The early morning mist still clung to the air as Corvus, Aria, and Blake, known collectively as the Dragon's Shadow, made their way through the sleepy village. Their first task of the day: dealing with a persistent issue at the local tavern.
"The barkeep, Elara, says they've been at it for days," Corvus explained, consulting a hastily drawn map. "A group of off-duty guards celebrating... something. Loudly. And apparently, violently."
Aria stretched her arms, a faint crackle in her shoulders. "Sounds like fun. Hopefully, they'll put up more of a fight than those mangy wolves last week."
Blake moved silently beside them, her senses alert. "Let's try a peaceful approach first. Unnecessary brawls can cause more problems than they solve." Despite her words, there was a subtle anticipation in her stance, her hands flexing slightly.
They approached the "Sleeping Dragon" tavern, the sounds of boisterous singing and the occasional crash of tankards already audible through the closed door. Corvus pushed it open, revealing a group of five burly individuals in slightly disheveled guard uniforms sprawled around a table, empty flagons scattered around them. Their faces were flushed, their voices loud and off-key. One was attempting a jig on a wobbly stool, while another loudly recounted a dubious tale, punctuated by heavy slaps on the back. The sudden intrusion of the three women caused a momentary lull in the revelry. Several pairs of bleary eyes swiveled towards them.
"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," slurred one of the guards, a large man with a patchy beard. "Lost, little birds?"
Corvus stepped forward, her expression calm but firm. "We've received complaints about the noise and disturbances. It's time you wrapped it up."
Another guard, leaning heavily on the table, chuckled. "And who's gonna make us, pretty thing?" He reached out a clumsy hand towards Corvus.
Before he could make contact, Blake moved with lightning speed. Her hand shot out, not in a strike, but in a precise pressure point application on his wrist. The guard yelped, his hand instantly going limp and retracting as a sharp, surprising pain shot up his arm. The jovial atmosphere in the tavern evaporated. The guards straightened up, their drunken stupor momentarily replaced by annoyance and a hint of aggression.
"Alright, that's enough," Aria said, her hand resting on the hilt of her broadsword, her gaze unwavering. "We're not looking for a fight, but we will finish one if you start it. The village needs its peace."
The guard who Blake had subdued glared, but the surprise and lingering pain kept him silent. The others exchanged uneasy glances. The three women, though outnumbered, exuded an air of competence and quiet menace that gave the guards pause.
After a tense moment of silence, the large, patchy-bearded guard grumbled, "Alright, alright. No need for trouble. We were just... celebrating a bit too hard." He gestured to his companions. "Come on, lads. Let's take it outside." With a collective groan, the drunken guards slowly began to gather their belongings and stumble towards the door, casting wary glances at the Dragon's Shadow as they went.
Once the tavern was clear and a relieved Elara offered them a grateful nod, Corvus turned to her companions. "Well, that was... relatively painless."
Aria shrugged. "Could have used a bit more action, but I'll take a peaceful resolution."
Blake offered a small smile. "Sometimes, a firm hand is more effective than a drawn blade."
With that task completed, the Dragon's Shadow made their way to the edge of the village, where a nervous-looking merchant, Theron, awaited their escort, his wagon laden with goods.
"Ah, the Dragon's Shadow!" Theron exclaimed, relief washing over his face. "Thank the heavens you're here. Those bandit stories have me on edge."
Corvus gave him a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Theron. With the Dragon's Shadow watching your back, you'll reach your destination safely."
The midday sun then beat down on the dusty track as Corvus, her keen eyes scanning the treeline, led the small procession. Beside her, Aria's hand rested easily on the hilt of her broadsword, her movements fluid and alert. Bringing up the rear, Blake moved with a quiet grace, her smaller frame belying a deadly precision in hand-to-hand combat. The merchant, Theron, still appeared somewhat anxious in his wagon, clutching a coffer overflowing with silks.
"Easy now, Theron," Corvus called back, her voice calm but firm. "We're nearing the Whispering Bend. That's where most of the trouble has been reported."
Aria's gaze sharpened. "The trees are thick there. Perfect for an ambush." She adjusted the grip on her sword, the polished steel glinting in the sunlight.
Blake, ever observant, pointed to a set of disturbed tracks near the edge of the path. "Fresh. Looks like a small group, maybe four or five. Heading the same way we are."
Corvus nodded, her jaw tight. "Alright, let's tighten our formation. Aria, you take point with me. Blake, stay close to Theron. Dragon's Shadow, we need to be ready."
They moved with practiced efficiency, their years of working together evident in their seamless coordination. As they rounded the bend, the air grew still. Suddenly, a ragged shout echoed from the trees, and five figures, clad in roughspun and brandishing rusty blades, surged onto the path.
"Stand and deliver!" their leader bellowed, a sneer twisting his features.
"Bandits," Corvus stated, drawing her own slender sword. "Just as we expected."
Aria didn't hesitate. With a roar, she charged the bandits, her broadsword a whirlwind of steel. The first bandit barely had time to raise his weapon before Aria's blade slammed into his, sending him stumbling backward. She pressed her attack, her movements powerful and decisive.
Blake moved swiftly to position herself between the wagon and the remaining bandits. Instead of immediately drawing daggers, she shifted her stance, her body coiled and ready. The first bandit who lunged at the wagon found himself unexpectedly meeting a blur of motion. Blake's open palm slammed into his chest, the force knocking the wind out of him, followed by a swift elbow strike to the side of his head that sent him sprawling. The second bandit, surprised by her speed and power, swung his blade. Blake sidestepped the clumsy attack, her leg sweeping low to take his feet out from under him.
Before he could react, she delivered a sharp kick to his ribs, leaving him gasping for air.
Corvus, meanwhile, engaged the bandit leader, her movements more controlled and precise than Aria's brute force. She parried his clumsy attacks, seeking openings in his defense with calculated strikes.
The fight was brief but brutal. Aria's ferocity quickly overwhelmed two of the bandits, leaving them groaning on the dusty ground. Blake, utilizing a series of rapid strikes and grapples, had efficiently disabled the two who threatened the wagon, leaving them dazed and unable to fight. The bandits, clearly outmatched by the coordinated assault of the Dragon's Shadow, began to lose heart.
The leader, seeing his companions falling, tried to flee, but Corvus was too quick. A swift strike disarmed him, and he found himself staring down the point of her blade.
"Yield," Corvus commanded, her voice cold. "Or face the consequences."
The bandit leader, fear flickering in his eyes, dropped to his knees. The remaining bandits quickly followed suit.
"Tie them up, Blake," Corvus instructed. "We'll leave them for the local guard to find." With the immediate threat dealt with, the Dragon's Shadow continued their escort, Theron's earlier nervousness replaced with wide-eyed gratitude. They reached his destination without further incident, the merchant showering them with thanks and a hefty payment.
The Dragon Shadow smiled and continued their journey back to their next destination. As it got late it dawned upon them that none of them had slept in three days so they set up camp and got some rest under the protection of Corvus's magical protection.