Amidst the screams of horses and the shouts of knights, Serys vainly tried to calm her panicking ladies-in-waiting. Their shrieks were proving more irritating than the battlefield of death outside. As the ladies tried to vainly convince Serys to crouch down and huddle with them on the floor of the carriage, Serys cautiously lifted a corner of the drape covering the window, trying desperately to make sense of the situation.
The setting sun was not visible thanks to the tall trees, and the murky shadows made it near impossible to distinguish friend from foe through the dusty glass. While the carriages were reinforced against a surprise attack, should the knights be overwhelmed, the inhabitants of the carriages would be no more than sitting ducks. Serys frowned, exhaled slowly, then turned to order her ladies-in-waiting to remain in the carriage while she exited to help the knights. At least, that was what she had decided to do.
At that instant, the door of the carriage blew inward as a body slammed into it. The shock was too much for the ladies, and those which were not dumbfounded in fear merely fainted. The bleeding knight was splayed across the bottom of the doorway while enemies dressed in dark vestments fought their way towards the carriage. The one which had presumably defeated the knight approached the door to finish him off.
Without time to hesitate, Serys grabbed the sword the knight had dropped and thrust it into the neck of the attacker. Probably assuming the carriage occupants were unarmed and harmless, the enemy seemed to have lowered its guard, a fatal mistake. Blood sprayed from an artery and across Serys' face, but she remained unfazed. Unlike the ladies, causing those still conscious to collapse in tears.
Exiting quickly from the carriage, Serys used the sword to rip the bottom of her skirt, giving her more ease of movement. Turning to the assailants, Serys began to put her training to use. While all of her fights until now had been mere sparring, she quickly picked up the rhythm of battle, far quicker than most novice fighters. The bodies began to pile up around her, which eventually began to garner unwanted attention.
Suddenly, a familiar scream rang forth. Serys turned to see enemies entering her mother's carriage. Without a thought, Serys launched herself at the group, slashing wildly. While she managed to bring down the marauders, the enemy had achieved its goal. Serys had used much of her stamina, and her movements had slowed. Furthermore, she had moved into range.
Before she could react, an arrow flew out of the dark woods and impaled her shoulder. Exhausted and losing blood, the last thing Serys saw as she crumpled to the ground was her brother Carlyle running in her direction.
"SERYS, CHILD OF AARVIN, COME SEEK ME!"
Wasn't she dead? Why was she still being tormented by this dream?
"I WILL OFFER YOU SALVATION!"