Night fell. The darkness gave the hyena pack cover, and it made them more ferocious.
They poured out from all directions like ghosts in the moonlight, completely surrounding the mercenaries.
A few scattered torches were lit, offering a sliver of light to the beleaguered company. The flickering flames danced like the fate of these men, their path forward shrouded in darkness.
"Bro, you handle your end. Big bro is off to play hero and save the damsel!" Leonidas declared.
He grabbed Alexander's spirit sword avatar and, after a quick word to Orion, began to walk toward Alilien's position, dragging the greatsword.
"Darker than darkness are my eyes," the cringey, over-the-top Leonidas chanted, his voice a low murmur. "Redder than the sun is my blood. More hopeful than tomorrow is the sword in my hand. With a heart forged from the sword, I press ever forward."
As Alilien watched, her beautiful eyes sparkling, Leonidas raised the sword and swung.
Vwoom!
