Memory in the End

Chapter 39: Not Useless

"Arrabella, you are a good warrior. Don't ever let yourself think differently. And who knows, maybe you'll just have to save us one day."

"I doubt it," I smiled, "But thanks Ivan."

He simply smiled and looked out. The sun was getting pretty low and they weren't back yet. I knew I shouldn't worry, but something about all of this was bothering me. Ivan must have been thinking the same thing, as he was agitatedly tapping his leg up and down and staring out the window.

"They should be back by now," I finally spoke and Ivan nodded.

"I agree."

"We should go look for them-"

"You know as well as I do that this situation is much too peculiar," he interrupted, "It is impossible for one of the Magnificent Five to be taken away so easily by ordinary bounty hunters."

"We have to do something, Ivan," I told him, standing up, "If something bad happened, we can't leave them there."

Ivan nodded, "You're right, let's go."

We went off the way Owyne and the others headed; luckily for us they left a trail. It led deep into the woods, and as we walked on I grew more nervous. We were getting closer to Arkade, a few more miles and we would be in their territory. Arkade has one of the strongest armies in the land, rivaling my own kingdom's military. The princess entering even unarmed could be perceived as war, and considering I was fighting for my kingdom, I could not afford to stir the wrath of another kingdom. Ivan led the way as we stayed close to the shadows of the forest. We stopped when we saw a camp through the trees. A couple of animal skin tents were set up in a semi circle, with a giant one in the middle, heavily guarded. There were no signs of the other three having gone in any other direction; this is where'd they have to be. It was a nomadic tribe, with many families here. Kids ran around while the women tended to the few animals. Immediately I knew who these people were.

This was a warrior nomadic tribe called The Grangers, known for their lethal and harsh fighting skills. They raided towns and villages whenever they needed something and they've got a high body count. Everyone was a fighter, including the children, they're raised from a young age. Being nomadic, they don't have too much money so they are expert bounty hunters and made their money that way.

We crouched down in the bushes and Ivan points to the big tent.

"Heavily guarded. They're definitely in there," Ivan speaks.

"What's the plan?"

"I'll draw their attention. Wait for my signal during the commotion and sneak into the tent."

I stepped back, "Ivan, I don't know if that's the best."

"It'll be fine," he speaks, grabbing his glaive. Before I could speak again, Ivan charged out. I already knew this plan wouldn't work. Even though Ivan held his ground rather well, he couldn't handle an army full of skilled hunters whom were all born into fighting. Ivan takes down five before ten of them ambush him. It should be hard to take down Ivan but it looks like the hunters have some tricks up their sleeves. Their archers shot out hundreds of poison-tipped arrows. Just one of those arrows would leave a person paralyzed for days. For a warrior such as Ivan, they knew it would take much more than one arrow. Ivan couldn't dodge all of the arrows and fight the others. Soon, dozens of arrows protruded from his back and arms, and his body was littered with cuts and scratches. It didn't take long for Ivan to fall and not be able to move. A couple of them looked right where he came from, and a bead from my cloak shimmered in the sunlight which alerted them I was there.

"Run Arrabella!" Ivan shouts as three of them enter the woods. I didn't want to leave, but I heeded his words and took off running. They were following behind, but the time I'd spent in the woods since my journey first began made the environment less strange. I continue running until I see a giant tree with a hole beneath the roots. I ducked underneath, hidden well by a bush near the tree. I hid my cloak and peered through the branches.