.:: The "Stranger" ::.
"Ah, just the man I wanted to kill tonight" the soldier said with an evil smile. "You've come at a good time. I've just warmed up with these pathetic weaklings… although I'll admit, the girl was more of a challenge than her useless brother." he finished with a laugh.
The newcomer looked at the two bodies on the ground, then returned his gaze to the soldier. The soldier stumbled back when he saw the look in the newcomer's eyes. They were filled with the intent to kill. The man raised his sword and slowly made his way towards the soldier. The soldier reached for his sword but was too slow. The stranger brought down his sword and the soldier let out an agonized cry. The stranger looked down at the blood covered soldier who was trying to crawl away. He was hurt, but he would live.
"Leave now and take your lowly minions with you, Marrok. If you ever cross my path again, I swear to you that you will not live to tell about it."
The soldier called Marrok bowed his head in defeat and limped away. When he was a reasonable distance away, he blew into a horn and soon his remaining men gathered and left the village with him.
The stranger turned his attention to Daron who was barely alive. The stranger knelt beside him. "It has been quite some time, my friend." he said quietly. Daron looked at him and clasped his hand arounf the stranger's arm. "Thank you for saving her. Please... give this to her for me…" he said weakly as he handed the stranger a necklace. On it hung a delicately crafted lily embedded with tiny lapis lazuli stones. "Watch over… her… for me…" he finished almost inaudibly.
"Rest assured Daron, no harm will ever come upon her" the stranger said reassuringly.
Daron nodded once and closed his eyes. His hold on the stranger loosened, and he died. The stranger turned away, filled with immense grief. He cleared his throat and walked over to Taliya. He gently picked her up and placed her on his horse. He gave the village one final look before mounting his stead and riding away.