Sir Ian's POV
I never expected it would turn out like this. I truly thought it would be similar to how it was before. They came at us without end. All the units under the noblemen were decimated. Even sir Derek of the royal guard lost his arm to that rider with the spikes on its head. Luckily, I managed to escape with the princess. (She was passed out as he carried her on his shoulder.) I never thought this is where we would meet our end.
He had run to the only place he thought he would find cover, yes, he journeyed deeper into the forest. He realized that the only way he was getting out of his bind was to employ unconventional means. No reinforcements were coming his way and the only way he would get out of there alive was to play the unexpected move. Although he had ran, it was by no means his decision nor his cowardice at play. He was the strongest of all the royal guard and was the princess's best chance of surviving. The rest of his unit decided to halt the hordes progression towards her highness while allowing Sir Ian to escape with her. That was of course after he had taken down a few of the grotesque creatures. As he was retreating, the monsters noticed the particularly extravagant armor Veronica fashioned. Monsters such as these were well known for their obsession with anything shiny. She was now all of a sudden, the center of their attention thus increasing the workload of the royal guard. The rider then proceeded to shout.
(Goblin Rider):"@#$%^&**&!@$&*~{."
At its order, hundreds of goblin archers drew their bows as they faced the wall formed by the royal guard. One by one the arrows were released from their grip and one by one did they descend upon the guards. Most of them were successfully blocked or parried but a few managed to make their way through their defenses and left their faces with a few cuts. Sir Ian had it worse as he also had to shield the princess. Blood slowly dripped down his face as his brow had been cut. He then immediately carried Veronica and ran towards the trees to find cover.
...
Night had fallen and Sir Ian had managed to find cover for him and the princess.
(Princess Veronica):"Umm...Where are we? What happened?"
She slowly muttered as her eyes widened ever so carefully. She quickly came to appreciate her surroundings as she noticed that the rest of their party was not with her and Sir Ian. She particularly felt sorrow at the thought of the rest of her royal guard perishing in an attempt to save her. She understood it was their duty but the idea of sacrificing themselves for her still never sat well with her. To her it only meant one cold reality, that she was weak. She curled herself up along a tree and silently grieved for her fallen escort. A few minutes passed as she then lifted her head and directed her gaze towards Sir Ian. He was sitting in a tree so he could better observe if there was any movement in their proximity.
(Princess Veronica):" Sir Ian. What happened back there and why are we in the forest?"
(Sir Ian):" Princess... I am afraid our intelligence gathering skills have doomed many men in battle today. The enemy numbers greatly exceeded expectations and as a result we can only assume we are the only ones left alive from our side. As for the reason we have ventured deep into the forest. It was the only place we could hide with the least likely chance of being followed. As of this moment my only priority is to make sure you are returned to the kingdom safely. I can only wait till then to receive whatever punishment his majesty will surely present me for this incident."
(Princess Veronica):" Wait! why would you be punished for the actions of monsters. Sir Ian, you have done nothing wrong so why would you be held responsible?"
Sir Ian the let-out a long sigh and looked towards the sky with an expression that spelled acceptance.
(Sir Ian):" It can't be helped. If not me then who. If I am the only one to survive then I am the only one who can be held responsible for our defeat. The various noble houses will expect an explanation for the loss of their forces. I am confident his majesty will push this responsibility onto someone else rather than take responsibility himself."
(Princess Veronica):" But that's not ..."
Before she finished speaking, she was called to silence by a sound she could faintly make out coming from the forest. Sir Ian was also sprung into position by that very sound. Princess Veronica quickly got behind Sir Ian as his sword was directed at the strange sound's origin. The sound was only getting louder and louder. They came to see a silhouette that they recognized as the origin of the sound. The sound was a whistle, and they could tell that the presence was human. Assuming it was one of the men from their raiding party, they lowered their guard thinking it was someone who was fortunate to survive the battle. From amidst the trees came a boy in his teenage years who was dressed in plain clothing, held no weapons and had an unusual hair color.
(Sir Ian):" Are you ... a civilian?"
(Mystery boy):"HMM? What are you talking about?"
(Princess Veronica):" Are you lost?"
She thought to herself, "he appears to be about the same age as I am."
(Princess Veronica):"Sir Ian why don't we take him back with us? This is a dangerous place for anyone to be alone. Also, if a civilian were lost in this place surely, we are to do everything we can to return them home."
(Sir Ian): " Wait princess, this is a forest inhabited by monsters, what would an ordinary civilian be doing here. Also, you forget that we are here to hunt down dangerous monsters. How would he be perfectly fine like this in a place so full of danger."
She was silenced at these facts and slowly pondered over this stranger that stood before her. All of what Sir Ian said was true and there really was no reason she could think of that would allow a civilian to be present in the forest of monsters.
(Mysterious boy):" I am not lost. I simply came to pay my respects to my mother who is buried on the hill behind me. She recently passed so I just wanted to say goodbye before I begin my adventure."
They both looked at him as if he was missing a few upstairs.
(Princess Veronica):" In any case, let's go back to the kingdom and we will sort things from there. Now all that's left to do is find our way out of here."
(Mysterious boy):" Are you guys going to that town over there. What a coincidence, I was also about to check it out before I begin my adventure. Hahahahaha, follow me I know this place like the back of my hand."
(Princess Veronica):" Have you been here before? You seem very familiar with the place."
(Mysterious boy):" Alot more than I would like. Any ways, just follow me and I will get you out of this place."
They organized whatever they had and waited till dawn next day. As the sunlight began to travel to them, so too did they travel towards the town. With the help of the mysterious boy, they managed to get their quickly while also avoiding monsters on their path. They doubted him at first, but it was irrefutable that he had been helpful. Although it only led to the birth of more questions. Who was he? How was he so familiar with the forest? What was he really doing there? What was he planning? The questions just kept piling on until they had safely gotten out of the forest. As they looked around, they came across the familiar gate which they exited just a few days ago. To think so much had changed within so little time.
(Princess Veronica):" Look Sir Ian, we made it back."
(Sir Ian):" Indeed we have. I am ready for whatever punishment will befall me but first we should inform his majesty of the enormous danger that lurks within this forest. Hopefully I will still be able to serve my duty and avenge my fallen comrades."
(Princess Veronica):"Sir Ian... (worried tone)"
(Mysterious boy):" Hmm? Danger...what are you guys babbling on about?"
Veronica then turned towards the mysterious boy and said in a resolute voice," I thank you for all that you have done for us. We have urgent matters to attend to but if you stay in town for a few days, I will personally reward you."
(Princess Veronica):" I still don't have your name. I am known as Veronica, what about you?"
(Mysterious boy):" Call me Vlad. Vlad Petti."