Taste of War

Relaxing by the riverside, I closed my eyes. Sighing contently, I lost myself in the surrounding tranquility: the soft tricking of the water, the gentle warm breeze tickling my skin, and the sweet smell of grass. I smiled. The village was so serene and peaceful, I do not know why the Capital felt it was necessary to hire a mercenary to guard the village. Who would attack this beautiful valley?

I struggled to recall the hired guard's name, we had only talked a few times. Like me, he left the Capital to seek a better life, and had left his family behind. I sometimes wondered what it would be like to have a family, and how it would feel knowing their lives depend on you.

I looked up to the sky. It was early afternoon - Link had left for the Capital with the sword not even an hour ago. The journey on horseback would take 3 days without rest, so until his return I was told to assist Fado in herding the goats. That I didn't mind - I had always liked goats, and it would be a welcome break from tending the pumpkins.

With that thought in mind, I got up and dusted myself off. It's time to get back to work. Instead of moving, however, I stayed in place. The hairs rose on the back of my neck - something felt wrong.

A bloodcurdling scream confirmed my suspicions, "M-M-Monsters!?" I turn, surprised, to see Ilia run out of the forest, her eyes wide, leaving a trail of blood. I felt pale: there was huge gash on her shoulder.

Her voice was panicked, "There are monsters in the forest! A-and they are coming! Help!"

"Ilia, its okay," A deep calming voice, Rusl's, rumbled, "Calm down. What kind of monsters?"

"Boblokins!"

It hit me.

The whole world stopped, the harsh reality of the situation now apparent. My chest tightened in fear, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. Everything was a blur, a frightened frantic blur. Muffled voices yelled at me, I vaguely felt myself being shaken, but I couldn't react.

A deafening sound shook me to my core, shattering the spell I was under, the offensive sound crashing into my hears. The town bell was ringing - alerting all those to take cover. We were under attack.

I was never been in a battle before, and I have never killed before. I started to hyperventilate, heart pounding in my chest.

"James, Ferrous, and Wess," Rusl gestured to the village guard, Wess, and two other men, "Take up arms! Prepare for battle!"

Rusl said to me, his battle hardened eye penetrated mine,"Terra, stay calm. Help Sera rally up the children and all non-combatants. Hide in the barn at the ranch," I didn't move - I couldn't move. I am terrified, "Terra! Now!" He barked.

I go, breaking out into a run, towards the barn. It was chaos. In front of me, villagers frantically ran towards the ranch, having heard the alarm bell, some stumbling and falling in their haste. Behind me, guttural roars announced the arrival of the monsters. The air was thick with fear - horrified screams and sobs penetrating the air. I hesitated and look back towards Rusl and the three militia whom have gathered. Their backs facing me, they drew their swords and readied themselves as the mob approached. My chest tightened in fear - surely four men would not be able to repel an invasion?

A thought struck me, and instead of running towards the barn with the others, I veered off to the right. I must retrieve my bow to protect myself and the villagers, in case Rusl and the others fall. I pushed myself to sprint faster, my breath coming out in ragged puffs, as I neared Fado's house. Almost there. Slamming into the front door, I whipped it open, shakily retrieved my bow and quiver, and exited.

Numerous horrified cries snapped my attention to the barn. One of the monsters had gotten through - its rugged club dripping with blood. It was approaching the barn, bloodlust in its eyes. I had no choice.

I shakily retrieved an arrow, nock it, and fire towards the beast. It missed - slamming into the barnside with a dull thud.

The monster didn't even flinch. Its beady black eyes met mine, full of hatred and murder. It raised its club and took a step towards me.

I nocked another arrow.

The beast charged, letting out a piercing shriek, kicking up dirt as it barreled towards me.

My hands shaking from terror, I fired. The arrow flew straight and true - right into the side of the barn.

The gray monster, still hurtling towards me, waved its club mockingly. It was getting closer.

I nocked my last arrow. Steadying my breath, I lined up my shot, hands still shaking. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself, and closed my eyes. I imagined myself at the shooting range, lining up a bullseye. I snapped my eyes open, and let go of the arrow.

Upon hearing a painful cry, I knew I hit my target. Shockingly, the arrow, despite protruding out of the monster's arm, did not seem to have much of an effect. Uttering an ear-splitting screech, it threw its club at me in retaliation.

Fortunately, I managed to dodge it before it hit me in the chest. I landed on my ankle, hear a sickening crack, and collapsed. My ankle seared in pain.

I looked up and my eyes widened in horror - its sharp black claws were raised for the kill. Unable to move, I closed my eyes and awaited the strike, heart pounding in my ears.

There was a yell from in front of me, the sickening sound of sword sliding through flesh, and a guttural roar. Hot blood splattered the ground, and myself, and a body thudded against the ground. The beast had been run-through.

Feeling faint, I looked up. My vision was blurry, but I couldn't still see the man smile, "...ou o...ay?"

I was barely conscious. I tried to speak, but all I can get out was a painful groan. Seeming to understand, he looked over his shoulder and yells, "...needs...help...ere!"

My vision went black, and I felt no more.