Eli dashed in a panic, brandishing his sword. With a swift leap, he landed between the tribesmen's leader and the trio—seated Drystan and Kiev and the unconsciously lying down Anna.
"Keep yourselves away from them!" the young knight bellowed at the stranger.
The tribesmen's underlings raised their spears, readying for defence. Yet, their leader, quick to grasp the situation, gestured wisely, halting their impending actions.
"Hold it!" he commanded his men.
Upon seeing Eli's arrival, Drystan exhaled in relief. Turning his gaze, he spotted the rest of the team—Luke, Damon, and Armel—rushing toward them.
"You're finally here!" he exclaimed gladly. "Withdraw your sword, Sir Henderson," he instructed Eli, diffusing the tension.
Evidently, the young knight had misconstrued the tribesmen's intentions as threatening. Stepping back, he lowered his sword but remained cautious, his gaze shifting between the trio of tribesmen, pondering their identities.
