Page 91 of A Highland Gargoyle's Lucky Star
I don’t shrink back from the overwhelming power, instead letting it all in, only to immediately send it back out again, filling our clan members with as much magical energy as possible.
A series of loud thuds makes me open my eyes in time to witness nearly a dozen creatures landing on the battlement with us. In the sky, the Sluagh had resembled enormous supernaturalvultures, but up close they’re even more horrifying. Their ashen wings droop around them but fail to conceal their haggard appearance. Equally ashen skin sags on their frames and looks as if it might slough off from rot at any moment. Their arms and legs are long and gangly, and their hands and feet end in sharp talons that drip a black, viscous fluid. Even as I watch, their faces start to transform, their mouths elongating into vicious, bird-like beaks lined with razor-sharp teeth.
They’re basically the spawn of a Ring Wraith and a harpy.
As one, they open their maws and screech once more.
My balls try to climb back up into my body cavity and I nearly lose my control of the ley line.
At least I maintain control of my bladder and bowels. I’ll take that as a win.
“Focus, Noah,” Elryk reminds me as he raises his sword to attack.
Firming my resolve in the face of this H.P. Lovecraftian horror come to life, I concentrate on doing my one job.
“Listen up, you ugly, diseased-infested motherfuckers. I’m the Conduit of the DarkWing clan, and we are gonna fuck you up!”
I send enough energy to Elryk and Braewyn that I can practically see them glowing in the dark.
My ability to see magic is growing fast. Sweet!
Elryk and Braewyn spring into action, sword and spear moving almost faster than I can see.
Meanwhile, I keep sending them, as well as the rest of our comrades below, as much magical support energy as I can.
I’ve witnessed a lot of battles on the big screen, including the epic one at Helm’s Deep near the end ofThe Two Towers. But the real thing is far scarier. And somehow louder, even without Dolby surround sound.
Waves of sound come at me from all directions. Metal clanging, gargoyles shouting, Sluagh creatures shrieking, andover all that is the now familiar sparking noise from the ley line that’s a constant and keeps me grounded.
While the rest of the clan battle around us, Elryk and Braewyn are kicking major ass to protect me and making it look stupidly easy. I’m a little envious and kinda wish I had equally awesome superhero action moves in my back pocket.
Oh well, I have Conduit superpowers, so suck on that, Sluagh!
For one shining moment, it seems like we’re going to win this battle easily. With one last shriek, the remaining Sluagh return to the skies, their numbers fewer than when they first arrived.
“They’re retreating!” I say, only to realize how wrong I am.
They’re just regrouping.
Right before what looks like half of them decide to dive-bomb me as one.
Our forces are quick to respond, gargoyles taking to the skies with their weapons at the ready as they engage the enemy.
But quite a few of the Sluagh break through and land on the battlement.
I duck and roll, like we did in elementary school, and manage to evade one of the hideous creatures that lands right where I was standing.
The battlement is swarming with them now, and I don’t know what to do.
I spy Braewyn a good distance away, taking on a large cluster all by himself.
A Sluagh reaches for me with its long, sharp talons dripping black goo and I fall back on my ass.
Then Elryk’s there, in front of me, roaring with rage as he cuts down the Sluagh with vicious speed and brutality.
His prowess as a warrior is stunning to witness firsthand. He moves like he’s part of a complicated dance I couldn’t hope to figure out, and his enemies don’t stand a chance.
But what they have to their advantage right now is numbers.
