The Bandits
Leo and Ariana had been traveling for two days, following the map and the compass that Master Zane had given them. They had crossed rivers and hills, forests and fields, avoiding the main roads and the towns. They knew that the mage had spies and soldiers everywhere, and that they could not trust anyone.
They had also encountered some dangers along the way, such as wild animals and traps. They had managed to overcome them with their skills and teamwork. They had also found some allies, such as a farmer who gave them some food and water, and a healer who gave them some medicine and advice.
They continued their journey getting closer and closer to the fortress, which was located on top of a mountain.
They were also getting closer to danger.
They encountered some bandits on the road, who tried to rob them for the Starblade.
They were a group of six men, armed with swords and axes. They wore leather armor and masks, and rode on horses. They looked rough and mean, and smelled of sweat and dirt.
They blocked Leo and Ariana's path, and demanded that they hand over their belongings.
They said to Leo and Ariana,
"Hey there, travelers. You look like you have something valuable on you. Why don't you share it with us?"
Leo looked at them with contempt.
He said to them,
"Get out of our way. We have nothing for you."
The bandits laughed.
They said to Leo,
"Oh, really? What about that fancy sword on your back? It looks like it's worth a fortune. We'll take that, thank you very much."
Ariana looked at them with anger.
She said to them,
"Over our dead bodies. That sword is ours, and you can't have it."
The bandits sneered.
They said to Ariana,
"Is that so? Well then, we'll just have to kill you first."
They drew their weapons, and charged at Leo and Ariana.
Leo and Ariana drew their weapons too, and prepared to fight.
Leo took out his sword, the Starblade, and swung it at the nearest bandit. He cut through his armor and flesh with ease, killing him instantly.
Ariana took out her wand, her staff, and her book of spells. She cast a fireball at another bandit, setting him on fire.
The other bandits were shocked by their power and skill. They hesitated for a moment, but then resumed their attack.
They surrounded Leo and Ariana, trying to overwhelm them with numbers.
But Leo and Ariana fought back with courage and determination.
They used their swords and magic to fend off their enemies.
They worked together as a team, covering each other's backs.
They killed three more bandits, leaving only one alive.
He was the leader of the group, a tall and muscular man with a scarred face. He wielded a large axe, which he swung at Leo's head.
Leo blocked his attack with his sword, but felt the impact on his arm. He staggered back, dropping his sword.
The bandit saw his chance, and raised his axe for the final blow.
He said to Leo,
"Say goodbye to your life."
He brought down his axe towards Leo's chest.
But before he could hit him, he felt a sharp pain in his back.
He looked down, and saw an arrow sticking out of his heart.
He gasped for air, then fell to the ground.
He was dead.
Leo looked up, and saw who had shot the arrow.
He saw a friendly dragonkin, who had helped them escape.
He was a humanoid dragon, with green scales, yellow eyes, and horns. He wore a leather tunic and pants, and a quiver of arrows on his back. He held a bow in his hand, which he had used to kill the bandit.
He smiled at Leo, and said to him,
"Are you alright, friend?"
Leo nodded, and said to him,
"Yes, thanks to you. Who are you?"
The dragonkin said to Leo,
"My name is Ryn. I'm part of a resistance group that opposes the mage and his tyranny."
Leo asked Ryn,
"A resistance group? What do you mean?"
Ryn said to Leo,
"Come with me, and I'll explain. It's not safe here. The mage's soldiers might come soon."
He helped Leo up, and handed him his sword.
He then looked at Ariana, who was still holding her wand.
He said to her,
"And you are?"
Ariana said to Ryn,
"I'm Ariana. Leo's friend."
Ryn nodded, and said to Ariana,
"Nice to meet you, Ariana. You're a good fighter."
Ariana smiled, and said to Ryn,
"Thank you. So are you."
Ryn smiled back, and said to Ariana,
"You're welcome. Come on, let's go."
He led Leo and Ariana away from the road, and into the forest.
He said to them,
"I have a camp nearby, where my friends are waiting. They'll be happy to see you."
Leo asked Ryn,
"Who are your friends?"
Ryn said to Leo,
"They're other dragonkin, like me. We're the last survivors of our race. We've been fighting against the mage for years. We want to free our brethren from his control, and restore our honor."
Leo asked Ryn,
"How do you plan to do that?"
Ryn said to Leo,
"By destroying the Dragon's Eye."