From The Ashes

Part 8

Cass and Oliver were on the first watch that night. Gwen and I were set to take over halfway through the night while Mira and Eian slept through the night. I was in a deep and peaceful sleep until my dreams were suddenly interrupted. 

  “Reika, wake up!” Cass said to me in a hushed tone. He looked concerned.

  “What is it?” I whispered. 

  “We heard something in the forest, I think we’re in trouble.” Oliver said, brandishing his sword. Without hesitation I leapt out from my bed roll and lunged for my sword, releasing it from its scabbard. “Wake Gwen and Mira, I’ll get Eian.” I said. I knelt down to Eian who was sleeping soundly. I shook his shoulder urgently.

  “Hey, you gotta get up bud.” I whispered. 

  “What’s going on?” He asked, sleepily rubbing his eyes. 

  “I think we might be in danger. I need you to stay with Gwen okay?” I said hurrying him over to Gwen’s side. Cass, Oliver, and I stood with swords drawn. Another rustle echoed through the woods to my right. “That way.” I whispered, nodding in the direction of the noise. We all turned, ready for battle. Gwen and Mira stood behind us, protecting Eian. “Show yourself!” I yelled into the quiet blackness. 

  After a moment two figures made their way out of the trees and into view.  One was ridiculously strong looking and held a massive ax in his hands. He was huge and intimidating, featuring multiple battle scars across his muscled chest. The other was tall and lanky but had a crazed look that made me feel unsettled. He held a spear and had four more strapped to his back. Each one made me extremely uneasy.

  “You must be Reika. Our informant, whatever her name was, told us you were the leader.” Said the big one. It was them, the assailants we knew were waiting for us.

  “Yeah, and you must be Jakob and Thaddeus. Can I call you Thad?” I taunted.

  “Cute. You won’t be able to make smart comments like that when I’m done with you. We really only have orders to kill you and the little one, but I might have some fun with your friends. The one back there with the fancy dress is really pretty.” Thaddeus said, winking at Mira. 

  “Come near her and I will make you suffer.” Gwen replied coldly, gripping her ax tighter. The look on her face was past anger, it was ferocious and honestly terrifying. 

  “You won’t ever get close enough to touch him. You try and I will fucking slit your throat.” I threatened. Thaddeus roared a menacing laugh. I only had a second to strategize. “Here’s the plan.” I whispered to the group. “Mira, you and Gwen get take Ebony and get Eian somewhere safe, we’ll give you a window. Oliver and Cass you two charge the little one, don’t underestimate him he’s shifty. I’ll take the big one.” I narrowed my eyes at the towering man with an ax.

  “You sure?” Oliver questioned.

  “Yes, don’t argue I can handle it.” I responded.

  “Enough talking! I’m getting impatient.” Thaddeus said, stepping closer. We had to act fast. 

  “Now!” I shouted, breaking toward my target. 

  I swiped downwards with my sword and he effortlessly parried me. I took a step back as he brought his ax straight down in front of me. Without hesitation he swung  again from the left and I narrowly dodged him. It was impossible to get in an attack, I’d need an advantage. I avoided another attack and my back was against a tree. He wasn’t giving an inch and I was in a bad position.

  He came at me with a menacing grin, swinging his huge ax right for my head. Just as it was about to make contact I ducked. This actually worked in my favor. His weapon was stuck in the tree for a brief moment and I took my chance. I stepped out from his reach and swung my sword at his leg. He howled in pain but managed to free his ax. I took a chance and glanced over at Oliver and Cass, they seemed to be holding their own. Breaking my concentration was a mistake as I was met with a huge fist connecting with my cheek. It hurt so bad I thought he might have broken my jaw.