Ren adjusted the strap of his satchel as he strolled down the cobblestone road, Sunnycluck perched comfortably on his shoulder.
Leizage's bond stone hung securely from his belt, its faint glow a reassuring presence as he walked.
The town square bustled with activity as merchants peddled their wares and townsfolk milled about. His thoughts were on the adventurer's guild and the mission he'd just accepted, escorting a merchant to a neighboring town through a forest known for its dangerous beasts.
He approached the designated meeting spot near the town gate, where a covered wagon loaded with crates and barrels waited. The merchant stood nearby, a stout man with a bushy mustache and a wide-brimmed hat. He was nervously checking the straps on his cargo, muttering under his breath.
As Ren approached, the merchant spotted him and waved.
"You must be the adventurer! Ren, was it?"
"That's me. You must be Mr. Tovan, it's nice to meet you."
Tovan grasped Ren's hand firmly, though his sweaty palm betrayed his nerves.
"I appreciate you taking this job. The road to Aelbridge has been… less than safe lately."
"Beasts?"
"And bandits. But the beasts are worse. Last week, a caravan was ambushed. They say the whole thing was over in minutes."
Ren's expression didn't waver, though Sunnycluck puffed up on his shoulder, emitting a sharp chirp.
"You'll be safe with me."
Tovan gave a weak chuckle.
"I'll hold you to that."
The sound of approaching footsteps drew Ren's attention. A tall, broad-shouldered man clad in chainmail approached, a longsword strapped to his side. He carried himself with the confidence of a seasoned fighter.
"I'm guessing you're the other escort, I'm Ren, it's nice to meet you."
"Name's Garrick. Guild sent me along as extra muscle. Heard the forest might be crawling with trouble."
"Excellent! With the two of you, I feel much safer already. Let's not waste any more time."
The merchant climbed onto the driver's bench, taking hold of the reins. Garrick moved to walk beside the wagon, while Ren fell into step slightly behind, scanning their surroundings.
As they passed through the town gate, the lively chatter of the marketplace faded into the distance, replaced by the rhythmic creak of wagon wheels and the chirping of birds in the trees.
The road stretched out before them, winding through gently rolling hills and dense forests.
The sun was high in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy above.
Sunnycluck chirped contentedly, its tiny talons gripping Ren's shoulder as it gazed curiously at their surroundings. Garrick walked steadily beside the wagon, his eyes scanning the treeline for any sign of danger.
"Say, Ren," Garrick said, breaking the silence as they entered a stretch of road shaded by towering oaks. "What's your story? You don't look like the typical adventurer."
"Huh? I'm just trying to make a living."
"Well, me, I'm in it for the thrill. Nothing like a good fight to get the blood pumping."
Tovan glanced back nervously.
"Let's hope we don't get too much excitement this time."
Ren smirked faintly but said nothing, his attention shifting back to the road.
The quiet tension of the forest was shattered as a sharp whistle pierced the air. Ren stopped mid-step, his sharp eyes scanning the treeline.
Garrick's hand went instinctively to the hilt of his sword, and Tovan yelped, pulling the wagon's reins to a halt.
From the dense undergrowth, figures began to emerge. A group of rugged men and women, armed with crude weapons, surrounded the wagon.
"Well, well, look what we have here. A merchant, two bodyguards, and a fine beast pulling the wagon. Hand over the horse, your goods, and whatever coin you've got, and maybe we'll let you walk away."
Tovan shrank back, gripping the reins tightly. Garrick stepped forward, drawing his longsword with a sharp metallic hiss.
"Do you lot have a death wish?"
"That's rich coming from you. There's ten of us and two of you. Be smart, drop the sword."
Ren didn't move, his gaze fixed on the bandits. Sunnycluck tilted its head, watching the bandits with mild curiosity, but made no move.
In the blink of an eye, Garrick moved. His longsword flashed in the dappled sunlight. A bandit lunged at him, only to be disarmed with a single slash. Garrick spun and delivered a heavy kick, sending another sprawling into the dirt.
Meanwhile, Ren ducked as a bandit swung a club at his head. He grabbed the bandit's wrist and twisted, forcing him to drop the club. A swift punch to the gut sent the man doubling over.
Two more rushed Ren, one swinging a sword and the other brandishing a spear. Ren sidestepped the sword, grabbed the spear shaft, and yanked it free from its owner's grip. In one fluid motion, he swung the spear like a staff, knocking the swordsman's weapon out of his hands and tripping him.
Sunnycluck let out an amused chirp, hopping to the edge of Ren's shoulder for a better view.
"You're not even trying."
Garrick called over his shoulder, parrying another attacker's strike.
Ren smiled faintly.
"Why waste energy?"
The bandit leader growled, charging at Ren with his dagger. Ren didn't flinch. As the man thrust the blade, Ren stepped to the side, grabbed the leader's arm, and used his momentum to throw him to the ground.
The bandit leader slammed into the dirt, groaning in frustration. As Garrick and Ren stood victorious, the remaining bandits scrambled to retreat into the forest, dragging their injured leader along. Garrick lowered his sword, smirking triumphantly.
"Pathetic. They didn't stand a chance."
"Stay alert. They gave up too easily."
The merchant, Tovan, peeked from the wagon.
"Th-thank goodness for you two! I thought—"
Suddenly, a sharp hiss sounded from the treeline. Ren's eyes widened as a puff of noxious gas erupted around them.
"Poison smoke!" Ren shouted, covering his mouth and reaching to pull Sunnycluck close.
Garrick staggered backward, coughing as his sword clattered to the ground. Tovan slumped over the reins of the wagon, unconscious almost instantly.
The bandit leader emerged from the trees, smirking as he held a small canister in his hand.
"You underestimated me," he sneered, his voice muffled by a cloth mask. "I always keep a few tricks up my sleeve."
Ren tried to resist, his movements sluggish as the gas cloud thickened. Sunnycluck chirped frantically but seemed unaffected.
Garrick collapsed beside Ren, struggling to keep his eyes open.
"Damn… cowardly tactics…"
Ren's vision blurred as his knees gave out. The last thing he saw was the bandit leader standing over him, triumphant.