Ch. 37: War

We spent the next few weeks waiting on Lendale and Viktor's updates and getting the army rested up. I was hoping that during that time we wouldn't be unnecessarily spotted by Bargona. They were still way off from where we were and the chance was slim that they would check this direction since it was Silvantia that we passed through, but you never knew. Finally after two weeks, Lendale made his way back.

After greeting us, he began with his update, "I was able to get a sufficient count of their army - they have closer to four thousand soldiers which is more than we were estimating. The good news is as of right now Bargona has no clue that we are ready and waiting to make a move."

He seemed a little hesitant to continue so I cocked an eyebrow and asked, "What's the bad news?"

Heaving a sigh, Lendale said discouragingly, "The bad news is they heard about us wanting to cross Silvantia. As of yesterday they were not aware that we've already made an alliance with Silvantia and crossed but this won't last long. The news travels exceedingly slow in this area since it has to go all the way around the ocean, however their informants are really good and seek out new information quickly."

I tapped my fingers on the table in front of me as I looked around at my 'advising' group, "So we won't have time for Viktor to make it back with news of supplies. We will have to strike quick before the surprise element is gone." I stated the obvious, but it was somehow reassuring to have everyone nod their heads in agreement.

Looking at Kovin I ordered, "Lead four thousand soldiers under the cover of nightfall to the mountains. I will lead the remaining two thousand at dawn."

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The sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon as I rode atop my beautiful black horse heading for the Bargona border. I made sure Richie was back in the main camp along with the rest of the non-soldiers so they wouldn't get hurt. He hated splitting up, but what else could he do? It wasn't like he could wield a sword.

I had Rodair on my right and Toval on my left. Toval was still not entirely sure about me leading, but I think he trusted me well enough to hold my own in a fight since I did save his life.

"You ready for this woman?" Toval asked with a smug smirk.

I shrugged, "As ready as I'll ever be."

"Rodair will make sure that lady Ezran makes it out alive today. This army will be victorious no matter what." Rodair confidently stated as he marched along. I looked over and gave him a gracious smile while I heard Toval scoff.

Suddenly the sound of a horn could be heard over the pounding of our troops constant marching. We were getting closer to the mountains and could see thousands of men heading our way at top speed. They had apparently spotted us and were advancing to our location. As they got closer and closer I clutched the reigns in my hand while drawing out my sword. Lifting it high in the air, I signaled for our army to attack.

The noise of hooves and boots thundered through the air as we rushed forward to meet their forces head on. Right before we made an impact, I drew in as much air as possible to try and calm my nerves. A second later chaos erupted around me.

I met the front forces with a loud BANG. Still atop my horse, I began slashing left and right wanting to pave a way down the middle for our soldiers to follow suit. The Bargonans weren't having it though - they were hardy mountain folk who loved to fight and weren't to be trampled on that easy. I looked to my right and saw Rodair pulling apart a startled youth limb from limb. The blood sprayed through the air, leaving the enemy around Rodair to second guess messing with him. I looked to my left and saw Toval having a key ole' time slashing man after man down astride his steed.

They were both defeating people so easily, yet I was having a very difficult time even landing a blow. Right as I was dodging an arrow, realization dawned on me - I wasn't in my element. I hadn't learned hardly any fighting moves atop a horse, so why was I choosing to fight on one? I quickly dismounted and slapped the horse's rear to send it galloping back to our campsite. If I was going to lead, then I would do it my way.

Now on solid ground I sheathed my sword and drew out two of my daggers. I saw Toval give a hurrah of approval before he continued raining down blows upon the enemy. I looked around and noticed two opponents running my way, swords flailing through the air. I easily dodged their attacks and made quick work of slicing through each of their throats. Blood poured on me, but I didn't have time to think as more men came bearing down on me. All I could do was slash, throw knives, dodge and slash some more. My body turned into pure instinct, allowing my many years of training to take over.

Everything around me seemed surreal and exhilarating. Everytime I dodged a fatal attack my heart would jump with excitement, yet everytime I killed another person my entire body would go numb and my conscious screamed in agony. I hated killing all of these people, every cell in my body was accusing me of injustice, but I was also really good at it and I didn't want to die.

I tried tuning out my self induced guilt as I continued with my onslaught. Looking behind me, I noticed some of our men being struck down and my guilt raged all the more. My thoughts were running so rampant that I didn't notice a man coming up behind me. Just before he could slice through my midsection, I felt his presence and was able to dodge but not quite fast enough. His sword rammed through my right side causing me to grunt in agony. Searing pain racked my body as he pulled the sword out, preparing to strike me again, however I didn't falter this time. Instead I whizzed around to face him and threw a knife straight between his eyes. He fell to the ground in a heap allowing me a millisecond of clarity.

I decided right then that I couldn't feel sorry for anyone while I was on this battlefield. If I wanted to be sad I would have to do it later or I would be as dead as the man in front of me. Everyone was in this to keep their own hides alive and I was no exception.

Once I made that decision, my eyes narrowed and I began attacking with renewed gusto. The wound on my side didn't seem to be slowing me down, instead the pain made me feel all the more alive and bloodthirsty. I didn't allow myself to think as I chopped off the enemies limbs, gouged their eyes, and stabbed through their hearts. Blood, sweat and dirt was everywhere as I continued a non-stop killing spree.