“Gwendolyn, get behind me,” I commanded.

She did so. The soldiers began to slowly circle us until we were surrounded. They stopped and leered at us.

“Last chance, lass,” said the man facing me. “Come with us now, or after we’re through with you you’ll end up in the same shape as this swaddling pup of a squire.”

“I will end my life with my Justin,” Gwendolyn said using my name.

My desire to defend Gwendolyn, who I now realized, due to our dire situation, that I loved her with all my heart, did wonders to me. Anger gushed through my veins. I threw my normal caution aside and used words a brave knight would. “Six of you combined appear to be brave. Is there one of you that will come forth to taste the flavor of my sword?”

The talkative one charged forward.