"We can bring her dead, or alive regardless I have an idea of what to do with her other than force a slave collar on her. I just need to make sure she's alive for it. Its just a guess but if this is similar to the magic I'm use to in my world I can probably find someone to deal with her as I see fit. For now does anyone need to pack any gear? Food, or supplies for the trip? We may be out there anywhere between a few hours to a few days. It would be best to make sure you're prepared i imagine." Cole says calmly as he surveys his own thoughts he wonders just how exactly they intended to bring in a skilled warrior alive. Her death would be considerably easy to manage and this guy seemed fond of the capture method. They could talk it over when the time came but for now he supposed it would be best to find some sort of general idea of what to do and that was for the farm that's likely to be raided. "We're going to go to the farm house after we meet up at the Black Swallow's Blacksmith just on the edges of the city. We're not going to buy anything there its just a convenient spot. Does anyone have any objections? I think that's as basic as it gets." Cole said aloud as he looked around he didn't see to many of the adventurers eyeing them up it was likely they didn't care much that even the legendary heroes were looking for work to help around town until the waves hit. Chances are the veterans expected they may show up.

Fer cocked his head to one side with a slight look of confusion as Cole detailed his plan. He wondered if Cole’s earth was different than his own. Other than by force or coercion, there was no magic that Fer knew that could make people do what they wanted. Of course, there was the old wives tales of curses or possessions but Fer did not think that Cole was versed in the dark arcane arts of mountain witches.
Regardless, the young shield hero nodded. “Yes Cole I think your suggestion of getting supplies is a good one.” He turned to Auriel “Any company would be appreciated.” He said with a slight smile. Almost reluctantly but with a conviction that made it seem he was trying to move past his own barriers, he turned to the beast man. “The invitation is extended to you of course” His tone was as friendly as it could be but with a slight tone of reluctance.

He then turned to Cole. “I definitely think we should split up; multiple targets are harder to track and keep an eye out for. When I was a tracker, we had to pick a target and stick with it. Sometimes it was the wrong one and you had wasted days of monitoring.”

He gave nod to the three of them and headed for the door. If anybody followed him they would visit various stands. He first made his way to the stalls selling dried meat. Just because they knew the location of the bandit leader there was no guarantee she would be there. It might be days before they spotted her. He used the gold the King had given him which he felt belonged to the people anyways. He bought what he felt was good enough for about seven or so days. He also stopped by and bought some wine skins. After he was done with getting dried fruit, cheeses and even some camping equipment he looked like a he was planning a trip or was some sort of tinker sales man. He figured the later would be a perfect disguise and was thankful for the Shield’s ability to increase his endurance and strength.

Eventually he made his way to the prescribed meting place. He was a bit sad he was not able to use any of the bows or knives displayed on the walls. He gave an acknowledging nod to the young assistant that had outfitted him in his first day on this world. He waited until everybody was there.

“I took the liberty of selecting our food stuff among other thing. I mean, as the shield I should make myself useful right?” He said in a clearly sarcastic voice. “Ok Dulaman, I think we should learn as much as you know about Rayla. Cole can also explain his plan.” He nodded to his two male companions. “Finally, Auriel can help us see the error of our ways as she is the one that may have more experience with this world.”

Fer had much to think about during his time alone walking through the market and getting the supplies he felt he would need. He had walked around semi awake. He had been analyzing his reaction to Dulaman's suave approach and Auriel's girly reaction. He could understand that a guy would notice Auriel's charms. He could also understand her reaction as he figured not many people saw past her warrior exterior. The thing bothered him the most was his reaction to it all. He had come to the conclusion that Auriel was a partner a war buddy. He was not an idiot to deny her appeal but he knew it was possible for their relationship to be merely platonic and amicable.

What had been Dulaman's reason for approaching her the way he did? Had his own reaction to the beast man's approach nothing more than a sense of protection for his partner? Was Fer projecting his own little sister onto the holy warrior? What ever the case may be he did not like it. He resolved himself to speak with Auriel. He was not sure if the holy woman had seen his reaction but he wanted to make sure that there was no awkwardness between them.

Thankfully, it seemed that Auriel was again two steps in front of him. She commented on his plan. He had meant only separate during them leaving the adventuer's guild and their meeting place at the blacksmith. However, her plan actually echoed his. He almost jumped as he felt what seemed like a slight jolt as she touched him. He smiled back at her and placed his own hand on hers, Pursing his lips in a thank you.

"I agree with Auriel, I am obviously the most likely target. I would be able to withstand any attack better and as a defensive only person which I am sure is well known in the stories, they will see me as the most easily captured." He lifted a finger onto the sky as he had just remembered something. "Also, if we remember, the bow and the lance hero are also out there adventuring solo, so there is not reason why I could also be giving that a try."

He again turned to the beast man. "It will be really helpful if we can know the numbers and skills of her followers. I hope she does not surround herself with skilled warriors because it will make this mission that more challenging." His voice was friendly. Fer knew that the beast man was part of the team now and they would have to watch each other's back. It would no do to have a relationship be built on awkwardness that could very easily be avoided.

"I see good job Ferr but...I don't think that throwing yourself to the wolves will help anything. Just capture one of the guards, and we can bring him back, or smack him around until we get that information from him. As for Reyla...I spent my own time looking around for information turns out there's not much on her. She grew ups a urchin, fought in the arena under the name 'Grand Swordsman Reyla. And was known for using a shield, and sword typical fighter." Cole said as he looked around to his companions he couldn't help but wonder what exactly they could do other than capture someone. They needed info, and splitting up seemed like it would just get someone killed by multiple targets. Cole takes his sword out and plants it on the ground. "I also learned she gained only a minor following, and wasn't of much note other than being an slightly above average fighter but she has passion, and fought hard apparently. I can't say. Probably proved her worth to others by her fighting spirit." Cole swings his sword around in his hand but he is not standing around the others. "My own idea is simple. Go to the farm, camp out, ambush the ambush thugs, and stop them from burning down the farm. Capture one alive, get info from him, or bring him back to the city whatever works. Once we find out where Rayla tends to camp...well then its up to us heroes to save the day, and beat the bandit. Dead, or alive we need to bring something back to identify her loss to us if we do end up killing her."

Fer knew that Cole had the best of intentions. As their de facto leader, the young sword must have the pressure of making the right decision which would keep death at bay and success in hand. However, the young lad was human, and as such, prone to mistakes. However, Fer knew that the best he could do was voice his opinion. At their current level, the Heroes would be no match for an ensemble of blood thirsty bandits. However, as Heroes they were actually the only ones short of a small squad of city guard to actually be able to do so. He wondered if their status would also serve to frighten some away.

He knew that Cole’s plan of ambushing an ambush was perfect because the bandits would not be expecting them. This would cause chaos and lack of coordination on the ranks. Especially, if they were able to throw a wrench on their plans. Usually, such plans hinged on the sheep being defenseless. However, a wolf caught in a trap was more ferocious than one allowed to retreat. This meant that the bandit that was caught could be willing to die than be captured. Heavens knew what short of villainous acts they had committed that a noose was more than likely the end for any bandit that was captured.

The young shield hero was going to give his opinion when Auriel spoke up. He listened intently to the holy warrior. He felt a slight twinge of embarrassment at the earlier scenarios of jealousy but quickly suppressed it. She spoke truth and had a rational but he knew that if they started to argue the fear of moving forward would prevent any action at all. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
His voice was clam and even as he chose his words carefully. “Cole, I hear you and I have full trust in you and your idea. Thank you for your concern about me and while I agree that being a juicy target may not be beneficial, as the defensive member of the party, my place is at the front taking the damage.”

He turned to Auriel as if to pacify any sort of fear she might have regarding the Heroes wanting to fight it out for death and glory. “I believe Auriel puts forth a valid concern regarding the capture of one of the members. We must take any information we gather by interrogation with a grain of salt.”

He held her eyes in his, an assertive stance to his words as he spoke them next as palpable as a morning mist. “Auriel, I value above all the purity of your convictions. However, life is not as white or black. However, please allow me to carry the sins incurred by our decisions. I do not want you to do anything that will affect your morals but I have first hand experience that to do good, some bad must be expended. We still need your counsel and support but please know that we will not hold you responsible fo our decisions. ” He gave her a warm encouraging smile but his eyes still held his aura that there was to be no changing his mind.

He turned now to Cole “I have state it before and I will reinforce it again. I shall follow and support you in any way I can even up to my life”. He raised the bracer on his left arm and he looked at each one in the group, even the new comer, Dulaman. “I do not know why I was chosen to bear this shield, but I swear by it and by my own honor that I will defend you and this world to the best of my ability.”

He gave them all a winning smile as his inner most feelings seeped out. He had seen battle many times. He had never felt like this. He actually relished the chance to protect his friends and to make a change. “So what do you all say? Lets go bag us some bandit boss lady!”

"You two are being a royal pain in my ass you know that right? How else are we suppose to gain information outside of an interrogation? Bandits aren't in their line of work because they're upright, good citizens. They're either assholes, desperate, or they need to prove something to someone. So even if they give us bad information at worse its not any different from where we started. Marcino can help us confirm it afterward anyways." Cole says firmly. He rubs his face with his hand. Saving the day required more than just being 'lawful good' at every turn at least Fer understood they had to be practical at some point. "Maybe its because I didn't sleep well, maybe its because I didn't eat lunch yet but I'm not saying we need to be always practical. I'm saying there's no room to play stereotypical hero roles Auriel. I'm not going to let kids die because I refused to be a bit more brutal than the children's tales want me to be." Cole says as he grips his sword firmly. He walks over to the gate. "I'll go along with the plan. Though I must admit I think it won't work. And there's no need to scout anything real big time anyways. These people haven't been raided yet if the guild receptionist was right. Meaning we just need to go, knock on the door, and ask the farmers." Cole looked out towards the road ahead of them as they moved forward past the gates and the guards wished them luck. He didn't feel like any eyes were on him but they still could've been watched by someone in the city. Rogues are a sneaky bunch of assholes.

When they eventually reached the farm house after a long walk Cole knocked on the door, and introduced himself as the Sword Hero, and showed his legendary weapon as proof. He let the others give their own introduction to the farmer inside who was a skinny, but well built man who seemed to be aging. "I'm proud to be hosting the legendary shield, and sword heroes! Never thought I'd see the day I tell you what! But what can I help you with young heroes?" The farmer asked as he sat them down at a humble wooden table with some stools. His house was made of the bare essentials, and seemed to be quite small but comfortable. There was an upstairs but the man just said it was for living space, and sleeping when Cole asked. "Thank you for your hospitality we heard that there was going to be an attack on your farm maybe. We're here to hopefully capture a bandit and find out where they're hiding." Cole states letting the others go ahead and ask what questioned they wanted to.

Fer let out a boisterous laugh as Cole exclaimed how much Auriel and he were raining on the proverbial parade. He tried to stop and compose himself but the sense of companionship and respect he had for the young sword had him gasping for air and a tear or two down his cheek. He coughed a couple times and let out some fading chuckles as he padded Cole on the shoulder after his companion had finished his aggrieved rant. He cleared his throat again and winked at the young hero. “Cole, driving you crazy is what friends are for.” Then he added on a more serious tone “I am with you regarding the fact that sometimes you need to get your hands dirty. But please don’t hold it against Auriel for wanting to keep our souls taint free.” He gave her a slight nod. He followed Cole out and allowed the young man some space to cool off. He would of course have casual conversation from either the beast man or their holy protector but otherwise he would be lost in his own thoughts as to the probabilities that the team faced on capturing this bandit.

His musings and talking made the trip that much faster and before he knew it they were at the farm stead. Ever the leader even if he did not recognize it, Cole made first contact. The wooden door opened and an obviously weathered man opened it. The farmer’s eyes grew wide at Cole’s official introduction and there was a slight confused and apprehensive tone in the man’s voice as he tried to be polite and respectful towards the Legendary Heroes.

Fer felt a bit awkward as he quickly introduced himself and presented his own weapon as proof of his claim. The man looked at him a second longer than Cole as if trying to make up his mind about something. He had not been the first. Some had given the shield a quizzical look some had all but spit on him. Who knows what the previous wearers of the shield had done but apparently it was a hit and miss situation. Fer followed the team inside, he tried to keep to the back letting Cole handle the face to face interactions.

The young shield looked around the humble home. It reminded him so much of his own house. His father had been a trapper. He had made money by hunting game and selling anything he could be it meat, horns, or skins. They did not have much but it was enough. When Fer was old enough, he learned the trade and accompanied his father on the sometimes week long hunting trips. His younger brother would have learned too had the war no come to their part of the mountain.

Fer shook his head as if to shake off the bad memories of a world and time long gone. He cleared his throat and instead focused on Cole and the farmer. The young shield hero almost choked Cole made the blunt declaration. He could only imagine the things going through the farmer’s head. Being a hardy folk, the farmer only betrayed a slight widening of the eyes but did not despair.

Perhaps it was better to get the cards out in the open. Fer only wondered if somebody had come to his own humble hut and told them that deserters would kill his father and rape kill his mother while also kidnapping his sister and brother if things would be different. He grit his teeth. He would personally ensure that such a fate did not befall this farmer and family.

There was no need to ask questions. The bandits no doubt saw the farm as a fat and easy target. The farmer, though hardy and able to defend himself, would be no match for a surprise attack by bandits who cared little for fair play. Instead, Fer concentrate on taking into consideration the farm and how best to defend it. There seemed to be only a front door and back door. Few windows, so the heroes and their companions could limit the points of entry. However, if the bandits wanted to burn down the farm, the old building would go up in flames easily enough.

He wondered aloud for any body to hear and answer, “Do we know enough of these bandits to know how they operate? How many usually participate in a raid? Do they take prisoners or kill any one on sight?” He knew it was too many questions but something in his blood had stirred and he wished more than ever to be able to wield his bow and dagger. He would make them bleed. As fate would have it, he was only good enough to distract and protect with a shield.

He gritted his teeth again and then took a breath. He was liking more and more Cole’s idea of a double ambush. It would certainly help the small group get a drop on the bandits who perhaps would be better armed and more ruthless. Despite what Cole may have said, Fer wondered if the lad would be able to stab his sword through living breathing people. He still felt the warm blood in his hands and the gurgles of blood caught in throats. He saw their faces every now and then in his dreams but he felt no regrets as he had done what he had to do to save his family. Now perhaps, he would save another family.

"I'm just a simple farmer shield hero I'm sorry but you really shouldn't expect much from me. Chad told me that one of the farms was raided by about...five to six people? Does that help?" the farmer asked him as he looks at the two he sits down in an old rocking chair and is worried he may not have given a sufficient answer by the look on his face. Worried, and nervous as he wonders if his farm really might get burnt down. Cole on the other hand looks to Fer, and shakes his head. "Couldn't find out much personally Fer. I just know that they kill anyone who gets in their way, takes the valuable stuff, and some food then they run. These farms are just long enough outside the main city to make them prime targets. The guards can't be dispatched fast enough to give meaningful results." Cole says as he leans against a wall on the opposite end of the cabin near some dishes, and food sacks. The dinner table was not freshly set and remains of the man's dinner is still on it. The smell of stew is still pungent in the air but the farmer makes no moves to offer them food be it he ate it already or he didn't think of offering it to them. "I haven't heard of any murders young hero...I hope I don't die...I may be getting older but I've lived an honest life...I'd like to see my grand daughter born in about two months."

Fer immediately felt like a jerk as he gazed upon the poor man. He had not meant to be so brash but his blood had begun to stir with a personal need to do something for this family that had not been done for his own. He would be dead himself before he let the same fate befall the farmer and his kin.

“Thank you. Any information helps and you have been able to provide numbers. Please, leave it to us. The King himself has sent us to put a stop to these bandits. We…” He motioned to his party as if to drive his next words home “…we are here now. These bandits have preyed on the innocent too long. I think they need to feel the sting of my friend’s sword…” He smiled in Cole’s direction “..and judgement of the holy warrior from the church” He nodded towards Auriel.

He was not much of a speaker but he knew that some times peasants needed to believe in the supernatural and in this world, the Legendary Heroes were as saintly as it gets. He cleared his throat and turned to Cole. “We should come up with a strategy that saves the farm and does not put any innocent into unnecessary risk.”

He looked out the windows. As with any farm, there was a lot of open spaces for farming and such. Also like a farm, there was too many dry stuff that could easily catch on fire. He knew that the bandits would be easy to spot but guessed that hiding was not going to be their strategy. The bandits probably wanted to present a dramatic front and cause chaos and destruction. If this was the case then there may be hope to them winning. True professional killers got rid of the target and moved on. Only cowards and weaklings relished in wanton destruction.

"That was the plan but like I said it would be best if we could set up somewhere overlooking the whole of the farm." Cole states as the farmer thought for a moment. "Its not ideal but the best place to be would be on top of the silo of grain I keep on the far end of the farm." the man stated as he looked to the two heroes still looking uncomfortable with the prospect of annihilation before the waves even came. He sat in his seat fumbling with his hands nervously as Cole sighed. He wondered what kind of man was going to be attacking him, and his allies. "It's a shame that we don't have the bow with us but they'd probably just tell us to fuck off and get bent or something dumb like that." Cole says rolling his eyes as he considers what options he has. The farm seemed to be mostly well kept from what they saw when they arrived and it was open so they'd see something before it go to close one way or another. "Personally I'd think it sounds like a good idea but if we don't keep our wits about us we may get stuck on top of a burning Silo." Cole stated as he looked towards Fer his voice a calm but uneasy tone. He looks towards his companions with a firm face. "Why don't I go up on top while you go stay on the ground? That should help unless you object?" Cole says as he pushes himself off the wall and sits down next to the fire.

Fer had not been present for the summoning of the bow so he had no reference to what Cole was referring to. However, he shared his misgivings. A bow would definitely provide the firepower to even out any handicap that his lack of offensive capability brought to the table. He also wished the Spear would be present. It would perhaps be a better paring than Cole due to the reach. Either way, it was just the two of them and he was sure that they would not let any one get hurt and that thanks to their magical weapons, would be able to emerge at the end. Not unscratched perhaps but emerge at the very least.

The shield followed the gaze of the farmer as he saw the silo near the house. Like Cole, he knew that height was an advantage but it could also be a downside. He shrugged his shoulders at Cole’s suggestion. He had no problem being the focus of an attack. After all, that was literally his entire reason for being in the party.

“I have no issue drawing them in as you fall from the heavens like righteous punishment for their deeds.” The sarcasm was obvious in his voice but it was not meant to be a hidden snipe against Cole. “Auriel could flank them if necessary which would stir the pot and cause even more confusion on their ranks.”

He cracked his neck. “Also, I may not be able to use weapons but I don’t think that the shield will have any trouble if I set up traps. I used to be a hunter and trapper in my own world and we would not need much. It would create even more confusion and perhaps incapacitate few.”
He started looking around for any tools or stuff he could use. He turned to the farmer. “I will replace any damages that happen to your farm. Now where do you keep your tools, rope, a shovel and we are going to need a few sticks or small branches that can be sharpened .” His mind started to run trough possible scenarios and traps in his repertoire that might be useful.

"Understood you can take the ladder to the silo on the outside of the barn to the left side. There will be a steep climb but you'll be able to get up and down...in about five minutes if you go at a normal pace. If you fall you'll probably hurt yourself you know. Not to discredit the shield of course." comments the farmer. He turns to look at Auriel and gives a shivering nod as he tells her that he'll do his best but he'll not do it to much as he needs to escape if this fire thing is going to be an actual threat on his life. Cole nodded, and told the crew to follow him outside as he pulled out his golden sword he looked to Fer. He wondered how well he would do if he was stuck on the ground without him to help immediately but he sighed. "I'm putting my faith in you that you'll actually be able to fight with Auriel. Because going on top of that silo means I'm going to be out of the action for a good bit. God forbid they set the thing on fire, or something I'm going to need even more help. So please make sure you don't fuck up." Cole said wandering over to the silo. He didn't wait for Fer, or Auriel to reply before he started to climb up leaving the two of them to talk on their own accord.

....

Sometime later in about an hour, and a half's worth of time Cole spent his time watching the horizon of wheat, and corn wave around the fields plenty. He was starting to get sick and tired of sitting alone on top of the tower. As he did however he saw the light of torches on the other end of the field walking by the barn. Cole whistled loudly, and then started waving. He called out loudly. "HEY!!!! There's people near the barn to the east!" Cole called out as he called out below hoping that they heard he carefully maneuvered himself out from where he was standing to make his way back towards the ladder.

The calls of a crowd of decent size was audible after just a bit longer. The sounds of loud footsteps stomping on the ground and the clanking of swords, and other weapons. Of course the fire as well. There was also a large horse behind the group of bandits wearing makeshift fur armor.

Fer gave a slight smirk. Despite the impending hard fight that was sure to befall the party, he could not help but be tickled by Auriel's maternal and firm direction to action. He did a mock salute. Despite this, he was also excited to see her in actual combat. She had been their coach and advisor all this time. She had kept to the sidelines to try and let the Heroes develop on their own. This time however, he was sure that she would be front and center dealing death and mayhem. No matter what one's beliefs and moral compass, death was death and weapons knew nothing of mercy or control. A gaping would would be the same weather it was delivered by a saint or by a demon. Some primordial sense inside Fer wanted to see the usually calm in controlled Auriel in the heat of battle. His cheeks reddened a little.

He made his way to the outside listening to Cole's veiled concern for him. He patted the sword on the shoulder. "Hey man, I am confident of what I am able to do. but even if I am not, you worry about the fight. Once we are in it, keeping tabs on everybody will be really hard." He knew from first hand experience how harrowing and chaotic battles where. There was a saying no plan survives first contact.

He gave Ariel a wink and set about trying to fashion whatever trap he could that would not require very much time and would be simple enough. He ended up able to make only three which where on the doorways between fences. As the door was opened, a branch under tension would be released and strike anybody about thigh or groin level. This would at the very least cause the bandits to move slowly which would give Fer some time.

He was finishing up the last one when he heard Cole call out a warning of approaching enemies. Fer made his way towards the edge of the barn and peeked around. He saw the horse and picked up a few decent size stones. If he hit the horse at the back, it might run wild and hurt some of the closer. The distance was too great however and instead he picked another target, something closer, like a bandit who sported no helmet.

He hoped that his arm was still in good order. He aimed carefully and let the rock fly. The man's eye would be the target. The force would be enough to seriously wound the man. The battle had begun....

As the bandits were chatting about what their plan of action was a good thrown rock found its mark smacking the bandit on the side of the head but Fer had underestimated how much damage he would cause. The rock smacked the man making him bleed but not profusely enough that it would send him down to the ground. His companions look around for the source of the target eventually figured that with the wide open area around the farm there were few places to hide other than the barn. "Hey! Who the fuck is throwing shit! You want to survive this night you better show your ass! The boss wants her tribute! If you have any sense of self preservation you better not make us come find you! We're a reasonable bunch we're not here to ruin your life we're just here to take what we deserve!" The bandit calls out as he smacks his club into his hands repeatedly. "We're with the Winters Crew you know! We don't mind destroying your whole life if you refuse like that last two!"

The leader of the men pulled out a rather rusty looking longsword pointing it Auriel as he watches his mate fall to the ground ready to die for his actions. "Dumbass you had one good chance..." growled the bandit as he looks down at him he shakes his head. "So we got 'heroes' looking to make a name for yourselves huh?! the man said clanking his sword against his worn out metal armor he gives the rest of his men a funny looking smile as he opens his arms wide. "Look! This one fancies herself an angel huh!? Look at her, out here and she gave away the fact that she has at least two friends..." The man spits on the ground as he looks to the barn. "Where are they? The barn!? Look bitch I'll give you one chance to give me a reason to spare your life for threatening my ass. All we were here for was the loot, and some food. Don't you know the world is going to end soon!? Its kinda sad you're not running away instead of taking care of some bandits in the ass end of the city limits..." the man says.

Cole hears Auriel call out and he sighs wanting to answer her but still is climbing down to meet her from the top of the silo. He would take awhile to go out and meet her...hopefully her, and Fer would manage to find something to do before things got to heated...His golden sword would need to count for something at the end of the day.

Fer followed the thrown stone’s trajectory and heard the very audible smack. However, it seemed his arm was not as accurate as it had been. The man was not knocked out or incapacitated but at the very least he had managed to stir the hornet’s nest.

He cursed under his breath really wishing that he could have his old bow. It would have been possible to have his arrows hit a few necks by the time the bandits knew what was happening. Still, as it was it seemed he would be able to at least pull some attention. He picked up another rock in his hands and was ready to fling it again when he heard and saw his holy friend answer the challenge.

His under handed ways were lost to Auriel. He sighed, the girl was much too honorable for her own good. Still, there was something exhilarating about hearing her firm voice and her resolve. She was used to leading men and facing down devils. Unfortunately, men such as these had no soul and their minds were so corrupted that they were little better than animals. Just like animals, the best thing to do was to beat them into submission.

Even a modern fighter such a Fer who was used to the sound of gun fire and bringing death from afar, could appreciate the beauty and grimness that close quarter fighting was. Auriel’s movements were sharp and efficient. The bandit was obviously experienced but was no match for a true master of the art like Auriel.

It was not until she knocked out the other man and heard her yell that he cursed himself for not taking advantage of the distraction. Once the men started to rush her he threw his next stone. There was not much aim needed as he threw it towards the crowding men. He went for strength this time and put his back in to the throw hoping it would be much more painful when it hit. He moved to the opposite side of the barn. His plan was to eventually be found out and be chased. He would then use the opening to one of the animal holing pens which he had rigged. He hope to incapacitate at least another one with his trap and to pull some numbers from Auriel.

This plan would also pull the men away from where Cole would eventually emerge leaving their backs to him. Also, the bandits did not know that they were fighting the Cardinal Heroes which would be extra shock and prove useful as they would not be as wary. Instead, Fer would continue to fling his stones, an angry bandit is a distracted bandit.