The archer was obviously startled by the blinding flash of light. He took a few steps backward, dropping the bow and fumbling for his sword. The other two men blocked Khoran's path and one lunged forward with his short sword, attempting to skewer the noble through the belly. 

The leader of the highwaymen was about to follow Khoran toward the downed woman, but stopped when he heard Hugh's war cry. He turned, drawing his own blade as Hugh broke free of the tree line and stepped forward to meet the large warrior. "Finish that one quick!" he called to his companions as he barely managed to avoid Hugh's blade, fearing that he'd need assistance with the skilled swordsman before him. Had he known there were still two others yet to join the fight, he may have fled, but against only Hugh and Khoran, the bandits still felt they had the upper hand.