Diake woke up to pounding on the door. He blinked his eyes a few times to make sure he was awake and that the pounding on the door wasn’t in his head. He had more to drink than he’d thought. Still, he was more than pleasantly surprised where he woke up. The bed was covered in white cloth and much too soft to be his bed at the inn. The pillow was filled with soft feathers and the bed was long enough for him to stretch his legs. The room was well lit and judging from what he could see outside the window, he was on the second story.

The door opened downstairs, and Diake heard a rough voice mix with a beautiful one. He instantly recognized Miranda’s sweet voice and felt his ego swell. He knew things had been going well with her last night. Apparently, even drunk, he’d convinced her to take him home. He laid back and sighed. What a night it must’ve been.

The visitor at the door became more aggressive, and Diake sat up right. His brain eased past his ego and reminded him he was in a woman’s house. A woman whom he knew nothing about other than the curves of her body. She could have a family and angry parents. She could have a husband for all he knew! The voice at the door became louder, and Diake sensed he was about to be in a lot of trouble.

He hopped out of bed and found his shirt and jacket hanging neatly on a rack. Diake threw them on and wished he had brought his sword with him last night. He wasn’t eager to start a fight but having his sword might help prevent one. Even the angriest men aren’t ready to fight against another who has a giant sword. He was considering what to do when Miranda entered the room.

She leaned up against the door and grinned at Diake. He realized he hadn’t actually seen much of her form in the darkness last night. Now that she was standing in the bright room he could see her as she actually was. Her long black hair hung in a wave around her body. It was straight as a line and almost reached her buttocks. She wore simple brown pants today and a breezy white blouse which showed off a fair bit of cleavage, or at least enough to gain Diake’s attention. Miranda just reached his chin in height and she had a thin, but well toned body. She was eyeing him playfully with big beautiful brown eyes as she spoke.

“You’re finally awake,” she said.

“I am,” said Diake, controlling his panic. “Who was at the door?”

“Your barbarian friends. They want to speak to you.” Diake sighed and followed after Miranda. What the hell were they doing here? He came around the door to see Mekov and Sakien waiting impatiently. Mekov winked at Diake and shot him a sly smile. Diake returned the gesture, but his lighthearted feelings vanished when he looked at Sakien. Sakien’s face was sketched with rage and anger.

“Diake,” said Sakien quickly.

“What is it you two?” asked Diake. “I haven’t even had breakfast yet.”

“Do you know where Kira is?” asked Sakien, completely ignoring Diake’s comment.

“I don’t know. Last I remember she wandered off last night.”

“Probably the last thing you remember,” said Mekov quietly. Diake tried to glare at him, but Sakien got in the way.

“I can’t find her,” he said. “I need your help in locating her.”

“She probably hooked up with some guy last night,” shrugged Diake. “Wait until after dawn before you panic.”

“It’s after noon,” said Sakien. “I’ve waited as patiently as I can; now I’m going after her. I cannot stand around if she’s in trouble.” Mekov stepped back up to interrupt.

“As far as we know she was last seen heading away from the festival with some guy. No one has seen her since.”

“And what makes you think she’s still not with him?” asked Diake. He couldn’t help but express how stupid he thought all this was. Odds were Kira was waking up in someone’s bed just like he had.

“Do you really see Kira as the type of girl who just wanders off with any guy?” demanded Sakien. “I know you’re not blind to how the men in this town treat Kira. Nobody looks at her as a woman. I don’t know why, but it’s her business. Now will you help me or not?”

Every part of Diake wanted to tell Sakien to piss off and slam the door in his face. The way Miranda looked at him made him want to go right back upstairs and take her with him. He almost did except that he saw Sakien’s axe was in his right hand and his fingers were white as bone. If someone had wronged his student Sakien looked ready to cleave him in half. A blood bath was the last thing Diake wanted to start in this town.

“Find Dezzlin and meet me at the guild house. I’ll get my sword, and we can go.” Sakien nodded.

“Thank you Diake.”

“You owe me.” Diake closed the door and sighed. He looked to Miranda with apologetic eyes. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright. That man has blood in his eyes. Someone has to watch him.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

“I’m sure you will,” said Miranda quickly. Diake turned around eagerly, but Miranda all but shoved him out the door. “Go.” Diake groaned as the door closed and he swore at Sakien. He’d never have such a great opportunity again.

Diake ran to the inn and put on his armor and sword. His wound from the blanket horror felt much better and he felt so much stronger today. He grinned as he tightened the straps on his armor. A night with a beautiful woman has that effect on a man. He pulled out his sword and checked the blade for any weakness. With any luck this wouldn’t be the only weapon he wielded today.

Diake headed out of the inn and headed for the guild house. Odds were it would take Sakien and Mekov a long time to find which house Dezzlin was in after last night. He ate a piece of bread as he marched. He tried to think if Kira really was the type who would find a man to bunk down with for the night, but his instincts told him no. Diake knew Sakien was right that nobody in the town looked at Kira normally. It wasn’t just because she was foreign either. There was a deep seated dislike for her. He needed information and he was sure most of the locals wouldn’t confide in him. Fortunately there was one group he could always count on.

Diake headed into the guild house and looked to see who was in. There were a couple of traveling foreigners, the guild representative upstairs, and a few of the local hunters. Diake himself was foreign to this area and didn’t have any contacts, but in the guild you didn’t need any. The Hunter’s Guild didn’t care about what your name was, only your legacy. Diake’s armor was proof enough that he was an exceptional hunter and the sword on his side only drove home the point.

“Can we buy you a drink?” asked one of the men when he approached the bar. Diake nodded and took a seat among the other hunters. A fresh drink might ease his pounding head as he sought answers.

“What brings you in today hunter?” asked the barkeeper. “Just in for a drink or here on business?”

“Unofficial business,” said Diake. “Any of you know about that new girl Kira?” A few of the men chuckled.

“Yeah we know about her.”

“A very sad story,” said a woman in the corner. Female hunters weren’t as common as male ones, but there was no sexism here. Any proven hunter was worth what they wore, and she had a fine armor of scales and a heavy spear resting next to her. The men averted their gaze away from her and Diake felt he had his source. He took his drink and moved to her table.

“May I?” he asked. She waved her hand and Diake took the seat.

“What makes you interested in Kira?” she asked. “You don’t seem to be a pervert like the rest of them.” Diake cocked his head.

“Pervert?” The woman laughed.

“You really are foreign.” She leaned forward. “Look, you know Kira is no real hunter. A good scrapper maybe but no hunter.”

“That much was obvious to me.”

“You know she’s foreign but what you don’t know is she didn’t arrive like you did. She came into town as part of a shipment.” Diake frowned.

“Shipment? You mean this town deals in slavery?” The huntress shrugged.

“Sometimes, I don’t think she was meant for here though. Not sure what they had in mind, but I doubt it was anything good.”

“So she’s a runaway?” The woman shook her head.

“No, she’s still attached to them. She’s a smart girl and struck a bargain with the people who brought her in. If she went out and hunted for raw materials, she could bring in more money than working some pleasure quarter.” Diake understood now. Kira wasn’t out there hunting for work; she was doing it to survive. She was fighting to stay out of slavery.

“Word also has it she hasn’t been doing so well.” Diake looked up suddenly, his face changing from understanding to worry. “Her hunts haven’t brought back anything as valuable as they wanted. I heard she’s been trying to go after something fancier. She’ll only get herself killed at this rate.”

“That’s why she wants to get a sanpaco.”

The huntress nodded respectfully. “She wants paco? Little Kira is trying to move up in the world. She’s nowhere near ready to take one, but their feathers can fetch a high price. I can see why she wants one.”

“So what happens if she fails?” Diake asked even though he was sure he knew the answer.

“She gets shipped on and pays the price, whether she wants to or not.”

“And that will go very badly,” said an older gentleman as he sat at their table. “Excuse my intrusion.” Diake and the huntress nodded that it was okay. This man was years past his hunting days, but his wardrobe held pieces from animals all over. He was probably a legend in his own time. “I couldn’t help but overhear your situation and thought I might shed a bit of light to your problem.”

“I think he understands the problem,” said the huntress.

“No, he doesn’t.” The old veteran looked to Diake. “You’re one of the hunters who teamed up with those northerners aren’t you?” Diake nodded. “I thought so. I also noticed Kira has the mark of a pupil on her head now. One of those northern fellows put that on her, didn’t they?”

“The one with the axe did.” The old man whistled.

“I’ve seen that one. That axe is no common item, let me tell you. Now I’m not sure what a couple of northerners are doing down here, but I’ve traveled my fair share so listen well. The mark he put on that girl isn’t just for show. It’s a bond. It’s a promise from teacher to pupil, and it marks ownership.”

“Ownership?” questioned Diake. He looked at the huntress. “Again?”

“Not like that son,” said the man with a wave of his hand. “She’s his charge now, and he’s bound to watch over her until he believes her training is done. Any creature who wishes to injure her must first go through the master. Any man with a grudge must also go through the master if they want the pupil. Understand what I’m saying?”

“So if they try and take Kira now…” Diake stood up.

“The town is going to have one hell of a mess on its hands. Northerners are known for their bonds, better than steel. When they make a promise they aim to keep it or die trying. And I’m sure you’ve learned by now those men have no problem with killing.” Diake believed that one all too well. He bowed to both of them.

“Thank you both. I have to go.”

“Where are you going?” asked the huntress.

“To stop all hell from breaking loose.”

“You didn’t even finish your drink,” said the old veteran. “You didn’t even start it!”

“Have one on me!” Diake bolted out the door and almost ran Dezzlin down as he entered. He had his sword on his back but he was still wearing his fancy clothes from last night.

“What’s the rush?” asked Dezzlin joyfully. His wild smile disappeared almost instantly as he saw the look on Diake’s face. “What is it?”

“Where’s the others?”

“I saw Sakien and Mekov in the square just a minute ago. Kira wasn’t with them.” Diake pushed past him and started for the square. “Should I get my armor?”

“There might be no time. We need to find Kira before things get ugly.”

“How ugly?”

“A riktor appearing in the middle of the town ugly.” Dezzlin ran after him.

“That’s bad.”

“Yes, it is. Let’s get to the others.” Sakien and Mekov were not in the square as Dezzlin thought, but they weren’t hard to find. They were probably the only northerners in the country, and anyone who kept an eye open could point them out. They were down a few streets when Diake and Dezzlin caught up to them.

“There’s the bastard,” said Mekov as they spotted Dezzlin. “Which house were you hiding in?”

“I’ll tell you later,” said Dezzlin smugly.

“Have you found Kira?” asked Diake.

“No,” said Sakien worriedly. “While asking about Dezzlin though we did hear about this shady trade house Kira visits, and we were just going to check it out.”

“It’s more than a shady trade house,” huffed Diake. “They’re Kira’s owners.”

“What?” asked everyone else simultaneously.

“I just found out. She was brought in as a slave, and she’s been hunting for them. If she hasn’t been doing well, then they were going to ship her off.”

“No,” growled Sakien as he took off down the street. Diake ran next to him and Dezzlin and Mekov kept up.

“We can’t hurt them without a reason,” he said quickly.

“If they took Kira then I have all the reason.”

“I agree, but the town won’t,” snapped Diake. “They technically own her, and they can do what they want within the law.”

“She is my student,” hissed Sakien.

“Let’s use some tact first,” said Diake. “Okay?” The trade house came into view and Sakien began to slow down. He looked to Diake with hate in his eyes, but he nodded. Diake breathed a sigh of relief as they walked towards the door. They had to go about this delicately if they wanted to keep the law on their side.

Sakien took his axe into both hands and kicked the door in. Diake sighed as the man charged inside. So much for tact apparently.

Viktor leapt at the crash and pulled his crossbow up in an instant. He fired a shot at the angry northerner, but the shot pinged off the flattened axe head Sakien was using as a shield. Sakien let out a roar as Viktor tried to ready another bolt. He vaulted over the counter and drove him into the floor. An axe was at Viktor’s throat by the time he recovered

“Where is she?” spat Sakien.

“Who?” gasped Viktor.

“Kira, my Kien’karin. What have you done with her?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Sakien almost would’ve believed him if not for the twitch at his lip. The slight rise of a smile. Sakien placed his ridged axe on the man’s throat and stood up. All it would take would be one quick pull and Viktor’s life would be over.

“What is going on here?” demanded a man as he came downstairs. He was dressed finely and that suggested he was the owner of this place. Guards appeared at the doorway and in the back of the shop, but none of them advanced. These men were not town guards but agents of the shop.

“We’re hunters looking for our comrade,” said Diake smoothly. “Kira. We understand she is a part of this establishment.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“She was. My name is Sheen, and I run this establishment. As for Kira, she left town last night.”

“You stole her,” said Mekov.

“You can’t steal what you own,” said the man. “Now get out you savages before I have you thrown out.”

“You will tell me where you sent her,” said Sakien.

“I don’t have to do any such thing,” chuckled the man. “You will leave here, or I will inform the town guard.”

“Tell me,” demanded Sakien. All eyes were on Sakien and Sheen as they spoke, but Mekov nudged Dezzlin. Dezzlin looked at him and saw Mekov was raising his lance slowly. This was about to get ugly, and they better be ready to draw.

“Get out,” said Sheen, sounding more bored than worried. Mekov whirled on the doorway with his lance. He knew what was about to happen.

Sakien drew his axe up and split Viktor’s throat in one quick motion. The guards watched as the man gasped horribly for one moment, and that was one moment too long. Sakien barreled past a guard and was up the stairs after Sheen who’d bolted away.

Two men died instantly to Mekov’s lance in the doorway. The others tried to surge in only to be instantly repelled. Mekov’s large shield and the small space of the doorway made him an impossible target. On the flip side, they were all incredibly easy targets for his lance. The front door wasn’t an option.

Diake didn’t want it to come to this, but he no longer had a choice. The guards were charging them, and they didn’t look like they wanted to talk. He drew his longsword and stood next to Dezzlin. “Try not to kill them,” he said.

The men slowed their rush as the longswords came out. Diake and Dezzlin had the longer reach, and they used the counter as a barricade. None of the guards had shields so they had to be wary.

“We’ve hunted the greatest monsters who cross these sands,” laughed Dezzlin. “Come and get us if you think you can do better.” The first assault fell back clutching bleeding arms and shoulders, and Dezzlin’s words were not lost on the men. Hunters were dangerous fighters and would fight until their last breath. The guards had numbers but they didn’t advance.

Sheen closed his door and slid the lock down. He stepped back and hoped his guards would be rushing the mad man. A second later, part of the door splintered as Sakien drove his axe into it. Sheen scowled as he realized the others must be keeping his guards away from the stairs. He went to a rack on the wall and pulled out a pair of swords. He wasn’t a novice fighter himself, but he knew that door wouldn’t last long. The room wasn’t that big, giving him the advantage against Sakien’s larger weapon. If need be, he’d escape through the window behind him.

The lock broke and Sakien booted in what was left of the door. Sakien was barely inside before Sheen came at him in a wave of dancing blades. Sakien thrust his axe forward like a spear, forcing Sheen away from him. Sheen tried to deflect the axe neatly, but it wasn’t a spear. The axe was on a five foot pole and much heavier than any spear. It barely shrugged at the swing of his light swords.

Sakien swung the axe slightly to one side, opening himself up to Sheen. Sheen saw the feint though and didn’t take the bait. Sakien swept the axe powerfully, and Sheen leapt back in for his real chance. Sakien was over extended, and Sheen closed the distance. He dropped both swords for Sakien’s right arm.

Sakien raised the pole of his axe up to block, but he could only manage to deflect one sword. Sheen shouted with glee as he drew his blade across Sakien’s arm. Disabled of one arm, Sakien would make for an easy kill.

Only the blade slid across Sakien’s arm and left only a small bloody mark. Sheen hadn’t expected armor under that nice cloak Sakien wore. Now, he was the one too close and Sakien had the advantage.

With his right hand Sakien kept the axe up to keep Sheen’s swords blocked and he snatched the man with his left. He charged them across the room, forcing Sheen to worry more about his backpedaling than swinging. If Sheen hit the floor without Sakien he would be an easy kill. However, if they were both on the floor Sheen’s shorter weapons would give him the advantage. He snapped his leg out to Sakien’s inner leg and bent it. He smiled as they both started to fall for the floor.

Then the world became bright, and Sheen realized he was flying. Sakien had shoved him completely out the window, and thanks to his trip, Sakien was coming too. If Sakien had just thrown him out, Sheen would have hit the ground and would’ve been able to run. Instead, he hit the ground, and Sakien landed on top of him, driving the wind out of him and breaking his leg.

The guards at the front door turned to the sudden scream and panic. They all gasped suddenly as Mekov gave them a new breathing hole straight from their lung to the open air. Mekov bolted out to cover Sakien and Dezzlin and Diake followed. The street was beginning to get crowded as the story of the commotion spread. The shady guards were staying inside as the town guard arrived to form a perimeter.

“Lower your weapons!” demanded the captain of the guard. Despite being outnumbered and surrounded, none of the hunters lowered their weapons. “What is the meaning of this?”

“This man kidnapped a hunter,” said Diake loudly, pointing to Sheen as Sakien got off him. “This is guild business and none of your concern.”

“These men attacked me unjustly,” declared Sheen. He tried to feel his broken leg when suddenly all he knew was pain. White fire ripped through him and he was sure for a moment he lost consciousness. He reopened his eyes to see Sakien standing over him. Sakien had his large foot poised over Sheen’s leg ready to smash it again.

“Where did you send her?” he asked once more. Sheen wanted to spit in his face, but the thought of the man stepping on his shattered leg once more was unbearable.

“South, to Port Agnoth.”

“What ship?”

“How should I know that?” cried Sheen.

“Who was the trader?” asked Dezzlin.

“Utin was his name. I swear that’s all I know.” Sakien looked to Dezzlin. They both knew he was telling the truth.

“Let this be a lesson to you. Remember it for all your life.” Sakien flipped his axe over and crashed the dull end across Sheen’s chest, forcing the wind from his lungs and breaking many of his ribs. As Sheen gasped for air, Sakien booted his broken leg. Sheen had a fit on the floor, unable to breathe or scream, yet in such terrible agony. Sakien relaxed his axe and looked to the others.

“We’re good to go.” They all lowered their weapons, but the city guard stayed ready. They looked to their captain for orders. They didn’t want to engage these dangerous men, but they would if the order came. Maybe.

“Make way.” The crowd parted for a few hunters and the guild representative. He looked at the grisly scene and looked to the captain of the guard. “I came as soon as I heard.”

“Alright, explain yourselves,” said the guard captain.

“This man sold our friend and fellow hunter, Kira, into slavery,” said Diake. “We came for her location and this man resisted. A fight broke out.”

“I was under the impression Kira was already a slave,” said the guard captain. “She had to be approved by me to carry a sword at all.”

“She may have once been a slave,” said Sakien, “but no more. She lost that title the day she became my student and a member of the Hunter’s Guild.” The guard captain looked to the guild representative.

“Is it true she is a hunter?”

“Provisionally,” said the representative. “She was to be raised to hunter status by hunter Sakien. She is his pupil that much is true.”

“Nevertheless, Kira was still this man’s property,” said the guard captain. “I’m afraid I find fault on both sides. All of you will be locked up until this matter is settled.”

“If I may captain?” asked Sakien. He stepped forward to meet the captain and speak with him quietly. “I do not have time to wait on your decision. My pupil is going to be shipped away as a slave. I must leave town immediately.”

“I understand your plight,” said the captain nervously. “However, the law is the law. You’ve spilt blood in my town, and I’m not letting you go anywhere until I get to the bottom of this.” The captain stepped back and nodded to his men. “Take them all into custody.”

Diake fingered his sword nervously. He firmly believed with investigation the town guard would release them, but what if they didn’t? He wasn’t ready for his legacy to end just because of some crazy northerners. And speaking of the northerners, neither of them lowered their weapons as the guards advanced. Nobody sane would seriously consider taking on the whole town guard, but Sakien and Mekov looked ready to try. And if they attacked there was a good chance the guard would attack all the hunters indiscriminately. A quick look around and Diake was sure everyone sensed how bad it was about to become.

“Hold captain!” shouted the guild representative. He rushed through the guards and took the captain aside. The captain looked irritated at first, but then after a few words his face turned to surprise.

“Are you serious?” he gasped. He looked back at the group stunned. The guild representative kept whispering furiously and the captain bit his lip. When the guild representative was done, the captain returned hesitantly.

“As there is fault on both sides, both sides must be punished,” he called out to the public. “Considering the damage and loss of life on the trade owner’s side, it is my belief that he has suffered enough punishment. If the hunters in question will leave town the town peacefully and not return, they will receive no further punishment.” The crowd whispered furiously, but nobody spoke up among the townspeople.

“All of us?” asked Dezzlin. “But I didn’t even want to be involved with this?”

“But still you were. I’m afraid your group must be punished as one.”

“Look at it this way,” said Diake as he patted Dezzlin’s back. Diake wasn’t sure what just happened, but he was willing to take any outcome that wasn’t bloodshed. “A true hunter moves from town to town anyway.”

“I hate you all,” whispered Dezzlin, sounding defeated.

“That’s the spirit,” said Sakien.

“We will leave on one request,” said Mekov. “We ask that we be allowed to retrieve our belongings. Our money from the guild and our supplies from our lodging.”

“Agreed, provided you are escorted by members of the guard.” The guard captain’s face couldn’t seem to decide if he was furious or bothered. His voice squeaked under his indecision. “Gather any supplies you need, but I swear I’ll throw you all in jail if you’re not out of the city in one hour.”

“Where will I go?” asked Dezzlin to himself. “I can’t go back to my city yet.”

“I hear the port cities are filled with beautiful women,” said Diake. “Since I’m technically your mentor I say we head south.”

“A good plan,” laughed Mekov. “Let’s get our shit and get out of here.”

The guards led them to the inn where they’d been staying, and they collected their bags. None of their items had been touched, but the citizens of the city now eyed them like vultures. They no longer liked these rogue hunters in their city.

“Anybody else think it’s funny how just a week ago this city loved us for bringing back their supplies, and now, they hate us?” asked Mekov.

“Hilarious,” said Dezzlin, his mirth starting to come back. “Is it always like this?”

“Pretty much,” said Diake. “Why do you think we spend so much time away from town?” They arrived at the guild house and were surprised to see the representative already waiting for them at the door.

“Come in and get everything you need,” he commanded. “I’m afraid you guards must wait outside.”

“We were given explicit instructions from the captain,” said one angrily.

“And this is still a powerful guild that you are not a part of. Unless you want to start more conflict, I suggest you stay outside.” The guards fidgeted uncomfortably but nodded. They were having enough trouble with just the four hunters; the last thing they needed to do was start something with the guild.

The representative led them inside and upstairs. He instructed Seph to go outside and close the door. He leaned against his desk and bit his lip. A moment later he spoke.

“You’ve put us in a fine predicament.”

“I’m sorry,” said Sakien.

“You’ve damaged the guild’s reputation with your actions. You put us in a good light and then ruined it. I could technically suspend you all from the guild for this.” The four of them looked at the representative nervously. Hunting was their lives; all they ever knew how to do. They couldn’t imagine being thrown out of the guild. The representative’s lips curled into a thin smile.

“On the other hand, you’ve bolstered our reputation in a different way. You’ve reinforced in the people that we don’t take shit and we’re loyal to one and other. You defended your friend and fellow hunter to the death despite what the law normally says. You showed how tough our organization can really be.”

“So…we’re not in trouble,” said Diake proudly.

“I think this whole incident would just be better off swept under the rug,” said Trendle with a smirk.

“We can’t thank you enough,” said Sakien.

“I know. I’ve got your bags in the next room filled with all your earnings. You’ll also find your hunter cards in them, stating the jobs you did and the good reputation you’ve kept.”

“Thank you,” said Mekov.

“Yeah, yeah, now get out of here. You don’t have much time left.”

“We still need to get some supplies for the road and fast,” agreed Diake. They all found four small packs in the next room. They were heavy with coin and fine pouches. They’d have to lose some for supplies.

“Make sure you stop by the blacksmith,” said the representative. “You have some packages waiting for you.”

“I wouldn’t forget my shield,” said Mekov.

“Not just you. Dezzlin, you have something waiting for you there too.”

“Me?” asked Dezzlin confused. “I haven’t put in an order in ages.”

“Well consider it a parting gift. It was sent here for you, but we had to send it to the blacksmith. Pick up your surprise. Now,” he led them to the door and waved them out, “get out of my office and get going!”

“Thank you,” they all reiterated.

Downstairs the hunters were all waiting for them with their arms raised. They cheered to their victory and glorious battles. They were met with congratulations and high hopes that they found Kira. They were wished good luck and may they find even greater creatures to hunt. It took them an extra five minutes to get out, but they all felt better after leaving. Just before they left the guild representative came down the stairs.

“Sakien!” Sakien paused for the guild representative. The man held out a thick card with a smile.

“I almost forgot about this. Here, it’s Kira’s card. It proves she is a certified hunter in training. Show this to any guild house, and they’ll honor it.”

“Thank you again,” said Sakien with a nod.

“Go get her,” said the guild representative as he waved goodbye to them.

“Let’s split up,” said Mekov once they were outside. “Dezzlin, you and I can go to the blacksmith. Sakien and Diake can get supplies.”

“Sounds good. Meet you at the southern route out of town,” said Diake. The guard split up to follow them through town. Sakien felt his pouch and looked to Diake.

“We did get a lot of money,” he said plainly. “Yet am I being greedy when I say I feel like we were supposed to have more?”

“What, you think we’re walking away with good names for free?” laughed Diake. “Nothing is free in this world.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” laughed Sakien. “How long is it to the port?”

“Walking, about a week. If we want to make some good time, we’ll get some horses. It’s probably the only way we’ll catch up to Kira.”

“I can’t imagine trade caravans move too fast,” said Sakien.

“Yes, but they’ve got a day on us. Odds are they’ll be well protected and not bothered by monsters. We’re just a small group, odds are we’ll see something on the road.”

“Well, if we’re lucky we won’t have to buy too much meat then.”

*

Mekov stepped into the blacksmith’s shop and pounded his hand on the desk. “I’ve got to leave in a hurry! Can I get my equipment please?” There was a shuffle of things in the back, and Mr. Horner appeared.

“I heard. You got the money for your goods?”

“I paid upfront,” said Mekov pointedly. “I don’t have time to haggle for more.”

“That’s right, my fault,” said Mr. Horner. He had a chance to make more money off Mekov, but he decided it wasn’t worth the risk. The town guard were here and Mekov had to leave town soon. Mr. Horner could charge him more just to get the shield if he wanted to, but this group had already attacked one group of traders. Why risk impalement over a few coins?

Mr. Horner went back into the shop and returned a minute later with the heavy shield. He placed it on the counter for Mekov to inspect. “Since it’s made of riktor armor, your shield is going to weigh a bit more than your last one. On the plus side, it’s going to be twice as durable. Now I’m not saying you should take straight on hits like you did with your last shield, but this baby will take a beating.” He rapped his knuckles against the shield.

Mekov hefted it up and grunted at the extra weight. It was a lot heavier than his last shield. The shield was long but more pointed than his old oval shaped one. Heavy bone was its base and the outside was covered in the thick, brown plates of the riktor. He wouldn’t be able to maneuver this one as well as the other. Still, he was curious to how strong it was.

“Can we test it?”

“Of course,” said Mr. Horner. He pulled an old sword out from under the counter he used for practice. “We can set it up on the wall over there, and you can pound at it all you like.”

“If it’s good that won’t be needed.” Mekov braced himself and held the shield out. “Hit me.”

Most blacksmiths would’ve been afraid to endanger their clientele, but Mr. Horner knew the shield was full proof. He took the sword in both hands and smashed it as hard as he could against the shield. The thick metal blade bounced back and barely left a scratch on the armor. Mekov eyed the shield approvingly.

“Like it?” asked Mr. Horner.

“Love it. Thank you very much.”

“I’d tell you to spread the word about my work, but I doubt anyone you meet will be coming to Ruba. You’re going after Kira, right?”

“Yes,” said Mekov. “I’d rather not, but my friend will track her down to the ends of the world.”

“I’m not really happy with what you four did at the trade house, but I always liked Kira. She was a good girl, worked hard to just have a decent life. If you find her, can you give her this?” He brought out a package and laid it on the table. “It’s her armor. Full suit ready to go.”

“I will,” said Mekov. “By that I mean I’ll give it to my friend and let him carry it.”

“Good. Anything else I can do for you?”

“The guild representative said there was something here for me,” said Dezzlin. “I have no idea what though.”

“I do,” said Mr. Horner. He stepped into the back and came back with a bundle of cloth. “These were brought in just the other day. They just needed to be sharpened, cleaned, oiled, and all that good stuff. Superb weapons, just haven’t been used in a long time. No idea who they’re from.”

Dezzlin unrolled the cloth and stepped back. Inside were a pair of beautiful short scimitars. The curved blades were wrapped in a fine leather colored brown and red. When he pulled the blades out he saw their razor sharp edges and beautiful steel. There was an inscription on both blades which said

We never fight alone.

“Nice swords,” whistled Mekov.

“Some of the best swords I’ve ever seen. Do you know where they came from?” asked Mr. Horner. Dezzlin nodded and sheathed the blades.

“They’re my father’s. They were his prize weapons when he was my age.” He pushed the blades back across the counter. “I can’t take these.”

“Well they’re here for you. I take it your dad isn’t here to take them back anyway.”

“Please send them back. I’ll pay you,” said Dezzlin.

“I will not,” said Mr. Horner bitterly. “Speaking as a father myself, we don’t give gifts like this lightly. I think he wanted you to have these for a reason. I think he wanted you to protect yourself.”

“There’s no sadder thing than a child dying before their parents,” said Mekov quietly. “I’d take them.”

“I’d feel wrong taking them. They’re not mine,” said Dezzlin. “I didn’t earn these.”

“Where do you think Sakien got his axe?” asked Mekov.

Dezzlin saw they were both serious and sighed. He took the blades and their harnesses. With the help of Mr. Horner, he attached them to his back for easy reach. Dezzlin would take them, but as long as he had his longsword, he wouldn’t use them. These were a gift from his father, and he wouldn’t tarnish them with blood as long as he could.

The time came for them all to leave. Diake and Sakien came last with four horses and heavy bags of supplies. Mekov stared at them confused.

“You got horses?” laughed Dezzlin. “Alright!”

“Yeah you owe me for it,” said Diake. “I’m almost broke for this.”

“And you owe me,” said Sakien to Mekov.

“For what? A large animal to get me out of a town that you got us kicked out of?”

“You killed five times as many people as me,” said Sakien as he handed him the reins.

“You started it,” snapped Mekov. “I don’t know how to ride this.”

“And I do?” laughed Sakien. “I guess we better learn fast.”

“How do neither of you not know how to ride a horse?” asked Diake as he climbed into the saddle. “It’s practically mandatory for all men.”

“I love riding horses,” said Dezzlin. “I used to ride them for fun when I was a kid.”

“We’re from the north, you idiots,” said Mekov as he climbed into the saddle. He looked extremely uncomfortable. “We don’t even have horses. They just freeze and die.”

“Didn’t you ever ride anything?” asked Dezzlin.

“Boats?” said Mekov optimistically.

“Well there was the one time Mekov dared me to ride a sipi,” said Sakien. Mekov started laughing and almost fell off his horse.

“What is a sipi?” asked Dezzlin. “You keep talking about them.”

“Imagine a really big lizard that usually lives in the water,” said Diake as they started forward. “Kind of slow on land but I imagine very dangerous to climb on. You must’ve been a daring kid.”

“What are you talking about kid?” laughed Mekov. “That wasn’t even a year ago.” Diake and Dezzlin looked to Sakien who just shrugged.

“There isn’t always a lot to do,” he said, finally laughing. He nudged his horse forward and they all left at a slow pace.

“If these horses are going to be worth their money, we’re going to have to ride a lot faster than this,” said Diake.

“Give us a minute to figure out the animal,” said Mekov. “Why couldn’t we have just gotten a cart and a horse to drag it?”

“Not fast enough,” said Sakien. “We may not know how to ride, but time is against us.”

“We’re coming Kira,” said Diake as his horse picked up the pace.

“Stupid girl,” shouted Mekov as he bounced on his horse.