The Stone of Mercy by M.J. Evans

Author:M.J. Evans [Evans, M.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Fighting the Heilodius

While the Heilodius Centaurs continued arguing loudly, Carling crawled under the table and lowered herself to her stomach. She slid between Tibbals’ legs, hoping the filly wouldn’t move and step on her with her sharp hooves. She wiggled under the bench upon which her friend was sitting. Tibbals had chosen to sit in front of the fire for warmth. Leaning against the stones of the fireplace was the straw broom that Higson had used earlier. Carling kept her eyes focused on the broom and scooted swiftly but silently toward it. Reaching it, she grabbed hold of the bristles and pulled the broom toward her where she lay, half concealed under the bench. She turned the broom around until she was holding the wooden handle. Then she slid the rest of her body out from under the bench, hoping no one had noticed her. Leaning forward, Carling placed the straw end of the broom into the glowing red coals at the base of the fireplace. Immediately, the straw caught on fire and Carling jumped to her feet.

“Leave, now!” Carling ordered, jabbing the flaming broom toward the intruders.

The Heilodius Centaurs stopped their argument, whirled around, and gasped when they saw Carling coming toward them with a flaming torch. The horse half of the Centaurs was desperately afraid of fire, and this fear caused them to freeze just long enough for Higson, Tibbals, and Tandum to lunge for their weapons.

Facing a flaming torch, two swords, and a bow and arrow brought the Heilodius Centaurs to life. They reared up on their hind legs and drew swords of their own. As quick as a flash, Higson leaped to the top of the table, sending cups and dishes crashing to the ground. In one smooth motion, he pulled an arrow from his quiver, nocked it on the bow string, pulled back, and released it. Before the first Centaur, Clank, could lower his forelegs to the ground to fight, he had an arrow imbedded deep in his chest. With a scream, he collapsed to the floor.

The other two Centaurs jumped over their leader, swinging their swords over their heads. Tibbals and Tandum stepped up to meet them, blocking the downward blows with their own swords. While Tibbals whirled and kicked at the attackers with her strong hind legs, Tandum continued to fight head on.

Carling ran forward, passing Tibbals and jabbing at one Heilodius Centaur with her flaming broom. The attacker reared up again and spun on his hind legs to avoid the flames. Losing his balance on the uneven planks that formed the floor, he fell to his side, landing right on top of Clank, who was still moaning in pain. Higson jumped off the table, landing squarely on both feet. He stood his ground, his next arrow aimed at the second Centaur’s heart.

Tandum still had his hands full fighting the third Heilodius herd member. Back and forth, the two moved around the room, knocking over furniture as they battled. Carling bit her lip as she watched, her heart racing.

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