by Imass on August 5th, 2012, 4:21 pm
Dread and fear crept onto Imass like death itself. Everyone began to scream all at once, it was almost as if lightening had stricken everyone. Panic ensued as everyone hustled to get out of foul mud. Imass' mind began to race as information began to go through his mind. There was no time to think, he needed to react; there was no sitting idly for a knight.
Summoning up all his bravery, Imass picked up his feet and trudged through the mud. He would NOT leave his horse shackled to the evil, black mud. His arms were vibrating as blood began to circulate through his body. Adrenaline coursed through his body. His soul was in total panic. His heart still acted though. Picking up his knees as high as possible he finally reached the harness.
Unclasping his horse, Imass struggled to get on his valiant steed. It had only passed half a tick, but the mud was getting stickier and stickier. It was as if the mud was turning into thick glue. Picking up his knee high off the floor he finally got his muddy boots inside the stirrups. Picking up his other knee, the Knight swung onto the horse. Using the reigns and his spurs Imass got his horse to gallop out of the mud.
Relatively safe now, Imass reared the horse as Markus helped the woman out of the mud. Eridanus and the Konti were quick to leave the mud pit too.
Imass then executed his knightly training as a reaction. He scanned the area in three hundred and sixty degree. He took a moment to mentally record the facts: First off, to the east the Syliran host continued to march down into the valley. They were now out of communication range. It would be a minute's gallop to catch up with them.
Secondly, to the west was the ridge they had descended previously. The road climbed the ridge in two long, wide switchbacks. At the top of the ridge, but south of the road, was a wooded area maybe two furlongs across. In the small glade, birds screamed and flew high into the air. There were hundreds of black dots flying to the horizon. They were flying quickly and frantically.
Thirdly, to the south was nothing out the ordinary. Jagged rocks spiraled down into the valley and in the horizon plains and hills. To the north the ridge continued climbing. There where similar forested areas here too, but there was no disturbance with the birds.
Fourthly, the mud was now a thick black sludge. It almost seemed like it was slowly boiling. The cart began inching into the pit as the glue sucked everything around it.
The knight gathered all the facts and started to relay the information to the group. Although, he meant for all to hear this information, he focused his words towards Markus Andres, "The Konti is correct! We are being tracked," Imass pointed at the disturbed forest, "Something has disturbed the birds...LOOK!"
Suddenly a ghastly sight exploded from the trees; an army of Yukman where charging straight at the flank of the Syliran army. They could not be heard at all. The Syliran host would not know they were coming.
"Quick!" Imass waved at the women, "Someone ride quickly to the host!! We are under attack! Warn them!!"
Imass reared his horse again and jogged forward. The assailing Yukman where running abnormally fast. They were all holding sharpened sticks. Imass already knew in his heart what the correct action was. He had faith in Yahal. He upheld the values of Tyveth. He served the Windoak without any question.
"We must face the enemies of Syliras head on! If we are brave then the gods will turn the tides of fate in our favor!" Imass drew his sword.