We took the long way.

I had a feeling that Garm was trying to see if anyone was tailing us, but after a few blocks of going in almost circles, I was beginning to wonder if I even needed to follow my father or if I should wait for him to feel safe enough to go where we needed to go.

We finally walked up to a house and he knocked on the door.

A Goblin opened the door.

“A Dwarf and a Human at my door?” The little pointy eared man smoothed out his clothes. “What could this be about?”

“I’m to deliver wyvern steaks to the Ogre Forest for Ogna.” Garm gave a little bow to the shorter being. “I was told you had some garnishes for me to bring along.”

The Goblin’s eyes widened. “Come in! Come in!” He threw the door open and stepped onto the walkway to look around. “Can’t have you standing in the cold.”

He pushed me forward while I walked into the house after Garm.

The home had modest furnishings and the couch looked like it had been made for someone Human sized, while the chairs were for the Goblin himself.

“Split the earth and show me mithril!” Garm hurried over to one of the two women that were seated on the couch. “You’ve grown up.”

The blonde woman looked surprised and flinched a little as he took her hand. I saw the brunette tense beside her, but didn’t try to stop him.

“I’m sorry lass. You’ve not seen me in fifteen years, but I used to come by and see your parents whenever I was in town.” Garm patted the back of the princess’ hand before releasing it. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to be there for you, but I’m here now.” He stood up and pounded his heart to his chest. “I was captain of the royal guard once and I’ll never stop protecting the crown.” He bowed before her.

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“Thank you sir..?” The princess glanced at me before focusing on my father.

“Garm Irongut.” The Dwarf stood up.

“That’s good and all, but you need to leave.” The Goblin began shooing me across the room towards the door in the back. “Patrols are looking and it won’t be long until they start searching houses.”

“It seems simple introductions will have to wait. You already know that I am Princess Alessa Malus and this is my companion, Starna Shellock.” The princess’ green eyes focused on me. “And you are?”

“Sectum Irongut.”

The princess looked confused.

I nodded at Garm. “Adopted.”

“Ah.” The princess smiled. “I’m happy that you were spared the life of so many orphans…” Her voice trailed off, then she shook her head. “We should leave.” She pulled the hood of her jacket up to partially hide her face. Starna wrapped hers in a cowl. Both women were wearing very baggy clothes that hid their figures well.

“If you’ll follow me.” Garm headed for the door.

Starna moved to go behind me and I stepped forward to cut her off.

“I bring up the rear.” The tanned woman’s blue eyes bored into me.

“You’re our guests.” I nodded at my father. “The two of you will stay between us.”

“Do you have any training in fighting or..?”

“Starna, that’s enough.” Princess Alessa cut her off. “We need to get out of the city, so please. Let these men do their job.”

I heard a growl come out of the other woman’s throat, but she fell into place behind the princess.

Living on a cargo ship meant that we had seen our share of pirates. If it came to it, I knew how to use the sword at my hip and wasn’t afraid to spill blood again if that was needed. I thought about telling that and more to the uppity woman, but Garm was out of the house and the princess was right behind him. Arguing with her would only slow us down.

“Don’t fall behind.” Starna snapped before hurrying out the door.

I was the one who growled this time. Not being able to get away from her for the next few weeks was going to test my patience further than Vin ever had. And I had thought only a brother could irritate someone like that. At least the princess seemed nice.

I smiled at the thought of traveling with the princess as I followed after them. Maybe things wouldn’t be that bad.