Fight Free

"What about Sir Kyra?"

"What about Sir Kyra?"

"Think you could beat her?"

"In an archery contest? Not likely. Think I'd give her a run for her money in a fist fight though."

"How about a foot race?"

"Now you're just being petty."

Thane let out an exasperated huff. The two wolves strolled along a narrow track that wound through a verdant forest glade. Rays of amber light streaked through the canopy as the sun dipped towards the distant horizon, dappling the path before them and the surrounding undergrowth.

"I just don't think you give me enough credit is all." Thane muttered. "I mean, none of them?"

River sighed, "Thane, the Order of the Rose are the greatest warriors Armello has ever seen. Ever. Bar none. What would you like me to say?" Her voice took on a mocking tone, "Why of course Sir Winter Wolf, you are the finest swordsman to ever grace the kingdom with his presence, I'm sure both Avalor and Elegor together could never best you in battle, may I please polish your magnificent blade?"

"Y'know, I fought Siegmeir."

"Yes, we all saw your match against Sir Siegmeir. Yes, it's somewhat impressive that he didn't put you on your arse in the first ten seconds. The fact of the matter is he still beat you, and I can't imagine he was trying very hard."

Thane's foot scuffed in the dust as he kicked at a small rock, "It's not like everyone I've ever faced has gone easy on me."

River glanced back at him, her expression serious. "I know. You are a good warrior Thane, one of the clan's best. But your overconfidence will kill you faster than any enemy."

"I prefer to think of it as my winning charm." He sped up his pace a little to walk alongside her.

River shook her head, "The only thing you'll be winning is an arse kicking."

Thane acted as if he hadn't heard the barb. "How about Durande? If I got in too close for him to use that lance..." He thrust both fists forward as if practicing a two-handed lunge.

"As fun as it would be to watch Sir Durande stomp you into the ground maybe you should start with someone a little more on your level. Maybe you could handle Kyra. If I helped."

"You'd really make me fight her?" Thane chuckled, "She's much too adorable."

River raised an eyebrow at him, "My my Thane, I had no idea that was what you like in a woman. It's not very Wolf of you."

"That's not exactly what I meant..." He glanced away, feeling his face flush, then looked back to her with a sly grin. "I'd rather handle Yllana."

That one nearly made River stop in her tracks. "Really? Have you ever seen the face under that mask?"

"I've seen the body under that suit." He gave a low, appreciative growl.

River rolled her eyes, "This is why I left my tribe to live alone in the wilderness."

Thane gasped in feigned shock, "You're not jealous that you can't have my heart all to yourself are you?"

River rounded on him and clamped her hand around his muzzle. "I would rather lay with pigs than put up with your inane chatter within my bedchamber as well as without, Greymane."

Thane tried to force his words out through her grip, "I n'ver shed 'd tulk, j'sht giv 'oo a berdee goommph-" The rest of his quip was cut short as River tightened her fist.

"Stop. Please." He let out a small grunt and she released him, turning to walk away quickly.

Thane worked his jaw and followed after her, never letting his playful smile slip. "You could just take the compliment. Who else could say they have the affection of the future High Chieftain of the clan?" He spread his arms to gesture to the forest around them, "And besides, where might I find another fair maiden on this meandering journey through the middle of nowhere?"

River ignored him, then suddenly drew to a halt, one hand raised to cut Thane off.

Thane immediately dropped his act, his hand going to the hilt of his sword. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure..." River lifted her bow from her shoulder, closed her eyes, then let the huntress take control. Her muscles relaxed, her breathing slowed. She could hear Thane beside her; his short, shallow breaths as his pulse quickened, readying himself for combat. She could smell him; fur, steel, leather, and the scents of the forest carried on the breeze. The trees swayed in the wind, leaves rustling softly in time with its flow. And there-something moving out of rhythm. She looked up, tracking the movement through the canopy until it was nearly above them.

Something small fell onto Thane's head, bouncing into the palm of his hand. An acorn. He inspected it quizzically for a moment. There was a burst of leaves from directly above their heads and something swung down from an overhanging branch. "En garde!" A squeaky, high pitched voice called out.

Thane found himself standing with his nose pressed against the tip of a sword. It was carved from a piece of wood, slightly notched and crooked, and barely longer than a dagger. At the other end was a very short, very round squirrel girl who was hanging upside down by her feet. She wore a simple green tunic and belt, and a black mask that hid her face except for a pair of large, dark, inquisitive eyes and a mischievous smile. A small leather satchel and a heavy black cloak, patched with pieces of green felt and clasped with a wooden acorn brooch, hung down around her, as did her long, bushy tail which was bigger than she was.

"What the-hey! Cut that out." Thane swatted the wooden sword away from his face as the girl prodded at him.

River visibly relaxed. "Alright missy, you can come down now. Where are your parents?"

"I'm not a little girl and I don't got any parents." The squirrel said testily, jabbing at River who was far out of her reach.

"What are you even doing up there?" Thane asked impatiently.

The little smile returned as she turned back to Thane. "Distracting."

"What?" Something hit Thane hard across the back of the head and he blacked out.

Dusk had fallen over the Great Forest, the eastern sky darkening as evening gave way to night. Sana and Brun had set up camp in a small clearing near the forest's edge. At dawn they would set out onto the plains beyond and begin their journey.

Sana reclined on her bedroll, cloak wrapped around her against the night's chill, beside a crackling fire. Freshly caught fish roasted over the smoky flames. Brun sat against a tree a little way outside the circle of light; legs crossed, hands resting on his knees, his head bowed and eyes closed. He looked as if he could have been asleep but Sana sensed that he was alert as ever. In the waning light the scars that wove across his body glowed a faint green.

"What are you thinking?" She asked him.

Brun didn't move or open his eyes. "Why should I be thinking anything?"

"Because you're awake and, despite your appearance, I don't believe you're so unintelligent that your mind is completely empty."

Brun's face broke into a scowl at that and Sana couldn't help but smirk at the reaction. "I'll have you know an empty mind helps me to focus, to find my calm. And is much easier to achieve without your incessant noise."

Sana huffed indignantly, "I think you've been living alone so long that you've forgotten how to have a decent conversation. Well I'll be over here if you feel like eating or warming up by the fire." She fluttered the hem of her cloak, wafting the smell of the cooking fish toward Brun invitingly.

He muttered something under his breath which could have been an incantation or a string of curses, then sighed heavily. "What do we even have to talk about, you and I? We live worlds apart; you being the devout Forest Sister, favoured by the elders, and me being...what I am."

"Why not tell me about your life in Wyldroot? The time before..."

Brun's eyes snapped open, looking at Sana for the first time. "I spent it living as a warrior in a time of peace, then it ended in fire and bloodshed. Now I'm the last of my kind, alone and forgotten. And all is better for it."

Sana stared into the flames, remaining silent for a while, then spoke, "You haven't been forgotten. And you aren't alone anymore. Come sit by the fire."

Brun slumped his shoulders and bowed his head again. He looked as if he was considering her offer. Then his ears suddenly perked up and he glanced out into the trees, raising his cudgel.

"What's wrong?" Sana asked. She didn't think they would come to much harm while they were still within the borders of the Great Forest but all the same she rose to one knee, reaching for her staff.

There was a rustling, creaking sound. Sana peered into the darkness growing thicker between the trees. She thought that for a moment she caught a glimpse of something stirring; some vast, dark form, deep green eyes burning in a huge, craggy face. Then a figure padded into the light of the fire.

He was a short bear, young looking, with a pale tan coat. His dark green clothes were simple in design and crudely made: a hooded tunic and a loincloth with a rope belt. In one hand he dragged a plain wooden club along the ground behind him.

He paused at the edge of the clearing, scratching his chin as he eyed Sana. Brun seemed to relax, deciding the newcomer was no threat.

"Good evening, little one." Sana said softly, "Would you care to join us? We have plenty of food to share."

The small bear approached slowly. When he stood before Sana he cocked his head, looking at her quizzically. Then he reached behind himself and, seemingly from nowhere, produced a Spirit Stone. It sat in the palm of his hand, glowing gently as he held it out toward Sana.

"You're giving this to me?" Sana whispered. The bear nodded eagerly with a little smile and she reached forward to accept the stone. Her fingers closed around its cool surface and she felt its power suffuse her being. "Thank you."

The bear smiled at her again and, just as quickly as he had appeared, turned to waddle away. He stopped by the tree line, turning back to give them a final wave goodbye before he stepped into the shadows and vanished from sight. Once more they heard the curious sound of creaking wood and too heavy footfalls receding into the distance.

As silence fell over the clearing once more Brun glanced between Sana and the trees where the small bear had gone. "What was that?" He asked.

Sana shrugged, placing the stone reverently in her satchel. "The Wyld truly does provide."

With a frown Brun looked out into the dark trees once more, then turned away and wordlessly sat by the fire to eat.

Thane awoke to a dull throbbing pain in the back of his skull. He opened his eyes and shook his head, wincing as he tried to clear his bleary vision.

"Good, you're awake." He heard someone whisper nearby. River sat beside his prone body and leaned over him as he shifted. Looking up at her he noticed the Iron Tribe star brooch was missing from her cloak. He put a hand to his chest, realising that the front of his brigandine had been smeared with mud, obscuring the star pattern there too.

River cradled his head with one hand, leaning close to his ear. "I'm not sure who these people are but they're not the King's Guard. You remember the plan for this, right?" Thane nodded silently. "Good. Here, drink this." She straightened up and handed him a tin cup of lukewarm water.

Thane gulped down the water, pulling himself up to sit beside River. Now he could properly take in his surroundings. The pair sat on a thin layer of hay covering wooden boards. They appeared to be on the back of a wagon, surrounded by a cage of iron bars. Though he still wore his armour his sword was gone, and River had likewise been stripped of her bow and knife. Night had fallen now. The cage and the ground around it was illuminated by a single lantern sitting on a barrel. Someone Thane couldn't quite make out sat on a stool with their back to the cage, a spear leaning on one shoulder and a bottle in their hand. It looked like they were a little way from the edge of a camp. Thane could see more light through the trees a short distance away and hear a buzz of conversation and laughter.

The plan. The plan had been River's idea to conceal Thane's identity in the event that they found themselves captured. She had already taken the first step by hiding their Iron Tribe insignia, even while they were under attack from their unknown assailants. The rest of the plan was to use fake names and a backstory that included a hometown, a number of relatives and childhood friends, and a reason for their journey.

"How long was I out?" Thane asked.

"A couple hours. After they knocked you out they tied me up, brought us here and threw us in this cage. They haven't said anything since."

"Any idea what they want?"

"They haven't killed us yet, so unless someone here has taken a liking to your pretty face I guess they expect to either gain something from us or for us."

Thane rolled his eyes but continued, "Think we can talk our way out of here?"

"I'd take my chances talking over fighting."

Thane nodded, then waved a hand to silence her, "Looks like someone's coming."

Another figure, silhouetted against the light of the camp, appeared from between the trees and approached the wagon. They stopped by the guard and exchanged a few words, too quiet for the wolves to hear. Then the guard stood, gripping their spear. The newcomer picked up the lantern and stepped toward the wagon, unlocking the cage. "Out ya get pups, nice and slow."

Thane stepped down from the wagon. He could now make out the figure carrying the lantern as a lanky weasel dressed in dark leathers and a thick grey woollen cloak. The spearman was a stocky goat, similarly dressed.

"Where are you taking us?" Thane asked as River hopped down beside him, drawing close to him.

"You're gonna go visit the King." The weasel grinned.

"What?" Thane started, eyes wide.

The weasel chuckled, "Ya don't think we work for that mangy cat in the big castle, do ya? Nah, we're takin' ya to see the one true Bandit King of Armello. C'mon." With that he turned to walk back into camp. Thane and River followed, the spearman falling in behind them.

As they walked Thane gave River a sidelong glance. "Bandit King?" He whispered.

River just shrugged with a frown.

They passed between the dark trees and into the light beyond. Immediately they were surrounded by the sounds of revelry. The forest floor was covered in a patchwork of gaudy tents like a circus field. Numerous fires burned, casting the vibrant colours into contrasting light and shade. The smells of woodsmoke and cooking meat filled the air. Everywhere there were people; they stood and sat huddled in small groups, by the open flaps of their tents, by the firepits, by benches and tables, eating, drinking and carousing. They were a ragtag bunch in all shapes and sizes, all dressed in dark clothes and mismatched armour. Many appeared to be armed and all of them had the rough look of those to whom laws meant little. As the wolves were led through the throng many stopped and turned to watch, raising their mugs with loud cheers and heckles.

"At least we're popular." River muttered under her breath.

They were led to the middle of the camp where a large pavilion of black canvas stood. From the top of its central pole a kind of pennant waved in the breeze. A ragged black cloth across which a fanged and horned skull had been crudely daubed in white paint.

The weasel stopped here, stepping aside as a crowd started to gather on all sides, hemming the wolves in. He waved Thane and River forward. "Approach the King."

Thane stepped toward the pavilion and looked up into the face of the biggest bull he had ever seen. Easily half again Thane's height and three times as broad, full of rippling muscle. He stood with trunk-like arms folded across his bare chest. His huge head sat low on his wide shoulders, one eye like a smouldering coal set deep into a face criss-crossed with scars and a permanent scowl. There was a brass ring through his nose and his face was framed by a pair of massive horns, like black iron, that rose like a crown above his head before curving down as if to point accusatorily at all he surveyed. From his belt hung a pair of hammers, each with a spiked head the size of both of Thane's fists.

Thane drew himself up to his full height and put on his cockiest smile. "And you must be the so called Bandit King I've heard so much of."

The bull regarded him for a moment, then snorted out a short a laugh and walked away, leaving Thane somewhat taken aback. His attention was drawn back by a soft, musical chuckle. There, where the bull had stood a moment before, a slender vixen lounged on a pile of crates.

To Thane she looked no older than himself or River. She wore a plain black and white dress, the skirt cut short around her knees for ease of movement, cinched at the waist with a thick belt, a simple string of coins around her neck and modest bangles on both wrists, and a look of smug contentment. Across her chest was a leather baldric from which a cutlass hung at her right hip.

Thane raised an eyebrow, "You?"

"Aye," The fox said, standing, "Me." She approached Thane slowly, a languid sway to her stride. She stood before the wolf, nose to nose, her dusky amber eyes staring into his pale gold, oozing with confidence and contempt. "And who are you, wolf pup, to come wandering onto my land?"

River stepped forward quickly, pressing herself to Thane's side, "I'm Ice, and this is my baby brother Storm. Don't mind anything he says too much, he's a bit simple." She smiled bashfully, throwing an arm around Thane's shoulders and ruffling the fur between his ears, earning herself a sidelong glare.

The fox began pacing before them, hands clasped behind her back. "And just what business do the pair of you have in these woods, so far from home?"

"We're hunters." River replied, "We were looking for game."

Thane nodded, "We live on a little farm near Stonefall. Our family's pretty poor so we help out by traveling to the capital every couple of months. We sell meat and furs at the market there."

The fox nodded slowly, turning her back to them. "It's interesting, I've looked over your things. You carry a lot of gold for the children of poor farmers. And not much in the way of fresh meat or hides."

"Hunting's been kinda scarce this time around." River said. "It's why we wandered so far out off the beaten path."

The fox gave a little grunt without looking back at them. She reached behind her pile of crates and produced River's bow. "I'm willing to believe that Miss Ice is equipped for a hunting trip." She replaced the bow, then turned around as she pulled out Thane's bastard sword, cradling it reverently in both hands.

Thane shrugged with a lopsided grin, "I was never that good with a bow. Besides it can come in handy for bigger game...and," He glanced around at the gathered bandits, "Other nasties."

"This is a very nice sword." The fox said. She gripped the hilt and flipped the sword around in an arc before sighting down the blade. "A little heavy for me, though."

"It's a family heirloom." Thane half squinted one eye, as if trying to recall something, "Our great-grandfather was a soldier before he settled down on the farm."

The fox nodded again, "Well it must mean a lot to you. It looks almost brand new." She thrust the sword into the ground and took a step back. Thane eyed it but didn't move a muscle. "But I've neglected to introduce myself." She smiled as she dipped in a little curtsey, "You stand before Bandit King Scarlet. And this," She spread her arms wide, gesturing to the camp and her assembled followers, "Is my Bandit Clan." She drew her sword and thrust it into the air, "Fight free!"

A roar went up as the bandits cheered as one, chanting back their leader's cry, weapons pounding shields, fists thumping chests, feet stomping. Scarlet flicked her sword to her side and the noise cut off as if she had sliced through it. Silence fell over the crowd except for one sound, loud in the sudden quiet. Thane's shoulders shook with his laughter.

"Something amuse you, pup?" Scarlet levelled the tip of her sword at Thane's throat.

"This is ridiculous." Thane said with a grin. "This is your clan? A clan means something. It's about honour and heritage, even the rats know that much. You can't just round up a band of thugs and criminals and call it a clan."

"Storm..." River gave him a warning look as the bandits started to scowl and grumble.

"And you, you call yourself a king?" He held his hands out to Scarlet, "I don't see a crown on you. Is this rabble your royal guard." He spread his arms, "Is this forest some grand palace. I mean, you're not even..."

Scarlet cocked her head, one eyebrow raised, "Not what?"

"Y'know..." Thane gestured vaguely at his chest with both hands, then looked at River for help.

Scarlet stepped up to him, never breaking eye contact. "You've got a big mouth, boy." There was a sharp crack as the back of her hand slapped across Thane's cheek, eliciting shouts and laughs from the bandits. The wolf bit back a gasp at the sudden, stinging pain. "Shame you can't find a better use for it."

Thane bared his teeth in a snarl, "Hit me again and perhaps I will."

"Oh, so you have some fight in you after all."

Thane looked from her sword to his where she'd left it, "Why don't I show you just how much?"

"Storm, don't-" River put a hand on his arm but he waved her back.

Scarlet smiled, "Very well. Let's say if you beat me then you and your darling sister can go free."

"Gladly."

The crowd pulled back, opening up a wider space in the middle. Someone grabbed River and tugged her away from Thane. The stomping started up again, a slow beat that swelled and grew as each onlooker took up the chant.

Scarlet stepped back, pulling Thane's sword free of the ground and letting it fall hilt first toward him. Thane approached. Without bending to retrieve his weapon he hooked one foot under it and flipped it into the air with a kick, catching it by the hilt with a flourish and earning a few admiring oohhs from the crowd.

Scarlet stood side-on, expression impassive, left arm out straight, her cutlass pointed at Thane. The wolf faced her down, relaxed in his fighting stance, knees bent and light on his feet. He gripped his sword with both hands, an easy smile on his face.

Thane made the first move, rushing in with a crushing overhead strike. Scarlet parried high. Twisting her sword point up she slid inside his guard and aimed a punch at his jaw with the handguard of her cutlass. Thane recoiled from the strike and recovered just in time to see Scarlet coming in again with a low slash from his left. He moved to block but she feinted, sweeping her sword under his arms. Rather than attack with the blade she again struck with the guard, this time aiming for the elbow of Thane's sword arm. Pain jolted up his arm and he fumbled his sword. It slipped from his fingers and landed on the grass a few feet away. Scarlet immediately followed up, bringing her foot up in a sharp kick that connected between Thane's legs, dropping the wolf to his knees with a yelp.

Another round of raucous cheers went through the crowd. For a moment Scarlet rested the tip of her sword against Thane's cheek while he gasped for air and struggled to straighten up. "It is a nice sword. Shame great-grandaddy wasn't around to teach you how to use it." She pressed just hard enough to draw a bead of blood, "Remember this, boy." Then she whipped her sword away and sheathed it. She glanced at River with a smirk, "You're right," She said brightly, "He is pretty simple." She waved a hand dismissively, "Take 'em back to the cage, lads!"

There were more shouts and jeers and the wolves were dragged away back through the camp. As Thane was grabbed by several pairs of hands and pulled to his feet he saw Scarlet accept a mug of ale from someone and take a swig. Then the celebratory bandits closed in around her, cutting off his view.