Other Worlds

Sky serpents raced above the camp; arrows flew, screams screeched and the wind roared. The sky serpents from head to tails tip reached the length of three horses and yet their wingspan seemed to fall short. Possessing four smallish wings two either side; one pair near he head and the other pair just pass their midsection these creatures from children stories raced across the sky diving down and using the claws on each of its six legs to slash and grab at the small army below. Their jaws could easily grab a bull and crush it between its razor sharp teeth. Orders rallied all over the training camp calling for the men to arms and form up defensive positions.

"No time for training, you are all now volunteer officers of conTune Fourth Legion!” Joystine's voice rang loud and clear, full of authority. “Now get out there we have no time for those unwilling to fight!” Talys ran to the paddock where his gelding Walkner stood calmly as all the other horses whinnied in panic and fear. The two closest to Voltalys' horse seemed to take comfort in its calm appearance, and waited for their riders also. “Horsemen to me!” He cried, even though he wasn't yet an officer men ran to him and quickly came about climbing onto the horses. A reason unknown to him Voltalys lead the horsemen straight to the officers building where Arthur's office was located. Pulling up halfway he found Arthur standing within a ring of swords, he held a short bow and arrow ready aiming up but not firing.

Arthur called out orders the moment he stepped out of his office. Ben watched with quiet awe as Arthur calmly took control of his army in training. Those who would most likely have been sent home within the first few hours of their individual training were running around screaming or shocked to stillness. Yet despite this Arthur had called together so many men and had them set up in protective rings while he scanned the scene. Six giant flying serpents flew in the sky, the largest spewing forth a green acid that melted through walls all around. The others seemed unable and flew low clawing with their four legs; each trying to pick up the new recruits. “Ben get to the other end” pointing to a group of men, “take them with you and go find Sergeant Dosser. Get him and his men out to gather our wayward archers.” Ben ran off instantly followed by the eight soldiers who looked completely terrified but ran along after. Ben through one more look behind and saw Joystine riding through the crowds with Voltalys behind him.

"General!” He called “Orders?” Arthur stood still a moment his face going pale as he looked at the horseman. Then instead of calling anything to the young man he charged through the protective ring giving up any thoughts of working out a strategy as he had intended.

"Get down!” Arthur's voice sounded different to those who were closest to him, General Landon heard the fear that edged his commander's voice, never before had he heard such a thing. He could tell when Arthur was a bit frightened but that was only because he had spent so much time with the man. But this was not just frightened, this was fear that must be gripping him, this was something he had never witnessed.

In the distance rising up, blocking out the sun with its black wings. The bird flew down into view; all who had read ancient texts and read of the old lore knew it for what it was. The mulver banked and began its decent directing itself straight towards Arthur. His eyes hardened as he saw Voltalys charging through, he saw someone else's face upon the lad, as he saw a strange image from his memory it merged with young Voltalys'. He saw an image that caused him to feel fear, and from the ancient times a black bird of prey with mystical powers swooping down towards them. Arthur charged the young; soon to be officer screaming for him to get down, Voltalys seemed completely shocked at the behaviour as Arthur charged the small gap between them. Walkner shook its head throwing the reins to one side its ears pinned back nostrils flared, it took off at a run away from the mulver swooping down behind them. Voltalys flew from the saddle, Arthur dived to one side as the horse charged past barely missing him. The giant black bird grew ever closer, without thinking Arthur leapt at Voltalys knocking him sprawling almost sliding under one of the horses that had followed behind. The rider was pitched from the saddle landing without a sound as the gelding reared up at the man crashing to its feet, Talys rolled aside at the last instant as hooves crashed down where his head would have been a moment before. A piercing screech deafened those around as the mulver's talons gripped into the horse, breaking its spine. Rolling back a few steps Arthur picked up his crossbow and fired at the swooping menace, the arrow bounced off harmlessly and nearly struck him in the leg. The predator seemed not to notice continuing its swoop and pulling back up, regaining their feet Arthur and Talys rose and stepped together. They both seemed stunned by the ancient myth flying before their eyes, and worried more that the arrow didn't even make a scratch. A few of the serpents flew down spotting the two men who seemed to defy them as they didn't run or cower as all the other humans did. They stood staring as the bird flew up again into the sun blocking it from view.