Clink! Clank!
In the heart of the dense woods, the clash of metal echoed through the trees as two groups engaged in a furious battle.
"Your Highness, that mysterious group is in conflict with the smugglers. It seems today fortune favors us," a knight whispered, their steps stealthy as they closed in on the source of the commotion.
Cian's eyes gleamed with determination. Today, escape was not an option. Alongside capturing the smugglers, he intended to uncover the woman who led this mysterious group. Enough of this hide and seek now.
Drawing closer, Cian's party took cover behind the boulders, observing as the clashing swords suddenly fell silent. Before them, the mysterious group found themselves surrounded by additional smugglers, blades pointed menacingly.
"It appears the smugglers have turned the tables on them this time. They've laid a trap to capture this group and their leader," a spy murmured, barely audible over the tension.
Cian saw it unfold before him. "Repeating the same trick won't suffice. These smugglers are not ones to be deceived repeatedly," he declared, rising tall and firm, hand firmly grasping his sword hilt.
"Your Highness, shall we intervene?" one of the knights inquired.
In response, Cian advanced, blade already unsheathed. The knights, understanding their liege's resolve, followed suit, prepared for battle. They could hear the leader of the smuggler group warning the captured group.
"...you think you could fool us again? How presumptuous," the leader of smuggler group laughed. "We have been planning to capture you for a long time and make you pay for all those losses you caused us. Each one of you is going to die while we feed you those poisonous herbs and let you know the taste of those precious herbs before you die."
"Try it?" A woman's voice challenged the man.
Even from a distance, Cian's gaze locked onto her, a figure cloaked in defiance, glaring at her enemy. Though her face remained obscured by dark cloth, her eyes spoke volumes, fearless and unyielding. Gripping two short swords, she stood prepared for battle, fully aware of their outnumbered status. She was the sort who would rather break than bend.
"A woman?" the man taunted, his words dripping with disdain. "No wonder you're dwarfed by these burly men. I'm curious what beauty lies beneath, to muster such audacity," he jeered, motioning to his cohorts. "Unveil her face. If she is a beauty, she's mine for the night. If not, she's open to any takers."
Cian watched with growing displeasure as one of the men approached her, intending to carry out the order. Yet, before he could intervene, a pained cry echoed through the forest.
"You're not even worthy of even touching the hem of my garment," the woman spat, withdrawing her sword after slicing the man's hand. There was a unusual pride in her voice and her gaze as if the people in front of her were not even worthy of her single glance.
Such a prideful woman!
"Shut up," Cian said in a lazy tone as if his words were giving him earaches, "When faced with death, you scums have nothing new to say."
The woman regarded Cian, curiosity glinting in her eyes. Though uncertain of his identity, she sensed he posed no threat, allowing him to take the lead as events unfolded.
"Who are you?" The leader's question mirrored the woman's curiosity.
"Shouldn't you be pleading for mercy instead?" Cian countered, his tone even, yet his gaze conveyed a profound disdain, as though regarding the man as little more than a mere insect to be squashed beneath his heel. His aura of authority made it abundantly clear—he was no ordinary individual.
"Do you know why you're still breathing?" Cian inquired, his voice carrying a weight of ominous implication.
"If you think I will give you any information, then you are mistaken," the leader said, "I would rather die."
Cian chuckled softly, a display of how he perceived the leader's stubbornness as folly. "Your death wish shall be granted, indeed. But before you depart this world, allow me to impart some wisdom to you, so perhaps in your next life, you'll refrain from repeating your mistakes."
"What do you mean?" The leader's tone betrayed his growing unease at Cian's ominous words.
"In battle, regardless of your opponent's gender, even if she is a woman, they are warriors worthy of respect, not objects for your amusement," Cian explained calmly. In one swift motion, the tip of his sword pierced just above the man's left collarbone, eliciting a cry of agony.
"You rather kill her right there with your sword like a warrior than humiliating her with your nasty words." The sword slowly made its way further deep as Cain continued to speak, "Remember this in your next life time if you even deserve one," and pierced that sword further deeper till it reached his heart and man took his last breath.
As if nothing happened, Cian put his foot on leader's shoulder, pushing him away and withdrawing his sword swiftly from his body. The lifeless body of the man collapsed on the ground while his men, whoever was left alive, were left scared to see the end of their leader who was supposed to be strongest of them all.
The woman found herself surprised by Cian's words, a flicker of appreciation glimmering in her eyes. It was evident that this man held genuine respect for women, yet she remained vigilant, unwilling to let her guard down.
"Who are you?" she inquired, her voice steady despite the curiosity that gnawed at her.
Cian returned her gaze, his demeanor composed and steadfast. "I could ask you the same," he replied calmly.
"I fear you may not receive an answer," she conceded.
"My response remains unchanged," he countered, unwavering in his resolve.
For a moment, silence hung between them, each refusing to yield ground to the other. They knew well that neither would relent in their quest for answers.