Riders In Ridgeline City

The two men, knowing what they saw, still felt that death hovering over them, ready to reap their souls. The ride back to the city was fraught with danger as it was. Even still, the men managed to talk to each other. Not because they wanted to, but they felt like if they didn't speak they would die of the gripping fear. 

"Captain, that... What kind of place will this world become if a weapon like that becomes commonplace?" The Vice-Captain asked, the first thought that came to mind. 

"I don't have a clue. But it's not like we will be around to witness it. That's it. This fear is nothing compared to that damn City Lord. Let us get the report straight alright." The Captain said with a nervous laugh. 

And so the men discussed how to handle the report. This was because they didn't trust the City Lord in the slightest. If the two men were to make separate reports they would have to be the same. Any discrepancies could get you killed on the spot.

They quieted down as they approached the first forward post. The men that worked at this post saw the two blitz steeds and knew immediately who they were. These same men started clapping and cheering, assuming the mission was successful. 

"Woohoo! The weapon worked! Ahahaha!" One man laughed, a hearty laugh. 

All but one of the men were laughing. He was the most senior knight at this forward post. He wasn't green unlike most of the fresh blood here. And it was he who met the riders before. He knew that they were experienced. So when the rider's eyes met with this old Knight's eyes...

Sickening, even the other old farts like me are just wastes. They are cheering but, the way those men are riding... And above all, that look in their eyes... It's self-evident they are not confident about this... I practically heard them begging to get my family out of the city! Well, I have time so the other old bastards can stay here. I should follow them back. I'll let my daughter and her family flee... If I sense danger in those men's eyes... Then it truly is something to fear...

~ City Gate ~ 

"YAWN! Man it's been so boring... All that's happened is a little flash of light, nothing serious..." A guard yawned. 

"Dude, you need a nap! Don't write off that light. It seemed different. I don't have a good feeling in my stomach now." Another Guard retorted. 

She was one of the few women guards in the city. There had been some sort of movement lately that had pushed for more people, and they expanded the number so much that women thought they might have a chance. And they sure did. Here was one of them now. 

"Aren't you just being overly cautious? That sort of thing happens often around here. Monsters fight in the forest frequently. It's actually rarer to see nothing. But you are a woman so..." The male guard yawned, misogynistically. 

"Men really are stupid..." The woman talked back, crossing her arms in annoyance. Maybe I should have listened to my mother and not joined the guards. These men are annoying. Huh? What's that? A Blitz Steed? 2... No, three! Shit! And this idiot Guard fell asleep! "Open the Gates! 3 Blitz Riders entering the city!" She called out. 

This was a call that everyone in the guard hated to their core. Opening these doors was a pain in the ass. So much so, that only pricks would chive the men about looking all sweaty afterwards. It was a truly heavy gate after all. It took 2 dozen men just to turn the crank that opened the door. Yet all the same...

"""HEAVE! HEAVE! HEAVE! HEAVE!"""

The gate started opening. Slowly of course, since they were down a man. The woman sighed and started pulling along with the others. The difference wasn't much. But it's already leagues better than the sleeping idiot. 

"AHAHAHA! I'm so gonna rub this in that bastard's face!" One of the men laughed. 

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" The Woman asked, curiously.

"Ahahaha! Oh nothing, We're gonna tell him that we got sweaty with a woman!" 

"""HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Agreed!""" The men all laughed. 

The woman couldn't help but laugh as well. The thought of what the bastards face will look like hearing words like that... She couldn't contain it. And so her laugh then lined up with the men around her. Seemingly making the door much easier to open. 

"Outstanding! Now! Line up to give the salute!" The now de facto leader ordered. 

The Guards lined up half on either side of the gate. Sweaty as can be. This was one thing they all loved... It made them anxious for it. So the de facto leader, look out to gauge the distance...

...

"Guards Salute!" The De facto leader said, giving the order. 

All the guards set their left arm behind their back, supporting their stature. Puffed their chests out. And brought their right arm up with a straight hand to their foreheads. This was customary but... Two of the guards stood out from among the rest, for very different reasons, of course. Then...

"Ya! Ya!" They heard the riders yelling. 

So there are more than 24 guards here. Good... But, what the hell is that one doing? SLEEPING! Oh he is gonna get it. And here we have a woman... Damn has it really come to this... Where we have to have women stand at the line... If that had been my daughter and monsters attacked... FUCK! Today has been a rough day. Fortunately I can take it out on someone. The Captain thought to himself with an annoyed smirk. 

The Captain pulled out a small stone and readied it in his left hand. 

"Great job everyone... Except you!" The Captain said tossing the stone with just enough force to slightly dent the man's armor. 

Along with the dent came the destruction of his dreams and he woke in a panic. Quickly realizing his embarrassment he stood up quickly and assumed the position. 

The others on the other hand, were blessed with the breeze that the three riders gave off as they passed by rapidly. It collectively cooled their minds and bodies. 

"""Ahhhh yeah that's the stuff...""" The guards sighed in unison. 

"Alright! Close the Gate!" The de facto leader ordered.

"""AWE MAN!""" The Guards groaned.