An Archer's Crusade (Lord Edward's Archer series Book 3) by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker [Hosker, Griff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: 2020-11-01T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

We did not ride hard, for we were unable to, but I deduced that by the time the Mamluks reached the fortress and more men were summoned we would have at least an hour’s start. It was obvious to me that there were many routes we could take, and the longer the start, the further the Mamluks would have to travel in Mongol land. I had seen what one Mongol archer could do, and I had no doubt that the Mamluks would be reluctant to risk more men.

Ahmed stopped well before dark. He found us a small stream which, once again, was brackish – but it would serve the horses and the greenery around it would augment the cereal we had brought. He scurried up the nearest high piece of ground as we unsaddled the horses.

Hamo shook his head. “I thought no one could release faster than you, Gerald, but you have met your match in that one.”

I nodded. “The man was born to ride and to loose arrows from the back of a horse. I can only dream of such skill and I am glad that he is on our side. I would not face a Mongol army.”

We would not light a fire until Ahmed told us to, but we prepared all else. I went to the captured horse and removed not only the arrows but also the curved sword that hung from the saddle. The horse was a good one and I had a rich haul.

Sir John prepared a fire. He remembered his training when a squire. “We would have failed without Ahmed.”

Hamo said, “If it is was not for Ahmed, we would not need to be doing this. Which came first, the chicken or the egg? This was meant to be, but you are right. We owe our lives to him, though his strategy at the pass seemed irresponsible, rather than bold.”

Just then, Ahmed ghosted into the camp. He smiled. “No follow. Light fire!”

Sir John stood and held out his arm. Ahmed seemed confused. Sir John said, “Thank you, Ahmed, we are in your debt.”

The poor man looked totally bewildered. I said, slowly, “We owe you our lives!”

He nodded and grinned. He grasped Sir John’s arm. “We are one or we die!”

Hamo laughed. “Aye, you are right there.”

I made the stew, for I was neither a knight nor a gentleman.

Ahmed came to join me, and he patted me on the back and grinned at me. I had gone a long time without seeing emotion and now I saw the full range. “You good.” He mimed pulling a bow.

I nodded. “Archer. But you are better!” To emphasise my words, I bowed.

“Your bow…” I could see him seeking the word and, in the end, he puffed out his cheeks and made an explosive sound.

I laughed. “Powerful! Aye.”

Ahmed shook his head and, pointing to his horse, said, “No good for…”

I nodded. “No good. When we fight, we stand and all loose together.” He frowned and I mimed an arrow loosing many times.

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