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Well that was harrowing. He had not even realized he had launched himself into that audacious rearguard action until he was already knee deep in bandit blood, and a bit of his own too. His frame shook just a bit, but he also felt very alive and relieved. He would make sure to thank Kellen, Clarissa, and Imogen later once this business was done. That was a fight he wouldn't soon forget, and the team fell back in good order after the bandits were slain or sent packing. Kayden trotted back with them, and saw his professor examining him with a look of annoyance. The Prince hadn't expected that, considering he had just risked his life to keep the team from being overwhelmed by a flanking attack, but he supposed having to explain to the king why his son was killed in a small bandit attack wouldn't look good for the institution. That and Professor Tomai just had a certain manner about him so he wouldn't hold it against him. What's more, he was given a boost from magic and a tonic to drink! 

[color=4851AA]"Thank you, professor."[/color] He said breathlessly, truly grateful as he took a long swig of it. He was bleeding sweat and sweating blood at this point, but he could still fight. Wait, did Tomai give him a little something extra in this drink? He'd thank him later. 

It looked as if he would get just that when the smoke of the ruined village was cleared and the biggest man he had ever seen stepped into view, hefting an axe Kayden likely couldn't begin to pick up himself. Everything happened so fast, he had to run to catch up. By that point, it didn't look like the big one was going down anytime soon. He caught a thrown spear, blocked arrows, and kept the others at bay. Kayden wanted nothing more than to stand with his fellow team leaders, but he also understood the strategy of going after the mages that would finish their ritual any moment. 

[color=4851AA]"Damn..."[/color] He muttered, unable to make the decision for a brief second. The second he needed, he would later recall. As the Prince hesitated, he turned to survey the field of battle and caught glimpse of the slightest movement lurking among the shadows. The gleam of an unsheathed blade glinted in the light of the day, and his breath caught when he saw the bandit was moving toward's a distracted Kaira! 

Goddess let me make it in time, he told himself. He made for the two of them, sword unsheathed and now held in both hands. Were it not for Tomai's magics, he might have been too slow. His lungs were on fire and his muscles ached like nothing else. But as the blade descended to lop off Kaira's head, Kayden's own blade leaped up to meet it before it bit into her skin. The clash was likekly jarring and loud in Kaira's ears, Kayden's arm shivering from the impact as his heart thundered from the close call. 

[color=4851AA]"Kaira! Keep doing what you have to. I'll get rid of this knave!"[/color] He told her, eyes still fixed on the bandit. With that, Kayden pushed him back and began to attempt a riposte, only to find the man blocked his strike. The bandit and the prince traded blows with their weapons, the fellow now wide eyed and worried after he lost the element of surprise. Kayden wasn't at his best anymore, but he had a fire in his eyes. He lunged forward, redirecting the next swing of the bandit's sword and running the man through with a wet squelch of blood. He could feel the bone against his blade. Kayden had a hand at his throat for a brief second as the bandit attempted to take him down with him, but he weakened rapidly and slid off Kayden's sword, dead.