Part 3
Taala's thoughts raced as her journey continued out of Gwinsnade, it was chilly, the only sound to break the silence was the clip, clopping of Misty's hooves. She loved that mearh, he had been through much with her and never failed her. It is said the Mearas are able to understand the speech of man, Taala of course believed this.
The collections and deliveries had gone without event up until the wagon pulled out of the lumber camp just outside of Combe where she'd picked up the skins for Foxwin's leather working business. She'd slung them into the wagon that was already loaded with the furniture and tapestry that she'd bought for Seaver's new house. The saddles had been delivered, she'd argued with Neyaa about the delay, admitting it was her fault and not Foxwin's. She was anxious to take the furs to the workshop and then the gifts to Seaver and get some rest.
Taala was always vigilant when taking the forest path through the Chetwood, the brigands there were cunning and well versed with the terrain, they moved about the trees and forest walkways with cunning and stealth.
ZUNK! An arrow hit the shaft of the cart, startling Misty. Bandits! Taala's reaction was instantaneous, two, three...possibly four of them? How dare those bastards fire upon her horse...
“Getale Scearp” she commanded. Misty threw back his head and picked up the pace...
This little band were well organised. One of their number was waiting on the road ahead and jumped out making a grab for her horses reins. Misty dragged him along as he cantered along regardless. Everything happened so quickly after that. Two of the Brigands, managed to leap into the wagon, Taala spun around in the seat and aimed a deft kick at the nearest bandit, sending him tumbling from the cart along with a handful of her unruly red hair. Another of their number, a woman who had also given chase, gave up running and stopped in the road to help her fallen accomplice.
The wagon began to slow down, “Getale Scearp, Misty” she called again, Misty whinnied in response but endeavored to break free from his captor who was still running in tandem alongside of the steed.
The second Brigand drew his short sword and advanced down the wagon unsteady on his feet by the movement upon the forest path. He was thrown from his feet when the wagon's wheel ran over a large stone, sending his sword spinning to the ground when his wrist connected with the Credenza she was hauling. He continued to stumble towards her, reaching forth he grabbed Taala by the throat in an attempt to throttle her. Taala dropped the reins, pulled her dagger from her belt and thrust it into the side of her attackers neck, once, twice then thrice, blood and screams spraying about the air. His body slumped back landing upon the skins in the wagon, where he lay gripping his throat and twitching, blood gurgling from his mouth until his demise.
At this point the bandit holding her horse had maneuvered to the front of the steed and slowed him to almost a standstill. Taala considered her bow, but she could not risk hitting Misty, who was now rearing up in distress. Without further thought, Taala sheathed her dagger and leapt from the seat and onto Misty's back...
“YHAAR” she shouted, Misty advanced causing the bandit restraining him to be thrown around a little to the side of them where a tussle began for control of the reins. Misty was picking up momentum again, the bandit forced to run along side of them, puffing and panting. Threats exchanged between the two as the bandit made a grab for her leg to pull her from the horse. She kicked out at him, but still he clung on, her ire raised, she took the bloodied dagger from her belt and made two slices to his forearm in a V shape and he relinquished his grip and was hit by the cart as it passed by sending him spinning off his feet and to the side of the road.
And there she left them behind...all but the one who lay lifeless in the back of the wagon, now she had a damned body to get rid of...
