17 Yellow Wolf Bandits (1/2)

The seven humans that stepped into the clearing stared at the brown steel bear then stared at Valerian and me. They glared at the the two of us, a look of hatred and frustration showing on their faces.

I instantly knew, who they were and generally grasped the situation. These are the Yellow Wolf Bandits the bandit group that Alexander Morrow supports. They must have been sent specifically to hunt the brown steel bear because their equipment wasn't what a normal hunting party would have. They had two men carrying shields and short swords, two with long broadswords, one with a large battleaxe, one with two straight daggers, and one with a short-bow. If they were a normal hunting party they would have more archers and less sword and shield-bearers. They were clearly put together with a large powerful target in mind. This combined with the wounds the bear had when it arrived painted a clear picture.

They had just been chasing the bear and were all a little short of breath. After a moment the one with the large battleaxe stepped forward. He had a large muscular frame, his arms and chest almost bursting out of his leather armor. He had a rough stubble beard and short spiky black hair.

”Did you kill the bear?” He said with an authoritative tone.

He directed his question to me. He definitely isn't the brightest guy is he, I couldn't help thinking.

”Yes, WE killed it,” I gestured towards Valerian. I know he hates being ignored.

The bandit looked at Valerian and scoffed, looking back towards me.

”That was our prey, how will you compensate us?” He sneered.

I already knew where this was headed. I don't like playing games and don't mind killing humans. It isn't the first time, it won't be the last and these aren't good people anyways. I won't lose a second of sleep over their deaths. I turned towards Valerian a murderous look in my eye, he returned the look. We were on the same page.

I looked back at the bandit a grin spreading across my face. He looked at me perplexed. Before he could blink I dashed in front of him. I switched the Twisted Serpent in my left hand to a reverse grip and swung my left arm at his neck. His head was cleanly separated and hit the ground with a thud.

”How's that for compensation?”

At the same time a purple vine shot from the ground and pierced the archer through the abdomen. The tactics I had taught Valerian seemed to be paying off, he knew to take out their ranged support first.