As they waited, the sound of footsteps grew louder, and Ryan could see a group of shadowy figures emerging from the trees.
Lyra's eyes locked onto the figures, her hand on the hilt of her sword. "Get ready," she whispered.
Eryndor nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "I'll take point," he said. "Lyra, you're with me. Prince Arin, stay behind us."
Ryan nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He gripped his sword tightly, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
As the figures emerged from the trees, Ryan saw that they were a group of rough-looking men, armed to the teeth. They were clearly mercenaries, hired to take out Ryan and his companions.
The leader of the group, a burly man with a scar above his eyebrow, sneered at Ryan. "Well, well, well," he said. "Look what we have here. The precious Prince Arin, all alone and vulnerable."
Ryan's eyes narrowed, his grip on his sword tightening. "I'm not alone," he said, his voice firm. "And I'm not vulnerable."
With a fierce cry, the mercenaries charged, their swords flashing in the morning light. Ryan, Lyra, and Eryndor stood their ground, ready to face the attack.
The battle was intense, the sound of clashing steel and the scent of sweat and blood filling the air. Ryan fought hard, his sword slicing through the mercenaries with deadly precision.
But despite their valiant efforts, Ryan and his companions were outnumbered. Just when it seemed like the tide of the battle was turning in favor of the mercenaries, Lyra unleashed a devastating kick, sending the leader of the group crashing to the ground.
The mercenaries faltered, their morale broken. Ryan and his companions took advantage of the reprieve, launching a fierce counterattack that sent the mercenaries fleeing in disarray.
As the dust settled, Ryan stood panting, his sword still trembling with the force of his blows. Lyra and Eryndor stood beside him, their faces grimy with sweat and dirt.
"That was too close," Eryndor said, his voice low. "We need to keep moving."
Ryan nodded, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. "We can't stay here," he said. "We need to find a safe place to regroup."
Lyra nodded, a hint of a smile on her face. "I know just the place," she said.
And with that, the three of them set off once more, bound for the unknown dangers that lay ahead.