Fanilly couldn't help but wince slightly at the lack of address of her as captain. While she knew that the undead Knight of the Iron Roses did not mean it in the same way as others who may have had the same sentiment, that didn't stop her from finding doubt welling up in her mind once more. She tried instead to focus on the advice given: That the shield-wielding knights among their forces advance first. It was sound and a strategy she should have discussed earlier. The young captain couldn't help but feel her foolishness for not mentioning such a thing before. What if someone had gotten killed?
Her grip tightened. No. She couldn't let such things get to her. Not now. Fanilly had to prove herself. She had to ensure things went successfully. If her mind was flooded with doubt, that would be just as dangerous as charging in blindly. The blonde took a deep breath, but before she could respond, one of the other knights, Marianne, spoke to the Tyaethe, attempting to jump to her defense only to be swiftly met with a rebuttal. And then... the sharp, short tone of Lady Silvern's reference to her as captain made it all too clear what her opinion of the matter was, even if she said little more then to post lookouts. That, too, was a wise choice.
"... I understand," the pale young girl began, "It had been my intent to send our forces in groups to surround the camp once we have located. Shields first is only reasonable. I believe that the bandits may not be expecting our order to attack them first, however, and may be caught unprepared."
After she had finished speaking, one knight, Sult, spoke up... and... and called her cute?! Fanilly's cheeks were suddenly burning with embarrassment, and she quickly looked away, eyes fixed firmly downward at her mare's back. She shifted atop it, trying not to make her awkwardness noticeable.
It likely did not work whatsoever.
"Ah... ah... I... well..." she trailed off. However, her downcast gaze made her quickly realize that they had reached the point where the forest grew too thick to maneuver on horseback any longer.
"... We..." Fanilly took another deep breath, trying to compose herself, "We must dismount before going any fur-"
She stopped dead as she looked up. Ahead, wheels smashed, caught up against a tree, was a cart. A horse lay dead in front of it, arrows sticking from its side and neck. A man lay on the ground. He wasn't moving.
The Order's duty came to the forefront of Fanilly's mind immediately as she lept from her horse. There was the sound of metal on leather as she drew her longsword in one hand, the blade flashing in the light of the setting sun. Even if this was foolish... if that man was alive...!
The Captain of the Iron Rose Knights sprinted forward without a second thought. Soon she was upon the cart, coming to a halt and kneeling beside the downed man. He was an older man, in his forties perhaps, with black, short hair and simple clothing. His side was soaked in blood, and there was a gash in his flesh. And yet, he was still breathing, even if he was pale an unconscious.
"... He's still alive!" Fanilly called to the others, looking back over her shoulder, "But he needs aid immediately!"
The man's eyes fluttered open, and fell upon Fanilly's face, then the symbol on her breastplate.
"... You... an... Iron Rose Knight..." he said, weakly, reaching up towards the girl. Her attention returned to him quickly and she took his hand in her own.
"Hold on," she began. His wound was bloody, but if he got medical attention swiftly then he could perhaps survive, "As captain of the Iron Rose Knights, we will get you to safety!"
He weakly shook his head. "L... leave, this is... a trap..."
... A trap...?
Fanilly heard the sound before she saw anything. She released the man's hand, and did the first thing that came to mind, throwing herself to the side, catching herself with her free hand as she stopped and looked up. Three black arrows had buried themselves deep in the wooden cart where she had been moments later. Almost immediately, a hooded man in ragged leather armor sprang out of the downed cart and threw himself at her.
Fanilly threw herself to the side as he swung a shortsword down towards the short girl. His sword hit dirt, but he swung back up just as she drew her dagger and immediately locked his strike up in her guard, a followup strike forcing him back immediately.
"Heh," he spat, "Skilled for a little girl, but no use when the other guys get here. What are you doin'-"
His eyes found the symbol on her chestplate, and then his gaze found the other knights. His eyes widened in horror.
"... Th... the Iron Roses?! Oh gods above!"
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