Battle at Cocola

Four days later, the party arrived at Laplace, which was protected by a wall of wood and stone.

As they approached the open gate, they were stopped by two guards.

"State your business, Lieutenant." One of them said in a formal manner.

"I'm here with these adventurers to aid you.” Kayla said with slight authority. “Please, let us pass so we can meet with General Howard."

The guards looked at each other, then nodded and saluted before stepping aside.

“You will find the General at the inn.” The second guard stated.

Kayla let out a relieved sigh, then gestured for the others to follow her. As Elijah passed the guards, they stiffened and shuffled a little more to the side.

As the group walked through the town, they passed several other knights, as well as a surprising number of townspeople, a mix of Elves and Humans. The atmosphere here was quite a bit tense, as everyone seemed worried and anxious. Terrence even overheard some townsfolk whispering to each other, looking rather uneased.

"Do you really think we'll be alright?"

"I hope the Demons don't come here…"

"If only the Hero of Light was with us…."

At that last statement, Terrence scowled and looked away. These were the people his father had abandoned…for a reason he didn’t know.

When the party arrived at the inn, they found more knights seated at the dining room tables. A black-haired one stood out from the rest, being rather tall and wearing the heaviest set of armor Terrence had ever seen.

“I’m guessing that’s the General?” He said, pointing him out.

Kayla nodded, and the group approached the huge soldier. He looked up from his stew to show his brutish face, and gave Kayla and Elijah a misshapen grin.

“Ah, Lieutenant Kayla!” He said in a rough voice. “Sir Elijah too! I’m guessing you were sent to back us up?”

Kayla smiled slightly and nodded, presenting the scroll to the General. His dark brown eyes narrowed as he read it over, then he chuckled as he shifted his gaze to Terrence.

“So that’s why, eh? Ha ha, I was wondering when you’d show up! Pleased to meetcha!”

Howard held a hand out to the young man, who shook it with an awkward hand.

“Um, likewise, I guess.” He said with a wry smile.

Then he yelped as the General suddenly stood and lifted him up. Terrence flailed about as he was held aloft, catching the attention of the other knights.

“Listen up!” The General announced. “We got ourselves a new rookie! Not only that, the Second Cohort Lieutenant and the High Captain’s son are here! We’ll march to Cocola and show them how we do things! So get packed up!”

The soldiers muttered amongst each other for a few seconds, then they all stood and spoke in unison.

“Yes sir!”

While they hurried to their rooms, Howard set down Terrence, who proceeded to give him a confused frown.

“Why did you call me a rookie?” He asked. “I mean, I am the-”

The General held up a hand. “I know that, but they shouldn’t yet. After all, you’re not a full-fledged Hero yet, are ya?”

Terrence was taken aback, but when he thought about it for a moment…he realized what General Howard was getting at.

“So they don't have too high of expectations for me.” The Prince voiced.

“Exactly. So when the time comes to fight, don’t use your Sacred Treasure. At least, not unless the situation becomes dire.”

Terrence closed his eyes and focused on Bjartbrandr, wondering what her feelings were about that suggestion.

“How do you feel about that?” He asked.

She looked a little worried. “It worries me, I admit. But I’ll trust you to hold your own. If things do become too much for your strength alone, I will step in.”

Terrence nodded, then opened his eyes and spoke to the General.

“Okay, I won’t rely on my Sacred Treasure, for now. I suppose you’ll lend me a sword?”

Howard nodded. “Aye, just go to the neighboring blacksmith and tell him I sent ya. He’ll give ya a suitable blade. Get yourself some protection too, ya hear?”

__________________________________________

A little later, the party rode with the knights on horse-drawn wagons, leaving Laplace behind with a few guards.

As they headed for the next destination, Terrence’s eyes fell on a white-robed young woman, who was sitting across from the party. She had a soft face, short red hair, and green eyes. Her expression was one of anxiety, and she was hugging her knees.

“Who are you?” Terrence asked.

The redhead flinched. “H-huh? What? Oh, you’re the new guy. Um, I’m Julia, the Magus for this brigade.”

The Prince’s eyes widened in awe. “You’re a Human who can use magic.”

Julia smiled awkwardly. “Heh, yeah. And as a Magus, it’s my duty to protect the knights and enchant their weapons.”

“Because normal weapons aren’t as effective against Demons and monsters, right?”

“Yep, so the knights need all the Magi they can find. Because we’re so valuable, we’re kept safe within Lucen. When a brigade is sent out for extended periods of time, a Magus has to go with them to ensure their safety.”

“Are ya scared to be out here?” Cress inquired. “You look shaken up.”

The Magus sighed. “Yes…It’s my first time outside the town, and I’ve cut it close with the monsters a couple of times.”

“So you don’t trust your comrades to keep you safe?” Terrence guessed.

“It’s not that…I just don’t like being a Magus. I just wanted to keep living in my village, with my family, friends, and the girl I love. When my powers awakened, I didn’t feel any sort of wonder or joy…I felt scared, and could only think of how this would affect my life.”

Hearing that really clicked something in Terrence. He felt the same way about his status as a Hero of Arum, and all the responsibilities that came with that.

“It’s hard, having powers that most people don't have, huh?” He said solemnly.

Julia looked down and nodded. “I understand my magic is important, but I never wanted it in the first place. Now the safety of these knights rests upon my shoulders…and I’m stressed and worried. I just want to go home.”

For a moment, Terrence thought of what to say. Julia was scared, adverse to her responsibility as a Magus, and wanted nothing more than to be with her family, friends, and her love. She was just like him…and that was why he spoke with more confidence.

“I’m scared too, honestly. I have my own duty that I feel obligated to fulfill, when I just want to settle down with my family and the ones I love. I can’t back away from this responsibility, and the weight of it weighs heavily on my conscience. But do you know how I deal with it?”

She looked up at him again, while he smiled and continued to speak in encouragement.

“I always think about who and what are waiting for me. I know that when it’s all over, I’ll be able to go home and settle down. So I will keep fighting and never give up, until the day we can live in peace. I’ll trust in everyone around me to help me realize that dream.”

Julia closed her eyes in deep thought, then opened them and gave a small smile back.

“You’re right…” She said quietly. “I thought that before, but hearing someone else say it…gives me great relief. Thank you, um…”

“Terrence. I’m glad I could lift your spirits, Julia.”

She nodded, then became wistful as she raised her gaze to the vast blue sky and the slowly passing clouds.

“When I return to Lucen, I’ll buy a nice ring. When we win peace, I’ll go back home and propose to my childhood friend. I just hope she isn’t taken already, eh heh.”

Satin giggled and gave a thumbs up. “You go girl! We’re totally rooting for you, right Elijah?”

Elijah smirked awkwardly. “Uh, yeah, good luck with that.”

Cress chuckled at them, while Terrence closed his eyes and relaxed. In his mind, Bjartbrandr sat beside him and placed her hand on his.

“You continue to prove your worth as a royal.” She said quietly. “Just as before, you alleviated the concerns of those who fight with you, and gave them hope when there seemed to be none.”

“I just hope I don’t let them down, in the end.” He said solemnly. “But as long as I have you, Mai, and our friends…I know I can keep trying to do my best.”

______________________________________

After another three days, Cocola came into view. However, it was not like Terrence expected…

Surrounding the walled town were dozens of tents and several skulled posts. Kobolds, monsters that were like bipedal dogs, occupied the area. When they spotted the knights, they hesitated before springing into action, rallying each other for the coming battle.

Meanwhile, the knights dismounted and prepared their weapons. They took a circular formation, and Terrence stood with Julia and Kayla in the center. Close by, Cress’s group stood with their weapons ready.

“Julia, enchant!” General Howard ordered.

The Magus gave a firm frown and a nod, then clasped her hands together as she concentrated. Her palms began to glow with orange magical energy, which gradually intensified in power. Then with a yell of effort, she spread out her hands and released the magic as a sparkling wave across the entire group.

Terrence looked down in surprise as his iron broadsword glowed a soft orange, now enveloped in magical power. He couldn’t help but be amazed, with it being his first time seeing enchantment. This was what a Magus could do…

He snapped back to attention as General Howard barked an order, raising his enchanted claymore with one hand.

“Soldiers, fan out and charge! Don’t let them get around! Adventurers, stay in the backline with our Magus and protect her!”

The knights yelled battlecries as they surged forward. At the same time, over two dozen Kobolds ran to meet them, pikes and swords in hand. Within a minute, the two sides met halfway and clashed.

Terrence sidestepped a spear point, wincing as it grazed his shoulder, then lunged for a stab at the first Kobold’s chest, his blade flashing upon contact. The first monster yelped and dissipated into black dust, while a second came in with a vertical sword slash. The Prince gasped as he barely blocked it with his new buckler, then pushed it away with a grunt of effort. As the monster backed off, he closed in and slashed from shoulder to hip.

The Kobold cried out as it became smoke, along with the rest of its brethren as they were handily slaughtered by the knights.

“It’s not over yet!” Howard declared, flicking the dark red blood off his blade. “More of them await us inside the town! Lieutenant Kayla, I want you to take the brigade and the adventurers through the front gate! I’ll take the archers and the Magus for a surprise attack!”

Kayla gulped and nodded. “G-got it! All of you, with me!”

The knights split up, most going with Kayla while the archers and Julia followed Howard. Cress’s trio also joined Kayla up front. While Howard circle around, Kayla led the assault on the front gates.

When they were close, seven Kobolds lined up with bows and arrows ready, making the knights stop and hold up their shields. Cress then took the lead, firing several bolts from his Spiritual Relic in quick succession. The Kobolds let out cries of shock and ducked, though two still got struck in the head and became dust.

“Stay down, ya damn dogs!” He threatened. “Satin, your turn!!”

Satin grinned up excitedly at Elijah, who gave her a firm nod and picked her up. With a roar, he sprinted forward and tossed her up. She laughed merrily as she somersaulted through the air, then notched an enchanted arrow as she stopped. She fired it down on the line of Kobolds, which were looking up in surprise. One yelped as it got pierced through the head, which made the rest scream and hop off the wall.

When they landed on the ground, they were met by the entire brigade. They quickly drew daggers and made an attempt to charge. However, numbers were not in their favor, and they were quickly subdued.

“N-no, pl-” One of them begged.

Then it screamed in agony as a knight ended its life with a stab to the chest. The other monsters received the same end.

As Terrence saw them flailing in distress and heard their cries, he felt a little shake in his heart. For a moment, he was confused, wondering why he felt this way about them.

Before he could dwell on that thought, Kayla stepped up to the gate and spoke with a higher degree of confidence.

“We need to break this down. Although, we’re lacking in siege weapons.”

Elijah passed by her. “Let me try something.”

She hurriedly moved back, while he took a stance and concentrated. His great muscles flexed, and the air around him started to swirl. The ground started to shake, causing everyone else to falter.

“W-what is this!?” Terrence exclaimed.

Cress huffed. “It’s the strength of a High Captain’s child.”

With a mighty, booming shout, Elijah bashed against the gate with his shield. He busted straight through the thick wood, creating an intense shockwave and scattering chunks of it far and wide. Just like that, there was a hole big enough for the brigade to go through.

The knights made exclamations of awe at what they just witnessed.

“H-holy crap! He’s really the son of the High Captain!”

“That strength is unreal!”

“Where would we be without them?”

Kayla snapped out of her own stupor and pointed to the new opening.

“A-alright, let’s head inside! We need to draw the attention of the enemies so General Howard’s group can flank them!”

The soldiers came back to attention and saluted, then followed her into the town. Meanwhile, Elijah sighed wearily and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Cress came over to pat his back, while Satin jumped from the wall to land in his arms.

“Nice one, big guy!” She said with a wink.

Cress shook his head. “Although, ya did draw attention to yourself.”

Elijah grunted. “As long as we complete this commission, I don’t care. Let’s move.”

Terrence watched them go through the hole, then looked at where the Kobolds once laid. He placed a hand over his heart, thinking of how it shook when he saw their agony.

“You’re having regrets, aren’t you?” Bjartbrandr said gently.

He nodded slowly. “I think so…I didn’t realize I was taking lives. Demons and monsters…do you think they’re people like us?”

“In some ways, maybe. But don’t forget, they’ve been consumed by sin and darkness. They’re beyond reason, so you must slay them before they hurt innocent people.”

A part of him figured she was right…but another part had doubts about this whole war. Either way, he knew this was another burden he had to bear. So he sighed and turned around, then went to catch up to everyone.

The streets were surprisingly empty, meaning there was nothing preventing the brigade from entering the plaza. However, when they got there, they were greeted by many Kobold defenders. In front of them all was a young man with snow white skin, wavy purple hair, and scarlet eyes.

Kayla brandished her sword. “It’s a Demon! Be on your guard!”

The Demon gave her a narrowed gaze. “If you think you can challenge me, think again. I’m only giving you one chance. Hand over the Hero of Light, and I’ll let you all go unharmed.”

The knights lowered their weapons and looked at each other, perplexed by the statement.

“Hero of Light, what is he talking about?”

“The Hero of Light is with us?”

“That can’t be true, can it?”

Terrence grimaced, wondering how the Demon knew the Hero would be here. Very few knew about that…

Kayla took a small breath. “You’re mistaken, the Hero of Light isn’t with us.”

The Demon sighed. “So you’re trying to play the fool…Then there’s only one other choice.”

He drew a black steel sword and made a gesture at the brigade.

“Everyone, with me! We’ll force the Hero of Light to show himself!”

The Kobolds let out gleeful cries and charged at the knights, who took a defensive circle formation with their shields up.

Kayla scowled. “Hold the line! Wait for an o-Wha!?”

She faltered as the Demon suddenly darted up to her, so fast that Terrence barely registered it. The Demon had crossed the distance in only a couple of seconds…

Kayla coughed in pain as the Demon grabbed her by the neck and threw her away. She managed to stop herself when she hit the ground, then staggered upright and shook her head. However, the Demon closed in on her again, forcing her to take a defensive stance.

“Tell me where he is!” He demanded, slashing at her shoulder.

She winced, barely blocking with her buckler. “He’s…not here!”

Terrence scowled and moved to help her, but three Kobolds gathered around him. The first and third on either side jabbed at him with their spears, while the second in front used its sword to slice at his shoulder. Terrence gasped and backed away, managing to avoid the spears while deflecting the sword.

He quickly looked for Elijah, finding him easily thrashing the Kobolds in his way. If anyone could help Kayla…

“Elijah, help her!” Terrence shouted, dodging another sword strike.

The blonde glanced his way, then looked at Kayla's struggle against the Demon. It was like a feverish dance, with how they swiftly moved about. Their blades were like blurs, and sparks flew as they repeatedly clashed.

He struck at her left hip, and she redirected his blade with her buckler before attempting a stab at his face. He sidestepped the attack and quickly retaliated, going for a low slash at her right thigh. She used her blade to catch his, then drove it down against the paved ground. There was a shower of sparks as the Demon’s blade grinded against the stone.

Kayla’s arms wavered as she struggled to keep forcing his blade down. She grimaced and glared at him, while he gave her a look of pity.

It was that moment when Elijah charged in, swinging his axe at the Demon’s neck. He quickly ducked under and broke the clash, and Kayla yelped as she fell back. Elijah made another chop at the Demon, aiming for his shoulder. However, he sidestepped it and made a swift uppercut for a counter. Elijah gasped as he stepped back, wincing as the blade still grazed his chest.

“Never pick a fight that you can’t win.” The Demon chastised.

Terrence scowled as he saw his friends struggling. He wanted to help them, but he was barely keeping up with these three Kobolds, and the knights were busy fighting the rest of the defenders…

He sidestepped a sword slash, then used his buckler to block the first spear following up. When the second came, he knocked it aside with his sword. He attempted to strike the sword-wielding Kobold, only to miss it by an inch. He was then forced to back off by the first spear-user.

“Ugh…Get out of my way!” He said in frustration.

“We got ya!” Cress called out.

Terrence looked to see him and Satin leaping over the brigade. They fired their arrows at the spear-using Kobolds, which shrieked and scattered to avoid them. The sword-wielder yelped and stumbled as it was surprised, and Terrence took the opportunity to cut it down. He then moved to one of the spear users, knocking aside its weapon before stabbing its chest.

He huffed and turned to approach the other one, only to find it coming up to him with a raging snarl. Terrence narrowly avoided the incoming spear, but faltered as it still grazed his hip. He let out a shout as he returned with a horizontal, cutting the monster’s stomach open. It let out a wail as it collapsed, then jerked a little before becoming dark smoke.

Terrence stumbled a little and took a few breaths, tired from his fighting and the few wounds he had. However, he couldn’t stop here, not while this battle was still going.

He turned to see Kayla and Elijah still fighting the Demon. The two Humans looked worn, while he barely had a scratch on him.

“Master, you can’t do this without me.” Bjartbrandr warned.

Terrence touched his chest. “I know. Bjartbrandr, let’s save them, together.

He put on a determined frown and dashed toward the Demon, who took notice and turned to him.

“Terrence, no!” Kayla cried out frantically.

The Hero of Light threw his enchanted sword at the Demon, who simply knocked it aside and sighed.

“What a weak Human.” He muttered. “Wait, what are-”

His jaw dropped slightly as Terrence summoned Bjartbrandr, and her divine blade gleamed bright. The Hero of Light, now revealing himself, yelled out fiercely as he slashed upwards. The Demon met him with a downward slash, and holy blue sparks showered from where their blades connected.

After a bit of struggling, the Demon pushed forward and broke the lock, causing Terrence to slide back a few feet and wobble.

The Demon huffed, looking disappointed. “So you’re the Hero of Light…To be honest, I had hoped for more. Your Sacred Treasure is doing all the work for you. I was afraid at first, but it’s clear to me that I can still win.”

A few arrows from Satin and Cress zipped towards him, but he sidestepped them with barely a glance. That's when Terrence knew he wasn't kidding...This Demon was a level above what the best fighters here could do together.

The Prince glanced to where the brigade was fighting, and what he saw induced a surprising feeling of pity. Most of the Kobolds had been slain, and the few left were surrounded. The knights weren’t finishing the job, being occupied by the sight of the Hero of Light who had been with them this whole time.

Terrence shook his head, then gave the Demon a serious look and pointed to the remaining Kobolds. With the situation as it was now...maybe he could de-escalate.

“You’ve lost.” He stated calmly. “We may be worn, but we still have the numbers. Will you really sacrifice your life, and theirs?”

The Demon looked to his remaining fighters, and there was a slight concern in his eyes before he gave Terrence a skeptical expression.

“What are you getting at?” He questioned.

“I’m saying…leave. Take what soldiers you have left, and get out of here. Pray we don’t have to meet again, because next time…mercy may not be possible.”

As they stared each other down, Terrence saw something in the Demon’s scarlet gaze. It seemed like…regret…confusion…guilt.

“...Next time, there will be no mercy.” He said quietly.

He started to walk away, gesturing for the Kobolds to follow him. The dog monsters hesitated, giving the knights suspicious glances, then rushed to their leader’s side. The knights, recognizing the surrender, made way and let them all pass.

When the Demon and his monsters were gone, Terrence finally allowed exhaustion to take him, dropping to his knees. His wounds hurt…he could barely stay awake.

The knights gathered around him, having the chance to be excited about the Prince. There were battered and bruised, but they still looked happy and able.

“It’s really you! I’ve waited so long for this!”

“The Sacred Treasure looks even more amazing in-person!”

“Thank you so much! You really are a Hero of Arum!”

Terrence chuckled nervously and sweatdropped, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. Then everyone straightened up when General Howard’s voice boomed from a distance, and they looked to see him, Julia, and the archers on the west side of the wall.

“Leave the lad alone, ya hear!? Now check to see who’s wounded and gather them up! Medical attention will be administered soon!”

The knights saluted in unison. “Yes, sir!”

As they scattered about, Terrence looked around. He saw Kayla sitting nearby, looking at the ground with a disappointed face. Close to her, Elijah was being tended to by Satin, who was looking a little cross as she chastised him. Behind them, Cress was snickering and crossing his arms.

“Good job, Master Terrence.” Bjartbrandr said softly. “This was a big victory for us.”

“Yeah, but…” Terrence murmured.

He had noticed a few knights on the ground, unresponsive. The others checked on them, but hung their heads in sorrow. Terrence thought about these lives that were taken, as well as the ones the knights had took…and the ones he had cut down himself.

“Bjartbrandr, do you…think this is right?”

She hummed sadly. “In truth, I’m not sure. They attacked our land, and yet…despite their sinful blood and maliciousness, I don’t sense evil. And in that Demon, I sensed no ill towards humanity.”

“I sensed it too…What could this mean?”

Terrence pondered that for a few minutes, but no reason to mind. One he knew for sure was…there was more to the Demons and monsters than what he originally thought. In some way, they were people, just like him…

As that thought ended, he heard a surprised shout from Generald Howard. When Terrence looked to see what happened, his eyes widened in surprise.

Hovering over the wall, surrounded by emerald swirls of magic, were two young women.

The first was an Elf, as indicated by her pointed ears. She was one of fair features, with a maturing face that still held the traces of youth, making her seem just a little older than Terrence. Her golden-brown hair fell to her waist and was braided with red rose petals, and a green baret was atop her head. She wore a regal green cape over a form-fitting green tunic, under which she had a white shirt and brown shorts.

As she and her companion flew over the wall and descended upon the gawking knights, her emerald eyes narrowed on Terrence and his sword.

“So we did feel it…” She muttered.

The second woman, a Cait Sith around the Prince’s age, gave him a cold stare with her bright yellow eyes. Her jet black hair was cut above her shoulders, leaving her wolf tooth earrings in view of the world. Her clothes consisted of a wolf-hide cloak, and animal-fur wrappings around her body. She looked strangely familiar…but Terrence couldn’t quite place where he’d seen her.

“This boy…Is it really him?” She said with a slight edge.

He stood up slowly to face them. “Um…who are you?”

Yet, even as he asked that, he knew. He felt this indescrible draw between him and them. Like a thread had tied them all together even from so far apart. It was a holy kind of feeling…

The Elf huffed and placed a hand on her hip. “I am Princess Lorica VII, of the Elven Kingdom.”

“...And I am Princess Mea V, of the Cait Sith.” The Cait Sith said quietly.