[Huntsman Skill: Piercing Shot
A shot that can pierce even the thickest hide.]
In panic, Ron instinctively used a skill. He stood up and threw the spear at the incoming horseman. The weapon landed on the chest and pierced the mail, and the tip protruded out of his back. The shot catapulted the soldier backwards, separating him from his horse.
[You have killed a Navian Imperial Cavalryman]
[Mastery Points +120]
The other soldier, farther than the other one, was both shocked and enraged. Once he had fully turned his horse, he charged towards him, his sword in the air, intent on avenging his fallen brother in arms.
Ron wanted to use the impressive skill again, but there was a thirty-minute cool down. So, he had no choice but to switch to the other one.
[Huntsman Skill: Spear Throw
A throw that is guaranteed to hit any target within ten meters.]
The soldier was well within range, and he did not waste a second more. The spear, as advertised, hit where he wanted it to be. However, unlike the previous skill, it was not strong enough to pierce the armor.
Nonetheless, the soldier flinched and halted when the spear shallowly stuck to his chest. He yanked the weapon out, and resumed his course with the same bravado.
Ron thought quickly. There was only one spear left, and he has to make it count. The Piercing Shot's cooldown was still ticking but the Spear Throw became available again just as the horseman recovered.
Knowing that it was accurate but not powerful, he aimed at a different spot.
The spear wheezed its way to the soldier's face and carved into his eyes. The soldier, who did not expect it at all, looked at him in surprise, before dropping off dead from his horse.
[You have killed a Navian Imperial Cavalryman]
[Mastery Points +120]
The skills, as hinted by the descriptions, were meant for hunting forest animals. But to his luck, proved to be just as effective against people.
Ron was now convinced that he was not in a dream and began to take matters more seriously. With the brief respite, he took another look at the soldiers in front, and saw that they were mopping out the last of the bandits.
Acting quickly, he stepped out of the cart and made his way past the corpses, to the nearest horse. The mount of the last soldier he had killed. He was a proper southern man, and he knew how to ride a horse.
When he was about to make a run for freedom, he remembered the woman.
Now mounted, he approached the cart again and found her still in place. She looked at him with the same confused look, until he extended his hand.
The woman, without a second thought, handed him her baby, crying as she did so. Pained by the separation, but understood it was what she must do.
Ron received the child and placed him at his other hand. He extended his other hand again…
The woman stopped wiping her eyes, and looked at the gesture with a questioning look.
"You too" he said, annoyed by her seemingly slow response to things.
"My lord…" she muttered.
"I can carry you both." he assured.
While he spoke, one of the soldiers finally noticed what had happened to their rear and alerted the other.
"Quickly." he spatted.
The woman finally accepted his hand and he pulled her to his front. The baby cried as he swerved him further to his side to make space for the woman. Once she was in place, he handed him the baby back.
"Stop right there!" he heard one of the soldiers shout.
With the woman and child in tow, he retook control of the reins. Without looking back, he rode the horse away, in the opposite direction. There were still children and women left in the caravan, but if he had tarried any longer, he would have not saved anybody.
The soldiers were swiftly hot on their heels, and he rode full speed, despite the discomfort it brought to his passengers. The baby cried even louder, as they were rocked back and forth.
However, Ron could not hear the cries, his heartbeat has filled his ears. He knew they would be outrun if the soldiers keep at them. And because he had killed, they will not be too kind if they were captured.
Petrified and barely keeping composure, he was unable to slow down for the sharp turn that was ahead. But, left with no choice, he continued in full speed and rode as close to the mountain.
When they took the turn, the horse skidded only inches away from falling. The ragged rocks below looked unwelcoming and could mean instant death. Ron tightened his grip on the reins, mentally apologizing to the horse.
Before he knew it, he managed the maneuver. He started breathing again, thanking his lucky stars. It was almost a miracle, taking into account his rusty horse riding skill.
Their pursuers could not do the same and after the bend, the space between them and the soldiers widened.
Several minutes later, they have ridden past the mountain pass down into the forest. The soldiers refused to overextend themselves for a couple of captives and ceased their pursuit. But just to be on the safe side, Ron maintained his speed until they were several kilometers away.
They were deep into the forest when he slowed his horse and diverged to a smaller path. Only halting when they were at last away from the main road.
As soon as the horse stopped, they dismounted.
"Is he alright?" Ron said, out of concern, he was riding hard and feared he might have injured the fragile thing.
"He is, he just needs to eat and rest." she replied, worriedly rocking the crying baby.
"…and thank you. Without you, who knows if we're still alive."
She flashed him a brief smile, amidst all the emotions she was feeling.
She looked tired, hungry, worried, and scared. Yet, it was the baby she could only focus unto.
Ron was impressed.
"You're welcome" he said as he dismounted.
"So what does the baby need?"
"I can't breastfeed him, I'm not his mother. I don't know what to do." she replied almost on the verge of bursting into tears, again
Ron did not know what to do either. Where can he find a wet nurse in the middle of a forest?
Then he remembered something.