Ashes of the Fallen

Dropping the axe down in the blink of an eye, the rogue's eyes opened as the steel axe-head cut through his leather jerkin and left him crawling on the floor. The woman resumed her attack as she tried to slice me, only to bounce off my hardened leather with a glancing blow as I contorted my body.

Fire immediately soared past me as I flicked my head back in reaction, then rain started to fall on my pelt as the ground began to turn to frost. Surrounded by shield-bearers, rogues, spearmen, swordsmen, mages, and archers, I was now ready.

They charged blindly with weapons drawn as I immediately tucked in and began to draw an electric current. My body convulsing with electricity as the men closed the distance. Then at the last moment before they reached me, I exploded with electrical brilliance as bodies were flung back in every which direction.

Stepping over the nearest body I dropped my axe into his face as I sidestepped another fireball. The freezing rain had proved useless as the frost mage used a [Flash Frost] to seal my movements.

Feet frozen to the ground, I struggled to break free as a [Heavy Thrust] from a spear flew towards my body. Unable to reposition I brought my axe in and swung with a short-arc, deflecting the spear as two more came from behind.

Jumping forward with all of my might the frost shattered as I tumbled on the ground and met a claymore with my nose. Blood dripping into my eyes I rolled once more as I used a [Leg Sweep] and dismembered the man where he stood.

Collapsing to the ground without feet he tried to stand up but found a knife lodged into the base of his skull. Yanking my knife free I dove forward as fire erupted behind me and singed the back of my legs.

An arrow hit me in the side at the same time as one whizzed past my face. Dodging and ducking as I continued to move with sidesteps and tumbles, I began to retreat towards the ship as fifteen or so players gave chase.

Rounding a corner, I stopped for a second as I dropped my axe and began to chant. "Through power, darkness turns to light, render all to ash," I whispered as I started to gather four distinct lightning bolts between my hands. Entwining and entangling while spinning rapidly in between my palms, I watched as the group of players turned the corner and with a quick extension, I released.

"CHAIN LIGHTNING!" I yelled with a thunderous roar that was only matched by the crack of thunder itself. Lightning surging out of my hands and into the unsuspecting players. As it bounced and arced between them I picked up my axe and charged right into the horde with my eyes burning a flashy red.

Swinging wildly and with reckless abandon I hacked through the first man only to clip the girl behind him. Her face crushed by the blow she fell harmlessly to the floor as I pulled my hand-axe and parried a sword. Another sword came as it sliced my arm but with a quick step back I threw out an [Arc Lightning] that brought the man to his knees.

Pulsating lightning burning the man internally as he fell defenseless to the dirt, I continued to deflect the oncoming blows of the other two with my other free arm.

Pulling back, I leaped and as I hit the ground with a roll I kicked out at the collapsed man. Knocking him back while getting back to my feet, I took my knife and threw it into his exposed neck.

Reaching for my bearded axe, my left hand disappeared as it fell into the darkness. The shimmer of a sword flashing and reflecting the fires that burned all around. Ignoring the wound, I turned and with one hand gathered lightning in my palm.

His eyes widening at the sight, he realized too late what was about to come.

Dashing forward and attempting to land a fatal blow to my skull my one-handed [Lightning Bolt] slammed into his chest as he fell haplessly in front of me. Quickly placing my hand on his head, I grabbed his hair as I slammed a knee into his face.

Blood covering my knee and my forearm bleeding profusely, I grabbed my axe and executed the man clutching his nose as another arrow hit me in the neck. Turning my head slightly I caught sight of the man and flashed in front of him. Grabbing him by the collar I threw him onto the ground as I raised my axe and brought it down once again.

Then, an explosion of fire and frost rang out all around me as the casters had found me once again. Breaking into a sprint I charged blindly at them while swinging weakly with my one good arm. My blows were shallow and only served to wound as casters broke rank and ran in every which direction.

A quick look towards the river and I was the last one left.

Ignoring the players that were running about in a panic, I spit on the ground as I began to run back towards the ship. Fifteen seconds were left.

It was four minutes and forty-five seconds now.

Time was up.

Then something caught my eye.

Someone.

Milly was standing in the distance with sword and dagger drawn.

I stopped for a second to stare at her, as she locked eyes with me.

She began to shake in fear.