Snippet #2338996

Bardin Road

Elyssia and her companions crested the hill upon the road they had been following for three days. Over the hills and dales, forests and streams, they could see a great city resting upon a raging river in the distance.

"The city of Tharlamor my lady" Richard said "Full of wonders and technology of our wildest dreams many say. Dedicated to the gods Librus and Arabella. It is a city of knowledge and beauty"

Ambers eyes glittered with awh "It looks peaceful, even from this distance"

"Don't look to eager lady Amber" Eva said "It is a city full of its own issues. Scholars and scientists seeking to overthrow one another. Royals biding for more influence through lies and deceit. Eris would have more influence here"

Elyssia laughed to herself and smiled. Amber always was to eager to adventure and her curiosity often got the better of her "What do you think Gaius" she said turning to their silent protector. He was staring off into the distant tree line "Gaius?" she asked again, he simply held up his hand signaling them to be silent. Eva trotted toward him "What is it brother?" Gaius pointed to the tree line...

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Bandit Camp, Bardin Road

The bandit leader walked over to his two captives, a man and a women, he placed the stool before them and sat down. He pulled a knife from his belt and began to cut the apple in his hand "So, I am going to ask you again. What were you doing sneaking through my camp?"

"We told you, we were not sneaking. We were following a dirt path to Bardin Road when your "friends" ambushed us" Khalan said

The chief laughed "You expect me to believe that?" he placed the blade against the girls cheek "Maybe you need some motivation, huh sweetie?"

"Touch her and I will kill you" Erik said struggling against the ropes

"Little boy, I do not think you have any room for idle threats" the chief said standing up. He laughed and turned to his second who was looking over a map "Arus, when is the next caravan?" No response "Arus?" he walked over and grabbed the mans shoulder. As he pulled him around, the body fell to the ground, an arrow piercing his heart "Ambush!" the leader yelled

No sooner had the words left his lips then three arrows leapt from the tree line to strike at his men. As they fell and two more move to take their place, a shadow leapt from the trees, the sound of steel upon steel echoed through the woods. The bandits so accustomed to fight those ill prepared were caught off guard by their assailants. Soon the two bandits fell to their knees, their hands reaching for their bleeding throats. Another figure emerged, this one clad in shining gray armor, he looked over the field of dead, then down at the two tied prisoners.

"Are you alright?" the armored man said "Can you fight?"

"Aye we can" Erik said "Can you cut our binds?"

"Aye" the armored man knelt down and cut their minds. As Khalan rubbed her wrist she saw a bandit move behind the man "Look out!"

The armored man spun faster than they would have expected, his sword clashing with the bandits. No sooner had he parried the strike than his sword bit deep into the mans chest. Another bandit approached from behind, only to meet a dagger to the throat, the armored man looked behind to see the bandit fall dead, then back to the assassin who nodded an approval.

"Arm yourselves" a female voice said

Erik and Khalan looked to see two magi standing before them, each with magic swirling amongst their finger tips. Soon the bandit camp had been emptied, and the horde stood before the companions. Two magi, a paladin, an assassin, a ranger, and two travelers. Against the might of a bandit horde....

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Exiled Prince

Travus bowed his head "I apologize for such an urgency. We do not get many interactions with your kind so far from human lands. Perhaps one day, I may take you up on your offer" the guardians slung their weapons and turned to leave "May the light of the evening star guide you humans" Travus and his men turned and took off into the woods, disappearing in the shadows of the trees.

Alana still stood around the humans "If it is not a burden, I would seek company of you are headed north. If not then I will be on my way" she smiled an innocent gesture....in truth she had orders second to informing the guardians in this territory.....

If any race seeks to push into Denathor, the North, then she was to follow them and stop them at all costs