“Let them wait,” Lee replied. “Organize the men, and set up positions. If they realize we know they're there, they may withdraw.”
“We could sneak around and surprise them,” offered Jacob.
Lee shook his head. “We're outnumbered two to one. We only have nine trained men. The others aren't swordsmen. If we set them to attack, they'll just get themselves killed.” He examined the surrounding area. The trees and brush along the road were sparse and on relatively high ground. Ahead, where the bandits were waiting, the road dipped and was flanked on either side by a slight incline. “We can defend this position, if we need to.” Lee strode off and gathered the men.
“I still think we could take them,” said Jacob, once Lee returned. The guards were lined up behind him and checking their weapons.
“You got a lot to learn, young Jasper,” said Fennio. “The best way to win is to avoid fighting. We're hired guards, not an army. We ain't lookin' to get killed.”
“I thought you wanted to be a soldier,” teased Santino. “I'm with Jasper. We should take them by surprise. I don't like waitin' to be slaughtered.”
“We're not attacking!” barked Lee. “They'll know we're aware of them soon enough. And I doubt we could get behind them in broad daylight, anyway.” He drew his sword. “Believe me, if they decide to attack, they're in for a surprise.” His tone silenced any further argument. He turned to Darius. “You stay behind me at all times.” Jacob moved beside him and drew his weapon. “And you stay by my side.”
Jacob nodded sharply. His muscles tensed with anticipation.
Lee positioned the men around the wagons, men at arms in front and the rest several feet behind. An hour passed and the bandits had made no move, but Lee could still hear them. He looked at his son and furled his brow. He had known all along that they would likely have to fight, but now that danger was a reality, he was afraid for Jacob's life. He remembered dangers he faced with Gewey, not long ago. He loved Gewey as a son, but was never this concerned. Gewey was a God after all, and very hard to kill.
Then, down the road, he saw them. Twenty bandits filing toward them at a slow walk, their weapons drawn. The man in front was tall, broad-shouldered, with head shaved, leaving only an inch wide strip of black hair down the center. In his right hand he carried a large battle axe; in his left a small round shield. They halted about twenty yards away and the leader took a few steps forward.
“Whoever your commander is, he's a sharp one,” called the bandit. “But then, so am I.”
Darius stepped forward. “What do you want?”
The bandit laughed. “Something tells me you're not the one who spotted us, fat man.” He shrugged. “Well, I think you know what we want. The question is, are you willing to die for it?”
Darius held his head high. “Are you?” He looked at his guards, pausing when he met Lee's eyes, smiling. “Give way and find an easier target.”
The bandit addressed Darius' men. “Listen to me. This fat rich merchant will see you all to your graves. If you leave now, none of you will be harmed. Is his gold worth your life?”
Lee stepped forward. He focused his strength to make his voice louder. “If all these men run, I will stand. And by the Gods, if I fall, you will fall with me.”
The bandit shifted uneasily. “I guess I know who the real leader is here.” He steadied his feet. “A man like you could go far. Why are you determined to die? Why not live and get rich?”
Lee tightened his grip on his sword. He glanced at Jacob, giving him a sinister smirk. “I don't need you to get rich. And your time is nearly up.”
“So be it,” said the bandit. He looked back at his men and raised his hand.
The silence was only disturbed by the nervous breathing of the men and the uneasy shifting of the pack animals. Darius moved to Lee's back, a short sword in his hand.
“Stay near me,” Lee whispered to Jacob. “And keep your back to the wagons.”
Then the bandit's hand dropped. The attackers charged, screaming wildly as they came. The guards braced themselves. In seconds they clashed. The deafening clatter of steel on steel cut through the air. Lee hoped the bandit leader would come at him first, but he did not, instead choosing to engage the guards to his left. Two bandits swung their rusty swords at Lee, but found nothing but empty air. Lee cut them down with blinding speed.
Jacob was dodging blows from a tall, heavy set bandit who wielded a thick broadsword. Fear struck Lee's heart as Jacob was pushed back. He moved to take the bandit's head, but Jacob struck first, thrusting his sword through the man's gut, then ripping it free. Jacob flashed a smile at Lee, then stepped forward to greet another attacker.
Two more bandits came at Lee but were quickly dispatched. Jacob had taken the arm of another and had placed himself in front of Darius.
“I'll protect Darius!” shouted Jacob. “Kill the leader!”
Lee swelled with pride. He scanned the melee for the leader. The guards were holding their ground well. Their experience kept the wagons at their backs and forced the bandits to take them on one at a time. The leader was at the far end. He had killed two guards and was beating back a third. Lee pulled the dagger from his belt and hurled it at the leader. The blade slashed across the man's neck, narrowly missing being buried in his throat. The bandit turned to see Lee charging in, and took a few steps forward to meet him.
Lee killed two more bandits before he finally reached the leader. He could see the fear in the leader’s eyes as he brought his blade down hard and swift. The bandit was only just able to raise his axe in time, but the force of Lee's blow threw him back. Lee stepped in again, this time bringing his sword upward in a tight arc. The tip dug into the bandit's left thigh and tore its way to his hip. The bandit grimaced and staggered, swinging his axe frantically. Lee moved deftly away, then slashed into the leader’s right shoulder. The axe fell to the dirt with a sharp thud. The bandit closed his eyes as Lee moved in. One more powerful blow sent the bandit's head flying. The body stood erect for a moment, blood squirting rhythmically from its neck, then crumbled to the ground. Seeing their fallen leader, one by one the remaining bandits began to flee.
“Do not pursue them,” Lee shouted. He rushed to his son's side; Jacob was still breathing heavily from the fight. His shirt and trouser were drenched in blood, and spots of red dotted his cheeks.
Darius was backed against the wagon. His hands trembled and his face was ghostly pale. When he saw Lee he forced a weak smile. “Well done.” He nodded at Jacob. “Both of you.”
“We need to tend the wounded,” said Lee. “And see to the dead.”
Lee examined the aftermath of the battle. The guards had already begun to treat the wounds of their comrades. Each gave Lee a respectful nod as he passed. In all, they lost three men and three more were wounded. They had managed to hold off the bandits well enough to protect the untrained workmen. He checked his pack and retrieved a healing salve he had brought, then set to treating the men. Two could still travel on their own, but one would need to ride in a wagon.
Darius had the men dig graves for the fallen guards, and had the bodies of the bandits placed in a row along the roadside. “They can serve as a warning,” he said, as he looked upon the sight.
A short ceremony was held for the guards. Each of their comrades said a quiet prayer to Dantenos, God of the Dead, asking him to watch over their friends. No one wanted to stay the night there, so they marched another mile then set up camp.
After building the fire and setting the bedrolls, most sat in silence, the horror of the battle still fresh in their minds. Lee checked the wounded, then joined Jacob and Darius at the edge of the encampment.
“Quite a day,” said Darius.
Lee nodded. “Indeed, it was.” He tore off a piece of bread that had been laid out for him. “There is a small town, Farice, a day’s ride from here. We should reach it before sundown tomorrow. The wounded should be left behind there. They will not heal if they continue.”
“I'm familiar with Farice,” said Darius. “I'll see the men are paid and, looked after.” He looked Lee in the eye. “I've never seen anyone fight like you. You could have taken the entire raiding party alone, I suspect.” His eyes drifted to Jacob. “And I see you have the same spirit in you as well.”
Lee shrugged. “I was well-trained. And Jasper is a natural.”
“Well-trained, you say,” said Darius. His eyes bore suspicion. He stretched out on his bedroll, his hands folded, cradling his head. “You know, I have traveled this road six times since the Reborn King came to power. I've seen many soldiers, mercenaries, thugs, bandits, you name it. I've seen many fights, duels, and even one pitched
