“Ahhhhh! General Windsor! General Windsor!” The stable master screamed at the top of his lungs as he burst through the general’s tent. “Sir! Sir! Sir! I have horrible news! Awful news!”

  Ernest slapped Bryan twice across his face and gritted his teeth. “Speak then, you idiot! What is it?!”

  “It’s the watchmen. They’ve come, and they stole our horses!”

  “Watchmen? This far behind the front lines?” Ernest raised a brow. “Are you absolutely sure?”

  “Yes! Green cloaks and all that. They even had some sort of body with them!”

  “Hmm…” Ernest went deep into thought. He then looked at his second command, Isaac. “Have the fifth calvary chase after them. I’ll deal with the abomination battling our men.”

  “But sir, we can’t afford to have you waste your energy on some foe our army can deal with,” Isaac protested. “We need you in perfect condition to hold off the dwarves in case they attack us like in the last war!”

  “You’ll do as you’re told.” Ernest lifted his great sword from the ground as he rose from his chair. It was nearly two-thirds of his powerful frame, and now that he was standing, his shadow towered over the stable master.

  “General Windsor, if your son finds out I let you go. He’ll beat the shit out of me!” Isaac stood his ground and blocked Ernest’s path. But before he could draw his sword, Ernest drove his fist into their chest. Shattering their black iron chest plate. “Congratulations Bryan, you're now second in command until Isaac wakes up.” He glared at Bryan, who trembled in place. “Gather the fifth calvary with Sir Noah leading and have them capture the watchmen.”

  “Yes sir, Mister General Windsor sir!” Bryan bowed and quickly scurried away.

  As Bryan left the command tent, Ernest kicked the unconscious knight into a chair and frowned. The thunderous sounds of battle drew closer as his boots scraped against the ground. Even though it had been decades since he last encountered them. He knew from a glance that this wasn’t their doing. They were dishonorable bastards, but they would never dance with demonic beings. After all, watchmen were spirit contractors by blood. Beings whose sole existence detested devils.

  .

  .

  .

  Tucker held onto the horse's reins and kept his heels behind his hip as they rested in the stirrups. The wind lashed against his face, carrying the scent of dust and sweat. His surroundings became a blur and the sound of the hooves galloping against the stone bricks entered his ears. They were close to the stronghold and had been riding for over an hour. With no signs of someone chasing them.

  “How much longer until we reach the stronghold?” Tucker asked, his voice a bit strained from unease.

  “Not far,” Alex replied, glancing over his shoulder. “We’ll be there any minute now at our pace.”

  “Well, I sure as hell hope so.” Tucker forced a smirk and glanced at the sky. “That wyvern’s still out here somewhere, and I don’t want to see that thing again.”

  Alex nodded. “That we can agree on.”

  As they passed another set of crossroads, a distinct, relentless rhythm of rumbling began to build beneath the thunderous clattering of hooves. Tucker glanced over his shoulder and towards the treelines, feeling the ground tremble with a sense of unease. It was as if something was pushing them aside, aiming straight for their location. His eyes widened in shock, catching glimpses of shadows shifting through the leaves. Then, with a splintering crack, the branches of the trees snapped as several figures burst through the foliage.

  Their silver armor gleamed in the sunlight as their cloaks danced like banners in the wind. The unmistakable red surcoats in the chaos revealed who they were, and Tucker’s stomach dropped. The Empire’s knights had arrived.

  Alex asked in a low voice. “How many are there?”

  “I’m not sure. It’s hard for me to tell when we’re moving this fast.” Tucker worriedly stared at Alex. “Should I try having Gale scout for us?”

  Alex nodded. “See if your companion can clear the path ahead of us.”

  Tucker nodded, his fingers trembling as he channeled his spirit essence. The thread that linked their souls strummed as Gale continued to soar high into the sky with a sharp cry. As their spirit essences fused together, a rush of clarity flooded his mind. He could feel the winds shifting, the hooves pounding, and the steel armor clamoring. Nearly ten knights were closing in on them with their trusted steeds, but Tucker couldn’t help but feel that something was off. Why weren’t they charging directly at them? What were they waiting for?

  “They aren’t charging at us,” Tucker spoke in a low voice. One that only the two of them could hear.

  “They aren’t?” Alex couldn’t hide his puzzlement and soon asked in a stern tone. “What about their equipment? What are they using?”

  Tucker shook his head. “I can’t tell. We’re too far apart.”

  Before Tucker could figure out their tactics. A sharp but distinct noise entered his ears. He looked above him, and to his surprise, a bright red light illuminated itself above their heads. It felt as if they were signaling for something far out of their reach in the clear sky.

  But before he could think about it, the sound of their pursuers grew louder—shouts and the distant glint of steel reflecting the sun’s light caught their eyes. It felt as if the forest quivered beneath the stampede of hoofs, and soon, two knights burst through the foliage. Their bodies leaned forward, urging their already exhausted horses onwards to close the gap. In their hands were long bows made of a single piece of wood with a reddish hue.

  Tucker glanced over his shoulder and clenched his jaw. They were close, far too close for his liking. He couldn’t help but run their choices through his head, but once he saw Alex shielding Blaire. He sprung into action. With a powerful yank, he pulled his mount back and positioned himself behind the old man. His heart raced as several projectiles whistled through the air. His sword was out in an instant, filled with a wavering flow of emerald aura. With a twist of his blade, he barely deflected the first arrow. Sending sparks in all directions from the point of contact. His arm cried out in pain and trembled as a surge of pain rushed through his shoulder. He stomached the pain and kept his balance, overcoming it with sheer will as the skin on his palms tore.

  Blood gushed out of his hands, but he couldn’t afford to take his eyes off the incoming threat. Even though they were so close to the stronghold, it felt like miles away. He needed to buy time—just a little more time to make a difference. Tucker pulled his bloody hands back, manifesting a bow made of wind within his fingertips. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and extended his arm while pulling back with his free hand.

  In a single breath, Tucker released two arrows of pure wind formed within the bowstring. The arrows hummed with life and tore through the air. Clashing head-on with the other projectiles in a chaotic bout of strength. Tucker could feel the wind whipped against his face, sending crackling energy in all directions.

  But the second his attack failed to destroy their arrows, he knew it wasn’t enough. In a moment of defeat, the aura-infused arrows pierced through the wind, hurtling towards them with an unyielding force. And at that moment, only one thought crossed Tucker’s mind.

  I won’t let them get past me.

  Tucker gritted his teeth and raised his sword, barely parrying the second arrow to the side. His arms cried out in agony as the arrow’s force nearly knocked him off his mount. He pressed both of his legs against his steed and felt his body jerk back, taking the full force of the last arrow. The shock raced through his spine, but not a single wail left his body. He could feel the muscles in his shoulder tear, but refused to cry out.

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  Biting back the urge to scream, Tucker broke the arrow shaft in half and left the rest in his wound to stop the bleeding. A dull numbing sensation took over his arm, but he ignored it. Focusing on the riders that were flanking them. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the archers maneuvering into position. Planning to strike from both sides.

  “Gale!” Tucker locked eyes with his companion and pointed to the rider on the right, followed by a whistle. The spirit responded instantly, diving at a terrifying speed, its wings cutting through the air like blades as it plunged at the projectiles.

  There was no time to watch Gale’s attack. Tucker snapped his gaze to the other side, his heart pounding as he assessed the incoming threat with a bitter expression. Alex’s blade was drawn, but what could he do while defending Blaire? Their defenses were stretched thin, and the knights were pressing closer, closing the gap between them.

  Seeing Tucker’s distress, Alex took a deep breath. “Don’t worry about me!” His voice was firm while he prepared to face the incoming danger. “Focus on yourself—”

  Even as he spoke, a flash of silver shot out from the treelines. A single arrow came towards the veteran, who was ready to meet the attack head-on. The embers dancing on the edge of his blade roared to life, casting a bright glow that drew the attention of several archers. With a single decisive swing, Alex met the arrow mid-flight. His muscles tensed from the recoil, feeling the impact ripple through his arm as he absorbed the blow. The flames and sparks erupted, charring the very ground beneath them and with a show of force. Alex diverted the projectile into the ground.

  The arrow caved in a section of the ground and blew charred debris everywhere. Tucker let out a gasp of awe before regaining the balance on his mount. He pressed both of his legs against the horse’s body. With each gallop bringing them closer to the crater. In one simultaneous motion, he leaned forward and rose from the saddle, bringing his body closer to the beast’s neck. As his steed kicked off the ground and leaped into the air. While Tucker drew his bowstring made of wind once more and aimed at the knight to the left.

  His eyes focused on their target, carefully observing them navigate through the forest. Once the knight’s body was in clear sight, he released the wind arrow and set it free. Watching as the projectile pulled the surrounding breeze and rushing at the foe. Before striking their chest with a powerful thud and knocking them off their mount. The metallic clatter of their armor entered his ears, followed by a loud thud as the knight’s body slammed into the ground, rolling several times until colliding directly into a tree.

  Despite the result, Tucker couldn’t help but click his tongue in frustration. The jarring impact of his horse landing on the dirt-covered bricks brought him back to reality. His intention was to puncture a clean hole through their body, but as the knight fell, he could tell that the arrow hardly made a dent in their armor. It wasn’t possible with how strong their aura was, and the stinging pain in the back of his shoulder throbbed, warning him of his limits. A sense of lightheadedness filled his mind, but he fought back, trying to stabilize his body.

  Alex nodded at Tucker’s quick thinking, but soon his expression hardened when he looked over his shoulder. Several arrows had stuck into the rookie’s body. One in his shoulder and two on his lower back. He could see the anguish written on Tucker’s face, their jaw clenched in pain.

  Even though Alex wanted to give some words of encouragement. He held himself back. Tucker needed to endure, and there was nothing he could do to help.

  The veteran observed their surroundings. What he needed to do now was think of a solution. One that would get them out of their current predicament. His gaze locked on the grand gates of the dwarven stronghold emerging in the distance. It was a flicker of hope buried beneath layers of uncertainty. A constant reminder of how close, yet far, they were from their goal.

  He wanted to attack their pursuers with all his might, to reduce them to mere piles of ash, but knew he couldn’t. Not with Blaire on his back. Alex’s body may be resistant to the flames, but that wasn’t the case for others. To make matters worse, Blaire was unconscious, so he couldn’t even protect themselves.

  Alex leaned to the side, forcing Blaire’s body to follow as the rope that kept them together moved in one motion. Soon, a silver arrow sliced through the empty space they were moments before. His brows knitted together, drawing a dagger from his belt and sending it flying towards the attacker’s mount. However, right before the blade could hit the beast’s leg, a coat of aura repelled it to the side.

  How frustrating.

  The veteran’s shoulders grew tense and he let out a sharp exhale. If they had been closer, he would have easily been able to kill their mounts, but their foes were clever. Keeping a fixed distance while whittling down their defenses. They knew there wasn’t a need to engage in close-quarters combat, and the risk would be too great. If they were close enough, Alex would have slit their throats and end their lives, but with how they fought, it was impossible. He glanced once more at Tucker, noting the blood-soaked clothes on the young man’s body.

  They were minutes away from the stronghold and just needed a bit more time to reach the end. But before Alex could continue his train of thought, a piercing chill ran down his spine. Instinctively, he looked over his shoulders and saw a figure in the sky. Hundreds of meters away from them. The rider, perched on the back of a wyvern, hovered ominously in the distance. Their silhouette framed by the sun with a single weapon in hand. By the time Alex realized what was happening, it was already too late. The knights had already retreated, pulling back in perfect synchronization.

  I made a mistake.

  Alex desperately looked at Tucker, shouting words that never reached. “Get to cover—”

  It was too late. Before Alex could warn him, a flash of violet tore through the sky. Releasing a devastating eruption behind them and splitting the ground apart into countless pieces in a shockwave of raw power. Tucker was thrown off his horse, his body slamming into the stone road with a sickening thud. Blood spilled from Tucker’s wounds as he tumbled across the floor. Even though Alex was barely out of range. The old man felt his body shoved forward in his saddle. Struggling to keep his balance on his mount despite the iron grip on the reins. He had no other choice but to resolve himself and urged his mount onward, riding the momentum.

  As the dust settled, Alex grabbed the reins of his mount and pulled it back, stopping his steed from advancing. His gaze darted through the smoke. Worriedly searching for Tucker, who was blown off his mount and into the shattered remains of the road.

  “Gahhh!” Tucker screamed out in agony, slamming his fist on the ground and pulling himself forward. He clawed at the broken stone bricks, dragging his body out of the crater.

  Alex’s heart clenched as he watched Tucker crawl in agony. His horse had already collapsed from the attack. Its ghastly wails fading into silence before finally succumbing to its wounds. He could hear galloping drawing closer, and soon, he locked eyes with Tucker, who looked up from the ground. It was heartbreaking looking at the young watchman helplessly lay there, but he couldn’t carry both of them.

  Tucker clenched his fists before looking over his shoulders. He could see the red surcoats drawing closer, and the arrows that were in his body had burrowed themselves deeper with every movement. A mouthful of blood escaped his lips as the excruciating pain filled his body. The tremors in the ground mirrored the frantic beats of his heart. Each step filled his mind with fear.

  He felt panic sink into his chest. Every instinct of his body screaming to run even though he had nowhere to go. His legs were twisted with the bones sticking out of his flesh, sending him on a downward spiral into despair. Until finally, a sinking realization hit him.

  I’m going to die.

  He stared at the old man, who had frozen in place. His fingers clasping the dirt on the ground. The pain shot through his body as he tightly closed his eyes, and he gritted his teeth while trying to stomach the searing sensation in his chest. It felt like he was broken beyond repair, yet beneath the anguish and dread, a flicker of will remained.

  I can’t let them die here.

  Anger overwrote the fear in his heart. It wasn’t directed at the old man but at himself for placing his teammate in such a difficult position.

  It was my fault. I should have stopped them from using the platform. If I had just said something.

  Constant thoughts of regret filled his mind, but if there was one thing he knew. It was that the burden of such a decision shouldn’t be in Alex’s hands but instead his own. It wasn’t right for Alex to have to make such a difficult decision once more to leave his comrade behind. That weight should be on his shoulders. His burden to bear. Tucker knew that Alex wasn’t the type of person to abandon his comrades. Not out of his own free will.

  Tucker kept his head down and held back his tears. He had a good run, and if this was the life of a watchman, then so be it. He mustered every bit of courage and shouted at the top of his lungs. “Go!” He locked eyes with Alex, his voice filled with determination. “Go! Don’t worry about me. I’ll catch up!”

  Alex staggered for a moment as he pulled on the reins of his mount. He knew the rookie was lying. He could see the young watchman’s broken legs and knew that if he left Tucker now, then he was as good as dead. A pitiful light shined in his eyes. Once again, he was forced to abandon his comrade, and the realization nearly broke his resolve.

  What right did I have to abandon one of our own?

  The veteran knew that he should have been the one in that position. Not a young boy who was barely even eighteen, yet seeing the determined light in Tucker’s eyes made him bitter. The world was cruel, and there was nothing he could do. Not while escorting Blaire.

  If there was anything he could do to switch places with Tucker, he would in a heartbeat. But life wasn’t that kind. His knuckles were white as he dug his fingers into his palms while holding the reins of his mount. He pressed his calves against the horse’s side and, with a single motion, signaled for the horse to gallop once more.

  Tucker held back the urge to cry and quietly laughed, watching as the trail of dust continued to move further away.

  Just a little longer.

  The pain was excruciating, but he needed to hold on. Just long enough for Alex to be out of earshot. As his body dropped to the ground, Tucker couldn’t help but smile. If this was what it meant to be a watchman, then it wasn’t so bad after all.

  I hope you enjoy it! Also, it seems I got sick with the flu yesterday, which sucks, but alas nothing I can really do.

  I can't believe it happened right as the weekend started too.

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