I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 66: Attack

Before Kai could finish speaking things had turned chaotic outside. Kai didn't have to look to know they were under attack. He picked Minda up and placed him on the floor of the carriage away from the windows where it was safer.

"Don't move." Kai instructed.

Minda nodded his head and curled up with both snow leopards. They had a long discussion previously about what he should do if there was an attack. In order for Kai to fight without worry Minda had to hide. He couldn't peek or come out of the carriage unless Kai said otherwise.

Once Minda was safely hidden away Kai disappeared through the exit to the front. Waiting for him was Houtian.

"It's an ambush, but we've been expecting them for awhile." Houtian said. Kai was a little surprised that they knew of the attack ahead of time but couldn't dwell on it. He had to act.

"I'll take the left you take the right." Kai said. They were the positions previously decided when discussing battle strategy before leaving the estate. Houtian jumped down carrying his bow and quiver full of arrows. Kai did the same with his own bow, quiver, and a short sword.

Amongst all of the soldiers Kai trusted Houtian the most. They were similar in age and often spent there days discussing battle strategy and ways of improving their equipment and advancing battle tactics. Knowing he would be in the other side he could focus on his own task.

...

Kai could feel his adrenaline pumping. It had been a long time since he last engaged in battle. He notched an arrow and after taking a deep breath to steady his hands he aimed true and...

Swoosh.... Thunk*

Ahh!

Without mercy Kai pierced one of the bandits straight through the heart. It had been a long time since he killed a man, but sadly like riding a horse he hadn't forgotten how. After only a few minutes his instincts took over and he moved and reacted without hesitation.

After shooting down several attackers Kai switched to his short sword. He usually fought with a broad sword but his new body lacked muscle mass and training so he chose a lighter short sword to take advantage of his speed.

He acted quick and sprung forward to attack one of the men. The man parried his attack but soon lost as Kai demonstrated his advanced skills and decades of training. After dealing with the first, Kai was quick to move onto the next. Like a tiger on the attack he mercilessly cut down anyone in his path.

"Number!" Kai called out.

"A hand!" Another soldier responded. It was a unique way of quickly relaying information amongst everyone. It meant they had less than five attackers left.

"Guard!" Kai shouted again. This time he was telling the group he was falling back towards the carriage and planning on going back on defence.

From the other side of the carriage Kai heard Houtian say the same. Relieved that Minda's carriage would be properly protected from both side Kai could focus on his surroundings again with his bow in hand ready to shoot down any attackers.

...

"It sounds horrible." Minda thought as he coward inside the carriage.

Unable to handle the sound of metal clashing against metal and the screams of death. He placed the earplugs back into his ears. The silence helped but he still hugged the leopards tight as he shook uncontrollable. His grip so tight the leopards tried to break free but Minda refused to let them go.

It was different from the time he watched Kai defeat the bandits attacking the cart on their way to town. At that time, he was excited to watch Kai's prowess. Now, however he was hidden away in the carriage unable to see what was happening.