“I would have no other by my side.”

The blonde-haired knight walks beside his friend who wore black armor. He holds his hand on the other knight’s shoulder reassuringly. His friend would brush it off and laugh.

(You look more nervous that I, Arthur.)

Arthur: Look Lancelot, I’ll protect you.

Lancelot smiled back.

Lancelot: Let it be known I’m definitely better than you.

Arthur: Huh, truly?

Lancelot: Truly.

Arthur puts his hand on his chest.

Arthur: How about a contest? Who can defeat the most enemy knights?

Lancelot: Arthur, you do know how relentless I can be.

Lancelot shakes his head with an arrogant smile.

Lancelot: I’d feel sorry for the poor knights to meet such an end.

Arthur: I’ve known hubris to kill a person.

Lancelot shrugs.

Lancelot: Hardly.

Arthur: You think we can escort this carriage unharmed?

Lancelot: Doubts Arthur. Do not have them.

Arthur: Ah. Always reassuring Lancelot.

Lancelot: I’ll never let you down, Arthur.

(You know that, Arthur.)

Arthur: Truly. Thank you. No one can ask for a better friend.

Lancelot: Ah, Arthur really seeing my good side?

Arthur: Okay, don’t let it get to your head.

Lancelot: Haha.

A light wind breezes across the road as the carriage tramples through. The two knights followed behind the carriage with two other knights up front. One of the leading knights shouts back to the followers.

Kay: Keep your wits, you two.

Gaheris: Is that not the wind blowing the bushes, Kay?

Gaheris points towards the forest ahead of the path.

Gaheris: Ha, as if I were stupid. Face us bandits!

The carriage rider froze in place at the mention of bandits actually appearing. The carriage stood completely still in the middle of the open road.

Kay: Hey!

Kay sternly looks at the carriage rider.

Kay: I said you and the passengers will be fine. Keep moving carriage rider.

Before the knights could ready their swords, shadows emerged from the forestry. A flock of intruders stepped out with weapons in hand.

Kay: Ready yourself Arthur, Lancelot, Gaheris.

Voices were heard from inside the carriage with some knocking on the side.

Gaheris: It’s fine Lady Lana. Sir Luke. We can handle this.

Luke: Knights!

Lana: I swear if I’m dead. If I die here.

Luke places his hand on Lana.

Luke: If either of us are harmed, no payment understood?

Luke: Let it not be a mistake to hire mercenaries, yeah?

Arthur: Scared ones.

Lancelot: People will always question their safety.

An enemy knight struck out his sword against an unprepared Kay but was blocked with a return attack. Kay’s face lit up in shock.

Kay: Such speed Lancelot.

Lancelot: Impressed by the best knight? I am Lancelot after all.

Arthur puts his hand on his face.

Arthur: Oh. What a pain.

The front of the carriage was now blocked by enemy knights.

Kay: Make sure to protect the passengers. No one is harmed understood?

All the knights nodded in agreement. Kay, Gaheris, and Arthur finally unsheathed their swords.

Arthur: Ready Lancelot?

Lancelot: Always.

Arrows flunk into the air but were cut down the instant they approached the carriage. Three knights charged at Lancelot from all sides but were cut down with one full slash. The wind brushed against Lancelot’s capes as his sword shined with the blood of his victims.

Lancelot: Arthur.

Arthur shrugged away Lancelot’s confidence as he charged against the enemy knight standing in front of him. The knight swung his blade down with Arthur catching it with his left greave. Arthur pushed back the blade and followed up with a slash of his own.

Kay: Seems the enemy is getting slightly intimated. Regretting their decisions now, are we?

Kay takes a hit from one of the enemy knights but doesn’t flinch. He smiles back and stabs the knight in the chest.

Kay: Do not even attempt.

Kay slides the dead body off his sword as he goes after the next knight. Piercing his body with the same force.

Gaheris: Retreat now or face more death.

The enemy knights remained steadfast at their invasion. Gaheris dodged a slash from his left and returned the attack back. He regained his position and intercepted the knight coming from his right. The foolish knight met his end as Gaheris swung his sword back.

Luke: My word. Are mercenaries truly unkept? I can hear agonizing screams.

Lana holds both her arms with her hands.

Luke looks at Lana and tries to comfort her.

Luke: It’s okay. The mercenaries have this.

Luke: I am impressed actually. You can close your eyes. It’ll be over soon. I’m sure.

As Luke finished speaking, the carriage shook. Luke looked scattered as to what was going on. The left entrance slid open as a knight appeared with sword in hand.