The Enchantress

35.

Prince Chaeyoung.

"Please tell her I love her." Rowan said before it became hard for him to breathe. He lost a lot of blood.

"Stay with me, Rowan!" I said as I put more pressure on his wound. I do know that his wound is severe and fatal. But he's my responsibility, I must save him for her.

He took one last gasp then suddenly lay motionless on my arms.

"No! Rowan!" I then heard someone approaching from behind. I immediately ducked just in time when a sword swayed my way. I pierced my attacker with my sword and pushed him to fall on his back. I  looked at Rowan and then around. Our troops and the enemies are still fighting.

I knelt before Rowan and checked if he's still alive.

"Rowan! Wake up!" I shook him as hard as I could. "Open your eyes! That's an order!"

With one last shook he didn't budge nor moved. He's gone. Tears are threatening to fall but not for Rowan but for her. I know how devastated she would be once she found out.

"Goddam you Rowan! I told you to stay with the Arrow line." I then remember why Rowan was eager to get to me. He said the people who attacked us has the same red feather arrow. They have people in the south too.

I took one last look at Rowan then saw a necklace beside him. The one that he handed to me to give to her.

I gathered leaves around and covered him. I pulled out a dagger and etched R at the side of the tree.

I took all his arrows, pulled out my bow and stood. I then ran as fast as I could. I pick up arrows from fallen soldiers or enemies and shoot as much enemies as I can along the way.

I ran and reached the Arrow line and saw Tzuyu.

Tzuyu ran towards me shocked and looked around my body.

"I'm not wounded. This is Rowan's blood. He warned me that Mina's in danger. The people who attacked us in the south are Tyrians. Send word to the farthest troops and turn protect the South."

"And you?"

"I need to protect her."

Tzuyu nodded and shout for someone to bring me the fastest horse. He then handed me a rolled parchment.

"You need this to take you to the mountains of Kion. Take care brother. Please be safe, both of you."

I hate this, to leave my brothers, my troops, my boys... But I have to.

"You too. If you see we're losing I want you to retreat with our men. Don't be stupid and be a hero. You need to regroup wait for the others to fight back. Tell Momo that too. He needs to hear that more than you. Send me word for an update."

"Stop worrying and go on your way." He said as he hugged me.

I then took the reigns of the horse that was handed to me and mount it. I took one last look at him and the troops before nudging the horse to ride hard.

This horse is really fast. I noticed the crest, it came from the kingdom of Twice. We rode hard through the day and he didn't show any signs of tiredness nor even slowed down. The night engulfed our surroundings forcing me to slow down. I rode towards the river and had some drink there.

We were already halfway. "Good Job, Speed." I whispered to the horse who settled beside me. I didn't realize how exhausted I was. I just dozed off as soon as my back touched the tree.