Young Writers Society

Lance

The sky turned dark quickly as the raindrops began to fall. Lance spurred Faith, into a gallop. He bounced up and down, used to the rhythm of his steed, thankful for her companionship. Lance groaned as the rain splattered on his armor and slid down, grasping for a hold but finding none.

The forest lammed ahead now, dark and foreboding, like a giant out of the night, coming to devour its minuscule prey. Lance grasped the hilt of his sword reassuringly, and felt confidence. This forest seemed to be . . . different. But with his steed and sword he felt he could overcome obstacles.

The darkness enveloped him and he pulled his blue caped and cowl over his head. Then he spotted the glowing eyes. He stopped short and Faith whinnied, and pranced back and forth, obviously aware of the danger. Lance drew his blade and advanced slowly. He got ten feet from the eyes before he realized they belonged to wolves. Black and grey wolves, teeth barred, saliva dripping from their sharp fangs, hungry for prey.

He pressed Faithful forward, and felt the power beneath him as the wind and rain rushed into his face. The first wolf leapt from his left and he easily cut it down, the blade slicing it's side. The second wolf jumped to nearly his waist height and he had to bring his sword across saddle to swing. The blade cleaved into the wolf's fur and stained crimson before being cleaned by the heavy rain.

Faithful pressed by the wolves, but Lance knew they would follow. One of them was fast enough to get ahead of the white horse. It leapt for Faith's throat, but Lance pulled her away and the wolf's teeth snapped shut in the open air. Lance reached the forest edge and hurriedly dismounted, then pressed his hand against Faith's nose, the signal for her to stay, then he turned to face the charging wolves.

A loud growl caused him to spin. He just saw the flash of grey fur before the animal collided with his chest, knocking him to the ground. His hand slammed onto the hard dirt, causing him to lose his sword and it skidded to far for him to reach. The wolf on top of him bit at his throat. He swung his gauntlet across, catching the wolf in the jaws. It let out a yelp and stumbled, but stayed on him. Another wolf jumped and bit onto his right hand. He tried to wrest it away but could not.

Heart pounding, desperate to get up, he yanked hard, hand slipping out of his right gauntlet and therefore freeing it. He grabbed the wolf on top of him and heaved up with both hands. The wolf growled but was overwhelmed and flew back several feet. Lance rolled to his left and clasped his sword. Then he jumped to his feet and swung as hard as he could in a half circle. A flash of lightning occurred simultaneously and he temporarily watch in bright light as three wolves were slashed across the face, blood splattering out profusely.

Lance wiped rain from his face and tried to count the remaining number of wolves. There was the one behind him, which went after Faith, and two more, attacking just as viciously. Knowing that his horse was necessary for survival, Lance rushed at the grey wolf. It turned to face him.

"Faith, kick!" Lance yelled.

Faith, who had turned away from the wolf, struck out with her hind legs. They took the wolf in the side, sending it airborne for a few seconds before it smashed into the ground like a rag doll. It limped away, howling in pain. But Lance had no time to relax. The last two wolves were as determined as ever and came attacking. The first leaped into the air at Lance. just as he brought his sword up the second went for his legs. Lance swung straight ahead, running the jumping wolf through the face.

The second however found a weak spot in his armor, just below the knee. Lance grunted in pain as the wolf's teeth sunk into his skin and flesh. He kicked with his second leg, knocking the beast off. Then he plunged his sword through it's back. The blood began to trickle down his leg as the battle concluded.