1

Bullets struck the wooden wall behind which Miles took shelter, forcing him to press himself even harder against it. He knew that stopping here for the night was a huge risk, but everyone was tired and this was neutral territory. One of the few places in the country where fighting was forbidden. It seemed that that was not about to stop the kill squad that was now firing upon himself and the others. Miles quickly glanced around the small farm, making a mental note of where his companions were positioned.

Charlie and her Mother had tucked themselves next to the large barn nearby and the young girl fired off arrows at every opportunity. From a window above Nora and Aaron released sporadic fire and Miles could hear Nora barking orders at her companion. He took a cautious glance around the side of the building, quickly jerking back as yet another rain of bullets erupted around him. Miles released a small hiss as he checked his ammunition supply. He had only a handful left and knew the others would be in the same position.

Soon, he would have to go front to front with the militia. And that would mean the end for him and his comrades.

2

Several riders on horseback watched intently at the events unfolding before them. The small farm, built several years ago, was meant to be a safe haven, neutral ground where negotiations could be held without fear of conflict. It seemed that the militia had chosen to ignore the rules, stepping over the border into neutral territory. A small woman in the centre of the group repositioned herself and sighed.

"When did our guests arrive?".

"20 hundred hours mam!", one of the men at her side replied. "The militia arrived approximately 1 hour ago". The woman nodded, placing her small hand on the hilt of her sword.

"They have only been here 10 hours. That means they have another 14 hours of refuge left". She raised her binoculars up, her focus now on the remainder of the kill squad that lay concealed beyond the border.

"Mam, what are your orders?", another soldier queried, clearly ready to jump into action.

The woman lowered the binoculars, turning to her men, offering them a wry smile.

"They have breached the treaty men. There is only one thing we can do".

3

"Sir, there are riders approaching the farm!", the young soldier pointed towards the small rise that overlooked the farm and his Commander released a loud sigh.

"You said there were no Neutrals in the area!", he offered the young man a firm gaze and snatched up his binoculars. "The last thing we need right now is", the Commander stopped, dropping his binoculars to the ground. "Pull back!", he ordered, turning his horse around, "Get our men out now!". The young soldier shook his head, clearly confused by his Commanders order, "But sir, our orders".

"I don't care! Get them out now!", the Commander leaned forward and pointed towards the riders, only yards from the farm. "If we don't get them out those men are as good as dead!".

"Sir, no offence but we outnumber them and have guns. All they have are swords and crossbows". The Commander shook his head, "That won't count for squat, because she is with them. Now, with all due respect Soldier, move your damn ass and get them out. NOW!".

4

It had only taken moments for Miles and the others to become overwhelmed and now they found themselves sitting in the middle of the dusty yard, their hands bound tightly. I failed, Miles thought as he looked at his friends. I failed and now we're all going to die. He felt one of the militia squad move behind him, the barrel of their weapon pressing firmly against his head, "You've caused us allot of grief. I'm going to enjoy handing your head to General Monroe".

"I wonder how he would feel if it was your head?", a woman said, her smooth English accent filling Miles with a wave of joy. He recognised that voice and found himself more than excited at her arrival.

"Who the hell are you?", the soldier spat, his focus, along with the other soldiers, now on the woman behind Miles.

"You have entered the Neutral Zone without authorisation and have attacked people who still have 14 hours of refuge left. Both these actions breach the treaty between the Monroe Republic and Neutrals".

Miles heard someone taking several steps forward, "I am a fair woman though and will give you the opportunity to rectify this mistake by leaving. Now". Miles smiled gently as the soldiers all began to laugh. It was obvious they had no idea who was standing before them.

"Little lady", the soldier hissed. "How about you and your friends take your swords and arrows and run along". He tapped his gun, offering her an all too cocky grin, "Because it's obvious you aren't armed to fight us".

"Little boy", that smooth voice replied as the sound of a sword being unsheathed filling the air. "You have made several mistakes today. One, you came here. Two, you did not listen to me and three", she paused, releasing a loud sigh, "You brought guns to a sword fight".

5

The commanding officer of the kill squad released a loud groan as he realised it was too late. The young soldier he had sent into the farm was about to die, just like the men who now stood before one of the most formidable woman to emerge after the blackout. He turned his horse motioning the remainder of his men to follow suit and began the journey back to base. And when he arrived, he knew there would be hell to pay.