Unplanned heroics

The road did indeed slope down as they rounded the corner, and from their vantage point they had an excellent view of what was making the sounds. From here all of them could hear it as well, and it was unmistakable. A fight, by the looks of it an ambush, was playing out a few hundred yards away.

A train of wagons was standing on the road, clearly halted by the one in front having its wheels smashed. The attackers had probably come from the tree line, which was pretty much right on top of the road here. Vel urged his mount another bit closer, and again his sisters followed him. He stood in his saddle, trying to get an even better view of what was going on. The din of battle was so clearly audible now, it made his heart beat faster. The defenders seemed to still be putting up a fight, but it was impossible to tell how it was going from this distance.

“What should we do?” The question had come from Lynn, who was wide eyed and clearly scared and uncertain. Vel, to his surprise, found he was neither. And he knew exactly what he would do. “I have to help.” Adi exploded. “WHAT? You can’t possibly mean you intend to ride down there? You could be injured or killed, and what business is it of ours anyway-“ Vel felt something well up inside his chest. These were his lands. “Those are travelers in my fief being assaulted by brigands. It is my duty to render aid.” Adeline looked horrified, and his link told him why. She didn’t want him going, but she also had access to the link and knew there was nothing she could do to dissuade him. “Vel, please don’t. I f you do I have to come with-“ Oh no, there was no way that was happening. “No, you and Lynn are going to ride back to the estate with all due haste to fetch aid.” Adi was crying now, opening her mouth to protest again. The heir would have none of it. “THAT IS ENOUGH!” Vel was roaring. “I GAVE YOU AN ORDER, DO YOU INTEND TO DISOBEY ME?” His voice was raised, but he had not put any power into it. There was no command, nor was one necessary. Adi hung her head in defeat. “No.” Vel nodded. “Good. Then the two of you will make haste to the estate, alert the guards, and lead them here.”

His sisters didn’t immediately move, Adi still looking down and Lynn staring at the far away skirmish. “Now, go! Time is of the essence!” That roused them and, with one last look at him, the two of them turned their horses and galloped off. Vel took a deep breath to steady himself, then patted Veldred’s neck. “You’re not even nervous, are you, Boy? Good, good. We can do this.” They kicked off into a gallop, thundering down the hill towards the fight.