Arturo shrugged. He'd given them the chance. Stepping in close to them he let the arcing sword fall on him, but without cutting too deep. He grunted at the fire racing down his arm, but he held on knowing it would be over soon. Moving in close, he hindered their ability to use their longer blade effectively, but not so much himself. He'd practiced fighting in tight quarters, it was what set him apart. It was one reason he was the General of the King's armies. He drew another short knife. Taking the surprise of his stepping in, he dropped his broadsword and drew his short blade. With a few more parries, both men had been wounded, if not immediately critical. They would not survive the afternoon. Ignoring the two men, he turned to the first felled one, he removed his knife and wiped the blood on the dead man's jacket.

Once he'd stowed his weapons back upon his person, he turned to the girl. Water still flowed around her, as if she were using it as a shield against the world. She was a comely thing. He had no doubt what the bandits had wanted with her. He held his damaged arm and he stalked toward her.

“Are you alright, lass?” he asked, not realizing he might look like an approaching monster. Around them, his men moved to clean up the dead bodies, setting them up to be burned. They were efficient and silent.

One of them approached Arturo and looked pointedly at his arm. “Set up camp. We'll stay here tonight and meet up with the others in the morning. Send Thomas to let them know,” he ordered, his eyes never leaving the girl.