Revealed to them was much more than a mere few bandits.
As the men crept closer, the sheer number was revealed as they came from between. It seemed like an organized effort which meant that someone had prior knowledge that the Royal Family would be going through that part of Tenetium at some point.
Irene observed the men moving forward slowly and she took note of a few things.
Rather than knights' armor, their armor was more metal and leather. It was a bit duller and worn which, if it didn't speak of experience, it spoke of being used and traded. This was a common trait of mercenaries.
Many mercenaries simply were that because of a desire to make money and lack of discretion on the jobs. Since being in a knighthood was selective, there were plenty who didn't make the cut but still displayed skills with weapons.
With the skills of a knight but no Code of Chivalry they were bound to, they made for terrifying opponents if that's what it came down to.
