Dresden lay asleep until a tantalizing aroma hit his nostrils. He got up and made his way to the campfire where breakfast had been made. He blearily took a bowl and sat down to eat. He was just using his hands, but a stern look from Endermon got him using a quickly made but efficient spoon.

A few moments later the short woman from the tavern also showed up for breakfast. They all ate in silence for a bit until a strange man appeared. No one knew who he was and Dresden was getting suspicious. If the man stayed, his chances of getting with any of the women were reduced by half.

As if noticing the stares for the first time, he said something about his mistress needing food and Endermon nodded. Dresden didn't know the significance at the time, he just figured that the man was having an affair and his lady was very demanding.

They looked at Endermon expectantly and she just got up and rinsed her bowl in the river. She said they should state their reasons for going after the treasure. Dresden noticed her deflection, but didn't comment. He finished eating and tossed the wooden bowl towards the fire, he figured he could make another one for the next meal. When a sharp voice told him to mind his manners, he stopped and was surprised to see the disapproval on Endermon's face.

He quickly got the bowl and gave it a quick rinse. He listened as Endermon introduced herself, then a pointed stare was aimed at him. He gave his name, and he wondered if he should mention the shape-shifting, he did in the end, and no one batted an eye.

Next the short woman said her name was Rutus Skarmout and she wished to become a master blacksmith. Dresden was impressed. He had never heard of a female who paid attention to, or was interested in blacksmithing.

He noticed Endermon left, but he didn't have any inclination to follow her. He was more curious about Rutus. He felt he judged her too harshly at the tavern and started asking her about weapons. No one knows how it started, but they started bragging about their weapons knowledge, and soon they were having a knife throwing competition.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

It became clear to Dresden that he was being beaten, very badly. Before he could do anything about it, he heard a throat being cleared. He and Rutus looked at each other and began putting away their weapons.

When Endermon suggested they make a more permanent camp until more was known about what they were going to do, they all agreed it was a good idea. While the design was all Endermon's doing, Dresden did all or at least most of the heavy lifting. And when they were done, it resembled a small village.

Dresden had tried to ask about the raven haired beauty that stole one of his paid companions, but got no answers. Someone's stomach growled, and dinner got underway. Everyone helped and so the prep work went quickly. Finally it was done, and they all sat around the campfire. They were almost done eating, when he saw the silhouette of a woman lean against a tree, asking if she missed the party.

Dresden's first thought was that he'd show her a party, but he miraculously thought better of it and kept his mouth shut. He watched as she approached. Attractiveness rolling off her in waves. He was glad it was dark or he'd have to cover his lap.

She said her name was Shiloh Archeron and didn't give a good reason for going after the treasure, claiming a personal quest. Dresden thought it was a load of bunk, but his reasons weren't any better, so he didn't say anything.

They were all talking and having a relatively good time, when he heard a voice in his head telling him he was tired, and should go to bed. He didn't question it, because he had actually been working all day.

So he put his stuff away and bid everyone goodnight. Rutus followed suit not long after, but he couldn't remember hearing Endermon or Shiloh, he let it go and went to sleep.