That fantasy idea I was talking about (Patreon)
Content
Here's a small glimpse into how that idea for a new fantasy novel would look like (keep in mind that this is very early and probably not the final version):
Shay's mighty steed snorted as it stamped the ground, sensing the dread tension hanging in the air while the red sun was slowly setting in the distance. From the hill overlooking Whitewatch, Shay could see the village engulfed in flames, a hellish glow illuminating the darkening sky while the screaming seemed to have no end. The smell of smoke and death mingled with the evening breeze, and the sound of clanking metal further spread the feeling of terror and despair.
The 7th Legion of Ivory Knights stood behind him, their faces grim but ready to act, ready to cleanse the village of the foul enemy presence. Clad in their polished armor, with the sigil of the Ivory Legion proudly emblazoned on their chests, they were a symbol of hope in these dark times. But even hope had its limits, and today, they were sorely tested. If only they had managed to get here sooner, perhaps they would have managed to prevent some of the bloodshed…
In the valley below, the undead forces rampaged through Whitewatch like the mindless constructs they were, mere husks doing the bidding of their dark masters. Ghouls with rotting flesh, exposed bones and all manner other of disgusting features, their eyes glowing with unholy light, tore through the what little Empire forces were present in Whitewatch, their claws tireless and always deadly. Skeletal warriors, with their bones clattering with every step they took, advanced with relentless precision, while skeletal mages cast fireballs and ice arrows, tearing through the brave archers that shot at them from the walls.
Shay's jaw tightened as he observed the chaos. The time for assessing the situation was over. He had to rally his men and lead them straight into the heart of evil. He knew they were more than enough to put a stop to this attack with significant losses, but the undead rarely laid waste to any settlement with so few numbers. He expected a trap, but didn’t know when and how it would come. He turned to face his company, his voice rising above the chaotic barrage coming from battle below.
"Ivory Knights!" he called out, his voice steady and commanding. "Look upon the unholy horrors that ravage Whitewatch! See the suffering of our kin, the devastation wrought by these abominations!" His eyes met those of his soldiers, each one a reflection of his own determination. Most of them were seasoned warriors, while others were recruits who barely had enough time to put on their armors properly before they were called into battle. For the latter bunch, this was the final phase of their initiation into the ranks of the Ivory Knights. This was their final test: stand in the face of death and destruction and either come out victorious or die. But death rarely meant the end when it came to the Undead. The necromancers would often revive the fallen Ivory Knights and force them to join their armies, usually as commanders or even personal bodyguards because of their incredible skill.
"The undead monstrosities seek to snuff out the light of our world," Shay continued, raising his sword in the air. "We will not live in fear! Their time in this world has passed, while ours will not as long as we keep fighting! We are the shield that stands between them and the good people of the Empire. And we are the sword that will cut them down!" Shouts of agreement rippled through the ranks, the knights gripping their weapons tighter, their expressions hardening with resolve.
"We fight not just for Whitewatch, but for every village, every city, every soul in the Empire!" Shay said as he turned around and pointed his sword at the burning village. "Now… let’s show them what happens threaten a village of the Empire!" The knights raised their weapons in unison, a roar of defiance rising from their throats. It was a sound that carried strength, unity, and unyielding resolve. "CHARGE!!" Shay shouted, his horse charging towards the village with the whole Legion behind.
With a battle cry that echoed across the valley, Shay led his company down the hill, charging through the open gate and directly onto the main street of the village. The ground trembled beneath the hooves of their horses, and the air was filled with the clamor of steel and the cries of the dying. But as soon as they got into sight, the whole dynamic of the fighting changed. The people of Whitewatch watched with awe as Shay cast the Holy Light of Innarion, turning a dozen undead into dust in the blink of an eye. Now they knew that not everything was lost. Now they had a reason to hope, a reason to fight for their home.
The knights split in all directions and began purging the heart of the village. Their swords cleaved through the ghouls like knives through butter, but there were so many of them that the element of surprise wasn’t going to be enough for a decisive victory. Shay dismounted and tore through a pack of ghouls that came inches away from killing a little girl. She got covered in blood and guts, but at least she was alive. “Hide!” The Knight Captain said as he plunged his sword into another of the creatures. This one came really close to slashing him, and let out a guttural scream before crumpling to the ground at his feet. Everywhere he looked, his knights engaged the undead, their swords flashing, their shields holding firm against the tide of skeletal warriors.
Shay fought with great skill, as did his entire Legion. His blade felt like beacon of light in the darkness. Each of their strikes was precise, each movement deliberate, as they cut down one foe after another in rapid succession. Yet, despite their best efforts, the undead seemed endless, a ceaseless wave of death and decay. "There’s only one possible explanation… They must have a necromancer!" Shay shouted to his second-in-command, the knight Gorn. “He must be hiding in the nearby church! That’s usually how these undead bastards operate. They find the holy place and corrupt it, boosting their power.” Gorn said between heavy blows to the enemies and careful dodges.
Feel free to let me know if you think it's worth pursuing in the future or not!