**Chapter 9: Aftermath of Battle**

As Riven turned to check on Elara and Kaelin, a surge of relief washed over him, but it was short-lived. The bandit leader, snarling with rage, scrambled to his feet, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think you've won?" he spat, his gaze locked on Riven. "You're not even standing." Riven's vision began to blur as a wave of pain washed over him, his previous wounds acting up with a vengeance. The aching in his side, where he'd been stabbed, intensified, and his legs felt like lead. He gritted his teeth, fighting to stay upright, but his body had other plans. His knees buckled, and he stumbled, his hand reaching out to grasp something, anything, to steady himself. But there was nothing, just the cold, hard earth beneath his feet. The bandit leader took advantage of Riven's momentary weakness, charging forward with a snarl. Elara reacted quickly, her eyes flashing with alarm as she rushed to Riven's side. "Riven, no!" she cried, but it was too late. The bandit leader's sword sliced through the air, heading straight for Riven's exposed side. In a flash, Kaelin appeared, her small body inserting itself between Riven and the bandit leader. "No, don't hurt him!" she begged, her eyes wide with fear. The bandit leader hesitated, his sword wavering, and in that moment, Riven found the strength to push himself up, his hand closing around the bandit leader's wrist. He twisted it, hard, and the bandit leader yelped in pain, releasing his sword. Riven took advantage of the distraction to grab the sword, his movements slow and labored. Elara rushed to his side, her arm wrapping around his waist, holding him upright. "We have to get out of here," she whispered, her voice urgent. Kaelin nodded, her eyes still wide with fear, and together, the three of them backed away from the bandit leader, who was now snarling and snapping like a cornered animal. Riven knew they couldn't stay there, not with the bandit leader still on his feet. With a Herculean effort, Riven forced himself to move, his legs trembling beneath him. Elara supported him, her grip on his waist tightening as they stumbled through the darkness, leaving the bandit leader and his cohorts behind. As they emerged into a small clearing, Riven spotted a stream running through it, its crystal-clear waters glinting in the moonlight. He knew they had to get to safety, and fast. "The stream," he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Follow it. It'll lead us to safety." Elara nodded, her eyes locked on his, and together, they stumbled towards the stream, Kaelin's small body sandwiched between them. Riven knew they weren't out of danger yet, but for now, they had a chance to regroup, to tend to his wounds, and to plan their next move.