[color=A0A0A0][h2]Fleuri Jodeau[/h2][/color]

Gerard's instincts were correct- the knights were not alone.  A number of enemy soldiers emerged from the woods.  Fleuri could distinguish the image of a boar on their shields- these must be more of those Golden Boars that Gerard had mentioned back at the fort.  Their emergence coincided with Fleuri alerting the captain- it was no surprise that they'd abandon subterfuge and stealth now that their cover was blown.

[i]Never thought I'd be fighting to defend a Cal,[/i] Fleuri mused as the captain barked orders to protect Veileena.  Indeed, the fact that the Golden Boars' officer ordered them to capture the Cal girl lent further support to her claim that she had hired Alette's band.  The question remained as to who hired the Golden Boars, and it was doubtful that the mercenaries would betray their client's confidentiality if captured, but perhaps one of them would have orders or some other clue in their possession.

The Golden Boars had a numerical advantage, but the Iron Roses were superior fighters, and Veileena seemed confident that her towering, heavily armored bodyguard alone would be enough.  Even so, these mercenaries looked tougher and better-equipped than Jeremiah's bandits, so it'd be wise not to underestimate them.

"You heard the captain, let's show these mercenaries who they're dealing with," Fleuri spoke to Gerard and Runa as he spurred his horse forward.  As he drew near to one of the mercenaries, he thrust his lance forward, the combined momentum from his riding speed and the thrust being sufficient to knock his foe back against a tree and push the lance right their torso and into the trunk.  Fleuri turned his horse away from the mercenaries and let go of his lance just as it embedded in the tree, not wanting to risk his horse riding into the thick of the enemy or into the brush where more of the Golden Boars may yet lurk unseen.  He drew his greatsword as he circled around, preparing to re-engage wherever the knights needed him.

It was perhaps a bit brash or even reckless rushing in like he did, but he trusted in the skill and valor of his companions.  The Golden Boars won't know what hit them.

[@VitaVitaAR][@JessieTargaryen][@HereComesTheSnow]