The traveler was just passing through the village, his face obscured by the hood of his cloak. He had been on the road for weeks, traveling from town to town, never staying in one place for too long. His eyes scanned the village, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market.

As he walked down the dirt road, he noticed a commotion up ahead. A group of soldiers had gathered around a small shop, and their voices were raised in anger. The traveler made his way through the crowd, trying to get a better look at what was happening.

At the center of the group was a frail-looking old man, the owner of the shop. He was pleading with the soldiers, trying to explain that he had done nothing wrong. The soldiers were having none of it, however, and were clearly looking for an excuse to arrest him.

The traveler frowned. He didn't like bullies, especially those who used their power to terrorize the weak. Without thinking, he stepped forward and cleared his throat.

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"Gentlemen, what seems to be the trouble here?" he asked, his voice calm and measured.

The soldiers turned to face him, scowling. "This is none of your concern," one of them spat. "Now go on, move along."

The traveler didn't budge. He stood his ground, looking each of the soldiers in the eye. "I think it is my concern when I see injustice being done," he replied.

The soldiers laughed, thinking him a fool. They took a step forward, their hands on the hilts of their swords.

The traveler sighed. He had hoped to avoid a confrontation, but it seemed there was no way out of this. He drew his own sword and raised it, ready to defend himself and the old man.

The soldiers rushed forward, their swords flashing in the sunlight. The traveler met their attack head-on, his sword ringing out as it clashed against theirs. He fought with a grace and skill that took the soldiers by surprise, his blade moving so fast that it was little more than a blur.

In the end, the soldiers were no match for the traveler. They fell back, defeated and humiliated. The old man thanked him profusely, his eyes shining with tears.

The traveler sheathed his sword and smiled at the old man. "It was nothing," he said. "I couldn't stand by and let them bully you like that."

The old man smiled back, grateful. "You are a good man," he said. "May the gods bless you on your travels."

The traveler nodded and turned to leave. He had done what he could to help, but he knew that he could not stay in the village for long. There was still so much to do, so many people to help.

And so he set out once again, his footsteps taking him ever forward into the unknown