>>5493860At the head of the Dukedom’s charging column is none other than the “Gray Lion” himself, Gwendal. Even from your high elevation, the man cuts an imposing figure. Clad in heavy armor along with his horse, the man looks as though he could crash straight through a mountain and come out on the other side unharmed. At his back are several other mounted cavaliers, who look far less intimidating. Due to the cramped terrain, their formation is a complete mess. Likewise, many of the horses seem to be scared stiff from their proximity to the lava and are moving at a much slower pace. A great warrior is not always a great commander, and you find yourself unimpressed by Gwendal’s tactical ability. Perhaps it was common for knights to disregard all sense in their pursuit of honor and glory. After all. such thinking nearly cost Ashe his own life. Years ago, you had dreamed of becoming a knight yourself. You wonder if you’d be as foolhardy and stubborn as these two men had you embarked on that path.
Following the Professor’s suggestion, you take the remainder of your Blackwings who are still in fighting condition, and fly directly over the lava, out of the reach of any pesky archers or javelins from down below. Gwendal is a massive beast of a man, but you are hardly surprised when he is stopped in his tracks by the Professor and her Sword of the Creator. Almost at once, the column of charging soldiers seems to have hit a wall, and you take the opportunity to flank them from behind. As the Blackwings descend, you can hear the high-pitched screams of the Dukedom soldiers clearer and clearer.
“Enemy fliers! From behind! Turn around, damn you! Turn around!”
“Goddess, protect us!”
“No! I don’t want to die here!”
A pang of guilt crosses your heart. You know all too well the difficulties that come with leading soldiers into battle. But every person in the Blackwings was here of their own will. These men and women meanwhile, were forced to come to this hellish place, with many of them likely being drafted by Count Rowe. The guilt you feel quickly turns into disdain for their commander. He could foolishly rush into his death if he liked, but you’d at least do your best to offer these poor souls some form of respite. If not for Ashe’s sake, then at least for your own conscience.
>“You’re surrounded! Drop your weapons and return from whence you came or suffer the consequences!” You declare, hovering over the terrified mass of soldiers.Almost as if testing you, two spear-wielding soldiers rush forward to try and swat you out of the sky. One has an arrow enter his eye courtesy of Ava, while the other’s head is swiped off by Nero, rolling across the ground to fall into the lava. Thanks to the additional flair from your captains, the remaining Dukedom soldiers are all too happy to comply.
