Soldier

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

They shouldn't be here so soon. We were prepared, but not this soon. Nicholas had his sword with him, but I was unarmed.

“I'll cover for you. Go!” He shouted and pushed me towards the camp. I stumbled over the earth and reached the bonfire. “They're coming!”

Women took their children and ran for their lives. I found my sword, but what I really wanted was my bow. The trained women and men took their weapons. Where is it?

Yoesphin arrived next to me and threw her dagger. A thump was heard and when I turned around a man laid dead on the ground. She quickly pulled out the knife only to throw it at the next enemy. I took my only weapon I could find and followed Yoesphin as she ran into the forest. Warriors, trained soldiers everywhere. I blocked many of them and moved with a grace I've never knew before. I was quick with my feet and jumped when my attacker's sword flew near my feet. I wield my sword and his arm fell off. I stood there stunned.

“Sorry!” I shouted through the man's painful cries. Yoesphin stood then before me, ready to throw her dagger. For a moment I thought she'd turned to the other side, but after I dodged I turned around to see another dead warrior with his dagger still in hand. He was going to kill me.

“Watch your back!” Yoesphin said before she disappeared further in between the trees.

Another soldier saw his chance and moved towards me. I started to run in the opposite direction. I stopped when I saw I had reached the lake, Berdea. The shore was empty of people. Not for long. I turned around and dodged from a hit. Two men parried their swords and I tried my best to block them. My feet got wet and I noticed they had me move backwards to the lake. Red light flashed before my eyes; this was not good.

Any further and the sirens would take me. The water was now reaching my knees and I felt something small touching my foot. I needed to do something quick. With a jump I distracted the men, snuck between them and gave them a push. They fell into the water. I couldn't see them coming up.

I didn't have time to squeeze the water out of my shoes and then I had to hear splashing sounds with every step. I wanted to find the others, but didn't know where to start. The battle was widespread across the forest. I was careful to hide behind trees. I thought I was safe, that's until someone aimed an arrow at me. I was lucky that the person missed just inches above my head. I spotted my attacker and chose to run. If only I had my bow. I ran the fastest I could and parried between the trees. I didn't look for where I was running, only knowing I needed to keep the distance. When my legs started to ache I slowed down and took a look behind me. My attacker was gone and all I could see was trees. As far as the eye could see. Forest, trees, bushes, rocks. I dried my face from sweat with my sleeve. I kept walking, but didn't meet anyone. Not even an enemy. How far had I sprinted?

I chose to head west. If I could find the lake all I needed was to follow the shore. But where was it? Slowly panic started to rise in my chest. Oh, come on! How could I get lost in the middle of a battle? This was only ironic. This would be a terrific plot for a comedy. If Tahol had a newspaper I can picture the headlines. 'Soldier lost in the forest at her own battle!'

I wanted to shout if someone was anywhere near here, but if it was an enemy answering? Then it wouldn't be good. I'd walked for surely half an hour when I heard voices.

“Leave him be. We need to head back!”

I stayed hidden behind a tree and slowly glanced at the men talking. Two of the king's soldiers stood bent over a body. Probably someone dead. Soon they started walking away and I waited until they were completely out of sight. I walked quietly over to the body and felt a shock when I saw who it was. One of the elves, Roran. His eyes were wide open and his chest red. I bent to my knees and only looked at him. I hadn't realised I might lose someone I know. What if Thyon died or even Yoesphin? Or worst, Nicholas. I closed my eyes and took a big breath. I didn't want to think about it. I don't know if they're dead or still alive. Don't think about it.