79 Chapter 79

Kane had eaten and now was off to dreamland. The day had been very interesting but sleep called him and he answered. The weather was cool and the song of the forest lulled him to sleep. Everything seemed calm and peaceful.

Sadly the night was bound to disappoint the group. Kane felt an increasing sense of danger. He awoke and immediately summoned his bow.

Kane exited his tent to see nothing out of the ordinary. It still seemed calm. He never doubted his senses though and quietly woke up his men.

They armed themselves and gathered around Kane.

Kane was about to send someone to wake the Sparrow group up when he saw an orc run out of the trees.

"Sir there is a large force headed this way. We know you told us to stay hidden when you met up with this other group but this group is too big to worry about being seen. We need to go and get you to safety!"

"Calm down. What do these troops look like?"

"They are those knights from Kokar."

"Ok, ok, looks like we have to deal with them," said Kane. "How many are on their way here?"

"They seem to have 5 times more soldiers than both our groups combined and not only do they have warriors and archers but a cavalry force as well. Full plate."

"Ok, have your group stick to the trees and watch our backs. I will let General Bushivo know of the troubles that are upon us."

"Sir we should worry about ourselves, not those meatbags." The orc was adamant about protecting Kane and not worrying about those from the White Sparrow kingdom.

"Trust me everything will be fine. Just do as you're told" responded Kane.

The orc nodded and disappeared into the trees.

Kane signaled for one of his crusaders.

"Go to one of the sparrow guards and ask for an audience with the General. Tell him it's an emergency."

"As you say, m'lord."

The soldier immediately headed to the sparrow's campsite.

"I hate when people interrupt my sleep" murmured Kane.

"Sir! Sir!"

General Bushivo was woken by a shout from outside the carriage. He opened his eyes and noticed that the princess had also woken.

"Sir Bushivo what's going on?" asked Liora with a panic overpowering the tiredness on her face.

"I do not know but whatever happens I must ask you to stay here where it's safe. I will send a couple of knights in. We may be in danger."

Bushivo grabbed his weapon and headed outside while Liora went to peek outside. Her sense of danger was not as powerful as her curiosity.

"What is it, knight?" asked Bushivo.

"One of the other camp's knights came up to me. He asked for a meeting between their leader and you. Apparently, it's an emergency, and even told us to prepare for battle."

Bushivo wasted no time and order the knights to gear up and had a couple sent to guard the princess. He then headed over to where the Iron Rose's leader was waiting.

"Sir Kane, what is the emergency that plagues us?"

"Sir Bushivo I apologize for the rude awakening but one of my men who was scouting came back to me with the grave news that a large party of Kokarian Knights is headed this way. From his description, it seems to be 5 times our size with a mix of infantry, archers, and cavalry. They seem to be fully geared for war."

Bushivo's face had a sullen look and furrowed his eyebrows.

"My knights are not enough to take down such a large force and I assume that your men would also struggle Sir Kane."

"Indeed my force is strong but I would prefer not to test them against this group right now."

Bushivo ponders before responding.

"Kane we both agree it's not smart to try and take this group. I recommend that we retreat. We are still far away from the White Sparrow Kingdom and from what I remember we are too far from the Iron Rose Kingdom. I recommend that we had to the town of Lerwick. It is closer and is ruled by the brother of my liege. Loyal and kind he will welcome us. We actually just left it. We can seek aid there as it is well protected and it's better than being stuck here."

"That sounds like a plan Sir Bushivo. It is better to fight on one's own turf. How far is it?"

"I can lead us there and we should be able to make it by late afternoon if we leave now and are able to avoid Kokar."

"Ok I will gather my men and you get your group ready. Let's ride!" Kane called over his group and started making preparations.

Bushivo gave orders to his men and then headed back to the princess's carriage.

"Sir Bushivo what's going on?" asked Princess Liora.

"A war part from Kokar is on its way princess. We must go as there are too many to fight against. We will head back to your uncle's for help."

The princess had a feeling something was wrong when peeking at the conversation between General Bushivo and Sir Kane but had not realized how dire the situation actually was.

"Do not fear I will protect you with my life princess. It is my duty."

Liora started to ease up at Bushivo's words but was still frightened.

"Lin is everything ready?" asked Bushivo to a knight who had just entered the carriage.

"Yes sir! We are ready to head out. The group from the Iron Rose Kingdom has also packed and is waiting for use to lead."

"Good have the carriages head back to Lerwick! And send a rider to warn them ahead of time."

"As you command!"

Lin ran back outside and a few minutes later the carriage started moving.

The princess had calmed down and relief filled the air. Bushivo let out a sigh. If they had stayed he did not know if he would be able to fight them off. If they can stay ahead of the war party then all should be fine as they can defend Lerwick along with the soldiers that are already there.

"WATCH OUT!"

Bushivo looked outside the carriage just in time to see the lead carriage burst into flames. Cries of agony filled the air.

Bushivo grasped his sword.

"Men it looks like we have to fight our way out! Prepare to charge! We must protect her majesty!" Bushivo jumped out of the carriage and went to the front with a group of his knights. He hoped they would be enough to get the group to safety. Hopefully, Sir Kane and his crusaders would back them up. He had a feeling that he would need to rely on this mysterious fellow and his forces to protect the princess and get out of the forest alive.

(Yes it is I! I am back! Not joking it's true! The Authors thought has more info as well as an apology. I know I have been gone for a very long time. I have not given up on this book yet. I had written half this chapter months ago and finally, I have finished today and will continue writing again!)