Daren and Arius were in a restaurant, gobbling down food as if there is no tomorrow. A large stack of empty plates were beside them. They both were eating like hungry wolves who haven't eaten in ages.
The owner of the restaurant was quite jubilant. With the amount of business he had from a single customer, well can't really blame him.
The owner was standing by their side, asking if they would like to order anything else. Just as Daren was about to reply, his attention was drawn to the scene that was happening outside the restaurant.
A group of around 30 men, have surrounded a woman. A man with his face covered jumped between those men and the woman. As he did, he slashed the hand of the man who was holding the woman with his sword. The man backed off as a result, with a cry.
The man in the middle of the group was dressed in fine clothes. He was quite young. One look and one can tell he was either a pampered noble or a son of a wealthy man.
The men surrounding him were wearing leather armor and were equipped with weapons. They seemed to be private militia of a noble. It wasn't hard to guess with the lack of discipline those men displayed.
The woman was wearing simple clothes. Daren knew at once what she was. A commoner. The man in black, with his face covered, was wearing black clothes, but with a look at the clothes he could tell, he wasn't rich either.
Both may even be related by blood. Daren speculated. And glancing at his skin which was visible, Daren could guess he was young as well. Around his age to be precise.
"You dare hurt me.. I'll kill you.." the man who's hand was cut, growled with rage.
The man in black just took an attacking posture after that man's words. As the man lunged at him, he dodged with nimble steps and with a swift movement of his wrist, he hit the back side of his neck with his sword hilt. The man was knocked unconscious.
Daren was impressed with the black cloaked persons skills. He asked the restaurant owner about them.
"Who are they?" Daren asked pointing at the group gathered outside the restaurant.
Seeing Daren's interest in the group outside, And to please his highly valued customer, he told them all he knew about the situation.
"Sir, those are men of city lord. No one interfere with their business. The kid leading them, is the only son of city lord. As the only son, he is wild an unruly. The city lord overlook his actions so he just do whatever he likes."
"The lady there, is a owner of a small tailoring shop. They already lack business. The owner has a daughter, quite a beautiful lass. Lord's son took a fancy for her. But he was rejected. That hurt his pride. He started making life difficult for her. He raised the taxes on her. But somehow she gather enough to pay him off. Each month he raise the tax for her. The lady must have spent all his savings already. "
" No one knows exactly, but the rumours say that that he demanded a exorbitant price of 100 gold this time. Looks like the lord's son has lost his patience. "
The owner informed him about the matters that lead to this situation. Daren got the gist of the situation.
" Who is that man in black?" Daren asked curiously.
" No one knows exactly. He comes whenever the lady is in distress. He may even be the one who helped her with the money. He sometimes even help others in need. He always sneak attacks though. Never had he ever stood his ground against lord's men, like today. They have tried capturing him, but he always slips away."
"To catch him this time, he has brought quite a few men. Let's hope he can escape today as well."
The owner commented. He as a look of pity in his eyes. As if he believed the man in black would not be able to leave today.
"Interesting" Daren was still looking at the situation outside. The man in black has knocked out about 12 men, but more kept pouncing on him. Daren could see the man getting slower, his stamina was depleting. He was naturally trying to protect the woman behind him.
Daren thanked the owner and ordered a fruit drink. He wanted to see, how far the man will go with his actions . Though he know the man had potential, but he was hesitating. He feared shedding their blood.
Daren looked towards Arius and nodded. Arius placed 5 gold in the owners hand. It was a payment for the food and his service.
A normal man can live comfortably for a month with a single gold. 5 gold in a single day was a huge business for the restaurant owner. He already had a wide smile. But the generosity of these man, made him smile from ear to ear. Even if they ate a lot, it still wasn't more than 2 gold.
Daren switched his attention back to the scene outside. The man was loosing advantage. And 2 men beside the 'Rich pants' haven't moved yet. They seem stronger than the rest. Atleast at A rank.
Daren couldn't help but shake his head at the man in Black's actions. He took a sip from his drink. He could see the frown on Arius face. Before he could ask him the reason, Arius shouted.
"A blade is not a toy. If you aren't willing to use it, then it's better you don't weild one. A blade that hasn't shed blood is just a piece of iron. And a swordsman who hasn't shed blood is worthless. If you are gonna act the way you are acting, I would suggest you surrender. Don't shame the blade and the warriors who weild it. "
Daren could understand his frustration. Arius was a man brimming with pride. The cowardly action of the figure infuriated him to no end. He couldn't hold back anymore and shouted.
Silence followed his prideful words. The common folks, the City Lord's men, City Lord's son, the lady and the black man, all were shocked. They were shocked not because of his words, but because no one expected him to meddle with city Lord's men.
The Only person who was still calm and treated the situation as nothing, was Daren. He sipped the drink that was placed before him.
*slurp*
The voice of him drinking his juice broke the deadly silence that was created moments ago.
"Aaahh!! It was refreshing. Thanks for the food." Daren greeted the owner of the shop and left the restaurant. Arius followed behind. Every eyes were glued on the duo.
"Y.. Yo... You...You... You dare!!" The son of the city Lord pointed at Daren and Arius as they walked out of the restaurant as nothing happened.