The Trials of the Earth Witch

Ambush

                                                                   Malcolm POV

For the next three days travel have been fast but I didn't want to push my luck. Winter was a light snowfall one minute and blizzards the next.  Caution  was always on my mind driving our group to the next outpost . The woods surrounding us is fill with dangerous animals waiting to strike when our guards are down. These animals are conceal by the elements and one small misstep someone's life is loss.

Trying to think of something less gloomy I turn to find my woman laughing and having a good time with her family. Rachel was a natural on a saddle which surprise me honestly.. All the women of the court uses the side saddle and I thought Rachel would desire it too. However she flat out refuse the saddle and order the man to give her a normal saddle instead. Rachel wasn't like the woman I known in my life and that scares me

She did the exact opposite of what I demand like fighting in the Battle of Evergreen. To be completely honest we won that battle hugely due to her efforts. Her bravery is what made me enamored with her since I set my eyes on her in Weston. Facing down Cody and his family when they dare to cause harm to Jordan was amazing. Rachel was not a woman to shy away from her problem. 

 Sighing I thought of the differences I was raise on that Rachel is shattering. In Malloria men are  soldiers who goals are to protect their women and children from harm. Those ideals is a teaching in Malloria and I fail big time. My Father  Walden would have scolded me if he witness my failure in person. Father is celebrated general and one of the most feared men in ten kingdoms. My mother Delia didn't have a fear in the world with him, but Rachel didn't have my mother's security. The first battle in Weston was the chance for me to prove that, but it wasn't in our fate. When the ambush happens, Rachel got separate from my men and eventual I was defeated.

Chained together with what left of my men I thought Rachel had died in the battle. At that moment I was ready to meet my maker until Rachel and Laura showed up to save everyone. I promise myself after that day Rachel wouldn't be taken from me again. Though that promise was broken when the girls were held hostage by the Walkers and Melissa Miller. And to make it worse the stabbing of Rachel made me feel worthless.   Deep into my own depression I didn't see the new arrival until Daniel speaks. "Malcolm we are almost at the outpost. "Jumping a little I shake myself  back to alertness. Daniel being a good friend don't say anything about my folly as he discuss our plans. "We should send a rider to scout the area  before we go further. "

Listening and analyzing Daniel's plan I see no flaws against it. "Very well Daniel give the order." After my approval Daniel begin yelling out instruction. Our party stop and selected one of the men to be the scout. Once an experience soldier  is picked he gallops off in the woods as an uneasiness falls over me. Maybe it was my instinct but something is telling me  be ready for a fight.

We set up a small camp  waiting for word from the scout  but after eight hours pass by. Night came and many of our group crowds together  to speak about the scout whereabouts. By the looks on my companion' faces they're theorizing the worst possible outcomes. Cursing I knew that feeling before was spot on and something bad is coming our way. Sensing my mood Daniel appear by my side and speak discretely. " Malcolm you know something must have happen to Kent for him not to report in."

I was about agree when a throat clearing made us look to our side. Overhearing the whole conversation Rachel's eyes widen with worry.  

Not being able to deny anything I push on discussing our issues with Daniel. " It seems he might have been capture or worst. Prepare the men for an attack just in case." Nodding Daniel went to inform the men and Rachel stands beside me concern.