Chapter 77: An Enemy Raid
Chapter 77
Ardivar crept from the dark shadow of a stump to the shadow of a rock. He crouched behind the slight cover, his senses dampened by the thunder of the falls. He watched the banners on the walls wave wildly. Ardivar paid close attention, keeping track of the guards' schedule. Ardivar turned to his squad. The four members of his pack hiding quietly, crouching in the shadow.
Number Two close behind was the best hidden. Number Twos, deep black fur and white muzzle blending perfectly with the rock's shadow as though he was a part of it. In a line behind Ardivar and his second lay number Three. Deep brown fur and dark armour, her bright brown eyes shown with fierce intelligence.
Number Four lay, her tail swaying side to side, slowly but unmistakeably. Really showing Ardivar how nervous the young Darvan really was. Number Five idly waited, the brown and black Darvas short black hair and big ears perfectly still as his eyes roved everything. Bored and inattentive, the pack flicked their ears impatiently. Ardivar hissed at them through the thought link, settling the restless movement down.
Ardivar watched two soldiers on the wall and the flickering torch as they passed on their rounds. He raised one claw in the air, signaling his pack to be ready.
Ardivar Sent an order along their thought link," Follow quietly, stay low. Do not to move to fast."
Ardivar's legs ached as he stood on all fours. The long hours of waiting sending stabbing pain up his legs and into his shoulders. His creeping walk dispelled his weakness in moments. He slinked from the shadows across the dark meadow, keeping low in the short grass. A glance over his shoulder told him his pack was right on his tail, keeping low like he had ordered.
Ardivar grinned. The wall approached rapidly as he counted down in his head. Only five minutes until the next patrol would reach this point on the wall. On the stone wall, Ardivar could spot small gaps in the stone that would make perfect holds for sharp claws.
Over the thunder of the falls he caught the waning howl of a Darva. There was a reason the humans were so cautious tonight. The Darvan army was somewhere in the forest planning some moronic frontal attack..
Ardivar held close to the wall, his pack next to him, ears raised and tails still. The flicker of a shadow on stone and he was ready, digging his hardened claws into cracks in the stone. He crouched on the wall, waiting for his squad to climb up the wall. One minute left until the first patrol returned.
He crept along the stone walking path, Ardivar waited. The last of his pack reached the ground below, hiding behind the rows of tents in the inner fortress. Ardivar wanted to make sure his squad wouldn't mess up his plan. He swiveled his head, spotting soldiers along the wall, making their way towards him. The shadowy portion of the wall had no cover. He quickly dug his claws in and descended at a wreck less speed. In only moments the guards might walk right above him and all it would take was a glance to find him.
Seething in annoyance, Ardivar reached the bottom of the wall. He crouched for a long minute, his instincts screaming for him to attack or hide. He turned and made his way to the edge of a tent, eyeing the long gash in the fabric. Heart beating steadily, he pushed open the thin fabric. Glancing inside, he smells the sharp tang of blood on the air.
Beside the dead figure stood his pack, grinning happily at him like he gave them a present. This wasn't a party, Ardivar hissed at his pack. All of their tails wilted in subservience. He couldn't be to mad, he hadn't told them not to kill anyone.
"Good job on the silent kill you have improved.I didn't even hear you ,"said Ardivar with a smile.
"Follow, we have a goal, don't get distracted." Said Ardivar his tone brooking no argument.
His pack wagged their tails at him slowly, still uneasy. Ardivar gestured to the back of the tent, before crawling under the canvas. They crept along the dark back wall. Heading towards a large tent in the middle, from his last visit he knew this housed the commander. Ardivar and his squad went unnoticed. They waited by the back wall, hiding in the stable of all things until a loud horn blared.
"It's time, we attack. If I hear you make a sound even in pain, I will have your hides!" Said Ardivar, his mental tone harsh.
Much to his amusement, all the Darva wilted their ears and lowered tails. He was getting through to them slowly but surely. Ardivar would make his new pack respectable stalkers if it was the last thing he did. Clang! Clang! Clang! A human rang a bell. The damned thing made him shiver in annoyance. He vowed to strangle whoever made that terrible grating noise. Clang! Clang!
The thunder of armoured boots on stone drowned out the horn, leaving only the bell clanging as soldiers rushed to positions. Ardivar heard a long drawn out howl. He turned to his number two questioningly.
"It's the call for battle, the main pack is attacking."Said number Two, as the Darvas tail flicked rapidly side to side.
Ardivar gestured, his head moving from the rear of the stable. He followed the shadows of the tents to stay in cover. The distinct pull of mana being channeled came from the large tent, it was fleeting and light as a breeze. Excitement filled him as Ardivar salivated at the thought of tasting the magic. Ever since the first mage he had killed, he couldn't get it out of his mind. Eating magic was just so damned exhilarating.
Ardivar shook excitedly, holding his pesky tail still. He didn't waver from his course, keeping his group close and killing humans only when he had no other choice. The messenger he had gutted flitted through his mind. Pushing aside the momentary distraction. He kept his senses locked on the mage, from his left by the front gate Ardivar felt a pull on him as a mage channeled mana.
A boom that rocked the fortress drowned out a moment later, cutting off the yelling and the damned Bell ringer. His nose smelled of sweat and human. He caught site of a group standing around a table; the commander sending humans running in every directing. Crouching inside of an empty tent, Ardivar watched the bustle of humans eyeing the two armoured soldiers.
"Number Two, you are with me. The rest of you kill the guards." Grinning to himself, Ardivar hissed his grating laugh as he crept from the shadows.
Ardivar dug in his claws and ran at the group of unsuspecting humans. On his right was number Two. The rest of the pack ran past him in a blur of fur and armour and they quietly crossed the gap plowing into the floundering soldiers.
Holding to a steady jog, Ardivar shrouded himself in darkness as he weaved between the running humans. As he rapidly approached the commander, he could see the steel sheet of metal covering her back. He lept, pushing against the firm ground as his muscular legs sent him into her unguarded back. Ardivar's long claws dug into her sides and shoulders around the metal, sinking into flesh.
He tore into her neck, and she flailed around, blood gushing wildly. Around him runes formed in a flash, creating a haze of tasty mana. Ardivar dug his front claws into her arms, interrupting whatever nasty magic she was using. Her body vibrated and shook under his grip. Coppery blood filling his mouth as his victim screamed and flailed to remove her unseen attacker. Ardivar could see his second in command over the woman's shoulder. His number Two savagely tearing apart the humans who were with the commander, tearing into cloth and muscle with those burning claws.
Ardivar clenched his paws, digging into her soft human bits. His victim screaming as he wrenches his head. A large chunk of flesh tore from her neck, spurting blood from the deadly wounds as she plummets to the ground flat on her chest. Spitting out the chunk of awful, Ardivar shudders in delight as the mana enters his body, pushing against him as though he is too small. He glances up to see his pack surrounding him. Viens burning with a rush of excitement, he faces outwards towards the pale-faced humans. The only thing ruining his excitement was a bell rattling loudly behind him. To his delight, the humans clearly hadn't been expecting this.
As If on cue, a portion of the outer walled explodes inwards, scattering solders. The Dust and rock sending a choking haze over the already dazed soldiers. "Run! The commander is dead. "Run for your lives!" "The commander is dead without a mage we cannot win!" Through the haze of dust and coughing, the smart human's voice cut off with a loud shriek of pain. Clang! Clang! Clang!
"I have a personal grudge to settle with whoever is making that bell so loud." Ardivar hissed menacingly as he slunk away from the panicking humans towards the bell ringing behind him. Ardivar hissed approvingly, wagging his long slender tail with purpose. The clang of the bell drowned out everything as he approached, sending his pack to surround the waving bell. Ardivar hissed with laughter.
A lone man rang the bell, unaware of a ruthless demon at his back. After his little chore, his pack exited the mostly intact fortress. They passed by several warriors who stare at them as though they were heroes, their tails and ears lowering respectfully. He jogged, head raised unafraid as the squad pointed toward the Darvan army gathering in the field.
A Circle of Darva split from the army, gathering in private. A Darva tall and lean slides to a stop in front of them, its ears flattening in respect.
" please come with me pack leader, the Karut want to the one that helped lead us to victory." It annoyed Ardivar to no end that the Damned Darvan messenger was looking at number Two, completely ignoring him.
Ardivar tilted his head towards Number Two. Other than a long gash across his side, he seemed uninjured from the night's battle. "What is a Karuf?" said Ardivar confused.
"A Karut is a leader of ten packs of warriors and scouts." said number Two
Ardivar followed the Darvan messenger, annoyed but uncaring. He would force them to show him respect. Minutes later they stopped next to the line of ten Darva, all different sizes and colours. They ranged from a light brown to an eye-catching white.
" Only the pack leader and his second may join." The voice of his escort rang through Ardivar's mind.
Gesturing towards the rest of his pack, he kept on forward. Never showing the circle of staring warriors any weakness, no hesitation. Next to him Two followed on his right, sitting just behind signaling he was the second not Ardivar. The flash of information flickered through Ardivar's mind as his number Two talked on proper form when addressing superiors.
"You must lower your ears and tail when a warrior or mage of higher rank addresses you. They will consider it an insult, maybe even a challenge to their rank. "Said number Two, his thoughts sounding concerned.
Ardivar hissed in laughter. His new pack mate already knew him so well. Sliding to a stop, Ardivar stood, tail and ears raised. The only way to assert dominance was to tear out throats or bluff the enemy with your unwavering confidants.
"Young pack leader, rein in your Second. The Pup is breaking protocol." Said a Darva in front of Ardivar. The brown-haired Darva had armour covering most of his fur and the distinct lack of any scars on his polished armour. Either the warrior was very good or he had not actually fought in the battle with his claws. That was something Ardivar could use to prod the warrior.
" I am the pack leader, he is my second." Ardivar gestured to the tall, lean Darvan warrior who towered over him.
" He is right, I'm the second. And this is the pack leader that lead us to victory against the fortress." His number Two sat down, showing his deference.
" Remain standing pack leader, I must sit as I am Second in command."
Ardivar tilted his head and smirked at the tall, brown-haired warrior. The Darvan warrior bared his teeth and snarled back at Ardivar.
"This pup? are you telling a joke?" the brown-haired warrior yipped loudly in amusement.
"Are you challenging my claim? Your armour looks new. Did you sit in the forest during the battle? Maybe even climb a tree out of fright." Ardivar projected his thoughts to all the Darva in the circle.
Judging by their yipping laughter, they also thought it was a good insult. The Brown haired Darvan warrior used his magic, covering his claws in a bright blue colour, digging the ground easily.
" I challenge you for control of your pack, PUP. This has gone to far, I will show you your place." Said the Brown haired Darvan, snarling and baring his teeth.
" I challenge you for control of your pack, Harut." replied Ardivar, He said the words just as his second in command told him to. Replying to a challenge with a challenge of his own.
" A mere pack leader cannot challenge, a Harut. This is absurd." said an angry voice from his left, coming from a large grey-haired warrior.
" It is my right to challenge, is there any here who will break our laws? The pup accepted my challenge. Now there is nothing any of you can do until he surrenders or dies." The brown-haired Darva stares the other commanders down.
From the side Ardivar watched a figure in armour and fabric, the Darvan smelled of magic. His heart raced as he instinctively wanted to blend with the shadows and fight or run. The well muscled Darva stopped on the edge of the circle and smiled at all of them. To Ardivar's surprise, all the Warriors flattened their ears and lowered their tails in deference.
" I will allow this, If this new Pack leader can prove himself yet again I will welcome him as one of the Harut. If he looses, then he is not worth our time." said the Darvan mage, his voice ringing out in Ardivar's head. This was what he had wanted, to command of fifty warriors. The things he could take with fifty Darvan warriors at his command, well he may need to deal with the young scouts but that was a headache for later.
Ardivar faced off in the circle of warriors one on one with the tall brown furred Darva. Ardivar channeled his mana. His veins burned as all the gathered warriors took a step back, staring in wonder at him. The Darvan mage didn't seem fazed in the slightest, casually tilting its head towards Ardivar's foe.
Ardivar dug his claws in the ground for support and willed his internal fire to surround the larger Darvan warrior. Runes formed in the air, four runes in the air surrounding the warrior. After a moment, a torrent of green fire shot into the ground , creating a wall of flame. The trapped Darva screamed as the heat singed his fur. The fire flickered, and the flames roared, sending green shadows across the horrified faces of the other Darva.
Ardivar channeled more. His veins thrummed. He hissed in laughter, shaking in excitement as he created two runes under the warrior's feet. Two pillars of fire shot into the air, roasting the screaming Darvan Harut alive. The acrid stench of burning flesh and hair filled his sensitive nose. Still standing in his starting spot, Ardivar hissed his grating laugh loudly in victory. Pleased at the pale faces of the other Darvan commanders.
"What is your name, young one?" said the still unfazed Darvan mage
" I am Ardivar."
" Very well, I Stephan Varsuth of the first army promote you to Harut." Glancing from the burning corpse to Ardivar The mage said," As a position just opened up you will take control of the ten pack leaders packs under his command.
Ardivar sat and listened to the Darva as they went over their attack plans. He realized each commander was on their own and decide where and when their forces attacked. Ardivar grinned internally these warriors wanted to attack the nearby city of Drent head on. What a bunch of idiots. Tactics like sneaking into the city never even came up in the discussion.
Ardivar sighed, these idiots were making him loose brain cells just by talking. The Darvan mage had left, leaving the planning of the warriors to the warriors. The mage went back to doing whatever Darvan mages did in their spare time. That was a shame that mage smelled delicious, Ardivar wanted to sink his claws into the mage's flesh and taste his magic, but it was a fleeting thought.
" Lead me to my new warriors and scouts, I want to talk to them." said Ardivar, He followed the tall Dark furred Darvan warrior, unsure how his second in command seemed to know all these things.
He waiting and watched the Darvan warriors and scouts trickle in from all different places, the fort. Some entered the clearing from the forest and the lingering groups in the field gathering at some silent command.
Later Ardivar rushed through the forest, waiting on his latest report from his forward scouts. He skirted the advancing human army, forcing his warriors to avoid the large force of dangerous humans. They followed the road after that, keeping to the brush. He was using the road to lead them down the path towards the city. Ardivar wanted to scout it out and plan his attack so he would be ready when the main Darvan army arrived.
" Harut Ardivar, we spotted a human on the side of the road." said a young scout, its mental voice much higher than the others.
"Very good, has the human seen you?" said Ardivar, keeping his voice calm.
"No Harut Ardivar, the human is tied to a tree. Should we kill them?" said the young scout, its voice sounding exited.
" Stay away, surround them. Keep alert, I will be there shortly." said Ardivar, projecting his voice to his entire pack, stern and confident.
"Yes Harut." says his entire pack.
Ardivar storms through the trees, leaping around various trees and rocks down the road. He breathed evenly as the cool morning wind rushed across his skin. Chuckling in excitement, Ardivar revelled in the excess power flowing through his body. He couldn't believe how good he felt after killing the human commander. Grinning like an idiot, Ardivar slid to a stop as he eyed the human tied to a tree from the cover of the forest.
Sniffing the air, air Ardivar smelled someone familiar. Wait, his pet? Hey focused on her face intently. Messed short black hair covering her face, but it was definitely his pet. Why was she here? Trotting forwards he crept close, getting a good look of the humans face. It really was his pet, Wait. Wasnt his pet with his familiar? Grumbling internally, Ardivar channeled his power, creating an illusion around himself reforming his disguise.
Shaking himself Ardivar walked towards the human roving his eyes over the forest admiring how well most of his pack hid. In the morning light, he could only pick out the faint rustle of fur or paws on leaves. The human lifted her head, her face concerned.
"How did you get here?" said Carley, her voice raspy as though she hadn't drunk water in a while.
Ardivar stood in front of her, eyeing the rope that was mostly off. Apparently his pet was almost free. That was good. Unsheathing his long claws, Ardivar leaned up against the tree and cut the thick rope sawing through the many layers. His pet fell to the ground, her limbs wobbly and pale. Ardivar took a step back, eyeing his pet. Well, at least she was ok. It would be a lot of work to find a new pet, he thought. It was good she was still alive.
Carley massaged her legs and winced, sitting on the hard ground under the tree.
Ardivar leaned into his pet hand as she scratched his back. Woah! what was she doing? Well now, he was glad he freed her. The humans face turned a bright red. She balled her fist, hitting the ground.
" The damned inquisitors took Reskeme back to the city to be executed." said Carley, her fists popping as she clenched them.
Ardivar felt his heart race. Wait, what? his familiar was going to be executed in the city? Projecting his thought at the human with all of his will, he tried to question the human. And nothing, all of his effort and nothing. Stupid humans that don't have soul magic.
" If we had some soldiers, maybe we could storm in and take him from the damned church." said Carley, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Ardivar Projected his thoughts to the fifty Darva waiting at his command." Lets go, do not Harm my human pet or I will have your hides." Said Ardivar hissing his grating laugh.
Carley stagger back, her face turning pale as Darvan warriors and scouts crept from the trees, most snarling at the human. Their tall, well armoured, and well muscled frames menacing in the day's light. Ardivar hissed and all of his pack formed up in front of him, waiting for his command. With this many Darvan warriors to follow his command, no telling what he could do.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Bearscholar
Bearscholar Hope you enjoy our friendly neighborhood demon!
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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