The Silver-Helmed Rider

I’m enjoying myself too much to die! (Episode 3 of Uprising — a six-part serialized story)

( Need to catch up? Read From The Beginning | Read Episode 2 )

Outside the city walls, the rugged warriors were full of swagger. “Look at the mighty walls of Ulliah!,” they jeered.

Their Commander gave a shout. “Enough!” he yelled. “Let there be merriment once all their blood is spilled. No barkeep gives out his wine without your coin. Your coin now is your sword arm, and your strength, and your resolve. Ulliah stands yet. Let us step on her! Let Sargathian hooves crush their skulls, and then we will celebrate our victory!” The men cheered and shouted, and a flurry of activity engulfed the camp.

“They’re opening their gates!” called a sentry.

They all saw. The Ulliahim host spilled through the gate. The men roared even louder, yelling their victory chants.

By the entrance of the Red King’s tent, the mood was more somber. “Swords or cups?” shouted the King.

“Swords or cups, damn your eyes?”

“I cannot tell, Oh Eternal One,” yelled the watchman from the nearby wooden tower. “Their swords are sheathed, but no cups are seen by my eyes…” then…