Ambush in the Ravine

JP with Alexis, Gonyaul and Hunter:

One last bird whistle was heard and then on either side of them three large and armed Odenine ruffians emerged from concealed vantage points atop the inclined sides of the ravine. From behind, two more were sneaking up undetected. In front two emerged suddenly, instantly sending projectile rocks from a sling. The ambushers from the sides came running down with a war cry to cause a panic in the horses and travelers.

While at range they were hurling stones from slings, all of which were directed at Hunter, the greatest threat In their minds. They were closing the gap swiftly and soon would be close enough to put their spears to good use.

The two in front were designed to keep them from being able to move forward. And they were sending a constant barrage of well aimed stones at Hunter’s vitals in the hopes of rendering him either unconscious or keep him off balance and distracted so he could not retaliate well. Hunter was also being pelted by hard fasting moving stones from the four men coming down; two on each side. All in all, six men were assaulting him from three sides while drawing ever closer. Some of the stones were missing his body and striking his horse, causing the animal to panic and move about sporadically.

That left two men, one on each side, coming down the slope sending rocks at Malacost. This was the second biggest threat. They were currently ignoring Alexis and Gonyaul not wanting to harm or damage the helpless women in their mind.

The two men in the rear continued to stealthily draw closer.

Gonyaul’s horse began panicking and he had not the skill to steady it. In addition, the horse didn’t have much respect for its rider to begin with. As it’s anxiety grew so did the flight over fight instinct kick in.

Suddenly one of the rocks that was meant for Hunter’s head that missed came hurling through the air and struck Amu in the neck. The horse reared up and whinnied in alarm. Gonyaul could feel the inevitable coming and was able to throw himself off with enough control to land safely to the ground, rolling out of the fall. The speed with which he was launched, and the rolling with the landing, eventually ended him face down in the dirt ten feet behind the rest of the group.

His horse took off running and was ignored by the attackers. They would be able to collect it later.

Gonyaul hustled up to his feet. He could see the ruffians bearing down on them from all sides in front of him.

Malacost cursed as a rock hit him hard in the shoulder. Another just barely missed his head, which may have proven lethal, as he quickly lowered and dismounted his horse to the inside. He was using his horse to shield himself from the stones and reached up and grabbed the pickaxe he brought to help sell his cover story.

He cursed again as Gonyaul’s horse, which was shielding his backside, took off running leaving him more exposed.

Hunter did his best to avoid any projectiles launched at him as he crouched down close to his galloping horse. He ignored the pain from being hit and readied his spear from his saddle as he quickly approached the two Odenine ruffians charged at him. Once in range he used it as a lance to run through one of the ruffians as he ran over the second one with his horse.

The large man on the left cried out in pain as Hunter’s spear skewered right through him. The momentum sent him flying backwards off his feet. Even though he was wearing armor made of an assortment of bones, it did little to stop the fatal attack. His arms and legs involuntarily collapsed inward from the change in directions, grasping the blade entering his chest cavity. The tip of the blade speared into the ground and his weight downward, while holding the blade, wrenched the weapon out of Hunter’s hands.

The other ruffian tried to get out of the way; however, took a brutal charge from hunters horse. He went under the legs; however, was able to grab hold the tack lines and harness strap on the underside. He was desperately trying to regain his footing before he lost his grip. Unfortunately his weight and pulling on the harness undid the buckle holding the saddle on. He fell the rest of the way down to the ground and was trampled over. Hunter’s horse bucked to avoid the human obstacle beneath it. The motion sent the saddle sliding off the horse and Hunter with it.

The trampled man was straining to get up.

Hunter pushed off the horse and tumbled forward to slow his momentum. Then he spun around and flung a poisoned dagger at the fallen ruffian before he raced to collect his short spear...