Chapter 5
Racing through the forest, the trees were a blur. The Kushen border wasn't far from him, but he was leading Arnath's troops away from there; leading them to his regiment of thirty Elves waiting patiently for him to return.
He glanced back at his pursuers. All fifty soldiers on horseback. He'd cut down their commander, which caused the pursuit. The tall, redheaded Elf weaved his way through the trees. Arland allowed the soldiers to catch glimpses of him so they knew where he was going. They were completely unaware of the fact he was leading them into a trap.
Something caught Arland's eye to his right. A small pack of Centaurs were rushing through the woods as well. Grinning even more, he picked up his pace. The Centaurs had gotten his message. This was going to be perfect.
He was less than a mile from his troop, where they waited in the trees. All on foot. The Elves found it unnecessary for them to travel on horseback since they could outrun any common horse without tiring.
He reached out with his mind, searching for his second.
I'm here, Sasha's voice came.
Good, do you see me yet?
No.
Arland waited a few seconds before asking again.
Wait, I just saw you. Where are they?
Not far. Maybe a quarter of a mile.
Ah, there they are. They seemed to have picked up the pace. Or are you just getting old?
Ha! You know elves don't age.
Well, then what is your excuse, Arland?
You'll pay for that one, Sasha.
Arland saw his troops waiting for him. Slowing down before running into them, he slipped in amongst them, found Sasha then slipped to the front of his men.
“Wait for my command!” Arland shouted above the thundering sound of the horses running towards them. “Watch for the Centaurs to the South! They are here to help us!”
“More like us helping them,” Sasha said.
Arland grinned as he raised his sword into the air. Then, shouting loudly, he pointed his sword towards the oncoming soldiers. The rest did the same as they ran together towards Arnath's men.
They rode roughly ten across and five deep. Fifty was nothing against Arland's Thirty, as they were nicknamed. Arland waited until the right time, then jumping in the air, he flipped over until his feet were pointed at the sky. Then as he arched over the first line of men, he cut off the head of the soldier he jumped over. Then, as he landed on the horse of the next soldier, he ran a dagger through the soldier's throat, throwing him to the ground to be trampled by more horses.
Looking around quickly, he saw his men repeating the same maneuver. It was like watching acrobats in a circus, only instead of wowing a crowd, they were decapitating their enemy. Arland stood on the back of the horse he'd landed on then dove for the next soldier behind his temporary steed. Lopping off the soldier's head, he bounced off of the rear of the horse, flipping again to decapitate the next soldier. This one was ready, though. He blocked Arland's sword.
Arland landed backwards on the soldier's horse, stabbing behind him into the soldier's torso before he had a chance to turn around and attack. Then, quickly climbing to his feet, he repeated his same attack until he reached the back of the pack. When he landed on the ground, finally, he looked back to see his men, now joined by the five Centaurs, finishing off Arnath's men.
Before he started to return to his men, he sensed someone trying to enter his mind. The voice he heard was familiar. It was Trien.
Go ahead Trien, what is it? Arland asked concerned. Mark or his men would only be contacting him if something had gone wrong.
Karis has been taken by a regiment of Cathians in exchange for the return of their Captain. We took the captain prisoner last night and sent him with two of Serani's men to Ashenland. But now Mark is planning a rescue attempt to retrieve Karis.
Connect me to Mark, now! Arland said with urgency.
He waited a few seconds until Mark finally spoke to him.
Arland, we need your help. Mark pleaded.
Where are you?
Two hours west of the Aontacht Forest, close to the center of Eranithia. Serani's men are on their way to Fortuna to help fortify the city. Arnath and the Cathians are going to attempt to take the city back.
Arland was torn now between duties. One to protect Eranithia, the other to rescue his friend.
Will you help us? Mark asked desperately. I need you with me. There are just under a hundred men, and although Serani's men are strong, they're not the team I had before. Trien and Bailey are the only ones left.
Iriand is dead? Arland asked, pain in his voice. He heard the pain in Mark's voice as he answered.
Yes.
Arland sighed heavily, then said, We will be there in three hours. Possibly with some Centaurs as well.
Thank you, Arland. We will wait for you before we do anything.
You better, Arland said, then broke the connection between them.
He took three steps before falling to his knees as emotion overtook him. Iriand was so young, and had become a very close friend. More than a friend. He'd become like a son to Arland. From the first day Iriand had joined the Elf army, Arland had looked after him. He'd pushed Iriand harder than anyone as well, knowing he could take it. It'd been Arland who'd recommended Iriand for Mark's Special Ops Team. He'd been a part of Arland's Thirty until then.
Now he was gone. The youngest Elf in their army was dead. Killed by Cathians. A new fire ignited inside of Arland. He looked at his men a hundred yards away. With fire in his eyes, fists clenched, jaw set tight, he crossed the distance to this men. They surrounded him, seeing the fire in his eyes. Most of them had the same fire in their eyes without knowing the situation.
“What are our orders, sir?” Sasha asked.
Looking at Sasha, Arland saw the blood still splattered on his face. He was glad to have Sasha as his second.
“Iriand, along with five of Mark's men have fallen by the hands of the Cathians, in an attempt to rescue their Captain. They have also taken Karis captive to use in trade for their Captain. Mark needs our help.”
The angered looks on their faces told him they were ready to fight again. Some of their own had fallen. It was time for justice.
Arland turned to the Centaurs, “If you wish to help us, you are most welcome. However, if you wish to stay with your people and defend your borders, we understand.”
A chestnut Centaur and a black Centaur stepped forward.
“Hiln and I will assist you. Mark is a good friend of ours.” Then he turned to the other Centaurs saying, “If you wish to join us, you may. If not, go back and defend out people.”
A brown and white palomino Centaur spoke up saying, “We wish you the best, sirs. But we must stay and help our people. They need as much help as can be offered.”
Gaith and Hiln bowed to them, the other three returned the bows then hurried back to their own border.
“We welcome you, Gaith and Hiln,” Arland said bowing to them, then he turned to his men and said, “Let's go.”
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