"..."

For a few moments, Veileena hesitated, glancing briefly towards the tall, imposing black-armored figure of Haelstadt, then back towards the assembled Iron Roses at the naga's question.

Finally, she spoke.

"I hired the band of mercenaries led by Alette the Shark," she said, with some reluctance, "I have no doubt they are the ones who survived, given their reputation. As for any others, I don't-"

Fanilly jolted when she heard Sir Fleuri's words. An ambush? Immediately her hand flew to the hilt of her sword, drawing the blade forth in a single motion with the singing sound of steel against leather.

No sooner then she had done so then the foliage erupted with movement. Emerging from the green was the shape of armored soldiers, men clad in leather and steel, wielding shields branded with the symbol of a Golden Boar.

Given their position, their numbers were difficult to judge, but it was safe to say their numbers were considerable.

"Prepare for combat!" declared Fanilly, as the boars immediately made their charge. How long had they been lying in wait? It couldn't have been significant amount of time, given the presence of the Cal heir and her imposing knight. Had they shown up later? had they been drawn by the same purpose?

Just who else was after this shard?

A particularly well-armored man near the rear of the boar's forces was barking orders to the others.

"Take the Cal girl! Kill as many of the others as you can!"

They were trying to take Veileena? So whoever else had hired mercenaries was aware of her, as well?

Fanilly glanced back towards her knights.

"Defend Lady Cal. Do not let them reach her!" she ordered, stepping forward as the Boars surged forth. While they certainly had numbers, there was not an insurmountable number of them. They had to beat them back!

"Tch, what arrogance," Veileena commented, as Haelstadt stepped forward and smoothly drew their immense Zweihander, "Come and try it, then. Even if Haelstadt were my only defender, not one of you would survive."

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