The Resistance

Chapter 1

 Moonlight shines down into the forest. Illuminating a camp of about one hundred and fifty of the duke's guards. The men gather around each other and make merry, others stand guard, and the rest sleep around dying embers to warm themselves. Little supply tents are scattered throughout the campground. Each with two men guarding. In the center lies a massive tent, with at least ten guards stationed round it. General Bennington's quarters.

 I move slowly from position in the trees. Sneaking past some drunken men with ease. Till I reach the center tent. Ten sober guards stand waiting. Their torches repeal almost every inch of darkness. Scanning my surrounds I notice only one guard stands watch in the back. His head falls as he begins to nod off. In his tiredness, his torch is nothing but embers. A perfect cover. I inch my way closer, but flinch at the sound of his snoring. I freeze. A torch moves closer. My feet finally decide to move. I roll myself under the tent wall and squeeze through.  Another soldier wakes the sleeping guard and trade places. His blazing torch shines brightly through the wall. Casting long shadows over everything.

 I look around my lush new surroundings. Furs line the ground; tables are covered with some of the finest food and wine. The general's bed filled with expensive velvets. This man lies in comfort, while his men sleep next to dying fires for warmth. Anger fills my veins. I move with no sound, but every movement of the soldiers keeps me on edge. I pull a knife from its sheath and press it to his throat. The cold of the steel wakes him. His eyes fly open. They quickly fill with panic and fear. General Bennington opens his mouth to speak but all that escapes is a small gasp. 

 I raise my fingers to my lips, "Shh, General Bennington. This will be better if you remain quiet."

 His face changes as he hears the voice of a woman come from behind the mask.

 A little whisper of a word leaves his lips, "Why?"

 My temper snaps. "Because you and that tyrant duke you so eagerly obey, live off the misery of others. You ruin and destroy the lives of the people. Long live the king."

 The blade runs cross his neck and life leaves his eyes. His blood sparkles like rubies in the firelight. With the job done I decide to fill my bag with loot from the victory. One of Duke Luther's most trusted and strongest leaders is dead.  But soon my victory is interrupted by men approaching. 

  "We must warn the general," one shouts.

"We're surrounded!" says another. Their shouts turn to mumbles. The only chance of escape is through the back. Their torches erase all shadows as they gather outside the door. As I crawl out, I'm greeted by a lone guard. He draws his sword as I scramble to my feet. With a mighty swing his blade passes by. Narrowly missing my torso. I reach for my own sword and return the blow. He blocks it and our blades cross. The soldier leans in trying to overpower me. I slip off to the side, causing him to fall forward. In his moment of weakness, I run him through. Little sound escapes his body, and our fight goes unnoticed. 

 I scan the tree line searching for what frightened the soldiers. Shadows dance through the moonlight. Figures move from tree to tree.  In the that moment I realize, the Resistance surrounds us. I rush to find safety, hiding in any and all cover. The duke's guards prepare for the fight ahead and pay no mind to me. I climb up a tree unnoticed. Ready to watch the chaos unfold. 

 The horns of battle blow. An army consisting of about fifty men charge from out of the forest. Swords and bows at the ready. Hardly any armor covers them. The duke's soldiers rush to meet them. But in their haste failed to notice others come from behind. They bear torches and set the camp ablaze.  I've heard stories of the Resistance, they either have great victories or great defeats. Then again no one ever talks about the little victories. The sounds of steel against steel causes me to pay attention. The battle has started.

  The sounds of bloodshed have begun. Men's cries of agony. The terrible sound of weapons being removed and the impact of armor. Countless men fall. But it appears favor falls towards the Resistance. 

 Hours pass and cries of agony have turned to cries of morning. The Men of the Resistance have won, but still cry over their loss. The morning sun shines down on the dying fires and the lifeless men who fought. The Resistance collect their dead and whatever else they can.

 I feel the warmth of the sun's rays on my shoulders. I stare down and look at what the duke has caused. His want for power has caused all this agony, all this pain. Turning brother against brother. I become lost in my thoughts, only to snap back at the sound of an arrow flying past. Quickly, I grab the tree for support. Worried I would fall. Glaring down at the clearing I search for my attacker. Found him. A man holds his bow ready to lose another arrow. I search for my escape and climb down the branches. Planning my next move as I escape.

 Once I get on the ground I can run. I should move much faster than them. They've fought all night; I should have the advantage. 

 I hit the ground running. Moving through the soft pine needles and ferns without a trace. I've spent years training to eliminate my trail, even while on the run. I pull my mask up higher and fasten my cloak tighter. A group of three follow close behind, thrashing through the forest. But how are they finding my trail?! If it comes to it, I can take them down easily. I don't care who they are or who they work for. It's me or them.

 As I sprint, my world turns upside down. Literally. I dangle with my foot caught in a snare trap. the blood starts to rush to my head. My cloak hangs down, draping the ground. The whole of my feminine figure revealed. Its sole purpose no longer in effect. My bag hangs on by my chin, and most of my new belongings are on the ground. On the bright side, all my knives are hidden, but my sword hangs down. So, it could be better. I hear the three get closer. Shouting things, I can't understand. I want to meet my attackers now. I will wait.