The Outlaw rode hard through the night, putting as much distance as he could between himself and the Red Hand. But as dawn approached, he knew he couldn't keep running forever. He needed answers, and the only person who had them was the Red Queen.

He made his way back to the Red Hand's lair, slipping past the guards and making his way to the queen's chambers. She was sitting on her throne, surrounded by her loyal followers, but she didn't seem surprised to see him.

"I knew you'd be back," she said with a sly smile. "You're not the kind of man who gives up easily."

The Outlaw drew his sword, pointing it at the queen. "Where's the merchant?" he demanded.

The Red Queen chuckled. "He's safe, for now," she said. "But if you want to see him again, you'll have to do as I say."

The Outlaw tensed, ready for a fight. But the Red Queen held up a hand, halting her guards.

"You have a choice, Outlaw," she said. "Join us and help us conquer the neighboring kingdom, or refuse and see the merchant die."

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The Outlaw was torn. He needed to complete his job, but he couldn't betray his own principles. And yet, he couldn't just walk away and leave the merchant to die.

"What's in it for you?" he asked, trying to buy time to think.

The Red Queen leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with ambition. "Power," she said simply. "I want to rule the kingdoms, to rule over all the people. And you, Outlaw, could be my right-hand man."

The Outlaw thought for a moment, weighing his options. He had always been a mercenary, working for whoever paid the most. But this time, the stakes were higher than just money.

Suddenly, a figure burst into the room, a knife in his hand. It was the merchant, looking pale and scared.

"Help me!" he cried, running towards The Outlaw.

The Red Queen's guards moved to intercept, but The Outlaw was quicker. He caught the merchant, pulling him behind him and brandishing his sword.

"Let him go!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The Red Queen stood, her eyes blazing with anger. "You'll regret this, Outlaw," she said, signaling to her guards.

And with that, the battle was joined. The Outlaw fought like a man possessed, his blade flashing in the torchlight. He and the merchant fought their way towards the exit, but the Red Queen was right behind them, her magic blazing.

As they reached the door, The Outlaw turned to face the queen, his sword at the ready. He was outnumbered and outmatched, but he refused to go down without a fight.

He raised his blade, ready to face his destiny.