Chapter 53: Bandit Ambush
POV: Adam
Two days of exhaustive healing had left Adam's reserves depleted in ways that went beyond simple magical energy, emotional weight of refugee camp's suffering creating fatigue that conventional rest couldn't address. Blood Sensing operated at reduced efficiency while his attention focused on maintaining alertness despite circumstances that made concentration difficult.
Ambush forming. Multiple life signatures positioning for coordinated attack.
The detection came through atmospheric disturbance rather than circulatory patterns, fifteen heartbeats arranging themselves in configuration that spoke of military training applied to highway robbery. Ex-soldiers whose units had been destroyed by Nilfgaardian expansion, desperation transforming professional warriors into predators who survived through violence against travelers.
Well-trained. These aren't common criminals—they're trained soldiers.
The positioning revealed tactical competence that casual bandits wouldn't possess, crossfire arrangements and escape routes that suggested leadership familiar with battlefield coordination. Dangerous opponents whose desperation made surrender unlikely.
Recognition. Leader recognizes Geralt.
"White Wolf," the bandit leader called from forest cover, his voice carrying authority that spoke of someone accustomed to command. "Reputation precedes you. Leave weapons and supplies, walk away alive."
Counter-offer. Geralt's making counter-offer.
"Counter-proposal," Geralt replied, his voice carrying casual confidence that made steel whisper from scabbards. "Walk away now, live to see sunset. Attack us, join your fallen comrades."
They're attacking despite warning. Desperation overriding tactical wisdom.
The combat that erupted provided first real test of winter training against human opponents whose capabilities approached professional military standard, coordinated assault that required everything fortress education had taught about teamwork and tactical innovation.
Linked Combat flowing perfectly. Partnership operating at optimal efficiency.
Adam and Ciri moved as synchronized unit, their training translating into combat effectiveness that exceeded sum of individual capabilities. Shared awareness through their bond allowed anticipation of each other's actions while elemental magic provided tactical advantages that conventional opponents couldn't predict or counter.
Ice patches. Create instability under their feet.
Waterbending turned forest floor into treacherous terrain that disrupted bandit coordination, frozen patches appearing beneath their boots while they struggled to maintain formation against opponents who fought according to principles their military experience hadn't covered.
Arrow deflection. Air manipulation redirecting projectiles.
The crossbow bolts that should have found flesh instead sailed wide as invisible force altered their trajectory, airbending providing defensive capabilities that allowed aggressive positioning without accepting lethal risk.
Disabling strikes. Ciri targeting joints and tendons rather than vital organs.
Her sword work demonstrated precision that winter training had developed, targeting techniques that ended threats without necessarily ending lives. Professional violence applied with surgical accuracy that left opponents alive but incapable of continued resistance.
Eight dead, seven fled. Decisive victory that demonstrated growth.
Geralt's handling of the strongest opponents proved characteristically efficient, his blade work eliminating primary threats while leaving weaker bandits free to make rational decisions about continued resistance.
Outmatched. They realized they were completely outmatched.
The wounded bandit left behind by fleeing comrades presented moral choice that revealed character through decision-making under stress—pragmatism suggesting elimination of potential intelligence source versus compassion demanding medical assistance for defeated enemy.
Heal him. Moral choice over tactical advantage.
Adam's application of healing magic to someone who'd attempted to kill them minutes before demonstrated consistency of principle that transcended immediate self-interest, waterbending working to restore health regardless of recipient's previous hostility.
Grateful. Enemy grateful for unexpected mercy.
The bandit's reaction revealed surprise that spoke of someone whose experience hadn't prepared him for mercy from victims, understanding that his life had been preserved through choice rather than oversight.
Intelligence. Information about Cahir's intensified pursuit.
"Nilfgaardian officer," the bandit said, his voice carrying gratitude mixed with genuine concern for people who'd shown mercy. "Cahir. Offering serious coin for information about ash-blonde girl. Obsessed, they say. Won't stop hunting."
Legendary obsession. Cahir's pursuit becoming legendary.
The confirmation that their primary pursuer continued operations with increased resources and systematic approach meant that refugee camp's visibility had potentially accelerated timeline for confrontation they weren't prepared to handle.
Won't stop. He won't stop until he captures her.
[Experience Gained: 250 XP]
[Level Progress: 26 (70% toward 27)]
[Relationship: Ciri +3, Geralt +2]
The release of healed bandit with warning about future encounters served multiple purposes—demonstrating that mercy could be tactical advantage while creating reputation that might prevent unnecessary conflicts with people whose desperation made them dangerous.
Word spreads. Warning to spread word about our capabilities.
"Tell others," Adam said as the bandit prepared to depart. "The healer and his companions aren't easy prey. There are better targets for people trying to survive."
Reputation as shield and target. Recognition that reputation serves as both protection and attraction.
The growing legend of Adam's healing abilities would inevitably attract both those seeking assistance and those viewing unusual capabilities as threats requiring elimination or control.
Cahir's shadow grows longer. His influence expanding through bounty system.
The systematic approach to their pursuit suggested resources that exceeded simple military authority, political backing that could sustain extended operations across multiple kingdoms while maintaining operational tempo that individual fugitives couldn't match indefinitely.
Together. Whatever threats emerge, we face them together.
Looking at Ciri's confident posture as she cleaned her blade with movements that spoke of someone comfortable with professional violence when circumstances demanded it, Adam understood that winter's education had created capabilities worthy of respect.
Partnership. True partnership in all aspects of this life.
The road ahead stretched toward Novigrad and whatever answers awaited in places where magical knowledge might provide solutions to problems that force alone couldn't resolve.
Ready. More ready than yesterday, with reputation spreading in directions we can't control.
Some legends grew through actions taken according to principle rather than strategic calculation, creating consequences that extended far beyond immediate intention.
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