Bassus touched the blade to her throat. "Beg wi..." The word died on his lips when a bloody arrowhead appeared out the front of his throat. Bassus fell forward and Flindra saw two more arrows protruding from his back.
Flindra heard the twang of bowstrings as more arrows were launched. The two men who had dragged her out fell with multiple arrows bristling from their bodies. She watched in surprise as the Rangers flooded from behind the swamp grass.
Kalmyk ran towards her and hastily cut her bonds. "Can you ride?" he asked gently as he supported her arm to keep her from falling.
She nodded an affirmative. "I think so."
Kalmyk noted the odd tone of her voice and the painful way she swallowed. He pulled a small flask from a pouch hanging from his belt. "Drink," he commanded as he held the flask to her lips. "This will give you strength."
The fiery liquid burned her throat but Flindra did as she was told. She started to say thank you when he stopped her with a finger placed softly against her lips.
"Don't talk. Save your strength."
Kalmyk picked her up and carried her over to Deru. He put her on the horse. "Gwher will take your reins. Your job is just to stay on."
He then turned his glance to the trooper. "She's your responsibility, Gwher. Take care of her."
He nodded in mute assent.
Kalmyk then walked to where Leitho was being tended. A trooper was tying a bandage on his head to stop the bleeding that had started again with the latest blow he had received from the renegades. Leitho was slipping in and out of consciousness as the trooper worked on him. Kalmyk was concerned by the symptoms his friend exhibited. He knew he probably suffered from a concussion. He would have to wait to determine just how serious the concussion was.
"Kaiko. You hold Sergeant Leitho in front of you on your horse. You're the lightest one of us so there will be less burden for your horse."
"Yes sir."
Kalmyk motioned abruptly with his hand. "Let's get out of here before we have the Duke's entire army down our throats."
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