**Chapter 10: Pursued by Shadows**

The sound of rushing water grew louder as they stumbled towards the stream, but Riven's relief was short-lived. He knew the bandit leader wouldn't give up easily, and he was right. The bandit leader emerged from the darkness, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "You think you can escape me?" he snarled, his gaze locked on Riven. Riven gritted his teeth, fighting to stay upright. He could feel Elara's support, her arm wrapped around his waist, but he knew he had to protect her and Kaelin. He couldn't let the bandit leader harm them. With a surge of adrenaline, Riven pushed himself forward, his movements slow and labored. As they reached the stream, Riven turned to Elara and Kaelin. "Get out of here," he gasped, his voice urgent. "Follow the stream. It'll lead you to safety." Elara's eyes widened in protest, but Riven's expression brooked no argument. Kaelin looked up at Riven, her eyes filled with fear. "But Riven..." she began, her voice trembling. Riven's gaze locked on hers, and he forced a weak smile. "I'll be fine," he lied. "Just go." Elara hesitated, her grip on Riven's waist tightening, but then she nodded. "We'll be back," she whispered, her eyes locked on Riven's. "We'll come back for you." With that, she turned and pulled Kaelin into the darkness, following the stream as it wound its way through the trees. Riven watched them go, his heart heavy with worry. He knew he had to keep the bandit leader away from them, no matter the cost. With a snarl, the bandit leader charged forward, his sword slicing through the air. Riven raised his own sword, his movements slow and clumsy, but he refused to back down. The bandit leader was relentless, his blows landing with precision and force. Riven stumbled backward, his sword wavering, but he refused to yield. He fought through the pain, his vision blurring, but his heart clear. He was protecting those he had come to care for, and that gave him the strength to keep going. The battle raged on, the two men clashing in a flurry of steel and sweat. Riven's side ached, his legs trembled, but he stood his ground, his sword flashing in the moonlight. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long, but he was determined to give Elara and Kaelin time to escape. As the fight continued, Riven's thoughts turned to those he was protecting. He thought of Elara's smile, her laughter, and her fierce determination. He thought of Kaelin's wide eyes, her infectious smile, and her unwavering trust. And with those thoughts, he found the strength to keep going, to keep fighting, no matter the cost.