A door opened silently as a shadowy figure crept swiftly into the room. Following a sweet scent, he made his way to the other side of the room. But, he was abruptly stopped by a man's voice.
“Why do you enjoy sneaking into the kitchen and eating late at night while all other people and soldiers are asleep or on guard duty?” the man questioned.
“And why do you ask questions that you already know the answer to?” replied the shadowy figure.
“Master Seth, and you know that all my reasons are just mere hunches I don’t think anyone will ever know the real reason why you do this, but anyway you should get some rest for the carnival tomorrow,” said the man
“You are right, I should get some rest, well… goodnight,” agreed Seth. Leaving some money on the table he took a bread roll and left. Guided only by candlelight he could barely make out the stonewall which was as cold as ice, which he obviously did not want to touch. As he exited the castle a chilly wind caught hold of his candle and killed it leaving him under a sky only lit by the moon.
“Seth wake up!” yelled his best friend Kyle. Seth, who couldn’t even remember getting into bed, wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to get out of bed or not but the sound of music and happy children won him over. As he went outside the people seemed as cheery as the morning sky. As Seth and Kyle made their way through the shop covered streets, children playing with their wooden swords, and masses of people dancing and singing. There was Sir Charles Pierce with his most prized pies. And Mrs. Lily Robesonia with her drinks made out of fruits. Mrs. Orinda Robesonia with her creatively constructed calendars with a carefully carved casing. And there was Mr. Garretson with his beautifully crafted wooden toys and trinkets. Seth and Kyle felt that nothing could stop the joy that was going on now. But to their dismay a few short peaceful hours later, Andrew, a well known mounted swordsman with keen eyes, gave a foul report.
“Seth, I am sad to tell you that they are here,” warned Andrew. Seth stared south over the horizon and was horrified at the sight. A great army of Keraceen had assembled themselves about a mile away from the south wall and was steadily moving forward. The east and west bells had already started to ring and the carnival had ceased with all the people departing and all the soldiers pouring onto the grounds. Andrew with his keen eyes spotted a sly figure, quickly ordering two guards to investigate he went and got his horse and soon he noticed them coming back with a young woman.
“This must be the sly figure you saw sneaking around,” said a guard
“How so, it is a woman,”
Well she was carrying these,” said the other as he held up a lock pick and a dagger.
“That is enough, take her away and don’t let her escape. And if I were you I wouldn’t, believe me,” said Andrew sternly. “Heyaa, “ he yelled to his horse, as he galloped off to battle.
Archers had assembled themselves atop the walls and had arrows notched in their bows. Both sides had begun their charge and met with a clash that could be heard over a mile away. With the same amount of soldiers on each side, it was a fair battle, though there could be no other reason for war but pure hatred. Unfortunately at this point there was no stopping it: the battle had begun. Because of their lack in archers the Keraceens were at risk of losing many men in a short time and would soon have to retreat. Seth, being tall, thin, strong, and having amazingly fast reflexes easily took down forty-seven soldiers before the end of the battle. Kyle was taller and thinner than Seth making him more frail but being fast and agile gave him good opportunities to attack and less to be hit, this amazing feat allowed him to call out forty-five with assurance that he would live to see another day. However, Andrew was shorter than Seth or Kyle but he was (strangely) a mounted soldier, being strong and daring he was a valiant fighter and soon he roared out forty-five at the very moment they started shouting retreat, leaving the Araisian soldiers bewildered.
As Seth looked over the sudden occurrence of the bloodbath a soldier came up to him and reported some terrible news, one of Seth’s dearest friends had been killed. Suddenly a great pain gripped Seth, nothing so terrible had happened to him since his father’s death. Finally Seth took hold of himself and lifted up his head. Just as he did however he saw a sly figure rush through the trees quicker than seemed possible. Seth ordered four soldiers to track her down and for two to return and report her position when she stopped to rest, they ran off without question. As a bell sounded Andrew saw a soldier rush from the city gates. After a long talk, Seth Kyle and Andrew were supposed to chase her and retrieve a stolen item that is very important to the King, and no questions about the item were to be asked. They were given light packs with food to last them a few days, they already had their own. They also gathered clothing by themselves. Seth and Kyle had no problem with this for they were foot soldiers but Andrew, being a mounted soldier, had heavy steel Armour and would have to find lighter armor such as hardened leather. After a few hours they were ready and rested enough to travel briskly for a full day without rest. So not to cause question for their leaving, they left secretly.
Following a purposeful trail set by the trackers, Seth had sent, they would know precisely where to go until they caught up with them. Seth was appointed group leader for his great sense of direction, leadership, and authority. Seth’s party followed the trail east until it jerked north and to their dismay went into a cave, a dark and dreary cave. But Seth decided to press on anyway. Passing many pathways that seemed to lead only into darkness, they went only by a certain few which were lighted but the marks just kept going deeper and deeper into the cave. Finally, when it seemed it had been days, markings pointed to a semi-lighted passage. They were about to enter when flame shot out from the passage startling everyone. After a few minutes of synchronized flame spitting out of what seemed like the very stomach of the cave.
“Was there fire spewing out before we got here?” questioned Seth.
“I don’t think so,” replied Kyle
“We should step back and see if it stops,” put in Andrew. Seth, Andrew, and Kyle stepped back about ten feet and suddenly the fire stopped. Seth inched up to the other side of the cave, bending down he saw the markings point to the right.
“Well,” started Seth, “there is enough time for one person to get through at a time. We must go to the right, so if the fire starts again that’s what we will do.” The others agreed for it was the only thing to do. Just as expected when they were near the passage the fire started again. They all made it through but Andrew.
“Andrew, “ Seth demanded, “right when the fire stops, run!”
“Yeah, just make sure you have good footing then when it stops make a break for it,” added Kyle. Andrew, being a little unsure of himself got proper footing then when the fire stopped he dashed for all he was worth. As he came close Seth and Kyle reached out ready for him. Once he was close enough they grabbed his outstretched hands and pulled him in as he cried out in pain, from the fire that lunged out like it wanted to take him in. He was all right, just a little singed on the back. Picking up their bags they had thrown over before, they crept deeper into the cave. About an hour later Andrew thought he saw something move up ahead, he was about to say something when Kyle interrupted him.
“You know, I’m getting tired,” Kyle said
“Yeah, me too,” agreed Seth. Andrew looked down at the ground and nearly fainted. They had entered a vast room with a small pool of water in the center. As they walked closer they noticed that the pool was very deep and dark. Andrew suddenly swayed and nearly fell over, putting his hand on a nearby rock he breathed heavily. “We better get some rest we’ve been walking for hours.” The others agreed for they were quite weary.
“Over there, Kyle exclaimed,” an inlet we could rest there!” They made there way over to the inlet. It was quite small with some rough edges but it seemed it would work. Lying down with Seth nearest to the entrance they fell into a deep sleep. All was quiet except for the soft snoring of Andrew, which was just enough. A quiet figure made its way towards them kneeling over Seth it reached in his pocket very carefully, he stirred, then rolled back over and continued sleeping again she reached in and she then pulled out a piece of paper checking it she replaced it with another, then without noise she was consumed by the darkness. They all awoke a few hours later quite refreshed. Gathering their belongings they headed out of the inlet to the vast room, refreshed they made there way back to their rightful course.
As they
drew close to the opening a mythical wall appeared blocking their path, they
spun around startled. The water started bubbling vigorously, ripples of water
became waves of fury, and fear was wrought into the three travelers. Seth drew
his sword, soon to be imitated by Andrew and Kyle. Out of the water came a
beast they weren’t expecting. With roughly twenty-five tentacles its body shape
was a long oval, on top it looked like it wore a cap and underneath there was a
beak obviously meant for eating things. As the beak disappeared under a layer
of skin an orb of magic encircled the beast protecting it from any harm to its
body, it seemed that the tentacles were not affected by the aura and looked as
if that is its only way of defeat. Andrew struck the mythical wall, it flashed
but didn’t give way, striking it again he was thrown back from a repelling
force. Despaired they turned again to the beast not quite ready for the long
fight that lay ahead. The beast suddenly intertwined five of its tentacles and
struck where they were standing. Lunging in both directions they were
separated, Seth on one side, Kyle and Andrew on another. It was obviously very
intelligent and powerful, a dangerous combination, lashing many of its
tentacles at a wall it grasped on and blocked Andrew and Kyle from getting to
Seth, then it attacked Seth while he was alone. As the thick tentacle came down
upon Seth he dodged of to the side and slashed at the tentacle with all his
might cutting it clear off. Angry, the creature grabbed Seth with two of its
tentacles and brought him closer itself. Barely in time Seth brought his sword
hand out of the way of the tentacles. As he was brought to the beast his fear grew
and hit top when it started bringing him closer to its mouth. Seth quickly
slashed at its tentacle making it swing them around. Seth was dizzy and had
nearly dropped his sword in the water, when his mind cleared he realized that
he was above the water and that was not where he wanted to go. Kyle seeing that
Seth was in a terrible situation figured that the only thing he could do was to
divert its attention to himself. Drawing a light throwing knife he threw it at
a still tentacle, seeing that he hit he charged the wall of tentacles, which
was approximately ten tentacles high, and three thick, each one was about a
half a foot in diameter. Slashing hard he cut through two of the front
tentacles, instantly the rest wrapped around him squeezing the life from his
helpless body. Andrew also charged the same tentacles; bringing his sword in
piercing position he drove his sword straight through, Kyle was freed. They ran
over to Seth who was being tossed around helplessly. When it seemed all hope
had faded and there was nothing they could do for their friend, things got
worse. They were relieved at the sight when the aura on the beast faded and it
seemed that it could now be harmed, but within moments an electric shock
erupted from the beast. There was a sudden cry above them they looked up
startled. A motion of flame was reflected off their amazed eyes. The beast
shook in pain, after a little time of immense burning it suddenly drove its
tentacle under the water in effort to extinguish the divine fire. The fire was
so powerful that it could not be extinguished. The water couldn’t penetrate the
fire, giving Seth an air pocket for some breathing time. Suddenly a bolt of
electricity reminded Seth of his short time under water that was getting ever
shorter. Gripping his sword he thrust it into his restraint making the creature
uncoil it from around him, as fast as his weakened body would allow he swam to
the surface hoping that he would make it before the next shock. Andrew, saw
that Seth was real deep in the water, picking up a jagged rock he chucked it
hard at the beast. When it hit, something independent moved on the creature, it
hit its eye! Andrew chuckled with triumph; he glanced side to side for any
tentacles then back to the beast. Before Andrew could react an electrified
tentacle struck him in the gut so hard that he was thrown back and hit the
cavern wall. He hit the ground hard, in kneeling position he held his chest and
gasped for life. Kyle charged the beast from a hidden spot near the wall, with
a fishing line connected to a throwing knife he threw it straight into its eye
where Andrew had hit. It quivered in pain, pulling on the line he retrieved his
knife and threw again. Seth, dragging himself from the water was exhausted, but
the sight of a tentacle coming his way woke him up instantly. His eyes flashed
fire and he struck the oncoming tentacle with an eruption of flame. An army of
tentacles charged Seth, one by one he batted them off with his sword. Kyle,
having similar troubles, his knife lying on the ground useless, screamed for
Andrew to get up. Seeing his friends in trouble he temporarily forgot about his
injuries and rushed over to Kyle’s side. As multiple tentacles came upon Seth
at once he twirled his sword around with so much force that it severed four at
once. Things looked grim, Seth and the others were extreamly tired but the
beast seemed to have no end. The three of them just kept chopping at the
tentacles until something happened that none of them expected. The eye suddenly
glowed with immense, hidden power.
“Move!” yelled Andrew. Instantly, they all lunged to the
side as a beam of energy obliterated the far wall. Without consulting the
others Seth lunged at one of the tentacles and held on. After getting a firm
grip he started slashing at the beast, suddenly the last tentacle came at him
hit him hard. He was still hanging on but his sword was thrown to the far wall.
Kyle threw his knife hard into the tentacle. A thundering groan came out of the
beast, the tentacle Seth was on suddenly started to redevelop. Seth looking to
the others for help was offered a sharp rock. Andrew tossed it to Seth who
failed to catch it; it plunged helplessly into the water and sank out of sight.
Seth looked up for another; Andrew was having trouble finding one. Seth look
back at the tentacle it was already about half done. Andrew yelled and Seth
looked up, “catch it this time.” Andrew threw it but it wasn’t far enough, but
Seth didn’t care he was not going to let this one go. Reaching out far, he
slipped down the tentacle and nearly fell, he held on with all his might,
clasping his hand hard around the rock he pulled himself higher. Holding the
rock he then started to stab the tentacle till it stopped regenerating. Kyle
had retrieved Seth’s sword and was standing at the edge of the pool. Seth
looked up to see a tentacle that was reaching for rocks. He instantly looked to
the others.
“Ready?” Asked Kyle.
“Yeah, throw it quick,” pleaded Seth. Kyle quickly threw it;
Seth’s strong hand grasped it. Within moments the tentacle came at his head
with much force. Ducking quickly he slashed but it was too quick and his swing
fell short. As it came at him again he slashed but his swing still fell short.
Looking for another way he noticed the eye, suddenly he noticed that deep within
a faint glow had started. Looking back he ducked from an oncoming tentacle and
tried to slash it again but only to fail once more. Looking back at the eye he
noticed that the power within had grown considerably. Thinking quickly he
suddenly slashed at the eye, with a deafening screech its power was released in
all directions. Seth was blown off the beast and landed helpless in the water.
Andrew and Kyle were thrown backwards against the wall and were stunned
momentarily. The beast moaned in pain, and it’s now stubbed tentacles waved
around frantically. Kyle springing up tossed aside his weapon and dived in the
water. Seth was helplessly sinking and barely conscious. Just as Kyle reached
Seth his mind fogged to darkness. Kyle longed for air though still deep in the
pool. The sides were perfectly smooth and were a dark colored, which only added
to the gloom. As he looked back he noticed a faint light, a small steady light,
it wasn’t strait down but off to the side. As it drew further and further away
his head suddenly broke the surface. Andrew was waiting at the edge and seized
them as soon as they came out of the water. Kyle gasped for breath and
scrambled further away from the side, Seth sputtered and his mouth became a
fountain of water. Long he lay there before he rose suddenly and said,” Where
is the beast?” The others rose and saw too that the beast was gone.
“Hey, your alright!” Exclaimed Kyle.
“Yeah I guess you could say that,” Seth replied, “but I’m
extremely tired.”
An arm was protruding from a rock and it was holding some bait trying to bribe a rat. With a sudden burst of energy Seth and his friends ran towards the hand with everything left in them. The rat seeing them ran off, and then the hand dropped the bait and disappeared behind the wall. Everyone stopped immediately where the hand had disappeared. For a while no one moved, then Seth brought up his courage and started moving forward to the wall of the cave. Slowly he pressed through the stone and soon disappeared from sight. The others amazed, followed. They were all soon in a small room. The person in the room was a woman and apparently she was the one with her arm out of the wall.
“She’s scared of us,” said Seth
“Why, what did we do to scare her?” questioned Andrew.
“Be quiet,” said Kyle, “that’s no way to get her not to be scared of us.”
“Sorry, I am Seth and these are my companions Andrew and Kyle,” Seth said to the woman.
“Yes, we are after a young woman about twenty five to thirty years of age,” said Kyle
“She stole an item that is very important to out city,” Seth put in,” and if you Kn…”
“You mean this,” the woman interrupted holding up a peculiar object. Seth, unsure of it pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. Examining a picture on the paper he finally said that that was it.
Completely forgetting about their mission, the four of them were chatting for hours. Learning that her name was Jennifer but she would rather be called Eleanor and that she had been living in the area for some time.
“How did you come across this strange little place?” asked Seth.
She was about to answer when a voice said, “whose there?” Eleanor, who had become comfortable around Seth and his friends suddenly tensed up.
“Andrew, you stay here and protect Eleanor, Kyle you come with me,” said Seth. Hand on sword Seth and Kyle existed with their blades unsheathed and ready to cause damage.
“Don’t hurt me please,” begged the person. He was already on his knees trembling. Then Seth and Kyle started laughing so hard they nearly started to cry. The person who happened to be one off the trackers finally realized that this was Seth and Kyle. Seth and Kyle, who were in quite playful mood grabbed the man and threw him into the wall which really wasn’t there.
“AAAA, please don’t, oh wait you’re Andrew aren’t you?” screamed the tracker. Seth and Kyle reentered the room. Seth was then reassuring Eleanor that this man is a nice man from his city. Kyle and Andrew were gaining information from the tracker whose name was Aaron. After Seth had finally calmed down Eleanor, and Andrew and Kyle had learned a considerable amount of info.
Suddenly they all heard a man’s voice, “Hello?”
“Did you hear that?” asked Kyle.
“Yes, I think so,” said Andrew.
“Hello, it called again.”
“Oh yeah huh, my partner!” Aaron exclaimed.
“Yeah I told two of you to come back with info. Didn’t I?” questioned Seth.
“Yeah,” Aaron replied. Aaron and Kyle burst out of the room to see Aaron’s partner about to round the corner.
Aaron shouted, ”Hey! ” his partner, whose name was James, turned around thankfully.
“Yes finally, I’ve been looking for you forever.” James said with a sigh of relief
“Come on,” said Aaron, “in here.”
“But there’s nothing over there!” James explained.
“Yeah, I know but let’s go over there anyway,” Kyle chuckled. After much bribing they got James to walk through. When all were inside there was total of six.
“It’s getting quite crowded in here,” said Seth
“Yeah, it is, is the exist of the cave near here?” Andrew asked.
“Yes,” Eleanor mumbled.
“It is a short walk from here. After a little discussion they left. About ten minutes later fresh air sprang into their lungs as the moonlit sky pressed upon them revealing to them their hidden fatigue. They were about to rest when Eleanor ran quickly out of the cave.
“Stop, do not rest there,” Eleanor yelled.
“Why not,” Kyle said groggily.
“Come, up here,” Eleanor said as she revealed a knotted rope that was hidden among the brush. “Come on!” she urged. Everyone ascended up the rope and watched. Soon later everyone noticed movement among bushes down below. Swarms of them, hound like creatures of great size and strength. Not daring to make a sound each person seemed frozen. Suddenly Andrew remembered the food in their packs and he hoped the creatures wouldn’t catch on to the scent. To his dismay one of them did catch on and soon too then just about all of them did. Suddenly it all stopped. They all just ran away. Without further discussion they all went to sleep.
Seth and his friends woke up to see Eleanor filling their packs with light but filling food. Seth, checking his pack saw that it was quite full with essential items but as light as a feather.
“Thank you very much, but I do not know how to repay you,” said Seth thoughtfully.
“Yeah, this is great,” said Kyle, as he examined his pack.
“I know one way you could,” Eleanor replied.
“What would that be?” Seth questioned.
“Let me come with you,” Eleanor said excitedly
“It’s going to be very dangerous,” Seth pointed out.
“And you think living here isn’t dangerous?” said Eleanor loudly.
“I didn’t say it wasn’t what I’m saying is that it is going to be dangerous for me for you for everyone. And no matter what we’ve been through it will always be dangerous. But yes, you can come. First things first, do you have a weapon?” explained Seth
“Yes, yes I do,” answered Eleanor
“Well let me see it,” said Seth
“I knew you would let me come that is why I brought this!” she exclaimed as she held up an extremely crafted bow and fifty carefully constructed arrows.
“Wow, that is beautiful, but I must say it would be quite useless at close range, so I shall let you borrow this, if you can use it,” said Seth
“That is a pretty sword,” Eleanor said in awe
“It is a short sword, made by my Grandfather, “ said Seth proudly, for his grandfather was a very respected man. “Are you right handed or left handed?” asked Seth
“What do you mean?” Eleanor questioned
“Do you prefer to use that hand, or that hand?” Seth asked as he pointed to her right hand then her left hand.
“Oh, uh- this hand,” Eleanor, answered lifting up her right hand
While Seth was equipping Eleanor, Andrew was getting himself ready; James, Kyle and Aaron were checking out the area and getting their bearings. Soon they were already to go and they started heading out. As Seth climbed down the rope an angry voice behind him yelled:
“Why do you invade my land, white warrior?”
“What are you talking about?” Seth asked, “this is all wilderness, and if it is your land we are just passing through anyway.”
“Well the only way through peacefully is to pay your way through, “ said the angry man.
“I’m afraid we carry nothing of value,” explained Seth.
“That’s just too bad,” said the man as he pulled out an evil looking blade with slightly rusted, serrated edges. With a wicked smile on his face he lunged at Seth. Seth with all speed unsheathed his sword and blocked the on-coming attack; with all his might he threw the man off him. Seth, already looking tired amused the angry man so the man attacked again. But Seth was ready this time, as the man attacked Seth blocked and countered it with a strong blow to the jaw using the hilt of his sword. The blow stunned the man. Seth used this pause to get the proper footing so that he wouldn’t slip. The man charged at Seth again, and again Seth blocked it and countered the attack. But the man blocked it then tried to stab. Seth, trying not to create bloodshed whacked the man’s sword out of the way and struck the man’s skull with the flat side of this blade. Dazed, the man still would not give up, grabbing a club from a man that had come with him, he charged again. This time the man knocked Seth’s sword out of the way then slammed his club into Seth’s gut making Seth drop his sword. Seth, stumbling back turned to Eleanor’s call, Eleanor tossed him the short sword. The man came at Seth again, thrusting his wicked sword forward to stab Seth. Seth, however, dodged off to the side and slashed the man’s hand. The man staggered back, crying out in agony for the short sword was razor sharp and most likely went fairly deep. The man, who was obviously very stubborn, swung at Seth with his club. Seth stabbed the club head on and pulled out of the man’s hand. The sword being so sharp had gone very deep into the club and wouldn’t come out, so Seth tossed it toward where Eleanor and the others were. The man had retrieved his sword and swung at Seth with a horizontal slice. Seth seeing his sword and the attack rolled out of the way. Ending up next to his sword he picked it up then got up ready. Both men were tired but wouldn’t give up. Then the man came at Seth with a vertical slice. Seth blocked it, but the man with much force kneed Seth in his gut. Though dazed Seth hit him on the head with his elbow. Both men stumbled backward. The man came down upon Seth with a vertical slice. Seth blocked the attack then threw the man back. Gaining momentum Seth thrust his sword, the Sword of the Seal, through the man, felling him. The two men that were with him ran forward to kill Seth. Kyle and Eleanor, as quick as lightning drew their weapons. Kyle with a throwing knife, Eleanor with her bow. Kyle throwing, Eleanor firing, both men fell, one with a knife in his head the other with arrow protruding from his throat.
“Whew, that was tiring,” Seth, said exasperated.
“We’re glad you’re alright, “ said Eleanor thoughtfully
“Yeah, you fought valiantly,” said Kyle proudly
” That was amazing!” exclaimed Andrew as he came down the rope
“Yeah, you did great,” said Aaron and James together.
“But what I do not understand is why you didn’t just kill him?” questioned Eleanor.
“Well at first I thought he would just give up after awhile and there wouldn’t be bloodshed,” explained Seth, “but after awhile things started to become a real life or death situation.”
“I respect that you are one that honors another’s life,” said Eleanor
“Yeah, Seth is practically nicer than he has to be and if you’re ready Seth, we should go,” explained Kyle.
“Yes we should, let’s go,” confirmed Seth. With the help Kyle Seth was able to keep up with the others as they made their way on what seemed to be the final part of their journey.
Out on the open fields the gentle breeze seemed to be pulling them faster to where they needed to go.
“There it is,” Seth said suddenly. Everyone looked up and saw it, Keraceen.
“But why do you have to go there? I thought you were done when you got your item,” said Eleanor puzzled.
“No, we just have one more thing to do,” said Seth as he snuck through the brush.
“Let’s go,” said Andrew as he followed. Everyone else soon hurried along to catch. Seth and the others were examining the west wall of the city.
“What are you doing?” whispered Eleanor
“Checking the walls for weak points,” answered Seth quietly. Suddenly something hit Seth on the head. Seth turned, Andrew, was waving frantically. Seth and Eleanor walked over and on their way two figures passed them quickly.
“Who are they?” Seth asked
“The other messengers,” answered Kyle
“Shush!” Andrew said, “ this is it, the weak point!”
“The what?” Seth said in hushed excitement.
“The weak point,” Andrew, repeated.
“The messengers have already gone to tell the King so we’d better start getting ready,” put in Kyle.
“We are already prepared, what we have all gone through has prepared us,” Seth whispered proudly.
“Yes, we are far past ready,” added Eleanor.
“Once they come, the Keraceens’ evil will come to an end!” Andrew exclaimed quietly. At that they all went and hid in the brush and waited for the dawn of justice to come forth.
“AAAAAAAA, ”screamed a woman’s voice. In a small clearing of the forest there was a woman and three large men. The men were holding the woman down and taking anything of value. ”Help me help me mmmmmmhhmmmm,” one of the men had covered the woman’s mouth so the cries could not be heard. She kept struggling to the men’s annoyance; finally one of them was about to strike her when out of the trees there came a cry. A valiant man was rushing out of the forest towards them; he was upon them before anyone could react in any way. Without halting he struck the first robber holding her down with the flat of his sword knocking him back. The other two were ransacking her bags and quickly they dropped everything and drew their swords; but they weren’t nearly fast enough. The warrior hit one of the robber’s swords out of the way and hit him again this time his blow smacked him directly on the side of his skull knocking him headlong into the other man both landing in a heap. He swung around, seeing that the woman was all right he was relieved but not for long, the first man had gotten up and grabbed the woman and put a knife to her throat. Another robber got up and lashed his hands around the warrior holding him tight finally the last robber got up, snickering he motioned to the other robber.
“Get
over here lets have some fun,” said the robber with glee. Suddenly the robbers
threw the woman far across the field having her hit the ground hard and roll
across the field and lay still. He charged the warrior, having no time the
warrior suddenly realized that he had yet another weapon he pulled a hidden
knife from its sheath on his thigh. Stabbing his restrainer he dodged the
charge attack of the robber leaving him bewildered such a distraction caused
the robber to trip and fall hard on the ground. The warrior retrieved his sword
and took a look at his surroundings; He noticed that the woman was ok. Catching
a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye the warrior saw the last
robber who was obviously ok too and that was bad. He met his assailant with a
headlong charge. His assailant struck to his left, he blocked gracefully yet
his eyes were filled with flame of hatred, without pause his assailant struck a
downward slice again he blocked it with ease but this time he bull rushed the
man knocking the air out of him, then filled with much anger he slashed the man
across the chest leaving him screaming in agony. The warrior quickly ran to the
woman’s aid. As he turned her around she looked up at him and very weakly said
thank you then she passed out having been weary even before the now passed
event.
She
awoke to see the sun peeking through the treetops and bathing itself gently
across the dew-ridden moss. Soon the sweet scent of tea and fresh herbs met
with her senses, once she realized where she was she got up seeing a figure
over a small fire with a pot. She was about to question him when her head ached
and she then remembered what had happened the day before she moaned. The man
whirled around looking almost as if he thought no one was there except he did,
holding a cup of liquid he approached the woman and knelt beside her.
“Here drink this,” said the man, ”it is
good for you.”