Rise of the Horde

"I didn't expect that you were a hunter." Redore broke the silence between the two of them. Both of them were riding a bit ahead of the others. And the men of the viscount knew any better than to listen-in on their talk.

Eris shrugged her shoulders. "It's not something I usually bring up, especially during a certain act in bed. And people tend to get frightened or disgusted when they hear about it. Most of the men I have encountered are intimidated by the fact that I am a hunter. I kill for a living and I am used to having my hands drenched in blood."

Redore raised an eyebrow. "Why would anyone be disgusted or intimidated by it? Hunting is a necessary skill, especially in these times of war. And I find a woman who knows how to hunt amazing and attractive."

Eris let out a bitter laugh. "You would think that, but not everyone sees it that way. Some people view it as barbaric. They don't realize that sometimes you have to be willing to get your hands dirty in order to survive. Or they are just scared by the fact that I can kill them if they wronged me. Not every woman out there wanted to depend on a man." She shrugged.

Redore couldn't help but feel drawn to Eris. There was something about her that he found intriguing. Maybe it was her fierce independence or her unique skill set. Whatever it was, he wanted to know more about her.

"You're right," Redore said. "Not every woman wants to depend on a man. And honestly, I find that trait admirable in a person. Independence is a rare quality, especially in women. But you don't have to worry about me being intimidated by your skills. I find them impressive."

Eris turned to him, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you," she said. "It's not often that I come across someone, especially a man who thinks the way that you do."

"Well, consider me one of the rare ones," Redore replied with a grin. "And speaking of impressive skills, I couldn't help but notice how skilled you were in bed."

Eris lifted an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Is that right? And what exactly did you find impressive, my lord?" she asked, a playful tone in her voice.

Redore leaned closer to her, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Your stamina, for one. And your willingness to try new things. Not to mention your ability to lead the act, unlike other women."

Eris smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it. But let's focus on the task at hand, shall we? We have a long journey ahead of us, and we don't want to get lost in the Mystic Forest."

Redore nodded, a pang of disappointment echoing in his chest. He had been hoping to continue their conversation, to learn more about Eris and her unique skills. But he knew she was right. They had a mission to accomplish, and he couldn't afford to get distracted.

For the rest of the journey, Redore and Eris kept their conversation strictly professional. They discussed the route they would take through the forest, the potential dangers they might encounter, and the best ways to avoid them.

Despite the serious nature of their conversation, Redore couldn't help but steal glances at Eris when she wasn't looking. There was something about her that he found irresistible, something that drew him to her like a moth to a flame.

It didn't take long for them to reach the outskirts of the feared forest. "Here it is, the Mystic Forest." Eris directed his gaze into the woods. Redore and his men stared at the towering trees which were probably of hundred years of age.

As they entered the forest, Redore couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He scanned the tree line, searching for any sign of danger, but he couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

Suddenly, Eris tensed up, her hand instinctively reaching for her bow. "We're not alone," she said, her voice low and dangerous.

Redore followed her lead, unsheathing his sword and scanning the area for any sign of danger. His heart was racing, his instincts telling him that they were in danger.

Suddenly, a group of armed men emerged from the trees, brandishing swords and spears. The viscount's men immediately drew their weapons, ready to defend themselves and their guide.

"It's an ambush! Defensive circle!" Redore shouted. The riders under his command didn't need to be told twice. 𝙗𝙚𝙙𝒏𝙤𝒗𝒆𝒍．𝒄𝙤𝙢

Eris didn't flinch, her bow already drawn and aimed at the first person that she had spotted. "Stay back," she warned, her voice commanding and powerful. "Or you'll regret it."

The unknown people didn't even hesitate for a moment, and continued their attack. The ambushers were wearing leather armors, and they closed in on them in formation.

Redore and his men fought fiercely, trading blows with the enemy and holding their own. But it was Eris who proved to be the star of the battle. Her arrows struck true, taking out foes left and right. And she moved with a grace and agility that Redore had never seen before. She was like a dance of death, a deadly beauty that mesmerized him.

The ambushers were no match for the skilled warriors under Redore's command, but it was Eris who dealt the final blow. She faced the leader of their foes, a towering man with a long beard and a scar across his cheek.

The two circled each other, their eyes locked in a deadly stare. Eris had her bow at the ready, while the enemy leader wielded a massive axe.

As they clashed, Redore held his breath, afraid that Eris would be overpowered by the larger man. But Eris was quick and nimble, dodging the axe and launching arrows with her bow. And when the enemy commander least expected it, she drew a hidden dagger from her boot and plunged it into his heart.

The remaining enemies fled in terror, their spirit broken by the fierce warriors and their deadly guide. But arrows came whistling, claiming the lives of the slower ones. The viscount's men quickly gave chase and eliminated every single one of them.

Redore couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. Eris was not only a skilled hunter and a talented lover, but she was also a deadly fighter. He felt a strange mix of fear and desire wash over him as he watched her clean the blood from her dagger.

"Are you alright, my lord?" one of his men asked, breaking him out of his reverie.

Redore nodded, his eyes still fixed on Eris. "Yes, I'm fine. But we need to keep moving. We don't know if there are more of them lurking in the forest."

Eris nodded in agreement, sheathing her dagger and picking up her bow. "Let's go," she said, leading the way deeper into the Mystic Forest.

"It seemed like they are a scouting party from the enemy army," one of the viscount's riders commented as he identified their foes. How their fallen foes fought was the same as the enemy soldiers in the frontline. Their formation and weaponry are all the same with them.