Batu's glaive swung downward as the ground rumbled. When the swing finished spikes erupted piercing the riders with precision. Only the leader remained, and he already began fleeing when Batu signaled his men. The centaur archers aimed, and let loose.
Arrows of mana were upon the marauder as an artifact appeared in his hands. The war sword cleaved the arrows with ease as he rode to safety. They prepared to give chase, but Batu called them back.
Batu was no stranger to war, and know it could be a false retreat. They were in enemy territory after all, and the area is filled with bandits. The guards fell back into formation as they hastened their journey away from the corrupt city.
"You seem to be getting the hang out of it," Zack told Batu.
"Learning to visualize attacks took longer than I thought," Batu replied.
"Is it the same way with magic?" Corra investigated.
"You have to visualize and infuse mana into your surroundings simultaneously. Having a conduit always helps, and it's why most mages attempt creation magic. Those who struggle with it use artifacts instead, but even then some people struggle to control its effects." Zack explained.
"I was struggling with mine, but I switched to a power type," Nicole stated.
"You're powerful enough with a normal hammer." Batu praised.
"It would be nice to have something for ranged enemies though," Nicole replied.
"Just hurl it, and recall the artifact. It's the same manner of bringing it out" Zack suggested.
"I haven't bound with it yet," Nicole replied.
"Why not?" Batu asked.
"I wanna make sure it's the one I'm keeping. Don't wanna waste it you know." Nicole examined her surroundings.
'Last time we crossed here it was as refuges. Our lives have changed so much in a few months, and we owe it all to you.' Nicole smiled at Zack.
"There's a separation ceremony if you change your mind," Corra suggested.
"How did you know?" Zack asked.
"When I was in the armory getting ready Thea arrived to restock it. She brought it up when I hesitated to bind with the lance." Corra replied.
Zack was offering tips on using their artifacts as they continued off the road. In twenty minutes of a steady pace, the neutral territory was coming into view. One could see the flushed hills leading to the plains as a hawk screeched up above.
"It seems they got here early." Batu examined the hawk descending over the hills.
"Then take the others, and move forward." Zack turned around.
"Why?" Batu asked.
"He went home for some friends." Zack conjured his spear walking forward.
Not long after Zack said this they could see marauders covering the horizon. When the leader returned with news of high-grade artifacts a crowd gathered. With the information, it didn't take much convincing to inspire a raid.
If they could arm their guards with high-level gear then the contents of their rings had to be substantial. Motivated by a large payday they raced out the gates. Seeing one person meeting their charge they chuckled.
They drew near, and Zack could see fighting breaking out between the riders. With three separate bands, and several independent thieves this wasn't a surprise. Batu was riding up to Zack with his men when he halted them.
"A few stragglers could easily get past. Don't worry I'm not going down so easily, and I can always catch up if needed." Zack reassured Batu.
"I'll make sure anyone who passes pays with their life," Batu replied as the caravan sped up.
Zack was walking towards the charging enemies as Nicole appeared at his side. She caused a small wound upon her thumb and bound with the weapon. Nicole tossed the maul over her shoulder while activating her essence.
"I brought you here it's only right that I help." Nicole declared.
"Having you at my side is reassuring. Just try to stay close." Zack replied.
"Don't think I can handle it?" Nicole asked.
"The opposite actually. I might need your help." Zack smiled as he twirled his spear.
The archers were within range and aimed as Zack pierced the earth. They were prepared to let the arrows fly, but he twisted the spear as chasms opened. Those leading the charge disappeared abruptly.
They realized the cause, and the momentum of their charge came to a halt as they struggled to not fall in. Order was being restored as Nicole stomped, and sent waves across the land. Riders were knocked from their horses as they struggled to regain their footing.
"Let's go." Zack retrieved his spear flying forward.
"Shield wall! When the minotaur is in range open, and counter!"
'I lost my elites, and we only get one shot at this,' The marauder began chanting.
Moments ago they were fighting over who could claim the guard's artifacts as their own. Now that the enemy was closing in fast they had no choice, but to rally together. If they took too long here the caravan would be lost.
Feeling the mana gathering a loud pop distorted their hearing as Zack propelled forward. He crashed into the formation at frightening speeds as his spear twirled around his body. Enemies within range were eviscerated as the rest were being lifted by a violent storm.
Those far enough away began retreating from the force pulling them in. Two arms erupted from the earth surrounding Zack as swords formed in their hands. He glanced around briefly and determined the culprit.
"Watch for the minotaur!" The marauder cautioned while focusing on his magic.
Zack hurled his spear and slammed his hands together halting the magic. Nearby marauders were flying through the air as Nicole was racing to his side. Nothing was slowing her down, and as she neared their ringleader the maul slammed down.
'Damn it.' The marauder lifted his sword.
When the two clashed it was as if a hydraulic press struck a can of tomato sauce. The sight witnessed by the nearby marauders caused them to hesitate in the brief opening. One man was dedicated to retrieving the weapon and lunged forward.
He was jumping through the air as wind swirled around his feet. The marauder came crashing down with twin daggers coated in poison. They were aiming for the only piece of exposed flesh.