Hidden in Plain Sight

Chapter 10: The Duel

Aaron's POV

We started to head back to the guild when the doctor left and the group got back together again. It was a quiet walk, and I felt unease settle in the pit of my stomach. Elliot said that they would have sent more than just the two of us, it did not settle in my stomach well. Before we made it to the clearing, I had to make sure that we were not being followed.

"I will be right back." I informed the group. Cecil turned around with a cocked head. "I will not be long, I promise." I said, before turning back and heading into the woods. That is when I noticed that there was no birds, or sounds for that matter as I retraced my steps. I pulled out my bow, and concentrated on the surroundings around me. I then closed my eyes and stood there.

I widened my stance to feel the earth, and crouched when I felt a low thumping. I then opened my eyes as I realized what the sound was. I crouched as a single horse came running up in front of me. I took out an arrow before noticing one on my left. I shot the horse in the chest. It neighed in pain and fell forward crushing the person on its back. I then ducked as a sword was swung before grabbing onto his hand and pulling him down and slamming his face into the ground as his horse continued through to the guild, that should be warning enough.

I then heard the galloping of more horses Where did they come from? I wondered before hearing "Fire!" behind me. I quickly ducked behind a tree as arrows rained down on the forest below. Many of the horses stopped sending chaos through the line of horses. That's when I noticed that all the men were dressed in white.

No, they could not return. I ended their master, I thought to myself as I avoided again another rain of arrows. That's when I dashed out of the trees so I would not get impaled.

"Aaron!" I heard Cecil yell me name. I looked at him and nodded heading inside as the rest of the men defended the guild.

I ran inside and saw Alexander about to join the fight. I grabbed him by the cloak and dragged him in with me, as he flailed his arms trying to stop me from dragging him backwards and into the building.

I then stopped and turned him around. "Stay here," I ordered. He opened his mouth about to argue before I covered his mouth. "This is an order Alexander. If it is what we all fear then there is not apprentice out there. They all will either be on the top shooting or taking care of the wounded. Do either or, it does not matter," I said, staring at him with an intense gaze that made him understand the urgency. I then accompanied Cecil once again as we headed toward the meeting hall. We burst through the doors, and joined the meeting that was taking place.

"Aaron, Cecil, thank God you two are alright," Elliot said.

"That does not matter at the moment," I stated resting my hands on the huge table. "There are at least two hundred horses out there, all wearing white." This sent a murmur around the room, I continued. "Our enemy has returned."

"Only after four years? Do not be ridiculous! They could not form a group again after so little of time," One council man argued.

"If they have or not it does not matter. We must with all we have. Aaron, Cecil. I know you two have not been back long but please-" Elliot said.

I turned and ran out of the room before Elliot finished speaking. I quickly went to the equipment room and replenished my weapons before heading out with Cecil at my heels. We exited the building passing wounded and others who were heading out. I looked up and saw the smaller frame of Alexander with the archers, shooting. I sighed in relief because he finally listened to what I told him.

It did not make me lose focus as I quickly took down two people with daggers in each hand. I spun around and sliced their throats as I stopped before taking off and jumping on a horse and kicking the man off, and into the hands of my comrades.