Like many of the battles he had been a part of, it was done before you knew it.  Adrenalin still rushed through is veins as he looked about.  Cole, as the main attack dealer, had dispatched three or four himself.  A few groans could be heard from the ones who had been knocked out by Auriel’s spear shaft.  He looked down at their feet and the two who they had recently dispatched lay unmoving. 

He turned to the winged warrior. [color=0054a6] “Hey you ok?”[/color] Came his gasping question.  Fer saw some blood on her but it seemed to be only that which had spattered on her after inflicting wounds.   He grimaced.  A few specks had gotten on her pretty wings.  The young shield wondered if they would be hard to clean off.  

While waiting for her response, he gave himself a patting.  There did not seem to be any obvious wounds expect for some scrapes and bruises.  His shield arm especially hurt now that the adrenalin was receding.  He shook it a couple of times and allowed his shield to disappear into the gem.  He touched it to make sure there was not break but it seemed like it was only bruised. 

Fer was still making sure he would not bleed out when he heard Cole’s request.  It was a bit stranger to the shield at first but he figured it was better to make sure none of the bandits would surprise attack them later.  He made his rounds.  The two at their feet were definitely gone.  Even in battle Auriel was merciful.  The hammer bandit ha died quickly.  As if to perhaps show a bit of mercy himself he closed the man’s eyes.  He moved over to his own handy work.  The edge of his shield had connected perfectly at the base of the spine, he had heard a crack and a gurgled grunt from the man.  Some moans later and then silence indicated the final demise of the sword wielding bandit. 

The shield hero moved on to other targets.  Some, which had met Auriel’s spear shaft, were just knocked out.  Utilizing what material he had available he hog tied them.  With their hands behind their back and using their ankles as leverage, it would be really hard for the bandits to try to escape let a lone wield a weapon.  He counted about three or so which were still alive.  

Fer walked over to the water throughs for the cattle and washed his hands and face.  He hissed as the water made the scrapes and cuts sting.  But he was more or less used to that.  He splashed water on his face and headed towards Cole who seemed to be taking all the death hard.  The young shield hero could sympathize. 

His first time had been much worse.  They had been ambushed and forced to escape via a mine field.  Needless to say many of the gore on him was not his own and there are nights he still wakes up hearing he explosions and the screams crying for help.  Maybe that is why he was so adamant about being the hero that this world needs.   He did not have the courage, power and means to help at that time but he did now. 

As he neared Cole, he placed his hand on the sword’s shoulder and looked him straight in the eyes.  [color=0054a6]“Are you ok?”[/color]  The question both asked for his physical and mental state.  Fer had heard Cole describe the ultimate plans of the gang.  It seemed that these vultures were hoping to enjoy the end of the world feeding of the less fortunate.  

The plan made Fer feel less bad about killing such scum.  Taking life is not something you should enjoy be even vermin must be cleared to let good game thrive.  Such is the circle of life, and somebody had to do it. 

[color=0054a6]“Well, you are right about cleaning up this mess.  I don’t think the poor farmer would have the fortitude to try and remove our bloody mess.” [/color] He thought back reflectively.  [color=0054a6]“Also, we need to notify them of the plan.  If I remember correctly, this quest was personally given to us by the king.  I am sure he knew all along.  But, this feels like more than just a test or a chance to cut our teeth at being heroes.”[/color]  He massaged his left hand from the soreness that started to set it as he continued.  [color=0054a6]“I think we are going to get little to no help from official avenues.  We might have to try the adventurer’s guild again.”[/color]

Fer was not happy with the idea.  The bat winged adventurer which was supposed to have inside knowledge on the gang never met them at the advertised location.  Adventurer’s were nothing more than hired muscle and as such followed those who paid them the most.