by Lisa Chitty
‘Perhaps,’ Randall agreed shakily, getting to his feet, grateful for Sasket’s assistance. ‘By the way, thanks for that,’ Randall gestured towards the dead man.
‘Don’t mention it,’ A broad grin stretched across Sasket’s face. He was clearly enjoying himself. He then spun round and dived once more into the centre of the action.
Randall decided to take Sasket’s suggestion as more of an order, and before anyone else could decide that he was an easy target, he turned and quickly went back up the slope to the edge of the field where the tents were pitched. Already, there was a stream of casualties coming in from the battle ground, seeking first aid for their wounds.
Randall turned away from the sight of the wounded people leaving trails of blood in their wake. He knew that not everyone who was making their way here was going to survive, and some of those who did, would wish that they hadn’t.
Later on, they would no doubt become a real concern, and one where, possibly, he could help. But right now there were only two things on Randall’s mind. Or more precisely, two people, James and Steve. The slope was giving him enough of a vantage point to see over the fighting armies and his height gave him that little extra he needed to be able to see clearly.
Trying to spot his two friends wouldn’t be difficult, the armour that they all wore was distinctive compared to everyone else’s. He quickly picked out Steve, but as soon as he spotted him, Randall saw that he would be unable to give him any help. Steve was surrounded, right in the thick of things. To even get to him, Randall would have to battle through a vast amount of people, and he knew that his skills were not good enough to be able to get through. He couldn’t guarantee that Sasket would be around to help him again, or anyone else for that matter. To help Steve would be a death sentence for Randall, and as hard as it was, Randall knew that he would have to leave Steve to it and hope for the best.
Regretfully, Randall turned away from the sight of Steve battling away in the midst of the action and searched for James instead, hoping that he would be able to assist him. It took longer for Randall to locate him, because he had been looking amongst the fighters below, but when he finally spotted James, he saw that he was on the edge of all the action. Like him, James appeared to be searching the crowds for his mates. Suddenly, Randall saw James dart forward, and it was with a sick heart that Randall realised that James had spotted Steve and was going to try and help him.
‘No! James! Come back!’ Randall called, knowing it was fruitless, that James would never hear him, but needing to try.
For a while, Randall remained still, trying to decide on a course of action. Should he go and help, even though he had already proven that he wasn’t very good, and was more likely to be a hindrance than a help? Or should he stay out of it and leave his two closest friends to it?
Before Randall could make up his mind, the actions of those below overtook him, and he ended up standing by helplessly as events unfolded.
From his vantage point he saw James being taken in another direction than he wanted to go, and saw someone from the Baron’s army attack James. He could do nothing to help, knowing that the distance he needed to travel to reach James was too great and it would all be over before he could get there. He realised before James did, that the direction he was going in was taking him straight into the path of the Baron. Time seemed to almost stand still as he saw James collide with the Baron’s horse and then the Baron swing his sword round, aiming it at James. In mounting horror, Randall watched the sword hit James, and then his friend collapsed to the ground.
A single word was ripped from Randall’s throat as he watched. ‘James!’ Randall clutched his head in his hands, unable to tear his eyes away from the horrific scene. He silently willed James to get up, to prove that the hit wasn’t a mortal one, but there was no movement. There was an absolute stillness about James, and deep down Randall knew that the Baron had just killed his friend, but his brain was refusing to accept it.
Slowly he began to pull himself together, and he moved woodenly towards where James was lying to see if there was anything that he could do. He kept his eyes focussed on where James had fallen, determined not to loose sight of him, but something distracted him, something just on the edge of his vision.
He turned to get a better look, and what he saw made him stop in astonishment.
‘I’m in shock,’ he told himself. ‘This can’t be real. I’m imagining things.’
What had stopped Randall in his tracks was an image that was so startling he wasn’t the only one to stop and stare in wonder. From a hill, a short distance away, an iridescent white horse had come galloping from the trees, its long mane and tail streaming behind it. On the horse’s back was a young woman, dressed in chain mail, an emerald green cloak rippling in the wind of the horse’s passage. She brandished a large sword in her hand and her flame coloured curls tumbled loose, whipping out behind her, a bright contrast to the whiteness of her mount.
‘But this can’t possibly be,’ Randall whispered as he realised what it was he was seeing. ‘Abi’s dead.’
* * *
Sitting on her horse, just watching the battle below her and not being able to do anything was incredibly hard for Abi. At first she railed against the restriction that had been placed on her. Before, the amulet had always done what she had wanted it to, but now it seemed that it had an agenda of its own, and no amount of imploring on her account was going to change anything.
‘Be still,’ Theldon told Abi impatiently. ‘Your time will come.’
‘My time is now,’ Abi disagreed. ‘I should be down there helping.’
‘Not yet!’ Theldon emphasised the two words separately, through what sounded like gritted teeth. His level of irritation was rising.
‘Well, if I can’t help out right now, you should go down there and give all the help that you’re able to. With your magical skill, you’re probably a better fighter than anyone else in the rebel army.’
Theldon turned to look at Abi, and for the first time that she had known him a look of intense anger was on his face. ‘Believe me, if I didn’t have to be here, baby sitting you, I would be down with the rest of the army. You have just three friends down there, I know almost everyone who’s fighting on our side today. People that I have known for years are going to die. I’m going to lose close friends and all you can do is sit there and complain!’ Theldon turned away from Abi, too angry to say anymore.
‘Theldon, I’m sorry,’ Abi began softly, thoroughly rebuked by Theldon’s words. ‘I don’t need baby sitting anymore. If you want to go and help, go! I’ll be fine.’
For what seemed like ages Theldon kept his back to Abi. Then she saw his shoulders relaxing and slowly he turned to face her, and no longer was there a look of anger on his face. ‘No, I can’t leave you. You’re kind to say that I can, but I have known for years what my task in all this would be. I have accepted the fact that I would be your teacher, and that it would mean taking a step back from everything. Your need is greater than theirs, and I will stay with you until the final moments.’
Abi smiled down at Theldon, the harmony that had nearly always existed between them was restored, and in the peace she turned her attention to what was happening on the battle field.
Whilst the amulet wouldn’t let Abi use it to free herself of its restraint, it did still allow her to enhance her vision so that she could clearly watch what was happening. Abi supposed that this was so that when she was finally able to enter the battle, she would know where she was going. So, to that end, Abi focussed on the main gates, and easily located her nemesis as he came through them. The Baron.
He was sat astride a dark bay horse who was similar in stature to Abi’s. However, whilst hers exuding an air of placidity, the Baron’s had a menacing look about it. You could see the whites of the horse’s eyes and its mouth was flecked with foam. Abi’s eyes turned to studying the Baron. It was hard to tell what he was like, but the expression on his face told her more than anything anyone
could ever have said to Abi about him. There was a hardness about his face that suggested he had never felt love or compassion in his life. His eyes were deep set, and gave the appearance of being hooded. For a split second, it seemed like their eyes met, even though Abi knew he couldn’t possibly see her. However in that brief moment, Abi had seen only hatred in his eyes and an eagerness for the bloodshed that was happening around him.
Abi turned away, sickened by what she had seen. She didn’t know if it was her impression, or what the amulet was trying to tell her, but she had sensed a level of evilness that she wanted to distance herself from, but knew that she couldn’t. To try and find some balance Abi decided it was time to look for James, Randall and Steve amongst all the action.
It didn’t take Abi long to locate them. In their distinctive amour they stood out from all those around them. They were standing together, James in the middle and she couldn’t help but smile as she saw them. They were together, ready to help one another out, and Abi was incredibly proud of them. She knew that she had come a long way since her arrival here, but they had too. As the command to attack was given, Abi saw Steve dive forward, Randall get swept to one side and James manage to stay still.
At first the battle seemed to be going very well. As the rebel army had surged forward, they had pinned the Baron’s forces against the walls of the city. It almost looked as though it would be over quickly, but there is no stronger fighter that a person who has been cornered and is now fighting for their life. Soon the Baron’s men turned the tide of the struggle as they began to fight back.
Abi was torn as to who to watch in the fight and didn’t know who to keep her eye on as they got separated. As a compromise she kept changing who she was watching, trying to keep tabs on all three, but as they had been divided, it was a hopeless task. As it was Steve who got engaged in a fight first, it was him, for the moment, that Abi concentrated on.
Her heart was in her mouth, as at first it seemed that he was hopelessly overwhelmed But as he began to claw his way back, Abi started murmuring words of advice, even though she knew that he couldn’t hear her. When he won his skirmish Abi breathed a sigh of relief, and turned her attention to finding the others.
Abi found Randall first and as she realised how badly he was outmatched in his battle, she fought the restrictions of the amulet even harder. All she wanted to do was try and help, but she was completely unable to. A large part of her wanted to turn away, but a morbid fascination kept Abi’s eyes on the action. As she saw Randall go down on one knee she was certain she was about to watch his death, and tears were beginning to form, but then she saw Sasket in the background and watched him throw something. Then Randall’s attacker fell to the ground. Sasket had saved Randall.
‘Thank you, Sasket,’ Abi whispered softly. Theldon heard her and without looking up, placed his hand on her leg, the only part of her he could comfortably reach. Abi was grateful for even this small gesture, as the emotions of watching the fight and being unable to do anything were incredibly draining.
Abi focused once more on the action, and this time looked for James. It took some time, because she had started amongst the battling hoards, but he wasn’t there. He was on the edge of the field, his sword and shield held very loosely in his hands. Abi relaxed as she found him. The man she loved was not in danger, and it looked like he wasn’t going to be. She had wondered if he would actually join in the battle, as she had always sensed in him a gentleness and compassion that would make him next to useless in a fight. His way was to win with words, not with fists. As Abi watched him, she smiled, her love for him spreading throughout her and bringing her a peace she wouldn’t have thought possible with the chaos surrounding her.
However, as Abi watched, she felt a pang of fear, for suddenly James was heading towards the action, and it took her a moment to work out what he was doing. She scanned ahead of him and saw Steve surrounded by the Baron’s men and Abi knew that James was going to help his best friend. Whilst she could wish for him to stay where he was, Abi knew that it would be wrong of her to want James to not help Steve. If he didn’t go to Steve’s aid he wouldn’t be the man she had fallen in love with.
‘Be careful,’ Abi said softly. ‘I want you to be in one piece at the end of this when we are reunited.’ Theldon’s hand tightened on Abi’s leg, as though to offer her comfort. She sighed and watched James go forward directly into the fighting masses.
The peace she had felt was beginning to evaporate as she kept focussed on James. Abi could see that he was being forced into a direction he didn’t want to go in, and suddenly he was being attacked. Abi held her breath, hoping James would be alright, but as she realised that James wasn’t fighting back, but trying to draw his opponent away, she relaxed again. Until Abi realised where James was going. Straight into the path of the Baron.
Abi could only look on in horror as James collided with the horse, and she saw the Baron’s sword begin to swing round to connect with James. Abi watched James fall to the ground and lie still. For several heartbeats she just stared at him, unable to believe what she had just seen.
‘James!’ Abi cried his name as loud as she possibly could and as she did so, Abi felt the restrictions placed upon her disappear. She kicked her heels hard into her horses flanks and he sprang forward. Abi pulled the sword from its sheath and held it aloft. Her focus was completely on the Baron as she galloped down the hillside, determined to make him pay for what he had just done.
* * *
Steve had switched all his emotion off as he continued to fight in the midst of the battle. If he had allowed himself to feel anything he knew that it would have been the end of him. He couldn’t think about what he was doing, the lives that he was taking, the people he was maiming. This hadn’t been his cause to begin with, but he was here now, and he knew that he was fighting on the right side. He had heard everything the Baron and his ancestors had done, and it was time to bring a stop to it.
He was beginning to tire. He had always been fit, but this level of intense warfare was taking its toll on him. He needed a breather, but he was surrounded and had no choice but to battle on. He swung his sword left, right and centre, trying desperately to fight his way out of the group he was in, but his thrusts were becoming erratic and it was beginning to look like a lost cause.
Dimly though, Steve became aware that there were less of the Baron’s army around him, and as he looked up, struggling to focus, he saw that he had been helped by some of the rebel cause. They had seen that he was in trouble and had come to his assistance. With their help, the group that he had been battling was no more, and he was able to take a much longed for, and needed, rest.
Finding himself in a niche in the city wall, he took the time to bring his breathing back to normal so that he could join in once more and do all that he could. It took a while, but eventually he felt less tired. His arms and legs weren’t trembling as much, so he pushed himself away from the wall, intending to join the affray once more.
He had only taken a few strides when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Not because someone was attacking him, but by a sight that left him cold. His legs were trembling again as he walked hesitantly forward, towards the body lying in the grass that had caught his attention.
The armour that he, Randall and James were wearing was distinctive in its design, and this is what Steve had seen. He knew, as soon as he had spotted the fallen form that it was either James or Randall, but it wasn’t until he got alongside that he knew that it was James.
Steve dropped his sword and shield, his hands suddenly lifeless as he sank to his knees beside his fallen friend, who was lying face down in the grass.
‘James, it’s me,’ he said as he reached out to touch James’s shoulder. ‘You’ve got to get up, then we can get you some help.’
There was no response from James. Steve shook James’s shoulder, desperate to elicit a response from him.
‘Come on! This isn’t funny mate. Now get up!’ Fear of how badly James was hu
rt was making Steve angry. He didn’t want to feel scared because that would mean things were very bad for James. He needed to shut his mind off from the route that it was taking and anger was the best way to do that.
Despite all the advice he had ever heard about not moving injured people, Steve’s need to know what James’s injuries were made him forget all that. He grasped James’s shoulder with both hands and pulled as hard as he could. Due to the armour it was difficult to accomplish, but Steve’s determination prevailed and he managed to get his friend onto his back, and immediately wished that he hadn’t.
James’s eyes were open and gazing skywards. But they were no longer seeing the sky and never would again, for there was nothing there. The spark that had always been in James’s eyes, no matter what he was feeling, was gone.
Steve was transfixed, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. As if for confirmation, his eyes travelled further down his friends face and stopped at his neck. Here was the evidence that he needed that James was no longer alive, for it was here that the Baron’s sword had struck. There was a deep wound in the left side of James’s neck. He hadn’t stood a chance.
‘No,’ Steve breathed. ‘This isn’t right. We’re meant to survive this and go home together, triumphant heroes.’ Steve was at a loss to know what to do. But, needing absolute and final proof that there was no more he could do, he very hesitantly reached out his hand, to the opposite side of James’s neck to feel for a pulse. His hand hovered for a moment unable to touch James, afraid of what it would feel like. But he pulled himself together and placed his hand, feeling for the pulse that would tell him James was still alive.
James’s neck still felt warm, giving Steve hope, but try as he might, and no matter how he adjusted his fingers, he could feel nothing. Not yet ready to give up, he picked up one of James’s arms and tried to find a pulse in his wrist, but again there was nothing.
By now tears were running down Steve’s face. He was beginning to accept the fact that James was dead. He gently laid his friends arm back down, then reached up to James’s face and gently closed his eyes. Like this it appeared that James was just sleeping, and the warring emotions in Steve’s head nearly got the better of him, telling him his friend was still alive. But he knew that wasn’t so and that never again would he talk to, or argue with, or go for a drink with his closest friend.
