Call to Action

What were once distant echoes now rose to the mighty roar of thunder. So loud was the struggle that even hearing one's own thoughts was a near impossible task. Darting out from around the bend Benjamin found himself face to face with the robbery of a caravan. The guard detail was clearly split thin amongst the different vehicles that comprised this merchant group. Nearby was clearly a bandit who wore distinctive black and brown clothing that matched what all the other assailants were adorned with. This was clearly how they were able to identify friend from foe in this skirmish.

Wasting no time the trusty spear at his side was readied. He quickly closed in on the man who brandished something akin to a short rifle. Gracefully the spear swept in an arc at the bandit cutting across the left armpit. This attack was shallow. It was not intended to kill but to rather glean just how effective, if even present, their armor and defensive equipment was. Soon a gentle blue sheen enveloped the body of the bandit rejecting the small blade of the spear. Indeed, just as had been surmised, the bandits were in possession of Personal Defense Shields. These were some of the breakthrough technologies that had dramatically reduced the viability and value that firearms possessed through much of modern history. The answer became abundantly clear in that moment. All one needed to do was to make long slashing attacks that covered most of the body to drain the shields of their batteries.

One issue did present itself however. In what had devolved into a straight up melee with no real cohesion a spear was all but useless. It was a weapon meant to take advantage of its length to attack your opponent without being in range of counter attacks. In confined spaces such as this it was a liability. Quickly mustering his wits Benjamin threw aside his spear and drew his long-sword. Though the blade required both hands it was more than suited to this kind of combat.

Quietly closing the distance Benjamin brought his blade to bare. Light danced on the surface of the blade as it sailed through the air, a gentle whistle the only indication of its attack. The tip of the blade bites into the Personal Defense Shield and ravenously begins to tear its layers apart. All while the bandit is confused as to when he was suddenly being attacked by two instead of one. That split second of confusion was all that was needed. Lights flashed as the blade danced across the surface of the shield two more times before the high-pitched whine of the shield dying entranced the ear.

What originally was only confusion morphed to horror. A pale pallor set in for the would-be assailant wiping around in a desperate attempt to fend off what had clearly become the greater threat. But it was too little too late as their fate had long since been sealed. Only mere feet apart there was no delay between exchanges. With practiced ease Benjamin lowered his body and drew back both arms to his right side. Every muscle in his body rippled with tension, power now rapidly surging forth. The bandit knowing this their only opportunity quickly unloaded a barrage of fire. Each shot was quickly consumed by the flash of vibrant purple that now enshrouded Benjamin. Indeed, each and every aggression fell short of reaching its target. Sharply exhaling, Benjamin thrust the blade home running the tip deep into the throat of the panicked bandit. A moist sound echoed out as the blade tip parted the flesh followed with a final sharp thud as it came to rest on the bone. No screams, no overly dramatic shouts of how could this have happened. Just the merciless gurgles of the bandit drowning in their own blood.

There had been no call to alert the others of this new threat. There hadn't even been a true struggle in the first place. Only the actions of a seasoned warrior dispatching a foe in the heat of battle. With a curt nod directed at the caravan guard Benjamin swiftly set about taking on the remaining bandits. There were no flashy moves being called out, no movements beyond human comprehension. Each and every action had meaning, had flow to it. One slice and thrust of the blade paired effortlessly with the movement of the feet to arrive at the needed location to ensure each strike landed true. This was a dance. The body never once truly stopped moving. First the right foot followed by the left. The upper body swaying to and fro in sync with the rhythm of the fight. Sometimes pivoting to allow for a graceful arc and weaving in between the bodies of his enemies. His blade glistening and reflecting the blue surface as it scattered the rippling waves of the shields. This pure white only interrupted by the trails of crimson that blossomed from one foe after the other. The petals fell in all direction coating the landscape in this macabre yet breathtaking spectacle. Movements so fluid that one could easily mistake his arms for the flowing of rivers. So torrential were the currants that any and all who entered were soon swept away left with only a scant few seconds desperately struggling to gasp for air. However, this struggle too was swept away in the unrelenting tides.

Soon silence fell upon the battlefield. Where chaos once had reigned so completely now there was naught but stillness. All that remained was a painting of desolation and decay. Dull crimson petals draped the road and fallen bodies. The only remnant of their last thoughts and struggle was the grotesque contortions of the faces and misshapen bodies. But even this moment of reflection would not last before the hands of time. A terse voice broke through the distance.

"You clearly are not with the bandits that assaulted us. Just who are you?" Though they tried to remain calm, the constant breaking in the pitch of their voice betrayed their true mental state.

At the very least I shall give them credit for not stuttering like a fool. Amused Benjamin moved to sheath his long-sword back at his hip. The motion was smooth, slow, and devoid of any sudden action. An olive branch of a kind to show that further conflict was not desired or sought after.

"I am but a wondering warrior who does not take kindly to those who seek to prey upon the innocent. If you so choose, think of me as nothing more than a man with a strong conscious." He made sure to remain clear of speaking his name lest these fellows become aware that they were dealing with an escaped prisoner. A studious glance taking in the whole of those before him lead to a simple conclusion. These people had already seen enough suffering for one day and had no intention of looking a gift horse in the mouth.

"Then please come this way that we might discuss these events in a more hospitable setting. Ah, but where are my manors? First allow me to introduce myself. I am Felix Confractus." This time their intonation was far more relaxed and steady. Clearly, they had managed to win back some calmness and composure. The only response given was a small nod followed by measured and slow steps. Another gesture of good will allowing them to reorganize themselves and come to grasps with the damage that they had sustained during the attack.

They relocated to a meeting room within one of the caravan trucks. Passing through the sliding doors on the side of the vehicle gave rise to the somewhat cushioned interior of a meeting room that serviced both business deals as well as helping to direct the defenses during times of attacks if the monitors and computer equipment inside were of any indication.

Felix motions to the chair opposite of him at the table where many documents and maps were strewn. Taking a seat for the first time since waking up was a welcome respite. Benjamin could now truly begin to unwind from the adrenaline that still coursed through his veins from the recent conflict. Making something of a show of taking a deep breath and exhaling, he clasped his hands before his face while leaning over the table.

"I believe there is something you wished to discuss with me?"