Out away from the capitol, within Holin's borders, a group of seven bandits were walking around laughing it up. They came across a cottage on their travels. "A cottage? In the middle of nowhere?" One of the bandits said, surprised.
"C'mon, boys. Let's raid it!" The seven bandits knocked the door down with an axe, only to find a woman holding out a spear.
"B-back off, all of you!" she said. "You don't want to get on my bad side!"
"Hey, whaddya think, boys?" The bandit asked. "Think the slavers will like her?"
"She ought to make us a pretty penny." Another replied. "Quite a beaut."
"Last warning!" The girl said before charging at the bandits. One deflected the spear, another grabbed it and two more rushed in, restraining the girl.
"Let's get this woman back to our camp." The leader said, smiling. They headed out, the woman being forced along but muffled with a cloth.
(Later)
A man wearing a blue mage robe was walking up to his cottage. He closed his eyes and called, "Emily, I'm home!" He didn't hear a response. He opened his eyes and noticed the state of the cottage.
"Emily?!" He shouted. "Gods no.." He dashed into the cottage. "Emily?! Emily are you here?!" He shouted frantically.
"Damn bandits," The man mumbled. He snatched his tomes and dashed out of the cottage, running in a random direction. "Emily! I'll save you!" He shouted to no one in particular. He drew his Fire tome in case he ran into any brigands on the way whilst praying that his sister would be okay.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
"Princess Victoria, night will soon fall. Shall we sent up camp?" Hans asked as he looked to the sky.
"Hm, perhaps so." She thought.
"Hold on," everyone stopped as they turned to Talon. "There seems to be a camp there." He stated as he pointed to said camp.
"Hey, what's with that man there?" Ashei pointed out. They then saw a Mage running by. Wondering of his searching, Alex called out.
"Um, sir? What are you doing?" He said.
"Prince Alex! Don't start a conversation out of the ordinary, " Conner exclaimed. " We have no idea if anyone here might be an assailant!"
"At peace Conner! There is no proof that everyone might be one!" Flint defended.
"Perhaps we could at least aid what he is doing." Victoria said.
"Well, from the looks of it, he seems a little exhausted." Yacker spoke out.
The Mage heard someone call in his direction. He was out of breath and stumbling about, his legs looked like they were going to give out any moment.
Noticing the mage stumbling, Alex ran to him as the group followed.
"Sir! Are you alright?" He worried. Talon then pulled him back slightly by the shoulder.
"Give him some space Alex." Talon said.
"I'm fine..." The Mage breathed, turning around. He tried to run again, but tripped and fell. His tomes scattered. He stood up and started to recollect them.
"Sir! Are you injured!" Alex exclaimed. "Let me help you with that." Alex helped picked his tomes.
He was still breathing heavily. "I'm gonna be late. She's probably gone by now." He mumbled loudly.
Hearing the Mage mumbling, Hans wondered who he was reffering to.
"Pardon me young man, but who is this person you speak of." He asked.
The Mage shook his head. "I'm fine. Just... Tired," He said, grabbing his tomes before he stood up and faced Hans. "bandits took my sister," He responded. He was breathing heavy. "I need to go," he said, turning back around and started to walk off.
As the Mage told them who he was reffering to, they all were shocked.
"Halt, sir! We may be able to assist you in your search!" Flint exclaimed.
"Is there any indications of where she could be?" Hans calmly asked.
"Hm..." Talon looked towards the camp, thinking.
"Is there something wrong Talon?" Victoria asked.
"Just a hunch but I need to check." He said as his eyes glowed red.
Searching within the camp, he saw several malicious purple aura while a small patch of green aura can be noticed at a certain location.
He then notice a group of bandits with a girl with them, his eyes dimmed as he turned to the Mage.
"I think I know where your sister is." He said.
The Mage turned around. "Where!?" He demanded, readying his Fire Tome, staring at Talon with an expression with serious and anger all over. Causing Talon to flinch.
"Woah, woah, calm down," He said before pointing towards to camp in the distance. "I saw a group of bandits with a woman over there."
"Perhaps we can assist you on getting her back." Victoria suggested.
"Yeah, we can help." Alex said.
Alex felt bad for the Mage since his sister was taken. He knows how it would feel to be seperated from someone that cared for him.
"No, I can do this by myself." The mage turned around. "Thank you for the concern, bit I don't need it," He said before starting to walk off. "Oh and thanks for pointing me in the right direction."
Hans walked up and placed his hand on the Mage's shoulder.
"Please, we can help."He said "Besides, how are you going to get your sister alone?"
"Even if you're skilled in magic, do you think you can last long enough against all those bandits?"Talon pointed.
The Mage didn't respond for a few seconds. He clenched his free fist. "Fine. You can help," He scoffed and turned around. His glare was pure seriousness. There was no hint of anger, sadness, or the other as he stared at the group.
"Alright now. Talon, Flint, Yacker, the three of you scout the camp for more information." Victoria ordered.
"At once, milady!" Flint saluted.
"Okay then." Talon replied nonchalanty.
"Got it." Yacker nodded.
They head to the camp, scouting the area. Flint circled around the area at a distance, measuring how big the camp was. Talon and Yacker scanned the camp, locating where the bandits and the hostages were.
They then return to the group.
"We've returned, Lady Victoria!" Flint exclaimed. "The camp has at least seven tents."
"Four of them have a few bandits, one holds supplies while the other holds the hostages," Talon then pointed at the middle of the camp. "There's also a bigger aura in that tent. It could be their leader."
"Seems as though they have the whole area guarded, any plans?" Yacker asked.
"Hans?" Victoria turned to the Sage.
Hans placed a hand on his chin and thought for a moment. Snapping his fingers, he turned to Victoria. "Conner and Flint will divert the bandits outside of the camp, leaving their posts to allow Talon, Ashei and I to engage with some of the remaining ones." He then turned to the Mage. "While Prince Alex, Yacker and the young man will be with you to free the hostages."
"I don't know about this, General Hans." Conner said hesitantly.
"Oh come now Conner! When has General Hans' tactical skills ever fail?" Flint pointed.
"I'll give my all. It will be a swift battle." Ashei readied his Steel Sword.
"Fine by me. I just hope these guys can be much of a challenge like those bandits we fought before." Talon said, drawing out his Feather Blade.
"Alright then." 'Hopefully there could be something worth to take.' Yacker thought.
"We can do that. Right.. er..." Alex paused, realising that they have never asked for the Mage's name.
"Eli." He responded.
"Alright, let's move." Hans commanded.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Within the camp, the group with the captive girl went to one of the tents. Throwing her in with other captives inside the tent.
"Stay in there, we'll be movin' by morning." The bandits closed the entrance of the tent and left laughing.
"Damn... I'm sorry Eli..." Emily murmured.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
"So, the others brought in another one?" A bandit said to another at the front entrance of the camp.
"Yea, and I heard she's a fine catch!" The other bandit replied.
"Huh, think the boss'll let us take a sw-" His sentence fell short as a Javelin struck him on the chest. "Gh!"
"What the!" The bandit exclaimed as his comrade fell and turned to the direction of where the Javelin came from.
"Hah! What did I tell you Conner! My aim is always precised!" Flint boasted.
"You're not suppose to kill him, only get their attention idiot..." Conner facepalmed.
"Grr!! Hey, everyone! There two welps thinking they can take us on!" He yelled as several bandits appeared. "Take 'em out!" After that, the bandits charged out the camp, running towards the two Cavaliers.
"Well it seems my way has attracted more attention," Flint said, turning his horse. "Come now, it's time for the others to enter!"
"Ugh, why do I even bother." They both rode off as the bandits chase after them.
As the bandits left, the others enter the camp undetected.
"Alright, the hostages are in that tent there," Talon pointed out. "I can still sense some malice here so be caref-"
"I'm coming Emily!" Eli yelled, running to the tent.
"Hey wait!" Victoria exclaimed before several bandits came out from the other tents.
"That idiot," Talon sighed, brandishing his Feather Blade. "Go! We'll fend them off!"
"Right!" Victoria then ran after Eli, along with Alex and Yacker.
"Eli seems do be really dedicated to rescue his sister." Hans said, Wielding his Elfire Tome.
"Makes sense, anyone would fight for a reletive."Ashei added.
"Someone alert the boss! We got some company here!" A bandit yelled as one of them left.
Talon used his Feather Blade to pull the bandit to him as Ashei dashed and slashed his abdomen before charging to another one. Hans swapped his Elfire Tome to an Elwind Tome, creating a strong and sharp gust of wind that pushed the bandits back. Talon ran to the stunned bandits as the gust fell and quickly took down two bandits with one swing across their neck.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Victoria looked behind the corner of a tent, making sure the coast was clear before continuing with Alex on their search for Eli and the hostages.
"There he is!" Victoria said, finding Eli near the tent holding the hostages. "Let's move."
"Uh, sis..." Alex spoke out.
"What is it Alex?"
"Where's Yacker?"
Victoria looked around, noticing that the Outlaw was not with them.
"Where in blazes is he?!" Victoria exclaimed.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Yacker sneaked around the camp and found the supply tent.
"Well, let's see what they have in store." He said before hiding when a bandit walked by. "Hm, gotta take him out first."
Yacker wielded his bow and aimed at the oblivious bandit, drawing back the bowstring before shooting the arrow directing into the target's skull. He then ran and dragged the body away from the tent, hiding the corpse before heading back to the tent and entering it.
"All right, what do we have here." Yacker kept his bow as he looked around.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Eli opened the entrance of the tent forcefully and entered, frantically checking each hostage before finding his sister.
"Emily!" Eli untied her restraints and embraced her in his arms, slightly tearing up. "I thought I'd lost you."
"Brother..." Emily hugged back.
"We'll have to find him later." Victoria's voice could be heard as she entered the tent with Alex. "Ah! Alex, help me with this."
"Okay."
They both then untied all the hostages from their restraints. Each showed gratitude to the two for rescuing them.
"Alright now. Everyone stay here, we'll head out and make sure that there is a safe passageway out of the camp." Victoria spoke out.
"Emily, I'll be back. Just wait okay?" Eli asked. "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
"Okay brother."
_________________________________________________________________________________________
In one of the tents, a bandit hastily entered in to meet with the leader. He was sitting near a table with papers scattered all over.
"B-boss! Some trespassers are in the camp!" He studdered. "S-some of our men are facing them, but they seem to be strong!"
"Hm, quite an intimidating summary," The leader spoke as he stood up from his seat and took out a Steel Axe with an insignia on the heel. "Let's see how tough these welps are!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________
As the last bandit fell, Talon sensed a strong aura heading their way. It was almost as strong as the Brigand from before.
"Guys, prepare yourselves. I think the leader has finally shown up." Talon warned.
Talon's warning was met as the leader of the bandits ambled his way to the three, his tall and broad size was simply intimidating.
"So, you welps are the ones who dares trespass into my camp," He claimed, tossing his Axe up and catching it before resting it over his shoulder. "You must've got a lot of guts to face me, Boron the Breaker!"
"Why don't you prepare yourself for your defeat then." Ashei mocked.
"Grr, why you little!" He growled before his Steel Axe glowed . "I'll make sure to crush you when I've broken all your bones!"
"Sir Talon, what is happening to his weapon?" Hans asked.
Talon's eyes glowed and saw the Axe manifested with a dark aura."I think we may have a small problem here..."
"Hargh!" Boron swung his Axe with all his might and let out a dark wave towards the three. They managed to jump out of the way before the wave disperse.
"Okay, what the hell is that?!" Ashei exclaimed.
"A Mana-infused Axe, haven't seen those much." Talon deadpanned.
"But I thought those types of weapons are forbidden," Hans claimed. "And they can be only forged by skilled Druids and Cantors."
"Yeah, they were originally made from twenty years ago, when the first war started." Talon said, changing his Feather Blade to a whip.
"Huh, so that hooded man did give a powerful weapon." Boron grinned. "Well then, prepare yourselves!"
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"This is all? I expected more from the size of this camp." Yacker complained, getting out of the tent with a sack filled with an Iron Axe, a Bullion, a Talisman and an Iron Bow. "Well, at least some of these can be useful."
He then noticed several of the hostages escaping before he saw Victoria, Alex and Eli running by.
"Hey!" He yelled, running to them.
"Yacker! Where have you been!" Victoria exclaimed in anger.
"Oh right, sorry about that."
"Ugh, let's just head back to the others. The hostages are released now."
__________________________________________________________________________________________
"GH!" Talon was forced back by Boron as their weapons clashed. "Where the hell did you even get this."
"From a strange man, that's all I can say!" Boron continued to push Talon down. "Not that it matters!"
Ashei dashed towards the two and swung his Steel Sword at Boron. He took noticed and jumped out of the way before tackling him, knocking Ashei towards Talon as they both fell. Hans cast Elwind on Boron to push him away from the two and swap to his Elfire Tome and shot a strong fireball at him, but was deflected with his Axe.
"How the heck is he so strong?!" Ashei exclaimed.
"Just knock off that Axe!" Talon got up. "His strength is from it!"
"Like I'd give you a chance to do that!" Boron swung another dark wave and hit both Ashei and Talon, knocking back and injuring them. He then walked up to Ashei and raised his Axe. "Time I end you welp!"
He swung his Axe down to hit Ashei, but Talon quickly used his Feather Blade to deflect the attack and lassoed Boron's arm as Hans cast Elfire on him and pushing him back.
"Gh! You will pay for that!" Boron yelled before noticing his Axe missing. "What! Where is-?!"
"Hey!" He turned to see Talon tossing away the Axe before his eyes flashed red. "Let's see if you can survive this!"
Talon dissappeared from where he stood, causing Boron to look around frantically. As he looked away, Talon appeared and slashed him several times before dealing the finishing blow.
"Argh! No! This... is impo...sible..." Boron fell to the ground, his life ended. Talon stood for a few moments before falling on his back exhausted.
"Finally... it's over..." Ashei breathed.
"Talon!" Victoria's voice spoke out as she ran towards him with Alex. Yacker simply walked to them. "Talon, are you alright?"
"Yeah..., I've been through worst..." He joked.
"I'm... fine too..." Ashei mumbled.
"I can't thank you enough for helping me to save my sister," Eli thanked. "I'm in your debt now."
"No, it's fine. The safety of the innocence is a reward by itself." Victoria said.
"Princess! We've returned!"
Galloping to them, Conner and Flint stopped their mounts when they were close. Both of them look worn out as they were breathing heavily.
"Are the two of you alright?" Hans asked.
"You look like you're gonna pass out at any moment." Talon deadpanned.
"It's nothing General Hans! Why, we were just having a simple skirmish with the bandits that's all!" Flint exclaimed.
"Next time... we'll do it... my way..." Conner said, half-breathed.
"I think we all should rest before heading off." Hans suggested.
"I agree with you there Hans." Talon agreed.
"Then it's settled. We'll continue our journey to Mavos tomorrow."
The group then set up camp, some were glad that the fighting was over. But Talon couldn't get one thing out of his mind.
'Who is this hooded man?'
"C'mon, boys. Let's raid it!" The seven bandits knocked the door down with an axe, only to find a woman holding out a spear.
"B-back off, all of you!" she said. "You don't want to get on my bad side!"
"Hey, whaddya think, boys?" The bandit asked. "Think the slavers will like her?"
"She ought to make us a pretty penny." Another replied. "Quite a beaut."
"Last warning!" The girl said before charging at the bandits. One deflected the spear, another grabbed it and two more rushed in, restraining the girl.
"Let's get this woman back to our camp." The leader said, smiling. They headed out, the woman being forced along but muffled with a cloth.
(Later)
A man wearing a blue mage robe was walking up to his cottage. He closed his eyes and called, "Emily, I'm home!" He didn't hear a response. He opened his eyes and noticed the state of the cottage.
"Emily?!" He shouted. "Gods no.." He dashed into the cottage. "Emily?! Emily are you here?!" He shouted frantically.
"Damn bandits," The man mumbled. He snatched his tomes and dashed out of the cottage, running in a random direction. "Emily! I'll save you!" He shouted to no one in particular. He drew his Fire tome in case he ran into any brigands on the way whilst praying that his sister would be okay.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
"Princess Victoria, night will soon fall. Shall we sent up camp?" Hans asked as he looked to the sky.
"Hm, perhaps so." She thought.
"Hold on," everyone stopped as they turned to Talon. "There seems to be a camp there." He stated as he pointed to said camp.
"Hey, what's with that man there?" Ashei pointed out. They then saw a Mage running by. Wondering of his searching, Alex called out.
"Um, sir? What are you doing?" He said.
"Prince Alex! Don't start a conversation out of the ordinary, " Conner exclaimed. " We have no idea if anyone here might be an assailant!"
"At peace Conner! There is no proof that everyone might be one!" Flint defended.
"Perhaps we could at least aid what he is doing." Victoria said.
"Well, from the looks of it, he seems a little exhausted." Yacker spoke out.
The Mage heard someone call in his direction. He was out of breath and stumbling about, his legs looked like they were going to give out any moment.
Noticing the mage stumbling, Alex ran to him as the group followed.
"Sir! Are you alright?" He worried. Talon then pulled him back slightly by the shoulder.
"Give him some space Alex." Talon said.
"I'm fine..." The Mage breathed, turning around. He tried to run again, but tripped and fell. His tomes scattered. He stood up and started to recollect them.
"Sir! Are you injured!" Alex exclaimed. "Let me help you with that." Alex helped picked his tomes.
He was still breathing heavily. "I'm gonna be late. She's probably gone by now." He mumbled loudly.
Hearing the Mage mumbling, Hans wondered who he was reffering to.
"Pardon me young man, but who is this person you speak of." He asked.
The Mage shook his head. "I'm fine. Just... Tired," He said, grabbing his tomes before he stood up and faced Hans. "bandits took my sister," He responded. He was breathing heavy. "I need to go," he said, turning back around and started to walk off.
As the Mage told them who he was reffering to, they all were shocked.
"Halt, sir! We may be able to assist you in your search!" Flint exclaimed.
"Is there any indications of where she could be?" Hans calmly asked.
"Hm..." Talon looked towards the camp, thinking.
"Is there something wrong Talon?" Victoria asked.
"Just a hunch but I need to check." He said as his eyes glowed red.
Searching within the camp, he saw several malicious purple aura while a small patch of green aura can be noticed at a certain location.
He then notice a group of bandits with a girl with them, his eyes dimmed as he turned to the Mage.
"I think I know where your sister is." He said.
The Mage turned around. "Where!?" He demanded, readying his Fire Tome, staring at Talon with an expression with serious and anger all over. Causing Talon to flinch.
"Woah, woah, calm down," He said before pointing towards to camp in the distance. "I saw a group of bandits with a woman over there."
"Perhaps we can assist you on getting her back." Victoria suggested.
"Yeah, we can help." Alex said.
Alex felt bad for the Mage since his sister was taken. He knows how it would feel to be seperated from someone that cared for him.
"No, I can do this by myself." The mage turned around. "Thank you for the concern, bit I don't need it," He said before starting to walk off. "Oh and thanks for pointing me in the right direction."
Hans walked up and placed his hand on the Mage's shoulder.
"Please, we can help."He said "Besides, how are you going to get your sister alone?"
"Even if you're skilled in magic, do you think you can last long enough against all those bandits?"Talon pointed.
The Mage didn't respond for a few seconds. He clenched his free fist. "Fine. You can help," He scoffed and turned around. His glare was pure seriousness. There was no hint of anger, sadness, or the other as he stared at the group.
"Alright now. Talon, Flint, Yacker, the three of you scout the camp for more information." Victoria ordered.
"At once, milady!" Flint saluted.
"Okay then." Talon replied nonchalanty.
"Got it." Yacker nodded.
They head to the camp, scouting the area. Flint circled around the area at a distance, measuring how big the camp was. Talon and Yacker scanned the camp, locating where the bandits and the hostages were.
They then return to the group.
"We've returned, Lady Victoria!" Flint exclaimed. "The camp has at least seven tents."
"Four of them have a few bandits, one holds supplies while the other holds the hostages," Talon then pointed at the middle of the camp. "There's also a bigger aura in that tent. It could be their leader."
"Seems as though they have the whole area guarded, any plans?" Yacker asked.
"Hans?" Victoria turned to the Sage.
Hans placed a hand on his chin and thought for a moment. Snapping his fingers, he turned to Victoria. "Conner and Flint will divert the bandits outside of the camp, leaving their posts to allow Talon, Ashei and I to engage with some of the remaining ones." He then turned to the Mage. "While Prince Alex, Yacker and the young man will be with you to free the hostages."
"I don't know about this, General Hans." Conner said hesitantly.
"Oh come now Conner! When has General Hans' tactical skills ever fail?" Flint pointed.
"I'll give my all. It will be a swift battle." Ashei readied his Steel Sword.
"Fine by me. I just hope these guys can be much of a challenge like those bandits we fought before." Talon said, drawing out his Feather Blade.
"Alright then." 'Hopefully there could be something worth to take.' Yacker thought.
"We can do that. Right.. er..." Alex paused, realising that they have never asked for the Mage's name.
"Eli." He responded.
"Alright, let's move." Hans commanded.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Within the camp, the group with the captive girl went to one of the tents. Throwing her in with other captives inside the tent.
"Stay in there, we'll be movin' by morning." The bandits closed the entrance of the tent and left laughing.
"Damn... I'm sorry Eli..." Emily murmured.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
"So, the others brought in another one?" A bandit said to another at the front entrance of the camp.
"Yea, and I heard she's a fine catch!" The other bandit replied.
"Huh, think the boss'll let us take a sw-" His sentence fell short as a Javelin struck him on the chest. "Gh!"
"What the!" The bandit exclaimed as his comrade fell and turned to the direction of where the Javelin came from.
"Hah! What did I tell you Conner! My aim is always precised!" Flint boasted.
"You're not suppose to kill him, only get their attention idiot..." Conner facepalmed.
"Grr!! Hey, everyone! There two welps thinking they can take us on!" He yelled as several bandits appeared. "Take 'em out!" After that, the bandits charged out the camp, running towards the two Cavaliers.
"Well it seems my way has attracted more attention," Flint said, turning his horse. "Come now, it's time for the others to enter!"
"Ugh, why do I even bother." They both rode off as the bandits chase after them.
As the bandits left, the others enter the camp undetected.
"Alright, the hostages are in that tent there," Talon pointed out. "I can still sense some malice here so be caref-"
"I'm coming Emily!" Eli yelled, running to the tent.
"Hey wait!" Victoria exclaimed before several bandits came out from the other tents.
"That idiot," Talon sighed, brandishing his Feather Blade. "Go! We'll fend them off!"
"Right!" Victoria then ran after Eli, along with Alex and Yacker.
"Eli seems do be really dedicated to rescue his sister." Hans said, Wielding his Elfire Tome.
"Makes sense, anyone would fight for a reletive."Ashei added.
"Someone alert the boss! We got some company here!" A bandit yelled as one of them left.
Talon used his Feather Blade to pull the bandit to him as Ashei dashed and slashed his abdomen before charging to another one. Hans swapped his Elfire Tome to an Elwind Tome, creating a strong and sharp gust of wind that pushed the bandits back. Talon ran to the stunned bandits as the gust fell and quickly took down two bandits with one swing across their neck.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Victoria looked behind the corner of a tent, making sure the coast was clear before continuing with Alex on their search for Eli and the hostages.
"There he is!" Victoria said, finding Eli near the tent holding the hostages. "Let's move."
"Uh, sis..." Alex spoke out.
"What is it Alex?"
"Where's Yacker?"
Victoria looked around, noticing that the Outlaw was not with them.
"Where in blazes is he?!" Victoria exclaimed.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Yacker sneaked around the camp and found the supply tent.
"Well, let's see what they have in store." He said before hiding when a bandit walked by. "Hm, gotta take him out first."
Yacker wielded his bow and aimed at the oblivious bandit, drawing back the bowstring before shooting the arrow directing into the target's skull. He then ran and dragged the body away from the tent, hiding the corpse before heading back to the tent and entering it.
"All right, what do we have here." Yacker kept his bow as he looked around.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Eli opened the entrance of the tent forcefully and entered, frantically checking each hostage before finding his sister.
"Emily!" Eli untied her restraints and embraced her in his arms, slightly tearing up. "I thought I'd lost you."
"Brother..." Emily hugged back.
"We'll have to find him later." Victoria's voice could be heard as she entered the tent with Alex. "Ah! Alex, help me with this."
"Okay."
They both then untied all the hostages from their restraints. Each showed gratitude to the two for rescuing them.
"Alright now. Everyone stay here, we'll head out and make sure that there is a safe passageway out of the camp." Victoria spoke out.
"Emily, I'll be back. Just wait okay?" Eli asked. "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
"Okay brother."
_________________________________________________________________________________________
In one of the tents, a bandit hastily entered in to meet with the leader. He was sitting near a table with papers scattered all over.
"B-boss! Some trespassers are in the camp!" He studdered. "S-some of our men are facing them, but they seem to be strong!"
"Hm, quite an intimidating summary," The leader spoke as he stood up from his seat and took out a Steel Axe with an insignia on the heel. "Let's see how tough these welps are!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________
As the last bandit fell, Talon sensed a strong aura heading their way. It was almost as strong as the Brigand from before.
"Guys, prepare yourselves. I think the leader has finally shown up." Talon warned.
Talon's warning was met as the leader of the bandits ambled his way to the three, his tall and broad size was simply intimidating.
"So, you welps are the ones who dares trespass into my camp," He claimed, tossing his Axe up and catching it before resting it over his shoulder. "You must've got a lot of guts to face me, Boron the Breaker!"
"Why don't you prepare yourself for your defeat then." Ashei mocked.
"Grr, why you little!" He growled before his Steel Axe glowed . "I'll make sure to crush you when I've broken all your bones!"
"Sir Talon, what is happening to his weapon?" Hans asked.
Talon's eyes glowed and saw the Axe manifested with a dark aura."I think we may have a small problem here..."
"Hargh!" Boron swung his Axe with all his might and let out a dark wave towards the three. They managed to jump out of the way before the wave disperse.
"Okay, what the hell is that?!" Ashei exclaimed.
"A Mana-infused Axe, haven't seen those much." Talon deadpanned.
"But I thought those types of weapons are forbidden," Hans claimed. "And they can be only forged by skilled Druids and Cantors."
"Yeah, they were originally made from twenty years ago, when the first war started." Talon said, changing his Feather Blade to a whip.
"Huh, so that hooded man did give a powerful weapon." Boron grinned. "Well then, prepare yourselves!"
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"This is all? I expected more from the size of this camp." Yacker complained, getting out of the tent with a sack filled with an Iron Axe, a Bullion, a Talisman and an Iron Bow. "Well, at least some of these can be useful."
He then noticed several of the hostages escaping before he saw Victoria, Alex and Eli running by.
"Hey!" He yelled, running to them.
"Yacker! Where have you been!" Victoria exclaimed in anger.
"Oh right, sorry about that."
"Ugh, let's just head back to the others. The hostages are released now."
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"GH!" Talon was forced back by Boron as their weapons clashed. "Where the hell did you even get this."
"From a strange man, that's all I can say!" Boron continued to push Talon down. "Not that it matters!"
Ashei dashed towards the two and swung his Steel Sword at Boron. He took noticed and jumped out of the way before tackling him, knocking Ashei towards Talon as they both fell. Hans cast Elwind on Boron to push him away from the two and swap to his Elfire Tome and shot a strong fireball at him, but was deflected with his Axe.
"How the heck is he so strong?!" Ashei exclaimed.
"Just knock off that Axe!" Talon got up. "His strength is from it!"
"Like I'd give you a chance to do that!" Boron swung another dark wave and hit both Ashei and Talon, knocking back and injuring them. He then walked up to Ashei and raised his Axe. "Time I end you welp!"
He swung his Axe down to hit Ashei, but Talon quickly used his Feather Blade to deflect the attack and lassoed Boron's arm as Hans cast Elfire on him and pushing him back.
"Gh! You will pay for that!" Boron yelled before noticing his Axe missing. "What! Where is-?!"
"Hey!" He turned to see Talon tossing away the Axe before his eyes flashed red. "Let's see if you can survive this!"
Talon dissappeared from where he stood, causing Boron to look around frantically. As he looked away, Talon appeared and slashed him several times before dealing the finishing blow.
"Argh! No! This... is impo...sible..." Boron fell to the ground, his life ended. Talon stood for a few moments before falling on his back exhausted.
"Finally... it's over..." Ashei breathed.
"Talon!" Victoria's voice spoke out as she ran towards him with Alex. Yacker simply walked to them. "Talon, are you alright?"
"Yeah..., I've been through worst..." He joked.
"I'm... fine too..." Ashei mumbled.
"I can't thank you enough for helping me to save my sister," Eli thanked. "I'm in your debt now."
"No, it's fine. The safety of the innocence is a reward by itself." Victoria said.
"Princess! We've returned!"
Galloping to them, Conner and Flint stopped their mounts when they were close. Both of them look worn out as they were breathing heavily.
"Are the two of you alright?" Hans asked.
"You look like you're gonna pass out at any moment." Talon deadpanned.
"It's nothing General Hans! Why, we were just having a simple skirmish with the bandits that's all!" Flint exclaimed.
"Next time... we'll do it... my way..." Conner said, half-breathed.
"I think we all should rest before heading off." Hans suggested.
"I agree with you there Hans." Talon agreed.
"Then it's settled. We'll continue our journey to Mavos tomorrow."
The group then set up camp, some were glad that the fighting was over. But Talon couldn't get one thing out of his mind.
'Who is this hooded man?'