All necessary words were spoken. They had said their goodbyes. They had all been mentally prepared for a longer departure from home when they joined the Schenk’s service.

Only Leona had some a weird feeling in her stomach. She had never left her home for so long, but she knew if she wanted to grow and become strong, this was a step she needed to take.

Whenever she needed encouragement she thought of her comrades and Faust.

‘I am not alone. We will return eventually. What’s a few months?’ she thought as she put on her armor. She didn’t put on her helmet. She wore leather gloves.

After putting on the cloak one would not be able to notice she was wearing armor underneath. She cracked her neck and smiled at her comrades who were arming themselves. Aquila grinned at her.

“Girl, you look fat with that outfit.”

“You look ugly even without yours.” She countered and Faust who was about to throw an insult towards Aquila to retaliate for his fiancée had to hold back his laughter.

Aquila shook his head and shot a glance at Cassius.

“Did you teach her that sharp tongue of yours?” his voice reeked of annoyance.

Cassius grinned innocently, whistled, and shrugged, suddenly finding the wooden ceiling of the armory very intriguing.

Aquila grinned and clicked his tongue.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I am excited about this mission. It’s such an incredible responsibility, but that’s what makes it so exciting isn’t it?”

Faust’s stomach turned when he thought of the responsibility weighing on his shoulders. Alexander had raised him to nobility, even if landless, it was more than any peasant could ever wish for. He had received Leona, his beloved, as his wife and became the heir to a Barony… all to secure his loyalty.

When Faust thought of this his skin tingled and he started sweating.

‘Is what happened to me truly this significant? Am I not a pawn in a large gamble?’ he pursed his lips. It was obvious to onlookers, that he was nervous.

Leona grabbed his arm and pecked his lips.

“Hey, you’re not alone in this mission. We’re with you.” She beamed at him.

Faust chuckled and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll try not to forget.”

Leona laughed and took her weapons, bringing them outside of the armory, where Bronn, Titus, and Ronan stood next to a large wooden wagon. On that wagon was a multitude of weapons ranging from longswords over bardiches to simple axes. Two horses pulled the wagon. Bronn was feeding them two apples. On the cart were supplies for two weeks of travel.

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It was dawn and it was still cool outside. It was spring. With their gambeson, armor, and cloaks they were warm. They would be too warm during the day if the sun came out, but it didn’t matter.

Titus gazed at the four.

“Quit slacking, get your gear on the wagon. Right after we will grab a horse each. Get a move on.” He ordered and the young soldiers bustled into activity. After their equipment was stored on the wagon the weapons were covered with various trade goods and supplies.

Bronn cackled.

“Been a while since I’ve posed as a trader.”

Ronan smiled dryly.

“People will think the three of us are guards no matter how we act. A single look to our faces will tell them everything.” He pointed at a large scar on his face.

Titus grinned.

“That’s why Cassius will steer the wagon with Leona. The two of you will pose as a trading couple. Aquila and Faust… less like a merchant than you do…” he mumbled the last part and Cassius’ face showed a dry facial expression.

Aquila was gesturing a round belly with his hands and grinned.

Cassius couldn’t keep a straight face. He laughed briefly and patted his belly.

“Figures. At least I can act for two weeks as if I’ve had a beauty by my side.” He grinned at Faust who chuckled.

He didn’t mind the act, they were just sitting on the wagon. He trusted Cassius and Leona with his life. He was not worried in the least. Still, he had to say something.

“If you do so much as touch her indecently…” he left the sentence unfinished and Cassius grinned and waved off.

“You know me.”

And Faust did. Leona smiled at him when she saw the short interaction.

“I like it when you do that…” she whispered to him.

He grinned at her.

“I had to say something didn’t I?”

She nodded cutely.

Bronn coughed awkwardly. Yeah yeah, you guys are betrothed, just get on with it you lovebirds. We leave before dawn and there's not a lot of time left.”

They quickly left for the stables and fetched five horses.

“We will flank the carriage riding alongside it. We will ride slow, but we will still be thrice as fast as our fastest speed on foot… as to why we don’t use our large warhorses… well they stand out quite a bit… as for the second reason, you’ll notice once we make camp for the first time.” Titus explained and they all saddled their horses.

Faust gulped before swinging himself on the horseback. He had received lessons in riding during their training, but he was anything but a natural.

The animal calmly let itself be mounted and he felt comfortable in the saddle.

They rode outside and gathered in the yard. Without much further ado, they commenced their mission and left through the gates before the sun started to rise.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Schenk stood on the walls with his wife, hugging her tightly. They had been waiting to watch their daughter leave. Mirabella cried briefly and Schenk held her tightly.

She looked up at him with a weak smile.

“I am so worried for her… I know she is grown up, but I am still her mother…” she clenched her jaw and looked up at her husband.

“It is tough to let your daughter go. Don’t forget I’m her father.” Schenk chuckled softly.

Mirabella elbowed him in the ribs weakly and hugged him.

“You know, I was just as afraid something might happen to you, whenever you left for war…” she pressed her face into his chest. He held her and caressed her hair.

“I am sorry… you know it is necessary… still, I’m sorry I can’t give you a peaceful life.” He said and she hummed displeased and looked up at him.

“Never say anything like that again! I wouldn’t want a single thing changed about our life together! We struggle… but we do it together… I will face anything with you. Never feel sorry.” She pointed an index finger at his chest and stared at him a bit angry.

Then she fell down on one knee and held her head. Schenk immediately dropped down with her and looked at her with concern.

“Love, are you alright?” he grabbed her shoulder and squeezed.

She took a few deep breaths and looked up at her husband with a weak smile.

“Our efforts might be bearing fruits…”

Schenk’s eyes went round and a large smile brightened his face.