As the battle was ongoing between the defenders and Menos, the conflict at the foot of the hills had reached a lull. Unaware of the situation above the Scholar felt no urgency in dealing with the commander leading the enemy’s forces.

“Well Captain Iphiclus… Commander, honestly I’m not quite sure if you are in charge or that strange, masked fellow was. Personally, he doesn’t appear the type capable of leading anyone… seems unusually good at killing though… A valuable enough skill I suppose.” The Scholar scoured the battlefield as he spoke, taking particular care to exaggerate his movements while scanning the three men before him. Iphiclus and his two aides were all that remained of his vaunted cavalry squadron, they had been equipped to deal with a less mobile foe. Possessing neither the skills nor equipment that those before him did.

“Shouldn’t you be worried… You have yet to strip us of our armor and weapons, yet you have the confidence to stand before me. Do you think I will not strike you down?” At Iphiclus’s words the riders surrounding them could be seen strengthening the grip on their spears. Maatilani who was positioned to left of the Scholar and slightly to the rear showed a far more visceral reaction, it was as if she would jump over to Iphiclus’s horse and rip him to shreds with her bare hands. Yet not a single individual moved, their bodies completely still, none speaking out as they had yet to receive permission from their leader.

“Iphiclus… I am going to go ahead and use your name… honestly, I’m not a big fan of formalities. What I want to know is whatever you can tell me about that masked man who accompanied you here. Honestly, you and your men hold very little value to me… I am more inclined to cut your throats and be done with you… save myself the resources. Yet here I am, conversing with you… providing you an opportunity to save yourself and your… remaining men. Hopefully you make a wise choice, for their sakes.” The matter-of-fact way in which the Scholar delivered his words sent a shiver down Iphiclus’s back. It was normal procedure to take higher born prisoners’ hostage, to request ransom, so as not to create undue animosity. Yet from the Scholar’s tone, it was obvious that he could care much less.

“You insufferable lot are nothing but cowards, you fight like bandits! You are, every one of you without honor! Your methods of combat spit on the sanctity of battle! Even so, are any of you man enough to face me in individual combat! Or are you women.” Iphiclus had upon his face the expression of a man fearful of death yet unwilling to fall to those fears. He had chosen to die, but his decision to level accusation’s and belittle those opposite him were calculated, at least if he were to succeed or perish in single combat his honor would remain intact.

The Scholar in response just sighed, shaking his head from right to left, mumbling under his breath, something along the lines of fools and their honor. “Right, we have no honor. It was us who engaged in the pursuit of a merchant and diplomatic convoy? A convoy mind you with many unarmed civilians… So, tell me… who is the bandit? Which one of us is without honor?” Caedyrn who enjoyed relaxing in the saddle straightened his somewhat slouched posture, with his back straight he sat regally upon his mount, his tall and muscular frame extremely impressive for a man his age. Raven colored hair interspersed with streaks of gray reached down to his shoulders, and the golden brooch with the silver flower crowned with blood red petals drew all eyes in his direction.

“Tell me commander, do you believe that fat toad will spare you and your men’s families? Personally, I am of the opinion that you were sent here to fail… more likely there was someone higher up the food chain, and you poor little pawns were sacrificed for their political games.” Caedyrn raised his hands in mock distress, shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. “Who am I to discuss the petty games of the nobles… I for one have not partaken in such things for almost a decade… But tell me what is honor worth when both your daughters are made into toys for those same noble pigs?” This the Scholar made sure to whisper just loud enough for the man across from him and perhaps Maatilani to hear.

Silence permeated the surroundings, no one said anything for what seemed like minutes with both aides behind Iphiclus shaking nervously upon their mounts. During this brief period of silence Iphiclus grasped something that hung around his collar, his lips moving slightly as he mumbled under his breath. “Well commander I am a busy man, and this game you are playing it will only end one-” The Scholar leaned back in his saddle, the tip of the bronze spear mere inches from his face.

There was a soft smirk sitting upon his lips, he did not even to attempt to reach for his weapon. Although Iphiclus had thrust at precisely the right time and came close, Maatilani was much faster, her spear stopped and held the other weapon in place. “Commander, it appears you have made your choice… Don’t worry I won’t kill your men… right now anyway. However, I believe you have much bigger problems, my lovely disciple here had been holding herself back for quite some time. She doesn’t take well to those who look down upon women, and I am positive she would love to take up your challenge… Do as you please Maati.”

As soon as the Scholar released her restrictions Maatilani acted, she had possessed not a shred of hesitation as she smashed Iphiclus’s spear away. This was a dangerous move as it could have easily been dangerous for her Master and his horse, yet neither appeared especially perturbed. In fact, the horse was casually munching on a seemingly delicious batch of greens below its feet.

Yet even if not taking that into account, the fact that Maatilani could smash away Iphiclus’s spear, not push or move away, but smash, spoke of the immense strength the woman possessed. From a resting position with arms outstretched, using only the muscles in her forearms she was able to flick the opposing weapon with enough force to cause her opponents hands to shake due to impact. It was possible this was due to Iphiclus himself being in an equally unstable position, but the expression upon his face said otherwise.

“One last thing Maati, don’t go overboard… no need to show your full capabilities here.” Maatilani nodded her head in understanding, whereas her opponent was fuming at the show of disrespect.