Cloak and Scalpel

Shining Stars

Faster...faster...

I gripped my reins tightly, silently urging Stella to go even faster.  The forest sped past me in a blur of green and brown as the mare leapt over fallen branches and bramble.  I glanced up at the sky.  The sun was setting just behind heavy clouds.  Would I be too late?  Would Arlott be able to protect Mila?

I glanced behind me.  I couldn't see any sign of Gusion or Aamon.  But that was okay.  Those two, especially Aamon, were powerful.  They could dispatch the knight easily.

But...

The knight had mentioned he was catching up to his comrades.  I swore, angry at myself.  Did they decide to act the moment Aamon left the village?  I knew...I knew what Mila's fate in the game lore was, why didn't I just insist on taking her and Arlott with us?

"Faster, Stella, please," I pleaded.  Sensing my urgency, she sped up, leaping over more branches and logs.

It felt like an hour had passed before Stella broke through the tree line surrounding the village.  The sun had set by then, and the light of the moon and stars lit my way.  Up ahead, the village appeared dim, with only a few lights coming from the windows of the cottages.

I rode Stella towards Mila's little cottage.  "Mila!" I screamed.

Not even Arlott was here.

"Lady Diana!"  I glanced behind me.  It was the mother of the little girl I had tended to yesterday evening at the village's banquet. 

"Where are Mila and Arlott?" I demanded, not even bothering to dismount.

The woman was out of breath.  "Mila," she panted.  "She was bringing bread to the acolytes at the church.  Knights of the Church of Light came to the cottage and attacked Arlott, dozens of them!  I think they're fighting out in the forest!  Some...some went after Mila—!"

Before she could finish, I urged Stella down the cobbled streets and towards the village church.  Its spires rose over the skyline ominously before me.  Several people leapt aside as Stella charged through the streets and through the village square.  The church slowly came into view.

A dozen knights were gathered at the steps leading to the church; gathered over a limp figure on the ground, blood flowing freely from the wound on her head...

"Mila!" I shrieked.

The knights spun around, their weapons raised.  Stella charged towards them.  I held tightly on to her reins as she rose on her hindlegs, striking down knights with her forelegs.  I realized belatedly that I didn't have a weapon with me. 

As one of the knights brandished a morning star at Stella, the mare gave loud neigh of fury.  She dodged the morning star, ramming into the knight with her head.  As the knight fell, I reached down and drew his sword from his scabbard.

I pointed the sword at the remaining knights, silently praying they would have the good sense to run.  I didn't know how to wield a sword.

"Leave!" I snarled.  "Leave that innocent girl alone!"

One of the knights charged towards Stella and me.  The mare swiftly greeted him with a well-placed kick to the chest.  As the knight flew backward, another stepped in to take his place.

"Cease and desist, by order of the Church of Light!" the knight snarled.

"Screw you!" I urged Stella on, and the knight went flying across the square, falling to the ground in a clatter of armor.

The other knights immediately ran.  Ran to get backup, I assume.  No matter.

I hastily dismounted and ran towards the limp figure on the ground.  "Mila!" I shouted as I knelt beside her.  I carefully turned her, so she faced me.  My breath caught in my throat.