The Sword Maiden

Traitor?

"Ravine!"

The cry made the Ravagers back off to see who had called. I took my chance and darted away, not bothering to see who had called me. I needed distance from the those brutes.

When I finally looked behind me I saw that the two had split up. One was going to meet the new threat, while the other was coming after me. I slowed, recognizing Ladine's golden coat. Was that Redwar?

Yes it was, and he was aiming straight for the Ravager. But I had no time to observe the fight. The other Ravager was nearly upon me.

But now I had a chance, and I wasn't going to run. I stood my ground.

His first blow sent shivers through my blade, his stroke strengthened by fury. I withstood it and countered. He blocked my counter and withdrew to strike again. But I wouldn't let him, I went after him so that he had to keep his guard up.

There was the sound of another sword fight besides ours, but it didn't last long. I heard a curse muttered and the thump of a sword being thrown to the ground. "Stop Darka, it's Redwar Volan! We don't stand a chance."

'Darka' dropped his sword to the side and turned. "Are you sure?"

"No other man could disarm me that fast," replied his comrade, whom I'd dubbed Stumpy for his short build. His eyes were locked on Redwar's sword in front of him.

I was momentarily paralyzed. How could these men know Redwar? They were Ravagers. Unless...

But before my conclusion could be fully formed Redwar spoke. "You," he said, motioning with his blade "Get over here. Ravine, grab Axe, and get their swords."

I mutely nodded and did as he said.

Axe was still looking pretty wild-eyed when I walked up to him. "Shhh buddy, it's okay. It's over now and we're alright." I was surprised to hear those words come out of my mouth. "I'm here, it's alright."

He let me grab his reins and lead him back to Ladine, who greeted him with a throaty nicker. I patted his neck and waited for Redwar's next instructions. By now he had the two Ravagers sitting on the ground.

"Grab my bow and fit an arrow to the string."

I did as he said and took the bow off his back. It was the same bow that had rescued me a few months before. That was twice now Redwar had saved my hide from Ravagers.

"Cover me," said Redwar, and he sheathed his sword. My hand tightened over the arrow and string. I would not hesitate.

"Why did you come after her?" He asked, pointing at me.

Darka spat at his feet. "We won't tell you nothing filthy traitor."

Traitor?

Redwar didn't react offensively. Instead he leveled them with a hard and unflinching gaze. He didn't say anything. He just stared at them.

I was suddenly very glad that I was not the object of that stare.

The Ravagers fidgeted under his glare. They looked up and down, to the side, and even behind them. As the moments passed they grew increasingly uncomfortable.

"Why did you come after her?" Redwar's voice was measured, like he was trying to get a child to understand something.

"Won't tell you nothing," mumbled Stumpy.

"Why not?"

Redwar's question seemed to startle them. Their natural reaction was to clam up when captured. They had not stopped to think why.