A Heart Divided

Chapter 41

Into the Heart of the Storm

The retreat wasn't easy. The Duke's forces pursued them relentlessly, pushing forward through the rain and thick underbrush, determined to finish what they had started. Eliza could hear the sound of pursuit growing louder with each step, but Elias had anticipated this. The rebels had set up a series of ambush points along the narrow path they were following, and with each clash, they were able to slow the enemy's progress.

"Keep moving!" Elias called over his shoulder, his voice commanding. "We'll make it to the pass. Once we're through, they'll be forced to follow us into the mountains. That's where we'll make our stand."

But Eliza knew the risks. The mountain pass was a treacherous route, narrow and steep, and if the Duke's soldiers caught up with them there, they would be at a severe disadvantage. The rebels had no choice but to push on.

"We can't let them catch us," Eliza said, her voice tight with worry as she glanced over at Alden, who had been keeping a close watch on the rear. "How much further?"

"Not far," he said, his face grim. "But we need to move faster. If they get a clear shot at us, it's over."

As they entered the mountain pass, the rain began to taper off, but the air grew colder. The rebels slowed their pace, taking extra care to avoid making noise, while their leader kept them on the move. The steep cliffs rose on either side, and every sound felt amplified in the eerie silence.

Then, as they crested a rise in the pass, a loud shout rang through the air.

"Ambush!" Elias shouted, his eyes darting to the left. The Duke's forces had found them. They were trapped between the narrow cliffs and the approaching enemy.