The Tiger Within 226 Old Battles Part 2

"Kyera, go back inside with Raina. I can handle this." Clovis tried to command but Kyera shook her head. Left alone he would surely die and there was nothing he could do to stop it. These men knew nothing of law and would even break the forest Laws if given half the chance. There were no guards in this side of town, she was his only defense. No matter how law abiding her own kind were, they wouldn't stand against a d.u.c.h.ess without help.

"Fourth Prince, I am your bodyguard first and foremost when we are on these outings." She reminded him carefully even as the pain shot through her chest. It was a new sensation, and it took a moment for her to recognize the source. The contract's magic rune glowed and burned under her dress. Thankfully the material was thick enough to hide those lines.

"Ha a bodyguard? Have you sunk so low, Princess?" Bina taunted, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I guess its true a princess bends to her people's needs." her words were sharp and double edged. Kyera glared at her.

"Do NOT go too far Bina." Kyera growled her warning, suddenly becoming more tense. She was already prepared to fight.

"Kyera this isn't.." He began but then the jackal made his move. He pulled a staff from behind him and swung it hard at Clovis' waist. The impact was loud and cracked the staff. Kyera dove forward and took the brunt of the strike as she brought her leg up to smash her knee between his legs. Dirty fighting wasn't her greatest pride but it was all she could do up against this many.

He fell to the ground and Kyera took his staff knocking back the man who held granny captive. The smart old fox brought one foot down on his foot causing him to howl in pain as her elbow went into his stomach, doubling him over so she could scurry away. At least she hoped it was away. Kyera grabbed her hand and guided her behind her. Ella taking her hand and guiding Granny back inside, slamming the door to protect her grandmother.

"Enough." Kyera growled feeling the itch of danger as she watched the other six, glaring and ready to attack. Her eyes met Bina's who smirked at her showing off her pointy canine teeth.

"Not Nearly. Get them." She growled and Kyera felt her heart sink as she tried to fight them back. Clovis tried to fight but unfortunately he could hardly push himself to his feet. It instantly became a dog fight of 6 attacking one. Kyera did her best to block and dodge but there was little else she could do but keep them busy. The blur of motion, watching Kyera as she was over ran by so many was a helpless feeling until it seemed the tides were turning. Three other shapes seemed to dash up from nowhere and bail Kyera out. Orange and black blurs seemed to weave into the battle pulling it apart.

Then Kyera went offensive. Dashing, dodging, and evading became peppered with punches and kicks. Howls of pain, the sound of bones cracking and flesh impacting fless filled the blood infused air. The sudden change in atmosphere was obvious as all the a.s.sailants froze. Clovis looked up to see a site he had never expected.

The familiar form of Kyera was standing at the center her arm around the neck of the woman he had seen her refer to as Bina. A blade at her throat seemed to make the other fighter's freeze. Kyera held the position as the men dropped their weapons.

"Traitorous b.i.t.c.h." Bina growled trying to bite Kyera's arm and found the blade nicking into her skin. She had no choice but to still as blood tinted Kyera's blade. The shadows swirling around her feet.

"Don't make me do this Bina." Kyera growled her hand poised and ready to take the young woman's life. As much as she didn't want to spill her blood, if there was no choice she would do it without hesitation. The pain her chest increased more as she continued to fight the contract's curse. She had disobeyed him, even if it was for his own good, it would not release her.