Fighting Demons (Part Two)

It seemed logical both men were likely better than Islana with a sword. The bounty hunter was a given, but the huntress had no idea what the other man had done before running from Ostiarium.

They had skill and strength, Islana however had speed and agility. She would never again be anyone's victim, especially not these two men.

The young woman took the men by surprise when she managed to counter each of their swords. Frankly, it was also a surprise to Islana herself so much so it wasn't even clear how it had happened.

Madaya watched, unsure what to do. Her young eyes had never seen people fight with swords before. The Islana that the girl had grown to know, her protector, didn't surprise Madaya nearly as much as the others there when the redhead ran directly into the fight.

When Madaya witnessed the huntress counter the attacks by parrying quickly with a side strike to either blade, she had no idea Islana didn't plan those moves.

The redhead was surprisingly holding her own against the men, for a few moments anyway. They attacked, she countered, in a repeated back and forth. Until, she lost sight of Alcuin for a moment while trying to defend against a thrust from Stram.

Alcuin moved quicker than a man his age should have been able to and went at Islana's side. Seeing him, out of the corner of her eye, a swift move to her left made it so the man's sword slashed through her robe and left a gash near her ribs but didn't do any vital damage.

However, that move distracted the redhead for long enough for Stram to advance and strike her hand causing the young witch to lose grip and drop her blade.

Islana retreated quickly. The men advanced and overpowered her. Moving further and further backwards unto Islana found herself against the side of rock formation. Trapped. Both swords to her throat.

"Suffer not a witch to live," the repugnant words spat out of Alcuin's mouth with seething conviction.

For a moment, the two men looked as if they had won. Then their faces twisted into looks of pain as they moved backwards.

From out of the side, Islana saw Madaya run off, a glance south revealed blood hitting the ground.

"You disgusting little witch." Alcuin's words filled with loathing as he took off after the girl.

When the bounty hunter turned, it became clear that Madaya had quickly, silently snuck up and cut into one calf on each man. Then took off with the speed of a child.

While clearly in pain, Stran's surprise didn't last long, as he lunged at Islana.