intruders

Y/N's POV

I was training on the ground when we received the order—we were attacking the intruders at night. The plan was for Uncle Marcus and his soldiers to lead the attack while I, along with a small group of warriors, ensured the safety of the villagers.

The night was thick with the scent of damp earth and burning torches as we readied ourselves for battle. Word had reached us that intruders had breached the kingdom's borders, moving under the cover of darkness. We could not afford to wait until dawn.

I adjusted the leather strap of my sword and pulled my cloak tighter as the cool night breeze whispered through the trees. The moon cast long shadows across the stone-paved streets, making every corner seem more treacherous than the last.

With a nod, I signaled to my men, and we moved swiftly through the village. Wooden doors creaked as we knocked, calling for the people to wake. Sleepy faces filled with fear peered out, their whispers urgent as they gathered their children and elderly. Time was against us, for the enemy was already near.

In the distance, beyond the towering stone walls, a horn sounded—a warning. The battle had begun. I could only pray we weren't too late.

Most of the villagers had been led to safety, but as we moved closer to the battle, one of my soldiers pointed ahead.

"Look! Those are soldiers from another kingdom!" he exclaimed.

I followed his gaze and saw that he was right. Another kingdom's soldiers were already fighting the intruders, but unlike us, they were attacking them directly.

Uncle Marcus and our knights were engaged in the fight when he caught sight of us. He raised his sword high, signaling us to charge.

"But some villagers are still here! We need to protect them!" I protested.

"Go find them and take them with you!" Uncle Marcus ordered. Then, turning to the soldiers, he commanded, "We need to help them!"

The clash of swords echoed in the night as the battle raged on. Suddenly, strange sounds filled the air.

"Kooooh koooo chii chiii!"

The intruders were signaling their members.

I rushed to a small cottage where terrified families huddled together.

"Let's go! We need to get out of here. I'm no harm to you," I assured them. Some hesitated, but most nodded and followed me.

Just then, a woman gasped. "Where is she?!" she asked the man beside her.

He looked around frantically. "She must be in the other cottage with her son!"

"Who are you talking about?" I asked.

"A woman with her eight-year-old son," the lady replied, her voice shaking.

"Go in that direction—I'll find them!" I instructed.

They hurried away as I turned towards the other cottage. Inside, I found a woman about Aunt Miya's age clutching a small boy in her arms.

"H-hey, I'm here to help. Please come with me," I urged.

She hesitated but then nodded. Just as we stepped outside, flames erupted around us. The intruders were setting the cottages on fire. One of them spotted me.

"Stay here!" I ordered the woman before unsheathing my sword.

I fought fiercely, striking down my opponent before taking the woman and child with me. But as we ran, five more men appeared. I quickly signaled for the woman to hide behind a tree.

One of the intruders smirked. "A girl? Really? Aren't there enough men in your kingdom?"

I returned his smirk. "Trust me, I'm enough to take down five—or to make sure you're the one who dies tonight."

He lunged at me. The fight was brutal, and in the chaos, one of them managed to slash my back. Pain seared through me as warm blood soaked my clothes.

The woman, panicked, tried to flee with her son, but another enemy caught her.

Aah… she made the wrong move.

While four of them still attacked me, the fifth dragged the woman and child away. Gritting my teeth, I cut down my opponents one by one before sprinting after them.

The battlefield was a blur of clashing swords and raging flames. Soldiers from both kingdoms fought fiercely, but the intruders were too many.

I scanned the area desperately, then spotted the woman and child being led into a cave. I followed silently, peeking inside.

There they were—the woman and her son, held hostage by a man.

"Stay here, or I'll kill the boy," he threatened.

I was about to attack when a voice rang out.

"Don't touch them!" A voice came through the corner

I turned sharply—King Charles!

*What is he doing here*I thought

The man sneered. "So, you're here, King… I know you're not a good fighter. I'll kill you in seconds!"

Well, he doesn't know anything then, I thought.

The man charged at the king, who tried to defend himself. But he was too slow. Within moments, the enemy struck him down, driving a sword into his chest.

"King Charles!" I screamed.

He looked at me in shock, as if seeing me for the first time.

Rage surged through me. I fought the attacker furiously until he lay lifeless on the ground. Then, I ran to the king, cradling his head in my lap.

"Hey, don't die… Uncle Marcus! Please help!" I shouted, my vision blurring with tears.

The king's breathing was shallow. He tried to speak.

"I-I…"

"Don't say anything! Just keep your eyes open!" I pleaded.

He weakly lifted his hand, grasping mine. "K-kiss me," he murmured.

I froze. "Wha—?"

His eyes flutter shut.

"No, no! Please, don't close your eyes!" I press my hands against his bleeding chest, but it's not working. My breath catches, and a sob escapes me.

"Please, someone help!" I cry out desperately.

A soldier rushes toward us, his eyes widening in shock.

"King Charles—oh, Lord!" he exclaims before running to our side.

"He needs treatment!" I plead.

The soldier nods quickly and lifts him, carrying him away.

I want to go with him, but my eyes land on a woman and a young boy trembling in fear.

"Let's go," I urge them.

Before we can move, one of our soldiers rushes toward us.

"Y/N, are you okay?" he asks, concern in his voice.

I nod quickly. "I'm okay. Take them with you—I need to go somewhere."

He nods, but the woman hesitates, her eyes filled with uncertainty as she looks at me.

"Go with him... I need to see him," I tell her firmly.

After a moment, she finally nods and follows the soldier.

The woman clutches her son's shoulders, her voice urgent.

"My child, go!" she says, pushing him toward safety.

They're about to leave when suddenly, intruders appear in front of us. There are four of them—twice our number.

We fight. Blades clash, grunts fill the air, but the odds are against us.

"Go! Take them to a safe place—I'll handle this!" I shout, striking down one of them.

Pain sears through my back and arm as I take a few hits, but I push forward. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I see two of them break away—rushing toward the boy.

No!

His mother steps between them, her sword slashing wildly. But she's too late. One of the intruders drives his blade into her stomach.

She gasps, her eyes filled with pain, but she grips the soldier's arm.

"Please… save him," she whispers.

The soldier nods and grabs the crying boy, carrying him away.

Fury fuels my movements. I cut down one of the remaining intruders, leaving only two. Then, sharp pain blossoms on my shoulder—a fresh wound.

Before I can react, the last two enemies drop dead.

I turn sharply—Uncle Marcus.

"Uncle Marcus!" I breathe.

He runs toward me, eyes scanning my injuries.

"Are you okay, kid?" he asks.

I nod, but my mind is elsewhere. Without hesitation, I rush to the fallen woman.

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