As the convoy made its way through the forested path, a sudden rustling from the trees ahead sent a ripple of tension through the guards.
"Bandits!" a guard shouted, drawing his sword. "And they've brought monsters!"
Lady Eleanor remained composed, her expression unreadable. Her gaze shifted calmly to Helena, who was already cracking her knuckles with a small smirk, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"My lady," Helena said with a polite bow, though her fingers itched to grip her weapon. "Allow me to handle this... interruption."
Eleanor gave a graceful nod. "Do as you wish, Helena. Just be sure to keep them away from the carriage."
With that, Helena leaped from the carriage, landing gracefully in the path of the oncoming bandits. Before her stood a swarm of bandits, nearly fifty in number, accompanied by snarling creatures—beasts with razor-sharp claws and monstrous jaws. Helena surveyed them, a gleeful glint in her eye.
