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We stopped to let our horses drink at a river crossing before continuing to the closest town. The night was coming quickly, and we still had an hour until we reached an inn.
“Let's make this quick, kids,” said Ativan grimly while his eyes followed the sun's descent.
I rolled my eyes. We were following a well-trodden road, so traveling at night would be manageable, but we respected Ativan too much to dawdle. Plus, I wanted to get to Demora promptly and show the northern royals the exceptional quality of our blades.
We were so close to making it when Lamen’s horse slipped. I gasped aloud when the horse stumbled again and let out a pained squeal. Lamen hopped off the mare, who held her leg up. He was running his hands over her leg to assess the damage when we heard hooves coming up from behind us. Two riders trotted toward us. My eyes met Ativan's, and his glistened in the twilight. Trepidation fluttered and settled in the pit of my stomach. His eyes flashed to the riders and back with an anxious expression. Sometimes travelers happened to be out this late—like us, but most wanted to be in town by now.
“If there's trouble, you need to get the wea—"
I was already shaking my head.“I’m not leaving you.”
“Autumn, I'm not asking you; I’m telling you,” Ativan said sternly.
I narrowed my eyes. Lamen missed our exchange as he continued to check his horse.
“I’m afraid I'm walking from here. Old Freya can't carry—"
“Oi! Ho! What seems to be the trouble, folks?” One rider called as they approached us.
Ativan met Lamen’s eyes and made a gesture that sent Lamen on immediate alert.
I glanced at the riders, and my heartbeat sped. Shotty, travel-worn clothing, and saddle packs heavy with items they had likely stolen. These were brigands, and we were still a ways from a town.
“Nothing to worry over. Just a lame horse. Our friend here will just ride double. We are expected in town.”
I had put the hood of my cloak up to hide that I was female. Something Ativan had insisted if we met anyone. Being female made me a target—even though I was likely better with a blade than most outlaws.
Lamen came over to Tavere, and I moved farther up on the saddle. Lamen swung quickly behind me. A matter of moments passed. The riders watched us with interest but made no threatening moves.
Once Lamen sat in the saddle, I clicked Tavere onward.
“Best be off. Good night, and safe travels,” Ativan offered and gestured to me.
Tavere moved on, Lamen’s mare hobbling behind us.
“Why don't we ride with you?” One rider offered.
“We’ll just slow you down. Best to go on ahead.” Ativan’s voice held a hard edge, but he was still being friendly. My stomach knotted tight.
“I don't think so,” said one man. The other said, “Why don't you just give us those blades and what's in your packs?Thenyou can be on your way.”
“I don't think so,” Ativan stated coldly.
The riders laughed. My heart was in my throat. I could feel the immensity of the moment, and even Tavere grew tense beneath us. My eyes met Ativan’s. I knew what he was asking me to do, but I had no interest in leaving him with these criminals. I touched Lamen’s knee with my fingertip, and his hand went to his sword hilt. That told me he felt the same. We would stay and make a stand if that's what came of this. Two against three weren't terrible odds.
“Good day to you,” Ativan said and gestured for me to walk my horse past. It was futile, but I did so anyway, and before I even made it entirely past Ativan’s horse, I heard thethunk. Lamen let out a pained gasp, and his weight slumped against me. Ativan let out an angered battle cry, and the clash of swords ensued. I glanced behind me to see him battling both brigands. Neither of them had a bow on their back, so there was an archer in the trees.
I glanced back at Lamen. “Lamen!”
No response.
Ativan had unseated both riders, and they fought him on the ground. He could take them, but not with an archer in the trees. I wheeled Tavere towards the brigand closest to us. I urged him on with a kick to his side, and my wonderful, good-natured horse did as I asked. He barreled into the man, which was something he’d never do without my insisting. It sent the man flying to the ground, giving Ativan time to run a sword through the man attacking him.
I dodged an arrow and swore. The outlaws would go after my horse next if they couldn't get me because he was a larger target. So, I steered him into the tree line and hopped off his back. Lamen slumped over with the arrow protruding rigidly from his back. I swallowed past bile and tears. Lamen was close to death, if not already there. I patted his thigh and said I was sorry but didn’t have time for pretty words or grief. Before they took out Ativan, I needed to get to the archer. I couldn’t afford to lose both.
Jay. Jay.I saw Iro swooping down the opposite tree line, and I followed him, knowing he would lead me to the rest of the outlaws. I imagined Iro was the only reason the archer hadn’t already taken me out. The brilliant blue jay had distracted the bowman for me to get clear.
I ran to the tree line without incident. I glanced at Ativan; he was besting the fallen foe easily, so I snuck into the woods. With Iro making such a racket, it distracted the other outlaw enough for me to sneak up on them. I pulled my bow from my shoulder and nocked an arrow. I followed Iro’s calls and saw an archer in a tree branch that overlooked the road. What a nice little setup. I had to assume this was a spot they often used, a well-played trick until us. It was easy for me to sneak up, steady my bow, and let my arrow fly. The archer made an echoing thud when he fell from the tree. I took a deep breath and swung around to find Ativan when I felt a blade tip at my throat. Iro let out a horrible screech and dove for the person who held me. It distracted them long enough for me to stomp my heel on their foot, then swing around and punch them in the face. I dropped my bow and grabbed my dagger. It was buried in the man’s shoulder before he had even recovered. I pulled it out neatly with a squelch and held the blade to his throat.
