started seeing soldiers from Angrääl. Mostly small groups of six to ten at a time. They didn't bother with the caravan, other than to warn them to be on their guard for bandits.
“Don't worry,” one soldier had said. “It won't be long before the roads are safe from here all the way to Baltria.”
Lee continued to train Jacob for at least an hour each day. He noticed that since that night in Klinton, something had changed. He was more focused and, in spite of current circumstances, happier. He even seemed to enjoy the training, and to Lee’s delight, was improving dramatically.
On the morning of the eighth day, Lee packed their gear and loaded it on the horses. Darius had taken to walking rather than riding, spending most of their days spinning tales of his adventures. Though Lee could tell the man embellished quite a bit (though not as much as when he had a belly full of wine) it was clear Darius was well-traveled. On several occasions, Lee was asked to tell of his own exploits. At first he was resistant, afraid to give something away that would reveal his identity. But after being pressed by both Darius and Jacob, he relented, and leaving out certain details, told of the many wondrous places he had been.
Just before they stopped for the midday meal, Lee sensed something was wrong. He called for the caravan to halt and reached out with his senses. It was only seconds before he found what he was looking for.
“Gather your men,” ordered Lee.
“What's wrong?” asked Darius.
Lee closed his eyes and listened carefully. “Twenty men. Ten on either side of the road.” His eyes opened. “They're waiting for us.”
Fear showed on Darius' face. “What should we do?”
“Let them wait,” Lee replied. “Organize the men, and set up positions. If they realize we know they're there, they may withdraw.”
“We could sneak around and surprise them,” offered Jacob.
Lee shook his head. “We're outnumbered two to one. We only have nine trained men. The others aren't swordsmen. If we set them to attack, they'll just get themselves killed.” He examined the surrounding area. The trees and brush along the road were sparse and on relatively high ground. Ahead, where the bandits were waiting, the road dipped and was flanked on either side by a slight incline. “We can defend this position, if we need to.” Lee strode off and gathered the men.
“I still think we could take them,” said Jacob, once Lee returned. The guards were lined up behind him and checking their weapons.
“You got a lot to learn, young Jasper,” said Fennio. “The best way to win is to avoid fighting. We're hired guards, not an army. We ain't lookin' to get killed.”
“I thought you wanted to be a soldier,” teased Santino. “I'm with Jasper. We should take them by surprise. I don't like waitin' to be slaughtered.”
“We're not attacking!” barked Lee. “They'll know we're aware of them soon enough. And I doubt we could get behind them in broad daylight, anyway.” He drew his sword. “Believe me, if they decide to attack, they're in for a surprise.” His tone silenced any further argument. He turned to Darius. “You stay behind me at all times.” Jacob moved beside him and drew his weapon. “And you stay by my side.”
Jacob nodded sharply. His muscles tensed with anticipation.
Lee positioned the men around the wagons, men at arms in front and the rest several feet behind. An hour passed and the bandits had made no move, but Lee could still hear them. He looked at his son and furled his brow. He had known all along that they would likely have to fight, but now that danger was a reality, he was afraid for Jacob's life. He remembered dangers he faced with Gewey, not long ago. He loved Gewey as a son, but was never this concerned. Gewey was a God after all, and very hard to kill.
Then, down the road, he saw them. Twenty bandits filing toward them at a slow walk, their weapons drawn. The man in front was tall, broad-shouldered, with head shaved, leaving only an inch wide strip of black hair down the center. In his right hand he carried a large battle axe; in his left a small round shield. They halted about twenty yards away and the leader took a few steps forward.
“Whoever your commander is, he's a sharp one,” called the bandit. “But then, so am I.”
Darius stepped forward. “What do you want?”
The bandit laughed.