Head lowered to the dusty ground; the maiden held her breath as she silently prayed for the nobles to pass her by.

The horses drew closer and suddenly there came arrows out of nowhere.

Sensing the danger that was imminent; the horses reacted by retracting back in fear and gave a loud screech.

[Neigh!]

The riders narrowly missed being hit by the flying arrows.

The sudden movements of the horses caused the riders to grab the ropes tightly. They fought to steady themselves on the back of the horses.

The maiden frightened by the sight remained transfixed. Her body trembled in fear at the ambush that was taking place in broad daylight.

She saw men dressed in black garments with face covering obscuring their faces. The only part that was visible was their eyes; everything else was shrouded in mystery.

They ran with swords raised; charging towards the nobles that were wrestling their horses. 

"Lord Yoon, there are ten of them. I will make an opening and you can use it to escape."

"That is too much to deal with by yourself; the two of us have a better chance of making it out of here alive than just you by yourself."

"Don't worry about me. Lady Yoon is waiting for you. Please take care of your health."

"Si-u, you are my best friend! How can you ask me to leave you behind because my wife is pregnant?!"

"Please go!"

To lay emphasis; the man called Si-u slapped the horse on its rump. His eyes showed remorse but his expression had a firm resolve stamped in them. 

"You!"

Lord Yoon cried out in disbelief when he saw that his horse had been set to take flight against his will. He looked back and saw Si-u alight from the horse.

"Forgive this unfaithful servant."

Si-u squared his shoulders and reached for his sword tucked to his waist.

In a part of the thick bush; a figure in black held an arrow. The poisoned end of the arrow was pointed at the fleeing horse.

The bow was pulled taut and was released at lightning speed.

Si-u relentlessly fought off the hooded men as sweat dripped from his forehead and neck.

[Panting]

Exhaustion was quickly creeping into the body of Si-u, but the determination to protect what was important to him kept him going.

Blades clashed against the other; the men pushed hard against Si-u and cornered him. 

Their blades slashed mercilessly; shredding his garment and drawing blood.

The petrified maiden was unaware of the invisible barrier surrounding her.

It never occurred to her that she was left alone while the assailants were attacking the lone man.

When she came to her senses; the maiden saw an arrow flying through the air and making its way to the man on the horse.

"NO!"

The maiden held her face and screamed at the horror that was about to occur.

Sensing the distress from the maiden; a bright light erupted; causing time to stand still and thus deflecting the arrow such that it missed its mark.