Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 30 Ride towards Alyania

Men filled the keep. All bearing the golden armor. The horses looked strong and fit. Their muscles twitched with anticipation. These were pure breed war horses. Abraxas flew above us. Then I saw Dawn waiting for me. Her whinny escaped her mouth as she reared. It was time for battle. I hoped Dawn could keep up with the war horses. I jumped atop her high back and sat down on my leather saddle. Golden helms stared at me. I couldn't see the warriors faces but I knew they were ready for battle.

Then I knew I had to say something to them. I didn't know what. “Our time has come. There is still hope left in this world. We ride now for the elven city. Saul is finally upon us. We ride north!” I yelled. The men cheered and began to ride. Suddenly I heard another yell. Jonathan. Men flooded out of the streets, riding horses. Diathalon men. They cheered and began to follow us. Jonathan rode next to me.

“Its about time we ended this war.”

“You're coming with?”

“The men couldn't see their Queen leave off. All of Diathalon has rallied together. We are ready. This is the battle that decides who we are to become. That wasn't going to be our last goodbye Rose. Not in a million years.” I laughed with joy.

“Fine. Let's go.” I raised Retribution up higher in the air as we charged out of the city. We were facing towards the west, towards the dying sun. Once we reached the pass we would continue until sunrise. We had to gain ground. All these men. It would take longer than what I was anticipating. I looked at Jonathan's face. A smile creased his face. He looked happy.

We rode until the sky turned brighter. Morning was coming. We had now passed the mountain and the plains surrounded us. I looked behind me to see men looking strong. Dawn was keeping up with the rest of the horses. We were going at a full gallop and I could tell she was slowing down. We needed a break. Not far ahead, lay a river.

“We rest!” I yelled. Immediately the men slowed their tired horses and let them drink by the river. I jumped off of Dawn as she ran towards the river. Soon she was guzzling water. The sun had risen. The golden armor shone in the bright sun. For the first time I got a look at the Sun Warrior's faces. Their were all square jawed. Most of them had brown hair that curled around their ears. Some were bald. Most of the older soldiers had beards. They all bore broadswords. A shiny round,gold shield with the imprint of a sun, laid on their backs.

A few young men stood in the crowd. Ivan rode up next to me. His steed was a soft yellow. “Meet Cronus. My friend for many years. How far until Alyania?”

“We still have a ways to go. I'm surprised we've gained this much ground. If we keep this pace up I would say we reach Alyania in 3-4 days at the most.” I reached up towards the golden horses head and exposed a lenghty scar running down his neck. Cronus was a pure blood war horse. One that does not shy away from danger.

“Good. I'll spread the word around.”