Champions of the Apocalypse by Michael G. Thomas

off five times their number, but with each parry or block another of them was felled by a blow. Ulric, still engaged with the mighty Raider continued a separate battle which none of the other Raiders would become involved in. By the time Galan was safely out of the building, only Ulric and Synne remained. The remaining warriors were, either safely through the breach, or had perished in the fight. Ulric punched the Raider several more times and then slammed him against the wall. He turned briefly and sighed with satisfaction as he noted his father was out of the building.
    “Synne, go!” he cried before turning back to the great brute.
    More of the ceiling collapsed and Synne was forced to jump backwards to avoid the debris. From her position, she could see the two warriors hacking away, Ulric was faster and more agile but the Raider was massively strong and his armour was almost impossible to break. An arm pushed through the break in the wall.
    “Come on, get out!” came the voice, presumably from one of the warriors.
    She turned back and could no longer see Ulric, just the flames and smoke from the fires. She paused and then dragged herself through the gap. As she lifted herself up, choking from the flames she realised she had simply moved into an even more dangerous place. Lord Galan lay on the ground, tended by two of his retainers whilst the rest stood along one side, each being watched by the Raiders.
    “What do you want?” she cried as she tried to reach Galan.
    Two of the Raiders grabbed her and held her away whilst more arrived through the main gate. Only a few people were left fighting, most were being dragged away in chains and many of the buildings were already burning.
    With a great crashing sound, the big Raider burst through the ruined wall of the Hall and stumbled to the floor. Ulric rushed out, an axe in one hand to finish him off. His first strike was perfectly timed, and arced down to the man’s hooded face. Just as it was to make contact, he was struck in the side by a spear from one of the many Raiders scurrying about the town. The blow was serious but it didn’t stop Ulric who lifted the axe and swung it hard into his attacker and easily removing the man’s head. He stopped for just a moment as he pulled out the spear tip from his flank and turned back to the monster.
    “Prince Ulric, Lord Ulric, King Ulric!” shouted the man sarcastically as he lifted a sword from the ground and stood up to face the wounded warrior.
    “Synne, how is Father?” shouted Ulric as he circled his enemy.
    Synne tried to move but the firm hands kept her in place.
    “I can’t reach him, it looks bad!”
    One of her guards slammed the pommel of a sword into her belly, she doubled up and dropped to her knees.
    “Shut, it little girl, and watch!” said one.
    The two wounded but still capable warriors fought with all they had. Ulric managed to deliver several heavy cuts to the man’s left arm, whilst he took a nasty cut to his leading leg. Both staggered on and for almost a full minute, they exchanged blow after blow.
    “Synne, your father is dying, he doesn’t have much longer!” called one of his retainers.
    Summoning all her strength, she lifted herself up and slammed into the guards. The first man was taken by surprise, and that was all the time she needed. Ripping the man’s sword from his belt, Synne slashed the man across the neck and rushed over to her father. As she moved, the rest of the prisoners tried to copy her example. Some were held back, but nearly a dozen broke free and a vicious, though very one-sided melee broke out. Synne managed to reach her father but it was clear it was too late, his eyes were open but there was no life left in them. She turned and rushed towards Ulric who was still fighting the massive brute. Two Raiders blocked her path but as she reached them one of the younger warriors jumped on the nearest and gave her the chance to get past. She kept on moving and before the great