The warrior cut down the bandit with a quick jab to the chest, he turned and cut another across the chest, He quickly kicked him in the chest spun his blade and thrust it down. A pike wielding bandit charged at him, he leaped aside and grabbed the pike, he pulled it with him dragging the bandit with it right in to a tree, The bandit fell knocked out, he spun the pike in his hand, this was his kind of weapon, he threw it hitting a charging bandit in his shoulder he ran forward, pulling the pike from the body, he spun the pike blocking an arrow, a bandit jumped two metres into the air preparing to bring a hammer down on him, he prompted the pike up, it impaled the bandit he swung it over his shoulder driving it into the ground, a bandit charged up behind him sword raised, the warrior turned the pike pointed forward, the bandit couldn’t stop in time, the bandit stood before him, he had dropped his weapon, “Vae yol” said the warrior. The trees around them began to bend and a deep howling noise surround them, the pike began to spin, in a flash it shot into the air, ten seconds passed…the warrior stuck out his left arm the pike landed in his grasp, the body landed a metre in front of him. Magic Rein ran into view, Along with Ed,Sly and Flame. “you kill all of them…Kandrandt?” Rein asked. Kandrant turned towards the group, he rested the lance on his shoulder, “You know it” he said giving them a thumbs-up.
It was three months since Flameing Ice wolf’s calming. Kandrandt had recovered and trained until he mastered his abilities. Shadeslayer had acquired a new cape giving him more power, Sly had discovered a rune for his amour granting him stealth, Magic Rein had become an monument amongst the people. Flame had learned to control his powers but still requires the aid of the Flamestop shard. He had found ten of the twenty four shards. They were leading a raid against a growing bandit camp.
Shadeslayer stood his back to Meoden, thirteen bandits surrounded them forming a circle. Meoden made the first move running at a bandit. At the same moment Shadeslayer surged at the others, Meoden wore a golden plate Armour, red cape, a golden helm and boots, his gauntlets had small pikes on the knuckles. He now carried a large golden hammer with blue jewels on the side. He swung it hitting a bandit in the knee, the bandit fell sideways, Meoden raised the hammer and brought it down on the bandit’s back, Shadeslayer swung hitting a bandit’s helm, He crumbled to the ground, he blocked a downward swing and pushed it back, he did a back hand swing digging the blade across the bandit’s stomach, nine more remained. Shadeslayer put his open hand in the air “Mai Cro Nal” A large flame ignited in his hand, Shadeslayer smashed his hand into the ground, A pulse of heat, waved through the ground. The ground split underneath each bandit, magma burst upwards from the small volcano structures. Meoden and Shadeslayer looked up to the horizon, there rested the Bandit’s HQ, “So you said hundreds?” Meoden asked “a hundred or so…We’ve fought more” he replied “Yea…with the other Protectors alongside us” Meoden grumbled “who said they wouldn’t?” Shadeslayer said back with a laugh. He sheathed his sword and began on his way towards the bandit camp.
Reaper quickly crept alongside the brush, a guard post of five guards stood in the middle of the road. He unsheathe his blade placing it in his mouth he began climbing a tree. The guards looked around unaware of their soon to be fate. He placed the sword in his hand and purged forward, in a flash of silver the guard’s held rolled off his shoulders as he fell to his knees, the others quickly looked around, there was a purple flash, another fell a small dagger jabbed upwards through his throat, another flash, three arrows dug into a guard’s chest plate, two remained the looked around, frightened they ran. They ran side by side, one screamed out in shock, a blade found its way through out into the open on the other side of his chest. The remaining guard turned to see the blade pull out of the bandit. He unsheathed his blade and quickly shot glances in all directions, metal clanged, again, again, a flash, Reaper stood at a forty five degree angle from the bandit, the guard grabbed at his own belly, then fell forwards dead. Reaper sheathed his blade, another purple flash and he walked alongside ShadeSlayer and Meoden.
Magic Rein, Sly and Kandrandt all ran at the group of eight bandits. Kandrant threw the pike hitting one in the chest. Two of the bandits began dragging the near dead one away. Magic Rein cast a spell, earth slowly rose around their feet then hardened. Sly with his two katanas darted forward, he swung the blades at the same time, the guards stood in place dead, Kandrandt ran up digging the pike deeper before pulling it out. Sly ran kicking a bandit in the knee, one ran up to assist his fellow comrade by swing at sly. the blade hit sly, his form distorted like a disturbed astral being, the smoke spun and began to form around the blade, it crept up the man’s arm then up the side of his face, the smoke seeped into his eyes. A grey veil covered the man’s eyes. The possessed man swung his blade hitting the other bandit in the throat, he then turned the blade upon himself and drove it into his gut, the smoke poured out of the man’s mouth. Sly’s shape formed from the smoke, he dusted his shoulder off, he raised his swords in a X formation blocking a swing from a hammer. He pushed then swung crossing his arms. The man fell sideways blood seeping from his wound. Magic rein blasted the last one shattering the ice prison it had been imprisoned in. ShadeSlayer, Meoden, and Reaper could all be seen running towards the horizon, the same direction of the bandit camp. They all began to run in the same direction.
ShadeSlayer ran forward they would reach the camp’s wall in a few minutes. A large group of Bandits stood tall and ready for what was about to come. Meoden raised his hammer in the air and shouted. Reaper drew an arrow and fired, the others shortly joined up with them. The men of Eight charged at the small bandit party. Kandrandt leaped into the air soaring past the pikes and spears that dare cross his path, he dug his boot in the chest of one the bandits behind the frontlines, he lifted his pike driving it through the man’s chest. Sly hit the pike of one of the bandit’s upwards using his other katana he slipped it across the man’s chest. Meoden swung hitting a bandit in the head. He picked up the pike and jabbed one about to swing down at him with a hammer “Ahh” he let out satisfied. ShadeSlayer swung upwards from his waist hitting one in the bottom of his ribs. He crushed the bottom of the hilt into another’s eye. He swung to his right getting one in the stomach, he jabbed forward getting one in the lungs. He pulled his sword out spun it in his hand and thrust it backwards getting one in the gut.
Magic Rein caught a pike that was hurled at him, the pike hovered on Its own beside him. He thrust his hand forward the pike shot like a bullet knocking a bandit right off his feet. Rein spun out of the way of a arrow, he blasted a shard of ice at its direction. “Nuh reh kro!” bolts of lightning shot from his palm making contact with the bandit’s skulls, eight fell dead their hair singed and burning. Magic Rein unsheathe his blade and ran at the bandits, he knocked the pike aside and jabbed forward into the man’s chest plate. He spun slicing one’s arm, the bandit grabbed at the wound the swung at Rein blocked the shot to the head and thy, Rein swung the blade all around to his other side planting it’s tip in the ground. The man looked up at him, their eye’s met a cold frost crept up the man’s jaw and into his eyes, Rein snapped his fingers and the ice shattered. Rein leaped back as a Giant hammer warrior barrelled down at him. Rein jumped aside and with a flick of his wrist cut the brute’s arm. The man tried to lift his hammer blood splurged out from the wound. “Gahh” he screamed in pain. The man glared at Rein. Rein took a few steps back. A powerful set of hands wrapped around Rein’s throat, the man lifted him off the ground with his injured hand. The man pulled out a dagger from his belt and brought it up to Rein’s throat, An Arrow pierced the man’s, he dropped Rein who quickly regained himself then rolled backwards. Another set of arrows hit the man in the chest, all the bandits mostly wore fur and leather armour giving them little to no protection. Their numbers faltered, Rein killed the last few remaining. A blood covered bandit slowly began to get up, Kandrandt ran over placing his foot on the man’s back pushing him to the ground at the same shoving the pike into him. The Eight men ran at the Bandit camp it’s walls where closer than ever now.
Rein, Sly and Meoden all ran to the other side of the wall. While Ed,ShadeSlayer,Flameing Ice Wolf, Reaper, and Kandrandt waited for the signal. A minute passed and a large gust of wind roared past ShadeSlayer and his group. “All right…Flame…you up for it?” Flame looked at him “Yea” Flame strode up to the large gate doors, he rested his palm on it. A heavy layer of frost spread across it. “AHHH!” the ice exploded sending icy shards in all directions. The group pressed their backs to the wall as an wave of arrow’s flew onto the road outside the camp. Flame stepped into the open, he shot fire at the bandit’s whom where firing arrows at them. A young man charged at him with a sword raised, Flame quickly grabbed the attackers wrist and brought his knee into the Bandit’s gut, the Bandit let out a grunt as the blow winded him. Flame flipped him over and brought his sword down through him. It sparked the rest of them as they all charged him at once, Flame cast ice in front of their steps causing a majority of them to slip. A battalion of men exited a door of the fort each armed with a crossbow, they all took aim at Flame who was standing perfectly still.
“Fi..” there was a loud rumbling noise from behind them. The Rock wall shot in, rubble smacked into men making them shield their eyes and view. Sly ran out of the dust cutting down three quickly he jumped out of the way of a fired arrow. He landed on the wall he leaped off swinging his sword as he passed one of the bandits. He swung low hitting one’s shin then thrust his sword backwards impaling the man’s spine, at the same time he blocked an attack then swung left cutting the man’s belly. A large rock flew passed Sly’s head knocking a Bandit down.
Meoden ran over and slit the man’s throat. “You go with what you got” he said to Sly before downing another with his hammer. Shouting could be heard coming from up above, Sly and the group all stood beneath the tower. They all looked up to see a large cauldron being tipped over, “Oil!” Kandrandt shouted Meoden loaded his crossbow and lit the arrow’s tip, the blackish brown liquid began It’s decent, Meoden took aim and fired the Flaming Arrow. It went right through the liquid but at the same time ignited it, The flame’s quickly climbed up to the spot it had come. The Top of the tower smoked and smoldered. Meoden loaded his crossbow again and ran over to one of the doors. “Sly, Kandrandt, Rein and I will search this area…You search the rest” Meoden said. He kicked the door open and charged in Kandrandt and the others followed.
Kandrandt charged up the stairs, A man swung at him he ducked and rammed into his side, Kandrandt spun him then pushed him over the edge of the stairs. A loud thud lightly came up from the levels below. A cross-bow wielding Bandit took aim at Sly, Meoden ran out from behind and quickly shot the bandit in the throat before he could fire. They continued up the stairs. The reached the next level, the room was filled with Bandits. Kandrandt smiled as he spun his spear “Who dies first?” the bandits all charged at the challenge Kandrandt stepped aside and pushed one down the stairs with the back of his spear. The next one ran at him, he placed the spear across the man’s shoulders and pulled him close, Kandrandt head-butted him, A arrow flew past him nailing a bandit in the lungs, Sly brought his dual Katanas across one of the Bandit’s chest. “Geo kul vae” A large rock flew and smashed into a Bandit sending him flying out the window. Kandrandt jabbed the last one in the chest and charge towards the window, He through the man along with his spear out into the open. He looked around and picked up one of the dead man’s swords. They began up the tower once again, the smoke was seeping down into the rooms. The smoke was thick, “Get that door down now!” Meoden shouted “I’m trying” Kandrandt yelled back “Sly stood leaned against the wall his eyes watered and he had a horrible cough “Move!” Rein pushed through the group “Fr” he coughed “Unhir” the door blasted open hit soared off the edge of the tower and smashed onto the ground, Burnt bodies lay everywhere, A chair sat in the middle of the tower’s roof top. A man rested upon it his back to the intruders. Kandrandt charged forward and swung the blade he now possessed. The head rolled off the shoulders straw and grass poured out from it. Kandrandt stepped back, he kicked over the chair a set of explosive’s lay beneath it, “Everyone get out of here!” Kandrandt said turning and running back down the tower everyone following but Sly who ran down the side of the tower instead gracefully landing on his feet at the bottom.
Flame brought his sword down on the man’s shoulder. He caught the wrist of one who was trying to do the same to him, the man’s eyes went wide as the ice travelled through his veins. The frozen blood hit his heart, the man fell forward dead. Reaper leaped forward cutting across the man’s leg he spun around on one foot and drove his sword through the man’s back. ShadeSlayer blocked a swing to his ribs and another to his head, he swung back and fourth then downwards, he charged the man who tripped backwards, ShadeSlayer jabbed down into the man’s chest. Edvalencia kicked open one of the side doors. It opened up to be the kitchen and dining hall, It was empty. Ed exited the room and back into the hall chasing after the group who where fighting more Bandit’s. They came to a large pair of door’s “Ready?” ShadeSlayer asked, they all nodded in response. He kicked them open and they all tore into the room. There was pillars and a large staircase leading down. “What is that?” Flame said pointing at the bottom of the steps. Chained to the stone wall was a large werewolf, The dog wore a large scar across it’s muzzle, It bore no weapon as most of his brethren would have one. He had dark amber eyes that appeared to cut right through you. He had pure white fur with the exceptional dark dirt smudges. Above him on a ledge stood a large man with a bronze crown and golden hilted sword. “Welcome!” he shouted in a deep roaring voice. “To the Arena!” he pulled a lever on the wall beside him. The stairs the stood on rumbled then sank down into the floor. The man pulled another lever in front of him the Chains slowly retracted then the shackles opened and dangled near the floor. The wolf, stood breathing heavily, Large scars lay across his back “They tortured you?” Ed asked stepping forward. The wolf let out a deep growl “I do not wish to hurt you” Ed said getting down on one knee “I wish to help you” the wolf stared at him, it’s eyes softened and it let out a soft whimper. There was a loud snap. The wolf let out a howl of pain. The man on the ledge held a whip in his hand “Kill them!” Reaper drew and arrow and fired, it hit the mans palm, he dropped the whip looking at his injured hand, his head snapped back, he glared at Reaper with hate, the man spun around and stormed off. The white Wolf bent down to stand on all fours, he bowed his head low still glancing up at Ed. Edvalencia slow rose to his feet with his hand outstretched he walked towards the wolf. Ed swung his leg over the Wolf’s back, the wolf shook it’s self then leaped up onto the ledge.Reaper grabbed a old pile of rope and tied it to an arrow, Reaper stabbed the other arrow in the ground and began to climb the rope. ShadeSlayer close behind him.
Meoden and the group fled the imploding camp. They charged off onto the blood covered battlefield, dead bandits lay stiff and unmoving. Meoden looked back at the Camp, the tower crumbled in on it’s self. Plummeting down then exploded, Meoden turned and hid his face from the heat. A few rocks landed a couple of metres away from him, Kandrandt slowly walked in front of him, then fell to his knees. “They’re gone…” He growled staring down at the ground. “Come on know” Rein said placing his hand on Kandrandt’s shoulder “Their all to stubborn to die” Kandrandt faked a smile. The flame’s split and a White wolf leaped through onto the field. Meoden loaded his crossbow and began to walk towards the animal. Sly ran up to him “Wait!. Look” upon the white wolf lay Edvalencia, his armour charred and burnt. ShadeSlayer ran out of the hole they had blasted in the wall, He covered his eyes and mouth. Reaper Jumped through after the wolf. The Wolf ran up to Meoden and the group. Shadeslayer slowly walked over, Reaper was right behind the wolf. “What of Flame?” Sly asked upon the groups arrival. A strange crackle came from the burning camp. The group all looked at the direction it came from, the fire swirled then shot upwards, a blue, misty form burst forth, a pair of icy blue wings stretched out from his back. In a blue flash he was slowing to a stop near the group, his wings retracted back into his body. With every back, Meoden turned and aimed at the wolf who was looking down at Edvalencia. Meoden brought his crossbow to his shoulder and took aim. The white wolf let a growl. “I wouldn’t do that if I was you Meoden, King of Glauder” growled the wolf “How did you…” he questioned “I know many things Dwarf…like bird boy there will burst into flames if he loses that precious necklace” Flame glared at the wolf. “Name..What’s your name?” asked Kandrandt. The wolf looked up at him. “Lupus” Blue ruins shown on his shoulders “Well Lupus…how’d you end up in that room anyways?” ShadeSlayer asked. “Trapped me…used my family as bait” Lupus replied “But why you?” Sly asked. The wolf stood on it’s hind legs, it towered a foot above all of them “I am one of the few remaining white wolves…We are granted with the power of foresight and the ability to see into others…Mind and soul” Lupus growled. “Who was that man?” Reaper asked “Their leader…A nasty one at that…he gave me these” said Lupus who went back down on all fours and showed the group his scars. “They where looking for an answer to how we White wolves have are special abilities” Lupus whimpered. “How many of you are left?” Rein asked “seven last time we had our gathering under the full moon…I attended one four months ago” Lupus said “They had you in there that long?” Lupus nodded “But this wasn’t there only camp…It’s not even HQ..HQ…well hell that’s twice this ones size” the group all shared glances. “Now magic caster” Rein looked up at the wolf “yes?” “Help me with this one” Lupus said pointing at Edvalencia with his muzzle.
Nightfall came, the group had moved into the forest, just in case a group of bandits came to find the camp lay in ruins. Edvalencia had recovered and had rode off on Lupus. Meoden sat on a log poking at the fire with a stick. Rein had a ice ball hovering in his palm, A bluish grey aura drifted off it. “anyone of you trust him?” Meoden broke the silence. “He saved Ed and our lives…we owe him that much” ShadeSlayer said who was leaning against a tree his sword at his side. Meoden nodded then poked the fire a few more times. There was a rustle in the brush not far off. Shadeslayer grabbed his sword, Rein stooded up. Kandrandt had grabbed his spear as they fled and now grasped it in his hands. “It’s us don’t shoot…or stab” Edvalencia came out of the brush, his hands in the air. He rode on the wolf. Edvalencia got off the wolf’s back and walked over to the fire. “So what now?...Lupus told me that wasn’t HQ” he said. “What we always do when things go south…Follow them” Kandrandt said looking off into the star night sky.
“South…huh…I always have liked the warmer weather” Edvalencia said with a laugh.
A heavy mist filled the forest the group was staying in. Lupus lay on the ground, he was looking off to the north. Kandrandt sat on the log, gazing into the blazing fire. His spear rested on his shoulder. “So…” Shadeslayer began. Kandrandt looked up at him. ShadeSlayer was speaking to the wolf. “Think where gonna need the Protectors for this one?” The wolf looked over to him and dipped his head. “Alright…I’ll send Rein, Flame And Reaper to get their troops…You and Edvalencia will come with me” Lupus nodded again and looked back off into the fog. Kandrandt looked back down into the Flames. He tightened the grip on his spear.
The group had all heard ShadeSlayer’s plan and had set out to get the troops. The rest where to come with him. Flame departed towards the city he lead, as did Rein and Reaper. Flame rode on his horse out of the fog and through the blood soaked battlefield, a flock of ravens flew over the dead bodies that lay about. Flame stuck his arm out. A large black Raven soared down and landed upon his wrist. The bird looked at him it’s head tilted to the right, it bounced twice as it went up his arm to rest on his shoulder. It’s black beady eyes stared forwards into the stretch of woods ahead.
Flame let his head hang as he rode along the path back to the city. There was a strange noise from behind him. The raven flew off his shoulder, into the night sky. Flame quickly turned and looked behind him. A large net flew towards him and knocked him from his horse, three shadowed figures attacked him, he struggled knocking one off him. A hard metal object struck him in the head. His sight blurred, then faded to darkness.
Rein charged off towards North Pointe, He was Shadeslayer’s war general. He lead an entire group of men into battle. NorthPointe was a three days ride from there, more with delay. He was hoping that didn’t happen….not that he couldn’t handle anything in his way. He rode along through the night. He looked left and right, who knows what could be after them. He rode along for a while longer, a rustle broke the night silence. Rein spun his horse around to face the noise. “Come on…None of this girly stuff” Rein shouted out. A soft laugh emitted from behind him. “Unless of course…you are one” The moon cast light on the small forest clearing. There was a flash of black. Rein fell from his saddle. He rolled and jumped to his feet, a women dressed in black surged towards him to daggers held backwards in her hand. She jabbed at him he knocked her arm aside she swung to the left with the other. He caught her on her forearm. She punched at him, a large rock spire shot upwards enclosing around her wrist. Another one did the same to her other arm. “You done?” he asked the woman was wearing a black hood and mask. Rein reached forwards and grabbed the hood, he flung it back so it rested on her shoulders. A few strands of blonde hair fell down to her cheeks. A pair of blue eyes gazed up at him, he reached for the mask. His fingers wrapped around the edges he slowly began to pull off the mask, The girl smiled and before he could see who it was, her form disfigured as she morphed into a hundred black butterflies and took off into the sky. Rein held the mask in his hand, he growled in frustration, Rein dropped the mask and smashed it under his boot.
Sly and the group rode south, towards the bandit headquarters. Lupus and Edvalencia strode alongside the group. “It’s a four day ride to get there” Lupus said
“how do you know?” Meoden asked “I’m a white wolf…Dwarf, we can see the future…I used my abilities to learn the time of my travel” Lupus replied. The group continued on their way. “This is going to be tough…right?” Sly asked “They have some heavy artillery…lots of crossbows, lots of soldiers” the wolf replied “Yea…but they aren’t Protectors of Lore like us.” Sly said back. “As long as the other three get their troops we’ll be fine” ShadeSlayer said to the entire group.
Flame was being carried in a horse drawn carriage, a blindfold was over his eyes and a gag in his mouth. The gag was ripped from his mouth, he spit, trying to get the taste away. “I’ve had this happen to me one to many times in my life” Flame said aimlessly, A man laughed then shoved the gag back into his mouth. He felt the necklace around his neck begin to lift. He let out muffled shouts. The man back handed him across the left side of his face. Flame fell to his side. The man ripped the gag from his mouth yet again. “Got something to say?” The man asked “Yea…I wouldn’t take that necklace off me if I was you” Flame threatened “Oh and why not?” taunted the Bandit “Unspeakable things shall be released from the deepest depths of the underworld” Flame snapped back. The bandit laughed again and shoved the gag once again into his mouth. They continued to ride along for about an hour till they jolted to a stop. A heavy grip tightened around Flame’s arm as he was hoisted up and shoved out of the waggon. He land on his feet, soon after falling to his knees. The squeaking of the wheels showed the driver was departing. First the hood then the blindfold came off, then the gag was ripped from his mouth…hopefully for the last time. A large man stood before him, A large scar on his face. The man looked down at Flame his head tilted a little. “My men say you…and seven others took down an entire outpost of our men?” he said walking around Flame his hands opened as if he was expecting a hug. “What’s it to you?” Flame asked “What’s it to me!...You fool!...that was one of are largest outposts…and you and your little posse come along and messed the entire place up!” Shouted the man. Flame remained silent “You would’ve been dead…if it wasn’t for the magic caster and his spear wielding friend…” Grumbled the Leader “As would’ve you if you had fought those men like a true leader would” Flame snapped. A large fist cracked into Flames head, the Bandit’s who had formed a circle around them all laughed. Flame spit the blood from his mouth, a small bit dribbled down his chin, He looked up at the man with clam eyes. The man shook his head and grabbed the necklace, Flame smiled at the action “Do it…I dare you” Flame taunted, the man laughed as did the eager crowed. The man tugged on the gold chain. It un-hooked from the back and fell onto the ground. The sky began to spiral above them. The Bandits all looked up at the magnificent view. “Enjoy…It’s the last time you will gaze upon it” Flame said looking off to the side. The bandit leader walked up to him placing his hand on Flame’s chin the man began to flick his wrist to send Flame’s snapping back, just as the man rested his hand, he shot three feet from him. Flame still sat on his knees, “Maelstrom!” The sky spiralled and the thunder rolled, “Told you” Flame said with a smirk. His bonds ignited and burnt away. “Those never work” he said rubbing his wrists. Large stones of hail rained down on the Bandits. They raised their shields above their heads, the unfortunate few who did not have shields crumpled to the ground unconscious. The hail quickly melted, then swirled around Flame, It quickly froze encasing him in a icy prison. “Idiot…Froze himself solid” said one of the Bandits. They all lowered their shields, The leader kept his raised in front of him. There was a loud crack. The ice prison shattered sending shards of ice in all directions. The Leader caught a few shards in his shield, one in his arm. Rows of Bandits fell to the ground. They all turned and fled. The leader rested on one knee, he grasped his injured arm, a eight inch shard imbedded inside of it. Flame bent down and picked up his necklace placing it back around his neck. Flame began to walk over to the Leader, A single brave Bandit charged at him with an axe, Flame caught the hilt of the battle axe then thrust his hand up into the man’s ribs. The Bandit went flying twenty feet before crumpling down into a tent. Flame continued over to the Leader. “Thank your troops for bringing my horse along for this…expedition” Flame said looking about the abounded camp. Flame walked over and climbed into the saddle. “I’ll see you around…You can be sure of that” Flame said. He spurred the horse, It reared then jolted out of the camp, past the gates and into the forest.
Magic Rein rode up to the gates of the city of Northpointe
Reaper and his troops rode along the plain lands, the long grass brushed their legs, Their horses carved paths in the long grass. The golden sun shone down on them, A hawk burst fourth from a man’s wrist and into the sky. It let out a screech before being devoured into the lone cloud above. They charged onward it would be a few hours before they reached Shadeslayer and the others. A screech emitted from above as the hawk made it’s decent. The man outstretched his hand allowing the hawk to land on his wrist. The hawk stared into it’s masters eyes. The man nodded and the hawk shot back into the clouds, a minute after the man galloped up to ride alongside his Outpost leader. “the hawk says a few trolluks are up ahead…their weapons wear the stains of blood upon them” the man said. Reaper didn’t respond he just quickened his pace. The group of Trolluks came into view, sure enough their weapons had blood stains on them. One of them was even skinning a deer. Reaper slid from his saddle and began to truck through the waist high grass, It’s golden color shone on his face, in return it darkened his eye sockets. Reaper stopped four metres from the Trolluks. “What do you wish little fleshling?” boomed one of them. Reaper looked at the beasts “I wish to know why your weapons have blood upon them” He said back. The Trolluk skinning the deer let out a laugh “Your answer is right here” he Trolluk said raising the partially skinned deer. Reaper nodded his head, “Yet your friend there” Reaper said pointing at the third Trolluk with his now unsheathed sword “Hasn’t moved nor said a word…I see he wears the bodies of his kills…Now I ask him kindly to stand and show us…just what he is hiding” Reaper said his voice hard and stern. The accused Trolluk slowly rose from the spot he was kneeling. It carefully raised it’s arms to it’s head. Six men had followed Reaper up to the spot. The other two Trolluks had stopped what they where doing. Reaper stood, sword in hand. The middle Troll rested it’s hands on his head. They slipped to rest on his neck, the Troll’s arms moved inward and his muscles flexed as if he was grabbing something heavy. The Trolluk pulled a large mace from his back. Reaper charged at the monsters. The murderer roared at him, a few drops of spit where flung from it’s mouth onto the ground, before it charged at Reaper. The Trolluk swung at Reaper, he leaped and flipped a little so the mace hit him in the feet, it launched him at the other Troll, Reaper grabbed the Troll’s ear as he got close, it spun him around so he could plant his feet on it’s chest, Reaper drove his sword up into it’s jaw. The Troll let out a loud breath as it fell forward, Reaper flung himself onto it’s back leaving his sword. He quickly pulled his bow from his back, he drew three arrows shooting the other Troll in the throat. It fell to it’s knees dead. Reaper pulled his sword from the dead Trolluk’s skull. The third and final Troll swung it’s mace, each swing emitted with rage and hatred for man-kind, the mace sent three of the six men flying, two of the others lay dead on the ground there bones crushed, blood seeped from their chest into the ground, a pink fluid mixed and flowed with one of the man’s blood from his chest revealing a lung had been punctured. The troll kicked the last man down to the ground, it flipped the mace in it’s hand so the top now pointed towards the ground, the Troll drove it down on the man’s chest. The man coughed then gurgled as he choked on the blood rising from his chest, the man looked over at Reaper, Pain and agony filled the man’s eyes. The man’s limp body lifted from the ground as the Troll picked him up. The man still clung to what little life he still owned. Reaper looked away as the Troll tightened it’s grip, the man gurgled and spit as the life was crushed from him. Reaper filled with rage charged at the Trolluk, it batted him aside with it’s hand. Reaper flew through the air and landed in the high grass. He rolled over onto one knee, three arrows burst from the grass one whipped past the Troll’s head the other two landed in his chest. Reaper charged forward, he dropped down and slid between the Troll’s legs, he spun around as he continued to slide, he swung cutting the Troll’s tendon, The tendon was not fully cut only partially. The Troll roared in pain and anger, it rose up and turned around to face it’s attacker. There was a loud snap, a second later the Troll fell to one knee, it screamed in pain as it loss the use in it’s leg. It breathed heavily the shock of the mass amount of pain was to much for him. Reaper walked up to the injured Trolluk. The muscles in the Troll’s neck strained and bulged out. Reaper grabbed the small beard on the Trolluk’s chin. He pulled it’s head down so their nose’s where nearly touching. Reaper gazed into the dark brown eyes. Reaper’s eyes showed only hatred and vengeance. The Troll’s eyes begged for mercy…yet it knew deep down it did not deserve such treatment, the only mercy it shall receive is death. Reaper took in a deep breath…then swung his blade to the left, a line of blood followed as his blade surged from it’s target. The Troll collapsed forward, lying on the grass that was now stained red with it’s blood that drained from it’s throat. Reaper sheathed his blade and walked to his horse. He mounted and rode along past the destruction.
ShadeSlayer and the group continued on the path, they where to make sure that they didn’t stray to far from the road or else the others would never find them. Lupus walked on all fours, Ed walked beside him. Meoden was next to Sly who was beside Kandrandt. ShadeSlayer rode in the back. All they had to do now was wait. The fortress was within a few hours from their position. “Should we even bother to try and fight?” Sly asked “You mean on our own?” Meoden said “Yea…Lupus said that there is nearly twice as many of them” Sly replied “Maybe…If Flame boy was here and we ripped his necklace from his neck” Meoden replied back. Sly laughed then continued to ride along. “We killed those monsters back at the valley of undead” Sly replied “Yea…but we also had a lot of things going for us.” Meoden said back. “The dwarfs…they’ll be along for this fight?” Sly asked “They’re spread out amongst the Protectors Outpost’s aren’t they?” “Yea…I guess they are” Sly said ending the conversation. “Wait” ShadeSlayer said putting his hand up. They all pulled on their reigns and looked behind them to stare at him. He slid off his horse and walked past them, Lupus followed. Shadeslayer got down on one knee and began to inspect the bodies. “What the” He said rolling the body over. The women’s stomach had a perfect clean cut on it right below the ribs, no blood, no sign of struggle. Shadeslayer ran his finger along the cut. Once he finished he had traced the outline of a raven. ShadeSlayer continued his inspection, he got up and began to look over the other body, The man had a small raven cut on his neck. “Lupus?” the wolf sniffed the cut “I’ve never seen such a thing” replied the wolf “Wow…that’s a first” Shadeslayer said back, the wolf growled in response. Two black ravens fluttered down each landing in the middle of the cuts. The ravens turned to liquid and seeped into the bodies. Shadeslayer leaped back unsheathing his blade when his feet landed. The others ran over to him. The bodies sprung to life, twisting and jerking, a heavy fog filled the area. The horses let out panicked neighs, then took off back from where they came. “No!” Kandrandt shouted as the horses bolted away into the unknown. The Bodies levitated in the air, spun forward three times. The Bodies glowed black then shot the darkness into the surrounding area, it felt like a blast of freezing ice cold air, it pierced Shadeslayer’s skin freezing him to the bone. With each breath Kandrandt took it was shown in the air. Two long armed, long clawed, grey disfigured beings stepped into the groups site, The monsters let out hisses and growls. The monsters dragged their feet with each step. Meoden fired a arrow right in the head of the male monster. It dropped to it’s knees then fell forward dead. Kandrandt drove his pike into the other and pinned it into a tree, he flipped it over his head and smashed it into the ground, he twisted the pike. The monster reached up clawing at his face, It’s energy drained and it’s thrashing slowed. Within two seconds the beast had gone still. Their was a strange ripping noise. Meoden looked at the male monster, it had slowly rose back to it’s feet, it swung it’s large arms at his throat. Sly flicked his wrist, his katana spun slicing the head of the male. Kandrandt looked down at the Female monster. He pulled his spear out and began piercing it’s skull with the pike, hoping to kill it. To no avail the beast got back up and was swinging at him again. Ed ran up slicing off a arm, It quickly regenerated another. Sly sliced across the male’s stomach. The upper part slid then fell to the ground. He placed his foot on it’s back, swing his sword making contact with it’s neck. Alas yet again the two rose from their dead positions yet again. “Is there anyway to kill them!?” Ed shouted “You better think!” The group looked through the fog to see Reaper standing before his army of men. All of them wielding swords and bows. He raised his sword, The group dove for the ground. “FIIIIRE!” a barrage of arrows pummelled down tearing little bits and pieces from the beasts. The moment they touched the ground they sizzled and smoked, then disappeared. The arrows rained down on them for nearly a minute until all that once was had been destroyed. “So…where are these Bandit’s?” Reaper said with a smile as the fog cleared.
Magic rein rode his horse towards the small town, hid troops followed close behind. Blood…Blood on the road, Blood on the walls, Blood ran in the creek right near the farm. Ravens sat on the frame of the huts watching the dead or dying, Flies buzzed above their next meals. Rein rode his horse past the dead bodies, he looked down at them in disgust. Rein continued on the rode that was laden with bodies. Magic Rein looked up a strange object was on the not so distance horizon. Rein gave his horse a kick and charged towards it. A few minutes passed and Rein had got close enough to make it out, It was a woman, she wore a black dress, had a black hilted sword with a red gem in it, she wore a black mask, a few strands of blonde hair stuck out the sides. “You!” Rein shouted, the silhouette didn’t move, Rein spun his horse around to face the left “Why’d you kill these people!” He shouted “Are you sure it was me?” said the figure calmly “For all you know…It could’ve been anyone” she said “No…No I’m sure it was you” Rein said back “And how do you know that?” she replied. Rein stuck out his hand, a black feather landed upon it. “That’s why” Rein said satisfactory in his voice. The women smiled, she appeared pleased “Good work…Magic Rein” She said tauntingly. For the second time she burst into a hundred black Ravens and fled into the sky. Rein sat on his horse, he was staring down at his clenched fist. He slowly opened it. A Black featg rested in his palm.
Flame rode on the dirt trail, His Outpost troops followed behind him. They where minutes from reaching Shadeslayer’s position. Flame raised his hand, the army of men stopped. The sound of a large number of people could be heard ahead of them, Flame smiled. He gave the horse another kick and it surged forward into the forest, Flame broke from the patch of brush and low trees. Reaper, the rest of the group except for Rein, and Reaper’s troops marched down the rode. Flame looked at them, he spun his horse so he had their backs to them. He charged forward, the sound of thundering hooves filled the forest. Flame’s men poured out of the tree’s and on to the trail. “Yea!” Kandrandt charged forward on foot. Lupus strode past him, Ed on his back. The entire group of foot soldiers ran after the horsemen. Flame’s horse climbed over the top of the hill, He rode over to the side so the others could reach the top. He looked out at the Horizon, The sun sank down below the sea. The seagulls called as they nested for the night, while others soared above the sea. The waves licked the beach edge, a few large crabs walked along the sand digging into the ground for food. The crabs where about the same height as Flame and twice as wide. And near the sand edge upon the grass….sat the Bandit’s headquarters. Shadeslayer walked up to stand beside Flame’s horse. “Lupus was right….It is huge” he said, Flame laughed “Means more for us to kill” “Now your talking!” Meoden shouted from behind Shadeslayer. “So now where just waiting for Rein?” Flame asked leaning back in his saddle. “Why should we do that!?” Kandrandt shouted charging towards the camp. Flame’s horsemen followed, as did Reaper’s troops.
Rein rode up the hill to look out at the ocean. The army of men behind him, A man rode up beside him carrying a banner in his right arm. “Seems the others have arrived” said the man pointing at the horses wearing Flame’s banner charging down the hill closely followed by Reaper’s troops. Rein unsheathed his blade, spun it in his hand and pointed it in the air. “CHARGE!” He pointed the sword towards the camp, With these words he and the army charged towards the Bandit camp. Rein surged forward his horse going as fast as it’s legs would let it, It gave out loud snorts, every muscle on it’s body shifted and moved. Rein matched pace with Reaper’s horse. The two armies conjoined into one, They where nearing the camp walls when a barrage of arrows rained down on them, Rein and Reaper raised their shields, Arrows pierced, dented and where deflected from the shield. Reaper grabbed his bow that was strapped to his saddle, He drew three arrows and released, two bandits fell from the walls while the other was hit in the arm and stumbled backwards only to fall from the ledge and crash on the ground below. Rein and the others reached the camp, If they couldn’t get through those gates it was a blind cause. “Bring in that battering ram” ordered gesturing with his sword. A group of foot soldiers carried the Battering ram, Each carried a shield to cover themselves. Meoden sat on the top, he to had a shield protecting himself, Meoden blocked an arrow then returned the favour with a shot from his crossbow, a rope tied to the end, It struck the man in the chest. Meoden pulled hard on the rope, The bandit was dragged to the ledge then with a final yank of the rope he fell.
The battering ram smashed at the walls repeatedly, Shadeslayer stood in the front rows of the army. The Bandit’s and archers exchanged fire amongst each other. “Come on already!” Meoden shouted as he bashed against the gates alongside the battering ram. “Lupus!” ShadeSlayer shouted, Edvalencia and the Wolf strode up beside him, Shadeslayer kneeled down and began to whisper into the Wolf’s ear, At the first lupus growled pinning his ears back, then soon perked them upwards delighted with the plan. “Wait….Stop the attack” Everyone looked at ShadeSlayer with confusion even some of the Bandits stopped exchanging fire, Everyone stopped except for Meoden who was in mid way of shooting a bandit with an bolt tied to a rope. “I want to make you a deal, You stop your smuggling…If I give you this.” Shadeslayer bent down and picked up Lupus “The wolf we saved from your other camp” Shadeslayer shouted “Shadeslayer what are you doing!” Ed shouted at him, Shadeslayer glanced over at him giving a single wink. The bandits above began to whisper amongst each other, then came a booming voice. “You got yourself a deal…Bring the wolf tonight” Shadeslayer looked up to see the large man from before staring down at him. “How you feeling?” broke out from the lines of troops. Everyone looked around, they seen Flame sitting on his horse with a smirk. The leader looked at him with disgust. “Fine…If you hadn’t gone a apocalyptic on us you’d be dead” shouted the leader “More of a reason for me to go insane then…eh?” Flame said with a laugh. “Retreat!” ordered Shadeslayer. As he pushed through the lines of men. Everyone turned and marched away, the bandits kept the deal and did not fire. Meoden turned resting his cross bow on his shoulders. He pulled the trigger he heard the bolt penetrate skin. He ran up and tied it to a horse’s saddle then slapped it on the rear, the horse bolted, the bandit fell from the wall onto the pounded down dirt below him. he was then dragged by the horse, a crossbow bolt dug deep into his shoulder. Meoden waved at him with a terrible smile as he passed.
Shadeslayer practiced his swordsmanship with a fellow knight. Rein was teaching the fellow mages how to cast spells. Kandrandt stood before a large bonfire shouting and yelling for the fight to come. “And we all thought he was the quiet one” Meoden said sipping at a tankard full of warm drink, “That we did” Flame said leaning backwards from his seat to look over at Kandrandt. “Has Shadeslayer said anything about his plan to you?” “Nope just that we must have our teleportation stones alongside us tonight” Flame said back “Huh….Well I’m going to go fire at a tree….My aiming has been getting a little ragged” Meoden said getting up from the tree log, a small fire burned before them. Flame nodded a few times then looked back at the flames, he spun the shard slowly in his fingers. “One day”.
The seven men alongside the wolf rode towards the camp alone. They stopped mid-way and waited, the steel gates slowly swung open. Fifteen or so bandit’s rode out to meet them. The seven of them all got off there horses and sent them back to the camp. The bandit’s got closer, Shadeslayer heard a bowstring being pulled back he looked at the fifteen men riding towards them, he spotted the one about to fire. “Now!” There was seven separate flashes, They all stood in the gateway. “Fire” shouted Meoden, Arrows rained down on the fifteen Bandit’s killing them all. A single arrow rested where Sly once stood. The sound of thundering hooves rattled the metal gates slightly, War shouts filled the still night air, a full moon rested in the sky. Bandits fired down at the men, whom where shielding themselves. Meoden fired his crossbow a rope tied to the bolt. It struck the archer at the other end of the line, Meoden began to pull on the rope dragging the man through his ranks. They would be bumped and shoved some even shot each other on accident. The Protectors saw this as the opportune moment and charged up the stairs. Kandrandt shoved his spear into the chest of one of the bandits then flipped him over the stair ledge. Rein froze the top stair causing the bandits to slip and fall down. The Protectors jabbed down at the bandits as they slid into them. Flame charged at one of the bandit’s he barrelled into knocking him to the ground. He grabbed the man’s collar and began beating his face with his fists. Blood covered Flame’s knuckles he picked the man up by his collar and hurled him over the ledge. Rein Ran up onto the ledge next, He caught the wrist of the man swinging at him, Rein glared at him, he thrust his hand at the man’s throat Ice crept from his palm around the bandit’s throat. He let go, the man clawed at the ice, he gurgled and coughed as he struggled for air. Rein heard the caw of a raven from above him, he looked up to see it circling the main tower. Rein took a few steps back then ran jumping from it rolling the moment he hit the ground. He ran and kicked open the door, He charged forward.
Shadeslayer drove his blade into the stomach of the man, he pulled his sword out then pushed the man so he fell down behind him. He swung hitting another in the throat. Shadeslayer charged forward he ducked dodging the swing to his throat, he drove his blade up into the mans stomach then kicked him freeing his blade. A bandit charge at him, he stepped aside then smashed the man’s face in to the wall, he spun the dazed bandit around and tipped him over the edge. “Who’s next!” six bandits burst from the door at the end of the ledge. They all charged at the challenge, one jabbed at his stomach he slid aside then clamped the blade between him and his arm, he head butted the man, he blocked a swing from the right, he swung his arm in a full circle, then swung to the left, he blocked a sing from the right he kicked the attacker in the chest, Meoden ran up with his crossbow and downed the bandit. The remaining three all charged at once, “Flame!” out of no where Flame dive tackled one off the ledge. Shadeslayer attacked the next two, he stabbed the one in the chest then spun him so his fellow troop also stabbed him, he pushed them forward off the ledge. Shadeslayer looked over the ledge, Flame was pulling his blade out of the one he had tackled, Just as he did a large Bandit attacked him, There was a mass of troops fighting, the ledge was so crowded. Shadeslayer looked down again, He saw a stack of hay near the stables. “It’s worth a shot” he said before he jumped.
Sly jumped from the side of the wall, then swung decapitating a bandit. He grabbed the head of the man, flinging it at another knocking him down. Sly ran up placing his foot on the man’s chest, he dug the tip of his blade into the man’s armour. He blocked an attack aimed at his collar bone, a large hammer pushed against his katana. Sly pushed back with all his might causing the man to stumble, Sly lunged forward swinging to the right, the man grabbed as his belly as his inside became his outsides. Sly ran at a bandit, the bandit swung, like smoke Sly’s form became demented, The bandit stared at his blade confused, A Katana burst from the man’s rib cage, he grabbed at the blade as he was lifted from the ground. Sly pulled his blade out, he looked around, He saw a large bandit with two axes attacking Flame, he also saw Shadeslayer jumping into a haystack. Sly charged forward to help Flame.
Rein walked down the stairs he had a Torch in his hand. A bandit charge up at him, Rein kicked him in the chest watching as he tumbled down to land on a small clearing, Rein slowly walked up, he unsheathed the great sword strapped to his back, He spun it in his hand and drove it down into the man’s back. Rein sheathed the Great sword then continued down the steps. He unsheathed his two swords, two more bandits ran at him, he killed each of them without a second thought. He continued down the steps, another bandit ran at him, Rein leaned back, he grabbed the man’s head smashing his nose into the wall. The cartilage lodged up into his brain. Rein walked around the last part of spiral stairs, He smashed open the door, he heard it smash against something metal and then a body hitting the floor, Rein waited a second then lunged forward off his left foot so he would enter the room with his head facing the left, he passed the doorway instantly he swung left hitting a bandit in the side. He rolled then jumped up, he sliced one across the stomach, another across the chest. He was drove back against the wall when he was taken by surprise, the bandit used his shield to push Rein against the wall. Rein jabbed downwards at the man’s back with his blade. The man slowly slumped down, the floor and Rein where bathed in blood. He walked towards the next door, he slowly opened it, The sound of bow strings being pulled could be faintly heard. He smiled a little, Was he that big of a threat that they needed to fill him with thirty arrows? He turned around and looked for something. A bucket of lamp oil rested near the door, Rein shrugged his shoulders then lifted the bucket off the floor. He kicked the door open and through the bucket in, “AHHHHH!” He blasted the bucket with fire. The Arrows fired at him. He felt five sharp pains in his chest. he stumbled back, He could hear the screams of the bandit’s as they burnt alive. Rein looked down at his chest, five arrows had dug their way in. he looked up at the ceiling. A second later he collapsed to the ground unconscious.
Shadeslayer rolled out of the hay stack, Sly ran up behind him. They both ran at the bandit that was trying to kill Flame. Shadeslayer was blocked off by a different bandit, he thrown him aside then jabbed down at him, he spun around two more where there to attack him, he dodge an attack, but got cut across the chest, he stumbled back placing his hand above the cut. He looked up at the bandit and charge, he swung with all his might, the bandit went to block with his sword, It didn’t matter Shadeslayer had so much power in this one swing that it just knocked the sword out of his hands. The bandit’s head fell to the ground. They where near a corner. A large amount of bandits had cornered them, Shadeslayer stared at every single one of them. He breathed heavily and his arm felt like it weighed thousands. He reached behind his head and pulled his hood up. “Lets finish this” he looked down at his sword, brought it up beside his head. He charged at the group of bandits blocking there way out. Lupus and Ed jumped down from the ledge to assist him. The wolf knocked down a few of the bandits, The wolf dug it’s muzzle into one of the downed bandit’s throats blood gushed from the wound, the wolf looked up and snarled, blood stained it’s white fur. “I’ve waited a long time to see you cowards dead” Lupus growled. A bandit charged at him, he jumped aside then stood up tall, swiping the bandit aside with a single paw. There was four large gashes on the dead man’s chest. Edvalencia drove his sword into a man’s color bone as he came down, He ripped the sword out. He swung back and forth killing bandits left and right. Ed swung diagonally lopping off a bandit’s leg. Lupus was killing bandits front and center. ShadeSlayer jabbed a bandit in the chest then kicked him I the chest. Sly ran past him killing three bandit’s quickly. Shadeslayer spun around, the large bandit was charging at him, he braced himself as the hammer drove in the side of his ribs. He flew and crashed into the wall. He got up dazed. “You won’t get the best of me” Shadeslayer mumbled using his sword as a brace. The large bandit stomped towards him. Shadeslayer in a final act charged forward, he thrust his sword forwards, the bandit winced. Shadeslayer stumbled back. A large hand wrapped around his throat. He struggled tearing at the man’s hands. He stuck his hand in the air. Meoden saw the trouble that Shadeslayer was in, He pulled the crossbow off his back and threw it at Shadeslayer. He caught it in his open hand. He pointed it the man’s eye. “Eat this” Shadeslayer said his hood still over his forehead. The last thing all of his foes in that last few minutes had seen was the smirk on his face as he struck them down, Shadeslayer pulled the trigger.
Rein slowly opened his eyes. A female sat on a bucket a few feet from him, He quickly got up as he saw who it was. A raven sat on her shoulder. He went to grab his sword, there was a sharp pain in his chest. “Ahh” he barrelled over. The girl ran over to him, “Don’t move so fast” she said placing her hand on his arm “Why are you helping me?” Rein said shaking her hand from his arm. “Everyone deserves a second chance” She said “Even when said person tried to kill the one who needs to forgive thee” He aimlessly said. She nodded in response. He smiled “Names Rein….Magic Rein” “Nice to meet you” “We already have…Remember…you tried to kill me” Rein said, she giggled “Well we have a common enemy now” She said getting up. Rein slowly got up using the wall to brave himself. “hey….easy there” She said concerned. Rein placed his hand over the few wounds. His palm began to glow white, the wounds closed then completely disappeared. “how did you…” she began to ask “Magic” Rein replied “Uh-uh…..” she said crossing her arms. “Then what is it that caused you to get shot?” she asked a sense of annoyance in her voice, Rein smiled “Magic” he replied again “I see why that’s your name” She said. She spun around on her heels and walked away towards the door that was barricaded. “I pulled you into this room, They chased me down….Luckily they didn’t see me duck in here.” She said “How many” Rein asked “twenty…maybe more” She replied. Rein walked over to her. “Well lets go show them why you shouldn’t try to kill me” He said pulling the stuff away from the door. “Well when you put it that way…..” She began to help tear the things away.
Rein broke through the door. He looked left and right, nothing. He walked down the hall to the right, He opened the door another empty room lay before him. “What…they all just turn tail and run?” he said glancing around the room. He looked behind him, a man was holding the girl up against the wall, Rein turned and charged, he smashed into the man, driving his sword into the man’s gut. He pinned him up onto the wall, he jabbed the man three times in the stomach, then thrust his sword downwards after he had dropped him to the ground. The girl stood still leaning against the wall, breathing heavily, “You just…” “Saved your life….I know” Rein said with a smirk. He made for the next door which was in front of him, it led down even farther. The girl looked over his shoulder. “I hope there aren’t any bugs...” She said “Oh but killing an entire farm town and bringing a couple of bodies back to life is okay” Rein shot back, she remained silent. “Come on…They aren’t going to die themselves” Rein spoke as he began down the stairs.
Kandrandt had sheathed his spear and instead ran up the stairs with a sword, A bandit charged at him the tip of his was pointed behind him so he could jab down at Kandrandt, The man lunged at him, Kandrandt swung upwards to the left, knocking the sword aside the man landed on Kandrandt’s back he straightened his spine, The bandit fell then rolled down the stairs. Kandrandt ran up the steps taking two at a time. He reached a small flat spot. He walked up to the door, he slowly opened it, twenty bandits stood waiting, “This hardly seems fair….To all of you that is” Kandrandt said unsheathing his spear. He threw it hitting on in the chest, the spear went through and ended up in the chest of another. He charged at them, he swung cutting one down, he grabbed his spear and began to drag the two around, he pushed them into the others, six bandits fell down. He ran up and pulled on his spear, He spun it in his hand knocking a sword aside, he braced it under his arm and charged it into the man’s ribs, while he held the spear in the man, he blocked three attacks, he swung hitting the bandit in the side, Kandrandt ripped the spear from the man, then ran for the corner, the all surrounded him, he jumped pushing from one wall onto the other then out at the crowd, he drove his spear into the throat of one man, and sliced another with his sword. He blocked three more attacks killing each one whom dealt them. He continued to fight for a while longer. He placed his blade across the last bandit’s throat as he sat looking up at him, blood dripping from his mouth, sweat dropped from his hair, his chest rose and fell within a matter of seconds. “Despicable” uttered the man. “That’s what some call me.” Kandrandt replied with a smirk as he slid his blade through the mans throat. Kandrandt turned and headed for the ladder at the end of the room.
He crawled up and burst onto the tower’s top. The moon continued to shine down on them, The bandit leader stood at the far edge. Kandrandt drove his sword down into the floor. “I’ve come to settle are little deal.” The bandit leader straightened, then looked up at the sky. The stars gazed down at them, “Lets end this” The bandit leader grabbed a large hammer, spun and charged at Kandrandt, he jumped back, then to the left. He ran forward then spun back around and lunged, he glanced the Leader’s arm, The leader batted him aside with his forearm. Kandrandt’s feet slid on the smooth surface. He charged at him, he jumped and went to bring the spear down on the leader. The man laughed at the action as he knocked him aside with his hammer. “Your actions are in vain….This camp has the most bandit troops within hundreds of miles.” “Yea…But for every blade you wield…The Protectors wield two…and where not mere farm boys…where knights and mages…trained in the art of killing.” “And yet it took your entire fleet to even get inside” “Actually only eight of us” Kandrandt said taunting the man. The leader charged at him swinging down at him with his hammer, Kandrandt jumped aside then stabbed at him, His spear dug into the leader’s side. He struck him in the face with the end of his spear. Then went in for the kill. The leader lashed out knocking Kandrandt aside. Kandrandt slid smashing into the tower’s wall. The leader walked up to Kandrandt, blood dripped from his nose. Kandrandt gazed up at him, he was near going unconscious. He felt his body being lift from the ground. “Do your worst” Kandrandt said forcing a weak smile. The man growled then smashed him into the ground. He bent down and picked up Kandrandt’s spear, he made his way over to him and lifted it. Kandrandt looked up at the moon. A single Raven flew blocking it from his sight. He looked at the leader, Kandrandt shot his foot upwards into the man’s nose. He grabbed the hammer beside him, and hit the leader in the jaw, his teeth smacked together, Kandrandt tossed the hammer over beside the leader and bent down and picked up his spear. “What…Is it a thing of honour…or do you want to die a hero” threatened the leader. “No….I don’t want to kill an unarmed coward.” Kandrandt growled back. He charged forward, the Leader swung at his head, Kandrandt knocked it aside, he placed his hand on the man’s back and drove his spear up through the leader’s chest. the man gasped as the cold object entered his body. He touched the wound then brought a blodd covered shaking hand up to touch Kandrandt’s check. “Wh-who are you…” he said he voice shook a little. Kandrandt leaned in close so he knew the man would hear him. he ripped the spear from the man, as he did he spoke “Your worst nightmare” the leader stumbled back, looking at his raised hand dripping with his own blood. He continued to stumble back, he reached the ledge, he flipped back and plummeted down. Kandrandt turned and began down the ladder, he ran down the stairs and charged into the battle once again, heading for the body of the dead leader. He finally reached the dead man, who had a few bodies piled atop of him. Kandrandt rolled them off, he grabbed a sword that was lying near him. he brought it down on the leaders neck. He jolted up and raised the head in the air. “Your leader’s dead!” all the fighting stopped, the sound of swords and weapons hitting the ground echoed through out the camp. The Protectors cheered and shouted. Rein charged out of a door smoke soon followed along with a girl.
Shadelslayer rode on his horse, alongside his eight friends and Lupus. The bandit’s where all shackled and marched in a straight line. Their camp burned and crumbled in the distance. They rode back to the city. The drums beat as the men where sent to the gallows.
Shadeslayer sat in the armoury, looking down at a map. His book “Lore’s myths and mysteries” beside it. Flame walked in to stand before him. Shadeslayer looked up at him. Flame looked down at the opened book. It showed a tree, and a painting of a forest. Inside the tree was a human like figure a strange orange orb where the heart would be. “What is that thing” Flame said placing his finger on the page. “it’s a guardian of the forest….and where going to find one” ShadeSlayer replied. “When?” “Whenever Rein and the others are feeling better.” “Alright then.” Flame said, he turned and left the room. Shadeslayer leaned his chair back. He sighed, sat still for five minutes then got up and headed outside to see how training was going. The Bandit threat was eliminated, Edvalencia now had a wolf companion, all was well….For Now….
The End
12,193Words.
Hope you liked it.
No comments:
Post a Comment