Lord of the Rings: Warriors

"How's it going... Lavian?" Nyx asked with difficulty, her voice strained as she glanced at the sparse remnants of Lavian's army.

"My apologies, Your Grace… we've suffered a devastating defeat," Lavian replied, meeting Nyx's gaze with steady eyes.

"Go on. I can handle it," Nyx took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

"The Crusaders have been decimated. Nearly all of the officer corps—our professionals—have perished, including Commander Rockfeller. He's fallen in battle," Lavian said, his tone unyielding.

"The archers and marksmen have also sustained heavy losses. About 200 of them will never return..." He hesitated briefly before continuing.

"The battle has gone to ruin, hasn't it? Can you tell me about the enemy's casualties?" Nyx's grip on her reins tightened, her knuckles pale.

"Unfortunately, Your Grace, our foes lost around a thousand men. 

The only significant victory from this battle was your slaying of the Sky Knight and his two-headed dragon," Lavian answered somberly.

"Sigh... Let us guide our people away from this accursed land. We may never see the restoration of our homeland, but my descendants will carry this noble mission in their hearts!" 

Nyx turned her gaze eastward, her expression resolute as she rode away. No one saw the torrent of tears streaming down her face as she turned.

"Knights, gather the soldiers! We're leading them out of this forsaken place!" Lavian ordered, his voice tinged with a rare hint of reluctance as he watched Nyx's retreating figure.

"At once!"

"Of the Crusaders, 1,047 remain breathing, though fewer than 900 are combat-ready. We have over 600 archers left, and between the marksmen and their trainees, about 200 remain. 

Our knights number 24, alongside 65 light cavalry. 

Lastly, there are the 100 Zaltarion Royal Guards (third rank) accompanying the Duke. This is all we have left for battle. 

Oh, and we still have a fire mage and three priests," Hollin reported quietly after catching up to Lavian.

"Damn it!" Lavian slammed his hand onto his saddle in fury. This felt like the start of hell itself. Losing 60% of the troops in the first engagement?

Even a sixth-rank hero would be hard-pressed to lead under these conditions.

"My Lord, 15 miles behind us, we've spotted the barbarian pursuers!" A Knight of the Crossed Purple Jasmine interrupted Lavian's thoughts.

"What? How many?" Lavian's eyes narrowed. These Easterners were fast—within hours, they'd regrouped and sent pursuers.

"It's unclear. The dust is too thick, and our cavalry dare not approach their war chariots," the knight replied with a shrug. 

The lightly armored cavalry couldn't risk venturing too close; the archers and marksmen on those chariots were more than willing to test their accuracy.

"Indeed, sending light cavalry to scout isn't prudent. The enemy has many ways to threaten them," Lavian muttered, stroking his chin.

"Here's what we'll do: select eight knights and divide them into four teams. 

Have them scout the area," Lavian decided with a flourish of his hand. It was a costly move—few forces could afford to use knights for reconnaissance.

"As you wish, my Lord."

"You're extravagant, my Lord!" Hollin remarked in awe.

"There's no other choice. We can't let the light cavalry become moving targets for enemy archers. 

We lack rangers, and while light cavalry are fast, they lack defenses. 

Using knights is the safest option," Lavian explained, rubbing his temples in exhaustion. A craftsman cannot work without tools, after all.

"Let's hope the number of pursuers isn't overwhelming," Lavian said, his eyes glimmering with faint hope.

"Let's hope... If things go south, we'll have to choose loyalty to our nation above all," Hollin sighed.

"But first, we must ensure Her Grace's safety," Lavian added, nodding toward Nyx, who was riding at the head of the group.

"I'll arrange for Her Grace to leave ahead of the main force. 

Traveling with the group will slow the Zaltarion Royal Guards," Hollin suggested, glancing at Nyx, who was surrounded by soldiers.

"Indeed. The common soldiers are a significant drag on the Royal Guards' speed. They're the finest warriors of the Zaltarion Empire, the last symbol of its glory," Lavian agreed with a nod.

The Zaltarion Royal Guards were the Empire's elite—a unit composed entirely of third-rank soldiers, their prowess unmatched. 

Unlike conventional third-rank berserkers, they were third-rank Royal Guards, a specialized class. 

Their signature skill, Guardian, allowed them to block a single attack of any kind. In past battles, these guards had shielded Zaltarion's last stronghold, holding the line against advanced skills until reinforcements arrived. 

Though lacking in offense, their defensive capabilities surpassed those of shield warriors and knights of equivalent rank.

"Your Grace, the enemy is closing in. You must leave immediately. You are the last hope of the duchy!" Hollin declared, riding up to Nyx and bowing.

"And what about you? What about the soldiers?" Nyx's voice trembled as fear flashed in her eyes.

"We will hold them back, buying you the time you need to escape. As long as you live, the Duchy of Nyx endures. 

The noble blood of Zaltarion will remain on this land. You may be Zaltarion's last royal descendant!" Hollin's voice was firm and resolute.

"Summon Lavian. There must be another way! I have magic scrolls—perhaps we can hide?" Nyx pleaded.

"This is the will of all of us, including Lord Lavian. Your safety is paramount," Hollin replied, bowing in deference.

"Royal Guards of Zaltarion! You've crossed mountains and rivers, defended the Empire, and upheld the duchy's honor. 

Now I ask you to escort the Duke westward, to safety. Travel west—do not look back—until you reach Rivendell. Can you do this?" Hollin's voice resonated with unwavering determination.

"Yes, Sir Knight! We will ensure the Duke's safety. But we'll need time," the lead Royal Guard responded.

"Of course. Then we'll buy you that time. The Crusaders will hold the line, fighting to the last man!" Hollin declared, pounding his chest.

"If we make it, we'll shatter the Echo Crystal to signal you. May we meet again..." The Royal Guard handed Hollin one of two pigeon-egg-sized crystals.

"You..." Nyx choked back a sob, trying to argue that her magic scrolls could aid their escape.

"Your Grace, you'll need those scrolls to survive and rebuild. Don't waste them here. Stay safe," Hollin said, saluting sharply before turning to leave, his resolve unwavering.

"Stay safe..." Nyx murmured through tears, her heart heavy with sorrow.

.

.

.

Guys, do leave some power stones and reviews.

🤞patreon.com/MythosWriter🤞

If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.