Tackling the Monster Invasion

"Brilliant shot," Roland commented behind Akira. "You haven't missed a target yet all morning, have you?" He hoped he hadn't surprised her too much. He was her superior officer, and because of his elf herritage had a bad habbit of being too quiet and "sneaking up on" people. "You seem more than ready to take care of those monsters."

Oh, that was right. He was sent out to tell the troops that they'd be put in their units. Yet another way that the leading general of the expedition, known to despise not only halflings but elves as well, was undermining Roland's authority as a leutenant.

"Yes. Units are going to be announced by the main tent. Please head there immediately."

Roland went around camp, calling everyone to the main grounds of the encampment to recieve orders. He, like the main strategist of the army, knew everyone by name, something he'd picked up from the man he almost considered a mentor in strategizing.

When he'd finished going around the camp, he realized one person was missing. Where's Kaida this time? he thought, heading to the edge of camp. She liked to stay away from the rest of the people; he'd realized that a long time ago. And by now, he knew where to look for her.

"Kaida," he called when he heard the sounds of her training, "there's an announcement for all the troops. We're assigning orders." He still couldn't see her in the trees, but he knew she could hear him. The girl had impeccable hearing. "Kaida, where are you? We're going to be..." He trailed off when a large bush rustled. "Kaida?"

Wrong. A centaur came out of the underbrush, bowstring drawn back and arrow aimed right at Roland's chest. And here Roland was without his weapon. "Shit."

It happened quickly. Roland dove out of the way just as the arrow fired. Where he was seconds before was now an arrow. He had to run. He had to get help and warn people. Most of all, he had to find Kaida. "Kaida!" he shouted, dodging yet another arrow. "Get back to camp now! Get some help! Armed help! Centaur!"

"Careful! This one's a big one!" Roland shouted, rolling out of the way as the centaur's heavy hooves came down. Had he been there a second longer, the hooves would have crushed his skull.

The centaur reared at Kaida, pawing the air, attempting to punch her in the face with a hoof. Roland took the chance and lept onto it's back, pulling the creature's human-like neck into a strangle hold.

Shocked, the centaur grabbed at Roland's arms, trying to get the half-elf off, but Roland held firm. The monster let out a rasping shout, tried to sink its teeth into his arm, anything to get Roland off, but the struggle left it breathless.

The centaur's legs folded beneath it as the lack of oxygen made it dizzy. When it had slipped into unconciousness, Roland staggered away. "Kill it," he said. "It'll be a huge problem if it wakes back up."

"Yes. I don't think there are any others in the area. Look at this one's face." He nudged the severed head with his foot. "See that mark on its face? It's been kicked out of the herd. More than likely the rest of the herd is nowhere near here.

"Still," he added, "we'll have to report this attack." He patted Kaida on the shoulder. "You did well. Just don't underestimate your opponent again." With that, he started heading back to the camp.

Roland hurried back to where everyone was gathering, Kaida not far behind. "Everyone! Before we start giving assignments." He stopped to catch his breath quickly. "We were attacked just outside of camp. It was a lone centaur, but it just proves that it's dangerous to leave camp alone." He didn't give Kaida a sharp look or scold her. She'd learned her lesson, almost being killed by the monster. "Everyone understands the severity of this situation, I hope?"