He knew his horse was waiting. With practiced speed, he mounted Hira—his loyal black thoroughbred, a muscular steed who seemed carved from stone itself. Just as he tightened the reins, three arrows thudded into the stable wood beside him.
Hira shot forward like a cannonball, hooves striking the earth with thunderous force. The stallion needed no command—he knew it was time to carry his master like the wind.
The forest roared around them as the chase began. The two enemy riders pressed hard, but Hira was a true hira—a diamond. Their mounts panted and faltered, unable to match his strength. The safe outpost of Sumendu's kingdom was only a few kilometers away when fate turned cruel—Hira's right foreleg buckled. With a wild cry of pain, he staggered to a halt, miraculously keeping Sumendu from being thrown.
The boy-turned-soldier dismounted quickly, his hand lingering briefly on Hira's mane. He knew the pursuers were close—running was no longer an option. It was time to stand and fight.
Sabre drawn, he turned. Hira, his leg trembling in agony, stood watching. His eyes met Sumendu's, and without a word, the horse seemed to understand. This was battle time. Slowly, painfully, Hira limped back into the shadows, leaving his master to face the trial alone.
In a small clearing, Sumendu stood ready. Moments later, the two enemy riders appeared, halting their steeds just short of him. They dismounted, drew their sabres, and advanced with grim determination. One was tall and wiry, the other stocky and broad—but both bore the hardened look of seasoned warriors.
The tall one struck first, swinging his blade down in a deadly arc. Sumendu sidestepped, steel clashing violently as sparks flew into the night. The soldier stumbled forward, thrown off balance. Seizing the moment, Sumendu slashed hard across his leg. A crimson torrent spilled forth as the man cried out, retreating into the trees, wounded.
Now only the stocky one remained. He advanced slowly, sabre raised high. With a roar, he lunged. Sumendu deflected the strike, but as he stepped back, his foot caught on a rock. He stumbled—and fell.
The stocky soldier's eyes lit with triumph. He charged, ready to drive his blade home.
"This is it," thought Sumendu. "So this is my end..."
But before the fatal blow could land, a blur of black thundered from the shadows. With one final burst of strength, Hira slammed into the soldier, hurling him through the air. The man's back shattered against a tree, life snuffed out in an instant.
Breathless, Sumendu stared in disbelief. He rushed to his faithful steed, pressing his forehead against Hira's. Tears stung his eyes as he whispered thanks. The wounded enemy lay unconscious, unable to follow.