in
January 16th, 2003
I believe this was the first story I ever wrote on Kidpub. It was supposed to be a long prologue to
a fantasy story (which I may yet write) set in the same world but a decade later. Well, here it is,
My first story, The Battle of Reddath Gate Part I: First Strike!
The Sun was rising in the west above the dunes. Fortunately, the clouds filtered out
most of the unwanted heat but gave some of the needed light. The winds were calm and did not
blow the desert sand about as in the day before. The Sun shown through the white cover on large
flock of silver birds that soared high above, reflecting off their silver feathers beautifully.
Caraks they were, great osprey-like beasts now
useen by Man or beast in the present days. These birds were wise and intelligent then; they knew
something great was coming, great and terrible. They gazed down with savage, golden eyes upon a
horde of reptillian creatures. Small ones were seen brandished shields and blades, other ones
greater in size and strength hauled great engines of war, and other bull-sized ones were ridden by
the soldiers as mounts. The look- out Carak counted at least three thousand of them. At this
distance the Caraks looked like normal desert foul to the lizardmen; pity they who do not yield in
the face of Caraks. The huge lead Carak, Rakark, motioned with his huge silver wings and gave a
harsh cry, calling his wing-soldiers to him. He spoke to them in deep throated bird-speech,"These
are the Sare Carcans, lizardpeople from far off jungles. I have seen them before nigh one hundred
years ago, before I came to Vakahd*. They are marching for the Tyros Ain, if am not mistaken, with
hostile intentions by with what they travel and carry. We must slow them down and dampen their power
as much we can, and send message of them to Atherdon, if he still rules
the Walled Land. Tarsh, you will take twenty warriors with you and assault them in the rear. With
the lizards focused on Tarsh's force, Cavat will take thirty and Anad, taking them on the sides. I
will lead the attack on the front of the group. I fear only a few wing-brothers will return from
this, but we must act lest the defenders of Tyros Ain be caught with inferior numbers, and you know
what doom that would bring! Now go, my brothers!" And with
that, Tarsh, Cavat, and Anad veered off toward their objectives with silver feathered soldiers close
at wing. "Barad," said Rakark to a strong young wing-brother that glided near him,"You must
take the females and young ones with you to the City, give word to Atherdon. We will meet you
with the remaining warriors at Reddath Gate if we can. Now off with you, Carak!" Then Rakark folded
his great wings and dove like a drop of rain through the clouds with his Carak warriors and an ear
shattering cry.
"Kaaaaaaaaaa!Carakaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Barad looked down at the ensuing battle with grim eyes and
heart thentook the mothers, young ones, and five remaining warriors with him toward the valley city
of Bakture.
Part II: Doom on Swift Wings
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