Chapter 75
“A council? You mean the one where most of you great witches show up, and we get exactly two representatives?”
The so-called Aldehallow Council. It had a grand name, but wasn’t it just a witches’ council in truth?
As soon as one person spoke up, others joined in. Their voices swelled together, turning their frustration toward Fay and Virelda.
Even Virelda faltered a step under the pressure.
“So you’re complaining about attendance? You don’t even come when you’re invited—!”
“Virelda.”
Just as she was about to snap back, Merga appeared and placed a steady hand on her shoulder.
“Let those who wish to surrender do as they please. We cannot stop them.”
“But Lady Merga!”
“What we must do is protect those who still stand with us. The ones trembling inside the walls.”
Merga gave Virelda a faint smile. Then she turned to the ragged group holding up their makeshift white flags and bowed slightly, wishing them luck.
When she so calmly granted them leave, their courage seemed to falter. They hesitated, glancing at one another.
Turning her back on them, Merga called out to those still standing in shock at the division.
“I’ll draw their attention with the golem. Retreat inside while you can!”
“Lady Merga!”
“Virelda, lead the people toward the inner walls.”
“You can’t handle that many alone—not even you.”
“Don’t worry. Has my golem ever failed to repel the enemy?”
This time will be no different.
With that, Merga mounted the stone golem alone. Heavy footsteps thundered as it lumbered toward the gates that were on the verge of collapse.
“Fall back! Everyone fall back!”
“Get inside!”
Those who remained rushed inward. The ones who had declared surrender found themselves stranded, uncertain and panicked.
True to her word, the golem’s assault was fierce. Each swing of its massive fists sent shield-bearing soldiers flying. The formation pressing at the gate was shattered in moments.
“As expected of Lady Merga!”
“Lady Merga!”
Those retreating couldn’t help but cheer. She had always protected the city.
But Fay saw something different.
In her prime, Merga commanded at least ten golems. At her height, thirty. Now there was only one.
As if this single construct was all she could summon.
“One won’t hold for long…!”
Fay ran toward her.
Sure enough, the golem soon began to strain under the pressure.
Then a specialized shield unit appeared, troops equipped with reinforced shields designed specifically to withstand Merga’s golem. Soldiers who would have fallen in one blow now withstood three. The enemy regained momentum, inching closer to the gate.
“Just a little longer… until everyone retreats…”
Merga clutched at her chest, voice strained, urging the golem onward.
Several swift enemy soldiers scrambled up the golem’s body. They wore golden hoods but no armor, prioritizing speed. Daggers flashed as they stabbed at its joints.
“They’re aiming for the core! Lady Merga, they’re targeting the core!”
Virelda shouted.
“Why are you still here? Get inside!”
In that instant, one of the agile soldiers struck directly at the core.
“Don’t you dare—!”
Merga tried to knock him away with her staff but another blade drove into her back from behind.
Merga and the golem collapsed together.
A sharp crack split the air as the core shattered. The golem’s rocky body exploded outward in fragments. The golden-hooded attackers and nearby soldiers were struck and hurled into the moat.
Fay and Virelda sprinted toward the fallen Merga amid the debris.
“Lady Merga! N-no…!”
Virelda nearly collapsed at the sight of the blood, but Fay caught her.
“She’s alive. Just unconscious.”
Though pale as death, Virelda steadied herself and knelt beside Merga. Blood flowed freely, but she was still breathing.
“W-we have to bring her inside. Fay—can you lift the stones?”
Her voice, usually so strong, trembled.
“I’m out of mana.”
Tragically, both witches had exhausted their magic.
They could maybe lift a small rock but not this.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.