The wise warrior avoids the battle.

-Sun Tzu

"Does it ever get boring?" Aena riding next to Mengus, a hat over her head didn't help much against the rain.

"Louder please, it is pouring like crazy, I can't hear you!"

"Does it ever get boring?!!"

"What?!"

"Doe-!"

"I heard that part!" Mengus interrupted. "What should get boring?!"

"Traveling, arenas, stuff like that!"

"Oh.....Not really, no!" Mengus jumped into a whirlwind of thoughts.

"Why doesn't it get boring? When I think about the life I used to have, my past life, this one I love living. Every day is a new adventure, a new challenge, a chance to learn something new. In my past life, things were predictable, day after day same shit. There is a certain thrill in not knowing what awaits beyond the next hill, after the next curve, in the next town, in facing different opponents in the arena.

Sure, there are some hardships, some bruises, and broken bones from the battles, but they are part of the journey. Each scar tells a story, like the scars on my back from last night..." He grinned, looking at Lysa. She noticed him staring and hissed at him. He didn't dare to look at her much longer.

The rain was pouring from the heavens, it blurred the distinction between sky and earth. It looked like they were one. Dark-gray clouds hung over their heads, making the landscape gray. Mengus, wrapped in a cloak that got glued to his frame like a second skin, rode through the rain-soaked terrain.

The road beneath the horses' hooves transformed into mud. Puddles formed, the horses running through them, sending ripples across the murky water.

Beron, his usually mischievous eyes hidden beneath the brim of his hat, rode behind Mengus. Rainwater streamed down his face, looking like a waterfall with water falling over his nose. Reyan Blacktooth was the only one who looked happy like he loved the rain.

The once-green hills now wore the ugly tones of wet earth. Trees, their leaves heavy with raindrops, drooped low as if bowing to the arena champion.

The muddy and watery road stretched onward like an ancient serpent, leading the way towards the Western Empire. The rain intensified as if the heavens had opened floodgates.

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"We should maybe look for someplace to stop and hide from the rain!" Lysa rode to the front next to Mengus.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of some rain?"

"It is easy for you to say!" She pointed at the back, at the infantry covered in mud. "You should think of them too, and that poor horse!"

"Alright, alright! We'll find a place to wait out the rain. No need to get everyone soaked to the bone, you're right!"

As if the gods heard Mengus's plea, the road unveiled a small inn right next to the road. Its wooden roof and walls seemed to offer a haven from the relentless rain. Everyone rushed to the inn to warm themselves up.

The inn's door swung open with a loud creak as they entered. A warm wave of air welcomed them. The room, dimly lit with flickering flames, offered them a nice table by the fire. The innkeeper, an older woman with a wide smile, looked up from behind the counter.

"Welcome, welcome! Warm yourselves by the fire. I'll prepare some ale with bread and cheese!"

Mengus, shaking off the wet cloak, sat by the fire. "That would be great, thank you."

The inn was full now when everyone took their seat.

"You can stay and rest as much as you'd like. I've got hot stew simmering in the kitchen for later if you'd like."

Aena, removing her hat, revealed her short brown hair matted by rain. She smiled awaiting the warm meal.

"Told you this was better than being out there in the rain." Lysa sat next to Mengus.

The crackling fire cast a warm glow on the wooden walls, and the smell of the stew filled the air. Beron lost in a conversation with Reyan, didn't notice Aena slowly leaning in closer to Mengus and whispered, "Your friend seems to have a talent for acquiring things that aren't his."

Mengus smiled, "Oh, I know. He even steals from me."

Aena raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Interesting, you are not gonna do anything about it?"

"I gave him a chance to stop, maybe it is time to do something about it." Mengus smiled.

He stood up and slid into the chair next to Beron.

"Beron," Mengus began, his voice low and serious, "I know what you've been up to. It is time you return all the gold you stole from me. Now. No games, no excuses."

"What are you talking about Mengus? I didn't take anything! What gold?"

Mengus slapped him over his head, then leaned in narrowing his eyes. "Cut the shit. I've given you chances to stop this, and you did not. Now, return what you took, or there will be consequences."

Beron realized he couldn't play dumb any longer. "OK, fine. I might have taken a bit here and there, but you know it's all in good fun. A little tax for my services."

"You crossed the line, give back what you stole."

"Well, here's the thing. I might have spent it all."

"Spent it all? On what?"

"Oh, you know, essential supplies."

Mengus's patience ran thin. "Essential supplies? Beron I've had enough."

Without a warning, Mengus stood up and addressed the entire inn. "Everyone, please, this man here," he pointed at the now visibly nervous Beron, "has been stealing from us. A true master thief, I must admit. Since he's so fond of essentials, let's see how essential his clothes are."

Mengus turned his attention again to Beron. "Take your clothes off now or I'll take them off by force."

Beron pleaded for mercy, embarrassed, while taking his clothes off.

"Consider this a lesson, you're out of the party, no more chances for you."

Someone opened the inn's door, and with a swift kick to Beron's rear, Mengus sent him stumbling out into the pouring rain. The door slammed shut behind him, leaving Beron standing naked, shivering, and all alone.

As everyone in the inn reacted differently, with a mix of shock, amusement, and a little bit of sympathy, Mengus returned to his seat with a lighter coin pouch and one less mischievous companion.

"One more left to teach a lesson."