Ambushes and Sharp Swords
We'd been walking for hours. Peaceful sounds of birds chirping and small animal chitterings were intermittently broken by the heavy grunts of men hauling themselves through the bumpy terrain.
I would have thought they'd be a little more light on their feet after all of Nik's training and it's obvious Nik thinks so too, if his annoyed side glances at the loudest men are anything to go by.
Bobbin is mostly quiet as he walks in place beside me.
He hasn't left my side since we departed the camp and he waved goodbye to all the other children.
Leo had looked worried so I'd made a point of quietly promising I'd keep an eye on the little munchkin.
He'd seemed somewhat relieved but still not overjoyed at the prospect of Bobbin on the campaign. I was inclined to agree.
Bjorn looks over at me, quietly asking if I'm still good. I nod my head in response and turn back to face the forest ahead. My feet are starting to tire but I refuse to complain outloud. No reason to give any of the men around the idea that I can't handle myself.
Suddenly, Nik lets out a sharp bird-like whistle and the entire campaign comes to a halt. Bobbin grabs my hand quickly, some of the excitement in his eyes bleeding to fear. Quickly squeezing his hand I reinforce my own promise to myself. I will keep him safe.
"One trailer, two drivers. No other people.
" Nik's whispered words feel loud in the quiet forest. The men nod and peel off in different directions.
The leaner and more athletic ones head straight for the tall trees on the side of the dirt road I only just noticed.
It's hidden away in the forest and very slim - an obvious attempt by someone to avoid the main road and the thieves.
Caspian walks up to me and Bobbin, "stay close." Caspian studies me for a long moment before reaching for his belt and unsheathing a sharp sword. "Take this, love. You probably won't need it and Nik kicked up a bit of a fuss about you having one, but better safe than sorry."
I take the sword and smile slightly at the familiar weight. It had been a while since I'd properly used a sword - not since my teenage years, and I wasn't counting Nik and I's duel - but it felt good.
I didn't like feeling weak and it was really hard to feel weak holding a sword sharp enough to slice a man's head right off.
"Thank you."
Caspian nods and guides Bobbin and I to a small hiding area near the road, "try not to be seen, okay love? No need for there to be rumours of the lost Murdoch Princess running wild with the Thieves of Sholle. And you kid," Caspian bends down to Bobbin's level, "stay with Juliette and be safe."
Bobbin grins despite the obvious nervousness on his face, "You betcha' Cass. I'll be real good."
Caspian raises a single disbelieving eyebrow at Bobbin before sighing and shaking his head. "I'm going to back up Nik and Bjorn. I'll be back in a bit. Watch and be quiet."
He turns and joins Nik and Bjorn where they stand, hidden off the side of the dirt track, and waiting for the carriage in the distance.
It's a minute or two before the carriage comes properly into view and my stomach sinks like a stone.
The Kingdom of Agios trade in colours of blue and gold and I'd seen enough trading carriages coming into Murdoch to know.
This carriage was red and black. Gilgunronh colours.
Then the one carriage becomes two, then three.
Nik must realise the same time I do because he whips around to find me before mouthing 'hide'.
I grab Bobbin and pull him further into the forest then help boost him up the nearest tree.
"Stay there."
His eyes are wide and panicked as he wraps himself around the tree trunk sitting on a branch, "What's wrong Miss?"
"The scouts were mistaken about the nature of the carriages." Even as I say the words I don't believe them. No scout could mistake a single Agios caravan with three Gilgunronh carriages undoubtedly filled with soldiers. "Stay hidden okay? No noise unless you need help."
Bobbin nods, still wide-eyed, and I quickly turn back towards the road, placing myself hidden where I can see Nik, Bjorn, Caspian and Bobbin.
The attack comes suddenly. The driver of the first carriage lets out a shrill whistle, obviously catching sight of one of the thieves, and the carriage doors fly open. Gilgunronh soldiers pour into the forest and the thieves immediately meet them.
The clash of metal on metal is loud and the peace of the quiet forest shatters into sounds of battle.
My fist clenches around my sword handle as I watch Nik, Bjorn and Caspian leap into the fray without hesitation.
Fuck.
I know they can handle themselves but my heart still clenches with worry. As much as I want to help, getting seen by a Gilgunronh soldier would be disastrous.
King Richard can't know my whereabouts. He'd decimate the thieves to find me and I can't let that happen.
I notice Nik keeps turning his head to see if I'm okay and I shake my head immediately. He needs to focus. Nik must see my determination in his eyes because he reluctantly forces his gaze back onto the battle in front of him. I'll be fine.
I'm many things but weak isn't one of them. Not anymore.
A yelp sounds to my right and I whip my head around to see a Gilgunronh soldier pull Bobbin out of the tree. Bobbin lands on his feet and quickly darts out of the way of the large sword aimed at him.
I'm standing immediately and I grip my sword as I run towards the soldier. I won't sacrifice Bobbin to keep myself hidden.
I swing my sword in a well practised arch and the soldier just manages to bring his up to meet mine. Metal clashes and I watch in resignation as his eyes alight with recognition. Fuck.
Bobbin ducks out of the way of our fight and I'm glad he has the common sense to.
Metal clangs on metal as the soldier and I fight. He's strong and quick and I'm out of practice. It's not long before his blade catches my chest, grazing deeply through my flesh.
Fire burns where the wound stings and I grunt.
That could have been a lethal hit. He's fighting to injure not kill and that's the biggest advantage I have against him.
The familiar numb sits inside me and I reach for it easily. I'm going to need it. Emotion becomes secondary and all my pain is pushed to the side. Fight for your life. You know how.
I will not die. Not here.
Using all my training and all my force, I swing my sword directly at the weak spot between the soldier's helmet and his chest plate. Flesh splits without resistance, the sharpened sword doing its job. Something wet sprays across my face and chest, mixing with my own blood.
With a gruesome gurgle and splat, the soldier falls to his knees and then onto his face. His head sits at an unnatural angle, only a slim piece of skin and tendon keeping it attached to his torso.
I turn my head just in time to see Bobbin throw up into the dirt.
Gods. I must be a sight. Covered in blood and standing over the top of a partially decapitated soldier.
"Juliette!"
It's only at the shout that I realise the forest has resumed its quiet, broken only by the pained grunts of some men. No metal rings out, no battle cries shout.
Turning I scan the forest. Several soldiers - most of them I realise - lay bleeding and dead on the forest floor. Intermittently between them lay the thieves, some dead and some gravely injured.
Someone grabs me and I turn quickly, instinctually aiming my elbow for the man's crotch. A big hand grabs mine before I can make contact and I look up to see Bjorn holding me in concern.
"Juliette. Where are you injured?" He's blunt and to the point.
"My chest." I say simply, not entirely sure why I'm so calm. Oh. Right. The numb.
I should 'turn it off' but deep down I know I'm going to have to face the fact that I just killed a man. Another man. Gods, I'm up to three now. At what point do I become a serial killer?
Bjorn nods and gently leads me over to where Caspian is treating an injured thief. The man groans and writhes on the ground as Caspian tightens a makeshift tourniquet around his leg. There's a lot of blood and by the look on Caspian's face it's not good.
"Wait, where's Bobbin?" The sudden realisation that he's not with me makes me feel sick. How could I just forget about the child I was meant to protect?
Bjorn shushes me soothingly, "He's with Nik and he's fine. I'm more worried about you."
I shake my head, "It's not that serious." But even as I say the words dizziness overtakes me. "I'm just going to sit down for a minute though." Without any grace I plop onto the ground and lean against a tree, panting.
Fuck, the numb is dissipating. It's exhausting to keep it up and all I want to do is pass out.
Bjorn kneels beside me looking increasingly more panicked. "Hush Bjorn. Don't panic, I'm fine."
"You're not," his voice is pained and rushed, "and I should have been there. I'm so sorry Juliette. We lost track of you in the heat of the battle."
I shake my head, tired. "I didn't need you.
I can handle myself." With a shaky hand I gently brush his cheek, more bold than I have been which I'm blaming on the blood loss.
"I'm not angry at all. You did what you had to and so did I.
Now if you don't mind I'm going to take a quick, little nap and then I'll be right back with you. "
I see Bjorn look to my left, at Caspian I realise, before he nods, "Sleep. Cass will fix you up."
With a shaky nod, my eyes flutter and I fall asleep.
Hey guys! Thanks for reading. Don't forget to vote and comment xx