Finally another horn could be heard and I realized that the enemy was beginning to retreat. Their forces had dwindled down to about half their size and they seemed to recognize that our army was incredibly strong. As they began running back, I raised my arm to signal for our forces to follow. We would need to block them off once our other troops came out to surround them.
Everything around me seemed to be in a state of chaotic harmony as we ran to keep up with the Bargona army. All the previously downed men were trampled on mercilessly as we advanced. Finally I heard the signal echo throughout the land as our own troops came from the left side of the mountain, ready to contain the enemy at will. Kovin was leading them atop his own sandy colored steed.
Our forces had the enemy blocked at every turn, causing them to stop and rethink it's strategy. Suddenly they sounded their horn again allowing an advance of more troops to come out of the mountains to trap our troops on the opposite side.
I smiled slyly . . . We had expected the Bargona forces not to send their entire army out the first go around. Luckily we were prepared. I raised my hand high in the air and our own signal echoed once more. Within mere minutes their entire force was surrounded by the remaining Bodach forces that were stashed on the right side of the mountain.
Once the Bargona army was completely surrounded, everything was at a standstill. No one dared to make a move since the Bargonans were deciding on what their next strategy would be. I knew that they had thought that their back-up forces would allow them to have a chance to flee into the mountains, but apparently they hadn't considered our forces to have a triple attack. After restless minutes a low call from their horn could be heard throughout the land. Their leader (I'm assuming was their King since he was wearing a jewel encrusted crown) came forward with his hands raised. He had been a part of the second wave of soldiers and was surrounded by multiple thickly clad soldiers.
I walked forward as the crowd around us both made way for our meeting. Rodair and Toval were ever vigilant at my side, ready to attack if necessary.
The sturdy King looked at me with an amused expression, "It seems we have underestimated the Bodach Empire. Your army has proven their prowess in battle with not only strength but strategy as well. You are worthy opponents indeed, as is expected." He laughed a hearty laugh then looked at me again, "I am guessing you are the new Champion of the Bodach Empire, Lady Ezran?"
I bowed my head slightly, "That I am. You've heard of me?"
The King's eyes twinkled, "Who hasn't heard of the woman-hating-empire adopting a female as their Champion? Your reputation precedes you . . . From our quick defeat today you are definitely worthy of leading this army."
"Sire it was not my doing alone. Of course our army has a strong military advising committee that is able to contemplate war outcomes. Also our warriors have trained diligently . . . Moreover we are exceedingly lucky in having an element of surprise today. Your army is highly skilled as well and the outcome might have proven in your favor if circumstances had been different."
The King gave a kind smile, "No need for flattery - your army was the obvious victor here. If you would please accompany us back to our humble city we can begin negotiations on terms."
I bowed my head and signaled for Kovin to come up, "Sir Kovin is most excellent on discussing terms - please speak with him concerning an alliance. I will accompany once our army is settled and recuperating."
The King seemed pleased that I cared so much about our soldiers, "Very well. It has been a pleasure Champion. I will look forward to speaking with you soon."
----------------------------------
"Good heavens Ez!! What did you do to yourself?! Why didn't you come back sooner??" Richie's striking blue eyes could shoot daggers at me right now. I had just walked into the tent and removed my cape, showing a steady stream of blood pouring from the wound in my side. I hadn't given my injury much thought as I made my way back to the camp and checked on the wounded soldiers. I guess the adrenaline was still pumping through my veins causing me to forget about my own pain until Richie mentioned it which made feel the pain all over again.
I grunted a little, looking down at the blood seeping down my clothes, "Why'd you have to go and mention it Rich? Now it hurts - thanks a lot."
Richie gasped exaggeratingly at me while rushing to pull off my leather armor showing my blood soaked tunic underneath. Richie inhaled sharply and ripped the material exposing the wound for him to examine.
When he saw my gashed waist, he looked ready to faint. I rolled my eyes a little at his dramatics and pushed him away slightly, "I can handle it Rich. It's not like I haven't had cuts before."
Richie's demeanor showed extreme concern, "Ez let me clean it up. It looks dreadful! Why did you let someone cut you?"
I scoffed, "It's not like I asked them to run me through. I was just . . . . distracted." I didn't want to go into detail and let him know how much I hated killing all those men. Each bloody face was etched into my mind . . . . Yet the worst part was I kind of enjoyed the experience as a whole. What kind of sick freak would enjoy it?! I mean, I didn't enjoy the killing of them, that part actually made me feel sick to my stomach, but I did enjoy the chaos of the situation. It was like the adrenaline caused me to feel an incredible high that I've never experienced before. Every second could have been my last, and it gave me this delicious feeling of euphoria. I hated that I liked it. I hated that I killed them and I hated feeling guilty for loving it.
"Distracted? How in hellfire could you allow yourself to get distracted?" Richie had pulled out a medical kit and threaded a needle to stitch up my side. Even though my wound would heal at a much faster rate than normal, it still needed mending so that the scar would heal quick too.
I laid down on the cot so he could have easier access to my wound. I swear if I knew he was gonna be a lecturing baby I wouldn't have let him see my injury in the first place. If I were to get injured again, he would definitely not be in the running as 'nursemaid'.
"Can we just get this over with? I have to meet with the Bargona King to discuss terms and I'm already running late."
Richie looked like he was about to slap me, "You're going to go and discuss terms when you have a hole in your side? Seriously luv?! I don't know why I ever followed you out here - you are the most insane woman I've ever met. Sister Livy has nothing on you." Even though his mouth was cursing and berating me, he tenderly pushed the needle through my side and began sewing me up. I'll admit it stung quite a bit, but with all his talking I couldn't get a word in edgewise and I sure as heck wasn't going to give him more ammunition by whimpering or grunting. I just laid there and allowed him to scold me until he was completely done mending up my side.