They walked out of a bakery munching on sweetened cheese bread.

“This is so good!” Lyreen said.

“I know right! We should bring everyone here tomorrow,” Anna replied.

“That’s a great idea,” Lyreen said.

They started back for the inn. Her new shoes squeaked as she walked, the tight leather pulling against the stitching.

I wish that jerk of a shoemaker hadn’t told Lyreen he made these for children. She’s going to tease me about it for weeks! It’s not my fault my feet are small!

She took a bite from her treat and chewed it.

I could tease her back, but about what? Messing with her about her butt getting big or her flat chest is getting kind of old. Maybe I’ll just ignore her like Barika keeps telling me to do.

They reached the inn a few minutes later, and she finished the last few bites of her snack before pushing the door open.

The inn was relatively empty with only a few people scattered around the main room.

“Guess we made it back before the others,” Lyreen said.

“Looks like,” Anna replied.

They walked over to one of the empty tables and sat down, waving one of the serving women over. A thin rather short woman walked over and smiled at them.

“What can I get you?” she asked.

“Ales please,” Lyreen replied.

“Sure thing,” the server said.

She walked away, heading into the back of the inn.

“She kind of looks like Rose,” Lyreen said.

“Yeah, but her boobs are way smaller,” Anna replied.

“Of course you’d notice that,” Lyreen said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Anna asked.

“It means you stare at tits harder than most men,” Lyreen replied.

“So?” Anna asked.

“So, for a woman who says she isn’t interested in sex, you sure seem to like ogling women,” Lyreen replied.

“I’m still not, and even if I was, what does it matter?” Anna asked.

“It doesn’t really. I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on in that head of yours, that’s all,” Lyreen replied.

“If you ever do, let me know,” Anna said.

Lyreen laughed.

“Sure thing,” she replied.

The server returned with their ales and placed them on the table.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” she said.

“We will,” Lyreen replied.

They sipped their ales and chatted while they waited for the rest of the party to arrive.

About an hour later, Voekeer walked through the door followed by the rest of the party, along with Arthur and his men. They walked over to the table and sat down, waving the server over.

“So, did you get what you needed?” Voekeer asked.

“Yep, I got to pick everything up the day after tomorrow,” Anna replied.

“That works out,” Voekeer said.

“She also got the cutest pair of children’s shoes to wear,” Lyreen added.

“You did?” Voekeer asked.

“Yes,” Anna replied.

“Miss Anna, why did you get children’s shoes?” Sir Buford asked.

“Because I have tiny feet, and they were the only ones that fit! That’s why!” Anna replied.

“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just wanted to know,” he said.

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Anna sighed.

“It’s not you,” she said.

She turned and gave Lyreen a look. The elf just smirked at her. She shook her head and turned to Arthur.

“So how much do I owe you for the saddle?” she asked.

“Nothing. I said I was paying for the horses, and you can’t ride without a saddle, so I covered that too,” he replied.

“Thanks,” Anna said.

“You’re welcome,” Arthur replied.

“I’m going to stock up on food. Is there anything you all want?” Anna asked.

“Not particularly, but do you mind if I join you?” Arthur asked.

“I don’t mind,” Anna replied.

“Great!” Arthur said.

Wow, he’s really happy about this. He must love the smoked sausage more than I thought he did.

The server stepped over and smiled at everyone.

“What can I get for you all today?” she asked.

“I’ll have an ale,” Arthur replied.

“Same here,” Voekeer added.

The rest of the group ordered ales as well.

“Alright, I’ll have those right now. Dinner is done by the way. Would you like to eat now, or will you wait until later?” she asked.

“Aye, I could eat. What do you got, lass?” Thokri asked.

“Roast meat with garlic sauce and mashed potatoes. If you don’t want that, we have stew as well,” the server replied.

“I’ll take the meat!” Thokri said.

“Sure thing,” the server replied.

“Me too!” Anna said.

The rest of the party ordered the roast meat. Anna assumed this was because every inn they had stayed at for the last week had only served stew.

Once she had taken everyone’s order, the server rushed away, heading to the back of the inn to retrieve their food and drinks.

“So, did you two find anything interesting while you were out?” Barika asked.

“Yes! There was a bakery with really good, sweetened cheese bread!” Anna replied.

“Oh, that sounds wonderful! Was it expensive?” Barika asked.

“Not at all,” Anna replied.

“I’ll have to go tomorrow,” Barika said.

“We were planning on inviting everyone to come with us when we went back, so that works out,” Anna replied.

“Well then, I suppose we’ll have to meet back up here in the afternoon after we finish our errands,” Barika said.

“Works for me,” Anna replied.

Several servers walked over carrying trays filled with plates and mugs. They placed a plate and mug in front of each of them before leaving. Anna picked up the fork provided with the meal and used it to stab the meat before twisting off a chunk. Steam rose from the torn meat as she put the morsel into her mouth. It was tender with a strong salty flavor, and the sauce was incredibly potent.

Hmm, must be using fresh garlic and salt pork.

She swallowed down her bite and then took another. As she chewed, she glanced around the table at the others. Her friends seemed to be enjoying their meal, with the exception of Lyreen whose eyes were watering from the strong taste.

She never did like strong tastes.

Anna took a drink of her ale and then took a bite of the mashed potatoes.

Oh, wow! They used real cream to make these!

She munched away at the mashed potatoes until she finished them before taking another drink of her ale and starting on the meat.

“Looks like someone likes strong flavors,” Sir Ulric said.

Anna swallowed down her bite.

“Yep,” she replied.

“I don’t understand how you can eat it that fast,” Sir Lars added.

“I once watched her eat an entire platter of meat at a dwarven feast. This stuff might as well be plain bread compared to that,” Elaine replied.

“An entire platter?! Where did she put it?” Sir Lars asked.

“That’s one of the great mysteries of the world, son,” Barika replied.

“You know I’m right here?” Anna asked.

“Oh, uh, sorry about that,” Sir Lars replied.

“You know, you all sure say you’re sorry a lot. Well, except for Ulric. He doesn’t talk,” Anna said.

“I speak,” Sir Ulric replied.

Anna looked up at the quiet man clearly surprised.

“Holy shit you got a deep voice!” Anna said.

Sir Ulric chuckled at her.

“I’ve heard that before,” he said.

All four of the knights that had accompanied Prince Arthur on his quest were average-looking men with average builds, so the fact that his voice was nearly as deep as an ogre’s was quite the shock.

“I bet,” Anna replied.

She went back to devouring her meal, finishing it quickly before downing her entire ale and then let out a belch that echoed throughout the room.

“Good one,” Thokri said.

“Thanks,” Anna replied.

She wiped her mouth off on her sleeve and then noticed that Prince Arthur and his men were staring at her.

“What?” she asked.

“Miss Anna, you aren’t like any woman I’ve met before,” Arthur replied.

“Yeah, I’m weird, I know it,” Anna said.

“That’s not what I meant. I was just saying that you’re unique, that’s all,” Arthur replied.

“That’s a nice way of putting it,” Lyreen said.

“Shut up you,” Anna replied.

Lyreen smirked at her.

I’m going to have to start messing with her again, but not today. I don’t feel like it right now.

She pushed her chair out and stretched before standing up.

“I’m going to go check on Ted. I’ll see you all in the morning,” she said.

“Tell the lad I said hi,” Thokri replied.

“You think Ted’s a man?” Anna asked.

Thokri stroked his beard for a moment.

“Aye, he sounds like one anyway,” he replied.

“I guess so, anyway, I’ll let him know you said hi. Later everyone,” she said.

The others wished her a good night, and she went upstairs to her room. She sent the eye and tentacle away as she pushed the door open and walked inside.

“Master! You came back!” Ted said.

“Of course I did, and why did you just call me master?” Anna asked.

“Because you are my master, master,” Ted replied.

“Don’t call me that. It makes it seem like I own you or something,” Anna said.

“But you do own me. I am your sword after all,” Ted replied.

“I guess you’re right, but it still feels weird owning something that can talk,” Anna said.

“I don’t mind at all, so don’t let it bother you, master,” Ted replied.

“I’ll try not to,” Anna said.

She started to undress, placing her clothing and belt on the table before going over to the bed and sitting down. There she undid her shoes and removed them, setting them by the foot of her bed.

“How was your day, master?” Ted asked.

“It was fine. I bought a mule instead of a horse, and then everyone saw my butt, so Lyreen made me buy some pants. I got shoes too. How about you? How as your day?” Anna asked.

“It was lonely. I didn’t get to listen to anyone talk,” Ted replied.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should have brought you with me,” Anna said.

“It’s fine. I’m just a sword. I know I can’t go everywhere with you,” Ted replied.

“That doesn't mean you should have to stay in a room all by yourself! I’ll bring you with me when I can from now on,” Anna said.

“Do you mean it?” Ted asked.

“I do. In fact, I’m going out tomorrow, and you can come to!” Anna replied.

“Thank you, master,” Ted said.

“You’re welcome,” Anna replied.

She laid down on the bed and rolled onto her back, looking up at the ceiling for a few moments before closing her eyes and falling fast asleep.