The morning air was crisp as the mercenaries packed up camp, the sun barely visible through the trees. Kael kept his head down as he moved through the camp, packing up his belongings and making sure he was ready to move. The fire from the night before had burned down to embers, but the tension from Bran's words still lingered like smoke in the air.
As the group started walking, Kael found himself at the rear, trailing behind the more seasoned mercenaries. His legs ached from the relentless pace, and his thoughts were still clouded by the encounter with Bran. He hadn't slept much the night before, his mind too restless with the desire to prove himself.
"Don't let Bran get to you," a voice called from his left.
Kael glanced over, surprised to see a younger mercenary keeping pace with him. The man, barely older than Kael himself, grinned as he adjusted the strap of his sword. His expression was far more relaxed than anyone else in the group.
"I'm Zane, by the way," the young mercenary said with a wink. "You look like you could use a break from all the grumpy old men around here."
Kael narrowed his eyes, "I'm fine."
Zane chuckled, shaking his head. "Sure you are. But if you ask me, Bran's just bitter because you're younger and probably faster than he ever was. He acts tough, but he's more bark than bite."
Kael wasn't so sure. Bran's harsh words had cut deep, and the man's scowl was always fixed on him. But there was something about Zane's easygoing attitude that made Kael relax, if only a little.
"You're new, right?" Zane continued, his tone more casual now. "Not many your age make it this far. That says something about you."
Kael shrugged, unsure of how to respond. He hadn't thought much about how far he'd come, he was too focused on surviving the next day.
Zane smirked. "You don't talk much, do you? That's alright. You'll learn that there's more to surviving out here than swinging a sword. Gotta keep your mind sharp too."
Their conversation was interrupted by Kerric's hand shooting up from the front of the group. Instantly, the mercenaries halted, eyes scanning the surrounding trees. The forest had grown quiet, the usual sounds of birds and rustling leaves absent.
Kael's heart pounded as he tightened his grip on his short blade. He could feel the shift in the air.
"We're not alone," Kerric muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the treeline. "Weapons ready."
The group moved into formation, blades drawn as they spread out in a defensive circle. Kael found himself next to Zane, who flashed him a grin despite the tension in the air.
"Looks like things are about to get interesting," Zane whispered, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.
Kael's pulse quickened, his mind racing through what Kerric had drilled into him. Fight to survive. Use everything you have. There's no room for hesitation.
Suddenly, the underbrush exploded with movement. Figures darted from the shadows, bandits, armed and desperate. The ambush was swift, and within seconds, steel clashed against steel as the mercenaries met the attack.
Bran's voice cut through the chaos. "Prove yourself, boy!" he barked, shoving Kael forward. "Let's see if you can fight!"
Kael stumbled but quickly regained his footing. His heart pounded in his chest as he raised his blade, scanning the chaos for an opening. A bandit lunged at him, sword raised, and Kael barely had time to react.
His instincts took over. He ducked low, the bandit's sword slicing through the air above him. Kael moved without thinking, slamming his shoulder into the man's side and knocking him off balance. The bandit snarled, swinging wildly, but Kael dodged, delivering a sharp kick to the man's knee.
The bandit staggered, and Kael pressed the advantage, raising his blade. He struck without hesitation, the blade cutting deep into the bandit's side. The man collapsed with a scream, blood staining the forest floor.
Kael's breath came in ragged gasps, his hands trembling as he wiped the blood from his blade. He had done it. He had fought, just like Kerric had taught him.
Another bandit charged at him, his face twisted in fury. Kael's body moved on instinct again, but this time, the bandit was quicker, slashing at Kael's arm and sending a shock of pain through his body.
Before Kael could recover, the bandit prepared for another strike. But before the blow could land, Zane appeared at Kael's side, his sword flashing in the dim light. With one swift motion, Zane disarmed the bandit and knocked him to the ground.
"Not bad, kid," Zane said with a grin, though his eyes were serious. "But don't get cocky."
Kael nodded, his chest still heaving from the exertion. He watched as Zane dispatched the bandit with a ease that made it clear just how experienced he was.
The rest of the battle ended as quickly as it had started. The bandits, outnumbered and outmatched, retreated into the woods, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen.
Kael stood there, his hands still shaking from the adrenaline.
And as Zane clapped him on the shoulder, Kael felt the beginnings of something he hadn't expected, Trust.