Alexia's blades whirled, and she struck down another bandit. As the man fell, she turned to face down another one. All around her were the sounds of combat, the clash of blades and the screams of the wounded.
Alexia loved it all.
Soon enough, though, the battle (really more of a skirmish) came to an end as the morale of the bandit group broke down completely and the survivors fled into the desert. Alexia lifted one of her curved swords into the air, and let out a yell of triumph. The soldiers under her command (at least those who could) imitated the action. After that, it was time for the usual activities after combat. Wounded warriors had to be looked after, the dead were gathered for the last rites, and a million other little things.
Alexia left those matters to her soldiers, and instead walked over towards the merchant caravan. It appeared that not one of the bandits had gotten near it, an unqualified victory for her. This was, after all, the first merchant caravan that had approached her for protection, had given the proper respect and deference when asking to travel through her territory. She'd be a sorry excuse for a warlord if she couldn't police the lands she'd claimed, after all.
She paused as she passed the nearest wagon, seeing herself in one of the mirrors that was being transported aboard it. She was dressed in her armor, which consisted of a metal cuirass that she'd stolen when she'd set out on her own. Her wide hips and strong legs were clad in simple pants, and she wore a pair of sturdy boots. She noticed some wounds marring her bronze skin, though nothing fatal. She ran a hand through her red hair, and shook her head. There was a reason she'd walked over here, after all. Better to not get sucked into preening over her appearance like some of the airheads in her father's harem.
The caravan leader, a middle-aged man dressed in fine silks that almost concealed his potbelly, saw her approach. He got up to meet her, and bowed to her.
"It would appear that the tales of your skill were not exaggerated in the least, Lady Alexia," he said.
Alexia smirked. Sure, he was laying on the flattery a little thick, but it felt damn good to hear after today's battle. "Naturally. You sought my protection, and I have granted it. I always keep my word."
"Of course, of course!" the merchant replied, bobbing his head up and down. "And, I was thinking..."
Alexia waited for a moment, then made a gesture with her hand for the man to continue. "Well, my company's caravans travel this way quite often, as it is one of the safer routes from the Roiling Bay up to the center of the realm. And your control of the area has made it safer! So, my thought is that a friendlier relationship between my company and your army could only benefit the both of us."
"What did you have in mind?" Alexia asked.
"Why, with a gift of course! I am prepared to offer you..."
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