Chapter 108: Calm before the Storm
The road cut between grassy hills marred with craggy cliffs and boulders. Thick groves of pines sprouted in the valleys, hiding small, trickling streams and animal dens. We found ourselves in a shallow hollow, surrounded by armed men and women. Their armored gleamed dully under the evening sun, scrappy and pocketed with rust. They concealed their faces behind red masks and deep cloaks, a mix of Beastkin, elves, and humans among them.
Their leader, a massive bear-kin, stepped forward, a greataxe resting on his shoulder. The twin crescent blade of the weapon sparkled with magic, looking heavy enough to weigh more than I did. He scrutinized us, his brow furrowing, before turning to one of his men.
"Didn’t you claim this was Byron’s ride?"
The condemnation in his voice was obvious, and the bandit scout paled, staring at us with wide eyes. "I swear on m’mom it’s his. Has the gold stripe en’ everything!"
Snorting, the Bandit leader turned back to us. "Well, at least they seem wealthy, so this won’t be a total loss. Still, I’ll be taking from your share to make the difference."
"Yes Sir! Thank you, sir!" The bandit squeaked, sagging in relief.
"Now listen," the leader continued, addressing us loudly. "Frankly, we want lots of trouble, just not with you. I don’t know what you’re doing with that carriage, and I don’t care. But I assume you’re friends of that bastard, as you’re riding his carriage, so I can’t leave you unscathed. Turn over your valuables to us, and we’ll let you live. Oh, and your women. Been a while since we’ve had ourselves a real beauty."
His cruel leer sent shivers down my spine, and I edged closer to Fyren. The adventurer’s grip on his sword tightened and hints of his inner violence danced within in his eyes. Fragments of his aura leaked into the air, placing a stifling tightness in my chest.
Soltair nodded, seeming unsurprised by the offer, but his response was cold and emotionless. "Not happening."