Fall of the Forsaken (on hold)

chapter 19

–8 days later–

–Azriel–

Dark ominous clouds hung low in the skies above blocking out the warmth of the sunlight. temperatures had significantly dropped in the past few days, turning the air bitter cold and forcing most of the surrounding wildlife into hiding. 

We had even started taking to wearing thicker pelts and coverings much like the humans did. 

I gazed at the sky as small flecks of snow gently fell from above, adding to the ever thickening blanket of white that covered the ground. so much snow had already accumulated this early into the winter, the elders feared this season of cold would be one of the worst ones yet.

Everyone was on edge with the prospect of war looming over the horizon and now people were afraid of the cold season. We had prepared the best we could and had gathered as many supplies as possible. All we could do now was hope that it was enough.

Closing my eyes I took a deep breath and focused on the path ahead. 

“they're coming.” Tarkov whispered quietly beside me and I nodded, gripping my weapon much tighter.

Hiding amidst the foliage and snow we lied in wait for the approaching intruders along with several others. 

Our hunters had spotted them crossing over into our territory the night before and it was clear they were here to merely scout, we were lucky to have spotted them this time and there was no telling if they had managed to sneak in before.

We knew not of how much they know about us or the layout of our village, they could be planning an attack soon. This would be our only and final attempt at stopping the netaris in their tracks for the sake of both our tribes.

Five approaching figures caught my eye as they moved swiftly and with care, unfortunately for them they would not see us until it was too late.

I waited for them to get within range before signaling the others and dash out from underneath our cover.

The lead scout was quick to notice me and managed to block my attack although feebly. had he not been caught off guard he might've had a chance to counter or evade me altogether. 

The reinforced staff of my spear clashed with the scout's knife. He snarled as I glared and put as much weight as I could against him to knock him off balance.

Before the rest of them could react, those who were with me also popped out from underneath the sheets covered in snow that had kept us hidden comfortably on the ground. 

our kind tend to ambush from above, hiding in the thick foliage of the trees and canopies that keep us out of view. but right now all of the flora of the forest was thinned out and sparse because of the cold so it would be hard to keep hidden. Even so, the netaris were too focused on the trees that they didn't think to look towards the ground.

As the others began fighting, the warrior I clashed with managed to slip out of the way and swipe at me with his blade, forcing me back a step as I dodged. 

Quick to counter the attack I swung my spear around to knock the knife out of his hand.

The blade went flying, before landing in the snow a few feet away. He snarled, looking from the blade to me before pulling a hatchet from his belt to attack with. swinging wildly I had to block the attacks with my spear as he kept close quarters to prevent me from using it.

a slight gleam of a blade out of the corner of my eye was my only warning before his tail swiped up, aimed for my throat. I felt the sting of its blade cut across my cheek as I dodged and his hatchet came down on a weakened spot on my spear, breaking it in half.