{"id":743,"date":"2015-09-12T12:33:00","date_gmt":"2015-09-12T12:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=743"},"modified":"2015-09-13T12:43:32","modified_gmt":"2015-09-13T12:43:32","slug":"fortunatus-light-of-dark-part-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=743","title":{"rendered":"Fortunatus Light of Dark – Part 12"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fortunatus Light of Dark<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 12<\/span><\/p>\n

Tess made her way back to where the army waited seeing Lisa and Becca waiting. They both made their way over to her the moment they saw her. Even others in the army looked anxious, ready to move out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s going on Empress?\u201d Lisa asked, beating Becca to the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cAssemble all captains at once, and I hope everyone\u2019s ready to do some fast marching,\u201d Tess said. She knew they had a lot of work to so and some heavy marching to do before the day was over. She wanted to be in a defensive position as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

Tess watched as they both looked at her for a second, then went and carried out her orders. They understood when she had a certain look in her eye to not question her orders. She would be asking a lot from her army and soldiers but had confidence about them handling the task.<\/p>\n

She quickly went over watching as a group of soldiers put up a table for her to work with. She paced slightly trying to work off nervous energy she felt at everything. The captains of the army started arriving watching her with nervousness as she paced back and forth until finally Lisa and Becca arrived back with the last of the captains.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, we have a problem, we need to defend this area here, from an invading warlord army under the control of the Zero-Mage Gregory,\u201d Tess said spreading the map out on the table, waving her hand so everyone could see where she was pointing on the map. \u201cWe also need to get there as fast as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would take too long for any transports to arrive,\u201d Lisa said.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly, and I have no idea when the enemy will get there, or even if they are already there,\u201d Tess said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so special about this spot, I see nothing about it that is strategic?\u201d another captain said.<\/p>\n

Tess looked around seeing more than a few agree with him. She had to agree any other day and she would be arguing the same thing. Today she had new knowledge that had the survival of the entire empire on the line. She paused for a second before making a decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t look like it, but there is something there that is very important, something ancient Gregory is trying to get his hands on. If he does it can impact our entire empire,\u201d Tess told him. \u201cWe can\u2019t let him get his hands on it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d another captain said. \u201cI mean if we don\u2019t know how do we know not to let him in it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is an ancient creature,\u201d another voice said. Tess turned to see Gallic standing there. The few captains nearby moved back giving him some room.<\/p>\n

\u201cA creature?\u201d the mummer went thought he crowd.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, an ancient one full of evil, legends say it can suck the magic out of a person,\u201d Gallic said to the group. \u201cIt is a creature of pure evil, you could say these Zero-Mages are after it to rescue it. They might have sent it here to destroy us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tess noticed Gallic\u2019s words had the desired effect on the men. She looked over at Lisa and Becca who waited for her next orders.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo if this thing can absorb magi how do we kill it?\u201d one asked. They all looked over at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea, that\u2019s why we need to stop it from being awakened at all,\u201d Tess said. \u201cTo do that we must move fast and with purpose. Now, we only have a general location of where this beast is, so we must not allow them to find it. They might only have a location as well. This enemy is to be stopped at all costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched her captains\u2019 think about that and what the results might be if they fail.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, here is where each group is to head, scouts we need you to travel fast, as there is no accurate information about where this group is,\u201d Tess said quickly spending the next thirty minutes going over how to deploy the squads in the area. Each captain took down their squads orders before breaking up and heading back to their squads. Tess looked over at Becca who seemed to still be looking at the map.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have some other news,\u201d Tess said, watching Becca turn to look at her. \u201cI found Carrie, she was part of that battle over there. She is expected to live but was injured.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat was she doing there?\u201d Becca asked frowning.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like she was part of the group protecting the Enokrad\u2019s legend,\u201d Tess said.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe had that secret,\u201d Becca said looking shocked. \u201cAnd here I thought she couldn\u2019t keep a secret.\u201d<\/p>\n

That caused both of them to laugh before Becca turned serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think this Enokrad is that dangerous?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

Tess thought about it before replying. \u201cWell, they were protecting a secret, and there is a group after them. Gregory was looking for something back when I knew him, this has to be it. My only question is how does he intend to control it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tess looked at Becca who shrugged her shoulders in defeat. Tess felt a small vibration from her bracelet. Looking down she noticed that it had activated telling her several things about Ami. She was all right at the moment and that she was in the direction of where she was going to be going. Sighing, she realized that if Ami had been kidnapped by Zero-Mages and they were working under Gregory then she would be with them. All Tess needed to do now was figure out which side the blonde was on.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Ami walked along with the rest of the group looking down at the ground. She kicked at another pebble on the road, watching it skip along into the brushes.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you stop that!\u201d a person said nearby. Ami looked over at a man, who looked back at her annoyed. \u201cYou keep setting off my perimeter senses, damn Zero-Mage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami said nothing, but continued along not wanting to get into a shouting match with anyone. She moved a bit quicker to get away from the guy who still stared at her. Ami had the impression that despite the fact the groups were working together, they did not get along.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about him,\u201d a voice said, which Ami recognized as the girl, with spiky hair, came up next to her. The guy who had stared at her, looked away as if he was almost afraid of her somehow.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a bit new to me,\u201d Ami finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was for me to, I mean magic, wow, never thought I\u2019d be here in a place like this,\u201d she said. \u201cI don\u2019t know about you but it\u2019s easier here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami frowned unsure of what the girl meant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey rely too much on magic,\u201d the girl said, leaning closer to Ami. \u201cI plan on staying here, I\u2019m only following this prick to gain some power. You don\u2019t seem so eager to leave either.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami looked at her in shock thinking that the way the girl acted she was eager to leave.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought I wanted to go back, it was a good act huh?\u201d she said. \u201cYeah, like I\u2019d want to go back to that hell hole of a dump.\u201d<\/p>\n

The way the girl said it made Ami wonder exactly what she had done to get sent here. Ami decided she did not want to know. Sometimes thing were easier if you did not know such things. She wanted to head back to Tess and resume the life she had there. It had been better than anything else she had.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Kelly by the way, you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAmi,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo were you really were a slave to the Empress?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes,\u201d Ami said unsure how much to say. \u201cI was her pleasure servant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s different,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cSo you have some interesting times?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami blushed slightly causing Kelly to laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a blush, come on, tell me, is she any good? There are rumors but I want the truth?\u201d Kelly said. \u201cI\u2019ve heard she can make a girl pass out from pleasure, or keep you on the edge all night long, or make you cum in seconds just by looking at you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami blinked at that last one. \u201cUm, don\u2019t think so, and I\u2019ve never passed out or been on the edge for that long,\u201d Ami finally said, thinking about the experiences she had. \u201cBut, she is amazing,\u201d Ami finally said, knowing that no matter who came next she doubted that anyone would come close to giving her the excitement she got with Tess. \u201cUm, I wonder how much further it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, but I\u2019m tired as well. They need more cars here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami had to agree with that, as the man with the moustache came walking up. Ami recalled his name as Gregory.<\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, you\u2019re supposed at the front, and Mary is to be keeping an eye on her,\u201d he said with a growl.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust a little girl talk,\u201d Kelly said. \u201cWhat a grouch,\u201d she said to Ami, before sticking her tongue out at Gregory and heading off to the front of the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrazy bitch,\u201d she heard Gregory say before he turned towards her. \u201cYou make sure to follow orders, I don\u2019t have any qualms about killing someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ami swallowed under his gaze unable to say anything in reply. She wondered exactly what her role in this was. He knew said he needed her help but now felt unsure about that. It seemed to her that he kidnapped her for a different reason. She only wished she knew what the reason was.<\/p>\n

\u201cGregory, we\u2019ve got a problem,\u201d another person said, walking up to him quickly holding out a piece of paper.<\/p>\n

Ami watched as he took it and quickly read it turning a slight shade of red.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon of a bitch, can\u2019t anyone follow orders anymore!\u201d he yelled out causing several people to flinch. \u201cBEN!\u201d he yelled out heading off.<\/p>\n

Ami had no idea what happened, not sure she wanted to know either. She watched as Mary walked back up to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBout time he left,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Ami said nothing. Her nervousness rising with each step taken.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Tess walked knowing she was approaching the location of where she would be setting up her headquarters. From there she could sent off a few messages to Lycos, informing him of what had gone on and she would be set enough to receive replies. The last message from him indicated the boarders, except for the Shadowlands, were calm. She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps of a courier running fast with magic. She watched as he stopped in front of her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress, I have a message,\u201d he said panting slightly, holding out a piece of parchment. Tess took it quickly reading it. She stopped and reread it. Scouts had engaged a group not from a small settlement called Tybeggust.<\/p>\n

Tess took out her map quickly looking at the map to determine the location of both her army and the town.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong?\u201d Becca asked, walking up beside her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we have an engagement, here,\u201d she said pointing to the small town.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, can\u2019t say I\u2019ve been there,\u201d Becca said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA mining town, not big, a thousand people if that,\u201d Tess said, reading the information from the map. She looked down at her bracelet checking where Ami was before making her decision. \u201cGrab all the couriers to inform all captains they are to move to Tybeggust at once and engage the forces there. Becca inform the army we move at our best speed.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched the courier leave before turning to Becca.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure about that, could be a scout group like ours,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have other sources that I am trusting,\u201d Tess said, not mentioning anything about Ami. She knew how Becca felt about the blonde. Tess chose to trust Ami, even now. She needed no argument from Becca over this.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but I don\u2019t like it that much,\u201d Becca replied, but went ahead and carried out her orders. Tess took a moment to look at the map, bringing up a terrain map of the area. Her mind already going over positions to defend and attack from. She also thought about where someone might hide something. That was the ultimate goal of this attack. She had to find that before Gregory did.<\/p>\n

She made a mental note of a couple of locations, and how to defend them, as well as a spot to set up her headquarters. Putting away the map, she started heading towards the town with the rest of the army, who had picked up their steps with the knowledge that battle was close at hand.<\/p>\n

She watched as Lisa and Becca went about their business going back and forth among captains of the army, relaying orders before they both walked towards her<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have any idea what you\u2019re doing once we get there?\u201d Becca asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have an idea, but first we need to get there and see what the actual situation is, that will determine how we set up,\u201d Tess said. She knew that it would make all the difference, especially if they had to capture someplace or set up better defenses.<\/p>\n

She saw the questioning look on Becca\u2019s face as she wanted to ask something but did not. Tess felt a bit relieved she did not as she did not need the additional doubt. She hoped she had done the right thing. Tess looked back down at her bracelet hoping her trust in Ami was not misplaced.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Tess looked over the landscape, looking for anything that might seem old and weathered that could house the Enokrad. She wanted to find the creature before Gregory. She also knew somewhere close by a battle had begun. She had received several couriers as she set up her HQ stating skirmishes had begun.<\/p>\n

She looked back down at the map once more before looking back at the terrain. The map, despite its age, was still very accurate. Lisa and Becca, who stood nearby, had strengthened the lines of defense around the town. Now they looked over the latest reports of fighting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNew report, there are enemy forces over on Lanes Hill,\u201d Lisa said. Tess looked over at the hill in question in the distance. She had managed to take the largest hill in the area, overlooking the entire battlefield. The men around her hastily built defensive fortifications to keep the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cTown\u2019s been evacuated,\u201d Becca reported. Tess moved everyone in the town away from the location the moment she arrived at the scene. She did not need innocent civilians in the way of this battle. It appeared to be shaping up as a large one battle. Tess was taking the battle like an invasion instead of a warlord raiding her Empire.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, any word on an elder coming over here?\u201d Tess asked. She had requested someone of the town to ask them of anything around here that might be considered off limits, evil or strange. Such information might help her in her defense instead of guessing where Gregory might attack.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they are on their way, the village elder and his wife,\u201d Becca replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery dangerous times this is,\u201d Gallic said, speaking up from where he stood overlooking the entire area. He had seemed more reserved lately despite everything that had happened.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know something?\u201d Tess asked looking at him intently.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, nothing that would concern you young one,\u201d he replied back, causing Tess to frown. It had been the first time he used that tone making Tess suspicious that he did know something. She looked over at Becca and Lisa who merely shrugged watching as he shuffled off to another spot.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe knows something,\u201d Tess finally replied, once he seemed out of hearing range.<\/p>\n

\u201cHas to, hasn\u2019t looked at me in a while now,\u201d Lisa said.<\/p>\n

Tess had to admit that Gallic not looking at Lisa was odd. He seemed less perverted lately and with each passing second more and more serious. She wanted to know what he knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps he\u2019s concerned with the future, the young people,\u201d Becca finally said, causing Tess to look over at her general with a bit of a surprise. Usually Becca did not say such things.<\/p>\n

\u201cMight be, but let\u2019s be careful, a strange acting Segic is suspicious enough,\u201d Tess finally replied. They went back to work making sure everything was ready, hearing reports of skirmishes all around the area but nothing large enough to commit her forces to.<\/p>\n

She turned to see an elderly couple approaching the covered tent as the clouds finally brought their rain. She watched them as they hurried under the cover shaking off water before turning towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress, we were told you wished to speak with someone in the village?\u201d the man said, his hair white as cotton matching his wife\u2019s short white hair. Both seemed alert as their eyes took everything in. Tess guessed them to be in their eighties.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Tess replied. \u201cThere\u2019s a warlord invading this area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would he do that?\u201d the woman said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is nothing here, only a worthless mine that barely scrapes out enough metal for us to survive,\u201d the man stated. Tess could tell he had worked in the mine by his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s in the area for something else, something I have to stop him from gaining control of.\u201d She watched their expressions closely but neither showed any signs of knowing anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething else, there is nothing here except tress and hills,\u201d the man said. \u201cIt is poor farming land, barely enough to keep us fed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something else around here, an area that is off-limits, or an area where there is a rumor you should not go at night, some myth in the area, and evil area?\u201d Tess asked, getting down to the main point of her questioning. She noticed that Gallic had returned and now listened in intently.<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, nothing much,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there Old Tom\u2019s Hill,\u201d the woman stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cOld Tom\u2019s Hill,\u201d Tess said, looking at her map and not seeing any hill called that.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s only a tall tale,\u201d the man said in an irritated voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cTale or not, what is the hill?\u201d Gallic said, speaking up causing the couple to flinch at being addressed by him.<\/p>\n

Tess watched a silent struggle of will go on before the woman spoke up again. \u201cOld Tom\u2019s Hill is known for strange sounds at night, the kids love to go there and dare each other to go up it. Some say they felt as if they were being watched, others say their magic was felt strange up there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd others have felt nothing, it\u2019s all brought on by their mind,\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd which hill is it?\u201d Tess asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat hill right there,\u201d the man said, pointing to a hill behind them. Tess looked at it noticing nothing particular about the hill in question. In fact it looked very ordinary compared to the others. Tess reviewed her last thought before making up her mind. \u201cBecca, Tess, fortify the base of the hill, don\u2019t let anyone on that hill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Lisa asked. \u201cThere is no other place?\u201d<\/p>\n

Tess looked at the man and woman for a second before replying. \u201cNo, that has to be where Enokrad is,\u201d she said watching as the name sparked a slight reaction in the man. She quickly turned towards him. \u201cThe invading army, led by a Zero-Mage called Gregory, wishes to awaken that beast. If you know where it is let us know so I can stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched him struggle for several seconds before speaking. \u201cThat beast is on this hill, the legends around Old Tom\u2019s Hill are made up, even so much as an interior cave set up to prevent others from finding the real location,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a Protector,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I am the Protector, they protect me, I have the most knowledge of the beast. It cannot be destroyed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why we mustn\u2019t let it be awakened,\u201d Tess said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is absolute evil,\u201d he said, as his wife looked at him with complete shock.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you didn\u2019t believe in those tales?\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t, because I knew the truth,\u201d he said. \u201cThe spells around Old Tom\u2019s hill are constantly rebuilt. I only know the beast is inside this hill, but the entrance I do not know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShall I form the protection around us?\u201d Lisa asked.<\/p>\n

Tess thought about it for a second before making a decision. \u201cNo, we go with the original thought,\u201d Tess finally said, watching the shock on everyone\u2019s faces. \u201cIf what he says is true then only those of us up here know this information, right?\u201d she asked him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have not named my successor yet,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen only the five us know this information. Gregory might know I know what he\u2019s after, and look for where I fortify the most. He will only want this hill because of its ability to overlook the battlefield. He doesn\u2019t wish to win the battle, only gain access to the beast,\u201d Tess said half explaining her actions half thinking out loud.<\/p>\n

\u201cDistract him,\u201d Becca said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, there will be the normal Royal Guard here because that\u2019s where I am,\u201d Tess said. \u201cLet him use his forces in a useless attack. We already have reinforcements coming from the 3rd army and the gathering of the 6th army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about here? You can\u2019t leave this spot undefended!\u201d the man said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no intention to do so, but I must also feed Gregory false information,\u201d Tess replied. She could not afford for her enemy to know the truth. \u201cLet\u2019s get moving, and have the Royal Guard set up around here because Gregory will want this spot to direct his battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched as Lisa and Becca moved to gathered their captains and arrange the forces. The couple remained close by unsure of what they might do.<\/p>\n

\u201cI suggest you stay here, can\u2019t afford the enemy gaining your information,\u201d Tess said. The man did not seem that happy about it but said nothing. The battle was almost upon her, she glanced back down at the other hill. That\u2019s where the battle would be decided.<\/p>\n

End Part 12<\/p>\n

Continued in part 13<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fortunatus Light of Dark by AJ Marks Part 12 Tess made her way back to where the army waited seeing Lisa and Becca waiting. They both made their way over to her the moment they saw her. Even others in the army looked anxious, ready to move out. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on Empress?\u201d Lisa asked, beating […]
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