Zaino was surprised to find that a number of people in 'their group' had been left behind. In reality, he was actually quite overjoyed to learn of such; he only wished that it could have been all of them except for just himself. It was too late, though. [i]This is gonna be a long trip,[/i] he thought as his hand remained resting atop of the hilt of his sword, not allowing himself to fall short on his senses. He was healthy now, and his body was functioning properly. He could finally provide and act for himself instead of having to accept the support of others, namely that Ambra woman. [i]If I have to spend another second wounded and being tended by her, I'll-[/i]

[b]"Prepare for battle!"[/b] sounded, prompting Zaino to draw his sword just as quick as the next set of words came through. [b]"A squad of raiders or bandits are headed our way!"[/b]

[i]Perfect,[/i] Zaino thought, smirking as the sounds of battle began to pick up. [i]A warm-up for the upcoming contest of champions.[/i] His head snapped to the left as he wheeled his body around, and with both hands holding on, he swung low at the pair of legs belonging to a horse, his body lowering itself in conjunction as a sword past where his neck would have been. The horse cried and flipped over, sending its rider meters forward as the landing snapped the man's neck.

Satisfied, Zaino spun and brought his sword up fast enough to cut an arrow in two when it was about two feet away from hitting him. His sword had been craving for blood; the one skirmish at the capital hadn't been enough. Then again, what exactly [i]was[/i] enough to him? [b]"I'll take all of you on!"[/b] a shout full of confidence left his lips, smoothing his hair back so it didn't impair his vision. He watched as a few of the horsemen dismounted and brought out a variety of swords and axes, flicking his own weapon to the side and charging towards the mass of assailants.