Morris and his men immediately drew their own weapons, forming a protective circle around Lianna's wagon. The odds were poor—six against twenty-four—but they had expected this possibility and prepared accordingly.
"We're just merchants!" Lianna called out, playing her role despite the growing tension. "We don't want any trouble!"
"Then you shouldn't have brought armed guards," the bandit leader replied with cold amusement. "Real merchants hire locals for protection. Imperial guards are a dead giveaway."
The accusation sent a chill through Lianna. Their disguise had been compromised, but there was no time to consider how. The bandits were already advancing, and combat was inevitable.
"Protect the merchant!" Morris shouted, launching himself at the nearest bandit with his sword gleaming despite the rain.
The battle erupted with shocking violence as trained soldiers met desperate outlaws.
