Mattheus was leading a small group of messengers through a dense forest that was barely receiving the first sunlight. His white stallion drew attention from the rest, only outshined by the prince's horse, a beautiful golden steed. Although the prince was young, he was a good rider able to keep the pace of the experienced soldiers.
Enormous eucalyptus trees towered the seemingly endless sea of green. The flame warriors dotted crimson red armor with gold fittings. At the frontlines strong bannermen and Piercers led the charge. Piercers were ferocious warriors that used enormous Spears from horseback, and their main job in combat was to pierce through the enemy defenses, hence their name.
In the middle was Mattheus and his elite guard protecting the Prince while commanding the troops, the elite guards were expert sword and shield users that were trained from a young age to protect the kingdom’s royalty. And at the rear Espadas were keeping watch in case of any possible ambush. Espadas were experienced sword fighters, considered the elite infantry in Magna’s army, their enormous Two Handed swords were recognized all around the continent as a symbol of both fear and respect.
Although the weather was nice, cold sweat dripped from the prince’s forehead, it was the first time he had seen his father like that. For some time the only thing the prince could hear was his heart beating loudly.
Lombard:
Those dogs! I knew this was going too swiftly, beating the White Gull only to find this, heavens sure hate us!
Ronald:
Shut up Lombard!
Lombard:
You shut up, don’t you see that-
Mattheus:
Both of you, silence! There could be enemies around, focus!
Ronald:
Enemies here? This is Magna’s domain, surely there can’t be-
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An arrow missed Ronald by a few centimeters.
Mattheus:
Enemies in the woods! We are under attack! First unit, defensive formation! the rest with me! We need to reach the West Army!
Sounds of battle could be heard behind, the first unit did a good job as there were no longer arrows aimed at the prince, or so they thought, a second volley of arrows came flying down unto them, a few riders fell, while others held on to their horses.
The prince hurried his horse, he knew that the West Army was undefeated, led by the Great Ox of Magna, the brother of the Spear King of the East, if their armies joined, not even Bradavia and Northia could stand against the Two Warrior Kings.
After passing a clearing, the prince finally saw a Green Banner with a golden Ox in the distance, his uncle’s camp. The group moved quickly, their numbers quickly dwindling, horses and riders were falling left and right.
One of the arrows lodged on the prince’s thigh, a sharp pain made him want to scream, he drew a deep breath and focused on reaching his uncle’s army. The prince was able to take a glimpse of some of their attackers, they were archers on foot with brown capes.
Mattheus:
Quick! Use the mountain slope for defense! Lombard, Ronald, protect the prince! We are close!
The horses galloped downhill as an avalanche, their hooves thundering as rocks crashing down, the angle of the mountain made it difficult for the archers to aim correctly. The prince’s breath tasted like metal, at first he felt something warm flowing from his leg, but now he felt a tingling sensation, he ignored it, his father needed him!
The Ox campament was now less than 500 meters away. They entered a dense terrain covered by trees and a group of warriors was waiting for them. Their green armor helped them camouflage with the lush forest. It was clear, the Ox army was at hand.
Ox Captain:
All units, prepare!
Mattheus:
Captain William! we are being chased, we bring news from the Spear King!
William:
Archers, draw! Aim! Loose!
The prince felt those words as a thirsty person felt water. An arrow volley from more than 50 archers would surely dissuade their pursuers. They were saved!
The arrows covered the skies and for a moment a shadow enveloped him, the first men to fall were the frontline ahead of him.