It felt good to be back on my horse in the open air. My body still ached, but all of that subsided once we were out in the forest. Titus had insisted that two of your guards ride with us, not that they could keep up. I was impressed by your aim with a bow and arrow, your hunting skills were impeccable. As we rode though the woods, together, side by side I thought about my current situation and smiled.
You looked at me as I seemed lost in my thoughts, "What are you thinking about?" I continued to smile, "This whole situation. Being here in Polis, hunting in The Commanders woods... its surreal." You grinned back me, the lighthearted side of your nature started to show though. "Hunting with a Plains Rider isn't exactly an everyday occurrence for me. I hear very few outsiders get to ride with members of your clan." Your reply felt so respectful. Our reputation was well known across the lands, but hearing you acknowledge my people in such a way filled my heart with pride. "You're The Commander, you're always welcome to ride with us." My words caused you to raise and eyebrow and smile, "good to know."
I wasnt aware my words were flirtatious, obviously they came across that way judging by the sideways glances you gave me. I decided to change the subject to avoid further embarrassment. "Maybe if your coalition is successful more of us will feel the benefit of such unity." You nodded, "I hope so. Unity is key. We, as a people, struggle so much in this world. We fight each other, we loose our people to the Mountain Men with no way of stopping this. I need the clans to understand that together we are stronger, together we have a chance". You spoke so passionately about your goal, so wise beyond your years, so selfless. I had so much respect for you and in that moment I started to loose control of my heart. We held eye contact for some time, lost in each others eyes. The moment was abruptly broken by one of your guards calling out, "HEDA! AZGEDA!" We turned to see two Ice Nation spies running away through the forest.
This would not stand. My blood began to boil at such treachery. Without a word I turned my horse around and began to pursue after them. I was faster than Hedas guards could ever be on horseback. I was Ingranronakru, a Plains Rider, it was in my blood.
I got closer and closer to them, weaving in and out of the trees. My heart was racing, my breath rhythmically in time to the gallop of my steed. They were nearing their horses, I couldn't let them get away. I grabbed my bow, focused on one of the men, waited until I knew my aim was accurate, then I released my arrow. It glided almost silently through the air towards my target. It pierced the mans skull, killing him instantly. The other one I wanted alive.
I stood on the back of my horse, crouching low before leaping at the Azgeda warrior. We hit the ground hard, but there wasnt time to catch my breath. I stood up and walked over to him as he attempted to get to his feet. With one swift kick to the face I knocked him clean out.
I stood for a moment to gather myself. My shoulder felt most of the impact, it made me wince in pain as it began to bleed again. You and your guards approached. Your face was full of anger as you ordered your men to pick up the surviving Azgeda spy, "Take him back to Polis for questioning. Send the other ones head back to Queen Nia!" I brushed myself down, aware that once again I was standing in front of you blooded and covered in dirt. You seemed surprised by my actions, "I'm starting to wonder who's protecting who right now." I smiled, "I believe you once said, it doesn't hurt to accept help once in a while. It would seem Nia is making her move against Polis, against you". You sighed, knowing that inevitability was calling at your door. Even in the sanctuary of Polis it would seem the treachery of The Ice Queen knew no boundaries, Azgeda eyes forever watching.
