And here we are, back again with yet another chapter. Thanks to those who reviewed, you really made my day!

Chapter 11

The knights watched as the Saxon army made it's way out onto the ice. Akira shivered in the wind. So many against so few... They were never going to make it.

She sighed as an odd thought struck her. This would be the first time she'd ever killed anyone for nothing. She shook her head, ridding herself of unwanted thoughts, and occupied herself fitting an arrow to her bow.

"You look frightened." Lancelot said. Akira turned around to look at him, only to find he was talking to Guinevere. "There are a large amount of lonely men out there."

Guinevere rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, I won't let them rape you." Akira grinned. Lancelot looked disconcerted.

The Saxon army in front of them stopped. Akira heard the leader give an order, then an archer stepped out and fired a single arrow at them. It fell short a hundred meters away from where the knights were standing.

Arthur smirked. "I believe they're waiting for an invitation. Bors, Tristan." The two knights drew their bows and aimed into the sky.

"We're far out of range." Guinevere protested.

Arthur just smiled. All of the arrows found their mark. The Saxon army started again across the ice.

"Aim for the wings of the ranks, make them cluster." Arthur commanded.

Akira lifted her bow, aimed and fired.

A few minutes later, the Saxons figured out what the knights were trying to do, and made a desperate effort to make their troops hold the ranks, with little effect.

"It's not going to break." Arthur said, his voice tinged with panic. "Fall back and prepare for combat."

Akira dropped her bow and drew her long curved sword. The blade hissed slightly as it left it's scabbard.

"Dag!" She looked up at Bors' shout, to see Dagonet run forward onto the ice, holding an axe. She felt her blood run cold as she realized what he meant to do.

"Cover him!" Arthur shouted.

Akira picked up her bow and started firing arrows as fast as she knew how. Dagonet was bringing his axe down on the ice rhythmically, trying to break it.

Arthur made his way out onto the ice holding a shield, but he didn't reach Dagonet in time. A crossbow bolt hit the Sarmatian in the chest. Even from where she was standing, Akira could see that the wound was serious, possibly fatal. She searched the ranks of the Saxon warriors, until her eyes fell on the one she was looking for. She raised her bow, taking careful aim this time. If she missed, she wouldn't get another chance at the shot. She released the arrow, watching it soar through the air, piercing the Saxon leader's throat. He looked stunned, as did his warriors, staring at the feathered shaft in the neck of their commander.

Meanwhile, Arthur and Bors had pulled Dagonet off the ice, and were desperately trying to keep him awake. Akira dropped her bow and ran over to them, her fingers tugging at the herb pouch at her waist as she ran. She dropped to her knees beside Dagonet, pulling his shirt open to see the wound. She spread the contents of her pouch out on the snowy ground and thrust a water skin at Guinevere.

"Go fill that up from the lake." She commanded, not listening to the answer. "Tristan, there's a powder with an extremely acrid smell in the leather pouch. Open it and put some water in it. It should form a paste." The scout nodded, his fingers fumbling with the strings of the bag.

Akira placed her hand firmly on Dagonet's chest, pushing down slightly. "Bors, hold him down."

He did as she said, tears running down his face. She pulled at the bolt, pleased to see that it didn't resist. It hadn't caught his heart or lungs. The bolt came free easily. Dagonet twitched slightly. Akira frowned. They were losing him.

Tristan touched her shoulder, holding out the pouch of bright yellow paste. She took it, pressing some into the wound, which started healing before their eyes. Guinevere reappeared next to her, holding the skin. Akira took it and poured some water into Dagonet's mouth. He coughed and spluttered, and Akira grinned.

"Welcome back, sir knight." Dagonet smiled back for a second, before falling unconscious again. The other knights breathed a sigh of relief.

"What did you do?" Arthur asked.

"Just a few tricks Merlin taught me." Akira smiled ruefully. "You don't object, I hope?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Not really, no."

"He needs to stay fairly quiet for a few days. Bors, he'll have to ride in front of you. Can you manage?" Akira asked.

"Of course." Bors grinned. "Small price to pay considering we could have lost him." He turned and mounted his horse, pulling Dagonet up in front of him, then turned back to look at Akira. "Thank you."

Akira just smiled, then turned on her heel, gathered her pouch and mounted Myrrah.

Arthur gave an order and they all rode out of the vicinity of the lake, leaving the Saxons behind them.


Well? What do you think? That's my first proper battle scene, so commentary will be much appreciated.

Carline