As we exited the tree line, we approached a leather-clad man with a long spear, who was on the lookout not more than a couple of yards away. We got close enough that Devon tapped his shoulder.

The guard jumped but surprisingly did not scream. He whipped around and swung a fist at Devon, who caught it with ease. The man struggled, but Devon's grip was ironclad. When his mouth began to open, Devon spoke first.

"We'd like to meet with the leader of this caravan."

The guard's mouth shut, then reopened, and Devon released his fist, causing the man to stumble.

"I-I…" he stuttered.

His words were cut short by another guard on horseback. He examined the three of us like a hawk, his mouth set in a grim line. "Paetar, what's going on?"

The command made the guard stiffen. In a blink, he saluted and pointed toward Devon. "I was ambushed, sir. They want to meet the leader of the caravan."

Devon composed but crossed his arms.

"Speak such lies again, and I'll tear off your head," Devon stated, his voice deathly calm.

The color drained from the man's face. The mounted guard shifted his hand to the waist where a sword hung in its sheath.

I moved my hand to my weapon, letting mana flow into my veins. As I stared at the mounted guard, a bead of sweat dripped down his face, and his fingers clenched around his hilt.

"I guarantee that any one of us would dismantle your men well before you managed to protest."

Threat.

The foreign thoughts sparked a need for violence, but the feeling slid off the moment the guard forcefully removed his hand from his waist and placed it onto the horse. By now, the caravan had slowed, and more guards were making their way towards us.

"Paeter, inform Captain Volk of the new arrivals. Now," the mounted guard commanded.

Paeter took off in a scramble, swiftly moving toward the middle wagon. The mounted guard said nothing further, and Devon continued to stare. My mana settled, but I kept my hand on my axe, leaving it there. Alice assumed a relaxed posture, looking entirely at ease as more guards stopped to stare. Some appeared hesitant, wanting to approach, but the nearby guard made a signal with his fingers.

They didn't come any closer, even when another mounted guard appeared, his spear gripped and pointing at the ground.

"What color cloaks!?" came a loud shout that sent birds flying into the sky.

The guards, acting as one, turned and faced the source of the voice, and a few rushed out of the way as a large, barrel-chested man walked into view. His jaw fell open at the sight of us, and he disappeared behind the wagon.

I shared a look with Alice, and she shrugged.

Yeah, that was weird.

When the man returned, he looked composed. He strode over with a straight back, maintaining a blank expression. The mounted guard with the spear almost interrupted and reached out a hand before hesitantly lowering it.

Once the man stood within conversation distance, he bowed low, sending a shock amongst the guards.

"C-captain?"

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Captain Volk raised his head and placed one arm behind his back.

"My apologies for the stupidity of my men. It's an honor to meet a Grimm." Before any of us could reply, he turned on the spot to face the guardsman and took on a furious expression. "You! Did your parents teach you nothing?! If you tried to threaten these people, we'd be dead."

The guard stammered, completely taken aback by the sudden question. Eventually, the guardsman bowed and apologized while the captain nodded and turned to face Devon.

"What brings the Grimms here? And you said you wanted to meet with me?" he inquired.

"We are aiming for the capital. We'd like to join up with your caravan if you're heading in that direction. If not, information about the nearest village that could lead us there would be a boon."

The captain nodded and grimaced. "We are indeed going to the capital, but your request to join is unfortunately not up to me. I'll inquire on your behalf if you give me a moment."

"That is acceptable."

"Merrick, return to your position. I'll handle it from here," the captain instructed, glancing at the mounted guard.

The guardsman saluted and lightly tugged on the horse's reins. The horse, a massive beast with an eerie second pair of eyes on its head, lightly neighed and trotted away.

"Excuse me," the captain whispered, marching toward the center wagon.

"Not exactly the reaction I expected, but it looks like things are working out alright," I remarked.

"There's at least two people inside the wagon," Devon said calmly.

"How do you know?"

"A mop of red hair stuck its head out the hatch, followed by an adult hand pulling her back in."

"Devon, what stat increases perception? Because you have scary good eyesight."

"A mix of constitution and agility."

Oh, that make sense.

The points called to me, almost begging to be spent, but I refrained. Some extra perception wouldn't save me right now, especially not with Devon around.

There was a slight commotion from the wagon beside us. I glanced in its direction, but aside from a sheepish-looking man holding the reins to the horses, nothing else caught my attention. After three minutes, the captain emerged from the cabin and nodded to someone inside.

He approached us and dipped his head. "The noble lady and sir would like to meet you in their cabin."

"Very well," Devon said.

I finally lowered my hand from my waist and followed along. As we neared the wagon, the cabin door opened, and the captain positioned himself to the side. Devon reached for his spear on his back and placed it next to the captain, as did Alice with her axe. I kept mine in my sheath. If the captain had any concerns about me retaining my weapon, he kept them hidden.

I hopped in next and scooted over to join Devon on a small, cushioned bench. Alice squeezed in beside us. The cabin was spacious, which made sense given the four massive horses pulling the large wagon.

Sitting opposite us on the couch was a small family of three. A bearded man with wiry hands and a mess of bright blonde hair looked at us over the rims of his glasses. Beside him, a woman with her hand on his lap and the other holding the back of a little girl with strikingly red hair, the same shade as the woman's.

The woman appeared tense, but the little girl and the gentleman seemed excited, almost happy to see us. The man with glasses extended his hand, and Devon clasped his wrist in a shake.

"My name is Krenlow Ashton. It's a pleasure to meet you," he greeted.

The woman lightly bowed. "I'm Neyenna, and this is our daughter, Haldeena. A pleasure to meet you."

"My name is Devon, and these are Cain and Alice."

Krenlow smiled and nodded in our direction. "The captain says you are looking to travel to the capital. Is that correct?"

Devon nodded. "Yes."

"Marvelous!" Krenlow clapped his hands. "We'd be glad to have you. In return, would you mind answering some questions?"

Devon's expression turned serious. "What kind of questions?"

"Oh, nothing important or invasive. I apologize if it seemed that way. I'm just fascinated by the legends of Grimms and their hunts. If that's acceptable, I'd love to hear any stories you might have."

He looked hopeful, almost giddy.

"That is acceptable," Devon agreed.

Krenlow clapped twice and called for Captain Volk, who appeared in the doorway.

"You can begin moving again, Captain Volk. Our guests will be joining us for the journey!"

The captain saluted. "Sir Grimm and lady Grimm, I can secure your weapons to the top of the wagon if that suits you."

Alice squinted, but Devon subtly shook his head.

"That'll be fine. But be warned, our weapons are not to be tampered with," Devon stated, his voice carrying a clear threat.

The captain remained composed. "I'd relieve anyone of their head myself if they dared."

The cabin door closed, and the wagon lurched forward as it began to move again. Shouts echoed outside, signaling that the caravan was back in motion.

Before Krenlow could ask his first question, his daughter scooted closer, spilling onto her mother's lap. "Is it true you guys can turn into a monster?"

The mother's face flashed with fear, her fingers tightening along the folds of her dress, but the father looked on with eagerness, as curious as his daughter.

Alice chuckled and leaned down to meet the child's gaze. "Of course."