Chapter 36: The Battle of the Northern Plains
1022 Words
The northern plains of the Lycan kingdom had never witnessed a gathering like this.
From the top of a long rocky ridge, Kael stared down at the battlefield stretching far across the horizon. The open land that once held grazing herds and peaceful villages was now filled with thousands of warriors preparing for war.
Five thousand Lycan soldiers stood in disciplined formations across the plains. Their armor reflected the dim grey light of the cloudy sky. Spears, swords, and shields formed rows of deadly steel as banners of the Lycan kingdom fluttered in the rising wind.
Behind them stood massive war wolves—elite warriors already shifted into towering wolf forms, their fur bristling as they sensed the approaching enemy.
Kael stood at the very front of the army, his golden eyes fixed on the distant valley where dark shapes were beginning to emerge.
Magnus’ rebel army.
A low murmur ran through the Lycan soldiers as the rebel forces slowly appeared from the fog. Thousands of wolves marched across the valley floor. Unlike the disciplined Lycan army, Magnus’ forces looked wild and chaotic. Some wore stolen armor from fallen soldiers, others carried crude weapons—but their numbers were terrifying.
At least three thousand rebels filled the valley. And at the front of them stood Magnus himself.
The rebel Alpha stood atop a jagged rock overlooking his army. His dark cloak whipped in the wind as his sharp eyes studied the Lycan formations. Beside him stood several of his strongest lieutenants.
One spoke quietly.
“The Lycans are ready for us.”
Magnus crossed his arms calmly.
“Good.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “I was hoping Kael would lead the army himself.”
Far across the battlefield, Kael turned to the generals standing beside him.
“This is where we stop them,” he said firmly.
A tall commander stepped forward.
“Our warriors are ready.”
Kael nodded.
“Hold the front lines.” His voice carried strength and certainty. “Do not allow their army to break our formation.”
The commander bowed slightly.
“Yes, my lord.”
A horn suddenly echoed across the plains. The deep sound rolled like thunder. Magnus had given the signal. The rebel army began moving forward.
Thousands of wolves charged across the valley, their howls slicing through the wind. Kael drew his sword slowly. The blade gleamed beneath the dark sky.
“Hold steady!” he shouted.
The Lycan soldiers lowered their shields and braced their spears. The ground trembled beneath the thunder of approaching warriors.
Then—the two armies collided.
Steel clashed against steel as warriors crashed into one another. Howls and battle cries filled the air as Lycans and rebels fought fiercely across the plains.
Kael moved through the battlefield like a storm. His sword flashed with deadly precision as he cut down one rebel after another. A massive rebel wolf lunged at him. Kael sidestepped and drove his blade straight through the creature’s armor. It collapsed instantly. Another rebel attacked from behind—Kael spun and struck him down before he could raise his weapon.
Around him, the Lycan soldiers fought with fierce determination. Despite the rebels’ numbers, the Lycan formations held strong. For the moment… they were winning.
Across the battlefield, Magnus watched calmly. One of his lieutenants approached him.
“My Alpha, our warriors are being pushed back.”
Magnus smiled.
“Of course they are.”
The lieutenant looked confused.
“You expected this?”
Magnus nodded slowly, his eyes shifting toward the dark clouds above the battlefield.
“Because this battle was never meant to be won by numbers.” He raised his hand slowly.
“Release them.”
The lieutenant’s eyes widened.
“Are you certain?”
Magnus’ voice was cold.
“Do it.”
Moments later, several rebel warriors dragged large iron cages onto the battlefield from behind the rebel lines. The cages rattled violently. Something inside moved.
Kael noticed the movement across the battlefield.
“What are they doing?” one general asked.
Before anyone could answer—the cages burst open.
From within emerged monstrous creatures. Wolves, but far larger and twisted with dark energy. Their fur was black as night. Their eyes burned with unnatural red light. The beasts snarled as they stepped onto the battlefield.
One Lycan soldier gasped.
“Those aren’t normal wolves.”
Kael’s expression darkened.
“They’re corrupted.”
The creatures roared and charged directly into the Lycan lines. Chaos erupted. One beast tore through an entire row of warriors. Another slammed into a group of Lycan fighters, sending them flying.
Kael rushed toward the nearest creature. The corrupted beast lunged at him with monstrous speed. Kael barely blocked the attack with his sword. The creature’s strength forced him backward several steps.
“What are you?” he muttered.
The beast snarled and attacked again. Kael ducked beneath its claws and struck its side with a powerful s***h. The blade cut deep, but the creature barely reacted. Its red eyes glowed brighter as it roared in rage.
Across the battlefield, Lycan lines began to falter under the sudden assault of the monstrous beasts. Magnus watched with satisfaction.
“Now,” he whispered. “This battle begins.”
Far away, by the ocean…
Alina suddenly felt the surge of violence through the Moon-Bound connection. Her heart skipped.
“What’s happening?”
Lunaris’ voice echoed urgently in her mind.
The battle has begun.
Thalor’s deep voice followed.
And the Lycans are struggling.
Alina turned to Rylan immediately.
“We have to return to the kingdom.”
Rylan nodded.
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
Alina looked toward the horizon where distant mountains stood between them and the battlefield. Kael was already fighting. And now Magnus had unleashed something far worse than an army.
Alina climbed onto her horse quickly. The silver power of the Moon-Bound still glowed faintly around her hands.
“This war ends soon,” she whispered.
Then the group rode west at full speed. Because the fate of the Lycan kingdom now depended on how quickly they could reach the battlefield.
- Writer
