[IRP] Beginnings of Change

[Andy]

Ambrose froze at what Paige did, looking at her with naught but astonishment. The woman had stones, he'd give her that much. He'd planned to help those poor souls out later, when it was fully dark, but now they were being targeted.

"Run!" Ambrose declared, wanting to get into the forest surrounding the village before things got worse. The forest, he could work with. In the town? He was more likely to get skewered.

The group ran, and Ambrose made sure he was the last in line. He had the experience; best if he was the one to deal with these unworthy foes. He looked behind him for a second: one of the light-tipped spears was ahead of the other. He turned, drawing his sword. The long steel blade rang as it came free. He caught the first ranseur on its quillions, directing it up into the air. The Keeper it was attached to stabbed at Ambrose, but the ex-mercenary parried.

He gripped the weapon's shaft in his right hand to keep it from moving, angled his sword like a spear, and pierced the light armor of the Keeper. It was a young man, and Ambrose felt a flash of pity for him before he kicked the dying body off his sword, then ran before the other spearman could reach him.