"That's enough." Arden said, his voice cut through the noise.
Every head turned, and for a moment even the bandits hesitated, as though something heavier than his words alone pressed against their chests.
The bandits shook off the weight of Arden's words, sneers curling back onto their faces as they tried to mask the unease that had crawled into their bones.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" one spat, his blade flashing in the dim light.
Arden tilted his head slightly, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "The man you'll wish you never asked that question to."
The reply made a few of them falter, but pride is a foolish thing. Their leader snarled and gave the signal, and in an instant the circle of blades closed.
