Butterflies of Blood

Chapter 5

Aias directed them to a well-worn road, a path they had avoided so as not to attract attention. As soon as they were clear of the trees he kicked Jokarmun into a gallop and they took off, Ari and Oberon racing behind him. They flew across the ground, the purebred horses moving as though they had wings. Suddenly Jokarmun reared, tossing his head and letting out a frightened bray. Aias clung to his back and pulled hard on the reins. Jokarmun slammed his hooves into the ground, he pranced tossing his head as he tried to bolt.

"Hold them!" Aias commanded.

Shahromyes and Kaecilia cried out as Ari and Oberon, attempted to bolt, sensing the fear radiating from Jokarmun. Then from the forest ten soldiers emerged. They were fully armed, with heavy swords and bows. Lupine pushed her way out of the saddle bags and leapt to the ground.

"Surrender!" The leading man yelled. "And we may spare your life!"

Aias looked around at their enemies, assessing them. He cursed violently under his breath.

"Hey," He said quietly to Kaecilia and Shahromyes, "On my word turn and flee, go back the way we came. Find Tai and Jaye, they're your best chance of survival."

"Wait, what about you?" Shahromyes said, his eyes wide.

"My only chance is to fight these guys. Alone," He glared at each of them. "Without dead weight to defend."

"I –" Kaecilia began.

"Shut up," Aias cut her off.

"Surrender!" The leader yelled again.

"Go to hell," Aias said with a sly smile.

He slipped down from Jokarmun and then bellowed, "NOW, RUN!"

The shout scared the horses and so all Shahromyes and Kaecilia had to do was pull their heads around they were off, Jokarmun followed behind riderless. Lupine stayed with Aias.

"Wait girl," He muttered.

She stood at his feet, trembling, her teeth bared and ears back, hunched close to the ground.

Aias tapped his bracelet and the scythes fell into his hands, his opponents looked uneasy but did not back down.

'Well this will be fun," Aias muttered, a wry smile twisted his face. His opponents were trained and had a 10 to 1 advantage.

Aias leapt forward, the road provided a near perfect fighting ground for him. He hurled his scythe out, and ran towards his opponents. The blade cut through the air, a deadly black ark. The soldiers leapt backwards leaving two to duck under the blade. The first sprung up, aiming his sword at Aias throat, while the second swung around, kicking at Aias's feet. Aias jumped up and back, avoiding the kick and sword strike in one move, then he pulled hard on the chain and the first blade sailed back to him. It ripped into the man with the sword, cutting deep into his side. He coughed blood and then fell, a shocked look on his face, he hadn't even seen the attack coming.

"Bastard!" The second man cried out and swung at Aias's head.

He caught the strike on the up turned scythe and twisted it, the handle which came higher than the blades locking onto the sword and with a jerk he disarmed the man. Aias stepped inside his guard and drove the spear tip deep into his chest. He pulled back and the man fell forward, he hit the ground and didn't move, a pool of blood growing around him. Aias turned, his blades were stained red with blood and it had splattered his face and cloak. He looked ferocious. His enemies pulled back, they had wary, scared looks on their faces. Then a scream rang through the air.

The Lyerion soldiers smirked.

"Surrender," The commander said. "And we'll kill you quickly."

"I'm honoured but I'll pass," Aias said with mock sincerity. He had to move, that scream was undeniably Kaecilia.