บท 16: Chapter 15
Ash looked down at the body of the dead creature, it was covered with burns in some places. He was full of adrenaline and his skin was sizzling with the energy that was inside him and in the surroundings. He was also bleeding from a dozen cuts but his adrenaline kept the pain at bay. He heard the noises of the battle near him and looked up in time when an iron-tipped spear flew through the air right at his face. His senses were sharpened to their most, he shouldn't have been able to dodge the spear before, but now he could easily see its trajectory. He just had to step back and turn and the spear went by past him, He could have probably even caught it. He looked back at others, they were all fighting multiple attackers and holding their own, already a dozen bodies lay on the ground and still more came.
Ash rushed to his sword and picked it up, he felt the magical stone in it resonate with him and increased his focus. He was ready to fight, this time he won't get injured. He picked one of the creatures fighting with Aria who was the closest and swiped at its leg to grab his attention. It worked and the creature turned and snarled at him holding up another spear.
Its spear had a longer range than his sword and he had a very straightforward fighting style to just thrust it forward with speed and power. But Ash took inspiration from his previous attacker and waited for his chance. As the spear came with speed aimed at his chest. He ducked under it stepped in swiped with his sword quickly and jumped back. He was somehow much faster now even though he shouldn't be able to move properly, he knew that he was finally learning to use magic, tapping into the dense magical resources that were in these forests, no doubt that's why all these creatures are attracted towards this place, and probably the reason the elves are so strong.
He repeated the same attack on his opponent three more times until it finally gave up and tried to retreat, but his injuries didn't help him and he was easily able to catch him and land the last blow ending his life. This was all he needed to boost his confidence. The sword felt much more comfortable in his hand, like it was a part of him, he felt a strange instinct take over him, he saw the movement and forms he had practiced so many times before differently understanding their real strengths and weaknesses, and how they could be modified according to the situations. He didn't hesitate as he entered the middle of the fight, he wasn't scared when he was surrounded by three creatures at once, with weapons. He dodged their attacks one by one, he stepped in and out of formations, and saw the openings when they came and attacked, his opponents were getting slower and slower and he had found a rhythm. With his help, they made quick work of their attackers and the few left ran away. All of them were okay, with slight injuries here and there. Ash had the most injuries but he hid some of them, he felt like he shouldn't show unnecessary weakness in front of the elves.
"Goblins" spat Ben.
"What were they doing, so close to the city and so many of them," said Sarah.
"The number is indeed a matter of concern, a small group is not uncommon, but these were easily around fifty, and the scouts should have informed us before, I think there is a much larger force nearby, and they might have got our scouts," said Farin.
"Then we need to inform the commander right now," said Aria.
"We are two hours away from the city, the trolodytes are injured and scared, and we don't have complete information, and we have other jobs to take care of," said Ben, glancing at Ash at the last moment.
"Maybe we can split, some of us can go and scout what's happening while the others head back to the city," said Sarah.
"We can't leave, Mr. Blake, we took direct orders from the commander, that nothing should happen to him," said Farin.
"It's simple then, I'll just come along with you to scout the goblins," said Ash.
"No, we don't know what we might find, we might have to engage in battle," said Farin.
"As you have just seen, I can take care of myself, the fastest of us can go to the city and bring back reinforcements,' said Ash.
They looked at each other pondering over his suggestion, Aria didn't know what to do, she was worried about the safety of the city.
"Come on, you know, that's the best way, we don't have to mention this to anyone, we'll just say we took a detour and found them, so you won't get in any trouble," said Ash.
"Sarah and Hailey you will stay with him all the time, nothing should get past you, if it is a full goblin force they might have shamans and hobgoblins with them, and they are much smarter and dangerous, don't let your guard down and underestimate them," said Farin finally making up his mind.
"Who will head to the city?" asked Aria.
"Maya," said Farin, Aria, and Ash looked at him confused, but just then a figure dropped from somewhere in the trees in front of Farin.
"I thought I was to remain hidden all the time," said the new elf, that had just dropped in between them. This elf was different than the rest, she had darker skin and had different types of clothes on.
"Situations change," said Farin.
"So, that's why I never saw who killed that goblin with the arrows," said Aria.
"I must say, I am kind of pissed by this trick," said Aria.
"I am sorry Aria, but it was my decision, Mr. Blake has no danger inside the elven cities, but the commander still appointed us as his guard, which meant he was afraid of some other elves who might try to harm him by bringing dishonor to our nation, that's why I appointed her as the hidden fifth guard to catch any unseen threats, I'll ask you to keep her existence secret at the capital later," said Farin.
"Fine, but is she fast or just good at hiding," said Aria, she didn't seem to like Maya for some reason.
"I assure you my daughter is fast," said Farin, surprising Aria.
Maya glanced at Ash and then vanished from between them like air. She must have a similar power to Blade Ash thought, he wondered how Blade sneak him away now in front of so many eyes.
"Let's get going then, we can follow their tracks, they are too scared, so they'll most probably head straight back to their leader," said Farin and they got on their rides and followed the tracks away from their original path.
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