Chapter 28: The bandit (2):

"I will not have that language from people like you," Uncle Robert muttered. "People like me? What nonsense," the bandit laughed. Everyone pulled out their swords and my eyes shone brightly. It was finally one of the most epic matches written in the book. "John and Lucas, you two protect the three young kids," ordered Uncle Robert as they moved back towards the carriage. In the story, Lucas and Butler John was one of the most experienced fighters in the grand duke's army. If they're here protecting us wouldn't Uncle Robert be at a disadvantage?

"Do any of you two know how to fight?" I asked addressing Ryan and Damian. Ryan nodded his head and muttered a little however Damian shook his head sadly. Well, no need for you to worry yourself. In the future, you'll become one of the best fighters in the kingdom. I gestured for butler John to go and help Uncle Robert as Ryan and myself knew how to fight. I had to learn martial arts for the sole purpose of protecting myself. The butler whispered a few words to Lucas and rushed off to join the grand duke. Uncle Robert looked at him in confusion however he didn't ask anything as the battle had started.

On our side, we only had 10 knights in total because Uncle Robert didn't want everyone to go with him. However, on the bandit's side, there were definitely more than 20 people. At this rate, we'll lose. Perhaps Lucas must've also realised this however he was ordered to protect us and yet his eyes were glued straight towards the battle. Everyone was swinging the swords around fitting the opponent on the other side. I watched as the Grand Duke fought off more than 4 people at the same time. No wonder the grand duke is also known as the warrior king. He lives up to his name. On the other hand, the knights were taking on men two at a time. Killing them off right after they landed a blow near their heart. How brutal. I wonder how long they must've taken to get this good at fighting. I was never this good. I only learnt the basics for self-defence in case I needed to protect myself one day.

The knights were pushing back the bandits and it seemed like they were winning however all of a sudden, a new wave of bandits came rushing out of the trees. They must've called reinforcement. And we didn't... So, now it was 9 against maybe 50? I looked at Lucas and ordered him to go and help the grand duke however, he still didn't move. He does follow instructions very carefully, no wonder he is one of the Grand Duke's most trusted allies. Lucas only ran out to help when one of the men got hurt near the arm. The blow was aimed at the head however he missed leaving only his arm bleeding. Ouch, that must've hurt. Before he ran out to help Lucas threw something at me saying "That'll keep you guys out of harm,". I nodded and thanked him. I passed the stone towards Damian because at this moment he was the most vulnerable to anyone attacking him.

When Lucas went out to help fight, the knights were surrounded in a circle, and I couldn't even see them. They won't die, right? The grand duke doesn't die until nearly 3/4 of the book. I remember this chapter; the knights should be arriving soon. They'll have to hold on for a few minutes. Just as that thought came into my mind a group of people rushed out of the forest and began fighting the bandits. Seeing that someone was helping them the grand duke immediately led his small army to destroy the bandits. In the end, most of the bandits ran away and 10 were caught.

Walking up towards Uncle Robert was the leader of the reinforcement army: General Reflood. "Greeting my lord," he greeted Uncle Robert while bringing his army towards Uncle Robert. The grand duke nodded and asked, "Why are you here?". The general looked around and replied, "His Majesty has ordered me to defeat these bandits as they've been causing a lot of trouble for people coming to the capital- especially the merchants,". The grand duke looked at the bandits and questioned the General on what to do with them. "His majesty just told me to ransack their lair and kill off anyone who misbehaves," addressing the bandit General Reflood asked, "Hurry up and tell us where your lair is and we will not kill you,". The bandit leader turned his head away and replied "We're no coward. I'll not betray my family just to live. Kill me if you want,". The general smiled and agreed. Oh no this is bad. He cannot die. At that moment, I hurriedly grabbed my cloak and rushed out screaming "Stop! Please have mercy,"