Wielder's Fate by T.B. Christensen

frightening to say the least.  All of the galdaks appeared taller than him and were broad of shoulder.  They had little armor or clothing on to cover their deep red skin.  Most were fighting with huge, sometimes jagged swords, and their eyes shone an eerie yellow in the darkness.  The only human who matched their size seemed to be Blaize.  Traven was glad to have him at their lead.
    Blaize raised his swords and let loose a powerful battle cry as he picked up speed and raced straight towards the nearest galdak.  Traven braced himself for the impact and followed close at his heels.  Blaize blocked the creature’s sword with one of his own and felled the beast with a powerful swipe of his other.  It appeared his previous statement was completely accurate.  Blaize jumped over his defeated opponent and engaged another galdak.
    Traven ducked as a galdak took a swipe at his head and quickly dispatched the large creature.  Another was immediately upon him.  He easily blocked the galdak’s swipe at him but shuddered with the impact of the force.  He then dropped his attacker with two quick swipes of his own.  The galdaks were certainly strong, but they were not very quick.  He speedily defeated several more galdaks before looking around.
    Darian dispatched of a particularly large galdak and smiled at Traven.  It appeared he was enjoying himself and having no trouble.  Blaize was slowly backing up towards them.  Three enormous galdaks were advancing against him as one.  Traven concentrated and sent three spears of ice flying into the chest of each creature.  Blaize looked around with surprise as all three fell to the ground.  His eyes locked on Traven.
    “Thanks,” he said.  “It would be easier if I could see my surroundings.  I almost feel like I’m blind.”
    Traven realized that although he wasn’t having any difficulties seeing in the darkness, the majority of the Kalian soldiers probably were.  He glanced over his shoulder and located three large tents.  They suddenly burst into flames.  The flickering light of the fires effectively illuminated the immediate area.
    “That’s much better,” Blaize said with a grin before charging forward towards the squinting galdaks.
    It was apparent the darkness had given the galdaks a significant advantage.  The tables were now turned.  With the lights of the fires at their backs, the Kalian soldiers could clearly see their enemies while the galdaks were momentarily blinded by the bright flames.  Traven quickly lit all of the tents at the edge of the encampment on fire, illuminating the battlefield.
    He then charged forward after Blaize with Darian at his side.  The galdaks fell easily before the three master swordsmen.  They continued pushing deeper into the ranks of the galdaks, leaving a trail of death behind them.  Traven became lost in the dance of swords.  He fell into a meditative trance, shutting out the clamor of battle.  He could feel every strike before it happened as the air shifted and swirled.  He dodged. He blocked.  He slashed.  Another opponent lay at his feet.  On and on the pattern continued.
    His trance was broken as a group of horsemen thundered past him.  He paused and watched them drive all the way to the rear of the galdak horde and turn to make another pass.  He was surprised to recognize Gavin leading them.  The galdaks turned upon their new attackers with increased ferocity.  Traven glanced across the battlefield.  It appeared that the Kalian soldiers had stopped the galdaks’ progress and were finally pushing the creatures back.  The tide of the battle had turned.
    He watched as the cavalry rode back through the battle.  The galdaks were more prepared for the second pass, and several leapt into the air, knocking some of the riders to the ground.  He cringed as more and more of the cavalry were knocked off their mounts.  As the horsemen neared him, he watched as Gavin was knocked from his steed and fell to the