Aranée 55: Confrontation by NetWorthy
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Moisture beaded Galen's forehead as he cursed and tightened the makeshift leather bandage about his leg. The arrow that killed his horse had gone through his leg first. When they went down, the shaft had broken off inside his thigh. At best, he would walk with a limp the rest of his life. He smiled a gallows smile at that thought.
It had been a simple matter to track the raiders. One had apparently deserted but the rest had formed up together, presumably to ride back to their camp. He followed this group, and indeed they did return to their camp.
Perhaps it was his upset and worry for Aranée, or maybe the knowledge that his prey were all gravely wounded. Whatever the reason, he had been clumsy - and had nearly ridden into the midst of more than twenty-five fresh men. Only then did he realize the degree of effort that had been launched against Aranée and he, for the group that attacked her must have been only half the entire force sent against them. Perhaps the rest had been on another patrol or poised for ambush in another location - he would never know.
These men were of a higher caliber than the typical Greeners that scabbed the countryside. Their actions were swift and professional. Within seconds, mounted men were in pursuit, unleashing volleys of well-aimed arrows and crossbow bolts. One of these buried itself into the horse and when the beast stumbled and hesitated, two more put them down. Despite his injury he was able to move into thick cover in a nearby stand of trees. His attackers released volley after volley until the tree trunks were bristling as with porcupine quills.
He remained quiet in the shadows and after a time, three men cautiously entered the stand to investigate. In a desperate game of cat and mouse, he rather noisily dispatched each of them, and the remaining attackers settled around his refuge in a standoff. Eventually their leader boldly walked to the edge of the trees.
"You there, your name is Galen, right? You know how this is going to end, you might as well make it easy on yourself and all of us. I promise it will be quick." He cocked his head, but Galen remained silent. "Look mate, I've instructed my men to throw down their bows. We'll do this up close and personal like men, eh? You can die brave on your feet, just like your woman."
They thought Aranée was dead! The revelation rocked him, and in an instant he knew for her sake what had to be done. He would, to a degree, give them what they wanted. He tenderly touched his ring, twirling it with his fingers, and then he kissed it. "I am so sorry, my love."
He stepped from the trees and shrugged off his cloak, pulling both blades free with a resounding ring. "To the memory and honor of my beloved wife... I accept your offer."
--- TO BE CONTINUED!
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Image and story © 2011 by Larry Hodge
Comments (28)
Faemike55
oooh! He can't die just yet! Very gripping scene and wonderful eagle's POV
TooL_PePe
Feels like a RTS! Absolutely love this. Excellent work!
PhilW
A bold choice for the PoV but it works really well here! Powerful story-telling too - as ever! Not easy to see how this will end well...
momof4rugrats
very very cool pov!!And better than excellent writing!
jandunne
Love the POV and the rendering. THat said, please, please don't kill Galen off! We're all waiting for this saga to have a happy ending. I can't help wondering if, cuddly as he seems, Jobil has something to do with their tribulations. As much as he may like Aranee, if the surviving Elves all accept her as the last surviving member of Elven royalty, she would have a legitimate claim to Jobil's territory.
restif
I'm really enjoying your Carrara work!!! Nicely done!
mgtcs
Marvelous scene and story, gorgeous work!
brewgirlca
Looks like a toy soldier layout. Hard to see how this could end well, even if and when he kills the captain the rest will surely be on him like wolves.
Cimaira
Amazing pov and render! I do hope this has a happier ending for Galen, than I can imagine at the moment!
magnus073
Great job on this one Larry, you really must have spent a lot of time just in the setup alone here
neelzonline
Another good one.
lyron
Great pov and scene!!!
flaviok
Uma história fascinante, uma obra brilhante, com um angulo e iluminação soberbas, excelente, aplausos (5)
mininessie
wow! amazing POV
RJS
Another excellent image to go with this gripping tale. Things seem to be going very badly for Aranée and Galen: hard to see a happy ending here. You really know how to keep us on the edge of our seats! Bravo on this!
Savage_dragon
This could get ugly real quick. Nice pov & mood! ")
adrie
Great image and Pov my friend, as always superb work.
pashiel
Excellent image, great textures and POV. Really like the story line. Time well spent, looking forward to the out come. Your gallery is very good and worth the journey.
njb2000
Fabulous overhead view of this confrontation So many Characters and horses Very nicely setup scene!
Kyronimos
Great scene and story!
myrrhluz
I hope Galen doesn't die! Maybe there is an unknown band of elves that will save the day? Excellent story and image! Galen's strong and brave character is so evident here, when he realises what he has to do and thinks most of the pain it will cause Aranée. Very curious as to who is behind all that has happened. Beautiful scene! Wonderful POV, and composition. It's so sad to see Galen's horse. Wonderful shadows. I like the one that is kneeling and the one where the shadow looks like it is standing on the horses head. Superb image and exciting episode!
cjoe
Fantastic and very origional..well executed!!
Knechtruprecht Online Now!
Impressive arena of fighters! Ah, and Galen: Good speed!
LBJ2
Fantastic battlefield scene, Larry. A great illustration for a great story. You put a lotta work in this Carrara scene. And it paid off. Well done.
ravenBa
Like the "birds eye" perspective - maybe his sword skill will prevail?
SIGMAWORLD
Excellent work and very good camera angle.
Crudelitas
This is an exceedingly amusing perspective. I like that one can observe everything like a bird! Oh there it has got thus a poor horse again, or does it sleep only? Very well done!
mermaid
a very special pov and so impressive as is the story!