[center][h2][i][color=6ecff6]Ethelred[/color][/i][/h2][/center]

Just as the bandits seemed to break from the knights' combined efforts, arrows started flying from within the forest.  One arrow struck Ethelred square on the faceplate, but failed to penetrate the crystalline armor.

[color=6ecff6][i]That was either a very lucky shot or a very precise one,[/i][/color] he considered as more, less accurate arrows began flying, with one glancing off his horse's flank.  This could be a problem.  The surviving bandits were now regrouping, their morale seemingly restored by the unseen archers' ambush, and now the knights had to deal with two groups of enemies, all while being completely exposed and out in the open.

[i][color=6ecff6]When this is over, we need to speak to the queen about having those trees cleared.[/color][/i]  Ethelred wasn't too concerned about himself- his shield and armor should be enough to stop these arrows- but his horse was another story.  Its tough, ice-like flesh was tougher than that of an ordinary stallion, but wasn't rigid, unyielding crystal like his armor, and a direct hit from an arrow could wound it.

Fortunately, aid came at just the most opportune moment.  A golden barrier rose up in front of both mount and rider, shielding them from further arrows.  It seemed that Lunalel had joined the battle.  Ethelred had always considered her a reliable one, with her useful array of elder beast granted powers.  This respite gave him an opportunity to assess where the arrows were coming from, and what to do next.

Od and Reinhardt probably could handle the remaining bandits close by, thus Ethelred opted to focus on dealing with the archers.  After seeing where the arrows were coming from, he spurred his horse on.  With his shield raised, he drove his horse at an angle towards the forest some distance from where the arrows were emerging, all the while leaving a trail of frigid fog behind them.  He didn't want to charge them head-on into a potential trap, or give them an easy, direct target, rather he'd want to get a good look at what he was up against, and flank them from within the forest.

He'd have to proceed with caution once he reached the cover of the trees.  The rapid speed of his movement would leave him at a considerable distance from the other knights even if any of them also opted to approach the archers before cutting down the remaining brigand foot-soldiers, but he wasn't entirely sure what he would be facing.