KNIGHTS IN ARMOR: Angel of the Stonewall Fortress

[beastphantomz]

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[beastphantomz]

Hi Fiestian...

Second episode of Knight In Armor was written by an anonymous guild member of mine (Midnight_Ravens) which dedicated to all Fiestian and especially created for Members of Midnight Ravens.

This second episode is continuous from first episode of EPITH FTW - KNIGHTS IN ARMOR: Devil's Hill: http://www.outspark.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127673.

Many character names mentioned are real but many names are also made up. The views expressed in the story does not necessarily reflect the author's, editor's, or the guild members' views and opinions. We wrote this fictional story for plain fun and enjoyment to entertain our guild members who happens to be bored while on the forum. If you would like to leave comments, please do so in civil manners. You may write compliments or negative criticism at your will, but please do so within the boundaries of rules set by the forum Community Leader. At the same time, Midnght_Ravens would like to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009. Thank you and enjoy.

[beastphantomz]

KNIGHTS IN ARMOR: Angel of the Stonewall Fortress

Author: Anonymous friend to Darktankerz and a friend to the Midnight_Ravens
Editor: Darktankerz and the members of the Midnight_Ravens Guild of Epith Server

Introduction

Narrator: A battle was won, but the war is still far from its desired end. The Republic managed to defend the strategic area of Scaffold Execution Ground and halted General Wolfheart’s plan to invade the city of Elderine. The remnants of the shattered 1st Republic Division withdrew from Scaffold Execution Ground after fresh elements of the 3rd Republic Division relieved the worn-out defenders of the hills. General Wolfheart, under dread and frustration, withdrew his Division from the lost battleground and allowed the 2nd Imperial Division to guard the gate to Uruga for the remainder of the campaign. The combined loss of both armies in the battle of Ogre Hill numbered to over five thousand casualties. The morale of the Empire however is far from broken and a new strategy is being formulated by the Imperial military command to launch another offensive. Madness has infected the Emperor’s mind. Emperor Grave_Falcon ordered immediate advance of all available battle Legions to advance to Collapsed Prison and to destroy the Army of the Republic in retaliation to the Republic’s defiance at Scaffold Execution Ground. The House of Council in Elderine, aware of this imminent threat, dispatches scouts to Dark Passage and to the outskirts of Uruga to study the enemy’s movements…..

Location: Northern Sector, Dark Passage
Date: February 12, 2010
205th Recon Battalion, 1st Royal Republic Corps

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A battalion of a hundred Republic troops is marching in broad daylight in the woods of Dark Passage. Two warrior class soldiers, Captain Hopshire and Lieutenant Basilly, are leading the recon troops out of Dark Passage after scouting the Imperial positions and strategic routes to the enemy capital.

Basilly: Hey captain, we been walking for the past ten miles, nonstop! Let’s take a break. The troops need a break. I need a break.

Hopshire: We can’t stop now, lieutenant. We have to inform the Republic of this vital route we discovered. It’s no wonder the Empire has been keeping this route a secret.

Basilly: Sir, we are deep inside the enemy’s backyard. Does it really make a difference where we stop to take a break now? They have tons of patrols at the border, but not inside their territory, so we have no rush now, right captain?

Hopshire: Our mission is to scout the area and to report back to Division headquarter immediately. So guess what. We are doing this “immediately.”
Basilly: Fine…. Darn missions and orders. I need a break.

Suddenly an arrow pierces through the captain’s chest and the captain falls down to the ground. Basilly looks puzzled at first and turns his face with dread. Soon a magic barrage attack hits the rear of their column and blasts away a dozen troops into bits. Explosions from magic attacks are everywhere, pounding on the marching column of the Republic troops. Soon, a volley of arrows and metal shards come flying toward the vulnerable Republic troops.

Basilly: (while taking cover in a bush) Ambush!

The remaining Republic troops seek cover on the ground and behind trees.

Basilly: Get down! Set up defensive line to our right flank! Quickly! Fighters to the front! Move!

The troops struggle to get into position as more troops get hit by the volleys of arrows in each passing second.

Basilly: Archers to the rear! Cover fire! Cover fire!

Soon enough, an entire battalion of Imperial troops in red cape uniforms comes charging at them from the left flank, and kills off the undefended archers that were in the rear line of the Republic fighters. The enemy troops shout, curse, and scream like angry savages. The lieutenant and his few remaining fighters clash swords and shields against the incoming enemy troops.

Basilly: Hold the line!

Screams, shouts, and the cries of the wounded are everywhere. Many fellow comrades are already silent on the ground, lifeless. Soon the remaining fighters were surrounded and enemy archers poise aimed arrows at them. Soon an Imperial officer walks toward the remaining recon troops.

Blazefarn: Drop your weapons and surrender. You are outnumbered and you have no troops left. I said drop your swords!

Soon Lieutenant Basilly and his remaining eight fighters drop their weapons, and place their hands up.

Blazefarn: Gold stripes on your blue cape…. You guys are from the first Royal Republic Corps, aren’t you? What the heck are you doing here, this deep in Imperial territory?

Basilly: We are on a nice picnic trip in the woods, taking a little stroll.

Suddenly the enemy commander hits the lieutenant with the dull side of his sword on his torso and on his shoulder. The lieutenant falls to the ground with some pain.

Blazefarn: Now I ask you again. What are you doing here?!

Basilly: (while standing up with pain) Okay, I guess you felt a bit lonely cause we didn’t share our potato salads with you.

Soon the enemy commander beats the lieutenant again with the dull side of his sword. The enemy captain already has a furious face of anger at the prisoner for not answering his questions.

Basilly: (coughing and still with defiant voice) Now, was that necessary? What’s wrong with taking a nice picnic trip here, eh?

Blazefarn: That’s it! (to his subordinate) Sergeant, tie these idiots up! Send them to the fortress outpost for interrogation! And make sure that the interrogation is very convincing and torturous. Do you understand, sergeant?

Imperial Sergeant: Yes sir!

Soon the Imperial troops tie up the nine survivors of the 205th Republic Battalion, and escorts them toward a fortress in Dark Passage.

End of Introduction

[beastphantomz]

Part 1: The Return of 2nd Brigade

Norika is sleeping by a tree, tired from being awake all night long. It is already morning and the sun is third of a way up in the sky. Soon Major Afeelia walks by her and pats on her shoulder.

Afeelia: Lieutenant, wake up. What’s wrong with you? The enemy army is just less than a mile from here. Get serious.

Norika: (while struggling to get up) Okay Scott.

Afeelia: It’s gonna be a long day. Hope Dark and Arch are ready for this.

Location: King Coll Valley, Collapsed Prison, Northwest sector
Date: February 14th, 2010

Long battle lines of troops in red capes are visible, while additional enemy reinforcements come out of the Dark Passage gate. Meanwhile, the 1st Republic Division is forming directly south of the enemy troops. Battle lines of all four regiments of the 1st Brigade led by Brigadier General Darktankerz are already in position to attack.

Darktankerz: (while walking about his troops) Steady knights, steady. We will move soon.

Eventually Darktankerz walks toward Major General Splintwood, who is observing the enemy troops in the front line with a telescope, for further orders.

Splintwood: General, move your brigade forward.

Darktankerz: (with a salute) Yes sir.

Darktankerz pulls his sword out and walks toward the center of the battle line.

Darktankerz: 1st Brigade! Forward March!

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Soon two battle lines of Republic troops in blue capes walk across the field of the flat valley by the creek toward the enemy position at the Dark Passage gate. The center of the line, a flag bearer holds the Republic’s flag with the green heraldry and sword. On the flag, bears the motto “For All Freedom and Liberty.” Foot by foot, the Republic troops in their blue cape uniform are closing in on the enemy’s battle lines. Meanwhile, General Hellhood is observing the troop movements from the hill near the gate. He watches cautiously at battlefield with a telescope. His subordinate staffs are standing next to him. A courier mounted on a Pegasus horse is waiting for the General’s orders.

Hellhood: (to his subordinates) If my eyes don’t deceive me, I believe that is the 1st Republic Division moving directly towards us. Gentlemen, we must not let them break through our line this time, like the time they did in Scaffold Execution Ground against General Wolfheart. (to courier) Relay orders to battalion commanders from the reserve to deploy all available troops into the field now! The Republic’s triumph ends today.

Imperial Courier: Yes Sir! (Whipping the Pegasus horse to move) Hiya!

Soon enough, Commander GeorgeFame of the 78th Imperial Legion receives orders from the courier to advance his battalions forward into the field.

GeorgeFame: (pulling out his sword) Battalions! Forward March!

Soon two battle lines of Imperial troops march toward the incoming Republic troops. In the center of the line, their flag-bearer holds the Empire’s red flag with the falcon insignia. The two armies are gradually getting closer to each other on this field of dirt and grass. A line of blue and a line of red, parallel to each other, await a bloody mess.

Imperial Long-Range DD Mage Battery
Location: 700 meters away from the Republic’s position.

Soon, twenty enchanter class mages hastily form a spread-out line of fire, facing the incoming enemy.

Imperial Battery Commander: Mage! Prepare suppressive fire! Target Infantry! Range 700 meters! One-second interval!

Captain WanSkaSkyWalker’s Republic Long-Range DD Mage Battery
Location: 700 meters away from the Imperial Army’s position

Twenty enchanter class mages form a spread-out line in the similar manner and assume firing positions against the Imperial Army.

WanSkaSkyWalker: Mage! Prepare counter fire! Target Infantry! Range 700 meters! One-second interval!

Imperial Battery Commander: Fire!

Mages fire away a barrage of attacks.

WanSkaSkyWalker: Fire!

Mages on the Republic’s side fire back at the Imperial Army simultaneously. Explosions and magic attacks pour chaos and violent shrapnel upon the advancing troops of both armies in the field. With each magic explosion, dozens of troops get blasted away by the powerful attacks. Yet the infantry lines on both sides kept steady and closed in.

Darktankerz: Briagade halt!

All four regiments, two in the front and two in the rear, come to a stop immediately.

Darktankerz: Form ranks! First rank kneel! Archers to the second rank! Assume firing position! 1st and 2nd Infantry Regiments, prepare for close quarter combat!

Now the red troops are within 200 meters of 1st Brigade.

Darktankerz: Fire on my command only! Wait until you can see their faces!

After waiting twenty long seconds, the enemy troops are now within range, at 150 meters.

Darktankerz: Archers! Make Ready!

The archers pull out their arrow and lock them into the bow.

Darktankerz: Take aim!

About 600 arrows are now aimed at the incoming enemy troops.

Darktankerz: Fire!

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Half of the first row of the enemy battle line receive the volley and fall to the ground dead or wounded. Meanwhile, the enemy commander is leading his legion towards Darktankerz’s 1st Brigade against the rain of sharp steels.

GeorgeFame: Forward soldiers! In the Emperor’s name!

Darktankerz: Prepare second volley! Ready! Aim! Fire!

The second volley creates devastating effect on the Imperial troops. Almost the entire first row is dead, and the mage attacks blast away what is left of the front battle line. The second enemy battle line advances toward them.

Darktankerz: Archers! Fire at will! Prepare to charge by brigade! First rank, rise up!

Soon the enemy battle line stops.

GeorgeFame: Battalion halt! Form a line! Archers make ready!

Soon the enemy archers take position to fire.

GeorgeFame: Fire!

Dozens of Republic troops get hit by the enemy volley and fall to ground.

Darktankerz: (pointing his sword to the front) Charge!

The entire battle lines of the 1st Brigade charge across the field against the enemy troops. The two sides clash against each other. Swords, shields, axes, hammers, and maces make metallic noise and chaotic struggle in the midst of battle.

Part 1 (continue)

[beastphantomz]

Part 1 (continue)

Meanwhile, 2nd Brigade with its new commanding officer arrives at the battlefield near General Splintwood.

Arch_Knight: General Splintwood, 2nd Brigade is ready on the field. Request further orders, sir.

Splintwood: Very well General. Advance your brigade forward and support 1st Brigade.

Arch_Knight: (with a salute) Yes sir!

Splintwood: Oh and one more thing general Arch. Don’t go charging into the enemy’s line without reinforcement this time. This is your first brigade battle command so take note of that. But with the 7th Infantry Regiment in your brigade, you should do fine. Good luck. I am hoping this battle will turn into a draw.

Arch_Knight: Thank you general. But I promise you this: we WILL win this fight.

Splintwood seems concerned about that promise but let him be. Soon, Arch_Knight returns to his brigade regiments and rallies his knights.

Arch_Knight: 2nd Brigade! At the double quick! Forward march!

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Soon the entire 2nd Brigade runs across the field to reinforce 1st Brigade. Soon, two more Imperial Legions arrive at the field in two battle lines and approaches the center of the battlefield. The 78th Imperial Legion is also beginning to overwhelm 1st Brigade. Despite being outnumbered, the Republic troops advance toward the Dark Passage Gate. Corpses of dead soldiers, in blue and in red capes, lies everywhere, and the chaos of shouts and violence are still continuing at the center of the battlefield.

Imperial Battery Commander: Prepare close damage support! Target Infantry! Range 100 meters!

Battery Lieutenant: But sir, our mage attack would hit our own troops if we fire now. They are still fighting in the center of the field.

Imperial Battery Commander: If you want to go get yourself killed, then go right ahead. But there is no way I am letting those blue-coats get to us. Prepare to fire.

Battery Lieutenant: Yes sir. (To his squadron) Heavy Damage support. Range 100 meters. Quick recharge, fire!

Soon magic attacks blast away dozens of troops in the fighting field, adding further chaos to the situation. Some Republic troops from 1st Brigade are already retreating. 2nd Brigade is now only 100 meters away from the clashing battle site. Screams and metallic clangs of the swords are quite vivid and horrifying, yet the General stays calm and unmoved.

Arch_Knight: (raising his sword) 2nd Brigade, halt!

Soon Arch_Knight stops a retreating soldier by the arm.

Arch_Knight: Where the heck you think you are going?

Retreating soldier: General sir. The day is lost! Our line is broken!

Arch_Knight: Get your commanding officer to rally by us, and get back in rank. We are going to win this fight.

The soldier seems confused by the general’s confidence in winning this fight and stands hesitant.

Arch_Knight: (with a scary, calm voice) Move.

Retreating soldier: Yes sir.

Arch_Knight: (To BlessedWarrior) Colonel, move your regiment to the front and see if you can hold the line long enough to deploy the rest of the brigade.

BlessedWarrior: Yes sir. (to his regiment) 5th Infantry to the front! Charge!

The knights of the 5th Infantry Regiments dash across the field, and eventually they smash into the line of Imperial troops.

Arch_Knight: 6th and 7th Infantry, form up on me! Solid Phalanx Line! Move!

Soon, roughly 600 Republic knights form a long solid battle line. The general approaches Colonel Byiako of 8th Infantry.

Arch_Knight: Colonel Byiako, you see that enemy mage battery up over there?

Byiako: Yes sir.

Arch_Knight: Those mages could cause us some trouble. I want you to lead your regiment and swing around to the northeast. (Pointing to the enemy’s flank) When you reach the rear of their line, move your regiment from the east while the rest of the Brigade moves from the south. You will flank the enemy mage battery and destroy them, while we keep the enemy’s attention to the south. Is that clear?

Byiako: Understood.

Arch_Knight: Very well, move.

Soon Colonel Byiako leads his regiment away from the main line and sneaks by the creek of the valley to the northeast as ordered. Soon the General, walking back and forth along his battle line, rallies up the two regiments, and the retreating troops to form the new battle line. Soon the entire 1st Brigade and the 5th Infantry are retreating from the field.

Arch_Knight: Rally on me knights! Rally! Stand by me! We are going to slaughter them! We are going to push them back to the mountains! Stand firm knights!

Soon, the enemy troops reorganize themselves into their original battle line and begin advancing towards the regrouped Republic battle line.

Arch_Knight: Archers, hold your fire until you can see the face of your enemies at forty meters. Then fire away all power shots at them! Then we will charge! Show no mercy!

Soon the enemy battle line is only 100 meters away.

Uncle: (to his regiment) 7th Infantry, prepare to double quick! Draw swords! Archers make ready!

The fighters in the front rank draw their swords. All the Archers fix their bows and poised their arrows at the incoming troops. The enemy troops are now at forty meters.

Uncle: 7th Infantry Fire!

Odinff7: 6th Infantry, Fire!

BlessedWarrior: 5th Infantry Fire!

Soon, a rain of metal shards of arrows come flying towards the enemy troops and the entire first two rows of the enemy battle lines get hit by the volley.

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Arch_Knight: Charge!

Soon, the blue troops charge across the small stretch of field and pounds against the remnants of the enemy battle lines. Surprised by the unexpected charge, the Imperial Battle Legions are falling back.

GeorgeFame: Army fall back! Every man for himself!

Meanwhile, the commander of the Imperial Mage battery is observing the Republic charge with his telescope.

Imperial Battery Commander: Darn it. Mage! Prepare to fire by battery on my command…(interrupted).

An arrow pierces through the commander’s armor and he falls to the ground. Directly on their left flank, Colonel Byiako leads his 8th Infantry Regiment against the enemy mage battery. The enemy mages look startled by sight of their enemy from their rear.

Byiako: Archers make ready! Take Aim! Fire!

A rain of arrow falls upon the enemy mages. All 20 enemy mages get hit by the volley and fall to the ground motionless and dead.

Byiako: Charge!

Soon the retreating Imperial troops run into the Republic knights of 8th Infantry Regiment that managed to outflank them. The Imperial Legion is now trapped between two Republic battle lines. Fierce fighting erupts all over the battlefield. But soon enough, the victors become clear. General Hellhood is watching the horrific chaos from his position near the Dark Passage Gate.

Hellhood: What is happening?! What is happening to my troops?! (To courier) What in Isya happened to my mage battery?! Tell them to resume their fire!

Courier: Sir, we have no battery.

Hellhood: What?!

Courier: They all got killed. Our entire infantry force is now trapped between the Republic battle lines.

Hellhood throws his telescope onto the ground with great frustration.

Hellhood: (with an angry voice) Why the hell did we put our entire infantry force into the field?!

Courier: Um… because you ordered us to.

Hellhood: That was a rhetorical question! So shut up!

Courier: Sorry, general sir.

Hellhood: (with a sigh) Pull back. Sound the retreat. Now!

Arch_Knight is in the midst of the chaotic battle scene by his fellow knights, fighting the enemy soldiers. He dodges an axe swing and stabs the opponent back with his avante garde sword. When he turns around, he sees Darktankerz fighting by him.

Arch_Knight: Hey Dark, you are still alive eh.

Darktankerz: (while striking an enemy archer with his sword) Sorry to disappoint you, Arch, but I’m still ways off from death.

Arch_Knight: Let’s clear the path and reach Byiako’s regiment.

Soon the Republic troops clear away most of the remaining enemy troops. It is very clear by now, that the Empire lost this battle.

Darktankerz: (raising his sword in the air) Victory!

Battle Cries are heard everywhere. Victorious the Republic Army is. The remaining Imperial troops surrender and drop their weapons. General Hellhood and his subordinates are long gone from the battlefield. The day belongs to the Republic once again. When the commotion settles, General Splintwood rides on his Pegasus horse to the two brigade commanders who made the charge.

Splintwood: Fine work, gentlemen. Fine work. The House of Council will be pleased by our victory in King Coll Valley. Now we drove the entire Imperial Army out of Scaffold Execution Ground and Collapsed Prison.

Darktankerz: Your orders sir?

Splintwood: Gather our wounded and see to it that they get treated posthaste. Also, collect our prisoners-of-war. 3rd Brigade will take over your prisoners.

Darktankerz: (with a salute) Right away sir.

Soon Darktankerz and Arch_Knight rally up their knights and move their prisoners behind their brigade lines.

End of Part 1

[beastphantomz]

Part 2: The Madness

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Location: Emperor’s Throne Room, city of Uruga
Date: February 16, 2010

General Wolfheart and General Hellhood walk into the throne room, their blood icy cold from the dread and horror they expected from the Emperor. They stop when they see the Emperor in his golden throne chair from half the room away.

Grave_Falcon: (with a very low, scary voice) Did you really think that your failures would go unnoticed?

Wolfheart: No, my Lord. We have been awfully busy with our commands. We did not have time to send in our reports to you. We did not intend any dishonesty.

Grave_Falcon: For your sake, I hope you are not lying. Your inability to win this war swiftly is becoming very troubling.

Wolfheart: My Lord, the defeats at Scaffold Ground and Collapsed Prison had to do with some contingencies in our plans, but I assure you that…

Suddenly the Emperor shoots a small magic blast on the Wolfheart and pushes him across the room.

Grave_Falcon: I HATE the word “but” and I HATE the word “assure” from an incapable general. You better succeed in this next offensive, or both of you will be executed directly by me.

Wolfheart struggles to stand up after such powerful hit from the Emperor’s fury.

Grave_Falcon: Now leave before I decide to change your fate.

The two generals hastily walk out of the throne room. They stop by at the courtyard and sit at a bench.

Wolfheart: Hood, I have a plan ready. I already have the approval of the Imperial military command.

Hellhood: I’m listening.

Wolfheart: We will empty our entire force out of the city and march all available battle Legions against the Republic. We will have an army of sixty thousand strong, composed of seven Imperial Divisions. They already assigned me as commander of the entire army.

Hellhood: What is your order, General?

Wolfheart: We will march our entire force through Dark Passage. Scaffold Execution Ground is already well defended by the Republic’s 3rd Division. We can’t use that route anymore. All seven Imperial Divisions will march through the forest of Dark Passage and rally on our outpost base near the Collapsed Prison Gate. It’s called the Stonewall Fortress. From there, we will launch our final campaign and destroy the Army of the Republic in Collapsed Prison. With their army destroyed, the Republic will be left vulnerable with the city of Elderine unguarded. The House of Council will be forced to surrender when their army is destroyed.

Hellhood: Yes sir. I will do whatever necessary to prepare my remaining troops.

Wolfheart: (with a sigh) Hood, if I don’t make out of this war alive, give this to my wife.

Wolfheart gives him a package with the address in the city of Elderine.

Wolfheart: She lives in Elderine. If you see her, tell her that I am sorry for abandoning her. No one knows about my wife except you. When the war is over, you will go to Elderine one way or the other.

Hellhood: General, I will keep this package as a favor for you, but you better not die. I don’t even want to say to your wife that you died.

Wolfheart: I hope so too. This war is a nightmare, and the Emperor is without a doubt, lost his sanity. I want this campaign to be our last. I hope that there would be peace after this war, even under the control of the Empire.

End of Part 2

[beastphantomz]

Part 3: Special Request

Location: Dark Passage Gate, Collapsed Prison
Date: February 16, 2008

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The 1st and 2nd Republic Divisions are already encamped at the Dark Passage Gate. Troops are already making defensive preparations in the area. General Dartankerz and Arch_Knight are walking towards General Splintwood’s command post for orders.

Darktankerz: So Arch, how’s 2nd Brigade?

Arch_Knight: We are doing well, thanks for asking. Honestly, I did not expect to be promoted after the bloody mess in Scaffold Ground. Even more surprising is that you got transferred to 1st Brigade instead of keeping command of 2nd Brigade.

Darktankerz: Well, Coltvine is dead. Someone had to take over his brigade. Plus, Splintwood wanted to separate me and Norika. He thought that she causes distractions. Oh yea that reminds me, how is Norika doing?

Arch_Knight: She is doing well. Well you know her. Norika is being um… Norika.

Darktankerz: Yea I miss her too, with her happy smile and childish words.

Arch_Knight: I’ll tell her that you miss her.

Soon the two officers enters General Splintwood’s Tent.

Splintwood: Ah gentlemen, glad you can make it. The House of Council just sent me an urgent message. They proposed a special mission. Take a seat.

The two brigade commanders sit on the chairs by Splintwood’s desk.

Splintwood: Roughly a week ago, the House of Council dispatched a recon battalion into Dark Passage. This was a secret mission to find any weak points and advantageous routes to get to the city of Uruga. Four days ago, we lost all communications with them. Captain Hopshire and Lieutenant Basilly of the 205th Recon Battalion were leading their scouts, but they have been missing since the day we lost all contacts with them. We got no messengers reporting back to us.

Arch_Knight: So they are dead I guess.

Splintwood: Well yea, that’s my guess too. But we got a problem with that theory. If the enemy did not kill them, but captured them instead, they are probably being interrogated by now. Those two officers know all of the Republic’s command strategies and the locations of our troops. We cannot afford to let such vital information leak out to the Empire. The House of Council is ordering us to initiate a search-and-rescue operation for the captive scouts. They also ordered us to capture the Empire’s outpost base near the Collapsed Prison Gate in Dark Passage. It is a strategic point which we must control in order to advance closer to the Empire’s capital. It is a large square stone fortress made of three defensive walls surrounding a keep in the center. They have two entire mage batteries and a garrison of perhaps three thousand soldiers in that fortress. Our sources tell us that all possible captive prisoners in the Empire would be sent there. Thus, your first mission is to take over that fortress, and your second objective is to find Captain Hopshire and Lieutenant Basilly if they are still alive.

Darktankerz: General sir, we can’t possibly move right now. Our brigades did sustain heavy casualties in the recent battle. The combined number of 1st and 2nd Brigade is probably around two thousand by now. 3rd Brigade needs to stay here to defend the gate. We are outnumbered and we will be overpowered if we have to take that fortress. We did not even finish securing our defense at the Dark Passage Gate area as well.

Splintwood: There is no need to charge the fortress head on. We will use the old Trojan Horse trick to take over the fortress.

Darktankerz: Could you elaborate on what you just said?

Splintwood: The Empire sends a convoy of fresh supplies and troops to the fortress every month. But due to their recent defeat in battle, their convoy schedule has been delayed according to what our spies told us. We have duplicate wagon trains and uniforms for your troops to disguise as Imperial soldiers. You will infiltrate the fortress with full force and take over the fortress from the inside. You will have the element of surprise at your hand.

Arch_Knight: General, is this plan going to work? We never did that kind of thing before.

Splintwood: Don’t worry gentlemen, just act natural, and the enemy won’t suspect a thing. (with a grin) Now I hope you like the red capes instead of the blue capes. Mission will commence in a couple hours so get busy.

Soon enough, the two generals step outside the tent and rally up their knights at the rendezvous area.

Arch_Knight: (to his regimental commanders) Okay, guys, this will sound weird, but order all of our knights to wear Imperial uniforms. The red capes are at the storage base near General Splintwood’s tent.

Misoka: Um… why?

Arch_Knight: It’s a long story.

Uncle: No offense general, but I don’t feel comfortable wearing the uniform of the enemy we aim to kill.

Arch_Knight: I know, I know, just order all the knights to wear red capes, and tell them that we are moving out soon.

In about an hour, all the knights in 1st and 2nd Brigades are wearing red capes. They feel awkward and are puzzled by the General’s questionable order.

Sir_Ryan: I am not wearing this cape! No way! I hate the Empire.

Afeelia: Ryan, just wear them. Besides, red clothes look good on you, like Santa Clause, hehe.

Executux: Major, this is not exactly why I signed up for the Republic Army. When can we take these capes off?

Afeelia: I don’t know. Just leave them on for now.

Norika: Hey I don’t like this cape. It doesn’t match my armor, but it does match my hair, hehe.

Majed: Where can we put our blue capes?

Afeelia: Just hide them somewhere, like in your supply pouch or under the red cape you are wearing now.

Majed: Okay.

Soon Darktankerz and Arch_Knight walk around to observe their troops in red capes.

Arch_Knight: Well, this is an unusual sight..

Darktankerz: (to the knights) Knights, we are about to go into a dangerous mission, by the special request of the House of Council. We will take over an enemy fortress. To do that, we purposefully disguised ourselves as their allies and will infiltrate the fortress. We will take the fortress from the inside. Appropriate orders will be administered to you shortly. We will reach the fortress by nightfall, and take the fort by dawn.

The knights look surprised by this unorthodox mission, but at the same time seem willing to take on this unexpected venture.

End of part 3

[beastphantomz]

Part 4: The Great Raid

Location: Guard Tower, Stonewall Fortress, Dark Passage
Date: February 16, 2010, Nightfall

Two Imperial soldiers are keeping watch of the surrounding at the guard tower near the fortress main gate. Soon they see a column of lights walking toward the fortress along the path. Two Imperial officers are leading the column.

Tower guard: Halt! Who are you?

Darktankerz: We are the 45th Imperial Legion. We have brought you fresh supplies and food. Our soldiers are also here to relieve you from the fortress.

Tower guard: We do not have any scheduled supplies from Uruga now. We are also bound to stay here for another month.

Darktankerz: But we walked all the way from Uruga just to bring you these supplies. Our general told us to come here.

Soon the guard is talking to his fellow guard to see if they should let them in.

Tower guard: Fine, but be quiet, half of us are asleep.

The tower guard signals the gatekeeper to open the big doors into the fortress. It is a mighty fortress, with thick white stonewalls, layers of defensive walls surround the central fort of the keep. The disguised troops enter the fortress through all three levels of walls until they reach the keep. An Imperial officer welcomes them.

Blazefarn: Good evening. I trust that your supplies are enough for everyone. But first I must see your papers to confirm your arrival.

Darktankerz: Papers?

Blazefarn: Yes papers. We always have papers to sign so that we can confirm that you came here as ordered.

Darktankerz: (pushing Arch_Knight to the front) Um… my Lieutenant has the papers.

Arch_Knight: Wait, I do?!

Darktankerz: Yes you do! Now give him the papers!

Arch_Knight: Yes, of course, the papers. Let’s see, it’s here somewhere.

Arch_Knight searches through his bag and supply pouch for any papers. The Imperial Fortress Captain begins to worry at this suspicious officer.

Blazefarn: Is this your first trip to the fort?

Arch_Knight: Yes, I’m truly sorry, but I think I misplaced my papers.
Blazefarn: Well, the important thing is that the supplies are here. I will replacement papers for you tomorrow. For now, your troops may stay in the barracks…wait, is that soldier a cleric?

The Captain points at Norika who is standing behind Darktankerz.

Arch_Knight: Um… why do you ask?

Blazefarn: The 45th Legion is composed of only archers and fighters.

Arch_Knight: Oh that, hehe, funny story. We decided to let in clerics too.

Blazefarn: I see….

Suddenly, majed, who is in the front, accidentally drops his red cape and his blue cape hidden underneath is visible.

Majed: Ops, I um… Darn it.

Blazefarn: Oh my God! Intruders!

Suddenly Darktankerz pulls out his sword and decapitates the enemy captain.

Imperial Soldier 1: Intruders! Sound the alarm!

The alarm is sound. Soon all the infiltrators remove their red capes and get into position to attack. Archers fire away their arrows at the guards in the watch towers. The wounded guards fall down from the tower screaming.

Sir_Ryan: Nice going majed, you just woke up the hornet’s nest!

Soon, the alarm was sound and hundreds of Imperial defenders rush out of their barracks. The Republic Archers kill them off as they exit out the barrack door. The others climb fortress walls and fight against the guards. Swords clash against each other and the fortress defenders are caught by surprise.

Imperial Soldier 2: (leading his platoon of soldiers out) Repel intruders! Move!

Suddenly Arch_Knight jumps down from the wall and lands on the enemy commander below. He makes quick strikes on each guard with his sword and throws his shield into one of the guard’s face like a hacksaw. Meanwhile, the enemy DD mages are alerted.

Fortress Battery Commander: Mage! Wake up! Prepare to fire inside the fortress! We got company!

Soon Colonel BlessedWarrior leads his regiment near the enemy mages.

BlessedWarrior: Archers, form firing line here! Take Aim! Fire!

The archers released a volley of arrows against the enemy mages before they had the chance to attack. All the mages falls down from the fortress wall, dead. Soon, Colonel Odinff7’s regiment is by the largest barrack of the fortress, waiting to charge in.

Odinff7: Okay, it will be a mess in there. When I open the door, hold nothing back! Full attack!

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Soon Odinff7 opens the door and charges in, but to their surprise, all of the Imperial troops in the barracks have their hands up, already surrendering.

Odinff7: Well, that was easier than expected.

Soon the fortress is taken and the Imperial flag is taken down from the pole, and Uncle switched it with the Republic Flag. Eventually, the troops gather their fortress prisoners into the keep, and the sun is already at the horizon.

Arch_Knight: Hey Dark, that was one wild night. I need to file a complaint to the Division headquarter for not training us properly for this mission.

Darktankerz: Well, important thing is, we took the fort. Now let’s get to the jail cell and see if our friend is there.

Eventually, they entered the basement of the keep, and found an officer in cell. It is quite apparent that the officer went through a lot of physical tortures and he is in shackles.

Darktankerz: (removing the shackles) Who are you? What happened?

Basilly: (with a weak voice) Thank you, I thought I was really going to die here like this. All my friends got killed before me too. Who are you guys?

Darktankerz: We are from the 1st Republic Division. We took the fort. Now tell me, who are you?

Basilly: I am Lieutenant Basilly from the First Royal Republic Corps. We got ambushed and I was taken prisoner. The rest are dead.

Darktankerz: Sorry to hear that. Let me get you out of here and get you to the field hospital in Collapsed Prison.

Basilly: I’m afraid it’s too late for me. I have been poisoned yesterday and I am dying. But you have to relay a message to the central command about our reconnaissance discovery.

The general sees that the officer is really dying and that he will not make it through.
Darktankerz: Alrite, what can I do for you friend?

Basilly: There is a hidden river route in Dark Passage. We discovered a strategic route along that river that will take us directly to Uruga without the use of the portals. Here is the map I drew to show you where.

The Lieutenant pulls out a scrap of map paper hidden in his boot. He hands it to Darktankerz.

Basilly: That could give us the greatest advantage to the Republic. You must show that to our central command in Elderine. The war will end soon if we can use that path. The Empire still does not know anything about our discovery.

The Lieutenant dies in Dartankerz’s arms, giving his last breath to give his final message.

Darktankerz: May you rest in peace.

Soon Darktankerz walks out of the jail cell and meets Arch_Knight.

Arch_Knight: So you found him?

Darktankerz: Yes but dead now. We have to go back to Elderine.

Arch_Knight: Why now? We have to stay at the fort until our main occupation force arrives here.

Darktankerz shows him the map paper.

Darktankerz: It’s because of this. There is something much larger than a fortress that is important here.

Suddenly Colonel Uncle dashes down the basement and runs toward Arch_Knight.

Arch_Knight: Is something wrong, colonel?

Uncle: (Out of breaths) General, you won’t believe it, but we are surrounded.

Arch_Knight: What?!

Soon all the Republic troops climb to the top of the fortress walls and become spectators of the most horrid scene. The entire Imperial Army, under General Wolfheart, has completely surrounded the Stonewall Fortress.

End of Part 4

[beastphantomz]

Part 5: The Siege

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Darktankerz: Prepare for defense! Move!

Afeelia: Place wooden barricades on the main gate! Archers, get into the watch towers and walls!

Arch_Knight: Fighters to the walls! I want at least one entire regiment guarding the entrance! Quickly!

Everyone in the fortress is under panic. They are placing all available troops on the wall and anywhere from which the enemy might enter. Meanwhile, General Wolfheart, from a good distance away, is observing the fortress with the Republic Flag flying high over it.

Wolfheart: Hm… I didn’t expect our fort to be taken, but this shouldn’t be a problem. I say, only a few thousand Republic soldiers in their defense. Plus, I doubt they got any DD mages to support them.

Hellhood: What should we do?

Wolfheart: First, let’s have a little chat with them and see if we can convince them to give up. I’ll ride towards them for a little while. Assume command during my brief absence.

Hellhood: Yes sir.

Meanwhile, the Republic Knights are hastily preparing their defense. The officers are now trying to make a plan in how to defend themselves against the entire Imperial Army.

Arch_Knight: Dark, honestly speaking, I think this is the biggest mistake we ever made in our lives.

Darktankerz: Yea, no kidding.

Arch_Knight: I just observed their force from the tower. They probably got siege towers, ladders, Mage Batteries, archers, and heavy armored fighters and clerics. And look at us. We are outnumbered, low on supplies and at least ten miles from even our nearest friendly patrol. We have no reinforcements, and there is no way we can get out of this fort without being spotted.

Darktankerz: We have to fight them off then.

Arch_Knight: (sigh) Alrite then. We can’t possibly defend all the walls at once. We have to concentrate our troops in small areas. Our main gate is on the east side of the fortress. We have to move all available troops in the reserve on the east wall. Before they attack, well, they will probably hit us with every mage they got upon the fortress. After that, they will charge against the fortress in waves of thousands of troops. If they break through, we have to move onto the next wall inside. We got three defensive walls around us. That should give us enough backup in case we lose a wall.

Darktankerz: Very well. We did all we could. Now is the time we make our stand.

Suddenly Afeelia runs towards them.

Afeelia: Generals, we got a rider coming here. He is alone. I think someone better go talk to him.

Darktankerz: I’ll go. Arch, you stay here and watch over the knights.

Soon Darktankerz rides on a Pegasus horse and rides out of the fort. He meets the unknown officer who is waiting in the middle of the field between the fort and the enemy army.

Darktankerz: Okay, I’m here. What do you want?

Wolfheart: I just came to talk to you for a bit. Are you the commander of that fortress?

Darktankerz: Yes I am. I am Brigadier General Darktankerz from the 1st Republic Division.

Wolfheart: The 1st Division you say. Guess what; this will turn into a rematch after Scaffold Execution Ground.

Darktankerz: You are General Wolfheart aren’t you? I have never seen you before in person. What honor and what dread I feel for you.

Wolfheart: I take that as a compliment. Anyway, let’s get to business. The Imperial Army of Lord Grave_Falcon demands your unconditional surrender. If you and your troops drop your weapons and exit the fort peacefully, we will spare your lives.

Darktankerz: You and I both know that there is only one way to take the fort.

Wolfheart: Here is my question: Are you insane?

Darktankerz: No. The question is how much you are willing to pay to take this fort.

Wolfheart seems startled by Darktankerz’s question.

Darktankerz: You will find my sword in the battle, Wolfheart.

Darktankerz rides back to the fortress and takes shelter inside. Wolfheart rides back to his line as well.

Hellhood: So how was the chat?

Wolfheart: It didn’t go well. Prepare all seven mage batteries to open fire on the fort.

Hellhood: Yes sir.

Meanwhile, Darktankerz runs back to the watch tower and sees the preparation of the enemy’s mage attacks.

Arch_Knight: So General, I take it that they didn’t like your answer.

Darktankerz: Nope. Tell everyone to take cover and brace the wall.

Arch_Knight: Yes sir.

Hundreds of enemy mages assume firing positions and are ready to fire away.

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Hellhood: Mage, prepare to fire! Target East Wall! Range 900 meters! Two-seconds Interval! Fire!

Soon Mage barrages fall upon the fort. The attacks pounded into stonewall that is roughly two stories high and blew away shards of rocks out of the wall.

Uncle: Take cover! Everyone stay low!

Explosions bombarded the fortress. Fire blasts and AOE attacks blast away unsuspecting troops from the walls. Knights took shelter behind the outer wall. Despite the raining attacks, General Darktankerz walks about the wall calmly and without ducking. Explosions and mage fire blasts fly about his head. The magic barrage continues for another hour.

Hellhood: Battery ceasefire!

Wolfheart: (to his Legion commanders) Infantry advance now.

Soon the fortress defenders come out of cover and took positions on the east wall. Thousands of Imperial troops march slowly toward the fort.

Uncle: They are coming. Steady knights.

Executux: Archers prepare to fire!

The enemy troops are now within range of 100 meters.

Executux: Release arrows!

Hundreds of enemy troops get hit by the volley, but still advances toward the wall. Soon their fighters reach the wall and bring ladders against the wall.

Arch_Knight: Ladders! Prepare to repel invaders!

Soon the fighters and clerics strike the climbing enemy soldiers with swords and maces. One by one, the enemy falls from the ladder, while more and more ladders hook onto the wall. Arrows from both sides are flying everywhere like an endless faucet of water. Soon, Imperial troops are banging against the main fortress gate with their siege weapon, trying to break through the door. Darktankerz along with a thousand troops by his side are waiting behind the door to fight against whatever may penetrate through the door. Their swords and shields are facing the door, ready at a moment’s notice to charge against the enemy.

Darktankerz: You will hold them here, no matter how many troops breach the wall. Is that understood?!

Fortress Defenders: (simultaneously) YES SIR!

The door barricades are coming loose, and the door is breaking apart each time the enemy bangs their warhammer against the door. In an instance, the door breaks apart and countless enemy troops pour into the breached gate.

Darktankerz: Charge!

The enemy, despite breaching in, is outnumbered and bottlenecked at the gate entrance. The enemy’s advance halts when Republic soldiers charge against them. Meanwhile, General Wolfheart observes the battle from the distance and sees that his first wave is effective.

Wolfheart: (to his commanders) Launch the second wave now.

Soon additional thousands of Imperial troops come sprinting towards stonewall to reinforce their attack. General Arch_Knight and his brigade defending the eastern wall are driving away the climbers of the ladders in fierce close combat.

Arch_Knight: Come on! Help me tip this ladder over!

The knights begin to push the ladders away from the wall. The falling ladders slam upon the enemy troops below. The second wave has failed. The Republic troops are still mowing down the enemy.

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Wolfheart: (with some frustrated tone) Send in the rest of the Army to the fort.

Hellhood: But sir, we can’t penetrate that fort easily. We have to find another way.

Wolfheart: I said do it now!

Hellhood: Yes sir.

Soon General Hellhood signals the rest of the remaining thirty thousand troops to advance against the fort. Arch_Knight, seeing the immense third wave of enemy troops, rallies his knights to prepare to fall back.

Arch_Knight: Brigade fall back to the second level! Now!

Soon the fortress defenders empty out of the outer wall and retreat to second wall. Enemy troops climb on the outer wall and begin breach the eastern wall. Darktankerz, seeing the retreat, orders his knights to retreat back as well.

Darktankerz: Fall back to the second wall! Displace!

Archers who were already in the second wall provide cover fire against the enemy troops at the outer wall gate. The knights manage to lock themselves inside the second wall and begin to barricade the entrance of this level.

Arch_Knight: Dark, we can’t hold them much longer! They got too many troops!

Darktankerz: Don’t worry. This is just the second wall. We still got the third wall and the keep. Besides, they can’t bring ladders on the second wall. The wall is too high. Only way they are getting in is through this gate. I want you to bring your brigade here and concentrate all of our attacks on their entry here.

Arch_Knight: Yes sir.

Now the enemy troops are banging against the second gate with their warhammer. The woods in the door are cracking. Once again, all the knights are aiming their swords and arrows at the gate, waiting for the enemy to come through.

Darktankerz: (to his troops) The enemy will show no mercy! In return you will also show no mercy! Hold nothing back and attack with all of your strengths!

Suddenly the second gate cracks open and more enemy troops pour in through the gate. The Republic troops charge against the enemy in red capes. The dead are everywhere. Screams, battle cries, metallic clashes of swords, hammers, and shields are heard vibrantly and strong. Even the screams can be heard by the officers who are observing the chaotic battle from a mile away. The battle continues on repeatedly with merciless violence until nightfall. The Stonewall Fortress is still under Republic control.

End of Part 5

[beastphantomz]

Part 6: For All Freedom and Liberty

General Wolfheart is sitting at his tent chair, reading the numerous battle reports of the fortress invasion. Casualty report 4th Division: 2300 dead, 3400 wounded, 6000 missing. Casualty report 5th Division: 4500 dead, 6000 wounded, 5000 missing. Casualty report 7th Division: 1500 dead, 2000 wounded, 3500 missing. After reading the first few pages, the General throws the pile of papers onto the floors with great anger.

Hellhood: General, perhaps we should just skip the fortress and move onto Collapsed Prison. We lost half of the entire army in a single day. HALF!

Wolfheart: I know Hood. Just don’t mention that.

Hellhood: We can still move onto Collapsed Prison with thirty thousand troops we have left. We CANNOT sustain any more losses or our plan is void. Those guys in the fort are well positioned in heavily defended walls. We can’t flank them and we can’t really attack them on a large battle line.

Wolfheart: We will not retreat in the face of the enemy. If we leave that fortress in the hands of the Republic, we will be seen as weak. What’s more troubling is why they did not surrender when I offered them the chance. They must have something of great importance in that fortress.

Hellhood: Well, if you will attack the fort again tomorrow, then it better be our last charge against the fort.

Meanwhile the survivors of the fortress are gathering around the second gate and replace their barricades. It’s still very early in the morning of uncanny darkness. Only half of them are left alive.

Darktankerz: Ladies and gentlemen, it is clear by now, we won’t all leave this fort alive. We are completely out of spirit stones. We can’t fight back. So I came up with a plan. We have enough Pegasus horses to allow half of us to leave the fortress through the back alley. The Empire has no troops there. But half of us must stay here to keep their attention. I will stay here.

Norika: No you can’t!

Darktankerz: I have to, Norika. And Arch, you will leave this place with your brigade. My knights in 1st Brigade already agreed to stay. Someone must deliver this map to the House of Council.

Norika: Then I am staying!

Darktankerz: Arch, take Norika with you and escort her back to Elderine immediately, before the sun rises.

Norika: Dark you can’t do this to me!

Arch_Knight: So, this is your plan, huh… What am I supposed to tell the House of Council?

Darktankerz: Tell them that we fought for this.

Darktankerz hands Arch_Knight the battle-torn Flag of the Republic that stood on the fortress pole, with the motto “For All Freedom and Liberty.”

Darktankerz: Tell them that we still face the mettle of our foe, despite the darkness in our day. Tell them that on this day, all free citizens of Isya were with us here on this very ground. Tell them, that freedom is worth dying for.

Arch_Knight: Yes general.

Darktankerz: This is farewell, my old friend. Please go back safely when the time comes.

Norika: Dark, I’m staying, quit ignoring me!

Suddenly Darktankerz knocks Norika unconscious with the handle of his sword. He catches her from falling to the ground and carries her to the Pegasus horse.

Darktankerz: I’m sorry my love. But you can’t die here, not like this.

Arch_Knight: Dark, anything I should say to her when she wakes up?

Darktankerz removes the sheath of his sword, and gives it to Arch_Knight.

Darktankerz: I won’t need the cover for my sword by the time the battle is over. Tell her that I placed my last wish for happiness in my last prayer; that I will always watch over her from the beyond. Give that sheath to her if she needs remembrance of who I am.

Arch_Knight: Dark, I’m doing this with great reluctance. But for your friends, I will.

Darktankerz: Now leave!

Arch_Knight: Yes sir! 2nd Brigade, follow me!

Soon, the knights of 2nd Brigade left the fortress at fast pace into the dark forests of Dark Passage and towards Collapsed Prison. Soon Darktankerz rallies his knights at the outer wall.

Darktankerz: Knights of 1st Brigade! Shine your armors and look presentable. By first light, we will face the Empire outside the fort in STRENGTH and HONOR! (pulling out his sword) For Freedom and Liberty!

Knights of 1st Brigade: (battle cry) FOR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY!

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End of Part 6

[beastphantomz]

Part 7: Angel of the Stonewall Fortress

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Arch_Knight is still leading his knights out in the woods. Keeira is carrying Norika on the back of her horse. Suddenly Keeira stops her horse.

Arch_Knight: What’s wrong Keeira?

Keeira: This is not her!

Arch_Knight: What?!

Keeira: It’s not Norika! It’s just an empty armor filled with straws!

Arch_Knight: Darn it, Norika.

Afeelia: What should we do?

Arch_Knight: We can’t go back now. It’s too late. Keep moving.

The sun is already high in the sky. All thirty thousand Imperial troops are outside the fortress. The two hundred survivors of 1st Brigade are standing outside the fortress in a straight battle line. General Darktankerz is at the front.

Darktankerz: Knights, it was an honor serving by your side. But our days end today.

Suddenly, a cleric in civilian clothes without armor comes running toward Darktankerz.

Norika: Dark! Wait!

Darktankerz: Norika! What in Isya are you doing here?!

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Norika hugs Darktankerz.

Norika: (with a smile) I am not leaving you alone.

Darktankerz: Then stay right by me. There is no where else to go now. You should’ve gone home like I told you.

Norika: Like I ever listened to you, hehe.

Meanwhile, General Wolfheart observes the whole unusual situation with the telescope.

Wolfheart: What in the world are they doing? What stupid fools. This is just as simple as executing someone. General Hellhood, order all of our archers and mages to fire at them now!

Hellhood: Yes sir! (to his archers) Archers make ready! Take Aim!

Now thousands of arrows are pointed at the Republic knights in the center. The knights are still standing still in their proud, shining armor and their weapons, unmoved by the certain rain of deaths they are about to receive.

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Norika holds Darktankerz’s hand.

Hellhood: Fire!

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End of Part 7

[beastphantomz]

Part 8: The Early Resolve

After the battle, General Wolfheart walks around the fortress viewing all the dead soldiers. He comes across General Darktankerz’s body lying next to a dead cleric. They were holding each other’s hand on the ground.

Hellhood: What is it general?

Wolfheart: I remember a time when I used to be like that for my wife. I envy this general.

Hellhood: How do you know that this cleric is his wife?

Wolfheart: Just an instinct, Hood… Just an instinct.

General Wolfheart removes his sword from his sheath. He took his sheath off of his belt and then slides his sheath on the dead General’s sword. (Note: Sheath is a cover for holding a sword)

Hellhood: General, what are you doing? Where will you put your sword now?

Wolfheart: It looks like I did indeed find your sword, General Darktankerz. The least I could do is place a sheath on your sword.

Hellhood: Sir?

Wolfheart: It’s nothing Hood. Continue with the search for any survivors.

Hellhood: Yes sir.

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Date: Februayr 18, 2008
Location: Elderine, Grand House of Council

Arch_Knight arrives at the Republic’s House of Council in the grand building next to the guild manager. All senators and councils are here on this day.

Supreme Council: Senators, may I open the floor now to Brigadier General Arch_Knight from the 1st Republic Division.

Arch_Knight: Thank you, Supreme Council. I came here in both fury and honor. I am furious at you, the House of Council, for ordering my knights and my friends to attempt a dangerous mission that had cost countless lives. But today, I have the honor to come here, not on the behalf of myself. But I am here on the behalf of a valiant defender in the name of the Republic and our home. The knights of the 1st Brigade defended the Stonewall Fortress against an overwhelming force. Every foot of their ground cost the enemy lives of hundreds of their own troops. The flag and the sheath I present you on the central table today, should show you vividly, what we fought for. I have nothing more to say. Thank you.

The House of Council observes with interest at the items laid before them. Arch_Knight walks out of the grand council room, and runs into someone unexpectedly. The General Chief of Staff of the Republic Army is at the entrance to greet the surviving general.
Elvenstone: Good afternoon, General Arch_Knight.

Arch_Knight: (with a salute) Good after, General Elvenstone. To what honor do I have to be greeted by you, sir?

Elvenstone: Major General Splintwood showed me the map you gave him. It is indeed an important discovery.

Elvenstone hands Arch_Knight a paper folder with the tag “Top Secret”.

Elvenstone: You have been selected to organize a mission; a mission that will end the war against the Empire. Meet me at my office in the main street at noon tomorrow for more details.

End of Part 8

Narrator: The Siege of the Stonewall Fortress in Dark Passage inflicted a heavy blow against the Empire. Shortly after the battle, General Wolfheart, by immediate order of the military staff in Uruga, was ordered to transfer the army back to the city. Wolfheart was removed from the army command and is reassigned as commander of the city’s defense. Soon after, the Republic Army occupies the southern sector of Dark Passage and retakes the battered fortress. The war is finally nearing its end, and the legacy of the knights in the 1st Division is still alive.

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End of “Knights in Armor: Angel of the Stonewall Fortress”

Next Story – Knights in Armor: The Falcon’s Nest

[beastphantomz]

To all respectful readers..

The author, the editor, and the picture editor would like to provide credit to the members of their humble home guild for some of the themes and ideas displayed in the story. Many of the settings were also inspired by many historical events from the history of war and ideas from many fiction/nonfiction war stories. Many ideas were taken from Europen Medieval Feudal History, the American Revolutionary War, the American Civil War, the Napoleonic War, and many other Great Wars and International Conflicts we often come across in history class. We also must give credit to some historical novels like Killer Angels by Micheal Shaara, Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, and numerous other stories. We must also give credit to the many movies we watch today (lol). All of these ideas were somehow considered and conjugated into one story. The author somehow manipulated the basic frame of the story and made it as Fiesta-like possible with the setting of Isya. The witnessed drama from inside the game, due to guild rivalry and retaliation, inspired the author to write up a story imagining what could possibly happen if things like that go to the extreme (and of course the story itself is nearly impossible to ever happen, so dont worry, lol). Fortunately, we were mostly spectators to such incidents overall. And once again, the story is just for the entertainment of our friends on the forum who happens to be bored sometimes. The opinions does not necessarily represent the views of the characters inside the story; the story is just for fun as a fan fiction. This story may NOT be used for any monetary profit, so please don't do any funny business with this story (although we very doubt anyone would do that anyway). We hope the readers find the story at least to be okay. If not, you are free to post your criticism in respectful manners. If you found the story to be very good, please post those comments as well. We are also planning to write the third and final story to this series, but we are not sure yet. Your feedback would be valuable. Thank you.

[kibaxme]

lol great story arch :D
.o. yay so i die"? whoopie ^O^

[fireyair]

oooh great story

*applaudes*

10/10



Peace:cool:

[beastphantomz]

Dear respectful readers,

I would like to say thanks for your acquaintance while hang your time here. We really appreciates that. Kindly, please add some precious comment for the story to ensure its continously. We need ur support!! Either good or bad comment, we still want to hear out. The author need some feed back from you guys. Please write something for us. Thank you

Regards,

[beastphantomz]

lol great story arch :D
.o. yay so i die"? whoopie ^O^

oooh great story

*applaudes*

10/10



Peace:cool:

Thanks for the compliments. The author must be very happy by now. On behalf of the author, i wanna say thank you very much for your precious comment. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2009.
Thank you.

Regards

[sanity1]

All I can say is WOW...
I can't wait until the next part..humm when will that be?
Great story so far !

[beastphantomz]

All I can say is WOW...
I can't wait until the next part..humm when will that be?
Great story so far !

Thanks, Sanity. We appreciates that!!

[beastphantomz]

Dear All Respectful Readers,

Midnight_Ravens Pictures would like to say thanks for your time here. We also wanna say Happy New Year 2009. Thank you.

Regards,

[animedud43]

now y did you use movie pics???

[beastphantomz]

now y did you use movie pics???

The answer is simple, we cant draw lol..And also taking movie pics, if u ask me, its kinda more realistic rather then anime, since this game is based from anime senario, so why not we change a bit to become more realistic feature. Furthermore, lol, in-game feature, someone when died can be raise or shall be spawn in specific area, but in this story, i doubt the author will raise Darktankerz and Norika lol. Anyway thanks for read and comment. Your comment will be added as future improvement. Maybe you could help us draw anime for certain event, we really feel honor. Thanks

Regards,