Tracking 10

Denna kicked herself back from the powerful down stroke of the black-clad guardsman’s sword.  The blade of the razor-sharp broadsword missed her by inches and  bit deeply into the dirt floor of the stable.  Shaking her head, Denna rolled in the opposite direction putting distance between herself and the frustrated warrior.  In her peripheral vision Denna saw the guard leader rise from the floor and draw his sword.  She watched warily as the guard leader put his hand on the larger subordinate to keep him from charging her.  She used those few seconds to master her pain and prepare herself.

“Even unarmed she’s quick and dangerous mate.” The leader cautioned his subordinate.  “ Lets take our time and be care….”  his warning was interrupted by the force of both of Denna’s feet landing unexpectedly on his chest as she sprung into an attack against her two much larger and armed opponents. 

The guard leader went down  on his back stunned as Denna translated her momentum into a forward handspring  away from the two astounded guards.  At the end of the jump she scooped up her sword and spun back facing the guards with her  long broadsword in her hand.  Without pause, Denna attacked again with a quick flurry of strokes aimed at the sole standing  guard who  just managed to parry them.  Unfortunately for him, none of the strokes were meant to penetrate his defense, they were meant to maneuver him into a position where he was off balance and his sword was below his knees.  Having essentially disarmed him without disarming him, it required only a final smooth thrust and Denna’s thin steel blade slid between his armor and ended his life. 

Barely breathing hard, but still bothered by the throbbing pain in her head she turned back to the guard leader who had picked himself up from the floor for the second time.  Denna faced him and watched as his eyes measured the distance to the door and his chances of escape.  Suddenly his face contorted in confusion.  Denna remained wary as he slowlyfell to his knees and then, with a soft final moan, collapsed forward onto his face.  As he lay in the dirt she could see the hilt of the sharp woodsman’s knife protruding from his back

Denna looked over at Aetherea who still kneeled submissively in the dark by the horses.  She cocked her eye at her partner questioningly. 

“He threatened my Mistress,” was Aetherea’s soft answer to Denna's unspoken questions.

Denna could see the hint of a smile and a light in Aetherea’s eyes that wasn’t there before.  She nodded and smiled, “I love you Aetherea.”

Aetherea nodded in return and smiled.

With a grin, Denna helped her partner up and led her toward the saddled horses, “Lets ride.”