Chapter 1
Sweat trickled down my temple, slipping beneath the leather at my neck. My bowstring had carved fresh grooves into my fingertips, and every muscle in my body screamed for rest.
Another attack repelled.
I lifted my gaze to the western sky where the sun bled across the horizon, staining the clouds crimson and gold. Beautiful... if not for the bodies littering the fields below our walls.
Three assaults in a single month.
Whoever commanded these men was patient. Every raid struck another keep belonging to Clan McGregor. They weren't trying to conquer us.
They were wearing us down.
Coward.
I scan the bodies littered around the fields
All the enemy.
Stooping over a warrior I had taken down, I anchor my foot on his chest pulling the arrow free from his chest with all my might. The arrow heads were specially made with sharpened bards on The edges and the feathers specially coloured crimson red.
A few feet from me a worrior sits knees up with his arms resting on him knees, his sword planted in the earth in front of him blood still running slowly down it's blade, he is covered in blood, eyes closed, tired and weary.
My eyes scan the area looking at the devastation around me.
"Arohrah!" I turn to see my father gallop up to me, "well that should keep the bastards away for a little while!" I smile up at him "how many of or men have been injured?" the thought of having to face thier family's breaks my heart.
"Not to many they were too few to match our skill and numbers" he says with a wry smirk, a tall man, with broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes that could see right through you, his red hair catching the last rays of sunlight setting it on fire, I inherited my red hair from him, as well a my height, and my emerald geen eyes from dearest mother. I never knew her but according to my father Silas McGregor there was no one more beautiful.
I hook my bow over my shoulder, looking around at our men tired but triumphant. No matter how many times this is to be done we will never surrender "alright, get your arses to the infirmary so that the healer can look at you all. I don't want anyone whining like a little baby tomorrow.." I say with a laugh, breaking the tension, as all laughed along with me.
If I could just find the orchestrator and pierce his cold heart with my arrow. I turn towaeds my father and the men gathering themselves to get back inside where healers were patiently waiting and the comfort that they wouldnt find right now between all the death at our feet, What I needed now was a hot bath towash away the days battle and sweat from my body. But first.. Ice cold fresh ale...
"come on father, let's go get us some ale surrley we deserve a pint after Woking up this sweat." Grabbing his extended arm I volt onto the back on his horse "remember next time not to forget your horse in your haste... Imagine... I tought you better than that Arohrah." With a dissaproving frown.
I roll my eyes.. Chuckling softly "Yes father". I turn to my second. " Garner together those who are able, collect all the weapons we can use and burn the bodies. We have enough to deal with without having to smell thier death stench." He nods his head. "We will get started immediately my lady". He turns toward the men gathered as we start to canter to wards the draw bridge that has been lowered. We did not get more than twenty feet when we heard the sound of thundering hooves.
"My lady Arohrah! My Lord Silas!" On turning we see the exhausted ride skidding to a stumbeling holt alongside us. His face is drenched with sweat and the panic on his pace visible. Both he and his horse covered in blood.
Out of breath "the western keep"
He gasps for breath.."Its fallen ....The knight of Terror!"
