The place where Lady Elisar had stopped with John and her contingent was a serene clearing nestled amidst a dense thicket of towering pine trees. The air was crisp, carrying with it the scent of pine needles and the faint rustling of leaves. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the trees, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. The ground was covered in a soft carpet of moss and fallen leaves, muffling the sound of footsteps.
A small, babbling stream wound its way through the clearing, providing a gentle soundtrack to the scene. The water sparkled in the sunlight, reflecting the sky above like a mirror. A simple wooden bridge crossed the stream, leading to a grassy area where Lady Elisar and her party had chosen to rest.
The soldiers in Lady Elisar's group were clad in armor that bore the sigil of her house—a regal crest featuring intricate designs and colors. They stood in a loose formation, watchful and alert, their weapons within easy reach. Despite their purposeful stance, a sense of tension hung in the air, the weight of their duty palpable.
Among the soldiers, Lady Elisar herself stood with an air of authority. She was a commanding presence, her demeanor both resolute and contemplative. Her attire was a blend of practicality and elegance, the mark of a woman accustomed to both courtly affairs and the demands of leadership.
Beside Lady Elisar stood the sellsword—a rugged individual whose worn armor bore the scars of battles fought and won. He exuded an air of rugged strength and readiness, his stance revealing the instincts of a warrior ever prepared for the unexpected.
And then there was John, tied and constrained, his once confident demeanor replaced with a mixture of frustration and resignation. His wrists were bound with coarse rope, leaving him unable to move freely. Despite his predicament, his eyes held a flicker of determination, a reminder that he still sought the truth and justice that had been denied him.
Jhon: this isn't the king's road. You said we were riding for Freljord?
Lady Elisar: I did often and loudly.
Jhon: Very wise you'll be out in droves looking for me in the wrong place. Words probably got into my father by now. He'll be offering a handsome reward. Everyone knows a Vaultwoods always pays his debts. Would you be so good as to untie me?
Lady Elisar: Why would I do that?
Jhon: Why not? Am I going to run? The hill tribes would kill me for my boots. Unless that shadow cat ate me first.
Lady Elisar: Shadow cats and hill tribes are the least of your concerns.
Jhon: Ah, the eastern road. We're going to the vale. You're taking me to your sisters to answer for my imagined crimes. Tell me, Lady Elisar, when was the last time you saw your sister?
Lady Elisar: Five years ago.
Jhon: She's changed. She was always a bit touched, but now you might as well kill me here.
Lady Elisar: Here. I am not a murderer, Vaultwood.
Jhon: Neither am I, I had nothing to do with the attempt on your son's life. Sort of imbecile arms, an assassin with his own blade.
A guard: Could I gag him?
Jhon: Why am I starting to make sense...
The forest clearing, once a peaceful haven, erupted into chaos as a group of bandits emerged from the shadows, their intentions hostile and their weapons glinting in the dappled sunlight. The air was suddenly filled with the clash of steel against steel, shouts of battle, and the thud of boots against the forest floor.
The five soldiers, their faces etched with determination, formed a protective circle around Lady Elisar. They moved with a practiced synchrony, their armor reflecting the light as they engaged the bandits in a fierce dance of combat. Swords, spears, and axes clashed, the impact of metal reverberating through the clearing.
The bandits, driven by a combination of desperation and greed, were relentless in their assault. They were outnumbered, but their ferocity made up for the disadvantage. The fight was brutal and visceral, with each side striving for the upper hand.
Amidst the chaos, John found himself surrounded by bandits. His lack of combat experience made him vulnerable, and he instinctively dodged and parried as best he could, narrowly avoiding the deadly strikes aimed at him. The fear and adrenaline coursing through his veins gave him a momentary burst of strength, but it was clear he was outmatched.
Just as the odds seemed insurmountable, the sellsword's entrance into the fray shifted the balance. His battle-honed skills were evident as he moved with a deadly grace, his strikes finding their marks with deadly accuracy. The tide began to turn as the sellsword's intervention emboldened the soldiers and pushed the bandits onto the defensive.
Seeing an opportunity amidst the turmoil, John managed to maneuver himself closer to Lady Elisar, his voice carrying urgency over the din of battle. "Untie me! If I die, what's the point?" he implored, his words an admission of his vulnerability and an appeal for mercy.
Lady Elisar hesitated, her gaze locked onto John for a fleeting moment. Her internal struggle was evident, torn between her sense of duty and the reality of the situation. Ultimately, she made a decision, her hands working swiftly to release John from his bindings.
The momentary freedom was both a blessing and a burden for John. As the battle raged on, his instinct for self-preservation pushed him to consider escaping into the woods, away from the danger. But then, amidst the chaos, he spotted Lady Elisar in dire straits, a bandit's blade dangerously close.
In that pivotal moment, John's inner turmoil evaporated, replaced by an adrenaline-fueled determination. Without a second thought, he rushed towards Lady Elisar, his actions driven by a desperate need to protect her. He intercepted the bandit's strike with a makeshift weapon, the impact sending shockwaves of pain through his body.
Through sheer determination and a rush of energy, John managed to overpower the bandit. It wasn't the result of skill or strength, but rather a testament to his unwavering resolve. As the bandit fell, John's own breathing was ragged, his heart pounding in his chest. He stood panting, his body aching and covered in sweat, his moment of triumph accompanied by the realization of the immense risks he had taken.
The battle's ferocity gradually subsided, leaving behind a clearing strewn with fallen bodies, both bandits and soldiers. The once-pristine forest floor was now marred by signs of struggle—scorched earth, torn foliage, and blood-soaked soil. The air was thick with the scent of metal and the echoes of battle cries that had since been silenced.