The Tiger Within 16 Thirteen Men On Horseback Part 4

"We will not lose our pray to a mere woman. Even if she is the Demon…" and before he could finish the sentence the blade had sliced through his throat. Gurgling sounds were all that was left of his final words as she let him fall, lifeless to the dirt. His companions watched both turning on her as 4 more dropped down from the trees.

"Give us the girl or die Shade b.i.t.c.h." growled a survivor. Tankin had never met Kyera before and didn't know her power. Without a word Kyera wrapped the girl in her cloak using shadows to secure her in a protective force behind her. The child was awkwardly settled against her back, with the cloak covering her.

"i don't want you to see this little one. As long as you cant see them they can't get you with me here." Kyera a.s.sured the child who was s.h.i.+vering behind her. The Princess was just old enough to understand what was going on but too young to know what to do but follow this woman's orders. She then took position to protect the child. Experimentally moving, she ensured that every time she moved the child was carried by the shadows to stay at her back.

"If you want her take her from me then. Otherwise let me return what you have taken to her father." kyera challenged, pulling two long blades from her sides, hidden in the dress. The jackals laughed, a eerie sound in perfect harmony as the first launched toward her followed by several more within seconds. It sent chills down the onlookers spines and the child whimpered. Kyera pat her back gently rea.s.suring her.

Kyera chuckled and kicked the first in the jaw, knocking it away from her with a bit of force. Her sword swung slas.h.i.+ng at the next. Blood splattering into the air as she caught flesh and ripped forward, not caring as long as the creature howled.

It jumped back blood pouring from the gaping wound in his shoulder. 2 turned forms to jackals and leaped, but she ducked. Jerking aside Kyera spoke a word and a shadow wall knocked the creature aside. Without pause another leaped into the fray, thinking to take her from behind only for the sword to swing round and slice deep into the jackals neck.

Kyera began to grow concerned. She was not out matched, but she was outnumbered. Without a.s.sistance she would likely fail but that didn't stop her from falling another beast with her sword. These creatures broke the taboo, hunting children for the folly of the father how dare they! She would not let them off. None of them.

Unbeknownst to Kyera, a group of guards led by a man on horseback watched as she took on that pack. The magic of the shadows and her powerful swords play putting on quite the impressive show. She was protecting what wasn't hers to keep, and yet she did so stunningly. Not a single blow came close to the baby as she twisted and turned sometimes taking hits

"Now." he said softly, lips curling into a smile. Long black hair pulled back, high on his head so the prince circlet could settle under it. Only 4 inches of silver showing at the front above his burning green eyes. His chiseled features were handsome but fairy like. Unlike most the men in this line, he was not exceedingly masculine.

To accompany hie strong jaw and firm stance was a daintiness. Sharp eyes, and a quick wit but a less powerful physical strength. He was built to be a man of words, not of fists. Not that it mattered much, a son of the emperor needn't be good with a sword if he could make quick decisions and guide the muscles of his army.

Watching her begin to tire out, and a Jackal's swipe land on her shoulder. The little warrioress fell forward and his heart stopped. She caught herself with her arm and rolled, the shadows swirling the child across behind her again by the force of the winds. Kyera growled in anger as pain shot through her body.

After watching for a opening, the Prince raised a black leather clad arm. Archers took their ready. His fist opened fingers to the sky. Aim. And as his hand closed: they fired.