chapter twelve

Chapt. 12
Hidden City
The golden Ambush

Panther, Tacitus and Hadriana moved through the thick trees of the dense Ananias Forest. Panther had been raised here. He knew where the predators hunted and where the prey took shelter. But more importantly to the story he knew where the demon base was. Normally he would have been killed but do to the fact that he was traveling with an immortal he had been granted an audience with Rayner. Tacitus had a history with the demons he was there when they were made and so he was a god to them, for his blood ran in their veins.
Rayner had bought them into the service of Lucifer. No soul trades or wishes for power. This was straight deal: cash for delivery, the best payment method. Pan had not wanted to owe his soul to Hell at the end of his life. And all had gone well enough until that Fallen Cadoc had shown up. After that not only had Tacitus lost a fight, but they had to go to back to Rayner and ask for a raise to deal with the new threat. Rayner had refused. Hadriana and panther wanted to walk away but Tacitus demanded a better price. Rayner had gotten very, very angry. They had to fight their way out of the whole fortress and for a couple of mile after that. Many demons had been killed by their arrows and Tacitus’s axe. But they were alive, even if they did have to find a new contract.
“Why did you have to DEMAND a new price what was wrong with walking away?” Hadriana yelled at Tacitus.
“That was not a fair price and you know it!” he replied. They had been at it for hours. “Will you two please just shut up? You’re giving me a head ache.” Panther pleaded “look we are almost at the village just let me do the talking. Ok?”
“Fine” Hadriana said Tacitus grunted.
They walked in silence for a time. Ten the trees began to thin out, and some huts could be seen. A group of men walked towards them “Welcome to our village. We are the … is that you Pan? And then this must be Hadriana. You did not lie she is beautiful”
Pan smiled “Hello Cox how are you?”
“Good, good. The village has grown since you were last here.” Pan Hadriana and Cox went into a conversation. Tacitus looked at the village maybe twenty huts primitive nothing even worth stealing.
Tacitus stepped forwards “Panther they are gaining only two miles out. I am leaving if this is all the shelter you can provide for us.”
Cox laughed “So he does not have faith in you?”
“Not yet he’s new” Pan said laughing Hadriana turned to him. “Relax friend look up.” Tacitus did as he was told. Looking p he could not see past the dense forests leaves “I see nothing.”
”What do you hear?”
“Again nothing”
“Now then are you satisfied?” Cox asked stepping towards one of the trees he grabbed a branch and turned a section of the bark back and pushed down on a button. The tree gave way to a doorway Tacitus followed Pan and Hadriana into the tree and discovered that it was hollow. A set of stairs had been carved out they climbed for what felt like a hundred feet up. Once at the top they found another door this one the merely pushed open and stepped into a city.
“Tacitus welcome to the city of Ananias Tree Tops or ATT for short. Do you feel safe now?” Panther asked. Tacitus could not even respond with a grunt he was amazed at the technology that the Ananiasians had. Some, obviously a police force, had two handed versions of Panthers weapon. Some had other strange weapons that looked just as dangerous. “How long have your people been up here?” He finally asked.
“Just the last couple thousand years or so” Panther explained. “When the Hieremians began to explore our borders we decided to keep our advancements a secret. Eventually we evacuated the surface all together and moved up here. it is safer, cleaner air and more light. If we need food we bring soil up from the ground and put in special areas. We grow our own food and collect the water from the rain. There is always plenty for all.”
Hadriana started to walk forwards “The city has grown since last time the main hall is finished its repairs. And look you can see the new farms on the second level.”
“So you can.” Pan replied. Tacitus would have stood at the door for days if Pan and Hadri had not pulled him away into the city. They spent the next few days above the ground in the city of ATT. Tacitus soon memorized the basic outline of the city. He would go on walks of his own and then retreat to Panthers home for the night.
“Panther how long will you two stay here?” Tacitus asked as they sat around the table eating supper. Panther looked at Hadriana “A day or two more then I plan to go to the angels and offer them my services.” Hadriana nodded. Panther squeezed her hand. “If we do not find work with the angels then we will join the golden army and do that until we can afford to retire. Or find some steady work.” Tacitus nodded. I am going to find Cadoc. Maybe he can tell me about the situation in hell. I will go tomorrow before dawn. So I say farewell now.” Panther and Hadriana said their good byes then retired to their bed for some… steady work.
Tacitus left soon after that. He hit the forest floor running not wanting to risk being caught. He sped up his heart rate and was soon far beyond the forest borders. After an hour or so he stopped on the plains. Taking out his bow he killed a pair of rabbits. Made a fire and ate an early breakfast. Once again he started to run this time heading farther to the south west. Towards the Golden Generals army if anyone new where Cadoc was it would be the General.

Demon cycle: Hell elite fortress:
“For the last time Krishna will you shut the up!!!” Azar was at her nerves end ever since Cadoc had left his hounds had not stopped barking. All I have to do is kill them then they’d be quite.
“And for the last time azar we can’t kill them.” Krishna laughed he did not mind the hounds he new how they felt. I miss him too boys. But he’ll be back soon. I hope. Krishna stood beside the dogs. They were huge animals reaching five feet tall at the head and six feet long on average. Krishna had an unusual relationship with the dogs Cadoc said it was an animal thing. That they connected on some primal level.
A troop came around the corner to give his report. Upon seeing the dogs unleashed he stopped mid step. “Commander I am here to report the army is ready to go on your orders.”
“Good. Good, how many full squads?”
“Sir two full squads Sir. The numbers total four thousand elite soldiers and four thousand normal soldiers ready to march.”
Krishna looked to him “I can’t hear you come here.” he could hear the soldier perfectly well but he wanted to see if the soldier would go around the dogs or through them. The soldier looked at the dogs then at Krishna. He walked through the dogs and then repeated his message. Krishna looked at one of the dogs then at the soldier
“Do you not fear them?” the soldier looked at the Hounds.
“Elites feel no fear no pain. No pity or remorse. We feel only the need to serve Lord Cadoc and the blood of our enemies on our blades.” Krishna nodded “You are dismissed.” The soldier once again walked through the Hounds. Krishna laughed to himself. Azar turned to him “What is so funny?” Krishna began to laugh all the louder
“He pissed him self when he walked through the Hounds!!” Krishna stopped laughing “Oh that stinks.” He said moving away from a wet spot on the ground.
Azar moved to the head of the army as they marched out of the fortress. Four thousand elites were behind her. Each of them was ready to die at her command, each ready to kill for the cause. As they marched towards the gate way they met up with four thousand normal grunt soldiers. The commander of the battalion stepped forward “Alright even though I was told to report to” Azar cut off his head with her sword.
“I control this army understood?” the grunts all agreed in one form or another. Azar walked through the portal and spread her wings jumping into the air she disappeared into the darkness of the chasm. Krishna signaled the elites to step up the pace. They began a double march up the narrow slopes that lead to the top of the cliff.
Azar hit the night sky at full speed. She surveyed the land for any sign of trouble. Seeing none she flew at a leisurely pace for a time checking the lay of the land for any hidden troops or traps. She heard Krishna and the elites begin the march to the south east. they would march for a few more hour undoubtedly before they stopped for the night.
Krishna was the first to set foot outside the chasm and on to the open plain. He did not stop but slightly increased his pace and turned to the south west. He could run at this pace for the rest of the night. He would meet up with the rest of the Elites five hours from now on this vector. They would stop and rest for one day to re-supply and get new updated reports and plan the attack. Azar landed at a jog beside him “How are we doing commander?”
“We will arrive on time Azar don’t worry.” Azar was worried though. She could feel something going wrong. Something had changed.

Angel cycle: Golden Generals camp
“General I thank you for agreeing to this alliance between our three armies. Now we have a chance of surviving this war.” Calanthe spoke with ease having rehearsed her speech many times. “But I did not expect you the twin keepers of Dardanos to also join us. This is indeed a great day for rejoicing.” She stood in the Golden Generals tent. An alliance had just been signed this allowed her to take over the armies of the twin keepers of Dardanos and the Golden General. Plus her own army they could take on almost any army now. It was only the cloud that would cause them trouble now.
“Calanthe, not that my brother or I doubt you say you are sure that you can free the plains and you are also confident that we are now in charge of an unbeatable army. Are you not setting yourself up for defeat in some way?” this was Fang one of the twin keepers of Dardanos. His brother was named Talon. They were immortals made by God to protect Dardanos. In all of history only one man had ever beaten the twins in combat. But Cadoc was not here he was somewhere in hell. Or so they all hoped. Cadoc re-appearance in this war could ruin everything.
“Calanthe and I both agree that unless Cadoc forgets about revenge and comes to lead his elites that we are now the dominant fighting force in the south west.” Talon stepped forwards. Looking at the map “We should wait with our army here.” he pointed to a valley in the lower east section of the plains. “We could dig caves in the side then cover them up. Let the demons think that your army is at a weak point then have the angel’s and our men attack form all sides.”
Calanthe and the general looked at the map. “It is a good plan.” Calanthe admitted “but how do we get the demon to go there?” the General stepped forwards by sending out a small contingent of men to lead them here. Whenever they go in the direction of the valley they will attack making it seem like we don’t want them to come this way. The demons will follow and then fall into the trap.” And so it was agreed the angels flew ahead to start digging out the caves while the Generals men went to start harassing the Elites into the trap. The twins would bring their army in from the far west side in two days time. Then help dig out the caves until the General arrived.

Demon cycle: on the march
Krishna could see the Elites camp in the distance “Almost there now boys!!” he put on a last burst of speed and ran into the Elites camp. They were welcomed with open arms. Azar found that Cadocs tent had been set up for her and Krishna's tent was beside it.
“I am going to retire for the night Krishna I trust that you have things under control?” Azar asked Krishna saluted and started giving orders for the next day’s events and operations. When Azar awoke the next day Krishna was standing outside her tent. And on her desk were the updated reports of the plains situation. Apparently there was some trouble with the Golden Generals war front. Oh well she would solve that soon enough. She put her armor on and stepped out into the morning light. Krishna stepped aside for her as she spread her wings.
“How are thing this morning Krishna? Is everybody dead yet?” Azar asked this every morning implying that Krishna had somehow made a fatal error.
“Not yet commander Azar, but I see you need more beauty sleep. Maybe you should go get more sleep and I’ll wage the war.” Krishna said. He and Azar were civil at the best of times. He just thought she was jealous of his good looks and she thought he was retarded.
“One of the guards came forward before you got up” Krishna continued “said that three more were dead in a raid last night. Throats slit in their sleep. I guess they don’t want us to go to the south east of here.”
“Why to the south east?” Azar cold not help but know the reason behind that specific direction.
“Because that is the side of the camp they were all killed on. South end on the eastern side.” Krishna finished taking a leg of meat off a nearby fire. He took a bite as he walked back to Azar. She turned back into her tent. Krishna waited outside. “There is a valley to the southeast” she said coming back out with a map. “That could be his base.”
“Why would the Golden General pick a spot like that for a base? It is perfect to be ambushed in.” Said one of the commanders as he walked towards them, Azar had to agree. We have enough troops to encircle the whole valley and they wouldn’t suffer too may losses either due to the high ground advantage. She turned to Krishna “What do you think?”
Krishna shrugged “I think we should strike hard and fast if it is his base. Being able to annihilate the Golden General would put us in a good position over the other armies in reputation alone. The fear we could install would be worth the losses.” Azar did not even think as she looked around the camp. She could tell the soldiers were getting restless, just sitting here. “We will attack from all sides in a circle ten rows deep. We will leave the rest of the army just behind the line of vision in case of an ambush and from there we will block out the sun using the cloud to give us the cover of darkness. Sound good?”
Krishna turned to the troops “Well we all know you heard the Fallen Commander get ready to move out.” The demons began to run off in different direction spreading the word that they were going to fight. Krishna turned to Azar “Well that solves that.” Azar nodded.
The commander cleared his throat “Excuse me Sirs but I am Captain Andrus I have my report to give before I can go and do anything else. So if you could just take this.” He said holding out a note in his hand. Azar took the report and opened it up. Written on the note were three words “We’ve been infiltrated.” Azar turned to the Captain “there seems to be some discrepancy in this report Captain Andrus. Please follow me.” Andrus followed Azar and Krishna into the tent. Krishna turned on the Captain and grabbed his arms putting them behind his back. Azar turned to Andrus. “How do you know about this? And why can you not say it out loud?”
Andrus looked from Azar to the floor then back up again “Because it is my squad that had been infiltrated. And they will kill me if they know. I don’t know how many other squads there are but they claim to have a quarter of the army with them.” Andrus looked ashamed “I do not know how they got turned but now they are part of them.”
Azar could not take anymore “Who is they?” Andrus’s face went white. The blood gone from his face “The reason you fear the light. They are a rebel Fallen who have been trying to deceive us into believing that Lucifer is not a real savior.” Krishna let go of Andrus “I thought they were only in the myths. These are not fallen to be trifled with in haste Azar we should find out who is who before we proceed.” Azar thought for a moment “No let them be the less we think they know the better. Find out about them but do not make a move yet, we will use them as bait for a trap later.” Krishna nodded “And you” Azar said turning to Captain Andrus “you will try t infiltrate this group so that we may find out their intentions.”
“Yes Commander Fallen.” They both said saluting “Dismissed.” azar said returning the salute. Oh great I get stuck with one of the hardest assignments to start off with and now I have to deal with an infiltrator group. Azar lay on her bed wishing that things could be as simple as this had been before the War for the Middle world began.