Early in the morning, as soon as the sun appeared on the horizon, Vitald set out on his horse toward Lidania. It was located in the western part of the kingdom of Braenn.
"I guess I'll reach the border with Lidania by noon," thought Vitald. "Maybe I'll find some work there, especially since a war seems to be brewing."
Vitald earned his living as a killer. Armies often hired him for a decent fee. Merchants also hired him for protection against bandits and even monsters, though Vitald preferred not to deal with the latter. Thanks to his skills, he had earned himself a solid reputation as a skilled warrior and even gained the nickname "Mage Slayer."
The sun was at its zenith. Vitald rode leisurely along the road. Around him were nothing but fields and not a single living soul. Ahead, two tall cliffs could be seen, with a small passage between them. This was the border between Lidania and Braenn. People usually avoided this passage because of the risk of a rockfall. To Vitald's surprise, a cart was standing near the passage.
"Greetings," said a middle-aged man standing near the cart. "Are you heading to Lidania too?"
"Yes," Vitald replied as he dismounted from his mare. "And why are you standing here?"
"Well, you see, I don't know whether to go through the gorge or take the long way around. I'm already running late and don't want to lose more time on the road."
"If you're not afraid, I can lead you through the gorge. I know a bit of magic and can create an earth shield if needed."
The man looked at the swordsman with a mixture of astonishment and fear but eventually agreed.
"Thank you so much. I'll take you up on your help. What's your name?"
"Vitald."
"Henry. I'm a traveling merchant."
The two travelers mounted their horses and headed for the gorge. At the entrance, there was a sign warning of danger, but that didn't stop them. Naturally, the merchant was anxious, but seeing Vitald's confidence, he worried less. They dismounted and walked on foot. The length of the gorge was about one
"Where are you headed?" the merchant asked, looking upward.
"To the capital. I'm looking for work," Vitald replied.
"I see. I'm returning home. I'm from the village of Vidimka, about a hundred versts from the capital."
"Aren't you worried?"
"About what?"
"The war. Haven't you heard?"
"I've heard. I think it'll bypass us. Our ruler is not foolish and won't allow unnecessary bloodshed."
"I understand," Vitald replied with uncertainty in his voice.
They continued walking in silence, occasionally glancing upward. As they neared the much-desired exit, Vitald felt something was wrong—a strange sensation came over him. He became alert. Vitald trusted his instincts; they had saved his life on the battlefield more than once.
They kept walking, but Vitald kept his hand on his sword, ready for the unexpected. Nothing happened, though, and they safely exited the gorge.
"Oh, the heavens are kind to us!" exclaimed Henry joyfully. "Thank you, Vitald."
"No problem, you're welco...." Vitald started to reply but didn't finish. Instead, he drew his sword from its sheath and turned around.
Out of the forest, a group of men appeared on two carts. Vitald immediately realized they weren't just travelers—they were bandits.
"You need to pay a toll to pass. This is our territory unless you want trouble," said the largest of the bandits in a rough, raspy voice.
"I've never heard of such rules," Vitald smirked, spinning his sword.
"Me neither," the merchant quietly agreed. "I've traveled this way many times and never heard of this."
"Ahaha! Heard or not, doesn't matter. You still have to pay!"
"And what if we don't want to?" Vitald said with a sly grin, clearly mocking them.
"Oh, so you don't want to cooperate, huh?" The large man jumped off the cart, holding an axe in his hand.
"There are eight of them, but only four are armed," Vitald thought. "Hide behind the cart, Henry."
The merchant obeyed and took cover behind the cart. Vitald cautiously began approaching the largest bandit.
"He's mine. Stay out of it," the big man said, cracking his neck.
Vitald held his sword with both hands in front of him. The large man with the axe stood three steps away, holding the weapon in his right hand. Vitald decided to make a feint to provoke the man into attacking, and it worked. The bandit swung horizontally with his axe. Vitald ducked under the blow, closed the distance, and slashed his stomach open with his sword. The man fell to his knees, holding his intestines in his hands, and a few seconds later, he collapsed face-first into the dirt.
Two more bandits immediately charged at Vitald. The first swung his axe overhead, but Vitald spun and decapitated him. The second hesitated slightly, which allowed Vitald to close the gap and stab him through the solar plexus with his sword. Pulling his sword out, Vitald shook it clean of blood and glared at the remaining five men with fiery eyes. Just as he was about to approach the last armed bandit, they fled in fear.
Vitald wiped his sword clean of blood and sheathed it behind his back, though he usually carried it at his left side.
"You handled them well," Henry said, stepping out from behind the cart.
Vitald remained silent.
An awkward pause hung in the air. Henry didn't know what to say, and Vitald could see that the merchant was a bit afraid of him.
"Understandable. Not every day does an ordinary merchant witness such carnage," Vitald thought.
"I think it's time we part ways. I'm heading in a different direction. Thanks again," the merchant finally said.
"Take care, Henry."
"Stop by if you're ever near my village. We'll treat you like family."
Vitald smiled and nodded. They went their separate ways.
Vitald galloped toward the capital, hoping to arrive before Tleria's forces reached the border with Lidania.