Night hangs over the circus camp, torn tents snapping in the wind. Young Dave. stands at the edge of the ring, sword in hand, taking in the damage.
A bound captive kneels in the sawdust, and a wandering swordsman keeps his blade tight to the captive’s throat. He is breathing too fast, eyes wide with sudden regret.
The Wandering Swordsman
Stay back. I thought he was the duelist.
Behind the wagons, performers crouch in silence, watching for the first sign of blood or mercy.
Kaelo
I am no duelist. You have the wrong man.
The swordsman’s wrist tightens, then wavers. His blade does not leave the captive’s throat, but his feet shift toward the dark beyond the ring.
The Wandering Swordsman
If you mean to stop me, do it now.
✓ Quest Accepted
Stop the wandering swordsman
“Split the wandering swordsmen's head open.”
Missed — The Wandering Swordsman struck back for 8 damage
Young Dave. lunges, but his blade bites only air. The swordsman slips inside the swing and clips him hard across the side, sending him stumbling back in the sawdust, breath knocked loose.
The Wandering Swordsman
No, no... I will not die in a circus ring for a mistake.
His arm shakes at the captive's throat. Shame flashes across his face, then hardens into panic as he drags the point away and backs toward the wagons, still watching Young Dave. for one opening.
“Keep attacking”
Critical hit for 4 damage — The Wandering Swordsman struck back but missed
Young Dave. drives in on the retreat, and this time his blade lands clean. The wandering swordsman jerks, loses his footing in the sawdust, and goes slack before he can answer. His sword slips from numb fingers and thuds beside him.
The Wandering Swordsman
I... I yield. Take him, take the captive, just let me go.
He sinks to his knees, shaking with shame, no longer guarding the captive at all. The bound man starts to pull air back into his lungs as the ring falls suddenly, terribly quiet.
Quest Complete
Stop the wandering swordsman