ANGEL OF JUSTICE (2014 revised)

Chapter Forty One - Assault

Assault

The morning sunlight filtered through the deep forest high above Port Garnet casting great long shadows that flickered across the ground as the First Guard rode in single file. A rider came up along side Captain Josh requesting his presence with Queen Serenity. Pulling on the reins, Josh turned and kicked his horse into a trot. Reining in next to the Queen who rode atop a beautiful white mare, he offered her a nod of greeting.

"Is something wrong Serenity?"

Serenity noticed Josh's frown. "I feel that there is Josh. I can sense a large force nearby, no doubt in the forest further down the ridge. They are neither friendly nor human adding to my confusion as to their intent. Inform your men to be on guard. I will continue seeking out its origins." Serenity whispered while keeping her focus straight ahead.

"Thankyou Serenity." with a smile he nodded to her then galloped off.

Serenity watched the young captain ride off then returned her concentration on the danger that loomed nearby. With her eyes closed she sent forth her spirit vision into the forest's gloomy interior. A veil of unnatural darkness cloaked the area as Serenity pushed through it to discover the presence she had felt earlier. The presence evaded her now as she sent her spirit deeper into the forest. She spotted a murky grey smoke appear up ahead and followed. As she approached the greyness suddenly appeared on both sides of her then flocked towards her spirit. Feeling its evil presence, she realised it was trying to encompass her to keep her separated from her body. An unusual fear filled her senses and she fled the way she came as fast as she could. The trees flashed by in a black blur as her spirit whipped through the branches as she rushed back to her body. Suddenly she screamed.

The monks that rode on either side as her escort were startled by the Queen's sudden screams of terror. Josh who was only a few horse lengths away also heard the scream. Jerking on his horse's reins he galloped back towards her just as she began to topple from her horse. The monks beside her quickly reached out to stop her from falling to the ground. Two dismounted and as Josh reached them, he saw a seemingly lifeless, Queen being lifted onto the front of her first swordsman's horse.

"What is wrong, Qwon?"

The broad shoulder warrior monk shook his head lightly, concern etched on his handsome face. "I have no explanation for her collapse, Captain. I fear it does not bode us well."

The sound of trees exploding and crashing to the ground in the forest to the left of them had Josh's order to flee down the treacherous forest path at break neck speed towards the city of Port Garnet, quickly obeyed. The First Guard and the Dreamurian monks fled in full gallop for miles till their horses were lathered in sweat. Looking behind him, Josh saw a sight coming out of the forest that froze his blood and sent a wave of cold terror through his bones. A giant grey cloud of screeching bird creatures were flying towards the rear column of soldiers. With the body of a grotesque bird cross with a human, it had the head of a hag and massive wings with glistening razor sharp talons at each joint and tip. The nerve splitting screeching sounds the creatures emitted sent the horses into a terrified stampeded as they raced along the forest path.

"Harpies!" screamed someone from the rear of the unit.

"Armour up!" Josh screamed out to the men behind him.

Serenity has contacted me to warn you Josh to get out of there!

Josh turned in the saddle but Arc was nowhere to be found. You're a bit late, wizard we've already got company. Thousands of harpies are closing in on us fast, you better think of something because Serenity has collapsed!"

"I know. You will not be able to outrun them, Josh so you must find shelter quickly. Harpies can only be killed by piercing their heart which is located under their arm!