Recognizing the need for a swift response, Leofwine leaps from his horse and rushes towards the archer in the tree, glaive in hand he bound up branch by branch until he is within striking range. Up close, the face is partially obscured by a dark cloth, but those eyes look elven, as they widen slightly, surprised at how quickly the warrior closed the distance, but reaches for his next arrow all the same. Meanwhile Vara runs to close the gap, notching an arrow and letting it fly. Her aim is true, but the archer saw her attack and managed to flinch at the last moment. They are still struck in the head, but they manage to avoid a serious blow.<br/><br/>From the forest emerge several more bandits, at least two, maybe three.<strong>“We fight, but be ready to withdraw,”</strong>a strong feminine voice can be heard.<br/><br/>Ares casts his spell, proclaiming his sentence upon the bandits, whilst weaving his magic between himself, Leofwine and Vara, steeling their hands and resolve for the upcoming fight.<strong>“Kill the mage,”</strong>the same feminine voice sounds.<em>“Cart,”</em>the archer in the tree calls out as they witness the casting, balancing nimbly on a branch.<br/><br/><div align="center">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><br/>Ares - 20, uninjured<br/>Leofwine – 17, moderately injured<br/>Bandit (crossbow and short sword) – 16.5, uninjured<br/>Selise – 16, uninjured<br/>Bandit (flail and shield) - 15, uninjured<br/>Bandit (short sword and shield), uninjured - 12<br/>Bandit (longbow) - 11, moderately injured<br/>Vara – 9<br/>Lyara - 9