I have to say that this is the weirdest arrest I have been a part of. Mind you, I've only been arrested once before, and that was for a DUI, but still I was expecting chains or something, not THIS. Hell they even let us get fully kitted out, which did bring some surprise to the guards as only moments after closing the bathroom door we emerged battle ready. Fahkir in her full plate, warpick and tower shield strapped; Tah'Styr dressed to go on pilgrimage to the VIP section of the forbidden palace; and I looking like I'm about to hunt a Striga, or rob from a noble, either or really.

Shouldering our facade packs, the four guards escorted us from the inn with a number of looks filled with consternation following in our wake, especially the owner who looked like she was wondering just how much shit she will get into for housing us for the night. The people's reaction to us changed little when we were steered towards the Southern Barracks, though the Guards themselves took up positions with two at our flanks and the others clearing our path. I was beginning to think that we weren't in trouble with how they treated us more as VIPs than suspects in a case.

We came upon the building we met the quad-tiddy Xenia in, and instead of taking the path that led us to the contractors' hall previously we went down a corridor with offices lining the sides. I even saw one for Mateo, being titled Admissions Offices. We passed a few more before the guards in front stopped to straddle the doorframe of a certain office titled "On-duty Administrator", without giving a name.

The two guards that were flanking us barred our retreat down the hall while the guard to the right of the door proceeded to knock on it three times.

"Enter."

A muffled dignified voice comes from the other side and the guard that knocks gestures to the handle. -God these people are putting off mixed signals. Are prisoners or we guests? Does it really matter?-

With a resolute sigh Fahkir takes lead, opens the door, and we all file in, the guards shutting it we passed the threshold.

We are greeted by the sight of a corner office, one in which we would expect to look out over a metropolis with wall spanning windows, we are however, on the first floor and this office is adjacent to the wall. The room is rather spartan, aside from the ornate flag standing in the corner, though what it lacks in clutter it makes up for in quality. A wide wooden locker stands in the opposite corner to the flag. A dark wooden desk spanned 2/3rds of the far wall, three overstuffed seats sit in front while one with a high back sits behind. In the said high-backed chair is a sharply dressed middle-aged man. His clean-shaven face reveals a strong jaw while his blue irises would have made a Nazi woman drool if it weren’t for his salt-n-pepper hair and fairly large aquiline nose. He's dressed in a parade uniform that matches the guards outside though without the breastplate and gorget and with forest green aiguillette that hangs from the fencing cape that adorns his right shoulder.

He sits fully relaxed with his hands resting intertwined on his stomach. He nods to the three empty seats.

"Sit."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

His stern voice leaves no room for refusal and with some reluctance, and finagling on Fahkir's part, we sat our pretty little asses down on the open chairs. Fahkir grabbed the leftmost, I the center and Tah'Styr the remaining seat. When we finally stopped fidgeting in place, he began.

"You are probably wondering why I have brought you three here? The answer is simple: I have a deal for your little party. A rather easy escort contract for you lot."

"And if we refuse?"

Tah'Styr took the reins as our front man. Her higher Charisma leaving no doubt who should. However, in this case it may not be enough as the man directed his gaze to her, studying. He turns his gaze to Fahkir and me before speaking.

"I know not WHY your Doll is speaking for you, but freckly I do not care. To answer the question: No, you cannot refuse. And before you stupidly ask why, here's one of the reasons."

He quickly silences our complaints before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a silver coin and setting it onto the desk with a solid "plink". Returning his hand to his stomach where he intertwined them again, the silver coin's face is revealed to be that of a snarling gorgon. He tilts his head towards the coin before speaking again.

"That right there is reason enough to the three of you hanged for treason. The other reason why you cannot refuse is that my cousin, Duchess O’Carón, is having her goons look for you at this very moment, and it is only due to my generous offer that they have not. And believe me you DON'T want to be found by them.

So shut up, and listen as I brief you on your first and last official contract in the city of O'Caron, because after you leave the gates you will be permanently black-listed from here."

The mention of hanging caused my throat to feel constricted by my clothing and have difficulty swallowing. He now has gained our undivided attention and he finally cracks a grin.

"Most excellent! I knew you would understand. Now, normally contracts do not cross into other nations, BUT! There are a few exceptions. Namely when dealing with things that fall under the Wood and Stone Accords. And since the subject in question is affected by said accords, you will have to travel across a few borders in the completion of the contract. Technically this should be handled by highly skilled contractors and a fully stocked ship to ensure prompt completion of the contract but all hands are currently tied to clean up after the Freckish invasion attempt.

So really I'm spearing two fish at once with you three, so in a way I should thank you for your treasonous acts."

He presses an engraving on the top of the desk near him and leans towards it.

"Send in the prisoner."

A moment later, a knock came at the door before it opened up with a sniffling and red-eyed Motherly-Wolf in chains. The escorting guard shoved her forward but still held her chained wrists taut.

"I've been told you have met her the day prior when you entered our city. She will be your charge for the duration of the contract. You will ensure that she reaches Thyne-Laend while receiving the least amount of harm, the gods know how difficult it will be to go through Freckish lands, But! Most importantly, you will ensure that she is without child the whole way. To aid with that and tracking her one of you will be linked through way of an enchanted set of collars that will only be unlocked upon delivery.

Is everything clear?"

Upon hearing of the linking, Motherly-Wolf burst into tears. Tah'Styr raise her hand shakily.

"Question."

"Haaaaa. Yes?"

"Um... We never completed the paperwork to become contractors."

"NOT a question, but not a problem either."

He put his hand over a different engraving.

"Can you please bring the forms up?"

"Righta away, sir."

Removing his hand from the engraving, he stared back at Tah'Styr.

"Any. Other. Question?"

"U-Um... Yes actually."

"Haaaaaaa! Out with it."

"Okay-Okay. W-We don't know where Thyne-Laend is."

"MANA-WELLS DAMNED YOU ALL! I expected some incompetence, BUT THIS!"