As word of this unprecedented peace spread far and wide, it ignited a glimmer of hope in the hearts of many. Trade routes once perilous now bloomed with possibilities, offering safe passage for merchants and travelers alike. The effects rippled across the lands, sparking curiosity and admiration in some clans, while others dismissed it as mere hearsay. Nevertheless, this newfound harmony inspired even minor clans to follow in the footsteps of the dwarves and elves, seeking to mend long-standing grudges and form alliances where there was once only enmity.
Yet, amidst the winds of change, some clung persistently to the ways of conflict. Refusing to embrace this fragile peace, some races stood resolute, ready to wage war against what they deemed as a facade.
*****
In the scorching heat of the desert, the sounds of soldiers filled the air - huffing, puffing, weapons clanging, and footsteps trampling. Thousands of troops train diligently, honing their armed and unarmed combat skills. Camps specialize in mastering specific weapons, while groups work tirelessly to enhance their proficiency in magic. Spero, the new High General of the Persian Kingdom, stands at the helm of this specialized army newly titled the 10,000 Immortals.
His commands echo across the training grounds, each order precise and sharp.
"Your feet are too far apart! Keep the lance straight when you strike! Head up when you go for a takedown! Don’t rush the spell too quickly, it will diminish the power!" he bellows.
With the rapid growth of the Kingdom, Spero knew the danger of complacency among his troops. He watches vigilantly, ensuring that each soldier maintains their edge in combat. There is no room for rustiness and no space for negligence. The enemy must never see an opportunity to exploit any weakness within their forces.
As we grow, we gain more enemies. Those out of fear or mere jealousy. I need our forces to be fierce and back that intimidation with skill. They can’t always rely on my powers in battle…. I’ve been using these abilities far too frequently.
Spero notices his hand shaking as vibrant bursts of black and red energy emanate from his very pores. Spero hides his hand quickly as soldiers pass by and offer salutes in recognition of his remarkable guidance. One soldier approaches him for direction on a particular combat tactic. Spero surveys the diverse faces of his comrades, every person, every Persian standing before him. The endless animosity he once felt at every corner of his upbringing, has begun to dwindle, giving way to a welcoming curiosity.
As the day stretches on and the rigorous training session draws to a close, Spero receives personal farewells from his soldiers, acknowledging his hard work and dedication. Watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the training grounds, a wave of tranquility washes over Spero's features, a serene smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
*****
After months of meticulous planning and construction, a powerful force decides to sow disorder. Rumors spread like wildfire about Lydian foes marching towards Cappadocia, with their sights set on the town of Pteria. In response, Cyrus and Ashkan gather their men, determined to thwart the impending invasion by the Cattari of Lydia.
As they gallop forward, the clash of steel and the thundering hooves of their horses resound through the rugged terrain.
"The Cattari have been relatively quiet recently," observes Ashkan as he rides at the head of their army.
Cyrus, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of the enemy, nods in agreement. "Indeed. While we were busy with our trade networks and forging alliances, they must have seen an opportunity to expand their territory. And with Croesus being the brother of the Queen of Media, it was only a matter of time before he struck back."
"I find it astonishing that the Cattari haven't revolted against their Divinain ruler”.
Cyrus steers his horse and delivers a decisive hand signal, leading their troops towards the left. "Despite their feline nature, the Cattari are surprisingly loyal people. Croesus's intervention saved them from Astyages's wrath and elevated their kingdom's wealth beyond even our own."
Ashkan adjusts the strap of his dwarven hammer that sits comfortably on his back. “We've never faced their kind in battle before. I don’t like running into the unknown.”
Cyrus assures him. “Spero has shared some valuable information regarding the Cattari's tactics and abilities. We'll make sure our soldiers are well-prepared before we confront them”
The Cattari are humanoid felines, nimble and fast like any other cat. Remarkable reflexes and senses. They are smaller in stature. They have a powerful cavalry, how strong can they be? That is still to be determined. This will be a slight challenge.
As they near the town of Pteria, the sight that meets their eyes is one of ruin.
“Those bastards!” Ashkan shouts as he grips the handle of his hammer.
The Cattari invaders are pillaging through homes and enslaving the innocent Persian people.
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“Change of plans. We must lure them away from the town and towards the river. We need to create distance between them and our people before we unleash our full might upon them,” Cyrus directs.
They split up into two teams - one heading east with Ashkan and the other west with Cyrus. The soldiers in the east left a platoon behind with camels and supplies before making their way toward their designated side of the town. As the soldiers on horseback ride to the right side of the town with a booming clatter, the Cattari inhabitants of the town hear their presence and raise the alarm.
Persian archers rain arrows on them to lure them out, and the Cattari evade the projectiles with as arrows fling past the enemy forces. The Cattari mount their horses and charge in with their cavalry. As the east group tactically retreats, the west team attempts to infiltrate the town. But the sharp senses of the Cattari pick up on the Persians' scent, prompting them to unleash a furious response. With primal roars, the feline assailants surge forward, their claws striking out against the soldiers, leaving deep scratches in their flesh.
Cyrus charges forward from the rear of the group, brandishing his dwarven shield. H unleashes a powerful energy pulse that not only blasts but also blinds their enemies. He signals his companions to join the fray, while a magician conjures sharp rock spikes out from the ground to ward off the approaching foes, allowing the Persian soldiers to approach the captive townsfolk. As the tension mounts the Cattari leader lets out a menacing growl, her gaze locks with Cyrus's determined eyes. Cyrus clangs his sword against his shield multiple times. With a fierce battle cry, the Cattari leader slices through the rock spikes and charges forward.
Ashkan's group gallops behind them as they lead the pursuers on a wild chase. The Cattari, relentless in their pursuit, draw closer with each passing moment. As the enemy felines close in, their sleek forms leap from their mounts and pounce upon the unwary Persians, toppling them to the ground. The Cattari slash at their victims' necks before hurtling forward, their steeds circling back around as they match the pace of the horses. The feline warriors seize the reins of their mounts, launching themselves back into the saddle with practiced agility. Ashkan raises a critical alarm, rallying the archers to aim at the enemy's horses. Arrows whistle through the air piercing the sides of the charging horses, causing them to stumble and falter. The adversaries spring from their falling steeds and brandish their spears.
A deadly spear impales a Persian mage as a blast of water magic fails mid-incantation. Ashkan, quick to notice their rapid response, signals his men to follow him. Darting his head left and right, he leads the chase as his soldiers trail behind. Amidst the whistling winds, a faint rustling catches their attention, the sound of water crashing against rocks becoming more prominent. A river running past the town glimmers in the sunlight, beckoning them forward. Riding close to the water's edge, they observe their enemies hesitating to approach, slowing their pursuit.
A satisfied smirk plays on Ashkan's lips as he whispers, "Ha, knew it."
They trace the path of the flowing river, ultimately guiding them back to the town.
Cyrus is face to face with the fierce Cattari leader, her spear aims for him like a serpent ready to strike. Cyrus deflects her first three strikes, the clash of metal scratching against each other. As she lunges for another attack, Cyrus smacks the side of her spear with his shield and counters with a sword strike. The Cattari leader gracefully dodges to her left, her feline agility evident in every movement. As she attempts to strike with her piercing claws, he pivots to his right and evades the blow. Cyrus pushes forward with his shield held high, the force of impact rumbling through his arm as he smashes into her shoulder. But the Cattari leader was not one to be easily outmaneuvered; with a sudden leap, ascended over Cyrus, her eyes locked on her target. Cyrus raises his sword just in time to block the incoming spear stab from above. On her descent back down, Cyrus attempts a retaliatory slash, but she moves like a gust of wind, sliding past his blade with an elegant grace that belies her deadly intent. With the pressure mounting, Cyrus knew he had to regroup. He backs away, the weight of her attacks pushing him to the edge. As she lunges forward once more, her spear aims straight for his heart, Cyrus focuses his shield, and the light on his shield slowly grows brighter with each passing moment.
FLASH
He blinds the Cattri leader with a flash of light. Cyrus slashes the side of her torso, but the quick-thinking leader manages to evade the full force of the blow. Growling in defiance, she spins her spear, creating crackling yellow sparks in the air. The tip of her spear shines with a bright golden glow as she prepares to strike back. In a blur of motion, she thrusts the spear with lightning speed. Despite Cyrus’s efforts to block the attack, the sheer force of the strike causes an explosive impact directly to his shield, sending him flying back several meters. As he struggles to regain his footing, the ground shakes and pebbles dance around beneath him. A booming roar fills the air as Ashkan and his soldiers on horseback stampede into the scene, galloping toward the ongoing confrontation.
The Cattari warriors find themselves cornered by the advancing Persian forces. The Cattari retreat towards the edge of the town. Ashkan and his loyal group lead the charge. As they close in, Ashkan's voice pierces through the sounds of battle, commanding his fellow soldiers to move in. He guides them to the river, where the only hope of escape lies in the bridges their enemies had hastily constructed during their initial crossing. Just as it seemed the Cattari were being broken down the second group returned, turning the tables on Cyrus and his forces.
Ashkan yells out. “MOVE!”
He charges towards the river and dismounts his horse in one motion, grasping his hammer tightly in his hand as he raises it high above his head. Crackles of brilliant blue energy emanate from his hammer as he brings it down with incredible force, sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the water below. The impact creates massive waves that drench the Cattari, knocking them off balance and flinging them off the bridges and into the river. The sounds of their startled screams fill the air as they struggle to resurface amidst the turbulent waters. As the drenched Cattari warriors scramble to safety on the riverbank, their soaked clothing clinging to their bodies, they hastily mount their horses and ride off in retreat. Meanwhile, the fearless Persian soldiers begin to cautiously advance across the now-turbulent bridge, eager to continue the battle and secure victory.
“Wait!” Cyrus commands.
The faces of the soldiers etch with doubt, come to a sudden halt at his command.
Ashkan emerges from the river, wringing water from his beard as he questions, "Why are we stopping?"
Cyrus scans the surroundings. "They may have retreated, but we suffered heavier losses than they did."
A silent understanding passes between the group as they absorb his words.
Ashkan nods in agreement, his tone firm. "Very well, tend to the wounded and free the captives."
The soldiers spring into action, carrying out their orders with haste.
Stepping closer to Cyrus, Ashkan whispers urgently, "We cannot allow them to regroup."
Cyrus nods thoughtfully. "I know. That's why we will pursue them right away. Yet, their skill in horsemanship and agility poses a greater threat than we anticipated."
“I’m surprised Croesus was nowhere to be found.”
“He only fights with his main unit. That’s likely where they are headed.”
As they watch the supply group enter the town, the sight of the camels triggers a revelation in Cyrus. A broad smile spreads across his face, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Turning to Ashkan, he reveals his daring plan with a mischievous grin. “I have an idea you’re not going to like.”