Something to prove (Gman and ShadyAce)

[Gman]

The war between the kingdoms of Esterbell and Rockbourne has raged on for years now. The lines have been drawn with both sides fortifying their positions with keeps and forts. With no clear winner, it will take a leader to break this stand still.


Aurus stood up from the wreckage of the catapult he took cover by. Another raid was repelled that night. No one was killed but a few were injured in the attack. What the Rockbourne raiders were after was the siege engines that the regiment were taking to the front. They were down to only a few catapults and battering rams. Aurus brushed the dirt from his armor and walked around the area. There was no point in staying in the area. They had to make it to the fort at the front by nightfall or risk being hit with a raid again. As he walked he attempted to organize the troops back into formation. They were hesitant as usual but followed orders. "Amara?" he called out. "You still with me?"

 

[Gman]

Aurus heard her voice and came running to her side. His sword was drawn and ready although it was heavy in his hands. "We can't stay here any longer. If we make a break for the fort up ahead then maybe the raiders will pull back and we can save the last of our siege engines." He suggested while breathing heavily.


The prince may be strong but he wasn't as strong as most soldiers. Battles that lasted longer then a few minutes wore him down completely. Aurus tried to stay as close to Amara as possible in case the enemy tried to attack.

 

[Gman]

Aurus nodded as he steadied his breathing. He looked behind him as some solders were trying to organize the horses that were towing the catapults. He quickly fell back to the main force while waving down as many people as possible. "Trees everyone now!" he called out while pointing toward the small forest.


As soon as everyone made it to the tree line, Aurus attempted to organize them. He sent to horse drawn siege engines on the clear path through the trees while getting the rest of the regiment to cover. "We're making a break for the fort. Make sure the equipment is protected. We'll regroup there." he barked out.


The main force moved out as ordered. Aurus looked back at Amara who hadn't moved from her current position. "Amara come on we gotta go." he called out but he knew she had something planned to buy them more time.


"Fine I better see you back at the fort!" he called out while joining the rest of his regiment

 

[Gman]

Aurus stayed a few steps behind the main group to make sure there were no stragglers. The injured were the slowest and required others to help them move. Every now and then Aurus looked back to make sure Amara was still doing okay. Finally the front of the group reached the gates of the fort. Aurus ushered everyone inside. The injured were quickly taken to the medical stations and the rest of the troops took positions on the walls in case of an attack.


Just before Aurus walked through the gate, he turned back around. He could no longer see Amara through the trees. He knew that she was a talented fighter and could take care of herself but against an army that big it seemed impossible. He was torn between multitude of choices as he gripped his sword that sat dormant in its sheath. Finally he took a deep breath and grabbed the nearest horse. The solders protested his decision but he ignored them. He rod off at full speed back towards where Amara stood her ground. There was a bow and arrow strapped to the side of the animal that he hoped would be made of use.

 

[Gman]

As Aurus got closer, he saw that Amara was starting to waver. He pushed his horse to the limit to try to reach her. He zoomed around the trees making sure that the enemy troops couldn't get a clear view of him. As bad as he was at fighting, horse riding was Aurus's one talent. He let go the ropes and steered the horse with his legs. With his hands free, Aurus took the bow and an arrow.


Once he broke past the tree line, he let the arrow loose. It flew though the air and managed to hit a charging troop in the arm. It was a lucky shot but it was the only one he needed. He used the horse to force the enemy troops back before stopping in front of the injured Amara. Without saying anything he grabbed the elf's arm and pulled her onto the horse. "I thought you were going to meet me at the fort." he said while speeding away back toward the fort.

 

[Gman]

Aurus looked back at the exhausted Amara who held tightly on to him. "You're supposed to be protect me." he smirked.


They speed quickly through the dense trees and back to the fort gate. All the while he could hear shouting from the enemy solders behind him. As soon as he entered the fort, the troops closed the gate shut and helped Amara and Aurus off the horse. "Get her treated. She just saved all of your lives." he told the troops. "Be on the look out for enemy attack. We won't survive a full siege."


The troops bowed and scrambled to their positions. Aurus took a deep breath as he walked to his quarters. He was really starting to sound like a leader but it would take more then just sounding like one to impress the citizens of Esterbell. He would need results big enough to turn the tide of war. He reached his small room and quickly removed his armor. It was heavy and he did not have the stamina to continuously wear it. He wore simple leather with his sword attached firmly on the belt before leaving for the medical station.

 

[Gman]

Aurus entered the small medical centre with caution as to not disturb the wounded. The sight of his own solders injured was heart wrenching. They were here under his command and paid the price. A few of the nurses approached him asking to look over him but he refused. Aurus was completely fine thanks to the protection given by Amara. Besides, he needed the nurses to take care of the others. A few more steps in he noticed his friend laying on one of the make shift beds. He took a seat next to where her head lay as the medical staff went to work fixing her up. It didn't seem too serious, just cuts and bruises all over. Aurus knew that Amara was tough and something like this wouldn't kill her. "That was a reckless thing you did out there." he said while looking at her.


"If you're gone, who else is going to teach me how to fight and protect me." he said with a sarcastic smirk appearing on his face.

 

[Gman]

Aurus turned away when the nurse treated the larger gash on Amara. Another thing he couldn't handle too well was blood. A bit here and there wasn't bad but larger quantities would could make him throw up. When it was over he turned back to the injured girl. "Pinning all the work on the prince huh? Are you forgetting that I am royalty?" he said while striking a pose.


He peeked over to see that Amara was not buying his act. He sat back down in his seat and observed the medical staff. They were some of the best surgeons and nurses from the kingdom. The troops here should be back on their feet soon. "I'll let you rest. I need to sort through the records and take inventory on troops and weapons." he said while placing a hand on her shoulder and standing up.

 

[Gman]

Aurus quickly took away his hand at the mention of the infected wound. He turned to the nurses and motioned for them to check the spot he touched. "Get some rest. I'll need you on your feet soon." He said before leaving the medical station.


He began his check of the fort. With his soldiers along with the ones that were already stationed here, it totaled to 110 fighters. There were enough swords, shields, spears and bows to arm them as well as a handful of horses to form a calvary unit. 3 catapults and 2 battering rams would have to suffice if they went on the offensive.


Aurus grimaced as he looked to the distance from his position on the wall. The enemy could easily launch an attack on the fort. They didn't have that much man power to defend and reinforcements weren't due to arrive anytime soon. "This is not going to be easy." He said quietly to himself.

 

[Gman]

Aurus looked out to the distance from his spot on the wall. The sun was slowly setting and soon he would have to retire for the night. He glanced back at the fort ground level to see Amara limping her way around in her ripped clothing and bandages. He quickly came down from the wall and jogged over to her. He helped support her weight. "I thought I told you to rest." he said as he helped her regain her balance.


It was hard to see his friend in this state. Their long time friendship was void of any status symbols. She never really treated him like royalty and he never treated her like a commoner. Back at the kingdom she was the only one who actually cared about his plan to go to the front line. "Do you need to go back to your quarters? I can help you there and you need to change out of your clothes."

 

[Gman]

As much as she tried. Aurus could see right through Amara's attempt at looking strong. He sighed as she said she could reach her quarters herself. "Fine but I expect you to be up bright and early tomorrow. I'll be leading a scouting party to take note of any enemy camps." he said.


Aurus knew good and well she was not strong enough to be left alone but he knew she valued her ego more then safety. Worrying others would be worse then any injury she could have. "And I'm not that helpless, I can hold my own against a few enemies." he said.


It was obvious he was lying. His sword could be replaced by a piece of wood and it would make no difference. Aurus was bad at fighting not to mention physically weak and got exhausted easily. He was more of a figure then a fighter. He stood still as he watched Amara speak expecting her to go to her quarters.

 

[Gman]

Aurus waved to the elf before heading back to his own quarters. He noticed her walk was fragile as if every step threatened to give way. He sighed knowing that she was trying her best to hide the pain. Her pride would one day get the better of her and by that day Aurus hoped he would be ready to protect her.


When he returned to his small room, he leaned his sword against the wall next to his bed. The room was dimly lit by a few torches which gave just enough light to see. He walked towards the large map that spread across one of the walls. It showed everything from the two kingdoms of humans, orc lands, dwarf caves and the elven glades that were just up north of where they were. Aurus stared at the distance between the capital and the front line. This was the furthest he had ever been from home. Deep inside he was anxious to finish this and go home. "I need to get the job done here. I will return to the capital as the rightful ruler." he whispered.


Aurus turned his attention to the window. As he peered out of it, he noticed a figure sitting on the edge watching the sky. He recognized it as Amara almost immediately. He leaned against the window bars watching her figure illuminated by moon light. There were a few guards posted at the wall but they did not bother her. Aurus thought to himself that once all this was over, maybe they could return to how their friendship used to be without having to worry about being caught by a sword. He blinked a few times before going to extinguish the torches. He lay on his bed thinking about the next day's events. They would leave at sunrise and Aurus needed to be awake and ready to lead.

 

[Gman]

Morning sun had only just began to rise when Aurus woke up. He quickly sprung out of the bed and got ready. He bathed, dressed himself in his armor and buckled his sword to his belt. Leading by example was something he had to do to motivate the soldiers. He stepped out into the cold air and dimly lit fort and walked toward the stables. The horses were well trained and did not put up much fight when Aurus got them ready. Soon the few soldiers who were to accompany them on the scouting mission arrived. A band of 5 knights, Aurus and Amara were going to survey the area to see if there were potential enemy encampments.


The soldiers bowed there heads upon seeing the young prince as a sign of loyalty. Aurus nodded to them before tending to his own horse. He would be lieing if he said he wasn't tired. It took every ounce of strength to keep his eyes open but his popularity would take a hit if he fell asleep.

 

[Gman]

Aurus walked over to Amara bringing her horse to her. She seemed better then she was yesterday but her body still seemed injured. "I hope so too. Reinforcements won't be here till late tomorrow. Getting attacked now will be the end of us." he said while handing the girl the horse.


He took notice to her outfit and how it was torn up badly. "I can have one of the care takers mend that for you. Maybe even get you a set of plate armor." he suggested.


Aurus motioned for the group to get ready. He pulled himself onto his horse and looked back at the elf. "Watch my back alright." he said as the gates slowly opened.

 

[Gman]

Aurus looked down at the platting he wore on his front and shoulders. The armor itself bore symbols of the royal family and was almost completely unscratched. The only reason it was not damaged at all was because Aurus had mostly avoided being in any conflict and commanded from the side while Amara protected him.


Him and the rest of the group rode out past the gate and began their journey. He rode next to Amara with the guards forming a circle around them. Just past the trees was plains. Since there has been little conflict in the area, the grass was still green and there were no signs a war was taking place. Compared to other places where intense fighting took place, this was like another world. "Its strange seeing land like this untouched." he said to Amara.

 

[Gman]

Aurus trotted along on his horse taking in the beauty of the area. All his life he had seen only city walls and wartorn battlegrounds. This was an entirely new experience for him and he wanted all the time in the world to take it in.


He looked over at his companion and noticed her studying a flower that was picked off the ground. Her curious look only proved that there was more to her then just being a great warrior. Aurus turned his attention back to the path and spotted a small river by a few hills. He directed the group to head there for a quick rest. When he reached it, he dismounted his horse and let it drink from the water. He stretched his legs and back now that he was fully awake. At the edge of his sight, he could see large trees far away. If his memory was right, it could be the border of elf territory. "Have you ever thought of meeting with your people?" Aurus asked while turning to Amara.

 

[Gman]

Aurus half expected the answer Amara gave him. She had told him in the past of her story of a young elf girl grew up with humans. Whenever she talked about it, there was no too much detail and Aurus never dug deeper in. Simply put, it was none of his business.


He walked over and sat next to the girl who stared at the fish. It was entertaining to watch its movements in the water. "My father has had a few run ins with elves before. He told me they were a race of class and honor." He mumbled while playing with a few rocks by the edge of the water.

 

[Gman]

Aurus looked at her with sincere eyes. Seeing his friend and protector like this was heart breaking. He may be a prince but the stress he faced was not all that much compared to others. A big reason for his lack of popularity in the kingdom was his inability to act and plan. Some would say that he was just simply lazy and would rather reap the benefits of being royalty then to actually do something with it. Amara was always the one to keep him grounded during their secret meetings.


He put his arm around her and pulled her in closer so that she leaned on him. "Whatever reason they abandoned you for does not matter. What does matter is that you're here making sure I can get through this war. If anything you should be next in line for the throne instead of me. You deserve it more." he said softly.

 

[Gman]

"Well since you're here to protect me, the least I can do is listen to whatever is bothering you." he said with a smile.


Aurus stood up and retrieved his horse who was resting by the water. The soldiers had finished their break and began mounting their horses. Aurus hoped onto his mount. By now the sun was high in the sky warming up the area. Aurus looked around the plain before ordering the soldiers back into formation. "We should get going. Before the enemy sees us first." he said while riding along side Amara's horse.

 

[Gman]

The group continued on their scouting mission as planned. Although they rode next to each other, there was little talking between Aurus and Amara. He knew she needed time to collect her thoughts without being bothered. However the silence felt strange since they were so used to snapping come backs at each other. He sighed as he glazed over the plain with his eyes.


Suddenly he felt the ground beneath him shake ever so slightly. He called for the group to stop and quickly move towards the small group of trees near their path. The solders and horses were masked behind the green leaves making it hard for anyone to see them. In the distance, Rockbourne troops marched in formation emerging from behind a few hills. From what Aurus could see, there were a couple hundred of them all fully armed in their signature dark armor and rusted weaponry. Aurus gritted his teeth as he saw that they were marching in the direction of the fort. Reinforcement would not arrive until tomorrow and at the pace they marched, they would be ready and making camp by the fort by sundown. "Dammit, quick we need to get back to the fort now." he whispered to the others.

 

[Gman]

Aurus nodded to the rest of the troops and gestured for them to make haste back to the fort. The more time they had to prepare, the longer they may be able to hold out. The group pushed their horses to the limit as they raced back to the fort. The approaching army must have saw them but they continued to march at their pace.


Within minutes the group was back at the fort. They sped through the gate and quickly closed it behind them. Aurus jumped down from his horse and gave its ropes to one of the helpers to put back into the stable. "Listen up, Rockbourne troops have been spotted heading this way. They look like they are going to set up camp nearby before attacking us. I want archers on the wall at all times keep a lookout. Clear the courtyard and move all medical equipment inside the fort." he shouted to the soldiers.

 

[Gman]

Aurus turned around when he felt Amara's hand on his shoulder. "You, I'll need you to stay by my side. I need you and your fighting ability now more then ever." he said with sincere eyes.


The soldiers scrambled to movie anything they needed to protect inside while they brought out racks of weapons into the courtyard. The way the surrounding terrain was around the fort, the enemy could only attack from one side which was where the gate was. Everyone was busy sharpening swords and making sure there were enough arrows on the walls. "Brace the gate with anything we can spare. If we manage to hold them back till tomorrow morning then reinforcements will be here to aid us." he barked out.


He motioned for Amara to follow him inside the fort to the planning room. There was a big map of the fort and it's surroundings on the center table. "We need to figure out what we can do to stall them. I didn't see any siege engines aside from a few battering rams. But that gate won't hold forever." he said while looking at the map.


(No problem, also happy new years!)

 

[Gman]

Aurus stared at the map sternly as he tried to piece together a plan. This defense was not going to be easy and it was already too late to evacuate. "We've barricaded the gate with everything we could. Arrows and hot oil can keep them away from it for a while but it won't last forever. We can set up spikes by the gate so when they do break through, we can thin out the amount that get in." Aurus said.


He sat back on a nearby chair and looked up at the ceiling. He knew a more experienced general could plan something better but he brought this on himself. He had been improving in terms of tactics and commanding but it was not enough. He looked over at Amara with disheartened eyes. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this." he said quietly.

 

[Gman]

Aurus stood up from the chair and adjusted the sword on his belt. Outside he could hear his troops desperately trying to get ready. He needed to get back out there and take charge before the moral goes any lower. He stood before Amara, he could see past her smile. It would be a miracle if they lasted the night and even if they did, there would be casualties. Aurus warped his arms around Amara and pulled her in tightly. "What ever happens, just make sure you get to safety. Climb a wall and run if you have to." he said before letting go.


He gripped the handle of his sword and walked to the doorway. He peered outside to see that the gate was pretty much sealed using everything from benches, chairs, empty weapon rack and tables. A line of solders stood on top of the wall with bows and arrows while the rest were in the courtyard reading weapons and armor. He began barking orders as loudly as possible. Everyone followed Aurus's plan but none of them seemed confident in his ability. "They still don't trust me do they?" he said silently.

 

[Gman]

Aurus looked down at the hand that Amara held. It was warm and relaxed him slightly. Just the reassurance that Amara trusted him was all be needed to keep fighting. Before he could say anything, she strode past him and toward the back of the fort. "Wait, back of the fort?" he questioned but it was too late, she was already gone.


He didn't have time to question it though as he had to quickly get back to work. More preparations were made until the sun finally began to set. The solders lite torches all over the fort so they could see in the darkness. It was then that one solder on the wall shouted to get everyone's attention. Aurus knew exactly what that meant. He grabbed a bow and quiver of arrows before heading to the top of the wall. Surely he was not going to lead from the back. He looked around but could not see Amara anywhere but his attention was focused on the advancing troops.