**
-- No! Stop!!
This command meant nothing for the man approaching.
Even after kicking the dead man near her feet, he still drew near.
Violet remained on the ground, aching to move.
All the while, a wet feeling snaked its way down her back.
Alex: Don't harm him! He’s with me! …CYRUS?! I said, stop!!
Unable to view the southerner’s face, for it fell entirely in shadow, she imagined a smile there.
And further thought perhaps he saw her as a butcher did with livestock.
Blinking free from this terrifying thought, someone rode up, stopping sharply and immediately dismounting.
Alex: Cyrus!!
Finally, the man halted.
He came no closer yet the blade in hand, still threatened
Cyrus: ..This woman as well, Your Highness?
Alex: Yes! Don’t!
Instead of cleaving her open, the southerner turned away.
Her shoulders dropped. The breath caught in her chest, finally escaping. Then, just as tall, someone else approached, towering over her.
Offering his hand, Alex asked
Alex: Are you hurt?
Violet: Uh-No, no I’m fine. I’m alright
Momentarily forgot, the throbbing at the back of her head. That was, until she stood.
Wincing slightly, she clutched at her chest.
Peeking his concerned frown, she hastily admitted
Violet: It’s nothing. It only hurts a little when..when I breathe
Alex made to reply when
Cyrus: Your Highness…
Alex: …
Cyrus: ..Come now, we must leave.
Alex gave a short nod in reply yet remained unmoved.
Returning his eyes upon her, a large hand upon his chest, he then vowed
Alex: Violet…
Violet: …
Alex: I swear- I promise..I’ll do everything possible to convince brother to stop all of this- to put an end to his war. I promise you this
His passionate tone and his pleading eyes begged to be believed, for trust to be placed in him and in his simple vow.
Touched by this, Violet replied
Violet: I know
Alex: …
This brought about a bright smile to Alex’s face. And he took note of her with eyes of a mind filled with many things to say.
Nothing was said however, and in pointing with her chin toward the man with the limp, she added
Violet: Get on now
She was still clutching her side with one hand, so he took hold of the other.
Violet: …?!
Near enough to kiss the back of her gloved hand, he covered her hand with his, easily clasping it
Alex: No measure of words are able to express…for all…you…
Violet: …
Alex: I- ..I thank you
He then gave a little squeeze of her slender hand as he thanked her.
Already mounted, the man then impatiently called once more
Cyrus: Your Highness.
Alex: ..For everything.
As he mounted, Violet began to slowly realise that none of the men from the east remained. Instead there were; for what was visible to her at least, half a dozen southerners on horseback not including Alex or the man with the severe limp.
Who; snapping her mind away from taking silent note of the aftermath of their encounter, now addressed her
Cyrus: For your assistance, I thank you.
Violet: …
His words contrasted sharply against his tone which reflected no warmth or sincerity.
Chillingly, he then cautioned
Cyrus: But I warn you....you and your companions should not follow.
He glanced behind.
Thunderous sounds loomed closer.
The light fog surrounding them obscured the path ahead and behind. Its cold and wet touch struck and clung onto his face as he rode.
As the fog grew thicker, something tugged in his chest. An uneasy feeling. A feeling that he and his group were being followed.
This played on his mind, to the point of paranoia.
Only, he was not going crazy. For Alex could hear it plainly.
A sound accompanied the rumbling overhead.
In the distance yet drawing ever closer. Horses. And there were many.
He half chanced another glance behind.
His kinsmen to the rear followed at top speed. And behind them, an unseen threat drew near. And if he heard it and felt it, then surely-
Cyrus’ voice then came carrying loudly on the wind.
Displeased with the group, he screamed at Alex and the others for being too slow and for falling behind.
Quickening his pace, Alex found himself near stride for stride with Cyrus.
He stayed consistently at his side but a little behind, for Cyrus led the group and knew where to they were headed.
As to where that was, Alex knew not. But he trusted Cyrus to-
Unexpectedly, a man on horseback approached Cyrus on his right.
From within the foggy shadowy treeline, he had appeared.
Alex glanced over his shoulder and saw that many more had joined their group, riding along them as one.
The one who approached Cyrus, rode particularly close and easily matched pace stride for stride. He eyed the general keenly.
Cyrus splayed his fingers then made a swift circle with his hand above his head. At that, the man sharply nodded at the silent order and pulled away.
In a flash, he returned into the cover of the forest’s darkness and fog, along with the other half dozen or so men who had joined.
Confused as to what occurred, Alex found himself staring into the misty treeline swiftly whipping by long after they had vanished.
Cyrus; his eyes fixed ahead, then addressed him saying
Cyrus: Follow, and they shall take you there, Your Highness. Understood?
Alex: …? I don't under-
Again Cyrus signalled.
But it was different. And this time it was given to the men who rode behind.
Immediately he slowed and a few others did the same.
Keeping the pace however, five men did, and they sped past and on ahead.
Alex, most confused, slowed as well and turned to Cyrus
Alex: Cyrus? Why are you-
Cyrus: Follow the men, my prince.
Alex: But I don't understand..
As though he mistook the rumbling of hooves heard in the distance, Cyrus looked skyward before coming to a stop.
Those who rode ahead had now slowed giving attention to Alex and the others behind.
The night’s sky rumbled and the wind picked up, rustling the leaves.
Alex looked upward.
Nothing twinkled overhead, for they were now blanketed by heavy rose coloured clouds.
The first of the evening’s rain dotted his face and he frowned, then to Cyrus he asked
Alex: Why aren't you leading us?
Cyrus: Go now, young prince.
It was a gentle instruction, yet the prince shook his head and stated firmly
Alex: No.
Cyrus: …
Alex: Your intention is to fight them, isn’t it?
Cyrus shot him a stern look before tugging at his reins.
Turning away, he demanded that Alex
Cyrus: Leave now, Your Highness. Go!
Alex: No! Do you not hear?!
Along with the rumbling sky, many hooves sounded. And the thundering sound steadily grew louder and louder.
Wide eyed in near panic, Alex stated the obvious, pleading to the old general
Alex: Too many of them are approaching and you are too few. You can't…you wouldn’t-
Cyrus: Our men shall circle and defend us from the enemy’s rear. You needn't be troubled.
Alex understood now what the previous silent command meant.
Yet he couldn't understand why. Why Cyrus appeared and sounded so unbothered by the rumble of death’s hasty approach.
It was true that his kinsmen were all skilled soldiers but even with the additional support…
His mind began to imagine the worst and his words faltered as he began
Alex: B- But-
Cyrus: Go on now, Your Highness. Follow the men.
Alex: …
➵
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