Chapter 4: The Misaz Road.
The next morning, preparations for the journey to Minas Kuno Town were complete. Twenty men stood ready for duty, their supplies packed and horses saddled. Inside his room, Arkara finished packing his belongings when a soft knock came at the door. His mother, Lady Eiwa, entered.
Lady Eiwa: "Arkara, are we ready to go?"
Arkara: "Yes, Mother. All preparations are made. I have ordered the guards to secure our needs, so do not worry."
Lady Eiwa (smiling with a teasing glint): "My son... I saw Syeira looking at you last night. She is like a blooming flower in search of a bee."
Arkara (startled but maintaining control): "Mother, you know Syeira. She has liked teasing me since I was seven. It is surely just a sister-and-brother bond."
Lady Eiwa (giggling): "Oh, my dear... a wise man with a pure heart who can master magic and the sword, yet cannot master the heart of a woman. I am not forcing you, but please, look beyond the surface. Soon you will see there are things that shine brighter than magic or a sword—feelings that make us human."
Arkara (kissing her hand): "You are the wise one, Mother; that is why I always seek your counsel. Now, shall we go?"
Lady Eiwa: "Let's go."
Outside, Syeira sat eagerly atop her horse, casting a playful, teasing look toward Arkara as they began the ride. Arkara led the way, with his mother's carriage and Syeira following closely behind.
The Encounter at Misaz Road
They passed through the forest and entered the Misaz Road, a field of medium-tall bushes and scattered trees only miles from the woods. Suddenly, Arkara sensed something off. He raised his hand, signaling the column to halt. Syeira rode up beside him.
Lady Syeira: "Is something wrong, Arkara?"
Arkara (scanning the perimeter): "Something is off here. Do not lower your guard, my Lady."
As Syeira tensed, a fire arrow suddenly hissed through the air, aimed directly at Arkara.
Shink! With a flash of steel, Arkara sliced the arrow into two pieces mid-air.
Arkara: "Protect Lady Eiwa's carriage! My Lady, go to my mother and lead the guards in her defense. I will secure the area!"
Syeira nodded and retreated to the carriage. Arkara's sword began to glow as five of his guards readied their bows. Suddenly, thirty riders in black cloaks and full masks emerged from the brush—ten of them archers, charging forward at a gallop.
Arkara: "Target the horses' legs in the rear and prioritize their archers! Stay in a wing formation—two on my sides, one at the tail. Maintain your distance!"
Guards: "Hup! Sir!"
The six of them charged. Arkara switched to his own bow. Moving ahead as a diversion, he fired three enchanted arrows at once. The magic-tipped shafts struck true, sending three enemy horses and their riders tumbling. His guards followed suit, their arrows finding marks from the wing and tail positions.
Within moments, the enemy archers were neutralized. Only twelve ambushers remained against Arkara's six. Arkara drew his glowing sword once more.
Arkara: "Forward!"
He reached the enemy line first, his blade a blur as he slashed through two attackers. Seeing their comrades fall so easily, the remaining ambushers broke formation and fled. Arrows from Arkara's guards chased them, leaving only four to escape into the distance. Three of Arkara's guards sustained minor wounds, but they signaled they were fit to continue.
Guard: "No sign of a second wave, sir!"
Arkara: "Don't let your guard down!"
A Shocking Discovery
Arkara dismounted and approached a surviving ambusher laying heavily on the ground. He ripped away the stranger's mask.
Arkara (in a fierce, deep tone): "Who are you? Who sent you?!"
As he searched the man's cloak, he found a hidden dagger. Upon seeing the symbol engraved on the hilt, Arkara froze. He was visibly shocked, but he quickly regained his composure, tucking the weapon away to keep the discovery a secret for now.
He bound the prisoner with enchanted rope and ordered the guards to stay vigilant as they resumed their journey. As dusk approached, the great gate walls of Minas Kuno Town appeared on the horizon. Syeira rode beside him, the setting sun catching the blush on her cheeks.
Lady Syeira: "Finally, we are here. It's good to be back in Kuno Town... especially with you, like old times."
Arkara (with a gentle nod and a smile): "Yes, my Lady. We are home."
To be continued...