The ding of battle brought a quick rush of adrenalin to the young hero.  Battling monsters, at least the ones who could not formulate tactics or exploits weaknesses, did not put him on edge as fighting humans.  Perhaps it was because Fer knew how ruthless and how cunning humans could be.  Animals, or monsters in this world, acted out of instinct.  They killed out of necessity and attacked only when threatened or to eat.  

As the sword hit against his metal shield and the clang of the impact sent reverberations down his arm, the young lad knew that the man behind the sword wanted to kill him.  Not for food, or to protect family but because the heroes were enemies.  True, there was a sense of survival but the same sword had ended numerous lives that had not been a threat to the wielder. 

Karma had caught up to the bandit as Cole dispatched his friend and moved over to strike at the man.  You live by the sword you die by the sword.  The old adage seemed very appropriate as Cole’s legendary sword parried the bandit’s

However, there was little time to muse as other bandit’s soon were upon the Shield bearing hero.  Fer blocked, swinging the edge of his shield at their faces making them at least hesitate to approach recklessly.  The shield may not be a very effective weapon, but defenseless and easy prey were not something that the young hero was projecting. 

[color=f26522]"Honest folk don't burn down innocent peoples' farms you bastards"![/color]

Fer backed up to Cole, keeping both their backs covered.  He spoke in calculated tone as he tried to regulate his breath.  [color=0054a6]“don’t waste your air on them Cole.  If there was a way to put them in the front lines facing the Waves to repay for all the pain and evil they have caused I would.  As it is, at this point it is either us or them.  They will not be as merciful as you are.” [/color]