Kailen continued to fight off a few other approaching bandits while continuing his efforts of reaching their leader. A thin scruffy looking man approached with a slow and clumsy overhand swing which Kailen effortlessly countered with a precise stab through the heart.
The trio also continued to fight off the bandits approaching the carriage, it didn't seem to much of an issue at the present moment. The bandits would only approach in a small group while the others hung back, obviously aware that their lack of skill and cooperation would only hamper their ability to fight effectively.
Though it soon became evident that such a plan wouldn't work as they continued to lose men, Kailen kept a close eye on the trio's battle and knew of the quickly changing situation. Kailen decided it was time to push harder and stepped up the pace, planting a firm kick to the oncoming attacker blowing him out of the way and opening a path straight to the leader.
"Oi, Kyle! Get over here quick!"
The leader yelled to a man behind him, that in response ran and stood side-by-side. Kailen realized that this would be his greatest opportunity to change the battle so he headed forward without hesitation.
The bandit named Kyle took a step forward and thrust his sword forward trying to intercept Kailen's onward momentum, the leader also took a half step forward and replied with a slash to the midsection. The movements were clearly rehearsed to force Kailen out in a certain direction, having read the situation Kailen chose to deflect the jab on the outside while leaping over the two.
His strength had increased massively thanks to the training with Villith and hence he wasn't surprised as he easily jumped over two and a half metres into the air and gracefully landed behind the two.
Inside the carriage, Celia watched the ongoing battle through the curtain and whistled in appreciation as she saw Kailen's movements. The maids nearby were nowhere near as calm as their mistress and hastily asked in shaking voices.
"Miss, how is it going?"
Celia replied without turning her head, continuing to watch the battle.
"It should be fine. If Kailen intends to do as I think, it should be over soon."
The maids surrounding her all gave a sigh of relief hearing her words, all of them clearly trusting their Mistress's words.
"Though why are there so many bandits here? It's incredibly rare to meet a group of such size..."
Kailen landed firmly behind the two men, they had just about turned as Kailen stabbed the bandit named Kyle through the throat and leapt a step to the right just in time to miss a piercing stab from their leader.
Now that it was finally one on one, Kailen wouldn't waste such a chance. Deflecting another incoming stab he instantly countered with a fluid blow to his thigh. The blow dropped the leader to his knees, which Kailen hastily disarmed him and placed his sword on his neck.
"LISTEN UP! If you all want your leader to live, you will all cease!"
Kailen's loud yell resounded throughout the area which instantly ceased all action, the bandits following what he commanded. All activity stopped, including the trio who looked delighted with Kailen's actions.
"Now if you want him to live, you will all retreat now!"
"Don't fucking listen to him! Just charge and kill him!"
Though the bandit leader commanded the men none moved to act, Kailen had judged right it seemed. As they say there is honour among thieves. The bandit leader only sighed in response, a man stepped forward from the bandits and stared fiercely at Kailen.
"So... how are we going to do this?"
"Clive! Just attack!"
Kailen smacked the leader on the head with the side of his sabre before replying.
"Clive right? We will take your leader here with us while you stay here. We shall release him when we see fit."
"The fuck! You expect me to believe you?"
"You don't have a choice!"
After seeing the men's attitude towards this man, Kailen knew he could be demanded in this situation. Sure enough, after a few moments, the man agreed and ordered the men to stand aside. Kailen dragged the man roughly as he approached the trio and the carriages.
"You lot ok?"
"Haha, we are all good. Well done Kailen, we underestimated you!"
"Well, take care of him for me then."
Kailen haded the man over to the trio as he approached the carriage to check on Celia inside.
"Everything okay inside? Celia?"
"Ah, there are no problems. Thanks for your help."
The drivers that were hiding inside one of the other carriages eventually gathered the courage to come outside, they readied for their departure all under the tense eyes of the gathered bandits in the treeline.
"Now listen here! You shall all stay right here! If I see anyone of you following us we shall kill him immediately do you understand?"
"Yes Yes, we know!"
The bandits replied angrily, their frustration at the situation understandable.
"Well just know that I will be checking, and as you've all seen none of you can defeat me with a small group."
The carriage departed hastily leaving the bandits behind, Kailen sat atop Celia's carriage as he watched the furthering figures closely. The leader was closely guarded by the trio inside the spare carriage, after they had traveled for a few hours Kailen finally relaxed a touch.
Kailen approached the carriage containing the bandit leader, he had a few questions about their appearance here. Inside he found Dean beating the man, the leader's face covered in nasty bruises and covered in blood, Kailen sighed as he saw Dean's beating continuing.
"Ya know what I hate the most? Fucking bandit scum like you!"
He delivered another powerful punch to his face that sent more blood splattering around the inside of the carriage.
"Dean, I'd have liked to ask him some questions..."
"Ahh, Kailen. You also want a turn?"
Their brutality wasn't unexpected, Bandits were considered the lowest of the low. Preying on the fortunes of others rich or poor, especially in Dean's line of work Kailen expected that he'd have seen the worst of their actions.
"Yeah I would, could you leave us for a while? I'll take overlooking over him."
"Sure thing."
Seeing the man before him barely hanging onto consciousness, Kailen sighed and just sat opposite him. Kailen decided to ask him the questions later after he had come around a little more. The stench of fresh blood filling the carriage as Kailen sat and closed his eyes, focusing on drawing more qi into his body.