The Call Knows Where You Live (Open)

[Orcleous]

"To the cliffs", shouted Orcleous as he took Yorick's advice to heart. It was a brilliant idea. If they timed it right and executed it they could easily be rid of the horde of undead without wasting any more precious energy. Every man and women with a shield lined up and formed a wall. In the center of the formation was Orcleous himself. The Hero had reattached Xigshaw to his back and drawn out his shield. With his longsword in hand and tower shield in front Orcleous and the horde of mercenaries pressed forward pushing the horde of undead back. While they pushed the men and women who did not have a shield guarded there back. They kept the others busy so the main group would not have to worry about being attacked from behind. In a epic fashion the monster hunters pushed the horde of undead corpses off the side of the cliff. The fall sent there bodies falling to the depths below as Orcleous screamed out to halt the march. "Hold", he shouted as he raised his sword. "Good work Yorick", spoke the dark skinned Hero as he turned everyone around and began to move toward the other group. 

As Orcleous and the group marched forward the sound of flapping wings hovered above them. Orcleous preyed that it was there companions moving to join up with them. However he suspected it would be the flying minions of Hargus. Gargoyles were suppose to be just as intelligent as the bonewalkers. The walkers could make plans, ambush, and even steal your supplies so he expected the same kind of deviance from the flying gardening gnomes. "Keep pushing", shouted Orcleous as he broke off and joined up with the extra group. Together they turned there eyes to the sky to see who or what was flying over them. 

[Ilheod]

Wind whipped past the two as Astraeus suddenly tucked in his wings. The large wyvern moved like a colossal arrow through the sky as Ilheod attempted to reach the group of wyvern riders now floundering into their own fights. The gargoyles were dangerous in their own right. Agile, strong, and deadly, in the various one on one encounters, the riders found it hard enough to keep the creatures at bay. Though the wyverns could last out, they too had to shy away from striking claws as the gargoyles fought them. However, Ilheod had enough experience fighting them that he could match any of the winged fiends in one for one combat with moderate ease thanks to his silver infused weapon. As they raced through the sky, he motioned for Astraeus to tuck right and flew partially on the side, feeling gravity try to steer him downwards only for him to further lock his legs. The Wyvern Lord swept his spear in an arc, the tip slicing the back of a gargoyle up along the length of the spine. Though he did not severe it, the weapons potency towards monsters allowed it to damage it enough to render it useless long enough for the rider it fought to kill it.

As he finished the pass, he tucked downwards and slowed from the dive to a normal flight. With a frown(hidden by his face mask) he noticed that the wyvern riders indeed fought in an "Every man for himself" style. Someone was going to die that way. Ilheod tucked his head to avoid winds and pressed Astraeus back into the fray. Lifting his lance, he flew swiftly forwards towards a gargoyle, only to see one of the riders skewer it through the throat. Black blood born of taint splashed outwards as the squirming creature hissed only to descend downwards. Luckily for them, the gargoyles were slowly dropping one by one. Some of the riders were flying in circles around the dark winged pack of horrors that remained. However it was at this point Ilheod saw the rider who had skewered one through the neck. As he fought, the man attempted to show off. Elaborate flourishes, and aerial maneuvers. In his showboating process, the man to his left was taken to cheering for him. In this, he did not...nor did the man showing off notice the winged beast that flew at them from the side.

The gargoyle let out a demonic wail of a screech, one which could curdle most peoples blood at it's dual tone and pitch. It crashed against the cheering rider, knocking him from his wyvern and violently clawing at the scaled monsters neck. In it's frenzy, it tore at the draconic mount. Showing the true sharpness of the gargoyles claws; it started to expose flesh and meat as it ripped to the wyvern's neck. A second shrieking sound pierced the air. One that drew the attention of all the other riders. The sound of a wyvern dying. However the creature did not let the wyvern's life being claimed cost it it's own. It lunged off the deceased mount's corpse as it fell from the sky only to reach the man it had knocked off even while the other riders moved in a frenzy to try to slay this rogue creature; with the other bat-winged monsters slain.

Ilheod swore under his breath as he banked to the side and moved into another steep dive. Before hand he shouted back to Mila. "Hold on! This dive is gonna be rough!" He dropped through the sky quickly. It was a dual scramble that seemed suspended in time. There was the falling man, shouting in horror. Beneath him, a swift if not instant death from the height he'd fallen. Above him, and the only thing he saw? The twisted horrifying beak of a gargoyle as it descended onto him. Behind the gargoyle, the wyvern riders trying to kill it.

Off to the side, Ilheod was diving in an attempt to at-least save the rider. However the distance was too great. A foul, onyx black hand gripped the man's shin only to abruptly pull him forwards not fifteen feet from the ground; only thirty feet from the group that had just arrived from fighting the zombified monsters below ground. As Ilheod came out of the dive, Astraeus let his wings out to their full length, showing in turn just how much larger he was compared to other wyverns. He flew over the heads of the dark skinned male's group by a mere six feet before racing towards the screaming man. Crimson blood splashed into the air while the gargoyle cracked a clawed hand into his leg. Fingers clawed wildly at the gargoyles wrist, in vein as the creature's claws tore into the bones of his shin. Before it could torture him further though, it's body was crushed beneath crushing impact by the group of wyvern riders from above skewering it at six different angles.

The wounded man dropped to the ground. The gargoyles body fell beside his. However his suffering had sadly been condemned to damnation. Black veins began to pulse to live on his cheek bones. His screams of pain and torment went far behind that of a man with broken bones, and as Ilheod landed Astraeus near him and quickly hopped off; the man's eyes began to shift to an inky black, as if smoke swirled within, constructed of purest taint. The other riders landed near him and began to move over as well. Ilheod was the only one who had brought a weapon from off the mount though it seemed. He knew Mila would be fine, if left to her own devices on the land. Sadly..as the man started to suffer the agonizing transformation process...Ilheod knew he was doomed. It was not one that could be halted. Lifting his twin shaded gaze to scowl at the man who had been show boating from the sky, Ilheod let his dagger filled gaze linger the entire time; even as he lifted his silver spear and punched a hole through the suffering man's throat. Strained gurgling noises and a convulsing corpse were left to linger...until moments later his spark of life faded. Dead before he could transform.

The corpse convulsed once more as Ilheod removed his spear, pointing it towards the man who's negligence had cost this rider his life. The slain male's blood tripped from his spear tip...miasmic black tar like blood intermixed with crimson shades. "Remind yourself as you see this man..that you could have stopped this. Know that you cost him his life..and that if you do it again...I'll kill you myself. This isn't a game. This isn't a gallivanting adventure. So get your head out of your damned ass and clean your act up. " The old wyvern commander's voice was slightly muffled beneath the gargoyle bone mask, but his tone was slathered in naught but contempt and disgust. He turned his back to the rider and walked back over to Astraeus, before speaking to Orcleous, who he assumed had caught up by now given their mere distance. "Their your group, what'll you have us do. Keep to the skies on look out, or move on ground until combat? It's your call how we go from here again, obviously. "

[Mila]

She kept herself held tight to Ilheod. She kept her eyes closed and tried her best to block out all senses. The next set of dives were intense. Again she could feel her insides swaying up and down with each rise and fall of the winged creature's movements. If one could see her face, it was very pale. Her body felt very cold. Her arms and legs were starting to hurt simply due to the length and time she had spent holding Ilheod's body in desperation. She just wanted the whole experience to end. She wanted to feel the ground beneath her feet and for the rest of the world to stop spinning. She tried to choke back the ever growing presence of vomit in her throat. Good gods. I don't think I'm going to hold it. She tilted her head and neck back Pressing her chin up to Ilheod's back plate in one final attempt to not become air sick. An unfamiliar noise caught her attention. A horrible piercing shriek of something screaming and falling.

Before she knew it the pair were diving down towards the earth at incredible speeds. The mage quickly adjusted her head back to a safe position shortly before the dive. Thanks to Ilheod's warning, otherwise she would have definitely suffered a broken neck. The last dive was quick, but very rough. Soon the pair had landed. The second she felt the bump and confirmation that the wyvern had in deed landed, she let go of the knight instantly. Then jumped off the mount. It wasn't exactly the most graceful of landings but holy hell she was very glad to be down on the ground. She didn't even see what was happening with the corpses of the fallen, instead she managed to find a large boulder to hide behind and relieve her stomach of it's contents. Once empty, she pressed her head against the cold damp boulder. The winds of the mountain cooled down the sweat across her face. She took many deep breaths the sweet and terrible mix of the wind and body contents in the air. Okay... okay... get it together. GET IT TOGETHER. She told herself.

Eventually she kicked a bunch of dirt and gravel over the remains and wiped her mouth. From her bag she pulled out a small pouch of water and took a sip. She used it to rinse out her mouth and later re-hydrate herself. Then she put the water pouch back and pulled out some ginger root she had dried and cut into pieces. She took several pieces of the bitter root and popped it into her mouth. The root was good at quelling upset stomachs and the spice helped to bring her back to reality. Eventually the world around her stopped spinning and she could step back out and rejoin the others with some of her dignity in tact.

Before she did that though something had gotten her attention. A large creature pulled itself out from the mist and appeared behind her. It let out a gurgled roar that was loud enough to catch the attention of others. It was the wyvern that had fallen. It's body was broken and beaten beyond saving. Mila could see how badly mangled one wing and arm was. It must have landed on it's limbs in such a bad way. The mage slowly turned around and backed away. Her green hair could be seen poking out through the mist.

"Oh.. oh.. you poor thing." She spoke in a soft voice. She didn't want to spook the creature any more then it already was. She could only imagine how terrified it must feel being so close to death and in so much pain. It slowly kept approaching Mila.

"Shh.. Easy now.. easy.." She raised her hand up into the air.

"I'm so sorry for this love. I know.. I know.. you want the pain to stop. It's ok." She was reading the creature's movements. It seemed to slow down the more Mila adressed it. It seemed to understand her. The wyvern was in for a short but painful death if left alone. Quietly she summoned a ball of flame in her hand.

"I will make the pain stop. Reunite you with your rider. Be not afraid." Be not afraid. She repeated those words to herself and launched the ball of flame into the wyvern's chest. She channeled enough fire to burn a hole through the creature's chest into it's heart. Ending it's pain and suffering in one beautiful blaze of mercy. The mount fell to the ground with a thud. She closed her eyes for a moment. Giving a small prayer to the fallen and trying to regain herself. This is why we hunt monsters. To stop suffering. To stop the death. She wiped away a few tears from her face and with renewed determination, she rejoined the others.

[Yorick]

The second phase of the battle against the undead went smoothly and quickly, ending in the expulsion of the clumps of groaning corpses over the cliffs, where they plunged to their doom. Solid.

"Good work Yorick," the chief spoke as he turned his attention back to other, more pressing things. But to Yorick, the acknowledgment was enough of a reward - she'd saved the group time, effort, and potentially casualties.

"Just doing m'job. Thanks, Orcleous."

The Halberdier swung her sword, finishing off the last Revenant with an ostentatious flourish. There, now that that was all cleared up, it was time to reunite with the sky riders.

Yorick moved over in time to witness Ilheod finishing off a man who was writhing in agony - clearly, he'd been hit. What an awful way to die. Then there was a blast of flame from in the mist and Mila emerged, visibly shaken. This was rough... She hadn't known her comrade to be easily rattled, so whatever had happened back in that mist was clearly something quite disturbing.

"You all right, Mila?"

The Halberdier clapped her comrade around the shoulders with one armored arm and squeezed her tight, her mouth set and grim.

"It's rough, but we'll get through it. We've got each other, and that's a lot."

Looking over the monster-hunters gathered, Yorick took a chance to speak briefly.

"I'm not leading this expedition. But as one of the leaders of the Verdant Cross, I want to remind you what we're here for. We're here to kill monsters. Why? Not just for fame, or fortune, or the rush of battle. No. We're here because down there, in the valley... Innocent people are being harmed. We fight these monsters for the good of everyone. Not just me, not just a guild, not just a pocketbook. We fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. So stand tall. Regain your morale. When we move out, we must move with unified heart and purpose. We all left together in this fight - let's all come back together afterward."

[Orcleous]

Orcleous turned around to see there own forces moving in. Good, they made it, thought Orcleous as he walked over to where Ilheod was standing. He had finished off one of there guys. Great that was not going to be good for moral, but it had to be done. The fool got himself killed. It would probably had been better for him if he had joined up with Orcleous and the other infantry and marched through the catacombs, but he chose to stay with his mount. "So how many did you loss", asked Orcleous toward Ilheod. From the look of them it did not seem like that many, but Orcleous did not have a concrete idea of how many of them there were before the split. Sure he counted, but he had only briefly seen them. It was not long enough to get a perfect mental image.

After speaking some with the Wyvern Lord Orcleous turned back to take control of the unified unit. Already they had some casualties. Part of Orcleous was upset as it weakened the fighting force over all and the other part of his was a bit relief. He was paying for it after all. As for the guy himself, Orcleous was neutral. He did not know the man, nor did he even care to really know it. They were mercenaries. Death came quick and unexpected. If you broke up over every individual then you would not last long in his kind of business.

"Alright everyone settle down and grow a pair", spoke Orcleous. He had once again shifted back into his boss mode. I understand that the trip up by flight was hard and that the enemy gave you a rough time. However the infantry did not have it any easier. We were assaulted by a horde of undead and pushed our way up the mountain from the inside. Though we did not suffer any casualties I am sure the fighting was just as brutal as it was with you all. However we are going to stick to the plan", spoke Orcleous as he slammed his massive hammer into the ground and let his hands rest on its pommel. "We rest for a hour here and then march on to the gargoyle encampment. This is your last and final chance to pull out of this mission", spoke Orcleous as he stared at the group. Once we move into the fray no one will be allowed to leave till the job is done. A single desertion can cause the fall of the entire group. I will not allow that. I would rather kill you myself than let you destroy us all. So if you are having second thoughts about this leave now. There is a path leading down from her back to the entrance of the catacombs. Just follow the torches and you will be fine. However you should know that if you leave now you will not be paid. I don't pay people for half done jobs. Either you man up and complete the task or you go home with your tail between your legs. Truthfully I don't care which one you chose. The job will get finished either way", spoke Orcleous as he lifted his mighty weapon and walked off to do his own preparations.

A few murmurs filled the group and a few of the infantry forces stopped and turned around. The catacombs had done some serious psychological damage to them. The horde of zombies in a small and dark place. The very thought of it would chill a normal man to there bones. However the worst was yet to come. The flying demons were worse than the shambling corpses. Some men chose to walk back through the hollowed paths than to face against the beast that have yet to come.

[Mila]

Mila reunited with Yorick. It was clear to her pink haired companion that she was still upset over the whole experience. The flying and the mercy kill the wyvern. Yorick's words were comforting but she still felt bad. She wasn't without resolve though and she was proud of herself for making it this far. Orc had given the group a time to rest for an hour before continuing on with the hunt.

"Ugh Yorick there was so much movement. And so many dives, up, down, side to side, then spinning around in a circle.. urp.. I'm.. getting sick again just mentioning it." As she spoke she made hand motions to go along with the movements. Her stomach gave a warning growl, she had to stop talking about it.

"So glad to have my feet back on the ground. But the parts before we had gargoyles fighting us in the sky was nice. The view was spectacular... Until well.." She sighed.

"Ilheod is a good man, good fighter, and an experienced captain." She motioned towards Ilheods direction. He was busy tending to his wyven and scolding the men.

"There fewer of you guys..." She noticed. Yorick was covered in some glop that she recognized.

"Undead in the tombs?" She assumed. That sent a shiver down her spine. She hated enclosed, dark, cramped, spaces like the tombs. Even less so with the living dead roaming around. Yorick knew of these fears but not of the reason. She kept her eyes trained on the group of survivors.

"Orc seems to be doing well as a leader. I like his attitude. And it seems that Xigshaw is starting to like him too." She smiled at softly. She knew all hell was going to break loose soon. Especially when those five gargoyles fail to return back to the main pack. Or the main pack is probably already on the way to the rest area after being drawn to the noises of the fighting. Oh shoot. I never thanked Ilheod for the ride up. She stayed and spoke to Yorick for a while before heading off to thank the wyvern lord for the ride.

[Ilheod]

Ilheod had long since finished chewing the witless oaf out by the time Orcleous began to speak to the other men. Ilheod listened, but continued to tend Astraeus. With the somewhat tight materials of the gargoyle bone armor giving him a greater dexterity to his fingers(thanks to thinner yet equally strong material) he combed the wyvern's scales beneath plated armor. The older man crouched for a moment, one hand lifted and resting with two fingers hooked around the brown rope tethering the saddle to the shoulders; lightly brushing his fingers over the scaled underbelly of the large midnight blue wyvern.

Astraeus'es large wings unfurled and extended briefly only to flutter twice and retract fully. With them tucked inwards a bit and out of the way, it made it easier for Ilheod to move on to inspecting the wyvern's joints. The sound of parting foot steps after Orc's speech confirmed to him that some had opted to depart, without him ever needing to turn around. Hearing however, that they would have one hour to break, Ilheod knew this was an opportunity best taken to actually rest. The wyvern commander knew all to well what it was like fighting gargoyles in an unrested state. The entire week long siege, he'd taken the least sleep as opposed to his men. Ilheod had rested for a few hours at a time, and was on a full day and a half without sleep when the gargoyles and other abominations had appeared. Adrenaline from acclimated wounds and the reflexive survival instincts were all that had ultimately kept him going.

That...and the rage of a fallen friend motivating him with the blood boiling anger at what he'd seen. Shifting memories brushed aside of such events though, the middle-aged wyvern lord strode off to the side of the rocky mountain trail. Leaning down, he eased himself into a sitting position with his back against part of the rock. With Astraeus moving to his right side before curling up into a colossal mound of blue scales and tucked limbs, Ilheod could feel the palpable nostalgia lingering within his mind of easier days when the pair had first been assigned early patrol duties. Resting upon mountain paths or in higher altitudes on their return, to wait out storms and the like. Leaning his head backwards and closing his eyes slightly, his forearm resting upon Astraeus'es snout, he chuckled before speaking quietly.

"It's been quite an adventure up until now old friend...I'll never fathom how we're lucky enough to still be alive. Here's to another batch of luck, eh?" The quiet snort of the wyvern's hot breath jetting from it's snout in agreement was all the confirmation he would have needed before laughing quietly a bit more and leaning his head back. When one reached a particular age, the horrors of combat began to seem desensitized.

[Orcleous]

Orcleous sat there for a moment and let his muscles recover. Everyone who was smart was taking time to steel themselves. They knew the dangers that were up ahead. The Gargoyles had left a mark on the flying units and the undead had caused the courage of the infantry to be tested. Units from both had fallen out of the mission. The flying units through death and the infantry through cowardice. Things were not really going as planned for Orcleous, but he had made preparations in case this would happen. Orcleous would have blood. These beast had claimed the life of his sister in law and her young child. It was no longer just a job, but a obligation. Part of Orcleous however felt responsible for this. He was at the city of Heroes. He left before the fighting finished. If he would have stayed he could have slain the gargoyles during the battle. If that would have happen they would not be here causing chaos. Then his sister in law would not have died and his little cousin would be alive. The call had a way of finding you. I knew where you lived and when you denied it, it will simply come to your home.

"Gargoyles", shouted a voice as a spear slammed through the man's chest. Orcleous drew his iron sword and raised his shield. The flying monsters had some how picked up on there presence in the mountains and attacked prematurely. Most of the fighters were caught of guard as the winged beast began to throw javelin down upon them. One of the beast, the lead one, was wearing a crimson headband. It was a trophy from his assault on the village and the marker that told Orcleous which one of the monsters he had to kill.

"Shields up", shouted Orcleous as he deflected a javelin with his shield. The Hero had found his target, but there was a mass of flying bodies between them. At this point in time his sword was completely useless. Instead of waiting for the Gargoyles to charge Orcleous stabbed his blade into the ground and drew his hand axe from his back. With all the strength in his arm Orcleous tossed the weapon toward the lead beast. However a mass of gargoyles served as a human shield. Instead of finding its mark in the beast skull it instead lunged itself into the rib cage of one of the flying monsters. The blow had enough force to knock the beast out of the air. It was soon swarmed upon by the infantry and stabbed to death by the gargoyles own javelins.

"Let us return the favor", shouted one of the mercenaries as he took one of the missed projectiles and threw it back. The blade pieced the beast heart and sent it falling to the earth. The battle was on, and Orcleous could only prey that he got to kill the one with the headband. Victory, at least in his mind, was already assured.

[Mila]

Mila dismissed herself from Yorick's company momentarily. She took a moment to sit down by a small set of flat rocks. The rocks were nearby the Devil Slayer and his Wyvern but not close enough to be a bother. The young mage wanted to take the time to thank the Wyvern lord for the ride up but couldn't bring herself to disturb him from his slumber. She knew how important sleep was. The sight of a man and his large wyvern huddled together in rest brought a small smile to her face. To her it appeared that Astraeus was using Ilheod as large armored covered teddy bear. She took a deep breath, the atmosphere was calm. Calm and quiet enough to take a nap, which felt odd to her. Gargoyles weren't known for being quiet. They were loud vocal creatures that traveled in packs. They shrieked and called out to one another. She felt another chill creep up her spine. She pulled from her sleeve her tome and had it ready. There was something off about this whole situation but she couldn't figure out what.

Then she heard it. The flapping noise of a dozen or so gargoyles heading right for them. A man's voice cried out then the gargoyles rained javelins from the sky. Those who had shields lifted them up to protect their bodies. Mila carried no shield to her so she needed to improvise. She quickly prepared a ball of flame and threw it to the sky the ball collided with the thin wooden spear and split it in two. Both ends fell harmlessly to the ground next to her. She narrowed her eyes and fired two more balls of fire. She hit her mark and sent one of the flying devils down to the ground in flames. This drew the attention of a few of the gargoyles. Magic was a bit of a problem to them so the faster they got rid of it the better. Time to move! She began to take evasive actions.

[Orcleous]

"Well this is useless", spoke Orcleous as he tossed his iron sword aside. The blade was ineffective against the flying beast. There skin was too hard and there spears far to long. The only thing Orcleous was doing by holding onto that weapons was giving the enemy a easy time. The Hero did not want to use the weapon, he felt it was more like a crutch than a aid. However Xigshaw was the only weapon in his arsenal that could take out the winged beast with ease. Drawing Xigshaw from his back Oya grabbed the attention of all the men around him. They had seen the hammer's might inside the catacombs, but now they were going to see its power against one of these flying demons. As Orcleous prepared to swing the axe the gargoyle fighing him took to the sky. The creatures where no fools. They knew better than to try the mighty weapon man to man. Instead they moved to get around the hero and strike at his easier allies. However Orcleous had a different idea in mind.

The moment the creature took to the sky to put space between them Orcleous took the opportunity to rush forward. Pushing forward into the ranks Orcleous began to assault the flying monsters that were looking to take down easy prety. With xigsahw in hand Orcleous swung with all his might. The holy hammer smashed into a unaware Gargoyle and nearly club the creature into two halves. The beast that took to the sky decended as he realized what Orcleous was up to. With full speed he rushed forward to try and eliminate the hero wit ha giant axe. Orcleous however had different plans. As the beast came closer Orcleous raised his might hammer back in preparation for his assault He waited til it got just enough and brought down his mighty hammer. The blow not only shattered the shaft of the spear, but also killed the foolish creature driving it foreard. "@#$%ing monsters", spoke Orcleous as he moved onto the next kill.

[Mila]

By now the wyvern riders were in the air and everyone was fighting. She managed to find and stick close to her pink haired companion while a small group of Gargoyles chased after her. She'd thank the heavens later for her ability to run. Right now she was just glad to have some company to watch her back. She took a moment to catch her breath, then quickly recited the words to her spell book. In her hands formed a wonderful ball of fire and she launched it at one of the flying devils. The creature cawed and caught the ball of flame in it's mouth. But Mila launched another ball of fire at the creature and it screamed as it turned into a pile of ashes. She panted lightly then turned her attention up.

One had poised itself to strike at her companion while she was distracted by another. The mage's eyes narrowed and she charged another ball of flame. Her mind briefly went over her accuracy training. The training involved throwing rocks at an over turned cauldron. Once you've hit it enough times with rocks, you start throwing fire. The rocks were used to train your throwing arm. Once mastery was obtained with one arm, then you move on to the other. Until, both arms were fully capable of accurately flinging fire. Later in the training one learns how to control how far or how fast the fire ball should go. So she braced herself to throw a fast one. She kept the ball of fire hovering over her hand, lifted her leg, then threw the ball of fire up, as she threw it she lowered her leg so as to give the fire ball better momentum.

The winged devil fell down in flames with just enough flesh on it's burnt body for Yorick to finish the job. The young mage had to stop for a moment. She was using too much of her magic too quickly. If she kept going at this rate she would exhaust herself.

[Orcleous]

As the battle raged on things were not looking too good for the heroes. The monsters initial sneak attack killed a good number of them and those that died soon returned from the dead and assault the living as well. However with that being said it was not a total blowout either. The best fought with ferocity and inhuman strength, but the Heroes had experiences. Against wolves and zombies that experiences was detrimental. However against the flying gargoyles things were different. Spears and flight were a common combination on the battlefield. Any man or women who has ever fought a wyvern rider would know how to handle them. The only things they really had to do was adjust the reattack speed in there mind and they would have them down.

"Come on you can do better than that", shouted Orcleous as he smashed another one of the flying abominations. The hero was cutting his own path through the battlefield. Among the horde of the flying devils there was only one Orcleous desired to kill. Well that was not true. Orcleous wanted to kill them all, but there was one he wanted to kill the most. Leading the group was a flying gargoyle with a crimson bandana wrapped around its arm. That bandana was Orcleous. Well was his. He gave it to his sister in law before he left. It had been in there family for generations and Orcleous thought it would be safter with the family than with him. What a twist of fate that his sister in law, the person he thought would never be in danger, ended up being killed by the beast. It made it all the more infuriating that the creature stole the headband. it could not be allowed. Orcleous would not allow it.

As Orcleous pushed forward a Zombie rushed forward in its attempt to eat his flesh. Rather than wast the swing with Xigshaw orcleous pulled his hand axe from his pocket and bashed open its skull. He then twisted and threw the weapon toward the flying abomination in the middle of the horde. The was deflected by his spear, but Orcleous got the attention of the beast he desired. "Come and get me", spoke Orcleous as he stared at the beast.

[Yorick]

As the battle began in earnest, the Halberdier fought alongside Mila, staying near. As a javelin soared in from the side towards her casting companion, Yorick swung her shield to block it, barely bringing the gleaming metal barrier up in time.

"Stay close, Mila! We'll get through this!"

As a Gargoyle descended to confront the Halberdier, Yorick held her throwing axe ready. As it charged, she bashed at the creature with her shield, deflecting the attack, and then freeing up an opening. Whipping her arm forward, she released the throwing axe, which smashed into the creature and sent it reeling onto the ground. Their hides were tough... But that was no match for a close range, execution style blow. Catching the throwing axe and slamming it down, Yorick sliced a beautiful incision into the beast's head, just in time to see another one, burnt by Mila's fire, fall screeching to the ground in front of her.

"Another one? Okay. You... Wait here."

Yorick kicked the first gargoyle aside, grabbed the beast, and slammed her axe into it until she felt the blade hit the ground, over and over until the frantic flapping of its wings slowed. To wrap up the job, the Halberdier stood, putting forth full pressure and grinding her boot heel into its face.

But the first Gargoyle had taken off again, trying to retreat to the safety of its comrades. Well... It was a marked beast now.

"Doing all right, Mila? I'll keep covering you. If you can knock 'em down for me, I'll keep finishing them off. And keep blocking the-"

Yorick's shield came up swiftly as she moved in front of the mage, and there was a small ping as a spear clattered to the ground.

"-javelins and such."

What a hellish battle.

[Ilheod]

There was no rest to be had. No sooner had the wyvern rider rested for a brief spell, and just started to feel the fatigue washing away, they were set upon. Twin shaded eyes snapped open as his body moved instinctively. There came a certain point in time, after so many surprise wake-ups do to ambushes or sudden changes in a militaristic situation; was it a wonder he ever really slept? Ilheod was quick to grab his spear and bring it over his head before adjusting it to his front, moving simultaneously while the colossal midnight blue wyvern he'd been resting with got himself up and let out an ear splitting shriek. The sound was loud enough to pierce the Heavens themselves. Astraeus' large wings unfolded as the Wyvern slid backwards while his rider mounted the saddle. Winged abominations were already upon them. The lucky ones were killed in an instant. The unlucky ones...left to let the realization wash over them as their wounds turned to a degree beyond fatal.

A snarl left the middle-aged man's lips as he shook himself of the half worked stupor which came with resting. it didn't take much, after his mount's shriek announced themselves to all of Bern(So it felt) before he kicked in his heels. Astraeus launched off the ground in a single powerful motion and took into the skies. Winged devils set upon them immediately. Ilheod had enough experience fighting them now to know how to handle them at-least. That meant that he could afford to draw some away if possible. First....to get their attention.

Wind whipped past him as he tucked himself in, the armor of gargoyle bone proving it's use in how much lighter it was to his traditional armor. Astraeus was able to ascend to a faster climbing speed in a shorter period as he took to the skies. The two gargoyles tailing him were still quick to pursue. That was good though, he could out pace them. Each wing-beat sent the Wyvern higher into the air as powerful gusting flaps let them further climb, until Ilheod tugged backwards on the reigns and steered the wyvern into a sudden drop. Sweeping his spear outwards, he was able to catch one off guard and slash the tip to the creatures wings. Thin membrane gave way to the silver infused weapon which sundered it's skin before the wyvern rider and mount turned to bullet downwards.


That hanging sensation of weightlessness when lingering within the air was one he'd always loved. even as one held their breath and felt the stopping power of flight drift over them...gravity was want however to exercise it's full judgment upon those who might defy it. Swiftly as it came, it fled. Momentum grew with each passing second as the Wyvern Lord sailed downwards, Astraeus tucking his wings as he moved like a hawk diving for prey. Moments before they broke upon the battle-field, Ilheod tucked his hands so Astraeus would dive into the pack of gargoyles. He lightly wrapped his knuckles against Astraeus'es neck to indicate the wyvern's needed action.

As they crashed into the flock like cluster of gargoyles, Ilheod felt rough impacts of their bodies being scattered aside while the wyvern charged into them. As it did, Astaeus let out another ear splitting shriek of ferocious challenge before slamming into the ground. One gargoyle was caught beneath the heavy impact. It's writhing body did little to save it from the weight as Astraeus snarled in a most feral manner, his claws tearing into the tough hide of the gargoyles chest only for the creature to shriek out in agony. However even as Ilheod swept his spear in a slash to crack into the creatures beak with the tip of his silver weapon, he knew they had to get back into the skies. Once again, the heavy wvern kicked off the ground, this time with a gargoyle underfoot to further crush so that the battered creature would be easily killed off.

More than two followed them this time, twas for certain. Though h e could help with the ground bound zombies that had risen, it would be easier for him to handle the gargoyles, like he and his unit had in the City of Heroes. He shouted out as Astraeus climbed back into the sky, this time a large handful of the monsters flying to chase them. "These skies are not yours to taint!" That Astraeus could out pace them was perhaps the greatest asset he had, with larger stronger wing-beats to give them higher ascent. As he raced back into the skies, he tilted his head to look behind them. Seven? Good. Less to harass the others. Now the second order of business. How to kill them without getting hurt. Well. It'd be close to the chest..that was a given.

[Orcleous]

With the two facing off against each other the crimson headband Gargoyle attacked first. It came down with its spear at the read prepared to run Orcleous clean through the chest. However the battle harden Hero saw the move coming and pulled back on Xigshaw ready to send the beast flying into the sunset. With a powerful swing Orcleous sent the massive steel club hurling through the air toward the oncoming beast. To his great surprise however the monster did not dedicate itself to the attack. As Orcleous swung it flapped its wings and pulled back into the sky. This movement did not stop its dive, but changed its timing. Instead of Xigshaw smashing into it and turning the monster into a pile of bones the mighty war hammer missed and the beast came right in for a attack with its spear. However the gargoyle was not the only one capable of making changes on the fly. As Orcleous attacked missed he turned his shoulder toward the monster. Its spear pierced right into his shoulder piece cutting a good way into the metal. However the blade stuck and as orcleous fell backwards he pulled the beast spear from its hand.

"D@#$", spoke Orcleous as he rolled his back onto the gorund. He was hoping to roll completely over and get back onto his feet. However the spear lodged into his shoulder guard made that a impossibility and caused him to be placed flat on his back. As he looked up for his position he could see the crimson band Gargoyle grabbing onto his mighty war hammer. His eyes widen, but its struggle to pick the weapon up told him enough. Xigshaw did not consider it worth. Why would it. That thing was a monster. Xigshaw was a holy axe. However Orcleous was not out of the fire yet. Xigshaw may have not given the beast any aid, but it did have the strength to lift the mighty weapon up and that was enough for it to drop it onto the hero. Orcleous quickly turned to his right in an attempt to get off the ground. However the Gargoyle reached out its arm and grabbed the shaft of its spear. The blade served as a useful achor to push Orcleous back down. However that plan failed as the moment it removed its other hand from Xigshaw the mighty hammer fell back to the ground.

Taking advantage of this Orcleous stood to his feet and slammed his elbow into the shaft of the weapon. The force caused it to break leaving part of the spear inside of his shoulder guard along with its wooden shaft. With all the strength in his body Orcleous front kicked the crimson beast in the chest knocking it away and putting some space between the two of them. With one hand Orcleous grabbed Xigshaw, but the beast was not going to allow him to win. On the fly the monster grabbed the sword that Orcleous had thrown away and charge forward. With murder in its eyes it attempted to close the gap and impale the Hero straight through the chest.

Everything seemed to slow down for a moment. Orcleous could feel his heart rate increase the sweet running down his head. He could feel the grip in his right hand as Xigshaw sent its magical energy flowing through his arm. His brain released the limits on his muscles and all thoughts faded other than that of murder. "Die", shouted Orcleous as the hero pulled the mighty hammer off the ground with a single arm! His muscles contracted as the hammer began to sail through the air till it was meet by the left. With both hands on the fearsome Xigshsaw Orcleous pulled down his weapon with all of his strength. The blow came right on time as the massive metal hulk smashed into the fearsome beast a inch before the blade would have touched orcleous chest. The massive hunk of metal bashed clean through its stony body sending its upper body flying a few feet away and landing on the hard mountain earth. Time speed back up for Orcleous and the sound of the battlefield returned. Heavy breathing filled his chest as Orcleous stared on at the severed torso. Calmly he walked over to the beast and pulled the crimson cloth form its body. "Mine", he spoke as he brushed it off turned it inside out and tied it around his hair. With his crimson bandana returned Orcleous started out onto the raging battlefield. Orcleous still had a lot of strength in his arm and Xigshaw has plenty of power left to give. "Kill them all", shouted Orcleous as he rushed back into the battle!