The night was darker now, the forest canopy thick and impenetrable. The group moved quickly, their breath visible in the cold air. The sound of the river faded into the distance, replaced by the soft crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot. But the soldiers were close—too close.
"Cyril, how far are we from the northern pass?" Alaric asked, his voice low but urgent.
"Still a few miles," Cyril replied, glancing over his shoulder. His sharp eyes scanned the shadows, searching for any sign of their pursuers. "If we keep this pace, we'll make it by dawn. But that's assuming they don't catch up first."
Nico clung to Alaric's hand, his small legs struggling to keep up. Alaric slowed for a moment, crouching down to lift the boy onto his back. "Hold on," he said, his voice gentle.
The woman trailed behind, her breathing labored. Every now and then, she glanced nervously over her shoulder, as though expecting the soldiers to appear at any moment.
"Are you sure this path is safe?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"It's not," Cyril said bluntly. "But it's the only option we have."
---
The Soldiers' Relentless Hunt
Back at the river, Sergeant Dalen stood on the bank, his expression cold and furious. He watched as his men crossed the swift current, their torches flickering against the night.
"Spread out," he ordered once they reached the other side. "They can't have gotten far."
The soldiers moved with renewed determination, their desperation driving them forward. They had followed false trails and traps for hours, but now they had a clear direction.
"Mark my words," Dalen muttered under his breath. "I'll bring that boy back, no matter the cost."
---
A Narrow Shelter
Alaric led the group to a small hollow beneath the roots of a massive tree. It wasn't much, but it would provide temporary cover while they caught their breath.
"We'll rest here for a few minutes," Alaric said, setting Nico down gently. "Then we move again."
The boy nodded, though his face was pale with exhaustion.
The woman sat down heavily, rubbing her arms for warmth. "Who are they? Why are they after the boy?"
"That's none of your concern," Cyril snapped, his eyes narrowing.
Alaric shot him a warning look but didn't answer the woman's question. The truth was, even he didn't know why the soldiers were so intent on capturing Nico. All he knew was that he couldn't let them succeed.
"We'll split up if we have to," Alaric said, his voice quiet but firm. "Cyril, you take Nico and head for the pass. I'll lead the soldiers away."
Cyril frowned. "That's a terrible idea."
"It's the only one we have," Alaric replied.
The woman's eyes widened. "Wait—you're not seriously planning to leave me behind, are you?"
Cyril smirked. "You're not exactly an asset, lady."
Alaric sighed. "No one gets left behind. But you'll need to keep up if you want to survive."
---
The Soldiers Close In
The sound of voices carried through the trees, faint but growing louder. The soldiers were getting closer.
"We need to move," Cyril said, standing and nocking an arrow to his bow.
Alaric nodded, lifting Nico onto his back once more. "Stay close."
The group slipped back into the forest, their movements swift and silent. Alaric's heart pounded in his chest as the sounds of pursuit grew louder. He knew they were running out of time.
---
A Desperate Gamble
When the first arrow flew past them, Alaric knew they had been spotted.
"Run!" he shouted, pushing Nico ahead.
Cyril turned, his bow snapping up in a fluid motion. His arrow found its mark, and a soldier cried out, falling to the ground.
"They're closing in!" Cyril yelled.
Alaric led the group down a steep incline, hoping the rough terrain would slow their pursuers. The woman stumbled, nearly falling, but Cyril grabbed her arm and pulled her along.
"Keep moving!" he barked.
The trees thinned as they approached the edge of the forest. Alaric's heart sank when he saw what lay ahead—a wide expanse of open ground leading to the northern pass. There was no cover.
"They'll see us," the woman said, her voice shaking.
"We don't have a choice," Alaric replied.
---
The Final Sprint
With no other options, the group broke into a sprint. Alaric carried Nico, his legs burning with the effort. Cyril stayed close behind, his bow at the ready.
Arrows whistled through the air as the soldiers emerged from the trees, their shouts echoing across the clearing.
Cyril loosed another arrow, hitting one of the soldiers in the leg. "Just keep going!" he shouted.
The pass was closer now, the rocky terrain offering a glimmer of hope. But Alaric knew they wouldn't make it without a distraction.
"Cyril, take Nico and go!" he yelled.
"What? No!" Cyril protested.
"Go!" Alaric shouted, setting Nico down and pushing him toward Cyril. "I'll hold them off!"
Cyril hesitated for a moment, then grabbed Nico's hand and ran. The woman followed, her face pale with fear.
---
A Stand Against the Tide
Alaric turned to face the soldiers, his dagger gleaming in the moonlight. He didn't expect to win, but he would buy the others enough time to escape.
The first soldier reached him, and Alaric moved with practiced precision, dodging the man's swing and driving his dagger into his side. Another soldier charged, and Alaric barely managed to deflect the blow.
"You won't take him," Alaric growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Sergeant Dalen stepped forward, his sword drawn. "You're a fool," he said coldly. "You can't protect him forever."
Alaric didn't respond. He lunged at Dalen, his movements quick and deadly. The sergeant blocked the attack, their weapons clashing with a sharp ring.
---
The Sound of Reinforcements
Just as the fight reached its peak, a horn sounded in the distance. The soldiers froze, their faces twisting in confusion.
Alaric glanced toward the pass, his heart leaping when he saw a group of riders approaching. They weren't soldiers—they were allies.
"Looks like your time's up," Alaric said, a small smile playing on his lips.
Dalen snarled, retreating with his men as the riders closed in.
---
End of Chapter 8