Back to the edge of the tree line, they move out into the grasslands in order to make better time. They continue to follow along the tree line as it moves north through the hills. The mountains grow large ahead of them and after an hour of riding, they reach their base. Skirting around the tall mountains, they stay in the foothills as they continue north. The hours pass as they follow the mountains on their left. Moving along the foothills is fairly easy, the waning moon giving them ample light to see.
An hour or two before the approach of dawn, they round a hill and come upon a camp of enemy soldiers. In their haste, they fail to take notice of the enemy camp before one of their sentries sees their approach and calls out to them. When they fail to answer, the soldier fires a crossbow bolt and begins shouting, alerting those within the camp to their presence.
The bolt flies past Jiron just as he brings his horse to a quick stop. Turning their horses around quickly, they flee to the south just as a horn begins to sound from the camp behind them. Far to the south, an answering call can be heard.
“Damn!” curses Jiron as he turns them eastward, riding fast away from the two forces. Horns blare behind them as they call to each other and in the moonlight, enemy riders can be seen racing out of the camp in pursuit. One of the riders sounds a horn when he catches sight of them fleeing across the grasslands, letting the entire countryside aware of their whereabouts.
It isn’t long before horns can be heard coming from ahead of them to the east as well. Having little choice, they turn to the north to avoid those ahead of them and ride hard as they try to outdistance their pursuers.
“James, can you do something?” Jiron hollers to him as he races close by.
“I can’t see them,” he replies. “I can’t be sure of being effective until I know just how many are back there and exactly where they are.”
“How far away is dawn?” Fifer asks.
“An hour,” guesses Jiron. “Maybe more.”
Another round from the horns behind them sound in the night. “We’ve got to silence those horns!” Fifer yells. “If we don’t, the armies ahead of us will know we’re coming and there goes our chance of sneaking through their lines.”
“How many do you think are behind us?” asks James.
“There were about twenty at the camp we almost ran into,” Jiron says. “Add to that the other two groups, maybe a hundred. More?”
“I can’t take out that many!” James exclaims. “Not in the dark anyway, I can’t be sure to even get them.”
As they continue to fly across the plains, he begins to get an idea. Hating to do it to the poor horses, but he’s got no choice. Concentrating hard, he begins creating a patchwork of holes behind them in the ground. Each is seven inches in diameter and a foot deep. Any horse putting its leg in it will have it broken, especially at the speed they’re going.
He creates his orb so the riders behind them will know in which direction to follow them. “What’re you doing?” cries Jiron. “We’re trying to lose them not attract them!”
“I want them to follow right behind us,” he says, voice strained from the effort to talk, and create the holes behind them at the same time. It’s taking far more out of him to create the patchwork of holes than he’d expected and it isn’t long before he begins developing the beginnings of a whopper of a headache.
Suddenly, a horse can be heard crying out in pain behind them as it sets its hoof in one of the holes. Then, several more cry out as they, too, get their legs broken.
“What’s happening?” asks Fifer as they slow a fraction.
“Sounds like their horses are in distress,” Jiron says as he glances behind them. More and more horses begin crying out as they step into the holes.
After several minutes of creating the holes, James stops and they ride on at a reduced pace for a few minutes. The horns behind them have quieted and the sound of pursuit has fallen off as well. “I think that slowed them down a little,” he says. From the sound of his voice, the others can tell that bit of magic had taken its toll.
“Sounds like it,” Miko says.
They ride on for another half an hour before the sky to the east begins to lighten up. Glancing behind them as the light increases, James is relieved not to see any sign of their pursuers.
The mountains begin to fall off behind them as the range moves more to the west. To the north, a large body of foot soldiers appears far in the distance ahead of them, moving to the northeast. They stop abruptly and turn around, moving southwest to avoid them. Soon the army is out of sight behind them.
Far off to the west, they begin to see smoke rising from a large structure sitting along the base of the mountains. “That army must have just come from there,” supposes Jiron.
“Think they left anyone there?” asks James.
“Why?” asks Fifer.
“If they didn’t, it might be a good place to hide until night,” he explains. “Why would they go back if everyone there is dead?”
“Good point,” says Fifer.
“But they might also be using it for a forward staging area,” Jiron says. Pointing in that direction, he says, “Look, you can see people moving around the structure.”
Straining to see, James nods as he makes out several people moving there. He says, “You are right. Better not chance it.”
Several miles to their north is another line of trees. Indicating them, Jiron says, “Maybe we could make it there before anyone sees us.”
“Maybe,” replies James as he sits there and thinks a moment.
“We gotta go somewhere,” Miko says in exasperation. “We’re kind of exposed sitting here.”
“To the trees then,” decides James and everyone nods agreement.
They turn their horses north and break into a gallop. To the east, they can see the tail end of the marching column of soldiers in the distance, but hold to their course.
It’s a very tense time as they make for the trees, James expects to hear horns from all direction when they’re discovered. But as luck would have it, they make it to the trees without being spotted. Or if they did, whoever saw them took them for their own. After all, they are behind the enemies’ lines.
They move deep within the forest and continue with their northward trek. The sun continues to climb in the sky as they forge through the forest, not making near the speed they had on the plains, but are definitely less likely to be discovered.
Deeper into the forest, they come across a small river as it flows southward. Tired and exhausted, they stop at a clearing near it and take a rest break. Breaking out their food, they have a quick meal before continuing on.
“How much further do you think before we reach their lines?” James asks Fifer.
“We’re already past where they were when we went south after Lord Pytherian,” he replies. “No telling how far they’ve pushed north since then. Lythylla is only a day or so to the north, I would think that’s where we’ll find the bulk of their armies.”
“That one we saw moving around the forest,” Jiron says, “do you think they could have been on their way there?”
“Likely,” says Fifer. “But who knows for sure?”
Once they’re done eating and the horses have had a rest, they remount and begin moving north through the forest again. They decide not to follow the river northwest, instead they head due north, hoping to avoid anyone that might be using it.
The day progresses as they continue through the woods, sometime after noon they hear a rustling ahead of them. Suddenly, four men with longbows step out of the trees, arrows knocked and ready. Several others step out with them, one comes forward and says, “Stop and identify yourselves.”
“You Madoc’s men?” James asks.
Nodding, the man waits for their reply.
Fifer steps forward and says, “I’m Fifer, belong to Miller’s band.” Indicating the others, he says, “These here are friends.”
The man eyes him suspiciously and says, “Don’t know any Miller’s band and you’re not familiar. What business have you here?”
He glances to James and Jiron before replying. “We helped rescue Lord Pytherian from the Empire, got separated from him, and now are trying to get back to friendly territory.”
The man signals the archers who lower their bows. “Heard he disappeared,” the man says.
Nodding, Fifer continues, “He was taken in a raid, I believe there was treachery involved. We separated several nights ago. He went north while we diverted a force bent on capturing him to allow him time to get through to our side. Last we saw of him, he was heading in this direction.”
“You’ll have to come with us back to our camp,” the man tells them. “Our captain is going to want to hear what you have to say.”
Fifer glances to James and Jiron who both nod their heads. He turns back to the man and says, “Lead on.”
The man turns to one of his men and whispers something to him. His man then turns and begins to run northward, disappearing into the trees.
“My names Erwin,” he tells them. “Don’t be alarmed, he just went ahead to let them know you’re coming.”
James steps up, and offers his hand. When Erwin takes it, he says, “I’m James, and this here is Jiron and Miko.” Each nods their head to Erwin when they’re introduced.
Erwin begins to lead them through the forest, his men flanking them as well as bringing up the rear. “The camp’s not too far away, about a mile or so,” he tells them. They walk the rest of the way in silence. Soon, they begin to see a camp opening up in the trees ahead of them. From the looks of it, several hundred men call this camp home.
As they approach, they see a man in woodsman attire standing at the edge of the camp waiting for them. He’s flanked by several men, bodyguards by the looks of them.
“That’s Captain Alerin, he’s in charge of these woods,” explains Erwin.
“Captain,” he says when they come near to where he’s waiting, “these men here are James, Fifer, Jiron and Miko. They claim to have helped Lord Pytherian escape from the Empire.”
The captain’s eyebrows rise slightly when he hears that. “Great news indeed, but where is Lord Pytherian?”
James steps forward and replies, “We were separated from him several days ago. We drew off a group of soldiers in order for him to escape. Last we knew, he was heading in this direction.”
“He hasn’t passed through these woods, or I would’ve known it,” states Captain Alerin gravely. “Hopefully, he went around them and found a safe route that way.” He gestures for them to follow as he moves over to a large tent. Coming to it, one of his men moves and opens the tent flap for him.
After the captain has passed within the tent, the man holds the flap open as the others file inside behind him. Within the tent are several tables with maps covering them, as well as several braziers burning throughout to give light.
The captain moves over to one table with a large map lying open upon it and gestures for them to join him. He indicates a section of the map and says, “This is the forest we’re in right now. Where was the last place you saw him?”
James comes over and begins inspecting the map. He sees near the bottom of the map the area where the mines lie. “Here,” he says as he points to a spot a little west of the mines. Then he brings his finger over to the town just west of the spot, “This is where they took him.”
“And you rescued him from there?” he asks incredulously. “Just the four of you?”
“Actually,” Fifer says, “I wasn’t with them at the time of the rescue. I was waiting outside the east gate with Miller and the rest.”
He glances at James, Jiron and Miko a moment then shakes his head. “That hardly seems likely.”
“Likely or not,” Fifer replies, “they did enter the city and they brought him out.”
“Do you have a mirror?” asks James suddenly. “Or perhaps a bowl of water?”
“Why?” he asks.
“I’ll be able to ascertain his whereabouts if you do?” replies James.
Fifer sees his confused look and explains, “He’s a mage.”
Eyes widening, Captain Alerin says, “Truly?” When Fifer nods affirmative, he says, “Never met one before.”
“Do you have a mirror?” James asks again.
Captain Alerin reaches over to another table and lifts up some paper revealing a four inch square mirror. Picking it up, he hands it over to James, “Will this do?”
“It’ll do just fine,” he replies as he takes it.
Setting it on the table in front of him, he motions for the captain to stand next to him. Concentrating on Lord Pytherian, he lets the magic flow and the image begins to form. Suddenly coming into focus, they see Lord Pytherian in a room with others, talking.
“Ah,” he says as he sees the image, a smile coming across his face.
“What?” asks James.
“He’s made it to Olton,” he says. When he sees their lack of understanding, he explains, “It’s a town to the north of us and as far as I know it’s still in Madoc territory. The ones with him are leaders of the town, as well as a few others I don’t recognize.”
“Could they be members of the alliance?” asks Fifer.
“Maybe,” he says. “It’s been a while since I’ve been out of these woods.”
“Is Colton well fortified?” asks Jiron suddenly. “Could it withstand an attack?”
Shaking his head, he says, “Hardly, it’s not that big of a town. If anyone were to attack, it wouldn’t be able to last very long. Why?”
“We saw a large force of foot soldiers moving around this forest,” explains James, indicating the position on the map. “If they were to surround and hit Colton, would they be able to hold them off?”
Looking worried, Captain Alerin says, “Not a chance. It would fall in a day.” Moving to the tent entrance he hollers for one of his men. When the man comes close, he says, “Send someone to Colton, warn of immediate attack by a large band of men moving from the east around the forest.”
“Wait,” he hears James say. When he glances back to him, James says, “There may be a quicker way.”
“Have someone stand by,” he tells the man who runs off to carry out his orders. He turns and comes back over to James, “How?”
“I’m not sure if it’ll work, but I might be able to give him a message,” James explains.
Looking skeptical, Captain Alerin says, “Alright, let’s see if it works.”
“First, let me see where exactly that army is now,” he says as the image shifts. Suddenly, they see the forest and the image quickly scrolls to the east. When it reaches the edge of the forest, James moves it first southward and when he fails to find the army, he moves it north.
“There!” Captain Alerin exclaims when the army of foot appears in the mirror.
“Do you know where that is?” asks James.
“It’s near the northern edge of the forest,” he tells him. “It’s several hours away from Colton.”
“Alright,” James says as he concentrates. Again, the mirror refocuses on Lord Pytherian and they hear him mumble, “Now to get his attention.”
“We have got to get word to the others in the Alliance that I’m back,” Lord Pytherian says. “We must remain united if we’re to stop the Empire. How long do you suppose the rest of Madoc will last if we fail here?”
Suddenly, one of the men he’s talking to gasps. There on the table before Lord Pytherian sits a round glowing orb.
Astonished cries begin erupting in the room. Lord Pytherian raises his arms and shouts, “Quiet!” The room becomes quiet as he stares at the orb, something strangely familiar about it. “James!” he whispers in sudden understanding. He glances around the room expecting to see him there.
The orb suddenly winks out, eliciting another round of murmuring. Where the orb had sat there begins to appear a black mark. Lord Pytherian again calls for silence as he leans closer to see what is happening.
The black mark begins moving until it forms the letter ‘T’. Awed, he continues watching as the black mark continues writing. When it’s finished, he reads aloud what it says, “There’s an army three hours to the south, heading for you. Advise you leave!”
He begins nodding and says, “Gentlemen, it’s time to evacuate Olton…”
Head pounding, gasping from the effort, James almost swoons into unconsciousness. The effort to write that message had been harder than he’d thought. Must’ve been the distance. He holds the image until he sees Lord Pytherian nod and begin barking out orders.
When the image finally disappears, Captain Alerin says, “Do you think he understood the message?”
“He nodded, so I think he did,” James replies.
“Good,” he exclaims. He abruptly turns and leaves the tent. Outside, he hollers to one of his aides, “Get the men ready to march!” The man salutes and begins making the preparation.
“What do you plan to do?” asks James from the tent entrance.
“Harass that army, slow it down if I can,” he replies. “Give Lord Pytherian and the people in Colton a chance to flee before it arrives.” He looks to them and continues, “Could use your help, a mage would come in handy.”
Shaking his head, James replies, “We need to hurry north, stay ahead of the army as best we can.”
“I understand,” he says. He calls over one of his men, “Dorrin here will lead you through the forest to the north.” He glances to Dorrin who nods in understanding. “Now, we must hurry to catch this force before it draws close to Colton.”
James looks out at hundreds of men standing ready, each armed with a longbow. “Good luck,” he says to Captain Alerin.
“You too, James,” he replies. Then to his men he says, “Move out!”
He and his men begin melting into the forest and in no time at all, they’re gone.
“Grab your horses,” Dorrin says as he walks over and mounts the only horse left in the camp. “It’s not far to the northern edge of the forest, but we better hurry.”
They mount up and follow Dorrin as he leads them north through the forest. The trail he takes them on isn’t very noticeable and unlikely that they would’ve been able to follow it on their own. Without Dorrin’s help, it would’ve taken them twice as long to cover the same distance.
A half hour later, the trees begin to thin as they reach the northern edge of the forest. Dorrin stops them abruptly and signals for quiet. He points off to the east where the leading edge of the army heading for Colton can just be seen. They wait there a moment then horns begin to sound and they watch as the army suddenly turns and moves quickly back the way they’d come.
“The captain just let them have it!” Dorrin exclaims jubilantly. He turns back to the others, points to the north and says, “Colton lies a little over an hour north of here. Be careful, the Empire has patrols moving all along this area.”
“We will,” James assures him. Offering his hand, he says, “Thanks for your help.”
Taking the hand, he gives it a shake and says, “Glad to be of service.” Turning his horse back the way they’d just come, he kicks it in the sides and he bolts away, soon disappearing among the trees.
Looking out past the trees, they see open plains once again. The distant sounds of fighting can be heard coming from where Captain Alerin is attacking. “Almost there,” says James as he glances to Jiron.
“Never thought we’d even come this far,” he replies.
“We’re not there yet,” Miko adds.
“Come on!” Fifer urges. “This is not the time to be sitting and talking.” Kicking the sides of his horse, he breaks into a run as he leaves the shelter of the trees. The others get their horses moving quickly and catch up with him.
“Which way?” asks James when he comes abreast of him.
“There should be a road just ahead of us that runs east and west,” he explains. “It lies on that road, where a road from the north intersects with it.”
“Riders!” Miko yells.
Scanning the horizon, James sees a group coming toward them from the northeast. “Are they from Madoc?” he hollers to Fifer.
“Can’t tell,” he says, squinting in an attempt to see better.
“Should we wait to see?” asks Jiron as he watches the eight riders approaching quickly.
A moment later, Fifer exclaims, “No! They’re the Empire’s men!”
“Damn!” swears Jiron as they turn to the west and ride hard to keep ahead of them.
Riding fast, they maintain their lead but aren’t successful in widening it. “A road!” Miko cries as he sees it appear ahead of them.
“Which way to Colton?” James asks Fifer.
Pointing east he replies, “That way, I think.”
If they moved down the road to the east, the riders behind them would easily move and close with them. Giving up on that idea, they take the road to the west.
As they race westward, a river begins to come into view. A rather large army stands on this side of the river, facing to the west. Easily a thousand men strong, they stand before a bridge spanning the river.
On the other side of the bridge is another army, one from the Empire.
Horns begin sounding from both sides as the Empire’s troops move forward to claim the bridge, a hail of arrows flies from the defenders, mowing down the first line.
They slow their horses, James glances back at the riders behind them. When the riders see the army ahead of them, they come to a stop and then quickly turn around. No longer threatened from behind, they pause and take in the situation ahead of them at the bridge.
Bolts and arrows fly from one side to the other, bringing men down. The crossbowmen of the Empire outnumber their counterparts on the other side to devastating effect. Half of them appear to be targeting Madoc’s bowmen while the others are being more selective, helping to clear the bridge so their footmen can advance further across.
“I don’t think they’re going to keep them on the other side of the river for long,” Jiron says.
“They should’ve destroyed the bridge,” James adds.
“Probably didn’t have the equipment nor time before they showed up,” reasons Fifer. He glances to James and asks, “Can you do it?”
“Probably, but that would kill everyone from both sides who’re on it,” he replies.
From the rear section of the defending army, they see men begin pointing to where they’re sitting, watching the battle. A squad detaches itself and makes its way toward them.
“Recognize any of them?” James asks Fifer.
Shaking his head, he replies, “No, I don’t think so.”
Sighing, James says, “Let’s go meet them and hope they won’t immediately attack us.” He takes the lead, Fifer next to him as they move forward.
The leader of the approaching group comes close then raises a hand, indicating they should stop. “What’s your business here?” he asks.
“Busy?” asks James as the sound of the fighting by the river intensifies. The amount of arrows striking the attackers is beginning to decrease as the Empire’s crossbowmen continue taking out Madoc’s archers.
“Sort of,” the man replies. “Now, what’re you doing here?”
“We’re here to help,” Fifer explains, causing the man to gaze in his direction.
“Help?” the man laughs at them. “How can you possibly help?”
“If that bridge was gone,” Fifer asks as he points over to it, “would they be able to cross?”
Shaking his head, the man replies, “They’d not be able to ford the river for several more miles down stream.” He gives them a closer inspection and continues, “But I don’t see how that can happen.”
Fifer glances to James who resignedly nods his head and says, “You get us close and we’ll take it out.”
He points back to the bridge and says, “Look! They’re almost on this side. We would’ve pulled out long ago but we got word they’re evacuating Colton and need time to get everyone out.”
“Nevertheless,” James tells him. “You get me close and that bridge is history.”
“Do you even need to be close?” asks Jiron.
Looking surprised like the thought had never even occurred to him, he gives him a weary grin and replies, “I guess not, but the closer I am the easier it will be.”
“Then let’s move closer,” Jiron says as he starts to move forward past the squad of men.
James follows him and the squad joins them as they move toward the river. When they reach the rear guard of the defenders, a place where the bolts of the Empire can’t reach, he stops.
“Now what?” asks the squad leader.
“Just wait,” says Jiron with a smile, “and watch.”
The squad leader looks to James as he closes his eyes. A cry erupts back at the bridge, he turns his attention to the river and sees that the attackers have reached this side and more are pouring across the bridge.
The defenders are being mowed down by the bolts sailing through the air and the swords of the men. What’s left of the order and discipline the defenders had is now gone as they turn and begin to flee the battlefield.
Crumph!
Suddenly, the bridge explodes. A mass of men and stones sail through the air before landing among the soldiers on both sides.
The fighting halts momentarily as both sides stare in startled shock at what remains of the bridge. Then, the defenders who had been in a complete, panicked rout, erupt in a cheer as they see the enemy’s route cut off. The once routed defenders turn on the enemy who’d made it to this side of the river and begin attacking them with renewed determination.
Jiron looks to James and is glad to see him not slumping over or passing out as he usually does after such a display.
The squad next to them stares at James in awe and Jiron can hear “A mage!” being whispered among them.
Eyes still closed, James again concentrates…
Crumph! Crumph! Crumph!
…three consecutive explosions on the other side of the river rip through the ranks of crossbowmen as their deadly hail of bolts comes to a stop.
This time, he does begin to slump over. The past days of hard riding and little sleep is really taking its toll.
Calls to fall back can be heard from the other side of the river and the defending army begins to move back. An officer rides over to Jiron and the others, the squad leader salutes as he approaches. “What the hell happened?” the officer asks.
The squad leader points to James who’s sitting crooked in the saddle and replies, “He just showed up sir, and well, he blew up the bridge. He’s a mage!”
“A mage? And he just happened by when we needed one the most?” the officer asks.
“Yes sir,” the squad leader replies.
Another rider comes up and salutes the officer as he reports, “The enemy is falling back, sir. They’re regrouping west of the river and aren’t showing any signs of leaving.”
“Pull our men away from the river and have them rest,” he tells him. “With the bridge gone, there’s no reason for all the men to stay here. Have half go to Colton to aid in the evacuation, I’ll stay here with the rest and keep an eye on our friends over there.”
“Yes, sir,” the rider says as he salutes and turns back to the men as he carries out his commander’s orders.
“You might want to keep all your men here, sir,” Fifer says to him.
“Why?” replies the commander as he turns to him. “And just who are you?”
“Fifer sir, with Miller’s band,” he explains.
“Miller you say?” he says, thinking.
“Yes sir. We were with the alliance forces near Lythylla when Lord Pytherian had been taken,” he adds.
Understanding suddenly dawns on him and he states, “So, you are those guys.”
“Sir?” asks Fifer.
“Aren’t you the ones who helped Lord Pytherian to escape from the enemy?” he asks.
“Well, yes sir,” he replies.
“He said you might be coming through the lines,” he replies. “Also said to aid you in any way I could.” Breaking into a laugh, he says, “Though it seems it turned out the other way around.”
“Sir,” a man says from behind him.
Turning around, he says, “Yes?”
“All the wounded have been loaded onto wagons and are making for Colton,” the soldier explains.
“Good,” replies the commander. “Send an escort with them.”
Saluting, the man turns and begins to arrange for the escort.
“Now, why should I keep the men here?” he asks.
“To the south a force is coming around the forest, where Captain Alerin is defending,” Fifer explains. “He is currently harassing them, delaying their march. But they should be here soon.”
Nodding, he signals another soldier who comes over. “Send a rider to Captain Alerin, tell him the bridge has been taken out and the enemy will likely be coming his way. May be unable to send reinforcements, he’s to remain at his discretion.”
Saluting, the soldier says, “Yes, sir.”
As the soldier moves to carry out his order, the commander turns back to them and says, “The main battle will be for Lythylla. The men will be needed there, that’s our first priority.”
“Sir!” a soldier hollers over to him as he points across the river. “The enemy is pulling out and moving south!”
Looking over the river, they see the army beginning to move south, keeping just out of range of Madoc’s bowmen.
“Captain Alerin is soon going to have his hands full,” he comments.
“Looks like it,” James says as he watches the soldiers marching south. “What do you plan to do?” he asks the commander.
“Follow them as they go south,” he says. “At least until they reach the forest, then they’re Alerin’s problem.” He turns and signals another of his aides and says, “Get the rest ready to move, we got to keep them on that side of the river.”
The man salutes and then begins barking orders as he gets the men ready to march.
A soldier brings the commander’s horse over to him. Mounting, he turns to James and says, “When you see Lord Pytherian again, tell him Commander Eathan will hold the southern flank as long as possible. I’ll keep the bastards off them as they march to Lythylla.”
“Good luck, commander,” James says to him.
“You too, son,” replies Commander Eathan. “Ride fast, the Empire has patrols on this side of the river but no main forces north of here. So far, we’ve kept them on the west side of the river but that’s not going to last for long.”
“Move out!” he hollers to his men as they begin pacing the soldiers who are moving south on the other side of the river.
James and the others watch as the commander and his men move south, keeping the enemy from crossing over. Then they turn their horses north, following the river. They don’t get very far before they hear horns coming from the east. Answering horns sound from the army across the river.
From the east marches the army that Captain Alerin had been trying to slow down. “They’re going to catch Commander Eathan and his men against the river!” he exclaims.
“They’ll be cut to bits!” cries out Fifer.
They watch as the army moves toward the Madoc defenders. Commander Eathan forms his men to meet the charge, but from where James is sitting, he doesn’t stand a chance of surviving it. The army across the river has stopped its southern advance and its crossbowmen have come to the edge of the river where they fire a volley at the men caught between them. The bolts fall short, but if Commander Eathan is pressed backward much further, they’ll soon be in range.
“We’ve got to help them!” Fifer says to James. “They’re dead if we don’t!”
Jiron watches as James ties himself to his saddle as he’s done several times before. That can only mean what he’s got in mind is going to be rough. “Stay close to James,” he tells the other two. “We’ve got to protect him and get him out of here once he’s done.”
They begin moving toward the advancing force. At first, they’re not noticed, so intent is the army on the trapped men at the river. When they get within a mile, a force of twenty men break off and head in their direction.
James glances to Jiron and says, “I’m already very tired.”
“I know,” he replies. “Do what you have to, we’ll get you out.”
Nodding, James tightens the rope binding him to his saddle before closing his eyes.
Crumph!
The ground under the men explodes upward in the biggest explosion James has done so far. When the dust clears, none of the attackers are moving.
Fifer gasps as five translucent floating balls appear before James. As if propelled by a strong wind, they fly toward the Empire’s men. Barely seen, they reach the army and begin moving among them before they’re even noticed.
Arrows from Commander Eathan’s men begin felling the attackers as they come within range. Their longbows have a greater range and force than their counterpart’s crossbows.
As the enemy notices the orbs floating among them, they begin stirring and move away from them as best they can. The tightly packed formation doesn’t give them room enough to avoid them.
Suddenly, the enemy force is lit up as red lines flare between the orbs. The men begin crying out, all thoughts of attack forgotten. They see one soldier run and accidentally run across one of the lines. After he passes the line, he stumbles for a moment and then the top half of his body slides off the lower. The red line had cut him in two. Unable to move, caught within the boundaries of the lines, the bulk of the army comes to a standstill.
The arrows from Commander Eathan’s men begin taking a terrible toll.
As the balls move, so too do the lines. Jiron watches in fascination as two lines come together and the men trapped between them are agonizingly cut in half before his eyes.
James is slumped over his horse as he tries to hold onto consciousness long enough to complete what he’s got to do. He gives one last surge of power as he brings the balls together in the middle of the group of men. Every last one of them is cut in half, their cries abruptly silenced. Then he passes out and the balls disappear.
A cry goes up from Commander Eathan’s men as they surge forward to attack the remaining enemy soldiers who hadn’t been caught between James’ lines of death. Arrows fall as they rush forward to close with them.
The enemy turns tail and retreats, but is soon overtaken by a hundred horsemen that strike them down as they run. Some stand and fight, but don’t last long.
Jiron sees the commander waving at them. He waves back and then says, “Let’s go. We’ve got to get him someplace safe for a while.”
“What’s wrong with him?” asks Fifer as he comes over to the unconscious James.
“It’s what happens when he does too much magic,” he explains. “If he uses too much, he passes out and it takes some time before he can even do simple things again.”
“Oh,” he says.
They move down the road and quickly catch up with the wagons bearing the wounded and the men escorting them. “How far to Colton?” Jiron asks one of the soldiers.
“About an hour,” he replies. “It’s not too far.”
“Thanks,” he replies as they pull away, leaving the wounded behind.