“She’s not for sale,” Seyari replied bluntly.

“Oh, but of course! If you would like, we could retire to a more private—“

“No. Fuck off.” Seyari turned to walk around him.

I turned as well, but was in time to see the man’s expression twist into fury. The few people in the courtyard at the early hour quickly made themselves scarce.

Anger burst out of the well-dressed man in a torrent. “Insolent! Do you know who you are—“

“Nope. Don’t care. Fuck off.” Seyari walked around the man’s guards who now had their hands on their weapons. I followed quickly behind and tried to keep my expression as impassive as possible.

“You dare to insult Third Prince Malich!?” The man’s face looked a similar color to my own. “How could an ingrate such as yourself possibly capture or even summon such a magnificent creature!”

I shivered involuntarily at his choice of words. Seyari made a rude gesture. I sent him my best glare which I hoped looked sufficiently intimidating.

“I’ll have you arrested! I bet your demon’s controlling you, you wretch!” Malich was screaming now.

Seyari didn’t respond and kept walking, though her pace accelerated. I followed her quickly, but kept my eyes back on the prince. Now I noticed other guards stationed around the courtyard. Likely part of his retinue. I could mess with his anger, but I didn’t want to dig our hole deeper, and unless I permanently altered his capacity to feel the emotion, I doubted it’d do much other than recharge my already full magical capacity.

Malich shouted after us, but someone, likely one of his guards, spoke to him in Navvish. After some words I couldn't follow, the Third Prince stopped marching after us. He was still shouting, though.

Why was the Third Prince here?

We’d been seen by plenty of people. Was this city his home or was the creep visiting? I sincerely hoped the third prince wouldn’t try to make good on his threat. Seyari’s posture was tense and jittery and I’m quite certain any aggression would break out into a fight. A fight where entering would have dire consequences for us.

Thankfully, no one made a move to stop us. Seyari looped us quickly around back to our room. Two goons were at the door and no doubt heard the argument from below. I glared at them. Fire sprung up along my horns and at the tip of my tail. As if by instinct, I hissed at them, revealing my many sharp teeth.

Both of them decided whatever the jerk down there was paying them wasn’t enough and they quickly excused themselves back toward the stairs. Seyari opened our door and stomped inside. I followed and resisted the urge to slam the door behind me after extinguishing my fire.

“Fucker.” Anger poured off Seyari in waves. “Fuck! I’m too angry to think straight.” She flopped backward onto the bed.

“I, uh, could help with that,” I offered hesitantly. “If that’s an okay thing to ask.”

Seyari clapped her hands on the sides of her head. “Ugh! Do it!”

I sat down on the bed next to her and mentally reached out toward her anger. Carefully as I could, I pulled from the mass, slowly deflating it. The feeling I received was not too unlike eating a light snack when I was already full.

Seyari sighed a long exhalation of air. “Doesn’t feel too bad honestly. A little weird.”

“I promise I won’t make a habit of it,” I said reassuringly.

“I’m more surprised you asked at all.” Seyari’s voice was level now.

“So, what do we do now?” I flopped down next to her.

“Leave town, and soon. I doubt Prince Charming’s the type of person to take ‘No’ for an answer.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” I said sarcastically.

“Damn, I fucked up though. Didn’t know he was royalty.” Seyari put her hands over her face. “Thought he was just some asshole merchant.”

“He didn’t exactly act like royalty. Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’s known to be a petty ass.”

“I hope so. As Third Prince it’s not like he’s next in line for the throne. He might not have much power.”

“If he keeps acting like that, I think the whole of Navanea would be glad he’s not a contender for the next king.” I sank into the soft sheets, careful to keep the tips of my horns from catching in the pillow. “I was wondering though, what did he mean by ‘summon’? Something like bringing a demon to the mortal realm from hell?”

“Something like that. I don’t know too much about it besides that it’s difficult and exceedingly dangerous. The practice has roots dating back to the Lost Era, and, at least in Ordia, very little is known about it.”

“Whoa. Should we say I’m captured or a summon then?” I turned to look at Seyari and found her facing me across the thankfully wide bed.

“Not sure.”

“How about summoned? Mr. Prince seemed to think it was more prestigious.”

“You just want to wear that dress, don’t you?”

I hadn’t even thought about the dress. But now I sure did and my change in expression didn’t go unnoticed. The tip of my tail twitching excitedly certainly didn’t help.

“Should’ve kept my mouth shut.” Seyari sat up. “Summoned it is then. Could bite us in the ass if I need to bullshit how I did it, though.”

“Just say it’s a secret.”

She sighed, “Probably our best option.”

Grumbling, Seyari picked herself up off the bed and moved to pack her things. I did the same. I listened for footsteps in the hall, but there were none. Outside the room, it appeared Prince Malich and company had left the immediate area, although the courtyard was still empty of guests.

“He’s gone,” I said after looking around.

Seyari drew her lips into a thin line. “I don’t like that. I don’t know Navanaean law, but if we were in Ordia, he could have had us arrested for insulting him.”

“Why do you think he left?” I asked while we took the stairs down at a brisk pace. “Do you think it was because he knew his goons couldn’t take us?”

“I wish I knew. He’s planning something, but his behavior doesn’t make sense. People like him are usually too stupid to back down.” Seyari spoke quickly.

“Maybe we shocked some smarts into him?” I offered.

Seyari shook her head. “No. It can’t be this easy. I don’t want to draw attention, so we’re acting normal this morning, but we need to leave today.”

“Why not leave right now?” I asked.

“That’s basically admitting guilt. We might not get ahead of his orders even if we sprint. A demon with their binder visibly fleeing town would paint a target on our backs for more than just the Third Prince. I don’t want to get questioned by the city guard.”

“Fair enough.” I shrugged.

I still wondered why Malich dropped his pursuit and let us walk away at all, but we’d reached the front desk and I was out of time to ask. We returned the key and soon we were back on the streets.

“We’re going back to the same place for breakfast.” Seyari’s tone brokered no compromise.

“Could I at least get a proper pack sized to me first?” I tried anyway.

“No.”

I wanted to protest, but didn’t.

Luckily, there was no sight of Malich or his entourage and we made it the few blocks to the restaurant. Seyari said she was reasonably sure we weren’t followed. Another skill I’d need to learn.

The place was crowded like last time, but we managed to get a table indoors and away from the visibility of the street seating. This time, I got to order for myself, so I took my time with the menu. I ordered a fish curry with a kind of small dumpling while Seyari got the same thing as last time. I derived some small pleasure from the unnerved and confused look the waiter had when I ordered for myself casually and with a smile.

Special attention was something I’d need to get used to, so I might as well take pleasure in it when it isn’t hostile. Despite the good food (and mine was very good this time around with proper seasoning), we didn’t talk much.

After breakfast, we picked up traveling gear including a big pack and open-toed sandals for me. The battered suitcase I managed to convince Seyari to keep and it now hung from the side of the pack, containing my dress and nothing else. With tents, cookware, food, and other necessary supplies, I looked a bit like a pack mule. I marveled at how little it all seemed to weigh. I could feel the effect of the mass on my movement and mobility and that was all.

The last stop we made before leaving for the edge of town was the market where I’d seen durians yesterday. My fruity prize was safely stowed near the top of our bag when we made our way to the south edge of town. With sparser buildings, small farms, and tufts of wild growth, I realized that northern Navanea wasn’t as lush as I was used to. The region must get less rain.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Unlike Port Princely, the city of Ivlaet had a wall surrounding it. Two to be specific. One wall for the central city, which was lightly manned and had no criteria for entering or exiting. Indeed, we’d left through it mere minutes ago with hardly a second glance beyond what I’ve come to see as ‘normal’.

Ahead of us was the outer wall. This wall protected the extended city as well the small farms, though I could see more agrarian land in the hills above. Shorter than the inner wall, but of solid sandstone construction, the barrier didn’t look like it was meant to stop a siege.

Nevertheless, it was guarded. I became nervous, but the feeling quickly passed when we were not accosted leaving through the gate. Either the third prince had little power in Ivlaet, or he didn’t think we’d leave this way. There was also the chance he’d given up!

Yeah, no.

He was planning something. I understood Seyari’s nervousness now. I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

On the other side of the gate, the city continued for a short way. Or, rather, a cluster of buildings huddled around the point of entry edged into neighboring farms. To our side, wagons and carts lined up for inspection, but there weren’t many and the process seemed minimal.

The sight ignited an old memory. I fell into step beside Seyari and thought back to my childhood.

***

My family had traveled to the capital to see extended relatives. Linthel no longer had a surviving wall—just a few old sections left from before it was conquered by Ordia. The Ordian capital, Ardath, however, was ringed by an immense stone wall that seemed to tower into the sky. Perhaps the scale was distorted because I had only been a child, but my memory saw them as an impenetrable cliff. There’d been a queue we waited in with the group we’d traveled alongside.

The line then was much longer. The guards checked our papers quickly, but the sheer number of people coming and going made even the bustle of Linthel seem tiny. We’d passed through what I thought at the time to be a big stone hallway, gated on both ends, before entering the city. Five-year-old me had expected houses of marble and streets of gold. While certainly nice, the parts of Ardath I’d seen were much less notable, leaving only the memory of the city’s walls.

Mother was newly pregnant with Tania at the time we went, though we wouldn’t find out for sure until the end of the trip. My sister had always wanted to see Ardath. I thought back to how a civil war happened in my home region of Edath while I was dead. I just knew Tania had made it safely away the night of the fire. Something made me certain she had.

Did she get to see the walls of Ardath? Did she survive the war?

She must have, I told myself. However, I couldn’t be entirely certain and the thought resumed gnawing at me. We’d find her, whatever the case may be.

My trip down memory lane encompassed our walk up to a group of rather uniform looking wagons facing out toward the open road. Wagons toward the rear of the formation were being loaded with a variety of goods. Some of the people standing around were lightly armored in leathers or chain shirts.

Seyari hailed the group and the armored people tensed up. Two figures, one in a chain shirt and one in loose clothing moved forward to talk. The man in the chain shirt had a very elven bent to his Navanaean features and wore his dark hair slightly shaggy. The other man was stouter and clean-cut with an air of professionalism that wavered as they approached.

“Hello. My name is Seyari, and this is my contracted demon, Zarenna.” Seyari motioned toward me and I bowed slightly. “We are seeking to travel to Liseu on the Turquoise Coast and wish to ask if we could travel with your caravan to the capital, Baetnal. Provided you are heading in that direction, of course.”

“You may not.” The stout man spoke, earning a sidelong glance from the armored one.

He spoke in fluent Turquoiser; probably a native.

“Sir, are you certain?” The armored figure asked with a thick Navanaean accent. “Skirmishes with Desertkin are likely to escalate to war any day and the routes even far away from the front have suffered from the loss of patrols.”

“Are you saying your company is not enough to protect my caravan?” The stout man looked toward his companion.

“Barring the severely unlikely, my people are more than enough. However, my company has an excess of provisions and this woman’s contracted demon looks quite strong, which speaks to the ability of both of them. I think you should consider allowing them to join, sir.”

“We are looking for passage, not pay,” Seyari interjected.

The stout man looked us over. “I do not trust them.”

“If she will allow, we may be able to determine their intent.” He turned to Seyari. “Would you consent to an examination of your bound demon under your orders?”

Seyari looked to me and I nodded back. I had, well, actually a lot to hide. I didn’t mean any harm at least.

“First, where is your destination?” Seyari said. “There’s no point continuing if you’re not going where we are.”

“Baetnal, then west across the desert to Liseu,” the stout man replied. “I suppose I’ll entertain the idea of taking them along. If they are truthful.”

“May I have your names?” Seyari asked.

“Aretan,” the mercenary leader answered first.

“Florian,” The stout man replied brusquely.

“Very well then.” Seyari turned to me. “Zarenna, I command you to answer any question asked by Aretan truthfully until I rescind this order. You may decline to answer at your own discretion.”

I didn’t miss how her mouth turned down at her own words. A darkness crossed her brow for just a moment.

“What about me?” Florian asked angrily.

“You may relay your questions through Aretan,” Seyari said flatly.

Florian harrumphed, but didn’t comment further. Instead, he stared at me with great intensity. I smiled back, careful not to show teeth.

“Very well,” Aretan started. “Zarenna. Do you or your binder, Seyari, have any interest in this caravan beyond transportation to our given destinations.”

“No.”

“Would you, under any circumstances, rob my client Florian Vergat?”

“No.”

“Would you harm any member of this caravan?”

“Unless it were in self-defense, no I would not.”

“What if it were an order from Seyari.”

I thought about it for a moment. The truthful answer was that it would depend, but no contracted demon would be able to say such a thing truthfully.

Finally, I replied, “I decline to answer.”

“Interesting.” Aretan looked surprised.

Next to him, Florian frowned. “Ask her why they would want to travel with us specifically.” He looked toward Aretan who shrugged.

“Why would you want to travel with us specifically?”

“You are the only sizeable caravan headed overland that looks to be departing today.”

“Why is it important that we depart today?”

“I decline to answer.”

“I told you we shouldn’t take them on!” Florian stated confidently.

“Really? I would find it more suspicious if they didn’t have an urgent reason to leave Ivlaet,” Aretan disagreed. “That said, we need to ensure they will not bring us trouble.” He paused a moment then continued, “Why do you need to leave Ivlaet today?”

I looked to Seyari who thought for a moment before nodding hesitantly.

“The Third Prince Malich wanted to purchase me. Seyari strongly disagreed. The Prince did not take rejection well.”

Florian looked mortified.

Aretan laughed. “Is that all? The Third Prince has a reputation for being petty and spoiled. So long as you did not assault him, I doubt he will receive much support in continuing to pursue you.”

Florian and I looked gobsmacked.

Seyari, on another hand, looked relieved. “Any further questions?”

“Just a couple,” Aretan replied. “Zarenna, what—”

“RENNA!” The mercenary captain was cut off by a familiar voice yelling over the crowd.

I turned just in time to feel a familiar diminutive form impact me in a hug. “Nelys!? What are you doing here?”

“Coming with you!” They replied with a smile.

I noticed they had a pack of their own.

“How did you find us?” Seyari asked.

“Renna’s easy to follow since she’s so tall and red!”

“I…” I looked down and tousled Nelys’ hair. “Is Captain Torrez okay with this?”

“Yep! I think he knew what I was planning, but he didn’t stop me.”

“I guess that’s permission enough.” I shrugged.

Nelys was supposedly an adult, after all.

“Excuse me for interrupting the reunion,” Florian coughed. “But who is this?”

“A friend we thought wouldn’t be joining us,” I replied.

“I suppose we will have to make room for them too.” Aretan smiled at the three of us.

“Aretan! You can’t be serious!” Florian shouted angrily. “They’re far too suspicious.”

“Will all due respect sir, I disagree. They are clearly just trying to get away from Prince Malich.” Aretan looked to Nelys hugging me. “And I think it is clear they are not malicious.”

I looked at the ball of energy vibrating beside me. Did Nelys just guarantee our way into a caravan by accident? Florian looked at the three of us for a moment before sighing loudly.

Aretan continued, “Also, I am willing to consider their wellbeing my responsibility for the duration of our journey. I will also take responsibility for their actions.”

“Hmm. You were recommended to me based on your reputation for integrity. I suppose I’ll consider your opinion.” Florian turned to us. “You three! Wait here while the mercenary captain and I discuss what we’ve heard.”

“Understood,” Seyari replied.

We talked to Nelys about joining the caravan. They were enthusiastic about the idea, which surprised neither Seyari nor myself. After a few rather tense minutes, the two men returned and Aretan wore a triumphant smile.

“Welcome to our caravan. I hope you brought your own supplies,” the mercenary captain said.

“Don’t make it sound like you got to make the decision,” Florian huffed. “Nevertheless, you’re allowed to join us, but we’ll be watching you.”

“See? You would have made their acceptance sound much too dour,” Aretan fired back.

“Don’t push me, Aretan.” Florian’s tone brokered no compromise.

Aretan made a placating gesture with his hands and bowed lightly. “I do not mean to presume, sir.”

Florian gave the mercenary captain a stern look. “Good. Keep it that way.”

I beamed at Aretan. Nelys smiled as well.

“I can’t speak for our third, but I brought enough supplies for the two of us. Thank you for letting us join your caravan,” Seyari said formally.

“Certainly,” Aretan waved. “There is space in the second wagon to last, but you will probably need to move when we trade in Baetnal.”

Florian nodded, still looking conflicted. He turned and hurried back to the front of the caravan.

“Zarenna, I rescind the truth order,” Seyari said to me.

“Sure thing, boss!” I gave her a two-handed salute and her formal façade cracked a little.

“We’re leaving within the hour and could use your help loading a few things,” Aretan motioned to the last few wagons not yet full.

I nodded along with Seyari and Nelys. The three of us joined the crew in loading the last of the crates. I suspected that even if we weren’t overheard, the display with Nelys broke the ice. At least no one seemed too uncomfortable around me, for one reason or another. Perhaps my additional arms and ridiculous strength just made them grateful I did their work for them.

Well within an hour, we got underway. The three of us sat in the back of the wagon where we caught Nelys up on what had happened in Ivlaet and our travel plans for the future. They seemed eager to see the world in whatever way they could. I wished I could be that carefree.

I took the durian out of the pack and, splitting it open with my claws, began to hand out portions to the others. A minute or so later Aretan poked his head in and joined us.

“The wagon behind you is complaining of a rancid odor,” he said with a smile.

“Oh, should we have saved this for when we stopped?” I asked, unsure of Aretan’s intent.

“You are fine!” He laughed. “I told them it was just a durian and they should stop complaining. Really, it is not even that strong outside in the open air.”

“Do you want some?” I offered him a piece.

He graciously took it. “I did have a reason for coming back here though.”

“Was it about the questions you forgot to ask?” Seyari asked somewhat coldly.

Aretan smiled in response. “Yes, actually. And no, I do not want to ask any of them under oath. Both of you have the look of someone capable. I wanted to know what you all can do. My crew does not excel in magical power.”

“I’m a wind mage. Good with a bow and can be silent if needed. I also have experience with light blades,” Seyari answered matter-of-factly.

“I’m acrobatic, small, and fast. Not gonna be much help in a big fight though,” Nelys volunteered excitedly.

“Fire magic,” I responded and covered a finger in fire, burning the durian juice off my claw. “So far as I know I’m immune to heat. I’m also quite strong and my claws are very sharp.”

“Like most of my crew, I’m good in a scrap. I can keep people organized and know my way quite well around a blade.” Aretan looked at us staring back at him. “What? If you end up getting into a fight and helping us, I need to say my piece too. Also, how hot do you mean, Zarenna?”

“I’ve gone swimming in lava,” I deadpanned.

“Impressive!” Aretan seemed unsure whether to believe me, but I thought he did. “Well, I have to get back to my people. Dinner is at sunset after we make camp. Zarenna, we will want your help circling the wagons. We should be safe tonight anyway, but it is good practice and there is no point risking anything.”

Aretan left the wagon with a smile and a wave.

“He certainly seems friendly,” I said aloud.

“Yeah, no kidding. I wonder what his angle is,” Seyari replied.

“I think he’s just nice!” Nelys said.

After a glance at Nelys, we decided at the very least that Aretan seemed genuine at the moment and settled in for the ride south.