Astrid looked around her and counted eleven of them. They all wore a black pair of trouser, black top and a black mask.
"It's an ambush."
"We are ambushed Jareth."
The two of them said at once.
"I was wondering when you'd decide to show up" Jareth said to all of them.
"Ohh so you knew" one of the men spoke up.
"Yes, but not just how many of you were there" he replied.
"I'll give it to you. Elf senses" the man complimented.
"Who are you and what do you want? Jareth asked the men while getting into a fighting stance.
"We want her."
"Me? What for?" Astrid asked.
The person that earlier spoke, apparently the leader turned to Astrid.
"Come with us and we won't hurt you" the man said ignoring Jareth.
"She's going nowhere" Jareth chipped in.
"Or you don't and... " he turned his gaze at Jareth, "we take her by force."
"I am going nowhere."
"Then force it is, get her" he commanded.
Instantly they rushed forward and fighting soon ensued.
"Let me help, stay back, I can use my flames" the familiar feminine voice said in Astrid's head once more.
"Stop doing that. No, I can't risk you getting hurt" Astrid mind communicated with the beast.
Distracted, a man made a move and flung his sword at her, Jareth quickly shot an arrow at him.
The arrow hit its target as it stuck to the man's neck.
"Focus" Jareth shouted at her, snapping her back to the matter at hand.
Astrid getting herself back, began attacking. Three others encircled her, while the remaining seven attacked Jareth.
They had swords with them, Jareth had his bow and arrows and a sword đŸ¤º hung on his waist belt.
Jareth took a couple of steps backward as the men advanced forward.
He steadied his hand and pulled three arrows at once out of his quilt. Locked them onto the bow. The sound of the string slowly being pulled sounded just as sharp as the blades of his opponents.
"Arrrghhh"
Sharp cries pierced through the air as the arrows made contact with the skin of three men.
The arrows had hit vital points in his enemies body and they fell down. One was stubborn as not to die; as the arrow made contact with his shoulder, missing a vital part.
The man got up with little difficulty and charged back at Jareth. Seeing this, he dodged the first attack as he bent down just in time to avoid a hit from the sword.
The man was quick as well, he charged a second time, Jareth didn't have time to relax or think, he quickly took an arrow from his quilt and blocked the sword with it.
He was lucky to dodge as the arrow broke in two. The man obviously angry, steadies himself and prepared for another attack.
He charged forward and struck the sword at Jareth, Jareth dodged it with ease. Before the sword swung completely, the man bent his hand and hit side ways.
Jareth bent down and followed underneath the man's arm. He quickly spun around and kicked the man's shoulder having the wound, earning him another painful groan.
Not wasting time, he swiftly kick the man's left knee with so much force and he fell on his knees.
He reached out mentally and withdrew the arrows, they flew back to his hands in an instant.
He locked one of his arrows on his bow and pulled at the string. Without wasting time, he let go and the arrow hit the man's neck from his back.
"Arrghhh" another man charges fast at him, and he shot the second arrow at him. This time aiming for his forehead.
He had to admit, they were fast and good but not as fast as he was.
Astrid got herself back and as the next man charged for her, she quickly reached out to her nature and felt the earth. She was one with nature. They obeyed her every command.
The next thing vines from the trees started attacking the men from behind.
Distracted, they turned and fought against the vines. One of the men ducked and was standing behind her.
As he made his move...
"Arrrghhhh" screams of agony.
Astrid turned and saw one of the man's arm was on fire. She beamed a smile at White-Fire.
The man rolled on the ground trying to put off the fire.
Astrid concentrated and caused more vines to attack the two men who were fighting seriously. It was as though the vines had a mind of their own.
Their attack was fierce and if not that they were skilled, they would have been dead by now.
The other three men attacking Jareth, were a lot stronger than the dead four. They dodged his arrows and didn't give him time to string his bow.
As all three of them launched their swords at him, he managed to dodge two and used his blow to deflect the other, breaking his bow in the process.
Left with no choice, he quickly pulled out his sword and all three were engaged in a sword battle.