Rise (War Witch Book 1) (15 page)

Battle plan, eh?
Ramora thought with a grin.

"Fire!" Diem cried, dropping his arm.

Half the Orcs died in that barrage, their lives ended by hunters who had long ago perfected the art of catching a rabbit in mid-jump. The eye of an Orc was a much easier target for them than that, by far.

From the porch of the inn, Talbor sipped a cup of coffee and cheered them on.

Gota rose slowly, stunned by the unexpected turn. Looking to Ramora, he realized he faced a Priestess of Ramor, a war witch, and as his men fell around him, snarled in rage. If only he could defeat her, he felt sure the villagers’ spirits would break. Hefting his sword, he charged her, howling.

Ramora caught his clumsy attack easily against her own sword, now held with both hands, and smirked at him through the clashing steel. She didn't have enough mystic energy left to cast another spell, and fell back on her warrior training as Diem charged another of the Orcs, their swords ringing.

A second barrage from the archers left all but three of the Demon Seed dead, but the battle was joined now, and with allies too close to enemies, there was little more they could do. Daniel slid back down the roof and swung into an open window, pelting into the hall as Chara emerged from Ramora's room, still buttoning her shirt.

"What's happening?" she cried.

"We're winning!" Daniel called back as he turned to throw her a smile. "Oh, and nice work! I'm telling everyone my sister bedded a Blessed!"

"We didn't..." she started, but he was already down the stairs. Shaking her head, she ran after him, cursing the long skirt her mother insisted she wear.

Out in the street, Diem countered the Orc's attacks, his training coming back to him easily. He was older, though, and slower, and found it was all he could do to keep up with the Demon Seed. Falling back on quick thinking, he blocked another swing and pushed it away, sending the Orc's sword out, high and wide, giving himself an opening to stab at the creature.

The sword caught up in the armor, failing to pierce it, his strength not enough to end the creature. Snorting in delight, the Orc backhanded him, sending him sprawling in the dirt, before pulling his sword free and tossing it away. Diem looked up to see the Demon Seed advancing on him.

A few feet away, Ramora and Gota battled furiously. Though she hated the very sight of Orcs, she had to admit, he was terribly skilled with a blade. She was better, however, and could see the slowly growing frustration on his face as he failed to land a blow against her.

Turning inward, she asked her Avatar if it had enough for a small spell, and got a warble of agreement. With a grin, she shoved the Orc back.

He stumbled over a fallen comrade, struggling to keep his balance. He was open, but not for long enough that she could close the distance. It was enough time, however, to trace runes on her blade, the song of her Avatar giving them power.

"You die here, witch," the Orc Lieutenant snarled, rushing her.

Ramora caught his swing easily, letting the magic go to work, electricity sparking between her blade and his, sending him away with a howl of agony. Her Avatar had nothing left, however, and she urged it to rest as it whimpered out a song of regret.

Shaking himself, the Lieutenant struggled to clear his vision, the shock the witch had given him leaving him dazed. Spotting his second-in-command as he shoved several villagers away and circled behind her, Gota grinned and lunged for her. She would never be able to react in time to them both and her head was as good as his.

Spotting his wicked smile, Ramora called on her Divine Gift and saw everything. The Orc behind her, bringing his weapon to bear, was going to go for her neck as the Lieutenant tied up her sword in front. Death was inescapable.

For anyone not blessed by the Divine Wolf, anyway.

Diem scrambled back, searching for anything he could use to defend himself as the Orc loomed over him, sword raised to end him. Silently, he made peace with it, and hoped Kate would do right by Chara after he was gone. Daniel, he felt, would make a fine man, fit to guide their family on after he was dead.

As the Orc plunged down, an arrow lodged in his throat the same moment a sword split his chest from behind. The Orc gurgled as he fell, his sword missing Diem. Jerking his head up, he saw his daughter yank the blade from the Demon Seed’s back as Daniel lowered his bow a few feet away.

He’d never been so proud in all his life.

Ramora waited until Gota reached her before dropping to a knee, already spinning her body, her sword pulled tight. The Lieutenant's thrust missed her by a mile, while his second-in-command felt the wide Heavensteel blade of the Blessed's sword slide through his armor and flesh before he could even swing at her.

Dropping the blade, the Orc fell back a step, screaming in pain as he clutched his gut and tried to hold his insides from spilling. Gota had time to be shocked before Ramora finished her spin, catching the flat of her blade against his chin and throwing him back.

Landing, the Orc rolled back to his feet as the Blessed kicked out behind her, driving the other Orc's hands into the wound she’d made. With a scream, he jerked them back, spilling his guts all over the road in a steaming pile. She smiled as he gurgled and waved Gota forward.

A quick glance around showed him he stood alone. He wouldn't escape the archers, or the Blessed. Accepting this, he readied his weapon as she came at him, catching her Heavensteel sword against his Demon-forged one and side stepping, relaxing his grip so he could jerk the pommel upwards, her sword helping him drive it into her face with enough momentum to stagger her.

Die he may, today, but he would take a Blessed with him.

As Ramora fell back, Chara held out a hand, pulling her father to his feet. He grabbed her and held her close for a moment, then shook her, angry she had endangered herself. He saw she was paying him no mind, though, for the Orc Lieutenant was advancing on the stunned Blessed.

Her vision dancing, Ramora fell back on her Divine Gift, sensing each attack the Lieutenant threw at her. Always, her sword was able to block and parry his assaults as she wiped blood from her eyes and blinked rapidly, trying to settle the wavering landscape.

"Die, damn you!" Gota snarled, launching a dizzying assault on her. Letting her Gift guide her hand, she held him back as she turned to look at him, squinting to settle her sight.

His next attack she caught, spinning her sword in her hand to carry it over his, pushing his blade down into the ground. Caught off guard, he could only gasp as she punched him in the face, staggering him, following it by driving the hilt of her weapon into his chest and knocking him back.

Panting, he tried to spin away, desperate to create room to fight her as she pursued, clutching the massive weapon in both hands to bring it up and down onto his head. Somehow, he got his blade up in time and blocked it, falling to a knee as he did. Shoving back, he regained his feet as her sword swung away and low, creating an opening.

Pulling back, he made to thrust, but missed as Ramora let the momentum of her sword carry her, turning on her heel, catching his blade and driving it down as she brought the greatsword back around and pierced his chest. To her surprise, a sword cut in from the other side, erupting from his throat.

Yanking back, she let him fall, spotting Chara behind him, arms dragged down as the Demon Seed fell. Ramora could only stare for a moment, panting from the exertion of the battle, before jabbing a finger at the young woman, then at the inn.

Chara shrugged timidly. "Like I'm going to hide and cower. That's for the womenfolk."

Rolling her eyes, Ramora sank down, falling into a sitting position as the villagers raised a cheer. The Demon Seed were dead, and not a single one of the townsfolk had fallen.

Talbor nodded as he rose, applauding them. Maybe now, Little Sister would learn she need not carry the world on her own. His face darkened slightly as Chara helped Ramora to her feet and let the Blessed lean on her.

As much as he hated it, Rakiss was right. Chara needed to leave with her.

RAMORA SCOWLED
as John Kal cleaned the wound between her eyes, the medicinal herbs stinging. It was embarrassing for the Blessed of Ramor to be the only one to take an injury in a battle full of farmers and craftsmen. Spotting her self-pitying look, John pressed harder, making her grimace.

"Keep an eye on the ball, next time," the old healer laughed, making her pout.

It couldn't hold for long, however. All around her, the people of Rheumer were celebrating their victory, drinking heartily, laughing, cheering, and singing praises to the War Wolf for guiding their hands. Slowly, a smile crawled across her lips as she listened.

John smirked. "There's a better look on you, Priestess. More feminine, at least. Makes you look almost attractive, and what with you being a mute, men could get the idea you would make a perfect wife."

Ramora drove her fist into his stomach with a sweet smile. John coughed heavily.

"Forget I said anything," he wheezed.

"She will," Chara said as she leaned over the chair Ramora set in. "Just don't go thinking you can get handsy, John Kal."

"Perish the thought," the healer chuckled, handing over his tools to Lucy.

Giving Chara a slight smile, the young woman helped her father up, and bowed in thanks to the warrior. Ramora nodded in return as the two headed away, Lucy giving a sad, but proud look back.

Ramora nudged her friend as she sat in the chair John had vacated, nodding towards Lucy and giving a wink. Chara blushed a bit and shrugged.

"She means so much to me, I can't even say," she admitted. "I don't know if it's love, though, or if I'll ever even get to find out. Her dad will surely send her away when he learns of us."

Ramora nodded, dropping a hand on Chara's shoulder and giving what she hoped was a comforting smile. She knew, though, there was nothing she could do about that. With Talbor's help, she had freed the young woman from a loveless marriage, but her path was hers to find.

Speaking of the Ascended, she cast about only to find him whispering something to Diem. After a moment, the innkeeper nodded and smiled, shaking the demigod’s hand. Ramora had to wonder what mischief he was up to this time.

"You sure you’re okay?" Chara asked, dragging her back.

Giving a nod, she lifted her arm, showing the muscle in it.

"Yes, you’re tough as nails," the young woman dead-panned. "Which is why I killed more Orcs than you."

Ramora gave her a shocked look that made her laugh, a sound as light and merry as the sun. A grin spreading across her face, she could no longer deny she had formed attachments. Ones she cherished, that filled her heart, and made her feel closer to whole.

Her Avatar sang a song of sexual pleasure, making her grimace inwardly. With a loving touch, she sent the spirit to rest. It had expended itself heavily today, and needed time to recover. With a yawn like wind chimes, it curled around her heart, making her feel warm.

"When are you leaving?" Chara asked, turning serious. Sadness touched her eyes at the question, but she faced the reality with strength, making the warrior proud.

Ramora swept a finger in an arc, and then mimed sleeping. Tomorrow would do; she wanted a good night’s rest after her battle with the Orc.

The young woman nodded. "If it isn't too much to ask, maybe tonight, I could... you know..."

With a silent laugh, Ramora grasped her hand and held it, nodding. She would be happy to hold her friend again as she slept. She’d known no nightmares with the young woman curled against her, something she couldn't say was always true when she slept alone.

Chara blushed furiously. "Thanks. I like being with you."

Ramora touched her heart and then her friend’s nose, grinning, drawing a smile from her as well. The feeling was mutual.

"If I could have your attention, please," Diem yelled, stepping up onto one of the tables. "Quiet now, everyone, quiet."

Slowly, the raucous room fell silent as all eyes turned to him. Chara squeezed Ramora's hand in her lap as they did as well.

"So, today we showed the Demon Gods why they’re wise to keep their minions out of Fival, yeah?" he asked, getting a crashing cheer in return that shook the windows.

"We have so much to thank the Gods for this day," he continued as they fell silent again. "Our health and homes, our families, and food on our table. We’re blessed, each of us. We also have them to thank for sending us a Blessed, without whom, we never would’ve known the Demon Seed were at our door. Because of her, and her Ascended, we had time to prepare, and fight. Let us all raise a glass in honor of our friends, Ramora and Talbor!"

As one, the crowd turned, lifting their hands to the Blessed and the Ascended. Ramora bowed deeply, feeling overwhelmed, while Talbor sighed in joy and drank up their accolades.

When she raised her eyes again, Ramora found Kate's gaze upon her. Slowly, the woman’s look softened as she lifted a glass and nodded. With an easy smile, Ramora returned the gesture.

Miracles do happen after all
, she thought.

"Tonight, we hold a feast in their honor!" Diem shouted. "Let it spill out into the street, for all are welcome, as we tap every keg, empty the larder, and raise enough noise, the Heavens themselves will shake from it!"

With the cheers resonating around them, Ramora tightened her grip on Chara's hand, letting the world fall away as she lifted her glass to the young woman by her side. Blushing once more, Chara did the same to the warrior.

Talbor watched, and smiled.

Invisible to the mortals, Rakiss did the same.