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The Arilethi Legacy
Bandits? Why is it always bandits!?

Bandits? Why is it always bandits!?

The group awoke early, got ready, nursed hangovers, and headed out along the river road South toward Orstadt, which had been under siege lately by bandits, ambushing travelers coming through back and forth to the port city of Lunk to trade. Orstadt was the last stop for a proper night's sleep in a bed, so almost everyone stopped there, and it had become a hub of travel along the river.

The air was still thick with the remnants of last night’s storm, the sky a pale blue streaked with clouds that hadn’t quite decided whether they would clear or gather again. The muddy ground squelched beneath boots as the group gathered their gear, each nursing the remnants of hangovers or the lingering weariness from days of travel.

Fai adjusted the straps on her pack, glancing at the others. Uthern was grumbling about the lack of proper food in his stomach, rubbing his head as if willing the headache away. Ari, ever the optimist, had already mounted her horse and was checking the route with a quiet intensity, her eyes scanning the horizon.

"Could use a bit of peace before we hit the next mess," Uthern muttered.

"You’ll get your chance, but the last stop before the storm is Orstadt," Fai replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I’ve heard the rumors. The bandits have gotten bold. If we’re going through, we need to be prepared."

Ari gave a casual nod, her sharp eyes flicking from Fai to the path ahead. "We’ll be fine. If it’s bandits, we’ve handled worse."

"But it’s getting worse." Fai looked up from her map, her brow furrowed. The road to Orstadt wasn’t the only one under threat. The rise of these bandit groups along the river had grown more organized, their numbers swelling like a flood, pushing travelers and merchants to take even more dangerous routes. But what really worried Fai wasn’t just the threat of an ambush—it was the growing desperation she’d seen in the faces of those who’d passed them on the road. Orstadt might be the last bastion before chaos truly spread, and if they didn’t act soon...

"We stick together," Fai added, locking eyes with each member of the group. "Stay sharp."

Fai's ears perked up at a sound; a cracking that sounded like someone stepping on a twig or some such. She spun around, and looked right into the eyes of a deer, which bounded off into the foggy forest. Maybe she was a bit too on-edge... or maybe the deer wasn't what she heard. Ari suddenly threw a dagger past Fai's face... and into the eye of a bandit about to try to grab Fai from behind. Four more men moved to surround them.

Fai’s heart skipped a beat as the dagger flashed by her face, its trajectory so precise that it felt like the air itself bent to avoid her. The thud of the blade sinking into the bandit’s eye was almost drowned out by the startled gasps of his comrades.

The forest around them seemed to close in as the bandits drew their weapons, each one moving in with practiced aggression, their eyes wild and desperate. They weren’t the disorganized rabble Fai had expected; these men were seasoned, their postures sharp, their swords glinting with malicious intent.

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Ari's voice cut through the chaos, low and controlled, "Stay close, and stay ready."

Without waiting for a response, she spurred her horse into motion, a blur of grace and fury as she wheeled the animal around, throwing another dagger with deadly precision. It buried itself in the throat of one of the bandits, who gurgled once before collapsing.

Fai’s breath came in sharp bursts as she drew her sword. She could feel the adrenaline flooding her system, pushing her fear aside. The bandits were too quick to ignore, but they weren’t invincible. Still, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. This wasn’t just a skirmish—this was a battle they couldn’t afford to lose.

"Uthern, take the left flank!" Fai shouted, her eyes flicking to the large warrior who was already hefting his axe. "Ari, keep them off me!"

"Dinnae tell me what tae do," Uthern growled, but he moved anyway, carving a path toward two of the bandits who had rushed in from the side.

One of the bandits lunged at Fai, his rusted sword raised high. She parried the blow with practiced ease, her own blade cutting through the air as she countered with a swift slash to his ribs. He staggered back, a grimace twisting his face, but didn’t fall. Fai pressed the attack, her movements fluid, years of training guiding her every step.

The bandit nearest to her swung wildly, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Fai danced to the side, her footwork quick and precise. She could hear the sounds of combat around her—Ari’s grunts as she fought with unmatched efficiency, Uthern’s booming voice as he cleaved through one bandit after another.

The forest was alive with the clash of steel, the rustle of branches, and the stench of sweat and fear. But Fai knew they were on borrowed time. More bandits were coming, no doubt, drawn by the noise of the fight.

She could see Uthern dispatching his attackers with ease, his massive frame a blur of brutality. Ari was in the thick of it too, her blades flashing as she took down another opponent with a precision that made Fai’s stomach tighten with admiration and awe.

But the numbers were against them. Fai knew they needed to break free, get to Orstadt before the entire band of marauders swarmed them.

"Pull back!" Fai shouted. "To the road!"

Ari’s eyes locked with hers for a split second, understanding passing between them. Ari and Uthern didn’t need much direction; they followed Fai’s command without question.

In a blur of motion, the group broke from the circle of bandits, forcing their way through the remaining attackers, cutting a path toward the safety of the open road.

The bandits, surprised by the sudden shift, hesitated, then gave chase. But they weren’t prepared for the determined ferocity the trio carried with them.

They rushed, Uthern clearing the way like a bull, with the girls close behind, Ari occasionally throwing her cheaper blades at the enemies when she could turn for a moment. The city walls were growing taller as they ran, the looming gates only a short distance away now. The guards at the gate saw the pursuers and shouted a warning to the bowmen stationed above. The bandits, realizing they were outmatched, hesitated before slinking off into the fog, retreating back to whatever hole they had crawled out of.

The guards looked down at the group, eyeing them with a mixture of respect and caution.

"Everyone all right?" one of them asked, his tone wary. "Those fools’ve been harassin' folk for weeks. Seems like ye take one down, and they send two more to fill the void."

Uthern wiped the sweat from his brow, his heavy Scottish brogue rolling out as he spoke. "Aye, we're fine, though I'd be happier takin' a hot meal and a drink 'fore I take another step."

"Likewise," Fei muttered, her muscles sore from the fight, though the adrenaline had faded, leaving her weary. "Let's get inside."

The gates creaked open, the guards ushering them through as the group made their way into the safety of the walled town.

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