"Help me— ah!"
The swift circle of light severed his head amidst his cry. The body fell from the horse which ran off in the next second. Other, wearing the same armour as the man who fell, entered a state of high alert, glancing around calmly.
The forests were very thick and dark. Black shadows leapt around in the darkness and locating them was difficult for the armoured men. Eleven in total — they could only sit by and watch as the darkness accepted them one by one.
Blood rained like a fountain from the side, spooking them as everyone turned to the side. The head of another man was sent rolling, only to be crushed by his startled stallion. The other horses rode by the men in armour began to grow anxious.
A light darted out of the darkness, and one of the men swung his blade. Sparks flew as both of their blades collided, and the man was knocked off his horse.. As he tumbled over, he slammed his hand on the ground and halted him. The man groaned, forcing himself to rise.
The light dashed for him, but he swung his blade again and they collided. The light retreated in the next minute, before the man could get up and chase, "Guards, be alert! The enemies are a group of dangerous bandits that have been—"
An arrow shot out of the darkness and pierced his neck. He was stunned, before he deal with the situation, black shadows leapt out of the darkness and he watched in horror as heads of comrades in guarding fell off their horses, decapitated.
He leapt ahead furiously, swinging his blade. A shadow was caught in the attack, severed in two, spilling blood into the darkness. The stains of blood revealed the positions of three others, and with his eyes burning in fury he attacked them, waving his blade.
He cut one in two vertical halves, then he spun around and smashed the head of another in the tree beside him. The force burst the tree apart, causing it to tumble over on another hiding shadow as he approached, lifting his name and burying it in the cloaked figure's chest.
"As I—" before he finished his words, another arrow shot into his for the second time. His eyes bulged as he pulled the first out of his neck and broke the other from his arm. He prepared to turn into a raging beast, but before he could unleash his strength, a light flashed.
His head was sent rolling into the sky, a shocked expression plastered into it, forever. After the head fell to the ground, the light settled to reveal a cloaked figure. The others stepped out after the leading bandit, staring at the small victory they had earned.
"Please, stand still…"
Hearing the voice, they all turned to attack. The one who lead the attacks, found itself unable to move as Requiem approached on him humble ride. Covered in cloaks, he had difficulty in seeing any of their faces, so he asked politely,
"Please, take off your masks."
They did not hesitate in removing the cloaks they wore. Once the deed was done, they all stared at the politely smiling Requiem, their eyes widening in horror. He counted three women, including a charge leader and seven men. Some had hid behind trees, but still tore off their masks.
"Now that I have your attention." Requiem glanced at the leader, "Kill everyone else and create a big scene here." He turned ever his shoulder, "Would one of you be so kind as to scatter arrows and drop their quiver on the floor here?"
The command was carried out without hesitation. Requiem leaned back as he watched the lead bandit turn on the others, slaughtering them like pigs. Blood, flesh and bone were scattered around in the area as she continued in her killing, until they were all finished.
"Very good." Requiem clapped, glancing around at the mess created. The bloodies quiver and its arrows mangled from continuous stabs, ruined trees and craters earth painted a bloody screen. The leading bandit stood, not a single scratch on her body except the blood of others.
"Now my friend, take this beautiful map. Reveal to your leaders the location of the weapons you will use in invading the city." Requiem continued, passing her a map, grabbing her by the face, lifting her up and pressing his lips to her ears, "You will narrate this story when questioned."
——
"My Lord, are you sure it is safe to let go like that?" one of the slaves, named Gerald, who he had made leader of the force, requested. He gazed in the direction of the departed bandit. People whose lives developed from the pleasure in the suffering of others.
"It is safe. I had someone follow her." Requiem spoke calmly, patting Dragnur's head as they rode on the Iron Path. Their gait was slow and steady, allowing them to observe and prepare for any slight mishaps in the plan.
"I see. You are as thoughtful as ever, my Lord!" Gerald nodded his head, his black hair swaying in the wind as he rode on calmly. He wondered who was good enough to be entrusted with such a task, one not only difficult but dangerous as well.
——
A massive figure navigated the shadows, a dagger in hands and a cloak thrown over his build. He blended into the darkness with ease, his movements light and nimble. He observed calmly as the one he followed was accepted into a guarded dark cave.
He waited in silence for a few hours, unmoved. Soon, a group rushed out of the cave with a girl in chains dragged behind them. She held a map in her hands, and directed their movement with her speech. The towering man connected the dots, and followed them.
He watched in silence as they gathered strange stuff from various locations, wandering into the secret path that led deep into a frozen area. He advanced with them, observing as they planted all of the substance in different locations.
One of them turned and pointed his blade at the girl. She was calm as they had a discussion, then as they walked away with her, he followed them. One of them turned around and threw a fire into the ice and before it reached the ice and extinguished, there was an explosion.