Flowers will bloom again in spring

After i had laid my Jasmine to rest. There was a moment i thought of going back to the army, but i never did.

They were wrong. They actually were willing to sacrifice their own people in such a gruesome manner. Those fighting in the war, fighting in the army chose it for themselves. Those families, in those border villages they didn't ask for this. They didn't know of this. No warning. Nothing.

I planted one of the saplings i had taken from the jasmine flower at Jasmine's shop on her grave. I took my things which was merely a travelpack, a sword a bow and quiver and some extra knives. The clothes on my back and the horse i had taken from the pillaged village.

Patting its neck i speak soft to it.

"We go ride now. And i have no clue where, i need to clear my thoughts on what to do next."

With a grim feeling in my heart i take the lead of the horse and we go on. I decided that camping out for a few days to get my thoughts straight wouldn't be a bad thing.

Thanks to my ranger training i am very fast and efficient in setting up my camp. I brush the horse and make sure it is calm, eating and drinking.

I decide not to make a fire i have no idea if there are more scout groups around or if that horde is far enough yet.

So today on the menu is just some dried meats and fruits.

My tent is a simple thing but it blends in perfectly with nature here.

Now and then sadness still grips my heart. And i'll be honest self pity. My first love Duncan. Son of Prince Julian Warden of Arden. From one day to the next he and i were done, by the order of Prince Julian.

Now Jasmine ripped from my life by some stupid war, some horde invading. How many more loves will be destroyed by this.

I stare into the distance.

Countless indecided countless deaths. Countless loves ripped to shreds. I might be one person but i am strong. I am smart and i can at least help those in need to defend.

A wry laugh escapes me, as i realize i sound like one of those storybook knights. Defenders of the defenseless.

But it is what is needed now and i feel the call.

I leave the next day, my little camp is broken up before the sun left the horizon and with some hard tack and a waterskin filled i am already on the horse.

No saddle so i made shift a few blankets to a seating making it more comfortable for the both of us.

I had seen which way the horde went and i had seen the plans.

I know where to go to.

The horde would pass a small trading village and they would be able to stock up there. If i am fast enough i could warn the people.

I strained the horse to run for a long while and at a point i did see the horde in the distance. I rode parallel of them. Against the treeline hoping they wouldn't spot me as quickly. I managed to get ahead of them and reach the village a day before them.

There was no army there noone to protect them. If there were they would have been called back just like we were.

They must have seen the smoke in the distance from the other places as people were on edge. Seeing i was still wearing partially the uniform of the local some of the people came to me to ask what was going on. Why the army got called away while they see smoke traveling towards them.

I quickly explain. That the generals decided this was a good controlled way of thenhorde traveling to lure them in a trap further on.

As expected there were a couple of reactions. Anger, panic disbelief and sadness.

I told them they couldn't stay there and they should pack their bags and leave their homes now. They were a day behind me and would not hesitate to attack right away.

The elders of the village were going to discuss matters. They decided that leaving was best they could always rebuild somewhere else.

I helped as best i could making sure someone kept watch and pack the horses and carts in such a way they could remain in motion and keep speed.