Are we too late, is the fort burning? Fayyim dug her spurs into her mount and commanded it forward with greater speed. ''Onward!'' She shouted, her men answered with a loud cry. The animals beneath them pushed harder and harder, the pace increased and the mass of armoured men on horseback approached what should have been the rear guard of Amaratsu''s forces.


    I hope they understand. She squinted at the fading blue in the crowds ahead, took a breath and held it. No use worrying now. ''Charge!'' She shouted. The Red Front let loose a loud battle-cry in return. ''Charge!'' She cried again, and her men cried in response. ''Charge!''


    Damn it! Fayyim whirled her mount around, knocking Soldiers to the ground as she did. She wanted to support her men, but instead fell face first into the horse''s mane when a spear tip took her through her mailed arm. Her cry was muffled, as was the profanity she shouted.


    She came back up swinging wildly, knocking away blades and shafts as they made to kill her. She protected herself successfully, but her horse had no such joy. The great beast rose up on its back legs, wounds glowing on its neck. Its legs feebly held its own weight and buckled underneath it. Fayyim was thrown from its back and the two crashed to the ground. The crowd backed away momentarily, enough time for Fayyim to recover, to climb to her feet, but then the swell came again. My sword! Her hands were empty. She would die. The enemy closed around her. Soldiers, Spear-men and Fire Dancers.


    Fire Dancers. Fayyim read their powers, absorbed their abilities. Her elite Job Class, the psychic Accessor, allowed it. With fists swinging, Fayyim struck out against those surrounding her. Flames ignited from her hands. Despite her lack of unarmed fighting experience, the fire gave her an edge over the others. Her hand swept against the broad side of a curved sword, its heat quickly bringing the metal to a red glow. Its user pulled it away protectively, but Fayyim saw his flinch and darted to him, striking with the other hand and burning the man''s body with orange fire. He went down rolling and clutching at himself.


    Suddenly black feathers and shrieks surrounded her. The Amaratese had retreated and given way to the scratching, scraping, slashing and biting of Tengu. The black crow like men were making short work of the Soldiers. The Druids? Fayyim struggled to her feet until a hand from above took her by the shoulder and pulled her up. It was Lupin.


    You got the Druid''s help. Thank you. Fayyim scanned around her. The battle outside the gates was no longer so one sided, as the Amaratese were bowled over by Wolfmen, Tengu and Ursucan, the large were-bears from the Druid job progression. Amongst the shape shifting Druids were packs of wolves, giant sized birds that kicked and scratched with talons, deadly animals from deep within the forests. And there were beastly creatures too, terrifying and wild, from places that were foreign to Fayyim. All were controlled by the Druid clan.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    What was that?


    Finally taking notice of her, an enemy struck Fayyim in between the shoulders. She hit the ground hard, bounced and rolled. She did not see what had attacked her, only Lupin coming to her aid, standing over her with his spear at hand, his shield was gone and his off-hand was wounded. Coming for him were three Soldiers with long spears pointed. Lupin, you can do this. Fayyim thought to herself. She dug deep and read the enemy, this time not to take their powers. She read their status, health, stamina and their capabilities. They''re all low on health, mostly the one on the... ''Deal with the one on the left!'' Fayyim ordered. Lupin followed.


    Princess Ashara. Fayyim wanted so much to be close to her, fighting fit. I''d sure like to try out your power. She was so focused on the leader of the enemy forces that she hardly noticed the fighting around her dying down. The enemy was all but obliterated, only Princess Ashara and her band of guards remained, fighting at the centre of the fort.


    Can no one knock you down? ''How goes it?'' Fayyim pushed herself up to her feet, using the large stone she was resting against for support.


    My loyal friend, always there for me. ''I can walk.'' I can limp. Fayyim took his hand and allowed him to support her.


    You''re mine. Fayyim charged again, heading into the unbearable heat. The circle of Hurdland forces dispersed quickly, but the remaining Flame Pitcher was not so quick. She was instantly burnt due to her close proximity to her leader.