Snippet #1369379

Raelnor’s eyes quickly latched onto the charging Mabari from behind his helmed face. This wasn’t a camp of bandits! But he couldn’t stop now, he’d have to fight defensively and wait for an opening where he could explain his grave error.

As the Mabari lunged out for him, Raelnor quickly stopped his change, planted his feet firmly and dropped into a defensive crouch. He raised his shield and the warhound bit into the wooden construct, it's maw dripping with saliva. Raelnor felt his legs tighten and strain as he pushed forwards, throwing the dog off his shield and standing back up about to shout surrender.

Before he could do so the female slammed into his shield with her own. He wasn’t prepared this time and he felt his feet slipping on the damp ground of the cave’s mouth. He skidded back, out into the rain before he managed to break free and swing his sword in a slow and easily dodged strike, simply meant to give him some breathing room.

At that moment an elf, who Raelnor couldn’t get a good look on account of the rogue being behind him, rushed out of the woods with an arrow notched and ready to fie. He said something to the other elf, but Raelnor couldn't hear it over the rain. I won’t die like André, he thought through gritted teeth. Luckily the elf held his fire, apparently trying not to hit the other elf that was closing in for another attack in front of Raelnor.

Once again raising his shield in defense, the Templar bated away an incoming sword strike. He was surprised by it’s power and how such a small female could deliver such a skilled strike, but now wasn’t the time for admiration. Pivoting on his heels, Raelnor spun round just in time to catch an arrow the elf assassin (Ryuu) had fired in the shield. To do this left him open to the Mabari who, seeing an opening, launched forwards at his armored left leg. While the steel prevented his calf from being shredded into nothingness, the power of the beast’s bite forced him off balance and he fell to one knee. Raelnor swung his body and lashed out with another slow strike at the Mabri, giving it time to move out of the way and forcing it to free his leg.

Another two elves, Dalish by what the Templar could see, came out of the woods. One had a bow and two notched arrows and Raelnor knew that if he couldn’t get them to stand down soon he would die with his duty unfulfilled. At that moment the female elf who had so recently emerged from the woods with arrows at the ready, called out to him,

"Shemlen, did you intend for this? We have done nothing wrong!"

Raelnor, snatching the chance to get a word in before his opponents renewed their attack, shouted at the top of his lungs.

“I surrender!”

He could only hope they could hear his call through his helmet and the sound of the poring rain.