Chapter 106: Try Again
"Maya," I said, meeting her startled gaze, "I'm going to save everyone."
She stared at me, confusion written across her face. The arrow that had nearly taken my head still quivered in the wooden post behind me. "Tomas, what are you—"
"Raiders!" Henrik's shout cut through our conversation, right on schedule. "They're breaking through the east gate!"
Maya thrust the rusty sword toward me – that same damn sword I'd seen so many times before. "Here. Try not to stab yourself with it."
I didn't take it this time. Instead, I gave her a quick nod and turned towards the forest. "Get people to the south wall," I called over my shoulder. "The Seventh Band will try to flank through there."
"How did you—" her voice faded as I sprinted away, this body’s muscles protesting as I pushed them beyond their mortal limits.
The village sounds faded behind me – shouts of alarm, the clash of weapons, the first screams as raiders breached the walls. I forced myself not to look back. I couldn't save them if I was dead, and I needed to reach the forest before she arrived.
Last time, Vayara had seemed almost reasonable, willing to spare the village because she saw potential in me. If I could just reach the meeting point, I should be able to convince her again...
The trees grew closer with agonizing slowness. My legs felt like lead, each step a battle against exhaustion. But I couldn't stop. Couldn't slow down. The timing had to be perfect.