A/N: To answer the person that said that Banthus was stealing the Elshard. I am basing this of the wiki, so since it says Elstone, I'll stick with Elstone. Sorry. But I did take into account your other corrections. Anyway, hope you guys enjoy this chapter.
Chapter three
Our preparations for Banthus were almost done. I gripped the rope with my teeth, and tightened the knot as hard as I could, releasing it once it wouldn't tighten any further.
Satisfied with my work, I dropped down from the tree, grabbing what was left of the rope with me, before wrapping it around the base of the tree. I was set. Lowe and Rena should be back soon.
Wiping the sweat of my brow, I looked at the moonlit sky. The stars were out tonight.
It looked like a peaceful night, despite what was going to happen soon. Why did Banthus have to take the Elstone tonight of all nights?
I wandered through the forest, towards the riverbank where I asked Aisha to block up the river using earth magic. She must have just finished as she was sitting on the earth she had just conjured up, her feet dangling just above the water.
"Nice night isn't it," she said, not bothering to look at me.
"Yeah," I answered. "It is. Mind if I sit next to you?"
"…I don't mind."
I walked to her side, before sitting down and taking in the view of the moon. I could hear her breath racing a little and see her hands tremble slightly.
"You don't have to be nervous," I said. "It'll work out."
"That's not what I'm worried about," she said. "It's just…I had a rather harsh week."
My voice was caught in my throat. I know about the ring that she had found. She told me before, how depressed she felt when it stole her magic. The youngest Great Magician in history, stripped for all her power.
"I'm sorry," Aisha said, breaking the silence. "I didn't mean to worry you or anything."
"It's fine," I replied.
We sat next to each other in silence. It was almost deafening. What should I say now? Should I wait for Aisha to start the conversation?
"So…"I started. "What kind of food do you like?"
Elsword Sieghart, you're an idiot. You let down your parents and your sister of all hope for a new generation of little Siegharts.
Aisha giggled. I felt my face heat up, as I looked away from her.
"Let's see," she pondered. "I don't particular have a favourite food. I do however like sweets. How about you?"
I don't have one because I didn't have the luxury of enjoying food during the demon wars. This is awkward.
"Um…I…like-"
"Aisha! Elsword!" Lowe called out. "I have the fireworks!"
Taking this as a good opportunity to ditch the conversation, I leapt to my feet, as did Aisha. Together we ran towards the forest path where Lowe was waiting.
"Okay good," I said. "The bandits should follow this path towards the Eltree. Once Rena get's back, I'll stand here by myself. I'll call out your name Lowe and I'll light up a firework for you Aisha to signal you guys. Meanwhile in the trees, Rena will pick off those that come for you two. Then, we all meet here, to block their path to the Eltree."
Just then Rena turned the corner of the forest path, sprinting towards us. She crossed the long wooden bridge, before skidding to a halt.
"Dozens of them," she stated, taking in a large breath. "I saw their numbers, roughly 50. Maybe a bit more."
"Oh that's good," I replied.
"Good?!" Aisha and Lowe questioned at the same time.
"Yeah. It's not a legion. So we should be fine," I said. "Okay, Aisha, I need you to wait at where you dammed the river. Lowe, see those ropes over there? I'll give you the signal to cut them. Rena, I need you to find a tree with a good sniping spot. Assuming everything goes wrong, I need you to make sure that they don't touch Lowe or Aisha. Any questions?"
"What are the fireworks for? You asked for more than one so I assume it's more than just signalling Aisha," Lowe said, handing me the bag of fireworks to which I smiled evilly. "Nevermind. I think I rather not know."
With that Lowe ran to the ropes, withdrawing his sword so he could be ready to cut them. Rena disappeared into the forest, leaving Aisha with me.
"You didn't tell us what you were going to do," she said, her eyes obviously worried.
"A good trap, needs a bait," I answered.
"What!? Elsword this is a bad idea!"
"It's fine," I assured her. "Trust me. I'll be perfectly fine. If worst comes to worse, Rena can shoot those that get too close."
"There's more than 50 of them, she only has 24 arrows. Don't be stupid!"
"Like I said. If worst comes to worst."
She tried to say something, but I placed my finger over her lips.
"Aisha…this is my choice," I said hurriedly, nervously hoping that the bandits don't come now. "Now just listen to me and go to your position! I don't need you worrying me!"
She slapped my hand away from her face. I knew she was hurt at my tone. I could see it in her face. It pained me to see her face hurt like that.
"Fine you jerk," she spat out. "I don't care if you get hurt!"
I watched as she turned and ran away, without looking back. My heart ached a little. I know I was being harsh, and I definitely sounded like a jerk. But I prefer it if I was the only person in danger, even if it meant making you angry Aisha. I vow to save you, and everyone else. Even at the cost of my own life.
I heard the sounds of lots of feet. I turned to look across the bridge, seeing the lines of men. I guess Banthus was afraid that Rena contacted the Ruben garrison. He's desperate to take the Elstone all right. Just how I needed him to be.
The line of men stopped on the other side of the bridge, staring at me.
"Is Banthus among you guys?!" I called out. "Or is the big man a coward that he sends his men to do the dirty work for him."
There was a murmur amongst the group of bandits, before a single voice stood out from the rest.
"Move!" a powerful voice boomed.
Yup, I recognized this voice from anywhere. I bloody hated the fact that I had to let him steal the Elstone. The bastard moved through his ranks of men, stepping out in front of them. Banthus was a giant of a man, easily towering over me. He was bulky, with long brown hair and an obvious scar across right eye. On his back was one of the largest swords I have ever come across. This was the leader of the bandits, and as much as I hated to admit, he was a great swordsman.
"And who might I ask is standing before us?" Banthus called back. "Do the garrison of Ruben have to rely on a child to defend their precious Elstone? Or are they the cowards to make him do their duty for them?"
"I'm Elsword Sieghart, a knight of the Ruben forces. As for your other question, neither," I answered. "You threaten the peace of Elrios by taking the El. The garrison isn't needed for scum like you. I could easily wrap up your sorry assess by myself."
I could see hints of anger on his face. His breath quickened, and I saw him close his eyes. Trying to calm down probably. Almost there.
"Such an embarrassing story to ruin your reputation," I continued. "I can see it as a headline. 'Banthus: the coward that lost to a child'."
He gave an animalistic shout.
"I'll kill you!" he shouted. "Bring me his head!"
He waved his arm and the bandits shouted their cries, before swarming onto the bridge. I smiled, reaching into the bag of fireworks, pulling out the first couple of them. I dropped the bag, and aimed it towards the charging group.
Remember when I said I didn't have enough mana for a rune? Thankfully, a small flame is all I need.
I lit the fireworks and kept it point straight at the bandits. Wondering what I was holding, they seemed to slow down, peering at it. The ones that realized what it was, immediately jumped off the wooden bridge. The ones that didn't…well...
The firework roared to life, and I released the rocket like projectile. As soon as it collided with the bandits, it exploded, blowing them away and lighting some on fire as well.
Without wasting time I lit the next one, releasing it. I fired a couple more, setting fire to the large quantity of the bandits. They retreated through the bridge, not wanting to be bombarded with any more fireworks.
"You idiots!" Banthus roared. "You're useless!"
"Says the one leading them!" I taunted. "Didn't you know that soldiers aspire to be like their leaders?!"
"If you can't go through the bridge!" Banthus shouted, even angrier now(if that were possible). "Cross the river, there's no water! Spread out so he can't hit us all at once!"
With a new sense of resolve, the bandits shouted their battle cries again, ignoring the bridge this time and running through the river. I raised the next firework, but stopped when I heard Banthus laugh.
"You gonna shoot the right or the left kid?!" Banthus asked mockingly. "By the time you take out one, the others will have reached you!"
"Oh you are so smart Banthus, how could I ever hope to come close to your intellect?" I said sarcastically. "Didn't you stop to think why the water in the river was missing?"
The bandit leader's smile disappeared as he realized his mistake. Aiming the firework above, I sent out the signal for Aisha. There was a shout of words, before a large a resounding strike echoed the whole forest. The bandits stopped their charge, as the ground began to shake uncontrollably. Then they turned to the source of the sound. A large wave of water that had been built up with the dam that Aisha built, rushed towards the bandits. The bandit's panicked and spilt, half running towards Banthus and the other half trying to make it to the side I was on. For the unfortunate that couldn't make it, they were swept away by the river. And now the forces were spilt, roughly two-dozen men in front of me.
I turned and ran, the roars of the bandits hurting my ears. I laughed as I easily out ran them. Like bees to honey, they followed the bait.
"Lowe!"
Swoosh
Suddenly a large log appeared from the trees, swinging towards the group of bandits, crashing into a large group of them, sending some flying. There was a cry of surprise as the log came back, crashing into some more. Now there were only five bandits remaining. They still outnumbered me. But thankfully, I wasn't alone.
An arrow suddenly embedded itself into one of the bandits, bringing him down instantly.
"For Ruben!" Lowe shouted, before he rushed from the bushes, brandishing his blade. With a single slash, he took out two more men. Surprised, the other bandits tried to react, but three large fireballs erupted from behind them, catching the two remaining bandits with deadly accuracy.
Aisha walked out from the bushes, glaring at me. I sheepishly turned away as I dared not look into her eyes.
"I can't believe that worked so well," Lowe muttered. "You're insane El."
"Don't celebrate yet," Rena said, pulling her arrow out of the bandit. "There's still the rest of the bandits and Banthus himself left."
The four of us looked over at the group that was left. At least 20 bandits remained, plus Banthus. I checked the bag to see if there were any more fireworks. None.
"You didn't plan this far did you Elsword," Rena stated.
"Yeah," I admitted. "I was hoping the traps would get rid of all his men…"
"Good job Elsword," Aisha said sarcastically.
I sighed. I definitely need to beg for Aisha's forgiveness after this. The bandits roared, as did Banthus, as all of them rushed towards us.
"You three go get the garrison," I said. "I'll hold them off. If you go now, while their weakened, you can get the garrison to protect the Elstone."
"What!?" all three of them shouted.
"Elsword, that is crazy," Aisha said. "I was alright with your plan because it was good, but this is downright outrageous."
"Aisha is right," Rena supported. "Don't be reckless."
"Elsword," Lowe said. "You will die. I promised Elesis that I would keep you-"
"I'm not going to say this one more time," I turned to face them, pleading. "Leave. Please. This is my fault for coming up with this plan, and I don't want to see anyone die because of it. "
There was silence from the three of them, as the bandits had made it to our side.
"Go," I pleaded once more.
"The reason why you came up with this sort of plan and why you shouted at me," Aisha said. "Was it because you didn't want us to get hurt?"
I stayed silent. Of course it was. I don't want to see my friends die, because I failed them again.
"I'm staying," Aisha said, raising her staff. "I have to make sure you are going to live and apologize afterwards for being rude to me."
"Sounds good," Rena said, drawing her bowstring back. "I won't be able to sleep at night knowing I didn't try to protect a child."
"Elsword," Lowe said, patting my head. "I would never leave my subordinate to fight an unfavorable battle."
I sighed.
"You guys are the worst allies ever," I joked, withdrawing my sword.
The four of us ran towards the 20 or so bandits, clashing against them. Rena gracefully danced through the battle as if it were a breeze, lashing out with kicks and flurries of arrows. Lowe was like a mad man, swinging his sword and striking multiple bandits with each strike. Aisha stayed at the back, covering each of us with her magic, firing multitudes of elements.
I ducked beneath the first blade aimed at my neck, and drove my foot into their leg, causing them to flip over. I struck him while he fell. Spinning, I lashed out at another, clearing him easily with a single strike.
The battle continued in our favour, surprisingly it was easy. Despite having Banthus as our opponent we were overwhelming them…No, it couldn't be...
Lowe finished off the last of the bandits, and must have realized what had happened. Aisha and Rena too could only stare at the Eltree. I turned around and looked at the Eltree that we were supposed to be protecting.
I was a fool. How did I not see this? Banthus was a heartless leader. He would leave his men to die as long as he achieved his goal.
My hand curled into a fist. I knew that this had too happen. Even though this what I needed…the fact remains that I, Elsword Sieghart, Lord Knight of Hamel, had been outsmarted.
The Elstone, was gone.
A/N: I don't know if I am keeping Elsword's character well...so sorry if I am doing a poor job of it. Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll try to update as soon as possible. Keep being awesome people.