Elderflower, The Last Halfbreed

Chapter 32 Face to Face

I don't know how long I lay on the ground. It was enough. I suddenly heard the thundering of hoofbeats echoing on the ground. Startled, I awoke and looked behind me. The Sun Warriors were riding once more. Dawn whinnied as I stood. My legs were shaky but I jumped on top of Dawn as we rode into Alyania.

Jonathan nodded as he saw me. “We ride for Alyania!” He roared. He moved his horse closer to mine. “What happened? We wondered if you went on ahead.”

“Yes, then I fell asleep. My legs feel like bricks. How much farther now?”

“Noon. If we ride harder. I know something is wrong. The air. It doesn't feel right.”

I nodded in reply. I could feel it. With a burning anxiety I urged Dawn to ride faster. The wind blew into my face as the tall trees grew taller and taller. Their branches hid the rising sun's rays. It looked like night in the forest.

Soon we had reached the lake where Alagos and I danced. I shivered. Remembering that night. We were getting closer.

Noon had almost arrived when I smelled it. Smoke. Jonathan looked at me, a worried expression crossed his face. Black armor soon appeared. The time had come. With a roar I raised Retribution above my head. The soldiers around me spread out and began to circle the city. Ready to charge.

“For Albion!” I roared as we charged into battle. I lowered my helmet cover and swung my sword. The Black Warriors turned around, too late to notice. The sound of smashing metal and the splatter of blood.

The sun shone brighter and brighter as we neared the center of the city.

“ALAGOS!” I chanted. I swung my sword at the black armor around me as I continued to barrel my way through the army. Far ahead I could see a rider on a white horse with wings. Alagos, the only one who could tame a flying horse. I galloped towards him as I cleared the army.

Even so far away my eyes could pick up a distant smile cross his face. Abraxas roared as he flew high above the battle. Alagos began to ride towards me. The white horse whinnied.

Soon after I felt the embrace of the blue elf against my armor. I ripped my helmet off and kissed him. So sudden but I didn't care. His arms reached around and drew me closer.

“Rose,” He whispered in my ear. A flash of gold. I was flying. My armor had changed and I had wings sprouting out my back, flapping. I was shocked to see Alagos getting smaller but it was no matter. I was with him, we were together, and revenge was near. I felt my wings snap as I flew to the ground. Horses whinnied around me in a fury. The Sun Warriors had charged through the dark army and were fighting the shadow warriors with giant golden swords.

I smiled. This was it. Battle was here. I heard more flapping as Alagos rose on his white steed who was flying next to me. He reached out his hand. I flew onto his horse and he dove towards the battleground.