Author's Note: This chapter is a good one to end the year with, as it ends the Battle of Steelweld and the "Steelweld Arc" itself. The new year will see the group traveling to a new location to meet new characters and there is even an unexpected reunion!
Thanks to everyone that has followed the story so far, your comments and feedback have truly meant a lot! I hope you all enjoy the last chapter of 2024 and look forward to what's to come in 2025!
By the way, sex scenes will return in Chapter 23. Everyone will be resting, recovering, and mourning in the next chapter and won't be in the mood for it.
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Chapter 21: Fathers and Their Children
Moments before Marlon arrived in Steelweld, Tiafell awakened to find himself on the ground with glowing blue chains wrapped around his body, arms, and legs. He cried out when he struggled to move, the chains squeezed him tightly in response.
"You're awake already?" Cardexx turned to face his son. "That is a demon restriction spell. The more you resist, the tighter the chains will become. You will be more comfortable if you relax."
Tiafell groaned and relaxed his body, easing the bindings. "It's not like I can move well, you've beaten the snot out of me." The elf had a blackeye with bruises on his face and torso. He ached all over.
"I regret having to do that son, but you left me with no choice. You had lost control, and you were going to give yourself to Dred. I don't blame you given the current situation, I share your disgust with all this needless violence and death."
"What is happening?"
"The amazons are losing. Dred brought reinforcements with him, and they are beginning to overwhelm Cleyene and her people."
Tiafell attempted to sit up, but the chains kept him on the ground. "Why aren't you helping them? If you really are on our side, why are you here with me?"
"That is not part of the plan. Once I have restrained you, I am to remain on standby and keep you safe until 'he' arrives."
"Who? Who are you waiting for?" Tiafell got his answer when a bright pillar of light descended into the village.
"There he is, the old man was making me worry." Cardexx turned to face the area where the light touched down, crossing his arms.
"Marlon? Why is he here? He is too old to be in a situation like this! He'll get himself killed!!" Tiafell wiggled around, causing the chains to tighten their hold on him.
"He has made his choice, we both have." Cardexx answered his son.
"What choice?? I want some answers!!" His father remained silent. "Father!!!!"
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Dred was laughing uncontrollably at Marlon's declaration. Though not joining in his laughter, everyone else was equally baffled. Samora's heart broke, seeing her dying father there meant only one thing: he had decided where and how his life was going to end.
The laughing demon composed himself. "I have never laughed like that before. You were always on overachiever, becoming the most famous and powerful mage in history, living centuries beyond the normal human lifespan. You have even taken senility to new heights! To think that you would come here alone to fight me in your state, you pitiful old man."
"I do intend to fight you myself, but I did not come alone." Dozens of glowing white circles appeared behind Marlon. Through them, hundreds of soldiers clad in heavy white armor emerged, carrying an array of weaponry. Their armor bore the emblem of a roaring lion. Two more formed by the wizard's sides, and from them stepped two women, a knight and a mage.
The knight on his left was a tall muscular woman with ebony skin and long black hair. She was wearing minimal armor, having only a breastplate across her chest. The rest of her attire consisted of a skirt and boots; her arms, midriff, and thighs were bare. On her right arm was a large shield with the lion emblem carved into it. She carried a long javelin in her left hand.
The mage on his right was a woman with Oriental features of average height, with shoulder-length black hair. She was wearing a dark green witch's hat with a matching dress that bore the lion emblem over her left breasts and heels; she had no armor on. In her right hand was a silver staff with gold rings looped together.
"Are you seeing this...?" Cirris was stunned.
"That's.. the Royal Army! I can't believe Grandfather brought them with him!" Mirya acknowledged.
"Not only that, but those two standing with him. That is Rhydra and Hinako, members of the Elite Royal Guard! They are made up of the four strongest soldiers in the entire Royal Army. It's said that the King and his royal guard are so powerful, they are an army to themselves when they fight together. This has earned them the title 'The Army of Five'!"
"Wow, and two of them are here??"
"Yeah, maybe we have a chance now! We need to do our part and deal with her!" Cirris and Mirya were facing Trista, who had been standing perfectly still. The sorceress waved her staff to attack the mage twins.
"Sir Marlon." Rhydra addressed him honorably. "Are you sure you don't need assistance?"
"Yes, Dred and I have a score that will be settled tonight. I leave the rest to all of you." Marlon answered her.
"Very well." Hinako replied. "These monsters won't live long enough to regret attacking this village!"
Rhydra faced the troops behind her. "This is it!! Kill every demon and vampire that wears the mark of the Red Crescent Coven! Move out!!"
The Royal Army roared in unison, then moved forward to attack. Their might was impressive, killing demons and vampires with relative ease. Rhydra and Hinako showed exceptional skill, with the knight's javelin extending to skewer many opponents at once, she then swung her weapon around with enough force to break demons apart. Hinako was casting white holy flames from her staff using minimal incantations, killing many demons and vampires at once. The two Royal Guards alone were wiping out most of the enemy forces themselves.
