Kastiel waded through the ravine, the air thick with the scent of wild thyme, foxglove, and yarrow lining the steep banks. He emerged into a clearing, where a wagon sat alongside a group of people. Kastiel's gaze was drawn to a man with a ring of hair around his crown, gripping a girl under his elbow. The flash of a knife hovered alarmingly close to the poor thing’s throat. And there are people surrounding, traders. It was a robbery. Five men and two women were crying and pleading to the brute to let the girl go. The men wore simple tunics of coarse linen, dyed in muted colors of browns and greys, some with ragged sleeves. Wide belts of thick leather cinched their waists, holding pouches and tools. Over their tunics, they sported woolen cloaks, fastened with crude iron brooches, tattered at the hems. Their trousers, tucked into sturdy boots, were patched with rough stitches. Some of them had the faint sheen of coin purses that once bulged but now sagged pitifully. The women, their heads covered with simple scarves, wore ankle-length dresses, also made from linen, layered with woolen shawls to stave off the chill of travel. One woman clutched a wicker basket, her trembling hands giving away her fear, the woven reeds rattling softly as she begged.

“Let the lass go”, Kastiel ordered

The man turned to face him, the girl still trapped beneath his arm . He was shrouded in a tattered cloak that fluttered like a shadow in the breeze, its edges fraying ominously . Beneath the cloak, he wore a snug leather vest that hugged his torso, its surface marred with scratches. His loose tunic, frayed at the edges, billowed slightly in the wind, revealing sturdy trousers that ended just above his weathered leather boots. A belt cinched around his waist held several pouches, bulging with stolen goods. He wore fingerless gloves, worn but functional, which allowed him to maintain a firm grip on his dagger, its hilt just visible at his side.

“Let her go,” Kastiel repeated, his tone sharpening like the blade at the man’s hip. “There won’t be talk the next time.”The man smiled ominously, a cruel glint in his eyes as he nodded toward Kastiel. Suddenly, a roar erupted from behind, and four men charged toward him from the opposite direction Kastiel swiftly unsheathed the sword from over his shoulder, the blade glinting menacingly in the fading light. He tightened his grip, adrenaline surging through him, and charged forward, ready to confront the men charging opposite him.The first assailant lunged at Kastiel, a dagger glinting in his hand. Kastiel sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as the blade whistled past him. He pivoted on his heel, bringing the sword down in a swift arc, the blade slicing through the air with a satisfying whoosh. It connected with the man’s arm, causing him to drop the dagger with a pained yelp. Kastiel's eyes darted to the remaining three men, who were now circling him like wolves.

They were calculating, waiting for their moment. He could see their fear, but it was eclipsed by their desire to overpower him.

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With a quick breath, he shifted his stance, the sword held high. The second man charged, a heavy club raised over his head. Kastiel feigned to the left, drawing the man in, then spun right, bringing the sword down hard against the club. The impact reverberated through his arms, but he pressed forward, forcing the man back.

The third assailant rushed in from behind, attempting to tackle him. Kastiel dropped low, the man flying over him and crashing into his companion, sending both sprawling to the ground. He seized the opportunity, whirling around to face the remaining fighter, who was now visibly shaken.

With a swift motion, Kastiel lunged forward, the sword aimed straight for the man's heart. The man barely managed to deflect the blow, but the force of the strike sent him staggering backward. Seizing the moment, Kastiel pressed his advantage, feinting left before driving his sword into the man’s side.

A grunt escaped the man’s lips as he fell to the ground, his eyes wide with shock. Kastiel barely had time to catch his breath before the last two men recovered and charged him again, a dangerous glint of desperation in their eyes.

The first swung a fist, catching Kastiel in the jaw. The blow sent him stumbling, but he quickly regained his footing. He countered with a slash of his sword, narrowly missing as the man ducked just in time.

The other man rushed in from the side, aiming a kick at Kastiel’s knees. He anticipated the attack, leaping into the air as the man’s foot swiped beneath him. Landing deftly, Kastiel twisted around, the blade aimed for the man's midsection.

The sword struck hard, and the man crumpled to the ground. The last assailant, now filled with dread, backed away slowly, looking briefly between Kastiel and the bodies of his fallen associates. He fled.

“Let her go,” Kastiel growled again, his voice a low, sinister hiss. The man hesitated, fear evident in his eyes, and Kastiel took a step forward, the blade gleaming ominously in the fading light.

“Make your choice.”Kastiel said. “Oh, wait, your time’s up. Go to hell you fucking cur”

Kastiel surged forward, the leader of the bandit hurled the girl aside like a ragdoll and began to flee. But it was too late. Kastiel’s blade sliced through the air, landing a fierce slash to the man’s backside. The girl trembled from head to toe, her body shaking uncontrollably as she kept her gaze fixed on the ground, too terrified to look up. The group rushed toward her, there was concern in their faces. One man and a woman knelt beside her, gently pulling her into their arms, holding her close in an embrace. Still, the girl trembled, her fear not yet shaken from what has happened.

“Is everyone alright” Kastiel asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

The group stared at him for a moment, their expressions a mix of shock and gratitude, before the eldest man stepped forward and bowed deeply.“Thank you, dear Knight”! He exclaimed

“Oh, no, no. I’m not a knight, sir,” Kastiel replied, shaking his head.

“Where are you heading towards?”

“To vistvilla”

“Can I join, I lost my horse to colic. I would be grateful if you people let me join you and give a little space in that wagon”

“Oh of course”, The man said, after looking back to his companions.