Embers of Light and Darkness

 "Who…what…was that a mermaid?"

"Mermaid?"

"You know, like half human, half fish? It's a fantasy creature."

"That was a Selkie, a half being, half water creature, although they can shift into a full human form."

"Riiight," she nodded absentmindedly. 

"They usually reside in places where there are large water sources like rivers, lakes, and seas. Although they can shift, they can't stay too long on land."

"How long can they survive out of water?"

"A few days"

"What if they stay for longer?"

"They lose their water form."

The statement was enough to put the carriage into silence

Aeneas decided they should camp in the forest for the night since the terrain had become bumpier and the horses were tired

Rueben and Markus moved to unload what they would need while she helped Aeneas gather some wood for a fire. They ate their dinner in silence, none of her companions willing to talk, although she did notice Rueben throwing curious glances her way. 

After they were done, they all moved to their sleeping mats to rest for the night 

She had just been drifting to sleep when Aeneas, who lay beside her, moved, reaching between them. She almost ignored it as him shifting in his sleep, but then Lynx cuddled beside her, rose, looking around. 

She also noticed Markus, who lay a few steps next to her, holding a dagger in his hand, although his eyes remained closed. Something or someone was here, hidden in the trees.

Her spine stiffened, and the hairs on her body rose in alarm. She slowly reached for Lysander's dagger, which he had never claimed back.

Seconds trickled by as she held her breath, the forest seemed to have gone incredibly still as if it too was waiting.

Lynx made a warning growl, and suddenly everything was set in motion. Swiftly, her companions got to their feet, swords at hand. She rose, raising her dagger, which paled greatly in comparison to the swords the men standing before them had. They were masked, leaving only their eyes exposed, while huge robes swallowed their frames, making it hard to tell who exactly they were facing.

Aeneas moved to stand at her front, shielding her as the other two moved to her sides.

The person who stood at the front of the new group tilted their head slightly, taking note of the formation before meeting her eyes. His brown orbs sparked with interest, curiosity, and mischief.

"What luck we have today coming across protectors," the man started, "for you to be travelling like this means you must have some precious cargo with you in there."

None of her companions spoke.

"Or perhaps the cargo is out here," he stated, looking directly at her. Aeneas, before her, shifted to block her view completely, a mistake that told the man what he needed to know.

The man laughed a deep laugh that made his group chuckle, "Well then, who is she? A rich man's daughter? A gifted youth? Although it does make me wonder if she were any of this, why would she be traveling with only three protectors

Is she not as important, or are you just trying to mislead people, making it seem like she is nothing worth noting? Ah! Although having a Drakon here is enough to make up for a few men, the man's eyes brightened in amusement.

Aeneas in front of her stiffened ever so slightly. His surname was Drakon?

"So, tell me, young Drakon, who is this precious cargo that you were given the responsibility to protect personally?"

"My business is not your concern," Aeneas started in an assertive voice that she had never heard before, "I advise you to turn back and leave."

The assumed leader of the group laughed, "I can't do that, my group has been scouting for so long, we should at least get out of here with something."

"Is it coin you want? Fine." Aeneas fetched a small pouch from his clothes. "Here," he threw it at the man's feet.

One of his companions rushed to take the pouch, hurriedly stuffing it in his robes.

"There, now leave us be."

The man was quiet for a while as if considering the offer, "That's very generous of you, but you see now I'm more interested in the girl, whoever she is, she could fetch a higher price."

Lyla's body locked at the declaration.

"Take the coin and go," Aeneas commanded

The leader turned to his group in silent order. They all raised their swords. 

Her companions did the same while she positioned her dagger 

The other group was the first to attack, but they were met by the unrelenting swords of Rueben and Markus. The two easily dodged the attack, leaving her in complete awe. The pair managed to divert the attackers from reaching them, but when one got past, he was met by Aeneas' quick response. 

The clang of swords rang in the forest; nothing else existed other than steel, agility, and magic. Both groups enhanced their weapons with their magic, a skill she had seen Lysander perform in their battle with the wendigo.

Being in the middle of a fight and not fighting it proved harder. Aeneas used his body as a shield, protecting her, but at the same time preventing her from doing anything. She knew he would do that even if it cost him, but the other group had numbers, and as skilled as her companions were, they might soon be overwhelmed, especially with her as a liability. 

When the leader of the group clashed with Aeneas, she took it as a chance and snuck back to the carriage. The horses were neighing in alarm at what was happening, and if it weren't for the fact that they were tied, she knew they would have made a run for it. Reaching for the compartment of their luggage, she took out her bows and arrows. She would help however she could

Lyla looked around for a suitable spot to position herself, a place that would give her the advantage of a good view of the battle and also keep her somewhat safe. She spotted a tree with a high enough branch, and without dwelling much on it, she dashed to it.

On the battlefield, Aeneas was relentlessly defending and attacking, his biggest opponent being the leader of the group, whom he had to admit was quite skilled.

He had noticed that Lyla had made a run for the carriage and he was grateful she had decided to hide away, it made it easier for him to fight, now all he had to do was make sure no one stepped to close to the carriage but unbeknownst to him Lyla was now well positioned on a tree, bow and arrow in hand pointing their way waiting for an opening. 

A whistling sound followed by a loud grunt from one of them, even amidst the fight, drew attention, and before they could comprehend what was happening, two more arrows flew, piercing two people. 

"They have an archer," one of the men said

"Where is he?" another shouted, this one sounded feminine

Lyla, well hidden behind the leaves of the tree, did not dare move lest she give her position away; she prayed the shadows of the tree and branches were enough 

"Where is the girl?" the leader asked, his group had moved away, trying to cover themselves with the trees. The man looked to Aeneas, "She is the archer, isn't she? She's not so weak after all."

The man sounded even more amused as if this new knowledge was more of an advantage, "Somehow that makes me more interested. Look for her and bring her to me," he shouted the command to his group before the clashing of swords and power began a new