As Ayla approached, her voice wavered, but she forced herself to speak. "He hasn't done anything wrong. This is his harvest. You have no right to take it from him!"
The lead soldier turned, sneering down at her. "And who are you to question the kingdom's orders?"
"I'm… no one," she admitted, her fists clenched at her sides. "But this village relies on its crops. If you take everything, people will starve."
The soldier laughed, though his gaze hardened. "The kingdom doesn't need your permission. Step aside, girl."
Ayla didn't move, her feet planted firmly. "If you want to take everything, then you'll have to go through me."
She felt a presence beside her and glanced over to see Kai, his eyes unreadable but his stance tense, as if ready for a fight. "Two against one doesn't seem fair," he said coolly, addressing the soldier with a slight smirk.
The soldier's amusement faded, and he signaled to the others. "You both have a death wish," he muttered, drawing his sword.
The tension thickened. Ayla's heart raced, but she refused to back down. The soldier advanced, his weapon gleaming in the dimming light.
Just as Ayla braced herself, Kai stepped forward, his movements swift and fluid. In a blur, he blocked the soldier's attack, his hand moving with practiced precision. Ayla's breath caught as she realized Kai was no ordinary traveler; his skill with a blade was too refined, too sharp.
The clash of metal filled the square, drawing more villagers and soldiers alike. Ayla, unsure of how to fight, grabbed a nearby stick and held it defensively, ready to strike if needed. She kept her eyes on Kai as he fought off the soldier, his expression fierce, each movement precise and controlled.
After a tense few moments, Kai disarmed the soldier, sending his sword clattering to the ground. The other soldiers stepped back, glancing at each other uncertainly.
Ayla saw her opportunity. She raised her voice, addressing the crowd of villagers who had gathered. "We don't have to live under their rule forever. We can fight back!"
The villagers murmured among themselves, their fear evident, but Ayla could see the spark of defiance kindling in their eyes. For the first time, she felt something stir within her—a strength she hadn't known existed.
Kai placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low. "Ayla, you don't know what you're getting into. The kingdom will not forgive this."
She looked up at him, her eyes bright with determination. "Maybe not. But I'm done living in fear."
Kai held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "Then we'll need allies."
As the crowd began to disperse, Ayla felt a new energy within her, a fire that had been ignited by the day's events. She could no longer be the quiet, unassuming girl she had once been. And as she glanced at Kai, she sensed that he understood her choice, even if he didn't fully agree with it.
Together, they began to plan, and Ayla realized that her life would never be the same. The spark of rebellion had been lit, and there was no turning back now.