"THE PRINCESS & THE QUEEN" series -SCROLL VII: SACRAMENTS FOR SUBSTANTIATION

Pt. 19

There was a momentary standoff between Gabrielle and the bandits. She stood across from their leader as both had their weapons drawn and ready to fight. Gabrielle glanced at a couple of other bandits who were standing to the side as the one facing off against her, who Gabrielle assumed was likely the leader of the group spoke up.

BANDIT
Oh, don't worry about them. They won't make it more unless I tell them to. So it's just you and me little lady.

Gabrielle played along as though she believed him. But she was smart enough to know better than to take someone like him at his word. So she would be sure to keep track of the others in the group while she was facing their leader.

GABRIELLE
That's fine with me.

BANDIT
(Condescending tone) Good. Then why don't we get started? I do like to consider myself a gentleman, so I'll let you make the first move being as though your a lady and all.

Gabrielle stared at him intensely.

GABRIELLE
(Sarcasm) And here I thought chivalry was dead.

With that Gabrielle began moving slowly as she assessed her opponent. She watched his movements as he followed hers. Then in an attempt to end the conflict quickly and figuring he wouldn't be expecting it, Gabrielle launched one of her sai's in his direction. The bandit managed to dodge the sudden attack and the weapon Gabrielle threw went flying past him and landed on the ground. The bandit smirked.

BANDIT
(Confident tone) Nice try. Now it's my turn.

The bandit leader rushed for Gabrielle and swung his sword. Gabrielle moved back as she dodged the blade aimed at her midsection. The bandit swung again in a downward arch. And again Gabrielle moved out of the way. Though this time the bandit was expecting her to do so and landed a hard kick into her side. Gabrielle felt the impact as she stumbled back a little. The bandit grinned as he took a moment to admire his handwork.

BANDIT
(Confident tone) That looked like it hurt.

Undeterred Gabrielle came back at him. She ducked when he swiped at her, swiftly turned her hand so her weapon was facing down, and drove the bottom of her sai's handle up into his jaw. The bandit leader staggered back for a moment as he rubbed the area of his face where he was hit and scowled at Gabrielle.

BANDIT
(Angry tone) Okay, that actually hurt. Now you've just gone and pissed me off. So I guess play time's over.

GABRIELLE
Good, because I wasn't playing.

BANDIT
(Angry tone) I hope you're prepared little lady. I don't typically find interest in beating up women because well it doesn't offer much of a challenge. So I was going easy on you before. But you've just made the biggest mistake of your life by stocking your nose in a business that doesn't concern you. So now I'm gonna show you what happens to people who dare to try getting in my way.

The bandit leader made an angry yell as he thrust his sword towards Gabrielle. She attempted to deflect his attack but was only partially successful in redirecting the strike. Instead of the blade piercing her, Gabrielle managed to shift the weapon's trajectory away from her chest and instead felt her upper arm get cut as the blade continued forward. Ignoring the pain she then shoved the bandit back and quickly lunged at him. The bandit blocked the strike with his sword. The two weapons locked up as the two struggled for control for several moments. However as Gabrielle continued in her effort to hold the bandit back, she realized that this exact scenario was something that she couldn't simply will herself into coming out successful in. The simple fact was that the bandit was just simply both bigger and stronger than her. And Gabrielle knew that there really wasn't anything that she could do about that. And the bandit leader seemed to be aware of this fact as well and used it to his advantage. He pressed his superior strength down towards Gabrielle. She tried to hold him off but was unsuccessful as she was forced down to one knee as she struggled to hold him back. She used her free arm to support the one that was locked up with the bandit's sword. Her arms began to tremble under the continuing pressure. Gabrielle knew that she wouldn't be able to keep this up for much longer. She needed to do something to create some distance between them. The bandit gave an evil smile as he saw Gabrielle beginning to waver and could already feel his victory at hand. He made a quick move of his sword which forced Gabrielle's remaining weapon from her grip and sent it a couple feet away. Now with Gabrielle unarmed, the bandit leader pressed the tip of his sword to her throat before she had a chance to move. He used the flat side of the blade to tap Gabrielle's chin and get her to look at him before returning the point to her throat.