The Wizards betrayal – A Concept Fantasy Story - Part Twenty Four

Cont. from Part Twenty Three or Story Start/Part One if your just joining 

The bandit leader moved his left hand around to his back, the glitter of a daggers blade revealed.    

There was little Valar could do but be aware and prepare, his attention fixed on his current foe, a wounded bandit launching a flurry of slashing attacks at his face.   

With each attack deflected he was learning, he was becoming more familiar with his attackers moves the strange style of the fighter lacked precision and elegance, but the force behind each blow was staggering... the intensity of each attack ferocious, like a vicious dog launching it's whole body and biting at him.

After a few more parries it was becoming easy to predict his opponents next move, his enemies leg was vulnerable, now his arm, should he attack?.... No let’s see what else he could learn about the fighting styles in these parts.   

The bandit leader made his move, the dagger flying at his throat just as he was deflecting a high and heavy attack.

Source

With little choice he deflected the sword attack, swords sparking and screeching as the sharp edges met, then immediately rolling to the right dodging the dagger, it flying by and sliding harmlessly along the road.   

Now much lower then his opponent it was time to finish this, a swift slash to the opponents undefended leg and it opened up a fountain of blood as his artery was cut and pumping.

As the bandit went down with an agonizing scream, he was back to his feet  and with expert sword play, plunging his sword deep into the bandits throat, ending his cries in a gargle.   

The bandit leader with nothing else to do, was trembling, holding his bleeding hand again he simply turned and ran away down the street.  Valar watched the coward flee, shaking his head while wiping his sword on the soft cloth shirt of his fallen opponent.   

The familiar sound of a bow string being released caught his ear from his far left.

As he turned to face the threat, he caught a glimpse of the bandit leader falling face first an arrow firm in his back.   

Sword at the ready he could see Em from the tavern bow in hand, standing near jack and a group of others gathered on the side walk.  

"Those guys have been bugging the residence ere for months" said Em as she lowered her bow and walked towards him confidently.

"Nothing more then hired thug tax collectors left by Gather the great, providence lord and ruler of these parts." said her enormous companion Jack walking beside her.

"I’ve never seen anyone fight like that before, you moved so quickly and almost knew the moves before they made them....  I heard  arkassor soldiers were great but I never dreamed" said Em moving closer, her posture more relaxed attempting to show no aggression.

"The truth is we've been waiting for someone with enough metal to stand up to these thugs"

Valar listened while bending down to unbelt a dead bandit, then quickly strapping it around his own waist allowing him to sheath his new sword.

He looked up at Em who was now standing directly before him, hand extended in friendship..

“Welcome to the rebellion Valar,  you’re just the kindda fella we been waiting for.”

Cont. to Part Twenty Five