The bandit charged at Aldous, his sword raised high. Aldous parried the blow with his shield and swung his sword, but the bandit ducked and swept his own sword towards Aldous' legs. Aldous jumped back just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.
The other bandits had circled around him, closing in like wolves. Aldous fought bravely, but he was outnumbered and outmatched. They were skilled fighters, each one using their weapons with deadly precision.
Aldous felt his muscles burning with exertion as he fended off one blow after another. Sweat poured down his face, and his heart hammered in his chest. He knew he was in trouble.
Just as he was about to strike the final blow to one of the bandits, another one hit him from behind with a mace, and he stumbled. The bandits took advantage of his momentary weakness and rushed him, their swords and axes flashing in the sunlight.
Aldous fought valiantly, but it was no use. One of the bandits landed a solid blow to his side, and he felt something crack. He staggered, his vision blurring, and then everything went black.
When Aldous came to, he was lying on the ground, his arms and legs bound with rough ropes. The bandits were gathered around him, grinning and jeering.
"Well, well, looks like we caught ourselves a little rat," the leader of the bandits sneered. "What do you think we should do with him, boys?"
The other bandits laughed and made crude suggestions. Aldous clenched his jaw and tried to break free, but the ropes held him fast.
"You should let me go," he growled. "Or you'll regret it."
The bandits only laughed harder, and one of them kicked him in the ribs. Aldous winced in pain and tried to stay conscious.
But it was no use. The bandits dragged him away, taking him deeper into the forest. Aldous knew that his situation was dire. He was alone, outnumbered, and captured by some of the most ruthless bandits in the kingdom.
But he was determined to escape. He was Aldous, and he wasn't going to let a bunch of bandits get the best of him. He would find a way out, no matter what it took.