Fer followed the thrown stone’s trajectory and heard the very audible smack.  However, it seemed his arm was not as accurate as it had been.  The man was not knocked out or incapacitated but at the very least he had managed to stir the hornet’s nest. 

He cursed under his breath really wishing that he could have his old bow.  It would have been possible to have his arrows hit a few necks by the time the bandits knew what was happening.  Still, as it was it seemed he would be able to at least pull some attention.  He picked up another rock in his hands and was ready to fling it again when he heard and saw his holy friend answer the challenge.  

His under handed ways were lost to Auriel.  He sighed, the girl was much too honorable for her own good.  Still, there was something exhilarating about hearing her firm voice and her resolve.  She was used to leading men and facing down devils.  Unfortunately, men such as these had no soul and their minds were so corrupted that they were little better than animals.  Just like animals, the best thing to do was to beat them into submission. 

Even a modern fighter such a Fer who was used to the sound of gun fire and bringing death from afar, could appreciate the beauty and grimness that close quarter fighting was.  Auriel’s movements were sharp and efficient.  The bandit was obviously experienced but was no match for a true master of the art like Auriel. 

It was not until she knocked out the other man and heard her yell that he cursed himself for not taking advantage of the distraction.  Once the men started to rush her he threw his next stone.  There was not much aim needed as he threw it towards the crowding men.  He went for strength this time and put his back in to the throw hoping it would be much more painful when it hit.  He moved to the opposite side of the barn.  His plan was to eventually be found out and be chased.  He would then use the opening to one of the animal holing pens which he had rigged.  He  hope to incapacitate at least another one with his trap and to pull some numbers from Auriel. 

This plan would also pull the men away from where Cole would eventually emerge leaving their backs to him.  Also, the bandits did not know that they were fighting the Cardinal Heroes which would be extra shock and prove useful as they would not be as wary.  Instead, Fer would continue to fling his stones, an angry bandit is a distracted bandit.