Mana Wells

The march had been stopped because of some troubling signs ahead. Large walking legs came from a body with one eye and mouth, simply a Walking eye is what Kurt had called it and the translation seemed to stick again.

There was a brief formation made but the creature ended up not much of a trouble for the group. Their ability to coordinate and use range and melee attacks against a brainless creature was an assured victory.

Other creatures would appear as well, a few rams.

There was an old friend Kurt saw a horror rabbit that had hopped in front of them in the distance. Kurt actually hoped they'd meet. He had a score to settle with those things.

It wasn't going to be much trouble though. The goblins and Minotaurs as well as the human had fought off several before. Most of the creatures were smart enough to avoid their troops but they tended to walk wherever they wanted.

"We will have to start thinning out and slowing down soon," said Travis. "We are getting close now."

Their habitat had changed to more of a jungle, and the castle itself was inside the jungle. Dense enough to hide from a distance but as they got closer it would become more obvious about their movements. There was a turning point Travis said that would allow them to find a way to get Darien out.

"Anything from Joe?" said Kurt.

"He said there is activity in the castle, it's not abandoned. The castle itself has not been rebuilt. But the inner town has motion."

"Then this should be our last trouble before we start taking action," said Layla.

"Yes."

The trip would have been more eventful if not for the number and variety of troops. There were some problems that ended up being easily dealt with. Not the type you would want to stroll through with one other person.

The jungle moved in weird ways, the vines and trees didn't seem to stand still anywhere. Swaying in a natural rhythm in and out of their counterparts slowly.

They started moving the troop in less of a run and more of a walk. Harvey got to take some of the back and squeeze through more than toppled over what was in front of him. They approached a turn in the terrain. And in the distance, they could see the wall of the keep, and the toppled remains of the castle.

Coming to a stop and setting up a plan. A few scouts headed out to find more information. Joe could only get so close without being seen. Maliki had left and returned. He wore a formal scarf draped over his body upon his return. He began to lead a prayer ceremony for the Minotaurs but many of the goblins took part as well. That seemed odd.

Jacob had decided to join them out of respect for the mark. He had shown a lot of progression in a short time of having it. And thought it would be best to at least see what it was all about.

"I think we should go talk to him first," said Layla.

Layla had set up a smaller gate one that Darien would fit into. The fastest was a large double door. Coming to the island where they had left Darien they found him lounging about.

"You've returned," said Darien, coming to them.

"Yes, we are in sight of the objective," said Layla. "We will be taking the time to rest and gather information from the scouts. We wanted to make sure you were ready. Your presence will be instantly noticed."

They planned to completely overrun the castle. Having a few troops stationed on a few sides. And the main force charging in, about halfway there Layla would open a gate and Darien would join. Hopefully, that would sway anyone there from putting up much of a fight after that.

Kurt and Harvey would protect her there if anything should happen during the process.

Then they would just go back the fast way and get Darien back to Valentine. Bringing the rest of the army as it would only take an hour or so on the way back.

Travis would lead the way with the goblins in front Minotaurs on the side and the Valentine troop reinforcements from the middle wherever they would be hit hardest.

They were about ready to make their move. They wouldn't have to hide their movements, they would have to see them coming. Torches for the shadows would be seen in the distance along the assault.

The hope really was that they would surrender. Or at least Kurt's hope. He felt he was in the minority on this subject though. Why did everything want to fight around him all the time?

The week-long trip had gone by in a flash. The time was rapidly approaching. Having gone through some battles before Kurt knew the event would like be short-lived no matter the outcome.

Jacob had maintained the weapons as best he could. The swords were sharp. Armor straps were replaced when frayed. They had enough time to make sure everyone was going to be ready for the assault.

It was beneficial again to wait until day because the darkness would give shadows an advantage. The reports showed that the keep was minimally staffed; without the main castle and gate, there was less activity apparent.

The reality was that the gate was being opened or closed or whether it was questionable at this point. It obviously was not the massive gate it used to be. But there was an earlier report of a smaller gate being seen when they went for a second look months ago.

The morning came and the troop began to get ready for the assault. Unlike last time when the plan was to give a big attack and retreat, this time the plan needs them to see what is coming and hopefully lose hope.

The jungle before them started to crawl with a sea of troops coming towards the castle.