Since they were on their way back to Oto, it was natural for them to spend the night in Laeticaea’s Inn. Just to see if she was alright. Bergula was on the way, and it wasn’t dereliction of duty because they were without job at the moment.

Ignis thought had been going back on forth like that for a long while. Even if he were on a job, no one at the church would fault him if he spent one night at an acquaintance’s pace… or with said acquaintance; they weren’t clergy after all, it was expected they’d marry and have children of their own, or whatever struck their fancy as long as they were discreet about it.

Rather than his duty, sis hesitations were caused by the fear of what he’d find upon arriving there. As a boy he didn’t have time for girl, and as a man he had even less. Always on the move and wielder of a power that struck fear in others, it was pretty rare to have time to develop such a relationship, which was why he was so fond of her, and so afraid to find out what happened to her.

Thracian didn’t remember the girl, and even if he did, he wouldn’t give a damn. On the other hand, the young mage agitation and constant mumbling were getting on his nerves – metaphorically.

Azrael wasn’t sure what was going on either, but since his master was getting more and more agitated as they drew near the eastern capital, he thought it was related either to the state of the church, or the well-being of his acquaintances.

That’s why, when a bunch of malnourished men holding makeshift weapons and bows blockaded the road, it came as a welcome diversion for the trio. “Drop your weapons and money.” Ordered the leader. “Your food too!”

Thracian erupted in laughter at the unmenacing menace. “Damn, you’re going to kill me with laughter, knaves.”

Ignis was in agreement, if they wanted to kill them, they should have shot them dead from afar when they had the element of surprise working for them. Considering the quality of their bows, it wouldn’t have worked against but they could have hurt Azrael. As for Thracian, well even without his armor, he didn’t’ have much to fear from normal weapons.

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“Drop your weapons,” Screamed the leader nervously. “Or we’ll shoot.”

An instant later, and axe flew a hair from the leader face before reappearing in the knight’s hand. “Why did you do that, brat?”

Ignis’ spell had deflected the ghostly axe, although not on purpose. He wasn’t going to go and admit it though. “These men are desperate and starving, they haven’t hurt anyone… yet.” They didn’t seem to carry grudge on them, but considering the current state of the world it wasn’t perfect proof.

The leader dropped his weapon. They’d been desperate enough to attack the trio, but he’d barely escaped death and a knight in full armor wielding a magic weapon was simply too much for his nerves.

“I can give you some food,” He had about ten marks on him, and another forty and something in his bag, adding the three hundred he had in a bank in Oto giving them a few wouldn’t hurt him. “and this.”

He dropped some jerkies and smoked hams from his bag, as well as two marks. On mark was enough for a single man to eat frugally for almost two weeks. Adding the food, they could make by, assuming they hunted or gathered.

“That’s very kind of you, master.” Commented Azrael happily. Just like his master, he’d seen them without curse, but unlike him, he’d assumed it was definite proof they’d never killed anyone.

“Take what you’re given.” Declared Ignis. “But know there won’t be a next time, if we hear you’ve robbed someone else, we’ll come back for you!”

It was an empty menace obviously, but after his disciple comment, he had even more reason not to back down.

“Waste of time and money.” Remarked Thracian begrudgingly. “It’d be faster and safer to kill them.” To underline his point, he threw his ghostly axe twice in a row, between the legs of two of the nearest men. “See? I could get them all in a heartbeat.”

Internally, the necromancer agreed, but his pride demanded he continue on the path he had set inadvertently… and more importantly: he loathed being in agreement with the ancient king.

“Not everything need be settled by murder, old man.”

“You are wrong brat; death solve all problems.”

“Sorry to contradict you, old man,” He said snidely, although he truly wasn’t. “but one of mines keeps on creeping up despite being dead. Did you forget what our job is by the way? Your helmet must be even emptier than I thought.”

“How could I forget: your job is to be a whiny annoying smartass about everything, right?”

Ignis clicked his tongue and answered in a falsely surprised. “What? It was mine? I thought it was yours, because you keep on doing it in my steed.”

The unsuccessful highwayman couldn’t do anything but the stare at the exchange, the trio was distracted right now, but they were rightfully terrified by the man in armor.”

“Thracian, please.” Begged Azrael, and that was enough to seal the deal. The next instant they were on their way.