Chapter 41 Bandits?

The next morning dawned bright and clear, painting the rolling hills of Baron Rothgard's domain in a fresh coat of golden light. Jolthar couldn't help but feel a tinge of anticipation as he joined the Maena's knights in preparing for their mission to deal with the troublesome bandit problem. "Alright, listen up, you lot!" Eran barked, his voice cutting through the relative quiet of the manor courtyard. "Today, we ride out with a wagon full of valuable ores. Our task is to lure those bandits out of hiding and put an end to their meddling once and for all." Jolthar couldn't resist a grin. "So, we're playing bait, eh? I thought we were supposed to be the hunters, not the hunted." Eran shot him a stern look. "This is no time for jests, Jolthar. The Lady Maena has entrusted us with an important mission, and we will see it through." "Easy there, big guy," Jolthar placated, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. "I'm just saying it's my first time in action. Forgive me for being a little eager." The older knight let out a long, suffering sigh. "Just try to keep that eagerness in check, will you? We need to be sharp out there—these bandits have been giving the baron no small amount of trouble." "Understood." Jolthar flashed him a rakish grin. "I'll be the picture of restraint. You can count on me." Eran looked less than convinced, but before he could respond, Lady Maena emerged from the manor, her silver-streaked hair gleaming in the morning light. "Knights," she addressed them in a firm tone, "today, we ride to put an end to this bandit scourge. Remain vigilant, and do not stray from the plan. Jolthar." Jolthar straightened, suddenly feeling the weight of the lady's piercing gaze. "Yes, my lady?" "See that you keep that impulsive nature of yours in check." Her lips quirked in the barest hint of a smile. "We cannot afford any... mishaps on this mission." Jolthar couldn't help but chuckle. "Wouldn't dream of it, my lady. You can count on me to be on my best behaviour." Lady Maena arched a sceptical brow but turned to address the rest of the knights. "Mount up. We ride in five minutes." As the group quickly secured their gear and swung into the saddle, Jolthar couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Sure, Lady Maena had warned him to keep his impulsive tendencies in check, but when had that ever stopped him before? Besides, he reasoned, a little bit of excitement was exactly what this mission needed. "Bandits!" Eran shouted, his own blade flashing as he parried the incoming attacks. "Defensive formation, now!" The Maena knights quickly fell into a well-practised defensive stance, their armour and shields creating a formidable barrier between the wagon and the hidden assailants. Jolthar found himself at the forefront of the charge, his sword a blur as he deflected arrow after arrow. "Is that all you've got?" Eran taunted, his voice dripping with bravado. "Come on out and face us like real men!" As if in response to his challenge, a contingent of rough-looking men emerged from the treeline, their weapons drawn and their eyes glinting with malice. Jolthar felt a grin spread across his face—finally, some real action. The knights surged forward, their blades clashing against the bandits' swords and axes. Jolthar was in his element, weaving and dodging, his sword striking with precision and power. But as the battle wore on, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was off. It was the first battle, and these men weren't able to scratch him. He had no real battle experience, and yet he was able to overpower them. The bandits, for all their ferocity, seemed to be holding back, their attacks lacking the desperation of true outlaws fighting for their lives. Jolthar's brow furrowed as he parried a swing, his gaze flicking toward Lady. What Jolthar didn't know was that he was just too strong for these bandits. The silver-haired warrior woman's expression was equally perplexed; her eyes narrowed in concentration as she cut down her opponents with effortless grace. Jolthar could see the subtle tensing of her muscles and the way her movements became more measured—a clear sign that she too sensed something amiss. "Eran!" Jolthar called out, even as he continued to fend off the bandits. "Something's not right here!" The older knight grunted in acknowledgement, his own sword flashing as he dispatched another attacker. "I know! Keep your guard up, Jolthar." Jolthar nodded, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle. Why would the bandits, who had been causing the baron so much trouble, suddenly pull their punches when faced with the might of the Maena knights? It just didn't add up. As the battle reached its climax, Jolthar found himself side-by-side with Lady Maena, their blades moving in perfect sync as they cut down the attackers.