The Hephtalite scouts meet the Seng

The allied army had come down from the mountain range. The highlands ran close to the northern coast in the heartland of the Heian empire. They got close to the Cypriot river, which flowed from the Heian strait to the lake where the great and mighty city of Nicea was located.

The enemy army was at least over a week's march away. They picked up the pace, hoping to reach the capital before Rufus's army. As the allied army moved, they plundered and lived off the land. They were sure to keep their movement hidden, but it was hard as their army was vast and the terrain was open.

The lands of Cypriot and the despotate of Alen, where the capital of Nicea was located, were flat and used mainly for agriculture. Fields of grain and olive trees filled the lands with vast steppes in the middle.

"Rufus, over there!" Amala said and pointed to the hill.

On it was three riders. They had light armor with spears in hand and a short bow wrapped around their back.

"They must be Hephthalites," Edward pointed out.

"You know of them?" Rufus asked.

"Everyone has heard of them. The greatest riders and cavalrymen in our world. They move from one place to another on this continent, never staying in one place for too long. Living nomadic lives as herders of sheep and occasionally raiding one another or others. Their societies are similar to Haraldrar's as they wage wars with each other after their king dies. It would to decide who would become their next leader," Doreen explained.

"They have been a long-time scourge of many nations and kings until the empire finally subjugated them. That feat earns even respect from me," Edward said and took out his sword.

"They must be scouts, counting the number of troops we have, where we are, seeing if they can stop us. I bet emperor Ala ordered his vassal king to move out in the vanguard and catch up to us," Doreen continued.

"We should try and kill them, and not giving the enemy any intel would be best for us," Amala said.

"Can you take them out from here?" Rufus asked Amala.

"No."

"Those horses are fast, and their riders are top-notch. We need to send someone who has speed. Where is the little brat, by the way.....?" Edward asked.

"Brat?"

"He is fine, ONLY if I go with him," Liana then came and surprised everyone.

"What is everyone talking about? And Liana, what are you doing here? You are here so that we may protect you. Get back to the carriages where the Ghersengs can protect you," Rufus said.

"With all due respect Rufus, but. Gwon and I already survived in the desert, aaaaand we fought against demons. Gwon AND I are ready to fight in this war. And we will fight, with your blessing or not," Liana said with determination.

"You know, I bet in a one-on-one fight with Liana vs. Gherseng, and I bet she would win," Edward pointed out.

Rufus bit his lips

~~

The scouts were eyeing the army from a safe distance. Their armor had eagle feathers as ornaments. Their horses were strong looking, as the best horses came from the southern continents.

The scouts saw dust climbing up, getting closer to them.

"What is that?" one of the riders said.

They took a better look and saw an enormous lion running with immense speed toward them, carrying a small girl on its back. It was Gwon and Liana.

The horses got spooked as Gwon, in his Seng form, roared. The riders started to ride away as Gwon picked up his pace.

"Can you go faster?!" Liana yelled.

Gwon then galloped faster and tried to catch up. As they were about to reach the scouts, the Hephthalites, took out their bows and shot arrows while still riding on their horses. With masterful precision and even better horse riding, the scouts showed why they were considered the best cavalrymen.

Liana created a shield made from light. It floated in the air and was placed in front of Gwon, but the protection slowed him down.

"Liana! I can't see past the shield!" Gwon said with telepathy to Liana.

"Just run! I will guide you!" Liana said back.

Slowly but surely, Gwon was catching up to the riders. As one of the riders lost its speed, Gwon passed him, and Liana speared him through his chest plate with a spear made from light.

The other riders kept riding forward, still trying to stop the Gwon with their nomadic arrows. Gwon jumped, and Liana formed a bow and arrows from light and took down two riders.

"Go and inform the king of their whereabouts!" one of the last two riders to stay alive yelled and turned around.

The rider took out a spear and charged at Gwon. At the last second, he threw his spear at the legs of Gwon but was dodged. Gwon then, with his jaw, ripped his head apart. The last rider kept galloping away.

"Can you still catch up to the last scout?" Liana asked Gwon.

Gwon was panting and breathing heavily. He was fast, but the Hephthalites' horses were used to riding fast and for nights on end.

"I guess not...."