Valkyrie's Shadow

Winter's Crown: Act 5, Chapter 14

Winter's Crown: Act 5, Chapter 14

Chapter 14

“Tell me you didn’t time that arrival just to look good.”

The tall Hyena Beastman barked out a short and bitter laugh. Qrs thought he recognized her – there was a nick on her right ear and a scar on her cheek, in the same places as one of the Gnolls that had escaped with him. Like Qrs, she was now using equipment: armour of layered hides covered her torso and a great warbow was in hand, standing two metres tall even when strung.

“If only we were afforded such a luxury,” she said. “Things just worked out that way, is all.”

“You mean something happened to you along the way?”

The Gnoll raised her head and looked back towards where her people had appeared from. Several smaller Gnolls – males, Qrs assumed – were wandering around like silent shadows, collecting spent arrows from the field. The delay in her reply sent a wave of unease through him.

“Not along the way,” she finally replied, “at home. Jaldabaoth himself came to our forest, arriving from the west.”

Her words matched what had happened in his own territory and offered a possible explanation as to why Jaldabaoth’s forces hadn’t swept through the area immediately after their escape. The Zern were powerful and numerous, and lived in the direction that Jaldabaoth had come from; living in subterranean nests where they were all but impossible to uproot. He would have needed a substantial amount of time capturing them even with the strength of his forces.

In any other situation, he would be infuriated with the Gnolls bringing such a dire threat to his people, as some tribes often did with powerful monsters. With Jaldabaoth, however, all anyone could do was flee for their lives.

“Well, you’re here now,” he tried reassuring her. “I can’t blame you for not putting up much of a fight, all things considered. All we can do is combine our strength and push forward, as agreed.”

“Ah, about that…we did fight.”

“You did?”

The subdued tone of the Gnoll’s voice did not suggest any sort of success.

“The Matriarch did not believe Jaldabaoth to be the threat we made him out to be,” she told him. “That, or she did not want to leave without fighting for our home first. She reasoned that the Demon God’s army would be greatly weakened after vanquishing the Zern.”

Despite himself, Qrs could not help but be curious.

“…what did you end up doing?” He asked.

“We ambushed him while his forces were crossing the bottom of a gorge,” she answered. “The army that was with him was decimated in a running battle that lasted the entire day. How many thousands of Fiends we slew, I do not know…but, in the end, only Jaldabaoth remained. We led him into a great trap, even as he slew dozens of our number with every passing minute.”

The Gnoll visibly swallowed, eyes haunted as she continued her account.

“We…we felled one of the Ancients upon him: a tree older than memory, thirty metres across at its base. Hundreds of my people sacrificed themselves just to pin him down so the tree would crush him.”

“But that doesn’t make any sense, his voice–”

“I know!” The Gnoll gnashed her teeth bitterly, “I know. But even I was caught up in what was happening. I thought that there must have been some reason; perhaps he had spent his might on the Zern. Everything was moving just barely within our expectations, and when the tree fell upon him, elation took me. I dared to hope…but all we brought down was his wrath: upon us.”

The Gnoll looked over her shoulder again, as if expecting Jaldabaoth to appear at any time. All Qrs could see was more Gnolls coming out of the brush and streaming towards the ford.

“The tree…the place where the tree had fallen on Jaldabaoth exploded. A conflagration that turned the trunk into splinters and ash. Out of that calamity rose Jaldabaoth, but not in the small and deceptive form that we saw him use before. It was his true form: a massive, towering Fiend – taller than even the horned Devils that serve him. His wings of flame sent scorching winds before him, and he was wreathed in an inferno. Everywhere he went, my people burned just from standing too close. He reached the Matriarch in a blink and snatched her up, tearing her in half with his bare claws.”

The Gnoll shook her head, lowering it in an expression of shame.

“I cannot even name her a fool,” remorse filled her voice. “It was beyond anyone’s imaginings; how could they have known? It was my fault – my words were insufficient to persuade them, and I lacked the strength to turn their course.”

Qrs looked at the top of her lowered head, at her wilted ears laid flat. Even bent forward, she was still standing at eye level. He scratched his head, trying to think of something useful to say.

“Well, uh…the world has become pretty absurd for us all,” he said, “so all we can do is move forward and try to survive. Who is your Matriarch now?”

“It is I.”

“Well, that’s convenient – wait, that probably came out wrong.”

“No, it is convenient,” the Gnoll agreed. “Our people are of one mind now, and you are correct: we must proceed onwards.”

She turned to the north, watching the Gnolls who continued to emerge into the clearing. Their frontrunners had joined the throng at the Ford, where things had calmed down considerably with their arrival and that of the remaining defenders.

“Can you see what’s going on at the river?” Qrs asked.

“Yes,” she replied as she gazed over at the river. “Fiends are coming out of the river to attack the crossing. They are being held at bay now.”

“I see,” Qrs felt himself relax. “Then, if you’re done picking up here, we should get moving. I don’t know how far behind Jaldabaoth is, but my people are spent – we can’t hold against another attack like the one just now.”

“After our failure,” the Gnoll Matriarch told him, “Jaldabaoth stopped to call in more of his forces. He sent them out to scour the forest for prisoners...I sent a few packs to lead them in every direction, while the rest were instructed to conceal themselves and flee to the ford. Jaldabaoth’s commanders will know we have joined you here, but it should be some time before those pursuing us can regroup.”

At the ford, Qrs was greeted with the eerie sight of carefully packed supplies and belongings strewn over the shore and in the ford beyond. He stopped to speak to a weary-looking warrior, who was standing watch over the waterfront.

“What happened here?”

“Fiends, obviously,” she turned to him with a cross expression. “Oh, chief. Fiends popped out of the river to snatch people away while we were fighting out front.”

“What did they look like?”

“Tentacles. Mouths. Er…”

“I’ve seen them before,” Qrs told her. “What happened, then?”

“Right,” she cleared her throat. “I only got here about ten minutes ago, but the ones I fought…well, it wasn’t even fighting: more like chasing. They ignored us, just snatching whoever they could and running off. Most of the villagers couldn’t even resist. The rest of us went around trying to stop them, but their hides were tough, and they used the villagers they were carrying as shields. For every one we killed, four more would get away. The warriors eventually had the villagers make the crossing away from the north side of the ford where the Fiends were popping out of the water, but then they started coming from the south, too.”

The defeated look of the warrior was shared by many of the others standing along the waterfront and the ford. Qrs scanned over the scenery of strewn belongings and fleeing villagers once again, then turned to the new Gnoll Matriarch.

“Look, um…” His voice trailed off.

“Ysvrith,” she offered.

“Ysvrith,” Qrs slowly repeated the strange name, “we have a lot of stuff lying around. Let your people know that they can take what they want – it’s no good to anyone sitting here, and I sure as hell don’t want to leave it for Jaldabaoth.”

Ysvrith nodded and turned to go on her own way, while Qrs and Rhag went up and down the shore, searching for Rholh and the girls. A seed of worry sprouted in the pit of his stomach when they could find neither sign of them or any other of their fellow villagers.

“Perhaps they have already made the crossing,” Rhag suggested, then looked up at him with a smirk. “You show great courage when facing our enemies, yet you start to fall apart at the first sign of trouble with your family. You need to stay strong; everyone else is relying on you – especially now.”

You need to stay strong.

Qrs shook his head at the unwelcome memory. He took a deep breath and nodded, continuing to scan the river. A part of him hoped the Fiends would emerge from the churning waters once more, so they might be tracked back to wherever his people had been taken. The Gnolls kept rushing by, splashing down the shore towards the ford. Their yips filled the air, a sound with some meaning beyond his understanding.

Many races communicated in similar ways, often making it hard to discern what they were up to. The number of Gnolls rushing by increased, and Ysvrith shouted from where she was dashing towards him from upriver.

“Qrs! What are you doing?”

“What am I…watching over the crossing? It should be obv–”

"Do you not hear the warnings? Your people need to move faster!”

More yips filled the air. He still had no idea what it meant, but the nervousness of the passing Gnolls started to grow infectious.

“I hear the racket your people are making,” he told her, “but it means nothing to me.”

“That’s…” Ysvrith’s black nose glistened as it twitched, “The sound you hear is a warning – there is another attack coming.”

Qrs cursed, bellowing out his orders over the river. His people responded within seconds, making their way through the current as quickly as possible. He turned back to address Ysvrith.

“How long ago did the warnings start?”

“Ten minutes, at least,” Ysvrith told him. “I only noticed that you weren’t responding to the warnings when I came back this way.”

“Well, no time to gripe now. We’ll have to sort out how we communicate later. How far away is this attack? What are they?”

“The sentries placed upriver say there are Fiends swimming down towards the ford.”

“…that can’t be all, can it?” Qrs asked, “With our combined forces, the same type of attack from the river won’t nearly be as effective.”

“That’s why we’re fleeing,” Ysvrith answered. “This attack is too weak; we care not to linger and find out what else comes.”

He knew of the extremely cautious and stealthy nature of Gnolls, but Qrs wasn’t willing to risk brushing it off as an overreaction. How would he position his defenders? Nearly a quarter of his people were still on the near shore or making the crossing.

“Then what was your plan for the crossing?” He asked Ysvrith.

“Plan?” She looked down at him curiously, “We flee – that is the plan. The longer we tarry here, the more Fiends will fall upon us."

Qrs looked over the terrain again, trying to find some way to alleviate the pressure that would come with another attack on the ford. The opposite shore was a break in the cliffs, where seasonal torrents would flow down into the river from the forest beyond. He stretched out his arm.

“Can you position archers all along the cliff overlooking the ford? They’ll be able to provide cover for both of our peoples as they come out of the crossing. I'll be putting a few hundred warriors in the rearguard, while the rest defend against attacks from the river.”

Ysvrith followed his gesture, gazing over at the opposite shore. After a moment, she nodded and replied with some hesitation.

“I will try to tell them…but I’m not confident that they’ll heed my words. The old Matriarch was much stronger and better respected than I am right now.”

“You said that they recognize you as the new Matriarch, didn’t you? Most should listen to your instructions if that’s the case.”

As long as no one could challenge her authority...but Qrs decided to leave that unsaid. Ysvrith was most likely aware of how things worked and simply needed some reassurance.

“I believe they will listen,” Ysvrith replied after some thought, “for now. We Gnolls are not the same as you, however. The packs are usually more independent and prone to following their own Alphas. I fear it will cause problems in the future, or they may simply leave after a time.”

“In the future, perhaps,” Qrs said. “For now, being able to work together is of clear benefit. I’m going ahead to coordinate my warriors.”

He left Ysvrith behind, and Rhag quietly followed beside him.

"This certainly feels odd,” the High Druid mused. “That Wind Wall tactic was originally devised to counter volleys of arrows from the Gnolls. We used it against those Imps instead, and the Gnolls now assist us with their archers.”

“I won’t complain about the result,” Qrs said. “Gnolls are extraordinarily good hunters, far better than our own. As long as we can continue to cooperate, this relationship will be a great boon.”

“As long as they don’t scatter into The Neck as soon as things quiet down,” Rhag released a cynical snort. “That new Matriarch knows her people: I wouldn’t count on all of them sticking around for long. As soon as our immediate dangers have passed, they’ll be looking to leave for new territories.”

“You haven’t been subjected to Jaldabaoth’s cruel attentions,” Qrs countered. “Their new Matriarch knows what is at stake; that they can’t stop to settle down any time soon. I’m confident she can hold them together, as long as she stays on top.”

Upon reaching the crossing, Qrs started organizing his forces. The ones who had stood to delay the scaled Fiends were the worst off, and all of the mystics from the defensive line were depleted of mana. He started switching them out with those that had been at the river, who reportedly didn’t suffer any attacks against themselves at all. It was as close to a fresh group of defenders as he could get.

The sound of the Gnolls’ warning increased in intensity, and Qrs watched as many jumped into deeper water to wade or swim rather than wait to cross the shallows. He ordered the defenders to ready themselves, scanning the north for any sign of an incoming attack. When it arrived, it was not subtle at all.

An explosion of flame rose from the thick brush from the north, waves of heat rippling out into the air. Gnolls – or at least flaming chunks of Gnolls – flew out in a grisly wave towards them, blasted out by some inconceivable force. All across the line, over a hundred warriors were instantly felled by the sizzling projectiles. The dull thud of massive steps reverberated through the air, and a Fiend unlike any that Qrs had seen emerged into the clearing.

Demon God…

Unlike the cool and sinister image of the Jaldabaoth he knew, what appeared before them was anything but. It was a gigantic Fiend, visibly wreathed by flames that warped the air with shimmering heat. With every step, those he simply came close to screamed and fell over, skin steaming and curling back as their flesh charred away. The blistering bodies erupted within seconds, releasing blotches of gore over the landscape.

“?Protection Energy – Fire?.”

From behind, Rhag cast a spell, but Qrs shook his head wordlessly.

Impossible. We can’t fight this monster at all.

He turned around, casting his voice over the gathered defenders.

?Get out of here! RUN!?

Qrs didn’t care that fear seeped into the tone of his command. All bravery was foolishness before Jaldabaoth. Roughly half jolted at his command, immediately turning to flee. The other half remained rooted to the ground; even his reinforcing presence did not avail them of their terror. Screams came from the direction of the river ford and Qrs glanced back for a moment: the reported tentacled Fiends were coming out of the water.

“Well, well…if it isn’t our volunteer.”

Like the groan of the earth itself, a basso voice filled the air, rattling the gravel over the shore. Qrs spun around to find Jaldabaoth facing him from ten metres away. The towering Demon God looked down at him with a wicked grin.

“You left us so abruptly. I was hurt – but it seems that you only wished for your people to partake in your wondrous hospitality.” Jaldabaoth turned his gaze towards the river and the thousands of fleeing people, “Word of mouth is surely a cornerstone of effective marketing.”

Jaldabaoth stepped forward, and Qrs raised his war club.

“I don’t think they’re interested in what you have to offer,” Qrs told him. “Why don’t you take what you’re selling to the Humans out west? The one we had with us was all too happy to act according to your hellish vision.”

“All in good time, my dear friend,” Jaldabaoth chuckled, “all in good time. Truly, you are one after my own heart – have you told all of your loyal followers how you so willingly sacrificed your own flesh and blood, by the way?”

“Shut up, you overgrown Imp!”

“How many months was it?” Jaldabaoth’s voice boomed over his own, “Have you even spared a thought for your son? I’m sure he hasn’t forgotten about you…”

Qrs dashed forward with a roar, brandishing his weapon at the Demon God. Jaldabaoth beat his wings a single time, and the tumultuous winds lifted Qrs off of his feet and threw him back head over heels. He landed back where he had started from, rolling back up to his feet. He shook away his disorientation and looked around. The frozen defenders who remained were blasted backwards towards the shore, though Rhag had managed to remain close to where she was.

“Still so defiant,” Jaldabaoth said. “Yet look where your struggles have led you! You have doomed them – all of your people; all of those fools who chose to follow you. It would have been better for you to stay in your cage, but I suppose that you selfish savages must learn the hard way.”

The Fiend vanished from sight, and Qrs was seized from behind. As he rose in the air, he twisted around, finding that Jaldabaoth had somehow appeared behind him. He punched at the clawed fingers wrapped around his torso, but they were no more affected than the bars of his old cage. A sulfurous breath filled the air with its stink as Jaldabaoth leaned his head in close to speak.

“Your tale will be held up as a lesson to the miserable meatlings of this world,” the Fiend’s malevolent voice filled his ears. “A proverb will accompany the story of your heedless actions: out of the frying pan, into the fire.”

Flames rose, and a sharp gasp rose from the ground below, and Qrs looked down to see Rhag rolling away. She rose to her feet, holding up arms scorched by the blistering heat.

“?Middle Cur–AHH!”

Jaldabaoth took a step forward, enveloping her in his fiery aura. She leapt away, scrambling to her feet again to run. With an amused noise, Jaldabaoth followed after her with shuddering steps.

“H-hey, stop that!” Qrs’ voice quavered, “Leave her alone, dammit! Leave my people alone!”

“My, so demanding,” Jaldabaoth’s steps stopped. “At least choose one or the other.”

Qrs glowered at his mocking words. He looked over towards where Rhag had disappeared into the brush – she was running south, leading Jaldabaoth away from the ford. Every second counted…

“Allow me to cure your indecision,” Jaldabaoth said.

“What–!”

Jaldabaoth stomped off after Rhag, and Qrs hated himself for feeling relieved that the Fiend had chosen her. Within seconds of pursuit, she could be seen dashing through the bushes.

“Run away, little girl,” Jaldabaoth laughed. “Run away!”

Rhag only answered with a pained cry as he caught up once more. Jaldabaoth slowed just long enough for her to distance herself again. Qrs shut his eyes against the panicked sobs that rose from in front of him. His arms were bound tightly in Jaldabaoth’s grip, however, so he could not cover his ears. After a dozen seconds, Rhag screamed again. This time, Jaldabaoth kept moving forward, and the screams fell silent as the odour of charred flesh rose into the air.

Jaldabaoth inhaled deeply, releasing a satisfied sigh.

“Ah…I may have some talent as a chef myself, don’t you agree? The other prisoners will surely appreciate some roast pork. Come, let’s go cook up some more, shall we?”

“W-wa–”

Jaldabaoth turned back north towards the ford, leaping powerfully into the people on the near shore. Wails of agony rose all around him as adults and children alike were abruptly smothered in searing heat.

“Wait, you said that the choice was one or the other!” Qrs protested through his tears.

“Choose?” Jaldabaoth’s voice rose over the symphony of anguish, “Don’t be silly. Haven’t you heard? Volunteers have no choice.”

The Fiend held Qrs high up in the air as he made his way through the thickest part of the crowd towards the ford, offering a sweeping view of the carnage being unleashed. Hundreds of charred corpses lay in their wake, with more joining them as Jaldabaoth inevitably overran the desperate horde of people being driven before him.

Pain engulfed Qrs’ senses, and he left out a cry.

“Ah, it appears your fire protection has finally worn away,” Jaldabaoth said. “How about I help you cool down a bit?”

The world whirled, and Qrs was hurled over the crowd and into the river. He fell straight into the fleeing refugees, bowling over dozens before he rolled to a halt. The chilly waters of the river sizzled as they washed over his armour, and he rose to his hands and knees, feeling around for his weapon. Finding the hilt, he used his war club to prop himself back up on his feet. A Druid stopped to heal him and several of his people offered hands in support, but he slapped them away.

“Why are you stopping?” He screamed, “Leave me and RUN!”

On the shore, Jaldabaoth rose to his full height, looking down on Qrs with a sadistic leer. The Fiend leaned forward as if preparing to charge.

“?Flow Acceleration?.”

Qrs barely activated the Martial Art before Jaldabaoth lunged forward. Even though Flow Acceleration greatly enhanced his perception and reaction time, the Demon God was coming forward at an incredible rate. In Qrs’ sight, the crowd was trampled, thrown aside and burned in slow motion as Jaldabaoth closed the distance to him. The river boiled away at his feet into explosive clouds of steam.

Qrs raised his weapon, resolved to stop his charging adversary.

I will fight you for as long as I stand, Demon God!

“?Possibility Sense?.”

The looming form of Jaldabaoth remained unchanged. No weaknesses – none that Qrs could exploit, anyways. He idly wondered what his namesake might have done in his place as he formulated his moves. He would need to stop the Fiend’s charge with a Defensive Art, then immediately launch into a powerful attack before his life was burned away.

Ten metres away, Jaldabaoth raised a clawed hand, sweeping it forward as he closed the remaining distance.

“?Invulnerable Fortress?!”

Qrs solidified his defence as the world was filled with searing pain, and Jaldabaoth sent him into the darkness.