Captain Rodal interjected his horse between the Valkea’s
archers and Kulm and Darrine.
“Get back!” he commanded as he leveled his lance and held
his shield high to protect them as best as he could.
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.
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