Kriki's Gift, Chapter 29, Reading 12

The excitement builds as the release of 

Kriki's Gift, Book Two of the Geometry of Power 

draws near.

Other horsemen followed the captain and helped him screen Darrine and Kulm. The vanguard closed in from the front of the wagon so it was surrounded protectively. However, it made little difference for the arrows were coming from above and not from the side so the rain of projectiles continued around the wagon.

"Where are they?" Rodal demanded in frustration as he looked up the slope and scanned the area, but couldn't see where the archers were shooting from.

Other areas of the column now came under attack and it was clear the Valkea's archers were shooting the horses for they were easier targets than the armored and shielded men. The air was filled with squeals of pain as the horses were hit.

"Archers shoot back at your best guess at where the bastards have to be!" Rodal roared in frustration.

The archers stationed on the wagons began to fire up the slope hoping to hit their unseen enemies. The horsemen began to cluster closely together so they could shield each other and their horses from a killing shot. The mounted men also were also attempting to protect the horses harnessed to the wagons. Naturally, the men guarding Carra clustered closely about her so no arrows could find her.

One of the horses pulling the decoy wagon was hit and the gelding screamed out in pain as he reared up in panic. Several arrows hit into his exposed side and he dropped to the ground dragging his harness-mate down with him. Sergeant Garbarek grabbed a battleaxe from beneath the seat and jumped down to free the horse from the harness. In a moment, he'd freed the mare from her traces and then he grabbed the reins to pull her up. The mare responded to Garbarek's urging and stood. As soon as she was up, the sergeant leaped on her back. Once mounted, he galloped her around the side of the wagon so he could help Darrine and Kulm escape.

Darrine drew her dagger and ran to Moonbeam to release her before she was hit with an arrow.

"Mount up," Kulm hollered at her when he realized her intentions. "We've got you covered." He vaulted up behind Garbarek who kept the horse between Darrine and the archers.

Moonbeam was saddled and bridled so she could be ridden in an emergency. Darrine slashed through the lead tying her to the wagon and vaulted into the saddle without bothering with the stirrup.