Chapter 398: The Little Disturbance Called Bandits
Xena and Alicia drew their stones, and both of them came out victorious. Their eyes lit up with excitement, and they exchanged a quick glance before exclaiming in unison, "Yes!"
"Looks like it’s our turn to have some fun," Xena said, her grin widening as she stretched her arms above her head, loosening up.
Alicia cracked her knuckles, her eyes glinting with determination. "Let’s make it quick, then. We’ve got a journey to enjoy." She gave Xena a playful wink, and the two of them stepped out of the carriage, ready for action.
The atmosphere outside was tense as the guards gathered in front of the carriage, their hands on their weapons. There were about ten guards traveling with them—experienced men who had proven their loyalty and skill. The bandits, however, seemed to have the advantage in numbers. There were at least fifty of them, all armed with mismatched weapons and standing in a rough semicircle, blocking the road.
The bandit leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, sneered at the sight of the two women stepping out of the carriage. He barked out a laugh, turning to his comrades. "Look at this! They send two pretty little things to face us? What kind of joke is this?"
His laughter was echoed by the rest of the bandits, their voices filled with mocking amusement. The guards shifted uneasily, glancing at each other, but Xena and Alicia seemed unfazed. In fact, Xena’s grin only grew wider, and she gave Alicia a nod.
Lyan leaned out of the carriage window, his voice calm but firm as he addressed Xena and Alicia. "Don’t forget to let the guards experience the battle head-on as well. And make good use of the winter wolves."
Alicia gave a curt nod, her eyes already scanning the bandits. "Understood. We’ll make sure they get their share of the action."
Xena climbed onto the roof of the carriage, her bow in hand, her eyes sharp as she scanned the treetops and the surrounding forest. She knew that bandits often had hidden backups, archers waiting in the shadows to take advantage of any distraction. Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a movement in the underbrush, and she quickly nocked an arrow, her fingers steady.
"I’ve got eyes on a few hiding in the woods," she called down to Alicia. "I’ll take care of them."
Alicia unsheathed her sword, the blade glinting in the morning light. She stepped forward, her stance relaxed but ready, her gaze locked onto the bandit leader. The winter wolves, sensing the tension, let out low growls, their eyes fixed on the bandits.