." I grinned and she nodded. I saw Rose on a horse riding towards us. She jumped down and came and hugged me.

"The others?"

"Felicia is getting everyone at Widows hill to safety in the city and Aurora went to the west gate. I want you to join them before they close the gates."

"What about you?" Rose asked.

"They need me here. We will hold here as long as we can and then join you." I gave her a kiss and a hug and she rode off toward the city.